Fashion Blog

A fashion mall can be a good place to go for that fashion face lift that you have been yearning for. Being a more fashion inclined shopping center; you can find all sorts of fashion products from clothing, to shoes, accessories and jewelry. These malls are very ideal for the choosy shopper who wants to keep up with the latest trends in the market. Unfortunately, this skewed outlook towards fashion makes most of the stores and shops within these malls quite expensive. Unlike getting your cloths and other fashion wear from an ordinary shopping mall, you end up paying a little more handsomely here.

Most fashion based malls are structured in to departments. In each department, you will find a set of related products shops and stores. For instance, you may find several jewel shops tucked in to one area within the mall. This is quite advantageous to the shopper because besides being able to compare similar products in fashion, you also easily compare prices of the same product from different outlets. Some popular departments in such malls include accessories, beauty, kids, tall and plus sizes, teen, men wear, shoes, women, house and home, and jewelry departments among others. As obviously implied, each of these departments will have shops offering specific kinds of products suited for a specific group of people.

Another advantageous feature about fashion malls is that you can easily shop for brands. Since they are structured in to departments, you can be able to go to a specific department, and then narrow down your choice of what you want to buy by the brand name. For instance, if you want to buy some sports shoes for your kids, you would ideally enter in to the kids department section of the mall, then identify the shops therein that sell kids shoes. Then in this small number of shops, you identify the one that specifically sells your ideal brand of shoes, say for example, Nike. This saves you a lot of time moving around looking for the branded items that you desire.

For the person who loves privacy, these fashion malls are also very ideal. Due to the expensive nature of the products being sold in them, most people keep off, preferring to go to the ordinary shopping malls for their shopping needs. As a result, there is limited traffic to these high end shopping centers. You can therefore, shop with your privacy and convenience being at peak. This is also true for the person who feels refined and a person who values high fashion, unique items and values social status and class. Shopping in fashion malls leaves you with that feeling of importance and wealth. After all, you can afford to shop where most other people cannot even afford to go. You can even go ahead and brag a little about your shopping escapades to your friends just to get the kicks out of it.

All said, not all fashion malls are the same. Some will emphasize on fashion and trend items, but others will only use the name for the sake of attracting clients and customers. Some of these fashion shopping centers will even go to the lengths of hosting regular fashion shows just to entice potential customers to visit them. The bottom line is that you should do your due diligence, find out if the fashion mall offers what you need, and look in to cost affordability depending on your financial status.

You can tell a lot about a decade from its fashions. The 60s were defined by free love and hippy frocks. The 70s were all about the disco revolution. And the 80s gave us both preppy style and new wave neon. So what will the 00s, or the "noughties," be known for? Foremost, we saw nods to eras past, with new twists on old looks. Fashion also developed a social conscience, with sustainable fabrics and manufacturing that reflected a greater awareness of ecological responsibility that will certainly carry over into the next decade. And of course, the noughties will be known for its fads. Let's take a look at the fashion trends that will make it into the history books of fashion design schools, and more importantly, what you'll wear in twenty years to the noughties party.

Boho chic. This look borrowed from gypsy and hippie influences, and was characterized by loose, flowing tops and skirts, the layering of fabrics and textures, and mixing of prints. The look was completed with oversized sunglasses, coin belts, and vintage beads. Fashion writers called the mishmash trend "heroin chic," in which people paid a lot of money to look poor. The 60s and 70s-inspired trend remained popular, however, because it gave women the freedom to mix and match as they pleased.

Hip hop style. Urban-influences gave fashion street credibility, and whatever rappers wore eventually made it to runways. Several hip hop stars even launched their own fashion design labels. But just as hip hop music moved from the ghetto to the mainstream, so did hip hop style evolve. Rapper staples like hoodies, baggie jeans and track suits made their mark in the early part of the decade, but they gave way to the sophisticated dandy look of blazers, pink polo shirts, and cardigans. It was 80s preppy with hip hop swagger.

Form fitting silhouettes. The baggy, loose-fitting fashions from the nineties had to be emptied from our closets as we favored tighter fits. Those old wide leg pants with pleats were out, and the decade ushered in the popularity of the skinny, low rise jean. Drainpipe styles like we hadn't seen since the 60s were popular for both women and men. The ultimate example of the tight clothing trend was leggings, which made a big comeback in the decade. They were paired with long, fitted tops, baby doll dresses, and even mini skirts.

