USA:Oscar de la Renta to receive Artistry of Fashion Award

 

The Couture Council of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) will honor Oscar de la Renta with its 2012 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion on Wednesday September 12, 2012 at a benefit luncheon at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City. As has become the tradition, this luncheon heralds the arrival of Fall Fashion Week.

Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at FIT, announced, "Oscar de la Renta is a true fashion superstar who has long served as one of the greatest ambassadors of American style. His clothes, which draw on the heritage of Spain and the French haute couture, as well as on the dynamism of contemporary New York high fashion, convey a sense of luxury and drama that have earned him acclaim throughout the world."

FIT president, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, noted, "We are so pleased to honor this great American designer, who, through his timeless and elegant designs, is a legend to all those who love fashion. Oscar de la Renta is an inspiration, not only to students of fashion, including FIT's talented students, but to his fellow designers as well."

"I am honored to receive this award from the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT," said Mr. de la Renta. "It is an extraordinary acknowledgement celebrating artistry in fashion, a craft that defines my work as a designer and drives our industry as a whole. FIT is an institution dedicated to the future of fashion. I greatly admire their work and am happy to be a part their efforts."

Born in the Dominican Republic, Oscar de la Renta left at the age of eighteen to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. While living in Spain, he became interested in design and began sketching for leading Spanish fashion houses, which led to an apprenticeship with Spain's renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Later, he left Spain to join Antonio Castillo as a couture assistant at the house of Lanvin in Paris. Mr. de la Renta came to New York in 1963 to design the couture collection for Elizabeth Arden and in 1965 began his signature ready-to-wear label. When he was appointed as designer to the French couture house of Pierre Balmain in 1992, it was the first time that an American had been chosen for such a prestigious position at the heart of the haute couture.

Today, the company also produces a bridal collection, a fragrance line, a home collection, and a complete range of accessories, including handbags, shoes and jewelry. In 2008, Oscar de la Renta opened its first international stores in Athens and Madrid, and has continued its expansion with the opening of Dubai in 2009.

Mr. de la Renta was chosen to receive The Couture Council Artistry of Fashion Award by the Couture Council Advisory Committee, an independent group consisting of curators, editors, and retailers. Members include Pamela Golbin, curator of the Musée de la Mode; Akiko Fukai, director and chief curator of the Kyoto Costume Institute; Caroline Milbank, independent curator and author; Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harpers Bazaar; Hamish Bowles, European editor-at-large of Vogue; Ken Downing, fashion director of Neiman Marcus; Linda Fargo, senior vice president of Bergdorf Goodman; Nicole Fishcelis, vice president and fashion director at Macy's; and many distinguished others. Dr. Steele serves as chair.

Oscar de la Renta is one of the leading design houses in the world. The company has seen an influx of great young talent, as it continues to grow and expand as a global brand. De la Renta has also brought in many of his own family members to help build continuity and a foundation for the label’s future success. His son-in-law Alex Bolen operates as Chief Executive Officer, step-daughter Eliza Bolen serves as Vice President of Licensing, and his son Moises de la Renta works in the Design Studio.  

USA:Nadadores event to feature swimsuit fashion show

 

The Nadadores of South Florida, one of Miami-Dade County’s longest-running sports teams, will host its 11th annual Noche Nadadores fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at the Design Within Reach furniture studio in South Beach. This year’s event will benefit the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and will feature a swimsuit fashion show, a silent auction, gourmet treats and open bars sponsored by Rökk Vodka.

This year’s event will benefit the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and will feature a swimsuit fashion show with a variety of swimsuit designs courtesy of the Creative Male store, accessories from Zuhr Jewelry and Design, eyewear from SEE, a silent auction, music by DJ Sayho, gourmet treats and open bars sponsored by Rökk Vodka. Proceeds from the event also help support the Nadadores’ all-inclusive year-round swim program in Miami.

“The Nadadores of South Florida is comprised of a diverse group of swimmers committed to giving back to the community that has given us so much during the last 16 years,” said Kirk Arthur, team captain of the Nadadores. “We’re excited to partner this year with GLAAD, which has really given the LGBT community a voice.”

Also on N ov. 12, the Nadadores will sponsor the first ever GET AMPED! South Florida, a 1.5-mile swim helping GLAAD to amplify the voice of the LGBT community. The GET AMPED! swim will bring together residents, visitors and local businesses in support of equality.

