Victoria Beckham: Officially a Fashion Authority as Judge of International Woolmark Prize

Let's be honest. When most celebrities attempt to cross over into the fashion world, they aren't taken very seriously.

From cringe-worthy fashion flops to questionable everyday styling, many stars are immediately snubbed by the fashion elite who scoff that they're merely trying to prolong their 15 minutes of fame.

So when a hard-working celebrity actually proves her place in the competitive market, it's not to be taken lightly; and Victoria Beckham has officially done just that.

Victoria Beckham photoshops herself onto Dallas star Victoria Principal's body
According to Fashionista.com, the powerhouse style icon and designer will join the ranks of Donatella Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani and others to judge the prestigious International Woolmark Prize in the U.K..

The esteemed judges will select among finalists Sophie Theallet, Christian Wijnants, Ban Xiao Xiu, Dion Lee, DRESSEDUNDRESSED, and Pankaj & Nidhi and name one standout talent as the world's best Merino wool designer during London fashion week in February.

Beckham's burgeoning fashion empire includes a ready-to-wear collection, as well as denim, eyewear and accessory lines, all of which have received high marks from her industry peers and celebrity fans alike.

Fashion tips with Haili Z: Fashion Houston stuns with international style

The closing night of Fashion Houston, the premiere fashion event in Texas, wowed guests Thursday, showcasing the exceptional designs of Gemma Kahng, Jerri Moore, Monique Lhuillier and Fashion Houston Icon, Diane Lokey Farb.

Thursday was the final night of the four-day consumer targeted fashion week which featured the designs of Zac Posen, Georges Chakra, Black Halo, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, BCBG Max Azria, Herve Leger, David Peck, Fotini, Bogosse, Chloe Dao, Kevan Hall and Rubin Singer.

Each designer's personal showcase wowed audiences with their stunning designs that graced the runway. Most designer's were new to Fashion Houston and celebrated their time in the South.

"There's a level of dressed up quality here that celebrates the decorative joys in life," said Zac Posen. "Southern women have big hearts and big personalities. The South is a wonderful part of our American heritage and culture, and I love it that you can still find that level of romanticism in America."

Kevan Hall echoed Posen's sentiment, "I am so honored to show my Spring 2013 collection at Houston Fashion Week. My collection was so well received, and I thank Houston for its warm reception," said Hall. "I look forward to dressing the women of Houston who possess such a wonderful sense of style and elegance."

Lubov Azria, who represented BCBG Max Azria and Herve Leger during the week, treated her time in Texas as a homecoming.

"I lived in San Antonio in my early years and still consider myself a Texan at heart," said Azria, chief creative officer of BCBG Max Azria. "Fashion Houston is important to us - for both BCBG Max Azria and Herve Leger - because it gives us an opportunity to show our transitional collections to key consumers, these amazing women who are powerful and dramatic, and the fashion community of the fourth largest city in the U.S., home to important global industries and one of our top retail markets. It makes sense for us to be here. It's very exciting. I'm sure all of these women are open to fashion because of Fashion Houston because the event educates the consumer in all the best ways. "

Designers were overwhelmed by the warm hospitality extended from the citizens of Houston. Georges Chakra who opened the week on Monday evening commented, "I was amazed how the people at Fashion Houston were able to pull this off considering all the castings were done by email. Venue was beautiful, and I was very pleased with both the outcome of the show and the turn out. I have enjoyed being in Houston, and meeting my clients."

In addition to Southern hospitality, Black Halo designer Laurel Berman recognized the consumer market in Houston. "Everyone at Fashion Houston was both hospitable and gracious," said Berman. "I was excited and honored to have had the opportunity to return to Houston to showcase my Spring 2013 collection, as it is an important market for us."

Houston Native and Project Runway season two winner, Chloe Dao returned to Fashion Houston and contrasted Houston to other fashion weeks, "I was really honored to be invited back to show at Fashion Houston," said Dao. "What I loved most about Fashion Houston is that it's here. Houstonians love fashion. FH invites all to come. It is not an industry exclusive show like NYC and Milan. Really where else can you see four designer from all different parts of the world come together? That is what I call a fashion moment."

Jerri Moore, who had her debut collection featured on the runway at Fashion Houston 2011 received a standing ovation for her Great Gatsby inspired collection which portrayed a sense of glamour, sophistication and allure.

"Last night was by far one of the most rewarding nights of my life. To receive a standing ovation was just so unexpected and so heartwarming," said Moore. "This Spring/Summer 2013 Collection is my favorite of all my collections and to be able to showcase it alongside Monique Lhuillier, Zac Posen, Max Azria, Kevan Hall and others was just the icing on the cake with a cherry on top!"

Monique Lhuillier took the stage on closing night to showcase her collection. "I was so thrilled to be able to recreate the runway show we did at Lincoln Center in New York for the lovely city of Houston," said Lhuillier. "Such a memorable night!" Monique has become known as the go-to designer for celebrity weddings, including Reese Witherspoon, Giuliana Rancic, Vanessa Millino and Alicia Silverstone.

Fashion Houston is the premiere fashion event in Texas that combines international style with Texas hospitality. Started in 2010 by philanthropist and visionary Jared Lang, Fashion Houston has been embraced by the fashion-loving community of Houston as well as the international fashion community. With partners such as Audi and the Houston Audi Dealers, Neiman Marcus and Hotel ZaZa Houston, the third annual event thrilled thousands with sparkling runway shows and out-of-this-world parties.

