Love That Americana (Then and Now)

The "Americana-Nostalgia" trend has found its way from S/S '10 to S/S'11. From previously seen Canadian tuxedos and "cheeky" suede native style skirts fit for a sexier Pocahontas at D&G; to this coming spring's rock inspired, leather pants and rough and tumble tees and denim with hints of an american flag at Balmain.
Granted, there is no question on which designer hit the metaphorical nail on the head better, D&G or Balmain; Balmain wins hands down.True, D&G caught on in trendier cities like L.A and NYC with in the celeb circles creating a phenomena of denim on denim styles. However, it is quite obvious that Balmain's take on the trend, which happens to be a military meets Michael circa "Thriller" themed collection is definitely the more wearable and stylish of the two takes on the trend.

(pictures: top D&G SS10; bottom Balmain SS11 both credited to www.Style.com)

LUX magazine trend reports F/W' 09 2 of 2

GIRLS WILL BE BOYS

There’s something women love about a crisp, white, tailored shirt. Paired with a smoking jacket or cropped pant, a-la-Katherine Hepburn; age need not apply, it’s impossible not to feel sexy in this timeless ensemble. Diane Keaton set an example for every woman for generations to come when she donned those great pant suits in Woody Allen’s 1977 production, Annie Hall. It’s feminine to feel a little masculine every once in a while. Pea coats inspired by Amelia Earhart, Katie Holmes’ boyfriend jeans and Agyness Deyn’s short hair styles all pay homage to women stepping up to play the part of men (minus the testosterone). Convenience and confidence, enough that is, to fit in with the boys, be it in a trench coat, loose fit slack or saddle shoe.

LUX magazine trend reports F/W' 09 1 of 2

GLITTERATI

Bejeweled, bedazzled, be sparkling in sequin splattered, rhinestone encrusted, gilded, metallic, accessories and clothing. Adding glitzy statement pieces like a shiny, Marni inspired bib style necklace or a sequin covered vest. Just by paying attention to the details of this trend will allow for transformation of the blaze color pallets fall and winter clothing provide in to jaw dropping elegance for your closet collection. Endeavor a key piece that will really have fellow fashion lovers gawking; leggings dripping in shine or even a blousy dress with a small gleaming appliqué for minimal glitz. Also, look for purses and bags, pumps and ankle grazing boots that show hints of glimmer in gleaming materials to achieve the look du jour.

Interview with Dwight Carter, Rock Uniform

Name: Dwight Carter
Age: 37

SkySq.: What line of work are you involved in?

Dwight Carter: PR/Event Concept Development/Promotions

SS: How does your PR firm get involved with the fashion scene in Saint Louis?

DC: I involve myself in the development of emerging designers. Produce runway shows and fashion events.

SS: How did you get involved with Lindenwood University's program?

DC: I have had a handfull of the students in my shows and made a connection with Florence Dewan. She has asked me for the past two years to judge her fashion department.

SS: What kind of new designers do you look for to promote and do you feel that Lindenwood University offers that genre of designer?

DC: I look for desigers that think out of the box but still able to market themselves to retail. I have been impressed with most of the designers from Lindenwood. So yes, definately Lindenwood designers are of interest to me.

SS: Along with promoting local fashion events are there any other type of events you promote?

DC: I promote night lilfe events. DJ's and special events.

SS: Which do you prefer working in: fashion or nightlife?

DC: I combine both...My night lilfe events are very fashionable and my Fashion Shows are usually at night! (laughs)


SS: Where did you see yourself five years ago and where do you see yourself five years from now?

DC: Five years ago I was just getting started and five years from now I see myself

SS: When you were in your late teens - early 20s what were your goals and did you see yourself working in PR then?

DC: I saw myself in music. My grandfather was a musician so I was influenced by him to learn the business end of the entertainment industry. I started booking and promoting bands when I was 17 years old. The PR end didn't come for a couple of years when I started making music contacts at College radio stations and music themed newspapers. I have always been involved in promotions but just in the music industry. This fashion career came later.

SS: How long have you been in the fashion business?

DC: I started at Express when I was 19 and worked all through college. After graduating I worked events and promotions for the RFT, Contemporary Productions, The Fox Theatre, Javelin Inc and Scottrade. I returned back to retail later managing a Hollister, then going back to Express as a manager, Zeizo and Play boutique. So off and on for 18 years but consistently for about 9.

SS: Is there any advice you would like to give to aspiring design students that plan on branching out in to the fashion world?

DC: Keep designing, keep doing shows, think out of the box. Get to know your boutiques, read my fav magazines: Vogue and Lucky Magazine get involved in Project: Design! and attend as many fashion shows as possible.

New Era

I've decided to re-open my blog. I was working for a student-operated online fashion magazine (LUX) at school, however, most recently, the staff (including myself) have decided to dis-continue the publication because of the lack of support our university supplied us. Once and if we have an archive website up, i will post the link. With in the magazine, I was responsible for the Trend Reports (styling, conceptualizing, researching and writing) as well, I worked on a few field articles including an interview that was not published with St. Louis PR mogul, Dwight Carter and owner of Rock Uniform and also an article on St. Charles Fashion Week. I will post those as well, when I am allotted any sort of free time. I am currently extremely busy designing and constructing my mini-collection which consists of 4 or 5 two to three piece looks inspired by desert-scape colors and easy, yet stylish comfort.
In case anyone reading this is wondering what my new display name stands for it means Skylar Squared. It stands for my nick name, "SKYSKY" and for my niece who is my namesake, there for Sky Squared.
Stay tuned for more later on.