The Art Institute of Houston to offer Fashion & Retail Management programs

The Art Institute of Houston announced the opening of a branch campus: The Art Institute of Houston – North, which will hold its first day of classes on May 14, 2009.

The new school will occupy approximately 25,000 square feet at 10740 North Gessner Drive, located in the northwestern section of Houston. The school will begin enrolling students immediately.

“We are excited to offer our design and media arts programs to the North Houston community,” said Larry Horn, President of The Art Institute of Houston. “After looking at the amount of creative talent and the opportunities for employment in this area, we knew there was no question about where to open up a branch campus. The Art Institute of Houston – North will reach out to potential students who will find the same caliber of education as our central Houston campus, but at a more convenient location.”

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Luella wins "Designer of the Year" at British Fashion Awards

The British Fashion Council is delighted to announce Luella Bartley as the winner of the prestigious Designer of the Year Award. Ten other leading fashion figures were also honoured at the 2008 British Fashion Awards, supported by Swarovski, held this evening at Lawrence Hall, Westminster, London.

Hosted by broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, the ceremony saw designers, models, fashion editors and stylists, and industry VIPs joined by a glamorous line-up of guests and presenters, including Claudia Schiffer, Sophie Ellis Bexter, Alex James, and Erin O’Connor.

Milliner Stephen Jones received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design in recognition for his extraordinary career during which he has collaborated with fashion designers established and new, as well as creating masterpieces of headwear for other creative industries such as music, film and dance.

The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, which was renamed last year in honour of the late visionary stylist, went to photographer Tim Walker.

Jimmy Choo won the Designer Brand category. Headed by Founder and President Tamara Mellon, and CEO Joshua Schulman, the company which was founded in 1996 now enjoys the visibility of a major luxury accessories brand with 70 branded stores in many of the world's top locations.

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Wills Lifestyle introduces trendy A/W collection of jackets

Wills Lifestyle presents a wide range of trendy jackets for both men and women in its new Autumn Winter 2008 Collection.

MEN’S COLLECTION:
Influenced by the Old British style, the men’s jackets exhibits the sharp Prince of Wales signature styling element. Jackets with paisley printing and contrast collar and cuffs make an urban metropolis statement.

Color stories focus on season fresh palettes introducing Bordeaux, Blue, Purple, beige and color tones of Black, Gray & White, Pink & Green and Teal & Brown.

These fully fused and floating chest pieces range from 7000-18995. The fabrics like are Moleskin, Velveteen and soft Corduroy from European countries blend well with classy colors like Turkish coffee, pirate black and Kangaroo. All Clublife jackets for men are priced at Rs. 6,995/-.

Get in a sporty act with Wills sports collection, are an alluring array of Jackets crafted from fine corduroy, rare cotton moleskin and soft polar fleece.

WOMEN’S COLLECTION:

For women, nouveau casual wear represents a folk story incorporating tribal prints and hand techniques in Clublife. Key style includes exaggerated details like big sleeves and collars.

Women have a wide variety to choose from the jackets collection. The Wills Clublife collection offers a charming color palette - from bold red to romantic wines and shimmering fuchsias to classic blacks.

Will’s Classic presents a distinctive look with a combination of British elegance and modern chic. Women can choose from British pattern influence for waistcoats and jackets.The jackets are available in the range of Rs. 1495/- to Rs. 3000/-.

Trendy jackets from Wills Sports to get cozy in the chilly winters are available in an array of colours and hues. The collection comprises stylish knit and woven jackets with sporty detailing. The collection is available in the range of Rs. 1295/- to Rs. 3000/-.

The range is available at the Wills Lifestyle stores across the country.

About Wills Lifestyle:
ITC’s Wills Lifestyle has been established as a vibrant fashion brand for the premium consumer. Wills Lifestyle offers a complete lifestyle wardrobe for the premium consumer, incorporating the latest fashion trends for both men and women.

A nationwide chain of exclusive specialty stores provides the Indian consumer a truly 'International Shopping Experience'. Currently there are 53 Wills Lifestyle stores in 30 cities across the country, and the brand is making rapid strides in terms of expansion – doubling the number of stores over the next three years.

