#thegenteel

[thisfranklife]

THE ECONOMICS OF ENGAGEMENT

SEARCHING for engagement rings should not be a stressful ordeal for women, right?  However, for some it is--begging the question, “Why should only women be expected to wear an engagement ring?”

It has been built into our culture that only women need to be proposed to with a ring of some sort. Historically, a common law called the Breach of Promise to Marry gave women a certain level of social security because once a proposal was made, the groom-to-be would be open to legal action from the bride-to-be if he cancelled the engagement. However, the law became outdated and women needed to find an alternative means of security. Historically, the ring offered a form of collateral and insurance. But, what about now?

Writer GRACE CARTER discusses the history of the engagement ring and the emerging trend of “man-gagement” rings in The Economics of Engagement.

Photography via TheGenteel.com.

[thisfranklife]

  ISABEL, I WISH YOU HADN’T

  FAST fashion collaborations are starting to become the norm for mega-successful fashion designers. Already, an impressive roster of designers, from Karl Lagerfeld to Marni, have partnered with H&M in particular. The next designer to take the plunge with the popular fast fashion retailer? Uber-cool Parisian designer Isabel Marant and we're not happy about it.

Writer ALINA KULESH shares her thoughts on the Isabel Marant / H&M collaboration and why she fears her beloved fashion designer may have chosen unwisely in Isabel, I Wish You Hadn’t. 

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts here or here, or tweet @ThisFrankLife / @TheGenteel / @AlinaKulesh. 

Photograph via TheGenteel.com.

[thisfranklife]

THE NEW ORTHODOX

  MODERN Orthodox men and women are torn between adhering to cultural traditions of modesty and embracing the contemporary styles of today.  However, Mimi Hecht and Mushky Notik, founders of MIMU MAXI, want Orthodox women to realize that they can combine traditional values with modernity. Hecht explained, "With style icons like Kate Middleton, Olivia Palermo not to mention many runway looks increasingly turning to long dresses and skirts, there is something very beautiful and fashionable about dressing modestly.”

It’s not only Orthodox women who are embracing this idea. Orthodox men have found fashionable fixes from Savile Row to SoHo. According to Yosel Tiefenbrun, a 23-year old Chabad Rabbi and apprentice at Maurice Sedwell's in London, “Dressing with a little edge and style can add that colour, that new life for some; and for others, they can find it in other places too. However it doesn't have to go against any religious laws and beliefs. It can coincide.”

Writer AMANDA COEN discusses the fashionable alternatives that modern-day Orthodox men and women are embracing in The New Orthodox.

Photograph via TheGenteel.com.

[thisfranklife]

  CREATIVE RESTATEMENT

  WITH a deep appreciation for the natural world and repurposing materials, artist and fashion designer Adrienne Antonson has combined her interests to sculpt insects out of human hair.  Strange as that may sound, many have responded positively to her art with a post on her work going viral and Ripley’s purchasing some of her work for their permanent collection. In addition to her insect art, Antonson created a clothing line called STATE, in which she re-works garments that have originated from thrift stores and her local surroundings.

Writer AMANDA COEN discusses Antonson’s repurposed art and fashion in Creative ReSTATEment.

Photography via TheGenteel.com.

[thisfranklife]

CHINA’S GRADUATE FASHION WEEK

  TAKING a page from the UK’s Graduate Fashion Week, which launched talents such as Christopher Bailey and Stella McCartney, China presented its first ever Graduate Fashion Week in Beijing.  Organized by the China Fashion Association, China Textile and Apparel Education Society, and China National Garment Association, the inaugural event featured the work of 610 graduates from 22 universities across the country. Despite the general feeling that China has fallen behind in creativity in comparison to other countries, this new crop of fashion students seem well on their way to putting China back on the fashion map.

Writer KATIE ASKE discusses stand-out designers and garments from the event, in China’s Graduate Fashion Week.

Photography via Google.com.

[thisfranklife]

  Alexander Lewis

HE might be early on his career, but Chicago-born, London based designer Alexander Lewis is already creating a lasting fashion narrative through his collections.

Lewis' pre-fall collection offers a range of sleek tailored suits partnered with luxe knitwear, sinuous blouses and distinct accessories to a woman that is effortlessly chic and is not constrained by current trends.

Writer, GRACE CARTER, finds out that there is even more behind the unique style that Lewis offers wearers of his designs; He explains the meaningful story behind his collection in Alexander Lewis.

Photography via TheGenteel.com.

[centsforstyle-blog-blog]