In the latest fashions shows all the models wore large necklaces
and wrists-full of bracelets made of wood or shells and had
their hair done in loose, gentle upsweeps. The black-and-white
Beatnik style is back, aimed at the 16-25 age group, severe and
pared down, a complete about-turn…gone is casual,
throw-it-all-together, ethnic school of style, with last
season’s Bohemian look making but a brief showing. We saw
sequined dresses, halters and shrugs in purple, green and gold;
swimwear followed the metallic theme: women wore tiny silver and
gold bikinis, while men wore shorts or swimsuits in colorful
prints. Last season’s Bohemian look made a brief showing.

Many of the formal dresses were updated versions of more
classic styles. A simple off-white knee-length strapless gown
was accented with a skirt of tulle ruffles around the waist. A
long purple evening gown was slit up the front with a cloud of
feathers beginning at the knee.
Steer clear of flat black -
the key element is the combination of black and white, such as a
crisp, white shirt with a pair of well-cut black trousers, and
look for rich fabrics such as satin, silk and velvet; black and
white-striped mohair sweater-dresses, worn over tights or very
fitted jeans, worn with black ballet slippers, patent slippers
or with knee-high black boots; black wool cropped jackets and
pea coats; Beatnik-style black caps; black eyeliner and mascara;
sunglasses and straight hair.
The hourglass silhouette is
already a key look for this winter but if you don’t have a tiny,
well-toned frame, choose less fitted silhouettes, and add
narrow, leather belts, retro-style shoes, vintage handbags and
opulent fur, a striped Pompom scarf. Pompom decoration is a
designer look and very easy to make yourself. Back in style is
the Sixties-inspired wool shift, with a Chanel touch and in
solid colors such as a white shirt and oversized black blazer,
and rather than a revival of androgyny it is simply a question
of comfort and ease; black mini-skirt with over-the-knee boots;
or a striped top or sweater [with a pair of skinny black pants.

Dresses have been the featured item in the latest fashion
shows; 'The Wrap' dress is making a comeback, and is not in a
boudoir-inspired style, but a dress with a waist, a neckline, a
skirt and - most importantly - sleeves. The new autumn
collections are full of dresses with sleeves of every shape and
size - three-quarter length, cuffed, long and tight, full and
belled, raglan and puffed, many in a print pattern such as
paisley print, on a long-sleeved dress. Prints in shades of
green, orange, pink and purple dominated the beginning of the
show. Shorts and skirts came in bright patterns that echoed back
to the 1950s and 1960s. Modern technology, with improvements in
jersey fabrics and stretch, makes a dress really comfortable to
wear. Many younger women want an all-in-one solution for work
and business travel, rather than a skirt and top or a suit.

Fall/Winter 05/06 has accents of color combined with regal
fabrics. Black is not minimalist black as in the 1990s; rich
deep plush velvet, black satin, black lace and black just
accented with white or red is the look for 2005. Black silk,
black gauze, Persian lamb, black taffeta, penne velvet black

denim, black cashmere, black jet, corduroy, black suede and
Shear ling add touches of sophistication and glamour to new
trends. Main colors are deep rich violet purples, wine reds,
burnt ginger tones, moss greens, mustard, and teal. The basic
solid black and white can be very sharp and smart, plus grays
and oyster shell tones.
British country style tweeds have
been out in force, but this year tweed is less textured. It
looks more like Harris Tweed, flat plaids or old familiar checks
such as black and white hound's tooth checks. This is a look
that can continue into night with sequins used to create the
contrast; boldly vibrant colored checks, colorful tartans and
tweeds are all used in coats, dresses and skirts that are
loose-fitting with flowing folds of fabric, or with a Roman
touch with lines of gold appliqué. Ironically, these heritage
fabrics and shapes should be worn in a quirky way, jumbled up,
mixing Argyle knits with tartans, plaids and stripes. Or you
could borrow from the men, Ralph Lauren-style, and wear slouchy
tweed trousers with brogues and oversized knits; and boucle
tweed suits in the 50s style.
Intarsia in knitwear is back
again, such as Fair Isle, ikat, bold abstract and paisley
arrangements. Long cardigan jackets cardigan and asymmetric
cardigan wraps and coats often have fur collars or a narrow fur
edge; Aran knits, not usually in the traditional cream but in
richer deep shades of creams, teal and rust feature in many
collections.
Luxurious rich fabrics and antique brocade
fabrics, often interpreted with Ombre dyed materials like
velvets that move through related colors such as burnt orange
merging with reds through to claret in Ombre dyed velvet. Such
velvet is then over printed in toning colors or textured with
embroidery. Velvet can also have texture and appliqué

and is generally gorgeous this winter with an antique vintage
feel. Metallic luster and rich satins and the plushest of
velvets bring a new opulence to winter. In addition to rich
plush velvet there will be penne velvet, corduroy, suede, Shear
ling, leather reptilian skins, boiled wool, suiting. Designer
shoes frequently have lace and beading and if they are not
velvet, they may just as easily be made of suede another luxury
material.
The best styles to look for are wide-leg cuffed
trousers, short, swingy jackets and slim skirts, totes and
bucket bags, flat lace-up brogues, flora and fauna prints. The
'in' colors are black and white, beige, orange, gorgeous greens
and often have crochet motifs added - also a lot of purple tones
in tartan skirts, fur coats.
Just remember that black in
2005 is no longer the only look to wear. The fabrics in rich
deep berry and gem jewel colours may do far more for your
coloring than black ever might. Berry colors and purples will be
a wonderful choice instead of black or as an accent color.
Cubist paint techniques as prints will lead us into Spring 2006
and stencil print effects will be popular.
Leave behind
gypsy skirts, kaftans, tribal jewellery, military jackets,
waistcoats, drainpipes, crocheted shrugs and warrior belts
[finally!].

