Rip City Style

Portland Trail Blazer fans are rip-roaring with the start of this years 2009/2010 season. Over the past few years, our franchise has been rebuilding its staff and players. Seen within this positive movement, is the support and love for the team. If you are from Portland, you really never lost hope. But for those fans that did, or turned their backs when things got rough…are back!

How do we know this? The multitude of red, black and white clothing seen all over town, and especially at Blazer games. Fans truly have brought back their excitement for the game and the team. One example is the t-shirt shown above “rip city.” This slogan was started by Blazer announcer Bill Schonely in the 70s, and has stuck. These shirts are seen everywhere and the phrase is said by every fan.

Another style seen on women, men and children are Blazer Jerseys. An example of a jersey is shown above on the right side. Brandon Roy is a current Blazer, but fans wear any jersey they have, and it doesn’t matter if the person still plays for us or not, it’s all about showing support.

The last Rip City style seen out and about, is the checkered or flannel Blazer colored shirts. This look is mostly seen on women. One style is a flannel shirt, paired with skinny jeans. This look can be worn with boots or flats, like the picture shown above. Another common look is to wear a longer flannel shirt with leggings and boots.

Have you shown your Blazer colors recently? Now that you know who’s wearing what, go shopping in your closet and show Portland your red, black and white style. See you at the games!

Why Nau

In the current economic climate, people are hesitant to spend a lot of money on clothes. As sales for fast-fashion, at retailers like Forever 21 and Target, soar consumers increasingly must be persuaded to spend any money on high-end pieces. There is one label, Nau, that produces produces garments definitely worth investing in if you have the disposable income.

Founded in right here in Portland, Nau makes outer/urban-wear that is not only fashion forward and very high quality, it is produced with environmental sustainability and social responsibility in mind. In fact, those two considerations, along with economic responsibility, make up the triple-bottom-line mentality that is cornerstone to Nau's philosophy. 

As previously mentioned, the product isn't cheap--the price of a jacket ranges from about$200-$425. Still, because their clothing is made to last forever, purchasing a few well selected pieces from the label may actually save you money in the long run. This is because Nau's dedication to environmental sustainability goes beyond the production process, into actually reshaping the way people consume. While most apparel companies, regardless of price-point, strive to get consumers to buy as much as possible each season, Nau's goal is to reduce the number of products the consumer must buy, therefore reducing the overall waste produced by the company.

This mission is even incorporated into the design process. While their designs are innovative and fresh, Nau's overall aesthetic leans toward neutral color palates and classic silhouettes. As a result, garments by Nau tend to stay in style season after season, and go with just about Everything.

In Portland, Nau's clothes can be found at Lizard Lounge (www.lizardloungepdx.com). In addition their collection is sold on their website-www.nau.com, which features not only the online store, but a lot of additional information on how the company is run with their ethical code in mind, and what they are doing to give back to the community.

So if you have a little extra money in your clothing budget, and want to spend it on something that's worth it's price, go check out Nau. You won't regret it!

Rain=Winter

As I look outside and see the leaves clogging up the sewers and the heavy rain coming down I realize fall is over and winter is here. Puddles started to flood the streets and winter fashion came out of the woodworks and back on to the streets. Walking around Portland changed rapidly from people in their jeans and tee shirts to bundled up in their coats, scarfs and umbrellas.

Rain boots are my favorite part of winter in this city. Walking to the Art Institute in Portland I am always noticing peoples new cute rain-boots. If you are going to have to wear rubber boots why not make a statement with them.

As I am standing on the streetcar trying to keep out of the rain on my travels to and from school, I look down and see the cutest rain boots in my opinion this year. I was nervous, my heart beating. Do I ask where she got them or would she think I was a total freak. I had to. I really wanted a pair and had to know. Pink and black my two favorite colors, it would be worth the strange look I would get just to get a pair of my own. So I asked. “Hey I love your rain boots where did you get them?” She told me of this site online with extremely cute rain books that aren’t that expensive! I was so excited, came home and immediately went to look them up!

