Fashion Blog

London Fashion Week gears up for September 2009 - The pressure is already building for Spring /Summer collections to be ready for what could be a make or break show. Leading fashion retailers understand that despite the downturn there is a group that are hard core customers and who will always shop for new and exciting clothes. Regularly refreshing window displays with new content is just one of the ways that retailers can continue to attract buying customers.

Provisional dates for London Fashion Week are 18th - 22nd September and the venue is Somerset House off the Strand, a truly beautiful setting that will complement the vibrant fashions on the catwalk.

Following New York Fashion Week and ahead of Milan and Paris fashion weeks, the London Fashion Week is a biannual event that is a must-see for the fashion industry. Trade and Press jostle for positions to both enjoy and discover the latest innovations and fashions that will adorn top fashion stores or disappear with barely a trace.

Organised by the British Fashion Council, London Fashion Week is the premier event for British designers looking to promote their designs to a worldwide audience. Various schemes are in place to financially support the brightest young talents to enable the best to exhibit on a level catwalk with the world's leading fashion houses.

BFC New Generation is a scheme that is sponsored by Top Shop and supports young designers exhibiting during London Fashion Week. Estethica is sponsored by Monsoon and supports collections that are based on ethical, or ecological, or organic principles. Fashion Forward is sponsored by Westfield London and supports British designers who have already made their mark during London Fashion Week. It is a scheme that has helped several of the UK's top designers get established.

People wishing to attend specific catwalk shows outside of Trade and Press can do so at the discretion of individual designers. During the week, more than 200 British and international fashion and accessory designers will be exhibiting work which will have been kept under wraps right up until the day of the show.

Following London Fashion Week is London Fashion Weekend which is an extremely popular event where anyone who loves clothes and haute couture can get up close and personal with top fashion labels and buy clothes for slimmed down prices. During the event, fashion and beauty experts are on hand to give advice.

Do you dream of making it big in the fashion world someday?

I have good news for you! Your dream is now just a click away - may it be to become a fashion designer, a web fashion designer, an image consultant, a fashion magazine stylist, a TV program stylist, an event stylist, a fashion journalist, or a personal shopper - with the Milan Fashion Campus Online Fashion Design Course.

The Creator

Angelo Russica, a seasoned fashion guru who has more or less 20 years of experience in the fashion world, created the course with his aim of not only coming up with an Internet-based fashion design school that will teach the history, aesthetics, and skills required of Italy's fashion, but extending the Italian fashion sense to the world as well.

With more than 15 years of collaborative experience as a creative assistant to different companies the world over, like Versace, Gruppo Max Mara, Marzotto, Miroglio Vestebene in Italy; Induyco and El Corte Ingles in Spain; and Fujii, Chori, King Company, and World Company in Japan, Russica was able to talk to numerous young students from an array of famous fashion design schools who complain about having spent lots of money on more or less three years of study, only to find out in the end, that it is hard to find a job and almost impossible to make a name. This is also one reason why Russica developed the first online fashion design school in Italy - he wants Milan Fashion Campus to give many aspiring fashion students a chance to learn about the wonders of Italian fashion without having to spend so much.

The Course

This one of a kind fashion design course provides students with the opportunity to be professionally in touch with Italy's Fashion Design Learning Method. The intensive online fashion design course of Milan Fashion Campus also serves as a venue for the realization of dreams - may it be to become a professional figure or the famous designer of the future.

The lessons are sequenced in such a way that the students can easily follow them. The course requires active student participation since lessons are geared toward teaching learners how to do market analysis, how to locate valuable sources of information, and how to discover inspiration. Students of Milan Fashion Course will also learn the tricks of the trade, just like what professional fashion designers do: examining the streets, examining fashion stories, examining the music world, and examining the opinion of fashion leaders.

The Milan Fashion Campus Online Fashion Design Course, which can be downloaded through http://www.fashioncampus.it, has seven sections, 27 chapters, almost 200 pages, and more than 170 exercises that will serve as guidance for students from their first sketch to their first fashion show. The course also gives a chance to students to specialize on different areas, like celebrity and men fashion design, handbag design, color and rendering technique, and fashion figure template.

One may buy the course chapter per chapter, too, especially if you just want to try out the course first.

The course is in English and downloadable once you have paid the amount stated in http://www.fashioncampus.it, may it be through Paypal or money transfer. This also means that you may start with the course anytime you want.

For more information regarding fees and FAQ's, just visit http://www.fashioncampus.it.

You will not only improve your fashion taste and sensibility, but also open opportunities for a wonderful career in fashion.

The fashion industry continues to be a career path on which many young school leavers continue to be interested in and the increase in the number of fashion shows on television only heightens the interest in fashion design as a future career. Shows such as 'What not to wear', the 'Fashion Police' and with the introduction of Fashion TV, fashion continues to grow as an industry. So how can you get involved in the fashion industry? A look below at some basic tips:

1. University Course - There are various options for studying fashion and these include taking a university degree course including in a venue such as London College of Fashion, where you can do a course such as Fashion Marketing or Retail branding and design. Several universities in the UK and ones further afield offer courses covering all aspects of the fashion industry.

2. College Course - For school leavers, if you wish to get immediately involved with the industry and want to avoid the debts which these days are associated with going to university, going straight to college and starting a course such as a BTEC level ND Fashion and Textiles course such as offered at Plymouth College of Further Education in Devon, or a similar course in the UK is an option. Other courses in the UK include titles such as 'Fashion and Textile design' and 'Footwear Design'.

3. Home Study - Another increasingly popular option these days is to study fashion at home so that you can still work and study and thus get involved with the fashion world but at your own pace and in a way which can be much more affordable. Several companies' offer Home learning and courses can include titles such as Dress maker and Fashion design and can generally be completed with roughly 100 study hours. This type of course looks art many aspects of design including fabrics, fashion awareness and design.

If you really want to get into the industry and are confused, then attending one of the main industry fashion shows which take place annually, such as the 'Clothes Show Live' event, can be really helpful. Talking with the various fashion companies and getting advice on the opportunities for internships and best courses.

Working in the fashion industry can be rewarding and exciting and the beauty of this career path is that you often get the chance to travel and the industry is continually re-inventing itself.

Many people think that the phrase "fashion design" refers to a single career, but fashion design is actually a broad category of careers. There are many different types of jobs in this field. As you study fashion design and become familiar with all these positions, no doubt you'll be able to figure out which is best for you.

One important career in the world of fashion is pattern making. In order to make patterns you have to have a strong eye and a delicate touch. After all, you'll have to copy patterns without altering any details.

Costume makers are people who make costumes, as opposed to clothes worn in everyday life. Costume designers make the clothes you see in movies, in Broadway shows and other theatrical presentations, on television, and at Halloween parties. This is a job where you really have to exercise your creativity. For example, you might have to make clothes for a scene set in the distant future. It's also a great job for people who really like a certain era in history. For example, if you love the fashions of the Civil War, you could get a job making clothes for reenactments and historical films set in the 1860's.

If you have a strong talent for business as well as fashion, you could own and operate a fashion boutique, or start a business where you supply clothes to boutiques and other stores. Or you could work as a fashion marketer, where your job is to promote new styles to increase the marketplace for those styles.

Fashion designers can also work as stylists or fashion consultants. These kinds of positions require a designer to always stay abreast of the latest developments in the world of fashion so they can advise their clients as to what's new and trendy. And if you have writing skills in addition to an eye for fashion, you could work as a writer or reporter for a newspaper or magazine, or even a fashion-oriented website. You might even start your own fashion blog. If you manage to get enough readers on a regular basis, you could earn income by posting ads on your blog.

Fashion event planners coordinate all of the clothes that will be worn at a certain event, like a wedding or a fashion show. The kinds of events that employ fashion designers are often ritzy, so you could get to hobnob with some very wealthy people. And what about fashion education? You could teach the next generation of fashion designers, and you could steer your students towards the ideal jobs for their talents and interests.

Whatever fashion job you decide to pursue, be aware that competition will be intense. Unfortunately, economic forecasters are not predicting much job growth in the field of fashion anytime soon. So always work your hardest, and attain as much training, education and practical experience (not to mention references and networking connections) as you can.

Most women today live in fashion. Hard as it is to admit most of the time, women want to be the center of attention. There is that natural desire in every woman to look good, feel good and live well. Popular fashion magazines are the ultimate source of the most modern fashion trends. They are a woman's best friend in terms of looking hip, stylish and trendy. If you would like to know the hottest in fashion and trends that will make you feel best about yourself, get yourself a fashion magazine.

You probably know many popular fashion magazine today, such as Cosmopolitan, Elle and Vogue. It's lustrous and beautifully designed pages illustrate images of beautifully clothed supermodels, and a few pages with ads on fashion accessories, beauty products and chic clothes. They also publish coverage on social events, interviews of designers, and advice on vacation and relaxation treats.

If you love to look and feel good, popular fashion magazine are a must. Subscribe for one of the top fashion magazines and enjoy the best of fashion all year round. You probably know about magazines like Vogue, Detail and GQ, which features the best collection of the latest news on fashion and beauty. You will also read about celebrity details, features and trendy tips, interviews, and everything that links you to the fashion and beauty world.

