tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61061422358487558442023-11-16T09:22:18.368-08:00The Fashion BlogFashion Networks is the Leading Online Business Networking Platform that enables multiple stakeholders from the Fashion Value Chain to Connect, Converse and Collaborate.Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-592995101035391642008-02-29T22:15:00.000-08:002008-02-29T22:16:42.745-08:00Subcontinental Fashion Trends!- Part 2Welcome back to our series on researching the trends in the fashion space on the subcontinent. Last post, we had observed that there was cause for concern, but still not too much to worry about. Continuing with our opinion one of the reasons that the condition is sad as far as Indian fashion magazines are concerned is that there are not more than 10 fashion magazines in the market, as it is still evolving,<br /><br /><br />Industry experts opine that the cost of production of these magazines is very high because good quality paper and pictures is a must for them. Since they appeal to a niche readership, many publishers would not be too keen on publishing them.The country's fashion books and fashion magazines market is estimated to be nearly Rs.250 million ($8 million) and about Rs.600 million ($15 million) respectively.In Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the market is more miniscule.<br /><br /><br />However, publishers are optimistic that the country's fashion literature market will flourish manifold in the next few years, courtesy the media boom and the increased visibility of international labels that arouses reader curiosity. So if you must invest in a fashion state, this is the right time to cash in on the media and fashion boom that seeks to sweep the subcontinent. Even as I type this, the subcontinent gears itself for this year’s Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is slated to be held at Delhi Pragati Maidan from March 12 to 16. Till then keep plugged on to <a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/">Fashion Networks</a>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-40342105290342540212008-02-29T21:45:00.000-08:002008-02-29T22:07:07.442-08:00Subcontinental Fashion Trends! On the Decline?We have so far seen the pride of the subcontinent- sarees. We shall explore the nuances of the subcontinental garment market, with regard to how open the subcontinental market is to newer fashion trends.<br />Indian designers may be making a mark across the world and the country may be dotted with fashion training institutes but there is a big dearth of seminal literature on the subject.<br />There are very few books and magazines each on fashion and very less titleson Indian textiles, handicrafts and techniques penned by domestic authors. Though India has people of the repute of Designer Ritu Kumar's Costumes and Textiles of Royal India, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla's A Celebration of Style, author Rta Kapur Chisti's Saris In India and Tradition and Beyond - Hand Crafted Indian Textiles and Hindol Sengupta's Indian Fashion are among the few on offer.<br />As far as fashion magazines go, there are In Touch With Fashion, Images Business of Fashion, M: Men Informed in Style, FNL: Fashion & Life Made Easy, Sports Wear, Couture India, Designer Mode and GQ to name some.<br />Says Namrata, a student of Fashion at NIFT, a famous institute for fashion in India "There are fewer than 10 indigenous books on fashion. But the market is flooded with international titles because we use them as reference books in most fashion institutes".<br />Everybody seems to be enamoured of Western fashion and wants to read about that. Even most of the subcontinental designers' collections are influenced by Western fashion. Unfortunately, when publishers approach style gurus to write a book on Indian fashion they do not show interest. So thats where a fundamental flaw is where at the root, the indigenous fashion is not developed well.<br />Most NIFT Faculty members reason that their approach is generic and global. Nonetheless they stress that homegrown fashion content would help students understand domestic market needs better.<br />"Our approach is global in which international books help a lot. But it can't be denied that if students read Indian they would understand the domestic market better because the country's weather, lifestyle and orientation are completely different," said Asha Baxi, senior professor and dean of academics, National Institute of Fashion Technology.<br />Sumeet Nair, executive director of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), which organises the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), blames it on the "lack of fashion historians because of a nascent industry".<br />D.S. Mehta, secretary of the Sarabhai Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of science, art and literature, offers another reason for the lack of literature on the subject.<br />"Compared to foreign scholars, Indians are increasingly losing interest in conducting research on Indian textiles. They find it boring!" he said.<br />"Research work doesn't yield instant results. Moreover, it doesn't promise monetary benefits. So subjects like Indian textiles, handicrafts and techniques doesn't interest the youth," said author Rta Kapur Chisti.<br />For native fashion magazines the situation is no better.But still India has a lot of hope in the Fashion Market. Stay tuned to Fashion Networks to find out why next week.Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-14445770335530222762008-02-29T21:36:00.000-08:002008-02-29T21:42:26.446-08:00Sarees from the Subcontinent-Part 3<p> Welcome back! We were saying the Nivi style last week in various parts of India. Cining with the theme, The nivi drape starts with one end of the sari tucked into the waistband of the petticoat. The cloth is wrapped around the lower body once, then hand-gathered into even pleats just below the navel. The pleats are also tucked into the waistband of the petticoat They create a graceful, decorative effect which poets have likened to the petals of a flower.<br />After one more turn around the waist, the loose end is draped over the shoulder The loose end is called the pallu or pallav. It is draped diagonally in front of the torso. It is worn across the right hip to over the left shoulder, partly baring the midriff. The navel can be revealed or concealed by the wearer by adjusting the pallu, depending on the social setting in which the sari is being worn. The long end of the pallu hanging from the back of the shoulder is often intricately decorated. Some nivi styles are worn with the pallu draped from the back towards the front.<br />The Nivi saree was popularised through the paintings of Raja Ravi Verma. by modifying the south indian saree called mundum neriyathum. In one of his painting the Indian subcontinent was shown as a mother wearing a flowing nivi saree.