Entry #10: Polyvore

These days, social media runs the life of young people in the industry. It is not at all uncommon to find someone frequently using not only Facebook and Twitter, but also sites like Pintrest, Tumbler, and Instagram. One of the cool fashion related social media sites I've discovered is called Polyvore. This online fashion community is where users can discover their own personal style while sharing trends with others around the world. Fashion lovers everywhere are creating their own "mood" and "inspiration" templates and filling them with their favorite retailer's garments. The Polyvore site has had over 44 million sets created with over 15 million visitors monthly. 

Check it out for yourself at POLYVORE.COM and start creating your sets today!

#9: New Fashion Formats

Technology for the future of fashion...

Fashion followers, get your iPads ready, because they will come in handy at future Burberry runway shows. The company is a pioneer in digital fashion shows with their new software Runway to Reality. This VIP program allows buyers to make orders directly from the audience at the actual runway show. Using their iPad, users can review entire collections and are provided with all the necessary information and materials needed to make major purchasing decisions. It saves time and drastically speeds up the purchasing process. Will others follow? Designers like Marc Jacobs and Dolce and Gabanna already have started streaming their runways shows live directly to Style.com. The future of runway fashion shows is looking more and more technologically savvy each season. Just think what Spring 2013 will bring...

Entry #8: Lookbooks

Would you look at this book...

So, what is a lookbook anyway? Lookbooks give a feel or message of a designer's collection through images, either from a showroom or on models coming down the runways. They are often considered a portfolio that represent a product line and are sometimes used by editors at photoshoots who haven't had a chance to see the line in the showroom on visual display. They are also given out along with line sheets by larger design companies. The following are examples of what one might find in a lookbook....

Entry #7: Trunk Shows

No junk in this trunk...

It doesn't take a fashion major to know what a fashion show is, it's the most publicly recognized creative fashion presentation there is. Although it is glamorous and extravagant, it is not the only way to display fashion by any means. In fact, there is another method that is often times more effective and cost efficient for most designers called a trunk show.Trunk shows are a way for designers or vendors to present their line/collection of merchandise to customers. They are shown to major retailers all the way down to small boutiques. Often times, trunk shows allows store personnel to get a first look at the merchandise before it is made available to the public. It is also common for leftover items from runways and samples to be shown at trunk shows. 

These trunk shows are especially popular in the bridal industry. The selection of designer's bridal collections is larger for brides to view than in the actual salon. In fact, trunk shows got their name from the huge trunks the dresses were carried in place to place. 

Online or virtual trunk shows have recently been gaining traction, especially in the luxury end. Retailers including Bergforf Goodman and Salvatore Ferragamo have caught on to this trend and have seen success from the transition. Many believe it is the future of trunk shows. 

Here is a video of a shopthefinest.com's (a luxury menswear retailer based out of LA) trunk show in Midtown Manhattan. This just gives you an idea what a trunk show of this size works....

This is an image of an invitation to a trunk show for another retailer....

Fashion Shows...

The ultimate creative fashion presentation! The collections and designer names are what draws viewers in, but its the lights, sounds, landscapes, and special effects which have made the event even more theatrical. From Marc Jacobs' Tim Burton-esque world to Alexander McQueen's futuristic flair, the following shows were unique in their own way and really showed the mood of the collections.

Chanel

Marc Jacobs

BCBG MazAzria

Alexander McQueen

Entry #5: Film Write Up

Watch and learn...

What does it take to run the "Fashion Bible"? If you haven't already seen the infamous documentary "The September Issue" consider it on the top of your priority list this weekend. Although a few years dated, this film takes you through the process of producing Vogue's most important issue...Septemper /Fall fashion. Editor Anna Wintour is the "star" and shows you a world that a fashionista can only dream about. Trips to Paris, one on one power lunches with designers, the whole package! However, you can also get a look at the long hours and hard work it takes to put an amazing issue on the stands every fall, even every month! For fashion lovers and avid magazine readers, this is definitely a great film to watch. If you've already seen it, well...it's simply too good to refuse a second, third, or fourth time! Here's a sneak peak...

