How the chinese cheongsam is evolving into modern fashion?

The Chinese cheongsam, also known as the qipao, has been a traditional Chinese dress for centuries. It first became popular in the 1920s and 1930s Shanghai era, often associated with high society women. Over time, the design has evolved to meet changing fashion trends and modern aesthetics.

The classic cheongsam typically features a high collar, short sleeves, and a fitted waistline that flows into a straight skirt that reaches just above the knees. The dress is traditionally made from silk or other luxurious fabrics and adorned with intricate embroidery, beading, or other embellishments.

In recent years, designers have been incorporating modern elements into the traditional qipao. This has led to a range of innovative designs that appeal to a wider audience, both within China and beyond.

Some of the modern design variations of the qipao include:

Bold Colors and Prints - While the traditional cheongsam is often made in neutral colors like black or red, modern designers have been experimenting with more vibrant colors and eye-catching prints. These modern cheongsams can feature everything from bold floral patterns to graphic designs.

Contemporary Fabric Choices - While the traditional qipao is made from silk or other luxurious fabrics, modern designers have been using a wider range of materials to create their designs. This includes more accessible fabrics like cotton or jersey, as well as more unconventional options like leather or denim.

More Relaxed Cuts - While the traditional qipao is known for its form-fitting silhouette, many modern designs have a more relaxed cut. This includes looser-fitting tops and skirts with more flowy lines.

More Versatile Styles - Modern cheongsams are not only meant for formal occasions. New designs have been created to be more versatile, allowing them to be worn for casual occasions as well. This includes shorter hemlines, more comfortable fabrics, and streamlined silhouettes.

As more designers continue to reinterpret the traditional cheongsam and incorporate modern elements into their designs, we can expect to see more exciting developments in the world of Chinese fashion. The cheongsam may have started as a traditional garment, but it has evolved into a fashion statement that combines traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern sensibilities.

Sequins : a touch of sparkle

Sequins have been a popular element of fashion since the early 1900s. These small, shiny, circular disks have adorned everything from dresses to accessories and have been used by designers all over the world to bring a touch of shine and glamour to their creations.

Sequins have always been a symbol of luxury, and their use in fashion demonstrates this perfectly. They add an extra element of sparkle and shine to any outfit and are especially popular for special occasions such as weddings, proms, and other formal events.

Sequins come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and can be used in a variety of ways to create different effects. They can be sewn onto clothing to create intricate patterns, or they can be glued onto accessories such as handbags or shoes to add a touch of glamour.

Sequins are also a popular choice for the stage, particularly in dance costumes. They reflect the light beautifully, making the performer stand out and giving them a sense of glamour and sophistication.

Another trend that has emerged in recent years is the use of sequins in everyday wear. Designers have created sequin jackets, tops, and even sweatpants that can be worn during the day, bringing a touch of sparkle to everyday outfits.

Sequins have also made their way into the world of streetwear and high-end fashion. Many designers have been experimenting with the use of sequins in more unconventional ways, creating unique and eye-catching pieces that really make a statement.

However, sequins can be a challenge to wear. They can easily look over-the-top or cheap if not styled correctly. It's important to keep the rest of your outfit simple and let the sequins do the talking.

Sequins are a beautiful and timeless element of fashion that have been used for decades to create glamorous and sophisticated looks. Whether you're going to a formal event or just want to add a touch of sparkle to your everyday wardrobe, sequins are a perfect choice.

Go floral in summer

Summer is the perfect time to embrace florals in your fashion choices. The warm weather and bright sun call for breezy and colorful outfits, and nothing screams summer like floral prints. Whether you are attending a picnic, a beach party, or a wedding, florals are the perfect choice to add some femininity and freshness to your wardrobe. Let's explore some tips and ideas to go floral in style this summer.

Dresses and Jumpsuits: Dresses and jumpsuits are perfect for summer, and floral prints add a touch of elegance and charm. You can choose from a wide range of floral prints, from soft pastels to bold and bright patterns. Whether you prefer a maxi or midi dress, a strappy or off-the-shoulder neckline, you can always find a floral dress to suit your style. For a more casual look, pair your floral dress with sneakers or sandals, and for a more formal occasion, choose high heels and statement jewelry.

