Possible photos?
If I get a chance I'll take more tommorow with a different concept.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
maybe... maybe not....
I'm not sure if any of these will work, but it's only incase you really needed something for the make-up articleanswer key
ACROSS
1 Naomi
3 Catwalk
6 Spool
7 Uggs
9 Cotton
13 Chic
14 Kensington
16 Corset
17 Cartier
19 Twiggy
21 Dior
23 Tyra
24 Vogue
26 Jean
28 Fad
29 Donatella
34 Halston
35 Empire
36 Diamond
37 Silk
38 Raglan
39 Heel
DOWN
2 Manolo
4 Leggings
5 Birkin
8 Gucci
9 Clutch
10 Shop
11 Jersey
12 Stiletto
15 Scrunchie
18 Fur
20 Trend
22 Aviators
25 Gianni
27 Kate Moss
20 Flannel
31 Armani
32 Chanel
33 Fedora
36 Dolce
39 Hobo
1 Naomi
3 Catwalk
6 Spool
7 Uggs
9 Cotton
13 Chic
14 Kensington
16 Corset
17 Cartier
19 Twiggy
21 Dior
23 Tyra
24 Vogue
26 Jean
28 Fad
29 Donatella
34 Halston
35 Empire
36 Diamond
37 Silk
38 Raglan
39 Heel
DOWN
2 Manolo
4 Leggings
5 Birkin
8 Gucci
9 Clutch
10 Shop
11 Jersey
12 Stiletto
15 Scrunchie
18 Fur
20 Trend
22 Aviators
25 Gianni
27 Kate Moss
20 Flannel
31 Armani
32 Chanel
33 Fedora
36 Dolce
39 Hobo
Monday, March 26, 2007
Cover shoot
So we had our cover shoot on Sunday night.
It went pretty well, took a LONG time.
But I think we have 2 possible cover shots.
One with the fake tattoo (which turned out pretty good) and a second one which we all agreed looks the best was Laura(the model) holding a Boston Terrier with pearls on.
But I asked the photographer to give us 2 options one with the tattoo and one with the dog so I'll bring them to class on Friday.
-Julia
It went pretty well, took a LONG time.
But I think we have 2 possible cover shots.
One with the fake tattoo (which turned out pretty good) and a second one which we all agreed looks the best was Laura(the model) holding a Boston Terrier with pearls on.
But I asked the photographer to give us 2 options one with the tattoo and one with the dog so I'll bring them to class on Friday.
-Julia
Friday, March 23, 2007
Cover Page Text
(Depending on the Cover)
Inside:
Tattoos no longer taboo?
Are humans the new blank canvas?
OR
Pampered pets or fashion victims?
Also:
Celebrity branding overexposed
Star fuelled epidemic affecting youth
Sneaker nation
Crossword:
FASH-ON
Special Edition: Souvenir Program
Inside:
Tattoos no longer taboo?
Are humans the new blank canvas?
OR
Pampered pets or fashion victims?
Also:
Celebrity branding overexposed
Star fuelled epidemic affecting youth
Sneaker nation
Crossword:
FASH-ON
Special Edition: Souvenir Program
Table of Contents
Oh, George!
Vol 3, No 2, Spring 2007
Oh, George! Is published twice a year by journalism students in the Centre for Fashion Studies, Department of Business & Creative Arts at George Brown College, and distributed free of charge at fashionable locations throughout Toronto. Check our blog at http://www.ohgeorge.blogspot.com/ or contact us at shood@georgebrown.ca.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Melissa Ferrao, Mallory Handson, Kirstina Kartzalis, Randi Larmour, Julia McEwen, Chantel Noble, Caroline Rosenberg, Frank Santoli, Jasmin Sehic, Kristen Weaver, Matt Cohen, Olesya Volchyk
EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR
Sarah B. Hood
COVER PHOTO & ILLUSTRATION
Peter Tucker
MAKE UP ARTIST
Lindsay LaRocque
STYLISTS
Julia McEwen
Matt Cohen
COVER MODEL
Laura Laverde
TABLE OF CONTENTS
George’s Closet
5. CONFESSIONS OF A SNEAKER ADDICT: Shoe freaks By: Matt Cohen
6. THE BIG STINK ON MEN’S SHOES: Swoosh spells fashion disaster By: Kirsten Weaver
7. Hello up There: Small people big world By: Melissa Ferrao
8. Becoming the ultimate trend setter: Be a leader not a follower By: Kristina Kartzalis
9. Cosmetic Pursuit: When is it time to break up with your makeup By: Randi Larmour
10. Oh My Dog: Second Coat for your k9 By: Julia McEwen
Features
