THE HEIGHT OF VANITY

The Height of Vanity by Richard Jones is a disturbing article about women, who stop at nothing to become taller. The author describes  patients in hospitals with large metal frames attached to their lower limbs, who can barely walk.  Due to plastic surgery, it is now possible to increase the height of an individual. The author talks about the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, where doctors perform this type of surgery many times a week. Jones writes, "For Chinese women, the pressure to be tall invades all aspects of life. Chinese society equates height with beauty and power" (p. 508). Also, there are many companies which place height requirements for job candidates, which puts pressure on people who want to get the position. The average cost for leg lengthening surgery is about $10000 for the full treatment, when the average Chinese family grosses about $4300 a year. The operation itself is complicated, and the recovery is extremely painful. The surgeon has to saw the bone of each leg in half, and then the long metal pin is inserted in the bone cavity of each leg. The metal frame is adjusted to force the bones apart and stretch the skin, muscles, and nerves. After six months, two more surgeries have to be performed to remove nails and metal frames. The pain is unbearable after surgeries, since it takes the whole year to recover. The majority of women who do the surgery do so secretly.

BEIJING, Oct. 15 --  Around 1,000 beauties and handsome gents lined up at a downtown hotel in Shanghai early Saturday to take part in an interview for a flight attendants selection, attracting many curious looks from passers-by.
Minimum height requirement is between 5'0-5'1 and the maximum ranges between 5'8-6'3.

Prior to regarding the article, "The Height of Vanity" by Richard Jones, I had heard about the procedure of leg lengthening surgery being done to obtain job positions  such as flight attendant. However, I had underestimated the popularity of the surgery and degree of pain and time the procedure actually takes. The article discusses the popularity of the leg- lengthening surgery in China, where a surgeon perform this procedure on several patients a week. This all due to the fact that China's cultural ideal is being tall and women feel pressure to be tall. Height is considered to equal to beauty and power. Therefore, Chinese women get leg-lengthening surgery a procedure that is unbearably painful and requires a long recovery which takes at least a year.To think that "leg-lengthening surgery was actually first introduced in 1951 to treat patients where legs had naturally grown two different lengths, or to fix broken bones that had grown back crooked." It's sad to see how much it has escalated now and the extreme lengths people are willing to go without thinking about the consequences just to achieve the ideal of being tall! 

In China city of Guangzhou most women who are dreaming of becoming taller go through cosmetic surgery that increases the body's length. Supposedly in the Chinese society being tall shows that you have the beauty and the power.  It's crazy to see how women are changing themselves and going through the pain which takes about a year of recovery time just to grow about four or more inches of their height. In the book by Richard Jones, The Height of Vanity said, "Many image-driven companies place height requirements on hiring; so do entire branches of the Chinese government." This is all strange to hear, because an individuals height has nothing to do with the job. Some women who go through the leg-lengthening process usually do it secretly and don't even tell their husbands about it. A woman named, Soong Ling, who lives in Guangzhou went through the surgery of adding an extra four inches to her legs didnt tell her husband she was going through this surgery. Ling explains that the main reason that she did this type of surgery was because she was jealous that her husband, a tour operator was always mixing with the "tall and beautiful girls" that were in the travel industry.



Reading this article, it amazes me that women will go to such extreme extents in order to become a few inches taller. It may be shocking to me, due to the reason that our culture is not as obsessed with becoming taller. Of course, as the author says, "Chinese society equates height with beauty and power,"this is quite true. This may be the main explanation for so many young women in the Chinese culture who want to become taller. Our society, does associate height with power and beauty, but no to the extent where we will risk our well being through surgery, just to become a few inches taller. This is where high heels come into play, at least for women.

The author describes the surgical process as very grueling, painful, and requires a very long time to recover. Patients must be very motivated and driven in order to go through such a difficult procedure. Their physical state may never be the same, but they are willing to the big risk. After several surgical procedures, patients must go through a long and difficult recovery process. This affects patients physically and emotionally, which can be very serious. Therefore, increasing height is a procedure that must be considered very carefully due to so many complications.

