By Oliver Carding
The Trilby hat (or often just referred to as a trilby) is a hat worn by men or women which is made from a variety of different materials. Its defining features are its deeply indented crown, a pinch at the front and a flexible narrow brim, this differs from the fedora hat which is very similar but has a much wider brim.
Though now more popular with males, the trilby hat was originally worn by women, and it is believed this trend began in France. In George Du Mauriers novel "Trilby" Men were featured wearing trilbys, this prompted men to adopt the style which from that point became increasingly popular.
The trilby hat's popularity peaked in the 1920s when it became a favourite amongst aristocratic gentleman wanting to wear something smart at the races. It was seen as being smarter than the flat cap which was often worn by working class men, the trilby hat helped distinguish between the rich noblemen, and the poor working men.
In the 1960s a hat was dropped from being a necessary within every outfit for a man, and instead the trilby hat was adopted by many sub-cultures including Ska, Jazz, Indie, Mod and 2-tone. Over the last few years trilbies have again seen a huge resurgence and it is for these reasons that this has happened. Having been adopted as the must-have accessory by fashion-conscious members of the indie sub-culture, all around the world celebrities have been spotted wearing the trilby
I work on the on-trend designer website http://www.il2l.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oliver_Carding
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Popularity-of-Trilby-Hats&id=4136383
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Hippie Clothing - Back to Nature and Then Some
By Everett Dylan J Velasqu
You could say that music, rock, the Beatles, and 'Swinging London' influenced the hippie clothes of the 1960's. The word hippie was coined from the word 'hipster' which was a London slang word for someone who was cool.
After the restrictive '50's, teenagers were a force to be reckoned with and with the influence of the Beatles, they all wanted to go back to nature, be free, wear flowers in their hair, and loose flowing natural products made from cotton and hemp were very popular for hippie clothing. The Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Album made a big statement with hippies in the '60's. It made you feel free and floating on air, and it fired up one's imagination.
Most clothing designers were catering only to the very wealthy who could afford to have clothing especially designed for them. Pret a Porter meaning off the rack, became popular during the sixties to cater for the sheer amount of teenagers who wanted new and novel clothing, not the stuffy clothes their parents made them wear.
Never before had fashion been so influenced, and with such a strong impact as the hippie movement of the '60's. Young people, teenagers, and even pre-teens were all influenced and finding their own style. The hippie clothes were mainly individualistic in that teenagers took an idea, added their version of something hand-made to that idea, and loved it, calling themselves free thinkers, free of the establishment rules, one with nature.
Yet is was a confusing time too, as there were so many conflicting influences that nobody really knew in which direction anything was going. It was a time of 'finding yourself', and music was the one sure thing that teenagers had to follow, so they were extremely influenced by groups like the Beatles, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, the Animals, Jerry and the Pacemakers, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, The Hollies, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and a million more '60's groups and singers.
Yet it was also an exciting time. Colorful, relaxed, tied-dyed clothing was very popular and long flowing dresses and tops of gorgeous colors were worn over hip hugging bell bottoms, with strings of beads around the neck, plus a peace sign on a leather thong among the beads, a head-band around your forehead made of leather with silver stars and moons on it. Flowers in your hair, and raffia sandals hand-made with a flower between the toes, and two pieces of raffia tied around your ankle, no soles to these home-made sandals.
It was a time of free love, peace signs, back to nature, where anything in clothing that was hand-made was 'in'. Mary Quant, who made the mini-skirt famous was a small designer working out of her London boutique. She was a very big influence on the fashions of the sixties. In make-up, clothing, especially the op-art look, which was all black and white squares, circles, and geometric shapes.
These were very fashionable then, I should know, I wore them in the sixties. Leslie Hornby (Twiggy) the famous '60's first really skinny model, had enormous eyes, lined with kohl, ultra short hair and all teenagers wanted to look like her. Jean Shrimpton was another famous '60's model more natural looking than Twiggy. While Twiggy was at one end of the spectrum of fashion, Jean Shrimpton was at the other, and she influenced the natural look.
Everett Velasqu is and will always be a hippie at heart. It's influence can be seen through his hippie clothes website were you can read about hippie dresses, hippie purses, culture and clothes. Visit now!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Everett_Dylan_J_Velasqu
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hippie-Clothing---Back-to-Nature-and-Then-Some&id=4152077
You could say that music, rock, the Beatles, and 'Swinging London' influenced the hippie clothes of the 1960's. The word hippie was coined from the word 'hipster' which was a London slang word for someone who was cool.
After the restrictive '50's, teenagers were a force to be reckoned with and with the influence of the Beatles, they all wanted to go back to nature, be free, wear flowers in their hair, and loose flowing natural products made from cotton and hemp were very popular for hippie clothing. The Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Album made a big statement with hippies in the '60's. It made you feel free and floating on air, and it fired up one's imagination.
Most clothing designers were catering only to the very wealthy who could afford to have clothing especially designed for them. Pret a Porter meaning off the rack, became popular during the sixties to cater for the sheer amount of teenagers who wanted new and novel clothing, not the stuffy clothes their parents made them wear.
Never before had fashion been so influenced, and with such a strong impact as the hippie movement of the '60's. Young people, teenagers, and even pre-teens were all influenced and finding their own style. The hippie clothes were mainly individualistic in that teenagers took an idea, added their version of something hand-made to that idea, and loved it, calling themselves free thinkers, free of the establishment rules, one with nature.