<br /><br />Lets see how the Nivi style has expanded across the subcontinent in the areas of Pakistan and Sri Lanka</p><p><br /><a name="In_Pakistan"></a><strong>In Pakistan</strong></p><p><strong></strong><br />In Pakistan, the wearing of saris has almost completely been replaced by the shalwar kameez for everyday wear, though it remains a popular dress for formal functions, especially weddings amongst the Pakistani elite, and is currently gaining interest. sari is sometimes worn as daily-wear, mostly in Karachi, by those elderly women who were used to wearing it in pre-partition India and by the some of the new generation who have re-introduced the interest of saris. The reason why the sari lost popularity in Pakistan, was due to it being viewed as a Hindu dress. Although she was seen wearing them Fatima Jinnah, the "Mother of the Nation", called the sari "unpatriotic" and Pervez Musharraf's wife stated that she never wears them. </p><p><br /><a name="In_Sri_Lanka"></a><strong>In Sri Lanka</strong></p><p><br />Sri Lankan women wear saris in many styles. However, two ways of draping the sari are popular and tend to dominate; the Indian style (classic nivi drape) and the Kandyan style (or 'osaria' in Sinhalese). The Kandyan style is generally more popular in the hill country region of Kandy from which the style gets its name. Though local preferences play a role, most women decide on style depending on personal preference or what is perceived to be most flattering for their figure.</p><p> </p><p><br />The traditional Kandyan (Osaria) style consists of a full blouse which covers the midriff completely, and is partially tucked in at the front as is seen in this 19th century portrait. However, modern intermingling of styles has led to most wearers baring the midriff. The final tail of the sari is neatly pleated rather than free-flowing. This is rather similar to the pleated rosette used in the 'Dravidian' style noted earlier in the article.Thats all from us in this series on Sarees from the subcontinent.</p>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-10779721751606971292008-02-26T19:26:00.000-08:002008-02-26T19:30:10.950-08:00Sarees in the Subcontinent<span style="color:#333333;"> Continuing with the saree series in the subcontinent, Wee now focus our attention to the West Indian state of Maharashtra. </span><a title="Maharashtra" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtra"><span style="color:#333333;">Maharashtrian</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">/Kache – This drape (</span><a title="http://www.cbmphoto.co.uk/photos/LAS45.jpg" href="http://www.cbmphoto.co.uk/photos/LAS45.jpg"><span style="color:#333333;">front</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> and </span><a title="http://www.cbmphoto.co.uk/photos/LAS49.jpg" href="http://www.cbmphoto.co.uk/photos/LAS49.jpg"><span style="color:#333333;">back</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">) is very similar to that of the male Maharashtrian </span><a title="Dhoti" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhoti"><span style="color:#333333;">dhoti</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">. The center of the sari (held lengthwise) is placed at the center back, the ends are brought forward and tied securely, then the two ends are wrapped around the legs. When worn as a sari, an extra-long cloth is used and the ends are then passed up over the shoulders and the upper body. They are primarily worn by </span><a title="Brahmin" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin"><span style="color:#333333;">Brahmin</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> women of </span><a title="Maharashtra" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maharashtra"><span style="color:#333333;">Maharashtra</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">, </span><a title="Karnataka" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnataka"><span style="color:#333333;">Karnataka</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">, </span><a title="Andhra Pradesh" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andhra_Pradesh"><span style="color:#333333;">Andhra Pradesh</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> and </span><a title="Tamil Nadu" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu"><span style="color:#333333;">Tamil Nadu</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">.</span><br /><br /><a title="Dravidian race" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dravidian_race"><span style="color:#333333;">Dravidian</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> – sari drapes worn in </span><a title="Tamil Nadu" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu"><span style="color:#333333;">Tamil Nadu</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">; many feature a pinkosu, or pleated rosette, at the waist.<br />Madisaaru style – </span><a title="http://www.massala.com/070700-008-l.jpg" href="http://www.massala.com/070700-008-l.jpg"><span style="color:#333333;">This drape</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> is typical of Brahmin ladies from </span><a title="Tamil Nadu" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu"><span style="color:#333333;">Tamil Nadu</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> and </span><a title="Kerala" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala"><span style="color:#333333;">Kerala</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"><br /></span><a title="Kodagu" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodagu"><span style="color:#333333;">Kodagu</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> style – </span><a title="http://www.massala.com/071200-044-l.jpg" href="http://www.massala.com/071200-044-l.jpg"><span style="color:#333333;">This drape</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> is confined to ladies hailing from the </span><a title="Kodagu" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodagu"><span style="color:#333333;">Kodagu</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> district of </span><a title="Karnataka" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karnataka"><span style="color:#333333;">Karnataka</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">. In this style, the pleats are created in the rear, instead of the front. The loose end of the sari is draped back-to-front over the right shoulder, and is pinned to the rest of the sari.<br /> </span><a title="Gond" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gond"><span style="color:#333333;">Gond</span></a><span style="color:#333333;"> – sari styles found in many parts of Central India. The cloth is first draped over the left shoulder, then arranged to cover the body. There is also the two-piece sari, or </span><a title="Mundum neryathum" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundum_neryathum"><span style="color:#333333;">mundum neryathum</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">, worn in </span><a title="Kerala" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala"><span style="color:#333333;">Kerala</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">. Usually made of unbleached cotton and decorated with gold or colored stripes and/or borders.<br />Finally the style to look out for- tribal styles – often secured by tying them firmly across the chest, covering the </span><a title="Breast" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast"><span style="color:#333333;">breasts</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">.<br />The nivi style is today's most popular sari style, and stay tuned to the FN blog for more updates on the Nivi style.