Couture beginnings The first fashion designer who was not merely a dressmaker was (Charles Frederick Worth) (1826–1895). Before the former draper set up his maison couture fashion house in Paris, fashion creation and inspiration was handled by largely unknown people, and high fashion descended from style worn at royal courts. Worth's success was such that he was able to dictate to his customers what they should wear, instead of following their lead as earlier dressmakers had done.
It was during this period that many design houses began to hire artists to sketch or paint designs for garments. The images alone could be presented to clients much more cheaply than by producing an actual sample garment in the workroom. If the client liked the design, they ordered it and the resulting garment made money for the house. Thus, the tradition of designers sketching out garment designs instead of presenting completed garments on models to customers began as an economy
Early twentieth century
Throughout the early 20th century, practically all high fashion originated in Paris, and to a lesser extent London. Fashion magazines from other countries sent editors to the Paris fashion shows. Department stores sent buyers to the Paris shows, where they purchased garments to copy (and openly stole the style lines and trim details of others). Both made-to-measure salons and ready-to-wear departments featured the latest Paris trends, adapted to the stores' assumptions about the lifestyles and pocket books of their targeted customers.
Around the start of the twentieth century fashion style magazines began to include photographs and became even more influential than in the past. In cities throughout the world these magazines were greatly sought-after and had a profound effect on public taste. Talented illustrators - among them Paul Iribe, Georges Lepape, Erté, and George Barbier - drew exquisite fashion plates for these publications, which covered the most recent developments in fashion and beauty. Perhaps the most famous of these magazines was La Gazette du bon ton which was founded in 1912 by Lucien Vogel and regularly published until 1925 (with the exception of the war years)
LATEST UPDATES
- Arpoador Eyewear for fashionable youth
- August 14, 2008 (Brazil)
In its new sunglasses collection, Mormaii Eyewear aims at the youngsters who more and more look for big and irreverent models, having metal as a strong tendency.
With handmade colors and paintings in harmony with the tones of the lenses, also with options of graduated lenses, this collection tends to be the aspiration of a more and more fashionable youth who really like the curves of the attractive sporting Mormaii models.
By analyzing the success of the Arpoador I model, launched last year, this collection is supposed to be a big success, besides combining metal and Grilamid, bringing more lightness and ergonomics for the glasses.
There are three different fronts. The Arpoador II model is a base 7 mask nylon lenses with three options of colors: G15 (green), brown and graduated wine color.
- Party City unveils Halloween 2008 Collection
- August 14, 2008 (USA)
Move over Project Runway - the best dressed this Halloween will be outfitted in fashions inspired by the country’s chicest costume designers!
“This year, the new Halloween costumes are heavily influenced by what you see on the fashion runways, in the movies and on TV,” says Melissa Sprich, Party City Merchandise Manager of Costumes and Accessories. “We have taken the best of these influences and shaped them into our finest costume collection yet!”
Over the past few years, Party City has led the Halloween costume industry by collaborating with designers and manufacturers to incorporate the latest fashion and pop cultures trends.
That is great news for those who love to celebrate Halloween because this year the costume parties are expected to start early for adult Halloween revelers. A Friday Halloween holiday means parties the weekend of October 24 as well the weekend of October 31, inspiring many to get a head start in planning their Halloween celebrations and even more importantly, attire.
In preparation, Snow White, Tinkerbelle and Wicked Witch of the West have undergone a couture makeover. Party City and its top Halloween designers have created the trendiest costumes yet for this Halloween season. These costumes feature sleeker silhouettes, softer fabrics and hot, must-have accessories.
- Nolcha to host NY Profile with A 360° Program
- August 14, 2008 (USA)
Now in it’s second year, Nolcha will bring together American and international emerging designers in the big apple for Nolcha Fashion Week (NFW) on September 8th – 12th.
NFW, which also presents in the UK, is where fashion ideas begin; where global talents flourish; and where prosperous brands are born. Designers have quickly recognized the power of Nolcha and the growth of the program has been rapid.
Its first presentation in New York last year, showcased 22 designers, and the roster for the upcoming event has more than doubled, with 54 men’s and women’s emerging designer and accessories brands participating.