Yet is was a confusing time too, as there were so many conflicting influences that nobody really knew in which direction anything was going. It was a time of 'finding yourself', and music was the one sure thing that teenagers had to follow, so they were extremely influenced by groups like the Beatles, the Doors, the Rolling Stones, the Animals, Jerry and the Pacemakers, Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, The Hollies, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and a million more '60's groups and singers.
Yet it was also an exciting time. Colorful, relaxed, tied-dyed clothing was very popular and long flowing dresses and tops of gorgeous colors were worn over hip hugging bell bottoms, with strings of beads around the neck, plus a peace sign on a leather thong among the beads, a head-band around your forehead made of leather with silver stars and moons on it. Flowers in your hair, and raffia sandals hand-made with a flower between the toes, and two pieces of raffia tied around your ankle, no soles to these home-made sandals.
It was a time of free love, peace signs, back to nature, where anything in clothing that was hand-made was 'in'. Mary Quant, who made the mini-skirt famous was a small designer working out of her London boutique. She was a very big influence on the fashions of the sixties. In make-up, clothing, especially the op-art look, which was all black and white squares, circles, and geometric shapes.
These were very fashionable then, I should know, I wore them in the sixties. Leslie Hornby (Twiggy) the famous '60's first really skinny model, had enormous eyes, lined with kohl, ultra short hair and all teenagers wanted to look like her. Jean Shrimpton was another famous '60's model more natural looking than Twiggy. While Twiggy was at one end of the spectrum of fashion, Jean Shrimpton was at the other, and she influenced the natural look.
Everett Velasqu is and will always be a hippie at heart. It's influence can be seen through his hippie clothes website were you can read about hippie dresses, hippie purses, culture and clothes. Visit now!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Everett_Dylan_J_Velasqu
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hippie-Clothing---Back-to-Nature-and-Then-Some&id=4152077
Vintage Swimsuits - A Unique and Timeless Article of Swimwear That Catches Everybody's Attention
By Jenny Pham
If you are fond of retro style and want to express your fascination for old school charm, summer is the right time to show it off. While everybody else is making a fuss over contemporary swimwear, you can turn all heads by wearing a vintage swimsuit. It allows you to be one of a kind, considering the fact that it is very unlikely for people to find two similar vintage designs. It is fun to be different sometimes as it gives you more confidence and allows you to attract more attention.
Vintage swimsuits are often characterized by conventional patterns like Hawaiian prints, zebra stripes, polka dots, cherry prints and many others. The styles vary but among the most sought after are bikinis with skirt bottoms and one piece swimsuits with haltered straps. What most women like about retro swimwear is that most designs are less revealing but can still provide a sexy look along with glamour and elegance not found in most modern items.
Although vintage-inspired swimsuits are already available in fashion shops made by branded clothing companies, there are still a number of these items you can buy along with other hand-me-downs or second-hand items. This allows you to acquire an item that is economical and definitely less costly than the new ones.
Quality wise, vintage swimsuits are made from first-rate materials. These cannot be easily torn and the fabric's prints last long as well. Whether you opt to purchase a used vintage swimsuit or a newly produced one, checking on its quality should be your top priority.
One of the advantages of vintage items is that their grandeur is timeless and there's always something about them that never fail to attract those who catch a glimpse. Make sure that your choice can still be used in years to come.
Check out these incredible Vintage swimsuit deals. Be one of a kind!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Pham
http://EzineArticles.com/?Vintage-Swimsuit---A-Unique-and-Timeless-Swimwear-That-Catches-Everybodys-Attention&id=3996245
If you are fond of retro style and want to express your fascination for old school charm, summer is the right time to show it off. While everybody else is making a fuss over contemporary swimwear, you can turn all heads by wearing a vintage swimsuit. It allows you to be one of a kind, considering the fact that it is very unlikely for people to find two similar vintage designs. It is fun to be different sometimes as it gives you more confidence and allows you to attract more attention.
Vintage swimsuits are often characterized by conventional patterns like Hawaiian prints, zebra stripes, polka dots, cherry prints and many others. The styles vary but among the most sought after are bikinis with skirt bottoms and one piece swimsuits with haltered straps. What most women like about retro swimwear is that most designs are less revealing but can still provide a sexy look along with glamour and elegance not found in most modern items.
Although vintage-inspired swimsuits are already available in fashion shops made by branded clothing companies, there are still a number of these items you can buy along with other hand-me-downs or second-hand items. This allows you to acquire an item that is economical and definitely less costly than the new ones.
Quality wise, vintage swimsuits are made from first-rate materials. These cannot be easily torn and the fabric's prints last long as well. Whether you opt to purchase a used vintage swimsuit or a newly produced one, checking on its quality should be your top priority.
One of the advantages of vintage items is that their grandeur is timeless and there's always something about them that never fail to attract those who catch a glimpse. Make sure that your choice can still be used in years to come.
Check out these incredible Vintage swimsuit deals. Be one of a kind!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Pham
http://EzineArticles.com/?Vintage-Swimsuit---A-Unique-and-Timeless-Swimwear-That-Catches-Everybodys-Attention&id=3996245
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Fashion Repeats Itself
By Scotty Henderson
Old pictures give us a good idea of what times before us looked like. Bad hair, bad pants, bad shoes all come to mind.
