The ins and outs of a designer

In order to become a successful designer you must have an eye for detail.  If you are wanting to become a designer you must have an outstanding desire to correct problems as they arise as well as effective communication.  Communication is a crucial part to this industry.  You must have an artsy ability.  An ability to be able to sketch, draw, compose different materials.  With the help of a computer you can get to where you need to be to be successful in designing and creating all different articles of clothing.  As you move along in your schooling keep a clean portfolio of all the work you have done.  A decent collection of work just might land you the job you’ve dreamed of all along.

Not only do you need to have an eye for detail, but you must also know the ins and outs on how to sew.  Understanding how to sew is crucial in giving instructions to the person producing your garment. It’s a good idea to have very strong selling techniques and be able to give phenomenal presentations in order to get potential clients and retailer’s to purchase your items.  Excellent communication is prime as in this business if you want to keep your business growing and gain that expierence you will be responsible for maintaining contact with suppliers, manufacturers and buyers from around the world.

If you are just staring out, you will most likely start out on pattern making or becoming an assistant to a designer and assist with his or her sketches before being considered moving to the higher levels.

Becoming a Designer

If you are seeking employment in the fashion industry as a designer you might want to think again if you do not have a 2 or 4 year degree.  Employers are looking for those who know about fabrics, trends, patterns and the like.  You will first have to establish a degree in fashion design.  Most fashion designers have a degree in marketing or business for those who plan to operate their own business.

Becoming a fashion designer requires you to know the ins and outs of the industry.  While in school you will learn colors, fabrics, the designing software on the computer, as well as the difference between clothing and footwear.  Most schools that offer programs in design do not allow entry into a credited course until all the prerequisites have been met.  More often then not you are required to submit designs of your own to see what you are capable of doing in order to be accepted into the credited course.

For those interested in getting into the field, you might want to check in to doing an internship with a design or manufacturing firms.  You can also get experience and knowledge from working in a retail store or by becoming a personal stylist.  This is a way to boost your sales and to market your ideas to prospective clients.  To boost your chances of working permanently in a firm, while in school you should consider entering your designs in a contest. Too make your experience that more appealing to potential employers, try working in one of the top fashion areas of the world like Paris.

Why Urban Clothing?

If you’re not familiar with urban clothing, perhaps you should be. Urban clothing lines have certainly made their mark in fashion, producing a number of great options for men, women and children. Don’t hesitate to check out urban fashion.

Urban fashion was largely born of hip-hop culture. The 1990s were certainly a golden age for urban clothing, where brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren were dominating more mainstream sportswear. During this time, however, urban clothing became very popular, where brands such as Ecko and Rocawear were gaining momentum.

Today urban clothing is very well received. Part of the beauty is in its versatility. Taking the brand Ecko, for instance, you wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find a man with a sleek polo from the brand in a club. However, the fashion line also produces a number of dressier clothes, perfect for the office. Urban clothing lines give a great deal of versatility, perfect for individuals that need to stay stylish wherever they go.

Urban clothing has successfully been introduced into mainstream culture. Whether or not you’re into more of the “traditional” influences of hip-hop culture from the 1980s, you can update your wardrobe to take advantage of its style. You can wear it when you’re hanging out with your friends, out on the town, or at your job.

Consider some of the choices available with regards to urban clothing. No matter where your fashion-related interests are placed, urban clothing should have something perfect for you. If you’re familiar with the latest fashions, inevitable you have come across a few popular urban fashion lines. As a distinct part of today’s fashion, it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the best urban clothing offerings available.

Just What Are the Different Types of Engagement Rings?

When you think about the different types of engagement rings, you may think this only refers to the shape of the stones. This is one indication of the different types, but the stones used, as well as the band width and the inclusion of other stones or designs are also used to denote the different types.

The Shapes of the Stones

Although diamonds are the most popular stones used in engagement rings, it is not unusual to see them with other gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, jade, ruby, or any type of precious or semi-precious stone. Any of these stones can be fashioned into different shapes, although the softness of some stones may limit them to oval, round, or square shapes only.

Other Stone Shapes

Besides the three aforementioned, gemstones, diamonds especially can also come in other shapes, and these are generally referred to by different names rather than the shape itself. If you want to keep it simple, though, you can ask to see engagement rings with round-, oval-, square-, or pear-shaped stones. If you want to get a little fancier ask for the “Marquise”, an oval-shaped stone but with tapered ends.

