Design piracy – it’s a form of stealing, and it has adverse effects on the fashion industry. Just imagine how thousands and millions of dollars do these designers spend on creating, advertising, and making available to the consumers their originally-made designs and craftsmanship? They spent large sums of money for what? For the benefit of the pirates who do nothing than plagiarizing works and ideas of others?

So what happens? Well, it does harm the fashion industry, of course, especially those young designers who are aspiring and trying really hard to get a name in the fashion business. With the designer piracy in existence, these young designers’ career might die even before they can penetrate the business. This is so because when one aspires to start a fashion designer career, he/she must invest a considerable amount of money for fashion shows, advertising, and production. Thousands or even millions of dollars would be shelled out even before the first client would place an order. At first, designers produce a small quantity and sell them at a very high price. This is what fashion designers call “haute couture.” However, unless the brand already has established its name in the consumers’ mind, most of the designers don’t gain profit at selling haute couture because they can only sell a small quantity, hence lesser profit. So, to regain their investment, what most of them do is to add ready-to-wear clothes to their product lines, so they can produce large volumes, and sell them at lower prices. Unfortunately, the move would be far more difficult for them because with the designer pirates on the field, competition may quickly kick them off the business.

But designer pirates – they are not the only one to blame. Partly, the finger can be pointed at two more heads – the law makers and also at the consumers. To some extent, it’s the consumers’ responsibility to buy only the authentic works, with due respect to the fashion industry and to the people who depend their livelihood in the industry. The designer pirates are there because the consumers are patronizing these products. It’s just the supply and demand relationship.

But can you really blame the consumers? If you would look closer, you’d realize that they are just being practical. Thus, to stop them from buying imitations, there should have some form of restrictions. Yes. Partly, it is the law makers fault, because thieves would be hindered to steal if there are governing laws in the place. With the absence of law, stealing would not be considered illegal – and obviously and clearly, that is unjust to the artists.

My name is Kevin Dodd. I am 29 years Old and have been in the music business for a long time and love fashion but can’t stand being ripped off by Designer knock offs and that’s why I created a site and free ebook about it at [http://Designer-Bootleg-Exposed.com/blog] . See You Soon! [http://Designer-Bootleg-Exposed.com/blog]

Author: Kevin O Dodd
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Since my outfits usually turn a few heads, people assume they are really expensive- yet another false impression. Not to say that I won’t occasionally splurge on something expensive; I just appreciate a good bargain when I see one. The only time I’ll overpay for an item is when I LOVE it and I know I won’t be able to find it anywhere else. Like the Diesel jacket I bought for $165. It was exactly what I was looking for and I knew that no one else would make something even remotely similar. Casual, but chic; sporty, but girly – I knew it would last for a few seasons. That’s actually one of my fashion shopping rules: if I pay more than $150 for something, it has to last for a few seasons. If I’m shopping for something very trendy that will probably be “in” for only one season, I won’t spend more than $100, better yet, no more than $50.

So how do I manage to look expensive? Designer tip number one is good fit. If something doesn’t fit right, no matter how cheap it is – I won’t buy it. Why would I wear something that pulls and gathers in the wrong places and looks awkward on me? It doesn’t matter how much salespeople try to “help”, and say it’s not noticeable. I notice, and others will too. They might not be able to pinpoint exactly what bothers them, but they’ll notice something’s off. The same concept goes for details and accents – many people think they don’t notice little details, but they do. Some details may not stand out on their own, but they definitely contribute to overall appearance.

Once I went on a blind date wearing a plain black jersey skirt slightly below the knee that I bought for $20. I paired it with a black tank that had a touch of lace ($15), and killer looking shoes. They were pointy high heels in faded metallic pink, which created a vintage look ($55, a lucky bargain buy!). Two men accused me of trying to cause a traffic accident as I crossed the street! Men and (more remarkably) women were turning their heads. Needless to say, my blind date was more then relieved! His first remark to me was that he “loved stylish women”. Bottom line: my outfit was totally chic- and all under $100.

