The Alexander Report

The spices of life are more to some and less to others. Contrary to a captain with no hull beneath his deck, but a good steady wind and a pair of Denim flares more befitting a weather worn sailor feeling his years, to the Far East in search of spices. Time and tide won’t let a sailor sleep.

Now it’s the spices of fashion for men, the rising tide: And, dandyism still contrasting Beau Brummell rejection of 18th century frills, his mandate; a dark blue coat, buff-coloured pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a clean white neck cloth.

The modern sailor’s uniform, endures and has remained a popular choice for designers to mimic idiosyncratic characters, a simple uniform to draw inspiration from; each changing style to suit forms and functions.

A little more evidence on how history in fashion repeats itself: Bell bottomed trousers were another ‘icon’ of the square rig uniform. These were practical garments for men who worked sailing ships since they could be rolled up securely to clear the feet and ankles when working the rigging. In common with all other items of a sailor’s kit, trousers were kept folded ready for use in a kit bag. Kept inside out to avoid fluff on the outer surface and to avoid ’shine’ by ironing, they were folded horizontally at about a hand’s width and taped into a rectangular ‘block’. When worn, this produced inverted vertical creases down the side of the leg and five or seven, depending on the height of the wearer, horizontal creases down the leg. In time these were accepted as the thing to have and were pressed firmly into place from the early years of the century. Since the First World War bell bottoms were purchased for tradition rather than any practical use but were replaced by flared trousers in 1977. Continue Reading »

Trade fairs and events are mainstay for the textile machinery companies market promotion. Various trade fairs and events are organized every year by organizers like ACIMIT, TMMA, CSMA, JASMA, CITME etc. Some fairs like ITMA, JIAM exclusively focuses on textile machinery sector while some other includes machinery as an integral part of textile industry. Such fairs have become potential hub of meeting for buyers and sellers. Unique Selling Preposition of such fairs is that manufacturers can display their machinery to the buyers directly and buyer can examine and negotiate on the spot for different parameters. Buyers can also compare different machines at the same place for their prices, applications and technologies used.Trade fairs and events are mainstay for the textile machinery companies market promotion. Various trade fairs and events are organized every year by organizers like ACIMIT, TMMA, CSMA, JASMA, CITME etc. Some fairs like ITMA, JIAM exclusively focuses on textile machinery sector while some other includes machinery as an integral part of textile industry. Such fairs have become potential hub of meeting for buyers and sellers. Unique Selling Preposition of such fairs is that manufacturers can display their machinery to the buyers directly and buyer can examine and negotiate on the spot for different parameters. Buyers can also compare different machines at the same place for their prices, applications and technologies used.

Textile machinery manufacturers and visitors attend such fairs with different expectations and perceptions. Decision to visit fairs/event depends on many factors like geographical location of the fair, visitors profile, past experience with the fair, reputation of the fair within industry etc.

Amongst Machinery manufacturers fraternity, for companies like Dalal Engineering, ITMA is the most preferable trade fair. For ITMA, Mr. Rainer Thum (Head Marketing - Spindelfabrik Suessen GmbH) quotes Infrastructure in Munich was better than anything they had seen before, including Singapore! We had very good customer attendance, much more than we had anticipated. A major problem for many of our customers was the difficulty in getting visas. Overall it was a very good show. Continue Reading »

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French fashion designer Dominique Sirop, who was born January 1956, is one of the more popular couturiers. At age 7, Sirop had a dream of being a fashion designer. When he was 17, Sirop served Yves Saint Laurent as an apprentice. He learned the basics of sewing and working on dress materials. When he showed some of his works to Hubert de Givenchy, the latter immediately took him as an subordinate designer.

Sirop stayed with Givenchy until 1989, working on several high profile clients like Audrey Hepburn. Sirop then proceeded to be a creator for Hanae Mori. Sorip also had research and writing gigs, publishing two books.

In 1995, Sirop was installed as Hubert de Givenchy’s successor as top designer of Givenchy. But usual corporate bickering led to an appointment of another person as the chief creator of the brand.

Unperturbed by this, Sirop decided to launch his own couture house. It would later be regarded as one of the top most renowned French couture fashion houses. He has some highly regarded clients and likewise produces fashion collections for each season in major markets like Tokyo, New York, Milan, Los Angeles, and Paris. Sirop designs are staples in top fashion magazines, such as Vogue and Madame Figaro.