As much as we want to turn our noses up at "old stuff", it's really the basis of retro. Many of the styles we see today are simply recycled trends from the past. Wide sleeves, bell bottoms, and printed t-shirts have all resurfaced in recent years as trends. Teens, possibly the trendiest group out there, aren't even old enough to know that these styles aren't new.
Finding trendy fashions at cheap prices has moved from the shopping mall to the thrift store. Some adults may even still have some of the original relics lurking in the back of their closets. Looking back at our past gives us a little insight into the fashion of our present.
Bold designs and colorful fabrics were the style of the 1960's. Miniskirts and bellbottoms were seen for the first time. In most department stores, you can find a version of these classics today. Designers have put a spin on them to make them look new, but you can see the influence of the 60s on our modern fashion.
The 1970s brought us printed t-shirts, flashy fabrics, and platform shoes. Printed t-shirts are still a common form of expression, and a version of flashy fabrics and platform shoes can be seen in any shopping mall today.
The 1980s started the trend of a formal jacket over and informal shirt for men, and lycra skirts and shoulder pads for women. A nice t-shirt and jacket is still acceptable for men at a formal occasion, as long as it's paired with a nice pair of jeans.
Grunge and trendy t-shirts hit with the 1990s. Grunge sprouted from the popular music of the time, sporting thrift store style worn out jeans, oversized t-shirts, and flannel over shirts. Dr. Marten boots were also popular in the grunge fashion. Trendy t-shirts with funny, political, or social messages were popular then and today.
As fashion trends change, we have to look back at the styles that influence our current fashion. Every decade for the last 40 years represents some form of fashion we see today. When we look back at old pictures, we laugh at the silly styles, but much of what we wear today is similar.
As style progresses, good and bad trends come and go. Fashion designers have the task of picking the best of what is good in previous fashions and updating it to make it modern. Even the colors we see in shopping malls are not new. Decades past have taught us what works together, and what doesn't.
The saying goes that if you hold on to something long enough, it will come back into style sooner or later, and to some extent, that's true. With a little updating, some styles do come back around. Next time your kids say you just don't understand what's cool, take a look in their closet with them and point out the things that are similar to what you wore when you were their age.
Looking for the best 90s music hits? Visit us at http://www.977Music.com to tune in today for live, free internet radio!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scotty_Henderson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fashion-Repeats-Itself&id=4079467
Old pictures give us a good idea of what times before us looked like. Bad hair, bad pants, bad shoes all come to mind.
As much as we want to turn our noses up at "old stuff", it's really the basis of retro. Many of the styles we see today are simply recycled trends from the past. Wide sleeves, bell bottoms, and printed t-shirts have all resurfaced in recent years as trends. Teens, possibly the trendiest group out there, aren't even old enough to know that these styles aren't new.
Finding trendy fashions at cheap prices has moved from the shopping mall to the thrift store. Some adults may even still have some of the original relics lurking in the back of their closets. Looking back at our past gives us a little insight into the fashion of our present.
Bold designs and colorful fabrics were the style of the 1960's. Miniskirts and bellbottoms were seen for the first time. In most department stores, you can find a version of these classics today. Designers have put a spin on them to make them look new, but you can see the influence of the 60s on our modern fashion.
The 1970s brought us printed t-shirts, flashy fabrics, and platform shoes. Printed t-shirts are still a common form of expression, and a version of flashy fabrics and platform shoes can be seen in any shopping mall today.
The 1980s started the trend of a formal jacket over and informal shirt for men, and lycra skirts and shoulder pads for women. A nice t-shirt and jacket is still acceptable for men at a formal occasion, as long as it's paired with a nice pair of jeans.
Grunge and trendy t-shirts hit with the 1990s. Grunge sprouted from the popular music of the time, sporting thrift store style worn out jeans, oversized t-shirts, and flannel over shirts. Dr. Marten boots were also popular in the grunge fashion. Trendy t-shirts with funny, political, or social messages were popular then and today.
As fashion trends change, we have to look back at the styles that influence our current fashion. Every decade for the last 40 years represents some form of fashion we see today. When we look back at old pictures, we laugh at the silly styles, but much of what we wear today is similar.
As style progresses, good and bad trends come and go. Fashion designers have the task of picking the best of what is good in previous fashions and updating it to make it modern. Even the colors we see in shopping malls are not new. Decades past have taught us what works together, and what doesn't.
The saying goes that if you hold on to something long enough, it will come back into style sooner or later, and to some extent, that's true. With a little updating, some styles do come back around. Next time your kids say you just don't understand what's cool, take a look in their closet with them and point out the things that are similar to what you wore when you were their age.
Looking for the best 90s music hits? Visit us at http://www.977Music.com to tune in today for live, free internet radio!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scotty_Henderson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fashion-Repeats-Itself&id=4079467
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Iconic Bikinis
By Nerissa McNaughton
The bikini has had a long and often sordid history with mainstream culture. From a scandalous garment that no modest lady would be caught seen in to a mainstay on reality TV shows like Survivor and Big Brother (and any other show that can work in a hot tub scene), bikini acceptance has certainly changed over the years.
Sexy swimwear bikinis are now a very common sight. Celebrities frolic in them while hoping the obliging paparazzi are nearby. Fitness magazines splash bikini clad women on their covers along with promises to whip the average reader into a buff bikini body. While there are no shortages of bikinis in all colors and styles, popular culture has elevated a few of these sexy swimsuits to iconic status.