URBAN TACTICS: AND BLOOMINGDALE'S RETURNS HIS CALLS

República Trading Co., born and raised in New York City, is the premiere multi-cultural brand. The República collection is created for the lifestyle minded, trans-cultural trend-setter, who appreciates well designed, detail-centric products. República was founded by Rafael Jimenez in order to help fill a void in the market place for better quality goods for the multi-cultural consumer.

Rooster logo: to evoke rural Latin America

www.republicatrading.com

The article by Seth Kugel describes the beginning success of an entrepreneur in the clothing industry, whose name is Rafael Jimenez. Being a graduate of New York University, Jimenez incorporated his business as the Republica Trading Company. The brand started selling t-shirts, caps, shirts, pants and jackets in a variety of colors and styles. In the recent year, Republica's clothing "landed in some impressive venues-11 of Bloomingdale's 31 stores, including stores on both coasts" (p. 429). The author tells a story about Jimenez, who has started selling his first t-shirts $20 each back in 1995. The idea came after the entrepreneur saw someone wearing Banana Republic T-shirt, and thought that he could have changed the word "Banana" for "Dominican" to sell t-shirts in his neighborhood, where almost all of the residents had roots from the Dominican Republic. So, he was able to sell 12 of those. During all summer, Jimenez was able to sell more than 300. Then, he started creating t-shirts with different logos, such as "Choco-Latina", "Dominican Baby", "Bizcocho" and etc. Later, in 2004, the collection included t-shirts with logos, including words like "Culture", "Peace", and "Revolution". The theme of the products connects to the Latin cultures. One day Rafael shared a cab with the buyer from Federated Department Stores, including Bloomingdales. The meeting has led to a successful chain's decision to sell Republica's T-shirts and hats across the country. Today, Mr. Jimenez sees himself more as an entrepreneur than fashion-industry lifer. 

Kugel, S. (2006). Urban Tactics: And Bloomingdale's Returns His Calls. Fashion as Social  

             Process. The Meanings of Dress. 428-430, 2nd Ed., Fairchild Publications, Inc. New York, NY

When creating the company, Jimenez’s goal was to create traditional and well-designed products with great quality that represent the diversity, lifestyle and rich cultural traditions of Latin Americans and people of multi-cultural backgrounds around the world. When Rafael Jimenez first began selling his product, he started out with T-shirts only. Later on, he gradually expanded his products to caps, shirts, pants, and jackets. However, he was still strong in the sales of his T-shirts. Republic Trading Co. became so successful that Federated Department Stores, Bloomingdale’s parent company, began carrying the products across the county. However, as a freelance producer and after so much success, Jimenez still is not convinced that he wants fashion as a full time job.

After researching the company a little more, it was quite fascinating to discover that República Trading Co. no longer sells T-shirts, or any type of clothing. Instead, the company has transformed into selling eyewear (glasses and sunglasses). It was quite surprising to see that the online store was no longer selling T-shirts, which was their best selling product.

This article is an inspirational story about a Dominican
 entrepreneur named Rafael Jimenez. Rafael Jimenez
 took an idea he got while riding on A train of a t-shirt design and managed to eventually start his own clothing company called Republica Trading Company. The article discusses his journey from selling T-shirts on his neighborhood streets for $20 to having his T-shirts designs being sold in 11 of Bloomingdale’s 31 stores, including stores on both coasts. By starting his business, Republica Trading Company , Jimenez’s made a splash in the Latino market and retailers began to recognize the power and scope of young Latino market. He definitely opened the door for the Latino market in the fashion industry.  Rafael Jimenez is not only an inspiration to Latinos, but to all from urban areas and minorities. This shows that one should always dream big, take chances, and aim high. Also to always pursue your ideas, any idea no matter how small can have endless possibilities. 

