EBONY Fashion Fair’s Fashions 2000 is going to help you do just that. With a stylish array of dramatic creations and eye-catching colors and designs, you’ll be sure to paint the town in grand fashion with a few ideas from the EBONY Fashion Fair models who showcase how you too can step out in style.

He’s the king of vintage cool–part rugged sophistication, part grimy rock ‘n’ roll–and if you want to add an edge to your look, if you want to be dressed by the man who outfits The Boss and still assert your individuality, try throwing some John Varvatos on your back.

NB: How has men’s clothing changed since you entered the fashion world?

JV: Well, people are still creating fine, high-quality things, but there’s less and less handcrafted detail these days. Like on the surface, it’s a beautiful jacket–it looks great–but what’s in the interior? What are the fine details like? Are you going to feel great about it in three years? We constantly challenge ourselves with these questions. For us, God really is in the details. It’s like our mantra. The details let you be yourself. They show you off.

A lot has been written about what inspires you–but how do you define your style? In a word: masculine. Compared with other labels, we try to really think about how guys are gonna wear our stuff.

How so?

Guys get comfortable with what they consider their look. They get into it, and they’re generally not comfortable with a lot of change. We allow for that.

What do you mean?

Our message is that there are no rules. We don’t care how many other designers you mix together with ours, as long as you express your personality. The more you show us who you are, the cooler you are. We want our guy to be like, “I really con wear that old leather jacket with this and really can mix it up.” I’m all about that.

With a potpourri of electrifying colors and delectable designs, EBONY Fashion Fair’s Fashions 2000 is the place to turn for hints on how to wear captivating creations that will make you a real knockout at any affair.It makes no difference if you prefer wearing dresses or pants, Fashions 2000 has you covered. Just check out a few of the attention-grabbing designs that will help you pack a potent punch anywhere.

This fall, European fashions reflect the young generation’s concerns about nuclear arms and war. Some designers offer fashions with a protective ambiance as statements of these times. Dressing for protection is to keep you warm from climatic elements, but for the young generation it also means protection from violence. The “bullet-proof” look is achieved with leather (sometimes padded) and vinyls used for military wear. There are jumpsuits made of kevlar (used to make bullet-proof vests), fleece jackets with high zip-up collars, and pants with Velcro closures. Dark colors are accepted with bright hues. A model in this story wears reflecting red contact lenses. Those in the fashion industry looking toward the 21st century exhibit an awareness for the future as they incorporate into their designs world issues and themes–fashion statements to remind their audiences and consumers in general to take a bold stand for world peace.

Right: Form-fitting, stretch, leatherlike jumpsuit with long sleeves, snap-front and fitted pants, by London’s Black designer Xuly Bet. Accessorized with knitted scarf-wrap on head.

Right: Strapless lace cocktail dress over gold Lycra spandex slip with asymmetrical hemline and tassels hanging from points by Alexander McQueen.

Note: Head wrap that criss-crosses chin.

Right: Reminiscent of bulletproof-style vest, Thierry Mugler designs two-piece pants suit ensemble, worn with three quarter-length fleece-lined jacket. Accessorized with aviator-type cap with goggles and gloves.
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Right: Two-piece ensemble has shearling top with vertical seams, raglan sleeves, stand-up collar, and long A-line crepe skirt, by Ferragamo of Italy.

Left: Philipp Treacy designs hat with swirling silver frame covered with crushed veiling, topped off with tall egret feather sprouting from silver cone.

Left: Two-piece printed velvet cocktail dress, by Alexander McQueen has high mandarin collar, long sleeves, zip front top, worn over fitted, below-the-knee skirt. Accessorized with ankle-high sandals, beaded hair net and blood-red contact lenses.

Above: Three-piece ensemble by Owen Gaster with button-front blouse, worn over square-patterned pants under shearling jacket. Note: Acrylic neck piece.

Far left: Three-piece pants suit with double-breasted, peak-lapel jacket, worn over woven long-fringe scoop-neck top, with large bell-bottom pants, by Givenchy. Accessorized with small derby hat.

Right: White vertical streak in front of large Afro makes strong statement with three-piece ensemble of colorful leather T-strap top and peak-lapel jacket with deep pocket pants, by Kenzo.

Left: three-piece evening ensemble by L.Steele, with lingerie-camisole top, worn over taffeta skirt with rounded open front to reveal slim taffeta pants, worn with hip-length rabbit fur jacket.

Right: Round-neck spaghetti-strap, sheer see-through mesh, ankle-length ensemble, worn over bikini bottom with hooded coat that drapes over head, by Lainey Keogh. Accessorized with metallic silver and black high-heel mules. Note: Metallic makeup on forehead.

