The housing crisis has a direct correlation to the home fashion retail industry. If a family is barely able to afford housing then how would they be able to furnish there house? And if this is so, then the home fashion industry is going to do poorly.
One of the main issue in the recession that we are in is that families are having to downgrade on many things, housing being one of the major units. So many families are moving from pricier neighborhoods to cheaper neighborhoods, or moving from houses to apartments, etc. And most of the furnishing that they had before is being reused because they do not have the money to buy new furnishing. This is hurting the home fashion industry very badly.
The home fashion retail industry is trying to do everything in the power to make industry more affordable to people at this time. This is why you see a lot of brand name lines like Martha Stewart selling their collections at discount stores like Walmart. The industry is also using brighter colors and design more now than before to lift people's spirits in this time of recession. I feel like these changes are more than necessary if this industry wants to survive during this housing crisis.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sweatshops
The most bothersome thing about sweatshops is people always talk about how morally wrong sweatshops are, but yet 2008 sweatshops still EXIST! So many big name companies like the Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike continue to use sweatshops to this day. So why with the contradiction? Of course it is true that the conditions of sweatshops are horrifying and that any sane person would never put themselves in that situation unless he or she had no other option. So who is to blame for the existence of sweatshops as we live and breath, even in this country?
Without a doubt the manufacturer that utilizes the sweatshop is vastly responsible for the existence of sweatshop. But when you think about it, all they are doing is anything they can to find the best price. In order to compete with other vendors, you always have to find the cheaper deal. And unfortunately, due to the inadequate living situations throughout they world, you are always going to be able to find some people to work for low wages and insufficient work conditions. So whether it be morally incorrect to administrate sweatshops, if people want to work under these conditions, at these low wages, then it is in the best interest of the company to allow it. This is why the consumer holds the majority of the blame for the continuation of sweatshops in this day.
Consumers are everything to the retail business. If consumers were to speak against and did everything in their effort to abolish sweatshops worldwide, then sweatshops would no longer exist. But consumers like that fact that they are able to pay $25 for their Nike shirt. But if sweatshops did not exist then that would mean the consumer would have to pay probably more than double that cost.
Consumers need to really questioning what is more important the cost of a shirt that they probably don't even need or the well being of another. Also consumers could do more research about a company before they decide to buy from them and that way they wouldn't have to be a supporter (even though it may not their intention) of sweatshops. But most importantly consumers need to speak out against the evils of sweatshops. This is because the main reason why sweatshops have survived to this day is because we have come to accept the fact that sweatshops exist as if it is normal.
I feel that sweatshops should no longer play a part in the fashion industry. There are ways to find the best deals but at the same time make the work conditions more adequate. But to do this it takes is the consumers to speak out. This is because then companies will have no other choice but to discontinue the use of sweatshops. This may cost us a little more for our clothing but what is more important clothing or a another person's comfort and security?
Without a doubt the manufacturer that utilizes the sweatshop is vastly responsible for the existence of sweatshop. But when you think about it, all they are doing is anything they can to find the best price. In order to compete with other vendors, you always have to find the cheaper deal. And unfortunately, due to the inadequate living situations throughout they world, you are always going to be able to find some people to work for low wages and insufficient work conditions. So whether it be morally incorrect to administrate sweatshops, if people want to work under these conditions, at these low wages, then it is in the best interest of the company to allow it. This is why the consumer holds the majority of the blame for the continuation of sweatshops in this day.
Consumers are everything to the retail business. If consumers were to speak against and did everything in their effort to abolish sweatshops worldwide, then sweatshops would no longer exist. But consumers like that fact that they are able to pay $25 for their Nike shirt. But if sweatshops did not exist then that would mean the consumer would have to pay probably more than double that cost.
Consumers need to really questioning what is more important the cost of a shirt that they probably don't even need or the well being of another. Also consumers could do more research about a company before they decide to buy from them and that way they wouldn't have to be a supporter (even though it may not their intention) of sweatshops. But most importantly consumers need to speak out against the evils of sweatshops. This is because the main reason why sweatshops have survived to this day is because we have come to accept the fact that sweatshops exist as if it is normal.
