Politically Correct

Dear Hillary Clinton,
While we may not agree with all of your policies, we can’t even hide it anymore: we love your wardrobe. You’ve undoubtedly become a fashion icon in the political world (move over Jackie O), and your signature colorful pantsuits are as androgynous as you are. Watch out Prada and Yves Saint Laurent, pantsuits will never be the same, and they’re popping up all over runways, fashion showrooms, and retail stores everywhere. And what a bold choice, Hil. You’ve really proved that you ain’t no stay-at-home trophy wife (we know you hate those) in those loose-fitted blazers and impeccably ironed slacks. We also love your gallant hairstyle; the term “coiffed to perfection” wouldn’t even do it justice. Fashion bloggers such as The Man Repeller are copping your look, as well as luxury brand Blake Andrews. We’re just gonna throw this out there Hillary, if you like it you can take it, if not, just throw it right back. We’d like to further address you as the First Lady… of Rainbow Pantsuits. Respect. So just keep doing your thing, never fire your stylist and please never run out of hair wax. Oh, and Hil? This goes without saying, but you look wayyyyy better than Lewinsky. That’s for damn sure.



Hillary Clinton



Prada



Yves Saint Laurent



Man Repeller



Blake Andrews


Thanks for letting us do a guest post DougRoss@Journal!!!

Lots of Lace

Here at NL Collective Group, we think it’s an unwritten law, a scientifically proven undeniable fact, that lace is one of the chicest and sexiest materials a woman can put on her body. And we’re not talking lingerie. We’re talking clothes. From dainty blouses to dresses with ultra bold silhouettes, it’s possible to pull off lace without remotely looking like a doily. Lace is perfect for fall, and it’s been popping up all over runways, fashion showrooms, and retail stores everywhere. Lace is a rare fabric that’s as feminine as it is provocative, and it can also be dark and almost gothic as well, which makes it perfect for branding and marketing to every girl out there. No matter what her style may be. It can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the occasion. Industry powerhouses and leaders of the fashion business Louis Vuitton (by Marc Jacobs) and Dolce and Gabbana have both sent lots of lace down the runway. Luxury brand Blake Andrews also displayed lots and lots of lace in her latest (and super chic and amazing) Spring/Summer collection. Accompanied by feminine silhouettes and a soft color palette, the lace accents could not be more elegant. Whether you’re feeling naughty or nice, it’s definitely befitting to have some lovely lace in that winning wardrobe of yours.



Louis Vuitton by Marc Jacobs



Dolce and Gabbana



Blake Andrews



Blake Andrews



Blake Andrews



Blake Andrews



Blake Andrews



Give 'Em the One Shoulder

When it comes to showing skin, a woman must pick her poison. Because as we all know, too much skin is tasteless, and here at NL Collective Group, we think too little skin is…. Well… for boring people who have no fun. We LOVE skin (in moderation, of course). This includes, legs, cleavage, everything, but lately, we’re especially loving shoulders. Strapless is always a classic, but the one-shoulder trend is popping up all over runways, fashion showrooms, and retail stores everywhere. Showing one shoulder is elegant and sexy all at once which is the perfect combination for a night out on the town or a date. But, like we said, when it comes to showing skin, you must pick your poison. If you go with the shoulder exposure, make sure the rest of your ensemble isn’t terribly revealing. We love luxury brand Gene’s version of the one shoulder trend. It’s beautifully draped, sophisticated, and still has that hint of sensuality—this combination makes it perfect for branding and marketing to every woman, no matter what her style may be. Fashion industry powerhouses BCBG Max Azria, Michael Kors, and Versace all sent their versions of the trend down the runway. Skin is in, and we know you’ve got a great collarbone—time to show it off with a wonderful one-shoulder dress.



