2010 fashion

The summer looks of 2010 : what to keep, what to buy, and what to get rid of

Fashion Trends 2010

The good news from the fashion world is that this year's Summer fashions will call on old favorites done up in bright new ways to set the stage for fun, bright and crisp styles. You may not have to get rid of much, but you will of course want to shop for some of the latest 2010 Fashion trends to accent your old favorites.

The trend in fabric is in textures, with patterns embedded into the fabrics or created with ruching, folding and draping. Using texture strategically can enhance your body shape, as it will add volume to those places that need balances and control. But toss out those old animal prints and keep those florals.

In keeping with bright and fun, sequins, beads and studs will help make ordinary styles fun and youthful.

For those who love maxi dresses, good news! They remain a major trend for the summer. Keep your patterns and florals (but not animal prints), with colors trending towards grey, silvers and muted pastels being offset by colorful accents or accessories. This is not the years for bright.

This season the cuts are trending towards the 50s, with shirt dresses and shifts working for a wide range of body shapes and sizes. Keep those above the knee hemlines, and toss those minis unless you have exceptional legs to show off.

Pencil skirts are hot. But for those of you who can't wear pencils, pull out those A-line casual skirts.

Shoes trends are leaning towards the extreme—high heels or flats. The midrange heels should be stored for another year. Tall stacks are still the rage, as are strappy sandals and Grecian designs. If strappies don't flatter your leg shape, try wearing neutral colors to match your skin tone to minimize fashion dysfunction! You may wish to buy some high heel clogs. These wooden soled shoes have been shaped into mules. Pair these you’re your favorite skinny jeans and you will have a fashion favorite.

More good news! The crisp white shirt is back. Never really gone out of style, this classic look remains on the top of the charts. Also sailor stripes and tanks will continue to make fashion news. Get rid of the stripes that don't suit your body type.

Jackets, jackets and more jackets are on the docket for summer. Keep your sharp tailored ones, trenchy crops, and consider buying some new classic Chanel inspired designs.

Military seems to be strong trend as well. The classic signs of military—epaulets, metal buttons, trench styles—remains firm on the runway. Of course, the classic colors of khaki, olive and tan fit into the neutral tones of the season.

No matter what your fashion sense, Summer 2010 Fashion is sure to have a style and look that's right for you! And chances are this year, you have most of what you need in your closet already, with just few new additions you will be setting trends with what you already own!
 

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Is Fashion Week becoming less diverse?

New York's Fashion week for 2010, featuring mostly fall looks, features less ethnically diverse casts of models than in previous words. Are we in the fashion world backpedaling? Why are designers, who set the standards for beauty across the word using exclusively, or a majority all white cast when choosing models for their designs? 

New York fashion week 2010This is not exactly a new trend. Magazines have been cited as another prime culprit of lack of racial diversity in the fashion world. Fashion print shots, and the highest paid models are predominantly white. Are minorities being intentionally excluded from the fashion world, or is this just an oversight on the part of the designers (or a tendency to keep a consistent look among models?) 

Intentional or not, there are hard figures to support the idea that the fashion industry has a predominantly white face, especially in North America and Europe. During New York's fashion week of 2010, a full 85% of all models cast were white. The next largest majority were Black models, at only 8%. Asians created the next segment, at 6%, with Latinas at 1%, and other or mixed races barely even on the register. The result is a hugely skewed model of the lack of diversity within the fashion world. 

Some designers, such as A Detacher, Alice + Olivia, and Preen had no models of color at all. The rest used very few ethnically diverse casts. Some designers used only one non-Caucasian model, including brands like Calvin Klein and Diesel. 

There have definitely been efforts in the past to reform the fashion industry. From everything from regulating BMI and trying to reduce cases of Anorexia in Models, to fighting the whitewashing of the industry, some fashion activists are trying to make themselves heard.  

Perhaps activists are being actively ignored. In 2007, there was a full 20% non-Caucasion modeling cast at New York fashion week. Designers have even started speaking out against models that are bigger than the sample size (0). Is there a war going on between designers, and people who work in the fashion industry? In the effort to find the ideal from to show clothing, have fashion designers stepped over the line? 

We'd love to hear your comments. What do you think about the overwhelming majority of white women in the modeling world? What can we do to bring in some diversity? How can we convince designers that we're tired of seeing the same old unattainable looks?

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Alexander McQueen commits suicide at age 40


Yves St. Laurent, Isabella Blow, Bettie Page, and now Alexander McQueen. The fashion world is slowly losing some of its biggest names. Alexander (First name Lee) McQueen was discovered today in his London West End home by authorities.

 

McQueen was found hanged in his flat, though at this time, authorities are not regarding the death as suspicious, and will not confirm a suicide. All this, just weeks before fashion week.

 

He had recently suffered some personal losses, such as the death of a close friend in 2007, and he lost his mother only a week and a half ago.

 

McQueen is best known for his work at Givenchy, where he was the chief designer from 1996 to 2001. He is one of the most well known, and respected designers in the world, with four awards as British Designer of the year, and multiple international awards.

