Sizzling hot looks: Fashion fads of 2012

Sensible shoes

Flat smoking slippers in velvet or satin and wedge sneakers with studs and straps overtook sky-high platforms in the fashionable footwear race.

Whether it was tiny Union Jacks, tuxedos, stripes, crystal flowers or caviar pearls, nail art went from the subculture sidelines to becoming an everyday indulgence, and not just for flamboyant pop stars like Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga. The boom was due in part to nail technology advances, including new, easy-to-apply nail decals and gel-color manicures, which allow for long-lasting decoration, including gradated glitter and stripes, as well as crystal and charm appliques.

Crop tops

When Gwyneth Paltrow exposed her tanned tummy in a two-piece Emilio Pucci ensemble at the Emmys in September 2011, she was on to something. The midriff-baring trend, borrowed from the 1980s, has been gaining steam all year, with Hollywood's resident exhibitionists (Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus) racing to uncover. Crop tops were all over the fashion runways in September and October, seen at Balmain, Balenciaga and elsewhere, so don't expect this trend to go away anytime soon.

Barely there

Hollywood stars also played peekaboo by wearing gowns with sheer panels and cutouts, none more so than Kristen Stewart, who turned heads at the L.A. premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2" in a sheer corseted Zuhair Murad gown and wore several more nearly nude looks while promoting the film in the following weeks. The sheer trend has translated to the street in more subtle forms, among them sheer chiffon shirts and sleeves.

Neon

The year was so bright, you had to wear shades. Hot-hued jeans, Cambridge Satchel bags and nail polish were among the most popular traffic-stopping items.

Prints charming

Fashion magazines advised readers on how to mismatch prints, and blue jeans were covered in a riot of pattern and color. Designers put their best prints forward, with florals, foliage, paisleys, plaids, houndstooth checks and photo-realistic effects, all in an effort to stand out from the pack.

Creature features

Wise owls, furry foxes and dashing dogs were among the cutesy creatures taking center stage on the fronts of sweaters and shirts by Burberry, J. Crew and Tory Burch. We're still waiting for a sweater featuring Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat Choupette — who garnered many fashion headlines this year with her adorable antics and pampered lifestyle.

Leather and lace

Naughty and nice, leather and lace were both big trends, even better when worn together. We shopped for leather motorcycle jackets and pants, which were available everywhere from Proenza Schouler to Forever 21, and lacy T-shirts, sweat shirts, blouses and tops. It was all about mixing hard and soft.

Tomboy chic

Lizzie Garrett Mettler's "Tomboy Style" book, which came out in April, documented 80 years of women who blurred the gender lines. It was perfect timing, with designers showing gender-bending styles on the runways for fall, fictional action heroines like Lisbeth Salander and Katniss Everdeen hitting the big screen, and women borrowing style from the boys, including lace-up oxford shoes, tuxedos and fedoras.

Facial fuzz

From the malls to the multiplex, it was a banner year for the beard and mustache bunch and the companies that cater to them. Men's grooming became one of the fastest-growing segments in the beauty business. Gillette launched a grooming gadget called the Fusion ProGlide Styler and enlisted a trio of celebrities — André 3000 Benjamin, Gael García Bernal and Adrien Brody — as pitchmen. Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" served up more chin whiskers than that of all the previous year's movies combined.

Creeping Ivy

Preppy's progenitor — Ivy League style — crept back into American men's wardrobes this year. It was found on the runway, where J. Press showcased a new back-to-the-Ivy-roots York Street capsule collection designed by Ariel and Shimon Ovadia. And it was featured in books and museum exhibitions, specifically the Museum at FIT's "Ivy Style" exhibition in New York City.

Adam Tschorn contributed to this report.

Fashion Week bursting at seams

Two emerging designers have been added to the roster for Fashion Week El Paseo, filling out the schedule for the nine-day event running March 15-23.

Deborah Drucker and Victor Tung will send their designs down the runway under the big white tent on Larkspur Lane starting at 7 p.m. on March 17. They join a list of designers that includes Sue Wong, Katharine Polk and Designer of the Week Gilbert A. Chagoury, plus local designer Michael Costello, who will once again host the popular “Project Runway”-themed event.

Integrated Wealth Management Fashion Week El Paseo 2013 is Drucker’s fashion debut, said Julie Springer-Holmes of ID Creative, which is handling promotions for next year’s event.

Drucker, whose bio says she’s married to “a world renowned musician,” will show a collection of chic, ready-to-wear women’s fashions that are elegant yet offer a rock ‘n’ roll flair.

While this is her design debut, Drucker isn’t new to the fashion world. Her father was world renowned Swiss watchmaker Severin Wunderman, who created the Gucci timepiece brand.

Victor Tung is a San Francisco-based artist and couture designer. He creates his fashions from his own fabrics, primarily silks and many handpainted by himself, according to an article on KQED.org.

