"Haute Couture"

Here is a little thing to clarify, and it's kind of interesting:

Its the use of the term/understanding of the term "Haute Couture"

"In France, the term haute couture is protected by law and is defined by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris based in Paris, France. Their rules state that only "those companies mentioned on the list drawn up each year by a commission domiciled at the Ministry for Industry are entitled to avail themselves" of the label haute couture. The criteria for haute couture were established in 1945 and updated in 1992.

To earn the right to call itself a couture house and to use the term haute couture in its advertising and any other way, members of the Chambre syndicale de la haute couture must follow these rules:

• Design made-to-order for private clients, with one or more fittings.
• Have a workshop (atelier) in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full-time.
• Each season (i.e., twice a year), present a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least thirty-five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.

However, the term haute couture may have been misused by ready-to-wear brands since the late 1980s, so that its true meaning may have become blurred with that of prêt-à-porter (the French term for ready-to-wear fashion) in the public perception. Every haute couture house also markets prêt-à-porter collections, which typically deliver a higher return on investment than their custom clothing[citation needed]. Falling revenues have forced a few couture houses to abandon their less profitable couture division and concentrate solely on the less prestigious prêt-à-porter. These houses, such as Italian designer Roberto Capucci, all of whom have their workshops in Italy, are no longer considered haute couture.

Many top designer fashion houses, such as Chanel, use the word for some of their special collections. These collections are often not for sale or they are very difficult to purchase. Sometimes, "haute couture" is inappropriately used to label non-dressmaking activities, such as fine art, music and more."

Text from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haute_couture

Shift, It's about time!!

Spring of this year I became Shift Talent Management's "Media Manager". Interested in Fashion/Modeling? Check them out!

Spring is here...time for another Alberta Fashion Week!

I attended my second Alberta Fashion week, in May of this year and what a treat. Enjoy a small sample of pics from the 4 day event:

Xox,

T

Bill Cunningham New York, and a simply wonderful afternoon

"We're all blank canvases when we get up in the morning, and we paint ourselves..."

On a rather chilly day in March, my Mom and I agreed to an afternoon movie date. A friend had mentioned  a movie about street fashion in New York, and we knew instantly that we'd love to see it. It was an absolutely delightful afternoon spent with Mom, watching an absolutely wonderful and inspiring  movie... it's a must see for all you fashion lovers:

Bill Cunningham New York!

http://vimeo.com/19115891

Xox, T

Event Coverage- An African experience.

In the thick of a Calgary winter, I got one of my first opportunities to cover an event, representing the local fashion blog- "Calgary Fashion". Not only was this an exciting and nerve wracking experience, but it was also extremely enlightening and exemplified just how culturally diverse our city is becoming! Check out my coverage below:
Xox
T

ROC THE RUNWAY; AN AFRICAN INSPIRED JOURNEY...

Back by popular demand, the University of Calgary’s African Student’s Association presented its second annual “Roc The Runway 2011” fashion fundraiser.

With proceeds donated towards the hurricane relief efforts in Saint Lucia, as well as promoting awareness towards black history month, local artists and Calgary’s most trendy gathered in one of Calgary’s finest restaurants; Mango Shiva.

The venue was intimate which allowed guests to lose themselves in their surroundings, and enter into an evening journey of African pop culture and fashion.

To begin, talented musicians dressed in traditional African garb, drummed out beats to equally talented dancers who moved from one end of the room to the other; tantalizing and captivating the guests.

From the start to finish, models donning African inspired make-up (which could be compared to that of Kanye West’s dancers in the music video “Love Lock Down”) strutted the catwalk, featuring 3 widely talented designers:  Arewa, Pout Clothing and Eleven Eleven Boutique. All three designers displayed a mix of both modern couture and African attire, emphasizing bright colours and elegant eveningwear.

Along with up and coming fashion, drumming and dance performances, guests were also treated to live poetry readings, painting and song. It was truly a night of the arts, and we cannot go without mentioning Louie Pisterzi for his phenomenal body painting- head to toe and complete with a head dress of lettuce, the awe inspiring poet; Julian Smith, and most impressive singing sensation; Kiko Ewasiuk .

Not only could she, and did she belt out some of today’s most popular tunes- with models strutting the runway simultaneously- she had the pipes to back up every song she sang!

As it promised Roc The Runway was an elegant and classy event, which successfully transported “everyday” Calgarian’s into African life, for a moment in time.

In fact, it could be argued that “Roc the Runway 2011” was an even greater success than Roc The Runway 2010, and it’s exciting to think that the U of C students have successfully created a fashion and arts tradition within our city!

Look out Calgary; it can only be assumed that “Roc the Runway 2012” will be an even greater, show-stopping event in the year to come!!

Lets get Fabricated!

"FABRICATED is a high profile fashion event focused on the presentation of Calgary's fashion designers in a high end, artistic and creative manner. 

The purpose of FABRICATED is to bridge the gap between designers who are early in their careers and the decision makers/buyers for Calgary's top boutiques and retailers. The show will also highlight new collections from the cities better known and established designers, as well as local retailers looking for added exposure.

The focus of FABRICATED is on the designer. A team of Directors have combined their expertise and creative passion to produce a Fashion Show that aims to work for the designer.

Another unique feature of Fabricated is that each designer will be given the opportunity to directly promote their line at the coveted trunk show sale. Celebrating the dedication and inherent talent of each designer, FABRICATED strives to generate public interest in the arts, and unique diversity in Calgary's fashion community."- an excerpt from Fabricated's offical website: http://www.getfabricated.com

Enjoy some photos from the event in February, 2011!

Xox, T