Chanel Boosts Prices on Some Handbags, Small Leather Goods

Chanel has raised prices worldwide on a few of its products to counterbalance the increased cost of raw materials amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The French fashion house told Reuters that price hikes apply to some handbags and small leather goods, with the increases varying between 5 to 17 percent in euros. Chanel told the news agency, “The price adjustments only regard Chanel's iconic handbags, 11.12 and 2.55, as well as Boy, Gabrielle, Chanel 19 bags and certain small leather goods,”

Chanel named the legendary 2.55 handbag after the month and year that it was originally released, with 2.55 standing for February 1955. Creative director Karl Lagerfield’s modernized version of the 2.55 bag was the 11.12. Other luxury brands have seen price surges as well, including Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. While Louis Vuitton Korea has raised prices by 5 to 10 percent on some items, Tiffany’s has hiked prices up to 11 percent for limited merchandise in South Korea. Bulgari has also increased its prices.

While brands blame increased prices on company pricing policy, exchange rate fluctuations, and raw material costs, some believe that these companies are purposefully raising prices so that certain customers will make extravagant purchases after being forced to social distance and remain inside.

Report: Amanda T. Lou

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Keeping up with Quarantine Trends

As we are in the middle of a pandemic, how does one still dress "trendy?" It's tricky since everyone is stuck at home for the time being. However, even with quarantine going on, people are still finding ways to keep up with different fashion trends. Here's a couple for you so that you can keep in the loop!

One popular one that I've noticed is quite obvious. I've been shopping for nothing but comfort wear since being home. Doesn't everyone want to relax in their pajamas all day? I know since I have a bunch of zoom calls and facetime with friends that I still want to look cute. Matching sets with oversized sweatshirts and sweatpants are so in and incredibly cozy. What makes them even trendier is that people have started a bunch of DIYs and tie-dying or bleaching. It is all over my Instagram and TikTok feed. If you're looking to buy some, I'd recommend Etsy where you can support small businesses.

Another trend fits this period perfectly and that's face masks. I've seen people in supermarkets and walking on the streets wearing not just plain boring ones. I saw one girl wearing a cheetah print mask and another wearing one with bright colors on it. These fun masks make wearing them a lot easier for some people. It allows you to be safe while still being fashionable. People are making them themselves or ordering them online.

Where could you get some cute ones? Kim Kardashian has a fashion line of undergarments called SKIMS, where she has now included a collection of non-medical face masks. It comes in 5 different skin tone colors of Sand, Clay, Sienna, Cocoa, and Onyx. They are all one size fits all. SKIMS is additionally donating 10,000 Seamless Face Masks to charities. The masks became so popular that they sold out in less than 30 minutes! They will be more coming soon if you're interested!

*Photo Credits to @SKIMS Instagram account*

Report: Anna Levitus

Fashion Podcast to Listen to While Quarantine

We’re officially entering double digits of weeks spent social distancing and while we’ve somewhat adjusted to life at home, it’s very easy to find yourself uninspired during this time. Whether in the fashion industry or an admirer, we understand it’s crucial to have inspiration and use this time wisely to build a business or knowledge. Podcasts allow you to dive into different stories and discussions gaining insight and ideas to fuel yourself. If you don’t know where to start, check out our list of fashion podcasts to listen to while quarantined.

Business of Fashion Podcast

If you’re not privy to the Business of Fashion and the journalistic aspect they bring to the fashion industry, this company produces news, analysis, entrepreneurial expertise, and overall global information about the fashion industry. If you’re looking for unique conversations about the fashion industry to start your day, their podcast covers an array of topics from fashion houses to retail to small businesses.

Dressed: The History of Fashion

Looking to expand your knowledge of the fashion industry? Why not go back to basics and the beginning with Dressed: The History of Fashion. In this podcast, hosts not only cover social and cultural histories in fashion in the past but also in the future.

The Future of Fashion Business

If you’re a designer needing inspiration to start your day from successful creative directors and those in the fashion industry, The Future of Fashion Business features inspiring entrepreneurs giving business and brand advice. Brands featured on this podcast include LVMH, Urban Outfitters, Tommy Hilfiger, and Banana Republic.