</span>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-85090291900074783562008-02-14T20:49:00.000-08:002008-02-14T20:52:21.690-08:00Subcontintental SareesHaving seen a how the South Indian silk saree industry is, lets focus our attention to the saree market in general in the subcontinent. There are many style in wearing the saree, and the most common style is for the sari to be wrapped around the <a title="Waist" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waist">waist</a>, with one end then draped over the shoulder baring the midriff. Ok, thats fine, but is the sari worn over something? Yes it is, The sari is usually worn over a <a title="Petticoat" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petticoat">petticoat</a> (pavada/pavadai in the south, and shaya in eastern India), with a <a title="Blouse" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blouse">blouse</a> known as a <a title="Choli" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choli">choli</a> or <a title="Ravika" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravika">ravika</a> forming the upper garment. The choli has short sleeves and a low neck and is usually cropped, and as such is particularly well-suited for wear in the sultry South Asian summers. Cholis may be "backless" or of a halter neck style. Infact there is a very famous Indian number on “cholis” from an erstwhile hindi flick called Khalnayak. These saris across the subcontinent are usually more dressy with a lot of embellishments such as mirrors or embroidery and may be worn on special occasions.<br />However, the sari can be draped in several different styles, though some styles do require a sari of a particular length or form.<br /><br />Some basic classifcations of Saris can be the following<br /><br /><a title="Nivi (sari drape)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nivi_%28sari_drape%29&action=edit">Nivi</a> – This style originally worn in <a title="Tamil Nadu" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu">Tamil Nadu</a>; besides the modern nivi, there is also the kaccha nivi, where the pleats are passed through the legs and tucked into the waist at the back. This allows free movement while covering the legs. So if you happen to visit India sometime this summer, and are beach bumming at Mahabalipuram, do take some time off to visit Chennai, where you should be exposed to quite a few interesting designs.<br /><br /><strong>North Indian/Gujarati –</strong> From the southern part of India to the western part, we find that the Gujrati style differs from the nivi only in the manner that the loose end is handled: in this style, the loose end is draped over the right shoulder rather than the left, and is also draped back-to-front rather than the other way around. Right now, we dont have pictures, but I will ask a few of my Indian friends to respond.<br /><br />Thats it for this week. Keep cued in to <a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/">FN</a> and this blog for more updates on Indian saree classifications and some from Asia.Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-45066952494033401652008-02-03T09:50:00.000-08:002008-02-03T22:49:00.741-08:00A Peek into Indian SilkToday we talk about Indian Textiles and in that series comes the town of Kancheepuram. This town is also known as Silk City since the main profession of the people is weaving silk sarees. The silk weavers of Kanchi settled more than 400 years ago and have given it an enviable reputation as the producer of the best silk sarees in the country.<br /><br /><br />Its economy is entirely dependent on tourism and the well-established handloom industry. Kancheepuram has thousands of handlooms and skilled weavers that make its silk sarees one of the best in the entire world. About 75% of the city's population are associated with the handloom industry in some way.<br /><br />Did you know that the Kanchipuram Silk Saree is hand-woven with dyed silk yarn with interleaved designs made with 'Zari' - a Silk thread twisted with a thin Silver wire and then gilded with pure Gold. The FN team found out that the Kanchi silk thread used for weaving Kanchipuram Sarees is made up of three single threads twisted together.Woven from pure mulberry silk and have an enviable reputation for texture, lustre, durability and finish. Hence, the Kanchipuram Silk Saree is usually stronger (and more expensive) than its counterparts from Arni, Dharmavaram, etc. However, the designs on the Saree itself are what brings it the fame. Given below are two pictures depicting the Kanchi Silk.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeivpupxPbI-GG9pIKiJJCuPwwylBpiNvW8jRgulNOl-h_C2K2Cszi1V548mnnClKZsbug4t4mHcyPyIfxVaCxjGTlVqqqV5mPaCL5pmFLGCUP6AUV_aD1AjNoGeSc9HS3Rb3RcggH-0/s1600-h/kanchi1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162819542999308514" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeivpupxPbI-GG9pIKiJJCuPwwylBpiNvW8jRgulNOl-h_C2K2Cszi1V548mnnClKZsbug4t4mHcyPyIfxVaCxjGTlVqqqV5mPaCL5pmFLGCUP6AUV_aD1AjNoGeSc9HS3Rb3RcggH-0/s320/kanchi1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMvW6ikIlqRCJ0wsY46buqhWOIWSXr-eXeNtRyfoNKRZUXI9izHPrnEWD17hXTmq6Vx1_FLO7cqdvZquOtWFr1_0wNe3XLkrk-GxV4BeVb-cvnadqhq-PD8Wt1gnVgXit_Z5NDdv8dIE/s1600-h/kanchi2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162819547294275826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMvW6ikIlqRCJ0wsY46buqhWOIWSXr-eXeNtRyfoNKRZUXI9izHPrnEWD17hXTmq6Vx1_FLO7cqdvZquOtWFr1_0wNe3XLkrk-GxV4BeVb-cvnadqhq-PD8Wt1gnVgXit_Z5NDdv8dIE/s320/kanchi2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />MYSORE is known for its silk. For over seven decades, Mysore silk, with its unique sheen and regal look, amazing drape, pure yarn and zari, has held its own among all other silk fabrics from India and abroad. Today, it is the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) which holds aloft the State's supremacy in silk and silk products, from classy dress material, stoles, and furnishings to the most resplendent of saris.<br /><br /><br />Though the origins of the Mysore Silk Factory date back to 1912, organised production of fabric started only in 1932, after a small quantity of raw silk was tested in Switzerland for quality. Looms installed in the factory were also imported from Switzerland, and most of them have survived to this day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKOxqIhAOsjuU8disKZzG3HRAvcyZbCZUR138EyXL0_-92XTfy2rf54HU4icksHhHVDGObNA2vTd374TsK7CBtpNsEULarPwP2e2DhgZEesNgrtBcmKF72gW9-NOqir-eM5LEny2LllA/s1600-h/mysoresilk1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162819547294275842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKOxqIhAOsjuU8disKZzG3HRAvcyZbCZUR138EyXL0_-92XTfy2rf54HU4icksHhHVDGObNA2vTd374TsK7CBtpNsEULarPwP2e2DhgZEesNgrtBcmKF72gW9-NOqir-eM5LEny2LllA/s320/mysoresilk1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsRtqA9OGP41RRtNSzGbgsk8akWvh7liAQhwZztVpvUzSCPB_EnCtly_gjoMS6RdLga2bsOHMlyEkmRgXXyzsrlgRsbYTBXtOviB9UjRIubYkOeaK7oh6OK9mGiSeHZhYrJcjc-CuV_c/s1600-h/mysoresilk2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162819551589243154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsRtqA9OGP41RRtNSzGbgsk8akWvh7liAQhwZztVpvUzSCPB_EnCtly_gjoMS6RdLga2bsOHMlyEkmRgXXyzsrlgRsbYTBXtOviB9UjRIubYkOeaK7oh6OK9mGiSeHZhYrJcjc-CuV_c/s320/mysoresilk2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In 1980, after it was handed over to the KSIC, the whole factory was modernised. The KSIC ensures that the raw silk goes through a complex production process, to meet the high quality standards expected of Mysore silk.That was a brief about 2 major silk hubs in India. Expect more about Indian textiles next week. Till then stay plugged on to <a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/">FN</a>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-25166639873587766582008-02-01T22:22:00.000-08:002008-02-01T22:34:25.140-08:00Moving to the Subcontinent<span style="font-size:130%;">We have so far previewed International Fashion Trends and have decided to focus our attention on the subcontinent India for its unique flavours in terms of fashion. Since the FN team has an India office, we decided to get some inputs from them,as to why India/subcontinent is doing very well in the textile/apparel space.