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8 years ago
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David Bowie was an incredible genius that has been a massive influence on the fashion world from ready-to-wear to high couture, trailblazing trends for both men and women alike.
Since news of David Bowie's tragic death on Sunday, January 10 hit the internet the following Monday, a deluge of mournful tributes on sites like Twitter and Facebook have brought back to attention many of his gender-fluid, enigmatic looks throughout the music legend's career, which span six decades.
His constant sartorial evolutions have left indelible mark on fashion, as evident in the multitude of status updates, images, and video, paying homage to Bowie.
Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. Photo Credit: Ilpo Musto / Rex Features
From Jean-Paul Gaultier's 2013 "Rock Stars" collection to Haider Ackermann's latest Spring 2016 line, it's no doubt that Bowie's influence still impacts fashion these days.
On Monday, Gaultier told The Associated Press, "personally, he inspired me by his creativity, his extravagance, his sense of fashion that he was constantly reinventing, by his allure, his elegance and his androgyny."
Below: 1) Jean-Paul Gaultier spring 2013, 2) Haider Ackermann spring 2016, and 3) Dries Van Noten men’s fall 2011 collections.
Photo Credit Jacques Brinon/Associated Press, Valerio Mezzanotti/Nowfashion, Francois Guillot/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
To Karl Lagerfeld, Bowie was "a great artist, and a timeless icon...who will remain a reference."
And on Tue[...]
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8 years ago
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The deplorable terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday November 13 has left 352 wounded and has tragically claimed 129 lives, including an aspiring designer named Nohemi Gonzalez, studying abroad from California.
Fashion blogger, Mai Hua New York Times thought that the explosions "were just another burst of gang violence," while a woman picking up Chinese takeout recalls a terrifying account of people "hiding under tables," and her car "riddled with bullets."
It's painful and difficult to fully imagine the entire weight of horror these innocent people experienced, and our hearts go out to all of the victims and lives lost. And this weekend, the heartfelt sympathy in the wake of this heinous can be seen all over social media, especially within the fashion community.
Photo Credit: Jean Julien
See below some of the outpouring of love and support from such leading members of the fashion world, including Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Christian Louboutin .
Jacqueline Colette Prosper, yummicoco.com
Jacqueline Colette Prosper, yummicoco.com
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8 years ago
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Los Angeles-based Knative Clothing, helmed by Ariel Goodman-Weston produces "fully fashioned knitwear" that's not only environmentally conscious, but is also waste conscious.
Fashion-making typically begets a lot of waste---from discarded textiles to water use. Finding a brand that truly tries to incorporate "no-waste" techniques is definitely something worth calling attention to. It's also important to distinguish these fashion labels from fast-fashion brands like H&M that attempt to present themselves as eco-conscious in a dishonest practice referred to as greenwashing.
Brands like Knative Clothing create handmade, durable products. And because of its small size, it doesn't seem to require the same amount of resources as a larger label would need---thereby labels like Knative create less harmful emissions.
Ariel Goodman-Weston
Here are three reasons why you need Knative knitwear in your possession this Fall into Winter.
Fully Fashioned Knit Technique
Ariel Goodman-Weston uses a fascinating form of "fabric sculpting" in order to make her fabulous knitwear. The designer uses "pre-shaped pieces of fabric" in order to limit waste. Typically, a designer cuts shapes from gigantic reams of fabric, which result in many unused pieces getting tossed aside. Knative's strategy of using pre-shaped pieces makes it easier to sculpt the textiles into fun, fashion-forward tops and scarves.
Ariel Goodman-Weston/PHOTOGRAPHED BY THOMAS SLACK
No Waste
Go[...]
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9 years ago
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Womenswear designer LaQuan Smith is a juggernaut in the fashion world. He's making a name for himself, displaying a daring looks that reflect a "refined approach to classic tailoring"
He can even make tweed look cool! "I found these awesome, incredible, sick tweeds from Italy and I wanted to experiment with them," he tells Fashionista.
