Home FASHION/BEAUTY Style: November 2014

Style: November 2014

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Déjà Vu: This fall, seek the truly original. 

StyleDo you ever get the impression that fashion might be playing a cruel joke on you? Or that possibly, fashion editors and designers are trying to confuse you? This season I am having some hefty “been there, done that” moments.

Periodically, I take for granted that I am able to work in an industry where I am surrounded by beautiful things. I was recently asked by one of my style assistants how I’m able to control myself from purchasing all the gorgeous clothing and accessories I see each day? Truthfully, most of the time I am numb with indifference; it is unfortunate, but, lately, nothing has stopped me in my tracks. There are hundreds of lovely pocket books to carry and there are always nice jeans available, but lovely and nice do not make the cut for me any longer. Whether it is a piece of music, art, a pair of shoes, or even the written word, I want to be gob smacked and covered in goose bumps. Seeing continual images of pretty models in pretty dresses, or retailers touting the invariable cool boot of the season, is the style equivalent of pop music; it’s fun; it’s accessible; it’s catchy; and, most importantly, it’s lucrative.

Authenticity Lacking
An entertaining fashion moment for me this fall was the “go-to print of the season”… cheetah. The cheetah pattern, in my estimation, is always an in vogue print. It’s perfect worn as a neutral; it’s classic, timeless and always in style. Keep in mind, fashion followers, that the leopard was a favored print a few seasons ago. Could someone please explain the difference between a cheetah and a leopard? I am truthfully not trying to mock fellow fashion insiders; I would just like to know if someone else besides me sees the irony in this one of many ridiculous situations? While you are searching on Wikipedia for cheetahs and leopards, please also research the difference between the two hues, plum and eggplant.

Change is Good
With a desire to create something different, distinct and authentic, Andi Eaton, former NOLA Fashion Council partner, has launched the Southern Coalition of Fashion + Design. SCFD will replace what was formally known as the NOLA Fashion Council and the bi-annual NOLA Fashion Week with a newly branded event, Southern Design Week. Debuting this November, and similar to NOLA Fashion Week, Southern Design Week will feature runway presentations and special events. However, the mission of the SCFD is to focus on the designer and their process, and to build a network of resources around the design community. SCFD is attempting to distinguish itself from the many Fashion Weeks that have emerged in the South from New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle. Unlike these Fashion Weeks, which tend to focus on the party atmosphere and retailers as their key components, SCFD’s motive is to place emphasis on the designers and those affiliated with the design community. To promote awareness, SCFD will host networking and marketing events to enable industry growth, as well as quarterly education classes and trunk shows.

A few of the named designers to present their Spring/Summer 2015 collections during Southern Design Week (taking place Nov. 3-9 at Old New Orleans Rum Distillery) are Matthew Arthur and Anthony Ryan Auld — both alumni of Project Runway — plus Andi Eaton (with her line, Hazel & Florange.

Kudos to the newly minted SCFD and to all those in search of something or someone that is original and willing to take risks to stand out from the crowd. I’m in pursuit of something that is not “trending” this fall … please somebody, anybody, give me goose bumps! southerndesignweek.com