women fashion

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For most people the end of February also marks the end of summer -- though for some annoying sticklers (namely HuffPost Australia's sports editor, Anthony Sharwood), the end of summer isn't officially until the 21st of March.

Whichever way you look at it, summer's sun is setting for another year and autumn is on its way, followed by winter -- and you know what that means.

New clothes.

"There are two strong colour palettes that are derived from two of the most key trends this winter," Toni Baston, Head of Women’s Fashion at THE ICONIC told The Huffington Post Australia.

"The first revolves around a 70s revival featuring rich caramels, browns and gem tones of burgundy and teal.

"The second colour palette offers a neutral look with winter whites, greys and beige. With minimal and contemporary scandinavian influenced design, dark navy fits nicely into this minimal look, with dark indigo denim heavily prominent this winter," Baston said.

Teneille Ferguson, Myer International and Australian Designer Buyer agrees we will be seeling a lot of burgundy. "Darker colour palettes are traditionally popular during the colder autumn months. Burgundy is this season’s signature colour and is a rich, versatile shade that can be worn with more than you think. Designers such as White Suede, Daniel Avakian and Acler have all adopted moody burgundy tones in their current collections," Ferguson said.

In terms of silhouettes, expect to see more shoulder cut outs, as well as styles reminiscent of the disco era.

Tops and dresses with 'cold shoulder' silhouettes continue to be popular. On the opposite end of the scale, blouses and dresses featuring a distinct buttoned up, high collared neckline are also on trend," Ferguson said. "Ruffles are huge this season. From pretty frills to oversized decoration, ruffles are appearing on everything from sleeves to collars to hemlines. 70s inspired shapes continue to dominant for autumn -- think bell sleeves, fringing and hip-hugging flared trousers, however hem lengths are rising on the popular flare. A pair of cropped denim flares is my must-have piece for the season."

When it comes to footwear, the stiletto is taking the back bench this season (to the relief of every woman everywhere).

"We won’t need to worry about wobbling around on thin stiletto heels this season as the block heel is leading footwear trends in many different shapes from boots to pumps," Baston said.

"The 70s influenced 'Sock Boot' fits firmly around the ankle and can be worn as easily with a flowing floral dress or with your favorite skinny ankle grazer jeans. For a comfortable option, stark white leisure sneakers will continue their dominance and will still be a staple style this Winter."

Joanne Mercer, Myer General Manager of Footwear and accessories reveals block heels are also big.

"Key footwear styles that we will be seeing this season are flat or heeled over the knee boots, ankle boots to pair with cropped pants and block heels -- but not too high! Suede is the fabric of the season in regal tones like bordeaux, ochre, cognac and plum. Versatile and comfortable, white sneakers are also on-trend. To achieve a cool, minimal look wear with ankle grazing denim or a flirty skirt," Mercer said.

Kicks are still big for the guys, too.

"Sneakers continue to infiltrate men's everyday wardrobes. Guys are wearing their kicks with chinos and a blazer for a smart office look. Also worth noting, the desert boot is back in a big way thanks mostly to Clarks Originals," Robert Moore Head of Men’s Fashion, THE ICONIC told HuffPost Australia.

Chris Wilson, Myer General Manager of Menswear explains that chinos are still in for the cooler months, paired with a well tailored blazer.

"This season men are moving towards colourful separates, embracing the sharp jacket and tailored chino pant look. From elevated casual, through to relaxed formal style, brands such as Scotch & Soda and M.J. Bale have some cool separate pieces that make your wardrobe essentials more versatile."

"Layering is another big trend for autumn and key when it comes to the warmer Australian climate. Start with cotton basics, build it up with slightly thicker pieces and top it off with a heavy, wind resistant jacket. Adding or removing layers will help you strategically battle the many seasons that one day can bring.""In men’s suiting the trend is heading towards grey, although blue still the colour of choice. From navy to cobalt to steel blue any shade of blue is on trend this season. Accessories are a necessity when completing your suiting ensemble. Textured knit ties, pocket squares and bow ties in burgundy, dark green and grey shades are all hugely popular for Autumn," Wilson said.See more at:prom dress shops

