'Are Those Beagle Boy Jeans You're Wearing? Heck Naw, You Know Those POLO!"

Ralph Lauren is a designer whose clothing and other products that have been embraced by the Hip Hop and Rap communities . Not only do artists wear his signature big ponied Polos, but they also include him into their rap songs. I even heard in 2005 Lauren made a back door offer for Jay Z to lend his name to a line of menswear and home furnishings because Lauren is tired of Tommy Hilfiger and Sean Combs making money off of urban youth.


In urban communities you can see his influence on street fashion, adding a new spin to the preppy look that is sported from corner to corner. He is even really huge in the counterfeit market, unfortunately, but he is still making money. ( The way you can tell a counterfeit is throught the button holes on the shirts. The Fake ones have cheap looking buttons with up and down stitching while the real Polos have marble buttons with cross stitching.) The reason he is still making money is because he knows what he is doing and he does it very well. Enough small talk, let's get down to business.


Born on October 14, 1939, Ralph Lauren's original name was Ralph Reuben Lifshitz. He was born in the Bronx to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants from Belraus, Fradl and Frank Lifshitz. He was the younger of 4 children. In the 7th grade he became interested in clothing working after school in order to buy clothing and suits. He was the best dressed 12 year old in his neighborhood.


He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in New York and coincidentally grew up in the same neighborhood as Calvin Klein, but it's unclear whether or not they knew each other.

In the 1950s he changed his name to Lauren. While in high school he sold ties to classmates and in his yearbook he stated that he wanted to be a millionaire. He graduated from high school in 1957 and worked as a salesman during the day and went to Baruch College at night for business. He quit school shortly after and went into the army ( 1962-1964) before looking for a fashion job, these jobs would give him the experience he needed to become one of the most successful designers and fashion businessmen in America.

While working for Brooks Brothers he was inspired to make his own neckwear, and in 1967 he did just that. He designed a napkin-wide Beau Brummer neckwear. He got a $50,000 loan from Norman Hilton to design wide ties and begins his Company Polo fashions in 1968. He started his men's line in 68 and offered styles that mixed American and English trends and expressed sophistication.


In 1968 he also married Ricky Low-Beer. They had two sons, Andrew and David, and a daughter Dylan. David is an executive at Polo and Dylan owns an upscale candy store called Dylan's Candy Bar. She was recently featured on a Fabulous Life Episode.


In 1987 Lauren was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor and had it removed that year and luckily made a full recovery.

In 1971 he introduced his first women's line with four groups: collection, classics, country, and active. It was this same year that he opened his first retail store on Rodeo Drive.


In 1972 he released his famous short sleeved mesh shirt with the Polo logo, which is now a classic. His clothing gained more exposure after he was brought on board to design clothing for the movie The Great Gatsby.


In 1986 he made fashion retail history with a large store in the former Rhinelander Mansion in New York. Today all his stores have the feeling of a regal home upon entering, which makes his stores very unique and maybe one of his keys to success because by 1997 he was selling $5 billion a year worth of merchandise which made him the best selling designer in the world.


In 1995 he tapped into the blue jeans and mass market women's category which were both offered at a lower price point. His home collection alone made $535 million in sales.


In June of 1997 Polo Ralph Lauren became a public company and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RL. Lauren's success was only growing and it was because of his attention to detail and his carefully crafted and consistent brand image. He now have over 25 licensing contracts and sub brands. He also expanded into perfume and skin care

In 2000 his website Polo.com was launched and allowed for immense Internet success.

Today Forbes Magazine claims his wealthy is at $2.8 Billion, which makes him the 224th richest person in the world.



