fashionblog

Colombia-based fashion designer Miguel Caballero has come up with a bulletproof clothing range ahead of the World Cup in South Africa. As of this writing, massive requests have been made for the purchase of the product.

The designer clothes are said to withstand machine-gun fire and what’s gaining more attention is the fact that this bulletproof product can pass off as a stylish gear. This new line of vests that can protect oneself from knives and bullets will be released in time for the World Cup 2010 this June.

One of the major retailers of the Caballero line is Harrods department store in London with prices starting at a thousand pounds.

Prominent leaders such as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and United States President Barack Obama are reportedly buying this item.

According to the designer, the bulletproof vest can withstand a 9mm handgun, mini submachine gun and Magnum 44 among others.

The unfinished creation of late fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been unveiled in Paris and has garnered great reviews from fashion editors who attended the fashion show. According to the critics, the collection has a medieval and otherworldy kind of look.

The Autumn/Winter Collection was shown to a group of fashion writers on Tuesday.

McQueen had reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself at a London apartment last month. The designer would have been part of the Paris Fashion Week had he still been alive.

The 40-year old designer has been working hard on his new collection before his sudden death.

The sixteen dresses designed by McQueen were 80 percent finished prior to his death. The completion was made by Sarah Burton, his partner in designing clothes. Burton has been working for McQueen for more than ten years.

New fashion trends have been seen at the recently concluded 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

The evening was certainly meant for women. This can be attributed to Kathryn Bigelow winning the Best Director and Best Picture honors for the low-budget film “The Hurt Locker.” Bigelow was the first woman to win the Best Director award in the event’s 82-year history.

The fashion trends were just as impressive with the previous Oscars. This year’s Best Actress Sandra Bullock wore a gold Marchesa gown that seemed to complement the Oscar trophy that she won. Last year’s winner Kate Winslet also wore a gold gown this time from Yves Saint Laurent.

Another gold trend came from actress Cameron Diaz who donned on a creation from Oscar de la Renta.

Other actress making waves at the red carpet include Jennifer Lopez with her Armani Prive creations, Rachel McAdams with a gown from Elie Saab and Maggie Gyllenhaal wearing a Dries van Noten creation.

Top celebrity fashion designer Ben Di Lisi gave out some of his fashion tips this year and what trends should be followed in terms of fabric color and other factors. The designer released his new line called Principles by Ben Di Lisi which has been generating a lot of buzz this year.

In the interview, Di Lisi said that consumers should go for investing on their clothes – the ones that guarantee longevity. He said that his current collection does not limit itself to the body and bra sizes of size zero models but for women of all sizes. He said that every woman deserves to feel good on what they wear.

Some of his fashion tips for summer include wearing of pleated sleeves during the summer if the wearer does not want to show her arms. He said that there are a lot of beautiful little knits in the market right now that are reasonably priced. He believes that this is a must have for everyone.

Women are now starting to buy into smart clothing again based on the rising figures in the women’s apparel market, a positive sign that the market is picking up again after a massive decline in sales during the past year due to the economic crisis.

Women from middle to higher-income class are feeling good about the economy that they are willing to invest on smart clothing. Alongside smart clothing there is also a rise in lingerie and bra sales.

Based on the current report, the apparel market declined three percent in the fourth quarter last year, which is still better compared to the 5.1 percent decline a year ago. These figures were released by NPD Group.

The apparel market for women has declined during the past few years as expenditures have been focused on basic needs such as food, medical bills, car payments and even clothing for children.

The highly anticipated Paris Fashion Week begins today and once again, the latest collections from some of the world’s leading fashion houses will be displayed for the first time for public viewing.

John Galliano, the famed designer from Christian Dior, is expected to launch his riding gear and lingerie as outerwear collection. Vivienne Westwood collection will include a mix of knits sweaters, scarves, vests and coats for men.

Other top designers that confirmed participation in Paris include Japanese label Issey Miyake, Maison Martin Margiela, Jean Paul Gaultier, Loewe and Victor & Rolf.

Expected to make waves this week is French label Lanvin with designer Elbaz coming up with a collection specifically for women. Lanvin has suffered a decline a few years ago before it picked up pace due to its attractive line.