2013 FASHION FORECAST

SPRING-SUMMER 2013

The look of the garment for the season spring/summer 2013 must be very fashionable excellence, wild nature and ferocious elegant, luxuriant, hot and sticky, humid style, natural concept fill the atmosphere, challenge to dream in the backdrop of delicate fantasy, plentiful and continuous possibilities.

And the main valuable attraction – colors expected are: the primary element of colors and relaxing in the region of brightness. The primary colors are red, Yellow and Blue, bright tones from these colors will be used for spring / summer 2013 season. (http://style2designer.com)

So this year will be filled with vibrant colors and cool and refreshing look from our fashionista's. But be careful with vibrant colors because it is sometimes distracting to the eyes. Wear it in accordance to what event not just by the purpose of wearing it for fashion.

This is only a forecast you could still wear those dress that you like. It is how you bring yourself and the dress. Be always confident baby!

HAPPY NEW YEAR OBRANISTA's

Be YOU. Make it your OBRA,

ACCESSORIZE YOURSELF

 

Fashion Accessories 

Everybody wants to look good, feel good and fashionable. Fashion Accessories are one of the most important thing you should have so that you would look either glamorous or sophisticated.

In choosing your accessories, always match them with your dress or clothes because it may destroy your look if you don't do such, always choose what accessories really fits you and you're comfortable with and always choose accessories that is in for your budget.

Fashion Accessories are made to make you look good and feel even better but you should wear them fashionably and with poise. Remember only wear things that you're comfortable with.

Be YOU. Make it your OBRA.

WHEN SHOPPING OUT FOR A TEE

OH TEE! When out shopping for a t-shirt or top, we first look after colors and styles we like. However, sometimes we forget about other details like the neckline that should flatter our face shape and also our body type.  Different necklines suit and flatter different face and body shapes.  Here are 4 common neckline types - find out what suits you best.

The crewneck is a high and rounded neckline, best for women with a long neck and oval or inverted triangle face shapes. Ladies with a double-chin should avoid these as these can only accentuate and draw attention to the problem area.  The V-neck is one of the most popular type of neckline. A deep V-neck lengthens the neck. Suit women with round or square face shapes. People with wide shoulders should opt for a deeper V-neck while those with narrow ones a higher neckline

Turtleneck has a lengthened collar that's perfect for women with a short torso as it lengthens. Concerning the face it is best for people with long necks and oblong faces. Boatneck (or Bateau neckline), a horizontal line that goes from shoulder to shoulder, a real advantage to women with a small bust, narrow shoulders as the boatneck has a widening effect.  People with thin and long necks can also benefit of this neckline.

What SHOES is for you?

WHAT SHOES IS FOR YOU?

If you have just been fitted with orthotics or have been having some pain or discomfort in your your feet or legs you should keep the following in mind when shopping for new shoes. Take your orthotics with you when you go shopping.

Dress/everyday shoes

It is essential to have a stable shoe as the foundation for your feet.  The more stable the shoe the better the orthotics will work as it has a solid base to reinforce it. Look for one one that holds onto your foot properly, has a lace up or strap across and is torsionally stiff. The heel should be as wide as your own and preferably it should have has a removable innersole so your orthotics will fit without altering the fit and comfort of the shoe.

Check out these great examples by Zierra and Merrell.

Check out Formthotics orthotics for your dress shoes.

Best shoes for walking

You can use a running shoe for walking but not vice versa, so if you are just walking buy a specific walking shoe, if you plan to progress to running think about purchasing a running shoe.  A walking shoe should be torsionally stiff as well as stiff right through the shank (the shank runs between the heel and the outsole, and sits under the arch of the foot). It should be hard to bend the front of the shoe up – this provides support and good propulsion for walking. The shoe should hold onto your foot well and be the correct size for you.

This is a good example Asics Gel Arata.

Check out Formthotics orthotics for walking shoes.

Best trail running shoes / trail walking shoes

It is important to have a trail specific shoe for this kind of running. These have more grip on the bottom for better traction and generally are made of more durable fabrics. Often trail shoes are higher around the ankle, this minimises the risk of rolling your ankle due to uneven surfaces.

A good example of this is the Asics Trabucoor the Merrell Chameleon Arc 2.

