This spring, the 15th of March marks the launch of Misha World limited edition scarves exclusively at Other Criteria. Through this series artist Misha Milovanovich has taken the square frame and poured in fantasy fashion. A Spring Summer 12 statement piece or a day-wear daydream, Misha World has created a collection to choose from. 

Each scarf’s artwork is realised in Italian silk mark twill, and the 10 unique designs come in editions of 200. Misha World takes inspiration from the spheres of art, music, fashion, and travel; from Allen Ginsberg’s poetry to Jazz, 60s prints and Pop culture, all combine like a Japanese anime of shattered colour blocks. 

With Misha’s painterly background, unique sweet and sour colour combinations work against black and white backgrounds. In the range of ten, the wearer can choose from the blazing prints of power pastels and sherbets, or the tribal geometric block borders of another. Jazz influences speak through a cacophony of colour in graphic deco-shapes whilst Manga-style eyes seem to look to the future. 

Through these scarves art historical figures from the likes of Picasso and Mondrian meet with fashion’s forefather of print Emilio Pucci to form the ultramodern designs of Misha World. This spring’s scarf collection captures the best of retro, awakens new colour consortiums and forms part of the covetable wardrobe. 

Read More about Silk Mark labels on sarees to go advanced @ Fibre2fashion

Major global menswear brands like Van Heusen, Peter England, Louis Philippe and Allen Solly would now be available in Sri Lanka, thanks to a tie-up between Hameedia, a household name in Sri Lanka known for high quality custom tailoring and ready-made clothes for men, and Indian clothing retailer Madura Garments & Lifstyle Apparel.

Following the three-year deal between the two clothing retailers, Hameedia would import and distribute some of the well-known men’s apparel brands in Sri Lanka.

Hameedia would also set up a concept retail outlet on the island under the brand name Planet Fashion, Hameedia Deputy Managing Director, Hussain Sadique, said.

The new outlet would vend all merchandise of the renowned brands.

Mr. Sadique said they also look forward to start a series of Peter England outlets at key locations in Colombo.

Read more about Global menswear brands to reach Sri Lanka via India @ Fibre2fashion

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City has received a $2 million gift from alumnus Mr. Calvin Klein, and the company he founded, Calvin Klein, Inc. Mr. Klein made a donation of $1 million, through the Calvin Klein Family Foundation, which was matched by a $1 million donation by Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp. This is the largest gift received to date from an FIT alumnus.

The funds will support the college’s annual spring runway show, which showcases the capstone designs of students about to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Fashion Design. 

The fashion show is a professionally produced event that provides FIT students with the first opportunity to showcase their talents to industry professionals, established Fashion designers, and worldwide media. The 2012 runway show will be held on Wednesday, May 2 at FIT.

Mr. Klein said, “The annual FIT fashion show is the culmination of the very best of the fashion design students’ accomplishments during their studies at FIT. This fund is dedicated to ensure that the FIT fashion show will continue to be the students’ showcase to our industry without compromise. I am very proud that Calvin Klein, Inc. has joined my family foundation in this effort.”

“FIT is extremely proud to call Calvin Klein one of our own,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of FIT. “We value the commitment Calvin has demonstrated to our Fashion Design students by taking on the role of classroom mentor and critic as they prepare their capstone collections. Now, thanks to this generous gift from Calvin and Calvin Klein, Inc., FIT’s young designers will have a runway show that is completely worthy of their talents for years to come.”

“Calvin Klein, Inc. highly values FIT for both the quality of education and the caliber of talent it brings to the fashion industry,” said Tom Murry, President & Chief Executive Officer of Calvin Klein, Inc. “Over the years, we have hired many FIT graduates for roles across our organization, as well as recruited students for our valuable internship programs. We are thrilled to join with Calvin in this initiative and further expand our support of FIT through this contribution to its pivotal annual fashion show. Calvin continues to be the overriding inspiration for what we do and we are proud to honor his design legacy in this way.” 