Margot B
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/fashion-fallwinter-0506-2986.html

When people are rich, price is no object. A certain mentality is in the air which is to “shop till you drop” or until the card has reached its limit.

Most of the consumers in the market are women. These people don’t just buy items made off the street or from China but prefer to get branded items such as designer handbags and shoes from the fashion capital of the world that is, Italy.

What is the big fuss about products made from Italy? For starters, most of the designers in this part of the world set the trend in the fashion industry. The materials used are of the highest quality and nothing is released until it passes strict quality control tests to always keep customer satisfied with the product.

There are two brands that stand out among the rest. The first is Gucci. This company has been producing shoes and bags using genuine leather. Those who want to party can try to get Britt Mid Heel boots.

This is easy to slip on since this can be zipped or unzipped from the size. This pair of boots isn’t flat since it comes with 3-inch heels making the girl look sexy and tall in a room of crowded men.

The price for all this attention, $1022, which should be no problem for the hand working woman or daddy’s little girl.

The second that produces a lot of quality-crafted products is Prada. Those who don’t want to wear high heels but still want to look tall can try the pair of boots this brand offers that is made of suede leather. It also has a zip lock on the side making it easy to wear or take off.

These are only available in black but given the material used in making this pair of boots, the customer can get this for $540.

If this pair or the other is out of stock in the department or specialty store, there are some online retailers that can take the order and have it delivered at home. The customer will just give the credit card details then get it after two or three days then begin enjoying the new pairs of boots while partying out or walking to work.

The pair of shoes one decides to wear tells a lot about a person. This is the reason those who are rich can designer brands because this shows how concerned an individual is about appearance from head to toe.

Low Jeremy
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/why-italian-designer-shoes-110467.html

IN Cali, Colombia, a young mother was suddenly widowed and left without support for herself and two young sons. Her only asset was her home. After careful planning, she divided off four of her rooms into two independent apartments and thus supported her small family from a mini-business.

As prices increase on all commodities, many persons find their earnings inadequate for even basic needs. If father takes two jobs, however, the family loses his guidance and he invites illness due to overwork. If mother is employed outside the home, the children suffer the loss of her supervision and loving companionship. But where a family needs additional funds, the means to provide such income could be a self-operated mini-business.

By mini-business is meant any small enterprise, whether in service, manufacturing or sales, frequently using the home, garage or patio as the base of operations. The objective may be to employ profitably the spare time of older children, provide income for mother on a part-time basis, or to develop a business that would eventually support the family entirely.

Why Many Prefer Self-Employment

While a job in industry may offer greater financial security and attractive fringe benefits, it can also be routine, monotonous and lacking in opportunities to use initiative. In many countries, however, even such industrial jobs are scarce, and the inexperienced or untrained cannot readily find employment.

Among the advantages gained by the self-employed are a flexible work schedule, a more active interest in the business and so greater productivity, plus the satisfaction of worthwhile accomplishment. They can also choose their work companions, perhaps giving on-the-job training to sons and daughters, equipping them with a useful trade.

What Type of Mini-Business?

Service opportunities offer a return for one’s time and energies and usually require only a modest outlay for tools and equipment. Every community needs the services of a carpenter or plumber, a tailor or seamstress, a beautician, barber, mechanic, electrician or appliance repairman. The necessary skills can often be acquired in a trade school, or by apprenticeship to someone already in the business.

Maintenance of property or equipment on a contract basis could be a source of income for you. If you have mechanical training, why not approach the management of office or factory buildings with a contract to service air-conditioning units, electrical generators, boilers or elevators? For those without technical skills, landscaping or maintaining the grounds of private estates, clubs, or business properties, providing janitor service to industrial or office buildings, are a few of the areas for employment on a contract basis.

Agricultural work is also done by contract, such as the harvesting of grains or food crops. In the Buenaventura area of Colombia a father contracts with owners of large plantations to harvest their banana crops. This frees the owner from hiring each individual worker, and the father negotiates for a better wage for his family.

But you may feel that the manufacture of a useful or decorative item would be more appealing as a mini-business.

Sales

Since your product must be sold, a realistic appraisal of the market potential should be made before investing in machinery or raw materials. Is your product such that the public will come to you to buy? If not, would you sell to retail stores? Would it be advantageous to advertise? Is there a year-round market for your product, or would it sell only seasonally? How would your sales be affected by inclement weather, public transportation strikes or breakdowns, or illness of yourself or other family members?

Valuable information on sales could be gathered from small manufacturers experienced in your field or in a related one. Talk to them, ask for their suggestions, make notes for later reference as to how they promote sales and where they market their products.

Public-relations-oriented manufacturers have long capitalized on a natural curiosity about how their product is made, and plant tours are arranged with customer appeal in mind. Scaling this idea down to mini-size, a rug manufacturer employing six workers opens his plant to full view of all passing-by, and frequently a crowd gathers to watch his operations, observing with interest the emergence of lovely patterns as bright yarns are woven into the backing.

What Enterprising Colombians Have Done

Before making a decision on what specific business to enter, you may find the experiences of many Colombian families in operating a mini-business of interest.