Check out Formthotics orthotics for running or walking.

Best shoes for a bit of everything 

(i.e. gym, running and walking)

If you are doing a bit of everything it is best to go for a cross trainer. Generally good cross trainers will do everything to 80%. If your exercise is more outdoor or court based you can also get running or court cross trainers. Cross trainers are usually reinforced around the side of the foot to support  twisting and turning movements, like in court sports or in a the gym class. This also increases the longevity of the shoe. A great example of a good cross trainer are theAsics Gel 710 series.

When it comes to sports shoes, being fitted by a professional is the key to establishing the right fit and control for you. In New Zealand store’s such as the The Front Runner, Shoe Clinic and Smiths Sport Shoes provide this service. In Australia tryThe Athletes Foot.

SMIZER and TOOCHER

SMIZE and TOOCH

Capture there, Capture here and Capture Everywhere.

All of us teens are fun of getting pictures of ourselves and post it on our facebook as most of us did.

You should know where to angle your body and your face so that you could produce a good photo and be hailed as the "BEST PHOTO OF THE DAY".

You should know how to SMIZE (smile with your eyes), to emphasize your face and your emotion. 

And you should know how to TOOCH (raise your booties), to emphasize your body structure and your legs.

This acts will give you extra "AHH!!"

Smizing and Tooching are fierciest acts in posing in front of the camera and let your viewers drop their jaws because of your fierceness.

Remember beautiful faces it's not a requirement to release some good photos but it is how you SMIZE and TOOCH.

Be FIERCE BABY!

HIGH FASHION AT IT'S BEST

                                             

HIGH FASHION

The term "high fashion" is typically used as a way of describing fashions that are trend-setting, unique, and exclusive. While mass market clothing is, er, mass-produced and easily accessed (and typically made with cheaper materials), high fashion products are defined in part by their quality materials and high cost. So in other words, when you see five people at the mall wearing the same taupe pea coat as you (isn’t that the worst?), it was probably made very quickly in a factory, and thus, doesn’t fall under the high fashion umbrella. On the other hand, if you get a custom wedding dress made by Vera Wang, or fill your closet with vintage finds, or spend (too much) money at small, one-of-a-kind boutiques, those things would generally be considered high fashion.

There is an increased interest, however, in blurring these lines. Every day it seems another well-known designer is getting a line at Target, and each is selling the same idea: This pink feathered skirt is exclusive to you, even though there are fifteen more on the rack.

Here’s where the plot thickens! On ANTM Tyra Banks says “high fashion” doesn’t have to refer what the model is wearing. While your instinct might be to smile and stand up straight for a photo, Tyra’s mission is to show these models that kicking one leg in the air while looking forlorn can be far more eye-catching (well, duh) and editorial. In the same way, if she uses the word “commercial” dismissively, she’s calling out something that’s safe or familiar. Sometimes in this big ol’ fashion world, low and high are just synonyms for easy and difficult.

We’d also argue that high fashion often has much more to do with environment than expense or quality. We once saw a 60-something woman in the street sporting pink hair, an exposed turquoise bra, black combat boots, and a full wedding dress.  While a captivating sight in front of the Duane Reade, most passersby looked at her outfit like it was less a conscious choice and more the result of missing meds. But given the right setting — a  couture bridal magazine, an art gallery cocktail party, a Bryant Park tent in the fall — this  woman would be considered a renegade, pushing fashion in the only direction it goes — forward — and winning admiring stares as she posed for photos with her retired astronaut husband-to-be (dressed in a full astronaut suit, natch).

HIGH FASHION vs. STREET FASHION

One of the main trends that we have been witnessing in recent years is the steady move of high fashion brands into the streetwear market. Entire brand relaunches have been based on it, with Givenchy maybe being the most prominent one. When talking about streetwear, we do not mean denim or leather jackets, we mean bold graphic t-shirts and attention seeking sneakers. When a few years ago high fashion was exclusively known for premium materials and proper cuts, today things look a little different. Their graphics have become very interesting and their expertise in fabrics and special treatments is obviously also adding to the appeal  of their products. Givenchy, Christopher Kane, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs producing all over print tees is nothing new anymore. Margiela and Louboutin making solid sneakers that might actually get more eye balls than the latest Nike Dunk is also routine at this point. Has the consumer changed, has streetwear not been able to defend its own territory or what else could have caused this change?