-Alicia Jelinek

Here are a picture of them. If any of you are looking for cute new winter rain boots a great site is: http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=15957

“Trends for spring and Summer 2010”

 

This up and coming spring and summer season is going to be filled with vibrant colors that will come from nature, and the great outdoors.  This spring/summer season’s colors will be based on the hues of the 70’s and will have inspiration from a fresh and clean style.  The color palette will be ranging from pinks, purples, browns and some earthly beige colors that will be pulled from nature. 

 

As predicted by Pantone.com for this spring 2010, they have centered their colors on the concept of “ Splashes of Summer.”  They predict that vibrant bright colors are going to be seen on the runways, and in the store windows.  These bright and colorful colors are going to add excitement to the store windows and will be available for the consumer to purchase to brighten up their personal wardrobe, and add some excitement to their closet.  Also, for spring/summer 2010 there are going to be a wide variety of practical nuetrals that will be out they’re for the more cautious consumer to be able to purchase so they will have a safety net for those classic looks. 

 

Some of these colors seen will include turquoises, blues, and violets.  These colors are seen in nature and can be pulled from the shades of a calm ocean sea, or the hues of a blue sky on a sunny day.  Peter Some, who works for Pantone, have predicted that, “ a warm, optimistic palette of bright ranging from Tangerine Orange, Sunny Yellow and Hibiscus Pink to shades of Blue in Azure Lagoon and True Navy; Dove Grays and shades of White ranging from Optic, Buttermilk and Ivory anchor the palette.”  Som finds his inspiration for these colors from his need in life to be happy, and the want of having colors that can lift someone’s mood from a bad day.  

 

Fashion designer Nanette Lepore foresees the colors of this spring/summer 2010 to be pulled more from the warm end of life.  Lepore pulled her colors from the inspiration of her, “ childhood memories of country garden sunsets at a seaside summer home.”  She foresees colors to be ranging from a warmer palette of citron, tea rose, and firefly.  These colors will help intensify anyone’s wardrobe for the summer, and could help bring excitement to someone’s everyday life. 

 

In sum, the colors of Spring/Summer 2010 are being based off of the emotional feeling of happiness, and the want for adventure in life. 

Click here http://www.pantone.com/downloads/articles/pdfs/Pantone-FCR-sp2010f.pdf to see the colors predicted for spring/summer2010 by Pantone.com.

by Christine McBeth

AlexSandra's Vintage Fashion Show & Sale

AlexSandra & Tony Starlight

Celebrity Themed

Vintage dresses, hats, jewelry, purses & coats, if you love them then you would have loved the Vintage Fashion Show & Sale that took place Tuesday, November 3rd. The event was held at Tony Starlight's Supperclub & Lounge, a swanky jazz bar scene tucked away on Sandy Boulevard. Live music, cocktails, and a lobby full of clothing set the scene for the fashion show. AlexSandra's Vintage Emporium,where I have been interning since April, hosts a fashion show on the first Tuesday of every month, each month with its own theme. November's was Celebrity, which included models portrayed as Katherine Hepburn, Coco Chanel, Ingrid Bergman, and more.


As the house lights dimmed, Tony Starlight began the event singing while AlexSandra came out, cocktail in hand. Before the models came out to the lit stage, a little story was told about the celebrity, full of unknown facts and jokes. Adorned with sparkling jewels, elegant vintage ensembles, and a graceful gait, all of the models came out looking fabulous. My favorite ensemble was that of a 1960's Julia Child, modeled by recent graduate of the Art Institute, Britta Hellquist. She was dressed in a smart, crisp green button up shirt, with a 60's beige woolen pencil skirt. Of course she had to have a cotton apron on which was intricately embroidered with flowers. To top off the look Britta held an original copy of Julia Child's cook book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which sold right after the show. Which leads me to the other great thing, everything you see on the models is for sale! The fashion show is also a good reason to wear your vintage hats and garments for a night out, if you need an excuse.

