Fashion can be Fun

Throughout my previous blog posts, I have tended to prattle on about analytical issues and information. I deem it necessary now to explore the actual basis behind my topic...the fashion itself! Let's begin to take a look at some memorable fashion trends, trendsetters, and those who leave all stupefied with their hideous fashions! I'd like to begin the series with some popular spring 2010 fashion trends as found on this site. To summarize, the motif is that of tight, short, revealing, and structured. A few distinct specific trends are that of the everpopular military fashion making another comeback as well as jump suits, colors, knee high socks, and short shorts to name a few (Above is a picture noting such trends). Well, I am sure you all are wondering at this point- well why do we have such odd seemingly form-fitting trends these daysthat every one seems to adore? Ah :) good question! So begins my explanation and connection to another blog...(Stay Tuned!)

Food for Thought...

-Each year, over $250 billion is spent on fashion (including accessories) in the United States and over $20 billion in revenue is generated annually.

-Over 4 million people are employed in this industry which includes the following areas: design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, retailing, advertising, communications, publishing and consulting. -In 2006, the United States captured $595.171 billion in total exports following China,Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Germany, Pakistan, and Thailand respectively. Could a deeply rooted American quest for total dominance over everything have influenced a spike in the industry due to the need to compete? Are big businesses inciting the growth of the industry in order to beat the competition and add another somewhat more secure layer to the troubled economy? Only time will tell.......

-The following is an interesting page on fashion designers themselves including employment outlook, competition and average wages. The page says that "Competition for jobs is expected to be keen as many applicants are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation". There are not too many jobs out there that allow for creativity and economic prosperity. Creativity, glamour, and generally making people feel better about themselves are the rudiments of the industry. Bright colors and shiny objects tend to appeal more to most than
charts and sets of data in any other typical job. If one cannot design it due to the stiff competition, then why not use all of it as a distraction from the mundane world?...

Easy as 1,2,3...A,B,C...

Fashion has grown to become more than a choice of clothing rather it has grown to become a choice of lifestyle. For example, on any given day, if one takes a glance at the fashion and style section of www.nytimes.com, it is clearly about more than clothing. Upon my last glance, I saw an article on a social networking site, a new hidden eating establishment in New York, and an advice column on how to handle awkward situations. Fashion clearly encompasses a multitude of facets within society. There are some designers or clothing centered stores who have crossed industries so to speak and thus hae both clothing and home furnishing lines. One example of such includes that of H&M's up and coming Home Collection. Life can almost be purchased in a single package; people may customize their lives with a list of easy options and not have to feel stressed. Current trends may help to make decisions for people who would rather not deal with the fuss and such.

And Finally Part 3...

“I don't think we ever thought to become huge. It was always a born making things that we liked. Also important is that we always change. This is the most important thing for Gianni. He could do the same thing over and over again and still be successful. But he doesn't. In Italian there is an expression: ‘We don't sleep on the fame.'”—Donatella Versace Interview Magazine

A few months back, I was reading a tell-all book, The House of Versace, and just couldn't get it out of my mind. Despite years of financial hardship, uncertainty, death, and rocky relations, the iconic fashion label, Versace , has withheld the test of time. The late Gianni Versace, mastermind behind the entire brand, employed many including his own brother as a financial consultant/accountant and his sister Donatella as a bit of a muse and design consultant. The Versace family finds its roots in a sleepy little town in southern Italy. Gianni Versace first became interested in fashion during his childhood as his mother owned a small tailor made shop while his father worked in some field of finance. With Gianni's influence, the shop began to sell clothing from other parts of the country as well as support a few of Gianni's handmade pieces. He began to work as more of a fashion merchandiser when he grew older and finally broke away to a small clothing company where he eventually made them quite prosperous. After a few seasons at the small company, Versace decided to finally go out on his own; thus, the magic began. The Versace brand still remains strong since its foundation 1978. Thus, the common theme prevalent among all three persons is that of hard work. All three pursued careers in the industry more or less as a result of some sort of passion for the fashion. All express that underlyng messageof never giving up on yourself and that of enhancing your life. That is a big part of fashion and such if you truly consider it. Every person is a diamond in the rough waiting to be polished until they shine.

Another Tale of a Normal Person Who Rose From Obscurity...