One thing is for sure, after we have seen extremely bold moves in streetwear from brands like The Hundreds, 10.Deep, A Bathing Ape and others in the 2005-2007 period, with the crash of the global economy, everybody focussed again on more timeless and quality garments. Maybe this recent trend is the follow-up to the extreme simplicity that we have witnessed in recent years.

Here below we have worked on 10 reasons that we believe make High Fashion beat streetwear at its own game at the moment.

1. Credibility – Because of their expertise and history in the high fashion industry anything that the High Fashion labels create can only be the best.
2. Quality – The High Fashion brands have a greater range of possibilities to work with the highest quality fabrics and the best manufacturing facilities.
3. Designers – Pulling great designers from everywhere with promising career possibilities for most reasonable payment the High Fashion brands have the best sources of fresh, skilled, best educated designers.
4. Innovations – Working with newest developements also in the scientific area High Fashion brands can afford to research and use new inventions to optimize fabrics and give their collection items new aspects.
5. Collaborations – Because everybody wants to work with the top designers, there are never ending options of collaborations with brands, labels and artists always creating new special editions.
6. Independence – Not having to rely on retailers because the High Fashion brands mostly have their own stores to sell the products they are independent to take their freedoms.
7. Difference – Sneakers have become so common and widely accepted in society that they are worn by the masses. Unique in this environment is who differentiates himself by wearing a sneaker that is not mass produced.
8. Communication – Having the resources to commission huge campaigns to advertise with testimonials that draw highest attention and have real credibility.
9. Exclusivity through availability – The demand for High Fashion is higher than the availability. Often the brands release less quantity that is exclusively to purchase in their own flagship stores.
10. Exclusivity through pricing – The high prices for those High Fashion brands are often higher than the usual customer can and regularly afford which creates an even higher desire for those items.

LIVING CREATIONS

LIVING CREATIONS

This creations represents the creative and colorful life I have. I made this creations to express who I am and what I can do. Making this creations acquire you to have a wide patience, vast creativeness and unique concept that would come up into a nice product. Though making this was a tiring one but along the way you wouldn't mind how tire you are because you'll be enjoying what you're doing.

Fashion doesn't mean you should wear those expensive jeans and dresses but it is how you bring your self and wearing it with much poise. Remember you should know what you are wearing because you may look FAB or FLAP.

Each of us was given a talent but it is how we improve it and make it a part of your life that would distinguish your uniqueness.

be YOU. make it your OBRA.

Principles of Design

The Principles are concepts used to organize or arrange the structural elements of design. Again, the way in which these principles are applied affects the expressive content, or the message of the work.The principles are:

Balance 

Proportion 

Rhythm 

Emphasis 

Unity 

Balance

Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium, and relates to our physical sense of balance. It is a reconciliation of opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. Most successful compositions achieve balance in one of two ways: symmetrically or asymmetrically. Balance in a three dimensional object is easy to understand; if balance isn't achieved, the object tips over. To understand balance in a two dimensional composition, we must use our imaginations to carry this three dimensional analogy forward to the flat surface.


Symmetrical balance can be described as having equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. It may also be referred to as formal balance. When the elements are arranged equally on either side of a central axis, the result is Bilateral symmetry. This axis may be horizontal or vertical. It is also possible to build formal balance by arranging elements equally around a central point , resulting in radial symmetry.



There is a variant of symmetrical balance called approximate symmetry in which equivalent but not identical forms are arranged around the fulcrum line.



Asymmetrical balance, also called informal balance, is more complex and difficult to envisage. It involves placement of objects in a way that will allow objects of varying visual weight to balance one another around a fulcrum point. This can be best imagined by envisioning a literal balance scale that can represent the visual "weights" that can be imagined in a two dimensional composition. For example, it is possible to balance a heavy weight with a cluster of lighter weights on equal sides of a fulcrum; in a picture, this might be a cluster of small objects balanced by a large object. It is also possible to imagine objects of equal weight but different mass (such as a large mass of feathers versus a small mass of stones) on equal sides of a fulcrum. Unequal weights can even be balanced by shifting the fulcrum point on our imaginary scale.
Whether the solution is simple or complex, some form of balance can be identified in most successful compositions. For a further discussion of balance in design see these sites:
Symmetrical balance 
Asymmetrical balance

Proportion

Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various elements in a design. The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of a whole. This means that it is necessary to discuss proportion in terms of the context or standard used to determine proportions.


