Norma Kamali
The Changing Face of Fashion: Technology Arrives + QVC Coming to Fashion Week!
Pictured: Reem Acra meets with Fashion Bloggers via SkypeThe face of fashion is indeed changing. In addition to more designers offering low-priced lines and making their designs accessible, the designers themselves are now becoming more accessible. How? Elementary my dear readers, technology. Although Skype, the internet service which allows for free video and phone conferencing, has long been used by Internet “kewl kids” like moi, high-end designers are now adopting the service to connect with their buyers and target market. One example of this trend is the video conference Reem Acra held with bridal bloggers and the Editor-in-Chief of Brides.com, Michelle Preli today. Using technology, Reem was able to literally “phone it in” from overseas while the bloggers were at her showroom in NY inspecting her beautiful designs. Some of you may remember Reem Acra on Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style last season. Reem has long designed beautiful evening gowns for the Emmys, Oscars and other special events. Below is one of my favorites, the breath taking blue dress Christina Applegate wore to the Emmys in 2008.
Pictured: Christina Applegate in Reem Acra
It’s so cool that now she is meeting with bloggers. Reem, call me! I know how to use Skype. I’m all jiggy with the technology 🙂
Another designer who has long been using technology to interact with her clients is Norma Kamali. NK was one of the first designers to see the limitless potential of the Internet. In keeping with her visionary use of the web, Norma has launched a new service where clients can receive live consultations via Skype calls or even receive a video call from the award-winning designer during a “Try Before You Buy” party. Check with the NK collection for details.
Pictured: Two of my favorite NK retro swimsuit styles. NK please send!
At no cost to the host, the Norma Kamali Collection personal shoppers select pieces that match the lifestyle and body type (very important) of party goers and ship a trunk full of designs to try on and experience in person. This sounds like an invaluable service if you are considering anyone of her various swimsuit styles. Norma has been known to make guest appearances herself!
Designers reaching out to the masses via Skype and private parties are all signs of the changing times, but wait, there is more. And this is my favorite one. It’s so delicious. Rachel Zoe is going recessionista by designing a line of fashion accessories for, gasp, wait for it …QVC! Yes, Rachel is moving from celebrity styling to mass marketing on the QVC site and bringing it to the inner sanctum of all that is holy, NY Fashion Week. Her line of jewelry, scarves, sunglasses and bags for QVC will be shown at NY Fashion Week.
Pictured: Rachel Zoe in her “do not disturb sign” sunglasses and leopard print coat as seen on her Bravo show.
I had heard the rumor that Rachel was going to do a low priced accessory line at several of the consignment stores that I scour in Los Angeles looking for vintage vogue pieces. But QVC? Who knew. Move over Max & Miley, Fashion Week is about to go bananas.
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