Gene



BCBG Max Azria



Michael Kors



Versace



Comfy and Chic Sexy Sleepwear

Recently, some celebrities (cough Rihanna cough) have been causing quite a stir by showing up at glamorous red carpet events looking as if they just crawled out of bed. But not just any bed, their.... boyfriend’s bed? Yes, you heard correctly. Men’s pajamas on women is the new thing! And here at NL Collective group, we love it. Men’s pajamas have not only been popping up on the red carpet, but all over runways, fashion showrooms, and retail stores as well. And this look isn’t making us tired. Men’s pajamas are chic, simple, and elegant. But lazy ladies, beware: in order to pull off this look, you have to offset the slouchy jammies with glam hair and makeup, perfect posture, and of course, confidence. And with that, you’ll look like you’re ready to conquer the day, or night. No laying in bed. Fashion industry powerhouse Dolce and Gabbana has been especially loving the “Menswear: PJ Edition” look lately, sending a multitude of sleepwear inspired ensembles down the runway. Luxury brand Xuan-Thu Nguyen has also put together a pajama look using separates. We’re hoping we’re not putting you to sleep here, but basically what we’re saying is it’s time to embrace your inner lazy man (aren’t they all?) and whip out some menswear pajamas for a look that’s as comfortable as it is chic. And when was the last time that was attainable?



Rihanna



Dolce and Gabbana



Dolce and Gabbana



Xuan-Thu Nguyen

Fashion Industry Behind the Scenes: The Dark Side

Here at NL Collective Group, we work with fashion designers from all over the world. We understand the ins and outs of fashion design, including how much time, effort, and money can go into a single garment of clothing or a lone piece of jewelry. To these designers, their collections are literally their lives. Designers spend years, and not to mention thousands of dollars, in order to have their line ultimately end up all over runways, fashion showrooms, or retail stores everywhere. Ever wonder how the powerhouses of the fashion industry made it to the top? Simply through lots and lots of hard work, blood sweat, tears and chiffon. As previously mentioned, one handcrafted and sewn sample garment or one piece of jewelry most likely took hours to craft and lots of money to make. And these samples can be very, very delicate. Magazines or other fashion editorial or marketing publications may approach designers or brands in order to borrow a single sample for a photo shoot or editorial, which is obviously excellent press. However, sometimes, samples are damaged or completely destroyed by careless stylists or other people who may be handling the pieces. This may seem like a minor issue (it’s only one sample after all) but to a designer, this can be the end all of end alls. This one single sample took so much time and energy and money and probably lots of “start-overs” to make. The bottom line is, when you break a designer’s piece, you’re basically breaking his or her heart. And unfortunately, a lot of the time, when the samples are damaged or broken, they’re not replaced, which causes a potentially struggling designer even more money and time they don’t have. There are many struggles that go into becoming a successful fashion designer that us non-fashion designers can’t even fathom, but destroyed samples thanks to careless fashion industry authorities? Come on. That’s just unfashionable. So this goes out to all the designers out there. We know how hard you work and we appreciate you, and we promise from the bottom of our big, clothes-loving hearts that we will always treat your samples and clothes and beautiful jewelry with the same care you put into making it all.



Vogue Fashion Editorial



Young & Ng Blood Cell Cuff

Thank You, Belts

Remember the days when belts were only used to hold your pants up? Well, here at NL Collective Group, we’re SO glad those days are over. Nowadays, belts are arguably the most versatile accessory in a girl’s wardrobe; you can use one to add a chic touch to any outfit, or to cinch your waist in a loose garment, or even to tie a sweater or wrap dress closed. Perfect, right? Belts have been all over recent runways, fashion showrooms, and retail stores everywhere, and we’re loving it. Perhaps our favorite aspect about belts is the fact that there are so many out there! Whether they’re wide, skinny, notched, rope, or leather, the options are endless. And that means there are belts perfect for branding and marketing to every girl, no matter what her style is. Fashion industry powerhouses Burberry Prorsum and Reem Acra have both sent belts down the runway, styled in totally different ways, but chic nonetheless. Luxury brand Gene also has a variety of belts that can be paired up with so many outfits. So this goes out to you, belts: for being there to not only keep our pants up, but to also make us look way cuter than we would without you. You’re truly a renaissance accessory.



Burberry Prorsum



Reem Acra



Gene



Gene



Gene



Gene



Sip & Shop: Our Very Own Sample Sale!

