#1 The Power of The Accessory

Words by Vera Fortun Marco

Eds. Mistral Zerbi

From the creator of the ‘The Power of the Heel’ comes the ‘The Power of the Accessory’. 

In The Power of the Heel, I  showcased the dominance of this piece in the media. From The Devil Wears Prada to Sex and the City, mainstream iconic characters have been associated with heels. However, Carrie Bradshaw is not the only pop culture figure with a staple accessory. 

Bradshaw’s Manolos are part of the character’s identity – without them, her walk wouldn’t be the same, her outfits would not be hers, and Carrie would not be Carrie; she would just be Sarah Jessica Parker. So, if this character’s identity can be so heavily influenced by a shoe, surely other accessories must have the same power? Hence, I have decided to turn The Power of the Heel into a series where I investigate the ‘Power’ of different items of clothing to help you find power in your own wardrobe.  

In this article, I will be giving you a rundown of accessories that have become essential to the most iconic celebrities in the fashion world. 

The Birkin Bag 

Known as  “the World’s most desired handbag”, the Hermés Birkin Bag is more than just an exclusive leather handbag. 

Back in 1983, two icons met in an aeroplane: Jean-Louis Damas, Executive Chairman of Hermès, and actress and singer Jane Birkin. During their encounter, Jane, who was known for carrying a wicker basket instead of a purse, complained about not being able to find a leather handbag that would fit her needs. Damas, inspired by the Hermès Kelly Bag (named after actress Grace Kelly), created the Birkin. The story in itself is renowned within the fashion industry, but there is a reason why the Birkin is internationally acclaimed: Jane Birkin. 

As mentioned, Jane was known for her unique fashion choices, and her use of the Birkin bag was no different. She asked for a practical accessory, and she was determined to use this ridiculously expensive luxury piece as such. Images of her using the Birkin to carry her groceries spread across the media. Quickly, the Birkin became Jane’s staple handbag, and everyone started to associate her with it. Now, people remember Jane as the woman who inspired the Birkin, making this piece the embodiment of her identity as a celebrity.

Pearls are Chanel’s Best Friend 

The woman behind Chanel, Coco Chanel, was one of the first designers to introduce costume jewellery into her collections. Once frowned upon as ‘fake’, these accessories became characteristic of her brand’s chic and elegant style, attracting the attention of consumers. However, it all started with Coco herself. Coco Chanel was known for her simple yet classic outfits, which she would match with layers of fake pearls. Pearls quickly became associated with her as a fashion figure and even inspired the costume design of Audrey Hepburn’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

More recently, Coco’s use of pearls has been adopted by pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who gave it her own twist by using them to accentuate her back rather than her neck. 

Reincarnation Through  Black-Rimmed Glasses 

Iris Apfel had many talents; she was a textile expert, interior designer and fashion celebrity, but there is one thing we all know her for: her black-rimmed glasses. 

Eccentric, flamboyant and simply iconic. Iris Apfel’s style was the subject of museum exhibitions and a film documentary, making her one of the biggest style gurus in the fashion industry. She sadly passed away in 2024, but her style, especially her black-rimmed glasses, still lives on in the figure of Emma Chamberlain. 

Emma Chamberlain has been an internet figure since she was a teenager. Ass she entered her twenties and found her stepping into the fashion world, her style has also evolved and matured, resembling Iris Apfel’s own approach to clothing. Her platinum short hair and black-rimmed glasses remind us of Apfel’s quirky style, showing how a single accessory can evoke a whole person’s identity even in their absence. 

Accessories have the power to capture a person’s essence. We may not repeat an outfit, but we will be caught wearing a necklace, bracelet or handbag repeatedly. So, choose your accessories wisely. Who knows, they might end up becoming part of your identity!