Happy Halloween everyone, so October has been a month filled with fashion news and I'm going to fill you in on some of the most interesting ones.

Hermès Bounces Back as if the Pandemic Never Happened: 

Mega brands are seen bouncing back from the pandemic even stronger. After a bad year due to the pandemic, Hermès sales bounce back, with their timeless positioning, their heritage and tradition. Hermès was ranked as one of the largest and most resilient players in the industry.

Editorial Photography for SACLÀB official designer handbags.

Cartier Exhibition at Musée des Arts Decoratifs:

The Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris is opening a new exhibition (happening until Feb. 20) titled "Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity". 

The exhibition shows the influence of Islamic art on its designs since the beginning of the 20th century until this day. The exhibition will include pieces from Cartier, drawings, books, photographs and documents.

CHRISTOPHE DELLIÈRES/COURTESY OF MUSÉE DES ARTS DÉCORATIFS

Farfetch launches its Own  Label "There Was One":

Farfetch lately launched its own conscious private label "There Was One". It is a women's wear line consisting of 69 styles which are now available on their website. The collection is "Planet Conscious". Items are made from a percentage of organic materials and up cycled/recycled yarn.

Pandora "Animal Crossing" Island Video Game:

Pandora launched an island in "Animal Crossing :New Horizons", which is a video game to promote its new Pandora collection. Pandora’s themed island allows visitors to snag a range of custom clothing items inspired by the new jewelry range. You can also visit the new Pandora Factory, designed to match its Chiang Mai production facility.

Michael Kors Collaborates with 007 Film Franchise:

Michael Michael Kors are continuing their collaboration with the 007 film franchise to celebrate the launch of the new James Bond movie. They are launching an 11 piece capsule collection of co-branded products.

The collection is inspired by the glamour and the adventure, featuring a sleek black and metallic color palette.

 

Tommy Hilfiger x Timberland:

The new collaboration between Tommy Hilfiger and Timberland promotes better materials, low-waste designs and a transparent partnership. The two brands are teaming up on 2 capsule collections and are sharing their learnings on sustainability.

 September is a very important month in fashion. It acts as a seasonal reset, it marks the end of Spring/Summer and the transition into Fall/Winter fashion. It is the month of fashion week in New York, London, Paris and Milan.

1."Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" Exhibition:

After 2 years of lockdown, Brooklyn Museum in New York unveiled a major Dior exhibition; "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams". The exhibition includes a vast array of over 200 haute couture gowns, photographs, sketches, vintage perfumes..

2."A Lexicon of Fashion"– the 2021 Met Gala theme:

Also, the Metropolitan Museum of Arts opens its fall show: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion – the 2021 Met Gala theme. The exhibit will be a homage to young and emerging American designers; those who are interacting with ideas around identity, self and power.

2.A First in Fashion "Fendace":

Fendi and Versace have teamed up for a design experiment, introducing Fendace aka Fendi by Versace or Versace by Fendi."Luxury collaborating with itself".

So for the first time in fashion, the artistic director of the brands design at other houses and the show the results on the runway. It's not a collaboration nor a competition, it's like collections for shows are created by a different guest designer.

4.September Fashion Weeks:

With NY, London and Milan fashion week done, now is the turn for Paris fashion week for Spring/Summer 2022 Collections. Life is returning to the runway  after 2 seasons of virtual shows due to the pandemic. Most shows took place outdoors and all guest and participants must be vaccinated. 

Some designers have mixed feelings about the situation and some didn't present runway shows this year.

5.Balanciaga x Fortnite:

Balanciaga teamed up with the famous video game "Fortnite" to create virtual clothes, accessories and a destination. In addition to a physical line of products. The collection will be marketed on billboards and in the game itself.

6. Fashion Group "Kering" is Going Fur Free:

This week, French luxury conglomerate "Kering" made a commitment to go entirely fur-free. They will ban this material across all of its labels (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, ...) in an effort to build a more sustainable fashion industry. 

"Fur has no place in luxury" Kering's CEO announced.

* Photos are not mine. They are sourced from various sites.

