London Fashion Week closes on a high note

On Friday, a stellar London Fashion Week closed on a high.

Josh Goot: One of Australia's most promising young designers made his London debut having shown previously in New York. 'Modernism's new messiah' and the 'King of Urban Chic' are just some of the monikers past collections have garnered Goot. And if his s/s 09 offering of neon-pastel bright prints and urban sports separates is anything to go by, more accolades will shortly be coming his way.

Bora Aksu: Inspired by the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock, ballet and 50s Couture, Bora Aksu's sugar-almond hued collection was elegant, beautiful and one of the most romantic of the week.

Ashish: Part of this designer's charm is his ability to throw together a cacophony of disparate elements and create an upbeat, fun collection. This season his references were the dressed down camo aesthetic of cult movie Private Benjamin, ornate military detailing cribbed from formal passing out parade uniforms and lucky charms motifs.

MAN: Celebrating its seventh season with the 2nd leg of a unique collaboration with Paris boutique Colette, this collective platform for some of the most exciting new names in menswear closed the week showcasing designs from James Long, Hans Madsen, Andrea Crews, Christopher Shannon and of course Topman.

source: www.fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

Shaadi Festival 2008 rocks Ahmedabad

Although seasonal, the thriving Indian Wedding Industry, estimated to be worth nearly Rs1,250 billion is getting bigger and fatter with every passing year. Come September, this sector is all set to grab its chunk of share from the market.

Held in Ahmedabad, the recent mega event, The Shaadi Festival, which ended on September 7, received the heavyweights of Indian wedding industry for exhibiting their products under one roof.

Organized by Red Events India Pvt Ltd, this extravaganza exhilarated wedding planners, fashion designers, make-up artists, jewellers, honeymoon planners, entertainers and everyone else involved in wedding industry. The event organized at The Grand Bhagwati hotel, was a visual treat for any couple who just walked in to have delight.

During the three day festival, a fashion show was organized by Manubhai Zaveri, a prominent jeweller in Ahmedabad.

The show hosted some of the biggies of fashion industry like Archana Kochar, Shyamal-Bhumika, Prriya & Chintan and Rashmi. The brigade of fashion designers displays their exclusive wedding collection with a style and uniqueness. The models were looking stunning in bridal jewellery from Manubhai Zaveri.

Shyamal and Bhumika, basically from Ahmedabad, presented their bridal collection in this show. The duo looks upon the country whenever they have to design bridal attire. According to them, texture and tradition of India inspires them to design fabulous outfits. A bride should select a shade which is suitable to the ceremony. Shyamal said that, today people want to tie the knot in a princely manner, and therefore, special zardosi work and cuts have found a special place in brides’ wardrobe.

Archana Kochar’s collection has the quality to give a bride an individualistic look. Her passion for yellow and wine purple is quite evident in her bridal collection.

According to Archana, cuts and drapes are life and soul of any attire. For a lehenga, cut plays an important role. Just a five-and-half-metre sari is not enough to make any Indian bride beautiful, but one can try some innovative saris of great design.

Archana also lays emphasis on attitude as with out it jewellery and outfits are as ordinary as daylight. Another important thing is the weight of any attire; “wear that you can bear”, she laughs. For shades, she said, every hue is suitable to a person; only thing is that one needs to pick up a perfect shade.

For Rashmi, red and orange give a spark to Indian wear as red is for sindoor and orange is for abil (white powder used in Hindu rituals) which displays our tradition. According to Prriya & Chintan, fashion is never out-dated; whatever one wears becomes a fashion.

In the end, a fabulous collection of jewellery was showcased by Manubhai Zaveri. Perfect jewellery with the perfect attire makes brides complete.

The high voltage event had an electrifying effect on the visiting couples who want to tie nuptial knot this season.

source: http://www.fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

IMG Fashion to welcome creative new talents

Fashion insiders from around the world will come together as the first Spring 09 collections are revealed at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week from September 5-12.

Creative new talents will share the stage in the iconic tents of Bryant Park with celebrated designers such as Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Betsey Johnson and DKNY, who is enjoying its 20th Anniversary, among other designers from Brazil, China, Korea, Japan, Russia, India, Israel, Spain, France, Italy and Australia.

