Fashion model crowned Miss Earth

  Manila, Philippines – A 22-year-old freelance fashion model and de- signer who vowed to actively promote walking and take part in cleaning the environment was crowned Miss Earth Philippines 2012 in Pasay City last Sunday night.

Stephany Dianne Stefanowitz of Quezon City, who also is a singer, bested 46 other candidates in the environment-driven beauty contest. She will represent the Philippines in the 2012 Miss Earth beauty pageant to be held in Indonesia later this year.

The Miss Earth Philippines pageant is indeed lovelier the second time around for Stefanowitz who first competed in the same pageant two years ago. She placed in the Top 10.

In the final question and answer portion of the pageant, Stefanowitz was asked by judge actress-model Rachel Grant: “If you were a superhero, what power would you choose to have and how would you use it to save the Earth.”

Stefanowitz, who also won Best In Long Gown, answered: Defintely, I will use my power to clean-up the environment. My advocvacy is the preservation and conservation of our environment. It is essential for us to realize how our decision would affect us.”

Other winners of the night were Miss Tabuk City Glennifer Perido, Miss Philippines Air; Miss San Juan City Samantha Purvor, Miss Philippines Water; Miss Puerto Princesa City Thoreen Halvorsen, Miss Phil ippines Fire; and Miss Vigan City Mary Candice Ramos, Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism. Organizers said that the four elemental court of Stefanowitz were all equal winners.

Runners-up in the pageant were Miss Negros Oriental Glenna Christina Duch, Miss Fil-Belgium Roxanne Corluy; Miss San Francisco, Cebu Princess Lieza Manzon; Miss Indang, Cavite Jaydielou Dilidili; and Miss Muntinlupa Kathleen Subijano.

Other winners of major special awards were Purvor, Best In Swimsuit; Miss Manaoag City Zandra Flores, Best In Cultural Attire; Miss Pagadian City Cristelt Gerona, Miss Photogenic; Miss Lucena City Jennifer Japor, Miss Congeniality; and Miss Marilao Aufelyn Zabala, Miss Talent.

Stefanowitz also vowed to be a strong leader and role model to educate, inform and spread awareness on environment conservation and preservation. “I believe this year is a time for positive change.
It’s time to put our foot down when it comes to conserving and preserving our natural resources.”

Asked about tips on the promotion of sustainable energy, she said: “Turn off your lights at home when not in use. Choose electric fan when it is not too warm instead of aircon. Walk!”

Other members of the board of judges include Cristine Cunanan, Joey Mendoza of SM Supermarket, actress Empress Schuck, entrepreneur Brian Benitez, politician Shalani Soledad-Romulo, and Senator Koko Pimentel III. (Robert R. Requintina)

Fashion news: Britney Spears, Elsa Peretti and Louis Vuitton

Britney Spears showed up in Austin, Texas, this week for "The X Factor" auditions. Her dress was notable... and was noted..... by, well, many.

The Elsa Peretti heart necklace for Tiffany & Co. is a classic symbol of a relationship that started in 1974. But the designer is rumored to be retiring.  [WWD, subscription required]

Some folks have all the fun. Earlier this week, shoppers helped raise $200,000 for P.S. Arts, an organization that brings arts education to under-served public schools. What kind of merchandise was sold? More than 200 designer handbags. And the setting wasn't bad either--the Beverly Hills home of Shanna and Jon Brooks, which was once owned (and redesigned) by Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston. [Society News LA]

Think tiaras are the stuff of a little girl's childhood? Think again. When the Duchess of Cambridge married her prince last year, she wore one--and her choice inspired replicas. Her grandmother-in-law, the Queen of England, marks her diamond jubilee this year, and diamonds are about to be on display again. And that's not all. Some of the richest of the rich are ordering "bespoke" tiaras. [WSJ]

And, finally, Louis Vuitton has been named the world's most valuable luxury brand. [Vogue UK]

--Alice Short

RELATED

Peddling Fashions a la Food Trucks

 Food trucks triggered atypical cravings for New York fashion designer Joey Wolffer, who was inspired not to nosh but to transform a 20-foot, potato-chip delivery truck into a roving style gallery.

