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Manish Malhotra's Design for Radha-Krishna - Let's Discuss

2007-10-08T20:05:00.000+05:30

"Admist the controversy on the existence of Lord Rama, our designers have now taken to designing apparels for them. Apparently the file image attached is the outfit designed by Manish Malhotra for Lord Krishna and Radha at the ISCON Temple. "

Deglamed Fashion Photography

2007-10-08T09:40:00.000+05:30

Marilyn Minter depicts beauty's underbelly. For the past 30 years, her photo-realist paintings of dirty feet in diamond-studded stilettos, eyelashes clumped with glittery mascara, and teeth chomping down on a glittering tennis bracelet have been among the art world's most direct and dynamic engagements with fashion. On Friday, she'll be at the Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York to discuss her work (and celebrate the launch of a new monograph of her art) with Karen Marta, the U.S. founding editor of Parkett. But first she talked to us about fashion, art, and Tom Ford. What is your fascination with flawed beauty?I wonder if "flawed beauty" is an entirely accurate description, since entropy is the state of the universe. Disorder rules, nails chip, hems come undone, humans sweat. Maybe perfection is the flaw, since it doesn't exist except for maybe a few seconds or the click of a shutter. Fashion photography has gotten so retouched, so contrived that maybe the eye longs for some humanity. So are you criticizing or satirizing fashion photography?Neither. Who am I to moralize or criticize? Fashion photography is too difficult for me. I am amazed that fashion photographers come up with new ideas every month on how to shoot clothes on the human figure in a fresh way. It's way too daunting. My interest is in so-called "beauty" and accessories. I've only done two fashion campaigns, and that's for Tom Ford menswear and Optical/Sun. He let me do whatever I want, and all my shots are close-ups. He's probably the only designer that would hire me. How do you think what you do works with Ford's vision and aesthetic?Tom and his boyfriend, Richard Buckley, are art collectors and aficionados. They actually knew my work from the art world. In the very few editorial jobs that I've done in the past, the pictures that were chosen were always the most conservative, whereas Tom and I liked the same images for his campaign. We heard you went to some of the fashion shows in New York recently. What did you see that you liked?I know very little about fashion. Fashion is so consuming and my paintings take way too long for me to do to devote the time to understand its intricacies. I've only seen two shows in my life. Both were Cynthia Rowley and that's because she and her husband, Bill Powers, are my friends. What is your beauty or glamour ideal?I don't have an ideal. That has never even entered my mind. As more artists and designers start collaborating and finding inspiration in each other's work, do you think art and fashion should stay separate or do you believe they're essentially related? Roberta Smith, the art critic, once said that "Art is simply a form of light used to illuminate life." I think the most interesting artists make work that illuminate the times we live in. Ana Finel Honigman Stepping Up (2005), enamel on metal. Image courtesy of Salon 94, New York

VALENTINO: BOWS OUT OF READY TO WEAR

2007-10-08T09:14:00.000+05:30

Valentino took his bow for the last time on the ready to wear catwalk. The legendary designer will present one more couture show here in January before hanging up his golden scissors and retiring. His farewell ready to wear show was a celebration of the chic, expensive, feminine aesthetic that he has perfected over his 45 year career but it wasn’t, as many had predicted, a greatest hits collection. Valentino wasn't in the mood to look back and instead presented a contemporary collection aimed squarely at his modern super rich clients. Fondant coloured day dresses, and colourful coats quickly gave way to a parade of sassy little cocktail dresses that all stopped mid-thigh. Then came the long dresses that have made him a favourite with the glitterati. They came in sheer flesh toned lace, liquid silk and printed chiffon. There were frill hemmed mermaid gowns, strapless pink columns and only two of his signature red evening dresses. The variety was overwhelming. And if it all looked a little random, then so be it. Valentino has never gone in for over the top themes or motifs. His clients - celebrities, royals and the international jet set - are foremost in his mind. They (and their wardrobes) will certainly miss him. Claudia Croft

Celebrating VOGUE in India

2007-09-23T09:04:00.000+05:30

Although I havent finished studying the firsat edition of VOGUE in India just yet.. trust me, it is a very good issue.

Vogue in India

2007-09-23T06:53:00.000+05:30

Uday Jhala Saturday, September 22, 2007 (New Delhi) You've read Elle and picked up random advice from Cosmopolitan. But for the true fashion buff, the final word rests with Vogue, the fashion bible that has finally been launched in India.The first glossy issue features Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra and Preity Zinta on the cover along with three models. And if you could really judge a book by its cover, it aims to conquer fashion in India as it has the world over.''Vogue is such a legacy and we aim to carry that on India,'' said Bandana Tewari, Editor, Fashion Features, Vogue India.Vogue was established as a fashion society magazine way back in 1892 and now over a century later has risen to the status of the world's most influential magazine.As influential as the brand name is American vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour whose overwhelming stature in the fashion industry is believed to be the inspiration for Meryl Streep's character in the Devil wears Prada.Runway shows don't start till she arrives, designers succeed because she anoints them and trends are created or crippled on her command.Vogue's launch in India was marked by an extravagant celebration- the picturesque Umaid Bhavan serving as the backdrop.This follows several other fashion magazines, which are being introduced in the country. So if you didn't believe India has arrived on the global fashion scene, well believe it now.

So, what are the trends you can expect to see for Spring '08?

2007-09-18T10:49:00.000+05:30

Glad you asked...

1. A muted color paletteIn everything from chiffon to linen some designers went muted. Jason Wu, Monique Lhuillier, Calvin Klein, Luca Luca, Erin Fetherston, BCBG, Chris Han, Doo.Ri, Costello Tagliapietra Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Reem Acra

2. Bright color paletteConversely, some designers went bold using colors like merigold, kelly green and fuschsia like Reem Acra, Marc Jacobs, Tuleh, Diane von Furstenberg, Jayson Brunsdon, Marc Bouwer, Cynthia Steffe, Carlos Miele, Lela Rose, Abaete, Thakoon Chaiken, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan

3. Safari wearChaiken, Donna Karan, Ports 1961, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Fursteberg, Michael Kors, Behnaz Sarafpour, Elie Tahari, Lela Rose, Adam Lippes Oscar de la Renta, Tibi, Tracy Reese

4. Floral and abstract patternsAnne Klein, Carolina Herrera, Abaete, Chris Han, Tibi, Michael Kors, Custo Barcelona, Naeem Khan, Anna Sui, Milly, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, Tuleh, Dian von Furstenberg, Twinkle, Carlos Miele, Elie Tahari, Mara Hoffman, Marc Bouwer, Bill Blass, Tracy Reese, Thakoon Badgley Mischka, Monique Lhuillier, Jason Wu

