L’elite Magazine
July / August 2011
Classically Chanel Eastern Standard Set in Style
Let’s Get Dressed
We sat down with Ally Hilfiger and Nary Manivong, designers behindtheNAHMcollectionandstarsofthedocumentary,Dressed.
“We’re not a luxury, we’re a lifestyle.” L’elite Magazine.com Our mantra at L’elite Magazine speaks to who we are as a publication. We are a lifestyle and we want to share our perspective of what a great lifestyle is with you, the reader. Saint Augustine once said, “To seek the highest good is to live well.” We want to assist you in living well, being well, and looking well by providing you thought provoking content. Part of living well is giving back and we are pleased to announce The L’elitist Movement, our 2011-2012 philanthropic initiative. The campaign will commence with our September Issue. L’elite Magazine will donate 100% of our subscription proceeds to The Voss
Foundation to assist with clean water projects in sub-Saharan Africa. The Voss Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps communities meet the need for clean drinking water and retain self-sufficiency. The L’elitist Movement shares with you the opportunity to change someone’s life in a positive way, just by doing what you’ve already done. We want to give you the ability to change the world, one subscription at a time. We continue to elevate our standards and strive not to fall short of yours. It is you, our reading family that make our publication what it is today.
Kind Regards,
Mishell R. Brookins Editor-at-Large
L’elite Contents
July/August 2011
Page 3
L’elitist Letter
Page 10
Feathers
Page 10
Black & White
Page 11
Moisturizing In Moderation
Page 11
Stay Sun Kissed, Not Sunburn
Page 12
Summer Lip Color
Page 13
Out with the Old & in with the Hue
Page 13
Hermés: Taking Sophistication into the Home
Page 14
Set in Style
Page 18
Little Black Dress
Page 20
Hem for Her
Page 24
Interview with Nary Manivong & Ally Hilfiger
Page 26
Eastern Standard
Page 32
Chanel Pays Homage to the Byzantine
Page 38
Unconventional Medicine: Breath, Yoga & Meditation
Page 40
Interview with Eric Jenkins
Page 44
The Return of the One-Piece
Page 63 Page 46
Hugo Boss Supports the Arts
Page 50
Classically Chanel
Page 54
Does Art Deco Still Exist?
Page 56
Mi Casa es Su Casa, A Look At DVF Home Collection
Page 60
Influence: A Journey of FashionInspired Design
Page 68
What’s in Your Closet?
Page 69
The Summer Read
Page 70
A Blazer That Suits You
Page 54
Bloomingdales
fashion
&beauty Feathers Feeling your outfit is a little dull today? Well, nothing can spice up an outfit more this season than some feathers. As the feather fashion trend flutters around again, feathers are everywhere from jewelry to jackets, to the bottoms of skirts and dresses and even to hair extensions. High-end designers such as Alexander McQueen, Emanuel Ungaro, Giambattista Valli, Chanel and Oscar de la Renta have all featured feathers in their collections this season really bringing the feather trend to the fore. But, if you’re not ready to pull off a feather trimmed skirt just yet, first try out this new trend with a pair of feather earnings. Stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Vanessa Hudgens and Jessica Biel have all been spotted with their own feathery pair. Feather earrings will add the perfect finishing touch to all of your bohemian summer looks and you can even dress them up or down. For an evening look, go with a gold or silver metallic pair. For a fun, daytime look, go with a brightly colored pair. Dramatic, yet playful, feathers add just the right amount of flair to any outfit.
Black
& White
This summer, black and white may be the only colors you’ll need as black and white fashions once again defy time and maintain their well-earned place as the main colors for the season. Hot on the runways for the summer, many designers, such as Michael Kors, had particularly beautiful uses for these two classics, knowing you can never go wrong with the traditional black and white outfit.
Not only have black and white been popular on the runway this season, but classic white alone has made a big hit as a loyal favorite among top designers. As a symbol of purity and naturalness, classic white is a gorgeous color to wear, not to mention it contrasts beautifully with any summer tan. This summer is white hot. The little white dress is this seasons chicest fashion trend.
Moisturizing in Moderation We all know that too much of a good thing can be bad, but is the saying true when it comes to moisturizing your skin? Yes! Moisturizing should not happen more than two times a day. Over moisturizing can lead to less than desirable results like acne, clogged pores and dermatitis (inflamed, itchy skin). Surprisingly the most frequent reason for skin sensitivity and dryness is too much moisturizer. When used too often it leads your skin to depend on the moisturizer. If you are like most women who moisturize to reverse signs of aging or sun damage, the best time to moisturize is right after a bath or shower, which allows the freshly exfoliated skin to fully seal in the moisture, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and healthy.
Applying too much moisturizer in a single use is just as bad as over using it. Too much moisturizer can cause skin to look lackluster instead of radiant; your skin will not be able to absorb the excess moisturizer which will lead to
clogged pores and even dryness. However, do not get discouraged and throw your favorite bottle of moisturizer out, just use it sparingly and only as often as you brush your teeth, and you are sure to have skin softer than silk.
STAY SUN KISSED, NOT SUNBURNED: the Truth about SPF SPF simply stands for sun protection factor, but what does that really mean? The scientific explanation is that it is the multiple of how long you can be out in the sun without getting burned. The method scientists use to figure out the SPF of each sun block is to test how long 20 people without any sort of protection can stay in the sun without being burned. Then, they see how long it takes them to burn with sunscreen, all while measuring the amount of UV rays. After this, they divide the “with sunscreen” number by the “without sunscreen” number and round to the nearest five. Let’s say you are safe for 10 minutes in the sun before you burn and you put on sun block
with SPF 15, you should be able to sit pool side for a good 150 minutes without any problems. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Aside from the fact that your sunscreen wears off in the water or from sweat, the average person does not use as much sunscreen as they do in the experiment. Before you reach for that safety net in a bottle of SPF 50 and think your sun problems are solved, note that SPF does not increase exponentially. SPF 15 absorbs 93.3% of UVB rays and SPF 30 only increases to a 96.7% absorption rate. There are two types of UV rays the sun radiates, UVB rays are the rays that cause sunburn and UVA rays are the ones that have more long-term effects like premature aging. A higher SPF number does mean a higher protection rate against UVB rays and a longer amount of time in the sun without having to suffer from sunburn. Just know that the most effective method of protecting your skin is reapplying whichever sunscreen you do choose as often as possible.
• For women with fair
Perhaps one of the hottest trends of summer 2011 is bold and bright lipstick, and it is all over Hollywood.
skin, try orange and coral shades of red. This more subtle shade will help warm up your skin tone, making a stunning difference.
