Retro Days Are Back
Let’s take the boots and layers off for a second and talk about spring. It’s frequent that designers use a specific decade as a source of inspiration within their collection.
Let’s take the boots and layers off for a second and talk spring. It’s frequent for designers to use a specific decade as a source of inspiration within their collection. Designers showcased spring collections that look like they came out of “That’s 70’s Show”, but with a modern twist. Today, we see many designers using psychedelic patterns and bright colors, the retro days are back for spring and summer. Modern hippy looks flooded the runway with eye-catching patterns and colors. Designers were feeling a little nostalgic thinking back on old days, thus bringing us unique collections. Here's a guide of must-have pieces your wardrobe needs to achieve the 70’s psychedelic look this spring and summer.
The first essential you must have in your wardrobe is a pair of patterned pants. Designers like Paco Rabanne and Charlotte Knowles, in my opinion, have nailed the retro look, while keeping it modern and trendy.
Christopher Kane’s Spring 2020 Collection shows us that overalls are back in trend, but with some crazy colors. We see this trend with many other designers as well, bright neon color blocking is making a comeback this season. Style this dress with a white t-shirt underneath and some chunky white boots. Don’t forget to accessorize!
Disco collars are going to make a shocking comeback this season, and they’re going to stand out in a bold way, so hop on board early and think fearless! Get groovy with this trend but pay attention to one thing; contrast! Style yours with a white blazer, and some funky pants to top the look off. As long as you make sure to contrast your look, you can't go wrong! Top the look off with some chunky retro sunnies as we see with Paco Rabanne.
Report: Emily Andrews
H&M's Conscious Exclusive SS20 Collection
An exclusive collection created by H&M that highlights the classics and basics that are in our wardrobe with a more elevated approach.
An exclusive collection created by H&M that highlights the classics and basics that are in our wardrobe with a more elevated approach. The release was in late March and features a very minimalistic color palette consisting of black, white, beige tones, frill details, creams, and warm blues. Originally launching back in 2012, H&M has brought back this sleek and glamorous collection for SS20.
This collection includes a majority of sustainable materials and fabrics that are not only beneficial towards the environment, but especially during a time currently during a pandemic. Although, you do have to pay the price for the quality of what you receive therefore it is on the relatively higher side of a price tag than normal fast fashion companies. Some of the pieces include, flowy sleeves and v cut necklines, beige pants, gowns, minimalistic accessories, simple strappy heels, oversized sunglasses, and even some pant suit sets. H&M writes on their website that this collection was “inspired by Le Train Bleu, the elegant sleeper train that ran from Calais.” (Photo sources; H&M)
Report: Pamela Valdez
Clothing New York City's Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth
In the present year of 2020, the coronavirus has scourged the world, and among those most vulnerable are New York City’s homeless youths, 20%-45% of which identify as LGBTQ+. Deeply sympathizing with their plight, the founders of the menswear fashion label Private Policy sought to aid this downtrodden population.
In 1990, the documentary Paris is Burning spotlighted the New York City drag ball culture, which was pioneered by the city’s black and Latino LGBTQ community. The documentary was filmed during the AIDS crisis, and many of the drag performers were homeless people who had been disowned by homophobic and transphobic families. Amazingly, members of a historically marginalized group’s profound sense of togetherness resulted in the creation of such an impactful contribution to the fashion world, as well as the mainstreaming of drag performances.
In the present year of 2020, the coronavirus has scourged the world, and among those most vulnerable are New York City’s homeless youths, 20%-45% of which identify as LGBTQ+. Deeply sympathizing with their plight, the founders of the menswear fashion label Private Policy sought to aid this downtrodden population. Collaborating with the Ali Forney Center, the largest homeless shelter for LGBTQ+ youth, designers Siying Qu and Haoran Li created the project #LoveAli. Private Policy is selling their own version of the traditional “I Heart New York” t-shirt for $80, with the proceeds going towards the aforementioned Ali Forney Center. A prestigious fashion label like Private Policy, which provides genderless clothing for both men and women, showing solidarity with the LGBTQ community is reflective of the social progress made since Paris is Burning. The film’s introduction of drag culture was integral to humanizing gay and trans people, as well as properly crediting them with their fashion innovations. Now, while there is still progress to be made, three decades of activism have led to outright, unabashed support from a plethora of public platforms.