 

Recently, Alexander McQueen came into the spotlight more in America, when Lady Gaga dressed in head to toe McQueen for her "Bad Romance" video. Only the most innovative and exciting designers feature in Gaga's world. He has also designed for singer Rhianna, and Prince Charles.

Lady Gaga wearing Alexander McQueen

 

Tributes to McQueen are pouring in from all over the world via social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook. He will certainly be missed at this year's fashion week shows around the world.

 

 

 

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Lingerie for preteens? Has Noah Cyrus lost her mind?

Even without a celebrity family, it would be shocking for a young girl to be interested in developing lingerie with her best friend. Comfy pajamas are one thing, but the looks the young Noah Cyrus has planned are a far cry from footed pajamas and teddy bears.

Noah's no stranger to controversy. Last Halloween, she was seen in a few questionable outfits as costumes. Patent knee high boots, and fishnets really have no place on a nine year old, but she was seen in two such outfits during the holiday when most girls her age are dressing up like princesses or butterflies.

 

You have to wonder who thought this kind of fashion move was a good idea. Is it just bad Pon the side of the Cyrus agents? Or is it indicative of questionable parenting skills? Even worse , is it deliberately exploitive? Are her parents knowingly using the controversy for buzz?

 

It's one thing to let a child wear whatever she wants around the house. As a child gymnast, I spent a lot of time running around in leotards and tights. But my parents didn't let me out in public like that, and I certainly knew the difference between appropriate clothing, and stuff that was for playing around in only. I certainly didn’t do a pole dance with all my friends to songs like "Smack That" as Naoh was seen doing last year.

 

kids lingerieWhat kind of fashion trends is this behavior setting for pre-teens? Will fishnets for kindergarteners be considered appropriate in 5-10 years? I am not sure if I should be more disturbed by the fact that the parents think this is appropriate, or the fact that Noah herself believes that it is. We can't expect a child to understand the connotations of her fashion choices – that's why it's up to parents to teach children what is not appropriate until they're old enough to know the reasons why.

 

I can only hope that as Noah ages, she's a little embarrassed of this kind of behavior. If she's got the usual celebrity need for attention, maybe she'll find more constructive ways to get it – like developing some kind of talent for acting, singing, or just doing charity work for people who are also lacking an education.

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Predicting the Unpredictable: The Future of Fashion

No matter what else is going on in the world, fashion will never cease to be a constant source of speculation, celebration and surprise.  It is always influencing, never limiting and ever-changing.  That being said, predicting the future of fashion can be a risky game, but therein lies the beauty of the sport.  In this fashion-forward, anything-goes world, it can’t be argued that “getting there,” ‘there’ being the next memorable, change-the-way-people-think-about-fashion trend, really is half the fun.  So with that in mind, here are a few fashion trends that will, inarguably, grace the catwalks of the next decade.

Green.  Contrary to most shifts in the fashion world, experts predict that “green” materials, manufacturing, trade and shipping will become more of a lifestyle than a trend.  And really, who isn’t on board with that?  In fact, Julie Gilhart of Barney’s has already introduced a slew of green initiatives that she hopes will ring in the new decade(s) of green fashion.  These include Philip Lim’s “Go Green Go,” a partnership between Keds, Loomstate and Barney’s, YSL’s “New Vintage,” and Theory for Barney’s Green.  The phrase “better late than never” has never been so true.

Smart Clothes.  While Spandex and Ultrasuede were the break-through fabrics of the last few decades, the next 10 years brings a whole new realm of new fabrics.  There have already been some creative fabrics surfacing to kick off the new decade, such as DuPont’s Lycra T400, which does away with any practical need to wear a belt by creating a type of stretch jean which never loses its elasticity.  But, as always, the fabrics of the future will be 10 steps ahead of even the latest inventions.  “Smart clothing” is a fusion between fashion and technology (when you can’t beat ‘em, fuse ‘em…right?).  “Wearable technology” has thus far consisted of jackets with built-in sony disc systems (made by snowboard maker, Burton) and even built-in fans for the summer-time (introduced by Kuuchoufuku, a Japanese design company).  Currently, this innovative style of clothing accounts for only 1% of fashion sales, according to Port Washington’s chief industry analyst Marshal Cohen.  Predictions for the future include heated kakhis (using built-in heating coils), GPS-rigged gowns and spray on dresses.  The rest remains to be discovered.

Breaking the rules.  Oh wait, there aren’t any rules left to break.  The widespread popularity of creatively outrageous and original icons such as Lady Gaga is a good example of the manifestation of this trend.  Love her or hate her, she follows no rules and lacks no confidence.  This may be a foreshadowing of a more pervasive existence of niche fashion, meaning many fashion trends influencing different groups of people rather than one all-encompassing set of fashion rules.  Either way, it’s the start of something new and more empowering for fashion lovers everywhere.  Be confident in breaking the old rules and you might just end up contributing to the new ones.

Any way you look at it, the future of fashion is up to those who are bold enough to create it, so for those who don’t mind taking a risk, there’s nothing stopping you from making history.  And for those who prefer to watch it unfold—get ready, you’re in for a wild ride!

