CRS 362- Ethnic influences on apparel design

It's no secret that different ethnicity's have a major impact on our apparel design today. I believe that it brings a unique style to the traditional American design. You can look at designers such as Free People and see that it is indirectly influenced by a different culture. Free People consists of a lot of bohemian designs, something you maybe seen wore in the Caribbean. Also, after researching the most recent New York Fashion week, much of the style I saw was European.
The most common ethnic design that I see is the large bangles and "junky" jewelery. This fad came about a couple years ago and has really stuck. I see girls wearing this almost everyday. It reminds me of a more Indian style, however, it is quickly losing its ethnic feel due to the fact that is has become so "Americanized."
I would really like to see more ethnic designs make its way to everyday fashion here. It would be interesting to see the American take on Chinese or Japanese style.

RCS 362- "When Pigs Fly"

I heard about Flat Earth chips when I was at Subway one day for lunch. The chips were offered as a side to one’s sandwich. I automatically knew that the product had to have some sort nutritional value if they were accessible there but I didn’t get a chance to read the label. I most certainly agree with the positioning of Flat Earth. I think the name of the brand is quite clever as well. It does seems impossible for a half a serving of fruits or vegetables to be baked into every ounce of a chip and it still taste good, hence the name Flat Earth. To insure the validity of their claim I would have to try the product and I will the next chance I get. I believe they have done a great job in intriguing potential consumers.

The commercial for Flat Earth chips was excellent, even down to the music. It was an upbeat tune (feeling of being happy) and pictured a well manicured female following a pink pig around her home. I liked that they used the saying “when pigs fly.” Much like the name of the brand we all know that it is impossible for pigs to fly. It really drives home the message for the viewers that even though this concept may seem ridiculous, its not.

If the brand was to position itself to a younger audience such as college women I would suggest they make a point to advertise how much the product cost, something on the mind of every college student. When I saw the ad, the thought that the chips would be expensive ran through my mind. My idea for a commercial, if they were advertising to a college age crowd, would be women at a study session munching on a bowl of Flat Earth chips. This would say to me, not only are these girls smart because they are studying but also because they are eating these chips. However, I think that the existing commercial speaks to, obviously women, but to a wide age range. Every woman, young or old, is going to think that the pink pig in the commercial is adorable. It’s like if there are puppies in an advertisement, almost all women are going to connect with that.

CRS 231-New York Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is known for being the premier fashion show in the world. People that aren’t even interested in fashion have heard of this event. This is the week where top designers get to unveil their collections to other designers and wealthy clients. The people that attend New York Fashion Week are of the finest in the fashion industry and many celebrities. While scrolling through the list of designers, I came across many names that I didn’t know. Some of the names that I did recognize and admire were BCBG Maxazria, Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, and Miss Sixty.
I went through and watched many of the videos from designers that I knew and didn’t know, looking for a common link to connect them all. However, I came to the realization that each designer was so different from the next, whether it was the material used or color palette chosen. One of my favorites to watch was Miss Sixty. Although the clothes may not be wearable for the average person like me, it was edgy and unique, more so than the other designers I looked at. The collection was extremely sexy, consisting of long flowing dresses (with matching bags) to tight short shorts. A wide assortment of material was used, each piece unlike the next. It definitely kept my attention. The one consistency I found was the knee high, striped stockings on almost every model, almost as if was a trade mark of Miss Sixty. I could absolutely see high fashion women in Europe wearing this line.
Calvin Klein was another designer that presented a terrific collection (no surprise there). Unlike Miss Sixty, this line was very structured but still extremely feminine. The majority of the pieces were a nude color; occasionally I saw a pop of blue of silver in one of the dresses. In my opinion, this collection is certainly wearable for women in America that are interested in fashion. I think this line was targeted to professional women. The dresses were amazing, and the material used looked really comfortable as well. The entire line was very appealing to the eye.

Bibliography:
IMG Fashion. (2008). Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Retrieved September 18,2008 from http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/spring2009/home.html.

CRS 231-Organic and Environmental Friendly Clothing

I was very unfamiliar with organic clothing. I haven't heard much about it, usually I hear about organic food or environmental friendly cars. I did a little research on it and I've come to the conclusion that I have mixed feelings regarding the issue. Recently it seems that American is all about "going green," which I certainly support. However, I do not believe I would wear organic clothing even if it is environmental friendly. I have never been in a organic clothing store but from what I can gather from the Internet and textbook, the color of the apparel isn't as bright as what we may be used to wearing. Moreover, it seems to be extremely expensive. I have been guilty of spending more on clothes and accessories probably more than necessary, however, I would not spend the same amount of money on something that isn't as bright or look the way I wanted it to. I know that I can support the green effort in other ways such as driving a hybrid car. I would be interested to visit a store that solely carries organic clothing, maybe I would feel differently on the issue.

RCS 362- Ethics in Advertising

It is common knowledge that many ads are directed towards certain age groups and/or ethnicity's. For example, many toys are advertised directly to toddlers or young children. These ad agencies rely on the nag factor ; children will nag their parents into buying toys, food, etc. Many people have very strong feelings regarding ads that do just this. Years ago, there were bill boards with young, beautiful looking women smoking a "Virgina Slim," or other type of cigarette. To teenagers it comes off that smoking is cool or will make one look more beautiful.
In my opinion, I believe that advertisement agencies have the right to advertise their client's products or companies in which ever way they believe will be effective. We all know that humans have freedom of speech and we all project our opinions at some point or another. To me it seems hypocritical to judge certain ads that are doing the same thing. By saying this, I don't think all teenagers should start smoking but I don't find such ads as unethical.

CRS 231- My favorite designer

Like many young women my age, I'm a fan of Marc Jacobs, Burberry, BCBG, the list goes on. Recently, I have discovered that I really like Free People. I only started wearing clothes from this line about a year ago. I feel that Free People has a unique style to it that you don't see that often. I purchase mostly tops that are bright colors and embellished with beads. I think that Free People is the perfect mixture of vintage and cutting edge "hip" fashion. Some people may describe this line as different or a little "off beat," but that is only what you see in stores. If you shop online for Free People there is a lot of plain pieces as well, something you may see in a Victoria Secret catalog. There is a select amount of denim and solid colored blouses. The target market for this brand is middle to upper class females in the age range of 18-30. I tend to wear the clothes I own by Free People more when I'm going out but they are also comfortable to wear to school.

RCS 362- Analysis of Express Identity

I chose Express not because I dislike or like the brand but because I used to work for the company. I thought that maybe since I was an employee there at one time it would give me a little more insight into the true identity of the brand. The following is the core identity of Express:

Value offering: great sales, consistent deals and coupons sent out to loyal customers
Apparel Quality: descent quality clothing, appropriate for price paid
Service: upbeat, "fashionable" employees. Music is always loud and usually what is very popular at the time
Users: fairly wide age range, 15-30, mostly women who may of just graduated college; young professionals. College aged women looking for "party" outfits.

Express is meant to be a fun shopping experience. Friendly sales associates are always eager to help customers. The brand offers flirty and new apparel at a price that can reach a lot of shoppers.