Comments (0)

By sally, June 24, 2010 2:18 pm

Amsale Aberra was born in Ethiopia, Amsale  at first just want to come to the United States to study commercial art courses for some time, but left her hometown of political turmoil had to remain in the United States to continue their studies. In order to work-study program, Amsale started trying to design their own clothes, and all kinds of different kind of African style clothing for her customers greatly welcomed.  Amsale at the University of Massachusetts political science degree after leaving Boston, and went to Fashion Institute of Technology to study fashion design after graduation, Amsale smoothly as Harve Benard designers.  In 1985, Amsale found in organizing the wedding to find an elegantly simple wedding turned out to be so difficult, so she decided it-yourself design aesthetic dream wedding, this same time she also found that waits to be the wedding design industry Perhaps it would become a turning point in her career, so she chose to rent a loft in her new career began.  Experienced 20 years of ups and downs, Amsale wedding today has grown to include series, gown series, and custom evening wear fashion brand in New York.

In autumn and winter 2010 conference in New York, whether it is Kenneth Pool’s gorgeous dream, or Christos Bridal elegant atmosphere, or Amsale simple, attention to detail style characteristics, are beginning to pay attention so that everyone behind the scenes of the soul of those dazzling wedding master of Amsale Aberra .

Comments (0)

By sally, June 23, 2010 4:11 pm

Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce celebrated 20 years of their menswear business in Milan on the weekend with a multi-media event, exhibition, and gala in Piazza della Scala. The duo were joined by Hollywood heavyweights including Rachel Weisz, Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey and by some of the biggest names in Italian fashion - Franca Sozzani,Francesco Scognamiglio, Giovanna Battaglia, Roberto Rimondi and Tommaso Aquilano and Margherita Missoni.

Eva Herzigova, Peaches Geldof and Monica Belluci were also a part of the Dolce & Gabbana-clad crowd that toasted the boys’ menswear success with the new Martini Gold by Dolce & Gabbana – a fitting tipple for such a milestone.
Many models were in different stages of undress; this was a Dolce & Gabbana show after all. Bare-chested and in boxer shorts or swimming trunks (which at one stage appeared in a 1970’s stripy retro guise), the beefed-up models stormed the catwalk from a back stage area which was filmed and broadcast live on screens in the main hall. It turned out to be a ‘Best Of D&G’ collection, with a distinctive rugged and ripped look, dominated by braided leather accessories and rustic knitwear.

Comments (0)

By sally, June 22, 2010 11:09 pm

The ashes of late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen have been scattered on the Isle of Skye off Scotland’s west coast, in line with his final wishes, his family said on Monday. McQueen, who rose from a modest background to become one of the world’s most flamboyant and high-profile designers, committed suicide in February on the day before his mother’s funeral.  A  family statement said: “On the 29th May 2010, Lee Alexander McQueen was laid to rest on the Isle of Skye. ”Lee cherished the times that he was able to spend on the Isle of Skye — he enjoyed the beauty, peace and tranquillity. It was Lee’s final request that his ashes should be buried at Kilmuir,” it said.  They also thanked Isabella MacDonald and her family at the local Kinloch Lodge Hotel on Skye, “whose support at this sad time was of immense help in making it possible for them to carry out Lee’s wishes.” The body of the 40-year-old was found hanged in a wardrobe in his central London flat. An inquest into his death concluded in April that he had taken cocaine, sleeping pills and tranquillisers before killing himself. McQueen was one of fashion’s superstars and designed for Givenchy before being creative director of his own label. His death cast a cloud over New York’s and London’s Fashion Week, which was just about to start when he died.

Comments (0)

By sally, June 21, 2010 3:54 pm

JONATHAN SAUNDERS was last night crowned Scottish Designer of the Year at the fifth anniversary Scottish Fashion Awards, held at Glasgow’s Science Centre. Complete with its own tartan – as opposed to red – carpet, guests to the annual celebration of Scottish design talent included David Gandy, Amanda Wakeley, Graeme Black, Antonio Berardi, Markus Lupfer, Peter Jensen, Holly Fulton and Louise Gray – all of whom enjoyed a VIP dinner and runway show from Swarovski after the night’s winners were revealed.