“We are very excited to welcome so many new talents to the most prominent fashion event of the season,” said Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion. “We are anxious to observe how these energetic, enthusiastic and creative new ‘fashion engineers’ will inspire, influence and impact an industry hungry for new talent.”

This season a record number of internationally recognized designers will present their collections to buyers, editors of noted fashion magazine, the media, celebrities, clients, industry professionals and various VIP’s. The list of debuting designers includes Michael Angel, Charlotte Ronson, Andy & Debb, Thuy, Sergio Davila, Leifsdottir, Aurelio Costarella and Zheng Luo. Each designer’s distinctive vision and unique approach to fashion and style will be reflected on the runway.

Australian designer, Michael Angel, has been in the fashion industry for over 10 years, as a top stylist for many influential celebrities and campaigns. He has now transferred his hypercolor designs into fabric and created a collection that will truly astonish.

Charlotte Ronson has gained a notable reputation and an enviable fashion and celebrity following. With fourteen boutiques already in Japan, her much anticipated debut show in Bryant Park will reinforce her future expansion on the global fashion scene.

Andy & Debb, a famous Korean couple, produce their own collection and run a number of boutiques in major department stores in Korea. Their signature clean, fresh modern cuts are inspired by the artists’ designs in the many museums and galleries they frequent.

Thuy Diep, the Vietnamese born, New York designer inherited her talent and skills from her parents, who used to run a tailoring school and custom-made clothing shop. Thuy’s romantic, sophisticated style mixes together a casual chic reflective of “a woman of beauty and intellect with an artistic and forever youthful soul.”

Peruvian native, Sergio Davila, began developing and marketing a menswear line based on a vision for how he himself wanted to dress. His very first collection created a buzz on the West Coast and was immediately bought by many established retailers. Davila’s character, hard work and talent has helped secure him a mark on the Manhattan fashion scene.

Anthropologie's new wholesale line, Leifdottir, is a pretty, artsy and quirky collection of clothes for a young, feminine customer.
source: http://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

Sona Swiss presents 24K garland to Lalbaug cha Raja!

The unconventional beauty of 24k gold foil products of Sona Swiss presented a huge garland of 24k gold roses to Lalbaug Cha raja on the occasion of 75 years of Lalbaug Ganeshotsav. The 10 feet height garland, 346 roses worth 9Lakhs and the uncommon beauty of the gold roses made the 24k gold rose garland an eye catcher.

This garland has been handcrafted & has been specially designed & created using traditional goldsmith’s skill combined with the latest patented 3D Art Technology.

has been recognized globally for its innovative designs, defining the contemporary style, a dedicated professional team in transforming gold into a piece of art, to give a state of art craftsmanship. Sona Swiss expertise’s in producing a fusion of highly emotive products with clearly defined lines to achieve reachable & tangible beauty.

By stirring the imagination, the most elegant, exquisitely designed state-of-art 24k décor is produced which speaks for itself. The uncommon beauty, the unconventional glamour all makes our 24k gold product an eye catcher.

All the products are made of pure 24 carat Gold leaf with a purity of 999.9 in a thousand. They have also been independently certified for their gold purity by the Assay offices in London and New York.

All the gold products come with a certification from Taiwan, USA, etc our gold foil products are patented for designing and manufacturing. All gold materials are of high purity imported from Switzerland.
source: http://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

ETGES to take place in Addis Ababa Ethiopia

TTGS are proud to announce that we are organising the Ethiopian Leather, Textile & Garment Exhibition & Symposium (ETGES) in Addis Ababa Ethiopia 12th November 2008 to 16th November 2008.

Designed to promote the sector, it will be organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian government. Producers and fashion companies such as Nike and Adidas have already confirmed their attendance.

We have assembled a team of experts in the Textile and Garment field to help Ethiopian Manufacturers to move to the goal of excellence in Productivity, Design, Quality and Customer Service.

We also act for International Companies wanting to find a new source of manufacturing that can compete with the other more established sources in Asia.

source: http://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

Top designers to create eco-inspired ‘look’ for runway show

The Be EcoChic campaign, conceived by a hybrid group of innovative fashion luminaries and environmental leaders, will celebrate its global launch with a star-studded runway show that kicks-off New York Fashion Week.