"I had been working for the Jones Apparel Group and traveling for my job and would find so many one-of-a-kind pieces that I would not find here," she said.

"I wanted to bring those unique pieces to people without having to stay in one place."

So she hit the streets with her mobile boutique, The Styleliner, featuring handpicked fashions from several countries including Kenya, Morocco, France and Brazil.

Wolffer, 29, travels to cities such as Miami, Washington and even Montreal to bring customers one-of-a-kind jewels, leather goods and vintage scarves that range in price from $20 to more than $1,000.

"The treasure chest on wheels," as she calls it, has been on the road for two years and is part of a mobile fashion presence occupying more and more space across U.S. parking lots and driveways.

Whereas spring and summer have traditionally meant the emergence of ice cream and taco trucks, for instance, the transient entrepreneurs with an eye for fashion have designs on a different clientele: women with enough purchasing power to bring the merchants to them instead of the other way around.

"It's a great way to build your brand and bring your brand to a target market," said Mike Gatti, senior vice president of the National Retail Federation.

Consumer response has been positive because shoppers know they are getting products that can't be found in a mall, he said.

Some fashion truck owners will pull right up to a driveway or charity event to be like a "stylist in residence" for a private shopping experience.

Count Nita Kuo of Washington, D.C., among the believers who depend on social media to tip them off about the fashion trucks.

"I had heard about them for some time and had been looking for one of these fashion-on-the-wheels trucks just to see what they had," said the American University student who recently patronized Wolffer's Styleliner that's in Washington until next month.

Besides New York and Washington, West Coast events such as the Shop Lot LA feature at least half-a-dozen fashion trucks. One of the mobile boutiques is Le Fashion Truck, which launched in Los Angeles January 2011. Le Fashion Truck features vintage fashions and local designs for less than $60.

Since then, owners Stacey Steffe, 34, and Jeanine Romo, 25, say they receive calls routinely from people inquiring about how to start a mobile retail business, too.

Such calls from the potential entrepreneurs are why Steffe founded the West Coast Mobile Retail Association in April of 2011.

"There is strength in numbers," she said. "I wanted to create an organization where we could all come together and help each other out."

The association now has 12 members and hosts seminars to teach potential mobile retail owners about everything from costs to a city's municipal codes and, of course, how to attract customers and keep overhead costs in check.

"To get a fashion truck started in the very beginning, you need to have about $15,000 and that is not including inventory," she said.

Mobile retail owners or potential owners have reached out to Steffe from nine states including, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Texas.

WCMRA has even received calls from as far away as Jamaica and Australia, she said.

The business is still developing so she hopes to launch the American Mobile Retail Association to help as many trucks as possible build their brands and clientele properly. 

Fashion (able) police

 KARACHI: 

Exactly two months ago, when spring began descending into odious summer, the local police candidly declared that their characteristic grumpiness was not a personality trait intrinsic to their job but was in fact brought on by the dark colours of their uniform. Thus given that fashion has become pervasive in Pakistan in the last few years, The Express Tribune picked on some of fashion’s exciting new talents to redesign the police uniform. While we were hoping the designers would show their funky and bohemian flare, often spotted in their collections on the ramp, the sketches show a different and rather mature approach.

Akif Mahmood

“I wanted to make it very simple since it is a uniform and requires practicality. Instead of the typical black though, I have a white and lime printed shirt. White works best for men because the weather is mostly sunny and warm in Pakistan. I have added a waistcoat with pockets which is not only fashionable, but will also prove useful to hold all their arms,” explains Mahmood. However, he adds that one can’t be completely fashion-centric because most policemen are older and experimental designs appeal to youngsters more. The designer, who is a fan of denim, has suggested nontreated denim for the pants. “Denim would give a cool feel to the overall look. The whole point is to make the typical uniform interesting and presentable. Also given the popularity of films like Dabanng, policemen are also viewed as icons.”

