Fall Fashion, If You Dare

Paris

Fall 2013 will not be a season for the faint of heart.

The fifties-era shapes—with full coats and circle skirts swirling, as at Rochas and Céline—are often dramatic. Dolman sleeves and billowing backs represent a sea change from the high, tight armholes and slim silhouettes that have been dominating fashion. The new voluminous shape appeared in so many collections, from New York to Milan and Paris, that it became a signature of the season.

Some other hallmarks of the season: Both lug-sole shoes and dainty heels are in vogue. The "It" bag continues to be structured.

That's not to say there aren't rebels. Ricardo Tisci, at Givenchy, had everyone swooning over his fluid gypsy skirts, chunky sweaters, sweatshirts and hippy-dippy booties. These clothes had an ease of wearing that suggests a hit collection.

At Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane went skinny and rock-n-roll with baby-doll dresses and leather miniskirts. You had to look closely to see clothes that would please the label's long-term clients, such as tailored jackets and a cropped crystal-studded shrug. The showy Saint Laurent rock-n-doll looks should draw the attention of Alexander Wang's cool-kid fans—the ones who party all night, or want to look like they do.

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Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2013

Mr. Wang is still showing his Alexander Wang label in New York, but the spotlight was on his new job as Balenciaga's designer. His first collection there aimed to return the ultramodern Parisian label to its origins. Mr. Wang immersed himself in the house's archives, working with classic Balenciaga shapes. Next season, says spokesman Lionel Vermeil, another aspect of Balenciaga's history—innovative fabrics—will emerge.

Another surprise awaits designer clients: They should brace for fashion's hit to their bank accounts. After several years of downward pressure, prices of luxury fashions are steeply on the rise.

"When did the price of pants [rise to] $1,000?" Nancy Pearlstein, owner of Georgetown's Relish boutique, asked after touring Paris showrooms this week. "Just a couple of years ago, the high was $795."

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The Effect of British Raj on Indian Costume

The British entered India as traders, but they stayed back as rulers and ruled the country for almost 200 years. They came with their own cultural values and identity, very British clothing and fashion statements, leaving the Indians admiring the GORA SAHIBS and the MEMSAHIBS. The average Indian wanted to look special and thus wanted to copy their styles.

This research focuses on how the British Raj brought about a change in the costumes of contemporary India. How were the British costumes Indianised? Were they accepted by the Indians, or was the change of costume thrust upon them? How did the words "Petticoat" and "blouse" become a part of the Indian languages and of the Indian costume, the "Sari"? How did the Dhoti-Kurta clad common man change to a Shirt-Trouser sporting one? Just as the "babus" became a part of Indian culture, so did their dress and dressing sensibility.

"English was not the first foreign tongue to be imposed on India as the language of the government." (Watson 1979). Similarly English Costumes were not the first foreign costumes to be imposed and adopted by Indians. Before the British it was the Persian influence in Fashion and Persian was the official language.

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Timeless High Fashion Trends

(Views expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author)

The world of fashion changes every day and often it is necessary to get rid of the old to make room for the new. Many influential factors influence changes in trends and its a rare instance, especially in high fashion, when a trend can and does last forever. Timeless trends that will always be relevant in high fashion are equivalent to term diamonds in the rough.

True red comes in many not so trendy forms, but it will be a staple in high end fashion until the end of time. Why red? Its the Marilyn Monroe of colors and considered a power color with a strong sexual influence for passion. Lets look at the facts: its the color of fire, the common rose, hearts, passion, love as well as embodying many more other symbolic meanings. In China, it symbolizes beauty and celebration and it is the color brides most commonly wear on their wedding day. Did I mention that its one of the top colors chosen by men? Its true Venus will always be rising in the high fashion world.

While on the subject of power, lets add the well tailored pant suit. There are uncountable variations by numerous high fashion designers but there is one perfect fit for every woman. A good tailor is needed but not necessarily required. Women are powerful and a high end pant suit can be worn for almost any occasion with the right decorated accessories to accent. Try utilizing this trend if there is a powerful message that needs to be conveyed.

A staple piece of jewelry in high end fashion is the right hoop earrings. This accessory will never go out of style. Whether you like silver, gold, big or small, find the perfect pair that fits you. Getting a few variations is a must. Jackie O, god rest her stylish soul, received millions of dollars in diamonds and jewels from prestigious places and people, but her favorite were a pair of petite double hooped dangle earrings that she got for less than $100 and wore most of the time. She was photographed wearing them on numerous occasions. Its simply impossible to settle for just any hoop earring and there are many styles to choose from so its important to take precious time to find the perfect pair. When you do, youll be soul mates. As for me, Im going to be buried in mine.

The Clutch Purse is the queen bee of handbags. Which is very suitable considering the style was introduced to high society fashion during the Victorian Era. The fashion world had decided that the clutch was no longer in style and it diminished for decades until WWII. This was due to the shortages in materials and rationing. Since the clutch required fewer materials, it re-emerged in the fashion world. Theyre dainty and they add a feminine touch to any style for any occasion.

Thomas Burberry was the founder and creator of the first trench coat. They were designed specifically for the British Army and when the soldiers came home, they continued to wear them on the streets making them the pillar of street fashion for men. Epaulets and other accents were added and the trench coat was reborn and continued to transform for both genders. Today, almost every high end fashion designer makes a variation. This piece may be the most timeless style for both men and women today.

New ideas and new trends in fashion are an exciting expectation to look forward to. Its possible that innovative ideas can transform ones world, for the good or the bad. Since the past is all we know, that is all we can reference. But there is one thing for sure and its these high fashion trends will be around forever, unless we become machines and robots. It could happen but it sure does give a whole new meaning to the word attachment.

