October 2007

Mauro Bianucci's Eco-Friendly Bags

Argentinian-born architect, Mauro Bianucci was looking for something to carry his things around when the New Yorkan made himself a bag out of recycled-wool-felt. A client of his who was in the fashion industry loved it so much that he bought one and when his colleagues saw it, the orders started flooding in. Soon enough, the birth of Carga Bags occured. So, desperate minds call for forward thinking and Bianucci turned his need into eco-friendly bags that are in high demand. If you would like to purchase your very own, check out CARGA.

David Beckham tops ARENA magazine Power List

Football superstar David Beckham is adored by the world on and off the field. He is one of the world's best footballers and influential men in culture and fashion. ARENA, UK's style magazine for men, compiled their annual Power List of Britain's most powerful man aged 40 or under and Becks took the number one spot. The list included a diverse group of men from a wide range of occupations but ones that have managed to have the eyes of the world fixed on them. ARENA's editor apparently expressed that Beckham topped the Power List because he is the most recognisable Briton in the world and has inspired males of all ages to become passionate about football and fashion.
Here's the Top 10 of the ARENA Power List 2007:
1. David Beckham, Footballer
2. James Murdoch, CEO, British Sky Broadcasting
3. Viscount Rothermere, Chairman, Daily Mail and General Trust
4. George Osborne, Shadow Chancellor
5. Prince Harry
6. Roman Abramovich, Billionaire Owner of Chelsea FC
7. Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
8. Lucas Ossendrijver, Fashion Designer for Lanvin
9. Andy Coulson, Director of Communications, Conservative Party
10. Daniel Craig, Actor, James Bond Star.

ZARA Swastika Bags - Design Blooper?

Zara, the Spanish fashion chain that will soon open in Australia, was forced to withdraw their new embroidered handbags (UK £39, AU $100) as complaints rolled in from customers regarding the swastika symbols that were included on the design. The bags were supplied by an Indian manufacturer and to the Hindu, the symbol is favourable as it is one of good luck and fortune. It is also prominent in countries such as China and Japan where it was used on ornaments and temples throughout time because of its symbolism. The Western world though have an associated stigma to the symbol since the Nazis adopted it in 1920 and the Brits were having none of it so, Zara very wisely removed the bags from their stores before the controversy got out of control. Zara apparently had approved designs that didn't include the swastika symbol. Designers must always be careful when dealing with foreign manufacturers as mistakes can be embarassing and costly.

Greek Fashion Week - Diners Athens Collections InStyle

The 6th official Hellenic Fashion Week - Diners Athens Collections InStyle is on and since its inception on the international calendar in March 2005, it has managed to raise the profile of designer fashion within Greece and abroad. The 4 day event (October 24-28) brings together 40 catwalk presentations for Spring/Summer 2008 with Greek and international participants including the Greek American designer from New York, John Varvatos. The talented Athenian designer, Sophia Kokosalaki moved to London and managed to stand on solid ground on the international scene but it certainly isn't easy for designers who cannot get the right exposure. Check out my favourite Greek designers: Aslanis, Makis Tselios , Nikos-Takis and Celia Kritharioti (although she didn't participate).

Australia's Next Top Model

Australia's Next Top Model is back and if you're a female who thinks you have what it takes to enter the world of modelling, make sure you get to your nearest venue to try your luck.
AUDITION DATES:
Queensland - Wed 31st Oct
David Jones Robina Town Centre, Restaurant - Level 3, Robina Town Centre
Sydney # 1 - Thursday 1st Nov
David Jones Elizabeth Street store, Park Terrace Level 7, 86 -108 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Sydney # 2 - Friday 2nd November
David Jones Warringah Mall, Restaurant - Level 1, Cnr Pittwater Road & Cross Street, Brookvale
Perth - Monday 5th November
David Jones Hay Street, Level 4, 622 Hay Street, Perth
Melbourne # 1 - Tuesday 13th November
David Jones Bourke St Mall, Level 3 Gallery, 310 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Melbourne # 2 - Wednesday 14th November
David Jones Chadstone Centre, Air Restaurant - Level 1, Princes Highway, Chadstone
Adelaide - Thursday 15th November
Richmond Hotel, Level 2, 128 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
AUDITION TIMES: 10am-2pm
AGE: 16-27 yrs. You must be 16 by (or on) January 8, 2008.
If you are under 18, your parent/guardian will need to sign your application form as well.
HEIGHT: You must be 170cm tall (They are very strict on this)
The producers will only accept Australian Citizens currently living in Australia.
If you cannot make the auditions, you can post a VHS / DVD or simply mail a Still Photo of yourself to Foxtel, GPO Box 99, Sydney NSW 2001 along with your application form. For further infomation or to download your application form visit Australia's Next Top Model 4 and yes, Jodhi Meares will be the host.