Tops and Blouses: Floral print tops and blouses are versatile and can be paired with jeans, shorts, skirts, or even overalls. You can opt for delicate floral prints or go for bolder patterns, depending on your personal style. If you are attending an outdoor event, a flowy floral blouse with shorts and sandals will keep you comfortable and stylish. For a more formal setting, a floral blouse with a pencil skirt or tailored pants and heels is a winning combination.

Accessories: Accessories are an easy way to add a floral touch to your outfit. A floral scarf, headband, or hair clip can add color and interest to a plain outfit. You can also choose floral print bags, shoes, or jewelry to make a statement. Mix and match different floral patterns and colors to create a unique look that reflects your personality.

Swimwear: Summer is the time to hit the beach or the pool, and floral printed swimsuits are a popular choice. A one-piece or a bikini with a floral print can accentuate your curves and give you a feminine and playful vibe. You can also accessorize your swimsuit with a floral cover-up, a hat, and sunglasses to complete your beach look.

Floral prints are a perfect choice for summer fashion. They are versatile, feminine, and add a touch of elegance to any outfit. From dresses and jumpsuits to tops and blouses, and even swimwear and accessories, there are endless ways to incorporate floral prints into your summer wardrobe. Whether you choose delicate pastels or bold and bright patterns, going floral in summer is a fashion trend that will never go out of style. So, embrace the blooms and enjoy your summer in style!

Beaded Clothing : a touch of glamour

Beaded clothing is a form of fashion that uses beads to add a touch of elegance, luxury, and sparkle to clothing. It has been a popular trend for centuries and is still very much admired today. In this blog, let’s explore the world of beaded clothing and its rise in popularity.

History of Beaded Clothing

Beaded clothing and accessories have been an essential part of many cultures. It was used as a form of self-expression, to signify the wearer’s status, and to carry traditional beliefs and values. In the medieval era, beaded clothing was a sign of wealth and luxury. It was used by kings and queens, who adorned their garments with precious gems and pearls.

Later on, in the 1920s, beaded clothing became popular in the West. The rise of the Art Deco movement popularized the use of beads in fashion, and designers used it to create intricate patterns and designs on clothing. They used sequins, beads, and embroidery to create stunning evening gowns and cocktail dresses.

Design Process of Beaded Clothing

The design process of beaded clothing is quite complex. Designers need to carefully select the beads and embellishments they want to use and create a design that will complement the garment’s style. They usually work on a sketch to visualize their ideas before starting. Once the design is completed, the process of adding beads to the garment begins. It requires a lot of handiwork, patience, and attention to detail.

Types of Beaded Clothing

Beaded clothing can take many forms, from intricately beaded bridal gowns to embellished cocktail dresses, and even casual t-shirts. It can be used to add accents to any type of garment, such as blouses, skirts, and jackets. Designers use different types of beads, such as diamantes, crystals, pearls, and bugle beads, to create unique and dazzling pieces.

Benefits of Beaded Clothing

Beaded clothing has many advantages. It adds a touch of glamour and luxury to any outfit, making it perfect for special occasions. Beaded garments can also be reused multiple times, making them a sustainable choice for those who care about environmental protection. Moreover, beaded clothing is versatile, as it can be customized to suit different fashion styles and personal preferences.

Beaded clothing has been in existence for centuries and continues to be popular in the fashion world today. Many designers use beads to add intricate designs and patterns to their garments, creating unique and luxurious pieces. Beaded clothing is versatile, sustainable, and adds a touch of glamour to any outfit. It is a timeless trend that is still loved and admired worldwide.

Wear a cardigan in summer

The cardigan is a classic piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down and worn in all sorts of weather conditions, including summer.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider wearing a cardigan in the summer:

Air conditioning can be unpredictable

Air conditioning can be a lifesaver during the summer months, especially when it’s hot and humid outside. But it can also leave you feeling chilly indoors. Keeping a lightweight cardigan on hand can be a great way to stay comfortable when the temperature drops.

