According to General Statistics Office, in July 2008, Vietnam earned nearly US $1.19 million by exporting almost 305,600 sets of swim suits to various nations. This shows a slight rise of 7.4 percent in terms of quantity and 15.3 percent increase value wise, when compared to previous month and 85.9 percent and 27.7 percent annual hike respectively.

In the first seven months, Vietnam exported around 7.8 million sets of swimwear, a rise of over 178 percent, when compared to same time of 2007. The export earnings touched approximately $35.2 million, experiencing a boost of 70.4 percent, in comparison to January to July 2007.

During this period, the export of swimming costume to US market soared up to 222.9 percent in volume. Nearly 5.9 million sets were shipped to fetch almost $27.9 million, growing 114.4 percent over January to July of last year. The export of swimwear has contributed 79.2 percent to the total overseas earnings made by Vietnam by exporting various products to US.

In EU market, Vietnam exported around 1.2 million set of swimming suit, with annual hike of 137 percent, when compared to first seven month of 2007. The nation fetched nearly $4.5 million of foreign currency, observing a year-on-year growth of 28.2 percent.

Within the EU, export turnover in markets like Germany, Italy, Spain, and France increased substantially. The demand from Germany increased almost 82 percent, as a result Vietnam exported around 40,700 sets. It helped nation earn nearly $1.8 million, a year-on-year rise of 21.4 percent.

The export of swimming costume to Italy also grew as Vietnam earned approximately $1.26 million, boosting 844 percent, by shipping nearly 49,400 pairs to various markets, a rise of 173 percent when compared to first seven months of 2007.


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In the present society, women are more conscious about their personality and demand for gorgeous intimate apparels has increased. They prefer wearing beautiful lingerie as an expression of their sensuality. Twenty-five years before, women of UK had only a handful of choices regarding lingerie's; either M&S cotton briefs, or cheap intimate wears from Knickerbox, or a simple one with lace trims. Lingerie was considered as a commodity or necessity. The feeling that intimate wears are important came into the minds of British women during the 90s, and the motive of fashion lingerie was nurtured. Now, the average British woman is elegantly dressed and looks confident than she was years before, due to the disposable income she has acquired, and the wide range of choices available in front of her.

British Lingerie – Industry Overview :

The total worth of British lingerie market is estimated to be around 2.48 billion during the past year, which is a growth of 13% compared with the figures of 2002. On an average, one million bras are being sold in the UK market; annually. Industry leaders are of the opinion that UK lingerie market will further grow to around 2.73 billion at the end of 2008, exhibiting a growth of 16% as compared with 2004, and reach 2.9 billion by 2011. They further contemplate that the market may be dampened by a slow down in consumer spending on the high street and a relatively flat period of price rises. Global market is being manipulated by cheap overseas products, and this will have an influence on the slow growing, stable lingerie market in UK.

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Luxury products are likely to wither and undergo changes during the course of time. Some products pass the recessionary times better than others. As far as lingerie is concerned, Italians understand the products much better than anybody else. Currently, lingerie is a part of Italian tradition, and is a big business. In ancient times, merchants of Venice traded in silk, and encouraged people engaged in silk cultivation to settle in Italy. Italian silk was so popular in Europe, that Francis I, from France invited the Italian fabric makers to France to establish a silk industry.

Sensual And Stylish World Of Italian Lingerie’s – Industry Perspective

Lingerie industry in Italy is comprised of thousands of small family type units supplying products to specialty shops. This family based model of capitalism has trouble to cope with the modern world of 'globalization' in which manufacturing processes are shifted to places where wages are much lesser than in Italy. Yet, Italians are famous for their romantic, classic, and sexy lingerie designs with a meticulous attention to quality. The Western Europe market for women's wear is estimated to be $11.27 billion USD. Germany has the largest lingerie market, followed by Italy, France, and Spain. The market value of Italian lingerie industry is worth $3 billion USD. During the past few years, purchase of intimate wears by Italian women rose by 13%, and a similar inclination is expected by industry key players till 2012. This has caused a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in the intimate apparel market.

