The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi, is the bull’s eye for hundreds and thousands of design and fashion aspirants. They spend endless hours to prepare for the entrance exam of this famous institute with the help of NIFT tutorials. The hard work of the aspirants doesn’t end there. The fashion aspirants also spend a quality amount of time and funds practising crafts with different materials and exercising their creative side.

Here are top 5 reasons behind high popularity of NIFT

– Faculty- A chief aspect of NIFT is its faculty members who themselves are industry connoisseurs and have a great technical knowledge, including the latest ones in the application. Their guidance helps the students acquire all sorts of necessary skills, beyond what they had amassed during their NIFT preparation.

– Exposure- Many design aspirants even choose to switch their current institute to shift to NIFT Delhi. NIFT provides a great deal of exposure to its students so that they can work with the leaders of the fashion industry and also launch their own labels. The hours of NIFT preparation is worthy for the aspirants who manage to make here once.

– All-around development- NIFT helps its students to be master of the trade. Pursuing any fashion studies at this college means that the student will be taught how to be an artist, tailor, designer, research analyst, visualizer, and many other things at the same time. The students are taught under apt circumstances to conduct all kinds of research and conceptualization to execute their creative ideas.

– Campus- The campus life of NIFT is something the aspirants vouch for. They spend endless hours working while striking up friendships for life. Though fashion designing has a glamorous façade, its true essence is unveiled to the budding designers who learn the art of balancing the glamour quotient with hard work at NIFT.

– Because it is NIFT- Everybody wants to be a part of something great. And when it comes to the most coveted Institute of fashion studies that have given so many famous designers to our country and offers specializations in multiple elite fashion genres to the common masses, anybody would want to live the NIFT life. Hence the aspirants never hesitate to follow a NIFT preparation strategy for success.

Apart from these factors, there are some more that make NIFT the cream of the crop. It has just the right kind of environment to turn armatures into reputed future fashion designers. Once they get admission in this prestigious college and start taking regular classes, they feel that their NIFT preparation and rigorous hard work has finally paid off.

As Vera Wang famously said, “I want people to see the dress, but focus on the woman.” Fashion is just that – really. You should be able to wear the best and still stand out beyond the outfit. If you are a fashion diva who loves shopping, we have listed down a few tips below that may just come handy.

1. Black is always in. To another famed designer Karl Lagerfeld – “One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with a Little Black Dress.” No matter what defines your personal style, you need to have at least a couple of LBDs in your closet. Go for a minimalistic little black dress, or opt for a gown that’s best reserved for a special red-carpet event – the choices are just too many.
2. Shop for designer outfits online. If you are looking for unique designs ladies clothing, online designer stores are always the best. Many designers prefer having a virtual outlet, because that makes their designs and work more accessible for their clientele. Also, just because it is something unique and designed by the experts, it doesn’t have to be expensive, as some of the retail costs are done away with.
3. Play with colors. Red, black, white and blue are eternal colors, but fashion is also about experimenting with new ideas. How about buying a gown in a shade of sunset orange? Or a pair of high Louboutin heels with a few studs? Block colors, prints and stripes – you can try new things in the way you like.
4. Mix your heels. No, you don’t have to try hard in those pencil stilettos anymore. This is the age when you can wear block heels, platforms, kitten heels and wedges with almost anything. The idea is to have a versatile collection that allows you to try new looks, and yes, there are no rules anymore – just go with the flow, and if you need help, check for fashion looks online.
5. Keep an eye on seasonal fashion. Every fashion week offers a bunch of trends, some of which are meant to break the norms. From the recent feminist tees to the sudden pop of gingham prints, the trends are change, and so should you. Don’t shy away from creating new trends, because what you see on the runway is a reflection of how designers see people.

Finally, follow the fashion magazines and online portals to know what’s trending. Stepping out of the comfort zone is important, especially when you want to reinvent some of your treasured outfits. Many designers also offer the choice of customizing outfits for their clients for affordable prices, so if it’s a special occasion, think beyond your regular brands. Style is more about how you see yourself, and with couture, you can only do better, because everything from the stitch to the fabric is handpicked and designed to match your personal statement. Start shopping, and if you have found a few ideas, don’t forget to take a shot – Because you are worth it!

Bohemian women’s dresses made from recycled sari silk are designed to make a statement with forever-stylish silhouettes. The silk dresses can make you look and feel sexy, uniquely printed upcycled sari dresses make you stand out in a crowd. Vivid bohemian tribal and floral patterns are for the adventurously bold. Be dress obsessed or possess one versatile piece, the 2 in 1 silk skirt dress that flirts against your body while taking a romantic stroll on the beach.