5. Light as air, sheer, flowing dresses and gownsCalvin Klein, Monique Lhuillier, Jason Wu, Chris Han, Carmen Marc Valvo, Michael Kors, Luca Luca, Oscar de la Renta, Erin Fetherston, Tuleh, Temperley, Badgley Mischka, Carlos Miele, Lela Rose, Toni Maticevski, Mara Hoffman, BCBG, Marchesa Carlos Miele, Carmen Marc Valvo, Erin Fetherston

6. Petal and ruffled necklinesMonique Lhuillier, Carmen Marc Valvo, Erin Fetherston, Terrexov, Carlos Miele, Lela Rose, Toni Maticevski, Chris Han, Benjamin Cho, Derek Lam, Jill Stuart Badgley Mischka, Carlos Miele, Calvin Klein

7. Strapless, asymmetrical and halter tops It's all about the shoulders and in many cases, just one.Donna Karan, Carmen Marc Valvo, Monique Lhuillier, Calvin Klein, Milly, Erin Fetherston, Tuleh, Behnaz Sarafpour, Jason Wu , Badgley Mischka, Carlos Miele, Lela Rose, Adam Lippes, BCBG, Chris Han, Bill Blass, Carolina Herrera, Doo.Ri, Marchesa, Jill Stuart, Vera Wang, ThakoonBDBG, Joanna Mastrianni, Tibi

8. Underwear as outerwearOK, we are not talking Madonna of the 90's here, but there were quite a few bralets, corsets and bra-like back closures.Betsey Johnson, Grey Ant, Tibi, Joanna Mastroianni, BCBG, Marc Bouwer, Lela Rose, Abaete, Brian ReyesCharles Nolan, Milly, Brian Reyes

9. Short shortsBetter do those squats all winter because the Bermuda has given way to the shortest shorts ever. If you are really toned (and brave) you may want to try the maillot short (think 40's style bikini bottom). Then again, maybe not.Jayson Brunsdon,Temperley, Milly, Nicholai, Twinkle, Badgley Mischka, Abaete, Anna Sui, Charles Nolan, Doo.Ri, Derek Lam, Jill Stuart, United Bamboo, Brian Reyes Abaete, Adam Lippes, Milly

10. Pencil skirtsSkirts are longer (past the knee) and tighter.Abaete, Jason Wu, Milly, Chris Han, Adam Lippes, Elie Tahari, Tibi Rachel Comey, Temperley, Betsey Johnson

11. JumpsuitsThese were shown in pant versions, capri versions and sadly, short versions. Onesies for adults.Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, Rachel Comey, Lela Rose, TemperleyTemperley, Lela Rose

12. Paper bag pants & skirtsWe pray this is a trend that does not catch on because, think about it, if it bubbles over, it's not flattering.Temperley, Monique Lhuillier, Lela Rose, Marc JacobsBadgley Mischka, Tracy Reese, Abaete

13. High-waisted everythingThis is great news for those of use who are long-waisted and/or just can't bare to ever see another wale-tail again. Waist lines were up in pants, skirts and shorts. If you step into it...it's high.Temperely, Cynthia Rowley, Badgley Mischka, Elie Tahari, Abaete, Grey Ant, Jason Wu, Twinkle, Anna Sui, Doo.Ri, Peter Som, United Bamboo, Tracy Reese

H & M celebrates 60 years of low-cost fashion

2007-09-18T10:46:00.000+05:30

STOCKHOLM (AFP) — H & M, the Swedish low-cost clothing giant, celebrates its 60th birthday this weekend, with the group a leader in its industry and one of the strongest brands in youth fashion. From humble beginnings in Vasteras, a small town in the west of Sweden, H & M has expanded continually since 1947 and now operates 1,400 stores in 28 countries. The company is guided by a philosophy of producing fashionable cheaply-made clothing, but adapts its clothing lines to each country and ensures that stores are permanently restocked. To strengthen its brand, which is a mixture of fashion and cheapness, the company collaborates with celebrities and famous luxury designers who do limited edition collections available at low prices. Singers Kylie Minogue and Madonna and Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld have all worked with H & M and their collections have sold out in hours. For Florence Muller, a professor at the French fashion institute, "H & M has gone from being a distributor to being a fashion label." "H & M stores and those of its competitors have a much larger role than you might think," she said. "They've become places for fashion followers where one goes to see confirmation of the trends for the season." Last year, the group reported sales of 8.6 billion euros (11.9 billion dollars), putting it slightly ahead of its nearest rival in the clothing retail industry, Spanish group Zara. In the fiercely competitive market for affordable clothing, the main competitors to H & M are Zara, the US group GAP and Spain's Mango. "The principle remains the same: fashion and quality at the best price," explained company spokeswoman Kristina Stenvinkel. "Today, 60 years on, H & M is a global company with one hundred fashion designers and worldwide celebrities queuing up to work with us." On Saturday, the day of the anniversary, the company has no plans for a party and will instead donate 6.5 million euros to a charity working with people in the countries where it sources clothing. The emergence of international low-cost fashion chains such as H & M is linked to shopping trends, according to Frederic Monneyron, a sociologist specialised in fashion at the University of Perpignon in France. "The success of these brands is evidently down to their low prices. It's the main point, undoubtedly," he said. This is because of a trend to spend less and less on clothing as a proportion of household income, he said. In Europe, consumers spent 6.8 percent of income on clothing in 1995 compared with 5.8 percent in 2005, according to official statistics from the EU statistics body Eurostat.

London Fashion Week

2007-09-18T10:42:00.000+05:30

Spring 2008 Preview

Now at the peak of one its decade-long creative cycles, London is generating so much noise and heat, visitors barely stand a chance of taking it all in. Thank goodness there are plenty of ways to enjoy the scene at one (virtual) remove. The Boombox book, published by the club's organizer, Richard Mortimer, with photographs from the super-talented Alistair Allan of www.dirtydirtydancing.com and the likes of Wolfgang Tillmans, has been released in association with MAC, and is available in limited release (only 1,200 copies were made) at Dover Street Market in London and Seven New York in NYC. Photo: Alistair Allan

Trend tracking

2007-09-18T10:37:00.000+05:30

Day one of London fashion week, and already a prevailing aesthetic of stylized gloom-and-doom has emerged. Valentina Ilarda of the Italian fashion quarterly Drome typified the chic-crypt sensibility in a public-schoolboy jacket—note the skull-and-cross bones badge—that was more Poe than Harry Potter when paired with her PVC leggings, bondage boots, and dried-blood lipstick.— Ana Finel Honigman

Designer Update

2007-09-18T10:33:00.000+05:30

It's a long way from Singapore to Seventh Avenue, but the team behind the two-year-old label Alldressedup, founded by retailer Tina Tan-Leo, made the trek. In fact, they went straight uptown to Saks Fifth Avenue, where they celebrated the label's exclusive with the retailer with a lunch and informal modeling of their Chinese lantern-inspired Fall collection yesterday. They also let us in on a little secret: The brand will launch a capsule collection with recent Central Saint Martins grad and niece of Donatella, Francesca Versace. Tan-Leo (who opened the first Versace store in Singapore in 1979) invited the neophyte designer to company headquarters, where she spent three months developing "Alldressedup by Francesca V," which will be unveiled during Paris fashion week.—Laird Borrelli-Persson

