FabSugar

Fab Flash: More Female Designers Exuding Influence

FabSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:30:33 -0700

Big change is afoot in the fashion industry: after the 90s, which were dominated by male designers, women designers seem to be taking the upper hand.

Even though female designers have a long way to go in male-run fashion capitals like New York and Paris, there does seem to be a trend emerging, particularly in Milan. In Italy alone, a large number of family-run companies were founded or are helmed by women: Alberta Ferretti, Prada, Versace, Fendi, Trussardi, Missoni, Etro, and Emilio Pucci. As Paris-based industry consultant Concetta Lanciaux explained, "Italy's tradition of family ownership for fashion companies gives women a great chance to emerge, whereas France, by contrast, is dominated by luxury groups. It's more corporate."

Although women have always played a pivotal role in fashion, especially in early 1900s Paris, when Coco Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet, and Jeanne Lanvin reigned supreme, after World War II, a new generation of male designers emerged: Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, and Pierre Balmain. Since then, female designers have come in spurts: Mary Quant and Betsey Johnson in the 60s and 70s, and Rei Kawakubo in the 80s.

Finally, as more and more women are taking charge, their prominence is returning to what it was in early 1900s Paris. Alessandra Facchinetti has just succeeded Valentino, Frida Giannini took over from Tom Ford at Gucci, and let's not forget the outstanding influence of Miuccia Prada. But it all makes sense, as Donatella Versace explains, "women are instinctively in tune with the female customer."

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Fashion 101

FabSugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:00:22 -0700

Take the quiz

A Fabby Halloween: Twiggy

FabSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:22 -0700

Twiggy may no longer scream mod queen, but circa 1960s, she was highly popular for her high-fashion mod look. If you're looking to mimic someone with a bold, youthful signature style this Halloween, Twiggy is your girl. Inspired by the mod creations of English fashion designer Mary Quant, the supermodel wore everything from mini skirts to shift dresses, go-go boots to funky print dresses, sequins to plaid. Twiggy, whose real name is Lesley Hornby, wasn't merely known for her stick skinny body (hence the childhood nickname) and quirky fashion sense; she also spearheaded the application of fake lashes under bottom lashes and the androgynous pixie haircut. Groovy.

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On Our Radar: Topshop Archive

FabSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 06:40:33 -0700

It's tops in the fast fashion realm, and now Topshop is foraying into the vintage arena. Sweet!

Yesterday it launched Archive, an area dedicated to one-of-a-kind vintage finds - think Lanvin, Chloe, and Dior from the sixties and seventies, as well as London labels from the same eras like Lee Bender for Bus Stop, Biba, Mary Quant, Jean Veron, Ossie Clark, and Strawberry Studio. The clothes come from everywhere, vintage fairs to Ebay, and prices run from about $131 for a minidress to $1,000 for an Ossie Clark gown. Just what I need - another place to make the vintage hound in me drool!

Fashion 101: The Answers!!!

FabSugar — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 16:02:22 -0700

Hope you all enjoyed this week's Fashion 101! Thanks for playing and here are the answers:

Monday: What year did Betsey Johnson get her big break into fashion as the winner of the Mademoiselle Guest Editor Contest? - 1964.
Tuesday: Which female fashion designer created pantyhose? - Mary Quant. I know this was a controversial one but according to my Shopaholic's Daily Calendar 'tis the truth!
Wednesday: Where did Jessica Simpson find the cowboy boots she was wearing in her "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" video? Extra points if you know how much they cost! - eBay, $100.
Thursday: Who snapped this (early Gisele!) racy photo? - Mario Testino.
Friday: It takes a craftsman how long to complete one Hermes Kelly bag? - Two weeks.

So...how did you do?!

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Brush Hairline Grace Wig, Blond - $105.00	Mod Colorblock Dress - $24.99
Monroe Plaid Coat - $95.00	Swoop Black Patent - $149.95
Orb Crossway Earrings - $52.00	Neo Mod Patent Clutch - $12.80
Betsey Johnson 'Large Mod' Square Sunglasses - $125.00	Apt. 9® Pointelle Knee-High Trouser Socks - $12.00
Necklace with Wooden Plate - $8.00	Jeweled Mod Ring - $5.80
Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids - Love N Share (Youth) (White Patent Fade Stretch) - $48.95