Tim Gunn, creative director for Liz Claiborne, has his own show called “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style”. He has Greta Monahan as his co-host and sidekick. Greta also works in the industry as a stylist and owner of GRETTACOLE spas, salons and boutiques. The show features a different fashion victim each week, and they go through a series of steps to help re-vamp and makeover the suffering female.
Last week’s episode featured Erica Mollica who is 35 years old. She is a veterinarian that is preparing for her wedding. She is 5’11” and has trouble finding clothes that fit in length, so she opts to wear clothes that are meant to be too small (baby tees and capris). Erica stated that she “wants to be WOW with confidence” after the weeklong intervention. Due to her height and lack of ability to properly dress it, she slouches to try to compensate.
Each week, and after the initial evaluation of the client, Tim and Greta completely empty the “fashion victim’s” closet to give them distance from their clothes, so they won’t be haunted by where they came from. It is much like a style (or lack there of) detox. While doing this, they have a category of “keepers and menders”, in which Greta will adjust existing garments or use them to create completely new items. In a previous episode, a dress was made into an adorable clutch purse. This week, two identically terrible sweaters were made into outfits for stuffed animals.
The first shopping trip is almost always to an undergarments store. Tim believes that undergarments are the basic building blocks to fashion, and they need to fit properly, and can even change the overall look of your clothes.
Tim sends these clients to get an opti-tech body scan, which creates a life-size simulation of the client, with exact measurements of their bodies. He shows them how their old clothes actually look on them, and he them compares that to how proper outfits can emphasize their body and its shape. For Tim, it is all about silhouette, proportion, and fit, and people need to think of their bodies as thirds instead of halves. He then gives the client a postcard size body visual of themselves, and actually draws the appropriate lengths of skirts, shirts, pants, sleeves, waistlines, and pant/skirt shapes that work best for their body type.
Before the actual shopping trip, Tim sends the client to In Style Magazine where they get more information and tips on how to dress and add style and accessories. Right before the shopping starts, Tim gives an “essential list” which is constant in every episode. The items on the list include: basic black dress, trench coat, dress pants, skirt, jacket, classic shirt, day dress, any occasion top, jeans, sweat suit alternative, and as a bonus, an indulgent trendy item. Tim and Greta accompany the client on this trip, but they are only there for support- they will not tell the client what to purchase.
Once the shopping extravaganza is complete, Tim takes the client to see a high-end celebrity designer. This week, Erica had the opportunity to meet Yigal Azrouel. In every instance, the client actually gets to choose one of the designer dresses that they got to try on, to take home as a gift.
The last step in the transformation process is to get a makeover from renowned hair and makeup artists. The client then meets Tim and Greta back at Tim’s loft to show them the new hair and makeup. That is where the client gets to see just how their old wardrobe looks compared to the newly purchased one.
Finally comes the fashion show for the family and friends. The client puts together 3 different looks (completely on their own) from their new collection of clothes. The fourth look reveals the designer dress that was chosen, and the show actually brings in all the designers, stylists, artists, and other celebrity consultants to come in and view the overall new look. Tim and Greta invest in one last gift to give the client (which is usually expensive jewelry) to signify the journey and transition that has just occurred.
Throughout the entire show, tips are given to help guide, even the viewers, to success. Tips this week include:
* Skirts should fall just above, just below, or at the knee
* A higher cut leg on a bathing suit makes legs look longer
* Don’t use too much foundation-less is more
* A wet eye shadow gives a more intense look
* Using a lip pencil helps lipstick stay on longer
* Use a diffuser for added volume to hair
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Marymount Expands Online
Marymount University has expanded on the worldwide web. As all facebook users know, you can join groups in regards to your school, city, or both. Marymount actually has some of its own facebook pages under “organizations-clubs and societies”.
The first I will mention is the Fashion Club page on facebook. It is an open group, in which everyone at Marymount can join and invite friends to join as well. The description states “Students of Marymount University gain knowledge and experience in the fashion industry through charity and fashion events, industry and career speakers, workshops, and fashion-related field trips”. The page also includes contact information, including an email address, location address, and room number. Recent news and information about the club and meetings are also labeled on the site. You are able to view other members, discussion boards, photos, and other posted items.