This article examines debates about the merits of a boycott of Japanese products, especially silk, in the late 1930s as a lens through which to examine the relationship between consumer activism and consumer society in the United States. It argues that both supporters and opponents of the silk boycott, in promoting a politics that was both virtuous and pleasurable, marked a departure from the dominant tradition of consumer activism before and since, which has defined virtue and fashion as opposing forces. As the article shows, the silk boycotters (and their opponents) took fashion and pleasure seriously and embedded their campaigns in popular culture.

SUMMER, as depicted by designers showing their latest creations at the New York fashion shows, will be a season of diver se feminine looks. From streetwise chic via Anna Sui to classy, luxurious designs from Chado Ralph Rucci to the explosion of feminine prints shown by most it is a season for women to look great and feel good about themselves. Many designers obviously were inspired by the demure looks of the ’50s (Peter Pan collars, pin-tucked accents, floral prints), but this time around the styles are girlish yet sophisticated, sexy accented with sweetness. Miniskirts appear to be shorter, but many styles were knee-length. Colors range from Easter egg pastels to bold Caribbean hues. After all, it’s summer. So bring on the fun and sun. Left: Timeless cream-colored kimono silk ensemble pairs kimono with cigarette pant. Accessorized with matching shoes. By Chado Ralph Rucci.

Far left: For the young in spirit, Anna Sui offers black and white street-inspired ensemble of sequined athletic jersey worn over windowpane-check panel miniskirt. Accessorized with black and white knit hat over bandanna and large black and white bag on shoulder.

Left: Donna Karan revisits the ’50s with long-sleeved, red-and-white candy-striped shirtwaist dress with large patch pockets, ascot-tie collar and belted waist.

Below: Anna Sui continues her chic, youthful theme with red/orange striped blouse with tuxedo ruffles and white collar and cuffs, worn over white miniskirt.

prints & patterns
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One-shoulder red/white/blue wrap minidress makes a bold statement. By Diane Von Furstenberg. Accessorized with red sandals and gold bangles.

Above: Nicole Miller delivers pizzazz with black-and-white, abstract-design bandeau tube dress. Accessorized with ankle-tie sandals.

Above center: Donna Karan’s red and cream print, halter empire sundress has triangular insets at fluted hemline.

Left: Multicolor sequined zebra-print ensemble with dolman-sleeved jacket trimmed in white and worn over short skirt with side split. By House Of Field.

Above: Black cap-sleeve knit top with asymmetrical shoulders worn over red, black and white chiffon skirt with flirty, asymmetrical hemline. Accessorized with ankle-tie sandals. By Peter Som.

Above: hip hugging, dropped-waist, blue denim bandaeau miniskirt embroidered with sequins is worn under red rib knit cardigan. By Pierrot. Accessorized with black sandals and bag.

Above center: Khaki sundress Has intriguing piping Design. By Zac Posen.

THE beauty of the African-American woman is ever changing and undeniably timeless.

From the beatnik to the bourgeois, to the Afrocentric queen, her look is sophisticated and ingenious.

When styling her crown, the Black woman shows that hair can be as political as it is pretty, with perfect cornrows and Afros or mile-high beehives and French rolls or buzz cuts or long flowing weaves in every color of the rainbow.

After 60 years of styles and trends, the Black woman has seen it all, done it all and worn it all, and her inner and outer beauty remains intact. Here, we present a celebration of all the fashion fads and faux pas from the past 60 years. You go, girl!50s

GLAM & GRACE

TREND: “The New Look.” The war is over, so it’s time to be beautiful! Sisters wear starched petticoats, poodle skirts and elegant gowns that emphasize their waistlines, HAIR: Soft, curly poodle hair cut worn by Dorothy Dandridge is popular. SHOES: Shoes with chunky soles are out, slimmer heels are in. Ladies wear pumps, ballet shoes, and oftentimes shoes match the out fit. MAKEUP: Ruby red lipstick and pan-cake, foundation are popular, but not available for deeper skin tones.

’40s

MODESTY
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TREND: “Mend and Make Do.” Heavy fashion recycling is in order as World War II forces many fashion houses to close and numerous clothing items to be rationed. But Black women adapt. Few silk stockings were available, so women shave their legs and use makeup to correct flaws. Some even draw seams down the back of their legs! (Others wear bobby socks with their skirts). HAIR: Cold curling on pressed hair. a style system developed by Madame C.J. Walker (coiffures) is popular in 1941. SHOES: Leather was restricted for military use only, so the wooden-heeled wedge shoe is born. One-inch heels are common and practical and available in few colors, MAKEUP: Many ladies wear luscious red lipstick to feel glamorous and feminine during wartime.

