FASHION FROM AROUND THE WORLD STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOORSTEP
Have you ever been on a vacation to another country and been blown away by all of the amazing and unique designers that you see? I once went into debt on a college trip to Europe because I found so many amazing pieces that I couldn’t pass by. I remember thinking that I’ll never be back here again (this was during my broke student days).
Fast forward over ten years later and there is now a “fashion hub” that connects emerging designers around the world to customers everywhere. Meet Runway Passport, where fashion around the world can be discovered from your own living room. Discover rare and unique fashion finds from Ethiopia, to Germany, to Brooklyn, NY. There is something for everyone at this unique shopping experience.
With their impending launch this month, I interviewed the founder/CEO Liz Entin to get a little more insight about her company and how she came up with such an amazing idea.
GG: Runway Passport is such great idea for a shopping site! How did you come up such a unique idea?
Elizabeth: “Thank you! Its been so exciting to bring people who really are passionate about their personal style a central hub where they can shop and discover new designers from all around the world. And hopefully find their new favorite! We just launched Runway Passport this August! My main passion always was finding new unknown designers and I noticed there wasn’t much of an outlet for them. It was on a trip to Thailand where the idea really came together. At first we were a content site which covered fashion weeks all around the world. After a realization that that model still left off designers who didn’t have a fashion show, left off the more wearable pieces, and still didn’t give people the opportunity to actually purchase these pieces, we decided to pull back and rebuild/relaunch as an e-commerce site for people to discover a new favorite designer and statement piece”
We try to be very diverse in our choice of designers and not stick to one aesthetic since our customers are all very fashion forward and have their own unique sense of style.
What’s your career background? Did you come from the fashion world? How did you become interested in fashion?
“I have always loved fashion! My whole life I found it a daily creative outlet and have loved the feeling of wearing and personally interpreting someone else’s creations. When I was little I used to sew dolls clothes and make them all these really creative outfits. I also loved dress up and decorating anything including my room nd dollhouse. When I grew up I began assisting fashion stylists and styling shoots for magazines.”
How do you find these unique designers across the world?
“Each one comes to me through a different way. We have local curators who are really in on the fashion scene in their country. Some find us and some one of the team will come across online, on instagram, Facebook etc. We try to be very diverse in our choice of designers and not stick to one aesthetic since our customers are all very fashion forward and have their own unique sense of style. We want to give them access and allow them to make their own style choices - not choose for them.”
What’s a typical day like for Runway Passport?
“Omg - every day is so different I could never answer that!”
Assuming you use drop ship type of method, how exactly does a customer receive product from another country?
“It comes directly from the designer to the customer.”
GG: If you could give one piece of advice for a young entrepreneur what it would it be?
“Stick with it.. fulfilling your dream and it isn’t supposed to be easy. You definitely need stamina, passion, excitement and a constant daily slow steady commitment.”
Do you have any fashion icons or heroes that you look up to in fashion or business?
“Oh wow so many. First of all all of the designers out there who have a strong vision they are sticking with and working hard everyday to share - because they love it. Being a designer (especially an emerging one) is so tough and anyone who is diving in and doing it is a hero of mine. Then I have to say - same as probably most people - Diana Vreeland Carine Roitfeld and Anna Wintour.”
Your favorite place to shop, or designers?
“Sorry have to say Runway Passport - I know I am a bit biased!”
What does the future look like for Runway Passport? Where do you see the business in the next 5 years?
“We just want to keep expanding and offering people who love fashion a real choice of designers regardless of where the designer is from or how early in their career they are. (both of which limit people’s access to have a full opportunity to discover their new favorite designer)”
Check out more amazing designers around the world at www.runwaypassport.com
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THE KOREAN BEAUTY PRODUCT INFACTUATION
This past week I attended my first Korean beauty blow out sample sale by Peach and Lily - an online website here in the USA that sells some of the most in demand Korean brands such as Tony Moly, Mizon, and Peripera. My friend Erica from I’ll Have Another, (also a fashion blogger) waited in line for almost an hour on the busy corner of 37th and 8th Ave so that we could take a peek at the hyped up sale. Luckily I was able to sneak away from work just in time to meet her at the front of the line. Once inside we luckily were able to find a few great items that were drastically reduced in price.
It’s funny that the US is finally jumping on the Korean beauty band wagon. Obviously Asian skin - specifically Korean has always been known to be bright, pore-less and wrinkle free which in some part may be true, but also could have a lot to do with genetics. However, I do believe that the research and development of beauty products especially in Korea has been something that they’ve always had a leg up on the US.
Many beauty blogs here in the US have been promoting Korean products lately as well, and even mass market retailers such
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America’s Obsession with Subscription Boxes
You can say that subscription boxes are the millennial’s approach to the cosmetic industry’s long time “bonus gift” that each brand would run as a promotion within department stores. Many of us have long forgotten about “bonus time” at the cosmetic counter these days.
With more of a surprise of what you are going to receive in these mystery boxes, subscription box giants such as Birch Box, curate beauty samples, as customers eagerly await for what some refer to as “Christmas morning”. With the success and craze that came with Birch Box, many others have started to follow their business model. Now you can find a subscription box from anything from bra’s to socks.