After the show wrapped up with Coco Chanel, in a beautiful 1940s black suit dripping with pearls, the models brought out all of the garments seen in the show to be merchandised in the lounge. Everyone flocked to the hats and jewelry, looking like a group of kids playing dress up. It seems no matter how old you are there is something for everyone.

As the customers left, AlexSandra began packing up her merchandise, gearing up to prepare for the next month's show. You are always sure to find the perfect coat, cocktail dress, and jewels at every Vintage Fashion Show & Sale. Can't attend one of the shows? Stop by the Vintage Emporium located at Interstate Avenue and Dekum in North Portland. The max takes you right there at the Rosa Parks stop, see you there!

Anna Fabian

All Photogrpahy: Chris Allen

Model: Britta as Julia Child

Model: Britta as Peggy Olson

Model: Meghan as Coco Chanel

Model: Rachel in front of the Sinatra shrine

The 2009 chic holiday gift guide

It's that time of year again! 'Tis the season for finding the perfect holiday gift for all people on your list! Below I've complied some of my personal favorites for inspiration. All of these gifts are super chic and vary in price-points to match anyone's budget!

For the ladies:

1. CHANEL Le Vernis Nail Colour in Forbidden. $23. Nordstrom.com

This nail color is perfect for the holiday season. The deep, rich brick red is right on trend and adds a little cheer to anyone's tips. The shade is universally flattering and looks great on all skin tones.

2. CRISTALINO BRUT CAVA. $7.99. Wine.com

Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain and a more affordable option then champagne. This dry, crisp wine is the perfect gift for your "good time" girlfriend.

3. BURBERRY 'Regent Check' Umbrella. $275. Saksfifthavenue.com

Classic luxury meets practical accessory, especially in our rain-ridden city.

4. CFDA "American Fashion Cookbook". $45. Amazon.com

Perfect for your fashion-forward friend, this book compiles 100 recipes from some of the best known fashion designers of our time. Isaac Mizrahi's mushroom truffle spaghetti is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

5. J Crew 'starlight glitter' ballet flats. $125. Jcrew.com

Girls are like barracudas. We see something sparkly and we can't help ourselves. These glitzy flats are both festive and functional.

For the gentleman:

1. AMERICAN APPAREL 'unisex mustache mask'. $14. Americanapparel.net

What's with guys and mustaches lately? Give him the gift of facial hair minus the scratchy kisses.

2. DWELL magazine subscription. $19.95. Dwell.com

Dwell magazine is intelligent and thought-provoking coverage of the latest in modern architecture and design.

3. LEATHERMAN 'skeletool'. $70. Leatherman.com

For all those rugged outdoorsmen, this multi-tool is ultra lightweight and great for everything from helping pitch a tent to opening a stubborn package of sunflower seeds.

4. J Crew 'heavyweight buffalo check' shirt jacket. $98. Jcrew.com

Classic look, modern fit. This shirt jacket is the ultimate layering piece for him and guaranteed to look good with leggings when you accidentally steal it on a particularly cold day!

5. DeLonghi cast aluminum indoor grill. $99.95. Williams-Sanoma.com

Graduate him from his George Foreman to this surprisingly sleek and compact indoor grill. He can make dinner tonight!

"There's a blog for that"

Blogs are literally everywhere...across the internet world that is.

You can find a blog about anything nowadays. It's the new form of special interest groups or fan clubs. Who needs to physically go to a club when you can be part of the following online in the comfort of your own home. And once you get started, there's really no stopping you, because one blog leads to another which leads to another. You become intrigued by your blog and which blogs yours follows...you begin to wonder where your blogs' followers are when they are not home! It's quite the chain reaction, and sounds a bit like an unfaithful relationship.

So not only are blogs a new form of intimate relationship, they seem to be taking over the role of newspapers and even magazines. Look at what they're offering; they are updated regularly, you can comment when you feel like it and they are hobby/interest specific...no nonsense, straight to what you like without the fluff that comes along with the other two.

