5 Tips for Growing Healthy, Beautiful Hair for Women

Hair makes us beautiful.

There are few conditions that evoke anxiety in my patients (men and women) more than hair loss. Hair is an important part of our appearance. We are biologically programmed to view it as a marker for a person’s suitability as a mate; this is probably because it’s an obvious indicator of a person’s youth and health.

Good hair suggests you are well nourished and healthy. As we age hair thins naturally, so a full head of hair also indicates the owner is young (and likely fertile).

It is no wonder that billions of dollars are spent every year to darken it, lighten it, grow more of it, and style it.

Like other physical characteristics such as body shape and skin complexion, the hair you have is the hair you are genetically programmed to grow. For some it is dense and thick. For others it is thin and sparse.

Patients often ask me what they can do to grow thick, luxurious hair. Here are five tips to have hair that says: “Yes, I’m dreamy.”

1. Eat well. Your hair reflects your overall health. If you eat healthfully, your hair will be healthy. Consume a diet based on whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, and low-fat dairy.
2. Take your biotin. There are countless vitamins touted to make your hair grow faster, stronger, and longer, including prenatal vitamins. Don’t believe it. If you eat a good diet (as above), then you don’t need vitamins. The only one I recommend supplementing is biotin at 1,500 mcg each day. Otherwise, leave the prenatal vitamins for pregnant women.
3. Moisturize. Shampoos are often potent soaps and can strip your hair’s natural oils, leaving it dry, dull, and brittle. Use the shampoo at the scalp only, not at the ends which can be months to years old and have endured countless washes. Use a conditioner everyday (or at least 3-4 times a week if your hairstyle can’t tolerate daily conditioning) to help lock in moisture. This will help your hair be thicker, shinier, and healthier.
4. Try carnitine. A recent study showed that at least in the laboratory, L-carnitine (found in red meat) stimulated hair growth. Maybe that’s where the expression, “Eat this. It’ll put hair on your chest” comes from….
5. Cut it. Because your hair can be years old, it reflects all your body has been through in that time. For instance, if you were sick a few months ago, then the hair that grew during that period can be thin and brittle and will remain that way until it is sheared. If your hair is damaged or frayed, then there is little you can do to repair it. Sometimes the best thing to do is to cut off all the damaged areas and focus on taking better care of the hair that is still healthy.

Source : http://thedermblog.com/2008/06/27/5-tips-for-growing-healthy-beautiful-hair/

Runway Fashion and Models Trends for 2008

Colors are brighter, reflecting the true concept of spring and dresses are more prevalent this season, with a real mix of sophistication, a hint of '80s retro and long-floaty maxis reminiscent of the '60s and '70s. New York Fashion Week, 5-12 September 2007, revealed some exciting and inspirational designs for Spring 2008.

Leading fashion magazine Elle features "10 trends from New York Fashion Week" in its online edition. Designers such as Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Vera Wang and Oscar de La Renta showcase their creations, in the Elle image gallery.

Whilst most westerners are unwrapping their Christmas presents at this time of year, the fashion world is two steps ahead. For fashion-conscious women, once the Christmas decorations are packed away, it will be time to think about next season's high-street trends influenced by designer fashion.
Styles and Fabrics

* Think floaty and feminine, with ruffles, lace, pleats draping cuts and transparent fabrics. According to the Daily Mail's article, of 28th December 2007, "Vogue's 2008 Hotlist Revealed", "The ruff is the fashion detail of the season".
* Light airy dresses, be they maxi or mini – the maxi dress continues its comeback given its versatility and popularity from last year.
* The maxi dress makes a real statement this season in classy and casual styles. Flowing, drapes with pleats and ruffles and one-shoulder necklines.
* Light, airy long-dresses and long, flowing skirts, comfortable and easy to wear.
* References to ancient Greece in sophisticated drapes and pleats such as Donna Karan’s Shades of Gres, an elegant silver-gray, halter-neck maxi with intricate pleats, folds and draping.
* Desert-inspired maxis and safari trouser or shorts-suits in two of Pantone’s top ten spring colors, Golden Olive and Croissant..
* Colour-blocked dresses continue to be a popular trend with two or three colors.
* Asymmetry is a keynote style seen in many of next season’s dresses and soon to be released summer swimwear.
* Two-sleeved styles are given the cold-shoulder by many designers. Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler and J Mendel in favor of an off-the-shoulder look.
* Trouser suits follow the feminine, floaty theme with Asian fisherman style pants (Phillip Lim) and elegant flowing trousers. Some are influenced by the African safari, like Diane Von Furstenberg’s classic white ensemble.
* Transparency features heavily in many designer fabrics. Rodart’s delicate blue hues and Cloud Cover ruffle creation is floaty and feminine. J Mendels flowing silver grey one-shoulder drape enthuses elegance.
* Belts are everywhere, drawing attention to the waist.
* Accessorize with headscarves and hippie chick headbands. Safaris style white hats match the desert inspired look and large totes and oversized bags make a big fashion statement.