The group fashion show will take place on Thursday, September 4th at the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History and will help redefine the runway in a universe that is going "green."

Leading names in fashion, including Carmen Marc Valvo, Chado Ralph Rucci, Christian Cota, Del Forte, Donna Karan (DKNY), FORM, Red Carter, Vena Cava and many more, are lending their support.

All designs will feature innovative fabrics that are environmentally-sensitive, sustainable, low-impact or recycled. To complement the designs, celebrity makeup artist, Matin, will create a chic eco-inspired "look" for the runway show.

"Being fashionable and environmentally-friendly are no longer mutually exclusive," says Fern Mallis, Be EcoChic Advisory Committee member and Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion.

"With forward-thinking creativity and a new generation of sustainable fabrics, designers have taken 'green' fashion to an entirely new level. Eco-fashion is not a trend but rather a new category we can anticipate seeing a lot more of on the runway."

The designers' eco-inspirations will be modeled by celebrities and/or environmentalist who have joined the cause, including former-Miss USA and model-actress Susie Castillo, environmentalist Jayni Chase, Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin, performer Coltrane Curtis, Gossip Girl's Tamara Feldman, supermodel Patti Hansen, actress Lauren Hutton, Ugly Betty's Mark Indelicato, environmentalist Mary Richardson Kennedy, author Tom Kostigen, Desperate Housewives' Joy Lauren, LipStick Jungle's James Lesure, Red Hot & Green's Carter Oosterhouse, This Might Hurt's Alex Menenses, models (and daughters of Keith Richards) Alexandra & Theodora Richards, High School Musical's Olesya Rulin, environmentalist Laura Turner Seydel, actress Dominique Swain, Law & Order: SVU's Tamara Tunie, supermodel Alek Wek and many others.

"This campaign brings eco-lifestyle mainstream by raising awareness of how making small, meaningful changes can have a positive impact on the environment," says Angela Lindvall, Be EcoChic event host, supermodel and co-star of "AlterEco" airing on Discovery's Planet Green. "To 'be eco chic' not only applies to your wardrobe but also to your state of mind."

Research conducted by ecoAmerica shows that 86% of Americans express concern about the environment, yet only 1% see it as the most important problem facing America. It also shows that Americans view the environmental movement as traditional, dated and out of touch with current society.

The research concluded that the environmental movement would be well-served by creating a "personalized" call to action that demonstrates value in simple, incremental changesin personal behaviors.

source : http://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com/news

INTIMA brings exceptional biz opportunities to lingerie producers

The INTIMA Lingerie & Swimwear Exhibition, to be held from April 7 – 9, 2009 provides an opportunity to the lingerie manufacturers and producers from all across the world to capitalise on growth witnessed by the burgeoning Middle East market.

The INTIMA Lingerie & Swimwear Exhibition is organised by IIR Middle East, the region's largest exhibition and conference organizer with a portfolio of 25 industry leading exhibitions and 500 conferences annually. IIR Middle East also organises the Middle East's largest garments and apparel exhibition, Motexha.

Being the region's largest event organizer, IIR Middle East has access to just the right contacts in the lingerie and swimwear industry, guaranteeing exceptional business opportunities for exhibiting organisations.

Exhibitor Profile:
Manufacturers, suppliers & representatives of:
• Beachwear
• Daywear
• Foundation Garments
• Hosiery
• Lingerie
• Men's Underwear
• Sleepwear
• Sportswear
• Swimwear
• Underwear

Visitor Profile:
• Decision Makers & Professional Trade Buyers
• Departmental Stores
• Distributors, Wholesalers & Re-exporters
• Haute Couture Boutiques
• Hypermarkets
• Lingerie & Swimwear Designers
• Lingerie & Swimwear Industry Publications
• Lingerie/Beachwear & Men's Wear Outlets
• Multi-product Outlets
• Procurement Experts
• Retail Investors & Entrepreneurs
• Specialist Chains
• Supermarkets
• Trade Associations

source: www.fibre2fashion.com

Nikolaki to grace catwalk of Islands of the World Fashion Week

Nick Verreos, the noted designer behind the label, Nikolaki, will showcase his latest creations on the catwalk of Islands of the World Fashion Week in November, 2008 as one of the select international guest designers.