Some people say that they’re bringing it back; others say it never left. Regardless, you have to figure out a way to make it work for you. We know it is here to stay this summer and no matter what your complexion or face shape, there is a shade out there for you.
• For women with medium
skin, a more pink and cherry tone will work best with your olive skin. Stick to a more flat color, and avoid very shiny shades.
From Marilyn Monroe to Meagan Fox, celebrities show that bright red lips can give you a smile unmatched by any other look. It is safe to say that this look will last, and it is worth investing in a quality lipstick as your newest accessory. Bold lipstick is capable of capturing many unique looks. If you’re worried you have too pale of a complexion, don’t be fooled. With the right shade of red you are able to brighten your skin tone and enhance your eyes. It is easy to get confused with so many options available, but remember these simple guidelines when choosing your shade. So ditch the lip gloss and pick up a lip stick. If it’s a very fancy night out, add an even more dramatic touch by using a lip liner in a similar color. Not only will your lips look more defined, but your smile will be unmatched. Check out Dior’s Addict Lipsticks, Lancome’s L’Absolu Rouge, or Clinique’s Long Last Lipstick lines for some stunning colors.
• For women with a darker
complexion feel free to go with deep reds, even burgundy shades. Don’t be afraid to pick one with a shine to it either.
• Dior Addict Lipsticks • Clinique Long Last Lipstick • Lancome L’Absolu Rouge
While the fickle weather and never-ending workload have left many of us a bit disenchanted with summer’s opening, Jil Sander, Dior and Diane Von Furstenberg have taken it upon themselves to bring some sunshine to their office. And by office I mean runway, of course. Currently, bright and neon colors are dominating the fashion scene. More and more designers are featuring bright colors in their spring and resort collections, while the street style and celebrity photographers are having a field day with the rainbow that has recently exploded among fashion’s elite. Purple is paired with green, orange or red, and an occasional print thrown in for good measure. These fashionistas live by one mantra: go bold or go home. Though, since we don’t all have the guts to don bright green among the ho hum of black and beige, there is a chic alternative that is equally as trendy, though less drastic: Lipstick. Bright pinks, oranges, corals and of course the classic red, are flying off the shelves everywhere from Chanel to your local Target. In her spring/summer runway show, Jil Sander featured a bright pink lip color, while Dior’s red complimented the bold prints of the line. Coral, however, seems to be the frontrunner, popping up everywhere from Diane Von Furstenberg
In a world where chefs become television stars, television stars become authors, and authors become designers, multitasking is the new craze. Everyone, from actresses to designers, look for a way to expand their empire. In a transition slightly more classy than that of Paris Hilton’s move to pop stardom, Hermés, the 144-year-old design company, made famous by their leather pieces and silk scarves, now transitions into home design. Consistently putting their stamp of luxury on their brand, Hermés offers nothing less in home design. With their first home collection introduced in March of this year, it seems natural that a company that self proclaims itself “a home, a community of men and women,” should branch into the realm of home design for their next collection. The company considers it a
return to their roots, yet a simultaneous step forward, reaching for modernity in an uncharted area. Spanning a wide array of products, including bath linens, furniture, crystal tableware, and even ashtrays and candles, the Hermés company does not lose an ounce of its trademarked sophistication. Simple designs with a classic touch characterize the items, sure to add an effortless elegance to any home. The furniture is made with pear wood and natural cowhide, while the table sets, adorned with such patterns as colorful flowers or Andalusian designs, recall an earlier time or a foreign element. Even the children’s toys do not disappoint, with a hand-drawn coloring book as well as a spoon and fork made of sterling silver. At Hermés, the client is literally served on a silver platter.
and Fendi’s spring and summer collections to J-Crew’s recent catalogue. Model Jameela Jamil and actress Kate Bosworth have also been seen sporting the shade.
So, go and pick up a standout hue to walk with the ranks of the models. Though, incidentally, the walking will be taking place much closer to the ground.
hat could be better than spending a hot New York summer afternoon in the air-conditioned interior of one of America’s most gorgeous museums, while drooling over more than a century’s worth of some of the most drop-dead gorgeous jewelry that has every graced the world of haute couture? Seriously, I don’t think that anything could be. Nothing on earth could be better than the scenario I just described. Luckily for you, you still have one month for to make it happen. “Set In Style: The Jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels” will be a featured exhibit at Cooper-Hewitt, the National Design Museum in New York until July fourth, and it is an absolute must-see for lovers of fashion, jewelry, art, history or shiny things (and don’t we all really fit into
one or more of these categories?) The Parisian based Van Cleef & Arpels have been one of the most recognizable staples in the world of fashion and fine jewelry for more than a century, having opened their first boutique in Paris in 1906. Since that time the house has created some of the most stunning pieces in the world, and have designed pieces for such icons as Grace Kelley and Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to the beauty of the pieces, the house is responsible for some of the most important innovations in the world of fine jewelry, most notably the mystery setting. This painstaking process is unmatched by any other design houses in the world. The finished product is a jewel setting with no visible claws or indeed any visible setting at all. Several breath-
taking examples of this mystery setting technique are on display in the museum. The exhibit also tells the story of the design house’s expansion to New York in the aftermath of World War II, and details how this trans-Atlantic design house was able to adapt in order to serve both a European and an American market. The exhibit itself was designed by the French designer Patrick Jouin, who was inspired by both the unique perspective of America’s foremost design museum, and also by the rich history of the museum itself. Located in Manhattan, what is now Cooper-Hewitt that used to be the Carnegie mansion, and, as it previously housed a family that is essentially American royalty, the elegant environment is the perfect location to display these treasures.
Harpers Bazaar
Every Woman Should Have One… Do You? If you’re anything at all like me, the second you get a new fashion magazine, you immediately scan the contents for a certain article which will, with very few exceptions, be found within the confines of this thrilling new fashion tome. The names of the articles change, but common variations include: “5 Fashion Must-Haves,” “8 Staples of Any Wardrobe,” or “The Pieces You Need This Season.” You know what I’m talking about; it’s a list of investment-worthy pieces. These are the beautiful, easily adaptable, timeless and flattering items any fashion-conscious woman should have in her wardrobe. Trends come and go, but these last a lifetime.