Fashion History with American Duchess

Another podcast to check out featuring the history of fashion is Fashion History with American Duchess, discussing a wide variety of clothing pieces like bustles, shoemaking, African head wraps, and overall dressing. As fashion enthusiasts, it’s important to not only evaluate and study the current trends but past styles that have influenced us.

Vogue Style Revolution

As many publications have come out with podcasts to subscribe to, Vogue’s Vogue Style Revolution, although dated, features exclusive interviews with well-known names in the fashion industry with timeless inspiration. Episodes feature the iconic September Issue, how to become an it-girl in the modeling industry, and exclusive interviews with top fashion houses.

Photo credits: Instagram

Report: Necole Jackson

Pyer Moss to Hold Drive-in Premieres for New Film ‘American, Also’

Kerby Jean-Raymond has been transparent about his process. He has been vocal about what he wants to do and when he wants to do it. He told WWD at the CEO Summit last October that he will have a show when he has something to say.

The founder and designer of New York City-based fashion brand Pyer Moss will hold drive-in premieres for his film, “American, Also”, following social distancing and lockdown requirements. More details on the event and locations will be revealed this summer.

The film, which has been two years in the making, follows Jean-Raymond and his team, partners and collaborators producing the Pyer Moss runway show in September 2019 at Kings Theatre in Flatbush, Brooklyn. The show was significant for its location — Jean-Raymond’s home neighborhood — as well as its venue, which has been said to be unsuitable for black people. The trailer begins with a clip of Matt Lauer saying neighborhoods are still segregated and that when black people move to affluent neighborhoods, “The result is ‘white flight.’”

What follows is a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s production with models in hair and makeup, the band rehearsing and voiceovers from Jean-Raymond. He recalled a conversation with an editor in the trailer, who said, ‘You know, I’m not coming to any more of your shows. They’re just so negative.’ And I was like, ‘You can’t see that this is for us? This is for us to see us.’”

The film explores what went into the show’s production, which serves as a backdrop to the greater discussion of the black experience in America. Jean-Raymond said, “It’s always been our mission to show the amount of thinking and laboring that goes behind putting together a collection — we’ve been slowing down the speed of how much we produce and improving the quality of what we produce throughout the years. This film aims to show the love and care our entire company puts into every single moment we create and will show that we appreciate fashion as an art form and communication tool.”

The series itself highlights black people In American culture, the first of which centered around the cowboy, initially a derogatory word used for black people who herded cattle that debuted at Spring Studios in February 2018. The next, an ode to the black family, debuted in September 2018 at Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, one of the United States’ first free black communities.

The third installment, at Kings Theatre, is about Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the matriarch and pioneer of rock ‘n’ roll music. Jean-Raymond is premiering “American, Also” during the lockdown as a way to bring the community and New York City together, and also to engage with his fans. It will also be available to the public.

Report: Amanda T. Lou

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Supreme Honors The Life of Danial Johnston

On Thursday morning, Supreme dropped their new Spring/Summer collection honoring Daniel Johnston, a musician and artist who passed away in September 2019. Daniel Johnston was known for creating both musical and visual art, inspired by his experience with mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Designers did an exceptional job constructing a line while paying respect to Daniel Johnston and people suffering from mental illness. Supreme also announced that they would be contributing a portion of their profits to the Hi, How Are You Project, an organization that drives awareness and education around mental health. Another portion of the profit will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), both organizations are nonprofit and support the youth suffering with mental illness.

You can find anything from pants, jackets, t-shirts, and hats that showcase his most favorable piece of work, Jeremiah The Innocent, the frog who appears on the album cover of his album “Hi How Are You”. In addition to their new drop, Supreme released a video highlighting some of Danial Johnston’s best moments honoring the life he lived and his various talents. As the clip plays, an over-voice of Daniel Johnston states “I think art has always been inspired by beauty. I think there have been many artists throughout history who had a major inspiration whether it’s a girl or even just a philosophy. That’s what I like about life and about art. It’s when you write a song it’s just the way you saw it or just the way that”.