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In the perspective of lingerie's, men are only left to wonder, 'boxers or briefs' whereas; a woman's physique being sculpted and adorned in a unique way of its own, offer a wide assortment of choices. The market for women's wear lingerie is being manipulated by the advent of modern technologies and fabrics that make new designs, and innovative intimate wears. These products have a higher profit margin than any other regular apparel. New trends in lingerie and fabric emerge exclusively from Europe and predominantly from France and Italy. France is at the forefront of fashion lingerie's. Designers in France give more focus on rich looking fabrics, vibrant hues, laces, and embroideries. Just as their fashion, French lingerie's also exhibit richness and elaborate embellishments that are preferred worldwide.

French Lingerie – An Industry Overview

France contributes to the origin of the word 'lingerie' which in French means 'washables'. French lingerie's come in sophisticated different lines; basic, sexy, and flirty, fitting every season. The designs are akin to both classical and modern look, and make a woman fit in line with the trend, while rendering her to 'stand out'. They are available in a wide range of materials, tailored efficiently in different cuts and types, styles and colors. Their lingerie making techniques are based on centuries of expertise.

Current lingerie industry in France is valued to be $3.1 billion USD, and is further expected to increase by 0.8% consecutively for the next five years. French consumers spend about 13 billion euros a year on the purchase of lingerie's. A lingerie industry survey states that French women spend 20 percent of their fashion budget on lingerie's. Sale of lingerie's account to 18% of total sales of women's wear apparels in France.

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Lingerie industry is in a state of intense competition. Fashionable and price friendly lingerie's are sold by the manufacturers while global brands are looking for new markets. International specialty brands are at their wings; seeking entry into emerging markets for future growth. Current global market for lingerie's rose by 2.6% to $29.92 billion USD from 2004 to 2007, while clothing prices dropped down by 4%. China, as an emerging market has seen a growth rate of 8.1% during the same time. Fast fashion retailers are now offering fashionable intimate apparels at lower prices and are undertaking hardcore marketing efforts to sustain their brand image in China. On the other hand, China itself is a major exporter of apparels to the global market at competitive prices.

Chinese Lingerie Market :

Chinese lingerie market is a dynamic sector. Their market structure is composed of many national and international brands, and intimate apparels are brought in by many countries; names unknown to the consumer.

The country's lingerie market is a fast moving one, and there is a drastic change during the recent past. The lingerie market is estimated to be of a total value of 2 billion euros, and industry experts predict a further positive increase of 20% every year. The country is the third largest for luxury consumption, and is assumed by the market leaders to catch up with the position of Japan in the next 10 years. China is a key player in fabric industry, having good potential for creation and consumption. Major lingerie players in China have reassessed their market positions, and are now closing the knowledge gap to become 'low cost' producers.

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Sehr Mahmood goes to Manila, Phillipines to compete for the Miss Earth pageant!!! Sehr Mahmood, the current winner and queen of Miss Pakistan World, is representing Pakistan in the world's third largest beauty pageant, Miss Earth 2006.

Sehr had a busy year planned for her from attending fashion shows, modeling, music videos and finally participating in Miss Earth 2006. Sehr will be attending one more international beauty pageant, and uplifting the pageant industry of Pakistan which started in 2002.

Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World says, "This is the second year we are with Miss Earth, and we are very proud of being a part of this. Pakistan has to date taken part in 7 international beauty pageants and has won 4 international titles out of those 7 so far."

"The results for Miss Earth are not out yet, but we are hoping and praying. It's a tough pageant and our background in pageantry is growing tremendously."

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Beauty of a woman is a matchless attribute; with nothing to surpass it. So long a time there have been the existence of women in this world, there have been lingerie's as well. This fashion serving luxury undergarment expresses her beauty loving feminine personality, apart from the basic need of supporting her physique. Though the word 'lingerie' normally describes both male and female undergarments, the term is commonly used to refer woman's intimate wear. Lingerie is a broad term and includes garments like bras, panties, stockings, thongs, garters, peignoirs, sheer night gowns, and exotic night wears.

Evolution of Lingeries:

Concept of the lingerie's dates back to the period when people lived in forests whose beginnings are lost in far antiquity. Women in those days bound their body with long scarves folded, looped, and cross folded so as to mould their figures and enhance their beauty. Sculptures of the classical age depict women wearing pieces of fabric to support their bust and waist. The applications of these fabrics were simple and functional, focusing more on support over appearance. Lingerie's evolved into a fashion icon during the 19th century. When men were involved in the First World War, women became the breadwinners of their family. This new identity beckoned them about the need for more practical undergarments that are lighter and breathable, and can be worn during industrial works.