Is there a more popular bikini than the one worn by Ursula Anders in Dr. No? In 1962, she was filmed rising from the sea in a white bikini and, in an instant, made movie history. Anders career took off like wildfire and the bikini itself went on to fetch £35,000 at an auction in 2001. A year after the original swimsuit went on the auction block, Halle Berry replicated the famous movie scene wearing an orange bikini in the Bond film, Die Another Day. In 2007, forty-five years after the original film, the dramatic sea entrance was rated as the second Sexiest Movie Moment. Just four year earlier, in a separate survey, the same scene was rated number one.
The second iconic bikini on this list actually does not exist as a tangible garment, yet its praises have been sung since 1960. The Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini went straight to the number one spot on Billboard Hot 100 and landed in the top ten on other charts around the world. Paul Vance, the writer of this extremely catchy ditty, called the song "a money machine" as he counted the millions of dollars he earned in royalties. After the song's release, bikini sales soared. Hollywood jumped on the proverbial bandwagon and ushered in first wave of surf movies. The song is even said to be one of the major contributing factors in pushing bikinis into positive acceptance.
This next bikini is not well known. It is, however the most important bikini in fashion history. In 1946, Louis Réard took 30 square inches of cloth screened with newsprint, fashioned it into a g-string bikini and choose Micheline Bernardini to model it at a fashion show. Bernadini was, in fact, modeling the first modern bikini. After this groundbreaking appearance, she received over 50,000 fan letters.
Our fascination with these iconic bikinis shows no signs of waning. A quick comparison between Ursula Anders' suit and Nicolita's All Tied Up, shows a striking resemblance. A Google image search yields pages of yellow polka dot bikinis, and has the g-string ever really gone out of style? No, it has been going strong since 1946.
Although no longer a garment to be worn solely by the brazen, the bikini is still an object of fascination. As these three sexy swimwear bikinis take their place in the hallowed halls of history, we know it's only a matter of time before another one joins their ranks. Perhaps it will occur during a routine celebrity sighting or maybe it will be through another movie event. However it occurs, we will always think with a certain fondness of these tiny garments that create such a massive stir.
You can view Nicolita's All Tied Up bikini at http://www.azuraswimwear.com, a popular online sexy swimwear destination. We cannot rule out the possibility of Azura selling the world's next iconic bikini and perhaps the lucky wearer to make history in it will be you!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nerissa_McNaughton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Iconic-Bikinis&id=4069297
The bikini has had a long and often sordid history with mainstream culture. From a scandalous garment that no modest lady would be caught seen in to a mainstay on reality TV shows like Survivor and Big Brother (and any other show that can work in a hot tub scene), bikini acceptance has certainly changed over the years.
Sexy swimwear bikinis are now a very common sight. Celebrities frolic in them while hoping the obliging paparazzi are nearby. Fitness magazines splash bikini clad women on their covers along with promises to whip the average reader into a buff bikini body. While there are no shortages of bikinis in all colors and styles, popular culture has elevated a few of these sexy swimsuits to iconic status.
Is there a more popular bikini than the one worn by Ursula Anders in Dr. No? In 1962, she was filmed rising from the sea in a white bikini and, in an instant, made movie history. Anders career took off like wildfire and the bikini itself went on to fetch £35,000 at an auction in 2001. A year after the original swimsuit went on the auction block, Halle Berry replicated the famous movie scene wearing an orange bikini in the Bond film, Die Another Day. In 2007, forty-five years after the original film, the dramatic sea entrance was rated as the second Sexiest Movie Moment. Just four year earlier, in a separate survey, the same scene was rated number one.
The second iconic bikini on this list actually does not exist as a tangible garment, yet its praises have been sung since 1960. The Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini went straight to the number one spot on Billboard Hot 100 and landed in the top ten on other charts around the world. Paul Vance, the writer of this extremely catchy ditty, called the song "a money machine" as he counted the millions of dollars he earned in royalties. After the song's release, bikini sales soared. Hollywood jumped on the proverbial bandwagon and ushered in first wave of surf movies. The song is even said to be one of the major contributing factors in pushing bikinis into positive acceptance.
This next bikini is not well known. It is, however the most important bikini in fashion history. In 1946, Louis Réard took 30 square inches of cloth screened with newsprint, fashioned it into a g-string bikini and choose Micheline Bernardini to model it at a fashion show. Bernadini was, in fact, modeling the first modern bikini. After this groundbreaking appearance, she received over 50,000 fan letters.
Our fascination with these iconic bikinis shows no signs of waning. A quick comparison between Ursula Anders' suit and Nicolita's All Tied Up, shows a striking resemblance. A Google image search yields pages of yellow polka dot bikinis, and has the g-string ever really gone out of style? No, it has been going strong since 1946.
Although no longer a garment to be worn solely by the brazen, the bikini is still an object of fascination. As these three sexy swimwear bikinis take their place in the hallowed halls of history, we know it's only a matter of time before another one joins their ranks. Perhaps it will occur during a routine celebrity sighting or maybe it will be through another movie event. However it occurs, we will always think with a certain fondness of these tiny garments that create such a massive stir.
You can view Nicolita's All Tied Up bikini at http://www.azuraswimwear.com, a popular online sexy swimwear destination. We cannot rule out the possibility of Azura selling the world's next iconic bikini and perhaps the lucky wearer to make history in it will be you!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nerissa_McNaughton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Iconic-Bikinis&id=4069297
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Historical Groundbreakers in Fashion Design - 10 People Who Changed the Way We Dress
By Lily McCallister
When people dress in the morning, they probably don't think about the groundbreakers in fashion design who have influenced them, either directly or even subconsciously. But fashion would not be what it is today without these designers, tastemakers, and entrepreneurs. They've changed the way we think about clothes, the way we wear them, and the way we buy them.