It is clear that Rafael Jiminez has made it successful in his career in the fashion industry. It was fascinating and pretty intersting to to read how he got his brand name, how he was riding up town on a train and then he noticed somebody wearing a Banana Republic t-shirt when he thought to himself that he should change the word Banana to Dominican and sell the t-shirts around his neighborhood where everybody had roots in the Dominican Republic. When Rafael printed about 12 Dominican t-shirts and sold them around his neighboorhood for about 20 dollars each and they were all gone in about 20 minutes. He was thinking about making t-shirts for Dominicans and people were telling him that it would not work out because supposedly the Dominicans want the "tacky stuff." Rafael did not listen to anyone and did whatever he wanted. This is a good example because if you truly want something and you truly want to make it happen, you should go for it no matter what anybody says!

TRUE THIGHS

The article by Amy Wallace discusses the story about a famous Hollywood actress, Jamie Lee Curtis. She decided to participate in a photo shoot in nothing but a sports bra and tight spandex. She declares, that every woman has to accept the way she is, and value the "authentic" self. The author says, that the whole process has started for the actress about ten years ago, when Curtis wrote the first children's book, dealing with abortion and mood swings. The main theme of the book was: It is ok to be you! Wallace (2006) writes, "Curtis is seeking something bigger than her next acting job. She wants to feel at peace with her flaws, her genes" (p. 349).  After the photo shoot with no make up, and in unflattering underwear, the actress let the crew transform her into the "Glam Jamie".  Ironically, the actress admits, that she has "done it all", speaking about plastic surgeries, saying, "I've had a little plastic surgery. I've had a little lipo. I've had a little Botox. And you know what? None of it works. None of it" (p. 350).                                                        Curtis also tells the interviewer about her recovery program after plastic surgery, where she had to deal with addiction problems to painkillers and alcohol. All of the transformations in Jamie's life helped her realize, that family and happiness is the most important thing in the world. She has fun with her kids, and her house is filled with laughter and joy. Even though her acting career slowed down, her intentions are to continue with it and write more books. Her noble goal is "to have a life beyond the movie business", where she can find out who she really is without the stylists, jewelry, and fancy outfits.

Wallace, A. (2006). True Thighs. Dressing throughout adulthood. The Meanings of Dress. 2nd Ed.,    
                   348-352. Fairchild Publication, Inc. New York, NY.

The article “ True Thighs”  is basically about Hollywood actress, Jamie Lee Curtis.
This article discusses how she decided to do a photo shoot to expose herself and show everyone her true self. In the photo shot Jamie goes all natural without any make up or pampering and poses in just plain black sports bra and briefs. Jamie does this to show what she really looks like in her 40’s; so people don’t have a false idea of her image. In the article Jamie says, “There’s a reality to the way I look without my clothes on…I don’t want the unsuspecting forty-year-old women of the world to think I've got it going on.” She wanted these women to know that like any other woman; she too has flaws and insecurities. That she isn't always the Glam Jamie, the Perfect Jamie, and great figure Jamie. In her interview she mentions how she's done alterations to face and body in order to remain perfect and glamorous, which now she regrets and finally has learned accept herself for who she is.  Now a days we see this in many Hollywood celebrities who go to extremes to keep with the perfect ideal. However, we have also seen a few of them that have done the same as Jamie. Many Hollywood celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Heidi Klum, and Jessica Simpson have appeared on magazines to showcase their natural beauty without any make up or retouching. Celebrities are finally showing the world what they truly look like and embracing their flaws and imperfections.
                       

 The article "True Thighs I read about Jamie Curtis written by Amy Wallace is explaining how Jamie is in a photo shoot with nothing but spandex, a sports bra and barely any makeup on. Jamie Curtis is putting the word out there that individuals should not feel uncomfortable about their body and how they should be happy of what they have. During an interview Jamies says, "All of these 'bettering' experiences are not without risk. And there is this illusion that once you do it, then you'll be fine. And that's just horesshit. I looked worse. Worse. Am I right?" Curtis is explaining to the audience that having anything done to your body for example, plastic surgery is no good. While reading the article it seems to me as if Jamie is the type of woman who is comfortable and confident about her image and wants everyone else to feel that way. It is amazing knowing that there are famous actresses who are promoting how we should be happy with what we have, rather than the rest showing the audience that thin is what everyone should look up to.

