Edited by lookbooks
• Having performed over $100 million in sales, Gilt Groupe is looking to move into a separate permanent men’s wear business. ( WWD ) • Stella McCartney debuts the relaunch of its Web site in the U.S. and Britain, adding an e-commerce aspect to its site…
Edited by Marissa Moshell, Student
I’m not so sure how long it will take for this trend to cross overseas, but within Britain there’s quite the craze for hair. After a survey was conducted by Sound Asleep and OnePoll.com, it was noted that 97 percent of the women preferred their “manly men” completely unwaxed and untrimmed! There was very little difference in results from region to region within the UK; however, those Eat Midlands folks did have to admit they have a bit of a weakness for men who tweeze.
LINK LOVE: Stylelist
Edited by The Fashion Web
Renee Thompson is a model trying to make it into NY Fashion week, with 10 years of experience modeling all over the world, a beautiful portfolio and drive she continues to struggle because of her skin color. (http://www.nfb.ca/film/colour_of_beauty)
I was sent this video by a friend and it really struck me. Read my email response:
“I have worked fall and spring NY fashion week shows since fall 2008. There are several things here that I have seen and know from working backstage.
1. There is a tendency to use 1 or 2 Dominican models (It seems being black and exotic is trendy over being “regular” and latinas are working more than blacks from what I’ve seen)
2. There is a tendency to use mostly white brazilian models and models from the Ukraine
3. There is a tendency to use 1 Asian model
4. There is 1 or 2 African-Candian or African-American models. (usually Chanel Iman)
5. Alek wek looking models are starting to be phased out
The only show that I attended (not worked) that had a lot of black models was the ARISE Magazine show this past Spring (African Fashion Mag). Every working black model was in that show.
Now where does it start? Who's to blame. I really believe we designers are largely to blame. I know that when I have shows I purposely choose models that aren't the industry standard. While I'm not big enough yet to make an impact, I will continue to do this. My hope and dream is to have many fashion week shows that isn't labled “African” that features mostly black, latina, native american, Indian and Asian models. Because they are constantly stealing our flyness and remixing it for old and oddly shaped (mostly white) women and selling it for $1000s. Do you know how trends start? Trend spotting agencies travel the world and take photos of US. Then take those photos and make mood boards and presentations for designers. Think of all the “ethnic” trends there have been recently. Come y'all can steal from people of color all over the world and those people can't be apart of the presentation? Fashion is one of the many venues that helps the masses to embrace imperialism. When Britain was occupying India, having silk was such a status symbol. Not a coincidence. I can go on and on but just know that I'm working to chance the industry from within. It may take my whole life but I will keep at it.
Love,
Chay”
And I mean it. Please leave your thoughts and comments.
Until then,
Chay
Edited by The Fashion Web
Lara Stone is currently a favorite among couture fashion designers due to her distinctive face and womanly figure, but Stone says that growing up, it never occurred to her that she could be a top fashion model, according to Britain’s Grazia magazine.
Stone said she remembers thinking how amazing the 90s Calvin Klein Obsession campaign featuring Kate Moss was, but, she says, “It didn’t enter my head that modelling could be something I could do. It wasn’t even on my radar because I look exactly like a boy.”
But now, Stone has been named as Calvin Klein’s model for the brand’s Fall campaigns, and her unique look helped her. Stone has said that although she was always told to have the gap between her front teeth fixed while she was younger, she refused to do so, and now she’s been rewarded by becoming the face of one of the fashion industry’s biggest labels.
Edited by The Fashion Web
Dubai Skyline | Source: ecopolis
Middle East Retail Returns to Growth Track (WWD)
“The retail pulse is back in the Middle East. Fashion brands point to positive trends in the region, including the return of tourists, particularly in Dubai. Wealthy Chinese are streaming in… shoring up a fast-growing destination for Europe’s luxury players even though business isn’t near pre-recession levels.”
Debenhams refinances, sees lower interest costs (Reuters)
“Britain’s No.2 department stores group, has completed a refinancing of its debts, signing a new 650 million pound ($997 million)agreement that will cut its interest bill… the deal comprised a 250 million pound term loan and a 400 million pound revolving credit facility.”
Luxury Retailers: Cautiously Shoptimistic (Brand Channel)
“Luxury retail in general took the hardest hit during this recession…Our customers pulled back dramatically from spending… that being said, we are very happy to see that business is coming back. The customer is definitely back in the stores.”
Britain’s regional tailors (FT)
“The pre-eminence of London’s Savile Row as the centre of tailoring expertise is well documented. Yet outside the capital there are tailors the length and breadth of Britain who cut, sew and fit to the same bespoke methods. Their numbers, however, are dwindling.”
