
The fashion label DSquared was founded in 1991 by Canadian identical twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten. The brothers decided that they wanted to relocate to an area which was more vibrant, fashion orientated and inspirational and therefore relocated to Milan to work on their designs and launch the brand. They showcased their men’s collection in 1994 which was very successful and in 2003, they felt confident that the DSquared style could transcend into women’s fashion and launched a women’s collection and also a men’s underwear collection. DSquared Eyewear is a new range launched in 2009 which comprises of men’s, ladies and unisex style sunglasses. Like the other collections, the style is very much bold and statement and designed to be noticed and worn with attitude.
DSquared is renowned for its highly energetic and impactful fashion shows that convey energy, innovation and
sex appeal which is a general theme of the brand as a whole. A runway show in 2005 for example, ended with pop singer Christina Aguilera stripping male models of their clothes and in September 2007, the DSquared fashion show in Milan featured R&B singer Rihanna elaborately entering the stage in an American muscle car which was then followed by a runway walk presenting the collection. The DSquared catwalk shows are always the talk of Fashion Week and these are designers who dare to be bold and are always striving to create the next step in fashion as opposed to following.
DSquared sunglasses take much inspiration from the 1970s hip-hop culture and can therefore be described as very retro in appearance. Most of the designs are oversized but the brand experiments with different variations of the oversized look to create a completely different dynamic for each style. DSquared uses elements such as colour, shape and theme which ultimately makes one oversized style completely different from the next. One distinctive design choice which is evident in most of the sunglasses is the use of contrasting colours. Some of the designs feature a strong colour at the top half of the frame for example and a contrasting or transparent colour on the lower section. A selection of the men’s frames also vary between softer edge frames and in direct contrast, frames that incorporate sharp angles for a defined and statement look.
The DSquared sunglasses for ladies include dramatically oversized frames that are perfect for a high fashion look with angular and wide frames and big rounded lenses, which definitely adds a strong sense of glamour. Some are also slightly more sports orientated and incorporate more of a wraparound style but with the outside edges angled outwards to keep the look chic and sophisticated. The colours tend to be warm with the use of autumnal tones such as red and deep brown as well as brown and bronze tortoiseshell patterns. Knowing that classic black is a staple and highly versatile colour that never goes out of fashion, many of the sunglasses also feature black frames.
DSquared is a brand that coveys self confidence and is geared towards those who like to make a bold style statement and revel in the theme of exaggeration and drama. Celebrity fans of the DSquared brand include Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson, all of whom are renowned for their diva-esque style and personality!
DSquared is definitely the brand to be wearing into 2010!
Tags:
Gucci is one of the oldest and historic brands in the fashion industry and was founded by Guccio Gucci in 1906. Gucci began as a saddlery shop as Guccio had great craftsmanship skills, particularly in leather goods. He started out selling leather bags to horsemen in the 1920’s and then developed into producing luxury luggage as his clients prgressed to traveling via horseless carriages. In 1938 Guccio Gucci opened his first retail shop on the Via Condotti in Rome.
As a brand, Gucci is renowned for its interesting and unique designs and therefore has quite a diverse customer base all around the world due to its innovative products which now consist of clothing, shoes, accessories and sunglasses.
The collection of Gucci sunglasses capture every key trend and range from shield style sunglasses, rimless sunglasses which look incredibly stylish and contemporary and aviator sunglasses which resemble the look of the old and classic aviator’s glasses and also of course, the iconic oversized sunglasses.
All Gucci sunglasses incorporate some of the typical Gucci features such as the GG bamboo symbol and the colours vary from brown and black to red, green and beige. There is definitely an element of retro and vintage appeal to the style of Gucci sunglasses but with contemporary features such as colour - the new GG3100 sunglasses with their violet frames are a great example of this.
Gucci sunglasses
are definitely not a plain and ordinary brand. The new GG1926 are a square style with off grey toned frames and gradient lenses and are incredibly unique, fashion forward and have a sporty appeal. Despite being a relatively simple style, the strong lines and definition of these sunglasses definitely create a statement and are the depiction of sophistication.