With life going back to normal, and fashion weeks booming again, let's welcome the new season and this fashion month with the trends for Fall/Winter 2021 . With Yellow, orange, and pink being the three It shades of Fall/Winter 2021.

1.Après-Ski:

With ski-sweaters as a key piece for comfort and cozy dressing, you can embrace that ski-life fashion without actually hitting the slopes. This trend was seen by brands like: Chanel, Etro, Rag and Bone..

2.Sequins:

This trend is 1920s meets 1980s. However, this season it's about covered up pieces with sequins, not your typical short sequined dress. This trend was seen by brands like: Paco Rabanne, Valentino, Loewe...

3.Midi-Length:

The midi skirt dominated the look books for fall 2021. Some are box pleated, others are knife pleated and some are A-line shaped. This trend was seen by brands like: Christian Dior, Erdem, The Row, Max Mara..

4. Tailoring:

Designers are going all out with tailoring; from button-downs to vests, jackets, long coats, trousers, ties and so on. It's all about the classic look this season. This trend was seen by brands like: Gucci, Brunello Cucinelli, The Row, Peter Do, Valentino...

5.Black is Back:

Although it never left, this season ,however it's about the short and fitted mini dress. This trend was seen by brands like: Tom Ford, Versace, Carolina Herrera..

6.Knitting:

Today, people will always choose to be comfortable. This trend is about being cozy yet remaining polished and stylish with body-aware, flattering silhouettes. This trend was seen by brands like: Fendi, Cloe, Rick Owens..

7.Puffer Jackets:

Not any typical puffer jacket, more like dramatic high-fashion pieces that can make an entrance. This trend was seen by brands like: Rick Owens, Miu Miu, Marni, Louis Vuitton...

8.Wild Prints:

Wild, bold and bright are what this season's print are about. No shying away from colors, more like breaking free from greys and neutrals and adding vibrancy into the runways. This trend was seen by brands like: Moschino, Victoria Beckham, Dior..

*Photos source: Vogue.com
Collages are made by me via Canva

The fashion industry is about people. Clothes are the closest things to our skin. Psychologists can identify problems caused by this industry. Clothes can affect the way we and behave. Their is a symbolic association with certain outfits that can create a shift in identity. So, here are a few tricks that sellers do to maximize retail space and make you buy.

img src: https://www.dovile.co/personal-branding

Promoting Novelty:

There's a reason that people would sleep outside certain stores like "Apple" waiting for to buy the new product. According to neurological studies, being exposed to something new and novel will increase how much dopamine is released into our brain.

 Stores add new products every few months to keep displays fresh and exciting.

Create a Sense of Reciprocity:

Stores, especially grocery stores, offer samples for free. This will probably make you feel a little obligated to buy that item; after all they gave you something for free, so you should give back, right? This powerful tool is the principle of reciprocity.

Build a Community:

People, especially shoppers, like to feel like they belong to something. Brands have the opportunity to make every shopper feel like they belong to something bigger than just a sale. For example, retail company 'Revolve' gives customers a chance to be featured on their Instagram account by using #REVOLVEme hashtag. This creates a sense of belonging to this brand and makes you feel a part of the group.

Invoke Urgency:

People don't like missing out on things. Urgent situations promote quick decision making which is handy in marketing.  Words like "Flash Sale", "limited edition", "few items left in stock " make buyers think that they must take immediate actions.

Telling a Story:

Studies show that reading stories activate neurological senses, including oxytocin which powers trust and empathy. Telling a story behind an item create value. Brands explain to where the item came from, who made it, its history; which creates transparency for people.

Luxury brands uses this a lot especially heritage brands with long history and story behind it.

Power of Exclusivity:

It starts with "Scarcity Principle" which implies that the more rare or un-attainable something is, the more valuable. 

Luxury brands create limited quantities and set qualification for people to buy. 

Hermes has mastered this concept, you can't buy what you want even if you are a millionaire. They decide what you can get and when, they create a wish list and a waiting list for their costumers. People need to build up credit to be able to get an Hemes bag. First you buy accessories and spend 8000$-11000$ to be able to buy a Birkin bag (worth 12000$).