The Nadadores are still accepting sponsors and donations of silent auction items.

The Nadadores swim team in Miami, established in 1995, is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that offers affordable training for adults in a welcoming environment. We are affiliated with U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) and International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA).  

India:Nagaland hosts Kids Wear Designer Contest & Fashion Show

 

Kids Wear Designer Contest and Fashion Show based on the theme “Young or Old, fashion is for all” was held in Dimpaur, the largest city in the Northeast Indian State of Nagaland.

Kids dressed up in innovative eye-catching creations of designers walked the ramp at the event organized by the K Creative Institution, Dimapur.

Well-known dignitaries from the fashion industry like Tokatoli Shohe, Rosou Rhi and Centy J judged the show.

In his capacity as the Chief Guest at the show, Azheto Zhimomi, MLA and Advisor, Sericulture and Cooperation, Government of Nagaland, said fashion industry is one of the most rapidly flourishing industries across the globe in terms of business advancement and popularity.

Bearing in mind that fashion designing is an unusual enterprise and is still in its early stage, he commended K Creative Dimapur’s owner Kheholi for her bold venture.

Mr. Azheto said the fashion business in the country is flourishing as India is rapidly becoming fashion conscious.

Talking about Nagaland, he said one may have to face several roadblocks and difficulties to establish oneself as a designer in the State, especially while promoting own products in initial stages. But in spite of this, Nagaland designers have stood up to all the challenges and proved that they have all the potential to be successful designers.

Lauding the designers from the State, he said they have successfully started making a splash at several national as well as international fashion events.

He added that career as a designer or model is not all fun or glamour, rather it calls for efficient planning, accurate goals and dedication and thus advised the designers to fuse their talents with disciplined lifestyle and determination to achieve success.

 

China:Qingqing Wu wins 'Top Ten Fashion Designer Award'

 

VLOV Inc which designs, sources and markets VLOV-brand casual, fashion-forward apparel for men in the People's Republic of China, announced that its CEO and Chief Designer, Mr. Qingqing Wu, was awarded the 'Top Ten Fashion Designer Award' for the second consecutive year at Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012.

Since its founding in 1997, China Fashion Week has evolved from a show with 4 fashion collections to a globally recognized industry event with 40 fashion designers and 50 fashion collections and agencies. This year, Mercedes-Benz began sponsorship of China Fashion Week further heightening the event as an international stage for fashion designers.

"I am thankful to again be recognized by China Fashion Week's Organizing Committee for our Spring/Summer 2012 collection," said Mr. Wu. "We will continue to enhance the VLOV brand image by creating fashion that focuses on our customer's individuality, sophistication and success. Receiving this Top Ten Fashion Designers award for the second year in a row is an honor and a further affirmation to the vision that we have for the VLOV brand".

This is the second consecutive year that Mr. Wu has been awarded the "China Top Ten Designer". Mr. Wu first received the award for his 2011 Spring/Summer Collection in 2010. Previously, Mr. Wu was awarded the "Menswear Design Award" for his 2010 Spring/Summer Collection in 2009 by the organizers of China Fashion Week.

Highlights from VLOV's most recent show at the Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City can be found at VLOV's Website.

VLOV Inc., a leading lifestyle apparel designer based in China, designs, sources and markets VLOV brand fashion-forward apparel for men ages 18 to 45 throughout China. As of June 30, 2011, VLOV products were sold through 556 points of sale across northern, central and southern China.  

UK:Amy Childs is face of Ultimo’s Bra Queen line

 

British reality television participant and television presenter Amy Childs has been unveiled as the face of Bra Queen, the company’s new line exclusively made for supermarket Tesco.

Childs, who has participated in reality shows like ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ and ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ (Towie), joins the list of such celebrities who had represented the innerwear brand in the past, including ex-Spice Girl Mel B, model and TV presenter Tamara Ecclestone, and model and actress Kelly Brook.

The new everyday lingerie line Bra Queen is affordable, though it is designed to be fit for a queen, according to Ultimo, the creators of the brand.

The new brand is outcome of a deal between the UK’s biggest retailer and Scottish lingerie entrepreneur Michelle Mone, the founder of the Ultimo brand.