Philanthropic Center:

• 1998- Donated $13 million to Smithsonian Institution in DC
• 1998- Raised money for a cure for breast cancer
• Donated $5 million to establish the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention and Care at North General Hospital in Harlem, NY
• Created Polo Volunteer Program

Award Center:

• 1970- City Award for Menswear
• 1986- Coty Hall of Fame
• 1992- CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award
• 1995- CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award
• 1996- CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year
• 7 Coty Awards
• Tribute from Woolmark Awards

Though Lauren has had his share of praise and success he has had some criticism. For example his uniforms he designed for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics were deemed cheap in addition to making them walking billboards for Laurens brand because of the large pony. I can see where these claims are valid, but come on, do you think that anyone was going to mention that they were made by him? He needed to get his name in so who can blame him. And to the cheap comments, he made these uniforms in a rushed manner and sent them to Chinese " tailors" at the last minute. Now not to knock China's craftsmanship, but we all get a little weary when we see " made in china" on the tags of anything. Either way, people say Lauren embarrassed America making them look like rich snobs, but if I am not mistaken, that is how most of us here act anyways, let's be real. Personally I liked the uniforms, I like to look like I have class and hey if you think I am a snob, that's on you. But I never hear any complaining about Nike and their logos, I mean let's all be fair here.





Ralph Lauren has a lot of things here that we can learn and take with us as the lovers of fashion that we are. For one, he was untrained but his love for nice clothing and his sense of business was impeccable, even if he doesn't posses a degree. Secondly, he doesn't believe in fashion he believe in style... the very thing I live for. I believe this is evident in his clothing because no one has ever said " oh, polo is played out." That is absurd. Ralph Lauren has made his clothing so that each piece is an investment into the longevity of your wardrobe. I can by a dress today and wear it 20 years from now and still be the best dressed. Finally, he is a man that remains very low key. Through his career his controversies were minimal and he hardly let the fame get to his head. I appreciate that because many designers loose their sense of self to being a celebrity. He has remained very grounded with his family and his career without distractions.

Ralph Lauren is really a designer to emulate. He knows exactly what he is doing and even without a degree he gets his career to further heights then those that possess a formal education. That is inspiring because image the possibilities for the rest of us. They are endless. We just have to work hard, be true to ourselves and be true with others and nothing can stand in our way. I don't know about you but I am ready to get working !!

Let's close with two quotes from our guy:

• "I'm interested in longevity, timelessness, style--not fashion."
• "I believe in clothes that last, that are not dated in a season. The people who wear my clothes don't think of them as fashion."
• 

Citations: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,

Mini Post: Photoshop and All Its Horrors!

So today's mini post has to do with the ever so controversial SELF magazine cover with Kelly Clarkson. She was heavily, heavily photo shopped, but that is not the issue. The issue is, this is a health food/ lifestyle magazine thats main objective revolves around the idea of eating right and getting in shape . One of the headlines on the cover was : Slim Down Your Way.
Problem: Kelly did not slim down her way, she slimmed down the way the editors wanted her, which was through air brushing.

To top it off, the editor was justifying her actions, comparing it to vacation photos, some of which you keep and others you choose not to show. Confused? Me too. This woman is insane if she thinks it is justifiable to photoshop Kelly in such a way that takes her back to her American Idol days when we all clearly know she looks like this:



All I am saying is that of all the magazines, the ones that are here to motivate the health conscious to get in shape should go light on the photo shopping. I mean it is one thing to remove a zit or read eye, but it is another to basically cut Kelly in half. Especially if Kelly clearly proclaims her confidence in her body as is. I mean really guys.


I know you are thinking how this relates to fashion. Well, the fashion industry get so much heat for photo shopping and now I want to let you all know there is another player in the sinful act of downsizing a persona via computer, and that is health magazines. I rather not be encouraged to reach unobtainable goals. If the people featured in the magazines don't even have a six pack what makes you think that I will be able to get one in 10 days doing a 5 minute ab routine . Let's get real.

See Kim Kardashian's cover:

Now honestly:



Oh, please read the editor's blog that justifies why the photoshop was necessary and should be acceptable. More importantly, read the comments. People are really unhappy about this and they are not afraid to curse the editor out. It's actually quite funny.

I believe that style doesn't only include your choice of wardrobe but your also your body and your presence in the world. If your style is confident, exude that in every way possible. Your body is unique to you and that is where your style starts. So honestly, live it, love it, and own it because no one else can appreciate you the way you can appreciate yourself.

Fashion to the MAX!

!

After my trip to New York as a personal shopper this past Wednesday- Thursday I came across a bunch of designers collections first hand in their flagship and branch stores. One store that I was particularly impressed with ( as I am always) was BCBG, so it is only appropriate that I dig a little deeper to see what the designer behind these garments is all about. Let's dig in shall we?


