Among the more polarizing sights in Manhattan this spring were the Madison Avenue windows of Barneys New York, an unlikely showcase for a series of mannequins. They were ringers for the real-life models who stalked the Hood by Air men’s runway in January, right down to their elaborate tattoos and the uncanny grillwork distorting their grins.During a recent week, passers-by stood welded to the spot, challenged to make what they could of the scene, a curious hybrid of street theater and fashion porn. “Obviously, this was done by an artist,” Paul Roberts, a visitor from Edinburgh, said appreciatively. “It goes beyond window dressing, doesn’t it?”But Claudia Brien, a young Upper East Side matron, pronounced those vitrines “beyond disgusting.”“I pass them most days, but I go out of my way to keep my children away,” Ms. Brien said.Love them or loathe them, the windows, their mannequins lurching toward spectators, lips ringed in jeweled pacifiers, “skin” elaborately inked, were a come-on. They were as surely a testament to a widening fascination with body modification in its most eye-popping extremes: allover tattoos, subdermal implants, piercing, stretching, scarring, branding and the like.Photo

The Madison Avenue windows of Barneys New York, filled with re-creations of tattooed and pierced models from Hood by Air’s spring 2016 show. CreditYana Paskova for The New York TimesShayne Oliver, the chief creative force behind Hood by Air, has been quick to exploit that fascination. Of a piece with his musical collaborations on and off the runway, the display was a calculated provocation, in tune, as Mr. Oliver likes to say, with “the language of flamboyancy, the language of exaggeration.”At the same time, the windows “opened a door to a very interesting dialogue,” said Dennis Freedman, the Barneys creative director. “You start to become familiar with something that at first might be frightening. But I suspect that, over time, people do acclimate.”As they say, the eye adjusts. Facial and body piercings, ear gauging, dental grills and tribal ink were once the province of so-called deviant or subversive subcultures. Explorations of extreme body modification, a practice so widespread in some circles that it was deemed a movement, have been lavishly documented in books like the 1989 body-mod bible “Modern Primitives.”Continue reading the main story

FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

RECENT COMMENTS

Donald Seekins 42 minutes ago

I hope none of the people with extensive tattoos want to live and work in Japan. In that country, anyone with tattoos is associated with the...

Joe Sabin 1 hour ago

I was walking behind a couple last week. I felt bad for him as he had what looked like disfiguring scars on his legs. (I'm in FL, shorts for...

dark brown ink 4 hours ago

Snarky old person comment:Amazing art, yes. But the ink is toxic; shows up in autopsies, bad for the liver. There are some organic...

SEE ALL COMMENTS WRITE A COMMENT

Inspired by Fakir Musafar, a performance artist and leading proponent of the modern primitive movement, the book is filled with photographs of Mr. Musafar recontouring his waist and extremities with tight metal bands, or hanging by flesh hooks from a tree.There are images as well of Leo Zulueta, a tattoo artist stamped with a brash chevron-like pattern that enhances the contours of his back.Photo

image：KissyProm backless prom dresses

FKA Twigs at the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art this month.CreditLarry Busacca/Getty ImagesTattooing and high-visibility piercing, resurgent in the early 1990s as the seditious insignia of proud outliers, are now being revisited in unlikely quarters.“We’re seeing a lot of people who probably would have never set foot into a piercing studio,” said Miro Hernandez, a spokesman for the Association of Professional Piercers and a partner in Dandyland, a piercing studio in San Antonio. “We’re seeing business professionals, doctors, nurses and teachers more discerning about what to look for and what to choose.”Indeed, the continuing appropriation — commodification, some might say — of this former taboo by fashion designers, celebrities and civilians alike suggests that it has made deep incursions not just into the mainstream, but also into the consciousness, and the pocketbooks, of a moneyed elite.“In an era of excessive individualism, our markings and modifications are viewed not as a sign of freakishness or outlier tendencies but as an expression of personal taste,” Christine Rosen, a cultural historian, wrote last year in The Hedgehog Review, a journal of cultural criticism. Ms. Rosen went on to suggest that tweaking the skin one is in has become a leisure pursuit no more alien or off-putting than, say, a Botox party.“Today ‘it was spring break’ is just as likely to be the answer to the question of why someone got tattooed as ‘I was in prison’ was for previous generations,” she writes.

