AICI Global January 2016 by Association of Image Consultants International

AICI GL BAL S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

I S S U E

FEEL GOOD FASHION

SUSTAIN YOUR

SUCCESS

STYLE UP

WITH UPCYCLING MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

SUE DONNELLY

JANUARY 2016

T H E I N S T I T U T E S AT

CHAPMAN THE BRAND INSTITUTE

THE INDUSTRY'S ONLY CERTIFYING BRAND INSTITUTE

The Brand Institute at Chapman provides intensive education in Brand Management leading to certification as a Brand Consultant. As a Chapman Certified Brand Consultant, you will be prepared to work with individual and corporate clients to develop recognizable and winning brands.

THE BRAND INSTITUTE CURRICULUM INCLUDES: Brand Discovery • Brand Identity Establishment • Brand Design Brand Deployment • Brand Integrity • Brand Maintenance Let’s Get to Work—How to Succeed in Business

Earning my Brand and Image certification at Chapman “Institutes gave me the competitive edge to attain the prestigious position of Women’s Sale’s Manager at Dolce & Gabbana’s Global Flagship Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. I’ve succeeded in this role because of the credibility and education in Brand and Image principles I received through the Institutes’ elite programs. With enthusiasm, I highly recommend the Brand and Image Institutes at Chapman.

- Lindsey Neduchin , Sales Manager,

Dolce & Gabbana, New York City, USA

”

THE IMAGE

INSTITUTE As a Chapman Certified Image Consultant, you will be prepared to work with individuals, companies, and organizations seeking to refine their images to have a greater influence on others and in the marketplace.

THE IMAGE INSTITUTE CURRICULUM INCLUDES: Personal and Professional Image Management Wardrobe and Dress for Men and Women • Grooming Verbal Communication • Color Evaluation Nonverbal Communication • Etiquette and Protocol Image Integrity • Live Client Practicum Let’s Get to Work—How to Succeed in Business

THE LEADER IN BRAND AND IMAGE EDUCATION THE INSTITUTES AT CHAPMAN PROVIDE CERTIFICATE EDUCATION FOR ONE ALL-INCLUSIVE FEE TUITION • FOOD AND LODGING • LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

WWW.CHAPMAN-INTERNATIONAL.COM 2 | January 2016 magazine

BETH Y. STRANGE, DIRECTOR AICI CIP, CBA

EDITOR’S NOTE 2016

AICI BOARD OF DIRECTORS President – Jane Seaman, AICI CIP Secretary – Lucy Liang, AICI CIP Treasurer – Chris Fulkerson, AICI CIP, FFS VP Certification – Joanne Rae, AICI CIP VP Conference – Cecilia Stoeckicht, AICI CIP VP Education – Keiko Nagao, AICI FLC VP Business Development – Imogen Lamport, AICI CIP VP Marketing – Coca Sevilla, AICI CIP VP Human Resources – Melissa Sugulas, AICI FLC Executive Director – Eric Ewald, CAE Assistant Executive Director – Gigi Jaber

AICI HEADQUARTERS 1000 Westgate Drive, Ste. 252 St. Paul, MN 55114-1067 Phone: 651-290-7468 Fax: 651-290-2266 www.AICI.org

Comments about the magazine? editor@aici.org

AS A MARATHON RUNNER, I AM ACUTELY AWARE OF HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO MAINTAIN A SUSTAINABLE RUNNING PACE. I must not consume my resources (oxygen, glycogen, hydration) at a rate that will mean I do not cross the finish line. There’s a constant accounting between my body and my mind over the course of 26.2 miles (42.2 km). And there is another factor at play too: temperature. I can attest to the effect of global warming on my finish times. There has been a noticeable uptick in the day of race temperatures here on the west coast of the United States, with every additional degree meaning a slower finish. If I don’t adjust my pace for each of those factors, I will “hit the wall.” Failure. While we easily comprehend when we’ve maxed out a credit card, it is much harder to understand and measure the global impact of an entire industry, from resource production to garment manufacture to post-consumer waste. It can seem too complex, too overwhelming, hopeless even. But as you will read in these pages, knowledge is power, and out of awareness comes innovation. The fashion industry can transform itself or it can take us all down with it when the planet “hits the wall.” It is that simple. It is that difficult. There is no quick fix, it will be a marathon. However, I know that individually we accomplish seemingly impossible goals on a regular basis. Collectively, human innovation can reinvent the world. Susan Hesselgrave, AICI FLC Editor in Chief

Special thanks to Katherine Soutar for contributing this issue’s cover. Kat (katherinesoutar.com; @kikimklean) is a portrait photographer, image maker, and feminist, interested in ideas around gender and gender equity, the resistance of dominant culture and dominant cultural narratives, and the ways in which individuals and groups act as agents of social change. She holds a Bachelor in Media Arts with distinction at RMIT, majoring in fine art photography and collaborative art practice.

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PUBLICATION CREDITS

Issue 13 EDITOR IN CHIEF Susan Hesselgrave, AICI FLC

VP MARKETING Coca Sevilla, AICI CIP

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Donna Cameron Shaunda Durham-Thompson Zakiya Mills-Francois Stefania Rolandelli Joan Van Allen Kathryn Winterle-Illo Thea Wood, AICI FLC

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS Donna Cameron Shaunda Durham-Thompson Susan Hesselgrave, AICI FLC Pamela Judd, AICI FLC

Debra Lindquist, MA, AICI CIP Judith Rasband, AICI CIM Jane Seaman, AICI CIP Thea Wood, AICI FLC

PROOFREADERS Bernie Burson, AICI FLC Beth Yvette Strange, AICI CIP

LAYOUT Limb Design AICI GLOBAL is produced quarterly by Association of Image Consultants International, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the level of professionalism and enhancing the recognition of image consultants. AICI GLOBAL promotes AICI’s ideas, activities, interests and goals to its members. Responsibility is not assumed for the opinions of writers or other articles. AICI GLOBAL does not endorse or guarantee the products and services it advertises. 2016© Association of Image Consultants International. All rights reserved. No part of this online publication may be duplicated or reproduced without permission from the publisher. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of information included in the magazine at the time of publication, the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising from errors or omissions.

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FEATURE The True Cost...................................................... 8 Sustainable Beauty: Technology is the Answer ............................. 10 Style Up with Upcycling ................................... 12 Book Review: Magnifeco................................... 16 “Feel Good” Fashion.......................................... 18 A Renewable Resource: Clothing Rental Services................................ 20 Made in the USA................................................ 23

Inside This Issue

PRESIDENT’S LETTER................................... 7

MASTER INSIGHTS I Love It! But Will It Fit?..................................... 24

BUSINESS Sustain Your Success......................................... 27 Member Spotlight: Sue Donnelly....................... 28

BETWEEN US Celebrating International Image Consultants Day................................... 33 2015 Chapter Member of the Year Awards........ 34 AICI International Certification News............... 36 AICI Shanghai Education Day............................ 36 Authentic Beauty UnCompromised Campaign Debuts........................................... 37 Upcoming Events.............................................. 38

The Association of Image Consultants International | 5

TOXIC FASHION: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was mind-boggling to discover that second to oil, fashion and textiles is the most polluting industry in the world.â&#x20AC;?

