Designers: The Gods of Fashion Industry

Fashion designers help create the billions of clothing articles, shoes, and accessories purchased every year by consumers. Fashion designers working for apparel wholesalers or manufacturers create designs for the mass market. Fashion designers are the people who create the elegant, whimsical, fun, silly, and often expensive clothes we see parading down runways twice a year. Fashion designers design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Some high-fashion designers are self-employed and design for individual clients. Other high-fashion designers cater to specialty stores or high-fashion department stores.

Fashion

Fashion design is the applied art dedicated to the design of clothing and lifestyle accessories created within the cultural and social influences of a specific time. Fashion designers have brought about a storm in this glamour world with their commendably fabulous variety. Fashion industry has always welcomed new talent giving rise to the budding stars of tomorrow. While all articles of clothing from any time period are studied by academics as costume design, only clothing created after 1858 could be considered as fashion design.

Before the former draper set up his maison couture (fashion house) in Paris, clothing design and creation was handled by largely anonymous seamstresses, and high fashion descended from that worn at royal courts. Throughout the early 20th century, practically all high fashion originated in Paris, and to a lesser extent London. At this time in fashion history the division between haute couture and ready-to-wear was not sharply defined.

Designers

Designers know they have this power, and will continue to use it to influence global fashions throughout the eras. These designers create original garments, as well as those that follow established fashion trends. Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers, creating designs of men's, women's, and children's fashions for the mass market. Designer brands which have a 'name' as their brand such as Calvin Klein or Ralph Lauren are likely to be designed by a team of individual designers under the direction of a designer director. Thus, the tradition of designers sketching out garment designs instead of presenting completed garments on models to customers began as an economy.

Popular Western styles were adopted all over the world, and many designers from outside of the West had a profound impact on fashion. Currently, modern fashion has seen a reference to technology such as designers Hussein Chalayan and Miuccia Prada who have introduced industrial textiles and modern technology into their fall collections. Mass market designers generally adapt the trends set by the famous names in fashion. Increasingly, many modern high-end designers are now beginning to turn to mass market retailers to produce lower-priced merchandise, and to broaden their customer base. Perhaps most importantly, designers use their imaginations to come up with new ideas.

There are a number of well known fashion design schools worldwide. Most fashion design courses last for three years. As well as teaching students about the artistic and technical side of the subject, some courses include a year working in the fashion industry, to give students a taste of commercial fashion design. Others offer the chance to visit fashion houses abroad.

Lakme Fashion Week Switches Over To Spring/Summer Collection

Eighty percent of the country witnesses hot weather and even if north India witnesses winter, it lasts for not more than two months," says Pradeep Hirani, owner of Mumbai retail outlet Kimaya, told. "So it is a good shift. Orders are small, production won't take much time and as a result retail outlets will get new designs every three months, which is a very good thing, keeping in mind how fashion forward today's consumer is," he added.

So this year, keeping the domestic market in mind, LFW organisers had taken a collective decision to present a Spring-Resort collection instead of an Autumn-Winter one during the five-day fashion event from March 5 to 9. At fashion shows the world over, an Autumn-Winter collection is presented early in the year and a Spring-Summer edition in the latter part. But Hirani feels the Indian fashion market is so huge and so creative that it need not follow the international fashion week formula. "In the West, they have extreme summer and extreme winter. We don't have that here; so what is the point of following their standards?" he asked. "We don't have to go by international fashion weeks because our fashion caters to the domestic market and that is where designers make business. This is the time to show our attitude and our identity," he said.

This year the Bollywood quotient at LFW was low compared to previous years, making it a more designfocused event. Among the designers who participated were Manish Malhotra, Narendra Kumar, Malini Ramani, Rocky, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Satya Paul, Shantanu and Nikhil, Suneet Varma and Vikram Phadnis, among others. In all, no one is complaining about the seasonal shift, but its effect will be seen in the next season.

The Stitch Times is pleased to share what important collections were showcased at the Lakme Fashion Week, held from 5 through 9 March, 2010 at Mumbai, without, however, implying that other collections were not so impressive.

Pria Kataria Puri's Fashionable Ode to Maharani Gayatri Devi

Maharani Gayatri Devi's beauty and style is unparallel in the world of fashion. Little wonder therefore that Pria Kataria Puri's collection at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2010 was called "The Royal Rajputana Collection". It was resort haute couture from a designer who is known for her striking colourful creations.

