New Zealand:4th DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship opens for entries

 

DHL, the world's leading express and logistics company, is calling for emerging fashion exporters to enter the fourth DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship. Designed to identify the country’s hottest up-and-coming fashion exporter and assist them in achieving international growth, the scholarship is open to New Zealand designers who have been exporting for less than four years.

Megan Wildermoth, national strategic account manager (fashion and textiles) at DHL Express, says, “Over the years, the scholarship has provided an invaluable boost for designers looking to grow their brands internationally. Previous winners, including Stolen Girlfriends Club, Lonely Hearts and Twenty-Seven Names, have gone from strength-to-strength.”

The winner of the scholarship will receive international freight to the value of NZ$10,000, as well as coaching in freight and logistics from DHL Express.

All three finalists will receive individual export mentoring and an annual membership subscription from Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ).

In a new addition to the scholarship this year, all three finalists will also be invited to join the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) Path to Market programme for apparel exporters, which aims to improve the rate and speed of market entry to Australia. Judging the 2011 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship are:

• Margarita Robertson, creative director and co-founder of NOM*D; one of New Zealand’s most iconic and enduring fashion brands
• Prominent New Zealand entrepreneur and exporter, Erica Crawford; co-founder of Kim Crawford Wines and managing principal at Tentpole Holdings
• Megan Wildermoth, national strategic account manager (fashion and textiles) at DHL Express
• Mapihi Opai, executive officer at Fashion Industry New Zealand (FINZ)

For last year’s winner, Wellington-based fashion brand Twenty-Seven Names, the DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship has produced tangible results.

“Previously, we only showed sample ranges in Australasia. But, this year, we were able to send samples to Japan, Europe and the U.S,” says Anjali Stewart, co-founder and designer of Twenty-Seven Names.

“Increasing the number of agents and buyers able to physically view the collections has helped grow our export sales and raise our profile.”

FINZ executive officer, Mapihi Opai, says, “The scholarship provides much needed exposure and assistance for talented New Zealand fashion exporters, which not only raises the profile of their brands, but lends a tremendous amount of credibility to their businesses, both here and internationally.”

Entrants are required to complete an official application form and submit lookbooks from previous collections. Applications will be judged across several categories, including ‘brand and design’, ‘sales and marketing’ and ‘export strategy’.  

South Africa:Fashion Week brings hope to dying textile industry

 

The eight edition of the Africa Fashion week in Johannesburg has brought a glimmer of hope to the dying textile industry of the biggest economy in the African continent.

Most of the designers who showcased their collections used South African produced textiles and took the help of craft workers to design shimmering fashion clothing.

One designer - Thula Sindi has embroidered his collection with the help of skilled seamstresses who work under cooperatives in the Johannesburg factory areas.

Another Durban-based fashion designer - Dax Martin had his swimwear and lingerie line produced by local tailors.

The industry is hopeful that these designers will showcase and sell their collections across the globe, which will in turn bring business for the local textile sector.
 

USA:Launch of Giambattista Valli's collection at Macy's

 

This Wednesday, Macy's will debut the new Giambattista Valli collection, the fourth in the retailer's series of limited-edition, designer capsules created exclusively for its Impulse department. Fêted for his effortless glamour, versatility and innate sense of "what women want," Giambattista Valli's first-ever collaboration will bring ultra-feminine, jet-set style to the affordable fashion arena for the holiday season.

Featuring sequin-encrusted jackets, soutaché dresses and flirty blouses, "Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's" will be sold in approximately 225 Macy's stores nationwide and on macys/impulse beginning Oct. 26.

"This collection is a passport into my world and a chance to experience my Couture House and Paris itself," said Giambattista Valli. "Each dress is a collector's piece and an invitation to join my exclusive group of 'Valli girls.'"

The Giambattista Valli capsule is a true reflection of the designer's trademark sensibility and creative flourishes that have made him an international sensation. Featuring gloriously feminine fabrics and bold prints, the collection is grounded in red and black with gold, grey and fuchsia infused throughout. The line will feature cocktail dresses, flirty skirts, feminine blouses and lightweight jackets in key textures such as lace, tweed, brocade, faux fur and point d'esprit tulle.

"We are thrilled to have Giambattista Valli's limited-edition collection at Macy's," said Jeff Gennette, Macy's chief merchandising officer. "His design is synonymous with the overtly feminine and unapologetically luxurious, and these collectible pieces offer his authentic style to a customer who craves high-end fashion at an incredible price."

To welcome the arrival of Valli's exclusive collection, Macy's will host a celebratory launch event at its New York flagship, Herald Square, at 6 p.m. on Oct. 26 in the Impulse department on the 2nd floor.

Beginning Oct. 26, 2011, Macy's customers can purchase the "Giambattista Valli for Impulse only at Macy's" collection at website.

