The Art Institute: An experience in itself

I started at the Art Institue of Charlotte in July 2006. My love for clothes and fashion is what drove me to leave UNCC and attend the Art Institue. The Art Institute has opened my eyes even furthur to the world of fashion and has taught me a lot about the industry. I have learned about potential jobs and what the fashion industry has to offer. Most of the teachers at the Art Institute have done a great job at motivating me to be a better student. Although times at school have seemed bad, I have enjoyed my time. I have met some great people while finding my true place in the world of fashion.

Michelle Obama: First Lady or Fashion Icon?

Michelle Obama is now being noticed not only for what she says, but what she is wearing. The potential first lady is grabbing attention for her fashion flair. She is being called by many as a budding fashion icon. Her choices are causing quite a stir amoung the media. Michelle loves dresses and is often seen in them. Some compare her sense of style to Jackie O. Michelle carefully plans her outfits that she wears to important events such as the Democratic National Convention, where she was seen in a stricking blue-green dress. Michelle Obama will most likely not change her clean and elegant style if she makes it to the White House.

See Video:

http://video.aol.com/partner/cbs/mrs-obamas-fashion-sense/df1kqBhcSskDMKFhNWaV62LCWUvBc4_o

The Dish: The Rachel Zoe Project

Rachel Zoe, the stylist to the stars. is coming to Bravo. Rachel Zoe will star in a new show called The Rachel Zoe Project. The show will follow Rachel and her inner circle, which include her husband and fashion team. The show will chronicle the go to stylist among "it" starlets, beauty firms, fashion houses, and magazine editors as she juggles constant deadlines, fashion shows, and celebrity clients. Viewers will get to see Zoe and her team struggle trying to push her to the front of a new design business, while ensuring she has enough time for her successful business as an A-list stylist. She is on call 24 hours a day to search and shop for unique pieces to makeover and style models, private clients, advertising campaigns, editoriall shoots, and runway shows. The series will show viwers how Zoe

through her personalized touches have made her a household name.

A Break From the Ordinary

One of the newest innovations in makeup is ColorOn, the first-ever press on eye shadow. The new product created by world-famous makeup artist Irina Losilevich, is the first of its kind. Women everywhere can now get instant,professionally done makeup in a snap.ColorOn's EyeEnvy applique eyeshadows allow you to pick your favorite eye shadow, then just press and go. The new kits are offered in dozens of different looks, from natural to smoky to leopard print. ColorOn Professional EyeEnvy allows you to get perfect, sexy eyes in seconds.

EyeEnvy-Smokey Kit, $25

This kit and other kits found at Sephora

The 5 Essentials!!!

Having some essential items in your closet can get you dressed for any occasion in a snap! The 5 essential items in your wardrobe should be a day dress, a black pencil skirt, a white tank top, a black blazer, and a short evening dress. These 5 pieces can take you from work, to weekend, to a night out on the town. A simple day dress paired with flip flops is perfect for a weekend of shopping! A canvas bag is durable and provides great storage! A black pencil skirt paired with a sophisticated white tank top is peffect for work. A classic black blazer can provide warmth in a chilly office or used in more conservative settings. Black peep toes heels and simple silver hoops are the perfect accessories. A fun, flirty evening dress is essential for a night out on the town. This pink and black dress is perfectly paired with some sexy patent leather heels. Funky silver earrings and a sequined black cluth finish the ensemble.

Fall Color Trends

Fashion is now developing with a richness of variety. Color spectrums are ranging from rational minimalism to feminine flirty and from genuine naturalness to futuristic modernity. One color palette for Fall 2008 comes from the cool atmosphere of modern architecture. The urban setting offers colors in grey and deep dark shades. The intense colors of this palette including red, pink, violet, and green resemble the lights in a city. These colors are perfect for graphic or sporty looks. This new modernity clearly supports the futuristic style of today’s fashion.
These dark intense colors are the perfect setting for Fall fashion. These colors will pop against the neutral colors already in our Spring wardrobes. Monochromatic black, grey, and white will be the background against these intense colors. Graphic patterns using these dark, intense colors will be used on tops and dresses. Graphic tops can also been worn with our current jeans already in our closet. Sleek, black patent leather accessories will match the futuristic style of fall fashion.

For more information on colors for Fall 2008 visit Fashion Trendsetter

Laws of Saggy Pants

Baggy Jeans became popular back in the 1990’s. Some say the trend started in prison, where oversized uniforms were issued without belts, because belts could be used as a weapon. Others say rap artist such as Mark Wahlberg, back then know as “Marky Mark” help popularize the baggy jeans and exposed underwear. But no matter who started it, the trend became very popular in the 90’s. It was mostly celebrated by the hip-hop culture, but designers such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger were celebrating the trend. Jeans are considered too baggy if they are so low they expose the underwear, and now states are trying to outlaw them.

Cities such as Atlanta, are trying their hardest to ban saggy jeans, and are considering it to be a crime against the indecency laws. Eugene Williams, mayor of Lynwood, led a campaign to impose $25 dollar fines against anyone who reveals three inches or more of their drawers. And in Louisiana there are several cities where residents can be fined for $500 for showing their Calvin’s.