Most of these items change from article to article, but there’s one piece that shows up again and again, and for good reason. Whether your skin tone is ebony or ivory and whether your body double is Twiggy or Marilyn Monroe, there is one item that will flatter absolutely every woman. I’m talking, of course, about the little black dress. If there’s one item that’s worth the high-end price tag, this is it. As it is adaptable for any occasion from a first date to a job interview and a girl’s night out, it doesn’t look like it will ever go out of style in my lifetime. In fact, this item pops up so often that we started to wonder where it came from, so naturally a trip to Wikipedia was necessary to find the answer. We
discovered that the little black dress came in vogue in the 1920s. When we say came in vogue, we mean that literally. The first picture of a little black dress to appear in a fashion magazine, was in American Vogue in 1926 and was designed by none other than the icon to end all icons, Coco Chanel. Before this time, black was seen as a color that was only appropriate for mourning, but Chanel, inspired by the paradigmshattering fashion of the flapper movement, created a relatively short, neutral toned dress designed to be easy-to-wear and sophisticated. Fashionistas immediately recognized the potential for this piece to become a major staple of the industry, and within years, it had gone from inappropriate to downright mandatory. Some of the trends Chanel started have been questioned as of late, most notably her signature suntan’s unhealthy side effects, but few if any doubt the staying power of the little black dress.
E
ver look at the hemline of a skirt or dress and wonder how it became the short length it is today? Well, it certainly wasn’t without a fight. Since the 1920s women’s hemlines have been shrinking and people have been resisting. But many courageous women fought long and hard to maintain the shortened length, which has given women today the freedom to choose any length above or below the knee that their heart desires. In the history of Western fashion, before World War I, women’s hemlines varied slightly between floorlength and slightly above the ankle-length. It wasn’t until 1915 that designers and couturiers first raised hemlines several inches above the floor when they created the wartime “crinoline” with a full, shortened skirt. Many women greeted this new look with pleasure and saw it as more practical and better suited to a time when women were entering the workforce at unprecedented levels. After the war, in 1925, skirt lengths continued to rise from ten to twelve inches above the floor and by 1927, they were raised to fifteen inches. Along with the hemlines, outrage against them also raised, as more conservative parties such as religious leaders and politicians tried to preserve the moral order of the previous century. During the 1930s, hemlines did fall, but only
for evening dress did they reach the floor. Women continued to wear shorter skirts during the day, now hemmed just above the ankle. This long, lean silhouette prevailed until the war years when regulations like L-85, issued by the U.S. government in April 1942, set skirt lengths at 17 inches above the floor and regulated other aspects of the cut of garments in an effort to conserve textiles. Following the war, the French designer Christian Dior brought the focus of fashion back to Paris when he introduced his 1947 collection dubbed “The New Look” by Harper’s Bazaar. The collection featured long, very full skirts that were a complete reversal of the wartime silhouette. While many greeted Dior’s new look with pleasure and a chance to regain their femininity, others protested the profligate use of material after the deprivations of the war. Despite the protests, the New Look gained popularity on both sides of the Atlantic and helped revive the fashion industry in Paris. Skirts continued to rise throughout the 1960s, and by 1966, the miniskirt was at the height of its popularity with the young. By 1968, most established designers in New York and Paris showed short skirts as well. However, in 1970, designers, along with manufacturers and retailers, introduced the midis-
kirt, originally defined as anything hemmed below the knee or above the ankle. As a result, women organized into groups such as POOFF (Preservation of Our Femininity and Finances), FADD (Fight Against Dictating Designers), and GAMS (Girls Against More Skirt) to protest the new look and preserve the short hemline. Although longer skirts prevailed in the 1970s and shorter skirts in the 1980s, since the battle of the midi, women triumphed over the war of the hemline. Today the length of a woman’s skirt is no longer dictated by fashion designers, the government, or political or religious groups; today the length of a woman’s skirt is her own personal choice.
How do you feel like the obstacles you overcame as a child have influenced your designs? Nary: First, it made me a better person. It gave me a lot of opportunities. I was able to kind of like take my past and try to take that and encourage myself along. Ally, Your collaboration seems to come very organically. What made you want to collaborate and come up with your line? Ally: I met Nary a few years back and I really respected him as a designer. Then he hired me to be a stylist for his fashion show. We worked so well together, we decided to start a new, fresh clothing line together and to partner as a design duo and become a real team. We both felt really comfortable with each other’s interests and style aesthetics. Where do you think the focus of your line is going to go for this upcoming season? Nary: There are a lot of great things happening. We’re going to stick with our shirt and dress collection, but we’re going to add new trends and new colors and take it from there. We’re not going to give up too many details. We’re going to wait. Ally: We’re going to have a lot more depth. Our first one was a really great start and now we’re adding to the depth of the collection. It’s like a springboard. The last was a springboard into spring [laughs] and now we’re doing spring. I like that, “springboard into spring”. You both come from completely different backgrounds, so where do you guys go to get your inspiration? Ally: The streets, the magazines, the Internet. Nary: Definitely the streets. We work it all
together. We share a lot together. You guys seem to be a really great team. Do you think you might be venturing off into other aspects of design? Nary: We’re just going to focus on NAHM and really grow it organically. People really have to know what NAHM is all about. What is NAHM? Ally: NAHM is effortless, easy to wear, making women feel sexy, comfortable, confident. It’s for the metropolitan woman on the go. This is a business and a brand that we are in for the long haul to build very strong. Ally, do you feel the Hilfiger name has been a hindrance or help towards yourself or creating your own individuality? Has it been hard? Ally: Yeah, you know, it’s been difficult at times to have people look at me with surprise. It’s been difficult to get the respect not only from the industry, but from other people around me. I never wanted people to think that it was easy for me. I did really work very hard to get where I am. I did a lot of different things before this. I think it’s a personal challenge, like everything else, and I’m very grateful for what I have today. I’m really grateful to have Nary. Can you guys tell us a little bit about what’s next, just one more secret for what’s to come? Ally: That’s all we know. We live in the moment, very much so. I think that we are in so much awe for what we’ve been given thus far, that we’re still living in the moment. We’re going to try to put out the best collection possible for the next season and then keeping it going. Nary: It’s a brother and sister relationship. It’s a lot of love. That’s it.
here is a divide across the world: a trivial, yet global separation of East and West. However, across this dividing line, influences have been exchanged and shared for eons. While history reflects that these exchanges are certainly not new, in today’s global society, they are definitely more widespread and faster. Particularly in the fast-paced fashion world, these influences are incredibly important. Asian fashion has infiltrated the Western world and can now be found on catwalks and streets across the great divide. Much of contemporary fashion
design takes its inspiration from traditional clothing. The runways are filled with updates of styles from Medieval eras to the 1970s. And, traditional Asian garb also seems to have made an impact on current design, most importantly from the Japanese Kimono. The kimono is a beautiful garment with long, draping sleeves, a crisscross breast front, with a high-waisted, wide belt with a large and complex bow called an Obi. A trend for the last several years has been the kimono sweater. Typically long-sleeved, these sweaters are usually wraps, using the crossing breast front and a sash to
close. Often, they also feature the elegant draping sleeves. Traditionally, the sleeves, depending on the marital status of the girl wearing the kimono, may drape to near floor length. While most of these sweaters don’t reach such lengths, some have taken the sleeves very low. Some even maintain the square form of the kimono shape and sleeves.
