Bikinis & atom bombs: Be inspired by everything.

When we think about inspiration, what influences us most are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. We appreciate when someone has the ability and willingness to be selfless, creative, innovative, or just dares to be different. Being ordinary and creating extra ordinary stuff.

It’s one of fashion’s great mysteries. Where do designers find their inspiration? The birth of a trend has long been a source of debate. Inspiration can literally come from anywhere, be it family, music, streets, a crack in the sidewalk etc . There are no restraints as to what someone can draw from to turn a mere thought into a reality. In fact, fashion design is all about great inspirations. Today’s designs are everything from elaborate drawings in a sketchbook to creative photo shopping.

Unexpected inspirations:

Miniskirt: Did you know the origin of the miniskirts by Mary Quant’s was actually named after her favourite car – The Mini. According to her, miniskirts meant young, fresh, colourful and fun.

The bikini: Louis Reard named his two-piece swimming costume after the Bikini Atoll, where the US military was testing bombs. He believed his revealing swimwear would create a shock similar to that of the atomic bomb. He sure did!!!!!!

Versace logo: Gianni Versace’s major influence was Greek mythology – the logo for his company is the head of Medusa – thought to symbolize the empowerment of women. Through his clothing, Versace wanted to give women confidence and power, and this was shown through his choice of flamboyant textiles, bold colors and flattering cuts.

Red-soled Louboutins: Christian Louboutin’s red soles were inspired by Andy Warhol and nail varnish. When designing a pair of shoes influenced by Warhol’s Flowers, Louboutin was dissatisfied with the outcome. While looking at the shoes, which had black soles, to try to figure out why they didn’t work, his assistant was painting her nails red. Seeing the polish, Louboutin grabbed the pot and lacquered the shoe’s sole, and an icon was born.

We at MyWear® would like to be the bridge that leads artists to becoming entrepreneurs. We can provide you with all the tools you need to successfully launch your own clothing line. Your own website, Custom sizes, your own choice of fabric, Social media integration, advance designing tools, ecommerce, on demand manufacturing and shipment. You name it we got it.

We have made sure that tools, technology and cost are no longer barriers. Just bring in your creativity, talent, drive and let’s get started.

Show the world what you can do,

Register now: www.launchmywear.com

Seeing Red: You Can’t Be Mad at This Week’s Romantic Looks

Normally, when we think of the color red, words that might come to mind are along the lines of “passion”, “action”, or “anger”. Color psychology associated with red represents “our most physical needs and our will to survive. It exudes a strong and powerful masculine energy.”

But, let us introduce you to the softer side of red. This look has been spotted multiples over the last week, especially at Cannes. Florals, naval stripes, and hints of nude and blush have been keeping things romantic, feminine, and, dare we say, soft?

Red is a classic color that never goes out of style, but with its current popularity, now is the perfect time to design something of your own in the timeless shade.

Here are just a few examples of how you can achieve this style with MyWear®:

How will you showcase red in your next MyWear® design? Tweet us your creations at @LaunchMyWear!

Stripes: The Perfect Companion for Your MyWear® Line this Summer

As we’ve reported a few times now, stripes have been quietly elevating their status from classic wardrobe staple to one of 2016’s biggest trends. We saw this budding as early as last year, gaining traction through early 2016, and now;  they’ve officially hit their trending tipping point:

Stripes are easy to create, compliment other prints (think polka dots or floral pattern mixing), and go well with multiple colors and styles. Simply put, they’re perfect for incorporating into your MyWear® designs this summer!

To design your own in Photoshop, use the rectangular marquee tool to select the size stripe you want. Then, use the paint bucket tool to fill in the selected area with a desired color. Repeat! Copy and paste your stripe design for an ongoing pattern.

Want to switch it up with a new color scheme, you chameleon, you? No problem! Use the Hue/Saturation dial located in adjustments to give a quick color change!

As mentioned above, pattern mixing is a cinch with stripes, just remember to use at least one matching or complimentary color!

Most importantly, have fun and infuse your own personality into this classic!

Until next time, happy designing!

Best of Fall Ready-to-Wear Part I

New York Fashion Week is upon us, baring gifts of the newest collections from our favorite designers. Before the weekend even raps up, we thought we’d update you on the best of the best… so far. Without further ado, here’s our favorite Fall Ready-to-Wear collections that have shown:

Naeem Khan

We were floored by this collection’s global influences and intricate detailing!