Our most universal standard of measurement is the human body; that is, our experience of living in our own bodies. We judge the appropriateness of size of objects by that measure. For example, a sofa in the form of a hand is startling because of the distortion of expected proportion, and becomes the center of attention in the room. Architectural spaces intended to impress are usually scaled to a size that dwarfs the human viewer. This is a device often used in public spaces, such as churches or centers of government. The same principle is often applied to corporate spaces through which the enterprise wishes to impress customers with its power and invincibility.

In contrast, the proportions of a private home are usually more in scale with human measure, and as a result it appears more friendly, comfortable, less intimidating.



Use of appropriate scale in surface design is also important. For example, an overly large textile design can overwhelm the form of a garment or a piece of furniture.









A surprising aspect of proportion is the way ideal proportions can vary for the human body itself. Styles change in bodies as they do in clothing. Prior to the 16th century, for example, the female body ideally had large hips and belly. Only later was a small waistline stressed.







In the 17th century and many other periods, the ideal body was much heavier than we would accept today.





Of course, in the last 35 years the ideal personified by the fashion model has fostered a standard which idealizes exceptionally slender body proportions for women. In this century, sports have provided models for ideal male body proportions. Beginning with the rise of televised football in the 1960's, and the subsequent fitness boom, an increasingly exaggerated muscular silhouette, corresponding to that of the uniformed and padded football player, was presented as the ultimate male form. Only in this period could Arnold Schwartzenegger have represented the heroic ideal body image. This trend reached its most extreme form in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Since that time the emergence of basketball as the predominant American sport has led to a more naturally proportioned fit body ideal for men.


In addition, artists frequently take liberties with the natural proportions of the human body to achieve their expressive goals. A well known classic example is Michaelangelo's David, in which distortions of proportion are used by the artist to depict both the youthfulness of the boy David, together with the power of the hero about to conquer the giant Goliath. The surrealist painter Magritte often used distortions of proportions to create striking effects.

Let Fashion Speak!

LET FASHION SPEAK!

Try on all of your favorite clothes. Take notes on how they fit and flatter you. Then shop for similar colors, fabrics, shapes and lengths.

A great fit can make an outfit, just as a poor fit can break it!

A well-cut suit is one of the most flattering outfits you can own. Remember: dark tones create a long line.

Choose a fingertip length jacket or one that falls mid-hip. Pants should be straight leg or boot cut and the hem should be worn slightly long.

Select flat knit, fine rib and jersey tops; Choose pants with flapless pockets, flat fronts with just enough stretch for added comfort.

Know thyself - Know your proportions! Skinny bottom half? Wear a full top over narrow pants Short waisted? Wear a long top and short skirt Petite torso? Wear a fitted top with full pants Long waisted? Pair a short top with long bottoms

Show off the trimmest parts of your body by combining a tight fitting piece with a loose fitting one.

Any color worn head to toe in a clean, unbroken line will produce a dynamically slimming effect.

Don't worry if separates don't match exactly. Tonal variations are a creative alternative.

Taller bodies can take larger prints and more contrast.

The darker a print's background, the slimmer the look.

Blouses: a collared shirt always gives a torso a few good inches and frames the face handsomely.

A slim v-neck makes the neck appear longer and is usually very flattering.

Boatnecks are great for minimizing waists and hips, while maximizing sexy shoulders.

If your legs are fuller inside, try a side slit. If your legs are fuller outside, a mid-front or back slit is a better choice.

There is never an excuse for panty lines! A thong is a girl's best friend - they even come with tummy control.

Bright colors bring attention to an area - make sure you wear them wisely and only on your most flattering body parts.

Dark hosiery is in this fall. While brightly colored turquoise and scarlet hose may look great in the store window, muted hues like teal and wine are much more flattering. Match the shoe and the hose color to tighten the look even more.

