Threads:Top Winter Necessities

Hello everyone and Happy Monday.
I hope everyone is having a great first day. I am enjoying my 4 day vacation from the working life!!
SURPRISES!
My First Giveaway…That’s all I’m saying! ☺️
Okay so November is soon on its way and I am honestly excited! I have a rather amazing surprise for all of my awesome readers/fans! Unfortunately you will have to wait until November but it will definitely be beyond worth it!
So…
For now I am going to show you some of my Top Winter Necessities of 2014

The Beanie.

The simple Bundle of Fabric you wear on your head right? Well actually depending on what you are wearing,your head shape, and the Fabric involved a beanie can make or break a look! So before just putting on whatever you feel you want for the day always take note of what you are wearing as well!
I myself prefer the billed Cap beanies my favorite is from Express.

The Jacket:

The outermost piece of clothing which is the first thing most people see. I myself prefer the mono black jacket as everything I usually wear is designer or Monochrome which always works extremely well with a simple black jacket.

The Scarf.

Men are very iffy about scarves as most are either not there cup of tea on style or some just don’t like things around their necks. Scarves are actually a very functional yet stylist piece of clothing. They make you look sophisticated and Tasteful without being over the top and unnecessary. Examples are .JayZ,Kanye West,and Zac Efron.David Beckham

The Boots.

Ok I will be completely honest as a style and fashion blogger I do not own boots! Snowboard boots yes I do own a pair but unfortunately I can not seem to find a pair I actually enjoy to wear constantly! I am a canvas shoe kinda guy especially since they now make winterized ones!! However boots are a key point to many a mans wardrobe and If I ever find a pair I absolutely need I will be sure to post them for the world to see!!

The Sweaters/Sweatshirts:

Tis the Season for freezing my friends and with that being said its time for Sweater Weather! I think I would live in my sweatshirts if I could! They are always in style and always the best form of comfort! You can always layer them with a nice polo or a favorite T-shirt which ever suits you well!

I hope you enjoy!
And stay tuned!!….

Pierre Cardin

Pietro Cardin, now known as the French fashion designer Pierre Cardin, has made his brand The House of Cardin an international success. Even though he was born near Treviso, Italy, Cardin completed his schooling in France. He was an apprentice for a clothing company starting at the age of 14. Then in 1939 he expanded his expertise to making suits for women. During the second World War, he worked with Red Cross and still to this day continues with his humanitarian interests. After the war, Cardin moved to Paris and started working for Paquin. He then moved to become head tailleure atelier for Christian Dior in 1947. The House of Cardin was founded in 1950. In 1959, he was the first to express Japan as a high fashion market. He created the “Espace Cardin” which opened in 1971. The space showed not only Cardin’s own collections, but featured theatre ensembles, music artists, and other artistic talents. The Pakistan International Airlines signed Cardin to design uniforms for their flag carriers during the 1960s. In 1971, he redesigned the national costume of the Philippines called the Barong Tagalog. Also in the 1970s, Cardin signed with American Motors Corporation (AMC) and his designs were featured in the AMC Javelin. Cardin’s interest in geometric shapes is shown in his clothing designs as well as the creation of his Le Palais Bulles (The Bubble House). In the 1980s, he chained restaurants and hotels titled Maxim’s. His biography was written by Sylvana Lorenz, named Biographie de Pierre Cardin. In 1991, he was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Later in 2009, Cardin was nominated the Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Cardin is now 92 years old.

Pierre Cardin’s fashion designs are unique. They include his interest in geometric shapes, his Space Age designs, an avant-garde style, and unisex styles. He often excludes the female form in his clothing. In 1954, Cardin introduced the “bubble dress.”

Credit: Pierre Cardin

Carlos Miele – M.Officer

Carlos Miele is a fashion designer from Brazil who is making himself known worldwide. He has his clothing in over 30 countries in the world. He is based in Sao, Paulo, in Brazil and established his label in 2002. His first flagship shop was in New York. He attended school at Fundação Getulio Vargas in Brazil. 2006 brought about his Miele label, which offered casual and ready-to-wear designs for women. Miele also has a line of denim. He is a self-trained clothing designer who also has an interest in cinema and architecture. Carlos Miele uses dynamic colors and vivacious prints along with his Brazilian roots to influence his designs which are now sweeping the world.

