Trendy Is As Trendy Does: From the Circus to Le Cirque

I think of harlequins as a clown’s well respected European cousin. My mom always says squirrels are just rats with fluffy tails and better PR and the whole harlequins vs. clowns issue is much the same. People think of harlequins as elegant and interesting just because they are European. Somehow clowns are perceived as horrifying and trashy. I just don’t think it’s fair.

Harlequins come up now and again in pop culture and lately they’ve been catching my attention thanks to the Miu Miu Spring 2008 Ready to Wear line and their accompanying ad campaign with Kirstin Dunst. I am in love with the colorful dresses with diamond block prints depicting masked Harlequins. Until now I have to say that pattern has never done a thing for me. Before I have always preferred a simple square over a diamond shape. However, By the time I saw the cover of V Magazine with Gwen Stefani I was starting to obsess over clowns and harlequins, diamond shapes and all.







This is not the first time harlequins have popped up in the fashion world. Let us not forget Vivienne Westwood’s Voyage to Cythera collection from the Autumn/Winter 1989-90 collection. Also be sure to check out the Spring 2008 line from Berlin's Smeilinener.



Not to mention King of the Metrosexuals David Bowie’s video for "Ashes to Ashes" released 10 years earlier where he is dressed as a Pierrot. Miuccia Prada didn’t take the Harlequin theme quite as literally as Viv and David. Her subtlety works better for me.



I recently saw an article about Peter Mark Roget the creator of Roget's Thesaurus that to fend off his depression he made lists. It reminded me a lot of myself, except for the depressed part. I make lists to fend off boredom and with all this talk about clowns I started making a new one. I started collecting pictures, making jewelry, asking my mom to sew new purses with a clown theme for Naughty Secretary Club and more. The following are a few of the things I came up with.



Clowns were easier than harlequins by far to track down, which just makes the harlequin goodies I did find that much more special.

Big Eyed Pierrot Earrings by Sarah Fishburn

Harlequin Necklace by Naughty Secretary Club.

Clown Ink Drawing by Bad Bird

Harlequin magnet by Monkey Shines

Harlequin Girl Cards by Oh My Cavalier.

Hall of Harlequins Clutch by Fredda Perkins for Naughty Secretary Club.



Scoopy the Clown Card Set by Figure 22

Couture Carnival Clown Necklace by Naughty Secretary Club

Don't Clown Double Barrel Sweat Shirt by Ruffeo Hearts Lil Snotty

Circus Clown Switch Plate by Fondue Jr.

Under the Big Top Clown Brooch by Wearables OK

Circus Scamp Print by Curster

Yummy to My Tummy Pink Clown Necklace by Naughty Secretary Club

Bozo and Balloons Necklaces by Naughty Secretary Club.

Chola Clown Earrings by Hot Pink Pistol for Naughty Secretary Club

Clowns Scare Me Stud Earrings by Anna Tillett Designs

Circus Tickets Purse by Fredda Perkins for Naughty Secretary Club

From the Circus to Le Cirque harlequins and clowns are being spotted on toddlers and fashionistas alike. I’m not saying bright red noses and rainbow wigs are going to be the next Ugg Boots, I’m just reporting what is currently inspiring me. We all know I love fashion with a sense of humor so of course I am going to run with this one. Look for more clown related jewelry on Naughty Secretary Club soon.