The ‘Stereotype’ Model

There is this fascination that those outside the fashion world believe that to be a model you have to be ‘verging anorexia’, boney and rather unattractive. This stereotype which has been created is one that couldn’t be more untrue! Although a lot of models are incredibly slim, that is the desirable look for those within the fashion industry. However the French Government are very much on the fence about the whole situation; although they appreciate the desired look by those buying, creating and selling, they have noticed the impact and the role models which have been created, and are starting to see the effects of this.

Therefore they are likely to pass the bill on ‘banning super-skinny models’ to allow a sense of relatability and to teach the fashion world that is it worldwide, and it reaches every single one of us, meaning there needs to be a lot of care and consideration about those who we look up to; a lesson I think everyone could benefit from.

The city of Love

Paris is one of the most romantic, beautiful and luxurious cities in the world. The beauty of the people found it in, the fashion, the food, the whole atmosphere is simple amazing, and luckily enough I was able to visit the city last week. Looking at Paris on a fashion level, the city is perfect. The home of Haute Couture, Paris screams luxury, and the whole experience will be unforgettable. The Chanel Flag Ship store, as well as Louis Vuitton, the whole elegance and welcome from the city is just incredible, and the layout of the streets, and the hustle and bustle of the city centre is just phenomenal. The layout reminds me very much of New York, with blocks around the main shopping centre: Lefayette. The day was perfectly balanced between Fashion Shopping and sightseeing! I would recommend Paris is a place to visit if you have any sort of interest in fashion, the whole ora of the city is just beautiful! 

Break Through in Fashion

In 1966, there was a new face on British Vogue’s cover on the March Issue; Donyale Luna. She was the first American black model and actress to be seen in the lime light; she was shot by David Bailey, one of the largest photographers of the time. Because she was such an inspiration and a new life for the fashion industry and the world of modelling, she created and opened a door to other black women aspiring to have their say in the industry. She enabled models such as Naomi Sims, Iman and Naomi Campbell to become an inspiration to the younger generation. Donyale Luna will always be remembered and inspired by those who knew her, as well as those whose lives she has opened up. She was described as:

“A new heavenly body who, because of her striking singularity, promises to remain on high for many a season. Donyale Luna, as she calls herself, is unquestionably the hottest model in Europe at the moment.”

MEN IN FASHION

Commonly, many of us mistake fashion as something that is aimed predominately at women, however, although there is such a large, undeveloped and exciting market still to be discovered. However, it is known that Men are not seen to follow the catwalks and the up and coming trends as women, instead of looking at the head designers and high fashion. Instead, it has been proven that when Men are looking at fashion, they focus on the celebrities which are selling them the fashion and products, as well as looking at them to teach them about the upcoming trends and what to do. Films, music, fashion and celebrities all play a massive part within the fashion industry and the way Men see fashion as a whole. 

When Pierce Brosnan was James Bond back in 1995, Pierce has a full chest and stomach of hair, as back then that was exactly what was commonly found within the audiences. However, the last James Bond film with Daniel Craig in 2013, the actor was completely hair less on his chest and stomach, as times have changed and what is now seen as desirable has manipulated over time.

THE BIG 4

There are four main Fashion Weeks which happen during the Fashion Calendar Year; Paris, Milan, London and New York. Paris is the capital of Fashion, and always shows first from the Couture collections, and almost 2 months before the ready to wear starts. Milan is a very wealthy fashion week, and has become one of the wealthiest country within the fashion industry. New York has always, and will always be very organised, polished and well thought of. Then, London is commonly still seen creative, young and innovative; however has a problem with price, large labels such as Dior have three shows: buyers, private clients, then the media. After the fashion weeks, there are then showrooms, which can be booked, where their garments can be bought.

Copyright

Copyright protects the expression of create and artistic work; such as music, sounds, dramatic and art work – each piece of copyright is original. Copyright is also automatic and doesn’t need to be registered at all. Copyright can be enforced by the logo, your name and the date it was published. There however are regulations, there needs to be a certain amount of skill and effort, it cannot be already copied, and even derivative work can be original and copyrighted. having a copy righted piece means that you do have exclusive rights however when it comes to working and being contracted this can become very complication. These are the rights you have as a copyrighter:

• Copying the work
• Issuing copies to the public
• Rending work
• Adapting work
• Communication
• Secondary selling and distribution
• Performing showing and playing work

Also, there are many exceptions of the rules of copyright; meaning that you can use it for private study and non commercial research, as well as teaching in schools and colleges. Reporting current events and criticising and reviewing the copy right can also occur. It is however a very grey area and depending on the legal rights of the copyright it can become very complicated. Infringement can also occur with a park or the whole of the copy.

