Stylish with Substance

Fashion Copyright Protection Will Happen, says Caucus Co-Chair

Ella M — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:39:16 EDT

A new and official fashion design caucus was recently formed on Capitol Hill. Of its inevitable success, co-chair Carolyn B. Maloney said,

"We are working on a bill now for copyright protection and we are going to pass it this session."

All of the flickr fashion sketches claiming copyright, currently it's partly-erroneous. Click to view owners.

“Counterfeits with pirated designs and fake labels are absolutely prohibited by law, but it doesn’t provide any protection for the same fashion design when the pirates omit the label. ... We’ve got to stop that and we will stop that.”

There has been a movement from very small fashion designers and crafters to stop such a bill, in the thoughts that it would be cost-prohibitive to very small business. Even though I'm attempting to become one of those designers/businesses, I absolutely am for this protection. Despite the cost, depending on exactly how high it could rise, it has potential to stop huge, famous companies from creating and selling indie designs almost completely under the radar to unwitting customers. Since most people don't know this theft exists, these unscrupulous business people are absolutely the ones who get away with this crime more often. Don't you want to protect your fellow crafters and Internet peers from the big bullies with power? We can help take their power away. Sure, putting out a collection will mean saving more money first, and we'll have to be super-secretive about our designs and sketches until we have our protection (there is a debut time limit to even get things copyrighted) - but I see it as a long-term saver. Of course, stores like Forever 21 could either suffer or suddenly need to get creative, namely cheap clothesmakers will have to ... design. Dun dun dunnn. Perhaps we won't be able to wear runway style, but I hope companies will still make fabulous but more unique pieces. Who wants to look like a fashion victim in an unoriginal, anyway? Besides, we can still wear things like Zac Posen for Target. Also, it would be nice to prohibit celebrities like Paris Hilton from making blatant shoe knockoffs. Plus with those companies requiring more-in-number and more-creative design, there should be a larger number of design job openings, and ones for more talented people. That could also benefit the community of smaller designers. Do you agree/disagree? Comment! If you want this to pass, and especially if you have requests for stipulations (like a maximum fee amount), please write to your local legislature! Via The Cut

Quote: Designer Jason Wu on his 1st Sewing Project

Ella M — Mon, 03 May 2010 10:00:01 EDT

When I was 10 and I got my first sewing machine, I scrounged up some drapes. ... I think it ended up falling apart.

-Jason Wu on the first thing he sewed on his first machine; a dress for his mother.

The first thing I sewed with my first machine didn't fall apart, however it was just some ugly embroidery on a tote bag. ;-) What about you?

10-Year-Old Aspiring Designer Turns from Design Sketcher to Full-On Apprentice/Student

Ella M — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:06:28 EDT

A 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer is already well on his way!

[caption id="attachment_3200" align="alignnone" width="330" caption="10-year-old Christopher Abella shows his fashion sketches"][/caption]

Although I wish I had the same sorts of opportunities, I must admit the pictured 10-year-old aspiring fashion designer, Christopher Abella, appears to be more talented than I was at his age. I was still thinking Juniors/t-shirts/prints/swim and he's on to sophisticated women's clothing, even as a young boy.

His sketches were discovered to hold talent by a teacher (presumably* grade school at that point) who passed along word to designer, Tracy Ellyn.

Then he apparently* started design school in Miami and is being mentored by Ellyn, who sees great potential in the young man.

*I apologize for this story's fuzzy facts as there's only one poorly written article on this phenom, and unfortunately I even find it homophobic (although possibly due to an unlucky non sequitur). So I won't support the writer, but the source is flashnews.com.

Crafty Fashionistas Holy Grail Photos: Crafting of a Louis Vuitton

Ella M — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:53:58 EDT

[caption id="attachment_3178" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Crafting a Louis Vuitton handle"][/caption]

Louis Vuitton is letting you take some big peaks into their daily working lives. From construction to runway. Some of us are more interested in the craftsmanship (and we can get little tips) and many of us are definitely interested in the perhaps more glamorous behind-the-scenes of Fashion Week Paris.

Visit the site here: Louis Vuitton - The Journey of a Wardrobe. But I'm also going to take you on a smaller journey through my favorite photos. I couldn't not collect them! This is like the holy grail of a blog topic pour moi!!!

(Their website is in flash, so you may be grateful for the pictures. Apologies for including some of my Purpley Windows theme on my PC, haha.)

[caption id="attachment_3180" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Woot! This is "Edge kote" or their comparison. Know it & love it well. Looks similar to my process - I use a q-tip, and this really compares. Go me. (Yes, I'm still practicing on my leather sewing/crafting. Patience.)"][/caption]

Bonus: in this rare case, the soundtracks are enjoyable and thrillingly realistic. I like to listen to the sounds of the workshop in Paris and feel a little less alone either in my 1-person office or 1-person studio. Ha ha!

[caption id="attachment_3182" align="alignnone" width="449" caption="Schmancy!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3184" align="alignnone" width="449" caption=""Emporte pièces" Hehe."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3185" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Man! Inspiration! How would you like such a clean studio? Clean, Ella, clean!"][/caption]

Here are some more photos - click on the thumbnails for full.

Big thanks to Nookie for the head's up!

Fin.