Charles Frederick Worth
Considered the Father of Haute Couture, Worth was the first fashion designer to make a name for himself. Before he opened his Paris fashion house in 1858, fashion design and construction were handled by anonymous tailors and seamstresses. He was the first to display model dresses at fashion shows in which customers placed orders, rather than letting customers dictate the style of their garments. He is also credited as the first designer to put labels on his designs.
Levi Strauss
During the California Gold Rush, Strauss was a retail store owner. Gold prospectors at the time wore cotton pants that tended to rip easily, so Strauss and a tailor, Jacob Davis, created more durable pants that were reinforced by small metal rivets. Jeans were born, and the rest is fashion history.
Coco Chanel
She may be known for the "little black dress" and classic cut suits, but women can especially thank Chanel for making clothes comfortable. Opening her first shop in 1913, her menswear-inspired designs freed women from the constraining corsets and uncomfortable long dresses that were in vogue at the time, ushering in an era of modern, casual dress.
R.H. Macy
The founder of Macy's department store drastically altered the way people bought clothes when the first Macy's opened in 1958.. While consumers previously went to small, family-owned shops or general stores primarily if they needed new clothes, they went to department stores more often just to peruse the wide variety of merchandise. And if they happened to find clothing that appealed to them on display, they would then purchase it. For the first time, clothing became an impulse item.
Edith Head
From the late 40s to early 70s, eight-time Oscar winner Edith Head was the designer of choice for some of Hollywood's most well-dressed leading ladies including Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Largely because of her influence, audiences became captivated with the love affair between movie stars and fashion design - a fascination that exists to this day.
Eileen Ford
The founder of Ford Models was responsible for discovering pretty women like Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley and turning them into household names, thereby creating the concept of the "supermodel" in the 70s. Supermodels have come to define American beauty - the way we aspire to look and dress.
Richard Blackwell
When Mr. Blackwell first published his "Worst Dressed List" in 1960, he pretty much invented the notion of "what not to wear." His biting remarks of stars' fashion sense, or lack thereof, created a cottage industry of fashion criticism, eventually leading to today's red carpet commentaries and post-awards fashion blogs.
Ralph Lauren
Fashion giant Ralph Lauren was a pioneer in turning a fashion design label into a lifestyle brand. Through aggressive advertising, he was not just selling clothes, he was selling an image: aristocratic, preppy, with a touch of the rugged West. He started a hunger for labels, as the public bought up anything with his polo player logo, especially his iconic short sleeve mesh shirt, introduced in 1972. And through numerous licensing agreements, consumers could own a little piece of luxury, even if it was just a pair of socks or a towel with a polo player on it.
Donald Fisher
With his wife Doris, Fisher opened a little store called Gap in 1969 that would grow to become an American institution. While Gap popularized khakis and casual Fridays, its legacy is much more far-reaching: Gap has become the epitome of the "mall store" concept, in which no matter what city consumers may be in, they have the comfort of knowing that the Gap store there is just like the one in their hometown. Practically every clothing retailer has followed this business model, resulting in a fashion landscape that is rather homogenous throughout the country.
Anna Wintour
Considered one of the most important, and intimidating, people in fashion today, the Vogue editor-in-chief since 1988 is known to set trends and anoint new designers. If Wintour puts a designer in her magazine, the implied endorsement can make his or her career. Because of her influence, John Galliano became the head designer of Dior, and Brooks Brothers collaborated with Thom Browne. Her clout in the current fashion scene is simply unrivaled.
Although this list of influential figures is short, the fashion school history annals could provide hundreds of additional names of people who have influenced the way we dress. Our hats are off to all of them.
If you love clothes and all things fashion, a career in fashion design might be right for you. Visit FIDM, fashion school for more info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lily_McCallister
http://EzineArticles.com/?Historical-Groundbreakers-in-Fashion-Design---10-People-Who-Changed-the-Way-We-Dress&id=4063627
When people dress in the morning, they probably don't think about the groundbreakers in fashion design who have influenced them, either directly or even subconsciously. But fashion would not be what it is today without these designers, tastemakers, and entrepreneurs. They've changed the way we think about clothes, the way we wear them, and the way we buy them.
Charles Frederick Worth
Considered the Father of Haute Couture, Worth was the first fashion designer to make a name for himself. Before he opened his Paris fashion house in 1858, fashion design and construction were handled by anonymous tailors and seamstresses. He was the first to display model dresses at fashion shows in which customers placed orders, rather than letting customers dictate the style of their garments. He is also credited as the first designer to put labels on his designs.
Levi Strauss
During the California Gold Rush, Strauss was a retail store owner. Gold prospectors at the time wore cotton pants that tended to rip easily, so Strauss and a tailor, Jacob Davis, created more durable pants that were reinforced by small metal rivets. Jeans were born, and the rest is fashion history.
Coco Chanel
She may be known for the "little black dress" and classic cut suits, but women can especially thank Chanel for making clothes comfortable. Opening her first shop in 1913, her menswear-inspired designs freed women from the constraining corsets and uncomfortable long dresses that were in vogue at the time, ushering in an era of modern, casual dress.