Celebrity obsession. The past decade saw fashionistas following and imitating celebrities like never before. The paparazzi stalked young Hollywood with a frenzy matched only by fans' desire to dress like their favorite starlets. We scrutinized the accessories and shoes of fashion forward television characters. Everyone asked, "Who are you wearing" on the red carpet, making household names of previously unknown fashion designers. And finally, reality shows centered around fashion made celebrities out of budding stylists, dressmakers and fashion school grads, so that whatever they created was snapped up instantly by the celebrity and fashion obsessed.

Sustainable materials. The noughties brought with it an awareness of environmentally responsible fabrics and materials. People began asking what things were made of, and how eco-friendly they were. Clothing made with organic cotton, hemp and linen have grown in demand, and will continue to do so. Technological innovations also gave us a new crop of sustainable materials like fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles or carpet padding, and shoe rubber made from recycled tires.

Fair trade manufacturing. Although many shoppers marveled at the low prices of their clothing, they also began questioning the true cost of the items as they asked how and where the apparel was manufactured. Working conditions were scrutinized, and companies that could claim "made in America" enjoyed a competitive advantage. Some companies donated a portion of their sales to environmental causes, and one donated a pair of shoes to a needy child with every pair sold.

Shoes with a gimmick. Their sartorial merits continue to be debated, but some unique footwear made a huge splash this decade. Brightly colored plastic gardening clogs with ventilation holes were wildly popular. Sheepskin boots that were once previously only worn après-ski were displayed après-everything. And shoes with built-in wheels let people glide through the streets straight into their orthopedic doctor's office.

White trash fashion. True, "white trash" is a stereotype, but hipsters in the noughties embraced it as a badge of honor. Trucker hats, white tank tops and tees, mechanic's shirts and cowboy boots became the height of fashion. It was a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll.

Shrunken men's clothes. Grown men suddenly looked like they were shopping in the boys department, as fashion design arbiters favored the shrunken clothing look. Suit jackets were tighter and shorter. Trouser legs broke above the shoe, baring the ankles. And for a brief period, Capri pants for men were even in vogue.

Big belts. Once upon a time, belts were made to keep your pants up. Thanks to the noughties, they're huge (both literally and figuratively) on top of dresses, t-shirts, and yes, pants (but not necessarily within the loops). They're also studded with jewels and feature gigantic buckles that rival the size of Rhode Island.

There is a shortage of patternmakers in the fashion industry. For anyone interested in having a career in the fashion industry, becoming a fashion patternmaker is a wise decision for a number of reasons:

-it's great pay
-you won't have much competition to deal with
-you could get to work closely with professional fashion designers
-you'll be doing the very important bricks and mortar work in fashion design

Without fashion patternmakers there would be no fashion designs being made into clothes. So if you're thinking about getting into the fashion industry by the way of patternmaking you can either teach yourself patternmaking following any of the methods below;

Buy designer clothing patterns at sewing supply stores and study the pattern blocks

Go to your local library, or bookstore online or offline and order the patternmaking teaching manuals such as Connie Amaden Crawford's 'Patternmaking Made Easy' she teaches you how to produce 22 of the most important pattern blocks, or 'slopers', that all other blocks are made from.

Get your hands on some fashion patternmaking software like the CAD kind from Etelestia or Wild Ginger's 'Pattern Master' software.

You can get started even faster with a low tech innovative product like the Lutterloh patternmaking system and easily learn how to use their 'Golden Rule' system. It's a great place to start because they've got a online free learning video on how to use the Golden Rule. Basically, how it works is you take your bust and waist measurements that you're making a pattern for and use those measurements to develop a 'connect the dots' outline based on one of the many interchangeable pattern block templates. To create your own unique fashion pattern blocks you would just customize the necessary pattern blocks Lutterloh provides in their pattern books.

You can take a quality online fashion patternmaking or online fashion design course that includes patternmaking. Both Etelestia and Epro fashion schools provide such courses.

Or you could go the most conventional route and take a complete fashion design course at the Art Institute, Vancouver Community College or any other local college that holds good repute in the fashion industry for the quality of their courses and turn out of industry ready fashion design graduates.

Either way, if you choose to learn or become a fashion designer/fashion patternmaker you'll get a chance to exercise your drive, determination and passion for fashion in doing so. Make sure you learn everything you can get your hands on, dream big and get to know people in the fashion indsutry. Once you've acquired the skills you can look into becoming an intern at your local or nearest fashion house to get your experience in. You can also provide your skills online as a patternmaker for fashion designers and clothing manufacturers.