It is very inspiring and relieving to see celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis not being afraid to show their true colors. These are celebrities who are not afraid to express their true selves, are encouraging women all over the world to simply love the way they are and embrace themselves. Although our society is easily affected by the "glamorous lifestyle" that Hollywood portrays, we are also evolving into conscious individuals. Celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis are opening up our eyes, and we are becoming aware of the fact that nobody is perfect in reality.

Another good representation of a celebrity, who is not afraid to express her true self and embrace her body, is America's Next Top Model host, Tyra Banks. Tyra, as opposed to Jamie, is an idol that younger women look up to. After her weight gain and the first images being released, she decided to take a different approach. As an influential individual, Trya Banks decided to use this issue in her favor, and in favor of every young girl in the world. She showed that not everyone is perfect and that every woman must live for who they truly are and embrace themselves, no matter what. Trya created a movement and inspired so many young girls to love themselves and not try to meet unrealistic standards.

FEMALE EXECUTIVES USE FASHION TO SEND A BUSINESS MESSAGE

The article by Carol Hymowitz describes the styles of modern business women today, who want to avoid a classic uniform look of a business lady and turn it into modern, successful and feminine women's attire while still looking professional. The author gives several examples of famous business women, who chose unique and colorful designer suits and dresses for work and important meetings instead of a boring traditional silhouette. Hymowitz writes, "Carly Fiorina, Hewlett-Packard's chairman and CEO, projects power and authority in black-and-tan designer pantsuits, but wore a purple suit to convey the merger of H-P (which has a blue logo) and Compaq (red logo)" (p. 237). Those women, who work in creative industries of entertainment and advertising, have even more freedom in terms of clothing selections. And, as it turns out, it is definitely possible to look serious and confident in business while wearing more contemporary and fashionable business styles.

Hymowitz, C. (2006). Female executives use fashion to send a business message. The Meanings of     
            Dress. 2nd Ed., Fairchild Publication. New York, NY.

Carol Hymowits mentions powerful women in today's workforce, who are rocking their influential positions, as well as their outfits.The author makes a good point when she says that corporate dress code is becoming less and less clear as years go by. Influential women who are CEO's of top companies like HP, Avon, and eBay are transforming the ideally traditional suits of the corporate workforce. While researching women CEO's and the way they dress, I came upon a list of the 7 best dress female CEO's. Andrea Jung (Avon, CEO) was again in the list, and along with others such as Oprah Winfrey (Oprah Winfrey Network, CEO), Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook, COO), Sara Blakely (Spanx, Founder), and so on. A good quote in the article is by Marianne Spraggins ( Alic Investment Advisors, CEO) that states, "You don't have to dress like a man, but you have to look serious if you want to be taken seriously." Spraggins makes a very strong point, because this is correct in almost any environment, whether in the workforce or in your personal life. It is common to see people, especially men, judge women regularly, simply by the way they dress. IT is very stereotypical, but unfortunately it is the way men function.

The article Female Executives Use Fashion to Send a Business Message discusses how within a few years the number of women working in the business world have tremendously increased. Now a days there are more and more women obtaining higher positions such as CEO of large corporations and companies. Since the business world seems to have always been a men's world, women have always tired to gain respect to be taken seriously by fellow business mates. With this being the case there has been a contemplation about what is appropriate business attire for women. As mentioned in the article, Ms. Clarke says; "You [women] still have to dress for success and avoid anything provocative or too revealing, especially when you are surrounded by men in white shirts. So many women have been confused and stuck to the plain black/blue suit. However, with gaining popularity of women in business "the younger generation" is spicing things up with trendy styles and the use of more color. Proving that they can be professional and fashionable at the same time. Women have become more confident in expressing themselves in much more trendy, stylish and comfortable business attire.

While reading the article Carol Hymowitz mentions how women in different businesses want to express themselves with brighter colors, different styles and different styles of clothing. I think when it comes to the business world some women want to express themselves into whats more like them and not wanting to dress like every other women in the office. For instance Ms. Clarke stated,"You Still have to dress for success and avoid anything provocative or too revealing, especially when you are surrounded by men in white shirts. It is understandable to know that a women should be dressing appropriate and professionally,but then again a women can also dress fashionably and professionally in order to express her sense of style.So, getting dressed for the office does not mean to leave your personal style behind, it is always fun to add your personal style with your business attire to make it look polished.