Pradeep Hirani; Indian couture

2007-09-18T10:27:00.000+05:30

Pradeep Hirani is very surely executing his dream of giving to Indian fashion creations a global standing place. Heading a four-year-old enterprise called Kimaya with his wife, Neha, he has undoubtedly done good groundwork with the branding. Kimaya is today a name that fashion zealots embrace wholeheartedly. At the same time, it is an inspiring case of successful innovation with the concept of fashion retail in India. The Hiranis are, to resort to an idiom, on a roll.Here, Pradeep Hirani articulates responses to some questions from coordinating editor Padma Pegu. • Besides designer wear, what other product categories are stocked at Kimaya/Ayamik?We sell haute couture at Kimaya, while Ayamik is our luxury prêt brand. The product categories are high-fashion clothing and accessories such as shoes, bags and jewellery. • How many designers are on the company’s roll-call? Please specify some names.Kimaya is one of the leading couture destinations in India and is the only fashion house that features 118 of India’s best designers. Some of these renowned names are Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Shahab Durazi, Suneet Verma, Malini Ramani, Manish Arora, Narendra Kumar, Anamika Khanna, Shantanu and Nikhil, and Wendell Rodricks. • What criteria are considered while deciding on which designers to feature?The demand from our discerning client base is our main criteria when selecting designers. Other important criteria are the designers’ style, their creativity, uniqueness and freshness. • How many outlets are operational at present, and in which countries?We have 3 outlets at present – Mumbai and Delhi in India, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). • What are the expansion plans? Which other cities in India are you planning to go to? Also, which overseas locations are being considered?We plan to launch a number of Kimaya and Ayamik stores in the metros of India, and we are looking at the Middle Eastern market as well. • What is the average size of outlets? The approximate size of the Kimaya store is 5,000+ square feet and for Ayamik it is 1,500+ square feet.• Is the preference for standalone outlets, or locating in malls? Or, is the strategy a mix of the two?Kimaya is in standalone stores only because it is exclusive and caters to private clients. As for Ayamik, it is our prêt store and so we are looking at malls and other convenient shopping locations. • Who constitute the major clientele? Can you describe the profile of a Kimaya/Ayamik customer?The customers of Kimaya are the crème de la crème of society. They are mainly high-society clients who have a fervent passion for fashion. These include wives of top industrialists, Bollywood stars, models and NRIs. Clients of Ayamik are younger, trendier and more youthful, looking for affordable yet exclusive fashion.• What value-added services are available for clients?We are a luxury couture house and make every effort to pamper our clients to ensure a unique and memorable shopping experience for them. We have extensive CRM initiatives such as newsletters, fashion previews, exclusive offers and fashion-related activities. • What is the pricing and positioning strategy?Kimaya’s pricing strategy is largely client-driven, wherein we try to ensure exclusivity and unique buying opportunities. Kimaya is positioned as a leading couture house that is exclusive and caters to an elite clientele. • What has been the response to the overseas outlets? Is the customer profile different there?Kimaya has had a fabulous response overseas – we have dedicated clients from all over the world, including South Africa, the United States, Europe and even Australia. In the United Arab Emirates, our clients are mainly Arabs and we cater especially to them. For example, we sell jalabias and other Arab silhouettes with Indian traditional work. We strive to offer these unique combinations to adapt to their fashion needs. • Which fashion weeks have you been attending? Which are on the anvil?We have been the largest buyers at India Fashion Week, consistently so in the past four years. We have also been regular invitees to the Milan, Paris and London fashion weeks in the last two years. We plan to continue attending them and to explore other business opportunities.• Have you signed on any foreign designer?Yes. • Overall, how has the equation worked out with the designers? Has there been any point of conflict?No, there has been no point of conflict with any of our designers. We pride ourselves on having a fantastic, healthy working relationship with all of our designers and giving them a credible business platform.• How are you tapping new talent? We are constantly looking for new talent that we can promote and eventually cultivate into a well-established fashion label. We unveil designers’ new collections with launches and soirees that bring the best in luxury and couture to our discerning client base. • In a few sentences, please describe the concept and vision of Kimaya/Ayamik.Kimaya is India’s leading couture destination. It is the only fashion house to have 118 of India’s best fashion designers on its palette. We at Kimaya want to give the exoticism and craftsmanship of Indian designers a credible global platform, and provide the ideal business and aesthetic destination for leading international brands. As Indian couture approaches a zenith, it is Kimaya’s vision to bring Indian fashion to the world. At the same time, Kimaya wants to creatively represent prominent brands and designers from the world over in their stores in India and the Middle East, as also in fashion meccas across the globe.Ayamik is a brainchild of the house of Kimaya. At Ayamik emphasis is on Indian and international silhouettes, with five to seven per cent influence of Indian craft and bling. Top quality, great silhouettes, affordable pricing and contemporary forms – you can truly look forward to expecting all this at Ayamik. Luxurious comfort, the finest fabrics, a startling array of colours and a generous dose of bling – each designer brings something new and desirable to the table.• Lastly, how will you describe the journey so far? Please write a short brief about your professional progress.In 2002, my wife Neha and I launched Kimaya, a designer couture house that caters to the crème de la crème of society. In only 4 years Kimaya has swelled into three establishments, one in each of the burgeoning metropolises of Mumbai, Delhi and the shoppers’ mecca, Dubai. Kimaya’s credentials are impeccable, having been the largest buyer at India Fashion Week for 4 years running and being invited to the Milan, Paris and London fashion weeks for the last 2 years.In October 2005, my wife and I collaboratively launched a luxury prêt store in Mumbai – Ayamik. Embodying the tongue-in-cheek, delightful naughtiness inherent in all men and women, Ayamik is a mirror image of Kimaya, commercially and otherwise. Today, I am busy giving back to the industry that has given me so much. I have started a 6-month training programme at Kimaya where young fashion graduates get an opportunity to showcase their designs at a fashion show sponsored by Kimaya Fashions. I have been on the governing board of Mumbai’s eminent fashion institutes such as SNDT College (EMC Division) and Sophia College of Fashion, besides being on the jury for graduating students of prestigious institutions such as NIFT, NID, SNDT, Empire Institute, Wigan and Leigh, and GSPS.I want to take Indian fashion to the world and gain international renown for Kimaya and high- fashion Indian designer couture.