Born and raised in Rome, Giambattista Valli studied at the Istituto Europeo del Design and Central St. Martin's School of Arts in London. Returning to Italy, he studied under Roberto Capucci for two years and was introduced to the dramatic haute-couture clothes and the bursting colors of the Roman master. Following that period, the Fendi family called him to oversee, as Senior Designer, the newly born Fendissime Line.

Appointed Senior Designer for Krizia in 1995, Valli quickly made his two great dreams become a reality in 1997. After moving to Paris to pursue the opportunity to combine his prêt-à-porter and couture sensibilities, he met Emanuel Ungaro, for whom he headed the design studio alongside until 2001. Launching his own collection in March 2005, Valli held his first solo show in Paris. Showing twice a year during Paris Fashion Week, his collections are sought after by international style icons who have rapidly endorsed his talent by wearing his clothes.

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home.  

Canada:Lauren Elaine’s Black Label Swim collection at VFW

 

Classic California-cool travels to Canada as LA-based celebrity designer Lauren Elaine debuts the new SS2012 Black Label Swim collection at Vancouver Fashion Week (VFW) on November 5th.

Attendees will be the first to preview the new collection mixing 70s exotic with California beach-girl whimsy, and featuring an array of decadent bikinis, evening-worthy après-swim cover-ups and resort wear, as well as a handful of chic separates and casual gowns. The 32-look runway show kicks off at 2pm at Masik Studios.

For the new SS2012 Swim collection, Designer Lauren Elaine has imagined a variety of couture bikinis and swim separates with a focus on clean shapes embellished with plenty of details. "I've always found it difficult to find swimwear that is unique and feminine without it being over-the-top or tacky.

My aim when creating this collection was to take my design aesthetic from the Black Label dress collection, and apply it to swimwear," says Elaine. "I wanted to give my suits an added regal touch while keeping them effortless."

Originally known for her modern-day princess design aesthetic as reflected in the Black Label dress collection, Lauren Elaine officially launched the Black Label Swim line as part of the Lauren Elaine brand in June of 2010, in Hollywood CA. Since the launch, Lauren Elaine Swim has taken warm weather climates by storm- and has been seen in a slew of the summer's hottest magazine editorials- including the official swimwear for the Swimsuit Edition of Fitness and World Physique Magazine.

In September of 2011, Lauren Elaine Swim was featured on the new season of Americas Next Top Model All-Stars. The Lauren Elaine brand officially debuted during LA Fashion Week in October 2009, and Elaine's pieces have graced the pages of such high profile publications as Vogue and Women's Wear Daily, and garnered a celebrity following on the red carpet.

As a featured international designer for Vancouver Fashion Week, Lauren Elaine looks forward to presenting an inspired show and bringing a taste of southern California chic to Canada.  

Sweden:Essence of Versace for H&M - moment in fashion

 

Versace’s collection for H&M is full of the pieces that have made the house of Versace legendary. Dominated by colour, print and cut, the brand’s creative director Donatella Versace has gone back to the archives to bring some Versace classics to a whole new audience.

Iconic dresses are the focus of the women’s collection, while menswear is centered on sharp tailoring. And, for the first time, an H&M designer collaboration will include homeware pieces, reflecting Versace’s influential home designs. All collections will be available in around 300 stores worldwide, as well as on-line, from November 17.

"The collection for H&M is the essence of Versace. For the collaboration we've brought back from the archives, as well as from more recent collections, some of the icons of Versace such as the bright prints, the Greek key and daring cuts. I can't wait to see how H&M’s wide audience will make these pieces their own." Donatella Versace.

“Versace’s collection for Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) is a moment in fashion. It is full of strong pieces that stand out, with colours, prints and cuts that are clean and precise. The women’s collection is flattering and full of dresses, while the men’s collection is very sophisticated. When I think about Versace I think of iconic items. With this collection for H&M we’ve got the essence of Versace.” Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M.

Versace’s collection for H&M includes many of the iconic designs. For women, a classic black silk crepe dress has gold Grecian buttons on its patent straps, while the flow of a floor-length goddess gown is balanced by boning in the bodice. For night-time shine, multi-colour sequin dresses are covered in archival Versace prints, short metallic dresses come in either silver or gold, and strong colour shift dresses are embellished with studs in classic Greek motifs.

For H&M, Versace has revisited some of its most famous prints, which for women are used on pieces such as dresses, short pleat skirts, velvet bomber jackets, leggings and jeans. Meanwhile the importance of leather for Versace is reflected in leather jackets that come decorated with gold studs and zips. Accessories include a high-heeled laced boot and a studded suede high-heeled sandal, along with studded leather bags as well as velvet bags covered with the Miami palm print.

Versace’s men’s collection for H&M is a mix of slick tailoring and pieces of extravagant pattern. Suit jackets and trousers come in either black or pink, while a black tuxedo jacket has metallic tip trims on its pockets, and shirts have metallic wing-tips on the collars. Versace’s palm and optical prints are used on T-shirts, as well as on thin-knit cashmere sweaters, while print is also used on velvet bombers, jeans, and even swim trunks.

