Imperious Calculated Innovator

Street Trends Meets High Fashion

2009-08-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

The 80-90’s brought in another trend called hip-hop, which made a bold statement, which was influenced by a rap/gangster genre of music. However jewelry {big gold chains {padlock}, rings} remained the most distinctive symbol of the hip-hop fashion. Hip Hop clothes {Adidas, Tracksuits, sneakers, etc} have been firstly worn by hip hop stars Run-DMC and LLCool J.In addition to the haircuts like; Jeri curl and high top fades. Currently hip-hop trends have transformed into famous labels like Sean John, Phat Farm and Roca Wear with more sex appeal, edginess, and contemporary American look.

Roca Wear collection founded by Jay-Z/Damon Dash and launched in 1999, which is a reflection of hip-hop, and their lifestyles. The collection consists of men’s, women’s and kids collection along with sneakers and jewelry.

When I think of high fashion in regards to hip-hop I think of House of Dereon and Kanye West Louis Vuitton Sneakers. Beyoncé has transformed hip-hop styles into renaissance high fashion with attitude and confidence. Her fabrics consist of silk charmuese, chiffon and satin crepe. Kanye West collaborated with Louis Vuitton creating some edgy sneakers that took the fashion world by storm. The style of sneakers can been worn with almost anything and anywhere. The high top sneakers come in colorful variations that are well balanced and toned. These looks are current street trends that categorize many in differ social status.

Theme: Hip-Hop

Fashion Designer: adidas, Beyoncé & Tina Knowles, Kanye West, Louis Vuitton

Era: 80/90’s-present

Run DMC wearing Adidas

LL Cool J looking mad fly in the 80's.

Roca Wear Campaign Ad’s

Kanye West with his 2009 Louis Vuitton sneakers, I love these sneakers.

Beyoncé & Tina Knowles in “House of Dereon Collection” a very luxury high fashion look.

The Zoot suit has been around since the 1930’s and gained popularity among the fashionable youth in the jazz music and dance scene. The Zoot suit style: long jacket, wide shoulders, double breasted, pleated, phenomenal stitching, trim cut by the waist and baggy pants which attracted attention in its own way. Plus the style was for dance and parties. Presently the Zoot suits are now simply considered as fashions wear sported by famous men like Audrey 3000. Classiness and refinement the modern look of Zoot suits present today, which are tailored, made to fit perfectly. These street trends are current in many music videos and in the clubs.

John Galliano is an extravagant fashion designer that capitalized on the Zoot suit for his high fashion collection that stood out on the runway. His collection tells a story that is very funky, flashy with wide denim embroidery, colorful graphic designs and over the top blazers. He has brought a new concept to high fashion that I can appreciate.

Theme: Zoot suit

Spring 2002 Ready-to-Wear

Fashion Designer: John Galliano

Courtesy: Style.com

Era: 1930’s

Two men posing looking very professional in there Zoot suits.

John Galliano 2002 Ready-to-Wear Zoot Suits

The Teddy boy style was influenced by Edwardian period. The Teddy Boy clothing consisted of long draped jackets, mainly in dark shades, velvet trim collards, pocket flaps, high waist trousers and bright colored socks. These suits were generally tailored made at the customer’s expense. Another look that was popular among the teddy boys was greased up hair at the front and on the sides. The Teddy boy look was acceptable for young people to care about how they looked especially in their Sunday best.

Comme Des Garcon collection was inspired by the 1950’s Teddy boy look, which is captivated on the high fashion runway. Her Teddy boy look was triggered by brightness, hexagonal cutting, frilled edges, transparent undershirts and multi-textured layers. I like how Comme Des Garcon stuck to the concept but changed the style and color scheme up a little bit. The Teddy boy look is current in street trends that are worn everyday and dominant in the church.

Theme: Teddy Boys

Fashion Designer: Comme Des Garcon

Collection Type: Spring RTW {ready to wear}

Era: 1950’s/present

Teddy Boy Looks in the 50’s

Comme Des Garcon 2007 Spring RTW {ready to wear} Teddy Boy Collection

Disco era in the 1970’s emerged fashions like the mini skirt, maxi dress, hot pants, halter neck cat suits, exotic and tropical prints. When I think of disco, I consider John Travolta in the film “Saturday Night Fever” that helped creature a subculture to many young people to dress in heels to chucky to dance in and loud costumes. He had on a very flashy suit that fit perfectly. Some inspired street trends were: Afros among African American, open neck shirts, lunge pants, chucky beaded jewelry and woven handbags.

