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Five Fab Finds and a History Lesson: Zipper Edition

Filed under: Apparel

Five Fab Finds HIstory Lesson Zipper
The zipper was first invented, in a rudimentary form called the "Clasp Locker", in the late 1800s by a man named Whitcomb Judson. Many years later, in the early 1900s, it was perfected into the creation we know today by Swedish immigrant Gideon Sundback and was used mostly to fasten boots. The term "zipper" stuck after B.F. Goodrich used it in a name for a pair of boots showcasing the device, and then zippers slowly but surely worked their way into the fashion world as a closure technique that's quick, easy, durable, and effective -- particularly In 1937 when in the "Battle of the Fly" the zipper beat out the button as the favored way to close men's trousers.

Today zippers are everywhere, in every house and on most people in some form or another at any given time. And today fashion designers not only commonly use zippers in their collections but often the zipper is the focal point, there as much for looks as function. See the gallery below for some of our favorite examples.

Kate Cusack Zippered Jewelry

Filed under: Jewelry

We've been seeing exposed zippers on many handbags lately. From Alexander Wang's Donna Washed Hobo to Lockheart's Zip It Addie Tote. It's an unusual accent that adds an unexpected edge to any bag, especially ones as creative as Lockheart's Zip It Alana where they were able to use expose the zipper throughout the entire front and create a tasteful flower. And now exposed zippers have made it's way to jewelry as well. Designer Kate Cusack creates pins, bracelets and necklaces by manipulating zippers to create intricate patterns and shapes that results in a one of a kind design. Featured is the Zipper Bracelet ($300) shown here with figure eight shapes throughout. Check out the rest of her collection below.

Kate Cusak's Zipper Jewelry

Filed under: Jewelry


Kate Cusak has found inspiration for a line of jewelry in, of all places, zippers. Using a variety of fabric colors paired with either brass or aluminum, she loops and swirls the zippers until they look less like functional parts of your clothing and more like beautiful fashion accessories. Bracelets, necklaces, and brooches are available in both floral and contemporary patterns, and although some are soft and feminine while others are hard-edged and bold, all are hand-sewn pieces that are sure to spark at least a few interesting conversations. $70 -$1000

Via Fabsugar


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