Q&A with fashion designer Vicky Tiel

Laketown Township —
Fashion designer Vicky Tiel will be the centerpiece of the Dec. 1 "It's All About the Dress" fundraiser at the Felt Mansion in Laketown Township. Here are a few of her thoughts on fashion, stars and "sex for shoes."

Q: What is it about dresses from the early 1900s that inspire you as a fashion designer?
A: When you go to be a fashion designer, they make you learn the history of costumes. We’re all influenced by the fast. It repeats itself on the average of seven years.

Q: What advice would you give a gal who doesn’t know what style of dress best suits her?
A: Get a good girlfriend. Get a girlfriend who knows. Many women will just give you bad advice because they’re jealous or they want your man. If you get a really, really clever girlfriend and say, ‘Please help me.’ Get a stylist and get help then once you see, you train your eye to learn how you should look.

Q: Who has been your favorite star to dress?
A: Elizabeth (Taylor) for sure. Not only did I dress her, but she was my mentor and she taught me about power. She had a complete knowledge of soft power. It’s a great expression. Soft power is not enforcing it, never circling the truth. ... You let other people get their way and you softly run the show. You let other people make decisions and you only stomp down on the big ones.

Q: An expression that has stuck with you over the years is from your dad when he said, “Don’t have sex for shoes.” Tell me more about that.
A: It was true. My dad was a very, very successful Washington, D.C., builder. He was a self-made millionaire and he never remarried after divorcing my mother. He dated many women who were all after his money. His disgust with that led me to be an early feminist and say, "I’m making my own money" and since the ‘60s I’ve always made my own money and never had a backer. I still today have not sold the name Vicky Tiel to somebody. I think that’s the same as no sex for shoes.

Q: What fashion trends or styles do you love and what do you hate?
A: I like the short skirts. ... I’m not a big maxi (dress) man nor am I a jeans fan. I’m a glamour girl. On the farm I wear fabulous outfits. If I wear pants, they’re tight, tight pants. I’m not a white blouse and jeans girl.

20 New Styles of Fashion Watches Available Now at Bella Fashion With Special Pricing

Bella Fashion adds 20 brand new styles of customer favorites, fashion watches, making the products available on special at both its wholesale and retail websites.

Hayward, CA (PRWEB) November 27, 2012
Looking for a timeless gift to show some holiday spirit and cheer? Bella Fashion now has 20 brand new styles of fashion watches available for purchase. Located in the “Bracelet Watches” section, the gorgeous new arrivals will make for stunning gifts and holiday season accessories. At special pricing of $17.50 wholesale and $27.50 retail (regular retail @ $49.99), these style opportunities will be customer favorites.

Since the introduction of fashion watches to the Bella Fashion family, the useful and stunning accessories have provided the perfect blend of practicality and ultimate style. The category of watches, popular for their timeless elegance and graceful, intricate designs, is constantly growing, and these 20 new styles appeal to shoppers with refined tastes.

For example, the amber, orange, and topaz toned new arrival evokes the spirit of late autumn, overlaid with luxurious crystals. Shoppers will also love the purple floral watch, a new arrival that features beautiful orchid colored crystals arranged in a vivid, blooming design. The gold trim perfectly accents the accessory and adds to the royal, garden-like effect. A lighter, lavender crystal embellished fashion watch also joins the new arrivals, with a silver rim along the bangle watch’s band for a wintry garden look that can inspire many outfits and styles.

For fans of graceful and timeless watches, the beautiful white and clear crystal covered watch is ideal. Reminding the wearers of a snowy winter morning, this winter-perfect piece can easily be worn with any color or shade. An arrival that appeals to lovers of vintage items is the antique-like watch, which features a watch face rimmed with amber colored crystals.

In addition, with the wide variety of new arrivals, customers can also opt for multi-colored, bolder designs. One new arrival comes covered in pink, blue, purple, and red crystals in a fascinating floral design. The gold-trimmed floral flowers make this watch a must-see, as well as its mostly purple counterpart.

All of these beautiful new watch arrivals are currently available at special pricing. In addition, holiday shoppers should keep their eyes open for holiday themed items such as dazzling headbands and eye-catching dangling earrings. Wholesale shoppers looking for ultimate savings can also head over to Hair Barrettes Wholesale, where select items are now available in six packs in addition to dozen packs.

Models work runway in annual fashion extravaganza

The student models of Fashion for a Cause hit the catwalk last weekend at Main Street Arena to present their annual fall charity fashion show — this year dubbed “Cirque du Soleil: Le Grand Tour.”

The show featured a creative cornucopia of styles, as the student models worked the runway in attire designed by students or provided by local stores.

Inspired by the famed shows of Cirque du Soleil, fashions were presented in a sequence of nine segments: Quidam, Dralion, Totem, Love, Iris, Michael Jackson, Zumanity, Saltimbanco and Ka. The fashions modeled in each segment corresponded to the themes, colors and moods provoked by various Cirque du Soleil shows.

“The theme that they chose for this year, ‘Cirque du Soleil,’ made for a really great show that was not just about fashion but also dance,” fourth-year College student Sarah Saleeb said. “I could really see the whole audience getting into it and they did an awesome job keeping it versatile.”

By combining a passion for fashion with a commitment to service, members of Fashion for a Cause work to raise money for various causes in the University and Charlottesville communities through their fall show and other functions. Last year the fall show raised $3,500 for the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. This year, the group is raising money for college scholarships for high school students in the Charlottesville area.

