adidas Originals Spring/Summer 2008: Introducing Originals Denim by Diesel & Presenting the Atelier Retail Concept

On February 4, 2008, two iconic lifestyle brands, adidas Originals and Diesel, launched break-through product collaboration - adidas Originals Denim by Diesel.The first denim collection to result from this four year relationship is a collectible line of extremely detailed, premium denim for true aficionados, designed together by the adidas Originals and Diesel creative teams.
adidas Originals and Diesel - two global brands that stand for authenticity, self-expression and creativity - have come togBerlin and New York were the first metropolitan cities to welcome the new adidas Originals Atelier retail concept, to be launched exclusively during their respective Fashion Weeks. Inspired by all of the characteristic traits of an atelier that symbolize the evolvement of craftsmanship, the new retail concept shapes a fresh identity and combines the brand's incomparable sports authenticity with a contemporary look.The newly designed adidas Originals store will be transformed into an open and inviting space that will serve as a one-of-a-kind destination where consumers are inspired to Celebrate Originality.ether in the spirit of unconstrained exploration and collaboration.

Carrie Amber Intimates

If what lies underneath is all that matters, it's inevitable for Carrie Amber Intimates to speak to the femme fatale within all of us. Carrie Amber has no qualms when it comes to the allusion of sensuality. The elegant embroidery and superior craftsmanship highlight the unique designs of this refined line of intimate appareThis sophisticated line takes a modern turn on traditional lingerie by reinventing the look of blooming femininity through influences ranging from the latest in European fashion to luscious, high quality fabrication. It comes to no surprise that Carrie Amber Intimates has a heritage in lingerie that spans for over a decade. The collection allows all women, slim or curvy, the opportunity to look and feel fabulous by offering exquisite bras, lush panties and an enchanting array of baby dolls, chemises robes, and garter belts.l.

The Spirit of the Autumn/ Winter 2009/2010 Season

observing/taking/upsettingattracting/joking/saturating/rebounding/interpreting to revive a combative confidence and creative boldnessfearlessly experimentingflaunting fantasy without guiltbeing moved by reckless handlesprovoking unusual behaviorsrunning away with heavinessabandoning consensuseluding codes/ intersecting referencesshuffling aesthetic boundarieslinking technology and an environmental consciencesetting differences ablazedrawing on fabric and color as generators of energystrengthening the positive tensions within the fashion whirlwindto thrust ourselves into the futureand radiate with optimism
The Color Trends for Autumn/Winter 2009/2010 Season--Seizing on color as a power source to jolt colorful tensions.--Maintaining equal pressure on liveliness and neutrality and encouraging luminosity.--Heightening intensity, and circulating energy in a positive, rippling or alternating current.Electric ShocksDeeply colored darks contrast in a binary and high-voltage cadence with subversive and grating brights. Flamboyant ResonanceVolcanic condensations intersect, in an undulating and explosive harmony, with voluptuous incandescence. Silent AgitationsWarm and lightened neutrals interplay, in ambiguously multi-colored tone-on-tone, with deliciously tinted suaves.

Stahl's Color Forecast for Autumn / Winter 2009 - 2010

After several seasons of over-abundance, eccentricity and the triumph of artificial over the natural, there is a strong desire to return to a state of equilibrium. Is this a reflection of the current world economic climate? Has this resulted in a wish for fashion to take things steady rather than go overboard? Or is it simply a question of pausing for thought while we mix technical and traditional once more?
The booklet that has just been published shows six quite distinct color groups all related to the significant keywords "personalization, mobility, quality, smart solutions and eco-supporter" which, in their turn, point the ways in which designers are thinking about the use of dramatic colors for the coming autumn and winter 2009 - 2010 seasons.
The forecast starts with the drama of autumn, a veritable explosion of autumn colors and shades on classic shapes in a group called "Assuring Heritage". Here is luxury coupled with eccentricity and sophisticated couture, colors that combine young and modern with a touch of vintage.Just as winter is darker than autumn, so the next group, "Unexpected Poetry" moves into the mysterious realm of hypnotic dark colors, colors that are strongly reminiscent of the long dark evenings to come as winter progresses. Black magic and a dandy style combine with wonderful Victorian influences in a new fusion of feminine and masculine.