I have an idea for you to try, a suggestion for the blog follower or a person who is completely new to the blog world...take a moment to pick a personal interest, hobby, or passion, google it (or bing it, yahoo it, whichever search engine you prefer) see what you find. I guarantee there's a blog for it, sort of like the new "there's an app for that" slogan..."there's a blog for that" should be the new slogan for blogspots. If you're already a blog follower, take a few moments to check out your favorite blogs following, you might just find a new favorite or find more to follow. There's a whole realm of blogs out there that are right up your ally and waiting for you to find them.

Mindy

check these out

Fashion: beausandarrows.blogspot.com

Legos: legoblockblock.blogspot.com

Coffee: purecoffee.blogspot.com

Australian Golf: aussiegolfer.blogspot.com

Cool VS Cruel Interview article

The Art Institute of Portland has had the honor to be involved in The Cool Vs Cruel fashion design contest. This years Cool vs Cruel competition was based on Art Institute fashion students designing garments by making them fur free, animal cruelty free, and sustainable. This competition is sponsored by The Humane Society of the United states (HSUS) and co-sponsored by The Art Institutes’. This years design challenge was to improve a design by Michael Kors, Burberry Prorsum, Thakoon or Alexander McQueen. The Humane Society of The United States believes, “animals need their fur more then we do.” Every year about 50 million animals are killed for their fur. This campaign is here to help motivate future fashion designers to do what is right for the animals and go fur free.

Each year the competition starts July 13 and deadlines on September 25. This year there were 16 local finalist out of 100 entries that were chosen for the Cruel vs Cool competition. There was a panel of judges within all the Art Institutes involved.They were the one who chose who would be the finalist to represent their schools. Of the 16 Local finalists Bryce Black from the Art Institute of Portland was chosen. Bryce Black has been at the Art Institute of Portland for three years in the Apparel Design program. Bryce is originally from Twin Falls, Idaho. Here are some questions that were asked of Bryce Black through an email about his accomplishments. When asked what his design was based on he stated,

“My inspiration came from an Alexander McQueen leather and fur dress. My goal was to create a garment made of accessible materials with the intent of recycling and having as little additional eco-impact as possible. The primary materials to my design are post-consumer denim jeans and denim scrap with an added zipper, elastic, and fabric paint. I also wanted to achieve textured elements that fur and leather bring to a design by simple ingenuity.”

When asked what inspired Bryce for his design he stated,

“ I was inspired by the Cool vs Cruel video. I felt so angry when I learned the greater extent by which animals are mistreated in fur and leather processes. This provoked the question, ‘ how would they like it if they were skinned alive.’ I couldn’t very well begin skinning people, but the idea of clothes serving as fur for people brought me to denim jeans. Jeans are in just about every wardrobe. Jeans last forever but the trend they serve can die quickly. Recycling these would be cruelty-free and earth friendly.”

When asked what were his thoughts and his reaction when he found out he was a finalist he stated,

“When I found out I was a chosen finalist I was really exited. I thought I had a chance to place due to my creative choice in materials. I thought my overall look was edgy. I was excited for the chance to go to New York because I have never been there. I was extremely honored that our faculty, or panel of judges thought my design was the best to represent our school in this contest.”

When asked what is Cool vs Cruel based on in your own words he stated,

“Cool vs Cruel is based on educating young designers of the cruelty and mistreatment of animals in the fur industry. This competition gives young designers the ability to question what it is they appreciate about fur in their designs and to reinterpret that aesthetic into an animal friendly design.”

Bryce suggest to all to watch the Cool vs Cruel Humane Society video on this web site http://www.hsus.org/furfree/fashion/cvc/. This web site will give designers a better idea of how animals are really treated before skinned. (If you have a weak stomach I don’t suggest watching this.)

The winners for the Cool vs Cruel competition were chosen on November 11, 2009. The Grand prize winner for this year Cool vs Cruel campaign was Ingrid Bergstorm-Kendrick from The Art Institute of Vancouver. Ingrid won an expense-paid trip to New York City for the Cool vs Cruel awards ceremony that was on November 11, 2009. Along with this award ceremony Ingrid received a five day expense-paid internship in New York City with a fashion designer from the Humane Society of the United States.

