Hey Girls, Let's Get Changed and Ring In Spring!

Listen up! This is GV Miao's first official blog post written for artistspringboard.com Yeah it's OFFICIAL!

Spring is in the air and if you got sick of the dullness of your thick winter coats, why not fill up your wardrobes with Britt Beale an up-and-coming British designer's cheerful spring collection, and let the designer transform you into a floral fairy? Britt's designs exude irresistible girlish charm and sweetness. The beautiful floral patterns and special prints and the pastel colour palette, both cool and warm ranging from lilac to tangerine win the hearts of the girls obsessed with idyllic romance and fantasy. On top of that, the collection is mainly made out of comfy and feminine fabrics like cotton and lace with exquisite embellished details such as frills and ruffles, which would surely make the perfect companion for a spring garden tea party. You want to catch people's eyes during any moment in this elegant outdoor event? You know what to wear.

Frilly jersey hot pants printed with roses and lacey cut off leggings with a frilly hem: Britt's collection is full of stunning pieces in which I especially like these white lace leggings, which can effortlessly stylize and glam up any outfit while add a sexy touch to it.



Sheer lilac frilly zip top printed with roses and floral sailor dress: this romantic purple floral cotton dress nicely coordinated with the sheer frilly jacket in the same colour tone can easily transform the wearer into a floral fairy, and make her the focus of a spring garden party. The floral dress is definitely worth the buy. It feels so comfy and cozy. It is simple yet not without lovely details. So don't miss out!



Fifties style vintage print dress: a very 1950s silhouette, style and attitude this dress has and reminds me of always elegant Jackie O. A retro print of light blue and red flowers blossom on a white cotton background is speechlessly fabulous.



Pretty white ruffled shirt with bird motif and patchwork print vintage cut shorts: the girlish shirt design and the cheerful tangerine patchwork print shorts certainly kick the greyness of winter away. What are you waiting for? Let's get changed and ring in spring!



I am totally into Britt Beale's fancy girly collection which would enable me to feel the freshness of spring by wearing it. How about you? Come visit artistspringboard boutique and bring your favourite items home.

Bita Pourtavoosi's Metropolitan Design: Less Is More

This is GV Miao's second trail post blogged for artistspringboard.com scheduled to be published in May after the Royal Wedding. Have a preview here and leave us your comments, appreciated!



Diann Valentine, a world renowned event designer and wedding planner famous for having organized internationally acclaimed weddings for celebrities like Usher, Toni Braxton, and Boyz II Men crooner Shawn Stockman just to name a few wearing a New York fashion handmade jewellery designer Bita Pourtavoosi's “Big Chunk of Onyx Ring” and “3 Hoop Earrings” effortlessly demonstrated modern metropolitan style by accessorizing with jewellery. And she looked just jaw droppingly gorgeous. I reckon no one knows the meaning of cosmopolitan chic better than Bita Pourtavoosi whose designs project the typical New York-style simplicity, freshness, and cleanliness yet not without details and the amazing attention to superior materials and unsurpassed quality workmanship.

Big Chunk of a Stone Ring: the design is simple with subtle details. The ring features a large tiger's eye with stripes framed by an exquisitely textured 24K yellow gold plated brass frame. By wearing this on your finger, you surely share minimal fashion taste of New Yorkers.



Hammered 3 Hoop Earring: one of my favourite pieces which best projects cosmopolitan chic. These 24K yellow gold plated brass earrings are hand hammered to perfection, which reflects the designer's dedication and passion for her craft, art, and design.



Bita Pourtavoosi's collection consists of a wide range of striking jewellery items that are perfect for almost every occasion. Each of the fashion jewellery pieces from Bita is handcrafted by the designer herself using semi precious stones, which makes her designs even more luxurious and unique as no two pieces are exactly alike, ensuring each owner that they end up with a unique piece of jewellery all their own that matches their individual personality.

