How Skinny is Too Skinny?

{Courtesy of Huffington Post}

The emergence of slimmer models has been ongoing for years, but recently the fashion industry has been more and more criticized for the pressure they put on these models to lose weight. Recently Miu Miu was criticized for the ad above picturing model Kasia Struss. This came after two people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority that the model was "irresponsibly" skinny.

After investigation they said, “The ASA noted that the model in the ad was slim, and that the lighting effects, make-up and low-cut dress emphasized her body shape. However, we considered that the ad was typical of those used for fashion products and that the model did not look significantly underweight. We therefore concluded that the ad was not irresponsible.”

Although there was an investigation, I feel that it is sad that this has become normal in the fashion world. What then would be considered "significantly underweight" enough to have some sort of action taken? These models are highly regarded and there are many young girls who are influenced by them.

Should there be regulations as to the body weight of models?

source: Huffington Post

H&M's New Eco-Friendly Collection

I’ve been a fan of H&M since I visited their store in New York my senior year of high school. Ever since then I’ve been hoping for an H&M store in Texas, and am super excited for the NorthPark Center store to open. Well enough of my excitement, if you haven't heard H&M has a new line of eco-friendly attire hitting stores April 14.

Eco-friendly clothing has been becoming more and more popular as consumers become more conscious of our environment. The main materials used in the collection are organic cotton and recycled polyester.

“It’s not just about organic cotton any more, the possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco smarter materials are huge now. By designing recurring Conscious Collections we have the opportunity to show in a variety of ways what’s possible using more sustainable fabrics,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M Head of design.

Going through the collection I can see how it screams spring and summer time. The collection is light and airy with neutral hues that make you want to run for the beach. Although it is mostly made up of a neutral color palette the collection is far from boring. The women’s collection has sense of romanticism and bohemian chic feeling, while the men’s collection has a more tailored and preppy feel.

Source: H&M

Spring Forward

Aside from my crazy allergies, I’m so excited that spring is here! Finally time to put up the big coats and scarves, and bring out the flowy dresses and skirts. Spring means beautiful weather and new and exciting fashion trends, and this spring is no different.

TROUSER JEANS

Forget about skinny jeans this season. Spring is all about trouser jeans. These 70s inspired high-waisted, wide-legged jeans are back. A great way to wear these jeans is with a pair of wedges for a long and lean look.

{Derek Lam: Courtesy of Elle}

LACE

Lace was huge in the fall and winter seasons, and is staying for the spring months! However this lady-like fabric has taken a different twist to a more antique-looking lace. This transparent fabric has a more sturdier and more variation of patterns that come in different colors. Lace will be a big trend seen in summer dresses, but will also be found in tops and skirts.

{Dolce and Gabbana: Courtesy of Elle}

COLOR BLOCKS

This season it is all about mixing solid colored pieces together and takes out the guess work of mixing and matching. This looks is easy to achieve with bright colored pieces.

{Aquilano E. Rimondi: Courtesy of Elle}

I can't wait to see how these fun trends make their way off the runway and to the streets!

Fashion Taking Over the Business World?

{Photo Courtesy of Styleite}

Well maybe not quite...

But for anyone who has seen the Devil Wears Prada, you probably have a good idea of who Anna Wintour is.

In The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep plays the character of Miranda Priestly, who many believe is to be based Anna Wintour because of the undeniable similarities in personal life and personality.

Anna Wintour is American Vogue’s editor in chief and has held this position since 1988. She is known for her cold and distant personality, which has earned her various nicknames. Her demanding and emotionally distant personality extends beyond her work environment to her friends who describe her in the same way. But this same strong willed personality has helped her earn her way to the top.

This month she is on the cover of April’s WSJ Magazine, a magazine published be the Wall Street Journal. The cover features her in her signature bob haircut and dark sunglasses. The cover is simple, yet elegant and exudes a sense of power and mysteriousness that in can describe Wintour.

So why feature a fashion magazine editor on the cover of WSJ Magazine, you may ask… Well Wintour has proven to be an influence in more than just the fashion world. She's also a savvy businesswoman.

Although her name may not be a household name, she is widely known even outside of the fashion industry. “She's a really powerful figure in America ... someone whose power extends beyond what she does," says Deborah Needleman, editor of WSJ says in an article in the Associated Press. In the article Needleman also describes Wintour as a “global phenomenon.”

Wintour has strong liberal opinions when it comes to politics. She was a supporter of Al Gore during his presidential bid, and in 2008 hosted fundraisers for President Barack Obama. She believes that fashion and politics go hand in hand. "If you look at any great fashion photograph out of context, it will tell you just as much about what's going on in the world as a headline in The New York Times, she has said.

Wintour also was outraged with The Washington Post when Senator Hillary Clinton backed out of a photo shoot for being criticized for looking too feminine. "The notion that a contemporary woman must look mannish in order to be taken seriously as a seeker of power is frankly dismaying,” she said.

Her latest influence in the fashion world that also had an economic impact was her creation of Fashion’s Night Out. This event was started in 1999 in New York City amidst a still fragile economy. The idea behind it was for customers to support the fashion industry despite the economic hard times, and has now turned into a global event. The event offers the opportunity for customers to mingle with big name designers and celebrities.

"She basically created a holiday from scratch," Needleman says. "Who else has the power to take New York and create a holiday?"

There is no doubt that Wintour has earned her way to the top, and help prove that fashion is much more than just fashion.

To read the magazine article: WSJ Magazine

sources: AP on Yahoo News, wikipedia

Paris Fashion Week Favorites

Paris Fashion Week will be coming to an end today, but not without leaving us with great inspiration for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons.

Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino… these names have become synonymous with fashion and are just a few of the designers who showed off their Autumn/ Winter collections yesterday.

Every time I hear “Chanel” it’s like I’m hearing a magic word. In my eyes Karl Lagerfeld can do no wrong and with this collection he proves gray is the new black. The monochromatic scheme, which consisted of various smoky hues with a pop of red, was the perfect mixture sophistication with a rocker chic edge. The collection consisted mainly of pant suits and jumpsuits with big coats and chunky sweaters. The use of tulle and lace helps soften and contrast the dark colors and leather fabric.

{Courtesy of New York Magazine}

Another favorite of mine is Alexander McQueen. Sarah Burton keeps the designer’s name alive with this season’s collection. Going through the collection makes me feel like I’m in some sort of fairy tale storybook with snowy (almost angelic) ice princesses and strong gladiator vixens. It’s a perfect mix of sugar and spice with collection pieces adorned with fur, feathers and leather.

{Courtesy of New York Magazine}

Perhaps the white wedding like gowns were inspired by bride-to-be Kate Middleton, who is rumored to have chosen Alexander McQueen as the designer for her wedding dress.

Loving anything that screams girly I was drawn to Valentino’s collection. Valentino’s Autumn/ Winter collection added a feel of romanticism to the runway. It steered away from the blacks, grays, and whites and instead added a punch of color. Earthy tones like mauves, browns, and dust pink were the colors of choice that helped intensify the feeling of femininity of the collection. The collection consisted of flowy dresses and skirts with floral prints that tied the look together.

{Courtesy of Fabsugar Australia}

All I can say is I cannot wait for the cold weather once again to see how these runway trends make their way to the streets. I could definitely brave another record-breaking winter with all of the inspiration from the runway.