I feel that sweatshops should no longer play a part in the fashion industry. There are ways to find the best deals but at the same time make the work conditions more adequate. But to do this it takes is the consumers to speak out. This is because then companies will have no other choice but to discontinue the use of sweatshops. This may cost us a little more for our clothing but what is more important clothing or a another person's comfort and security?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Artwork and Usability in Milan Fashion Week
The Milan Fashion Week 2008 showcased many works of art. The vendors brought their A game this year and proved that their skills were not to be underestimated and ultimately they were proved that they are what makes the fashion world go round.
This year it was all about color, technique, and exotic hair and makeup. A lot of bright colors like red, yellow, cobalt blue, mauve, etc where incorporated into the collections. Also there were many rounds shapes used in the outfits as well. For example in Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, many circular patterns were used, including hearts mad bows, but also many of the dresses and tops were rounded at the bottom as well. The head dresses on many of the models wore, gave the collection an ethnic/Dr. Seuss-whoville inspired look. Nonetheless the collection was extremely fun. But would anybody wear that just on a regular day? Probably not. I believe that many of the collections were made just to show the art of design.
What I did like about this fashion week is that there were many extreme outfits in each vendors' collection but you could easily remove an accessory like a hat, or remove an over sized bow and make the outfit more practical. And this is something I really appreciate because it feel like the Milan Fashion Week show is about showcasing your skills and practicability should not be a hindrance to one's creativity. You can always tone done an outfit, but a work of art is a work of art. And to me that is what the Milan Fashion Week is all about.
This year it was all about color, technique, and exotic hair and makeup. A lot of bright colors like red, yellow, cobalt blue, mauve, etc where incorporated into the collections. Also there were many rounds shapes used in the outfits as well. For example in Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, many circular patterns were used, including hearts mad bows, but also many of the dresses and tops were rounded at the bottom as well. The head dresses on many of the models wore, gave the collection an ethnic/Dr. Seuss-whoville inspired look. Nonetheless the collection was extremely fun. But would anybody wear that just on a regular day? Probably not. I believe that many of the collections were made just to show the art of design.
What I did like about this fashion week is that there were many extreme outfits in each vendors' collection but you could easily remove an accessory like a hat, or remove an over sized bow and make the outfit more practical. And this is something I really appreciate because it feel like the Milan Fashion Week show is about showcasing your skills and practicability should not be a hindrance to one's creativity. You can always tone done an outfit, but a work of art is a work of art. And to me that is what the Milan Fashion Week is all about.
Friday, October 3, 2008
I Love Lucy...Really
One great thing about fashion is that there are so many different things that can inspire a designer. You can pull inspiration from your own personal experience, different cultures or you own, politics, the environment, etc. These inspirations are what keep the heart of fashion beating and allows loves fashion to NEVER die. This is because inspiration can come from anywhere, at anytime, even if its where you least expect to be.
When I was a little girl, my mother you used to work weekend nights at the hospital. And every weekend my sisters and I tried to wait for her to get home before we went to sleep. To stay awake we would watch Nickelodeon and after 9:00, Nick at Nite would come on. For the longest time, I was the only child I knew, who's favorite show was I Love Lucy. One thing that has stayed with me from watching probably every episode, is the outfits that Lucille Ball would wear.
It is obvious that Lucille Ball is huge entertainment icon but many people don't give her the recognition as a fashion icon. Many people fail to realize that hundreds of women tuned in to I Love Lucy every week to see what outfits she was wore throughout the show. What I loved about Lucille Ball is that she could be hilarious and corky but still carried herself well in each outfit that she wore. They're was nobody like Lucille Ball in entertainment and this is what made her special to me. I believe it's a shame a lot people fail to remember her as the beautiful fashionista that she was.
I am not a designer but if I wear to design a garment it would be a modern day Lucille Ball dress because that is what inspires me. I think it would be cool to see longer and heavier dresses with either a plaid or polka dot print. Ball had a very signature look and the dresses she wore would be very fitting up top and almost looked like a button-down shirt. The top of the dress would flow down to a flare skirt, and was connected with a thick or skinny belt, or tie of some sort. The dress also would include a large collar and would often have a plunging v-neck.
If I were to design something I would take this image and maybe try a different print, add more layers in the skirt of the dress and keep the cut of the dress. Or maybe make the dress a multicolor and shorten it. The one rule that I already have in my head is that whatever color I choose for the dress, it absolutely has to go wit
h red lipstick! Because it would be Lucy if it didn't!
