Fashion designer shifts into gear for car-themed runway
What could clothing and cars possibly have in common?
Just ask fashion designer Kari Bare who will return to her Southwest Virginia home to showcase her antique automobile-inspired apparel in the sixth annual Wheels in Historic Abingdon car show.
The car show, a main fundraiser for the Cruisin’ Classics Car Club, will stretch from the intersection of Cummings and Main streets to Russell Road from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 3.
Main Street runway
At 6 p.m., local models will take to the highway to present Bare’s fashion line, Buckle and Shift, a name used in both the fashion and car industries. Her retro line was inspired by watching her parents, Bo and Libby Bare, restore vintage cars.
Fascinated by the designs of the 1960s and 1970s, Bare recently found a way to incorporate her family’s passion into her own fashion designs.
“I’ve always wanted to have a fashion show in Abingdon and let people back home see what I do. I think the car show will be a great way to tie it all together,” said the designer.
Her clothing line is made from salvaged antique car upholstery fabrics and other accessories. Bare said members of the car club donated fabrics once they learned of her unique style of clothing. Some fabrics were made from fabrics that were manufactured for vintage cars, but never used. A few fabrics were removed from old cars the father and daughter found at salvage yards.
“Some of the fabric is reused, so I’m taking something totally different and turning it into something else which is a really popular concept right now,” she said.
“It’s going to be a cool show with 20 different looks,” said Bare, who will feature her original designs of dresses, vests, and tops, all made from the vintage fabrics.
Spectators can purchase the clothing at the show or place custom orders.
Bare has an eye for using the fabrics in a creative way.
“One of my dresses was designed to look like a fender of a 1953 Chevy.”
Bare used a seat belt from a 1957 Chevy to make straps and a belt for a dress, and closures for a vest. She also used fabric they found on a 1969 Volkswagen, a 1973 Camaro, and a 1971 Mercury Capri.
“One of my dresses was designed to look like a fender of a 1953 Chevy,” she said.
The designer used a seat belt from a 1957 Chevy to make straps and a belt for a dress, and closures for a vest. She also used fabric they found on a 1969 Volkswagen, a 1973 Camaro, and a 1971 Mercury Capri.
“I didn’t think other people would enjoy my clothing line as much as I do, but they loved it. I’ve gotten amazing feedback. It blew me away,” said the 24-year-old, who resides in Fairfax, Virginia, and works as a personal stylist for Trunk Club at Chinatown in Washington, D.C.
Bare’s unique clothing line was featured at the 2016 D.C. Fashion Week. She’s also received invitations to participate in a show with the Auto Recycling Association in Dallas, Texas, in November.
Fashion magazines, DEUX Magazine of Paris, and The Tab of England, a global news outlet based in London, featured Bare Couture in their coverage of D.C. Fashion Week.
A fundraising car show
Chip McCall, president of the car club, said there is no charge for spectators but a $10 fee is required for each car entry. Participants must register their vehicles beginning at 2 p.m. on Remsburg Drive at the Abingdon Farmers Market.
The car club is a non-profit organization that focuses on helping children. “We are a Christian-believing club and we are thankful we’re able to help other people,” McCall said.
Proceeds from the show are used to help fund St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a back pack program which provides weekend meals to Washington County children in need.
“On a bad day, we’ll have 200 vehicles and a good day we’ll have 400 or more,” said McCall, who has organized the show since 2012.
The show attracts participants from the Tri-Cities region in addition to Kentucky, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
More than 50 trophies will be awarded to a variety of makes and models of cars, trucks, rat rods, imports, motorcycles, and tractors.
“If they’re proud of it, so are we,” said McCall.
“We don’t care if it’s brand new or old as the hills.”
Visitors can participate in a 50/50 cash drawing that allows the winner to take half of the proceeds from the show. Door prizes also will be offered.
Dash plaques will be given to the first 200 entrants.Read more at:bridesmaid dresses
Weddings of Downton Abbey
Love is in the air as PBS gathers a bridal bouquet of the greatest weddings from six seasons of “Downton Abbey.” The romantic relationships at Downton riveted viewers as they followed the twists and turns of some of the most beloved — and dramatic — courtships in television history.
Hosted by Hugh Bonneville, who portrayed Robert, frequent father of the bride and Earl of Grantham, this celebration features the most romantic and moving wedding scenes from the series as well as exclusive interviews with Julian Fellowes, Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge, the creative team that brought these relationships to life, and in-depth interviews with cast members who portrayed the romantic partners.