  (Photo:long prom dresses uk)Super Sunday is a familiar concept in football, but it could also be applied to fashion this weekend. Paris fashion week boasted two agenda-setting shows to define a season – Balenciaga and Céline. First up was Balenciaga on Sunday and the debut collection from its new artistic director, Demna Gvasalia. The Georgian-born designer is fashion’s current cult figure, as the lead designer of Vetements, the label making waves with disrupted streetwear – hoodies with overlong sleeves, shirts cut back to front. The question here was how a design sensibility that saw sweatshirts with the slogan “You .....’n asshole” at the Vetements show on Thursday would transfer to an almost 100-year-old house that once clothed socialites and heiresses in ladylike elegance. The answer came in a square room covered with white acoustic insulation, like that in a recording studio, in the basement of an anonymous white building. The expectant audience included Gucci designer Alessandro Michele and model Stella Tennant. The first outfit was a checked skirt suit with exaggerated hips and shoulders up around the model’s neck. This was a very Gvasalia nod to Cristóbal Balenciaga’s signature midcentury sculptural shapes – making them slightly weird but still recognisable. It wasn’t remotely retro. This was followed by cagoule-style jackets with Balenciaga written on the back of the hood, and oversize striped shoppers – both surefire hits with the social media generation. Models wore knee-length cord skirts, ski pants and over the knee PVC boots. Oversize bad-taste jumpers and floral patchwork dresses worn with candy-striped tights recalled more recent Balenciaga history, and the collections ofNicolas Ghesquière. While the designs here were sometimes wilfully twisted – a trench with extra padding around the hips, or an off-the-shoulder coat – they all had some basis in the reality of what women wear now. There was an everydayness that felt modern. It was this factor that made for such a blisteringly desirable debut collection. In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily earlier this year, Gvasalia said he has a “very product-oriented approach creatively”, industry speak for a designer who makes clothes rather than concepts. Backstage, the designer reiterated this idea, saying he wanted to make “relatable garments”. He was keen to emphasise the Balenciaga heritage. “I used his way of looking at things 360 degrees,” he said. “It is important to know the past in order to build the future.” CEO Isabelle Guichot called Gvasalia “someone capable of reshuffling the cards” when he was appointed in October. This collection confirmed she was right. If Gvasalia was a tough act to follow, Céline was always going to pull the crowds. It is a brand that has had the fashion industry in raptures since Phoebe Philobecame creative director in 2008. This collection had elements familiar to her significant fanbase – there were tunics over wide bootleg trousers, oversize sweaters, tied trench coats and bags clutched in models’ hands. There was a functionality that chimed with Gvasalia’s – with a muted colour palette, flat shoes and party dresses with pockets worn over polo necks and leggings, eveningwear for those who feel the cold. If that sounds straightforward, Philo is frequently less than crystal clear in her explanation of a collection. “It’s about possibilities,” she said, adding that there is “always a tactile process [when designing], but this time it showed more”. Wearing a dress over wide-legged white trousers, what she said may have been somewhat opaque but she did embody the simple chicness of her brand. This is the first Céline show since rumours about the potential exit of Philo were quashed in February. A memo signed by Philo and Céline CEO Marco Gobbetti was leaked to the media, and states that the designer and brand were “more motivated than ever to their partnership”. This was a relief for the front row, who are more often than not clad in Philo’s clothes. Next season, Gvasalia’s Balenciagadesigns will no doubt be spotted there too.See more at:celebrity dresses

Standing ovations at TED Talks are not that common. The last one I recall was a magician with a sword who, literally, showed his audience how to swallow fear.

Imagine then the collective surprise when Dahlia Mogahed, social science research wonk, mother of two, and a practicing Muslim walks on stage, poised, cheerfully dimpled, in a striking blue Muslim dress and head scarf, and smiling into the footlights asks a full house, "What do you see when you look at me? A woman of faith? An expert? Maybe even a sister. Or oppressed, brainwashed, a terrorist."

Then try to imagine your amazement 15 minutes later when, against all odds, the whole crowd is on its feet and clapping.

Without fanfare, the personable Mogahed takes her audience on a solidly reasoned, thoughtful journey past the three not-so-subconscious stages of distrust, anger and fear that many Americans currently go through every time they see a woman in a headscarf. She explains how this happens, what it costs, and what it means--to the perceiver and the perceived, to our personal space and our public world, to democracy itself when fear takes over and labels win the day. She explains the stakes and she offers a choice and a challenge. No wonder the whole room jumped up to applaud.

