Vente-Privee & American Express Bring Luxury to E-Commerce

Vente-Privee Makes Its US Entry with American Express

By Natalia Ignaczak

Founded in France in 2001, Vente-Privee is the largest flash sales site in all of Europe. The firm currently boasts about 13 million members and over $1B in annual revenue from its European market. It is currently France’s fifth favorite brand and was the second most visited website in France in 2010. This massive platform has caught the attention of companies like Amazon and eBay hoping to acquire this valuable asset, but it was with American Express that the firm entered the American market on Nov. 9, 2011.

Vente-Privee and American Express agreed that each company would maintain 50 percent of the US entity. This will be the first non-European stride in expansion for Vente-Privee.com, thus reinforcing its strategy in international development, and further wets the feet of AmEx’s standing in the online flash sales business. Vente-Privee will contribute its understanding of consumer desires paired with spotless customer service and logistics while American Express will provide the firm with its 40+ million member database along with detailed comprehension of the North American market.

This jointly advantageous partnership brings together two companies who focus on retail opportunities benefiting both the retailer and consumer. This will be a great step for both companies regardless of the saturated flash sales sector of e-commerce in America because although there is significant competition, the quality of product will shine through and sustain the business. American Express stands for quality whether that means US Open tickets or an overstock in stilettos, and cardholders know this. For that reason, members will at least glance at the site when it launches and definitely keep it in mind for future needs. I am excited to explore the offerings and will appreciate a European touch to luxury e-commerce.

Behind the Seams: Licensing & the American Fashion Industry

by Caroline Thompson

Would you be willing to spend four times the current price for your every day purchases? Despite being used to the high prices of Manhattan, most would resoundingly say “No!” without a second thought. Yes, New York City is already expensive enough. But without licensing, sourcing, and offshore manufacturing a quadrupled price tag would be featured on store shelves. Moreover, Consumers must be forced to ask themselves, at what cost do these less expensive products and services reach the shelves?

New York City is home to millions of people who work in various industries, live in different boroughs, and spend leisure time in different ways. Despite those differences, one thing New Yorkers often have in common is putting themselves and their city at the center of the world. That self-centered outlook undoubtedly extends to the fashion industry.

The Garment District of Manhattan extends from 34^th to 40^th Street between Broadway and Ninth Avenue. In 1995, that small area was home to over 16,000 manufacturing jobs. Today there are only 9,000 jobs there. Manufacturing is not the only sector of the industry whose employees are diminishing: wholesale and design jobs were also lost. The migration of the industry online, and the moving of jobs overseas are the main factors that opened the eyes of New York fashion employers, and forced them to widen their view Manhattan-centric geographical view.

Fashion has always been about appearances, which has ironically blinded a part of its vision of about keeping up the appearance of a healthy domestic industry. But the blindness to the downside of outsourcing and making price the crucial factor in business is not confined to fashion: electronics, accessories, and footwear are also often outsourced and manufactured abroad. Yet whatever the industry or brand, licensing to sub-par secondary sources of products, or the use of child labor, can tarnish a company. Therefore, brands keep licensing and manufacturing practices as quiet as possible. Couture designers, in addition to others, license their names and brands to various apparel lines, accessories, beauty products, and even home décor companies. The goal is to extend the brand, but often with a hands-off approach that reaps profits and brand exposure, but avoids the hefty time, effort and expense of a solid investment of money and monitoring procedures.

Fashion licensing is made to be invisible to the consumer by companies and designers. If invisible, retailers can charge prices equivalent to that of the designer’s other products. Couture designers may embrace a hands-on approach to the quality of haute couture items but leave alone the quality of their mass-market perfumes have never been touched. Sometimes entire high-end brands are mass produced and licensed to third parties, providing designers with unearned profit. Yet licensing does not have to been done so negatively either domestically and abroad. Responsible oversight of licensed partners can be achieved. Unionized companies and those with production in the United States can use fair-labor practices, and the employees, economy, and companies can all remain competitive, if not as profitable as they would be if they cut corners.

Consumers’ perceptions of offshore production can also sometimes be unfair. China’s late development as an industrial powerhouse has led to well-reported lapses in product safety and quality. However, China has been making progress on both fronts, and headlines about child labor, low wages, and contaminants in the manufacturing process can be deceptive. Moreover, workers within developing countries may be receiving the equivalent of our minimum wage within their country, excited to be employed at all, or happy to have businesses growing in their country.

