WoWFashion

The tutu has been said to have been the greatest costume invention of all time. It has withstood the test of time and even found its way into today’s fashion. I ask myself, what is it about a tutu that has done what other fashion styles have failed to do.

The path of the tutu into “everyday glam” has been very interesting. The invention in 1832 was to emphasize the movements of the ballerina’s body. After much influence from Romantic and Classical ballets three types evolved from the original – Romantic, Classical and Bell.

The Romantic style, the first one, appeared in the ballet La Syphide on Marie Taglioni in Paris. These tutus were long, floating and cut above the ankle to show the legwork. It still shows up in some of today’s romantic ballets, because of its ability to enhance the flowing, beauty and grace of the ballerina.

Over time the desire was to see more of the dancer’s legs, therefore the Classical tutu was born. It’s first appearance was in the 1880’s on Virginia Zucci, an Italian ballerina . It’s length was just above the dancer’s knees. Although in the 1940’s the classical tutu began to evolve, it became shorter and shorter. The appearance and materials changed to two very distinct styles – Pancake and the softer version called the Powder puff.

A combination of the Romantic and Classical styles, created the Bell tutu. It is shorter than the Romantic yet longer than the Classical, and features a bell shape. Today’s “street tutu”, the name given to tutus worn for fashion, was influenced greatly by the Bell.

Where did the tutu become the “street tutu” of today’s fashion industry? Many of today’s fashion designers have created costumes for some of the greatest ballets. For example, French designer Christian Lacroix’s haute couture features ballet type clothing of organza and tulle (matching ballet flats as well). A collector paid $94,800 for the Leslie Hurry-designed tutu Margot Fonteyn wore in Swan Lake. Coco Chanel is famed for creating many beautiful costumes as well.

Did the involvement of these designers help in the growth of the street tutu? Tutus have been said to represent a magical circle around the ballerina. Was it the want of everyday- magic in our lives, that brought alive this new tutu?

In 2003, the opening sequence for the ever popular TV show Sex and The City, features a beautiful Sara Jessica Parker on the streets of New York City in a $5.00 vintage tutu. It was a much heated debate on whether to use this outfit to define Carrie’s style for the entire series. But she and her costume designer Patricia Field insisted. It has been said that her tutu became a fashion classic. This much debated tutu style was even reincarnated in the final movie. Today, the street tutu has even become a rock star statement and a mainstay in punk styles.

Children’s fashion designers have jumped on board and include tulle adorned hems, full pettiskirts under dresses and even onesies adorned with tutu style ruffled bottoms. Nothing is cuter than a little girl dancing around and around in her tulle ruffled skirts.

I am not sure what has made the tutu a timeless fashion – magic, romance, uniqueness, or just plain fun to wear. All of the above is why I keep buying them for my little girl and myself!

The 21st century fashion criterion is not what it used to be a decade from now. The fashion statement across the globe is changing and transforming leaps and bounds. The fashion, earlier considered as a field or a department for the female gender, is changing its perception. Today, fashion is a necessity for all genders and group ages. There are famous brands and tags, which endorse fashion for men as well as for women.

When it comes to fashion, one must keep in mind that fashion is not just about mere clothing or shoes. It has changed altogether, because it has now extended its range to accessories, jewellery and adornments. Fashion has intruded the most neglected aspects of dressing for men, especially belts, bracelets and ties.

In the contemporary times, bracelets are the most demanded fashion accessory for boys. These include gummy bangles in black with motifs like football, George Cross, camouflage, skull and crossbones, silicone camouflage bangles, fabric wristbands in skull and crossbones, football, George Cross, Union Jack. These bracelets are available in a variety of textures like leather, plastic and rubber. Denim is also used for making bracelets and bands.

Tattoos are the next most wanted section of the fashion industry. It is the application of designs over parts of your body. They are available in the form of stick-on ones and most people get them engraved upon their bodies as well. The tattoos for young boys are designed keeping in mind their interests. They are available in designs from sports like football, soccer, wrestling and basketball. The tattoo of devil is very famous as it is widely used for a modern look. They can be applied temporarily and one can get them engraved permanently as well.

With the formal wear, fashion styles for boys have transformed like anything. Dinner jackets and dress pants are being designed with innovative cuts and styles. There are waistcoats which are especially designed keeping in mind the trends of today for young boys. Thus, the jackets are of various materials like leather and jade. There are ornaments attached to it to give it a complete look, perfect for young boys in their evening functions.

The casual wear is also very vastly admired when it comes to young boys. They tend to adapt the rock look that is very chic nowadays; they wear denim jeans that are torn, with faded t-shirts.

The shirts are of very funky colours, not like before when only the colours blue, black, grey and white were restrained for menswear. Now, the colours have moved to reds, yellows, greens and electric blue. This variety has given the young boys a chance to look modern and classy.

Thus, now the fashion sense of boys is changing, and they are getting into the sense of dressing up and maintaining themselves as stylish and trendy as they can.

Belts….

Colour: Black or brown

Function: To hold up a garment

Right? Wrong.

This is not the case anymore. With changes in fashion, this accessory has also undergone a sea change. Belts, like almost all other accessories, have gone designer. They have emerged from a simple, functional item to a fashion statement, without which an outfit is incomplete for a fashionista.