Colors

* Silver grey is the new black combined with muted neutrals and flesh tones.
* The Pantone Color Report for Spring 2008 demonstrates a long-awaited match of true Spring colors with Freesia (yellow), Spring Crocus (lilac hues) and pink undertones Pink Mist, Cantaloupe and Rococco Red.
* Red-hot color features heavily in Oscar De La Renta gowns, Zac Posen’s ruffle maxi, and the Marc Jacobs Lady in Red, belted shift. Ohne Titel’s flappy, flowing trouser suit enthuses energy and cheerfulness in its invigorating red.
* Greys and color-blocks are a season must-have to flatter the figure.

Prints

* Tropical flavors, big and bold as in Caronlena Herrara’s ruffle maxi or Diane von Furstenberg’s flowing green-floral print.
* Tribal Prints make a big comeback. Blacks and tans, as in Diane von Furstenberg’s strappy tunic dress or Oscar De La Renta’s Tribal puff ball mini. A few leopard prints are thrown in for good measure, following the tribal and jungle theme.

Along with next season’s long, floaty dresses, flowing fabrics and draping cuts these feminine creations should be taken-to-the-max with long hair, tousled and wind blown.

The copyright of the article Runway Fashion Trends for 2008 in Women’s Fashion is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Runway Fashion Trends for 2008 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.



Source : http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/runway_fashion_trends_for_2008

Victoria Beckham's New Fashion and Models Line Is Out

After her first foray in the world of fashion, with both her dVb jeans line and her sunglasses collection, world-renowned fashionista Victoria Beckham is kicking things up a notch by launching her first ever frock designs. Although counting only 15 models, the new designs by Posh perfectly embody the very essence of everything that made her so famous on the glitzy scene of fashion – class, elegance, sophistication and certain rigidity, which speaks volumes for the renunciation of comfort in favor of the shock factor.
Made available courtesy of Style.com, the 15 models are nothing short of predictable – truly exquisite in their simplicity and the finesse of their cut, but predictable nonetheless. However, it’s not like Victoria, once the proud Spice Girl, really wanted to bring to the table something other than a line that was purely, 100 percent, herself. Which is precisely why this collection brings us only somber shades, almost draconian cuts, with lots of emphasis on the curves of the beyond-thin woman – the waistline, the bony shoulders and very little prominent hips – and close to none originality.

"Every one of [these dresses] could've been pulled from Beckham's own closet. The silhouette is beyond body-conscious, ultra-fitted from shoulder line to below the knee," reads a first review of the collection. And so it is: what Victoria designed is precisely what we’ve already seen her wearing on not one, or two, but almost hundreds of occasions. Then again, this is perhaps what could also make it special – seeing how the former Spice is not just a fashionista, but a role model as well.

One thing though makes this brand new collection from Mrs. Beckham almost inaccessible (aside from the price, which ranges from $1,500 to $3,600), and that’s the fact that its target is as niched as are its cuts severe. Not only does Victoria Beckham NOT design for plumper women, but she even excludes regular-sized ones too from the very start, a thing for which she has often been heavily criticized. While she might not willingly and openly encourage size 0 in women, her latest line does come with limitations that could actually prove too much even for the slimmest of girls out there. Clearly, they don’t say beauty comes at a cost for nothing.

Source : http://news.softpedia.com/news/Victoria-Beckham-s-New-Fashion-Line-Is-Out-93292.shtml

Tops 10 mistakes when buying a bra

Women may come in all shapes and sizes but they're likely to have one fashion item in common: a wrong-fitting bra, says undergarment expert Susan Nethero.

She has concluded from extensive field research that 85 percent of all women are wearing the wrong bra size.

Nethero, who owns the Intimacy lingerie stores in Chicago, New York and Atlanta, learned her bra-fitting techniques from the Queen of England's Royal bra fitter. In her 15 years in the bra business, she has fit more than 125,000 pairs of breasts, including Oprah Winfrey's.
Nethero, who was a guest Wednesday on the "Today" show, says women make these top 10 mistakes when buying a bra:

1. Baggy back = too much slack: The back band of your bra provides 90 percent of the support, so the ideal fit should be firm yet comfortable. When such bands are too loose, the back of the bra rises up, causing breasts to sag. This "see-saw" effect also can emphasize what every woman wants to hide: unsightly back fat.

2. Resisting revolution: As women age they often need to alter our skincare, makeup and even our hairstyle. The same holds true when it comes to bras. Thanks to weight loss and gain, nursing and hormonal changes, a bust line can change at least six times throughout a woman's life. For optimum style and comfort, make sure you get fitted for a bra yearly.

3. There is no perfect bra: Buying a bra may take a little time. Don't just get the one your best friend raves about -- everyone's body is different. To find the most flattering fit, be sure to try on several styles. Tip: Slip on a shirt so you can see how your shape will appear when dressed.