Like a lot of people, I watched the talk on-line. I was at work, in MOST's Story Bank office, just doing my job, reviewing media pieces related to Muslims and Islam. The moment the TED talk ended, I began scrolling through all the Style & Fashion articles I could find in our searchable archive. Why Fashion? For two reasons:

Because the look of Muslim women is one of the most loaded social messages of our time.

Because just now, when so much extra meaning is being placed on their appearance, Muslim women's fashion has come into its own.

Exhibit A: Nabila Noor's library-size archive of YouTube videos, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook pages have made her a household name in Muslim social media. Noor's YouTube channel overflows with advice on make up, room decors, foodie tips, party snacks, and gift ideas that flow her bedroom and living room across the world. Move over, Martha Stewart. Recently, in addition to beauty tips, she has been offering election advice to a larger public, appearing in Iowa at the GOP debate and raising non-cosmetic questions.

Exhibit B: Amani Al-Khatahtbeh started a blog in high school called MuslimGirl.net, which today is a burgeoning social movement. First an online blog page from her New Jersey family's home, then a Rutgers University student organization, then a registered website in Washington DC, MuslimGirl has moved with Amani, picking up a global network of editors and writers, taking on the theme of being young and female that spans the world.

Book and music reviews, women's roles in politics and science and, more recently, articles on how wearing hijab has made women targets of violence in public. Amani has taken her news to CNN and represented her demographic at the UN Youth Assembly. Her goal is to show that Muslim women do talk back and to give them a stage where they can hear each other.

Creativity in Muslim women's fashion and style flows beyond the virtual, giving solid shape to new looks around the world. The "Islamic World" is a large and potentially lucrative territory: 50 Muslim majority countries, 22% of the world's population, and a "Diaspora" population outside them of over 300 million people. No surprise thatFortune magazine has already tagged Muslim women as the next major fashion market. The estimates of its worthy are almost half-a-trillion dollars by 2020.

Who will design the clothes of Muslim women in the future? Donna Karan (DKNY) issued its first line almost two years ago. These days, it's referred to as the Modesty Fashion Movement, inspired by a different set of cultural norms than Western style, including the notion that a woman's visual appeal is not necessarily a function of how little she wears.

Muslim women will also create their own lines, and the companies to make and market them, if designers like Melanie el Turk CEO of Haute Hijab fashion house in Paris (and author of this article in Elle,) Nermin Demyati, the first female fashion designer in Gaza, and British-Japanese Muslim fashion designer Hana Tajimahave anything to say. Tajima recently teamed up with Japanese retail giant Uniqlo to bring out a stunning line of clothes for British and U.S. markets.

Might you be curious to see how the American TV industry imagines Muslim FBI agents should dress? Consider this screen-grab of Lebanese-born actressYasmine Al Massri, who portrays twin FBI agents Nimah and Raina Amin on ABC's hit TV series, "Quantico."

These are just a few of the many articles on Muslim women's fashion you'll find on the Story Bank.Read more at:celebrity inspired dresses | prom dresses london

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who chose a Lebanese designer's pristine white ensemble for her Academy Awards appearance, says she wanted to turn up at the gala in a pretty, feminine and a "very classic" gown.

The 'Quantico' star was one of the presenters at the 88th Academy Awards -- which took place here on Sunday -- where she looked stunning in a structured cage bustier mermaid dress in white silk tulle adorned with 3D shimmering climbing flowers. The dress was a creation by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

"I can't be told what to wear. So, when I told Sophia I was like... It has to be a moment... the outfit. That I definitely want. It's one of the biggest red carpets in the world. It's super long so, I want to be comfortable for sure. And something that lasts the whole evening...you know it's not ripping," she told eonline.com.

The busy actress had to hop from the Oscars ceremony to the after-party and finally to film 'Baywatch' in Miami.

"I wanted to make sure that it lasts all night and I wanted it to be pretty and feminine...very classic for the Oscars," said the 'Bajirao Mastani' star.

Now that the Oscars are over, she is excited about shooting for her Hollywood debut.

