Know Fashion Better

Fashion in India

2009-11-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

The Changing Face of Indian Fashion Industry

Introduction

India is a country with diversified customs and cultures. People following various traditions live here, their way of dressing also differ from each other. The traces of Indians being fashionable can be found out from the ancient remains of Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations. After the independence, globalization is being witnessed in the Indian fashion industry, due to which changes have occurred in the style of Indian dressing.Styles of wearing saris and salwar-kameez have changed.

Banarsi Sari Made in Banaras India

The look is more cosmopolitan than region-specific. Different styles of blouses like katori style, halter-neck, back button blouses, high neck blouses, puffed sleeve blouses, etc. have become the hot favorite among women. The average lengths of the blouses have decreased. Saris are draped mostly in traditional back pallo style or gujarati style. Indian fashion scene is greatly influenced by its films. For example Mumtaz style sari draping inspired by yester-year heroine Mumtaz. Here sari is tightly draped around the body.As far as salwar-kameez is concerned numerous styles and patterns can be given to this garment. For instance the kameez can be long, short, A-line, skin tight, etc.

Indian Clothing

What makes the Indian couture so unique is the fact that you will find each and every state of the country having its own distinct traditional clothing for men and women. For instance, the salwaar kameez is the ethnic attire of women in Punjab; the Mekhala Chadar is worn by Assamese women, and so on. However, all types of Indian clothing look very elegant and Indians wear them with a lot of pride. The festivities and other special occasions are the time when you can see maximum Indians donning their ethnic garb, be it sari, kurta pajama or dhoti. A sari is long strip of colorful multi-patterned cloth seductively wrapped around the body, teemed with a blouse! It's the traditional dress for the women folk in India and there are many styles in which you can drape it. The blouse worn with sari is also called the choli or ravika. The salwaar kameez, on the other hand, is the most ubiquitous of all traditional women attires in India. Due to its popularity in the Punjab region, it is sometimes also called the Punjabi suit. The Indian men's traditional attire consists of the kurta and pajama, dhoti, lungi and other dresses. Worn on both formal and informal occasions, kurta and pajama are quite popular dress of Indian men.

The kurta is like a loose long shirt almost reaching the knees, whereas the Pyjama is a lightweight drawstring trouser. The men's dhoti is a rectangular piece of unstitched cloth about five yards long, wrapped about the waist and the legs and knotted at the waist. It is known by different names like Laacha in Punjabi, Mundu in Malayalam, Dhuti in Bangla, etc.

This the land of culture and heritage. In India, there are many different casts and religions. Different people have different tastes, and their choices regarding fashion varies. Indian fashion is greatly influenced by its background and cultural heritage. India is well known for its dresses and classy fashion styles all around the world. Indian women wear their traditional dresses, while men can be seen in more conventional western clothing like shirts and trousers.
Indian Salwar Kameez Dresses:Salwar Kameez is a traditional outfit worn both in India and Pakistan. It is the national dress in Pakistan. It is also popular among women in India. The salwar kameez, or salwar suit consists of a kameez (shirt), salwar (trousers) and dopatta (scraf).

Indian wedding dresses:The Indian wedding dress or Bridal dress is given a lot of importance in India. Indian wedding dresses come in different fabrics from cotton to silk, from georgettes to crapes. There is no limit as far as variety in Indian bridal dresses are concerned.

Formal Indian Dresses:Indian formal dresses are quite unique in designs and always have heavy hand embroidery. Formal clothing for an outing is required to be exquisite and complete. Simple material with a simple style can be brought to look expensive.

Lehnga:Indain Lehnga choli, (Langa or Lengha) are available for women of all sizes. Lehnga Cholis have a beautiful history in India. Extremely beautiful and suitable to all female shapes, these Lehnga dresses are often hand decorated in the traditional designs of India.
Saree (Sari):The traditional Indian dress is the Sari which can be worn in many ways. Underneath the sari one wears a Petticoat, a waist to floor length skirt, tied tightly at the waist by a drawstring and a Cholli.

Casual Indian Dresses:Indian casual dresses are available in numerous designs and colors. Salwar Kameez is most commonly used dress in casual wear. Indian casual dresses are made on printed fabrics and fabrics with embroidery work.

Such variations can be done to salwar as well as dupattas. Modern version of kameez is known as kurti, it could be coupled with jeans, pants or churidar. It has taken the form of Indo-western outfit. People in western countries too have started wearing kurtis.Emergence of mall cultureMall culture is slowly and steadily growing in India. Many brands and private labels are launched in the Indian market. The first such retail outlet was Shopper's Stop which launched India's first multi-brand store in the year 1993.

The specialty of such malls is that they offer a wide range of varied branded stuff, all under single roof. Some of the famous malls of India are Pantaloons, Westside, Lifestyle, Globus, etc. These retail outlets have also launched clothing line under private labels, manufactured and sold by them. For example- Pantaloons has many private labels under its brand like All, Fashion station and Mela. Some of the major private labels even operate as exclusive stores. The buyer gets an international shopping experience in such retail outlets. There are no nagging sales persons pressurizing the customers to buy.Family stores are becoming hot favorite shopping hub for the middle-class and upper middle class shoppers. These stores sell garments of nearly all age groups and sexes. Apparels of various brands can be found in family stores. They are being considered as one-stop shopping destination. Roopam, Big Bazaar, Fashion station, V-mart, Maxx, etc are examples of some family stores.

Fashion in Pakistan

2009-11-20T04:52:00.000-08:00

Salwar Kameez History

Salwar kameez dates back to the 12th century since of Islamic or the Iranian era which was then followed by the Mughal empire in the region now called as India and Pakistan.During those days, men and women both were used to wear salwar kameez as part of the traditional dress but over the years Salwar Kameez has d its popularity in India and Pakistan and the salwar kameez is still getting worn in the continent.Salwar kameez is also known as salwar qameez and has evolved itself over the centuries in a mix of Indian and western wear.Salwar Kameez is popular as its comfortable to wear in day to day casual wear and also in weddings, functions and ceremonies. Salwar Kameez is being made with various fabrics like Georgette salwar kameez, chiffon salwar kameez, net salwar kameez, satin salwar kameez, cotton salwar kameez, silk salwar kameez and other fabrics including the latest trend of fusion fabrics which is mix of the above and synthetic fabric.

The Salwar Kameez has transformed itself over many years into various styles, designs and cuts so even the name has seen lot of variation over the decades. While the Salwar Qameez originated during the Mughal Empire when Urdu was the commonly spoken language of the era. But over the years Hindi as Urdu became less common and Hindi language became the common language of the present era the original name came as salwar kameez.Although In Pakistan where Urdu is still commonly used its still known as salwar qameez or shalwar, but in India and Punjab region of Pakistan its known as Salwar Kameez.The salwar kameez can be further categorized into:

1.Patiala Salwar Kameez - Patiala Salwar Kameez as the name suggests comes from Patiala in the State of Punjab in Northern India. The King of Patiala in earlier times had its Royal dress as Salwar Kameez or Salwar Qameez. The salwar kameez has lowers as salwar and long knee length top known as kameez. Now the dress is not getting worn by men but has classically transformed itself with new cuts and styling into women salwar kameez.

2.Churidar Salwar Kameez – Churidar Salwar Kameez is known for its sleek look. Churidar Salwar Kameez is preferred by lots of female as it looks elegant and gives shape to the body. This salwar kameez has body hugging salwar which is tightly gripped to the body like a stocking. Its comfortable to wear and is very narrow around the ankle area.

3.Cotton Salwar Kameez - The cotton salwar kameez comes in various fabrics like South cotton, blend of cotton and silk and pure cotton due to high production of cotton which is comfortable fabric in the Indian and Pakistani region as it's comfortable to wear in summers.

4.Designer Salwar Kameez - Designer Salwar kameez are made by fashion designers and normally have lots of hand embroidery work which is done in pearls, stones, beads and sequins. Although every designer has its own approach while designing a salwar kameez the basics still remains the same. The designer is known to give various cuts and styles around the neck, sleeves, kameez and churidar of a salwar kameez which can change the complete look of the salwar kameez.

5.Printed Salwar Kameez - These are called Printed salwar kameez as they are machine printed or digitally printed on all kinds of fabrics like Georgette, crepe, cotton, chiffon and other materials. The Printed Salwar Kameez has a wide range of designs from flowers to polka-dot to abstract to other prints. The latest in fashion are the digital prints on the printed salwar kameez which include variety of colors.

6.Punjabi Salwar Kameez - Punjabi salwar kameez, the name comes from Punjab an Indian state in the north western region of India. These salwar kameez are also known as Punjabi salwar kameez. Punjabi women are fond of bright colobright colored Salwar kameez and dupatta. The Punjabi suit consists of an upper known as Kameez, Dupatta which is a piece of cloth worn around the neck and lower known as salwar. The Salwar is comfortably loose around the waist till the ankle making it a very comfortable dress. The bright printed colors or heavy embroidery of stones, sequins and beads is must on a Punjabi suit.

7.Silk Salwar Kameez - The Silk Salwar Kameez is never out of fashion as its the fabric for special occasions like weddings, ceremonies, party or even get together. The silk salwar kameez gives a very rich look to the dress due to its shine. The silk used in salwar kameez has started coming in various combinations besides pure silk like Chiffon silk, pure silk, satin silk, paper silk, crepe silk and tussar silk.

8.Wedding Salwar Kameez - Wedding Salwar Kameez are heavy salwar kameez which means they have lot of hand embroidery all over salwar kameez including the kameez, salwar and the sleeves. The work is mainly of beads, sequin and stones. The work is similar to jaal work or iompletely filled up. One wedding salwar kameez may take many days of a hand embroidery person to make as the work is so delicate and intrinsic. The wedding salwar kameez gets the name not only due to the hand work involved in it, but also due to its heavy work it can get worn in wedding and other functions.

9.Bridal Salwar Kameez - The bridal salwar kameez is for bride to wear on her wedding day or prior to the wedding day on a ceremony. This salwar kameez is normally in pink or red color due to the auspicious occasion. The salwar kameez is heavily done up with hand embroidery work with stones and other material.

Pakistan: Traditional Clothing

Although many different cultures may have found their way into Pakistan, certain things remain unchanged despite various influences. Here’s a look at the traditional clothing of Pakistan that remains to be the most favored ensemble out here.

Despite the presence of certain conservative areas in Pakistan, one can see the effect of many cultures in the society off late. Pakistan today, shows a mix of various cultures and traditions seen in the dressing as well as food habits of a person. Pakistanis display a strong attachment to cricket (although the national sport is field hockey) and fanatics completely immerse themselves into this game. Off late, Pakistani music has also made a mark especially in India. ‘Junoon’, a Pakistani rock group has recently established its own identity in India. ‘Strings’ tasted success with their song ‘Sar Kiye Yeh Pahar’ and had many more songs to their credit following this track. Despite the success of Pakistani songs and singers (of the likes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan) particularly in India, Indian movies face a Government ban regardless of their popularity with Pakistanis! There are many factors that help to establish the identity of a nation despite all these influences. Be it the language or the sense of dressing, there are many more things, which speak volumes about the culture of a particular nation.

With the effects of globalization; currently, Pakistan also tends to be heavily influenced with cultures from the west. One can even witness a mixture of various cuisines out here. Even then, most families stick to their traditions and customs. This is probably why you can find a blend of the modern cultures and traditions in Pakistan.One feature still prevalent in Pakistan is the traditional clothing seen out here. There are many women and men who prefer to stick to traditional clothing of Pakistan although a majority wears western attire. Pakistani clothing, like Indian clothing, holds significance during many ceremonies and festivals celebrated throughout the year. Various forms of Pakistani traditional clothing are on similar lines to those spotted in India! Here’s a detailed look at the traditional clothing of Pakistan.

Traditional Clothing of Pakistan:Salwar kameez (shalwar qameez) is the national dress of Pakistan. Salwars are loose trousers designed in various styles. Originally, the salwars were flared towards the bottom with embellishments or fancy cutwork. Today, there are many variations of the same.

At times, the bottom of the salwar is narrow and fitting. The salwar kameez is important especially during the festivals celebrated in Pakistan, for men as well as women. Salwar kameez is also popular due to the comfort factor. The salwar is tied at the waist with the help of a drawstring and more recently; elastic is also used for the same purpose. The fit is generally baggy or tapering. Narrow tight fitting salwars are known as churidars. These have become a rage in the recent years even in India. The kameez is large and loose fitting tunic worn with the baggy salwar. Men as well as women wear the same attire, with a difference in the colors used, fits, silhouettes and the kind of embellishments used. Interesting patterns woven with lace are used to add femininity to the kameez. Women also use a dupatta with the salwar kameez.

Dupattas are long yards of cloth available along with the salwar kameez because their color and pattern is coordinated as per the entire ensemble. Women also wear scarves or shawls with the salwar kameez that is used to wrap around the head and neck area. A variety of synthetic or cotton fabrics are used in the creation of the salwar kameez.

Although the sherwani originated in India during the 18th century, it is also the national dress for men in Pakistan. Off late, sherwanis designed for women are gaining popularity. A sherwani is a long coat worn with a salwar. Sherwanis are generally made from heavy fabrics. The achkan is yet another important dress of Pakistan. An achkan is a long jacket, which also originated in the 19th century in India. These are long sleeved coats reaching all the way to the knees. At times, achkan can even go lower. Apart from the traditional clothing worn by Pakistanis, on similar lines with India, one can see other forms of western attire as well. But the traditional clothing definitely has a strong foothold in the modern society even today.

Wedding Dresses

Fashion In Sri Lanka

2009-11-20T03:10:00.000-08:00

What to wear in Sri Lanka

It's a mix of Eastern and Western fashions. Young people invariabaly wear jeans and the author whouldn't be seen dead without his. Even older people sometimes choose to wear jeans. Teenagers and wear shorts and T-shirst as well.

To be really comfortable you should choose clothes made of cotton. Shirts should be light as possible. Bright sunshine during the day make dark colored clothing too warm. Sri Lankan's however are not particular about the color of their clothes unless it's for a formal gathering.
For office wear ladies choose Sarees, dresses or skirt and blouses. Men where shirt and trousers or the National dress. (white sarong and a white shirt that comes almost down to the knees). Business suits are hardly ever worn. Everyone will wear a tie though.

For the evenings and functions, gents don a suit or national dress for formal occasions. Ladies where dresses, or sarees.
At the beach (or anywhere else for that matter) nudism is taboo. The smallest of bikini is acceptable.

What is the Traditional Clothing in Sri Lanka?

Ancient Dress of Sri Lanka( TheTopless Saari)

Tradition of Wearing Saari among Young Girls

the traditional clothing of Sri Lanka is actually very interesting! The women (near the age of marrying or already married) normally wear saree's as traditional clothing. Little girls wear pavadai sattai which is pretty much a skirt with a design and a blouse. The aged girls (who have reached puberty) normally wear half sarre's which is like a saree but not fully, there would be a long scarf or cloth to put on your left shoulder and gets tucked in your skirt and it is like a pavadai sattai too! the men wear patta vetty which is a shirt and a long cloth which they wrap around their waist. or they may wear panjabi's which are very similar to women panjabi's. They are just a blouse which pants and a scarf. Pretty simple huh?

Saari In The Royal Fashion

Fashion in Vietnam

2009-11-20T02:03:00.000-08:00

Vietnam is a country known for its diverse culture and traditions. The Vietnamese are very simple people, which are mirrored in their way of living, the culture of Vietnam and especially in their clothes. Fashion in Vietnam has a touch of elegance and smartness. Well, evidently the Vietnamese dress very well. Even though, Vietnamese fashion has regional differences, especially in North and South Vietnam and among the various classes, but in some way or other their traditional way of dressing is similar and definitely sets them apart.
Traditional Fashion in Vietnam

The Vietnamese have several ethnic outfits which are as simple as the people of Vietnam. Each outfit shows how much they value comfort in dressing. Some of their ethnic wears are:
- A silk shirt and trouser worn by the Northern locals, which is called Ao Ba Ba.
- Fashion in Vietnam differs between cities and towns. The traditional Vietnamese outfit in the city is a little different. For the men it is simple brown shirts and white pants, accompanied by a headdress, which is just a cloth draped around the head. For the formal occasions they just add a long robe with cuts on both sides and a turban, to their daily clothes.
- Young women in the cities wear short shirts of light brown color and long black skirts. Their ceremonial clothing is known as Áo Dài, consisting of a long dress graduated in three layers which has a slit on any one side. The next layer of garment is called Ao Tu Tha, this one has four cuts in its lower part and is brown in color, the second layer is yellow and the third one is pink. This is fashion in Vietnam at its elegant best.
- To add to this the women also wear a palm hat, which is tapering in shape and is called Non Bai Tho.