Report: Nia Hunt
Louis Vuitton Escale Collection
With the release of the Louis Vuitton Escale Collection in late March, the brand went with a colorful spring and summer approach.
With the release of the Louis Vuitton Escale Collection in late March, the brand went with a colorful spring and summer approach. Despite the hard times that the public, government, and the economy are facing, Louis Vuitton brings us a happy, sunny, and bright pastel color palette to raise our hopes for reaching normalcy by the time we finally enjoy the outside.
Although consumers are not able to purchase all of the items from the highly anticipated items through the website just yet, you can easily be notified via email. Tie-dye is presumably one of the most popular trends in fashion at the moment. There is no doubt why Louis Vuitton, a highly well known designer brand, would miss out on this trend that is most likely going to transition into the summer. In this collection, you see items such as tote bags with the iconic logo, monogrammed shorts and sunglasses, short sleeved polos, bikini tops and bottoms, and small accessories such as belts, key holders, and bag charms.
Although the world is currently going through the struggle of a global pandemic, this collection brings us the reminder of what it will look like when we get the opportunity to revisit our normal lives once again. Check out Louis Vuitton’s website to get your hands on these items that will most likely sell our soon. (Photo sources: Official Louis Vuitton Website)
Report: Pamela Valdez
Designers Making A Splash In Sustainable Fashion
Sustainable is challenging the means of fast fashion. Sustainable brands are not standing by the negative impacts cause by the fashion industry, instead they stand and fight for the positive changes for the environment and people throughout the entire production and supply chain.
Sustainability is a slowly but surely a trend to stay in fashion. To be sustainable in fashion, brands and designers take a look in the human rights, supply chain, production, and how the aftermath affects the environment. Many brands look for ethically sourced fabrics, environmental benefits, and the regenerative properties of fibers and fabrics. Sustainable fashion takes a jab at fast fashion, promoting the longevity of clothes instead of cheaply making clothes for the current hot trends. Sustainability takes part in all aspects of the brand to the consumer.
Stella McCartney: Brand and designer, Stella McCartney is a pioneer in high end sustainable luxury fashion. Materials the label uses include organic cotton, ethically sourced wool, and recycled textiles/ fabrics. The brand’s 4 main pillar of sustainability includes: Respect for nature: ethically sourced materials and using as many sustainable materials as possible. Respect for people: ensures a positive impact on people involved in the production and supply chain. Respect for animals: promotes cruelty free methods and treats animals and their homes with respect. Circular solutions: using restorative production methods to create new products.
CHNGE: CHNGE is ethically produced, using sustainable fabrics, and produces carbon neutral clothing. The brand sells colorful t-shirts with impactful messages on current issues. On their website, they mention factories they work with and where they are located. Their tees are made with 100% organic cotton, and they listed the environmental benefits of their production.
Kotn: Kotn centers around essential clothes made from Egyptian cotton. Kotn provides all information regarding their ultra soft products on their website, including where it was sourced and made. After years of fast fashion and cheaper alternative to cotton, Egyptian cotton was on a decline. Grown only in the Nile Delta, the cotton is finer, softerm and more breathable than the alternatives. As Kotn came to be, they made it a point to work with the farmers and factory workers to create a respectable environment for all. Kotn also believes in traceability, where the customer can see the process of creation.
Reformation: Reformation clothes are effortlessly chic and modern, made for the on the go women. Reformation designs include silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure, using beautiful and sustainable fabrics. The brand had created their own standards of fibers and fabrics, taking in consideration of water input, energy input, land use, eco- toxicity, greenhouse gas emission, human rights, availability and price. Some of their products are made from recycled fabrics, such as cashmere and cotton, organic cotton, ECONYL regenerated nylon, linen, and such much more.
Eileen Fisher: Eileen Fisher is another pioneer introducing sustainable fashion way back when. Amy Hall, VP of Eileen Fisher introduced the idea of “Social Consciousness” as a department. It’s role was to raise awareness about 3 fundamental values: Practice business responsible with regards for human rights Guiding products and practice towards sustaining the environment Supporting women to be full participants in society. The Social Consciousness department was designed to target negative impacts and make positive change. To do so, they take into consideration material, chemistry, carbon, and water involved in the creation of the products.
