Profile on Richie Rich – The Fashion Designer
Richie Rich has become a popular name in the fashion industry. Initially, he has trained and dreamt to become a seasoned figure skater of which he was even able to train alongside Kristi Yamaguchi, a gold medalist in figure skating. He later on ventured out to the club music industry which he was able to record two dance club hit singles called Magic and Collision. Though he also made cameo appearances in some films this former club kid realized his true calling, fashion design.
Richie Rich teamed up with Traver Rains to form the now famous, Heatherette which was launched in late 1999. He has been known to create customized tops of which is made from leather complete with all the trims he could think of. His creations along with the collaborations from Traver Rains have been able to catch the attention of the public – especially those of celebrities. Their work has received exposure from Foxy Brown, Gwen Stefani, Paris Hilton and Aerosmith; they were among their first high profile customers. They launch fashion shows on a regular and consistent basis of which has always proved to be successful. Among the famous icons of which they have featured in their catwalks are Boy George and Anna Nicole Smith.
Though there were some stipulation in the past where Rich and Rains has separated their paths and that their Heatherette line is no more; there was no confirmation to it at all. Rich took some time off to be able to concentrate on his new line of shoes and to be able to prepare for his comeback in the fashion industry. He is known for his flamboyant works where he is able to combine materials in such a manner where it has not been thought of before and still be able to achieve wonderful results. He is able to create ideas to be able to conform to the current times and still be appreciated by both the young and conventional.
Heatherette has received mounds of publicity and has been able to establish itself internationally. It still promotes its great relations among celebrities of which has become an advocate of their fashion statement. There are also some publicity in terms of shows and other forms of public appearances where their fashion line is being endorsed or advertised. Though Rich has been well known in the fashion industry as one who has learned to focus on leather tops, he has been able to transform various works of art using various materials apart from the usual items. His work has always been known to be elaborate and tasteful; a wonder to most fashion critics and still a delight to see and actually take part of. Richie Rich takes great pride on his work and enjoys every moment of which he creates them. The Rich and Rains duo have eventually assured the public that there is no fact to the fall out; and that in reality, they are eager to create more and will stay in the industry.
Become a Fashion Designer With These Basic Steps
Becoming a fashion designer is a creative journey in uncovering the student’s likes and dislikes. Styles and fads come and go and then come around again. This is true of the fashion design industry also, particularly so! The industry is often influenced by the entertainment industry (television, movies, music, etc.) For example, “That 70′s Show” gave hippie fashion a new comeback chic. This is true of other movies as well. A great example of this would be “Pirates of the Caribbean” that brought about a huge influx of skull and cross bones designs. The typical pirate symbol, more related to a gothic or punk style, became mainstream after the debut of the movies.
This pop culture influence inspires mass market designers. However, couture fashion designers strive to be the source of the inspiration rather than an imitator. The difference between this can be found in the training of the merchandiser versus the designer. Many aspiring fashion designers choose to go into fashion merchandising. However, these two fields require slightly different curriculum. One will focus on sales, marketing, and business where as the other–fashion design–will focus on creativity and imagination in bringing ideas and concepts to life.
Following middle school, students can choose college preparation courses to direct their educational tracks to their own possible careers. For a student wishing to take the path of a designer of any type, art classes are essential to building the basic knowledge and core concepts that they will use.
High school courses should be selected to assist in building a professional portfolio to show to potential design colleges. By starting their educational planning very early, it is possible for students to make the most of their high school years by focusing on extracurricular activities that will add spice to their college applications. For example, potential fashion designers can take classes not only in art but also specialized math and computer classes, multimedia classes, and drama activities that will allow them to explore different aspects of the fashion world. Some high schools even offer classes in small business ownership or entrepreneurial skills.
For students who end up at the college level and wish to break in to the fashion design industry, it is never too late. Courses in drawing, painting, life drawing, and silkscreen, and color theory, fashion and art history are some of the beginning requirements for any fashion design student. Advanced students of fashion design will continue with patternmaking, sewing basics, advanced sewing techniques, and digital designing.