Supreme rose awareness and educated many on mental illness, while providing unique clothes for the public. We live in modern times and it’s sad to see that mental illness is still associated with negative stigma. Credit to Supreme for supporting such a cause that many look down upon, bringing sentimental value to the table, and of course honoring the life of Daniel Johnston.

Report: Emily Andrews

Savage X Summer

Who wouldn’t want to spend the summer in style? Savage X Fenty has come out with a new collection for this summer! The owner of the brand, the world-renowned singer Rihanna, also owns a makeup brand called Fenty beauty. Hence the name, Savage X Fenty. Among the summer pieces collection, she included a selection of sunglasses that have been a rage all over social media called Off Record. The Savage X brand is breaking boundaries, all thanks to Riri, along with her all-inclusive makeup brand.

This collection displays more light and playful colors. There are comfort pieces as well as pieces that are sexy and can help boost more confidence amongst all the beautiful ladies in the world! It includes lingerie, a bra and pantie set, and even bathing suits. The bathing suits are what is the center of attention this time around. Usually, many bikinis are uncomfortable, but Savage X Fenty is known to make products that are not only sexy but also are comfortable to wear. You invoke the most beauty and confidence when you’re comfortable, and Rihanna seems to know its importance.

Rihanna has been working tremendously hard to make the beauty and fashion industries inclusive of women of all shapes, sizes, and colors. She has done a phenomenal job by ensuring that all women feel confident when wearing any of her products. Merging her two brands has been the most beneficial decision. We all hope that Riri keeps putting out products because we cannot get enough!

Photo Credits: Pink set: @hausofjazzy

Orange set: @dearra

Lavender set: @badgalriri

#OffRecord: @badgalriri

Report: Soila Douce

Killing Eve Star, Sandra Oh Killing Fashion in her Latest Photo Shoot

Sandra Oh has been a household name for years, known in the industry for many roles. Most notably, for playing Dr. Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy for 10 seasons and now rogue agent, Eve Polastri, on the cat and mouse spy thriller, Killing Eve. Sandra brings a depth of talent, dedication and rawness to each character that makes her captivating to anyone lucky enough to watch her.

Killing Eve is known for its amazing fashion, especially in terms of career assassin, Villanelle, strutting her stuff in Chloé suits and J.W. Anderson jackets. Her outfits boast bright colors, unique textures, and all the latest in fashion. Sandra’s character, however, sticks to more earthy tones, baggy clothing, and turtlenecks. There is a definite clothing discrepancy between Eve and Villanelle, one of intention of course. Sandra joked, “It kills me...I go into wardrobe and see that bitch’s clothing, and I’m just like, ‘Can I get something above Uniqlo? No?” Sandra had a chance to display her own fashion brilliance in a photo shoot for Elle, Canada which will be featured in June’s issue. Sandra graces the cover in sequined Gucci, and inside there is an interview in which Sandra talks about everything from Killing Eve, to social media, and Hollywood representation. Also featured are numerous jaw dropping looks from the Elle photo shoot.

Gucci is definitely a highlight of the shoot, both the cover as well as one of the looks inside boast gorgeous sequined Gucci looks. Another look was made complete with a satin dress from Christopher Kane and heels from Versace. Still another boasts a billowing taffeta dress by Valentino. Possibly my favorite look of all is the silk shirt and leather skirt from Louis Vuitton.

Sandra Oh is an immensely talented actress, she’s genuine, enthusiastic, charismatic, and has classy fashion sense to boot. Read more about it in the Elle Canada June issue, https://www.ellecanada.com/culture/celebrity/sandra-oh-elle-canada-cover-interview-

Report: Rebecca Vanderkool

The Hottest New Trend for Summer? Face Masks.

Since wearing a face mask has been required in more than half of the states in the U.S., more and more people have begun to build it into a fashion statement. This accidental trend was quickly picked up by fashion designers around the world who knew that this would be our new way of life.

Many designers used this trend to benefit their communities and healthcare workers through the profits they make. Brands such as Collina Strada, have made masks with tie-dye patterns. Each purchase provides 5 masks to healthcare workers in New York City. Other brands such as Reformation, have created floral masks to match sun dresses.