Wardha Saleem

“This is my vision of how I want to see a policeman. I have used white for the pants not just because it repels heat but because the colour symbolises purity and power. We all expect the police to be this agent of fairness and justice and also expect them to have authority,” states Saleem. The designer has used turquoise, which is supposed to balance out the look since it is a neutral and fresh colour. “I wanted them to feel good about themselves yet not lose their strong image,” says Saleem.

Adnan Pardesy

“I have given the cops cargo pants in poplin cotton instead of twill fabric that is typically used. The cotton is lighter and makes for ease of movement in the summer. Overall, I have retained the blue details of the current uniform but used white as the base,” states Pardesy. For the top, the designer has suggested a polo t-shirt in 60/2 mercerised cotton fabric, which is basically a mix fabric that is easy to wash and wear and doesn’t dull out even after multiple washes. “The polo also gives a formal feel to the uniform and will keep the men cooler yet give them the air of authority. And the best part is that it is extremely cheap to make,” he adds.

Irfan Ali

“Whenever I think of the Pakistani police, the associated emotion that the term ignites is fear. Yet, as a fashion designer when I visualise the police I think of a sleek and smart look. I wanted to therefore go for a modern, minimalistic look that every police man can carry off,” says Ali. The designer states that since Pakistani police comes from all classes, he chose not to be too experimental with design. “The look is very simple. The cotton under-shirt is in an off-white colour and the upper jacket is dull green with 3D pockets, along with the necessary police monograms. The trousers are grey instead of black and are paired with long boots,” concludes the designer.

Mohsin Ali

“I was thinking of the ancient subcontinental silhouettes of an angharkha, but wanted to make something modern with a twist of history in it. Since it’s so hot in Pakistan, the pants are airy from the hip but tight from below to give a slightly fashionable look,” says Ali. A cool wool is used for the gloves to repel heat and the scarf is added to absorb perspiration. The designer adds, “I also wanted to give the police men solar hats in two layers that create a vacuum in between for air supply.” The colours used in Ali’s creation are very light and the designer has used grey instead of white, “since white gets soiled easily in this dusty weather”.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2012.

Viral Fashion: How the Facebook Wedding Dress Turned Priscilla Chan Into an Unlikely Style Star

In the four days since Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg announced on his Facebook page that he tied the knot with Priscilla Chan, his girlfriend of nine years, a lot has changed. He switched his status to married, posting a photograph of himself in a black tie and suit, standing alongside his new bride, who looked angelic in her Claire Pettibone laser-cut floral wedding gown and veil. So far, the post has garnered more than 1.2 million likes, the most ever for Zuckerberg, and also turned Chan into an unwilling fashion star.

Call it the Priscilla Chan effect. The picture that marked the surprise nuptials sent thousands of brides-to-be into a frenzied search for the $4,700 wedding dress, known as “Sky Between the Branches.” The L.A.-based designer was bombarded with phone calls Sunday and Monday. Bridal shops tweeted that they had the Claire Pettibone gown, which is embellished with matte sequins lined in silk, in stock. Even more telling, the designer’s Web site experienced a surge in traffic, jumping from its average 1,500 unique visitors to 26,000 on Monday, reported WWD.

We saw this last year when Kate Middleton married Prince William. Her Alexander McQueen gown spawned endless copies and everybody wanted a royal wedding. But this was the woman who was marrying the future King of England, not a Silicon Valley tech billionaire.

Why would women want to follow in Chan’s fashion footsteps? Her style sense, while sharper than her husband’s trademark hoodies, consists of basic T-shirts, skirts, flip-flops, and summery dresses. It’s not bad, just not remarkable. Perhaps it’s the contrast between Chan’s regular sartorial selections and her wedding day ensemble that intrigued the thousands who visited Pettibone’s Web site. She looked stunning at her wedding — exactly what every bride-to-be wants on her special day.

