By Lucy Bushman


Fall Is the perfect time to upgrade your style. How does one add a new twist to a favorite blouse that has been hiding in the back of the closet all summer? It is impossible to ignore all of the new Jewelry and accessories that beckon our eyes to gaze. It is no secret that we all are trying to watch our spending and perhaps sacrificing the little luxuries that are deemed "unnecessary." Why not save money by orchestrating your own beaded Jewelry and design ideas? It is amazing how the perfect accessory can enhance and update any look regardless of personal style.

Color choice is key when selecting your beads. To get started choose colors that compliment skin tone or enhance eye color. This is a fun way to play up certain features and look your very best. Color combination adds depth and intrigue. Choose three or more colors in the same category to string together in an unset pattern. It's fine if there are no set patterns, just be certain not to put two of the same bead side by side. There are no rules when it comes to beaded Jewelry and design ideas, but a little planning and experimentation can go a long way.

Size Matters when it comes to selecting beads. Just like the color selection you are going to need to vary the size of the beads. Sizes range from tiny seed beads to giant baubles. Chunky accessories are"in" this season if you are the trendy type, however if you are petite and prefer to dress femininely this will not work for you. Stick to the seed beads and try to create a look that reflects you. Here is a fresh idea to try: select a giant bauble bead, add seed beads to the sides to surround it, add you favorite style closure (there are many to choose from) and voila! You can even make a giant bauble with different color polymer clay. Be sure to make a hole to fit your string, wire or elastic thread through. Add some small wooden beads to the sides and you will have your friends asking "Where did you get that"?

How do you create synergy with your beaded Jewelry and design ideas? The first thing to keep in mind is that "less is more". Choose a cocktail ring and chandelier style earrings , but skip the necklace. Go for an elaborate necklace and nothing else, wear with a white (or cream or eggshell) top to showcase your work. Bracelets can be tricky, they are difficult to wear because it can easily become too much. Wear a frilly blouse or something with an interesting detail and select beads to compliment it. Bracelets work well when all of the other accessories are kept minimal. Often when you are working with your beaded jewelry and design ideas it helps to sketch out what the end result will look like.

Techniques all depend on your skill level, how much time you want to put in and of course patience becomes a virtue. You may find that working with beads is an addictive zenlike creative escape. If you do not have patience you may develop it while working with beads because it is so rewarding to invest a little time for something that becomes so gratifying. You absolutely have something to show for your work that is purposeful and special. Techniques that can be explored further are as follows: Stringing, wireworking, and beadknitting. You may choose to just stick to the traditional way of stringing and that is okay. String multiple beads together to create a simple bracelet or necklace, and wear a bunch of them together. Bead knitting has beautiful and professional look but you will need to invest in a loom. Wire working is just using the wire itself to enhance the look. Choose copper for a unique and edgy look. Wrap the copper wire around a giant square bead and wear it by itself.

In conclusion, you do not have to be an artist in order to create beaded jewelry and design ideas. Just use what looks good on you. Crystal beads are great for the holidays, they add sparkle and drama to a cocktail dress and make wearing black fashion forward. Wooden beads give off earthy vibes and are fantastic for casual fall days and evenings, think of wooden beads as the "jean" of the bead world. Shiny beads catch the light and add fusion. Matte glossy beads can easily be painted or worked into a professional look for the office. Don't forget to make some for you friends to give as gifts for holidays, housewarming parties, or a last minute birthdays. The most important thing to remember is to give love and have fun.

By Colin Megaro


When you think about the names of designers that are notorious for making garments with the intent to attract attention and awe, the usual suspects are Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Karl Langerfield, Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui and last but not least, Alexander McQueen. All are designers who think outside of the box and have a rebellious approach to fashion design. However, because McQueen is one of my favorites I am singling him out of the line-up and adding him to my most wanted list. He is being charged with having the extraordinary ability to deconstruct a garment and make it come to life with a new form.

McQueen known for fashion that causes controversy, has a huge following and is down right stunning. Every collection he sends down the runway causes a bit of shock and always wows the crowd. Without a doubt he is rebellious and outside of the normal fashion realm. According to VogueUK.com, "Alexander McQueen is the quintessential bad boy made good." His designs have ranged from vampire chic to fierce tartan plaids. Taking inspiration from an elk tree in his garden, McQueen invented a story for his Fall '08 Collection that transformed into a fashion journey of a princess in darkness coming of age to her crowning as queen. The collection was, of course, a masterpiece designed with a royal touch.