Holly Fulton scooped Scottish Young Designer of the Year, while Scottish Accessory Designer of the Year went to William Chambers. Lisa Omond took home the award for Scottish Model of the Year and Markus Lupfer won International Designer of the Year (for use of a Scottish fabric), and, as we revealed last week, Malcolm Edwards was inducted into the Scottish Hall of Fame. ”Tonight the Scottish Fashion Awards have once more proudly showcased and celebrated the best of the country’s fashion talent, talent that can be seen taking over the industry all over the world, in every role – from models to designers, photographers, hairstylists, textile designers and more,” said Tessa Hartmann, founder and producer of the event. “The event has proved yet again that Scotland’s so-called ‘fashion moment’ is in fact no such thing – Scots are ruling the runways and they’re not going anywhere.”

Comments (0)

By sally, June 20, 2010 10:19 pm

Rachel Zoe (born September 1, 1971) is an American fashion stylist and author best known for working with celebrities, fashion houses, beauty firms, advertising agencies, and magazine editors. In 2008, the first season of her Bravo reality television series The Rachel Zoe Project debuted. She is married to Rodger Berman, with whom she went to college at The George Washington University, in Washington, DC.

After years of speculation, it’s all happening! Rachel Zoe–she of the catch phrases and maxi dresses –is launching her own apparel collection, which will be manufactured by mammoth firm Li and Fung. The celebrity stylist already does accessories and outwears collection for QVC, but this line will be a little more upscale. She’ll be selling to boutiques, as well as department stores like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. In fact, it seems like the line will be competing against former protégé Nicole Richie’s collection, Winter Kate, for floor space. Zoe said that her signature looks–fake fur, Halston-inspired dresses–will be present. (However, she’s still in the midst of hiring a design team.)

Comments (1)

By Nwinkus, June 4, 2010 5:32 pm

It does not seem like it but Lee McQueen died all the way back in february, a good 3 months ago and while all seems to have gone silent  I shall give a  personalised view of how  I percieved this guy. Born on 17 March 1969  he started making dresses for his three sisters at a young age and announced his intention to become a fashion designer. The skills he learned as an apprentice on Savile Row helped earn him a reputation in the fashion world as an expert in creating an impeccably tailored look. McQueen’s “bumsters” spawned a trend in low rise jeans; on their debut they attracted many comments and debate. To many the bumster was what  defined McQueen. McQueen also became known for using skulls in his designs.” But to me I think this will be a bit simplistic and slightly limiting McQueen was the epitome of design genius, within this blog I have refered to him on numerous occasions for his outfits and his shoes, The  constant ”WOW” value is a quality that is not easy to achieve in a creative endeavour along with a few super creatives like Hussein Chalayan and Gareth Pugh he in my mind was at the pinnacle of  this elite group. He stayed true to his talent to the end I looked at his last collection and his ready to wear was more innovative than many Haute Couture this is a flavour of what was produced left but in another breadth he produced the resort collection which looked like a ready to wear collection right . I will be unable to produce a detailed picture of his life but I will dip briefly into the scope and the breadth of what was an immeresurably astute and talented business individual. In the same season he could produce 3 different styles this guy was hard working and on his game. McQueen also worked with the stars big and small and this is another stand out feature of this designer,  mostly we get very used to seeing only a particular type of physique however  did not have any such hangups, he delved into different inspirations and showed his aspirations in his varied collections and his outlandish and ostentatiously styled shows. Indeed in watching some of his shows like his Atlantis 2010  fashion show the clothes and the show formed the entire concept transporting you both physically and mentally on a journey to the lost world. Not satisfied with being pigeonholed he also has a range with Puma, according to McQueen its a Tiger vs Crane concept sounds like an old Kung Fu movie. The concept combines technology and tradition with a number of well designed figures and from afar it looks simple enough but up close the true intricacy and detail of each piece grip you in true McQueen style. Below are some of the images left Beyonce, middle Beth Ditto and right Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. His full impact on the fashion industry will be known over the next 5 to 10 years but one thing I do know is we will not see another master of  concept, colour and cut as McQueen was, at least not in the foreseeable future.

Comments (0)

