Fresh summer fashion on the stage of bTV fashion show Mirrors

The studio of the bTV fashion show „Mirrors“ turned into a glorious stage where the most trendy solutions for this summer season were presented. They were designed by many and famous Bulgarian and foreign brands. This fresh and colorful fashion show was a part of the „Golden needle“ gala-eve held by the Bulgarian Fashion Academy.

In a couple of articles we will introduce you to some of the most interesting fashion trends.
PAOLA APSI Studio presented innovative models inspired by the idea of grace, elegance and femininity. The unique collection fascinates with an original style and a hidden magic. In a non-conventional way the fashion designer Paola Apsi interprets different elements of the Bulgarian folklore tradition as well as she mixes them perfectly with the actual fashion forms and patterns.

Summer 2007 will be exciting in the swim suits of TRIUMPH International. Very trendy striped and vivid colors obsess the beach. Unique decorative elements and accessories like beads, shells and ribbons give a special charm of the whole collection. Flowery materials are actual again as well as the pareos are an inevitable addition to every swimwear. Hit colors are orange, yellow, brown, blue, green and the classics – black and white.

The new sunglasses line - KWIAT Exclusive, is the hit of our fashion market this year. The newest models of this Bulgarian optic brand completely meet the highest quality requirements. Summer models are much more extravagant and elegant than the base ones in KWIAT collection. They are decorated with Malaysian pearls, crystals and metal ornaments. Collection combines the traditional with the modern and it is assigned mostly to the fashion maniacs. An unique ornament on the sunglasses frame is the decorative imitation of a small padlock. This Bulgarian optic leader is the only who offers such an original solution. Large glasses shape dominates. Sunglasses frames are attractive and comfortable.

Author collection of the fashion designer Milena Tsoncheva specially made for the Fashion house MONRO uses one of the actual textile designs namely the leopard one which is combined with black. Toilets are made by sheer knitted fabrics which fall freely and softly following body shapes. Collection combines elegant feminine dresses with sensual slashes and fine upper parts as well drooped trousers with a low bottom and wide elastic belt around the ankle.

AIMS-G boutique presented the author collection of designer Petya Dimitrova. Non-ordinary design solutions are the clue of her style as a fashion designer. She uses boldly her fantasy and the scissors. Some additional features of her design solutions are sensuality and the art playing with colors.

AIMS-G offered some more original ideas as those ones presented by the Slovene Fashion house „October“. Their models impress with a specific style that includes pure elegance of the silhouette and a high quality of the workmanship and materials. Retro vision is combined with romanticism. Accessories are the accent in October's collection: leather belts, gloves, brooches, necklaces. Their main colors for this season are black, beige, golden and purple.

Source: bgfashion

The scottish fashion awards (gbr)

The excitement of the Scottish Fashion Awards is already mounting after the success of last year's first ever show, organizers have had to extend the deadline for nominations, due to the high volume of applicants. Budding fashion designers will now have an extra week to apply for an award, which you can do online at http://www.scottishfashionawards.com/, with the closing date being July 6. Categories for the awards show include Scottish Designer Of The Year, Scottish Model Of the Year and Scottish Fashion Awards Communicator Of TheYear.

This year’s judging panel includes Vogue fashion director Kate Phelan, photographer Albert Watson, The Daily Telegraph’s Hilary Alexander and Bridgette Stepputtis head of couture at Vivienne Westwood. Talking about the glamorous event and the influx of Scottish talent Tessa Hartmann, event founder and producer told Vogue:

"When we are flicking through fashion magazines and admiring all the wonderful imagery, I don't think we imagine for a minute there are so many Scots involved in the process," she continued. "From innovative photography and creative styling to trend-setting collections and powerful marketing - the Scots are there. That's what The Scottish Fashion Awards are all about - creating a platform, recognising the talent on a global level - and with our second year we hope to acknowledge even more of fashion's future stars."

Last year’s winners included Christopher Kane who picked up Young Scottish Fashion Designer / New Talent of the Year, Jonathan Sanders won Scottish Designer of the Year and Jennifer Lang was awarded Textiles/Cashmere Designer of the year. The ceremony takes place at Stirling Castle on September 9 and will be hosted by TV presenter Jenni Falconer.

Source: mpdclick

Fashion talks

‘Fashion is a means to expressing your wildest fantasies and aspirations’, says local fashion designer Thabani Mavundla. We chatted to him about working with Nkhensani Nkosi from Stoned Cherrie and his collection for the Paris catwalk…

iafrica.com: Firstly, how are you feeling? Has it hit home that you are going to Paris in less than a month? Are there a lot of last-minute preparations?

Thabani: My feelings change by the hour, my heart still skips a beat every time I think about being in Paris, and then I have to breathe and just remind myself to just focus on the work at hand, especially all those last-minute preparations.

iafrica.com: Do you feel you are ready to go to Paris in July this year? Do you feel that your designs are on track and are you confident that your collection will do justice to the ultimate catwalk?

Thabani: I doubt anyone ever feels totally ready for that particular catwalk, but the guidance that I’ve had through the design and production process has given me a lot of confidence in my collection. I’m very fortunate to have people with a wealth of experience guiding me.

iafrica.com: You have designed for the popular South African fashion brand, Stoned Cherrie, for five years. Did you work closely with local celeb designer Nkensani Nkosi and if so what did you learn from her and your experience with this label? Do you think she had an influence in bringing you to where you are today?

