LONDON, United Kingdom  —   The British Fashion Council (BFC) has just announced the appointment of Alexa Chung as BFC Young Style Ambassador. “I always name London first when asked which city in the world has the best style. There’s something so inherently rebellious about how people naturally style themselves. Brits aren’t afraid to experiment or take risks with how they look, perhaps that’s why London has always been home to the most dynamic and daring designers in the world. I adore fashion and am proud that it’s now officially my job to champion those London designers both new and established that inspire me so much.” – said Alexa Chung.

Alexa Chung, a British model and TV presenter, is regarded internationally as a style icon. Named the most stylish woman by Vogue in December 2009, Alexa frequently appears on Best Dressed Lists, in fashion magazines, and in the front row at fashion shows. She hosted MTV‘s “It’s On with Alexa Chung”in the US. Known for her love of vintage and retro clothing, Alexa takes inspiration from her mother. She admits that she often borrows clothes from her mother’s wardrobe and thinks her mother’s style is very classic. Her look is natural and effortless. She always wears clothes suitable to the occasion and doesn’t try too hard. When asked about the secret of always being so stylish, Alexa says that she doesn’t really follow fashion trends for inspiration. She usually just chooses what looks good on her: “I don’t intellectualise fashion. I just like things. I don’t really follow trends.”

All photos courtesy of Getty Images, Marie Claire, Quick Links & Zimbio

Alexa is a hugely influential figure in the fashion industry, and is a great representative for London as a leading creative fashion capital. She regularly receives praise for championing London’s most up and coming design talents and having appeared on the covers of Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar; she has been a brand ambassador for multiple labels and muse to designers because of her distinctive personal style. Through her new role as ambassador, Alexa will support the British Fashion Council as it continues to promote British fashion design talent to a global market.

All photos courtesy of Getty Images, Marie Claire, Quick Links & Zimbio

Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, commented: “We’re delighted to announce this role for Alexa. She is hugely influential in both the fashion industry and to the wider public, who have voted her as winner of the British Style Award at the British Fashion Awards for two years running.”

See 135 different looks of Alexa Chung: FASHION ICON

Eva Fydrych
www.evafydrych.com
www.fashionstudiomagazine.com

Ralph Lauren campaign with Filippa Hamilton

LOS ANGELES, United States — There are a variety of Photoshop scandals that contributed to leading a great part of the public into believing that all they see in magazines and on billboards are images which are extensively manipulated and fake. One famous Photoshop disaster was the Ralph Lauren ad in which super model Filippa Hamilton was altered to the extent of looking horribly anorexic.

I have seen many discussion forums on this topic. A recurrent theme was people commenting on any photograph picturing a flawless beautiful woman, asserting that she could not possibly look that great, and that she was heavily Photoshopped. Some people truly believed that every model image they saw in fashion magazines was heavily manipulated. Some forum comments even read, “I knew no one looked like that!”.

On the former Dove Evolution commercial they take an ordinary girl and in rapid camera clips, show the process of professional hair, make-up, photo shoot, and image editing, resulting in the final campaign. When I watched it for the first time, I initially appreciated the seemingly positive message Dove wanted to send. However, I did not like what I viewed a false portrayal of fashion and advertising photography as a whole. While I know that the manipulated model in the ad was supposed to be exaggerated to make a point, I felt at the same time, it was very misleading.

As a fashion photographer, I have access to women who are stunning. Models that need no alterations of any kind. Depending on the scope of work, I personally do very few touch ups. Minimally I’ll clean the skin, adjust tones and contrasts of lighting, and add some color effect treatment, only if necessary. Some of my clients, for example, Sports Illustrated, only want subtle retouching with light airbrushing, and no alteration to the model’s face or body. They are adamant about showing very natural beauty. Often, behind the scenes videos of the photo shoots have been taken, and it reconfirms that the girls haven’t had any significant manipulations to their features. I personally feel that the girl in the Dove ad, a seemingly non-professional model, looked much prettier in her photograph prior to the edits.

SA Sports Illustrated Swimwear 2008 cover by Wahb

Many companies, such as Dove, portray in campaigns that they honestly stands in women’s defense. They work to relay the message that women should be treated as subjects, and not as objects. The clear objective to apply such marketing is to gain customer loyalty and trust. However, Dove being owned by Unilever, it would be naïve to think of their marketing approach as genuine. Unilever also owns Axe, the infamous brand that sexually objectifies women. Axe, under the same company, has the opposite brand philosophy of Dove! Two brands, two opposite core values, yet one corporation. This is clear evidence that campaigns can be dishonest, deceptive and tricks the customer’s good faith.

Everyone was born beautiful, and some were just blessed with exceptional looks, their beauty should be accepted and admired, there is so much natural beauty around, we do not really need the Photoshop beasts!

