A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Final Post

In the concluding blog post on fashion of the 00's, I will examine when indie fashion, culture and retail turned into the mainstream norm. In a decade of "mash-up" or recycled fashion, none was more prevalent than the 80's revival. Whether it was Marc Jacob presenting a big shoulder, neon hued collection or D&G bringing back the supermodels of the 80's in a new perfume campaign, the 80's were relevant again.

When Madonna released her 10th studio album Confessions on a Dance Floor, she shocked the world with the video Hung Up featuring her yoga-sculpted body in a bright pink bodysuit. She has been dictating fashion statements since 1982 and not much has changed since then. As the most successful female entertainer of all time, Madonna continues to be a hugely influential trendsetter. Top entertainers from Beyonce to Lady GaGa have followed her lead and made the bodysuit an essential part of their on-stage wardrobe (and in some cases off-stage). While wearing only a bodysuit has not adapted into mainstream culture, a no pants look has definitely been escalating in fashion editorials, magazine covers, music videos and in public.

One major retailer of bodysuits, leggings and other 00’s clothing staples is American Apparel. A head-to-toe American Apparel look consisting of brightly coloured basics became a style of its own and a major part of the hipster trend.

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head is a band that exemplifies the hipster trend.

The hipster trend was based on a contemporary subculture’s interest in non-mainstream fashion until marketers caught on and popularize it. Ironic clothing, skinny jeans, thick-rimmed eyewear and old school footwear, like Converse All Stars or Doc Martens, can define this trend. Also, any vintage and thrift store find, although stores like Urban Outfitters offer mass-produced vintage inspired clothing which is a popular source for hipster clothing.

Top fashion houses have really been playing with shapes in their designs as of the latter half of the decade. The sharp-shoulder black blazer was a huge hit among celebrities. This must-have could be paired with dresses or jeans. It took the shoulder pad look of the 80’s and reshaped it into a modern classic. If the shape wasn’t played up in the shoulders, the volume of hips was accentuated with bottoms, such as the Harlem pant. Many designers adapted modern Harlem pants into their collections to mixed reviews.

Other favourable mentions: LV Multi-Coloured bag, Doc Martins (and the mini grunge revival), Tweeds, Feather dresses and accessories, Ankle Length Boots, Bubble Skirts, A-Symmetrical Dresses, Suit Vests

Worst fashion trends: Armband (the bracelet for your arm), Capri pants, Peasant Blouses, Ed Hardy, Crocs, Velour Tracksuits, Rompers

What is most interesting about the fashion of the 00's is how quickly fashion trends were consumed and spit out. We went through 70's, 60's, 50's and 80's phases faster than we could say charge it. Is it because each of those decades offers a piece of icon fashion we want to relive or is it because we need something new to aspire to buy. I don't think just because this was a "mash-up" decade that it means designers have any less to say or that the popularity of sweats means that our culture has evolved into a lackluster style funk.
The classics will live on because they are timeless. Originality will be praised because it inspires us. Trends are just the way we express the moment - here and now. Because clothing shapes our memories and excites us for the future.

Images: www.breatheheavy.com

A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Part 3

In my third blog post about fashion over the decade, we'll concentrate briefly on men's fashion and a huge fashion trend of the 00's that's still relevant today.

Boho-chic is a bohemian-inspired trend that started as an underground fashion statement in early 00’s and continued to influence elements of design throughout the decade. Popularized by Sienna Miller, Mary Kate Olsen and Kate Moss, the boho-chic trend was a merge of folk and hippie elements in classic pieces. Flowly skirts and dresses, peasant blouses, vests, fringes, turquoise jewelry, moccasin boots, tunics and the "it" hobo bag defined the trend that originated from the 60’s. Designers continue to be inspired by the optimism of 60’s fashion. Most recently, the highly-stylized AMC program Mad Men, which is set in the 60's, caused a stir with their impeccable costume designs. The clothes have gone beyond setting the tone of the sixties to opening a new market for elegant, 60's inspired men's and women's wear. The most recent example of Boho-Chic on the runway was Diane von Furstenberg’s modern 60’s goddess dresses in her Spring 2009 collection. Major classic and wild fashion trends were born in the 60’s, such as Jacqueline Kennedy’s pillbox hat, Mary Quant’s mini skirt, Mod style, Audrey Hepburn’s cigarette pants, YSL’s Le Smoking Suit and, of course, the bohemian/hippie look.

In men’s fashion, street styles are heavily influenced by hip hop music and culture. Brief trends include: denim jackets paired with matching jeans, bling-bling, trucker hats and pink Polo shirts. Tracksuits, sportswear, sneakers, chains and baggy clothing remained popular in the 80’s, 90’s and early 00’s. In and around 2005 hip hop style changed dramatically when musicians like Kanye West, P. Diddy, Justin Timberlake and Will.i.am started wearing more sophisticated garments with minimalist style. Hip hop must-haves now include cardigans, blazers, bowties, all-white sneakers and LV luggage.