R.H. Macy
The founder of Macy's department store drastically altered the way people bought clothes when the first Macy's opened in 1958.. While consumers previously went to small, family-owned shops or general stores primarily if they needed new clothes, they went to department stores more often just to peruse the wide variety of merchandise. And if they happened to find clothing that appealed to them on display, they would then purchase it. For the first time, clothing became an impulse item.
Edith Head
From the late 40s to early 70s, eight-time Oscar winner Edith Head was the designer of choice for some of Hollywood's most well-dressed leading ladies including Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Largely because of her influence, audiences became captivated with the love affair between movie stars and fashion design - a fascination that exists to this day.
Eileen Ford
The founder of Ford Models was responsible for discovering pretty women like Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley and turning them into household names, thereby creating the concept of the "supermodel" in the 70s. Supermodels have come to define American beauty - the way we aspire to look and dress.
Richard Blackwell
When Mr. Blackwell first published his "Worst Dressed List" in 1960, he pretty much invented the notion of "what not to wear." His biting remarks of stars' fashion sense, or lack thereof, created a cottage industry of fashion criticism, eventually leading to today's red carpet commentaries and post-awards fashion blogs.
Ralph Lauren
Fashion giant Ralph Lauren was a pioneer in turning a fashion design label into a lifestyle brand. Through aggressive advertising, he was not just selling clothes, he was selling an image: aristocratic, preppy, with a touch of the rugged West. He started a hunger for labels, as the public bought up anything with his polo player logo, especially his iconic short sleeve mesh shirt, introduced in 1972. And through numerous licensing agreements, consumers could own a little piece of luxury, even if it was just a pair of socks or a towel with a polo player on it.
Donald Fisher
With his wife Doris, Fisher opened a little store called Gap in 1969 that would grow to become an American institution. While Gap popularized khakis and casual Fridays, its legacy is much more far-reaching: Gap has become the epitome of the "mall store" concept, in which no matter what city consumers may be in, they have the comfort of knowing that the Gap store there is just like the one in their hometown. Practically every clothing retailer has followed this business model, resulting in a fashion landscape that is rather homogenous throughout the country.
Anna Wintour
Considered one of the most important, and intimidating, people in fashion today, the Vogue editor-in-chief since 1988 is known to set trends and anoint new designers. If Wintour puts a designer in her magazine, the implied endorsement can make his or her career. Because of her influence, John Galliano became the head designer of Dior, and Brooks Brothers collaborated with Thom Browne. Her clout in the current fashion scene is simply unrivaled.
Although this list of influential figures is short, the fashion school history annals could provide hundreds of additional names of people who have influenced the way we dress. Our hats are off to all of them.
If you love clothes and all things fashion, a career in fashion design might be right for you. Visit FIDM, fashion school for more info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lily_McCallister
http://EzineArticles.com/?Historical-Groundbreakers-in-Fashion-Design---10-People-Who-Changed-the-Way-We-Dress&id=4063627
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Fashion Design History Comes to Life at the Museo Della Moda in Milan
By Henry Neuteboom
Fashion design history is brought to life by Palazzo Morando, on Via Sant'Andrea 6, Milan, Italy. This lovely Renaissance building was restored a few years ago, and this work uncovered an interesting frieze at the top of the façade. The municipal authorities intelligently decided to use this space for a Fashion Museum, something that is absolutely necessary in one of the world's fashion capitals.
Palazzo Morando is right at the heart of Milan's top fashion district, close to Via Montenapoleone. The municipal advisor for Culture, Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, said that rather than being just a museum, the space is "a venue involved in research into visual design and the promotion of a young and fresh image of Fashion" (Municipality of Milan press release).
From 2 March 2010, four interesting shows on fashion design history ranging from 1800s fashion history right through to the latest urban fashions can be seen at Palazzo Morando (admission is free). On the ground floor is "The Thread of Dreams, Frette 2010-1860," which presents an interesting portrait of the linen and textiles created by this maison. The Frette Historic Archive is the most important in the world for jacquard textiles, and the show is particularly interesting for its demonstration of how a fashion textile is created, from concept to industrial implementation. There are many examples of personalization, with emblems, crests and logos for various institutional clients.
On the first floor, there is an exhibition of paintings from the Luigi Beretta collection, purchased by the Municipality of Milan in 1934, along with actual garments dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The 22 halls of this section include an installation of garments within the setting of an 18th century aristocratic residence - exactly what Palazzo Morando once was.
The show titled "Fashion details. The 1920s and 1930s in the Mangiameli collection" presents a historic collection donated to the Municipality of Milan by the Mangiameli sisters Anna, Lucia and Ninni. It comprises accessories, mainly bags, buckles and brooches, accumulated during the family's work in the leatherware company founded by their father in 1928.
Lastly, "The Tirelli Collection, atelier costumes for cinema and theatre" presents the Tirelli dressmaking business and its work on cosumes. This show was curated by Oscar prize-winner Gabriella Pescucci. The Tirelli maison has won eight Oscars for its costumes, and has received another four nominations. These garments are absolutely spectacular to behold, and they are remarkable for their historical and philological accuracy.
This is a great start for the Museo della Moda, and there is more to come. On 8 April 2010 at 11.30 a.m., there will be a press conference for the launch of "A Shaded View on Fashion Film," the first fashion film festival, created by Diane Pernet. The festival will run in Milan, from 25 to 30 May 2010. Michael Nyman will be present at the press conference, with the world premier screening of his only video with links to the world of fashion. It is ironically titled "The Cleaners wear Prada."