Report: Katie Mok
Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2020 RTW Collection Is The Line That We Need Right Now.
Tommy Hilfiger revealed their fall 2020 ready to wear collection this week, and we needed it.
Tommy Hilfiger revealed their fall 2020 ready to wear collection this week, and we needed it. In fact, the collection gave us all ideas of what we can wear while we are all quarantined at home. While many people have most likely adopted the pajamas and sweats dress code, Tommy Hilfiger is hoping to change that. The clothes are cozy, yet fashionable, and are a great transition into the chilly fall weather. The collection as a whole has a Southwestern, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in "A Star Is Born," outdoor music festival vibe. It features plaid and paisley patterns, and a color palate of deep red, blue, and gold-brown. Since this is a fall line, layers and outerwear are prominent as well. This collection is perfect for going to an interview, then relaxing at home, without even having to change. Or for those times in quarantine when you actually feel like dressing up, even though you have no where to be.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Netflix's Tiger King Unexpectedly Caused A Rise With Animal Print
This quarantine has been a great time to binge watch the new Netflix docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness.
This quarantine has been a great time to binge watch the new Netflix docuseries Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness. The show gives a look of the personal feud between private zoo keepers Joe Exotic, the owner of G.W. Zoo, and Carole Baskin, the CEO of Big Cat Rescue. The show is riddled with exotic cats, alleged murder, gun loving hillbillies, and a mix of colorful fashion. Animal print has already been in trend, but not like this. Animal print was the statement piece as we are used to. The show has so many fashion statements, from cat prints to sequins, or an overwhelming combination of both.
Carole Baskin is introduced dressed in a pink tie-dye shirt with hints of cheetah print all over. Her house is filled to the brim with cat prints: cups, vanity tables, rugs, curtains. Her entire closet has some sort of cat print. Wearing cat prints is what she calls her “uniform.” Even her luggage is cat print! One of the viewers first introductions to Joe Exotic is him laughing, showing his mullet. Almost all his shots were with him and a tiger. His western take on fashion is filled with animal print button downs, sequins, and neon eyeliner. This seven episode true crime docuseries was to address the loud drama surrounding Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Unexpectedly, the fashion was what stole the show. Animal print has been on rise yet again as if it already hasn’t been the hottest trend.
Photos via Netflix.
Report: Katie Mok
CFDA Cancelled NYFW Resort 2021 In Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic.
Based on the current developments on the pandemic, the CFDA made the decision to cancel the New York Fashion Week Resort 2021 collection.
Based on the current developments on the pandemic, the CFDA made the decision to cancel the New York Fashion Week Resort 2021 collection. Currently, New York is heavily hit with COVID- 19 cases, leading the country positive- tested cases. The Resort 2021 collection was originally scheduled for the week of June 6th. The CFDA “strongly recommend and urge designers not to show their Resort Spring 2021 Collection.” Along with the cancellation of the NYFW Resort 2021 cancellation, the CFDA decided postpone the June Men’s show and are working with tradeshows to align future dates. “The CFDA remains respectful of everyone’s priorities during this time. First and foremost protecting the health and wellbeing of our teams and ourselves, and stabilizing business operations.” Lastly, the CFDA and Fashion calendar will not be publishing a resort schedule.
Report: Katie Mok
Rihanna’s Latest Savage X Fenty Collection
We may still be waiting for Rhi to drop the album, but she at least has all of our lingerie desires covered this season with her new April SS20 Savage X Fenty collection.
We may still be waiting for Rhi to drop the album, but she at least has all of our lingerie desires covered this season with her new April SS20 Savage X Fenty collection. As always, Savage X Fenty features the best quality bras, bralettes, panties, slips and more at affordable prices. The latest collection is turning heads with the brand’s global ambassador, Normani, and a group of models posing in the dreamy rainbow ombre star print, lilac colored lace, and the stylish “Flock U” lace.
