The Fashion Show Room

Meet French designer Lou de Bètoly. She launched her label a year ago and  to her crocheting is like creating a tactile diary.  She began to crochet at the age of 5 as she saw her mother doing it. She says, “She showed me different types of techniques on a little square, I was proud of the result but I wasn’t satisfied with the color.” Now she even has her own label and it’s able to create anything she puts her mind into.

Her creations are eye catching as she uses many different materials such as colorful rhinestones, very unique patterns and fabrics and textures that beautifully random placed on her dresses, skirts and knit knee-high black boots.

Stella McCartney fashion show was all about socks as she gave each guest received a pair of McCartney’s brand-new sustainable sock which are made with 85 percent up cycled yarn (in collaboration with Osom Brand).  They also used zero chemicals, dyes, or pesticides; and they created zero waste.

and the fun won’t stop!

This newest trend of fashion has turn social media upside down for the past few hours as pictures of celebrities/artist are being Photoshop and they are all wearing big puffy jackets. Well, recently Balenciaga had it’s runway show for their W18 collection in Paris. For this particular collection, models took to the runway wearing layers upon layers of jacket and coats so it made it seemed very voluminous. The reason why they wore it, was to create an effect that the models were as wide as they were tall.

Now even there’s a photo of Joey Tribbiani wearing all of Chandler’s clothes during a particularly memorable Friends episode and also a photo of fashion icon Luka Sabbat.

I recently flew to South Korea to see what was the current fashion buzz. As, I stepped outside my hotel and walked in the streets of Seoul I came across the biggest pink building I have ever seen in my life. Outside it had a big sign that said STYLENANDA (also known as the Pink Hotel). At first glance I was surprise that this place was a clothing store. I was amazed as I came inside the store, everywhere you looked was pink.

They even have Instagram worthy places all over the clothing store. And yes it has four floors so, there’s a lot to see and a lot to shop. After shopping, you can sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Pink Pool Cafe. They have the pretties and coolest desserts.

Even though the store looks like a dream, the clothes are the hot trend. Stylenanda shows a new type of fashion, very chic and fancy, yet playful. Their clothes show a lot of colors, patterns and cuts/texture. The clothes are very flowy and the materials are very thin, perfect for this hot summer weather.

The brand combines street style with a feminine touch. It’s something different and new. Not only are people walking down the street wearing Stylenanda but also Korean celebrities from K-pop artist to K-drama actors. Stylenanda is definitely a brand you would want to get your hands on to be a part of the summer trend in Korea.

When trends come around everyone wants to get their hands on them which can cause you to lose your wallet because of how expensive they are. But, there’s ways that you can save money and still look trendy.

1. Shop in the Sale Section

I can’t stress this enough! When you go shopping, go on days that there’s sales or simply go to the sale section; you will find accessories, shoes or clothes for much cheaper. If you do online shopping, make sure to check websites that are cheaper for example I have shopped at YesStyles.com which is a website you can buy clothing, makeup, basically anything that's trendy for less. Also Zaful is another website that has many trendy clothing for cheap. A trick I do is add items to my shopping cart when shopping online, sometimes items will go on sell and it will show on your cart.

2. Check Out the Thrift Store

This one is a must! Checking out your local thrift store it can help you look for items that you can create outfits with. You will find so many hidden gems in thrifts stores, I know it can be difficult looking though many clothes but patience is key in a thrift store. So go to your local Goodwill or Wasteland and do some digging.

3. Look into Accessory Trends

You don’t necessarily need to buy new clothes, you can also get accessories. A recent trend are glasses. You can buy a cool colorful pair and wear them with your outfit or if you have a pair wear them out, they will make your outfit look fabulous! Also bags, necklaces and belts are accessories many people are using.

4. DIY’s (Do It Yourself)

Let’s say you went thrift shopping or you have a pair of old pants you don’t use anymore... DIY them! Creating your own clothes can help you save so much money. Is basically like recycling an outfit and creating a new one. You can cut jeans or shirt to make a cropped top or shorts.

5. Shop your own Wardrobe

It’s easier than what it might look! So don’t be afraid to be a part of the sneaker trend.

This is one of the newest trends going around, you can see it anywhere. Many people are pairing their sneakers not just with sports wear but with trendy clothes like suits, skirts, and dresses. There is no wrong way to create an outfit with sneakers, believe me I have tried it myself, it makes an outfit look cool and chic. Here is how you can wear your sneakers:

Buy a sneaker that would suit your current wardrobe

This one is simple, look at your wardrobe and see what you already have. Based on that, you can buy a sneaker that would complement the outfits you already have. You DO NOT want to buy a whole new wardrobe just to pair it with your sneakers. It’s a waste of time and money. If you want to play it safe, buying white or black sneakers can go with anything.

Wear sneakers to the right occasions and you won’t look bad!

Wearing a sneaker with a trendy outfit like the ones below can make you look cool and casual as you walk down the street but you do not want to wear your sneakers to a weeding or a business meeting, that’s a big NO! It would make you look unprofessional and under-dress. Yes, you can pair up a suit with your sneakers but not for an important event.

Don’t be afraid to try new looks with your sneakers

Lastly, don’t be scared to pair your sneakers with a dress or a skirt, this can make your outfit looked very street style and can make you look as part of the trend. Just make sure that the colors of the sneakers match your outfit. For example, in the two pictures below both models are seen wearing black and white sneakers. This is very common, you can pair black and white Vans, Converse, and Adidas to make your outfit pop out more.

What does this mean for Fur in Fashion?

Fur, It has been a fashion staple as early as the 11 Th century. Back then, people wore fur as a symbol of wealth and social status rather than just to wear it to keep warmth. Still to this day, fur is worn as a fashion “must” during winter seasons. For many years, this has caused many heated debates against fashion luxury brands and animal rights associations.