The second page is Marymount’s Fashion Advice Column. This page is also open to anyone on the Marymount network. This description says “Marymount University's first anynonymous FASHION ADVICE COLUMN (in cooperation with Marymount University's "MU BANNER") that is created to answer any of your questions on fashion do's & dont's, beauty, health && anything centered around the outward appearance..:)”. This page allows the same type of interaction as the previously site. I am under the impression that this might be a new addition to facebook, due to the fact that there are only a few members, and absolutely no photos, posts, or comments.
I think both of these pages are great! It is such and easy, yet amazing way to get people at Marymount to rally around a common bond and cause. It is also a simple way to meet new people and stay connected with old friends. I am looking forward to the advice column in particular. I think some of the questions and comments posted are going to be not only hilarious, but some might even be beneficial!
The first I will mention is the Fashion Club page on facebook. It is an open group, in which everyone at Marymount can join and invite friends to join as well. The description states “Students of Marymount University gain knowledge and experience in the fashion industry through charity and fashion events, industry and career speakers, workshops, and fashion-related field trips”. The page also includes contact information, including an email address, location address, and room number. Recent news and information about the club and meetings are also labeled on the site. You are able to view other members, discussion boards, photos, and other posted items.
The second page is Marymount’s Fashion Advice Column. This page is also open to anyone on the Marymount network. This description says “Marymount University's first anynonymous FASHION ADVICE COLUMN (in cooperation with Marymount University's "MU BANNER") that is created to answer any of your questions on fashion do's & dont's, beauty, health && anything centered around the outward appearance..:)”. This page allows the same type of interaction as the previously site. I am under the impression that this might be a new addition to facebook, due to the fact that there are only a few members, and absolutely no photos, posts, or comments.
I think both of these pages are great! It is such and easy, yet amazing way to get people at Marymount to rally around a common bond and cause. It is also a simple way to meet new people and stay connected with old friends. I am looking forward to the advice column in particular. I think some of the questions and comments posted are going to be not only hilarious, but some might even be beneficial!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Women's Sports Gear
Alyssa Milano, who we all know as the cute tomboy from “Who’s the Boss”, is all grown up now. She has debuted a sports related clothing line for women, named “Touch”. She includes jeans, hoodies, shorts, tops and jackets that are all themed for teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB and college. She has presented a way for sports-loving women to stay warm, fashionable, and still represent their favorite team! Most athletic wear for pro and college teams are geared toward the male body and preference. This time, women have someone who has put their interests in the forefront, while creating athletic-wear specifically for them. Completely tailored to the woman’s body and mind-set, on how things need to look and fit!
Alyssa credits her drive and motivation for her clothing line to her mother and grandmother. Both were successful designers, and she followed in suit to become a third generation designer. She goes into detail about the fabrics and silhouettes used in her line, during an interview with MLB.com. Here is a portion of the interview:
MLB.com: What types of fabrics and patterns are you using for the clothing line?
Alyssa: The fabrics and patterns were very important to me. I wanted to use sporty fabrics that are wearable and feel good -- hence the name "touch" -- but also use feminine fabrics as a contradiction. I used a lot of satin to make the sporty looks a little bit more feminine. The silhouettes were equally as important because I wanted women to feel good in the pieces. As a woman, I find it's more important that I feel good in what I wear than the actual styles. So I went through great lengths to make sure all the styles were flattering and catered to a woman's body shape. For instance, my tank tops all have shelf bras attached because I always had a hard time figuring out what to wear under the fan apparel tanks that were available to us. My hoodies have double zippers so we won't have any bulges while sitting in the stands rooting for our teams.
MLB.com: How did you alter the designs to be more fashionable and desired?
Alyssa: I really took into consideration the trends that are already in the fashion marketplace. I wanted to create a line that women could wear anywhere and not just to a game. I wanted to bridge the game with the after-party and do for baseball what the hip-hop world did for the NBA.
The clothing can be purchased from the corresponding sports websites (for example, mlb.com for baseball gear).
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Victoria's Dirty Little Secret
Most of us females swear by the undergarments produced by Victoria’s Secret. This is no longer the case.
