Vans x Star Wars Footwear Collection

Vans x Collection of Star Wars footwear launches May 4, 2014.

Since its release in 1977, Star Wars has become a force to be reckoned with in both film and pop culture.  Its influence on art, design and movie-making is global.  Iconic footwear and apparel brand, Vans has collaborated with Lucasfilm to create a collection of footwear that pays tribute to the classic film series.  The limited edition collection features images of the iconic characters and graphics influenced by the films.  Only 300 pairs are available.

Calvin Garcia and Taka Hayashi are both designers at Vans who were equally eager to bring this concept to life.  "Being a huge fan of Star Wars and Vans growing up, I was really excited to be a part of this special collaboration," said Hayashi.  "I was thrilled to find out that we were going to collaborate with Star Wars! Working closely with one of my heroes, legendary Vans skateboarder, Steve Caballero, we created a unique customer twist on the iconic Half-Cab label which depicts two of my favorite Star Wars characters, Yoda and Darth Vader, skateboarding in outer space," Garcia added.

The timing of this collection is perfect considering the announcement that original cast members, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will be appearing in Star Wars: Episode VII, reviving their iconic characters.  A limited selection of items will be available in stores as of May 4 and the full assortment will be available in June around the world.

Calvin Garcia and Taka Hayashi, designers at Vans worked on the Star Wars collaboration. 

The designs were simple and kept the tradition of Vans styling while infusing the small details to bring the Star Wars concept to life.  The knowledge and love the designers have of the characters benefited the final concepts.  "The Empire Strikes Back was definitely one of my favorites out of all the Episodes.  I wanted to incorporate some of the memorable characters and scenes from the movie.  My idea was to inject Star Wars characters into some of the iconic Vans prints by reworking them into a seamless look between the two worlds. From a distance it looks like the original Vans print but the closer you get, the more you start seeing Star Wars emerge." Hayashi said.

It will be interesting to see how fans of both the films and the brand respond to the items once they are available in store.  Garcia said, "I can't wait to see Star Wars fans and skateboard enthusiasts alike battling it out in these shoes, wearing Chewbacca masks and wildly swinging light-sabers around."

CLICK HERE to shop the collection.

Half Cab LX Darth Vader (Black) $140, Yoda (Turtledove) $140.

Darth Vader skateboarding detail. 

KISS Featured in John Varvatos Campaign

JOHN VARVATOS KISS FALL 2014 COLLECTION. (Photo: PR Newswire)

  KISS completely took the music world by storm during the 1970s when they performed in outrageous costumes, huge boots and wore extreme makeup.  It wasn't something the public was used to seeing for a group of male musicians.  They were the exact opposite of squeaky clean looking groups like The Beatles.   Recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, KISS is legendary in music and have been big influencers in fashion.  It's only fitting that designer John Varvatos launches his Spring 2014 ad campaign featuring the legendary group.

  The band wears their iconic makeup and big hair with the flawless style of John Varvatos' tailored suits.  The spring collection was inspired by their album, "Dressed to Kill" and is the perfect combination of classic with a little edge.  "I wanted to sprinkle a little magic dust throughout the clothes in this collection, highlighting the idea of sartorial daring and masculine confidence that is integral to my vision, bringing it to a new level." Varvatos said.  "While working with KISS on my new advertising campaign, I was taken by how much everybody regardless of their age, loves them.  For me, it is the idea of a superhero, a man in disguise with incredible powers, that dash of fantasy to my work while keeping tailored finesse and elegence high on the agenda.  The result is energetic and strong, for a confident man who dares."

When you see the images in the campaign it is clear how powerful it is to see these iconic men wearing the designs of one of fashion's most talented men's designers.

Gene.

Paul Stanley.

STYLE | Ghana Fashion & Design Week Highlights

Ghana Fashion & Design Week has wrapped for another year.  The second annual event once again brought together some of Ghana's best and emerging talent in the design industry.  Fashion designers, writers, bloggers and patrons traveled from the UK, Europe and other parts of Africa to experience the event.  FashionistaGH is one of Ghana's most popular Fashion Blog websites and was there covering the shows.  Take a look at the collection of videos highlighting all the events over the last few days.

Special thanks to FashionistaGH.

VOGUE ITALIA - BLACK | MODELS MOMENTS | ALEK WEK

Vogue Italia interviews model Alek Wek in her neighborhood of Fort Greene, Brooklyn NY.