"'Baywatch' is such a big brand... I grew up watching the show. 'Baywatch' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' were my favourites. When I read the script, it was hilarious. So funny that it will be really something that people will wanna watch," she said.

How does she handle shooting for TV and film?

"It's a lot of work. I am flying back and forth because I am going from Montreal to Miami. The show ('Quantico') is coming back on March 6. I am very excited about it because when we come back, the second half of the first season is really interesting and of course by the finale, the terrorist will be revealed.Read more at:orange prom dresses | grey prom dresses

Michael Kors is the comeback king of 2016.

The Kors brand is hip again -- in the fashion world and on Wall Street.

It's quite the turnaround from only a few months ago when Michael Kors sales were sagging and its stock was tanking. Experts said the brand was "overexposed," a synonym for ugly in the fashion world.

But Kors is saying: Hello 2016. Sales are up and the stock is the best performer of the year.

The secret to the Michael Kors success is simple: do more than pretty purses.

Kors, who still serves as chief creative officer, has had tremendous growth by branching out into watches and sunglasses. Now everyone is buzzing about the brand's shoes.

At the company's recent New York Fashion Week show, actress Blake Lively and fashion icon Anna Wintour were front and center.

The celebrity buzz looks like it's translating into sales.

The company is making more money than Wall Street expected. And that's at a time when many clothing retailers are struggling because people aren't shopping at physical stores as much as they used to.

While other retailers shutter stores, Kors recently opened 114 new ones.

Even the stock is fashionable again. It's currently running neck and neck for the title of performer of the year in the S&P 500. Kors is up a whopping 43 percent at a time when most stocks are in the dumps.

Being bigger -- Kors is Np. 1 in women's handbag sales in the U.S. with a 25 percent market share -- and offering more accessories has helped Kors win the "handbag wars."

"The footwear assortment has expanded significantly and will continue to get more floorspace," says retail expert Corinna Freedman of BB&T Capital Markets.

The brand is also revitalizing its handbag business. It was early on the fringe trend last year and in 2016, Kors is debuting new saddle bags, camera bags and backpacks.

Fashion today isn't just about what people wear, it's about building a lifestyle brand. Michael Kors understands that better than most. He just redesigned the company's Big Apple headquarters and showroom to appeal to a younger demographic.

Competitors like Kate Spade and Coach are trying to follow that playbook. Their stocks are also doing well this year with Kate up over 11 percent and Coach surging 18 percent.

Now the Kors company is focused on growing internationally and online. Europe and China are proving to be hot markets for the brand.

Kors has already taken "affordable luxury" to the masses once with its massive expansion in stores and outlets malls. Now it aims to do it again online.

It's not a given. Most Wall Street experts have a "hold" on the stock, according to FactSet. They bet the company will do well, but they don't think sales and profits will get a whole lot better to justify investing more.

It's up to Kors and CEO John Idol to prove the doubters wrong again.Read more at:cheap prom dresses uk | short prom dresses

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The presentation of designer's AW16 collection was the sixth season of the designer participating in London Fashion Week. Her fashion presentations are recognised internationally - by both the arts and fashion communities - for her experimentation with film and live performance used for building an immersive experience for viewers.

Lee's presentation at London Fashion Week was greatly anticipated. With a queue of people filling the courtyard and spilling out onto the street outside The Vinyl Factory - the eagerness to view Lee's work was palpable. This was Lee's second experience of presenting in The Vinyl Factory space. The interior decor reflected the confidence and surety of a creator who has established a signature aesthetic and presentation style.

Inside the building, down a ramp, beneath ground level, the presentation was an explosive surrealist landscape of colour and geometric shapes. The onlookers were invited to view the designs, unrestricted by borders or barriers. Yet, all retained a distance using the checked floor decor as a voluntary boundary. The models were positions sporadically around the room, almost dwarfed by the Alice in Wonderland-style interior. Instead of being lost among the colourful piles or confetti, angular mirror installations and checkerboard panelling, the models were effectively framed and pronounced. Periodically, one or more of the models would relocate themselves in the space. The controlled and calculated repositioning suggested a nod to the harmonious nature of the collection. Lee invited the viewers to play imaginary dress up where the ready-to-wear impression of the garments in the AW16 designs became highlighted.

