Category: Fashion

This is the story of how temporary bridges saved a marriage, and how they have solved a lot of other problems for construction contractors, utility companies, ranchers and farmers, and others. We will get to the wedding in a moment; but to understand how they contributed to wedded bliss, lets understand what they are.

Of course, the term is self-explanatory: a span that is erected to serve its function for a period of time and then be taken down. However, we are not talking about a slap-dash invention. We are discussing a professionally-erected device designed by engineers and constructed out of permanent materials. It is simply the use that is temporary. Often, people who see them and use them do not know that they are impermanent.

Companies that specialize in designing and building bridges often include the rental of temporary spans in their list of services. It makes sense that they would; it also makes sense that such a firm would be the first place to go if you are in need of something to get people and equipment from point “A” to point “C”, but obstruction “B” is in the way. We should also mention animals. Many a temporary bridge has been erected for a rancher to get cattle across an arroyo that filled with water in a heavy rainy season.

Temporary bridges are so sturdy that companies and organizations rent them year after year. Consider the rancher: thousands of pounds of cattle moving across at the same time put on a lot of stress. And it is commonplace to have a temporary crossing for construction, oil fields or farm equipment weighing tons. The fact that this kind of usage is common speaks not only to the permanence of the materials used, but also to the effectiveness of the engineering of the device and the planning for the approach to and egress from a short-term bridge. They are solidly-anchored in place and can take the repeated traffic on the crossing as well as on either side.

They have been put up on the routes of bike and BMX races; cross country foot races and marathons; and automobile and truck off-road rallies. They are used on planned events, such as construction sites and in emergencies, such as the wedding we mentioned.

We havent forgotten to tell you about the wedding. But before we relate the happy story, we should also point out that temporary bridges are generally delivered already assembled or partially assembled, having been tailored to specific needs and locations. They are an equipment rental available for longer and shorter time spans.

At last, here is the story of how a temporary bridge saved a marriage. The bride chose an outdoor wedding, on a bluff overlooking the valley in which her family had lived for generations. The guests were to park and walk a short distance to the bluff. It was a summer wedding, normally the dry season. You guessed it: the season had been unusually rainy. There had been so much rain that there was standing water between the bluff and the parking area. The bride was beside herself!

A temporary bridge came to the rescue. It did not require an engineering marvel, simply a self-supporting structure that was long enough to span the water, as well as enough of the ground on either side so that no one got mud on their best footwear. The bride loved the idea of it so much that she asked for two of them. Family members even decorated the railings with the flowers and ribbon that matched the dcor of the wedding. Sure enough: it saved a marriage ceremony.

In recent years men’s fashion has become increasingly popular, and a heightened awareness means that many men are known to be selective when it comes to choosing which clothes to buy, and from which designers to choose from. With many men’s designers tending to have signature looks, this is only helping men to become more distinguished in terms of fashion sense. Of all the designers that exist, which are the biggest of all menswear designers?

We couldn’t go on without a nod (or an Ode) to probably the biggest men’s fashion designers of them all – Mr Giorgio Armani. The Armani brand is considered widely as fashion royalty, and has fast become a household name, synonymous with men’s fashion. Armani’s signature lines and fragrances have stood the test of time, yet the Armani brand is as popular now in contemporary circles as it has ever been.

Another stalwart of men’s fashion is Ralph Lauren. His US-based label started out in the early 1970’s and was originally a luxury brand selling sportswear and apparel for Polo and Yatching. Even today, having diversified somewhat into formal and premium casual wear, Ralph Lauren is one of the world’s largest names in men’s fashion, operating in over 180 countries.

Notable British designers have also dominated the landscape of the fashion world – for decades. Among the most prominent of those are Sir Paul Smith, knighted for his lifelong services to fashion in 2000, who is known for his classic-cut suits with a modern colours and textures. Sir Paul expanded the Paul Smith empire to include formal menswear and casual lines and in recent years even added fragrances to the brands name. Another British menswear design powerhouse, although a slightly left-field choice, is Vivienne Westwood. Having helped to define the punk era by styling the Sex Pistols, Westwood used chains, safety pins and ripped clothes amongst her designs, adding to her signature look. Her designs are popular with many notable contemporary musicians known for their alternative styles, such as Iggy Pop, Gwen Stefani and Karen O.