Stacker Bangles with Cabochons: a definitely interesting piece which allows you to mix and match and create a set that is all your own as you desire. Each gold bangle is embellished with three semi precious stones – green aventurine, turquoise howlite, gold plated pyrite, white howlite, and tiger's eye just to name a few. The beautiful colour combinations can certainly brighten up the dull grayness of city life.



Bita Pourtavoosi's jewellery collection is a must-have for every metropolitan girl like you and me. Don't hesitate to come visit and shop with us at
artistspringboard.com See you there!

Help GV Miao Fashion Blog Achieve our Blogging Career!

It's the very first time GV Miao fashion blog was approached by artistspringboard.com (the UK) that we may be granted a paid offer based on the hit rate on this first trial post on Sheena Bulsara's jewelry label "Handmade with Love." Pls click into http://artistspringboard.blogspot.com/2011/04/sheenas-handmade-with-love-cleopatra.html and leave us your comments. Help us achieve our blogging career!


Let's keep CLEOPATRA legend alive!

When I first saw the luxurious jewellery collection by Sheena Bulsara the award winning London based designer of Grant Riley Styling and Geoff Reardon Competition, I saw Cleopatra.

Challenging myself to create the modern image of Cleopatra, I would still make the young Elisabeth Taylor playing Cleopatra, the legendary female Pharaoh of ancient Egypt in an evergreen Hollywood classic “Cleopatra” as an ideal model of beauty and power the icon of Sheena's label called “Handmade with Love” but restyle her with Sheena's jewellery, which design I reckon is a perfect blend of vintage and new, luxury and down-to-earth wearability, and of the empress' nobleness and ladylike grace. How do you like my idea to advertise your brain-child and I will be thinking of more, Sheena?

Vintage jewel components and modern craftsmanship are the signature of Sheena's design. This Sunken Treasure Necklace displays the beauty of a vintage piece with high style and superior craftsmanship updating the styling, quality and value for the modern image of Cleopatra.

Read more...

Not a Research Paper: A Brief Scrutiny of the Macro and Micro Environments of the Fashion Industry (based on the situation in Asia)

Fashion retailing/garment manufacturing has always been one of the most competitive industries; it is largely due to its complicated and dynamic macro and micro environments which closely link, and at the same time interact with each other. Externally, the economic downturn caused by the financial crisis once sweeping across Asia, the advanced technology and sophisticated manufacturing development, as well as a swift change in taste and fashion have stroke a strong impact on every unit involved, and influenced the marketing atmosphere generally. Internally, a firm's relationship with its stakeholders - how it enhances its market share, or even strives for the position of the market leader by gaining preference from its suppliers, cultivating customers' loyalty and dominating its competitors creates a unique marketing culture in the fashion/garment industry. In the following, I will scrutinize how both of its macro and micro environments play an inevitable role in shaping the distinctive features of the rapidly shifting fashion business model.

In light of the economic environment, Asia in general has once suffered from the economic recession which badly shook consumer purchasing power and spending patterns and caused high unemployment. Clothing under such a poor economy can scarcely be regarded as a luxurious product for self-expression but a basic necessity, as nobody would squander considerable amount of money on a certain best-known designer brand. That explained why Gucci and Armani which under no circumstances would offer any discount would make a compromise at this point unwillingly. Offering the best discount is one of the most effective ways to let the business go on in the market. Moreover, owing to the changes in income, many customers shrunk their spending as their income declined and tended to more cautious buying. For example, they might pay more attention to garments' quality instead of its branding. As a result, in the fashion retail market when the economy is down, sustaining the premium quality and reasonable price instead of playing with an illusive image of the designer brands should always be a pre-requisite for success.

In addition, technologically, the creation of new fibres such as polyester and viscose by new technology enables garments to be manufactured at a lower cost. Since then, artificial fibres have performed an essential role in garment manufacturing alongside with natural fibres such as cotton, silk and wool. Furthermore, the appearance of these new fibres gives rise to a great variety of outlook and handfeel. For example, polyester is a highly potential synthetic material readily to be converted into leather-like, silk-like, and even shearling-like qualities by fully utilizing different ways of finishing. Consequently, the new technology for producing artificial fibres at a lower cost has become particularly important during tough economic times, when the production cost has to be maintained low. Realizing the benefits of the advanced technological development in garment manufacturing, many fashion retailers have stimulated customers' desire to buy by appealing to their eagerness to try out new and interesting qualities being sold at an affordable price such as metallic, burn-out, etc. The trend-conscious competitors are willing to revolutionize their products so as to stand out in the market.