Staying true to her muse, Pria's line of luxurious garments were in a rainbow of dazzling hues, that ranged from creamy pearl, smoky and golden topaz, aquamarine, turquoise, coral, red, emerald and onyx which were made from feminine flowing fabrics like silk, chiffon, tulle, satin, jersey and Egyptian cotton.

Show stopper Bollywood glam girl, Mughda Godse ended the show in a dazzling slim orange lehenga, choli and net dupatta, Splendour in fashion can only be created by Pria Kataria Puri and her Gayatri Devi inspired collection will be the ultimate style statement for any woman.

Era of Gothic Dress Culture

Gothic Dress is a stark black or dark style of clothing worn by the members of the Goth subculture. Gothic fashion clothing, which is considered by many as a protest against the extravagance, can be described as a profusion of dark velvets, fishnets, lace, tight corsets, gloves and leather shaded with scarlet. Gothic clothing also features Dark make up such as black lips, dark eyeliner, dark finger-nails and black dyed hair.

The Gothic time dress is usually divided into two periods, Early Gothic period (1200-1350) and Late Gothic period (1350-1450). The outfits in the Early Gothic period were more sophisticated, graceful and simpler in cut than the Romanesque period. Sleeves used to be tight and the forearms were given more importance. Minimal trimmings on the Gothic clothing were also a feature of the Early Gothic period. The Gothic dresses were usually longer and the necklines were deep. Styles changed quickly during the Late Gothic period. The period moved from the earlier flowing draperies that metamorphosed, into fabrics that kept on becoming more and stiffer with the passage of time. During the 15th century, the extremes were mostly in the upper silhouette. Crisp pleats, tight belts, padded doublets, leg-o-mutton sleeves were also some of the important features of the Gothic clothing in the Late Gothic period.

In the Early Gothic period, men wore hair at a sensible length often in a bob to the jaw line with a bang across the forehead. Men often bleached their hair as blond hair was popular. Few men wore beards. In the Late Gothic period, men wore hair bobbed with neatly curled ends. Young girls in both periods wore their hair loose, flowing upon their shoulders. But after marriage, they used to confine their hair in a bun at the nape. They also used to wear many types of hair pieces, such as wimple and gorget, to cover it.

Gothic corset is an important piece of Gothic dress. It shapes the body of a girl like an hourglass. It was very popular during the Victorian and medieval ages. Even today, Gothic corset is widely popular as even today, hourglass shape of a girl's is considered as aesthetic and flattering. At the outset, a Gothic corset was very uncomfortable to wear. It is only with the passage of time that the garment became more soft and convenient to wear.

Gothic outfits like fishnets are summer temperature friendly. Fishnets can be worn on arms, legs or even as shirts and jumpers. Cotton bloomers, lace-trimmed long skirt and flowing gauzy skirts are some of those parts of Gothic clothing that are very comfy to wear in the summer. Men wear shirts with ruffles, buckles and lacing that look just like pirate shirts. In summer, male Goths wear light natural fiber shirts and short black trousers, accessorized with wide-brimmed hats, black umbrellas and silver ornaments. Gothic clothing is incomplete without Gothic boots. Female Goths usually wear dark black boots with high heels, while Gothic men wear dark black flatted boots, which are usually heavy. However, one can also come across Goths wearing bloody-red boots.

Interesting Facts about Perfumes

High living has always been associated with the use of perfumes. In the old days with royalty people espousing the need for fragrances, the bourgeois society soon followed.

Perfumes from natural odorants like sandalwood or musk were preferred. In today's world due to illegal trafficking and species endangerment, natural odorants are replaced by synthetic aromatics. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Aromas like musk from natural ingredients are extremely complex and have been impossible to imitate through synthetic aromatics like nitro-musks or macrocyclic musks. On the other hand, synthetic aromas like ozone, marine, metallic, etc. have no parallel olfactory relationship in the natural odorants.

