Introduction to Fashion Blog

      Fashion plays a very important role in many of our lives. Our fashion tells a lot about our personality and interests. It also has been an important factor in our history and explains societal changes and our attitudes towards different topics. What has the evolution of fashion explained about society and our country? I am creating this blog to answer this essential question by describing the changes in fashion and styles over the last century.

Imitation Creation

   
     This photo is of clothing and styles that are similar to designer brands, but are slightly different so they can be sold at much cheaper prices.  These styles are often know as knock-offs.  This is a major change in how fashion is representative of society.
     In previous centuries, and even decades, society was distinguished by the clothing they wore and were divided by their clothing but  with knock-off brands everyone has access to similar designs that allows all of society to not only look similar and be able to wear similar styles but they also have a sense of togetherness that allows a sense of unification to flourish.
 
What other fashion changes from the past have had a great impact on society?

Passion for Fashion

       This is an image of a designe that could be seen at a modern fashion show. It is evidence of how we see fashion today as a society. It is a work of art, it is an expression rather than something you simply wear. It is created to make a statement about society or any other comment the artist want to make, just like all other art forms.  Often times, clothing like this is not worn in public, or worn at all for that matter, but is designed to emulate an idea of feeling for a line of designs. It is a showcase item to exemplify the articles of clothing of the line that will be sold.

Why is it so important that designers create clothing that is eccentric and will never be worn off a runway?
How do you view fashion?
What do you think of designs that are showcased in fashion shows?

http://weirdnews.about.com/od/weirdphotos/ig/Weird-Fashion/Another-Pink-Brick-in-the-Wall.htm

Clean in Green

      The article "Green is the New Black" by Sharon Mosley describes how society is developing into a more earth friendly environment that is more concious about the impact of their actions on the planet. The article describes how society is evolving by becoming "green" and working to become less impactful on the environment in a negative way. The author includes suggestions from Matheson, an ecofriendly fashion designer, on how to make your fashion and style "greener," some of which are as simple as not using plastic bags and replacing them with reusable ones as well as reading the labels on products to be sure that they are completely natural. The article also provides several other suggestions to influence ecofriendly shopping and products.
      The article is evidence of how society and new ideas and theories also influence the fashion world. The new concern among many societies around the world is that of global warming and enviromental destruction caused by human factors. The new campaigns to reduce our impact and carbon footprint on the world is showing up in the fashion world and in production altogether, the article addresses other products than just clothing and items related to fashion that are being altered to reduce this impact.

 What can you do to reduce your negative impact on the environment?

Mosley, Sharon. "Green Is the New Black." Copley News Service. 17 Mar 2008: n.p. SIRS Renaissance. Web. 06 May 2012.

Maxxinistas

TJMaxx Commercial

     A view of overstock stores is presented by those who take advantage of what overstock stores can offer. This commercial for a department store shows a woman who does exactly that. It is understandable to take advantage of stores that can offer designer clothing at a fraction of the price.  Overstock stores pose the oppertunity for people a way of looking just as well as those who wear clothing from designers directly. Clothing from stores similar to TJMaxx is simply clothing directly from designers or designer stores that overstock clothing. Since the clothing comes from designers and they are exceptionally cheaper it makes clear sense why these stores are so popular among shoppers, especially those who are thrifty.

Do you think it is more resourceful to shop at overstock stores?
What do department stores say about priorities among society?

Bonnie Cashin's search for Chic

       The article "Chic is where you find it" by Stephanie Day Iverson; Curator, Bonnie Cashin Collection, describes Bonnie Cashin's path to becoming a designer and recent designs. The title is a perfect fit for the article, it includes Cashin's way of finding inspiration for her designs, especially from the places the traveles to. She always had drempt of becoming a writer, artist, or ballerina and a child and she spent her childhood living in different California cities.  When she was older, she spent much time traveling, she spent much of her time in South America and Asia because she was "fascinated by the jostling of Asian and South American cultures."(Stephanie Day Iverson). Her creative ways combined with her findings and observations of places she traveled to that she used to created her unique fashion designs.
     The article is evidence of how inspiration can come from anywhere, it also says that fashion designs are the result of your interpretations of your observations of the world. The article stressed the idea of working hard to achieve your goals and aspirations. It is said that fashion is only one of Cashins mediums and that she uses her creativeness to develope all types of art forms and works. Art, fashion especially, is an expression that can speak about almost anything.

 Do you use your observations of the world to reflect your own self?
 How can you use your creativeness to be a reflection of the world?

 Iverson, Stephanie Day. "Introduction." Chic is where you find it. UCLA, n. d. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. xxxlt;http://unitproj.library.ucla.edu/special/cashin/intro.htmxxxgt;.

Andre Leon Talley

      The magazine article Andre Leon Talley 'Mr. Fashion'  by Teri Agins, describes the  designs and life of fashion designer Andre Leon Talley.  Agins says "The fashion world is a highly competitive, slippery slope that trades on the novelty of designers and personalities who go in and out of style. But for more than 30 years, Talley has managed to stay current, relevant and always in demand."  
      Talley has flourished in the fashion world because of, what he give credit to, his education.  He has always believed that people can do anything they desire if they put forth the effort.  He says too many people are taken by the myth of overnight success.  Talley is also known for his nurturing support of rising designers and people of all races.  This is the root of his success, not only his education but his open mindedness towards new ideas and cultural influences, which has also made him a well known fashion editor.  


How does evolution and change affect fashion directly?  
How can support of new ideas in differing generations and races affect the fashion world?


Agins, Teri. "Andre Leon Talley 'Mr. Fashion'." Ebony (Vol. 62, No. 11). Sept. 2007: 76-79. SIRS Renaissance. Web. 15 Apr 2012.