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M.Officer

M.Officer is the newest label by Carlos Miele. For two years, it was titled by Alshop the award of “best female jeanswear brand in Brazil.” M.Officer has models like Gisele Bundchen and Isabelli Fonatana representing the company. The company carries clothing for both men and women.

Autumn/Winter 2014 M.Officer Campaign:

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Credit: M.Officer

Kenzo: The Eye of the Tiger

“Fashion comes from outside the mainstream. That is what makes fashion so interesting” – Kenzo Takada

Kenzo- The Designer:

Kenzo Takada is a Japanese fashion designer who founded the fashion house Kenzo. Always interested in fashion, he was one of the first males to attend the Tokyo’s Bunka Fashion College in 1958. He then traveled to Paris in 1964 after graduating fashion school. Kenzo had to use a mixture of patterns and fabrics because of finances until he started succeeding in 1970 when his first store, “Jungle Jap,” opened. The next year, his first collection appeared in Tokyo and New York. In 1972, the Fashion Editor Club of Japan’s prize was awarded to him. From then, Kenzo became known for his dramatic shows within the late 1970s, using elephants and circus tents. Kenzo Takada retired in 1999 but returned to working in 2005 but more with decoration and design.

Kenzo- The Brand:

Kenzo is a French luxury company founded in 1970 by Kenzo Takada. The brand includes clothing for men and women, fragrances, and beauty accessories like skincare products. The brand started out with just womenswear, adding mens clothing in 1983 and including childrens and home decor. The head designers of the company are Humberto Leon and Carol Lim. Thanks to the first Kenzo store, “Jungle Jap,” the brand is known for jungle-inspired clothing, like the signature tiger shirt. Kenzo shows are collaborated with music, artists, actors, and the 21st century. The brand works with the Blue Marine Foundation, helping with marine life. The Spring/Summer 2014 Kenzo collection proceeds went towards the foundation. Celebrities like Beyonce, Zooey Deschanel, Selena Gomez, and Spike Jonze has worn Kenzo clothing.

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Credit: Kenzo

“Moda di Valentino”

“I hope people will say, ‘Mr. Valentino, he did something for fashion, no?'” – Valentino Garavani

Valentino Garavani is an Italian fashion designer who created the Valentino brands. Like most of the great designers for the fashion world, Valentino was interested in fashion from an early age. He moved to Paris to pursue his fashion dreams. He studied at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and at the École des Beaux-Arts. He interned under Jacques Faith, for Balenciaga, and also for Jean Desses. In 1960 he opened his first fashion house in Rome. He took much of his inspirations from Paris and put it into his own house; this also led him to become known for “Valentino red.” The next year he also met future business partner and lifelong friend Giancarlo Giammetti. After struggling with bankruptcy, Valentino made a comeback in 1962 in Florence. He started making famous friends and designing for them, such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon. In 1964, he made an impact on Jackie Kennedy, who would later wear Valentino’s clothing often and became a close friend. 1966 brought about his now famous “V” logo and started having more shows in Rome instead of Florence. During the 1970s, he made himself known in New York City and with artist Andy Warhol. From 1983-1985, Valentino worked with Ford Motor Company. The Accademia Valentino opened in 1990. Elizabeth Taylor helped Valentino and Giammetti start the AIDS support organization, L.I.F.E. Valentino Garavani retired in 2008 after his final haute couture show was held in Paris. His work is shown in an exhibition in London that opened in 2013.  The online Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum is also dedicated to the designer. He appeared in the The Devil Wears Prada movie as himself. The 2008 film Valentino: The Last Emperor was made about him. In 2006, he was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur. He was also given the sixth annual Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion from the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2011 and in 2014 the Medal of the City of Paris. He loves dogs, especially his six pugs. Valentino collections and line include Valentino, Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma and R.E.D. Valentino. The Valentino headquarters is in Milan. The creative directors are Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli. The Valentino lines include menswear and womenswear, footwear, eyewear, fragrances and accessories.

