People queue four hours at Paris exhibition on Christian Dior
More than 700,000 people flocked to a record-breaking Paris exhibition dedicated to the Christian Dior French fashion house, its organisers said on Monday.
The six-month-long show, which ended on Sunday, was the most popular ever held at the city's Museum of Decorative Arts, with visitors queuing for an average of four hours to see some of the luxury brand's most iconic designs.
"Christian Dior, couturier du reve" (roughly translated as "Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams") was organised to mark the label's 70th anniversary.
It told the story of the brand through some 300 of its haute couture dresses worn by stars from Marlene Dietrich to Rihanna.
The museum's director David Cameo said the turnout was "an absolute record" - the highest for a single show in its 112-year history.
It also attracted a string of Hollywood stars and top models - who were spared the queues - including Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson and Bella Hadid, some of whom are ambassadors for the brand.
But not everyone was happy with the show. The French magazine Marianne lambasted the venerable institution, which is next to the Louvre museum, for selling out.
Writer Agnes Poirier accused the museum of becoming a "shop window for commercial brands... under the cover of art" and also criticised its earlier link-up with toymaker Mattel for another hugely popular show on the Barbie doll.
However, Mr Cameo said the huge attendance had been a financial boon for the museum, helping it to notch up a large surplus that would "help us re-equip and pay for an overhaul of our restoration studios".
It is hoping to follow up its success with Dior with another fashion-themed show in March, tracing the enigmatic Belgian-born designer Martin Margiela's years at Hermes.
Despite breaking records, the Dior show was far from being the most popular Paris art show of 2017. That title is held by the Icons Of Modern Art exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, which drew 1.2 million people.
It featured the cream of a collection of 250 paintings put together by collector Sergei Shchukin before the Bolshevik Revolution, which had never before been seen outside Russia.Read more at:purple bridesmaid dresses
Top Hollywood Women Launch Anti-Sexual Harassment Initiative
More than 300 top women in Hollywood – from Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence to Emma Thompson and Cate Blanchett – unveiled an initiative Monday to tackle pervasive sexual harassment in workplaces, calling special attention to their "sisters" in the blue-collar employment sector. The initiative, entitled, Time's Up, caps a year in which the Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct scandal touched off a deluge of allegations that brought down powerful men in entertainment, politics and the media, prompting companies, government agencies and even the US federal court system to re-examine harassment policies.
In an open letter printed in The New York Times, the new initiative lends the star power of its A-list members to the cause of women in less prominent fields, urging support and respect for farmworkers and others whose humble positions leave them vulnerable and voiceless. "We fervently urge the media covering the disclosures by people in Hollywood to spend equal time on the myriad experiences of individuals working in less glamorized and valorized trades," the group says in its full-page ad.
"To every woman employed in agriculture who has had to fend off unwanted sexual advances from her boss, every housekeeper who has tried to escape an assaultive guest, every janitor trapped nightly in a building with a predatory supervisor, every waitress grabbed by a customer and expected to take it with a smile... we stand with you. We support you."
$15 Million Goal
Last month, the head of Ford Motor Company apologized to employees at two factories in Chicago and promised changes, after a scathing expose by the Times detailed pervasive harassment and mistreatment of women at the plants dating back to the 1990s. It was one of the first major media investigations into sexual harassment in blue-collar workplaces.
Among the specific steps it announced, Time's Up has established a legal defense fund that, in just 12 days, has raised $13.4 million toward a $15 million goal aimed at providing legal aid for women and men who were sexually harassed, assaulted or abused in the workplace. It has vowed to push for legislation to strengthen laws on workplace harassment and discrimination.
The group insists that more women must be brought into positions of power and leadership, while every woman should have equal benefits, opportunities, pay and representation.
As for Hollywood, it wants "swift and effective change to make the entertainment industry a safe and equitable place for everyone." And it called on women to wear black at Sunday's Golden Globes as a statement against gender and racial inequality, and to raise awareness about the group's efforts.
'Dear Sisters'
The open letter in the Times, which also appears in the Spanish-language La Opinion, opens with the words "Dear Sisters" in large, bold type, and closes with the words "in solidarity," followed by the names of the 300 women.
