Billy Hazel
Manuella Lupascu
Steve Frous
Olivia P
Lina S
If you could slip into Scarlett O'Hara's wasp waist at will, would you still spend sweaty hours on that Pilates mat?
Shapewear, bodywear and shapers are figure flattering foundation garments that use the latest technology to smooth away those pesky love handles, tummy rolls and muffin tops.
Experts say while these very trendy undergarments may effectively eliminate the panty lines of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba, they are not magic bullets for the rest of us.
"For some women it's the difference between size 8 and size 10," said Maggie Adams of Spanx, the U.S.-based shapewear giant that began with footless pantyhose in 2000. "It firms everything up."
But Adams said it is not your grandmother's girdle, referring to her company's line, which now includes slimming swimwear and men's T-shirts.
"Those had boning, metal and really uncomfortable, heavy stuff. Our newest collection is a single layer. We're trying to get it as thin as possible."
Certainly the science, and the sociology, of foundation wear has come a long way since the 1830's when the corset was considered a medical necessity because it was believed that women were so fragile they needed stays to hold themselves up.
Adams said Spanx is working on a line of active wear. "We're about helping women and now men to accentuate their assets."
Leonisa Shapewear goes one step beyond. The lingerie brand, which began in Latin America, claims to redistribute and eliminate fat by creating a "lipo-transportation affect," which is described as similar to liposuction without the surgery.
"A girdle will smooth out, but once you take off a girdle you're back from where you started," said spokesperson Mary Lou Burkhardt. "If you keep using it (shapewear), you'll see a change in your body," she said. "It's toning and tightening."
Burkhardt added that it is breathable.
"You don't sweat but it does have that compressive nature," she explained.
Jessica Matthews, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise, said shapewear is the latest take on the compression clothing that has been used by distance runners, athletes and football players for some time.
"They're trying to tap into what has been around," said Matthews, an exercise physiologist, "saying 'wear it while you're exercising or to take the place of exercise.' There's no research to support that."
Matthews cited two recent Indiana University studies examining the influence of compression garments on athletic performance.
"They found no difference in oxygen consumption or improved performance," she said. "To achieve weight loss you must create caloric deficit. A pound of fat is equal to 3500 calories. Any warmth created by compression wear is negligible."
Matthews said researchers did feel that compression clothing could have psychological benefits for the wearer, similar to the placebo effect.
"If wearing these clothes improves their confidence and self esteem it might empower individuals to want to exercise more," she said.
That suits the folks at Spanx just fine.
"We're about helping women, and now men, to accentuate their assets, not permanently alter their bodies," said Adams. "I have heard women say that wearing Spanx is encouraging their workouts because they want to feel better."
Leonisa's spokesperson says wearing their shapers can tone the waistline and reduce cellulite.
"You're not going to be disappointed," said Burkhardt. "If you keep wearing it, you'll see the difference. It's a commitment. Like exercise."
Women claimed three of the top five spots in Forbes' magazine's 2010 Celebrity power list, with singer Lady Gaga making her first entry and Oprah Winfrey retaking her No.1 position.
Talk show host Winfrey earned an estimated $315 million, putting her atop the annual Forbes' Celebrity 100 list for the fourth time. Winfrey reclaimed the No. 1 spot from 2009 winner Angelina Jolie, who fell to 18th in the latest ranking.
Grammy-winning R&B singer Beyonce rose to second with an estimated $87 million from a tour and album sales, together with deals in fashion, fragrance and other endorsements.
Despite the worldwide recession, Forbes said that celebrity earnings remain "remarkably resilient, with this year's stars having earned a collective $4.7 billion during the past year, up from $4.1 billion in 2009."
Forbes' ranking is a measurement of entertainment-related earnings over the past 12 months as well as exposure in print, television, radio, online, and social media.
"Avatar" director James Cameron jumped back onto the Forbes list for the first time since 1999, landing at No. 3 after his movie earned a record $2.7 billion at worldwide box offices.
Glam pop star Lady Gaga made the list for the first time, taking fourth place with estimated earnings of $62 million.
Golfer Tiger Woods is the world's fifth most powerful celebrity, despite a sex scandal that took him out of golfing for five months and lost him several lucrative endorsements.
"He managed to earn $105 million during the past year, even as his revenue streams have diminished and his golf course design business struggles in the global economy," said Forbes.
The top five on the Forbes' 2010 Celebrity 100 list are:
1. Oprah Winfrey, $315 million
2. Beyonce Knowles, $87 million
3. James Cameron, $210 million
4. Lady Gaga, $62 million
5. Tiger Woods, $105 million
Although Chinese football team cannot make their trip to World Cup, you can find Chinese elements both in and out the World Cup stadiums. From Wuwuzula, wig, to garment, all of them are labeled “made in China".
From the opening of this World Cup, Wuwuzula becomes prevailing. However, most of these South Africa featured trumpets are made in China. According to a Chinese businessman in South Africa, Mr. Wang, 90% of these wuwuzulas are from China.
When you visit South African shops, you can find various kinds of wigs and flags at any of them. These wigs and flags come from China, too.
The Clothing: United States Industry Guide is an essential resource for top-level data and analysis covering the United States Clothing industry. It includes detailed data on market size and segmentation, textual analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, and profiles of the leading companies.
This incisive report provides expert analysis with distinct chapters for Apparel Retail, Footwear, Menswear and Womenswear
The second edition supplements new elements of the European and world standard
With the message “Passion for men, passion for football!”, the designer Lachezar Nikolov`s collection of the Bulgarian mark UGO MAN opens today on Monday, 28 June 2010, the second MEN`s Fashion Week in Plovdiv.
The Organizational Committee of the National Fashion Chamber in the quality of Producer supported by Municipality of Plovdiv, Municipal Institute “Ancient Plovdiv” and Commercial Fashion Center MALL Plovdiv supplements to the successful Fashion Week format new strokes to present Fashion, Fashion collections and accessories.
Besides the traditional known preference throughout independent or group fashion show for large public, for first time at home are introduced the popular Presentations of collections at exposition show-room, intended for clients and dealers and Presentations of collections to the media in destined for this purpose days with Media breakfast meeting, Press conferences or Fashion briefings. These new formats present in the calendar of the beginning fashion forum and confirm completely the conception of Plovdiv as 3-rd world location for presentations of actual trends of the Men’s fashion style. They are conformable to the preferences of the fashion houses, to Men’s fashion and accessories designers and to the football passion of the national consumer society.
Closely after the first presentation of the new collection of UGO MAN on 28 June, at 19.30 h., at MALL Plovdiv, organizers and partners invite you to watch on the 10 m² especially fixed TV screen the serial matches from the eight-finals of the world football championship.
The second Men’s Fashion Week Bulgarian edition continues up to July 4th, 2010. In the Fashion events calendar is included celebration of the 115 anniversary of Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where the Men’s Fashion Week Bulgaria Organizational Committee as part of the National Fashion Chamber of Bulgaria consists the Managing Board of the biggest and most privileged business structure in Bulgaria. On June 30, 2010 H.E. James WARLICK`s reception invitation with reference to 243 years from the Declaration of Independence of the USA will be kindly respected – the country which is one of the major partners supported Bulgarian fashion design development and Bulgaria as international fashion location of the events Fashion Week.
Special attention to the media on behalf of the prestigious Bulgarian Men’s fashion marks MONTELI, JULIDAN, Elegant RUMUNA and MONI PETROV jeans couture, that on 1st and 2nd July, at 11.00 h., at Balabanov`s HOUSE, in Ancient Plovdiv will represent their new collections during an event destined only for accredited medias. The so called and extremely popular in the international societies Media breakfast meeting is the best way by which information and details of the Men’s fashion style can be shown by Top models, publicity faces of National Fashion Chamber together with the necessary journalistic attention.
Men’s fashion week collections and publications later can be seen on advertising pages in the world magazine UOMO BOOK – general media partner, as well as many other prestigious electronic and press media for Men's style wished to become publishers of the series of events after their announcement in the last UOMO BOOK number.
MEN's Fashion Week final is at the weekend of 3-rd and 4-th July following the „Fresh Fashion” Program, open area, Hisser KAPIYA square, Ancient Plovdiv. Media presentation at 11.00 o’clock of EUGENIO collection created by Evgeni PETKOV will open a design session full-day exhibition of fashion drawings made by the finalists of the 4th „DANCE Fashion contest” 2010 for young fashion Men's wear talents.
GUCCI 1973 inspired by a bag found in the company archives dating to 1973, the new fall winter accessory collection now sports a new GG monogram in polished brass.
The House’s storied past inspires the creative philosophy behind the new Gucci 1973 line of bags, where classic design meets ultra modern spirit in a perfect balance between innovative styling and timeless allure.
Superb quality, fine craftsmanship and distinctive design are the eternal values which for 90 years have defined the impeccable, exclusive and enduring essence of every Gucci accessory.
The original model that Frida Giannini found in the company archives, at once priceless patrimony and inexhaustible source of inspiration, dates to 1973. It’s an elegant shoulder bag with front flap sporting the GG monogram in polished brass with antique finish – now exceptional symbol and signature detail of the Gucci 1973 line.
The 1973 GG logo marks the new micro and macro bags in lusciously rich inflections of classic or exotic leathers: chamois suede, alligator and ostrich. Also bimaterial mode as in the Diamante print versions with alligator or black cellarius edging.
Shoulder bags with standard or chain strap present boxy and rectangular shapes fine for day and night. They include envelope clutches in soft, versatile lines. Inspired by basic travel totes, the much larger models have extraordinary features clearly serving to make pure practicality the primary element of elegance. Double handles, front pockets, top zip closures and inside compartments highlight and enhance the multi-use character of the bags, awarding even the classic totes a supremely contemporary attitude where the sense of luxury is there both in the whole and in the smallest of details.
As per British-based designer, Stuart Hughes, world’s most expensive suit for men, will be up for sale for about £600,000.
This suit is termed to be the ultimate in luxury fashion, till date. The tailor-made suit has been crafted using cashmere wool, silk and diamonds and took almost over 600 hours to manufacture.