Á o Dài the National Dress of Vietnam

Áo Dài, the national dress of Vietnam actually means a “long dress”. It has been in existence for ages, from the beginning of the 18th century. Originally it was called Ao Ngu Than. Right from the beginning the Áo Dài has gone through several alterations; however its basic form, consisting of a long flowing skirt, remains the same even now. In modern times the Áo Dài is worn mainly by women, especially during all festive occasions. More than anything else it is still the one and only marriage trousseau. Also, wearing the Áo Dài has been made compulsory in many senior schools. The popularity of the Áo Dài is not just limited to Vietnam but has spread all over the world. The Áo Dài has become like a national symbol of Vietnam. This age old fashion in Vietnam has set the trend for several modern international fashion designers and has been featured in Hollywood movies as well.

Modern Fashion in Vietnam
Modern Vietnamese fashion has been subject to a lot of western influence. Young Vietnamese women wear a lot of dresses and skirts on a daily basis and men wear shirts and trousers. Apart from this, the modern Vietnamese themselves are trying to work more on their traditions and the city now has a budding fashion industry. Fashion designers from Vietnam like Minh Hanh and Le Minh Khoa, are known internationally as well.

A beautiful country with lovely people, that’s what Vietnam is all about and the Vietnamese fashion is just a peek into their wonderful lifestyle.

Wedding Suits In Vietnam

Vietnam Beauty Contest 2008 crowning to be held in Hoi An

The final round of the Vietnam Beauty Contest 2008 will kick off in ancient Hoi An town of central Quang Nam province in mid August, said the contest’s organising board at a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City on May 20.

The 20 th beauty contest, launched by the Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper, aims to attract Vietnamese girls aged between 18-27. The contestants must be over 1.60m tall and neither married nor have children. The regulations also stipulate they must not have undergone cosmetic or sex change surgery.Participants who pass the first qualifying round will travel to the next round of competition in Hanoi and HCM City , before the finalists compete for the Miss

Vietnam Beauty title in Hoi An on August 31.The winner will be awarded the prize of 150 million VND and one trip abroad and her runners-up will get 80 million VND and 60 million VND, respectively.

Participants of Miss Vietnam Contest

Fashion Photography

2009-11-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

History of Fashion Photography

Often, the creative desires of the photographers are at odds with the intentions of the editor, as Anna Wintour, fashion editor at Vogue, illustrates: Our needs are simple. We want a photographer to take a dress, make the girl look pretty, give us lots of images to choose from, and not give us any attitude. Photographers - if they are any good - want to create art.

Through this tension have come about some of the most memorable images in the history of photography, transcending the time in which they were made, and representing that time for us today. I became actively interested in fashion photography when, in 1991, I saw an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, detailing the development of the genre in the post war years. I found many of the images extremely captivating and interesting. Though I had enjoyed the fashion photography of contemporary magazines such as Harpers and Queen and Vogue, I had never before seen so many original prints from earlier decades and I responded to them with enthusiasm, hoping to introduce elements of their technique and atmosphere into my own photography. I intend to use this piece of writing as an opportunity not only to learn more about the history and development of the fashion photograph, but also to analyse, by the use of many of my favourite images, what it is that underlies their timeless appeal, and, from the point of view of a student of photography, the techniques the photographers used to achieve their desired effects. The precursors of fashion photography go back to the eighteenth century, when images of fashionable clothes were printed in magazines and often hand-coloured. Paris was at that time a centre for the production of such magazines, many of which were imported into England. Figure 1 shows a typical example of such an image. The technique of photography was developed in the 1830s, but it wasn't until much later that the métier of fashion photography came into existence. The earliest popular photographic technique, the daguerreotype, could not be used for mass printing. A later technique enabled the production of the "Carte de Visite" which were made for individuals and which also depicted famous theatre and music hall personalities of the age. It wasn't until advances in halftone printing techniques that fashion photographs came to be featured in magazines. This happened in about the first decade of the 20th century. Baron de Meyer (1868 - 1946) called "The Debussy of the Camera", had wealthy, though not aristocratic origins. He was born Demeyer Watson, of a French father and a Scottish mother, and grew up in Saxony. He came to London and married into nobility. He was given the title Baron de Meyer and set out on a life of extravagant entertaining His main characteristic was a wonderful use of backlighting and the soft-focus lens. In Fig. 2, we see many of the characteristics of his style. Though static, the pose is natural, and the picture is arranged using a strong pattern of vertical elements, giving a sense of authority and formality. We can see a clear use of the "rule of thirds" in the placement of the curtains and chair. What strikes us as being special to Baron de Meyer, however, are the glinting reflections from the background material and the jewels. The overall key is a light grey, the only dark areas being around the sitter's face, arms and lap. It's interesting to note that the chair is hardly a suitably aristocratic-looking piece of furniture, but perhaps he chose if for its colour, more than anything else. Edward Jean Steichen (1879-1973) was born in Luxembourg, but his family moved to the USA in 1881. With Alfred Stieglitz, he founded the Photo-Secession Galleries in New York. He first photographed fashion models in 1911 for the magazine "Art and Decoration", and worked with Conde Nast during the twenties. The photo above (fig. 3) was made for American Vogue in 1920, and shows Marian Moorehouse, wife of the poet E.E. Cummings, wearing a Chanel gown. The arrangement of rectangular shapes shows the influence of constructivist art, which was influential at the time. The vertically placed white rectangular card has been carefully positioned to show the shape of the falling drapery, which shows signs of considerable retouching. A piece of horizontally placed black card provides further contrast. The head and shoulders stand out from the mid grey of the wall, and the toe of the shoe, pointing elegantly downwards, protrudes into the area of white on the floor. A white and black vertical band just to the left of the model, divides the upper part of the picture, and completes the background. The lighting is a combination of general light plus sidelighting, on both sides, giving the flesh tones a mid to high key, contrasting with the solid blacks. This image skilfully uses very simple props to create an elegant arrangement of forms, modernist in flavour, but classical in order and arrangement. George Hoyningen-Huene (1900 - 1968) was another of the aristocratic practitioners of early fashion photography, and did most of his most memorable work between the mid-twenties and the end of the Second World War. He was born in St Petersburg, but moved to Paris in 1920, where he first did fashion illustration and then photography. He moved to New York in 1935, and worked mainly for Harper's Bazaar. He spent the latter part of his life in California.

How to Become a Fashion Photographer

To Become a successful fashion photographer you must love clothes and to know how to work with a model.

Of all the qualities, imagination heads the list. In spite of the comparative simplicity that marks many fashion photographs today every picture is the product of some photographers imagination.

You will need to approach each photo with a fresh slant.
The background must be harmonious with the merchandise. It must accent it without distracting the eye from the outfit that is featured in the photograph.

The basic rule in fashion photography is concentrate on the merchandise. The merchandise is all important.

Your image needs to sell the product and you need to develop a “feeling” for the garment.
This feeling involves many things. Firstly, it guides the photographer in the selection of an appropriate background; casual, beach, glamour or street depending on the type of the garment.
Second, it “keys” the photographers lighting. If the texture of the gown is important, the photographer will light it one way or another. The clothing feeling is instinctive with some photographers and comes only with experience with others.

Study From the Masters

You should build up a library of a file of fashion magazines as many as you can find! Some old fashion magazines can be found valuable as the fashion changes and you can be inspired by some old approach and find out when the “old” is due to become “the latest” again.
Your file heading should read “backgrounds” “Poses” “Lighting” “Single Figure” “Two Figure” “Groups” etc.

These files will help you to study the fashion photographs of the masters and to find yourself that some pictures will appeal to you move than others. Try to study how they did it and what kind of the tricks they use to achieve effects. It will also give you a better idea of what you will actually need in the way of a studio and equipment.

Minimum Studio Equipment
Two large format digital cameras (20 million MP) and
One DSLR (11 million MP) for location and studio
One tripod
Additional lenses filters
One good and reliable exposure meter
Lighting units
Studio screens, preferable large and white
Background reflectors
Posing stands
Small dressing room
Bright lighted mirror and shelf for cosmetics.
Nine feet is the minimum height for a studio as some time you will need to shoot from above and 15 feet on each side.

Handling the Model

As your dealing with human beings, the first basic rule is don’t yell!
Keep your voice low and your temper and try to pose her calmly to achieve your goal. Without a friendly feeling between you and your model you will not achieve a successful fashion shoot it is exactly like in every relationship between two people.

Be patient and choose a model not just for her looks but also for her personality. Constantly talk to her, encourage her and compliment her and if you can even joke with her it will make the atmosphere more fun and the model will get relaxed and she will begin to pose with more freedom and east. With more smiles and more flirtatiousness. With luck, you will get the shots you want in one session. Do not forget to give her time off for a break and for yourself.

In choosing a model look for long, thin legs, a small waistline, slender hips and disproportionately broad shoulders. This is the look that most woman in the western world admire. She believes that she can look like the girl in the photograph if only she buys that outfit.

It’s your job to make her want to buy it!

When shooting, don’t forget to analyze the lighting on the way it falls on the garment.
Study it and learn what is the best way to emphasize the light over the piece of cloth to make it look desired.
Try to improvise in cases that the clothes do not suit your model size such as using clips on the back of the clothes to tuck them in.
Manufacturers expect you to return their merchandise in good condition. Make sure that model dresses carefully. BE PROFESSIONAL!

Location Shooting
On location use DSLR and before you go look and your file for inspiration. Try to fit the look to the location mood.
Models for action, outdoor fashion pictures need different qualifications from models for high fashion.

If you are looking for such a model when there is no agency close by, try to look at your nearest dancing school. Trained dancers are usually attractive, healthy girls that can learn modeling easily and become because they are performing in public they will be far less self conscious than the average non-professional girl.

To get good clothing for the beginner fashion photographer, contact clothing stores in your town and ask if you can rent them for 10-20% of their value.

Also look in any market or second hand shops/flea markets for interesting props.
Choose props carefully for your photographs. You can also develop a connection with a shop for renting pros from them like an interesting radio, tv screen etc. it also applies to animal use and cars.

On Location Recommended Points

• The simpler the background the better!
• Blue sky is preferred by many photographers.
• Look for correct color balance for the outfit and the background including the relationship between the two.
• Public buildings are usually architecturally interesting.
• Make a list of places that you visit and like and create a location list for future work.
• Shooting outdoor is a challenge as you are out of your studio where you control the light and effect and on location you have to consider the weather that is constantly changing.
• So these are necessary for working in the field.
• A good fill flash and reflectors do not work between 11am-2pm.
• An overhead sun causes heavily shadowed eye sockets and white bleached nose.
• The long shadows of early morning or evening are soft and decorative.

Remember as one master photographer summed up “anyone can become a great fashion photographer. All you have to do is make a $3 dress look like $300!”

Digital Photography

Fashion Photography

A Career in Fashion Photography
Fashion photography to many entails dreams of huge paychecks and a glamorous lifestyle, but it is very difficult to attain this level of success in fashion houses and magazines. For every one talented young photographer, hundreds are left at the sidewalk, only dreaming about the moment that their photographs will be chosen and published in a fashion publication.
Here are a few fashion photography tips for anyone looking to get started in fashion photography. The first tip is study your subject and realized that you can never learn enough. Study any and every fashion magazine you can get your hands on. There are a number of fantastic books on fashion and model photography available. Amazon.com is a great place to find some. You are going to need one or two good cameras, a tripod, and a lighting system. Always make sure that you have plenty of extra film and batteries on hand. SLR and digital cameras take different photos, so you want to choose one that is best suited for your field.
When submitting your fashion photography work, always have your portfolio on hand, in case the editor of the fashion magazine wants to see samples. When putting together your portfolio, sharp images on a 4 X 5” transparency will showcase your work best. If your work has already been published, regardless of whether it was a local newspaper, magazine, or contest, a tear sheet (literally a sheet torn from a magazine) should always be included in a portfolio. Be sure to have at least 20 photographs in your portfolio preferably with different styles.
Remember, fashion includes not only clothing, but jewelry and accessories as well. A luxurious watch from a high end manufacturer adorned on the slender wrist of a beautiful woman would make for a great fashion shoot. If you are applying for a high fashion photography job, be prepared to leave your portfolio behind for an extended period of time. I would advice you to make copies and have several extra on hand in case you need to leave yours behind for some time. This will comes in hand when showcasing your work to many different people when looking for fashion work.

In this modern of the internet, it is imperative that you display your talent as a high fashion photographer online as well. Set up a website with samples of your work. Submit your photos to online contests. Submit them to online fashion gallerys and stock image sites. This will help to get your work seen so that people can see your high fashion photography skills.
Most fashion editors are looking for your individual personality in the photographs that you take. Every fashion photographer captures the essence of the fashion item and its model in their own unique way. Therefore, you want to learn from what other successful fashion photographers are doing, but you need to develop your own unique style. The key is to set yourself from apart from others with your photos. Most importantly, if this is truly your dream, never give up. If you stay persistent and continue to learn and evolve, success will come your way.

Night Photography

Night photography can be challenging but rewarding.
Night photography is where many people come up disappointed with the results. Why? Because lack of light presents problems with cameras.Cameras rely on light to take images, so presenting the camera with a complete lack of light to work with can choke it up and without proper knowledge by the operator, can result in images of pitch black or blurs.
In this section of the site we will go over some handy tips for night photography which cover all aspects of night photography exposure.

Night photography techniques are easily learned and once you master them you can truly take some spectacular shots of things like traffic, city lights and even night sky photography focusing on the moon.

Night sports photography presents another challenge for the photographer. Combine lack of light with fast moving objects and it’s a recipe for disaster! Well that’s unless you know what you're doing which you will after reading our article!
Ferris wheel at night.
Night photography relies heavily on shutter speed choice as well as the lens and camera you are using.
I

have to say that my favorite night subject has to be when I’m standing atop a tall building in the city looking down on the traffic.I love the blur effect you can achieve with all the traffic lights and car lights, just like the image shown above.
I’m also a fan of going to the amusement park at night and taking shots of the lit up ferris wheel.
As you can see, night photography can be a spectacular form of imagery once you have mastered the basics.

Sports Photography

Sports photography is perhaps the most challenging form of photography. Because you are almost always dealing with fast moving people, you need to be very quick and your camera needs to be even quicker.
It takes practice to get good motor racing shots.
Professional sports photographers use SLR cameras which are able to fire off rapidly successive photos, often 5 frames per second. Whilst many consumer grade SLR cameras can fire around 3 frames per second, you'll still need skill to capture sports action without unwanted blurring.
In this section we will cover:Indoor sports photographyMotor sport photographyTennis photographySoccer photographyProfessional sports photographyExtreme sports photography
I'll also give out some of my best sports photography tips.
Camera and lenses are everything with sports photography so you'll need to learn all about the latest and best sports photography lenses and the best sports photography cameras which are within your budget. In actual fact you can use any camera to take sports photos, it’s just that some cameras do better than others.
Sports photography equipment often involves more than just a camera. If you're serious about it then you'll need a tripod or monopod, a dirt proof and waterproof bag, filters and various other accessories.