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Credit: Valentino

Roberto Cavalli

 

“With time, fashion has become part of my DNA.” – Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli is an Italian fashion designer who has made his spot in the fashion industry. He took an interest in textile prints which brought attention to himself and his designs starting at an early age. He started showed his designs of leather and patchwork materials in Paris, bringing notice from companies like Hermes. He was 32 when he presented his first collection in Paris. He concentrated on jeans with creative patterns and prints, incorporating leather and brocade as well. In 1972 he opened his first boutique. He is credited with creating the sand-blasted jean look, which he debuted in 1994 in Milan. During the same year, Cavalli’s main line was sold in over fifty countries around the world. 1998 brought about lines from Cavalli of menswear, womenswear, accessories, underwear, eyewear, jewelry, fragrances, footwear, and more. Other collections from the brand are RC Menswear, Just Cavalli, the Angels and Devils Children Collection, and Robert Cavalli Home. He uses signature animal prints in his designs. He was a judge during Miss Universe 1997. In 2013, he was given from the Domus Academy in Milan an Honorary Master Diploma in Fashion Management. He received controversy from the Hindu community in 2004 as well as the Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi Shahmaghsoudi school of Islamic Sufism in 2014. He has been married twice and has five children, including famous designer Daniele Cavalli. Celebrities like Beyonce, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Jon Bon Jovi, and Kimora Lee Simmons are known to wear Cavalli clothing. His most famous smell for women is the Serpentine perfume as well as for men his Just Cavalli fragrance line. Roberto Cavalli designs usually leave an audience talking and are hard to forget.

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Credit: Roberto Cavalli

Threads for Her: Stella McCartney

“Being effortless is the coolest thing in the world.” – Stella McCartney

Being the daughter of the famous Beatles member, Paul McCartney, never stopped Stella from making a name of her own. Born in London in 1971, McCartney was surrounded by music. She toured with her family group, Wings, from the time she was born until 1980. She also showed an interest in fashion, making her first jacket at age thirteen and then interning for Christian Lacroix at fifteen. McCartney also worked under her father’s tailor for awhile. In 1995, she graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and shared her first collection. Her first show made headlines and models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss walked in it. Her designs were then licensed to stores like Neiman Marcus. She became the Creative Director of Chloe in Paris in 1997, after Karl Lagerfeld. The next year, McCartney designed her sister’s wedding gown. In 2001, she launched her own fashion line. Stella McCartney is now worldwide, having stores in over 50 countries and in places such as New York, California, Paris, Barcelona, Miami, Rome, and Milan. Her first perfume is called Stella and was released in 2003. Her 100% organic skincare line called CARE was launched in 2007. The following year she created a lingerie line and in 2010 her collection for kids was launched. She held a famous fashion presentation in 2012 at the New York Marble Cemetery which included guests like Andre Leon Talley, Anne Hathaway, Jim Carrey, and Amy Poehler. She has designed clothes for Madonna and Annie Lennox music performances along with costumes for Gwyenth Paltrow and Jude Law. Since 2004, she has been in partnership with Adidas for a womenswear sports-line collection. In 2010, McCartney became the Creative Director for Team GB for the 2010 Olympics. She designed for H&M in 2005 and for Target in 2007. In 2008 she released bags for LeSportsac. The same year, she collaborated with the lingerie label Bendon. In 2010, Disney and McCartney paired together for an Alice in Wonderland jewelry collection. She also designed costumes in 2011 for Ocean’s Kingdom in New York. Her father presented her with the VH1/Vogue Designer of the Year award in 2000. Also that year, she designed Madonna’s wedding dress. McCartney was awarded with the Glamour Award for Best Designer of the Year in 2004, the Organic Style Woman of the Year Award in 2005, the Elle Style Award for Best Designer of the Year Award in 2007, the Best Designer of The Year at the British Style Awards in 2007, along with a number of other awards throughout her fashion career. She was Glamour magazine’s Woman of the Year in 2009 and was featured in the Time 100. In 2013, she became the Officer of the Order of the British Empire. BBC Radio 4 named her as one of the most powerful women in the UK in 2013. McCartney is a strong advocate for working against cancer as well as supporting PETA and being against fur. She is married with four children.