Paris Hilton Clothing Line Review

2007-09-11T16:16:00.000+05:30

The self labeled clothing line of Paris Hilton, showcased at the celebrity Kitson Boutique, consists of a product mix of T shirts- mostly donning the heiress herself; Tops, Denims, Coats and Dresses. It appears to be a sporadic attempt at fashion. Paris Hilton claims the line is, “comfortable and fun”. Hilton added that one of her main goals in creating the price-conscious line was to take her own look and "make it so my friends could wear it." The line is affordable with everything under $130. T-shirts average at $34; Denims starting at $88; while coats and dresses retail for $68 and above. The most expensive items in the line are the Hilton-approved sequin dress and a gold metallic coat, both priced at $128.

Stylator Rating: *1/2

(out of *****)

Oprah & Miss Universe in the same dress

2007-05-31T11:17:00.000+05:30

With all of Oprah Winfrey's wealth and connections, you might think she would be exempt from Fashion Faceoffs -- but not so apparently! The media mogul picked a hot-off-the-runway Gucci gown to wear to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party back in February, which just reappeared this weekend on the newly crowned Miss Universe, Riyo Mori of Japan. Don't let the sash distract you -- we want to know who really rocks the dress! Tell us: Who wears their Gucci gown better: Miss Universe or Oprah? Click here to vote on more Fashion Faceoffs! Photo: Miguel Perez / Retna; Christopher Farina/corbis Comments (15) Category: Fashion Faceoff

Miss Japan crowned Miss Universe 2007 : Fashion News

2007-05-30T12:18:00.000+05:30

20-year-old Riyo Moro, Miss Japan, was crowned Miss Universe 2007 on Monday at the 56th annual Miss Universe Pageant in Mexico City. Moro, a dancer from Japan, beat 77 other contestants from around the globe to win the coveted $250,000 diamond-and-pearl tiara. Mori, looking dazzling in a black gown with coloured lapels, had an incredulous expression on her face when her name was announced and when last year's winner Zuleyka Rivera of Puerto Rico laid the crown on Mori’s head. Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil was first runner-up. Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela was second runner-up, followed by Honey Lee of Korea and Rachel Smith of USA. Rachel lost the chances of winning the crown after she slipped and fell on the floor during the evening gown competition. Riyo Mori is the second Japanese woman to win the Miss Universe title. She is a ballet dancer from a village near Mount Fuji and wants to someday open an international dance school. Mori will now get to travel the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors. This year’s Miss Universe pageant was marked with controversies. Miss Sweden, Isabel Lestapier Winqvist, pulled out of the event on the ground that the pageant degrades women. On the other hand, Miss Mexico was made to withdraw her controversial dress, which had brutal images of rebels of the1920s religious uprising. The final pageant was watched by a live audience of 10,000 and some 600 million television viewers worldwide."

Who designed MIss INdia's gown????

2007-05-29T10:16:00.000+05:30

It is the WORST gown I have ever witnessed a Miss INdia wear to the MIss UNiversae Pagent. THe bust area was poorly fitted. there was zero culture to the dress and was an extremely shallow design. Was it a Hemant TRivedi???? sad... REALLY SAD. This can show you how a perfectly sporty candidate can go amiss due to lack of design in her attire. Puja Gupta had to literally hold the trail of the dress whileconstantly having to battle walking down the runway, One could see she knew her gown was really sad in comparison to the others.

Best Gowns: MIss Universe 2007

2007-05-28T15:14:00.000+05:30

Miss Japan Riyo Mori and Miss USA Rachel Smith performs during preliminary judging of the Miss Universe 2007 contest in Mexico City Wednesday.

two beautiful gowns during the Miss Universe 2007 preliminary show. these stand out for patterns and hemlines. these sure make an extravagant high end haute couture look. .

style of 1950 in fashion

2007-05-25T12:45:00.000+05:30

The tunes of Sinatra and the visuals from Grease come to mind when you think of the 50's. In this year of Fashion it seems to be a strong influence. Here are some key elements of the era.

Fifties Silhouettes Fashion History In contrast to the full skirted New Look, Chanel who had reopened her fashion house in 1954 began to produce boxy classic Chanel suit jackets and slim skirts in braid trimmed, nubbly, highly textured tweeds. She used richly textured wool slub fabrics sometimes designed by the textile artist Bernat Klein. The silhouette was straight down and veered away from a nipped in waist. The beautifully made suits were lined with lovely silk fabrics. They were weighted along the facing join and inside lining with gilt Chanel chains. The fashion look was easy to copy and very wearable. Major chain stores sold suits based on the design. Accessorized with strings of pearls the style has frequently been revived over the seasons and in particular a collarless style of coat and jacket she popularised, is now called the Chanel line. The collarless Chanel line jacket was hugely popular again in both the 1980s and the 1990s. America in particular bought Chanel's designs in large numbers. Her influence of boxy suits of the fifties has far more bearing on sixties fashion style, than Dior's New Look design.

