May 2012

Is Knowlege Power?

by Neka / May 31, 2012

Since when did you have to know what you were doing to be respected in fashion? What I find is lots of very well versed or even educated individuals who specialize in fashion in any aspect really get no shine. Why is it that the people who get recognized for being fashionable are really a 3rd party? For example, when you see an “it” girl wearing the latest looks everyone focused solely on them and not the real artist… the stylist. Granted, not everyone is going to be considered fashionable, some people just have better things to do with their time (whatever), but honestly pretty faces and vapid hype seem to rule this industry and it’s downright frustrating. There are many designers who have manage to get the respect they deserved because of their work, but some people who consider themselves experts or “guru’s” just vulgarize fashion and make it look more vapid than it really is.

Fashion is an art, its creativity and that takes talent! Why is it that some people feel they are experts in a field because a bunch of people who don’t know anything about the subject themselves deem them worthy. I have seen a lot of YouTube guru’s who are very popular, claim to know fashion, but their videos are train wrecks! Just admit it people, you don’t really care about knowledge, as long as the person talks a good game or looks pretty, you could care less about their back ground. It’s an ugly reality. We have arrived at the age where expertise is all topical. It’s a shame. It’s like people would rather be entertained and purposefully deluded than enriched with knowledge. This is not just with fashion; almost every industry has that person who just floats by on a whim because of their looks or their talk. I hope that more people are able to discern real talent or informative people from the ones that just rely heavily on popularity.

I pray for a more aware fashion enthusiast… a YouTube break maybe? I don’t know, maybe I should give it a try? Could it be that the reason so many people rely on people who don’t know what they’re doing is because they don’t have other options… Nah. Let’s see if I can spit some knowledge… video style, because it’s long overdue.

FASHION FOCUSED

Being Creative in Fashion!

by Neka / May 29, 2012

Yes, some words for fashion wisdom!

For all you folks who love to shop, listen up. Clothes are just one of the many tools you use to express your individuality. Its whatever you translate it to be. If you make it a status symbol it will be so, and if you make it the center of your world, it will be that too. Don’t do either, when you discover you true self, clothing is just an extension of who you are. Every year designers come out with mind blowing collections that will inspire many. If you’re unable to purchase a dress for $1000 that doesn’t means you can’t appreciate the creativity that goes into the collections. Consider the lines, silhouettes, and sewing techniques used. Let it entertain your senses. If your lucky enough to sit front row of a fashion show, pay close attention to the fabrics used and the treatments. Fashion week turns the streets of new york city into a real life catwalk. You’ll be able to see real trend setters on the streets and in the seats.

Designers go through great efforts to make a collection worth talking about. This year tell the world your opinions on fashion. Go to Style.com and find clothing that inspire you. Focus on making your shopping trips count. Be sure the quality of your clothes will withstand years of wear and tear. Never shop just to be “in”. Trends come and go. Fashion like beauty is subjective. The key is to use what you have and make it werk! Yep, I said it! Werk Werk Werk it!

Comment below if you agree, or if ya don’t. either way helps! ;)

FASHION FOCUSED

Betsey Johnson?… Who Could be next?

by Neka / May 8, 2012

It was a sad day in fashion on April 27, 2012. Betsey Johnson LLC has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. According to Woman’s Wear Daily, Betsey Johnson will be closing her boutiques (except for some key flagship stores) and laying off over 350 employees. After reading the article, my mind started to wonder about the future of some high-end retailers. I decided to use this post to explain why I believe Betsey Johnson is only the first of many high-end retailers set to fall like dominoes due to this economy and the new age of smart consumers.

First off, who doesn’t love Betsey Johnson right? I’m an eclectic dresser myself, so her collection brought a great element of fun and flirtatiousness to my wardrobe. When my budget would permit it, I’d splurge on a pair of shoes, or even a dress. I mean sure $250 to $350 for a sweater might be peanuts to some, but to many… It’s a bit much. That’s why I think Betsey had to file bankruptcy. It’s just not enough “ballers” in her target market anymore. I always go by the saying quality over quantity. I consider Betsey Johnson a great investment in style, but quality? I just don’t know. Why you ask? Well, if you check the labels on her clothes, a lot of it was made in China, just like Forever21, Love Culture, and Know Style, which is NOT considered “high-end”. You can also find Betsy Johnson in your local Ross stores or Macy’s. People have become more budget savvy. With the internet at their disposal, the consumer with an average income saves time, energy, and money. This economy is hitting these high priced boutiques hard! In fashion there are so many affordable options. It’s no wonder why high-end retailers are struggling to keep up. Companies like Kenneth Cole, Liz Claiborne, and Talbots, have recently experienced deep declines in their first quarter sales. (See it here) Who knows? Maybe they could be next! It’s time for their marketing executives to start creating campaigns that can serve up a large piece of humble pie! The fashion industry can be so egotistical sometimes.

I believe marketing without humbleness is the culprit. They don’t let their target market KNOW what’s going on before it gets bad. What could it hurt? This may come as a shock, but shoppers do respect honesty! Letting us know when they’re in trouble might just dig them out of the financial hole they’re in. I’m sure there are loyal consumers who don’t want to see their favorite brands disappear or get watered down. If these companies create a marketing strategy asking consumers to …help them, who knows what that can do? There have been many retailers that have seen declines in profits over the years. It’s scary that some of our most popular high-end brands will be going the way of the Dodo bird if they don’t start appeasing to the demand of the smart consumer. I believe that they can still maintain their brands integrity while providing consumers with cheaper alternatives in style. Some companies like Zac Posen and countless others have done collaborations with stores like Target and H&M. What I think they should do is come up with better promotions and close one or two stores until this economy picks up. I’ve noticed a lot of stores opening up in China, and rightly so. Women of Asian cultural background tend to stay at home longer, so they have a bigger disposable income. What I would do is invest in countries with a bigger population and money to play with. I’m not sure about other parts of the world, but that’s up to them to do research. I can’t do all the work for them ;) For now, lets just focus on the positive. Retail, and the economy WILL bounce back…Right?

Let me know what you think by commenting below.