Here is mine:
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Here is mine:
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I've recently read somewhere that "The fashion industry is a premier success story of leveraging social media to convert posts into purchases and that Pinterest, bloggers and Facebook have partially taken trendsetting out of the hands of ragmags and put it on-line into a more easily accessible and visually appealing formats."
Even though, I'm kind of a old school girl and prefer good old fashion shows and magazines to bring me all the newest trends and information, the pace the fashion world is moving kind of makes it inevitable for the designers not to move along and keep up with new formats of social media and digital technology, that makes them more accessible and available to masses.
Since I'm not as informed as one should be, I browsed a web and came across an article in CNN that explains how social media fundamentally changed the way people shop and discover fashion.
Consumers have greater access to brands and expect open, authentic dialogue. With the social media everything became more instant. Sites like Style.com beam images directly from the runway, so do fashion bloggers who take pictures from the front row and instantly share the images on social media. So the moment the designer or the brands show their goods, through platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest you're getting real time critiques, that can actually help the designer to get an instant feedback before finalizing production decisions.
The fashion shows use to be for editors and buyers mostly and the consumer was kept in a dark for another six months until the actual product became available. These days designers are reaching out to consumers in any possible way whether it is through their direct web site or selling collections off the runway allowing them to pre-order looks through e-commerce site like ModaOperandi.
Some of the designers are experimenting with digital fashion shows, which are usually staged ahead of time, don't cost as much as the real thing and are much more accessible not only to editors and buyers but masses as well. KCD, the talent and production agency, which produces most of the live Fashion Week shows launched the product at last season's shows in February. In September, designers as Chloe, ICB, and Pierre Balmain debuted their first digital shows, which are not suppose to replace traditional runway shows, but provide an alternative for brands that might not get the same audience or attention.
After all my research, I can finally see why are designers embracing these new developments in social media. Not only they enjoy more direct interaction with consumers, but can easily become globally well-known in ways they couldn't possibly imagine a few years ago.
Even though, I'm kind of a old school girl and prefer good old fashion shows and magazines to bring me all the newest trends and information, the pace the fashion world is moving kind of makes it inevitable for the designers not to move along and keep up with new formats of social media and digital technology, that makes them more accessible and available to masses.
Since I'm not as informed as one should be, I browsed a web and came across an article in CNN that explains how social media fundamentally changed the way people shop and discover fashion.
Consumers have greater access to brands and expect open, authentic dialogue. With the social media everything became more instant. Sites like Style.com beam images directly from the runway, so do fashion bloggers who take pictures from the front row and instantly share the images on social media. So the moment the designer or the brands show their goods, through platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest you're getting real time critiques, that can actually help the designer to get an instant feedback before finalizing production decisions.
The fashion shows use to be for editors and buyers mostly and the consumer was kept in a dark for another six months until the actual product became available. These days designers are reaching out to consumers in any possible way whether it is through their direct web site or selling collections off the runway allowing them to pre-order looks through e-commerce site like ModaOperandi.
Some of the designers are experimenting with digital fashion shows, which are usually staged ahead of time, don't cost as much as the real thing and are much more accessible not only to editors and buyers but masses as well. KCD, the talent and production agency, which produces most of the live Fashion Week shows launched the product at last season's shows in February. In September, designers as Chloe, ICB, and Pierre Balmain debuted their first digital shows, which are not suppose to replace traditional runway shows, but provide an alternative for brands that might not get the same audience or attention.
After all my research, I can finally see why are designers embracing these new developments in social media. Not only they enjoy more direct interaction with consumers, but can easily become globally well-known in ways they couldn't possibly imagine a few years ago.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
My obsession with FENDI's Spring / Summer 2013 collection has gotten me in real trouble with my inner-self since naturally, it is not something I would be able to ever afford. However, looking at it doesn't really hurt, it feeds my soul and costs me close to nothing...so when I started to look for an interesting look book or press kit that has recently made a huge impression on me, it was more than obvious that it would be probably FENDI.
Not to let anyone down, I did seriously try to find something else, but my hand kept clicking back on this link to a visual or digital image of their Spring Collection 2013.
It contains everything from the colorful accessories as bangs and bracelets through Fendi's most iconic bags as Baguette, Peekaboo and the 2Jours, stripped of their logo-ified buckles in colors as scarlet red, dove gray, cobalt and terra-cotta that remind me of Lego bricks or Rubik's cube. There are glimpses of fabrics, color palettes and style looks as well as the peek behind the scenes with the famous Karl Lagerfeld, who has collaborated on this collection with Fendi's head designer Silvia Venturini Fendi.
