All About Fashion Designing

 
The spices of life are more to some and less to others. Contrary to a captain with no hull beneath his deck, but a good steady wind and a pair of Denim flares more befitting a weatherworn sailor feeling his years, to the Far East in search of spices. Time and tide won’t let a sailor sleep.
Now it’s the spices of fashion for men, the rising tide: And, dandyism still contrasting Beau Brummell rejection of 18th century frills, his mandate; a dark blue coat, buff-coloured pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a clean white neck cloth.
The modern sailor’s uniform, endures and has remained a popular choice for designers to mimic idiosyncratic characters, a simple uniform to draw inspiration from; each changing style to suit forms and functions.
A little more evidence on how history in fashion repeats itself: Bell bottomed trousers were another ‘icon’ of the square rig uniform. These were practical garments for men who worked sailing ships since they could be rolled up securely to clear the feet and ankles when working the rigging. In common with all other items of a sailor’s kit, trousers were kept folded ready for use in a kit bag. Kept inside out to avoid fluff on the outer surface and to avoid ’shine’ by ironing, they were folded horizontally at about a hand’s width and taped into a rectangular ‘block’. When worn, this produced inverted vertical creases down the side of the leg and five or seven, depending on the height of the wearer, horizontal creases down the leg. In time these were accepted as the thing to have and were pressed firmly into place from the early years of the century. Since the First World War bell bottoms were purchased for tradition rather than any practical use but were replaced by flared trousers in 1977.
The three white tapes were said to commemorate Nelson’s three great battles – The Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar. However there is no truth in this – the Admiralty were at one time considering the merits of two stripes as against three. Sailors were assigned to various jobs according to their skill. … Before 1857 there was no uniform for Royal Navy seamen, who usually wore baggy trousers … The modern sailor’s uniform is the culmination of centuries of tradition and innovation. From silk stockings, frock coats and night caps.
In 1756 a children’s uniform of ’sailor’s dress’ with distinctive leather caps was adopted, instead of the uniform based on what the pensioners wore. …
The sailor’s collar deserves a special mention. Tarred pig tails disappeared rapidly after 1815 and the last is recorded as having been seen at sea in 1827. On the other hand, the first broad collars were worn after 1830. Contrary to popular belief, therefore, the two were never worn together.
Enough sea faring stories; now, the gentleman, endowed with wisdom, true to word and honourable handshake. Bereft of principles; no gentleman.
So, clothes befitting is not distinguishable enough to judge mans true character, he chooses to wear governed by mood, taste, budget, status or advice? A pair of faded jeans and linen shirt and sneakers, or the best cut suit from Savile Row and a pair of Floorshiems for the feet
However it’s what suits the individual taste in fashion. The things that add spice to menswear clothing are the accessories, like silk ties, cravats, or scarves. Men wear label badges as recognition of status or club membership. Then there are endless choices of cufflinks in silver Swarovski crystals and most traditionally enamels.
Even more fortunate for the modern man are designers who mark a new creative direction for men’s clothing and accessories. A few fine examples, Vivienne Westwood, Timothy Everest, Ian Flaherty.
A practitioner of strategic planning in business alignment: He is developing a new brand of fashion accessories for men as a truly independent alternative: Concurrently purveying designer silk ties, silver, crystal and enamel cufflinks, fine leather wallets, plus a collection of jewellery by noted British designers, such as, Vivienne Westwood, Timothy Everest, Ian Flaherty, Veritas, Lbb London, Simon Carter, Michelsons and Shane McCoubrey. Perpetuating traditional English made clothing accessories is part of our ethos.
 

More and more young people are choosing fashion design when they are quizzed about their future choice in a career and who can blame them. A career in fashion design means having a great job creating clothing concepts that will influence the way that people look all over the planet. One thing that many people are not aware of, is that top designers have a way of making it all look so easy when in fact they have put in years of work and study to get to the pinnacle that they are at.

To be successful at fashion design, one must be able to do a wide variety of tasks well including drawing, selecting colors and fabric types and sewing just to name a few things that a good designer must do well. Another thing that a good designer must have is vision, because the designs that they create have to be a year ahead of the popular trends in fashion.

This is because, what you see on the racks in clothing stores this spring were actually thought up over a year ago. This is when the designer first began to sketch designs and try to imagine what they will actually look like when than are finally constructed. It takes a full year for a designer to design and create a line of clothing and if the designer is wrong on which direction that they predicted fashion would take they will be out of business.

If you are considering fashion design as a career choice then now is the time to start your studies by learning to sketch your ideas. Sketching is a great way to work out idea concepts without having to go through the time and expense of actually constructing anything. Also, it is important to remember that the only way that you are going to communicate your ideas in fashion is with sketches.

Can’t afford to buy a whole new wardrobe– what’s one piece I can buy to update what I’ve already got?