Spanning the idyllic pre-war era through the storms of The Great War into the roaring 1920s, Downton Abbey has been the site of many unforgettable love affairs, both upstairs and down. As the world around them underwent extraordinary change, romance within the sumptuous house continued to be marked by passion, ambition and heartbreak.
The central marriage of “Downton Abbey” is that of Robert and Cora, played by Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern. Despite challenges and obstacles, their union is based on a deep understanding and affection for one another, which grows over the course of six seasons. “I like the idea that Robert had married Cora for her millions in order to save Downton and keep the show on the road, and subsequently fell in love with her,” said Fellowes. “It puts a slight guilt almost into the relationship on his part.”
The dubious honor of the most scandalous marriage at Downton was that of Lady Sybil to Irish chauffeur and self-proclaimed socialist Tom Branson. Their slow-burning courtship crossed class boundaries and shattered social taboos. Much of the first two seasons were taken up with the courtship of Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley. Although Matthew is instantly smitten, the icy Mary takes a while to succumb to his charms until, having endured separation, war, and the death of Matthew’s fiancé, they are finally united after a winter wonderland proposal.
Weddings of Downton Abbey also features romance below stairs. The long-suffering Anna and Mr. Bates are given enormous obstacles to overcome as bad luck, misunderstandings, miscarriages of justice, a vengeful first wife and a murderous prison mate threaten to destroy their happiness.
Another long-simmering romance that finally resulted in matrimony was that of Carson and Mrs. Hughes, played by Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan. “It was the longest burning, slowest romance in the history of television,” said Carter. The creators admit that there was no plan at the beginning of the series to bring the couple together, but Carter and Logan created such a wonderful duo that marriage became inevitable. The pairing of the circumspect Carson with the wise Mrs. Hughes created warmth and humor as the two personalities balanced each other.
One of the most shocking weddings on “Downton Abbey” left poor Edith stranded at the altar, jilted in humiliating fashion by Sir Anthony Strallan. But far from crushing her, the event became a turning point in her life. And eventually Edith finds Bertie, whose love for her is so great that he accepts both her and her illegitimate daughter. Their glorious Christmas wedding gave Edith the fairy-tale ending that she — and her fans — deserved.Read more at:QueenieAu | cheap formal dresses
Girls State columnist notes fashion trends
Hundreds of girls started packing for ALA South Dakota Girls State a few weeks ago, and others started the day before arriving. One thing they may all have in common is the thought, ‘What clothes should I bring/wear?’
This question may have gone through every girl’s mind as they packed, and they probably asked their mom as well as other friends who have attended or are attending this year for their fashion opinions and advice.
All the delegates are dressed to the nines, but these outfits don’t come together as easily as they are portrayed. There are multiple trips to the store and maybe a few nervous breakdowns on the way; but in the end, everything works out.
Some girls will pick out their outfits based on trend. From Detroit, Alice Sheehan wore a beautiful red dress and dark nude sandals Tuesday. To pull the look together she carried a nude colored bag. Her look is classy yet unique and fashionable at the same time.
“The trends at girls state are definitely Birkenstocks and loose, flowy dresses,” Sheehan said.
All the delegates have their own sense of style: bohemian, classy, modern, elegant, preppy, and many more. Nobody is ever categorized in one style — most girls have a mixed style showing her distinctive clothing choices. Sometimes a certain part of an outfit stands out among the crowd, be it the bracelet on the wrist and how it compliments the outfit or how their hair is styled. Every little detail makes an outfit look unique.
One thing some girls cannot live without are stylish shoes. From Minneapolis, Kailey Feiner’s shoes stole the show. Trendy is one way to describe Feiner’s style. Tuesday she modeled a gorgeous flowy green dress. Her wedge heels complimented her outfit by adding a pop of color. The simple yet elegant style turned heads and was alluring.
“Jewelry, I think, pulls the outfit together,” Feiner said.
Some girls went for a cute and fun look, while others went for a strict business style. Sydney Stofferahn, St. Paul, sported a black knee-length skirt and a black jacket to match with a complimenting red undershirt. The look was elegant, serious and it meant business.
“It shows how serious I am about being here,” said Stofferahn about her style choices. “When I change into other clothes it shows the girls in my city the other side of me.”
Clothes have the ability to make people feel better about themselves, and during Girls State, clothes often portray how people feel in the environment.
“In order to feel good about what you are doing, you must feel good about yourself, because the way you feel about yourself reflects on the way you act and carry yourself,” Stofferahn said.
Outfits play a big role in everyday life, but in professional environments such as Girls State, it is important to try and present yourself with confidence and poise. What another person wears to feel confident is not what you have to wear to feel confident. Empower yourself by being yourself.Read more at:QueenieAu | celebrity dresses
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
