World Fashion Business News: October 2011

Ultimo unveils Luisana Lopilato as its new face

Argentinean actress Luisana Lopilato has been unveiled as the stunning new face of lingerie brand Ultimo.

The 24-year-old wife of Canadian singer Michael Buble will front the brand’s latest autumn/winter 2011 campaign. The campaign features Lopilato wearing structured pieces from the Ultimo Miracle collection from strapless bras and diamante embellished pieces to plunge-neck body suits.

The Buenos Aires-born star has earlier modeled innerwear, underwear and has featured in ad campaigns in Israel and Spain.

Luisana has made it to the Spanish FHM’s ‘100 Sexiest’ list continuously for the last three years.

Read more about Ultimo unveils Luisana Lopilato as its new face @ Fibre2fashion

Swimco’s swimwear collections embrace feminine curves

Kim Kardashian can put her stamp of approval on the 2012 Cruise swimwear collections at Swimco. The Western Canadian swimwear retailer is excited to unveil their line-up of curve-friendly retro styles, from international swimwear fashion designers including Seafolly Australia. As a sign of where swimwear trends are headed, Seafolly brought Sarah Stephens, a natural D-cup model, onboard as a cover girl for their 2012 campaign.

Retro styles leave more to the imagination than your standard bikini or high-cut 1-piece", says Swimco's President Lori Bacon. "This season's will be one of the most flattering collections I've seen in my 30 years of buying swimwear".

High-waists, skirted bottoms, bustier tops and thick-strapped halters are reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe era beach attire. Says Bacon: "The retro swimwear trend is unique in that it appeals to multiple generations of women. It has the runway appeal that our trendy shopper craves, plus the extra coverage that our contemporary customer appreciates.

Good bust support is common in retro style tops, which are often constructed to accommodate up to a double D-cup. Retro 1-pieces have gathered fabric in the midsection to act as a tummy tamer, and skirted retro bottoms are an easy hip slimmer. "It's encouraging to see swimwear designers celebrating a woman's curves by offering beautiful styles that will make her look and feel her best on the beach", says Bacon.

NILIT to exhibit its innovative fibers at Intertextile

NILIT , a global leader in the production of nylon 6.6, announced it will be displaying many of its revolutionary yarn, including NILIT Innergy, at the upcoming Intertextile Shanghai 2011 tradeshow. At the show, NILIT will also showcase the NILIT BodyFashion Trendbook for Spring/Summer 2013. Intertextile Shanghai is the leading international trade fair for apparel fabrics and accessories held yearly in China. It is set to take place October 18th-21st, 2011 in the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The NILIT exhibit will be in Hall W3, Stand E42/F47.

Breaking new ground in yarn innovation

NILIT specializes in developing yarns with exceptional performance properties. NILIT Innergy is NILIT’s latest, cutting-edge fiber to reach the market. Made from nylon 6.6, NILIT Innergy has a built-in, naturally occurring mineral additive that creates far infrared ray (FIR) emissions. Garment made with NILIT Innergy yarns invigorate the body, increase feelings of well-being and help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This makes the yarn perfect for shapers, hosiery, lingerie, medical socks, gloves and sportswear. Recently launched, visitors at Intertextile Shanghai will have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique fiber.

In addition, numerous other NILIT yarns will be on display at the Intertextile Show. Among the yarns to be highlighted are: NILIT Softex - superior, full dull microfiber yarn that delivers supreme softness and rich coloration, NILIT Aquarius – with moisture management properties built-in to the fiber and NILIT Ecocare - recycled yarn with excellent color depth and dye uniformity.

Likewise, NILIT’s new bodyfashion trendbook for Spring/Summer 2013 will also be presented. The book features collections designed and conceived by NILIT fashion consultant Ilana Joselowitz. Bodywear and activewear are the focus of this year’s collection. Nilit offers a range of technologically advanced yarns that have been engineered to provide enhanced comfort and performance.

'Love 2 Laugh' from George’s Style Scouts

Clementine Ralph, 16, from Gloucestershire, has been enlisted by George at Asda as the brains of fashion's next generation.

The George team, based at George House, Lutterworth, called on Clementine and three other teenage trendsetters to help them design a stylish new collection for the tween girl market. The range called 'Love 2 Laugh'.

George ran a nationwide search to discover four young budding fashionistas with a keen eye for design in July. The search was supported by teen site SugarScape and appeared across the George at Asda social media outlets including Facebook attracting interest from hundreds of girls across the nation keen to become a 'George Style Scout'.

Clementine made the cut to be part of the George 'fash pack', after impressing judges with her evident passion for fashion, her knowledge of catwalk trends and designers as well as their creative visions for the teen fashion genre.

As a Style Scouts competition winner, lucky Clementine had the chance to consult on the new Christmas collection, which is aimed at girls aged 9-16, and star in a professional photo shoot to model the first range.