Chinese production does not necessarily mean the product will be of poor quality. Yet in cases where that is so, more than one party is responsible. Americans seeking the lowest possible price provide an incentive for offshore manufacturers to skimp on materials and pay low wages. If that situation is to be reversed, that task is enormous. According to the Ethical Fashion Forum, “More than a quarter of the world’s production of clothing and textiles is in China, which has a fast growing internal market and the largest share of world trade.”

It is unlikely that American manufacture of apparel will rebound to compete effectively with such a market share, and perhaps the best that can be done is to encourage the highest craftsmanship and ethical standards for Chinese-made goods in our consumer choices (and to support U.S. government policy that is fair to our workers here and insists on fair trade agreements). The decline of New York’s Garment District is an opportunity for U.S. consumers to widen their outlook on global business not just to fully branded companies but to the secondary licensing and other agreements those companies practice. Consumers need to look deeply into the truth behind their favorite brands.

eBay's Fashion-Forward New Strategy

Designer Deals to be had 24/7 via Ebay.com

By Natalia Ignaczak

Forget the inevitable schlep to far away outlets come this holiday season. eBay has launched a new discount outlet channel for popular retailers. This shift in strategy from auction sales to traditional retail comes at a turning point in the firms’ business. Once doing most of its business through independent auctions, $9.7B is now done in fashion sales dominating the company’s annual revenue. Since 2008, 60% of users have opted for a fixed price purchase over bidding and nearly three quarters of customers are opting for entirely new merchandise and is being introduced under the eBay Fashions imprint. Fashion Outlet is entirely separate from eBay’s flash sale site Fashion Vault. eBay Fashion Outlet is what they are introducing, under the eBay Fashions imprint.

In addition, the opportunity lends itself to high-end retailers in that each brand maintains its image exactly as it wants on its page assuring that new customers with less discretionary income are not confused with mixed messages of luxury vs. cheapened merchandise. Furthermore, the majority of merchandise is not time or seasonally sensitive meaning no one will know which Spanx are last season’s or what Brooks Brothers tie was from fall or winter.

To date, over 200 brands have affiliated themselves with the site. Factory stores online at the Fashion Outlet include Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Fila, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Reed’s Jewelers and Tommy Hilfiger. Shoes are represented by Donald J. Pliner, Frye, Stuart Weitzman and many other favorites. The apparel sector is likely the most inclusive featuring a variety of designers from BCBG Max Azria, Elie Tahari, Elizabeth and James, and several department store veterans. Likewise, men are not forgotten either. The site includes Seven For All Mankind, Emporio Armani, and Hickey Freeman, among others. Some items are made exclusively for the outlet, just as in brick and mortar outlets, but the majority of merchandise was at one point sold for its full retail value.

eBay Fashions is making strides in becoming a destination for the astute online shopper. By employing the growing “pressure-to-buy” strategy, site users recognize the opportunities at hand and act upon them in a timely manner. The format presented is also simple to navigate and appealing to each brand. Operating costs are far less and online retailing is not affected by inclement weather or the time of day. In addition, each retailer can maintain their desired image with ease and show their entire inventory clearly. As an added bonus, site users can see clearly the original price, current price, and savings in dollars and percent. On the toolbar of each window, users can indicate selections my garment type, color, size and brand further simplifying navigation. All of these combined elements create a winning formula for the soon to be powerhouse of Internet discount shopping.

Love Through an Unexpected Lens

by Audrey Ong

Adam is a delightful, independent film that is an “impressive and oft moving tale brought to life with memorable performances and a bittersweet account of love and its entwined complexities”, as said by IMDB reviewer Jamie Ward. It has gained rave reviews from the New York Post, NPR, The Washington Times, The New York Times as well as applause and enthusiasm from general audiences on online websites such as Yahoo Movies, IMDB, and film blogs. It has been described many times as a “beautiful gem” and “beautifully crafted”, and it certainly stands out among typical independent romantic comedies. Released in 2009, and grossing $2.3 million, Adam was indeed incredibly made. It tells the story of an intelligent, autistic man falling in love with a children’s book writer/ neighbor.