The second place winner was Jeremy Hunt from The Art Institute of Indianapolis. Jeremy received a $600 cash award and a certificate of participation from the HSUS. The third place winner was Gilberto Alvarez from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Gilberto received a $400 cash award and a certificate of participation from HSUS as well. All the other finalists received an official certificate of participation from the HSUS.

Bryce Black may not have won the top place of the competition, but he won the hearts of the judges and students at The Art Institute of Portland. Bryce is an inspiration for the present and future fashion designers at the Art Institute of Portland. Keep Bryces design in mind, go fur and leather free and be earth friendly. For more information on the Cool vs Cruel competition go to http://newsaidepartments.com , or The Humane Society of The United States, Cool vs Cruel Competition, and http://www.hsus.org/furfree/fashion/cvc/ .

-Amanda Wooley Fashion Marketing

Fashion forecasting: “It just has to feel right”

In order to succeed at running your own clothing company, you need to know how current trends can affect a business. And that’s exactly what Katy Hadad did. She used her knowledge to her own advantage. She ran her own clothing company for five years and instinctively came up with her own ways on how to stay current. Katy Hadad has been an instructor at the Art Institute for several years and had always taken a liking to fashion forecasting. “I’m really interested in knowing the reasons behind fashion,” states Katy. She took classes such as psychology and anthropology and this further fueled her interest in fashion forecasting.
Fashion forecasting has been such a major part of the fashion industry for so long, but why has it been so crucial? Fashion is defined by a group of people of what is accepted at a certain time. Consequently, forecasting agencies were formed to chase innovation and to capture the “essence” of trends at any given time. This “essence” is then translated into every company by price range, demographic, and category. Katy adds, “Competition is stiff. We’re exposed to so much. It’s important to know what’s going on.”
When I asked Katy which factors need to come together in order for something to be a trend, she responded, “The Zeitgeist. Capturing the essence of people’s wants and needs. Brands are answering questions for people, capturing the essence of times, and having customers respond.” While in her fashion forecasting class, she explained the meaning of “Zeitgeist.” It means “spirit of the times” and what influences it are dominating events, such as war and the emergence of new art, and dominating ideals like beauty, patriotism and gender issues. Dominating social groups, such as celebrities and designers, attitudes and technology are also what influence the Zeitgeist. Fashion is a reflection of popular culture and is all about change.
As far as what trends are emerging, Katy lists hand crafted goods, clothing with detail, moving back to classics, vintage, and especially cross-shopping. “As consumers we’re making adjustments to the economy. [Portland] responds in a different way individually. It has to answer our needs and make sense to our lifestyle.” By cross-shopping, women today are buying from low end to high end merchandise. They’ll buy cheap trends at Forever 21 but also buy an investment piece at Ann Taylor.
No matter what the Zeitgeist is and how it affects fashion and our culture, Katy summed up fashion forecasting the best, “It just has to feel right.”

By Michelle Batol

I Got's No Money Honey

Hold up on the macaroni and glitter self-portrait your about to make for your grandma! There is no denying the financial predicament we face during this Holiday season, but there is no need to disappoint loved one’s or shatter the piggy bank. Our local, independent designers are also feeling the monetary constraints we are all facing, so why not help each other during these times of over withdrawing our accounts. If your looking to support your independent fashion design community, win some free goodies, and buy local hidden treasures that meet your budget, there are some exciting events approaching.

