Flávia Linden
Steve Frous
Theo Ortengren
Joana Gröblinghoff
Mikko Puttonen
The “Youreable” Fashion Design 2010 organized by the Troels H. Povlsen Care Apparel Centre under the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has come to a fruitful close. An award presentation ceremony was held (17 July) at Olympian City 2 Plaza to pay tribute to the elderly and disabled participants for their hard work.
Co-organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, Caritas Hong Kong Services for the Elderly, The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council – College for Adults with Special Educational Needs, St James’ Settlement, SAHK (formerly known as The Spastics Association of Hong Kong), Direction Association For The Handicapped and Skills Centre – A Member of VTC Group, the event provides the elderly and the disabled with an opportunity to unleash their talents in fashion design and apparel making. It also helps foster community care and social inclusion through teaming up the participants with others in the community.
A total of six awards were presented at the ceremony officiated by Mr Matthew Cheung, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Professor Walter W. Yuen, PolyU Vice President (Academic Development); and Dr Frency Ng, Director of Troels H. Povlsen Care Apparel Centre. The awards were given to the Best Design, Most Creative, Best Potential, Best Design Concept, Outstanding Performance and Best Team.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Walter W. Yuen said, “We are glad to see that our students have shown their concern for people with special need by contributing their expertise to this meaningful event. Under the technical guidance and support of our ITC students, participants are able to design and make garments for their loved ones.”
Dr Frency Ng remarked, “This year, the number of participants has increased and we have teams coming from Guangzhou and Foshan. The judges were impressed by the high-quality design of the participants. For example, a lady who has spastic illness has designed a wedding gown for wheelchair user, and a lady who is visually impaired has designed a check pattern shirt specially made with different fabric texture which could be felt by hands.”
Among the 250 finished products, 25 have been selected and the loved ones of the elderly and disabled participants dressed in these outfits at a catwalk show. Other activities of the ceremony include an Elderly Fashion Show put together by PolyU and a special performance by SAHK.
Established in 2007, the Troels H. Povlsen Care Apparel Centre is the first of its kind in Asia which promotes the concepts of specialized clothing and supporting accessories for the disabled and the elderly. The Centre has brought together multi-disciplinary experts in textiles and clothing, clothing designers, rehabilitation specialists, as well as health care professionals.
Textile giant from India, Raymond Ltd, which finds Malaysia as an attractive investment destination and a gateway to South-East Asia (SEA), is intending to establish an office there to assist its regional retail business.
Moving forward, the company is planning to have a chain of stores and the same will require immense amount of training to be given to staff. Their plans are to hire domestic people and train them in Malaysia, rather than sending them to India for training.
Apart from having a booming retail industry, Malaysia is also one of the rapidly growing economies and therefore Raymond chose this destination as an entrance point for SEA. More over, the increasing Malaysian economy and the domestic Indian populace will further make it easier for the firm to enter SEA.
Raymond is intending to launch nearly 35 stores in SEA, and will be investing for the same RM 600,000 per outlet. The firm has already introduced its first, The Raymond Shop (TRS) in Malaysia last week, marking its entry in to the region’s retail business.
This new outlet situated in Bangsar, offers a wide choice of men’s apparel including ready-to-wear garments, made-to-measure apparels and accessories.
Currently, the firm has over 50 years of retail experience in India and has more than 500 TRS outlets in more than 15 cities across the Middle East, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
Within the next three years, the firm intends to launch around 25 outlets domestically and three in Singapore. In fact the firm is planning to go together in Singapore and Indonesia. Within the coming 24 months, Raymond assertively said that, they will make their presence felt in Singapore with a target of around 3 – 4 outlets.
In the next five years or so, Raymond will also foray in to Thailand and China. However, in the immediate term, there were no chances of establishing any facilities in Malaysia. As of now, it will focus only in India, owing to easy availability of raw materials. Currently, Raymond has 18 international facilities.
As a woman, you reach a certain age where you start to become invisible. It's an odd sensation, as if someone has thrown an invisibility cloak over you. It's a sort of inversion of the old joke of sticking a Post-it note with a daft message to your back, the joke now being that people on the street look straight through you.
It has little to do with aesthetics; it's more chemical than that. Women, more than men, occupy space in the world's consciousness in correlation with youth. But in the past year, a curious thing has happened. Older women have become increasingly visible in the arena in which, above all others, nubile youth has long trumped all else: fashion.
