The Front Row View

Hedi Slimane: the Main Facts From the Life of the Fashion Guru

2017-07-30T11:33:00.000+01:00

Hedi Slimane`s name is familiar to any person who is fond of fashion trends of modern times. Most recently, on July 5, he celebrated his 49th birthday. We will talk about the main facts from the biography of this unique creator.

Stages of the Big Way

The future rock star of the fashion world was born in Paris in an international family: the mother of the future creative director Saint Laurent was Italian, and the dad was Tunisian. Hedi's parents owned a tailoring company, which, perhaps, predetermined one of the main passions in the life of Sliman.

Despite all the prerequisites for work as a designer, after school, Slimane went to study at the preparatory courses of the Institute for Political Studies, and afterwards - to the Louvre School, where he studied the history of the arts, while mastering the applied profession of a cutter.

A voucher to the world of fashion was provided with an acquaintance with LVMH consultant Jean-Jacques Picard, who attracted a future designer to work on an exhibition dedicated to the centennial of the Louis Vuitton monogram in the early 1990s. However, his loud design debut took place a few years later - in 1996, when a close friend of Picard - Pierre Berge - invited Hedi to become the creative director of the Yves Saint Laurent male line. The last work of Slimane for the fashion house in this position was the autumn-winter 2000 collection of Black Tie, in which the first androgyne silhouette, with which the name of the designer has been associated for almost two decades, was first found.

Immediately after leaving, Slimane was asked to lead the brand Jil Sander. However, he declined this offer, preferring to work on the male line of the Dior House. A well-known fact - Karl Lagerfeld in his interviews repeatedly admitted that he was forced to lose weight by more than 40 kilograms in the early 2000s, in order to look better in the costumes created by Slimane. The period from 2000 to 2007 - it is the era of the absolute triumph of the designer in the world of men's fashion. The cultivated ultra-thin silhouette was popularized by former indie rockers who were at the peak of their fame: The Libertines, The Kills, The Strokes and Franz Ferdinand. For the same years falls the golden age of hipster lifestyle with a characteristic skinny-image.

The era of Slimane in Dior Homme was completed in July 2007, when the designer decided not to renew the contract with the brand and for a while left the fashion world, having devoted all his time to photography.

Sensational designer's comeback happened in 2012, when Slimane was replaced by Stefano Pilati at the helm of Yves Saint Laurent. The designer from the first season turned the stylistics of brand shows upside down, proclaiming the main ideology of the House of Grunge and gender neutral and cutting off the name of its founder from the brand name.

Despite the ambiguous reviews of critics about the first collection of Slimane for Saint Laurent, the brand's sales have skyrocketed, and the House shows have become one of the most anticipated at the Paris Fashion Week.

The swan song of the designer in this post was the autumn-winter collection of 2016, presented in a chamber atmosphere. Almost immediately after the show, it became known about the resignation of Slimane and his replacement by Anthony Vaccarrello. This news was followed by a loud scandal - the designer sued the former employer - the company Kering, owning Saint Laurent and a number of other luxury brands - because of the incorrectly executed labor contract. And, that a rarity in such cases, he won a trial , earning 13 million euros in compensation.

Now Slimane is in the shadow of the world of fashion and meets his 49th birthday, devoting himself to the second passion - photography. Thanks to our friends from YourBrides for providing this article.

Constanze Saemann by Ryan Brabazon for Vogue Ukraine June 2017

2017-06-19T09:01:00.002+01:00

Model Constanze Saemann takes a trip to a lake in the woods for the June 2017 issue of Vogue Ukraine. Photographed by Ryan Brabazon, Constanze is outfitted in designs by Alexander Wang. Wearing oversized denim, slouchy shirts and sheer panel dresses, Constanze transforms into a wistful beauty.

