EDITOR’s
NOTE
“If your dreams don’t scare,
they’re not big enough.”
Dear Readers, LUXE is an industry magazine, designed to cater to experts within the fashion industry. Every issue will focus on a trend. We are pleased to present you with
Christina Henderson
p u g n G i A s s L e F r D C AN I R E M the A
“How Old Glory: from patriotism to fashion” The American Flag, Old Glory, has now become a trend, though not through the traditional version found on cotton cloth. Bearing the red, white, and blue stars and stripes as clothing has become a fashion statement heavily promoted during the Fourth of July season. The significance of the American Flag is now being acknowledged through fashion, thanks to Americana designers. Through patriotic fashion, the industry is able to say thank you to the brave men and women of the armed forces. The American flag is seen dressed up as leggings, skirts, dresses, blouses, etc.
How to look
like its the 4th of July
one, two, three,
To some the American Flag couture may seem like a patriotic tribute to the land of the free, but many argue it is a trivialization of the beloved banner. Psychologist Senior Natachsa Bien-Aime states, “I don’t think people are wearing the American Flag for pride. I think people are just wearing it because it’s cute.”
4 ways
“I think it takes a lot of the meaning away from the flag. People wear the British flag all the time. I think it’s a fashion thing,” says FSU junior Nataly Millan. Patriotic fashion is seen as breach, rather than a noble attempt to pay tribute to the United States and those of the armed forces sacrificing their lives, families, and spirits. The controversy surrounding Old Glory will always be synonymous with the United States. It is inevitable that the American flag has transitioned from the family porch to the runway. 3. Tunic
1. Button Down
4. Leggings
2. Sweater
The EXPERTSof
DIGITAL TEXTILE PRINTING Various digital textile expert’s, such as Avedik Izmirlian (President of Digitab Systems, Inc.) and Randy Anderson (Product Manager at Mutoh America, Inc. give their advice on how to master digital textile printing. Advice is given on understanding ink chemistry, choosing the right fabric, pretreatment on fabrics, and equipment used for printing. In the digital textile printing industry, learning new techniques and obtaining industry knowledge is never ending. Izmirlian, who has specialized in textile printing for 19 years says, “There is no such thing as an absolute expert in digital textile printing, because the learning curve never ends.” Understanding how different fabrics react to different printing techniques is crucial. For an application on a fabric such as polyester, the printing process is versatile. The end product may result in sportswear, t-shirts, and/or specialty items. The understanding of ink chemistry to printer technology to fabrics, paired most important consideration. This will affect not only your choice of materials and application, but also the method in which you design your process,” says Anderson. New business opportunities are opened through digital printing, due to the type of images printed and the technology’s ability to handle short runs cost effectively with quick turnarounds.