A fashion and lifestyle magazine and blog produced by Students in the Design and Merchandising program at Drexel University

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Chanel's Haute Couture Garden Party



Today in Paris, Karl Lagerfeld left his audience very satisfied after experiencing Chanel’s Haute Couture Spring 2015 Fashion Show. Undoubtedly, Lagerfeld chose a unique and eye-catching theme which was a garden party complete with origami colorful flowers that you would see in a tropical rainforest, palm trees and banana leaves. The entire runway was a lush, fantastical garden installation that actually moved at some points. After seeing footage online, I saw the models as these wonderful flowers coming to life from the installation. The show started with a gardening-boy carrying around a Chanel watering can (wouldn’t be anything less now would it?), wearing a straw hat and cropped pants. The actual haute couture garments consisted of  all of the colors that you would find in nature. 




The textures were very organic and some pieces were complete with silk flower appliqués, sequin embroidery, tulle and a touch of sparkle. The finale of the show ended with an amazing wedding dress that had a full trailing skirt made of fabric flowers. Rather than your traditional flower-girls walking down the aisle at a wedding, this bride had flower-boys following her as she proceeded down the runway; holding extravagant in beauty and size, bouquets. As I scrolled through each look, I was fascinated at how cohesive and exact the looks were to the theme. 



Of course, I expect the absolute best from a Chanel show, but it is so nice to see fashion shows that stand alone and are truly original in all aspects. As more and more designers catch on to what makes a show so successful, it is hard to remain fresh and brand new. Karl Lagerfeld definitely has proved himself as a leader not only in designing clothes, but creating a wonderful runway experience that has never been thought of before. I found myself sucked into the articles that I was reading this morning as I am usually attracted to whimsical, vibrant and exciting fashion. Chanel's show is something that I dream to experience one day. 


Kate Spade’s On Purpose Program


Today, I received an email from Kate Spade informing me about the speciality pieces that are being featured for Valentines Day. Kate Spade has always been my favorite designer when it comes to both jewelry and handbags.  Little did I know that Kate Spade along with Jack Spade and Kate Spade Saturday all participate in a program called “On Purpose.” This program encourages leadership to a community of artisans in Rwanda. 

After looking through the items, I continued looking more and more into this program and I am surprised that I’ve never heard of it before. This program not only helps the locals of the village, it is also expanding Kate Spade's global market.  This project focuses on handcrafted items and empowering these men and women to display their talent. Each item purchased helps the basis of this trade industry. Only this community is involved in this program and they are looking to expand to other artisans to teach them. Kate Spade is donating part of their product price, creating jobs for these people and essentially are creating a whole new business model. 





“On Purpose” is a wonderful thing for these men and women in the small village of Masoro. From totes to clutches to bangles, the On Purpose collection offers so many items at a reasonable prices. This program brings opportunities to so many families that couldn't afford food and its reshaping their lives as a whole. I am definitely buying something from this collection in the near future! 

Super Bowl Fashions

The Super Bowl is always a big topic during the last few weeks of January leading up to the big game. This year the conversations are even bigger and more controversial with the 'Deflategate' scandal. Super Bowl Sunday is only 5 days away. Families and friends will be gathered around the TV to watch the Patriots take on the Seahawks, see Katy Perry perform at halftime, and discuss all the new commercials, good or bad. Have you made your plans yet?

It is very clear that the Super Bowl is not just about football. People anticipate this big game every year, even those who aren't football fans or have no clue what the hell is going on during the game. I personally look forward to the Super Bowl each year to see what the fashion industry has to contribute. Last year, for Super Bowl XLVIII Bloomingdales came out with a line of 48 football helmets each created by different fashion designers. Fashion designers included Billy Reid, Helmut Lang, Marchesa, Toms, and many others. So I was curious to see what would fashion do for the Super Bowl this year? Well, not too much as it seems; no big collaborations like last year.

Interestingly, Footwear News put together a selection of shoes that are representative of the Seahawks and the Patriots. I know all you fans out there have already selected their game day outfits, but have you considered the shoes you're going to wear? Maybe, maybe not. To complete your team-inspired look you better brace the snow today and hunt down these shoes! If you're going casual, lets think comfortable and chic sneakers. Nike has their Dunk High Tops NFL Seahawks sneakers and for Patriots fans they have the Dunk Lows. Ladies, to wear these Mens sneakers just bump down 1.5-2 shoe sizes. 