11. Permanent Fashion: Skin art is forever By: Julia McEwen
14. Whats in a name?: Celeb couture crowns the catwalk By: Carolyn Rosenberg
16. The Britney spears Syndrome: Ooops they did it again By: Kristina Kartzalis
18.George in the City : Graduates moving on By: Kristina Kartzalis, Jasmin Sehic and Randi Larmour
Departments:
3. Fashion Foreword: Letter from the editor by: Matt Cohen & Julia McEwen
21. FASH ON: Crossword by: Caroline Rosenberg
22. Fashion Do’s and Don’ts By: Matt Cohen & Julia McEwen
Vol 3, No 2, Spring 2007
Oh, George! Is published twice a year by journalism students in the Centre for Fashion Studies, Department of Business & Creative Arts at George Brown College, and distributed free of charge at fashionable locations throughout Toronto. Check our blog at http://www.ohgeorge.blogspot.com/ or contact us at shood@georgebrown.ca.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Melissa Ferrao, Mallory Handson, Kirstina Kartzalis, Randi Larmour, Julia McEwen, Chantel Noble, Caroline Rosenberg, Frank Santoli, Jasmin Sehic, Kristen Weaver, Matt Cohen, Olesya Volchyk
EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR
Sarah B. Hood
COVER PHOTO & ILLUSTRATION
Peter Tucker
MAKE UP ARTIST
Lindsay LaRocque
STYLISTS
Julia McEwen
Matt Cohen
COVER MODEL
Laura Laverde
TABLE OF CONTENTS
George’s Closet
5. CONFESSIONS OF A SNEAKER ADDICT: Shoe freaks By: Matt Cohen
6. THE BIG STINK ON MEN’S SHOES: Swoosh spells fashion disaster By: Kirsten Weaver
7. Hello up There: Small people big world By: Melissa Ferrao
8. Becoming the ultimate trend setter: Be a leader not a follower By: Kristina Kartzalis
9. Cosmetic Pursuit: When is it time to break up with your makeup By: Randi Larmour
10. Oh My Dog: Second Coat for your k9 By: Julia McEwen
Features
11. Permanent Fashion: Skin art is forever By: Julia McEwen
14. Whats in a name?: Celeb couture crowns the catwalk By: Carolyn Rosenberg
16. The Britney spears Syndrome: Ooops they did it again By: Kristina Kartzalis
18.George in the City : Graduates moving on By: Kristina Kartzalis, Jasmin Sehic and Randi Larmour
Departments:
3. Fashion Foreword: Letter from the editor by: Matt Cohen & Julia McEwen
21. FASH ON: Crossword by: Caroline Rosenberg
22. Fashion Do’s and Don’ts By: Matt Cohen & Julia McEwen
Thursday, March 15, 2007
GET YOUR FASH-ON
ACROSS
1 Crazy Model
3 Runway
6 ______ of thread
7 Ugly Boots
9 Natural fabric
13 Aka Stylish
14 Popular Toronto shopping spot
16 Instant figure
17 French Jeweler
19 60's Model
21 Christian
23 Model host
24 Fashion bible
26 Fashion staple
28 In & out of style
29 Current Versace
34 Creator- Pillbox
35 Below the bust
36 Girls best friend
37 Luxury fabric
38 Neckline sleeve
39 "Heightened Style"
DOWN
2 Shoe God
4 80's trend
5 Hermes bag
8 Former Home of Tom
9 Hand held purse
10 Buy things
11 Knitted fabric
12 Hot shoe
15 One should never wear this
18 Peta's pet peeve
20 In this season
22 Stylish glasses
25 Past Versace
27 Model in trouble (2wrds.)
30 Early 90's trend
31 Suits
32 Coco ______
33 Hat with high tapering crown
36 To his Gabbana
39 Homeless bag
1 Crazy Model
3 Runway
6 ______ of thread
7 Ugly Boots
9 Natural fabric
13 Aka Stylish
14 Popular Toronto shopping spot
16 Instant figure
17 French Jeweler
19 60's Model
21 Christian
23 Model host
24 Fashion bible
26 Fashion staple
28 In & out of style
29 Current Versace
34 Creator- Pillbox
35 Below the bust
36 Girls best friend
37 Luxury fabric
38 Neckline sleeve
39 "Heightened Style"
DOWN
2 Shoe God
4 80's trend
5 Hermes bag
8 Former Home of Tom
9 Hand held purse
10 Buy things
11 Knitted fabric
12 Hot shoe
15 One should never wear this
18 Peta's pet peeve
20 In this season
22 Stylish glasses
25 Past Versace
27 Model in trouble (2wrds.)
30 Early 90's trend
31 Suits
32 Coco ______
33 Hat with high tapering crown
36 To his Gabbana
39 Homeless bag
what's in a name
What’s in a Name?
