Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel
Coco Chanel is undoubtedly one of the most influential women of the past century. She redefined the fashion world, became a pioneer businesswoman and consequently one of the richest women in the world.
Coco Chanel was born in 1883, and opened her first boutique at the age of 30. That is when her fame as a designer took off. Flash forward twenty years and we have the brand Chanel employing 4000 people and the most famous fragrance in the world: Chanel No. 5.
Today, Chanel is one of the most profitable luxury brands with stores all around the world. Modern fashion has been marked by Coco’s footprint. Her legacy as a designer include the Chanel’s suit, the “little black dress” and even the typical suntan you get to look better. That was introduced by her too, until that point suntans were a sign of hard, lower-class jobs. Nothing fashionable.
If you want to know more about Coco Chanel, you can find several movies and documentaries based on her life, work, and famous love affairs. The most recent ones are the American TV movie ‘Coco Chanel’ from 2008 and the French ‘Coco Before Chanel’ from 2009.
Fashion, culture and dating
Summary
If you are travelling abroad and thinking of meeting international singles you might want to know what to wear on a first date. This article looks at how fashion trends alter in different countries and what different cultures find more attractive sartorially.
This article looks at some of the different fashions around the world and what outfits are culturally acceptable when you are dating.
1. Spain
With Spain’s bright sunny culture and relaxed, happy lifestyle Spanish singles like to wear eye-catching vibrant colours and a laid-back style. Mature Spaniards dress conservatively and with style – often wearing very high-quality clothing.
Although you will see plenty of scantily-clad holiday makers along the coast, if you are going on a date you should cover up. Swim wear and short skirts are frowned upon in the small villages. Women should wear a long floaty skirt with a simple top and men should go for a bright t-shirt and good-quality shorts.
2. Italy
Italians are famous for their inherent fashion sense. When you are in Italy it is important to make an effort and dress up well. If you are going on a date with an Italian women take time over your appearance. Italian women are not impressed with men who wear trainers and t-shirts.
You don’t have to go all out with a suit but a simple, clear shirt and nice pair of shoes will go a long way! Similarly if you are thinking of dating an Italian man, remember that they are used to dating women who put a lot of effort into their appearance. Wear a figure-hugging dress that shows off your curves without making you look cheap.
3. France
The French have mastered the I-look-fantastic-without-even-trying style. The most stylish French men dress in quite a grungy way as if they just picked up the first thing they found on the floor that morning. Coupled with tousled hair it gives them a care-free sexy look.
The women give off the same aura. They may make more effort with their wardrobe but it is their attitude which makes them attractive. French women are comfortable in their bodies and know how to wear their outfits. They wear natural-looking hair and make-up and ooze confidence.
If you are going on a date with a French man show off your svelte figure in a pair of tight jeans and heels and charm him with your charismatic personality.
4. Japan
Japanese singles are very careful of the way they dress to impress. Japanese girls are generally very shy and don’t like to wear anything that is too tight or revealing. If you are going on a date in Japan don’t wear anything that shows the outline of your figure.
Casual clothes are fine so long as you look tidy and presentable. Men should wear an eye-catching t-shirt with comfortable trousers and a smart jacket and women should go for either a simple tea-dress with opaque tights or a pair of jeans and a pretty, feminine top.
4. UK
Here in the UK there are no set rules on what to wear on a date but there are plenty of no-nos! If you are going on a date with someone for the first time – perhaps someone you have met through an online dating site such as www.eharmony.co.uk – your first impression will be very important.
Women should look confident and sexy without wearing anything too revealing and men should looks smart and neat without appearing too formal. Women, dig out your favourite outfit or that signature little black dress and men, remember that shoes can be a deal-breaker! For more tips on fashion and dating check out eHarmony UK’s Twitter Page.
Fashion varies across the globe, but as long as you wear something you feel sexy in and you act happy and confident you should impress your partner no matter where in the world you are dating!
Latest Hottest Runway Fashion Spring Summer 2013
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Foreign student chic
Identifying foreign students is easy and you can usually tell where they’re from when you start to speak with them, but are styles from different countries so different you can recognise the country they’re from by observing their outfits?
Although London street fashion is known throughout the world for its edginess and trendsetting, this is not entirely replicated throughout the country. Most people from the UK accept that foreigners often have a much better sense of style.
Despite our general lack of fashion sense, for English courses England continues to be an attractive destination for foreign students, and it can be an education to see how they dress. Here are some of the best unmistakeable styles…
France
French elegance is a cliché for a reason. Although your average citizen won’t prance around in a suit or a black dress and stilettos, French students will usually have a much more sophisticated dress sense than us Brits! Dark and neutral colours are usually preferred to bold prints, and even students will tend to have staple pieces that are usually well cut and versatile, such as chinos and plain blouses.
