"Haute Couture" - Not Just Another French Word

The $75,000 ball gown with 1,000 layers of tulle. The wedding dress with 400,000 hand-sewn glass beads. The floor-length coat made of shredded leather and hand-dyed wool -- these are all examples of "haute couture" fashions. Haute couture is a French term that refers to one of a kind, ornate "high" fashions, that are often conceptual and experimental in nature. Haute couture fashion represents a chance to create the best of the best - using the highest-quality textiles, and unique materials like aged leather, chain mail, or 24 karat gold. Haute couture projects give designers the opportunity to experiment with innovative sewing techniques, hand-sewing and beading, and to create fanciful, exquisite designs that are much more prestigious than ready-to-wear (mass market) collections.

Haute couture is a multi-million dollar per-year industry - though most haute couture creations are extremely costly to produce. However, the notoriety and prestige of haute couture fashions (especially when worn by celebrities) have the unique ability to generate tremendous publicity for a design house - and that almost always leads to higher sales in the designer's ready-to-wear collections, which can often include simplified, more affordable versions of couture pieces.

Paris has been a leader in the fashion industry (both haute couture and ready-to-wear) since the 18th century, when the fashions of the French monarchy at Versailles were adopted by people all across Europe. Wealthy women from all over began to travel to Paris to shop, and the fashion industry there flourished -- French seamstresses and tailors became known as the best in Europe, and clothing made in Paris became known as the best in the world.

By the beginning of the 20th century, several of the first international haute couture houses were established in Paris: Chanel, Lanvin, Christian Dior, Balenciaga, to name a few. These designers used creativity and innovation to establish design precedents, and eventually spawned a second generation of designers -- Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, and Emmanuel Ungaro among others. Today, Paris must compete with Milan, Japan, and New York for the title of "epicenter" of the fashion world, but the history of high fashion has its roots firmly in France.

While haute couture designs are often seen as impractical and even "costumey," there is no denying that they represent all that is whimsical and fresh about fashion -- each season designers take risks with materials, cut, and fit, and continually create innovative and inspiring designs.

LIGHTS, ACTION, RUNWAY

MODEL EXPECTATIONS

I am often asked by so many aspiring models, how to break into the industry. As in any fashion trade, modeling is an extremely competitive and cutthroat business. You've seen "Americas Next Top Model" and "Janice Dickinson's Modeling Agency" which glamorize the world of fashion shoots, runway shows and designer clothing. However to get to that working model stature, it can be quite a challenge.

However, models are needed on any level, from local boutique fashion shows to regional advertising campaigns to national cover girls. The steps to get to the top can be extremely difficult but not impossible. It is important to expect to work hard, listen to industry experts and build your book.

FIND A REPUTABLE AGENT

Don't be scammed into paying thousands of dollars by an agency that promises to make you famous. If living in a small town or city, research the agencies that actually work with professional clients, such as advertising and film production companies, and show producers. Don't sign with a company that claims to bring in outside scouts from LA and NYC. A real agent will help build your book so that you are ready to actually work in those markets.

START EARLY

It's no secret that models keep getting younger and younger. Some of the freshest faces on magazine covers are as young as 13. Getting an early start is an advantage that is worthy to explore if possible. However, models of every age continue to work in the industry every day.

BUILD YOUR BOOK

When going to a "Go-See" for a potential job, the client will ask to see your book or portfolio of pictures. Make sure your book is current with all of your previous experience and has a range of different looks you can achieve. To build your book, many new models work with professional photographers on test-shoots and even offer to model for student photographers. These jobs may not pay but can give you some amazing pictures for free.

TAKE A CLASS

Ask your reputable agent where you can take a class to work on posing for the camera or walking the runway. Many agents offer classes onsite to help their clientele improve their modeling skills, while some professionals also teach classes at fashion schools or on a private level.

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

Remember an agency will take 15-20% of what you earn on a paying job. This is unavoidable if you want to book the good gigs. Based on your current market, models are often paid a flat fee for the job. For example, an advertising client may pay $250/model per day for a 2-day shoot. Your agent will take their commission before taxes and then you will receive your check.