Uncovering the world of celebrity fashion designers
It’s hard to walk the streets today and not see the image of a celebrity. Whether you’re at the news stand, walking down the street, shopping in a mall or just staring at someone’s t-shirt, you’re bound to see a celebrity. It’s getting harder and harder to determine what’s authentic with these numerous celebrity endorsements. The latest craze is the ever popular celebrity clothing line. What makes these clothing lines so special, and how can they be compared that of “non-celebrity”?
When an average person decides to choose fashion not only a career but as a way a life, they invest their all. When a celebrity decides to make a fashion a side a project, they invest what can seem like pocket change to have their line instantly in over fifty retail chains. We could boycott celebrity these brands completely, but how much damage would that actually cause? Probably more than you’d think. These celebrities employ hundreds of people within their empires, even designers to produce their good. These celebrity clothing lines can often be a stepping stone for an aspiring designer, creating a credibility that a personal line would never be able to accomplish. However, these lines also flood an already over crowded market, making it that much harder for talent to reach the mainstream.
The lines seem to get blurred on what exactly is a celebrity clothing line. It seems just about anybody in the media can slap their name on a pair of jeans or a t-shirt and call it fashion. Do any of these celebrities actually design their own clothes? It seems to vary from star to star, not only on how their clothing is designed, but who their brand is marketed to. Celebrity “designers” like Jessica Simpson tackle footwear and accessories, while Jennifer Lopez has put her name on a lingerie line. Even Britney Spears and Paris Hilton both lend their names to fragrances. It used to be that only someone of great talent and status could put their name on a product, for example: Elizabeth Taylor on perfume. Now almost any D-List star has some sort of product, the most popular being of course, the celebrity clothing line. From reality star to Oscar winning celeb, just about everyone has their own clothing line.
Very few celebrities control all aspects of their own lines. Lines like L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani and Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons are just another thing these celebrity’s can put their names on. Neither Stefani nor Kimora Lee can credit themselves for the design aspect of their collections. Both companies’ employ someone for every level of production- from the initial design, to the final sewn garment. However Kimora Lee and Stefani both have final say on what is or is not put into production. These lines not only bring in profit they can also be a credit to an artist’s image. Lines like 50 Cent’s G Unit can also just be a major cash cow. Just another thing a celebrity can put their name on and wait for the money to roll in.
There are some celebrities that claim to oversee all of their company’s endeavors, including their fashion lines. P. Diddy’s line Sean John estimates that forty-two billion dollars is spent by teenagers each year on his personal line. While P. Diddy does employ several designers, he can also be credited for most of the initial concept for his clothing, and has been embraced by the fashion industry because of this. Artists like Beyonce also claim to have complete control over their personal lines. Her line House of Dereon was started by her and mother just over 3 years ago and is already sold all over Canada and the U.S- A process that could take any other unknown designer years, if not a lifetime.
Global brands like H&M employ guest designers. Their list of celebrity designers includes Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Victor and Rolf and Madonna. These lines prove to be highly profitable, often selling out in one day, but also provide that celebrity look at a fraction of what you might pay for a celebrity’s personal clothing line.
Celebrities like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and Hilary Duff have also cashed in on the lower priced market, with their focus in the children’s division. Big box stores, Zellers and Wal Mart carry both of their lines; Stuff by Hilary Duff, and Mary Kate & Ashley by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Because of the overall mass of Wal Mart and Zeller’s these lines have spread all over the world. They even branch off into smaller lines like; shoes, bags, make-up, fragrance and even dolls. Could they ever be stopped? Not only have these girls become icons to their young market, they also make millions off of them. Dualstar Entertainment, the Olsen’s personal enterprise, estimates that in the upcoming years, Mary Kate and Ashley’s clothing line will bring in over one billion dollars worth of revenue, based on the lines previous sales. The market’s continue to get younger and younger while the revenue’s continue to get larger and larger. Have veteran celebrity’s missed the boat? Or simply did they miss the mass market?