STYLE | CULTURE | Ghana Fashion & Design Week

Models posing with the logo of Moet & Chandon, one of the prime sponsors of Ghana Fashion & Design Week.

The second annual Ghana Fashion & Design Week kicks off today.  After a successful launch last year, it is now one of Ghana's most anticipated fashion events of the year.  Showcasing a host of designers from Africa as well as the African diaspora, the shows promise to present the best in style, creativity and represent what's in store for Africa's future in fashion.  Familiar designers from last year returning include 1981, Sarah Duah and Jil Boutique.  Some new labels join the lineup including House of Marie, Tuedor and Wright, Vonne Couture and Tap Designs.

Model wearing Sarah Duah from her 2012 collection at Ghana Fashion & Design Week 2012.

Sarah Duah from Germany who showed her first collection last year, continues to push the boundaries of creativity with her new collection.  Last year everyone remembered her collection completely inspired by hair.  It had attendees talking for weeks after the event.  Hers was one of the most unique and memorable.  She was recently touted as one to watch in Vogue UK and is known in the fashion circles as being quite avante-garde.  Her collection this season is inspired by the idea that everyone carries their own personal package.  It should be an interesting display.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SARAH DUAH TALK ABOUT HER COLLECTION LAST YEAR.

Jil Boutique

If there is any designer who pays homage to her Ghanaian roots it has to be Adoley Addo of Jil Boutique.  She always uses African prints particularly the woven kente cloth in her work.  Her ability to fuse it into a modern and contemporary design is what makes her work stand out.  The use of kente in bold bright colours is a strong element throughout.

House of Marie. (Photo: Ghanafashiondesignweek.com)

House of Marie's use of colour and texture while still infusing the culture of Africa are what make this International label interesting.  Joan Ibuzo is the head designer and she brings together a mix of culture with a modern appeal by using lace, tie-dye, chiffon and even leather into her collection.

GFDW promises to stay true to its vision to provide a platform for Ethical Fashion under the name Ethika.  Della La, Tash'Ornee, Fashion Rising Collection and Tuedor and Wright are all part of this initiative to promote sustainable and ethical fashion practices in Africa. 

One exciting addition this year is an opportunity for new fashion graduates to have this international platform of exposure to present their collections.  The Emerging talent presentation will feature the work of up and coming designers who are part of the first group of graduates from Radford University's Fashion Design program.  This is a representation and clear indicator of Ghana's future in the fashion business.  As the school grows and fosters new talent it will only serve to drive more development in Ghana's fashion industry as well as further solidify Africa's stronghold in fashion.

CLICK HERE TO SEE HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST YEAR'S EVENT

For more information and ticket information visit www.ghanafashionweek.com

CULTURE | ETHICAL FASHION - MILAN FASHION WEEK

Designer Stella Jean is a rising talent who merges culture with contemporary to create beautiful fashion.

Emerging designer Stella Jean had the opportunity of a lifetime by being selected to present her ethical collection in Giorgio Armani's Theatre at his Milan Headquarters. Using hand woven fabrics made from women from Burkina Faso, designer Stella Jean manages to merge her culture with Italian style.  She says, "We have to understand that we must think differently...there is no African or Italian...they can't work unless they start a dialect together."

Her show was all part of the International Trade Centre Fashion Initiative.  This project aims to help use fashion to get people out of poverty.  They connect fashion designers with local artisans in Africa and Haiti to produce fashion that allows women to feel empowered and earn an income.  Stella Jean sourced some of her materials in Burkina Faso.

STYLE | CULTURE | NORTH AFRICA CLASHING WITH JAPAN?

Designers always talk about the references and influences in their collections. But this was quite interesting to me because it was being described as a clash between North Africa and Japan. Quite a contrast of culture and style aesthetics if you really consider that combination. It was quite grim, in my opinion, that a car crash was the centre of attention for the runway show, but every artist has their own creativity in how they want to present their work. The pieces actually were quite interesting in the way the two cultures were mixed together in the design, draping and details of each piece. Take a look at the video and see what you think about the spring 2014 collection for Givenchy.

CULTURE | Jay Z Partners with Barneys New York

  

  Barneys New York is partnering with hip hop icon Jay Z to create its annual holiday collection.  Dubbed 

 "A New York Holiday" this collaboration will have Jay Z working with designers to create special-edition merchandise.    