Fashion for a Cause also strives to give minority groups at the University an outlet through which to convey their creativity and share their cultural traditions.

Earlier in the fall, Fashion for a Cause held auditions to cast the models for the Nov. 17 show. Each model had to interview with the group’s chairs and fill out a questionnaire, said second-year College student Carol Yacoub, who modeled for the event. After a series of cuts and callbacks, the directors whittled down the number of participants to 26.

The chosen 26 also participated in other promotional and charitable events as part of their responsibilities as student models. The organization held a “Meet the Models” date auction earlier this month to raise money to put toward this year’s goal.

Preparation for the final event was rigorous, involving two-hour practices twice a week. The week before the show, models were asked to walk the runway every day.

Each portion of the show featured different fashions and different ambiences. During the Michael Jackson segment, models strutted to tunes by the King of Pop, creating images that channeled his music videos and wearing clothes that reflected his personal taste — leather jackets, darker shirts and a little sparkle. During the Love segment, a tribute to The Beatles, more brightly colored, bubbly fashions predominated.

Fashion for a Cause collaborated with other student organizations for the show. Members of The Pride: Lion Dance at U.Va. provided a rousing entry on the Chinese drum to introduce the fashions of the Dralion segment, which aimed to mix Western and Eastern cultural modes. Alongside the drummer were two lion dancers in traditional Chinese costume, who helped set the mood for the second segment of the show. Other groups that performed included the Virginia Wushu Club, which added some martial arts flair to the Ka portion of the show.

The show was well-received by attendees and models alike. “I would do this again in a heart-beat,” Yacoub said. “The ties you make with the other models are very strong and I consider the [Fashion for a Cause] group my family.”

Barack Obama, Fashion Magnate

One of the funnier story lines of the 2012 presidential campaign was Barack Obama’s decision—or rather, campaign manager Jim Messina’s decision—to inaugurate a fashion line that the campaign sold on its website. This included everything from Thakoon Panichgul silk scarves ($95) to Tory Burch handbags ($75) to Monique Pean hemp-and-cotton scarves ($95) to yoga pants.

The unusual idea came from Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour and was roundly mocked by everyone from Fox News (NWS) and the RNC to (more gently) Bloomberg Businessweek, whose crack art staff designed a June magazine cover done up to look like one of those cheapie free-shoppers hawking Obama tube socks, doggy onesies, and scented soy candles. Undeterred, the Obama campaign and Wintour held runway fashion shows in New York and Chicago, featuring such celebrities as Scarlett Johansson. Press was not invited.

For the Obama folks, this was, shall we say, an area of some sensitivity. In my profile of Messina that accompanied the Bloomberg Businessweek cover story, about the only thing he didn’t want to talk about on the record was Wintour and her idea for a designer fashion line. But he made clear that the point of the enterprise was to raise money for the campaign—and why stop at $15 T-shirts, which all campaigns sell, when you could bring in a lot more revenue selling high-priced designer swag? That was the logic.

As Messina revealed in my new Bloomberg Businessweek piece on the Obama tech team, it panned out just fine. “That ended up bringing in just north of $40 million,” Messina told me.

Republicans and other folks (cough, cough) got plenty of laughs at the campaign’s expense. And it was a little ridiculous. But clearly the Obama folks and Wintour have had the last laugh: For any campaign, $40 million is serious money. And the successful fashion gambit would seem to open up all kinds of possibilities for future campaigns: Perhaps Chris Christie-branded bibs or fleeces, or maybe a line of signature Hillary Clinton pantsuits by Vera Wang.

In any event, it wound up being one of the shrewder and more creative moves of the cycle. Compared to “experts” like Karl Rove, who wound up losing hugely, Anna Wintour looks like a budding political genius.

Hyundai Driving up-and-coming Australian Fashion Designers

Hyundai Motor Company Australia is supporting up-and-coming Australian fashion designers by providing them with a fleet of Hyundai Velosters during Australian Graduate Fashion Week. The cars will be used to chauffeur models and VIP’s to the inaugural event this week.

An all-new event set to make its mark on the Australian fashion industry, the Australian Graduate Fashion Week will celebrate all that’s good in young Australian designers, and give an insight into the future of fashion from emerging talent. Focusing on graduating students the parade will feature designs honed in schools and college programmes including TAFE, universities, private colleges and other fashion institutions.

The parade provides a welcome and much needed outlet for the young guns of fashion to display their creations in a professional environment and to showcase their talent to the fashion industry, media, and buying public100 students from around Australia and New Zealand will vie for the chance to receive $10,000 to kick start their career along with other major prizes.

The avant-garde style of Veloster, with its unique three-door design, fits perfectly with the Graduate Fashion week a platform for innovative, modern, and experimental design in fashion.

The monumental Carriageworks precinct location in the inner-city makes a stark backdrop to what is sure to be a spectacular and energetic parade; and the transport fleet of Velosters makes a bold and arresting statement.

“The Australian Graduate Fashion Week is the perfect environment for Veloster to be on parade,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Marketing Director, Oliver Mann. “Hyundai took risks with the unique design of Veloster, and the sales results prove it has been very well received. We wish these students the same success for their future design careers.”

Since its debut in Australia earlier this year, the Veloster has led the sales race in the highly competitive Sports Carsegment, taking first place for sales each month since launch.