Here at NL Collective Group, we love clothes (obviously). So naturally, we were beyond excited to organize an amazing sample sale in our New York fashion showroom for August! With gorgeous clothes from luxury brands Xuan-Thu Nguyen, Selahdor, Purple Ginger, Amorette, Divka, Gene, and more, there’s bound to be clothes perfectly branded for every type of fashionista out there. And HELLO, all of the clothes will be 60%-85% off retail price! We don’t know about you, but I can say with confidence that all of us are about to be little kids in a candy store the days of our sample sale. So if you’re interested in stylish, beautiful, chic, classic, luxurious, feminine, youthful (what have you) clothes from a multitude of designers at prices that should be considered theft, come Sip & Shop with us at our office, NL Collective Showroom at 39 West 14th Street, Suite 408 in the one and only New York City from August 13th (Monday) to August 17th (Friday) from 11 am to 8 pm! We better see you there!



Cool flyer, right??



Amorette



Divka



Gene



Purple Ginger



Selahdor



Xuan-Thu Nguyen





Fashions green print

Fashion is maintained and run by consumer desire with the speed and accessibility of new trends being constantly accelerated every season. Each new style renders the older one obsolete, ultimately ending up in the landfill site.
The Sustainable Clothing Action Plan was launched in 2009 by the UK Government Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. (Defra.) It aims to encourage shareholders to invest in sustainable fashion where there is no adverse impact on people or the environment at any stage of the fashion cycle, from production to end of life management.
Tribulations of fashion.
Anthony Griffiths, representative of Defra said, ‘In the UK, two million tonnes of textiles are consumed per annum with the fast/discount fashion sector making up one-fifth of the UK market. Yet about 50 per cent of this is destined for landfill, leaving just half a million tonnes of textiles a year collected for reuse or recycling.’
Unbeknown to the consumer, by buying readily and cheaply they are contributing to resource depletion. Last year the price of cotton was forced to increase as consumption worldwide is exceeding the production of the cotton. This will have a direct consequence on the fashion industry, as no longer will it be common practice to have cheap, disposable clothes, such as one pound t-shirts from Primark.
In 2005 the Co-operative Bank ‘Ethical Consumerism Report,’ showed that the market for ethical fashion had grown by 30% between 2003-04. However, now in 2011 sustainable fashion is still not common practice by the mass market. Bronwyn Lowenthal, design director for Lowie a handmade ethical clothing brand explained that sustainable fashion,’ should be encouraged but there is still a huge amount of education to be done before designers and manufacturers realize how important it is.’
Plant the seeds of thought.
Sustainable fashion is a way of thinking, the formula for environmentally friendly fashion should be people plus planet then profit in equal measures. The London College of Fashion, Centre for Sustainable Fashion, is a fore runner in the development of a sustainable approach to fashion design. They offer advice and work with small to medium sized businesses to inform them with knowledge on how to become a sustainable brand, by questioning corporate social responsibility.
Ruth Ferguson representative of sustainable swimwear designer Olga Olsson, who only uses organic cotton and wool in her designs, also works in correlation with the London College of Fashion said, ‘The business support program has assisted me by giving advice about how to improve sales, marketing, and reduce my business carbon footprint.’
New approaches to fabric development are being developed to equate to an ethical approach to fashion design, this is required to reduce the volume of hazardous waste produced from the production stage especially by dyeing and distressing treatments on the fabric.
Nadja Solovieva, designer behind the brand Vassilisa, who has trained at Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen is currently in the development of new innovative fabrics. ‘I have always been rather minimal in terms of how I do things, I naturally use maximum efficiency pattern cutting, it is all fairtrade manufactured, to date only natural materials. I also have a philosophy of liberty, multi cultural acceptance and challenge of perceptions,’ Nadja explained.
The British Fashion Council founded ‘Ethestica’ in 2005 to promote sustainable fashion development. The designers who are part of Ethestica all have to adhere to at least one of the core principles of sustainable fashion development such as fair trade, ethical practices and the use of organic or recycled materials.  
Ethestica Autumn/Winter 2011 collection showcased at London Fashion Week, with twenty designers being involved who all have ethical credentials and design excellence.