Of all the spheres of influence in which youth and beauty could be relied on to rule with an iron grip, fashion has long been the most ruthless. (Best ever fashion-world horror story - I'm assuming it's apocryphal - is about parties held by Rachel Zoe's mini-me starlets in Los Angeles at the height of the size-zero obsession, where the guest list consisted of a pair of weighing scales at the door, and no girls weighing more than 45kg were allowed in.)
Yet next season's Dolce & Gabbana advertising campaign, unveiled last week, stars Madonna, 51. Hot label of the moment Celine - the campaign every model must have wanted this season - has chosen a veteran face from the 1990s superwaif era, Emma Balfour, 40. Balenciaga stars Stella Tennant, 39; Louis Vuitton, whose new collection was dubbed "And God Created Woman" by designer Marc Jacobs, featured Elle Macpherson, 47, on the catwalk and stars Christy Turlington, 41, in its latest print campaign.
Glossy magazines at both ends of the style spectrum have chosen older models for their latest issues: Macpherson is on the cover of the new Tatler, while Dazed features Kristen McMenamy, 46, as the face of an issue dedicated to "iconic models" on sale now.
Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin are a Dutch photographic duo who have been working together for two decades. They recently shot a new campaign for Yves Saint Laurent starring 26-year-old Daria Werbowy. Until not long ago, 26 was very much past one's prime, as a model, but the duo recently told vogue.com that "models like Kate [Moss] and Daria are mature, they've grown up, they're women who have had a life and experience".
"For about five or six years now, we haven't shot anyone under 18 for that reason, but also for the fact that we feel the modelling business should not promote girls working under this age. They're not out of school - their bodies haven't developed yet and they don't have a sense of self. Sometimes they haven't had sex yet. It's hard to project all these things on someone who hasn't had that experience."
Such common sense is revolutionary. Until recently, few in the industry would acknowledge that there was something a bit shallow and moronic, and possibly even dubious, about taking a 16-year-old model with a head full of Justin Bieber daydreams and dressing her up as a sophisticated femme fatale, arranging her supine on an unmade bed while dripping with diamond bracelets and US$1,500 handbags, and wearing a bored-of-it-all expression. Extreme youth was part and parcel of the fantasy of fashion.
The new visibility of older models is part of a shift in fashion from fantasy to wearability. For the past 10 years, one adjective has reigned supreme above others in fashion. If it was good it was "fabulous". In the Oxford English Dictionary, fabulous has two meanings: extraordinary, and also "having no basis in reality; mythical". Our obsession with fabulousness was always very much about a yearning for the impossible, a boom-time obsession with pushing boundaries. The word now feels like a compliment from another era.
The age of austerity dawned early this year in the fashion world. In March, the Paris catwalks were full of grown-up clothes in sensible, wearable colours. Fashion had a new buzzword to replace fabulousness - "believability".
Francisco Costa, designer for Calvin Klein, cast Kristen McMenamy and Tennant for his most recent catwalk show in New York. "I wanted a cast that really represented a customer I design for, and that's not really a 16-year-old," he said after the show.
"The woman who puts my clothes on needs a certain level of sophistication. We wanted to acknowledge the women who have always worn our clothes: women who have their own identities, have full lives, have kids."
Next month, the all-important September issues of the glossy magazines appear. Rumour has it that the cover girls for the US giants run as follows: Julia Roberts for Elle, Halle Berry for Vogue, and Jennifer Aniston for Harper's Bazaar. If this is true, Aniston - at 41 - will be the youngest of the three. If older women can reappear in fashion, then anything is possible. There may even be hope in Hollywood.
Mode Iles Ltd., organizers of the award-winning "Islands of the World Fashion Week", announces the second city of it's Islands of the World Fashion Tour: Chicago.
With the success of the tour that commenced at the El Paseo Fashion Week in Palm Springs, California, in March of this year, President of Mode Iles, Owen Bethel is thrilled to once again showcase talent from island nations to the key populace of the fashion world. The show will take place on August 10th, 2010 at the exquisite Loft on Lake in the famous West Loop of Chicago.