Italy's fashion chamber appeals to China in copyright row

Italy's fashion chamber of commerce on Thursday called on Chinese authorities to clamp down on copyright infringement against three of its members: DSquared2, C'N'C Costume National and ICE ICEBERG.

"We are confident that they will offer maximum support in resolving this unfortunate situation," the chamber of commerce in Milan said in a statement, adding that legal action in China against the alleged infringer had failed.

"We are certain that Chinese institutions will easily recognise the inherent anomaly in the fact that a single company has registered three brands belonging to three members of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion," it said.

The fashion houses have been "victims for some time of an attempt to encroach on their brands" by a Chinese company, the statement added.

It said the companies had suffered "significant costs" as a result.

DSquared2 was launched in Milan in 1995 by twins Dean and Dan Caten from Canada, C'N'C Costume National was founded by brothers Ennio and Carlo Capasa in 1986 and ICE ICEBERG started out in 1974 as a sportswear line.

Fashion for Sandy Relief: Anna Wintour and Victoria Beckham put themselves up for auction

The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has seen numerous prominent fashion figures pledge financial aid to help those affected by the superstorm. But the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) and US Vogue have pulled together to create a fundraiser with a difference.

The trade association, which is headed by designer Diane von Furstenberg, has partnered with luxury auction site Charitybuzz.com to launch Fashion for Sandy Relief, an online auction as a collective industry fundraiser to benefit those affected by the storm.

Through an outpouring of support from the fashion community and friends including celebrities, designers, athletes and business icons, the CFDA and Vogue have secured nearly 150 once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the auction.

"Sandy has hit us hard here at home," said von Furstenberg. "It is devastating to see so many friends and neighbours affected. As we did for Haiti and Japan, our industry has come together to raise funds with Fashion for Sandy Relief.

Amongst the experiences on offer is the chance to attend a fashion show with Anna Wintour and her team of Vogue editors, tour the magazine's offices, have lunch in the Condé Nast cafeteria and take home a Vogue goody bag. Although bids currently stand at $11,500, the package is expected to go for as much as $50,000 when the auction ends on December 5. Other highlights include the opportunity to attend Victoria Beckham's next New York Fashion Week show and then meet the lady herself afterwards, a week at Tommy Hilfiger's private Mustique estate, lunch with Diane von Furstenberg, a modelling session with Coco Rocha and lunch with Christian Louboutin plus a signed pair of his red-soled shoes.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and other relief organisations in the tri-state area. Bidding is open internationally to supporters around the globe over 18 years of age.

But it isn't just fashion experiences up for grabs - there's entertainment, culinary and sporting too, including the chance to meet Baz Luhrman at The Great Gatsby premiere and dinner with Gwyneth Paltrow and Mario Batali in New York.

Fashion honored at Night of Stars

Fashion may have been the focus of the Night of Stars gala in New York, but actress Sarah Jessica Parker was more interested in talking politics.
"I think there's an enormous amount at stake, it concerns me," said the "Sex and the City" star of the U.S. presidential election. She said she would be in "great despair" if President Barack Obama lost the vote to Republican Mitt Romney.

"I'm speaking up for the 47 percent," she said. "For women in this country who rely upon social programs -- not because they're lazy, not because they don't want to work hard, not because they feel entitled -- but because they need access to basic health care that we all, the privileged few or many of us, sort of take for granted."

Parker was at the downtown soirie to present the Lord & Taylor Fashion Oracle Award to designer L'wren Scott, a celebrity favorite and staple of the red carpet.

Carolina Herrera won Fashion Group International's top honor, the Superstar Award, presented by her longtime friend and client Renee Zellweger.

"I'm really lucky. We've collaborated for so many years and she's helped make the experience of being an actress and going to public events just extraordinary. Every event is memorable because of what she brings to it and the gift of these gorgeous gowns to help celebrate the occasions," said Zellweger.

Past recipients of the Superstar award include Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld and Oscar de la Renta.

Actress Viola Davis presented Nicola Maramotti of Italian fashion house MaxMara with the night's Heritage Award. But the Academy Award nominee said she is by no means a fashionista.

"No, not at all," said Davis. "I can answer that immediately. I have a very good stylist."

Lineup for Fashion Week El Paseo 2012 announced today

A special event to announce the lineup of shows and special events planned for the Fashion Week El Paseo 2012 is planned for 5 p.m. today.

Among the changes for next year’s event is the addition of presenting sponsor Integrated Wealth Management, which has an office in Palm Desert, to the event title.

A full schedule of shows and events was posted online over the weekend with names of designers participating, except for March 17, which states “designer to be announced.” Susan Stein, fashion editor for Palm Springs Life, said that person won’t be named tonight.

Tickets for the March 15-23 event went on sale today, with the high-end Diva tickets already sold out.

2013 show highlights include:

• Gilbert A. Chagoury, an independent couturier who was born in Lebanon and raised in Paris, is the Designer of the Week and his will be the closing night show. Chagoury began his career working for the legendary Christian Dior in Paris. He is now regularly commissioned to design gowns for the fashion elite in Paris, the Middle East, New York and Hollywood. Celebrities and socialites he has designed for include Katy Perry, Hayden Panettiere and Eva Longoria.

• Designer Sue Wong is scheduled to present her fashions on March 21.

• Houghton’s head designer, Katharine Polk on March 22.

• Le Chien couture fashion show for dogs returns for the second year on March 16 with designer Linda Higgins.