Last but not lest, in light of the cultural environment, a swift change in taste and fashion plays a part in constituting a unique marketing atmosphere of the fashion industry. Fashion is a cultural product which reflects the basic values and beliefs of our society, and people’s perceptions and behaviors over a period of time. To cite an example, “China heat” and “mysteries of ancient Egypt” once fascinated the designers. Vivienne Tam and John Galliano for Christian Dior, just to name a few mixed western and eastern elements in their designs, which has set the trend in the culture of fashion.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 1999 runway show

Miss Sixty Rock Art – "ART in jeans" Campaign

Miss Sixty Rock Art!!!
Hong Kong was the first stop of and where the grand finale will be for Miss Sixty's exhibition cycle tour of Asia. The campaign named “ART in jeans” kicked off in Hong Kong's newly opened Miss Sixty flagship store which is located in a luxurious mall in the heart of the city. I must say I was honored to be invited by a painter friend from Canada/Hong Kong, Harvey Chan who was one of the five participating artists to catch the show and witness the philosophy of blending art and blue denim embodied in the brand.

One of the founders of SIXTY GROUP from Italy and its creative director, Wicky Hassan sees denim far more than just a basic, utilitarian fabric but a spiritual canvas on which unrestrained artistic notion can be manifested. In Hassan's own words: “I hope to show what and how much energy a simple material in a basic style like jeans can release.” Six masterpieces altogether from Hassan's private collection, all based on the theme “jeans art,” carefully transported from Italy were on display at the exhibition. On top of that, five local elite artists were invited to exhibit their artworks of the same theme, with inspirations from jeans, denim, buttons and zippers. Harvey's ink painting entitled “The Recurring Dream” conveys the revitalizing and energizing qualities of denim. According to the painter, the use of ink gives his painting a Chinese touch, which I reckon is the most interesting part of the artistic presentation.

Didier, 1994 by Pierre Et Gilles was one of SIXTY GROUP's creative director Wicky Hassan's private collection pieces transported from Italy exhibited at the event.



Convertirsi Al Jeans, 1994 by Aldo Mondino from Hassan's private collection



Blu, 1997 by Erwin Olaf and Jeans Energie, 1994 by Mark Kostabi from Hassan's private collection



The ink painting entitled "The Recurring Dream" conveys the revitalizing and energizing qualities of denim by Harvey Chan, a participating artist from Canada/Hong Kong.



Seeing the Unseen by Wilson



Menu Tsai's inspiring Something We Experienced Too





Beautiful Decay by Watto (Ken)



Hidden Stories by Kim Hung



Miss Sixty, along with the art exhibition hosted a fabulous fashion show at the concurrent “ART in jeans” campaign where plenty of beautiful and wearable pieces stunningly accessorized besides the signature jeans and denim were featured to satisfy the fashionistas' fashion cravings. The idea of having an adorable family walking the runway in jeans at the opening of the show was inspired by Menu Tsai, one of the local participating artists' artwork entitled “Something We Experienced Too,” which let the guests experience the heritage of the last generations. It was indeed one warm-hearted and sentimental scene which instilled a great amount of humanity into the glamorous show.



The live window model mannequins displayed the latest Miss Sixty collection.



The idea of having the adorable family walking the runway in jeans at the opening of the show was inspired by Menu Tsai, one of the local participating artists' artwork entitled "Something We Experienced Too," which let us experience the heritage of the last generations. It was one warm-hearted and sentimental scene which instilled a great amount of humanity into the glamorous show.





One of my favorite looks which reminded so much of the beautiful floor length, ruffled and multi printed dress from Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2008 collection



Finale



Ladies and gentleman, are you up for an artistic and creative journey, meandering through a mix of fashion and art? Come pay a visit to the exhibition till the 5th April and get inspired.