Several of Weinstein's accusers signed the open letter. They include Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Beckinsale, as well as Salma Hayek, whose lengthy account of mistreatment by Weinstein – "my monster," she called him – was widely circulated on social media after appearing last month in The New York Times. Weinstein has denied some of the allegations, including Hayek's assertion that he pressured her to do a nude sex scene in one movie.
Other prominent women lending their names to the Time's Up cause are actresses Natalie Portman, America Ferrera, Amy Schumer, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore, Keira Knightley, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Susan Sarandon, Uma Thurman and Viola Davis; producer Shonda Rhimes; Universal Pictures chair Donna Langley; feminist activist Gloria Steinem; lawyer and ex-Michelle Obama chief of staff Tina Tchen and Nike Foundation co-chair Maria Eitel.Read more at:plus size formal dresses | long formal dresses australia
11 must-have fashion items for the UAE winter
There’s been tension between fashion versus function for the longest time, but who says you can’t have both? Here’s how you can stay as warm (and dry) as possible during the winter season in the UAE.
Boots
Boots are a staple for rain and winter in general. The rain has been popping in and out so you need to be prepared for when she unpredictably visits yet again. Firstly, no velvet. There’s no way your velevt boots can survive the rain in Dubai with all the sand and dirt floating around. Keep those safe and indoors whilst you bring out all-things leather! Patent leather boots are here for the win this season; so strut around town in those, all while keeping your feet warm and dry. You get to play in the rain and besides, they’re easy to clean so it’s a win-win situation.
Leggings
While they have always been used in the fashion world, leggings are all the rage now more than ever. It’s comfy, warm, comes in a bunch of colours, and it’s cute with any oversized sweater, and most of all it pairs best with your boots.
Jackets
Jackets are the perfect addition to make your regular outfits winter ready. Leather jackets are just the right thing for a Dubai winter, throw it over any old top you have and you’ve got an automatically styled look. The best colours are black, grey, navy, tan/brown, and white.
Umbrellas
Of course, the best thing to protect you from the rain is an umbrella. Get a cute pocket size one in your favourite colour that fits into your bag and stay dry.
Head gear
Winter in Dubai is a windy one. So a cute hat, a beanie, or even a cap can keep your hair down and cover your ears. And hey, if it starts o drizzle, you’re kind of safe, at least for a while.
Bags
When caught in the rain, it’s difficult to manage your grip on a hand bag, it’s best to strap it across your body and be on the move. Therefore, a crossbody bag or a bag with a long strap is the way to go. This also stresses how important zippers and flaps are. It’s a good time to have trust issues, because you don’t want to let that rain in. Even with the strong winds, all it takes is one wrong turn for something to fall out.
Stockings
It’s Dubai after all, so it isn’t even that cold. Don’t put away your cute short dresses and skirts just yet, pair them with some stockings and be on your way.
Capes
Let’s be honest, of course we need clothing to protect you from the rain and wind outside, but also from the A/C indoors. A good cover-up can be just as good as a jacket, but maybe your jacket doesn’t go with everything, that’s when a good scarf-type cape comes to the rescue and completes the look.
Scarves
Bulky scarves are in, you can wrap it around your neck various ways and call it a day, or open it up and wear it like a cape. Either way they’re cute and warm and you can put it over just about any outfit.
Loafers
So maybe because it isn’t actually that cold outside, you might want to skip the boots for those sneaky sunny days and wear something more breathable; loafers. Grab some chic leather loafers and hit the streets, they’re cute, still covering your feet and comfortable to walk in.
Sweaters
Strong winds call for strong clothing. You’ve got an excuse to bulk up and wear those heavy sweaters out! There are way too many different kinds of sweaters for you not to be able to incorporate it into your everyday attire. Don’t get it wrong, sweaters aren’t just for those comfy-casual days, there are ways to dress sweaters up, with all the shiny-shimmery sweaters out there and a cute A-line skirt with stockings or some statement jewellery, you’re good to go. Try a turtle neck under a dress, or a crop jumper over a dress. It’s your time to throw on the knit wear with some long sleeves -great to keep your hands warm.Read more at:blue bridesmaid dresses | plus size bridesmaid dresses
Exhibition marks ‘50 years of Italian Fashion’
The Italian embassy inaugurated a fashion exhibition to mark ’50 Years of Italian Fashion’ at Four Seasons Hotel Doha.