A class action lawsuit has been brought against the famous company, due to an imperfection in their Angel’s Secret Embrace bras and their Very Sexy Extreme Push-Up bras. It seems as though people who had previously purchased these bras are experiencing symptoms including itching, rashes, welts, hives, and in some cases, permanent scarring. There are even comments from many customers on a medical site, where they are listing their own personal symptoms, resulting from the same bras. Rita Ritter is the main woman in the situation, and has hired a lawyer to put together a case. Her lawyer purchased the same styles of bras, and had them tested at a lab- the results are very unsettling. The bras tested positive for formaldehyde. Victoria’s Secret states that they do not use formaldehyde in their products, but the lab results negate this confirmation by the company. VS spokesperson also states, "We are sorry that a small number of people have had an issue and we want to help them determine the cause. Customer safety and satisfaction are always our primary concerns and we take seriously any issues our customers may have with our products."
The case will be reviewed in May, to see if there is any possibility of moving forward with it. As of now, the bras have not been removed, and still remain on the shelves.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=6225503&page=1
A class action lawsuit has been brought against the famous company, due to an imperfection in their Angel’s Secret Embrace bras and their Very Sexy Extreme Push-Up bras. It seems as though people who had previously purchased these bras are experiencing symptoms including itching, rashes, welts, hives, and in some cases, permanent scarring. There are even comments from many customers on a medical site, where they are listing their own personal symptoms, resulting from the same bras. Rita Ritter is the main woman in the situation, and has hired a lawyer to put together a case. Her lawyer purchased the same styles of bras, and had them tested at a lab- the results are very unsettling. The bras tested positive for formaldehyde. Victoria’s Secret states that they do not use formaldehyde in their products, but the lab results negate this confirmation by the company. VS spokesperson also states, "We are sorry that a small number of people have had an issue and we want to help them determine the cause. Customer safety and satisfaction are always our primary concerns and we take seriously any issues our customers may have with our products."
The case will be reviewed in May, to see if there is any possibility of moving forward with it. As of now, the bras have not been removed, and still remain on the shelves.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=6225503&page=1
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Can't Beat Shopping Spree
My obsession with shopping has definitely landed me in some murky financial situations in the past (all of which I managed to figure out and resolve on my own, thank goodness). That is why, when I got the opportunity for a free shopping spree, I jumped on the chance. Now, this was not your average shopping spree at a mall or store- it was a shopping spree in my mom’s enormous and overcrowded closets (and yes, I did put an “s” on the end of the word closet)!
The entire experience was exhilarating. I sat on the couch in the living room, as my mom brought out stacks of boxes in multiple trips. As I opened each one, it was as though I was viewing a treasure that hadn’t been seen in decades (and that was the actuality of the situation too). Not only was I shopping for shoes, but clothes and handbags too.
The handbags were the easiest category to do. I would simply look at them, and decide right away whether or not I wanted to add them to the collection at my house. I ended the handbag spree with a black vintage GUCCI over the shoulder purse, and two FENDI bags from the seventies. I added a few more no-name bags to the pile before being completely finished.
The clothes were right in the middle when it came to difficulty. I sifted through part of the collection with the basic “eye test”- which is I would see if it looked aesthetically pleasing. Then it came to trying the garments on. I had to keep in mind, that even if things didn’t fit perfectly, there were some that I could get tailored to be spectacular. For this round of shopping, I kept about 8-10 different pieces, some of which I left at my parents’ house to take to the tailor down there. Others were left behind due to the unexpected and overwhelming amount of shoes.
This was definitely my favorite part, but also the one that took the most energy out of me- good thing we saved it for last. Shoes! No lady can ever have too many pairs of shoes- or so I thought until I got home and realized I had no sufficient place to put these shoes and take care of them the way they deserved to be taken care of. Yes, I am speaking of these shoes as though they are alive, and to me, they kind of are. They need to have the proper amount of room to breath and stand without being cramped or smashed- I mean some of these gorgeous shoes haven’t even been worn in the 20-40 years that they have been owned. Others have had the glorious opportunity to walk the streets in many different parts of the world (due to the fact that my mom has been a flight attendant for the majority of her life). When all was said and done, I packed my little car with 18 boxes of shoes, 5 purses and 3 outfits-which is a relatively large list of items that I now claim as mine, for an unbeatable price of…….NOTHING!
