September 26, 2011

Asian Super Model Contest held in Nanning

Crown winner Xin Rui presents creation of Chinese designer Bo Tao during the Asian Super Model Contest in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2011. A total number of 36 contestants from 10 countries and regions took part in the contest. Chinese girl Xin Rui took the crown. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Crown winner Xin Rui presents creation of Chinese designer Bo Tao during the Asian Super Model Contest in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2011. A total number of 36 contestants from 10 countries and regions took part in the contest. Chinese girl Xin Rui took the crown. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Photo taken on Sept. 6, 2011 shows contestanst in the Asian Super Model Contest in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A total number of 36 contestants from 10 countries and regions took part in the contest. Chinese girl Xin Rui took the crown. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Photo taken on Sept. 6, 2011 shows crown winner Xin Rui in the Asian Super Model Contest in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A total number of 36 contestants from 10 countries and regions took part in the contest. Chinese girl Xin Rui took the crown. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Crown winner Xin Rui (C) poses for photo during the Asian Super Model Contest in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2011. A total number of 36 contestants from 10 countries and regions took part in the contest. Chinese girl Xin Rui took the crown. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Models present traditional clothes of Chinese ethnic groups during the Asian Super Model Contest in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2011. A total number of 36 contestants from 10 countries and regions took part in the contest. Chinese girl Xin Rui took the crown. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

A model presents creation of Chinese designer Bo Tao during the Asian Super Model Contest in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2011. A total number of 36 contestants from 10 countries and regions took part in the contest. Chinese girl Xin Rui took the crown. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)

Chinese '80s things hot on Paris's T platform

Hermes sweater [Photo/hermes.com]

Bagigia's hot water bottle backpack [Photo/luisaviaroma.com]

LV bag [Photo/Agencies]

CK shoes [Photo/Agencies]

[Photo/hermes.com]

The post-'80s generation who want to be fashionable should go home and thank their mothers, after some high-end French brands have released their latest designs.
A Hermes sweater in the 2011 autumn/winter collection has attracted many Chinese netizens' attention in recent days. The sweater looks similar to a style popular in China in the 1980s, when people used to wear sweaters they knit themselves, or by their wives or mothers. However, the cost is not only double or triple of the home-made sweaters. The sweater is priced at more than 30,000 yuan.
Another hot accessory is a bag – with the look of hot water bottles. Invented by Croatian inventor Eduard Penkala, modern hot water bottles were widely used in China in the 1980s when most families didn't have central heating. Italian brand Bagigia's hot water bottle backpack has exactly the same appearance of the hot water bottle that most post-'80s in China have used in the past, and that some still use now. The bag is more than 3,000 yuan.
Shelley's view: Many people may still remember the LV bag designed by Marc Jacobs that looks like a polypropylene knitted bag. Some may also know the CK shoes which resemble China's traditional multi-layered cloth shoes. Are they becoming fashionable with a LV or CK logo? What is true fashion in the world? For electronic product fans, Steve Jobs is fashion. For Harry Potter fans, J.K.Rowling is fashion. For fashion fans, Alexander McQueen is fashion. For me, the item that is most suitable for me is fashion. Fashion is not to follow, it is to create. No matter the clothes, accessories or whatever you use, never try to copy others. Only those who create can lead the fashion.

Animal activists protest against fur clothing in Melbourne

Animal conservationists protest against fur-making clothing on the stage during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Designer Series Show 1 in Melbourne, Australia on Sep 6, 2011. (Xinhua/Bai Xue)

Animal conservationists protest against fur-making clothing on the stage during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Designer Series Show 1 in Melbourne, Australia on Sep 6, 2011. (Xinhua/Bai Xue)

Animal conservationists protest against fur-making clothing on the stage during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Designer Series Show 1 in Melbourne, Australia on Sep 6, 2011. (Xinhua/Bai Xue)

Animal conservationists protest against fur-making clothing on the stage during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Designer Series Show 1 in Melbourne, Australia on Sep 6, 2011. (Xinhua/Bai Xue)

Jason Wu's collection at Dalian Int'l Costume Festival

A model presents fashion creation of Jason Wu during a fashion show at the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

Models present fashion creations of Jason Wu during a fashion show at the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

A model presents fashion creation of Jason Wu during a fashion show at the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

A model presents fashion creation of Jason Wu during a fashion show at the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

Models present fashion creations of Jason Wu during a fashion show at the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

A model presents fashion creation of Jason Wu during a fashion show at the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

Models present fashion creations of Jason Wu during a fashion show at the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Qin Qing)

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week kicks off


A model showcases a creation by FCUK during a runway of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) at City Square in Melbourne, Australia on Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Bai Xue)


A model showcases a creation by FCUK during a runway of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) at City Square in Melbourne, Australia on Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Bai Xue)


A model showcases a creation by FCUK during a runway of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW) at City Square in Melbourne, Australia on Sept. 5, 2011. (Xinhua/Bai Xue)

Fashion show at Dalian costume festival





A model presents fashion creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 4, 2011. Fashion creations of four noted designers were shown here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)