For a classic oversized style which ooze drama and glamour, the GG3069 jet black Gucci sunglasses with large oval frames and the classic Gucci ‘G’ logo on the arm hinge, are the perfect option and will compliment any outfit with their sleek looks and sophisticated style.
Detailing is a common feature of Gucci and the GG2827 oversized sunglasses in a beautiful textured grey colour incorporate a striking Gucci crest logo on the arm hinge.
If you are looking for a classic aviator style, the GG1905 with silver frames and grey lenses are sophisticated, stylish and probably one of the most versatile of all sunglass styles.
Despite sunglasses being primarily designed as an accessory to protect the eyes, classic designer brands such as Gucci are responsible for also making sunglasses the ultimate fashion statement and thus people are now fascinated by the innovative and visually exciting designs of Gucci sunglasses and the brand’s other collections. Due to the huge variety of sunglasses within the Gucci collection, you are sure to find a pair that will suit your personal style and inject glamour and elegance into your look. In terms of quality and function, Gucci sunglasses are made using the most innovative technologies and materials and the lenses ensure 100% Protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays, to fully protect your eyes.
There are a number of celebrities and fashion icons who are renowned for loving their Gucci sunglasses including Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Jessica Simpson and Kanye West. Gucci has that element of Italian style that cannot be replicated and the collection of sunglasses are exquisite, refined, timelessly on trend and dramatic.
Tags:
The famous designer label Diesel was founded over 20 years ago by Italian designer Renzo Rosso and has grown rapidly to become an international fashion phenomenon based on innovative, exciting and highly stylish designs. The Diesel brand which creates casual clothing – most famously jeans, shoes and accessories including sunglasses and watches, has a huge number of stores all over the world.
When Rosso founded Diesel, he wanted the brand to be different and was prepared to take a risk as opposed to following existing fashion and jumping on the trend bandwagon. Rosso wanted to challenge current designs in the industry and provide an alternative to people who appreciated a unique style. Rosso believed that the brand would only evolve in the way he desired if he was inspired by a team of like-minded people and therefore he selected a team who worked hard to create a more dynamic, innovative, exciting and imaginative line of clothing. Rosso was considered a dream to work for as he gave his designers a free reign on their ideas, allowing them to be as open minded as they wish; the only creative brief being to design a collection that was geared towards people who like to reflect their
individuality and independence through the way that they dress and wear what suits them as opposed to merely following trends.
Diesel became a fast success and people love the fact that the brand is a fashion leader. You will notice that the style has remained fairly continuous over the years proving that the brand is timeless – if you bought a pair of Diesel jeans five years ago, they will still look fantastic today and the same applies to Diesel accessories such as the collection of watches and sunglasses. Diesel is also renowned for its incredibly high quality products and cutting edge production methods. From the design development of the styles, the choice of fabrics and materials used, to the manufacturing methods and quality control, you can be assured that a Diesel product will be of the best quality possible.
The Diesel ‘trend’ is one that is regarded as applicable to everyone all around the world which is why the company also strongly believes in employing designers, marketers and retail assistants among many other roles, from all across the globe which encourages an unpredictable and varied take on fashion and creates an extremely inspirational environment to work in. This is definitely why the brand has become so dynamic and successful and it is often featured as a case study and used as an example of how other companies could be structured in order to be successful.
Diesel has an effortless yet polished style and when you wear a piece of Diesel clothing or don a pair of Diesel sunglasses, you instantly feel like you are expressing your own style without trying too hard. The collection of Diesel watches and Diesel sunglasses are a great way of injecting the Diesel spirit to your look. With cutting edge designs that will still look stylish in years to come and with cool features such as dual digital and analogue displays within the Diesel watch collection for example, Diesel is constantly creating fresh and innovative looks that are striking but that will work well with your existing wardrobe and enhance it as opposed to contradicting it for the sake of being different. Celebrity fans of Diesel include Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears and this is a brand that is definitely here to stay – perfect for those that work their own unique style!