The entire experience was exhilarating. I sat on the couch in the living room, as my mom brought out stacks of boxes in multiple trips. As I opened each one, it was as though I was viewing a treasure that hadn’t been seen in decades (and that was the actuality of the situation too). Not only was I shopping for shoes, but clothes and handbags too.
The handbags were the easiest category to do. I would simply look at them, and decide right away whether or not I wanted to add them to the collection at my house. I ended the handbag spree with a black vintage GUCCI over the shoulder purse, and two FENDI bags from the seventies. I added a few more no-name bags to the pile before being completely finished.
The clothes were right in the middle when it came to difficulty. I sifted through part of the collection with the basic “eye test”- which is I would see if it looked aesthetically pleasing. Then it came to trying the garments on. I had to keep in mind, that even if things didn’t fit perfectly, there were some that I could get tailored to be spectacular. For this round of shopping, I kept about 8-10 different pieces, some of which I left at my parents’ house to take to the tailor down there. Others were left behind due to the unexpected and overwhelming amount of shoes.
This was definitely my favorite part, but also the one that took the most energy out of me- good thing we saved it for last. Shoes! No lady can ever have too many pairs of shoes- or so I thought until I got home and realized I had no sufficient place to put these shoes and take care of them the way they deserved to be taken care of. Yes, I am speaking of these shoes as though they are alive, and to me, they kind of are. They need to have the proper amount of room to breath and stand without being cramped or smashed- I mean some of these gorgeous shoes haven’t even been worn in the 20-40 years that they have been owned. Others have had the glorious opportunity to walk the streets in many different parts of the world (due to the fact that my mom has been a flight attendant for the majority of her life). When all was said and done, I packed my little car with 18 boxes of shoes, 5 purses and 3 outfits-which is a relatively large list of items that I now claim as mine, for an unbeatable price of…….NOTHING!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
For those of you who do not know me all that well, I absolutely LOVE Nordstrom. I love everything about this company! They are holding a sale starting on Wednesday, where customers will be able to enjoy 40% off of their purchases. Along with that, people that have decided to be a Nordstrom cardholder, have the opportunity to receive additional discounts as well as double rewards.
I have been considering becoming a cardholder for a long time, and I think I might just have to make the plunge. Along with the possible discounts for using the card, they will also give you reward points, which will lead to other discounts and advantages. If you spend $2,500 a month a Nordstrom while being a cardholder, you will receive an extra advantage. That amount spent will put you into a specialty category. While in this category, customers have the opportunity to get early previews on items, as well as early previews on sales. That means that there is no necessity in going in on the sale day, and fighting the crowd. You can already have your merchandise all picked out, and they will put that to the side to hold for you. The only drawback (in my eyes) to the early previews is the fact that you will not be able to view the items that are not put out until the actual day of the sale. Now, this is not a large percentage of the overall merchandise, but if by chance, you are waiting for a key item, you will have to go and face the storm on they day of the sale.
The thing I like most about this company is the customer service. I purchased some shirts at Nordstrom and absolutely fell in love with them. I wanted to get them in every color I could, but since it was nearing the end of the season, my options were limited. I found some other colors online, but I wanted to see if they had more anywhere. I called customer service and they found 6 more of the shirts that I wanted, in various colors, across the nation. Since they were actually coming from two different locations that were not close in proximity, they had to send them in two different shipments. I was already expected to pay the shipping cost on one of the shipments, but that still left me with the shipping fees on the other- or so I thought. The company actually waived the shipping fee for the second package, which saved me money. I also saved money on each of the shirts, since I saw that one was listed $10 cheaper than the other three. Since I had mentioned this to them, and the internet could back up my claim, I received all of the shirts for the lower price. I don’t think that you could ask for better customer service, and they were actually friendly and nice as well. Two of the shirts ended up being a slightly different style, so I was able to return them to the store in Tyson’s Corner, without any problems.
I am so excited to go and do my shopping tomorrow, knowing that I will be receiving a minimum of 40% off my purchases. Now, the only obstacle I face is whether or not to sign up for the Nordstrom credit card- I think I might just have to do it!
