When you think of the world’s greatest and most iconic fashion designers, many names come to mind. Eva Mendes, Matthew McConaughey and Big Sean probably are not among those names. Granted, these celebs dress to impress at red carpet events, styled by the fashion industry’s finest, but do they have what it takes to create successful brands? Each of them is hoping that the answer is yes.

Eva Mendes has conquered the film industry and now she wants a slice of the fashion pie. Women’s Wear Daily has reported that Mendes entered a partnership with New York & Co. to create a sub-brand, Eva by Eva Mendes.

The actress is very much a style icon, stepping onto red carpets in couture pieces by Christian Dior, Lanvin, Gucci and Prada, to name a few. She also has great everyday style, so some would argue that it is befitting for her to create a collection for the masses.

“She has amazing red carpet style and also has a very unique style off the red carpet,” said Greg Scott, chief executive officer of New York & Co. “She has a real sense of self, which will help us in terms of the design aesthetic. When we look at her, she really is confident.”

Of the upcoming line, Mendes says that she has “a ton of ideas, but it’s a bit early to discuss them. [The project] is taking up all my time, but in the best way possible. Everything I see is a possible design. My mind is consumed by it. I’m fortunate enough to travel to so many exotic places. I could find inspiration in a gate in Istanbul for a plate or a blouse.”

Mendes will be heavily involved with the design process and has begun having creative development meetings.

Matthew McConaughey will be designing a menswear collection for Dillards.  “Just Keep Livin” (JKL) will feature sportswear and swimwear.

“This is my first adventure into the fashion world,” McConaughey said. “I’m enjoying it so far. I like working on the details, the design, the marketing. And I think the JKL philosophy is what makes it unique.”

The JKL philosophy is deeply rooted in family and honor. The Just Keep Livin Foundation was created following the death of McConaughey’s father in 1992.

“It was about keeping his spirit alive and remembering the things he taught me,” he said.

Sean “Big Sean” Anderson is a still-rising star in the hip hop industry, ready to take the fashion world by storm. The ambitious Detroit rapper recently announced that he will be launching a new fashion company, Aura Gold. The company’s fashion label, “Finally Famous” and its first offering, “The Black Collection”, debuted last week in Las Vegas at Project MVMNT, a trade show featuring up and coming trendsetters.

“Launching my own label is a dream come true for me,” Anderson said.  “Even though I have a lot to learn about fashion and the industry, I do know what I like and the small details that make something stand out to me. I look forward to evolving the line with more colors, fabrications and offerings to show the other dimensions of my style progression over time.”

The fashion collective will include t-shirts, pants, sweat shirts, jackets and hats. Fans may view some of Anderson’s designs in the February/March 2013 issue of Vibe Magazine.

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Many countries in the world have realized the positive impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on development, and India is not an exception.

The Indian government discusses the possibility of opening the multi-brand retail sector to foreign direct investment. If the decision to allow 51% foreign share in the retail sector is taken into effect, the country will likely attract $ 2.5 – 3 billion during the next 5 years. Union Cabinet Minister, Anand Sharma, who is in charge of commerce, industry and textiles in India, provided the list of benefits, and the positive impact of foreign direct investment on the country’s retail sector and fashion and design industry.

India has a low productivity of food grains and has an inefficient system of distribution. The impact of an FDI in organized retail will increase the productivity and efficiency of distribution.

Secondly, if to take into account the existing imperfections of Indian retail production and distribution systems, it is likely that the prices on retail products and food will keep on increasing. That will influence the level of wages and consumer expectations and therefore will turn into an inflationary process that is negative for Indian economy. For its part, the impact of FDI can be balancing and prevent the economy from inflation in order to maintain trust and to come up to expectations of various stakeholders “without putting undue disproportionate pressure on the growth momentum” said RBI deputy governor, Subir Gokar, during the Government discussion. Since FDI will lead to the improvement of production and distribution of goods that are more consumed in the country, the prices on them will stay low.

Moreover, the fashion and textile retail sector will be positively affected by the increase of FDI scale.

The world-known luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo that will be allowed to the Indian market can bring new opportunities to the luxury market. Consumers will have better shopping choice; moreover, plenty of opportunities can be opened for young Indian fashion and textiles designers. Indian design will get credibility in the world fashion society.

According to the officials, Swedish furniture producer, IKEA, plans to invest 1.5 billion euros in the Indian retail sector to set up 25 stores. The company has already launched a partnership with India’s Handicrafts Department to help to develop the design industry and to build capacity for Indian handicrafts-men and carpet weavers. There are plans to develop next generation training program for Indian exporters to guarantee that they follow the best worldwide practices related to labor legislation that forbids child and forced labor. Therefore, it is apparent that the positive impact of foreign direct investment  is in creation of opportunities for the development and invigoration of the Indian retail sector.

Image Courtesy : Paul prescott / Shutterstock.com

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On the 26th of September, the famous Italian fashion brand, Gucci, celebrated its 90^th anniversary by opening a museum. A main focus of Gucci’s celebration was to inaugurate the Gucci Museo, located inside the historic Palazzo della Mercanzia in Florence’s Piazza Signoria. Gucci Museo is now open to the public.

Among items on display are high-fashion pieces that have brought the company its great success through the years. The featured clothing are accompanied by many modern art installations supported by the Pinault Foundation. The inauguration party attracted around 200 high-profile celebrities.

Among those who attended were Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Magazine, as well as Bill Viola, a famous American artist. According to Gucci.com, The Gucci Museo is divided into thematic rooms — an idea inspired by the House’s iconic motifs and symbols. The exhibition space begins on the ground floor with the theme called Travel.

It presents an exhibit of trunks, suitcases, accessories and articles created for the international elite, which have been collected throughout the years and have brought international appreciation to the brand in the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s. Suitcases and travel accessories are memorable for Gucci.

The fashion line’s founder, Guccio Gucci, designed his first collection after being inspired by the luggage laden clientele upon arriving at London’s Savoy Hotel, where he used to work as a porter in his earlier years. The Gucci Museo also provides a place for people to gather in the Gucci Caffè.

The place is highly recommended on Gucci website as being great attraction, not only for museum visitors to enjoy but also for Florentines and visitors to the city alike. In partnership with Rizzoli Bookstore, the Gucci Museo will be offering publications about art, fashion, photography and architecture, featuring both vintage and contemporary works.

According to the PPR.com, a luxury brand holding company, the Gucci brand is part of the Gucci Group, which is owned by the French company. The PPR owns many leading brands and companies like YSL or Balenciaga. Gucci’s Creative Director, Frida Giannini, works to promote the brand’s highly valued products such as leather handbags, accessories, luggage and shoes, silks, timepieces and fine jewellery.

Eyewear and fragrances are made and distributed under license by global leaders in these two sectors. The Gucci brand mixes modernity and innovation with tradition and heritage in an extraordinary way.

Image Courtesy of Courtesy of  http://www.gucci.com

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