The Fair, the Brands and Distribution

The new babies of thirty-something mothers eat, drink and sleep "organic" !PROMOSTYL already treated this current in its Baby-Layette trend book for Summer 09 from two angles :The UTOPIA theme that spoke of a "future where emotion and innovation give a delicately sophisticated aura to organics", that is: fabrics are treated in non-polluting techniques, shapes play with simplicity and well-being, cosmetic packaging adopts recycled materials and minimalist markings.
The EUPHORIA theme, with its happy, optimistic atmosphere, made reference to organic vegetables with humorous graphics on T-shirts, sleepwear, bags and other accessories.This organic current was very high-profile at the recent children's fashion fair "PLAYTIME" which took place at Montreuil (Paris). A rapidly growing trade fair with a profusion of small, creative brands exhibiting there.This season, "bio-fashion" played the star role with several brands, mostly recent ones and often focused on small products. Their concept is first of all to appeal to consumers with charm, humor or glamour - and then offer an ethical product that is environmentally friendly or responsibly manufactured.
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The labeling of these products - and thus the constraints inherent to vegetable dyes or the transport of products - is increasingly regulated. The aim is to prove that it is no longer just a question of adopting a marketing posture or a passing fashion trend: but a concrete reality of the market and here to stay !
Among these eco-brands: COQ EN PÂTE with T-shirts, bibs, bags and canvas suitcases for babies - with motifs created by artist Tinou Le Joly Senoville. VELVET MARMELADE offered up a line of child/parent T-shirts in organic cotton with humorous motifs like "Le King Elvis" with the face of King Louis XIV...
SATYA (Belgium) with children's garments in organic cotton, manufactured in India and Agrocel certified with a dying procedure using vegetable dyes like indigo and madder.
VICTORIA CHRISTMAS (which also has a boutique-showroom at 41, Galerie Vivienne - 75002 Paris) showed a more global approach: a line for 0-2 years with refined detailing and fabrics from Japan manufactured in an artisans' village whose water has unique properties and with all natural dyes; the line is accompanied by a fragrance and a range of accessories.
LA QUEUE DU CHAT showed cocnept collections for children 0-4 years on a fair-trade basis in organic cotton - all manufactured by Indian artisans and in line with the Transparent Trade label. Body-suits, T-shirts and dresses or pants with funny graphics - sold in the Parisian boutique well-known for its environmental awareness: LILLI BULLE : 3 rue de la Forge Royale - 75011 Paris.
The Dutch brand IMPS AND ELFS was one of the first to produce organic casualwear for babies and children - 10 years ago.Americans are also working in this domain and many of them sell via Internet: NUI ORGANICS, based in Austin, Texas sells products in organic wool - which means that the sheep's wool - from farm to final product - has never come in contact with pesticides, formaldehyde or other chemical additives: it is thus a truly 100% non-allergenic product.
Distribution, for its part, is increasingly committed to "green". GAP with its jeans and T-shirts, MONOPRIX (France) with its city-center shops, has long been practicing sustainable growth and ecological products. The French chain DU PAREIL AU MEME also sells baby garments in an organic style

Global Color Forecast and Trend Inspirations

Strong feelings about increasing cultural unity and personal commitments to a better environment can be expected to make consumers more receptive to bright, layered colors, contrasted with earthy, neutral tones, according to the 2009 edition of ColorForward™. This Clariant Masterbatches color trend analysis and design tool is released annually to help designers and marketing professionals make informed color choices. ColorForward 2009 is the collaborative effort of color specialists from North and South America, Europe and Asia. It is an invaluable service available through Clariant’s global network of ColorWorks™ design & technology centers.
Each year, the ColorForward team explores global cultural influences and lifestyle trends to gauge their impact on color directions for future consumer products। “These color forecasts are meant to be used as a guide, linking color preferences and social trends and showing how these relationships impact the path of color trends.” explains Carolyn Sedgwick, Clariant ColorWorks Business Manager. “ColorForward does not tell you what color to choose. Rather, its goal is to provide information and inspiration that can be interpreted, adapted and applied to suit individual marketing objectives and product requirements.”

The Basic Formal Dress Code

If the invitation says “black tie optional,” it means “formal.” Formal dress will vary by time of day, but it will always conform to a certain style. A traditional daytime formal look, also called morning dress, demands a black or gray tailcoat or walking coat with trousers that either match exactly or feature pinstripes. This look, still seen for weddings and formal diplomatic receptions, especially in Europe, also includes a double-breasted vest, long tie, gloves, a boutonniere, tall hat and smart cufflinks.
Evening formal still means the basic tuxedo, but any dark suit can work. Traditionally, the suit is accompanied by a white shirt, dark tie, dark socks and shoes. This can vary depending upon the event. Many men prefer a tie with a bright color or pattern, worn with a matching handkerchief. Not only is a suit and long tie often more flattering than a tuxedo, especially if that tux is not tailored to fit exactly, but it can be more comfortable and allow a man to express more of his individuality. However, it is important that the tie be of exceptional quality. Only a silk tie, preferably tied with a classic knot, is acceptable when choosing this look for a formal evening occasion.
Variations in the Formal Dress CodeIn the modern era, when black tie events such as the Oscars allow for even casual dress, what is formal is not always strictly defined or adhered to. A man might wear semi-formal or cocktail attire, for example, and not feel out of place, whereas in the 1940s, he might not have been allowed into the function.
Formal wear for an outdoor summer wedding these days might mean a good linen or silk suit. However, these must be worn with a tie. Formal wear simply does not allow for even the most expensive T-shirt or open collar dress shirt.
For an evening event, the standard formal dress code is still a dark suit, although again, if you are going to be outdoors in summer, you can feel free to add some variations, depending on the nature of the event. That is, you should still wear a suit and tie and dressy shoes, but you can wear a light dress shirt in a contrasting color and a patterned silk tie.
Other ways to play with your look include having fun with accessories. Instead of plain cufflinks, opt for something vintage or artistic. An outdoor summer event might allow for a trendy belt, rather than something classic, so long as it doesn’t clash with your attire. Swap a dress hat for a straw boater or Panama for a 1920s look.
]Assess the EventIf you are going to bend the formal dress code, you need to know the nature of the event and the people hosting. If the occasion is of an artistic nature, then you can feel very comfortable going wild, so long as you still look respectable. A very traditional wedding or reception, however, will demand that you adhere to stricter standards. And anything official means you have to dress the part faultlessly. If you’re not sure if your suit will fit the bill, you can go to a high-end menswear shop and ask advice – the salespeople will be happy to help you. With a good, well-fitting suit and shirt, matching tie and dress shoes, you can feel confident of looking appropriate.