’70s

FUNK

TREND: “Black is Beautiful.” Afro-centric clothes are hot, as well as polka dots, mini-midi and maxi skirts, and short shorts. HAIR: The Afro is hot, so is the Philly crop (a flat-top wedge cut Grace Jones made famous). SHOES: Funky boots, platform shoes (7- to 8-inch stacked heels). MAKEUP: Iman becomes the first Black supermodel, but the cosmetic industry overwhelmingly ignores the needs of Black skin, causing women with deeper skin tones to choose products that were created for fair skin. John H. Johnson and Eunice Johnson created a mail-order packaged specialty makeup, Capsule Collection, for deeper skin tones. After an overwhelming response from consumers, Fashion Fair Cosmetics, named after the fashion show that inspired it, is launched in 1973. Today Fashion Fair Cosmetics is the world leader in the field of cosmetics for all women of color.

’60s

LIBERATION

TREND: “Revolution.” Miniskirt, culottes and hot pants are in and some rebellious Sisters are burning their bras.

Also popular are bell-bottoms, psychedelic prints, go-go boots and love beads. HAIR: Short, curly styles are very popular but gradually gives way to the Afro. SHOES: Open-toed, low-heeled, slides and high-heels are popular. MAKEUP: Loads of eyeliner and eyelashes, like Cleopatra and Diana Ross. Pastel lip colors are in.

’80s

FLAMBOYANCE

TREND: “Decade of Decadence.” Parachute pants, acid wash jeans, shoulder pads, tank tops, tight-fitting pants, raggedy jeans, and leg-warmers as seen in the film Flashdance! Fishnet stockings are hot again. Brightly colored urban apparel are on the scene. HAIR: Asymmetrical hair cuts, jheri curl and fantasy styles. SHOES: Anything that you could stuff your legwarmers into. MAKEUP: Electric blue eye shadows, fuscia lips and blush.

‘90S

POTPOURRI

TREND: “Anything Goes.” Playful fashions rule, but not as flamboyant as the 1980s. At work, Casual Fridays are born, so khaki pants and linens are hot. At play, sexy gowns, and metallic fabrics are to die for. HAIR: Fingerwaves, curls, perms, and curly texturizers are hot. SHOES: are colorful yet more toned down: Comfort is in. MAKEUP: Super glam looks, wet, glossy lips and heavy eye shadows are popular.

In the most ambitious construction project undertaken by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) State University of New York since 1975, FIT is launching a major two-phase construction initiative. The start of Phase I will be marked with a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 17 on the FIT campus, located on West 27th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, for two new buildings scheduled to be completed in December 2003.

When the full 10-year, two-phase plan is complete, 300,000 SF of new space will have been added, and 400,000 SF of space will have undergone renovation. This expansion of the FIT campus is critical, as according to 1992 SUNY standards, a 258,000-SF shortfall exists.Construction of new buildings, along with expansion and renovation of existing facilities, will allow the college to continue to grow and respond to the needs of the college community and the industries it serves,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT. “Modernization of our existing facilities will continue to keep our students in the forefront, prepared for careers in the industry.”

Phase I is starting with simultaneous construction of two new buildings designed by the architectural firm of Kevin Hom + Andrew Goldman, PC. The total cost of the two buildings will be $19 million, with half of the funds provided by New York State and the other half equally divided between the City of New York and private donors. The entire Phase I plan is budgeted at $50 million.
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The East Courtyard Conference Center, located on West 28th Street and Seventh Avenue, adjacent to the Fred P. Pomerantz Art and Design Center, will consist of nearly 21,000 SF occupying two floors and a roof garden. The entrance will be on West 28th Street, making it the first building on campus to open onto this street.

The building will be constructed of limestone with red and charcoal banding and a glass front that will add light to West 28th Street in the evening. The building will include a great hall, conference center, and rooftop garden. The 6,381-SF great hall, designed as a double-height space with cascading ceiling and an occupancy of 639, will provide flexible space for fashion shows, events, lectures, exhibits, and informal gatherings. The lower level conference center will be a state-of-the-art academic facility for executive studies, seminars, industry training-programs, and small business outreach programs, sponsored by the college’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The rooms will vary in size from small seminar spaces to rooms that comfortably fit fifty people.

The West Courtyard Food Pavilion, located between the campus’s David Dubinsky Student Center and the Business and Liberal Arts Center, will include a 17,000-SF student dining facility seating 550 people on the street level and an 8,000-SF bookstore on the lower level. The relocation of the commuter and residential student dining halls from the fifth and sixth floors of the Student Center to a dedicated space at street level will enhance campus life by creating a more convenient, centralized meeting and eating space for the FIT community. The dining hall will open onto the campus, allowing for indoor-outdoor student events. The new bookstore will also be accessible from the street, making it more convenient for the community. The current dining halls on the fifth and sixth floors of the David Dubinsky Student Center will be renovated into academic space.