BE A REALISTIC SUPERMODEL

Giselle and Heidi Klum didn't expect to become internationally sensations and neither should you. Clients can spot the divas a mile away and are really looking for the fresh face that will work best for them. Have a positive and confident attitude and think big and you just may be the girl on the next cover of VOGUE.

Jewellery: A Style statement for every youth.

Jewellery is the style statement of every youth. Jewellery is among the most beautiful possessions of women. A woman loves to wear jewellery as they look more attractive and adorable with it. Jewellery is available in various variety and type all over the world. Earlier jewellery was used to be just necklaces, bracelets and earrings. But now a day’s jewellery is a true expression of one’s fashion sense. Jewellery made from precious metals like gold, diamond, crystal and platinum have always been in demand among all sections of society. Gold has been a very precious metal from centuries. Most of the people like jewellery made from gold. Mostlygold jewellery is designed in very traditional ways. However, to make a fashion statement,fashion jewellery is also designed by fashion designers. Similar to clothing, jewelry is also custom designed to suit the requirements of a particular person or a particular section.You must wear the jewelry which matches your dress. There are various accessories available in the market but you have to select the perfect one which suits you and your outfit best. You should know which jewellery suits best for which occasion and it must suit the attire you are supposed to wear.Diamond Jewellery is perfect for every women but it doesn’t mean that you should wear it for each and every occasion. Same goes for other jewels too i.e. crystal, gold, pearl jewellery, etc.

Women outfits are incomplete without their accessories, every woman knows that it’s the attractive necklace, unique earrings, eye catching purse, etc that makes them feel more like a women. Women selects jewellery so wisely as it not only reflects their personality but also defines their style statement. The neckline of a dress can be highlighted by a stunning and unique necklace, complement a haircut, or take center stage as the star of your outfit. A pearl necklaces, above all can be a versatile and eternal piece of jewelry suitable for any occasion. A crystal necklace can fit any outfit as it is both lovely in its simplicity and extraordinary in its complexity so it goes with both traditional and fashionable outfits. A Swarovski Crystal Jewellerywhile looking extravagant also it’s quite affordable so people can buy a variety of styles to complement there outfits. A crystal necklace can give a new life to your old outfits. Crystal necklace enhance the beauty of a women. It suits for any age group. You can have it for any occasion as they are quite affordable in comparison to diamond and gold.

Premium Leather Accessories - Enhancing Your Style Sense

Premium leather accessories are an important component of modern fashion. Different items made of leather like cash and card wallets, handbags, cardholders, and luggage bag tags are the most sought after things among modern fashion lovers. The fashion accessories made of exclusive leather enhances the style sense of people carrying it.Why Leather Accessories Are Popular?

Premium leather accessories are evenly popular among fashion freaks all over the world. There are several reasons behind its global popularity. The first thing is the stylish look. Leather comes in different varieties and colors. Depending upon the origin leather can be of different colors and textures. Nowadays, modernized tanning process is used to enhance the looks of leather making it more vibrant for use in making of fashion accessories.

Apart from being attractive and stylish, leather is also a durable material. Therefore, all the fashion accessories made of quality leather inherits the property of being durable. That means, you can carry the style sense of your favorite leather goods for a longer duration.

Style of Leather – Beyond Comparison

Leather is regarded as an exclusive material for making fashion accessories. Nowadays, leather made of Crocodile, Python, and Ostrich skin is popular. One can easily spot wallets, belts, and handbags made of exclusive leather in fashion boutiques. Especially women are mad behind exclusive leather accessories. They love carrying leather handbags, cardholders, and cash wallets along with them.

Another fan following of premium leather accessories comprises modern youths. The most popular leather product among them is leather phone covers. One can find Apple iPhone case, Nokia E71 Case, Blackberry Curve and Bold case made of crocodile or ostrich leather. These leather phone covers provide unique style to the person carrying their smart phones inside it.

Online Leather Accessories Stores

The increasing adaptability of stylish leather fashion accessories and immense global demand tends several online stores to come up with their exclusive collection of leather fashion items. Even trusted and well-established leather fashion accessories manufacturers are setting up their online store to cater the needs of their global customers.