Related：KissyProm green prom dresses

White-faced models with clown-like mouths revolve around a heap of blackened discarded objects, the music assaults the excited audience and cameras flash. Yet it’s the clothes more than the spectacle that steal Alexander McQueen’s autumn/winter 2009 show, The Horn of Plenty: Everything But the Kitchen Sink.

Tailored with form-distorting, origami-like folds, it’s almost as if the fabrics have been beguiled to do the designer’s bidding regardless of their properties. “Exceptional,” wrote a watching New York Times fashion critic. “A slap in the face to his industry.”

Watched today, Horn of Plenty is a bravura performance from a designer at the height of his power to both shock and delight. It was also, reportedly, a studied farewell to McQueen’s youth as the designer prepared to turn 40. In it, he returned to familiar motifs; past ideas and props literally piled up on the catwalk. The fact it would turn out to be McQueen’s final autumn/winter show before he committed suicide in February 2010 cemented its legacy in fashion history.

prom dresses uk

Savage Beauty, a sell-out exhibition in New York and London, followed McQueen’s death and further burnished his reputation, ensuring the designer’s place in the pantheon of the British Romantic tradition. But what of the man?

A photography exhibition by Nick Waplington, who spent six months documenting McQueen as he magicked Horn of Plenty from sketches on the page on to the catwalk, provides a fascinating insight into how he worked. First shown at Tate Britain in 2012, an excerpt of 34 photographs of the 120 seen in London are now on show at the East Wing gallery in Dubai.

In Nick Waplington/Alexander McQueen: Working Process, McQueen appears both wrung out by the demands of his own creativity, and as a smiling figure, surrounded by a close-knit team in his London and Paris studios. The timing of the project, given the tragedy that followed, is remarkable.

“[McQueen] was very worried about his legacy,” the photographer explains in a short film on Working Process that is being shown at East Wing. “The fact that he was able to share his working practice which was very secretive, but he wanted to share that, and he entrusted me with the job of making the pictures.”

If you’re a follower of fashion and you miss McQueen, don’t miss it.

See more: plus size bridesmaid dresses

Londoner Tom Cridland, 25, told Reuters he has combined old-fashioned craftsmanship with a unique silicon treatment applied to fabric that prevents shrinking. The result is a sweatshirt that he guarantees will last three decades, and because the items are priced at an affordable £55 ($83), he insists that buyers will also save money in the long-term.

“It’s made out of organic cotton and then a little bit of polyester, which doesn’t sound so glamorous, but is very helpful for functionality, mobility, and comfort,” said Cridland, “The cotton is very durable, quite heavy, 360 grams per meter. The seamstresses and craftsmen, who are from Portugal, and I decided on Portugal because I’m half Portuguese, they’re the reason why I chose 30 years. I asked them ‘show me the oldest sweatshirt you guys have ever made’ and they’ve been in business since 1964 as a supplier, and they showed me a sweatshirt form the late 1970s which was still in perfect condition.”

He added: “In terms of technology, what they weren’t able to do in the ’70s is treat it against things like shrinking and piling, which we’ve done with the unique silicon treatment that they’ve developed there. They have in Portugal -- despite the fact these suppliers of mine are very old school, they have moved along with the times and they’ve invested in some great equipment.”

royal blue prom dresses

Cridland says his eponymous company hopes to provide an affordable, ethical alternative to the prevalence of fast fashion in which consumers pay low prices for poor quality garments and then have to replace them regularly because the items have fallen apart or shrunk.

His sweatshirts, made by Portuguese artisans, use a traditional knitting technique that forms loops on the backside of the sweatshirt’s fabric. Three yarns of loop-wheeled fabric are used. The material is 80% organic cotton and 20% premium polyester, which Cridland says helps increase garments’ mobility.

The designer says the in-built obsolescence of much modern clothing can be bad for the environmental and that his product will help counteract such waste.

