Fashion Studies - Lifestyle Education?

Getting graduate education is a goal for many young people. Historically this was a matter of class, prestige and status. Today, in many cases it is a matter of getting a job. But, in some, it isn’t. Many young people follow their dreams to pick degrees that offer interesting courses while remaining in denial that they will ever be able to get a job in related field. Fashion, unfortunately, is one of the least employable fields in Canada and the United States.

Main reason is declining manufacturing and a stall in creativity. Manufacturing is outsourced to China, India and Eastern Europe and in many cases big brands simply act as buyers rather than designers. There was an article interviewing Russian factory workers who admitted that they never know who are they making clothing for and that from time to time recognize their own “creations” on the racks in different big brand stores, such as Hugo Boss, Zara, Benneton years after they were produced.

McLeans Magazine conducted a number of studies that show rather shocking statistics on employment percentage broken down by degree, and average salaries suggesting that for some degrees you may still have a job, but it will not pay well.

McLeans also discovered that student loans for private colleges bear 3 times more risk of default than those for public institutions. In Canada Fashion Studies are often offered by private institutions. Universities offer programs with more general focus : Marketing, Accounting, Engineering, Fine Arts etc. that have applicability in Fashion industry. But students with such degrees have a broader job search across many other industries if the dream one fails to offer opportunities.

Here are the top 10 majors with the highest median earnings:

1. Petroleum Engineer ($120,000)

2. Pharmacy/pharmaceutical Sciences and Administration ($105,000)

3. Mathematics and Computer Sciences ($98,000)

4. Aerospace Engineering ($87,000)

5. Chemical Engineering ($86,000)

6. Electrical Engineering ($85,000)

7. Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering ($82,000)

8. Mechanical Engineering ($80,000)

9. Metallurgical Engineering ($80,000)

10. Mining and Mineral Engineering ($80,000)

Here are the 10 majors with the lowest median earnings:

1. Counseling/Psychology ($29,000)

2. Early Childhood Education ($36,000)

3. Theology and Religious Vocations ($38,000)

4. Human Services and Community Organizations ($38,000)

5. Social Work ($39,000)

6. Drama and Theater Arts ($40,000)

7. Studio Arts ($40,000)

8. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($40,000)

9. Visual and Performing Arts ($40,000)

10. Health and Medical Preparatory Programs ($40,000)

Here are the numbers for the degrees that have highest default on student loans.

1. “Other” Arts and Science 7.0 per cent

2. Physical Science 5.7 per cent

3. Humanities 5.4 per cent

4. Social Sciences 4.9 per cent

5. Fine and Applied Arts 4.6 per cent

6. Theology 4.4 per cent

7. Kineseology and Physical Education 3.8 per cent

8. Nursing 3.1 per cent

9. Business and Commerce 3.0 per cent

10. Agriculture & Biological Science 2.7 per cent

Air Canada on Strike and Canada Post

It seems that Canada gone mad. Two major Canadian corporations - Canada Post and Air Canada are on strike.

Canada Post has been changing guards last week and striking one city at a time. There was London, Winnipeg, Owen Sound and others. Small and large - interchangeably. Yesterday Toronto Star reported that some of branches that were on strike simply locked the workers out and din't let them in. It is not clear if it is any different from firing. In a way, corporation may treat these people as if they quit or walked out of the job.

Air Canada is a similar story. Yesterday strike went official and several thousands of customer service workers walked out of the job. Flights were still conducted and today the corporation announced that temp workers were put to fill in "openings" instead.

We don't necessarily disagree with the reasons for strike. In fact, Air Canada CEO is making $85 million a year when company is on the verge of bankruptcy posting on average $100 million loss over the last 5 years. When pensions, benefits and jobs are cut it is not ethical for the management to profit on shareholders expectations that they can turn company around. Corporate culture is clearly fragmented and this strike hopefully will have a good outcome for the workers and shareholders. CEO has to resign along with other officers.

Canada Post management is citing on declining mail trend and that jobs/benefits/pensions are to be cut. We, at Eyeinform only see an increase over the last 5 years in mail due to drastic shift of Internet retail. If company has survived invention of e-mail several decades ago, now with the Internet shopping trend Canada Post future should look nothing but bright.

I must admit, press and media including bloggers are going ballistic over these strikes. Given that both corporations are connected in nature of business - service there are major concerns on mail delivery.

