Fashion Merchandising

Today, the name Diane von Furstenberg is synonymous with the classic jersey knit wrap dress that she made famous. Belgian born von Furstenberg made her debut in fashion as a model, and in 1972 she introduced an Italian made cotton jersey shirt dress that launched her design career.

Over the next four years, the von Furstenberg signature was showing up on cosmetics, fine jewelry and luggage. And the von Furstenberg face graced the covers of News Week and the Wall Street Journal. The wrap dress impacted fashion in a monumental way, and von Furstenberg was hailed as being “The most marketable women since Coco Chanel” by News Week. The success of the wrap dress came from the sexy and simple versatility of the garment. It was perfect for the jet setting women, like the designer herself. “Simple one step dressing”, von Furstenberg called it, “Chic, comfortable and sexy. It won’t become dated after one season.” Not only would the wrap dress withstand one season, it has become identifiable with von Furstenberg and is still used in her present designs.

In 1997, based on the amount of young females purchasing vintage DVF wrap dresses, von Furstenberg decided to re-launch the popular 70’must have. Years of continued success lead the designer to make the decision of hiring Nathan Jenden as creative director, and the von Furstenberg name expands distribution globally. In addition to her success as a designer, von Furstenberg is also an author of books ranging from beauty books, coffee table books, and even her business memoir. In 2001 the west village headquarters in New York City, expanded to included a flagship boutique, Diane von Furstenberg The Shop, and a theatre space for emerging talents. 2003 proved to be a very successful year for von Furstenberg, not only did she open DVF The E-Shop, but the designer label was becoming a must have among the young and wealthy celebrities and social-lites. Furthermore, in 2003 von Furstenberg teamed up with Reebok to create Venus Williams’ Wimbledon dress (currently on display at the Wimbledon Hall of Fame), and also kept busy by launching her new perfume, D. By 2005, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awarded her a lifetime achievement award and in 2006, she was the CFDA president.

Dian von Furstenberg’s strong and independent nature has lead her to all the success in her career. She was able to create a fashion empire, and raise two children with out a husband. In the crazy world of fashion, von Furstenberg has maintained her focus and drive by “not loosing herself”. “I think the most important thing in life is not to lose yourself. If you lose yourself you have nothing.” Diane von Furstenberg is an inspiration to women who strive to have it all and more…and all by themselves

Posted by Jodi at 02:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

If you are a huge Sex & The City fan, like myself, than you have probably already discovered Lipstick Jungle on NBC. It has been widely debated this winter, which (if either) new tv series satisfies fashionable career driven women post Sex & The City; Lipstick Jungle (based off the Candace Bushnell novel), or Cashmere Mafia (produced by Sex & The City producer, Darren Star). However when it comes down to best in fashion, Lipstick Jungle wins hands down in my opinion.

While nothing can compare to what Patricia Fields did as costume designer for Sex & The City (and yes I know, she’s on Team Mafia), Lipstick Jungles wardrobe is fresh, fabulous and perhaps most importantly, so very wearable. The three main characters are best friends Nico Reiley, Wendy Healey, and Victory Ford, all powerful career driven women in New York City. Daniel Lawson was brought on to Team Jungle as Costume Designer, and collaborated with Fashion Consultant Amanda Ross. The two were presented with the important task of designing the perfect wardrobe for the three very different and, extremely successful women.
Nico and Wendy are both at the top of their media game at the same firm; Wendy as a successful movie executive, and Nico as editor-in-chief of a popular fashion magazine, “Bonfire”. Wendy tends to stay on the classic and feminine side of businesswomen, but her wardrobe also has a glamorous old Hollywood feel to it. Nico adds a bit more sex appeal and fierceness to her wardrobe that comes off as effortlessly chic.