Later during the 21st century manufacturers and fashion houses started expanding their manufacturing and marketing with sexy and fashionable designs and colors. There was a renaissance in the lingerie world seen with more focus on female curves, as women went to unforeseeable extremes to obtain the perfect 'hour glass' figure. Lingerie's were designed with lavish laces, embroidery and ribbons. Today, the intimate wears available in the market have more sex appeal as compared with the ones used in olden days. Exclusive boutiques are also becoming inherently popular in cities.

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The Identical twins Ashley Olsen andMary-Kate Olsen, 22, has created a new two clothing lines, a couture collection called The Row and a less expensive line called Elizabeth and James.

But it appears like fashion business is suffering, because of their different lifestyles.

Ashley really wants to be a respected businesswoman and be taken seriously.

And other one, MK also do, but she is not willing to give up her lifestyle and act like an adult for their job.

So Ashley is now differing her twin from the couture line. She decided MK should not be involved with The Row and has asked her to step back from her current responsibilities until she is having her personal life together.

It seems like MK is left to focus on the cheap stuff, the more affordable line, Elizabeth and James, “It’s tough because The Row was so much of Mary-Kate’s idea. Mary-Kate has a unique fashion sense.

Ashley says that she just sees herself more as a business person.

We never really thought of them as having either a unique business or fashion sense, their empire was handed to them when they came of age by crafty lawyers and managers.

Source : latimesblogs.latimes.com

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The pioneering initiative that has made gold a buzz-word amongst fashionable youth in the Arab world is set to make waves in the jewellery world once again. World Gold Council (WGC), the global advocate of gold, in partnership with the region’s leading jewellery house Damas, has launched this year’s ‘Generation Gold’ Youth Campaign featuring its centrepiece youth jewellery brand - Farfasha.

As part of the overall strategy to engage its intended audience, WGC and Damas have come up with a fresh story concept for its main promotional vehicle – a 60-second TV commercial that reflects the unique brand proposition of Farfasha in the context of the ever-changing tastes and sensibilities of the youth.

Nancy Ajram, the celebrated face of Farfasha for three years now, portrays a charming girl-next-door enjoying a typical day in a quaint neighbourhood on a lazy weekend – roaming around in a bicycle, passing by a fruit stand, enjoying baked goodies in a local bakery and meeting a new acquaintance in one of the neighbourhood cafes. The subtle story demonstrates the many facets of a young woman and how Farfasha jewels compliment each of her transformation.

The new TV commercial was shot in historic Batroun, a coastal city 53km from Beirut in Lebanon. The rustic charm of the location was the ideal backdrop for the Farfasha story which celebrates the beauty, playfulness and youthful glow of signature long chains, anklets, bracelets, Kaffs and earrings. The production was led by an international crew that worked for four days, almost non-stop.

The new Farfasha jewels featured in the TV commercial were created by seven noted Italian designers who came up with funky and colourful designs that set the youth trends for the season. What makes the latest collection even more unique is that the pieces can be personalised according to the wearer’s tastes.

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Introduction

Technology has propelled the growth of human society in innumerable ways. From the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter to advanced robotics and health care, technology has rapidly assumed the status of an arguably indispensable and highly effective tool in the modern era. Clothing has always been both a necessity with regard to human civilization and a means of showcasing ones culture and interests. Social status, religious leanings, cultural diversity and professional status can all be amply reflected by ones clothes. A wide array of different styles of clothing is now possible, aided by powerful technological tools that supplement and shape the creative ideas of fabric designers.

Evolution of Fabric Design

In accordance with Darwinian principles, man is a remarkable example of adaptability. And a look at the way clothes have evolved only goes to illustrate this. In addition, the progress of mans concept of fashion has also transformed over the ages. Starting from merely covering ones body with natural fur to protect it from the vagaries of the natural elements in ancient periods of human existence to designing special suits and fabrics woven out of exotic materials to meet adverse environment requirements like space and desert surroundings, man has always shown ingenious capability to engineer requisite changes in the fabrics. The concept of fashion too has seen a marked shift with the variety of choices available in the present times. Of course, technology is a major driving force behind fashion trends.

