Couture Today: An Exploration

Edited by: Ann Colville Somma of Holier than Now

Couture: clothes painstakingly custom-made from the finest materials; alternatively, something Juicy – or even Filthy. It’s hard not to chafe at the degradation of the term, which is technically reserved for members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture (houses that create made-to-order pieces for private clients, amongst other criteria). Looking at creations recently sent down the runways, it’s sad to think artisanal techniques like hand beading may not survive in a world of rhinestoned terry sweatsuits.

But in fact, the handmade movement is ever gaining steam with the support of many bloggers. “Couture” may be associated with impossibly high prices, but in your own hands it’s an affordable way to obtain one-of-a-kind style. This week, review Couture Week round ups from The Well-Appointed Catwalk, La Chanelfile and more – then become your own private client, with tips from Fashion Butter, The Fashion Planner, and Twitch Vintage.

Links à la Mode: July 15th

• Blackdog Finds: A complete thrifted outfit for under $10
• Consumerism Killed My Soul: Color (and lack thereof) on the Valentino runway
• Dedicated Follower of Fashion: The future of fashion is here
• Dramatis Personae: TsuruBride’s amazing handmade animal clutches
• Eco-Fashionista: Re-fabbing a vintage Mugler find
• Fashion Butter: The cheater’s way to sew a new dress
• grechen blogs: fashion blogger bashing is everyone’s favorite sport lately…why do fashion bloggers make such easy targets?
• Handmade and Fabulous: A handmade label’s take on summer trends
• Holier than Now: Fans of Couture Week (wink)
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Why Fashion Bloggers Should Invest in Problogger
• La Chanelphile: Astrology and Haute Couture
• MoMo Mod: Modest Beauty: Meet Miriam
• Stylish Distractions: 6 great reads for aspiring fashionistas
• Stylish Thought: Great tips for channeling your masculine side
• Sugar and Spice: Building a capsule wardrobe
• Sweet Fancy Treat: Wardrobe inspiration from Florence + The Machine
• The Fashion Planner: Rhinestone bracelet D.I.Y.
• The Very Subjective: The Couture Thing: fashion critics vs. couture
• The Well-Appointed Catwalk: Highlights from Couture Week
• Twitch Vintage: Can you turn a bridesmaid dress into something chic?

Similar Posts:

• Chanel Sale on RueLaLa.com
• Chanel Links: 02.24.11
• Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup 4/22
• Secrets of the Chanel Handbag – Part 2
• Chanel No.5 at the Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Fashion has Brains

Edited by Ashe

Every week I am always surprised by the selection of posts we receive here at IFB. I think back to before I started my blog, the discrimination I felt working in retail and adoring fashion, because it was shallow and it wasn’t academic. Now I look at the community I am a part of and think– how could anyone accuse fashion enthusiasts of being shallow? Or fashion designers, lovers of style? Indeed, like any frowned upon medium or niche, fashion has brains; it has ingenuity, it has controversy, it has creativity, and it has depth.

This week I want to celebrate those putting fashion and intellect together, to show that there’s more than meets that glittering eye…

Oh, and if you’re looking for something to do this summer… IFB is looking for interns!

Links à la Mode : April 22

• Agent Lover: – On The Search For The Perfect Retro Bathing Suit!
• Alice in Stilettos: – Interview with Edgy, Up-and-Coming Designer Chelsea Sutrisno
• Bay Area Style File: – Interview with Model turned Eco Friendly Beauty Brand owner Josie Maran.
• Bobbins and Bombshells: – Fashionable History: Lilly Dache – A True Fashion Success Story.
• Denim Debutante: – Meet US-Made NAEM Denim and Win Your Own Pair
• dramatis personae: – Back to the Future
• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Cynthia Rowley for Roxy Spring 2010
• For Those About to Shop: – Crystal Renn’s inspiring story of transformation may make you think twice about modelling industry:
• krameymartin: – Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fashion sense. Check out this post to learn how to jazz up simple maternity pieces.
• La Chanelphile: – “The Allure of Chanel” by Paul Morand with Illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld
• M.I.S.S.: – The Rag Trade: The Sale Mentality. This week’s article looks at how we will get consumers to break the sale mentality and pay full price again.
• Night Watch: – DIY Tutorial: Burberry Prorsum F/W 2010-11 Inspired Blazer
• Oh, the Places You’ll Go!: – ASOS Curve Models – Plus, or not plus enough?
• Oranges and Apples: – Some thoughts on weight, fat activism and health
• Poetic & Chic: – Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large for Vogue, visits the de Young in San Francisco to announce a new Balenciaga retrospective slated for spring 2011.
• Retro Chick: – Made To Measure – Dresses for those who aren’t a standard size
• shrimp salad circus: – DIY Spring Flowers Headband/Belt for Under
• The Coveted – Craving Miu Miu Clogs?
• the fashionate traveller: – Discovers the emerging Japanese fashion trend Dolly Kei, as seen through a visit to Grimoire, Shibuya’s premier vintage store.
• The Fashionista Lab: – I gave up shopping and gained a new perspective on using and building my wardrobe (hint: shoes are important)
• True Queen: – Warning: Men In Skirts – Examining a taboo trend that attempts to go mainstream

Similar Posts:

• Chanel 2010-11 Cruise Show – St. Tropez
• Chanel Soho Story Collection
• Chanel Links: 02.16.11
• Links à la Mode: July 15th
• Art Imitates Life: Chanel’s Soho Graffiti