Fashion Week El Paseo is marking its eighth year with the 2013 event. It’s the first year that presenting sponsor Integrated Wealth Management has its name in the title. Fashion Week El Paseo was created by and continues to be organized by Palm Springs Life.

It’s also the first year offering nine days and nights of events. Twenty designers participated in this year’s show and 50 will be showing their creations next year.

The 2012 event drew a record 11,140 people to the shows, and pumped about $3 million into the local economy, organizers reported.

Classic fashion brand Burberry attracts customers by going digital

Angela Ahrendts may be CEO of Burberry, but one of her favourite accessories is an Apple iPhone5 that she's used to oversee a mobile makeover at the 150-year-old company best known for trenchcoats and tartan plaids.

"This is the biggest flagship store in the world," Ahrendts says, holding up her iPhone during an interview in Chicago where Burberry just last month opened a new store. The Michigan Avenue site immerses customers in all things digital — from iPads for children to play with to video screens streaming Burberry fashion shows.

Burberry has long stuck to its English roots, giving its look from time to time modern tweaks, but it's been Ahrendts and chief creative officer Christopher Bailey in the past few years who have pushed the brand's digital, and now mobile, boundaries.

"It's very easy to allow an iconic brand to remain true to its heritage and at the same time obsolete itself," says Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry analyst with market research firm The NPD Group. "The hard thing to do is keep the iconic brand relevant. This is about somebody at the helm deciding they're going to find a way to keep the brand relevant for the future."

Burberry has done that by making moves that it says attract a millennial consumer. That includes monthly updates at Burberry.com, where Ahrendts said more people visit every week than walk into all the brand's stores around the world combined.

The company has an internal social network called Burberry chat. And since Ahrendts started in 2006 she started hiring a team of "digital natives" with titles like mobile director and music director. The brand also has a strategic innovation council.

While some efforts were underway when she took the helm, Ahrendts says Burberry was "a manual spreadsheet organization" at the time.

"We just kept evolving the structure," she says. "We always said if we were going to target a millennial consumer then we had to do it in their mother tongue, which is digital."

Cohen says iconic luxury fashion brands have the story to attract consumers, but the challenge is finding the right means of communicating it in the digital world. "They have to turn the store into a story and the story into a site," Cohen said.

The Burberry website offers 10 times more online than what the company has in stores "because we say that is 'the world's store,'" Ahrendts says.

Mobile commerce gives customers instant access to products they aspire to own. "To me, the key is that even the luxury brands have to learn, have to evolve," Cohen says. "Without evolution the luxury brands will be overtaken by more progressive, up and coming luxury brands. Luxury has to worry about keeping their brand alive."

Burberry is interacting directly with consumers in the digital sphere too, launching projects like artofthetrench.com. The website invites users to upload pictures of themselves wearing Burberry trenchcoats, which have been made by the label since World War I. The result is a collage from around the world.

Burberry.com also features Burberry Bespoke, which lets users customize their own trench, down to buttons and belts.

Ahrendts wants Burberry online and Burberry offline to be seamless for customers. But it's not without challenges in a digital world where fashion buyers can become overwhelmed with emails, tweets and others messages.

"How do we keep the brand so cool and so pure and so relevant so it cuts through that clutter?" she wonders — then answering her own question. "But by the same token how do we keep the marketing and the communication much more customized and personalized."

Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012

It’s that time of year again as ARCHANA ACHAL heads over to Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 to pick the best of upcoming trends. Cue the lights and funky music! Welcome to the fashion event of the season!

The lights dimmed before every show and a sultry voice welcomed us to Lakmé Fashion Week in a crisp English accent. The levels of excitement were the same for every show, no matter which designer was showcasing his/her collection. Black cloth covers were quickly whipped off to reveal a white, black or multi-hued ramp and the crowd hushed, waiting for the first model to sashay down the walkway. LFW as it is known calls in the best designers twice a year to showcase their collections for the season. Apart from the stalwarts of fashion, there are many up and coming designers grouped under the Talent Box, and this season, their designs were very impressive as well. As stated by one of the designers, Debarun, LFW was the starting platform for him when he made his debut in 2007, helping him expand his visibility nationally and internationally. He also stated that buyers looking for new talent in India come to LFW, making a large impact on the fashion scene. While designer Shyma Shetty of ‘Huemn by Pranav Mishra and Shyma Shetty’ agreed that the response from the public and buyers has been good this season, the number of buyers seem to have dropped a little this year. Still, another established designer Archana Kochhar maintained that LFW helps designers meet potential buyers while promoting young designers to showcase their creativity.

The massive scale of the show cannot be denied, being one of the main fashion events of the year. It sets trends across the board, as is agreed upon by all designers we spoke to. So here’s what we spotted and what you can expect from Indian fashion for the coming season.