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Credit: Stella McCartney

Alexander McQueen

“It’s a new era in fashion; there are no rules.” – Alexander McQueen

 

Lee Alexander McQueen- The Designer:

He is a British fashion designer who founded his own label which has become a major name for the fashion world. He grew up in London and decided in elementary school that he wanted to be a fashion designer. After dropping out of school at 16, he apprenticed for Anderson & Sheppard, Gieves & Hawkes, and Angels and Bermans. He worked for Prince Charles until moving to Milan to work for Romeo Gigli. He returned to London in 1994 and attended Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and graduated with his masters degree in fashion design. He worked as head designer for Givenchy starting in 1996 and ending in 2004. McQueen brought extreme creativity to the brand. McQueen designed for David Bowie and Bjork, even directing a music video for her. He became known for his theatrical designs and runway shows along with his shock tactics. Some of his collections are titled “McQueen’s Theatre of Cruelty,” “The Birds,” and “Widows of Culloden.” He is known for creating the “bumsters” pants and trend, the “Manta dress,” and using skulls on clothing. He was one of the first designers to use Indian models. His most famous runway show was his 2001 Spring/Summer collection VOSS. His awards include the British Designer of the Year and the International Designer of the Year from the Council of Fashion Designers in 2003. He collaborated with Gucci and Puma. McQueen has boutiques all around the world, such as in Las Vegas, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, and London. Lady Gaga has used his designs in her music videos, and other celebrities like Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker have also worn McQueen clothing. He enjoyed scuba diving. Alexander McQueen committed suicide on February 11, 2010. His funeral was in London and his ashes were scattered on the Isle of Syke. A memorial for the designer was held on September 20, 2010 at St. Paul’s Cathedral; guests included Stella McCartney, Bjork, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Naomi Campbell. Performers like Kayne West, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Courtney Love, Bjork, and models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss have all made tributes to the designer. Savage Beauty, an exhibition for McQueen, was held in 2011 by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is to become a traveling exhibition starting in 2015. Lee Alexander McQueen’s eccentric and creative self is still missed in the fashion world to this day.

Alexander McQueen- Fashion Brand:

Founded by Lee Alexander McQueen in 1992, it is a famous British fashion house known worldwide. Sarah Burton was named creative director of the company in 2010. The brand starting launching menswear collections in 2005 and womenswear in 2008. 2008 also brought about an online store for the company. It’s famous low-priced collection is called McQ, which consists of men and women’s clothing, accessories, and a ready-to-wear line. The collection is supposed to be geared towards a younger audience and the creative director is Pina Ferlisi. McQ’s first standalone boutique was created in London in 2012 and was presented at London Fashion Week the same year. The brand has collaborated with jeweler Shaun Leane and perfumer Jacques Cavallier, Alexander McQueen brand’s first two fragrances are Kingdom and My Queen. The brand also has an eyewear collection, focusing on the signature skull design. The company also has a Centurion Card. The Alexander McQueen PUMA line launched in 2006. The company was the first to join the MAC’s cosmetics releases by fashion designers. McQ Alexander McQueen for Target was launched in 2008. The brand also has luggage. The Alexander McQueen brand has a number of controversies from runway shows to design lawsuits. An underwear line was launched in 2008 and has helped support AIDS charities. Harley Huges was added to the McQueen team in 2014 alongside Sarah Burton. Even without Lee Alexander McQueen, his brand is still able to thrive for his legacy.