However, if you are tired of the usual popular fashion magazine and would like to look for something new, there are other types of fashion magazines you can enjoy. Fashion magazines also include magazines for the hair such as Hype Hair Magazine, focused exclusively on innovative hair styles for the African-American woman, as well as makeup tips and beauty products for women of color; American Salon magazine, with details on products and ideas in the salon industry. If you live in the south, high-end fashion and local events are featured in magazines like Gold Coast and Boca Life magazine.

There is also fashion magazines focused mainly on the fashionable, urban man. Magazines such as Detail provided detailed information on today's men fashion and features exciting articles ranging from music to politics, careers to sex, cars to movies.

There are several fashion magazines that you can choose from. Whatever your idea of fashion is, whatever aspect you would like to focus on, there is a fashion magazine you can find to suit your needs.

The intense competition in the fashion industry makes it important for any fashion designer to showcase the designs to a larger audience. This can be done by creating fashion sketches and displaying them on the Internet. The sketches give an insight to the fashion fraternity and also to the common audience on the concept behind a particular fashion design. It is a way of communicating the theme to the people associated with the apparel industry. Hence, they are extremely important for any fashion designer.

Fashion sketches are illustrations made by professional artists and designed in a way that they can be easily displayed on the Internet. They portray the true creative genius of the designer. These can be considered a blue print of the final product. The perfection in making sketches is a prerequisite as they serve as the main marketing tool of the fashion professionals. The sketches reflect trends and the value added features of the design. They can also be used to evaluate the various patters used by different designers.

Fashion sketches are important, since they are the preliminary designs that have to be taken to the different apparel manufacturers in the market. The sketches are then used to select the different fabric samples from the wide range on offer.

Computers are increasingly being used for the purpose of making fashion design sketches. Several software are now available that assist the designers in making the drawings. While some still prefer the traditional hand-drawn sketches, others choose to opt for the speed and convenience of computer-aided designing. Hand-drawn sketches can also be fed into the computer with the help of a scanner.

The art of making fashion design sketches is important for creating a niche in the highly competitive fashion industry. Fashion designers can make their presence felt only if their sketches are different and original. Good quality sketches are the only means of establishing a firm foothold in the fashion industry.

Fashion rules everywhere. It is the order of the day in the rich and elite class, as well as the middle strata of the society. You don't need to be rich to be fashion savvy. The urge to do fashion comes from within, and one can be fashionable even by investing few dollars. Moreover, with the changing trend ands style, fashion has become a unisexual term, where both men and women have become conscious about their hair styling, dressing sense, beauty and every thing.

Beauty product companies are coming up with eco-conscious product line which is effective to apply on the body, and are not harmful at all. What's more, adding to the power of beauty products, exclusive and affordable line of fashion wear have started thronging the market place. These exclusive fashion clothing is endorsed by the celebrities, which further attracts the attention of the wearer in general.

But, are all people fashion savvy? Well if you want the real answer, you know its NO. Only handful people are fashion conscious. Rest of them just seems to follow what seems to be normal and looks graceful on their body. They don't follow the trend which is being advocated by the models, or by any fashion celebrity.

There are positive as well as negative aspects of being fashion savvy. First the positive effects of being fashions conscious. Getting fashionable indirectly means adopting healthy lifestyle. Generally, it is seen that a fashionable person is more conscious about his or her health. Don't simply relate fashion to wearing expensive clothes, or going to discotheques, or adopting the brands that are endorsed by celebrities. Fashion is what makes you graceful.

Now coming to negative aspects of fashion... The negative aspects of fashion are conducted through vox populi and through a limited section of the society. Under this scenario the fashion mad people wear skimpy clothes to attract attention of others. This is what we call negative fashion, and is on the rise in the modern society.

Finally, it is true that fashion breeds positivism in a person, but it is also equally true that too much of it simply makes the person stand the odd one out.

Fashion modeling is one of the most popular and one of the richest industries in the world at present. Each country has their own fashion trends and designs, and fashion modeling is the art of wearing those designs and displaying them to the girl. Fashion models are professionally trained artists who know how to catwalk and carry themselves gracefully across the ramp. These models are generally selected on the basis of a criterion. This criterion is set by the modeling agency. Models are regarded as the face of the fashion demonstrating agency. All the clothes that are designed by the designers in a fashion agency are adorned by the models and shown to the world in fashion shows.

The reason why the fashion industry is booming all the time is due to the changes in the fashion trends. Fashion tends to rapidly evolve during the passage of time. People tend to wear different kinds of clothes in winters and in summers, so usually new dresses are introduced in the market whenever a change of season is taking place. However, different fashion agencies tend to introduce different designs, so with the help of fashion modeling techniques, they introduce these designs in the market and showcase them for the general market.

In some fashion shows, general public can attend as well, but usually, only invitees are welcome. Before applying for fashion modeling, you should fulfill a certain list of requirements. These generally range from a slim and a sleek body, as well as a good figure and a pretty outlook. Generally, the majority of the fashion market is focused on women's fashion, as that is the niche in which the larger amount of innovation is allowed. Men's fashion is also increasing in trends and designs, but mainly these are generally restrictive. Secondly, it is a general concept that women are more in to fashion than men, which is why designers usually concentrate their focus on female fashion.

Each country has their own different trends of fashion designs, which is why fashion designs vary from place to place. However, there are some very popular designers that have made a huge name for themselves in the fashion agency. Names such as Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton are extremely popular all over the world, and they sell off some of the most expensive dresses. They house both female and male clothing, and have outlets throughout the world in various countries.

The wholesale fashion jewelry industry has seen a magnificent growth due to the ever increasing range of fashionable products which have flooded the market. From bracelets to chokers to necklaces, arm bands, anklets, rings, there are different jewelries made of end number of materials like bone, horn, shell, wood, plastic, resin, beads, metals, stones and glasses. An alluring aspect to fashion jewelry lies in the fact that different styles are available. Consumers are not confined to selecting from only a limited varieties. These jewelries have their unique charm and styles considering the budget and taste of different sections of people.

Fashion jewelry: Always an inexpensive alternate to gold and diamond
These days the demand for costume jewelries or fashion jewelries have risen very rapidly due to the fact that they are an inexpensive alternate to diamonds and gold. Artificial Jewelry has become a hot fashion trend. With fashion trends changing every day, gold and diamonds no doubt have their own charms but mostly kept as keepsakes or investments in jewelry boxes. The best thing about fashion jewelry is that you don't need to plan to buy such a type of jewelry. It is so inexpensive that you can actually never have enough. In a dynamic society that gives a great deal of emphasis on fashion, what defines fashion jewelry can sometimes include trendy, modern, eclectic, vintage, contemporary and anything.

Styles of fashion jewelries
It is often seen that it is the celebrities who sets the year's hottest trends. Fashion jewelry is also one such product which the celebrities try to flaunt. High-end fashion jewelry pieces are available as collectible replicas of the latest accessories celebrities have been seen wearing to weddings, parties, clubs, awards shows and even in their latest movies. The fashion jewelry realm has shown a celebrity status in direct proportion to the consumers that display their fashion tastes and style sense. Fashion jewelries in vintage and antique designs is also gaining popularity. It gives that classy and unique look. Bright and bold in color and design, they are indeed the funky accents to daily outfits.

Choose your styles
Whether your wish to follow celebrity fashion trends, or sport your own unique style or collect antique pieces, fashion jewelry offers unique pieces just right for you. Choose one that reflects your true taste and style. To coincide with your personality, fashion jewelry comprises every accessory from hair to foot starting from the hair pin to your anklet. To match every taste, a wide range of jewelry designs are available at affordable prices. When these jeweleries be it beaded earrings or glass arm lets or dangles are worn by fashion-minded people it displays a real sense of fashion.

So, the next time you want to make a fashion statement, consider adding fashion jewelry. The jewelry pieces should be over-the-top, exuberant and enjoyable to wear.

Becoming a fashion designer is a creative journey in uncovering the student's likes and dislikes. Styles and fads come and go and then come around again. This is true of the fashion design industry also, particularly so! The industry is often influenced by the entertainment industry (television, movies, music, etc.) For example, "That 70's Show" gave hippie fashion a new comeback chic. This is true of other movies as well. A great example of this would be "Pirates of the Caribbean" that brought about a huge influx of skull and cross bones designs. The typical pirate symbol, more related to a gothic or punk style, became mainstream after the debut of the movies.

This pop culture influence inspires mass market designers. However, couture fashion designers strive to be the source of the inspiration rather than an imitator. The difference between this can be found in the training of the merchandiser versus the designer. Many aspiring fashion designers choose to go into fashion merchandising. However, these two fields require slightly different curriculum. One will focus on sales, marketing, and business where as the other--fashion design--will focus on creativity and imagination in bringing ideas and concepts to life.

Following middle school, students can choose college preparation courses to direct their educational tracks to their own possible careers. For a student wishing to take the path of a designer of any type, art classes are essential to building the basic knowledge and core concepts that they will use.

High school courses should be selected to assist in building a professional portfolio to show to potential design colleges. By starting their educational planning very early, it is possible for students to make the most of their high school years by focusing on extracurricular activities that will add spice to their college applications. For example, potential fashion designers can take classes not only in art but also specialized math and computer classes, multimedia classes, and drama activities that will allow them to explore different aspects of the fashion world. Some high schools even offer classes in small business ownership or entrepreneurial skills.

