Sweatshops....

Sweatshops are a topic of discussion that is very controversial. In order for fashion to proceed into the future sweatshops or businesses of the like, must continue to exist.
I do not agree with the conditions of these sweatshops. The pay, the long hours, and the cease of understanding with injuries are inhumane and wrong at any age, country, or reason for business.
I do understand though the fact that these people who work in these factories need the money to live. In most of these countries where these sweatshops are predominant, it is the biggest industry that brings in the most money (considering the circumstances). I feel if Americastill wants its designer clothing/brand label clothing at decent prices, sweathshops will most certianly continue, I just feel we need to make the conditions a lot better, and have our health and human services department make more unannoucned stops to end the treatment of the workers in these conditions.

Milan Fashion Show

Milan usually is known for its beautiful runway pieces that are artistic, but not always the most functional collections. As seen in one of the clips, the shoes are so high and unrealistc for everyday life,even the actual runway models had difficulty walking in them. Victoria Beckham had on a pair of shoes which were also leggings that made her walk on the balls of her feet the entire time she had them on....these extravegant shoes/leggings/boots look fabulous for shoots and still photographs. But actual moving around in them....impossible.

Versace's show had mostly wearable pieces. Most of the collection was dresses, and every single one of them I would wear. This yellow one for example, I would most certainly wear this out. I like how a lot of desginers are getting away from the unrealisitc fashion to the wearable yet still extravagant work.

Trends for Spring 2009

The trends for next year are fierce. There are so many fabulous creations and inspirations put together to form beautiful flowing garments. Just from the shows we have seen in class you can see where next year is headed.

Although you have Herve Leger who will always have the same signature look, the bandage dress, there is also Balenciaga with the new gorgeous colors, mixing hard with soft. The cinched waist is most certainly back in again next year with the studded belts and tuxedo cumberbund effect.

Bright vibrant colors are happening for next year. The flouresent and bold palets. Of course you will always have the designers who do best with black...because black is always in.

The inspiration really comes from all over the world as well. You have designers being inspired from the middle east, the western civilization, the southern look with the leather and chaps.

Im excited to see the other shows to get some more of what will be on the floors next year.

photo courtesy of www.style.com/givenchy

Ethnic Influences in Apparel Designs

Every designer, every design itself, and every image has to come from an idea or influence of some sort. Some influences might be music, nature, or food, and then you have influences which derive from different ethnic backgrounds.

Asia is a continent in which the influences have been very apparent in fashion over the past few years. The long kimono style coats, dresses, skirts, and wraps are very much influcnes but the Asian culture. Not to mention the colors and patterns that enrich the material even more to bring out the Japanese/chinese style.

At New York and Company, a well known fashion retailer her in America, they have launched a new lined entitlted "NY&Co Collection". These pieces are made with better material and priced a little higher than the New York &Co standard line. The pieces in this collection or "red label" are very much influenenced by the Asian culture. Here is just one of the kimono style coats being sold at Ny&Co...

Main Trends for NY Fashion Week

New York fashion week is always a big deal for me. Not only do I love the excitement of seeing what will be "in" next spring, but to really feel like you are there, in the fashion show, yourself is fantastic. I love fashion and everything about it. To see the creativity and views from the designers themselves put the garment into a whole new category.

New York fashion week also means a lot to me, because I am hoping to work up there within the next year or so to become a buyer with my company I work for now. New York is a completely different world to me. The excitment, fashion, shopping, food, nightlife, is just right around the corner for me, and I cant wait.

Of course all of the designers displayed out amazing pieces for next spring, a few really capitivated me. First of all, Oscar de la Renta....his dresses were amazing, timeless and really, top of the line. Herve Leger, again, the dresses just fit on everybody time, and the new bathing suits to be out are incredible. Although, one designer who unveiled a new dress line, took everyobdy by surprise. Victoria Beckham unveiled her new dress collection during New York Fashion week, and even though only a few designs have been made, they are already a hit with upscale retail stores. The dresses are made to flatter any figure, and the sizes range from size 6-14. At $1200, they seem pricey, but only 400 dress are going to be avaiable to start with next year. Victoria Beckham is my fashion icon, and I have adored her since the Spice Girls years. She gets a lot of flack due to the fact she is so so thin, yet I respect her for making dresses in decent size ranges so everyone, not matter what size or shape can feel a little more like Victoria Beckham.

courtesy of www.style.com

Favorite Designer.....

I have many favorite designers. For handbags, my answer would have to be Louis Vuitton. His pieces are timeless and they literaly last forever. That monogram siganture is a classic piece that is recognizable all over the world.

Clothing however, Id have to say Max Azrira. The pieces are all so different, and the lines that have branched out from the beginning are genius. They go from top of the line, Max Azrira, Herve Leger, Max Studio to BCBG, BCBG Girls, Max and cleo.....Attract every age, style, and budget.