The Chocolate Fashion Blog (TM): November 2009

Fashion Feature: The Evolution of Rocawear

Monday, November 30, 2009

By no means am I a streetwear kind of girl. I like to keep it simple with a pair of jeans and a fitted tee for weekends looks, and at night I prefer to be a little more glammed up. Still one has to recognize an iconic brand when it celebrates 10 years in the business.

Rocawear had modest beginnings, initially serving as a tee shirt collection for hip-hop fans who bobbed their heads to likes of Sean "Jay-Z" Carter. In 1999 he and then partner Damon Dash started a line of clothing they simply wanted to wear, and dubbed it Rocawear.

The first collection included simple jeans, tees, and warm-up suits, staples in the urban hoods of which the inspiration of Roc-a-Fella Records began. The simple "RW" logo has become a iconic symbolism of not only fashion but hip-hop as well. Music and fashion have always been intertwined so it was only natural that Rocawear founder Jay-Z evolve into a full-fledged music and fashion mogul. Even though he has traded his baggy jeans for tailored suits and tuxedos at time, he is almost always spotted in his brand's gear.

And what better way to sell your product than to wear it? Jay has been the poster boy for Rocawear since day one and even enlisted a few friends to help with the task. Super model Naomi Campbell appeared in 2003 alongside Victoria Beckham. Zoe Saldana also lent her lovely looks to a 2007 campaign. Rocawear's target audience is hardly what I would call fashionistas. They are likely to live on life's edgier side and be all about trends and get their fashion tips from music videos. Still Rocawear has managed to fill the hearts of many and sales have been consistent and profitable, unlike brands like J. Lo and G-Unit which have found their way to bargain bins across the country.

Fortunately for Rocawear, it's street cred has encouraged sales and evolved into one of the most successful urban clothing lines of its time. We'll look forward to seeing Rocawear in another ten years.

Parties & Events: Real Women of Atlanta Announce Charity Event

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Who: The Real Women of Atlanta, an all-new reality show being filmed and produced in Atlanta, will host a charitable party.

What: The Hot Pink Star-Studded Charitable Party will include a host of local celebrities, wine tasting, fashion show, auction and live entertainment.

When: The charitable event will take place on Thursday, December 3rd from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m.

Where: Rain Night Club
448 Ralph David Abernathy, Suite 5 and 6
Atlanta, GA 30312

Why: The Hot Pink Star-Studded Charity Party is in support of breast cancer awareness and will solicit donations for breast cancer research.

Special Opportunities: The event will begin with red carpet for special guests at 7 p.m. with the party starting at 8 p.m.

For more information: To purchase tickets or make a donation call 404-552-5211 or visit http://RealWomenofATL.com

Parties & Events: American Music Awards 2009 Red Carpet

Mary J. Blige

Shaun Robinson

Melody Thornton

Toni Braxton

Alicia Keys

Shakira

Leona Lewis

The American Music Awards were held in Los Angeles at the Nokia Live Theater, Sunday, November 22nd.

Designers of Color: Stephen Burrows

Stephen Burrows began his design career after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 1966. He launched his first ready-to-wear collection in 1969 and later went to work for Henri Bendel after he was hired by fashion director Geraldine Stultz.

Looks from the Stephen Burrows spring 2010 collection.

Burrows client list consists of some of the most glamorous women of our time including Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Grace Jones, Elsa Perretti, Barbra Streisand Vivica A. Fox and Eva Longoria. He also helped launch the careers of Bethann Hardison, Pat Cleveland, Iman and the late Naomi Sims.

Fall 2009 Looks

In 2002, Henri Bendel reopened the Stephen Burrows World boutique. Vogue magazine touted the event as the Party of the Season and Burrows received coverage in American, French and Japanese Vogue. Burrows also received a star on the Seventh Avenue Fashion Walk of Fame.