There is a little bit of something for everyone, no matter the occasion, style, or body type. We’re always looking to support women owned businesses, especially for our goddess Rihanna. We’ll even let the delayed album drop slide for now. If you’re looking to spruce up your underwear collection, the new campaign is sexy, comfortable, size-inclusive and affordable. All of the new pieces are available for purchase online at https://www.savagex.com/featured/normani.
Report: Libby Ayers
The Iconic Looks of Transgender
In just the past few years trans people have revolutionized the fashion industry by making runways more inclusive spaces. Trans visibility in fashion is epitomized through the rising careers of trans models, several of whom are trailblazers in their craft.
With the growing media representation of trans people, International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event that only increases in societal relevance with each passing year. In just the past few years trans people have revolutionized the fashion industry by making runways more inclusive spaces. Trans visibility in fashion is epitomized through the rising careers of trans models, several of whom are trailblazers in their craft.
Male model Krow Kian’s blossoming career is deeply intertwined with his relationship with the trans community, as he regularly receives praise from inspired trans youth, and in turn he strives to remain a positive representation for them. Valentina Sampaio was the first openly transgender model to be on the cover of Vogue Paris, as well as the first transgender model for Victoria’s Secret—a company that previously refused to hire transgender models. Andreja Pejic, renowned for her androgynous look, was the first trans model to book a cosmetic campaign, and Chella Man is the first deaf, transgender man to be signed to a major modeling agency.
While trans representation in fashion and beauty has come a long way, there is still progress to be made. Dissatisfied with the white, cisnormative images of trans people, artist Texas Isaiah had his own unique way of celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility. Collaborating with the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Texas Isaiah created “Every Image is a Blessing”, a stylized photographic collection of 11 black transgender, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary artists, musicians, and activities.
The project served the purpose of showcasing black trans people in as they see themselves rather than how they are perceived by others. Texas Isaiah felt that mainstream images of trans people ignore their true struggles, so he sought to create images that were more truthful while still hopeful. The aforementioned models are important contributors to positive trans representation, but portrayals of trans people’s natural beauty are just as significant.
Report: Nia Hunt
The Fashion Industry Responds To The COVID-19 Crisis
The fashion industry has also had to make adjustments. Their hot new product? The surgical mask.
Due to the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, everyone has been advised to self-quarantine in their homes. Businesses have had to make several adjustments. Restaurants are only doing takeout, supermarkets can only let in a few people at a time, and people are having meetings on Zoom. The fashion industry has also had to make adjustments. Their hot new product? The surgical mask.
Since people have been advised to wear masks when they rarely go out in public, this has started to lead to a shortage. Designer Christian Siriano recently announced that he will be making masks to help with this issue, and several other brands and designers have followed. Siriano announced this with a tweet to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's statement that if anyone could make masks, Cuomo would fund it. Siriano said that his full team was in their homes and available to help. Siriano then received a pattern and then delivered a similar fabric to each of his employees. Siriano's studio was deemed an essential business, and was then turned into a mask assembly line, with each employee standing six feet apart.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Sustainable fashion : Reuse - Recycle - Reimagine - What is sustainable fashion?
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and will only continue to increase.
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world and will only continue to increase. When consumers online shop and add items to their cart, the only thought in their mind is the excitement for when the package will come in and tracking the order as soon as possible. When pressing confirm order, what some don’t understand is that workers will undergo awful conditions to make sure every customer receives their items. There is little knowledge that people know about how sustainable the production of our everyday clothes, accessories, and shoes are made.
Too many companies either overproduce and sell too much of the same product when trends come and go every season, which eventually reside in landfills. They don’t understand the impact that they are creating on supply chains. Some brands have started to make clothes more biodegradable but for those who don’t, these clothes that don’t break down as easily sit in piles of millions of other clothes. H&M is now sharing publicly the country in which production is taking place, the number of workers that are in the factory, the names of these factories and addresses, as well as where the garments from their company are made.
Rent the Runway is helping tackle this issue. This ‘Designer Rental Subscription’ sounds strange at first, but it is a rental store and site in which you can actually rent designer dresses, shoes, shirts, accessories and anything you can think of for 4-7 days. Patagonia, claimed as the “Gucci of outdoor wear” preaches an anti-fashion environmental message. Patagonia has taken over 90 million bottles from these landfills. From their one billion dollars in revenue each year, they use a percentage of these sales to donate towards the “earth tax.” There are companies that; don’t exploit children laborers in factories, increase their quality in clothing by not destroying the environment and have created products to last season after season. There is a higher price tag when you buy, but saving money towards this is not only worth it in the long run for you, but is a small step towards the environment.