THE PARED-DOWN PROM DRESS

Nowadays, there are more and more designers who create many revealing styles of the prom dresses. Amy Merrick, the author of the article, describes some problems girls face with when shopping for a dress. These issues include too low-cut in front, too low-cut in back, too tight, high slits on skirts, extremely low neck line, revealing "peekaboo" slits on dresses and sheer fabrics. The author states, that some schools have already applied a dress code to prevent young girls to wear provocative or sometimes even vulgar gowns (p. 202). It turns out that many designers create their styles according to some young celebrities and their fashion styles, since those looks can be notably appealing to the young audience, especially girls. Merrick writes, that a group of high-school graduating girls have even complained to customer service at Nordstrom Inc. because of inappropriate gown selections. Nordstrom organized a special meeting with students and buyers to discuss the desired styles of prom dresses to make customers happy. However, the majority of young girls want to look sexier and more appealing in their dresses, so many of them continue to purchase and wear pared-down dresses, which grow in popularity.

Merrick, A. (2006). The pared-down prom dress. Modesty and Immodesty. The meaning of dress. 2nd. Ed., Fairchild Publications, INC. New York, NY.

"Sexy Open Back Prom Dress"

Amy Merrick discusses the issue that many young girls face today when shopping for their prom gown. Many girls complain that dresses nowadays are too provocative and revealing than they should be for girls at that age. When researching for 2013 prom dress trends, many of the gowns are revealing, with very few covered up dresses. Very low and open-backs, with low cleavage are the top trends for today's prom gowns. Many of these styles are dictated by teen magazines, such as Teen Vogue and Teen People. Magazines are promoting two-piece dress that are very inappropriate for girls at that age. However, the sad reality of our society is that year after year, teens are beginning to show more and more skin. This is something that many teens are against. For example, Amy Merrick's example of the high school girls that complained about Nordstrom's dresses being too revealing. These girls had the privilege to design their own dresses, on behalf of Nordstrom. As a result, many of the styles were found to be long gowns with covered shoulders, as well as higher necklines and low to no slits. However, these types of dresses are not common among teens today, when shopping for prom dress. Therefore, designers are gearing towards more and more revealing designs, as opposed to covered up gowns.

   Modest v.s Sexy  
Throughout the years it seems that the style of prom dresses has drastically changed. It has gone from classy and elegant to sexy and revealing.Within the past few years the popularity of skimpy and daring styles has grown and many designers have tailored to this. More and more prom dresses are designed which show more skin and bare cleavage. "For young women, the prom dress marks a rite of passage out of high school to the larger world." However, this idea seems to have been taken out of portion. Instead young girls wanting to look "princess like", they are trying to embody a more older sexier look. Even Annemarie Iverson, editor-in-chief of teen magazine YM says, "Instead of looking to be Cinderella, they're looking to their star idols." On the other hand, it was also refreshing to read in the article there are still some young girls who have spoken out about the current prom dresses being too revealing, uncomfortable, and not age appropriate. They prefer a more classy yet still trendy prom dress, which is not too over the top and does not make them feel exposed. It was nice to read that there is still some innocence and modesty left in today's youth! (Merrick, 2006).




While reading "The Pared-Down Prom Dress by Amy Merrick it shows that the high school young girls are all different and they all prefer different types of prom dresses for their special night. As one of the girls a 16 year old student Annie Kershisnik said, "I feel more comfortable being a little more covered up" "But I don't want to wear a grandma dress" It seems as if most prom dresses are so revealing that young teens don't really have a choice. In my opinion I feel as if there aren't so many options and most prom dresses have less fabric over the years.  I also think that it is very inappropriate for such young girls to be wearing the most revealing dress to a school event.  Prom is the type of night that a young girl is suppose to feel like a princess and classy, yet we are seeing the opposite of a lot of skin as years go by.

