Before I was gung-ho on the idea of working in fashion public relations, I wanted to be a counselor specializing in eating disorders for adolescents. So, I would like to take the time this week to talk about eating disorders and body image problems given that it is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Many state that the ideal female body is regarded as having large breasts, a small waist, broad hips, long legs, toned muscles, and light skin. From collected studies, many can find the media’s influence on our younger generation. In Sarah Grogan’s Body Image, it is noted that girls, as young as the age of five, demonstrate a preference for thinner figures, as well as calorie restriction as a means of weight loss. With characteristics such as these, it is no wonder that approximately ten million women each year (diagnosed, mind you) suffer from an eating disorder.

The biggest problem with body image is the failure to recognize the opposite sex’s ideal and realize who they are trying to appease. What I mean by this is that when given a figural rating scale (pictured above), men would often select a fuller figure than fellow women would pick. Therefore, one can conclude that women are not realizing that they are in fact trying to seek the approval of one another more so than they are with men. In which case, the comparisons are more strenuous given that they blanket their comparisons to one another with herself to his ideals.

What is also cause for alarm is that young women are able to justify to themselves that they do not have an eating disorder because their condition does not match the textbook description of anorexia or bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. In which case, many fall under the little known category EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) where not all symptoms are matched but behaviors are enough to classify a person as having a problem warranting attention.

Often, there is an underlying issue to an eating disorder; many do not have control over their actual lives and resort to food as a means of exerting control in a way that they are sure to “win.” Such is often why we see eating disorders paired with other issues, such as depression or a troubled home life.

And although many say that the fashion industry is to blame, there have been improvements made and hopes to gain more traction in the movement towards a healthier body image. A week prior to New York Fashion Week, the CFDA held a panel discussion entitled “The Beauty of Health: Resizing the Sample Size,” in which it was agreed upon there is a need for change; however, it must be a collective effort by the whole industry and just not by a select few. And from when the Brazilian girl had collapsed and died several years ago, we also have to note how the attitude toward thinness has vastly changed. Where many had before perceived the average American size of fourteen to be negative, many are beginning to embrace it, especially with the launch of several plus-size lines (including the premiere of Project Runway Canada Jessica Biffi’s plus-sized collection) and voice their opinions (such as with the heavily digitally edited Ralph Lauren advertisements).

The key here is to provide support. If you believe someone you know has an eating disorder, do not be afraid to contact a medical personnel or someone that can give you access to such resources.

Ralph Lauren flubs again with model Valentina Zelyaeva

For more information, check out the National Eating Disorders Awareness website

Logo courtesy of NEDA, figural rating scale courtesy of Nature.com, another Ralph Lauren flub by news.com.au

When we often think of foreign designers, especially from Asia, there is a perception that the aesthetic is incredibly different. However, this preview seems to disprove such thoughts, as we can see similar taste in trends for this upcoming fall and winter. The bohemian look is ever present, but with more hints of warmer palettes than what we have seen so far from the tents. Furs were present plain and with patterns,as well as blazers and plays on what was once seen as purely office wear.

On the way out of the venue, guests were handed their coats from check-in and a canvas bag, which contained an invitation to the Japan-FPO Exhibition this weekend at La Venue featuring several of the designers seen at the presentation.

Tinydinosaur - adorable name for a company

The white dress with silver neck decoration was gorgeous

The overall concept of how the previews were set up

Shida Tatsuya; lovely preview

The Dress Co.

Live DJ makes all the difference

The crowd marvels at the presentation

With hair slicked back and molded into the shape of the back of an alien’s head, the concept of forwardness and future was well conveyed. The color palette was fairly muted with colors that were not extremely strong, and that were in fact a reference to industrial and rusted metal elements. What was key to keeping collection interesting, though, were the many shapes in designs that were introduced. Bat wings were incorporated to provide a looser fit in some looks, whereas in others, Francesc made use of slimline silhouettes and high waist pants. One of the favorites is a slim-fit jacket, which has pointed shoulders – not only is there attitude in the jacket itself but there is also a sense of class with the tailoring.

The beauty truly lies in the lookbook itself, which best conveys the fusion of technology and man. Here are several snapshots from the catalog below, which feature electrical wires and other industrial elements intertwined with the model and Francesc’s designs.

Grey dress on the runway

The suit of the modern day

With wires and a hue resembling copper

Hello modernity

Gorgeous photograph

Slim-fit jacket featuring pointed shoulders

Lookbook images and profile picture courtesy of People’s Revolution.

But once the curtains parted and the crowd rushed in, live rock music blared at to offer disruption to the regular office atmosphere. And amidst the noise disruption was also the unconventional men’s officewear, which included skirts, kimono style construction for jackets and interior shoulder straps. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay very long to take a good look at many of the pieces since I was pressed for time, but I did note that the tailoring and fit was well done on the models.

Siki Im's first look upon entering

Rocking out to disrupt the normal office atomosphere

Reinventing business casual

A day at the new office

When best friends Victor Glemaud and Camilla Staerk teamed up last year for a dual showing of their collections, they received great reviews on their designs. In a large open space, the Staerk girls were lined up against the wall and photographed as a group, whereas the boys of Victor Glemaud formed a “V” shape with bright lights shining down on them. Remarking on the clothing, the looks are styled casually but boldly with flattering shapes and colors.

Photographer taking a picture of the Staerk lineup

Staerk posing for the camera

Side shot of the Victor Glemaud line

Introducing a V shape for Victor Glemaud's new line

In the smaller space at Milk Studios, one steps into the Billy Reid presentation which had an air of hay. Amongst the bails that were set up where the Gary Graham presentation was held. Contrasting the country style with class, Billy Reid brings upon a sense of home with the country setting and warm faces of the models.

