The Fashion of the '30s

I was watching that movie It Happened One Night starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert a few weeks ago for the first time, and throughout the entire movie I was doting over Claudette's style.  The short chic hair and heavy eye-rimmed makeup flattered the actress' unique beauty, adding glamour to an everyday look.  But the gorgeous understated clothing really spoke loudly for the era.  The movie was released in the  mid-30s, during the Great Depression.  During this time, women dressed more sultry.  Women dressed in fashions that emphasized their curves, that showed off a more skin and were beautifully embellished around the neckline.  Clothes like that would really make a woman feel beautiful, hopeful and empowered - important emotions to feel during difficult times.  

The cover of Preen Magazine Spring 06.  The model's hair and makeup are very reminiscent of the '30s, with  more quirk though!

London Fashion Week: Erdem

Models of the Erdem show were swathed in bold colors and prints. The line was very much inspired by Art and was a little tribute to Spanish conquistadors. The clothes weren't too risky and too costumey, making it very sellable. Apparent in many of the clothes were a ruffled neck line that is very romantic and dresses with cinched waists.

NY Fashion Week: Thakoon

One of this generation's favorite new designers, Thakoon, had a surprisngly more subtle show last week in New York. Most of his line was extremely wearable, especially to the office. Not necessarily a bad thing though. The clothes definitely still exhibited traditional Thakoon traits of eclecticism from multicolored outerwear to embellishments placed in unconventional places. This is the type of clothing you would want to wear in an office if you don't want to look like a typical corporate drone because it still has elements of high fashion in an overall conservative look.

The overlay of chenille (correct me if I'm wrong) on this skirt is unique. It is definitely a great way to put a twist on an A-line skirt. Pink and grey is also always pleasing to the eye.

The silhouette of this type of dress should belong in every woman's closet.

One of the harder pieces to pull off on a daily basies, but the fabric for the entire outfit is very eye catching.

MBA in Luxury Management

Only in Europe will you find MBA programs focused on luxury management. Admission numbers for this type of program is on the upswing right now because students are anticipating that by the time they graduate, the luxury market should experience high growth and expansion.

This is really a great opportunity for several reasons. First, I've noticed a lot of mainstream brands creating higher-end lines to attract the subset of consumers usually less affected by severe economic conditions. Second, research has shown that consumers are more willing to buy top-notch goods than ever before. Additionally, consumers in emerging markets (India and China) will help generate more revenue for this sector.

1) "Luxury Management Remains In Style"

Wall Street Journal Cuts Fashion Staff

Not a really well-established fashion source, but the WSJ announced today that it was going to cut it's fashion and luxury staff from nine to five. By union rules, seven of the employees have to reapply for three positions, with the remaining four set to leave.

Just A Vent

From an outsiders point of view, New Yorkers tend to be categorized as mean spirited and unfriendly. As a resident of this city, I can attest that most are not. I think that if they are, it arises from an insecurity of their social standing. Perhaps it is the highly competitive nature of this city, but everywhere you go, you will find people far more successful than you could fathom. Here, this feeling of trying to beat out the Joneses is deeply penetrated. I work in a financial institution with a few outstanding personalities whom exhibit this trait.

When I wake up every morning to go to work, I feel a part of my soul chips away. I spend too much of my time helping people who don't care about anything but fattening their wallets. In exchange for their determination to cut deals, they discard any sense of decency towards others. For example, demeaning their underlings by saying that they will not ever amount to what they are is deplorable, especially if it comes from a person twice your age. Especially disturbing is these people's sense of entitlement. Money can take you so far, and unless you are part of that billionaire's club, don't expect everyone to kowtow to you. Disclaimer: I don't think people who have a net worth of over a billion should receive a better treatment than others.

I can't give an accurate psychoanalysis of everyone I work with, however, I can say the financial industry creates a lot of pressure for these people. They work long hours, am constantly on the go, are trained to just make money and early on in their lives, learn to spend out of their means. Sure, these factors create anxiety amongst these people, but I think most who enter it, have a need to have the title and status early on.

The fact that the colleges and institutions make it difficult to enter the industry without the right pedigree creates a sort of mystical nature about it. If I were to ask the general populace about what bankers, private equity and hedge fund guys really do, most wouldn't know. Due to the economy, the government and these financial institutions are starting to air out their dirt. I can't even count on my hand how many scandals have been created by financial executives. Even under the radar of the government, they still manage to create many blunders. How can individuals without any moral sense lead our nation's biggest banks? In the future, what can we do to assure that these financial guys will not lead us to a recession of this magnitude? Unfortunaltey, the lack of cash flow at my firm, hasn't moralized any of my co-workers / employers...

Sprucing Up Your Wardrobe Without Having To Buy Any New Items

Ever since the squeeze in the economy, I've been reading about creative ways for fashionistas - I would be called a wannabe - to keep with the trends without feeling guilty. A fantastic way to do this is by customizing your old clothes to look like new. Instead of going out to buy a new cardigan by Rebecca Taylor, hem and embellish an old one you bought from J. Crew or Gap ages ago. That is just one example but plenty of alterations can be made to old items, just be creative!