Ridden with inaccuracies, half truths, and plain old news.
Posts tagged style
Wonderbra unveils bra that works like a pair of hands.
Jun 26th
Wonderbra have launched their latest strapless bra which is designed to work like a pair of hands. The Ultimate Strapless bra has four ‘fingers’ molded into each cup which are not visible from the outside. The bra is said to provide the same kind of support a woman experiences using her own hands. The new bra is available in sizes A-F and will be available at most lingerie retailers.
Wonderbra have spent two years working on their latest design testing materials and shapes. They have spent hundreds of hours testing prototypes:
“We conducted a comprehensive series of tests with real girls, which included dancing, bending, stretching and jumping, all designed to put the bra through its paces. This unique technology lifts the weight of the bust, supports and gives a trusted Wonderbra cleavage. We have created a groundbreaking garment giving women the perfect solution to the age old strapless bra problem.”
Why Are Blonde Haired, Blue Eyed Models Suddenly More In Demand?
May 8th
Fashion advertisements are suddenly being dominated by blonde haired blue eyed models. Where once you would see a selection of different looks selling luxury gifts modelling agencies are seeing increased demand for a more traditional look. Quirky, androgynous edgy looking brunette are apparently not what we want to see during a recession.
“Advertisers, they claim, no longer want the quirky faces that have dominated the catwalks, billboards and weekly glossies in recent years. Instead, they’re searching for safe, wholesome-looking girls with flaxen manes who will reassure rather than shock the consumer.”
Some have suggested that blondes are considered more trustworthy and upbeat. A friendly face will sell more handbags because what we need during tough economic times is something dependable and positive. It could also be assumed that stylish rather than fashionable items will sell better as something that is timeless will provide more wear for the price.
“Blondes are a safer bet for clients who want to hedge their bets. Plus when we’re constantly surrounded by bad news, that blonde stereotype is zingy and upbeat.”
Sarah Doukas, Storm.
There are some interesting theories as to why young blonde haired women are considered beautiful. There is nothing new about blondes being considered the embodiment of the feminine ideal according to evolutionary psychologist Dr Lance Workman:
“Men in the northern hemisphere were drawn to physical signs of youthfulness because women have a limited period of fertility. Fair or lighter coloured hair is one of these signs because hair darkens the older you become.”
Not everyone is banking on blondes however, Paul Smith recently showed his Winter 09 RTW collection which featured mostly brunette models. Others are using ‘healthier’ looking models (this is fashion-speak for less skinny) probably as a response to controversy surrounding size 0. This might also help to sell, to men at least, as apparently Men prefer bigger women during a recession.
Dress To Impress (Who?)
May 5th
The phrase ‘dress to impress’ highlights the fact that we often think about clothes as more than just shelter from the weather. Even by just throwing on whatever is clean we are sending out signals to others about who we are and how we want to be seen by others. We try and take control over our personal image and align ourselves with certain sections of society.
The Times recently published an article called ‘How To Dress To Please Men‘ which suggested that when women dress their main concern is impressing other women. The idea being that women are far to wrapped up in what other women think about them to give a damn what men think. Or perhaps they just want to feel better about themselves (by impressing other women). The main advice the author Lisa Armstrong had was to not wear weird hybrids such as ’shoe sandals’ or bizarrely, ’sock-shoes’. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sock-shoe but it doesn’t sound like something that would impress anybody with working eyes.
Clearly if women want to impress men confusing footwear hybrids are not the way forward. As one commenter on the Times site says: ‘women always make the mistake of putting clothes on, to attract a man’. No man is going to notice who made your handbags and while we may not complain when you buy beauty products we really don’t think you need them.
Cheryl Cole was recently voted the world sexiest woman and she isn’t exactly known as the most fashion forward/ cutting edge dresser. Somehow most men would rather you wore this (or even this):
Than this:
But you probably don’t care what we think.
Topshop Launches in the US, Fast Fashion Defies the Slowing Economy
Apr 2nd
Last week I wrote about how British fashion is taking off in the UK and abroad. Paul Smith continues to expand his brand worldwide and British themed accessories and luxury gifts are flying off the shelves. It’s not just high end British fashion that is enjoying a resurgence, one of the biggest fashion stores on our highstreet, Topshop, has just launched in the United States.
The iconic brand’s American flagship store is just about to open in Manhattan’s SoHo. It was due to open last Autumn but problems with planning and the re-building of the store held them back.
“New York is one of those first three or four cities that every fashion brand wants to operate in,” Sir Philip Green
Topshop has been trading in the UK since 1964 with Topman coming later on in 1978. It has been doing well lately as consumers become more interested in ‘fast’ (some say throwaway) fashion aping new catwalk trends for a fraction of the price. The store will no doubt do well in New York with cash strapped fashionistas looking for handbags but may well struggle to take the whole country by storm.
Topshop have an advantage over other high street brands such as Gap according to retail consultant Howard Davidowitz because they can be diverse and dynamic enough to keep up with the fickle tastes of young fashion forward people.
“Gap has been underwater for six or seven years. Along comes fast fashion — H&M started it — and it’s a revolution.”
Buying British Fashion: Protectionist Or Just Stylish?
Mar 27th
British fashion is taking off at home and abroad with eccentric designers Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood leading the charge. More and more people are opting for British brands as well as overtly British items such as Union Jack print scarfs and handbags. A recent Vivienne Westwood ad featured Pamela Anderson in a Union Jack Skirt. But is this trend patriotic, protectionist or based on quality and great design?
Paul Smith is the biggest selling British designer but most of his sales occur overseas. He has been expanding over recent years, building new stores and concessions in large department stores. He is, as the old joke goes, very big in Japan. Amanda Ware is a buyer for a luxury gifts store in London who says that British themed accessories are flying off their shelves. “Paul Smith is strong with the Union Jack. It’s really flown over the past 8-12 weeks”.
Traditionally (over recent years at least) most British people would shy away from wearing the Union Jack or the St George’s Cross except perhaps during the World Cup. It is unfortunately often associated with the far-right although there is of course a big difference between national pride and bigotry. The bizarre belief that were you where born is superior to other places because you were born there is foolish whereas being proud of the achievements of British people (including designers) makes perfect sense.
Protectionism would certainly do more harm than good to the British fashion trade. The classic brand Burberry is reliant on Asia as it’s biggest market as is Paul Smith. International trade is important in all sectors and fashion is no different. The moral of the story: buy British fashion because it is stylish and well made not because it’s British.
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