Designer Michelle Lowe-Holder who has designed for Topshop explains her involvement with Esthetica,’ I have shown my last 2 collections here, the season before that I showed under London College of Sustainable Fashion. It is a great way to show your collection to buyers and press. There are many ways to ensure that you are ethical and sustainable when you are small, the challenge comes when you are a larger company, at present I control all my sourcing sampling and production. As the label grows the real challenge will come.’
Questioning the fashion status quo.
More emphasis on investment in good quality items is needed, as the majority of the public view the high street as the destination for cheap, disposable clothing that fuels consumer spending habits. The amount of choice available coupled with consumer desire for the latest fashion trend at affordable prices equates to an overall increase in damage on the environment. Such as, ‘energy use, resource depletion and GHG emissions from processing fossil fuels into synthetic fibres,’ explained Anthony Griffiths, representative of Defra.
However some stores, such as New Look and Next now have an organic cotton and fair trade range which promotes the encouragement of sustainable fashion. Topshop currently stocks ‘People’s Tree’ range which uses only organic cotton made from plants grown without chemicals or pesticides, and treated with natural dyes.
Katherine Hamnett is an ethical clothing innovator, it is by her work in the 80s of protest slogan t-shirts that bought a sustainable approach to fashion in the public eye. Her slogans such as, ‘Clean up or die,’ placed emphasis on the ethical concern with regards to the fashion industry.  She has now signed a deal with Tesco to create an ethical and environmental clothing range using organic cotton. Her condition was that Tesco had to agree to sign a contract with the cotton farmers for sustainable development.
Stella McCartney is the ultimate eco designer not only does she develop collections that are sustainable and ecologically friendly, such as organic cotton and the use of no leather or fur, she takes the sustainable approach to every aspect of the Stella McCartney organization. It has been acknowledged as a carbon neutral company as all the offices and studios in the UK are powered by Ecotricity, which invests all money spent on electricity into clean forms such as wind power encouraging a sustainable approach to the future. Also, all the shipping bags are made from corn which is 100% biodegradable instead of the commonly used plastic.
‘I can only hope sustainable fashion will be the future, it is a long way off but many things need to change, and fashion is a small part of a large cultural way of evolving,’ said designer Michelle Lowe-Holder.
The cultivation of an Eco future.
In the future, fashion will begin to blur the lines between fashion and science by the collaboration of designers and scientists to produce new innovative fabric development. Designer Suzanne Lee is the senior researcher at Central Saint Martin’s college where they are growing garments from the bacterial cellulose. It is a totally new alternative to fabric development as no resources will be affected, it aims to grow your own garments using natural resources in the formation of a utopia fashion garden.
Donna Franklin, lecturer at the School of Communications and Contemporary Arts at Edith Cowan University explained the process of bacterial cellulose fabric as having, ‘a lot of potential, as the source is organic. However, the chemicals used to make the fabric viable are as yet not. As an arts/science practice it aims to speculate on the potential cross-over’s between clothing as living and clothing as an art project.’
Another approach to tackle resource depletion in the future is to combine technological developments with fashion to create wearable technology. Avant-Garde designer Hussein Chalayan is looking towards futuristic styling by combining clothing as a mechanism. He is making everyday objects transportable, tables and chair folding into dresses as seen in his Autumn/Winter 2000-01 collection ‘Afterwards.’ He is an innovator in finding new uses of materials as seen by his use of material from aircrafts to create a dress which changes shape via remote control. It is his innovation in fabric development that will be a necessity in the future due to resource depletion.
Gary Cass, Lecturer at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Australia said, ‘I do not think sustainable fashion is the future because it involves two main issues, money and vanity. When it comes to vanity humans are the vainest, this is perpetuated by the corporations and mass media. Economics and environmental sustainability are not compatible. Do not let the economist steer the ship as it will be directed down the cheapest path, with no consideration for the environment or ethical production.’
As we look to the future with the current rate of resource depletion, more innovative fabric development will have to be considered to cope with the growing demand of new fashions. Coupled alongside with consumer knowledge more emphasis needs to be placed on investment in good quality pieces, instead of short term trends.
Ultimately customers drive fashion by their demands, so by stressing the importance on consumers of ethical and environmental purchasing, it should encourage a sustainable fashion system that doesn’t adversly damage the environment in any part of the fashion cycle. 