When considering who might be the next McQueen, one name pops to mind: Christian Siriano. Christian Siriano was the winner of Bravo's Project Runway Season Four. At a young age Siriano was encouraged to express himself in creative ways. He began designing and dressing people at age 13. After studying at the Baltimore School for the Arts and the American Intercontinental University in London he moved state side. Since winning the show, he has gone on to design for Victoria Beckham and Heidi Klum.

His designs are very McQueen, which should be no surprise being that Siriano landed a coveted internship with McQueen, while in studying in England and whom he has stated is his favorite designer. Siriano sent belted pirate coats; multi layered confection type dresses and a chocolate brown and cream organza puff dress down the runway this Fall.

By Priyanka Arora


India has been known to be a major player in the export of fabric and accessories. Indian fashion has been figuring greatly in the lines of fashion houses and manufacturers. The strength of India's fashion lies not only on its tradition and culture, but also from the vast amounts of raw materials it produces. The country can produce more than enough cotton, silk, and man-made fiber to serve its population and discerning consumers all over the world.

Fabric from India is reputable for its cost-effectiveness in terms of raw materials and production. In addition, clothes can be quickly adjusted prior to selling, and manufacturers offer different embellishments to suit one's taste, such as beadwork, sequins, and chikon or aari embroidery. Skilled workers also ask for relatively lower wages from design houses, adding to its affordability. India can supply international design houses with beautiful, hand-crafted clothes at a competitive price. The country has been famous for gorgeous embroidery, and the international fashion industry has been very receptive for the embroidered cloths.

The wide range of Indian fashion has fascinated as well as confused international consumers. Indian embroidered cloths usually originate from Chapa, a small town where fabric manufacture is a family affair. Ethnic designs have been produced in this small town and exported all over the world in the form of blouses, bandannas, and even home furnishings, among others. Embroidery was traditionally associated with women as a way of self-expression of their culture, desires, and beliefs. Beads were also sometimes used as embellishments, with results that are just as gorgeous as embroidered cloth. Later on, this style has appealed to women from all cultures and backgrounds, adding to the popularity of India's elegant wardrobe.

While the world is happily anticipating and purchasing Indian-inspired fashion, India itself has welcomed the influx of Western influences in clothing. The youth have been receptive of television and films from the West, and this had inspired their wardrobe. The exchange of influences is further proof that we now live in a world without borders, at least in fashion.

By Patrick McMurray


Science plays a major role in design development of fashion clothing and accessories, just a glimpse into the past will confirm enough to be true. It's not a jumbled business of cloth and colours loosely thrown together, rather, a well organised industry driven by the sciences, from market research to weaving, printing, dyeing, pattern making, branding and labelling; scientific intervention supports artist's continuum.

Want an example or two: English Madder Print: The colouring agent in madder root called alizarin was in fact first chemically extracted and then synthesized in 1869 by two English chemists. Although the dyeing process, even today, requires a variety of painstaking steps, synthesized alizarin brought the price within the reach of commercial producers. Testimony to the significant part science plays ensuring the longevity of styles and textiles. Silk dyed in this manner is characterized by a dusty-looking finish and a feel (referred to as a chalk hand by the experts) very much like fine suede, and a matte finish. The designer plays his hand and we have lovely to adorn our necks.

In 1879 Thomas Burberry developed a fabric which was weatherproofed in the yarn before weaving, using a secret process and then proofed again in the piece, using the same undisclosed formula. The new material was untearable and weatherproof, whilst cool and breathable. He called the cloth 'gabardine' and registered the word as a trademark. This is science.

Possessing a degree in science is not pre requisite to being a good designer, utilising scientific disciplines is advisable if you want your designs to hit the streets running rather than ending up in good Samaritans charity bins. A little business acumen always comes in handy and knowing what your customers want is critical. Above all, being in the right place at the right time is the key to success.

Timothy Everest Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood are just three examples that combined their design skills with business acumen and chanced to be in the right place and the right time. All attribute their success to chance, a would be cyclist, an advertisement in the paper and punk took them all in the same direction on different paths.

Let's put all the technicalities aside. Without disciplined inspiration all the science and psychology fall on numb bodies, clothing must inspire the buyer as much as the designer, the message is portrayed in the colours, pattern and textures, combined to express season and inspiration.

And what about psychology; A little self indulgence creates a healthy state of mind, better to be happy than sad, retail therapy is certainly a good remedy for the blues, lets face it we've all been there many times. And to rid yourself of any guilt after the act, buy something for your loved one. A bit of psychology.

