 | Follow us on Twitter. Get latest design news, events and competitions. twitter.com/dexigner |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |  |
 |
      |
 |
|
 |  |
|
 |
 The World's Most Natural BeautyWhen I think of pearls, I think of the 1980s and the plastic replication of these gems in long strands weighted down by a tight knot at belly button level. They came in various effervescent hues, including fluorescent, and the fashion philosophy at that time was the more you had the cooler you were.Today, pearls have slipped back into the wardrobe of the conservative classic look, a virtual staple of every "older woman's" closet. Needless to say, the pearl's natural and cultural evolution has impacted more than just the world of the fashionista and, as charted by the ROM's recent exhibition Pearls: A Natural History, its ever-changing and fascinating narrative crosses continents and centuries in a grail-like quest for the ideal sphere. Prior to the diamond or any other "cut" gem, the pearl was the ultimate token of wealth and good fortune. It also became a prime propellor of international trade as far back as 4,000 years ago, when without wetsuits or scuba-diving gear, pearl divers scaped the bottom of the Indian Ocean for centuries. John Steinbeck's classic novel The Pearl chronicles expeditions and the greed-induced lust for the material rewards pearls might promise. The novel's ultimate message was that the tragedy presided over the quest for wealth, but since when has mass culture ever listened to the lessons of great literature? The allure of the pearl was l more www.tan... (103) added by Bige OZLER |
 |
 Tiaras and VeilsAdmit it, even before you found that special someone to spend the rest of your life with, you had given some thought to what you would look like in that perfect wedding gown. Given the opportunity, most women want to feel like a princess, at least for a day.Evoking the fashion trends of classic Hollywood glamour, tiaras are a dazzling accessory that speak to the very "princess" in all of us. They also provide the perfect opportunity for brides to add a touch of personalized glamour to their wedding gowns. One of the benefits of wearing a tiara is that unlike a wedding dress, going vintage does not have to restrict the bride's style - especially if the piece is an heirloom or other antique. As tiaras have been a style staple in the lives of the rich and famous for centuries, there is a wide assortment of styles to choose - from bridal wear to formal, "high society" occasion styles. Modern brides may opt for a common, simple silver tiara with intricate crystal detailing, that sits low on the head; however some opt to go big and bold. Indeed, any kind of crown is a statement in itself. As brides are choosing flashier, brighter accessories, the tiara is a natural fit to appease that dramatic flair. Tiaras are customarily attached to a veil, another piece of bridal fashion with a long history. It is widely believed that veils are used on the wedding day to ward off ev more www.tan... (1,962) added by Bige OZLER |
 Fall into Spring's FashionIt's officially fall now and in the fashion industry that means it's time to talk about Spring.Designers sent their Spring 2005 collections down the runway last week in New York. Vivienne Tam's collection for Spring showed off her Chinese roots and artistic flare. Some of her earlier fashion work is now part of several permanent art collections including the Andy Warhol Museum in Philadelphia. Since 1994 she has been a consistent source of eclectic and feminine fashion. Carolina Herrera's is for the sophisticated woman on the go. For Spring 2005 she showed no pants, but plenty of skin. Michael Vollbracht is a fairly recent newcomer for the house of Bill Blass but it doesn't keep Hollywood starlets from strutting down the red carpet with the double B label. The Spring collection was pretty and wearable and that should make retailers very happy. Next week is Tiara Tuesday night. Grab your gal pals and head out to Chee Zee on Balcones Drive. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. there will unlimited girl talk, great food, music and partial proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. more www.new... (107) added by Bige OZLER |
 English RosesThe international fashion series for spring-summer 2005 is now well underway. Hilary Alexander and Maggie Alderson report from its midpoint in London.You could be forgiven for thinking you were at the Chelsea Flower Show instead of London Fashion Week. Daffodils, roses, delphiniums and exotic orchids were in full bloom on the catwalk as full-strength "flower power" seized the collective imagination. Sir Paul Smith even brought in a tonne of fresh turf laid as a catwalk in the most appropriate of locations, the Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster. He was one of several who redefined the quintessential Englishwoman, with her passion for floral prints, as a free spirit. He dressed her in patchwork floral smocks, side-split over hotpants; a vibrant, daffodil print shirt dress with a dashing African print pork-pie hat; or a delphinium print bikini under a cornflower- patterned cardigan. Nicole Farhi, inspired by the crocheted florals on a 19th-century sewing bag owned by her French grandmother, produced a collection full of rose, dahlia, geranium and poppy printed chiffons, cottons and little knits. Floral cardigans topped swinging, floral chiffon skirts that fluttered around the knees. Poppy print, halterneck dresses were embroidered with poppy appliques; a damson, smocked chiffon top came with a rose embroidered skirt; and a pale jade cot more www.the... (157) added by Bige OZLER |
 Hilary Duff and Barbie Doll Make a New Fashion StatementMattel announces today that Hilary Duff, teen actress and top pop musician, has teamed up with fellow style setter, Barbie doll, to introduce a new range of Barbie dolls called Fashion Fever, girls apparel, accessories and Barbie fragrance. The campaign, a first of its kind for the venerable Barbie brand, shows Barbie as the ultimate fashion doll and fashion line, reinforcing its position as the number one brand with girls."When I was younger, I was so inspired by Barbie," said Hilary Duff. "She has been a role model for my friends and me, I love her style and her spirit!" Recognizing that girls today take their fashion cues from Hollywood, the Barbie brand selected a partner who could bring Barbie doll's signature fashion statement to life in a way that is relevant and authentic for girls. Hilary Duff was the obvious choice. Joining Duff in one of the two national launch spots will be her older sister Haylie Duff. Additional Barbie ads will roll out this fall on television, print and outdoor. "Hilary is many girls' #1 favorite star and a person they trust and look to for fashion styles and trends, making her a perfect fit with the Barbie brand," said Tim Kilpin, Senior Vice President Marketing, Mattel. This marks the first for the Barbie brand, as the doll and the consumer products come together to create a stro more home.bu... (840) added by Bige OZLER |
| Design Directory | Design Database | Agenda | Newsletter | Map | Mobile | Link to Us | Advertise | Contact & About Us |  |
21,381 articles, 877 online visitors, 283,768,929 page views |
