CULTURE & FASHION | Bethann Hardison Talks Diversity in Fashion

Bethann Hardison sat down with the reporters on Arise TV to discuss her ongoing initiative to promote diversity in the fashion industry.  The former fashion model recognizes the way many women of colour are often shut out of some high profile companies when it comes to fashion shows and major advertising.

Read more about the initiative at www.balanceddiversity.com

Naomi Campbell, Bethann Hardison and Iman make their appearance on Good Morning America in early September.  The two supermodels are big supporters of the coalition headed by Hardison to promote diversity in the fashion industry.

STYLE | PARIS FASHION WEEK WRAP UP

STYLE | STREET STYLE SHOES AT PARIS FASHION WEEK

If there is one thing that you can count on at Paris Fashion Week, it's the unique sense of style of everyone on the streets. It doesn't matter if it's the famous socialite or the young teenager strolling by, Paris seems to bring out some of the best in fashion. Take a look at this video filled with shoes spotted on the feet of fashion goers during Paris Fashion Week for the spring 2014 collections.

Full Figure Fashion Week

Full Figured Fashion Week took place this summer in New York City for the fourth year in a row.  Each year both retailers and independent designers showcase their latest collections.  This year designers included Savanna Red, Youtheary Khmer, Lavender Jungle, Jill Alexander, SWAK, Jibri and Curvato.  Celebrities including R&B singer Faith Evans were even spotted in the front row at the shows.

Times continue to change as designers and retailers are recognizing the importance of fabulous style for the curvy woman.  The plus-size fashion business has grown into a 17 billion dollar industry and isn't showing any signs of slowing down.  Women wearing over size 14 are demanding stylish clothing and retailers are finally recognizing how important that is.  International retailers including H&M, The Gap, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein now carry an assortment of styles in plus sizes.

Youtheary Khmer collection at Full Figured Fashion Week.

Theary Sim is the designer behind the label Youtheary Khmer (pronounced yut-terri-come-air). She once worked as a celebrity stylist and now creates clothing for the curvy woman.  Her latest collection was full of fun, bright and youthful colors.  She brings her eye for style to the average woman who doesn't fit the 'stick' figure of a model.

Ashley Stewart show at Full Figured Fashion Week, New York. 

Ashley Stewart is a powerhouse when it comes to style for women over size 14.  They are one of America's biggest retailers for plus size fashion and presented a collection at this year's event.
Click here to watch the full runway show.

http://fffweek.com/2012/home

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