“The mere fact that we’re guaranteeing the sweatshirts for 30 years implies that the sweatshirts are made really well and therefore we’re not wasting our natural resources, which is the main reason is why the project is good for the environment,” he said. “Equally, in the future when my brand Tom Cridland does designs that are more on trend or maybe people won’t want to keep them for 30 years because fashions will change, we are going to try to encourage people -- and this is what all people should be doing anyway -- rather than chuck you’re clothing out, give it to Oxfam.”

In addition, Tom Cridland Co. has joined with international charity Deki and is donating 10% of its sales income to support entrepreneurs living in abject poverty, by giving them grants to work on their businesses.

There remains a peculiarly British tradition of relatives buying unwanted Christmas pullovers which are worn once and subsequently left in the cupboard, before being replaced annually. Cridland says the company could be persuaded to help end that waste by entering the 2016 Christmas pullover market.

“Maybe in the future we might venture into the Christmas sweatshirt market, but I’ll always say that the 30 year sweatshirt, as it is, is a great Christmas present for anyone.”

yellow prom dresses

As NFL teams are battling for Super Bowl 50 bids and optimistic fans are trying to lock in game day tickets, the CFDA is also planning its own winning strategy.

But like many Super Bowl 50-related tie-ins, the CFDA’s collaboration with the NFL is staying top secret for now. That will certainly change before the Feb. 7 showdown in Santa Clara, Calif. But neither the CFDA, nor the NFL provided any details Monday after save-the-dates went out for the January 20 CFDA-NFL Super Bowl 50 collaboration event at the league’s headquarters in New York. A spokeswoman for the CFDA would only say “quite a few designers” will be involved and there will be “some really great stuff.”

short prom dresses cheap

Locally based Levi’s is cooking up a limited-edition Super Bowl 50 collection, but executives at the California-based company declined comment Monday. Nike, G-III, 47 Brand, Majestic and others will also be stamping women’s apparel with the golden “50” logo to reflect the San Francisco Bay area’s historic Gold Rush and its Golden State heritage. As part of its ongoing efforts to build its female fan base, the NFL revealed a smattering of its Super Bowl 50 apparel during the NFL Style Showdown at Artbeam in September. There, Erin Andrews was joined by Erin Heatherton, who appears in this fall’s multimedia campaign for women’s NFL attire, as well as Jamie Chung, Jake Hoffman, Dascha Polanco, Lisa Ramos and Phillip Bloch.

The CFDA and the NFL teamed up in a big way for Super Bowl XLVIII, when the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos squared off at MetLife Stadium. Donna Karan, Todd Snyder, Dennis Basso, Nicole Miller and Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were among the designers who created 48 “haute couture” football helmets as part of the New York area’s inevitable Super Bowl frenzy. The one-of-a-kind helmets were styled by members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in conjunction with the NFL and Bloomingdale’s, which later helped sell them. With fans in more than 200 countries expected to tune in, the Super Bowl is always a big branding opportunity.

dark purple prom dresses

The promise to stand by your partner through sickness and health truly begins on your wedding day.

Figures released by ACC show claims for injuries suffered at weddings - whether guests, bride or groom - are on the rise.

During the past three years, there has been a steady rise in claims, peaking at 256 in 2014.

While it might be polite to help prepare for a wedding, heavy lifting should be avoided.

Carrying chairs for the big day has resulted in injury, while another claimant hurt their back while lifting a three-tier wedding cake.

This year, there's already been 238 claims, with the perilous summer wedding season not quite upon us.

Singletons have more to fear than a lifetime alone, one Kiwi fell over and injured themselves while trying to catch the bride's bouquet.

While often fantastic places to attract a partner with your sweet moves, dance floors can also prove dangerous at weddings.

best prom dresses

ACC has recorded claims related to slipping over on the dance floor, and rolling feet on uneven ground.

So far this year, wedding related injuries have cost ACC $155,247, with the bill only expect to rise.

In 2014, ACC forked out nearly a quarter million dollars on injuries suffered on that very special day, the most expensive wedding season for ACC in recent history.

Accountant Michael Lipman vouched for the perils weddings bring, having attended an overseas wedding where the aunt of the groom fell down some stairs.

"The aunt tried to sue the owner of the house for negligence and a sprained ankle. It got really ugly," he said.