4. Don't be a softy: Most women find underwire bras to be uncomfortable, so they make the mistake of wearing a soft, non-underwire cup. The problem? There's not enough support, especially for full-figured gals. A properly fitted underwire bra should rest comfortably against your rib cage with a soft cotton casing. The end result: lift, support and comfort!

5. The big bind: Minimizing bras, commonly worn by big-busted women, actually bind and compress breast tissue, resulting in a loss of firmness. To appear taller, smaller-breasted and even pounds slimmer, voluptuous ladies should stick with bras that lift and center the bust line.

6. Confusing cups: Wearing the wrong-size cup is a common mistake. The telltale signs? Breasts that spill over, or worse yet, breasts that don't fill out the cups (resulting in wrinkles). Ideally, cup sizes should be proportional to the body frame.

7. You get what you pay for: Department stores and specialty boutiques often carry low-quality, poorly made bras that fit badly. Higher-quality brands, which offer more size options, are designed for real women's shapes and sizes.

8. Self-service slip-up: Don't sacrifice service, style and comfort because you're embarrassed to ask for help when buying a bra. Go ahead, ask questions! You'll be much happier (and more comfortable) in the long run.

9. De-compressed breasts: Athletic women often rely on sports bras, which compress rather than support. A sports bra with seams, shape and cup depth will prevent jiggling while jogging.

10. Forever free of seams: While seamless bras are comfortable and look great under your tight T-shirt, wearing them daily is a bad idea. Give your girls the support they need. Since seamed bras offer more support, try alternating between the two.



Source : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15502139/

Warm weather woes: Find the right spring bra for women

Summer is coming which means it will soon be time to pull out our summer wardrobe of tank tops, strapless dresses and halter tops. The question remains: What is the right bra to wear under all these great warm weather tops? Cindy Johnson, national lingerie expert and owner of SOL lingerie store, explains how to make your bra invisible and beat those warm weather woes.

The key to making sure you and your clothes look their best is making sure you have the right bra for each type of top you love to wear. It doesn’t mean you only have to wear these bras with these specific tops. For each of the bras that I highlight, the bras can be converted to work with each of these specific tops, but they all make great everyday T-shirt bras as well—this way it’s like getting two bras in one.

Tank top
The easy days of summer are upon us when we can throw on our favorite tank top and run out the door. Often times these tank tops have angled in straps so that regular bra straps hang out. Your entire outfit will look better and more put together if your bra straps are not showing. It’s important to have a bra in your collection which has straps that can be criss-crossed. This way you’ll already have the right bra the next time you want to buy one of those fabulous tanks you love so much.
Halter
The halter top is a flattering look on many women, but in order to look your best, it is critical that people are just seeing the top and not the bra you are wearing under it. Often times a halter top also has a plunging neckline which means it needs a bra that can convert to a halter and is low in the front. Buy yourself a bra that works great as a T-shirt bra, but then also has the added versatility of being low in the front and converting to a halter. It becomes the perfect bra for lots of tops! And if you want to add a little extra volume to your cleavage, Cleavage Cupcakes work great.
Strapless
There are so many cute strapless tops and dresses out there, but the problem most women have is they hate their strapless bra! The key to a good strapless is the band. It is critical that it be snug around because that is the only thing holding up the bra. Not only that, it needs to be washed frequently and replaced often (the one you’ve had since high school won’t cut it) to ensure that it will stay up.

A strapless bra I love is the Avero by Marie Jo. The contoured cup creates a great shape, and there is a strip of silicone along the inside band which helps it stay up.

White T-shirts
There is really only one situation where it is absolutely essential to have a totally plain nude bra and it is when you are wearing a sheer white shirt. We’ve all seen a woman walking down the street and the first thing we notice is the white bra she is wearing under her white t-shirt. I know it doesn’t seem logical, but truly, white shows under white. The trick is to choose a bra that matches your skin tone and viola! It will make your bra invisible under your white shirt.

Source : http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23830143/

The China Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2008-2009 in Full Bloom

The China Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2008–09, held March 25–31, was among the best in this fashion week's 11-year history. Fashion week has evolved from a small-scale occasion with just three shows, to an influential event, featuring 30 fashion shows. This year’s event gave at least 50 designers from more than 20 countries a chance to reveal their newest work. It also featured a fashion design competition for young designers from around the globe, giving them a chance to show their talent. The event was a breath of fresh air for China's burgeoning fashion industry.

In addition to the traditional venue at D-Park in the 798 Art Zone, the new China International Exhibition Center on Bei Sanhuan Donglu, with an exhibition space of more than 200,000 square metres, played host to most shows of the fashion week. All of the exhibition centre’s eight halls were filled with displays of men, women and children's wear.

The new venues gave China Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2008–09 an opportunity to experiment with some new highlights and angles. Fashion week has never been so “Chinese,” with Chinese elements becoming popular and chic on the fashion scene around the globe. Domestic designers obviously have a natural advantage in interpreting the theme, and they did not waste the chance.