Student from Teen Vogue Fashion Uni attracts ROXY

TEEN VOGUE FASHION UNIVERSITY is a weekend-long event (3 days) for 16-22 year olds to get an insider's look into the fashion industry. It costs US $150 which includes the seminars, concert, runway show, a bag filled with gifts and takes place in New York. The accepted students attend 3 seminars of their choice with well known industry professionals. This year they have names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang and Tim Gunn (Project Runway). Amanda Robertson, a 17 year old high school student from Wilton (Connecticut, USA) went to the first annual Teen Vogue Fashion University last year and attended a Roxy seminar where one of the tasks was to design swimwear and a lucky person would have their design go into production for Spring 2008. Her design won and Roxy sent her the actual bikini in the two colours that will be available. It will be released across the US in January 2008 and the exposure she's receiving will certainly benefit her future as a fashion designer. Teen Vogue Fashion U classes start 26 October 2007 and if this interests you, make sure you apply early for the next one.

FASHION TARGETS BREAST CANCER

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer was brought to us by a former Washington Post Fashion Editor, Nina Hyde and her close friend, designer Ralph Lauren. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the eighties and felt that it required attention so, she asked Ralph Lauren to assist. Sadly, she didn't make it and passed away in 1990 but Ralph did his part and launched Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) during New York Fashion Week in 1994. Since then, limited edition FTBC clothes are released annually and you can help raise money for cure and research by purchasing any of their items. The funds go towards the respective national fundraising body for breast cancer research of each country. Here, it's the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer is real and it is everywhere. In Australia, 13,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. One of them is Heidi Middleton (Sass and Bide). Worldwide, more than 1.1 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. One of them is Kylie Minogue. Globally, 410,000 ladies will die from breast cancer every year. Yes, the numbers are shocking but you can express your support by purchasing FTBC clothes from Target. If you can't get to a store, you can order from home. Visit Target Home Shopping to set up a home account or call 1800 050 700 to locate your nearest Target store in Australia.

Heatherette's Road Trip to LA

Heatherette is the label and the duo behind the name are Traver Rains and Richie Rich. They developed their New York brand in late 1999 and initially they only designed t-shirts and leather goods. They caught the eye of the right person and ended up in Patricia Field's store. Yes, you guessed it. She is the costume designer of Sex and the City. The label made a grand entrance yesterday at LA Fashion Week Spring 2008 as these guys have unbelievable creativity. Their theme was "Route 66: California or Bust" which was inspired by the all-American road trip. They combined many bold colours, an array of different fabrics and several styles so, when the models started strutting the runway, it was like a carnival. It looked fantastic and was definitely unique. Check out the beach ball dress. I think we have found Björk’s next outfit.

CHICK by Nicky Hilton at LA Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

CHICK by Nicky Hilton made its appearance for LA Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2008 at Smashbox Studios. The clothing line which she launched for girls in 2004 leaned towards a nautical theme but overall was girlie and ethereal. With light summery dresses, high-waisted trousers, micro shorts and a lot of colour, these designs are great pieces for young females. It's about time someone designed an age appropriate collection for girls. In case you're wondering, sister Paris did not attend the event and if this was a move to make sure the spotlight remained on Nicky, it was a very good one.

Armani Funding Sydney Theatre Company

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Giorgio Armani is coming to town. It's not for fashion, it's for art. He has just become a patron of the Sydney Theatre Company (STC) and he is heading to Australia next month to attend a dinner hosted by Cate Blanchett and her husband Andrew Upton who are co-directors of the company. Thanks to Cate's friendship with Armani who dresses her for red carpet events, he is apparently providing funding that will enable the Sydney Theatre Company to develop new talent and to tour internationally. The amount is said to be a very large sum and with Armani's blessing, we can expect global exposure and fresh faces to emerge from this wonderful gift.