To finalise, summarise and self indulge I have written a brief critique on one of my favourite silk tie designs, I designed it, It's not without all the elements of good design as mentioned.

Subtle Significance a; geometric floral tie - a subtle mauve heart first catches your eye. And then golden geometric petals shimmer slightly and draw you closer, accentuated by midnight blue. Lastly, the hefty weave adds just the right amount of texture for a little masculine handle to the femininity of floral patterns. Significant, but subtle.

By Don Stevens


Fashion and trendy handbags have come along way. Just what makes a fashion and trendy handbag? Is it the color, the styles, or the name. Frankly, it's a little of all this, and plus a lot more. There has to be functionality, fit, form, and practicality. Of course, a little bling and embellishments can do wonders too.

Take a look at some of the styles from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and others. Each has its own distinct flair that few have come close to. Some fashion and trendy handbags designers keep the classics in mind when they design their own styles, and some try unique and innovative designs to make their own name in the fashion industry.

Before looking into fashion and trendy handbags that can cost a small fortune, consider newer or smaller companies that feature designs that are affordable! Many new accessory companies feature similar styles as the more expensive ones, and can be considered as replicas. Other companies offer their own unique styles that are creative and found no where else. With the fashion industry always changing, it's not difficult to find a style that suits you, and is personal to your taste.

Jazzd is just one of these new companies, featuring fashion and trendy handbags that are affordable, most under eighty dollars. Jazzd is a one of kind designer that keeps a close eye on new trends but never forgets timeless styles. That's part of their great success. You can spot Jazzd in fashion magazines such as InStyle, Teen People, Accessories, and Modern Bride, just to name a few. With a loyal following that can span three generations, Jazzd is sure to please even the most hard to please fashion seeker.

Most fine boutiques now carry accessories such as handbags and jewelry, so it has never been this easy to find a deal. After all, fashion is universal, most of the styles that come from Europe are offered in America and also online, such as eBay, and Overstock.com.

While the fashion shopper is ever looking for new styles and up to date trends, some have become budget conscious, and therefore seek an alternative to the fashion and trendy handbags that costs hundreds to thousands of dollars. The next time you consider a designer bag and drool over pages in fashion magazines, consider a trendy affordable handbag from a newer designer.

By Anastasia Algos


If you are thinking of having a logo designed for your fashion and clothing business, you need to keep several important things in mind that might help you. First of all, you should be very clear about the kind of fashion clothing you are offering; it can be either high end fashion clothing like designer wear or budget clothing like jeans and t-shorts. Secondly you should be very focused on your theme i.e. the idea on which you are selling clothes; it has to be individual for every fashion and clothing line. Also, you should be very clear about the market you are targeting; the best logo is only designed if your designer knows about the age group or the class of people you are selling your product to.

Once you have these aspects worked out in your mind, it becomes easy to depict the kind of logo you want to have for your clothing business. The logo should be done in such a way that it accurately represents the clothing company and outlines the type of clothing being offered and appeals to people who will come to buy them.

Fashion and clothing logos are a very profitable way to bring more and more customers to your products and that too again and again if you prove your worth. A unique clothing line or a boutique needs a good and descriptive logo to make new clients and lasting reputation in the market. Some of the most popular logos for fashion clothing are Nike, Polo, and Ralph Lauren that are very well know among people who don't even buy their products.

There are a variety of ways to make your fashion and clothing logo a unique and distinctive brand name for your business. For this you need to consult a logo designer who knows the market standards as well as realizes the way consumers' minds work. To attract more people to buy your clothing, you need to design your logo in such a way that appeals to masses and they want to buy your designs.

Some important questions to consider when going for a fashion logo are:
# What do you prefer, an image logo or a text logo

# Do you have any preference for colors or design?

# The style of the logo i.e. the way it should be done to promote your business

# Some signature or distinctive mark that should be same as on your logo and clothing

It is important that you give a lot of thought to these questions and know their answers before you contact a logo designer to design an exclusive logo for your clothing business. Keeping in mind the fast changing trends of the fashion world, you need to have a logo that suits your line of clothing all-time. In other cases only a symbol or a sign is enough to make a logo popular that speaks volumes for the quality products e.g. Nike.

Fashion and clothing logos are mostly bright colored and bold that give strong vibes to people inviting them to come to you. In some cases, logos are done in a single color while in others; multitudes of colors are used to represent the various forms of clothing and accessories being marketed.