Christian Siriano

Christian at his best! Classy, yet sassy.

Anna Sui

Anna Sui described this collection as being “Pop-sydelic”!

Marchesa

Absolutely breathtaking.

Zac Posen

This collection showed the slightly more casual side of Zac.

Jenny Packham

A RuPaul-worthy runway!

Carolina Herrera

Soft and feminine with a hint of edge.

Marc Jacobs

All hail the king, Marc Jacobs! His show is already being praised as one of the best from NYFW this year. Also, yep… that’s Lady Gaga.

2016 Fashion Trends That Will Take You from Spring to Fall

It still feels a little crazy to cover Pre-Fall collections at a time when the weather is just now warming up and NYFW’s Fall/Winter collections are just around the corner. I guess the excitement of fast-approaching spring hasn’t even entirely worn off for me, which is why I thought I’d take a look back at the Spring/Summer shows of this year and forward to 2016’s Pre-Fall Collections. There have been quite a few trends that are sticking around, and these are the ones we’ll focus on: Trends with the staying power to get you through the year and get the most bang for your buck! MyWear designers, take note of what customers will be looking for this year, too:

90s

Then, Spring/Summer 2016

From left to right: Rag & Bone, Isabel Marant, Marques Almeida, Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein

Now, Pre-Fall 2016

From left to right: Maison Margiela, Rochas, Stella McCartney, Christian Dior, Alexander Wang

Animal prints and slip dresses are here to stay for a while, so slip into something more comfortable and, when the weather cools down again, top it off with a leopard print coat for a Kate Moss-approved ensemble.

70s

Then, Spring/Summer 2016

From left to right: Rebecca Minkoff, Rodarte, Coach, Gucci, Mara Hoffman

Now, Pre-Fall 2016

Veronique Branquinho, Sonia Rykiel, Burberry, Valentino, Pal & Joe

Sherling coats, platform boots, & flared denim – The fashion industry will not stop until they’ve converted everyone from skinny jeans. Look to Gucci’s S/S & Pre-Fall 2016 collections and Pal & Joe Pre-Fall ’16 for some seriously 70s eye candy.

Dark Romance

Then, Spring/Summer 2016

From left to right: Gucci, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Erdem, Rodarte, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Now, Pre-Fall 2016

Fendi, Valentino, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Elie Saab, Philosophy, Zuhair Murad

This one stood out as the most obvious. Perhaps it comes from the 90’s and 70’s mashup that’s proved to be so popular in fashion right now, but there were soooo many dark, lacy frocks in feminine silhouettes. Something tells me this one’s here to stay for a while, so stock up on moody, ethereal maxis with confidence.

Shoulders

Then, Spring/Summer 2016

From left to right: Proenza Schouler, Christian Dior, Simone Rocha, Celine, Jason Wu

Now, Pre-Fall 2016

Opening Ceremony, J.W.Anderson, Ellery, Valentino, J.W.Anderson

Shoulders continue to inspire designers in 2016. Be it puffy, pointy, boxy, or embellished, this is another trend that’s not going anywhere in 2016.

Stripes

Then, Spring/Summer 2016

From left to right: Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Dior shows

Now, Pre-Fall 2016

Missoni, Moschino, Gucci, Carolina Herrera, Altuzarra

This classic never really goes out of style, but in 2016 designers appear to be especially fond of them.

As you can see, there’s a lot of overlap and a little something for everyone in 2016. So, stay true to your own style and feel inspired by these designs, not constricted! Ultimately, designing and wearing things that you love are more important than following a trend that most likely won’t be around in two years.

Paris Shows Off 2016 Couture

This year’s Couture Fashion Week in Paris delivered exquisite, awe-inspiring designs from the best of the best fashion houses, as you’d expect. These one-of-a-kind pieces can take hundreds of hours to make (This Dior dress was 200 hrs in the making!) and can cost an upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Haute Couture dazzles and amazes as wearable art, but, for obvious reasons, is not available to most of us. Even if we’re not part of the billionaires club, we can still use these designs to inspire us, which is just what I’m doing today! I’m showcasing three couture collections straight from the Paris runways that we can use as inspiration for our own MyWear® designs.