Oscar de la Renta is a fashion designer generally considered to be one of the top professionals in that area by fashion critics. De la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic. At the age of 18, he flew to Madrid, Spain, where he studied painting at the Academy Of San Fernando. Oscar’s artistic side, however, would soon start turning ways onto the designing side. He showed interest in the world of fashion designing and soon found work with some of Spain’s top fashion houses as a sketcher. A little later, he took fashion designing class with one of Spain’s top couturiers, Cristobal Balenciaga.

De la Renta later moved to Paris, where he joined Antonio Castillo as a couture assistant. In 1963, de la Renta found himself in New York, where he worked for Elizabeth Arden among others. That provided de la Renta with incalculable experience, which he would later need to launch his own signature trademark of clothing lines and perfumes.

In 1965, Oscar de la Renta reached his dream of launching those signature lines, and his life changed. As a fashion designer, he has reached worldwide fame and fortune, and he has been able to buy mansions in his homeland and the United States.

Apart from the signature Oscar de la Renta products, he was able to launch the Pink Label products, and has ventured into the world of women’s accessories, men’s clothing, sportswear and perfumes. Oscar de la Renta products are available here. Please purchase on online www.etabletop.com

If you have even a slight interest in fashion, the industry may offer what you need to have an engaging, exciting career. This industry caters to a range of interests, including fashion photography, merchandising, marketing, buying, fashion stylists, and fashion design.

Some have what it takes to survive in the fashion industry. Some don’t. Some say success in fashion depends on talent, others sure will power. One thing is for sure- very few make it to the top echelon of fame and fortune to design fashion couture. But one may succeed in the fashion industry on a smaller scale.

Merchandising, marketing, and buying skills will most likely be the part of the same job description, unless you work for a large company that can afford to employ specialists in each area. A fashion merchandiser makes sure a storefront puts on a strong front. They are in charge of the presentation of items- the placement of clothing on mannequins- what jewelry highlights which outfit, for example. A fashion merchandiser is a trend spotter in a sense- they keep up on latest trends so they may know what to stock the store with.

Fashion merchandising requires more than a knowledge of what’s hot in fashion. A merchandiser must also be business savvy- they have to make sure the clothing bought by the store is in the target customer’s price range, that the store itself can afford to purchase the clothing at a certain price, and how much of the clothing will sell. And a merchandiser will need a few marketing tricks up his or her sleeve. A fashion merchandiser must also know how to negotiate with the suppliers of the clothing. Negotiating skills involve excellent communication and possibly ability to wheel and deal.

Fashion photographers must have the best job in the photography business. The high end photographers get to meet famous people. Fashion photographers must go where the shoot is, so they may take many expenses paid vacations.

A fashion stylist is the bridge between fashion and psychology. Stylists match clothing to people’s personalities. A good stylist is able to ensemble an outfit that will list the spirits of the wearer. A fashion stylist may work for individuals and prepare outfits for special events and occasions, or they may work for television shows or on a movie set.

Fashion styling requires pure talent. A stylist must choose clothing that is a flattering color as well as the right fit and shape to flatter the individual’s body type.

An entrepreneurial nature is a bonus in the fashion industry. Many jobs require you to work for yourself and your success will depend on your ability to market yourself. An entrepreneur must be self-motivated and able to network socially.

The fashion industry is always changing. This makes for a lot of work for someone working in this field, albeit a perfect field for anyone who becomes bored easily! Competitiveness and creativity are perfect personality matches in fashion related occupations. If you have what it takes the fashion industry has a lot to offer.

The word jewelry is derived from the Latin word ‘jocale’ meaning plaything. Fashion jewelry is inexpensive to moderately priced jewelry such as a necklace, ring or bracelet, made up of semi-precious or simulated stones, metals and other materials like crystals, glass, brass, wood, leather, silver and more, designed to wear with current fashions. Fashion jewelry can be categorized on the basis of the material it is made of like brass, silver, wood, beaded etc.

The material used in making fashion jewelry is usually cost effective and trendy. Some of the examples of fashion jewelry are brass jewelry, leather jewelry, beaded jewelry, mixed metal jewelry, gemstone jewelry and costume jewelry.

Fashion jewelry is made in all sorts of styles from contemporary mod inspired filigree earrings to mixed metals necklaces hanging at various lengths. Fashion jewelry can also be classified on the popularity of the products available in the market for example cocktails rings, brass bangles, chunky crystals, faceted stones, leather cuffs, beaded necklaces, symbol statements encrusted with jewels. Fashion jewelry is very much in demand because it is stylish and trendy and is available at affordable prices. You can find all of these elements and some of the most stunning artisan crafted jewelry at 3bjewels.