Disclaimer:

Photos are not mine, they are sourced through different sites.

Where did August went by? Is it only me or this summer went by so fast? Here is a new fashion report for the last days of summer.

1.H&M is getting into Resale:

The fast fashion brand is getting into resale with the site "H&M Re-wear" going live on Sep.7 in Canada. With the growing demand for second-hand clothing, H&M sees the opportunity to a step forward in sustainability.

2.Adidas "Humanrace Sichona" New Sneakers:

Pharrell Williams and Adidas launched a new sneaker "Humanrace Sichona", with the word "Sichona" meaning connecting to the earth. The design mimics the universal feeling of walking barefoot on the ground.

3.Tiffany’s New Collaboration With Artist Daniel Arsham:

The label’s new Knot collection, which launches this month, contains necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings fashioned from yellow and rose gold, some lined with pavé diamonds, and, on a special-edition white gold bracelet, produced in a one-time collaboration with the artist Daniel Arsham and adorned with diamonds and tsavorite; a rare green gem discovered in Kenya and introduced to the world by Tiffany in 1974.

4. Farfetch x Elie Saab:

Elie Saab recently posted on Instagram that the brand is pleased to announce it's collaborative partnership with Farfetch. Pieces from their Ready-to-wear Pre-fall 2021 collection is now available for exclusive purchase through the Farfetch website.

 

5. Louis Vuitton celebrates 200th birthday with a video game:

The French fashion house is reaching out to a younger generation with a new digital universe to be explored. Called Louis 200, the game mixes education, art, escapism and entertainment. Available for iOS and Android, the game was released on Wednesday, and is available in English and Chinese. Players can also compete against each other, thanks to a global leader board.

Welcome back to my blog and welcome to another fashion monthly report.

1.Price Inflation Among Luxury Brands:

Apparel prices are rising due to the rise in the cost from materials to shipping. Luxury brands like Bottega Venetta, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci also raised prices on their most desired products. Price increases might prove an immediately attractive signal for investors, and it's seen as a way of controlling the brand's image and ensuring the perception of prestige.

2.Beirut Explosion, a Year Later: How Lebanese Designers are coping?

Famous names like Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Andrea Wazen, Tony Ward, Krikor Jobetian... were deeply affected by the tragic blast last year and their houses and studios were destroyed. The country was already affected by the economic crisis, the pandemic and the political conflicts. Designers are determined not to give up, they are too busy trying to survive, and some are relocating and immigrating like Roni Helou.

3.L'oreal x Elie Saab makeup:

The collection contains lipsticks, mascara, lip glosses and eye shadow palette wrapped in pink and gold packaging with Elie Saab logo. This collection adds a touch of haute-couture to everyday beauty.

4."Not Your Mother's" Tiffany Ad Campaign:

The Campaign was aimed to sell aspiration, not stuffy jewelry. However, it evoked some anger from loyal, older customers. The brand now created a conversation with this not-your-typical luxury ads.

5. Oscar De Renta and Clé De Peau Beauty Collab:

The legendary fashion house has joined forces with the luxury skincare and makeup brand Clé de Peau Beauté to create a limited edition beauty pouch available exclusively at Luxury Stores at Amazon. Launched today, the pouch dons the pressed floral print from Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2021 Splendor of Nature collection, originally debuted by Swift at this year's Grammys.

6. Major Fashion Brands Participated in the Olympics:

This year, many heritage and emerging designers and brands supported the athletes and sponsored various countries' uniforms. Also they have created  capsule collections that honor the sporting event. Brands like Ralph Lauren,  Nike, Giorgio Armani,  Skims and Lacoste took part in the event.

New month, new things happening in the fashion industry. New launches from luxury brands and collaborations with others.

1. NYFW is Happening this September:

NYFW is happening live this September and not only online. Things going back to normal finally, so get ready for a  buzzing time filled with street style and exciting fashion shows. 

2. Valentino's New Make-up Line:

Valentino explores beauty with a new makeup line. Stunning red and gold design, embossed with classic V-logo, and innovative packaging made for multi-use products.