Director and writer Max Mayer, says he didn’t set out to make an “issue film” with Adam, but he wanted to show a look at relationships and their challenges through an unexpected lens. He was inspired after listening to a radio interview with a man with Asperger’s.

In a 2009 interview with Cinema Blend, Mayer said, “I look for a strong personal reaction to something that feels like it will sustain me. I thought that this was an opportunity to give people a window into something that was strange and yet universal at the same time.”

The New York Times reviewer, Jeanette Catsoulis, compliments the unpredictability of the script, the delicate humor, and the lovely Manhattan locations photographed by cinematographer Seamus Tierney. Mayer intercuts scenes of Adam’s maturation with scenes of the Buchwald family’s disintegration to show the audience just how important support groups are during trying times. Furthermore, he manages to make a film that’s funny but meaningful and give the audience characters to care about instead of laugh at and forget.

Hugh Dancy did a brilliant job performing as Adam Raki. The way he moved, talked, and limited his facial expressions was convincing. As noted by The Washington Times, “Mr. Dancy’s turn as the titular character strikes just the right balance by displaying the Asperger’s symptoms without making a huge show of them. This isn’t the over-the-top performance, and the few times he really lets loose – as he does in a surprising moment of rage at Beth – the effect is intense. Miss [Rose] Byrne, meanwhile, charms as the single daughter reconciling her anger at her father with her love for her family.”

Another reviewer said, “Playing a character who is mentally disabled can be a fast track to Oscar or to oblivion, and rare is the actor who can resist the statuette-winning, Hanks-Hoffman strategy of mannered tics and mechanical talk. And when you consider that not even Sean Penn could pull it off without making our eyeballs cringe, the performance of Hugh Dancy in the charming romantic comedy, Adam, is all the more impressive.”

Adam was a breath of fresh air, and many audiences agree and still enjoy the movie a couple of years after its release. A reviewer on Static Mass Emporium, who actually has Asperger’s, recently posted his opinion of the film just a few months ago: “A film like Adam is something of a rarity. Not only is the main character Aspergic, but the portrayal is in no way stereotypical negative or crying out for attention. Instead, it’s beautifully told and for someone like me, Adam is extremely easy to relate to; he does many of the things I do and his situations have quite often reflected my own. There’s also a wonderful humor to it, like when Beth gives him a box of chocolates and he remarks, ‘I’m not Forrest Gump, you know!’”

Not to get too heavy, but the German philosopher Nietzsche’s theory of how one can find joy outside the world of typical social expectations applies to Adam. Any movie where love or another emotion beats the square world, even if typically the passion is flawed and the price of following passion is high, relates to Nietzsche’s idea. Adam was not just a simple or typical romantic plot where two people fall in love, but instead it showed the complexity and realism of a true relationship. I personally enjoy romantic comedies, and the realism of the plot made it more appealing. In some ways, it was relatable – relationships usually stumble onto conflicts and challenges, and they don’t always end in happily-ever-afters. It wasn’t a cliché or a cookie cutter form of a typical romantic comedy. The way it was told and portrayed was refreshing and quirky with lovable characters. It shows the difficulty of unexpected challenges and surprising awkwardness. Fox Searchlight Pictures said, “Beth and Adam’s ultimate connection leads to a tricky relationship that exemplifies something universal: truly reaching another person means bravely stretching into uncomfortable territory and the resulting shake-up can be liberating.”

One of the Boys

by Alexis Michaelides

My friends say that I have three trademarks:

1) perfected, black-as-night eyebrows,
2) a voice that’s a mix of Marisa Tomei, Fran Drescher, and an Italian mother who was born and raised in NYC
3) a supposedly unhealthy obsession with the New York Rangers (that’s NYC’s hockey team for all of you non-sports enthusiasts).