• “Project Runway” fans will be happy to know local designer Michael Costello, twice a contender on reality TV show, is organizing “The Drama and Designs of Project Runway,” to be staged on March 20, with 11 designers participating, more than double last year.

Since it was started eight years ago by Palm Springs Life magazine, Fashion Week El Paseo has blossomed into an event that draws designers and fashionistas from around the world. This year’s event drew a record 11,140 to the big white tent on Larkspur Lane, and pumped about $3 million into the local economy.

Seven of the nine shows sold out, with the “Project Runway” show drawing the largest crowd at about 1,300. Fashion Week raised almost $125,000 for local charities. Two new additions, trunk and dog fashion shows, drew hundreds and raised thousands of dollars. Both of are returning next year.

Pedal perfect: Bikers shed spandex to inspire new riders

Laura Bellinger wishes she could bike around Atlanta more often. She'd even consider making the five-mile ride to work if she weren't "a little chicken" when it comes to braving the city's infamous rush-hour traffic without the protective shell of a car.

But she couldn't resist an opportunity to bike for her first "tweed ride," the dandy's answer to critical mass, in which cyclists don vintage-inspired attire for a leisurely ride. Often the subject of fashion magazine spreads out of New York and London, it was the first-ever such ride in Decatur. The Atlanta suburb was recognized this year as one of the newest cities to make the League of American Bicyclists' list of top bicycle-friendly communities for its network of bike paths and bicycle education programs in schools.

Bellinger dug up a pair of cropped riding pants, dark-patterned socks and a corduroy blazer, loaded her mother's old white Cannondale into the car and headed to downtown Decatur, where a sea of cyclists dressed in autumnal shades gathered in the square Sunday afternoon.

"Events like this get me comfortable with the idea of riding more often because I can learn from others," said Bellinger, a public relations specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "I totally love fashion and vintage, so dressing up just made it more fun."

Style-themed bike rides are just one way in which advocacy groups are hoping to shed bicycling of its strict association with competitive racing and make it more appealing to casual riders and potential commuters in the United States, especially in communities such as Decatur making bike-friendly strides.
Bike stores are also showing up within those communities that look more like trendy boutiques than repair shops, with the goal of redefining urban bike culture. The target customers are new and aspiring cyclists, and commuters who might be turned off by the functional atmosphere of traditional bike shops. What they'll find are upright and cruiser bikes in pink and green, helmets like equestrian caps, woven baskets, canvas and leather panniers and, literally, bells and whistles.

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Even mass-market apparel brands such as Levi's and Lands' End Canvas are tapping into the niche with commuter-friendly lines of clothing and accessories that can be worn all day and athletic wear that emphasizes fashion as much as function.

It's part of a larger movement often referred to as "Cycle Chic," a phrase coined in the mid-2000s by Danish "bicycle ambassador" Mikael Colville-Andersen on his website, Copenhagenize.com, which highlights the Danish capital's bicycle culture. Since then, "Cycle Chic" has grown into a global network of websites espousing the motto "dress for your destination, not your journey," along with hundreds more online portals and periodicals focusing on fashion and lifestyle through the lens of the "slow bicycle movement."

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"I really see fashion and style as key for bicycle advocacy," Melissa Balmer, program director of bicycle advocacy group Women on Bikes SoCal, which aims to normalize cycling through style rides, bicycle fashion shows and food and wine bike tours.

With bicycles becoming a style darling in lifestyle magazines, from Vogue to Glamour, it's the perfect time to spread the word on the benefits of biking, said Balmer, who has been car-free in Long Beach, California, for five years.

"I see the bike as a tool for urban optimism because nothing else deals so easily with two of our biggest challenges facing us as a nation: the down economy and the sedentary-disease pandemic."
That's where clothing, bicycles and accessories come into play to reflect the rider's personality, just like a car, she said.

Bike boutique Houndstooth Road in Decatur, Georgia, is trying to encourage commuter-cycling with bikes and accessories that are fashionable and both functional.

"You look at the bikes in beautiful colors -- the baskets and panniers -- people having fun in the same way they did as a child, and it reminds you of the joy of bicycling."

Finding a comfortable upright bicycle helped Norma Palus return to a beloved childhood pastime. She ordered a teal Rivendell Bleriot from a supplier in California for both its "vintage throwback look and attitude toward riding," the Decatur resident said.

"It's just riding for pleasure instead of running the roads," Palus said as she prepared to join the ride. "It goes back to childhood, to riding for fun, to enjoy it. No spandex or cleats."

It's not just an idea that appeals to women. About half the participants in Decatur's Autumn Classic Ride were men who happily donned their finest Harris Tweed and argyle duds. Luckily, the mostly cloudy skies ensured it was never too warm for the army of riders in woolens and textured fabrics.

Chris Hunt chose an outfit of matching black vintage wool racing shorts and sweater emblazoned with the logo of Italian vermouth brand Cinzano in a nod to the days "when cyclists smoke and drank and still won," the 51-year-old photographer said.

The four-mile tour, which included two stops along the way and lasted most of the afternoon, was a welcome reprieve for Hunt, a distance mountain biker.

"Cycling has gotten so serious and uncomfortable," he said as he sipped an iced coffee during the first stop. "It's inspiring to observe cycling as a nonhazardous sport, something that's fun that anyone can do."

To be sure, safety concerns -- not clothing -- are still the biggest barriers to getting more people to ride, said Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Rebecca Serna, who attended the ride dressed in a white sweater and knee-length houndstooth skirt. She also brought along her 7-year-old son.