Nolcha’s upcoming New York event will be presented at the Prince George Ballroom located on East 27th, and will include runway shows, tastemaker networking events, and business building seminars led by industry experts, special guests, and leading entrepreneurs.
- Emmy Rossum to act as official spokesperson of Pinkitude
- August 14, 2008 (USA)
Things are getting even rosier for MGM Consumer Products' new cause-related marketing initiative, PiNKiTUDE, with the announcement that actress Emmy Rossum has signed on as PiNKiTUDE's official spokesperson.
The Golden Globe-nominated actress, who stars as Bulma in the upcoming feature film "Dragonball," and who has starred in "Mystic River" (as Sean Penn's daughter), "The Phantom of the Opera" (as Christine) and "The Day after Tomorrow" (as Jennifer Ramsey), will assist MGM Consumer Products and Susan G. Komen for the Cure in sharing life saving breast health messages with young women everywhere through the PiNKiTUDE campaign.
A minimum of 5% of the sales of the modern fashion line targeting teen and young adult women will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the global leader in the breast cancer movement.
PiNKiTUDE will kick off with a series of events, starting with an invitation-only reception hosted by Ms. Rossum and featuring celebrity deejays Spinderella (of Salt 'n' Pepa) and Sean Patrick this month.
- Tova Marc creates stunning Modest Bridal Gowns
- August 14, 2008 (USA)
When it comes to your wedding day, exposing less is becoming the new trend. Brides are seeking more coverage when walking down the aisle. On a day so sacred, brides are looking to be more conservative in front of their colleagues and family members.
Contemporary wedding gown designers tend to focus on strapless gowns. Enter Tova Marc, a demure Bridal Gown Designer who has created a collection of stunning Modest Bridal Gowns to satisfy the strong demand for bridal gowns that cover the shoulder, arms and back.
Tova Marc has combined fashion with modesty in her exquisite creations. "I designed a line of modest wedding gowns that are fashion-forward and trendy," says Marc. Marc is a fresh young designer on the cusp of the bridal gown industry.
- Renowned retailers to join OC brands at Irvine Spectrum Center
- August 13, 2008 (USA)
Celebrity designer Lauren Conrad will celebrate her Orange County homecoming as she kicks off the first-ever Style Week Orange County at Irvine Spectrum Center on September 8 through 13. In addition, renowned retailers Nordstrom, Macy’s and H&M will join iconic Orange County surf brands Hurley and Roxy for this ground-breaking week of fashion shows and in-store events.
Conrad will debut her fall collection while kicking off Style Week Orange County with a runway show on September 8 at Irvine Spectrum Center, just a few miles from where she grew up in Laguna Beach. Her line is carried at Nordstrom at Irvine Spectrum Center.
“This is a wonderful homecoming for me, and I look forward to seeing old friends - and making new ones,” said Conrad, popular star of The Hills on MTV. “Because it was so close to my home, I grew up shopping at Irvine Spectrum Center and still visit the center when I’m in Orange County. I’m excited to return to my roots and participate in the first-ever Style Week Orange County.”
Located in the heart of Orange County, Irvine Spectrum Center is one of Southern California’s most popular shopping and fashion destinations. The outdoor center is home to the nation’s first pairing of Nordstrom and Target.
“Spectrum draws sophisticated shoppers and trend-setters from my hometown of Laguna Beach, as well as Newport Beach and other areas of the region,” Conrad said.
- 'Create Your Own Gap' - fall classics!!!
- August 13, 2008 (USA)
Gap has tapped a diverse group of actors and style makers to launch its fall collection, the first full collection designed by Gap head designer Patrick Robinson.
The campaign, launching this week, features Liv Tyler, Ginnifer Goodwin, Hugh Dancy, Edgar Ramirez, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Melvil Poupaud, Clemence Poesy, Nate Parker, Joe Anderson, Georgina Chapman, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Scott Schuman, Leigh Lezark, Sean Avery, David Benioff, Max Lugavere & Jason Silva, Cecilia Dean and Ryan McGinley.