"A Shaded View on Fashion" is a touring event, and it will reach Milan after having run in Paris, Mexico City and Amsterdam. It will feature video and short films by photographers and visionary directors, including Nick Knight, Erwin Olaf, Chris Cunningham and Steven Klein, avant-garde fashion designers such as Undercover, Hussein Chalayan, Rick Owens, Mr. Pearl, Rodarte, Coming Soon/ Yohji Yamamoto, Gareth Pugh, Thom Browne, and many others.
In addition, during the Milan stage of the festival, designs by young talents will be on show at the Museo della Moda from 25 to 30 May. A new series of short films dedicated to the theme of light will also be screened, along with a special video produced by Lancia Trend Visions (a new website involved in scouting for new forms of creativity, developed by Lancia) highlighting the creative duo Leitmotiv, one of the most experimental and art-oriented signatures on the fashion scene.
Michael Nyman's work will also be shown at 6.30 p.m. on 8 April 2010 at Galleria Carla Sozzani, Corso Como 10, Milan. It will feature a series of videos and photographs by Nyman, dedicated to everyday life all over the world in all its beauty and brutality. Nyman defines this work as "Cine Opera," and it is accompanied by music and sound encouraging reflection on man's condition in modern society.
Henry Neuteboom, web editor
http://www.luxos.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Neuteboom
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fashion-Design-History-Comes-to-Life-at-the-Museo-Della-Moda-in-Milan&id=4015528
Fashion design history is brought to life by Palazzo Morando, on Via Sant'Andrea 6, Milan, Italy. This lovely Renaissance building was restored a few years ago, and this work uncovered an interesting frieze at the top of the façade. The municipal authorities intelligently decided to use this space for a Fashion Museum, something that is absolutely necessary in one of the world's fashion capitals.
Palazzo Morando is right at the heart of Milan's top fashion district, close to Via Montenapoleone. The municipal advisor for Culture, Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, said that rather than being just a museum, the space is "a venue involved in research into visual design and the promotion of a young and fresh image of Fashion" (Municipality of Milan press release).
From 2 March 2010, four interesting shows on fashion design history ranging from 1800s fashion history right through to the latest urban fashions can be seen at Palazzo Morando (admission is free). On the ground floor is "The Thread of Dreams, Frette 2010-1860," which presents an interesting portrait of the linen and textiles created by this maison. The Frette Historic Archive is the most important in the world for jacquard textiles, and the show is particularly interesting for its demonstration of how a fashion textile is created, from concept to industrial implementation. There are many examples of personalization, with emblems, crests and logos for various institutional clients.
On the first floor, there is an exhibition of paintings from the Luigi Beretta collection, purchased by the Municipality of Milan in 1934, along with actual garments dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The 22 halls of this section include an installation of garments within the setting of an 18th century aristocratic residence - exactly what Palazzo Morando once was.
The show titled "Fashion details. The 1920s and 1930s in the Mangiameli collection" presents a historic collection donated to the Municipality of Milan by the Mangiameli sisters Anna, Lucia and Ninni. It comprises accessories, mainly bags, buckles and brooches, accumulated during the family's work in the leatherware company founded by their father in 1928.
Lastly, "The Tirelli Collection, atelier costumes for cinema and theatre" presents the Tirelli dressmaking business and its work on cosumes. This show was curated by Oscar prize-winner Gabriella Pescucci. The Tirelli maison has won eight Oscars for its costumes, and has received another four nominations. These garments are absolutely spectacular to behold, and they are remarkable for their historical and philological accuracy.
This is a great start for the Museo della Moda, and there is more to come. On 8 April 2010 at 11.30 a.m., there will be a press conference for the launch of "A Shaded View on Fashion Film," the first fashion film festival, created by Diane Pernet. The festival will run in Milan, from 25 to 30 May 2010. Michael Nyman will be present at the press conference, with the world premier screening of his only video with links to the world of fashion. It is ironically titled "The Cleaners wear Prada."
"A Shaded View on Fashion" is a touring event, and it will reach Milan after having run in Paris, Mexico City and Amsterdam. It will feature video and short films by photographers and visionary directors, including Nick Knight, Erwin Olaf, Chris Cunningham and Steven Klein, avant-garde fashion designers such as Undercover, Hussein Chalayan, Rick Owens, Mr. Pearl, Rodarte, Coming Soon/ Yohji Yamamoto, Gareth Pugh, Thom Browne, and many others.
In addition, during the Milan stage of the festival, designs by young talents will be on show at the Museo della Moda from 25 to 30 May. A new series of short films dedicated to the theme of light will also be screened, along with a special video produced by Lancia Trend Visions (a new website involved in scouting for new forms of creativity, developed by Lancia) highlighting the creative duo Leitmotiv, one of the most experimental and art-oriented signatures on the fashion scene.
Michael Nyman's work will also be shown at 6.30 p.m. on 8 April 2010 at Galleria Carla Sozzani, Corso Como 10, Milan. It will feature a series of videos and photographs by Nyman, dedicated to everyday life all over the world in all its beauty and brutality. Nyman defines this work as "Cine Opera," and it is accompanied by music and sound encouraging reflection on man's condition in modern society.
