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.

Victoria Beckham, a former Spice Girl, unveiled her latest dress collection at the New York Fashion Week and she revealed that she was inspired by comic book detective Dick Tracy when she came up with the collection.

She said that her own personal style has evolved, gearing toward more relaxed designs but stressed that they are still structured just the same.

Aside from Beckham, prominent New York designers Alexander Wang and Jason Wu also revealed their autumn / winter 2010 and 2011 collection. Wu is known for being the favorite designer of US first lady Michelle Obama. He featured an attractive collection of shirts, dresses and jackets that have colors ranging from orange, brown, grey and black.

Alexander’s collection, on the other hand, mostly geared on grey and black trousers.
The New York Fashion Week is currently ongoing.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is doing her part in helping disaster-stricken Haiti by conducting a fashion show for a cause.

According to reports, Campbell will spearhead a charity catwalk show which features top models and fashion designers at the New York Fashion Week.

Campbell has been an active figure when it comes to relief efforts. During the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she spearheaded a “Fashion for Relief” event at the Bryant Park. This time, the project will be back at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week which begins on February 12.

In an interview, the supermodel said that since a lot of people are doing their share in helping those who are in need in Haiti, she’s doing her part as well and she’ll be collaborating with top designers to make the event successful. The fashion show will showcase the latest designer fashion, lingerie, swimwear and accessories. The proceeds will go to relief efforts in Haiti.

Popularly known as Anand Jon, the once-rising fashion designer maintained his “not guilty” stance as he was arraigned in a court in New York on additional charges of rape and other sexual related crimes that have allegedly occurred in 2002.

The new victims that surfaced, according to the prosecutors, were minors.

In 2008, the designer was convicted at a Los Angeles Court for sexually molesting seven women and girls, with most of them aspiring to become models. They were promised such gigs. The victims were said to be as young as fourteen.

The designer was sentenced to 59 years in prison and it may likely increase if he’ll be found guilty on the additional charges filed against him.

Luxury fashion label Lanvin has delved into another inspiration on its latest fashion line – through the use of real people in the streets and not the celebrities.

According to reports, several locals were hired to pose with celebrities as Lanvin’s autumn-winter men’s catwalk show took place on Sunday. This is considered one of the top events in the Paris men’s calendar.

About three dozen models marched to the catwalk via a techno music. The new line included flowing coats, wide and slim trousers in different colors. Items such as waist-cincher which looks like a weightlifter’s belt or corset were featured in the event as well.

Lanvin is considered one of the top menswear producers in Paris and this was evidenced by the strong applause from the audience during the Paris Men’s Week last weekend.

Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman, among others, have pinned yellow, blue and red ribbons to show their support for the massive earthquake that took place at the Caribbean country last week.

Fashion experts said that starts chose to avoid putting much attention to themselves but rather on the other realities that must be prioritized such as the relief efforts for the quake victims.

Golden Globe winner Sandra Bullock wore a strapless, deep purple gown that accentuated her beauty. The actress won the best actress trophy for the film drama “The Blind Side.” She was nominated for the film “The Proposal” but lost to Meryl Streep.

Westwood revealed that the theme was suggested by her husband, Andreas Kronthaler who told her that a lawyer-friend of his works for a charity organization that helps the homeless.

The models walked down the catwalk that was designed with old cardboard boxes. The models’ hairs were disheveled and colored with something silvery to make them look like they’re staying at snow-covered streets.

Westwood’s menswear collection gained praises from her colleagues. The fashion designer said that she has no experience whatsoever with being homeless. At the end of her show, she was wheeled out via a paramedic stretcher to create a dramatic exit. This gained more applause from the audience.

Westwood has another brand name in the family Agent Prvocateur was founded by her youngest son and is famous for its expensive lingerie.

Trend spotters at retail giant Marks & Spencer have come up with cool fashion trends for this year and this will certainly help fashion conscious men and women out there who would like to upgrade their looks this year without encountering a lot of adjustments and difficulties when shopping in stores.

Marks & Spencer Womenswear Head of Design Neil Hendy said that suede will become the new leather. This will be a good buy and wear to make a statement. The good thing about this, he added, is that it works across all ages.

As for menswear, Menswear Design Head Tony O’Connor said that it may be a better time to upgrade the color preference. He said that men should start experimenting with new color and combine it with bolder style choices.

The choice of color, the experts said, should not be limited on clothes but on other items as well such as shoes, belts and other accessories.

An Olympic-themed fashion show took place at Rio de Janeiro last Friday to showcase the rich Brazilian culture ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games which the city will be hosting. The fashion show’s slogan was ‘Rio Olympic and Marvelous.”

Paulo Borges, the event organizer, said that the fashion show reflected the mood in other Brazilian cities after Rio de Janeiro was chosen to be the official host of the 2016 Olympic Games. This South American city beat Madrid and Chicago in the fierce bidding war to host the most prestigious international sporting event in the world.

Borges said that fashion “is reflection of people’s behavior” and that’s the reason why “Fashion Rio will be an Olympic and marvelous show.”

Three warehouses were remodeled to accompany the designers and their creations.