Blog #11- Final Project

For our Final Project in Creative Fashion Presentations, my team and I made a mock mood/campaign video for Topshop. We created a line called "Stolen". Check it out!

Hope you enjoyed it!

Blog #10- Your Choice- Iris Apfel's eyewear collection

One of the most eccentric figures in fashion history, Iris Apfel, is finally designing the item she is best known for: eye glasses! The 90-year-old style icon can always be found in a pair of over-sized glasses and a ridiculous amount of jewelry.

After dabbling in jewelry collaborations, Apfel is finally looking into designing her own eye-wear collection. It makes perfect sense and I am actually surprised this has not happened sooner.

According to Fashionista, "She’s collaborating with Eyebobs, a company known for its stylish reading glasses. Though an Iris Apfel-designed collection won’t bow until 2013, they’ve launched a limited edition frame inspired by her called, of course, the “Iris.”"

Iris is known for her signature style. She's bold, unconventional, and doesn't care what the magazines say or what the latest trend is. Irish is definitely a role model to women of all ages.

And these aren't "old lady" glasses. At a price range of $75-$99, these glasses look as though they would be worn by the Olsen twins or some other fashionable celebrity. Overall, I'm impressed with the collection and can only hope to be half as fabulous as Iris when I'm her age.

Blog #9- New Show Formats

Say goodbye to the standard catwalk and hello to holograms!


While I don't see them getting rid of real life models anytime soon, designers are definitely embracing advancements in technology. Along with live streaming shows and 3-D formats, Designers are also using holograms to show off the their latest garments.


Alexander McQueen's 2006 runway show was all anyone in the industry could talk about after his 3-D Kate Moss hologram was projected in an empty glass pyramid on the runway. It was eery, mysterious, beautiful, and extremely realistic. It appeared and disappeared into thin air and had the entire crowd in awe.

After this groundbreaking show, more designers and brands started using holograms to bring a "wow" factor to their shows.


Just recently, Burberry held a runway show with virtual technology that included real-time video and holographic technology to celebrate the opening of their Beijing store.

"Models walked the runway while computer graphics interacted with their clothing and movements, making it difficult to distinguish the live models from the holographic ones. By infusing fashion with technology Burberry was able to create a stunning work of art on the runway." (Mogul Theory)


Holograms definitely add a new layer to the fashion show. I love the idea of interaction between technology and actual models. I hope more designers catch on to this trend and keep taking their use of technology to the next level. Holograms allow for limitless creativity, so designers should really be taking advantage of this crowd-pleasing, engaging technological experience.

Blog #8- Look Books

Digital Look Books are a great way for designers and labels to show off their upcoming collections.

Look books not only show the garments, but also the mood, feel, and inspiration behind a line.

The models, music, lighting, editing, styling, and location of the shoot are all important elements of a creating a noteworthy look book.

While searching through different look books, I found this video by Rebecca Minkoff. Showcasing her Spring 2011 collection, Rebecca Minkoff features models prancing around the beach, laying in the sand, and looking fabulous in her garments and accessories.

After watching the video, you really get a sense of the young, fresh vibe Rebecca Minkoff was going for.

All in all, I enjoy watching look book videos and recommend you do the same for your favorite designers and brands!

Blog #7- Trunk Shows

On Friday, October 21st, I had the amazing opportunity to work the Manhattan Vintage Show. Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion on west 18th street in New York City, the Manhattan Vintage Show in a huge trunk show put on for collectors, designers, vintage shop owners, and even the die hard vintage shopper!

A trunk show is the perfect way for vintage shop owners to show off their fabulous finds. As small businesses, vintage collectors and shop owners do not have the funds to arrange an elaborate runway show, so a collaborative trunk show is the best option.

With almost 100 vendors, the Manhattan Vintage Show really is one-of-a-kind. Vintage Chanel, YSL, Dior, Missoni, Givenchy and so much more covered the racks. With every corner I turned, I found myself in a wonderland of vintage designer fashions!

From apparel and jewelry, to textiles and furniture, the Manhattan Vintage Show has every vintage item you could ever desire!