The eyebrows and the voice are obvious traits; the second you see me or the second I open my big mouth you’ll notice them. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much longer for someone to recognize my passion for New York Rangers’ hockey, either. You might be thinking, “How could this girl possibly work hockey into a conversation with a stranger?” Well, I don’t have to TALK about my enthusiasm for this team because the gold New York Rangers’ emblem hanging around my neck speaks for itself. When I do talk about the sport, though, I become instantly excited; I’m pretty sure that you can see the happiness in my eyes. I love the thrill of the game, the brisk air in an arena, the history of my team, the players, the rivalries, and the camaraderie of the fans. Put me in Madison Square Garden, and I feel like I’m in my second home and the boys on the ice are my brothers. Ask me if the Rangers won last night and I’ll tell you, “yes, WE won,” not “yes, THEY won.” If we lost, forget about it. Don’t even mention there was a game last night unless for some unfathomable reason you want me to give you a dirty look or impolitely gesture at you. Sad? Maybe. Irrational? Another maybe. But, New York Rangers’ hockey is one of the few things that I really, truly am passionate about, and that passion is reflected in my opinions and actions. That said, I can’t wait to see how my boys finish the 2011-2012 season to begin. Let’s Go Rangers!

Signature Style: Candice Hufler

My style signature is a bright rose blush. I started wearing blush when I was about 12-13 years old after I read a magazine article that said that blush is the only thing one needs to look fresh, bright, and happy. I always like to look this way because that is usually how I feel. I like to project my happiness on others and I feel that blush and a smile help me to do so.

I use two different types of blush to give me my signature flushed pink cheek. The first is Maybelline Fit Me Blush in “Blushing”. It’s light pink that works for any skin tone and has a subtle crystallization effect that creates a natural glow. On top of that I use NYC Color Wheel blush which has multiple shades of pink and rose that give the perfect amount of color when combined. My trick to a natural-looking blush is smiling while applying. This allows me to get the right amount of blush on my cheeks in the right area without over applying. Another benefit to my smiling trick is that it starts my day off with a smile, and I keep it on my face all day.

Where's Audrey? At the Assembled Fashion Conference.

On Nov. 12, 2011, blogger, Audrey Ong attended the Assembled Fashion Conference. It was a day filled with panels featuring speakers from major companies like the NY Times, Ideeli, Rent the Runway, Birchbox, and Proper Cloth. The panels discussed a variety of topics about the business of fashion business, ranging from social media branding to great start-up tech companies. Let Audrey give you a first-hand look here, at Audrey Allure.

*From Content to Commerce, moderated by editor-in-chief of Time Out NY, Michael Martin

What's Your NON-FASHION Signature?

by Getteline Rene

It was hard narrowing it down to one, but I must say that my non-fashion signature is definitely something that I often say that gets me into trouble. It is my signature phrase, "Sorry, there are no reruns in life."

Let's say that you’re walking down the street with 2 friends. You and Friend 1 witness a woman in Jeffrey Campbell Lita's trip, fall, and bust her butt on the cobblestones of Soho. You and Friend 1 proceed to "LMAO" as Friend 2, completely oblivious to what just happened, asks for a recap. You, trying hard to control your laughter, reply, "Naw, there are no reruns in life." You and Friend 1 proceed to laugh in Friend 2's face and crack inside jokes on what occurred during the entire outing.

And that my friends, is my non-fashion signature.

What? You didn't get the example? Want me to repeat it? Haha, sorry -- there are no reruns in life.

Signature Style Series -- Jennifer Ortiz

For those who don’t know me, I am the girl who has about 5 pairs of jeans and 5 t-shirts that she wears over and over again. I have a laid back fashion sense, and I tend to rely on my signature t-shirt and jeans look six days out of the week.

I developed this style in high school and have kept it mostly because it helped me to get to my first class on time. It defines me because I don’t over emphasize much in my life, just as I don’t over emphasize my wardrobe; I value a person’s thoughts more than their appearance. I would rather be chosen for a job due to my intelligence, hard work and strong work ethic than for wearing an incredible outfit with a pair of killer heels.


Since enrolling in LIM, I have altered my wardrobe slightly (I've invested in higher quality jeans and t-shirts) but I still prefer the simplicity of my style. I find it easier to just get up and go; also I work a lot better when I’m comfortable, and I’m comfortable in my style. Plus it never hurts that my style never breaks my tight college budget!

Where's Audrey? At Lucky Shops 2011!

Lucky Magazine held its fourth annual Lucky Shops event this year on Novemeber 4th through 6th. LIM College's very own Audrey Ong was chosen as one of Lucky's VIP Bloggers and was paired with designer, Rachel Roy, with whom she is pictured below.


Check out Audrey's other pictures from Lucky Shops and the exclusive after-party at her blog, Audrey Allure.

LIM PR Girl: So You Want to be a Fashion Publicist?

