Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

Carrie Underwood Announced As Olay Brand Ambassador For North America

September 9th, 2010
Anne Lu – AHN Entertainment Contributor

Cincinnati, OH, United States (AHN) – Country music star Carrie Underwood has been named as the first-ever North American celebrity ambassador for the facial skin care brand Olay. The Grammy winner will be fronting campaigns and will represent a line of products for the brand.

Underwood will work with the brand to launch their “Challenge What’s Possible” campaign, which is scheduled to debut later this year.

The brand is also a sponsor of the singer’s “Play On Tour” shows this fall.

She said, “I am so excited to be associated with a beauty brand that has been trusted by women for more than 50 years. As a little girl I remember my mom always using the original Olay Beauty Fluid and encouraging my sisters and I to take care of our skin.”

“I love that Olay has managed to change with the times, yet stay in touch with women of all ages who want affordable skin care products that do what they promise. My music career has been a dream come true and proven to me that the seemingly impossible can be achieved.”

“Olay’s inspiring campaign echoes my beliefs.”

Underwood joins well-known Olay brand ambassadors around the world, which include Maggie Cheung in Greater China, singer/actress Lucero in Latin America, and Thandie Newton in the U.K.

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Artisan Jewelry and Fashion Trends For Fall-Winter 2008-09

August 31st, 2010 Patricia Pinkney

Fall is arriving, one of the biggest signs is when the Canadian geese start to warm up their wings. You can see them flying around in circles and squawking. They are such a beautiful animal, but that’s for another article.

As we transition from our summer wardrobe into fall, we start thinking about the new clothes and accessories such as jewelry required to be seen as fashionable.

To help you stay current with fall and winter 2008/09 fashions, this season’s top trends are highlighted below. The most stylish people though are usually not a slave to the latest fashion trend but rather wear what they love. While it’s great to have a few trendy pieces, the best fashions stand the test of time.

Actually for last season and this coming season many of the new “trends” are either somewhat of a continuation of previous season’s themes or are retro inspired. These retro trends make it perfect for shopping your closet.

Go in deep to the back of the closet you still have something from seventies and/or 80s in there, unless of course you weren’t born yet, in this case raid your mother’s closet. Some of you (or your mom) may even have pieces that work beautifully for the 50s glam pin up look.

This season basically every era is back and you’ll look right on trend wearing any retro decade piece – just be cautious not to over do it. One or two retro pieces, whether in apparel or artisan jewelry, paired with a more contemporary element works really well. Designers commonly use this technique as a way to make retro fashions look contemporary or trendy. They add a new twist to the retro style either in design, fabric or accessories.

Dig out and recycle/reuse those beautiful retro pieces from the back of the closet and mix them up with fresh elements, you’ll be looking perfectly stylish.

There are several trend themes listed below which apply to both apparel and artisan jewelry. Remember that your accessories especially artisan jewelry can really put the finishing details on the outfit. Don’t forget though to look at what you already have and add new pieces only where you need them, this will save you money and time shopping and is eco responsible.

Here are a few of the Fall/Winter 2008/09 trends:

Overarching

Two overarching trends are:

i. A mix of day for night. This does not mean wearing a ball gown to the office but rather mixing a wardrobe element which one would traditionally wear as evening wear with daywear. For example wearing a sequin tank say under a blazer for a little daytime sparkle.

ii. Trends that run through both apparel and accessories Most of the trends are affecting all elements of the outfit which provide greater flexibility. You can choose how far to go with the trend by the elements and number of them you select. For example if you want to be a little more subtle you can just add a piece of artisan jewelry that reflects the trend rather than a whole outfit of the trend.

Color Trends

Apparel and artisan jewelry in purple, pink, deep red, green and blue are hot, as are metallic pieces (discussed in the Metallic trend theme below)

I. Isn’t It Romantic

Traditionally fall fashions conjure up ideas of woolly sweaters, this season there is a nice counter balance to bundling up. Fall romance with flowing fabrics and romantic accessories, a la Victorian style.

Specific artisan jewelry pieces to achieve this romantic look would definitely include chandelier earrings.

