Ethnic influences that I have noticed, originate more from the eastern cultures than others. Cultures such as China and Japan, as well as European and korean. Most of them include oreintal prints and inspired tops or dresses, and garments inspired by the latest trend in Paris or England. Also, the colors in Africa are seen more in American apparel, more geared towards the African American groups. As for the Korean influences, it is more subtle and only noticed by the silks and garmenst inspired by their traditional wear.
Although China is mostly industrial now, their traditional dresses and garments remain as inspirations for today's wear. The most popular fabric comes from China, silk. Silk gowns are still popular. Also, the simplicity, yet elegant beauty of silk is the key factor in why it was used for royal garments in china.
Japans influence has more to do with the printed T-shirts, knee, and thigh high socks with short skirts, and the kimono top, that has been cirling in and out of fashion. Their paintings are found as inspiration for prints on skirts, such as the Sakura, or cherry blossoms. Europe, however, still tops this influence.
Paris fashion week is perhaps the biggest event in the world for the fashion industry. American designers go to paris, see their latest trends, and are inspired to design garments, not quite knock offs, for the next season. style trends are researched, brought to America, then used as an influence for the next big design.
In my opinion, since I love Japan, I really would like to see a bit more influence from them, aside from the crazed Anime crowd, wich I proudly Admit that I am a part of.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Fall fashion week
In fall fashion week, I took a look at Vera Wang's designs for fall 2008. I noticed alot of blacks, neutrals, and blues. Some of wich I liked, some of wich I really had no taste for. However, seeing some of her dresses, I started drawing and sketching after that. I suppose you could say I got inspired. Its kind of interesting to look at her line, and wonder where her own inspiration came from. my favorite was a blue and black dress in the pattern of what looked like camoflague.
Other clothing in the line, looked like ready-to-wear, in the winter time. The clothes were more warm and dark in color. However even I would wear some of the outfits. But, since it is not yet winter, it is hard to deside what really looks wearable.
I also took a look a the chanel line. To me, it kinda felt like the clothing was coming from the past, and I mean 1950's past. Granted, I don't really know how they are cycling the styles right now, so it is possible that the 50's are the current trend right now. There were a few dresses that I really liked. I have yet to discover the spring collection however, and I look forward to what I can find.
Other clothing in the line, looked like ready-to-wear, in the winter time. The clothes were more warm and dark in color. However even I would wear some of the outfits. But, since it is not yet winter, it is hard to deside what really looks wearable.
I also took a look a the chanel line. To me, it kinda felt like the clothing was coming from the past, and I mean 1950's past. Granted, I don't really know how they are cycling the styles right now, so it is possible that the 50's are the current trend right now. There were a few dresses that I really liked. I have yet to discover the spring collection however, and I look forward to what I can find.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Organic textiles
To me, organic fabrics and products can be a good thing with the whole Go Green fad going on, but because I have lived my life, not "going, green" so to speak, its been hard and confusing. However, I strive to open my eyes to it. The fact that non-organic clothing dosent necessaily harm us directly when we wear it puts me at ease a bit, but to now find out that the meathods used to create such nice fabrics can harm the earth, I am slightly appalled.
Why is it, that humanity has just started to realize this? Because the ozone layer is now endangering us? Because we could suffer from a second Ice Age and we only now have the technology to do something about it? These are not excuses!!!! Human error and ignorance has gone too far and I am disgusted that now they suddenly care. Yet at the same time, I am happy that new innovations are helping our earth. new ways to make cotton and other fabrics without pesticides is helping, but not necessarily drastically. More needs to be done than just cotton industries.
Synthetic fibers, though amazingly cheep and great, are not so "awesome" in the sense that they are also a cause. the chemicals and processes used to make them are toxic. Why? Why is it that there seem to be no other ways of making those same synthetic fibers? Too many textile industries and the newest brand looks depend on these fabrics and we cannot do without them. It is ny hopes that these fibers can be made in a more enviornmentally safe way, and that they are researching this.
Why is it, that humanity has just started to realize this? Because the ozone layer is now endangering us? Because we could suffer from a second Ice Age and we only now have the technology to do something about it? These are not excuses!!!! Human error and ignorance has gone too far and I am disgusted that now they suddenly care. Yet at the same time, I am happy that new innovations are helping our earth. new ways to make cotton and other fabrics without pesticides is helping, but not necessarily drastically. More needs to be done than just cotton industries.
Synthetic fibers, though amazingly cheep and great, are not so "awesome" in the sense that they are also a cause. the chemicals and processes used to make them are toxic. Why? Why is it that there seem to be no other ways of making those same synthetic fibers? Too many textile industries and the newest brand looks depend on these fabrics and we cannot do without them. It is ny hopes that these fibers can be made in a more enviornmentally safe way, and that they are researching this.
Friday, September 5, 2008
A designer I admire.
The designer I admire most, for not only her strength and independance, but also her revolution for womens clothing. Coco Chanel, a woman that changed the look of her time, is not only innovative, but creative as well. From her start with the not-so-contemporary little black dress, to her perfume No. 9, she inspired me, among other designers, to become a fashion designer myself.
With her debut, the little black dress, many thought of her design as revealing and innapropriate. However in reality, she did what every designer tries to do, change the fashion industry to satisfy the fashion of tomorrow. Coco Chanel was indeed innovative and did not let anyone tell her otherwise. She indeed revolutionized women's fashion whether the men of that time liked it or not.
She was also strong and independant, something I am still trying so hard to be, so naturally, as a person also going into such a competitive industry, i look up to her. I don't really believe in myself that much as it is. I have not gotten the chance to. So when I see what she could do, I want to believe that I can too. Something i suppose most female designers want in their lives.
With her debut, the little black dress, many thought of her design as revealing and innapropriate. However in reality, she did what every designer tries to do, change the fashion industry to satisfy the fashion of tomorrow. Coco Chanel was indeed innovative and did not let anyone tell her otherwise. She indeed revolutionized women's fashion whether the men of that time liked it or not.
She was also strong and independant, something I am still trying so hard to be, so naturally, as a person also going into such a competitive industry, i look up to her. I don't really believe in myself that much as it is. I have not gotten the chance to. So when I see what she could do, I want to believe that I can too. Something i suppose most female designers want in their lives.
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