FashionPeddler.com Fashion News

A convoy of Town Cars descended upon the Fashion Institute of Technology on Tuesday morning as the august Council of Fashion Designers of America held its first town hall meeting. It was all very serious with the furrowed brows of Andre Leon Talley, Donna Karan, Betsey Johnson, Elie Tahari, Proenza Schouler and other fashion heavy hitters in attendance. The meeting was presided over by Council President Diane Von Furstenberg. The topic at hand: the future of fashion shows & the timing of these shows in relation to the consumer market. Donna Karan – being one of the most vociferous participants – has continuously been in favor of showing in season rather than one to two seasons in advance. She didn’t mince words with DVF either. DVF boldly proclaimed that fashion shows are “irrelevant”. She feels with the advent of the Internet, outlets like Fashion Peddler, & Victor & Rolf’s recent online fashion show have rendered fashion shows extraneous. With the C.F.D.A., DVF intends to make “New York Fashion Week the most dynamic fashion week in the world.” I am a bit perplexed … how does one have fashion week without shows? The CFDA’s answer is a series of in store events & pop-up shops on September 10th sponsored by Vogue magazine called Fashion’s Night Out. Who can do without the grand spectacle shows of John Galliano when he burst into the room on a locomotive for an homage to Pocahontas at Louis IV’s court? Or Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel fashion show atop the Great Wall of China? Not to mention Naomi, Kate, Linda, Daria, Alek, Gisele, Christy, etcetera etcetera. Fashion shows are fundamental to the complete process of fashion & its ensuing art. American designers can be persnickety & noisy at times, so why not take a cue from other international designers… just create and show.
– Ashkan.

Resort wear is a specialized clothing style, as well as a year-round fashion “season”. Sometimes known as “cruise wear”, it was not long ago resort collections were worn only by “jet set” celebrities who would purchase such garments while on vacation in warm-weather climates. Today, these garments are a growing part of many wardrobes.
It has only been in the past year or two designers, store buyers, and the media are viewing resort wear as a specialized year-round clothing style and fashion season. There are important reasons for this. Areas such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Honolulu, Palm Springs, San Juan, and the Caribbean Islands were holiday destinations, but they are now becoming places of year-round living. From the spectacular resorts destinations of Qatar, South Africa and Thailand, to the Spanish Coast, Costa Rica and the Grecian Islands, resort wear popularity is growing and it’s not surprising to see Hawaiian shirts being worn on the Mexican Riviera. It has become a cross-cultural style that signifies relaxation, affluence, an appreciation of nature and displays a sense of style for the wearer.
From walking shorts, caftans and sandals, to full-length evening dresses for women and light dinner jackets for men, resort wear is unique in its design and function. Resort wear is generally made from cotton, silk, denim, micro fiber, straw and poplin that are easy to pack, lightweight and breathable. They are easy to clean and look great without ironing or fuss, much like the new hair styles that casual, yet very fashionable.
The style has gained enormous popularity for many who demanded the comfort and ease of care the old summer clothes had, but tired of the stereotypical t-shirts, shorts and baseball caps seen by the masses. This newly-defined style instantly combines comfort and easy care with a fashion sense, comfort and personality, thus its sudden rise in visibility is no surprise.
It is characterized by the “nautical” style, inspired by sailor and yachting themes, classic Hawaiian prints of palm trees and hula girls, brushed denim from San Francisco, bright floral prints from South America, minty greens, yellows, blues and whites from the Mediterranean and natural materials and glove-weight leathers from the Caribbean. Large hats, sunglasses, open-toed shoes and innovative waistlines complete the look of sun-soaked destinations. The style has already been the subject of small runway shows in New York, Paris and Milan. –Ashkan.

In recent years, cardigans have surfaced into the wardrobes of men far and wide. Cardigans were first made popular by 17th century European fisherman. They are so trendy that everyone from Ivy League grads to Kanye West is rocking them. This fall, expect a much thicker version of the classic overlay. Pair your cardigan with a pair or John Varvatos corduroys, an oxford shirt, and a pair of desert boots for a casual yet sophisticated look. Maybe you are looking for an edgier look? Slip on a pair of slim black jeans, a narrow tie, finished with a trilby, and you’ll be looking more Pete Doherty than Mr. Rogers. – Ashkan.