Prep School

Not all of us have attended Prep school, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dress like the kids who have. Here at NL Collective Group, we’re loving the prep craze that’s being sported all over runways, fashion showrooms and retail stores everywhere. Hey, haven’t we all wished we were Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf at some point in life? Whether it’s an exaggerated collar, conservative silhouettes, sweaters, oversized buttons, or whatever it may be, certain elements evoke the preppiness that reminds some of us of our youths. The prep look is youthful, yes, but it’s also classic, elegant, and, depending on how much you play it up, fun. So many different pieces can be categorized as “preppy” but can also be wearable look for everyday life; perfect for marketing to every fashionista out there (even the ones who think their styles are more Jenny Humphries than Blair’s.) One of the top brands in the fashion business, Lacoste, has made a name for themselves simply by providing the public with high-end, wearable, chic, but most of all, innately preppy and sporty clothes. Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have done the same for their brands. Now, other top designers are catching onto the craze and sending their own sporty looks down the runway. Fashion industry powerhouse Diane Von Furstenberg recently took up the preppy look in a collection. Luxury brand Blake Andrews has several preppy looks in the Fall/Winter 2012 collection. We’re especially loving the structured collars and peacoat-esque buttons. So go ahead and rock this youthful look with style, you don’t have to be a schoolgirl to pull it off. Time to prep it up!



Lacoste



Lacoste



Ralph Lauren



Tommy Hilfiger



Diane Von Furstenberg



Blake Andrews



Blake Andrews



Purse Perfection

Every smart girl knows that one of the most vital things she MUST have in her wardrobe is the perfect purse. Here at NL Collective Group, we’ve searched high and low for that consummate accessory, the perfect sized pocketbook that you can take everywhere, that holds all the essentials (depending on who you are, but here’s our list): wallet, phone, lipstick, gum. Give or take a few items (personally, I don’t go anywhere without my roll-on Marc Jacobs Lola perfume!) but you get the idea. These purses should be good-to-go for a casual lunch date or a glam night on the town. Lately, we’re loving purses that are as versatile as they are chic. Think “Transformers.” They can be a cross-body, a shoulder bag, or even a clutch, depending on how you play around with the strap. Amazing, right? And there are so many options out there! These carryall confections have been all over runways, fashion showrooms, and retail stores everywhere. These purses are branded and marketed for every type of girl, because, well, everyone SHOULD have one! Fashion industry powerhouses Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Burberry, and Fendi all have their own versions of the perfect purse. We’re especially loving the envelope shaped hand-stitched bag with a chain by luxury brand Xuan-Thu Nguyen. It’s chic, neutral, and not to mention the stitching is exquisite. So when it’s time to go somewhere—anywhere at all—grab your perfect purse, throw in the items you can’t leave home without (we all have them) and you’re good to go.



Marc Jacobs



Derek Lam



Burberry



Fendi



Xuan-Thu Nguyen



Xuan-Thu Nguyen



Xuan-Thu Nguyen





Fall Fashions Preview

It’s already the second half of July and here at NL Collective Group, we can’t believe how fast the summer is soaring by. We’ll miss you New York City 100 degree heat! (That may or may not have been sarcasm). So believe it or not, it’s already time to start planning your autumn wardrobe—and cold weather is no excuse to start dressing frumpy! With the looks on the Fall 2012 runways soon to be hitting fashion showrooms and retail stores everywhere, we’re getting more and more excited for the temperature to drop. We’ve found so many upcoming trends that we love, but especially three that every woman should make a place in her wardrobe for: prints, skirts and dresses that hit below the knee, and big (warm comfy looking) coats that are more chic than shabby. These trends are perfect for branding and marketing to everyone, because, well, every girl can wear them! Industry powerhouses and fashion business rulers Rodarte, Chanel, and Prada all showed fabulous Fall collections with lots of great accessories to boot (pun intended! Loved Rodarte’s booties!) Luxury brand Divka also came out with an amazing Autumn/Winter collection, utilizing the brand’s signature loud prints, unique silhouettes, ideal skirt lengths, and jackets to die for. We love fall fashion because it’s all about layering, and layering means more fun! (Just ask one of our favorite fashion bloggers, The Man Repeller!) We know it’s hard to think about fall fashion in this blistering heat wave, but you’ll thank us when the temperature finally drops. If it ever drops…



Rodarte



Chanel



Prada



Divka



Divka



Divka