About the Author:

The author is an aspiring fashion graduate from the Art Institute of California- San Francisco. She plays a multi-faceted role of being an entrepreneur, artist, author, fashion designer and more importantly the cultivation and expansion of her business www.LadyDesignerBrands.com.

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The Evolution of Urban Style

Today wearers of urban and street style are enjoying looking into the fashions colourful history to borrow from the past and add to their look. Whilst it may seem today that this style is everywhere this wasnt always the case. Over the past 3 decades the style has grown and evolved and yet never lost its cutting edge feel. So as the urban style officially takes its place in mainstream culture lets look back at how the style has evolved since it first came to the attention of the masses.

The 80s

The 80s was the decade when hip hop first came to the worlds attention in a big way. The uniform worn by the artists who brought the sound of the streets to the masses was simple. Artist such as Run DMC popularised the tracksuit as an everyday look, but even in the beginning the swag was still there. It was important to be seen in a name brand but there was also a lot of customisation to add an individual flair. Footwear was also an important part of the look; trainers were white and high topped with chunky laces. But these artists also saw the importance of accessories to trademark their look. Whether it was a hat or sunglasses the right accessories could make you stand out from the crowd. The 80s also saw showed the effectiveness of jewellery, from the oversized clock worn by Flavor Flav to the long gold chunky necklaces, your accessories could say a lot about your status.

The 90s

The 90s saw an explosion of colour into the urban fashion scene. Loud prints and brightly coloured jackets and bottoms were popularised by Will Smith on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. It also saw a lot more denim coming into the mix; whether it was in the form of jeans or a jacket, and doing double denim wasnt out of the question either. It is also in this decade that we saw a greater emergence of women on the hip hop scene, girl groups such as TLC led the way for women to take the urban style and make it their own. As the look began its infiltration into the mainstream, artists such as P.Diddy launched their own clothing lines and showed that hip hop fashion was starting to become just as popular as the music.

The 00s

As the new millennium began hip hop only got bigger and bigger. Rappers became part of the musical elite and their influence was seen throughout everywhere. As hip hop music firmly established its place in society, its fashion broadened to become more ecliptic. The growth of wealth in the hip hop community has meant more bling and statement outfits. Rappers were seen on red carpets in designer suits and artists such as Kanye West leading the way towards a more sophisticated look. However, the more casual street style clothing still gained even more popularity and even made in on to the high street and runway shows. Bomber jackets and loose fitting trousers were still a vital part of the style but there was now no limit on colour or print.

Today

The current look mixes the best of the past with the future and stays true to the original urban feel. Accessories have still stayed a vital part of any outfit with the snap back cap becoming the most prominent. Whats great about todays style is the mix of old and new, borrowing the best elements of the past whilst still managing to be on the cutting edge of fashion. Wearers are now able to express their individuality more freely through their clothes, and anything goes as long as you have the style.

This article was written by the Guest Blog from thecandystoreclothing.com which is UKs leading stockist of Diamond supply clothing and Benny Gold.

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Casio G-Shock On March 2013 New Releases

After last month’s entry of 16 new additions, Casio is tapering off its new releases for the month of March, albeit somewhat. Though with just two G-Shock models for this month, both showcase new possibilities in design. One is the DW-6900DS-1JF and its “geometric” 3D texture treatment. Similar to last year’s Crocodile Textured Collection, Casio pre-treated the DW-6900DS-1JF’s polymer encasement to create a diamond grid-like texture but with more distinctiveness this time around. On the technical side, March will see a new addition to the flagship Sky Cockpit Collection. While identical to all other Sky Cockpit models, the GA-1000FC-1AJF features a new composite band purportedly to be more durable than the current ones.

The two new releases will be available first throughout the month of March in Japan, with worldwide availability to come later this year.

Casio G-Shock DW-6900DS-1JF

Casio G-Shock GA-1000FC-1AJF

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Stussy x Herschel Spring 2013 Backpack

Following the success of last year’s collection, Stussy once again partnered with the Cormack Brothers and their Herschel Supply Co. for a new set of collaborative accessories. Each featuring the lush Hawaiian floral print as decorative accent, the Spring 2013 Collection consists of Harvest Tote, Sutton Duffle, and Heritage Backpack, each available in colorways of navy, black, and khaki. Priced between ¥11,340 JPY to ¥13,440 JPY, or $122 USD to $144 USD, the Spring 2013 Backpack & Bag Collection from Stussy and Herschel Supply Co. will be available this coming Friday, March 8th.

Release Date: March 8th, 2013 (Friday)

Stussy x Herschel Supply Co. – Harvest Tote – Spring 2013

Stussy x Herschel Supply Co. – Sutton Duffle – Spring 2013

Stussy x Herschel Supply Co. – Heritage Backpack – Spring 2013

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Champion Spring 2013 Collection Lookbook

A part of the Americana lore, Champion has been a leading sportswear supplier for American athletes since 1919. Now, the label is looking to outfit the “everyday athletes” with its Spring 2013 menswear collection with retailer Urban Outfitters. The second of such exclusive collaboration, the Champion x Urban Outfitters Spring 2013 Collection harks back to the 1980s, when “Track and Field was all the rage,” says Champion Athleticwear Design Director, Joanne Sessler. The vintage-inspired collection features familiar designs like mesh tank tops, crewneck sweatshirts, varsity jacket, as well as Champion staples like raglan t-shirts and mesh shorts. In classic collegiate team colors of burgundy, blue, grey, orange, green and gold, all priced between $30 to $79 and will be available later this month through select Urban Outfitters stores and online shop.

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