Wang Qing, president of China Fashion Week, said, “Currently, ideas about China are favoured by the whole industry. Many world renowned fashion designers have come up with their own China series, but I’m more impressed by our local designers’ performance this time.”

Another focus of this year’s fashion week is to present a stage for your designers. Nearly 30,000 students majoring in fashion design graduate every year from nearly 200 colleges or institutes. “They have become the new force pushing traditional garment making in China to upscale fashion,” Wang said. So this year featured a competition for your designers that gave many new talents a chance at recognition, including young designers from 16 countries.

However, the best-received shows were still “old” brands with new ideas and designs with an international flair. Two of the most impressive shows were staged by Cabbeen and SBS.
Cabbeen,
a local men’s wear collection, presented the largest-scale show of this year’s fashion week, with a breaking-record audience of 2,000 people. Inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s classical science fiction movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, the show Magical Future amazed audiences with a UFO-shaped stage that opened itself by the end of the show and revealed all the models and the designer. The designer used grey and silver shining materials to create a spaceship feeling.

Before going to the SBS show, it was hard to imagine that slide fasteners had anything to do with fashion. However, the show held in the new exhibition centre successfully convinced audiences that slide fasteners are not simply accessories to clothes; they can even be worn as jewellery on the hands or simply admired as a fashion creations.



Source : http://www.btmbeijing.com/contents/en/btm/2008-05/knowyourbeijing/chinafashionweek

The Chinese Fashion Week

The rest of the world might not be aware, but China Fashion Week is going on right now, as we speak (well, as I type and you read). Immediately I was curious to see what kinds of clothes the designers were sending down the runway. The Chinese are known for being bold, innovative and a little crazy with their fashion. The Spring/Summer collections this year didn't disappoint.

A few designers really stood out to me. For example, Chen Junghong's collection felt like a couture, (much cooler) Hot Topic. The use of all red, lots of stars and even some upside down, collapsible laundry basket type shapes was pretty cool, and very unwearable.
In fact, pretty much everything looked unwearable to me. I just can't see any celebrity showing up at a red carpet event with a giant mattress skirt around her waist.

Other highlights of the big event include (but are not limited to), witch hats, nylon wrapped around the models' heads, plastic see through skirts and bulls eye nipples. Have you heard enough yet? In case you're not convinced that the Chinese fashion designers are cutting edge, what would you say to an outfit that looks like a Rubik's cube with eyes or a spider web inspired top, or even a model carrying a plastic alien blow up doll down the runway?

I'd say, I need to make plans to attend China Fashion Week next year. I might never wear any of their clothes, but seeing any of those outfits live would definitely make for a fascinating trip!



Source : http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2008/03/27/chinese-fashion-week/

Move to Ban Thin Models From Advertising and Fashion Shows

• August 2, 2006: Uruguayan model Luisel Ramos, age 22, dies of anorexia nervosa-related causes.
  
  
• September 7, 2006: Australian label MaraJoara bucks the trend toward extremely thin models, using women size 8 to 12 at Australian Fashion Week. The show raises controversy and brings the debate more firmly into the media.
  
  
• September 9, 2006: Madrid fashion show (Pasarela Cibeles) says models with body mass index ratings under 18 will not be allowed to work in the event.
  
  
• September 18, 2006: Tessa Jowell, British Culture Secretary, applauds Madrid show's decision. London Fashion Week show ignores Jowell's recommendation to do the same. The British Fashion Council says that it "does not comment or interfere in the aesthetic of any designer's show."
  
  
• September 21, 2006: Giorgio Armani comments on the models he prefers to employ: "I have never wanted to use girls that are too skinny. I prefer girls that show off my clothes in the best way."
  
  
• November 17, 2006: Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston dies of anorexia at age 21.
  
  
• December 1, 2006: Brazilian modeling agencies begin to require prospective models to have medical certificates saying they are healthy. Those who wish to be models will have to take blood tests to get their certificates.
  
  
• December 18, 2006: Milan fashion show bans models with BMI under 18.5 and models under age 16.
  
  
• January 9, 2007: The Academy for Eating Disorders suggests guidelines for the fashion industry, including requiring models to be at least 16 years old, promoting the use of models of all sizes in fashion shows, and eliminating digital enhancements to make models in photos look slimmer.
  
  
• January 25, 2007: Organizers of London Fashion Week take a different approach than fashion shows in Madrid and Milan, choosing not to ban very thin models. Officials stress that they had asked designers to use only "healthy" models. The British Fashion Council argues that barring too-thin models "is neither desirable nor enforceable."
  
  
• January 25, 2007: Spain's government reaches agreement with major fashion designers to create standards for women's clothing sizes. The stated goal is to promote a healthier image.
  
  
• February 12, 2007: Pasarela Cibeles show in Madrid follows through on its promise, banning five models from participating.
  
  
• February 13, 2007: Uruguayan model Eliana Ramos, age 18, dies of heart failure due to anorexia.
  