In comparison to the previous show, the designers of the Islands of the World Fashion Tour team will be the only featured designers. The featured designers of the tour in Chicago are award winning; Eric Raisina (Madagascar), Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas), K. Bobby (Jamaica), Nadya (Bali, Indonesia) and newcomer, Raang Designs (Trinidad & Tobago). "This exclusive showcase will capitalize on the intricacies of the craftsmanship that our designers display and directly expose them to the international media and buyers in the important Chicago fashion market." said Mr. Bethel.
With just a few months leading to the climax of the Tour and the main event slated for November 11th - 13th in Nassau, Bahamas, the Islands of the World Fashion Tour will make another stop in Miami, Florida in October as the journey continues. This year's event promises to be impressive and fabulous, as it will be dedicated to the rebuilding of Haiti, following the destructive earthquake in January.
On Wednesday, September 29th, Mr. Gucci will launch and auction his exclusive line of premium cognacs at the legendary Pierre Hotel. The launch of his cognacs will be in commemoration with his 10th year anniversary of the “Giorgio G” brand. Mr. Giorgio Gucci will be in Washington, D.C. on September 22nd through the 27th. He will be in New York City on September 27th through the 30th. Giorgio Gucci is the third generation of Italian fashion geniuses whose grandfather, Guccio, as a saddle-maker, established the Gucci House of design in 1905. For over five decades, Giorgio Gucci worked in the family business with his two brothers, and his father Aldo. The Gucci name has become synonymous with luxury and refined taste.
Giorgio Gucci created fashion intrigue by introducing his own brand, “Giorgio G”, with a fresh perspective on luxury and style that redefine modern luxury, beauty and elegance. “Giorgio G” produces exclusive clothing, accessories and, now, cognacs. The “Giorgio G” line is hand-made and exquisite to the taste. The products have become a symbol of excellence for the elite around the world.
Now, after ten successful years of international recognition for the “Giorgio G” label, Giorgio Gucci is achieving new heights by creating this extraordinary line of ultra-premium cognacs. This new line has been conceived and created with the same high quality standards, found in all of “Giorgio G” products. This is a unique opportunity to literally enjoy an evening socializing and dining with Mr. Gucci, as you sip his “Giorgio G” cognacs.
We will have the rarest cognacs for sale, on the evening of Wednesday, September 29th. Aged from 35, 50 and 50 plus years. All cognacs are numerated and limited, and they all come with certificates of authenticity, personally signed by Giorgio Gucci himself. The bottles are designed under Mr. Gucci’s directive, and are themselves a true works of art! “Giorgio G” cognacs may be enjoyed now, or added to your collection with the value increasing, year after year. Mr. Gucci’s cognacs will be a tremendous treat to you, and will certainly become an amazing and precious gift to your friends and loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening of opulence at the Taj/Pierre Hotel on Wednesday, September 29, 2010.
In addition to showcasing The “Giorgio G” cognacs, we will be featuring the Emperor’s Brand products which are offered in a selection of spirits, fit for all connoisseurs with a regal palate.
Emperor’s Brand’s products have graced the American spirits market since May 2007, attracting aficionados with refined tastes. For those of you who are familiar with our ultra premium vodkas: Emperor, Versailles, Winter Palace and Imperial Exclusive, which are set apart from the competition because of their high exceptional quality.
We are honored and thrilled to add this new line of collectable and exceptionally rare cognacs - "Giorgio G" - created by fashion and lifestyle icon, Mr. Giorgio Gucci.
Runway/print supermodel, pop star and actor Adam Bertrand has been confirmed as the new face of high-end fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana. Stefano Gabbana, one of the Italian designer duo, is thrilled that the budding young star has taken part in the campaign for the fashion house.
The 18-year-old will appear in the label's autumn/winter 2011 campaign, advertising their menswear collection. The advertisement will be Victorian-themed and was shot in Bath, England, by fashion photographer Stephen Klein, who previously photographed Madonna for Dolce & Gabbana.
A handful of photos for Dolce & Gabbana featuring Bertrand and a group of other male models have already leaked to magazines and the internet, and were met with praise. In the past, Bertrand has campaigned for Burberry, Guess Jeans and Louis Vuitton. He is also set to star in the upcoming film Final Destination 5, and open for Lady GaGa on the San Francisco leg of her Monster Ball tour.
A model puts on a shoe backstage before a show during Dakar Fashion Week July 17, 2010. Picture taken July 17, 2010.
Models get ready backstage during Dakar Fashion Week July 18, 2010.