When I was a little girl, my mother you used to work weekend nights at the hospital. And every weekend my sisters and I tried to wait for her to get home before we went to sleep. To stay awake we would watch Nickelodeon and after 9:00, Nick at Nite would come on. For the longest time, I was the only child I knew, who's favorite show was I Love Lucy. One thing that has stayed with me from watching probably every episode, is the outfits that Lucille Ball would wear.
It is obvious that Lucille Ball is huge entertainment icon but many people don't give her the recognition as a fashion icon. Many people fail to realize that hundreds of women tuned in to I Love Lucy every week to see what outfits she was wore throughout the show. What I loved about Lucille Ball is that she could be hilarious and corky but still carried herself well in each outfit that she wore. They're was nobody like Lucille Ball in entertainment and this is what made her special to me. I believe it's a shame a lot people fail to remember her as the beautiful fashionista that she was.
I am not a designer but if I wear to design a garment it would be a modern day Lucille Ball dress because that is what inspires me. I think it would be cool to see longer and heavier dresses with either a plaid or polka dot print. Ball had a very signature look and the dresses she wore would be very fitting up top and almost looked like a button-down shirt. The top of the dress would flow down to a flare skirt, and was connected with a thick or skinny belt, or tie of some sort. The dress also would include a large collar and would often have a plunging v-neck.
If I were to design something I would take this image and maybe try a different print, add more layers in the skirt of the dress and keep the cut of the dress. Or maybe make the dress a multicolor and shorten it. The one rule that I already have in my head is that whatever color I choose for the dress, it absolutely has to go wit
h red lipstick! Because it would be Lucy if it didn't!Friday, September 19, 2008
Fashion Forward...or Fashion Backwards?
Ok, so we all know that fashion week for spring 09 was AMAZING! But what I loved about the whole gala was that every collection seemed to have a futuristic or old school classic look. Like its not a enough that vendors show their spring 09 collections in fall 08, but it seem liked a lot of vendors took their lines above and beyond where fashion is now. But it is evident some vendors to a look in their history books and reincarnated some major trends.
Vendors like Carmen Marc Valvo used a lot of metallic silver and gold, giving their outfits a robotic look. Or Costarella use of huge ruffling sleeves and ruffling trail on dress, give his collection a futuristic but every stylish look. Rubin Singer's use of symmetric huge sleeves and triangular shirts fore casted that the business woman of 2009 should look more like the business woman of 2025!
I loved how some designers like Carolina Herrera try to revamp the late 80s-early 90s ruby colored dresses with the puffy sleeves and pencil fit dresses. I felt like I was watching a modern day pretty women movie....Also I loved how Diane Von Furstenberg bought the 60s back with extensive use of colorful prints tunics with colorful feather and beaded headbands. Then there was Joanna Mastroianni who took Jackie-O look and introduced it to 2009, which basically tied up the whole fashion moral for me....Whether you fashion forward or fashion backward you should always keep it classy! I know I can't wait for spring!
Vendors like Carmen Marc Valvo used a lot of metallic silver and gold, giving their outfits a robotic look. Or Costarella use of huge ruffling sleeves and ruffling trail on dress, give his collection a futuristic but every stylish look. Rubin Singer's use of symmetric huge sleeves and triangular shirts fore casted that the business woman of 2009 should look more like the business woman of 2025!
I loved how some designers like Carolina Herrera try to revamp the late 80s-early 90s ruby colored dresses with the puffy sleeves and pencil fit dresses. I felt like I was watching a modern day pretty women movie....Also I loved how Diane Von Furstenberg bought the 60s back with extensive use of colorful prints tunics with colorful feather and beaded headbands. Then there was Joanna Mastroianni who took Jackie-O look and introduced it to 2009, which basically tied up the whole fashion moral for me....Whether you fashion forward or fashion backward you should always keep it classy! I know I can't wait for spring!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Going Green with Cotton!
In these wild and crazy days everyone tries to do their part to conserve and save this wonderful planet we call earth. So right besides recycling and conserving energy, you can add buying and supporting organic and environment friendly clothing to the list.