A widow in Bogotá earns her livelihood as caretaker of homes whose owners are out of town. Reliable and trustworthy, she obtains work through referrals. Before engaging in this type of work, you may wish to insure yourself against the risk involved in guarding another’s property.

Few Colombian mothers work outside the home, but many add to the family income by preparing hot meals. Boarders may eat at the family table, or the hot lunch may be sent to the work site. Others prepare food for sale to small grocery stores, such as a cornmeal bun called arepas, served in most Colombian homes for breakfast or snacks. The sale of cake, candy, roasted peanuts, baked ham or fried plantains outside of stadiums or at playgrounds on holidays or Sundays brings in enough to support many families.

Persons in your community might enjoy sausages, pizza or other specialty dishes prepared with good-quality meat, free from harmful preservatives. Tamales, pasteles or empanadas, prepared with meat and vegetables, wrapped in dough of cornmeal or flour, either fried or boiled, are fast-selling delicacies in Colombia.

Supermarkets with a complete line of food items under one roof are almost unknown outside Colombia’s largest cities. Thus an opportunity exists for mini-merchants operating a booth in the central market or renting space in a small food store. A successful vendor in Barranquilla specializes in yucca, a starchy root much in demand for the preparation of soups. His stall is sought out by customers who know that he maintains the largest and best stock of yucca in the market.

Could you roast and grind coffee? A family in the city of Armenia has a small electric unit set up in the garage, and the aroma of roasting coffee brings customers from blocks around. One can buy a pound of coffee already ground and packaged, or watch while the newly roasted beans are ground to order.

A family in Medellín earns all its income from the home manufacture of gelatinas, a dessert similar to marshmallows. Sales are made retail from the home as well as wholesale to small food stores.

In communities where very few persons own automobiles, vendors render a real service by delivering fruits and vegetables to the customer. An elderly man, with a view to earning a little pocket change, started out to offer lemons from door to door. To his surprise, several persons asked him to come again the following week, and thus a route of steady buyers was established. Later, at the request of his customers, he expanded the business by adding papayas, bananas, pineapples and other types of fruit to his deliveries.

A mother needed extra cash for a trip the family wanted to take. She turned the front room of her home into a salesroom and started selling eggs to her residential neighborhood. From the profits of her modest efforts, a vacation was enjoyed by all the family.

In a tropical climate, a refrigerator is a real necessity, but in Colombia it is very expensive. How to enjoy owning one and still keep up the monthly payments? Possibly by sharing the products of your refrigerator with your neighbors—for a price! Stir up a mixture for popsicles, varying it with flavored syrups, crushed pineapple, mango, banana or shredded coconut, pour it into the ice trays or paper cups and drop in a short wooden stick. Now pop it into the freezer. Before long you will have a line of customers, especially children coming home from school, who have seen your handwritten sign in the window: helados. Since most families do not own a refrigerator, you can increase profits from your mini-business by the sale of bottled refreshments, home-prepared punch or fruit juice, or from the sale of ice cubes.

A young lad can find ways to employ his spare time profitably, contributing substantially to the family’s support. One young boy, after a nominal investment in supplies, called from door to door offering to shine shoes, then returned the following week where his services were accepted. With initiative and diligence, he built up a route of regular, appreciative customers. Shoe repair added to this service would increase one’s income.

A mother and daughter in Bucaramanga started making baby clothes in the home for sale in the immediate community. Through sales to local clothing merchants, this business was later expanded to become the family’s sole means of support.

A man sat on the sidewalk at a busy intersection of a large coastal city, with a supply of palm leaves around him. Quickly he cut the fronds into strips one inch wide, then fashioned a circle from a length of wire. Deftly, he covered the wire with many strips of palm leaf, weaving a flat brim inward about three inches, then shaped a crown, completing an attractive hat in less than ten minutes. As he started on the second hat, fascinated observers were already waving the money and shouting: The next one is mine!

A drugstore was opened in the living room of a home in a residential area. A supply of pharmaceutical-products, shampoos, lotions and ointments was neatly arranged on display shelves out of reach but within view of an open window. Since all sales were made through the window, mother was freed from constant attendance and could continue her housework between customers.

From a small sidewalk booth called Noah’s Ark all manner of used tools, plumbing equipment and other hardware are sold. A small business could be formed to sell or rent used books, magazines, furniture, clothing, appliances, sports equipment, musical instruments, or a combination of these items.

Metalwork in the form of doors, door-frames, window frames, metal shelving, or furniture provides employment for many businessmen in Colombia. Iron grillwork is becoming ever more popular for protecting windows and entrances, for enclosing porches, for fences or handrailings. Decorative and practical, the iron can be worked into floral designs, leaping antelopes, a dazzling sunrise, or even bars with musical notes.

The manufacture of flowerpots and planters provides an income for a resourceful family. While the teen-age sons and daughters mix sand and cement, mold and paint the product in the patio, father sells to small merchants in the local market, or from a handcart in residential areas. Another family expands this idea by marketing potted palms, orchids, philodendron or coleus plants, using the second-story balcony to display them.

Shoe manufacture is still largely a handcraft in Colombia, and three or four men often work together under contract to retailers or by selling from a display case in their shop. The customer can select footwear already made, or may order shoes to his exact size and style preference. A family in Bogotá makes a soft hand-stitched house slipper, similar to an Indian moccasin; and this business is their sole source of support.

Leather and imitation-leather book covers, wallets, coin purses, belts, handbags, briefcases or school-book bags are items constantly in demand. Sport jackets, made of suede or other leather, as well as imitation-leather raincoats, are clothing articles that never go out of style. Upholstering auto seats or living-room furniture in leatherlike plastics provides an income for many.