1955 - The A-line Style from Dior During the 1950s Dior showed his H, A, and Y lines. The H-line of 1954 was a slender tunic suit with a slim skirt that later became more of a dropped waist tubular twenties style dress with a hemline that was creeping upwards. This would become a classic 1950s fashion garment. The Sack Hubert Givenchy designed a Paris collection dress in 1957 called the sack and it started the trend for straighter waist less shift dresses. First it developed into the fitted darted sheath dress and later into the loose straight short shift dress. By 1958 the style really began to catch on. The design was picked up by Mary Quant who modified it to her taste. Various refinements on this early sack dress picked up by Courrèges, led Quant to go one step further and design the mini shift dress that was to dominate the 1960's decade. The Trapeze to Tent The trapeze dress was a swinging dress almost triangular in shape and designed to be worn with low shoes and bouffant hairstyles. Over the years it too was modified into the short baby doll tent style making the 60's version. A shaped Tent dresses with cutaway armholes were an alternative look of the sixties. The 1950s/1960s Empire Line The Swoop Line 1955 Similarly the empire line dress that had been introduced in 1958 was loved by young teenagers who looked childlike in the style, hence phrases like "baby doll style" were applied to it. The empire line dress of 1958 was loved by young teenagers who looked childlike in the style and the opposite of looking 'grownup' like their mothers which by then was the worst possible 'fashion' look to have. Chanel's Attitude and her 50's Silhouettes Chanel was already criticising the boned bodices promoted by Dior as backward looking. The emerging new society was only too willing to agree with her. However as mentioned above, Dior's looser freer styles were partially the starting point for Quant's early designs. Chanel was astute enough, to know that couture had a limited future. Its influence was morphing into one that would culminate in branding and ready to wear designer labels in the next decades. Couture Design House survival now depended not on the depleted 3000 private rich customers, but on selling designs to the mass market. A Chanel Suit Design In Britain, Haute Couture models began to be licensed to companies like Wallis and soon provided a useful source of income. Macy's of New York paid huge sums of money for an individual Toile, a linen or calico copy of the designer model garment. Every piece of information they needed to make the garment as a near copy would be provided. Details of trimmings, buttons, fasteners etc were all part of the price paid. With thousands of copies constructed, Macy's could afford to sell a dress worth $1000 for $100. If they sold a superior more exact version as a limited copy, they could sell it as a designer original and reap the reward of a higher designer price. New Synthetic 1950s Fashion Fabrics Fashion history shows that styles and garments of the fifties and sixties were revolutionised by new fabrics. Many of the 1950's fabrics were synthesised from petrochemicals. They were promoted for their easy care wash and wear qualities which often meant a quick rinse and drip dry with minimal or no ironing required. Initially they were novel, but expensive materials. Crimplene at first could only be bought in high class Madame shops. Nylon (Polyamide), Crimplene (Polyester) and Orlon (Acrylic/ Polyacrylonitrile) were all easy to look after and were soon affordable. Crimplene enabled everyone to wear white and pastel colours because they could be washed easily as polyester does not yellow like white nylon does with age and sunlight. The fabric also tailored well and could be made into button front, double breasted, wide collar dresses and retain a crisp appearance through washing. In the early fifties, America had easier access than the UK to really attractive man made fibre goods. Many UK people had their first nylon goods from America in parcels sent by American pen pals. I recall receiving beautiful silky lemon nylon pyjamas one Christmas and being so excited about them. But best of all, I received the following year a beautiful lemon nylon, tiered party dress even better than the PJs. I will never forget how wonderful that frilled and very pretty dress seemed - Sheila Sapp of Oakland Avenue, Ohio if ever you read this I thank you. The Alternative Slim Silhouette of the 1950s Sketch of typical double breasted shirtwaist slim line 1950's dress. Such dresses were usually made of hardwearing wool Barathea suiting material and often had a large white organdie collar and cuffs with a bias bound edge that could be detached and washed, then sewn back into position. Such cuffs were called French cuffs. The handbag is a style similar to the famous Kelly bag. The new fabrics of nylon and polyester were ideal for women's trousers and ski pant styles. Mock suede or suedeen jackets were made from the new fibres and were worn with tapered nylon stretch knit trousers often made by Slimma or Marks & Spencer. 1950-60 Hairstyles Throughout the early 50s the ponytail was a popular youthful hairstyle and it matured into the French pleat. Fashionable hairstyles began with simple ponytails and ended the decade with complex beehive arrangements. Popular hairstyles in the 1950s and 60s were the poodle cut and the French pleat and later the beehive which began at the tail end of the 50s. For the more sophisticated, a permanent wave in the styles favoured by Elizabeth Taylor and the young Queen Elizabeth II were universally worn. Their popular bubble cut hairstyles were easily copied with the advent of improved hair products, particularly home perms. Other stars that captured the look of the day were Leslie Caron, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Doris Day. Hairdressing was so big, that by 1955 almost 30,000 salons had sprung up in Britain. As products such as hair lacquer sprays and plastic rollers came into general use it was easily possible for ordinary women to create more and more complex hairstyles of height. By the late 50s, outrageous backcombed bouffants, beehives, and French pleats led the way for the intricate coiled hairstyles of the 1960s. Women mostly bought their hair lacquer from their hairdresser and decanted it at home into nylon puffer spray bottles. By the end of the 50s, hair spray in cans, commercial shampoo, conditioner and rollers all became big business that boomed in the sixties. Dusty Springfield and her Beehive Hairstyle. Dusty Springfield's beehive and eye make up was copied throughout Britain. Lavish backcombing was hair sprayed and the style teased, prodded and smoothed into a high mound. After Dusty Springfield's beehive came the Beatle cut and Vidal Sassoon's five point cut bobbed style. Mary Quant sported a Sassoon haircut A softer fringed haircut followed the Beatles rise to fame and a cover album where all four Beatles wore black polo neck sweaters. Image right of Dusty Springfield the British singer and her beehive hairstyle. This half up, half down style was a compromise between wearing the hair up and wearing it down. Teenagers 1950's Teenage Consumers Until 1950 the term teenagers had never before been coined. Children were known as girls and boys were called youths once they displayed signs of puberty. Then young people were grown up at 18 and fully adult legally at 21 when they often married and set up a home of their own even if it was rented room. Getting married was a way of showing the adult world that you belonged to their world and was a way of escape from puberty. During the 1950s a range of influences including film, television, magazines and the rock music scene created a new market grouping called teenagers. A sudden flurry of consumer goods denied to war torn Europe were available and a consumer boom was actively encouraged. You can read more about 1950s teenage consumers and teddy boys and 50's teen fashion idols in another special 1950's page and in denims. TO TOP OF PAGE Whit Sunday in the 1950s Most of the British nation still kept religious holidays like Whitsunday and Whit Monday when the mixed congregations from chapels and churches would march through British towns parading their chapel banners and wearing their Sunday best. The clothes would follow the up to date fashions of the time and be sparkling clean often in the new fabrics. Girls dresses were almost always in nylon with skirts puffed out with petticoats. Children and families would be gathered together for a few family photographs to be taken with cousins and neighbours. The photographs were often only taken at Whitsunday and show how formal the dress of girls was even then. They always wore gloves for the occasion and sometimes fake flower corsages usually made from stiffened fabric such as organdie or cotton. Young women attempted to be as glamorous and grown up looking as their mothers or especially as royalty or film stars of the day. Film stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day, Debbie Reynolds and Marilyn Monroe were poplar icons of their day. Whitsunday Best Clothes in the UK in the Mid 1950s Mid 1950s 7 and 15 year olds dressed in Whitsunday best. I am wearing a paper nylon striped raspberry pink and white modern nylon dress next to my teenage sister who is only 15 yrs, but is dressed to look older. She wears a green and white, striped pique cotton, starched dress with whitened shoes and gloves to give a lady like look. But look at her narrow waist and you realise she is very young despite the glamour make up. Accessories of the 1950s The pointed pre formed conically stitched bra was actually a fashion accessory as without one the sweater girl look was certainly not right. Fashionable accessories included popper beads and spectacles with enormous wings that arched in twirls upward that could be studded with rhinestones. Stockings Seamless stockings were introduced in Britain in 1952, but the masses did not take to them as the early shaping was so poor compared to regular fully fashioned, shaped, seamed stockings. Only later in the fifties did they gain approval. Get stockings at Marks & Spencer. Stocking sizes ranged from size 8 to size 11 going up in half sizes. The fit varied from brand to brand, but fully fashioned seamed stocking were well shaped on the foot and heel although the yarn used was not stretchy and sometimes a little bagging could happen so that fine wrinkles appeared. It was essential to either check your seams were straight using a back mirror or get a sister or friend to tell you nothing was crooked. Stockings are discussed more in the part 2 of selling and collecting 1950s vintage clothing and also on this page of 50's stocking adverts. Early 1950's Shoes Early 1950's shoes were often very high, but with rounded or peep toes and low cut front uppers. Strapped sandals with finer heels were popular as were heavier thicker heels for lower shoes, but by the mid fifties kitten heels and metal tipped steel stiletto heels replaced styles that owed more to designs that had been brought out to compliment the New look of 1947. Read more about fashion in the 1950s in my other pages such as 1950's accessories and stiletto shoes on the 1950s Accessories. I also look at teenage fashion and teddy boys of the 50s and sewing dressmaking patterns from the 1950s. Social history is covered and compared to today in the Way Society Lived in the 1950s, plus the 1950 to 1960 Brief Timeline Chart 1950s Fashion - Conclusion The Second World War left women craving for glamour, style and swathes of fabric where scraps of material had once existed. Dior's full skirted and waisted designs fulfilled all the early dreams of the feminine woman in the early 50's. As a new, more liberated society evolved, women moved toward freer more relaxed clothes and began the move away from the dress rules and associated formality of decades.