Another shopping tip: to make an ordinary outfit look chic, I’ll throw in something expensive, such as an accessory. I went to a party wearing a black jersey dress with bishop sleeves ($25), and accented it with a hip shaped beaded belt I bought in London for almost $250. I know it sounds overpriced, but that belt breathed new life into a lot of older outdated garments that I loved dearly. I had this gorgeous chiffon dress that I bought 7 years ago. I loved the mysterious color effect created by layers of different color fabrics and the way the skirt flared. Even after the silhouette went out of style, I couldn’t bear to part with that dress! By adding my beaded belt, I successfully reshaped the dress creating a low waist retro kind of look, and wore it to my best friend’s wedding- with complements!

The truth is that I love fashion, and I love women. It makes me happy when I can make a difference in their often complicated, yet extraordinary lives. Ladies, keep in mind when it comes to fashion, nothing is written in stone. What is a fashion disaster today may be on the runway tomorrow, and vice versa.

As a NYC fashion designer, Natalie Nizhny has traveled to Europe and Asia for shopping, researching trends, and manufacturing. In her 14 year career, she has gained a lot of insight in the fashion industry, and has trained other designers with her extensive knowledge of the global trend market. Due to popular demand in response to her advice and design training, she partnered with Kristin Cruz to form first http://www.FashionFrog.com and then a free fashion resource center at DesignersNexus.com Through their site, Natalie can share her experiences with a larger audience, helping aspiring designers learn from her mistakes and successes to create their own successful career in fashion.

Author: Natalie Nizhny
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Bluefly

One company that you are going to want to check out if you want to get top fashion designer clothing for a discounted price is Bluefly. You will really be astounded with what you find here. You can find beautiful designer clothing at a fraction of the regular price, so you can look just like your favorite celebs, but without spending a fortune.

They offer top fashion designer clothing at prices that you have never seen before, and so you are definitely going to want to check them out. There are actually few fashion designers that they do not offer, so it is definitely going to be worth your while to check them out either online or off and see what they have available.

Also keep in mind that this discounted top fashion designer company is always updating their fabulous selection, and so you can keep checking back all the time to see what is new and exciting.

Brown Bag

This is another great option for shoppers who want their favorite designer clothing but at a price that they can afford. Offering both men and women’s designer name clothing, Brown Bag is one of the most popular online companies for top designer name clothing.

They started their company with one aim, which was to get their consumers the latest high designer fashion at the best prices, and they have been doing it very well over their time in business. They use their years of experience to back them up and scour the fashion houses in Milan so that they can bring you each season’s look for a fraction of the retail cost.

Keep in mind that these are just two of the many different companies out there that cater to you if you are looking for designer clothing for a sale price, so definitely take some time to check out what is out there. The Internet will definitely be a terrific resource to you here if you are looking for designer name clothing at a price that won’t break your bank.

Tim Yu is the owner of e-FashionSchool.com providing information on beauty tips and fashion advice about a variety of topics, such as Fashion Design, Fashion Trend, Teen Fashion, Famous Designer and etc. Go to http://www.e-FashionSchool.com for more information.

This article is free for republishing by visitors provided the resource link is retained.

Author: Tim Yu
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Yves Saint Laurent was born in Algeria in 1936 and after his schooling moved to France to pursue his love for the fashion industry. He began his career at 17 as Christian Dior’s fashion assistant after only four years Dior died and Yves Saint Laurent was crowned head of the house of Dior. In 1953 he entered a young fashion designer contest and came third, he was invited to an award ceremony where he met the editor of Vogue.

The editor was very impressed with what he saw and advised him to pursue his love for fashion. He went on to open his own fashion house in 1962 and very quickly made a name for himself in the fashion world. Although Yves Saint Laurent led a very turbulent lifestyle and died very young there is no mistaking that his work and designs are some of the best in the world. The fashions that he created were amazing for the time and he popularized many trends such as very long boots, safari jackets and the most famous being the woman’s tuxedo.

Yves Saint Laurent pushed the boundaries of every day wear and encouraged women to wear what they like every day for every occasion. He encouraged black catwalk models and was the first fashion designer to have them in shows. All of his designs and clothes were designed with the modern women in mind and he pushed the limits to encourage women to want more from their clothes. In 1993 Yves Saint Laurent chose to sell his fashion house and it reached amazing figures of $600,000,000. Although he continued to design for a period his ill health and addiction problems made this very difficult.