Cutting it fine

Sleek and elegant contrasted with voluminous when it came to silhouettes chosen by the designers for their collections. In keeping with the wintry feel, maxi dresses and evening gowns were on almost every runway, along with lehengas and free-flowing anarkalis for the festive season. Floor-grazing gowns came with slinky cutouts like the ones seen at the Vizyon show, or with heaps of embroidery and lace to add to the dramatic feel. Athithi Gupta’s collection also featured the cutout trend in ultra-feminine jackets. The asymmetric cut was also very prominent, with many designers opting for one-shoulder dresses. Asa Kazingmei’s beautifully asymmetric dress with tribal print caught the eye of everyone at the show.

What we suggest: Everyone should have one dramatic evening gown in their wardrobe! But the asymmetric cut may not be suitable for all body types. One shoulder dresses are an easy way to stay in trend, or choose a short dress with a train to retain drama without compromising on flattering shapes.

Print this

The colours and prints at LFW this season stuck to three major trends – sombre autumn colours, shades of blue and tribal or geometric/graphic prints. Deepika Govind’s Pop Patola collection celebrated the Patan Patola double Ikat weaving style in an array of bright colours while Archana Kochhar’s saris sported geometric prints in black, white and green shades. Slashed sleeves were also all the rage in nude or peach colours, seen on sari blouses on the ramp. Monochrome and colour blocking continued to stay in trend, especially black and white, like in the dresses by Kallol Dutta for the Grand Finale. Saris in white and cream, embroidered with red, gold and silver thread were a beautiful sight on the runway.

What we suggest: A grand sari with geometric print is a great buy for the festive season but keep the print simple. If you don’t have an LBD yet, it’s time to buy one!

All the rest

With winter rolling around, jackets are a must in your wardrobe. The designers at LFW went from ‘80s style work jackets with exaggerated shoulder pads to slinky numbers with lots of shine. Embellished shoulders, both detachable and attached, are also right on trend. Sheer fabric was on almost every piece at the shows. Sheer blouses with rhinestones jazzed up simple saris while evening gowns benefited from light sheer at the décolletage. Leather mixed with fur and silk showed up on jackets and skirts while silk was the fabric of choice for all festive wear.

Some designers changed the game with differently-draped saris, keeping the pallu wrapped around the neck like a scarf. Shivan & Narresh’s much anticipated bikini sari made its appearance as well to thunderous applause. Palazzo and pajama pants kept things casual. Opulence was key to the festive pieces, with each designer topping the previous with voluminous lehengas and heavily embroidered tops.

What we suggest: Pick up one piece that will add some fun to your wardrobe and dare to be different. Sheer fabrics are key. High waist pants are back in full swing so pick up a pair.

This season was all about difference. From dubstep versions of the Zee Horror Show’s theme song to black paper butterflies hanging from the ceiling, designers were at their funky best. Watch out for the young talent, as their shows showcased more haute couture than prêt.

Top 10 Fashion Ad Campaigns of 2012

LuxeInACity, an interactive guide to luxury cities from around the world, curated the top 10 Fashion Ad Campaigns of 2012.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC (PRWEB) December 24, 2012
Creating that distinctively recognizable yet truly original ad campaign can be a challenge even for luxury fashion houses of Paris, New York, Milan and London. Top fashion brands are renowned for pulling all stops to ensure the individuality of their ad campaigns. Enlisting renowned fashion photographers such as Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Tim Walker and duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and hiring the “of-the-moment” models such as Karmen Pedaru, Bianca Balti, Joan Smalls & Saskia de Brauw, fashion houses aim to maximize their chance of success.

LuxeInACity.com, a curated luxury magazine, has crafted their 2012 list of the very best fashion ad campaigns of the year.

Top 10 Fashion Ad Campaigns of 2012 are:
1- Dolce & Gabbana Fall Winter 2012 - La Famiglia: Set in a traditional Sicilian village, the fashion campaign aims to transcend the many familial values of the luxury brand. Italian beauties Bianca Balti, Monica Bellucci and Bianca Brandolini D’Adda pose while lace making, embroidering and cross-stitching.
2- Prada Fall Winter 2012 – Futuristic Game: Transposing cinematic shots to create a 'virtual labyrinth of fantasy and reality', Prada’s campaign is full of geometric shapes and patterns creating a futuristic video game-inspired look.

3- Lanvin Fall Winter 2012 - Real People: To keep it real and fresh, Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz decided to photograph real women and men, ranging from 18 to 90, creating a regal to punkish ad campaign.
4- Louis Vuitton Fall Winter 2012 – Train Travel: Set onboard a Louis Vuitton luxury train which was deconstructed, shipped then reassembled in New York City, the features a cast of beautifully clothed models embarked on a historical voyage.

