Calvin Klein 2005 Spring CollectionWritten by Sher Matsen
February 22, 2005 Calvin Klein – a name we all recognize and a designer who is world renowned for his fabulous fashions. So how did Calvin Klein come to be.? As a young boy in 1940s Calvin was already pre-occupied with designing and sketching fashions for women. The boy grew into a young man earning scholarships to both New York High School of Art and Design; and Fashion Institute of Technology. This was at a time when America was just beginning to develop its own originality and uniqueness. Eventually he teamed with his childhood friend Barry Scwartz Their very first products were coats for women and men. From coats to ready to wear women’s sportswear with clean lines that were simple and effective. Then came men’s fragrances, underwear, and designer jeans. Designer jeans that anyone could afford was a new idea and it very quickly took over jean market. Soon men’s shorts became sexy and a desirable market was created. Then when it was least expected Calvin Klein launched Obsession, Eternity, Escape, ck One, and Contradiction; all household words of fragrance, all obsessions in their own time. CK Be was created by Calvin Klein in 1996 and features a fresh oriental woody fragrance that blends musk, mandarin, magnolia, peach, sandalwood, mint, lavender, bergamot, and juniper berry making it a memorable fragrance for both men and women. In 1996 CK unisex fragrance took market by storm. Calvin Klein was youngest designer to be awarded Coty Award – not just once but for several years -1973, 1974,1975, 1982, 1983 and 1986, Calvin Klein also won Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for outstanding design in both women’s wear and men’s wear.
| | Earrings Through TimeWritten by Sher Matsen
Earrings – I think of them as finishing touch to your look. They complete your fashion statement. There are earrings for all occasions – board room, work, casual outings, your wedding, a night on town, or a day at beach. They can bring out your softer feminine side, sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication and elegance From Elizabeth Taylor to Meg Ryan to Dave Navarro to Usher – today earrings are a fashion statement for both men and women. The first pair of earrings has been dated back to 2500 BC. Only wealth and those of royal lines could afford expensive jewelry back then. There are all types of earrings – chandelier earrings, dangle earrings, hoop earrings, stud earrings, button earrings, and droplet earrings to name just a few. Earrings come in all types of materials and metals. Gold, silver, gemstones, plastics, bakelite, copper, diamonds, paste, pearls, faux stones, or glass. The list goes on and on. What ever your desires there is a pair of earrings out there waiting for you. The oldest earrings ever unearthed by archaeologists were discovered in Iraq in royal graves and date to about 2,500 BC. Back to 3000 BC there were two types of earrings: hoop, and more elaborate pendant. From 1559 B.C. to 1085 B in Egypt earplugs became very fashionable. These type of piercings and earrings are seen even on King Tutankhamen. In Dark Ages poverty prevailed and metal jewelry sharply declined although designs were preserved for later use. During Roman Empire wealthy women used earrings to show off their rich status. By 2nd century AD gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and aquamarines were used regularly. During Byzantine period which ran from330-1200 AD earrings took a back burner to more elaborate body ornamentation. In Middle Ages earrings become almost non-existent because of elaborate hair styles, and headdresses which were ever so popular. During 16th century in Italy high collars disappeared and hair was being worn up and away from face, so earrings began to make a comeback. In other parts of world such as England and France it would be another 100 years or so before high collars disappeared. As time progressed design of earrings became much more complex. Around 1660 girandole earring made its appearance remaining very popular for next couple of centuries. The girandole earrings were extremely large and heavy because of metal content [gold or silver] and amount of gems. Made of 3 pear shaped drops on a hook. The weight was known to cause elongated ear lobes. In latter part of 18th century pendeloque earrings became popular. They were longer than girandole earrings but much lighter. They were balance for high hairdos and big wigs that were being worn.
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