In the higher altitudes, a woolen ruana or poncho is a year-round necessity. Worn as a cape, a ruana serves for cold or rain, and is preferred by Colombians to a coat or jacket. A family in Bogotá weaves the fabric on a home loom, varying the colorful patterns for different effects. But ruanas can be made from any type of woolen fabrics, solid-color flannels or wool knits trimmed with white fringe, or lovely plaids with matching fringe.

Many other opportunities await the businessman or woman in furniture refinishing, rebinding worn books, crocheting or knitting shawls or sweaters, embroidering sheets or table linens, the manufacture of wigs or hairpieces, costume jewelry, macrame handbags, rope or wool scatter rugs, table lamps, mattresses, pillows, wicker furniture or stuffed toys.

Flor Ayag
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/would-a-minibusiness-serve-your-needs-713115.html

What is the difference between any urban and hip hop clothing shop and Dr. Jay’s urban clothing store? Well there isn’t much difference between Dr. Jay’s urban clothing stores and any urban clothing stores out there. All of them specializes in selling and offering a wide range of urban clothing lines, though some have a wider collection than the other one, it is all still the same.

The only difference that makes Dr. Jay’s urban clothing stores from any other urban clothing stores is the legacy that Dr. Jay’s had started.

The Dr. Jay’s legacy began in 1975 with the opening of our first store, in the South Bronx section of New York. Not coincidentally, hip-hop had its origins in the same neighborhood around the same time that Dr. Jay’s opened its first doors to the public.

The urban landscape was changing, and with the new music came a new fashion sensibility. Dr. Jay’s has been a pioneer in providing these urban fashions ever since, growing to 19 stores throughout the New York Metro area.

Dr. Jay’s is now one of the largest urban clothing stores across the country that helped proliferate the industry that we all know today as the Hip Hop Fashion.

Today, Dr. Jay’s have not only taken over the retail clothing industry, but also the online clothing industry. Dr. Jay’s online clothing store showcases some of the most priced and sophisticated brands of urban and hip hop clothing lines. So here are some of the top brands coming from the top hip hop clothing store across the US and the online community, Dr. Jay’s.

Dr. Jay’s top brands of hip hop clothing lines for all genders and generation:

• Akademiks

  • The <a href=”http://www.streetzwear.com”>akademiks</a> is an American brand of urban clothing line highly respected by the loyal devotees of the hip hop music, which was founded by the brothers Donwan Harrell and Emmet Harrell.

  • Donwan, being one of the top 10 designers of Nike, made sure that akademiks can cater to all the needs of the trend-setters and fashion forward people by offering some of the most unique designs coming from one of the top designers of Nike.

  • akademiks was popularized in 2001 by Brooklyn rapper Fabolous whose lyrical content advertised the brand. He also wore an akademiks velour on the inside cover of his debut album Ghetto Fabolous.

• Coogi

  • Designed and manufactured in Italy, the line’s first collection was inspired by the upcoming Olympics and features a primary colour palette and a ringed version of the Coogi logo.

  • Though the looks are casual jackets with detachable sleeves, polyurethane nylon pants and swim trunks the prices certainly aren’t.

  • Jeans and bottoms start at $US300 ($A435) and sweaters will go for anywhere from $600 to $1200.

• Rocawear

  • Jay-Z co-founded the urban clothing brand rocawear with Roc-A-Fella Records partners Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke.

  • Because of the popularity and demand for rocawear all over the country, rocawear now has annual sales of $700 Million per year.

  • Because of the huge success of rocawear, its founders decided on expanding their brand through licensing pacts to develop lines for children, juniors, socks and sandals, leather suede and fur outerwear, handbags and belts, lounge wear and big & tall, headwear, jewelry, and sunglasses; as well as co-branded product with Pro-Keds, State Property, and Team Roc.

Dr. Jay’s top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Men:

• Blac Label

• • Conceived in 2002 during the saturation of novelty t-shirts with simple screens and catchy sayings, Blac Label Premium has evolved with innovative designs, original concepts, and stylish trends.

  • Blac Label Premium is steadily developing from a t-shirt company into a true lifestyle brand.

• New Era

  • New era is popularly known as the official cap of sports and sport-goers.

  • With their popular 59Fifties, new era became the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of the official on-field cap worn by every Major League Baseball team and their minor league affiliates, NHL, NBA and over 200 colleges and universities in the United States.

  • Along with the 59Fifty, new era produces styles like the 49Forty, 39Thirty, 29Twenty, EK, Capture the Flag, and also designs women’s and kids’ caps.

Dr. Jay’s top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Men and Boys:

• Ecko unltd

  • Ecko unltd is a brand of urban clothing founded by the famous fashion designer Marc Ecko.

  • Since its huge popularity, Ecko unltd has expanded to include 12 lines comprised of Ecko Unlimited, Ecko Red, Eck? Function, Marc Ecko Leather, Marc Ecko watches, Marc Ecko Scopes, Eck? Storage, Marc Ecko Footwear, Zoo York, Marc Ecko Cut and Sew, the new Eck? Unlimited Boys and Ecko Red Girls lines.

• Sean John

  • Sean John is a clothing and fragrance line founded by an American record producer, rapper, actor, dancer, entrepreneur and men’s fashion designer <a href=”http://www.streetzwear.com”>sean john</a> combs.