Outfit Inspiration: Lace-Up

2017-03-01T12:50:00.001+00:00

Slip into this season's loosely laced-up pieces to breathe fresh life into knitwear, skirts, accessories and more. With corset-inspired criss-cross lace-up, these simple designs have been given a new twist with eyelet holes, oversized laces and unfussy, almost slouchy styling. The simple white blouse has been made new with an open lace-up front.

Chunky over-sized sweaters have been reinvented with athletic-inspired running up their fronts. The new gladiator sandal utilizes lazer cut-outs and suede lace finishes. Take a blouse with lace-up detail and you can craft summer outfits with jeans, or pair your vintage shirts with a corset-style mini-skirt to give them a trend-driven update. The choice is yours. Below is some outfit inspiration to get you started.

The Most Uniquely Dressed Style Icons from the ’70s

2017-02-07T21:25:00.005+00:00

Fashion is once again in love with the 1970s, and it's an obsession that never seems to end. Just look to the current collections of Chloe or Saint Laurent to see how this era still strongly influences the clothes that are currently en vogue. With that in mind, here is a look back at the style icons that are surely inspiring designers. These are people who are memorable not just for what they achieved but also for their exceptional, and exceptionally individual, style.

German model turned singer Nico, best known for lending her vocals to the Velvet Underground and being friends with artist Andy Warhol, had a dark beatnik-inspired look, including pieces such as a simple black roll neck sweater, a houndstooth skirt, and some black kohl eyeliner to frame her memorable gaze.

Diane Keaton's tomboy style was like no other. Mixing classic shirts with tailored trousers, ties, waistcoats, and knits, Keaton's layered and effortless look was timeless and completely unparalleled.

Diana Ross's style was all about full-on sophistication, but that didn't stop her from experimenting with bold stripes, suits, and an array of intricately designed sequined and heavily embellished dresses—and let's not forget her signature hair.

Blondie's Debbie Harry mixed elements of glam and punk rock to create her style, clashing neon pieces with leather biker jackets and feminising the look with striking makeup, her platinum blonde locks, and figure-flaunting jumpsuits. Harry's inventive and often improvised style remains singular to her.

The granddaughter of Ernest, Margaux Hemingway held supermodel status in the '70s and was known for her thick brows and sun-kissed complexion. Her casual style was a mixture of oversized, comfortable pieces while at night, she went ultra-glam in off-the-shoulder dresses and swept-back hair.

Bianca Jagger fearlessly did things differently, creating an original wardrobe that stood out during the '70s era. From playing with androgynous suits to rocking capes, fur, and feathers, Jagger experimented with her look in an empowering and memorable way.

British icon Jane Birkin has a Hermes bag named after her for a good reason. Known for her micro mini-dresses, classic white shirts, flares, and of course, her straw basket bag, Birkin's fashion sense still looks just as fashion-forward today.

Inventive Ways Fashion Labels Are Using Snapchat

2017-02-07T21:03:00.004+00:00

Snapchat is an invaluable marketing tool with huge potential. That's why fashion labels are working hard to come up with unique concepts to feature on the social network. First and foremost, it provides them a direct and engaging means of reaching their customers. Here are some of the most original ways fashion labels have used Snapchat to connect with their followers and boost sales.

To offer its fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at its new campaign, Gucci handed its Snapchat account over to photographer-turned-model Petra Collins. Collins shared fun snaps, including quick videos of herself dancing through the halls and a brief look at the Tokyo skyline as the model cast prepared to step in front of the camera.

Burberry teamed up with Snapchat to launch a Discover channel that appeared on the app for just 24 hours. The channel featured several videos (including one that was titled "Mr. Burberry" and directed by Steve McQueen), articles, grooming tips, and more. Burberry was the first luxury fashion label to use Snapchat-native advertising.

Italian label Valentino used its Snapchat account to give its followers a digital backstage pass to its Spring 2016 show. Its posts included a glimpse at those in attendance and a shot of its models before they hit the catwalk.