  
• May 2, 2007: International model Marvy Rieder meets with the Academy of Eating Disorders to discuss interventions for models in danger of developing eating disorders.
  
  
• May 9, 2007: Amsterdam-based Unilever, a consumer products group, eliminates models with BMI under 18 and over 25 from their advertising.
  
  
• June 15, 2007: English model Rosanna Carr Taylor wins the Miss East Anglia pageant and endorses beat, formerly known as the Eating Disorders Association. Ms. Carr Taylor speaks of pressure to lose weight in the industry.
  
  
• July 11, 2007: Independent panel logs preliminary report suggesting that London Fashion Week ban models under age 16, and that a "rigorous" study be conducted to determine the prevalence of eating disorders among models. The panel also suggested regular medical checks for models to screen for eating disorders.
  
  
• September 15, 2007: New model Maddison Gabriel dominates headlines at Australia's Gold Coast Fashion Week--a day before her 13th birthday.
  
  
• November 14, 2007: Israeli model Hila Elmalich dies from complications of self-starvation. Photographer Adi Barkan ramps up his campaign for healthier models: Modeling agency Elite International holds auditions at which prospective Israeli models are told that the agency is committed to hiring those with healthy BMIs.
  
  
• April 15, 2008: The lower house of the French National Assembly passed legislation to make promotion of extreme dieting a crime. Punishment was to include up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $47,000. The legislation does not become national law, but France does adopt a voluntary charter against promoting a dangerously thin body image, which is signed by advertising firms and fashion houses.
  
  
• July 23, 2008: Quebec provincial culture minister Christine St-Pierre suggests that the province follow France's example and adopt a voluntary charter to avoid promotion of an "extremely thin body image." St-Pierre does not rule out future legislation.

Source : http://eatingdisorders.about.com/od/anorexianervosa/a/bantimeline.htm

AIU in Paris, France - Fashion Journalism and Photography, 5-Week Summer Programs

Description: Gain full exposure to the Paris fashion scene and earn 10 quarter hours or 6 semester hours of academic credit!

Travel with the AIU Fashion Department to one of the fashion capitals of Europe-Paris. Long considered a center for innovation, creativity, glamour and "haute couture," Paris is a place where you can become immersed in the great fashions of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Imagine the thrill of studying in a city where the streets are lined with a "Who's Who" list of couture houses, designer shops and boutiques, fashion institutes and fashion trendsetters. The program consists of a series of formal lectures, hands-on workshops and academic excursions which bring you into contact with Paris fashion industry professionals who can provide a truly international perspective on what it's like to work in the fashion industry. AIU is accepting applications for this new program that can prepare you for an exciting career in fashion, communications or journalism.

Highlights: While in Paris, you are enrolled in two courses:

FAS 421 Fashion Journalism
Prerequisites: ENG 101
This class teaches basic writing, interviewing and editing techniques for fashion journalism, public relations and fashion advertising. Differences between the types of journalism are presented. Each student must write an article with accompanying visuals for a magazine's audience and present their project to the class.

VCD 258 Fashion Photography
Prerequisites: None
This course will give students a chance to learn and experience location photography in a setting famous for fashion. Using professional models and background views of Paris, students will be guided through the skills and techniques required for fashion photography. This class includes a series of applied workshops covering a variety of aspects of fashion, styling and location photography. The course will also give students the opportunity to improve their personal portfolio of fashion images. A manual digital camera (not a point and shoot camera) with a 35mm to 105mm zoom lens is required. A limited number of appropriate digital cameras will be available to loan. Professional location flash lighting will be available for student use.

Subject Areas :

Fashion Design Journalism / Broadcasting

Cost Include Description:
Cultural Activities - Beyond the Classroom
You will have access to cultural activities that complement your academic studies and provide an appreciation of the cultural heritage of the French capital.

Program fee includes:
- Tuition and related fees for two classes.
- Accommodation in student apartments (twin rooms with shower and kitchen facilities).
- Full orientation program in Paris, including a 1/2 day walking tour.
- Academic visits which introduce students to the work of Paris fashion professionals.
- Cultural activities program.
- Two-zone metro/bus pass.
- Paris Museum card which provides access to all national museums, including the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay.

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to France Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 20 - 25 students

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Year Founded: 1989



Source : http://www.studyabroaddirectory.com/listingsp3.cfm/listing/16276

Fashion In Paris

Paris, as well being the prime centre of international haute couture, has long been a veritable paradise for the stylish consumer shopping for clothes.Since Englishman Charles Worth set up in the late 19th century, Paris has been the home to international talent and maintained its position as the hub of fashion. Today, many of the major French fashion houses have become international design hybrids. Among the most headline making alliances of the late 90s, there are the British designers, Stella McCartney, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen creating collections for Chole, Christian Dior and Givenchy respectively; Americans Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton and Michael Kores at Celine, the Italian based Narciso Rodriquez doing the Loewe line; Israeli Alber Elbaz designing for Guy Laroche; and The German- born Karl Laegrfield at Chanel. For foreign designers there is still the kudos of working in Paris, the city synonymous with fashion.