Images: www.mycelebrityfashion.co.uk, www.bet.com

A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Part 2

The fashion of the noughties (2000-2009) in Toronto was like dating the same person for a year. Everyone was comfortable with each other...maybe a little too comfortable. As mentioned in the previous blog post, the sweats trend was taking over North America. The days of yesteryears, when a lady would not leave the house without a hat, pair of gloves and a fresh layer of lipstick, were over.

Shoe styles of the 00’s were also affected by the sweats trend. Most popular were the Ugg Booties due to their warmth and comfort, which is a little odd since they became a must-have amongst LA celebrities. The absolute worst trend has to be Crocs. Tim Gun said it all here. And the best trend has to be Ballet flats. I first wore a pair of gold sequin ballet flats at the 2005 Fashion Cares ‘Bollywood Cowboy’ event. These shoes are comfortable yet classic and a welcome departure from Stilettos.

Since most fashion trends of the 00's were on their second lap around, some only lasted for a moment but others proved that not all fashion is fleeting. Leather (real, pleather or vegan leather) seems to never wane in demand. As in denim, leather is a material popular with different demographics. Although leather has many different purposes ranging from leather goods, such as handbags, gloves, belts, jackets and footwear, to clothing pieces, such as dresses, skirts and pants. Over the last ten years, the leather trend was popular with musicians in the early 00’s looking to add some edge to their image with leather pants, knee-length heeled boots, bustier, fingerless gloves and Capri pants. One entertainer that wore all of this and more was Jennifer Lopez.



Another J-Lo shout-out? (Watch the video Play and you will see for yourself how many leather trends she dons.) She may not have been the most stylish celebrity at the time, however she made a huge impact in the fashion stratosphere and showcased all the current trends in her videos and public appearance. Let’s not forget that J-Lo use to be at the top of the media heap in the early 00’s for her relationship with Puff Daddy and then garnered unparalleled interest with the “Bennifer” phenomenon. Back to the leather trend, the look has evolved with the popularity of leggings. Leather leggings have become a staple in the fashion conscience wardrobe since 2004 and the trend is still going strong. The cropped motorcycle jacket was a alternative leather must-have made popular by Rihanna in early 2009. The jacket has exploded in retail with most fast-fashion stores carrying a copy and may result in this trend running out of stream for Spring 2010.

Another permanent fixture of the 00’s was the trench coat. The trench was originally designed to accommodate soldiers during wartime and later became a huge fashion staple in the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's. The Burberry trench coat is one of the most iconic high fashion items in the world and includes their classic check in the lining of the coat. As long as Audrey Hepburn is a fashion idol, trench coats will continue to stay in style.
Image: www.stylebyme.net

A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000 -2009: Part 1

Over the Christmas break, I spent time in my hometown and indulged in some remote control channel-flipping bliss. Since 2009 was coming to an end, many channels devoted themselves to reminiscing over the decade. While watching videos of Britney (not yet a woman in flared denim and a belly-baring crop top), Madonna, (bringing disco-inspired dance music back to the mainstream in a bodysuit), and Kanye (cementing his style status by bringing the Shutter Shades fad to the table), I started thinking about all the trends which have impacted the evolution of fashion in the last ten years.

No doubt has dance-pop music been a major influence on style, particularly in the beginning of the decade. Musicians have been saying rock-and-rock is dead for years now and I think the popularity of Emo bands, like Dashboard Confessionals, sent the final blow to rock in the early 00’s. Most of the fashion trends were influenced by other decades - dubbing the 00’s the mash-up decade. Most prominent revivals were 90’s grunge plaid shirts, 80’s neon, leggings and shoulder pads, 70’s flared jeans, 60’s bohemian and 50’s pencil skirts.

First of all, early 00’s fashion was a little trashy. The world was recovering from Spice World mania. We were listening to songs like Dirrty, I’m a Slave 4 U and Sk8ter Boi, and we were dressing in corsets, leopard and ultra low-rise jeans, but we didn’t seem to mind. I used the term Ghetto Chic to describe some of these popular trends, which to me is a fusion of street style and classics. A few trends under this category are: nameplate necklaces and earrings, hoop earrings, tube tops, booty shorts, legwarmers, white beaters, the Gucci fanny pouch belt, glitter and metallic clothing. In the middle of the decade, metallics became a major trend of their own. Red carpets were gleaming with entertainers trying to outshine each other in gold and silver gowns. I have always had a bizarre love affair with gold shoes, ever since I purchased a pair of late 90’s golden platforms.