Tommy Hilfiger enlisted high-profile model Gigi Hadid to take over its account during its Fall 2016 show. Hadid let her own followers know that she'd be Snapchatting live from behind the scenes. At the same time, the brand announced its plans to collaborate with Hadid on a capsule collection. These two strategic moves stirred up massive hype.

Dior let us all hang out with its models backstage as they prepared for the brand's Cruise show earlier this year. In addition, it offered up peeks of the featured hair looks, the makeup looks, the models' behavior, and the celebrity arrivals. It also featured a quick interview with designer Raf Simons.

Michael Kors figured out a unique way to drive sales for his new Kendall II sunglasses: He turned the design into a Snapchat filter that allows shoppers to try them on before they buy. Even if they decide not to purchase, they'll at least get a taste of MK's luxe world—regardless of any sales it drives, the free filter definitely does a lot to promote the brand.

Carolina Herrera teamed up with Sweet, a Snapchat publication, to share its new Resort 2017 pieces, which were modeled by teen actress Kiernan Shipka. By using the app as the exclusive launch site for the new collection, the brand instantly exposed its new designs to the right market. (Sweet receives 15 million unique views a month.)

Model Street Style: Paris Couture Fashion Week S/S 2017

2017-01-31T11:52:00.000+00:00

Paris Couture Fashion Week always offers some unique street style - and as usual, the models have been getting creative with their fashion choices as they make their way to and from the major couture shows in the city of lights. From statement outerwear to the usual model uniform of black skinny jeans and a simple t-shirt, these style snaps are our favourite so far captured on the streets.

Luna Bijl by David Sims for Joseph Spring/Summer 2017 Campaign

2017-01-26T13:13:00.000+00:00

Model-of-the-moment Luna Bijl is photographed by David Sims for the Joseph Spring/Summer 2017 campaign. Captured in crisp black&white, the new images highlight the minimalist streamline designs with a sweeping barren landscape as their backdrop.

Models Wear Dior's Feminist T-Shirt on the Streets at Couture Fashion Week

2017-01-26T11:48:00.004+00:00

Dior are brewing up a feminist revolution of their own at Paris Couture Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2017 collections. The label first unveiled their feminist t-shirt on the catwalk at their Spring/Summer 2017 mainline show - the debut for designer Maria Grazia Chiuri. She created a look that teamed a sheer embellished floor-length skirt with a slouchy t-shirt featuring the words 'We Should All be Feminists'.

Now, the t-shirt had made another prominent appearance on the streets following the Dior Couture show. Models were seen exiting the presentation wearing the design styled in with their usual street style attire - and were proudly showing off the statement piece.

The big question that follows is how much does Dior really care about feminism or highlighting this important subject - and how much of this is a reach to grab onto a popular current movement to boost sales and image? Does it matter if it still draws attention to the importance of feminism? Leave your opinion in the comments below!

Things You Didn't Know About Top Model Anna Ewers

2017-01-23T14:50:00.000+00:00

German beauty Anna Luisa Ewers rose to fame after becoming fashion designer Alexander Wang's muse. Known for her Bardot-esque beauty, her gap-toothed smile, and her angular features, she has a unique and timeless look. Now one of the world's top models, she has been featured on Vogue covers and in campaigns for Chanel, Prada, Balenciaga, and more. Here are a few more things to know about this unforgettable face.

Fashion designer Alexander Wang came across images of Ewers online and immediately wanted to cast her. She quickly became his muse and has appeared in several campaigns for his label.

She started modelling when she was an exchange student in Colombia but decided to finish her education in Germany before pursuing modelling seriously. She also used to work in a cocktail bar.

Ewers loves to travel to exotic places in her spare time. She regularly shares personal photos of her adventures, as well as snaps of her friends and recent work, on Instagram.

She rarely wears makeup, as she prefers to let her skin breathe, and her beauty routine is simply washing her face with cold water and applying a moisturiser. Her signature scent is B Balenciaga; she typically sprays some on before going out.

Ewers' sense of style is classic; she often opts for slipper shoes, tailored coats, and jeans. She takes her style inspiration from "old-school Hollywood films," which complements her Bardot-like looks to perfection.

Since becoming a model, Ewers has learned the importance of relaxing and regularly visits spas to unwind after long days. Her favorite is a Williamsburg-based spa called Treat Your Body.

She has a quiet and reserved personality. She looks up to Kate Moss because she loves how the iconic model doesn't share too much on social media and remains mysterious by rarely giving interviews.

Karlie Kloss by Bec Parsons for Lovewant #12 Cover

2017-01-23T14:06:00.002+00:00

American model Karlie Kloss shows off her natural beauty for the 12th issue of LoveWant magazine, as captured by photographer Bec Parsons.

The New French It Girls to Steal Style Inspiration From Now

2017-01-23T09:59:00.006+00:00

French girl style is envied the world over. There's just something about the way they put an outfit together. These rising new It girls are ones to watch because they've perfected the art of giving traditional Parisian-chic a personal twist. Each of their looks straddles the line between magical and unique.

French actress and model Alma Jodorowsky—the granddaughter of famed director Alejandro Jodorowsky—is still relatively unknown, but her style is beginning to turn heads. It's decidedly quirky but has a chic French twist that makes it low-key and wearable. She says that her must-haves are "Dr. Martens boots, cutoff shorts, and a tailored Chanel jacket."

Recently, Paris-based Didi-Stone Olomidé—the daughter of singer Koffi Olomidé—has been receiving a lot of attention for her impeccable personal style, which she frequently shares on Instagram. She's just 16, but she is already rocking all of the latest trends and is all about making them her own.

Clara Deshayes, also known by her DJ name Clara 3000, has become a style star thanks to the super-original looks she wears throughout Fashion Month. Her look is effortless, grunge, and French. What's more, she's already in cahoots with the label of the moment, Vetements.

One of the geniuses behind French house Courrèges (she's currently its style director), Lolita Jacobs has a way of translating vintage movie style into everyday casual wear. Her wardrobe staples include tennis dresses, micro miniskirts, and roll-neck styles, and it's clear that she looks to ’60s and ’70s French cinema for inspiration.

If effortless Parisian chic is your thing, then look no further than Camille Charrière for style inspiration. The half-French, half-English beauty is a blogger and journalist with a sense of style that is classic, elegant, and so chic.

Singer and actress SoKo has been getting a lot of attention lately; she's a Chanel favorite and a regularly at Paris Fashion Week. Her tomboyish style is what sets her apart; biker jackets, caps, and sporty finishing touches are among her sartorial signatures.

Model and jewelry artist Marissa Seraphin is the definition of cool. Her style, which is heavily ’80s- and ’90s-inspired, includes bomber jackets, dyed ponytails, and lots of bright primary colors.

Outfit Inspiration: Blue Velvet

2017-01-23T08:52:00.001+00:00

She Wore Blue Velvet - Slip into something with vintage appeal - blue velvet is returning on the catwalk and is reminding us why we want to dress like liquid midnight - as if David Lynch's classic wasn't enough to convince us that we want to channel a mysterious, velvet-clad Isabella Rossellini.

These beautiful velvet pieces are inspiring us to embrace the current trend. Be it just a touch of velvet such as a choker or pair of ankle boots, or a full velvet ensemble, this is a diverse trend you can dress with your own twist. If you want to channel the '90s, a blue velvet slip dress with minimal design and slim straps is your best bet. High-waisted shorts, a velvet bralet or a button-up shirt would also channel the same vibe. Modernize the look by pairing your velvet pieces with this season's ripped denim.

Take a look at our blue velvet inspiration below!

