"Foreign "I Do's"

In America, traditional brides wear a beautiful white dress when saying "I do". Why white you say? Mainly, because white represents purity. However in other countries, a white dress is considered "untraditional". In India, a traditional bride wears what's called a "shalwar kammez". It is red with gold designs and is often made of silk.
  

In Pakistan, traditional brides wear what's called "lehanga choli" which is the traditional wedding dress of the Muslim people in the country of Pakistan. It comes in many color varieties. Some are plain and simple and some are very colorful and glittery. 

In the country of China,the color red represents luck and is normally used for a traditional wedding Chinese marriage. the color white is the symbol of death and should not be worn by a bride. In a traditional Chinese wedding, a woman wears an outfit that hides her face from the groom. It consists of a lot of robes and a head dress with a curtain of beads across the face. During the reception, the bride will usually change into what is called a "cheong sam" or "phoenix outfit". 

In the country of Africa, traditional brides wear a dress called a "buba dress". It consists of a silk made shirt with matching slacks and must be worn with a head scarf. It is recommended that it should not be white. White is a very simple color in Africa. They consider white to be "plain".

http://www.wilsdom.com/store/media/african-buba8001z.jpg

http://www.beautytwist.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/53.jpg

http://www.23hq.com/4937370/4979386_4c911a0e21efc015972d1337268574f9_large.jpg

Fall 2010 Fashion in Japan

In the political arena there is an increase in the number of Western politicians who pass over Japan in favor of China. Despite the fact that Japan is still the largest fashion consuming nation in Asia,several companies have chosen to do their business in places other than Japan.
Regardless of those related to Japans Fashion world who are optimistic about the situation,the global trend now is to search for a new consumer target,while promoting market openings at a fever pitch.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons Fall 2010 fashion in Japan has moved away from the late 1990's Harajuku Fashion Boom that has run its course from full-on way of life for many to just another faded trend in the fashion world.
Japan Fall 2010 fashion has evolved to a more accessible,timeless collection of styles from many different decades and demographics that are suitable for the past and present,making for a very bright future.

While the Harajuko movement saw cyber-punk infused with gothic wear,neons, and  metallics a decade ago,it was wear whatever you wanted with whatever you wanted,wether it matched or not-the more the better.
Now,although bright colors are still prevelant,the trend is definately less is more.
More 60's Mod than 90's Raver,rich hues are alive and well,only more classic than classroom as Orange and Pink trench coats and peacoats are some of the seasons biggest trends.



The 60's as well as the 80's are revitalized once again with paisley in Kyoto,the capital of Japan.
With a legacy rich with Buddhist temples,majestic palaces,and amazing gardens with some of the countrys most important works of art,its only natural that the paisley has made a comeback this fall as many wearing it on thier jackets,pants and literally on their sleeves.

Keeping up with the current American trend as well as keeping warm this Fall, leggings are also a key element in Japanese fashion right now.
 Paired up with another fashion staple,the boot, these pieces of the fashion puzzle when mixed and matched,can make any outfit classier and/or sexier with minimal effort.

Speaking of classy and sexy,the black dress,with all its possibilities,remains the most vital part of Japanese fashion. As the warm months have ended and Autumn has begun,the black dress remains the most worn and sought after item in the world,as it is any time of the year.
In the fashion arena,those in the know may not know or care about as much about politics or global markets as some,but they all know Japan has always been,and continues to be one of the leaders in fashion trends,and for Fall 2010,their future looks as bright as ever.

roomservice-japan.org

What to Wear in Paris

Paris is known to be one of the fashion capitals of the world. The People in Paris are extremely forward in what they ware. Only in Paris will you see a woman who has mastered waring a tight short skirt, wearing stilettos and are able to walk on cobble stones with out any faults. Neutral colors are key in paris, if you come from a place where bright colors and patterns are "whats in" then subdue it. Ware black, its the color that the locals live in. Leave your hoodies and matching  sweat outfits at home, you have to forget about leisure ware. The bottom line is to dress your age, you will be rewarded by getting better treatment everywhere in Paris. Its also a good idea to make a statment with scarves and accesories. Where only comfortable shoes, paris is with out a doubt the worst place to break in your new pair of shoes. Jeans are more then just "ok" to ware, however it was only 5 years ago that teenages were the only ones wareing jeans on the streets of paris. now, denim is the bigest growing trend through out Paris. But before you throw your favorite pair of jeans in your bag, just know that the most warn type of jeans is black or dark skinny jeans paired with ether boots or flats. When in Paris you never have to make extra time to put on your make up or fix your hair. Woman prefer the natural look along with the men thus make up sales in Paris are basically none existent. Paris is a place where not only do fashion trends start but they are revitalized. Fashion week in Paris gathers people from all corners to see what the "hot" new styles will be. From dresses to tank tops Paris hold the most unique trends and styles. Never has Paris let the world down by being the leader in the world of fashion.

http://fashiontadpole.blogspot.com/2009/11/paris-je-taime.html
http://parisfashionweek.com/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/paris-fashion-week

Chic in Traditional Wear

When we think of traditional clothing we immediately narrow down our thought towards the most common known names of traditional wear that is popular in the many cultures. One in particular is the kimono, Japanese most famous women’s wear, or perhaps India, for its tradition in wearing the Saree.

Just a month ago I also had my share of wearing my cultural traditional costume. It is called the Kebaya. Not many people know what outfit this is and where it’s from, especially when you’re on the streets of Los Angeles. If you’re walking in LA in a Kebaya, you’re bound to have people stare at you and gain their curiosity. This is the very reason why I got my interest to speak of the Kebaya, as it is a part of a revolving fashion that is worn throughout the years by women in South east Asia which includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Burma and Southern Thailand. 

The Kebaya is a traditional blouse that is meant to suit for the individual's body size and shape. It is worn to accentuate the woman’s curves, softness and beauty. The top blouse is made out of cotton, silk and is commonly worn in see through. The colors that are worn are usually vibrant and filled with embroidery in decorative designs of flowers such as the hibiscus, peacocks and many other creative floral designs. To complete the blouse, most women would wear it with a brooch that suits their style. The beauty of Kebaya also comes with its long silky skirt, which is known as the Sarung (sarong). The sarong is commonly made by silk, or batik cloth. Some sarong includes the designs of embroidery on the bottom lining of its skirt; some are left just the way it is.

There are multiple kinds of looks for the Kebaya’s, from each different country. The Short Kebaya, Long Kebaya, Kebaya Nyonya are the very few from the many variety listed for this traditional wear.

Short Kebaya- the blouse ends on

the thigh.

Long Kebaya- mostly worn for weddings. 

Modern day Nyonya Kebaya.

usually embroidered only on the

edges of its blouse.

Traditional Nyonya Kebaya

Women mostly wear the Kebaya for national functions, traditional weddings and some even wear it to work. Although Kebaya is kept as a traditional dress, it has managed to revolutionize itself to fit with the frequent change in trends.

 http://www.kebayas.com/peranakan.html

http://coombs.anu.edu.au/SpecialProj/ASAA/biennial-conference/2004/Cattoni-V-ASAA2004.pdf

http://www.penangpassion.com/article.aspx?secid=12&catid=40&artid=180