Karlie Kloss-"To say that Karlie Kloss is straddling two worlds would be putting it mildly. On one hand, she's reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic The Great Gatsby for her eleventh-grade English class, she drinks hot chocolate, not coffee, and she recently go her driver's license enthusing, 'I cruise around to absolutely nowhere!' On the other hand, she's the new face of fashion. She logged more than 150,000 airline miles just in the last year, is on a first-name basis with Karl Langerfeld, and is considered by some to be the next great American supermodel".
-Source: May 2010 issue Teen Vogue magazine

While my first tale serves to teach that it is never too late to do what you dream of and to be willing to take chances, this tale serves to inspire a younger generation that they too can become whatever they desire. However, it gives a bit of an idealistic view on the world. If one does not genuinely have talent or skill of some sort, he or she is not likely to succeed; Kloss was a natural whose rise to fame occurred at a gradual pace. In that sense, the fashion industry and its many facets serve to provide an alternate reality where everyone is to be equal. Youthful persons may have unrealistic expectations of themselves that overall can result in a bit of a disillusioned society if many people are affected. Reality shows may at times lead people to believe that one can achieve success and fame in the industry in a matter of weeks.

"I never imagined myself doing this. Doors opened for me and I ran for it."-WWD Beauty Biz

NOTE: I found another story of a young person acheiving success in the fashion industry. This is similar save for the fact the girl is a ten year old designer, not model. She has already been a guest at New York Fashion Week (trailed by a German TV crew), launched a e-commerce site and garnered corporate sponsors and interest from several TV producers. Cassini remained focused from a very young age and acheived success quickly. "She just wants to sew dresses and inspire other kids" her manager commented.

From Humble Beginnings...

This is the true story of Robbie Meyers. Her journey is but one of many in the fashion industry proving that one may become whatever he or she wishes to be if one becomes very dedicated to the ultimate goal. Meyers, the daughter of a couple of "hippies", grew up in the midwest and attended Colorado State University on a diving scholarship. After graduating from the University in 1982, Meyers moved to New York determined to enter the magazine business. Her friends at a local company arranged for her to interview for an entry-level job; however, she failed the typing test and thus did not receive the job. Another friend told her about an open editiorial assistant position at Rolling Stone. Meyers proceeded to hound the magazine about the job and even showed up at the editor's house. After landing the interview, determined to not repeat her mistakes, Meyers purchased a $2.50 book on typing, passed the test that Monday, and got the job at Rolling Stone. After a few years, Meyers landed an editor position at one magazine then was quickly promoted to a seniority position then editor in chief at Elle. Driven, yet down to earth, Meyers worked to acheive her dream voyaging from a small town in the midwest all the way to the magazine business in New York where she landed the position of editor with Elle, one of the top women's magazines in the United States. "Enthusiasm counts for a lot. Motivation counts for a lot." said Meyers in a recent interview of which one may rcontinue to read by clicking here. Stories such as this one are almost like a fairy-tale as it rarely happens thus providing a constant entertainment value to anyone who follows the industry closely.

America's Sweetheart

With various competition reality shows involving fashion or the fashion industry, like modeling or designing, judges always select a winner out of a small pool of finalists. While the initial moment(s) of the champion's glory excite(s) many, the little known inspirational stories of models, designers, and editors that "make it" on their own merit or are discovered out of a pool of millions, are truly inspirational. They are that select few that are good role models and sources of inspiration for the young and old alike. Inspirational stories help all to believe that anything is possible and to believe in the power of dreams as well as values of dedication, perseverance, and hard work applicable to any life. I shall proceed to share true tales of how hard work, perseverance, and dedication paid off for 3 people who have made a name for themselves in the fashion industry. May their stories serve as an inspiration to all to live life to the fullest and to never give up that one day things might work out. Hard work does pay off in the scheme of things. Enclosed, below, is an interesting article I found noting the very beginnings of some of the careers of the most recognizable supermodels in the world.
On a further note, be sure to take a look back at some of my older posts as I now have too many for all of them to be displayed at once.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Do-You-Know-HowSuperMODELSgotDiscovered

The Project Runway Effect Part 2...

Refering back to part one, Tim Gunn, a fashion guru and advisor to the designers on the show, always provides commentary that helps designers improve thus helping the viewing audience improve by informing them of possible trends or what might look good in accordance with their general preferences. Gunn's catchphrase "make it work" in addition to any other satirical commentary make the show fun to watch and the competitors personalities also add that positive light element to the show.

The Project Runway Effect...

Similarly to that of the show America's Next Top Model, featuring various women each season vying for a cash prize, modeling contract, and general fame, comes the series Project Runway. Project Runway, however, features various men and women each season vying for the chance to display their fashion creations in New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion week. Reality shows in general have that effect upon people; fantasies of a great lifestyle become numerous as it appears the average person can have everything in a matter of weeks. Interest in fashion and the industry also peak as more people discover that there are average, once struggling, people out there fulfilling their dreams. The creative aspect of a show like Project Runway applies to the entire industry as well. Trends at times can be creative ones, albeit the past present or future or a compilation of various styles. Reality shows can be that bit of a tease, further enticing one to thirst for more information about fashion and to seek an awareness of trends.. The various hosts, judges, and participants each season add a fantastic entertainment value with their personalities and commentaries. In summary, reality shows can provide inspiration, wisdom, and hours of entertainment.

