Phreshly Squeezed

Before I was gung-ho on the idea of working in fashion public relations, I wanted to be a counselor specializing in eating disorders for adolescents. So, I would like to take the time this week to talk about eating disorders and body image problems given that it is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Many state that the ideal female body is regarded as having large breasts, a small waist, broad hips, long legs, toned muscles, and light skin. From collected studies, many can find the media’s influence on our younger generation. In Sarah Grogan’s Body Image, it is noted that girls, as young as the age of five, demonstrate a preference for thinner figures, as well as calorie restriction as a means of weight loss. With characteristics such as these, it is no wonder that approximately ten million women each year (diagnosed, mind you) suffer from an eating disorder.

The biggest problem with body image is the failure to recognize the opposite sex’s ideal and realize who they are trying to appease. What I mean by this is that when given a figural rating scale (pictured above), men would often select a fuller figure than fellow women would pick. Therefore, one can conclude that women are not realizing that they are in fact trying to seek the approval of one another more so than they are with men. In which case, the comparisons are more strenuous given that they blanket their comparisons to one another with herself to his ideals.

What is also cause for alarm is that young women are able to justify to themselves that they do not have an eating disorder because their condition does not match the textbook description of anorexia or bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder. In which case, many fall under the little known category EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) where not all symptoms are matched but behaviors are enough to classify a person as having a problem warranting attention.

Often, there is an underlying issue to an eating disorder; many do not have control over their actual lives and resort to food as a means of exerting control in a way that they are sure to “win.” Such is often why we see eating disorders paired with other issues, such as depression or a troubled home life.

And although many say that the fashion industry is to blame, there have been improvements made and hopes to gain more traction in the movement towards a healthier body image. A week prior to New York Fashion Week, the CFDA held a panel discussion entitled “The Beauty of Health: Resizing the Sample Size,” in which it was agreed upon there is a need for change; however, it must be a collective effort by the whole industry and just not by a select few. And from when the Brazilian girl had collapsed and died several years ago, we also have to note how the attitude toward thinness has vastly changed. Where many had before perceived the average American size of fourteen to be negative, many are beginning to embrace it, especially with the launch of several plus-size lines (including the premiere of Project Runway Canada Jessica Biffi’s plus-sized collection) and voice their opinions (such as with the heavily digitally edited Ralph Lauren advertisements).

The key here is to provide support. If you believe someone you know has an eating disorder, do not be afraid to contact a medical personnel or someone that can give you access to such resources.

Ralph Lauren flubs again with model Valentina Zelyaeva

For more information, check out the National Eating Disorders Awareness website

Logo courtesy of NEDA, figural rating scale courtesy of Nature.com, another Ralph Lauren flub by news.com.au

I first caught wind of DESIGN + CONQUER several weeks ago just before my inbox began filling up with messages about LG Fashion Week events. Seeing that this accessory line was to be paired with Jessica Biffi’s runway show, I knew that it would be one for the bold, adventurous, and fashion forward.

With a background in graphic design and painting, the founder of DESIGN + CONQUER Morgan Mallett acquired her jewelry skills through years of trial and error. She often found herself tweaking and experimenting with various materials until she was satisfied with what she had created, which attributed to the name DESIGN + CONQUER – bold designs wanting to conquer the fashion scene. The inspiration for many of these designs comes from a variety of things, as stated on the website: “futuristic geometry of the 1960s, cell biology, electronic music, and [fun] quotes.”

Using materials that are lightweight and interesting (e.g. industrial tubing), Mallett has created not only one, but two collections for her spring/summer 2010 line – “small + saucy” and “large + loving it.” The inspiration for having two lines stemmed from not only as a means of organization of pieces, but also to bring more versatility to the designs. In doing so, Mallett brings her feisty nature to both everyday wear and nights out on the town.

Already having received plenty of attention, DESIGN + CONQUER is on its way to making it big. Recently featured in The National Post and in ELLE Magazine, the line was also well received on the runway at LG Fashion Week, and will be making a splash tonight at the Fashion Cures à La Mode event in Ottawa, Canada.

My opinion on this accessory line? DESIGN + CONQUER is definitely unique and I’ve never encountered anything of its like, but those are the qualities that make the line all the more fabulous. The material is different and easy-to-wear (hello acrylic polymer plastics!), and gives a lot of attitude to any outfit without overpowering your current style. And with two collections for this upcoming spring/summer, Mallett definitely shows that she thinks about both aesthetics and practicality. Think about it: how many times do you say to yourself that “gee, that was beautiful on the runway, but I can’t see it being worn on the streets.”

For more information, check out the website: http://www.designandconquerjewellery.com/

"Big Bang" earrings from the "Large + Loving it" collection”

“"Assimilate" cuff from the Small + Saucy collection”

Jessica Biffi with her fabulous models and designs

If anybody asked which two designers had the most contrasting runway music, I would without a doubt tell you that it was between the two Project Runway Canada alumni Brandon Dwyer and Jessica Biffi. While Dwyer’s lulled me to take a nap, Biffi’s soundtrack instilled energy and alertness. With an unlit runway, a model steps out and poses for the audience. In spite of the darkness, there is an allure to the whole atmosphere with the crazy digital short, loud techno music, and of course, the glow-in-the-dark dress.

Models strut down the runway in many interesting pieces: jumpsuits, unitards, dresses with shingled layers in crazy colors, such as hot pink, flourescent green, and bright orange. I have to admit that some of the wardrobe displayed wouldn’t be fit for everyday wear, but it sets the tone of fun and edgy clothing quite well. Plus, anyone that can pull off showing a hot pink leopard-printed jumpsuit definitely commends my respect (considering that I’m not even a big animal print fan).

The definite pieces that should be seen on the streets this season from Biffi’s collection are her jackets and more casual wear. The shingle element returns in a hot pink skirt, which when paired with a plain tank top exudes class and style. Also to note, Biffi’s jackets have a hint of a Mackage style but with an added level of boldness.

Biffi on Fashion Television; see the beautiful Design + Conquer accessories?

Although it was hard to see from where I was sitting at the time, upon closer look when Biffi did her interview with Fashion Television, you could see some gorgeous accessories. Keeping up with the Canadian spirit, the accessories are by Vancouver native (and now Calgary resident) Morgan Mallett of Design + Conquer.

Check out the runway video here too:

Runway images courtesy of blogTO