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! 

The FUTURE of Fashion

Everyone is watching you, and everyone knows where you are, what you’re doing and when. The project is about if you put your phone in ‘the Stealth Pocket’ you are invisible, no one is able to contact you, or talk to you at all.

Meat Pack Hijack is an app which is available on phones, which sets up an app and lets you know the discounts which are available in the Meat Pack store – each second that goes by the percentage of discount decreases each time; which brings an excitement and individuality to the store. 

Nectar points and discount cards are the future of shopping, with giving and signing up to this information, you are able to be contacted and individually publicised to about certain products which they have seen that you already have bought. Something that you are common and more likely to buy will be pushed to you first with a discount to enable you to feel special and have a more personal feel with the company; as well as keeping customers loyal within a certain industry.

Fashion as a Movement

• The Age of Collaboration: There have become a lot of collaborations within industries, such as Apple and Burberry, to create a cool, and other industry specialistic work. There is a lot of Fashion with Tech, Film, Music, which has enabled brands to really push publicity as well as almost rebranding themselves. 
• Avoiding Mega-Systems: Amazon, Google, Starbucks, Armani, Doche and Gabbana, Apple – all of these do not pay tax, which means that they have a different company which has a much lower tax, so that they only have to pay the smaller amount of Tax to allow them to wiggle their way out of paying. The Irish and Dutch Government are known for helping the lowering of Tax within companies. 
• Digital Craft:  The online experience has to now appear like magic; the Gucci Store in Milan, and the Burberry Store in Regent Street are an example of this. 

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.”

All walks – Beyond the Catwalk

Three innovative, creative and very ambitions ladies within the fashion industry in 2012 created a way of showcasing the work of ‘8 cutting-edge designers on a 8 professional models aged between 18-65 and size 8-16, as a celebration of individuality and diversity.’

‘The All Walks mission is simple: to expand upon the imagery coming out of our industry and mirror a more realistic range of women, in age, size, race and appearance than fashion standards currently offer. We also challenge growing hyper-sexualisation of young women in fashion. The All Walks brand asks all fashion practitioners new and old to consider their own viewpoint on moral and ethical boundaries believing that positive messaging around self-esteem fro young women and men is crucial.’

Caryn Franklin, Debra Bourne and Erin O’Connor created All Walks Beyond the Catwalk. Franklin is a Fashion Commentator and broadcaster within the industry, O’Connor, the Model of the Sanctury and Bourne, a fashion consultant and former PR director at the company Lynne Franks. They set out  and recruited a team of casting agents, film directors, leading style magazines, printers and make up artists to create this project. 

At home with Kate MOSS

It has been released that this Christmas, Kate Moss is to let Vogue, and all of its readers into her personal home, and teach us about the real Kate Moss, behind the model face, which she really loves, hates and what she treasures the most. With memories and her personal life released, Moss is taking a huge risk within the industry, as well as an incredible experience for all of us to understand and get personal with the Model to really understand what she stands for, and why she has made the decisions she has within her career. 

I believe that this is such a powerful thing for Kate Moss to do, and it allows us to understand her and get in touch with the real woman behind her career; family, children, marriage and her personal life. A great way of self-promotion. 

Alexander Wang

For the last 3 months there has been something that has been top on many fashion followers calendars; the Alexander Wang release for H&M. The event was open to those with an early bird ticket which were rare. With faces like Ellie Golding, and champagne, live music and the chance to get their hands on the first Alexander Wang pieces, it was packed that night, and by mid-day on Thursday the website had crashed and all stock had been sold. This sudden rush for H&M is why it is so developed and ahead of many other high street shops, as it offers something different to entice new customers as well as holding onto the existing. This is key, not only for the store but for the individual designers as it allows a large audience for the brand as the prices and the audience have changed to suit the occasion. It is, and will always be remembered as an incredible event. 

http://www.hm.com/gb/

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