The Yves Saint Laurent brand is currently owned by Gucci and designs fashion for men and women that reflects their true elegance and confidence. Their bags and shoes are sought after and it is very trendy to own a pair of these. The Yves Saint Laurent brand can be found online and you have many different ranges to choose from. You can also find the clothes in one of their 63 shops and boutiques alongside their flagship Paris shop. If you are looking for quality clothing then this brand will guarantee you that every time.

Although Yves Saint Laurent is most famous for his fashion he has also began to create cosmetics, perfumes and accessories. There is no excuse for you to leave the house without something of his on you. Everything he has ever designed has appealed to some section of people and the Yves Saint Laurent brand lives on even after his death.

Jason Thompson writes for Designer Sunglasses City.

Author: Jason J Thompson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Real and superficial; and the orient and the west, are the two major division in which the concept of fashion exists. In the superficial world of modelling and fashion, it is considered, that it is mostly co-related with upper class of the society. This is the wrong misconception which is express in its own way in todays fashion industry. Fashion clothes are generally purchased by the people who are blessed with money, power and glamour. The rest of the world will force others into believing that this constitutes fashion. This is a particular type of fashion which is offered with unique attributes which will not be able to access by most of the common people as it is displayed by the few select privileged classes only. This is in existence today in the superficial world of fashion.

Now we see the real world of fashion. It is a world of modelling which is bigger, richer and larger in size. In this real fashion world, people express their traditions and culture by means of clothing, accessories, also through various art forms such as music, dance which must be discovered by us. While expressing fashion outward into the world the characteristics of real fashion comes from the deep within the individual. There is no need for imitating anybody as it will comes naturally to you. It is outcome of a deep desire from the heart and soul which will be turned full to the brim and from deep within the mind and this feeling will be projected outwards.

Firstly you have to understand your inner self and its desire to connect with the external superficial world by means of joyous and colorful patterns of human expressions so that you can discover the real fashion in you. This is also a very feminine and soothing display of the human mind irrespective of the gender. Moreover it is obvious that styles and fashion will change from season to season and can also be termed as manifestation of the feminine principle itself, which is one of the natures.

The author is a copy writer and is working for a model agency. To know more about Replay models and Replay modelling visit: www.replaymodels.com/

Author: Vish K S
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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In the former days draper had not set up his house in Paris, the designing of clothes and other various aspects are in the hands of seamstresses. As a result the courtiers at the Royal court started wearing popular and elegant fashion which was also spread throughout the public. Throughout the first half of the 20th century all of these fashions were originated in Paris also extends throughout the cities of UK including London. In the history of fashion the division between creations of exclusive custom-fitted clothing and ready to wear dresses are not sharply defined. But it is vested with designers who can create elegant designs and their imagination in clothes and they are continuing to influence which they are doing all these years.

By following some well established fashion trends, the designers who are experts in the fashion career are able to create original and suitable garments. Most of them will cater the needs of apparel manufacturers, by creating those designs which meets the fashion demands and requirements of men, women, and children in the mass consumer market. Normally in some of the famous designer brands, there will be a team of individual designers working under the direction and control of a designer or a creative director. As time goes, the old tradition designers begins to sketch out the garment designs instead of presenting the completed garments as a whole which are taking roots in the fashion world.

With great enthusiasm and excitement the western modern styles are greeted and adopted all over the world and had created a great impact from outside of western countries by the esteemed fashion designers. Modern fashion are now associated with latest tools and technology as it is integrated by the leading designers to design their interesting dress collections. There is possibility of copying and adopting the trends which was set by some of the famous names in fashion. Many of these modern high end designers are turning to mass market retailers with the aim to produce low priced merchandise stuff and also to broaden their customer base.

The author is a copy writer and is working for a model agency. To know more about Replay models and Replay modelling visit: www.replaymodels.com/

Author: Vish K S
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Hopefully, and once again, there are plenty of colleges of style that are going to give us a tasty and perfect new fragrance of fashion designers, trend stylists, and professional fashionistas. This is going to be a real opportunity to complete our wardrobe with up and coming new glamorous outfits; hopefully you will be the first ones off the beaten fashion track!

One should have a fashion accessory for every day of the year; perfectly fit for each day, because every day is a special day.

