[dropcap]S[/dropcap]pring is the time of year to comb through the fashion world for drool worthy items that are unique and chic. Recently, we have been obsessing over every bird inspired style we see at shops, especially when they have swallows on them. Not only do these charming birds make great motifs inspirations, they also have great significance to them. A tad nerdy, but we like knowing a bit more about fashion trends, and what’s the inspiration behind them. So we did a little research on swallows and found some really delightful insight that made us love this bird inspired fashion trend even more.
Now birds often symbolize human emotion. Throughout centuries, myths and legends have often depicted the swallows as symbols of hope, fertility, renewal of life and freedom. In ancient Greece, these delightful birds were also associated with Venus, the Goddess of love, and therefore take on a romantic significance as well. A signature swallow usually consists of a fork tail in-flight, however the romantic version is the in-flight bird with a longer tail. Regardless Short tail or long tail, both versions are simply beautiful, and are incredibly agile in flight.
Upon researching more about swallows we came across the story of the San Juan Capistrano’s Mission swallows. Every year on March 19th (St. Joseph’s Day) marks the Swallow Celebration when thousands of orange-tailed Cliff Swallows fly in to raise their young at the mission. More on how these swallows first came to call the mission home can be found in Capistrano Nights, a book written by Father St. John O’Sullivan, a pastor of the mission from 1910 to 1933. These faithful little birds can be seen swirling and darting into the sky at great speeds. In fact, the city takes on a festive air as tourists and historians make the pilgrimage to witness the “miracle” of the swallows as these amazing birds make their mass arrival in March.
So it is no wonder, designers consistently provide collectors, like ourselves, beautiful ways of incorporating swallow inspired decorative pieces in our closet, on our shelves, in our kitchen and even on our body. Recently, we came across some really fun pieces that play a homage to these beautiful creatures. Take a look:
McQ Alexander McQueen Swallow Hologram Leather Bracelet
This McQ Alexander McQueen edge with this mixed media bird-detailed bracelet. This Holographic lambskin leather wrap bracelet has a gorgeous silvertone swallow on the front.
Retails for $95.00
Loft Swallowtail Sweater
This is swallowtail sweater from Loft is probably one of the more obvious uses of swallow motifs in fashion. But we love how despite the bold black swallow motifs the light beige color helps create a balance.
Retails for $54.50, Loft
Stella McCartney Swallows Bomber Jacket
Another bold way to wear the bird theme in all is glory is this stunning Stella McCartney bomber jacket with the graceful swallow embroidery on the front and back.
Retails for $2945.00, Saks
Fashion is not the only place inspired by bird themes. We are seeing some wonderful fun, trendy home decor pieces we can help being head-over-heels in love with.
Anthropologie Circling Swallows Clock
This swallows clock from Anthropologie is a great example of how designers are using bird inspired pieces to really create a unique, quirky space at home. And what a great statement piece to talk about with friends and guests over to your place.
Retails for $168.00, Anthropologie
Now swallows are also popular inspirations for tattoo art, whether temporary or permanent.
Swallow-Inspired ‘Free’ Metallic Body Tattoo
Temporary tattoos are all the rage right now, and Coachella was the perfect place to try out this popular trend. So we opted for a metallic swallow along with the words ‘Free’ on the inside of our wrist and arm.
For something similar, check out InknArt on Etsy
Let us know in the comments below if you’re loving the trend as much as we are!