The upbeat tempo of the Paris shows featuring loud music and gyrating models, set up the pace for fashion worldwide. Paris continued to flourish. The top designers were producing their own ready- to- wear labels plus diffusion collections, jeans collections, menswear and fragrance lines. By mid 90s Paris had embraced a whole host of international designers. With the colorful French designers, Jean-Paul Gautier and Christian Lacroix and, more recently, the Italian Donatella Versace, doing couture collections in Paris, it looks like staying on for some years to come. But if anyone actually thought Paris had exchanged fashion status for football stadium during the summer of 1998 they need not worried. During the World Cup final at Stade de France, not with football chants but with a $ 4 million spectacle featuring 300 international models wearing 40 years of French fashion by Yves Saint Laurent.

Chanel: the fashion name that epitomizes taste, glamour and style. Founded in the 1920s by the legendary Coco Chanel, the house of Chanel remains at the cutting edge of contemporary fashion. She was the woman who modestly created her success to ’having been in the right place at the right time’. For more information http://www.chanel.com

Lavin: Jeanne Lavin, one of the great couturiers of the early 20th century, gave up her original career when her clients began to demand copies of the dresses she had made for her younger sister and daughter. These youthful mother and daughter outfits made Lavin famous and achieved immense popularity. They blurred the distinction between women and young girls and were highly flattering to women of all ages. Lavin also created very feminine ’robe de style’ and romantic ’picture dresses’. Her work is characterized by fine embroidery, superb craftsmanship and harmonious colours- among them is the ’Lavin blue’ to which she gave her name. For more information- http://www.modeaparis.com/vf/couturiers

Dior: darling of high society and brilliant creator of the ’new look’, Christian Dior shot to international fame almost overnight at the age of 47. At first his creations provoked angry accusations of unpatriotic extravagance, but women everywhere soon warmed to his hour- glass lines and long, rustling skirts. His designer- dresses and hats, shoes and accessories, complimented by an outline of his career and his inspired output. For more information- http://www.dior.com/ Christian Lacroix: Youngest of the great couturiers, reluctant hero of the glamorous world of fashion, Christian Lacroix was the star that the 1980s had been waiting for, bringing new life to the world of haute couture. In founding his own house and launching his startlingly luxurious and wonderfully elegant collections, Lacroix turned all accepted wisdom on its head. Time has vindicated this shy man in love with the theatre, with literature and tradition. He is a designer whose nature is profoundly that of an artist, nourished on culture and the ’remembrance of things past’ that runs like a thread through even the simplest of his dresses. For more information- http://www.modeaparis.com/vf/couturiers Jean Paul Gaultier: "Enfant terrible" of the fashion world, Jean Paul Gaultier has astonished us with his inventiveness, energy and ability to have fun since his first collection at the end of the 1970s. A master of mixing styles- often drawn from the streets of London and Paris- his clothes breakdown the barrier between beauty and ugliness, elegance and vulgarity, yet have undoubtedly earned him a place in the mainstream of haute couture. For more information- http://www.modeaparis.com/vf/couturiers Yves Saint Laurent: he is the official patron saint of fashion in Paris. Algerian born, he won first prize for a drawing of a dress in a fashion contest and studied at the Chambre Syndicale School in Paris, before he started working for Christian Dior in 1955. He was only 21 when he became the head of the House after Dior’s untimely death. His collections for Dior shocked the conservative couture world. In 1960 Dior replaced him with Marc Bohan. Returning, after only couple of months, from the Algerian army, discharged after ill health, Yves decided to open his own salon with his business partner Pierre Bergé in 1960. He captured a whole new generation as customers. His were clothes synonymous with the bohemian Left Bank and the hip beaches of St.Tropez. But, for Saint Laurent designing clothes has always been more about creating style that endures rather than making one season wonder looks for victims The House of Saint Laurent is now a huge empire. His name has become a highly valued brand in the French fashion industry. For more information- http://www.ysl-hautecouture.com/

Pierre Cardin: Today Pierre Cardin is the king of product licensing. Following his initial indisputable claim to fame with his space age collection, in 1964, a trend milestone in fashion history, he exploited his growing status in the hedonistic 60s. In 1968 he issued his first license contract outside fashion- for porcelain china. Two years later, Espace Pierre Cardin- the theatre, restaurant, cinema and exhibition hall opened in Paris. In 1977 he launched Maxim’s Boutique, the start of the whole new line of products, prior to taking control of the celebrated Maxim’s restaurant in Paris. Now he has a global business with 850 licenses. For more information- www.pierrecardin.com

There are many fashion designers who have done remarkable work in their field such as: Doeuillet- Doucet, Elsa Schiaprelli, Jacques Heim, Madeleine Vionette, Michel Goma, Paquin, Doucet, Caroline Reboux, Jacque Fath, Charles James, Pierre Balmain, Rahvis, John Cavanagh, Paquin, Carven, Maggy Rouff, Jean Patou, Jean Dessès, Ted Lapidus, Jeanne Chasseriaud, Lucien Lelong, Guy Laroche, Matta Serge, Adeline André, Agnès B, Akris, Anne Marie Beretta, Bernad Willhelm; Balmain, Cerruiti, Christophe Lemaire, Courrèges ;Dominique Sirop ; Plein Sud, and many more.