Nature Photography

Nature photography is a highly rewarding past time and for some people, it’s a career (if you're lucky enough to be employed by National Geographic!).
In my opinion there is nothing more rewarding than setting out for a day of bushwalking or hiking with your camera and spotting all sorts of creatures and ultimately, being able to take spectacular photos of them.
If you want to try bird photography you will no doubt need a big telephoto lens and alot of patience. Some people set out to spot certain species of birds and this often means sitting in the same spot for hours on end in the hope that the bird will come along. This obviously takes patience but is well worth it once you have a picture of that species that is rarely seen by man.
Nature photography is all about waiting for the right moment.
I suggest picking up the nature photography field guide which covers the basics of nature photography.
Nature and wildlife photography are two different things. Nature photography involves taking photos of anything in nature, whether nits living or not. Wildlife photography is a little more challenging since you are working with living, moving objects.
There are nature photography workshops which teach you advanced techniques. These are great for beginners and advanced photographers.
In this section of the site we'll cover the best cameras for wildlife photography as well as lens choices for wildlife photography.
You'll also get some great wildlife photography tips and we'll talk about the most recommended wildlife photography books to enhance your skills.
Professional nature photography is something that many amateurs aspire to but unfortunately it’s a very competitive field to break into so you are best advised to simply enjoy your photography and if you are a budding publisher, consider setting up a page at www.flickr.com where you can share your photos with the world.

Landscape Photography

An example of a landscape photo.
Landscape photography is the art of taking photos of wide open areas such as mountains, seas and plains.
Landscape photography can also involve things like waterfalls and houses. Basically, landscape refers to a wide area of view. The wider your lens or camera allows you to view, the better your photos will look as you can fit more in.
Some popular landscape photography locations include: Mountains Waterfalls Skies / Sunsets Caves Coastlines Deserts Beaches Islands Lakes
Landscape waterfall photography is perhaps the most difficult form to master as there are many combinations you can use to cause desired effects such as slow moving water or fast moving water.
There is a technique called HDR landscape photography which involves combining photos together to form a very well exposed photo. We will cover this in detail in a separate article.
You’ll also learn some great landscape photography tips and some ideas for landscape photography techniques.
For a bigger challenge consider trying night landscape photography where you'll have to really put your thinking cap on to be able to get a good exposure at night time. Highways full of traffic and city lights are perfect subjects for this.
In this section I will review some excellent landscape photography books and talk about the best landscape photography lenses available today.

Points to Consider For Great Digital Shots

If you are new to digital photography then you should first start off with a compact model before moving on to a more serious pro level camera. Once you are done with the basics of digital photography, it is time to buy a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera and get serious about your photography hobbies. DSLR can be expensive, but even if you buy a DSLR worth five thousand dollars or more, you might not be able to use the magnificent piece of technology to its full potential until and unless you learn a few things about it first.

The very first thing to remember is to observe your subject well and then focus on the part that you want to highlight with your photograph. Zoom in to narrow your view which will allow you to focus on the desired point better. A good photo must have balance, but you can also experiment by creating balance through contrast and complement.

Always try to capture your photos from an angle, that is try to avoid shooting your subject in a straight line. If however, the subject is stationary in a straight line, you must move to the sides appropriately enough to get a desired angle on your shot. Along with angles, take note of the height as well. Try not to capture your subject from a far away height as that may result in the subject losing its focus. Lower vantage points are preferred if you have the subject to focus on, but higher vantage points will work well in case of landscape or other background snaps.

Avoid using flash to shoot as images lose their natural color when capture under the flash. Human beings appear paler and everything attains unnatural colors and looks artificial. Natural lighting is the best for photography, but if not available, then make the best use of whatever light source you have. Master the settings of your Digital Single Lens Reflex camera ISO speed, shutter speed and aperture timing to attain great photos even in near dark situations. If you can understand these three settings well, then you will make the best use of light always.

What sets apart DSLR cameras is mainly the facility to be fitted with macro, telescopic and wide-angle lenses which make your camera so much more powerful. Be it the moon or the tiniest details on the ladybird back or wide and vast scenery, you will capture them all with equal ease. Even after capturing your photos with all the effort that you put in, you still can do so much! Use a filter or any good photo editor software to further modify your picture until you achieve that perfect look. You will realize that as you move on with your photography, be it profession or hobby, you are discovering new areas everyday and the experience will only help in further nurturing your innate skills.

How to Select a Digital Camera For Personal Needs

It is not necessarily that crucial to rely on the brand name when attempting to select the best digital camera. Value is most likely a consideration unless it is for a professional and serious type photographer. However, it is important to note that quality must be factored in with the value. Cheaper can be good; just plain cheap most likely will not be.
Shopping around can be fun and helpful to find the best personal use digital camera; it can also buy some time to save extra money towards the final purchase. Online searches are available that compare functions, features, and costs. If one is a sort of amateur photographer in addition to personal photo usage, then a higher quality and slightly costlier digital camera may be purchased. Researching and asking more experienced photographers can help narrow the options down in this case.
Most people currently use their digital cameras to take personal photos, like pictures of family gatherings and members, or of landscapes and sites visited. These same people are also most likely to use a computer, and they will probably want to upload their digital pictures to their hard drive or a disk in order to save time, money and space. There are very few casual camera users who wish to mess with the hassle of taking photos, unloading the film and dropping it off, then later going to pay for and pick up the pictures. Then they must be placed into an album or scrapbook.
Social networking is all the rage currently, and even parents and grandparents have become part of this internet phenomenon. If digital photos are available on hard drive or disk, then the novice social networker can easily upload these to their site; this is easy and fun, as well as a great source of pride for grandparents. Choosing a very durable digital camera is necessary especially if it will be used frequently (by grandma), and/or if it will travel with the user often.
Resolution is another consideration to make in your choice of the right digital camera. Decent high resolution quality of a medium range is advisable for the amateur family and social networker. Higher resolution is necessary for the amateur freelance photographer or anyone that may be taking action shots or changing subjects and environments often.
Selecting the best digital photo camera for personal needs does not have to be very difficult, time consuming, or even very expensive. Following the above tips, visiting camera stores, asking questions of friends, and doing online searches to compare different digital cameras will insure that the search is painless. Then the best digital camera for personal use will be obtained.
Another way to compare prices and features is to go online to camera review sites. They have a variety of different models and brands, and compare their features, as well as their pros and cons. They also compare prices over many companies, so it is easy to find the best deals. Most major electronics stores also have comparison features when searching for products on their websites.
There are also websites that explain in detail what digital cameras are, what they do, and what things can be expected to get from the purchase. Digital cameras are fun, easy to use, and readily affordable for the general public.

Hardware and Software Requirements For Digital Photography

Photographers are a lot like drug addicts. They start off with a simple point and shoot automatic camera and, if the bug bites them, they start hiding spare change from their spouse to buy film or the next greatest fix... I mean toy. From then on only a twelve step program has a chance of curbing the addiction. The moment I started clicking a camera's shutter I was hooked and there is still no redemption in sight. As I started to get good images it justified my addiction and the expenditures that followed. I'm pretty sure I never took food from the mouths of my children, but I can't be certain. The digital revolution has even deepened the addiction with the instant gratification of image preview.

Digital cameras have saved folks so much money on film but there are many hidden costs with digital. If you want to do something with your images besides take them to one of those kiosks to print some images you will see a need for a computer and some software. You can be happy for a long time with free software like The Gimp or Picasa that does some pretty cool stuff. But, at some time, when quality becomes as important as the image itself, you are going to worry that these software programs are wrecking your image files. Things you didn't notice will start bugging you; blocked posterized shadows, blown out highlights, loss of tone and detail. The more you tweak them the worse they look.

There will be a new high~ processing a 16 bit file. But to process in 16 bit you need Photoshop. Now you can buy Photoshop Elements for about $90 but it lacks Photoshop's greatest tool, curves. To process without curves is like taking a hike and not really knowing where you are or where you're going. I do all my tone adjustments with curves because you can make very precise tone adjustments without worrying about blown out highlights or blocking shadows. Blown highlights are bright highlight areas that should have detail and tone but have lost them because of camera exposure error or improper adjustments in processing. They are then rendered as pure white. Blocked shadows are pretty much the same problem except the tone and detail loss is in the shadow areas. Curves let you set the highlight and shadow points and only make adjustments to the middle tones.

You can find old versions of Photoshop on Ebay and the web quite reasonably but the latest Photoshop CS4 retails for $700. Ouch! Always be careful when buying anything on Ebay. If it's too good of a deal it is probably a scam. If you are a student or have a child in high school or college you can get a big discount when buying the educational (not upgradable) version. Whatever Photoshop version you get be prepared for a steep learning curve! There are good books that can walk you through the basics and many tutorials on the internet. There are also tons of Photoshop plug-ins that do everything from improving sharpness to smoothing skin.

Another hidden cost in digital photography is your computer. Most people have computers in their homes, especially if they have children. Anyone who has purchased a digital camera in the last year has more mega pixels than they really need for their 4x6 pictures. The more mega pixels you have the larger your image files will be and the more space you need on your computer to store them. Since image files are much larger that text files your computer must also have lots of RAM and fast processors to handle dealing with so much data. I have 3GB of RAM on my computer and three external hard drives to store and back up images. My computer often gives me the hourglass figure when I'm working on large files. If your computer is three years old or more and you mostly do text work it may be too slow for 16 bit image processing. If, on the other hand, your child has just talked you into buying a gaming computer with a high end graphic card you are going to be quite happy. So to operate Photoshop and average sized image files you will need at least 1GB of RAM and at least a 1.8GHz or faster processor, otherwise prepare for some wait time. It's also nice to have an external hard drive to store you images so you don't use up all your computer hard drive space. Your computer also needs at least 1280x800 video display with a 16 bit video card.

Most of us still have film negatives or slides in boxes under our bed or in our closet. Memories of our younger years and images of times we still want to hold onto. Wouldn't it be a nice winter time job to scan all those memories and store them on our computer? Many flat bed scanners scan film although there are scanners made just for film and the quality and resolution is better. When scanning slides or negatives be sure to scan them to a large enough file size and resolution needed to get a good print. I spent many hours scanning old negatives one winter only to discover I scanned them to a too small file size for the print I wanted to make.

Digital imagery has made the printing of photographs a much more exacting science. Instead of having color balance a subjective matter it can now be much more controlled. My camera, software, scanner, and printer all have the same color space. This means that all the different tools used to create, process, and print the image all use the same color palette. As your desire for finer quality prints increases the need to 'print your own' will be the only fix for your new addiction. You will justify the expense of the printer: so you have more control over your art.
After you have amassed the whole assortment of every facet of the photographic process your spouse and children will disown you, your house will be foreclosed, and if you still have a job, it will never again be as important as your new addiction. But it was never your fault; it was that of the person who sold you your first camera.

Pretty Up Your Photos With Photoshop

You may not have a great digital camera or even take great pictures, but by learning Photoshop you can touch up and add effects to any photograph. Of course I'm not saying that your photos will look truly professional, but they can be enhanced, framed and tweaked to be sharper, muted or more exciting than when they were taken.
It's All About Those Special Effects
Here are some examples of effects you can incorporate into your digital photos:
• You can make your photos look like they were taken at the turn of the 20th century with a "sepia" effect (though clothing and digital watches might give your trick away)
• You can add beveled borders to your photo and then print it and place it in a nice wooden frame.
• You can drop pixels from the photo by lowering the resolution of the photo for the look of a very grainy picture.

It's not too hard to learn to use some the basic attributes. But that's only the beginning. Photoshop is widely used by professionals, and has the power to prove it. After you've mastered the basics, you can increase your ability and create very sophisticated image processed effects and incorporate them into documents, presentations and websites. There is nothing like a striking image or photo to grab attention.
The Power Depends on Your Knowledge and Imagination
If you have used the more sophisticated software packages before, you know it can be a chore to get a good grasp on how to do things. And so often, so much power goes to waste just because you don't know how to do it, or you are not aware of what can be done.

One way to overcome the learning curve and get a jump start to productivity, along with the more advanced hints and tricks, is with a good set of computer learning CD's. Before you know it, you would be able to apply your new skills to create special effects on the photos you upload onto your social networking pages (e.g. MySpace, Facebook, Digg, Squidoo, etc.) or your commercial web-site. Who knows, your appetite may be whetted enough to become a professional photographer or designer.

Fshion Mrketing and Merachandising

2009-11-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

What is Fashion Marketing?

What makes someone spend $400 on a pair of shoes, or $150 on a simple t-shirt? What makes someone feel an uncontrollable urge to own uncomfortably baggy pants or killer 6-inch stiletto heels?

Well, if they're really good at what they do, it's fashion marketers.

After designers come up with the latest trends and send them strutting down the runway, it's up to fashion merchandisers and marketers to figure out how to get people to buy the stuff. Their goal is to move clothing out of designers' showrooms and into customers' closets.

Consumers have to be intrigued by the clothing designers create. It has to fulfill their fantasies, not just their basic needs. Consumers want fashion that will project an image--make them feel younger, or more sophisticated, or more glamorous.

Fashion marketers know this very well, and their job is to help create a fantasy to sell clothing to customers, either by savvy advertising and visual marketing campaigns, or by simply selecting clothing from designers that they think will be a hit with customers. Part of their job involves moving trendy items into stores at the time that they are actually a trend. Not moving fast enough can be a fatal error in this occupation. But good fashion marketers and merchandisers also have the power to make trends by heavily promoting certain looks at the right time. In order to be successful at creating trends year after year, these fashion professionals must also have a profound understanding of consumer psychology and social trends.

Fashion marketing and merchandising isn't just one job, but actually a number of jobs. (Fashion marketers generally work to get consumers interested in a fashion, while fashion merchandisers work on presenting clothing in stores.) People in this field can work in both retail and wholesale sales. Some work as buyers, merchandise managers and purchasing agents, selecting and purchasing apparel and accessories from designers, manufacturers or wholesalers for retail sale. Some work on the other side, as manufacturers' representatives, negotiating on behalf of manufacturers with retail stores. Others work as fashion coordinators with the mission of creating a unified look in a retail store, design house or fashion magazine. Still others work as visual merchandisers, designing splashy store displays that will attract customers and help convey a mood. (See the brief on merchandise display artists). Some people who get degrees in fashion marketing/merchandising become managers of retail stores, or opt to open up their own specialized boutique where they can serve a very specific clientele while promoting their own individual style. Others become fashion consultants and fashion forecasters.

Wherever people in this field work, they straddle a line between art and commerce. On the business side they analyze and implement sales strategies, do inventory control and cost analysis, while keeping a steady eye on profits and losses. But on the art side of things, they are creative, stylish, and innovative, recognizing good clothing when they see it with the ability to sell it to the masses.

Specific tasks in this field depend on the exact job. Some duties might include:
Arranging for the receiving, storage and display of merchandise
Attending fashion shows and visiting designer showrooms
Placing orders for clothing and estimating the amount of inventory needed

Pricing clothes.
Designing visual displays and ad campaigns and promotions.
Consulting with fashion designers and fashion consumers.
Keeping tabs on profits, losses and other financial details.
Maintaining the physical appearance of a store.
Hiring and training new employees.

Studying Fashion Merchandising
In the fashion merchandising major, students learn how to manufacture fashions consumers want, and effectively sell those fashions.

Students learn to sell fashions in fashion merchandising programs that are most often found in departments of home economics/human ecology or of textiles and clothing, and occasionally in schools of business. Wherever the program is housed, students usually begin the major with classes in writing, speech, mathematics, history, social science, and natural science.

During the freshman or sophomore year, they take courses such as fashion analysis and textiles, which introduce them to the terms they need to communicate with others in the fashion industry and build their knowledge of fashion products. In advanced courses students learn to organize and operate a clothing retail business; to plan, promote, and manage merchandise inventories; and to calculate retail figures for a profitable business.

Merchandising students may also study historical and multicultural costumes, a field they later draw on to develop special promotions or store events that feature a particular line of merchandise.

Many programs offer internships or field experiences for college credit. Some also offer study tours of major U.S. fashion markets such as New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles, or of European fashion centers. Fashion merchandising students also gain experience using spreadsheets and data base programs on personal computers, which are important tools on the job. Group projects are assigned in advanced courses to help students become effective team players.

The major prepares students for managerial positions in fashion retailing and manufacturing. Through course work, they can prepare to manage a retail firm, to buy goods for a firm, or to work with designers in planning the overall fashion message for an apparel manufacturer. Fashion retailing is a highly competitive industry, and the pace is fast.

Potential Careers
Graduates of fashion merchandising programs have numerous opportunities for careers with department stores, specialty stores, and catalogs. Top students can land positions in executive training programs with major retailers; after the one- or two-year training program, trainees are promoted to buyer. Some typical entry-level jobs are: merchandiser for store or catalog; store manager; personnel manager; operations manager; fashion coordinator; journalist; information director for a fashion-related company or trade association; public relations director.