Powerful women, such as Cindy Crawford, took to Instagram with a post saying “Social distancing but make it fashion,” while wearing a tie-dye mask matching her outfit. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, has also been color coordinating her custom-made masks to her outfits.

Designers are not stopping there. With summer on the horizon, many bathing suit designers have even taken matching masks into their own hands, with what they deem a “trikini.” The Italian company Elexia Beachwear went viral for its matching bikini and face mask sets.

Would you match your face mask with your outfits? Its worth a try!

Report: Woo Jong Kim

Things Aren't so Glamorous for Neiman Marcus

Things for high-end fashion brand Neiman Marcus aren't looking so pretty right now. Last Thursday, it was revealed that the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, after previous reports were rumored in mid-April. Prior to this, the brand was already four million dollars in debt. CEO Geoffroy Van Raemdonck made a statement to CNBC saying, "Like most businesses today, we are facing unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed inexorable pressure on our business."

According to the Financial Post, the paperwork was filed in a Houston courthouse. Neiman Marcus and their creditors agreed to a $675 million dollar financial aid package to help the company restructure. In addition, they also agreed to a second package of $750 million dollars from creditors. This would not only help with their bankruptcy, but also supply extra liquidity for them, when they eventually recover from their struggles. Lastly, this deal completely puts the creditors in charge of the business, and will have them become the majority owners this fall, once the company is likely to recover.

Neiman Marcus is one of many major brands and companies struggling financially during 2020's COVID-19 pandemic. J-Crew also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy recently. However, Neiman Marcus was experiencing some struggles prior to the pandemic, which naturally increased once the pandemic hit. As per Bloomberg, Neiman Marcus had started closing outlet stores in March, and 500 jobs were cut within the operation.

Report: Corine Gauthier

Why Gucci's New Collection Will Brighten up Your Summer

Even in the uninterrupted unsteadiness of today’s social and political climates, the tendency of the Gucci brand to keep us on our toes remains tireless. With their unique patterns and edgy couture style, it is no wonder we are constantly swooning, practically begging for more.

The fascination continues when considering their latest collection titled “Towards the Sun” designed for men and women. The reason this line compels us so is the traditional color palette having been magically transformed for the upcoming solstice, while having no effect on the spunkiness and luxuriousness that we’ve come to expect from Gucci.

Pastel based and beaming with an infectious luminosity, the new “Towards the Sun” collection for Women features beautiful yet more simplistic pieces created specifically for the warmer weather that will soon surround us.

The collection takes on classic silhouettes of bags, shoes, and accessories and complements them with new colors, including gentle shades of blue, green and pink, with final products that are somehow no less subtle than the ones we would normally attribute to the iconic brand.

While the color palette might present itself as tame, it is no less exhilarating. Timeless patterns are revived with softer hues while fresh patterns emerge that simultaneously maintain the brand’s originality and uniqueness and add an essence of sunny retro.

Though the male counterpart of this collection does not house the same quantity of pastel-forward inventory, a retro ambiance still radiates from the products, offering a different type of sensation for summertime. Featuring pieces with warm yellows and patterns of pink peonies, the men’s collection is no stranger to taking fashion a little more “towards the sun”.

Gucci could not have graced us with this collection at a more perfect moment in time. With spring in full bloom and the summer season quickly approaching, the bright colors and relaxed prints will no doubt complete your wardrobe by contributing an undeniable glow.

*all photo credit can be attributed to Gucci's direct website.

Report: Alexandra Donnelly

Jordan Release Date Delays Due to Pandemic

Since I was a little girl, I always remembered the significance of Air Jordan sneaker releases. I grew up in an era where dedicated customers would skip school/work to wait in lines for hours just for the newest release. This era was made up of raffles and hypebeasts. During this time, we also saw the growth of the online/ecomm niche that surrounded these huge releases. These drops are still highly anticipated, leaving people counting down the days until they can get the freshest pair of Jays. Unfortunately for many sneakerheads, Air Jordan has decided to delay many of their Spring releases until they can have a more impactful drop.