We, at EyeInform do use Canada Post as major shipper, however now in the verge of these news will be shipping via Fedex, UPS and alternative couriers while charging customers Canada Post prices for shipping - still lowest in the industry. So, no worries, your glasses will be delivered as promised. Usually 2-3 business days across North America and 1-2 weeks to Europe.

Guide to Men Sunglasses - Big Heads

Every head is unique. Every face is unique. This what makes us all look different and not like clones of each other.

I often hear complaint "I have a hard time finding glasses because my head is big". But you have no idea that other people have their own, different, but still complaints "My head is round", "My head is too small", "Too long, too pointy etc.". Bottom line, finding glasses is not easy. No matter what not everything will fit everyone. This is how when you see a pair of sunglasses you like - get it. But we would like to give some tips for big heads and there are a lot of options for you.

What is considered "big head"?

First, let's define "big head". I would think, anything over 142 mm in width would qualify. This usually would mean that the lens should be over 64 mm with bridge 18 mm or more.

Frame width over 146mm	Lens width over 64mm	Bridge over 18mm

How to know my size?

Just take a ruler and measure.
Another good place to look is your existing sunglasses. Most of them will have a fine print inside the temple. It will look similar to 64 x 18 135. The last number is temple size. You don't need to worry about it as most of glasses that are made big will have a long temple in proportion. Just don't get confused because the frame width is rarely printed. Don't assume that 135 is frame width, it's not. To figure the width simply do the math: 2 x Lens with + Bridge width. So, in our example: 64 x 2 + 18 = 146 mm.

What styles are good?

Various styles will fit. Usually rectangular shapes tend to look more balanced. However, it really depends on your taste.
Aviators tend to look very good also because the lens is large by design. Aviators however, do look sportier than rectangulars.
You should also try shield shaped sunglasses. Shields are one lens that usually is frame-less. Shields tend to look very balanced on big heads because visually they occupy more of the face area and are made hight.

Rectangular

Armani E_ARMANI 9698/S	GUCCI 1856/S

Aviators

GUCCI 1889/S	BOSS 0284/S

Shields

Armani E_ARMANI 9362/F/S	GUCCI 1582

Business Style

Dior Homme BLACK TIE 101/S	Dior Homme DIOR 0144/S	Armani E_ARMANI 9699/S
GUCCI 1638/S	BOSS 0338/S	Carrera BACK 80-ies-5

Casual Style

Carrera BRIDGE	Prada PS 03MS
Prada PS 54IS	Oakley SCALPEL

Armani - Hardworking Business Genious

Armani bar far is the the most famous brand that has its own unique story of creation. Products Armani thrill of fashionistas around the world - still, after a while everything designed under this label is inevitably becomes classics.

And where did it all start? Perhaps with the fact that the young Italian, Giorgio Armani, after studying in the medical school became disillusioned with medicine. He studied at the respected University of Bologna following traditional believes of his family who thought that proper education is either lawyer or doctor.

But eventually he didn’t visualize himself wearing a white robe and being surrounded by peculiar smells and dropped out. Who knows what was to blame: the classical frustration in childhood dream, or is it a creative nature. Looking for adventure he enlisted to army. His first job was at a large Milan shop «La Rinescente» as window dresser. This activity excited him and the ego of dropping the medical or military career didn’t come in the way. George had been indifferent to someone's prejudices - he knew that he had found his calling. He talent for a good taste was quickly recognized and he was offered the honorary position of a Bayer. George was happy - with the same zeal with which he bought books on medicine before, he improvised with a finding right selection for the store to work out of a corporate identity for the company.

Soon, Giorgio Armani has overcome yet another step in career ladder. He became personal assistant to the designer of the company «Hitman». At that time the company worked to develop men's collections for the famous fashion house «Nino Cerruti».

Years spent in the company gave Giorgio strong sense of confidence in his talent - everything no matter what he did, impressed coworkers and management - respectable professionals in the field of fashion. He gained invaluable knowledge in the field of design, fabrics and customer expectations.

Armani First Wave

In 1974 year, together with the notorious partner Sergio Galeotti, Giorgio Armani, laid the foundation for the future empire by releasing the first collection of men's wear pret-a-porter. The audience recognized the elegance and practicality of gray, black and brown suit immediately. Public recognized the elegance of the idea that filled the gap - he walked away from the standard broad shoulders - narrow waist to create a classic suites that appealed to people with different complexions.

By the way, few know that to finance his first collection of Giorgio had to sell his own Volkswagen.