Fashion Retail Buyer Job Profile

Are you interested in fashion and love a fast-paced working environment? Retail merchandising may be for you! A retail buyer (merchandiser) is responsible for the process that allows the final clothing line to appear in a store. Buyers work with designers to ensure that their brand will represent the most recent trends, negotiate costs with vendors, work with technical designers to ensure the garment fits the customer perfectly, and makes sure the vendors meet the delivery deadline.
Buyers' decisions can directly impact a store's reputation and profits. Buyers are usually under a lot of pressure because they are responsible for buying the merchandise that will keep customers shopping at their store.
Buyers, unlike typical shoppers, must analyze inventory and sales reports, meet with consultants and vendors, attend trade and fashion shows, follow advertisements for competitors, negotiate prices, payment and delivery, and much more. A buyer often works long hours and must travel frequently.
A small store may only have one buyer who is responsible for all the merchandise. However, larger stores usually have assistant or associate buyers who work under the head buyer to purchase items for individual departments. Buyers often start out as assistants or associates in order to learn the trade. Many retailers hire college graduates into a management training programs, and individuals interested in becoming buyers can progress from there.
Buyers should have a good eye for fashions and trends, however this is not the only skill important in a buyer's career. Retail buyers should also have a keen sense of how a business operates, analytical skills, and a willingness to work long hours and bear the weight of the responsibility buying entails.

Fashion Designing is for You

2009-11-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

Do you Have a Flair for Fashion, Sense of Styling and Passion for Fabulous Designs?
If you aspire to become a fashion designer then a creative and exciting career is awaiting you that many people can only dream about.

With big fashion houses like Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Christine Dior or Jimmy Choo have become a big brand; it doesn't come as big surprise as to why, more and more people are inclined to make their career in the fashion designing. With distinctive style, hard work and proper training, you can carve a niche for yourself as a fashion designer.

Fashion Designing Institutes:

No doubt, you have the talent. But you can earn a great worth in attending a fashion institute. A Fashion Designing Institute is the best way to horn your skills and learn the basic instructions on pattern and clothes making, sewing, embellishing, cuts, colors, fabrics and body measurements.It empowers you with the proper and structured knowledge. A degree from a fashion institute gives credibility and reputation to your creative artistry when seeking an employment. It helps you gain expertise to achieve great heights in the fashion industry.

Enrolling in a well-renowned fashion school provides training to advance in the fashion career. It gives vision to your goals. Once your fashion takes off, you can even launch your own fashion clothing line in a big fancy store. You can actually rake in moolah by designing garments and lifestyle accessories like footwear, handbags, watches or jewelry.

Scope in Fashion DesigningFashion Designing is one of the most important areas of work in the fashion industry. It offers a promising scope for financial as well as professional growth. The fashion industry is booming and encompasses a vast field of studies. There are many fashion design career paths for you to choose from. You can get hired as a fashion designer, accessories designer, design production management, quality controller, fashion merchandiser, sketcher, patternmaker, color mixer, design director, marketing researcher or start your own fashion business. Fashion designing is a dedicated art that exemplifies the cultural and social influences. It makes and breaks the rules of the wildly creative fashion world. So take a plunge, unleash your artistic exuberance and create a design that makes a statement for millions of fashion frenzy's to follow.

A Day in the Life of a Fashion Designer

Ever wonder what Giorgio Armani, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren do all the time? Work! Few other professions depend so much on keeping on top of fickle popular opinion and watching what competitors produce.

The life of a designer is intimately linked to tastes and sensibilities that change at a moment’s notice, and she must be able to capitalize on, or-even better-influence those opinions. Designers reflect society’s sensibilities through clothing design. “You have to know just about everything that’s been done before, so that you can recognize it when it becomes popular again,” wrote one respondent.

Fashion designers are involved in every phase of designing, showing, and producing all types of clothing, from bathing suits to evening gowns. Those with talent, vision, determination, and ambition can succeed in this difficult, demanding, and highly competitive industry.
Fashion design can be more glamorous than a 1940s Hollywood musical or drearier than a bank statement, but it’s always taxing. A designer’s day includes reading current fashion magazines, newspapers, and other media that reflect current trends and tastes. She looks at materials, attends fashion shows, and works with other designers on projects. A designer should be able to communicate her philosophy, vision, and capabilities clearly and comprehensively through sketches, discussions, and, occasionally, samples.

No matter what her personal style is, a designer must produce a creative, exciting, and profitable product line. As in most professions that produce superstars, it is easy for a competent but otherwise unremarkable designer to wallow in obscurity, designing small pieces of collections, generic lines (the plain white boxer short, for example), or specialties (cuffs, ruffles, etc.). The personality that raises itself above this level must be as large as the vision of the designer; perhaps that’s why the word “crazy” showed up in over 75 percent of our surveys as a plus in fashion design.Paying Your DuesThose entering the field should have a good eye for color, style, and shape, an ability to sketch, and some formal preparation in design. An excellent portfolio is a must for the job search. A two- or four-year degree in fashion design is helpful, as is knowledge of textiles and a familiarity with the quirks of a variety of fabrics, but no formal certification is required.

Candidates should have a working knowledge of business and marketing. Hours are long for a fashion designer and the initial pay is very limited. This is one of those hit-or-miss occupations where beginners work as someone’s assistant until, when they can muster up enough confidence in their abilities and sell that confidence to their superiors, they design a few pieces themselves. The superstar rise is an unlikely event, but it happens. Based on the number of “international star designers” in the last ten years and the number of people who have entered the profession, the estimated odds of becoming an internationally famous designer is roughly 160,000:1.

Associated CareersFashion designers who become unhappy with the lifestyle (low pay, long hours, hard work, low chance of advancement) leave to do a variety of things. Some use their color and design skills to become interior designers, graphic designers, or fashion consultants. Over one quarter of those who leave remain in the clothing industry, either on the production end or on the institutional buying end. Another 10 percent enter the advertising or promotions industry.

The Business Side of Fashion Design

Imagine for a moment that you are an up-and-coming fashion designer, and someone has given you the chance not only to have your designs featured in a retail store, but also to run part of the store. This is the opportunity four young New York City designers found in Forward, a retail incubator for start-up fashion designers.

Funded by the Lower East Side Business Improvement District (BID), Forward was created as a place where young entrepreneurs could combine their passion for fashion and clothing with the business side of retail. Forward's first four participants, chosen from among 60 applicants, each paid $4,200 to be part of the six-month program, which organizers dubbed "The Real World of Fashion."

Angela Kettler had already been designing a line of clothing from her home when she learned about Forward. And while she had a good feel for fashion and design, learning about the business side presented a challenge. "Doing business [at Forward] gave me better [knowledge] of financials and pricing," she says.

Getting in sync with the other three participants presented some logistical challenges, according to Kettler, 24. Coordinating four different schedules and ensuring everyone did their part in keeping the store looking good and running smoothly were just a few of the hurdles. After all, there weren't any employees to help with the workload. But, says Kettler, "There's a lot that working with [the others] had to offer-their skills, contacts and business information."

That's a sentiment echoed by Forward participant Franklin Rowe, founder of Franklin Rowe International. "It's great to work in an artistic environment where everybody is doing the same thing but has different interpretations," he says. "You have to leave [your] egos at the door and realize we're all after the same thing."

Rowe, who had a little more experience in the fashion industry, heard about Forward through a friend at BID. He'd always wanted to own a retail establishment-but up until then, he'd largely been designing custom pieces for clients.

Sharing a storefront with other hip designers brought in all sorts of clientele-including famous faces like actor Robert DeNiro and Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Fields. The Forward program itself also garnered a lot of publicity for the store, including an article in The New York Times that generated serious foot traffic and calls from customers worldwide.
From that, says Rowe, "I learned what people actually want and spend money on-what women buy and what the average consumer wants in terms of price, fit and fabrics." Rowe plans to use this newfound knowledge as he continues to build his business.

The store was originally slated to open at the end of 2001, but Forward delayed its launch until
January 2002 due to the terrorist attacks and troubled economic times. Still, the participants have learned a lot since then-and they all point to a noticeable increase in sales since opening the store. Jennifer Dwin, 26-year-old founder of Dwin Design Group Inc., is a graduate of the Pratt Institute of Art & Design in New York City (as is Kettler). In her last days at Pratt, someone at her senior show mentioned Forward. Of launching her company after getting out of school, Dwin says, "It was perfect timing."

And the fact that Forward hooked her and the other participants up with some entrepreneurship courses has certainly helped. "Working in the store has been a huge learning process," she explains. "Coming right out of school, I really had no clue in the beginning."
Cooperating with other designers benefited her as well-especially her collaboration with Siri Wilson, who had already designed the Sirius line of clothing before joining the Forward program. The two created a line of home accents to sell at the store. Wilson, 29, didn't have a fashion design background when she started her business; she had gone to film school and then worked as a graphic designer. "I was taking [fashion] classes at night and I started thinking 'I could do this as a real business.'" In addition, Wilson wholesales to other stores.

Luckily for the participants, Forward provides various avenues that let them continue to participate. At press time, Rowe planned to stay for another six months to grow his business, while Kettler had agreed to rent showroom space from the program. Forward also keeps an alumni rack in the store where former participants can sell their designs. "It's not like you're here for six months, then it's 'OK, bye!'" says Kettler. "[BID] is working with us to figure out our next steps."

Is Fashion Design For You?

want to be a fashion designer. How do I get started? What should I know and how will I find out? Should I go to school or try to get a job? Do I want to start my own company? So many questions in my head, where do I start and where will I end up? Sound like you? I remember the feeling exactly like that myself!

Where are your answers? After witnessing both success and failure, I believe that most importantly you must first discover if this is really what you want to do! Start by getting involved in this industry. Your local mall probably has someone on staff that's involved in fashion show production and fashion promotion. Make an appointment and let them know what you're interested in and volunteer to help on the next project. This is a great introduction to the glitz and glamour side of the business, however, you will still need to get a broader picture.
Look for a store in your neighbourhood that makes and sells its own clothes and see if you can meet the owner and a designer (often one in the same).

Try to talk your way into a tour of their studio or factory or ask for the opportunity to see what a typical day is like. Ask as many questions as you can from as many people as possible: this will help you gain a real sense of the industry. Ask about the hours they work, how long it took them to get their own store, if they went to school, what were their greatest hurdles, what is the toughest part of the job…you get the picture. Some may be too busy preparing for a show or new clothing line, but don't be discouraged. You really should make every effort to get a feel for the business-I assure you it's not all catwalks and photoshoots.

If you still want to be a fashion designer, then dig in some more. Go to your local fabric store and see if they offer any lessons, or try buying some fabric and making something for yourself. Contact your local community college to see what courses or programs they offer in fashion. Check to see if they have any visiting professionals that are willing to give a workshop or talk at your school. I know the International Academy of Design in Toronto offers an intensive two-week summer studio, perhaps your local school has something similiar. Check out books on fashion design at your local library. Don't forget the Internet: it is a wealth of fashion information waiting to be tapped into.

Alana Berry and Alexander Labayen, both former students of Toronto's International Academy of Design, have taken somewhat different approaches to world of fashion design.
Alana Berry

Before studying fashion, Alana pursued a career in business and feels it is the best thing she could have done. "When I look at the big picture now, I realize it's not just about being creative: fashion is also a business. If I didn't have a strong understanding of business, it would all be just a hobby."

Once she realized that fashion was calling out to her, she enrolled at the Toronto International Academy of Design. When asked about her experience there, Alana says, "I know that some people have been very successful with little formal training, but I would never pass up what I learned at the Academy-not to mention, that's where I met my partner, Diana. Developing a strong network of contacts in this industry is very important."

When Alana left school she almost immediately formed, 'Alana Berry,' her own fashion company and label. She has teamed up with one of her former Academy classmates, Diana Calma, and is designing elegant custom-tailored formalwear for her clients. Alana believes owning your own company can be very rewarding if you're prepared for "long hours and hard work!"
Alex Labayen

Instead of immediately heading out on his own, Alex Labayen decided to apprentice with one of Canada's hottest new labels, 'Misura by Joeffer Caoc'.
Alex feels that becoming an intern has been a valuable stepping stone to one day going out on his own. His experiences at Misura have already taught him some of the subtler aspects of fashion, "You have to remember it's not for you, the clothes I mean, you just can't design what you like - you have to adapt to what other people want."
Alex has realized that, "People have reasons why they purchase what they do. You have to know what makes people tick, what influences their choices, you really have to learn how to observe what is happening around you and be aware of the past and develop your own ideas of the future."
Working as an apprentice has become an extension of school. Alex says, "I have fun, but it's long hours and hard work (sounds familiar). I've been able to learn about the business side of the industry, things like production, distribution, custom laws, sourcing and marketing. I think this is a great route I've taken because I can learn from someone else's mistakes, learn the ropes, make great contacts and eventually go out on my own better prepared than ever!"

What is Costume Design?
Every garment worn in a theatrical production is a costume. Before an actor speaks, his wardrobe has already spoken for him. From the most obvious and flamboyant show clothing, to contemporary clothes using subtle design language, costume design plays an integral part in every television and film production. It is an ancient theatrical craft and the process today is identical to when Euripedes was writing long ago. Costume design is a vital tool for storytelling.
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When a costume designer receives a script, the process of developing the visual shorthand for each character begins. Costume sketches, fashion research and actual garments are used to help costume designers, directors, and actors develop a common language for the development of each character. Sometimes a glamorous entrance may be inappropriate and destructive to a scene. The costume designer must first serve the story and the director.

The more specific and articulate a costume is, the more effective it will be with an audience. Minute details loved by actors often enhance their performances in imperceptible ways.
Many actors credit their costume as a guide to the discovery of their characters. Actors sometimes need sensitive costume design for imperfect bodies. Flattering figures, camouflaging flaws, and enhancing inadequacies are part of the job description.

Costumes are defined and refined, and the process can be angst-ridden. Each frame of film is a canvas and has its own proscenium. Nothing within it is left to chance. Each choice of color, texture, pattern, and form is deliberate. Like the popular myth of actors improvising their dialogue: contemporary costumes are often taken for granted and sometimes seem to magically "appear." Every actor appearing in front of the camera is scrutinized like a child on their first day of school. Even the most sophisticated audience commonly overlooks some of the finest and most effective contemporary costume design in film and television.

Film is the great collaborative art. The design triumvirate -- the director of cinematography, the production designer, and the costume designer -- struggle to create an invented world to help the director tell his story. A film is one gigantic jigsaw puzzle. A movie is an enormous architectural endeavor of sets and lighting and costumes for one time and one purpose. This minutely crafted kingdom must sit lightly on the shoulders of the narrative.

Costumes have always had enormous influence on world fashion. When a star captures the public's imagination, a film or television role has catapulted him or her there. A style cycle begins as this role is recreated in retail fashion to the delight and demand of fans. The exposure this celebrity brings to a costume generates millions of dollars for the fashion business. When a film engages the public's psyche, it is a powerful selling tool for a clothing manufacturer. Costume designers receive tremendous pride from seeing their efforts reproduced on a global scale, but little recognition and no renumeration for setting worldwide trends.

Often the most successful screen imagery spontaneously becomes iconography. New "classics" feel like they have always been part of the culture. Yet, costumes never spring from the public "collective unconscious." Behind every costume there is a costume designer.

Costume designers are passionate storytellers, historians, social commentators, humorists, psychologists, trendsetters and magicians who can conjure glamour and codify icons. Costume designers are project managers who have to juggle ever-decreasing wardrobe budgets and battle the economic realities of film production. Costume designers are artists with pen and paper, form, fabric and the human figure.

Start Your Own Clothing Design Company

Of course, there are the horror stories. Like the times New York-based swimwear designer Malia Mills and her business partner, Julia Stern, spent long nights mixing kettles of fabric dye in Mills' studio apartment because they couldn't afford colored cloth. Or the time a factory breakdown forced them to construct 100 bathing suits by hand in two days.
Let's not forget the rejection. At the start of her career, Mills, now 32, offered to work for a top designer for free and was turned down.

