Monthly Archives: June 2010
What's Her Story?
What separates a good photograph from a bad one? Although an image can be technically flawless, it’s the feeling and the mood an image conveys that really lends beauty to a photograph. Whether through the use of lighting, color, or setting, mood is vital to connecting emotionally with an image.
Counterfeit Chic?
A recent article about Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra seeking to protect his designs from counterfeiters with a copyright got me thinking about this issue. It may come as a surprise to many that although intellectual property protection extends to music, books and art, fashion design is not covered by a similar statute. In the United States and Europe for instance, designer knockoffs have become an accepted part of the fashion life cycle. Mass market retailers like Zara, H&M and Forever 21 help move trends from the runway to the streets by selling lower priced versions of designer apparel thereby making fashion affordable to the masses. This creates a rapid turnaround of trends and styles prompting designers to quickly create the next “it” look.
"The Splendour of India"
The magnificence of Rajasthan came to Geneva, Switzerland late last month for the annual Swiss Red Cross Ball. The glamorous back tie ball is one of the most important fundraising events for the Swiss Red Cross with proceeds from the ball benefiting the “Victims of Forgotten Disasters” fund. Each year, projects in specific countries receive aid for emergency disaster relief, health care and other humanitarian projects in disadvantaged regions of the world.
The theme of this year’s ball was the “Splendour of India” and in recognition of the event’s Guest of Honor, The Maharaja of Jodhpur, the ball was a celebration of the beauty and culture of Rajasthan. Of special note was a couture fashion show presented by Indian designer Varun Bahl who was selected to represent the Indian fashion industry at the event. To learn more about the Ball and the selection of India as this year’s theme, I reached Mary Hofstetter, Director of the Swiss Red Cross Ball, by email who graciously answered my questions.
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