People should be able to reveal their identity while wearing chiffons or embellishments trimmings. We must be able when we see a glamorous woman in gorgeous Indian ribbon to read through her curves, and through her body language, the unspoken words… her deepest aspirations and thoughts, and her secret envies.

These are reasons why those fashion schools, dedicated to promote talent, are sharing the same and common aim: bring new fashion expert to life. Successful fashion industry icons such as celebrity’s fashion designer, celebrity’s makeup artist, international photographer or even celebrity’s hairdresser are teaching them and training them to become future fashion stylists.

But wait. The modules are only one day of class a week for twelve weeks only. Isn’t it a little bit short to claim to be a professional stylist? We are reading everywhere in fashion gossip magazines that it can take a life to become a professional fashionista. To make the fashion industry truly gets to have a glance at your work. And even when you manage to make it happen, you still have to fight to start your own career and to be recognize as a professional.

We are certain that their love and passion of fashion and style are going to wake up our wardrobe with haberdashery brooches and buttons very soon… amongst many other fashion accessories. But will they manage to get a real start in the fashion industry? For how long will it be a success?

Author: Paresh Raja
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Gabrielle Chasnel began her life as the second child of Jeanne Devolle and Albert Chanel, a young and unwed couple searching for independence and identity. When Gabrielle was born, her birth was recorded by two illiterate employees of a local hospice. The workers were not sure of how to spell ‘Chanel’, prompting them to improvise and spell her surname incorrectly as ‘Chasnel’ on the birth certificate. Later as an adult, Gabrielle would refuse to correct this mistake in fear that the truth of her illegitimacy would become public. The Chanel family struggled financially during Gabrielle’s childhood, with Albert and Jeanne often sacrificing their own food to feed their children. By the time Gabrielle was 12 years old, she had 4 siblings in total. Despite having relatively close relationships with her family now, Gabrielle would later insist that she was an only child, and pay her real siblings off as a way to prevent public humiliation from the truth about her real family. Her father left early in 1895 that year to expedite across Europe, leaving Jeanne alone to support their 5 children. The combination of loneliness and stress led Jeanne to face a series of medical problems. Her health matters only became worse over the years, and she eventually died from tuberculosis in the winter of 1895.

Gabrielle’s father returned for a short while, but soon left again in hopes of saving up money to raise his family. Because of his absence, the Chanel children were divided to stay with extended family and orphanages. Gabrielle, along with her older sister were sent to an orphanage. Since they had no money, the girls stayed at the home for free. Still, this was in no way considered a privilege. The nuns or “aunts” as they were referred to at the Catholic-based home were extremely cruel to the Chanel sisters in particular, and often singled them out for being ‘charity cases’. To ‘earn her keep’, Gabrielle was forced to became a seamstress. Though assured that her stay there was temporary, Albert never returned to his family.

Gabrielle remained in the orphanage, visiting her other relatives only during school vacations. On the occasions that she did visit, various female family members adamantly taught Gabrielle techniques to improve her sewing. At the age of 18, Gabrielle left the orphanage and began working for a local tailor. Despite talking freely about her experience at the orphanage, and explaining in meticulous detail the abuse in which she encountered from the ‘aunts’, Gabrielle later insisted that she was more than thankful for her upbringing. She once told a French newspaper that “I’ve been ungrateful toward the odious aunts. I owe them everything. A child in revolt becomes a person with armor and strength. It’s the kisses, caresses, teachers, and vitamins that… turn [children] into unhappy or sickly adults. It’s the mean and nasty aunts who create winners… under nastiness looms strength, and a passion for grandeur.” Still, Coco frequently contradicted herself, blaming the aunts for her all her inferiorities. This irregularity from her interviews led many to question her honesty in later years.