What women want (Independent)
“A unique approach to women’s fashion: Whether they’re inspired by skyscrapers, schoolgirls or Joan Collins, London Fashion Week’s female designers have a unique approach to women’s wardrobes.”
Edited by Kirby Marzec
Photographer: Stefan Heinrichs
Models: Cole Mohr and John Patrick Dine
Edited by Marissa Moshell, Student
A couple weeks ago we told you all that Ali Hewson of Nude Cosmetics was suing Stella McCartney for use of the word nude in her latest fragrance. But today we hear that despite Hewson’s attempts to ban the sale of the perfume, the fragrance will still be released on time in the UK this Saturday. Good decision, I found the whole thing a bit ridiculous.
LINKAGE: The Independent
Edited by Marissa Moshell, Student
The “British MAC” is going stateside! Makeup company, Illamasqua is getting picked up by Sephora and will be sold in the U.S. stores by the end of the month! Currently, the brand is available on Sephora’s online forum, but we can’t wait until it hits shelves. With a ton of Illamasqua products flooding in, there are also a select few that can’t cross the border. A couple of the Illamasqua products have ingredients that are illegal in the US; guess you’ll have to make that trip to Britain.
Edited by Kirby Marzec
In opposition of an American list of essentials, the life and style editors of Times Online created their own set of style rules. This time, however, they decided to take their list abroad, mix in some fish and chips and create the ultimate British babe. Out of their list of 50 things every British girl should have, there are the obvious, the obscure and the absurd. Here is my list of the the blessed and bashed British must-haves. Remember to “Mind the Gap,” but please, for everyone’s sake, mind the crap.
The Blessed
TRENCH COAT- You really can’t go wrong with a trench coat. Leave your self-consciousness about looking like a spy behind and grab a trench with a dramatic collar and figure flattering belt. Trust me…Burberry invented the trench coat afterall!
LEATHER JACKET-Oh yes. Necessary. Grab a cropped coat cut at the waist and you’re in British business.
LEATHER DRIVING GLOVES- I think my dad may be the only person i’ve ever seen wear these, but they are vital for British style! Wear them with your trench or leather jacket and you’ve got a fierce way to dress up your hands. Even Victoria Beckham puts the petal to the metal in her driving gloves!
SILK SLIP-Definitely night time attire! A silk slip is just what any girl needs to contradict herself…sexy and innocent. Wear it out on the town or in for an evening with you man.
TINY EVENING BAG- Leave the bulky address book, can of pepper spray and extra pair of heels at home! A cute little handbag or clutch is all you need for a night out!
MEN’S BROGUES- Absolutely the first item on my list! You can wear them with virtually anything- straight leg denim, a skirt and textured nylons, even a vintage dress!
TEA DRESS- If you can snag a vintage number, all the better! Flattering. Wearable. Never out of style.
SILK SQUARE- Imperative accessory for the British appeal! The versatility makes it wearable as a scarf, a belt or a headband!
WHITE CORDS- Classier than jeans. More elegant than white pants. Not exactly my favorite, but a more “Jackie O” alternative.
CAMEO BROOCH- No need to go out and buy this, steal it from grandma! Wear it as a necklace or as a brooch on a chunky sweater or coat. Yet another subtle vintage way to spice up an outfit!
The Bashed
BERET- Oops! Looks like we threw a little baguette into our fish and chips! Yes, berets are cute but not necessary in the British wardrobe!
FAKE EYELASHES- Two words. Um, NEVER.
SHORT, BLACK BOB WIG- What is this for? An Anna Wintour look-alike contest?
A HIDDEN TATTOO- Of course! A shamrock tattoo you got on your ass while still in the 8th grade is so British. What’s the point if nobody can see it anyway?
GOLD LEGGINGS- Unless you’re trying to fit in at an M.I.A concert, I suggest you leave these at home. Or better yet, burn them.
SPANX- I’m sorry you have a big butt, but no. Not British. Not necessary. Maybe what you need is a gym membership.
GOLD HOOP EARRINGS- Why don’t we just save these for Beyonce and Lil Mama? Too American pop-glamor.
WELLINGTON BOOTS- If I see another pair of rain boots, I’m going to drown myself in the nearest puddle. Please, these went out of style a LONG time ago.
GREEK SANDALS- I love these just as much as the next girl, but they are summer shoes! And they aren’t British…they are everywhere.
KHAKI PARKA- I give all of you permission to kill whoever wears anything that comes out of an L.L. Bean catalogue.