Thanks to www.fibre2fashion.com

Christian Audigier Announces Ed Hardy(R) Store Opening at the Houston Galleria Mall

Fashion designer Christian Audigier invites the public to the store opening and celebration of his newest Ed Hardy(R) store in Houston at the Galleria Mall, 5085 Westheimer Road, Suite B3587, on Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The celebration will feature live music, DJ's from Houston's Number 1 Hit Radio Station 104.1, and special celebrity guest appearances. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres will be served, with free merchandise giveaways. In addition, the Ed Hardy(R) Spring 2009 collection will be showcased.

"Houston is a great city for fashion and I am inviting everyone to come celebrate the opening of my new store," Christian Audigier said. "It will be the one stop for all of Houston's hottest fashion needs. Everything is bigger in Texas, and our celebration is no different! Come on out and join us for the party!"

About the Christian Audigier(R) Companies:

In less than four years, Christian Audigier companies have launched nine popular brands, with over sixty licenses. He oversees an international portfolio of designer brands, including Ed Hardy(R), Christian Audigier(R), SMET(TM), Crystal Rock(TM), most recently Evel Knievel(R), C-Bar-A(TM), Savoir Faire(TM), Rock Fabulous(TM), and Paco Chicano(TM). His successful businesses include U.S. and international wholesale distribution, as well as U.S., online and international retail stores.

Thanks to http://www.prnewswire.com/

Westside to select emerging designers from LFW

Westside, Tata’s house of fashion, today unveiled its exclusive designer prêt, at the Lakme Fashion Week Spring Summer 2009 at NCPA, Nariman Point.

The exquisite collection designed by well-known designer Narendra Kumar and the talented Vivek Karunakaran & Vivek Kumar, comprises of formal and casual wear for men and women.

Well known models such as Anchal Kumar, Monikangana Dutta showcased Westside’s Designer Prêt in a fashion show at Lakme Fashion Week stylishly, directed by ramp choreographer Marc Robinson.

Classy, smart, sophisticated and yet very affordable, the designer collection at Westside is sure to add panache to your wardrobe this season. The women’s formal wear, WESTSIDE WOMAN is done exclusively for Westside by India's leading designer, Narendra Kumar.

Taking inspiration from the young corporate woman who is a go-getter, Nari’s collection is elegant and chic. Suits, jackets, trousers, skirts, knitwear and shirts are available in cotton and lycra blend fabrics.

The collection boasts of classy corporate color palette like maroon, beige, brown with concrete color highlights.

Vivek Karunakaran’s men formal wear collection ASCOT, inspired by urban riviera is tailored to fit and gives pride of place to personalization.

The range offers hybrid city-wear in lightweight layering like fitted shirts worn with cropped & slim line trousers, linen jackets worn with drawstring trousers, slashed open neck shirts worn with shorts and accessorize it with leather tote and canvas shoes.

An infinite palette of grey, ecru and a palette of neutrals with blues, black & white provides a fresh and relaxed urban look. Let the rules take plunge into the deep sea and experience being ‘ME’ with Vivek Kumar’s SRC collection! Exuberant gold bounding, the casual wear garments create a feeling of strength and individuality.

The range uses fabric which is flowy and body-comforting in an array of colors ranging from deep orange, coffee, black, teal and khaki.

The designer prêt launched by Westside is a part of its unique initiative Designer Development Programme (DDP) aimed at encouraging the Emerging Talent of the fashion industry and provide them a mass retailing platform.

A concept pioneered by Westside; this is a significant step to bridge the gap between exclusive designer wear and the fashion conscious Indian consumers.

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Nuance to open retail store at Toulouse-Blagnac airport

The Nuance Group has been awarded the retail concession to operate a wide variety of products and concepts at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, the fourth largest regional airport in France. The seven year concession covers a total area of 1,200 sqare metres. Shops are scheduled to open from October 2009.

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is the fourth largest regional airport in France and is currently constructing a new terminal which is scheduled to open in 2009. The Nuance Group will be operating most of the commercial area offering a wide variety of products and concepts.

With twelve different shops ranging in size from 20 to 300 square metres, passengers at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport will find a full range of products from the perfume, cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, fashion, luggage, electronics, fine food and souvenir categories.

