An Introduction To Dress Up And Fashion Games
“Dress up” or also known as “Fashion” games have become popular among girls around the world and across different cultures. They have become a substitute for playing traditional dolls especially among young female audiences and the reminiscence for the older.
These dress up games probably originated from paper dolls that existed since the invention of paper. The earliest traceable emergence of paper dolls were from Japan dating back to A.D. 900 the least. However, they weren’t used as toys but rather for rituals. These paper dolls were crafted to be 3-dimensional and are not flat like the paper dolls many of us know today. In modem times, paper dolls have sprung up from magazines to comics and often a welcome addition for readers. Barbie may have attributed for the decline in popularity of paper dolls with their chain of merchandise. Ironically, their dolls that people recognize today derive from paper dolls themselves.
In the middle to late nineties, several websites began creating these games which are often browser-based in which a player can drag and drop different clothes onto a digital image of a doll. Since then, more robust variances have been created with improved user interfaces and multi-media features to employ the computing power of today’s personal computers. The games usually require no installation and can be enjoyed using the “Flash” platform by Macromedia.
Majority of the game creators reside in Asian countries and are often inspired by “cartoony” big-eyed characters found in Japanese anime; which have shown to appeal to vast audiences worldwide. Others strive for a more realistic feel where their creation reflects on today’s fashion which is a great reference source for fashion designers and followers. The concept of paper dolls have not died down but rather being a transit to another media and apparently is making a come-back.
Fashion Designer – Ritu Kumar
Ritu Kumar is one of India’s foremost designers, who have developed a unique style of their own, reflecting the ancient traditions of Indian craftsmanship in a contemporary fashion. With a background of art history and musicology, which has enriched her horizons, Ritu Kumar’s understanding of ancient designs and the innovative use of traditional crafts has created a new classicism. Ritu holds the status of a revivalist in the Indian fashion industry, which has successfully bridged the gap between traditionalism and modernity.
Ritu, who began her work with four hand-block printers and two tables, in a small village near Calcutta thirty years ago, was the first woman to introduce the ’boutique’ culture in India under the brand name ‘Ritu’. Today she has twelve outlets in all major cities in India. Ritu Kumar’s boutiques feature a multifaceted showcase encompassing the very best of Indian design, with specially produced range of high fashion garments and accessories using silk, leather and cotton.
Ritu Kumar’s range of western and Indian apparel is all about traditions and individual talent, and women across the continents can easily identify with her vision of design.
Ritu has gone a long way to redefining the term ‘fashion’ in the Indian context. Most importantly, she has demonstrated that handmade products can be as profitable as and even more glamorous than that of machine, and that Indian fashion is more than capable of holding on it’s own in the international arena of haute couture. Her couture is readily recognizable by its classicism, beauty and finesse. Her design philosophy is based on the premise that everything founded on good aesthetic, cuts across all borders-be they geographical, cultural or otherwise. This very aesthetic is the factor central to the Indian handwriting which underlies her creations. As the world truly becomes a global village, more and more of the elements that make up modern culture are taking on rich hues and ethnic tones. Pluralism is the mantra, while tastes are fast becoming eclectic, be it in music, arts, food or fashion. Within fashion, Indian techniques have increasingly commanded a premium for their creativity, style and finish. The Indian influence on contemporary wear is unmistakable.
In sync with these evolving trends, in April 2002, Ritu Kumar launched her new sub brand, ‘LABEL’. This is a reflection of modern and global trends that shape our lives today. ‘LABEL’ cater today’s woman, who is increasingly independent, discerning and global. It is a modern offering, focusing on the cut, color, drape and feel of the garment. This brand has a universal appeal aimed at today’s mobile lifestyle. It is fashionable, affordable and like all Ritu Kumar products, it is of the highest quality.
Girls Spring and Summer Fashion 2011 Trends
Spring is closing in and it is time to start preparing for the 2011 spring fashion season. Recent fashion shows indicate a lot of new and fun girls 2011 spring and summer fashion trends. Whether it is a sleek retro dress or short spring jacket, it is time to start talking seasonal fashion.
I scanned the Internet and compiled a list of some of the most popular spring 2011 and summer fashion trends for girls and women. Most of these came from fashion shows this past fall while some come from bloggers who have their fingers on the pulse of fashion.
One popular spring 2011 trend is floral patterns. Floral patterns on girls dresses, pants, jackets, blouses, and fitted blouses are sure to be popping up everywhere over the spring and summer. A lot of these floral patterned short dresses and long dresses look like something out of a late 1960s movie. Think retro/hippy flower wear and you are talking 2011 trends.
Another trend is denim. Don’t go crazy on the denim but fashionable denim shorts for women will be very popular this spring and summer. In addition to the denim, stripes with little graphics will be a popular girls tee as well this season. The bolder the better with your denim selection as far as colors go.
Sleek and slinky dresses with a 1970s look are also back in style this spring and summer. Satin dance dresses which look like they can be worn for parties, galas, events, or dinner parties are back in style. Ink emerald and sapphire are the preferred dress colors for these simple or special occasion dresses.
Full skirts are back in style for 2011. Once again think retro 1970s era and you will be dressing for 2011. These full skirts were popular in the 70s and have made a return to pop fashion. These short skirts are also popular among men who love checking out women in full skirts. They are sexy and leave a little to the imagination which is perfect if you are trying to turn heads. Choose from long, sheer, short, or fuller full skirts.
Wide pants are also a popular fashion statement this spring and summer. 2011 is looking more like 1971 with these trends, so go through your mother’s attic and you may find a stylish outfit. These pants have a high trouser with a wide leg. These wide pants are surely spring/summer 2011 fashion trend that will turn heads.
These are just a few of the hot trends for spring/summer 2011 girls fashion. Happy summer!