For students who end up at the college level and wish to break in to the fashion design industry, it is never too late. Courses in drawing, painting, life drawing, and silkscreen, and color theory, fashion and art history are some of the beginning requirements for any fashion design student. Advanced students of fashion design will continue with patternmaking, sewing basics, advanced sewing techniques, and digital designing.

It is crucial for a fashion design student to have access to this type of basic curriculum in college in order to prepare for the true test of their abilities: their internship. Once the student has taken the basic and advanced courses, it is time for them to specialize in some aspect of the fashion industry. When people think of fashion, they think of runway shows and couture collections. There are fashion centers throughout the world, but most people tend to consider New York City the center of all fashion design. If the college student did not choose a college near a fashion design center, it may be possible for them to choose an internship located in that area. Some other possible internship locations would be Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, and other metropolitan areas.

The best source of internship possibilities will be the college faculty and guidance counselors. It is important to do your homework by researching potential internships; but, they can definitely guide the student to someone that they may not have considered.

The fashion world has its niches. Every designer starts somewhere. They do not just graduate from college and poof have their own design house and their own collections. They were mentored by someone in the business. Some of them were self taught and did not have the opportunity to study in a college environment but learned in the school of hard knocks. Whatever the case, if there is a desire to learn the fashion design business, then there is a way to do it.

Consider working at a place that does alterations or tailoring to build up sewing skills. Consider designing your own clothes. Think of functionality, practicality, body type, personal statements, coloring and fabric choice. Study the masters--who is on the edge of fashion now that you want to emulate? Why do you like their style? What IS your style?

By taking all of these factors into consideration, any student pursuing fashion can find their place in the design world.

There are two schools of thought on the qualities needed to become a fashion designer. One school of thought believes that an eye for fashion is inborn and God gifted and cannot be acquired through practice and perseverance. The other school of thought on the other hand believes that it is hard work and perseverance that can make a style designer out of a kid.

However, a look at the successful fashion designers of the world would confirm that it is a blend of talent and hard work that can make a successful fashion designer out of a kid.

So what are the qualities that make a successful fashion-cum-body art designer? Let us take a look at the principles and qualities:

First, a natural flair for design is a must, be it a design for men or design for women. An aspiring designer must have the basic acumen for men's fashion or women fashion. The fashion designer must be able to, on the top of the head, decide a design for any category whatsoever.

Second, an aspiring fashion designer needs to have a formal training. A diploma or a degree in a fashion institute of repute will just do fine. The fashion designer will be adequately trained on the various aspects of the business of fashion designing which are so critical. This will go on to make a complete designer.

Third, an aspiring designer must have an ideal blend of knowledge with the theoretical aspects of fashion design as well as the practical aspects of fashion design. Hence, the fashion designer will design fashion with a blend of theoretical knowledge and its ideal practical application. Such a combination goes on to make for a good fashion designer.

Fourth, an aspiring designer must be good at making basic sketches. A basic sketch gives a good idea of how the design will finally like. Hence, a good fashion art designer must be able to visualize in mind how the design will look like in the end and draw a sketch accordingly.

Fifth, good visualization skills for a fashion designer are a must. A good designer must also have an eye for details. While designing the most intricate of the designs, an eye for detail is a critical quality that a designer must possess. A good visualization serves as an inspiration and sets the objective for the final design.

Hence, a designer must be equally good at men's fashion and women fashion. This profession is however, not a bed of roses, with high competition and a high failure and rejection rates, it is always a steep climb.

Fashion designers have brought about a storm in this glamour world with their commendably fabulous variety. Fashion designers often begin as assistant designers, pattern makers, pattern graders, or sketchers. Fashion Designers create clothes ranging from spectacular unique creations to the regular shop-bought clothes we wear every day. Fashion designers are involved in every phase of designing, showing, and producing all types of clothing, from bathing suits to evening gowns.

Clothes

Others among the best-known and most exclusive names in Italian fashion design are Valentino (known for his famous "Rosso Valentino," which means "Red Valentino"), Gianfranco Ferrè(known for his boldly-cut, brightly-colored clothes), Giorgio Armani (known for subtle, masculine style for both men and women), and Gianni Versace (known for his beautifully-cut leatherwear), and Dolce & Gabbana (known for their classic-to-modern, edgy appeal). Many of us--at least those of us who can afford it-- have clothes in our closets stamped with these names. Even though the percentage of people buying these clothes may be very small, fashion designers still wield tremendous influence on what we wear and how we wear it. In fact, though we may not realize it, the clothes we wear--even things that are not "designer" clothes or particularly elegant--were nevertheless designed by someone.

Clothes are a way that people can create an image and a persona around themselves a true form of self-expression that carries into the everyday world. Ready-to-wear clothes are a cross between haute couture and mass market. The mass market caters for a wide range of customers, producing ready-to-wear clothes in large quantities and standard sizes. The smaller and the more specific the market, the more likely a company is to get the right look and feel to their clothes. If the firm has made a name for the clothes it already produces, this helps to sell the new line.

Many professional fashion designers start off by specializing in a particular area of fashion. Most fashion designers start out by applying for place on a course on fashion design. Depending on the size of the design firm and level of experience, fashion designers may have varying levels of involvement in different aspects of design and production. In large design firms, fashion designers often are the lead designers who are responsible for creating the designs, choosing the colors and fabrics, and overseeing technical designers who turn the designs into a final product. Other high-fashion designers sell their designs in their own retail stores or cater to specialty stores or high-fashion department stores. Some fashion designers specialize in costume design for performing arts, motion picture, and television productions.

The work of costume designers is similar to other fashion designers. Regardless of their work setting, all fashion designers occasionally work long hours to meet production deadlines or prepare for fashion shows. Men and women have tried to wear new things, different things, clothes that would impress people or frighten others.

The standard clothing of girls and women was for centuries a dress and a skirt with blouse and within these clothing types the designs for special occasions and festive events were created.

The social constraints put on women lost their grip around 1910 in the Western World; women gained more independence and took up careers. Mass production of clothing developed fast and made fashion for women accessible, affordable and more variety was available. Prior to this, fashion was reserved for the rich and wealthy.

Being granted more rights and codetermination in society and public life, women realized the need to reflect their newly adapted role in the clothes they were wearing. Equipped with a growing self-esteem and the desire to dress up in styles that signal their distinct personalities, new fashion styles were needed.

Until 1920 skirts of women reached down to the ankles and in the era of the "Crazy Twenties" a sudden change took place. The first mile stone was reached, when women discovered the beauty of their legs and that these were worthwhile to show off. The result was that the hem of dresses and skirts started to fluctuate between ankles and knees.

Physical constraints such as corselets were removed and replaced with brassieres that flattened the bust. Focus on the waist completely disappeared, instead the hips were garnished with loose sitting belts, creating a curveless style. The "Boyish Look" turned into a female revolution, not only in the history of women's fashion but the general role women played in society.

The first short hair style in women's history, called "the bob", was introduced and enthusiastically embraced by the female gender. For many it was a symbol of liberation from the traditional long hair, for others it was simply the fact that maintaining short hair is more convenient.

Ensembles of separate sweater and pleated skirt grew more popular by the day and suits dressed working women and girls. Participating in businesses and being part of the staff in offices, the suits were like a statement of the change that women were seeking a way to find their self-determined place in a world that was ruled by men. The fashionable straight cut style lasted a full decade and the liberation of traditional clothing proceeded with high speed in 1930.

In 1930 women replaced the straight cut fashion with a style that was more in line with their femininity. Graceful, slim lines and a natural waist enjoyed a growing popularity. Feminine shapes were again accepted and also emphasized. The length of skirts and dresses stayed for nearly a decade on mid-calf, to which we refer today as "Midi". At the end of the 30ies the hem ended 6 inches below the knee where it stayed until the forties. Slightly padded shoulders gave a hint what would be trendy in the 40's.

In "the forties" the attention for fashion had not as much space as many women wished for. Women had to replace the work force of men in factories and service industries because men went off to fight in World War 2. Women had to be mother and father to their children and kept the Nation functioning. They took on roles that were until then reserved for men only. The fashion then was held simple; the garments had to last a while. Nevertheless an appealing fashion could be showcased and the most eye-catching difference with past styles was the padded square shoulders, which are a kind of symbol for these years: a woman had to stand her ground and needed broader shoulders to carry the load. Skirts and dresses ended just above the knee and were tailored for a small waist. Most popular in this time was the suit composed of skirt and jacket.

Pants, reserved until then for the male gender only, turned also into a garment for women. Presented in a film by a female actress wearing a suit with pants and tie and looking breathtaking sexy, created the "Marlene Dietrich Look". The pants reached up to the waist and were closed with a zipper on the side. Using a fly for women pants did not even cross the mind of designers; it was simply out of question. Anyway the success of the pants was certain; they conquered the hearts of women in the Western World by storm and are since then vast fashion items.

In 1947 the "New Look" caught the attention of women, replacing the "utility fashion look" of wartime. With the return of the men, femininity in fashion was back too. Women wanted to look pretty and desirable; therefore the feminine flair of the "New Look" created by Christian Dior was enthusiastically embraced. Rounded shoulders, accentuated bust lines and a clearly defined waist marked dresses, coats and suits. Half-circle, ruffled dresses and skirts, were extremely popular. Collections offered more versatile designs, from plaited skirts above the knee to dresses that ended just below the calves.