First, we have to talk about Valentino’s Spring 2016 couture collection!!! This show was my absolute favorite. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s romantic Venetian royality-meets high priestess designs made my heart melt. Some of my favorites included this ethereal nude gown with velvet detailing, a dragon column dress with sheer bodice, and an intricately beaded coral tunic.

Schiaparelli’s show made me hungry for more tabletop-inspired designs! Crimped hair, 70’s-esque boots and ladylike silhouettes complimented the delicious display of garments inspired by the table.  Bertrand Guyon said of his second collection for Schiaparelli, “It’s a return to things that are essential, the pleasure of having friends at home”. The runway was just the right balance of quirk and high fashion, in my opinion, and would make for an adorable foodie-themed fit n’ flare from MyWear!

Last, but certainly not least, we have Atelier Versace’s collection. This show had all you’d expect from Versace: plunging necklines and curve-hugging silhouettes, but this time with an athletic twist. Donetella Versace wanted this collection to feel strong and I think she delivered. The models looked empowered walking the runway with athletic straps, cutaways, and intricate embroidery detailing, some of which she said was the most time consuming she’s ever devised.

Hopefully, after feasting your eyes on these gorgeous masterpieces, you feel inspired to create your own works of art via LaunchMyWear.com. Tweet your designs @LaunchMyWear!

10 Trends Coming for You in 2016

Looking for upcoming trends to unlock inspiration in your next LaunchMyWear collection? You’re in luck! 2016 has a little something for everyone…

70s: This trend is here to stay for a while. A majority of the 2016 runways showcased something from the era where disco, punk, and bohemian styles merged together. Luckily, that means that anyone can find inspiration, from in-your-face crochet and fringe to suede and earth tone minimalism.

From left to right: Rebecca Minkoff, Rodarte, Coach, Gucci, Mara Hoffman

Dark Romance: Soft, feminine silhouettes get an edgy upgrade in 2016, with moody color palettes and gothy, Latin undertones. My 14-year-old self rejoices!

From left to right: Gucci, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, Erdem, Rodarte, Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini

Denim: Not. Going. Anywhere. My guess is that cropped flares, patch-work jeans, and sleek, high-waisted, wide-leg flares are going to make A LOT of appearances in the next year.

From left to right: Jil Saunder, Dries Van Noten, Opening Ceremony, Alexander McQueen, Fendi

Shoulders: Either in exaggerated, rounded silhouettes or completely bare cut-outs, it seems like designers are giving everyone the shoulder in 2016.

From left to right: Proenza Schouler, Christian Dior, Simone Rocha, Celine, Jason Wu

Athletic Streetwear: Although I didn’t spot many pairs of yoga pants walking down the runway, fashion continues to embrace comfortable, street-inspired looks, featuring track pants, bomber jackets, and relaxed silhouettes and fabrics.

From left to right: Rag & Bone, Tommy Hilfiger, Eckhaus Latta, Vercase, Hood By Air

Stripes: Soooo many variations of stripes!

From left to right: Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Dior shows

90s: This trend just keeps going and going. Hold on to your slip dresses, relaxed denim, and faux leather jackets, because the 90s lives on in 2016 in the way of grungy minimalism.

From left to right: Rag & Bone, Isabel Marant, Marques Almeida, Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein

Sophisticated Tie-Dye: My husband laughed when I told him this was a trend. But 2016’s tie-dye is no laughing matter! It’s serious and all grown up.

From left to right: Emilio Pucci, Narciso Rodriguez, Paco Robanne, Altuzarra

Orange you glad I didn’t say zip-off cargo pants?

From left to right: Prabal Gurung, Narciso Rodriguez, Marissa Web, Michael Kors, Altuzarra

Futuristic: NY, London, Paris and Milan runways all shined with lots of silver and metallic fabrics in futuristic, streamlined silhouettes.

From left to right: Ellery, Aquilano Rimondi, Maison Margiela, Chanel, MM6 Maison Margiela

Now that you know what fashion has in store for us all in 2016, hopefully, you can use this to anticipate what your MyWear® customers are going to be looking for next year. As always though, use trends as inspiration, not rules to follow. The most important thing you offer as an artist is your perspective, after all!