The trend doesn’t seem likely to fade away anytime soon, as long as there’s a market, there will forever be celebrity clothing lines. What’s next? We already have celebrities endorsing clothing, accessories, home appliances, cars, shoes, cell phones, fragrance, credit cards and furniture. What else can celebrities put their names on? Maybe next year you’ll receive a birthday card from the Paris Hilton collection, or a tooth brush with George Clooney’s face on it. Only time will tell…
Uncovering the world of celebrity fashion designers
It’s hard to walk the streets today and not see the image of a celebrity. Whether you’re at the news stand, walking down the street, shopping in a mall or just staring at someone’s t-shirt, you’re bound to see a celebrity. It’s getting harder and harder to determine what’s authentic with these numerous celebrity endorsements. The latest craze is the ever popular celebrity clothing line. What makes these clothing lines so special, and how can they be compared that of “non-celebrity”?
When an average person decides to choose fashion not only a career but as a way a life, they invest their all. When a celebrity decides to make a fashion a side a project, they invest what can seem like pocket change to have their line instantly in over fifty retail chains. We could boycott celebrity these brands completely, but how much damage would that actually cause? Probably more than you’d think. These celebrities employ hundreds of people within their empires, even designers to produce their good. These celebrity clothing lines can often be a stepping stone for an aspiring designer, creating a credibility that a personal line would never be able to accomplish. However, these lines also flood an already over crowded market, making it that much harder for talent to reach the mainstream.
The lines seem to get blurred on what exactly is a celebrity clothing line. It seems just about anybody in the media can slap their name on a pair of jeans or a t-shirt and call it fashion. Do any of these celebrities actually design their own clothes? It seems to vary from star to star, not only on how their clothing is designed, but who their brand is marketed to. Celebrity “designers” like Jessica Simpson tackle footwear and accessories, while Jennifer Lopez has put her name on a lingerie line. Even Britney Spears and Paris Hilton both lend their names to fragrances. It used to be that only someone of great talent and status could put their name on a product, for example: Elizabeth Taylor on perfume. Now almost any D-List star has some sort of product, the most popular being of course, the celebrity clothing line. From reality star to Oscar winning celeb, just about everyone has their own clothing line.
Very few celebrities control all aspects of their own lines. Lines like L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani and Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons are just another thing these celebrity’s can put their names on. Neither Stefani nor Kimora Lee can credit themselves for the design aspect of their collections. Both companies’ employ someone for every level of production- from the initial design, to the final sewn garment. However Kimora Lee and Stefani both have final say on what is or is not put into production. These lines not only bring in profit they can also be a credit to an artist’s image. Lines like 50 Cent’s G Unit can also just be a major cash cow. Just another thing a celebrity can put their name on and wait for the money to roll in.
There are some celebrities that claim to oversee all of their company’s endeavors, including their fashion lines. P. Diddy’s line Sean John estimates that forty-two billion dollars is spent by teenagers each year on his personal line. While P. Diddy does employ several designers, he can also be credited for most of the initial concept for his clothing, and has been embraced by the fashion industry because of this. Artists like Beyonce also claim to have complete control over their personal lines. Her line House of Dereon was started by her and mother just over 3 years ago and is already sold all over Canada and the U.S- A process that could take any other unknown designer years, if not a lifetime.
Global brands like H&M employ guest designers. Their list of celebrity designers includes Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Victor and Rolf and Madonna. These lines prove to be highly profitable, often selling out in one day, but also provide that celebrity look at a fraction of what you might pay for a celebrity’s personal clothing line.
Celebrities like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and Hilary Duff have also cashed in on the lower priced market, with their focus in the children’s division. Big box stores, Zellers and Wal Mart carry both of their lines; Stuff by Hilary Duff, and Mary Kate & Ashley by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Because of the overall mass of Wal Mart and Zeller’s these lines have spread all over the world. They even branch off into smaller lines like; shoes, bags, make-up, fragrance and even dolls. Could they ever be stopped? Not only have these girls become icons to their young market, they also make millions off of them. Dualstar Entertainment, the Olsen’s personal enterprise, estimates that in the upcoming years, Mary Kate and Ashley’s clothing line will bring in over one billion dollars worth of revenue, based on the lines previous sales. The market’s continue to get younger and younger while the revenue’s continue to get larger and larger. Have veteran celebrity’s missed the boat? Or simply did they miss the mass market?