Aside from being one of the most fashion forward and stylish brands in the world, DKNY is also renowned and respected for how it consistently supports charitable causes. The most recent charity event of which DKNY hosted was in support of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.
This is a disease which is close to the DKNY team as the Donna Karan UK support manager Marlo Donato Parmelee is a sufferer of MS and has documented her experience in a book of memoirs which describes her life building up to the diagnosis when she was aged 32.
At the exclusive event, Marlo unveiled her book which is titled ‘Awkward Bitch: My Life with MS’ at the flagship DKNY store in London’s Old Bond Street. The event included a champagne reception and a reading from the author who is a self confessed fashion obsessive. Ten percent of all proceeds went to the MS Society and the guests also enjoyed the opportunity to purchase some wonderful DKNY goodies including the new range of watches.
Donna Karan also r
ecently released a special Chari-Tee t-shirt which celebrated the 20th birthday of DKNY and the profits from proceeds will go to the charity Operation Smile. Since its launch in 1982, the charity has restored the smiles to 130,000 children around the world. The celebrity ambassadors of Operation Smile include singer and actress Jessica Simpson, Without a Trace star Roselyn Sanchez and supermodel Molly Sims. This very special t-shirt is a white-on-black design made and drawn on by Donna Karan herself and is sure to be reflective of the same New York style as within the other collections.
The new range of DKNY watches are stunning and incredibly fashion forward with that true DKNY style which represents the essence of New York. The new
NY4745 ladies watch incorporates a gorgeous pink leather strap with a shiny polished finish. The dial is also pink and despite its simple aesthetic, this splash of colour injects a trendy edge but retains that DKNY individuality. This style and colour can
be described as super feminine and cute but there is also a purple and black version if you prefer something a little less girly! The new NY4783 is also a new addition and with a back ceramic case and bracelet strap this ladies watch is funky and trendy but the beautiful diamante embellished bezel adds some sparkle and bling! The combination of glitzy and edgy is a style trait that DKNY watches capture perfectly.
DKNY watches have everything you could desire in a watch; innovation, great style, unique design and a high quality finish. The brand is also popular not only because of the product aesthetic but because it consistently gives to good causes and aims to help those in need. Donna Karan is very much at the forefront of the DKNY charitable work as it is something that she is incredibly passionate about. Channeling her skill for fashion design in such a positive way to help others is a great example of a truly inspiring brand.
Tags:
Diesel watches are the absolute essence of understated cool. Symbolising a sign of a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle, with your wrist adorned with one of the brand’s funky yet sophisticated timepieces you will portray fashion status, personality and casual elegance.
The Diesel watch collection is fantastic and there are designs and styles to suit every occasion. New for 2009 comes the exclusive DZ5147 watch which is feminine at its best but yet still edgy enough to look cool. In bold purple with a scrunched leather strap and purple dial, the rose cold plated detail compliments the main purple and this is certainly a watch designed to be noticed. Diesel is renowned for its team of innovative designers and the men’s gold plated stainless steel DZ7112 watch is the perfect example of how Diesel is one of the most cutting edge brands out there. With a slick multi-strand bracelet and a multi functional LED dial, this timepiece has a futuristic vibe and is great
for cool evening wear. Extremely funky and unique is the Diesel DZ5162 for women. I would imagine that this design has never been seen before with a triple coloured bracelet style band and the small offset dial. This is a great fashion piece and sure to be the source of many conversations and compliments!
Of course, Diesel is famous for being edgy and urban and has quite the celebrity following including Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears, who have both being pictured wearing Diesel watches. The brand is so popular because the cutting edge designs are high fashion in style and quality yet the high street price tag means that everyone can look great in amazing designs for an affordable or at least reasonable amount. Opt for a Diesel watch and it will be an accessory which lasts and looks great for years to come.
Click here to visit our Diesel Watches section
Tags: