York fashion students join with North Yorkshire Moors Railway
FASHION students are designing clothes inspired by the swinging sixties for a festival being staged by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
The heritage railway works with a variety of educational organisations and when relaunching its 60s Fest decided to team up with York College for the event, which takes place on July 22 and 23.
The graphics and fashion departments have helped rebrand the event with a new festival logo designed by Extended Diploma Graphics student Louise Kruse.
Fashion students also produced 1960s-inspired clothing which will form part of the railway’s fashion exhibition at Pickering station.
Level 3 students in art and design have worked on the ‘Revolution: 1960s’ project, with degree level fashion students replicating iconic garments from designers such as Mary Quant and Yves Saint Laurent.
Chris Price, general manager at the railway, said: “One of the railway’s key objectives is to provide education for all ages and working with local colleges and universities helps us to do this. It is vital that we educate and encourage young people to get involved as they are crucial to the sustainability of the railway for future generations to enjoy.”
Sally Jackson, graphic design tutor at York College said: “It’s been particularly pleasing to see the students working on a live project which will benefit the local community.”
The festival will showcase everything sixties including music and fashion, as well as locomotives. Pickering station will be hosting a pop pirate radio show and performances by live bands. Levisham station will feature an Elvis impersonator and be renamed ELVISham. Goathland and Grosmont stations will also have live music and a beer tent.Read more at:cheap formal dresses
How African Textiles Have Influenced The Fashion Industry
The way one dresses can express their heritage, culture, style and so much more. African-print textiles, which were actually inspired by batik or wax-resist cloth from Indonesia, have been used to dress the people of Central and West Africa from the 1800s to present day. From traditional attire to modernized African-inspired dashikis and dresses, the various print designs and range of colors of African textiles have had an influence on the fashion industry.
Fowler Museum at UCLA in Los Angeles recently opened the exhibit, “African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style,” which looks at the history of African prints and contemporary African-print fashion and its influence on global runways.
We spoke with Betsy D. Quick, director of education and curatorial affairs at UCLA and one of the curators of the exhibit, and she said, “One can not underestimate the importance and the extent and the enormous variety and beauty of examples of fashion in Africa and especially those that utilize African-print cloth. It is really a pan West and Central African cloth. There are tens of thousands of patterns and men and women have it tailored into unique fashions for themselves across the continent.”
Quick also explained the origin of African textiles. “One of the things that differentiates African prints from other textiles in Africa is that they are factory manufactured. They are a special category of manufactured cotton textiles. Their origins are actually traceable to the painted and block printed cottons that were produced in India for the Indian Ocean trade as early as the 4th century. By the 11th century, these block printed cloths from India had inspired the development of hand printed wax-resist batiks in Java. So they are commercially manufactured batiks in essence.”
Those African-print wax-resist textiles have stood the test of time across generations throughout Central and West Africa, and has been used to signify status, religion and much more. In the ‘70s, African-inspired clothing was worn as a symbol of Black pride during the “Black Power” movement. “We could look at one design, the Angelina design, which was the name of a cloth designed by the Dutch company Vlisco in 1963 and it quickly became known as dashiki,” said Quick. “It was the cloth worn by many African Americans in the 1970s as very much a gesture of Afrocentric pride and pan-African pride. It was a shirt often worn by men with an embroidery pattern at the neck. It was very popular in the States in the ‘70s and then it sort of faded away a little bit both in the United States and Africa.”
In recent years, colorful dashikis and African-inspired headwraps and dresses have become popular among Black Americans and many more. “In just the last couple of years, Vlisco re-issued the cloth and then of course the Chinese copied it in every color imaginable and it is now hugely popular in West and Central Africa,” said Quick. “It is now being used by designers in Africa and by local seamstresses on the continent. It was also the cloth that a young high school student in New Jersey chose for a prom dress. Her name is Kyemah Mcentyre and she became all the rage on [social media] when she posted a selfie of herself in her red Angelina prom dress and that caused a trend of Afrocentric prom dresses.”
And when it comes to fashion designers, they have also been influenced by African prints. “In the last 10 years, African designers have also been using the print and it appears they are showing their work in fashion shows in London, Paris, New York, Shanghai, Dakar, Johannesburg and more,” said Quick.
We also had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Way, assistant curator at The Museum at FIT, who said, “Black Fashion Designers [an exhibit at the Museum at FIT on the history of Black fashion designers from the Civil Rights movement to present day which ends May 16] features contemporary ensembles by Christie Brown, Lisa Folawiyo, and Stella Jean. All of these designers regularly incorporate their own variations of African textile traditions into their work.”
Way also gave specific examples. “Lisa Folawiyo, based in Lagos, was inspired by the Ankara prints of Nigeria for the spring 2015 dress on view in Black Fashion Designers. Aisha Ayensu, the designer of Accra-based Christie Brown, looked to the Dutch wax prints she associates with special occasion wear in Ghana for her spring 2016 design. Both designers modernized the traditional textiles of their own cultures to create fashion-forward designs. Italian designer Stella Jean worked with the Ethical Fashion Initiative to commission her fall 2015 ensemble’s fabrics from textile artisans in Burkina Faso.”
So what does this mean for the future of fashion and its connection to African prints? “Talented designers from Africa are gaining more and more international attention, including the ones mentioned above,” explained Way. “Amaka Osakwe of Maki Oh, another designer featured in Black Fashion Designers, for example was a finalist for the LVMH fashion award in 2014. These and other designers are helping to build sustainable fashion industries in their own countries which will enable more and more fashion designers to emerge and gain international visibility.”
“Styles and trends and preferences go back and forth all the time especially today what we call popular fashion, it may be influenced by Western fashion but we also are seeing African designers who are drawing from Western traditions but also from local styles,” Quick added. “So there’s this very fluid exchange of ideas, trends and preferences. I think there is such an appetite for African fashion today, much more so than 10 years ago,” concluded Quick.Read more at:celebrity dresses | www.queenieau.com
High on fashion
Want something to pair up with beach wear, shorts and jeans or just wear it as a one piece. Now-a-days, there is only one thing that comes to our mind and also it is the one that is trending in online portals, brand stores and even in boutiques. Yes, it is Kimono which comes in different styles, length and fabrics to compliment your attire.
The beach look
If you plan to take a holiday break at beach side, far away from the monotony? Then, you have kimono as an option to add more spark to your beach wear. Shravya Varma, a Hyderabad-based stylist says, “I find kimono the best, when it is paired up with the beach wear, the swim suit or bikini. It is an add-on to the cool and leisure look.”
The short pick
So, this one is when you want to pair it up either with your shorts or jeans and feel so classy. “The short ones go well with denim shorts and many of the girls follow this style. One more advantage of wearing short kimono is that you can tie it up, which will simply look like a one piece,” says Shravya.
The boho chic
“The boho chic is something that can be worn with your jeans, shorts or anything that goes well with the kimono. The long ones are the most favourite pick, as it is summer and many love wearing loose clothing, so it is a favourable choice they have,” the stylist adds about the boho style.
Tip
It totally depends on the person and body type. If one can carry the flowy clothes well then the Kimonos will look best.Read more at:formal dresses brisbane
Spring into warm-weather fashion
Outside the fanciest affairs and the largest cities, runway fashion, á la the New York and Paris fashion weeks, doesn’t really work in the Golden Isles. The islands have always had a fashion sense that’s more Palm Beach than New York City, and the popularity of clothing lines such as Lily Pulitzer, St. John, Polo, Southern Tide and others bear that out.
This spring and summer, stylish warm-weather looks abound. There are peasant blouses, tunics and dresses that sport on- or off-the-shoulder necklines, and easy-to-wear shifts adorned with Bohemian accents and luxe embellishments. Gypsy chic, anyone?
Warm weather style can be found at boutiques all over St. Simons Island. At Lady & Gentlemen’s Outfitters in the Shops at Sea Island, owner Elizabeth Jordan has an array of easy summer separates for both men and women. Shifts, off-the-shoulder tops, tunics, all in the most popular patterns and with up-to-the-minute accents occupy her store.
The popular tunics, she said, can either be worn by themselves if they’re of an appropriate length, or paired with leggings or skinny jeans for a sleek look.
For men, Jordan has a full complement of traditional men’s shorts, shirts, slacks, ties and belts in bright, summery colors. Novelty prints — from the customary sailboats and whales to a leisure-print short that references a variety of outdoor fun — are all the rage.
Martin Tolleson, owner of Two Friends in Redfern Village, says this season’s colors reflect the colors of spring.
“They’re the colors of the season, and reflect the hibiscus, geraniums, roses and green grass,” she said.
One color combination making a huge comeback is classic blue and white, reminiscent of the Greek Isles. This season, however, another blue is forging ahead of the typical Mediterranean blue.
“It’s ‘Melania blue,’” Tolleson said, referring to the color of the dress First Lady Melania Trump wore at the inauguration of her husband, President Donald Trump, shades of which have been incorporated into a number of fashion items this spring.
“Melanie blue” is a pretty blue, and can be described as a chambray with periwinkle undertones.
Asian prints — also in a blue and white color combination known as chinoiserie, which became popular in 18th century Europe. It is characterized by its intricate patterns and an extensive use of motifs most commonly identified as Chinese.
