I don’t have to tell you what an important role accessories play in rounding out a
wardrobe. And because of this, for the fashion-forward it can be tough to find a new category of accoutrement to experiment with. Berets? Bien sur if you want to adopt the ubiquitous French accent. Bow ties? They’ve been a hipster staple since ‘00 silly. Turbans? Oh, come on! They’re practically the fashionista’s comfort food by now.

Rihanna leaves the TRL studios after VMA nominee announcement

But now behold the cane: Most recently seen on Rihanna, the arm candy du jour serves both practical purposes (the siren was nursing a twisted ankle) as well as making a strong sartorial
statement. First off, when worn by a young, style -savvy woman like Rihanna, the cane distances itself from its connotation with flamboyant males.

For who can forget, all the dandified dudes…

The Black Eyed Peas’ William Kevin

dapper dans…

Mario Testino outside the Costume Institute fete

regal eagles…

Prince Charles

and, um, more dandified, dance-ready dudes who’ve opted for canes in their time?

Patrick Swazye

But now, thanks to Rihanna and Gwyneth Paltrow–who after having knee surgery appeared
at an Estee Lauder with a sleek cane designed by her pal Tom Ford–the walking stick is experiencing a fashion revival. After one more A-list spotting, the walking stick will be to experimental (and yes, injured) stars what the umbrella (and brollie carrier) was to Puffy circa 2000. And by being carried on lithe, VIP limbs, the cane channels its aristocratic origins. First used by sheppards and Egyptian rulers (whose 6-feet long lotus-topped sticks were a symbol of long life) the canes became a fashionable part of a gentleman’s wardrobe in the 17th century, and later Marie Antoinette carried a Sheppard’s crook as part of her romantic wardrobe.

Much of this (ar)cane information came from Fashionable Canes, where I also found this handy-dandy anatomy of a cane sketch.

The site also offered up this helpful hint for those who are thinking about test driving this burgeoning trend.

Keep that in mind should you work the walking stick chic, and an eye out for other cane-carrying trendsetters, as surely there’ll be more. x S.C.

Technorati Tags: Walking Canes, Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Puffy, Patrick Swazye, Prince Charles, Mario Testino

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