A model presents fashion creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 4, 2011. Fashion creations of four noted designers were shown here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)



A model presents fashion creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 4, 2011. Fashion creations of four noted designers were shown here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)



Models present fashion creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 4, 2011. Fashion creations of four noted designers were shown here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)


Little angels at Dalian costume festival

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

A girl presents Nicefill autumn and winter creations during the 22nd Dalian International Costume Festival in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Sept. 3, 2011. (Xinhua/Yao Jianfeng)

Chinese ethnic costume show

A model presents traditional costume of Korean ethnic group. (Xinhua Photo)

Models present traditional costume of Yi ethnic group. (Xinhua Photo)

Models present traditional costume of Yi ethnic group. (Xinhua Photo)

Models present traditional costume of Tibetan ethnic group. (Xinhua Photo)

A model presents traditional costume of Yi ethnic group. (Xinhua Photo)

A model presents traditional costume of Mongolian ethnic group. (Xinhua Photo)

People-centric designs grab limelight at Copenhagen Design Week

COPENHAGEN, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Smart designs that focus on the greater common good took center stage at Copenhagen Design Week, which opened here Thursday.
Through exhibitions and installations in museums, city squares and beaches around the Danish capital, the event explores the latest in design in city planning, architecture, or interior decor.
Even as it aims to craft solutions for global challenges, such as urban overcrowding, or expanding access to education, it keeps the individual at the heart of its solutions.
A key highlight of the week is the Index Award, which was presented Tuesday, and which its organizers call the world's biggest design prize.
"We focus only on one kind of design, and that is design that improves people's lives," said Kigge Hvid, CEO of the Index Award.
"So, we focus on five categories relevant to people all over the world, and these are: body, home, work, play and community," she told Xinhua.
Funded by the Danish government, the Index Award grants the winner of each category a prize of 100,000 euros (about 143,000 U.S. dollars) . But the winning designs must document a "proven impact" on people's lives.
The See Better to Learn Better or VerBien project, for instance, addresses the problem that up to half of all children in some Mexican states need glasses, but wearing them often exposes the wearer to ridicule owing to local taboos, which makes it hard for them to attend school.
Thus, a design team lead by U.S. designer Yves Behar created stylish spectacles with a durable, two-part frame with different options for the top and bottom colors, where the child can mix and match the glasses they want.
The total cost of supplying each child is just 10 dollars, including an eye-test, custom lenses, frames, assembly, handling and shipping, the designers say. The scheme also secures work for spectacle manufacturers in Mexico, and is rolled-out in tandem with the Mexican government.
In all, it will cost Mexico 3 to 4 million dollars to build and deliver around 400,000 pairs of spectacles to Mexican schoolchildren per year, in future, the designers say.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE
Hvid said that garnering public investment is not a pre-requisite for an Index winner, but that "one of the ways to move the world forward is to make public-private partnerships."
"If you have to address educational issues, do not think by yourself and try and think you can solve it. Try to get together all the people who know something about this and are affected by the challenge," she explained, reflecting on VerBien's success.
That logic also motivated Chilean designer Alejandro Aravena whose Elemental Monterrey building project won first place in the home category.
Aravena aims to build 70 basic houses with bathrooms, kitchens and staircases, funded by state resources, but leave voids which will allow the homes' inhabitants to develop the rest of the house themselves, using colors, materials and style of their choice.
The development is intended for poor residents of Monterrey, a city in Mexico, which faces severe urban housing pressure.
Meanwhile, Design for Change an educational project designed in India, and which reaches 300,000 local schools, won the work category. And Design Seoul, a project that is restoring green spaces in South Korea's capital city, won the community prize.
On the complete other end of the design spectrum, the Swedish-designed Hovding bike helmet, which resembles a scarf worn around the neck but inflates around the head like a balloon when involved in an accident, won the play award.
The award received 966 nominations from 78 countries and regions this year. The designs were not always entirely original, but as Hvid remarked, "At Index, we do not think these designs are final solutions. They are important stepping-stones to move the world forward."
That is, a design can make an impact because it does something better, more cheaply, reaches a greater number of users, and is more sustainable.
CHAIRS EVERYWHERE
That concept resonates with Design Week, which has brought together its various exhibits, conferences and public lectures under the theme "Think Human."
Local Danish design shown here includes prototypes for a building powered by biofuel generated from pig-manure; and an updated version of a 1970s three-wheeled bicycle outfitted with a trailer to seat passengers, and that is an environment-friendly alternative to city transport.
The week, which ends Tuesday, also features the Think Twice exhibit, where Danish design students create furniture from discarded items: a lounge chair crafted from a hollowed-out television standing on plungers used to clean lavatories, and another three-legged chair made from slices of stale baguette or French bread.
In fact, chairs are ubiquitous at Design Week. The aptly named One Chair a Week installation shows the results of a project that required Danish design-school students to craft a chair, from concept to manufacture, in just one week.
And another exhibit takes the famous No. 7 chair designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, and shows how it is reinvented, in different shapes, colors and materials by Danish design school students today.
"The chair is a classic if you are a design student: you have to make a chair. It is also very Scandinavian. And when you have mastered the chair, then you are more-or-less an architect!" joked Tina Bjoern Midtgaard, Curator at Danish Design Centre, a knowledge hub for design.
"We respect that we all want beautiful objects (that are) specific on form and shape, and loyal to the old virtues... That is extremely important and that is what we are showing in many of these student works," Midtgaard told Xinhua.
But it is not all cheap and cheerful. An exhibit of 100 pendant lamps displays high-end creations by 52 masters of Danish design including Joern Utzon and Bjarke Ingels, spanning almost a century of Denmark's architecture and interior decor tradition.
And another prized exhibit is a chair by Mathias Bengtsson, which uses thousands of layered sheets of paper to create a sculpture without frame, joints or screw.