The first decade of the 1900′s not only brought the fresh start of a new century, but also many personal changes for Gabrielle. After adopting the name Coco during a brief stint as a café singer from 1905-1908, Gabrielle met and began an affair with a man she was introduced to while working at a tailoring shop: a French playboy and millionaire, Etienne Balsan. Gabrielle, hereafter referred to as simply ‘Coco’, quickly turned into a member of an accustomed high-class society. Life became a materialistic game in which Coco thrived to have more riches than anyone else. Balsan endowed Coco with splendors of the rich life, including diamonds, dresses, and pearls. During her time spent living with Balsan, Coco took on the hobby of designing hats for herself. Soon, this frivolous pastime became a much more profound talent and interest of the budding designer. In 1907, Coco opened up her first shop which offered a range of chic raincoats and jackets for a generous cost. Coco later confessed that the shop was in fact Balsan’s lavish Paris apartment, and that she had taken it over after leaving him the prior year. Though the fashionable boutique was located in the center of thriving Paris, France, the store was not as prosperous as Coco had hoped. She was requested to surrender the property in early 1908. Still, the lack of success from her shop failed to disappoint or discourage Coco; it only made her more determined.

On a chance occasion prior to World War I, Coco reconnected with Etienne Balsan’s former best friend, Arthur “Boy” Capel, a wealthy English polo player who Coco later referred to “the only love” of her life. The two soon began a madly passionate relationship that lasted from 1909 until 1918, though Capel was never completely faithful to Coco. Still, Arthur had a lasting impression on the styles of Coco, and his abundance of money helped her to gather enough resources to open another shop. With his support, Coco eventually gained access to a desirable property and financial assistance to open her second millinery shop in Brittany, France.

This time Coco experienced much more success than she did with her previous shop. Impressive clientele at Chanel’s shops, including famed American diplomats and renowned French actresses helped to build her notable reputation. In the middle of 1913, Coco opened her third and largest boutique in Deauville, featuring original women’s sportswear. This was a huge change from the common corsets that most women opted to wear to impress their husbands. A preferred location helped this shop become more profitable than the others; most women in Deauville during the World War I era were coming to realize that women should dress for themselves instead of their men. The wardrobe in which Chanel offered seemed captivating and liberating to women of this time.

Nonetheless, Capel’s influence played a huge role in deciding what fashions Coco would choose to style and sell. For example, the design of Arthur’s favorite blazers inspired Coco to incorporate a squared, masculine touch on classic suit designs. These styles still remain a staple part of the Chanel wardrobe. Coco and Arthur’s affair lasted for many years. Though Capel married Diana Wyndham, an honorable English aristocrat in late 1918, he still remained close to Coco. Later in her life, Chanel listed Capel’s fatal car accident in late 1919 the “single most devastating event” in her life. Many believe that the tragic loss of her great love was the sole reason why Chanel never married.

In the year preceding Capel’s death, world ballet impresario Sergei Diaghilev introduced a distraught Coco to famed composer Igor Stravinsky. Aside from consoling Coco’s broken heart, Sergei became a close friend and supposed companion. Chanel offered Diaghilev and his family to reside with her in her French estate. During the time in which this temporary abide took place is when it was rumored that the two had an affair. Two years after her so called ‘illicit affair’ with Diaghilev ended, Coco introduced a new product: a perfume, called Chanel No. 5. The new fragrance quickly became, and remains one of the most lucrative products of the Chanel empire. A man named Pierre Wertheimer was announced Coco’s partner in the perfume portion of the business in 1924. It was also speculated that Wertheimer may have been yet another one of the many lovers Coco had in her lifetime. Still, Wertheimer remained a close confidant and his family continues to control Chanel’s perfume company today.

In 1923, Coco told Harper’s Bazaar magazine that “simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance”. Chanel applied this statement to each and every feature of her company. The clothing she designed was always ensured to be simple, comfortable, and revealing. One of Coco’s greatest talents was the art of upgrading fabrics that were considered ‘poor’, such as jersey. Coco was also extremely influential in helping design the iconic 1920′s flapper: young women who strutted around with sleek hair and flat chests, publicly applying their makeup and smoking with long cigarette holders.

In 1925, a woman named Vera Bate Lombardi became Chanel’s official public relations liaison to several European royal families. Lombardi was reported to have had the highest correlations to build the House of Chanel. Interestingly enough, it was Lombardi’s personality whom Coco established her English Look based upon. Lombardi introduced Coco to her aristocratic family members, including her uncle, the Duke of Westminster and her cousin, the Duke of Windsor. Her close relations with many other royals only assisted in Chanel’s creative rule of the fashion world.