The colour palette of the collection appeared to have been built around neutral tones of beige, black and blue that became juxtaposed with the sophisticated pops of colours added by Lee, including a bold red floor length dress with a plunged neckline and one of her loosely tailored coats. The only feature, which seems disjointed with the collection, was the fabric choice of a metallic space grey. It became evidently ill-fitting with the neutral colour scope of the rest of the collection and uncomplimentary to the floral fabrics. Regardless of the red garments having a similar potential of clashing with the majority of the garments within the collection, they - in fact - turned out to be vibrant and coherent additions to the collection. The colour red allowed the creation of statement garments occur and shine on their own but it also highlighted the rest of the pieces in the collection.

Edeline Lee's AW16 collection is defined by a playfulness of piping, loose tailoring, minimalist floral details and the aforementioned pop of red. She has succeeded in producing designs that exude her aesthetically sophisticated signature style, including structural elements balanced with feminine shapes, while being underpinned by clean modest lines. The collection exudes an element of comfort and accessibility. Through impeccable tailoring and chic minimalism, Lee has succeeded to create something that is wearable with a couture twist.Read more at:cheap prom dresses uk

Among the different types are the common Dashiki, Animal print, embroidered cotton and Zambian java. These materials can make a fashion statement depending on how they are worn and the type of designs.

Today, outfits made from Zambian java have become trendy in the region. Several Southern African countries are importing the textile vastly from Lusaka, Zambia, and Tanzania to make different stylish outfits and shoes.

“Although we sell different African materials nationally, many people are rushing for Zambian java and at the moment it has the highest number of sales compared to other textiles. Many designers, tailors and individuals are coming for the textile,” said Fungai Feremenga, a fabric merchandiser from Harare.

“The Zambian java is being sold out together with another material called super wax which is an import from Italy. The two fabrics are being used together as the designers are blending the plain super wax with different Zambian java designs.

Zambian java is a material that comes with similar designs to Dashik but the only difference between the two is that Zambian java has a silky shiny texture which lure stylists.

One of the local tailors specialising in Africa attires, Delight Musarurwa, told The Southern Times that many of her clients are in love with the trendy pencil skirts, female blazers and male shirts from the material.

“Zambian java is mainly common on female blazers which have become trendy among people who wear formal and casual outfits. Young ladies are desisting from the behaviour of buying South Africa imported female blazers that are being sold in local boutiques and favouring tailor-made Zambian java blazers,” said Musarurwa.

“The blazers are fashionable and instead of wearing them with formal blouses or chiffon tops like those people wear with SA imports, the Zambian java blazers are worn with bandage sleeveless tops which have plain colours.

“Some people want to wear the blazers with tailor made slacks or pencil shirts which also have a plain colour. I normally make the slacks and plain skirts from super wax material or even a stretch material and cotton lawn fabric.”

She said her male clients are rushing for the trendy Zambian java short sleeved shirts which can be worn with formal trousers and sometimes jeans.

“The short sleeved Zambia java shirts can be made entirely from the textile or it can have a design of both Zambian java and cotton lawn fabric. Such shirts look more appropriate if they are worn with trendy male pants that have bright colours,” added Musarurwa.

“When it comes to formal, there are long sleeved shirts made from cotton material which are made stylish with strips of Zambian java materials on the button holes, collar and chest pocket. Some designs can have the shirts with a cotton material and patches of Zambian java materials on the elbows wrist,” added Musarurwa.

In Zambia many people are wearing trendy pretty dresses made from Zambian java while others are wearing thick belts from the material on plain dresses.

According to Lusaka fashion bloggers, it is fashionable for young women to wear Zambian java dress tops with trendy plain leggings or jeggings.

One of Zambian java regional merchandisers, Chipasha Mwanza, said her clients from South Africa were using Zambian java to make thick fashion belts that can be worn by classy dresses.

“My SA based clients are wearing their Zambian java on fashionable dresses that are plain and simple but, at the same time characterised by two or three buckles to accommodate the thick belts,” said Mwanza who is based in Zambia.

“Some of the belts are being worn on trendy ‘bum shorts’ and ‘khaki capris’ for different outings. I have seen many pictures of some of my clients’ outfits from the textile on Instagram and they are amazing.”

She said some Angolan fashion designers who buy from her were even making stylish wages with wooden heels.