It adds a stylish layer to your outfit

A cardigan can be a great way to add a stylish layer to your outfit. It can be worn over a sundress or a tank top and shorts to make your look more interesting and put-together.

It’s versatile

Cardigans come in all sorts of styles and colors so you can find one that suits your taste and your wardrobe. You can opt for a classic design like a button-up cardigan or choose a more trendy option like a cropped cardigan or a duster cardigan.

It’s lightweight

When the weather is warm, you don’t want to wear heavy layers that will make you feel overheated. Luckily, cardigans come in lightweight materials like cotton and linen that will keep you cool and comfortable.

It’s practical

When you’re running errands or spending the day out and about, a cardigan can come in handy for unexpected weather changes or chilly indoor environments. It’s easy to pack in your bag and put on when needed.

Wearing a cardigan in the summer can be a great way to add style and practicality to your wardrobe. Opt for a lightweight design and style it with your favorite summer outfits for a chic and comfortable look.

Wearing boleros in Summer

Wearing boleros in summer can be a great choice as they are lightweight, versatile, and fashionable. Boleros are shrugs or short jackets that usually fall above the waistline, providing some coverage and warmth without completely covering up your outfit. Here are some tips on how to wear boleros in summer without sacrificing style or comfort:

Pair with a sundress: Boleros can look stylish when paired with a sundress. Choose a bolero made from a breathable fabric such as cotton or linen. A white or neutral-colored bolero will coordinate with a wide range of dress patterns and colors.

Create a monochromatic look: You can pair a bolero with a top and bottoms of the same color to create a chic, monochromatic look. It can give the illusion of being a one-piece outfit. Accessorize with simple jewelry and shoes to complete the look.

Wear with skirts: A bolero can be paired with a pencil skirt or maxi skirt to create a stylish, sophisticated look. Choose a bolero that complements the color or pattern of the skirt for a cohesive look.

Embroidery Mesh Shrug Bolero

A stunningly beautiful cropped bolero top in sheer mesh, embellished with applique details

Embroidery Mesh Bolero Top

Bolero designed to elevate any outfit with its intricate embroidery and elegant style

Sequin Crochet Shrug Bolero

A perfect addition to any outfit with its beautiful sequin detailing and delicate crochet design

Dress up a casual outfit: Boleros can transform a casual outfit into something more put-together. Pair a bolero with jeans and a t-shirt for a cool but classy vibe. Wear strappy sandals or wedges to complete the look.

Show some skin: Boleros are great for creating a semi-formal or formal look. Therefore you can wear a bolero over a dress that shows off your shoulders, like an off-the-shoulder or spaghetti strap dress. The bolero will provide some cover and create a sophisticated look.

Overall, wearing boleros in summer is a great way to add a stylish layer to your outfits without overheating. Simply follow these tips, and you can create many versatile and fashionable looks.

Different ways of wearing a triangular shawl

Classic Triangle Wrap: Drape the shawl over your shoulders, and tie the ends at the back, creating a triangular wrap. You can leave the tips hanging or use a brooch to secure the shawl in place.

Shoulder Shawl: Place the center of the shawl on one shoulder, and let the tails fall over the opposite shoulder. This style shows off the pattern of the shawl while keeping you cozy.

Draped Front Shawl: Similar to the shoulder shawl, except instead of letting the tails fall over your opposite shoulder, they drape over your chest, crossing in front of you.

As a Scarf: Fold the shawl into a long, narrow scarf shape, and wrap it around your neck. You can wear it loose or knot it close to your neck for added warmth.

Belted Shawl: Wrap the shawl around your waist, leaving one end longer than the other. Tie the longer end to the shorter end with a belt, and adjust the shawl to cover your back and shoulders.

Head Covering: Fold the shawl into a triangle, and place the tip of the triangle at the back of your head. Bring the corners of the triangle around to the front, and tie them underneath your chin for a cozy head covering.

There are many creative ways to wear a triangular shawl, and the options are endless!

To find beautiful triangular shawls online, you may visit CM Style Fashion Online Store.