Henry Neuteboom, web editor
http://www.luxos.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Neuteboom
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fashion-Design-History-Comes-to-Life-at-the-Museo-Della-Moda-in-Milan&id=4015528
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Gabicci Vintage - A History of the Historic Brand
By Dave Kerr
The style-conscious modern male would do well to look at the 'Vintage' range from the Gabicci clothing company.
This range offers a classic mix of vintage styles and designs from the past, including classic 1970's cuts, combined with a modern updated look and freshness that characterises the overall quality that you would expect from such an upcoming designer brand.
The Gabicci Vintage range offers a wide selection of male clothing and varieties that will suit even the most style-conscious ranging from classic v-necks to polo's, jumpers, classic cut and sew jackets and cardigans. It is easy to see why the Gabicci range is becoming so popular with people of all ages as the retro styles suit the older generations while the sleek yet modern looks, quality designs and colours from the range attract younger age groups such as clubbers as well as those into more niche and popular cultures.
The Gabicci brand is fast becoming synonymous with quality as all of their clothing apparel is made from the finest quality material which bodes well not only for comfort but also long lasting wear. In addition the Gabicci Vintage range has its own distinct look to it and is immediately recognisable to those in the know. While some say Gabicci borrows popular characteristics from many other well known brands, the clothing range does so in a way that makes it its own and unique in doing so.
The Vintage range gives a great example of how to achieve casual styles while at the same time offers a serious look and Gabicci has the knack of being equally smart and unique. Many of the Gabicci Vintage range have taken its inspiration from 1970's designs and they acknowledge this with their '1973' labelling. Popular items from the range in particular include the 'Gabicci Vintage 1973 GVGO3 White B' T-shirt, the 'Gabicci Vintage 1973' leather jacket and the 'Gabicci Vintage 1973 Summerbee Colbat' T-shirt among many others.
The entire Gabicci Vintage range offers designs that attract both the modern male and the retro stylish. With the range offering so much variety and consistent innovation, you can only expect to hear increasingly more from this upcoming brand in the future as it is already proving itself a favourite among those that have discovered it.
Gabicci produce a wide range of clothing for males and females. This Vintage range is only one part of their extensive collection.
Article by: Dave Kerr
Dave Kerr is a mens' fashion connoisseur from the United Kingdom, currently a part of the award-winning Sa-kis team. Sa-kis.co.uk is the online retail branch of independent designer clothing store Sa-kis.
Sa-kis is well known for the enviable brands and labels that they stock. Such labels include Diesel, Elvis Jesus, Gabicci, Edwin jeans, Fred Perry clothing, Levi's, Vivienne Westwood, Luke 1977, Pretty Green Black Label and over 50 others.
Sa-kis.co.uk is based in Sheffield, UK and ships orders internationally.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Kerr
http://EzineArticles.com/?Gabicci-Vintage---A-History-of-the-Historic-Brand&id=4014091
The style-conscious modern male would do well to look at the 'Vintage' range from the Gabicci clothing company.
This range offers a classic mix of vintage styles and designs from the past, including classic 1970's cuts, combined with a modern updated look and freshness that characterises the overall quality that you would expect from such an upcoming designer brand.
The Gabicci Vintage range offers a wide selection of male clothing and varieties that will suit even the most style-conscious ranging from classic v-necks to polo's, jumpers, classic cut and sew jackets and cardigans. It is easy to see why the Gabicci range is becoming so popular with people of all ages as the retro styles suit the older generations while the sleek yet modern looks, quality designs and colours from the range attract younger age groups such as clubbers as well as those into more niche and popular cultures.
The Gabicci brand is fast becoming synonymous with quality as all of their clothing apparel is made from the finest quality material which bodes well not only for comfort but also long lasting wear. In addition the Gabicci Vintage range has its own distinct look to it and is immediately recognisable to those in the know. While some say Gabicci borrows popular characteristics from many other well known brands, the clothing range does so in a way that makes it its own and unique in doing so.
The Vintage range gives a great example of how to achieve casual styles while at the same time offers a serious look and Gabicci has the knack of being equally smart and unique. Many of the Gabicci Vintage range have taken its inspiration from 1970's designs and they acknowledge this with their '1973' labelling. Popular items from the range in particular include the 'Gabicci Vintage 1973 GVGO3 White B' T-shirt, the 'Gabicci Vintage 1973' leather jacket and the 'Gabicci Vintage 1973 Summerbee Colbat' T-shirt among many others.
The entire Gabicci Vintage range offers designs that attract both the modern male and the retro stylish. With the range offering so much variety and consistent innovation, you can only expect to hear increasingly more from this upcoming brand in the future as it is already proving itself a favourite among those that have discovered it.
Gabicci produce a wide range of clothing for males and females. This Vintage range is only one part of their extensive collection.
Article by: Dave Kerr
Dave Kerr is a mens' fashion connoisseur from the United Kingdom, currently a part of the award-winning Sa-kis team. Sa-kis.co.uk is the online retail branch of independent designer clothing store Sa-kis.
Sa-kis is well known for the enviable brands and labels that they stock. Such labels include Diesel, Elvis Jesus, Gabicci, Edwin jeans, Fred Perry clothing, Levi's, Vivienne Westwood, Luke 1977, Pretty Green Black Label and over 50 others.
Sa-kis.co.uk is based in Sheffield, UK and ships orders internationally.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Kerr
http://EzineArticles.com/?Gabicci-Vintage---A-History-of-the-Historic-Brand&id=4014091
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