A number of fashion shows are organised each year by fashion designers to show their creative work in all seasons such as Automne- hiver and Printemps- été shows. Not only the clothes, that these designers work on, but also accessories, perfumes, cosmetics and attitude of course. New designers are coming up with their different innovative ideas each year better than the earlier works and making a base for the next ones to come.

For more information consult the books at the FIRC such as: Le livre de la haute couture 391 VAU Dior 391 POC Jean Paul Gaultier 391 CHE Lavin 391 BAR Chanel 391 BAU Christian Lacroix 391 BAU Poiret 391 BAU Yves Saint Laurent 391 BER Yves Saint Laurent 391 YVE Courrèges 391 GUI Dé d’orHaute Couture Français 391 DED Paris Traditions 914.436 1 HUS

The Fattening Up Fashion Models

Here's an interesting item in our ongoing series of observations that everything happens in the Omniculture. Women's Wear Daily reports that photo editors are beginning to retouch photos of seriously underweight fashion models in order to make them appear . . . healthier:

PUTTING ON THE POUNDS: As the body mass index of runway walkers continues to make headlines, skinny models just might present a whole new problem for editors. Everyone has a story of a celebrity cover slimmed by Photoshop, but several editors have been quietly ordering the retouching of gaunt model shots to make them look, well, a little fatter. "A model shows up and you realize she's too thin and has lost weight since the booking, but the show must go on," said Allure editor in chief Linda Wells. "When the film comes to me, I realize I don't want to see hip bones and ribs in the magazine."

Enter the retouching process, which helps make the haggard look healthier. "If a girl shows up at a shoot and she's too skinny, a good stylist can pose her so that the reader doesn't have as much of a sense of it," said Lucky editor in chief Kim France. But, she added, "There are angles at which a girl's arm can look haunting."

"It's never something where you made the girl look heavy," said France. "It's just a quiet, small change." . . .

"It seems like we've been doing it more lately than in years past," said Wells. "It is something we noticed at the fashion shows this year — there were some alarming moments on the runway. And that caused some chatter."
It seems unlikely that the fashion in ladies' figures will soon become Rubenesque, as in the image immediately above, but a comparison between the Rubens image and that of the fashion model shown at the top of this item suggests that it is a good thing indeed if the trend toward increasingly gaunt fashion models has run its course. The change suggests a salutary self-correcting aspect of the Omniculture. Everything happens, and often good things do occur.



Source : http://stkarnick.com/blog2/2006/12/post_29.html

The France Will not Put a Ban on Skinny Models

French Health Ministry has reviewed the issue of skinny models on the French catwalks and suggested that such models need special attention, but they will not be banned from the podiums, as the French Health Ministry officials said on Friday.

After two Latin American models died in 2006 of anorexia, designers, model agencies and the entire fashion industry have been massively attacked by the publicity for promoting such a thin look. The critics say that these promotions lead to eating disorders in young women, who strive to become models.

Unlike France, other prominent countries in the world of fashion, like Italy, Brazil, India and Spain, have already taken respective measures to not admit underweighted girls on the catwalk. This was also caused by the media attention the two death last year drew to the fashion industry.

Instead of taking the way of a complete ban, the French have taken the way of promoting a campaign for awareness and, of course, information in the respective industries. The officials have also stated that the Ministry intends to make voluntary agreements for engaging young women into the field of media, advertising and fashion industry.

Not banning the underweighted models from catwalks is also caused by the fact that the fashion industry is very popular in France, and while thin and good-looking models appear on posters and in magazines, large quantities of export goods are guaranteed.

First statements of the French fashion industry's officials were made in January, when the head of the French Fashion Federation said that there would be not necessarily additional measures applied - a model's life is full of strict rules without any restrictions from the federation, he said.

Violette Baranda, the town councilor or Paris, said in an interview to the French newspaper Le Parisien that France should withstand this media and public pressure on the fashion industry, because when the girls weigh a bit more than needed, they are disposed of at once as though rotten goods. However, there are still some designers, who strive to make their models thinner and thinner.

The city council of Paris is absolutely FOR applying more pressure against model agencies and the fashion industry, yet the Health Ministry opposed the pressure, by saying that the thinness of the girls became a symbol of fashion and there was nothing to do about it.

The story of anorexic models and fashion industry in general came back on front pages of many newspapers around the world in the beginning of this week. It was caused by the news that the daughter of Donatella Versace, owner of most famous fashion organizations in Italy, suffers from the same eating disorder, the fashion world is trying to fight - anorexia.