The low-key Chan, who just graduated from medical school, even kept her dress shopping under wraps, ordering it from a bridal salon. The designer, who has made dresses for celebrities like “Mad Men” actress Elisabeth Moss, only discovered her newfound stardom when her husband noticed the gown after he saw the news that Zuckerberg and Chan had wed – they suspect that the dress was ordered under a fake name, according to BuzzFeed Shift. At just under $5,000 the dress is on the pricier side, but still within reach for some and practically a bargain for Chan, whose husband is worth about $19 billion following Facebook’s IPO. Chan could have easily afforded a designer known for high-profile wedding dresses, like Vera Wang or even Alexander McQueen.

Copies are likely to follow — Pettibone’s Italian fabric supplier contacted her company to “to warn them that another designer wanted to purchase the exact fabric of Chan’s gown, but, lucky for Claire, she has the exclusive rights to that particular beaded fabric,” reported WWD.

Has the Facebook wedding dress catapulted Chan into fashion icon status? We think it’s unlikely, but the coming months will tell – perhaps her outfits will spark sudden Internet traffic spikes, causing dresses to go flying out of stores.

Fashion label caters for disabled women

For most of us, getting dressed is a straightforward part of our morning routine. However, for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility it can be a real challenge.

Doing up zips and buttons can be a frustrating struggle - and how do you find trousers that slip on easily when you find it difficult to stand?

"It's something that you wouldn't think about until you're in that situation," says Ann Oliver.

Mrs Oliver was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990, the year her sister died of the same disease.

Her condition has progressed to the extent that she now uses a wheelchair to get around.

Over the years she has noticed that it is very difficult to find stylish clothes that are easy for her to put on by herself. She says: "I still want to be looking good in an unconventional but fashionable way sitting in my wheelchair."

'Correct length'

Mrs Oliver enrolled on a course at Central St Martins College in London, with the aim of creating a clothing line for disabled and 'unconventional' women. 

Her first collection, Xeni, was launched online earlier this year. She has designed coats and jackets that use magnets as self-propelled fastenings.

The coats are also cut out at the back, meaning the wearer can sit down without the collar pulling uncomfortably at the neck.

There are trousers which provide extra length at the back of the waist to make sure they are the correct length for women who are sitting in wheelchairs.

She has also designed evening dresses which accentuate the shoulders, and draw attention away from the lap.

Start-up business

Mrs Oliver set up the business using money she had saved with her husband.

She says the economic climate did not put her off starting up the business "for one second".

It may not have fazed her, but it may well prevent some of her potential customers from buying the clothes.

They are manufactured on a small scale in north London rather than the Far East, meaning the clothes are expensive.

Furthermore, half a million people are expected to lose their Disability Living Allowance over the next four years, meaning many will struggle to afford to pay the £130 she charges for a pair of trousers.

But Mrs Oliver says she has had a lot of interest from potential customers already and with 10 million disabled people in the UK, hers is a niche but sizeable market.

And while high street stores like Debenhams have had well-publicised advertising campaigns using disabled models, there are very few shops that provide clothes suitable for disabled men and women.

Luxury supercars return to Canada this summer

Against a backdrop of lush greenery, vibrant flowers and abundant foliage are some of the world’s most impressive modern and classic luxury and Supercars.

It’s quite a sight to see.

The McLaren MP4-12C, Lamborghini Aventador, Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari 599 GTO are just a few examples. Furthermore, classic E-Type Jaguars, American muscle cars and much more leave attendees breathless.

People fly in from around the country and internationally to Vancouver’s Van-Dusen Botanical Garden to be in the presence of these marvels.

Luxury Supercar Weekend combined with the Shaunessy Concours d’Elegance is being touted as the nation’s finest automotive lifestyle event (luxurysupercar.com). Held annually on the second weekend of September, 2011 marked the third instalment of the occasion, however the first time it was held in the “green” setting.