Entry #4: Fashion Reporter's Language

Fashion Reporting 101...

The most successful fashion editors and journalists must all share one thing in common: the ability to write clearly and creatively. Fashion is all about the visuals, so descriptive language is criticle. One master of fashion reporting is Cathy Horyn. Her ability to report what she sees at fashion shows create a precise and colorful image for her readers. Here, I have examined and broken down the language for her Lavin Paris article into silhouette & design, details, color, fabric, and creative "jargon". Enjoy the article!

http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/03/on-the-lanvin-express-with-alber-elbaz/

Silhouette & Design:

• hourglass minidresses
• strong, round shapes
• little black dress

Details:

• fine jewels
• squiggly, white ruffles

Color:

• fresh, clear color
• chaste black

Fabric:

• furs
• cool, black leather

Creative "Jargon":

• over the top patterns
• real babes
• strong rather than syrupy and sweet
• whipped cream

Entry #3: NYC Street Style

New York is a 24/7 fashion show and the streets are its runway! These city dwellers use their ensemble to express themselves, their status, and their interests. While scouting the busy streets for some photographs, I couldn't help but notice one very prominent trend....FUR! Despite this winter's mild conditions, fur has prevailed full force. From trimmings to coats covered in it entirely, fabulous fur is everywhere! Here were some of my favorite looks from the streets:

Ashley- 14th and 6th Ave.

Carli- Buffalo Exchange 26th St.

Amanda- 16th and 6th Ave.

Haley- 27th and 7th Ave.

Lindsey- 23rd and 7th Ave.

#2 Key Trend Fall 2012

 "Fall-ing" in love...

Once again, Fashion Week is here and so are some incredible new looks for Fall 2012. Although we are all desperately awaiting the arrival of warm spring weather, us fashionistas can't help but anxiously anticipate the luxurious, decadent pieces that come with a brisk autumn breeze. 

To chose just one key item for Fall 2012 proved to be a daunting task. Earthy, rich colors, tons of luscious fur, and fierce accessories were all pleasant surprises to come down the runways. However, the one key trend I noticed in the designers' collections for Fall 2012 were waist defining belts. Ladies, this is your chance to show off your hourglass shape. This silhouette was everywhere and was created mostly by neutral colored belts tightly wrapped around the waist.

Here were some of my favorite looks that flaunted this flattering trend.

Rebecca Minkoff

Carolina Herrera

Michael Kors

DKNY

Naeem Khan

Marc Jacobs

Entry #1: Creating a Fashion Blog

Blog. This "new" four letter word has very drastically transformed the way our industry shares and responds to fashion. Some bloggers have gained prestige and fame from their blogs and now have front row seats at some of the world's most fabulous fashion shows. 

I've included photographs from three of my favorite fashion blogs; Where Did You Get That, Fashion Canvas, and Oracle Fox.

Nancy (pictured above) moved from London to New York and the result was her killer blog "Where Did You Get That." WDYGT has received praise from numerous magazines such as Lucky, Glamour, Essence, and online with Vogue.com. She masters mixing vintage and modern pieces for a unique look that is both bohemian and chic. Here, London meets New York and it is fabulous!

http://www.wheredidugetthat.com/

Fashion Canvas is the brainchild of Francheska Liberman. The simple layout of the blog adds to the effortlessly cool look portrayed in the entries. The style could be best described by "hipster chic". I could most relate with the theme of this blog, which is why I find it so inspirational!

http://www.fashion-canvas.com/

Oracle Fox was such a great find! This blog is playful and creative. This photograph from the Valentine's Day themed shoot is an example of how Oracle Fox has fun with its content and keeps it light. A passionate love of color is definitely present throughout the blog and makes it hard not to become a follower!

http://oraclefox.blogspot.com/