Which Shape is best?

In engagement rings, the shape of the stone can be determined by the presence or absence of other stones. Some shapes look better for the types of engagement rings that only have a single stone, while others are better suited to being surrounded by other smaller stones or a design of some sort.

From then to now

Technology in this day and age has changed tremendously from where it was when fashion design first began.  Designers now have more resources available to them to make the designing of clothes that more advanced.  For example, years ago and still to this day you would typically find a designer hand skectching a design.  Today you could find an designer creating a sketch on a computer.  Having technology like this available to designers is wonderful.  Not only can they create an illusion of their product, but they can also put it on a virtual model on the computer, and have that product change to different colors.  This would most likely cut the production of the time to make a particular article of clothing in half.  This would save so much time and effort on most everyone.

A fashion desginer will oversee every aspect of the article being made.  The will make the design, choose the color, the fabric, and will oversee it being made into the final product.  Some large houses will employ their own seamstresses to create the phototype.  Smaller houses or those that have designers new to the business will often have the designer that is new will often partake in the entire process of the production.  Fashion desginers will create desigs specifically for mass market.  The designs are tailored to meet the need of people of different sizes and likes with options to purchase the final product in the size and color fitted to your needs. There are also those designers who work for themselves that create items for individuals at a higher price then you would normally pay for it at the store.  Other designers sell directly to their store or target those stores who sell high end fashion clothes.

Valentine’s Day Shopping for The Woman in Your Life

Shopping for Valentine’s Day instantly causes most of us to conjure up mental images of cupids, hearts, chocolates and roses. Chocolates and roses are very good gifts to give and are always appreciated, but if you are searching for a more unique gift to give your special lady, there are some tips you can follow to help you decide.
First, keep in mind what type of woman you are shopping for. If she is an outdoorsy type, she may enjoy something a little less feminine, such as a back pack to go hiking with, a new tent, a fishing pole or a tackle box. (And yes, there ARE women that actually enjoy these types of gifts for Valentine’s Day!) For a more feminine approach, a rose bush can be a great idea, especially if you plant it for her. Not only will it always remind her of the day you gave it to her, but it will brighten up your yard or balcony.
To pamper your special lady friend, get her a gift certificate for a spa or a back massage. These types of gifts are greatly appreciated, especially by working women that rarely get time to be pampered. A gift certificate for a pedicure and manicure is always a good idea too. Any type of gift which specifically gives a few moments of relaxation will be appreciated.
Jewelry is a good idea for those that enjoy wearing and collecting it. For Valentine’s Day, a locket is one of the most purchased items given to women. Lockets come in almost every shape and style, so finding a unique one should be fairly easy. Other types of jewelry to consider are bracelets and earrings. These gifts are special and can be handed down from mother to daughter through the years.
Roses should always be added to whatever gift you choose, because they symbolize romance and love. Even a woman that is more into sports then flowers, will appreciate a dozen roses, along with tickets to a sporting event that you can attend together.

The makers of it all

Without designers people wouldn’t be able to buy dresses, shoes, accessories, and other articles of clothing year after year.  There are many different types of designers out there.  You have clothing designers that help to create all items of clothing imaginable, from swimsuits, socks, childrens clothing, womens clothing, mens clothing, footwear to intimate apparel.  Next you have your accessory designer who helps to create all the final touches to complete your outfit.

Many designers do research to find out what the latest trend is and once they find that out they try to make accurate assumptions on what might be trendy in the future.  Once a designer figures this out he or she will then create their illusion of a article of clothing.  Once the illusion has been made the designer will them make their way to shows or go directly to manufactures to try to get some samples of fabrics to match up what fabric would best suit their article of clothing.  Once all of this can be established a proto type of the same idea would be made using a less expensive type material.  At this time this dress, suit, jacket or what ever it may be will be found on a model posing for the designer.  The designer will then make any necessary adjustments.  Once all final adjustments have been made if any, the article of clothing will then be sent to be made in the final fabric of choice, and then you will find it would be directly sold to retailors.    Retailors go to trade shows and see the models wear these designs and then will place an order for a particular item, and it will be manufactured and sent to the retailors for distribution.