Josephine Le Tutour by Stefano Galuzzi for The Edit Magazine

2017-01-11T11:11:00.004+00:00

Forever Wild - Josephine Le Tutour takes to the wilderness in this sun-drenched shoot captured by photographer Stefano Galuzzi for The Edit magazine. Styled by Morgan Pilcher, Josephine is outfitted in bohemian-inspired prints and patterns as she takes a stroll through nature.

Anna Ewers by Inez & Vinoodh for Isabel Marant Spring/Summer 2017

2017-01-07T06:26:00.004+00:00

German model Anna Ewers is captured by photography duo Inez & Vinoodh for French label Isabel Marant's Spring/Summer 2017 campaign. Snapped in a bare apartment, Anna is outfitted in the designer's new season pieces including pretty prints, heels and one-shoulder pieces.

Karlie Kloss Shows Off Her Winter Street Style in NYC

2016-12-21T10:43:00.003+00:00

Stepping out on the streets of New York City, model Karlie Kloss demonstrated how to combat the cold in style. Pairing a buffalo check bomber jacket with black ripped jeans, she completed her look with a black rollneck sweater, black ankle boots and Mansur Gavriel's 'The Lady' black shoulder bag. Practical and stylish, Karlie's style is effortless, mixes in some key trends and still manages to look original.

Dree Hemingway by Nick Dorey for Twin Magazine December 2016

2016-12-21T10:23:00.002+00:00

Model Dree Hemingway is photographed by Nick Dorey for the December 2016 issue of Twin Magazine. Styled by Celestine Cooney, Dree is outfitted in a mix of casual pieces as she takes a road trip into nature.

Design a Fashionable Business Approach

2016-12-21T07:07:00.000+00:00

Are you someone with an eye for the business world?

If so, there are myriad of opportunities out there for you to create, some of which can be both lucrative and self-fulfilling in terms of a long career.

That said any business leanings you have heading into 2017 and beyond should have one important component in play, that being an awareness of the Internet.

Sure, there are some companies out there (usually those that have been around for a while) that still avoid the worldwide web as much as possible. While one can’t say that they are not successful, it is safe to say that many of those companies could be even better with an Internet presence.

With all that said, do you see yourself being capable of designing a fashionable business approach sooner rather than later?

If the answer is yes, have you thought about going into selling online clothing, notably the T-shirt business?

While some clothes do better than others in terms of sales volume, T-shirts are almost always a winning recipe.

By offering such items for sale online, you are all but guaranteed to make some money, money that over time can grow into a rather reliable source of revenue.

So, where exactly do you start?

Be Savvy When it Comes to the Internet

In order for your business to really take flight, it is important that you at least have a grasp of how important the Internet is in the business world. No, you do not need to be on it 24/7, but you do expand your business opportunities by having a regular presence on there.

With that in mind, there a number of ways you can design a fashionable (and hopefully successful) business approach when it comes to selling T-shirts.

Among three of the most important:

·Knowing the market – First and foremost, don’t blindly start trying to sell online. In order to improve the odds of having a successful online T-shirt business, it is important to know the marketplace. Should you be focusing on making and selling shirts for kids, teens, adults, women, men, possibly even senior citizens? Another important key in knowing how best to sell your merchandise is to understand what consumers truly want. Some of the lines of T-shirts that typically sell best include those with locations on them (especially for the tourist market), sports teams, entertainment shirts geared towards music and/or TV and movies, and those with funny sayings or images on them. There are even free online t-shirt mockup tools you can use to test designs.

Customer service – Although the old adage that the customer is always right is not necessarily true, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt. With that in mind, going out of your way to meet customer needs is definitely important. When designing and selling T-shirts to them, even the smallest of mistakes could send them scurrying to a competitor. Be sure you (and your team if employing others) does its best to clearly listen to what customers want. From nailing the desired designs to T-shirts that are made of quality material and won’t start coming apart after one washing, do your best to cover all of your tracks;

Marketing your T-shirts – Last but certainly not least, this is where your knowledge of the Internet becomes so important. Even if you have to go out and hire some marketing help to initially get you going, do it. The rewards from correctly marketing your merchandise to not understanding how to market your products is like night and day. You should also deploy social media, giving you the opportunity to reach consumers via sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram among others. The last two, especially given their focus on visuals, would both likely be beneficial to you.

What Designs Do You Have on 2017?

When it comes to putting out a product the masses will love, T-shirts can be one line of business where you could find a nice fit.

Although you’re not likely going to be an overnight wonder, putting time and effort into your online T-shirt business could end up paying off nicely over time.

From designing creative T-shirts to ones that will leave a lasting impression with countless customers, design a fashionable business approach with the Internet as your helping hand.

If you do, there’s a good chance you will be feeling comfortable.

Adriana Lima's Viral "McChicken" Quote is Unfortunately Fake

2016-12-08T10:54:00.001+00:00

A quote attributed to Brazilian model Adriana Lima has been sadly confirmed as fake. Sadly, because it was pure genius and hilarious which is why it got so much attention. The quote gained a lot of traction via twitter before a representative for the model came forward to state that she's simply never uttered those words.

Wondering exactly what the fake quote said? It had something to do with a McChicken and references an explicit viral video that hit the internet a few months ago. -"It’s flattering knowing men desire me. But then I remember a man would also have sex with a McChicken. So I don’t let it get to my head.”

Still, even if she didn't say it - she kinda should have.

this is iconic pic.twitter.com/LWncO2vnDh
— Bitch Code 💅🏻 (@TheTumblrPosts) December 7, 2016

Street Style: Sasha Luss Goes Punk in Tartan

2016-12-07T13:42:00.002+00:00

Seen during Fashion Week on the street, Russian model Sasha Luss opted for a punk-inspired look. Wearing a tartan mixed with houndstooth printed coat, she paired her statement outerwear piece with a frayed white t-shirt, burgundy red leather trousers and platform black lace-up ankle boots. Adding a grey beanie and sunglasses, Sasha has taken some punk-themed designs and given them her own original twist.

Saskia de Brauw by Katja Rahlwes for Céline Holiday 2016 Campaign

2016-12-07T13:27:00.001+00:00

Releasing a fresh campaign to celebrate the festive season, Céline unveil a new set of Holiday 2016 campaign images. Featuring Dutch model Saskia de Brauw photographed by Katja Rahlwes, the simple images show a fresh-faced Saskia in Céline's current collection including knitwear, jewellery and accessories.

Ways to Step Up Your Travel and Food Photography Game

2016-11-30T12:32:00.003+00:00

Going to gorgeous destinations and visiting some of the best restaurants are definitely among the best ways to enjoy life. We here at Good Things are firm believers of sharing those experiences so others can enjoy them too.

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take great photos and share them with the world. The tips we are about to discuss in this article will help you step up your travel and food photography game without a problem.

Always Search for Good Light

Whenever you’re out taking pictures, always be aware of where the good light is. When visiting a beach, for example, timing your visit properly will help you get great shots with nothing but your phone. The golden hours – around 9 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon – are the best times to capture the beauty of your travel destination.

The same can be said for food photography and capturing the exquisite dishes you’re trying. When visiting a restaurant, try to find a table near a window so you have plenty of light to work with. You can also find other sources of light if you’re taking pictures at night. A nearby standing lamp is usually a great source of light to use.

Never Use Your Flash

The flash on your phone is too small to produce flat and flattering light. Most of the time, you will end up with an overexposed photo against a dark background. The same LED flash is not strong enough to cover the entire frame when the subject is too far from the camera either.

There are plenty of ways to overcome these shortcomings, but the best way to produce good quality travel and food photos is by not using the built-in flash. You will have a much better image to work with.

Whenever there are dark areas or when you need to boost the brightness of the image, simply import the photo to Snapseed or your favorite image editing app and tweak it a little bit. Don’t overdo the image editing either, since you will get a lot of noise or an unnatural-looking photo as a result.