Another trend is the kimono dress. Also retaining the cross front, these dresses typically emphasize the high waist created by the Obi. The sleeves are less important for this style of dress and are frequently sleeveless or shortsleeved. The most eye-catching of these designs are those that retain the squared drape sleeves, yet provide a shortened skirt and more
flowing fabric, for a very distinct twist on the tradition. The Obi itself has become its own trend. Traditionally, an Obi is wide with a thinner sash tied around it. The Obi is tied in a very complex knot, frequently with a large, elaborate bow. Designers have picked up on the uniqueness of the Obi and created the Obi belt as an everyday item. Ranging from cloth to silk to leather, varying the bow size and length, the Obi belt comes in a variety of styles unique to each designer. Whether a modern update or a silk traditional item, the Obi belt is a glamorous and worldly addition to tops, dresses and sweaters, emphasizing a high waist. Kimono textiles have also made a great impact. Kimono fabric and traditional Chinese fabric designs have both become standards in contemporary Western fashion. Not only the elegant painting-like kimono patterns, but the Chinese knots, as well as simpler Chinese and Japanese floral patterns, particularly the Japanese cherry blossom. Designers also use Japanese
and Chinese kanji, the traditional script characters of the languages, as fabrics or embellishments. These textiles can be found on everything from dresses and tops to jewelry and purses. Traditional Chinese silk and stitching has also become a beautiful addition to the Western wardrobe. Not just Japanese, but traditional Chinese garments have had an influence. The beautiful button knot, and other knots, can be found all across contemporary design, as well as the unique shoulder buttoning of the garment that is known as the cheongsam. This dress, usually long and worn over pants, often features two slits up to the thigh on each side. This has been applied to contemporary dress design with incredible results. Another
unique feature of this garment is the collar, which features a high neck line with a short collar, scalloped at the center. This look works particularly well on sleeveless tops and dresses. Even current pop culture from East Asia is infiltrating contemporary design. Italian artist and designer Simone Legno, the genius behind Tokidoki, bases all of his designs and patterns on Japanese pop and street culture. In stark contrast to the elegance of the kimono, his fabrics feature boldly colored, quirky illustrated character designs and adorable animals and foods. He has collaborated with LeSportsac to produce several bags featuring these cute creations. Also, he has partnered with Sanrio, the creators of Japan’s famously
adorable cat, Hello Kitty. His street wear fashions and T-shirts flaunt Hello Kitty alongside his signature unicorns and other characters. Hello Kitty, too, has infiltrated her way into fashion in the Western world. Costume and fine jewelry, purses, shoes and just about every item of clothing you can think of has her whiskered face on it, along with her many character friends. She has even been featured in a MAC makeup collaboration and across the pages of Vogue magazine. From formal design to street wear, Asian culture and traditional clothing have been influencing runways around the globe. In today’s pop culture and fast fashion world, this trend can only continue.
Pays Homage to the Byzantine
Coco Chanel’s jewelry
designs have always represented her personal style and taste. She drew inspiration from more than one source and was heavily influenced by the exotic designs of several civilizations. She admired the gorgeous jewels given to her by various rich lovers and was particularly enamored by designs from the Renaissance and Byzantine eras. Her collections that expressed a clear reverence of the Byzantine began in the 1920s and have created the style that is easily recognized as Chanel. The empire’s designs continue to influence Chanel’s jewelry
designs, even today, and the pre-fall presentation pays a great deal of homage to the beautiful designs that catalyzed the legacy we admire. Karl Lagerfeld, who was appointed designer at Chanel in 1983, acknowledged the significance of the Byzantine’s influence on the infamous, eye-catching jewelry lines. Chanel’s Byzantine-influenced pieces are easily branded by their heavy glass stone pendants, solid gold plates and a rich combination of both, in most cases. Beads are also
an extremely vital element to the well-known era. Today, Lagerfeld manages to integrate this within his current work with a contemporary twist. The 2011 pre-fall presentation, which took place in Paris, was actually named the “Paris-Byzance” collection. Both the clothing and jewelry displayed, reflected the undeniable richness of Coco Chanel’s strong inspiration that stemmed from her love of this Roman Empire’s designs. Lagerfeld’s designs did not fail to include Chanel’s signature tweed along with other rich materials such as leather, tulle and cashmere. These pieces were intricately garnered with gold trimming and buttons that were made of beautiful jeweled stones. The 2011 collection is almost a throwback to Chanel’s 1920s line, which involved the first display of costume jewelry. Many of the pieces are embellished with square glass beads and enameled metal, while bracelets carry trendy yet classic mosaic patterns. Even the shoes and bags in the collection are studded with precious stones and exalt the rich and consequential influence of this Roman Empire. Although this obsession began nearly a century ago, Chanel continues to reflect the glory of the Byzantium in their exquisite jewelry designs while maintaining the classic look that many have come to love.
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Unconventional Medicine
Breath, Yoga & Meditation:
I
n the topsy-turvy chaos that is day-to-day life, we don’t often stop to think about our breathing. Breathing is a necessary part of our life and without it we would die. On the other hand, it’s an autonomic process, which means that it happens without us thinking about it. In general, anything that most of us are completely capable of doing while asleep gets ignored while we focus on the more important things in life. So don’t feel bad if you’ve never really stopped to think about breathing; you were specially designed so that you don’t have to. However, if you do stop to think about your breathing every once in a while, you might be surprised by how much healthier you feel. Deep breathing exercises can help slowdown your heartbeat, lower your blood pressure, get rid of headaches, and, perhaps most importantly, clear your mind. Next time you’re feeling stressed-out, take a few minutes to yourself, just focusing on your breath. It will help you filter out all the little annoyances happening around you and relax. When you’re done, not only will you feel healthier, you’ll also be more focused and more capable to handle the problems in your life. Meditation is an ancient practice, with numerous offshoots from cultures all around the world. Of course, the traditional imagery that goes along with meditation is a picture of a Buddhist monk, with legs crossed and thumb and middle finger together, but really it encompasses much more than that.