With a 40 year design history, Stephen Burrows has secured his presence in the fashion industry as a design leader. He continues to create masterpieces that are examples of refined beauty and elegance.

www.stephenburrows.com

Fashion Previews: Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2010

Burberry Prorsum is all about militarily chic for pre-fall 2010. The looks capture the essence of the military spirit coupled with a bit of chic. Cinched waists, aviator-jackets and lush gabardine are dominant while the signature trenches get upgraded with more style and colors. Tailored skirts, ruffled details and slim-fitting skirts round out this classic collection.

www.burberry.com

www.artofthetrench.com

Fashion & Style News: Zac Posen Launches Cheaper Sportswear Line

Friday, November 27, 2009

Times are a changing and fashion designers are no strangers to adversity. With the fashion industry being adversely affected by the recession, many designers are cutting back and making concessions just to stay relevant. Zac Posen, who is well-known in the fashion industry for his cutting-edge eveningwear, is not immune to the pitfalls of an economic recession.

After receiving much pressure from the press and retailers to expand his collection, Posen has decided to launch a sportswear collection. However, instead of including it as part of his signature high-end label, Posen will release the line as an entirely separate lower-priced label called Z Spoke.

Z Spoke will be tailored to the fashionista who cannot afford to shell out thousands of dollars for chic sportswear. The designs will be approached with a minimalist and militarian aesthetic which is a far cry from the red carpet head-turning looks that Posen is famously known for in the industry.

The sportswear collection will introduce 60 pieces inspired by the “downtown urban hipster” street style that will range from knits, cotton shirting, blazers, and pleated khaki shorts. For the most part, the Z Spokes pieces will be sold in neutral hues with sparks of vibrant colors that will pop up in the collection from time to time. When the brand launches in spring 2010, it will be sold exclusively at 17 different Saks Fifth Avenue’s retail stores. Consumers will also be able to purchase Posen’s low-priced sportswear at Saks.com. Its price point will range from $78 for a cotton T-shirt to $675 for a knit dress which is reasonably priced in comparison with Posen’s designer collection that has a price point which ranges from $900 to $12,000 and can peak as high as $20,000 for custom pieces.

Zac Posen’s launch of Z Spoke is befitting to the current downturn shift in the fashion industry and couldn’t have happened at a much better time. The release of Z Spoke will prove to be a great financial growth opportunity for Posen and a beneficial opportunity for style conscious consumers whom cannot afford to buy clothing from Posen’s high-end line. As fashion designers continue to make sacrificial cut-backs and launch lines catered to a lower-priced market, fashionistas can continue to look forward to fashionably affordable apparel as they ride out this recession.

Feature: Retailers Prep for Black Friday

Department stores and specialty retailers across the country are getting ready for the biggest shopping day in history, Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of holiday shopping and big sales.

For the fashionistas on a budget, stores like Neiman Marcus, NY & Co, The Limited, and Victoria's Secret are giving shoppers incentives for spending their hard earned cash. While some stores are opening as early as 5AM, most are offering huge discounts on merchandise, as much as 50% of the entire store (NY&Co) or buy one get one free deals. Express Fashion is offering 25% off of everything until 12 Noon Eastern Standard Time.

Loehmann's is opening at 6 AM and the first 400 shoppers $25 a $50 purchase. Macy's is rewarding customers with savings by issuing Savings Passes good for use from 5AM to 1PM, $10 off all sale and clearance apparel with a $25 purchase. at J.Crew online, shoppers can get an extra 20% off and free shipping on orders of $150 or more.

Getting to the stores early is the key to getting the best merchandise. So if you're planning on doing some serious shopping here's a few tips for getting through Black Friday:

1) Get a good night's sleep.
2) Make a list of what you need. This will help you save time.
3) Dress comfortably.
4) Avoid credit cards if you can help it and bring cash.
5) Bring your coupons, gift cards and vouchers and keep them a safe place.
6) Get to the stores early.
7) Take a break. Don't try to do too much too fast.
8) Bring a friend, they can help you tote all those bags!
9) Stay focused and have fun!