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Top Ten Fashion Designers in 2010

The fashion industry is buzzing as the top designers have released previews of their collections for 2010. Unveiled in the Fall of 2009, the world stands ready to cash in on the new designs. All signs are leading to fresh, fabulous and funky for the new decade. Let’s take a sneak peak at the top ten designers for 2010:

chanel 2010 shanghaiChanel has once again created a moveable feast for the senses as the 2010 line was unveiled in Shanghai and featured the performance of Actress and Chanel muse, Anna Mouglalis. The line was once again an exquisite combination of embellished and rich fabrics done up in a town and country luxury.

Vera Wang has risen to the top of the charts, partly because of her breath-taking wedding gown design featured in the blockbuster hit movie, “Sex and the City.” Watch for her to again excel at slouchy evening wear and bringing a fresh new collection of outer and day wear.

Donatella Versace revealed her pre-Fall 2010 Spring line with a Japanese print mini-dress, jean suit and platform round toe pumps. Insiders say Versace was influenced by Versus designer, Christopher Kane.

Ralph Lauren uncovered his distressed line of denim in a show that once again returned to his expressions of the all-American resilient spirit. This new wearable collection featured vintage-looking cotton vests, chambray beaded gowns and blue ombré chiffon dresses.

Oscar dela Rente returns with his smart vision of Middle East meets Upper East Side. Massive jewelry tweed jackets and embroidered skirts made for a bright light in things to come.

Isaac Mizrahi’s look this year includes swishy skirts and beaded paisley prints that come in the form of shift dresses and high-waisted shorts. His accessories, created with the help of Liz Claiborne designers, are an absolutely fabulous array of long and spangly earrings, and plexi-molded arm bands that span wrist to shoulder. This year he shows restraint in keeping his usual kitch to a minimum.

Jason Wu created his first-ever pre-fall collection which highlighted aviation as a theme. Aviator sunglasses, Pan Am neck ties and silver mini-dresses reflect his year of global trotting. His first year working with leather, he kept it feminine with boleros built into evening gowns and sharp silk lined jackets.

Ermenegildo Zegna reveals his 2010 line for men, done completely in neutral earth tones of off-white, gray and brown with very occasional hints of lavender. Classic.

Matthew Williamson launched his men’s wear designs for 2010 with cashmere as the star of the show, including a new cashmere jumper for men. He remains a favorite of celebrities like Lindsey Lohan and Eva Longoria.

mark fast 2010 Mark Fast rocked the fashion world by daring to use normal-sized models in his launch. Continuing on with his classic designs, Fast promises more handcrafted body knits, and vows to keep the costs down again this year.

Roberto Cavelli’s new line is aptly called “Angels and Devils” as he delivers a brand new collection for H&M and the budget conscious fashionista.

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How will we remember the fashion of the ‘00’s?

If 2010 is heralding a new era in fashion, how will the 00’s be remembered? Will we look back and think of it as the decade that wanted to be the 60s again but couldn’t quite achieve it? Certainly the 90s had no clear definition of what it wanted to express. Perhaps the 00s will be a tribute to the resurrection of previous fashion eras that did not understand their influence at the time.

2010 fashion

The 70s and 80s were admittedly not aware that they were making any kind of fashion mark. More than that, the attitude was not so much, “Look, we’re living in an important fashion moment,” so much as just “we’re living in the moment.” It’s only in looking back, from the 00s, that the styles and times begin to define themselves clearly.

The 00s did not bring about big social change as did their predecessors, and neither did the styles or trends. Some would say it was a confused era without a clear identity and was all about recycling the past trends. However, this decade was all about the globalization of fashion, and creating affordable styles in both high and commercial fashion.

 

It began with a continuation of the 90s, only in a more concise expression. The unisex styles of the previous decade gave way to a more feminine appeal, with skirts and dresses making a comeback. The pantsuit, once a staple even for more formal affairs in the late 90s, peaked in the early 00s and eventually fell by the wayside completely.

 

The hiphop culture had a major influence on fashion in the 00s. The oversized baggy pants and bandanas survived through the entire decade.hip hop fashion Gangsta rappers made fleece track suits all the rage, as well as jerseys and a mix of sporty urban and Ivy League styles. All this bagginess lost its appeal, however in 2007 when form fitting fashions and skinny-fit jeans became popular among hipsters and Scene kids.

 

2003 saw the emergence of the “boho” style for women, consistently mostly of flowing skirts and reverse seams. This heralded the return of brighter colors as well. This led into a more sophisticated urban look in the middle of the decade, which remained strong throughout the rest of the 00s. Preppy styles made a comeback at the end of the decade, as did the return of the neutral colors of white, black and gray.

 

Capri pants returned, resurrected from the 60s, with pant legs that stopped below the knee. Grunge looks from the 80s also found its way back, bringing with it camouflage and plaid fabrics. Even the 1950s were represented in the nappy fashions made popular by Buddy Holly, which merged with the punk stylings of the 70s.

 

When we look back on the 00s, it will undeniably be remembered as the decade that recycles all that came before. This set the stage for the 2010 to be the year that integrates and unifies the global mentality, and creates an entirely new standard.

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