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">It is multicultural with a rich diversity of languages and traditions, and it is diversity that manifests itself with India being painted in different colours across the country, even though it stands unified. We will preview Indian fashion pertaining to Business analysis of Textile growth. The total Indian domestic textile market is about $25 billion, while its exports are worth $13 billion. The Indian textile industry has the hand spun woven sector and the capital intensive sophisticated mill sector.India is the largest producer of Jute and the second largest producer of Silk, while being the third largest producer of cotton.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">a) <strong>Large raw material base -</strong> India has a rich raw material base, especially cotton which has seen improved productivity in the country under the Cotton Technology Mission.Apart from that a wide variety of cotton produced India, making India capable of catering to various segments of world trade. The Indian industry has ability to handle different materials - cotton, wool, silk and jute with equal skill</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">b)<strong> Positive developments in the Textile Policy</strong> . Reservation for small scale sector, especially key segments removed over last few years and Fiscal anomalies in terms of excise duty structure have been removed </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">c) <strong>Flexibility in production</strong>-Capabilities across the entire value chain within the country reduces lead time for production and reduces intermediate shipping time.Indian companies have flexibility and skilled manpower to handle small orders with complex designs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">d) <strong>Product development and design capabilities- </strong>Apart from this, if one has to look at world famous brand names that buy from India, one finds one of the best names in fashion queing up in India.The Top 10 buyers in India (Gap, Wal-Mart, Li & Fung, The Children’s Place, JC Penny, H&M, Federated, Fifth Avenue, Carrefour and Synergies India) account for 35% of total textiles sourced from India. Other major companies include El Corte, Ecko, Kellwood, VF Corporation, Tesco, Next, Karstadt-Quelle<br /><br />Our next series of articles will talk about specific Examples of Indian Fashion.Still then stay plugged on to our Fashion Blog, and check </span><a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">www.fashion-networks.com</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-75607746095308265122008-01-16T10:27:00.000-08:002008-01-16T10:30:05.049-08:00On Hair StylingWhen I think of hair styles, my mind recalls Jennifer Aniston, more so the cute and bubbly Rachel Green of Friends. Why is that I like her hairstyle? I guess she had a first mover advantage in that long layered, straight but slightly curved hair. I guess after Jennifer’s look in the sitcom, there must have been many craving for that look,especially the ones who are looking to add volume to their look, incase they have dull and straight hair,which can be brought into an entirely new dimension with the Jennifer Aniston style.<br /><br /><br />Fashion experts feel that longer thin layers would look best for those looking to add some length, while short and chunky layers work better for those trying to add some body to their style. Those who do not have naturally straight hair can use a straightening iron to achieve the Jennifer Aniston look.<br /><br />Fashion experts on <a href="http://www.ezinearticles.com/">http://www.ezinearticles.com/</a> , also opine that one more popular look that Jennifer Aniston loves to sport on televsion includes layers, but adds even more volume. They feel her shortest layers seem to hit just below the ear, and sweep over the forehead like long bangs. Jennifer Aniston even adds some curl with a large curling iron, which works effectively at adding body and volume. This is the kind of a look, that works best for those who may be insecure about the size of their forehead, since the long bangs work to draw the attention away from that area. This style also is great for those with a natural wave in their hair, since they won’t need a straightening iron in order to achieve this look.<br /><br /><br />That was one hairstyle the world loved to debate about, and we realise that there needs to be mediums that not only showcase content on hair styling but also open a platform where interaction between a fashion expert and some one who wants advice on fashion. This connect seemed to have materialised on Fashion Networks’s, discussion forums.<br /><br />So as we sign off this week, we leave some food for thought with a <a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&func=view&Itemid=59&id=871&catid=5#871">discussion on the Fashion Networks forum </a>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-18499083299811173202008-01-10T12:53:00.000-08:002008-01-10T13:07:12.041-08:00The Bra is a 101 Years Old<div>January 2008, marks a full 101 years since the brassiere was invented and its been an eventful 101 years at the helm, as the most sexiest product that has been created. The brassiere during all these years has been an inseperable companion of the female battalion and of course, the men in an indirect way. Dalbir Bains, the owner of the chic Mumbai lingerie store Boudoir London, comments about the bra this was a product that any woman could enjoy regardless of her age or vital stats -- lingerie doesn't discriminate. It's a totally feel-good purchase. </div><br /><div><br />After some research on the Internet, the major impetus for brasserie sales seems to have come in 1991, when the push-up Wonderbra became a sensation in the j, although it had been sold there since 1964 under license by the Gossard division of Courtaulds Textiles.The Sara Lee Corporation did not renew Gossard's license and decided to redesign the push-up style for the reintroduction of the Wonderbra to the U.S. market in 1994. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Talk about brand push, the Wonderbra , Since 1994, has expanded from the single push-up design into a full-range lingerie fashion label in most parts of the world. Kate Windsor, a fashion enthusiast says that in most countries, the brand emphasizes sex-appeal. Another thing to note is that in its native Canada, the brand however promotes the functional qualities of its products—a departure from the strategy that made Wonderbra the top-seller in the 1970s. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS2lP_dRZJRBkXU4gsRud_g2rhbbNu1wZMj3N54C-q80w9osKnv2LLCuaRErmh2v50KUooOOFJgn45Z-ozYKICSes9MvrNw2YjosSkTxW9eSJzhnbBvGrqCCIAg-EtWiosKk_Nvj38jk/s1600-h/Helloboys-wonderbra.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153954870651014114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS2lP_dRZJRBkXU4gsRud_g2rhbbNu1wZMj3N54C-q80w9osKnv2LLCuaRErmh2v50KUooOOFJgn45Z-ozYKICSes9MvrNw2YjosSkTxW9eSJzhnbBvGrqCCIAg-EtWiosKk_Nvj38jk/s320/Helloboys-wonderbra.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />The killer campaign that made bra sales literally pick up was In 1994 in the UK. The (Sara Lee) Wonderbra achieved a huge profile for its racy Hello Boys campaign. The most famous campaign poster presented model <a title="Eva Herzigová" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eva_Herzigov%C3%A1">Eva Herzigová</a> in a Wonderbra gazing down at her breasts with the caption "Hello Boys", ambiguously addressing either male admirers or her breasts. According to most people, urban myth attributed a number of car accidents to (male) drivers being distracted by the advertisements. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The British men never had it better than in 1994, when they were never so keen to get out of bed and face traffic en route to work, Eva and her assets smiled down upon the rush hour traffic, as men one by one kept banging into each other. Eva’s assets were a bad time for insurance agents as accidents kept mounting, and Eva became more than just a show stopper, and the tribe of the wonder bra lived to tell a famous story. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />The wild fire that Eva caused, had transformed the 90’s woman into having insatiable demands of strutting down the fashion highway, playing mind games, in questioning the contents of her lingerie drawer. This seemingly discreet undergarment had transformed itself into the must-have fashion item of the decade. Lingerie had been elevated from functional to fashionable. The Millennium woman could only get more demanding and also more conscious as a customer, which bode very well for the fashion Industry.<br /><br />That was a small piece rewinding down memory lane in saluting the world’s sexiest product. We shall be back with more articles later this week. The Fashion Networks team invites you to comment on this piece and share your experiences as a woman, in the pride of having worn the bra.</div>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-14755811645071815472008-01-09T10:15:00.000-08:002008-01-09T10:19:11.235-08:00Men’s Fashion Finally!<span style="font-size:130%;">After seeing many movies in which men adorn the the string vest, where it was pretty macho then, now seems to be on the decline. Like the bowler hat, braces and the waistcoat, a cornerstone of the male wardrobe is passing into obsolescence. At least, that's what the business brains at Retail majors believe, as they announced that the string vest will be withdrawn from sale, from last month.<br /><br />On the Internet, after some research, the FN team found out a reporter’s diary(Damian Whitworth) describing a situation when the reporter used to go to the pub, he used to go with a veteran hack whose hard drinking and womanizing were part of Yorkshire legend. Such nights could end unpredictably. Once, when he had consumed too much Tetley ale, he suggested we repair to his house for more refreshment. It was early evening when we got there, and sultry (or as sultry as it ever gets in Yorkshire). With no further ado he proceeded to strip down to his boxer shorts and a hideous string vest, plonk himself in his favourite armchair and open a beer. Neither his wife nor his teenage son batted an eyelid. He wore that vest, or possibly others like it, year round, and it seemed in no way to deter women; on the contrary, they threw themselves at him. Damien ponders in his diary whether the magnetism of the macho man was so great that it rendered the vest irrelevant? Or could the vest itself have been a draw for unfathomable fetishes? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Talk about geographical barriers, Damian feels that the string vest is unlikely to go out of fashion in the steamy backwoods of America and will survive in impregnable bastions of bad taste in Britain. But while there is a school of thought says it will continue to cater for this niche market, other stores say that its demise is down to women no longer tolerating the sight of bulges in all the wrong places. But what’s actually confusing are the two schools of thought where some women find the string vests alluring, and on the other hand the demise of the string vests was largely brought about by women who couldn’t stand it. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />You think you have figured this out better than us? We Invite FN readers comments on the string vests...waiting for your comments! </span>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-31962299942929797752008-01-01T00:13:00.000-08:002008-01-01T00:16:53.778-08:00Summer Fashion TrendsThis is the last in series of introductory articles on fashion. We shall focus on sime summer fashion trends across the world. We all know that summer is a time when women everywhere show more skin and take more chances when it comes to fashion. So to say summer induces women to take a fresh look at fashion and experiment with a variety of clothing. We scoured over the internet and this is our take on the guide to some of the guide to the hottest summer fashion trends that most anyone can wear when the weather is warm:<br /><br />Summer is when you think about beaches and babes, and what better way to start summer with a trip to the beach for some sunbathing. The first summer trend we will see would be Flirty Sundresses.If you want a look that screams femininity, then definitely stock your closet with a few flouncy, flirty sundresses. The idea sundress should fall slightly above the knee and be made from a light, breathable fabric. Try a fitted bodice with thin straps and a fuller skirt. For a cute retro look, try a red or black sundress with white polka dots. It is also observed that solid colors and floral prints are other classic sundress options. Generally it is also recommended for your feet to try strappy sandals, kitten heels or cute clear pumps.<br /><br />The next trend is a bit here and there in terms of being called a pant because of its length and is known as Capri Pants Capri pants aren't really pants, but they're not shorts, either. These versatile bottoms end around the mid-calf area and look fantastic when paired with platform sandals or sexy high heels. Try casual cargo capris for a laid back look, or go fitted with classic denim. Depending on your choice of footwear and top, capri pants can take you from day to night in a snap!<br /><br />Another handy beachwear is Satin Camisoles which these days, you can find tops that look just like lacy, satiny lingerie. Try a well-lined satin camisole top with skinny jeans, a few strands of beads and your favorite high heels for a trendy, sexy summer look. To avoid too much exposure, always go for camisole tops that have a built in bra and fit well.<br /><br /><br />Next up, whenever you saw baseball on television and thought it was all for the guys, its time to change that school of thought.Baseball caps aren't just for the guys! For a no-fuss style, throw on a cute trucker cap and pair of hoop earrings and you're all set. Military style caps are also all the rage, as are newsboy caps.<br /><br />The next headwear rage? Fedoras! Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Ashlee Simpson have all been photographed rocking the fedora with casual tops and jeans.So what are you waiting for?You can find more personalized info on dressing trends at Fashion Networks, the one stop place in the fashion value chain. Fashion Networks wishes all its readers a very happy new year and invites your feedback on the blog so far.Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-7408312255648144882007-12-30T23:17:00.000-08:002007-12-30T23:41:42.243-08:00Fashion Trends: How are you doing this fall-part 2Continuing our journey last week with the post on fall fashion trends, Fashion Networks team, thought about sharing some more tips. So here goes<br />We recommend clothes with a certain Victorian Flair: Coming to the specifics, It would be great to go with ivory lace accents and high necked blouses, paired with classic menswear inspired trousers. Or, add a Victorian touch to any outfit with an elegant cameo or multiple strings of pearls. If that amount of feminine is still not enough, you can tie the rest of your look in with your classic feminine accessories, try sweeping your hair into a sophisticated updo and wearing pearl stud earrings. That is one of the emerging trends in fashion wear associated with the fall season.