Thabani: I consider myself very lucky that I had the opportunity to work very closely with Nkhensani, as well as the rest of the design team at Stoned Cherrie. The fact that the label was just starting gave me the opportunity to be as creative as I wanted to be.

From Khensi I learned the value of looking at fashion as part of a whole, living organism in terms of the arts, self-expression and being able to keep it relevant to real life and its demands.

For example, I was able to really put a lot of focus on dealing with the fact that not all real women have the same body shape, as well as finding solutions to the challenges of fitting and bringing the best out of any body type instead of forcing women to conform to trends that may not flatter their bodies.

iafrica.com: Marie Claire South Africa bestowed upon you your latest South African fashion award, which you added to your already huge collection. They have singled you out as South Africa’s ‘Best Emerging Designer’. Why do you think you were selected out of so many others?

Thabani: Winning the Marie Claire Best Emerging Designer Award was one of the highlights of my career. I would like to think that my being selected had something to do with the effort I have made to not only follow European trends in my designs, but to start drawing the attention to the uniquely African and especially South African design aesthetic in a way that is relevant to the sophisticated tastes of today’s South African.

Though I may not be sure of the reason for the selection, I’m very happy with the vote of confidence that comes from having my work recognised and appreciated.

iafrica.com: Do you feel a lot of pressure to perform, having been selected as ‘Best Emerging designer’ by Marie Clare and the fact that you have been chosen to show in Paris? How do you cope with the pressure?

Thabani: Fashion as a career is very intense and generally quite pressured. The best way to deal with the pressure is to surround yourself with good people for support and to keep reminding yourself to enjoy and always have fun with your work and not take yourself too seriously.

iafrica.com: Your designs have been showcased in South Africa, Madagascar and Moscow. What did you learn from showing in each of these places?

Thabani: The most important lesson was coming to the realization that South Africans are actually doing quite well as far as design in general is concerned, when playing in the international field. It’s also important to concentrate on our strengths and what makes us unique rather than trying too hard to copy other countries.

iafrica.com: What do you hope to gain from showing in Paris?

Thabani: For me the process that I’m going through in preparation for the show would be impossible to put a price on. Above any opportunities that may come as a result of the show, just being in Paris is the kind of paradigm shifting experience that only comes once in a lifetime.

iafrica.com: Gavin Rajah helped you prepare for your debut in Paris. How much of an influence did he have in your new collection? Do you feel that it is still your own personal creation or did Gavin’s decisions dominate the process?

Thabani: Gavin’s advice has added so much value to the collection and his experience has afforded me that objective second opinion that is so important in keeping my collection focussed. Instead of dominating the process, Gavin’s involvement has given me the confidence to push myself even further and do things that I may not have done without a second pair of eyes.

iafrica.com: It is sometimes difficult for a successful creative person to accept criticism. Did Gavin criticise your initial designs for Paris? How did you feel about it? Did you two ever have a disagreement over the collection?

Thabani: I’ve actually had very good feedback on all the designs for my collection. Instead of disagreements, Gavin has brought my attention to how putting too much emphasis on certain aspects for the range change the direction and basic essence of what I’m communicating with the collection. His respect for my creativity makes it very easy to make those decisions.

iafrica.com: Please tell us a little bit about what the world can expect from the collection you will unveil in Paris.

Thabani: I think people will find a closer relationship between fabric and the body, as well as a bolder use of design as a means of communication.

Source: lifestyle.iafrica.com

Italian fashion designer Ferre dies

Italian fashion designer Gianfranco Ferre has died at Milan's San Raffaele hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage, the hospital said in a statement.

Ferre, 62, had been admitted to hospital on Friday. The hospital said doctors confirmed his death at 9.00 pm local time (7am NZT).

The portly, bearded designer was suffering from diabetes and had already had two strokes, the first in 2003, according to Italian media.

Ferre was known for his sharp, tailored women's suits and furs. He was artistic director at prestigious French fashion house Christian Dior for some seven years from 1989.

Ferre was due to present his spring/summer 2008 menswear collection on June 24 as part of Milan's ready-to-wear menswear fashion shows.

"I ... particularly admired him for his coherence and the intellectualism and artistry upon which he based his fashion philosophy until the end," Giorgio Armani, the eminence gris of Italian fashion, said in a statement on Sunday.

Donatella Versace, design head of Versace whose brother Gianni was murdered 10 years ago, said he was "a gentleman from another time", ANSA news agency reported.

"I am so upset. Ten years after the death of my brother, I have now lost a friend as well," she said, according to ANSA.

Gianni Versace was gunned down outside his Miami Beach mansion by serial killer Andrew Cunanan in 1997.

Source: stuff.co.nz

Anand Jon in the dock yet again

Fashion designer Anand Jon faces more legal trouble as six new alleged victims have now come forward to press charges of sexual assualt against him. Jon may have to pay 2.3 million dollars for bail now.

The Indian born fashion designer is already accused of raping or sexually assaulting 12 women and girls, was charged on Tuesday with attacks on six additional victims. Los Angeles prosecutors have now charged Anand Jon, with a total of 46 counts involving 18 victims, between the ages of 14 and 27.

Jon, who was free on 1.3 million US dollars bail in the Los Angeles case, was arrested again outside the courthouse after Dallas police issued a warrant in connection with three sexual assaults there. However, Jon's new attorney said he believes his client is innocent and plans to prove it in court.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney, said that her office would ask that Jon's bail be raised to USD 2.3 million in light of the new charges. As of now, charges against Jon include forcible rape, sexual battery and sexual exploitation of a child and the designer has been prohibited from being alone with any woman under the age of 30.

Source: moneycontrol

Manish Malhotra’s Spring and Summer Collection mesmerizes Dubai

Manish Malhotra, India’s leading celebrity fashion designer and style icon, unveiled his Spring and Summer Collection yesterday at the Manish Malhotra Store in Jumeirah, Dubai. Stamped by Manish Malhotra’s signature ethnic-inspired design, keen detailing and sensual silhouettes, the new collection offers relaxed functionality and classy style for the fashion savvy shopper.

Senior executives from Saif Belhasa Group of Companies, along with VIP guests, and customers expressed their immense appreciation for the designer’s latest creations during the event.Manish Malhotra’s Spring and Summer collection, also referred to as the Diffusion Collection 2007, is an amalgamation of the rich and diverse culture of Rajasthan and Texas, both with a very strong individual flavour and yet blending in to create a chic fusion line.

The garments reflect the rugged feel of Texas through colours like Beige, Oyster, Off-white and are very well combined with the bright colours of Rajasthan like coral reds, greens, purples, and yellows for surface ornamentation. The line also has creations which incorporate a Texan style use of leather and suede combined with Rajasthani gold and silver Gotta border finishes.

The silhouettes with a very international and rodeo-driven like appeal have variations in shirt dresses, shirts, dresses and others, which have been delicately created by using fabrics ranging from linens, stretch cottons, jersey to cotton silks.

"Spring and summer clothes need to be comfortable yet stylish and elegant to complement the wearer. My latest collection, which blends attractive color palettes, exquisite textiles and eye-catching cuts, is appropriate to the season and cater to the tastes of a cosmopolitan crowd on the hunt for trendy outfits. It has always been a tremendous pleasure to offer visitors a peek at my latest apparels here in Dubai, which is an affluent and sophisticated market," said Manish Malhotra.

The launch of the Spring and Summer collection follows Manish Malhotra’s successful participation at The Bride Show Dubai 2007 where the designer garnered acclaim for the avant-garde wedding dresses targeted at the modern bride. Bollywood stars Urmila Matondkar and Arjun Rampal led models on the ramp to display the designer’s collection, which was rich in embroidery and ornamentations as a nod to traditional fashion and modified to fit the tastes of the contemporary bride.

The attires highlighted the accomplished designer’s vast experience in meeting the needs of brides all over the world including Dubai, Antwerp, London, Singapore, Spain and America."Manish Malhotra has maintained a reputation in the region for incorporating the best of traditional Indian, Arabian and contemporary style, featuring ethnic chic, sensual elegance and relaxed glamour with his newest Spring and Summer collection. His designs have been a major hit in Dubai and other GCC countries, which is evident from the fact that his store in Dubai constantly attracts customers from across the region," said Sarah Rashid, Vice Chairman, Saif Belhasa Group.

With over 16 years in the industry, Manish Malhotra has received 22 prestigious awards and has a clientele that includes leading stars in India and Hollywood such as Reese Witherspoon for the film Vanity Fair, Michael Jackson, Jean Claude Van Damme and Naomi Campbell. The Manish Malhotra Store in Jumeirah was launched in 2006 by the designer and Saif Belhasa Group of Companies.

Featuring luxurious garments and accessories for Indian, Arabic and Western clients, the upscale boutique also carries the trademark Manish Malhotra skirts, tunics, corsets, kurtas, sarees and dresses in bright colors and prints along with a range of designer shelas, abhayas and jalabiyas.About Manish Malhotra: Manish Malhotra is one of India’s most famous fashion designers and has been working with some of the biggest names in Bollywood.

He is known for his different style and his ability to envision a ’look’ for the character. His clients include all the leading Bollywood actresses and several international celebrities such as Michel Jackson, Jean Claude, Van Damme, Reese Witherspoon and Naomi Campbell.

Manish has also designed for weddings all over the world, including Antwerp, London, Singapore, Spain, America and Dubai. He has been involved with the costume designing industry for over 16 years and has won 22 awards, most recently being awarded the Hall of Fame award for contributing to Fashion in films at the recently held fashion awards in Mumbai.

Source: dubaicityguide

West Indies: Caribbean Fashion Week ends with fabulous fashion colours

KINGSTON: The Caribbean Fashion Week being scheduled here in the city at the National Indoor Sports Centre from June 06-10 2007 ended on a note of colour, funk and fabulous fashion.

Although the event started a bit late, it ran smoothly as the models strutted their stuff in a wide selection of creative pieces.

The designer Peter Elias from Trinidad and Tobago with his female collection opened the show. Elias’ collection had the island feel, with long often flowing dresses that were tied around the models and utilised lots of beige, green, white and blue mixed on sheer material that floated around the models.

On the other spectrum of fashion was Keneea Linton who has obviously grown into her own, using more diverse colours and designs since last year’s fashion week, while the Linton’s look appeals to a more funk driven younger audience with a lot of zebra prints combined with hot pinks in short shorts, skirts and dresses.

Further, some dresses were ’80s styled such as pleated blue baby doll dresses, a Madonna style cupped breast top with a yellow skirt and some outfits were set for the high seas with blue deck shorts. Her last pieces shown were more mature with long dresses with sexy cuts at the top in orange, purple and green with yellow.

Luna Designs was all about nature and with mainly wrap skirts accompanied by brown bikini style tops, while Luna Designs accessorised with a lot of shell and bead jewelery. Most of the designs were very light, cool and often lightly trimmed with bright colours such as purple and yellow which really set off the dresses and skirts.

