Angel Millar

December 26, 2011

What makes a fashion signature looks

Posted by angelmillardesign under Apparel, Beauty, Branding, Fashion
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What is a “signature look”? And why is it important for fashion companies? Every design company has a “look” that, if it is successful, is recognizable to the public. If a company look (as part of its “branding”) is really well established you’ll be able to recognize a design company just be the font it uses in its packaging, in its chose of color, or cut of the clothing.

CK, and some other companies, have pushed this to the max. In this case, Calvin Klein stripped its packaging to the absolute essentials, using flat color and plain font logo. (more…)

December 13, 2011

Why museum, gallery, and retail research is essential for the designer

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A modern design inspired by classical Chinese art.

Exactly what is creativity, and where does it begin? Many non-designers and design students in their early years believe that there is some kind of “creativity gene.” It’s certainly true, of course, that some people are more creative than others, and that some seem naturally inventive. But, there is a recognizable creative process that all designers use, whether they know it or not. (more…)

November 4, 2011

Fashion gives life to NY’s projected culture area

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Housed at Bryant Park, midtown Manhattan for more than a decade and a half, NY Fashion week only moved — or upgraded, depending on your perspective — to the Lincoln Center in late 2010. However, with a planned 26-acre cultural area (or “Culture Shed”) on the edge of the West Side, scheduled to begin opening to the public in 2013, Mayor Bloomberg says that the twice-yearly fashion event may be held there in the future. (more…)

November 4, 2011

The new Dior hotel suite

Posted by angelmillardesign under Branding
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Having created a Dior suite in 1991, the St. Regis hotel, New York, has been working with the design house once again, and has now unveiled a second Dior suit. The new suite is 1700 square ft, and comprised of a bedroom, bathrooms, and a dining room and living room. (more…)

September 2, 2011

Watch the Helmut Lang fashion show live

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Helmut Lang will be putting on its first fashion show since 2005 this season. The collection will be showcased at New York fashion week on Saturday September 10. If you can’t be there, you can watch the show live at helmutlang.com.

September 2, 2011

Asian in Vogue

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Cover for Vogue China September 2011

“Are Chinese models putting an end to Asia’s colonial mentality?” asks Forbes. This question was prompted by the cover for the current issue of Chinese Vogue, and he appearance of models FeiFei Sun, Ming Xi, Shu Pei, Xiao Wen Ju, and Estee Lauder’s first-ever Asian model Liu Wen. The significance of Chinese models in China may seem a little difficult to understand. But China and Japan have typically preferred to use Western models. (more…)

August 10, 2011

Handle with care: The $18,000 flip flops

Posted by angelmillardesign under Shoes, Textile Design
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$18,000 flip flops by Chipkos

Sandal design company Chipkos has partnered with Angeles contemporary artist, David Palmer, to create the world’s most expensive flip flops (or, at least I hope they are at $18,000). As an extra bonus for those feeling a little guilty about such a frivolous purchase, Chipkos also promises to protect 100,000 square feet of endangered rainforest. I quite like the fun, colorful design, and — now I’ve seen some — Palmer’s paintings, but I’m guessing anyone who can spend thousands of dollars on flip flops probably has a rainforest in the back garden.

July 27, 2011

Vercase: ban sandblasted denim

Posted by angelmillardesign under Apparel, Denim
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Levi’s, H&M, C&A, and Gucci have already stopped using sandblasting denim. The effect is created by spraying denim with sand at high power, and is, apparently, hazardous. The process is used to create that “worn” look that we love. The Clean Clothes Campaign has been calling on Vercase to join the growing industry boycott, and the company has said that it also now calls for a ban on the practice. Looks like we’ll have to stick to bleach spots and rips.

July 11, 2011

Rihanna: new face of Emporio Armani

Posted by angelmillardesign under Apparel, Branding, Fashion, Lingerie, Models
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If you follow Rihanna on Twitter, you might have caught this tweet: “U would NEVER guess what I’m doing right now!!! Hint Hint #Armani” Okay, so now we know; Rihanna has signed on as a “spokesmodel” (I love that word) for Emporio Armani. The singer will be promoting jeans and lingeria, and will be appearing on billboards from September.

July 11, 2011

Tom Ford: 80s glamor is back

Posted by angelmillardesign under Branding, Fashion, Models, Womenswear
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Candice Swanepoel the face — and body — of Tom Ford’s new advertising campaign.

Swanepoel, a South African model known for her work with Victoria’s Secret, was discovered by model scout Kevin Ellis while shopping in a flea market in 2003. Last year she was named one of the top ten models by Forbes.

I love the photography, especially the sumptuous color. It’s a little like a Patrick Nagel illustration come to life; a little Duran Duran and Robert Palmer (dare I say it), and total (best of) 80s glamor — real-woman, sexy, raunchy, city-dwelling, filthy rich, glamor. Or something like that.

Don’t believe me? (more…)

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