Created on the streets of America was the fashion of teenage girls. Bobby socks, knee length skirts and sports sweaters was at the end of the 40ies their favorite fashion. This was swiftly picked up by the fashion industry having discovered a new target group.

Teenagers had the feeling that they were very different than their parents. Rock and Roll, the film industry, television and magazines in the 50ies confirmed this feeling as all these trends were in most of the cases not understood by parents nor approved. The fashion industry gladly fulfilled the need of these teenagers to be different. Jeans, T-shirts, leather and denim jackets were introduced and teenage fashion took off. The more rights for own decision making was granted to the young people, the more variety and fashion styles could be found in malls and boutiques.

During the 50ies the way fashion was presented changed drastically. Collections did not last a decade but changed to two collections in one year. An array of clothes was available ranging from full circle, ruffled skirts, supported by starched petticoats to the very popular dirndl dress. The 50ies brought new and dashing patterns to choose from to women. Cotton skirts with a tropical landscape showing palm trees, beach and a sunset printed all around or the cute, slim fit, polka dots ¾ pants that emphasized a pretty figure. Creativity exploded in Paris, after a time of hunger and the fear not to survive the next day. Life was lived to the fullest in Western Europe and America.

Fashion accelerated in the 60ies. From a revival of the "Marlene Dietrich Look" to the introduction of the mini-skirt that celebrates its success up to today. Gypsy followed by the Hippie Look, meaning: girls were wearing see-through batiste Indian shirts with no bras and long skirts or velvet bell bottom pants with embroidered tops leaving their belly uncovered. Jeans had reached the status of evergreens and dressed from teenagers to daddies. Grown women could wear anything they wanted, be it a mini-skirt or ankle-length skirt, figure-hugging narrow skirts or a suit with a rainbow colored blouse, pretty much everything was in fashion.

A loop back to a more conservative style was tried in the mid 70ies. Convincing women to choose a mid-calf length skirt as the only available fashionable length above a mini skirt failed miserably. Women demanded both and the fashion industry provides since then both.

End 70ies children were finally heard and since then designers create also fashion for kids. Children are allowed to choose from a huge diversity of styles & trends and have a voice in how they are dressed and have a clear idea how they want to look.

Fashion is picking up social trends and mirrors the roles of groups within a society. It is an extension of people's personalities and a tool to express self-realization. It seems that it also mirrors in how far these groups are allowed to express themselves freely in a creative, unhindered way.

Fashion has for the longest time been perceived as something foreign and not essentially African. However, the roots of African fashion can be traced back as far as can be remembered. From the vibrant sisal skirts which were an important part of African dances to the Kanga which is now an iconic fashion garment, featured on high fashion runways around the globe; though subtly, fashion has always been a part of the African lifestyle. Recently, the fashion scene in East Africa has seen a surge of growth accompanied by several runway showcases hosted every other day and an equally large number of designers competing on the same level as international designers.

Fashion showcases in East Africa are glamorous events which attract a wide range of fashion enthusiasts from all over Africa. Fashion with a purpose is a recurrent theme for most of these showcases, often hosted to raise funds towards noble causes. Fashion High Tea, Fashion Café and Trendz Kenya Fashion Festival are some of the annual fashion events which have risen in popularity in the East African region. Trendz Kenya Fashion Festival is a relatively new fashion event held in Kenya; having hosted its 3rd edition this year, the event sees fashion designers and models from East Africa and the rest of Africa come together to showcase their designs.

Fashion is also a big part of the East African pop culture. Select designers have a strong following with celebrities and public personalities. Not only celebrities, but East Africans in general have embraced fashion and they simply want to look good. East African men have also taken to fashion, with a number taking up modeling as a serious career. Designers such as John Kaveke from Kenya and Black Bird Jeans based in Kenya and New York primarily cater to men's fashion needs.

The Miss World beauty pageant has also contributed towards the growth of fashion in East Africa. The Miss World representatives from East Africa also turn to local designers for dashing outfits to adorn during the grand event.Several fashion-oriented TV shows have also gained popularity in East Africa and at the forefront of these shows are the creative creations of local designers.

Fashion in East Africa has to some extent also crossed over to the political scene. During election campaigns, political aspirants enlist the services of local designers.

The fashion scene in East Africa is undeniably thriving and its growth is only expected to reach greater heights in the near future.

Fashion Accessory help in highlighting the apparel or any dress code. Accessories are meant to change your entire look. These accessories include Fashionable Bags, Cell Phone Pouches, Sari, Evening Pouches and many others.

They also help to hide any sort of weakness of a dress plus they all follow the current fashion trend, which makes everyone to accept them. Above all, these items make people feel comfortable and attractive, thus putting an impact on other's mind. The latest women accessories have been brought by Inspiration - a fashion accessory manufacturer to satisfy ever emerging wants of varied customers.

As we all know that fashion keeps on changing. Accordingly, Bags have also gone through too many changes to suite ever increasing wants of different customers. Fashionable Handbags are commonly used for different versatile usages. But the important fact is that these bags are needed to be stylish and fashionable. This task is beautifully done by Inspiration by presenting the most heart throbbing selective fashionable bags.

The bags have heavy work on different fashion fabric with innovative styles, which contributes in making them more attractive and demanding in the fashion market. Fashion bags are used for many purposes to store personal product

When you finally decide to dish out a large amount of cash for a handbag, you'll want to make sure it's the real thing you are purchasing and not a cheap knock-off. With the popularity of handbags at the present time, its no wonder so many companies are eager to produce knock-off versions of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other high-fashion handbags. We want to make sure that you know when you are being ripped off so you can spend your well-earned money on something that is truly authentic. Here are some hints which will help you spot a fake designer handbag when you see one

If you're looking for something a little different, there are literally thousands of beautifully crafted unique handbags and purses available for purchase online. If you're tired of the mass-produced offerings you tend to find at the mall, the online handbag, purse and fashion accessory market

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Fashion marketing is undergoing a quiet revolution at the moment. Traditionally new fashion designers have had to compete with the major corporate labels through magazine advertising, direct mail, events promotions and if the budget is there, television ad campaigns. The Internet has for a long time been a useful tool for introducing sales leads to your clothing range, but until recently, budget dictated your site's popularity on the net.

Things are rapidly changing, and it is almost all due to the Social Networking phenomenon. You will have no doubt heard of Facebook and MySpace, however over the past couple of years there has been a distinct increase in social community sites that have geared themselves towards the consumer lifestyle market, and in particularly fashion. Many of these online communities run on a democratic principle. Ideally, if enough people vote or bookmark a particular product, say a t-shirt for example, the product and designer's popularity increases. Within a relatively short time. Using tools such as bookmark sharing and recommendations, a relatively unknown designer can attract an enormous amount of positive publicity.

I have researched and collated a list of the most popular and useful fashion social networks for you to browse at your own leisure. You will find there is a wide variety and scope offered by these fashion-related communities. The larger and more established sites are great for breaking new products in to the fashion consumer market, others will provide invaluable assistance from fellow designers, retailers and manufacturers. Most of whom I am sure will be more than willing to guide you through the next stages of your burgeoning fashion career.

Fashionising.com is dedicated to fashion, this social fashion community offering a news, photo and video service for upcoming and established designers, labels, models and more. Very friendly and welcoming community, mainly professionals in all fields of fashion.

Stylehive.com is an online style portal for people who love and/or work in fashion, design and retail. You can connect with fellow style addicts and share all of your new design discoveries and latest finds together. A trend-setters social-networking club, part pop-culture lab, Stylehive.com is one big ensemble cast of trend-setters creating, discovering and buying the next big thing!

Kaboodle.com is a social shopping network where people discover, recommend and share products. Kaboodle's excellent range of shopping widgets mean you can begin organizing all your favorite items in shared lists, discovering new things from people with similar style. Easy to find the best prices and discounts on the most popular products. This site offers fashion products amongst many others including gadgets, soft furnishings, art and more.

ThisNext.com focuses its online and social-shopping community more towards the next big trends. Your popular votes count, everyone recommends their favorite up and coming products for others to discover and purchase online. This global community is in the pursuit of cross-cultural shopping habits for the year to come. This site is laden with more branded advertising and e-commerce solutions making it a more attractive media platform for corporate marketing. The system encompasses each product in a process of discovery, consideration, trial and purchase. Fashion is a big favorite here.

StyleFeeder.com is a personal shopping engine that uses a unique matchmaking system to offer daily personal recommendations, just for you. It's a great way to find new clothes, shoes, in fact anything stylish and keep track of what you're shopping for online, using visual their bookmark options. Great widgets for incorporating your style-feeds in to your personal blogs or commercial sites. I regularly use this site to promote my own fashion -- a great resource for designers.

ShareYourLook.com is a new fashion community for all trends-setters, shoppers and designers, (currently in beta). If you read articles New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, you will probably recognize the co-founder's name - fashion have appeared in The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, fashion journalist Melissa Ceria. The format is easy to use and on the eye: upload photos of you modeling your favorite outfits, and let other members rate your look and leave you comments. Don't worry, there is a policy of fair and objective criticism, even compliments and most of all useful style tips. The whole site relies on a great blog style tagging process, plus a great feature where you'll be able to post favourite 'looks' to your network of fashion friends. You even get your own styleblog.