On the other hand, there is another material from Mozambique which has the same effect and also has similarities with Zambian java but, the Mozambican call the material kapulana.

Kapulana is a captivating fabric which mostly boasts of bright hues and oriental patterns. The material is quite common in Southern African region and is currently being used for trendy outfits even though in its native country it represents a tradition.

In some parts of Mozambique, women wrap the kapulana as they will be doing their house chores and sometimes use them to carry babies on their back. Others use the textile for decorating their houses.

According to a Mozambican designer, Martinho Cossa, young people in his country are making the kapulana cool as they are now wearing vests and other modern designs with the material.

Cossa was quoted by a regional fashion magazine saying, “The material is very cool and so far many young people are coming with different designs of vests, summer shirts for males and ‘skippy skirts’ for the ladies.”Read more at:green prom dresses | grey prom dresses

Among the different types are the common Dashiki, Animal print, embroidered cotton and Zambian java. These materials can make a fashion statement depending on how they are worn and the type of designs.

Today, outfits made from Zambian java have become trendy in the region. Several Southern African countries are importing the textile vastly from Lusaka, Zambia, and Tanzania to make different stylish outfits and shoes.

“Although we sell different African materials nationally, many people are rushing for Zambian java and at the moment it has the highest number of sales compared to other textiles. Many designers, tailors and individuals are coming for the textile,” said Fungai Feremenga, a fabric merchandiser from Harare.

“The Zambian java is being sold out together with another material called super wax which is an import from Italy. The two fabrics are being used together as the designers are blending the plain super wax with different Zambian java designs.

Zambian java is a material that comes with similar designs to Dashik but the only difference between the two is that Zambian java has a silky shiny texture which lure stylists.

One of the local tailors specialising in Africa attires, Delight Musarurwa, told The Southern Times that many of her clients are in love with the trendy pencil skirts, female blazers and male shirts from the material.

“Zambian java is mainly common on female blazers which have become trendy among people who wear formal and casual outfits. Young ladies are desisting from the behaviour of buying South Africa imported female blazers that are being sold in local boutiques and favouring tailor-made Zambian java blazers,” said Musarurwa.

“The blazers are fashionable and instead of wearing them with formal blouses or chiffon tops like those people wear with SA imports, the Zambian java blazers are worn with bandage sleeveless tops which have plain colours.

“Some people want to wear the blazers with tailor made slacks or pencil shirts which also have a plain colour. I normally make the slacks and plain skirts from super wax material or even a stretch material and cotton lawn fabric.”

She said her male clients are rushing for the trendy Zambian java short sleeved shirts which can be worn with formal trousers and sometimes jeans.

“The short sleeved Zambia java shirts can be made entirely from the textile or it can have a design of both Zambian java and cotton lawn fabric. Such shirts look more appropriate if they are worn with trendy male pants that have bright colours,” added Musarurwa.

“When it comes to formal, there are long sleeved shirts made from cotton material which are made stylish with strips of Zambian java materials on the button holes, collar and chest pocket. Some designs can have the shirts with a cotton material and patches of Zambian java materials on the elbows wrist,” added Musarurwa.

In Zambia many people are wearing trendy pretty dresses made from Zambian java while others are wearing thick belts from the material on plain dresses.

According to Lusaka fashion bloggers, it is fashionable for young women to wear Zambian java dress tops with trendy plain leggings or jeggings.

One of Zambian java regional merchandisers, Chipasha Mwanza, said her clients from South Africa were using Zambian java to make thick fashion belts that can be worn by classy dresses.

“My SA based clients are wearing their Zambian java on fashionable dresses that are plain and simple but, at the same time characterised by two or three buckles to accommodate the thick belts,” said Mwanza who is based in Zambia.

“Some of the belts are being worn on trendy ‘bum shorts’ and ‘khaki capris’ for different outings. I have seen many pictures of some of my clients’ outfits from the textile on Instagram and they are amazing.”

She said some Angolan fashion designers who buy from her were even making stylish wages with wooden heels.

On the other hand, there is another material from Mozambique which has the same effect and also has similarities with Zambian java but, the Mozambican call the material kapulana.

Kapulana is a captivating fabric which mostly boasts of bright hues and oriental patterns. The material is quite common in Southern African region and is currently being used for trendy outfits even though in its native country it represents a tradition.