Tolleson said one way to update a wardrobe was to invest in some of this season’s trendiest accessories — earrings are featuring tassels and pompoms and are increasing in popularity. They’re available in a variety of sizes, from the subtle to those that make a statement writ large.
There’s an easy answer, Tolleson said.
“The bigger the better.”Read more at:formal dresses adelaide
Local labels showcase their menswear in Sydney, Florence
Fair to say Australia hasn’t made a huge splash with its men’s wear before now, but perhaps that’s all about to change.
At last week’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia there was a handful of men’s wear designers in the mix, an improvement on the merest presence in recent years. Even Dion Lee unveiled a new men’s wear line.
And next month two of the brands that showed at MBFWA — Double Rainbouu and Ten Pieces, both great examples of strong, unique lifestyle brands — will join six other labels in taking their wares to a global audience at the Pitti Immagine platform for emerging designers at the Pitti Uomo trade fair in Florence.
For the first time, the event will host Australia as its guest nation, with a dedicated pavilion for our designers, in collaboration with the Woolmark Company and with advice from the Australian Fashion Chamber.
For Pitti Immagine chief executive Raffaello Napoleone, it’s the perfect timing. “First, our goal has always been to look for something new and interesting for the international market, and for sure the growth of contemporary fashion and creativity in Australia is very interesting at this moment,” Napoleone tells Buzz.
“Second, we have had for years this program of guest country and we have invited in the last 10 years young designers from countries from Singapore to Japan to Korea to Brazil. And in my opinion, for a country like Australia that is so influential today, to have a platform like Pitti Uomo to show younger and interesting designers is a big opportunity to start really opening up other markets (to them). Until now, Australia has been, in my opinion, not so open to international opportunities, and so this is a very good opportunity.”
The other brands taking part are Strateas. Carlucci, Chris Ran Lin, Comma, Sener Besim eyewear, Ex Infinitas (last year’s men’s wear finalist in the International Woolmark Prize) and activewear brand PE Nation, which will unveil its new men’s wear line at the event.
Keen online shoppers will likely know that tonight is Vogue’s Online Shopping Night, where brands offer special deals for 12 hours only (starting at midday). And now you can shop for good.
Camilla Franks has decided to increase her philanthropic deeds for the day. Already part of the i=Change platform, in which online retailers donate $1 for every purchase made to go towards charities largely involved in female empowerment, Franks has chosen to make that $5 for the 12-hour period of VOSN.
“My dream for this company is bigger than fashion,” says Franks. “It’s about a full vision with heart that aims to rehabilitate women by providing them with skills, education, purpose and a safe community.”
For the Camilla brand, VOSN is the single biggest shopping event of the year, so Franks is hoping to donate big. In her estimation, the donations from this one night alone could be enough to provide 366 days of education for girls in Rwanda with the Akilah Institute, train 20,000 women in Bangladesh to help end child marriage with The Hunger Project, and feed 6600 Australians in crisis through Foodbank.Read more at:formal dresses online | formal wear brisbane
Winter is all about making the most of the cosy factor
I'm sitting in a deep armchair with the fire roaring, my dogs are tucked up beside me in a woolly beanbag and it's gloomy outside. Winter has started and I couldn't be happier.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good sunny day as much as the rest of us, but nothing beats the cosy pleasure of feeling snug and warm, tucked up inside. The designer in me also loves this change of season as it gives me an excuse to redesign spaces to suit the colder weather and how we react to these shorter days.
It's like a spring-clean but autumn styles. A chance to pop away the linen throws and cotton cushion covers and break out the sensual warm fabrics and homewares that are showing up on the home design scene.
Usually I do all my buying for the AFD Store a season out, just like the fashion industry, the homewares world works within seasons and designs accordingly.
In February I was handling richly hued velvets, super soft woollens, faux furs and brushed cottons and now they are starting to filter into our shops and into our homes with welcome abandon.
Winter is here and so is the cosy-factor.
Brands like Kip and Co, General Eclectic, Bo Concept, Country Road and Citta have embraced warmth and added not only a breath of warming materials but a complimentary colour palette that only adds to the lusciousness.
While all completely different in their style offering they all give us something for our homes that will compliment this colder weather and not let us ache for the summer sun, but to enjoy the winter feels in our homes.
Colour also has a major influence on seasonal homewares and there is a plethora of shades that are being showcased in products, furniture and interior design.
Pigment rich tones of burgundy, royal blue, aubergine and deep browns are big players as well as the colour de jour, green. Not any old green either, think mossy, muddy and intense green that is regal and intense.