  Last year's theme was all about Disney and the year before it was Lady Gaga.  This time around Jay Z worked with several designers including Lanvin, Balenciaga, Balmain, Rick Owens and Proenza Schouler to create special edition items.  The pieces are high-end designer items ranging in price from $70 up to $33, 900.  You find everything from a leather backpack from Balenciaga to a cashmere blanket by Elder Statesman, a Barney's T-shirt and a Shawn Carter by Hublot watch with alligator straps.  Twenty-five percent of sales will go to Jay Z's Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.  

  

  "A New York Holiday" will be available online and in-store at Barney's starting November 20, 2013. 

  

CULTURE | CARS & FASHION

Zac Posen and Thom Browne have both stepped into a new arena.  They have brought their design aesthetic to the interior of a space many spend hours in; their cars.  Watch this video as they both share the excitement about adding their creative touch to The Infiniti Q50.

CULTURE | MET Ball Style

Sarah Jessica Parker wears a mohican headpiece by Phillip Treacy and her
gown was by Giles Deacon.

This year's exhibition theme at the MET Ball was Punk: Chaos to Couture.  It certainly was very punk and there was definitely some chaos in how wardrobes were styled for the night.  But most of the celebrities managed to pull it off without a hitch.  They went hard and took the opportunity to dish out their inner punk in full force.  Check out some of the hits and misses at the event.  Who wore your favorite look?

Sarah Jessica Parker in Giles Deacon dress with
thigh high tartan velvet boots underneath. (Photo: Rex Features)

Sarah Jessica Parker is known for her unique fashion sense and that night she stayed true to that.  Stepping out with a large Mohican headpiece by Phillip Treacy and gown by Giles Deacon she didn't stop there.  Underneath her gown were thigh high velvet boots that had everyone talking.  

Beyonce wore Givenchy Couture with a flame motif design on the skirt and a snakeskin corset top.  The look was completed with gloves and over the knee boots to match.  Personally I didn't think the look was the most flattering on Beyonce.  Meanwhile, Nicole Richie stepped out with newly dyed hair.  It was a silver/grey and made her look unrecognizable.  It was certainly a punked out look that made everyone turn their heads.  Sienna Miller really brought out the punk influence in her biker style studded jacket by Burberry worn over an open back white dress. 

Kim Kardashian's peony printed dress seemed to be too much and a little overwhelming on her.  I don't think it was her best look but it was suitable for the occasion.  Although I didn't think it had a strong punk reference as the theme of the event.  But then again how does a pregnant woman go punk? 

Beyonce in Givenchy Couture. (Photo: Rex Features)

Sienna Miller in Burberry. (Photo PA)

Madonna took the punk inspiration literally.  She looked almost like she did
in the early days of her career.  Except do you think this works for her now?

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. (Photo: David Fisher/Rex Features)

Nicole Richie wore a dress by Topshop with a new hair color.

Glitz African Fashion

African fashion continues to make itself known on the world stage.  The way that culture influences style is beautiful.  Glitz Africa Fashion week took place last year in Accra, Ghana.  Local designers showcased some of their work for several to see.

FashionistaGH is one of Ghana's top fashion bloggers and took some video of the event. Check it out below.

Striped Sarees

Stripes have been a trend in fashion the last few seasons.  It's always interesting to see how contemporary fashion and cultural tradition mix to create beautiful styles.  Satya Paul and Neeru Kumar have some beautiful garments available for spring 2013.  These Indian sarees are traditional wear for woman and with the bold stripes it gives them a fresh, modern appeal for the 21st century woman.

Miguel Caballero Bulletproof Clothing for Children

Miguel Caballero in his manufacturing plant discussing his clothing line.

Miguel Caballero is the CEO of his Colombian based fashion company that produces stylish bulletproof clothing.  For over 20 years Miguel Caballero Ltd. has built a clientele that includes politicians, notable public figures and others whose lives are at risk or in danger because of their high profile or controversial lifestyles.  Nobody would have ever expected his company to branch out into children's merchandise.  But the recent shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has sparked interest in a need to make bulletproof products for a younger market.  Sky News reported Caballero as saying, "We started getting emails from customers asking for protected clothing because they were afraid to take their kids to school....The product was created with the American market in mind...."