The nonprofit organization Portland Fashion Synergy launched a boutique pop-up shop on SW 4th and Morrison. The organization that was responsible for the FUSE runway show--which showcased an international runway event and mutually beneficial relationship with Portland independent designers and Chinese apparel designers. Prior to this event, Portland Fashion Synergy sent local fashion designers to the Chinese providence of Henan for their fashion week--is now bringing the Portland community a 6 week pop-up shop featuring 15 local independent designers in 1 showroom. The one-of-a kind fashion goods provide an intriguing alternative to the cookie-cutter strip mall. Rather than purchasing the typical mundane items, Flurry offers a new retail experience to support our creative and innovative fashion designers. Check it out at

http://www.pdxfashionsynergy.com/

If you just want some free stuff, CRAVE Portland is launching a 12 days of giveaway promotion ending on December 8th . CRAVE Portland connects urban women to inspiring members of our business and design environment. Contact CRAVE Portland on Twitter or Facebook and you can win photography sessions, facials, clothes, and much more. Included in each giveaway package are tickets to the Holiday Cravings event. This event takes place December 9th and is a holiday shopping party where sample-sale-priced items are offered from numerous local vendors. Exclusive deals will be offered on clothing, jewelry, handbags, and home accessories. Advanced ticket prices are $8 for students, so make your reservations and get a sneak peek on the participating vendors at http://thecravecompany.com/portland/events/holiday-shopping-party/

-Adriane Alvarado

Done with College, Now What?

Students that come out of design school can seem overwhelmed by actually becoming an adult and taking on a brand new career. For those that aren’t ready to leave the warm comfort of academia, it can be a daunting challenge. Economic times are rough, the job market is in a downturn, and landing that dream position seems far-flung. What are recent graduates supposed to do? Where should they start looking? How can they acquire the career that got them interested in design in the first place?

Boom Phomvongkoth is an Art Institute of Portland graduate. Though he did not just recently enter the industry, he knows what challenges face those going into the apparel industry. He is currently an apparel designer at the adidas Group in the basketball division.

Justine: “What made you decide to go into apparel design?”

Boom: “I wanted to make better uniforms than what I had seen before.”

J: “How did you go about getting into the industry?”

B: “I had to get a degree. I found the Art Institute. I just happened to walk in and check what they had available for degrees and liked that there were sportswear designers.”

J: “Sum up your overall experience.”

B: “Great. I learned a lot from all angles of design, patterns and development. Got me prepared. I only wish there was more computer illustrator training.”

J: “What did you end up doing right out of school?”

B: “I applied for a position with a company called Shirts and Skins. I knew about them from my internship during school, but I knew the owner from working at The Hoop basketball club.”

J: “How did you get into your current position?”

B: “I was looking around on the adidas website and applied.

J: “And your current position is…”

B: Quite smugly: “Basketball apparel designer. I was lucky to work at Shirts and Skins so I didn’t have to accept an assistant designer position.”

J: “Where would be the best place and what would be the best course of action you would recommend to fresh-faced, bright-eyed grads looking for a job?”

B: “Uh,” laughing, “I have no idea. Network. Take advantage of school. There are great resources there with the teachers and stuff. Internships can always lead to something good.”

J: “When you look for potential candidates to fill positions on your team, what are you looking for?”

B: “I think overall, passion is the most important to me. How can you do something that you don’t love? Obviously if they have a degree, either in apparel design or graphic design. The other thing is experience. But I think passion is more important.”

J: “What are critical qualifications and skills necessary for a design position?”

B: “Besides having a degree and experience?” takes a swig of water, “Talent and attention to detail. It’s also important that the person be able to work under deadlines. I’d have to be shown something that I haven’t seen before.”

J: “What would you tell students just graduating students entering the work force?”

B: “Take whatever you can get. Its not likely that you’re going to become an ‘apparel designer’ right out of school. Get your foot in the door. Take internships, assistant design jobs, technical designer jobs – whatever. Once you’re in, you can decide what you want to do and where you want to go.”

There is light at the end of the tunnel. As far as finding a job in a market like this one, there are a few options. Job fairs are always a good idea. The Internet is a valuable resource for job hunters. 24 Seven Inc. is a website dedicated specifically to talent recruitment for leading names in fashion, beauty, and advertising among other things. The site at www.24seveninc.com is a helpful resource when looking for job listings around the country for free lance as well as permanent positions and has handy guides for writing resumes, cover letters, as well as a guide for the average income of specific positions; useful for when you negotiate the pay for that dream job.