5- Michael Kors Spring Summer 2012 - The Safari: Making us dream of adventure and voyage, the fashion campaign is set on an African safari of style.

6- Mulberry Spring Summer 2012 - Fun-in-the-Sun: The Mulberry models are all about having summer fun in lovely Brighton while they pose next to playful giant ice cream cones.

7- Gucci Spring Summer 2012 – Golden Style: A golden experience showcasing beautiful models lavishly dressed in golden attires, the Gucci campaign is bright as the summer sun.

8- Valentino Spring Summer 2012 - Summer Romance: Set in Pezos, an abandoned mining town in Mexico, the fashion campaign evokes a feminine & poetic fantasy of delicate Valentino style.

9- Chanel Spring Summer 2012 - Cap-Eden-Roc: Shot at the prestigious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes on the French Riviera, the fashion campaign suggests athleticism fun in the Mediterranean sun.
10- Mulberry Autumn Winter 2012 – Fairytale Travels: Set in an enchanted yet dark forest reminiscent of a children’s fairytale, the Mulberry campaign includes two bespoke, giant forest creatures that hints of of fantasy travels.

Fashion store H&M to open in Luton

Shoppers at The Mall in Luton will be treated to more fabulous fashion when top high street store H & M opens on November 22.

To celebrate, the first 100 customers through the H&M doors from 11am will receive gift cards ranging in value from £5-£50 to spend in the store on opening day.

The new store will employ around 20 members of full and part-time staff including management positions.

The Mall marketing manager Julian Dow said: “We are very excited to welcome H &M to The Mall Luton, their wide range of fashion and accessories is set to be a big hit with our shoppers and will provide a fantastic addition to the strong fashion offer we already have at The Mall.”

H&M replaces shops Blue Inc, Herbert Brown, Krisp, and Millets, and will occupy over 1,7000 square metres on two levels.

It’s one of the world’s largest fashion brands, offering its customers fashion and quality at the best price.

Whether shoppers are a fan of the flamboyant or prefer a mixture of glamour and grunge, the diverse range of fashion and accessories at the new store will appeal to all those looking to create their own look and style .

H& M opened its first UK store in 1976 and currently has a portfolio of 214 stores across the UK & Ireland, as well as offering online shopping in the UK at hm.com, including H&M Home.

Filipino fashion designers ‘have what it takes to make it’—AFX finalist

Filipino fashion designers are able to compete on the international stage because of their talent, they just don’t know it.

Thus said Mike Yapching—a finalist at the 2011 Audi Star Creation fashion design competition held in the Asian Fashion Exchange (AFX) in Singapore—about his fellow Filipino designers.
“Filipinos don’t know how good they are,” Yapching said during an interview with INQUIRER.net at the launch of the 2013 AFX.

“[They] should push [themselves] to the limit and see how far that will take [them], it took me to Singapore,” he said.

He encouraged other fashion designers in the country to join the design competition. “They should take a risk, there’s nothing to lose,” he said.

Yapching, a native of Cebu, made it into the final round of the 2012 Audi Star Creation fashion design competition besting 144 others from 13 countries in Asia.

He was one of six Filipinos who competed. In contrast, neighbors Thailand and Indonesia had 20 entries each.

“If one out of six entries can make it all the way to the finals amidst the 144 entries received in 2011, this illustrates the amount of talented designers we have in the country and Filipino designers should be willing to take the chance,” Sherina Chan, Singapore Tourism Board Area Director for Philippines and Brunei said in a statement.

When he joined, he had very little budget and had to ask for family and friends to sponsor him for the competition, he said.

“The government is really not helping the fashion community here, but we have a lot of people in the fashion community helping each other out,” he said.

With financial support from one of her aunts abroad, Yapching was able to join the competition and eventually made it up to the finals.

“Audi Star Creation is a real opportunity for people to take in your designs, and learn what you stand for and believe in,” Yapching said.

“Although I didn’t feel I was ready to participate in something so big at the beginning, looking back, I don’t regret submitting my entry because this experience has taught me to be more confident in my work and to be exposed to different design techniques and the marketing side of fashion,” he said.

Entries are being accepted for the 2013 design competition up to January 31, 2013. Those who want to join simply have to send their sketches and entries for the competition free of charge.

Designers who are between 16 and 35 years old with less than two years of experience in the fashion industry are eligible to join. The theme for 2013 is “InspirASIAN” and the grand winner will get S$10,000 in cash and have a one year internship with FJ Benjamin, a well-known fashion retailer.

“Given the huge amount of design talent here in the Philippines, the AFX would be an excellent platform for Filipino designers to participate in,” Chan said.

“We also encourage the Philippines’ fashion design institutions, publications and retail sector to be supportive of the event and leverage the strengths of AFX for greater exposure globally,” she said.