In summary, it is not wrong if we say that premium leather accessories have become a must have item for everyone. If someone is not having it then at least a leather phone case must be in his or her wishlist. Nowadays, online stores dealing in leather fashion accessories further made shopping simple for leather fashion accessories lovers.

Calvin Klein - A Biography.

Fashion designer. Born November 19, 1942, in the Bronx, New York, Klein was raised in the borough’s Mosholu Parkway sectionÑa middle-class Jewish community of first and second-generation immigrants. As a teenager, he developed a passion for fashion and drawing, often spending hours on end sketching women in suits and dresses. Following his graduation from the High School of Art and Design, Klein studied apparel design at Manhattan’s preeminent Fashion Institute of Technology, where he met fellow student Jayne Centre. The two married in 1964, two years after Klein completed his course work.

Inspired by the fresh and unpretentious style of New York’s urban youth, Klein set out to launch his own clothing company in 1968. With financial backing from his childhood friend Barry Schwartz, he commissioned a local seamstress to make a handful of coats and dresses. A merchandise manager from Bonwit Teller visited Klein’s dingy showroom and took notice of the collection. Within weeks, the chic department store purchased $50,000 worth of merchandise and displayed the samples in eight of their coveted windows. Shortly after his auspicious debut, Klein created a line of designer sportswear.

Throughout the fashion industry, word spread quickly about Klein and his sleek designs, which were now featured regularly in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. In the early 1970s, he introduced his trademark jeans, which he elevated to designer status by cutting them tight and branding his name on the back pocket. A series of provocative advertisements (that had 15-year-old Brooke Shields cooing the line, “Nothing comes between me and my Calvins.”) created a designer jean frenzy among consumers, who were purchasing over 40,000 pairs a week.

In 1982, by adding style and his logo to boxers and briefs, Klein conquered the underwear market. He blurred the boundaries between the sexes, designing masculine bikinis for women. In the late 1980s, Klein entered the fragrance market with the launch of Obsession and Eternity.

The Calvin Klein label expanded over time to include swimwear, accessories, hosiery, and eyewear. In the early 1990s, he started to manufacture a more affordable line of casual apparel and accessories under the brand name CK. With his trademark minimalist designs, Klein penetrated the home decor market, where accessories ranging from bath towels to bedding linens bear his name. His most recent endeavor was Calvin Klein CosmeticsÑa makeup line sold exclusively in fine department stores. To date, Calvin Klein Incorporated exceeds $6 billion in annual sales.

Throughout his career, Klein has come under criticism for his ubiquitous and controversial ad campaigns, most notably those that featured Kate Moss, Mark Wahlberg, and Antonio Sabato Jr. In 1995, he roused antipornography advocates with a series of commercials that featured adolescents in sexually evocative poses. Klein pulled the ads after being denounced by President Bill Clinton and the Catholic League.

Widely considered the most prominent American fashion designer, Klein was first awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for outstanding design in both womenswear and menswear in 1982, becoming the first designer ever to receive both honors in the same year.

Klein has received many accolades for his work and contribution to fashion: he won the Coty Award in 1973, 1974 and 1975 (making him the youngest designer to win these awards), and was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for design in women and menswear in 1982, 1983, and 1986 (making history as the first designer to receive both awards in the same year), as well as the CDFA in 1993 for both women and menswear, and the America’s Best Designer of 1993 Award.

A member of numerous committees, such as the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Klein is the designer of choice for celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and Helen Hunt, and has influenced designers such as Miuccia Prada and Donna Karan.

Before divorcing in 1974, Klein and Centre had a daughter, Marci. In 1986, Klein married socialite Kelly Rector; they have since divorced.

The firm was founded in 1968 by Barry Schwartz and Calvin Klein, who were its sole owners until clothing maker Phillips-Van Heusen bought the company in 2003.

Giorgio Armani - A Biography.

The Past and the Present
Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani was born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, about 50 miles south of Milan, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. He attended medical school for two years, dabbled in photography, fulfilled his military obligations in 1957, then worked in a prestigious department store, La Rinascente, as a window dresser. He joined Nino Cerruti as a designer from 1961 to 1970. Armani began a free-lance design business in 1970 with the encouragement of his close friend Sergio Galeotti, and established his own men’s wear label in 1974. He gradually adapted his designs for women and added a women’s wear line in 1975, in partnership with Galeotti (who passed away in 1985). His sister Rosanna Armani teamed up with Armani as head of communication activities of the company (our picture shows Giorgio Armani with his sister).

