

Dresses are quick and easy, but for Summer, they are also cool and comfortable. This year, designers are incorporatingrunway trends in subtle ways to give you wearable fashions.
Three of the biggest trends for Summer 2010 are nautical, floral prints, and denim. Echo brings us the One Shoulder Sailor Striped Dress. The dress is available in four colors, including red, which is quintessentially nautical. It is finished with a fun rope drawstring tie waist. Available at echodesign.com for $39.00.

Doie Designs is not only incorporating current trends; but they are doing it in a completely eco-friendly way. The Santa Monica Obi Dress inconspicuously incorporates a floral print by using it as an accent. This flattering dress delivers both style and comfort. Made with bamboo that is grown without pesticides, it’s a good choice for both you and the Earth. You can easily take this dress from day to night. Available at doiedesigns.com for $92.00.

For a bolder, yet very modern look, Classique has a fantastic floral strapless dress. The strapless style with wrap front is sexy, while the orange and pink tones evoke a true feeling of summer. Retails for about $60.00.

Denim is hot this season; and designer Rickie Freeman, of Teri Jon, has brought us the “LDD,” or the little denim dress. She also includes trendy ruffles to make the denim more demure for a look that’s fresh, flirty and feminine. Available at terijon.com for $210.00.

From september 1 to 3, you can find the collections for the next Spring – summer 2011 season in the pavilion 8 of Feria Valencia. On the runway, for three consecutive days, 30 new prêt-à-porter offers will be shown for the first time in the Feria Valencia runway. We will count with the most relevant designers of the fashion scene of the Comunitat Valenciana, and also an important share of national designers. Like in previous editions, 6 emergent designers will present their collections in ZONA D in two parade schedules, the third day of the event.
For the night owls, we continue with the parades in Zona Off, and the collections will be related to three different topics. The first collection will be reclycling-themed, the second one will have the most alternative designers as theme, and the last one will be a cosplay night.
Oslo Fashion Fair makes an arena that promotes Norwegian design and international design.
The opening of Oslo Fashion Week on August 17th is for invited guests and members of the press only.
The rest of the week Oslo Fashion Week is open to all as long as there are available seats. Invited guests will be admitted first.
Doors open one hour before the shows start.
For information on tickets for designer shows at Oslo Kongressenter please send your request to [email protected]
OFW main arena: Oslo Kongressenter (OKS), Youngsgate11, Oslo
Spring/Summer collection hosted by South Bank
In just four short years the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival – Brisbane (MBFF) has positioned itself as the premier fashion event in Queensland and generated national recognition as being the location for launching Spring/Summer collections to the country.
Timed to coincide with the arrival of Queensland’s strongest fashion season, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival – Brisbane, hosted by South Bank, will run from Saturday 7th through until Friday 13th August 2010. The festival will feature an exciting array of the best local, national and international design talent, events and parades and be completely accessible to a rapidly growing consumer audience.
To capitalise on the growing interest in these ‘consumer-driven’ fashion events and to allow more people an opportunity to experience the festival, a large marquee with raked seating will be housed at the Cultural Forecourt, South Bank which would become home for the 2010 campaign.
Almost 20,000 people attended shows and workshops last year which enabled local and national designers, top fashion graduates, fashion retailers and shopping precincts, to present their Spring/Summer collections to the buying public and national and local media.
******AIFW SCHEDULE OF EVENTS******
Each night of AIFW we will provide participants with the opportunity to make key industry contacts and linkages at one of our lavish dinners and networking events. Some events include PRIVE, FashionRocks Atlanta, LUXE, AIFW Fashion Soiree, POSH, Mode a Atlanta and countless elaborate events. These networking opportunities simply cannot be missed.
Two gala events will also set AIFW apart as a truly exceptional experience. First, an AIFW Opening ceremony will feature a keynote address from a major innovator within the fashion industry and culminating with a ceremony honoring fashion icons and moguls as part of the Fashion ICON Awards and Gala.
TUESDAY | 7.13.2010
Event: PRIVE Fashion Soiree (AIFW VIP Welcome Reception-black tie affair) with Honorary Chairs & City Council, Atlanta Mayor to feature Art of Fashion showcase
AIFW will be hosting a Welcome Reception at in downtown Atlanta. This exclusive and invitation only reception will be for AIFW VIPs, Celebrities, Sponsors, Media and delegates.
Venue: Loews Hotel, 1065 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309 www.loewshotels.com/atlanta
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00 pm
*****
WEDNESDAY | 7.14.2010
Event: Sole-tic featuring Shoe-case Fashion Show by Roberto Cavalli
A special and exclusive trunk show to highlight the very best of what the Jedal Fashion store has to offer including a shoe-focused fashion show. Sole-tice will feature the Summer/Fall collections of favorite designers such as Jedal, Roberto Cavalli and many others.