According to Complex, sources have speculated that these delays are due to Coronavirus- related obstacles. As a way to combat the spread of COVID-19, many Nike stores were forced to close their doors. And although Nike still has an online storefront, nothing beats coming into a physical store on the day of a big release. These delays include one of the most anticipated drops the company has ever had.

For their Fall 2020 show in Miami, Italian luxury brand Dior and it’s Artistic Director, Kim Jones, revealed their collaboration w/ the famous Air Jordan 1’s OG.

The collab called “Air Dior” includes low-top and high-top OG 1’s, as well as RTW (ready to wear) apparel and accessories curated by both brands. The hightop sneakers were said to be one of the most expensive Air Jordan releases, retailing at staggering $2,000 dollars. This release was limited to only 8,500 pairs, each pair individually numbered.

The decrease in big releases has impacted sneaker retailers and resellers worldwide. Without big drops during Spring, retailers are having a difficult time attracting consumers to their online shops. In turn, there is bound to be a decrease in activity via online markets like StockX or FlightClub. There has also been a decrease in prices of many of these limited edition sneakers.

Experts believe that this pandemic will change the retail platform as a whole. There will be more emphasis and utilization of online platforms while people get comfortable with the idea of going outside again. This will result in people flooding to sites for their sneaker needs. It is also predicted that many people will not want to spend big bucks for big releases, leading to a decrease in sneaker prices as a whole. It all depends on the demand for the release. For now, brands like Nike are in a waiting game with the rest of the world.

Photo creds: @sneakernews and dior.com

Report: Lauren Tucker

Milano Fashion Week Digital to Stream Mid July

Fashion week, or otherwise known as the biggest events the fashion industry has to offer, are essential for designers, models, and anyone trying to get their name known in this business. But, how do these events take place while the world is experiencing a global pandemic? Can they even happen?

The answer is yes, and Milan is taking the initial steps in throwing their first ever virtual fashion week. Camera Nazionale della Mode Italiana is the organization to thank for creating and developing a plan to distribute a flawless Milan Fashion week mens.

As Milan showcases their Italian designers from July 14-17, the world will get to experience the magic that is fashion week. With the fashion capital of the world allowing its most creative and brilliant designers to explore new opportunities through a digital format, the market growth only expands. Of course, the events are made to allow creativity and self expression to flourish first and foremost, but these digital fashion shows have the potential to broaden markets for designers. Shanghai and Helsinki’s virtual fashion weeks proved to be of huge successes with millions of viewers attending the livestream. Milano Fashion Week Digital, the official name of the event, should have the same appeal.

Milano Fashion Week Digital will display designers newest collections for men’s 2021 spring/summer and men’s/women’s pre-collections for spring, as well as host panels and let viewers take a (virtual) look inside their showrooms. There will even be live performances, so this is a perfect spot for everyone. The designers will have free range for creativity, and anywhere up to 15 minutes designated for their lines.

While it may not be the future of fashion, it’s a great addition to the business. London is said to be premiering their version in the beginning of June.

As of right now, the women’s fashion week in Milan is still set to premiere in late September, and hopefully in an “in person” format.

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

Mariah Carey Will Always Be My Fashionista

24 years ago, this week, “Always be my Baby” by Mariah Carey hit #1 on the Billboard Charts. Carey’s legendary vocals and blonde hair weren't the only things she's known for, especially in the 90’s. She was super trendy on and off the stage. A lot of these trend nods can be found in today's Fashion. Let's take a walk down Mariah's memory lane of style to highlight some of her simple yet sleek looks. Let's start with the “Always be my Baby” video. MC wears a dark denim matching set. Her top is a collared button up denim shirt, knotted in the front. The look is complete w/ a matching wash, denim cuffed pant and minimal jewelry/belly chain. I think we can all agree that the Denim craze that the 90's birthed will never go out of style.