<br />Ok time to get down with the next fashion trend for the fall. This time, we chose a trend that not only accentuates your contours but also makes you feel special and standing out amidst the crowd. Jersey Dresses: Jersey dresses are great for day or evening because the fabric is meant to drape. This forgiving fabric hugs curves yet slides over imperfections. We suggest you to pair your solid colored jersey dresses with long chain necklaces and trendy leather boots or classic pumps. So would that make for a vivacious you, that can call the shots. It remains to be seen, how you are going to dazzle as each of these is only a suggestion and it totally depends how the dress and you decide to play on that day.<br /><br />Finally before we sign off, there is one trend that can keep the men glued on, and that’s Velvet Accents. Velvet is a sumptuous and beautiful fabric for this fall. Try tops and blazers made from this fabric in deep, rich jewel tones like eggplant, royal blue, emerald green and rich ruby. You can also try to don the causal look by , pairing your velvet with faded jeans and your cutest pair of high heels.<br /><br />So keep glued on to Fashion Networks to catch the best news and views from the global fashion market place.Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-63380739623079976332007-12-28T05:37:00.000-08:002007-12-28T05:53:00.701-08:00Fashion Trends in Fall<div>Fall is that part of the year, when everyone dresses around in style to welcome this part of the year. May it be kids or adults, we all go to school or work in style, with a peppy mood to beat.While fashion trends aren't always the best bet when it comes to getting dressed, there are some fall fashion trends that can serve you well regardless of your personal style. The Fashion Networks Team checks out some classic picks for fall fashion trends that can work anywhere, may it be in the classroom, office and beyond!</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn5ZVpynI0RPqtP4m70FmI-P_f5MigAATRNlhGvIHC_X0wB4tkjyUgd9U2YJ8qKsPjlL7_HCpmn5SD5Yb6vABc-kky52GLTRu_dBVDeGw-ubm6oVnCsevaha1E-Jlt_DSCV6ayyFxCbk/s1600-h/pencil+skirts.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149018737752165330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn5ZVpynI0RPqtP4m70FmI-P_f5MigAATRNlhGvIHC_X0wB4tkjyUgd9U2YJ8qKsPjlL7_HCpmn5SD5Yb6vABc-kky52GLTRu_dBVDeGw-ubm6oVnCsevaha1E-Jlt_DSCV6ayyFxCbk/s320/pencil+skirts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>Courtesy: <a href="http://www.clubmonaco.com/082006/images/w1.jpg">http://www.clubmonaco.com/082006/images/w1.jpg</a></div><div><br />The first pick is of course Pencil Skirts .The pencil skirt easily qualifies as the all place wear, as it fits a look for any classroom, as much as as it does for a boardroom or even a bar room! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So what really makes the pencil skirt so comfortable across different places? The key to this look is the right length. We recommend you to choose a pencil skirt that's knee-length or longer for the best look. Also another useful piece of advice from Fashion Network readers is to pair with medium height pumps or skinny stilettos for the sexy look. The “sexy” look is all the more amplified by the colours worn like basic black, rich cranberry, or royal blue. What would be an icing on the calke? Read ahead…. Its recommended by readers on the web to Top the pencil skirt look with a fitted white blouse and lots of gold jewelry, or try a tunic paired with a skinny belt.<br /><br />The second Fall fashion trend tip would be one of the most versatile fashion trends of Blazers with Jeans, that I happened to spot on a few reality shows in Asia. As the saying goes, Ladies First, we start the tip for women, where for the gentle feminine look, try a pastel blazer with a lace camisole in a matching shade underneath, paired with skinny faded jeans, high heels, and lots of gold or silver jewelry. For a classic look, try a sleek button down white blouse, black blazer, dark wash jeans and black boots. Finish the look with large gold hoops and a cute brooch. Men… we shall get back later next week, till then stay hooked on to the Fashion Networks Blog. There are some more fashion trends for fall that we would cover in the next article. So Stay hooked on to this Fashion Blog, as its Christmas Time at Fashion Networks. </div><div><br />This Blog will see a lot more variety of articles from next month, so make sure you get your regular dose of the Fashion Network Blog. </div>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-31700640586149192982007-12-19T20:37:00.000-08:002007-12-20T22:52:08.105-08:00Hip Hipper Hippest<strong>Hip Hipper Hippest</strong><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br />What would you do when your friend compliments you on being trendy? Elated and and cloud 9 may be the most probable answers, to know how much it actually means, you may need to know the mathematical significance of trendy. Trendy fashion is actually Being trendy is a fine line between downright tacky and the height of fashion.So have we still arrived at a mathematical measure for being trendy? No quite. We often see fashion models on the ramp wearing clothes that no normal woman would ever wear. So can we classify that as trendy? Hmmm lets flesh this out in detail to arrive at a measure for being trendy.We see starlets walking around as though they shopped at the closest thrift store. We pour over magazines to find the perfect outfit or accessory to make us look modern, hip, or the ever popular trendy. Our definition of trendy is so much influenced by what the magazines write, what the stars pose for and we ultimately spend so much time trying to find the perfect look that we forget what is really important about fashion.<br /><br />To me fashion is supposed to accentuate our looks, make us look our best, and to hide our figure flaws. Personally, I believe in the concept of fashion police. Who wouldn't enjoy giving a ticket to the girl with the baby T that accentuates the flabby stomach she should be trying to hide? Or the guy wearing pants that look sprayed on. Do your homework and then try on clothes and actually look at yourself in the mirror. Is that the image you want the world to see or are you simply trying to follow the latest fashion trends that the star on the magazine endorses. Is it about you or them?<br /><br />Fashion trends come and go. We had stressed in the previous posts on he fashion networks blog that there are these cycles that fashion follows and the key to looking good and in vogue is to keep an eye out on the cycles that happen. There are trends that are here today, gone tomorrow. Then there are those that turn into classics and never go out of style. Interested in finding out more about fashion trends? Read on for some Fashion trends that the fashion networks team compiled this week. It comes as close as it can to the mathematical measure of trendy, even though the best measure lies in your hands in wearing what you feel is comfortable.<br /><br /><strong>Best Fashion Trends</strong><br /></div><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><strong></strong></p><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br /><strong>Empire Waists</strong><br /><strong></strong>Have a belly that refuses sit tight and pops out unseemingly, then you need to have a closer look at a situation when it comes to disguising those little bulges, empire waist tops and dresses are ideal. Any woman can look like a princess with a romantic and colourful empire waist top or dress. Also known as baby doll tops and dresses, the empire waist is gathered below the bust line and hangs in a flattering way over the waist. For a casual look, try a cute empire waist top in a classic color like white or black, paired with slim jeans and a pair of cute earrings. To take the empire waist into evening, choose a print dress in a fabric like satin and pair with strappy high heels.