Armani, whose relaxed designs for women are inspired by men’s wear, also uses men’s wear fabrics in his sophisticated, unstructured jackets and suits for women. With this approach, Armani has established a new standard of understated elegance: easy-fit garments for women, precisely cut and beautifully tailored.

He is known as a workaholic, who can sometimes be rude and arrogant. His dislike of fellow Italian designers Gianni Versace and Valentino has recently been supressed for the benefit of the international press. In May, 1996, Armani was convicted of corruption in Italy, among other fellow designers like Ferre.

Armani has homes in Broni, Forte dei Marmi, and Pantelleria (Italy), and in St. Tropez (French Riviera).

The Power of Fashion Accessories

How Handbags, Belts, Shoes and Sunglasses Can Transform Your Life

Nothing updates a wardrobe or changes a look of an outfit more than a few chunky chains and bracelets, a hip belt, a colorful handbag or a pair of this season’s most fashionable shoes.

Instead of spending a lot of money on outfits every season, you are better off buying some classic pieces, and then setting them off with some wow fashion accessories, which will say much more about your own personal style than clothes ever will.

“In the morning I think accessories first, then clothes second, says Hollywood celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, in her book Style A To Zoe (Grand Central Publishing 2007) “You might be in your favorite jeans and flip-flops but once you throw on a great belt, you’re that much closer to looking fabulous.”

According to Zoe, accessories, far more than clothes, allow you to transform yourself and nurture your inner fashion chameleon. Our shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, belts and bags say much more about where we are in our lives – or where we’d like to be.

The Power of Stiletto Shoes
If you have never slipped on a pair of five-inch stilettos then you will be unaware of their magic powers. Whether you are a 20 or 40-something, you are never too old to experience the confidence and elegance that a pair of these tall-towers can provide. This doesn’t mean that you need to wear them on a regular basis, but donning a feminine pair of stiletto shoes can make you feel instantly elegant, and changes the look of an outfit in a blink. Take some favorite pieces from your wardrobe, team them with some high-heels and see the transformation, not only in your look but also in your self esteem.

If you don’t like the idea of teetering around in stilettos (walking in them takes some getting used to) then go for a compromise by wearing some high wedge-heels. These are easier to walk in and give you more support, but will still have the necessary effect.

The Power of the Handbag
Buying a trendy bag that is in fashion this season will update any of your favorite outfits. If you can’t afford this year’s “it” designer handbag, there are plenty of alternatives. Unless your bank account resembles Victoria Beckham’s there is no need to spend fortune on a bag which will only last a season. Just go for a purse that matches your personality, allowing you to create your sense of style.

If it’s a classic designer bag you are after, then you are better off investing in an original that lacks the fashionable buckles and statement pieces which date it more quickly. Something which will endure from season to season needs to be simple and lacking in bells and whistles. Staple colors include neutral blacks and browns but you can be more fashionable with a winter-white bag. Still practical and versatile, white has become the new black.

The Power of Sunglasses
Not only does a pair of sunnies protect you from the sun’s harmful rays and camouflage a late night, but they also make a great fashion statement. Oversized sunglasses are huge this year and donning a pair or Jackie O type or Paris Hilton style frames can instantly change your look from a plain Jane to a glamorous goddess. However, make sure that they suit your face, rather than swamp it.

Jewelry Box Basics
“Style is more about your eye than your bank account” says Zoe. “A cheap piece of costume jewelry can look ten times its cost.” Even the great Coco Chanel saw nothing wrong with mixing real and costume jewelry. It’s possible these days to pick up some great fashionable or vintage pieces for around $10 to $20 and you’ll love them just as much.

According to Zoe, all you need in your jewelry box basics is a simple chain, a dressy necklace, a statement-making cocktail ring, a bangle or cuff bracelet, a chunky (men’s) watch and a dressy one. If you wear earrings then a three pairs are essential to “ring” the changes, simple diamond studs, a pair of hoop earrings and some dangly or sparkly showstoppers that dazzle for evening.