And did we mention the money problems? Mills worked as a waitress while trying to get her business, Malia Mills Swim Wear, off the ground but wound up with $100,000 in personal debt anyway. She's still paying that off.

If tales like these don't scare you away--and you have a truly unique idea--you might be ready to start your own fashion-design company. But don't expect it to be all martinis and feather boas, honey.

The fashion industry demands penance from its novices. Count on long, stress-filled days; a battalion of competitors; and, at least in the beginning, very little payback in an entrepreneur's favorite shade: green. In fact, starting a fashion-design firm from scratch, with limited capital, is a lot like boot camp for your soul. Still, despite the many challenges--and sometimes because of them--a growing number of young entrepreneurs, equipped with little more than a sewing machine and a dream, are launching their own fashion lines.

Barbara Bundy, vice president of education at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, confirms that many students like the idea of running their own companies independent of the chains established fashion houses impose. Being the boss promises the possibility of complete creative freedom and control. Those most likely to succeed in the fashion industry start with an idea that will appeal to a specialized or niche market. Mills' sassy bikinis, in flirty prints like cheetah, are designed to fit like lingerie and come in mix-and-match sizes so women can choose the top and bottom that fit. Twenty-two-year-old Elle Hamm of Irvine, California, designs and sells form-fitting sportswear with an athletic edge that can serve as daywear or eveningwear. And 28-year-old designer Mario "Maji" Melendez is gaining attention with his Latino-inspired men's clothing, particularly his guayaberas, or traditional Mexican wedding shirts, which he adapts to American tastes.

"I've stumbled onto an interesting niche," says Melendez, owner of Maji by Melendez, in CITY, California. "Latinos make up a significant portion of the population, especially in Southern California, but this segment has been largely overlooked by designers and retailers. I hope to emerge as a leader in the design, production and distribution of clothing geared toward this demographic as well as consumers who are looking for more unique attire with a little attitude."
Many of Bundy's students have gotten a toehold in costume design for the entertainment industry. Others have found their niche custom designing clothes for individuals, a growing market, she says, because many people are tired of off-the-rack outfits that look alike.

Bundy strongly recommends young designers work for an established company before plunging in on their own. Mills followed that advice. After graduating from Cornell University and a Paris design school, she took a job as design assistant with San Francisco-based Jessica McClintock. Her college chum, Julia Stern, a fashion reporter, was working on the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and remembered that Mills used to sew bikinis in college. She called her old friend and suggested Mills--who grew up in Hawaii, where she practically lived in a bathing suit--send some suits to the SI editor. Without hesitating, Mills whipped up six suits, none of which made it into the magazine. But feeling that she had found her true calling, she quit her job and moved to New York City.

Alas, the Big Apple wasn't waiting breathlessly for the arrival of yet another young swimwear designer. Mills spent the next eight months working as a waitress and hunting for a job as a design assistant while researching the swimwear industry. In 1992, she decided to start a homebased swimwear business, funded with $20,000 from her parents, her boyfriend and credit cards.

During that time, she visited manufacturers, introducing herself and her then-embryonic line. "I told them, `I'm too small now to use you, but someday I'll need you, and I want you to know who I am when I call,' " Mills remembers. "My philosophy is that the time to ask for help is when you don't need it."

A year later, things started happening. Mills' creations made it into the coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and her bikinis were featured in accompanying calendars and videos, where supermodel Kathy Ireland strutted in a Malia Mills charcoal-blue, long-sleeved bikini.
Soon after, Stern, now 30, joined as a partner, and the pair were featured in The New York Times and Harper's Bazaar, along with other publications. Celebs like Hugh Hefner's wife bought suits, and so did plenty of ordinary women. Too cash-poor to buy space at top fashion trade shows, where she could have gotten much more exposure, Mills rented a hotel room near the show sites and sent invitations to industry insiders, asking them to drop in after the shows to see her swimwear. "Necessity is the mother of invention," says Mills of her strategy. "A few people stopped by. We sat by the fax for the next week, and slowly, orders came in."

That year, 1993, Bloomingdale's featured the suits in its Christmas window, and Mills' profile went higher. Today the suits are sold by catalog, on the Web (http://www.maliamills.com) and in the new Malia Mills retail store in New York City. After many lean years, Malia Mills Swim Wear is headed for the $1 million mark.

Mario Melendez didn't apprentice as a designer with an established firm, although he did work as assistant production manager for a women's clothing label--a move that helped him make the manufacturing connections he would need later. Having his own design company "was all I talked and dreamed about," says Meledenz, who compares being a designer with being a symphony conductor who brings separate elements together to create a harmonious whole.
By age 18, he was making silk-screened shorts for friends in his parents' garage. After serving in the Persian Gulf War and earning a bachelor's degree in political science, Melendez used $5,000 of his G.I. money to make the first 500 of his guayabera shirts from home. By night, he worked as a waiter to fund the business; by day, he pitched the shirts to every store he could find. "I had no shame," he crows, "and it worked!"

His shirts, which come in a wide variety of styles and colors, are sold in 50 stores and on his Web site (http://www.maji-usa.com). In business for two years, he projects 1999 sales of $500,000. Maji by Melendez has been featured in the Spanish version of People magazine and in regional publications. Like Mills, Melendez used ingenuity as well as persistence to gain attention for his business. Along with participating in West Coast trade shows, he is co-sponsoring a Latin jazz concert and fashion show, with part of the proceeds going toward scholarships for fashion-design students.

She's only 22, but like Melendez, Elle Hamm--part-time rapper, full-time designer--already appreciates the power of persistence. Without any formal design background, she began her Beverly Hills-based company, Rudwear, with just the $40 she invested in fabric to sew hair scrunchies; two years later, her company earns $100,000.

Hamm began by selling the scrunchies to Los Angeles-area hotel and airport gift shops, then expanded into a simple line of accessories, which she tried to pitch to Nordstrom. The upscale department chain initially wasn't interested, in part because of Hamm's inexperience in manufacturing. But with the help of her father--who linked her up with a company willing to manufacture her accessories--and a self-made brochure copied at Kinko's, Hamm landed another meeting at Nordstrom, which agreed to carry her line of scarves and purses. They liked her work so much that when she later proposed her sports-inspired dresses to them, they bit.
Carmen Electra and Pamela Anderson Lee have worn Rudwear fashions, and Claudia Schiffer appears in a Rudwear piece in her new movie "Desperate But Not Serious." Rudwear now has come out with a line of jerseys for men. Some are simple; flashier versions decked with patent leather are intended for entertainers.
"I'm a competitive person," Hamm says, explaining her formula for success. "I get the inspiration for my designs from who I am."

Few young designers can expect a smooth ride. But, according to Mills, the view from the top is worth the climb. "When you have to struggle," she says, "you appreciate it more when you make it over the hurdle. Getting through it all makes the dark days worthwhile." Resources to help you get started:

Want to start your own fashion-design firm?
Here's the experts' best advice:

Find a niche or a unique specialty.
Get some formal education and/or real-life experience working with a designer.
Create a realistic business plan.
Make sure you have enough capital to keep going for one year.
Keep overhead low by working from home, if you can.
Get media attention by sending samples and press releases to members of the fashion press, industry movers and shakers, and celebrities.
Be prepared to meet many challenges.

If you're not near Manhattan or Los Angeles, be willing to move. A niche business outside these fashion hubs, such as designing cowboy boots in Texas, "could make a living," says Joan Volpe at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, "but your chances of becoming nationally recognized and picked up by the big chains aren't very good."

Fashion Trends you Should Ignore

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Fashion trends you should ignore include but are not limited to, mmhhh....let's see, I would most definitly have to ignore my old dance teachers idea of gaining a pair of sleeves by cutting a hole in the crotch of her tights and wearing them over her head. It just seemed too gross for me.

I would also ignore any attire with the snappy mart logo on it. That just seems so uneconomical to me. I would also suggest that you ignore swimsuits that are too small if you are big. I would ignore red lipstick unless you are a dancer on stage.

I would also not wear so many rings on my fingers that you couldn't see the skin of them. We should ask the skaters they ignore everything but their skateboards and ignore sonic carhops because instead of cute skirts and volleyball bloomers they are forced to carhop in polos and khaki's.

Ok so I would ignore any nurse who isn't wearing some sort of cute hoodie from old navy and I would also ignore a nurse who didn't wear nikes. Tennis players have a few things I would ignore but mostly it would be the severe tan lines. I would also ignore any swimmer who wears a swimsuit twenty years beyond her age.

The local coffee shop people who have their fashion trend that doesn't read starbucks. Another fashion trend that should most definately be ignored is the flight attendant style suit that this world said ten years ago was, the thing to wear for a job interview.

I really never dug those broomstick skirts either and thought that people who were fat just got fatter because it was another lazy elastic waisted thing to put around that big belly. Another fashion trend you should ignore is the big giant size belts, I mean go figure, remember those shades that were made in the eighties that were very very gigantic, like you belonged in a marvel comic or something. Anyone who wears a cape and is beyond the age three, claims he is a super hero, should also be ignored.

I have seen most fashion come and go and would say that most things are no longer considered a trend but a total piece of history that repeats itself in your grandaughters generation.

In fashion, one day you're in and then the next day, you're out.

For this season, I've noticed many trends that are fading away and new ones that are coming in. Some of the new trends aren't realistic for the modern-day girl.

For instance, overalls that have short short bottoms and ridiculous straps usually in a black material. This look would be fin for Mischa Barton, but for the Average Jane, you can omit buying into this trend.

The daisy duke trend is officially over. We shouldn't be seeing women on the street trying to pull of Jessica's trademark look circa 2005. If you aren't ready to part from this item, wear them to the beach.

Boho and hippie looks are on their way out also. The newest trends seem to be sleek and more put together looks. Think less casual.

Short ( but not too skimpy) mini dresses are the new dress of the season. Long dresses are out and good thing since global warming is playing a role in the rising heat this summer. Think sheek and cuffed shorts for this season.

Flare jeans are out. Get in with the times and wear those skinny jeans everyone has been raving about, they will flatter your body and you'll feel sexy strutting your stuff. Boot cut jeans are on their way out as well.

Here's another tip, if you're having trouble finding something that you like that is in style, just remember to find an item that fits your body type and looks good on you. Always remember to be yourself and if you don't look good in big retro sunglasses, then don't do it.

Trends change in relation to the times, seasons or as a result of a major event. It can even represent the current mood of the public. For instance, concerns over the troubled U.S. economy prompted the designers to create more high quality clothes, so that people can feel like they're getting more for their dollar. Some trends transcend time like the little black dress while some trends fade faster than a bad hair color. Remember the ponchos anyone?

Trends start as a result of someone's creativity and spreads to the masses and suddenly everyone's sporting that "must have" piece of clothing or accessory. While we see some great trends, whether they originate from the streets or the runway, there are some trends that are better left on the racks.

1. Bubble skirts: While this trend was actually from the last season, it still makes an appearance from time to time via a misguided fashionista. Even on the most sveltest of figures, it can look rather odd. Why, oh why, would you want to sport this fancy potato sack?

2. High-waisted pants: It started off in retaliation to the "bare as you dare and fall victim to the plumber's butt syndrome" jeans. After the shameless and unattractive dispays thongs, waistline kept creeping up until it hit just below the rib cage. This look is said to help legs look longer. However it cuts your torso in half. Anything that makes you appear disproportionate should be avoided. Instead go for the more flattering mid-rise waist which hits just below your natural waistline.

3. See through clothes: Your grandmother was right when she said "please wear a slip". Believe me ladies, not everyone wants to know the color of your underwear. So, do invest in a slip or a camisole to wear under that "lingerie inspired" top or dress.

4. Too much jewelry: Accessories can make or break an outfit. Jewelry should be worn like a little icing on the cake. Too much of it all at once- the long dangling earnings, layers of long beaded necklaces and stacks of chunky bracelets-will make you look cheap and tawdry. If you ever find yourself falling in a body of water, you will sink like a stone.

5. Uggs: Yes they're comfortable. Yes they keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but they've been long out of fashion for sometime. Unless you are trekking through the snow in the midst of a bad winter storm, it's time to give them a rest.

6. Animal Prints: The leopard print only looks good......well on the leopard! If you have one of these, or a zebra print, or anything that looks like it came from an animal, faux or real, please put it way back in your closet. Better yet, burn it before PETA comes looking for you.

In any event, no one should be judged based on their appearance. Although that's not the case in the world in which we live. Even the most fashionable celebrities have been fashion victims from time to time. Fashion is subjective because it's an expression of a person's individuality. Even fashion critics don't all share the same views. While some critics may rave about a particular trend another might trash the very same thing. Fashion is a reflection of who you are, so have fun with it.

Analysis of a Trend

Thumb through your favorite photo album and you're sure to encounter some pictures that will leave you cringing in embarrassment. Whatever possessed you to parade about in those fingerless lace gloves and could your hair have gotten any bigger? Not to worry: you were merely following the trends of the moment. Trends are style phenomena that sweep through the worlds of fashion, accessories, hair and makeup with all the force, and short-lived duration, of a tornado!

An integral part of pop culture, trends can define eras in highly unflattering ways. Take for instance the open-to-the-waist polyester shirts sported by John Travolta in the 70's disco classic film Saturday Night Fever. And who can forget rapper MC Hammer's infamous diaper pants or the shoulder pads to rival an NFL linebacker on the female cast of 80's prime-time soap Dynasty?

Thankfully, not all trends are bad. Some have become style classics such as the late Jackie O's ladylike suits and pillbox hats from the 60's that were reinvented on Reese Witherspoon in the hit movie Legally Blonde: Red, White & Blonde. Smooth jazz chanteuse Sade launched another trend with longevity: her sleek ponytail and siren red lipstick look as fresh today as they did when she first burst onto the music scene more than two decades ago.

If you can't survive without the latest trends in your wardrobe, be forewarned: keeping up with them is an expensive habit. Why? Because trends are notoriously brief in duration and quickly replaced by new ones. And if you dare sport a trend at the end of it's life cycle, you'll look dated at best or ridiculous at worst. To remain current with new trends, be prepared to make purchases frequently.

When adding a trend to your existing wardrobe, it's wise to show some restraint. If animal prints are all the rage, don't splurge on the head-to-toe faux leopard ensemble. Yes, the hooded duster, boots, jumpsuit and luggage all looked great in Shania Twain's music video, That Don't Impress Me Much, but remember: she's got designers clamoring to dress her for free.

Try opting for one animal print item - like a blouse, scarf or handbag - that works well with solid neutrals. Still not convinced? Okay, read on. The all-too-brief lifeline of a trend goes a little something like this.

Phase 1: We think we like it! Contemporary buyers attend New York and European fashion shows to preview silhouette, fabric, color and accessory trends. In addition, many buyers subscribe to trend reports from fashion forecasting services. The buyers place orders that will be seen first in limited quantities at cutting edge retailers. The most daring consumers, including celebrities and socialites, purchase the new trend and wear it to high profile events. Contemporary buyers monitor sales of the trend and if it's "hot" - i.e. flying off the racks - reorders for additional quantities are placed.

Phase 2: Everybody wants it! Missy and moderate priced buyers have been analyzing the popularity of the new trend since it's introduction into the market. Once convinced it's a hit that will sell to their customer base, they place orders and soon the product is widely available. National and regional chain department stores with moderate price points prominently feature and advertise the trend. By now mainstream consumers have seen it everywhere: on their favorite celebrities, in magazines and on television. The trend has been universally accepted, consumers purchase it en masse and in no time it has saturated the market.

Phase 3: We hate it! The trend is everywhere and the thrill is gone. The market is glutted with the trend, fashionistas have long since stopped sporting the look and mainstream consumer complain that stores "all carry the same thing." Budget and off -price buyers seek to purchase "immediates," unsold lots of an item manufacturers are eager to unload to recoup a portion of their production costs. Budget shoppers begin to see the trend at closeout stores. Size and color lots may be broken and limited. The trend has now reached the end of its life cycle.

To summarize, trends keep fashion fresh by injecting a sense of newness into the market. Enjoy them but before buying ask yourself one key question: is the trend in Phase 1 or 2? If so, go for it! If it's in Phase 3, take a pass. By following this simple rule you'll always position yourself for maximum wear and enjoyment. And if you should happen to forget everything you've just learned, there's still hope. If you keep it in your closet long enough, it will eventually come back into style!