It was world news when twenty school children and six staff members were killed by Adam Lanza, who then killed himself at the school.  Caballero, told the press, "We started the collection 15 days ago.  Today we had the first order of 24 vests from the U.S."  Miguel Caballero Ltd. isn't the only company getting in this business.  The Associated Press reported that Backpackshield.com is a Texas-based company that has already sold 15 bulletproof backpacks the week after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. 

Bulletproof vests for children. 

Children's products as displayed on the migeulcaballero.com website.

The new product line is already available on the website for sale and shows normal looking children dressed in the attire.  The collection includes t-shirts, vests and bags.  There are some who think it's a good idea because children shouldn't be afraid to attend school.  Especially when gun advocates feel teachers and staff should be allowed to carry guns to school for safety.  The hope is that these vests can help the children let go of fears that someone may go crazy at school and shoot them.

But Dr. Monica Alvaraz, who is a family and child pediatric psychologist says, "It seems like they're exploiting a delicate subject.  Obviously we have an international free market and they see an opportunity to jump on it."  She also feels that wearing the bulletproof attire is actually psychologically damaging for the kids.

Whatever your views, the clothing is now available and already sales are being made.  Expect to pay a hefty price though.  The adult clothing runs in the thousands of dollars so the children's merchandise will likely be just as costly.

Testing of product to ensure it meets the company's standards.

Bulletproof Backpacks.

Sources: NBC Latino, Huffington Post, USA Today, Sky News

Ghana Fashion & Design Week: Rebekah Opuni

Photo: Jewette Johnson

Photo: Jewette Johnson

Ghana Fashion Design Week - Sarah Duah

German-based designer Sarah Duah showed her first collection during Ghana Fashion & Design Week.  The collection was a hairy one that definitely caught the attention of everyone at the show.  It was unique, interesting and was probably one of the highlights of the event.  It was what people were talking about the most after Day 1 of GFDW.

While backstage, I had the opportunity to chat with Sarah about her collection and the reason she chose to use hair.  It was very intriguing because it's not something one would think to use for a garment.  Judging by this collection she is going to make her mark in the industry with her creativity.

Photo: Jewette Johnson

Photo: Jewette Johnson

Photo: Jewette Johnson

Photo: Jewette Johnson

Ekocycle: Coca-cola and Will.i.am Recycle Style

 

 Coca-Cola has partnered with Will.i.am from The Black Eyed Peas to create a line of eco-friendly clothing and accessory items.  Having a musician with such popularity as part of this brand will really help build the brand and concept.

For the most part, products dubbed as 'eco' or environmentally friendly are often not seen as hip and cool.  With a music powerhouse like Will.i.am attached to this brand it's sure to hit a note with young people.  He was quoted in the Huffington Post as saying, "If you think about recycled products now, none of them are cool. You have to bring some art and fashion sensibility into this technology that turns a bottle into something cool."

The product line will have everything from headphones to hats and promises to deliver on style and function.  A pair of headphones under Dr.Dre's line, Beats, will be one of the first items released under the Ekocycle brand this fall.  Coca-Cola plans to partner with a number of designers to create several items under the new label.

One thing is for certain, Ekocyle won't be cheap.  Recycled items have been known to be more expensive and this won't be any different.  But the hope is that consumers will be impressed with the concept of being eco-friendly and that the next generation customer will think about their choices when they shop.

Keep up with Ekocycle on their Facebook page.

Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai

Garment by Wendell Rodricks. (Photo EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI)

Indian culture continues to make its way onto the world stage.  Its fashion industry is growing in huge leaps and bounds.  Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012 just wrapped up in Mumbai, India and it was filled with a beautiful array of color, culture and style for the modern Indian woman.

Over 85 designers participated in the week of shows where buyers came from around the world to see what was available for the upcoming season.  The clothing showed the sense of pride that designers have for the traditions of India.  Many dresses and jumpsuits were inspired by the traditional sari.  Fashion journalist Sujata Assomull-Sippy told the Times Live, "People have realized the whole point of Indian fashion is its Indian-ness."  Even though European fashion greatly influences the modern woman of India, she is still very much interested in the beauty of her own culture and traditions created in a fashion forward way.

Dress by Archana Kochhar. (Photo: Punit Paranjpe/AFP Photo)

Photo: AP

Photo: AP