The Alexander Report / Fashion Industry Guide!

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. Weiterlesen »

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. Weiterlesen »

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 Weiterlesen »

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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. Weiterlesen »

The world of fashion is constantly changing, more and more designers are looking to the past for inspiration; what’s old is new, and nowadays fashion is shaped by all the cultural influences from around the globe. The past continues to be the inspiration for the future but more than ever, designers are concerned about where fashion and beauty trends originate. The styles and trends you will see in 2008 will inevitably reflect modern interpretations of past designs, while also keeping an eye on emerging global trends in beauty and culture.

A fashion conscious person never misses the fashion trends for the year to come. If you are already reading this article, this means that you are interested in what to wear in 2008. Do you like the fashion of the fifties? Well, you should, because it will come back in 2008 and that entire craze will be in style again. As a matter of fact, this trend of the 50s comeback has already started before 2008, so you are at least a bit familiar with the concept. Such items as high heeled pumps, slim skirts, large belts, and loose blouses with puffy collars and sleeves appear to be becoming all the rage once again. It appears that the days of butts hanging out of low-rise jeans are ending and a more sophisticated look is returning to the mainstream.

Here are some of the latest staples of your wardrobe should be:
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By Lee Lister

Angel Investors are considered by many to be the best type of investor in your business. Angels are usually successful business owners and entrepreneurs who can also bring you valuable industry experience, executive knowledge, creative ideas and contacts. They can usually afford to indulge their love or risk and are often seeking new business challenges. To be an angel in the USA, one must be an “accredited investor,” which the Securities and Exchange Commission defines as someone with a net worth of at least $1 million or an annual salary of at least $200,000. Similar rules exist in other countries.

So how do you attract and investor to your business and are they really what you want?

Build a Convincing Case: Angel investors may be willing to take on more risk than most, but they still need to see a well thought out business plan with a proven product that has a recognizable and eager market need backed by a competent management and development team.

Establishing Your Market: Your angel will need to be convinced that your business will meet the market need and that there is a clear “barrier to entry” from competing companies. They will hardly want to invest in your company only to see your marketing advantage disappear.

Typical barriers to. Weiterlesen »

We have been covering Kate Moss new fashion launch with particular interest, not only for the line itself, but also for the business strategy behind it. So I think it’s fitting to do a small piece on Sir Philip Green.

Mr. Green successfully runs Topshop, England’s affordable high street retailer, and is the owner of the Arcadia Group and Bhs (British Home Stores), Arcadia is the parent company of Topshop.

Green, Britain’s 4th richest man, started in business as a small time trader. He later bought a failing retail operation and successfully turned it around selling it for a profit. He became the CEO of a public men’s wear company called “Ambers Day” that after declining profit, was forced to resign. Mr. Green ran other retail operations including Debenhams and Allders, JJB Sports, and led the acquisition of Sears Retail Chain (different than Sears, Roebuck and Company) Weiterlesen »

By Alina Hoon

In the last two decades, no country like China has received so much coverage worldwide. Their economy expansion has attracted many foreign investors who want to get a piece of the growing economy. Furthermore, with regard to the WTO, China has been relaxing their restrictions on foreign investments regulations. This actually indicates that the government is supporting foreign investors to enter into the China market. China is placing more importance to the quality rather than the quantity of foreign investment. This shows the development of the China market where they are focusing on refining their economy as they expand further.

From 2001, China has attracted over 345.6 billion U.S. dollars Weiterlesen »

The following resources are for designers, and apparel manufacturers in India looking for help to start or expand their own businesses

Fashion Design Councils of India the FDCI represents the interests of fashion designers. It will nurture the growth of this industry, help develop the needs of the industry, and provide a platform for Indian fashion designers.

Fashion Design Councils or Associations exist in all the primary fashion centers of the world. These councils were established to provide support and to benefit this vastly expanding and lucrative industry. In London, there is the British Fashion Council, in New York, the CFDA, and in Paris there is the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-a-porter des Couturiers et des Createurs de Mode.

The FDCI objectives are: Weiterlesen »

The following list is a for designers looking for business assistance to help them make their mark in the Fashion market

Center For Fashion Enterprise (CFE) based on the London College of Fashion, is a business development program that works with early stage design companies. The CFE works with and partners with the London Development Agency and the London College of Fashion to provide business support for new Fashion Labels. The CFE provides services to fund and develop new connections, PR, Marketing and Sales Support, manufacturing links, business planning, strategic advice, accounting and access to new investors.

The British Fashion Council is the official voice of the designer fashion industry. It aims, with the help of industry benefactors, to promote British fashion designers worldwide.
Weiterlesen »