Be right on trend with this summer’s nautical theme; anchor pendants, rope bracelets and sailor belts.

Belt Up!
There has never been a better (or more fashionable) time to wear a belt. The smocked and billowy fashions of this year’s designer runways look great with a trendy cinched-waisted belt. Even if you are a bit on the large side, don’t shy away from wearing a belt. The right style belt can give you a waist, prevent you from looking larger than you are, and stop you from taking off like a hot-air balloon in this season’s diaphanous, billowing dresses.

Powerful Single-Statement Accessories
Fashion accessories on today’s runways are all about making a statement. Jewelry is chunkier, belts are bulkier and with this season’s oversized bags and embellished heels or metallics, shoes and handbags are no longer subtle. Add a cute or chic headband or mini turban to an outfit and see what effect it has. The nautical look this year is also supported by some great ship-shape accessories.

You are never too old to create your own sense of personal style. Just by adding one single wow piece, can make a difference to your both your outer look and your inner confidence. However, remember that whilst there is nothing fun and interesting in playing it subtle, also avoid “excessories”. Resist the temptation to go overboard with too many look-at-me pieces. Avoid pairing oversized necklaces with huge earrings; go for simple chains which give you added length instead.

If you are not careful, wearing competing accessories will have the effect of making you look like a Christmas tree, so unless you want to resemble something akin to the festive season, remove any ornaments which are fighting for attention!

Hey, no more sticky fingers

FIRST came nail polish, then acrylic press-ons. Next? How about shrink-wrap color?

Though it’s still largely under the radar, Minx, a 2- to 4-millimeter-thick film that’s cut to fit the nail and affixed with a heat-activated adhesive, has been winning converts — and celebrity fans — since it was introduced two years ago. Beyonce has worn Minx to award shows and red carpet events, and other high-profile fans include Blake Lively, Lisa Marie Presley and her daughter Riley Keough.

The film is available in more than 150 styles, which run the spectrum from solid colors to zebra prints, polka dots and plaids, and it appeals in part because it requires no drying time and doesn’t smudge.

Janice Jordan, Minx chief executive, says she began looking for nail solutions when she became frustrated with the way her polish chipped after manicures. “I’m hard on my nails so I had to come up with something that would work better,” she says. “I’m not an engineer, but I have an engineer’s mind and I’m a problem solver,” adds Jordan, who has a patent pending on her product, which she developed with business partner Dawn Lynch-Goodwin.

Jordan drew inspiration from her day job — a vehicle graphics company she started after being exposed to racing through her husband, who is a part-time driver. What do vehicle graphics and Minx have in common? Think decals. Minx, about the thickness of a sticker (and much thinner and lighter than an acrylic nail), can customize its coatings with any photo or logo, so the possibilities are endless.

Offered at select nail salons throughout the country and through top celebrity manicurists, the product finds enthusiastic fans among those who’d prefer to have their nails done in a fume-free environment, salon operators say. The adhesive in Minx is activated by a heat lamp, and the nail color, which can last up to four weeks, can be removed at home by using a blow-dryer, which softens the adhesive, or by soaking in warm water — no polish remover necessary.

“I think it’s the most exciting thing ever in the industry,” says Naja Rickette, owner of Extremedys2012 Hand & Foot Spa in West Hollywood. “I can do nail art, but with a natural kind of feel since there’s no smells, toxins or heavy glues.” She offers 15 different styles of Minx and personally favors wearing the metallic colors.

Rickette says that 40% of her clients now ask for Minx and that celebrities like them because they’re unique and require no drying time, which is key during a photo shoot or when getting ready for an appearance. Novelty isn’t cheap, though. Extremedys2012 offers a Minx-acure ($45 and up) and pedicure with Minx ($80), which is nearly twice the price of a regular manicure and pedicure, respectively, at the salon.

Jordan likes to quote Lively’s description of Minx as “jewelry for her fingertips,” but she seems equally pleased by the response she’s gotten to her own nails. “If you go to the bank or a restaurant, you’re constantly getting compliments,” Jordan says. “I don’t have the most beautiful hands or longest nails, so for me to get compliments is amazing.”