Beautiful looks of wearing a short kimono

Short Kimonos are versatile, and they can be styled in many ways. You can experiment with different outfits and accessories to create your unique look. Some of the beautiful looks of wearing a short kimono include:

Bohemian Style: Wear a short kimono with a loose-fitting maxi dress and ankle boots for a bohemian look. Accessorize with a wide-brimmed hat and chunky bangles to complete the outfit.

Beach Wear: A short kimono can be worn as a beach cover-up over a swimsuit. Pair it with espadrilles or flip-flops, and a straw hat for an effortless, yet chic beach look.

Casual Outfit: Pair a short kimono with skinny jeans, tank top, and flats for a stylish, yet comfortable everyday outfit. Add a statement necklace or earrings for extra pizzazz.

Dressy Outfit: Wear a short kimono with a silk or satin top, tailored pants, and heels for a dressy outfit. Accessorize with a clutch and dainty jewelry to complete the look.

Layering: A short kimono can be worn as an extra layer over a long-sleeved shirt or sweater during the cooler months. Pair with skinny jeans and ankle boots for a stylish fall look.

Festival or Concert Outfit: A short kimono will make a perfect outfit for a music festival or concert. Wear it with denim shorts, a crop top, and ankle boots for a boho-chic style.

The beauty of a short Kimono is that it can be dressed up or down, and it suits so many different body types and occasions. It's a perfect addition to any wardrobe!

Japanese Kimono Style Top

Chic kimomo style blouse tops that effortlessly blends traditional and contemporary styles

Kimono Style Wrap Tie Blouse

Kimono style wrap tie tops designed with a modern twist to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit

Kimono Sleeveless Blouse

Elevate your wardrobe with a touch of Japanese elegance in our kimon style sleeveless blouse top

From Tradition to Modern - A New Kimono Design

From tradition to modern, how the traditional kimono top transformed to a modern design is the key issue for our design of new Kimono Wrap Tie Top series. This new series is available at CM Style Fashion. Extracting main elements of wrap tie design, wide sleeve, gorgeous oriental prints from the tradition and adding modern design of uneven pointed sleeves, slimmer tie in waist area and unbalanced bottom hem, the series gives a good harmony and stylish look. Different colors are available for your selection.

Japanese Kimono Style Top

Chic kimomo style blouse tops that effortlessly blends traditional and contemporary styles

Kimono Style Wrap Tie Blouse

Kimono style wrap tie tops designed with a modern twist to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit

Kimono Sleeveless Blouse

Elevate your wardrobe with a touch of Japanese elegance in our kimon style sleeveless blouse top

Fashion Trends 2014 F/W

Here we go for the fashion trends for Fall/Winter 2014. Major trends includes the following:

1. Eye-Catching Fur

Fur / Faux fur is a commonly used element by fashion designers in their Fall/Winter collections. This element was presented with elegance and luxury in the past. However, this season, designers tried to inject fresh ideas including spots, color blocks and ethnics into fur / faux fur designs. Such change has broadened the audience to younger generations. Brands leading this trend include Moschino, Prada And Pucci.

2. Art Pop

Vivid colors is another tune set in this F/W in addition to the traditional gray and black color mix. Pink and green(Dior), green and yellow(Pucci), red and blue(Versace), unexpected and vibrant hues are all over the runway. Besides colors, designs also turn color into their painting with different artistic patterns(Kenzo), geometric shapes(Chanel) and cartoon figures(Moschino and Yoji Yamamoto).

3. Keep Metallic

Metallic colors are trending to be more popular in F/W collections. Their eye-catching shiny nature gives the dull colors more attractions and modern styles. Brands like Miu Miu and Moncler Gamme Rouge also inject sportive design elements into their collections.

Fashion Trends 2012 F/W - Colors





Black is a favorite color for almost every F/W. People seems to be never getting tired with this color trend or should we not call this a fashion trend but a fashion classic? For those who have got bored with the black or dark colors, you may find life is more vivid in this F/W. Purple and Pink have come to the mind of fashion designers.