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Surfing has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, but has become significantly more popular among women in recent years. While the industry has been slow to shift and cater to this influx of female surfers, a Venice, California-based company is doing exactly that. Latitude 10 is launching a line of swimwear that not only looks great, but addresses the needs of women with active lifestyles.

Any girl that has braved the ocean’s waves or has gone waterskiing or wakeboarding knows that bikinis are not good at staying in place and often come off completely. Latitude 10 surf bikinis correct this issue with design and technology that ensures the bikini will stay where it should, allowing girls to focus on their craft, rather than worrying about losing their cover.

But functionality alone is not enough. The same design elements that keep the bikini in place, also serve to support and enhance the natural curves of the female body, creating a visibly firmer and fitter look. In addition, all Latitude 10 (L10) surf bikinis are reversible, can be mixed and matched and come in a variety of eye-catching cuts.

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Ashley Tisdale one of the hot personality was seen in the Red Carpet. Her arrival was one of the most anticipated of the night, and Ashley Tisdale definitely didn’t disappoint the paparazzi outside of the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

One of the hottie actor in the movie “High School Musical” showed up turning heads in a sexy white sequined dress along with a pair of silver strap heels and matching silver bracelets.

She was looking gorgeous in her outfit and was the center of attraction in the whole function. Most of the young crowd was feeling lucky to see and meet her.

And with a host like the most outspoken Russell Brand, the sky is the limit for this year’s VMAs, taking place at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.

Source : www.celebrity-gossip.net

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Prepare For Chaos - That's What Designer Lucie Boshier Says She Is Planning For NZ Fashion Week This Year.

No stranger to controversy, the Auckland-based designer has in previous years distributed leaflets questioning the direction and morals of the fashion industry.

Last year a flyer showing a cartoon-esque figure - looking remarkably like Karl Lagerfield - positioned behind a skinny, pale model bent over snorting cocaine got the fashion industry's hackles up.

Although she's taken part in the public events at fashion week this will be her first year showing to those all-important overseas buyers.

Boshier says she is excited about the prospect of buyers from outside of New Zealand seeing her collection.

"Sometimes people come into my shop and look round and walk out and I think - you just don't get this, I know there's a much bigger market out there."

Boshier says that the run up to Fashion Week has been ‘crazy'.

Also said that “I thought sorting out the seating would be easier - I was saying to everyone - yeah I can find you a seat and then Fashion Week takes 40 seats for sponsors and then there are the buyers...and now I'm not sure I can fit everyone in."

All of Boshier's clothes are manufactured in New Zealand.

Inspiration for the latest collection is the musical Caberet.

"The collection is based on the Liza Minnelli character in the film - and we're going to have girls coming out of giant champagne glasses."

Sounds like the Lucie Boshier show will be a very interesting experience.

Source : http://www.stuff.co.nz

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NEW York Fashion Week will have a distinct Australian flavour when it kicks off this week.

As New York-based Australian designer Michael Angel opens the prestigious show on Friday, he will be joined by top Sydney designer Alice McCall.

While she previously showed her label in London, the wider US market is her target.

"In London you have a hell of a lot of labels like us, very cool and a lot of people pioneering new styles," she said.

"But because the US is more commercial we've got a quirk so hopefully we'll stand out more."

The label is currently stocked in 18 stores in the US but the aim is to pick up accounts with major department stores and number of boutiques.

"Our agent is saying that within 12 months we can go to 100 stores, but we need to do a show in the US to do that," she said.

Mr. Angel, a 33-year-old designer and former stylist, grew up in Melbourne and worked for label Saba then took on roles at US surfwear giant Oakley before starting his own label, which is now in its second season.

The winter 2009 collection he is set to show at the opening show at the New York Fashion Week headquarters of Bryant Park will focus on '70s rock 'n' roll.

Source : www.news.com.au

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Waking up in the morning and picking out clothes that you like, fit you well, and are truly comfortable and enjoyable to wear? Or did you pick out your “ensemble” based on the latest trends, according to the newest, hottest fashion magazine? So how long those trends are going to last? In a month or two, the seasons will change, and all of the new ones will arrive and again the same cycle starts.