Now, many luxury brands like Gucci and Versace, are starting to change their stance on this by not using animal fur any longer. Let’s take Gucci’s Alessandro Michele as an example, last October he took the brand to join fur-free veterans like designer and animal rights activist Stella McCartney, as well as anti-fur brands, like Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, and Giorgio Armani, and retail conglomerate Yoox Net-a-Porter Group. More and more brands are going fur-free, I see this as a good thing because in the past years many animal rights activist have taken control over fashion shows to protest against fashion houses using fur as a “material.”

Because of the change in some luxury brands, many are taking the Faux-fur route in other words use fake fur to still create clothing without using animals. Faux-fur is a pile fabric and is typically made from polymeric fibers that are dyed,processed, and cut to match a specific color or faux. I will say, this is a positive way for luxury brands to still be able to create clothing and sell.

But at the same time, I believe using faux-fur is not completely ethical. As we know, fashion is said to be one of the major industries that are a part of the pollution problem because of the materials, some aren't biodegradable. But, there’s companies currently working in materials that would help the environment instead of hurting it. So, if faux-fur is created with environmental friendly materials, then it would be better for both the animals and the environment.

Yes, fur has played a big role in the world of fashion, but I personally don’t think using any animals to become a piece of clothing, a bag, a scarf or hat is correct. Nor killing an animal to create a fashion statement,  is not ethical. 

This is a new launched and inclusive #AerieReal campaign for its lingerie line.

American Eagle’s Lingerie brand, Aerie has launched their new #AerieReal campaign and it’s all positive vibes on social media. The brand took to their official website earlier this week posting pictures of models in lingerie in wheelchairs, arm braces, and women posing with their insulin pumps and J-pouches.

Many people on social media praised the brand for showing how real women look and are, other said that this is something many women can relate to. “Seeing this from the @Aerie website means so much to me," tweeted @_madelynn101. "This model not only is beautiful, but has the same type of disease as me. I love seeing diverse representation." Another explained how happy she was as she saw the pictures.

According to the Huff Post, In 2014, the brand’s sales escalated with its #AerieReal campaign, in which models in its ads were not airbrushed, challenging “supermodel standards.” Both American Eagle and Aerie have had a no retouching policy which brings the new #AerieReal campaign showing models of all ethnicity’s and sizes as well as many with disabilities. This celebrates natural beauty and promote women's empowerment.

The future of technology is near and new changes are emerging into fashion.

As technology emerges a new form of media technology does as well. This could change the way fashion is viewed, the way brands sell their clothing, and how we intake fashion trends. We know that fashion industry has always been fast paced, but in the digital era, it has the capacity to change even faster. Here are top five ways that media is changing the way we consume fashion.

1. Social Media

Everything is about social media and it has become a place for millennial to get inspire to buy and to wear certain clothes. Every day, a social media people post pictures and videos of them self's so others can see what they are wearing which can be a form of influencing an audience to purchased something you could be wearing. We also have social media influencers, let’s take Kylie Jenner for example, she has a big following which means many people can see what she wears 24/7. So, fashion brands can sponsor her to wear a specific outfit so people can see it and buy it.

2. A smarter Living (Smart-Phones)

In today’s society, everywhere we look there’s a  smart phone, smart watch, smart tablet, and now, even smart TVs. The arrival of the smartphone obviously changed the fashion business and more people are shopping, purchasing and reviewing items at the comfort of your home or on the go. Fashion retailers had to think of new and innovative ways to appeal to these mobile customers, so they have real-time customer service and virtual payments. Everything in a click of a button.

3. Applications

Applications or Apps are everywhere. We have them on our phones even on our Televisions; our computers, laptops and tablets also have them. We’ve all heard the comment of “There’s an app for that”, and there is. Now, many fashion companies have an app in were they can sell and keep the shopper updated with new fashion trends. Now, many fashion brands are thinking on live streaming fashion shows through their apps.

4.  3D Printing

3D printing is still on the rising that it hasn’t changed the fashion industry yet, but is something that is in the works and it might change fashion completely. If 3D printing does takes off and becomes economically sustainable for the average home, everything will be faster. Designers would be able to show their designs with in minutes and they will be easy to make/sell across the globe. No need for shipping anymore! Everyone would be able to create or show a design. But only time will tell what will happen.

5. No paper, Only digital.

As we know, social media has changed through out time and it has played a big part on our society that anyone can take a picture and post it whether if it is on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Now, many people take to social media to post pictures of them self's showing what they are wearing or how to style and create certain outfits. This has played a big influence in fashion causing a shift in the industry. There’s currently many fashion bloggers all over social media and the hot trend is street fashion.

Street Fashion is generally associated with youth culture, and is most often seen in major urban centers. Street Fashion has become the new form of fashion that even high brands like Coco Chanel, Balenciaga, Gucci and more are using for their new collections and runway shows. But, in high fashion they use the term of ‘sportswear’ instead of street fashion because it sounds more extravagant.

In 2017, Versace did their SS17 runway show in which they incorporated street fashion to their new collection it contained everything from checkerboard and lightweight outerwear. It was also on a setting of grey pavement and street lights. This was something different from the usual glamour and luxury this brand brings.  Donatella Versace spoke at the show saying that, “Sportswear is the future of fashion. Making it unique and luxurious is the challenge I took on this season. This is a collection that is all about freedom.”

Fashion has become more comfortable instead of the glamour and uncomfortable clothes. Now, so many big name designers/brands have accepted there position as second place trend-setters and allowed social media bloggers change fashion. That even I have taken apart of this trend (shown in the picture below).