Shoot More, Share More

The best way to improve your photography game, however, is by taking more pictures and sharing more. Don’t just keep the photos to yourself. Share them on social media and get feedback from other users. There are a lot of things to learn along the way.

Don’t hesitate to use hashtags to attract attention. Some hashtags will even allow you to join important campaigns and be part of something larger. The #MeatAnd2Veg hashtag, for example, is helping Orchid raise a lot of money for the male cancer charity. Ladbrokes is joining the Meat and 2 Veg campaign by donating £1,000 for the first 200 food photos shared, and £1500 if more than 250 photos are shared.

The more pictures you take, the more you will learn to overcome different challenges. The more photos you share, the more insights you will have on the kind of travel and food photos other people love to see. This, combined with the previous tips we talked about earlier, will take you to the next level in no time.

Sasha Pivovarova Wears the Best of Zara's Winter 2016 Coats

2016-11-28T14:28:00.004+00:00

Russian model Sasha Pivovarova slips into Zara's warmest outerwear for the high street store's 'Coat Edit'. Featuring the best of their Autumn/Winter 2016 coats, Sasha is outfitted in tailored camel wool designs, classic masculine-inspired check pieces, fur and more.

How Sportswear Became a Fashion Trend

2016-11-22T10:20:00.003+00:00

Appropriate sportswear was once seen as an accessory to be worn when taking part in a sporting event; white shorts and shirt, and white sneakers for tennis, etc. Nowadays sportswear manufacturers have brought such clothing into the world of fashion. Utilitarian clothing for taking part in sport is now firmly a thing of the past.

A new trend

But when did this fashion trend begin? Recently is the answer. At least, it is only recently that celebrities and well known fashionistas began wearing sportswear as ‘going out’ wear, while ordinary folks have probably been wearing sports gear as a casual option for years, albeit one they were not especially proud of. Moms would throw on a pair of sports leggings and a sports top, slip their feet into running shoes and take their kids to school, changing out of their clothes when they got home and had the time to dress nicely. So, it is nice to know that it is now ‘fashionable’ to keep those sports leggings on, huh?

The origin of this fashion trend can be pinpointed to a declaration made by the CEO of Nike at the Women’s Innovation summit held in New York City in 2015. He claimed that sport leggings were all set to be worn in the same way most people wear jeans, that is every day. And he was right. This trend even has its own name: athleisure and its followers include Elle Macpherson, Miranda Kerr, and Jessica Alba.

But why is high-end sportswear so trendy? Possibly because it says something about the wearer. Sportswear tells the observer that the wearer is body-conscious, not in a superficial, made up way, but in a way that comes from their core. High-end sportswear implies that the wearer cares about their body, that they are healthy and they engage in activities to keep themselves fit and well. The ironic thing here is that some of the people who do wear sportswear are not actually sporty at all. The important thing is that you look as if you are about to hit the gym.

The types of sport clothing being worn on the streets and in coffee shops and shopping malls vary, although leggings appear to be a must-have. Black leggings especially are definite favorites among consumers, and some designers have spent years ensuring leggings flatter every body shape. Some of the more high-end leggings will elongate plump thighs and gently lift sagging buttocks to give the wearer a more sculpted and attractive figure. It could be such leggings are a bestseller because they are so darned comfortable. And perhaps the most attractive feature of wearing sportswear is that a plain-colored pair of leggings are great for movement and can be teamed with practically anything. This desire for comfort is borne out in the significant drop in sales of traditional bras, which have a reputation for pinching and restricting movement. Just like women ditched the girdle back in the sixties, women are ditching these uncomfortable contraptions for sports bras and crop tops instead.