So nowadays with modern technology of perfume manufacturing and synthetic aromas, new categories have been created. Categories that can be best described as:

1. Bright Floral - very popular and meant for almost everyone and all occasions
2. Woody - it evokes the forest refreshing smell
3. Green - it has a lighter fragrance and is meant for casual wear
4. Oceanic - it is very popular among the younger generation
5. Spicy Fruit - a good choice for tropical weather or during summer
6. Oriental - (Or Spicy scents) it is meant for special occasions.

The composition of perfumes is very important, because the right combination of scents (as rose, jasmine, cola), modifiers (esters), blenders (linalool, hydroxycitronellol) and fixatives(like resins, wood scents and amber), can provide the unique smell by which brand name perfumes are so famous and desired for. Some famous brand name perfumes are:

1. Eau de Cologne (1709)
2. Chanel No. 5 (1921)
3. Opium YSL (1977)
4. Azzaro Pour Homme (1978)
5. Anais Anais (1979)
6. Poison Christian Dior (1985)
7. Eternity Calvin Klein (1988)
8. Envy Gucci (1997)
9. Nu YSL (2001)
10. Rose 31 (2006)

Also, preservation of perfumes is of vital significance as it degrades if kept carelessly. Previously all perfumes used to come in open bottles with caps. These bottles kept the fragrance intact for about a year. As it was used, the level of the perfume went down, and it was exposed to oxygen contained in the empty space of the bottle. This eventually changed the perfumes fragrance. Heat, light, oxygen, and extraneous organic materials, further distorted the fragrance. Thus glass bottles, though extremely decorative, allowed light, and contributed to the degradation of the scent.

It is now a well known fact that light-tight aluminum bottles are best for the preservation of perfumes, especially when they are refrigerated at low temperatures from 3 to 7 degree Celsius. The oxygen contained inside the bottle cannot be removed completely but it can be minimized by the use of rollers instead of open bottles. Further minimization of oxygen exposure can be attained by the use of sprays.

Thus almost all modern day perfume come in spray bottles, which isolate the perfume from mixing with outside oxygen, skin, detritus, and dust, thereby promoting the longevity of the olfactory quality of the perfume.

The Boho Style - Bohemian Clothes for Any Alter

Boho garments, diamond jewelry and bags have rocked the fashion globe. Boho continues to be immensely popular both with celebrities and with masses alike. Have you ever tried using bohemian clothing? The fashion of street clothes is also called as Boho type. And in case you are sick and tired of putting on the exact same old issue daily, then that is one option you might search into with regards to garments for the adjust. Several would say that this among the most convenient method of dressing up since you do not have to spend that a great deal cash compared to designer's apparel. It can be just a matter of mixing and matching your street outfits to create them look a little much more presentable, and a tiny a lot more as what you are able to call your own design. All you've to glimpse into is always to wearing outfits which have a lot more shades of artistry in it. It should be somehow one of a kind in the plain and also the typical, and adding components to your outfit would surely highlight the style one of the most. You also ought to take note that bohemian clothing are much more of the loose type of clothes so it isn't all about highlighting the shape of your respective curves as nicely as your muscles. The notion of sporting this form of garments is introducing a far more at ease and more artistic means of dressing up. Rather of putting on the common skimpy dresses and body fit shirts, you now possess the choice for making use of bohemian clothing to your everyday outfit. This time around you will not ought to be concerned should the skirt that you are wearing is too brief or should the blouse you might be donning is extremely colorful. With all the boho dresses you'll be able to assure your self that what you're putting on is comfy enough to your everyday activities. What's additional exciting about this style of dressing up is that it is possible to include as significantly gadgets you intend to match these artistic clothes. You are able to be as a lot innovative in projecting your own personal individuality without obtaining to present off that much skin. A lot of would say that this is usually a more cozy, affordable and an out of this planet style of garments. Nonetheless, tend not to you consider it's time for you to test it for the transform, so it is possible to stop questioning what it feels like wearing these varieties of clothes? Let us have a look on Boho suggestions: Fitting: Many individuals misconstrue Bohemian outfits as ill fitting outfits. If you're acquiring these, assure it fits properly. The latest Bohemian clothes trend is all about lengthy skirts and tunic tops. Brilliant Colors: Decide on a vibrant colored top on jeans or trousers or more than a prolonged skirt, Capri etc. Alternatively, put on a long dress with intricate embroidery or have on a free flowing Boho lengthy skirt to enrich your character.

