Girl Model - A Documentary Film

Not a new controversy - albeit one that has not ever been fully addressed - the documentary film "Girl Model" shows the side of the fashion industry that most forget. In a world where later aged teens are considered "too old" and runway workers are "disposable" a story is told . Girl Model will be released in select theaters February 10th just in time for London Fashion Week.  In a situation strikingly similar to that of slave workers at fashion sweatshops in Latin America and other parts of the world - thirteen year old Nadya is selected from a group of hundreds of girls and promised work as a model in Tokyo.  In a TNT Magazine article covering the film Nadya's experience is described: "Indebted to her agency and, under the constant threat of being sent home should she gain any weight, she is left to fend for herself. It is a miserable existence, shorn of illusions. There are no fabulous parties, no designer clothes. She is bonded labour." For more information visit http//girlmodelthemovie.com

All Cotton Dye it Yourself Scarf for Sale on Etsy

I am finishing up a crochet scarf, all cotton. If you follow my blog you know all the wonderful ways you can dye cotton.  Or maybe you would just use it in winter white like I would.  Get it now at my shop on Etsy.  When the scarf is finished - approximately three days from now - the price will go up. Look at the beautiful flower motif. Shop Etsy for handmade items or open your own shop to sell your designs.

Holiday Party Hair

What ever will you do with you hair for the holiday festivities?  From sleek, straight Asian to thick, natural African hair and anything in between the following dos will work. Add length if you choose with extensions or a homemade ¾ wig!  The final look will look very different on each head depending on your hair's texture and thickness.  Use styling gel, mousse or hairspray. Maybe even your usual hairdo will work for as a party hairstyle. Just add a few sparkles and you are ready to go! (Click on the YouTube logo beneath each video to make it larger.)

French Fishtail:                               Zipper:                                          Sculpt-Your-Own:
  

Bouffant:                                        Under-a-Minute styles:                   Short Hair Updo:


Make and install your own wig if you want length:

Elizabeth Taylor Auction at Christies through Friday

Gingham is in for Spring 2012!

Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry grossed an incredible $115,000,000 yesterday at Christie's Auction House - and the sale is not over yet! Although the necklace known as "La Peregrina" given to her by twice husband Richard Burton sold for 11.8 million - setting a world record - you will find that some of the items at the online only auction are quite reasonable.  Taylor's 1970s gingham skirt by Valentino for example is only 300 dollars at the time of this post. Until Friday you have a chance to obtain items once owned by Elizabeth Taylor either by attending the live auctions at Christies or by bidding on items through the online auction.  Don't delay; view her designer jewelry, clothing, accessories, interior decor and memorabilia. Perhaps you will venture to make a bid to own a piece of American movie star history, or at least some of Liz' belongings that didn't quite make it to the big tag sale. A portion of the proceeds from the Auction will be donated to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

Liz' style was hit or miss. 

Spring already?

Well, if you live in the Southern hemisphere this article is actually past due.  It is almost summer there.  For the rest of you here is what you have to look forward to in a few months. Good news though.  It looks like we don't have to be slaves to fashion anymore.
Read the article:
Womens Office Wear Tendencies for Spring 2012

Menswear Design

Emil Fusaro, Candadian tailor most generously shares his suit design process with us on YouTube. This is a series of 10 videos.  If you watch from this blog the videos will run one after the other in order without you having to do anything.  Otherwise you can see the video playlist by clicking on the link.

Suit Design with Emil

Cashmere Gifts for Men One Day Sale on Rue La La

Cashmere Raglan V-Neck
variety of colors US$99.90

Cashmere Scarf in a variety of colors US$49.90
Cashmere Sweater in a variety of  colors US$129.90

Cashmere Gloves US$39.90

Cashmere Socks US$49.90
In Black, Red, Grey and Navy

Cashmere Skull cap US$39.90

Black Friday Macy's Event

Eating Disorders: Responsibility in the Fashion Industry

Milan Fashion week. This is a reminder that there is an ethical obligation by professionals in the fashion industry to foster healthy messages on the issue of body image.  According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorder (ANAD) "Eating disorders affect people of both genders, in all age groups and of every racial and cultural background. An estimated 10 million American men have an eating disorder at some time in their lives. Clinical psychologist Roberto Olivardia told NPR, “Over the last five, six years, I’ve been seeing younger and younger boys who are struggling with these problems.”

While research has shown that the fashion industry is not the sole cause there is nonetheless a strong contributing factor when so many young people look to the industry for images of what is considered beautiful. In January 2007 the Council of Fashion Designers of America - chaired by Diane von Furstenberg - developed the Health Initiative . According to the initiative "Members of the fashion industry – modeling agents, designers, magazine editors, stylists, and models themselves – are on the front line with regard to early recognition of eating disorders in our community."

"Organized opposition to the fashion industry’s ultrathin ideal dates back over several decades, when studies began to show that super-thin female images adversely impact girls’ body attitudes and eating behaviors. Four years ago, when several international models died from complications of anorexia nervosa, criticism—and concern—intensified." Read more: Op-Ed by Diane von Furstenberg .

Other supporters of the health initiative - which bans the hiring of models under the age of 16 and requires a healthy body mass index (minimum of 18.5) - are fashion designer Michael Kors and Vogue magazine's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Basic Draping

There is more than one way to make a dress. Until now through my free videos and how-to tutorials with diagrams you have been learning the basics of projective geometry through pattern drafting. Some designers however prefer to deal directly with the three dimensional. Draping is the sculpting of a design directly onto the body. The muslin is, in essence, a soft version of the drafting paper. In her videos Susan Elias introduces us to the basics of draping.