 WAHB PHOTOGRAPHY
www.wahbphoto.com

Risto (Photos courtesy of HKTDC)

HONG KONG, Hong Kong — Four international fashion designers presented their latest collections at the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza, a dazzling fashion event that was one of the highlights of the Fashion Week.

During his first show in Hong Kong, Risto Bimbiloski presented a contemporary collection that mixes mature elegance with a rebellious dark spirit. By using long silhouettes, incorporating the floral elements, and combining different textures together, the designer created a unique ambiance for his Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

The designs are very wearable and modern, yet far from being boring. Interesting use of different textures and some unexpected fabric combinations, make it fresh and appealing. It is a perfect collection for someone who is inspired by nature, but prefers designs with an edgy twist; a contemporary woman who appreciates the details and the story behind the label.

Risto (Photo courtesy of HKTDC)

Hidy NG, a native Hongkongese, breaks all boundaries in fashion creation. Her designs show timeless elegance and superb quality.
Hidy has dreamt of being a fashion designer since her childhood. Her career started as a knitwear designer specializing in colour coordination. Since 1992,she has been appointed the chief designer at one of the well-established knitwear manufacturers in Hong Kong. Her target customers are sophisticated, stylish and arty ladies who are looking for luxurious designs with own unique identity.
The first Asian face of Dior, Hong Kong supermodel Grace Yu, took part in the show and modeled one of Hidy Ng’s designs.

Hidy NG (Photos courtesy of HKTDC)

London-based designer, Craig Lawrence, showed his Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Designer’s innovative approach to knitwear helps to look at this great fabric with a fresh eye and rediscover its endless possibilities. His creations are very feminine and elegant, simple in form and seductive. Craig Lawrence studied at London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Before graduating, he began producing knitwear for fellow British designer Gareth Pugh and continued for six seasons. His work has attracted Alist artists such as Lady Gaga, Björk and actress Tilda Swinton, who recently graced the cover of Another Magazine in one of his signature knit dresses. Asian models Emma Xie (far right on the picture above) and Jia Jing (centre) looked great in the stylish knitwear designs.

Craig Lawrence (Photos courtesy of HKTDC)

 Shanghai-based Qi Gang, who also took part in the glamorous Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza, presented a spectacular collection that was both dramatic and theatrical. Beautifully designed pieces, innovative shapes and forms, influenced by traditional Chinese costumes, made bold statement on the catwalk and proved that Qi Gang is one of the most talented designers in China.

“The Chinese believe that something major usually happens in the Year of the Dragon. I hope my collection can deliver a positive message that 2012 will be a joyful Year of the Dragon. The collection conveys an extravagant feeling with rich Chinese elements and craftsmanship.” – said the designer.

SCFASHION by Qi Gang (Photos courtesy of HKTDC)

Fashion Extravaganza attracted many actors and celebrities, among those in attendance were Henry Tang, Louis Cheung, Lynn Dai-Lin Xiong and Monica Chan, as well as a number of well-known local designers, including Dorian Ho and William Tang. Pictures from the opening reception coming soon!

Eva Fydrych
www.evafydrych.com
www.fashionstudiomagazine.com

Foulard

Part Two: French Fashion

As a continuation to my previous article, I will further develop my dialogue on the American vs. French fashion debate with Part Two: French Fashion. In reference to the earlier article Part One: American Fashion, I will start by saying that if Americans are the “Jeans, T-shirt, and Sneaker wearing culture”, the French are the “Non-Jeans, Non-T-Shirt, and Non-Sneaker Wearing Culture.”  Non? OUI!

We all know Paris, the capital of France, is often synonymous with the word fashion. In fact, “Haute Couture” as a term and concept originated in Paris in the mid 1800’s. As is true for most things in France, the fashion industry is highly regulated by various governing bodies such as La Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture along with other related organizations having to do with prêt-à-porter and others dedicated to the designers themselves.

To bring things back down to a relatable level, I will say that French Fashion doesn’t have much to do with T-shirts or Jeans and of course France is jam packed with haute couture houses – but don’t be fooled. This isn’t every day wear. The average French woman isn’t always dressed head to toe in Chanel or Jean Paul Gaultier. I think, however, that French women innately know the art of accessorizing. Many articles have been written about how the French take classic, well-fitting items and accessorize with scarves, shoes, handbags and jewelry. I mean, let’s not forget that owning a Louis Vuitton handbag is nearly a rite of passage as a France dweller. Economic crisis or not, a Louis is forever!

Louis Vuitton

One other very obvious fashion trend throughout the whole of France is the scarf. The scarf, or “foulard”, is somewhere in between a French statement accessory and a required item to keep warm. You will see ALL kinds of French nationals sporting the scarf and not just when there is frost on the trees. In fact, having lived mostly in the South of France, I can say with confidence that even during a mid-summer evening you may still find a beach stroller with a scarf wrapped carefully and strategically around their neck. There’s even a way to do it: fold in two, put around neck, pull the two ends through the loop and ‘Voilà’ the French scarf!

