Fashion | USA Fashions

Breaking Into the New York Fashion Scene

The New York Fashion scene is hardly more than a dream to most of us. If you’re hoping to become the next Marc Jacobs, you’re going to need some tips for breaking into the New York Fashion scene. Not everybody is allowed into the major fashion shows in the city. It’s highly unlikely any of the power hitters will give you the time of day just because you think you’ll design the next fashion rage.

If you’ve got the creative ability to crash a party, then go for it. Just know it’s uncool to show up without something to offer. In other words, you really better have a good reason to be there. Gawkers are not allowed. Will you be wearing your latest creation? Will it really catch the power players’ eyes? Just serving yourself is not good enough. You need to really have something to offer the industry.

That’s pretty hard to pull off. The New York Fashion scene isn’t about luck. It’s about hard work, so try to get a job in the fashion industry. Try to get on with a company that is up and coming. Even an entry level job can lead to big things if the company you work for is getting some notice. A talented designer who empties the trash at a major fashion magazine is more likely to get noticed than a party crasher.

Mostly, it’s about networking. Go to the right clubs, the right restaurants. If you get that job, try to get invitations to the right parties. Become a part of the scene. Just remember that you have to have something to offer. A freeloader will not be welcomed in the New York Fashion scene. When that random meeting with someone really important happens, you need to impress them with real knowledge and vision. Do your homework and get ready to work hard. No one got there over night.

Filed Under: International Fashions, US Fashions Tagged With: Fashion, Fashion show, Marc Jacobs, New York

How to Get On a TV Fashion Show

If you’re an aspiring fashion designer, you probably want to know how to get on a TV fashion show. Even though some of these reality contestants seem a little kooky, there are actually some pretty tough requirements for getting chosen. Like any program, TV fashion shows are looking for talent and skill.

When auditions are held for a TV fashion show, the casting director will likely ask for the following items. They’ll want to see at least 3 of your creations. They’ll want to see a portfolio, a resume, some form of proof that you’re in the country legally, and if an application to audition is required, they’ll need that, too.

Just claiming to be talented isn’t enough. These TV fashion shows are looking for real talent and skill. That means you need to be enrolled in a reputable fashion design school or have a work history to support being self-taught. Either way, you’ll have to demonstrate your ability to sketch your designs and actually sew them. Basically, you have to back up that creative vision you’re hoping to share with the world.

Don’t expect the experience to be as party. These shows are watched by millions of people. Of course, that’s why you want to be on a TV fashion show in the first place. You want people to see your designs and eventually buy your creations. TV seems goofy and fun, but in reality it is highly professional work. These casting directors are experts. They’ll call your bluff fast.

Most importantly, be realistic about your chances. When a reality show has a casting call, they usually do it in many cities. Not only are you competing with the people at your audition, your competing with people at other auditions. It might be best to go into it thinking of it as a learning experience instead of your ticket to stardom.

Filed Under: International Fashions, US Fashions Tagged With: Casting (performing arts), Fashion, Fashion show, Television

Fashion Models Should Watch Out for TFCD Compensation

It’s rare for inexperienced fashion models to get paid for their time. Instead, many photographers and TV show producers want to compensate with TFCD. The first step in becoming an experienced fashion model is learning what this means. Basically, you are not going to get paid for your time. The plan is to give you exposure. Nothing else. TFCD is a kind of compensation where the model is given a CD of the photo shoot.

One of the first things a really good photographer will tell you is that TFCD is usually a sign of a mediocre photographer. No real professional wants all of his pictures available without his control. That CD will contain the shots that would never make print, but an inexperienced fashion model won’t know that. He or she might post some really bad work. Only an inexperienced photographer would allow that. It won’t serve the TV show or the fashion model.

This is not to say that TFCD is always bad. More than anything, a young model needs to do the research and make sure the program is legitimate. You know the old saying. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

A few other things to watch out for would be how easy it its to find info on the TV show or photographer’s production company. If the only contact info is an email address at something like gmail or yahoo, it’s probably not legitimate. There should be a website that is professional and reputable. A proper website would host its own email. A final tip would be to think about how easy it is to get an audition. If you immediately get invited to try out for a position as a fashion model, that’s probably not good. Not all exposure is good exposure. Be wise when making the choice to be a fashion model.

Filed Under: US Fashions Tagged With: Fashion, Models, Photographer

Michelle Obama Helps Young American Designers

There’s nothing like a smart, young first lady to create a buzz in the fashion world. Just as all the old standbys were gearing up to dress her, Michelle Obama decided to help the young American designers who will be the next wave US fashion trends. The first lady is tall and lovely, so she is the perfect person to showcase any fashion designer’s talent, and she is the best American spokesperson for American style.

That being said, Michelle Obama is representing American style as the melting pot that it should be. Sometimes she’s in her J. Crew outfit. It speaks to the middle class woman who is active and practical. Sometimes, Mrs. Obama is sporting the latest styles by a young American immigrant. When she does this, she is giving a huge nod to the truism that America is the land of opportunity. American designers should be youthful and fresh. It speaks to the optimism that the country is known for. A youthful and fresh first lady has decided to take up that torch and give the fashion world a shake up.