Clementine said: "I've loved being a George Style Scout, working on the new Love 2 Laugh range with the George design team. I've learnt a lot about how a new collection is created, and I can't wait show my friends the range and wear my favourite items out and about knowing I've helped create them."

She helped put a name to the new girl's clothes collection and contributed their own creative visions on the garments, which with their input they now feel are perfect for the teen-girl market.

Paula Fowler, head of children's wear at George at Asda, said: "We wanted to launch a capsule collection that would genuinely appeal to girls aged 9-16, and what better way to achieve this than enlist help of four of the UK's trendiest teens! It's been great getting insight from the girls on what appeals to the notoriously hard to reach tween market and we're confident that this new collection will be a hit with all young budding fashionistas."

Read More about Love 2 Laugh' from George’s Style Scouts @ Fibre2fashion

Kanye West, Maroon 5 to serenade lingerie models

Top models Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr and Doutzen Kroes will strut in the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to live musical performances by Kanye West and Maroon 5.

The catwalk event, which also will include VS models Erin Heatherton, Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Ellingson and Lily Aldridge, will be filmed on Nov. 9 for a televised special later in the month.

The Nov. 29 one-hour show on CBS will incorporate behind-the-scenes tidbits, model profiles and red-carpet interviews surrounding the much-hyped lingeries show. Of course, several models will step out in the elaborate wings that have become a signature of this runway, and one will wear the jewel-encrusted Fantasy Bra.

Last year, that honor went to Adriana Lima.

In 2007, West pulled out of a performance at the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show due to the sudden death of his mother after she underwent cosmetic surgery.

West has been a front-row regular at fashion shows for years, and earlier this month he debuted his own collection during Paris fashion week.

This Year Miranda Kerr worn Fantasy Treasure $2.5 Million Victoria's Secret Bra

very year, Victoria's Secret features a Fantasy Treasure bra in their runway show. Why does it have this name? The bra is decorated with a variety of gems (and is obviously not intended for daily wear). Oh, and it is worth $2.5 Million.

This year, Miranda Kerr has the honor to wear Victoria's Secret's million dollar diamond-covered bra. The new mom will hit the runway this fall with fellow angels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Doutzen Kroes, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge and Lindsay Ellingson.

For a preview, take a look at Kerr walking for Victoria's Secret in the past

Read More about Miranda Kerr chosen to model US$ 2.5mn bra @ Fibre2fashion

Designer Tina Knowles visits University of Houston

Award-winning fashion designers Tina Knowles made history on Monday, October 3, as her life story became the fifteenth addition to the University of Houston's "Living Archives." The Living Archives are the oral history arm of the Shuart Women's Archive and Research Collection.
Lauded for her work as a fashion designer and stylist, businesswoman and philanthropist, the Texas native told her story in an interview with journalist Joy Sewing of the Houston Chronicle. The enthusiastic crowd, including her lifelong friends and family members; three brothers, one sister, her niece and nephew and daughter, Beyonce, listened as Miss Tina (as she is affectionately known) told her story about growing up in Galveston, Texas, the youngest of seven children and recounted early lessons she learnt from her parents, particularly her seamstress mother, the late Agnez Dereon Beyonce, that would set her on her path. She also talked about her deep bond with her two daughters, Beyonce and Solange, and what it was like designing for and travelling with Destiny's Child.
Tina Knowles started making clothes in the early days for Destiny's Child because of small budgets and denial from major fashion houses to loan clothes to the still-budding group that would go on to become one of the most successful recording groups of all time.
Today she is the founder and creative director of three successful fashion collections, House of Dereon, the contemporary line which launched internationally at Selfridges & Co. in London last month, Dereon, the casual lifestyle brand and Miss Tina by Tina Knowles, which is sold exclusively at Walmart.
Seven Tina Knowles' designs, all worn famously by Beyonce including the dress she wore to the 2009 Oscars and one she wore to the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, were on display at the entrance of the University of Houston's MD Anderson Library.

Read more about Designer Tina Knowles visits University of Houston @ Fibre2fashion

Bake-Off Contest from Pillsbur

The Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest has added a new ingredient to its recipe for cooking competition success! To add to the excitement of the contest, Pillsbury has asked three former contestants from a top fashion design reality show to compete in a “Runway Challenge” and help design the official apron to be worn by finalists as they compete for $1 million at the 45th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest.

Althea Harper, Kara Janx and Carol Hannah Whitfield have each designed an apron to potentially be worn by the 100 finalists on the contest floor at the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest finals which take place March 25-27, 2012, in Orlando, Fla.

The three designs will be posted on the Pillsbury Facebook page on Monday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. EDT for individuals to vote which design should become the official 45th Bake-Off® Contest apron. Voting closes on Monday, Oct. 17.