Venue: Jedal Italian Fashion at Phipps Plaza, 393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 www.jedalitalianfashion.com
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Event: Fashion FWD (Couture & Cocktails)
Infused with chic style themes and designed for the fashionista and trendsetters alike, Fashion FWD is a networking mixer designed for trendsetters and tastemakers by creating a classy atmosphere and celebrating various personal fashion themes in a more intimate restaurant setting. Being able to eat, relax, network, converse and enjoy being surrounded by style.
Venue: Uptown Restaurant & Lounge, 201 Courtland St., Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Time: 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
*****
THURSDAY | 7.15.2010
Event: “Fashion Store” – Fashion Expo & Trunk Show
An innovative and concept-based Trunk Show, consisting of Designer suites, samples sales, pampering lounge, and product giveaways to provide the very best in your shopping experience.
Time: 10 am – 3pm
Event: Runway Shows (Fashionably Green, The Fashion Fairway, Fantasy Island)
Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
Venue: Loews Hotel – Mercer Ballroom
Event: FASHION ROCKS ATLANTA
For the glamorous and culminating the ever evolving music style and featuring the elaborate art designs. This artistic affair will bring together the best fashion and art brands, tastemakers and a-list celebrities from the entertainment and fashion industry.
Venue: Luckie Lounge, 375 Luckie Street, Atlanta, Ga 30313 www.luckiefoodlounge.com
Time: 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
*****
FRIDAY | 7.16.2010
Event: SHOP Atlanta | Tour de Atlanta
Venue: Atlanta Boutiques, Art Scenes, Tour Attractions
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Event: Runway Shows (Men of Style, ATLANTA by Design, Student designers, Urbanstyle, Curvy Couture, Kids Kouture, Independent designers, Cultural Style-World Fashions)
Venue: Loews Hotel – Mercer Ballroom
Time: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Event: POSH | Life
POSH is a chic fashion event designed for trendsetters and tastemakers by creating a classy atmosphere and celebrating various personal fashion themes.
Venue: LIFE Nightclub, 1789 Cheshire Bridge Rd, Atlanta, GA 30324 www.clublifeatlanta.com
Time: 9:00 pm – 1:00 am
*****
SATURDAY | 7.17.2010
Event: Pretty Academy School of Fashion – Workshop & Seminars
Pretty Academy School of Fashion is a series workshops with a fashion and beauty based curricula. Classes will be instructed by industry experts including Anthony L. Williams from Project Runway. Some courses include ‘Art of Cosmetics & Skincare’, ‘Fashion 101′, ‘Model Therapy‘, ‘Tutoring Clinic’ and others. Pretty Academy will also include fashion workshops, model boot camp, extreme style makeover and the Beauty Shop.
Venue: Loews Hotel
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00pm
Event: PRIVE Runway Shows (Pret a Porter, Couture, Celebrity Walk for Charity “In the Pink” Fashion Show for Susan G. Komen Foundation)
Venue: Loews Hotel – Mercer Ballroom
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Event: Mode a Atlanta | All White Affair
An intimate, chic social affair for the fashion elite.
Venue: Ten Pen Alley at Atlantic Station, 261 19th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363 www.dolcegroup.com
Time: 9:00 – 2:00 am
SUNDAY | 7.18.2010
Event: Fashion ICON Awards Gala “Fashion & Style Honors” featuring fashion showcase by Alexander McQueen for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
“Honoring Today’s Fashion Icons and Supporting Tomorrow’s Trendsetters.”
The ‘Fashion ICON Awards Gala’ is a white-tie dinner and awards presentation that will be held to honor outstanding innovators in fashion, business and entertainment. Our inaugural honoree list includes Iman, Tyra Banks, Sean P.Diddy” Combs, the Bronner Brothers, Usher, Anthony L. Williams, Laura Turner Seydel, , among others with a special tribute to Alexander McQueen and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. The event will take place on Sunday, July 18, 2010. We will bring together hundreds of the brightest stars in fashion and entertainment for a one of a kind fashion event designed to both raise funds for and heighten awareness of issues facing today’s multicultural communities. Partial proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and other local charities and foundations.