With the sun shining, the cars glowing and people enjoying the beauty of the surroundings, it was a quintessential experience for local Vancouverites and those who came to town for it.

“The Luxury Supercar Concours d’Elegance weekend is the finest display of vintage luxury and exotic cars in Canada,” said Craig Stowe, the event’s producer.

The fourth annual event is Sept. 8-9.

On display will be award winners from internationally recognized Concours, including: The Quail, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Also appearing at this year’s show is the Aston Martin DB5 (the model featured in several James Bond films), a restored 1933 Bugatti, a 1972 Alfa Romero Montreal and the 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Vignale Coupe (one of three in the world).

“Many top Canadian-owned, international award-winning collector cars will be on display together on the picturesque Great Lawn of VanDusen Botanical Garden,” Stowe said.

“Guests and collectors look forward to the opportunity to view some of the 2013 super and luxury cars, many of which will be unveiled in Vancouver for the first time in Canada.”

Canada’s own supercar, the HTT Pléthore, which was designed and engineered just outside of Montreal, will also be making an appearance.

The garden-party style automotive showcase caters to those who aren’t necessarily there for the cars. Food and fashion lovers alike were able to enjoy some delicious West Coast cuisines and libations along with fall fashion shows, which will be put on by various top design houses.

This year, LSW has been expanded to include modern and classic motorcycles, as well as boats.

With the abundance of classic, vintage and supercars in Quebec, the chairman of automotive selection, world-renowned automotive judge Nigel Matthews, would like to continue to increase the presence of vehicles from all across the country.

Those who would like to enter their vehicle in this event, submissions are now being accepted. Quebec owners who have their vehicle(s) selected will be invited as guests of Luxury Supercar weekend.

Europe's Luxury Rally Founders as China, Greece Hurt LVMH

May 11 (Bloomberg) -- The biggest rally in three years for [URL=http://www.luxuryproduct.us/]luxury product message[/URL] makers in Europe is fizzling on concern slower economic growth in China and renewed euro-area political turmoil after Greece's inconclusive election will choke off demand.

The nine-company Bloomberg European Luxury Goods Index, whose clothiers and watchmakers get 34 percent of sales from Asia, tumbled 5.5 percent over the past five days, the largest decline since Nov. 24, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index retreated 2.5 percent. The luxury gauge surged 25 percent in the first quarter as designers Hugo Boss AG and Salvatore Ferragamo SpA gained more than 50 percent.

China's cooling growth, the political impasse since Greece's May 6 election and proposed tax increases from France's new president are hurting the industry. Francois Hollande, who defeated Nicolas Sarkozy to become the first Socialist in 17 years to control Europe's second-biggest economy, has proposed a 75 percent levy on incomes above 1 million euros ($1.3 million). Swatch Group AG, the world's largest watchmaker, gets 38 percent of revenue from China, home to more than a million millionaires, and Burberry Group Plc generates 33 percent of sales in Asia.
"With the growth momentum in China slowing, what has been pushing the luxury-goods sector higher and higher is bound to weaken as well, and luxury companies will see an end of their massive rally," said John Plassard, a director at Louis Capital Markets SA in Geneva. "2012 will prove itself a transition year."

Slowing Growth

The Bloomberg luxury index retreated 3 percent from April 13, when a report showed Chinese gross domestic product trailed forecasts last quarter, through yesterday. That's three times more than the Stoxx 600, which slipped 0.9 percent. Swatch, Burberry, the U.K.'s largest luxury-goods maker, and Hugo Boss were the gauge's worst performers in that period. The index rose 0.6 percent today.
The measure tumbled 62 percent from the end of the second quarter of 2007, when Chinese growth was an annualized 14.5 percent, through the first quarter of 2009, when economic expansion bottomed at 6.6 percent, data compiled by Bloomberg show. The Stoxx 600 dropped 57 percent over that period.
The number of dollar millionaire households in China climbed 31 percent in 2010 to 1.11 million, ranking the country third behind the U.S. and Japan, according to a Boston Consulting Group survey released last year.