hen our wonderful magazine editor told me this issue of our AICI GLOBAL magazine was going to focus on ‘Sustainability’ in the fashion world, I had to admit to myself that this was something I personally had little knowledge about. What a difference a day makes! The seed being sown, I did some research and was horrified by what I learnt! In Bangladesh alone, one-and-a-half-billion pairs of jeans and cotton trousers are sewn every year, and this is just the tip of the iceberg as to the scale of damage being caused by the fashion industry.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

I discovered that our insatiable desire for cheap cashmere results in the overbreeding of goats in the Gobi, a delicate ecosystem quickly being denuded of the vegetation required to support animals like, well, goats. Over in India, the chromium used by lowcost leather tanneries has stained portions of the Ganges bright blue and rendered them pretty much devoid of life. Or, to shift the action to Indonesia and Brazil, I learnt that viscose is produced from wood pulp, and thanks to the material’s omnipresence in fashion, it’s implicated in the destruction of huge parcels of rain forest which in turn we all rely on to soak up vast amounts of CO2 and then send it back to us as delicious oxygen. It was mind-boggling to discover that second to oil, fashion and textiles is the most polluting industry in the world. Every stage in a garment’s life threatens our planet and its resources. It can take more than 20,000 liters of water to produce 1kg of cotton, equivalent to a single T-shirt and pair of jeans. Up to 8,000 different chemicals are used to turn raw materials into clothes, including a range of dyeing and finishing processes. And what becomes of the clothing that doesn’t sell, falls apart, or goes out of style? More often than not, it is discarded in giant landfills. As the world’s largest association of image professionals I genuinely believe we can have a voice in impacting change in sustainability in the fashion world. How? We can educate ourselves on which brands do and don’t implement sustainable fashion practices, learn more about “green” fashion and where to find it and, having educated ourselves, become a voice in the industry and educate future image professionals and our clients.

SINCERELY, JANE

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Photo Credit: Istock/Silvrshootr

FEATURE

THE TRUE COST:

A STORY OF POWER AND POVERTY REVIEW BY THEA WOOD, AICI FLC, MBA

“F

ast fashion” is the predominant term used throughout the documentary film The True Cost that investigates the dark underbelly of the modern garment manufacturing industry.

8 | January 2016 magazine

The film raises the question of who pays for the throwaway consumerism that fuels cheap garment production. More specifically, what are the economic, social, and environmental costs behind that $8 skirt from your discount retailer?

The story starts predictably with journalistic commentary on the fashion industry’s evolution. It quickly takes an ugly turn. Live footage of people crushed in defective buildings. Women and children suffering from chromium poisoning as a result

of leather production. Bloody textile union workers shot by police during a minimum wage rally (they were asking for $160 per month). Here are a few specific costs the documentary reveals: • B angladesh factory workers, over 80 percent of whom are women, earn about $3 per day. Many do not see their children for months at a time so they can pay the bills. • O ver 1,125 workers died in the Rana Plaza garment factory (2013) because owners ordered them to return to the building after an evacuation the previous day due to structural warnings. • A bout 250,000 Indian farmers committed suicide due to the high costs of genetically modified seeds that require higher pesticide usage that result in disease, medical costs, and ultimately closed farms. • I n Texas, male farmers between the ages of 47 and 65 are dying from brain tumors, most likely connected to the millions of acres sprayed with pesticides for cotton and other crops. • A mericans throw away an average 82 pounds of textile waste per year, about 11 million tons of non-biodegradable materials. • O nly 10 percent of donations to thrift stores are sold in-store. The rest are shipped to third world countries, with much of it becoming piles of landfill waste. Andrew Morgan directed and wrote the film with a team of producers

who are entrenched in the fashion industry, from reporters to designers to university professors to human rights activists. They all fall under the activist umbrella to some degree or another. What’s missing? The response from major “fast fashion” clothing retailers like Walmart and H&M (a quarterly profit of $412 million in 2012), two that are targeted frequently in the documentary. Morgan states that the retailers refused repeated interview requests. Yet, a more rounded journalistic view would have been appreciated. A few questions to ask: • Is H&M’s ethical and sustainability mission making a difference? The Guardian writer Lucy Siegle (also the film’s executive producer) reported that in 2012, H&M used lower-impact water solvents in making 2.5 million shoes, recycled polyester to the equivalent of 9.2 million plastic bottles, and used more organic cotton than any other group. H&M claims that, by 2020, 100 percent of cotton used will be sustainably outsourced. • A re legal agreements like the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, truly protecting employees in practice? The accord is a non-voluntary, binding and enforceable agreement between union members and companies like H&M, Inditex, and PVH, giving labor an unprecedented legal standing regarding certain conditions. • The New York Times reported that in 2012, “Made in USA” tex-

tiles and apparel exports were up 37 percent from three years previously. That has improved labor conditions and wages for garment workers. Most costs are power related rather than wage related. The challenge? Finding skilled workers. What brands are behind this surge? How can it translate to global changes? • W hat is the impact of social media in driving industry change? The “Good On You” application rates over 3,000 retailers and brands based on reports and accreditations/certifications from third parties. On April 24, people will flood the Internet with selfies tagged with #whomademyclothes for Fashion Revolution Day to raise public awareness of a “broken” supply chain. Bringing awareness to the mountain of challenges associated with hyper consumerism is the first step. The True Cost is well worth the watch for all image consultants as we help clients make well-informed buying decisions that are in line with their values and personal image.

THEA WOOD, AICI FLC, MBA, is an independent image consultant based in Austin, Texas, and serves as associate editor for AICI Global. She is the co-author of Socially Smart and Savvy.

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FEATURE

SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY:

TECHNOLOGY IS THE ANSWER BY SUSAN HESSELGRAVE, AICI FLC

tacy Flynn’s solutions for creating a sustainable fashion industry are resource-driven. The resources being water, arable land and bio-based fibers. The dynamic founder of Evrnu, an innovative start-up based in Seattle, Washington, believes that trying to change consumer behavior is not the solution to the environmental threat posed by today’s fashion industry, as it will not solve the systemic issues present in the textile manufacturing cycle. Flynn comes from a career in fashion design and textile production, and she spent many years sourcing fabric and production overseas. That experience brought her face-to-face with the shocking environmental impact of her beloved fashion industry, visibly ravaging the water, air and land of the countries she visited. But the answer was not in killing fashion, Flynn believed, it was reimagining how we create it. Fashion retailers and consumers are not the problem, she asserts. “We are not asking retailers to change their business model, or attempting to change consumer behavior.” The answer lies in regeneration. “I believe we are never going to be in a world where people don’t want to have new and beautiful fashion,”

10 | January 2016 magazine

she says. So how to create “new” without using more natural resources? “I recognized that this [problem] is actually a design challenge: transforming waste into new materials that have value, into a new crop we harvest to create beautiful new garments,” while using minimal natural resources, such as water, and creating no waste or toxic residue in the process. (This is often referred to as a “closed loop” manufacturing cycle.) Evrnu is revolutionizing both the resource and the process used in textile production. Fabric waste becomes the resource. Evrnu’s team has developed a patent-pending technology to create a high-quality, biobased fiber, made of 100 percent post-consumer cotton waste. (Cotton waste is cotton fabric that has already

“We are not asking retailers to change their business model, or attempting to change consumer behavior.” —STACY FLYNN, EVRNU FOUNDER

“Appreciating beauty is a human quality. I’m dedicated to bringing more beauty into the world in a way that we can truly enjoy.”—STACY FLYNN been through the complete production cycle: harvested, milled, woven, sewn, sold and worn, including the “cut waste” scraps of garment production.) The process is regenerative – discarded garments made of the new Evrnu fiber can be recycled again and again into brand new fiber (thread) to mill into new cloth. Flynn is optimistic for the textile and apparel industry. “Fast fashion can be a powerful catalyst” in the process, she says. “They are genuinely interested in making changes.” Her wish? “I would like to see more textile and apparel professionals break out of the corporate environment

and create start-ups. Or mentor start-ups. They have highly transferable skills to help solve these problems. And they have insights and connections that are essential to create incubator/accelerator environments like high-tech did.” Evrnu’s technology has already won multiple innovation awards in international technology and sustainability competitions. The prototype fiber is expected to be available on a limited scale by the end of January 2016, and Flynn hopes to have it in larger production by the end of 2017. “Appreciating beauty is a human quality,” says Flynn. “I’m dedicated to bringing more beauty into the world in a way that we can truly enjoy.”