<br /><br /><strong>Aviator Lenses</strong><br />We must have gloated endlessly after watching Angelina Jolie sporting these lenses in a famous Holywood flick and its she who must be credited with making aviator lenses cool again. From what the Fashion Network team has observed, every face shape looks great in black aviator sunglasses. For a trendier take on this look, try glasses in a surprising shade like dark pink or smoky purple. The different colour of the lenses may definitely warrant attention, if you are one of those types who dares to be different.<br /><br /><strong>Gypsy Skirts</strong><br /><strong></strong>Skirts! That’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of absolute feminity. Long, flowing skirts in a lightweight fabric are versatile and feminine. For a bohemian look, pair a patterned gypsy skirt in a crinkly fabric with a sleek solid tank and pair of open-toe sandals. Or, try pairing your solid gypsy skirt with tall brown boots and a classic white Oxford blouse. Finish the look with a few strands of beads and you're all set to rock..<br /><br />That folks is some of the tips we have this week. We shall be back next week with a small peep into the worst fashion trends that seemed to follow the tumultuous part of the rather ubiquitous fashion cycle.<br />Till then Its Team Fashion Networks Signing off</div>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-32591706229655548872007-12-11T01:12:00.000-08:002007-12-20T22:11:19.884-08:00Fast Fashion and How to Spot Trends?<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>One</strong> thing we may not consciously realize is that affordable trendy clothing (sometimes called "fast fashion") is a double-edged sword. Some of the staunch fashion folks may roll their eyeballs in disbelief and ask why? Well, here goes the answer- Fast Fashion makes fashionable looks accessible to those of us on real-life budgets, but when the market is totally saturated with it, the trend loses its appeal. It basically helps to kill the trend quicker.<br /><br />So how do you know how long a trend will last? There may not be any sacrosanct rules, but from what one has observed in the fashion industry, here are some points to keep you in good stead.<br /><ul><li>Generally speaking, most fashion trends stick around for 8-12 months. Some trends, usually the most understandable ones, last longer. For example, the personalization or initial craze started with Sarah Jessica Parker's "Carrie" necklace during season two of "Sex and the City" in 1998. The look saturated the mass market in the fall 2003 with initial handbags, sweaters -- you name it -- a full five years after it started. So as long as you have a clear differentiator in your times, you can dictate the trend, but otherwise saturation would hasten the natural killing of the trend.</li><li>A well googled school of thought says that fashion cycles about every twenty years. Thus, the micro minis of the '80s have come back into favor now (as did the nameplate necklace mentioned above, which was hot then, too). So if you are betting on a trend, keep an eye on history to bail you out of trouble, whenever you are short of ideas.</li><li>A huge part of deciding on how long a trend is viable depends on where in the fashion cycle you bought the trend. If you bought it as a knock-off or at a discount store, then you should count on it being in for just one or two seasons. Because the fashion industry often lumps together Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter, that gives you approximately six months of wear out of a look before it starts giving you an outdated look.</li><li>Even though there is no hard-and-fast rule about how long a fashion trend will stick around, you can bet that the more-difficult-to-pull-off looks (Uggs, large cuff jeans, trucker hats) are just fads that will fade. Does that mean, you shouldn’t be buying them? No, don’t get too serious, as it doesn't mean you shouldn't have fun buying them, just know that they aren't looks that will be fresh next year, around this time. So get wiser and buy large cuffs jeans in that time of the year when the people love flaunting it.</li><li>Apar from all the reasons listed there, have faith in economics, as sheer buying power can keep a trend on life support. Sometimes consumers love a look so much they just won't let it die. Capris, crops, tank tops and flip flops are all examples of former trends which actually became the staple diet of your wardrobe!</li></ul>So after going through the above points what is it that you can take away from this piece on the Fashion Networks Blog? The best defense against quickly changing trends is to have a wardrobe stocked with mostly classic looks: jeans, T-shirts, blazers, little black dresses. Use trendy items as an addition to a core wardrobe to give it some kick.<br /><br />For more advice on fashion trends and networking with people who matter in the fashion industry, I recommend that you join Fashion Networks(<a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/">www.fashion-networks.com</a>) . Keep plugged on to the blog, till the next article.<br /><br /><br />Kartik Kannan, Fashion Evangelist at Fashion Networks</div>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-17837340548574923262007-12-06T03:19:00.001-08:002007-12-20T22:12:50.596-08:00<div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes I wonder, what would happen one fine day, when a I wear a dress and go to a party to realise a fashion follower's worst nightmare – which would be worse than looking fat, more humiliating than wearing the same dress as another party guest -- it's the dread of looking anachronistic and totally out of sync with fashion।<br /><br /><br />Fashion trends, if you have noticed are referred to as fads, are disreputably fickle। The fashion industry is always on the hunt for what's new, what's hot. More than style and substance its what's new that seems to win. For every new, must-have handbag/sandals, there's another that gets tossed aside like, well, last year's trend॥and gets relegated to the attic.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Fashion Cycle</span><br /><br /><br /><ol><li>First, there's the emerging trend of products that are going to strike it big.You know this as when you see that great hat/dress/shoe on the runway, red carpet or music video. It's hitting you in the eye for attention and you make no bones about your natural pleasure towards the product.</li><li>Next, comes what is called the emulation phase, where everyone wants a piece of the trend. You'll see it in fashion magazines, newspapers, internet and TV during this phase. This is basically a wave which every one wants to be a part of, to feel good. If the world is talking about Paris Hilton, then its just Hilton on page 3, thank god the stop press exists…. to jump into the wave at the right time.</li><li>Finally, the trend becomes saturated in the market, usually at very low prices. With trendy items like a must-have designer handbag, the item becomes widely available as a knock-off. But you will be surprised to know that sales sometime surge during this phase depending upon the country. For instance, Harry Porter mania came a year late to the subcontinent than it did in the other parts of the world.