Yardman offered up a pure casual look with mainly male fashion featuring hoodies, T-shirts and jeans with ‘Yardman’ and ‘Kingston’ written all over it and young designer, Gavin Douglas really impressed the crowd with European style couture and used a lot of unique and interesting colours such as mustard yellow, deep purples and peacock feathers on very metallic looking material.

The veteran designer, Barry Moncrieffe featured a variety of cultures, such as African, Indian, Chinese and Caribbean themed outfits and with a few pieces in his classic black and white, Moncrieffe combined black and white stripes with polka dots in classy, long dresses.

Other standouts were the use of a lot of African prints, Indian long beaded skirts and Chinese style button front tops. Bajan designer Wayne Smith also had an evening dress appeal with his ‘Island Spice’ collection.

Island Spice featured long dresses in green, leopard print and many more. Their blending of colours was very well done, making the garments interesting. The material was sheer and oftentimes sexy. One long purple dress had a very unique accessory, with a necklace made of purple orchids.

Francis Hendy brought 1950s and ’60s back to men’s wear. He utilised a lot pinstripes in pants and tops, as well as patterns. After a brief break, Pulse took a minute out to honour a pioneerof costume designs in Trinidad – Peter Minshall.

Fashion designer, Claudia Pegus fascinated by frills, Pegus’ shirts and skirts were often frilled, and very vibrant, a bit carnivalesque colour scheme. She used a lot of deep gold to give a Egyptian feel to some dresses, which had an overall fun feel. Bill Edwards was mainly back to the men, with very comfortable looking slacks and shirts with leafy patterns.

Ending with a flair that had audience standing and applauding were designs from Romanian Catalin Ebotezatu. Ebotezatu had very sexy glittery and featured filled evening gowns which were sheer in the right places exposing the models sexily and overall had a very exotic feel.

Source: bharattextile

Another fashion lamb returns to the fold

Hilary Alexander explains why British designers are returning to show in London...

Following Luella Bartley’s decision to show her spring/summer 2008 collection at London Fashion Week this September, a second member of the Brit Fash Pack has signalled his intention to make a comeback on the capital’s catwalk.

Coming home: Williamson plans to return to show at LFW

Matthew Williamson, the prince of boho-chic, will bring his spring/summer 2008 collection to this next London Fashion Week to celebrate his 10th anniversary in fashion.

Williamson, 36, has achieved international fame and an impressive celebrity client list in a relatively short-time.

An ‘old boy’ of Central Saint Martins, he established his own designer brand soon after graduation and burst onto the LFW scene in September 1997 with his debut collection entitled ‘Electric Angels’.

It starred Kate Moss and Jade Jagger, among others, and was an instant hit.

As interest in his ethnic-chic signature grew, Williamson decided to spread his wings abroad and began showing at New York Fashion Week in 2002 . He quickly built up an A-list celebrity cast for his bold and bright use of colour and print, his eclectic and exotic embroidery and beading and his unashamed mix of the folksy and the fantastic.

His fans include Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johanssen, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson (and her mother, Goldie Hawn), Sienna Miller, Helena Christiansen, Cat Deeley and Sadie Frost. Throughout his Big Apple tenure, however, Williamson retained his ties with London, opening his flagship store here in 2004, just along from another CSM ‘old girl’, Stella McCartney.

"London Fashion Week has always been very special to me in so many ways and I will never forget the energy, enthusiasm and spontaneity surrounding my debut show," he said. "I cannot think of a more perfect way of celebrating the Matthew Williamson 10 year anniversary."

Following on from London Fashion Week, the Design Museum London will run an exhibition focussing on the design and process of Williamson’s work and featuring his most memorable pieces of the past decade.

Apart from his own label, Williamson is also creative director of Emilio Pucci, the jetset Florentine fashion house, and, in addition, designs a high street collection, ‘Butterfly’, for the Designers at Debenhams range.

Williamson has always displayed a determination and passion to succeed. From the outset, he established his label in conjunction with a business partner, Joseph Velosa, who mapped out a controlled and confident growth plan for the fledgling brand.

The pair built up a thriving label by themselves and only in September 2006 decided to invite outside investment.

The Icelandic fashion group, Baugur, which also has an interest in Whistles, House of Fraser, Oasis and Jane Norman, acquired a 34% stake, leaving the remainder in the hands of Williamson, as president, and Velosa as chief executive officer. Expansion plans for the brand continue.

The second flagship store will open in New York early next year - a time which will also see Williamson’s return to New York Fashion Week.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Milan to commemorate designer Gianni Versace on 10th anniversary of his murder

MILAN, Italy: The city of Milan will commemorate Gianni Versace on the 10th anniversary of his murder with a series of events in his memory, officials announced Friday.

Versace, who built his fashion empire from his studio in the center of Milan, was gunned down outside his oceanfront mansion in Miami Beach, Florida, on July 15, 1997.

Recalling Versace's love of the theater, French choreographer Maurice Bejart has written a two-part ballet titled "Thank you, Gianni, with love," to be performed on the 10th anniversary of his death at La Scala.

Other events include an exhibit of Versace's sketches of theater costumes that will be installed on Milan streets this month, and the establishment of a scholarship in Versace's honor at the European Institute of Design in Milan.

"Gianni for me was a great brother, a great man and a great artist," Donatella Versace told a news conference, sitting alongside her brother Santo. "He was a genius, who deserved all of this."