Other ways to get your name and designs out there can include online portfolio sites like Coroflot and Qfolio. Coroflot, www.coroflot.com, allows your portfolio to be accessible to head hunters and potential employers as well as members of the design community. It is a great place not only to network and share your talent, but also to get feedback from fellow designers.

Graduating from college is a huge step in becoming a responsible member of society, and can be intimidating. Starting your career in a brand new place full of people you don’t know is scary. But what was the point of four years of school full of late night sewing sessions, cramming for midterms, and all the blood, sweat, and tears? Post-university is the beginning of the rest of your life and with the right skills and persistence as well as a good dose of trepidation, the rest of your life can be all that you’ve ever dreamt of.

Forget Summer!

Forget summer! Winter, has to be a fashion enthusiasts most beloved season. Hats, coats, gloves, ear muffs, scarves all screaming to be used in one form or another not just to protect us from the cold, but to also be used as authentic pieces of art within ones daily ensemble. As I peer out this window I see a well-dressed man in his 40’s defining the power he holds with his long black wool trench coat, burgundy cashmere scarf, black leather gloves, all covering up his daily suit. A young women walks the opposite direction only her rescued vintage down jacket lacking only a few colors from the wheel speaks to a difference characteristic, one of more freedom. She has earmuffs shaped to look as though they the ears of a Dalmatian puppy. Her mittens she would tell you only serve her in the purpose of keeping her warm, but the mere fact that she chooses not to match, matches her personality. Myself, I am dressed in a nice slate gray coat that goes down to my knees with a hood lined in fake fur. A hat adorns my head that while I love, would never fly in the summer. I may still have a dress on, but I get the extra benefit of wearing leggings with it at this time of the year, which helps accentuate the color. And then my scarf, perhaps my favorite part of the winter ensemble, is a criss cross of beige and navy patterns. I could go on all day about how winter enables one to really let out the fashionista inside, but alas it’s cold I need to put on a pair of gloves.

Color Trends for Autum/Winter 2010-2011

Sustainable Future
The crucial need of co-existing between nature and urban landscapes is reflected in the color palettes and the stories from where they come: urban concrete and formal darks meer nature's mid-tones and bright shades.

Eco-Fashion, lo-fi, laboratory-grown fabrics, food fashion, fusing product and garment, beetroot-dying, victimless leather, bone ivory, up-cycling and all the other experiments concentrating on environment issues, are so important; some ideas will eventually end up as valid solutions to problems we fight with, some are indispensable because of the discussion they rise.

Solutions are imperative to solve the paradox of the fashion industry obsessed by the nonstop change and the vital demand of sustainability. The focus has moved from pure aspect to content, with everything this brings along in terms of questions. Finishing and added functions are areas still to be explored and bringing in new complex and fascinating elements.

Craft techniques are reinterpreted and completed by using the newest technology. Warmth, comfort, caring, reassuring, and thoughtfulness are terminologies to have in mind when developing fabrics for the autumn and winter of 2010-2011.

PURITAN
Luxury and elegant esteem! Only the superb, regarding materials and finishing for regular clothing purpose is approved. Fabrics are coated, weightless, fluid-simply impeccable. Aspect is precise and perfect, feminine and sensual at the same time. Colors are subdued- the essence of the mood is material.

Colors: Pearl, Gesso, Tuxedo, Champagne, Venetian Red, Sable, Pecan, and Seal

REFLECTION
Tinted by technology! Playing with effects,light and shine-special effects applied to fabrics in finishing, printing, laminating or whatever is takes to deceive the eye. Technology and artificial materials in all aspects, is brought into play to achieve the trickster appearance. Exploiting interactive technology in clothing framework.