Nick Verreos is best known as one of the breakout designers from Bravo’s Project Runway (Second Season), and winner of the Barbie Challenge. Launched in 2001, with his partner David Paul, the line Nikolaki is carried in stores such as Henri Bendel, Nordstrom, Fred Segal, Diavolina, Aero & Co. and Mushi Mushi. Celebrities such as Marlee Matlin, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria and Brenda Strong of Desperate Housewives, Patricia Arquette, Kathy Griffin and Nikka Costa have all worn his creations.

In addition to creating his Red Carpet designs for Nikolaki, Mr. Verreos has extended his success as a fashion expert on TV Guide’s Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna, Fashion Team, and E! Countdown to the Academy Awards. He is also one of the Glam Squad on the MSN.com style site, Style Studio.

A graduate of UCLA in political science and international relations, Mr. Verreos continued his studies in advanced fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, where he has returned and currently serves as a lecturer and the Official Spokesperson for the institution.

Mr. Verreos’ line, Nikolaki, will grace the catwalk of Islands of the World Fashion Week in November. He will also share his signature wit and experience during Islands of the World Fashion Week by hosting a talk and “face to face” on the fashion industry for designers and other interested persons, and participating as a guest judge for the evaluation and presentation of the recognition awards.

Islands of the World Fashion Week will premiere this Fall, November 5th-8th, at the historic British Colonial Hilton Hotel in Nassau, and the internationally-acclaimed Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island. The event is intended to showcase the work of established and new designers of both garments and accessories either based in or originating from the various islands around the world, providing them with a means to expose their designs to international media, retailers, merchandisers and agents.

The event is endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) due to the concurrent promotion of the themes of cultural diversity, the environment and climate change, the education of youth on HIV/AIDS, and poverty alleviation as they impact small, developing island states. The event will contribute financial support to work in these areas through the charitable organizations of YouthAIDS and the Small Island States Foundation.

Islands of the World Fashion Week

Thanks to fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

Laura Williams to show original creations at Couture Fashion Week

Visionary fashion designer Laura Williams will present her latest collection of inspired creations at Couture Fashion Week in New York City.

The fashion show will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2008 in the Majestic Ballroom of the elegant Westin Times Square Hotel, in the heart of the Big Apple and promises to be a memorable event.

The fashions of the Washington DC-based designer are characterized by an original style and exceptional craftsmanship.

Born to a mother whose life revolved around her family, Laura Williams picked up the art of sewing at a young age and soon was making clothes for her family and friends.

Since then, she has pursued her dream of becoming a renowned fashion designer, earning a BS degree from the University of the District of Columbia, and attending the Ardis School of Fashion and Design.

Many of her designs have made it to store shelves, including Gallery Africa in Maryland as well as Trade Secrets, Just One, the Mya Gallery, Dale of Ida's and African Eye in Washington DC.

Ms. Williams has collaborated with celebrities including musician Jeff Majors, music director Vince Evans and Dick Gregory, and has worked with the Congressional Black Caucus Fashion shows.

Ms. Williams recently showed her designs on the runway at 7 on Seventh at Pearl Studio. Her work has been included in the Multicolor Workshop Catalog, based in Illinois, and she and her children have appeared in I Want to Be: A Fashion Designer.

The stunning accessories for Laura Williams' fashion show at Couture Fashion Week will be provided by Melody Burns owner and designer of Kiini Ibura Jewelry of Brooklyn, NY.

The runway show will be preceded by a dance presentation by Ms. Williams' daughter Lauren, who has performed with the Duke Ellington production of Hair as well at 7 on Seventh Fashion Week. A lifelong dancer, Lauren will graduate in 2009 from Temple University with a degree in Theater and Japanese.

Couture Fashion Week

New fashion line by BMW sportingly stylish

BMW, a name that rules the amazing world of cars and automobiles has not even left the fashion world untouched. The company has stunning and sporty range BMW Lifestyle for speed and style freaks that includes wide variety of cloths and accessories.