Also in 1925, Coco introduced her long-anticipated signature cardigan jacket. The iconic Chanel jackets have several distinguishing designs, and are constructed differently than the traditional tailored jacket. For example, Chanel’s original pieces contain silk lining quilted directly to the fabric, opposed to the usual inner structure of pad stitching. Additionally, Chanel jackets all feature machine sewn and hand-stitched fabric, providing them with more durability. The distinctive Chanel three-piece sleeve is also constructed similarly before being hand sewn to the jacket’s body. The arrays of heavy trims, metal buttons, and curbed chains sewn to the hem have a functional purpose as well. All of these factors together grant the finished product with a tremendously comfortable garment. Most of Chanel’s inventive fashions, including her signature jacket have not changed much since their original debut. This can prove that Chanel’s integrative styles were the product of a brilliant woman beyond her time.

The year 1926 brought the birth of what is now considered to be ‘the’ staple item in every woman’s closet: the signature little black dress. Now commonly referred to as simply a “LBD”, the little black dress was an instant success for Chanel, prompting American Vogue to call it the “Ford”; just as Henry Ford’s Model-T car, the LBD was an immediate hit and widely available. Chanel’s first creation of the little black dress was a slash-necked, short silk dress with diagonal pin-tucks serving decoration. Though many may perceive the LBD as too plain, Coco strongly believed that fashion should be just as functional as it was chic. Ideally simple, her interpretation of the LBD was designed to conceal stains and to fit every woman. The little black dress also is extremely versatile and can be dressed up or down to fit different people’s needs perfectly. Some believe that Coco’s early years spent at the convent orphanage with nuns offered Coco an intuitive affinity for the “uniform” worn by the women who had raised her in her time of need. Regardless, Chanel’s legendary LBD has remained the epitome of simple elegance for over 80 years.

In 1939 at the start of World War II, Coco closed all of her shops. She believed that in the middle of the entire world’s chaos, fashion was not a top priority. Coco began residing in what would become a more than 30 year stay at the Hotel Ritz Paris. During the Nazi occupation of Paris, she was widely criticized for engaging in a steamy affair with Hans Gunther von Dincklage, a German officer and Nazi spy who secretly arranged for Coco to remain in the hotel. During this same time period, Coco maintained two other residences, both of which were also located in France.

In fall of 1943, Coco sought to end 4 years of professional partition with Vera Bate Lombardi who was staying in Rome. Though Lombardi was unaware of it then, Coco’s true intention was to contact Lombardi’s relative, Sir Winston Churchill. Churchill was a member of the Walter Schellenberg Nazi plan “Operation Modellhut”. Chanel extended an offer for Lombardi to resume her work for Paris’ House of Chanel. Lombardi was overwhelmed until she discovered the truth behind Coco’s request. Vera adamantly repudiated Coco’s request, citing the fashion designer’s guise as “cut-throat”. Vera was later captured as an English spy and was locked in a Roman prison by the Gestapo. Chanel was also briefly arrested for war related crimes, shortly after Lombardi’s detainment. However, Coco’s close ties with the British Royal family ultimately prevented her from being taken to trial.

Two years after her close encounter with prison, the Nazi Empire crumbled and France was free once more. Still, the French government warned of harsh punishments to French citizens who may have partnered with the Nazis. Coco’s previous ties with Hans Gunther von Dincklage provoked several rumors about her loyalty to France. Fearfully Chanel fled to Switzerland, in hopes of obtaining a fresh new start. Coco chose to convey an upscale, yet relatively low-key lifestyle, residing in upper Lausanne aside the sandy shores of Lake Geneva. She could often be seen indulging in beauty treatments at the Valmont Clinic, which was in close proximity to her oceanfront home. Chanel was also frequently witnessed at the Steffan tea room in upper Montreux, a popular spot for local celebrities. During her stay in Switzerland, a distraught and spiteful Coco began to create her own collection of perfumes without informing her partner Pierre Wertheimer. Though Wertheimer believed his legal rights were breached, he settled the disagreement with Coco civilly. She eventually sold inclusive rights to her name to the Wertheimer family in exchange for a monthly remuneration. This stipend helped to support her and her live-in friend: former Nazi spy, Hans Gunther von Dincklage.