Source : http://www.infoniac.com/health-fitness/france-will-not-put-a-ban-on-skinny-models.html

Romance Was Born Fashion Show

Romance was Born are notorious for theatrical antics in their shows and their love for themes, this time round they showed us a whimsical play on the 80's hit movie 'Weired Science' which proved to be entertaining and refreshing.

Models wearing swimsuits, hipster jeans, jackets hoodies and all manner of things, whimsical prints, snake belts voluptuous layered skirts with aplayful mix of attached items gathered up with a snake belt, decorated with sculptural headpieces from pencils, lightglobes and a wedding cake.

Beyond the theatrics the brands design ethos has a very street couture ethos with a transeasonal edge. Their talent for eclectic whimsical layering and marying of eclectic elements with high fashion cuts and sensibilities makes their work unique and delightfully admirable.
Wonderful themes and layering of whimsical elements, definately weird science witty play on the weird science theme married scientists create cupcake girl.



http://anina.typepad.com/anina/2007/05/romance_was_bor.html

Born to runway at New York Fashion Week

Sept. 13, 2008 | The hordes are piling into Bryant Park's main tent for the "Project Runway" finale. But this isn't your average New York Fashion Week event. The reality show rejects outnumber stylists and fashion magazine editors here by about 20-to-2 (the two being Nina Garcia, Marie Claire fashion director/"Project Runway" judge, and celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, star of a brand new Bravo series). In fact, the place is something of a reality-TV cluster fuck -- or maybe, depending on your perspective, it's a little bit of heaven.

"Ohmygod, that's Rachel Zoe down there!" a voice shrieks behind me. "She's a hot mess. I need to get that picture." He holds up his phone, and then sighs contentedly. "That's going on my blogfeed and my Facebook page!"

Before and after the runway show, the stars of various Bravo series swarm up and down the runway giggling and posing and grabbing their own favorite TV icons. Tabatha from "Shear Genius" and "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" veers past "Top Chef's" Gail Simmons -- while inches away, platinum blond hipster Kit from last season's "Project Runway" spots Ronnie from "Make Me a Supermodel" and squeals with delight as they make each other's acquaintance. Posing with an endless string of fans, recent "Runway" castoff Blayne is as fake-tanned as ever but looks low-key in a black turtleneck -- surprising considering that he was eliminated last week for a Day-Glo monstrosity that caused Michael Kors to comment that it made the model look like she was "pooping fabric." Camera phones up and down the room are on constant alert as people capture unlikely collisions between former "Project Runway" contestants. I mean, what could last season's loopy Elisa Jimenez (who has a flower tattooed on her cleavage) possibly have to say to uptight architect Laura Bennett from Season 3?

Eventually host Heidi Klum arrives, thanking the execs at Bravo for five good years (the series is jumping over to Lifetime next season) and disappointing the crowd with the news that Jennifer Lopez backed out of being guest judge for this finale at the last minute due to a "foot injury." Instead, the show's resident sage Tim Gunn will be the fourth judge, and he promised the audience he would put his close relationships with the designers "on a metaphorical shelf."

I have a feeling that may not be too hard. The collections shown this season were either great or terrible -- with very little in between.

Six contestants sent their designs down the runway: Jerell, Suede, Joe, Kenley, Korto and Leanne. You can see snippets of all of them in our video, though it's likely that only four of those will make it to your TV screen. (In previous years the show has faked out Fashion Week audiences by including designers who are no longer in contention for the prize, because the episodes with their eliminations have not yet aired.)

Jerell jogs out first, giddy with excitement as he thanks his mother, sister, boyfriend and cousin. But nobody else seems all that giddy as his models strut down the runway festooned with the gawdiest dresses this side of Dollywood. Just about every outfit features sequins or ruffles, or some excessive combination of the two. One model wears a heavily sequined jacket over a transparent tunic over a striped dress, all tied together with a gold ribbon. Another is clad in a loosely constructed lavender dress that allows a clear side view of her breasts -- not the kind of cheap thrill "Project Runway" judges enjoy.

Up next is Suede, initially a favorite of mine, despite his bizarre trait of constantly referring to himself in the third person. His persona is kind of cartoon-punky, and he appears on the runway with a multicolored fauxhawk. But as soon as he opens his mouth, the cool veneer dissolves into saccharine. "I'm so blessed for this opportunity," he babbles, before giving props to online retailer and show sponsor Bluefly and then concluding, "Suede's going to rock it!"

I suppose it depends on your definition of "rocking it" -- but mine doesn't include pastel plaid gowns with puffy removable aprons, or pale turquoise dresses more suitable for a suburban teen prom than a runway. Worst of all is the clumpy pink and blue tutu, which bears a slight resemblance to the garment that got Blayne kicked off the show. Suede clearly has ignored Tim Gunn's longstanding advice to "edit, edit, edit." His collection is totally wackadoodle, as he himself would say.

Source : http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2008/09/13/project_runway/