The new 2008 collection is being displayed at QAF Auto Showroom in Beribi Industrial Area. This new range of garments and accessories highlight high quality finish and designs, which completely reflects what BMW stands for. The high end fashion line is not only luxurious and stylish but also extremely comfortable.

BMW Sauber F1 Team collection features limited official merchandise products like Team shirts, special edition key rings, backpacks and all-weather jackets.

Stylish apparel for men and women includes various kinds of jackets like fleece and hood, crew neck shirts, polo shirts, tank tops and team blouses. Along with series of amazing accessories like wallets, handbags, writing instruments, cufflinks, sunglasses, umbrellas, caps and watches.

The company has also come up with an exuberant range of clothing for the young sports enthusiasts known as BMW 'Baby Racers'.

BMW had initially begun manufacturing outfits especially for its race car drivers in 1970s. However, after witnessing immense craze of its apparel among fashion lovers the company introduced its exclusive Lifestyle range.

Thanks to fibre2fashion.com

Fashion V Sport sponsored by ECCO Shoes

A new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) this summer, Fashion V Sport, will explore the relationship between contemporary fashion and global sportswear brands. Both industries have been inspired by street style and have been working in closer collaboration in recent years.

Date: 5 August – 14 December 2008

On display will be around 60 outfits including performance sportswear, work by fashion designers such as Stella McCartney who have designed sportswear ranges, and garments such as the work of Japanese label Visvim which show the influence of sportswear on high fashion. There will also be design drawings, photographs and film to examine how these products are worn, designed, advertised and collected.

The exhibition will show highlights from collections by designers who have playfully incorporated the style of sportswear into catwalk fashion such as Bernard Wilhelm’s Spring/Summer 07 patterned designs based on American bodybuilders and Jean Charles de Castelbajac’s colourful reinterpretation of a jogging suit for his Autumn/Winter 01 collection.

It will also illustrate how designers like Dries van Noten and Kim Jones have reworked sportswear staples such as the grey jersey tracksuit into high fashion items.

Fashion V Sport will trace the customization of sports fashion and will include work such as a jacket reconstructed from sections of Nike clothing by cult designer Dr Romanelli and Jeremy Scott’s range for Adidas inspired by the work of artist Keith Haring.

The exhibition will also show how the creativity of customizers such as I-Saw and Nash Money has been embraced by global superbrands, as seen in Rbk Custom trainers which allow the consumer to design their own shoe.

The final section will look at the world of sportswear obsessives – from collectors who own hundreds of pairs of trainers to the Japanese fashion designer Hirofumi Kiyonaga who has created a brand named after his virtual football team ‘Football Club Real Bristol’ for which he designs two fashion collections each year.

It will display extraordinary products from Nike’s handmade crocodile skin trainers to Ends’ diamond-encrusted shoelaces alongside examples of advertising campaigns for fashion brands featuring sports personalities such as David Beckham and David James modelling for Armani.

ECCO Shoes, the international shoe brand, are proud sponsors of Fashion V Sport. The exhibition will take place in the Porter Gallery, the V&A’s new gallery for contemporary exhibitions and installations, and will be designed by Metaphor.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Celebrate fashion in today's tight economy

This fall, students will return to school in high spirits sporting the latest must-have shoe and accessory trends such as plaid flats, argyle backpacks, graphic and high-top sneakers, moc-toe loafers, peep-toe and ballet flats, mary jane heels, wedges, and vintage-inspired pumps.

At prices averaging under $20 each, kids and teens can ring in the new school year outfitted in the latest brands and trends and still celebrate fashion in tight economy courtesy of Payless and its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear.

Payless ShoeSource is bringing shoppers the latest styles at unbeatable prices, including its Designer Collections, which hit the runway at New York Fashion Week and include such labels as Abaete for Payless, Lela Rose for Payless, and Alice + Olivia for Payless.

The company has also secured its position as a "House of Brands" retailer with an expanded portfolio of well-known brands now offered at Payless stores including Airwalk, American Eagle, Dexter, Champion and Dunkman.

"We are committed to delivering fresh, fashion-forward branded products that channel youthful energy and individuality," said Matt Rubel, chief executive officer and president of Payless ShoeSource.