Aishwarya, Preity & Bipasha: fashion at Cannes 2007

2007-05-23T08:28:00.001+05:30

Aishwarya Rai Preity Zinta Bipasha Basu

Well! Our three, Indian Damsel’s strutted the red carpet of the Cannes film festival in attire better than before, with more confidence, with more zing and some with a new partner. Their attire however has received much speculation as always. To dress Indian? Makeup flaws? Being Indian, our body types are not cut for western gowns. Personally I feel, what’s the damn issue about being Indian or Western, we are in the future now, it’s a global world out here, there are no boundaries any more. And above all, it’s a free country!

Starlette: Aishwarya Rai Dress: A criss cross rouched, off shoulder dress, possibly in silk chiffon, fitted to below the hip and extended into a fish cut trail Color: Pearl white Designer: Giorgio Armani Fashionator: **** (out of a *****) Comments: You can’t go wrong with a Giorgio Armani now can you? Keeping it sassy yet simple was definitely the way to go. This lass doesn’t need to prove her India ness any longer. She is a fabulous star with a somewhat international presence. The only drawback with her look this year at Cannes, was the theatrical eye makeup. Rule number one of any eye makeup, is NEVER MATCH YOUR EYE SHADOW TO YOUR OUTFIT. Also, the Hair parting closes her face making it appear even smaller than it already is. But with a man like Abhishek Bachchan to accessorize one’s self, I guess it makes up for a measly flaw. The hourglass figure lends a beautiful grace to this gown.

Starlette: Preity Zinta Dress: An off shouldered, ombre, fish scale ruffle gown topped with a long bow at the front. Color: Pale yellow ochre Designer: Valentino Fashionator: ** (out of a *****) Comments: This is how you can go perfectly wrong with even the world’s best designer. I call it a typical mermaid dress. With a height of 5’5” with heels, one should not even attempt to go off shouldered; it breaks length making you look even shorter. The neckpiece was atrociously miss coordinated, both color wise and look wise. Lets just say, Preity, we’ve seen you look tones better than that.

Starlette: Bipasha Basu Dress: A digitally burnt out georgette saree with metallic trims rouching the pallu together to replace pleats. Worn low waisted and ab revealing. Color: Metallic white Designer: Gaurav Gupta Fashionator: *** (out of a *****) Comments: In her all time favorite color- white, Bipasha made a right designer choice and did well to show off Indian talent. The blouse detail was scruptuous, however the silhouette looked more like a sports bra from a distance. The saree detail- fantastic. I suppose it wasn’t worn in the correct manner so was looking a little off centered. We have seen Bipasha look a lot sexier in western attire, never the less, a good attempt for an International red carpet event.

CHRISTIAN DiOr: Fall 2007: Fashion show

2007-05-22T11:06:00.001+05:30

PARIS, February 27, 2007 – If you're getting into the forties this season (and that's definitely one way to go), John Galliano is the man to fulfill those latent Joan Crawford urges, no holds barred. His ready-to-wear collection for Christian Dior was virtually a camp-fabulous Hollywood spectacular—like a pumped-up 2007 remake of The Women (Cukor, 1939; ever a fashion favorite), but this time played out in full glorious purple, pistachio, electric blue, and fuchsia, rather than black and white.As a comeback from last season's comparatively muted collection, this was Galliano performing at full throttle, filling the runway with 58 girls dressed, as grandma would say, to the nines. Partly, it was an homage to Dior—the dove-gray runway, the banked flowers, and the balustraded staircase—and partly it was, as the French rather awkwardly translate it, a collection "declined" from Galliano's triumphant Madame Butterfly haute couture collection for Spring. To "decline," in fashion-Franglais, means to take the wildly expensive handcrafted fantasies of couture and turn them into factory-produced lookie-likeys. Sometimes "declension" (here and elsewhere) can actually lead to decline—i.e., disappointing commercial husks of the original thought. But now, in a flurry of energy and application, Galliano has upped the ante for Dior, reproducing believably close simulacra of such details as the origami-folding (see the suit pockets) and shortened versions of the multitiered ruffled skirts seen in his couture.There was showiness and chic in this. The python jackets and ostrich swing coats with sleeves built out in fox were the declarative side, but a sensuous womanliness came through, too. Galliano's draping, ingeniously wrapped to the hip in a purple skirtsuit and a chartreuse day dress, or deployed as one-shouldered asymmetries and sashes for cocktail and evening, created husband-hunting outfits of a type guaranteed to net results, be it 1947 or 2007. – Sarah Mower

Blouse Trends:Fall 2007: Fashion

2007-05-22T10:16:00.000+05:30

Blouse Trends

The Fall 2007 catwalk shows the new shell top silhouette with high waisted belts and ribbons. Popular fabrics include salk satins and rayon polyamides in plush mauves and dark wine. Elie Tahari and Blumarine are just some of the designer brands that showcased this trend. Stylized with metallic trims and sheen, this basic body becomes fahionable again this coming fall.

Musicovery

2007-05-17T10:40:00.000+05:30

http://musicovery.com/index.php?ct=us a damn interactive stylish music juke box. FAbulous for accompanying your time surfing the web! trust me, you've gotta see it to believe it

CHRISTIAN DiOr

2007-05-16T13:49:00.000+05:30

NEW YORK, May 14, 2007 – With Penélope Cruz, Charlize Theron, and Dita Von Teese looking on, John Galliano sent out a Resort collection that rivaled his latest couture and ready-to-wear extravaganzas—if not in terms of their super-ambitious New Look-meets-the Orient references, then certainly in terms of sequins. In so doing, he once again raised the bar for a season that just a few years ago was strictly a showroom affair with B-list models and tossed-off clothes—and for an industry compelled to reinvent itself in the face of globalism and global warming.Working in an electric-bright palette not unlike the one he used in his recent 1940's romp, Galliano shifted forward a couple of decades and channeled Barbara Hutton's sixties—a glittery, lamé, paisley, and leopard-print world of muumuus, bikinis, capri pants, trapeze dresses, cat-eye sunglasses, and scarf-wrapped hats. It bordered on camp, especially when one model, in sky-high heels with a cluster of logic-defying half spheres on the soles, had to be escorted down the runway. Kitschy or not, there was no denying the workmanship that went into crafting the large collection. And taken apart, there were some pieces that will mix convincingly into modern wardrobes—a lime-green chiffon gown with cascades of fluttering ruffles twisting around the body was Galliano at his languid best. Overall, the designer—despite the recent loss of his right-hand man, Steven Robinson—is in exuberant mode, which is how many in the crowd at 7 World Trade Center love him. As one prominent retailer put it on his way out, "If it's shiny, we like it." – Nicole Phelps (style.com)

Sarah Jessica Parker Covets Jail

2007-05-15T11:29:00.000+05:30

Sarah Jessica Parker has channeled her inner convict. Above, see an image from the ad campaign for her new fragrance called Covet. It’s cool – and weird. I guess she wanted to make a change from her very feminine Lovely fragrance ad but I’m not sure where the prison thing comes into play with Covet. It’s not like the fragrance is called -- Jailbird. In any case – SJP is fabulous no matter what she does. Coming soon to a store near you (in September). What do you guys think of the photo?

How to:Make up

2007-05-08T17:25:00.000+05:30

Top 3 dresses

2007-05-08T08:47:00.000+05:30

Our pick No#1 for today, its breezy silhouette and ultra feminine print make it a hit for a sultry afternoon out. Description: Jasper Style.• A pleated style in yellow with fuchsia/cornflower blue sheer floral print.• V neckline; Empire waist.• Deep V back Short sleeves.• Full skirt.• Lined. Diane vonFurstenberg

Pick No#2 for today, is an eye catching abstract floral print kint dress with a ravishing empire waist. for an understated provocative look.

Description: • Light green with pink/orange/green abstract floral print.• Deep V front and back (see below). • Twisted shoulder straps (see a closer view below).• Gathered Empire waist.• A-line skirt.• 100% rayon knit.

T-Bags

Pick No#3 , is the ultimate wrap dress, slimming to the waist, adding height to your frame. In its unique snake print adds a distinct fashion element

Description: Eve Style.• Black/white/pink/gold snake print.• V neckline; surplice front.• Tie waist.• Elbow sleeves with rolled cuffs.

Diane vonFurstenberg

Floral Fade

2007-05-07T13:02:00.000+05:30

White handbags are the IN accessory

2007-05-07T12:54:00.000+05:30

Key DEtials to look out for are... • White leather.• Gold-tone hardware.• Braided shoulder strap with buckle detail. Paris Style.• White leather.• Silver-tone hardware.• Shoulder straps with D-rings; "B" charms

ROMAN HOLIDAY

2007-05-07T12:47:00.000+05:30

BOTTEGA VENETA is painting the town red. And various shades of brown, beige and cream - inside the incredible new suite at Rome's St. Regis Hotel, which the fashion label is designing. Having furnished a similar suite at Manhattan's St. Regis Hotel two months ago, creative director Thomas Meier is getting inspired for his latest, Italian project, which will open in September. "It's a privilege to be able to create a private, luxurious retreat in the heart of Rome, and in one of the world's truly historic hotels," he says.

"Rome is a city you want to immerse yourself in, so our aim is to make the suite a part of the extraordinary experience that is Rome. We want to respect the character of the hotel, and acknowledge the light and heart of the city, through Bottega Veneta colours, materials and our furniture. So we're using very light colours like khaki, palladio, linen, parchment, taupe and mustard-colours that feel cool and airy.

The growing range of the Bottega Veneta furniture collection, and the versatility of the design philosophy, allows us to create what I think are unique and very particular environments, always inviting but with a specific sense of place." Inviting indeed - the suite will be home to New Zealand wool carpets, cashmere throws placed on ornate bedsteads (in the three separate bedrooms), antique desks, suede-covered armchairs and Venetian glassware. Weekend break, anyone?

(May 4 2007, AM)Louise Roe

AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK

2007-05-07T12:43:00.000+05:30

AFTER a two-season break, Ksubi designers Dan Single and George Gorrow made a return to the catwalk last night with a dramatic and moody collection. The pair flew in Erin Wasson and the American supermodel opened the show, charging down the runway in a floor-length, black-studded coat. Structured, heavy-duty pieces provided a refreshing contrast to the metallic, micro-mini hemlines we've seen over the week, with a nod to Gareth Pugh's exquisite, macabre creations showcased last February. Another VIP-crowd-puller? Josh Goot, who attracted Dita Von Teese and Wasson, both of whom applauded his neon pink leotard-tight dress, complete with Supergirl cape. "It was truely superb and his sense of colour is sublime," said Henri Bendell buyer Anne Watson. Alice McCall also impressed with her signature, endearing prints in cuts that displayed more of a sporty edge than usual. Her red and white striped sleeveless hoodie (worn with Giles-style thick black rimmed glasses) caused enough of a stir to suggest that "Where's Wally"-chic is sure to be one of next season's key looks.

(May 4 2007, AM)Louise Roe

Framed!Lens-crafty Looks on the Fall Runways

2007-05-07T10:03:00.000+05:30

Have models suddenly become myopic, or are glasses the new accessory du jour? Yigal Azrouël opened the season with bespectacled lovelies in luxe boy-for-girl basics. "Our focus was on smart, sexy women," says stylist Kate Young—who's not averse to donning a pair of oversize frames herself. "Glasses are a very covered-up way of saying something provocative." Newcomer Chris Benz had style rather than sex on his mind. He used specs to achieve a "nerdy/art school/'mess-thete' " vibe that had the crowd at his first-ever show looking twice

Daring Celebrity Hair Makeovers > Once a Blonde: Ashlee Simpson

2007-05-05T19:33:00.000+05:30

"Once a Blonde: Ashlee Simpson Blonde-again songstress Ashlee shed her dark hair and punk rock image for a short strawberry blonde do, and then went this shade and that before settling on an extreme blonde. We asked Ashlee if she considered herself a blonde or brunette, and she revealed, 'I'm a blonde. I've always been a blonde. Dark hair was fun, and I'll probably do it again one day.' "

Daring Celebrity Hair Makeovers > Chin Up: Paris Hilton

2007-05-05T19:30:00.000+05:30

"Chin Up: Paris Hilton Not that anything Paris does shocks or surprises us anymore, but we did raise an eyebrow when she shed her signature Barbie doll locks for a short, sleek, chin-length bob. The new face framing do makes her look young and pretty. But don't get too used to this look, as she's sure to clip on the extensions any moment"

Makeovers > Daring Celebrity Hair Makeovers > Her Dark Side: Scarlett Johansson

2007-05-05T19:27:00.000+05:30

"Her Dark Side: Scarlett Johansson With most of young Hollywood going blonde and blonder, Scarlett surprised us with a complete hair blackout. There are some things that she simply won't change however; she still pairs her hair with her signature fire engine red lips. What we love about this makeover is that her new hair color seems to have heralded a wardrobe transformation. Scarlett's sporting a younger, trendier style. You go girl! "

Daring Celebrity Hair Makeovers > All in the Family: Ashlee Simpson

2007-05-05T19:25:00.000+05:30

"All in the Family: Ashlee Simpson A rumored nose job, maybe even a chin sculpt, and a complete makeover from rock chick to Jessica Simpson clone -- we thought Ashlee Simpson was done for the year. Not so. After her Barbie doll makeover, Ashlee went a darker hue recently -- a refreshing change from the platinum blonde that doesn't look good on everyone. Here's hoping she goes back to her roots!"

Daring Celebrity Hair Makeovers > Back with a Bang: Kate Bosworth

2007-05-05T19:23:00.000+05:30

"Back with a Bang": Kate Bosworth This year, it's all about Kate and her hotter-by-the minute new looks. She played sultry brunette Lois Lane in the summer blockbuster Superman Returns, topping the box office and displacing boyfriend Orlando Bloom's Pirates flick. On the red carpet she flaunted long, golden locks and then amped up the oomph factor with edgy bangs. The sexy fringe makes her normally sweet, soft features more interesting. We can't wait to see what she'll pull next!"

Daring Celebrity Hair Makeovers > Less Is More: Halle Berry

2007-05-05T19:19:00.000+05:30

Less Is More: Halle Berry This was a big year for Halle Berry. Not only is the super-sexy star dating hot Versace model Gabriel Aubry, she also turned 40 and surprised everyone by debuting a sleek short bob. We loved her in long wavy locks but, frankly, Halle can shave her head and still look foxy. This beauty can do no wrong, and what's a better way to celebrate a milestone than with a fresh, new look? "

Fabric Functions- Japan

2007-05-04T09:25:00.000+05:30

The Japanese are famous for being ferocious perfectionists in all aspects of life, from their precise presentation of food to the insane timeliness of their trains. Often overlooked or seen as unnecessary, Japan has continued to develop this perfectionism in niche markets by making use of it as a promotional tool. The textile industry is no exception, as it zones in on nitty-gritty areas of our daily lives in its display of ideas in new treatments and processing of fabrics. Dividing their products into three main marketing groups of health and beauty, protection from the elements, and comfort and relaxation, leading textile companies back themselves with science and imagination, pushing the limits with remarkable innovation. One of the leaders in newfangled ideas is Fujibo Holdings, Inc., and its most impressive concepts are in its health and beauty lineup. Its V-Up line infuses a solution of vitamins C and E into fibers, trumpeting a slogan of "wearable vitamins." Not to be mistaken for a solution to forgetting to take your supplements, when the skin's natural oil comes into contact with the slick, treated fabric, the vitamins are directly absorbed, encouraging silkier, brighter, and healthier skin. They use the same concept for Slimwish, infused with a solution of concentrated kelp extract. Kelp is a favorite of ritzy beauty spas that believe it encourages the breaking up of fat cells and contains super doses of moisture. Some outlandish concepts include fabric treated with the trendy Q10 enzyme for energy, and another with Japanese sake that claims fountain-of-youth results. A middle aged man can rejoice in a treatment for hats that uses a mix of natural herbs said to stimulate hair growth. The harsh elements are the main reason we swathe ourselves in clothes, but with increasing environmental problems, companies are scrambling to offer consumers added protection. Japan offers surprisingly practical but super-advanced solutions, such as a winter fabric that makes use of capsaicin, an enzyme found in chili peppers. It is used in natural medicine to treat poor circulation by stimulating blood flow, which in turn increases body temperature — a boon to the pajama lovers on chilly nights. Another fabric amazingly regulates changes in pH levels due to, say, a scary case of acid rain. The rising level of damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun can also now be avoided with new fabrics impressively toting the strongest Australian-authorized UVP (Ultraviolet Protection) rate available of 50+. Fujibo takes it a step further by adding polymer beads, which reflect harsh, wrinkle-making rays and create a cooling system that drops temperatures one to two degrees Celsius. When all is said and done, all we really expect from fabric is a little comfort. Companies in the textile industry are now taking it to a grand level by offering spa-type treatments that require clothes to stay on. Scratch-and-sniff fabrics have been on the market for some time now, but new treatments offer aroma-therapeutic scents such as mint, lavender, and grapefruit, as well as unusual offerings including black pepper and tarragon. Negative-ion therapy is an increasingly hot commodity, and products toting its purported benefit of enhanced mood are flying off shelves. Ion Shower is a fabric released by Fujibo that touts mind-relaxing effects with the added benefits of being anti-bacterial and killing bodily odors. Furthermore, an entirely new use has come about for Xylitol, a natural sweetener best known as an ingredient in gum. Asics, another Japanese company, uses the substance in a line of shirts that are meant to give the seriously active wearer some relief by cooling the body and refreshing the mind. While these textile treatments seem like they could be a new staple in our lives, constantly improved by technology, a question of pure frivolity still remains. And although all of the garments claim to be washable, some up to 30 times, the life of the effects will undoubtedly end before the garment does. One can be sure, however, to see new innovations appearing from textile companies in Japan mainly because of the immense power of using them as an incredible marketing tool. Perhaps one day we may even see a shift in trends — less skin, and more covering up. -Misha Janette Photos: Images from Fujibo Holdings, Inc.

Jennifer Lopez Is Style Icon Of The Year - into GOSSIP.

2007-04-28T14:27:00.000+05:30

"Jennifer Lopez Is Style Icon Of The Year Us Weekly Presents Us' Hot Hollywood 2007 Us Weekly's Style Icon of the Year, Jennifer Lopez, and the rest of Hollywood's top style makers, sizzled on the gold carpet at the Us Hot Hollywood Style party Thursday night at L.A. club Sugar. Lopez, who arrived at the bash with husband Marc Anthony in an elegant white Ralph Lauren pantsuit and Versace shoes, was honored for her signature style and glamour—a distinction that took her by surprise. 'It was unexpected,' she told Usmagazine.com of receiving the top prize. Still, Lopez wanted to make sure she dressed to impress, telling Us, 'It took me two hours to get ready, like every other girl.'"

Past Purrrrrrrrfect

2007-04-24T14:30:00.000+05:30

Strong brows and Veronica Lake locks straight out of the 1940's, glossy red lips that screamed the greed decade—hair and makeup artists looked back to move forward this season.

She's Got Legs: Sizing Up Fashion's Current Erogenous Zone

2007-04-24T13:48:00.000+05:30

Get your thighs in shape, because spring looks are all about legs. From the runways to your closet, here's a leg up on this new development.