(Photo Source: Businessoffashion.com, nytimes.com, Forbes.com)
Report: Pamela Valdez
Retail Stores Face COVID-19
How retail stores are facing closures and surviving via e-commerce - barely.
As the infectious COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the world, millions are being affected including families, the stock market and businesses. Some of the most popular and famous retail stores such Macy’s, Kate Spade, Coach, Victoria’s Secret, Apple, Urban Outfitters and more. Facing closures, changing certain policies and suspending returns, have all been some of the consequences faced by these major companies due to the coronavirus. It may be weeks, or even several months before stores will be able to open up once again. This raises the question, how will these stores survive via online shopping during this?
Retailers have been offering free delivery fees and raising their online sales to increase the attention of everyone at home with nothing much to do. Companies have even made the most of this pandemic by creating positive headlines for these sales such as the multi-channel retailer Missguided, “Plans that aren’t cancelled: Taking selfies in new clothes.” For those who own small businesses who cannot move to ecommerce, are still offering pick-ups for customers, no restaurant dining, and home deliveries. No one is sure of how soon the public will be able to return back to their previous lives of going out. For now, this remains as the new “norm” as this pandemic continues to affect thousands.
(Photo Credit: RetailTouchPoints.com, WGNTV.com, ABCNews.go.com)
Report: Pamela Valdez
19 Women-Owned Small Businesses to Follow
In the midst of influencers, department stores, fast fashion, and big beauty brands, it can be easy to forget how important it is to support small businesses.
In the midst of influencers, department stores, fast fashion, and big beauty brands, it can be easy to forget how important it is to support small businesses. They help shape and support our communities, and put more focus on the quality and craftsmanship of their products. The Small Business Association states that independent businesses can help reduce unemployment rates, and estimates that “small business owners create two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S, [which could increase] if consumers shifted just 10 percent of their business to local organizations.” Next time you are about to buy something from a large corporation, take a moment to think how you could be supporting these 19 (women-owned!) small businesses instead.
Fashion
• @Digitalkenteshop (Fitness Wear)
• @shopmucho (Latin-Inspired Clothing, Accessories, & Décor)
Jewelry
Beauty
Report: Libby Ayers
Retail Therapy - The Myth Has Become Reality
How Consumers Are Flocking to the Web During Quarantine.
As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, some of our favorite beauty brands and retailers are temporarily closing their stores to help prevent the virus from spreading. While in-store shopping is no longer available, many brands are still offering online services, as it is virtually impossible for the virus to survive throughout transit. If you suffer from anxiety and depression, experiencing higher levels during these challenging times is common. As it turns out, a little retail therapy is a proven way to help combat these issues.
According to Psychology Today, online shopping can provide a sense of relaxation and escape, as it is a mindless and calming activity. Another study from the Journal of Consumer Psychology notes that retail therapy can be beneficial in providing a sense of control and stability when you feel like you have no control over your environment. A handful of brands are even offering incentives to stay safe and socially distanced during these times such as free shipping. Many department stores, including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, closed their stores and are continuing with online services, and are still providing their employees with benefits and regular pay. Also, many beauty brands such as Glossier, Kiehl’s, Benefit Cosmetics, and many others are implementing the same policies. When engaging in retail therapy, supporting companies that ensured the health, safety, and security of their employees can help them to lead by example of what it means to protect employees during the current unforeseen circumstances the world is facing, and also for the future.
Report: Libby Ayers
Virtual Fashion in a Pandemic
Mandatory social distancing naturally limits engagement with fashion products to online spaces, but the dilemma faced by retailers and consumers is more complex than it appears.
The coronavirus and the consequential quarantine measures have significantly impacted industries worldwide, and the fashion world is no exception. Mandatory social distancing naturally limits engagement with fashion products to online spaces, but the dilemma faced by retailers and consumers is more complex than it appears. Smaller fashion labels share the fear of their businesses not surviving the pandemic. While online shopping has not completely halted, established name-brands receive the bulk of profits while lesser-known companies struggle to retain financial stability.
