CRS Blog 4

Alivia A. Esterly
CRS 231-01
September 26, 2008

Ethnic Influences On Apparel Design

In every culture there are different styles of clothing. The styles may be different because of the functions that the clothing must perform (such as working in fields or even covering the whole body because of a particular cultural belief system). Some designers may travel all over the world to find an inspiration, and some may find their inspiration in form of clothing that is popular with a culture. The inspirational style may be from a current style or even a classic style of that culture.

Designers such as TIBI have used ethnic influences. The designer Amy Smilovic has used an oriental inspiration for the TIBI spring 2009 collection. Smilovic used oriental button lines near the shoulders with a wrapped skirt that gives the dress an almost kimono appearance. In another one of her designs she uses an oriental collar. The high mid-neck collars that come together in a narrow "V" shape on the center of the neck.

Several designers have used a Grecian style in their collections. Designers such as Reem Acra and Venexiana, used this inspiration. They both used a single over the shoulder strap and the fabric on the bodice (leading to the strap) is gathered. The designs crate the appearance of and ancient Greek motif.



Reem Acra

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/fall2008/designers/reem_acra/index.html

Venexiana

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/fall2008/designers/venexiana/index.html


TIBI

http://accessories.about.com/od/photogalleries/ig/Tibi-Spring-2009/Red-Sash-Belt.htm

http://accessories.about.com/od/photogalleries/ig/Tibi-Spring-2009/Tassle-Belt.htm

CRS Blog 3

Alivia A. Esterly
CRS 231-01
September 18, 2008

Main Trends of the New York Fashion Week

All over the world people wait for Fashion Weeks whether they are in London, Paris, or New York. Designers from all over the country show their collections to the world during this one week dedicated to fashion. In my opinion this year Luca Luca's collection stood out. This collection is filled with shimmering fabrics. No colors that really pop but subtle colored fabrics with a very natural look. There are not many pieces in his collection that are extremely fitted, they have a semi loose, comfortable, and an almost sporty feel to them. His gowns are semi-fitted until they reach the knee and then you can see how the fabric flows like the waves on the beach.

Another designer whose collection really inspired me was by Nicole Farhi. Her collection has an Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady) feel to it. It is filled with floral patters, and many of the blouses have slightly puffed sleeves. The skirts and shirts are loose and flow beautifully. There are not only floral prints but also many striped pieces as well. Everything appears like it would fit into a beautiful garden.

Finally there was another designer whose collection was fabulous beyond words! Max Azria, everything in his collection looks like it is made of a stretch fabric (it has an almost swimsuit material look to it). Many of the pieces do not have sleeves and just some thick straps. He made swimsuit cover ups out of what looks like sheer chiffon. None of the skirts or dresses have an even hemline, all the designs he has created have uneven skirts. Everything in his collection has a very angelic feel to it. You would think that there were angels walking down the runway.

Luca Luca:

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2009RTW-LUCALUCA

Nicole Farhi:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid372302730/bclid1768641335/bctid1801242441

Max Azria:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid372302730/bclid1768641335/bctid1786849052

CRS Blog 2

Alivia A. Esterly
CRS 231-01
September 12, 2008

Organic and Environmental Friendly Clothing

Through out history people have been attempting to create bigger and better things, at a faster pace. Apparel is no different than any other product subjected to quicker production pressures. Man-made fibers have been manufactured in order to create quicker and a more predictable production rate. Producing synthetic fibers has caused our air to become more polluted than it would be if we would only use organic materials. According to the Organic-Nature-News (website) many deaths each year are caused by the pesticides which are used to help make natural fibers (such as cotton plants) produce more fibers.

However, natural fibers are being manufactured in more organic ways. Instead of pesticides and fertilizers organic farmers use ladybugs and manure (Organic-Nature-News). Every year the organic clothing market grows at least 11% each year and is expected to obtain over $3 billion dollars in profits by the year 2010 (Organic-Nature-News).

The world it attempting to become more environmentally friendly. Using organically produced fibers such as organic cotton, silk, and hemp (which is still illegal in the United States) are being used to produce clothing all over the world. The only obstacles which farmers face when attempting to produce organic fibers are the costs it requires. But with the demand for organic products weather it be foods or clothing has been increasing steadily over the years. Hopefully the costs to produce more natural products will decrease.

CRS Blog 1

Alivia A. Estery

CRS 231-01
September 4, 2008

My Favorite Designer

While I am far from a fashion expert (for now anyway) it is my personal opinion that Ralph Lauren has had beautiful clothing in the past and I am sure he will in the future. Lauren established the Polo label for his new company in 1967. He began his business by producing ties, he then moved on to crate a line of menswear, and eventually broke into womens' clothing. He gave his collection for women a sexy and empowering look. Lauren used "masculine" styles and tailored them to fit a women's body.

Lauren's Fall/Winter 2008/2009 collection is filled with extravagant feathered hats, leopard print jackets, bags and other accessories. He used colored plaids such as deep purples, emerald greens, reds, orange, and of course classic black. His collections never seem to have the same fit or look, for some of his peaces he creates a formfitting look while others are rather loose.

I love how Ralph Lauren creates clothing and accessories for all genders and ages. The way that he creates clothing for women that is so strong and beautiful. I look at his collections and everything that I see catches my eye and I fall in love with his new collection and how versatile and wearable all his clothing is.

Ralph Lauren: Fall/Winter 2008/2009 Collection

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4k672_ralph-lauren-fall-winter-0809-full_events