Find out what three most important things you need to know about LaQuan Smith right now.
His Fabulous Designs Are Inspired By Bold Women (And Powerhouse Celebs)
From Kim Kardashian wearing a yellow ochre sweater dress, or Rihanna wearing a long, mesh frock, LaQuan Smith's designs are in your daily news feed whether you like it or not.
"I think that’s the world we live in today — everything is truly driven by celebrities, social media, the 'popular' girls of the world, and the influence they have on the world, especially women and young girls," Smith tells Refinery 29.
"And, despite what anyone might think about these celebrities, or about the Kardashians, they are truly influential in our society right now." He continues: "Whatever they do and wear, their fan base is genuinely interested." Smith adds "and I think that, at least for the LaQuan Smith brand and clientele, that they buy things from us because it feels authentic to them — it doesn’t feel forced, or like I’m trying to fit in. They buy it because they genuinely like it."
He Battled Cancer At 17, All While Embarking On A Fashion Career
The Queens-n[...]
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9 years ago
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On October 1, Olivier Rousteing's exotically ritzy looks for Balmain were on full display as the fashion house presented clothes for Spring 2016 Paris Fashion Week.
Set at Paris’s Hotel Intercontinental, the star-studded event drew notables like Diplo, Jada Pinkett Smith, and of course members of the Kardashian clan.
And while we shouldn't care about whether or not Kris Jenner and her brood were in attendance, it's important to pay attention to the 29-year-old designer.
Since taking over Christophe Decarnin's creative director position at Balmain in 2011, Rousteing has been killing it in the fashion world.
Let's look at three reasons why Balmain is a huge force that is changing fashion history forever.
Reason #1: Camel
Olivier Rousteing displayed a wide array of colors, however it was "camel" that proved to be the biggest standout. Supermodel Caroline Ribeiro kicked off the October 1 showcase, wearing a caramel-colored suede jacket and matching cigarette pants.
Reason # 2: Cut-Outs, Lattice, Ruffles and Sheers
The overall style of the season's collection featured cinched waists, oversized belts, and "statement-making" necklaces. Rousteing has fashioned designs that effectively meld strong looks with soft ones. This is evident in the "body-baring" lattice skirts and tops, as well as romantic ruffles.
Reason #3: High-Waisted Briefs
Yas! Any reason to wear large, comfortable underclothes is perfectly fine with me. The daring style helps to transform[...]
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9 years ago
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Talk about 'art for progress!' Label Pyer Moss has left a strong impression at their New York Fashion Week debut on September 10, with what many believe to be one of the most "powerful" showcases ever.
Photo Credit: Pyer Moss
The much buzzed-about menswear label has recently branched out into womenswear. Last week's NYFW was Pyer Moss's way of introducing this new foray for the label to the world. Instead of presenting themselves with frills and fantasy, they've allowed current events to penetrate their work, bringing the 'Black Lives Matter' movement to the forefront.
And from the overwhelming response online, it seems as though the politically-charged gamble has worked!
After the jump, find out more about this challenging and nerve-striking event.
Pyer Moss used their platform to address racism and police brutality head on, incorporating thought-provoking symbols on fashion pieces, including blood splattered sneakers and gun-holster accessories. There was also a 15-minute video presented to the audience before the showcase, featuring various horrific deaths of unarmed men and women who died at the hands of the police.
Police brutality and institutional racism are hot-button topics that founder and creative director Kerby Jean-Raymond, 28, wants people to be more aware of. Personally, the designer has experienced 12 gruesome stop-and-frisk encounters with New York law enforcement between the ages of 12 and 18.
Founder/Creative Director Kerby Jean-Raymond. Photo [...]
