November 8th, 2009 in
Events,
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Pakistan 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
I am sure you have had your share of experiences with “skinny” mirrors. These are mirrors which are not thin or small in dimension, but mirrors which show you a reflection of yourself that is thinner or slimmer than is real. I see a lot of these mirrors everyday! The elevators in our building make me look slimmer. The mirrors in the office bathroom do the same. Needless to say, I like looking at myself in those mirrors.
The sad truth is that these reflections are not for real; they are illusions; and when you face a “REAL” mirror, reality sinks in. One of the worst things that can happen in this regard is when you go to a shop and try on clothes. I do not have conclusive proof about this, but I have a suspicion that some shops may have skinny mirrors.
Have you ever experience trying on a dress at the store and thinking to yourself, “Wow I look good!” Then when you come home and look at yourself wearing the exact same dress (less than an hour later) but at a different mirror, you get a whole different image? Of course, you can always return or exchange the dress, but I can just imagine how adversely affected your moral may be.
The bottom line: know the status of your body, feel comfortable in your own skin, and know what looks good on you. This way, you don’t have to be too affected just in case a skinny mirror gets you!
Photo courtesy of Adverblog
October 16th, 2009 in
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So you’re looking to moving on up in the corporate ladder. It may be an interview within the same company you currently work for, but for a higher position; or it may be an interview for a totally different employer. It doesn’t matter. What you should pay attention to, in addition to your CV and interview replies, is your appearance.
Yes, it is illegal to base employment decisions on appearances, but no one can deny that how it plays a large role in some cases. Here are some tips that you should bear in mind when preparing for that interview.
First rule: never underestimate the impact that looks have. This is basically what I was getting at in the previous paragraph. Never mind that it’s not written anywhere. Never mind that it’s unfair. If you look the part, you just might have an edge.
Aim for a polished, commanding look. Employers look for the confident person. They prefer employees who come across as people who can get the job done. I am sure you are the best person for that job, but do other people know it? Having that “person-who’s-got-it-together” look will help.
Pay attention to the details. You may love that pair of scuffed shoes – the scuffs may have some sentimental or lucky value – but potential employers will only see that as a reflection of your character, and trust me, it may not be all that positive!
Last, dress for the position you are applying for. Do not make the mistake of dressing for your current position. Remember, it’s all in what you project.
October 6th, 2009 in
Beauty |
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You may wear the most fashionable of clothes, buy the most expensive accessories, and generally have the most attention-catching ensemble; but this doesn’t mean anything if you look all stressed and worn out. In my mind, a healthy look is the foundation of the true fashionista. Forget the washed out look that some people have been going after. Go for the healthy glow that no other look can beat.
But what if you’re way too stressed at work? What if you don’t get much sleep at night? How can you get a head start on chasing the effects of stress away?
Take the doc’s advice: laugh more, look better.
Laughter has short term benefits. It stimulates our organs, thanks to the increased intake of oxygen. It also increases the endorphins released by the brain – these are chemicals which make us happy. When we laugh, we also soothe the tension in our muscles, generally making us feel better.
Of course, it also has long term benefits. Researchers say that laughter may improve our immune system. How so? Laughter releases “good” chemicals, like the endorphins mentioned above and neuropeptides. In the long run, these may help boost the immune system. Laughter also relieves pain, improves confidence, and gives an overall sense of satisfaction.
Combine all these things together and you will definitely have a look that no designer clothing, shiny bling, and colorful make up can emulate. That, my friends, is what will set you apart.
That’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.
September 13th, 2009 in
News,
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The New York Fashion Week kicked off last week on Thursday, and it seems that the trends are already very evident. In spite of the pall that has been cast by the prolonged economic crisis, the best of designers seems to have outdone themselves with bright bursts of color. Regulars were present at Bryant Park in Manhattan early, even though the most interesting shows do not usually run till the weekend.
So what awaited the early birds? Paolo Messana writes of beautiful colors invading the fashion week:
Opening the shows was New York’s own Michael Angel, who sent out a collection of waistlined mini-dresses with no sleeves, but with epaulettes.
France’s New-York based BCBG Max Azria brand followed with a line of also tiny close-fitting dresses cut in a patchwork of fabrics, multicoloured in part, plain in others.
Colour was taste of the day, and in a poll released in the influential Women’s Wear Daily newspaper, designers picked their five favourite colours as violet, yellow, turquoise, coral and red.
Bottom of the barrel were beige, olive green and petrol blue.
More than the color, another trend that seems to be making a comeback – bra tops, cropped shirts, midriff tops. What does this means for you fashionistas out there? Well you better get it on with your crunches and other exercise routines. That is, if you want to wear what’s going to be the in thing in the next several months! For those who are not into baring their bellies, at least you have the option of wearing colorful clothing.