Women quickly picked on the idea and started to swipe his suits. In the next few years youth & sports collections, swimwear and accessories followed. The logo «GA» representing wings of an eagle started to build mass awareness.

Armani Style

Giorgio was never going to turn a demonstration of his collection into a theatrical show. He wanted the audience to have come to the viewing, pick out few new items to refresh their wardrobe. He didn’t want them to just slap eyes, looking at the balloons and confetti, instead he wanted them to have easy time imagining themselves in the place the model in everyday life.

By 1981 he created new clothing line - Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani – line catered to young fans of the brand for more affordable prices.

Armani sunglasses added in 1986 became a world hit practically overnight. Armani glasses for prescription needs quickly followed.


Talented businessmen Armani was shooting to appeal celebrities. Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Russell Crowe, Sean Connery were among first to adopt the brand. Elegant suits from Armani were worn by Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman", and "American Gigolo." Jackets without shoulder pads and linings are new to the world of high fashion. Not surprisingly, the Giorgio was awarded an Honorary Knight of the Italian Republic for his contribution to the domestic arts.

Current Armani

Today, in his seventies, Giorgio is still the same, smiling creator with strong and cold eyes. Many consider his creations too minimalistic especially when finding a trend towards bisexual style. But men knows what sells – premium quality where corners are not cut and production is still in house, comfortable cuts and elegant styles. His classics after all are timeless and they can be matched with anything over the top flamboyant if so desired.

Today Armani empire presents six totally different lines of clothing:

1. Armani Junior
2. Armani Exchange
3. Armani Collezioni
4. Armani Jeans
5. Emporio Armani (Pret-a-porter)
6. Giorgio Armani (Haute Couture)

Few years ago “Forbes” called Giorgio the most successful designer in the world. In fact he is the only top 100 self made richest men in the world from fashion industry. But to no surprise his friends call him the most hardworking and stubborn man they know.

The Tale of a Fairy – Review

Karl Lagerfeld has proven himself as not only a talented artist and designer, but also a talented marketer and film maker. In efforts to promote latest Chanel Cruise Collection, Karl has directed and filmed a short film that was launched at Cannes Film Festival in 2011. This film and the collection fashion show in Cannes have made Cruise collection launch the largest and most successful in the history of fashion.

Film depicts characters wearing clothing from Cruise collection as they move on with the story. Film stars Kristen McMenamy, Lady Amanda Harlech and Lagerfeld favourite Baptiste Giabiconi. You can watch the film here.

Movie left mixed feelings for me. But this was expected. According to Karl "Some people may be shocked". The overall style reminded me David Lych’s Mulholland Drive – very chaotic with sicko charachters. Karl was trying to show money addicted people who lost sense of love and reality of this beautiful world. Film also hints on gender neutrality as some of the ladies are very men like Kristen McMenamy and Freja Beha – a fairy.

The plot of the film surrounds a rich mansion and its very depressed owner whose life is once more distracted when her friend (played by Lady Amanda Harlech) moves in and starts throwing loud parties. Then gender neutral fairy appears to bring comfort to depressed characters and enlighten their lives.

During the movie characters are wearing beautiful Chanel attires from Cruise collection, beads and pearls and effective Chanel sunglasses. To get enough patience to watch the movie to the end, you really need to pay attention to clothing and surroundings to enjoy details of very well thought through design.

New Details on the Death of Famous Russian Model Ruslana Korshunova

New information has surfaced up regarding death of Russian supermodel Ruslana Korshunova. Korshunova is believed to have committed suicide by jumping out of the window from her Manhattan apartment over 2 years ago. She was only 20 years old. According to the new details the tragic incident could be possibly associated with the Moscow organization "Rose of the World." The reasons for suicide are still not determined and the investigation case has been closed shortly after her death.

Her friend and manager Peter Pomerantsev is carrying out his own investigation and found out that Korshunova may have been alluded to end her life by Russian sect "Rose of the World."

Korshunova has turned to sect after the break with the boyfriend and mentor, whom she planned to marry. However, none of the friends and relatives of Ruslana believe that she died because of these reasons. Pomerantsev argues that the work of the model was never a goal and she was going to apply to university to pursue education.

In addition, during the time of incident she was in a good spirit and has fully recovered from unhappy romance.

It has been confirmed that Ruslana attended classes at the "Rose of the World." Her friend, model Anastasia Drozdova committed suicide in Kiev a year after Ruslana. Girls paid money for a three day course that was intended to help identify personal goals and achieve wealth.

