So perhaps just reading about, purchasing, and drooling over fine fabrics and cutting edge pieces isn’t enough for you. You want those to be your clothes in fashion week and monopolizing the fashion shows. You want someone to say your name when asked “who are you wearing”? You live, breathe, and eat fashion. And now you want to work it, in a much different way than commanding room presence. Like any other job that sounds as if it’s made in heaven, being a fashion designer is very difficult to break into. It is grueling work and you have to pay your dues and literally scratch your way to the top. Consider Stella McCartney as an example. Even with her last name, it took her ten years to establish herself as an authentic with her own self-actualization. But if fashion design is something every cell in your body is calling for, then there are a few things you need to do to get there.
For starters, every cell in your body needs to call for it. Because when you are going through your lows, this passion is going to be what gets you through them, plain and simple. Secondly, learn the tools of the business by registering in fashion design courses and school. Here you will be taught everything from illustrating fashion to crafting patterns and to fashion design. During this time you will then create your own portfolio with all of your best creations. At this point you will seek an internship in a fashion house. Think Proenza Schouler, Gucci, Versace, Chanel, you get the drift. Where you go and who you work with will largely depend your success, and will take some time to get into. You can also look into the Intern Abroad Program held in Florence (Yes, Italy) every year. Following this, you will be an official fashion designer. During all of this you will need to understand the sewing machine inside and out, and you should develop an eye for creating from scratch your own pattern. This is a valuable skill set that will ensure you rise to the top much faster than your competitors. And there will be a lot of them. (look next to you in class, that’s one of them, look the other way….you get the drift) What can you expect? In the beginning, low pay and long hours. In the end, if you’ve worked it the way any fashion designer would, you will have respect and adoration from fashionistas like the you from the past counting your every thread.
I will admit that the creators of Sex and the City made a huge contribution towards my addiction to fashion and clothes. On this show we watched Sarah Jessica Parker, then Carrie Bradshaw, fall in love with Manolos and Mr. Big – in that order. We saw her heart break when her boyfriend made her throw out a Roberto Cavalli outfit, when she was robbed and her fave Manolos were stolen, and when she went on a fake Fendi hunt with Samantha. We watched Carrie flounce across Manhattan in midriff baring tanks and tutu skirts and you couldn’t catch an episode without being taught at least one critical lesson on high fashion and clothes. I do admit, my climb up the fashion addiction ladder would have taken much longer without my schooling in the house of Carrie Bradshaw. So it seems only fitting that Sarah Jessica Parker is working on her own house now when it comes to fashion and clothes. She has already released a fragrance line, but is now taking her “Fashion is not a Luxury” motto to the sewing machine.
Next week you will see Sarah Jessica Parker release her sportswear label Bitten at more than 200 Steve and Barry’s stores, a franchise specializing in university logo clothes and licensed apparel from Coors Beer and Marvel Comics. Her collection is said to be inspired by her own personal wardrobe and closet and is a 400 piece line of wool-blend suits, cotton voile and poplin tops, the classic little black dress, cashmere cashmere cashmere, under things, and handbags. Sarah Jessica Parker has literally been on her knees with pins in her mouth embracing this line in much the same way we saw her embrace mommy hood. As a 2004 winner of Council of Fashion Designers of America, Sarah Jessica Parker and her Bitten Label are definitely clothes you want to keep your eye out for.
Iris Apfel has been called everything from a rare bird of fashion to the oldest living teenager and it is easy to see why. She exudes a completely unique and distinct personal style that mixes both high and low end fashion on a daily basis. On any given day you can see her sporting a combination of Dior, jeans, and classic flea-market finds. Only the rarest of birds could pull clothes combinations such as these off as fabulously as Iris Apfel.
The humble beginnings of Iris began over fifty years ago when she worked as an interior designer specializing in fine silk-woven fabric. With her husband, Carl, she realized an opportunity and founded a company called Old World Weavers. Old World Weavers specialized in creating and weaving identical replicas of fabric that was termed antique-period. Almost single-handedly she built that company into one of the most exclusive and prestigious brand names in the world where fabric lived. Thirteen years ago the company was sold to Stark Carpets and Iris and Carl have stayed with them acting on a consultant basis. The workmanship and exquisite fabric has drawn the attention of the world’s most exclusive clientele – Greta Garbo, Estee Lauder, and Marjorie Merriweather to name a few. The company is also renowned for work in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Flagler Museum in West Palm Beach, and the White House.
She is self-described as a closet designer that had neither sewing nor cutting abilities, but her sketches were remarkable. She carries a deep respect for the fashion and clothes industry and the artistry that is demanding of the true couturier. Her own personal style of bridging high and low end pieces in one outfit has been reflected in an exhibit at the Met and it embodies her as one of the most influential pilgrims in the fashion world. Marrying finds from the flea market with haute couture well before it was the “in” thing to do have demonstrated her extraordinary panache to the fashion industry.
Anyone who has opened a fashion magazine knows who this icon is. Donatella Versace is an iconic Italian fashion designer just like her even more iconic brother Gianni Versace. It was Gianni who founded the Versace clothing kingdom and Donatella is the Vice President of the Group and also its Chief Designer.
Donatella was born in 1955 in Reggio di Calabria, Italy as the youngest of three. In the ‘70’s, she went with her brother Gianni to attempt knitwear in Florence. She has originally intended to work for him in Public Relations, but she became more valuable to him as a muse and critic. Through this, she entered the fashion world by storm, and in the ‘80s Gianni launched a fragrance dedicated to her and also gifting her with her own label, Versus, that to this day remains a classic Versace inner holding.
She used her public relations skills and soon proved herself a giant making the Versace name known throughout Europe and America. She is noted for being the first designer to use celebrities rather than models to publicize her pieces all over the world and on the catwalk. She has used Madonna and Demi Moore in the Versace campaigns ensuring they, and other A-listers deliver the esteem that is Versace
I am not sure if blondes have more fun or not, but designers were making statements all over the spring and summer runways. The swinging pendulum of hair color fashion has struck again. There was no subtlety about the fact that designers wanted their girls in blonde and we saw hues from platinum to honey on the catwalk. Donatella Versace needs no inspiration to blonde up her line as her fashion house stands on a foundation of moneyed glamour and her signature, poker straight 24K golden locks. The chicest bottle blonde on the runway is model Agyness Deyn who has gone with a one process peroxide pixie do that makes her eyes just pop out. Stunning. Marc Jacobs’ personal muse and icon girl Jessica Stam has gone mega-watt blonde and making killer speeds on the runway. Designers Richie Rich and Trevor Rains of Heatherette also followed suit, sending each of their girls, including pretty brunette Omahyra, down the walk in bright, white wigs fro the Spring 2007 show.
Celebrities too are making the platinum look very current and we are seeing it on the likes of Gwen Stefani, who has gone back to her Jean Harlow shade in a pretty way that only she can pull off. Check for her on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, by the way. Kate Bosworh also has gone to a flapper bob and platinum hair and normal redhead Annie Lennox has gone just as platinum, but I am not talking album sales. Not sure what color to add to your wardrobe? Go platinum. Make a statement.
When Cynthia Steffe stepped down from her own namesake line, it was Waleed Khairzada who was named creative director of the house. He was a former Ecco Domani award winning founder designer of the now archived Naum label. His first collection came in spring 2007 and he called it Resort Holiday, saying it took (because he only had) six weeks to pull the entire collection together. The line is described as streamlined and sophisticated and incorporates ultra wearability with urban femininity. Waleed’s vision for the Cynthia Steffe house is one of strong sophistication, yet still feminine. He wants to put a stamp on a brand that is unique and his own, but still carry the Cynthia Steffe spirit. He wants his line to remain as affordable as it was at Naum, with pieces ranging from $200 - $400, remarkable considering the quality of his work.
Fabrics from Waleed are bright and Crayola inspired. Primary yellows and reds, deep rustic oranges and mossy greens. How he combines his textures is very unique, the fabrics play off one another in a very distinct way. Most of his look is very minimalist, but you will find the odd detail such as subtle billowing sleeves, or a knot detail at the neck of a blouse that makes the piece special. Pieces that you will see in the Holiday collection are a classic white eyelet dress, a perfect example of the Cynthia Steffe aesthetic. The dress is girly, but not overtly, and it offers a clean and simple femininity. Another pieces is the blouse of citrus shades and an ombre leaf print. When combined with clean white pants give a fresh and bright appeal. The resort dress also is breathtaking, with cream ribbon piping creased into little origami folds all of the way through.
The oversized Olsen girls’ 1970’s shades may finally be going back where they belong – the the ‘70’s. This season designers are using modern art as inspiration for the new crop of sunglasses. It is a bit of a combination between future chic and retro. Colors are literally eye-popping – think neon fushcias and greens – and there natural materials are being used to vie for their spot in the light. Round lenses are hitting the streets, Armani has out a very Woody Allen look in bright orange and transparent Lucite arms. Tom Fords Andrea shades are wrap around and light as a feather with full coverage. If you want to put a little glitz on your beachway walk, go for Bulgari’s special edition shades. Nothing but Hollywood glam, marbled white frames and jeweled arms. Leiber went glam as well with jewel encrusted arms on wild leopard prints. The future chic look came out in spades with Valentino’s classic aviator in wraparound frame providing full face coverage and pencil thin super light frames. Christopher Kane for Linda Farrow offered another 21st century appeal with a boxy tan frame and jeweled arms. Luella for Linda Farrow wins the award for the most mod and art inspired piece, she puts the chic black and white look on sturdy black arms with white square shaped frames surrounding dark circled lenses. There is no way you aren’t going to get noticed in those artsy shades.
It’s summer, ok, well almost, but it is hot enough to dress as much. Speaking of dresses…..summer is all about dressing light and loose and there is no more classic way to do that than the little summer dress. Not a dress girl? Try pairing those cute tops of yours with some of this years pretty little skirts. The three biggest looks in dresses and skirts are bolder than bold hues, even bolder prints, and the classic summer black and white combination. Your favorite designers did not disappoint with these trends. No matter how toned down or neutral your wardrobe is, you can make a huge statement with some of this years bold colors by adding one bright piece to your outfit. Proenza Schuller loves these colors as is seen in their pretty linen tangerine pencil skirt. DKNY offers a variety of pleated swing skirts in a wild range of brighter than bright colors. Prints you are going to find just about anywhere by anyone. Again Proenza Schuller complied with their gorgeous little gauzy numbers that added just the right amount of swing. Gucci too stepped out of their standard neutrally colored box to provide a royal purple embroidered cotton miniskirt with wild retro prints. And a slew of designers were jumping on the black and white bandwagon with little numbers that made a classic look so contemporary. Dolce and Gabana’s black on white quilted leather mini has a Chanel flavor in a very mod feel. Rebecca Taylor has an adorable white dress with full skirt hemmed with the most exquisite satin black hem.
Alexander Wang has a similar look in a cotton fabric for a daytime dress. And Adam and Eve go even more casual with their white terry mini with patch pockets and black trim. Whatever your personal look is, this summer it is all about being chic in heat with short short dresses or skirts in a wide variety of patterns that are both retro and contemporary at the same time.
This design house is made of a two man team by the names of Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCullough. Proenza Schouler was formed by adopting the two maiden names of their mothers. How can you not love the guys who name their business after mom? Both men were born in 1979 and met while studying fashion design at New York’s Parsons School of Design. Lazaro completed his internship under Michael Kors, while McCullough studied under Marc Jacobs. At the time of graduation, Michael Kors donated fabric for their collection, and Pologeorgis offered fur. This combination made this team the Parsons Designers of the year, and their graduate collection was soon bought out by Barney’s New York, Harvey Nichols in London, and Colette in Paris. Since then they have been on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily and awarded Ecco Domani Foundation scholarships.
Their current studio is located in New York’s SoHo District, and you will see these ripe young lads producing some very impressive collections from this studio. Their second collection was recently presented at the National Arts Club in February during New York Fashion Week. Effortlessly sexy is the only way to describe this darkly sophisticated line. These men know how to cut clothes with very polished looks that will flatter any figure. The look is edgy, but romantic with flapperesque sheer dresses, and plays on fur and unique fabric lines that are so sturdy they rival upholstery fabric. Many of their pieces in this collection were inspired by Rorschach inkblots and you see this inspiration appearing on many of their wilder prints. And here we have another team who is not only creative and inspiring, but good business sense. They also are targeting their work to wide demographics with affordable price points for everyone – choose to buy a ready to wear item off the runway, or right from your local Target.
But enough talking, let`s take a look at Proenza Schouler`s Spring 2007 collection.
The house of Marni is the birthright of Consuela Castiglioni. She is one of the IT designers today, and her label is quickly becoming a favorite among the fashion savvy. This Switzerland born fashionista found her mark when she married Gianni Castiglioni at the age of 25. He was then the head of Giwi Furs, which soon became part of the exquisite Italian fashion house of Fendi.
It was not long after the birth of her two children that Consuela became the fashion consultant for the Castiglioni functions at Fendi. The fur establishment itself was started by her husband’s father in 1970, and eased into a ready-to wear market by Gianni in 1995. It was in the following season that Consuela launched the Marni line with her own designs. This debut collection was an exquisite celebration of Italy’s finest leather.
In 2000, she opened her first showroom in London and won the UK ladies over in spades. Her collection is now known for being very bohemian and eclectic, but soft and romantic as well. You will see on the Marni Line very natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linens in awe-inspiring colors. Her attention to detail is exceptional with her flawless seam lines and breathtaking pieces. Hers is a unique combination of originality and wearability, which is what has made her the icon she is today in such a short time.
Castiglioni is also very good known for queer but feminine combinations of bright colors, natural textures and bold graphic patterns including many furs. The result are great clothes that are still elegant and definately wearable.
Below you can see the latest fashion from Marni, shown on the Marni Spring Summer 2007 Show. About eight minutes long, lean back and enjoy the show - on designerfashion.biz
I will admit that the creators of Sex and the City made a huge contribution towards my addiction to fashion and clothes. On this show we watched Sarah Jessica Parker, then Carrie Bradshaw, fall in love with Manolos and Mr. Big – in that order. We saw her heart break when her boyfriend made her throw out a Roberto Cavalli outfit, when she was robbed and her fave Manolos were stolen, and when she went on a fake Fendi hunt with Samantha. We watched Carrie flounce across Manhattan in midriff baring tanks and tutu skirts and you couldn’t catch an episode without being taught at least one critical lesson on high fashion and clothes. I do admit, my climb up the fashion addiction ladder would have taken much longer without my schooling in the house of Carrie Bradshaw. So it seems only fitting that Sarah Jessica Parker is working on her own house now when it comes to fashion and clothes. She has already released a fragrance line, but is now taking her “Fashion is not a Luxury” motto to the sewing machine.
Iris Apfel has been called everything from a rare bird of fashion to the oldest living teenager and it is easy to see why. She exudes a completely unique and distinct personal style that mixes both high and low end fashion on a daily basis. On any given day you can see her sporting a combination of Dior, jeans, and classic flea-market finds. Only the rarest of birds could pull clothes combinations such as these off as fabulously as Iris Apfel.
Anyone who has opened a fashion magazine knows who this icon is. Donatella Versace is an iconic Italian fashion designer just like her even more iconic brother Gianni Versace. It was Gianni who founded the Versace clothing kingdom and Donatella is the Vice President of the Group and also its Chief Designer.
When Cynthia Steffe stepped down from her own namesake line, it was Waleed Khairzada who was named creative director of the house. He was a former Ecco Domani award winning founder designer of the now archived Naum label. His first collection came in spring 2007 and he called it Resort Holiday, saying it took (because he only had) six weeks to pull the entire collection together. The line is described as streamlined and sophisticated and incorporates ultra wearability with urban femininity. Waleed’s vision for the Cynthia Steffe house is one of strong sophistication, yet still feminine. He wants to put a stamp on a brand that is unique and his own, but still carry the Cynthia Steffe spirit. He wants his line to remain as affordable as it was at Naum, with pieces ranging from $200 - $400, remarkable considering the quality of his work.
The house of Marni is the birthright of Consuela Castiglioni. She is one of the IT designers today, and her label is quickly becoming a favorite among the fashion savvy. This Switzerland born fashionista found her mark when she married Gianni Castiglioni at the age of 25. He was then the head of Giwi Furs, which soon became part of the exquisite Italian fashion house of Fendi.