With the recent success of McQueen's fashion exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011, must-see 2012 fashion exhibitions are on the rise with some of the most notable fashion designers out there. Harold Koda, curator in charge of the Custom Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, told the trade, "Clearly the critical as well as popular success of the McQueen show suggests that fashion design has a more secure place in the precincts of an art museum." If fashion is no longer just for those interested in following trends, but rather for all who are interested in art, then fashion museum exhibitions are here to stay. Here is a list of the top three fashion displays that can be found at your local museum this year.

Fashion Exhibit 1: "IMPACT: 50 Years of the CFDA"

The Council of Fashion Designers of America is an organization that supports industry initiatives, rising talent and has some of the country's most important designers as members. CFDA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a show of over a hundred pieces of clothing and accessories, along with images and acknowledgements of the nearly six hundred designers who have been CFDA members over the years. This 2012 exhibition will be at The Museum at FIT in New York from February 10 to April 27.

Fashion Exhibit 2: "Louis Vuitton - Marc Jacobs"

This Paris show will convene Louis Vuitton's past and present. See how Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs cultivated the label, from its conception and look when Vuitton was at the helm during the 19th century, to the contemporary ready-to-wear collections created during Jacobs's 13 years as creative director. This show will be featured at the Les Arts Decoratifs in Paris from March 9 to September 16.

Fashion Exhibit 3: "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk"

The couture, cone bras, striped sailor shirts and costumes worn by celebrities like Madonna and Kylie Minogue make their way to San Francisco. The third stop on this touring exhibition will give Californians a reason to applaud fashion's enfant terrible. This exciting exhibit will be at the De Young Museum in San Francisco starting on March 24 continuing until August 19.

Be sure to stay current will all fashion trends as well as the fashion industry's history and see these fashion museum exhibitions. 2012 is definitely an exciting year for a glimpse into the rich history of fashion designs and houses.

Like any college, university, or technical school, people from all walks of life attend fashion design school. Economic status or personality type does not play a part. In fact, an individual who may have not been able to afford fashionable clothes, could have been the very one who was sketching clothing designs, making doll clothes, and perhaps later, even designing and sewing her own clothes.

It is probably safe to say that people who choose fashion design as a career choice share some common characteristics, although they have their own ideas as to what constitutes fashion. A few of the similar ones are listed below. Take a look. Is there one that best describes you? Or is there something about you that sets you apart from your fellow classmates at your chosen fashion institute?

People who have high levels of confidence and self-assurance. The fashion design world requires that you possess and show both qualities. You have to believe in your ideas and designs and be confident enough to display them, no matter what the reception or reaction may be. As you pursue your education, look for other students who exhibit these traits, study them, and work towards building your self esteem.

You may also see someone in your fashion school class who definitely has the potential, but may need some help in the two areas listed above. Offer that person encouragement and help her find the confidence and self-assurance that you know she possesses. You will both benefit.

People who like to "shake things up". Fashion designers aren't afraid to "think outside the box" and good fashion schools know this. For this reason, they encourage creative thinking. If the fashion institute you have chosen does not feel this way, consider it an opportunity to demonstrate just exactly how you can "shake things up" while, of course, keeping school policies in mind.

People who like challenges. So, you've found yourself in a fashion college. You've already addressed your first challenge: getting in. Now, you're ready to face the rest of the things that will come your way. People who enjoy challenges look for the more difficult path and find a way to succeed. They realize that many people will choose the easier path. That gives them an advantage. You'll see people like this at fashion design school.

People who care about other people. This may sound rather strange, but consider this. Many people, because of religious beliefs, physical constraints, or other reasons may be restricted in what they can wear, but this doesn't mean that they don't want to look fashionable. A fashion designer who realizes this may find that this is one area of fashion design they wish to concentrate on.

Imagine the satisfaction that can be achieved when someone who was once unable to wear stylish clothing is finally able to sport a look that bolsters their self-confidence and self-esteem. Improving the way someone dresses and feels about themselves - now that's having an impact!

The types of people you'll meet at fashion design school will be very interesting. The reason? No matter what type of personality you encounter, they will undoubtedly be a creative type. And it's the creative people that drive the imagination of the world!