YOUR MOTHER, YOUR BODY

The article called "Your mother, your body" discusses several key points about certain ways mothers use food to control their children's weight, eating habits and shape the whole body image in general. The author of the article, Michelle Stacey (2006), writes "Mothers have always held powerful sway over their daughters' ideas about food, eating, and body shape-feeding their children has been their evolutionary duty for most of human history" (p. 116). Unfortunately, some of the eating habits mothers try to apply to their kids are not necessarily healthy. A child can develop disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and many more because his mother tries to make sure that the kid obeys the diet she thinks is right for him. Stacey also states, that children usually tend to observe their same-sex parent in their behavior, body shape, eating habits, looks and other factors. Then, children also try to apply the same lifestyle their mother uses because they think it is right. Also, some mothers,  want to apply their constant wishes of being thin to their daughters by dressing them in tighter clothing, or telling them that their children are overweight. These habits tend to develop psychological problems and insecurity of a child in terms of his or her own perception of the body image. Some mothers also try to over-feed their kids because they think their children are way too thin. This can also cause future problems in the eating habits.

Stacey, M. (2006). Your mother, your body. Dress and relationships. The Meaning of Dress. 2nd Ed.,
                   Fairchild Publications, INC. New York, NY.

 

Of course a mother will always be concerned about their childs body and what they eat. Considering that they do not want their child to grow up with health problems. I also think that some mothers take eating right with their children a little too far. For example in the article, "Your Mother, Your Body" the author Michelle Stacey writes, "Mothers have always held powerful sway over their daughters'  ideas about food, eating body shape-feeding their children has been their evolutionary duty for most of human history." (pg116) Its okay for a mother to be concerned about their child's body weight, and what they eat, in fact they should be, but also the mother needs to know that she can not just say, " you're overweight" that is just putting pressure on to the kid.

Like Mother, Like Daughter 
An individual young girls tend to look up to is definitely their mothers. I think this also works vice versa mothers tend to also see themselves in their daughters. For this reason, it’s not a surprise that a young girl might share the same idea of beauty and ideal body image with her mother. The article mentions, “Research has shown that one important way you develop body image is through identification with a same-sex parent” (p.117).  Since daughters usually admire their mothers and mothers tend to take a lot pride in their daughters, it isn’t unlikely that a mother will influence her daughter’s body image, eating habits, dress and overall idea of beauty.  Especially, in a generation that considers slender and thinness to be the ideal body type, it is common for mothers to easily gear their daughter towards the wrong path. A path in which they develop unhealthy eating habits and a distorted self image.


Renaissance to Runway
(ivillage.com)

Michelle Stacey demonstrates how mothers have such a great influence on their children (mainly females) and their body image. The author makes a very strong, yet true comparison between mothers and food in the past and how it is portrayed nowadays.

Stacey says, mothers used to say things like: "Eat your vegetables. Finish your plate. Don't you want to grow big and strong? Why aren't you eating? Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?"

Now the saying goes, "Eat your vegetables (no escaping that one). Do you really want to eat that? Too many of those will make you fat. You know, bread has a lot of calories. The women in our family have always been heavy. You'll have to be careful."

The image above demonstartes a comparison of ideal body image during the Renaissance (full and round) and today (slim and twig-like). After reading this article, we realize that this is nothing but the sad reality of society today. We are constantly put down and never staisfied enough with ur bodies.

KIMONO SCHOOLS

     The article called "Kimono Schools" describes one of the famous Japanese traditional attires for women, which is kimono. The author of the article, Liza Dalby, discusses how women used to pass on the knowledge from mother to daughter about how to be geisha and wear kimonos properly. However, nowadays, there are specific schools or institutions, which educate a future geisha. Dalby writes, "They give classes that range from basic kimono wearing to advanced techniques of tying the obi in facsimilies of daffodils or folded cranes" (p. 98). The school teaches women of different ages, because every age, starting from young girls and ending with elderly women, have to know certain rules and appropriate techniques of wearing kimonos and also how to behave while wearing one. The author also desribes her own experience of wearing a kimono, which grew from a very basic to a more professional and knowledgeable experience.
    The second part of the artilce stresses the point about how wearing a certain type of foreign clothing changes one's personality and attitude. For example, Dalby was comparing the American and Japanese culture and clothing style, mentioning that she felt akward speaking English while wearing a kimono (p. 99). It turnes out, that being geisha is not easy, and definitely not cheap. Dalby writes, "About ten thousand dollars is needed to purchase a minimum wardrobe; a young geisha is thus likely to start her career in debt for the loan to buy kimono" (p. 99). Many people consider kimono to be a native dress, however the author states that there are many types of kimono which can be worn for different occasions in the modern world.