A shoulder bag tucked quietly under the arm is most flattering.

Stilettos are back and in spite of the discomfort at times - they make your legs look like a million dollars!

The Stepping Stones of my Aspiration; Furne One

FURNE ONE

    Furne One, designer and owner of brand, Amato Haute Couture, has never been in higher demand.  Celebrated for his natural ability to craft extravagant and artistic designs, the Dubai based designer has quickly made his way up the fashion ladder and is regarded as one of the most hotly anticipated designers on the global fashion stage.

   Originally from the Philippines, Furne was mesmerized by fashion from an early age having inherited his Mother and Grandmother’s love for beautiful clothes and began sketching at the age of ten.  Furne One’s first foray into the fashion world saw him win the MEGA Magazine Young Designer of the Philippines Award in 1994; a competition judged by key fashion players including Josie Natori.  Natori saw Furne’s potential and offered him an apprenticeship at his New York design house. It was here that Furne was able to further explore and indulge his passion for fashion.  In the same year, Furne also scooped the first prize at Japan’s Women’s Wear Awards and just three years later he went on went on to become a finalist at Manila’s Fashion Designer Awards.

     In 2002, Furne opened his first boutique, Amato, meaning “beloved”, in Dubai to provide his elite clientele with an unrivaled array of hand stitched designs and intricately detailed creations. Known for his creative flair, Furne’s design credentials soon saw him inundated with offers for his work.

After following the rise of the Amato success, in 2007, Swarovski commissioned Furne to design a glittering bridal dress which featured in their limited edition book, Unbridaled.  Furne’s collaboration with Swarovski did not end there and he has since partnered with the brand to produce show-stopping collections for its Crystalised Swarovski Elements events. 

     In 2008 Furne’s imaginative creations caught the eye of the European fashion elite at Germany’s Next Top Model and he was invited to be a special guest designer in the shows season finale with supermodel Heidi Klum.  The tremendous response to his collections resulted in a reprise of this role for the following three years, a move which rocketed Furne One and Amato Couture onto the international fashion centre stage.

A regular on the catwalk at international fashion weeks including London, Dubai, Los Angeles and Miami, Furne is one of the most desirable rising talents in the fashion world, which is further demonstrated by the long list of celebrities who include Amato Couture as one of their red carpet favourites.  Celebrities who can be seen wearing Furne’s creations include supermodel Heidi Klum, singing sensations Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Shakira, Heidi Klum, Nicole Scherzinger, Amber Rose  and Nicki Minaj.

     2012 will be a monumental year for Furne One and Amato Couture following the successful opening of the brands first boutique in the US, in Los Angeles and plans to expand further.

    When asked about the keys to his success, Furne shares that it’s about diligence. "Hard work and diligence. But, you know, there are so many talented designers everywhere so I think you also need a little luck. Being in the right place at the right time. I was lucky," he said with a smile.

Classic Ombre Short

OMBRE SHORT

Materials needed:

- White Shorts

- Fabric Dyes

- Studs

Procedures:

1. Put a medium amount of water in the container and add the dye on it.

2. Afterwards, put the half part of the shorts on the dye. (depends on the color you want.) And leave it for 5 minutes.

Example:

3. After Step no.2, put the other part of the short on the other tub of dye and leave it for 5 minutes.

4. After all the above mentioned procedures, let it dry for a while until the color of the dyes will vividly show.

Example:

5. When it dries, put those Studs anywhere you want. Studs will add drama to your ombre short. And your Ombre Short is now ready to wear.

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. 

be YOU. make it your OBRA.

Classic Army Look

CLASSIC ARMY LOOK

Materials needed:

-While Polo/Blouse

-Gold Chains

-Studs

-Threads and Needles

Procedures:

1. Prepare first all the materials needed.

2. Put those studs in the shoulder part of Polo to achieve an epaulette style.

Example 1a:

3. Put those chains below the studs by sewing it using your needle with thread to achieve the army look as seen in the photo a while ago.

Example 2a:

4. And after those, just do by yourself some finishing touches. And your Classic Army Inspired Polo is now ready to wear.

Thanks for Visiting my Blog and for enjoying this tutorial. Be YOU, Make it your OBRA.