The new generation of headwear..

Did the idea of wear exotic bows, ribbons, nests, or even wire in our hair stem from the Gaga herself? Or is this a trend that has just been waiting to expand? Well either way we are going to see it on the runways and sold to millions of people. Milliners being the new face of fashion? I think absolutely. Harvy Santos a milliner who has danced and studied ballet for most of his lifetime has become greatly influenced by the movements of the body when dancing. He creates surreal designs that can light up any runway show.

Tammy Willis another Millinery who one might find her designs featuring a giant mow hawk feather. The millinery industry has expanded and will most likely continue, fast. Vintage looks are a huge inspiration for many of these brilliant hat makers. Many say that they are in an age of new design, with all eyes looking..well..up. Who wouldn't want to spice up an outfit with a giant bow? These milliners make a great way for individuals to really stand out and gain attention.

Resource: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100827-the-new-generation-of-hat-designers.aspx

Fashion brought to Vegas...

MAGIC... one of the worlds biggest mens trade shows for the fashion industry. Two weekends ago people flocked over to Vegas to check out the new looks and get into some heavy buying. This year it was stated that more people than ever wanted to purchase the new looks for the next week rather than next season. Looks from Tokidoki were previewed during the actual event and there was a high demand for product. Dorfman-Pacific is one of the worlds largest hat manufacturers in America and during MAGIC they launched three new brands; Sinatra, a fedora collection inspored by Frank Sinatra, Carlos Santana Headwear, fedoras and cut and sew caps inspired by Mr. Santana himself, and Stetson Cloth Hats and Caps, from the legendary westernwear company. Zuidema stated "We're more optimistic for what fall/holiday will bring, but we are cautiously optimistic. We are accepting that it is a new world with the economy, and we must embrace it."

Seems as if the MAGIC trade show was bigger than expected. Lets hope that the industry will continue to grow through the economic struggles. It looks as if it already has come a long way!!!

Resource: http://www.apparelnews.net/news/tradeshows/082710-New-Products-Faster-Fashion-at-MAGICs-Mens-Show

Lady Gaga.. "Changing the World one Sequin at a time.."

Lady Gaga has skyrocketed in the past few months and not only just because of her music. Her overall appearance and talent has driven fans as well as designers to fall into a deep passion for her image. "It’s not just about music. It’s about the performance, the attitude, the look; it’s everything. That is where I am as an artist and that is what I want to accomplish.” –Lady Gaga

Although she may be considered somewhat strange, she is a dominant icon these days. Her impact on the fashion world has been tremendous. People can either love it or hate it, but overall her image has changed the fashion world for many designers. She portrays the true meaning of being yourself and not caring what others may think. Her icons include Peggy Bundy and Donatella Versace.

Her videos may be vulgar and sexy, but overall she gets her point across. She is a plastic Barbie doll that designers use to sell or create their product. Alexander McQueen was a huge fan as well as him to Gaga and he created almost all of her wardrobe. Not only does she have designers just styling her with couture, but she has created her own line... Haus of Gaga.

She is just phenomenal the way she marched right into the world and shot straight to the top without question. She is an icon all over the world. Her fashion is loved all over the world. It was someone who we needed at the time, during the recession here in the U.S. she gave us all hope and smiles that it will all be alright. She may have never even meant to come out and create that kind of an impact, but she most certainly did. No matter what she does next, the world will be prepared.

Resources:

http://indakno.com/indaknoblogs/2010/08/12/lady-gaga-“changing-the-world-one-sequin-at-a-time”-by-karlina-dawkins/

FUR... who is still supportive?

REAL OR FAKE???

As we all know PETA has become a major establishment throughout preventing animal cruelty. In the Fashion industry they have taken many major effects on people's beliefs and thoughts on wearing fur. Many designers have followed the PETA action and have not presented fur in any new collections. Even Mr. Karl Lagerfeld himself used 100% faux fur in his 2010 show. Fur has quickly become far from mainstream, it is not exactly a trend worth following anymore. Faux fur has completely taken over and with the access of all our new technology who can really tell the difference anymore! Even Tim Gun has become a national supporter of the PETA administration and any designer who thinks otherwise he will give them his two senses. Unfortunately the PETA foundation has not geared everyone to think animal cruelty is not worth wearing a 2,000 dollar fur coat. Many young designers have still yet to be using faux fur. They feel using real fur is necessary in order to establish a feeling of luxury to their brand image. This can make much sense to celebrities who still wear fur. Mary-Kate and Ashley are always spotted bundled up in some animals hide. Many say that fur will always stay in fashions inner-circle because of its image it creates. Many magazines editors wear fur with pride and do not feel they are harming animals or even guilt. Much of the fur industry relies on the young designers to sell their looks. Designers such as Proenza Schouler continues to use fur and the market for fur is higher than ever. 2010 has been selling fur to retailers more than last year during the recession. Maybe its the feeling of finally having money, or maybe the carelessness in it all. No one can explain why designers wont just use faux, but we will most likely continue to be seeing it walk down the runway. Fashion will be forever changing and I think that each season fur will be in and out.

Resources:

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/28/image/la-ig-fur-20100328

Use of the Color wheel in fashion..

The Color Wheel

How easy is it to just throw on the easy black and white color combo. Well try getting friendly with the color wheel and learn what colors compliment each other to really mix up your style. According to the dictionary, the color wheel is an organization of color hues around a circle, showing relationships between colors. There are many designers that use this wheel as a daily guideline in creating amazing pieces. Here we see Alexander McQueen incorporating color hues in his designs:

And then Balenciaga in shoes..

We will always see designs with color combo's such as triad on the color scheme. Using three colors in a triangular shape around the color wheel. Some primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. Complimentary colors are red and green. Although we don't all want to look like Christmas morning, we can learn to mix these colors in other ways not so much like the sweater Grandma gave you last year. There are terms such as monochromatic, analogous, triad, and complimentary. If a person can grasp these uses one can really create a unique style, and amazing designs! Check out this color wheel and give it a try!

Resources:

http://www.academichic.com/2009/02/02/fashion-101-how-to-combine-colors/

http://www.rentaldecorating.com/Colorwheel.htm

Superhero's at school?

Stride Right is launching their new line for back-to-school kids today! Stride Right is a children's footwear company that has been working with new technology to provide children with the best shoes to support their growth. Their new line consists of the new shoe called the "Slingshot". This shoe is enhanced with new innovative technology that Stride Rite has provided to create the idea of a child with Superhero powers. It is equipped with and actual spring and elastic that mimics the mechanics like a slingshot. This is created to make the child feel as if they can run faster and jump higher, thus feeling like a "Superhero". This line will be available at all Stride Rite retail stores, online, and other Stride Rite participants. These sneaker will be a cost at $54 to $56. I wonder what children will take the risk in participating in this new sneaker, who will lead the way into the Superhero powers?

Hello my little red soles...

The fabulous life of a Louboutin shoe...

(Summer collection 2010)

The second one reminds me of a children's playground. How cute would you be being a mom and showing these off in a park.... or not even being a mom. ;)

I feel this collection is very nature inspired... what do you think?
I just died...

Too beautiful for words, who else could pull off that luscious lavender on a shoe.