SUSAN HESSELGRAVE, AICI FLC, is an independent image consultant based in Seattle, Washington. She serves as editor in chief for AICI Global, and is currently writing a book exploring the intersection of values, identity and personal style.

FEATURE

STYLE UP WITH

UPCYCLING BY DONNA CAMERON

enew, recycle, upcycle. Climate change, fast fashion, Clothes to Die For. What are we talking about here, and what has it got to do with image consultants? Every year about 90 million garments around the world become landfill. Contrary to popular belief, only a small fraction of our discarded clothes are recycled or worn by people after us – and when

Cindy Hanara with her own design, refashioned from a vintage garment. (Photo by Donna Cameron)

12 | January 2016 magazine

this does occur it’s generally to the benefit of for-profit companies, not charities – the rest goes to landfill. We can no longer content ourselves in the belief that we are “doing good” when we take our unwanted clothing to charity shops, as they receive far more than they can actually sell. Alongside this, it’s been estimated by The Brooklyn Fashion and

Design Accelerator in New York that the fashion industry is the second largest user of water in the world, and a polluter as well. These problems have been accelerated in recent times as retailers introduce new ranges far more frequently than ever before, tempting us to buy many more garments than we used to. But the background statistics are sobering.

Designs by Cindy Hanara. (Photo by Farzana Ahad)

The good news is that we, as image consultants, are ideally positioned to help alleviate this ever worsening issue. We understand the difference between enduring style and frantic fashion, and can teach our clients how to purchase only what will work for them, thereby reducing waste. Now that we can buy clothes at historically low prices, it’s too easy in our consumer society to experiment then discard, instead of making well considered choices. But if we care about the environment and we care about quality, there is a new way: upcycling. If you’ve not yet encountered this growing trend, you will. Unlike recycling that involves trashing stuff to create something entirely new, upcycling respects the integrity of a piece and changes it only slightly so it’s still recognizable.

Upcycling is a growing industry embraced by designers who understand quality, true workmanship, longevity and personalized style and wish to preserve that for future generations. Upcycling practitioners take beautiful, quality pieces already in existence and remodel them so they’re relevant for contemporary life. It serves the dual purpose of reducing waste and providing an alternative to poorly made “fast fashion”. Cindy Hanara, a fashion designer with a playful passion for upcycled clothing, is based in Melbourne, Australia. Originally from New Zealand, Hanara has a BA in Fashion Technology and years of experience in the design and merchandising of women’s clothing. But now the fast fashion industry disgusts her as it

Statement necklace by Angela Clark, upcycled from vintage materials. (Photo by Donna Cameron)

“It’s too easy to switch off from the damage our lust for new clothing is responsible for.” —CINDY HANARA “sucks the life out of fashion fun.” “It’s too easy to switch off from the damage our lust for new clothing is responsible for,” she says. Her upcycling projects allow her the autonomy and freedom to have fun with fashion design again. Hanara explains that upcycling is more that simple alterations – it may involve cutting up a dress so it becomes a more versatile top and skirt outfit. It’s about breathing

Designer Angela Clark at work. (Photo by Donna Cameron)

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new life into a garment, making it more desirable for the wearer, thereby decreasing the cost per wear and making it more relevant to contemporary living. Jewelry designer and upcycler, Angela Clark, agrees with this concept. She keeps a sharp eye out for old, beautifully made objects that are no longer relevant to what we wear today so she can remodel them into a special piece. Her one-of-a-kind handcrafted costume jewelry has been featured on models and musicians both in Australia and internationally. Clark is attracted to upcycling because pieces in the early-midtwentieth century were made so well, made to last. “The colours and the metals and the weight of

the pieces are so different from what we see manufactured today,” she says. Bruna Capodanno is attracted to upcycling because she believes it’s important to preserve examples of traditional practices that we’re losing today. Capodanno studied fashion design at RMIT before living in Paris for 27 years, where she worked in haute couture embroidery and production lines and distribution for Chloe, Mark Jacobs, Fendi and Christian Lacroix. She uses this experience today in her upcycling work. She likes the idea of sustaining the beautiful materials we now seldom see – colours that can’t be impregnated into many of our current cheaper fabrics, soft laces with drape unlike

Lace from vintage garments refashioned into bridesmaid dresses (retro, shabby chic wedding for Abbey and Luc, November 2015). (Photo courtesy Bruna Capodanno)

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“It is a strategy for re-envisioning materiality.” —TAMARA LEACOCK the stiff versions we’re offered today, and proper linen that is now rare because of the difficulty of growing flax. Tamara Leacock, who is currently pursuing a Masters in Individualized Studies focusing on “Trashion and Recycled Fashion as a Vehicle for Social Revolution” at New York University, believes upcycling “requires that highest and purest level of creativity – the humble acknowledgement of what has existed before and the courage to

Bruna Capodanno created this bold print, rayon stretch skirt she upcycled from a 1960s housecoat. She also created a mini dress out of the same housecoat. (Photo by Donna Cameron)

change it. It is a strategy for reenvisioning materiality.” From New York but currently in Melbourne, Leacock has two strands to her work: wearable art and styling projects, ReciclaGEM, and design projects, R E M U S E Designs. She works with recycled materials and artisan techniques and creates style portraits featuring local artisan designers and diverse/ underrepresented narratives and bodies with Afro-futurist aesthetics. (Editor’s note: Leacock is also modeling one of her own designs on this issue’s amazing cover.) As you can see, there are numerous approaches to upcycling and as many different styles resulting from the practice as there are in the fast

Leacock original; model Ashley Mingot. (Photo by Jubert Gilay for the Beau Monde Society)

fashion industry. By embracing upcycling, as an image consultant you can introduce your clients to an exciting new world of well designed, quality, personalized pieces that can be made exclusively for them or that simply appeal. Simultaneously, you will be an active part of the solution, not contributing to the problem.

DONNA CAMERON is the cofounder of Body Map wellbeing + style strategies, along with her sister, Dr. Nadine Cameron. Current president of the AICI Melbourne Chapter in Australia, she also serves as associate editor for AICI GLOBAL.