Organised in co-operation with the Italian Trade Agency and Italian Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, the exhibition forms part of the ‘Italian Week in Qatar,’ which runs until November 27.
“This exhibition is an extraordinary journey through the history of Italian fashion. The amazing setting provided by our host hotel adds to the exclusiveness of this event,” Italian ambassador Pasquale Salzano said in his speech.
The event, attended by dignitaries, diplomats and fashion enthusiasts, is showcasing some of the collections of Alta Sartoria Bencivenga, renowned globally as a symbol of luxury, tailoring and passion.
Bencivenga, a family-owned fashion house based in Campania, Italy since 1958, is “a dynasty of couturiers” – from grandmother Giuseppa, a sophisticated dressmaker who worked for the royal family and rich Italian families, to her nephews.
The envoy said the Bencivenga brand has been growing to become a top-end name in the Italian fashion industry, citing the “dedication of the family members, who committed themselves totally for the success of their ambitious endeavour.”
He noted that family businesses have been sustaining for years the Italian economic development and small and medium companies grew to become global leaders in niche markets due to their dedication and enthusiasm.
“Italy and Qatar share the same values of a family-centered society. I believe there’s a great potential for co-operation on the best practices on the management of family businesses,” Salzano stressed.
“The Italian industry has a distinctive and unique capacity to blend and strive for excellence with the care of all single details of its production,” Salzano said. “This is the result of a combination of the highest technical skills with the passion of the men and women involved in these activities.”
The exhibition also saw the opening of Bencivenga’s first shop in the Middle East at the hotel. Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the exhibition, brand manager Tiffany Bencivenga said the shop sells Italian fabric, and under appointment, it makes suit for men and dress for women.
He added that when they came here, they were surprised to know that many Qataris like Italian fashion, a reason for opening the Bencivenga shop.
“Everything is made in Italy, everything is handmade, and everything is focused on the details,” Tiffany stressed. “This is to prove that in Italy, we have this kind of job, we make everything by hand, and not everything is made by machine.”
About the exhibition, he explained that each pair (suit and dress) showcased at the event tells the history of the Italian fashion brand from 1960’s to 2000.Read more at:formal dresses online | formal dresses brisbane
AARONG'S WEDDING BONANZA
As good as it may sound, sometimes these non-stop purchases require us to hop around the entire city looking for the perfect piece. With excess traffic on the roads and unavailability of a well-rounded collection, we do tend to get frustrated often.
Here's where Aarong, the renowned fashion store of Bangladesh, comes in with their exclusive wedding collection to simplify our lives.
Yes! Aarong has it all and that too for everybody. A strict patron of deshi fabrics and produce, Aarong has been a renowned name in the fashion market of Bangladesh for quite a long time. Every year during special occasions customers flock this particular brand store in search for something different but close to their hearts and motherland. Foreigners also love visiting the Aarong stores, in search of little treasures that define 'Beautiful Bangladesh'.
The Exclusive Jamdani Collection for Wedding 2017
An addition to Aarong's accolades is the latest wedding collection in Jamdani. Speaking to the creative minds behind the exclusive collection, Star Lifestyle was able to get much insightful information.
Jamdani has always been a part of our heritage wear, so most might wonder regarding the exclusivity behind Aarong's latest collection.
“It is simply different, the weave count is high. The material is very soft and the zardozi work is simply amazing,” reveals one designer.
Upon inspection we discovered that the Jamdani collection included truly exquisite pieces; with matching blouses and dupattas, they looked unique and were poles apart from what is regularly available.
What particularly caught the eye were the unique motifs and the intelligent symmetry and placement of the patterns. Speaking to one designer, we were able to gather that the traditional motifs used over the exclusive Jamdani collection were hand-picked from Aarong's archive of rare ethnic motifs and took a minimum of 2 months to weave by the artisan weavers. The materials were super fine, soft and luxurious zari had been used – signifying an authentic look that brides are usually looking for.