In particular, Nuance has developed tailored concepts with a particularly “South West of France” flavour, which will serve to create a commercial offer that is uniquely and unmistakably “Toulouse”.

The Nuance Group will be opening these outlets in two phases: Phase 1,to be completed by October 2009, will cover a 300 square metre Perfume & Cosmetics store, a 200 square metre Liquor, Tobacco and Food store, a “CULT style” accessories concept covering 84 square metres, a 50 square metre temporary “Spirit of Toulouse” destination concept and a “SWIFT”-branded gate shop covering 50 square metres.

Read more........ www.fibre2fashion.com

Levi's Gen Next designers created storm at LFW ramp

Ten Levi's Gen Next designers caused a fashion storm for Spring/Summer 2009 at Lakme Fashion Week.

ANAND BHUSHAN:
"White Noise" was the title of Anand Bhushan's collection which was a mélange of duchess satin, lame, silk, chiffon and taffeta in a soft colour palette of ivory for lovely minis in simple silhouettes for delicately shaded dresses and smart coats in grey and ivory with pretty embroidery that will make ideal cocktail wear.

HARANGAD SINGH:
Using pure khadi and handloom fabrics along with silks, Harangad Singh used muted colours for ivory and leaf green creations that had high waist pants teamed with an olive blouse, smart brown jumpsuit with scooped neckline, a cute cut work cape over halter dress and a leaf green dress with shoulder interest. High on detailing and styling the collection was indeed very elegant.

IMCHATSUNG IMCHEN:
Inspired by the headhunter and his consort from the legends of Nagaland, Imcha Imchen's black, red and white line for men and women had sharply cut jackets, trousers and blouses - many of them teamed with checked pants or tops.

Interesting pieces were the shorts with white elastic sleeve blouse, stylized shirts, suit with black/red piping on lapel edges and a lovely black/red white blouse worn with a waist coat and mini. Quilting was discreetly done for the jackets to give the garments a rustic yet modern touch.

KIRAN JAISINGHANI AND MEGHNA AGARWAL:
"Myoho" was a collection inspired by the Buddhist mystic forces so the detailing revolved around tiny folds, pleats and tucks in a colour story that was earthy, to achieve shade blocking for the short dresses, smocks, apron frocks with collar, baby dolls and long layered skirts with crushed blouses. The look was utterly feminine and fabulous with surface treatments giving the different fabric mixes an interesting touch.

MANOJ DUBEY:
There was colour and excitement in this collection with red and orange for pin tucked top worn with tiny green sequined hot pants or a shimmering purple gilet with cowl pants. Geometrics came in the form of black and green dresses and interesting matte weaves that made the contrasting coloured ensembles come alive. The fabric texturing and treatment was exciting and so were the styles that were elegantly feminine.

NIDHI GAMBHIR:
For an all mini line in ivory textured fabrics the silhouettes revolved around shifts and the princess line cuts with discreet bird print on light breezy silks to give the dresses a summery look. The inspiration was the modern woman who walks on international shores; so the detailing was beautiful with cording and prints being used cleverly to turn them into eye catching garments.

RIMI NAYAK:
Capris, swing tops, tiny embroidered shrugs over bubble skirt and sheer blouses, along with a mix of print and colour; both dull and bright which gave this collection an unusual touch. The final gown in green and brown with intricate rouching was for formal wear while the moss green dress with a tiny brown cape could work well for daytime options.

RITESH KUMAR:
"Aphrodisiac" was an avant garde mix of graphics in nature with drapes, layers and wraps which were used together for engineered silk to achieve and unusual line of garments in grey and black. Layered tops with white drapes, rouched draped pants with shrugs, tiered dresses with satin piped side pockets in shaded fabric and asymmetric satin dresses and rolled collar jackets had some interesting construction techniques for women's wear.

SANJAY HINGU:
This all men's wear collection was sharply tailored with checked pants and printed shirts with waist coats which gave a mix of western styling with Indian touches. In ivory shades for linen there were jackets with appliqué, chemically washed linen coats and sporty suits with fish embroidery. The look was casual, yet smart which will give the male dresser several options for summer 2009.