Designs by Tamara Leacock. Hair by Sarah Courtney, Makeup by Cole Williams, Modeled by Elizabeth Sotiria, Amber Sawyers, Lisa Anderson, Cleo DeFleur, and Aesha Sylla. (Photo by Interlaced Media for RAW Brisbane (Australia))

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FEATURE

MAGNIFECO: YOUR HEAD-TO-TOE GUIDE TO

ETHICAL FASHION AND NON-TOXIC BEAUTY REVIEW BY DEBRA LINDQUIST, MA, AICI CIP

ach of us holds a significant amount of power when it comes to our choices. In the world of fashion, when we align our choices around our larger goals, our collective buying power can really make a difference. Magnifeco: Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Ethical Fashion and Non-toxic Beauty supplies current information and resources regarding eco-fashion and sustainable living. Written by Kate Black, founder and editor-in-chief of Magnifeco.com, the book tackles the fashion industry, its impact on the people who work in the production of our clothes, and the frightening toll on the global environment. This book is a must read for every image consultant. Imagine if image professionals around the world could influence their clients to make eco-conscious purchases that preserve our planet and at the same time protect the health of workers in the garment industry. The book covers the beauty industry, clothing, and out-

16 | January 2016 magazine

erwear and examines what we put on our skin, why organic cotton is preferable to conventional cotton, and whether the ethical use of animals is possible. Magnifeco doesn’t hesitate to make lists and name names. The book focuses on useful details, covering everything from beauty products to shoes to handbags and jewelry. It even includes ethical purchasing suggestions for evening and bridal. Marketing in the fashion industry is focused on exciting new trends and for the most part gives little attention to sustainability. Often, consumers are persuaded to buy more of inexpensive garments; they’re so cheap, it doesn’t matter if they don’t last. Except it does matter. Rarely is the buyer made aware of potentially toxic ingredients, production waste, working conditions, or employee wages. Many of our “fashionista” clients, however, may be eager to support responsible brands and services that use natural and organic materials.

The EU Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC) was adopted in January 2003 and most recently revised in 2013. The EU law bans 1,328 chemicals from cosmetics that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutation, reproductive harm, or birth defects. In comparison, the U.S. FDA has only banned or restricted 11 chemicals from cosmetics. http://www.safecosmetics.org.

Creating the new from the old is what “upcycling” is all about. When I was in New York City several years ago attending a fashion conference, I had the pleasure of meeting Deborah Lindquist (no relation), the designer of Deborah Lindquist Eco Couture. She is one of Los Angeles’ top environmentally conscious designers. One of the versatile lines that she designs is her line of reincarnated cashmere sweaters, created from a mix of materials made from previously owned sweaters. These options offer great finds in quality clothing and accessories. Key to finding these pieces is to know clothing lines and styles. Who better to advise on this than we image professionals? We are the experts on quality, fit, and fashion, as well as understanding the specific needs and preferences of our clients.

Black asserts that the fashion industry is producing far more clothing than the world population needs. In order to minimize our environmental impact, consumers need to consider their real need for a piece of clothing and what they will do with it once they no longer have use for it. Magnifeco will increase our awareness about the clothing we personally choose to wear and provides eco-friendly fashion choices we can recommend to our clients. Fashion consumers are encouraged to consider fiber content and sourcing, and details about different fabrics will aid our buying decisions.

I hope that you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

In addition to concerns about environmental effects of the industry are immediate health dangers posed to the people who work in the industry, from pesticides to dyes to fabric finishes. In the United States, the public usually considers what’s offered for sale on the clothing racks or the cosmetics shelves to be “safe.” However, two facts loom large. The list of “acceptable” chemicals in the U.S. is much longer than what the European Union allows.

featured in the book is Eileen Fisher. Through Green Eileen, its non-profit initiative, the company is seeking to reduce its environmental footprint. Green Eileen accepts donations of gently worn Eileen Fisher garments and resells them, with the proceeds going to support quality of life programs for at-need women and girls.

Black points out that the consumer can effect change. We can be more selective regarding our purchases. We can frequent the companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Rethinking the lifecycle of clothing is another way to change the throw-away culture. Clothing resources to consider include vintage, “upcycled,” and previously owned clothing.

Available at AICI’s Amazon store: Magnifeco: Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Ethical Fashion and Non-toxic Beauty

One designer

DEBRA LINDQUIST, MA, AICI CIP, is the innovator of Color Profiles Systems. She provides color materials for other consultants and offers image training on an individual basis.

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FEATURE

“FEEL GOOD” FASHION:

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, OR FUELING GUILT-FREE CONSUMERISM? BY THEA WOOD, AICI FLC, MBA

istorically, mass production of clothing and accessories hid beneath a trail of supply chains, unknown textile providers, and overseas manufacturers. The growing environmental, health, and economic impacts were unaccounted for – or at least safely veiled from the general public’s eyes. Thanks to investigative news reporting, documentaries, and the Internet, buyers are learning more about where and how their boots, scarves, jewelry, and jackets are made. Most people aren’t happy about what they learn, and a sense of guilt comes along with supporting companies that turn a blind eye to irresponsible practices. The growing “Feel Good” or ethical fashion manufacturing/distribution/ purchasing trend is the response. In the healthcare industry, it’s called value-based purchasing: “Value-based purchasing involves the actions of coalitions, employer purchasers, public sector purchasers, health plans, and individual

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consumers in making decisions that take into consideration access, price, quality, efficiency, and alignment of incentives,” according to NBCH.org. This definition can be applied to the ethical fashion industry trend. A powerhouse of feel-good branding is TOMS®, “The One-for-One Company,” which Blake Mycoskie founded in 2006. In short, for each pair of shoes sold, a pair is donated to a child in need. TOMS® reports that over 35 million pairs of shoes have been donated in over 70 countries. Plus, the materials are vegan and made by workers who are paid fair wages in safe environments. Consumers clearly feel great about buying a pair of shoes that will help make someone’s life better. But why stop there? TOMS’ short but aggressive feel-good expansion timeline includes: • 2011— Launched an eyewear program that provides prescription glasses, medical treatment,

and/or sight-saving surgery with each purchase of eyewear. Over 275,000 people received help. • 2 014—TOMS Roasting Company provides 140 liters (one week’s worth) of safe water to a person in need, providing over 67,000 weeks of water to date. • 2 015—TOMS Bag Collection debuts, in an effort to provide training for birth attendants and birthing kits so women can safely deliver babies at home. Another online retailer, zady.com, was founded with a mission to combat throwaway, “fast food” fashion in favor of long-lasting, classic clothing made in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. “Process matters. Quality matters. Honesty matters,” announces their company manifesto. Zady founders term this “The New Standard” for the fashion industry. Adults may choose to reduce their clothing consumption, but what

about children who outgrow their clothes on a seasonal basis? Companies like Salvage Maria will take your donations and upcycle them into trendy or classic pieces that can be worn again and again. By doing so, the environmental impact decreases greatly, even for little ones. Even Microsoft has entered the playing field, collaborating with SequenceCollection.com, a fair trade company that sells artisanal items made in El Salvador. With the Microsoft technology embedded (in a demonstration line of bracelets), if you place the bracelet next to a smartphone, a NFC chip will sync up and play a short video about the making of your bracelet, according to Women’s Wear Daily. Microsoft states that their initiative “represents a new way for socially conscious fashion brands to leverage technology to tell their story, connect consumers to causes, and highlight the artists they empower.” More European companies like Inditext (whose brands include

Cruelty-Free Environmentally Friendly

Manufacturing Transparency

Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, Zara Home, and Uterqüe) are moving manufacturing facilities to Eastern European sites for faster response to fickle market trends, according to The Guardian. While the “proximity model” may enable fast fashion closer to home, it doesn’t necessarily mean working conditions or environmental impacts are improved. Paying more doesn’t mean helping more, though. Luxury brands don’t necessarily translate to more ethical manufacturing practices. Ferragamo, Prada, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana have been implicated in underpaid immigrant labor practices while using the “Made In Italy” label, detailed in the documentary Slaves Of Luxury. Importing Chinese labor in order to compete with low Asian labor costs created quite a stir in Italian news outlets. There are signs that the public relations impact of ethical (or non-ethical) practices is creating change. In 2007, Burberry moved its British factories to China in order to make

Organic

Handmade

Organic

Cruelty-Free

Pay-It-Forward

Organic

Pay-It-Forward

Made in the U.S.A.