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9 years ago
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Zeitgeist-identifier and design icon Marc Jacobs perfectly captures the spirit of New York City as the hub of the fashion world in an ultra-specific, ALL CAPS party invitation. Promoting the release of the book Gloss, Marc's glitter-soaked party will happen sometime during New York Fashion Week, (between September 10 and September 17) at fabled 1980-90s nightclub Tunnel.
This glamorous fête is separate from the September 10 book signing event at Bookmarc that looks to be open to the public.
The fabulousity of the strict "dress to kill" party guideline, expertly delineated in the invitation, seems to be even more exciting than the party itself. So much so that it's been getting lots of attention online thanks to Yahoo! Style, who first posted the colorful dress code.
As we await hungrily for images from the event, you won't believe what sort of look requirements Marc lays out for select guests after the jump!
Set for a September 1 launch, the book "Gloss" pays tribute to the glamorous photographer Chris Von Wangenheim, who's life was cut short in 1981. Known for juxtaposing the evil and grotesque with the beauty and glitz of the disco era, the Fashion Week release party dress code looks to be staying true to the overall energy of that time period.
Photo Credit: Instagram/Mao PR
The insanely "strict" and specific AF look requirement is as follows:
STRICT DRESS TO KILL CODE WILL BE ENFORCED: FUR COATS OVER LINGERIE, LIP GLOSS, JERRY HALL SIDE-SWEPT HAI[...]
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9 years ago
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As the summer season steadily winds down, and we start looking towards dressing for colder weather, let's look at items that women can wear all season long.
But let's not forget that many of us tend to wear the same clothes all season long, on account of frigid temperatures in many places of work.
(After all, we can't ignore talk about unfairly regulated, "sexist" air-conditioners.)
Meaning, that while it may be hot outside, it's ice-cold in many offices, movie theaters, shopping venues and more, so the need to stash a sweater in our totes is vital to summer survival.
However, this trend story is not about office politics, or sweater layering, it's about what we can wear anytime and anywhere that's always on trend (and will still look fierce under a sweater or with opaque tights).
Here are your three, tried-and-true fashion items (plus a bonus item) below:
The Wrap Dress
Photo Credit: DVF
Pity we don't have a nationally-designated holiday, celebrating Diane of Fürstenberg, the famed designed who introduced the valued fashion staple in 1974.
You can wear a wrap dress anytime of the year. With sleeves pushed up just so, enjoy walking around in breathable fabric, made with seasonless silk jersey.
A Printed Scarf And A Gold Bracelet
Photo Credit: Mariano Vivanco/Vogue Brazil
These are essential and effortlessly chic accessories that always work winter, spring, summer and fall. Use gold bracelets to dress up or down a style, and incorporate a s[...]
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9 years ago
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This week, while we are trying to figure out how to somehow incorporate bodysuits into our late-Summer wardrobe, or how to convert a shirtdress into a layering piece, Paper Magazine has issued a fantastic round-up of 15 fashion stars-to-come that you need to know about right now .
These designers are fresh out of design school, probably excited to hit the ground running this September when the official 2015 international Fashion Week season returns after Summer hiatus.
Here's a sneak peak at FOUR of the designers featured in the round-up that are going to be household names by the time the 2016 Fashion Week season cycles in.
You're welcome.
1) Jon Max Goh, Parsons The New School for Design
Photo: Hiu Zhi Wei
Talented design, who also has a great singing voice, creates gender fluid ready-to-wear that doesn't conform to mainstream norms. “I’m interested in asking why and how we design the way we do—and answering these questions by designing in a way we don’t,” Goh tells Style.com.
2) Samantha MacDonald, Savannah College of Art and Design
Photo: Samantha MacDonald
This designer-to-watch will not be as easy to find on future high-fashion runway but she will certainly influence popular style as in-coming Assistant Fashion Designer at Macy's starting this Fall.
3) Elizabeth Hilfiger, Rhode Island School of Design
Photo: Elizabeth Hilfiger
Tommy's middle daughter might prove to be a chip off the old block, effortlessly creating preppy fast fashion like h[...]