In some parts of Mozambique, women wrap the kapulana as they will be doing their house chores and sometimes use them to carry babies on their back. Others use the textile for decorating their houses.

According to a Mozambican designer, Martinho Cossa, young people in his country are making the kapulana cool as they are now wearing vests and other modern designs with the material.

Cossa was quoted by a regional fashion magazine saying, “The material is very cool and so far many young people are coming with different designs of vests, summer shirts for males and ‘skippy skirts’ for the ladies.”Read more at:green prom dresses | grey prom dresses

(Photo:cheap prom dresses)

Designer Leanne Marshall debuted her FW16 collection on the runway at The Gallery, Skylight Clarkson Square in Manhattan on Feb. 13. Read on for highlights from the show and click through the slideshow to see the looks from Marshall's newest collection.

MOOD/INSPIRATION: Marshall sent dozens of models down the runway wearing gowns designed in her signature tulle, sheer organza and silk chiffon with hints of rich velvet.

Small grommet details and white rope drawstrings were seen on a few of the pieces and might have been a nod to Marshall's mysterious inspiration concept. When we spoke with the designer backstage, Marshall said, "I'm sort of playing a game with people about the inspiration. There's a very distinct inspiration for me, but I want to see if people can get it."

She did offer a hint:

"The hint is that it's something very prevalent in my life and it has more to do with a particular space that I go to that has given me every single idea for this collection. So it's really an homage to this particular thing. That's all I can say," stated the designer.

We can only surmise that the clothing could very well be inspired by the designer's home city of Portland, Ore. -- perhaps when the fall colors are in season?

COLOR PALETTE: Black, gold, burgundy, bronze and rust-colored dresses made up the color palette of Marshall's collection. Gauzy white and silvery gowns and marigold silk separates provided fresh accent colors to the rich autumnal tones.

KEY PIECES: Marshall's ultimate statement piece was also the closer -- a full-skirted silver tulle gown. The designer's lace and hand-embroidered gowns were another high point of the collection and showcased Marshall's craftsmanship.

ACCESSORIES: Accessories were kept to the absolute minimum; models sported leather lace-up ankle boots and zippered booties.

IN ATTENDANCE: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, recording artist Solomon Ray and actress Ta'Rhonda Jones were in attendance.Read more at:formal dresses

(Photo:prom dresses 2016)

THEY bring stage shows to life and are part of the fabric of the Octagon Theatre.

Now the beautiful costumes used in productions at the Bolton town centre theatre are on display for all to see.

The eye catching garments, which have played starring roles in some of the theatre's biggest shows including Hindle Wakes, Hobson's Choice and The Winslow Boy, can be viewed at a unique exhibition.

Visitors can examine the intricate costumes as well as learning about how particular eras — from 18th century Norway to 1960s Bolton — are captured down to the tiniest detail.

The event will further reveal the relationship between a production's designer and the wardrobe department, who are often required to hand-make one-off outfits for particular actors, create intricate, period hairstyles and even use makeup to fashion realistic cuts and bruises.

Wardrobe assistant Su Newell, who has worked at the theatre for four years, said: "The idea behind the exhibition is to explore how costumes support the characters. It's not just about whacking any old clothes onto an actor. It's a collaboration between actor, director, designer and costume maker. We never say, 'you're wearing that, no question'. We work together to find what's best. It is important how the actors feel about the costumes and how it helps them find their character.

"I think with costume it's almost like the audience shouldn't notice it — the idea is it fits in perfectly with the settings, and if it stands out for any reason then it probably isn't right."

The exhibition runs alongside a series of talks, led by Ms Newell, which explore the role of costume in theatre, from design sketches to opening night, revealing how costumes are made, how quick-changes take place — and why zips are absolutely forbidden.

She said: "We use all kinds of garments, from high street clothes to vintage pieces which we adapt to fit the character. They can make a big difference in the way the actor performs, especially the corset. That can affect the way you speak, sit and walk around.

"We try to avoid zips, certainly for quick costume changes. They're too much of a risk. In the BFG one of the zips broke and I had to stitch Sophie into the clothes quickly then, for the next performance, I added buttons instead."Read more at:pink prom dresses