“Since the first Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest in 1949, the official contest apron has been a hallmark in every contest,” said Onju Sturlaugson, Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest Manager. “We’re so excited to have top designers on board to help create this year’s apron and know our 100 finalists will wear it with great pride.”

The Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest announced the final 100 home cooks who will compete for $1 million at the finals March 25-27 at the Peabody Orlando Hotel. The group’s creative original recipes beat out tens of thousands of recipe entries to earn the chance to compete for the grand prize. The list of 100 finalists is available at website.

The final 100 recipes for the 45th contest will be available in January 2012 on website. On March 26, the 100 home cooks will compete in four categories—Breakfast & Brunches, Entertaining Appetizers, Dinner Made Easy and Sweet Treats—side-by-side at 100 GE mini-kitchens at the Bake-Off Contest finals. Working in secrecy behind closed doors, a panel of food experts will taste the recipes prepared by the finalists and select the contest winners.

Read more about Bake-Off Contest from Pillsbur @ Fibre2fashion

Mac Duggal Show features new Spring dress collection

The new spring collection of the latest dress and gown for the upcoming season were recently unveiled. The elegant designs were showcased at the Mac Duggal Spring 2012 Fashion Show at the AmericasMart in Atlanta, Georgia.

"This is an opportunity to unveil the long-awaited new spring styles," said Chicago designer Mac Duggal. "We have an exciting and fresh new look for proms, pageants, couture and wedding parties."

Using his more than 25 years of creative expertise, the designer has created styles in elegance for celebrities, socialites and up-and-comers for television, movies, pageants, weddings and other special occasions. His prom dresses, ball gowns and evening wear are soon to set the trends for spring.

One of the featured collections in the fashion show was the Sugar Collection, which has special designs for girls ages 5 through 15 who are entering pageants or participating in wedding parties.

The spring fashion show was a chance for Mac Duggal, LLC to display the designer's new offerings for 2012 in a unique setting. The spring dresses will soon be available in select boutiques.

Target collaborates with Josie Natori Lingerie & Loungewear

Target Corporation is partnering with internationally renowned fashion designer Josie Natori to introduce its first limited-edition collection of lingerie and loungewear.

Josie Natori for Target is a luxurious, yet affordable collection that will arrive in two seasonally themed installments—the first is available Oct. 30 through Dec. 22, 2011 in time for the holiday season; the second will be available Jan. 1 through Feb. 23, 2012 in time for Valentine’s Day. both installments of Josie Natori for Target will be available at most Target stores and Target’s website.

“I am honored to be the first limited-edition lingerie and loungewear designer at Target,” said Josie Natori. “Through our partnership, I was able to create a collection for women who have an eye for innerwear style and want quality lingerie and loungewear at an affordable price.”

Inspired by the signature Josie Natori East-meets-West aesthetic, the collection is comprised of 37 pieces and includes bras, panties, robes, knit and woven pants, leggings, camis and chemises. The holiday collection features deep red geometric prints with Geisha accents while the Valentine’s Day collection includes floating butterflies with hot pink florals. Both collections include an assortment of solid-colored bras and panties.

“Josie Natori for Target will add an exciting element to our holiday assortment,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president of apparel and accessories. “Guests will love the quality, color and affordability of the collection, whether they’re buying the pieces for themselves or their family and friends.”

Crystal Jin's 2012 Collection to hit Plush store

Plush Swimwear announced the inclusion of Crystal Jin to its online offerings of luxury, designer swimwear. Available now for pre-sale are select swimsuits from Crystal Jin's 2012 Collection.

Crystal Jin's stylish beachwear pieces are the creation of Manhattan based designer Crystal Eley. Founded in 2009, Crystal set out to create a swimwear brand that reflected her personal design statement. In a short time, Crystal Jin has become known for its modern, distinctive, and refined swimwear designs. Taking cues from her surroundings, each piece evokes New York City's edgy, casual-glam style.

Crafted from luxurious Italian fabrics, using exclusive hand-finished hardware and constructed with the utmost attention to detail, Crystal Jin's collections embody a sophisticated, urban-chic lifestyle. In addition to having graced the catwalks of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Miami Fashion Week Swim, Crystal Jin styles have been featured in prestigious publications such as Ocean Drive, Lucky, Maxim, and Sports Illustrated - Swimsuit Edition, among others.

Select pieces from Crystal Jin's 2012 line are now available for pre-sale at the Plush Swimwear online boutique and will begin shipping in November. The Crystal Jin 2012 collection was inspired by elements of the Western life, and includes prints that evoke Native American mosaic and suede texture, old west motifs such as horseshoe-shaped embellishments and a palette with desert-like hues such as blues, oranges and browns.

Read More about Crystal Jin's 2012 Collection to hit Plush store @ Fibre2fashion

View more Crystal Jin's 2012 Collection Images