II. Mumbai Mystique

Asian fashion and East Indian fashion specifically, is becoming more and more popular. Designer Alexander McQueen’s fall runway show was a perfect example of this. No surprise he spent 6 months in India – makes sense the inspiration for the collection came from India.

Mumbai Mystique applies to both apparel and accessories. Again using Alexander McQueen as an example, the fabric colours and finishes reflect an East India styles as do the beautiful chandelier earrings, bangles and necklaces.

III. Bangle Bazaar

There seems to be no end to bangle desire – hint this is a good investment to take you into spring/summer 2009. During NYC Fashion Week at the beginning of September there were plenty of big chunky bangles on the runway for Spring/Summer 09.

IV. Metallics

Gold, Brass, Silver and Pewter oh my! Metallic influences in clothing and in accessories. From leggings in metallic colors to brass medallion necklaces, metallics are a big element of fall/winter fashion trends.

V. Leather

Whether you’re going for the rocker chic look or a more polished classic image, leather is hot this fall.

Leather is showing up in clothing and accessories – from bomber and motorcycle style jackets to leather mini dresses to bags, scarves, gloves and necklaces.

VI. Fringe and Feathers

Fringe dresses like flapper dresses from the 20s, fringes on boots and bags. Feather accents on apparel and accessories are also prevalent.

VII. Architectural

Apparel shapes are reflecting an architectural influence – interesting draping and cuts in the clothing. In this theme too artisan jewelry with architectural design are popular choices for completing a fall look.

VIII. Decade Retro

20s through to the 80s with a focus on 50s Pin Up , 70s Hippie and 80s Preppy, this is a big trend for this season. This is the trend where you can recycle and reuse pieces which have been hidden in the back you the closet for decades! Fashion is cyclical therefore if you save your pieces you can always find another season to wear them again.

IX. Leg Wear

Tights and knee socks rule again. Cable knit, solids, funky patterns, wet and metallic look to Gossip Girl argyle.

X. Shoes

Shoes are an indispensable part of this season’s fashion trends. If you love shoes you couldn’t be happier with this trend.

Here are a few shoe trends:

o Ankle Boots Kick It – Lace Up Booties – especially Oxford Style, Booties with Cut Outs, Extra Fabric and Folds

o Boots – Fringe, Riding Boots

o Chunky Platform heels – new 70s anyone?

XI. Long Term Trends

While above are the latest fall/winter 2008/09 trends, there are two trends that are real long-term trends, rather than fads. These two trends are ethnic fashion and social conscious buying such as fair trade jewelry and fashion. This is where society is heading.

Our cities are becoming more and more multicultural and society is loving it! We’re loving the food and the fashion.

In terms of social conscious buying everything from green fashion to fair trade jewelry and apparel are becoming more important. People are asking more questions and care about how and where our dollars are spent.

When shopping for fall and winter 2008/09 apparel and accessories first check your closet and then add to your existing items with a few new pieces. This will not only give you a current look but one that reflects your own personality, no point in looking just like everyone else.

Patricia Pinkney is a world traveler and entrepreneur, she spent two years in Paris, France and recently launched Pangea Collection to share her passion for travel, people, culture and artisan jewelry. To read more about Patricia or to view her ecommerce website visit: http://www.pangea-collection.com

Author: Patricia Pinkney
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Swimwear Trends 2008-2009

June 28th, 2008 Fashionista

swimsuit
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. (more…)

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Unique Selling Propositions For Fashion Business

June 28th, 2008 Fashionista

Juicy = LifeeeeAny 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. (more…)

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Great Outfitter Denim Rocks Fashion & Retail Sales

December 7th, 2007 Fashionista

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketDenim has changed radically in past few years, from basic work clothing, to a high-end stylish and fashion oriented attire. Denim is presently a 10 billion dollar industry in the US. From retailer selling in mass market to exclusive couture designers, everyone has identified denim as a profitable business.

The apparel industry veterans are amazed by the success of denim. Reviewing recent sales-graph and fiscal year results of the leading retailers and brands, the analysts forecast a better future for denim on condition that the product should appeal different to the consumer looking while sustaining the traditional fabric.

The American consumers approximately purchase 450 million pairs of jeans per year. The denim market has been performing well, except for a drop in the sales was witnessed because of stiff competition with the alternative products like cargos, fatigues, cotton combat and khaki trousers, which led market at a saturation point in mid 2004.

The saturation in the denim market was a result coming-out of garments and fabric in developing countries, due to the elimination of a quota system, in the beginning of 2005. However, the denim industry emerged again during 2005-2006. The evergreen work-wear fabric is back on track with the efforts of companies, such as ITG, Levi Strauss & Co., VF Corporation, American Eagle Outfitters and Perry Ellis performed well throughout 2005. American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters come into view as triumph last year, emerging as leader in specialty store brands for the age group of 15 to 25. Comparing the $143.4 million sales month which ended April 30, 2005, the company recorded 25% climb in sales for April 29, 2006. The month of April depicted an optimistic consumer response to the company’s excellent initiatives for product assortments, designed for spring and summer that were also focused at other age groups.

The success standing behind, American Eagle Outfitters, in the denim market, is an outcome of right allocation of initiatives for various market phases. The perfect blend of the American West with European touch was the key reason of the gained success. (more…)

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Plus Size Fashion WINTER 2007 / 2008 Fashion Forecast

October 26th, 2007 Fashionista

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The fashion stars of winter 2007/2008 are a welcome beacon of shimmer, shine and pop of color in an often drab winter palette. 80′s glamour color palette, with updated flattering shapes, combined with the refined luxury of the 40′s have re-emerged throughout the fashion world to an applauding plus size audience.

Jewel tones hues for 2007/2008 are taking center stage, often times replacing the ever-present Little Black Dress as chic choices. Amethyst, cobalt, ruby and emerald are the universally flattering favorites, for all shapes and sizes. The standard myth that black slims, colors expand is being proven incorrect time and again with this gorgeous palette. Rich, saturated colors slim and flatter as well as their somber sister black and alternately, flatter the wearer’s coloring beautifully.

Choose quality fabric, in a rich tone designed to enhance your favorite feature. A beautiful plus size woman, wearing a pop of color in a sea of black is sure to add a little life to even the dullest of holiday hoop-lahs. Still choosing to stick with basic black dress? Add burst of color with bold amethyst satin Maryjane’s and a choice Kenneth Lane Cocktail ring and jeweled bangle set. Mix your accessory colors freely when wearing a solid black clothing palette for dramatic effect.

Shimmer and shine is no longer evening exclusive apparel, glittering choices for the season easily carry the wearer from day to night. Satin shimmering blouses are easily paired with sexy blazers for day and a sexy pair of metallic heels and bold cocktail jewelry for night. Jeweled detailing at the hem, neckline and sleeves add standout detailing to basic shapes we love. When wearing shimmer apply the same rules used with animal print; chose one garment to shine. (more…)

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The Runway Story for Spring 2008

October 26th, 2007 Fashionista

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The 2008 Spring Collections are fresh off the runways of the major fashion centers around the world. And the reviews are beginning to come in as the critics, retail buyers, and fashion writers analyze and critique what they saw on the runways. So, what are the trends that seem to cross many collections? What are the colors that designers have deemed fashionable for next spring? What accessories are accenting those collections? And, most importantly, how will these trends, colors, and accessories translate to affordable ready-to-wear styles?

To generalize, spring 2008 appears to be filled with several very wearable, fresh trends while selected looks from fall/winter will continue to remain popular. Although there are important new trends that come to the forefront of each new season’s fashion picture, some looks seem to flow easily from season to season while undergoing minor changes. Watch for the dress to continue to dominate the fashion scene, although the basic silhouette of the dress will change as the baby doll look fades away and the pencil thin silhouette now begins to influence the dress category. Watch for the prevalent neutral color to remain in the gray family, while the blue tones popular in fall/winter will transition to purple tones for spring. The waistline will become the center of interest making the belt an extremely important accessory item; but also note that jewelry remains big, bold, and oversized while all accessories become increasingly important in completing the total look. (more…)