Disco Meets Glam-Rock with Balmain Designer Christoph Decarnin in his high fashion Fall 2009 ready to wear collection. The modernist eighties movement inspired Christoph fashion collection. Christoph collection stands our mostly with sparking studs, shimmering slim dresses, razor slashed bleached jeans studded sandals, pointed shoulders and over all glam. Disco trends are very popular on the street and in stores like bebe, forever 21 and vintage stores as well as the party scene.

Theme: Disco Fashions

Fashion Designer: Christoph Decarnin

Collection Type: Fall 2009 ready-to-wear

Era: 1970’s

John Travolta in his Disco attire in the film Saturday Night Fever

Christoph Decarnin Fall 2009 ready-to-wear Disco Collection

Mod fashion styles was adopted in the 50’s/60’s by French styles which were smooth, sophisticated look that pushed the boundaries of miniskirts that became shorter and shorter. The mod style look exemplified high fashion with decreasing the hemline of mini skirts, leggings, bright colorful patterns, big lashes and high boots.

Twiggy the first teenage supermodel became the idol Mod look in the sixties. She launched her first line of high fashion clothing, which was created by Mary Quant. She appeared in Vogue magazine and campaign ads for Louis Vuitton. The mod look has taken over street trends and the high fashion runway.

The Chanel 2006 Spring collection by Karl Lagerfeld conveys a swinging mod styles that are vey popular among Cameron Diaz and on the high fashion runway. This collection was a bold shift and a fashion forward look.

Another designer that created a mod style look is Matthew Williamson with his collection Pucci. He is known for his signature swirling prints in dresses, bright pants, flirty mini’s with accents of large bangles.

Theme: Mod Style

Fashion Designer: Pucci designer Matthew Williamson

Collection Type: Spring Ready-to- Wear

Courtesy: style.com

Twiggy posing in her Mod Style Look that took modeling and fashion to another level.

Chanel 2006 Spring collection by Karl Lagerfeld {Mod Style}

Pucci designer Matthew Williamson 2009 Spring Ready-to- Wear Mod Collection

Punk style was a movement in the 70’s/80’s built on a social quo in society. Safety-pinned, destroyed clothing {black jeans, leather jackets, white t-shirts}, piercing, Mohawk hairstyles, cosmetics, spikes and dark colors were the ideal looks for men and women. The punk style was popular among rock bands and other musicians. I think punk styles have not changed in street trends today but differ in more graphic looks and styles but keeping the over all concept.

Luella Bartley showed her high fashion flirty punk posh look during London’s Fashion week. School uniforms, a little military with a touch of British punk, inspired her collection. Luella’s since of details with zippers, beautiful shapes and sheer fabrics was very classic on the runway along with velvet jackets and tailored pants. I liked how she added crystal gold stockings to her preppy look.

Theme: Punk Styles

Fashion Designer: Luella Bartley

Collection Type: Autumn-Winter 2009/2010 at the London Fashion Week Punk Collection

Era: 1970’s & 1980's

Punk style of a young in girl in a rock band.

Luella Bartley Autumn-Winter 2009/2010 at the London Fashion Week

Hippie subculture was a youth movements dressed in a way to express rebellion at fixed and commonly accepted notions and social norms during the 1960’s, which made Woodstock Festival a historical moment in music. Men and women’s grew their hair out in longer lengths, they wore colorful tie-dye clothing which was very popular and is still present today. The hippie wardrobe consists of Hip hugger bell-bottom jeans, flower patches theme shirts, skimpy halter-tops , mini skirts and accessories included peace symbols that were very popular. The hippie street trends continue to come and go which stay in stores year round with the same concept of fashion.

Diane Von Furstenberg embraced the hippie ideal that took high fashion by storm. The collection was very feminine, whimsical, fun tops, wrapped with flowers, prints, silk with many candy color graphic designs. Diane’s free spirited collection inspired by: hippie rock goddess” with attitude and extravagant headpieces.

Theme: Hippie Styles

Fashion Designer: Diane Von Furstenberg

Collection Type: Spring 2009 read to wear

Era: 1960’s

A couple in 1960’s with their Hippie Look

Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2009 read to wear Hippie High Fashion Look

Beatnik’s was a social movement in 50’s/60’s that stressed self-expression and reflection of society. The word beatnik was coined by Herb Caen, which means beats.