PRIYANKA VERMA AND RAVINDRA MOHAN: "Concur" was the name of the collection which was in a colour story of bright red, green and yellow with the base being grey. The all knit collection of dresses with colourful appliqué and drape had contrast fabric sleeves or silver insets for blouses. The final military trench coat over a knit mini was a great fashion statement. The styling was a simple shift silhouette with a great base pattern.

Plus size fall fashion trends hit a high note, Redcats

OneStopPlus.com, the world’s first and only online fashion mall for plus sizes has introduced the Fall 2008 trends in a most delightful way...with music! Each of the eight fashion trends was paired with a different musical genre. OneStopPlus.com is the brainchild of Redcats USA, the plus-size fashion leader. Below are a few hits that topped the trend charts:

Heavy Metal – these hard rocking fashions are all about “attention getters” – metallics and fabrics that shine – sequined tunic, ruffled sweater, metallic tee, sequined cardigan and high-stepping stretch leather boots.

Mix Master – Solids and prints create a smooth move – you can even “mix” prints with prints to make a bold statement on the dance floor – artsy swiss dot tunic, bejeweled tunic, tie-dye crossover tunic, V-neck blouse, velour tunic or spicy patent open-toe pumps. Bold accessories add just the right touch!

Country – Step aside “southern belles” and look at the rich plaids, soft corduroys and supple leather that makes up this collection – kabuki knot yarn sweater, brushed plaid skirt, expandable hobo bag, moleskin jacket, denim shirt, classic 5-pocket jeans and sharp corduroy jacket. You will stand out from the rest of the “line dancers” in these comfortable and chic designs.

Customers can visit www.onestopplus.com and see the other “musical” trend-setting styles featured: Smooth Jazz, Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Salsa and House Music.

OneStopPlus.com offers an impressive collection of plus-size clothing for women from many of the most sought-after names in the plus-size fashion world: Avenue, Woman Within, Roaman’s, Jessica London and the French brand Taillissime. Customers now have easy access to all of their fashion wants and needs on an interactive website that touts dazzling flash animation and easy navigation. Finding the right style in the right size at the right price is a breeze.

In short, there’s something for everyone at OneStopPlus.com—and that’s music to one’s ears!

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Christian Audigier Presents Unity, A Night of Fashion

LOS ANGELES, Oct 17, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Famed fashion designer Christian Audigier invites the public to celebrate Los Angeles Fashion Week by attending Unity, A Night of Fashion at the Americana at Brand in Glendale on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. This high energy and visually stunning fashion show celebrates and features seven of Christian Audigier's diverse brands.
The show is inspired by Christian's ability to appeal to people of all walks of life with his trendsetting and uplifting designs. Seven of his unique brands are included covering the fashion spectrum ranging from street looks to rock and roll to high-end couture. Attendees will see the Spring collections of Ed Hardy(R), Christian Audigier(R), SMET(TM), Paco Chicano(TM), Crystal Rock(TM), Rock Fabulous(TM) and Evel Knievel(TM). The high energy event includes celebrity appearances, street performers and live music. It celebrates individual style united by love of fashion.
"I am thrilled to bring the experience of Fashion Week to the general public," Christian Audigier said. "Fashion Week is so exclusive, but now everyone can be a part of the glamour and excitement. I can't wait to show my latest designs and next year's trends to the public. There is something for everyone!"
About the Christian Audigier(R) Companies:
In less than four years, Christian Audigier companies have launched nine popular brands, with over sixty licenses. He oversees an international portfolio of designer brands, including Ed Hardy(R), Christian Audigier(R), SMET(TM), Crystal Rock(TM), most recently Evel Knievel(R), C-Bar-A(TM), Savoir Faire(TM), Rock Fabulous(TM), and Paco Chicano(TM). His successful businesses include U.S. and international wholesale distribution, as well as U.S., online and international retail stores. Further information may be obtained by visiting http://www.donedhardy.com.

Source: http://www.marketwatch.com

Rock out in Style with the LERROS India Fall/Winter

LERROS India, popular German apparel brand, is famous for their wide trend-setting range of designs — rolled out every season to gratify all young consumers. This fall-winter, LERROS India is launching under four main themes Dressing-up, Dark Romance, country life and Folk tales that fuse international fashion trends with leading edge designs. Available now at LERROS India in Select City walk, Saket, The Great India place, Noida, The Ambience Mall, Gurgaon, 100 Ft Road, Bangalore and Mega Mall, Mumbai.