Source: iht.com

Models, designers arrive in Antigua to heat up runway

From their chic shoes to stylish dos, the models and designers who are going to join forces with the Insomnia models to sizzle the runway tomorrow night are already turning heads. Stepping out from the arrival lounge with style and presence, already people waiting on other arriving passengers could be heard asking, “A who dem dey?”

Arriving yesterday were the Thorough Bred models from St. Kitts/Nevis, regional super model the 2005 Miss Hawaii Tropics Suilika Buchanan, also from St. Kitts, the models from Model Image by CBO from Curacao, and fashion designer Kiasha Peters from St. Martin.

Except for the models from Curacao, the other delegates are all returning participants, including Thorough Bred model Beko Lapsey, who's been a model for the last five years.

Smiling broadly, he expressed his eagerness to work with the Insomnia models again and the Caliente producers. Particularly loving to please the women in the audience, he's promising a platinum performance this year.

One of the managers to accompany the Thorough Breds, Vaughn Anslyn spoke of the level of professionalism in the production of last year's show, and with the expansion of the production to include more designers and models, he was more than willing to have his guys participate once again.

Also commenting on the level of professionalism that the show exhibited on and off the runway, regional super model Suilika Buchanan smiled broadly as she told of her great experience last year.

"Rickerson and I share the same passion and vision to see Caribbean models taken seriously by the rest of the world ... there's no reason that our models can't be Victoria Secrets models and the like ... so anything to promote the fashion industry and especially the Caribbean modelling industry I'm more than willing to support," she shared.

Opening up some more, and believe me she's very down to earth and willing to share the spotlight with other up-and-coming models.

More than happy to share a few tips with present and future models, she advises that you never stop modelling. On the runway, she laughs as she admits that she's knock-kneed, but says, "It's important not to make your knees touch.

"You also need to know exactly what the designer expects from you. You need to respect the designer and their clothes, so never ever tell a designer that you don't like his work."

At 22 years, being active in the industry for six years, Suilika has a charismatic personality that will make you feel like you're chatting with a girlfriend, but when the camera focuses, she steps into full professional mode as she sashays for the camera.

For the Model Image by CBO models, this is their first major fashion show in the region, and they're all looking forward to showing Antigua exactly what they've got. Already poised to alight the runway, these young people are following their dreams and the fight for Caribbean models to be taken seriously.

Although she could easily be taken for a model, this "Knitty Kitty" will be showcasing new sexy knittable wears. From swimsuits to dresses this fashion diva from St. Martin already knows how to make a runway sizzle.

Designer Kaisha Peters attended last year's Caliente, and, expressing her pleasure of working with professionals such as Rickerson, could not miss this year's show. Reuniting with some of last year's participants at the show, they gave their own show at the airport as people watched the colourful group with curiosity.

Enjoying the reunion with fellow members of the fashion fraternity, the common interest of making Caliente 4 "Sashay" a success was without question.

If you'd like to see these models and designers "sashay" the runway, don't miss the fashion event of the year at the Multi-purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre at 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at The Source or It Clothing Store.

Source: antiguasun

Fashion star Jason shines

LUSCIOUS layering, looped belts and light-weight lapels hung temptingly to beautiful models when a Dagenham designer's work went before the global fashion elite.Former Robert Clack schoolboy Jason McCarthy proudly displayed his cutting edge designs for women's clothing, as his MA graduation fashion show got underway last week.

The 24-year-old, a student of the prestigious Royal College of Art, is now likely to be snapped up by any of the top designer fashion-houses, who circle the trendy student event in search of tomorrow's stars.Jason's designs impressed the baying fashionistas and drew noticeable excitement from the sharp-sighted catwalk crowds.

His collection, which included trench-coats, blouses and flat panelled trousers, portrayed an imaginative union where romantic fabrics met military styles.

A flow of models commandeered the stage bearing sleek cuts and clean lines followed by more distressed styles, while tones of grey, black and white were consistent throughout Jason's uniquely wearable debut collection.Jason, who grew up in Dagenham's Pasture Road, where he lives with his grandmother, has already achieved stardom in his hometown.Proud John Hamill is Jason's former art teacher at Robert Clack and has known the talented designer for 11 years.

Mr Hamill attended the fashion show and said: "Jason is possibly one of the highest achievers ever to come from our school and we are extremely proud of him." Jason's collection was displayed over three days at the Royal College of Art site, in Kensington Gore, London.

He told the POST: "The show went great and I received some fantastic reviews. However, when I do reflect on where I have come from and what school was like for me, it was and still is, the best time I ever had.

Source: bdpost.co.uk

DJ Aqeel cleared of drug charges

Dubai: Celebrity disc jockey Aqeel was on Thursday discharged in a case of drug possession, about two weeks after he was allegedly caught with ecstasy tablets in his bag at the Dubai international airport, his lawyer said.

"Aqeel was honourably discharged by the prosecutor (the Indian equivalent of Magistrate) as there was no sustainable evidence against him," his lawyer Ashish Mehta told PTI over phone.

The local magistrate discharged Aqeel after his lawyer argued that the contraband recovered from his bag was "planted".

Aqeel, who was visiting Dubai to take part in a radio programme, was held at the airport on June three with 0.06 gram of ecstasy, a banned drug, in his bag and was handed over to the police.

However, tests conducted by the police had found no traces of ecstasy in his blood and urine samples.

His wife Farah Khan had earlier claimed that he doesn’t do drugs and "somebody must have planted" the contraband in his bag.