  • Part of the reason why sean john clothing became critically acclaimed is because of the few people that represent the brand. People that became <a href=”http://www.streetzwear.com”>sean john</a> clothing’s way to get known such as Combs himself, rappers such as T.I., Fabolous, The Game, Daddy Yankee, basketball stars including Dwyane Wade and Tristan Sooklal, plus models Tyson Beckford and Kevin Navayne.

  • Product categories include suits, knitwear, bottoms, outerwear, leather accessories, shirts, ties, hats, and denim.

Dr. Jay’s top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Women:

• Ed Hardy

  • Ed Hardy is a clothing line founded by America’s tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy.

  • In 2004 Christian Audigier licensed the rights to produce the high-end Ed Hardy clothing line, which is based on Hardy’s imagery.

  • Coming from the famous Don Ed Hardy, Ed Hardy clothing lines can provide the same type of innovation in style and fashion that Ed Hardy has built in his profession as a tattoo artist.

Dr. Jay’s top brands of hip hop clothing lines for Women and Girls

• Dereon

  • Dereon is a junior clothing line made by the same founders of house of dereon, which is Beyoncé Knowles and her sister Solange Knowles, is a clothing line geared towards younger consumers and is more reasonably priced.

  • But much like its counterpart, the styles and fashion of dereon still speaks the voice of femininity and shows the true essence of being a woman.

• Baby Phat

  • Baby Phat clothing lines is a clothing line founded and designed by an American model and author, Kimora Lee Simmons.

  • Baby Phat is an urban fashion line of clothing and other items for women and girls.

  • Besides clothing, the brand also includes accessories for phones, jewelry, shoes and clothes. It is also the corporate “sibling” of the clothing brand Phat Farm created by Russell Simmons, so expect the same quality of treatment that Phat Farm has been famous of.

• Apple Bottoms

  • Apple Bottoms is a fashion and lifestyle brand for women, which was launched in 2003 by multi-platinum recording artist Nelly, alongside Yomi Martin & Ian Kelly.

  • The apple bottoms, which when launched, was exclusively a denim label, and has since gone through a major line-expansion. Currently the apple bottoms label includes: apparel, footwear, handbags, eyewear RX, intimates, sunglasses, accessories, jewelry, cold weather, and girl’s apparel.

jefferson john babasa
http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/dr-jays-top-brands-from-the-top-hip-hop-clothing-store-686958.html

The growing demand for urban and hip hop clothing lines have lead many to start their own lines of branded hip hop clothing lines. Some are small, and some are big. Some of the biggest names in hip hop fashion clothing lines today weren’t only started by professional fashion designers alone.

Popular branded hip hop and urban clothing lines today, such as sean john clothing, house of dereon, dereon, apple bottoms, rocawear, are those brands of whom are started by some of the most famous entertainers and hip hop artists today.

Here are a short list of those popular brands of clothing lines that were founded by different celebrities and hip hop executives.

Sean John Clothing

First of the list is sean john clothing. Coming from the man they once called as the “Shiny Suit Man”, Sean John Combs has showed his talents not only on hip hop music, but also with

Sean John Clothing is an urban clothing line founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs in 1998 that won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Award for Menswear Designer of the Year in 2000, and one in 2004.

The popularity of sean john clothing was mainly because of its endorsers. Apart from Sean John Combs, people that represents the brand also includes other rappers such as T.I., Fabolous, The Game, Daddy Yankee, basketball superstars Dwayne Wade and Tristan Sooklal, and models Tyson Beckford and Kevin Navayne.

Other than urban clothing lines, Sean John Combs also launched a men’s perfume under the Sean John brand called “I Am King” from which was dedicated to all famous and well celebrated black people of the US such as Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King.

Apple Bottoms Jeans

One of the most popular urban and hip hop clothing lines for women is a clothing line specifically made for plus sized women. Apple Bottoms jeans is a clothing line founded by one of the most highly successful American rapper of the 20th century, Nelly.

In his vision, “a woman should not try to fit the clothes; the clothes should fit the woman!” From this vision, Nelly, alongside Yomi Martin & Ian Kelly, founded the apple bottoms jeans.

The brand, which when launched, was exclusively a denim label, and has since gone through a major line-expansion. Currently the Apple Bottoms label includes: apparel, footwear, handbags, eyewear RX, intimates, sunglasses, accessories, jewelry, cold weather, and girl’s apparel.

ICER Brands, LLC in collaboration with Nelly, holds the exclusive licensing rights to the product development and marketing of Apple Bottoms. Nelly works very closely with the design team to oversee all productions, and ensure that they are consistent with his vision.

G-Unit

G-Unit is also one of those hip hop clothing lines founded by a hip hop artist popularly known as 50 Cent.

Other than the music industry, 50 Cent has also established himself in a variety of fields. In November 2003, he signed a five year deal with Reebok to distribute a “G-Unit Sneakers” line as part of his G-Unit Clothing Company.

The “G-Unit Clothing Company” was established in 2003, when 50 Cent teamed up with Marc Ecko, to create a line of clothing and accessories inspired by 50 Cent and fellow members of G-Unit.

House of Dereon

Another urban and hip hop clothing line for women is the house of dereon. House of Dereon is a prêt-à-porter or ready-to-wear fashion line introduced by singer Beyonce Knowles and her mother/stylist Tina Knowles.

House of Dereon was announced to the media in September 2004, by Tina and Beyoncé Knowles. House of Dereon tagline is “Couture.Kick.Soul” which represents the three generation of women. Agnez Dereon is the “soul,” Tina Knowles is the “couture,” and Beyonce is the “kick.”