OsoYou.com is the UK's first social networking and fashion website. Focusing more on High Street fashion and all the latest clothing items, plus features on the hottest celebrity styles and a chance to share fashion with your friends via some innovative social networking options.

Avenue7.com should be classed as up and coming. From my research it seems to be aimed at a younger audience. They already use some rather clever programming to help you create your own perfect outfit and also offer fashion scouts. However there are some even more promising features in the pipeline including 'The Fashion Show' and 'Start a Makeover'. This is more of a hot or not direction for the field of fashion social networking, but it's bright, bold and adventurous and I'll take a punt it will do well in the future.

StyleMob.com is rather funky looking (though corporate owned) street style community StyleMob offering a service that is part Hot or Not, part fashion magazine and part MySpace.

TeamSugar.com is one of the latest contributions to the market. Backed by the Sugar Network, this series of blogs primarily targets fashion-conscious women. The most popular is PopSugar.com, where celebrity gossip and fashion come together in a hedonistic mix. TeamSugar.com pro-actively promote their content, encouraging their community to form around it. Blog syndication integrates the network -- PopSugar.com, DearSugar.com, TeamSugar.com and FabSugar.com, encouraging users to switch sites to see the latest news on each one. Ultra intelligent marketing - helping to boost the popularity of the whole network at the same time. Standard social networking features friends list, leave comments, send messages, write a blog and voting in polls.

This supplemental list offers links to more general/shopping social networks that feature some fashion content, and a few to keep an eye out for in the future:

TheFind.com is the leading shopping search engine to find stores, brands and products, bigger than any other product finder online.

ShopWiki.com is a shopping search engine designed to help consumers find specific products on the Internet with ease. It is the only shopping search engine that combines advanced Web-crawling technology with a consumer-written wiki.

Etsy.com is an online marketplace for buying & selling all things handmade and only handmade.

Fastmatch.com Very new and more social model, however the site is currently still in beta and the interface needs some serious work.

Whatsbuzzing.com Productwiki.com Yub.com Selfploitation.com A brand new site for artists to help each other to promote/sell their products.

What is fashion? It's about how you dress yourself and the manner on how you carry the dress.

It's on how you style your clothes, cosmetics and also your behavior. Fashion is always changing, it has the power to transform an image and make a social statement. Fashion is an art form and it is not always expensive clothes. Fashion is developing a style. You can use fashion to express yourself, Mostly women are conscious about fashion trends on what is the latest fashion.

Designers and Celebrities are greatly influenced on what are the hottest trends in fashion. Fashion started with most genius and creative designers and followed with more popular designers. Examples Gabrielle Coco Chanel, Ives Saint Laurent, Gucci, Dolce, Fendi, Renne Lacoste, Hermes, Mui Mui, Karl Lagerfield, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Givenchy, Donna Karan, Anna Sui, Nicole Miller, Betsy Johnson, Marc Jacobs, and many more. Fashion isn't just what's in; it's also what's out. You can find the most unique styles and most genius designers in Europe like Milan, Paris, Italy and Rome.

Most women follows fashion on magazines and by watching fashion shows, other imitates celebrity fashion. When you're into fashion they call you "Fashaholic", they are the one who always follows the hottest and newest fashion. Mostly the "Fashaholic" are the socialites, celebrities and even politicians. For me not all people who are into fashions are cool and look good on them. In Hollywood they are Fashion Police that review Celebrities fashions and comment if they are okay or not, who's the worse dressed ever. Fashion police an individual who gives comments and suggestions whether people dress according to good taste or to fashion.

Advantage of being into fashion is you develop your personality and confidence. Trendy dressed people tend to attract more positive attention and vibes. That way, she does not have to feel conscious. It also makes you popular to your friends or to your community. But there is also some disadvantages of it like Fashion can consume money and resources that could be put to uses that help society more.

For me in my opinion fashion is not just about the latest and trends it how you carry the clothes and how you are proud to be just who you are. And being in is just a plus factor but it's the consumer, who will decide what is "in" when they choose whether or not to buy into a trend. I'm not that into fashion I just wear what I am comfortable with and for me being Simple is FASHIONABLE. Simplicity is fashion you don't have to pretend who you are not just to be in. Confidence is the key for you to be noticed. But I respect people who are into fashion I guess everybody has entitled for their own opinion and beliefs.

Now I'm sure that you know what a fashion show is but have you ever been to one? Most of you probably think that fashion shows are only for the rich and I will admit at one time that was mostly true but of late I have seen that change immensely. These fun functions have been geared more for the Rich at "Heart" as well as the Rich of pocket book. So if you enjoy fun, fashion and your own piece of the fashion world then get out and partake in one.

"Why should I attend a fashion show?" Well you don't exactly need a reason to attend one as long as you remember that they are for everyone and anybody. And if your feeling uneasy and have a fear of the unknown join some friends and attend one or better yet go alone and gather up the fashions for you while making new friends. Need other suggestions, read on

You may not wind up making any purchases from the numerous designers carrying their latest trends but one thing for sure is you will learn what is popular and selling. And this alone is a great reason to attend especially if you own or run a clothing store, fashion store or even a clothing accessory store. You'll want to make sure your stores are selling what is selling nationally and locally and stocked with the latest fashions. Attending any fashion show can help improve your business, by becoming the store that is sought after for stocking the styles and fashions most wanted in your area.

For those of you that do attend fashion shows for business reasons, including fashion consultants, you may want to think about attending a fashion show. While these shows are basically immersing us with the latest fashion trends, you will also encounter upcoming designers and their fashion trends as well. Fashion shows are a great source of knowledge for improving one's fashion sense and whether your business is one of providing expert knowledge of fashion or wanting to appear as such, you best attend. Fashion shows are not only formatted for the demur frame but can also focus on plus sized clothing, work wear, swimwear, eveningwear, weddings, men, and teens.

Those businesses' that are fashion related most definitely benefit from fashion shows. But that is not to say that you cannot also benefit from attending fashion shows. If you want to look your best and learn how to use the latest trends to accomplish that you may want to attend a fashion show. If your wardrobe is lacking or you don't really know how to put your wardrobe together to make the pieces you purchase work better together and go farther have no fear there is a fashion show out there to help you learn what you need. You will find that the more you attend fashion shows the more your closets begin to work better for.

All learning and business sense aside Fashion Shows are a fun time. And everyone at one time or another is looking to have a good time. Why not incorporate that with a few friends and you have a fun filled fashion experience. Did you know that fashion shows are held in numerous locations as well as formats? Well of course you know they are held in the fashion capital cities like New York and Paris, but these fashion shows can also be held locally. If you're up for attending these shows in New York, Paris or even at your local shopping mall, a memorable and fun experience will surely be had by all of you.

Remember "Why do I have to attend a fashion show?" Well, you really do not need to have a reason to attend a fashion show. If you want to attend even if it is to see what it is all about you will want to start making plans to attend as soon as possible.

Fashion is a very lucrative market. The general people have become so absorbed in Hollywood that the fashion industry has evolved with this in mind. You can gain instant popularity if you have a great combination of endorser, fashion ideas, innovation and a creative sense of fashion.

Of course, any fashion industry is a difficult business to get into. You have to have the knowledge and influences that will get you the most exposure you must have to get your creations into the business. Then again, most of your success is determined by your abilities in designing, and that will decide your final level of recognition.

The talents you have are part of what you are and will not be taken from you. But, it is up to you to turn that talent turn into your passion. Remember that talent and skills are not always enough on their own, it is vital that you get some formal training to be able to fine-tune those special abilities and direct them specifically towards becoming the best that you can.

This is the reason that fashion schools are created and continue to help upcoming artists. They give guidance and extra training to push the artists to achieve their goals with his ideas. Nowadays, the online fashion schools have been increasing in popularity in the fashion world, still you can not beat hands-on training and individual face-to-face instruction in the real world, regardless of what kind of online degree you get.

If you are thinking of entering a fashion school, it is assumed that you will know the basics of fashion designing and have a basic awareness of design in general. But do not worry, you won't be expected to produce ramp-quality creations immediately. Usually, it is expected that you will display your talents with simple designs and create concepts that you may have based on the previous work of some established fashion veterans or better still, some designs that are your own ideas entirely.

The truth is that new fashion designers only make a name in this industry when they produce something that is a unique creation that can appeal to the present fashion tastes while at the same time having the originality to set them aside from the other fashion trends.

You may not be at this level yet. But that is the whole point of a fashion school, to bring out your natural talents and creativity. At first, you may not produce anything wonderful, but as time goes on and with good association at a formal school, great things can emerge.

Some say that even without formal education, one can create fashion trends that will be absorbed by the public, and OK, that might be true, but remember that not many have made it into the fashion scene with no formal study. Also, trends in fashion change. Proper schooling will keep you up to date with the most recent trends and the study of past styles that have shaped the fashion industry.

Fashion schools, like university education will help you find your spot. You may have great creative ideas filling your mind, but to make the most of these will require proper direction.

One more thing is that we can learn a lot from the experiences of others and avoid many of the pit-falls along the way to success. So, take advantage of those who have the experience - those who have been there before you.