As your logo would be used for promotional purposes on banners, brochures, cards as well as clothes, it should be designed keeping in mind these aspects and it should look good wherever it is placed. However, the first stop in designing your fashion and clothing logo is that you should be well aware of what you want and how it would be used. This way you would be making the most of your logo and get maximum profits in your business.

By Trishia Lopez


Haute Couture is the prestigious front for French creative fashion and original design. Haute couture (French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking"; refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted fashions. Haute Couture is a French phrase for high fashion.

Dior

Armour-clad medieval knights at Christian Dior led the fashion assault against critics of the rarefied world of Parisian haute couture at three days of spectacular shows for next autumn-winter. Ironically, the couture flourished in the postwar period, beginning with the immense popular appeal of Christian Dior's "New Look" in 1947. While French couturiers like Christian Dior and Jacques Fath were pairing down their couture designs and championing them as ready-to-wear garments for American department stores and New York boutiques alike, only Italian fashion artists understood the desperate need for more accessible, comfortable, and yet equally refined and tailored collections.

From dressing entire wedding parties (Dior), to outfitting the new European wave of female business power brokers (Armani Privé) to flying their personnel to the client for in-person fittings, where a five-dress-per-season order is considered the minimum to qualify for such elite customer service (at Valentino Couture…which has one client who orders a mind boggling 25 to 30 new dresses each season) – the Couture is enjoying a Renaissance. It was the height of refinement; it reached the summit of haute couture but was in no way the Dior spectacle of the previous evening at Versailles.

"Zemire," with its long Edwardian fitted jacket, is a splendid example of Dior's dream: recreating the grandeur of his mother's gentle fin de siècle elegance. It is natural that Dior should dominate the exhibition, which shows how the British designers adapted to the new direction taken by the French master, although Wilcox points out that French couturiers studied traditional British tailoring and used British fabrics. This anniversary also marks’ Galliano his 10th year as Dior’s creative director. The presentation also marked the 60th anniversary collection of Christian Dior.

Designer

The toile can be manipulated, marked and adjusted to fit a particular live model's measurements until the designer and his sale staffs are all satisfied. The final toile of a design idea is an accurate interpretation of the line or cut right down to the button placement or hemline that the designer is seeking. Once satisfied the designer instructs his staff to make up the garment in the selected and exclusive materials. Sometimes designers work for their own label and sometimes they work for a famous Haute Couture house. If a consumer can afford the bottle of perfume, the scarf, the designer boutique jewellery, the bag of the season, the couture named cosmetics or the ready to wear 'designer label' products they convince themselves they are as exclusive as the 1000 women and the supermodels who regularly wear Haute Couture model gowns.

Haute couture deals in millimeters-- everything is measured so that the fabric hangs correctly and follows the contours of the body perfectly without hugging it. Haute couture, which is French for "high dressmaking" isn't just about strange clothing on super thin models. Haute couture is that impossible fashion dream.

By Nancy Lambert


The American fashion trades represent an industry with more than $200 billion in annual sales, and the trend is expected to continue as men's and women's apparel and accessories continue to sell as fast as new innovations are promoted. The NPD Group, a market research firm, reports that jeans sales for both men and women are off the hook. If you want to join the ranks of fashion and retail management professionals who keep the trends moving, this is a great time to advance your career.

From Researching Trends to Organizing Fashion Campaigns

Fashion and retail management pros work all along the chain of apparel sales, from measuring sales and documenting trends, to assisting in fashion line development, creating fashion campaigns, and organizing sales teams in large department store chains as well as small but profitable boutiques.

Merchandising and Marketing

Promotions managers typically have studied merchandising or marketing at accredited colleges and universities, or have taken online courses to learn the latest digital and print promotion retail avenues. A fashion retail management degree program can teach you how to create internet sales campaigns, direct mail, print promotions, television or radio ads, and how to negotiate retailing strategies with manufacturers, dealers, and distributors.

Team Management

You can learn how to manage a team of fashion sales reps, assigning quotas, territories, and customer relationships. No matter where you currently are in your fashion career, online certificate, associate, bachelor and master's degree programs can enhance your education and help
advance your career. You'll learn how to forecast trends, take stock of your inventory, and create business plans that turn fabrics into profits.

Online Degree Opportunities

If you’re ready to pursue an opportunity in the field of fashion and retail management, you can begin today with a convenient online program from an accredited college or university to help you get on your way.

Whether you’re ready to earn your first degree or advance your education, accredited online colleges and universities offer programs online to help you reach your design career goals. Intended for those ready to improve their opportunities or change careers completely, the convenience of online learning can help you succeed.

