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Keeping You Up On The Latest Fashions

First Pakistan Fashion Week Ends Today

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_46679371_model226afpPakistan has made history this week, as the first ever Pakistan Fashion Week ends today. The show is being held in Karachi, and is quite different from many other fashion shows in many respects. One of this is the fact that the security is very tight, making the show more like a gathering of leaders of nations. More so, the country has never experienced such a show.

The BBC reports:

The organisers say they hope to show a different side of Pakistan than the usual images of suicide bombings. The event had been postponed after threats to security which kept foreign models and designers away, but the fashion world in Pakistan was determined to stage its shows.

“After many, many years, fashion in Pakistan is being taken seriously,” said leading Pakistani designer, Rizwan Beyg, who has designed for international jet-setters, including the late Princess Diana.

So what kinds of clothing and styles were shown during the fashion week? Believe it or not, the designs worn by the models on the catwalk included those that show bellies and midriffs. Not only that, but even cleavages were exposed! This may seem such a small deal to some, but in that part of the world, this is such a big step. More than furthering the world of fashion in Pakistan, the event also presents a different view of the country and the culture to the whole world. We can expect a lot more to come from Pakistani designers and artists in the future, I suspect.

Photo courtesy of BBC

Milan Loves Fashion

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dgnews2509That’s the tagline of the Milan Fashion Week, which is in full swing as of this writing. The coverage is nothing but phenomenal, and it seems that the designers have gone out with all the ammunition that they have, even on the first day.

The main attractions of the first day’s show were the collections of Moschino and Dolce & Gabbana. According to Moschino, fashion is “full of chic.” The slogan was actually printed on canvas tote and was backed up by oversized jumpsuits decorated with daises. Oh so plum white ruffles and striped t-shirts reminiscent of candy colors also livened up things.

D&G, on the other hand, sparked a lot of interest with their cow girl line. Some models were showing off skin in pannier mini skirts. Others wore faded denim shirts and brown obi belts. Bottom line: the D&G show oozed sex appeal, which no one can ignore!

Blumarine’s line featured silk skirts and cotton knits. Colors were bursting – hot pink, lemon yellow, and lime. Tie-dye cloths were also present, adding to the plethora of colors that made for very nice eye candy. Designer Anna Molinari decided to take Jamaica to Milan with a rasta theme. Her tube dress in yellow, red, and green definitely took viewers to that island paradise.

Sportmax took the lingerie route, with padded bras serving as tops. They also made use of lace to soften up sports wear. Other features: garter belts on the hips of loose shorts and laced up corsets for blouses.

Needless to say, Milan Fashion Week is making waves.

Getting Racy AND Racial In Sao Paolo

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Colcci Fashion Show - Sao Paulo
The subject of race is just as sensitive as the issue of sexuality (as displayed in public). The recent fashion show held in Sao Paolo, Brazil took on both issues at the same time with no qualms.

The Sao Paolo Fashion Week kicked off with two of the most beautiful models today: Gisele Bundchen and Jesus Luz. In case that second name triggered bells and you just can’t figure out where you saw it before, that is the name of Madonna’s “toyboy.” Well, they were photographed kissing after a concert by the Material Girl in Brazil, but Luz has denied any deep attachment to her. In any case, his pay and career have only become better for the association.

Anyhow, this year’s fashion week in Sao Paolo is rather controversial, not only for the amount of skin shown, but also for the color. For the first time, quotas have been set in place. The rule is that at least 10 percent of the models participating in the show have to be black or indigenous. It used to be that less than 3 percent of the models were black – a disparity since the population in the country is about 50% of African descent.

Naturally, there were mixed reactions to the quotas. Some say that this is a good start, although there really shouldn’t be quotas and that what is needed is a full inclusion of black models in the industry. Others quietly say that the reason for fewer black models is the fact that the clothing are designed for the sleeker bodies of Caucasians and not the more muscular bodies of blacks.

In any case, this really ought to be a great thing for the fashion world, race differences aside.

Project Earth Day: Fashion For The Earth in NYC

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With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, Fashionistas will be happy to know that there will be an event not just about planting trees, recycling or turning off your lights. On Thursday, April 23rd in New York City, the 3rd Annual Fashion show called “Project Earth Day” will take place, showcasing the latest in eco-friendly fashion and sustainable practices and design.

Instead of the usual dreary stuff we normally associate with “green” clothing, expect to be wowed with creations fashioned from sustainable materials like organic cotton and hemp, soy, bamboo, corn, wood pulp, recycled items and biodegradable textiles. Apparently, last year’s show was a huge success, and this year’s show is meant to be even better.

Organizers of the event are the Emerging Green Builders (who are part of the U.S. Green building council), young professionals and students dedicated to green building of the future. The fashion show will also include a competion featuring students work, who stands to win a mentorship and cash prize of $1,500.

“…In these modern times, individuals, companies, and even countries often consume more than they produce, using resources and creating waste in disproportionately large shares. This has seemed to work until now, but things are clearly not as they seem. The time has come for us to shift the weight and take a step back to consider a different reality – one where size is relative and small changes can have a huge impact. True sustainability is ultimately a carefully achieved balance between commerce, humanity, and the environment…”

This exciting event will take place from 6pm on Thursday, April 23rd at Open House, Mulberry Street NYC. To purchase tickets, click here.

Whats More Ear-isistable Than Giant Earrings?

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One of the things I noticed immediately during the Oscars were Angelina Jolie‘s supersize-me emerald earrings. Even the hubby, who rarely notices these things, was like “Whoh! Those can’t be real!”

Apparently, Angelina took a lot of time hunting for the perfect pair to wear for Oscar night, wanting it to be a real show stopper. Well, she obviously did the job (with $2.5 mil beauties by jeweler-to-the-stars Lorraine Schwartz) and along with Kate Winslet, who also donned large chandelier earrings, now started a fashion trend because statement earrings are now officially HOT for 2009.

Why? Well, the economic downturn is to blame (again), because look-at-me earrings can revamp a look instantly, so you can recycle an outfit and freshen it up with bold accessories – the eighties also have a big influence here. Think bright, glam and bold…okay, not flawless gargantuan emeralds, but you get the idea.

Other statement earrings seen on the catwalk were Chanel‘s Mademoiselle offerings and Louis Vuitton‘s colorful beads.