I have been considering becoming a cardholder for a long time, and I think I might just have to make the plunge. Along with the possible discounts for using the card, they will also give you reward points, which will lead to other discounts and advantages. If you spend $2,500 a month a Nordstrom while being a cardholder, you will receive an extra advantage. That amount spent will put you into a specialty category. While in this category, customers have the opportunity to get early previews on items, as well as early previews on sales. That means that there is no necessity in going in on the sale day, and fighting the crowd. You can already have your merchandise all picked out, and they will put that to the side to hold for you. The only drawback (in my eyes) to the early previews is the fact that you will not be able to view the items that are not put out until the actual day of the sale. Now, this is not a large percentage of the overall merchandise, but if by chance, you are waiting for a key item, you will have to go and face the storm on they day of the sale.
The thing I like most about this company is the customer service. I purchased some shirts at Nordstrom and absolutely fell in love with them. I wanted to get them in every color I could, but since it was nearing the end of the season, my options were limited. I found some other colors online, but I wanted to see if they had more anywhere. I called customer service and they found 6 more of the shirts that I wanted, in various colors, across the nation. Since they were actually coming from two different locations that were not close in proximity, they had to send them in two different shipments. I was already expected to pay the shipping cost on one of the shipments, but that still left me with the shipping fees on the other- or so I thought. The company actually waived the shipping fee for the second package, which saved me money. I also saved money on each of the shirts, since I saw that one was listed $10 cheaper than the other three. Since I had mentioned this to them, and the internet could back up my claim, I received all of the shirts for the lower price. I don’t think that you could ask for better customer service, and they were actually friendly and nice as well. Two of the shirts ended up being a slightly different style, so I was able to return them to the store in Tyson’s Corner, without any problems.
I am so excited to go and do my shopping tomorrow, knowing that I will be receiving a minimum of 40% off my purchases. Now, the only obstacle I face is whether or not to sign up for the Nordstrom credit card- I think I might just have to do it!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
'Tis the Season
‘Tis the season to go dark. With the fall season well underway, and winter quickly approaching, dark tones and colors are making a bold appearance. The darker colors are coming into play in every fashion aspect- clothing on the runway, in stores, hair, and even nail polishes.
We are all seeing a ton of blacks and grays, as well as darker tones of the colors used for spring and summer. Along with the staple neutrals of a winter closet, dark jeweled tones are making a prominent stand.
One major color this season stems from purple. Multiple shades and tones are offered ranging in matching names from wine to amethyst. Purple hasn’t been this important in at least twenty years. I have actually recently purchased a deep purple nail polish that I was pretty nervous to try out. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would look a little too goth for my taste, but it worked out beautifully.
Colors in the gold family are still strong, but we are also seeing moves made more towards orange. Those will be reflecting the colors of the changing leaves. Since these orange hues can be very bold, and for some, overbearing, there is an easy solution. Instead of wearing the color so close to your face, you could definitely use it in a handbag, shoe or other accessory for a simple, yet powerful, splash of something different. 
The rose and pink colors of spring are getting deeper, and changing into mud and deep red tones. I think a deep red is a great alternative to the ever so simple (and easy) black, but you have to make sure that it is still appropriate for the occasion. You could definitely get away with a dark cranberry colored dress at a work function, and if that is too much for you, there is yet again an easy solution. Pair some red heels or boots with your favorite black slacks as a way to feel a bit daring, but still staying in your comfort zone.
Hair color seems to be following the tide of fashion, and moving darker as well. For all of the natural and faux blondes alike, everyone seems to want to try out life as a brunette. I myself fall into the category of faux blonde, and this season, I am trying life “au natural”. Brunette shades are just as difficult as the blonde ones, in making the right choice. You need to decide between ash browns, reddish browns, and blondish browns. Of course, the trouble doesn’t stop there. You also need to make sure that you get a color that will work well with your skin tone, and not wash you out. Going dark is a very easy way to make your eyes pop, and feel as though you are living life as your alter ego.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Zoe Project
Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist, transitions from behind the scenes (never obscure), to in front of the camera, center-stage. She starred in the first season of her Bravo TV reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project. She was born on September 1, 1971 and entered the fashion business arena at the age of 21. Her personal style is 70’s, boho-chic. You can usually catch her out and about in a vintage jacket or vest (almost always made of fur), blonde wavy hair, really large sunglasses, sun-kissed skin, and accessories galore.