Microfiber Slacks: Fashion for All Occasions

Pants will never go out of style. It may take on different forms and styles, but a good old pair of pants will always be in fashion. This is why you must invest in good quality pairs of pants that will last for many years. Microfiber slacks are among the most comfortable and durable kinds of pants that you must definitely have in your closet.

Microfiber is a type of synthetic fabric that is commonly made from polyamides, polyester or a combination of the two. This material is often used in making textiles that are woven, unwoven or knitted, which are then used in making various types of clothing. Aside from apparel, microfiber is also widely used in making industrial filters, upholstery and cleaning materials that are used on gadgets, such as mobile phones, music players and gaming consoles.

There are many reasons why microfiber is a top choice in making these useful things. Its durability, softness, strong wicking ability, absorbent property, water repellency, filtering capabilities and electrodynamics make it the perfect material for such stuff.

In apparels, a pair of microfiber slacks always makes a great fit and is very stylish. It can be used as an office attire because it looks very corporate. It may also be used in formal occasions by pairing it with an appropriate top. Its elegance is truly classic. If you thought it will not work as a casual piece of clothing, think again. More daring and adventurous men and women of fashion these days are not afraid to experiment with the microfiber pants. They wear it casually by simply folding the hems outward. It may be paired with a button-down shirt and worn with a belt. For the right footwear, booties are a safe choice as well as heels.

Sometimes, putting up the right ensemble is really just a matter of proper color combination. But you might also want to consider the material of each piece that you wear. Some materials do not look very well together even if their colors complement each other perfectly. Slacks, in general come in warm colors since they are often associated with the corporate world. It may be black, brown, khaki, navy blue or moss green. There are also slacks in lighter colors, such as shades of gray, white and beige. These may also be worn at the office but might be more appropriate for other functions and events.

Taking care of clothes made of microfiber fabric, such as slacks, is very important. Although this material is proven durable, still you need to take the proper steps in caring for it to make sure that it will last for a long time. Follow the instructions indicated on the tags of the microfiber clothes that you have carefully to avoid damaging the material as you wash it. Use only cleaning products that have been proven safe to use on such fabric. Ironing instructions, especially on microfiber slacks, must also be followed exactly as indicated to avoid burning the fabric.

Leather Apparel for the Fashionable Woman

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What we wear on the upper part of our body plays a very important role in sprucing up our appearance. Having a presentable appearance is of prime importance these days, and therefore it becomes imperative that we don't just wear something good but also something unique that would make us stand out in the crowd.

Unconventionality is the key word, and what could be better than leather tops for creating that perfect unconventional look? There are various fabrics and designs available these days which just provides the contemporary woman with a variety of options on a platter.

Leather fabrics have created quite a niche for themselves in the fashion arena, and this durable fabric is definitely worth trying at least once.

Leather apparel looks trendy if you really want to accentuate those curves, and there could be nothing better than donning proper body-fitting leather tops.

Leather vests have become quite popular lately among fashion conscious women.

A red lamb leather halter vest with a tuxedo style cut would look fantastically edgy if you really want to create a statement.

For a first date or an informal get-together with friends, this style would definitely make you look like a million bucks.

Team up a front zipper closure nickel studded vest with skinny leather pants and swanky leather boots if you want to attain a gothic look or make a bold style statement.

If it's a formal occasion and you want to don something decent, try simple sleeveless patterned sand colored leather top along with an "A-line" cut formal skirt or formal trousers. If it's a simple yet stylish look that you want to achieve, this combination will definitely work wonders for your personality.

Even leather jackets are quite a fashion statement and when teamed up with the right clothes, they can give your appearance quite an edgy look. A few styles you can try when it comes to jackets:

Cropped Jackets - They have recently touched a chord with the young crowd. This style imparts a very trendy look to your persona. These are jackets with a hemline thats waist length or higher.

Trench coats Trench coats are a great utility style statement. They are long coats that protect you from the harsh weather.

Hooded jackets Jackets with stylish hoods can never go out of vogue. They look supremely trendy. Fur hooded leather jackets are all the rage among the youth lately.

Double breasted jackets These kinds of jackets fulfill the purpose of attaining both a casual as well a formal look. It has an overlapping front with parallel column of buttons on both the sides.