Pomerantsev reported that he obtained a secret recording from the training at the "Rose of the World"."Everything is designed to suppress consciousness, to turn off critical thinking," - he writes. “The audience is asked about the worst moments in their lives. She talked about her father's death, her failed romance. She was hysterically crying and laughing interchangeably. Course entailed three days of screaming, recovery from repressed memories, meditations, dances, tears and ecstasy" – he reported. Meanwhile, Anastasia and Ruslana attended this insanely expensive and intense training because they believed that they found a place where they can be themselves.

Center website says that the trainings are based on the teachings of Lifespring, once popular in the U.S. However, there is no mention of lawsuits against the organization brought up by former students. Former students suffered obscured sense of reality and psychological implications as a result of the course and filed complaints to local authorities. As a result of the charges the American part of the organization was closed in 1980. In Russia Lifespring didn’t cease activity and if fact is popular among certain parts of population.

Ruslana attended courses in January-February 2008 and on June 28 fell from the balcony of her apartment located on the ninth floor of one of Manhattan's condo building. A year later Anastasia Drozdova died in a similar circumstances. Police closed Ruslana’s case almost immediately concluding that it was a suicide. There were a number of controversial facts that spurred doubts in validity of the investigation conclusion. One was that the distance between the body and the building was larger than expected in this case. Another - absence of the suicide note. According to Ruslana’s friends she was very scared of heights. Height phobia was noted by her colleagues during the Nina Ricci advertisement shooting weeks before her death. Shortly after her death there was a speculation that Ruslana was a victim of stalking by an elite prostitution agency that tried to recruit her for a high profile client and she refused. Agency was applying physiological pressure on Ruslana and she threatened to call police.

Korshunova career began in November 2003 back in Russia. She was offered a job by the American agent who spotted her print ad in the airplane brochure. Her first high fashion run show was for Marc Jacobs in 2005.Ruslana appeared in ad campaigns for Paul Smith, Clarins, Kenzo, Moschino and Nina Ricci. She worked a large number of run way shows in Paris and New York. She was known for her very long gorgeous hair and catty face features – green eyes and pointy face. Fashion magazines predicted Korshunova to become next Natalia Vodianova.

Brand Name Glasses Is A Status Symbol

If you walked into optical store 20-30 years ago you would see a dozen of glasses models in various colors. Shopping experience was limited to fitting glasses to your head size and picking the color of your choice – most of the time black. You would wear these glasses for 10 years, occasionally coming back to optical store to fill in new prescription. Today world is completely different. Eyeglasses stores have hundreds of models and you will hardly find anything similar to each other. Once a particular model has been sold to you empty shelf is filled with a different, newer model. Glasses manufacturers teamed up with fashion designers and in cooperation with the label release 4 collections a year meticulously following new trends. Almost all big design labels have a collection of eyewear.

Jewellery brands – Bvlgari, Tiffany
Sport brands – Oakley, Carrera
Designer brands – Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Versace
Status brands – Gucci, Prada, Dior

Just like owning a pair of Prada shoes, Gucci purse or Tiffany ring, owning a pair of designer eyeglasses became a status element of the lifestyle. Once you have a pair of expensive glasses people notice, they may not say a compliment, but will certainly acknowledge your taste for good.

What is surprising is that eyewear industry runs in its own world. Designer labels while completely controlling their own clothing and accessory manufacturing are only partnering with eyewear manufacturers who own the distribution market for their brand name eyewear products. You may have noticed that unlike clothing, glasses are sold via private owned boutiques or corporate eyewear stores. Industry is very fragmented with only dozen or some manufacturers holding the market. Consequence – the price. You may have also noticed that to your own advantage designer glasses price is only a fraction of clothing and other accessories. For example cheapest Gucci purse today goes for $820. Average pair of pants for $300. Cheapest pair of Gucci glasses - $165. To manufacture a pair of glasses however takes way more hand work and thought than a pair of pants.

Why we are telling you this? Just because we want you to appreciate that glasses are the most cost effective status symbol you can have. If you are into premium brand names, have a brand name watch, purse or pair of shoes, you got to get a pair of descent shades. Another important factor in this kind of purchase is that glasses are meant to decorate your face – the most important part of your outer body.

At our online eyeglasses store you can chose from hundreds of current designer sunglasses and designer eyeglasses models, many in multiple colors and sizes. Given our low prices you can even afford to get a new pair every year or more often. Remember, glasses are a status symbol that enhances quality of life.