Right: Model Crystal Renn

Not only did the use of excessively thing models continue the age of the models began to fall. We soon started to see models that were 18 and 19 model clothes made for women in their 30s. Most recently Marc Jacobs took heat for including a 16 year old model in his Spring/Summer 2012 collection, by doing so he broke the guidelines and stated that “I do the show the way I think it should be, and not the way somebody tells me it should be” Marc Jacobs. While there has been a tremendous amount of pressure on the industry to produce models that please the client as well as the consumer, Vogue has decided to take the steps toward a positive change.

Editor In Chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, has tackled the issue before but this time it’s different. Working with the Council of Fashion Designers of America standards relating to health and age of the model have been put in place to prevent the use of underage models as well as models who suffer from health issues such as bulimia and anorexia. They really want to put forth an effort to finding models that look healthy and are a closer representation of women. This trend is something that is not only happening for us in America; Israel has set a “Skinny Model Ban” that prevents the use of models with a BMI of less than 18.5. While efforts are being made to move away from unhealthy model image this does not mean that we will be seeing models that are the average size 8 or 10, but rather more models that are size 4 or 6 as opposed to size 0 or 2. This is major for the industry as they are making movements toward health that can benefit everyone from the models to the fans of fashion.

The new policy makes these promises to its readers:

“1. We will not knowingly work with models under the age of 16 or who appear to have an eating disorder. We will work with models that, in our view, are healthy and help to promote a healthy body image.

“2. We will ask agents not to knowingly send us underage girls and casting directors to check IDs when casting shoots, shows and campaigns.

“3. We will help to structure mentoring programs where more mature models are able to give advice and guidance to younger girls, and we will help to raise industry-wide awareness through education, as has been integral to the Council of Fashion Designers of America Health Initiative.

“4. We will encourage producers to create healthy backstage working conditions, including healthy food options and a respect for privacy. We will encourage casting agents not to keep models unreasonably late.

“5. We encourage designers to consider the consequences of unrealistically small sample sizes of their clothing, which limits the range of women who can be photographed in their clothes, and encourages the use of extremely thin models.

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Shashi Jewelry

I did a little digging and found great cord bracelets. Shashi Jewelry is designed by Yuvi Alpert and Dana Kobo, the force behind fine jewelry line Ruby Kobo. The inspiration for the line comes from the cultures of India, Nepal, Marroco and Africa. I loved these bracelets because they were colorful, the color options are bright and bold! Also, they are adjustable at the wrist so you don’t have to worry about them sliding off which is often an issue with “one size fits all” bangles. The collection uses a mix of crystals and beads which makes the bracelets look expensive but they range in price from $38 to $78 and come in sets! The Shashi Jewelry Collection is available at Gilt.com. Stack these bracelets together or wear them mixed with your others, either way you’re sure to catch some attention with these unique pieces.

Pink Snake & Crystal Row

Beige, White, & Turquoise

Purple Cord Double Row

Tan & Red Beaded

Brown Cord & Crystal Double Row

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Imagine 2012

This year marked the 5th anniversary of bringing fashion to San Antonio for the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT). Since it’s opening in 2007 IADT has provided it’s students hands on education, professional development and a place to really embrace their inner creativity.  The academy offers courses in fashion design, graphic design, merchandising and so much more. Starting in 2008 the academy has honored it’s graduating designers with the finale runway of their college careers.

Each year IADT donates a portion of the proceeds earned toward local nonprofits and out reach programs as well as the Career Education Scholarship Fund (CESF) that provides financial assistance to deserving students. This year the beneficiaries of Imagine 2012 were the CESF and the Kristine Meza Foundation (KMF).

The Kristine Meza Foundation is an organization that supports victims of domestic violence. Speakers for the organization stressed the need to talk about domestic violence and understand the severity of such a situation. The organization’s mission statement is to

“Raise awareness in our community on the impact of domestic violence. The foundation is committed to strengthen individuals by education, compassion and courage. To serve as a resource to those associated with it’s physical, emotional and mental harm and by doing so, preventing the loss of wholesome lives.”

My Everyday Couture

The Imagine 2012 theme was “Imagine” as the event is titled. Students were to create collections and imagine their dream collections to hit the runway. Along with graduating design students the graduating graphic design students were showcased at The Ten Show, which featured the top ten graphic design student portfolios. The fashion show was emcee’d by Cassandra Lazenby, Executive Producer of KENS 5′s Great Day SA and Host of KENS 5′s Great Day SA, Bridget Smith. The fashion show featured 13 designers with very creative and unique collections. The inspirations for the collections ranged from rockabilly/punk, Betty Page and Jackie O to career minded women as well as men. The fashion show had such a great range and really showed that these design and graphic design students will be successful outside the classroom.