Expanding the brand, Beyonce and her sister Solange Knowles launched the junior line dereon that is geared towards younger consumers and is more reasonably priced. Dereon was introduced in 2006.

Rocawear

Rocawear is also among of the most popular brands of urban clothing lines that gained annual sales of $700 Million because of its huge demand.

Rocawear is an urban clothing label created in 1995 by Jay-Z and Damon Dash. Apart from being a successful hip hop artist, Jay-Z also established himself as an entrepreneur like his fellow hip-hop-moguls, and friends, Russell Simmons, Dr. Dre and Sean “Diddy” Combs, who also have business holdings such as record companies and clothing lines.

Apart from having been President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, Jay-Z is also one of the owners and founders of the Roc-A-Fella Empire, which includes Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc-La-Familia, Roc-A-Fella Films and rocawear.

Its founders expanded rocawear through licensing pacts to develop lines for children, juniors, socks and sandals, leather suede and fur outerwear, handbags and belts, lounge wear and big & tall, headwear, jewelry, and sunglasses; as well as co-branded product with Pro-Keds, State Property, and Team Roc.

Baby Phat

When it comes to the most popular urban and hip hop clothing lines today, Baby Phat is one of them. Baby Phat is an urban fashion line of clothing and other items for women and girls designed by Kimora Lee Simmons.

Kimora Lee Simmons is an American model and author. Apart from her latent talents in fashion, Kimora decided to start her own clothing line in which she named as Baby Phat.

It is the corporate “sibling” of the clothing brand Phat Farm created by Russell Simmons, though now, Kimora became of Phat Fashions after her ex-husband Russell Simmons stepped down.

Besides clothing, the brand also includes accessories for phones, jewelry, shoes and clothes. Baby Phat uses a sleek cat as the brand logo.

8732 Clothing

This clothing line is also one of the many brands of clothing lines that was founded by a hip hop artist. 8732 Clothing was founded in 2006 by the multi-platinum Atlanta rap artist Young Jeezy.

Inspired by other artists such as Jay-Z and Sean Diddy Combs, he created his own clothing brand that caters to the new generation of youth that dress in a casual urban street wear style.

Phat Farm

But among all of urban clothing lines founded by celebrities and hip hop executives, Phat Farm is the most popular of all. Phat Farm is a national fashion line created by hip-hop impresario Russell Simmons, the founder of the Def Jam record label in 1982.

The fashion line is an upscale mix of sporty urban fashions with the classic Ivy League preppy style. For example, argyle sweaters are paired with baggy jeans and crisp white sneakers.

Phat Farm expanded to include Baby Phat, a brand that encompasses womens-wear, as well as a line of eyeglasses, fragrances and children’s clothing. The name “Phat” comes from an acronym of hip-hop slang, meaning “Pretty, Hot, and/or Tempting.”

jefferson john babasa
http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/top-urban-and-hip-hop-clothing-brands-made-by-top-hip-hop-executives-698861.html

Faux Suede Handbag w/ Waves Design

(more…)

The hip hop fashion industry has boomed since the time that hip hop fashion became the trend of the world. Several brands have begun to come out since then, setting their own names and trends on the world that hip hop culture has created. Names such as Sean John, Akademiks, G-Unit, Phat Farm, Apple Bottoms, and House of Dereon became the names that many of the urban community speak of.

Today, aside from the brands stated above, there are now more than a hundred brands of hip hop clothing lines around the world from which are either popular on their own country or those that made a name across the world.

So let me give you the 10 most sought after brands that have set a trend around the world and made a name that no one else could ever forget.

#1 Akademiks

From the top hip hop fashion clothing line is the brand akademiks. Akademiks is American brand of hip hop clothing line popular among the followers of the hip hop culture. The label was mainly founded by the brothers Donwan Harrell and Emmet Harrell, along with another group of partners.

One of the facts that made akademiks very popular is because of its designs. Donwan Harrell, one of the Harrell brothers that founded the akademiks, is also is also one of the former top 10 designers at Nike.

Akademiks was popularized in 2001 by the Brooklyn rapper Fabolous whose lyrical content included the akademiks brand. Aside from that, Fabolous also wore an akademiks velour on the inside cover of his debut album Ghetto Fabolous.

Aside from its own popularity, akademiks has gained popularity in the clothing industry due to the number of celebrities who wear the brand’s PRPS jeans, such as rappers Dizzee Rascal and 50 Cent.

#2 Apple Bottoms

One of the top favorites of women when it comes to hip hop fashion is apple bottoms. Apple bottoms is a fashion and lifestyle brand for girls, which was launched in 2003 by multi-platinum recording artist Nelly, alongside Yomi Martin & Ian Kelly.

Apple bottoms was inspired by Nelly’s vision that “a woman should not try to fit the clothes; the clothes should fit the woman!”

The first collection launched by the company was Apple Bottoms jeans. The apple bottoms women’s denim collection sold out nationally in a period faster than anticipated by the company. This success led the founders to expand their brand. Currently the apple bottoms label includes: apparel, footwear, handbags, eyewear RX, intimates, sunglasses, accessories, jewelry, cold weather, and girl’s apparel.

#3 Baby Phat

Baby Phat is an urban fashion line of clothing and other items for women and girls designed by is an American model and author Kimora Lee Simmons. It is Simmons’ goal to fashion Baby Phat, launched in 1999, into an “aspirational lifestyle brand.” She also stated she wants to get more Baby Phat into discount stores such as TJ Maxx and Goodwill.