"People don't realize that for kids and young adults, being in a car is the biggest cause of serious and deadly accidents," said Serna, referring to studies showing that motor-vehicle traffic-related deaths are the biggest cause of unintentional deaths among those 19 and under.

"There needs to be a better understanding of what the real risks are and all the ways in which you make cycling safe."

Still, seeing someone riding in a bike in a skirt and heels can make people think twice, she said, referring to the coalition's monthly Heels on Wheels ride.

"It shows you can integrate biking with things you can ordinarily do, like go out and spend time with friends on a Sunday afternoon," she said during a stop on the ride at a bar, which provided free Irish coffees for participants.

Though tweed rides are premised upon wearing special clothes, no spandex is required, which is what comes to mind when most people think of cycling, said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, a nonprofit advocacy and education organization. That's the perception cycling needs to overcome to appeal to Americans more interested in biking to run errands than to race 20 miles toward a finish line, he said.

Houndstooth Road is one of several bike shops across the country trying to encourage commuter-cycling with functional and fashionable bikes and accessories.

"When you get into a car, you don't have to remember to bring special tools or a change of clothes," he said. "As we focus on the segment of the population for whom this is not already a lifestyle, we're finding they want to be able to get onto a bike and not worry about a lot of special equipment or clothing."

Though recent studies point to a growing interest in public transportation or car-free living, especially among young Americans, we still have a long way to go before most would consider hopping on a bike as feasible, he said.

"More people are going to ride when it's the cheapest, quickest, most efficient way of getting around that doesn't require special behavior."

Many see getting more women on the road as key to fostering a bike-friendly culture. In response, bike stores are popping up across the country geared toward females, including South Carolina's Pedal Chic, which was recognized this year as the best bike shop for women at Interbike, North America's largest bicycle trade show.

The Greenville store's motto, "Roadways are the new runway," reflect owner Robin Bylenga's view that women look good when they feel good, she said.

The fit and functionality are key to choosing the right outfit for cycling, and many women would rather talk to another woman to find the right pair of bicycle shorts or the most comfortable bike seat. A full-time female mechanic is also on hand to help customers with repairs.

But the sweet spot is fashion, she said.
"We're about community and building camaraderie and demystifying cycling," Bylenga said. "My customer would rather buy two fashionable jerseys than one highly technical, over-the-top, performance-enhanced jersey."

Bylenga said she hopes eventually to add a coffee shop similar to Chicago's Heritage Bicycles General Store, where a counter sign proclaims, "People demand bikes and coffee." Visitors can order a pour-over coffee or browse helmets and rain capes in the back retail section while they wait for a bike tuneup. Custom vintage-style bikes are also made and sold onsite.

Owner Michael Salvatore said he prefers to stock unique and quality products such as fine leather saddles and handles and American-made cycling pants, for which customers pay a premium. Still, retail sales account for about 30% of the overall business, he said, with helmets the biggest sellers.

"We consider ourselves a lifestyle brand so we like to curate a collection of products that represents us and our customer," he said. "People want to look good when they're on a bike, and they cycle more when they feel like they don't have to dress especially for cycling."

Like Salvatore, Jae Schmidt opened Decatur's Houndstooth Road to create the kind of store where he would want to shop: a bicycle boutique with an emphasis on classic vintage esthetic and craftsmanship.

The health care administrator opened his store this summer after years of selling premium bicycle parts and accessories in his free time. He is still one of few vendors in the Southeast for offbeat items such as sequined reflective vests and handcrafted wicker baskets from a women's co-op in Ghana.

He also organizes events such as Decatur's Autumn Classic Ride. It's all about creating a lifestyle around style and cycling, two things he loves.

"It brings you back to the joy of cycling while making it a viable means of transportation," he said. "It's a direction that more of us would like to see this country head in."

By the end of the ride, Bellinger was ready to keep going. She rode all the way home -- and back, to pick up her car.

Fashion Digitizing Offers Embroidery Digitizing Services in USA and Canada

Fashion Digitizing is now offering appealing embroidery digitizing services in USA and Canada. If one is looking to have great templates to witness a sensational design, Fashion Digitizing is the right company to get in touch with.

Fashion Digitizing is now offering appealing embroidery digitizing services in USA and Canada. If one is looking to have great templates to witness a sensational design, Fashion Digitizing is the right company to get in touch with.

Embroidery designs are one of the most notable artworks that would greatly impress one and all. It used to be done by competent artisans who have to maintain an intricate handiwork; today much of these works has been digitized. Truly the advent of computers has greatly transformed the way designs were used to be. It is easy to find exciting embroidery designs in a digitized format now.

Fashion Digitizing is a company specialized for digitizing designs, offering both the services of image manipulation and vector designing therein. This means the designs can be simplified and fit to the needs in a perfect manner. After the designing part is over, the file is sent to the customer that would readily fit any embroidery machine. The vector designing concept, more to this, uses a wide variety of corresponding hues that would surely befit the primary colors that one might require for the project. The embroidery digitizing services involve trading upon the fabric at first and then embroidered subsequently.
In the past when the world was without the blessings of computer technology, intricate designs were very difficult to do. There always involved a probability of human error, for which the designs were never the perfect. But now this has been faster, easier, and involves more fun. The embroidery digitizing offered by Fashion Digitizing in USA is sure to leave customers captivated with the entire procedure as also the outcome.