Growing Valuations

The rally in luxury stocks has pushed Burberry's valuation to 19.9 times estimates earnings, compared with a low of 5.5 in November 2008, according to Bloomberg data. Swatch shares have risen to 15.1 times forecast profits from a low of 6.5 and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA has increased to 16.9 times from 8.7. The Stoxx 600 as a whole is trading at 10.5 times projected income, the data show.
"I've become more cautious on luxury goods as the valuations don't look as attractive," said Peter Braendle, who helps manage $60 billion at Swisscanto Asset Management AG in Zurich. "I've reduced positions in recent months to a light buy, down from a strong buy." Braendle said he would reduce his weighting to neutral if growth in Asia, especially China, slowed further.
China's economy expanded 8.1 percent in the first quarter, the slowest pace in almost three years. Foreign direct investment sank for a fifth month in March, while house prices fell in a record 37 of China's 70 cities tracked by the national government.

Finnish fashion wins at Hyères: won for its use of color and futuristic styling

The top fashion design prize of the 27th Hyères International Fashion Festival, held in the south of France (April 27-30), was awarded Sunday to a trio of Finnish designers: Elina Laitinen, Siiri Raasakka and Tiia Siren.

After the ten finalist designers presented their collections in a [URL=http://www.fashionluxurygoods.us/]fashion luxury goods[/URL]
 show, the international jury, headed by Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto, chose to single out the menswear collection from the young Finnish team for its use of color and futuristic styling.
The festival provided the opportunity for ten upcoming designers to present their collections to professionals from the fashion industry as well as to members of the public.

While the most prestigious prize of the festival, worth nearly $20,000 was handed out to the three young Finnish designers, Canadian designer Steven Tai won the inaugural Chloé prize (also worth nearly $20,000) for his womenswear collection, while Ragne Kikas of Estonia took the Première Vision prize (worthabout $13,000) and the public vote for his womenswear collection.

The Hyères International Fashion and Photography Festival is an occasion for rising talents in these two areas to present their work and has in the past awarded designers such as Viktor & Rolf and Felipe Oliveira Baptista.

Buckley brick found near Sri Lanka may have been from Second World War ship in sunken HMS Hermes fleet

 A BUCKLEY brick found in a shipwreck off the coast of Sri Lanka may have been part of a vessel sunk by the

Japanese in the Second World War.

Diver Ravana Wijeyeratne discovered the Adamantine brick after a dive around the wreck of the HMS Hermes aircraft

carrier, a victim of a Buy Authentic Chanel Bags off the East coast near Batticaloa in 1942.

He believes the brick could have been part of a fleet of ships caught up in the wartime attacks.

He said: “We got Authentic Chanel Bags On Sale from the ship’s boiler. There is a lot more, but we just took one as we want other divers to

have something to see.

“It is possibly a Navy ship as these all went down with the Hermes.

“This was one of the many ships the British evacuated from Trincomalee harbour on news of a Japanese air attack.

“Unfortunately, they also knew of this Cheap Authentic Chanel Bags and followed the vessels to bomb them.

“All we know is the captain of this ship built the blue church of Batticaloa in answer to his prayers.

“The Buckley Society then told me Buckley bricks were some of the strongest and most durable bricks ever produced.

The clay was renowned for its ability to withstand heat and acid, so many were used in boilers and for industrial

processes.”

But David Sallery, who runs the historical interest Penmorfa website, expressed some doubt the brick came from

Hermes or any of the naval ships, as firebricks were only used in coal-fired boilers and all the Navy ships involved

would be oil-fired.

As the shipwreck is unidentified, he added it may be coincidence it is roughly at the same location as Hermes and

speculated it may have come from an ancient coal-fired tramp steamer, perhaps nothing to do with the war at all.