This season’s boho statement can be a printed silk halter top and ruffled skirt with leather beaded flip-flops for a totally bohemian girl child look. Boho tiered full-length maxi skirts create a lasting impact when paired with the mala bead necklaces. Cute casual day dresses, fitted and flared at the hips are perfect for an outing with friends or traveling and going from inside holiday cottages to beach parties. Explore cotton embroidered tunics and midi dresses that are great for mixing and matching, the spaghetti strap sari dresses bring out the best in you.

Kimono maxi dresses lend the perfect touch of bohemian elegance with effortless casual style for a sun-filled beach day or a spring wedding. The summer sherbet flowy, floral strapless sari layered dresses that barely touches your ankles, pairs with a denim jacket and sandals for an upbeat combination. Kimono sleeve long kaftan dresses in digital prints and soft georgette flatter the silhouettes for every outing.

Spring and summer are incomplete without floral colorful dresses. Mid-length and fitted dresses in vivid hand printed cotton with a waistcoat to shapeless loose and extra short, bohemian printed dresses, each carries their own style and make you feel cool and pretty regardless of the weather. Floral dresses in dusty colors and soft hues, and zig-zag cuts elegantly drapes your body. Extra long maxi, high low dresses to wrap skirts with layered and ruffled bottoms, there is so much to choose from.

Skirts with a bohemian spirit, mix and match styles, wrap around sarongs to gypsy flared skirts, casual chic or urban fashionista? Endless options in colors and styles, unusual prints, unique boldly colored flared gypsy skirt with a neutral top, accessorize at the waist with a cute belt. Try the divided skirts with chunky heels with a crop top for the daring you. Perfect for your vacation because they go with all kinds of tops. Crinkled rayon maxi or tie-dye midis, toss a pixie top and create an entirely quintessential wardrobe for the bohemian fashionista.

1940’s Women’s fashion was a time of great restrictions on design, fabric, and trim materials. The war forced clothing designs to be simple yet it also forced manufactures to be creative with what they could use and invent new materials. The 1940’s brought about new women’s fashion inventions many of which are still around today.

1. The girdle. Prior to the 1940’s a women’s shape was made by metal boned corsets. In the 1940’s the girdle was invented as a form of tummy tuck underwear. It shaped just the middle down to the hips and created the smooth hourglass silhouette associated with vintage fashions. The girdle was uncomfortable and was eventually replaced by nylons or no shaping undergarment at all. Today the girdle returns with body shapers, control top stockings, control top underwear and other suck and smooth foundation garments. They name may have changed but these garments are just updated girdles in disguise.
2. Wedge shoes. Leather and wood was needed for the war so shoe designs had to get creative. The solution was cork. A cork sole was used for shoe heels and then wrapped in a pretty fabric, mesh or even reptile skin. It was economical and allowed a taller heel then what was considered a safe heeled pump. Today wedgies come in and out of fashion, particularly in summer, when wedge sandals hit the beaches.
3. Rayon. If you didn’t know, Rayon is a synthetic fabric. It was invented and became very popular in the 1940’s. Up till then wool, silk, and cotton was what clothing was made of. Silk and cotton were needed for the war so Rayon was used instead. It could be lightweight like silk or heavy like wool. Today rayon is still used in fine fabrics, especially in summer.
4. Nylons. Prior to the 40’s women’s stockings were made of silk. They were very delicate and needed frequent mending and hand washing. Dupont then invented nylon and thus “Nylons” became a brand name for stockings. Today nylon is still used to make all kinds of hosiery and fabrics.
5. The Zipper. Thanks to new inventions of the 1940’s women can zip up clothing instead of using buttons, snaps or lacing.
6. Plastic. Although various forms of plastic had been around since the 1920’s it wasn’t until the 1940’s that they really took center stage in the fashion world. Jewelry was made of Bakelite plastic in big colorful designs. Handbags, makeup case, and household items were being made of Lucite. You may not recognize these plastic names but I am sure you are aware that plastic is everywhere in fashion- from cute barrettes to zippers to purse handles.
7. Shoulder pads. You may think that the 1980’s were the first decade to use shoulder bags. They actually go back much farther than the 1940’s but as a regular fashion accessory for women the 1940’s were the first. They used shoulder pads in dresses, jackets, and blouses in order to square off the shoulder for a boxy military feel. The 1980’s were heavily influenced by 1940’s fashion and thus shoulder pads came back in style.