The show takes you into the life of Rachel Zoe, and shows the tumultuous life of the fashion business. Through the struggles of photo shoots, dressing models, fashion shows, and her personal A-list clients, somehow she shows us that all of it can be achieved- but never without a price. It is apparent, and never denied by Zoe, that her personal life takes a backseat to her professional life. That is just one of life’s attributes that must constantly be juggled, in order to obtain the level of trust and respect (in the industry) that she has reached. The cast is comprised of her inner circle- Rodger, Taylor, and Brad. Roger is the loving, and somewhat of a pushover husband, who wants nothing more than for his wife to succeed and be happy. Taylor is the edgy, rocker, right-hand assistant that has an attitude and trouble letting people in. Brad is the “green”, newby of the clan that has been trying for years to get this opportunity.
Not only has Zoe been a stylist, fashion forerunner, and chic friend, she has also published a book. Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty and Everything Glamour, is her book that came out in hardcover in 2007 and again in paperback in 2008. This book is not only a go-to-guide for style and accessories, but also entertaining, traveling and just living a fabulous life all around. In addition to all of the listed above, she also lends her face, name, or partnership to multiple brands and campaigns (including, but not limited to, LEIBER, Samsung, Piperline.com, and GAP). She is also in the process of expanding her brand with the addition of her own accessory line.
I personally love everything about this woman- her sense of style, her drive and determination for the business and success, as well as her fun-loving outlook towards life. Not to mention, that I would give anything to have her one of a kind wardrobe! I’m looking forward to many more seasons of behind the scenes looks at how the world of styling really works (since that is what I aspire to do later in life).
Monday, October 20, 2008
Project Runway season ends......
Project Runway’s season finale was last Wednesday, with the announced winner being Leanne Marshall.
For anyone out there that has not seen the show or become instantly addicted to it, Project Runway is a reality competition, and lifetime opportunity for interested fashion designers. The winner this season would receive a 2009 Saturn View Hybrid car, the opportunity to sell their creations on bluefly.com, and $100,000 to start their own line (which is sponsored by Tresemmé hair care). The judges each week are comprised of Heidi Klum (host and judge), Michael Kors (top American designer), Nina Garcia (editor at large for Elle Magazine), and a guest judge (that is different from week to week).
The season starts out with 12 fashion designers. Each week, the contestants get a challenge to create an outfit on a time restraint as well as a budget. They have a runway show using their chosen model (who is also competing for a print ad that is given to the winning designer featuring their model). Garments are judged while coming down the runway, then the judges pick a combination of their favorites and least favorites to proceed to a question and answer portion of the show. A winner is chosen (and at times, receives immunity for the following challenge) and the loser has their dream shattered. The final three designers will create an entire collection each to show during Fashion Week at Bryant Park.
Through this season, we have seen one designer leave each week with a creation that had completely sealed their fate. We have seen beautiful and original pieces, as well as off the wall ones, which leads one to wonder what in the world the designer was thinking. The twist that I did not see coming, was the fact that Jerell had been the winner of the final challenge, but actually did not end up making it to Fashion Week. The final four designers were given an opportunity to each create their line, and showcase one piece (wedding gown) to the judges. Unfortunately, even with Jerell’s previous win, he was eliminated, and unable to move on to the finals.
The final three contestants were Leanne Marshall (27 year old freelance designer), Korto Momolu (33 year old freelance designer), and Kenley Collins (25 year old freelance designer). This was the first time in Project Runway’s 5 year history that the final runway show was embodied by all female contestants- all of whom could not have had more distinct and different views on designing.
Leanne created her line from the inspiration of the ocean- including colors and forms. Every single piece that came down the runway at Bryant Park had this wave/pedal affect. She has been very consistent in showing organic garments, but for me, this was too much.
Kenley derived her inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, and that definitely showed in her collection. There were innovative processes that she used to create her line, including actually hand painting on the fabrics she used. Although many of her pieces were a little too far fetched for me, she did have a few items that I liked.
Korto pulled her inspiration from nature and the colors that it encompassed. Her garments were very structured, and tailored beautifully to a woman’s body. She also left herself open to the possibility of having a consumer basis with a wide range of body types. To me, this was my favorite of all three of the finalists.