Purple :

Purple is a combination of red and blue. One from the cold tones and one from the warm tones which may reflect a mixture of passion and coolness in human. No matter you want to show which feeling, purple gives you the choice. Apart from the feelings, it also adds a bit feminine to your style. Haider Ackermann, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Lanvin show you the way to dress in purple.

Pink :

Pink is one of the favorite colors since we are girls. It's strange that when people are getting older, it is fading out of our life. Is it because pink color is a representation of romance? People are becoming more practical when getting older. However, this season, you may be able to pick up some of the romantic memories from your childhood as pink is back to remind you romance never die. Love is always embedded in your heart. Come and join Alexander McQueen, Yohji Yamamoto, Jil Sander, Marc Jacobs etc for a season of romance.

Go Stripey

Forget prisoners and sailors. Striped patterns and fashion are now icons of freedom, youthfulness and leisure. A stripey shirt is so subtly chic and supremely versatile that it is always a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. It never goes out of fashion. Matching with jeans and flats is a perfect smart causal look. For creative looks, pair striped fabric with lace to get a sophisticated and unique style. Layering items also make the outfits more interesting and eye-catching.

Wearing Sequins in the Day

Though sequined wears are usually associated with evening occasions and night parties, you can create a day appropriate outfit by opting for classic colours like black, gold or silver. By keeping your silhouette ...simple and classy, you can also avoid overkill. A complementary shrug, with matching details can also tone down your bling bling top and yet offering a chic look.

The sequin embroidery crochet shrug in sheer fabric allows you to incorporate the jazzy and eyecatching sequins in your wardrobe in a subtle and stylish way.

Layering Styles

Layering look! It adds warmth and makes summer dresses wearable all year round. It also adds colors to otherwise boring outfits and cover up some unflattering curves of body.
Some of the favourite layering styles include:

l. Using waistcoats and vests (or sometimes sleeveless tank tops) for layering. Choose an item with sequins, or made with faux fur to avoid looking old fashioned. Details like hoods, lace trimmings, or pom poms also help.

2. Another favourite is layering the bottom half with tights and leggings worn under a skirt or tunic, then paring with high boots. But it is important to make sure that the top is long enough hide the hip.

3. One of the layering accessories is scarf. Layering or not layering, scarves can be a frequent accessory. Pick sequined scarves and velvet scarves for occasions, and flowery prints for casual outfits. One way to wear a scarf is wearing it inside a blazer, with the ends of the scarf tucked in the waistline of the pants/skirt. This will make the scarf a nice-looking cross-bust blouse, fits for formal looks.

Sizing Issues of Buying Clothes Online

Sizing is one of the difficulties for buying fashion clothes online. As different countries adopt different sizing system for their people, it is very difficult to communicate effectively in sizing. The LARGE size in asian countries may be equivalent to the MEDIUM or SMALL size in western countries. Even the sizes stated by different brands may also vary a bit due to different designs, manufacturing requirements and vanity sizing.

Vanity sizing has been one of the major sizing problems for women buying clothes online. According to Wikipedia, vanity sizing, also known as size inflation is used to refer to the phenomenon of ready-to-wear clothing of the same nominal size becoming larger over time. The purpose of clothing manufacturers in creating vanity sizing is commonly thought to satisfy buyers' wishes to appear thin and feel better about themselves. A survey by Which? has revealed that around 90% of women find the unpredictability caused by vanity sizing annoying especially when buying clothes online becoming part of our life.

To cope with this issue, we have developed our own measuring system by measuring the actual lying flat measurements of various parts of clothes and stated these information clearly with illustrations in our clothes listings. By comparing the measurements stated with their own well fitted clothes, customers can clearly know whether the clothes will fit them or not. This method has been proved to be effective for most of the time but there are still some discrepencies happened on and off as some customers may not have actually done the comparisons.

Sometimes, some common senses can also help a lot in finding the right size clothes for you by finding out the following information :

1. Is the design is loosely fit? Loose fit design will have a wider range of fitting. Your own idea of fitting also matters. You want to dress it in tightly fit or loosely fit?

2. Is the fabric stretchy? Same design can fit more people with stretchy fabric.

3. If the clothes is presented on a mannequin, ask the seller what size is the mannequin such that you will have a better idea.