By Ilse Hagen


Fashion designing is not all fun and glamor, but a little bit of technology can make it so much easier. A good fashion design software (computer aided) can help every type of designer -- even amateurs -- execute professional-looking designs. Thinking of using one? Here’s a starter kit.

What exactly can a fashion design software can do for you?

Although a computer program will not necessarily make you the next Chloe Dao or the next Santino Rice, it can help you expand your fashion creativity and help you design faster, so you can get more work done.

The best fashion design software allows you to play around with a range of colors, fabrics, and cuts, without necessarily having to buy the entire material. This allows you to save a lot of time and money, and allow you the freedom to experiment with different combinations without spending too much.

What should you look for in fashion design software?

Good clothing design software allows you to create 2d or 3d renders of your design for editing or experimenting. It also allows you to print, upload, and share the designs via email. Some software allow you to replicate real 3-D fabrics on the screen so that you can visualize them as close to reality as possible—and see your design in different colors and cuts. This type of software usually has a database of different fabrics, textures, and prints. Most of them also have update options that let you add new fabrics and patterns to your database.

By Kacy Carr


What does the word trendy mean in relation to fashion? Well simply answered, trendy means more up to date with what clothes/Jewelry you wear, more so than that of the person who chooses to snub in adorning themselves in latest fashion gear. In a nutshell: if dressed from head to toe in new designs from Paris, Italy or London along with jewellery pieces of recent design - then you may be referred to by an onlooker as being trendy.

However, keeping up with what is in fashion can leave you penniless because, most trendy designer labels come with a price tag that a fashion manic can ill afford. However, it is the uncontrollable urge to have those trendy clothes that hang on a boutique rail in the high street - that has you "the consumer" ignoring the warning signs of going overdrawn with your bank.

To overcome this and still have money in your pocket is to set your own trend or style. Become a trend setter in your own right. Personalize those outfits hanging in the wardrobe collecting dust. Why buy new when the old will do. Think about it e.g. if you have garments hanging in the closet after a lengthy period of time is enough to tell you, that you are still attached to that little number (dress or frock).
If you feel the garment is past its sell by date (stale) then refresh it. (Wash or dry clean). Clothing is easily altered to appear fashionable and trendy

Colour coded material and accessories is, the key to what fashion is all about, but more importantly "you", meaning: if you dislike the new updates on style, don`t wear them. Remember no one is out to pass judgement on the clothes you wear, however in saying that, if you follow designer fashion traits which do not compliment your shape or size then you may be faced with the possibility on being judged for looking hideous. (Fashion Freak)

Remember in the world of fashion "What goes around comes around" For example: your clothes hanging in the cupboard were once trendy garments bearing a designer label at the time of purchase, so more the reason to take advantage - before repeat designs from the 1960s are created for the twentieth century at a price you can ill afford.

Make the shawl trendy and fashionable.

A shawl/shoulder wrap can liven up a plain sleeveless dress secured with a brooch/ornamental jewellery pin. Elbow draped shawls can be kept in place over the arms with bangles or bracelets. Concentrate on the shawl - and to where the jewellery clasp is to rest. (Nape of the neck - on the shoulder or clipped at the front) Personal preference prevails here. Two shawls (of light material) interwoven together in different shades is fashionable and trendy. You can always remove one shoulder wrap leaving you with what would appear to onlookers or admirers as another outfit. .Carry extra pieces of Jewelry in your handbag to claim yet another image.

Be creative in thought, creativity results in trendy fashion gear. Make sure to jot down your ideas and conjure up images in your head and work from there. Low cut dresses can be smartened up with trendy fashionable neck decorations, i.e. shoe laces which come in different colours size and length, tie them in thin bows - plait them or even thread beads or pearls onto them. You can match the neckwear you have designed with wrist/ankle tie ups. This is more cost affective than buying expensive ribbons or chokers.

The true feminine look in trendy fashion gear is the presence of head wear (Millinery hats). Save money: remove a shoulder pad from an old dress or jacket and cover in material of your choosing. Lace is a fine choice. Weave pearls, beads or buttons in and out of the lace or loop them around the edge. Sequins work well to. Have the lace cover the eyes or scrunch/fold it up on top of the padding. Take your time and you will be surprised at the result. Secure with hair grips.

Regardless of what you wear, whether it is new trendy fashion gear or not, your own choice will leave you feeling like a million dollars. Fashion is about you; remember those famous words "It suits the wearer not the starer". Now go out and knock them dead with your very own trend and let them stare all they want. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Let the beholder be YOU