Just because a celebrity wears it doesn't mean everyone should. Well, many times this isn't the case. There are a lot of young women and even older women who go on following celebrity fashion trends, when they may actually look silly in what they are wearing. It seems like celebrities nowadays wear some outrageous things, many times to get noticed, and then the general public considers them a fashion icon so a whole new fashion trend is started. Many times, the celebrity does not look good, so how can the general public look good in the fashion trend.

Here are some current celebrity fashion trends that you should avoid.
Extra Large SunglassesEveryone has seen Nicole or Mary Kate Olsen wearing huge sunglasses lately. They are so big (and these women are so small) that the sunglasses take up their whole face. Basically they look like a bug and it just doesn't look well. Some larger frames of sunglasses can be cute, but you have to make sure that they are not covering 50% of your face. Stick with a classic frame on your sunglasses and you can always be in fashion.

Short Shorts with Tall BootsSuch celebrities as Hilary Duff have been seen around Hollywood wearing short shorts with tall boots. A popular boot that is worn with short shorts is the moccasin boot. Now, the moccasin boot is a winter boot. It is supposed to provide warmth as it is made from heavy materials. Why would you then wear a winter boot with short shorts. This makes no sense. Leave the tall boots to colder weather and wearing them with longer pants or skirts, because short shorts and tall boots just looks plain silly.

Gladiator Sandals That Go Up To The Knees Gladiator sandals are really popular right now, not only with celebrities but with everybody. Gladiator sandals are sandals that are usually flats that have straps going across them in the front. They can be cute with a pair of shorts or even a dress. The ones that are a celebrity don't are the ones like Ashley Tisdale was seen wearing were the sandal is laced all the way up to the knees. So you have a flat sandal with straps all the way up to the knees. First of all, this can't be very comfortable to wear.

Secondly, it looks very odd to have a sandal all the way up to a person's knee and unless you are actually a gladiator then you may want to skip those. My advice, stick with the cute gladiator sandals that stop at the ankle.

JumpsuitsFor some reason some celebrities such as Rihanna seem to love wearing jumpsuits. I'm really not sure why, as they are not flattering and they look like the person just came from the 80's in a time machine. Thankfully, I have yet to see a person around me wear a jumpsuit, but you never know. This is one celebrity fashion trend that really should not catch on. Jumpsuits are better left to babies and toddlers to wear.

Influence of Fashion

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Fashion is something which influences a great number of people's clothing choices from year to year. Some have no interest whatsoever, whereas others will not stop until their wardrobe is filled with the season's top garments. Fashion has existed in many areas of life for a considerable amount of time, so is by no means new.

Fashion designers seek to create new pieces however, pushing the boundaries to create distinctive and sometimes controversial concepts. As top designers are sometimes out of the price range of potential customers, large numbers of stores create similar looking items which are affordable, enabling more people to enjoy new trends.

Fashion journalists tend to either love or hate garments, and can be very influential on public perception of a particular style or design. Those who are very interested in being fashionable will tend to keep a close eye on fashion magazines for up to date information and to see the reception of new looks. People often look back at the popular fashions of past decades with some embarrassment. The 80s look is a good example - currently associated with poor taste and big hair! Fashion, however, can be cyclical. A number of older looks are currently regaining popularity; these looks are often referred to as retro.

Even those who love fashion will stop short of certain trends. The way in which people, especially women, are portrayed by the media tends to champion an unusual and often unhealthy body type, leading to young girls everywhere suffering from low self esteem and even eating disorders. It is easy to see why young people assume you have to look something like Katie Price (glamour model Jordan) in order to marry a man such as Peter Andre. Despite the recent breakup of the couple, many see Katie Price's life as a success in general and wish to emulate her look. Due to differences in appearance and low confidence, it is unusual to find people outside of the modelling, music or movie scene wearing leotards as a fashion statement. The sad truth is that even girls and women who put an awful lot of effort into achieving what they believe to be an 'ideal' look, they would still be too lacking in confidence to wear garments such as leotards.

Most high street and online stores selling the fashionable look to everyday people recognise that the majority of women are not built like models. There are all kinds of trends in existence at any given time, for people with alternative tastes, and for those who wish to just be a bit more covered up than celebrity singers wearing leotards! Items such as jeans and trousers, long skirts and more baggy tops are always to be found. Leotards, there is no doubt, can look great, and are used all over the world by dancers and gymnasts of all kinds, proof of their great flexibility.

Dance wear is becoming increasingly fashionable, and it is reasonable to assume that this will continue to be the case as it features a lot in music videos. The main fashion tip to always remember is to wear something you feel comfortable in, as your confidence and ease will show through making you more attractive than ever!

The Influence of Fashion Blogs on Trends and Fashion

Fashion Blogging is rapidly increasing in popularity, with new fashion blogs springing up everywhere and the number of people turning to fashion blogs as a source of information or inspiration for style and trends growing. But how much influence does fashion blogging have on trends and fashions and why is blogging becoming the latest media for fashion?

Fashion blogs are about fashion, clothing and accessories and also include runway trends, celebrity fashion and street style. Fashion blogs have been reported in the US as early as 2002 (Sinclair, Jenny. Fashion blogs, "The Age", October 17, 2002.) and have been increasing in numbers since, In 2003 The Wall Street Journal reported of 40 bloggers being given invites to

New York fashion week (Dodes, Rachel. "Bloggers get under the tent", The Wall Street Journal, September 12, 2006). Today blogging has become a very significant media for the fashion press with independent fashion bloggers and funded fashion blog networks competing for dominance in the blogosphere.

The significance of fashion blogging in influencing trends and fashions is evident in the increasing number of companies looking to promote their clothing through fashion blogs and fashion blogging and the money associated with fashion blogs. Fashion Bloggers report increasing profits with Manolo's shoe blog reportedly making a six figure sum and the bag snob generating a five figure sum.

The emergence of fashion blog networks such as Coutorture Media and Sugar Publishing Inc have attracted large amounts of investment into the fashion blogosphere. The significance of fashion blogs is also evident in the number of commercial organisations chosing to set up their own fashion blogs such as the Telegraph. In December 2006 , fashion blogs were recognised by Vogue in an article about their significance . In Jan 07, the Daily Mail published an article on the fashion blog stars advising readers to "Forget waiting for the monthly glossies, the sharpest fashion advice is now online".

Perhaps the popularity of fashion blogs is because they are written or perceived to be written by a real person and not a marketing professional. They give individuals honest opinions of trends and fashions and in most cases are not influenced or paid directly for endorsing products although most generate revenue from advertising. This gives fashion blogs a very realistic approach to fashion, more so than many of those working in fashion and fashion marketing.

Fashion blogs are often scathing about a new designers collection and so can diffuse much of the hype created around fashions and trends by marketing professionals. They can also popularise and create crazes for products, which have little or no marketing budgets. Probably the most important factor in attracting so many readers to fashion blogs is the enthusiasm and love of the bloggers for the subject on which they are blogging.

Most fashion blogs are started as a hobby and an outlet for individuals with a love of fashion and clothes. The individual styles of writing often make the blogs an interesting and sometimes very funny read. Blogs do not have to conform to a particular style of writing and so are usually much more informal in tone making it easier for the reader to relate to them.

The nature of blogging means that they are a quicker and more interactive form of communication than traditional glossy magazines, reviews of collections and runway shows can be instantly posted giving readers instant previews for the next seasons trends.
So what about the future of blogging? As Designerhighstreet prepares to launch its very own blog, fashion blogs are fast becoming the preferred source of information and inspiration for fashion consumers in the know.

The Importance of Fashion

2009-11-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

Fashion has its own importance in world.Fashion is not a new thing in the world.Fashion is an old thing and it is found every where and at all the times.Yes, from time to time fashion changed but it has shown its existence in all ages.And it is not true to say that only young people do fashion,fashion is for every body and every body do the fashion.Yes the fashion may be different for all age groups.

Actually fashion is a way to express yourself.Mostly you can judge a person's nature and to some extent you can judge a person from his/her fashion.Fashion shows what kind of person you are.

Fashion,if done in a good manner,also increases your beauty.Actually,these days beauty depends on fashion.Fashion is a way to measure how beautiful some body is. And in the modern society an old fashioned guy is not liked by many people.Fashion is done in many ways.First there are fashionable clothes.

It is said these days that fashion in clothes changes overnight.And it is also a joke that if one has bought a clothing today,he/she must wear it today because it is possible by tomorrow it can go out of fashion.Fashion is also seen in hair.And fashion in hair is also an old age tradition.Some people like long hair and some like their head without hair.Hair styling is a different kind of fashion. Fashion also exists in cosmetics.

It is also seen in shoes.Fashion is even seen in your way of talking.And how to walk is also a fashion.Actually fashion has become a part of our life.Nobody can remain untouched without fashion.You must have some kind of fashion show your existence in the society.You may be a rich person or poor,you must have some kind of fashion.

Now,from where it comes? And I think it is well known fact that it comes from the show business,The Film Industry.Mostly people follow the celebrities for fashion. What most popular Actress/Actor wore in a film,it becomes a fashion overnight.Actually,fashion is an industry these days.

Millions of people earn their livelihood from fashion worldwide.So we can say fashion is very important in this world rather it was important at all the times.And I would say,we can't think about the world without fashion.It runs in the blood of people these days.And it is showing its importance by the passage of time.And I think too much can be written in fashion.But I am finishing here,because it has gone already too long.

As civilized human beings, clothing is a requirement in order to be decent and presentable to the public. So unless you are a nudist, you may have difficulty deciding what to wear in the morning and discovering your own personal style. Some people on the other hand simply don't see fashion as something important and pick out random articles of clothing, disregarding the message they are sending to the public. The fact is clothing does more than just conceals your body, it has to ability to accentuate your figure, minimize your flaws, give you the image of either professionalism or slovenliness, convey your individuality, and make you feel your best.

Since the vast majority of people have no choice but to clothe themselves, there is no excuse for people to wear unflattering clothes. People come in all shapes and sizes and there are an assortment of clothing styles that are capable of both accentuating your best assets and concealing your flaws. This alone makes fashion a very important thing. If women were to accept their body types and learn how to dress them by wearing flattering clothing, they may never have to ask their husbands the dreaded question "Do I look fat in this?" again.

Fashion is also a reflection of yourself and what kind of person you are. Even though you may have an excellent career, people may be wary of your ability if you look unkempt. It's only human nature for people to judge others by their appearance, and ones attire is a vital component of that. Fashion is important because it allows people to project the image that they want others to see. Although people may object and tell others "not to judge a book by its cover," first impressions are everything.

If you do not look the part when you are going into a job interview, you risk your employers giving the job to someone they feel would be more qualified. Your wardrobe may not only have an impact on your professional life, but your personal life as well. If you are in the dating scene, you want to look your best and a part of that is by dressing appropriately. If you are a women who wear miniskirts and low-cut shirts, you may attract the wrong kind of men because you are giving the impression of being easy.

Not only is fashion a powerful way of manipulating the public's opinion of you,--it also allows your convey your individuality. If you went to a private school where you were forced to wear uniforms, you may realize how boring it is to dress just like everyone else. There are an assortment of stores that sell different styles of clothing from preppy, punk, goth, and skater.

You can show the world what type of music you listen to by wearing the shirt you got at a concert, your sense of humor by wearing a tee with a witty saying, or your stance on political issues by wearing it on your attire. Fashion is not all about trends. We should not be mindless zombies that believe what Vogue says we have to wear. Fashion is about looking our best while still incorporating our own unique style and individuality while choosing clothing that flatters our body.

Dressing in fashion -----will open many doors in your life: professionally and socially.
If you dress with baggy pants and a T-shirt you will find a job as a busboy in a cheap restaurant, or a cleaning boy or girl in a small store, with wages that won't even help you pay the rent.

We live in a world where the way you dress says so much about you and your aptitudes, might not be true, might be you are damn smart, with an IQ of over 100, but if you dress like a slob, you won't land a job that goes with your knowledge, and it goes the same way around, if you dress fashionably, even if your IQ is not that high, you will land a job in a higher position socially.

People treat you the way they see you, racism is not only about gender or race, is about fashion and looks as well, you dress well, you'll be treated well, you dress sloppy... chances are you won't get beyond the door of a good company or a good restaurant to dine, even a date with that "hot" person, regardless if you have the money.
Fashion is important, it sends the message that you care for yourself, that you are updated, but most of all that you are presentable. Your looks say whether you are responsible or not, that's how important fashion is!
It's all in the looks.
Lastly, fashion is important to make people feel their best. When you wear clothes that fit you properly and really mirror your taste, it can add a boost of confidence. When you feel good in what you are wearing, you may find yourself in a better mood and in turn people will begin to view you differently. Overall, it's amazing what some fabric and do for our self-esteem!

The Importance of Fashion Trends

Fashion trends come and go, but a good fashion sense stays with you forever. Different people have different tastes in fashion, and while you may not always agree with them, they own up to their fashion sense with confidence. This is what makes a big difference between a fashion sense and fashion trend. Fashion trends dictate that we wear whatever is in season otherwise we could be rudely stared at or whispered about in public, or worse, we can be cited as examples of what a fashion faux pas is.

While to some extent we are compelled to follow the norms in fashion, it doesn’t necessarily follow that we lose our own sense of style in the process. Celebrities for instance, know that they are being judged by more than half the world’s population by what they wear on what occasion, and for this reason alone, they turn to famous designers to dress them up in the latest threads in fashion.

However, you will also notice that most of them incorporate their own sense of style into these fashion trends, and they are quite successful at it, too. The Latest Fashion Trends Nevertheless, it gives you some sort of security and peace of mind even knowing that what you are wearing is within the agreeable style of fashion for a particular season.

Perhaps there is something to be said about the false sense of security that this kind of approval provides. But on the other hand, it is actually not so much as seeking approval as the current trend really IS appealing to the public. After all, fashion trends are there not only to dictate to us what to wear but more so to show us different comfortable styles that we can choose from if we fancy wearing them.

Fashion trends take a lot of factors into consideration such as the weather, season, comfort, and lifestyle. So in reality, fashion trends are there to help people decide which one suits them best and which ones they can go without. Create Your Style If you go with the latest trends and use your imagination or creativity to make it your own style, you might find that there’s more to your wardrobe than only one look.

You can also incorporate your mood into what you’re going to wear. You can exude playfulness or show your sexy side on some occasions and then be a little conservative on other days. Remember that fashion trends are more of guidelines on what you can wear for whatever occasion. For instance, if you’re stumped for ideas on what to wear to a formal event thrown by your company or you don’t know what to wear to a luau, fashion trends can help you solve this mystery. You can even ask fashion gurus who write in fashion magazines about advices on proper attires for every occasion.

After all, you wouldn’t want to be caught dead wearing flip-flops to your cousin’s wedding reception or jeans to a beach party, do you?

Difference Between Fashion and Style

2009-11-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

"Fashions Fade, Style is Eternal!" - Yves St Laurent

There are many people who always look good and there are others who simply become slaves to fashion and they very often look a mess.

The difference between fashion and style is neatly summed up by the quote at the top of this page. We all have positive and negative physical attributes and we all should be stressing the positive and hiding the negative ones as best we can.

Don't Follow the Crowd
Fashion is therefore not just about what you wear, it is the about the image and style you project to others.

Most people want to conform, it's the basis of human nature and are brainwashed into wearing the latest new fashions as they don't have any idea on how to create their own individual personal style.

The strength of marketing is very persuasive and billions of dollars are spend annually and its very influential in getting people to buy. The fact is some fashions simply don't work for certain individuals.

For example, if short skirts are in fashion and you don't have the legs for it, then you should avoid short skirts - period.

Looking Fashionable and Stylish
To look fashionable and stylish buy things that make you look good in the eyes of others and stress your best assets.

This is the difference between a person who has style, they always look good because they only wear fashions that look good and show their assets off as best they can.

There are certain classic looks that always look good and these should be the basis of your wardrobe. The Law of Supply and Demand in shops sometimes makes it difficult to steer clear of fashion trends.