But is this going against our US constitutional right of freedom of expression? Many people believe that it is not right to dictate how people can and in this case, can’t dress. Benjamin Chavis, the former executive director of the NAACP said “I think to criminalize how people wear their clothing is more offensive than what the remedy is trying to do.” In agreement to this statement, The American Civil Liberties Union has been steadfast in its opposition to the dress restrictions.

To some, saggy jeans are disrespectful. The way that people walk in saggy jeans, to some, is considered to convey a thuggish swagger and disrespect to authority. But when it comes down to it, people might not like saggy jeans, yes but there is really no way to dictate how someone should dress. People do walk funny in saggy jeans, but it’s no reason to outlaw them. The clothes that people wear are a reflection of who that person is, it’s a way to express themselves without saying a word. Making such a big deal about saggy jeans is one of the farthest things that people should have on their minds, especially when there are so much bigger issues that are going on in the world.

History
Designers
Stereotypes

Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week!!!

“It starts with a sketch….It becomes Fashion”

On September 18, 2008 is the start of Charlotte, North Carolina’s first ever Fashion Week. This three day event will be taking place at the Blake Hotel, in the heart of downtown Charlotte. This exciting 3-day event will feature runway shows, vendors, industry workshops, and entertainment. Designers from various major cities including New York, Atlanta, and Charlotte will all be showcasing their fashions. This event will also provide networking opportunities for fashion and beauty enthusiasts to connect to industry professionals. Charlotte Fashion Week will be a fun, exciting time that no one should miss. We look forward to seeing you there!

One up and coming designer that will be featured at CNCFW is Charlotte native Arielle Parker Bergmann, creator of Elleira Couture. Arielle has a degree in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Arielle also gives back to the community, by teaching fashion and he dynamics of the industry at a local high school. In 2007, she started her own clothing line in Huntsville, Al, where she now lives. All of Arielle’s designs are produced on a small scale, in the United States. Arielle pays

attention to detail when designing her clothing, making each individual piece unique. Her designs range from t-shirts to cocktail dresses, making it wearable for all women.

Special Guests

Blue Erro Soul Entertainment Recording Artist, Eric Roberson

Designer, Author, and Project Runway Contestant, CarmenWebber

Industry Workshops

Modeling and Runway Training
Fashion Styling and Image Consulting

Trendsetter: Rebecca Joseph

In 2006 Rebecca Joseph moved from Ohio to Charlotte to continue her education in fashion at the Art Institute of Charlotte. An aspiring event promoter, she describes her style as “trendy with a twist”. Her distinctive style evolves from taking old pieces and making them new. Along with this she mixes and matches pieces from different price points giving her a one of a kind look. While she admits she is a bargain shopper, she does splurge on classic, timeless pieces. Her favorite designers right now are Heatherette, Alexander McQueen, and the ever funky style of Betsey Johnson. Rebecca’s rocker chic side pulls its inspiration from Gwen Stefani’s line, LAMB saying “I’ll wear anything she makes!”

"Citizens and True Religion just
fit me the best."

Citizens of Humanity, Nordstroms

"My rocker side is drawn to Ed Hardy."

Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier

Handbag, edhardyshop.com

"I'm into Puma right now too."

Puma Track Jacket, Puma.com

The History of the Modern Tattoo

In the 21st century there are many forms of artistic expression. Some people use music, painting, theatre and dance. Others use their bodies to show their creativity. Tattooing is one of the most common forms of artistic expression in our modern society.

The earliest form of tattooing began in the early 19th century, when sailors discovered Native Americans that were tattooed and became intrigued with the art. Sailors began to experiment with tattoos, and soon tattoo shops were located right on the docks. Sailors were getting tattoos of images that were inspired by the spirit of the times. Society image of tattooing began to change and become more popular. Tattoos changed from anchors and crucifix to portraits of famous Hollywood stars. This led to celebrities publicly displaying tattoos, and helped to popularize the art in the media’s eyes.

Tattoos have experienced a growth trend due to a greater number of tattoo ink colors and fine artists entering the field. High profile celebrities in music, sports, and entertainment continue to get tattoos making it more socially acceptable. Television is helping to expand this trend even more through the creation of reality shows such as, Miami Ink, LA Ink, and London Ink. One of the most famous tattoo artists from LA Ink is Kat Von D, who is known for her distinctive style. She was also seen in the hit E! series It's Complicated tattooing Denise Richards.

Tattooing has expanded to people of all walks of life, its everyday people like you and me. The art of tattooing has blown up; it’s not just a simple choice. The design possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild!

Trend Post!!!

Hey everyone. Fall is just around the corner, so here is a taste of one trend that you can be sure to see!!!

Print Dresses

Dresses are returning this fall with even more designs, prints, and colors. These dressses will flow and be looser than the sheath versions from the spring. These dresses can be paired with tights and jackets for the perfect look. Print dresses can be worn by just about anyone. These dresses can be found at all price points, from the top desginers down to Forever 21.

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