Literally, a "trunk show"!! The first thing you saw when entering the Manhattan Vintage show was a collection of Louis Vuitton trunks for sale!

Bringing the country's top vintage clothing and antique dealers together under one roof, for 2 day

events--approximately 3 times a year, the Manhattan Vintage Show is truly a must see!

Blog #6-Fashion Video

No one can get enough of Lanvin's Fall 2011 Video Campaign...and neither can I.

I've watched it over and over again. There's something so catchy, funny, and overall quirky about the video. Whether it's the crazy dance moves or hilarious/kind of awkward choice of Pitbull's song, "I know you want me", you just can't help but love this video. On top of that, add world famous models Karen Elson and Raquel Zimmermann, and you are guaranteed to have fashion gold.

When Lanvin's Creative Director Alber Elbaz comes out at the end...it's so priceless! This video makes me want to learn the moves and get up and dance!

Alber is bring FUN back into fashion and the industry is taking notice. Instead of a dark, mysterious video or ultra sexy campaign, Alber is breathing new life into his fashion videos. He's showing that it's "ok" to go outside the box and that fashion CAN have a sense of humor!

Blog #5- Fall 2012 Color Trends

I am predicting a dark, yet colorful palette for Fall 2012. Intense reds and deep purples will be counterbalanced with pastel forms of the shades.

With Prada already working this color palette for Fall 2011, it won't be long until other fashion houses, designers, and fast fashion brands start to catch on.

Do you see all this color?? 

Notice the dark purple handbag and matching boot covers. 

Also notice the balance between brights and pastels.

Take wine red and royal purple, mix it with rose pink and sandy peach, and you have the ultimate feminine color palette.

These colors work perfectly with what designers are currently creating; Longer, flowing silhouettes with attention to what flatters the female form.

Fashion advertisements are a great source to see what's to come in the future of fashion. Based off these current ads, it looks like bold color is going to become a fall staple. Goodbye black, hello pops of fabulous color!

So go bright or go home! Color is here to stay...starting this fall and going into Fall 2012!!

Blog #4- Trend on the Street

The maxi skirt has been in for a few seasons, but now it's starting to take over the street. Sheer, velvet, printed... you name it, I've seen it. Creating an effortlessly chic look, Maxi skirts are super flattering and a perfect transitional piece.

Blogger Emily Schuman, from Cupcakes & Cashmere, wearing an Acne maxi-skirt.

It's not just famous bloggers sporting this chic look. A neutral, pleated version in a blush color has been seen all over 27th st.--We Wore What

Maybe I'm biased, but I am a huge fan of the Maxi skirt and think it's going to be a top trend in both

the Fall 11/12 and Spring 12 seasons.

I even had my pictured snapped during Fashion Week by a fashion mag because of my on-trend ensemble, featuring a blush toned maxi skirt of course!

Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, even H&M and Forever21; Maxi- skirts are easily accessible and not just for the fashion elite. So follow the street and get flow-y for fall.

Blog #3-1: NY Times Blog-On the Runway

Cathy Horyn is known for her harsh criticism of runway collections. Many designers and industry insiders fear this New York Times writer, because a bad review can result in widespread negative opinions by readers and overall consumers.

"At various points, Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Helmut Lang, Nicole Miller, and Oscar de la Renta have all banned Horyn from their shows", stated an article written in The Daily Beast.

This demonstrates how seriously Horyn's words are taken and that she does have a large amount of influence in the industry.

I decided to head to the "On the Runway" blog section of the New York Times website, and was intrigued not by a Cathy Horyn article, but by one written by Ruth La Ferla, a writer I have never heard of before.

Entering La Ferla's "On the Runway" blog, I prepared myself to read reviews and overly-critical comments, similar to Cathy Horyn's (what else am I to expect?)

I read some criticism, but it was no where near as brash as Cathy Horyn. In a post titled, "An Uptick, but Is It Enough?", La Ferla debates whether the rise in the use of ethnic models on the runway is really a rise at all.

I found her article to be interesting, intelligent, and well written. Even though she was still debating/criticizing an action, she did it with what seemed like genuine concern.