Design du Jour - Zac Posen for Target Floral Tie Dress

Ella M — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:38:12 EDT

Good news for budgetistas, this $75 Zac Posen for Target dress seems to be worth the price. The fabric is thick brocade, and it shimmers. Reviewers tell us the zippers are of poorer quality however.

Beyond that, I think the visuals of this design speak for themselves: figure-enhancing tie detail, oh so feminine, and so on and so forth. Add the florals and the frock is not only trendy, but with the dressiness of the fabric, perfect for any of your upcoming Summer weddings.

You need to budget this one in fast. Target.com is sold out and I'm sure all the chicest cities have sold their stock as well. Get on this!

Design Du Jour: Red Valentino's Bow Dress with Cascading "Ribbon" Effect

Ella M — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:11:59 EDT

Some blogs' "of the days" must meet when truly influential - and today's dress of the day from The Fashion Police, by Red Valentino - is oozing with genius design, so here it is for this Wednesday.

More RED Valentino...

What is clearly so cunning is the bow continues from the knot, cascading like ribbon tails down the frock over the left leg, with an equally clever slit that's still demure due to smart tailoring.

Adding fit is the bust seaming that also appears as though it flows into the knot. So gorgeous, with just that subtle touch of sexy.

It's near absolute perfection, and relatively affordable for it's luxeness, at $508.

Identity Thief: 'Paris Hilton' does Valentino

Ella M — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:21:09 EDT

Usually this might be a "style steal" bargain post on your typical blog, but while I love shopping, this is no shopping blog. We focus on design, and we hate celebrity "designers" who don't follow through with unique design when they place their names on lines.

Valentino VS Paris Hilton

Sure, I don't mind some bargain-priced couture trends. I love Easy Spirit's "E Collection" because it's stylish and even the heels have some comfort built-in. While not super cheap (shoes usually run in the $80's) they do borrow some designer stylish details du jour. (However they're quality-made and a comfort brand, but that argument is irrelevant to this particular rant.)

Now Paris Hilton, on the other hand

... well she wears some cute shoes*, so I might have loved to support "her designs" - but she really has none. Just her own brand name on simpler, cheaper rip-offs.

But while Paris surely wears expensive designer shoes, her own line consists of neither. The 2nd issue is a problem.

Here she, or they -- her company or whatnot, have attempted to quench the public's thirst for Valentino's (and possibly Vivienne Westwood's) exaggerated bows with their high-reaching top loops. Of course nothing quite has the charm of those original Valentinos, n'est pas?

This doesn't mean it's a crime for you to buy these Paris pumps, or shoes like 'em. I just prefer to dream of the real thing. I'm an idealist like that.

Do you like this style of post? We want to feature it somewhat regularly, and you can help us. If you see some identity theft, send it to us via our contact form!

*Unfortunately, the comments to that article (and many others) were lost.

The Kardashians' 2nd Skankwear Collection for Bebe (yesthat'swhatIsaid)

Ella M — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:28:14 EDT

The Kardashians have introduced what is their 2nd collection for bebe, which is set to debut April 20th.

It's not that each item is individually really all that bad in the sluttiness department (or is it?), but I do see each item is meant to show off bods (whether curvy and thin or just thin) and I can picture Kim in each one. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

I'm talking about reminiscing over early 90's Mariah Carey (oh wait she still wears that stuff) skin tight/tube-fitting dresses.

Seriously, who wears dresses like the worst offender, pictured? (See more of the collection at Nitrolicious.) What message does it send?

"I cost $50 an hour" as a cheap prostitute, message. Not even a high class escort, just a questionable street walker.

You've been warned ... now I know you'll do whatever you want, anyway.

P.S. The shoes, they do not help.

Gisele Bündchen Admits she Doesn't Design Her Line

Ella M — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:43:06 EDT

[caption id="attachment_2901" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Gisele in an Hervé Léger bandage dress, holding her Ipanema flip-flops"][/caption]

On Thursday, Gisele Bündchen introduced her eighth flip-flop collection with Brazil's largest footwear company, Grendene, titled "Ipanema".

She admitted that she doesn't really design the line at all, saying

“I am very inspired by nature and like to use that for my ideas, but actually designing them - no way. I would be a disaster.” WWD

You probably know what we think here at our lippy HQ, but

What have you got to say?

I have more questions than will fit in a poll, well namely 2:

Do you think Gisele doesn't even deserve this line or do you think she is noble for her honesty?
Do you think this happens with most celebrity lines, but it's just unspoken?

Photo from The Cut/NYM.

More Fashion News (Design, Publication & Tech) that's Fit to Print...

Ella M — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 01:28:00 EDT

[caption id="attachment_2806" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="Joan Crawford re-touched by hand"][/caption]

No touching, or retouching, the beautiful people. Much ado about nothing, when they don't even need it. From BK, who posted this haunting photo of Joan Crawford.
Jewelry brand, Dogeared, is making jewelry and other products for the films Eat, Pray, Love and Sex and the City 2. From WWD. More news when there are photos.
Lindsay Lohan's expending her 6126 line from just leggings to slightly beyond. From The Cut/NYM.
Interview with emerging denim designer, Michelle Siwy. From The Cut/NYM.
More ado about nothing: Last night Twitter seemed zombie-like possessed over Zoe Kravitz with a "tweet" conference at an ad campaign debut. (Or as far as we can tell.) Check it out on Twitter.