Aqeel is the third celebrity to be caught with banned drugs in a Gulf country.

In June 2005, fashion designer Prasad Bidappa was held in Dubai on charges of possessing marijuana.

Indian officials said Bidappa, who spent over a month in custody, was freed on a mercy petition filed by his wife and released on the first day of his trial.

The same year, actor Vijay Raaz was freed by UAE authorities after being detained on charges of possessing drugs.

Source: ibnlive

Claudia Schiffer To Release Own Line Of Jewelry Later This Year

Claudia Schiffer is launching her own range of jewelry. The German supermodel is designing a collection of trinkets which are due to be available later this year.

Schiffer - who has two children, four-year-old son Caspar Matthew and daughter Clementine de Vere Drummond, two, with her film producer husband Matthew Vaughn - said: "I've been very busy designing all the pieces."

The 36-year-old beauty, who lives in London with her family, is not the first supermodel to turn her hand to designing. Kate Moss and Elle Macpherson have released their own clothing lines, both of which have been commercial successes.

Moss received a reported $4 million from British high street chain Topshop to create a range for its stores. Before the range was launched in May, the catwalk beauty admitted she isn't a natural fashion designer but agreed to work with Topshop because she was tired of high street retailers copying her style.

Source: allheadlinenews

AOL Latino Debuts ‘Fashionista,’ a New Fashion Online Reality Show

AOL Latino, the leading bilingual portal for U.S. Hispanics, today announced the premiere of a new interactive online reality series called “Fashionista” (http://www.aollatino.com) where contestants will compete to be named the top Latino fashion designer. The winner will have the opportunity to design a red carpet gown for actress/model and ex Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. The winner will also showcase his designs in the pages of a leading Hispanic magazine. Mercury Milan will be the exclusive sponsor of the program.

“AOL Latino prides itself in being able to create innovative multiplatform bilingual programming targeted to today’s Hispanic,” said Mark Lopez, publisher, AOL Latino. “We are thrilled to partner with Mercury Milan to offer fashionistas the chance to showcase their talent to a nationwide online audience, and provide users the chance to pick the next Oscar de la Renta or Carolina Herrera.”

“The Fashionista program is a continuation of Mercury's fashion strategy. We know that our Mercury Milan target is keenly interested in fashion and this is a real Hispanic passion point,” said Dave Rodriguez, multicultural marketing manager, Ford Lincoln Mercury. “Partnering with AOL Latino and offering this program digitally, is right in tune with our customers and the excitement of fashion.”

To kick off the competition, AOL Latino’s fashion editors picked the Top 20 designers from hundreds of submissions from up-and-coming Latino fashion designers. AOL Latino users will be able to vote for their favorites, ultimately selecting the five semifinalists. The ultimate winner will be chosen by a panel of judges including Torres and leading LA fashion designer Eduardo Lucero.

As part of the program, contestants will have the opportunity to create and manage their own Web pages using AOL Latino’s social networking service, Latino AIM Pages (http://latino.aimpages.com). Each page will include headshots, photos, bios, updates and blog entries.

Source: businesswire

Levi's feels the squeeze

One of the most enduring clichés in the fashion world is that it is the details that make the difference. This particular detail measures 12cm by 10cm, but it has started what is turning out to be the biggest legal battle in the fashion industry. The back pocket of Levi’s jeans, decorated with two intersecting arcs and a simple cloth tag, has been, Levi’s contends, “shamelessly copied” by other denim brands.

Since 2001 the company has filed more than 100 trademark-infringement lawsuits against other jeans companies, focusing on the back-pocket design. So far thousands of unsold jeans have been destroyed and compensatory payouts are expected to reach well into six figures.

But the money is the least of the issues. In fact, it’s hardly an issue at all: one of the cases was settled for $5 000, which could barely have covered the legal costs.

“We are simply enforcing the company’s intellectual property,” says Thomas M Onda, Levi’s global ­intellectual-property lawyer. “Our company’s procedures are in line with any company that has globally recognised trademarks.” Others, however, see it differently. They claim these lawsuits are the dying gasp of a flailing company.

Levi’s was the original denim brand. In 1873 Jacob Davis, a tailor, hooked up with Levi Strauss to create a special pair of trousers for a woodcutter that were strong enough to hold in his bloated stomach. But things have come a long way since then and many industry observers say Levi’s has failed to keep pace.

Since 1996 the company’s sales have been dropping fast. It has lost billions in sales, closed dozens of factories and laid off nearly half of its workforce because, competitors say, it failed to take advantage of the change in the denim market when jeans shifted from being seen as a work garment to a style statement.

Jonny Sorensen, the CE of Von Dutch, one of the denim brands Levi’s is suing, told The New York Times: “[Levi’s] missed the boat. Now they want to make a lot of noise and scare people away.”

Onda denies this: “We were strongly protecting our trademarks throughout the Eighties when our performance was very strong. It’s simply inaccurate to say we just started doing this. It is a mischaracterisation to say that these cases are somehow connected with sales.”

It is an interesting line of argument, one that basically says: we have always been aggressive, so our tactics are no different than usual. To do Levi’s justice, this is probably true. Levi’s is notoriously litigious. The New York Times recently described it as “a leader in lawsuits”, pointing out that in the past five years it has filed more actions than other litigation-happy companies, such as Nike, Walt Disney and General Motors.

The deliberate emphasis by Levi’s on its history of aggressive lawsuits reveals the true source of the company’s ire: not so much that it thinks it is being copied, but the allegation that it missed out on the denim fashion trend and is being pettily litigious in retaliation.