1953 marked the year that Chanel finally returned to Paris, only to discover that famed designer Christian Dior was now the alpha of the couture world. Coco decided to consult her estranged former business-partner Pierre Wertheimer for guidance and financial back-up. In return, Wertheimer was awarded full rights to all Chanel products. Their alliance was hoped to have sparked a flame that would reignite Coco’s majestic stance in the fashion industry. However, this was not the case for the French selection of her clientele. Chanel’s new collections were not successful with local Parisians. It is widely speculated that this is because of Coco’s publicized previous relations with German officer von Dincklage. Still, her collection was celebrated by Americans, who would later become her most prevalent purchases.

In February of 1955, the now famous Chanel suit was re-introduced to the public. Her casual yet sophisticated styles once more captured the eyes of women globally. Also in the same month, the fashionable Chanel chain handled quilted leather handbag originally premiered. Coco additionally and impressively established her first men’s cologne, referred to in France as eau de toilette, which she named Pour Monsieur. Chanel’s spring collection was granted the Fashion Oscar at the 1957 Fashion Awards in Dallas. Soon after, Chanel introduced pea jackets and bell bottoms, whose popularity soared in the 1970′s. Coco is also believed by many to be the initial trend-setter for the now popular suntanned skin look. On the eve of her return from St. Barts, Coco sported a summer glow to a fashion show, standing out from the rest of the powdered and pale faces of all the other women.

January 10, 1971 was the final day of Coco’s life. Her obituary listed her as still “designing, still working” at the time of her death. Though she led a remarkable and extraordinary life, Chanel died alone, with only the presence of her sketches and fabric samples to keep her company. In the last years of her life, Coco had become somewhat of a recluse, only leaving her home when absolutely necessary. She had few real friends, and no family. Many may have envied the aspects of Coco’s glamorous and wealthy lifestyle in theory, but most would not have traded their own lives for hers. Though Coco died with a superfluous amount of money, she was lonesome, and never got to experience the one-of-a-kind love and joy of having a husband or children. After her death, Coco Chanel left behind a true legacy. Still, her life seemed as empty as her pockets were during her childhood. She was 87.

Coco Chanel is one of the most important fashion designers of all time. In fact, Coco Chanel’s influence on modern couture was so prominent that she was the only person in the field to be mentioned on Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century.” Though Coco is still criticized today for being dubious about her childhood and years before her stardom, some support her decisions, citing that she was only attempting to “diminish the disgrace that poverty and illegitimacy bestowed upon the unfortunates in 19th century France”. Though Chanel has been deceased for nearly 30 years, her legacy continues to live on today. In the utmost of impressive ways, Coco Chanel single-handedly changed the face of fashion, and for that, she will live on for eternity.

Sara Buttar

Author: Sara Buttar
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Englishman Charles Fredrick Worth opened the first haute couture house in Paris in 1858, becoming the first famous fashion designer. Previously clothing design and creation was dictated by individuals who approached dressmakers ordering completed garments.

Continued advancements of communication and technology created an increase in the production of and desire for new textiles. The tradition of designers sketching out designs rather than the completed garment began as an economy.

As women became more independent they began to demand more practical clothing. In the early 1900s the Maison Redfern tailored suit became an indispensable part of the well dressed women’s wardrobe. Based directly on it’s male counterpart, it was both practical and elegant.

When Christian Dior launched his ‘New Look’ in 1947 it was possible for a fashion designer to radically transform the way a woman dressed. Tired of the broad shoulders and short skirts of war years fashion, women loved the feminine long full skirts and small shouldered nipped in tops that Dior created for them. He made them feel glamorous and as sophisticated as the movie stars on the silver screen.

Although most women could not afford a couture dress, the New Look fashion was made available to women as mass manufacturing took hold in America. This is when fashion for all became a reality and the trend has accelerated each decade.

Fashion has long been influenced by the world of art and current events. Over the years designers have taken inspiration from the Art Deco movement, Salvador Dali and ancient Greek civilisations to name but a few. Hemlines, adornments and cuts of fabric were reigned in during times of war or economic depression, giving raise to sleek, elegant, slim fitting outfits more suitable for the aspiring feminist.

The popularity of American movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Lauren Bacall created a desire to copy their ‘Look’ and as they were seen by more people than the catwalk fashion shows, they became more influential. Celebrities have become the ideal showcase for designer fashion, with many fashion houses choosing a celebrity rather than a model to advertise their garments.