Price of a Kimono
Never knew kimonos were so expensive. Geisha girls are known to have a weakness and passion for collecting kimonos. However, the price tag can be quite high. Kimonos are known to be the greatest expense in their budget. Turns out a Geisha needs to have at least ten kimonos when she begins her career. In order to do so, she will need $10,000 to purchase them. Most of the time Geisha girls find themselves in debit because of their need to obtain a collection. Another reason why it's such a expense is that "Geisha will appear before guests only in silk kimono and, further, only in certain kinds of silk kimono" (pg. 100). Evidently, it's not cheap being a Geisha Girl!

It is quite fascinating learning about the traditional Japanese dress form known as the Kimono. Developing Geishas would learn from their mothers who were former Geishas. However, the middle class now have the ability to become Geishas and wear the kimono. Institutions now provide women with education on how to develop the kimono image. However, these schools are still not educated on the genuine traditions of kimono dress. This knowledge is embedded in former Geishas who have passed down their skills and expertise to their children. No matter how hard women try, kimono dress is a skill that must be mastered and not easy to do so.


 The Kimono is usually worn by Japanese women and young girls. Kimono is supposed to be worn with dignity and neatly. Kimonos have their own school and they are persuading the public that only they hold the secret to Kimono success from having the proper way and style of wearing the garment and raising it up. Liza Dalby states, "All this originates from bourgeois notions of how the upper crust once dressed-and,in particular from the somewhat stiff samurai class tradition,where propriety was the sole aim of women's dress and demeanor."(pg.98) The Kimono is worn and it is definitely not cheap! The women put a lot of their time and money into looking the way that they really have to in order to achieve their level of culture.

A Web of Deceit: Internet Sites Encouraging Anorexia Draw Alarm from the Medical Community

A disturbing article, written by Dawn Sagario, describes a notably important problem of many men and women, who struggle with a disease called Anorexia. The author writes, that Internet web sites, such as "Pro-Anorexia", "Stick Figures", and "Anorexic Nation" become a source of inspiration and support for those who struggle with Anorexia, and who want to loose weight through unhealthy habits of starvation, which can lead to potential illnesses and even death. The followers of these web sites exchange tips on how to become thin as well as encourage each other to starve. Sagario gives examples of some messages from one of the pro-anorexia web sites, such as "Being thin and not eating are signs of true willpower and success", and also "Being thin is more important than being healthy" (Sagario, p. 41). The author also states, that some of the companies, including Yahoo! started to block the pro-anorexic web sites from the users due to the request by the National Eating Disorder Association (p. 41). Many doctors and psychiatrists are disturbed by the fact, that these web-sites do not promote recovery; they rather encourage the disease, which can lead to numbers of anorexic men and women growing. In the article, Sagario also describes a recovering woman, suffering from anorexia, Trudy Randall. She claims that if she has seen the pro-anorexic web-sites before, or knew about their existence, she would have used this extra support and just die. However, Randall was able to recover and still continues to visit a counselor. The problem is, though, how many people still follow the web-sites in the Internet, which promote anorexia, and how many will die for being thin.

* Sagario, D., (2006). A web of deceit: Internet sites ecnouraging anorexia draw alarm from the medical community. The Meaning of Dress. 2nd. Ed., Fairchild Publications, Inc. New York, NY.

This article reminded me of a statement made by English model Kate Moss, in which she stated "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels." For someone who is so influential, inspirational and possibly a role model for many young girls and women, making a statement as this can easily promote a disease such as anorexia. This statement from Kate Moss is as harmful as the internet websites which promote anorexia. Instead of using her fame to promote a healthy lifestyle, she is encouraging unhealthy habits. Its' things like this that cause many to develop the fatal disease of anorexia.