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9 years ago
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No doubt about it, fashion and music have an almost symbiotic connection. Tastemakers like Gwen Stefani make it look so easy, right? However, with the hit-and-misses of musical fashion designers like Kayne West, finding a way to successfully meld the two together is not an easy feat.
That's what makes former fashion accessories designer Krista Retto such a fascinating subject. She's flawlessly applied her talents in marketing and advertising into successful jewelry-making career, and then reinvented herself again (of course using all the skills she's mastered) to create a music company.
She's the co-founder of the Big House Companies, comprised of a music publishing house (Big House Publishing) and a indie record label (BHi Music Group), that has found a way to harness all of her past experiences into one all-encompassing career.
Ready to reinvent yourself? Krista gives some insight into how it's done. Read and learn after the jump. BhpNewYork.com
Jacqueline Colette Prosper, yummicoco.com
1) Tell us how you got into jewelry making.
I fell haphazardly into the world of jewelry. I went to Senegal, West Africa for music (out of pure love) and, while there, also discovered the beauty of gems and jewelry-making. When 9/11 hit, I stepped out of my corporate life and volunteered for months at the World Trade Center site, came home each night and made jewelry to steady myself. I had lost more than 30 people that I knew and I was more than rattled. Out of she[...]
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9 years ago
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This week, I caught up with independent designer Amber Jimenez Garcia, founder of Ambit NYC, who just completed an impressively large-scale project with a well-established lifestyle brand recently.
Known for producing locally-sourced, handmade designs, Ambit NYC, is growing as Amber uncovers new ways to diversify her brand. Via e-mail, she offers some insight to Art For Progress readers!
1) Can you fill us in about the experience of producing a high volume of hats for a top lifestyle brand, all on your own?
In my experience, it is really about who you know. Every time I have had an opportunity to work for an interesting company on a freelance basis, it was due to a friend's recommendation.
For this company, which is branded as high-quality, a friend who works there in accessories design, [reached out to be as] she was looking to push work with an American-made brand in millinery. She has a few of my hats, and really believed in the quality of my work. [However this project was on] a much larger scale than what I'm used to. It was a great challenge, and I am happy to have had the opportunity.
2) Got any pro-tips for those looking to work with companies on a freelance basis?
One of the most important lessons that I gained from the project was to make a timeline, and to stick to it. Even with several setbacks along the way, sticking to a time-and-action calendar helped me meet each setback head on.
3) Are you still making baby booties [...]
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9 years ago
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Known as the Super Bowl of Drag, RuPaul's Drag Race, now in its 7th season, will announce this year's winner tonight on LOGO-TV! I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!
Image Credit: Mathu Andersen/LOGO
Full disclosure: It's one of my all-time favorite program, and I totally believe it is one of the best shows on TV. And what's wonderful is that I'm not the only one. RuPaul's Drag Race's fans span all social backgrounds and sexual orientations! Sure this year's edition hasn't been the most outstanding season, with mostly lackluster "Lip Syncs For Your Life." it's still great to see the evolution of all of queens, especially the finalists Ginger Minj, Pearl and Violet Chachki.
Getty Images for LOGO
Here are three fabulous fashion moments as shared to me by Blog Founder, Social Media Strategist Nichelle Stephens, and fellow fan. Like me, she's not quite sure who she's rooting for: "I can't decide but I think I am #TeamViolet," she says.
Ginger Minj
After last season's Ben de La Creme and Darienne Lake, Ginger Minj seemed like a weak mash-up of the two. However as the season progressed, you can see that Ginger has Southern charm with campy sensibilities and style.
Jason Kempin, Getty Images for Logo TV
The best look for her was runway look on the penultimate episode. The white gown was gorgeous; her makeup was glamorous with being too much and her wig was teased up into a perfect crown.
LOGO-TV
Violet Chachki
Violet Chachki is waist traini[...]
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