In 1998, Sirop partnered with the Daimaru Stores of Japan in manufacturing a popular ready-to-wear label. By January of 2000, Sirop’s shop moved to Faubourg Saint Honoré in Paris. It currently holds office in one of the most historic places in the city. The shop boasts of its own theatre. Continue Reading »

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Givenchy is a famous French brand specializing in clothes accessories, cosmetics and perfumes. It was started in the year 1952 by the designer Hubert de Givenchy. John Galliano took over the reigns as designer, but soon he was substitute by Alexander McQueen.

Givenchy also undertook some changes in leadership in the year 2000 when designer Julien McDonald took over as artistic director of the women’s lines, and Ozwald Boateng being selected designer for men’s range. Givenchy clothing lines consist of haute couture plus ready-to-wear fashion for both men and women.

The management for the haute couture plus the ready-to-wear for women was given to Riccardo Tisci. He assumed the post as chief creator of women’s’ wear in 2005. His fondness for gothic inspired designs and space-age styles has attracted people to the brand. While Tisci has earned mixed reviews, many fashion insiders have hailed Tisci’s conceptual leanings. Many also think that Tisci has the potential to revitalize the Givenchy brand with his excellent designs and imagination.

The most popular patron of the Givenchy line was Audrey Hepburn. She used Givenchy clothes and accessories in many of her movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina. Other popular clients of the line were Grimaldi and Kennedy families. They wore Givenchy clothes during the funeral of the late President John F. Kennedy. Continue Reading »

Getting ready for the hot weather? Let us take a look at what we can expect in Swimwear trends for 2008/2009.

First lets talk colour and prints. Fuchsia is huge this season as well as jewel tones including emerald, purple and sapphire blue. Geometrics, African prints and a touch of metallic bling are all making an appearance on the international catwalks. Of course we can not forget that nothing epitomises poolside glamour like a classic black swimsuit. As Kerry McCallum, editor of Shop Till You Drop recently remarked when asked on tips for buying a swimsuit this summer.

A black halter-neck on-piece. I am loving the revival of the on-piece I think its chic and glamorous.

While the return of the classic one-piece is evident, variations on this style including cut-outs, monokinis and stylish maillots will be gracing poolside and shorelines in a modern chic fashion. Also taking a front seat will be lower leg lines embracing a retro look in an updated way.

Who are the brands to watch out for? Swimwear has previously been dominated by the surf giants of the fashion world and although surf brands will always have their place, the recent acquisition of Tigerlily by surfwear giant Billabong proves that swimwear fashion is being taken more seriously. Continue Reading »

Sunny side up is not just reserved for eggs and breakfast. Professional ladies are stepping out of the basic color trends and adding a little flavor to the everyday outfit. The color yellow is becoming increasingly popular and a versatile color to manage in any wardrobe. Yellow is bright, vibrant and fun and encourages happiness, joy and other good feelings. Learn how you can make the most of this superb color for you next business outfit!

Going for the Gold

Gold is such a rich jewel toned color that sparkles and can enhance any outfit. Gold accessories are excellent for glamorizing any outfit. Thing gold bangles, gold hoop earrings, or gold pendant necklaces are nice and attractive pieces. Gold is also nice for hang bags and clutches for evening and after hour wear. Gold shoes are also becoming increasingly popular in women’s wardrobes. Flat sandals, flat shoes, pumps, open-toed pumps, patent leather pumps and crocodile embossed styles are very chic and innovative. In regards to clothes, gold tops look dazzling with navy, black or white suits. Gold can even be paired with bright colors or neutral colors for a twist in the ordinary looks.

Amber Rays Continue Reading »

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Any business plan has the three magic letters USP (unique selling proposition). Prior to any new design creation or a series for the season it is essential to brainstorm on the look of the launch collection. This is a quite a process wherein team leaders vouch for various themes and the decision maker finalizes on a project. In a creative field, like fashion designing such management principles are hard to applied. But for survival in this-day competition this is essential.

USP can be a colour, a dress apparel, or simply exquisite dupatta or men’s jhuttis. Dramatic projections on the ramp at a fashion shows are not a reality. This is known to all and hence such creations minus the props are regular sales. It is an extensive work by your marketing team to decide on the launch product. Maintaining the brand is essential. In a desire to augment sales the brand positioning should not be compromised.