A Gift from Heaven – Lucy Shih X Fashion Visionaries "FRIENDS" for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011

It was probably the most touching runway show I have ever seen!

"Lucy Shih X Fashion Visionaries" fashion show entitled "FRIENDS" presented by Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 was the first ever eco-fashion show throughout the history of Hong Kong fashion week, where the infamous Hong Kong designer, Lucy Shih showcased a series of eco multi usage clothing ranging from daywear to evening dresses using eco-friendly materials. The multi-usage collection meaning each piece in the collection could change into seven different pieces maximized the function and versatility of each piece of clothing, which embedded a spirit of conserving the environment in the designs. The majestic carnival costumes decorated with dust broom like feathers added to the collection a sense of humor on top of celebrating a recycling idea.

What won applause in Lucy's show was not necessarily the top models walking the catwalk in some breathtaking clothes, it was the inspirational and warm hearted message infused into the show which earned every single audience's tears, that was, everyone of us, young and aged, with or without disabilities are gifted creations of God. We are equally entitled to an incredibly fabulous life and be our own style master, provided that we are grateful for what we are given from heaven above. Seeing the elderly and the disabled walking down the runway as the models, I could no longer hold back my tears and murmured hallelujah.

In view of God's blessing, Lucy chose to play hymns instead of pop as background music throughout the show. A singer singing "Unreserved Love" live helped drive the show to its climax. Lucy, you made it!! You succeeded in glorifying God anytime, anywhere. You have all my respect!!

The multi-usage collection meaning each piece in the collection could change into seven different pieces maximized the function and versatility of each piece of clothing, which embedded a spirit of conserving the environment in the designs.









Everyone of us, young and aged, with or without disabilities are gifted creations of God. We are equally entitled to an incredibly fabulous life and be our own style master, provided that we are grateful for what we are given from heaven above. Seeing the elderly and the disabled walking down the runway as the models, I could no longer hold back my tears and murmured hallelujah.



A singer singing "Unreserved Love" live helped drive the show to its climax.





The majestic carnival costumes decorated with dust broom like feathers added to the collection a sense of humor on top of celebrating a recycling idea.

1st Hong Kong Young Knitwear Designers' Contest for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 – China Fantasy by Patrick Ho

1st Hong Kong Young Knitwear Designers' Contest for Hong Kong Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 presented the award winning collection entitled "China Fantasy" by Patrick Ho (the second runner-up and Woolmark prize winner). The contest provided the young designers with a precious chance to make their dream become a reality by creating something new and brilliant. Among the other contestants' designs, Patrick Ho's "China Fantasy" especially appealed to me and probably westerners in general due to its exotic and oriental feel.

As the name suggests, elements of traditional Chinese costume were found in the collection. Red was a key color accented with floral prints and with gold thread twisted into the fabric, which symbolizes happiness, luckiness, and opulence in Chinese tradition. The qipao inspired knitted evening dress inherited the art of traditional qipao to feature a perfect female body. What was more, the Chinese Manchu Qing Dynasty princess shoes and headpiece and the emerald pearl necklace with which the models were adorned enhanced the total look of the collection. Chinese New Year is around the corner, do you fancy partying up in the chic Chinese look?

If there is one thing I don't quite like about the collection, it is deficiency of imagination. Instead of simply copying some characteristics of Chinese traditional clothing, the designer may try to borrow ideas from Chinese philosophy/art/culture and have them embodied in his original design, which leaves room for interpretation, and on the other hand will possibly take his design to the next level. Fashion, after all, is a cutting edge industry, designers must always stay creative in order to remain competitive.



The new comrade look



The Chinese Manchu Qing Dynasty princess shoes and headpiece and the emerald pearl necklace with which the model was adorned enhanced the total look.



The qipao inspired knitted evening dress inherited the art of traditional qipao to feature a perfect female body.









The second runner-up and Woolmark prize winner, Patrick Ho and his model