My favorite character, and the “Carrie” of the show in terms of wardrobe, is Victory Ford. Despite the characters name, that is in fact a name of a car dealership in my hometown, I am in love with this character and her fantastic wardrobe. It is no surprise that the character with the most drool worthy wardrobe, plays a well known New York fashion designer. In Lipstick Jungle the core concept for Victory Ford, is that she only wears Victory Ford. So not only did Lawson have to create a wardrobe for Victory Ford, but essentially her whole line of clothing. He portrayed Victory and her line as fun, flirty, feminine, trendy, and sophisticated. “I based her on a modern day Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s ), not so much on the black sheath dress but on her outlook on life,” Lawson says. “She marches to her own drummer and looks fabulous doing it. … As a designer you could see her stepping out of her brownstone and taking inspiration from the people all around her. People in New York are not afraid to show their unique looks and she’s inspired by that.” Peter Som’s line was chosen as being most similar to what Lawson wanted for Victory Ford’s line.

One of the great things about this show and the show’s website, is that it gives style tips on how to get the women’s three different looks. Now although I don’t agree with people aspiring to look EXACTLY like their favorite celebs, I do think its nice to pick up little pieces of the wardrobe and style that attracts you to the character. The website is jam packed with extras like “ Shop Victory/Wendy/Nico”, or the “Shopisode Archive” both allowing you to search for clothes and accessories from the show. The website also has a weekly issue of “ Bonfire” magazine, the fictitious magazine Nico Reilley works for. The issues are short, usually 12 pages, but whats inside is what makes it a nice little bonus.

So are you Team Mafia or Team Jungle??

Till next time Fashion Lovers,
Jodi

Posted by Jodi at 02:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Whether its Madame Butterfly, Barbra Hutton or this seasons Baby Jane Holzer meets Mrs. Robinson meets Raquel Welch, John Galliano always finds the perfect Dior Heroines that inspire his collections. Enormous thick eyelashes, gigantic back combed hair combined with Kennedy-era skirt suits and alluring dresses, portrayed Galliano’s idea of “pure glamour”. Galliano drew on the “optimism and opulence” of the sixties, an era when change in fashion as well as politics was in the air, much like today.
The color palette consisted of lime green, bright orange, red, fuchsia and purple. A delightfully surprising color story for a fall collection. Beautiful patent trim suits in red and an enlarged Dior hound’s-tooth print were particularly striking. Simply cut dresses were sublime with psychedelic-like prints, and flashy embroideries and feathers. Evening dresses were bubble cut, be-jeweled, lustrous, and the prints were mesmerizing. Luxurious mink and chinchilla flared coats, were cut in horizontal bands, and accessorized with short leather gloves and top handle bags.
Galliano always incorporates a narrative theme or a structure based on a fictional character. Unlike other Dior shows with an elaborate set and fantastic props, Galliano kept the right amount of creative restraint on both the collection and the backdrop. The set included a stunning waterfall staircase, that was purely for looks and not use. The models strutted down the runway to the tune of Mrs. Robinson with voluminous Baby Jane hair and thick embellished eyelashes. The fabulous hair and makeup dramatics set aside, the Dior collection for fall 2008 was muted compared to most Galliano shows. However, Galliano’s work was, as always, impeccably glamorous and this time completely wearable.

If you haven’t already…check out the Fall 2008 Dior show!
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2008RTW/video/CDIOR

Whats your opinion of the show??

Till next time!
Jodi

Posted by Jodi at 12:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Vera Bradley established the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer in 1998 after a friend lost her battle with breast cancer. Vera Bradley has raised $6 million for research to find a cure for this disease. There are several ways to support the cause here. One of the ways is ou can honor a friend or family member by donating $5, and a pink ribbon will be personalized and included in the Vera Bradley Classic in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Another way to help out is to purchase Foundation Items:

http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=163&sku=1000380%3a79&
This is the Pink Elephants Ella Wristlet. It has the pink elephants breast cancer awareness pattern with coordinating fabrics beautifully added. It also includes the spring/summer 2008 colors. The strap can be removed so it can also be used as a clutch. 50% of the net proceeds will go towards the Vera Bradley Foundation.
Vera Bradley is an extremely well-known brand, so it is no surprise that it has raised millions of dollars for a good cause. That is why I think it is a great idea for a top brand to help raise awareness for different causes and help raise money for them.

Posted by Katie C. at 02:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack