Oct 17, 2008 | Fashion
Nike as a company has set the laudable goals of becoming completely sustainable within the next ten years, both in business practices and in materials they use, and are actively working towards this. (Kudos!) “Nike Considered” is actually going to soon drop the “Considered” from their name (which used to designate their distinction from the clothing under the regular “Nike” label). They are not even a separate division within Nike; in fact, the only way to tell that your Nike-branded clothing is manufactured with sustainable materials is to look at the label. (Now that’s missing a major marketing opportunity, IMHO.) Their eco-friendly apparel is not particularly distinguishable from their “non-eco-friendly apparel” (NEFA? gotta find a shorter term for this) in either look or aesthetic…since they manufacture both men’s and women’s apparel, there were some hot male models on the runways, followed by “cute sportswear for women” (which pretty much sums up the Nike brand in a nutshell). Below, the women’s looks from Nike’s show (and I swear, you’ll never tell the difference between the shots I snapped and the shots provided by pro photographers):
(the first two wonky-looking photos from us, the rest of the uber-fabulous photos from the incomparable Pete Kim. Thanks Pete!)
Alula, May Tee, and Sameunderneath coverage coming in the following posts…
-Carly J. Cais
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Oct 17, 2008 | Fashion
Student fashion shows can sometimes be a hit-and-miss affair…there’s always something jaw-droppingly amazing, along with piles of so-so, seen-it, and just downright-sorry-to-say-so-but-there-it-is ugly. We don’t want to tread even harder on downtrodden, struggling design students, but better you hear it now rather than later. And there were some fabulous looks at the Art Institute of Portland’s runway show (Wednesday, October 8), starting with the assignment to students to reinvent the Little Black Dress. We’ll ignore all the boring, we’ve seen it befor stuff, and focus on the standouts…
Ah, what can we say? Stunning. Whoever thought a ski-parka fabric would work so well with so much pleating. We love. It may be a riff on a Balenciaga silhouette, but we love all the same. Mwah!
And we also have a weakness for military-inspired fashion, chiffon tutus, and deconstruction. Yes, we say, bring it on. We wish the coat were in a little heavier fabric, and that the buttons were slightly smaller and spaced further apart. Besides that, it’s fab.
Then this LBD. Tough 80’s power-chic. We likey. Again, Balenciaga comes to mind. (Those crazy multicolored sandals with the black netting…) But still, very fresh.
Alright, they may look like residents of Whoville, but the silhouettes are striking and unique. Not too wearable, but it is definitely a look. (This isn’t the LBD assignment any more.)
And now for…the ugly. Read on! (because we know all of you want to jeer with us 😉
Now this was sad. A great concept, and it would have been fabulous rendered in a stiffer fabric, with fewer sewing mistakes. But overall, it’s unforgivably puckered on the right side.
Oh honey. Roses on the sleeves? Been done, sorry to say.
And it wouldn’t be a fashion show without the inevitable “straitjacket couture” piece. Okay, we totally sympathize with what you’re feeling, what with the looming deadlines and ominous graduation and the “gosh I’ll never make it in the real world as a designer” self-doubt, and the fabrics that were over budget and just not enough damn time to sew…we get it. You want to be committed. Do you need to be a slave to literalism while you do it? Can’t you just have a quiet, contained little meltdown in the corner? No? Well, if you must…
And what the hell is this? A man’s jumpsuit?? Rendered in an oh-so-fetching shade of beige?? It looks like something Ichabod Crane might have worn after lights-out, except this one’s got extra fabric oozing out his kiester. Love the hot leather city boots dude’s got on – like he’s just going to head out, grab a coffee, black, thank you, and the NY Times. And all we know is, that is one pissed-off looking male model.
(We thank Pete Kim for the fabulous photos. Loyal readers, make use of his services!!)
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Jul 12, 2008 | Fashion, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years, and an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that
can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly.
Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item. This week, we’re celebrating indie design and emerging talent by showcasing handmade, non mass-produced goodies that definitely don’t come with a MADE IN CHINA label. Here are five fab picks that support cottage industry while adding unique flair to your wardrobe:
ELEGANT EARRINGS Tongue firmly in cheek, The Opulent Project lasercuts flourescent light panel covers, nametags and other humble sources of plastic into exquisitely-detailed, stark silhouettes of jewelry worn by royalty. Available in white with black backing, or red with a white backing, these have a dramatic 3 inch drop and will leave you feeling opulent, whether you pair them with a designer cocktail frock or a repurposed tee. Large Emerald Drop Earrings $34 at The Opulent Project Shop.
CHIC CROPPED TEE With waistlines creeping upward, a full-length shirt can feel like too much fabric. Billowy sleeves, gathered front, and waist-smocking create a darling little silhouette for just about any figure – and it’s just short enough to balance all those paper-bag shorts and tie-waist skirts perfectly. Try over a sleek LBD when you want to look sharp, but not too dressy. And if only life were fair, this is what every too-big, baggy old tee in the closet would aspire to be. Shardann Random Tee $65 at StarsandInfiniteDarkness.com.
SNAZZY SANDALS A stylish take on the embellished sandal trend, the metallic blue fish-skin suede uppers have been overdyed with silver, creating gorgeous texture reminiscent of crumpled paper that only gets better with age as some of the silver rubs off, exposing the blue hue beneath. Cushioned soles will take you far, whether it’s a beach wedding, dinner & dancing, or just a trip to the corner deli. Pair with a breezy print maxi-dress and large gold hoops, or roll up the cuffs of lean white pants for a very Stella McCartney vibe. Silver Marina Leather Sandals $85 at the Etrelle Shop on Etsy.com.
PRETTY PURSE Handpainted by Peruvian designer Alessandra Brava and lined in velvet, this wooden box purse is the perfect size for all your daily essentials. If calla lillies aren’t bright enough, you can customize everything from the choice of flowers, to the size, to the colors. Lucuma.com supports female and family workshops located in Peru, so whether it’s about fashion or doing the right thing, you’ll can feel equally good about your choice . Callas Black & White Painted Purse $54.50 (sale) at Lucuma.com.
FABULOUS NECKLACE Amy McClure’s Olaria Studio line has a chic, gothic feel, as embodied in this hand-crafted debossed ceramic pendant. A hefty 2″ wide, it sits just at the collarbone, enhancing any wide-necked top to a T. Pair with a black wrap dress to play up the stark contrast in the pendant, or wear a shrunken portrait-collar jacket and let this piece shine. Olaria Studio Ceramic Pendant $52 at BeehiveCo-op.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: FEATHERWEIGHT FROCK Light as chiffon and made from hemp, organic cottons, and bamboo, indie designer Leanne Marshall’s Leanimal dresses will make your knees weak, your heart swoon, and you the star of your next soiree. Choose from fabulous, flirty frocks – all handmade by the designer and imbued love of her craft. Rosandra Dress $295 at Leanimal.com. (For last-season and discounted pieces, be sure to visit her Leanimal Shop on Etsy.com.)
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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