Have you been thinking about a career in public relations? LIM PR Girl gives you a little insight into this high-paced field.

“Fashion PR” is a shortcut to saying “Fashion Publicist.” Publicists know the importance of communication and branding. We produce fashion shows, dress celebrities, and push content and products to the media that all of you religiously follow. Fashion publicists get paid for contacts and the relationships they are able to foster to enhance a brands image in the public eye. We make brands famous and there are no set hours on such a task.

Caution: Sleeping with blackberry on your pillow or clutched to your heart is a normal occurrence.

Days are filled with meetings, reports, and pitching to editors. On our downtime, we are tweeting, texting, posting, blogging and practically screaming about how great our client is. Some have even been known to sleep-talk about their clients. (Not that I would know that person or anything…)

PR is so successful because a third-party endorsement is more powerful than an advertisement any day. You see ads all the time and they become boring and lose their impact. On the contrary, when your girlfriend tells you about this hot new yoga mat she saw on her favorite blog, you have to have it. You become prepared to kill for that mat, and you don’t even do yoga. That’s the power of PR.

A career in PR should come with a disclaimer: NOT FOR THE WEAK (or individuals
afraid of chipping a nail). Are you sensitive? Cry outside: as PR goddess, Kelly Cutrone, would say. Are you lazy? The door is to your left. You may look oh-so-glam gallivanting in your stilettos, screaming into your headset, but if there are no brains under that ill-fitting head gear, you’ve already lost the battle. A publicist is smart, confident, resourceful, enthusiastic, quick to action and understands the power of being nice yet assertive. Above all, a Fashion PR is well-rounded and knows topics beyond fashion. #Shocking

You never know when Stylist X needs to dress Celebrity Y. But will Celebrity X fit the demographic of your brand? Decisions, decisions. Obviously, we aren’t performing brain surgery or saving a life on the regular. However, fashion affects everyone and being able to direct how such a powerful aspect unfolds is pretty rewarding.

Sure, as a public relations professional, you’ll be rewarded with free gifts, cocktails and the opportunity to mingle with some of the industry’s most influential and inspiring people. Nonetheless, PR is tough work. If you can’t handle the flames, stay out of the kitchen. For those of you throwing on your designer flame-resistant jeans to tackle the mess, welcome.

Welcome to a world of glamour and stress and stay tuned. :)

It’s been real,

LIM PR Girl

Signature Style -- Kathryn L. White

Movies have held a special place in my heart. Most of my childhood memories have The Wizard of Oz playing in the background; Breakfast at Tiffany’s sparked my love for New York and fashion; Titanic gave me my ultimate childhood crush, Leo. A movie has the ability to inspire in so many ways. I appreciate the amount of creative and artistic ability that goes into making movies, as well as the effect they can have on an audience. A movie can make us laugh and cry, as well as leave us feeling challenged and motivated.

Here are some of my must-see movies:

1. (500) Days of Summer- A great, unconventional break-up movie that is both visually creative and witty.
2. Gone with the Wind - A classic romance that takes place during the Civil War. Scarlett O’Hara is a strong, stubborn character who inspires women to fight and succeed through the most traumatic of circumstances.
3. Bonnie and Clyde - A fun, fast paced crime movie made in 1967. The thrilling chase scenes combined with the violence made for a fairly controversial film in the ‘70s.

4. When Harry Met Sally -A simple movie about friendship and romance, but the script is fantastic. It’s the perfect romantic comedy.

The Devil Drinks Coffee

Jenna Guyer channels a fashion stereotype:

Living in New York City is always all about being on the go twenty four hours, seven days a week. Coming from a small town, I had to work extra hard to achieve my goals and to land my dream career. Look at me now; I am an editor for one of the most well established fashion based magazines. Now, don’t get me wrong, although it is an amazing career, it still has its downfalls. For instance, one of the interns took FOREVER to get me my coffee this morning! I mean it’s really not that difficult of a task. Life is just so hectic; I need to keep things moving at a fast pace since I have a million and one things to get done and the last thing I need is my coffee given to me an hour late. As if that wasn’t enough, if wasn’t even the right type of coffee! I drink my coffee black and what do I get? I get decaf. I better get going....how much you want to bet another intern messes another simple task up before this day is over.