Additional Phase I projects include Streetscape, the creation of a pedestrian mall and campus commons on West 27th Street, and the extension and subsequent renovation of the Marvin Feldman Center, a primary academic facility. FIT has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts’ New Public Works initiative to fund a design competition for the extension of the Marvin Feldman Center.

Phase II projects, which are expected to exceed $100 million, will take place in years six to ten of the expansion plan and are under development.

The architectural firm of Kevin Hom + Andrew Goldman, PC specializes in the design of educational and recreational facilities. Recent projects have included the $21 million SUNY Stony Brook Student Center and the $23 million Binghamton University Student Union.

Today’s woman has choices her mother didn’t. But does mom have her daughter’s figure? Mom can go to the gym, and starve herself slim, but sooner or later her hormones kick in. And unless she’s a fan of Suzanne Somers’ bioidentical hormone therapy, what’s a mom to do? Forever Young She can start by browsing stylish fashion emporiums like H&M or its formidable competitor Forever 21/Forever XXI, a billion dollar fashion house with over 400 locations and footage five times most Gap stores. From Pasadena, California to Union Square, New York, Canada and everywhere in between, this shopping mecca is ahead of its European counterparts and sprouting like Chia products. Not just for teenagers, Forever 21 caters to family shoppers, which means men, boys and big bucks. 2006 saw the first opening exclusively for men. Typically, “Forever XXI” stores are larger than “Forever 21.” A Guy’s Candid Review “The size branded on the clothes is the actual size. The Medium is an actual Medium. They know the clothes, they smile, I can ask for advice. Plus I get to hang out with really good looking women.” A tip for you men who are into style but need some help: Check out the latest GQ online for men’s designers. I happen to favor Donna Karen (DKNY Men’s) fall 2007 collection. But you’ll find all of them there. Then compare at H&M or Forever 21 stores. If you bring your wife or girlfriend, prepare to spend some time. When Fashion Chic is Fashion Cheap So when mother and daughter–let’s call them the Tomases–set off on their monthly shopping-bonding safari, they might steer a course through the aisles of Forever 21, one of the most successful retail fashion houses in the business. Mostly in shopping malls, this Forever 21 is in Manhattan’s Union Square location on 14th Street where Mrs. Tomases is looking for trendy that conceals, and sexy that reveals. Her daughter’s approval is important; what mom chooses should be cool but not too young. Mrs. Tomases makes a $17.80 purchase of a blue-patterned sheer chiffon tunic with ruffled placket. Her 26-year-old chooses a red and black floral tunic ($19.80), and chocolate brown wide leg linen pant ($27.80). Who wouldn’t shop here? These are chic designer clothes at subway prices! Savvy consumers have learned that to ensure quality, not all roads must lead to Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue. When clothing that’s cut couture can be sold at affordable prices, what more can shoppers ask? Is There a Fox in The Basement? The founders and owners of the Forever 21/XXI chain are Don and Jin Chang who immigrated to Los Angeles from South Korea in the mid-1980s. Aggressively marketing young and mature women as well as men and children, the Changs have achieved what every immigrant hopes for—the American Dream. Starting with one store in L.A., they began adding new stores every six months. Last year they acquired 40,000-square feet of a former Saks store in Pasadena, California, turning it into a palace of rich looking clothes and other desirable articles for the not so rich.

Leather importance in Modern Edge Leather is finest, durable and stylish material available on the earth. Do you know how leather is made and from where it comes? Animal’s skin is used and there is a long process through which leather is made. Varieties of leather cords are being produced with the skins of different numbers of animal skins such as bull, tiger, cow, buffalo and almost every kind of animal skins is used for leather manufacturing. Among these different qualities of leather cords, some of them are low quality and some are high quality and according their prices varies as per their quality standard and availability of that animal from which this leather is manufactured. Leather Quality New technology and innovative methods have been introduced which facilitate in high quality manufacturing of leather products, Leather cords and different leather goods. Leather is used for number of purposes like making of shoes, laces, leather cords, jackets, strings laces, mesh fabrics, bags and other leather goods and products. Now Leather has become an indispensable part of the modern life style and living. Leather products are cheap and give is a sign of modern edge. Leather cords, string and laces Basically leather cords are used in making of different products such as jewelry, shoes and bag. It provides a fancy and stylish look to the products. There are different quality of leather cords such as flat leather cods, braided leather cords and rounded leather cords. Leather cords industry is now a root industry for all the products and stylish goods.