Say us girls want something slightly more flattering than a sneaker, don't worry. Fendi and Philip Lim always have us covered! We've got Philip Lim slip-ons (a huge shoe trend right now) for the Seahawks and adorable flats for the Patriots.


It might sound a little crazy to us college students, but there are Black Tie Super Bowl parties. Players' families, owners of the teams, big wig people in the industry, I'm sure many of them will be attending such events. I can't help but wonder if their outfit choices will at all reflect the team they "belong" to. Maybe not, as to avoid any confrontations, but who knows what will be worn underneath the gowns. Maybe these Christian Louboutin's PVC sandals? Or perhaps Nicholas Kirkwood navy suede and lime lace sandals.














There, I just put the pressure on all of you to step-up (literally) your outfits. So, show us what you've got this Super Bowl Sunday. Upload onto Instagram, your blog pages, however you post. #SuperbowlXLIXfashion your outfit choice and most importantly, enjoy the game!




Monday, January 26, 2015

Target to Launch Plus-Size Line - Ava & Viv

When I saw the headline announcing Target’s launch of a plus-size line I was stopped in my tracks. How did Target not have plus-size clothing before? As someone who is privileged enough to almost always find her size in the store, it was sad to think that so many people weren’t able to buy many clothes at a mass retailer like Target!


The plus-size market only makes up 15% of the industry, meaning it is underserved. I’m sure Target will see a great return on the collection sparking an increase in clothing options for plus-size shoppers. Women’s Wear Daily predicts Target will see some competition from retailers like JC Penny in the near future. Prior to this new collection, Target offered a limited selection of plus size clothing that was inconsistent and disjointed.This line aims to offer customers the ability to shop pieces that are more trendy can be paired together to create outfits.


The line, Ava & Viv, is the first new apparel brand to hit Target stores since 2008. Even more exciting, this is the first clothing brand Target has build completely internally in decades. Ava & Viv will hit stores and online mid-february and is targeted toward a fashion-forward girl who happens to be plus-size. Ava & Viv will receive new shipments monthly and the collection will consist both basics and statement pieces. Unlike most plus-size lines, Ava & Viv does not shy away from color, print, or trendy silhouettes.

To help launch the line, Target has employed some of their biggest critics, plus-size fashion bloggers. The bloggers who have previously criticized Target and the fashion industry for their lack of attention to the plus-size consumer, will now star in the retailer’s marketing campaign. Perhaps with the help of these bloggers, Target will spark a revolution for the plus-size market. I look forward to seeing the spring line in stores and how the line will shape for seasons to come!


Gym to Street Chic with Adidas and Stella McCartney


Wearing athletic wear has become a trend that we can no longer ignore, it’s everywhere! Brands like Adidas, Athleta, Lululemon, and Nike are cashing in on this current casual lifestyle shift and now big name designers are wanting to break into this industry as well. Initially meant to be worn to the gym, athletic clothing is now taking over from the gym to the street which creates a need for more stylish athletic clothing, ath-leisure.



Men and women are becoming busier with more transitional lifestyles where comfort is key but they are not looking to sacrifice their style. Stella McCartney and Adidas have collaborated to ensure that women get what they want in terms of style and comfort.  



This new collection, Adidas StellaSport, targets a younger customer than the Adidas by Stella McCartney line and recently launched on January 15th. Adidas StellaSport includes stylish apparel, accessories, and footwear meant for the gym and the streets, with bold color and youthful style at lower price points. McCartney described her new collaboration by saying “It takes the Stella girl from the campus to the club and finds a link in sport and technology without sacrificing style…These pieces are designed to complement your life and be totally realistic that fashion and sport technology are here to stay as huge part of our life and wardrobes, and this is the attitude we are shouting about.”



 The Adidas StellaSport collection features tank tops, bras, and tights with fast drying fabrics, footwear with built in sock liners, and cool accessories including trucker hats and knee-high socks. The edgy silhouettes and the color blocked patterns appeal to the younger audience and is sold in retailers that reflect their fresh and youthful style; Topshop and Nordstrom as well as through Adidas’ web site. After 10 years of successful collaborations with Adidas, Stella McCartney is reaching younger customers that aspire to wear her line at a price they can afford without losing their bold and youthful style.