But that’s not all. I’ve observed, on numerous occasions, the French woman’s preferred choice of shoes – namely those of the heeled kind. Sure, Americans where high heels with various outfits ; mostly on special occasions, out with friends, or even at the office. However, the French take this to another level. I’ve witnessed women pushing baby strollers, grocery shopping, even pregnant women wearing four inch heels! A lot of times, these aren’t women in their early 20’s either. Ladies of all ages sport the heel at any time and for any occasion. And why shouldn’t they?

I suppose French women don’t let age dictate their style. Young or mature, the French take care of what they put on their bodies and as a result are some of the chicest dressed ladies out there. As for me, I’m content with continuing to wear flats while roaming the city – but scarf and handbag are not going anywhere!

Sarah Roth-Oosten
HYPE Fashions
www.hypefashions.com

]]> http://www.thefashionglobe.com/2012/01/part-two-french-fashion/feed/ 0 http://www.thefashionglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Foulard.jpg image/jpeg http://www.thefashionglobe.com/2012/01/retro-scenery-for-a-vintage-fashionista/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=retro-scenery-for-a-vintage-fashionista http://www.thefashionglobe.com/2012/01/retro-scenery-for-a-vintage-fashionista/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:44:13 +0000 Elizabeth Deheza http://www.thefashionglobe.com/?p=972

Terry Madenholm in a blue vintage style DSquared2 suit

PARIS, France — Recreating unique scenery that recalls a specific time-frame requires imagination and good taste. A recent fashion shoot done for So’ Chic Magazine expertly transported us to the fabulous 1960s recalling a typical American residential neighbourhood with a fascinating clean and conservative yet artificial environment. Thus, the imagination and the good taste of this team converted a Parisian street into an American suburban with a touch of “chic à la française”.

Terry Madenholm in black Versace dress

Through the lens of the renowned French photographer Sacha Goldberger, this shoot celebrates the beauty and femininity of women of the so called “American Dream” suburban concept. The beautiful and talented Terry Madenholm – the Karin Paris’ model for this shoot – was delighted with the wide range of beautiful vintage clothes chosen for this occasion. “My favourite piece was the Versace dress that was very womanly and I also felt wonderful in the Céline dress”.

On the picture that recalls the typical cover of an American magazine of the sixties, the Polish model wears a beautiful vintage leather dress from Céline, matched with a Bowler bag also from Céline and a pearl necklace from Misaki. She also wears a black Versace dress combined with a bell clutch from Christian Louboutin and headband from Missoni. On the most representative picture of this shooting, Sacha Goldberger immortalises this setting with a beautiful picture of Terry in a very feminine blue vintage style suit with a blouse from DSquared2 perfectly combined with a pair of platform high heels from John Galliano and a scarf, a set of gorgeous suitcases and a handbag from La Maison Goyard.

Terry Madenholm in a Céline vintage dress

Terry’s love for vintage fashion and old retro styles are more than a pure coincidence with this fashion shoot. “This style has inspired me for a long time, even before I knew it had a name”. Terry, as all the vintage fashionistas, was lucky enough to inherit beautiful and unique dresses from her mother and her grandmother. “One of my favourite pieces is an Emanuel Ungaro dress that presents meticulous work highlighting the smallest detail. I wore it in Ibiza at a polo match with the divine Adolfo Cambiaso. It seems to me that the dress is as trendy as it was twenty-five years ago when my mother wore it on a similar occasion”.

The real beauty of vintage fashion is that you can acquire a piece and simply wait for the right moment to wear it. You can also mix modern trendy items with a vintage piece to add a unique and distinguished look to your outfit. Terry likes borrowing elements from her mum’s wardrobe, which she often combines with her own wardrobe. “I like old Christian Dior and Céline purses, evening purses resembling jewellery gems, old beauty boxes and Chanel jackets. All these things that I received from my mum, share high quality and timelessness. But vintage is also a skill of combining things that are not derived from the same time period. I like the most exceptional things. They don’t need to be necessarily from haute couture but their common features have to be best quality and good style. I braid vintage style with premeditation for instance through earrings, pearls, a belt or a scarf. I liked non-standard combinations, which were not about manifesting anything but were a need of wearing what I was fancying. These could be old shoes for horse riding with gauzy dresses. A perfect selection of everything that is in accord with fashion standards is boring. That’s why I feel the need of creating my own compositions, which emphasize my personality and reflects my mood.”

By Elizabeth Deheza
Courtesy by Terry Madenholm
Photographer: Sacha Goldeberger
Models: Terry Madenholm and Ferdi Sibbel