"There's no better time to shop at Payless than in tight economic times. With the arrival of our back-to-school collection featuring top brands like Airwalk and American Eagle, not only will trend- and brand-conscious kids step out
with confidence, but parents can feel assured they are getting a great value that won't blow their already strained budget."

The Payless back-to-school collection features the latest trends including:
- Silhouettes - high-top sneakers, slip-on slides, moc-toe loafers, ballet flats, peep-toe flats, platforms, pumps, mary jane heels, wedges and flats
- Colors & Patterns - cream, hunter green, vintage plum, muted gray, classic black, fire engine red, plaid and argyle
- Materials - canvas, high shine patents, sparkly finishes, tweed
- Details - bows, studs, pleating, straps, buckles, chop-outs, frayed edges

Coordinating handbags and clutches come in structured shapes and feature the most popular fall materials such as patent and plaid. Sturdy backpacks with multiple zipper and buckle pockets provide plenty of storage space for the student on-the-go.

Sporty teens seeking to add edge to their wardrobes can kick it in Airwalk's high-tops or graphic-canvas slip-ons, while the Designer-obsessed can score runway-worthy looks with Payless' Fall 08 Designer Collections, due to hit stores in the coming weeks. The line reflects styles straight from the fall runway shows at New York Fashion Week.

Payless Fall Designer Collections:
Lela Rose, Laura Poretzky, and Stacey Bendet are Payless Guest Designers select fashion designers that create designer footwear and accessory collections featuring the latest runway looks, which Payless brings to its stores at affordable prices.

Thanks to http://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

Dayana Mendoza wins Miss Universe 2008 contest

This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live international television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, as MISS UNIVERSE 2008 live from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.

Ms. Mendoza is 22 years-old and her career ambition is to become an Interior Designer. She also enjoys photography and is interested in advertising.

The judging panel for the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant included: Donald Trump Jr, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization; fashion designer and entrepreneur Roberto Cavalli; Nadine Velazquez, international cover girl and star of NBC's "My Name Is Earl"; Jennifer Hawkins, television presenter and Miss Universe 2004; Louis Licari, celebrity colorist and "Today Show" ambush makeover expert; Joe Cinque, President of the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences; Bollywood film & TV star, dancer, model Eesha Koppikhar; Nguyen Cong Khe, Editor in Chief of Thanh Nien newspaper and international shoe designer Taryn Rose.

Jerry Springer and Mel B hosted the telecast of the 57th Annual Miss Universe competition where Lady GaGa performed her hit "Just Dance".

Throughout the two-hour event, contestants from 80 countries and territories around the world competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and personality interview.

Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 1 billion viewers.

Final Results:
First Runner Up: Miss Colombia, Taliana Vargas; will assume the duties of MISS UNIVERSE 2008 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Miss Dominican Republic, Marianne Cruz Gonzale.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Mexico, Elisa Najera; and Miss Russia, Vera Krasova.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss Kosovo, Zana Krasniqi; Miss Australia, Laura Dundovic; Miss Spain, Claudia Moro; Miss USA, Crystle Stewart; and Miss Italy, Claudia Ferraris.

Rest of Top Fifteen: Miss Vietnam, Lam Thuy Nguyen; Miss South Africa, Tansey Coetzee; Miss Japan, Hiroko Mima;; Miss Hungary, Jazmin Dammak; and Miss Czech Republic, Eliska Buckova.

National Costume Award: Miss Thailand, Gavintra Photijak. The general public voted for the international delegate whose national costume best reflected her country's culture, originality in preparation and the delegate's personal demeanor. She received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.

Miss Congeniality Universe Award: Miss El Salvador, Rebeca Moreno. This award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She also received a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy from Rogaska Crystal.

The MISS UNIVERSE 2008 prize package includes: the Miss Universe tiara created by CAO Fine Jewelry (a division of PNJ) designed by Mrs. Dang Thi Kim Lien and Rosalina Lydster valued at more than $30,000 dollars; a 2 year scholarship from the New York Film Academy worth more than $100,000 dollars to its acting or film-making programs; eveningwear gowns from Scala, designed by Sherri Hill; a national and international multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear; a custom swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand; a shoe collection from Nina Footwear; a trophy from Rogaska Crystal; year-long supply of Farouk Systems products, makers of CHI, the original Ceramic Technology tools; membership to Gravity Fitness and pampering at John Barrett Salon; fashion portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; consultations with nutritionist and creator of The F-Factor Diet Tanya Zuckerbrot; dermatology and skincare services by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; consultations with personal stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers; a New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and professional goals.