International Design Awards (iDA) 2007

The 1st Annual International Design Awards (iDA) 2007 were created by a consortium of designers, architects and entrepreneurs who realised that there was a lack of recognition and promotion in this field and wanted to bring attention to the greatest designers of the world.
The awards for Fashion Designers are:

Fashion Designer of the Year - Professional
The winner's work will be added to the 2008 International Design Awards Book which is distributed to museum bookstores throughout the US. They will be promoted via a newsletter which is sent to 100,000 design professionals and potential clients worldwide. They will also be included on the International Design Awards website for the year and receive critical acclaim by a panel of professional judges.

Emerging Fashion Designer of the Year - Student
The award is given to a student who has managed to elevate the art of fashion design in society.

International Designer of the Year - Professional
Received by one of the winners of 'Designer of the Year - Professional' from all disciplines. It includes Architecture, Fashion, Graphic, Interior and Product Designers of the Year.

Emerging Designer of the Year - Student
This award is given to one of the winners of 'Emerging Designer of the Year - Student' from all disciplines. The student designer will receive US $3000.

All the designs of the winners will be featured in a group show at the Farmani Gallery in Los Angeles during WestWeek, the internationally-recognised trade event for design professionals. The winners will be announced on 13th October, 2007 so stay tuned.

Fashion Rocks Royal Albert Hall in London

Swarovski Fashion Rocks for The Prince's Trust is back at the Royal Albert Hall in London on the 18th October, 2007 and it promises to be better than ever. It is a marriage of fashion and music with the aim to raise funds for Prince Charles' charity that helps disadvantaged youths find their footing. It will be hosted by Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson and will be televised on Channel 4 (UK) and worldwide from late October. Designers and performers that have confirmed their appearance include:
Armani with Alicia Keys
Burberry with Razorlight and Johnny Borrell
Calvin Klein with Joss Stone
Chanel with Lily Allen
Christopher Kane with Beth Ditto and The Gossip
Dolce & Gabbana with Timbaland
Gucci with Roisin Murphy
Marchesa with Dame Shirley Bassey
Stella McCartney
Valentino with Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger
Versace with Iggy Pop and
Yves Saint Laurent with Marc Almond.
The Sugababes will also perform with a special guest to be revealed on the night.
Tickets are still available for £85 - £350 (AU $195-$795) or you can reserve a box with 5 friends for £4,750-£12,000 +VAT. Visit Fashion Rocks for further details.

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week - TS 2008 - New Generation Designers

Without many of the usual big names participating at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, you would think that a door could open for some fresh designers/labels to make an entrance. Unfortunately, it seems that nobody wants to bother. I think they deserve a mention however, the models used could do with a few runway lessons.

CABLE (MELBOURNE) - Luxury Australian Knitwear for women by Georgina Sutton, former designer of Country Road. These are classic pieces with a modern twist.

Donna Sgro - Fun and splashed with colour, this womenswear designer is based in Sydney. Winner of the 'Design Institute of Australia Graduate Of The Year Award 2006' for textiles design.

Honey Hartley Hard Glamour - Known for her sexy bandage dresses, she does the rock chic look well...I meant Hard Glamour. Check out her store in Double Bay, Sydney.

jane&eleni - The mother and daughter duo are based in Sydney. They have brought to us a sixties inspired collection. Jane Arifien (mother) has worked for Peter Morrissey in the past.

Kelly Love - Light and feminine womenswear and lingerie. She's had work experience with Akira Isogawa and Charlie Brown.

Vasiliki - Vicky Papageorgiou loves intricate details and natural fibers. She's from Melbourne and was the winner of 'Best Apparel at Fashion Exposed' in Sydney March 2007.

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week - Transeasonal 2008 Collections

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) Transeasonal 2008 Collections is on in Sydney over the next 3 days and “transeasonal” is becoming the new buzz word in fashion. Some suggest that this is mainly due to the unpredictable weather that many countries are experiencing but I firmly believe that additionally, we all travel so much these days that we need a transeasonal wardrobe all year round. Australians are familiar to this lifestyle and fashion houses understand there is a need to adapt their collections. They do not want to show seasonal collections 4 times a year with similar fabrics as buyers are not interested. More retailers also need to start stocking transeasonal items all year round and business will keep booming.