Spain
Spanish students are usually adept at achieving an effortlessly cool look. In Spanish street fashion more emphasis is placed on the quality of the clothes and the functionality and comfort rather than timely fashion. Many Spanish students can be seen wearing jeans with trainers, in a sporty, casual style. Young girls’ fashion is often slightly less feminine than in other countries – they rarely wear skirts or dresses, and make-up is usually reserved for special occasions.
Italy
Often the best way to spot Italian students is by their shoes. Any students off on an ESL language travel programme to Italy would do well to address this aspect of their wardrobe. The first important thing to acquire is a pair of high-quality smart leather shoes. The outfits are often slightly more personalised fashion, as Italians often like to express themselves through outfits in the form of slogan T-shirts or wacky accessories.
Germany
Despite the socks-and-sandals combinations that German tourists are sometimes notorious for, foreign students’ outfits are often much more stylish. Classic jeans and a checked or pinstriped shirt is a staple outfit for German men and women alike. It is important to remember, however, that Berlin is becoming a hub of independent fashion, so it is not unlikely to see a young person from the capital dressed in a style similar to that of London.
USA
North Americans are often difficult to distinguish because their style can differ so drastically. While east coast New Yorkers will often wear edgy outfits to rival the east London scene, Californians tend to have a stylish yet laid-back style. North Americans often enjoy a retro look, whether it is a throwback to 80s punk rock or 60s free love, looking for references from the last few decades is often the best way to recognise them.
Resource Box
Learn about Italian fashion from Life in Italy
Young Germany – fashion and trends
Find out about fashion and trends in Germany from Young Germany
Fashion in the Hood – fashion in different countries
A blogger’s rundown of fashion trends in different countries
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin
Everything is almost ready for the next edition of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. This will take place from 4th to 7th of July and will be fully dedicated to the spring-summer seasons of 2013.
Designers from all over the world will introduce their collections in which is expected to be one of the most fashionable ever seen before in Berlin. Creativity, elegance, originality and sophistication will come from the hands of designers such as Michael Sontag, Marc Cain, Barre Noire and Sissi Goetze.
Other fashion weeks such as Milano Men’s Wear (Moda Uomo) Spring/Summer, Milano Moda Showroom Spring/Summer and Modea Paris Men’s Fashion Spring/Summer will take place at the end of June.
How to look good dating: fashion tips for single guys
Going on a date is probably one of the most stressful positions you can put yourself in. There’s such a pressure to impress, particularly if it’s a first date, a blind date or with someone you’re particularly fond of. Indeed, in the latter scenario you’ll have to deal with the extra anxiety of lurve pumping you with heaps of unwanted adrenaline and leading to all those annoying symptoms such as sweaty palms, stuttering and blushing.
Amid all this stress, it would be a shame to ruin your chances with something stupid – like choosing the wrong outfit for example. Here are a few fashion dating tips for guys so no matter if you meet singles online or at the local pub that will be one less thing to worry about.
Smart but casual
The most important thing for a guy to get right on a date is the balance between smart and casual. Go for a top/trouser contrast to make sure you’re getting this right. If you wear jeans, go for a shirt. If you wear a T-shirt or polo shirt, go for smart trousers.
Choosing shoes
A bad choice of shoes is a sure way to make an immediate bad impression. Make sure they’re given the proper amount of attention – when it comes to picking them out and any polishing that may be required. Go for smart shoes and avoid all trainers and open-toed footwear.
Close shave
Facial hair is another key element to consider – make sure you’re looking neat and tidy, preferably giving yourself a close shave before a date. Unkempt facial hair is guaranteed to put someone off.
A personal touch
It is important to be yourself when dating and also to be comfortable – so bear this in mind too when picking out your outfit. Go for splashes of personality– neckties, cufflinks, brightly coloured socks. You want to flaunt your personality in what you wear as well as sticking to some key dating rules.
Things to avoid
Here are a few things to steer clear of at all costs when choosing an outfit:
Cologne
Steer clear of pongy aftershaves – if you go for a scent, make sure it’s a subtle hint, not a dominating presence your date is likely to choke on.
Sports wear
Football tops, rugby shirts – all of these are a no-go zone for dating. They’re simply not appropriate for a date and, because of the bad reputation attached to many sports fans, will do you more harm then good in most cases.