As someone who has always been a fan of clothing subscription boxes like LeTote or Rent the Runway Unlimited, I’m usually more drawn to subscription boxes that I can wear and return. These type of subscription models have established themselves as the “Netflix of fashion”. Although I enjoy the occasional surprise mystery box, I usually appreciate items much more that I’ve selected myself. I would highly recommend this type of option especially if you’ve got a shopping addiction.
It’s no wonder that there is now a jewelry only company called Rocksbox the allows a customer to choose three pieces of designer jewelry worth up to $200 to wear, return and even buy at a discount. For $19 a month you get 3 pieces of endless rotation of amazing jewelry from designers like Gorjana or House of Harlow (a few of my faves). It’s such a great way at such a minimal cost to keep your outfits fresh and updated.
For next few months I have actually teamed up with this awesome company that allows my readers to receive a FREE month subscription! All you need to do is enter the code globalgarbsxoxo at checkout. Plus shipping is free! Check out their website here and sign up to become a member. I just received my first box and I’m absolutely loving what I got!
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THE TOP GLOBAL FASHION CAPITALS
After living in NYC for the past ten years, one thing I’ve realized is that I should have moved here at an earlier age. If I could go back in time, my one regret would probably be not being able to go to college in this amazing city. Having majored in fashion merchandising, I would have loved to go to FIT or the Fashion Institute of Technology. In New York City, this school is pretty iconic in terms of credibility, programs, and networking, essentially the epitome of a fashion school.
One of the most amazing things that FIT does that is free to the public is to curate these amazing exhibitions every year. This year’s exhibit is absolutely relevant to the Global Garbs audience. Featuring historical and current top designers from all around the world, the exhibit displays the TOP GLOBAL FASHION CAPITALS. You can check out the full exhibition online, but here are a few highlights:
LONDON
In the 60’s and 70’s London was all about youth culture and vibrant designs from designers such as Mary Quant. Today the city is seen as a fashion capital due to amazing talent such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. The British Fashion Council also played large part in ensuring that London maintains it’s avant-garde talent from an international standpoint. It’s 2015 International Fashion Showcase featured more than 400 designers from over 50 countries.
images via FIT
MILAN
Known for luxury ready to wear, and iconic brand such as Prada or Gucci have some amazing pieces on display as well. In 1975 the National Chamber of Italian Fashion began to hold Fashion week in this manufacturing hub. Florence and Rome have also been fashion cities but what started as a rivalry between the two cities ended up benefiting Milan.
NEW YORK
In the beginning, New York City would copy Paris’ top fashion designers. But during the Nazi occupation of Paris, they were forced to design independently. This is when New York’s garment district began to become seen as more creative. The CFDA was then founded in 1962 to “help strengthen the influence and success of American designers in a global economy”. In the next decade New York began to challenge Paris as the most prominent fashion city.
Now known for functional sportswear, and the originators of major fashion editorials such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Women’s Wear Daily, New York is still on top in terms of begin recognized as the number one Fashion Capital.
Image of NYC designers Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang via FIT
PARIS
As the originators linked back to fashion since the 18th century, Paris has had a very evolved fashion system. Led by Englishman Charles Frederick Worth. Designers such as Chanel, and Christian Dior helped to establish business in Paris to be seen as as the couture capital. During the 60’s and 70’s, ready to wear became much more important and innovative. Today Paris remains the world’s leading fashion capital, supporting world-renowned brands and fostering new design talent.
You can read more about the top fashion capitals of the world here and view the entire exhibition online.
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GIVENCHY IS COMING TO NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
photo via indigital
Givenchy recently announced they will be showing their Spring 2016 collection in New York City rather than Paris. This takes place shortly after Valentino who had also decided to have their couture show in Rome instead of Paris.
Both brands chose different locations in order to celebrate and promote stores openings in each of the two cities. Valentino recently opening a mega-store in Italy, while Givenchy plans on opening a flagship store in Manhattan.
As fashion becomes more and more global, designers are realizing the importance of using Fashion Week as a marketing platform to not only show their collection but to also promote other events going on with their brand.
One issue however, that seems to be somewhat controversial is that the show takes place on September 11th. According to WWD, Ricardo Tisci pronounced “It’s a very delicate day for America, and so the show is going to be a celebration of family and love. It gives me so much energy, and I’m very inspired by the culture. I feel free when I’m there.”
“Fashion may be about the future, but it has a responsibility to the past”
Vanessa Friedman from the NY Times made an admirable statement that “Fashion may be about the future, but it has a responsibility to the past. As the New York show is a one-off, with all the extra attention that generates, Givenchy will have a singular opportunity to reconcile the two. Here’s hoping the house embraces it.”
Although the event does fall on such a somber occasion, it’s inspiring to see that luxury designers are beginning to embrace the idea of showing in a country other than their own. It then poses the question of whether New York City is becoming more of a fashion capital for some of the haute couture fashion houses. The big apple did reclaim it’s title as the official fashion capital as per the Global Language Monitor in 2014, inching out Paris by .05%!