The New Oxford American Dictionary defines “meditate” as “to think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation.” Sure, the age-old image of the monk does fit that definition, but it’s not alone. Prayer of any kind, whether it’s doing the Catholic rosary or observing the Muslim salah also fits neatly within this definition. In fact, one of the most striking things about meditation is the way it spans cultures and religions, with different names and specific practices, but with the same goal in mind— to reach a sublime, even transcendental state of consciousness. That’s great and all, but how does it apply to the hectic day-to-day life of the modern professional? Well, aside from its religious connotations, meditation offers your typical over-worked, under-appreciated person visible mental and physical benefits. Meditation in any form allows you to focus your mind and relax. It has been shown to aid in overcoming addiction, as well as helping to improve your posture, and improve your mood and attention. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy a super cute yoga mat. Modern yoga derives from a number of traditional Hindu practices, aimed at increasing physical fitness, and mental and spiritual awareness. Today, many Westerners have adopted the practice as a low impact way to improve mental and spiritual awareness or, if that’s not
your thing, to get back the rockin’ six pack and sweet high kicks of your high school cheerleading days. Yoga is unique among exercise regimes in that it is low impact, highly individualized (essentially anyone can realize its benefits, regardless of physical condition), burns calories, helps to tone your muscles, aids relaxation, regulates breathing and blood pressure, and improves flexibility. Basically it’s a miracle that has been refined over several centuries of successful use, and it’s easy for even the busiest woman to make it work for her. Of course, there are different kinds of yoga, designed for people of varying degrees of physical fitness or in varying conditions. One of the most thrilling varieties of yoga is Bikram Yoga (or, colloquially, hot yoga). This practice involves 90 minutes of holding 26 yoga postures in a room that is heated to 105°F. The theory behind this is that the deep heat allows for greater flexibility of the muscles and joints, while increasing your body’s capacity to burn calories. However, this is not an exercise regime to be taken lightly. Be sure to consult your health care provider before signing up, and if you ever experience dizziness or lightheadedness, remember to listen to your body and rest if you need to. Yoga has also been shown to relieve some of the symptoms of pregnancy, while providing a lowimpact, safe physical fitness regime for mother-to-be. Make sure to talk to your doctor about whether yoga is a healthy option for you and your baby.
What inspired you to create these bow ties? My family was and remains my greatest source of inspiration. My Grandmother was a huge fashionista back in her day. Growing up, I would always look at vintage pictures of her and my father in tailored looks evoking class and sophistication. I design my bow ties based on the concept of bridging my art and the lifestyle of my fashionable family and the current lifestyles of my target audience. What lead you to predominantly use leather to make the bow ties? I love the way leather feels, smells and tastes. Ha — the taste part was a joke. Honestly, I want my clients to feel the luxury of life they deserve. Leather brings the edge, class, sophistication and modern feel symbolized by my bow ties. What would be the ideal outfit to pair a bow tie with? The key to any outfit when wearing a bow tie is keeping the look tailored. The ideal causal outfit to pair an EMJ bow tie with would be any tailored shirt(rolled up sleeves), fitted jeans or pants, complemented with a pair of boat shoes and a paper boy hat. What do you suggest for women who are not sure they could pull off the bow tie? Well first, I don't suggest anyone wear anything they lack confidence in. If you don't believe in it when you put it on, the rest of the world won't either. Women have the unique capability to cross over and wear certain menswear inspired looks. However, I suggest that women who decide to incorporate a bow tie into their look should be sure to have a big splash of femininity somewhere. Try adding high sex heels or stylish hand bag to your men's inspired look.
What’s your favorite way to wear a bow tie? Since I use hardware on the back as my adjustments for my bow ties, I LOVE to show that off. My favorite outfit would be when I am wearing a tuxedo shirt(Sometimes I roll or cut off the sleeves), pair of slim fit jeans and laceup narrow leather bottom shoes. What’s the best way to describe this bow tie wearing look? In regards to my favorite way of wearing a bow tie, I would have to say this look can be best described as the modern edge of sophistication.
I noticed on your web page you mention, “redefining tradition.” How would you say you are “redefining tradition?” Bow ties have been around since the 17th century. From politician to professors, men of high class represent the traditional imagery of bow ties. They have always been the mark of Did you always know you wanted to be inclass and sophistication. The Art of EMJ repvolved in fashion, if so, how did you know, if resents the new era of tradition. As the creator not, what lead you to be involved in fashion? and designer of the worlds FIRST tied leather I did, I just didn't know when the time was bow tie, The Art of EMJ has already begun to going to be right. Not more than a year and a redefine what it means to wear a bow tie. My half ago I was preparing to go to law school. bow ties represent the modern edge old bow After working for this firm reading contracts ties didn't have. I have combined art, lifestyle after contracts, I felt all my creative juices and fashion around the neck! leaving me. As a kid I would do would carvings, sculptures, paint and photography. I said to Would you say that you have reached all myself, self get back to what made you happy your goals as a designer, or are there things as a kid. Therefore, I postponed law school, that you are still striving to achieve in the grabbed my pencil and sketch book and fashion world? became a designer. Not at ALL! I have only been in the fashion industry for a year now. I still feel like there are What obstacles did you have to overcome many lessons to be learned and mountains to when starting your line? Were any people or climb. The day I feel as though I have reached things in your way? all my goals in fashion will be the day I set The biggest obstacle in starting my line was on top of that mountain. When, I set on that confidence. Since I didn't study fashion, it took mountain top, I am certain, I will see, there are me a second to believe in myself. Dressing yet mountains to climb! nice and looking good is not enough to be a designer. Designers have to create lifestyles for the people who buy their brand. To create a lifestyle for a group of people takes some real confidence from the creator. Starting up, I was scared that I would create some lifestyle on another planet that people are scared of. Turns out, I did end up on another planet of menswear accessory design, but people seem to want to be there.
The Return of the One-Piece It happens every year, bringing fear and anxiety to the minds of the young and old alike (pause for dramatic music)… beach season! Could your bikini belly use a few more crunches before its big debut? Well have no fear, the one-piece is in this year. Though the teeny bikini still lingers on the fashion scene, more and more top designers are opting for one-piece alternatives, giving you the amount of coverage you want and the style you need. From cutouts to plunging necklines, zippers to lace ups, creativity in suit shapes now trump patterns or colors. Swim designer, Lisa Marie Fernandez’s scubainspired one-piece features a zipper, giving you an easy way to tone up or down the sexy. Alexander Wang
similarly channels Kelly Slater in his swimwear, with a surfboard being the perfect accessory to his wet suit replica. Care for a more feminine touch? You’re in luck as the one-pieces keep on coming. Chanel’s Resort 2012 line includes a black and white number sure to flatter any figure, and to ditch the simplicity Donna Karan adds ruffles to her printed suit in her spring 2011 line. Even Hervé Léger includes a one-piece in his line, incorporating the current color block trend; though one might stray away from this particular $1,050 beauty, seeing as the price tag may ward off cautious buyers from wearing the suit in the water. What’s the point of looking so good if you can’t even enjoy a quick dip?
supports the arts
Allora & Calzadilla outside the U.S. Pavilion; view of Armed Freedom Lying on a Sunbed, 2011, inside the U.S. Pavilion.