The denim industry has exploded in the past decade. British sales of jeans have increased 40% in the past five years, according to research by consumer analyst Mintel. It forecasts that 86-million pairs will be sold in Britain this year. The market, valued at £1,51-billion, has been boosted lately by the boom in cut-price, own-label ranges. But Levi’s UK sales dropped 12,1% between 2004 and 2006, from £198-million to £174-million.

Calvin Klein introduced the concept of designer denim in 1978 and Helmut Lang upped the ante two decades later by giving his jeans designer prices. But it wasn’t until the late Nineties, with the emergence of Earl jeans from Cali- fornia, that the denim craze truly took hold. This label shifted people’s perceptions of jeans: no longer were they chunky, workmen wear but a sexy item that showed off a woman’s figure.

In Earl’s first year it had a turnover of $600 000. In its second sales rose to $10-million. In 2001 the company was sold for about $86-million.

Denim is serious business. Even the names of the new generation of denim brands indicate how seriously they take themselves: Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, Earnest Sewn, 18th Amendment.

But the emphasis here is on “new”: jeans are not what they once were -- baggy, frumpy, clumpy -- and the mid-priced classic brands, such as Levi’s, Lee and Wrangler, have struggled in the new marketplace. They have been squeezed out between, on the one hand, the flashier designer brands and, on the other, the cheap ranges offered on the high street.

Both the top and the bottom ends of the market have focused on denim’s new fashion-based image. Lee and Wrangler, on the other hand, have struggled with stagnating sales. Last year Levi’s ended an eight-year fall in sales, but it is still trying to recoup its losses from its period of what Onda describes as “steep decline” in the late 1990s.

Karl Heinz Salzburger, president of European and Asian operations for the VF Corporation, which owns Lee and Wrangler, said in October last year: “The big, historical denim companies have struggled ... We have our own brand image and we are working that heritage and authenticity to give our stores a bit more lifestyle.”

But denim consumers today are more interested in making their bums look good than making reference to denim’s historical, cowboy-centred past. Lee and Levi’s have launched more fashion-conscious ranges and Levi’s recently appointed Armin Broger, who formerly worked at 7 for All Mankind, one of the most successful new denim labels, as chief executive of Levi’s Europe. Some in the industry have questioned whether these brands have left it too late to turn around public perception.

Just because old-school designer names no longer dominate the market is not to say that labels are irrelevant: whenever a new fashion trend sprouts up, fashion snobbery about labels and similar minutiae will follow in its wake.

Back-pocket designs denote jeans brands just as designer logos do on handbags and, in this respect, Levi’s concern about the exclusivity of its design details is understandable. “If a trademark loses its source identifier, it loses its value in the marketplace,” says Onda.

The question is what the value of Levi’s trademark is today. There is no doubt that Levi’s has influenced the legions of denim brands that have sprouted up more recently, if only because it established the original template for how a pair of jeans looks.

“It’s not surprising that these denim brands would look to the first jeans company, but imitation is a double-edged sword,” says Onda.

It certainly has proved to be one for Levi’s: no teachers like to see their pupils overtaking them. Levi’s repeatedly insists that it is now increasing its denim sales, so to compare current figures with those predating 1996 is “misleading”, it says. But the brand’s aggressive tactics against its rivals do not suggest a secure company. Levi’s now employs almost 40 “denim detectives” to prowl through boutiques and department stores looking for potential copyright infringements by competitors.

This sounds quite exhausting to oversee, I say to Onda. “Oh no,” he replies, with a mirthless laugh. “I have endless energy.” -- © Guardian News & Media 2007.

Source: Mail & Guardian Online

White shirt takes on new appeal

IN YOUR CLOSET: They could be the next big names in the fashion industry -- Thakoon, Doo.Ri and Rodarte are all considered important up-and-comers ---- and here's your chance to add their look to your wardrobe without breaking the bank: They've each designed three unique interpretations of the classic white shirt for Gap.

Doo.Ri's Gap items include a shirt with a scarf draped at the neck, a tailored camp shirt and a loose shirtdress; Rodarte's are a sleeveless blouse decorated with bows, a trapeze-shape sleeveless top and a voluminous minidress with pockets and bows; and Thakoon's are a bow-tie blouse with short, puffy sleeves, a short shirtdress with puffy sleeves and a tiered hem, and a belted shirtdress.

"My take on the project was to build a boy meets girl attitude into the pieces," said designer Thakoon Panichgul. "The shirt has feminine elements like pintucks, ruffles and hemstitches built into it, and the dresses have a boyfriend's shirt element in the top portion, while the bottom has a feminine play with a built in skirt and the other looks as if you tied another white shirt around your waist to make a skirt."

Top models Stella Tennant, Liya Kebede and Carmen Kass star in the ad campaign for Gap Design Editions that was shot by top photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoosh Matadin.

Another player in this project is Vogue magazine, which features all the white shirts ---- paired with ballskirts ---- on a fold-out cover of the May issue. Gap has only been featured on the cover of Vogue twice before, once in 1992 when Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer, among others, wore white shirts and white jeans to celebrate the magazine's 100th issue and in 1988 for Anna Wintour's first cover as editor in chief.

The new white shirts serve as an awareness initiative for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, which supports new American design talent. Panichgul, Doo-Ri Chung, and sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte all participated in last year's Fashion Fund competition, and Chung was the winner.

Julie Alonso, senior director of public relations at Gap, says the retailer gave each designer the material, the buttons and then said, "Go!"