Mariah Carey was pictured at a Calvin Klein runway show wearing a simple yet chic outfit. Her white crop top, cropped black cardigan, plaid mini skirt and black tights, with silky straight hair was a popular look in the 90’s, especially after the movie “Clueless” made its debut in 1995. But this photo was taken in 1994, before “Clueless” came out. MC became a trendsetter with this sexy play on a school girl outfit. 1997 MTV Video Music Awards , Mariah Carey stepped out in this black two piece that could drop any jaw. This bantu top with spaghetti straps, with a waist high slit skirt, and black sandals is one of MC’s sexiest looks and arguably one of the best looks in the 90’s. She showed off her amazing figure but still kept it sexy and classic. This look became revolutionary as we still see celebrities like Normani and Kim Kardasian today wearing outfits that mirror this look.

These were just a few of Mariah’s best 90's Fashion moments, but there are so many more to choose from. I encourage you all to get into her Style archives when you have some down time! xx

Report: Alycia Williams

Met Gala 2020: The Met Gala That Everyone Was Invited To

The 2020 Met Gala was the first of its kind to take place entirely on social media, and it was a shining example of solidarity during such an unprecedented and turbulent time. Reputed for its exalted status and exclusivity, this year's Met Gala’s transition to digital platforms resultantly transformed it into an event in which participation was no longer limited to the rich and famous.

Online fashion enthusiasts, nicknamed “High Fashion Twitter,” invited people from all reaches of the internet to showcase their finest fashions for the big night with the hashtag #HFTMetGala2020. Surely enough, Twitter and Instagram were awash with a myriad of images, collages, illustrations, and mood boards of the outfits people would have worn to the Met Gala in person. The #HFTMetGala2020 was invented by the aerospace engineering student Aria Olson, who also implored participants to donate to the International Medical Corps.

Further bridging the gap between celebrities and everyday fashionistas, the Metropolitan Museum of Art launched the viral #MetGalaChallenge, prompting everyone to recreate their favorite iconic looks from previous Met Gala. While someone of skating star Adam Rippon’s standing would expectedly have the means to wear Rihanna’s yellow Guo Pei cape dress from the 2015 Met Gala, it is rather impressive for the aforementioned creator of the #HFTMetGala2020 to flaunt a look from Thom Browne’s F/W collection. Even Rebeca, an assistant organizer of the online Met Gala, paid homage to modeling legend Twiggy with her display. One standout spectacle was the homemade recreation of Lady Gaga’s 2019 Met Gala gown made from pink bedsheets. Throughout the past decade social media has made the fashion industry’s elite more accessible to wider audiences, and now those very same online platforms are revealing the boundless creativity of those who likely have a future in the fashion industry themselves.

Photo credit: https://time.com/5831987/met-gala-2020/

Report: Nia Hunt

How The Modeling Industry Takes on Social Distancing

People around the world experienced job losses and closed businesses during quarantine, although it’s not the most positive event, people are working hard to figure out how to get around it. Being in quarantine pushes businesses to get creative while working so they can continue to keep the business open and running. One of the most prominent examples is the modeling industry, that is now doing shoots with just the click of a button. The modeling industry has taken a turn for the best, getting very creative and switching their in person shoots to “facetime shoots”. Instead of panicking, photographers such as Tatiana Atkova and Tim Dunk decided to experiment with the idea.

If you think that facetime photo shoots are easier than in person shoots, you're wrong. Models are to get ready by themselves when they're used to having stylists and makeup artists, which could be challenging for some. Unfortunately, stylists and makeup artists can’t do much while practicing social distancing, but they can still put their input in over the phone. Another hardship that comes with these shoots is making sure the clarity and lighting is just right, if not this could result in poor quality pictures. Below, Tatiana Atkova, a photographer in New York City, displayed some portraits on her social media all taken over facetime, crazy right?

While change may be difficult, photographers seem to be having fun creating new content. Tim Dunk stated in an interview that “Props were pulled from shelves and cupboards, or cat beds and cribs. I’ve shot people living within shouting distance and stayed up way past my bedtime shooting people on the other side of the world. The shoots were fast and fun, locked into a short time frame and a similar visual language.” Now, many photographers around the world are engaging in facetime photoshoots making it a trend within the industry. The facetime trend has flourished and is now recognized by people across the world, whether it be for work or fun.

