This is the sort of find that is sure to get me inspired to blog again on a regular basis. The video below is of Julie Corrigan singing "Angel" for a contest held by Tommy Hilfiger and Sony, in which the winner will perform at a live event and gain exposure.
TommyTV.com launched about 2 months ago and the site features established recording artists and also bring attention to unsigned musicians and singers. (Read more about this project at mtv.co.uk).
Fashion and music have, for many years, influenced one another. The Fashion Rocks event which precedes New York Fashion Week is the highest profile event that synthesizes this collaborative, symbiotic relationship. Hilfiger and Sony with the Hilfiger Sessions project have further defined and invigorated this relationship.
Listen to Julie Corrigan's rendition of "Angel" (I promise it is well worth a listen!). Share this video and/or upload your own song if you wish.
While visiting Peru to participate in a Canadian television production about young leaders around the globe, Cameron Diaz inadvertently offended locals by carrying a bag with a red star and Mao Zedong’s political slogan “Serve the People” printed in Chinese.
As in the case of some celebrities who have had tattoos in languages they don’t understand and then subsequently the press reveals it is actually something they probably wouldn’t want inked into their skin - it’s best to be cautious wearing things printed in a language you don’t read.
From theglobeandmail.com The bags are marketed as fashion accessories in some world capitals, but in Peru the slogan evokes memories of the Maoist Shining Path insurgency that fought the government in the 1980s and early 1990s in a bloody conflict that left nearly 70,000 people dead. “I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China and I did not realize the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it,” Diaz said in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press. “I’m sorry for any people’s pain and suffering and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country’s history,” she said.
Diaz also spoke of Peruvians’ beauty and warmth and said she wished “for their continued healing.”
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced yesterday that Oscar de la Renta (pictured), Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler, and Marc Jacobs for Marc Jacobs have all been nominated for the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. Ralph Lauren is also in line to receive the first-ever American Fashion Legend Award, for his 40 years spent defining American style and setting the standard in fashion.
The nominees for the Menswear Designer of the Year Award include designers Steven Cox & Daniel Silver for Duckie Brown, Ralph Lauren and Italo Zucchelli for Calvin Klein.
The 2007 CFDA Fashion Award winners will be announced at the annual gala, which takes place on June 4 at the New York Public Library. To see a list of all the awards and nominees log onto www.cfda.com
Commerce, Calif.–based premium-denim brand Antik Denim LLC, a division of Blue Holdings Inc., signed a licensing agreement with Max Ray Inc. for a line of accessories under the Antik label. The deal covers handbags, belts, small leather accessories and scarves for both men and women. The 18-month agreement is renewable for four consecutive one-year terms. Max Ray is based in Los Angeles and has produced accessories under its own labels and for national retailers, including Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Bebe, according to Paul Guez, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Blue Holdings.
TRUE RELIGION JEANS
Blue-jeans maker True Religion Apparel Inc. is branching out into the handbag business. The Los Angeles–based company has signed a licensing agreement with Jacobs & Leslie Hsu Designs, a designer and distributor of high-end purses and leather goods. The new handbag line will launch atthe Project Global Trade Show in Las Vegas in August and will begin shipping for the Spring 2008 season.
I came across an interesting article at www.smh.com.au that asked whether or not fashion as we know is dead. In the past when looks appeared on the runway six months in advance they were not so accessible. Now with the internet and television coverage the looks show up in the local malls before the designers' lines go into production. And more so, many new and popular looks come from pop culture - movies, videos etc.
Are designers running out of ideas? Increasingly there are revivals of revivals. The 60's inspired looks current this season are an example. There was a surge in 1960's the look in the early 90's. The articles says that emerging and independent designers will most likely keep high fashion aloft.
I agree that fashion is becoming more diverse and fuzzy, but I believe there are just more participants to share the spotlight. Ultra-luxe clients will still purchase as part of their niche group if marketed to effectively. Quality, both in construction and design will be a wise survival tactic for any brand.
Premium denim, pop-fashion brands such as Seven For All Mankind and Diesel have loyal customers because of the quality of the product and because the cut of that particular brand fits their particular body shape. Indeed those labels that depend on having as its customer base those who mindlessly follow a trend because it is "in at the moment" or to emulate some celebritiy's lifestyle may be in jeopardy. I look at seeing a particular celeb wearing an outfit I like in a way similar to seeing someone walking by me on the street who is dressed in an interesting look. It is just an inspiration to adapt a style that I may feel would suit me personally. We have our original ideas for dress and often we may borrow a hint of a look from a stylish friend. From a popular blog's catchphrase - Style For All !