Twitterature: Catcher in the Rye

Forget about SparkNotes. Alyssa Coscarelli sums up the classic novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, for you... in tweets from protagonist, Holden Caulfield.

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Failed four out of five classes. **** you Pencey Prep. #sooverit #peaceout

Dude @Ackley392 get your sh*t together #itscalledproactiv #takeashower

Where the hell do all the ducks in Central Park go in the winter? #confused

Thinkin about calling up that girl that used to be a burlesque stripper or something. I think I still have her number… #hopefully

Just thinking of @Janegirl13 and our times together this summer….

Called Sally and made a date for this afternoon #wishmeluck

Dammit I only have 10 bucks. RT if you agree that all money does is make people depressed

Movie and ice skating with Sally! #happytweet

**** man all I did was tell Sally about how I thought we should just get the hell outta here and she got all pissy #mystupidmouth

At the bar ithink I’m gonnancall Sallyyy #drunk

#Damnit Pheobe just told me I had those lyrics to that @RobertBurns song wrong this whole time

Told Pheobe bout my plan to leave NY and go out west. She gave me some money so I left her my hunting hat

Uh I went and talked to Mr. Antolini and slept there and then I coulda sworn I woke up to him stroking my head or some ****?WTF #soawkward

Sleeping at Grand Central tonight….

Just walkin up and down 5th ave feeling more ****** every time I step off the curb #missingmybrother #helpme

Taking Phoebe to the zoo to cheer her up. I kinda want her to come with me but she shouldn’t. #sigh

Just sittin here in the park watching Phoebe on the carousel. She’s wearing my red hat. IDK why I kinda wanna cry… #happyagain

At First I Thought...

by Becka Gross

I used to think that true love only happened on a front porch, in a rocking chair, or during romantic and comfortable silence enjoyed by two aged lovebirds. That kind of love can seem unattainable until you grow older. But then I found out that true love could happen to me.

Love shouldn’t be something we stress about. I think it simply happens. The definition of true love is different for everybody and every relationship. But for me, the phrase “I would jump off a cliff for you (but not really)” holds true. A true love feels like a better version of oneself, an inspiration to strive to be all one can be, and someone for whom you would do anything to keep those things true.


My guy first entered my life at my very first place of employment. Side by side, we made pizzas. He would stay late while I closed and chit chat with me about our interests, our favorite books, Catcher in the Rye and On the Road, and keep me company. Friends first, he taught me how to skip rocks and long-board. In return I introduced him to a wardrobe beyond corduroys and skate shoes. Eventually, he dropped everything and moved across the country with me. We had the time of our lives. In NYC, most of the time, that adventure is maintained in the expensive but worthy things we do together.


Love may seem like it is a faraway state of being. It is often put on people’s to do list in a way that creates certain limitations: marriage by 25, house 26, and two kids by 28. That seems like too many restrictions. I didn’t plan it. I’m only 20 years old and in no rush for what comes next. Love also isn’t easy. If it’s true love, the lover will stick around through hard times. I think true love enters lives at various ages, 16-60. If it’s the right one, you probably didn’t see it coming -- and won’t be the same without it.

Nolcha Helps Designers Break In

by Bethany Rubin

As most of us can imagine, first entering the design world is one of the most challenging aspects to a career in fashion. Can't there be an easier way to get started than winning Project Runway or having a godsend connection to the fashion industry?

That's where Nolcha comes in, assisting independent designers with a stepping stone into the New York and London Fashion Week realm. Nolcha is a fashion entity that promotes new and independent designers. It exposes them to the public by allowing multiple designers to show their collections in a pop-up runway show.

This season's New York fashion show was an all day event consisting of three different shows and showcasing 10 different designers. Accessory designers also had the opportunity to set up booths for the audience to browse before and after the show. The audience held friends and family, as well as fashion industry professionals from magazines, retailers, and other designers.

Nolcha was started in 2006 by Kerry Bannigan, a British marketing and PR specialist. Nolcha has grown tremendously and has received several awards. Clothing and accessories are available for purchase via their website as well: http://nolcha.com/.

Fashion Week is Here Again

by Audrey Ong

The tents. The designers. The clothes. The celebrities. We know you miss Fashion Week. Get your fix all over again with reviews of SS12 shows from our girl about town, Audrey Ong.