Ever thought about how fashion products reach the shelves of a retail store, how brands know what their customers love, or how a store manages to offer a wide range of designer clothing and re-stock the merchandise well in time? Well, behind all this, there is a fashion buyer who works so hard to ensure everything is in place, customers are satisfied, and business goals are achieved. And there is a lot more to it.

Want to know more about the role of a fashion buyer?

1. Skill Set

Every job requires some skills. No matter what an individual’s educational background is and how much work-experience he has, it is these key skills that can help a person become a fashion retail buyer.

• Analytical Skills
• Creativity
• Decision-making skills
• Negotiating skills
• Good research skills
• Leadership Skills

Besides these, one must have an entrepreneurial spirit, eye for detail, ability to understand customers’ needs, be open to work in a pressurized and fast-paced environment, and must be good with numbers.

2. Responsibilities

The profile of a fashion buyer is majorly about planning merchandise for a particular season and selecting a range of products that will sell in a retail store. This takes into account various factors like market trends, customer demands, product pricing, quality, and availability, and store’s financial budget. Tasks may vary from season to season but typically, these are the responsibilities expected from a fashion buyer throughout the year:

• Analyzing consumer’s buying behavior
• Forecasting future trends
• Preparing trend reports
• Planning new range of products and presenting it to the seniors
• Evaluating performance indicators like sales, discounts, etc. on a regular basis
• Creating plans for maintaining stock levels
• Liaising with store personnel to make sure supply meets demand
• Meeting suppliers and negotiating on price points
• Forming healthy relationships with suppliers and wholesalers and pitching new sources for future merchandise
• Finding global sourcing companies when required and coordinating with them throughout the sourcing process
• Taking decisions based on demand and logistics
• Taking part in promotional activities
• Getting feedback from clients
• Training and mentoring junior buyers and other staff
• Participating in trade fairs and events to gather new range of products
• Coordinating with other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time

3. Employment Opportunities

Both retailers and manufactures employ professionals who are responsible for buying. They include:

• High-street department stores
• Book shops, gift shops, and craft shops
• Home improvement stores
• Online retailers
• Outlets specializing in products like clothing, shoes, accessories, furnishings, and other goods
• Television shopping channels

Fashion buyer is a vital position in the fashion industry but every buyer isn’t successful. It takes a lot of passion and hard work to excel in the field and contribute to the success of a brand. If the products sell, the brand will grow and if they don’t, it is the buyer who is held accountable for it.

Socks are an essential component of a man’s wardrobe. They are, in fact, one of those must-have pieces of clothing for men of every age, color, occupation and status in life. But most people usually fail to realize the incredible opportunity they have at enhancing their sense of fashion and style with the right kind of socks fashion. If properly blended in with the right choice of wear, socks can go a long way in not only improving but also showing forth your personality. Below are helpful tips to consider when making a choice of the type and nature of socks to acquire the next time you’re out clothes shopping.

Colors

Professional settings and general black-tie events call for neutral socks. Consider acquiring a good number of black, brown, gray and even navy blue pairs for these occasions. Brightly colored socks, on the other hand, are usually good for blending in with any wear, whether formal or casual. They can be contrasted with practically any outfit and for any occasion. This category includes the different shades of blue, green and purple.

Material

There are all manners of material for socks to choose from. From cotton, which is the most common, to wool and the costlier silk and cashmere, you will be spoilt for choice. Only the size of your pocket will limit you in this area.

Patterns

Numerous patterns are available for you to choose from. Dotted, striped and argyle are some of the options available to you. The various patterns in socks communicate lightheartedness in your outfit. Make a point of adding a few striped varieties to your ensemble that will bring a certain finesse and sense of style.

Other Considerations

Consider matching your socks to the color of your long trousers in surroundings that are a bit reserved such as meetings, funerals and dinners. And while you’re at it, play around with the texture of your socks, such as going for the ribbed socks in neutral colors to maintain the reserved appearance. Use patterned socks as well to enhance your personality and project a uniqueness of style. In case you decide to do this, ensure that you match them (socks) with the color you have on above the waistline.

The tips are designed to help you up your sock game and in the process improve your confidence and sense of style. If you put these in mind when you are dressing up for any occasion, then you will well be on your way to a more positive public image.