Beatnik’s fashions for women included: leotards, long hair, which was rebellion against the middle class standards at that time. Black was the central color of choice for clothing and the uniform was black slacks worn with tight t-shirts and dark glasses. Women wore black eye makeup and flat shoes. Some wore rave apparel, which were the fashion equivalent of gibberish and a precursor to hippy clothing. Beatnik’s current street trends today are very popular among young teenagers and musicians.

Anna Sui is a phenomenal fashion designer that captivated the 1960’s Beatnik look on her collection. I concept was extremely strong and fresh. The Beatnik look is very popular on the high fashion runway, which brings a new everyday look that most people can wear to work or even out on the town.

Theme: Beatnik Style

Fashion Designer: Anna Sui

Collection Type: Beatnik ready to wear Fall 99 Collection in Bryant Park

Era: 1950’s & 1960’s

Group playing instruments in there Beatnik look.

Anna Sui Fall 99 - Fashion Show in Bryant Park - 1960's Beatnik Look

New Trends:

When considering two new trends I think of a more edgy knee high boots fro women with a stiletto heel or platform and stiletto’s made from the concept of a luxury car. {Lamborghini: }

This look can be worn in several ways like: underpants, over pants, with a sexy dress, shirt or shorts. There are endless colors, materials and looks that can complement the outfit. The new high boot can be fastened in various ways like: zipped, bucked or lace. High boots are very common on the high fashion runway, concert costume attire and music videos.

When I first saw this heel I was amazing how the shoe was unique and unconventional. These pumps are will pretty well thought out right down to every little detail. The Lamborghini shoe has NOT hit stores anywhere yet. This shoe is a ruff draft created by talented designer Modo Illustrator Tim Cooper which a concept product buzz for the car. The company is still contemplating if they’re going to create a fashion collection of this show. I think they should cause it will be a brand new concept and trend into the fashion world.

Autumn (Fall)/Winter 2009/2010

Madonna in long knew high stilettos boots coming this fall by Chanel

Over-the-knee boots by Loewe.

Christian Siriano collection with stunning knee high boots.

Lamborghini stiletto’s

Kate Moss for Just Cavalli Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

2009-07-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Historical & Artisitic styles

2009-07-22T08:03:00.000-07:00

Renaissance Era in fashion was a time for great change in women’s fashion. The richer you were the more expensive the fabrics used such as silk, velvet and cotton. Also the more elaborate the tailoring and craftsmanship, the more expensive the clothing was and helped to establish a reputation of wealth for the owner. More importantly clothing was a symbol of ‘Status”. Renaissance wedding dress was made of rich brocades and rich jewel-toned velvets.

Rani Totman amazing St. Pucchi Collection is stunning and very over the top which I love. Rani is truly dedicated designer/business woman and a risk-taker. Mixing old world elegance and romance with modern fabrics and style, St. Pucchi gowns are literally in demand all over the globe. Rani Totman travels the world seeking the most luxurious silks, crystals and lace for her signature gowns.

Theme: Renaissance Style
Designer: Rani Totman { St. Pucchi collection. }
2009 Collection

Medieval fashion during the middle Ages was dominated and highly influenced by the Kings and Queens of the era. Only the wealthy could dress in fashion able clothes. Laws restricted ordinary people in their expenditure including money spent on clothes, which impacted medieval fashion. Only the wives or daughters of nobles were allowed to wear velvet, satin sable or ermine. Medieval Fashion changed with each king and queen. Different events which occurred during the medieval era of the Middle Ages also affected fashion.

Stella McCartney sought inspiration from her Fall 2008 collection using medieval inspiration. Her collection possessed a rug-like knits, coats of arms, drifting chiffons, heavy velvet, sleek and feminine, with double-breasted wool-felt coats.

Theme: Medieval Style “Cat walk Queen”
Designer: Stella McCartney
Fall 2008 collection

Gothic styles are borrowed from Victorians and Elizabethans. Typical gothic fashions would be dark colored clothing and bright lips. Some known gothic fashion designers are Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, have been associated with the Goth aesthetic. Embellishment to the garments was the latest fashion as well.

