What is haute couture? To some people, it's "the expensive stuff." But in reality, it's more than just that. First, let's break down what the literal definition of haute couture is. Haute, referring to high-end or high-class and couture, meaning custom design. The reason haute couture is so pricey is because it's made specifically for a single body, stitched and designed completely by hand from unique fabrics and materials. Like any pricey gown or clothing, it requires fittings, a technical team, and of course a private client to match it to. It can take months to create just one piece.

So, here's the breakdown of the top 3 haute couture trends for this year:

• Definition of the natural waistline: adding a definition of natural waist makes this a soft, feminine and fitting look. Check out Elie Saab's haute couture collection.
• Embroidery: Soft embroidery, gorgeous and dazzling as always. Made to stun us with the touch of glam to an otherwise elegant picture. You can't beat what Dolce and Gabbana had in store for this round.
• Skirts on skirts on skirts: Skirts were everywhere, fluttery and big. And we're not just talking about on the runways, but in the front row as well. 

Tell us what you think about haute couture and the trends of this year! To view what was the runway, follow #hautecouture and we've pinned all of our favorites on our SS16 Haute Couture Pinterest board.

Jeans are a huge part of my life. Now, it wasn't always like that. Or at least I didn't think it was. After reading a book called Blue Jeans: The Art of the Ordinary by Daniel Miller and Sophie Woodward, I was able to fully comprehend the significance of them. It inspired me to start the series "The Thread," which will put a magnifying glass on a single piece of fabric once a month.

This month, our fabric topic will be jeans. As Miller and Woodward states, jeans are a significant piece of clothing in people's closets at some point in their lives. My initial thoughts on them? They are the staple. Take a tour of my tiny closet and notice that the entire bottom row of hangers are full of them. Sometimes, I dream of having British Vogue editor Sarah Harris's blue jeans collection. But let's be real.

Going back to the history of symbol of jeans, they were thought of as an object of Americanization. Being that it originated in America, people thought of it as a rebel thing to wear and made it different. Over time, it changed its symbolism based on the style. For example, skinny jeans were the scandalous. In time, semiotics of jeans are diminishing, as society changes. It's becoming the ordinary, but it becomes greater than that based on how the individual wears and where they wear it.

In my early years, I was dolled up in frilly dresses and tops. My mom was my fashion heroine and she really did does know how to dress with the time and age. So growing up, I never really thought of jeans as a special thing. It wasn't until I started reading up on blogs, much like the one I'm contributing to, that I realized how special they really can be. They can be the most comfortable thing and they put an edge to otherwise boring outfit. Now, that's not what a lot of people can immediately see mainly because jeans are thought of as the foreground or the most restricting thing they've ever encountered. But overtime, jeans begin to mold and become something really special to you.

It really is an amazing moment when you've been searching for months, years, or if you're lucky just a couple of days to find a perfect pair that fits your legs and your curves. They make a person individualistic, to those who really make it work, but make us part of the world. Jeans are a common thing between all of us, whether you like them or not. They give us this sense of belonging and is in fact, global.

And which are my perfect pair of jeans? Well, to be honest... I'm still on the hunt. What's yours?

With love, Carnie.

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Photo Found On: Pixabay

Why do you enjoy fashion and what does it say about society?
I enjoy fashion because to me, fashion is not only following trends, but it is also a form of art. The freedom of self expression, as cliche as it sounds, is what really draws me into fashion.

What do you see in Asian fashion and how does it differ from Western fashion, if at all?
Asian fashion, in my opinion, is really centered around the sense of self-differentiation and brand recognition. From public figures such as Keith Ape, Okasian, and the Asian rap community. It is really evident that brand recognition such as BAPE and Supreme at play. With that being said, the difference between Asian fashion and Western fashion is that Asian fashion is not really limited by the societal norms and the idea of "what is the right way to dress." A lot of the times Asian fashion is deemed  outrageous by western standards, but to me, that is the thrill of it all.

Describe your style and tell us how you came about it.
I don't necessarily have a style. My style is, like many others, mirrored around figures on social media. If I have to categorize my style, I would say it is the closest to a upscale style of 90s fashion, as I do rock vintage runners (such as Diadora, Asians, Air Force 1s, Timberlands) but with a modern twist.  I found my style through my constant presence on social media, as well as my own personal style.

Does the Asian fashion industry change according to Western fashion or vice versa?
I do believe the Asian fashion industry changes according to Western fashion and vice versa. The general trend of fashion revolves in a cyclical fashion. Like today we are rocking 90s grunge style with ripped denim and Chelsea boots, something that was trendy in the 80s. I guess that really depends on what style you are talking about thoug, with suits the trend is that it just slims down to be a more slim fit versus the generous fit back in the days.

The Asian fashion industry changes according to Western fashion because of the brand recognition of things. Asians are overtly obsessed with designer brands, and with that, it's not uncommon to see people rocking all Givenchy, Hermes, or Balenciaga (as hideous as it might be), With that being said, the rising wealth of Asians have made Asia a place of tremendous profits for the western designer brands, and the have begun to put out works that are more synonymous with Asian culture. One example would be the overly oriental prints and satin embroidered jackets by houses such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, etc. You can also see Asian influences in American fashion with (overused) Kanji letters and he incorporation of fine tailoring and a heavy focus on Japanese denim. All in all, this relationship is mutual, and Asian/Western fashion are more common than different.

What have you seen that you like from the Asian fashion sphere?
I really like the dynamic and free-flowing nature of the Asian fashion sphere. The fact that they are not afraid to step out of the status quo and be something different. After all, that is the point. Right?

Photos found on: @stephenyenn

Hello everyone! We're so excited to be back with a new styling video/post. One of the best things about the warmer weather is the change of style. Here in Southern California, we weren't used to the cold weather so it's nice to get back into what we're known for: the heat. With the heat comes the hair cuts. Check out how we style our short hair!


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The perfect makeup combo. If you're looking for something to slap on for the minimalist makeup look, we thought it'd be best to opt for the top two products we can't just get enough of: Callas Bold Lipstick and the Enprani Foundation. To make it a light and dewy look, just dab onto the skin rather than smoothing over.

Dabbing both the foundation and the lipstick onto your skin and lips will leave the light look. No cake-face or dramatic lips, giving you an effortless feel.  But if that isn't enough, add a little drama to your eyes with the Callas Eyebrow Pencil or Callas Makeup Pro Mascara.







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