The 39-year-old, Liverpool based designer, informed that approximately 500 diamonds have been embedded within the suit. Each of this single cut gem is about 0.5 cents, is of colour G, VS2 quality and all of them sum to 240 carets.
Till date, Hughes has designed only three of these suits for the purpose of sale for exactly, £599,999. A French-buyer has already purchased the first one in size 41.
For this suit, Hughes has worked with Richard Jewels to manufacture four exclusive suits. The suit is dark grey in colour and according to Hughes, it will make any man stand out in the crowd.
He further added that, this was the first time ever, that he was working with apparels and that it was a big step for him.
Hughes believes that this is a timeless classic, which is both comfortable and wearable and most importantly, an ultimate in luxury fashion.
Jewels on the other hand, is intending to develop a luxury brand, which will capture both the eyes and hearts of the customers. With the help of our goods, we are trying to solidify one’s individuality.
Hughes further clarified that, 10 percent of the sales will be donated to the relief fund for Haiti.
Till dates, Hughes has created world most expensive iPhones, luxury Nintendo gadgets, television sets and a model car, gold Bugatti Veyron.
Gucci launches a new collection for babies and children, combining Creative Director Frida Giannini’s modern vision with traditional Italian craftsmanship.
A versatile and refined collection, for babies (from 0 to 24 months) and children (from 2 to 8 years old), including clothes and shoes, as well as a selection of accessories: scarves ties, belts, jewelry and sunglasses.
The iconic details, symbols of the history of the House, infuse the collection. The horse bit and the web, taken from Gucci’s equestrian heritage, the double G monogram, the Gucci logo and the Flora print, all contribute to the functional elegance of the collection, created for school, free time, sports and special occasions.
The baby collection uses the classic colours of blue and pink, with powder pink, optical white, dark blue, and red and green inserts. The soft and stretchy cotton jersey and piquet, chosen for comfort and functionality, as well as printed cashmere, are used for rompers, sleep suits, vests, t-shirts and jumpers. The baby collection also includes a range of gift items: hats, blankets and bibs.
The children’s collection combines more classic pieces, such as the suede trench and leather biker jacket, with contemporary accents like leggings for girls and baggy shorts for boys. Gucci’s icons characterize the large range of accessories: the Gucci logo decorates sunglasses and is embossed on belt buckles ; the Teddy Bear logo is made into a charm for silver bracelets and necklaces and is also used as a detail on the ties; the Horse Bit and the green-red-green web decorate the shoes.
The Material Girl collection, which Madonna recently promoted and created along with her daughter, is to go on sale at Macy’s on August 3rd.
Named after one of Madonna’s biggest hits, the collection is a perfect mix of her daughter’s tastes and love for fashion and the Queen of Pop’s own signature.
As explained on the collection’s official Facebook page, “The Material Girl is a spontaneous and fearless individual who invents her own fashion trends and is never afraid to make a bold, creative statement. She is influenced by her eclectic taste in music, dance, and Hollywood.”
A huge contest allowing to win a trip to meet Madonna in New York City this coming September has just been launched.
Elizabeth Hurley, Sarah Jessica Parker and JLO adorn it, closer home Fashion diva Shilpa Shetty swears by it…Animal prints have taken the fashion industry by storm this season!!
Fresh, colorful in stunning silhouettes, Esprit’s animal prints with Abstract interpretation is a must have!
Esprit’s Animal Print collection exudes fierce fashion and versatility. These prints can be worn during the day or for a night out. Carry off the line with sassy sophistication by wearing accessories like handbags, jewelry, perfect stilettos with your animal prints and show off your fashion confidence.
For those with an experimental bent of mind, ‘Esprit Women Casual’ has a collection which is truly daring. Esprit women casual has tops and dresses with it's all over print, stunning silhouette that you're sure want to own one. Comfortable and catty, this line gives a refreshing approach to fashion. Always pair it with neutrals to look sexy and to avoid looking like a fashion blunder.
Exude grace and mystique with ‘Esprit Women Collection’. Esprit brings tunic-style dresses and tops with abstract animal prints that are hard to resist. The collection comes in shades of black, white and brown. Animal print can prove a tricky trend master so be clever while matching the clothes. Animal print tops looks best when worn with leggings, denim skirts and colorful and superlative denim jeans.
"Adventure" is the word for Esprit EDC this season. Animal printed jeggings, dresses and tops with aesthetic silhouettes is what makes this an inspirational line. Jeggings is the current fashion rage and Esprit promises to turn this into an obsession. Jeggings comes in exciting shades of black and blue that can be teemed with basic crisp white shirts, colorful tops and scarves; jackets or colorful soft jerseys. Also in this collection are animal prints dresses in bold colors such as brilliant yellow, grass green and rustic red.
Esprit Animal print collection is an exciting, innovative way to celebrate fashion and fashionable people across the globe. The collection is customized to suit the fashion sensibilities of the cosmopolitan fashion celebrating countries across the globe.
So, make bold and sultry statement with Esprit’s Animal Print range!
Esprit is an international youthful lifestyle brand offering smart, affordable luxury and bringing newness and style to life with an entirely new collection every month.
