MARRIA® Fashion Blog

Christian Lacroix in administration

The French fashion house, Christian Lacroix, is officially under administration. The womenswear label reportedly lost €10 million (AU $17.4 million) last year, after suffering slow sales, due to the global financial crisis. After an application to the Parisian courts, the luxury label was granted a six month creditor protection. It is alleged, the company's move to focus only on the higher end of the market might have been costly. Let's hope they survive these turbulent times.

One Size Doesn't Fit All

Have you ever had the experience of going into a store, trying on a fabulous dress and discovering that you were a size 10 in the previous shop but now - suck it up - you're suddenly a size 14? Trust me, it wasn't the Big Mac.

There is still no standardisation of apparel and shoe sizes. I have talked about this before but admittedly, I do recognise that it's not an issue with a quick fix solution.

Choice, the Australian Consumers Association's magazine, spoke to fashion industry people this week (unfortunately, I was unable to attend due to other commitments) and we all agree that sizes need to be adjusted to cater for the body shapes of today. Sadly, they seem to think that a sizing standard is not the answer. Perhaps, they're worried about upsetting our designers and manufacturers.

It is vital that there is a global standard in clothing and shoe sizes. This isn't just about the emotional issues of not feeling good about trying the bigger size. This isn't just about vanity sizing, where consumers can fit into a smaller size, a ploy by manufacturers to make customers feel good and eventually get the sale.

The lack of a standardisation in sizing results in a great loss of online sales and secondary sales, where in the past a friend could purchase a top on your behalf, now it's almost impossible. This doesn't benefit the consumer nor the manufacturer. We need accurate clothing and shoe sizing information for consumer trust, faster production and to make life simple. Imagine this world with consumer products that have no standards. Just think about it. How would you feel if you bought A4 paper for your printer, took it home and found out that it just didn't fit?

Excerpt from MARRIA® Fashion Blog, October 2008:
"There needs to be a global standardisation for apparel and shoe sizes. Manufacturers and fashion houses should not be permitted to have their own interpretations. This stunts the growth of the fashion industry. Companies still fail to understand that sales suffer a great deal, as well as emotions. Consumers are not aware of their sizes as they differ from one label to another."

No Mercy for Diane von Furstenberg

Jessica Alba wearing the DVF outfit - Elle Cover US - March 2009

Diane von Furstenberg will allegedly compensate Toronto fashion label, Mercy, for copying a popular jacket from their Spring 2008 collection. The DVF jacket was introduced in spring 2009 (US) and retailed for $1000 as opposed to $300 from the Canadian label. It became popular after Jessica Alba wore it on the cover of Elle magazine, a look pulled together by Tiffany Port during an episode of "The City". It also appeared in an episode of Gossip Girl. The designers, Jennifer Halchuk and Richard Lyle, gave birth to the Mercy label 15 years ago and have a great reputation for innovation and style. The DVF staff member accused of copying the look was apparently fired.

Project Runway 7 Casting

Project Runway US, the popular TV show hosted by Heidi Klum, is accepting submissions for Season 7. If you think you might be the next hottie in fashion design, then this could be your chance to shine. To apply, visit Project Runway 7 by April 30, 2009. Auditions, for successful applicants, will be held in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle but unless you can make your own way there, you are wasting your time. For questions, email prcasting@bunim-murray.com.

Oscars 2009 - Top 10 Best Dressed

 
Kate Winslet was dressed in Atelier Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati and took the Top Spot this year. She looked absolutely stunning.

Halle Berry was dressed by Marchesa.

 
Sarah Jessica Parker was dressed by Dior.

 
Natalie Portman was dressed by Rodarte.

 
Jennifer Aniston was dressed by Valentino.

 
Penelope Cruz was dressed in a 60 year old vintage Pierre Balmain.

Beyonce Knowles was dressed by Armani Prive.

Marisa Tomei was dressed by Versace.

Evan Rachel Wood was dressed by Elie Saab.

Miley Cyrus was dressed by Zuhair Murad.  

Project Runway Australia Wants You

After a successful first series which saw Julie Grbac become a household name, Project Runway Australia is returning to our screens. The casting for Series 2 has already begun so, if you would like to put your fashion design skills to the test, visit https://projectrunway.fmacasting.com.au and fill in an application before Friday, 6th March, 2009. Please note that you must be an Australian resident. Good Luck!

New York Fashion Week Relocates

It has been talked about for two years but it seems that the rumours are finally true, New York Fashion Week will be moving from Bryant Park to the Lincoln Center in 2010. The search for a new home began after locals kept complaining about restricted access to the park and the influx of people in the area. The details of the deal were leaked by an insider but the official announcement is expected to be made this week.

Free NET-A-PORTER Delivery to Australia

If you love freebies, you will certainly appreciate this little piece of information. My new friends at NET-A-PORTER are offering free shipping to Australia until 30 January, 2009. If you haven't visited the site before, they are an online luxury store with a great selection of designer fashion. You may visit them at NET-A-PORTER but be sure to set yourself a credit limit because shopping on this site can become addictive. You have been warned!

Louis Vuitton in Sydney Robbed

The Louis Vuitton store on Castlereagh Street in Sydney experienced a frightening hold up overnight. Two armed robbers entered the store just after midnight while staff were working on their new displays. The employees were forced to the ground and the thieves ran off with a number of handbags. The Louis Vuitton bags retail in the thousands but with the amount of quality copies that are floating around and the fact that these guys can't guarantee their authenticity, it would be surprising if they even make a thousand dollars.

Amy Winehouse to Design for Fred Perry

Amy Winehouse may have topped many Worst Dressed lists during her time in the public eye but this hasn't humbled the British singer who has just expressed her desire to become a fashion designer. She is currently in negotiations with the Fred Perry label and has apparently shown them some of her favourite designs. Now, consider the very clean image of Fred Perry and add Amy Winehouse to that visual. My sentiments exactly!