By Nwinkus, November 19, 2009 8:19 pm

Paul Smith is a busy man he has an outstanding 12 different collections; Paul Smith, Paul Smith Women, PS by Paul Smith, Paul Smith Jeans, Paul Smith London, R.Newbold (Japan only), Paul Smith Accessories, Paul Smith Shoes, Paul Smith Fragrance, Paul Smith Watches, Paul Smith Pens and Paul Smith furniture and ‘things’. Paul Smith rugs, china, spectacles and fragrance are made under license. Designed in Nottingham and London, the Paul Smith collections are primarily produced in England and Italy while the fabrics used are mainly of Italian, French and British origin.  Paul Smith managed his first boutique in Nottingham and with the encouragement of his girlfriend Pauline Denyer (now wife) and a small amount of savings, opened a tiny shop in 1970. Paul started to take evening classes for tailoring and with the help of Pauline (an RCA fashion graduate), Paul was able to create what he wanted. By 1976 Paul showed his first menswear collection in Paris under the Paul Smith label. Within 20 years of his introduction to fashion Paul Smith had established himself as the pre-eminent British designer. It is often said that Paul Smith has the ability to anticipate, and even spark off trends not only fashion but in the wider context of popular culture. He manages to transmit a genuine sense of humour and mischief mixed with his love of tradition and the classics. Paul Smith is global – the collection is wholesaled to thirty five countries and has fourteen shops in England. Paul Smith shops are found in London, Nottingham, Paris, Milan, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, Kuwait, U.A.E. – and over two hundred throughout Japan. Paul remains fully involved in the Japanese business; designing the clothes, choosing the fabrics, approving the shop locations and overseeing every development within the company. Paul Smith also has impressive and diverse showrooms in London, Paris, Milan, New York and Tokyo. Paul Smith continues to be an integral part of the company; he is both designer and chairman. Paul Smith is continually involved in every aspect of the business and as a result, Paul Smith Limited retains a personal touch often lost in companies of a similar size. Not bad for a boy who at the age of 16, had no career plans or qualifications, and who  started his working life in a menial job at the local clothing warehouse in his native Nottingham.

Comments (0)

By Nwinkus, November 5, 2009 10:11 pm

Vlisco the Hollandais brand has many admirers one of the more creative ones is Lisa Folawiyo a Nigerian fashion designer. In less than four years Lisa has perfected the art of wearing Ankara, being the first to embellish the fabric with sequins, swarovski crystals, beads and the like, she  turned Jewel by Lisa into a coveted luxury label. She is also not afraid to mix ankara with a wide range of fabrics such as taffeta, linen, cotton, chiffon, chantilly lace, and silk. In 2008, Jewel by Lisa featured in the This Day Africa Rising Festival in London, and was one of only 3 designers chosen for the catwalk show at the M-net Face of Africa modelling competition. Most recently, the label showcased a highly raved 40-piece collection at the Arise Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa. Subsequently, another equally successful collection was revealed at the Mercedez-Benz New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010 collections. Jewel by Lisa has been featured in several publications such as Arise Magazine, The The New York Post, Style.com, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Glamour (South Africa) True Love and Genevieve magazine

Comments (0)

By sally, October 15, 2009 11:31 pm

Agbada is a loose-fitting robe worn in many different regions of Africa, especially in West Africa. These robes reach to the ankles and are either open at the sides or stitched closed along the edges. In West Nigeria a loose-fitting robe is called an agbada. An agbada has sleeves that hang loosely over the shoulders and an opening at the front. A similar garment, called a gandoura or leppi, is worn in Cameroon, and the Hausa of Nigeria call their loose-fitting robes riga. The same garment is called a dansiki in West Africa.  Most often made of cotton, agbada and other robes are typically highly patterned. These patterns may be woven into, dyed, painted, or appliquéd onto the robe. Men wear the agbada alone with trousers or as a type of coat over a shirt. As Africans have had increased contact with other cultures, traditional methods of producing cloth have declined, and many modern agbada are made from imported cloth and worn with Western pants.  Most often made of cotton, agbada and other robes are typically highly patterned. These patterns may be woven into, dyed, painted, or appliquéd onto the robe. Men wear the agbada alone with trousers or as a type of coat over a shirt.   A related garment, called the dashiki, became quite popular in the West during the rise of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s, which saw African Americans protesting to secure their rights. Wearing a dashiki was a way of making a political statement about the value of African heritage.

Comments (0)

By sally,

A head tie is a west and southern African women’s head scarf, specifically an elaborate ornamental head covering. In the Yoruba part of Nigeria, the head tie is popularly known as “Gele”. In the Yoruba part of Nigeria, the head tie is popularly known as “Gele”. Gele is fancifully decorated, it comes in different colours  and comes in a rectangular shape. Gele is worn for special occasions like weddings, child dedication, national celeberations, family celeberations and to church. The final shape of the gele takes form as the user ties and pins the folds of the head tie together on her head. Interestingly the style’s of wearing the head tie “gele” have been given various names as they tend to impart a message from the wearer to her admirers. So a style called “CASH MADAM” tends to have the folds as high as possible to attract as many people to the wearer and to inform them that this is a lady of means who can afford the best outfit in town.