There’s leather in the men’s collection too, with a quilted leather jacket trimmed with gold studs in the Versace classical Greek pattern, which is repeated down the sides of black cotton shorts and a rolled-sleeve T-shirt. Accessories include embellished beanies and patterned caps, embellished or print scarfs, hi-top sneakers and the perfect dress shoes.

Versace’s home pieces for H&M take full advantage of the house’s iconography, with pillows and the bedspread resplendent in the multicolour floral Japanese fan print, bringing the complete Versace lifestyle to H&M.  

USA:Ralph Rucci & Donald Brooks join Fashion Walk of Fame

 

Fashion designers Ralph Rucci and Donald Brooks became the newest members of Seventh Avenue’s legendary Fashion Walk of Fame. The pair joined two dozen others immortalized in the heart of the world’s fashion capital in a star-studded ceremony this morning at the Bryant Park Grill.

At the induction, a who’s-who of New York fashion got a firsthand look at the bronze plaques that will pay lasting tribute to these two fashion icons.

“Ralph Rucci and Donald Brooks have left a lasting impression on the world of fashion with their extraordinary contributions to design and reverence for materials,” said Barbara Randall, president of the Fashion Center BID.

“We are delighted to honor their outstanding contributions in the Fashion District, home to so many of the most influential and renowned designers and industry elite. As the fashion epicenter of the world, we are proud to showcase them on the Fashion Walk of Fame, a destination for fashion-loving New Yorkers and tourists alike.”

The Fashion Center Business Improvement District (BID) established the Fashion Walk of Fame in 1999 to honor individuals who have had an extraordinary impact on fashion through either innovative design or the use of materials, or significantly influenced the way America dresses.

Decorative plaques honoring these designers are embedded in the sidewalks along the east side of Seventh “Fashion” Avenue from 41st Street to 35th Street, in the Fashion District. Each plaque displays an original sketch and a brief description of their contribution to fashion and the designer’s signature.

Ralph Rucci
Celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Whoopi Goldberg and Martha Stewart have worn designer Ralph Rucci’s creations over the course of his impressive career. His fashion and accessories line, Chado Ralph Rucci, was launched in 1994 and is known for its impeccable craftsmanship and luxurious materials.

Rucci’s gowns are included in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, among others.

“It is a great honor to be recognized for your work and for your efforts,” said Rucci. “I share this honor today with the members of my staff and, above all, with the dedicated people in my workrooms who are among the finest artists and craftsmen/women in the world.”

Born in Philadelphia, Rucci attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and started his first job in fashion, working with Halston, in 1977. Rucci is also an accomplished painter and his artwork is displayed in galleries in New York and San Francisco.

Donald Brooks
Late fashion designer Donald Brooks died in 2005 at age 77. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut and raised in Manhattan, attending the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design. He made his first foray into fashion as a window designer for Lord & Taylor, where his work caught the eye of the department store’s president, who hired him to design a collection for the retailer.
 

USA:Chicago Fashion Week to close with ‘A MAYAN TALE’

 

Designer Anna Fong will close out an extraordinary week of fashion events with an exclusive preview of her Spring 2012 Collection on Friday, October 21 at Chicago’s landmark BLACKSTONE RENAISSANCE HOTEL.

Fashion Designer Anna Fong Previews 2012 Spring Collection during Chicago Fashion Week 2011 Finale.

Drawing inspiration from her recent trip to Central America, Fong introduces "A MAYAN TALE" which pays homage to her Guatemalan heritage. “I’m really excited about the preview of my Spring 2012 collection”, Fong exclaims. She continues, “It’s my most personal line yet because there are elements inspired by my culture in each piece”. Attendees at Fong’s preview show can expect a presentation of rich, colorful hand-woven fabrics, in functional yet feminine silhouettes.

USANNA NEGOVAN of MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE will officiate as stunning models from the ROCK AGENCY hit the runway to give a glimpse of the 'effortlessly chic' ensembles Fong has crafted for next season. Event attendees will also be among the first to view the newly debuted 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Coupe to be displayed on the red carpet.

'A Mayan Tale' will be an interactive affair, commencing with cocktail hour and a Styling Preview by industry veteran TONY DE PASCA of CARISSIMA SALON. After the fashion show, guests will have the opportunity to win several different prize packages (valued from $250 - $1,000 each) donated by generous sponsors: BANG & OLUFSEN, SUNDA RESTAURANT, ZAZU SALON & DAY SPA, THE UNDERGROUND and BELLA COLLETTA JEWELRY. All proceeds from the auction will go to benefit a charity focused on ending human trafficking – an issue near to the designer’s heart.

DIET PEPSI – Fong’s diet beverage of choice - will also provide fashionable SWAG bags to the first 100 guests. The Anna Fong Fashion Preview for Spring 2012 will be an experiential affair to be remembered.