TRADEMARKS

• Trademarks make an indication of the origin of goods and services; marks that distinctive business from the other; gives you individuality and promotes your own work through the trademark. This works by Application and Registration in the relevant class and territory. Trademarks are normally distinguished through: Letters, numbers, colour and shapes. If the trademark however isn’t registered in a different country the trademark which is personal to you can be used somewhere else in the world if it is not registered correctly.

• Half a million pounds to register Trademark around the whole world. Fashion is quite often created in Asian countries, which is why a lot of support and Law Trademark Registrations can be found in those particular countries. China keeps a very close eye on what happens and emerges in the UK, so trademarks are key to keeping the industry fair and unique to each brand to make sure that you aren’t ripped off.

• You can however use the same name, such as Polo, for a different brand. Polo is used for cars, clothing and sweets, however each element of the name is very different and a different sector within the industry.

• Pictures or symbols such as the Nike Swoosh, Burberry Check and the Red Soles of shoes are all trademarked, meaning that no other company can use this as it is individual to that country. You can also make individual positions within an outfit, such as the Fred Perry double stripes on the colour and the edge of the arms to keep the brand unique and different from the others; this enable as theme and key understanding for the brand too.

• Requirement have to be capable of graphical representation, distinguishing goods and services, not descriptor and not contrary to public morality and policies, this enable each and every one of us to have the same chance and the requirements. They last for 10 years, but have to re renewed, but if they aren’t used of the product isn’t launched within 5 years, the trademark can then be cancelled.

• If you do not have the money to create a trademark, you still have the rights to individual use. £170 is how much it costs to create the Trademark; with it registered however it is better to get proof of registration. Infringement is also very common within the industry; you cannot have: Identical mark, goods or services; confusion within the products; and repetition, misrepresentation and damage. Vivienne Westwood’s logo was found to have been Infringed by Red Planet – You have to be incredibly careful with infringement as it can end up in court.

• A Patent is a national right, has to be applied for and granted by individual countries. These normally last for 20 years or so; they can be a description, claim or a drawing which you are trying to protect.

Brighton Fashion Week

It is commonly misunderstood that there is only one main Fashion Week which happens within the UK, however this is such a mistake within those who think that; as around the country there are so many influential catwalk shows which display different work, designers and styles which are unique to each place. Brighton is somewhere that I have lived for my whole life, meaning that I have become very aware of the styles which are represented thoughout the people who are currently living there. Brighton is the capital of the Gay population within the country, and this is such an incredible experience when in Brighton, as fashion is pushed to its limits, and creations and styles really come alive. 

The Lanes which can be found there are a hub for new fashion and individual boutiques and accessory shops, as well as the main shopping station. Brighton, like many other sub cities, has its own Fashion Week which is held in October every year, and although one of the newer Fashion Weeks, it has blossomed and really come alive thought the people and the style of living. Next year I really hope to have a more personal and larger role within the event, as I think it is such an experience for Fashion Promotion and others interested in Fashion to get stuck into.

http://www.brightonfashionweek.com

Intellectual Properties

This part of the fashion industry is vital to the way the business works. Without legal obligations and limitations the industry would be incredibly different. Intellectual Property right are the legally recognised ruled which have to be followed. It included copyright, patents, trademarks and trade secrets; which are all in turn personal and unique to different companies and the work ethics set. Within a company, patent is key to success; it grants the inventor the right to get rid of others from the making, selling and importing of fashion. Intellectual Properties are what keeps fashion a fast moving, and high earning business; and it is vital to understanding the way the companies work.

The GRANDE-Mère of couture

There is one woman who has stood out to me over the years as one of the leaders of Couture, a woman whose work was so different and unique at the time, and even though art and poetry was the route in life she wanted to take, fashion took over and snatched up her talent and brought her into the ever-moving industry. Forty years after the death of Elsa Schiaparelli, her life has come back into the light as her work is reviewed and looked at again by many. Her passion and determination for doing something special with her life was such an inspiration, to not only her family, but young photographers, designers and fashion followers. From Giacometti designed ashtrays, to Dali dressing her windows, Schiaparelli was one of the most glamorous, genuine and loved designers of her time, and her mark has been left after all these years. 

‘Elsa Schiaparelli was the most influential fashion designer of the 20th century. She was the first to use the art of her time in a provocative dialogue with fashion, and hoovering up elements that caught her fancy from all over the world.’

– Meredith Etherington Smith

There has recently been a book released about the life of Elsa Schiaparelli and her personal photographic collection of her family, lovers and the house she once lived in; which have all been selected by her granddaughter to bring her name back into the light and teach those about just how incredible she was. She is a name that I will always follow, and a book which I have ordered and am more than excited to read.