Nashville joins the ranks of other cities around the country with the launch of an annual Nashville Fashion Week, March 29–April 2, 2011. The citywide event will celebrate Nashville's thriving fashion and retail community and its array of creative talent. Proceeds from the event will benefit the newly established Nashville Fashion Forward Fund, to be administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and awarded annually to advance the career of select local talent with demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field.
Nashville Fashion Week organizers are working with community partners and businesses throughout the city to ensure that the event encourages both Nashvillians and visitors to explore the area's diverse fashion and retail spaces while highlighting local, regional and nationally known design talent.
"Nashville is a city with enormous creativity, a history of innovative entrepreneurship and an incredible community spirit," said Mayor Karl Dean. "Nashville Fashion Week is an ideal way to demonstrate and celebrate the high level of talent that lives and works in our city."
Lexus of Nashville is the official presenting sponsor for Nashville Fashion Week in 2011. Additional sponsors currently include The Mall at Green Hills, Big Events and the Hutton Hotel. Current media sponsorships include SouthComm Communications, NowPlayingNashville.com, Yelp and Comcast.
"Community involvement is a core value for us, and we're pleased to support Nashville Fashion Week," said JR Roper, general manager of Lexus of Nashville. "At Lexus, we have a passion for good design, and I share that personally, whether in cars, architecture or clothing."
The establishment of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund was inspired by the important professional development the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) provides through programs such as the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund ensures that Nashville Fashion Week is not just a signature high-profile event to celebrate creative talent, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support.
"Nashville is a tremendously caring, giving community," said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. "With the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund, Nashville Fashion Week not only showcases the city's creativity, but also encourages the next generation of talent in an area that doesn't always receive the level of support it needs and deserves."
In addition to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, community partners for Nashville Fashion Week include the Mayor's Office, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Nashville Downtown Partnership, and Nashville Fashion Group.
Nashville Fashion Week is being planned and directed by Creative Co-op Nashville, LLC, a volunteer collaboration of fashion, retail and media professionals who have partnered to combine their resources and passion to create this event.
The state-owned oil refiner CPC Corp, Taiwan recently revealed that the Kuokuang Petrochemical Park investment project will undergo a proportional reduction so that it can pass the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
According to the CPC Chairman – Chu Shao-hua, initially there will be a cutback in the investment from over NT$900 billion (US $30.87 billion) to NT$600.5 billion.
He also pointed out that the estimated production of the oil refinery is likely to be reduced from 450,000 barrels to 300,000 barrels a day, whereas the projected ethylene yield is expected to be decreased from 2.4 million tons to 1.2 million tons every year.
He said that the number of units in the petrochemical park will be reduced to 25 from 41 with its overall area coming down to 1,900 hectares from 2,600 hectares.
CPC has entered into a joint venture with some private companies to form Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology Co (KPTC).
According to Chu, around 43 percent of the total investment that is NT$250 billion will be invested by CPC.
The result of the environmental impact assessment is likely to come out either in the end of February or in the beginning of March, this year.
The project was under consideration since 1990s. The proposed site of the park has also undergone several changes owing to the protests made by the local inhabitants.
The local inhabitants as well as the environmentalists have raised objections to the plan, saying that it would lead to irreparable damage to the flora as well as fauna of the region and put the marine life under serious threat as the ecosystem of the region has already become fragile.
Disposable Fame Inc, a new specialty brand of casual, stylish and active fashion apparel for men and women, announced the launch of its debut collection of men’s shirts. The Los Angeles based fashion brand Disposable Fame is unveiling its premier classic buttoned shirt collection for Spring-Summer 2011.
Disposable Fame’s Spring-Summer 2011 men’s shirt collection presents a fusion of classic buttoned shirt patterns fashioned with modern cuts, creating a distinctive, smart and stylish selection of silhouettes. Inspired by the spirit of the individual, the brand is focused on creating a simple and unique style for the man who expresses himself through what he wears, how he wears it and why he wears it – whatever his signature piece or style may be.
"We are excited to have our first men’s line ready to launch and available in 2011,” said Disposable Fame founder Rovane Durso. “The collection’s modern take on classic tailoring offers fresh essentials for every wardrobe. Guys are going to love it.”
Disposable Fame plans to keep the shirt line exclusive and with select distribution to premium retailers. With dedicated attention to quality and detail, Disposable Fame’s entire shirting collection is proudly made in the U.S.