One of Baby Phat’s distinct features is its logo. Baby Phat’s slinky feline logo has become an internationally recognizable fashion symbol which is synonymous with the brand. The eye-catching hip-hugging signature jeans represent everything that is feminine and fun, glitzy and glamorous, sensuous and sumptuous about the Baby Phat woman.

Besides clothing, the brand also includes accessories for phones, jewelry, shoes and clothes. It is the corporate “sibling” of the clothing brand Phat Farm created by Russell Simmons.

#4 Coogi

Another brand that made a clear name across the world is Coogi. Coogi is a clothing line popular for its brightly colored designs of clothing lines. The intricate patterns and weaving techniques made Coogi sweaters one of the most prized pieces to men of wealth.

The brand was founded by Jacky Taranto of Melbourne, Australia in 1969. The initial idea was to attract American tourists visiting Australia by designing their luxury woven sweaters with bright colors. He felt that tourists would love this and he was right about that. In time, his clothing line reached America and was evolved to cater every hip hopers need for urban fashion.

#5 Eck? unltd.

Eck? unltd. is a brand of urban clothing founded by fashion designer Marc Ecko, that has been popular since the late 1990s, and moved into the mainstream urban culture in the early 2000s.

Marc Ecko is an American entrepreneur and founder of the highly successful Marc Ecko clothing line and its parent company Marc Ecko Enterprises. Marc Ecko Enterprises has grown to include many separate Eck? unltd. apparel and accessories lines, the contemporary Marc Ecko “Cut & Sew” collection, G-Unit Clothing Company, Avirex Sportswear, Complex magazine, and Marc Ecko Entertainment, a full service production company, with a focus on interactive entertainment.

The *eck? brand has expanded to include 12 lines comprised of Ecko Unlimited, Ecko Red, Eck? Function, Marc Ecko Leather, Marc Ecko watches, Marc Ecko Scopes, Eck? Storage, Marc Ecko Footwear, Zoo York, Marc Ecko Cut and Sew, the new Eck? Unlimited Boys and Ecko Red Girls lines.

#6 G-Unit

The G-Unit Clothing Company was established in 2003 when 50 Cent teamed up with Marc Ecko, the founder of Ecko Unlimited to create a line of clothing and accessories by 50 Cent and G-Unit.

50 cent is an American rapper who rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003) and The Massacre (2005). The name, G-Unit, was also the name of 50 cent’s recording label, G-Unit Records which was founded on 2003.

But other than music, 50 Cent has established himself in a wide variety of fields such as fashion. In November 2003, he signed a five year deal with Reebok to distribute a “G-Unit Sneakers” line as part of his G-Unit Clothing Company.

#7 House of Dereon

The house of dereon is a prêt-à-porter fashion line introduced by singer Beyoncé Knowles and her mother/stylist Tina Knowles. The design of the house of dereon clothing lines was inspired by three generations of women in their family, with the name “dereon” paying tribute to Beyoncé’s grandmother, Agnèz dereon.

The house of dereon mixes hip-hop influences, such as its use of denim, with ultrafeminine flourishes like embroidery and ruffles.

In an interview, Beyoncé said “I love the clothes from the ’70s, my mother’s clothes. I love clothes from the ’40s, my grandmother’s style, so elegant. We wanted to take elements from my grandmother’s legacy–the beaded lace, lush colors, fine fabrics–and mix them with clothes from my mother’s generation and my generation.”

#8 Rocawear

Rocawear is an urban clothing label created in 1995 by Jay-Z and Damon Dash. Because of the popularity of rocawear, a report was made that rocawear has annual sales of $700 Million.

Because of the success that rocawear had received from the day it started, its founders have decided to expand their brand and incorporate other products such as lines for children, juniors, socks and sandals, leather suede and fur outerwear, handbags and belts, lounge wear and big & tall, headwear, jewelry, and sunglasses.

In March 2007, the ownership of rocawear was shifted from Jay-Z to Iconix Brand Group. Jay-Z sold his shares for $204 million. Though he’s no longer the owner of rocawear, Jay-Z still retained his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development.

#9 Sean John

Sean John is a clothing and fragrance line founded by hip-hop mogul sean john Combs, in 1998. The name is taken from Combs’ first and middle given names.

Part of what made the sean john clothing line popular is the people that represents that brand. People representing the brand include Combs himself, rappers such as T.I., Fabolous, The Game, Daddy Yankee, basketball stars including Dwayne Wade and Tristan Sooklal, plus models Tyson Beckford and Kevin Navayne.

The collection is separated into categories including Sean John Sportswear, Sean John Tailored, and Sean John accessories. Product categories include suits, knitwear, bottoms, outerwear, leather accessories, shirts, ties, hats, and denim.

As one of the trend setter that gave rise to hip hop fashion, the products are inspired by Combs’ image and reflect his personal style.

#10 Vokal

Another one of Nelly’s line of branded clothing line is Vokal. Vokal was launched in 1997 as a Hip Hop Fashion brand by Yomi Martin, his cousin Cornell “Nelly” Haynes and Nick Loftis.

The clothing label, titled Vokál, stands for “very organized kids always learning”. Being Vokal simply means, let your actions do the talking in a positive manner. Both Nelly and Yomi Martin wanted to produce clothing where the designs would be so strong the clothing would speak for itself. That’s why the slogan is ‘Vokál, the clothing speaks for itself’.