Summers are officially here in many parts of the Northern hemisphere. While the sun has not shone in all its glory yet, it will not take much time to shine brightly and make us slightly uneasy. However, while we wait for the moment to come, why not acquaint ourselves with a few fashion hacks to help us stay cool in summers?

Wear loose clothes: Yes, we may have heard this before, but do we actually implement it? Albeit, no. We all start shopping for the summers when it is the peak time and are not left with much time to scout and look for brands that offer both style and comfort. If you think you do not have many summer friendly clothes, start shopping today. Domestic and international brands start stocking dresses for women and t-shirts for men around this time, which you should not miss out on.

Avoid flimsy fabrics: We cannot help that we have to stay covered in thick jackets all through winters, which leaves us with summers to flaunt our wardrobe. Apparently, this also means that we get obsessed with fashion and do not check the fabric we are wearing. Flimsy fabrics stick to the body when we start sweating and leave us irritated, not to ignore the skin rashes they cause.

Let go of the denim: No matter how much you love your jeans, summers call for loose trousers in skin friendly materials. Denim is thick and causes perspiration resulting in discomfort. Switch to trousers for men / women and feel the difference this summer season.

Avoid embellishments: Beads and metals on the garment weighs down the clothes, making them stick to the body, ultimately trapping body heat. Opt for embroidery if you have to wear something rich-looking.

Go for natural fabrics: Nothing looks and feels better than cotton in summers. It is more breathable than materials like polyester or rayon, is better at absorbing sweat, dries quickly, and allows air to circulate well. You can also go for linen or viscose which are again, gentle on the skin and great for summers.

Leave the tote at home: Cross body and leather handbags for women, satchels for men, etc., are better than the big sized totes and backpacks which stick to the body and trap heat. Get back to the basics in summers and carry minimum stuff around to avoid exerting yourself.

Integrity Toys is one of the companies in the market today that produces a wide selection of fashionable dolls. The collections available are reminiscent of haute couture, golden age Hollywood glamour, and other modern-age high fashion themes. The dolls are mostly ball jointed and each has their own exquisite array of wardrobes. Integrity Toys had then hired Jason Wu as a freelance doll clothing designer when he was still sixteen. Jason Wu later created the Integrity Toy’s doll collection called Fashion Royalty and he was later named as the creative director of Integrity Toys a year after.

The story line behind the Fashion Royalty line revolves around the competition between two huge cosmetic companies who are fighting over market shares in the European market and eventually global dominance. Their world had then become ever more challenging with the entrance of a third huge company ready to complicate the competition. Thus, collectors of the Fashion Royalty line will be introduced to the companies “W” (owned by Veronique Perrin), “V” (formed by Baroness Agnes Von Weiss), and Missima Cosmetics (headed by Natalie Fatale).

For doll collectors who are interested in fashion and creative designing, the characters of Fashion Royalty will provide you inspiration. Famous characters of this line are Veronique Perrin, Vanessa Perrin, Adele Makeda, Isha, Luchia Z., Baroness Agnes Von Weiss, Kyori Sato, Natalia Fatale, Eugenia Perrin Frost, Darius Reid, Pierre DeVries, and Francisco Leon. The Fashion Royalty collection of Jason Wu was first unveiled at the International Toy Fair in February 2001 in New York City. Every year there is an exciting new look for almost every character with new wardrobes in line. An accessory that should be part of every collector’s line-up is the story card portfolio which only had 1000 of these produced.

In 2009, the Future Perfect Collection was introduced with a new exciting feature. The dolls’ bodies came with a “handspeak system” wherein the hands can be removed to make wardrobe change easier. They also came with additional hands that are posed to hold with accessories. In 2010, Integrity Toys launched the Foundation Dazzle Collection which showcased haute couture and the fashion of the swinging 60s for W Cosmetics’ new fashion ad campaign. The sophisticated look of this collection reminds collectors of the original inspiration for these dolls which is the Gene Marshall.

Collectors of Jason Wu’s Fashion Royalty dolls will never cease to get excited as new lines and repaints are introduced each year. Every year, there is also a set of limited edition dolls of 180 figures to at most a thousand figures produced for a single character or design. Thus, collectors of the series will surely appreciate the exclusiveness and rarity of some doll models perhaps after a decade or so.