Locally Sourced

Socially Responsible Hiring Practices

1.5m a year more in profit. But in 2010 the design house joined the Ethical Trading Initiative and then pulled out of the Chinese Simone factory for Code of Conduct violations, as reported by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Despite these positive reforms, questions remain. Do we give ourselves permission to consume more because “consumption guilt” is alleviated? And does buying more negate the whole mission of responsible consumerism? The highly materialistic buying psychology began in the 1980s (a decade of excess). Perhaps, after more than 30 years, we’re seeing the pendulum swing closer to post World War II purchasing values.

THEA WOOD, AICI FLC, MBA, is an independent image consultant based in Austin, Texas, and serves as associate editor for AICI Global. She is the co-author of Socially Smart and Savvy.

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FEATURE

A RENEWABLE RESOURCE

CLOTHING RENTAL SERVICES GROW IN POPULARITY BY SHAUNDA DURHAM-THOMPSON

T’S NOT YOUR FATHER’S WEDDING TUXEDO RENTAL. Online clothing rental services have grown exponentially over the past few years and expanded into new markets. For instance, in just four years, Rent the Runway subscribers grew to 3.5 million members. The benefits extend beyond the consumer’s pocketbook. Well-known subscription services also offer “experiential marketing” to new and upcoming designers, who can feature and market their designs through these clothing and subscription companies. Garments have a full life, rather than languishing in the back of a closet once the party is over. And for image consultants, using these services for clients may provide another level of service and source of revenue. Below are brief profiles of three companies in this new segment of the apparel market.

RENT THE RUNWAY renttherunway.com Rent the Runway was launched in 2009. For $139, shoppers can purchase an unlimited subscription, which means you can sign up to get designer dresses, accessories, tops, skirts, and more on rotation. You select three items and keep the clothing as long as you want. Rent the Runway will dry clean the clothing, pay for the postage, and the subscription can be canceled at will. Clothing can be exchanged anytime. Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, jackets, etc. are available from designers such as

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Diane Von Furstenberg, Jason Wu and Kate Spade. Depending on the designer, sizes range from 0-22. Shoppers can also rent clothing on a one-time basis, without the monthly subscription fee. In 2013, Rent the Runway opened four retail stores in prime markets: Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York City and Las Vegas. Similar to the online experience, clients can get one-on-one attention from a stylist who will help choose the right garment based on the client’s styles, body type, designer, etc. Clients are also able to try their choices on at the store before renting them.

LE TOTE letote.com

FRESH NECK freshneck.com

For a monthly subscription fee of $49, Le Tote offers three garments and two accessories delivered to your door (in a tote of course!), unlimited times each month. Named the “Netflix” style clothing service by Fortune Magazine, subscribers can choose from casual clothing, office attire and formal looks from brands such as Vince Camuto, Kensie and BCBG Generation. Le Tote also has a subscription for maternity clothing. Shipping and dry cleaning are free.

Fresh Neck, the “Netflix of ties,” caters to the fashionconscious yet accessory-challenged portion of the male population. There are three membership tiers to choose from, with all options giving clients unlimited access to ties, pocket squares, cufflinks and watches from designers such as Michael Kors, J. Crew and Calvin Klein. Monthly subscription fees start at $20.

Image consultants can leverage these services to the benefit of their clients. By reviewing merchandise inventories and making informed apparel selections for their clients, they will save clients both time and money.

SHAUNDA DURHAM-THOMPSON is the director of an academic support center that helps develop students’ public speaking and presenting capabilities and is a communication instructor in Northern Virginia. She conducts professional development workshops for students focusing on image, business, and professional communication. Currently pursuing Image Consultant Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she plans to open a consulting business specializing in image and professional development for the diverse college student population.

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FEATURE

MADE IN THE USA:

IS IT REALLY FAIR TRADE? BY SUSAN HESSELGRAVE, AICI FLC

merican Apparel, iconic for its “no sweatshops” commitment, filed for bankruptcy in October 2015. Does this signal the failure of “ethical fashion” in the competitive marketplace? Hardly. “Fast fashion” success is more to blame, with H&M and Zara grabbing market share from other retailers such as The Gap, J. Crew, and Abercrombie & Fitch. But its bankruptcy does call into question the claims American Apparel has made regarding its company ethics. Court papers on the bankruptcy filing reveal that an immigration raid in 2009 caused the company to lose 1,500 manufacturing workers and endure significant setbacks. As reporter Misha Clive wrote, “When ‘Made in USA’ means made by undocumented workers who are in danger of losing their livelihoods, the U.S. still has

a long way to go to achieve truly ethical and locally produced clothing brands on a large scale.” (Misha Clive, 10/22/2015, “Made In USA Brand American Apparel Files For Bankruptcy”) One longstanding example of corporate transparency is apparel company Maggie’s Organics. Behind the Label, available on their website, outlines for consumers all the specifics of their certified organic and fair trade apparel supply chain. The “Made in USA” label does not guarantee ethical labor practices. Maggie’s Organics Founder and President, Bena Burda, told Clive, “Between 2008 and 2012, for example, the U.S. Department of Labor investigated over 1,500 employers in the garment industry in the US and found labor law violations in 93 percent of cases. Most of the work-

ers involved were immigrants from Asia and Latin America.” Burda advises, “Ask not only ‘where’ but ‘who’ makes a brand’s U.S. clothing. Look for a brand that has direct relationships with their makers and is not afraid to tell you about them.” (www.greenbusinessnetwork.org, 10/22/2015)

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MASTER INSIGHTS

I LOVE IT!

BUT WILL IT FIT? BY JUDITH RASBAND, AICI CIM

Does this sound familiar? You fall in love with a gorgeous dress on the department store mannequin, only to find that the fit is totally off, even when you try three different sizes on! So frustrating.

ost fitting problems can be avoided right at that “fall in love” moment. Follow these three simple steps and you’ll be happier with your clothing decisions.

1: START WITH YOU Just like finding the love of your life, not everything on the clothing racks was made for you – not only because of your personal tastes and lifestyle, but the way your body is made. Certain styles of garments are designed for specific figure types, not necessarily every figure type. For example, a 50s-style shirtwaist dress with a defined, fitted midriff will most probably not be constructed to the proportions of a “rectangular” figure. For a person with this body shape, their usual off-the-rack size will be too tight in the waist, even though it fits the bust and hips. If going up a size, it will be baggy on top and droop at the hips. So start with you. That way you can quickly eliminate styles that are just going to frustrate you in the dressing room.

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2: MAKE IT EASE-Y The best fit is one that makes you at ease with yourself and your appearance. If a garment is too constricting, it will bother you on either a physical or psychological level (or both). Fitting ease is the solution. Unless the garment fabric is meant to cling, compress or stretch to the body’s contours (such as in undergarments, swimwear or athletic wear), a flattering, comfortable garment should skim or float over your contours and you should be able to move in it. In other words, the garment’s width will be larger than yours. Just because a piece of clothing can cover the body doesn’t mean it’s a good fit. Furthermore, each clothing layer must have ease over the layer underneath. An overcoat for cold weather needs to be bigger in its measurements than the blouse and sweater you are wearing with it. So don’t “suck it in” in the dressing room! Make sure you have room to breathe and move. 3: MIND THE WRINKLES There are those “I just sat in an airplane for six hours” kind of wrinkles, and then there are the “smile” and

Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / vvoennyy

“frown” wrinkles that express themselves the first time you try something on. These aren’t the ones on your face because you like it or don’t like it. These are wrinkle lines appearing in the garment itself when you put it on your body. This type of wrinkle, a fitting wrinkle, is a big clue to poor fit. A fitting wrinkle, also called a drag line, indicates that something doesn’t fit properly. There is either too little or too much ease in the garment. You can’t iron out fitting wrinkles. Wrinkles are to be expected when you walk, bend, reach, etc., as your movements stretch the contours of the garment. But when you stop moving and stand still, clothing should settle smoothly over your body. Sometimes fitting wrinkles can be eliminated with simple garment alterations. This is something your tailor or image consultant can advise you on. A quick and inexpensive alteration may be worth investing in if you really love the garment. Everybody deserves a fabulous fit to put themselves at ease, empower and enable them in all they do per-

sonally, socially and professionally. A fabulous fit allows others to focus positive attention on you, not the way your clothes are fitting. One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve or enhance your appearance is to get a fabulous fit in your clothes by choosing the right styles, in the right size, for you.

JUDITH RASBAND, an AICI Certified Image Master, is the founder of the Conselle Institute of Image Management. She holds a master’s degree specializing in the artistic, social and psychological aspects of dress and image. In 1998, she was honored with AICI’s prestigious Image Makers Merit of Industry Excellence award (the “IMMIE”), for her work in education. Co-author of the textbook, Fabulous Fit (now in its second edition), she is also co-author of the definitive Fitting & Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach to Style Selection, Fitting, and Alteration, with a new third edition slated for release in February, 2016.

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BUSINESS

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY IMAGE IMPACT

SUSTAIN YOUR SUCCESS WITH AN ASSETS INVENTORY BY PAMELA JUDD, AICI CIP

dentifying your strengths is essential to sustaining a successful business or organization. As a non-profit, Image Impact International (III) uses the Assets Inventory, a valuable tool from the Foundation Center. Can you answer these four questions about your image consulting business? WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES? What you believe in empowers you to take action. Surveying III’s board and philanthropy team helped us to define our top values: Leadership, Professional Growth through Education, Access, and Opportunity. For example, III empowers and mentors first generation college students to succeed in the workforce by making leadership, communication, and presentation skills accessible. Once you reflect and select your values, purpose driven goals will naturally follow. WHAT ARE YOUR CORE PROJECTS OR PROGRAMS AND WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OR OUTCOMES?

your success? Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) assessment to gain insight and ensure viability. WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOUR WORK FROM OTHERS? LIST THE SPECIFIC WAYS IN WHICH YOUR WORK DIFFERS FROM THE COMPETITION. III applies a three-step branding strategy to our training programs to answer this key question. First, we use Ronna Lichtenberg’s “Power of 3” exercise. We pick the top three answers to the following questions, “What problems does our program solve? How does this program make the client’s life easier? Why is our solution better?” Second, we harness the “Power of Needs Analysis” to identify the service gaps our clients face so we can develop training solutions. Third, we actively conduct competitive analysis. Looking honestly at your competition helps you to uncover the uniqueness of your own brand.

Do you have a strategic plan to outline your goals over the next 3 months, 6 months, and year ahead? Use metrics and measurable deliverables to show the world how you get results. For example, statistics, letters of appreciation, testimonials, awards, and media visibility are all solid measures of success.

Take the Assets Inventory annually. Exploring your values, results, competencies, and competition can sustain your success and showcase your strengths to the world.

WHAT ARE THE CORE COMPETENCIES (E.G., SKILLS AND ABILITIES) THAT ENABLE YOU TO SUCCEED?

PAMELA JUDD, AICI CIP, is President of Image Impact International, a global philanthropic non-profit community of trainers. To get inspired, involved, and make an impact, contact her at juddpamela@aol.com or visit www.imageimpact.org

Ask yourself what you are most known for. Which talents are effortless or need strengthening? Which internal and external factors are helpful or harmful to

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BUSINESS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

SUE DONNELLY BY SUSAN HESSELGRAVE, AICI FLC

“I

have a mantra for my work and my life. It’s ‘one size does not fit all.’ I like to push the envelope, challenge what we’ve been taught. Not that the ‘rules’ aren’t important. They are. That’s our foundation for the work we do. But they don’t always work for me. Now, I was always a rule-follower, of whatever, but it didn’t necessarily work. I figured if it wasn’t working for me, it might not be working for my clients. So I started to look outside the box for a little bit more. I’ve tried to extend and expand how we do our job.” PUSHING THE ENVELOPE For Sue Donnelly, sometimes breaking out of the box means dropping an aspect of the business that doesn’t work for her. “It’s because of my own experience that I don’t do color analysis anymore. I’ve found that at different points in my life, I’ve been attracted to colors that I didn’t even like. Colors that supposedly would look horrible on me, like burnt orange. But I bought them anyway, and they didn’t look horrible, they looked great. I felt great wearing them. Later, I discovered that something was wrong with me [health-wise] and that was a healing color for me. I really believe in the power of intuition. If you just stop, listen to it, you will know what’s best for you.”

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“Intuition” is a key word in Donnelly’s philosophy. “That’s something that yoga has taught me. If you think your head is the CEO of you, you’re wrong. There’s the vagus nerve. It connects everything. It’s your heart that’s CEO. And your gut tells your heart [how to feel].”

A LOT OF TOOLS IN HER TOOLBOX

FOCUS AND FLEXIBILITY

In addition to being a founding member of the Association of Stylists and Image Professionals (ASIP London) and a past president of the UK image industry’s governing body, the Federation of Image Professionals International (FIPI), Sue Donnelly achieved Certified Image Professional (CIP) certification with AICI. She was also the first Fashion Feng Shui Master Facilitator in the UK, is a qualified life coach and trainer (CIPD), a Clarity4D accredited trainer and an NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) Practitioner.

A few years ago, Donnelly took up yoga. Laughingly, she admits, “I would not have predicted that when I was younger!” Yoga, she says, has taught her to not “just be in my head” but to be more patient, a better listener. Part of that is becoming more intentional about everything. “Every year I pick a word, my word for that year.” What was her word for 2015? Discernment. Donnelly focused on really looking, listening, discerning “the story behind the story” in situations both personal and professional. The true story.

AICI Members can listen to Sue Donnelly’s June 2015 teleclass, available in the AICI Training Archives. Log in and find it here: Creating a Successful Soul-Led Business.

“Where do I think we’re headed? People are going to be more individual than ever before. That’s true for me. And it’s not just about style. What I eat, how I move, yoga . . . I am becoming more holistic. It’s all connected. And that’s what I want for my clients, I want them to feel amazing in their own skin and to access their intuition.”

Asked to give a hypothetical example of how discernment came into play when working with a client, Donnelly described the following situation.

DISCERNMENT: Perception in the absence of judgment, with a view to obtaining spiritual direction and understanding. “A client might have some ambivalent feelings around a couple of garments. Keep this one? Get rid of that one? So I’ll turn it around for her. I say, ‘Okay, let’s pretend that this garment is a person, what is she saying to you?’ If they can see [the story] behind the clothing, they can tap into what’s important for them now. I like to ask, ‘Who else is living in that wardrobe? An ex-job, an ex-husband?’”

A MENTOR WHO MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE “Evana Maggiore (creator and founder of Fashion Feng Shui), was so good to me. She was a very important mentor. She spotted me, nurtured me. I’m so pleased that I’ve been able to carry her work forward. Fashion Feng Shui was ahead of its time, the time is more right now. Health and spirituality, being authentic and healthy are of great importance now.”

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“I’m bringing much more coaching into my practice now. The work is becoming more an internal thing.” “I’m bringing much more coaching into my practice. The work is becoming more an internal thing. With yoga, I’ve learned to seek out a different perspective. That’s what the twist or downward dog is all about. Seeing the world from a different angle. “My outlook now is helping clients find their own way. They own it more. And I look at their intention, my intention. Why change? It’s a more meditative process.” LIFE EVOLVES Besides “one size does not fit all,” Sue Donnelly has another mantra: “life evolves.” While the first principle has been basic to her practice since she started ten years ago, the second she added a bit later, realizing how much her own style evolved over time.

30 | January 2016 magazine

“Several years ago, people knew me for a certain style – this kind of Vivienne Westwood, over the top, creative, asymmetrical, dramatic style. But now I find I’m drawn to the most simple things, hardly any color. Every piece I have can stand alone. I’m playing with proportion, breaking the ‘rules’ there. Pairing loose-flowing pants with an oversized top, not a tight-fitting top. And no, it [the outfit] doesn’t look like a baggy box.” While she’s never met her, Iris Apfel is an important style icon for Donnelly. “I love the way she turns everything on its head. Look what she does with scale! This tiny woman. Those heaps of necklaces. It’s like architecture, what she does. She epitomizes style for me. There is nothing she says that I disagree with.” Donnelly admits she used to be a jewelry fanatic, but no more. Now, by choice, “all my jewelry is gone. It’s stud earrings and these glasses.” Of course, her bold signature eyeglasses are quite dramatic. She is also a big fan of Diana Vreeland. “I love women that aren’t ‘classically’ beautiful but have style. She is one of those women who are not ‘pretty,’ but are striking, almost in a masculine way – powerful.”

THE JANE SEGERSTROM AWARD - 2015 This award is named in honor of the late Jane Segerstrom, an AICI Houston Chapter and AICI International Board member, whose vision and association work set the foundation of AICI’s international growth. The Jane Segerstrom Award is bestowed upon a person who has helped to further our worldwide association/industry vision. “The AICI Board of Directors nominated Sue Donnelly, AICI CIP, FFSM, LFIPI for her outstanding support of AICI and its chapters around the world. Donnelly makes herself available to support the continuing education of our members. She continually seeks to expand her expertise and is notably the first Fashion Feng Shui Master Facilitator in the UK. An ambassador for our profession, Donnelly is truly passionate about her work, as anyone who has attended one of her training sessions can attest.” Reflecting on her own style timeline, Donnelly sees it spurred by emotional growth, not just changes in fashion. “Back in the 80s, I was into the shoulder pads, the power dressing. Then, with the dramatic [style], it’s as though I needed to be noticed. But I find now that I don’t really need that. I’ve got less of everything now. I don’t hold onto anything anymore. Detachment. I think some of it [the ease of a simpler style] comes with time, with confidence.” Lifestyle plays a role too. Donnelly moved from a suburb of London, Peterborough, and now lives in Spalding, a small market town of about 22,000 (locally referred to as “Little Holland”). “I don’t get so stressed any more, I go with the flow,” she says. A simpler wardrobe works better in the setting, along with sensible shoes. “I’m embracing Doc Martens. Never thought I wouldn’t be wearing heels! They’re great. I’ve got a bright red patent leather pair.” Apparently, she hasn’t dropped the drama entirely. There’s a pretty high likelihood Donnelly’s the only one in Spalding wearing that particular statement shoe!

—JANE SEAMAN, AICI CIP, PRESIDENT

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BETWEEN US

INTERNATIONAL IMAGE CONSULTANTS DAY

A CELEBRATION WITH WINE, WORDS AND WISDOM AICI WASHINGTON D.C., METRO AREA CHAPTER

festive “Book Sharing and Wine Tasting” was enjoyed by members of the AICI Washington D.C., Metro Area Chapter on November 22, 2015. A selection of wines and appetizers were available, and each attendee shared a book that had inspired them. To support the chapter’s philanthropic AICI Image for a Cause efforts, members brought gloves, scarves and mittens to donate to the Interfaith Housing Coalition. The last book share was by AICI WDC Chapter VP of Programs, Jane O. Smith, reading the entire children’s book “I Like Me.”

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BETWEEN US

2015 CHAPTER MEMBER OF THE YEAR

AWARDS DAISY CHONG SACK MOI, AICI MALAYSIA CHAPTER

Founder of and principal consultant for Sense of Style, Daisy presently serves as chapter secretary. Her contributions to the group, however, extend far beyond preparing agenda and minutes. Daisy readily assists the chapter treasurer in preparing financial reports, as well as helping other board and chapter members. Her interest in everyone’s personal development is demonstrated in her involvement with the AICI Malaysia Roadshow, the FLC Road Map Boot Camp, and the FLC Study Group. According to the chapter’s president, Josephine Lui Chit Fuen, Daisy’s optimism, dedication to the chapter, and team spirit have made her the “sparkling gem of the chapter.” KEIKO COUCH, AICI CIP, AICI TOKYO CHAPTER Keiko is the owner and president of Keiko International Image System. She has been an active chapter member for more than twenty years and was selected in recognition of her contributions throughout that time. Keiko was instrumental in increasing the membership of the chapter and actively encourages members to attend the AICI International Conference. She also serves as an AICI interpreter, which has resulted in a tremendous increase in the number of chapter members who have attained FLC certification.

34 | January 2016 magazine

WENDY CRESPI, AICI FLC, AICI MEXICO CITY CHAPTER Owner of Crespi & Consultores in Mexico City and the Chapter Vice President, Wendy was selected for her professionalism, as well as her outstanding commitment and contributions to both the chapter and the image industry as a whole. Wendy drives the development of the chapter’s members by the example she sets as an entrepreneur and collaborator. SILVIA GUERRA, AICI FLC, AICI GUADALAJARA CHAPTER Silvia is recognized for her great performance, attitude and efforts focused on strengthening the chapter and improving member communications, notably the membership card, Whatsapp AICI group, monthly newsletter and encouraging member participation in events. Silvia is a woman that has demonstrated passion and dedication towards her work, always positive, persistent and responsible. SANDRA OTIPKA, AICI SANTIAGO-CHILE CHAPTER Sandra is the chapter’s Vice President of Finance and the President. Due to her financial leadership, the chapter was the first to receive a rebate this year. A leader and excellent collaborator, with an optimistic personality, Sandra encourages individual chapter members to work as a team for the benefit of all.