Venue: Loews Hotel – Mercer Ballroom
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Event: Fashion Awards After Party
Venue: Loews Hotel – The Terrace
Time: 10:00 – 2:00 am
****For ticket information go to www.atlantaintlfashionweek.com/ticket-info****
While we don stones and adore the shimmer, we often forget that they signify something intensely personal and explain some of the greater mysteries of the inner-soul. If you wish to align yourself the planets and your center, here are the meanings behind the birthstones we all know and admire:
January: Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January. Its name comes from the Latin expression for “pomegranate,” and it has been found in burial sites as early as the Bronze Age. Typically thought of as deep red in color, January birthdays actually enjoy this gemstone in any color but blue. In early civilization, it was believed that garnet stones would protect one in the afterlife, and in the Middle Ages, people would wield them to stop bleeding, as well as warding off and healing blood infections and blood disorders.
February: Amethyst
Also the accepted gemstone for 4th, 6th, and 17th anniversaries, February birthdays hail Amethyst as their birthstone. A relative of quartz, Amethyst comes from the Greek for “sober.” Ancient Greeks believed that consuming wine from an amethyst cup would prevent drunkenness and poisoning. Other cultures have thought amethyst to keep evil thoughts at bay. It has been identified in jewelry worn by Greek kings and queens 4500 years ago.
March: Aquamarine
Sailors once wore aquamarine for protection and the Middle Ages believed it to quell sickness caused by poison. Derived from the Roman words for “water” and “sea,” respectively, it literally means “seawater.” Part of the beryl family of gemstones, ancient Romans believed that aquamarine was revered by the god Neptune and came washed ashore after falling from the jewel boxes of sirens. Because of its likeness to the waters of the Mediterranean, aquamarine was believed to gain special faculties when submerged in water. Water in which aquamarine was immersed was used to treat heart, stomach, liver, and throat ailments. Wearers of aquamarine are said to be gifted with foresight and bravery, as well as increased intelligence.
April: Diamond
Diamond, the most revered of all gemstones and the absolute hardest mineral on earth, was called “Vajra” by the ancient Hindus, which means “lightning.” This refers both to the brilliant light thrown off by diamonds, as well as its titan strength. An emblem of regality, diamonds were long thought to be an all-purpose cure for myriad illnesses. Now they have come to symbolize ceaseless love and eternal promise.
May: Emerald
Emeralds were the favorite gem of Queen Cleopatra and to the Romans it was the gemstone of the goddess Venus, thought to bring love, splendor, fertility and revival. In more modern times it is a symbol of wisdom and patience, as well as growth, love and devotion.
June: Pearl
The pearl forms when a foreign body lodges in the flesh of a mollusk. The mollusk coats the object with layers or “nacre” and, over many years, a pearl is produced. Ancient peoples ground up pearls to treat systemic stomach and heart problems, and pearls were also once thought to be an aphrodisiac, as well as a symbol of purity.
July: Ruby
Ruby has always been thought to have magic powers and, in ancient times, was associated with fire and power. Ruby was common in talismans and it was thought that a Ruby submersed in a pot of water would boil the water instantly. Kings used rubies to warn them of danger: when the ruby grew dark peril was sure to follow; when it returned to its natural color the threat had passed. It has been said that a Ruby’s glow comes from a flame, enclosed within the stone, which can never burn out, making this an icon of perpetual devotion.
August: Peridot
While its name comes from “faridat,” the Arabic word for “gem,” this gemstone is anything but ordinary. Sometimes called “evening emerald,” early Egyptians would look for peridot reserves in the early hours of night because it shone even after the sun was gone. Its powder was used to treat asthma and dehydration, and, in a gold setting, it was thought to ward off nightmares. Today is represents strength and vitality.
September: Blue Sapphire
In the old days it was believed that the world sat upon a giant sapphire; the Ten Commandments are thought to have been inscribed on sapphire tablets. Symbolizing wisdom, clarity, and purity, sapphire was thought to be a guard against jealousy and legend has it that a snake put into a sapphire container would die. Today it is a gift that speaks of sincerity and faith.
October: Opal
Ancient Arabs used to say that opals were heaved from the heavens in bolts and storms of lightning. Greeks told of the prophetic powers of Opal and it is rumored that Cleopatra wore Opal to seduce Mark Anthony. Called “cupid paederos” or “child beautiful as love” by the Romans, this gemstone, indicative of confidence, was worn as a symbol of purity and hope that would keep its wearer free of disease. It was also ground up in antiquity as a multi-purpose cure-all and to prevent nightmares.
November: Citrine
One of the rarer quartzes, citrine did not make its way into civilization until first century B.C. Rome. A citrine talisman could block out demonic thinking and diminish the effects of snake venom. Medically it was used for problems pertaining to the kidneys and urinary tract. Today it is a symbol of hope and strength in hard times.