Born in Sfax, Tunisia on January 1, 1949, Max Azria founded BCBGMAXAZARIA. When he was 13 years old he moved to Paris to work as an actor. Eleven years later he moved to to Los Angeles, CA in 1981. In 1989 he launched his line BCBGMAXAZARIA, BCBG meaning "bon chic, bon genre" translated meaning " good style, good attitude." I don't know about you, but I never knew that.


In 1998 our guy, Max, was inducted in the CFDA and that same year he brought Herve Leger fashion house. The next year, in 1999, Max launched a plus size line in the fall. In the Spring he launched a new collection of men's footwear.


In 2004 he launched Max Azria Atelier for couture gowns. In 2006 Max launched his Max Azria collections which has more practical clothing.

Many years passed and in 2007 he launched a Herve Leger line with his own designs.

In 2008 Azria launched a contemporary collection called BCBGeneration. More recently, in 2009, Max and Miley Cyrus came together and create a juniors line for Wal-Mart. Higher end clothing by Max and Miley can be found in Macy's. That makes me feel like maybe Macy's is one step up from Wal-Mart when we all know that Target and Kohl's are in between the two.

some of the clothing


What we need to appreciate about Max is that he was one of our designer/business people. He redefined designing and fashion by offering his high end collection at contemporary/affordable price points. He also has so many stores around the world it is insane. After opening 3 stores in Europe in 1999 he took off like a rocketship opening stores in Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Venezuela and other countries. Not to mention he has a vast and immense presence in specialty stores.


In his stores you will not only find designs that he dreamt up himself, but designs that have inspiration from fashion giants such as Coco Chanel, Versace, and many others. You will be over whelmed by the gowns that bear a startling resemblance to the gowns you see on the red carpet, because most of his clients come to him for special event garments.


In regards to Max Azria's personal life, he is married to his second wife, Lubov, who was also once a ballerina. She now is the creative direct of his billion dollar company. Max has 3 daughters from his first marriage names Chloe, Anais, and Agnes.


Award Center!!
1995- California designer of the year
1996- Atlanta designer of the year
1997- fashion performance award
1997- Spirit of life award from the city of hope for his contributions to research on the treatment of life threatening diseases
1998- Women's Designer of the year b Divine Design
2000- Otis College of Art and Designer's Fashion Achievement Award
2000- Top 50 Private Companies in Los Angeles
2007- Wells Fargo Century Fashion Achievement Award
2008- Fashion Excellence Award at Dallas Fashion Awards


Max is a pretty clean cut designer, one whose story is not unfamiliar to us by now, but what I think is absolutely strange is that he has never won an award from the CFDA. I wonder really what the criteria are... don't you? Well here, I looked it up:

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARDS:
The Womenswear, Menswear, and Accessory Designer of the Year Awards: Awarded to a designer working in America who has made the most outstanding contribution to and has influenced the direction of women’s ready-to-wear fashion, men’s ready-to-wear fashion, and accessory design, respectively, through his or her most recent Spring and Fall collections. The designer selected in each category must have his or her business based primarily in America.

The Swarovski Awards: Awarded to a designer working in America who has made the greatest impact as an emerging new talent for his or her womenswear, menswear or accessory design through his or her most recent Spring and Fall Collections. The Swarovski Award was established to recognize and support the talent and creativity of the next generation of designers. The designer selected in each category must have his or her business based primarily in America.

HONOREE AWARDS:
Eugenia Sheppard Award: Awarded to a writer, photographer, or editor who has used his or her craft to further the profession of fashion reporting and coverage, or to a creative director, fashion editor, stylist, or artist whose exceptional creativity has shaped fashion visually.

International Award: Awarded to one designer (in womenswear, menswear or accessories) working outside of America who has made an outstanding creative contribution to the world of fashion.

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Awarded for a “lifetime” of consistent, creative influence and dedication to fashion.

Fashion Icon Award: Awarded to an individual whose signature style has had a profound influence on fashion.

