Paris Fashion Week: Jean Paul Gaultier gets in the aloha spirit

This season Jean Paul Gaultier switched things up format-wise, getting rid of the runway and dressing models right from the racks in front of the audience, and sending them out to walk in front of tables of buyers who were ostensibly sitting there ready to write orders.
There were two theories being whispered through the audience. One was that that designer had spent so much of his time working on his exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts that he had no time to plan a full-blown runway show. The other was that it was all a clever piece of stagecraft designed to underscore the commercial appeal of the collection. (Supporting that theory is the invitation to the show itself, printed on the front of the order form traditionally used by buyers.)
And although the result was a bit chaotic and lacking in ambiance, the cheery Hawaiian theme of the collection helped improve the mood a good deal.

Read more to view images here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2011/06/paris-fashion-week-jean-paul-gaultier-ss12.html

Prada Is Making Fashion in China

"Sooner or later, it will happen to everyone because [Chinese manufacturing] is so good," Prada designer Miuccia Prada said in an interview. She added that the Chinese are particularly good with shoes.
European luxury fashion labels such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton have built their reputations on goods crafted at home in France and Italy. Manufacturing skills there in part justify the high prices.
The temptation to move some production abroad is growing, however. The financial crisis put pressure on the industry's operating margins. British label Burberry PLC, for instance, came under fire for closing a factory at home and moving production to Asia.

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304231204576403680967866692.html

Madonna's Daughter, The New Fashion Designer?

Yes, it's her Majesty's daughter Lola who is just 13 years old is now very visible in Fashion World because she is now one of the hundreds of designers. Lola is set to launch her career as a fashion designer at such a young age and is very ready to a showdown with other designers. Or is she that ready?

Lola's line is called Material Girls and is focused for teens and will be released on August 3 at Macy's.
Critics do have something to say, but I think it's good to wait and see the designs.

Will you buy Material Girls clothing?