The country scene for Billy Reid

Heading on over to the surf lodge where tacos and cocktails were served, the Semi Precious Weapons took the opportunity to treat guests to a performance instead of heading on over immediately to continue opening for Lady GaGa’s monster ball tour.

Semi Precious Weapons sings to its audiences to put a diamond in it

Strong and catchy beats played as models strutted down the runway in patterned tops, skirts, and tights. The flow in looks was consistent and smooth, as the edgy patterns soon transitioned into plain black dresses fitted with a cardboard figure attached to the waist of the runway models. Following the unusual streak of plain dresses were more black and white pieces; however, they now featured the words “little black dress” and “fashion” and “style.” Soon after, the designs took a creative turn with jewel encrusted and glitzy clothing. The articles of clothing that left many with their mouths agape in awe were the mosaic colored crop jackets and the final dress, which had a simple silhouette and was in black, and had a mosaic design on the front.

Much of the crowd stood up and clapped for Jeremy Scott who graced the studio space with his energetic presence. And as much his style is not of my aesthetic, I couldn’t help but be entranced and thoroughly enjoy the show, which had excellent accompanying music and lighting.

Cardbord figure attached to the models

Bright colors are dominant in the collection

Fashion emblazoned on clothing

Strutting in Milk Studios

Profile picture courtesy of Google

Okay, but seriously, the Hernan Lander fall/winter 2010-11 presentation at the OpenHouse Gallery on Friday afternoon displayed clothes as classy as the drinks served. The air was filled with talk and the clinking of champagne and wine glasses, as guests discussed in awe of the young Dominican Republican designer’s collection. As opposed to being featured on models with faces screaming “boredom,” the clothes were dressed on mannequins, which gave focus to the clothes themselves, as opposed to who was wearing the pieces.

Featuring a distinguished taste, the collection makes use of fur snake skin to highlight certain looks, which were cleverly styled by Rene Garza. The favorite for many was the short slim-fit fur jacket dressed overtop a high-neck collar purple patterned blouse paired with the “good-ol” black skinny jeans. Twitter statuses, including that of Kayren Davis of KD Couture, tweeted positive comments and snapshots of the clothes.

As attendees left the gallery, splendid comments regarding the event were audible. In fact, many of the guests were having such a good time that had the gallery had not to close its doors at 9pm, they would have gladly stayed to mingle with the other Hernan Lander admirers.

An open spaced entrance leads down to more looks from the new collection

Displaying the looks in stylish poses

Mixing and mingling

Images courtesy of Jordan Johnson and headshot courtesy of Socially Superlative

But with that said, there was not much to miss in the show that featured Prince’s song “Purple Rain.” With the dominant hues of black and purple, Toi presented professional daywear, as well as evening. His interpretation for professional wear came from the inspiration of androgyny and menswear; however, they lacked a certain “oomph” that could classify each look as his own. The glimmer and sparkle that we have seen on many designs of other lines, which make them stand out, add to the tackiness of some of Toi’s pieces, especially the dresses that feature a gradient from black to purple to black.

Even the fur pieces had failed to leave an impression of luxury on me. One of the few pieces that tried to redeem the line was his black dress that had an elegant silhouette and crystals around the waist. Other evening wear pieces included one that was made from velvet and heavily adorned in crystals, and could be characterized as being overall form fitting but flaring out at the bottom.

Too long a show, I wasn’t sure if people were clapping in admiration or in hopes that the dress that walked the space was in fact the last one. In fact, I’m wondering if I’m one of the few that disliked the line, as everyone gave Toi a standing ovation.

Starting piece of Zang Toi's Fall/Winter collection

There is some appeal, but there is also a lot of excess

Of all the pantsuits, this is probably the only one that has some character

We go from excessive to way too plain

One of the redeeming pieces in the Fall/Winter collection

Headshot courtesy of NYMag.com

Founded in 2008, Suno’s Brooklyn-based designer Max Osterweis draws his inspiration from African influences where he often recalls his family vacation to Kenya. The presentation helps with promoting the designer’s concepts and envision of the label. Observing the use of textiles that have an African touch, master stylist Odile Gilbert came up with the idea of continuing the African idea by going for a giraffe look. Such is accomplished with the stand-up-straight hairstyle, which resembles the neck of the animal.

The clothes of Suno are fun; patterns, glitz, and vibrant colors are key to the line. While I may not be a wearer of bold patterns and strong colors, I can appreciate the appeal in the tailoring and the styling. The African influence is obvious, but Osterweis’ Brooklyn style is also present in the bohemian cuts and shapes. What I love most was the fun and playful music, which some of the models danced to, along with the army-like hat atop one of the models.

Loving the army-like hat atop

See the line of giraffes?

Bohemian cuts mix with African prints and textiles

Glitz and vibrant colors make up Suno's Fall/Winter 2010-11 line

Hop on over to a smaller space on the same floor and enter an atmosphere completely different. With the smell of burning incense, and the combination of old-world and futuristic aesthetics, CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund finalist Gary Graham provokes guests with the feeling of alien elegance. Hair coiffed into a square shape and pulled back, and thick eye brows, and uniform platform shoes, the models show off Graham’s patterned and bohemian style. The cuts are admirable and the fur adds lavishness to the line, which add to the allure that attracts many guests into the small space. The set-up is ingenious clothes are beautifully structured and styled.

Standing still with the occassional rotation of looks and models

Fur adds elegance to the furturistic aesthetic

Rotating positions

Close-up of bohemian patterns and male looks