And let us not forget the menswear collections as they are as important as ever. Fashion houses are recognizing the merit of menswear, as historically, it has been a mind of the past. The key words for men’s fashion for Fall 2009: Proportion. Structure. Tough. Sophisticated. Modern. Luxury. Attitude. Strong. String those words along into your own fall wardrobe phrasing. Our favorite menswear trends include:

1. Tailored suiting. Herringbone & tweed fabrics especially.
2. Morning news say get a paperboy cap by Burberry.
3. Go rugged as in a shearling coat.
4. Velvet suiting.
5. Achtung! Military coats as seen at Trussardi 1911.
6. Unexpected fabrics like neoprene at Calvin Klein.
7. Black Label by Ralph Lauren. Anything.
8. The cat’s meow with animal print sweaters as seen at Givenchy & Marc Jacobs
9. Mesh tops as seen at American Apparel, Prada, Gareth Pugh.
10. No glove, no love. Gloves, gloves and more gloves.

August 31st - September 2nd - LAS VEGAS

Also come check out our Mens line featuring 18 tee designs and more hoodies and track jackets…

And our Womens line featuring over 15 Tee, V Neck Tee, Wornout Long Tee, L/S Thurmel, and Hoodie designs…

Along with our regular line of SOMEONE gear, we will be showcasing our one-of-a-kind “monekyarms” line, so be sure and come see pieces of wearable art similar to these at the show, cuz you won’t see them again.

Just recently on June 26th SOMEONE opened to a packed house. If you’re ever in Portland come by and see our shop and art gallery… 2718 SW Kelly Ave. Portland, OR 97201

Thanks for your time! If you’re interested in coming by our booth for an appointment please contact Matt @ 503-507-9883. We hope to see you in Vegas!

(:what social network butterflies we are:)

Even the diligent do tire sooner or later, so that’s why we took a 1.5 month long sabbatical. Where does a Fashion Peddling, twenty something schlep his Louis Vuitton Keepall? We kept it domestic & flew the azure skies to New York to preview the Fall 2009 collections – without lifting pen to paper. I spent a handful of days in the charming village of Rensselaerville & too many days in Manhattan. I discovered this fall is the return of bona fide fashion. Designers are intensifying & Fashion Peddler is poised to translate that torrent of creativity into market. We noted our most wanted fall trends & brought home a few souvenirs to share with the Left Coast. P.S. I apologize to the peeved travelers for holding up airport security with my new Roberto Cavalli studded moon boots & Hermes bangles. – Ashkan (as seen on a New York country road)

1. The Color Purple. Purple velvet, so regal.
2. Pleats Please. Issey Miyake, enough said.
3. Military & field jackets.
4. Leather, especially black. Thank you, Marlon Brando.
5. Bags go big & Bigger.
6. Cat Woman. Leopard print skirts, shoes, clutches, scarves.
7. White oxford shirts. Not only for women, but men, too.
8. Blood Red Nights. Go with Valentino for evening wear.

Lingerie worn as a statement piece was popularized by pop singer Madonna in the decadent 1980’s. I still find a black bra underneath something sheer to actually be quite tasteful & erotic. The term “erotic” does not have to equate smutty, especially with the collection of Alexandra Popa titled Bordelle. The lingerie collection is inspired by deconstructed bodices, bondage straps, keyhole cutouts, and girdling. No, this is not a recommended dress code for an S&M club but rather the most superb lingerie collection I have ever seen. Popa uses industrial fabrics like metal and mesh along with delicate touches of French silk. Her S/S 2009 collection relies on a black & cream color palette. Biographical information on Alexandra Popa was as underground as her looks at the time of publication. With the mercury rising, it’s absolutely acceptable to disrobe with Bordelle. On a hot summer night, step onto the pavement & find your task master while still looking like a lady. www.bordelle.co.uk - Ashkan.