Bangladesh Fashion Industry Controversy

After the deadly Rana Plaza collapse which claimed the lives of 1,130 people this year, apparel buyers have started leaving Bangladesh for other countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Pakistan, etc,.  Is it possible that large fashion brands and retailers are unjustifiably caving to the pressure put on them by the media?  When a specific factory does not meet safety standards, it does not mean that the entire country should be abandoned.  For those of you that have shouted, “close down all garment factories in Bangladesh”, please keep in mind the unemployed people that would be left behind in the wake.

The poverty level in Bangladesh is beyond belief.  When a factory closes, where do you think those people are going to get a new job?  Where are they going to get food?  Where will they live?

The unfortunate reality is that international garment buyers are critical to improving factory safety in Bangladesh.  If the larger corporations leave Bangladesh, the number & quality of factory inspections will likely diminish.  Large clothing companies often have more stringent rules and inspection processes than smaller companies.  If large international clothing buyers are not in Bangladesh pushing factory owners to do better, potential troubles may become more likely. 

Buyers should not be dissuaded by global scrutiny of safety in Bangladesh.  Each factory is different and needs to be evaluated separately.  Obviously, buyers should NOT work with factories that do not meet safety standards.  However, they should continue to work hard to find factories that do meet and surpass the standards. 

Is it proper to pull out from the entire country?  A more responsible concept would be for the clothing companies to stay in Bangladesh, and work with factory owners to “improve”.

Help make Bangladesh better.  Don’t turn your back on the factories or the people.

What is your thoughts on the subject?  Should the garment industry leave Bangladesh, or stay there and help the factories improve?

Thinspiration: Self-Esteem of Young Girls

Conventional thinking has flown out the window for advertisers who want to attract women to their product, according to a new report from the University of Manitoba and University of Michigan.

The report is based off of three studies that conclude blatant, in-your-face content featuring thin, young models actually turn off a woman’s desire for the product; subjects saw the pitch as too transparent. This recognition alerted an individual’s defense mechanism, which actually boosted self-esteem. But when and an idealized model was used to sell a product with more subtlety, subjects were more prone to want the product and be the woman in the advertisement.
“So, this study has some mixed good news, but there’s still an avalanche of negativity pulling down our girls and young women; according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, roughly 70 percent of girls in middle and high school, and even as young as fifth grade, say idealized images of women in magazines guide their sense of the perfect body,” says women’s advocate Stacey Rowcliffe, author of “Female Fusion: Different Flowers from the Same Garden”. 

“There’s even a blog called ‘thinspiration,’ or ‘thinspo,’ which features young women and girls writing about ways and experiences in losing massive amounts of weight. With this kind of mindset, a girl is never skinny enough and often results in anorexia, bulimia and an imprisoning sense of never being good enough.”

Rowcliffe says the primary influence on a girl’s life is the older woman raising her; she offers three perspectives in which older women may offer advice to girls and young women:

• Past pains shape character and provide inner strength: Many people may think of Christina Aguilera as a pampered pop diva; however, in reality, she has worked hard and endured a difficult home life as a small child. As a 10-year-old, she had already gained a reputation as a little girl with a big voice. Later, after having become a world-famous celebrity, she cited domestic violence in her home as a reason for her enduring drive and passionate voice. Just as muscle is developed and built with tension, so too challenging situations builds and defines character. 

• Keeping it real … Young women need to understand that much of what is seen on television and internet ads, billboards and in magazines has been altered far beyond what is real. Digital imaging has made it possible to remove cellulite and other flaws before an image is finalized. There are videos available that show just how much a model is transformed before being photographed, and the before-and-after images are drastically different. Additionally, cosmetic surgery plays upon the fears of young and beautiful women who still feel the need to implement botox, breast implants, facelifts, nose lifts, cellulite removal, tummy tucks, butt implants and the like. Women were created to be beautiful; once that is realized, her inner beauty will shine. 

• Relationships (among family, friends, boyfriends & sisters): Every issue, belief, attitude or assumption not only shapes the relationships between you and other human beings; it shapes the relationship you have with yourself! The above points – accepting past pain and being honest with yourself and others – are intimately linked to your relationship with others. How you treat others is a measure of who you are. If you are obsessed with trying to be the prettiest and thinnest girl in class, it’s a clear sign you are not comfortable in your own skin.

About Stacey Rowcliffe

Stacey Rowcliffe is nearing completion of her master’s degree in clinical psychology. She lives in Billings, Mont., with her two children, Brittney and Ryan, who both have Type 1 diabetes. “Female Fusion” is her second published book. Rowcliffe believes that no matter what people are battling, their mindset and response determine the paths their lives take.  

Maria Sharapova Wearing Moschino May 2013

Maria Sharapova wore a crepe black romper with ivory collar detail from Moschino precollection Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 during the event “Sugarpova”.

Whitney Port Wears Kara Ackerman in Beverly Hills Last Night

Whitney Port wore Kara Ackerman rings to The Beverly Hilton Unveils Redesigned Aqua Pool by Estee Stanley last night in Beverly Hills! The fashionista stacked two Kara Ackerman Talulah Marquise Rings in Rose Vermeil and Sterling Silver ($60 each; www.karaackerman.com). The same stacking rings are a favorite of Jennifer Lawrence, Lauren Conrad, Lea Michele and Chelsea Handler.

Did you know that the Style Blog recently spotted Jennifer Lawrence wearing Kara Ackerman?

Mac Duggal Fashion Brand

The Mac Duggal brand is positioned at the high end of the women’s special occasion dress market and includes eleven different collections driven by Designer Mac Duggal’s artistic, modern and luxurious design with couture-inspired fit and sizing.

Celebs Wearing Earnest Sewn 2013

CELEBS LOVE EARNEST SEWN FOR SPRING! Jessica Alba, Natalie Portman, Heidi Klum and Kate Beckinsale are just a few of Hollywood’s A-list rocking the denim brand. Check out Earnest Sewn’s latest additions of Soft Pink, Mint Green and Baby Blue Esras! (www.earnestsewn.com).  

View the following celebs wearing Earnest Sewn (some of these may be prior to 2013):

Mary-Kate Olsen
Ashley Olsen
Natalie Portman
Christina Aguilera
Sarah Jessica Parker

Lana Parrilla Shines in State Room Jewelry and Soffer Ari at Annual Gracie Awards

Actress Lana Parrilla looks beautiful in State Room Jewelry and Soffer Ari at the 38th Annual Gracie Awards Gala on May 21st, 2013 in Beverly Hills, CA. Lana Parrilla paired State Room Jewelry's Pink Opal Tear Drop Earrings in Pink Opal and White Diamonds with the Band of Ones N.C. Tranquility Ring in Yellow gold and Black and White Diamonds by Soffer Ari to the awards. State Room Jewelry is the line by Sarin Minassian whose collection offers both subtle, elegant pieces to bolder, statement ones. The collection is inspired from trends from around the world, and provides pieces that can transition from day to night. State Room Jewelry has already been spotted on celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Shakira, and Blake Lively and is available for purchase at www.stateroomjewelry.com. Soffer Ari is a Los Angeles based line that was started in 1995. Each piece is handmade and the precious stones are hand picked to ensure the highest quality of genuine gems. The line appeals to those who demand perfection and exudes the Los Angeles rocker style. Soffer Arihas a following amongst Hollywood's elite including Katy Perry and Rosario Dawson. Soffer Ari is available for purchase at www.sofferari.com.