Bay Area Fashionista

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Cape is the New Coat

 in Trends  tagged capes / fall 2011 / outerwear / winter 2012 by

When Hermes sent models down the spring 2011 runway wearing coats draped over their shoulders allowing the arms to dangle in the back as if they were capes, it was only natural that the rest of the fashion world would get inspired and respond with capes one season later. The new coat is the cape. While classic pea coats and trench coats are standard for every wardrobe; whether male or female, the cape is taking over as the ultimate way to stay warm for women this fall.

The fall 2011 runway shows tossed coats and jackets on the shoulders of models in a cape-esque fashion. Although the cape itself did not dominant the catwalks, it did make an impression on buyers who flocked to designers and ordered capes for their stores. Buyers have stocked their shelves with capes by Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Chloe to name a few.

The cape is in stores as we speak and it is proving to be a highly sought after way of keeping warm when the fog rolls in off the bay. Capes are being shown in classic black, shades of brown, camel, bright colors and one of fall’s hottest hues; burgundy. While the cape will never take the practical place of the great pashmina trend of 1998, this form of warmth is fresh and new and definitely a sassy alternative to the same old coat from last year.

Capes for fall are being shown in many sizes and fabrications for fall 2011; from soft cashmere to wool gabardine. There are capes that flow down to the knees and others which barely cover the bottom of the shoulder blade. Cape-like details are also popping up on dresses and blouses; which is in line with the overall flowing silhouette of the season.

Since the cape trend is in its’ infancy this fall, there is a good chance that it will continue for a few more fall and winter seasons to come. If the cape trend for fall tickles your fancy, this is the perfect time to invest in one that catches your eye. By purchasing a fabulous cape at the beginning of the trend, you will get more wear out of the piece than those who wait until everyone else has one. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

capes for fall by bayareafashionista featuring Nordstrom Collection

Project Ethos offers glamorous and green designs in a club atmosphere

 in Events  tagged fall 2011 / fashion shows / project ethos by

Project Ethos took place August 11, 2011 from 9pm to 2am at Supperclub in San Francisco and it was a fusion between art, fashion and a musical club atmosphere. The cozy venue provided a club atmosphere which kept the vibe energetic while guests mingled and enjoyed music and artwork.

At 11:15pm the Project Ethos runway began and showed off Frederick’s of Hollywood’s latest swimwear line followed by Cardiwrap by Kymaro’s innovative wrap in red; worn seven different ways. After the runway show, The Flavor Fashionista Challenge began and showcased four amazing gowns by local designers. The gowns were created from recycled materials with a theme based on a Vitamin Water flavor. The four designs stole the show as the crowd cheered and applauded each dress as it took the runway.

The Flavor Fashionista Challenge began with a one-shouldered dress by Larissa which combined draped fabrics and mixed autumn hues. The second gown to grace the runway was by Lauren Crafford-LHC Couture. The baby pink gown was short and sparkling with a dramatic sheer, floor-length skirt that received “ooh’s and aah’s” from the crowd. The third gown on the runway was designed by Verrieres & Sako. The intricate gown was done in various shades of pink and plum. The final gown, made by Wen Guo- Boditecture, was a convertible design that began as a short party dress, then converted into a gala gown and then converted again into a beach party ensemble. The dresses benefitted charity and a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales were donated to NEST which is a non-profit dedicated to helping women move from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Artists featured during the event included Kelly Clancy, Lawrence Yang, Tony Papesh and Boris Janovic. Guests were treated throughout the evening with an eclectic DJ performance by AMP Live.

For more information about Project Ethos, please visit projectethos.com 

Python controversy: banned in California

 in General Fashion  tagged python by

Python is one of the most favored exotic skins used by designers around the world for luxury goods such as handbags, shoes, belts and garment embellishments. While python is a mainstay in the fashion world, the fabrication is wildly popular for fall 2011 and gracing store shelves everywhere except the sunny state of California. What is it about Python that Fashionistas should be concerned about and need to know? Here goes:

First off, California has the right to ban Python in the state. The ban does not conflict with federal law. This means the state of California has the right to regulate Python within state lines. According to California law, Python products may not be sold or shipped to the state and they may not be manufactured in the Golden State either. According to findlaw.com, Python has been banned in the state of California since 1971. The penalties can cost more than a highly coveted designer handbag, with fines ranging from $1000 to $5000 and up to six months in jail. That is a high price to pay for fashion!

Python is controversial and therefore banned in California because Indian Python is on the endangered species list. While other forms of python are not considered endangered, the state decided to protect all forms of python in order to protect them from becoming endangered as well.

Python is the common name for “Pythonidae” which is a family of non-venomous snakes. Pythons can mainly be found in parts of Africa, Asia and down under in Australia. There are eight genera and twenty-six species of Pythons which are currently recognized by humans. The Indian Python became endangered due the aggressive hunting of the species which took place in the mid and early 1900’s. In present day there are more Pythons owned as pets than can be found in the wild.

python

Python shoes and handbag. Photo: Getty Images