 

UK:Kelly Brook falls in love with New Look's Party Collection

 

High street fashion favourite New Look is boosting its great range of dresses by launching its sumptuous new Party Dresses Collection this month – and Kelly Brook is fronting the campaign.

The beautiful Kelly Brook was an obvious choice to model this range of deep-coloured, floor-sweeping gowns, mixed up with plunging back and necklines, shorter hems and split thighs.

The much-loved model and television presenter, who has designed exclusively for New Look for more than three years, was delighted to front the Party Dress Collection inspired by the glamour and screen-siren charm of the fifties red carpet.

The shoot made the most of her gorgeous fifties silhouette and curves, styling Kelly with an old-school glamour and swept hair reminiscent of 40s and 50s Hollywood.

The designs reflect all that is New Look: sexy, sassy and with that all important sense of fun. Each style has been designed to celebrate the female figure in a colour palette which is rich and seductive.

Sublime jewel colours and bold brights are complemented by midnight black, deep navy and pale nude, with refined embellishment: sparkling sequins, intricate beading and delicate pleats. Customers can turn to the brand's blog for style tips and trend notes on how to accessorise each item.

Whilst modelling the new designs, Kelly couldn't help but fall in love with the designs. Considering the collection, she commented:

"I adore the emerald green sequinned dress with the low back. It's such an amazing colour and even though it has no back, the long sleeves make it understated yet still very sexy!

It will look fantastic with a pair of killer heels or with ankle boots for a more rock-chic edge. I can't wait to wear it to an event!'"

New Look are award winning fashion retailers, and offer a wide choice of clothing to suit all tastes. From jackets to handbags, maternity clothes to plus size clothing, mens shoes to kidswear, New Look offers glamorous clothing at affordable prices.  

Sweden:Trish Summerville to design The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo collection

 

Trish Summerville is behind the costumes for one of the year’s most eagerly awaited films, David Fincher’s version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. To celebrate, costume designer Trish Summerville has created a women’s collection for H&M, full of pieces inspired by the film’s anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander.

The 30-piece collection has the dark urban feel that defines her character, with leather jackets and trousers, torn jeans and slouchy hoodies all in industrial shades of black, grey, worn white or dark red. The collection debut exclusively at the boutique Colette in Paris on November 28, with its own dedicated in-store area. The collection will be available from December 14 in Divided departments in around 180 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online.

“Salander’s look is very real and very lived in, with pieces that her character has worn for a long time, like her jackets that act as her armour to shield her from the world. I wanted the collection to have the essence and strength of Salander, with a fashion edge, and I’m pleased with the result! My goal is for women to find pieces in it that they love and then mix them with their own wardrobe to create their own personal style,” says Trish Summerville, Costume Designer for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

“I love this collection and what we’ve achieved with Trish. She has such an amazing eye, is so specific and has such a strong vision. The clothes are all about the attitude - they have a toughness to them but they are also really flattering. The collection is so much more than costume - it’s a fashion statement, it’s modern, and it’s right for now,” says Anna Norling, Designer for Divided at Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M).

Salander has an iconic style: biker leathers, battered jeans and hoodies as seen in Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy. This Christmas sees the release of the English language film version of the trilogy’s first book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, directed by David Fincher.

Fincher called on noted costume designer Trish Summerville to encapsulate Salander’s look, a re-imagined take on urban, grit and street fashion that Trish has made her own, thanks to her work on numerous movies as well as styling for musicians and actors. Trish now brings the inspiration for this look to H&M, with the style which will define the streets this winter.

Salander’s look is all about individuality as well as survival, and Trish’s collaboration with H&M Divided reflects her spirit. Leather racing jackets are neat, nipped and ready to protect; a hooded wool coat has a diagonal zip that wraps across the body; cardigans are draped at the front to provide comfort out in the city; trousers have a tight fit, either in functional leather or slashed denim, while a denim mini is rough cut as if by hand.

Zip-up hoodies are a crucial part of the mix, while T-shirts bring a rare splash of colour with a hand-painted flag, or scrolled lettering. Accessories are vital to the look, whether it be a knit snood, a battered backpack or a tribal earring. Boots finish off the style, whether they be high-top sneakers, an urban platform wedge, or some perfectly pre-worn leather boots.