As embroidery digitizing service provider in parts of USA or Canada, Fashion Digitizing is now accepting orders online. By visiting their websites customers can also find some of their designs that will surely help them assess the standards of the company.

Fashion Weighs a Deeper Investment in Africa

Has Africa’s golden moment arrived? For the gurus of the luxury world, the answer is a resounding yes — at least as a source of inspiration for design trends that are rippling through the fashion industry.

 Designers from Vivienne Westwood to Jean Paul Gaultier have long drawn on the vibrancy of African culture in their clothing lines. But now the industry is taking a tentative look at whether it makes sense to put down larger stakes as the African economy begins to take its place alongside the world’s other promising emerging markets.

After decades of struggle, and despite continued challenges like poverty and conflict, a middle class is forming in several large countries that have managed to diversify their economies away from basic commodities and move toward modernization.

That is fueling a perceptible rise in large cities like Nairobi in the numbers of people who are aspiring to more than the basics, creating a demand for luxury goods that is in step with the trends seen in other growing countries like China and Brazil, participants at a luxury conference in Rome said Thursday. The event was convened by The International Herald Tribune.

“We all know that Nigeria was all about oil and natural resources for a long time,” said Omoyemi Akerele, the creative and managing director of Style House Files, a guide to fashion, style and beauty. “Now we have telecoms, banking, marketing, retail and tourism. As a result, more jobs have been created, consumer spending has increased and there is more disposable income.”

Studies offer wildly different estimates of the number of Africans moving into the middle class — anywhere from 80 million to 300 million. What is certain is that economic output is surging: growth is forecast to rise to around 12 percent in 2015, after growing an average of 4.9 percent a year from 2000 to 2008.

For the moment, the big houses, including LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and PPR, have not set up retail outlets in the middle of the continent. Indeed, while Africa is slowly rising, many of its more than 50 countries continue to face deep-seated problems, including striking poverty and violence.

Other problems come in the form of a stark class divide. “There’s a lot of rich countries in Africa,” said Farida Khelfa, a representative for Maison Schiaparelli of Algerian heritage who recently filmed a documentary on the Arab Spring’s effects on young North Africans. “The problem is that rich people keep the money; they raise their children in America or take the money out of the country with them. This needs to change.”

Nonetheless, an entrepreneurial spirit prevails outside these areas, and other initiatives are taking place. Some companies, for example, are working with African women on business projects that are empowering them with their own earnings for the first time.

What is more, young Africans are increasingly hip and knowledgeable. With Internet access, they are plugged into the latest trends from around the world, which influence their taste in fashion even as they incorporate their own stamp of originality.

“In Nairobi, a man in a tailored jacket with a scarf wrapped around him is the coolest, chicest man I’ve seen,” said Kim Jones, the men’s style director at Louis Vuitton. Mr. Jones spent his childhood following his father’s Pan-African career, and his experience there infuses many of his designs.

“There is beauty everywhere, especially Africa,” said Mr. Gaultier, whose 2005 “Hommage à l’Afrique” haute couture collection featured gauzy dresses with images of African masks floating subtly out of a bodice.

Fashion Special Report: The Promise of Africa

What is the fashion connection between Africa and Italy, Suzy Menkes, fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune, asks today in an IHT special report, as the annual Luxury Conference is set to convene in Rome on Thursday.

Her answer: the skill of human hands.

Italy’s craftsmanship is legendary and by far the most powerful in Europe. In Kenya women work on traditional embroidery patterns inherited from Masai ancestors or intricate crochet work handed down from mother to daughter, creating luxury products from designers such as Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. The gulf between rural, native craft and sophisticated high fashion is narrowing, as consumers look deeper into the meaning of luxury in the 21st century. An African/Italian collaboration — with European know-how harnessed to traditional handwork — could produce an intriguing new take on genuinely global luxury, Ms. Menkes proposes.

Among the articles in the special report are dispatches by Ms. Menkes from Lagos, Nigeria, where she attended Lagos Fashion & Design Week. Here is what she saw:

The cornrow hair traced the scalp above a rainbow of eye shadow and a mouth polished with pink lipstick. On this curvy figure, the multipatterned dress flowed down toward fantastical platform-soled shoes.

And that was just one occupant of the front row during the fashion shows in Lagos last month.

The Nigerian people, upbeat and enthusiastic, seemed to relish the chance to watch shows rotating on the runway, or the opportunity to view an exhibition of bold purses. Woven, feathered and beaded by skillful fingers, these carefully crafted accessories gave a whole new meaning to “hand” bag.

In an international fashion world where a blasé boredom often engulfs the audience, the Lagos Fashion & Design Week was a tonic.

And she interviewed the designer Duro Olowu, who, she writes, has a right to describe himself as multicultural.
The designer Duro Olowu at the fabric market on Lagos Island. Mr. Olowu, who was born in Lagos, says he is inspired by the style and colors of his home town.Benedicte Kurzen for the International Herald TribuneThe designer Duro Olowu at the fabric market on Lagos Island.

Born of a Jamaican mother and a Nigerian father, he was raised in Lagos, where he can still point out the crumbling colonial and modernist buildings that were the homes of his primary school and his family doctor. He has a world view.

In London, where he was named New Designer of the Year in 2005 at the British Fashion Awards, he works out of a studio in Portobello Road, a vintage hub, and a store tucked away in Mason’s Yard, St. James’s.