The marketing team at Aarong believes that people don't want to buy common wedding wear anymore, the all-too-familiar look that overpowers the bride and her personality. With, this exclusive collection, they believe the deshi bride's personality would be enhanced, making her stand out amongst the crowd.
Other Wedding Collections at Aarong
While the wedding collection has been developed in fiery combinations of maroon, red and orange; the reception collection sports a playful experimentation with magenta. The suggested jewellery for the elite collections are also unique; apparently entirely in silver. The principle idea behind the unique suggestion is to encourage consumers towards silver ornaments as a trendy alternative to traditional gold – providing them with a whole new different outlook.
Aarong also has an exclusive gold collection and gold plated collection to match with the fashionable saris.
The Holud Collection
The holud collection showcases amazing colours like orange, magenta, parrot green etc to signify the colourfulness of the occasion. Matching dupatta and blouse are available for the brides; they can also opt for contrast blouses if they want a different look altogether. Suggested jewellery to go with the designs are pearls, gold-plated jewellery in unique craftsmanship.
Wedding Collection for the guests
Well! Not everybody is getting married themselves, there are a lot more who are worried about what to wear at their close-ones' ceremony and Aarong comes forward in solving their problems as well; offering classic Jamdanis in regal tones like pastels and off-white.
An entire collection has been developed in blue-purple theme in muslin and silk to meet the styling needs of the guests; that too in a mighty affordable range. That's not all, being a conclusive outlet; Aarong provides everything from matching bags, shoes and sandals – their metallic Kolapuri designs being an eye-catcher.
Men's Wedding Collection
The Men's sherwani have been developed to meet with the styling statement of their lady love; colours have been kept in mild tones, in contrast to the ladies; for e.g. if the bride picks a magenta Jamdani for her reception, the groom can easily opt for a teal sherwani and fashionable nagra to re-create the picture-perfect look.
Special kotis in natural silk are available for occasions like holud. Both light and detailed embroidery are available on the sherwani's based on the preference of the groom; uniformity has been maintained in the quality of the fabric used, which is comfortable and relaxed.
So, that's just a bird's eye view of the special wedding collection at Aarong. We are sure most of you would want to visit the stores once to look through the exclusive collection.
If everything gorgeous is available at once place – then why not?
Happy Wedding Shopping to you all!Read more at:queenieau.com | bridesmaid dresses
Locale lifts the energy for Virginia Fashion Week 2017
Energy, ambiance and bright runway styles came together Saturday to lend Virginia Fashion Week a celebratory feel for its 10th anniversary main showcase event .
The house was packed at Waterside’s Harbor Club for the return of the fashion extravaganza to a resuscitated facility buzzing with life. The last time Virginia Fashion Week was held at Waterside, in 2011, the place was all but in the grave. And you would have thought on the event’s third and final day there that, based on attendance, it, too, might go the way of the building.
But what a difference a makeover makes.
The works of some 10 designers were featured in Saturday night’s show. And earlier in the week, runway and beauty events were held at Gallery 21 in Norfolk’s Ghent, and Neptune’s and Dillard’s-Lynnhaven, both in Virginia Beach.
Here are some highlights from Saturday night:
Willie Hall. The veteran designer from New Jersey made a welcome return to Virginia Fashion Week, opening the show after having been absent since 2014. Hall, known for meticulous construction and collection cohesion, generously used red and bone as her color story. Hall’s offerings included both fun and classic elements, like the mixture of off-the-shoulder peasant-style tops on A-line dresses. Lace overlays and graceful maxi dresses and skirts also anchored her presentation.
Styles by Salome. Salome Autolino, the model and fashion personality from Ethiopia (now living in Newport News), presented her first clothing collection. It mainly featured bright boho chic tunics and dresses with strong cultural elements in the trimwork. A standout: The gold empire-waist maxi dress with tapestry trim running from the neckline and down the length of the center back.
Blas Couture. Designer Azi Blas of Richmond (originally from Puerto Rico) presented an imaginative collection of party and social dresses inspired by painters from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and pop artists from the 1970s. Blas’ taste for fur and feathers was evident, as he used the textures in mixed media dresses – from necklines to bodices to full skirts. The socialite wearing Blas Couture would never be a bore.