The High Tea Party

The High Tea Party was on at the Stamford Plaza in Double Bay, Sydney and it was a weekend of pampering and indulgence for the ladies. There were fashion parades, style sessions, seminars and workshops. There were themed rooms where brands were showcasing their products and stations offering complimentary massages, manicures, bra fittings and beauty tips. An area was set up with boutique markets called Portobello Road that included gifts and other items for purchase but do not let the name fool you as it did not equate to unique items at bargain prices but it was pretty. There were chauffeured Lexus cars that drove people to and from the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre so, they could purchase items seen at the event or to explore the special offers. The $85 package included a gift bag with goodies and the traditional High Tea. The event supports The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and it has been a success since its Sydney debut in February so, as of next year it will be an annual event hosted by The Stamford Hotels and Resorts in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with a view to extend to Adelaide and New Zealand in the future.

DOVE PINK STAR WALK - OCTOBER 6, 2007

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Dove Pink Star Walk in Sydney is on tomorrow 6th October, 2007. The 5km evening walk starts at 8pm in the Royal Botanic Gardens and follows through a scenic route past the Opera House, Circular Quay and ends at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. The event is open to women, men and children and it is in aid of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Participants are asked to get into the theme by wearing something pink such as a t-shirt, a hat or a pink bra over their top. The event comprises of celebrity guests, prizes awarded for the best pink outfit and entertainment throughout the evening. The proceeds will go towards funding research, prevention and cure of breast cancer. Registration is open at the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) Offices today until 6.30pm and tomorrow between 12pm - 4pm but hurry because places are limited to 10,000. The offices are located at NBCF, Ground Floor Foyer, 18-20 York Street, Sydney. For more information, check out the DOVE Pink Star Walk

Counterfeiters try new tactics

A commercial building in College Point, Queens in the US was raided by the New York Police Department this week and approximately US $4 million dollars worth of counterfeit apparel were seized. Some of the brands included Polo, Lacoste and Seven For All Mankind. Tags and hardware logos were also found for Adidas, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and other well known labels. The counterfeiters found a way around US customs by bringing blank clothes into the country and finishing the goods with machines that are capable of copying the trademarked logos to precision without skilled labour and by adding embroidery, buttons and labels to complete the look.

Australian Fashion Laureate

The Australian Fashion Laureate is an award for outstanding achievement in the Australian fashion industry and it will be awarded for the first time at an evening function at Sydney’s Government House on the 8th October, 2007 (the evening of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week Transeasonal Collections 2008). It was given birth by IMG Fashion and the NSW Government and the candidates for this award can include designers, manufacturers, photographers, stylists, business owners and others who are heavily involved in the fashion industry. The criteria for consideration is that their work is carried out in Australia and have made a significant contribution in growing, developing or promoting the Australian fashion industry globally. The nominees for the award are Jayson Brunsdon, Collette Dinnigan, Nicholas Huxley, Akira Isogawa and Carla Zampatti and the winner will be selected by 9 key industry figures that include board members of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. Stay tuned...

Congratulations to Akira Isogawa who was awarded the first ever Australian Fashion Laureate.

Afganistan's First Top Model?

Arzo TV, a local station in northern Afghanistan, aired their own take of the popular 'America's Next Top Model' show, a reality TV series where prospective models undergo various tasks, get appraised by a panel of judges and the last one standing is declared the winner. The low-budget show is extremely conservative and features the local fashion but the models on the catwalk are burqa-free. This is a big move for Afghanistan and the reason why many of the girls pulled out of the show. They apparently were concerned for their safety. The global attention that the show has gathered reveals an image that was foreign to the Western world until now. The beauty of the Afghan woman is seen for the first time by many. The local city of the station, Mazar-e-Sharif is quite liberal and has already embraced the show. Let's hope the same for other Afghan cities.

KISSING KATE MOSS GOODBYE

Kate Moss' career is far from over but now that the scandal madness has gone, so have 7 of her major contracts. I guess they thought that while nobody is currently watching, they could sprint off in a flash. She is no longer with the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Burberry. Apparently, if you question some of the industry insiders whether this has anything to do with her petit problem of powdering her nose way too often, they will emphatically deny it and tell you that her contracts were ending or that she has already peaked. The paparazzi and tabloids don't seem to agree.