Eleanor Lambert Award: Awarded for a unique contribution to the world of fashion (and/or deserves the industry’s recognition and does not fall under any existing award categories).

Board of Directors’ Special Tribute: A special tribute by the Board of Directors of the CFDA, given from time to time to acknowledge significant contributions and commitment to fashion.


Now given his contribution to fashion world, the fact that he did not finish any type of schooling, and that he built his empire from the ground up is reason enough for him to have at least won one award. Not to mention, he dresses every best dressed celebrity to hit a red carpet. I mean goodness people !


Either way we have nothing but respect for Max Azria because of the passion and influence he has given to the fashion industry. With the help of his wife, he was able to build an huge brand that hold fragrances and fashion lines. His pricing strategy has been recession friendly since before the recession and that alone is reason enough to embrace him and where his clothing. Oh and yeah, his clothes are also insanely gorgeous... reason number 2.


BOTTOM LINE: We <3 MAX AZRIA! pistt... wanna see some pictures of his house?? Look down






citation: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, 9, 10, 11

Jeffrey Campbell: Hot New Name In Shoes!

So if you don't already know, Jeffrey Campbell is the MAN. He has been designing shoes for 9 years with a strong focus in vintage designs and now he is finally getting the shine he deserves. His shoes are original, sexy and affordable!

He is based in LA with his small team that includes some family members. Jeffrey began designing shoes in his garage in 2000 and is now one of the most sought after shoe designers. He specializes in conceptual vintage recreations, reworked runway looks, revamped and re-amped current must-have trends, alongside his continual best selling ballet flats and boot. Obviously very family oriented, Jeffrey considered his children, Amber and Brigitte, his muses and main inspirations.


Jeffrey is helping all us fashionistas out during this horrid recession with his over the knee, economy fighting boots, distressed leathers, and over embellished classics for affordable prices, encouraging us all to "WORK."



Let's do a flash back: While in high school , Jeffrey started off working in a stockroom at Nordstroms in Seattle. He worked for other stores until he was in his 30's and then began his own line with the support and help from his loving wife and his brother who are both still contributing to the company today.


Back to Now: Jeffrey is very hands on in the conception and creation of his line. He gets a lot of inspiration form vintage collections and from designers for the color or treatment of the shoe. He has an employee in new york with whom he emails back and forth for inspiration from the chic city dwellers.

I love JC because he is not feeding into the hype that surrounds his lovely designs. He loves to read fashion blogs and his website features a contest allowing JC lovers to take pictures of themselves in his shoes which will allow them a chance to win free stuff. He even shouts out his fans in his biography. I mean, how adorable can he be right ?


When a website that sells shoes in London asked Jeffrey Campbell to describe his line or inspiration in twenty words or less,he responded: EDGY. SHORT-SHORTS. LA. BROOKLYN. AFTER-PARTY. W-O-R-K. INDEPENDENT. UNDERSTOOD. DOWNTOWN. VINTAGE. CHIC. 1970's. MUSIC. SIENNA. MARY-KATE. LUCKY. STYLE Vs FASHION.


Speaking of Style vs. Fashion, the good thing is that JC doesn't work by collection he works on an item based system. this means that his fall line, for example, doesn't all have to have the same theme. If he were to catch a drift of a new trend tonight and produce a shoe tomorrow it wouldn't have to follow the same blue print as his other shoes, which I think is the way everyone should work.


JC shows a lot of love to the streets by selling his shoes to mostly smaller boutiques as opposed to department stores because they know what their communities like and what they may not like so much. JC keeps his ears to the streets by insisting on hearing from each of his accounts ( stores that sell his shoes) any feedback they may have, whether good or bad. His business is very close knit and family like which is a reason that he will go far in this business.


I soo wish I could show you a picture of our beloved JC but I simply CAN NOT find one. I remember reading that he was shy and didn't want to take a pic for one of his interviews, but darling we need to see your brilliant face! Don't worry, I have plenty of pictures of your creations that will be sure to hold us all over.


You know what, all I have to say is move over Manolo and Jimmy... there is a new shoe powerhouse in town!

... and remember, according to JC, we all betta "WORK!"

<3 a new JC girl

Citations: 1,2,3