Whether you’re free dating in London or speed dating in Manchester, don’t let your outfit mess up what could be a great relationship!
Resource box
Create your own outfits online
The hub of male fashion in the UK
Fashion tips for both sexes with Gok Wan
A guide to the classic bowtie: get tied up!
You have the noticed the comeback of the bowtie in recent years. A few years ago there was only one man that got away with wearing a bowtie and that was James Bond. But the bowtie has shaken off its nerdy image and is an accessory that needs to be part of any (fashionable) man’s wardrobe.
The bowtie comes in different sizes, shapes, colours and fabrics. When it comes to wearing the right bowtie for the right occasion it is important to keep one thing in mind: the occasion and the material. When it comes to ties it is all about the fabric and the level of patterns. The more casual the fabric looks, the more casual the outfit will look and the same goes for patterns.
Luckily for you, there are a few ancient rules when it comes to ties and if you stick to those you can’t go wrong. So here is a little guide to help you out of the woods.
Silk
A black silk bowtie is a safe option for any formal occasion. If you are wearing a black suit and you would like to add an element of colour to the outfit you could do this by picking out a colour that suits your skin type.
Patterns
A paisley pattern is suitable for most formal and business occasions. The bright colours and the beautiful material will compliment any outfit. If it is a formal party you are attending and you are bringing a plus one, than adjust the colour of your bowtie to her dress.
Plaid
The most common mistake when picking out a tie for a casual event is the choice of material. If you want to combine a bowtie with a casual outfit than keep the material of the tie very plain. Choose a tie with print or bright colours to match the shirt you are wearing. A plaid bowtie is the most common type to be used for casual events so if you want to stay on the safe side, a plaid tie in the colours of your outfit would be the one to choose.
Stripes
You usually see striped ties in the business environment. Stripes go down very well with suits and they help exude confidence and power according to many advisers on the subject. Other than that stripes make it easier to compliment an outfit without being too frivolous.
Any other
Any other material or pattern is great for a causal occasion with friends or family. Whether it is cotton, wool or spandex as long as you make sure you match the colour to your outfit it doesn’t really matter.
As the bowtie has seen its comeback, you buy the majority of them as a clip-on or attached to a small belt that is adjustable to the size of your neck. But for the true romantics out there, here is a guide that tells you how to tie them:
Visit Ibiza in style this year
A large chunk of the atmosphere on Ibiza is due to the fact that the island used to be a travel haven for hippies. In the 1960’s the island was mostly visited by Europeans who were looking for peace, love and freedom. Although the type of tourism on the island has completely changed, the atmosphere has not. It is still all about love, peace and freedom on Ibiza. To commemorate the great hippies in Ibiza, dress in style whilst visiting the island. Because the dress sense of the hippies back in the 1960’s is still very accurate and more importantly very comfortable.
Shoes
Forget about those killer heels or platforms. Okay, maybe pack one pair for a night out. But other than that, just score yourself a nice pair of strappy sandals. The original hippies might have been barefoot a lot of the times but that might be pushing it. So have a score yourself a nice pear of leather sandals or flip-flops. Buy them in a tan colour so they are easy to combine with all sort s of clothing and easy to clean.
Hairstyle
The hippie hairstyle does not require much attention. Just let it down and only accessorise with tiny braids or flowers tucked behind your ear. A thin scarf worn around the head can be useful in hot weather to protect yourself from the sun.
Sunglasses
Who does not like sunglasses? You can never own enough sunglasses and they can never be too big. The hippies are famous for wearing large round spectacles in bright colours. Find yourself a great pair on the high street and make sure you combine it with the colours of your outfits.
A floaty dress
The maxi dress is still a hot item this summer. They are available in all sizes, colours and patterns so you can choose which ever one suits you best. The maxi dress is a comfortable piece of garment because it cools you down in hot weather and protects you from the harsh sunlight. Next to that, they are very light so you can pack as many as you like. During the day, combine them with natural jewellery such as wooden bracelets and necklaces. At night you can heat things up with shiny jewellery and a nice purse. If that’s just not for you, a floaty cute like the on below dress will do just fine as well.
Satchel bags
You want a big, sturdy bag that you can use at the beach. It needs to be spacious so you can pack everything you need: sunscreen, magazines, beach towel, bottle of water and anything else you might want to take with you. Make sure you buy a bag that is easy to clean and can be closed securely.
Travel around in a minivan
Hire a minivan and drive around the island. Ibiza is far more than a party island alone. It has high cliffs with amazing views, hidden towns and crystalline beaches. Go around and discover why the hippies loved this island so much. Do all of this in style of course.
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