LERROS India is the brand of choice for urban-minded, socially conscious young adults who seek apparel that appeals to more than just a sense of style. The brand fuses the urban aesthetics of international street movements with Indian cultural principles and designs.

LERROS offers classic sweater and chic jackets like graphic black and ivory contrast, timeless heather grey, bold plaids and hounds tooth patterns. Adding to the colours of the season the collection is dominated by rich reds, burnt orange and strong gold on a blanket of deep navy. Dots and stripe prints in mystic grey, and solids of maritime violet, blue frost and silver complete this collection.

'The LERROS India Fall 2008 Collection features chic, modern looks to welcome the arrival of fall and embark on a new season. LERROS is famous for its winter collection, and those with a keen eye for fashion who crave something different after a long summer are always the first in store buying the new pieces. Our collection is not only refreshing but also very soothing to the taste of Indian customers and we are hoping to see an encouraging response for our first collection of the fall season, said Mr. S Ramprasad, CEO LERROS INDIA.'

Dressing-Up
With inspirations from different ages and eras, designers of the Dressing-Up lines flirt with "vintage" fashion elements from the 20s, 30s and 50s. A myriad of materials are collaged together with mismatched proportions unintentionally to generate a wide range of unexpected and surprising chemistries. The dull metal buckle is the character of this women's blazer are as nostalgic as they are chicly elegant.

Read more........ http://www.fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com/

L'Oreal Paris brings The Color Space to Texas State Fair

L'Oreal Paris, the world's biggest beauty brand, brings The Color Space, a total beauty experience, to the Texas State Fair from September 26 through October 19.

The Color Space, a 5,000 square foot interactive beauty pavilion, executed by Legacy Marketing Partners, Chicago, is the ultimate environment for women and men (and even kids!) to learn about the latest trends and products first hand from the company that does beauty better than anyone else.

Upon entry into the red-carpeted pavilion, Color Space visitors are immediately transported from the raucous fairgrounds to an oasis of beauty.

Center Court:
Stop by Center Court and make a one-on-one appointment to receive skin analysis and a skin care consultations from our estheticians.

Using the black light/blue lamp GLOW Technology, which identifies skin concerns like sun damage, dehydration and poor circulation, the skin analysis provides the knowledge to create a custom skincare regimen.

No appointment is complete without receiving a complimentary mini-makeover from our L'Oreal Paris professional artists.

Skincare Lab:
Head over to the Skincare Lab for a consultation with L'Oreal Paris professionals to find the perfect daily regimen for any skin type. While at the lab, discover the latest in sunless tanning and dermatologist procedures available in at-home solutions.

Cosmetic Area:
After skincare, visit the Cosmetics area where L'Oreal Paris makeup artists share insider tips, match foundation and help find the perfect lip color or mascara to create the complete beauty look with the wide array of L'Oreal Paris cosmetics. Discover the hottest trends and colors in makeup for Fall and everyday!

Truelight Pod:
Visitors shouldn't miss the cutting edge technology of the Truelight Pod, exclusive to L'Oreal Paris and previously only available at the two L'Oreal Paris retail stores.

It recreates specific lighting environments so visitors can see how lighting in daylight, office and bathroom affects how you look and learn what shades work with your coloring. Check out your makeup look for your favorite restaurant or hot spots like Chino Latino or Dakota Jazz Club.

Pro-Manicure Bar:
Before leaving the Cosmetics Station, visitors can sample, experiment and even give themselves a full manicure at the self-service Pro-Manicure Bar.

Haircare Zone:
Our L'Oreal Paris stylists will be doing double duty, helping visitors find the haircare regimen suitable for their hair type and the right styling products for their best look. Samples of the recommended shampoos and conditioners will be available at the VIVE Pro bar for everyone who receives a consultation.

Haircolor Alley:
Walk along the new Hair Alley and enter the haircolor "House" of your choice Blonde, Brunette, Redhead or Special Effects. Dynamic displays will make finding the right shade and the right formulation virtually effortless. The L'Oreal Paris hair color experts will be on hand to offer one-on-one consultations to ensure you find the right haircolor for you.

Read more........www.fibre2fashion.com