Urban Masala. D.C.-based designer Sehar Peerzada hails from Pakistan, and her East-meets-West style sensibility remained apparent in her copious use of exotic print fabrics, textural elements and bright colors. A fashionista could find something suitable for a range of tastes in the collection – from a sleeveless knee-knocker romper to asymmetrical skirts cut on the bias to flowing pants, tunics and ethnic print duster coats.
Brehon Williams. The audience’s reception of the Chesapeake native’s collection proved he remains the darling of Virginia Fashion Week. Every audience member who was asked by one of the emcees to name her favorite designer named Brehon. Williams, who joined the lineup of VAFW in 2009 but had not shown in fashion week since 2014, presented a collection of dresses and skirts that went from graphic prints and blocking to Americana. “I started looking into other cultures, and I cut and spliced fabrics to make my own take. Prints are always eye-catching,” Williams said backstage.
White Dress by Greta Kay. Don’t let the brand’s name fool you. Although Greta Kay’s niche is bridal, her palette is not stuck on white. Last year the Waynesboro-based designer’s collection incorporated blue and leather; this year her color story was black and white. And for the dress alternative: a twist on the tuxedo in the form of a cropped vest and tapered ankle pants.
Earlier in the week. Mario Daughtry of Chesapeake finally included womenswear as a true part of his Reckless athleisure and urban contemporary brand. Loved the jersey jumpsuits.
Also part of the activities. Virginia Fashion Week isn’t all about fashion. Shows of late have also featured talented singers, musicians and dancers. Yet the inclusion of excessive live entertainment breaks (I counted six during Saturday night’s show; I wished I’d had a reclining chair and a pillow) calls attention to the fact that more high-quality models are needed for the roster. Having more models would allow more time for clothing changes. It was a disappointment that the models wearing Hall’s collection did not come out for the usual encore walk.
What also would help. This tip is for any fashion show producer: Please provide information on how to buy items shown on the runway. I’m sure the designers would appreciate some orders. It’s hard out there for an independent artist.
Catwalk competition winners. Congratulations to Haley Robinson, 17, a senior at Grassfield High in Chesapeake; and Francois Pretorius, 25, of South Africa but now living in Richmond.Read more at:QueenieAu
Wilson Trollope's permanent home in Wellington
Wellington fashion designer Annabelle Wilson has big dreams for her label, including opening a store in New York, but her hometown comes first.
Wilson has opened her flagship store on Victoria St, in Wellington, four years after launching her first collection.
The store marks the beginning of a 20-year growth plan to take the Wilson Trollope label global.
Wilson has been making clothes since she was about four years old, but only decided to make a career out of it after returning to New Zealand from a few months travelling abroad.
On her trip, she completed a course at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, which counts designers like Stella McCartney and the late Alexander McQueen as alumni.
Upon her return in 2012, she settled back into her parents house, and set up a workroom, where she still works from today.
The 30-year-old began with an online store, selling clothes to New Zealanders, but quickly realised she needed to get some stockists on board. She then opened a few pop-up stores around Wellington.
"They sort of got more frequent and longer, and suddenly it was like, 'This is almost permanent', so it made sense to have a permanent space," Wilson said.
"I had my eye out … and then this space came up and everything seemed to align. It's been so good. It's such a great location."
Wilson launched her first collection in 2013, and has just finished designing her 12th season.
"It's quite intense, and it's definitely a rollercoaster, but it's good."
One of the biggest challenges of running a fashion label was creating and making new product ranges every four to six months, she said.
"This is a really quick turn around both from a design point of view, logistically in making the product and also in terms of selling the product. Last season's stock becomes old very quickly.
"Most other businesses have much longer lifespans on the products and services they provide," she said.
"For us, this really keeps us on our toes and you have to be very organised to stick to the schedule and meet these timelines."
Wilson has "big dreams" for the label, including opening a store in New York.
"Other people do it, so why not?," she said.
"Lots of big labels started off as little ones, in little Italian towns, so why can't that be New Zealand? Why can't that be a label from Wellington?"
Wilson wears her own label everyday "even on the weekends", she said.
"If I didn't want to wear it, I shouldn't be making it."Read more at:bridesmaid dresses australia | www.queenieau.com