If the clothing you are wearing was made from conventionally grown cotton, then there is no telling what kind of synthesised fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, chemicals etc, were used in the process of making YOUR garment. These are agents that most cotton plants use and they are tremendously dangerous, not only to the earth, but to the people that come in contact with the end result textile. And for the textile industry to be prosperous, this is one extreme dilemma that is world widely ignored. But there is a solution...
Opposed to buying clothing companies that openly use chemical processing and other harmful techniques you can support companies that use certified organic cotton. Where the cotton is produced by using natural fertilizer, supervised weeding of the cotton (usually by hand), and is rotated and filtered for disease control.
It is time for us, the consumers, to take control. We know what we want...and that is a safe and environment friendly world. To get the job done we got to dress appropriately. So it's time to do our research. Many companies have switched over to organic cotton, and there some companies that are at least putting forth the effort to to conserve water and or use less harmful chemicals in the process. It is up to us to find these companies and make a difference. And in result, help make this earth be a little more green!
If the clothing you are wearing was made from conventionally grown cotton, then there is no telling what kind of synthesised fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, chemicals etc, were used in the process of making YOUR garment. These are agents that most cotton plants use and they are tremendously dangerous, not only to the earth, but to the people that come in contact with the end result textile. And for the textile industry to be prosperous, this is one extreme dilemma that is world widely ignored. But there is a solution...
Opposed to buying clothing companies that openly use chemical processing and other harmful techniques you can support companies that use certified organic cotton. Where the cotton is produced by using natural fertilizer, supervised weeding of the cotton (usually by hand), and is rotated and filtered for disease control.
It is time for us, the consumers, to take control. We know what we want...and that is a safe and environment friendly world. To get the job done we got to dress appropriately. So it's time to do our research. Many companies have switched over to organic cotton, and there some companies that are at least putting forth the effort to to conserve water and or use less harmful chemicals in the process. It is up to us to find these companies and make a difference. And in result, help make this earth be a little more green!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Coo-Coo for Coco Chanel!
Coco Chanel is one of my favorite designers because fashion would not be what is it is today if it was not for Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel. I like her so much because she revolutionized the fashion industry and made it known that simplicity is not to be shunned but to be respected and admired for it's elegance. She is probably one of the biggest trendsetters of all time. I mean who could not love the spearhead of the little black dress?
Even with Coco Chanel not amongst us, her company continues to innovate beautiful pieces of work and live up to her legacy. Chanel's fashion is known for being elegant and very comfortable. This is two characteristics that are really important to me. This is because you clothes can look really fantastic but what's the point, if you're unable to wear it? Chanel provides clothes for the work lady who's knows how to carry herself with grace and class and this is evident in the style of clothing.
Chanel is very unique in the seen when she was one of the first to women clothing a masculine illusion. Her line of clothing usually consist of dark colors, mostly black, and is very simple. The cut of the clothing is often very loose and like a man's outfit would be. This style of clothing continues to this day. This shows that you have to a very confident woman and celebrate your body to wear her clothes. And a confident woman can make anything look sexy.
Coco Chanel is one of my favorite designers because she is not just a designer she is like a fashion philosopher. She once said "Fashion changes, only style remains the same," and she have clearly proven this to be true. This is a quote that I always try to keep in mind because it takes more than fashion to survive in this industry.
Even with Coco Chanel not amongst us, her company continues to innovate beautiful pieces of work and live up to her legacy. Chanel's fashion is known for being elegant and very comfortable. This is two characteristics that are really important to me. This is because you clothes can look really fantastic but what's the point, if you're unable to wear it? Chanel provides clothes for the work lady who's knows how to carry herself with grace and class and this is evident in the style of clothing.
Chanel is very unique in the seen when she was one of the first to women clothing a masculine illusion. Her line of clothing usually consist of dark colors, mostly black, and is very simple. The cut of the clothing is often very loose and like a man's outfit would be. This style of clothing continues to this day. This shows that you have to a very confident woman and celebrate your body to wear her clothes. And a confident woman can make anything look sexy.
Coco Chanel is one of my favorite designers because she is not just a designer she is like a fashion philosopher. She once said "Fashion changes, only style remains the same," and she have clearly proven this to be true. This is a quote that I always try to keep in mind because it takes more than fashion to survive in this industry.
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