Once the brand or the fashion designer has won recognition his reputation is unquestioned. Fashion designing is just not about influencing and begetting customers from Page 3. It’s an era of awareness and to far-reach your sales. Niche clientele is a fleeting lot and succumbs to anything anew. Hence the need to re-invent. Continue Reading »

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The Indian woman has made her mark in the corporate world and so has her age old dressing habits. The sexy western wear is remarkably making way out and being replaced by the Indian apparels.

The Indian apparel that consists of saris, salwar kameez and churidars, are being opted instead of western wear like trousers, short and long tops, t- shirts and even kurtis then skirts both formal and casual are being worn by the Indian women.

It is the working women who have brought about this revolution. For all practical reasons the western wear is losing popularity and being replaced by Indian attires. Then of course the interaction of our women with her counterparts in other parts of the world have made this drastic change. It is the uniqueness of the Indian clothes that so sought after.

Though for a while the western clothes were favored but soon it lost out for the Indian attires many educational institutions have banned the use of modern clothes. Western Apparel gives a very casual appearance as compared to a sari or a well fitted salwar kameez.

In wetes clothes the flesh-flashing trend which is the exposed skin between cropped top and hip-hugging jeans gives a very sexy look but does not suit the physique of all women The Indian apparel is replacing them because it is cool, trendy and vibrant with more accents on style. The biggest advantage of them is that it suits women of all shapes and sizes and even gives a youngish sexy look.

In the Indian attires women can choose the length of the kurta or kameez according to their own choice. The Indian apparel comes in all kinds of fabrics, colors and prints. Most formal meetings in big corporate houses demand that the woman wear saris as it reflects our culture and tradition. Continue Reading »

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Cynthia Vincent was trained at the Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design under the M.A.G.I.C scholarship. Upon graduation in 1988, Vincent received the Silver Thimble Award from Ann Cole, a great implication of the success that was yet to come.

Thereafter, she moved to London and quickly rose to head designer of Jane Ong & Company. After returning to the States, Vincent continued to refine her skills working for a handful of companies including Harriet Selwyn.

Cynthia launched Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent with a bang during LA Fashion Week in 2003. Appropriately named after the street on which she grew up in the suburbs of LA, Twelfth Street became a very personal project for Vincent. From that moment on, her collection has become a driving force in fashion. From the onset, Twelfth Street has been a favorite of fashion editors from many publications.

In Fall 2005, Cynthia brought her unique vision to shoes. From the perfect ballerina flat, to the naughty secretary pump, and the strappy high heel, she again offers something for every girl in the know. Two years later, she was invited to show her fall/winter 2007 collection during New York’s fashion week.

Perhaps it is the inspiration behind Vincent’s work that makes her designs so special. “To me, what is most inspiring is seeing a woman who is at once feminine, stylish, comfortable, and most of all, original,” says Cynthia Vincent.

Over the years, such staples as the silk crepe de chine slips, velvet boudoir jackets and luxurious sweaters have become the most sought after fashion pieces from New York to Hollywood. Continue Reading »

Tags: Fashion Designer Focus - 12th Street By Cynthia Vincent

People have many stereotypes. Especially towards the other nations. Some of them are not merely stereotypes but the very truth, while the other are a complete falsehood.

Before going to Paris and meeting the Parisians I used to think the capital citizens are all dressed-up, as if they have just went down the catwalk. And I was surprised when I saw the Parisians with my own eyes. They turned out to be dressed like millions of Europeans - each in his or her way. I mean there are people who keep up with the latest fashion trends and wear only Gucci or Prada. But there are many of them who wear inexpensive brands and don’t care about the caprices of vogue.

So I got interested in the subject. I decided to ask people in the Paris streets what they are in and why.

The first mademoiselle I stopped was Linda. She is a designer and names Pierre Cardin her favourite fashion designer. She answered positively when I asked her if she wore her own clothes. She also buys them in different shops. For instance she likes Morgan and drops in at H&M. She said she doesn’t keep up with the latest trends and creates her own style. Antuan was my next interviewer. He is an extremely interesting personality I should say. Very elegant and stylish in spite of his age (he’s about 70). He said he is cut out to be a man of fashion. He buys clothes in luxurious designer boutiques but doesn’t follow the fashion laws. He said he would never put on a thing at the season he bought it. No sooner than in a couple of years, he added. Continue Reading »

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