"I was blown away with what they did with a white shirt," she told the AP.

She added: "The white shirt is something we're famous for in our 38-year history. It's the perfect item for every closet. We thought consumers would be interested in the twists the designers gave it.

"The collection, which retails for $68-$88, is in select stores and on Gap.com. Click on Women, Shirts, Design.

-- Another high-fashion name reaching a broader audience this spring is Patrick Robinson, formerly the designer at Perry Ellis and Paco Rabanne. He is the latest designer to participate in Target's Go International program, which brings limited-edition collections to the mass retailer.

"The collection I designed for Go at Target captures bohemian chic with just the right dose of wit, color and lightness," Robinson said in a statement.

Items include a white off-the-shoulder gauze dress with floral details, a poet blouse, a mesh blouse with satin details ---- and a lot of tiny bikinis.

Source: nctimes

Tranoi Homme Tradeshow Complements Paris Menswear Season

With over one hundred designers and international top labels participating, Tranoi Homme returns for its third season in Paris at the Palais de la Bourse.

Slated from June 29th to July 2nd , the dates coinciding with the Paris Menswear Spring 2008 season, and partly with the Haute Couture Fall 2007 season, Tranoi Homme Spring / Summer 2008 edition is a must-see of serious fashionistas.

The trends and innovations are spearheaded on the catwalk, but the tradeshow provides the body of the spear. Thus, as serious menswear follower does not have an excuse not to attend.

Open only to trade and press, free registration is now open at http://www.tranoi.com/.

Source: blog.fashionwindows

Pepe Jeans opens at 'The Avenues' in Kuwait

European fashion and denim designer dynamo Pepe Jeans, which opened its store at 'The Avenues' in Kuwait recently, will have a strong presence of more than 8 stores in the Middle East by the end of 2008, according to the licensee Liwa Trading Enterprises.

This is the first store under the new licensee for Kuwait. Al Sabrya Liwa is the partner of Liwa Trading for it's Kuwait's retail ambitions. Aniss Baobied, General Manager, Liwa Trading Enterprises said 'Pepe Jeans is inspired by the spirit of London.

This city is the vanguard of modernity, the more eclectic environment and where trends in fashion, music and art start. The rest of the world follows this innovative city. That's the spirit of the Pepe Jeans brand.' Born in 1973 and operating in more than 80 countries worldwide, Pepe Jeans designs, manufactures and market men's, ladies' and kids' clothing, including shoes, sunglasses, swimwear and fragrance.

The new store at 'The Avenues' will initially have collections of clothing and shoes for men and ladies. Extended product categories will soon be added. 'Pepe Jeans is known to be trendy, fashionable and high quality brand. The brand is modern, sophisticated, youthful and aspirational, primarily targeting students and young professionals who are opinion leaders, in the forefront of their generation.

These uber-trendy people are interested in fashion, music, arts and new trends in design culture,' he said. Pepe Jeans is a hip-happening celebrity endorsed 'wanted brand'. Sienna Miller, the famous British actress is the face of the brand, along with the top model Simon Carter. Liwa Trading plans to double the number of shops by 2008.

It will have 8-stores presence with outlet already planned for Marina Mall Extension (Abu Dhabi), Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Mall and Mall of the Arabia (all Dubai). Liwa Trading already operates Pepe Jeans stores at Mall of the Emirates and Deira City Centre in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Mall in Abu Dhabi.

Aniss Baobied continued, 'I am very confident about the brand. It has been very successful in the Middle-East and I think a gap in this market exists for high quality aspirational lifestyle collections. Pepe Jeans fills this gap and we look forward to accelerated organic growth in the Kuwaiti market.'

Source: ameinfo

Designer Tom Ford to open isle store

Luxury designer Tom Ford has set his eyes on Hawaii as part of an aggressive global expansion plan.
The designer, formerly Gucci Group's creative director, plans to open four stores in the next three years -- in Milan, London, Los Angeles and Hawaii.
The company is in the preliminary stages of looking for a location for its first store in the islands, sch-eduled to op-en in 2010, said spokeswoman Natalie Rawling.
Tom Ford International also has franchise agreements with Lane Crawford Joyce Group to open stores in multiple cities in Europe, South America, Asia and the Middle East beginning next spring.
His goal is to create more than 100 free-standing retail stores worldwide over the next 10 years and 87 franchised operations.
Ford, who charges $3,000 for an off-the-rack suit and $5,000 for a made-to-measure garment, opened his first store on New York's Madison Avenue in April.
He aims to capitalize on rising global demand for luxury goods that has swelled the industry's annual revenue to about $214 billion, according to consulting firm Bain & Co.
"We have now laid the foundation necessary to become a true global luxury brand," Ford, who is president and chief executive officer of his eponymous com- pany, said in a statement.
Ford's strategy is to run a tighter distribution than other luxury competitors and aggressively expand to build a strong global presence.
The designer also said he plans to start distributing his men's apparel through department stores such as luxury retailers Neiman Marcus Group Inc. in the U.S. and Harrods in London.
His next store will open in Milan next year and franchised stores will open in Moscow, Hong Kong, Dubai and other foreign cities.
Ford launched his brand in 2005 after leaving Gucci Group and signing a licensing deal with Estee Lauder to create Tom Ford Beauty, developing fragrance and beauty products.
Ford started working at Gucci in 1990 as a designer and left the company in April 2004 along with then-CEO Domenico de Sole after a decade as creative director।