Shop Around
New collections that are constantly launched in stores are all influenced by the same mass trends is backed up by huge advertising makes buying something original and something that suits you difficult sometimes so you must shop around, but there are items you will look good in you just have to find them.

Being Stylish and not a Fashion Victim
There is nothing wrong with following trends as long as their right for you and your look. The difference between being a fashion victim and fashionable and stylish essentially depends on to which extent you follow personal taste.

Obviously, basic rules of fashion should be adhered to but you should generally buy what makes you look good and feel good.

Developing Your own Style
We are not all good at everything and this for many people includes looking stylish so if you are not sure what suits you ask your friends or family for an honest opinion and they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Today in our image conscious society there is a huge market in image consulting where people appoint a professional to give them a sense of style.

As people rightly or wrongly judge us by the way we look projecting a positive image is essential to find the partner of our dreams or get that vital job promotion.

Getting a fashionable stylish image can literally change your life so putting some effort in this area will see your life change for the better.

Moreover

To HAVE style would be to have the ability to correctly match clothing, make up and hair.

Making sure that colours don't clash and the clothes that you wear are appropriate to the occasion and to the body that is wearing them. HAVING style can also include having class. The simple phrase.. MY style.. Is to me a person's way of expressing their character or the social group that they wish to be part of, as in some people dress in the style of lets say, an Emo or a Goth, Mosher, grunge or sadly in this country a Chav. Sometimes a person will come along with their very own individual style. These people often become leaders in the world of fashion, as in designers themselves. Should this person be famous, like a rock star or an actor, it will often start a new style.

Fashion, when spoken in broad terms means the popular themes or clothing of the moment. You can put the meaning of fashion to each of the above styles. Using Fashion rather than style, when talking about oneself, can be an announcement of personal success.
As in:

" I wear the latest fashion, I bought this yesterday and threw away last seasons design"

The best ever, is the person that can mix both Fashion and Style. Style is what you wear and how you wear it. Like stargazer said style is personal and artful it's something you stick to,where fashion is merely a choice and a trend that comes and goes. A good way to balance them out is by haveing 80% of your wardrobe being your personal style and 20% being fashion.

Fashion Trends & Personal Style

2009-11-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

How to Be You Own Personal Stylist

A trend is defined as the general direction in which something tends to move, and when it comes to fashion, that something is the current or latest style: what's en vogue. Certainly, it's easy enough to be trendy by purchasing the latest looks off the mannequins each season, however this strategy is both prohibitively expensive and does little towards creating your own personal style. Style – and especially personal style – is something which cannot be bought off the rack.

Fashion Trends
Many people make the mistake of thinking that trends are fashion commandments to be slavishly obeyed season after season. On the contrary, trends are merely suggestions of how to develop your individual look - cues in the overall tone of your personal style.

Personal Style

Fashion Fantasy
Each Spring and Fall, year after year, the fashion industry churns out sartorial fantasy: innovative garments on Amazon models marching down skinny runways and poised uncomfortably in airbrushed photographs on the pages of glossy magazines. While exciting and incredibly entertaining, fashion fantasy rarely has any place in the life of real women.
Fashion Reality
Fashion reality requires a woman to perform an ongoing honest evaluation of her body type, frame, and lifestyle. Fashion intuition is the necessary third ingredient to being a fabulously stylish woman; it's how you incorporate trends into your wardrobe and make them your own.
No trend is for everyone, so you need to be judicious about what garments and accessories, colors and cuts are appropriate for your figure, features, coloring and lifestyle.

Fashions fade, style is eternal!" -

Yves St Laurent

There are many people who always look good and there are others who simply become slaves to fashion and they very often look a mess.
The difference between fashion and style is neatly summed up by the quote at the top of this page. We all have positive and negative physical attributes and we all should be stressing the positive and hiding the negative ones as best we can.

Don't Follow the Crowd
Fashion is therefore not just about what you wear, it is the about the image and style you project to others.
Most people want to conform, it's the basis of human nature and are brainwashed into wearing the latest new fashions as they don't have any idea on how to create their own individual personal style.
The strength of marketing is very persuasive and billions of dollars are spend annually and its very influential in getting people to buy. The fact is some fashions simply don't work for certain individuals.
For example, if short skirts are in fashion and you don't have the legs for it, then you should avoid short skirts - period.

Looking Fashionable and Stylish

To look fashionable and stylish buy things that make you look good in the eyes of others and stress your best assets.
This is the difference between a person who has style, they always look good because they only wear fashions that look good and show their assets off as best they can.
There are certain classic looks that always look good and these should be the basis of your wardrobe. The Law of Supply and Demand in shops sometimes makes it difficult to steer clear of fashion trends.

Shop around
New collections that are constantly launched in stores are all influenced by the same mass trends is backed up by huge advertising makes buying something original and something that suits you difficult sometimes so you must shop around, but there are items you will look good in you just have to find them.

Being Stylish and Not a Fashion Victim

There is nothing wrong with following trends as long as their right for you and your look. The difference between being a fashion victim and fashionable and stylish essentially depends on to which extent you follow personal taste.
Obviously, basic rules of fashion should be adhered to but you should generally buy what makes you look good and feel good.

Developing Your own Style

We are not all good at everything and this for many people includes looking stylish so if you are not sure what suits you ask your friends or family for an honest opinion and they may be able to point you in the right direction.
Today in our image conscious society there is a huge market in image consulting where people appoint a professional to give them a sense of style.
As people rightly or wrongly judge us by the way we look projecting a positive image is essential to find the partner of our dreams or get that vital job promotion.
Getting a fashionable stylish image can literally change your life so putting some effort in this area will see your life change for the better.

The Difference Between Style And Fashion

2009-11-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

New York women are among the most fashionable women on the face of the earth. They are also among the least stylish. Confused? If so, you aren’t alone. You’re just among the many people who confuse stylish with fashionable.

To have a personal style is to have a statement you want to make with your clothing. You use your body as a palette and try to make your outfit into a work of art. Thought goes into a personal style. There are three “yous,” you as you see yourself, you as others see you, and you as you want others to see you. The aim of an impeccable personal style should be to bring these three yous as close together as possible. Questions to ask include: does this outfit match the personality I’m trying to convey? Do I have the attitude and mindset to pull it off? Is it showing the right amount of originality, yet is it not so out there as to become a freakshow? A good personal style takes into account the right amount of risk vs. safety for any occasion. A good personal style also takes into account what works for your body, especially your weight, skin tone, height and muscle tone.

Which brings us to fashion. There is a reason why the term “dedicated follower of fashion” exists. Because fashion is following trends that are current. It doesn’t matter if the trend is ugly, if it doesn’t go with your personality, if it’s not flattering to your body shape, if the color that is in season does not go with you at all….all that’s irrelevant when you’re trying to be fashionable. Fashion is about checking your mind in at the door and slavishly keeping up with what other people are wearing. You will rock the ugliest, hard to match handbag if it has the right name splashed on it. You will rock Audrey Hepburn skinny jeans despite having a pear shape. You will put on the latest revealing low cut jeans despite having huge muffin tops. You will wear ballet slippers to work even though you are an adult that works in an office.

For example, look at the dress at the top of the post. That’s an empire dress. It’s a high waisted dress that starts right under the breasts. I don’t know a single straight man that likes those dresses, and if there is one, I’m willing to bet he’s partially in the closet. Men may find women beautiful in spite of such dresses, but I’ve yet to meet a guy attracted to them. They look like maternity dresses and give even the best bodies the most unflattering or at best bland shape. Yet almost every woman in NY had these dresses over the summer, whether they were fat, skinny, short, tall, shapely or thin.

At the height of the empire dress craze, I saw a lot of women looking frumpy and bell-shaped in the big billowy while walking around in nasty flip-flops. Anytime I saw a guy try to point out how unflattering the whole look was, I’d hear the same indignant response: “You don’t know anything about fashion! This is what they’re wearing on the Paris runways/in Soho/in Hollywood!” as if that alone was a good enough reason, or as if the fact that it’s fashion somehow refuted the accusation that it was ugly. Basically, the fact that everyone else was wearing it was its own justification. None of the NY women would ever try to address the meat of the actual critique, which was that the dresses made even good bodies look bad and bad bodies look worse. Or that the flip-flops looked ratty made the bottoms of their feet black after riding the train and walking around Manhattan. Even worse, they didn’t realize they were ignoring the actual crux of the criticism. Their critical faculties checked out at the words “It’s in fashion now” and proceeded no further. Popularity is its own justification in the minds of the fashionable.

A stylish person cares about what flatters their skin tone, hair color and body type, regardless if it goes against what’s in fashion. To me, it shows a great ability to balance individuality with conformity, a good grasp of their body’s strengths and weaknesses, and most of all, intelligence and a strong sense of self. The image they project is congruent with the image they are trying to project, which is also congruent with how they view themselves. All of which conveys great knowledge of self and social intelligence. A big turn on.

I used to not get the big deal about Jackie O., but after grasping the difference between fashion and style, I realize Jackie O. was not overrated after all, she was stylish. And currently the most stylish celebrity to me is Nicole Kidman. I did an extensive google image search on her to find her in an empire dress or flip-flops and I couldn’t find it. She is always more conscious about being true to her personal style rather than to what’s fashionable. It actually makes her look hotter than she actually is. She knows how to highlight assets, hide flaws and convey taste better than any female celebrity out there I think. Cate Blanchett to me exemplifies this trait too, but not as well as Kidman.

Age Limit For Being Fashionable

2009-11-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

No Age Limit on Fashion

While age may stop women from going on a hike to the mountains, traveling, or pursuing their careers, aging surely won?t stop today?s fashion-forward women from wearing and enjoying the latest trends in fashion world Knowing the limits? Julian O?Neal, a 60 year old lady points out that many of today?s fashionable clothes ? from miniskirts to baggy jeans ? can be found on the list of the trendy clothing that she wore way back in her younger daysWhile age may stop women from going on a hike to the mountains, traveling, or pursuing their careers, aging surely won?t stop today?s fashion-forward women from wearing and enjoying the latest trends in fashion world. Knowing the limits? Julian O?Neal, a 60 year old lady points out that many of today?s fashionable clothes ? from miniskirts to baggy jeans ? can be found on the list of the trendy clothing that she wore way back in her younger days. However, although she likes to be stylish and she admits that she still wants to wear trendy clothes, she draws the line on some of today?s fashion trends. She notes that while jeans and pants still fit her age, she couldn?t bring herself to wear miniskirt. Ms. O?Neal notes that most women find it hard to determine what is ?too young to wear? and what''s not. In some cases, the issue remains to be a relative matter and much depends on the individual decision of the person. She also further explains that what you wear has a lot to do with your attitude. In her case, she dresses relatively young because she feels young. As such, she also thinks that wearing a younger clothing line will make her look younger. ?I have fun with fashions, and I like looking at all the exciting new styles coming out,? she explains. Fashion really has no age limit? Suzanne Bishop, owner of a fashion boutique in Chattanooga, Tenn. believes that there is no age limit for looking stylish. She points out that ?Women of all ages want to wear stylish fashion.? In her opinion, the ability of a woman to become stylist just depends on knowing ?what looks good on you and what doesn?t.? Ms. Bishop does not speak just for herself. Rather, she speaks on behalf of her customers. She stated that her customers are usually between ages 18 to 65. Some are even older. However, she noted that there are some issues regarding the preferences and ?fashion goals? of the young and the old. Ms. Bishop notes that there are a few physical issues that many older women want to address. This includes the task of concealing certain body features ? the arms, knees and necks ? which may reveal elaborate signs of old age. As such, Ms. Bishop advises the trendy crowd of the old age to select dresses and skirts that are just below the knee. Wearing a scarf or a turtleneck outfit may be perfect as well, especially during cold weather. For tops, blouses with short or long sleeves will do. Too much jewelry should also be avoided. Ms. Bishop adds that what?s important to acknowledge is the fact that women of old age can still be stylish. "Sixty is the new 40," Ms. Bishop said. She says that many women who are now in their 60s tend to appear and look 20 years younger. This is because they are conscious of their health and they do their best to stay in good shape. What?s more is that contrary to popular misconceptions, mature women of today do not want to look old but neither do they want to be considered too young. Ms. Bishop even points out that "A 60-year-old can look just as chic as anyone half her age". However, she explains that the technique here is to know how and where to draw the line. After all, overdoing fashion is always not a good idea.

Clothes for the Elderly

As people age, their needs and fashion preferences will also change There are many factors that can impact the type of attire an older adult might choose to wear, including their lifestyle as well as health factors such as mobility, arthritis, and incontinenceAs people age, their needs and fashion preferences will also change. There are many factors that can impact the type of attire an older adult might choose to wear, including their lifestyle as well as health factors such as mobility, arthritis, and incontinence. Comfort is often named as the primary factor when seniors are choosing their clothes. Once they retire, there is no longer a need to dress for the professional environment. Many seniors look forward to the freedom of dressing as they see fit after spending many years limited to wearing business suits or uniforms, depending on the company?s dress code. While looks remains an important factor for seniors, other factors can also affect their decision making when selecting appropriate attire. It is a sad reality that a significant portion of seniors will experience health problems which will require the use of adaptive clothing. Adaptive Clothing adapts to the wearer''s special needs such as those who have difficulty doing up buttons, zippers, etc. These are clothes that will make senior feel great without the fuss. Older adults who may be limited in terms of dressing themselves and performing other daily functions are often able to maintain their independence with the use of adaptive clothing items. Here are some examples of how adaptive clothing can help: Seating dressing options: When a older adult has limited mobility or balance, getting dressed with regular clothes may be a challenge. Adaptive clothing can allow him or her to get dressed while remaining seated. These types of clothing items usually have open backs, making the act of dressing as stress free as possible for older adults who cannot stand up. Easy to fasten clothes: Seniors with limited dexterity caused by arthritis, osteoporosis, or other health problems, may find standard clothing very difficult and frustrating to use. Elderly clothing items often fasten with Velcro or snaps rather than zippers or buttons making it easier for senior with limited dexterity to dress themselves. Incontinence concerns: Incontinence is a problem that is shared by many elderly adults. Specialized clothes with Velcro or snaps will allow for easy access and rapid changes on a regular basis. Adaptive clothing that fits well is important to senior consumers but so is clothing that improves their functional independence, makes dressing and undressing a breeze, provides thermal comfort, is adaptable to individual needs, and allows them to perform their routine duties easily. Older adults spend only about 6 percent of their income on clothing and as a result generally have smaller wardrobes than any other age groups. Choosing, comfortable, easy to put on and with an appropriate fit items of clothing becomes very important for maximizing a limited wardrobe. And senior clothing does not have to be boring. Comfortable can also be fun and fashionable. Just remember that properly selected clothing that can help seniors maintain their self-esteem, by allowing them to dress themselves, and feel good about growing older will allow them to really enjoy their golden years. Happy shopping!

Is There any Age Limit for being Fhasionable?????

2009-11-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

There is no age

While age may stop women from going on a hike to the mountains, traveling, or pursuing their careers, aging surely won?t stop today?s fashion-forward women from wearing and enjoying the latest trends in fashion world Knowing the limits? Julian O?Neal, a 60 year old lady points out that many of today?s fashionable clothes ? from miniskirts to baggy jeans ? can be found on the list of the trendy clothing that she wore way back in her younger days

While age may stop women from going on a hike to the mountains, traveling, or pursuing their careers, aging surely won?t stop today?s fashion-forward women from wearing and enjoying the latest trends in fashion world.
Knowing the limits?

Julian O?Neal, a 60 year old lady points out that many of today?s fashionable clothes ? from miniskirts to baggy jeans ? can be found on the list of the trendy clothing that she wore way back in her younger days. However, although she likes to be stylish and she admits that she still wants to wear trendy clothes, she draws the line on some of today?s fashion trends. She notes that while jeans and pants still fit her age, she couldn?t bring herself to wear miniskirt.

Ms. O?Neal notes that most women find it hard to determine what is ?too young to wear? and what''s not. In some cases, the issue remains to be a relative matter and much depends on the individual decision of the person. She also further explains that what you wear has a lot to do with your attitude. In her case, she dresses relatively young because she feels young. As such, she also thinks that wearing a younger clothing line will make her look younger. ?I have fun with fashions, and I like looking at all the exciting new styles coming out,? she explains.

