This fall we’re finding design houses and clothiers across the globe have sprinkled their collections with more than a little dusting of wanderlust. From glossy Vogue spreads of Blake Lively engulfed in Native American-inspired oversized ponchos and leathery fringe, to editorials erupting with pictures and pieces that scream Haute Heritage. From sea to shining sea, this season’s about the global tie that binds and the history that’s made us.
Bedouin Coat $575; design sketches, yarn balls and the inspiration piece, a Middle Eastern shawl.
Patabamba Dress $218; a palette of yarns and Peruvian handweaving.
Peruvian Connection is not new to this nomadic nuance, after all our roots lie firmly in anthropology. Bougie bohemian has been our badge of honor since our inception. With our 2014 Fall and Holiday collections, however, we’re particularly proud of the ethnographic inspiration each piece evokes, drawing from our travels and the people we have the pleasure to encounter. Prints and patterns pulled from the art of places passports can’t gain you access, and colors of rich deep sunsets that make your soul feel warm and your heart feel full. Our aim is to always give our clients a “no-suitcase-needed” trip around the world. No pomp, no circumstance, just a first-class ticket to the world in which we live, one breathtakingly tailored alpaca piece and handcrafted hemline at a time.
 A sampling of the textile collection of a PC designer, including a Turkish kilim, Uzbek Suzani,
Indonesian ikat, and Peruvian backstrap woven belt.
by PC designer, Karen
The garment that today we call a tunic has an ancient origin. The garment originally called a tunic was derived from the Greek chiton, a simple square or rectangular piece of fabric pinned or sewn at one shoulder and gathered at the waist with a girdle or belt.
These were adopted and called Tunica by the Romans around 300BCE. The length, fit and ornamentation of the garment that was worn by men and women alike was dependent on the wearer’s standing in society. The tunic continued to be the basic garment of both sexes throughout the Byzantine period and into the early Middle Ages, by which time they all were decorated with some form of embroidery or braid at the neck, hem and cuffs.
 Tunics of ancient Rome and Greece The waist-length jackets worn by British soldiers since Napoleonic times provided little protection in the dreadful winter conflict of the Crimean War of 1854, that they were lengthened to mid thigh to provide better protection. Thereafter they were called tunics, after the tunica of those valiant ancient Roman soldiers.
 Heavy Brigade Rough-rider of the 5th Dragoon Guards, after the 1856 Battle of Balaklava in the Crimea At Peruvian Connection there is nothing we love so much as a great story, especially one that links the textiles, fabrics and garments we love back to their origins. We knew there had to be a reason why we loved and reached for our tunic styles so much!
Layering garments of different lengths is this season’s most modern way to wear our tunics.
(Above: Deco Plaid Shirtdress $249, Edo Cardigan $159, Elson Cropped Pants $159)
We love them now not so much for the extra warmth, but still for the same reason: it covers our derriere. Also, because at the end of summer, it is a transition piece that can be worn alone as a dress and also increasingly layered - as chilly evenings start and nights grow longer – over pants or skirts. And because there is a tunic that is perfectly flattering for everyone, they are the easy pieces we reach for on a daily basis at PC.
Below is our quick primer to help you decide on the most flattering tunic for your gorgeous body:
 Choose empire waists or hip details, avoid clingy fabrics. V-necks draw attention up to your face. Dark colors are best.  Keep away from shapeless silhouettes. Open necklines and 3/4 sleeves show collar bones and wrists.
Shorter length tunics are best. Choose small scale patterns.  Choose tailored or more fitted shapes. V-necks will play up your bust.  Choose slight A-line shapes, longer lengths with asymmetric hems and side vents. Wider necks broaden shoulders.  Choose styles with 3-D details and ruching to enhance curves. If you get the chance to visit one of our stores, one of our wonderful associates can help you decide on other tunic styles to flatter your body type.
Often in nature, the bigger, the brighter and the bolder you are, the more you get noticed. This season we are going all out with BIG, BRIGHT and BOLD accessories that are sure to get you noticed!
BIG floppy hats and slouchy totes exude presence.
BRIGHT beads and pattern make outfits stand out.
BOLD geometrics and pendants bring edge to the norm. 
Following nature’s lead, while staying true to our Peruvian heritage, many of our Peruvian accessories are BIG, BRIGHT and BOLD, making a strong statement every time they are worn.