” Vokál means `speak for yourself’ and this clothing speaks for itself,” says Nelly.

jefferson john babasa
http://www.articlesbase.com/clothing-articles/top-10-most-sought-after-urban-clothing-brands-678191.html

Clad in head-to-toe Anna Sui, Anna Sui Boho Barbie is the picture of Bohemian chic. The look begins with a dainty white blouse with pink embroidered floral details and an empire waist. On top, there’s a black, crochet-look shawl straight out of the 1970s! With this, she pairs straight-cut, denim-type trousers tucked into faux suede cowboy boots embellished with butterflies. Check out the matching handbag and belt! A Victorian-style cameo choker serves as the perfect accessory. This ensemble is completed with a pair of rose-hued rocker shades and a floppy pink hat trimmed with silvery studs. This doll also comes with an additional printed blouse and cool urban-tribal knit cap – hip accessories to mix and match.

(more…)

If youre looking for something a little different, there are plainly thousands of beautiroundedy crafted unique prizes and prizes offered for goods online. If youre hackneyed of the dimension-created offerings you cultivate to find at the mall, the online prize, prize and fashion accessory advertise is an exciting and exotic new world.

The make of unique prize and prize designs keeps receiving larger, better and more innovative all the time, but as with every kind of fashion accessory, interesting trends emerge with every new time.

Here is a mission criticize of whats advent in unique prizes and prizes in 2006.

Cloth Purses

Cloth prizes are very casual fashion matter, so rich fabrics and fanciful perfects are the ferventest trend. If you love bold flag and handsome contrasts youll have a great time shopping for cloth prizes this time.

A cloth prize is commonly a spring/summer fashion accessory, so presume to see loving flag, and light cheerful cotton or nylon fabrics. breezy, summery showy fabrics with flowers, fruits and ladybugs are forever popular.

Also very fashionable is the adroit and viable reversible cloth prize.

You can plainly shot the prize insegment out to expose the alternative fabric perfect, so you have two prizes in one.

Monogrammed prizes

Monogrammed bags and prizes never actually go out of style, and this time well see a giant scale of flag, shapes dimensions and styles.

A fervent upadvent trend is leather hang hipster prizes with chicly marked originals or a name.

silky leather is a beautiful fabric for prizes because its stable, forever very chic, and it goes with everything. chuck prizes are very comfortable to hold, and seamless whichever for business or as a casual accessory.

Monogrammed tote bags

Tote bags are the most casual fashion accessory of all, and seamless for the beach, for picnics, or for a little shopping.

Monogrammed tote bags are also great for kids to hold their drill books or gym clothes, and having their originals or name written on the bag means they wont spend it.

silky cotton picture is the classic fabric for tote bags, and well see an abundance of picture tote bags this time.

The big trend for monogrammed tote bags will be big originals, written across the total segment panel of the bag in big, bold flag.

A distinct first original of your first name as a monogram has a casual, fanciful kind of feel.

Dog prizes

each loves dogs, which is why the fashion for prizes, tote bags and prizes decked with a rounded panel photo of a gorgeous dachshund, poodle, beagle, yorkie or dalmatian just keeps receiving ferventer and ferventer every year. Dog prizes are a great gift idea for someone whose best isolated is their beloved pester.

Custom-made dog prizes are also beadvent more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog written against a prize, so your bag, like your dog, will be greatly one of a kind.

Photo prizes

Photo prizes are modestly mega-cool, and the most individual and unique of fashion statements.

You can have your own photo of something you like written against a prize or prize, like a unique character in your life, your cat, dog or bird, or even your car.

A very trendy idea is to use a romantic old photograph of a relation as a perfect for your photo prize, so you can esteem their recall anywhere you go.

early prizes

early prizes are a fashion accessory with a unique contact, and they make great gifts.

You can have just about any kind of prize written, embroidered or marked with a distinct original or set of two or three originals in a extensive make of styles.

As for prizes, leather will be a big trend in the upadvent time for prizes. Well see lots of small leather prizes with a comfortable hang shoulder belt, chicly marked with two or three originals.

Cigar box prizes

Cigar box prizes are another fervent trend for the advent year. Theyre plainly made from a stilted cigar box, integral with a fastening and a trade, and marked with an artistic or photographic figure.

The most fashionable cigar box prizes are decked with advertising figures from the glamorous 1920s and 30s.

European advertising artwork from that time has a particularly elegant and charming style, so well be since a lot of Cinzano, Cognac and French Perfume labels on cigar box prizes.

traveler prizes

traveler prizes can be cool and casual for shopping, or great and glamorous to go with evening corrosion.

Casual style traveler prizes come in suede or leather, and spineless flag like light pinks, fawn, cream and white are very greatly in craze.

A new look for traveler prizes which is on the way in is a small prize in a gold or silver interlock fabric, or even mega-glamorous tinsel and rhinestones. These prizes are a new take on the traditional evening prize, and make an eye-catching alternative.

clasp prizes

clasp prizes and prizes have an elegant, streamlined look, but theyre the seamless dimension to hold all those little necessities.

The big look for grasp prizes and grasp prizes in the advent year will be all glamour. Shiny clanging gold, silver, image and platinum shades will be the fervent flag of the time, in spineless suede leather.

Alan Tang
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-issues-articles/latest-fashion-trends-in-unique-handbags-and-purses-140103.html

I just recently bought a beautiful micro suede handbag and accidentally soiled it. I took it to the cleaners and they said that they could ruin it if they cleaned it because the chemicals could possibly melt the glue holding it together.
What should I do?

I have a microfiber couch and I use Folex, a carpet/upholstery cleaner, on it. It works pretty well on the couch, and it is fabulous on the carpet. I have tried other things on the couch, but so far the Folex has worked the best for me.