Fashion really has no age limit?

Suzanne Bishop, owner of a fashion boutique in Chattanooga, Tenn. believes that there is no age limit for looking stylish. She points out that ?Women of all ages want to wear stylish fashion.? In her opinion, the ability of a woman to become stylist just depends on knowing ?what looks good on you and what doesn?t.?

Ms. Bishop does not speak just for herself. Rather, she speaks on behalf of her customers. She stated that her customers are usually between ages 18 to 65. Some are even older. However, she noted that there are some issues regarding the preferences and ?fashion goals? of the young and the old. Ms. Bishop notes that there are a few physical issues that many older women want to address. This includes the task of concealing certain body features ? the arms, knees and necks ? which may reveal elaborate signs of old age.

As such, Ms. Bishop advises the trendy crowd of the old age to select dresses and skirts that are just below the knee. Wearing a scarf or a turtleneck outfit may be perfect as well, especially during cold weather. For tops, blouses with short or long sleeves will do. Too much jewelry should also be avoided.

Ms. Bishop adds that what?s important to acknowledge is the fact that women of old age can still be stylish. "Sixty is the new 40," Ms. Bishop said. She says that many women who are now in their 60s tend to appear and look 20 years younger. This is because they are conscious of their health and they do their best to stay in good shape. What?s more is that contrary to popular misconceptions, mature women of today do not want to look old but neither do they want to be considered too young.

Ms. Bishop even points out that "A 60-year-old can look just as chic as anyone half her age". However, she explains that the technique here is to know how and where to draw the line. After all, overdoing fashion is always not a good idea.

Young girls starv to look like pop stars

2009-11-15T05:09:00.000-08:00

Girls as young as 12 are living on unhealthy diets in an attempt to look like their pop idols, Irish research suggests.

A survey of 14-16 year old girls by the University of Ulster found some are restricting themselves to low fat foods as part of their obsession to have the same type of figure as Britney Spears and Victoria Beckham.

Cultural pressures such as the media and fashion industry which dictate that thinness equals feminine beauty, lead many girls to become concerned with their body image, a senior lecturer said.

Dr. Chris Strugnell said: "Dissatisfaction with body image is associated with restrained eating and dieting practices, which can lead to nutritional inadequacies and negative psychological states."
"The media and fashion industry have an influencing role with their promotion of ultra slim role models. A cause for concern is the ambiguity between definitions of dieting and healthy living," he added.

A top Dublin modelling agency however, has dismissed claims that the fashion industry is to blame.

Ms Margaret Humphries, owner of Assets Model Agency, which represents Miss World, Rosanna Davidson, said it wasn't fair that models or celebrities were seen as responsible for young girls' concerns about their body image.

"Some models are just very thin, they lead very active lives and do miss meals but they cannot be blamed if these kids go down the same route," said Ms Humphries.
"It's the way fashion is. Go into any High Street store and you'll see short skirts and tops. You just have to be thin to fit into them.

"Most of our girls are a size 10-12. We do have some girls who are a good size 12 and that's just the way they are. A big-boned girl can't be anything else unless she starves herself to death and we certainly wouldn't advocate that," she added.

"We do encourage the girls to eat healthily and go to the gym but most of our models eat like pigs."

What Does Fashion Mean to Youth?

2009-11-15T04:47:00.000-08:00

Youth Take fashion as an essential for their life and life style:
Here are opinions of some member of today's youth sharing what they take fashion as?

Brian Reed

Well, in my opinion . . .The term fashion applies to a prevailing mode of expression. Inherent in the term is the idea that the mode will change more quickly than the culture as a whole. The terms "fashionable" and "unfashionable" are employed to describe whether someone or something fits in with the current popular mode of expression. The term "fashion" is often used in a negative sense, as a synonym for fads and trends. In this sense, fashions are essentially a relief from boredom, or a distraction from important matters, for the idle rich. The term is also frequently used in a positive sense, as a synonym for glamour and style. In this sense, fashions are a sort of communal art, through which a culture examines its notions of beauty and goodness.Fashions are social psychology phenomena common to many fields of human activity and thinking. The rises and falls of fashions have been especially documented and examined in the following fields:Architecture, interior design, and landscape design Arts and crafts Body type, clothing or costume, cosmetics, grooming, and personal adornment Cuisine Dance and music Forms of address, slang, and other forms of speech Economics and spending choices, as studied in behavioral finance Entertainment, games, hobbies, sports, and other pastimes Etiquette Politics and media, especially the topics of conversation encouraged by the media Philosophy and spirituality (One might argue that religion is prone to fashions, although official religions tend to change so slowly that the term cultural shift is perhaps more appropriate than "fashion") Technology, such as the choice of programming techniques Of these fields, costume especially has become so linked in the public eye with the term "fashion". The more general term "costume" has been relegated by many to only mean fancy dress or masquerade wear, while the term "fashion" means clothing generally, and the study of it. This linguistic switch is due to the so-called fashion plates which were produced during the Industrial Revolution, showing novel ways to use new textiles. For a broad cross-cultural look at clothing and its place in society, refer to the entries for clothing and costume. The remainder of this article deals with clothing fashions in the industrialized world.

Princess Minky

To me fashion means that I can do anything I want as long as it lets people know what I'm usually like. I love to be creative, but I have to match. I love clothes, shoes & jewelery. Of course make-up can add a much needed touch to some outfits. I have this roll on shimmer eye shadow that I love to add to certain outfits!

Sparkley

Fashion does not mean anything to me as I think it is chain stores forcing people to dress all in a similar way for the season like clones. People should dress how they choose, in styles and colours they enjoy and that flatter them. I do not follow fashion but rather believe in having a few choice and good quality clothes that mix and match for a different look and can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

Shena

Fashion to me doesn't mean being a slave to it. It is as one person said self-expression. U could even create ur own fashion statement. It's all abt what suits u and what makes u most comfortable & what makes u feel and look good.

Moreover

What caused major developments in the course of fashion over the past century?

Edwardian era is famous by the Wright Brothers making aviation history, and the Gibson girl which was the standard of the New Women featured and illustrated passionately by Charles Gibson from 1890 1910 including other artists. Gibson has drawn an ideal that every Edwardian woman would look up to. She appeared with prim features, thin neck, hair piled high upon her head, regal pose, insanely narrow waist and puffed sleeves. Edwardian feminine ideals wore two-piece suits, which its upper part is nothing but a smaller firm corset put over and S-shaped corset, collars were usually high during the day while necklines were lowered to a daring level in evening gowns. Edwardian values were all about being fashionable and seeking wealth, it's also called Beautiful Age. The New Woman movement which strongly influenced life in this era was based on several ideas, include that a woman is able to choose her own husband, having education and being financially independent, and yet attractive.This era is somehow separated from the twentieth century, because WWI has changed the course of fashion and human history forever! Some sources mention that despite of war years or war itself, women have always looked forward to new a fashion, and the idea of feminine liberty in the twenties and the fact of winning the vote were often influenced by increased urbanization, which lead to womens involvement in driving, smoking and physical activities.

Waht Does the Word Fasion Mean?

2009-11-15T03:55:00.000-08:00

FASHION

Dictionary entry overview: What does fashion mean?

• FASHION (noun) The noun FASHION has 4 senses:

1. how something is done or how it happens2. characteristic or habitual practice3. the latest and most admired style in clothes and cosmetics and behavior4. consumer goods (especially clothing) in the current mode
Familiarity information: FASHION used as a noun is uncommon.

• FASHION (verb)

The verb FASHION has 1 sense:
1. make out of components (often in an improvising manner)
Familiarity information: FASHION used as a verb is very rare.
Dictionary entry details

FASHION (noun)
Sense 1

Meaning:
How something is done or how it happens

Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:
fashion; manner; mode; way; style

Context examples:
her dignified manner / his rapid manner of talking / their nomadic mode of existence / in the characteristic New York style / a lonely way of life / in an abrasive fashion

Hypernyms ("fashion" is a kind of...):
property (a basic or essential attribute shared by all members of a class)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "fashion"):
wise (a way of doing or being)
signature; touch (a distinguishing style)
setup (the way something is organized or arranged)
life style; life-style; lifestyle; modus vivendi (a manner of living that reflects the person's values and attitudes)
form (a particular mode in which something is manifested)
fit (the manner in which something fits)
drape (the manner in which fabric hangs or falls)
artistic style; idiom (the style of a particular artist or school or movement

Sense 2

Meaning:
Characteristic or habitual practice

Classified under:
Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("fashion" is a kind of...):
pattern; practice (a customary way of operation or behavior)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "fashion"):
line of least resistance; path of least resistance (the easiest way)

Sense 3

Meaning:
The latest and most admired style in clothes and cosmetics and behavior

Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("fashion" is a kind of...):
style; trend; vogue (the popular taste at a given time)

Domain member category:
cut; tailor (style and tailor in a certain fashion)
style (make consistent with a certain fashion or style)
come in (come into fashion; become fashionable)
go out (go out of fashion; become unfashionable)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "fashion"):
retro (a fashion reminiscent of the past)
craze; cult; fad; furor; furore; rage (an interest followed with exaggerated zeal)
haute couture; high fashion; high style (trend-setting fashions)
cut (the style in which a garment is cut)
cult of personality (intense devotion to a particular person)

Sense 4

Meaning:
Consumer goods (especially clothing) in the current mode

Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("fashion" is a kind of...):
consumer goods (goods (as food or clothing) intended for direct use or consumption)

FASHION (verb)
Sense 1

Meaning:
Make out of components (often in an improvising manner)

Classified under:
Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Synonyms:
fashion; forge

Context example:
She fashioned a tent out of a sheet and a few sticks

Hypernyms (to "fashion" is one way to...):
make (make by shaping or bringing together constituents)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "fashion"):
tie (make by tying pieces together)
craft (make by hand and with much skill)
sew; tailor; tailor-make (create (clothes) with cloth)

Sentence frame:
Somebody ----s something
Sentence example:
They fashion the cape

Fashion???? What is This???
Fashion is something we deal with everyday. Even people who say they don't care what they wear choose clothes every morning that say a lot about them and how they feel that day.

One certain thing in the fashion world is change. We are constantly being bombarded with new fashion ideas from music, videos, books, and television. Movies also have a big impact on what people wear. Ray-Ban sold more sunglasses after the movie Men In Black. Sometimes a trend is world-wide. Back in the 1950s, teenagers everywhere dressed like Elvis Presley.

Who dictates fashion?Musicians and other cultural icons have always influenced what we're wearing, but so have political figures and royalty. Newspapers and magazines report on what Hillary Clinton wears. The recent death of Diana, the Princess of Wales, was a severe blow to the high fashion world, where her clothes were daily news.

Even folks in the 1700s pored over fashion magazines to see the latest styles. Women and dressmakers outside the French court relied on sketches to see what was going on. The famous French King Louis XIV said that fashion is a mirror. Louis himself was renowned for his style, which tended towards extravagant laces and velvets.

Clothes separate people into groups.Fashion is revealing. Clothes reveal what groups people are in. In high school, groups have names: "goths, skaters, preps, herbs." Styles show who you are, but they also create stereotypes and distance between groups. For instance, a businessman might look at a boy with green hair and multiple piercings as a freak and outsider. But to another person, the boy is a strict conformist. He dresses a certain way to deliver the message of rebellion and separation, but within that group, the look is uniform. Acceptance or rejection of a style is a reaction to the society we live in.

Fashion is a language which tells a story about the person who wears it. "Clothes create a wordless means of communication that we all understand," according to Katherine Hamnett, a top British fashion designer. Hamnett became popular when her t-shirts with large messages like "Choose Life" were worn by several rock bands.

There are many reasons we wear what we wear?
Protection from cold, rain and snow: mountain climbers wear high-tech outerwear to avoid frostbite and over-exposure.

Physical attraction: many styles are worn to inspire "chemistry."

Emotions: we dress "up" when we're happy and "down" when we're upset.

Religious expression: Orthodox Jewish men wear long black suits and Islamic women cover every part of their body except their eyes.

Identification and tradition: judges wear robes, people in the military wear uniforms, brides wear long white dresses.

Fashion is big business. More people are involved in the buying, selling and production of clothing than any other business in the world. Everyday, millions of workers design, sew, glue, dye, and transport clothing to stores. Ads on buses, billboards and magazines give us ideas about what to wear, consciously, or subconsciously.

Clothing can be used as a political weapon. In nineteenth century England, laws prohibited people from wearing clothes produced in France. During twentieth century communist revolutions, uniforms were used to abolish class and race distinctions.

Fashion is an endless popularity contestHigh fashion is the style of a small group of men and women with a certain taste and authority in the fashion world. People of wealth and position, buyers for major department stores, editors and writers for fashion magazines are all part of Haute Couture ("High Fashion" in French). Some of these expensive and often artistic fashions may triumph and become the fashion for the larger majority. Most stay on the runway.

Popular fashions are close to impossible to trace. No one can tell how the short skirts and boots worn by teenagers in England in 1960 made it to the runways of Paris, or how blue jeans became so popular in the U.S., or how hip-hop made it from the streets of the Bronx to the Haute Couture fashion shows of London and Milan.

It's easy to see what's popular by watching sit-coms on television: the bare mid-riffs and athletic clothes of 90210, the baggy pants of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But the direction of fashion relies on "plugged-in" individuals to react to events, and trends in music, art and books.
"In the perspective of costume history, it is plain that the dress of any given period is exactly suited to the actual climate of the time." according to James Laver, a noted English costume historian. How did bell-bottom jeans fade into the designer jeans and boots look of the 1980s into the baggy look of the 1990s? Nobody really knows.
Once identified, fashions begin to change.

Fashion in Asia Today

2009-11-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

Asian Fashion Trends

Among the most prevalent of such trends is the looseness of fit of many of the garments the editor saw. She speculated that such looseness, referred to as 'volume', has to do with the fact that Asian women are more slight of stature stature /sta·ture/ (stach´ur) the height or tallness of a person standing, stat·uren.The height of a person.

Staturethe height of an animal in the standing position. than their western counterparts. Some of these 'loose' garments, however, are stylish enough to cross international boundaries. But the idea of 'looseness' as a way of dressing overall is likely to remain in Asia. The editor, reviewing one "sack-like dress" reported that from what she sees on the streets it "is pretty much a permanent fixture An article in the nature of Personal Property which has been so annexed to the realty that it is regarded as a part of the real property. That which is fixed or attached to something permanently as an appendage and is not removable.

" The 'loose' style also translated into a 'volume' look in 'pouffy' skirts. This is seen repeatedly on the street and in the stores. In terms of style icons, animal prints proliferate pro·lif·er·atev.To grow or multiply by rapidly producing new tissue, parts, cells, or offspring. in Asia, but, again these prints are adopted only selectively internationally. This has to do with another specific phenomenon local to Asia. And it has to do with the self image many Asian women have of themselves.

The editor identifies this as a "Peter Pan syndrome Peter Pan syndrome Any condition named for the 'boy who would not grow up' Endocrinology Physical immaturity due to a hypothalamic defect with underdeveloped 2º sexual characteristics occurring in ♂ children with microphalus and ↓ height ." And she defines it in marketing terms this way. The image refers to, "looking like a cute cute adj. cut·er, cut·est1. Delightfully pretty or dainty.2. Obviously contrived to charm; precious: "[He] girl is preferable to [a] sophisticated woman." In terms of colorsnot of the white race; - commonly meaning, esp. in the United States, of negro blood, pure or mixed.See also: Color ..... Click the link for more information., red is prominent in Asia. This trend is derived from China where the color red is considered lucky.

The editor also speculated that the appearance of the color red in fashion shows contributed to its popularity. The trend toward layering is catching on in the west, but in Asia layering "is just a routine." And in leather goods, patent leather is popular, "in all the colors of the rainbow."

Asian Clothing does not include chinese and Japanese clothing only, as mentioned and propagated by most of the websites today, rather they include clothing of all asian countries no matter how much are they contributing towards development od fashion industry around the world.

We, on this website, have posted a few glimpses of what actually is meant by Asain Fashion and which Asian countries are contributing the most in the fashion industry.

Fashion in Asia Today