For the fifth year running, Hugo Boss is sponsoring the US Pavilion at the infamous Venice Biennale. For those who may not know of this anticipated
event in Venice. The brand’s involvement with this
event, the Venice Biennale occurs once every two
program allows for new connections to develop and
years and is a major contemporary art exhibition that
emerge. Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla
presents the work of artists from all over the world.
represented the US this year at the festival and were
It encompasses the Venice Film Festival and Venice
already acquainted with Hugo Boss since the duo
Biennale of Architecture. About 300,000 people will
has been nominated for the Hugo Boss Prize. The
gather at the event to view the work of 83 different
company was interested in knowing what the pair
artists in 29 permanent pavilions. The festival began
of visual artists had in store for the exhibition and
on June 4th and will continue until November 27th of
extended their complete support. In no way does
this year. Hugo Boss is leaving a positive footprint on
the company interfere with the work of the artists,
the festival by offering a hand to American artists.
as they believe that the greatest results can only be
Today, fashion and art may seem to go hand in hand, but how often is it that we actually witness the
elicited by complete freedom of creation. The German fashion moguls have certainly
strength of support given to the art world provided
branched out by reaching in this direction since they
by major fashion designers and companies? Hugo
are well known for having been associated with
Boss is an exemplary line that demonstrates its
sports and athleticism. By advocating some well-
encouragement of contemporary art in a way that
rounded interests, Hugo Boss is changing the way we
has been significantly noticed and appreciated by
view the company, while contributing to those who
artists and the thousands of people who attend the
need their effective backing.
Allora & Calzadilla Body in Flight (Delta), 2011 Performance by gymnast Chellsie Memmel at the U.S. Pavilion.
Allora & Calzadilla Body in Flight (American), 2011 Performance by gymnast David Durante at the U.S. Pavilion.
Allora & Calzadilla Body in Flight (Delta), 2011 Performance by gymnast Olga Karmansky at the U.S. Pavilion.
Jennifer Lopez & TOUS S/S
“Costume jewelry is not made to give women an aura of wealth, but to make them beautiful.”
I
Coco Chanel
nspired by the art deco movement, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, one of the greatest fashion designers of the twentieth century, designed and developed an array of costume jewelry that would change fashion forever. Being one of the first designers who started to work with imitative jewelry, Coco Chanel took costume jewelry to a radical new level. At first, costume jewelry had been primarily reserved for those who could not afford buying the real luxury, but once Chanel began to craft jewelry, she brought the imitation to the state of the art, beginning in the early 1920s with her first collection of luxurious costume jewelry.
Coco Chanel was the first fashion designer to use costume jewelry to create the perfect finishing touch to her overall look. Her elaborate costume jewelry contrasted beautifully with her simple dress designs and plain fabrics. Although the jewelry trend of Art Deco set by Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels was a great hit, Chanel, developed her own style, and as always, her approach was innovative and unique. Chanel’s inspiration was widely diverse. The Romanov jewels, which the Grand Duke Dmitri of Russia gave to her, inspired her to create long gilt chains with Baroque crosses, while the wonderful jewels given by the Duke of Westminster, rich with Indian emeralds, rubies and sapphires, gave her the idea of using brightly colored glass stones such as aquamarine, topaz, amethyst and crystal, to imitate the carved precious and semi-precious gemstones. As Chanel’s early experiences of poverty made her an expert at using odds and ends creatively, her jewelry was often a mix of real and imitation stones. Chanel was fascinated by the jewels produced during the Renaissance and Byzantine periods and she was inspired by the buttons, chains and tassels of
military uniforms. As pearls were one of the most precious stones and the privilege of aristocracy in her younger years, Chanel also loved creating jewelry with artificial pearls. In her designs, she made the pearls larger and in unnatural colors. Her pearl pieces consisted of rows of pearls arranged in chokers, brooches and pendants. These works became modern classics. The new, glamorous fashion jewelry complemented individual couture outfits and also completed the style worn on the runway and for photo shoots. At a time when fine jewelry defined a woman’s status in society, Chanel removed the seriousness and daringly mixed it with pieces that were frankly, fake; and for the first time, “fake” not only became socially acceptable, but also fashionable. With elaborate, complex pieces and tidy clothing, Chanel created a look so womanly and sophisticated that it has never gone out of style since she first envisioned the look more than 90 years ago. Remarkably, similar pieces of Coco Chanel’s jewelry remain in the collections of the House of Chanel and continues to have an influence on the jewelry fashion world today.
Does Still Exist? Designer Jason Wu channels the sixties mod movement in his most recent resort line. Free People consistently pulls inspiration from the seventies, with a bohemian, flower child vibe. Vogue Paris transported us back to the Madonna years with their eighties-themed spread in the June issue. Even the nineties grunge trend recently had a resurgence within New York street style. When it comes to fashion, are we moving backward or forward? The answer to this question is not black and white. But if it were, the black would be sequined and come in the form of a flapper dress. While reminiscing on the past, one cannot ignore the influence Art Deco has had on the fashion world since its rise to stardom in the early twentieth century, creating such famed looks as the flapper and sportychic. Paris initially saw the emergence of this new type of art in 1920. A departure from the previous Art Nouveau, Art Deco epitomized modernity and functionality with its innovative symmetry, curved lines and elegant shapes. Art Deco spanned several distinct artistic realms, including architecture, furniture, photography and cinema. However, one of the areas in which Art Deco proved most impactful was fashion. The flapper and the sporty-chic woman are both products of the Art Deco
movement, images crucial to the conversation concerning women’s independence movements. Within the same time frame that they were granted suffrage, women began to find a voice through clothing. Gone were the long hemlines and conservative blouses, as the world was now introduced to a woman who embraced her sexuality. Flapper dresses, lined with fringe at the hem, usually fell from the mid calf to right at the knee, a bold length for the time. Similarly, the sporty woman emerged from the Art Deco era, infringing on a previously all-male arena. With a new found independence, women began to join men on sports
outings to the country club. Thus the need came for less constricting clothing, though elegance was not forfeited. Coco Chanel became the expert on beautiful functionality, creating elegant leisure attire. To this day, designers continue to find inspiration from the shapes and ideas behind the Art Deco movement. Marc Jacobs in 2007 and Elli Saab in 2008 introduced a line of dresses with geometric shapes evocative of the Art Deco attitude. Although not always an obvious tribute, many designers include a nod to the era in their current collections.
“My surroundings reflect who I am,” says Diane von Furstenberg. Most people would probably say the same applies to their own lives as well. DVF’s current Home Collection, which consists mostly of items for the dining room and bedroom, allows home shoppers to take a leaf out of Diane von Furstenberg’s style book. Her Tabletop collection offers an array of artsy plates, cups and mugs, and seems to cater to coffee connoisseurs in need of chic ceramic. The theme of DVF’s Home Collection is clearly flowers and earth tone solids. A fresh floral design is printed on most of the products including tea pots, sugar bowls, creamer mugs and cute espresso sets. The solid colored plates and bowls in the collection are set apart by two distinct shapes called Pebblestone and Powerstone. The names are indeed fitting since the Pebblestone pieces are rounded and smooth, whereas the Powerstone pieces have jagged, square edges. Although the two lines of dishware seem to offer only two extremes, shoppers will probably have a hard time deciding which set they love more. Both collections have distinct pieces that anyone would want on their dining table.
DVF’s line of bedding products also reflect inspiration from the outdoors with its duvets, sheets, quilts and decorative pillows. The same Batik Floral and Miro Flowers prints used on the dishware are imitated on the duvets that range from $200–$300. Other pieces draw definite inspiration from nature with names like Animal Garden, Urban Jungle, Sun Stripe and Brushed Zebra. As one might imagine, these pieces are rich in color with eye popping patterns and prints, providing beautiful aesthetics. The bedding products offered by the DVF Home Collection are definitely a way to refresh the bedroom scene if you are tired of looking at the same pillows or want to love the sheets you are sleeping in.
A Look At DVF Home Collection
R
alph Lauren’s California-inspired Spring Home Collection has also garnered some attention for its both rustic and beachy appeal. Ralph Lauren Home has been known for producing coveted pieces of furniture and some of those very pieces are found in both the California Romantic Collection and the Driftwood Collection. Like the DVF Home Collection, California Romantic draws inspiration from nature with its combination of Safari-named woodwork and rustic color choices. The Driftwood Collection, as one might assume, is lighter in overall color tone and material choice. Two main differences between these two collections is the wood vs. wicker usage. Both lines manage to maintain great style while using natural material to provide pieces such as bookcases, lounge chairs, benches, stools, cabinets and tables. This spring, Ralph Lauren’s Bed Collection is centered on neutral tones and luxurious fabrics for a classy and modern look. Some of the quilts and sheets also carry names which come from the colors of animal feathers and bones, such as Herringbone. Ralph Lauren’s Tabletop Collection would make anyone’s dining table look fancy. Solid glass goblets and glasses are prevalent along with engraved ceramic mugs and solid silverware. The ceramic pieces are also engraved with floral patterns, which seem to be all the rage on the table this season.
Influence: A Journey of Fashion-Inspired Design
There’s no doubt about it — a strong correlation exists between fashion and interior design. Which influences the other is definitely debatable, but it’s safe to say that the relationship between the two is reciprocal. Most say that fashion has the upper hand, especially since trends in the fashion world seem to come about frequently and spread like wildfire. Fashion definitely moves throughout the world at high speeds and what is important to recognize and remember is that fashion is truly a facet of art. Art consumers and connoisseurs all know that art significantly influences interior design. When closely examined, one can find that an individual’s sense of style in clothing probably reflects his or her home style as well. The way one decorates one’s home usually corresponds to their perception of fashion. Their taste in both departments will seem similar or harmonize with each other. People also seem to change the interior of their homes as often as they change their sense in fashion. Frequently, once a motif or theme, such as a popular pattern, emerges within the fashion world, it will soon be mirrored in furniture and home décor. Evidence of this relationship can go as far back as the Victorian Era, or even the Rococo and Baroque periods. When looking back, one can see that both the fashion and home interiors of the time were elaborate and exhaustive in detail. Further, in the 1920s, American interiors were much simpler than they were previously and the fashion too, was simple and classy. Fine taste was exemplified in American fashion and home decorating around the same time.
Fashion’s influence on interior design, however, is most prominently noticeable when examining designers who have created their own lines of home décor and furniture. Designers themselves have sought after pieces for their own homes, which reflect his or her signature style. A great example of a fashion designer creating an interior collection would be Giovanni Versace, who designed the “Vendome Bed” collection that is only available in Indonesia. His line of furniture also includes couches and chairs which are exclusively made and sold. Overall, a very small number of these pieces have been created. This is surely a beautiful example of how fashion directly influences interior design. However subtle it may sometimes be, fashion clearly has a significant influence on interior design. Fashion translates into art which places itself in our homes. A definite correlation exists between our individual styles pertaining to fashion and décor. Just as we like our outfits to match, it is only natural that our sensibilities in these areas also match.
A day of design inspiration, provided by LiLu Interiors, featured fresh designs from Minnesota designers along with the latest and greatest from the world of interiors. On May 21st, 2011, the fashion runway made a guest appearance at the International Market Square in Minneapolis, MN, with fashion forward interior design elements and designs “doing the catwalk.” Rather than models strutting their stuff on the runway, guests of the event were shown a runway that created plenty of shoe envy. Twelve shoes and chairs were paired together to highlight how the world of fashion influences interiors through similarities in textures, fabrics and finishes, as well as the structure of a leg, the shape of a curve and even how the chair evokes the same emotion as the shoe.
What’s in Your Closet? Tired of the same old clothing routine every morning, trying on four or five different looks before finally choosing the one on your way out the door? You’re not alone!