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Lyn Devon/Marlon Gobel SS12 Collections

Bright pops of color were prominent in Lyn Devon's and Marlon's Gobel spring/summer collections. Lyn Devon was inspired by sunny picnics while Marlon Gobel was inspired by supermarket aisles. It seems like food was on their minds as well.

Honor/4 Corners of a Circle

Honor designer Giovanna Randall kept it chic & girly with peter pan collars, sheer fabrics, and lots of full skirts. Natsuko Kanno of 4 Corners of a Circle was very much intrigued with Akira Kurosawa's Dream and expressed the boldness of the Japanese aesthetic.

Lela Rose/Daryl K/Parkchoonmoo

Lela Rose presented one of my personal favorite collections during NYFW. Drawing inspiration from the neon signs in Las Vegas and Cone Island, she created whimsical, colorful, and fun pieces. Daryl K took on a bolder, edgier approach to prints and color. Demi Park of Parkchoonmoo was very moved by Korea's beauty & worked it in the collection with flowing garments.

Betsey Johnson SS12 Show

Betsey's show exuded excitement & energy with wild, flirty dresses. Inspired by Brigette Bardot and the Burlesque dancer of the 40s, Betsey tiptoes between innocent and sexy by taking flirty silk pieces and contrasting them against vibrant patterns with peek-a-boo surprises.

Siki Im/Final Notes on NYFW

Siki Im introduces denim in 3 different silhouettes that come in self engineered hand dyed, produced & fabricated in the US. The washes of the jeans and print of the fabrics were inspired by the deteriorated environments affected by war in the Middle East. Some major roundup of trends include: sheer fabrics, Peter Pan collars, Asian inspired garments, bright colored shoes, and many more.

Signature Style -- Getteline Rene

They say fashion is feeling and when it comes to my wardrobe, I must have items that cater to the 8 million and one moods I go through from Monday to Sunday. But if I really had to choose one garment, accessory, cosmetic, and pair of shoes, it would be as follows:

Garment: Megadeth 1995 World Tour Tee and The Furies T-shirt dress to wear underneath it

Accessory: Braided tribal necklace that I pretty much wear every day

Cosmetic: Eyeliner in every form -- I’m talkin’ gel, pencil, liquid, eye kohl, the whole shebang

Shoes: Groove Combat boots with heart details on the back

As I re-read my list, I realize all I need is extra pink lipstick and a flannel to possibly be the bass guitarist for a Hole cover band. What does that say about me? It says I absolutely reek of teen spirit and 90's angst, but in the most fashionable way possible. I think I’m ok with that.

We Made Fashion “Art” -- Chrome & Couture at the Mattatuck Museum

by Alexis Michaelides

Some say fashion is art; some say not. But this past spring, I was one of seven LIM College students whose fashion project became a successful art museum exhibition.

Our project definitely had its beginning in a “trade” show rather than an “art” venue. The National Stationery Show challenged LIM visual merchandising students to make art from paper to be featured in a contest at the show called “Paper Runway.” (Vendors donated the paper materials.) The industry experts, trade leaders, and vendors who attended voted on the best design. My collaboration with Margie Carroll, “Feather Fantasy,” was lucky enough to be chosen the winner.

That led to another success. Sydney Voghel-Ochs, Director of Development for the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut, saw “Paper Runway” and loved it. Her museum—which for more than a century has collected American art and history with a focus on local artists—was working hard to create edgier exhibits. She found our paper fashion concepts unique, the colors bold, and the details of our creation just what the museum needed.

The business of fashion has to work hand in hand with innovation and imagination. Although in the eco-fashion movement a few paper garments have been successfully marketed, it takes an extra spark and a bit of whimsy to transform a stiff and unyielding material into something fluid, beautiful, and inspiring.

When I helped Professor Woo and my classmates create our first paper fashions for the 2010 National Stationery Show, I had no idea how our designs would be received. Would they get a quick glance, like a craft project, or be seen as an intriguing fashion statement? With Professor Woo’s guidance, the audience responded to our designs as fashion and art. I felt honored when Sydney, a museum professional, also reacted that way to our work. We were even more gratified when she invited our team to create a special exhibit for the museum.

On October 1, 2011, the fashions from the “Paper Runway” were featured in the Mattatuck Museum’s “Chrome & Couture – Say ‘Yes’ to the Paper Dress” exhibit. It will be on display for the rest of this year.