Have you ever thought to why you choose to wear the clothes you do? Why in the world usually everyone choose to wear the same clothes as the celebrity of the second, when he/she know how quickly that second will pass? People are spending their money to look like a “Fashion Do”, but how quickly will the new outfit become a “Fashion Don’t”? All it takes is one crazy night out partying, and their celebrity of choice becomes unpopular, along with her clothing choices.

Are you wearing pointy, uncomfortable shoes because the last time you were at the grocery store, every cover was screaming that they were going to be “in” this season? Sheep form herds and follow the leader blindly.

Most commonly, following fashion trends and guidelines is one way to get noticed. But wouldn’t you rather get noticed for yourself, your conversational skills, or your originality? Or did you leave all that behind you when you started paying attention to the newest trends? So by not feeding in the fashion machine blindly one should purchase the things for himself which actually suits on him, that too with the present fashion trends.

When you constantly jump from trend to trend, the first thing to go it your originality. You wake up in them morning, and put on the “outfit” that “goes together”. In fact, you probably even purchased it as a complete ensemble – Isn’t it? Did it ever occur to you that you’re being played? The magazines, the media, the stores, and the identical outfits – it’s a set up! You’re being targeted to play a special role in a commercial machine – the consumer.

Source : www.stopbadwear.org

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The MELBOURNE Spring Fashion Week's first public event appeared to be a cold fizzer. A vicious little wind whipped around Bourke Street Mall yesterday morning, pecking at models' silk frocks and keeping onlookers to a minimum.

"Ooh — ya just wanna give 'em a coat, dontcha?" one shopper clucked cheerfully from a nearby tram stop. But the six models valiantly ignored goose bumps prickling under fake tans and posed against the GPO's elegant stone facade. Their outfits will be included in two free lunchtime shows tomorrow.

A chic black-and-white pencil skirt and frilled blouse by Nicolangela adhered to the season's va-va-voom glamour theme. A pale satin mini, draped and pinched into a fluttering sheath by Lisa Ho, was typical of spring's art deco styling. And a lean gunmetal suit by Arthur Galan, worn with low-cut white V-neck T-shirt, showed the importance of mixing casual and slick tailored components in men's wear.

At Federation Square, veteran milliner Waltraud Reiner demonstrated how to "torture" pheasant feathers into exotic decorations. She held a quill and a froth of netting against a simple disc of woven sinamay, creating an instant "hatinator", a hybrid of hat and fascinator. Reiner will run workshops all week in the Champions gallery at Federation Square. "You can make a hat to suit anyone," she says. "Some, you just have to work harder than others."

Melbourne has tried hard for 11 years to connect Spring Fashion Week with the city's racing carnival, and this year it appears to have paid off. Last night's opening parade, Collins Street Fashion Right on Track, championed fully groomed glamour for men and women from Harrolds, Henry Bucks, Bettina Liano and couturiers Keon and Linda Gorringe.

Source : www.theage.com.au

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Michael Jackson aka "The King of Pop" recently celebrated a quiet 50th birthday with family and friends.

The 13-time Grammy winner, who has sold more than 750 million albums, told ABC News' "Good Morning America" that he's "looking forward to doing a lot of great things. ... I think the best is yet to come in my true humble opinion."

He said that, "People see some of the things I do and they say, Why don't you show this to the world? People don't know you do these things.' And maybe I will," he said.

Jackson added that recording the blockbuster albums "Thriller" and "Off the Wall" were the happiest times of his life.

"That meant very much to me and seemed to be received so beautifully by the public and the world. You know, I enjoyed it very much," he said.

Jackson is very much conscious for his children. As for his birthday plans, "I'll just have a little cake with my children and we'll probably watch some cartoons," he said. Jackson, a twice-divorced father of three, said he aims to provide a normal life for his children. "I am letting them enjoy their childhood as much as possible. ... I let them go to the arcade and go to the movies and do things. I think that comes naturally. I want them to get to do things I didn't get to do," he said. "I get pretty emotional when I see them having a wonderful time," he said.

Jackson was asked if he had received a membership card from AARP, which focuses on the needs and concerns of those 50 and older. "Not that I know of!" he said, laughing.

His last album of new music was "Invincible" in 2001, but the 25th anniversary reissue of "Thriller" this year has sold 635,000 copies in the U.S. alone and is one of the 30 best-selling albums of 2008.

Source : Singersroom.com

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