With the change of every season, expressing your taste in fashion can be difficult and, in this economy, many fashionistas are feeling the pain of overpriced, chic looks. Wipe the worry away. It’s time to spice up your wardrobe without spending a fortune. Most of us have overflowing closets, filled with long forgotten pieces of clothing that need to be evaluated. It’s time to purge. Get rid of the no brainers, but keep the clothes you know you love and, with those you just aren’t sure about, be extra critical. After eliminating the dead weight in your wardrobe, you’ll be mentally prepared to revamp your look. After ridding yourself of your fashion faux pas, make sure you still have these basic staples in your wardrobe: camisoles, crew necks, V-necks and scoop neck tees, and tanks in neutral colors such as brown, black, gray or white. Then, be your own fashion stylist by mixing and matching the pieces in your wardrobe to see how many new ways they can be worn. Stop yourself from wearing the same clothes each week, and go ahead and be experimental. For this summer, try clashing colors, combining different prints — especially floral — and layering. You’ll be amazed at how many new outfits you can create with what you already own. It is important to remember the key to savvy dressing is quality over quantity. Stylists follow the “70/30” rule, meaning 70% of your closet should hold the classic pieces that never go out of style and can be worn no matter the season, while the remaining 30% can be seasonal pieces. Invest in quality pieces with flattering cuts and simple, yet stylish, silhouettes that will last for years to come. Most importantly, if you want to look and feel better about your revamped style, you must start inside — your clothes, that is. Underneath it all, a properly fitting bra and panty can take a look from lumpy and frumpy to smooth and sexy. 80% of American woman are wearing the wrong bra. The right size bra can reverse aging and make you look 10 to even 20 pounds lighter. Many stores offer free fittings to make sure you are wearing the proper size.
“The key to savvy dressing is quality over quantity”
Finally, never underestimate the power of accessories. They can take an outfit from day to night, or casual to dressy. It is important to find those signature pieces in your wardrobe that are flexible and capable of multitasking. For a quick wardrobe fix, change your shoes. The difference between cute ballet flats and a pair of stiletto boots is night and day in the fashion world. Buying accessories, in the long run, actually costs less and immediately updates your look. Reenergize a tired outfit or create a whole new look by adding a scarf, belt, bangle or bag. Simply put, there’s no faster way to update your wardrobe than adding accessories. Add a dash of style, a splash of glitz and spice your wardrobe up for the summer season ahead.
“Add a dash of style, a splash of glitz and spice your wardrobe up”
The Summer Read
With s u m m e r u po n u s , w h a t s o u nds more appealing than a b e a c h o u t i n g , c o m pl e t e with SPF 50 and a good b o o k t o i nd u l g e i n ? Ye s , a bit of relaxation in th e s e u pc o m i n g m o n t h s i s a necessity. Here are some l i t e r a r y s u g g e s t i o n s t o ke ep your nose in a book a nd y o u r o f f i ce w o r k o u t o f your beach bag.
Looking for something a bit lighter? Something Borrowed, the novel by Emily Griffin — recently made into a feature film — is currently flying off the shelves. It is the story of 30-year-old Rachel, a lawyer who has always been second best to her beautiful best friend, Darcy. Darcy had the first boyfriend, was first to forfeit her virginity and, as luck would have it, has recently become engaged to the tall, dark and handsome, Dex. There is only one blip in Darcy’s perfect life: Rachel and Dex are having an affair. Though the movie may fall on the predictable side of romantic comedies, the novel adds a sense of wit. Rachel narrates the story, evoking a playful mood as her internal dialogue mimics that of a lawyer presenting a case to a jury. From Twilight to Romeo and Juliet, the forbidden lovers plot is painfully overdone. However, Something Borrowed tells the story in an unpretentious and relatable manner. Disregarding the fact that the “will they, won’t they” question drags on, I found myself lost in the fairy tale description of Dex and Rachel’s relationship.
Nujood Ali writes a compelling and heart-wrenching autobiography entitled, I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced. The title says it all; this book tells the story from the perspective of a 10-year-old forced into marriage with a man three times her age. Yet, despite the hopelessness Nujood initially faces, she will pull at your heartstrings as she triumphantly becomes Yemen’s youngest divorcée. Poetically written, the book’s 180 pages prove a quick read. Nujood’s bravery creates an inspiring narrative, conjuring up feelings of anger, sadness and then relief all before the book is through. Written for the sap for happy endings, the only thing that keeps the finale from reaching the “cliché Hollywood ending” status is the fact that it is non-fiction.
Everyone agrees that blazers are the hottest trends in women’s wear right now. Every fashion forward celebrity from Mary-Kate Olsen to Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted in one. The hardest part about this trendy jacket is figuring out which style is right for you. When purchasing a blazer, one needs to consider five main points — Color, Quality, Fabric, Cost and, most importantly, Body Type.
Color
determines how versatile the jacket can be. A neutral color will allow you to wear it in a variety of situations and give you the option to class it up or dress it down. A black blazer is not season-dependant, so it is always in style.
Fabric
determines the feel, maintenance and which season it can be worn. A wool blazer might need drycleaning and won’t be as comfortable in the summer, unlike silk or cotton blazers.
Quality
of a blazer is crucial. Reduced quality can be spotted a mile away. To make sure you get the best blazer for your buck, check the full lining and the sewing by looking for a tough stitch that holds.
Cost
of a blazer shouldn’t be a major factor. Be smart and go with one highquality blazer that will last you a lifetime. Consider this as an investment, rather than a seasonable piece.
Body Type
is the final and the most essential thing to consider with blazers. There are so many different styles, cuts and lengths that it can be difficult to find the one that fits you best.
Apple
Pear
• heavy or wide torso/bust
• heavier on bottom and narrower on top
• tailored blazer with a little hem flare • wear a jacket that cinches in the middle
• cropped blazer with details at the top
Inverted Tri’s • have slimmer hip than shoulders • longer blazer with pockets and a flared hem line
Rectangle
Hourglass
• have little-to-no defined waist
• can pull off most blazer fashions
• blazer with details around the shoulders or hem
• belted blazer will really define narrow waist
• straight cut blazer with low pockets
Index Photo Credits: http://www.alibaba.com/product-tp/110065920/_japanese_paper_frower_Japanese_hand_paper_fan.html http://monsieurmaiki.blogspot.com/2011/06/you-might-look-like-geisha.html http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2010/02/24/690204/PurelyDeliciousMagazineYOGA.jpg http://www.grandprixmontreal.com/shopping/hugoboss/hugoboss.php http://www.imamuseum.org/venice/about/exhibition http://www.whitewallmag.com/2011/06/06/hugo-boss-sponsors-us-pavilion-in-venice/ http://beta.cooperhewitt.org/microsites/set-in-style/ http://www.millionlooks.com/people-and-events/designers/know-the-history-of-fashion-designer-logos/ http://designerget.com/gallery/chanel%20timeline http://www.luxuo.com/fashion/chanel-heidi-mount.html http://fashionismydrug.blogspot.com/2011/02/chanel-collections-and-creations.html http://hotparade.tumblr.com/post/3769151873/twiggy