"All the lawyers in the room rushed to help her when she fell, as if to give her their business cards."

Queer Eye Wedding co-owner Francesca Jago said she wasn't surprised by the figures.

"People do get a bit intoxicated and lose their inhibitions, and their balance," she said.

Brides' biggest fears seemed to be falling over in their frocks. "People are worried about tripping down the aisle, but I've never seen it happen."

Pure NZ Weddings owner Jan Edge said the number of accidents was "quite understandable".

"Everybody sees those blooper videos from people's weddings where people have too much to drink, and they're not wearing appropriate footwear, and there are slippery floors and enthusiastic uncles."

She said there was a trend in people doing heli-weddings: taking helicopters to the tops of mountains, which added another level of risk.

Her advice to wedding parties: just don't drink too much before the photos.

prom dresses under 100

The athleisure trend looks set to continue into 2016 and beyond, and according to experts is on its way to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing fashion segments by 2020. In fact, to many it is more than a trend, but rather a cultural and lifestyle shift that reflects the changing attitudes, and for some, an obsession with healthier lifestyles and wellbeing.

Ariel and Downy/Lenor, alongside renowned designer and P&G Fabric Care Global Fashion Consultant, Giles Deacon, explored the athleisure trend and the fabrics associated with it, in a limited edition washable capsule collection, revealed exclusively at the P&G Future Fabrics event in Barcelona, 2nd December 2015.

Giles commented: “I’m inspired by women that dress with confidence, that exude self-assurance and poise in their style. Here, I wanted to create designs that take this spirit and meet it with an athletic, energetic attitude. This collection is about being unique and individual, about women feeling comfortable in themselves and their clothes, never restricted and always ready to perform at their best”

QUALITIES THAT DEFINE ATHLEISURE AND THEIR ASSOCIATED CLOTHING CARE CHALLENGES

By merging style with the comfort and functionality of sports clothes, athleisure is setting new standards for ready-to-wear fashion, resulting in clothes that celebrate the best of both worlds: body-aware but not constricting, high stretch and comfort, washable and versatile, stylish and casual.

long prom dresses uk

A recent global survey commissioned by P&G Fabric Care*, on behalf of Ariel, Lenor and Downy, explored the popularity of the athleisure trend, revealing that:

Nearly three out of four consumers (71%) consider active-inspired clothes as part of their “normal” everyday clothes

Over one in four (27%) say leggings are their most favoured article of clothing for day to day wear

Many wear active-inspired attire to run errands (56%), to travel (47%), to go shopping (41%) and even when going out to dinner (16%)

This new trend brings a challenge when it comes to clothing care. Today, 60% of loads contain laundry garments other than cotton. Athleisure garments include knitted fabrics, polyester, Lycra™, new wools, and many other fabrics, meaning that laundry loads are now more varied than ever. People are currently faced with 900+ wash combinations, factoring in the diversity of fibres, fabric construction, load size, soil and staining and water quality.

SCIENCE OF ENCLOTHED COGNITION INFORMS ARIEL, LENOR, AND DOWNY INNOVATION

Understanding the relationship between the wearer and their clothes is key to the redefining clothing care. P&G Fabric Care brands Ariel and Downy/Lenor have embarked on a series of studies with leading Cognitive Psychologist, Dr Lawrence Rosenblum of the University of California Riverside, to delve deeper into the phenomenon of “Enclothed Cognition”. This term describes the subconscious effects of our clothes on the way we perceive ourselves, the way we think, our moods and behaviour.

Existing research shows that people perform better when they are wearing clothes that are associated with the important aspects of the task they are performing. In addition, early experiments suggest that cognitive performance is improved when wearing clean clothing. A massive 70% of people claim wearing fresh, active-inspired clothing can make them feel more energetic, and 62% say it increases confidence*, demonstrating the true importance of caring for clothes properly.

Dr Lawrence Rosenblum, Cognitive Psychologist, University of California Riverside comments: “There are definitely cognitive consequences of wearing formal clothes versus casual clothes. Our clothing changes the way we perceive ourselves, but it also changes the way the brain works, how it forms concepts, and the kind of decisions we make as a result. Our clothes affect us on an entirely different level that exists without other people telling us how we look and feel.”

Comfort, style and performance, have become the ubiquitous qualities associated with athleisure, and retaining a “like new” quality is at the forefront of research and development of all Ariel and Downy/Lenor clothing care products.

ARIEL’S ADVANCED CLEAN HELPS KEEP THE FABRIC QUALITIES THAT DEFINE ATHLEISURE CLOTHES LIKE NEW

Ariel formulas provide advanced cleaning that delivers unbeatable clothing care for the latest natural and synthetic fibre mixes in athleisure wear, via a process of Ariel Fibre Purification and Ariel Fibre Preservation. This advanced Deep Clean Complex allows for washing at lower temperatures, helping to protect the colours and the fibres of fabrics, especially a fibre like elastane which is extremely common in athleisure and can be prone to damage.

Thanks to its proprietary blend of advanced cleaning technologies, Ariel removes seen and unseen impurities embedded deep within fabrics while also preventing them from re-depositing back on fibres to stop their build-up, as they can cause damage and premature aging of clothes (a process P&G clothing care experts call “grey veil”).

Ariel also helps protect the feel of comfort of athleisure clothes through FibreSCIENCE technologies specialized in optimising the wash conditions to help protect fibre integrity and preserve that “like-new” feel.

DOWNY/LENOR – FIBRE PROTECTION AND LONG-LASTING FRESHNESS TO KEEP THE STYLE AND COMFORT OF ATHLEISURE CLOTHES AT ITS BEST

Downy’s/Lenor’s formulation helps preserve the texture and construction of athleisure garments and provides an uplifting perfume experience.

Inspired by the link between people’s emotions and scent, Downy/Lenor enhances garments and moods with sophisticated scent technology and perfume oils that provide an irresistible freshness experience and long-lasting fragrance throughout the day. Each delicate Downy/Lenor perfume is made up of more than 60 scent components delivering rich, complex fragrance profiles.

Furthermore Downy/Lenor penetrates deep in the layers of fabrics to condition the fibres and reduce friction between fabrics. Thanks to the process of Downy/Lenor Fibre Protection, a visible difference can be seen after just 5 to 10 washes, with less bobbling and pilling, helping to protect the in-wear fit and “like-new” feel of your athleisure garments. Every drop of Downy/Lenor contains billions of softness agents that help to reduce friction at a fibre level during the wash, as well as during day to day wear, minimizing the chances for fabric bobbling and pilling which cause damage and premature aging of clothes.

purple prom dresses

Until the early twentieth century, the main way people saw new clothes, especially the latest from Paris, was on dolls. Around 1391 Charles VI of France sent Queen Anne of England a “fashion doll” wearing the latest royal court dress – she was the fashion ambassador of French taste.

In the 21st century, technology takes charge of spreading sartorial trends. Through social media like Instagram and Twitter, it’s easy to find out the latest in Paris, New York, London, Milan, Dubai, Kuwait, and Iran. These pictures are seen the whole world over while hundreds of thousands of people, including models, journalists, retailers, celebrities, and executives, participate in events across the globe. So here’s the question: what should – and shouldn’t – you wear to a fashion show?

While it can sometimes seem that the world has fallen victim to a sort of sartorial globalization, where jeans are welcome anytime, anywhere, the truth is more nuanced. You can wear jeans but you need to spiff them up. Make sure you’re wearing the latest trend – this season’s must-have denim comes with a cropped, slightly flared and frayed hem. And remember, what works in Singapore might be greeted with looks of horror in Paris.

long prom dress

And while you can pile on the gold and jewels in Greece, you’ll be perceived wearing all this jewelry as vulgar in Germany. So here are the rules on looking not just appropriate but actually stylish around the globe, in fashion events.

Simple: think your everyday style but elevated.

DON’T ignore weather conditions – if it’s cold, wear an appropriate outfit and leave your tiny shorts for summer!

DON’T wear shoes you can’t walk in.

Keep it elegantly casual. Unless you feel like you have to wear an outfit worthy of a thousand camera flashes like Lady Gaga or Anna Dello Russo and you’re up to it, then please refrain. Gone are the days when bloggers had to wear weird outfits to be noticed. The name of the game now, is trendy elegance.

I can’t say it enough, your best kept secret for looking like a million bucks is a tailor who knows your figure. Don’t just grab something off the rack and assume it will fall perfectly on you. Make sure the sleeves are not too long before you get to the show, or the hem length won’t be flattering.)

Unless you are a celebrity with some consistent spending means, there is no reason you should drop an entire month’s rent on a new outfit for the show. By all means do buy a beautiful investment piece that stands out and is re-wearable. But I don’t advise to invest in a designer piece just for this one show.

Put on your diva pout and wear your big sunglasses while on your way to the show. But, please, pull them off during the duration of the event. If trying to stay incognito, then stay home.

Most of the time, I’m all for fabulous over functional. And in this particular event it is not the time for ballet flats, unless you opted for those amazing pointed ballerinas by Dior! This is one of the only times your most decadent, beautiful shoes will have a reason to exist besides collecting them in your closet for your own visual pleasure and ego boost!

If you’re new to the fashion scene, I strongly suggest to bring a fashionable friend with whom you can chat and gossip!

Remember when I said earlier don’t go designer? That doesn’t apply to the handbag. I beg you do not carry a faux designer one; the real thing is a must.

If black is your comfort zone, make an effort and think you’ll be mingling with a fun, bright crowd, you don’t want to be singled out. A pop of color never hurts anyone, or simply go for a black and white outfit.

Elegance and refinement are key words in every occasion including fashion events. No need to flash extra flesh.

And remember, in such an egocentric milieu, most people are going to be so focused on catching a celebrity or busy taking selfies that they aren’t going to even notice what you’re wearing, especially if your shoes are from last year’s collection.)

Bad behaviour

Now that we covered your outfits let’s tackle your behavior.

DON’T block the view of everyone around you while you Instagram every look.

DON’T put on heavy perfume in a show, it is unacceptable.

DON’T post hundreds of blurry, horrible photos on Instagram and useless videos of every event you attend just to show how cool you are. I’m so unfollowing!

DON’T wear imposing hair styles or even hats in the front row. Remember there are people behind you…

one shoulder bridesmaid dresses uk

Twiggy believes her modelling career happened by accident and she wouldn't have been able to make it nowadays.

The '60s fashion icon, whose real name is Lesley Lawson, doesn't think she would have made it in the nitty-gritty industry if she had attempted it now because there's too many young girls dreaming of becoming models nowadays.

Speaking to the Daily Mail's FEMAIL, she said: ''I think it's tougher now because there's so many more girls that want to be models. You've got to remember what happened to me - I didn't plan it. I didn't dream I had a hope in hell of being a model. I was too small, too thin - if I'd have gone to an agency they wouldn't have taken me.''

black prom dresses 2015

She added: ''I think the reason what happened to me happened is because I didn't look like anybody else.''

The 66-year-old supermodel says ''amazing'' Cara Delevingne, 23, is her favourite in the business at the moment because she's not afraid to express her true self.

She explained: ''She's not just a model, she's a personality. She's very funny, beautiful and quirky.

''This is what I said to the contestants on 'Top Model', it's not good copying someone else, if you want to be as popular as me or as Kate [Moss], you need to be you.''

one shoulder prom dresses

Last week was New York Fashion week, where some of the biggest names in fashion debuted their spring/summer collections for 2016.

This year, the runways were graced with a wide array of looks from many talented designers.

Honestly, there was so much I wanted to talk about, from Project Runway’s plus-sized collection to Givenchy’s robes-as-clothes look. I wanted to gush over Erin Fetherston’s ethereal collection that looked like it belonged in a Sophia Coppola movie, or Jeremy Scott’s 60’s-inspired show that reminded me of the era’s cartoons.

I wanted to focus on both the romantic and edgy designs, and share all of my favorites. But, since I can only talk about one, I suppose I’ll focus on my favorite designer, Betsey Johnson.

This year was Betsey Johnson’s 50th anniversary in the fashion business. Her show, aptly titled “The Mysterious Case of Betsey Button,” was incredible.

prom dresses uk

Taking us through the various phases of Johnson’s career, the show began with the designer’s trademark puffy prom dresses and sparkly accessories. Then, the show went into 90’s style dresses, with bright floral prints and corsets, followed by 80’s punk rock, vibrant 70’s prints, and 60’s mod.