The Japanese culture is so rich and dynamic, that it is not a surprise that its influence has extended throughout the rest of the world. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Japan is the leader in cutting edge technology, but have you ever dwelt on the thought that Japanese fashion is also starting to become felt in the area of global fashion?
Not convinced? Ask fashion designers from the United States and Europe, and they will tell you that they keep tabs on what is happening in Japanese fashion. This stems from the fact that some worldwide trends actually began in Japan. A classic example would be the popularity of camouflage patterns in clothing. I am willing to bet that you have at least one article of clothing in a camouflage pattern! And I bet that you didn’t know that this trend originally started in Japan!
Perhaps the same “wiring” that makes Japanese engineers and inventors the best in their game makes Japanese designers and trendsetters successful in creating unique and fashionable clothing. Indeed, it has reached a point wherein big brands recognized worldwide have placed a premium in clothing made in Japan. In the denim industry, in particular, Japan-made materials are considered to be the best in the world.
The Japanese look is not limited to clothing, however. In fact, it is more of looking at the whole get up – from clothing to hair accessories to bags to shoes to umbrellas to bags. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear more of Japan in the global fashion sector.
To truly experience Japanese fashion, try visiting the homeland. For example, Japanican recently had a Japan tour, which included a free ticket to the trendy Tokyo Girls Collection fashion festival. The next Tokyo Girls Collection event will probably happen in March 2010 so keep an eye out for the announcement of that tour.
Photo courtesy of mynippon.com
August 10th, 2009 in
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These two names are quite well known to most people who watch even just a smidgen of television. Kate Moss made it big many years ago in the fashion world. Simon Fuller is known for his hand in a lot of TV shows, among other things. But what you may not know is that Simon Fuller has actually been busy in the fashion world for quite some time now.
Ever heard of Brand Beckham? Well, Simon Fuller has been called the svengali (read: someone (usually maleficent) who tries to persuade or force another person to do his bidding) behind that. It was actually two years ago when Fuller first dabbled in fashion. He got together with Roland Mouret, a designer, to start the label 19RM.
Today, Fuller’s company announced that he has bought a 51% stake in Storm Model Management. What does this mean? Oh, it’s just this agency that represents celebrated models like Kate Moss. Aside from Moss, Fuller now has full control over other models such as Jourdan Dunn, Lily Cole, Carla Bruni and Cindy Crawford.
While “ordinary” people like you and me may not feel the effects of this take over immediately, I am pretty sure that what we buy in the future will somehow be affected by this move. The Beckhams already have an extensive fashion line, who knows – the models connected with the agency just might find themselves with a sparkling future!
Women in Jamaica who are not model-slim are having a grand time, thanks to Tracey Woods. Her story is that she got tired of having to go to a dressmaker each time she wanted new clothes. Instead of having someone else make clothes that would fit her, she decided to start her own clothing line that would cater to full-figured women like herself. Hence the birth of Curvy Lady.
Woods started up her business with her sister, and they began with lingerie. Soon, their clients asked for more – dresses, pants, etc. Now, their line has expanded to carry all sorts of outfits from the casual to the semi-formal outfits.
One unique thing about Curvy Lady clothing is that they are not the basic blacks which are usually suggested for plus size women. Instead, Woods believes in the idea that plus size women should experiment with various colors as well. As a result, her clothing line is a mix of all colors. She says that the important thing is that her clothes accentuate the positive points that each woman has. More so, she says that she prioritizes her clients’ comfort, and that comfort leads to confidence, which in turn leads to a stunning look.
Her customers seem to agree with her, as her business has grown over the years.
What I am thinking is that I wish there would be more people like her in other parts of the world. While we have plus size clothing in many major stores, I think that we could use more of them, don’t you think?
Do you watch a lot of TV? I really don’t watch much, but when I do, I often come across cooking shows with some of the most popular celebrity chefs out there. That’s how I came to know about Nigella Lawson.
More than being a genius in the kitchen – as critics and fans say – Nigella has also gained fame and renown for being one of the most attractive celebrity chefs. Me thinks that if she were to go for another career, Ms. Lawson might very well go into fashion.
I don’t know if you have heard about it – or seen it – but Nigella has been sporting a very fashionable look lately. Dubbed the “hourglass look,” the chef’s chosen style is H-O-T. It is not really new. The hourglass look has been sported by many before her, but somehow, she has made this look her own.
Nigella has Vivienne Westwood to thank for this new look, in part at least. She started her transformation from the kitchen’s Wonder Woman to a flaming bombshell with some really well chosen pieces from Westwood’s Anglomania collection. She did not stop there, though. Soon, she picked up a piece from Katya Wildman, and this is what did the trick, I think.
This dress has, in fact, become a best seller for The Dispensary, a Notting Hill boutique. I am pretty sure that you want this dress for yourself as well. If you want to take a look, visit the web site of The Dispensary. Just be ready to shell out ₤160 to ₤180.
