Schlagwort-Archive: searchingfashion

Allgemein, Fashion, Fashion history

Raffia Fibers in Fashion

This is an article I wrote for work a couple of months ago about a product we used in the new Collection and how to inform the other stylists about the history and origin.

Raffia Town – where is the inspiration drawn

During the British Era of 1903 in Nigeria Raffia City was a popular post for its location near the coast. Later on during its independence it formed itself into the capitol for its political and cultural progress.

How does that tie into our collection?

The towns cultural nature has a high market for its Raffia Fiber which is won from the Raffia Palm Trees of its region. The fibers are largely used around the world since it is durable and strong, yet still holds a soft ad pliable nature and is easy to dye as well as being biodegradable making it an excellent material for weaving (hats, baskets, as well as textile) the fibers of the leaf of raffia palms are wove by archaic technique of vertical or oblique loom. These types of production looms are indicative to the Asian market since its inception.

When covered with a fine layer of polyethelene it is water and stain resistant enough to be used daily. Many designers have turned to the fibers in the trends in the past several years as basketweave handbags and hats have come back into style. As an example stands out Helen Kaminski’s designs in New York who was a front line pusher for the trend in 2016/17, while using natural Raffia fibers to give it an authentic and durable feel. Quickly adding on others who have joined the trend in 2017 with no price range left out of the trend. Christian Siriano used in his Spring/Summer Collection floral French knots over Chiffon Dresses that were inspired by theRaffia Trend and Dolce and Gabbana and Yves Saint Laurent used Raffia in their Collections Basket Handbags, as an homage to the small town feel of its origin. As well as Scotch&Soda who has had straw hats for the past several Spring/Summer collections including the clutch in the authentic holiday summer look in 2018 (style # 143909) which was woven in the Coil Pattern Weave with a braided surface to give it its signature look.

The rustic and holiday feel is of course not a nw concept, yet the importance here lies in the fibers and the production. As already stated the plant is mostly at home in Africa and Madagascar, as well as Central and South America. Tropical climates are the best condition for the Raffia Palm to thrive and so it is no surprise that it would soon be used as a natural product not just for everyday use but luxury items as well. Through its natural properties it is able to hold onto dye very well and is therefore a favorite of high end brands.

How to broach the Topic with Customers

The topic of inspiration for our products and collections is something that we as a Brand praise ourselves for, so use it when romancing a particular product in our Raffia Town collection. Explain the inspiration of a cultural style and feel, the traveled look of the Uniform pieces we try to bring into the homeland and the excitement of new discoveries.

When asked about the name think of the Where, Why and How to convey what Raffia Town means and explore within a group in Store how to best bring forth this new information to paint a bigger picture for the customer as well as the Team.

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Allgemein, Fashion, Social Commentary

“Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.”

How the media shapes and influences the fashion industry

We all know the famous quote by Miranda Priestly in the Devil wears Prada but its not just a fun gimmick made up for a perfectly quotable movie. It goes much deeper than that, so much so that movies like that have not only become a fun recreational activity but influence the people who are being targeted by the Fashion Industry, the Consumer. Wether its Chers’ amazing plaid two piece from Clueless or Andreas Chanel Boots in the Devil wears Prada, movies and the media shape the collective mind of a generation of consumers. 

In the last ten years it even extended into the social media sites where Ootds’ are posted in fabulous locations, instagrams influencers being marketed as ambassadors to brands to reach the new customer wave. The glitz and glam of the Fashion industry has become both more accessible and more out of reach than ever before. Since these influencers are paid to make it look like they are out in their own element and portraying their every day lives. A super saturated version of their everyday lives.  Nonetheless it is infectious to believe in the smoke screen of these fabulous clothes and events, in the make believe that we too could wear that and have amazing adventures if we only buy those just dropped Balenciaga shoes.  

As consumers we buy as much the illusion as the item of our dreams, and in a sense that has always been the truth about fashion. We clothe ourselves in exquisite fabrics to dream and to interpret an artists vision. Clothes are only a small fragment of the actual fashion industry, the Art behind it all is the actual selling point. What makes a designer a success is the whimsical way they create their unique illusions and make us as consumers want to take part in their Dreams.

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Fashion

Where to find Fashion?

We have all heard the phrase ‘dress to impress’ but what does that even mean? Is it the Power Suit of the 80s ready to walk into the Boardroom? Or is it the perfect Black Dress on the first date? Or maybe its even the most outrages pattern mixing outfit inspired by the latest runways to get the job at a fashion magazine?

To make the answer simple, yes all of these and more.

Okay so that’s not simple at all in the manner of figuring out where and what to wear at all times, but it shows that there is not one right way to do ‘fashion’.

Because fashion is more than just pretty dresses and snobby stylists who seem to have all the answers. It is about inspiring and being inspired by others, by the environment and even the culture that surrounds us. It is not superficial and brainless, it has a big impact on how we perceive the world and it can provoke social change even on a political level. To have the creative outlet to put a visual to verbal commentary is a powerful tool that designers use to portray their view and their message.

So how can that help you find your personal ‘fashion moments’? Here it is on you to be bold and brave to embrace your truest self and get yourself out of your comfort zone. Try out every style and trend that speaks to you, if it doesn’t work then it will retire and make room for the next big thing. Get inspiration from others and put your own unique handprint on it, not to copy but to help and inspire your own choice. See if there are things from past decades that you tend to gravitate towards and emulate that in your modern, everyday style. There are so many ways for everyone to live their truest self and to feel amazing expressing themselves through fashion.

So ‘dress to impress’ yourself, by doing that you will impress the skeptics and anyone you might encounter. Wether that’s the Power Suit, the Black Dress, or the Fashion forward moment, express yourself and the message you want to convey.

So stay in Search of Fashion gorgeous!

C. Eisinger

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