The exhibit pairs LIM student and faculty fashion designs with collectible items from Doc’s Motorcycle Superstore in line with the museum’s focus on local artwork. Our designs were presented along with Harley-Davidson’s from World War I, scooters from the 1950s, and high-tech bikes just brought to market.

That was on-trend with contemporary androgynous fashion—such as male models like Andrej Pejic being used to sell women’s clothing. The mix of powerful and masculine motorcycles with feminine and delicate as paper dresses was thoughtfully bold. The stark contrast highlighted what was distinctly masculine and feminine about each piece. I was glad to see visitors of the exhibit’s launch marvel equally at the intricacies of the motorcycle engines and the gentle folds of the paper fashions. 

They may also have been thinking about the artificiality not just of gender stereotypes, but the weakness of the divisions between fashion, beautiful industrially produced machines like motorcycles, and “art.”

“Newsworthy” hat by Professor Marjorie Lee Woo; Engine of 1996 Sportster 1200, FAT Tire Drag Style Custom

For Whom Do We Dress?

by Logan Rizzo

“Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves, and of course, each other. If girls dressed for boys, they’d just walk around naked at all times.”

-– Betsey Johnson


Got to love Betsey. Clearly, her outrageous style isn’t intended for the gentlemen out there. It’s for us, the ladies, her most prominent audience. Never have I heard someone bash her eccentricities. Ladies celebrate her uniqueness and marvel at her genius. Maybe someone has called her weird. I don’t care, and I refuse to listen.

Anyway, having spent endless amounts of time in a fashion school, I can testify that there are moments when Jane wore outfit Y to impress Betty who was caught in last week’s outfit X. Who else would Jane be dressing for? You can practically count the straight men here on one hand. We know once you leave Fashion Styling, you’re headed straight home to creep your favorite fashion blog. Why? So you can arrive in style tomorrow and attack Betty with another breath taker. Poor Betty.

Out in the real world, that body-con dress barely covering your backside isn’t for the ladies. Or at least I hope not. All the girls that want to see Jane’s butt, raise your hand. FYI, no one’s hand is raised. In fact, Betty almost cut off her hand to express her disapproval. Poor Betty.

On the contrary, does your man-of-the-hour know that your dress is hot off the “what’s new” section of ASOS? No, he does not. Does he realize the fabulous new number perfectly displays your assets (even the parts that are trying to sneak out)? Yes, he does. And you knew that, because you’re so darn smart.

Fighting a battle against millions are the few of us that feel fashion is art. We dress to express our feelings and to show others what we’re all about. We appreciate the fluidity of a gown and the lace of a vintage top. We can wake up one morning a rocker in tomboy chic and then rise feeling romantic the next. Fashion enthusiasts, we’re such characters.

So tell me, who do you dress for? I’d love to hear that you dress because fashion is the most suitable outlet to display your own personal message. Maybe you dress to see jealousy boil or to see the jaw drop off the colleague that practically inherited her wardrobe from the hottest issue of Vogue. But you could simply be dressing because that hot new guy you’re dating loves a particular color on you.

Although I'm lacking the PhD to back up my analysis, I think who we dress for truly depends on who we are. I won't judge whatever rocks your closet.

Dress on ladies…for whomever you choose.

Signature Style -- Samantha-Jo Rocco

Why classify? At first impression, you see a five-foot-nine female with a giant smile that rarely leaves her face. If you take a few more seconds, you are then interacting with an exceedingly outgoing and respectful young lady. But, there is so much more yet to be learned.

Focused and determined, I always let my adventurous ways shine through in whatever I do. My passion for all things that are good and diverse drives me forward in life, inching me closer and closer to my lifelong dreams. The thought of characterizing myself in just a few words doesn’t seem to be logical for the type of person I am. Human nature seems to want us to classify who we are, but that creates restriction without any room to grow as a diverse individual. Why restrict ourselves with limited classifications? There is too much out in the world that I'll miss if I bypass all that doesn’t seem to fit one classification.

Being open minded is very important to my well-being. For now, my goal is to enjoy this journey of life to its fullest while embracing the personal qualities that I am proud to possess. It is something that will always be a big part of who I am, and a quality that I hold dear to my heart. I am a girl that loves to embrace every aspect of life. That will forever be a part of who I am.