This is a look of a Spring Heaven of mine:
Not to let anyone down, I did seriously try to find something else, but my hand kept clicking back on this link to a visual or digital image of their Spring Collection 2013.
It contains everything from the colorful accessories as bangs and bracelets through Fendi's most iconic bags as Baguette, Peekaboo and the 2Jours, stripped of their logo-ified buckles in colors as scarlet red, dove gray, cobalt and terra-cotta that remind me of Lego bricks or Rubik's cube. There are glimpses of fabrics, color palettes and style looks as well as the peek behind the scenes with the famous Karl Lagerfeld, who has collaborated on this collection with Fendi's head designer Silvia Venturini Fendi.
This is a look of a Spring Heaven of mine:
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Trunk shows have been best know for their highly beneficial advances, not only for the designer himself but the stores or boutiques as well. But what if the reason behind such show is not entirely recognition or profit oriented? What if there is a deeper more meaningful reason in showing off or introducing some one's merchandise?
In honor of International Women's Day, Donna Karan, my muse and inspiration as well as one of my favorite designers together with SAME SKY, hosted an ethical shopping event to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements women have made around the world.
SAME SKY is a fair-trade company producing collections of hand blown glass beads crocheted by artisan women in Africa living with HIV/AIDS. During the trunk show, SAME SKY debuted their new collections Faith Earring and Harmony Bracelets, as well as showcased its first product for men, stunning beaded cufflinks. In addition to purchasing products that help empower artisans in Africa, guest were given an opportunity to shop DKNY's Spring 2013 collection and receive 10% off all DKNY purchases, from which a portion was donated to the SAME SKY company.
Reading through the Daily News, I stumbled upon an article with a same interesting headline "Saks + SAME SKY Ethical Shopping Event". As I've read into it, I've found out that on Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, 2013 Saks Fifth Avenue will play host to an ethical shopping event, or as we say in our fashion jargon a "Trunk show" featuring SAME SKY Jewelry. The event will commemorate the anniversary of the Rwanda Genocide.
I've researched the company a bit more and found out that SAME SKY is a fair-trade company whose mission is to empower women worldwide and inspire a movement of women empowering women. Founded in 2008, SAME SKY aims to be a part of the global movement lifting women out of poverty by giving them the tools to become the entrepreneurs and lead self sustaining lives.
If the movement behind this organization doesn't give you a reason to throw a good and beneficial trunk show, then what does?
If it made you interested even a little bit and maybe melted your heart just as mine, check out this video about the SAME SKY's mission:
In honor of International Women's Day, Donna Karan, my muse and inspiration as well as one of my favorite designers together with SAME SKY, hosted an ethical shopping event to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements women have made around the world.
SAME SKY is a fair-trade company producing collections of hand blown glass beads crocheted by artisan women in Africa living with HIV/AIDS. During the trunk show, SAME SKY debuted their new collections Faith Earring and Harmony Bracelets, as well as showcased its first product for men, stunning beaded cufflinks. In addition to purchasing products that help empower artisans in Africa, guest were given an opportunity to shop DKNY's Spring 2013 collection and receive 10% off all DKNY purchases, from which a portion was donated to the SAME SKY company.
I've researched the company a bit more and found out that SAME SKY is a fair-trade company whose mission is to empower women worldwide and inspire a movement of women empowering women. Founded in 2008, SAME SKY aims to be a part of the global movement lifting women out of poverty by giving them the tools to become the entrepreneurs and lead self sustaining lives.
If the movement behind this organization doesn't give you a reason to throw a good and beneficial trunk show, then what does?
Well done DKNY and well done Saks Fifth Avenue !!!
If it made you interested even a little bit and maybe melted your heart just as mine, check out this video about the SAME SKY's mission:
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
I grew up in the 90's, the era of "SUPER Models"....Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz..., so naturally I have a special liking of everything lavish and exaggerated as much as I appreciate an artistic and almost theatrical approach to fashion.
This being said, it is more than natural that my favorite designers happen to be John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Gianni Versace. Recently, however, there were another two men joining the team... Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana in particular.
Their Fall/Winter 2012 Runway show has totally captivated me. The models styled like the characters of famous Italian 17th century paintings looked breathtakingly angelic. Golden embroideries recalled Baroque mirrors and frames, while the needlepoint was most likely inspired by dining room tapestries with painterly cherub and angel prints throughout.
The needlepoint floral pieces were both beautiful and more wearable, but somehow reminded me more of Spring/Summer than Fall/Winter. The embroidered capes, bags and footwear worked as elaborate statement pieces as did the needlepoints.
