Since 1982, Brazilian label Movimento has been designing some of the world's most beautiful swimwear. As one of the most successful design houses in the swimwear business the merchandise is sold around the world including Europe, Canada and Australia.
The recent collection for spring 2012 during Sao Paolo Fashion Week was a mixture of bright colors, simple cuts and even pieces you could mix in your wardrobe off the beach. Off-shoulder suits with floral patterns looked like watercolor paintings while other suits were printed with geometric lines in bright colors. Movimento's direction for next summer brought together the perfect blend of retro-inspired silhouettes with a sophisticated modern touch.
Karl Lagerfeld's collection for H&M flew off the shelves back in 2004. This time around he's doing his creative work for Macy's department stores. Already the public is getting a sneak peak at some items featured in the August issue of Vogue magazine. The collection is set to debut in over 200 Macy's stores and online August 31, 2011. The pieces range from an affordable $50 to $170. Lagerfeld will also be creating a holiday season collection for Macy's.
Aguaclara, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim just wrapped up in Miami on July 18, 2011. As the biggest swimwear fashion week around the globe, it was filled with some of the sexiest, beautifully created suits. Whether for the beach, pool or just for lounging, designers from around the world revealed what the trends will be for spring/summer 2012.
Cuban-American designer Nicole Di Rocco stayed true to her heritage through her label Nicolita. Over the years her collection has included influences from the places she has traveled including Morocco, Spain and France. But it's clear that Di Rocco's Latin roots are often infused into her creations. Although she was born and raised in the United States, she still has strong ties to her native home through her parents. She visited her native Cuba last year and documented it (Click here for trailer) for Si TV (NuvoTV). The use of ruffles, bright colors and off-shoulder styles for next season continue to show us the beauty of her Cuban influences.
Nicolita, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Nicolita, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Zingara featured options for cover-ups and pretty suits to flatter anyone. With its usual gypsy inspired looks the collection proved to be fit for any woman. Pretty patterns and a mix of bohemian chic are synonymous with this label.
Zingara, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Zingara, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Zingara, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Aguaclara, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Jogo Beach, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
When it comes to swimwear, Norma Kamali is best known for the red swimsuit she designed that was worn by Farrah Fawcett. Kamali's latest collection draws on retro inspirations. With ruffles, halter styles and bandeau tops, these suits are made for a woman's body. For the curvaceous and confident woman.
Norma Kamali, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
Norma Kamali, Spring 2012
(Photo: miami.mbfashionweek.com)
AfroGlam model backstage at runway show during Ankara Fest
AfroGlam is a Toronto based label that uses African fabrics and inspiration to create contemporary clothing. Designer Gillis, started her company in 2008 and continues to draw inspiration from her African roots. Her passion to create using traditional fabrics and prints from Africa allows her to express the beauty of the continent through design. Her ability to merge the traditional with the modern looks of western culture are what make her brand so appealing. She recently showed her collection during the Ankara Fest in Toronto and was also part of the AfroChic events also in Toronto.
To find out more about her work and where you can buy her items check out her facebook page.
Sarah Jessica Parker has reportedly been paid $3 million to end her contract with Halston. Just last year the iconic New York label was relaunched with actress Sarah Jessica Parker as it's President and Chief Creative Officer. Once dubbed 'the premier fashion designer of America', Roy Halston Frowick created his famous label Halston during a time when the discos of New York were filled with celebrities who became clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Hutton and Bianca Jagger. The brand's popularity peaked during the 1970's and early 1980's. Since then it has had its share of struggles. The fledgling label has been taken over a number of times since Frowick's death in 1990. Most recently it was co-owned by movie and television mogul Harvey Weinstien who has also departed from the company this week along with Parker.
The hope was that in bringing Sarah Jessica Parker on board her high profile image as a style icon would steer the brand to the level it was at during it's heyday. Unfortunately her identity as a clothes horse and style influencer wasn't enough to save the brand.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston Heritage as seen in movie Sex & The City 2
(Photo courtesy: consumer-culture.net)
Halston Heritage unfortunately didn't keep the momentum it appeared to have after Parker was spotted wearing that famous white dress in the movie Sex & The City 2. Although the designs she collaborated on were very true to Halston's creativity and exuded the sex appeal the brand is known for, it still struggled to make the sales needed.
This video above shows the excitement that was there when Parker was launching the line and promoting her joining the Halston Heritage team. It seemed the perfect union but, as with any marriage with a honeymoon faze, this has quickly come to an end.
It's not the first time Parker has been involved with designing apparel that has been a flop. In 2007 she designed a low-priced label, Bitten, distributed in the now defunct stores, Steve & Barry's. Unfortunately the label was not picked up by another retailer and was discontinued upon the bankruptcy of the retail chain.
Now that Parker has had two failed attempts at design under her belt, what's next? Will she jump into the world of fashion once again? Perhaps she may stick with the success of her fragrances. Who knows. Whatever she does, being a style icon certainly hasn't changed. She still sets trends with whatever she is spotted wearing.
See the video below when Parker debuted her collection Bitten with Steve & Barry's.
Dorothy Attakora is a Ghanaian born designer based in Toronto. Her collections exude her experiences and love of both Ghana and Kenya. Two countries she holds close to her heart. This budding designer was recently invited to participate in New York's African Fashion Week but had to decline due to her hectic schedule.
I had a moment to speak with her backstage at the Ankara festival in Toronto.
Kate Moss in John Galliano gown, with her groom Jamie Hince in Yves Saint Laurent
(Photo: FilmMagic)
Supermodel Kate Moss wed musician Jamie Hince on July 1, 2011. Moss was wearing a cream colored gown designed by John Galliano. The dress was stunning with a sheer skirt that had gold embroidered leaves. Clearly a style fit for Kate. It was a surprise to some that the bride would choose Galliano considering his recent trouble resulting from his anti-Semetic remarks.
According to WWD, Moss has had a longtime friendship with Galliano. As a model, she has been his biggest muse. He's created dresses for other major events in her life including her 21st birthday and 30th birthday. Despite his current circumstances, it was reported he didn't want to let the supermodel down on her big day.
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton wears white ruffle Reiss dress,
Sylvia Fletcher fascinator and Anya Hindmarch purse.
(Photo: mirror.co.uk)
Happy 144th birthday Canada! Today Canadians enjoy the celebrations of the country's history. Canada also celebrates as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made the country their first international Royal visit as a couple. All eyes were on Catherine Middleton's style sense as usual. She is classy and exudes a new modern era of style.
She was spotted wearing a blazer by Canadian designer Smythe Les Vestes when she was departing Heathrow airport destined for Canada. Already the navy blazer is sold out on the luxury retail website net-a-porter.com and in Holt Renfrew stores across Canada since she was seen wearing it. Upon arrival she was wearing a lace overlay dress by U.K. label Erdem. Her pumps were from LK Bennett.
For the Canada Day festivities she paid homage to the Canadian colors by wearing red and white. She wore the white ruffled Reiss dress we saw previously in her official engagement pictures; proving it's okay to wear something again ladies even if it's been seen before. She topped off her look with a red Sylvia Fletcher fascinator which had what looked like a maple leaf in it and she wore a diamond maple leaf brooch. Middleton's straw clutch purse was from Anya Hindmarch.
Kate Middleton was wearing Smythe Les Vestes blazer and Roland Mouret dress.
Photo: Keystone Press
The Duchess of Cambridge wears Erdem
(Photo: Reuters)