In New York, where he shows during the semiannual fashion weeks, he lives with his wife, Thelma Golden, director of the Studio Museum in Harlem.

The patterns and colors of his designs, which are sold around the world to concept stores like Ikram in Chicago and Biffi in Milan, seem intrinsically African. Yet Mr. Oluwu’s fabrics are often British-made prints of his own design. Or they are Italian, French or Swiss fabrics that reflect, in an eclectic, offbeat way, both his African heritage and an international sensibility.

Chanel to stage fashion show at Linlinthgow Palace

The French company will stage its Metiers d'Art collection of craftmanship in the ruins of Linlithgow Palace in West Lothian next month.

Design chief Karl Lagerfeld will showcase Scottish tweed and cashmere.

The move follows Chanel's recent acquisition of the Barrie knitwear mill in Hawick, following the collapse of owner Dawson International.

Other locations in which the Metiers d'Art has been held include Tokyo, New York, London and Moscow.

In a statement, Chanel said: "This year, Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Edinburgh as the location for the collection, inspired by the rich heritage of Chanel in Scotland, and the skilled craftsmanship of Scottish tweed and cashmere, that are an integral and iconic part of Chanel's collections today."
'Legendary' show

Designers and fashion journalists are due to arrive in Edinburgh for the fashion show on 3 December and fly out on two days later.

During their trip they will visit the capital's tourist attractions, including the Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Woman wearing cashmere jumper Barrie has produced cashmere knitwear for Chanel for the past 25 years

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop commented: "The Metiers d'Art show is legendary in the fashion world and I am delighted that Chanel has chosen the stunning location of Linlithgow Palace for this year's event.

"Chanel bringing the show to Scotland is hugely exciting for Linlithgow and the people of Scotland, and it will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase Scotland's culture and heritage to a global audience in the Year of Creative Scotland."

Barrie Knitwear was a trading division of Dawson International, which was placed in administration in August because of the size of its pension liabilities.

Chanel bought the firm last month in a deal which was expected to secure all 176 jobs based in Hawick.

Fashion Eyewear Adds Two New Brands to their Online Portfolio

via PRWEB - For people who haven't heard about this online retailer, just type "Fashion Eyewear" into Google. Users can easily find out everything about the company including their new vision, values, and mission statement. Users will also have access to the company's contact details, and consumer testimonials. The company has just added two new luxury eyewear brands to their growing online portfolio.

Starck Frames
Philippe Starck is a French product designer, creator and architecture well-known for his ecological, ergonomic designs. He was the creator of the solar-powered boat and affordable wind turbines created specifically for home use. When looking for Starck glasses online one will notice that the eyewear brand is only ever sold at prestigious eyewear stores. Combining luxury with what Starck calls 'democratic ecology', Starck's eyewear collection consists of innovative eyewear made from high-quality sourced materials yet sold at a reasonable price for high-end designer eyewear.

Vogue Frames
Vogue Eyewear is a funky, youthful, and playful brand that is more targeted to the younger generation. This brand offers the latest fashion trends at very affordable prices. For those with a 'student budget', Vogue glasses online are the perfect choice for those who love a bargain. Despite the brand's great value prices, the quality of the eyewear is not compromised at all. All of the eyewear is produced from good quality materials and produced to an excellent standard. Vogue Eyewear offers a wide range of boxy, graphic squared frames for men and very glamorous, modern styles for women.

About The Company
Recognised as the UK's most trusted eyewear store, FashionEyewear.co.uk was established in 2008 and has been growing year on year. The company's online portfolio started off with less than 10 luxury brands. To date, the company stocks more than 35 luxury designer eyewear brands. When it comes to product and customer service, the company certainly strives to achieve. After all, their aim is to become the place to buy designer eyewear online.

Fashion show, brunch helps Mercy's auction

Mother of Mercy High School will host a Fashion Show and Champagne Brunch from noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Western Hills Country Club.

Ticket reservations and donations from this “pre-party” event will support Mercy’s 2013 auction “Mercywest!”

“Last year’s event was a sell out. We’re bringing back many of the same vendors plus a few new ones and a great new line of fashion,” said Julie Leis Raleigh ‘82, Mercy FUNdraiser.

The show will feature fashion, make-up, hair, jewelry and accessory experts. Vendors will be present to shop and answer all your fashion and beauty questions including representatives from Embella Biz, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Oh la la Designs & Spa Party, Robin C. Jewelry, Silpada Jewelry, Stella Dot Jewelry, Timeless Indulgence, Uniquely Mercy, You, Bandi Activewear, 31 Accessories, Creative Canvas and A Touch of Bling.

Fashions will be provided by Nordstrom, Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs, Edie’s Vintage Shop, and Lou Lou’s Simply Fashions. Models hair will be styled by Shag-a-Salon and make-up will be provided by Colleen Herman, Mother of Mercy class of 2003 graduate, Oh la la Designs and Avon.

Kids fashion show beneifts area youth

A familiar face was raising some money for abused and neglected children with a kids fashion show.

Our very own Cassady Lance hosted the fundraising event today at Sara Jane’s Boutique in Savannah.

Cassady is dancing in CASA's dancing with Savannah Stars and is raising money for the court appointed special advocates before her big performance on Thursday.

Business owner Sara Jane Strickland was also happy with the turnout.

There is still time to donate and help Cassady. You can vote for Cassady online at dancingwith savannahstars.org. Your vote only costs $1 and all proceeds go to CASA.