Was the outcome of this season exactly what everyone had hoped, or are there people out there with my point of view that saw this as somewhat of an upset?!
For anyone out there that has not seen the show or become instantly addicted to it, Project Runway is a reality competition, and lifetime opportunity for interested fashion designers. The winner this season would receive a 2009 Saturn View Hybrid car, the opportunity to sell their creations on bluefly.com, and $100,000 to start their own line (which is sponsored by Tresemmé hair care). The judges each week are comprised of Heidi Klum (host and judge), Michael Kors (top American designer), Nina Garcia (editor at large for Elle Magazine), and a guest judge (that is different from week to week).
The season starts out with 12 fashion designers. Each week, the contestants get a challenge to create an outfit on a time restraint as well as a budget. They have a runway show using their chosen model (who is also competing for a print ad that is given to the winning designer featuring their model). Garments are judged while coming down the runway, then the judges pick a combination of their favorites and least favorites to proceed to a question and answer portion of the show. A winner is chosen (and at times, receives immunity for the following challenge) and the loser has their dream shattered. The final three designers will create an entire collection each to show during Fashion Week at Bryant Park.
Through this season, we have seen one designer leave each week with a creation that had completely sealed their fate. We have seen beautiful and original pieces, as well as off the wall ones, which leads one to wonder what in the world the designer was thinking. The twist that I did not see coming, was the fact that Jerell had been the winner of the final challenge, but actually did not end up making it to Fashion Week. The final four designers were given an opportunity to each create their line, and showcase one piece (wedding gown) to the judges. Unfortunately, even with Jerell’s previous win, he was eliminated, and unable to move on to the finals.
The final three contestants were Leanne Marshall (27 year old freelance designer), Korto Momolu (33 year old freelance designer), and Kenley Collins (25 year old freelance designer). This was the first time in Project Runway’s 5 year history that the final runway show was embodied by all female contestants- all of whom could not have had more distinct and different views on designing.
Leanne created her line from the inspiration of the ocean- including colors and forms. Every single piece that came down the runway at Bryant Park had this wave/pedal affect. She has been very consistent in showing organic garments, but for me, this was too much.
Kenley derived her inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, and that definitely showed in her collection. There were innovative processes that she used to create her line, including actually hand painting on the fabrics she used. Although many of her pieces were a little too far fetched for me, she did have a few items that I liked.
Korto pulled her inspiration from nature and the colors that it encompassed. Her garments were very structured, and tailored beautifully to a woman’s body. She also left herself open to the possibility of having a consumer basis with a wide range of body types. To me, this was my favorite of all three of the finalists.
Was the outcome of this season exactly what everyone had hoped, or are there people out there with my point of view that saw this as somewhat of an upset?!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The little black dress
The little black dress….
Is everyone on the same page when it comes to the little black dress? I hope everyone understands the importance of this seemingly simple article of clothing! The majority knows that this is a staple piece that definitely belongs in every single woman’s closet, but there is so much more to know about the little black dress.
There is an amazing book that I randomly found that is by Didier Ludot. For those of you who are not familiar with the name, let me fill you in a bit. He is internationally known, and a complete expert in French haute couture. He is an esteemed supporter of the little black dress, and in 1996, he even held an exhibition in Paris. His enthusiasm did not die there, and so he compiled this book titled “The Little Black Dress- Vintage Treasure”.
This book has a format all it’s own. There are only nine pages of standard book dialogue, with headings as separate chapters. It starts with the prologue, which gives the basic story to the birth of the little black dress by Coco Chanel. Then it proceeds to explain the lifespan, stages, and obstacles that the dress has gone through since its entrance into fashion (and life altogether). Every section of the book has the designers, celebrities, and categories of real life women that helped propel the little black dress to where it is today.
After the written pages, come the photographs. They include actual sketches from designers, celebrities (such as Audrey Hepburn) and prestigious women in the dresses, as well as the most infamous little black dresses through the years. Following the photos is a chronological timeline on the life of the little black dress, spanning from 1926 when it made its debut, to 2001 when it transitions into the next millennium. The final section is a detailed breakdown of each of the pictures that was previously shown. It consists of the creation year of the dress, the designer that made it, the location that the photograph was taken (for example, one of the pictures was taken at The Fashion Theatre), as well as a brief description of the dress.