The trend doesn’t seem likely to fade away anytime soon, as long as there’s a market, there will forever be celebrity clothing lines. What’s next? We already have celebrities endorsing clothing, accessories, home appliances, cars, shoes, cell phones, fragrance, credit cards and furniture. What else can celebrities put their names on? Maybe next year you’ll receive a birthday card from the Paris Hilton collection, or a tooth brush with George Clooney’s face on it. Only time will tell…
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Toronto’s Finest Stylist
Peter Papapetrou has climbed his way to the top of Toronto’s fashion industry, but don’t call him an overnight success. It has taken years of hard work, networking and a dream to get where he is today. As I sit down and talk to the former George Brown student I can’t help but get a little star struck. His face is plastered everywhere from his own TV show “Renovate My Wardrobe” to countless other TV appearances. He is a star, yet extremely nice and down to earth.
Peter Papapetrou has climbed his way to the top of Toronto’s fashion industry, but don’t call him an overnight success. It has taken years of hard work, networking and a dream to get where he is today. As I sit down and talk to the former George Brown student I can’t help but get a little star struck. His face is plastered everywhere from his own TV show “Renovate My Wardrobe” to countless other TV appearances. He is a star, yet extremely nice and down to earth.
What was your first job?
My first job was in retail at a store called Bootlegger, I was 15 at the time.
What are your greatest achievements?
What are your greatest achievements?
I have always believed in following your passion and not the money...when you do that somehow the money just comes. You have to put in a lot of hard work and you must stay strong. Now looking back I have had the opportunity to style for some amazing campaigns, worked with some of the greatest designers, travelled to some of the most beautiful fashion capitals and styled various celebrities. I have my own TV show and now I’m the fashion editor for Lush Magazine. I could not ask for anything more but I still strive to the next level. I love being challenged!
Future Plans?
My future plans would be to create and direct a Fashion House; I would love to bring a company to life. I think it would encompass everything I’ve learned and love. Also another show is a possibility.
Advice?
The best advice is to follow your instincts, be ready to work and try new things. Most of all never forget where you came from and always be willing to give back and help! Oh and every job you do, as miniscule as it seems teaches you something... TRUST ME!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Oh, George! Do's and Don'ts!
FASHION DON'T
This is a very healthy mullet that has excellent shape and volume. He knows it, and he's not afraid to let you know it. However I hate to be the barer of bad news but this is wrong on numerous levels and it jus will never be “right”.
Ok, this is taking “nerd chic” to a new level.
Not to mention his bad ass lobster tan.
Ehh. . . I don’t know quite what to say here. She looks like she did all her shopping at one of those $5 boxes at an everything must go sale. And it looks like that box was filled with second hand skanky clothing circa 2001.
COME ON PEOPLE! Let it go! This was so 4 years ago, wait a minute. No, actually it never happened, it was all a figment of your imagination. These individuals must be stopped! Hopefully in the not to distant future people will wake up from this Ugg Boot stupor and realize the errors of their ways.
This shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S . . . . I think this guy wants to be a Harajuku girl a little to badly. From the dated trucker hat down to the ankle socks this just screams DON`T!
FASHION DO'S
The only guy that can be ok with the straight male community and bang all the ladies is this guy, super manicured, metro sexual with a intensely "graphic" tee. This guys got it all and style to boot.
Space odyssey is back with vengeance!
Designers are translating precious metals
into wearable fashion. This is a definite must for the season.
WOW! WOW! WOW! Could not be more impressed with this highly stylized outfit. Starting from the vintage Dior shades to the McQueen jumper down to the Burberry boots this girl has got it going on!
This is a hot trend for spring07, the oversized slightly masculine crisp white shirt is a must have. A high waisted belt is a fabulous way to maximize femininity out of this look.
This is classic! Elegant, chic and smart, this is how you do black justice. The Marc Jacobs quilted patent bag, with gold trim is the icing on the cake.
By: Julia McEwen & Matt Cohen
This is a very healthy mullet that has excellent shape and volume. He knows it, and he's not afraid to let you know it. However I hate to be the barer of bad news but this is wrong on numerous levels and it jus will never be “right”.
Ok, this is taking “nerd chic” to a new level.
Not to mention his bad ass lobster tan.
Ehh. . . I don’t know quite what to say here. She looks like she did all her shopping at one of those $5 boxes at an everything must go sale. And it looks like that box was filled with second hand skanky clothing circa 2001.
COME ON PEOPLE! Let it go! This was so 4 years ago, wait a minute. No, actually it never happened, it was all a figment of your imagination. These individuals must be stopped! Hopefully in the not to distant future people will wake up from this Ugg Boot stupor and realize the errors of their ways.
This shit is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S . . . . I think this guy wants to be a Harajuku girl a little to badly. From the dated trucker hat down to the ankle socks this just screams DON`T!
FASHION DO'S
The only guy that can be ok with the straight male community and bang all the ladies is this guy, super manicured, metro sexual with a intensely "graphic" tee. This guys got it all and style to boot.