Ideas for Tattoos

Ideas for Tattoos These ideas for your next tattoo are still going to be seen on more than one person's body, but they might not be as common as the standard flash distributed to multiple studios throughout the world. Some of these websites offer thousands of free tattoo ideas, some of which are even printable, so you can take them as flash stencils right to your tattoo artist. These are often pay services, but you can still look at the ideas for free! Here is a list of free tattoo idea sites to get you started:
Tattoodles has tons of flash to look at for great ideas! While you do have to pay for the images if you want to print out a stencil (via membership), you can definitely get some great free ideas. Tattoo Designs offers a limited collection of tattoo flash for your perusal, and you can also print these out. Be aware that some of the images may be too fuzzy to be used as stencils. Tattoo Spot also offers free images for your ideas. Other Ways to Get a DesignIf you want an even more custom-made design, you can often go to a tattoo studio and ask if there is an apprentice who is willing to draw up a design for you, for free. Apprentices will often work for no (or little) pay in order to gain the tattooing and drawing experience, but the quality may not be as high as what you would expect from an experienced artist.

Punk

Punk might appear to be an anti-fashion style devised by fashion designers to attract public attention. It has a tough, street anarchic, aura with spikes, slashed material, studs, jagged patches . Designers invoke punk to suggest an offbeat 'attittude'. Punk style is associated with the rebel, the social outsider rather than the conformist power status dresser. But those who identify themselves as punk believe that punk is not just a style, but a state of mind that gives an understandfing that is beyond the comprehension of those who are not punks.

Adopt a rocker/biker style

We see an elongated silhouette with extra long slim-fit jeans that fold up around the ankle. Suit jackets are worn shorter and in at the waist.Duffle coats and overcoats take on a redingote length in traditionally British fabrics. We find dark monochrome Prince of Wales patterns and tweeds and chevrons in various shades of grey.Quilting is in the forefront for leather but cut close to the body.Jackets and wind-breakers adopt a rocker/biker style.Accessories are influenced by various animal skins such as shoes and belts in panther with chrome detailing. As for jeans, they come in a range of grays to black or dark indigo and are paired with sweaters or shirts with geometric patterns. For the full-on look, shiny slicked back hair is a must!

Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion & Color Trends

Imagine a familiar yet strange dreamlike world। Mix periods together in an anachronistic way। Revamp vintage yet fall for the grace of the ephemeral। Rediscover a youthful freshness। Invent a modern techno romanticism.

Colours-An urban mood, in pale, bleached and artificial colors, teamed with the softness of grey-cast neutrals, and crossed by grating colour।

Key women's wear products- Simplified short jacket। Flounced bolero. Shirt jacket.- Loose, flowing pants, with raised waist. Jersey zouave pants.- Frilly petticoat skirt. Sunray pleated skirt. Seamed pencil skirt.- Trousseau dress with spaghetti straps. Strappy sundress.- Simple tank top. Flowing shift top to layer. Pleated top. Flounced T-shirt.- Loose printed cardigan. Sheer sweater.- Details: corolla flounces, loose panels like petals.

Key men's wear products- Cropped and skimpy jacket। Shirt jacket. Blouson with bib-front like a shirt.- Pleated slacks. Slim accordion or peg-top jeans. Slender bermuda-slacks.- Shirt with details, bib-front, bows, flounces, fabric patchwork. Shirt with puffed sleeves.- Slim polo to layer over T-shirt or shirt. Printed V-neck sweater.

Focus on accessories- Women. Tech or romantic glasses. Bubble necklace. Wide belt with wavy design. Soft tote. Draped messenger bag. Translucent mules and sandals. Floral men's shoes.- Men. Straw hat with ribbon. Bow tie. Printed floppy bow-style tie. Acid drop sneakers.

Sunshine is good for you

Women who have higher levels of vitamin D, which enters the body through sunshine, tend to show signs of being “biologically younger” and healthier than others.Women aged between 18 and 79 showed that sunshine could have an effect on age-related illnesses, such as heart disease.

These results are exciting because they demonstrate for the first time that people who have higher levels of vitamin D may age more slowly than people with lower levels of vitamin D.People should not think that being out in the sun all the time was healthy.
The results of the Higher serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer leukocyte telomer length in women study revealed that the researchers measured the women’s telomeres which were a sign of biological ageing.

As people age, telomeres become shorter. But the scientists found that women with higher vitamin D levels tend to have longer telomeres.