Thanks to http://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

Supermodel Karolina Kurkova has been attacked by the Brazilian media

Supermodel Karolina Kurkova has been attacked by the Brazilian media for appearing too fat on the runway.

Karolina Kurkova Supermodel
Czech Kurkova was slated in the country for appearing in a bikini with what critics called "back fat, love handles and cellulite".

Kurkova, 24, is best known for being a Victoria's Secret Angel whose superfit physique has graced the pages of fashion magazines around the world.

But her recent appearance at the Cia Maritima show during Sao Paulo Fashion Week had fashion critics up in arms.

An article in a Brazilian paper about the leggy 5'11" Kurkova described how "shocked" the audience was when she appeared looking uncharacteristically chubby with "cellulite on her butt."

Kurkova is one of the world's highest-paid models, according to Forbes.

In addition to Victoria's Secret, she has featured in campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel and Balenciaga.

The fashion industry has been under fire recently for its promotion of skinny models and pledged to adopt a more healthy image for young girls who often force themselves to become thin in the battle to secure a place among the top tier.

In 2006, Brazilian model Ana Carolina Reston, 21, made headlines when she died of anorexia on the eve of a Paris photoshoot after subsisting on a diet of apples and tomatoes for several months. At 5'8", she weighed just 39.9kg.

In 2007, Uruguayan fashion model Eliana Ramos, 18, died of a heart attack believed to be related to malnutrition.

The shocking deaths prompted a public outcry and heavy criticism of the fashion industry for promoting unattainable standards of beauty.
Source : News Limited

Vishal Retail opens five news showrooms during last week

Vishal Retail Ltd has informed that the Company has opened five new Showrooms, during last week at below mentioned locations:

1. B-10/7B, B-10/7A & B-10/7, Kaunkund Ward, Sheerpur, Sonarpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh : Area covered (approx) of 5300 sq. ft.

2. Shop No.1, Plot No. E/1A, Sector-12, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra : Area covered (approx) of 1440 sq. ft.

3. CM-66-67, GIDC, Near Adani Store, Gunjan Area, Vapi, Gujarat : Area covered (approx) of 16000 sq. ft.

4. HPCL Store - Asia Highway Services, Jalandhar Road, Bhoura, Ludhiana : Area covered (approx) of 1535 sq. ft.

5. HPCL Store - Auto Care Centre, Opp.: Mansi Apartment, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat :
Area covered (approx) of 1225 sq. ft.

The tally of total number of stores of the Company has reached 117 stores spread across India, spreading across an area of 23,10,000 sq. ft (approx.)

Vishal Retail Ltd

Woman looks confident & romantic in Herchcovitch’s collection

The women who wear Alexandre Herchcovitch will find a collection filled with romanticism for the summer of 2008/09.

The silhouette is not close to the body, the looks are also ample.

Opting for light fabrics, at times even transparent, the stylist created little overalls, short dresses, blouses and bermudas.

The sleeves are leg-of-mutton; the balloon appears discretely, as do tiny flowers as prints.

Pleats are present in the collection, but the tiny ruffles are what add volume and graciousness to the pieces.

The color chart for Herchcovitch’s woman’s fashion uses light hues of yellow, green and pastel. Black is seen throughout the collection, as is shine.

Thanks to fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com

SIFA launches soothing summer wear

SIFA is one of the most sought after fashion house in Vietnam, as it constantly introduces trendy garments for its valuable clients. The most recent addition in the creative collection is the stunning summer wear.

The entire range comprises of simple and stylish designs that have become quite popular among the young fashionistas who have strong sense of individuality.

This collection includes knee length dresses, capries, trousers and shirts that are made from frabics like cotton and khaki which are perfect for summers.

Soothing shades of blue, yellow, green and pink dominate this summer collection. These trendy dresses are fast depleting from the designer store as it is making the young girls look all the more beautiful.

Thanks to fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com