British fashion Gareth Pugh a phenomenal fashion designer uses a gothic theme a world of wizard with gothic aesthetics of the fashion world. Booming the art in fashion he is very creative and out of this world. The collection had ensemble after ensemble of diaphanous black chiffons, flowing in inky swirls, futuristic silhouettes and web-like tucks and pleats.

Theme: Gothic Style
Designer: Gareth Pugh
Fall 2009 Collection
London fashion week
Gothic-glamour-inspired collection

During Ancient Greece, draped garments became very popular during this era. Here are Plato and Aristotle in draped garments along with current trends today using the same concept. Draped garments back then were simple in length, easy wrapped around the body but also heavy. Some other draped clothing used today in fashion is sarongs and togas with more embellishments.

The Fall 2009 Ralph Lauren collection was all about mixing casual, accessible pieces with super luxuries, formal ones. The color palette was pale, and predominately earthy, save for the occasional flashes of black or plum. I noticed that he is stepping out of his comfort zone and being more creative in this fall collection which I love.

Theme: Draped Style “Shiny Style”
Designer: Ralph Lauren
Fall 2009 collection
New York Fashion Week
Inspired by Love and Romance

Abstract art has been influenced by fashion in many ways such as, paintings, modern times, movements {Art Nouveau Movement, Art Deco Movement, Cubism, Surrealism}, unique objects and futuristic themes. Poiret was one of the best known and best documented of couturiers with connections to the art world. Most importantly that fashion is inspired by art.

Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2008 collection was inspired by abstract art. The garments are very vibrant, fluid looking prints, brush strokes or drops of paint saturated in clear, bright color. His collection shows very artistic designs and femininity.

Theme: Abstract Art
Designers: Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana {Dolce & Gabbana’s}
Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection

The Art Deco movement in the 20th century was a mixture of Neoclassical, constructivism, modernism and futurism.
Scottish designer Holly Fulton is now showing her latest “art deco style” collection! Shown as part of Fashion East, she has collaborated with CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski Elements to help add the extra sparkle to her stand out collection. She’s definitely a designer to watch!

Theme: Art Deco
Designers: Holly Fulton
Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection

Beyonce in Vogue Italia

2009-07-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Beyonce graced the pages of the Italian Vogue in an old school Hollywood photo shoot.

Fashion scarfs

2009-07-16T12:53:00.001-07:00

EVA PIGFORD ON "OBVIOUS" MAG COVER...Looking amazing

2009-07-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

Eva Pigford's Photo Shoot

2009-07-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Geneology of a Handbags

2009-07-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

Fourteenth Century Ancient Cathedral Bags in Switzerland which was designed to withhold the revered relics of saints.

Victorian bead Handbag

This bag was a major part of the domestic textile arts that played a central role in the daily life if middle class women.

Native Americans {Winnebago Tribe} carried a bandolier bag that offset shoulder straps with identical designs on both sides of the strap.

First Tea Bags made from hand sewn silk muslin Bags which were patented in 1903.

Handbags were used by the Babylonians and Assyrians from 1500 BCE to 550 BCE. They were richly embroidered and used for religious ceremonies.

Neo Classic 1790’s handbag called reticules, which women wore for every different occasions. In reticules one would find rouge, face powder, a fan, a scent bottle, visiting cards, a card case, and smelling salts.

Fendi inspired by ancient Rome Bucket Bag

Fierce Prada 2009 Handbag

Karl Lagerfeld “Mask” Bag
Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring 2008 RTW Collection was striking and futuristic.

Unique Stiletto handbag

Summer 2009 Handbag Trends

Vera Wang= Remarkable

2009-07-09T14:48:00.001-07:00

TWO WORDS

That says “Fairy Tale Wedding”

VERA WANG

So I am looking for some inspiration for my wedding gown that I’m making. I chose these amazing gowns from Vera Wang to get some inspiration. Let me know your thoughts. LOL

NAOMI CAMPBELL RIPS THE RUNWAY

2009-07-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin Boots/ Stilettos

2009-07-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin is one of my favorite shoe designers. I am a shoe freak, check these out.LOL

Legendary Entertainer Michael Jackson

2009-07-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Paintings from David Garibaldi

I MISS U Michael

luv Shavonn

Historical Draped & Tailored Garments

2009-07-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

In this photo Christ dressed in tunic {chiton} and draped outer garment {himation}. Himation is a Greek men and women’s outer garment. The fabric is arranged around the body in a variety of different ways.