Patience is a virtue for haute couture

BEIJING - Domestic high-end clothing manufacturers have a long way to go to become luxury brands, but this is the best time for luxury brands to develop in China, experts said.
Luxury brands need historical and cultural grounding and huge investment before making gains, said Zhou Ting, executive director of the research center for luxury goods and services at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
"Manufacturers cannot make a profit in high-end business right away, and they have to be in the business for a long time," Zhou said. "A desire for instant success can be an obstacle to luxury brands."
Zhou said most high-end clothing makers adopt customizing to operate their business, but they face heavy pressure to make a profit.
Guo Pei, one of the first haute couture designers in China, said she needs to pay at least 60,000 yuan ($9,400) in labor costs to customize dresses priced at 100,000 yuan.
Add to that the cost of fabric, the designer and miscellaneous other things, Guo said, and there is not much room for profit.
Ma Yanli, a former Chinese supermodel who founded a high-end, customized clothing brand in 2005, has had to expand her business to medium income consumers.
Design is another problem domestic brands have to deal with, Zhou said.
Although Chinese designers are gaining recognition in international fashion, most of them are foreign citizens and got the best fashion education in the West, such as Vera Wang and Jason Wu.
"Local designers are still far from the international top," Zhou said. "And domestic manufacturers can only use Chinese elements, because of their designers."
Most domestic manufacturers play the Chinese element card and during the China International Fashion Week Spring and Summer 2011 in November 2010, Chinese elements were seen everywhere.
Chinese red, ink painting and clothing techniques from ethnic groups are all used, but some business insiders are not fans of the trend.
"I have never gone to the fashion week, because Chinese elements are everywhere," said Zhang Chi, a Chinese fashion designer who owns his own studio in London. "All brands employ the Chinese style, and there are no real fashion designers."
Nevertheless, now is the best time for domestic manufactures that are trying to build luxury brands.
According to McKinsey & Company, China's luxury market is increasing despite the international financial crises, and the market grew by 16 percent year-on-year in 2009, a percentage that far outdoes other luxury markets.
"It's weird that we started to make a profit in 2008, when the global economy declined," said Zhang Zhifeng, chairman of NE Tiger Fashion Co.
The large market supports domestic brands to develop quickly, Zhou Ting said, but the brands need to develop internationally to be real luxury brands. "Only by getting recognition in the world does a brand become a true luxury brand."
Shanghai Tang, thought of as the first successful luxury clothing brand in China, was purchased in 2000 by Richemont Group, the world's second-largest luxury group by turnover. The Chinese dress business is operated according to international rules by an international team.
"Domestic brands also need international teams to build the luxury brands," Zhou said.

Rio may have dengue fever epidemic next summer: mayor

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiroe may have an unprecedented dengue fever epidemic next summer, its mayor warned on Wednesday.
The increasing number of dengue fever cases in the past few months shows similarities to the months predecing the 2002 and 2008 epidemics, Mayor Eduardo Paes said.
"Everything points to a new cycle of the disease, certainly the worst epidemic in Rio's history," he said.
In 2008, Rio registered some 250,000 cases of dengue fever, with 174 people confirmed dead from the disease. In 2002, Rio had some 290,000 dengue fever cases and 91 people died.
In efforts to halt the spread of the disease, Paes has declared a state of alert and is determined to take a series of measures to eliminate the habitat of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue fever through its bite.
Paes also announced an increase in the number of health care units for dengue fever patients. The total cost of a dengue prevention and combat program, which is expected to last until April 2012, will reach 42 million reais (26.25 million U.S. dollars).
There is no vaccine against dengue fever, but Brazilian scientists are currently working on one which will immunize against four types of the disease.

Bridal fashion exhibition held in Netherlands

Visitors watch the bridal fashion exhibition held in the Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Aug. 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Rick Nederstigt)

A visitor watches the bridal fashion exhibition held in the Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Aug. 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Rick Nederstigt)

A visitor watches the bridal fashion exhibition held in the Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Aug. 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Rick Nederstigt)

A visitor watches the bridal fashion exhibition held in the Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Aug. 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Rick Nederstigt)

A visitor watches the bridal fashion exhibition held in the Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Aug. 29, 2011. (Xinhua/Rick Nederstigt)