3. Guerlin Bee Campaign with Angelina Jolie:

 Guerlin celebrates Bee Awareness Day (May 20) with the UN and Angelina Jolie. The campaign had Angelina covered in 60,000 live bees swarming around. "Bees are our original perfumer" Guerlin says. The photo was taken by National Geographic photographer Dan Winters, who is also a beekeeper.

4. H&M collaborates with Brock Collection:

H&M latest collaboration is dropping this June. The collection is describes as romantic and effortless, it's inspired by the prairie; with country floral, corset tops and dreamy ruffles.

5. "Diorviera" Beach Pop-up:

Dior opened a pop-up store for their "Diorviera" capsule collection .Dior essentials for summer and decorative pieces are also available at the stores . A dreamy summer getaway with Maria Grazia Chiuri’s toile de Jouy prints around the walls in shades of rich pink and gold of neon framboise pink located in Capri, The Selfridges and Mykonos.

6. Victoria's Secret Rebranding:

Victoria's Secret Launches "VS Collective," Announcing New Ambassadors in Effort to Rebrand. After plunging in sales, the brand replaced their fames "Angels" with more diverse group of brand ambassadors. The whole typical Bombshell image does not resonate anymore with the current culture of women's image, body positivity and female empowerment. 

 Gabrielle Chanel was a rebel at heart. She dressed like no other woman. No wonder she is a well-known figure till this day, and truly an influential one. From what I have read, I can tell you Gabrielle Chanel is very different, she believes in being authentic, sincere and natural. "Desire to look like nobody else" she said! All she does and designs have some kind of a cause and a reference or a story behind it

A Bit of History

The French Couturier was an orphan who was raised by the nuns. Her surroundings influenced her designs later in life. She learned how to sew and used to sing at night. The name "Coco" was inspired from a song she used to sing. She began her career by designing simple and chic hats unlike what was worn at that days. She then designed custom jewelry, bags, ready-to-wear pieces and beauty. The World Wars I and II made her close her boutique, but she always came back stronger than ever.

The Legend of No.5

The house of Chanel recently celebrated 100 years of  No.5. It was called so simply because it was the fifth sample given to her by perfumer Ernest Beaux , as she requested " A woman's fragrance with a woman's scent". Also number 5 was Chanel's luck number. 

  The design of its bottle has been an important part of the product's allure. The bottle cap is inspired by the geometry of the Place Vendome in Paris.

  At the liberation of Paris, American soldiers would purchase this perfume from Rue Cambon as a souvenir for their wives and fiancées waiting back at home.

  Not until 2012, that they discovered an unpublished interview for Marlin Monroe where she was asked what she wears to bed, and she answered " A few Drops of Chanel No.5" 

The Colors

Black, white, gold, beige and red are the main colors of Chanel. But like everything else, nothing goes without a reason or a cause. Black is the color of elegance, it reveals women's radiance and creates depth. "Black trumps all" as she said. 

  White captures light. It reminds Chanel of the cornets of the nuns from her childhood. And of a dress given to her by her father before he left.

  Beige is warm, simple and natural. It's the color of the outdoors and the color of a healthy skin.

  Gold refers to the byzantine empire and the baroque art she used to be surrounded by back in her days at the orphanage.

  Red is the color of life. She used it in the lining of her bags and as the color of her lipstick.

 Why The Camellia?

   At age of 13, young Coco Chanel was deeply moved by the performance of Sarah Bernhardt "The Lady of the Camellia"

   Dandy men would wear camellia pinned to their jackets as a sign of refinement, unity and ambiguity. Chanel took the camellia from the men's jacket and put it on the belt and pinned it to her chiffon dresses.

   One day a lady asked her what she was having for breakfast and Chanel answered "a camellia".

Behind the Inspiration

She was always inspired by masculine clothes. She took their jacket, their military bag and their jersey tops and re-interpreted them into women's clothing. 

 Her childhood surroundings influenced her design. From the opulence of religious garments and ceremonial objects, to the baroque and byzantine art.

  The geometry of her perfume bottles and their caps are inspired by the shape of the Place Vendome in Paris.

"To Choose , To Desire and To Be.." _CC