Space odyssey is back with vengeance!
Designers are translating precious metals
into wearable fashion. This is a definite must for the season.
WOW! WOW! WOW! Could not be more impressed with this highly stylized outfit. Starting from the vintage Dior shades to the McQueen jumper down to the Burberry boots this girl has got it going on!
This is a hot trend for spring07, the oversized slightly masculine crisp white shirt is a must have. A high waisted belt is a fabulous way to maximize femininity out of this look.
This is classic! Elegant, chic and smart, this is how you do black justice. The Marc Jacobs quilted patent bag, with gold trim is the icing on the cake.
By: Julia McEwen & Matt Cohen
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Develope Your Sixth Sense of Scent
Discover which cologne expresses who you are the best.
By: Jasmin Sehic
We took the nose work out of finding your perfect cologne. A simple ten question survey will find your most appealing scent.
Finding your perfect ride
1. What’s your ideal vacation?
a. A trip to Rome
b. White water rafting
c. A weekend at the cottage
2. What’s your ideal car?
a. Mercedes Benz
b. Corvette
c. Land Rover
3. What’s your preferred dinning experience?
a. At the country club
b. At the local pub
c. Wendy’s
4. Your preferred feet wear?
a. Dress shoes
b. Running shoes
c. Sandals
5. Which would you prefer to drink?
a. Wine
b. Water
c. Coke
6. What’s your preferred Pizza topping?
a. Feta cheese
b. Green Peppers
c. Pepperoni
7. What would rather sit on?
a. Barcelona chair
b. Futon
c. Bean bag chair
8. Which would you rather play?
a. Tennis
b. Soccer
c. Baseball
9. Which store would fit you best?
a. Harry Rosen
b. Sporting life
c. Blue Notes
10. Which C/D I might find in your car?
a. Diana Crawl
b. The killers
c. Green Day
Totals... A_____ B_____ C_____
Mosley A…
Cartier
Cartier offers you a deep rich scent that will surely last you through the day. It’s ideal for carrying you from the office to that late night restaurant opening. Cartier is that perfect finishing touch to any high end outfit. A deep and alluring scent that screams confidence and sophistication, Cartier will help make you the envy of everyone around.
Mostley B...
Polo Sport
Stay feeling fresh and clean while on the run with Polo Sport. This cologne is perfect to throw in your gym bag or even leave it in your glove compartment to use when required. Images of crisp clean linens and long days by the pool will swim in the minds of those who catch the fresh aroma of Polo Sport.
Mostley C...
Roots
One last thing before you head to the campground, that citrus-woodsy scent of Roots. Have a great weekend, lounge around the campfire, or just curl up with a good book by the lake. Just don’t forget to smell the part with Roots.
The Price is Wrong
The cost of clothing made by factory workers in Nicaragua is no game.
It all began while I was walking down the street looking at everyone wearing jeans. It seemed as though 3 out of 4 people had a pair of jeans on. Everyone knows that we can get this “staple of North American fashion” by looking in almost any retail store. But, where do our jeans really come from?
It’s starting to become common knowledge that the fashion industry out sources a large majority of its manufacturing to overseas manufactures. We see labels on our clothes that read: “made in China”, “made in India”, and “made in Turkey”; but never really think about the folks who actually sit down and construct a garment from the waist-band up. A lot of the news on overseas manufacturers over the past decade has been generally negative, with the words “Sweatshop” and “Child Labour” being thrown around like chicken feed. The fact is, over the past decade the International Labour Standards has increased major fashion outsourcing countries GDP to astounding new heights.
It’s not only the fashion industry that out sources front line work to overseas countries. Almost every industry from automotive, to customer service is now outsourcing to cheaper, quality-focused countries intent on building a more stable economy for their population. Some say that without having the benefit of incoming cash flow from the outsourcing corporations into over-populated or developing countries, the citizens of the countries would be forces not only to work for far lower wages, but may be forces into illegal and degrading industries such as gun trade, sex trade, and human trafficking.
Getting back to my thoughts on where jeans come from: I was so interested, that I ended up going home and researching where some major North American retailers get their jeans produced. Once I started digging into it a bit, I found out that J.C. Penny, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, K-Mart, and several other major retailers get their jeans manufactured in Nicaragua. There are four major jean-manufacturing plants there; a Taiwanese company called Nien Hsing Textile Co. Ltd owns them all. Together, they produce 90,000 pairs of jeans each day. The flagship factory, Chentex, produces 22,000 of these.