It is the best to see for yourself:
My all-time favorite though is an old... almost ancient Fashion Show - Galliano's "Diorient Express" Fall/Winter 1998/99 Haute Couture. I remember to be mesmerized by it back then so much, I actually had to go way back into the past and dig up this ancient definitely no HD video, but it's still worth of seeing. I miss those days of theatrical shows full of unexpected surprises...
This being said, it is more than natural that my favorite designers happen to be John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Gianni Versace. Recently, however, there were another two men joining the team... Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana in particular.
Their Fall/Winter 2012 Runway show has totally captivated me. The models styled like the characters of famous Italian 17th century paintings looked breathtakingly angelic. Golden embroideries recalled Baroque mirrors and frames, while the needlepoint was most likely inspired by dining room tapestries with painterly cherub and angel prints throughout.
The needlepoint floral pieces were both beautiful and more wearable, but somehow reminded me more of Spring/Summer than Fall/Winter. The embroidered capes, bags and footwear worked as elaborate statement pieces as did the needlepoints.
It is the best to see for yourself:
My all-time favorite though is an old... almost ancient Fashion Show - Galliano's "Diorient Express" Fall/Winter 1998/99 Haute Couture. I remember to be mesmerized by it back then so much, I actually had to go way back into the past and dig up this ancient definitely no HD video, but it's still worth of seeing. I miss those days of theatrical shows full of unexpected surprises...
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I always thought Bergdorf Goodman has the most amazing window displays in the entire New York City...especially during the Holidays. I often make a trip out of it... to come and see them. Each year they create something more magical and out of this world that just takes my breath away, but Bloomies is slowly getting there as well. It might not be something out of this world, but it gets pretty close...
Take a look at their promotion of Karl Lagerfeld's watches....
You might not know this about me, but I'm not a huge fan of department stores. Mostly for their congestion and traffic flow, I much more prefer the personal touch and feeling of a small boutique. However, since I work on the Upper East Side and often shop at ZARA on Lexington and 59th Street, for my beauty products or perfumes, I usually run across the street either to Sephora or Bloomingdales.
That was a reason of my visit to Bloomies this time around as well, but something "bright" and "colorful" in the window caught my eye and to be honest, I LOVE "BRIGHT" and "COLORFUL". It wasn't just the color, it was much more. It was the combination of neutral black & white enhanced with a hint of vibrant colors....beautiful spring colors as mint and coral... in combination of navy blue and yellow, but most of all...amazing geometric patterns and architectural cuts...that stopped me in my busy and over-booked Tuesday afternoon.
Bloomingdales has currently on display the collection of Milly's Spring 2013.
I've never heard of this brand before, but their colorful springy apparel with amazingly unusual prints and patterns was a real eye catcher and in some way very unique and refreshing. I snapped a couple of pictures and as soon as I got home, I've Googled them. To my biggest surprise, this brand apparently has been on our market since 2001 and their head designer just so happened to be a formal FIT student, Michelle Smith, so I started to dig a bit deeper and this is what I've found out:
The Milly by Michelle Smith collection has defined youthful, luxurious style since 2001. Convinced from an early age that fashion design was her calling, Smith earned an art school scholarship to study fashion illustration, and later followed her passion to New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. With a keen interest in European fashion and luxury goods, Smith worked at the Hermes boutique in Manhattan to help pay for her studies. Upon graduation from FIT, she wrote to the President of Hermes requesting an internship at the Paris headquarters. Her request was granted, making Michelle Smith the first American Hermes employee sent to work in Paris by this legendary fashion house.
While in Paris, Smith continued her studies at the prestigious design school ESMOD while also interning at Louis Vuitton, Torrente and Christian Dior Haute Couture. After three years, Smith returned home to New York, intent on establishing her own design business, and Milly was born.
Since the glare of the windows doesn't allow you to see this amazing collection of exquisite prints and colors properly, I found some pictures on-line just to tease your eyes.
Michelle's collection is contemporary and exquisite, not only it combines ultra modern with sophisticated and glamorous look, but her clothes somehow seems to embody today's modern sensibility with a hint of a vintage vibe, essentially all the things urban women are looking for.
If Michelle's collection made as huge of an impact on you as it did on me, you have a chance to actually meet her. It might be a bit of a late information, but she is coming to hold a discussion forum in Blomingdales tomorrow, Thursday, March 7th between 6 - 7pm. Here is the link from the Daily News and Guest of a Guest web sides regarding the event:
http://events.nydailynews.com/new_york_ny/events/show/311748283-meet-milly-designer-michelle-smith-at-bloomingdales
http://guestofaguest.com/new-york/calendar/2013/march/meet-milly-designer-michelle-smith-at-bloomingdales
Meet Milly Designer Michelle Smith at Bloomingdale's |
| When | Thu, March 7,6:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Where | Bloomingdale's , 1000 Third Ave, New York, NY (map) |
| Admission | Open |
| Description |
Stop by Bloomingdale's to meet Milly designer Michelle Smith as she showcases her newest collection at Bloomingdale's.
|
| Website |
|
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Fashion week is over here in New York, London and in Milan as well and from every corner there have been reviews and fashion blogs booming out. I've read quite a few, because the fashion critics and their opinions are as important as the trends themselves.