Followers of fashion have very different values and lifestyles and choose the style epitomised by a particular fashion label. As a result there will never be another ‘New Look’ that is taken up by everyone to some degree. The Romantics will follow John Galliano whilst the Rebels followed Alexander McQueen and so on. Every taste from Avant-Garde to Status Symbol is catered for, transforming fashion to big business and high art rather than small scale luxury.

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Author: Margaret Roden
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Charles Frederick Worth. Considered the Father of Haute Couture, Worth was the first fashion designer to make a name for himself. Before he opened his Paris fashion house in 1858, fashion design and construction were handled by anonymous tailors and seamstresses. He was the first to display model dresses at fashion shows in which customers placed orders, rather than letting customers dictate the style of their garments. He is also credited as the first designer to put labels on his designs.

Levi Strauss. During the California Gold Rush, Strauss was a retail store owner. Gold prospectors at the time wore cotton pants that tended to rip easily, so Strauss and a tailor, Jacob Davis, created more durable pants that were reinforced by small metal rivets. Jeans were born, and the rest is fashion history.

Coco Chanel. She may be known for the “little black dress” and classic cut suits, but women can especially thank Chanel for making clothes comfortable. Opening her first shop in 1913, her menswear-inspired designs freed women from the constraining corsets and uncomfortable long dresses that were in vogue at the time, ushering in an era of modern, casual dress.

R.H. Macy. The founder of Macy’s department store drastically altered the way people bought clothes when the first Macy’s opened in 1958.. While consumers previously went to small, family-owned shops or general stores primarily if they needed new clothes, they went to department stores more often just to peruse the wide variety of merchandise. And if they happened to find clothing that appealed to them on display, they would then purchase it. For the first time, clothing became an impulse item.

Edith Head. From the late 40s to early 70s, eight-time Oscar winner Edith Head was the designer of choice for some of Hollywood’s most well-dressed leading ladies including Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Largely because of her influence, audiences became captivated with the love affair between movie stars and fashion design – a fascination that exists to this day.

Eileen Ford. The founder of Ford Models was responsible for discovering pretty women like Cheryl Tiegs and Christie Brinkley and turning them into household names, thereby creating the concept of the “supermodel” in the 70s. Supermodels have come to define American beauty – the way we aspire to look and dress.

Richard Blackwell. When Mr. Blackwell first published his “Worst Dressed List” in 1960, he pretty much invented the notion of “what not to wear.” His biting remarks of stars’ fashion sense, or lack thereof, created a cottage industry of fashion criticism, eventually leading to today’s red carpet commentaries and post-awards fashion blogs.

Ralph Lauren. Fashion giant Ralph Lauren was a pioneer in turning a fashion design label into a lifestyle brand. Through aggressive advertising, he was not just selling clothes, he was selling an image: aristocratic, preppy, with a touch of the rugged West. He started a hunger for labels, as the public bought up anything with his polo player logo, especially his iconic short sleeve mesh shirt, introduced in 1972. And through numerous licensing agreements, consumers could own a little piece of luxury, even if it was just a pair of socks or a towel with a polo player on it.

Donald Fisher. With his wife Doris, Fisher opened a little store called Gap in 1969 that would grow to become an American institution. While Gap popularized khakis and casual Fridays, its legacy is much more far-reaching: Gap has become the epitome of the “mall store” concept, in which no matter what city consumers may be in, they have the comfort of knowing that the Gap store there is just like the one in their hometown. Practically every clothing retailer has followed this business model, resulting in a fashion landscape that is rather homogenous throughout the country.

Anna Wintour. Considered one of the most important, and intimidating, people in fashion today, the Vogue editor-in-chief since 1988 is known to set trends and anoint new designers. If Wintour puts a designer in her magazine, the implied endorsement can make his or her career. Because of her influence, John Galliano became the head designer of Dior, and Brooks Brothers collaborated with Thom Browne. Her clout in the current fashion scene is simply unrivaled.

Although this list of influential figures is short, the fashion school history annals could provide hundreds of additional names of people who have influenced the way we dress. Our hats are off to all of them.

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Author: Lily McCallister
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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