Fashion businesses have attempted to combat the decline in revenue by offering discounts on their products. Online clothing stores’ coupons come in the form of codes, many of them aptly named such things as “STAYHEALTHY” and “STAYHOME15”. The imperativeness of supporting smaller fashion businesses cannot be overstated, especially those donating a percentage of their proceeds to various charities. For example, street fashion label John Elliott is donating $10,000 as well as 10% of their sales to the UCLA Health Fund to aid the medical personnel working endlessly during this pandemic. Footwear label Mia Becar takes the much more direct approach of donating all proceeds to the California Community Foundation COVID-19 L.A. Response Fund. The shopping habits of consumers seems even more uncertain, with the current suspension of wages and fashion tastes possibly changing due to a number of factors.
Mainstream fashion was already becoming more minimalistic, so working from home would only further encourage a daily casual manner of dress. As proof, online sales of tracksuits have skyrocketed in the US and UK since January. On the other hand, the overexposure of casual wear may leave some longing to dress formally once more. Fortunately, consumers have less costly options to remain connected with the fashion industry. Countless online magazines and blogs still update regularly, and there are fashion documentaries available on cable and streaming services. In fact, consumers can even learn how to craft their own fashions. Online tutorials are widely accessible, and companies sell fabric and crochet materials for affordable prices. Historical events have always influenced fashion trends, even spawning new generations of designers.
Report: Nia Hunt
Fast Fashion: The Trend That Has Overtaken The Retail World
Fast Fashion Affects the Environment More Than You'd Think, So Here Are Some Tips For Making Your Clothes Last
Fast fashion is a term used to describe retailers who quickly produce inexpensive clothing to keep up with the runway’s latest trends. In theory, this process sounds flawless. You get to have the trendiest clothes as soon as styles come off the runway, without paying designer prices. Buying clothing from these stores is convenient, but it does come at a price. Fast fashion negatively impacts the environment in many ways, including carbon emissions, drying up water sources, and polluting rivers and streams. Also, according to business insider, “85% of all textiles go to the dump each year, and washing some types of clothes sends thousands of bits of plastic into the ocean.” Trends also change so quickly that consumers are buying more clothing than ever before, but only keeping the items for half as long. These kind of stores have taken over the fashion industry, making it almost impossible to buy affordable clothing from anywhere else.
That being said, you can help make a difference by taking steps to make your clothing last longer. One step to keep your clothes in their best condition is to keep them away from dust, heat, moisture, and light. This means storing them in your closet, and not in an attic or basement. You can also prolong your clothing by maintaining your closet’s cleanliness and keeping it free of dust. Another helpful, and probably the hardest step to abide by is to hang your clothing up carefully after taking it off instead of just tossing it on the floor. The final step is to get a little more wear out of your clothing before tossing it in the washing machine, as they can be quite damaging to the textiles used in producing these clothes. Fast fashion is a trend that has overtaken the retail world, but taking these steps to lengthen the lifespan of your clothing can help make a difference.
Report: Libby Ayers
Alexandra Byrne, Historical Fashion Extraordinaire
Academy Award-winning costume designer Alexander Byrne has masterfully brought Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma to life in its current film adaptation.
Academy Award-winning costume designer Alexander Byrne has masterfully brought Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma to life in its current film adaptation. Naturally, the original source material was a significant source of inspiration for Byrne’s aesthetic choices. Since the text delves deeply into the eponymous protagonist’s perspective, Byrne strove to visualize this by creating a lavish, engaging setting that makes audiences feel as though they are part of Emma’s world.
Byrne also took Emma’s wealth and self-indulgence into consideration, and therefore had the character constantly change outfits throughout the film. Byrne’s artistic vision for Emma was further shaped by her reading the script and collaborating with director Autumn de Wilde. Ideas for costumes initially came not from historical accuracy, but instead from analyzing the characters in the script and planning their respective attire. When Byrne eventually did her research on the era of fashion in which the story takes place, she learned that fabric was more delicate and light and she delighted in the freedom to create a diverse array of costumes by bejeweling and embroidering the fabric.
