Did you know that all of the terms used in English to describe something done passionately or with a unique quality are in French?
Read MoreFrench Savoir Faire - What Is It?
Why French Luxury Sets The Bar For High Fashion
You haven’t really made it until your brand has broken ground in Paris. This is the consensus of the industry. Many global brands have struggled to break into the Paris luxury world, including the likes of Victoria’s Secret who, despite its popularity in the US and its highly received televised fashion show, remains somewhat excluded.
Read MoreWhat Is “Slow Fashion”? How It's Transforming The Fashion Industry
I am sure you have heard the term “slow fashion” being thrown around quite a bit recently. Legendary designer, Vivienne Westwood has always been an advocate of "buy less, choose well, make it last".Over the past couple of years slow fashion has been a growing movement to get consumers to purchase practical apparel options for quality at a slightly higher price and to turn away from fast fashion brands like Zara’s & H&M. Let’s find out why:
Read MoreThe Problem With Plus-Size Lines
There is a reason the plus-size industry struggles to be taken seriously in spite of the demand. It would appear that many designers for this market segment just tend to size up trendy styles rather than to create pieces that will complement women with curves. All silhouettes were not created equal. If you were to line up 10 women who were a size 16, some would be smaller than others. I have seen women of this size with a flat tummy and a small bust and others with ample busts and slim legs. Let's face it, from the pear shaped to slim figures, women need garments which will mask imperfections or minimize trouble areas if any, while emphasizing their best attributes. This is especially true for women size 16+. Now, let's tackle some of the key reasons these lines fall flat.
Read MoreTop 3 Reasons Most Fashion Start-Ups Fail
They say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This is indeed true for designers because a fashion brand is an expensive venture. You hear about labels going under and wonder, what the heck happened? Well, here are three reasons that most fashion startups
Read MoreOpen Letter To My Fellow Designers
When we first get into this industry, it is all about the craft, our talent. We enter the fashion world wide eyed and excited about the possibilities. I think for any fashion based creative, the goal is to launch our own lines or companies at some point. So, the question is, how big do you want your brand to be?
Read MoreFashion Designers Who No Longer Own Their Brands
Many fashion designers aim for the big time. What they don't tell you is that going big can sometimes cost you everything, including the rights to your own name. I constantly stress to designers that there are drawbacks when striving to become the next Ralph Lauren. If you don't perform according to the expectations of shareholders, you can be forced out of your own company. Well, there are several big name designers who have fallen victim to this very scenario. Let's take a look at the list:
Read MoreThe Future Of Fashion - Is It Promising?
Recently, it was announced that a few of the fast fashion brands that were poppin’ just a few years ago are going bankrupt. Yes, it’s true. For example, American Apparel will be closing all of its stores and Nasty gal has filed for bankruptcy. However, big global luxury brands are not immune. Ralph Lauren will be closing over 50 stores and a few months ago cut just over 3000 jobs. The good news is, fashion is going under a reconstruction...
Read MoreFashion Cover Story - Karl Lagerfeld
I am positive that you have heard of this name even if you aren't able to put a face to it. So, who is Karl Lagerfeld? Well, right now he is the current Creative Director at Chanel with a lifetime contract! He is unapologetically blunt which, is a characteristic I must admit that I love about him. Let's not forget his most recent bit of honesty towards Kim Kardashian caused her to "unfriend" him. You might find that strange, but I think being direct is a redeeming quality. Although it might not be pleasant, I commend those who stand in their truth because in today's world, it is tough to come by. This is probably why I get on with French people so well, if you don't know by now frank speech is a part of French culture. Hey! I say avoid the "fakeness", keep it 100! Now that we have a superficial overview of this fashion legend, lets go a bit deeper...
Read MorePrint Of The Month - Black Watch
I am sure you have seen this pattern before on button downs and even coats. Well, the black watch print is in fact a timeless wardrobe staple. It is a tartan fabric, which means that it has a pattern of vertical and horizontal bands that criss cross.
Read More3 Tips To Develop A Successful Personal Brand
I am pretty sure that you've heard this buzz term personal branding. So, what is it exactly? Well, it is defined as the practice of marketing yourself and career as a brand, according to Wikipedia. Let's talk a bit more about what it is and how you can build a successful personal brand.
Read MoreHow A Small Town Guy Became An Instagram Influencer
Fashion influencer Donovan Harris is a modern day story of how a guy from New Jersey with a simple idea became social media famous. This young up and coming designer is proof that with a bit of know-how and perseverance you can go from small town to global!
Read MoreThe Various Divisions Of Fashion - Product Development
Product Development, the happy medium between Design and production. The perfect position if you enjoy being creative, but don’t want to be a designer.
Read MoreMy Fashion Book Recommendation....
Image via BN.com
Image via BN.com
Fashion is more than clothing, it is a business rich with history. If you really want to know about the industry, you have to learn about it from the insiders. There are many books available, but this particular book changed my entire perspective on the fashion world
Read MoreCouture - The Most Misused Term In Fashion
Fashion Week is in full swing which, just wrapped its couture shows in Paris before landing here in New York. Speaking of the couture, you do realize it is one of the most misused terms in fashion. It appears that many people don’t know exactly what it is and/or just use it to sound bourgeois. Well, in order to know what the correct definition is, we have to go back to the beginning:
Read MoreRetail-Wholesale- Outlet What’s The Difference?
Fashion Term Of The Week - Parka
With the cold weather finally upon us along with the threat of a blizzard in the North East, it seemed organic to reference a term related to winter wear.
Read MoreSignature Handbags Vs Collection - What's The Difference
When you work in fashion, things tend to become second nature after a while. You become very perceptive, but at the same time become indifferent to things because you have seen so much of it. That is how I became with handbags. Now I can spot a Louis or a Celine a mile away without hesitation.
Read MoreColor Theory
The color wheel goes as far back as Pre-K and afternoon naps. Back then, you learned about them with fun little songs and exercises to describe people, places and things. However, in fashion, color is more than fun descriptions, it is life. Therefore, understanding color theory is like breathing air.
Read MoreWhy You Should Think Twice About Buying Fake Designer Goods
The world of luxury for many of us seems like a magical experience that can somehow be captured by purchasing high-end fashion items. Whether it is a Louis Vuitton wallet, a Cartier watch or the most sought after Celine bag. I know, I know, it's just calling your name, but it's not in the budget. Somehow you begin to think, I will just buy a fake Gucci bag. No one will know, unless they're an expert and I sure as heck not going to tell them! It's just like buying the real thing without paying the real price. Besides, those brands are making a fortune off of this stuff anyway so, why the heck should I care?! What you don't know is that buying that counterfeit bag is a bad idea for many reasons.
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