December: Blue Topaz
From the Sanskrit for “fire,” ancients venerated Topaz for its cooling potentials, rumoring it to chill a pot boiling of water when submersed and even hot temperatures. Among its healing powers are the ability to alleviate insanity, insomnia, and asthma, and it was even believed to make its owner invisible to enemies. In more modern times it has become a beacon of fidelity and true love.
As the 2010 Emmy nominated lyricist in the category for Outstanding Original Song For A Drama Series, Jd Webb’s “Captured” isn’t the first song the award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer has received praise for in the music industry.
Webb mesmerized audiences with his soulful voice during his nationwide tour earlier this year, since his return from tour his single “Big For Me” climbed to the top 40 on the Urban AC charts.
We sat down with Webb to talk about his Emmy Nom, get the scoop on his latest single, and find out about upcoming international tours.
How does it feel to be nominated as the lyricist for a 2010 Emmy award in the category of OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG FOR A DRAMA SERIES for the song “Captured”?
It’s really exciting. As cliché as it sounds, to be recognized by your peers is a real honor. There are so many songs on daytime television and to be one of three songs nominated is amazing.
What is your favorite song on your debut solo album “The Introduction,” and why?
My favorite song is probably “Falls Apart,” I love performing that song. It’s the kind of song that takes you on an emotional journey, there is so much pain and passion throughout it and every time I sing it I am moved.
Tell us about your current single.
My newest single is called “This Could Be Love.” It’s a story about love catching you by surprise and realizing that sometimes love happens when you least expect it. It makes you want to fall in love or fall in love all over again.
How did your recent nationwide tour go? Where do you plan to tour next and when?
Touring and connecting with the fans is the best part of being an artist. I love it! We are looking at a tour in Asia in the fall and then in Europe.
How have your fans changed since you went solo and switched gears with your music’s genre?
In a lot of ways the fans have not changed. If anything the crowd is a bit more grown up and sexy.
You are quite fashionable in all your publicity photos, can you tell us where you get your fashion sense?
I’ve always loved fashion. I like taking risks and I am all about pushing the envelope. I wear what feels right to me. My parents are very fashionable, especially my mom, she lives in 4 inch heels.
Who are your top 3 favorite designers of all time, and why?
Of all time? Wow, that is tough. I have so many designers that I am in love with right now, but designers that I have loved for a long time would have to include Armani because he is timeless, Vivienne Westwood, I just love her unusual lines, and Alexander McQueen because he was so unafraid to take risks.
Futurism. It’s something of a paradox. The future cannot be predicted; but in envisioning it, we can create self-fulfilling prophecies. You could go crazy just thinking about it – so instead let’s just say that the dawn of a new decade has sent 2010’s fashion trends into sci-fi and futurism overdrive.
So how do we define futuristic fashion? As a Spring 2010 fashion trend it seems to be less about gadgetry and more about future environments. We’re faced with collections that contemplate dystopia or evolutionary change. Topics of science fiction are woven into the threads of some designers’ clothing, while others base their designs on more traditional views of futurism.
The futuristic influences upon fashion in 2010 are far and wide. We’ve seen everything from the re-interpretation of 1960s views of space age fashion (like the raised collars and metallic fabrics at Louise Goldin), through to reptilian eco-evolutionary creatures at Alexander McQueen andJulien MacDonald; while the likes of Karl Lagerfeld had metallic foil detailing which more called to mind the abstract art of the original early 20th century futurists, who revered technology and speed.
If anything the continual thread through it all is a deep contemplation about what the future might hold. There’s wonder more so than excitement; and, for some, trepidation. Science, technology, and the environment – and humankind’s effect on the world – are playing upon many minds. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Futuristic themes can be fun and playful, as well as stark and fierce.
A subset of the futurism trend is the future warrior; a fierce and forwards-looking collision of the military and tribal trends. Ancient civilisations come to life with a futuristic twist, in leather tunics, metal plating, and war paint. Unequivocally fearless and with room for endless creativity, the main criteria for the modern warrior is confidence. Click to read more about the future warrior trend.
Again this trend spans multiple styles and influences, but here are some of the significant common elements we’ve seen appearing:
This is one trend for which the runway interpretations were spectacular – especially the likes of Alexander McQueen, who put together an entire evolved look. But if you don’t want to look like an Avatar creature from the world of Pandora, or a twisted faun that belongs in Pan’s Labrynth, maybe the whole horn-hair and prosthetic gills things isn’t for you. We’re not surprised.
McQueen’s dresses translate well to the street, however, once you leave all that stuff behind; as do many others of the sci-fi inspired looks. The key is to be bold and embrace things a little strange and, well, alien. But you can also play them down by pairing futuristic pieces with more classic ones. Just remember that when it comes to the future, we’re dealing with something that doesn’t exist yet… and so, the possibilities are endless.