Michelle Obama is bold and fearless. Therefore, she is not swayed by the old school big names in American designers. No matter how much Oscar de la Renta makes pissy little quips, it doesn’t help his cause. This is a first lady who is all about class, and catty cut downs from a fashion icon only boost the appeal of the new crop of visionaries.

Mrs. Obama has also been seen in foreign designer creations, but once again, they are from the new crop of creative clothing masters. All of this is in step with the President’s message of hope and change. Whether he’ll ultimately be successful won’t mean much in the fashion world. In that arena, his wife will call the shots.

Filed Under: US Fashions Tagged With: Fashion, First Lady, michelleobama, United States

How to Become a Fashion Model

There is nothing more glamorous than becoming a fashion model. These beauties are at the cutting edge of fashion and design, and many are so good at what they do, they become celebrities who star in movies, host reality shows, and hob nob with the Hollywood elite. Becoming a fashion model is more about looks than skill.

When fashion designers create the year’s newest trends, they are looking for people who will fit the style. If skinny jeans are in, then tall and thin models will be the target. If the designer is showcasing plus sizes, then they’ll look for larger fashion models. It’s all about who will make the clothes look the best, not the other way around. Sometimes there are open auditions for fashion models, and the call will describe the kind of model the designer or photographer is looking for. However, the people who are getting the really glamorous gigs are being represented by a talent agency. In that case, an aspiring fashion model should start with the agencies.

Another kind of model that is in demand is the commercial model. Stars and celebrities are often these kinds of models. The person wearing the clothes is the focus because that person speaks to a specific market. It might be easier to become a commercial model than a fashion model. Everyday people are used to sell everyday products. These models are housewives, students, firemen, teachers, and just about any other kind of person you can think of. Many of them become very successful at it.

Just like fashion model auditions, companies needing commercial models will usually post a call that asks for a specific kind of individual. Modeling agencies are looking for these kinds of individuals, too. In this case, it’s more about who you really are instead of who you hope to be. It might be the best place to start a modeling career.

Filed Under: International Fashions, US Fashions Tagged With: Business, Fashion, Hollywood, Models

Let’s Talk Hot Jewelry Trends of 2011

Do you consider yourself someone who only wears the latest styles? Do you keep your eyes on all the fashion magazines to see what will be the hottest trends of the next season? Are you shopping for the latest lines of clothing and jewelry that you see your favorite stars wearing on the red carpet? If so, you probably would love to know what the latest trends in jewelry will be this year. You might want to know which designers will be hot in the industry and on the streets. Will it be Christian Audigier, Leslie Greene or possibly Carl F. Bucherer? Read on and you can discover for yourself what will be hot in jewelry in 2011.

Some of the trends to keep an eye on this year so you can stay ahead of the game include both fine jewelry and costume jewelry. Keep an eye out for rose-cut diamonds. This is one of those trends that is now repeating itself. It was first in fashion as far back as the 1500s and they often resemble the petals of a rose which gives designers a lot of leeway in the design. Other fine jewelry trends to keep an eye on are South Sea pearls, yellow gold and richly saturated gemstones.

When looking at trends in costume jewelry, there are quite a few to consider and keep an eye on. High end costume jewelry had made resurgence lately and can be as expensive as fine jewelry at times. Look for big, bold metals that draw the eye right to them because of their size and embellishment. Also keep an eye on anything antique, retro, or vintage. These pieces are quite the rage and are only getting more popular. Finally, look for pieces that are tribal or ethnic in nature. If you want to be stylish in 2011, you now have the jewelry styles to get you there.

Filed Under: International Fashions, Trends Tagged With: Business, Christian Audigier, Costume jewelry, Diamond cut, Fashion, Jewellery, Jewelry, Shopping

Lasting Fashion Mainstays

Styles are always changing, and that can get really expensive for the person who wants to be up to the minute with their looks. The good news is that there are a few lasting fashion mainstays that can be worn season after season. These fashion mainstays will help keep the budget in line without sacrificing style.

Jean shorts have been popular since the original “Dukes of Hazard” television showed aired in the 1980s. Daisy Duke make the short cut-off look a standard summer style. To wear them as short as she did, you really need long legs. Not everyone is so lucky, so the jean short has changed in many ways to fit many styles, but it never goes out of style.

For the ladies, the black skirt is a must have in the wardrobe. It is such a simple, yet versatile piece of clothing. It can be dressed up with a nice blouse and heels to be the perfect outfit for the office, and then the same skirt can be paired with a t-shirt or sweater and some flats for a causal day of shopping.

Another fashion mainstay for women is the pencil skirt. It is a tight fitting, streamlined piece that can be elegant or casual, very much like the black skirt. Because of its slender fit, a little walking practice will be needed to make sure you can move around in it with ease.

Flare leg pants. are almost always in fashion in some form or fashion. Their most practical use is for wearing boots. In the 1970s, the bell bottom was a hot fashion extreme based on the flare leg pant. The nice thing about a little flare is that it draws attention away from the hips and mid-section, and that’s not such a bad thing for some people.

Filed Under: International Fashions, US Fashions Tagged With: Clothing, Daisy Duke, Fashion, Skirt