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Credit: Alexander McQueen

Tom Ford

“Dressing well is a form of good manners.” – Tom Ford

He is a film director, an author, and a fashion designer well-known with high-end names like Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Thomas “Tom” Ford was born in Texas and later moved with his family to New Mexico. After graduating from high school and then dropping out of Brad College at Simon’s Rock, he moved to New York City and studied art history at New York University. He then left there and was apart of a number of television ads. Ford then enrolled at Parsons The New School for Design where he studied interior architecture. While at Parsons, he spent some time in Paris where he found his love for fashion. While in Paris he interned for Chloe’s press office. He graduated from Parsons while a degree in architecture but also spent time studying fashion. Ford then worked under fashion designer Cathy Hardwick. Hardwick said while interviewing Ford, he mentioned Armani being one of his favorite designers. When Hardwick later asked him why, he said she was wearing Armani, and then that there was no wonder he was hired. In 1988, he worked for Marc Jacobs. Ford has mentioned that he left the company because “Too much style in America is tacky. It’s looked down upon to be too stylish. Europeans, however, appreciate style.” Ford was then hired in 1990 for Gucci. He started designing menswear and then shoes for the brand. In 1992, Ford became design director, including Gucci’s ready-to-wear line, fragrances, advertising, image, and store design. He became creative director in 1994 where he starting changing the brand for the better. Gucci sales rates increased 90% between 1995-1996 because for Ford. Within the 1990s, Ford brought Gucci into partnership with LVMH and Pinault-Printemps-Redoute. Gucci was practically bankrupt when Ford joined and by 2004 when he left the company, they valued over $10 billion. Ford then became creative director for Yves Saint Laurent. In 2005, he created his own film production company. The following year, Ford launched his own line of menswear, eyewear, and accessories. His famous film debut is titled A Single Man. His film earned a number of award nominations for both the film and the actors apart of it. He wrote a book called Tom Ford in 2004. Tom Ford has been recognized with a number of awards such as the 1997 People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People, the 1999 Style Icon Award for Elle, the 2000 Best International Designer for VH1/Vogue, the 2000 British GQ International Man of the Year Award, the 2001 Best Fashion Designer for Time Magazine, the 2001 Designer of the Year Award for GQ USA, the 2004 International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame, the 2008 Menswear Designer of the Year for the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and the 2014 Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award. Tom Ford has many new ideas to bring to both the fashion world and film industry.

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Credit: Tom Ford

Michael Kors

“Personal style is knowing yourself, your lifestyle, your body and finding clothes that become the frame. You become the star. It’s knowing when to say yes and when to say no.” – Michael Kors

Karl Anderson, Jr., now known as Michael Kors, is a New York City based fashion designer. Kors’ collections include womenswear, menswear, handbags, shoes, jeans, footwear, watches, and other accessories. His mother was a model which led him to have an interest in fashion since a young age. Even as a teenager, he was designing and selling clothing under the name the “Iron Butterfly.” He attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City but then dropped out to work at Bergdorf Goodman boutique selling his designs. Then in 1981, he launched his womenswear line. From 1993-1997, Kors suffered financial trouble but then got back on his feet when he became the first womenswear designer for Celine fashion house. For his own brand, he launched a menswear collection in 2002. He left the Celine house in 2003 and added accessories to his own line. Kors was able to add to his brand, including the Michael Kors runway collection, the MICHAEL Michael Kors and KORS Michael Kors lines. He has boutiques nationally such as in New York, Chicago, and Beverly Hills. Kors is well-known for his time on the television show Project Runway. He is also popular with celebrities; stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Rachel McAdams have worn his clothing. First Lady Michelle Obama wore Michael Kors in her first term official portrait as First Lady as well as Alicia Keys at President Obama’s inaugural ball in 2013. Gwyneth Paltrow wore Michael Kors collection in the movie Possession and in 2006 Jennifer Garner wore a custom Michael Kors dress as a presenter at the Academy Awards. He starred as himself in an episode of Gossip Girl and was referenced in the film The Devil Wears Prada. In 2014, Michael Kors was listed as the latest fashion industry billionaire. Other awards are the 2013 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, the Golden Heart Lifetime Achievement Award by God’s Love We Deliver in 2012, the Oliver R. Grace Award for Distinguished Service in Advancing Cancer Research in 2010, the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America along with the Fragrance Foundation’s FiFi Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2010. He was on Time magazine’s list of top 100 most influential people in 2013. Michael Kors still has a lot to offer the fashion industry.

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Credit: Michael Kors