Since 2008 the Imagine fashion events have become bigger and better. This year was nothing less than spectacular due to the lovely location at Historic Sunset Station, but also the production team that deserves much recognition for making the event possible for the students and guests. Cynthia Chapa is the Program Chair – Fashion Design and Merchandising and has been a staple to IADT and the lives of the students. Creative Director for the show was Jose Pacheco, Producer was Erica Torres and Production Assistant, Awilda.

With another year passed we can only look forward to more fashion and more grand events from IADT and their talented individuals.

-Vanessa F.

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Max Kibardin

Shoes are a girls best friends along with diamonds, everyone knows this. But when it comes to shoes, designer Max Kibardin knows exactly what a woman wants.

Max has worked with and dressed the foot of celebrities such as Britney Spears and the fashionable Sarah Jessica Parker. In addition to making lovely women’s shoes and handbags Max has a line of men’s shoes that are classic and sophisticated.

While you may not be familiar with his name, you soon will because this Milan based designer has debuted his latest shoe and handbag collection at the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York. Keep an eye out for more collections by this talented designer; he just may be the next Christian Louboutin.

Chantal Thomass

Iconic french lingerie designer, Chantal Thomass, gives an exclusive interview about sexy underwear. She continues to design and create since introducing her brand in 1975. Her collections range from corsets and bras to panties and stockings.  In addition to her design talent she has expanded and is working on hotel projects.

-Vanessa F.

J Mendel

Rebecca Minkoff

Oscar De La Renta

Marchesa

Jill Stuart

Phillip Lim

Nicole Miller

With the start of New York Fashion Week thousands have subscribed to the Live From The Runway channel on YouTube. Thirty Mercedes Benz Fashion Week designer collections are streaming live and you can still catch the action! You now have a front row seat and the best view of the latest collections from designers like Rebecca Minkoff, Diane von Furstenberg and Narciso Rodriguez.  Get comfortable and tune in!

Thursday, February 9

• 9:00 AM  —  Nicholas K
• 10:00AM — BCBGMAXAZRIA
• 11:00AM — Richard Chai

Friday, February 10

• 2:00 PM — Rebecca Taylor
• 3:00 PM — Rebecca Minkoff
• 6:00 PM — Charlotte Ronson

Saturday, February 11

• 10:00 AM — Lacoste
• 11:00 AM — Jill Stuart
• 3:00 PM — Herve Léger by Max Azria
• 6:00 PM — TIBI
• 7:00 PM — Monique Lhuillier

Sunday, February 12

• 2:00 PM — Tracy Reese
• 3:00 PM — Custo Barcelona
• 4:00 PM — Diane von Furstenberg

Monday, February 13

• 10:00 AM — Carolina Herrera
• 11:00 AM — Carlos Miele
• 3:00 PM    Reem Acra
• 5:00 PM — Bibhu Mohapatra
• 6:00 PM — Betsey Johnson

Tuesday, February 14

• 10:00 AM — Badgley Mischka
• 11:00 AM — Vera Wang
• 3:00 PM — Dennis Basso
• 8:00 PM — Narciso Rodriguez

Wednesday, February 15

• 10:00 AM — Michael Kors
• 2:00 PM — J. Mendel
• 3:00 PM —  Milly by Michelle Smith
• 6:00 PM — Anna Sui
• 7:00 PM — Vivienne Tam

The collection launched with a huge opening at H&M in London. Being a style and sports icon David’s collection received much praise as did he. CEO of H&M Karl-Johan Persson says, “It was a great collaboration.”

“I am very proud to launch my Bodywear collection for H&M in London. It was amazing to see the product at the in-store launch after so many months of development and meet with fans. I loved the pop-up gentleman’s club, which felt both traditional and brand new. It’s the same mix I hope men will find in the Bodywear collection. It was an amazing evening to launch my new collection.” David Beckham.

The Bodywear collection has everything a man needs; briefs, boxers, trunks, boxer briefs, t-shirt, henley’s and tanks. It even features some pajama pants and long johns for those cold days. It is a very well priced collection as well starting at only $12.95 and maxing out at $29.95. It is very affordable and is expected to sell well. Watch the official Bodywear commercial below!