Note: There is a part 2.

Connections...

"[Styles of the past] look good and help [people] reconnect with a past which was not as complicated as the world today". Although it is but one aspect of clothing in general, reviving trends from the past helps people to recall good memories as well as to forget times that might not have been so great. Classic favorites such as the little black dress or simple skirts flatter every generation. However, trends can also help people to connect to the future in their own country as well as on a global spectrum. "Cutting-edge fashion from Japanese and french designers is often in the forefront of somewhat, unisex, unique pieces." Metallurgic wear or clothing with asymmetrical or blunt features blatantly coincides with the increasingly modern world chock full of new technology often involving new appliances, vehicles, or computer related items. Select trends from the past are still present and new, often odd fashions, help to connect with the future. It remains a choice of an individual whether to remain in the past where it can feel comfortable or whether to be on the cutting edge and keep pace with the modern world. These are not the only choices that one may adorn themselves with. Fashion is appealing for those reasons but it leaves that room for expression whether to follow past /classic, present, or future trends. One never looks bad if he or she elects to wear a classic piece, but by following present and future style trends, in a sense, help to improve what others might think of a person such as whether or not the person might be innovative, creative, or just plain average. One can dress in accordance of how they might want others to view them such as whether one wants to be viewed as a professional or not. The choice of style marks a significant stance in life as to whether or not one may be trying to compete also.

Sands of the Hourglass...

Inevitably, there comes a point when feeling comfortable with one's self and one's position in the world is synonymous with conformity. Fashion is appealing in that sense that one can fit in and one can feel good about themselves. It may be comforting to some to give in to media influence and buy whatever is promoted at the moment to avoid general negative judgment. However, where does one draw the line between the fashion of conformity and the fashion of individuality? "We are controlled by what we can buy in shops, and when yellow is not in season, even if you really wanted to wear yellow, it would be hard to get". As something becomes more fashionable, more and more people will follow suit, wearing and styling along with whatever current fashion. Therefore, what used to be seen as an expression of individuality and independence, could eventually become fashion, when it is exposed to more people? In a sense, fashion can take that aspect of uncertainty out of life through making the different the norm. Soon afterwards, it is possible to stake the claim that a certain style one elects to wear is cutting edge as few have been exposed to it. However, styles eventually die, style does not die. There are some classic styles handed down from generation to generation that appeal to almost every body type. An example of such style includes a designer who revamped the classic Keds. Some designers, such as Valentino or D&G, mentioned in the song below have been around for years. The public can instill their trust in them to help make "Looking Good" easy as their fashions have withstood the test of time and fair share of criticism.


Everybody line up
The show is about to start Places, the show is about to start
You have to show a look, have a look, or give a look Faces, beautiful No one ugly allowed (Laughing) Are you ready? Here we go
Fashion is the art, designers are the gods Models play the part of angels in the dark
Which one of you would ever dare to go against That beauty is a trade and everyone is paid Fashionista, how do you look? Fashionista, how do you look?
New York, London, Paris, Milan Tokyo, I think it's in Japan Asia, Malaysia, Las Vegas to play LA, if you pay my way
Fashionista, how do you look? Fashionista, how do you look? Fashionista, how do you look? Fashionista, how do you look?
(Who you wearing?) Sean John, Calvin Klein Donna Karan's fashion line Valentino, YSL Ferragamo and Chanel Holsten, Gucci, Figla, Rucci Don't forget my Pucci Fendi and Armani God, I miss Gianni Kenneth Cole, Michael Korrs Mr. Ford I can't afford D&G and BCBG
Looking good is never easy
-"Fashionista" by Jimmy James

Note: This song has been edited for content as well as length.

On Top?...

Looking back to my previous posts, many aspire to become of higher profile position in life and in the fashion industry. The glamour, attention, fame, recognition from others, and an escape to a busier life with famous people are great appeals of the industry. The epitome of the recipient of such benefits is that of a model or fashion designer. Many view modeling as a ticket to a better life; in the scheme of things actually becoming one is a bit like the overall situation in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A select number receive the privilege while only few actually reach the utmost pinnacle of success. Reality shows, like America's Next Top Model, romanticize the process of making it into the industry. Such shows, like ANTM, make it seem as if one can easily achieve fame in a few weeks. The appeal is to the commoners that everything is theirs for the taking; if one follows the rules, then attention and fame may be granted.