For the finale of the show, models came out dressed in Johnson’s childhood dance costumes. At the end of the show, Johnson did her famous post-show cartwheel, surrounded by models in American flag tank tops, paying tribute to 9/11.

Betsey Johnson’s spring/summer 2016 collection was colorful, fun, and reflective of the designer’s personality. Unlike other runway shows, the models were not straight-faced and serious. Instead, they were smiling, dancing, posing, and unafraid to even act a little silly at times.

The clothes fit right in with this free-spirited vibe. They were in every print, color, and texture imaginable and, in my opinion, a welcome break from the typically dreary colors of fall and winter.

Even the models’ makeup was bold, with bright lipstick and blush, and rainbow eye shadow. As a fan of fashion history, I really loved the retrospective theme of the show.

Betsey Johnson’s 50th anniversary was a fabulous celebration for a fabulous lady. It was quirky, it was eclectic, and it was perfectly Betsey!

high low prom dresses

Three new ways to style your ponytail.

Bored with a run-of-the-mill pony? Then update your look with these three fresh styles.

The knot ponytail

Can't decide between a bun and a pony? Then go for both with this cute updo. It's really simple and looks great both day and night.

Start with wet hair, then roughly blow dry backwards away from the face. Use a salt spray for added root boost. Run your straighteners through hair and let it fall into a natural centre part. Brush back into a ponytail on the back of your head, but not too high up, and tie with an elastic. Twist the pony so it coils over the elastic, where it will naturally fall into a bun shape. Leave the ends loose, to form the pony. Secure the bun with bobby pins. Ant it's as easy as that!

blue prom dresses

60s pony

If you fancy channelling a retro vibe with your ponytail, why not try a swinging 60s version? It might be vintage chic, but it's actually bang on trend. Messy updos are all the rage, with this backcombed pony embracing this to its fullest. Start by clipping a small section of hair up and backcombing the strands directly underneath. Then smooth the clipped-up section over the top, making sure all of the backcombed section is covered. Now you can scoop all of your hair into a medium-high ponytail that sits halfway between the crown and the nape of the neck. It works best if your hair is slightly wavy and tousled so you have a touch of messiness at the ends of the ponytail. Finish with a spritz of hairspray.

high low prom dresses

Plait pony

Not got the patience to sit and plait your entire head of hair? Then why not just focus on your ponytail to create a neat and fun finish, perfect for a party. You can either go for a simple approach by incorporating all of the hair, or if you're in an experimental mood, try adding mini plaits into the falling hair. This subtle style is great for those who want to tie up their hair but still make a statement! Secure with bands which match the shade of your locks to give a natural appearance.

JUST call Cristina Tridente Adelaide’s own spice girl.

The couture+love+madness designer and former Adelaide Fashion Festival director is celebrating a South Australian first for local designers who have just taken part in the State Government’s largest ever trade mission to South East Asia.

Cristina returned home yesterday after successfully showcasing local brands Simmone Standing The Label, Liza Emanuele, Scott & Scarce andher own couture+love+madness at parades in Bangkok, Mumbai and Delhi and a display in Jaipur.

Co-directing the events in India with Cristina was Mumbai-based Adelaide expat Chloe Papazahariakis whose label Lotus by Chloe also featured.

long prom dress

“We are exposing the South Australian fashion industry to the world," Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith tells Confidential. He says while India is already SA’s third largest export market, already worth more than $800 million – the only way is up.

“South Australian businesses are using the contacts made in India to attract investment, export their premium products and services and drive job growth in this state,” he says.

Cristina, who was part of the trade delegation, co-directed the parades with Chloe and has been busy networking.

Teaming up with TAFE SA’s Cathie Brown to promote the Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design to potential international students, Cristina says companies are lining up to discuss opportunities to manufacture and distribute SA labels throughout India.

“Working with local models from a variety of agencies, five South Australian labels were showcased on an international scale, the first of its type for our local designers,’ Cristina says.

princess prom dresses