As we all know, China is a country which has a long history. The historic Chinese civilization gave birth to an unique Chinese style. Chinese style fashion is a form of Chinese elements based on traditional custom and oriental culture. The combination of Chinese elements adapt to global trends. Especially after the 2008 Olympic Games, Chinese style shoes and clothes slowly became popular. Many world-class designers are focusing on adding traditional Chinese elements into newly fashion trend.

After spending most of the time in the bustling city, modern women should let their soul relax in the pure land and find a peaceful area for themselves. For many people, it is difficult to achieve this. Traditional senior designers use silk cotton as the main material to make thin and breathable clothes which make people feel comfortable and relaxed, at the same time, uphold their spirit. Modern Chinese clothes are designed with soft colors and showing an elegant and dignified image. The Chinese people pursuit a freedom and equality life style, just like the natural of Zen which is simple but has a profound meaning.

Designed for young women in a modern city and fully consider every aspect of life, a range of stylish traditional Chinese accessories appear in the exposition. Women who live in Yangtze River delta are getting used to wearing flower embroidered flat shoes. With an oiled-paper umbrella in hand, a pretty girl walking in a quiet long alley, just like a fascinating classic picture.

At the same time, popular Chinese style handmade jewelry also become popular. In central area of China, some housewives using the original method to make Chinese style canvas bags which are welcomed by tourists from all over the world. In fact, Chinese style fashion sense is to carry forward China’s five thousand years of splendid culture and the unique character. For example, China is the birthplace of red, the color red is a very important part of traditional custom. Derived from China’s red auspiciousness, red is a color of decorative, festive, and praying for welfare. Another example is the Chinese national printing dress pattern is different from the concept of western dress in performance, its biggest feature is the blessing of connotation. The key lies in maintaining a distinct personality of country and unique ethnic style.

Now Chinese elements in clothes and jewelry have come to the world fashion stage, more and more people are focusing their eyes to this unique historical country which has unique cultural charm and personality traits.

Animal fur is one of the high-priced raw material used in the production of high-end fashion products. The material has been used since time immemorial in human clothing. In recent times, inhuman practices in the fashion industry have come to the forefront including the perceived cruelty to animals and the unethical rearing of animals for the production of fur.

Animal fur in fashion and the growing consciousness

According to many animal rights’ associations, nearly one billion rabbits, 4 million foxes and 50 million minks are bred and killed for the sole purpose of producing fur from these animals. Both the breeding, rearing and killing practices have been labelled as inhuman and barbaric by most activists around the world. China has been the largest exporter of animal fur in the world and widely criticized for its alleged unethical killing of animals including cats and dogs.

Animal fur has remained in popular culture and fashion; especially, in its usage as a luxury textile. It is considered as a symbol of social and economic status because of its cost and rarity.

However, with the turn of the century, a lot of impetus is being laid on the production of ethical and conscious clothing sans the cruelty to animals on moral and ethical grounds for the sake of fashion.

After years of protests against the rampant use of animal fur in fashion, many animal rights activists have finally found some relief as many high-end fashion brands have gone fur-free. The move has been welcomed by authorities, activists, fashion industries and the general masses alike. Some of the leading names in fashion retail that have gone fur-free include Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Gucci.

Recent trends in the fur-free fashion revolution

Michael Kors, along with Jimmy Choo, is the most recent fashion brand to adopt a no-fur policy. Net-a-Porter is a popular luxury online shopping portal that has announced a no-fur policy across all of its e-commerce platforms.

A considerable work in this regard has been done by various animal welfare groups across the world. These include Born Free USA, part of the Fur Free Alliance, PETA and others.

One of the best examples of fur-free fashion is the popular London Fashion Week that welcomed fur-less fashion on its catwalk ramps. The event boasted of 86 percent of its shows to have featured completely fur-free fashion.

British designer-activist Stella McCartney’s introduced her fur-alternative label ‘Fur Free Fur’ featuring long-haired coats at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week.

The Road Ahead…

In spite of the efforts by animal welfare groups around the globe and fashion brands and retailers joining hands to fight the menace, a lot of work remains to be done in this regard. There are still many fashion retail brands who identify themselves with the prolific use of real fur in their products. The likes of Fendi, Dior, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Canada Goose and Karl Lagerfeld further need to reevaluate their stance on the matter.

Human fabrics have been evolving and fashion takes the baton forward in bringing new trends and innovations in the industry. The use of alternative fur is one of the champion alternatives, pioneered by Stella McCartney. Therefore, fur-free designs are here to stay and it’s high time that luxury fashion brands embrace ethical fashion for good!