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TOP 20 FASHION BLOGS IN THE WORLD
Each season Signature 9, a website that covers everything from lifestyle news, consumer products and trends across various categories such as fashion, food, and tech, publishes a list of their top 99 Fashion Blogs. The blogs are broken down into different categories such as personal style, street style, fashion news, and shopping. Then based on different criteria such as general content quality, popularity/buzz, and social media data, the blogs are ranked 1 thru 99. The methodology that Signature9 uses is geared more towards percentages of these different elements so that traffic isn’t the sole ranking factor.
For the sake of Global Garbs being focused on style across the world, the list we have curated is a well rounded look of style bloggers, street style, and fashion news that have the greatest overall appeal no matter where you live. Our top 20 list covers 16 different countries, many of which you’ve probably already heard of, but hopefully there are a few new sites to discover.
You can check out the full list of the the top 99 here . But below is our curated list of the Top 20 from a global point of view:
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TOP 12 GLOBAL FASHION BRANDS
Interbrand, which is a global brand consultancy specializing in strategy and analytics www.bestglobalbrands.com recently published their annual 2014 Best Global Brands report which ranges from consumer goods to automobiles. The study is based not only on total revenue, but 30% of the revenue must come from outside of the brand’s home region. In addition, brand strength and other data resources are analyzed to come up with this comprehensive list. We’ve pulled the top ten fashion lifestyle brands that consist of luxury giant pioneers to fast fashion newcomers. From the U.S. to Spain, the list goes to show that the fashion world is truly made up of brands all across the globe.
PHOTO VIA TOMMY TON
#10 RALPH LAUREN - $6.6 BILLION - AMERICAN - 1967
When one thinks of American style, Ralph Lauren is usually the first designer that comes to mind. With the iconic polo shirt, the brand has always stayed true to it’s American heritage roots. Within the giant empire we have seen the distinction between Black Label, Polo Sport, etc, and there is no other brand in the Top 10 that has been able to pull off customer tiering so successfully.
#9 CHANEL - $7 BILLION - FRENCH - 1909
Classic, understated, and elegant sums up the Chanel brand. Coco Chanel is one of those legendary designers that will forever be associated with being accredited with liberating women towards wearing more casual and less restrictive clothing such as the popular corset. The “little black dress” and Chanel suit are still iconic fashion statements that are still relevant to this day.
PHOTO VIA TOMMY TON
#8 ADIDAS - $7.9 BILLION - GERMAN - 1949
Adidas, who also owns sports giant Reebok, made it to the Top 10 as one of the only sports specific brands. Founder Adolf “Adi” Dassler (Adi-Dassler), started Adidas upon a family feud with his older brother Rudolf. Rudolf later founded Puma, which became one of the most personal and professional rivalries of all time.
#7 PRADA - $8 BILLION - ITALIAN - 1913
Originally founded by brothers Mario and Martino Prada as a leather goods shop, Prada wasn’t a household name until the late 70’s when grand daughter Miuccia was handed down the business. In 1985 she released the “classic Prada handbag” which became an overnight sensation. Then in 1989, the first ready to wear collection was launched in which her designs became known for their drop waistlines and narrow belts.
PHOTO VIA STREET PEEPER
#6 COACH - $8.8 BILLION - AMERICAN - 1941
The Coach brand was founded in a small loft on 34th Street in Manhattan’s own garment district. The family-run workshop of leather goods was taken over by Miles Cahn and his wife Lillian in 1950. Early on Miles noticed the distinctive qualities of a leather baseball glove, and how with wear and tear the leather became more softer and supple. Women’s handbags were introduced based upon this process and the rest is history.
#5 ZARA - $10.1 BILLION - SPANISH - 1974
As one of the newest brands to make the list, retail giant Zara is changing the product life cycle as we know it. By being able to design new products and have them in-store within 5-6 weeks, Zara is by far the most vertically integrated fashion company in the world. The Fashion Director of Louis Vuitton once described Zara as being “the most innovative and devastating retailers in the world”.
PHOTO VIA STREET PEEPER
#4 GUCCI - $12.5 BILLION - ITALIAN - 1921
As one of the largest selling Italian brands, the Gucci name is synonymous with luxury. Founded by an immigrant hotel worker in Paris, a young Guccio Gucci was impressed with the luxurious luggage he saw coming in and out of the hotel. Shortly thereafter he established a small fine leather goods store. Today Gucci is one of the most counterfeit brands on the market due to their status symbol appeal
#3 NIKE - $22.1 BILLION - AMERICAN -1964
Originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports, by track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman, Nike didn’t officially become Nike until 1971. Known for their athletic shoes, Nike owns over 50% of this market. However the brand has recently been seen among high fashion taste-makers, and with the trend of athletic shoes among runways shows, Nike has once again appealed to a different market.
PHOTO VIA STREET PEEPER
#2 H&M - $16.8 BILLION - SWEDISH - 1946
As the king of fast fashion, H&M ranks number two on the list. The company was founded in 1947 by Earling Persson, while on a trip to the United States he came up with the idea of selling fashionable clothing at inexpensive prices. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000’s that H&M actually made it’s way to the U.S.
