Fashion: Essential Fabrics

Gentle Reader -

After the flurry of Spring/Summer 2012 collections, one thing seemed to stand out:

- those who know how to work with fabrics, and those who are not yet masters

Consider that Cristobal Balenciaga's most famous silhouettes were made with gazar; Yves Saint Laurent's smokings (the evening pantsuit) would not be the same without wool grain de poudre. Do we have to mention Coco Chanel and wool jersey?

Choosing a preferred material to work with may perhaps yield better design than the many options that designers use (or are forced to use) in today's fashion.

- AP

Fashion Texts: Required Reading (The Beautiful Fall)

Gentle Reader -

For the past few seasons, this book has been the source of inspiration for quite a few collections. Though the trend-setting personalities and lifestyles of a carefree Paris of the 1970's are captured in a fresh way (particularly in the first half of the book), The Beautiful Fall marks a transition from the couture to ready-to-wear.

As the round of Spring/Summer 2012 collections nears completion, some things to keep in mind:

Yves Saint Laurent still looms as a fashion force

Production capability for ready-to-wear is actually higher than production budgets may allow

Fashion today is aimed at profitable markets worldwide

Fashion presentations should never be taken literally

- AP