mindset meltdown

Some things to consider when attempting a self-directed life:

To do lists, visions, goals, objectives are very nice words. Lists can be completed, and goals can be reached. The challenge lies in looking beyond and figuring out what it is that needs to be achieved in the long term. This is the ultimate challenge since you must look at today’s activities as it will directly affect what may happen a year from now. Then, what about sales and day to day stuff?

Focus is the ultimate skill that must be learned, since doors and windows are usually wide open and its easy to throw a few limbs into all of them. Sounds difficult, but strangely fun?

A schedule for purposes of remaining sane should be constructed since life doesn’t wait nor does it stop for anything. A consistent space for work that allows focus may be slightly important. Additionally, a happy space that has light and pieces of inspiration is potentially a good workplace.

book review: the end of fashion

I just finished reading: The End of Fashion by Teri Agins which was published in 2000. I realize now that it is a history lesson. I wonder about the intimate details of the last 9 years and if fashion is now extinct.

The author reveals a very detailed account of the fall of couture, the rise of department stores, and the battle between Lauren and Hilfiger. She accounts the ending before going into the gory details which was at times hard to follow. Then again, the whole M&A and designer hierarchy is very hard to remember; I am considering making a chart.

I would put this book beside Deluxe: How Luxury Lost its Luster, both books gave a great overview of fashion history over the 80’s and 90’s. I feel that it is still relevant today as Lacroix recently went bankrupt. This is an interesting event since he was couterier and then was LVMH’s little pet project and now that’s gone sour too. 

The question remaining is what is the new fashion model, how can a designer succeed in today’s economic climate? Is twisting marketing and branding to appeal and evoke emotions of target markets enough? Or do you stay the course of your own focused branding and target a select group like Zoran. I like Zoran’s method, however at the end of day how can you scale something that is exclusive? What of the quality of the product, workmanship and of course overall design aspects – do they weigh in as much as they used to?

We are amidst a huge change in the economy that will inevitably change the way we do business, not just in fashion but in all business transactions.

A fashion break

After lots of email shuffling and marketing strategy blow-ups last week, I skipped town and headed to Boston for four days on awesome times, lots of walking, and goofiness. The only thing that was remotely related to fashion was singing lyrics pretaining to a nautical themed pashmina afghan.

I am still recovering and have decided this week is a bit of a write off as I head to part II of my “break” this weekend… I suppose it wasn’t a great time to start a weekly series, but I have only myself to blame…

a week of first

I am thinking that its time I start to be more regimented with my blog, as an attempt to become more disciplined. After thinking about it, my first series post will be on the events of my week – similar to finalfashion who is kind of my inspiration!

Last weekend was spent thinking about my new found life. It is funny how my life is essentially repeating itself – I was in this exact same position about a year and a half ago. I am back to driving my old van (aka: elephant) with no office, no job and this time no personal laptop. Ah but I’m a happy drunk.

Sunday was spent shivering in Queen West. I contemplated the heavy scrubbing with buckets of bleach that would be required on the walls. Can you guess which house I am referring to?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The week continued with some contemplation in my flood-free basement (aka: home office). However, the furniture is still detained elsewhere for now. It was nice to recieve a fashion related phone call as I sat on the floor organizing files. I met up with the owner of Falcon Clothing & BambooWear as I am currently assisting him with this new bamboo line while he helps me with some business advice. A potential fashion shoot will be coming up very soon with my very own custom yoga suit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also managed to attend the OCE Discovery 09 Conference/Expo at the MTCC. It was a future of technology type gathering with tons of interesting things to see including a digital desktop, virtual race car driving, and tons of familliar faces. I failed to take any pictures at this event but should have taken atleast one of the lunch that was served on a literal silver platter.

That’s that! How was your week?