After all, a unified sizing system will be very useful and helpful for the developement of garment industry selling online. To make this happen, the governments of different countries should work more closely to tackle the trading barrier problems between countries such that people all around the world can enjoy the best design and fitted clothes.

Fashion Trends - Fall & Winter 2011

At the end of this hot hot summer, we need to start to look and plan for our new looks for this F/W 2011. How will the fashion trends go this time? What hints have the fashion designers provided to us to dress up ourselves? You must be very excited in finding the details. Below are some of the fashion trends this F/W for your reference :

1. Polka Dots

What? Some may think I must have made a mistake in typing this term. In the memories, this patterns belongs to the 80's and even older. However, I am serious in raising this fashion trends. This year the dots are presented in different ways and textures besides simple prints. Embroidery, sequin discs are adopted by Stella McCartney. Dots on lace fabrics in collections of Gucci, l.a.m.b, Malandrino and Salvatore Ferragamo. Dots with different sizes for Yohji Yamamoto, Lyn Devon and Azzaro. Even more, Marc Jacobs introduces a full set of polka dots design from hats, tops, dresses, skirts to hosiery in order to completely capture this trend,

2. High Class Fetish

Black leather, synthetic rubber, plastics, see-through fabrics and metal clips are common elements of Fetish fashion. This type of fashion is understood to be clothing that is not worn as the usual wardrobe of people, and is instead worn to create a particular reaction. However, fashion designers try to reform the tradition and create a Fetish fashion trend by mixing it with high class elements eg fur x fetish by Louis Vuitton, 3D cutting x fetish by Loewe and classic SM design by Alexander McQueen. Therefore this trend should be called High Class Fetish to differentiate with the traditional Fetish.

3. Gentlemen Look

In the modern world, this trend has always been hidden in the fashion designs of many famous fashion designers. Women like to be as powerful as men is the main theme behind this trend. Dress in a more masculine way also provides more varieties in fashion styles. One of the major appearance is the Tux look. Generally a shirt or a lace blouse inside with tuxedo outside in black or white colors is a great look to capture this trend. Another sexy way is a tuxedo outside with nothing underneath. Want more ideas? You may take a look at how Kirsten Dunst suited up for the 2011 CFDA Fashion Awards. The 29-year-old actress wore a Patrik Ervell tux and shirt with Prada shoes. She accessorized with a ring and white gold and diamond bracelets from Bulgari. Meanwhile, British designer Phoebe Philo, who is the creative director for Celine also dressed in a Tux when attending the same ceremony.

Color of Clothing - A Way to Change Your Fortune

Maybe you are not so lucky recently. Maybe you feel that everything is going against you. Have you thought of selecting the right colors of your clothing to change your fortune? In traditional Chinese Fortune Telling, color is a way to affect your luck and fortune of your life. One of the popular system is the Flying Star System. In this system, 1 to 9 numbers are assigned to everything which in turn matching with the five elements to create an interacting effect. The nine numbers representing :

1 : white water

2 : black earth

3 : green wood

4 : green wood

5 : yellow earth

6 : white metal

7 : red metal

8 : white earth

9 : purple fire

Year of Birth for Women and matching Flying Star Numbers :

1960 : 2 ; 1961 : 3 ; 1962 : 4 ; 1963 : 5 ; 1964 : 6 ; 1965 : 7 ; 1966 : 8 ; 1967 : 9 ; 1968 : 1 ; 1969 : 2 ; 1970 : 3 ; 1971 : 4 ; 1972 : 5 ; 1973 : 6 ; 1974 : 7 ; 1975 : 8 ; 1976 : 9 ; 1977 : 1 ; 1978 : 2 ; 1979 : 3 ; 1980 : 4 ; 1981 : 5 ; 1982 : 6 ; 1983 : 7 ; 1984 : 8 ; 1985 : 9 ; 1986 : 1 ; 1987 : 2 ; 1988 : 3 ; 1989 : 4 ; 1990 : 5

From the above patterns, you can easily derive the Flying Star Number of your birth year. With this number and the knowledge of five elements, you can easily find the color which will promote your fortune. For example, if your flying star number is 8, your life element is earth so you can wear clothing with the color of fire such as red, orange or purple (fire promotes earth in five elements). Hope the above information can help to create a better lucky life for you.