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Every Woman’s And Designer’s High Fashion Fantasy

October 26th, 2007 Fashionista

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Haute couture is every woman’s and designer’s high fashion fantasy. Haute couture has to do with the most exquisite clothing created. In 1868, the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture was created to enforce rules involving fabrics, numbers of employees, and numbers of designs for day and evening wear. By the mid-20th century, more than 100 haute couture houses competed earnestly for well-heeled clientele by following the stringent set of rules: sewing by hand, with employees who are French, in ateliers that are French, in France. They began somewhat unstylishly in the midst of a worldwide depression but ended as a dazzling and influential decade of haute couture.

Fashion

Fashion history is a rich area to explore. Fashion is a language which tells a story about the person who wears it. “Couture literally means “sewing,” but has come to indicate the business of designing, creating, and selling custom-made, high fashion women’s clothes. During fashion’s “golden age,” after World War II, some 15,000 women wore couture. Christian Lacroix embarked on a romantic journey through his fashion favorites, while jeans brought an attitude of rebellious practicality to Chanel’s winter couture.

For more than a century, couture has been emblematic of the triumph of costume and fashion. It represents the fusion of fashion. The modern entity that combines novelty and synergy with personal and social needs and costume the arts of dressmaking, tailoring, and crafts constituent to apparel and accessories. Founded in the crucible of modernism’s invention in the middle years of the nineteenth century in Paris, with the expanded patronage cultivated by the House of Worth, but still dependent upon the considerable support of Empress Eugénie, couture has long stood as the modern equilibrium between the garment as exquisite aggregate and the burgeoning notions of fashion as a system.

Collection

Each season, present a collection to the Paris press, (more…)

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Meet the New Luxury Target Market – The Young Affluents

August 31st, 2007 Fashionista

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Meet the Young Affluents. The generation of 40-and-under consumers – roughly corresponding to the Generation X and Millennial generations – is the “Want-It-All” generation that is coming into affluence with a ravenous appetite for the ‘good life.’ The fresh, unexpected needs and desires of the young affluents will be the most important trend to impact the global luxury market over the next decade and beyond. And savvy marketers need to be poised to meet the demands of this unique new force in the luxury marketplace.

Young affluents – consumers born after 1966 with rapidly rising incomes – will play an increasingly important role in the target market for global luxury marketers over the next ten to twenty years. This is true not just in the United States (with a median age of 36.5 years) or in the European countries (where the median age ranges around 40 years old), but in the developing luxury markets, like Brazil (median age 28.2 years), India (24.9 years) and China (32.7 years), where the population as a whole is more youthful.

Luxury marketers and retailers must ‘think young’ in order to understand the young affluents and to position their brands for the future in the developed and the developing markets. Luxury marketers must understand the unique desires of the young affluents, how they express luxury in their lifestyles today and how they will do so in the future.

What Do the Young Affluents Want and How Does It Differ from the Over 40 Crowd? (more…)

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The Dress Shirt

August 8th, 2007 www.alexander-west.com

by Alex Yoo and Aran Lawrence

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The Dress Shirt

A gentleman’s dress shirt is the defining item in his wardrobe, and as such he should choose it with care. The quality of fabric, color, pattern, and fit are of the utmost importance. Following a few simple and timeless suggestions, a man can distinguish himself where many have come up short. Most men are wearing their collars too tight, sleeves too short and too full around the wrist, and improperly proportioned for their specific body type. This guide will teach you how to avoid these pitfalls, select a shirt style that will compliment your physique, and help you cultivate a refined style.

Upon making this important choice, prudence dictates that you stick with it so long as your physique remains the same. It is better to wear a complimentary style day after day than a variety of less flattering styles. Let us now turn to finding your perfect shirt.

Fabric

Selecting a fabric of the finest cotton will set you apart from the crowd and highlight your sense of good taste. One major difference between a good shirt and a fabulous shirt is the fabric. It also happens to be the most costly component of a quality shirt. The easiest way to distinguish a high quality shirt (more…)

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