Draped Himation
Material-wool
Originated- unknown
Date photographed- unknown

2009-07-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Neo Classic maiden in a beautifully draped garment.

The draped garment was the earliest to be ever used that consisted of covering with a piece of fabric. The fabric was really heavy due to them using a large amount.

Draped silhouette garment
Material-wool
Originated- 1800
Date photographed- unknown
France

2009-07-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Egyptian Costume Draped Shawl & Cape Style Garment

Beautiful Egyptian drapes shawl was very popular with different style variations. The Egyptians used a rectangle shoulder drapery that could be knotted to position the cape.

Draped Shawl & Cape
Designer – unknown
Theme- Draped Style
Material - bordered fabric
Originated - 1300 B.C.
Date photographed –unknown

2009-07-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

Anne, Duchess of Hamilton: the dress of a great seventeenth century Scottish lady.

Anne is a black dress with white full sleeves, lace collar, cuffs with a waist high circled with a plain black ribbon.

Draped Black Dress with pearls
Designer – unknown
Material - wool, other
Originated – London 1631
Date photographed – 1600’s

2009-07-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

1860s Tailored Ball Gown Bodice

The princess gown was worn by many on their wedding day. The bodice closes and fastens in the back with lace in the front. The fabric was black silk/lace trimmed with heavy beads and changeable silk taffeta.

Ball Gown
Designer – unknown
Material – lace, silk, taffeta
Originated – 1860
Date photographed – unknown

2009-07-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

French Vest Bodice with a double military collar

The French vest was a unique garment . The front outlined is pointed and the sides curved over the hips. The back “tail” is short with several pleats.

French Vest Bodice with a double military collar
Designer – unknown
Material – wool
Originated – 1880
Date photographed – unknown

Six Functions of Dress

2009-06-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

1. Environmental Protection

Diddo Velema designed these amazing wetsuits which are used for protection for warm while scuba diving and surfing which glides in the water as well. Here are a pair of wetsuits from his collection while riding the waves you can look for stylish. Diddo design concept evoke the images of the seas.

2. Decoration

2009-06-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a Swahili girl with beauty treatments which represents her evolution to maturity in becoming a woman and being married. They beautify her by using a dye made of powdered henna, water and juice from limes which darkens the color for richness.

3. Gender Differentiation –Tudors

2009-06-25T10:55:00.001-07:00

Gender differentiation plays a major role in the stunning Showtime "The Tudors" which takes place in the 1500’s. Costume designer JOAN BERGIN shows her elaborate detail and rich concept in creating the costumes. She put a lot of detail in head pieces, jewels and worked leather to give King Henry the over harden look.

4. Group Membership

2009-06-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Group membership is an important part in the social scene in today’s culture. I chose National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated (NPHC) which is consisting of nine International Greek letter sororities {Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc & Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc etc} and fraternities {Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc & Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc etc} which was founded by African Americans Men and Women. Each of these sororities and fraternities use several stereotypes such as: skin color, size, attitude, body language as well as whom you know. These groups evoke sisterhood and brotherhood with one another.

5. Ceremonialism

2009-06-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

When I think of Ceremonialism, fashion shows, primer events and awards come to mind. I chose the renowned R&B singer, actress and designer Beyoncé Knowles. She represents Ceremonialism, with her astounding garments and her rich glow that she brings to each and every event she attends.

6. Sexual Enhancement

2009-06-25T10:37:00.001-07:00

Sexual enhancement =Rapper Lil Kim. Lil Kim is a very talented woman which embodies sexual enhancement. Her clothing garments emphasize certain areas of the body while making her look more desirable. Her clothing speaks for itself.

Amazing Inspiration

2009-06-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Here is an image used for a magazine cover I came across from Arturo Elena website that was an inspiration to my drawing.

http://www.arturoelena.com/pages/ficha.php?carpeta=varios&imagen=21

GO GREEN

2009-06-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

I came across this fabulous cute green dress and found out that it was made out of plastic. “YES Plastic”. I think the most important textiles a year from now would be environmentally friendly {Green Textiles} products like organic cotton, wool, eco-fiber, recycled polyester and many others with rich visual arts.

http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2008/02/26/recycled-plastic-clothing_5965.jpg

Flawless NIK PACE America's Next Top Model

2009-06-16T17:11:00.001-07:00

Below are some images of America's Next Top Model Nik Pace Cycle 5, which are flawless and my favorite.

Enjoy!!!