Monday, November 24, 2008

The Fashion Breakdown .58

Welcome back, wow, what a welcome back! I've reached my 3400+ mark! So thank you to everyone for coming back! So I'll be throwing in a few commentary pieces as part of my effort to offer my readers a glimpse into fashion events. I'll be calling this... "Society Breakdown."

As previously mentioned, I attended the FIDM San Diego Debut and a private industry FIDM open house event. Here is my review their new campus and a some up and coming designers to watch out for in the near future.

The "Society Breakdown":
FIDM San Diego has relocated next to Petco Park. I got the privilege to attend their Debut show along with hundreds of aspiring fashionistas.

FIDM Campus_ The interior campus is designed by famed architect
Clive Wilkinson. The campus had a mod-chic feel; utilizing vibrant colors (hues of yellow and orange), odd plastics and poly-foam-type material to add to the open ambiance. However, I felt at times, it got too Ikea for me with the odd plastics. And I would also ask, how environmentally friendly are these items? Nonetheless, that doesn't distract from the beautifully designed campus. If you ever get a chance to travel up to the 15th floor of the Cox Building the view is to die for. You get a beautiful 180 view of downtown.

I had opportunity to meet designer/FIDM instructor Nick Verreos of Bravo's Project Runway. The following are photos I managed to take during the soiree.
Picture_1, Picture_2, Picture_3

FIDM Debut_ This debut was an opportunity to introduce to your competing FIDM 3rd year students. The following are up and coming designers whose pieces I fell in love with:

Hideka Minami - For her innovative use of tweed outerwear.
Jonique Washington - For her take on menswear bulky knits.
Chelsea Titzer - For her use of fringe, feathers!
Angela Avanesyan - My favorite collection of them all! Her use of soft pleats on chiffons on metallic solids.
Richard Chan - For his Eastern inspired evening-wear. I can definitely see him doing haute-couture pieces.

For video of the show please visit:
FIDM Debut 2008 Much thanks to Christina Haynes for the access to FIDM and its events.

Next on my blog... Finding the perfect LBD and tuxedo suit. LBD = Little Black Dress.
Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Fashion Breakdown .57

These are my picks for this season's latest trends. I tried to give a bit of everything so if you're feeling bold, go for it! I know a lot people have been waiting for this comeback and I hope to not disappoint. Enjoy!

The Fashion Breakdown 57: After reviewing this season's collection, here are several trends I think will make a big impact for this fall season.

The Minimalist_ Basics is the theme for this trend. Think: grays, blacks, whites, clean and precise cuts are the look. What is this season's new black? Well the answer to that is BLACK! However, it is important to mention that minimal or simplistic does not mean boring.
Look 1, Look 2, Look 3

The Curves_ Designers focused on the woman's natural curves. Many of you may not see any difference but there is actually a difference with a-line skirts taking of a more voluminous feel or jackets with puffed sleeves as small examples. Embrace your natural curvy figure. Pleating will help those who may lack in certain areas. Flaring around the waist is a common theme in this trend.
Look 1, Look 2 (think Carrie Bradshaw), Look 3

The Countryside_ Think layers of tweed and velvet. Don't be afraid to even go as far as fur (faux that is!). Don't be afraid to wear tweed pantsuits and checkered pieces to work. The look concepts you will want to think of is horseback riding suits and trips to the country. Utilize those knee high boots!
Look 1, Look 2, Look 3

The "tall" type_ Length length length! Waist-line high trousers and long coats and dresses overtook the runway. Now I must advise... this look are for my taller readers. For the shorter readers: long coats, extending scarves/ accessories will make up for any difference in leg length!
Look 1, Look 2, Look 3

The prints_ You will notice that when it comes to adding an oomph of color in your wardrobe, designers utilized prints (some used painted prints of all sorts and others used floral type prints). Splashes of colors of tees, dresses will definitely make you stand from the crowd. Enough with the solids, incorporate some prints in your wardrobe! It's okay to be bold without making you the center of attention.
Look 1, Look 2 (Love this one!), Look 3

Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!

Monday, November 17, 2008

The Fashion Breakdown .56

I am back and I wanted to thank everyone for coming back to read my blog. Yes, my hiatus is over. I've been on the fast track back to fashion. Recently, I attended LA Fashion Week for the Spring 2009 collection and FIDM's 2008 Debut show. I've been asked before if I've ever been an intern for any fashion show or magazine. I would like to write about my experience as a fashion show intern during fashion week.

The Fashion Breakdown 56
: I found the show through Craigslist. It was a day internship at a lounge in Beverly Hills.
The day began with the interns waiting around for the models to show up. After being assigned to a model, we began the process of final fittings. The designer was still deciding which outfits she wanted the models to wear. It was a bit odd since I was expecting that the decision would've been already made. It was so disorganized that some of the outfits were still at the dry cleaners. So after a few try-ons, we had to lump together the outfits that the models were to wear in the show (which averaged 3 to a model). It was my responsibility to determine which accessories belong to each outfit based off a grainy printed out photo of the outfit. It turns out that they only made one copy of a skirt that was to be used multiple times. So, the interns had to determine what order the models would go in since they shared select pieces. I decided I'd take another model since there were a few models left over. Since we had a lot of downtime, I spoke with the other interns about their experiences in fashion and got a lot of insight. As the show came near, the interns ended up choosing the shoes for the models. As the show came near, we made last minute preps and boom! After the lineup was finalized, everything happened withing a few minutes. And the show was done! I remember trying to prep for this and not having anyone write about their experience.

My advice in this type of situation:

1) Anticipate problems.

2) Be creative with the things you have (mine was double stick tape!).
3) Timing is everything so make sure you have a routine down.

4) Offer to help as much as you can.
5) Don't be afraid to take on more models.
6) If there is any down time, talk to the other interns. You should get a feel or recommendations to further your career.

7) Be confident.


Since its my comeback, I'll be giving you a full rundown of fall's hottest trends.
Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!