SHANNA PECORARO, AICI CIP, AICI NEW YORK/ TRI-STATE CHAPTER Shanna is Executive Director and Principal Trainer of NYC Image Consultant Academy and the Immediate Past President of the New York/ Tri-State Chapter. JOANNE RAE, AICI CIP, AICI WASHINGTON D.C., METRO CHAPTER Joanne is the owner of Younique Image Consulting in Mechanicsville, Virginia. In addition to her service as chapter secretary, Joanne has served as treasurer on the AICI International Board of Directors and now holds the position of Vice President of Certification. She organizes an annual clothing exchange that benefits members of the local community. Along with the chapterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immediate past president, Cindy Ann Peterson, AICI FLC, Joanne copresented the first AICI FLC Boot Camp for chapter members.

CAROL ROBICHAUD, AICI CIP, AICI CANADA CHAPTER President of KCR Image Consulting, Carol is a founding member and past president of the AICI Canada Chapter (Toronto). She is passionately devoted to giving back, and after a hiatus from the chapter board returned in the position of treasurer. Carol is extremely well prepared with financials, as well as ideas and strategies to promote the chapter and events for members. She inspires, encourages and shares life experiences to motivate the board as well as chapter members. CINDY TIEN, AICI SINGAPORE CHAPTER Senior Consultant and Corporate Trainer at Imageworks in Singapore, Cindy is the former AICI Singapore Chapter Vice President of Hospitality/ Events and now serves as Vice President of Membership. Cindy is focused and a great team player, with a warm and engaging personality, who always puts forth her best efforts for the chapter.

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BETWEEN US

AICI INTERNATIONAL

CERTIFICATION

NEWS The month of November saw two well-attended AICI FLC certification exams. On November 3, 2015, AICI Mexico City Chapter hosted a paper and pencil exam and AICI Shanghai Chapter hosted a similar event on November 22. Congratulations to all who sat for the exam and received their certification. You deserve to celebrate your accomplishment!

AICI SHANGHAI EDUCATION DAY:

BRINGING HOME THE AICI GLOBAL CONFERENCE

n October 2015, the AICI Shanghai Chapter hosted an Education Day event. Five members of the Shanghai chapter presented—Education Chair, Yan Wang; Election Chair, Lingzhu Pan; Member, Linwei Xi; Education Chair, Xin Tian; and the first AICI CIP of Greater China and president of the AICI Shanghai Chapter, Lucy Liang. They shared

36 | January 2016 magazine

their experiences attending the August 2015 AICI Global Conference in Washington, D.C. The Education Day focused on fostering life-long learning, career longevity, and enthusiasm for the image industry. Linwei Xi shared the message that language isn’t the only avenue to share the spirit of beauty. Xi encouraged

members to find beauty in their work by doing the things they love in their own unique way. Passion counts, she affirmed. This inspiring event promoted AICI’s purpose, “Education, Experience and Excellence,” and it reinforced enthusiasm among those attending to increase the membership of AICI in China.

BETWEEN US

AICI's

Authentic Beauty unCompromised

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BETWEEN US

UPCOMING EVENTS AICI WEBINARS FOR CEU’S

LA VESTIMENTA. SENSACIONES QUE PRODUCEN Y SUS PERCEPCIONES Paty Valdes, AICI FLC 13 de Enero, 2016, 12:00pm CST — MEXICO-GUADALAJARA El arte es toda producción creativa del ser humano con finalidad estética y comunicativa. En este sentido la moda es una manifestación artística, el vestir todos los días debera ser la integración de nuestra imagen interna con nuestra imagen externa. Esta teleclase esta dirigida para reafirmar las sensaciones y significados de las prendas en funcion de la línea, forma, color, textura y estampado. Con la finalidad de guiar a nuestros clientas en la correcta vestimenta según sus actividades. Así lograr una imagen de impacto en nuetros clientes. For more information, visit: La Vestimenta. Sensaciones que producen y sus Percepciones

BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS WITH CONFIDENCE, CLARITY AND CREDIBILITY Ferial Youakim, AICI CIP, www.byferial.com Monday, January 25, 2016 AND Monday, February 1, 2016, 6:00pm EST — NEW YORK AICI CREDITS: 0.2 AICI CEUs (must attend both dates) | COST: $120 AICI Members/$156 Non-members Do you ever get the feeling that the Image Consulting business is so confusing? Are you missing out on building your business because you are not satisfied with what you have to offer? Are you ready to learn how to simplify and build your business and client base with our proven 3-step method once and for all? Becoming a Personal Branding Expert has never been easier, with our proven methods and system. For more information, visit: Building a Successful Business with Confidence, Clarity and Credibility

LA CAMISA: UN ENLACE PARA INCREMENTAR TUS ASESORÍAS DE IMAGEN A HOMBRES EJECUTIVOS Martha Risco Gonzales Vigil, www.martharisco.com 17 de Febrero, 2016 — MEXICO-GUADALAJARA La camisa desempeña varios roles en el atuendo y el guardarropa. Una de sus virtudes es la de resaltar el nudo de la corbata a través de los distintos cuellos. Las camisas son un mundo de detalles. Conoceremos los aspectos que puedes considerar antes de comprar una camisa, su estructura, la confección y cómo puede enganchar a tus clientes para otros servicios de asesoría. For more information: La camisa: Un enlace para incrementar tus asesorías de imagen a hombres ejecutivos

RESILIENCIA E IMAGEN: CÓMO INFLUYE NUESTRO PENSAMIENTO EN LA FORMACIÓN DE NUESTRO ÉXITO María Pía Estebecorena, www.ceimagen.com.ar 17 de Marzo, 2016, 12:00pm CST — MEXICO-GUADALAJARA En esta capacitacion conocerás las técnicas para lograr: Conocer lo que te hace fuerte en la adversidad; cómo hacer frente a un manejo eficiente del cambio; así como a ejercitar tu propia imagen como forma de prevención en momentos difíciles de la vida desarrollando liderazgo. For more information: Resiliencia e Imagen: cómo influye nuestro pensamiento en la formación de nuestro éxito

38 | January 2016 magazine

“Attention AICI Image Consultants!” “Take the next step and become a… Certified Executive Presence System Coach.” A golden opportunity to enhance your career and your personal brand. Develop the skills to train corporate clients at every level from C-Suite to New Professionals.

Mirella Zanatta AICI CIP President AICI Canada Chapter Associate Director, Corporate Class Inc.

5-Day Certification Program for Individuals March 28 to April 1, 2016 Toronto, Canada Learn more: Visit corporateclassinc.com info@corporateclassinc.com 1.416.967.1221

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ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES

IN AICI GLOBAL MAGAZINE REACH THOUSANDS OF AICI MEMBERS AND OTHER INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WORLDWIDE AND BOOST YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL. OUR READERS ARE LOOKING FOR: Color Systems Body Styling Training Industry-Related Books & Magazines Multi-level and Network Marketing Opportunities Business Tools Continuing Education Units for AICI certification Health and Beauty Products Professional Development Workshops & Webinars Hotel & Travel Services Website Design and Support Career Coaches Sales Tools Clothing & Accessories CONTACT GIGI JABER AT ADVERTISING@AICI.ORG FOR CURRENT AD RATES AND DEADLINES. NEXT ISSUE: APRIL 2016

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POWERFUL SATURDAY: CELEBRATING

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

PATRICK CHUN

JOANNE RAE

SUE JACOBS

FIVE STRATEGIES

CATAPULT YOUR CAREER

FOR BECOMING REAL

OCTOBER 2015

AT CONFERENCE

JULY 2015

APRIL 2015