Other notable names in men’s fashion include designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Donatella Versace, the niece of the late Gianni Versace, who founded the Versace label. All are recognised throughout the fashion world and can be considered alongside other peers of note, such as the late Alexander McQueen, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Heidi Slimane and Jill Sander.

What are slim fit suits?

Slim-fit is a style in cutting. Unlike most styles which leave a larger fabric allowance, slim fit suits has a more narrow cut, leaving only a 1-23 leeway. This cut creates a more body-contouring, tapered look. In other words, slim fit suits for men is not only for the select few with Hugh Jackman bodies out there – it also works for the general populace of men with regular bodies. It is simply a matter of finding the right fit. Even places such as Mr. Big & Tall have started carrying pants and blazers in slimmer styles.

This slim fit suits trend opens up the appreciation of the male physique, demonstrating that men can primp and look good as well. It is no longer feminine or homosexual for men to pay attention to more fitted clothing.

Style and Cut to look out for:
1. 3 buttons on the jacket/blazer – anymore and youre making a fashion faux pas.
2. Shoulders should be fitted – no 80s shoulder pads. American styles end at the shoulder bone while English styles peak out a little past the shoulders.
3. Most of the new Double Breasted styles you will see in the upcoming season are Kent style, which is the slimmest of the DB cuts. The Kent cut will create a slimming effect to the waist and also add height due to the extension of the longer lapel to the waist (following the traditional English suits).

Traditional:
-traditional contrasts (think black slim fit suits and white, white collared shirt, diagonal lines from tie, horizontal pinstripes)
-thin tie
-thin, subtle pinstripes

Aristocratic:
-suit and shirt is color coordinated (ex. dark plum pinstriped suit, bold purple colored tie that coordinates with suit, light collared shirt with subtle purple hues)

Avant:
-simple
-subtle shades of grey
-add a pointed lapel (not suggested if youre a bit bigger – stick to clean cut lines and subtle horizontal pinstripes to elongate the body)

Fashion is a reflection of persons changing attitude and values. A personal style statement can become fashion when it is seen and adopted by others. The style should be appealing to be imitated by other public. On the other hand trend is referred to the particular set of product preferences within a consumer group. People generally follow fashion trends due to lack of confidence, interest, hesitation or lack of time to try out something new.

Features of Fashion
Fashion is not based on price
Fashion is changing everyday
Particular style becomes fashion when it is accepted by majority
Sales promotions doesnt have a direct impact in popularizing any sort of fashion
All fashions ends in excess

Based on these features a number of theories have been formulated explaining how fashion is adopted in a social environment. Some of the theories are
1.Trickle Down theory or Downward-flow theory
2.Trickle Up theory or Upward Flow theory
3.Trickle Across theory or Horizontal Flow theory

Understanding the changing Consumer Fashion Trends

Most fashion designers observed that customers mostly grave for unique colors and style. Choosing a particular theme has also become important. Through unique color combination they try to express their creativity and individuality. But in this economic unstable situation they are now looking for more comforting colors. Innovative textures, pattern, prints and draping style are also preferred by the customer.

To flatten the skin tone and to lift the spirit they look for vibrant colors. Color adds depth and spark to the individual personality. Now customers have become more conscious about their look. They now visit shopping malls on regular interval or check visit different fashion website to check out the new arrivals. They look for quality product at the lowest price. If something attracts their attention and satisfies their need they dont hesitate to spend some extra money.

Designers have also responded to the changing preferences of the customers by creating eye-catching unique dressing materials. After studying the consumer behavior thoroughly they also predict the fashion forecasting that exposes the fashion for the future. Based on this they design their new collection to delight the customers.