Report: Emily Andrews

The Fashion Concepts of Imitation and Differentiation

Trending fashion is an element of life that will never cease to turn heads; duplicating brands that they love or celebrities they admire. Consumers have a tendency to imitate what they know works. As creatives develop new silhouettes, patterns and styles, the masses flock to these looks yet, people still desire to be considered trendsetters. While following fashion’s guidelines, people still want to deviate from the norms of fashion, aiming to make them truly fit them, finding ways to be individual while being accepted by society. This duality lives within everyone from designers like Tom Ford being inspired by Halston; everyone gets inspiration from others then finds ways to elevate it.

One can recognize this cycle of trends throughout fashion history, as people resurrect and reimagine old fads and subcultures diverge from popular trends but mimic one another. These concepts in fashion dualism are the brainchild of German sociologist Georg Simmel; his interest in the ways people think and relate to society led him to question how people come together through fashion. Simmel recognized that fashion is not simply black and white with consumers falling into two categories of imitate or differentiate. but that humans can do both simultaneously. 

If we looked at the revolving door of fashion trends, from the 90’s skater skirts to Y2K’s midriff obsession, the styles and pieces that are worn on the runway and on the streets are in homage to some part of fashion history. As people unknowing parade the fashions of the past, they also add a twist to the style to make it more current; therefore, imitating the past while looking to the future of fashion. Evaluate skinny jeans which are considered a closet staple. These tight fitting pants were inspired by the rockstar tight leather pants that performers like Aerosmith would wear through the 70’s and the 80’s era. These silhouettes of these skin tight pants are nothing new to consumers but the fabric choice designers have decided to use is what makes the imitation diverge from its leather origins. Skinny jeans are more wearer-friendly than leather, giving people an accessible option to looking like their favorite celebrities. This exemplifies the ability to both imitate and differentiate in society, and spurs some of the most popular fashion trends.

 Overall, it can be stated that there is this dualism within everyone. People have the ability to develop and create new looks while being inspired by the things around them. The need to separate from society is also what creates unique subcultures that enrich our history and push fashion forward. From the 60’s hippies and beatniks to the 90’s punk crowd, these groups with “radical” mindsets used fashion to differentiate themselves from society. Yet, as they banded together, they began to imitate each other's styles and their fashion was a signature of their community. Through this dualism of fashion, these sub-groups were able to differentiate and unify.

Report: Taylor Beth McKenzie

James Cordon Hosts a Pet Gala, and its far from Boring

Although the Met Gala was cancelled this year, that didn’t stop late-night host James Cordon from creating his own Met Gala, but with a twist. The comedian hosted a Pet Gala, which displayed an array of adorable pets wearing bedazzled ensembles and their best red-carpet outfits. Participants were asked to send the late-night show host photos of their pets dressed to this year’s Met Gala theme, “About Time: Fashion and Duration.” The submissions ranged from dogs, to lizards, and even guinea pigs.

On the first Monday of May, Cordon was joined by Brad Goreski, an E! Red Carpet host, to discuss the submissions through a YouTube Clip. One dog named Coco rolled up in a dramatic gown with an extra-long-train, while one dog named Brutus wore a blue tulle gown, which Goreski joked was a “custom bark Jacobs” since it was so similar to Marc Jacobs 2020 spring selection. One lizard, named Phillip Arthur Norrington, stole the show when he came dressed in a snazzy top hat and tuxedo in a Jurassic limo, which granted him the title of “best-dressed man” of the night.

As difficult as quarantine has been for many, James created an outlet for audiences at home to be creative and bring out their inner fashion interpretations to the show.

Report: Woo Jong Kim

Cancellation of 2020’s Met Gala Incites the Call for Homemade Fashion

2020 was supposed to be a momentous year for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum was to celebrate its 150th anniversary with the Met Gala’s new theme, "About Time: Fashion and Duration". The theme was based around the challenges, changes, and fragmentation that the world of fashion has faced throughout time. If anything, this topic strikes hard in the uncertain era of the Coronavirus. Like many other major events around the world, 2020’s Met Gala has been indefinitely postponed due to concerns about the illness.