In Dawn Sagarios article where it states what certain internet sites were saying about how good it is to be anorexic I saw a few quotes who stood out to me the most, "If you aren't thin you aren't attractive." "Being thin is more important than being healthy." "Anorexia is a lifestyle, not a disease" These quotes got my attention because this is not what individuals should be seeing on the internet. When young teens see such harmful things posted on the internet they get encouraged and want to be just like any other anorexic person. Being super thin does not make anyone so called attractive, healthy or give you any sighs of success and power.  Anorexia is not a healthy disease, and it shouldn't inspire so many individuals amongst the world. These websites like "Stick Figure, Pre-Anorexia,and Anorexia Nation" are all saying how "if you aren't thin you aren't attractive" that is definitely not the case, because anorexia can lead to a horrible health issue, and or even death.

Reading this article, which discusses the problems among anorexic women, is quite distressing. It is hard enough on people suffering from anorexia, and many pro-anorexia websites worsen the condition of many women that are suffering from the disease. These patients suffering from anorexia are trying to leave that unhealthy lifestyle. But to know that websites are supporting their unhealthy lifestyles is a unfortunate thing. But it was relieve that the article mentioned that Yahoo has been removing pro-anorexia websites from their servers. It is good to know that they wish for the well being of individuals suffering from anorexia. The article referred to one of the websites displaying an image of Angelina Jolie, with her bones out and sunken cheekbones. This is quite disturbing and painful to see how much the media and "oh-so-perfect" celebrities are influencing so many young girls in negative ways. Anorexia is a disease and not a lifestyle, and women everywhere should be awakened and educated on the risks of anorexia.

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT 2012

Fashion Night Out Los Angeles 2012

Fashion Night Out LA, one word WOW!!! If you love to shop this is definitely an experience you would never want to miss. I don’t know where to begin but for a fashionista what better occasion to celebrate than shopping.
             

Westfield Fashion Square: FNO Fashion and Film Exhibit
Stores such as Michael Kors, ANGL, and S.Y.L.K had styled displays featuring live models which were inspired by films to celebrate Fashion Night Out. The images above show Michael Kor's display which was inspired by the Belle de Jour, 1967 film starring Catherine Deneuve.

                     

While walking around the Beverly Center what stood out the most were the models on display at Beach Bunny. The models were standing by the window display while people were taking photos of them.That is what got me to go check out what was going on inside the store. Beach Bunny had a nice set up with a table full of sweets, champagne and lemonade. They also had a photo booth were the photographer would take photos of you and your friends. If you uploaded those photos on Instagram and tagged #BEACHBUNNYFNO there was a chance you could win a Beach Bunny goodie bag valued at $500.The vibe inside Beach Bunny was fun with a lot of people gathered around and enjoying themselves. There Fashion's Night Out promotion was if you shopped from there new cruise collection you would get a free gift with your purchase.Overall, Beach Bunny did a great job with their outside display with the models, the sweets, and the photo booth set up.

             


Another cool FNO event was at the Beverly Center, where Bloomingdales had a creative way to attract consumers. The Converse station was added at the men's shoe department, where the shopper could customize the newly purchased pair of Converse shoes. The station also had a DJ from the winners of Converse's DisCOVERed series

Macy's at the Beverly Center introduced the collection on the main runway show. It also had a smaller fashion show in women's department, demonstrating the looks by different brands and designers. The host of the show described each outfit separately, and also mentioned which floor and department the shoppers could find each item.

XXI Fall 2012 Runway Show

Forever 21 presented their Fall 2012 collection at 9:00pm as part of the Beverly Center Fashion's Night Out Event! The collection represented a preppy-chic look with minimal colors (black, white, and red), but also showed a lot of class. With the use of limited colors, the designs, prints, and details stood out to the eye. From basic blazers to super skinnies, the collection revealed must-have pieces for this Fall. So get ready to "say more" with "less colors" and XXI will help you do that this season!