Denim is always fashionable. The decade started with the reintroduction of low-rise jeans by pop stars, such as Britney Spears. When paired with a belly-baring crop top, the results were sexed-up and tacky. Among the fashion victims “accidentally-on purpose” exposing their thong was Halle Berry wearing a mini skirt, while proudly baring her thong at the MTV Video Awards.

Flared jeans were also very popular in early 00’s - a throwback to the Bell Bottom of the 70’s. The trend moved far away from flares in 2004, when the skinny jean and cigarette pant styles emerged as the must-have. Skinny jeans were popular in various groups: fashion crowds (such as early adapter Kate Moss), rock groups (The Strokes) and hipsters until it bleed into mainstream stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. Ultra-wide leg pants and jeans tried to replace the skinny jean effect with minor success. Jeggings are the latest denim trend – a hybrid with the look of denim and the feel of leggings – to take legs by storm and may continue into 2010.

Sweats have been a major player in the retail marketplace this decade. The sweats trend allowed people to let go of their inhibitions and dress comfortably in spite of what the public may think. The idea was to look “put together” and disguise the fact that you’re wearing sweats all-day long. Juicy Couture and Lululemon Athletica successfully ventured into the sweats trend with “upscale workout gear.” Juicy Couture also started the Velour Tracksuit craze in the late 90’s and early 00’s after sending one of their suits to Madonna with the word “Madge” embroidered on the bum. She wore it and thus everyone in America was branded with “Juicy” on their behind.

The J-Lo Velour Tracksuit was also mega popular. The start of the decade was the start of Celeborprations (Celebrity + Corporations), where musicians and actors became full on empires with limitless branding opportunities. Jennifer Lopez, aka JLO, aka Jenny from the Block, led the pack with her actor-turn-musician-turn-entrepreneur status. The success of her perfume Glow by J.Lo started the insufferable trend of celebrity fragrances. From early 00’s to presently, sweats have remained in the limelight. Top designers are beginning to realize the sweats trend is here to stay and are adapting new ideas to turn sweats into high fashion. Spring 2010 will see designers like Alexander Wang bring sweats into the future of sportswear.

Images: www.starpulse.com, www.halleberryweb.com, www.perezhilton.com

Amazing Gaga Piano Cover

Everyone needs to take a minute and listen to this. Composer and Pianist Yoonha Hwang is a remarkable talent from South Korea and he is using YouTube and other Web 2.0 mediums to catapult his career. He covers a variety of popular songs, check out links for other songs here.

This performance is sensational. The song 'Telephone' is one of Lady Gaga's newest off her Fame Monster album. It has already became one of my favourite dance songs of all time but this version proves to be more powerful than just a hot song at the clubs. The drama and emotion it evokes seems well-fitted for a dramatic period movie trailer or something. That's where my mind goes...Gemma Arterton.....Ed Westwick...in Wuthering Heights.

All I Want For Christmas

I am a very lucky person. I have a wonderful boyfriend, good friends and lovely family members. You could say I'm so fulfilled in my life that I don't need anything for Christmas. But for some reason that does not seem to be the case. New products arrive and the desire of freedom from want is overridden by the desire of wanting something pretty and sparkly. Here is my list to Santa and Jesus:

PVC Pencil Skirt
I know I know, I am a total Lady Gaga copy cat .....and I don't care. I've enjoyed the look of glossy PVC from afar for too long. I have stayed away because of the level of discomfort associated with PVC. Being a early advocate of ballet flats, I usually try to look fashionable while being comfortable. Although I can no longer resist my need for PVC. How fascinating is it to take a sex store fabric and turn it into something fashion forward.

Hot Rollers
Curly hair is in! I am not one to spend more than 15 minutes on my hair, but I miss curls. It's time for a return to glamour.

Couture Hat
The Paris hat from Lilliput Hats -Couture Collection is divine.

Movie Tickets
'Tis the season for the release of Oscar worthy films. I cannot wait to see A Single Man, I Love You New York & Nine, and I'm curious for Up in the Air, The Lovely Bones and Avatar.

The Book of Negroes
After the news broke about a Brampton parent complaining to remove To Kill A Mockingbird off the required reading list at his/her child's school, I was disappointed. But then enlightened by someone suggesting it is a chance for schools across Canada to use books with a different point of view to teach young adults about racism. The Book of Negroes is hailed the most important book about Canadian black history and it about the black experience instead of what white people think about the black experience.
Why The Book of Negroes matters,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/article312208.ece

Happy Holidays!

Image of Lady Gaga: www.osoblog.tv.com

Let it snow, let it snow

I am in a artsy mood today. Maybe it's because the lightest snow in history is falling in Toronto. Maybe it's because I scanned them into jpegs, so I might as well do something with them.
Here are a few of sketches out of my portfolio: