Caped Crusaders
29th Sep. '08 • Category: Fashion & Beauty • Tags: cape, capes, fashion
Authored by April Clark
Ever since the sinister story of Little Red Riding Hood , and her ultimate victory, I have seen capes as powerful and beautiful articles of fashion.
Thanks to my very rich childhood TV life, I grew up with the best caped crusaders and heroes any girl could wish for. My absolute favorite is of course Wonder Woman . She remains my ultimate beauty icon. My other favorite show was Isis - I would spin around in my Grandmother’s hair cape and chant “Oh mighty Isis..”
My next fashion icon with a cape was Samantha from Bewitched. She didn’t normally wear a cape, but when she did - she rocked it. Even Mattel’s Barbie tribute to her included the cape.
Of course I must also give a shout out to my main man with a cape - Adam West , as Batman. His caped crusader is suave, yet not too scary and violent.
Today’s fashion outfits must have respect for this classic look, after all , capes and cloaks are one of the 1st tried and true staples throughout history.
Here are some of my favorite recent capes and their designers.
Top row (L to R) : Alberta Ferretti Fall 09, vintage Jean Desses, Coach Bonnie Cashin (http://www.coach.com/)
Burberry capes at http://www.neimenmarcus.com/
Ghulan Sakina (London fashion week) and INC cape from Macys
Pink silk cape from Miu Miu and green wool cape from Newport News catalog.
Pucci cape 2007
Speigel catalog belted cape and Lucy Lui , Brooke Sheilds, J Lo, and Posh Spice all in a cape.
Both capes by Stella McCartney
Gorgeous Tocca cape
Tartan cape no longer available from QVC and UK bright cape from an ad.
Dame Vivienne Westwood offers the most superhero like cape of the bunch. 
Looking at the array of warm and stylish capes - I long to throw one on and meet some friends at the weekend flea market. In a cape , your arms are unencumbered and free to grab up some treasures.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:50 am
I love, love , love capes! The key is finding one that doesn’t over power your body type. A cape should look like a natural alternative to light coat , which is perfect for this time of year.
I’m absolutely loving the style of the girl walking her bike- a great example of how to wear a cape- I just hope those are short, shorts she’s wearing otherwise riding that bike my prove to be quite a fashion challenge!
September 30th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I love capes! I am currently working on one right now. I’m making one for a friend, also inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. It’s a burgandy cordury, with a satin paisley lining, with big pockets and satin ribbon.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I really love capes too. I have a few. My sister says look like the Nanny from 911 when I where it - oh well I will still wear them!
I have been waiting for the right day to wear it, I think this weekend will be a perfect time to pull out my super hero sophistication.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:57 am
Hey ladies…let’s start a cape revolution. It takes a lot of guts to step out in a cape so we need to band together. I have a brown suede cape with fake fur trim that I wear with lavender and mink trimmed opera gloves. I’d love to get a less costumey cape for my fall bike trips. Thanks for all the cape support…instead of “Cape Fear”.