Back in the good old days

The first ever fashion designer was Charles Worth. Before he was able to set up his fashion house, his creation was completed by an anynomous seamstress.  He was so successful in his line of work that just one look at a client and he would tell them what he or she needed to wear instead of them choosing what they wanted like earlier dressmakers had done.  During this time period design houses would start to hire artists to help in the designing of clothing.  Once the client saw the skectching of the potential piece of clothing and had placed an order for it, it would be made available to the client at a cheaper price then if the designer was to acutally make the garment available first.

In the early 20th century all high fashion was originated in Paris.  Employees from Fashion magazines from around the world would go to Paris to watch the fashion shows.  Buyers from stores were sent to the fashion shows where they had an opportunity to purchase clothing for their store.  It was around this time that Fashion magazines began to introduce pictures and the public flocked to get these magazines.  By the end of the 19th century the fashion industry had a more profound image due to many well off women purchasing these trends that were demanded.  Trimmings and colors distinguished one season from another.  The S-Bend corset look was common up until around 1908.  At the end of the decade the look became more straight and somewhat slim.  An elegant garment was necessary for any well dressed woman.  Another crucial part to the womens outfit was the desginer hat.  Hats back then were either tiny little ones that perched up on top of the head, trimmed with ribbons, flowers and even feathers.  As an added accessory to the wardrobe parasols were worn dripped with lace that added to the prettiness.

What started fashion?

Have you ever asked yourself when or why fashion submerged?  Fashion has been a continuing factor for hundreds of years, and continues year after year with new trends and ideas.

Well before the 1840′s wedding dresses were of any color.  When Queen Victoria got married in 1840 in a stunning white lace trimmed dress, white dresses were then related to weddings from that point on.

In the 19th centry people with new clothes and fashions would be considered middle class.  Men who wore black suits, shades of gray and brown were looked at as being respectful, and having authority and responsibility.  Salior uniforms became vital for the middle class boys.  Bows, ruffels, and pastels were worn of those of the middle class girls.

Over the past five decades we have seen numerous trends in fashion.  In the 1950′s we saw women in poodle skirts and saddle shoes.  Then a year later it changed to women in miniskirts, baby doll dresses and go go boots.  In the 1970′s people were after bell bottoms and platform shoes or the disco look.  The 1980′s brought out clothes with big shoulder pads, leg warmers, designer jeans.  In the 1990′s the look was that of grunge, tattoos, straight hair with a part down the middle.

More often then not clothing is known to express emotions.  We often wear black as a sign of mourning the loss of a loved one, but at the same time black can also consider a formal color.  There are many well known people whom are well known for their clothing such as Elvis Presley.  Elvis Presley has been remembered by his white jewled suits.  Abrahma Lincoln was known for his stove piped hat.   Jackie Kennedy was known for her hats, and her well tailored suits.  President Jimmy Carter was remembered by his cardigan sweaters.  Ronald Reagan wore his cowboy hat as a symbol of his heritage.   As time changes so does trends and fashions.

How To Keep Up With The Latest Fashion Trends

If you’re serious about making sure that your wardrobe is fashionable and in line with the current trends, you have to put forth a fair amount of effort. Although it’s not as difficult or expensive as you might think, it is a constant and diligent effort. After all, there’s nothing more frustrating than thinking that you’ve just purchased one of today’s trendiest outfits, only to find out later that it was more fashionable last season.

You can start by selecting a few prominent celebrites who have a sense of style that you find to be particularly inspiring. Although you won’t want to copy everything they do, since it is important to have your own fashion voice, you can use the celebrities as a way to find out what the hottest emerging trends are and help you determine which brands will be the buzzwords of next season.

Fashion magazines can be another worthwhile resource. If you aren’t able to budget to buy a full subscription, consider just buying one magazine per month and reading it from cover to cover. Alternatively, scour the Internet for fashion blogs. These will provide information that is both timely and interesting, without you having to pay any fees outside of what you’d normally pay for Internet access.

Finally, you can hone your fashion skills by simply becoming more observant of those around you. Take a look at what people are wearing and decide what might look good on you, and what probably wouldn’t. Of course you’ll still have to try on similar clothes yourself to determine if they suit your body type, but you can become more aware of what’s fashionable just by taking care to be extremely observant.