This hasn’t stopped the public from celebrating the event though. People recently flocked to Twitter, posting photos of themselves wearing recreations of past Met Gala looks using solely what they could find around their house. Some celebrities hopped in on the trend too. Actress Mindy Kaling used red tarp, Christmas lights, and packing tape to recreate Jared Leto’s 2019 ensemble. Olympic figure Adam Rippon bundled up in a fluffy blanket in a cozy attempt to mimic Rihanna’s 2016 look. Meanwhile, the men over on The Try Guys’ Youtube channel recorded their struggles to design and put together a range of iconic looks. Their efforts have inspired many others to pick up materials, channel their inner Vera Wang, and see what they can put together. #MetGalaChallenge has been flooded with silly, funky, and gorgeous homemade looks.

This may not be what the Metropolitan Museum of Art had in mind, but it fits with their 2020 theme. In this heavy time, people are turning to fashion in order to have fun and keep smiling. They’re looking back in time, drawing up snippets of the past, and transforming them into new moments to be shared.

Photo 1: https://twitter.com/EugeneLeeYang/status/1256648859322707968?s=20

Photo 2: https://twitter.com/HaileyJensenArt/status/1255949457713008640?s=20

Photo 3 & 4: https://twitter.com/Adaripp/status/1256327225571282944?s=20

Photo 5: https://twitter.com/mindykaling/status/1256322654564306945?s=20

Report: Nicolette Schneiderman

How Fashion Turned to TikTok

Who would have thought that by posting a 30 second video on an app could get you a ticket to the most popular and exclusive fashion shows? Tiktok, a social media platform, is known as a creative outlet for people who want to express themselves by posting a brief video of anything to music, such as dancing, singing, fitness routines, or baking. One 15-year-old, Charli D’Amelio, was lucky enough to make a career from the app and build a large following base, 41 million followers to be exact. The TikTok star was front row for this seasons Prada fashion show, posting several videos of her dancing in front of the runway’s floral backdrop.

Aside from Charli’s success from the app, TikTok has sent three representatives to this year’s New York Fashion Week: Cosette Rinab, Taylor Hage, and Tyler Gaca, to broadcast scenes from the fashion shows. These shows included Dior’s fall 2020 show, Tory Burch and Rag & Bone. The Tiktok artists also created “get ready with me” videos, which showcased the newest clothes from each fashion show attended. Fashion shows have flocked to the app to cast TikTok artists, such as Neon Eubanks, who was recruited for the Celine fashion show.

Fashion is using the application to showcase their newest lines and perform trending challenges to gain viewers and momentum. Ralph Lauren turned to TikTok to create a hashtag challenge during the US Open resulted in more than 100,000 video submissions, and totaled in over 790 million views. As the pandemic pans out and stores remain closed, TikTok seems like the best platform to sell and promote products, while also having fun with it.

Report: Woo Jong Kim

Saint Laurent's Absence From Fashion Week

The economic fallout of the coronavirus has taken its toll on apparel businesses across the globe, and now it has reached its zenith in the very fashion capital itself, Paris. Major fashion labels are withdrawing from Paris Fashion Week—most notably the haute couture juggernaut Saint Laurent. Saint Laurent, the quintessential French brand known for incorporating the Eiffel Tower and other iconography of their home country into their shows, has made the decision to cancel the premiere of their latest collection at Paris Fashion Week.

Being such a prestigious name, Saint Laurent’s yearly releases are typically the most anticipated shows of each Paris Fashion Week. As such, their removal from such a paramount fashion event epitomizes the pandemic’s devastating blow to the industry. Saint Laurent’s artistic director Anthony Vaccarello realizes the long-term effects of the current halt in sales of their products, pointing out that the closing of their worldwide stores and production sites has forced the company to rethink their creation and showcasing of future collections. While the COVID-19 outbreak has upended Saint Laurent’s 2020 schedule, they are determined to remain connected with their audience. Not only did their Instagram post announce their withdrawal from Paris Fashion Week, but it also indicated that the company will present their new releases in an alternative, more inventive way. The post concluded with the following statement: “Saint Laurent will take ownership of its calendar and launch its collections following a plan with an up-to-date perspective, driven by creativity.”

Report: Nia Hunt