If you have an interest or passion for fashion, and all the elements that go along with it, then this is surely a book to have in your personal library. I mean, the little black dress was, and still is, one of the basic building blocks to this brilliant aspect of life. So with that being said, I will leave you from my favorite excerpt from the book:
“Like trousers for women, the little black dress has made history and become a symbol of modernity. Short, always, sometimes with sleeves, sometimes without, the little black dress is a free spirit in the great open space of fashion, that no designer, no stylist, however gifted, will ever succeed in calling his own.The little black dress obeys no standards, resists every fad, is fashion incarnate. Independent, often insolent, always sexy and sublimely right, it is an enduring symbol of the eternal feminine.”
Is everyone on the same page when it comes to the little black dress? I hope everyone understands the importance of this seemingly simple article of clothing! The majority knows that this is a staple piece that definitely belongs in every single woman’s closet, but there is so much more to know about the little black dress.
There is an amazing book that I randomly found that is by Didier Ludot. For those of you who are not familiar with the name, let me fill you in a bit. He is internationally known, and a complete expert in French haute couture. He is an esteemed supporter of the little black dress, and in 1996, he even held an exhibition in Paris. His enthusiasm did not die there, and so he compiled this book titled “The Little Black Dress- Vintage Treasure”.
This book has a format all it’s own. There are only nine pages of standard book dialogue, with headings as separate chapters. It starts with the prologue, which gives the basic story to the birth of the little black dress by Coco Chanel. Then it proceeds to explain the lifespan, stages, and obstacles that the dress has gone through since its entrance into fashion (and life altogether). Every section of the book has the designers, celebrities, and categories of real life women that helped propel the little black dress to where it is today.
After the written pages, come the photographs. They include actual sketches from designers, celebrities (such as Audrey Hepburn) and prestigious women in the dresses, as well as the most infamous little black dresses through the years. Following the photos is a chronological timeline on the life of the little black dress, spanning from 1926 when it made its debut, to 2001 when it transitions into the next millennium. The final section is a detailed breakdown of each of the pictures that was previously shown. It consists of the creation year of the dress, the designer that made it, the location that the photograph was taken (for example, one of the pictures was taken at The Fashion Theatre), as well as a brief description of the dress.
If you have an interest or passion for fashion, and all the elements that go along with it, then this is surely a book to have in your personal library. I mean, the little black dress was, and still is, one of the basic building blocks to this brilliant aspect of life. So with that being said, I will leave you from my favorite excerpt from the book:
“Like trousers for women, the little black dress has made history and become a symbol of modernity. Short, always, sometimes with sleeves, sometimes without, the little black dress is a free spirit in the great open space of fashion, that no designer, no stylist, however gifted, will ever succeed in calling his own.The little black dress obeys no standards, resists every fad, is fashion incarnate. Independent, often insolent, always sexy and sublimely right, it is an enduring symbol of the eternal feminine.”
Monday, September 29, 2008
Overview of my blog
“Tara’s Fashion World” is going to be a total compilation project. I will be posting blogs about fashion deriving from a huge range of sources- there will be no limits. Each week I will be using a different source, in order to keep things interesting; they will include television shows, books, movies, newspaper articles, and even current and classic trends. It is going to be a lot of fun to relay my opinion on things that are happening in the fashion world- fact, fiction or reality. There are definitely subtleties in fashion that are overlooked, and my goal is to notice them and bring them, and everything that is fashion, together- no matter how minute it may be. To be completely honest, I am not a fan of blogs, and part of that can be attributed to the fact that I truly do not understand them. I am guessing that the main point of a blog is to share a point of view, or information any sort, with the rest of the public. My confusion lies in the difference between a blog and a chat forum. Doesn’t everyone have the opportunity to discuss a general or specific topic, and receive feedback, in both internet categories?! What exactly differentiates the two then? Regardless, I am excited to get the chance to have a voice in an area that I love and am truly passionate about! It will be a great learning experience and I will attain knowledge not only about fashion and the different views that people hold on the subject, but also about a new (to me) and interesting communication technique.
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