Comprised of black and white images shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Mikael Jansson, the campaign features iconic pieces from Gap's fall collection worn in unique ways by each individual.
Liv Tyler relaxes in the boyfriend cardigan, Scott Schuman (photographer and blogger for The Sartorialist) accessorizes the oxford shirt, and actor Clemence Poesy tops off the new low rise bell jean with a tailored wool blazer.
"What we love about this campaign is that it speaks very directly to the ideas of self-expression and individuality," said Ivy Ross, executive vice president of Gap Marketing.
- Lady Foot Locker helps find the Right Fit for her busy schedule
- August 13, 2008 (USA)
Your daughter's schedule is about to become ten-times more demanding. It's time to prepare for running between classes, drama club, cheerleading, soccer practice or whatever else she may have going on after school.
Her days are about to get hectic. One way to ease the pressure is to literally ease the pressure on her feet. Think about it, those feet carry her tired body out of bed every morning, run her to the bus, and transport her to and from each class all day long.
Lady Foot Locker offers some tips on how you can help ease the pressure, and show your daughter you know her style:
- The hi-top makes a full throttle comeback this year. Not only can you spot this look on all the top hip-hop and punk-rock fashionistas, but these sneakers offer additional support for her ankles. To accomplish this look, try the Nike Blazer, Prestige high, or the Pastry Glam pie.
- Retro is in and easy to accomplish with the Converse Chuck Taylor. This basketball sneaker turned rock-star classic is revamped with satin details for an ultra-chic statement that will never go out of style.
- Roberto Coin celebrates the Olympic spirit
- August 13, 2008 (USA)
So the infamous 8/08/08 has finally arrived and the 2008 Beijing Olympics is perhaps the most anticipated games in recent history.
These Olympics are sure to be filled with jaw dropping performances, awe-inspiring stories and new world records.
These are games to be remembered with athletes such as Michael Phelps who are going for the unthinkable: whether it is the all-time leading gold-medal winner in Olympic history or breaking the 36-year old record by Mark Spitz as most number of gold medals in a single Olympics ... we are all going to remember when and where we were.
Luxury jeweler Roberto Coin has created several pieces in his Collection that help you celebrate your Olympic spirit whether you are a sports fan, admirer of Chinese culture or simply an Olympian "wannabe."
- Rustan Group to sell Samsonite travel goods
- August 13, 2008 (Philippines)
Samsonite Group, the worldwide leader in travel bags, luggage and accessories, announces that it has signed an agreement to establish a Joint Venture with Specialty Investments Inc a subsidiary of the Rustan Group.
Rustan Group is a leading wholesaling and retailing conglomerate in the Philippines and is the exclusive franchisee for some of the finest international names in fashion and personal care products.
The agreement reinforces and accelerates Samsonite Group's President and CEO, Marcello Bottoli's vision of turning Samsonite into a global group with a strong market penetration and leadership in all continents. By reinforcing its presence in this territory, Samsonite sets the stage for continued expansion in the region.
The agreement allows the Joint Venture company to distribute and to sell travel goods, and Samsonite Group's President and CEO, Marcello Bottoli, and President Asia, Ramesh Tainwala, will be the directors of the Joint Venture company.
- abucco, perfect balance between technology & RAYMOND WEIL
- August 05, 2008 (Switzerland)
RAYMOND WEIL's latest nabucco model, forged throughout in steel and titanium, catches the eye with its futuristic style and geometry. This ultra-light date chronograph, water-proof to a depth of 660 feet, is perfectly resistant in all circumstances.
The new nabucco titanium sees RAYMOND WEIL consolidate its presence at the forefront of 21st century watchmaking. This robust, alluring mechanical chronograph is the product of bold technological innovation, boasting an incisive titanium and steel case with bezel and tachometer. Its generous dimensions – 46mm in diameter, 15.6mm thick – underline its virile appearance.
Innovation stems from the use of highly sophisticated materials, allied to mechanical watchmaking precision. Titanium is light, stainless, and exceptionally durable. Allied to the robust nature of steel, it can resist everything from everyday knocks to the most extreme conditions.
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