For
the Love of Fashion
The realization of how much fashion infuses into our
daily lives is almost beyond belief. While
the rest of the world is working and/or vacationing, fashionistas, designers,
fashion executives, boutiques, and clothing stores are considering their
options for the upcoming fashion weeks, fashion events, Autumn/Winter
collections, current fashion trends, and what they will wear at the next big
event. In the US alone, the fashion
business generates an estimated $20 billion annual revenue on over $250 billion
spent annually industry-wide. If anyone
were to think fashion is trivial or frivolous, those two statistics alone
should clearly demonstrate that it is a thriving, viable business for many. It is estimated that there will be over
21,000 designers worldwide by 2016. Furthermore,
when one thinks about the number of designers showcased in fashion shows, those
who are actually successful are a limited few.
Those designers who do find success, and a way to not
only make a living but also perpetuate their brand and designs, most often do
because of the love and passion they have for their craft. The journey they take is not an easy one and is
often riddled with many obstacles, challenges, not to mention the complexities
of life in general. This path is not for
the faint-of-heart, nor those who are not willing to show up day in and day out
to participate. Many eat, drink, and
sleep the life of fashion.
One designer who has succeeded in living her dream of
fashion is Ofra Aricha, creator of OfraStyle. The designs she creates enable one to see
past the limitations of traditional apparel which normally has one purpose and
one way to be worn. Ofra loves the
casual-by-day, contemporary-by-night philosophy she has infused into her
garments, a concept that enables one to have different looks with the same
piece, from morning to night. Colors and
the different fabrics make her products stand out uniquely, and there is a
definite flow and unpredictable nature about their blending that brings her
designs to life. For Ofra, the colors in
the fabric have energy of their own and represent meanings similar to chakra
colors of energy. Her desire is to inspire
and coach others to live an unlimited life, a life without impossibility; the designs
of OfraStyle are
her way to reach your soul.
And so we journey from the soul to Valentine’s Day--which
is right around the corner. Why not let
fashion play an intricate part in reflecting your love through celebration and
gifts? One way to do so is to visit the Biltmore Union, a
new type of consortium which encourages support of local business owners and designers.
UNION events,
taking place currently in Phoenix, AZ, offer shoppers an exciting mix of 18
small, distinctive boutiques, including shops of fashion, food, and art. Information on the following 18 boutiques
will be shared in future articles focusing on different types of fashion: Bonafide Goods, Citrine Natural Beauty Bar, Customatic.com,
Oils and Olives, For the People, Frances, Frances & Charlie Newsstand, Lilly,
British Bicycle Company, Me Myself & Eye, Paris Envy, R & R Surplus, Royal
Coffee, Smeeks, Trattoria del Piero, White House Flowers, Whoopie Baking
Company, The Willows Home and Garden.
This UNION
event is hosted by Phoenix
Fashion Week whose goal it is to bring awareness of
Arizona fashion to the world and to bridge buyers and designers throughout the world
of fashion.