Read More about Calvin Klein donates $2 mn to Fashion Institute of Tech @ Fibre2fashion

 
Centre for Arts and Technology is pleased to announce that Fashion Design and Merchandising student, Mitchell Gilroy, was named in the Top 5 at Canada’s Breakthrough Fashion Designers competition held February 9 at Montréal Fashion Week.

The 20-year-old - who grew up in Nova Scotia’s Musquodoboit Valley - was awarded the $2,000 Technical Quality Award for his versatile garment. “My piece is transformable”, he says. “It can be worn as a jacket, a dress, or 30 other ways.”

Gilroy – who was the only student from Atlantic Canada chosen to compete as a finalist - is in his second year of the Fashion Design & Merchandising program at the Centre for Arts and Technology. More than 500 participants submitted sketches of their garment design for this year’s theme: Rouge + Red. A panel of five acclaimed fashion designers selected the 25 finalists in November. “We want our finalists to be right at the heart of the action, and that they remember what they learned during this experience for the rest of their promising career”, says Télio’s André Télio.

Halifax Fashion Design & Merchandising Department Head Michelle Kulyk watched proudly on as Mitchell’s garment made its runway debut. “We’re so proud of Mitchell – he’s come so far. From starting the program with no prior sewing experience, to 14 months later winning the technical merit award is amazing, we’re thrilled. We really focus on the technical aspect of fashion design.” Michelle herself has also seen the great support Télio has provided for designers in Canada. “For decades, Télio has been a phenomenal support to Canadian designers. It’s inspiring to see what they are doing every year to grow the industry. This competition is a fantastic opportunity they provide for fashion students across the country.” 

Read More about Fashion student Gilroy earns ‘Technical Quality Award’ @ Fibre2fashion

This week, Macy’s will launch its latest fashion collection, a collaboration with fresh fashion talent Doo-Ri Chung. Featuring doo.ri’s iconic draping and love of lightweight knitwear and mixed fabrications, the “doo.ri for Impulse only at Macy’s” collection will be sold in approximately 185 Macy’s stores nationwide and on macys.com beginning Feb. 15. 

“This capsule collection has allowed me to reach a wider audience, and that is exciting for me,” said Doo-Ri Chung. “I want to dress a modern woman, and if I can give her a different price point then that’s great! The collection is feminine, wearable and definitely Doo.Ri!” 

The doo.ri capsule reflects the Fashion designers signature styling and treasured craftsmanship that have made her an instant success. With modest, yet fascinating details, from the choice of fabric to her signature draping, the doo.ri collection is a fusion of sumptuous and collectible pieces that can easily transition from day-to-night. 

“We’re honored to have Doo-Ri Chung create a collection for Macy’s designer capsule series,” said Jeff Gennette, Macy’s chief merchandising officer. “Doo-Ri understands silhouette, proportion and modern design, and she has a growing appeal among celebrities and style influencers that connects with our Impulse customer.” 

“Doo.Ri creates magic every season,” said Nicole Fischelis, Macy’s group vice president and fashion director. “The Macy’s Impulse customer will be in awe by the combination of softness, femininity and power, making each piece collectible and one-of-a-kind.” 

Read More about doo.ri for Impulse collection hits Macy’s @ Fibre2fashion

Disney announced its participation at Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) Summer/Resort 2012 scheduled from March 2 to 6, 2012 in Mumbai. For the first time a fashionable range of Disney branded apparel and accessories will be unveiled at a special showcase on March 3. The range is inspired by the timeless appeal of Mickey and Minnie, imagined for today’s fashion follower.

“Mickey and Minnie have long inspired the world’s leading fashion houses and their energy continues with this contemporary and fun new range for adults”, said Roshini Bakshi, vice president, Consumer Products and Retail, The Walt Disney Company India. 

The Mickey and Minnie inspired fashion collection has been created by Indian fashion designers Little Shilpa and Nitin Bal Chauhan.

“The collections showcased at LFW have always set the trend and style for the season which flows into fashion for adults. We are excited that Little Shilpa and Nitin will be behind this creative and inspiring range,” adds Bakshi.

