FASHION FACS Exploration Fashion Capitols
Milan, Italy London, England
Paris, France New York, New York Tokyo, Japan Milan, Italy Italian fashions have a reputation for casual elegance
and luxury. Many Italian couturiers, such as Valentino, are based in Rome. However, Milan is seen as the fashion capitol of Italy because many well-known designers are based there and it is the venue for the Italian designer collections, which take place at an exhibition center called the Diera di Milano or the Milan
Fair. Among the best known and the most exclusive names in Italian fashion design are Gianfrance Ferre, known for his boldly cut brightly colored clothes, and Giorgio Armani, known for his subtle mannish styles for both men and women.
London, England The British fashion scene is known for unorthodox clothes, with a young market and popular appeal. Recently, London has attracted a lot of international attention with its
designer collections, which are held at a hall called Olympia. Vivienne Westwood is one of the pioneers of the street style; the name of daring youthful looks which London is known for. Following Westwood and turning out fresh ideas consistently are designers such as John
Galliano, Richmond Cornejo and a design group called the English Eccentrics. Other well, known names include Zandra Rhodes, Katherine Hamnett (known for slogan t-shirts) and Bruse Oldfield who designs glamorous evening wear.
Paris, France French fashion is chic and stylish. Paris is the home of famous couture houses such as Dior and Chanel. The houses stage exclusive fashion shows in their own salons. Many other famous French designers show their work at the designer collections, which
are held twice a year and command international attention. One of the best-known French designers and a pioneer of ready to wear is Yves Saint Laurent. He has consistently turned out stylish, quality garments over the many years. Thierry Mugler is well known for his figure hugging styles and Karl Lagerfield although a German designer, has a French
approach. One of the innovators of French fashion is Jean Paul Cauliter. He designs unusual witty clothes, which stand apart from the main thrust of French style. (He is the designer for Madonna, enough said.) Parisian style is sophisticated, skillfully cut, and accessories are understated and smart.
New York, New York American fashion design is dominated by a clean-cut casual style reflecting the sporty, health conscious life styles of many Americans. The fashion industry in New York is based
around Seventh Avenue. A designer who helped to set the trend in America for sport-influenced daywear throughout the 1940s and 50s was Clair McCardell. Many of her styles have been revived in the 1980s. More recent influences on the American look have been Calvin Klein, with
classic coats and separates and jeans. Ralph Lauren designs casually elegant clothes in natural fabrics and Donna Karan works with practical, sophisticated womens wear. Tokyo, Japan
The Japanese look is loose and apparently unstructured. This is often the result of complicated cutting techniques. Colors are often subtle, and somber. Fabrics are rich in texture. Many of the famous names in Japanese fashion now in Europe or the USA, but the Tokyo designer collections
are still a major international fashion event. Famous names in Japanese fashion include Kenzo, known for layered looks and highly original knitwear. Miake, considered a master of draping and cutting, and Rei Kawakubo who developed a completely new way of cutting. His work has been compared with the
bias innovation in the 1930s. First Impressions Fashion Personalities
Which one are you? Classic Timeless, always in style and in good
taste. Sophisticated and modest Classic Blazers, vests
Cardigan sweaters Straight and pleated skirts Turtleneck sweaters Men suits Shirts that are button
down or plain collars Penny loafers, pumps, wing tips Delicate Fragile, soft, dainty
Feminine, modest, demure Sometimes a little girlish Delicate Small cap sleeves
Tiny lace trims and ribbons Peter pan collars Small buttons and bows Calico prints Gingham checked
Pastel colors Small floral prints Eyelet fabric Dramatic and Trendy Flashy
Dramatic Trendy They make a statement, and stand out in a crowd Dramatic and Trendy
Neons, black, white Sequins, velvet, satin, leathers, furs, beads, feathers, etc. Dramatic lines Off-the-shoulder,
mini skirts, bare backs, tube tops, etc. Sporty and Natural The simplest
lines and the least amount of structure. Sporty and Natural Cotton and woven
fabrics Fleece and spandex Front pockets Ribbing around cuffs, hems, neck, and sleeves
Pull-over styles Elastic waistlines Town and Country Comfortable It is tailored and has
more detail. Has heavier fabrics and top stitching. Town and Country Pockets, snaps, yokes,
colors Cuffs on sleeves and pants Bandanna, leather belts Cowboy hats Denim jeans
Romantic Very dressy Exaggerated or fussy Very elegant Often extremely
formal Romantic Lace, satin, taffeta, silk, brocade, etc.
High heels Ruffles Tuxedos Black suits Cravats Cummerbunds
Fashion Personalities Quiz Town and Country
Classic Delicate Romantic
Sporty and Natural Dramatic and Trendy Fashion What does it
mean? Clothing choices can show: Specific ethnic group or cultural traditions How you feel about yourself and the world Individual personality
Your values Clothing is only a CLUE You cant always guess why people are dressed as they are
Dress Code: Set of rules that outlines how people should dress Appropriate Clothing Choices For: Weddings and Proms- tuxedos,
suits, ties, dresses, gowns Funerals- black and neutral colors Multicultural Events- Luaus, Pow Wow, quinceanera
Religious Ceremony- Bar Mitzvah Personal Factors to consider when buying clothes: Personal taste
Self-expression Life style Comfort Budget Peer Pressure:
Many people try to conform to the norms They dress to show membership in a certain group