The exceptional handcrafted jewelry at Beryl Blush Blonde Jewelry is a refreshing choice when it comes to fashion jewelry, as they incorporate all of the exciting new jewelry trends along with classic elements at an affordable price to satisfy any woman’s fashion jewelry indulgence. The handcrafted custom designer jewelry encourages you to get edgy this season with jet black, inky beads, burnished mixed metals and chunky bright crystals. The artisan jewelry designers say to experiment with pyramid faceted stones, shimmering beads and wrap bracelets for ultra glam. Or, refresh your look with updated, chic sophistication. Explore nouveau vintage inspired jewelry with layers of delicate chain and filigree pendants. Whichever you decide you will make a confident statement showing off a fabulous piece from the Beryl Blush Blonde fashion jewelry collection at 3bjewels.

The term fashion usually applies to a prevailing mode of expression, but quite often applies to a personal mode of expression that may or may not adhere to prevailing ideals. Inherent in the term is the idea that the mode will change more quickly than the culture as a whole. The terms “fashionable” and “unfashionable” are employed to describe whether someone or something fits in with the current popular mode of expression. The term “fashion” is frequently used in a positive sense, as a synonym for glamour and style. In this sense, fashions are a sort of communal art, through which a culture examines its notions of beauty and goodness. The term “fashion” is also sometimes used in a negative sense, as a synonym for fads, trends, and materialism.

Fashion Tips

Make sure your wardrobe has plenty of neutrals on hand - they are perfect for mixing and matching. They can be dressed up or down with the right jewelry additions

Not a one of us woman has the perfect figure. We all have flaws. Accept your flaws and work with them

Know your body and what looks good. You are logically attracted to clothes, styles and colors that flatter your figure. Experiment a bit, and try something a bit off your normal habits

Tailored outfits are flattering to most all figures

Buy styles that flatter your figure and don’t forget that finishing touch with your jewelry

To make a short neck look longer wear a sccop neck or open collar shirt, complete the look with a long necklace

Large breasted women and women with wide hips can optain balance by using shoulder pads

Make sure your panty hose fits properly

Don’t bare all - leave something for the imagination. Entice with your a glittery necklace or choker, and don’t forget the earrings

Leather stretches so if you’re buying a leather skirt or pants make sure they are snug when you purchase them. There are also some fabulous faux leather products on the market that can give you great wear for a season or two without having to worry if they’ll still fit next year

Dress up your look with glittery jewelry, accent a line with a necklace. Don’t forget your earrings and bracelets. They add the finishing touch to your look. You can completely change your look just by changing your jewelry. Dress it up or down!

Your jewelry is the same. That fabulous designer parure that costs way more than you can afford - your certain to find a similar in an online store for much less. Clip the picture and keep it with you so you can match

Set your budget and stick to it. Purchase plenty of mix and match pieces to get the most for your money. And don’t forget to complete your look with jewelry.