On the other end of the spectrum, some simply follow fashion and models in an attempt to find out what would make them feel more attractive. "400-600 advertisements bombard us everyday in magazines, on billboards, on tv, and in newspapers. One in eleven has a direct message about beauty, not even counting the indirect messages" We all aspire to improve ourselves in some manner. Fashion and feeling or looking attractive is the true golden ticket to a better life; it is an easy way to establish control in an otherwise chaotic world of such ubiqitous media detailing magic cures to our alleged flaws and feel comfortable in our own in spite of media influence.

Behind Closed Doors...

Fashion can be an escape. With editorials shot in the tropics and annual fashion shows across the globe in such places as Paris or New York, it is fairly easy for a person to become enamored with such a jet-setting lifestyle that few actually consistently live. The renowned fashion week takes place in various cities throughout the world throughout the entire year with the most infamous being the semiannual shows taking place in the fashion capitals- New York. London, Milan, and Paris. In the early 1900s, fashion shows served primarily to entice customers into coming into various stores while in the 1920s shows grew to become more elaborate thus luring thousands of people into attending.
Nowadays, shows of the most famous designers are closed to the general public with admittance being granted to only those with an invitation. For example, "The online schedule for the [fashion week] in New York states quite clearly 'Entry by Invitation Only, Not Open to the Public". The mystique and air of mystery behind shoots and shows peaks the curiosity of the average citizen as he or she might never be granted access to such events. With celebrities, designers, models, and staff from magazines or newspapers flocking to the central meccas during the year, it is truly a wonder as to what the fuss is all about; all the average person sees is a few pictures online or short clips of a show. Such short bits of information make people thirst for more and keeps everyone wondering as to what the city is like or what the famous at the shows in the various cities will be doing next. People may aspire to be deemed worthy enough to be able to receive an invitation. The fashion industry keeps people guessing albeit about what the new spring or fall line looks or what inside secrets lay hidden within the labyrinth of the fashion industry. From a psychological, as well as marketing standpoint, the concept seems fairly basic. Deny the masses a luxury or some vital information and they will seek to want it more. A lack of access to an event that one wanted to go to would only make them want to go more or go again the next time; admittance to the events is similar to that of an owner hanging a treat over a dog's head. The dog gets the treat when the owner wants to give it. Occasionally, an owner might drop it or feel sympathetic and give in but usually the owner retains control. Designers can control the public and excite them by not giving in.

Self Discovery and Worth

"...please! it's all about popular. it's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed, so it's very shrewd to be, very very popular like ME! "-Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

Do you need to make a statement or follow the mainstream?First appearances are very important in society. When first viewing someone nowadays, many people tend to instantly judge one another based upon appearance without taking the time to get to form deeper connections; however, unfortunately, feelings of disconnectedness and/or isolation define our modern society. When people follow trends, they can be sure to almost instantly have a kindred bond with someone else that is dressed in an aspect of the style trend and have that connection. Following trends can also help people to gain confidence as clothing originates from the very popular designers, albeit they be celebrities involved in entertainment or such or generally savvy people with renowned tradition of excellence in designing. Adolescents or twenty-somethings still seeking their identity find something upon which to link to and build the infrastructure of their lives around. However, true addicts might find themselves forgetting about "not so fashion conscious friends" or trying to change friends in an attempt to live up to some standard. Many adopt a mainstream style initially and later go on to find what suits them best. A unique sense of style apart from the mainstream coincides with a generally comfortable position and being happy with who you are.

Lessons Learned

• First impressions are very powerful. Keeping up to date in your attire is a sure-fire way to make that first impression remarkable and make you the talk of the town.
• Vulnerable youth of all ages tend to dress like others, who follow trends, in a greater position of power or follow trends themselves to gain respect or acknowledgement from peers as well as develop self-worth and confidence. Popularity coincides with this as others can validate one's acceptability or worthiness through clothing. Overall, its appealing because it seems to be a key to success by fitting in with other successful people following trends.
  
• Overall, it takes time to develop one's identity and sense of self. Following trends at first, ie. in the teenage years or twenties, is a safe way to place a foothold in the world and a shift to one's own unique person or one's own unique style can come later when one finally feels comfortable enough to express him or herself or feels generally secure in life.

------http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-You-Addicted-To-Fashion-Eight-Tell-Tale-Signs&id=435989

An introduction...

The fashion industry and all of its components have serious intrinsic flaws. On the outside, everything seems perfect...and yet things are not what they seem. Average men and women across the nation, who follow fashion closely, simply cannot compete with the unattainable standards involving both appearance and expenses. Why are high fashion and the fashion industry in general so appealing despite negative press regarding the subjects? Aditionally, along those same lines, why do people follow trends?
Throughout my tenure as a blogger, I shall delve into as well as provide a more analytical objective explanation behind the success of the multi-billion dollar empire in regards to the effects on average people as well as economic effects.