Just like the Oscars wouldn't be Oscars without the work of critics and their opinions about movies that are worth of seeing, fashion would not move forward without its critics praising or dissing it.
One of my favorite fashion critics is Cathy Horyn from NY Times who's fearless and colorful expression of trends and styles gets me each time. This season, the article that caught my eye was regarding the latest Bottega Veneta collection from Milan and her appraisal of their creative director Tomas Maier.
Cathy's style is always so refreshing and honest, that sometimes it might work to her disadvantage and get her in hot waters with some of the designers, but she always comes back as honest as ever staying truthful to herself like she can be. Her fashion "Jargon" is irresistible and comments like "Bottega Veneta is a big luxury brand, and as such, Mr. Maier doesn't have the experimental latitude of a Comme des Garcons, though some of his gestures suggest that he'd like to " make me secretly grin.
Some might find other critic's choice of words more descriptive, like for instance Rebecca Lowthorpe's from Elle UK, who described the collection in real fashion matter, but somehow boringly, "The silhouettes were architectural, with flat, square shoulders and skirts whose pleats folded outwards like cogs on an industrial machine. The colors were dark or intense: black, slate, smoke and pearl were punctured with red, yellow and curry-orange. And the fabrics ranged from heavy flannels to felted wools, leather, silk, satin and lacquered straw"
....whereas Cathy gave her words a whole lot of color and flare (least in my opinion), " A series of belted dresses or skirts featured pleats that jutted away from the hips, with the neat precision of an industrial filter (like the one in your vacuum cleaner), while a black coat revealed graduated layers of wool at the back that fluttered like petals as the model walked past"...
...and she continued with her more than honest opinion, " Along with these elaborate shapes, Mr. Maier included a few slim black dresses lightly mixed with black duchess satin, and one in black twill wool with a flat knitted bodice set at a slight diagonal. These dresses were more successful, to my eye, than the collaged or pleated numbers. Maybe that's because Mr. Maier can't help himself - he's a designer who inevitably seeks order and refinement, whereas someone like Ms. Kawakubo is completely comfortable with the opposite, and very often seeks it."
Just like the Oscars wouldn't be Oscars without the work of critics and their opinions about movies that are worth of seeing, fashion would not move forward without its critics praising or dissing it.
One of my favorite fashion critics is Cathy Horyn from NY Times who's fearless and colorful expression of trends and styles gets me each time. This season, the article that caught my eye was regarding the latest Bottega Veneta collection from Milan and her appraisal of their creative director Tomas Maier.
Cathy's style is always so refreshing and honest, that sometimes it might work to her disadvantage and get her in hot waters with some of the designers, but she always comes back as honest as ever staying truthful to herself like she can be. Her fashion "Jargon" is irresistible and comments like "Bottega Veneta is a big luxury brand, and as such, Mr. Maier doesn't have the experimental latitude of a Comme des Garcons, though some of his gestures suggest that he'd like to " make me secretly grin.
Some might find other critic's choice of words more descriptive, like for instance Rebecca Lowthorpe's from Elle UK, who described the collection in real fashion matter, but somehow boringly, "The silhouettes were architectural, with flat, square shoulders and skirts whose pleats folded outwards like cogs on an industrial machine. The colors were dark or intense: black, slate, smoke and pearl were punctured with red, yellow and curry-orange. And the fabrics ranged from heavy flannels to felted wools, leather, silk, satin and lacquered straw"
....whereas Cathy gave her words a whole lot of color and flare (least in my opinion), " A series of belted dresses or skirts featured pleats that jutted away from the hips, with the neat precision of an industrial filter (like the one in your vacuum cleaner), while a black coat revealed graduated layers of wool at the back that fluttered like petals as the model walked past"...
...and she continued with her more than honest opinion, " Along with these elaborate shapes, Mr. Maier included a few slim black dresses lightly mixed with black duchess satin, and one in black twill wool with a flat knitted bodice set at a slight diagonal. These dresses were more successful, to my eye, than the collaged or pleated numbers. Maybe that's because Mr. Maier can't help himself - he's a designer who inevitably seeks order and refinement, whereas someone like Ms. Kawakubo is completely comfortable with the opposite, and very often seeks it."
Comme des Garçons
by Rei Kawakubo
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