Ethnic Influences on Apparel Design

Ethnic Influences are everywhere in fashion. Designers almost always use a theme in developing a line. This theme can come from other ethnic cultures. Ethnic styles include certain colors, trends and accessories. Animal prints are a big trend from ethnic cultures. Leopard and zebra prints symbolize the exotic wild life of Africa.

Egypt also has an influence on American designers. Egyptians have always used golds and turquoise colors in their jewelry and clothing. Americans have started buying lots of turquoise in the past few years. In India, bangles are extremely popular. On almost all fashion runways here in the US, we have seen many bangle bracelets on the arms of models.

India is also known for using elaborate colors. In Marc Jacobs 09 fashion show, most of his designs were made using neon bright colors. Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers line is strictly based on the styles of young Japanese teen girls. The bright, funky colors used and the actual "Harajuku" girl models also reflect the Japanese style. Ethnic influences are everywhere in the fashion world and American designers will continue to reflect the many different ethnicity's throughout the world in there designs.

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Main Trends of NY Fashion Week

According to chicintuition.com nude lips are a huge trend for NY fashion week. Instead of the red pout, nude lips are in. Stars like Lauren Conrad and Jennifer Lopez have already begun to wear nude lips. While they keep there lips light in color, they define their eyes with dark eyeliner and mascara.

According to thefunctionkey, melon is the hot new color. Many designers used pieces in this particular color range. Anything from peach to watermelon colors were used. Also, sherbet colors were hot this year. Muted mints, oranges, lavenders and raspberry were in this color scheme. Another color, bright red-orange hues. This bold color really made a statement on the runway with designers like Diane Von Furstenburg using it in her designs. Last but not least, cobalt blue was a popular color this year. Marc Jacobs used this color in many of his designs.

Patterned layers are also hot this year. Mixing patterns upon patterns creates a sophisticated dimension. In order to pull this off, you need the same color hue in each piece to bring the outfit together. Also, neutrals like gray and black are a staple in a wardrobe, brighten them up with bold accessories or even buy a neutral top with pops of color throughout.

Organic and Environmentally Friendly Clothing

Organic and Environmentally friendly clothing is becoming more popular as more people become concerned with the care of the environment. Organic clothing is made of all natural, non-synthetic materials and is a part of the organic agriculture movement. Organic clothing materials come from plants that have not been treated with chemical pesticides or radiated. All clothing materials labeled organic, whether it may be jeans, t-shirts, or sweaters etc, have all met standards of the USDA.

I am for organic and environmentally friendly clothing all the way. Who wouldn't want materials that better the environment, animals, and humans. Many of us probably already own pieces of clothing that are made from organic fabrics. These fabrics include cotton, silk, wool and hemp. Although these fabrics are organic naturally, they have to say organic on the label in order for them to be considered naturally organic. They must meet requirements by the Organic Trade Association. These requirements test fiber processing, dyeing, production and non-toxic handling.

Why should we wear organic and environmentally friendly clothing? Well, the answer is pretty simple. It reduces our exposure to the millions of pounds of pesticides sprayed on cotton and wool each year. Pesticides cause of variety of debilitating symptoms. They range from headaches to neurological problems to birth defects. To help the environment and yourself, give organic clothing a try!
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Favorite Fashion Designer

My favorite designer would have to be Louis Vuitton. Ever since I watched the first episode of Newlyweds on MTV back in 2003 Jessica Simpson’s white multicolor speedy 30 bag caught my eye as amazingly beautiful. Since then, I have loved the brand for the monogram design. I think it is very classy, luxurious and feminine. I love the monogram bags, but just wish they didn’t have a leather trim on them as I am very animal-friendly.

The work that goes into each bag is immaculate. The bags are hand-made and are made using the highest quality materials. I also love the fact that the brand has no sales. This makes the brand more exclusive and top quality. The quality in authentic Louis Vuitton bags is great. The bags stand the test of time and are forever classic.

Louis Vuitton also has RTW (ready to wear) lines each season which I am not as fond of as I am about there monogram bags and accessories. I also love the history of the brand. It is one of the most highly recognized brands in the world. I have been lucky enough to collect a few pieces over the past few years.