"Nor does an increase represent any kind of advance over the 1970s, when couture stars like Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy featured black women prominently."

La Ferla brings up some valid points, has quotes from various people in the industry, and covers a subject many people in fashion would rather ignore than discuss. She is bringing up the issue of equality in the fashion world, and I really respect that.

Check out the article here: An Uptick, but Is It Enough?

And form your own opinion!

Blog #3: NY Times Blog-Frugal Traveler

While I don't read the New York Times as much as I should, I was definitely intrigued to check out their entire "blog" section.

Blog topics range from business and technology to sports, science, and style. After looking through a few of the blogs (focusing mostly on fashion and culture) I found the "Frugal Traveler" written by Seth Kugel.

"Seeing the world on a budget" is the tag line for the blog, which immediately caught my eye. I love thrift shopping, traveling, and am all about finding a good deal.

Kugel, a world traveler of destinations such as Stockholm, Madrid, Lebanon, and Cyprus, gives readers tips and advice on how they too can travel unique cities and exquisite countries without emptying their wallets.

Shopping, food, local spots, what to see, and where to stay, Kugel covers it all... while still 

being extremely economical.

One of my favorite posts by Kugel is his coverage of a "$100 Weekend in Istanbul". A vacation spot that is typically super expensive, Kugel talks about how to find cheap food, experience the "free" culture, and use public transportation. He even found a cheap place to stay by using a site called Couchsurfing.org. 

Kugel's weekend consisted of checking out the local art scene via small, intimate galleries, tasting the best Turkish coffee, and attending a prayer service at the famed Blue Mosque.

No matter where you want to go, its almost guaranteed Seth Kugel's been there, and if not, I bet he's planning a trip for the future. With honest insight and genuinely helpful tips, "Frugal Traveler" is every globe-trotter's go-to guide. Before I ever plan an exotic trip, I'll be sure to check out this NY Times Blog beforehand.

Blog #2: 1 Key Item for Fall 2012-Structured Handbags

Big slouchy, boho bags are long gone. For Fall 2012, the structured, "ladylike" handbag will dominate the accessories market.

It's already been around for a few seasons, but with the popularity of bags like Proenza Schouler's PS1 and the Cambridge Satchel,  the structured handbag isn't going anywhere.

PS1

Cambridge Satchel



If they had the funds, I know almost every fashion-savvy woman would purchase Chanel's classic chain-link bag. Season after season, that bag NEVER goes out of style. And now, we'll be seeing even more versions of ladylike bags popping up all over the place, but with a twist.


We no longer want a simple black, polished bag. In the future, the consumer will demand refined bags in bright, bold colors. We want neon, we want prints, we want a sophisticated bag that's rough around the edges.

So be on the look out, and get ahead of the trend by purchasing a structured bag that fits your personality.

 My Fall 2012 bag will look something like this:

What will yours look like???

Blog #1: A fellow blogger you NEED to know!!

Jane Aldridge, girl genius behind the fashion blog Sea of Shoes, is one of the most influential bloggers out there. A chic teenage girl from Texas, Jane has an amazing shoe collection and an ever better sense of style. Her vintage-inspired looks caught my eye right away and I can honestly say that for a while, her blog was the only one I was looking at.

Everyone does "street style" these days. But Jane has stayed with her original, dynamic concept: taking pictures of herself in her fabulous clothes. While she could easily blend in with everyone else, buy the latest designer garments, and look amazing, Jane goes digging through thrift stores (and her mom's closet) to find stand-out, statement pieces.

Now don't get me wrong, she has a RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING collection of designer pieces, especially shoes (hence the name), but its how Jane mixes these pieces with thrifted finds that makes her a style icon of my generation.

A lover of art, food (my kinda girl!), interior design, photography, and all things aesthetic...it's no wonder why this girl has such an incredible eye.

And I'm not the only one taking notice. Jane has been featured in Teen Vogue, she's created a line of shoes for Urban Outfitters, and was invited by Vogue to attend the Crillon Ball (wearing Chanel, of course).

So, next time you need some inspiration, check out Jane's blog. I promise you'll keep coming back for more.