Designer belts are all the rage in the fashion industry now, available in almost every imaginable colour, in unique shapes and sizes, with various kinds of buckles, and made from a variety of materials. They can be worn with almost all kinds of garments, ranging from jeans, khakhi pants and formal trousers to skirts, dresses, shorts and oversized T-shirts, and even a traditional outfit like a saree. They look good on almost all body sizes, from skinny to plus-size.

Using designer belts is a trendy way to add glam factor to an outfit that is otherwise plain and simple, at the same time making it fit comfortably for the wearer. These belts are a hot favourite among both ladies and men. Coming to the availability of designer belts in the market for ladies, ‘variety’ would be an understatement. There is just too much to choose from!

The following are some examples of designer belts available for ladies:

Sashes: Sashes are wide strips of fabric, similar to scarves, which are usually worn at the waist or just above the hips. They go well with long dresses or flowing trousers, and just as well over a pair of jeans and T-shirt.

Chain belts: Chain belts, as the name suggests, are made up of metal chains. They look great on a pair of jeans or tight dresses and add to the glamour factor of the outfit. Mostly, chain belts come with extensions, so that they can fit any body size.

Ultra-thin belts: Ultra-thin belts are narrower than usual. Generally made of leather, these belts are also available in elastic. Such belts can be paired with jeans or any other kind of trousers with belt loops. They are commonly referred to as skinny belts.

Studded belts: These belts are usually made of leather, and are embellished with different materials like shells, coins, stones, etc. generally, these belts have a buckle at the front. They look good with almost all kinds of dresses.

Large-buckle belts: As the name suggests, these belts have a buckle that is rather large as compared to the width of the belt. The belt width typically ranges from 2 to 3 inches. The buckle is highly decorative and the major component that adds to the style quotient of the belt. Again, this type of belt goes well with a variety of dresses and trousers.

Cinch belts: Cinch belts are usually made of leather or elastic. Due to the hook or Velcro closure that these belts have at the front or back, they provide a cinched kind of look. These belts can range in width from 3 inches to 8 inches. They look good on thigh-length or knee-length dresses, and suit smaller women very well.

Leopard print belts: Leopard print belts are one of the latest innovations in the world of fashion accessories. They are typically made of leather, and look very elegant and stylish. They are available in a variety of natural colors, and can be paired with any trendy outfit.

Metal belts: Metal belts are highly stylish and can add just that special dash of glamour to any kind of dress. They are made of leather, but offer an appearance of metal.

Cummerbundhs: Cummerbundhs, popularly referred to as saree belts, are commonly used with sarees. They are available in a variety of colours, sometimes embellished with stones. If properly selected, they can add a touch of elegance and style to even a plain saree. It is necessary that the colour of the cummerbundh and the stones on it be in contrast with that of the saree.

Different fashion brands like Fendi and Roberto Cavalli introduce unique fashion belts from time to time. With the wide range of fashion belts available in the market, it is highly essential that one should choose the right kind of belt to give out the right kind of effect. The selection of the belt would depend on a number of factors body structure of the lady, the kind of dress, the budget, etc. It is also necessary that the belt be worn in the right manner to accentuate the outfit in the best manner.

Designer belts have now become a must-have for the fashion-conscious. They are suitable for all body sizes, age groups, outfits, and occasions. So, the next time you go shopping for accessories; don’t forget to check out this wonderful trendy accessory!

What we wear on the upper part of our body plays a very important role in sprucing up our appearance. Having a presentable appearance is of prime importance these days, and therefore it becomes imperative that we don’t just wear something good but also something unique that would make us stand out in the crowd.

Unconventionality is the key word, and what could be better than leather tops for creating that perfect unconventional look? There are various fabrics and designs available these days which just provides the contemporary woman with a variety of options on a platter.

Leather fabrics have created quite a niche for themselves in the fashion arena, and this durable fabric is definitely worth trying at least once.

Leather apparel looks trendy if you really want to accentuate those curves, and there could be nothing better than donning proper body-fitting leather tops.

Leather vests have become quite popular lately among fashion conscious women.

A red lamb leather halter vest with a tuxedo style cut would look fantastically edgy if you really want to create a statement.

For a first date or an informal get-together with friends, this style would definitely make you look like a million bucks.

Team up a front zipper closure nickel studded vest with skinny leather pants and swanky leather boots if you want to attain a gothic look or make a bold style statement.

If it’s a formal occasion and you want to don something decent, try simple sleeveless patterned sand colored leather top along with an “A-line” cut formal skirt or formal trousers. If it’s a simple yet stylish look that you want to achieve, this combination will definitely work wonders for your personality.

Even leather jackets are quite a fashion statement and when teamed up with the right clothes, they can give your appearance quite an edgy look. A few styles you can try when it comes to jackets:

Cropped Jackets - They have recently touched a chord with the young crowd. This style imparts a very trendy look to your persona. These are jackets with a hemline that’s waist length or higher.

Trench coats Trench coats are a great utility style statement. They are long coats that protect you from the harsh weather.

Hooded jackets Jackets with stylish hoods can never go out of vogue. They look supremely trendy. Fur hooded leather jackets are all the rage among the youth lately.

Double breasted jackets These kinds of jackets fulfill the purpose of attaining both a casual as well a formal look. It has an overlapping front with parallel column of buttons on both the sides.

Rugged Sporty jackets These kinds of jackets help attain the quintessential biker image. Sport one of these stylish jackets and get all geared up for a ride.