Nien Hsing Textile was founded as a producer of various types of denim in 1986. The company went public in 1999 with approximately $31.2 million in profits on sales of $154.9 million. By those numbers, one of the smaller companies listed on the market.
Recently, an unnamed reporter and photographer were allowed into the Chentex compound. Although seeing a crowded, nauseating atmosphere they didn’t witness any instances of physical or verbal abuse or other problems raised by the National Labor Committee.
“It was crowded but reasonably clean inside Chentex, although lint dust from the acres of denim in the plant irritated eyes and noses. Salsa music played on a sound system in the sewing and cutting area. The restrooms were clean but provided no toilet paper, which is not uncommon in Nicaragua, a country where people carry their own or do without.”
The article went on to include a brief description of the buildings over-all appearance. Being in a “free-trade-zone” of Nicaragua, the building was designed specifically for the intense heat. Steel walls with openings along the top that act as makeshift windows make up the outer shell of the complex. There is a large gap that runs along the entirety of the building, designed to let hot air out. They even have air conditioning in the embroidery and office areas.
The unnamed reporter continues by describing the largest area of the plant “The cutting and sewing area takes up most of the plant. But because Chentex makes jeans, it also has a laundry. The smell of chemicals used to wash and soften the denim dominates that area. The drum-shaped washers can handle as many as 100 pairs of jeans in each load. The pipes above them look like they're barely holding together, bound with layers of tape. The dryers are 6 feet high, capable of drying 200 pounds at a time. The floors are wet; the machines, loud.”
Carlos Yiin, the current plant manager, talks about his experience with management issues:
"A long time ago, I told supervisors not to say bad words," Yiin said. "Sometimes they said, 'If you don't stay today, you don't come Saturday.' "
Yiin continued: "We tell them (the supervisors) to behave well."
Yiin maintained that despite the criticism from American activists, conditions in the plants in Nicaragua are much better than those at factories in his native China.
"In China, the salary is only $30 to $40 a month," Yiin said. "In here, the salary is $150. In China, they can do anything they want. They don't need to take care of health care for workers."
Two-and-a-half years ago the Nicaraguan Government passed new labour laws that require employers to pay for health insurance. They also passed a mandate that provides workers with two months of paid vacation every year – one for personal vacation and one for Christmas. Workers claim that conditions have improved since the debut of their union.
The last known accurate figure of wages at Chentex was reported in 1999 and show that the employees make an average of 3 dollars a day, which over the past 8 years has been raised to a claimed 5 dollars a day.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Kmart Corp., Target Corp. and J.C. Penney Co. are a few of the major retailers that buy large quantities of jeans from Chentex, however, it’s the rapidly growing Kohl’s (USA) that has landed itself in the spotlight for its buying habits regarding Chentex. In 2000 there were massive protests outside of Kohl’s department stores, which were directly linked to the working conditions at Chentex.
The word sweatshop is defined as factories that pays substandard wages and provides a substandard working environment. Not knowing the standard for Nicaragua, I couldn’t say if Chentex would be considered a sweatshop, however, I can say that Chentex wouldn’t exist without the implicit support from company’s like Wal-Mart, Target, and Kohl’s. If these company’s are the primary reason Chentex exists, its logical to say the corporations keeping Chentex in business owe the workers some recognition. In this regard Chentex can be linked to North American, multi-billion dollar, corporations which would never allow employees to work in a Chentex-type work environment.
Simply because poor countries have citizens that are willing to work for substandard wages to make huge North American corporations richer, should it be allowed? Do Canadians have a responsibility to ensure fairness with regard to the millions of pairs of jeans we buy each year? Those questions can only be answered by the individual. You’ll have to ask yourself, where do your jeans come from?
It all began while I was walking down the street looking at everyone wearing jeans. It seemed as though 3 out of 4 people had a pair of jeans on. Everyone knows that we can get this “staple of North American fashion” by looking in almost any retail store. But, where do our jeans really come from?
It’s starting to become common knowledge that the fashion industry out sources a large majority of its manufacturing to overseas manufactures. We see labels on our clothes that read: “made in China”, “made in India”, and “made in Turkey”; but never really think about the folks who actually sit down and construct a garment from the waist-band up. A lot of the news on overseas manufacturers over the past decade has been generally negative, with the words “Sweatshop” and “Child Labour” being thrown around like chicken feed. The fact is, over the past decade the International Labour Standards has increased major fashion outsourcing countries GDP to astounding new heights.
It’s not only the fashion industry that out sources front line work to overseas countries. Almost every industry from automotive, to customer service is now outsourcing to cheaper, quality-focused countries intent on building a more stable economy for their population. Some say that without having the benefit of incoming cash flow from the outsourcing corporations into over-populated or developing countries, the citizens of the countries would be forces not only to work for far lower wages, but may be forces into illegal and degrading industries such as gun trade, sex trade, and human trafficking.
Getting back to my thoughts on where jeans come from: I was so interested, that I ended up going home and researching where some major North American retailers get their jeans produced. Once I started digging into it a bit, I found out that J.C. Penny, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, K-Mart, and several other major retailers get their jeans manufactured in Nicaragua. There are four major jean-manufacturing plants there; a Taiwanese company called Nien Hsing Textile Co. Ltd owns them all. Together, they produce 90,000 pairs of jeans each day. The flagship factory, Chentex, produces 22,000 of these.
Nien Hsing Textile was founded as a producer of various types of denim in 1986. The company went public in 1999 with approximately $31.2 million in profits on sales of $154.9 million. By those numbers, one of the smaller companies listed on the market.
Recently, an unnamed reporter and photographer were allowed into the Chentex compound. Although seeing a crowded, nauseating atmosphere they didn’t witness any instances of physical or verbal abuse or other problems raised by the National Labor Committee.
“It was crowded but reasonably clean inside Chentex, although lint dust from the acres of denim in the plant irritated eyes and noses. Salsa music played on a sound system in the sewing and cutting area. The restrooms were clean but provided no toilet paper, which is not uncommon in Nicaragua, a country where people carry their own or do without.”
The article went on to include a brief description of the buildings over-all appearance. Being in a “free-trade-zone” of Nicaragua, the building was designed specifically for the intense heat. Steel walls with openings along the top that act as makeshift windows make up the outer shell of the complex. There is a large gap that runs along the entirety of the building, designed to let hot air out. They even have air conditioning in the embroidery and office areas.
The unnamed reporter continues by describing the largest area of the plant “The cutting and sewing area takes up most of the plant. But because Chentex makes jeans, it also has a laundry. The smell of chemicals used to wash and soften the denim dominates that area. The drum-shaped washers can handle as many as 100 pairs of jeans in each load. The pipes above them look like they're barely holding together, bound with layers of tape. The dryers are 6 feet high, capable of drying 200 pounds at a time. The floors are wet; the machines, loud.”
Carlos Yiin, the current plant manager, talks about his experience with management issues:
"A long time ago, I told supervisors not to say bad words," Yiin said. "Sometimes they said, 'If you don't stay today, you don't come Saturday.' "
Yiin continued: "We tell them (the supervisors) to behave well."
Yiin maintained that despite the criticism from American activists, conditions in the plants in Nicaragua are much better than those at factories in his native China.
"In China, the salary is only $30 to $40 a month," Yiin said. "In here, the salary is $150. In China, they can do anything they want. They don't need to take care of health care for workers."
Two-and-a-half years ago the Nicaraguan Government passed new labour laws that require employers to pay for health insurance. They also passed a mandate that provides workers with two months of paid vacation every year – one for personal vacation and one for Christmas. Workers claim that conditions have improved since the debut of their union.
The last known accurate figure of wages at Chentex was reported in 1999 and show that the employees make an average of 3 dollars a day, which over the past 8 years has been raised to a claimed 5 dollars a day.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Kmart Corp., Target Corp. and J.C. Penney Co. are a few of the major retailers that buy large quantities of jeans from Chentex, however, it’s the rapidly growing Kohl’s (USA) that has landed itself in the spotlight for its buying habits regarding Chentex. In 2000 there were massive protests outside of Kohl’s department stores, which were directly linked to the working conditions at Chentex.
The word sweatshop is defined as factories that pays substandard wages and provides a substandard working environment. Not knowing the standard for Nicaragua, I couldn’t say if Chentex would be considered a sweatshop, however, I can say that Chentex wouldn’t exist without the implicit support from company’s like Wal-Mart, Target, and Kohl’s. If these company’s are the primary reason Chentex exists, its logical to say the corporations keeping Chentex in business owe the workers some recognition. In this regard Chentex can be linked to North American, multi-billion dollar, corporations which would never allow employees to work in a Chentex-type work environment.
Simply because poor countries have citizens that are willing to work for substandard wages to make huge North American corporations richer, should it be allowed? Do Canadians have a responsibility to ensure fairness with regard to the millions of pairs of jeans we buy each year? Those questions can only be answered by the individual. You’ll have to ask yourself, where do your jeans come from?
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