14 — Sunday, January 12, 1992 - North Shore News

Carol
Crenna

FASHION STATEMENTS
START YOUR New Year’s
resolutions with a promise
to update your fashion im-
age.

But, is fashion really impur-
tant? After all, there is life after
dress.

One could say that the impor-
tance of everyday fashion, and the
fragile image of fashion itself,
both rest on not being taken too’
seriously or too lightly.

Some fashion purists fecl that
the more something is in fashion,
the more it is dated. Others
believe that clothing actually .only
exists when it is being worn. This
is fashion taken too seriously.

There are others, however, who
do not. think of fashion at all.
They do not. feel that it is a cre-
ative gesture, and like any other
art form, it mirrors the
psychology of people, society, and
the times. vd,

Therefore, they'do not believe

‘ that it is an invaluable, tool used
to decode - thé ‘social grouping,
lifestyle, personality, even political
standing of the wearer. This is
fashion taken too lightly.

Every season, new trends from
fashion capitals around the world
are previewed before an elite few.
Most women see these new trends

only in magazines. The new trends _

are often. not solid anywhere
within reach of the average cus-
tomer. - - tae

- REAL LIFE

Many of the clothing designs in
these new collections look great —
on runway fashion models, but
they look self-conscious when -
worn by anyone anywhere else. _

So, how do you take new looks
off the international runways and
put them comfortably into your
closet?

First, be aware that all of the
haute hoopla of designer collec-
tions is not meant to be a bible
for your wardrobe. It simply
shows you, as well as the press
and store buyers, what directions
the fashion trends are taking.

For. some women, this means
buying a few well-chosen designer
pieces each season. And it also

FASHION

Fashion awareness

GIVE YOUR outfit a focal point.

means gradually ‘‘distilling’’ these
ideas into wearable clothing.

Most women turn them into
real-life style by creating their
own interpretations, with pieces
they already own, a couple of

’ wardrobe additions, and a little

creativity to change each season.

So you say that you have found
your look, however. You’ve been
**doing it this way for years,’’ and
there is no way that you will be a
slave to fashion.

Well, if your image is to be
successful by accurately describing
yourself to others, as all of those
who are famous for their look
know, your image has to change
along with the changes that occur
in your life and changes that oc-
cur with the times.

What famous woman can you
recall who has not changed her
look in more than 10 years?

While you are resisting change,
your image is probably suffering

from a one-dimensional rut. A
sense of fashion flair and self
confidence comes from dailv, con-
tinuous effort put into physical
self-improvement, grooming and
personal wardrobe planning and
upgrading.

What do you mean you’re not
ready for change? How are you
going to know when you are
ready?

If you lack the courage to ex-
periment with fashion, you are

not alone. Just remember that
styles don’t have to start in other
People’s closets. You can use your
own closet as a fashion laborato-
ry. Simply take the time to mix
and match new pieces and
discover new ways to wear your
old favorites.

If your hesitation to change
centres around buying new looks.
here is a shopping strategy. Each
time you shop, taking clothes to
try cn, spend a couple of extra
minutes to choose another item
that is totally different.

It should be a change from your
usual styling, color or mood. Even
if you end up with something
totally unlikely or too expensive, ~
try it on anyway. This will help to
teach yourself to be open to
something new. , 7

Use a little mix mastery to add
your new pieces to faverites in
your closet with a view to be in- .
fluericed by the way the Jatest de--
signer looks are color coordinated,
layered and accessorized. Borrow

, just one idea from a design leader

for each outfit you wear, to en-
sure that your look has a focus. :
What is fashion focus, and how
do you get it? SO .
Creating a focus in your -
clothing requires rethinking color;
shape and detail to establish a:
fashion message that is clear, not
confused. we
Single-minded siyle, thought ~
out each time you dress, ‘will.
achieve a focus, with one fashion-
able piece that establishes a com- ©
manding presence in a. single
glance. : re
With the many shapes, details:

' and fabric patterns that change in -

fashion with dizzying speed, it can
be difficult to find. just one focal,

* point in an outfit, or to. suggest:

just one without overdoing it.
FASHION FOCUS °
Here are a few: tips to acquiring
fashion focus: a wR
An accessory which is. large,
bold and uniquely styled makes.a
perfect fashion focus to an outfit.
Wear it with simpiy cut. separates.
Beware of adding too many ac-
cessories to an outfit, even if the
accessories match. Wearing more
than three pieces ‘of. ‘jewelry. or
additional accessories (other than:
neccessities such as shoes and
hose) can confuse your fashion
focus and look busy.. .
Details on a garment can make
a Statement, and if they suggests
strong trend. or theme, they should
be given focus. For instance, a-
lacy feminine blouse should not be
made to look overly prim or fussy
with other femirine separates. It |
would look more flattering with »
clean-cut separates.. Even
menswear inspired separates may .

lo.

The focal point should also not.
have to battle with an equally ~
strong look, unless you have the
confidence to pull it off. For ex-
ample, pulling a tough. black
leather jacket over the lacy blouse.’
can look great on some women.

Canada represented at int’l women’s wear trade fair

a Toronto-based advertising -
agency. Robins states that he

CANADIANS IN Dusseldorf
«. For the first time Canada
will be officially represented at
IGEDO Dusseldorf, the
world’s largest international
women’s wear trade fair this
year. Ten fashion apparel
companies from across Canada
are expected to participate in
the event which takes place
from March 8 to 11.

They will present their fall/
winter °92 collections in a na-
tional pavilion. organized by

external affairs and Interna-
tional Trade Canada.

The Canadian firms showing
in Dusseldorf are already selt-
ing fashions throughout the
United States. Two of the
firms are from B.C. Neto
Leather and Marquis of Lon-
don (also a leather firm) will be
showcased. Vancouver designer
.Zonda Nellis will also be show-
ing her collection at IGEDO in
a specially designed section of
the new Dusseldorf gallery.

BOBSLED FASHION hits the
Streets ... Fashion, sports and
charity are combined in a new
campaign for Canada’s Olym-
pic bobsled tcam. A new
clothing line called Red Rocket
Sports has been introduced to
Taise money for the team and
raise public awareness.

The new line, named after
the team’s bright red sleds, is
unisex sportswear which is sold
across the country. Ten per
cent from every sale of Red

Rocket t-shirts, sweats,
jackets, hats and ti..mal
underwear will go to support
the athletes on Canada's
Olympic bobsleigh team.

The team will be able to
show their appreciation this
February at the 1992 Winter
Olympics in France.

The new clothing line is the
result of a chance meeting be-
tween G---3 Haydenluck, lead
driver o° ‘he Canadian team,
and Brad Robins, chairman of

was shocked to learn how
Meagrely our amateur athletes
are supported.

The bobsleigh team only
receives $550 each month from
the government and they have
to buy their own sleds. Robins
adds that preparing for the
Olympics is a full-time job, yet
most of our athletes earn less
than minimum wage.

— Caro! Crenna