Posted by PCAmy on August 28, 2014
Tagged accessories, bangles, bracelets, earrings, handbags, hats, jewelry, necklaces, pendants, statement jewelry
|
|
Permalink
|
 ShareThis
by style contributor, Julie
Fashion is a massive merry-go-round of borrowing. It’s a field where original ideas are a farce, but repurposing is paramount. You’ve surely heard someone say, “If you hold on to that long enough it’ll be back in style.” And you must be aware that couture always seems to find itself on the fast fashion circuit of what we insiders call the “High Street”. So, with all this borrowing, trading, and inspired-by styling, what’s more often than not a lady’s most adored source of wardrobe restyling? Hold on to your pinstripes and pocket squares fellas: the fairer sex is Manning-Up and not so subtly stealing your style!
Borrowing from the boys is something we have loved doing for centuries. Case-in-point, high heels were actually invented so a MAN’s foot wouldn’t slip out of the stirrup whilst riding his horse into fierce battle…yup, our men once wore stilettos willingly, and they liked it! So, why do women go gaga over a guy’s apparel? It’s the almost anarchist juxtaposition of masculine power being perfectly married with ultra-soft femininity that make it such a sexy and sought after approach to dressing.
How, though, do you capture this elegant femininity that bares a bite?
1. Be a damsel in his dress…shirt that is: One of the most popular take-aways from the closet of the GQ’er is his crisp white button down. But why stop there? That traditional shirt can be reworked to better suit you. Give it a little length or play with patterns that are customarily manly. Give his dress shirt a little more darling!
2. Take back the man bag: So what! Sometimes the boys steal from us too, but there’s nothing wrong with taking back what was truly ours. The man bag has become a staple with the Wall Streeter and studious collegiate alike, and what they’ve done with the handbag has changed their worlds. With a little “lady” added back, we can capitalize on the utility without the fuss of a “too-fancy-to-carry-your-computer-in” bag.
3. Posh up his plaids: We’re not advocating you wear those anti-social blah plaids made popular by ‘90’s grunge bands, but we are suggesting that with a little rework going from Lumber Jack to “Lumber-Just-Perfect” will be pretty easy.
4. Chapeau of a Beau: Accessories are the easiest way to make a fashion statement without making a commitment. If you want to dip your toe into these uncharted waters, with the perk of concealing a possible undesirable hair situation, nothing says, “I’m channeling my inner alpha” more than a hat. Skip the flowers and anything that might read Derby and go more Diane Keaton.
When you’re building your inventory for Fall, there’s nothing wrong with being inspired by the Toms, Dicks and Harrys of the world…you’ll make it look even more extravagant anyway!
by style contributor, Julie
Everybody has a favorite color, one that they seem to gravitate to no matter what other options are offered. At Peruvian Connection, our colors come together to tell a well-woven story of culture, artisan crafts and global travels. Whether muted and washed, or regal and rich, color is one of our favorite ways of telling our story. This Fall, selecting the perfect shades to color our collection got quite deep.
We wondered what would happen if we went royal with the rainbow and took our favorite tones down a notch. Here’s how we’re telling our color story this Fall.
Ultramarine: An alluring take on your tried-and-true blue, Ultramarine marries the perfect balance between Royal Blue and Navy with a stunning simple complexity that steals the eye but manages an almost neutral-like versatility.
Merlot: An exquisite take on red that floods the garment with sophistication. Merlot evokes thoughts of walks on Italian cobblestone streets, or memories of espresso-sipping at a corner café in Provence.
Tarragon, Clover and Petrol Green: The grown-up versions of the classic Kelly green, these are rich colors that are perfectly fitting for Fall. Living up to its reputation as the color that’s most associated with youth, hope and envy, these updated and elevated shades of green will leave onlookers lusting for more.
Pewter: What would a season of jewel tones be without a little precious metal? Pewter is a lustily stainless-steel finish that, like Ultramarine, is strong enough to stand alone but can unexpectedly complement any color, finish, weave, or texture to create a polished look.
These key colors along with a palette full of robust jeweltones are what’s painting Peruvian’s Fall and Holiday collections. No matter if they are stoically standing alone, or mingled majestically in a whimsical print or pattern, we’re sure this season you’ll undoubtedly find the hue that’s oh so you!
|
|
|