But there are some people who are active and do wear sportswear for its functionality as well as its good looks. Take compression wear as an example. What is compression wear and what is it about compression that makes this kind of clothing beneficial? Well, this type of clothing is best explained as supportive clothing, because it is worn tight around a part of the body to do several things, such as increase blood circulation, provide support for tendons, muscles and joints and reduce swelling. It also helps to delay the onset of muscle soreness after exercise, reduce the fatigue felt during exercise so longer sessions are achievable, and finally, deliver faster recovery times for bodily injuries. And compression wear does all this without looking out of place as part of your everyday wardrobe. Compression wear looks the same as ordinary sportswear but comes with benefits. Compression wear is available for both men and women and includes items such as socks to give all day relief, lower body wear such as leggings, Capri pants and shorts, and sleeves that target specific areas of the body, such as the elbow or knee.

The advent of the fashion sportswear trend should be very welcome if you value comfort but do not want to compromise on style. Now you can wear those black leggings and baggy T-shirt, and team them with a pair of running shoes without being in danger of committing a fashion faux pas.

Amanda Wellsh by Alexandra Nataf for Russh October/November 2016

2016-11-22T09:45:00.002+00:00

Call Me the Breeze - Amanda Wellsh is captured by photographer Alexandra Nataf for the October/November 2016 issue of Russh. Styled by Ilona Hamer, Amanda is outfitted in monochrome ensembles as she poses in the wilderness.

Lingerie as Street Style: How to Wear It

2016-11-21T11:05:00.000+00:00

Lingerie-inspired pieces continue to dominate the catwalks - and the trend is even more present on the streets, especially when Fashion Week rolls around. Delicate sheer pieces with a fresh sartorial twist have taken the bedroom look into daytime, especially with sexy yet wearable collections by designers such as Ann Summers. Although it's not the easiest look to get right, here is our guide on how to wear lingerie pieces as part of your everyday wardrobe - with inspiration from those who have put together perfect outfits incorporating the trend. See how top models and stylists have made this look their own and get inspired.

Polish model Anja Rubik turned heads when she showed up at Paris Fashion Week in this stunning sheer ensemble which steals its inspiration from lingerie. She paired a long black sheer ruffled dress featuring lace detail with simple black underwear and gave it a casual twist by adding classic black flat shoes, sunglasses and a shoulder bag. This bold look makes a statement, while keeping everything in black makes it appear more seamless and simple.

Model-of-the-moment Bella Hadid gave the trend her own personalised finish. She teamed a plunging lacy bodysuit with a triangle bra and high-waisted trousers. Adding a leather jacket over her shoulders, black ankle boots and a leather bag, Bella’s lingerie pieces add a sexy edge to this grunge-meets-elegant ensemble.

Australian stylist Christine Centenera dressed up a sheer polka-dot shirt with a black velvet high-waisted skirt, buttoning down the shirt to reveal a slither of her black bra. Adding sophisticated accessories, she wore lace-up black ankle boots, sunglasses and a small black clutch. Refined and timeless, Christine adds a unique edge by showing off her lingerie choice in a subtle way.

Slip mini-dresses are one of the easiest ways to wear the lingerie trend and also mixes in the ‘90s vibe which is so popular right now too. Model Gigi Hadid shows how to wear this look perfectly: by giving it a sporty overhaul, she made it appropriate for daywear. She paired her slip dress with a baseball cap, studded jacket, sunglasses and ponytail, making it casual and more wearable.

Stella Maxwell is known for regularly wearing lingerie-inspired designs as part of her street style and this outfit is one of her best. The top model chose to give the double denim look a fresh spin by wearing a lace halter-neck bralette underneath her denim jacket. Teamed with vintage wash jeans and loose hair, Stella’s off-duty outfit is effortless and stylish.

They key to creating lingerie-inspired outfits is to mix the trend into your wardrobe, adding just one piece into an outfit and working it around the rest of your look. Search for bodysuits to pair underneath high-waisted skirts or trousers, or opt for a sheer layer over a statement bra to show off your lingerie in way that still remains understated. Experiment with sheer layers and different lingerie pieces to find a way to make this trend customised and unique.