When you stand in the middle of two design worlds (U.S. and China), you may feel a little lost right now. Designers in the U.S. are afraid of losing their jobs to China with a 8:1 pricing difference; whereas China corporations are also worried that the competitive quality of foreign imported products into China are going to wipe out its internal brands.
Are you worried as a designer in the U.S. that design jobs will migrate to China? Are you concerned about the increasingly competitive pricing on design jobs and its resultant outsourcing? Are you curious about the quality of design work over there? You have never been to China but heard about China’s staggering GDP growth rate of 9.1%* and its emerging 1.3 billion people market (almost 5 times the size of the U.S. population). You have read in Business Week or design magazines about all the hype in China, but what’s the real truth? Being concerned is one thing, but being fear struck and cynical without learning about the facts is far worse.
First lets clear out the common myth about design environment in China.
Myth 1: China’s market is in Beijing & Shanghai. Truth: China has 9 economic zones designated by the government which determines the rise of economic development in cities of these regions.
Myth 2: Localization means Chinese translation. Truth: Products need to fit the needs of China users not only in terms of language but also their cultural thought model, usage behaviors and political context.
Myth 3: Business success in China is done via optimizing operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness and gaining market share. Truth: Business success in China predominantly comes from building successful relationships and trust.
Survival kit for foreign Designers in China:
1. Learn PuTongHua Do not assume that English is the international business language in China. If you are lucky, you might work with Mainland Chinese people who speaks English. Even then, do not automatically assume that Mainland Chinese speaking English will mean that they understand you conceptually. Often times, miscommunication arises when you think the other party understands you but they really don’t and are culturally resistant to ask clarifying questions. If you are in the food chain where you need to travel to China to either oversee manufacturing in China or design for the China market, it is a good idea to learn the Chinese national language: PuTongHua. Your Chinese associates will be taken by surprise, and this will move you miles ahead in the game. For a good start, when meeting someone new, say: “Ni hao ma,” meaning “How are you?”
2. See China for yourself If you have never been to China but your work is inseparable from China, take some advice from a traditional Chinese proverb: “Rather than read ten thousand pages of a book, its better to walk ten thousand miles.” Fear is driven by “not knowing.” Be there and see China for yourself. The media could very well tint your perception of China, and the China experience could be way beyond your expectations. (There are no “fortune cookies” in China, by the way.)
3. “Do as the Romans Do” In China, the rules of the game are different. What works in the U.S. might not apply to China, and insisting on how things should work in another culture is not a very good idea. Immersing yourself into the culture, you might find that certain concepts that you take for granted such as perception of time, concept of money, philosophical world-view, policies, arts, concept of law are not the same in China. One has to understand that working in China is not only working in another country, it’s also working in another culture that has a history steeped in a very different political system based on a planned economy with state-driven policies. Working against the grain will only frustrate foreign companies, pushing them to retreat.
How will the Olympic Games affect China domestic design?
Olympic games is a hot topic for a long time. The bird structure or its interior and building decoration all takes designers’ creativity. Those who take their part in this big project will feel very pride and full of satisfaction.
Xiao Yong who design the Olympic medals said: “The Olympic Games is not a new topic. It is linked with China since around the year 2000. All designers are excited. Each one of them should actively make their own effort to take part in. Many projects are open for bidding. The participants should include capable designers, institutes, groups, and schools of design. It is a test for us to prove our teaching and designing abilities. It strengthened our confident. It is an opportunity as well as a test.” Amazing Design in various aspects of the Olympic games, such as the medal design, the clothing, the gift toys design, gives the world a lot of surprises. China Design Now places exhibits in the context of China’s social, cultural and economic reforms over the last 25 years, providing both a critical survey and a narrative that enables visitors to see how China’s new design and consumer culture has developed, what its driving forces are and where it is going. China Design Now will include case studies of influential individuals, companies and organizations that have played an important role in shaping aspirations in today’s China. This exhibition captures an extraordinary moment in Chinese design and the rise of China’s consumer society. There is truly a sense of design frenzy in China right now.” said Lauren Parker, co curator of the exhibition. The Victoria And Albert Museum’s spring exhibition.
China Design Now, will be the first in the UK to explore the recent explosion of new design in China and the first to attempt to understand the impact of rapid economic development on architecture and design in China’s major cities. The exhibition will be on view from 15 March to 13 July 2008.

I wonder what do you think about the french fashion style?

South Africa has fallen in love with Indian inspired couture this summer; from linen tunics, draped pants, and saris customized in fabrics like silk, chiffon, muslin, and linen SUTRA™ MAGAZINE.

“Garments from designers such as Ritu Kumar, Ritu Beri, Rina Dhaka, Muzaffar Ali, Satya Paul, Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani, and Manish Malhotra are some of the well known fashion designers in India whose collections are wowed in South Africa.”, says SUTRA™.

According to the SUTRA™ team, “Indian fashion envelops a wide assortment of garments from elaborate ensembles designed for highly sophisticated events to, informal wear. Traditional Indian embroidery and authentic Indian fabrics are used by designers in conjunction with wooden beads and African weaves and to create Indo-African clothing in a fusion that comes together strikingly”.

Scarves (dupatta) are all the rage this summer; as a fashion garment it is an attractive accessory that looks stylish and breaks the dullness of everyday clothing.

Outfits can be dressed up or down when worn with a heavily embellished dupatta decorated with sequins or a cool cotton scarf with a beaded border to add colour and dimension. Altering the manner in which it is worn can give your outfit a makeover for the better.

This season fashion designers are making use of African prints coupled with Indian bauble and spangle that creates and further enhances the contrasting themes that merge so fittingly. Kurthis and tunics laden in beading, in colours like indigo, brick red, grey black and mustard yellows are produced from raw silk by new age designers.

SUTRA’s editorial team believes that, “summer of 2007 / 2008 in S.A screams, less is more that is, when it come to make up! Shimmers and glosses are in; while heavy make up flies out the window. For those who like subtlety, a matte finish will do best. For an evening out on the town, the rouge, and lips should be toned down to complement darker shades on the eyelids and heavily lined eyes that finish the Indian traditional look.”

SUTRA’s Fashion Editor says, “Eye-catching accessories like stunning crystals and weighty dark wood and amber neck pieces create the perfect Indo-African fusion to such an extent that there is little noticeable distinction. Dress your hair down for a more relaxed look; while stylish up dos are substituted by big buns!”

Can you please tell me what kind of things i should include in the perfect portfolio?
I will be going for a interview and will have to take a portfolio, i am applying for the BA Honours Fashion Design course, i need to know what will impress the interviewers as its fierce competition!!!
Thanks :]

I currently work in consultancy,and i want tto join a course in fashion designing .I am not in the position to join regular classes. could anybody let me know about any distance education or parttime courses in fashion designing in bangalore