So you've decided that you want a career in fashion, and maybe you're even about to enter the real world with your portfolio full of stunning fashion illustrations and a head full of hopes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that glamorous perception of the design industry is a myth, and that vision of yourself as a famous fashion designer with your own clothing line is almost close to impossible to reach. The actual chances of that are probably the same as becoming a movie star. It doesn't mean that you won't become a successful fashion designer working for a company- it means that your chances of becoming the type of designer you envision yourself as are quite slim. Not only do you have to compete with the already established professional fashion designers, but nowadays throw pop singers, celebrities, and TV stars into the mix. There is a better chance that you'll end up working for an established designer collection or as a designer for the next big celebrity's clothing line.

If this sounds like old news to you, then congratulations - you're a step ahead of the game because you already know what you're getting into. If what I just said comes as a total surprise, take a moment to let reality sink in - and then keep reading. In either case, we want to give you the info you need to know to prepare yourself for some of the challenges that lie ahead...

In school most of your time was spent learning fashion illustration, draping, sewing, and patternmaking. While these are certainly good skills to have, they aren't very practical when you're trying to land your first job in the fashion industry. In the real world you'll be expected to know how to sketch flats, create garment specs, CADs, and presentation boards.

Knowing popular computer applications for creating flats and CADs is extremely important. Most companies expect proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel. Many companies also request knowledge of WebPDM. Many fashion school grads believe they know these programs well. But schools don't teach computerized flats or the software used to create them well enough for entry-level designers to be competent within the industry.

Whether you're applying to different fashion schools, already in school, about to graduate, or already have your first job in the industry, it's important to have an idea of where you ultimately want to end up. You might think that as a fashion designer; you'll have the opportunity to work with all types of clothing, but you should be aware that there are different categories and specializations within the fashion industry. Have you thought about which fashion market you want to end up in? What specialization? Developing a plan of action will increase your chances of reaching your goals.

When creating their first fashion portfolios, many design students and entry-level fashion designers make the mistake of filling them with all of their favorite fashion illustrations. But companies don't need to see tons of imaginative avant-garde sketches - they just don't sell! Following an organized portfolio format is a better approach to get your ideas across and show off all of your talents and skills, while demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of what companies expect from you.

You'll also need to create a well organized, intelligent resume to get yourself through the door. If you don't look good on paper, recruiters won't give you a second glance. Not only do your skills and qualifications have to impress, but you need to make sure they stand out amongst the hundreds, or thousands of other applicants for the same position.

Employers know that entry-level candidates will require a lot of training to fill in those education gaps. However, they do look for a candidate that won't be difficult to train, or take up too much training time. Someone who learns quickly and is willing to go the extra mile is a worthwhile candidate for the employer to hire. Express your interest in the company, and your flexibility and eagerness to learn and develop within the field. To really impress, make sure your have researched the market and are familiar with common industry terms so you won't get caught off guard when they are mentioned in the interview.

Despite what I said earlier, I'm sure there are still some of you who are determined to become your own designer; create your own label, design your own fashion line, runway show and all. We commend your ambitiousness and of course, we are here to help! With our advice and observations, we want to provide you with our suggested approach to make it happen. Educating yourself, knowing the business, designing for a cause you love, and promoting yourself through new avenues are all steps towards becoming the designer you've always envisioned!

Keep in mind that the above issues are topics that deserve serious individual attention. In our upcoming articles, we'll discuss each topic further, giving you insider tips and insight so you can sidestep the pitfalls of the industry, giving you that much-needed competitive edge and increasing your chances of getting where you want to go within the industry. Basically, we want to prepare you as much as possible, so take it from designers who have been in your shoes, and soak it up!

Do you live and breathe fashion? Would a career in the fashion industry suit your style and aspirations?

For fashion enthusiasts, a career in fashion might be the ideal job; an opportunity to influence society and change the way a nation dresses for the day and evening. Read on to see which branch of the fashion industry might be right for you.

Fashion careers are essentially of two types - those in fashion design and those in the sales and marketing side of the industry (fashion merchandising). You can further customize your specialty by choosing to focus on a particular style or kind of garment.

Other fashion niche opportunities include costume design for TV, film and theater productions; personal stylist positions with high-end department stores and private clients, fashion photography; and modeling work for everything from newspapers ads to strutting the catwalk in Milan or Paris.

But to turn your passion for fashion into a lucrative career you need more than just the ideas and enthusiasm; you need technical and industry expertise to turn your creative energies into saleable apparel.

One thing fashion careers share, aside from being a rewarding outlet for your creative talents, is their starting point - fashion school. A fashion design education should prepare you for a career in the fashion industry, even if you find yourself working in a supporting role as you start out in the business.

Entry to a fashion career starts with an innate ability to create unique and functional clothing styles and effectively communicate them on paper.

If you decide to study for a career in fashion, you'll learn to design clothing and accessories or the fabrics and materials they're made of.

It is essential that anyone interested in a career in the fashion sector should attend an accredited fashion schooling program which should address the industry fundamentals including design, drawing, textiles, sewing, and manufacturing. This education will be the core of your training on which you can lay the groundwork for experience.

Experience is ultimately the key.
Following school (or even during), it's imperative that you start with an internship or apprenticeship with an established design house. Building experience such as this can often jump start your fashion career and allow you to begin working on independent projects.

For those who have the ability, drive, and determination, a fashion career can be an amazing journey filled with success, self-satisfaction and great clothes. But don't let it ever be said that a fashion career does not require a significant amount of hard work and a vast amount of skill.

CONCLUSION

A future in fashion could take many different forms, reflecting the various aspects of the industry.
No matter what area or areas you're interested in, there is a fashion career to suit your tastes.

To get your future career off the ground, it helps to decide at the outset which of the many fashion industry jobs you want to attain.

A starting point could be to study some of the articles about training and careers in fashion collected at the author's website. Your fashion career could be just a few mouse clicks away.

Many would say that fashion is an expression of the culture and soul, hence every nation has a unique reflection of its own history as well as traditions in one way or another.

Japanese fashion is no exception to this sentiment. This article will go into a few details of how it has changed throughout the years while always remaining intact in its traditions.

The Past and the Present

One of the most traditional and common Japanese fashion outfits is the Kimono; it is still worn today in more modern designs, it was also embraced by the Western nations because of its sensuality as well as elegance.

Throughout the years Japanese fashion saw very few changes but throughout the years the Kimono was a dominant part of the classic collection and consistently a part of their lives in one form or another. Another kind of Kimono is the Furisode which is worn by young women in their twenties; in Japan the age to legally drink and smoke is twenty and in order to celebrate the parent frequently offer their daughters a Furisode.

Then the Houmongi takes the stage. This is another kind of Kimono that is worn by married women and similar to the Furisode the parents will give their daughter one when she is married.

The formal Kimono is known as Tomesode and is typically worn by married women to social functions such as marriages. Additional variations include the Mofuku which is the funeral Kimono for Japanese fashion and the Uchikake is the wedding Kimono.

Last but certainly not least the Obi is the oldest form of the Japanese fashion as they are no longer in production today and rarely will you find someone wearing this type even in Japan.

Modern Japanese fashion generally has several categories in addition to some that are not related to clothes. The Japanese fashion known as the Kogal is translated in Japan to people who enjoy displaying their higher income by wearing expensive jewelry or clothes.

The Gangoro Japanese fashion is designed for those people who began changing their hair color and then you have the Lolita as the Gothic Lolita Japanese fashion, which is being represented by the innocent and sweet dressed (Lolita) all the way to the other extreme type referred to as punk fashion, which is known as Gothic Lolitas.

The Eternal Fashion

The world of classic fashion is eternal throughout the world and Japanese fashion has their Kimonos to prove it. The use of colors also plays a large part in the world of Japanese fashion as well as their culture as it is directly correlated to the event. Fashion not only reflects and defines an era and a place in time but also the character and personality of the person who is wearing it.

Each summer, the Global Language Monitor ranks the Top Fashion Capitals of the World. Singapore and Berlin broke into the Top Ten for the first time this year. Singapore is ranked eighth in the World, coming in behind only Hong Kong in the Asia list.

The impact of Princess Kate and Alexander McQueen propel London over New York as the Top Global Fashion Capital for 2011. That may come as a bit of a surprise. However, to many, the bigger surprise must be the entry of Singapore into the Top Ten, jumping seven spots from last year and overtaking Tokyo.

Singapore is a young city known for its order and conformity. It was not too long ago that Singapore was described by quite a few as a boring, sterile place. It is fair to say that Singapore's fashion scene has been undergoing some dramatic transformation. For those who know how Singapore works, it would not come as a surprise to see government agencies playing a big part in creating a buzz in the fashion scene. When the Singapore government sets its mind on developing a certain sector or industry - whether it is aviation, pharmaceutical or the creative arts - spectacular success stories usually follow. Thus, when it is declared that International Enterprise Singapore, SPRING Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board would jointly support the development of Singapore as Asia's fashion gateway, the foundation was laid for a fast track development of the fashion industry. The government agencies, in collaboration with the private sector, adopted a three-pronged approach to develop the fashion industry in Singapore by cultivating design talent, stimulating demand locally and internationally and positioning Singapore as a fashion centre on the international stage.