As the sassy redhead on the HBO hit series, “True Blood” currently setting the airwaves on fire with the third season of the show, Carrie Preston stars alongside Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin.
Preston’s breakout role as “Miranda” on the Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” led to roles in major television series such as “Lost” (Fun fact! She is married to Michael Emerson who plays Ben!) and “Desperate Housewives” along with acclaimed films including Woody Allen’s VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA and the Oscar nominated TRANSAMERICA.
Now, Preston plays the role of “Arlene Fowler,” a kind-hearted waitress and the mother of two children in a small town in Louisiana. Everyone’s wondering what happens this season!
We sat down with Carrie to discuss how her character unfolds in season three, her fashion style, and we even found out that the multifaceted Southern-born actress has also made a career out of producing!
Tell us about how Arlene is different this season.
The audience is going to see a deeper, more emotional side of Arlene this season. However, it’s not the familiar histrionics that she displayed in the first two season. She’s grappling with something quite big and personal, so there will be more of an insight into how she deals with stress and pressure. She’s still serving up a lot of the humor of the show, but it was a nice change of pace for me to be asked to tap into a deeper well of emotions this season.
You guest-starred on an episode of THE GOOD WIFE, tell us about that experience.
I actually had the great fortune of doing two episodes. I’ve been a fan of the show since the pilot. The cast is terrific, and everyone on set was very welcoming. Their writers gave me a real gem of a character in Elsbeth Tascioni (how’s that for a mouthful?) On the page, they created a quirky, mysterious, smart and complicated woman, and I was honored that they sought me out to bring the character to life. Plus Julianna Margulies and I did a Broadway show together four years ago (“Festen”), so it was a treat to work with her again. Some of my scenes were with Titus Welliver, who was also on my husband’s (Michael Emerson) show “Lost”. So in a funny way, Michael and I were both battling the Smoke Monster at the same time!
What are your top 3 fashion disaster rules for women? What should they NEVER wear and why?
1) I think the micro-shorts where the bottom of the butt is hanging out just doesn’t look good on anyone no matter how rocking the glutes. The same goes for the thong bikinis. I think the rule there is to leave some things to the imagination; it’s sexier. 2) If someone’s fingernails can double as tools or weapons, they are too long 3) Don’t wear long full jackets with long full skirts. I don’t think they look flattering, no matter the person’s body type.
Who is your all time favorite designer and why?
I’m someone who gets around fashion wise. I like all kinds of designers for all kinds of reasons. Some of them are Catherine Malandrino, Nanette Lapore, Theory, and Betsey Johnson. They all tend to have silhouettes that are inventive, flattering and even a bit whimsical. Those are the designs I gravitate towards.
Tell us about projects you have coming up besides TRUE BLOOD, we hear you are producing?
I have a production company, Daisy 3 Pictures. We have produced two features and a short film. Now we are teaming up with Locomotive (Lucy Barzun Donnelly and Joshua Astrachan) to produce a screenplay written by actress Kellie Overbey, and I will be directing it this fall in New York. It’s a comedy called “That’s What She Said,” which I like to call “an East Village Sex and the City.” It’s the women’s answer to all the “men are boys” movies that have been ubiquitous these days. As for acting, I have three movies coming out soon. “What’s Wrong with Virginia,” with Jennifer Connelly, “A Bag of Hammers,” with Rebecca Hall and Jason Ritter and a movie I just shot in Texas called “Sironia” with musician turned actor Wes Cunningham.
Photo: Dimitry Loiseau/ DimitryL.com
Hair & Make-up: ValerieNoble.com
Wardrobe courtesy of aLine Media
Denim on Denim is a hot for summer. The trend started last year in London and has worked its way into main stream over the last year.
Here is a few points that will help you wear the trend.
Limit the denim on denim. Sounds like an oxymoron, but you only need two pieces of denim for your look. A jacket and shorts is enough to demonstrate the trend without needing a denim shirt with it all.
Flash some skin. Opting for denim shorts or cropped pants rather than full length jeans will naturally keep your denim ensemble from overwhelming the eye.
Use other lively fabrics to compliment your denim look. Denim is usually a safe way to ground sparkly sequins or printed floral pieces. With that said, break up your denim look with the same patterned and flashy pieces.
Mix (but don’t match) your denim tones. Contrast and balance a lighter, washed out denim with a dark black or navy denim. Instead of upping your fashion forward look, wearing a head-to-toe shade of denim will knock you down to the “Jennifer Lopez’s Denim Jumpsuit” level
.