These colours are showing up in furniture, fabrics, throws, cushions, baskets, ceramics, lighting and accessories. Homewares imitating fashion, yes, I do believe so.
We are in a season of change and change is good. Forget the spring-clean let's embrace the autumn-clean and open our design arms to the warm-inducing homewares that we are being shown.Read more at:semi formal dresses
Sofía Sanchez de Betak’s New Book Shows
Sofía Sanchez de Betak—“Chufy” to those who know her best—is a multihyphenate art-director-fashion-consultant-designer who is known for both her taste in style and in travel. Having grown up in Argentina, Chufy divided her time between the big city of Buenos Aires, the wild regions of Patagonia to the south, and her father’s hunting lodge in the northern Argentinian province of Entre Ríos. Today, she travels the world consulting for luxury travel and fashion brands, including a recent campaign with Roger Vivier and an ongoing partnership as global explorer for The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts.
Clearly Chufy is the kind of woman who thrives on keeping a packed itinerary, while on the road and also at home in New York. In addition to the launch of her clothing line at Bergdorf Goodman, The Webster, and Colette on June 1, Chufy has also officially released her first book, Travels with Chufy, published by Assouline, launching at Bergdorf’s next month and currently available online. The book is a meditation on de Betak’s unique approach to travel. Whether it’s a Naples hotel where every guest leaves a copy of their favorite book, a luxurious eco-retreat in the remote Brazilian beach town of Trancoso, or a ryokan in Kyoto operated by the same family for three centuries, she has the keen ability to always find the singular, hands-down best place to stay—off the grid but still utterly luxurious. After all, as Chufy says, where you lay your head can completely transform the way you experience a destination.
In advance of the Travels with Chufy launch at Bergdorf’s on June 1st, we’ve asked de Betak to share a couple of her tips from the book—how to jet around the globe with ease, and how to show up at any destination around the world and experience it like a local.
Here, some pearls of wisdom and a few sneak previews of the book’s wanderlust-inspiring destinations:
Look for history.
Don’t trust anything too new, says de Betak. The Tawaraya Ryokan in Kyoto is an inn operated by the same family for over three hundred years. “So you know they’re doing something right.”
Home is where the heart is.
“I always look for a house, a family, or owner-run place to stay at. Whether it’s a guest house, or a little place above a restaurant that only has a couple of rooms,” says de Betak. A perfect example is the guest house of Asli Tunca, one of Istanbul’s most prominent interior designers—where you can experience an exquisite home and get personalized sightseeing advice from one of the city’s most elegant insiders.
Don’t write off tourist traps.
“There’s a reason you can trust tourist traps,” says de Betak. Consider checking out ruins on the Greek island of Rhodes, for instance, but don’t show up before 5 p.m.— chances are most tourists will have already come and gone, and you can enjoy sunset among the ruins in peace. “And usually there’s a side street nearby with something interesting on it, like my favorite place to stay on Rhodes, the Marco Polo Mansion.”
Dress for the destination.
“Whites are for Patmos, and colors are for Kastelorizo,” says de Betak of two of her preferred destinations in the Greek islands. “And when I’m in Japan I always like to bring some silks and kimonos. You stick out a bit but it’s part of the fun.”
And also dress for the climate.
“When I visit Estancia Arroyo Verde in Patagonia, I always bring my gaucho clothes.” What does that entail, exactly? Take a peep at de Betak’s new clothing line to find out.
Say no to mid-flight beauty rituals.
“All I do for beauty is drink a lot of water and perhaps a little bit of moisturizer,” says de Betak. “I once sat next to a woman who was painting her nails on the flight and thought it was quite disgusting. It’s intrusive for everyone around you. Beauty is for before or after the plane, not during.”
Pack light.
“I always pack a lot of light silks and thin materials that way the suitcase isn’t too squished. And you have more room to bring home souvenirs.” When she visits Mike’s Camp on Kenya’s exquisitely remote Kiwayu island, for instance, it’s all about bringing light maxi dresses, a good bikini or two, and not much else.
Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Staying at Caravan Tokyo—an impossibly cute trailer parked in one of the downtown commercial districts—is an immersive experience. And while staving off jet lag in a couple of square meters might not appeal to everyone, de Betak insists it’s a prime location for walking around and experiencing everything the city has to offer, including some really stellar fish markets with some of the best sushi around. “It’s one of those things that as a traveler you don’t have a choice,” says de Betak. “In a place like Japan they might offer you some food and you aren’t quite sure what it is, but that’s part of the fun. You can’t fly halfway around the world and not be down to try some strange new fish in Japan.”Read more at:bridesmaid dresses australia | formal wear brisbane