“LFW has always been a powerful platform that builds a strong connect between brands and its target audience. This season, our association with a global brand like Disney will create synergy between fashion and popular culture. We are excited to have Disney on board for the first time and are looking forward to seeing a unique range of apparel and accessories. Little Shilpa and Nitin Bal Chauhan are cutting edge designers who push the envelope in every collection they create,” said Anjana Sharma, director, Fashion, IMG Reliance.

Read More about Disney unveils new fun new range for adults at Lakme @ Fibre2fashion

Wacoal, the leading intimate apparel brand, unveils ControlFreak, a new revolutionary shapewear collection, that’s specifically designed to accommodate a woman’s unique proportions while being comfortable and supportive. Wacoal has spent years perfecting the fit for the upper half of the body, now with the launch of ControlFreak the brand takes a look at the lower half. 

ControlFreak aims to fill a gap in the market with a focus on women’s unique figures and varying body types. The new collection provides more specialized and specific solutions with women’s body types in mind – Apples or Pears. Both styles aim to solve curvy fit and comfort challenges, while offering smoothing, control and support. The Apple brief is proportionally designed for a fuller waist and hips. 

It features panels to lift the rear, smooth the mid-section and gentle leg openings for comfort. The Pear brief is proportionally designed for fuller hips and rear. It has strategically placed tummy control, relaxed leg openings and panels to maximize curves.

“At Wacoal, we embrace curves and understand every woman has unique proportions,” said Bob Vitale, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Wacoal America. “The new ControlFreak is designed to fit different body types and address fit and comfort challenges that many women experience currently. ControlFreak is unlike any other shapewear on the market and we can’t wait to share this new collection with our consumers.”

Read More about ControlFreak to address fit and comfort challenges @ Fibre2fashion

Sicilian-born “fashion engineer” Maria Francesca Paternò has unveiled her fabulous new bridal and haute couture collection for 2012: it is called “Ouverture” and it’s a tribute to poetry and art in general.

A wide range of cultures and influences merge and blend together: one-shoulder necklines seem reminiscent of the Ancient Greece and so are the skirts, long and flowing like peoples; satin and lace meet in a nostalgic mix of tradition and sophisticated romance; the cut is harmonious and feminine, while the cocktail dresses are more playful and use a bolder palette of vivid colours full of personality. 

Every gown is - as usual - entirely handmade in Italy with the highest-quality materials and techniques. Mikado, chiffon, duchesse satin: silk has always been the epitome of elegance and Francesca Paternò’s creations are timeless. Her atelier is, in fact, called La Via della Seta (The Silk Road) and evokes the historical routes used by merchants to trade the most precious goods. 

Read More about Fashion engineer Paterno’s Ouverture, a triumph of beauty @ Fibre2fashion

The British Council and the British Fashion Council (BFC) announce the inaugural International Fashion Showcase to take place during London Fashion Week, February 2012. 

19 embassies and cultural institutes across London will open their doors and display the work of over 80 international emerging fashion designers. The public, together with international press and buyers, will have the opportunity to explore the collections of some of the most innovative, emerging fashion designers from around the world. 

The first project the British Council and the British Fashion Council have collaborated on, this new showcase is part of the Fashion 2012 Cultural Programme and has been developed to celebrate the year of the Olympics and Paralympics and honour its values of international respect, excellence, equality and friendship. 

Countries participating in this showcase include Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Caribbean, China, Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Sierra Leone, United States and Uzbekistan. 

Each country has been asked to present a selection of emerging designers whom they feel most represents the future of fashion in their region. Sarah Mower MBE, BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and Contributing Editor to US Vogue, will chair an advisory panel that will judge each piece of work, with an award given to the country that presents the best emerging fashion talent showcase. This will be announced on Sunday 19th February, during London Fashion Week. 

A map, guide and passport will encourage the public and London Fashion Week audience of UK and international press and buyers to follow the trail of the International Fashion Showcase around the various venues in central London.

Read More about Showcase of 80 international emerging designers at LFW @ Fibre2fashion