Outfit Ideas: Bow Details

Has ever bow detail be out in the fashion trend? Bows appear on prom dresses, formal shirts and also on casual tees, and could never look out of the places.

I love bow detailed fashion items. Be it blouses, jewelry, shoes, belts and other accessories, bows add a bit feminine flair to any outfits. Moreover, bows resemble butterflies which are a luck symbol. (Butterflies evolve from caterpillars and hence a symbol of rebirth and advancement; the pronunciation of Butterflies in Chinese conveys the meaning of multiply)

It’s easy to incorporate bows into your wardrobe:
- Replace your white shirt with a silky bow blouse. It’s classy and elegant, recreating that 70s feel which is so charming and trendy.
- Get a bow printed shirt, or a top with the bow woven into it. They make the bow part of their structure.
- Opt for sequined embellishment in a large bow pattern, it’s a interesting, bold statement
- Bow piece embellishments on tunics are fun, eye-catching and just right.

There's just not many ways to get bows wrong; whether an oversized feature or simple ribbon, a bow can add a nice touch to outfits this season.

Up and Coming Outfit Idea for Spring: Layering

A good idea to stretch your wardrobe, go through the ever-changing weather of spring and to show off your unique sense of style. - Scarves are great items to create layering looks. Try wearing two light scarves to be warmer and funkier.

- Summer tops or slipdresses under cardigans, deep V-neck sweaters, or over a girly blouse. You can easily transform your favorite summer items by putting it over a tee or try a tube top underneath in a contrasting color.

- Try patterns / prints under solid layers, or vice versa.

- Lightweight tunics over jeans, a look you can get year-round.

- Try mix fabrics like sequined shrugs over t-shirts, denim over satin, lace over beaded/ prints for a more fashion-forward look.

- Add a blazer to any layering combinations for more important occasions.

Fashion Trends - Spring and Summer 2011

1. Animal Kingdom

Traditionally animal prints belong to winters. Among the most popular are leopard prints and tiger prints which are presented together with fur to create a warm and wild feeling. However, the animal prints extend to S/S collection this year. Beside the traditional prints, more animal patterns are added to create a genuine animal kingdom eg swan in Miu Miu collections and sheer butterfly for Sportmax. To make this trend more noticeable, Louis Vuitton even filled their fashion show with tiger decorations to harmonize their tiger prints designs.

2. Ethnic Designs

Ethnic elements are always popular in fashion designs no matter it's for S/S or F/W. Every year, fashion designers have picked out different ethnic elements from different nations to enrich their designs eg millitary look from Russia, kimono style from Japan, hippie style from Gypsy etc. This year, the focus is on China. Chinese traditional prints and fashion styles are widely adopted in the fashion design of various brands eg. Louis Vuitton has designed their collection showing Chinese Cheong Sam styles and Chinese fashion elements.

3. Acid Color

Harmony of colors or Clashes of colors is always a dilemma for women in choose their clothing set. More people will prefer a harmony of colors as it goes more natural in outlooks. However, this year, the dressing concept may be challenged by some leading fashion designers. The color schemes chosen by designers are in a more energetic and raw way eg teal and electric blue from Haider Ackermann and shiny yellow from Moschino. Clashes of colors are common on the runway eg Blue vs Orange and Purple vs Green (Jil Sander), Purple vs Orange (Gucci, YSL), Orange vs Green (Loewe). Eye catching is the way of choosing colors for this trend.

4. Clean Cut

Minimalism never dies. Less is more. Less design in clothing means more attention to the natural body. Clean cut design is a better way to outline the natural curve and shape of women. Modern fashion designers tend to over-design with the intention of showing how gifted they are. However, to design with less design elements is more challenging. Only a few masters in fashion can do beautiful clean cuts without losing aesthetics. Leading this trend are brands like Max Mara, Celine, Chloe etc.