In 2010, Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) was launched as an event which would comprise both business-to-business and business-to-consumer components, as well as talent development programmes to identify promising local and regional talent. Some 50 exhibitors and 1,000 buyers and visitors from regional markets, as well as from Europe and the United States, attended the AFX's Blueprint - the business-to-business fashion tradeshow targeting fashion professionals. The AFX also incorporates the Audi Fashion Festival which features top international designers and supermodels.

Globetrotting fashionistas now has reasons to add Singapore to their list of not-to-be-missed destinations. The fashion calendar in Singapore boasts AAMA-TEX (for buyers, textile and apparel producers and exporters), the Blueprint, the Asian Fashion Summit, the Fashionably Sustainable Competition, the Star Creation (design competition for new Asian talents) and hosts of other trade fairs and exhibitions. In 2011, Singapore hosted the first Men's Fashion Week in Asia. Singapore is only the third city in the world to host that event, besides international fashion cities Milan and Paris.

A wealth of fashion education programmes offered by good quality institutions, like LaSalle College of the Arts, Raffles Design Institute and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts ensure a steady flow of fresh faces and new ideas. Its position as a regional education hub also helps to attract creative talents to Singapore.

A design incubator programme was set up where selected designers would have the privilege to be mentored by established professionals. Under the programme, the designers undergo an 18-month incubation which includes operating an actual retail business and attending group workshops and seminars and participating in overseas mission trip. The programme has helped to launch a number of exciting local labels such as Chalk, UNCVRD, Mae Pang, OwnMuse and Ready.Made.

A common characteristic of the major fashion capitals of the world is the strong support for local labels. This is something Singapore may still lack but things are also changing. Ashley Isham, having made his name in London, now has a loyal local following. He retails his own label at the flagship store at The Fullerton Hotel. Jonathan Seow's Woods & Woods, Keith Png's KOOPS, Al&Alicia and Nicholas and the likes are becoming recognised names among the fashion conscious. The increasing number of boutiques offering trendy labels of local designers is further evidence of growing support for the local fashion industry. Blackmarket at Jalan Pisang (Kampong Glam), [A-mod] at TripleOne Somerset (Orchard - Somerset Belt), Antipodean at Lorong Mambong (Holland Village), Egg3 at Erskine Road (Chinatown) and a string of similar boutiques stocking local labels have sprung up in different shopping precincts across the island.

Singapore is now a place that welcomes and promotes fashion innovation - a stimulating environment with buzz and creative energy. There is a vibrant fashion scene and an established platform for designers and creative talents to showcase and retail their works. There is a belief that designers can flourish, fashion business is viable and the whole industry is moving up in the world of style and glamour. The stage is set for Singapore to take its place among the top global fashion capitals. Eighth in the World is a great achievement - but don't expect Singapore to be content to stay there.

August 2011

There are some things you will want to remember when looking for fashion pictures online, and we will pass some of the things in the text below. The first thing you will want to do is find a professional web site that offers fashion design professional looking for sketchers.

If you are one of modern women who tend to stay up-to-date with all the latest fashion and style so you'll continue to see changes in Fashion. Fashion design is a big business and has moved from clothing and certain colors worn by top and dress set. This is more than just good clothes.

Fashion Design

A sketch is like a piece of fashion ideas in the form of a sketch. This allows the design to visualize how the design ideas and allow the display to make changes and modifications to come out with another design sketches.

A good fashion sketches will be able to enter a number into a full clothing by adding detail to the image. Capturing the fall of the curtain fabric and materials to make your sketches more life like. For starters, maybe you can try to imitate your favorite clothing by placing them in front of you and choose the place where the material falls. In addition, always try to do a sketch with no eraser. Mistakes you make can help you with adjustment and can also contribute to the ideas, too.

Fashion Sketches

A good fashion designers have one thing in common. They provide the newest and best for the market, especially for women. Of course, in doing so, they make money for their business or profession. Fashion designers get their ideas from everywhere and sources such as customers, suggestions and even complaints. This information when articulating the idea to form a fashion design them. This information is only one source of input to the designers.

You should know that for such a beautiful and wonderful pieces of clothing that will be created, a lot of hard work and effort put in. One part may take more time, let alone the entire fashion line. It all started with a preliminary sketch, so if you plan to create fashion design sketches, make sure you have the proper art supplies.

Fashion Sketches

Fashion will play a big part in the style that came to be associated with a celebrity. When something works created after the style of a celebrity show has come to be associated with them, the very force that helped to design the fashion will come into play.

Fashion designing has always been a popular choice of young men and women all over the world. Stylish and well paid, these jobs would help you to gauge the pulse of the changing fashions in fashion capitals like New York and Paris. Fashion designing would teach you to consider clothes as a strong expression of one's persona and style statement rather than just protection of the body. Fashion can make a person feel confident and strong as it has a bearing on the personality of the wearer.

There is a bevy of option son fashion designing including haute couture, wedding dresses, sports wear and fashion design among others. There are various reputed fashion institutes from where you can fine hone your aesthetic sense and innovation. A successful fashion designer should have an open mind and an eye for details. Customized fashion styling would help you to remain in the race.

Fashion designing has huge demand in the contemporary world where fashion is a potent weapon. As long as there are style- conscious, men and women on this planet the scope for this job would only go up. Fashion designers should creative hot and innovative designs that imbibe the current trends, select the right fabric and colors to infuse life into the designs. They would be required to work for long or irregular hours and hence they should be robust and active all round the clock Accessorizing is also part of fashion designing as a great dress alone would not complete the style statement.

Fashion Design involves various branches like Garment design, Leather design, and Accessory & Jewelry design. Fashion designing a great bet to mingle with the rich and the famous and some of the most famous figurines of the movie and fashion world, which in itself is an attraction for many youngsters to pursue a career in fashion technology.

Fashion designers are in great demand. Apart from fashion boutiques and ready made shops, fashion designers can also set up their own business with the minimum set up cost or do freelancing for well known fashion houses and designer labels. Freshers can think of Apprenticeship under a well-known designer to showcase your talent. The fame and glitter of the fashion world is the added attraction of these career options. The sense of accomplishment when your creation is admired by some of the most famous men and women in the world cannot be expressed in words.

The only constant factor in the world of fashion is change. As we all know fashion keeps changing practically every minute and people strive to keep up with the new trends all the time. Now fashion does not involve just clothes and its accessories alone, whether it is for man, woman or child. New trends in urban fashion permeate into all the different aspects of a person's life, be it in the home, the office or places of entertainment.

Keeping up with the trends in fashion are an on going process, and those who are keen on being in the most fashionable list definitely have to be on the alert all the time.

When it comes to the question of clothes, nobody likes to compromise. Some of the latest trends in the women's fashion; leggings are ones in trend now and worn with matching tops look good on peoples of all sizes. Colors also play a significant role in fashion, with certain colors being the fashion of certain seasons.

The accessories that go along with clothes are also very important to give you that in-fashion look. A simple dress set off with stunning accessories like ornaments for the neck, hands and ears can turn heads your way.

The best means for those in the fashion industry to keep track of the trends is to conduct regular surveys and consult specialists when buying new stock for their stores. Keep your eyes and ears wide open observing and imbibing the fashion trends in the celebrity and fashion magazines.

The power of the consumer is greatly prejudiced by the media, but restricted by the economy, so learn the customer needs as they will be helpful pointers for giving you an idea of what is currently being purchased. Magazines like the Vogue, Elle, InStyle, etc also have active forums for the consumers.

These days with every change in the trends one will see new versions of existing standard fashion. When you think of it, fashions of the earlier decades are now back in fashion, taking the form of spandex and leggings by giving it a new fresh look. Fashions of the early 80's and 90's are now enjoying a revival with the top fashion companies using them in their advertisements. The ideal way to foresee trend is to look for it in vintage shops, and particularly on the streets and on online displays that discuss what is being worn in major towns and cities.

But for the wearer, remember that giving up one's comforts to be fashionable may help to make you look glamorous and wonderful; it may be harmful to health. So beware of back aches from constant high heels and heavy handbags, or stretched ear lobes due to fashionable heavy earrings. And last but not least wear, decorate, or utilize what suits you best.

The realm of fashion design, by its sheer glamour and grace, has always been exciting and intriguing. When we talk of fashion design, it implies a form of art that incorporates the nuances of creating clothes and accessories.

The history of fashion design can be traced back to the beginning of the19th century when the designs were the product of the dresses worn in the royal courts. Eventually, Charles Frederick Worth, the first fashion designer, set up his first fashion house in Paris. His designs greatly influenced the people and they labeled them as the designs of the "House Of Worth." As a result, a designer became synonymous with a particular brand.

Another important designer who made a significant contribution to the evolution of the fashion was Paul Poi Ret. He blended the classical style consisting of aesthetic dressing with Paris fashion. Other important designers of this age were Patou, Vionnet, Fortuny, Lanvin and Chanel.

Throughout the 20th century, Paris remained the world's fashion hub, with countries such as the US and Britain openly aping the French designs. The post World War era saw the emergence of other countries as the centers of fashion and Paris ceased to be the sole influential factor. The rising British fashion industry brought a new range of street fashion focusing mainly on the young consumers.