</li></ol>Most of us will buy it somewhere between phases two and three। Only celebrities and fashion industry types have access to fashion fresh off the runway that hasn't appeared in stores yet, like in the first phase of a fashion trend. It takes some one with an innate sense of fashion consciousness to spot the emerging trend and boldy make a statement about it, which then makes news to come down to stage 2.<br /><br />At the second phase a look is often available in high-priced designer collections. Only in the third phase, when a look makes it to the mass market, does it become affordable for most consumers.<br />Twenty or 30 years ago it might have taken a few years to make it from red carpet to mass market, but today's manufacturers have put the fashion cycle into hyperspeed। Sometimes a hot trend makes it into lower priced retail outlets in as little as a few months and as the argument starts, 20 or 30 years back, we relied on magazines to get us the trends, then the television media came along with fashion channels and changed the scenario. But an even bigger media wave is splashing a click away from where you are in the form of social media trends. The biggest advantage in such a networked web 2.0 world is for us to eaves drop on conversations that happen through out the web on fashion.<br /><br />One such network were high quality fashion discussions happens is Fashion Networks, a global portal having diverse influential people come and pour out their views on the fashion industry. Stay hooked on to the Fashion Networks Blog to know more about this new business networking portal and for trends in the fashion place.</div>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6106142235848755844.post-63616721823102164302007-10-29T02:46:00.000-07:002007-12-20T22:17:10.682-08:00Niche Business Networking comes of Age<span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0FAfvxBJw8sqOIQKZ23hCnCarIVf_ogwLrLaW-b1aSiXPGyZHwnIz-F3C6mr-3ErAicjoyddCYaoj6dWCtsu7OscbCbhQAL0Z8B2QAWcgKFh0jHFebhnl-6Q0jF_1aUspLWfVlE8Ouo/s1600-h/mexicanwave.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126697296221213426" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0FAfvxBJw8sqOIQKZ23hCnCarIVf_ogwLrLaW-b1aSiXPGyZHwnIz-F3C6mr-3ErAicjoyddCYaoj6dWCtsu7OscbCbhQAL0Z8B2QAWcgKFh0jHFebhnl-6Q0jF_1aUspLWfVlE8Ouo/s320/mexicanwave.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >In India the mexican wave is something that sweeps people off their feet, but a bigger wave in recent times has been in encouraging networking as a concept. Hi-5, Orkut and a plethora of social networks came and left a lasting impression. Then business networking came in the form of Linkedin and Xing, but the latest trend is niche business networking which offers higher value for the time spent in business networking. Taking the lead in this domain is an Indian company called Fashion Networks(</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.fashion-networks/">www.fashion-networks</a></span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">) having its major roots in the North American Region and UK.</span> </span></div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcH7G6O5-Z2jzUWYOurrY4Se-zH6vHOz8UD_TrZ1nOF01pAoKPr6M16GKgc6gp8465jxEMxsVOJGOhCPJUx7HzZClO3Jpf6qDysRVkdhyphenhyphenHwzNmSOgt2OGjHoYn-7Pu4lJ9u5OxbIz0Nk/s1600-h/header-logo.png"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126697506674610946" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcH7G6O5-Z2jzUWYOurrY4Se-zH6vHOz8UD_TrZ1nOF01pAoKPr6M16GKgc6gp8465jxEMxsVOJGOhCPJUx7HzZClO3Jpf6qDysRVkdhyphenhyphenHwzNmSOgt2OGjHoYn-7Pu4lJ9u5OxbIz0Nk/s320/header-logo.png" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/">Fashion Networks</a> is the leading online Business Networking Platform focused exclusively on the Fashion Value Chain. Fashion Networks provides a platform for professionals to share knowledge and experience, facilitating business networking and also helps them to explore career opportunities.With online buying and selling gaining momentum, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, sellers and buyers have an online presence. <a href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=userProfile&user=260&Itemid=121">Fabio Cristanziani</a>, an existing member of Fashion Network adds “Each stakeholder in the Fashion value chain seeks business leads to others either as suppliers or as customers. Fashion Networks, with its exclusive industry specific networks, helps them connect and do business”<br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The use of Fashion Networks is in that Manufacturers can keep in touch with current trends in fashion and business. “Students and academicians working in the fashion, designing and the textile industry will be benefited as being a part of the network, can enhance their potential for research and can connect to actual manufacturers” says Shruti Gupta, a student who benefited through <a href="http://www.fashion-network.com/">www.fashion-network.com</a> . Fashion designers can interact, discuss and keep themselves updated on the recent developments.<br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Walusha Livingston and Kartik Kannan, both marketing evangelists at Fashion network feel that Entrepreneurs and consultants can easily locate business opportunities through the exclusive network while Ria Paul, a job consultant and an active member of Fashion Networks feels that Job seekers can search for jobs and HR executives have easily access the member profiles, which gives a marriage of a site with web 2.0 features and premium services.<br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">So basically, Fashion Networks will connect the entire Apparel Value Chain from fiber to textile, to apparel manufacturing, to apparel retail. Hence one's chances of doing business, finding talent and enhancing your own career opportunities are a lot more than a conventional business site.</span><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;font-family:georgia;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><strong>To know more about Fashion Networks, </strong></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://www.fashion-networks.com/guidedtour/index.html"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong>Click here to take a Guided Tour</strong></span></a></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">To see Member Profiles Just Keep Scrolling</span></span><br /></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbgMwemJZlTrWFvU87_jx2Ew49Un1MwlfM5H8XH4pmkuzt-4GPP6J-ShjRpcHQNVKTffTTWEwSOJRt_-013mNqc7qdIWO0O1LNzg4x_ma2MBJCsQcAFYIjN2XWy52Juf9mClyxiB7A5M/s1600-h/mona_b.png"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126696411457950418" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbgMwemJZlTrWFvU87_jx2Ew49Un1MwlfM5H8XH4pmkuzt-4GPP6J-ShjRpcHQNVKTffTTWEwSOJRt_-013mNqc7qdIWO0O1LNzg4x_ma2MBJCsQcAFYIjN2XWy52Juf9mClyxiB7A5M/s320/mona_b.png" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mBfJdbH_i2T4hDfVuMikxEqg0HkZPf3PhcL0TFYTMO1iZutpWjJtLvg5COfz0CRVC1i9jcSokS2TknklbRjubzB5f6P1DTtncP75gq3SBRfpBDO5_YuU5lB10EGLbnJ79n6XPryOmeY/s1600-h/mohan_b.png"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126696772235203298" style="" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mBfJdbH_i2T4hDfVuMikxEqg0HkZPf3PhcL0TFYTMO1iZutpWjJtLvg5COfz0CRVC1i9jcSokS2TknklbRjubzB5f6P1DTtncP75gq3SBRfpBDO5_YuU5lB10EGLbnJ79n6XPryOmeY/s320/mohan_b.png" border="0" /></span></a> </div></div></div>Fashion Networkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09347773359257812459noreply@blogger.com0