Aiding her in this precision was de Wilde, who pleasantly surprised Byrne by sharing her flair for historical fashion. De Wilde provided Byrne with detailed reference images of pre-1900s garments and insisted upon the film being as colorful as it was to remain accurate to the time period. Byrne has designed costumes for films across various genres, but her most outstanding work is that which she has created for period films. Earlier in her career she designed costumes for Elizabeth: The Golden Age, for which she has won an Oscar. Queen Elizabeth I was renowned for her beauty and extravagant gowns, and as such Byrne created a memorable, albeit historically inaccurate, blue gown fit for such a queen. Byrne earned another Oscar nomination for Mary, Queen of Scots, in which she took the unique approach of building medieval costumes from altered denim to implicitly denote modernity. Overall, Alexandra believes that costume design should immerse viewers in a film’s environment and time period, which she has always executed impeccably.
Report: Nia Hunt
Simon Porte Jacquemus: Growing up in the French Countryside
How a small French fashion designer, Simon Porte Jacquemus grew up, his childhood, muse for his label, and became a designer.
Born on January 16th, 1990 in Salon de Provence, France, Simon Porte Jacquemus was seven-years-old when he cut a skirt for his mother out of a linen curtain. Being the founder and designer of his very own label, Jacquemus, life wasn’t always as glamorous as what you see on the runway. Before his RTW collections, he moved out of his parents house at eighteen to Paris in order to pursue his dreams in the fashion industry. Simon was studying at a French school for fashion, when he already had thoughts about a collection he wanted to release. This was going to be a brand of his own and he set to release this at nineteen. Unfortunately, a month later, his mother passed away and left him in a state of confusion and where he would go on with his life from now. Simon told AnOther Magazine that, “My brand would be named after my mother’s maiden name, Jacquemus, and designed for the girl my mother was.” This was how the charming and playful French brand was born.
He launched his first collection. In order to get his clothes more coverage, he encouraged his friends to wear his collection during Vogue’s Fashion Night Out. He was walking through a flea market in Paris where he met a seamstress who offered to make him a skirt. He asked if she could make it for 100 and he was back with the materials, and fabric of how he envisioned a skirt for his first collection. His clothes consisted of simplistic fabrics and details that were not over the top with effortless prints and he has since continued this into his brand now.
He dedicated his Resort 2016 collection as well to his mother and has her name, Valérie, written on his moodboard for new pieces in order to capture her style and imagine her wearing these pieces. Jacquemus has taken the fashion world by storm and his brand has become synonymous with happiness, childhood memories, France, the beach, summertime, and sun. Simon Porte Jacquemus continues to lead his designer collections by leaving a story in everything he makes for his mother. This is all for Valérie.
(Photo sources: Pinterest, WMagazine, and Instagram)
Report: Pamela Valdez
Louis Vuitton Announced Its Next Collaboration With Nigo Named LV²
Louis Vuitton announced its next collaboration with Nigo named LV² and, most recently, shared its lookbook of the collection. Are we feelin' this collab with Nigo and Virgil Abloh?
Since the last collaboration with streetwear brand Supreme, Louis Vuitton announced its next collaboration with Nigo named LV² and, most recently, shared its lookbook of the collection through Instagram. Virgil Abloh, Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, and Nigo have been longtime friends spanning back to Nigo’s creation of A Bathing Ape and now most recent streetwear company, Human Made.
As both brands created by Nigo have been centered on streetwear consumers, the released collection with the fashion house is that but opposite than the brand’s basic aesthetic and Supreme collection. The collection features hints of original LV’s classic designs featuring its signature logo, patchworks, and classic camel and chocolate brown colors. With Nigo’s influence, Human Made fonts are featured on classic streetwear bomber jackets, “dripping” Louis Vuitton designs are on bags (backpacks, travel and carrying bags), fitted caps are featured, and crisp tailoring are focused on suits and casualwear.
This fresh take on a collaboration with a streetwear creator will be the influence needed in the fashion industry to put more emphasis in design and less on the placement of logos. The full collection can be found in Virgil's most recent interview with Vogue. The release date of the collection has yet to be announced.
Photo Credit: Vogue.com
Report: Necole Jackson
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.