Colors: Golden Bronze, Lavender, Purple Taupe, Sky, Prussian Blu, Lotus, Tea Rose, and Canarino

RUGGED
Nature's resources! Exploring the relationship between the urban and natural landscape. Merging the industrial and the handcrafted techniques. Nature is dealt with under a man-made aspect, caring for the best components. Materials are natural or deviates from natural sources refined by using the best of industrial techniques in order to save the human dimension. Patterns or the supreme of nature's structures are handcrafted repetitions, embracing the small imperfections, adding life to expressions.

Colors: Palladium Blu, Burnished Red, Midnight, Flax, Tenne, Dark Oak, Antique Pewter, and Sandstone.

EXOTIC
Fashion Impact! It's all about color, dye, tint, hue... Decorations are complex: caliper drawings neatly colored or animated colored paintings. The curious clash of tapestry and techno. The interference of precise pattern and a texture. It's glamorously artistic.

Colors: Emerald, Deep Pink, Klien Blu, Royal Purple, Saffron, Cerulean, Eggplant, and Scarlet.

IDENTIKIT
Towards the future! The hyper newest technology is implemented in the story created by these dark shades and moods. Breaking down into single elements, looking through in order to discover what and preferably how. Materials are inspired from high technology and military industry. Pattern language in graphic.

Colors: Arsenic, Pietra, Deep Plum, Kynsna Green, Mocca, Anthra, Gray Mist, and Pirite.

Happening Trends at AIPD

For those of you who haven't observed this season's trends here are a few popular looks that have been popping up all over campus.

Below are some forecasted trends for SP/SU 2010. Yay for fun sporty shapes and fresh colors!

And an extra yay for the upcoming Christmas break! Have a fun & safe holiday season and wear lots of sequins!

Claire K. Wolfson

It's the Final Countdown!!!!

Hello all...

As you know today's date is Tuesday the 24th. Coming in 3...2...1....

BLACK FRIDAY!!!

You guys have a great Thanksgiving and make sure to keep your wallets full because the sales will be major. Keep your eye on Urban Outfitters. They will be having an additional 50% off sale
on Men's Wear, Women's Wear, and House Wear sale items. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Sincerely,

Ijeoma O!

Green Orchid Fashion Hats

Interview with Elsa Estrada

Q1: What is the name of your business?

Elsa: Green Orchid

Q2: What interests you in fashion?

Elsa: Being able to create something that can enhance the beauty in someone, even a little thing like a hat.

Q3: Is there any specific reason that pulled you to making these fantastic hats?

Elsa: My favorite movies growing up were all movies with glamorous women that looked so perfect with their little hats. I wanted to be them and when I tried to create my first hat. It came natural, easy and relieving.

Q4: How did you get started in your industry?

Elsa: I just kind of started making them.

Q5: Do you have a website or store that sells your accessories?

Elsa: Well, I do most of my sales at festivities in Portland I like the personal input you get from events like those, but I sale them on blankpageszine.com (another project I work on) and internet custom order.

Q6: Do you have a fan/customer base with your consumers?

Elsa: Yes, I guess I do :) a lot of people once they have one they will always come back for more :) and a side project I work on is Blank Pages Zine. A zine that is distributed throughout Portland helps get all my side projects and name out there, we have blank pages fans.

Q7: What is the price range that you charge for your hats?

Elsa: Well, I wanted kids to be able to buy them too, I remember being a kid and wanting cool things but they always cost so much well my price range is $20 to $45 [mostly] and when you custom order it’s all in your hands.

Q8: What is the demographics that your accessories targets? And, or who are your customers?

Elsa: I hit the Goths, Psychobilly[s], Rockabilly[s], Sub Cultures out there mostly due to my morbid take on hats but every now and then I get the cute little old lady who can't put it down, it's surprising and nice. :)

Q9: When did you start making and/or designing hats?

Elsa: Oct 31 2007 for a devil costume

Q10: How much work is taken in making each hat and do you make custom orders?

Elsa: They can range very differently but mostly average around 2 and a half hours each or more. I stopped making my own bases to help in the time management, but I still hand sew it all together and create each of them all differently.