It is crucial for a fashion design student to have access to this type of basic curriculum in college in order to prepare for the true test of their abilities: their internship. Once the student has taken the basic and advanced courses, it is time for them to specialize in some aspect of the fashion industry. When people think of fashion, they think of runway shows and couture collections. There are fashion centers throughout the world, but most people tend to consider New York City the center of all fashion design. If the college student did not choose a college near a fashion design center, it may be possible for them to choose an internship located in that area. Some other possible internship locations would be Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, and other metropolitan areas.
The best source of internship possibilities will be the college faculty and guidance counselors. It is important to do your homework by researching potential internships; but, they can definitely guide the student to someone that they may not have considered.
The fashion world has its niches. Every designer starts somewhere. They do not just graduate from college and poof have their own design house and their own collections. They were mentored by someone in the business. Some of them were self taught and did not have the opportunity to study in a college environment but learned in the school of hard knocks. Whatever the case, if there is a desire to learn the fashion design business, then there is a way to do it.
Consider working at a place that does alterations or tailoring to build up sewing skills. Consider designing your own clothes. Think of functionality, practicality, body type, personal statements, coloring and fabric choice. Study the masters–who is on the edge of fashion now that you want to emulate? Why do you like their style? What IS your style?
By taking all of these factors into consideration, any student pursuing fashion can find their place in the design world.
Fashion Designer David Dixon “The Designer Guy”
Fashion designer David Dixon, is known as the “designer guy”. He is recognized as one of the leaders in Canadian fashion and as one of the most respected designers.
This year he celebrates his lines 10th anniversary. From 1995 to 2000 Dixon was a Toronto Fashion Incubator. However, he became tired of working for other designers, so he pushed out on his own using the TFI resources to get his start.
After some struggling and an interesting roller coaster ride, Dixon has become quite a successful designer and his name has become well recognized in the fashion industry.
Dixon graduated from Ryerson Polytechnic University in 1994. He was named the City of Toronto New Designer of the Year in 1996, Fur Council of Canada Bronze in 1998. and the Matinee Fashion Foundation Grant Recipient in 1999 and 2000.
Dixon Strives aims for growth in his collections. Evolution is important to him as he is known to thrive on change. He is not a man to find success and stick with it. His designs are every changing, fluid and in motion.
He constantly is on the move working with the passion of an artist deep in thought. Dixon is a man that follows his heart and grabs the moment. His fashions are more than fashion, they reflect the inner deeper sole.
Dixon’s collections can be found in Canada, the Middle East and parts of the United States. He is known for using unusual fabrications to create a simple silhouette. David Dixon’s signature is built on fabric.
Each of his collections features at least one unique accent. Last season he used ostrich feathers on skirts and dresses. Dixon is often associated with Glamour and Romance. For the women who wears Dixon age is never a factor.
His fashions are designed for woman of all ages, but you must be a woman with a sense of fashion and love the bold and unusual lines Dixon tends to use.
Just have a look at Dixon’s 2005 Summer collection. Romantic, Glamorous, yet done in classic lines he so loves. It is obvious that he stays true to his heart with black and white.
This seasons collection is not only romantic, it is trendy. Dixon’s heavily uses capri pant, floral prints, hot shade of ochre and brown go along way towards adding a little sizzle.
It is quite apparent that great thought has gone into mixing color with the lines of the garment and the fabric texture. His collection boasts of more than just another designer garment.
David’s clothing is known for combining luxury with the functional, fantasy with the sensible. They say fashion reflects the society it is part of.
If that’s the case Canada must be hopelessly romantic, elegant and just a little bit edgy.
Canada is often forgotten in the designer world, with places like Paris and Italy front and center stage. The designs of David Dixon have put Canada on the Fashion Radar Screen.
If you are a woman with a strong sense of fashion who wants more than just another designer garment, do take some time to check out Dixon’s Spring and Summer collection, and watch for his fall collection coming soon.