Later, American designers such as Calvin Klein And Ralph Lauren came to the fore with their sportswear and made it a style statement. Today, fashion designs can be categorized into two main categories. The haute couture is designed for individual customers. The other category is the ready-to-wear collection. While the former is based on certain themes and is more for creating a style statement, the latter is meant for the masses.

The mid-90s saw the emergence of a new breed of designers who redefined traditional concepts. They looked at fashion from a new angle, creating their own new concepts.

Thus, the world of fashion design has witnessed a steady evolution over the years and has been the by-product of the sincere efforts of many of the top designers.

As the saying goes, 'Clothes make a gentleman' (without being gender biased, lets add on 'and a gentlewoman to it'!), over the years people have become conscious about their looks and one's outfit is what plays a major role in it (with the right attitude, that is always needed).

Obvious as it seems, fashion designers are sought after greatly by the wealthy and the famous, as they are in the public attention and media focus constantly. A young fashion designer is a very nice term to be referred to but it isn't as easy as one-two-three to be there.

Fashion designing can be defined as a practical art that involves design of fashion wear, garments, and clothes in general along with other lifestyle accessories.

A good fashion designer is paid heftily and what better than to be getting paid high when young. A good fashion designer needs oodles of talent and creativity coupled with some solid education and opportunities.

Education regarding fashion designing along with talent can make a young designer earn a fortune alongside fame and a crowd of admirers.
Many wannabe young fashion designers assume fashion designing to be a not-so-difficult profession to be in and a lot more young fashion designers neglect the need of a formal education in fashion designing. A fashion institute teaches a young fashion designer (aspirant) the basics of fashion- the clothing, the pattern making, sewing and so on.

Although, this isn't a must, it enhances a young fashion designer's knowledge on fashion which can be helpful in the future. It boosts the morale of a designer and gets rid of the feeling of insecurity which many young fashion designers are bugged down with.

Today, young fashion designers are many in numbers and have a lot of opportunities in the world of fashion. New innovative designs, graphics and outfits come up every season. T-shirts, jeans, trousers, shirts, traditional wears, ethnic wears etc from around the world are experimented with to form unique attires unknown to the fashion world before.

Modern fashion designing has two categories, namely 'haute couture' and 'ready to wear'. While 'haute couture' refers to the custom made and sewn outfits that is usually done for private clients, 'ready to wear' refers to the range of collections which aren't custom made and which come in standard sizes and fitting.

A young fashion designer needs to have something which makes him/her stand out in the crowd. A young fashion designer can be called a pro, if he/she really re-defines fashion!!!

Even with today's economy there isn't any reason you can't still buy trendy and fashionable clothing. There are several things happening today in the world of fashion that can actually work well to your advantage when it comes to buying clothing.

One of the things that is happening is that fashion designers are realizing that their customer bases are drying up. Even women on Rodeo Drive aren't spending like they used to. They're holding back on spending thousands of dollars on designer handbags, shoes and clothing. How does this affect you?  Well it's a trickle down effect.

Take a look at some of the higher end fashion sites on line.  What you'll find is places like Net-A-Porter and eLuxury are having unbelievable sales. They are offering fashions from today's top fashion designers at rock bottom prices. It's not unusual to find fashions from designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace, Zac Posen, Michael Kors and Tracy Reese (just to mention a few) at sales offering 50% and up to 65% off.

Now of course a $1000 Nina Ricci silk jacket is still expensive for most of us. But, you can still find great buys on less expensive items. Still not sure how this affects you?

What's happening now is that lower cost fashion design houses are experiencing an increase in sales. They're seeing a very large and new gap that needs to be filled in the fashion industry. They're seeing a need for trendy affordable fashion, and they're filling it.

You'll find these affordable fashions at lots of different stores, stores far from Rodeo Drive.  Just check out the selection in your local TJ Maxx or Kohl's.  Even Target and WalMart are expanding their women's clothing sections.

So how can you take advantage of this and be fashionable at the same time? Take advantage of fashion magazines.  What, you say, the same magazines that sell high end designer fashions that I can't afford?  Yes! That's exactly what I mean. I buy the issue that focuses on a particular fashion season.

Just a few weeks ago I bought a fashion magazine that focused on the new Spring fashions.  I looked through the magazine and saw what they said are the fashions trends to look for.  Some of the trends they mentioned were black and white patterns and geometrics, safari fashion and metallics.  The next thing I did was head to my local stores.  I took a look around and saw a lot of reasonably priced fashions that would fit the bill. I saw skirts, pants, shirts, shoes, handbags and accessories that I could work well in my wardrobe that would prove that I'm both fashionable and trendy as well as thrifty!

Interest in the fashion industry is on the rise, and so are the opportunities - and the competition. It is relatively easy to earn a degree in fashion design, merchandising, or fashion marketing. Each of these segments focuses on a different aspect of the fashion industry. As the fashion industry continues to grow, there is an increased need for educated and specialized staff in the fashion world. Those who have the appropriate fashion degree education will find that they are more marketable in this competitive industry. You will find that a fashion degree education offers programs that are tailored to what specific field you are interested in. The three main opportunities with a fashion degree are fashion design, fashion marketing and fashion merchandising.

Becoming a fashion designer is a dream for many people. But only those with artistic ability and serious determination will succeed in this competitive industry. A fashion designer has an eye for lines, textures and color and brings their vision to life through drafting. Once a final sketch is complete, the designer must choose materials to be used in the final product. After the fabric is chosen, a pattern is cut from the fabric and sewn together.

Fashion Marketing involves the advertising, design and business side of the fashion business. A fashion marketer has to have a comprehensive knowledge of the fashion industry to be able to identify what will be stylish and appealing to their target markets. They are responsible for recognizing and tracking upcoming trends as well as being familiar with the various consumer groups. Fashion marketing connects the designers to the public by tracking consumer-buying habits. The fashion marketer then come up with advertising campaigns to target specific groups that might be interested in the products.

Fashion Merchandising and marketing work hand in hand. Fashion merchandisers are responsible for buying the clothes and presenting them to stores. One of the largest parts of fashion merchandising is creating displays to help consumers want to buy the products. Fashion marketing is basically the selecting of clothing lines and choosing how the will be presented to the market.

You should consider a career in the fashion industry if any of the above fields are appealing to you. Fashion is a career that combines business aptitude and an artistic eye. When you have a degree in fashion, you will make more money and hold higher positions than those without formal training.

Wholesale fashion jewelry is a general term that is used to refer to types of jewelry that are made from much cheaper materials like glass, bones and alloys whose prices cannot compare to the expensive diamond, gold or silver made jewelry. This is also referred to as costume jewelry and sometimes as imitation. This kind of jewelry is popular in the jewelry market since it is meant for style and fashion. Fashion jewelry is worn in most of life's circumstances that include weddings and other regular events. There are various items that are associated with fashion jewelry. These items are the commonly used types of jewelry ranging from earrings, bracelets, necklaces, bangles and rings used for engagement purposes as well as wedding material. Due to the inexpensive variety of materials that make up fashion jewelry, the results of the same are reasonably priced jewelry. Fashion jewelry has many distinct colors too from the numerous materials it is made from. These associated colors bring about all the beauty one would require from their fashion jewelry.

Wholesale jewelry involves the selling of affordable and fashionable ornate products that have significant use in daily living. For beautification purposes that mostly favor ladies, as well as some men, fashion jewelry is applicable in ones daily routines and duties. With the many unique colors and mixture of cheap materials incorporated in these products, the resulting jewelry matches almost all clothing styles thus a part of everyday dressing. Because this kind of trade involves selling and distribution of different types of jewelry, it covers a wide range of jewelry. Fashioned jewelry items come in distinct styles and designs as well. This is contributed by the type of material making the jewelry too. Most of this wholesale jewelry has quite some elaborate pieces that can be easily matched together with various attire, hair styles and other selective jewelry pieces. For the bracelets and bungles, there are spectacular varieties of them that go well with earrings and necklaces. These bangles have their exceptional jewelry pouches that give one an easy time when carrying or storing them. These bracelets and bangles are available in many styles, from the magnet cuffed ones to clasps among other types and shapes depending on one's taste and preferences. According to their style and make, fashion bracelets have their distinct prices ranging from low to high costs.

There is also wholesale fashion rings included in this large selection of jewelry. They range from the adjustable rings, rings dependent on the type of cut, toe rings, any finger rings, engagement rings and many more fashionable rings. These rings are special because of their distinctive uses which include creating bonds in relationships, engagement promises and for wedding purposes. There is also fashion rings meant for beauty reasons and these range from their various styles, shapes, and designs that suit every individual, feminine or masculine. Wholesale fashion necklaces are also part of this product catalog. Their natural modishness flourishes all over the jewelry section with various necklace types and sizes. Most necklaces usually have a jewelry pouch made for better storage. The type, material used and beautification considerations have to be determined before purchase is made. Wholesale fashion necklaces also have their distinct prices.

Among others, pretty natural shell earrings are also regarded as fashion jewelry. Fashion earrings are mostly for ladies as they help accentuate their beauty and style. These earrings come in various sizes as well as shapes. There are myriad designs for any and every occasion thus there is no shortage when it comes to ones preference or sense of style. To get a whole collection of jewelry at prices that will be as appealing as the pieces, wholesale fashion jewelry is the way to go.