Lipstick Prophets FASHION PRODUCTION HOUSE

As we embark on a new production season the team here at Lipstick Prophets wants to assist you in making a smooth pre production handover.

A few things to remember for Pre production:

- The best yield is the “true yield” which we have when we get your marker back from the grader.  Get your production ready by ordering the correct amount of fabric! Request your markers as soon as you close sales.

-When requesting your Markers please include fabric widths. (keep in mind we will need the “cuttable” width after any shrinkage)

-After you have your true yields, when calculating your fabric order, be sure to increase by at least 15% – if we run out of fabric you will be charged a table fee- but more importantly you will not be able to ship to your stores complete (thus loosing money!)

- Check those pattern cards for trims! Zippers, buttons, seam tape, boning, hook and eyes, elastic … your garments have trims and we need them up front! Also remember to increase by 15% for damage/end of roll/etc.

-Order your labels - content, size, and main- we need these up front before we start so we can attach them correctly without bottlenecking the system. Also any hang tags and button bags.. we need ALL of this to prepare your production.

- Order your hangers/ bags/ boxes etc. We also need these up front so there are no delays!

-Be aware of extra charges such as block fusing and pre steaming fabric.

-Be aware your fabric could possibly shrink when pre steaming or fusing.

-Think about any hand finishing that might increase the cost of your garment. You have already done costing at this point and any changes will effect the cost.

-Be sure to do label placement for EVERY garment. Main label, content, size, hang tags, extra button, etc.

With this list checked off you will be 100% ready for PRODUCTION and your season is in the best shape possible.

For the past 7 years I have dug my high heels deep into the barren American ground proudly shouting “Made USA” as the only way.  We have watched as our government argues with it’s self, and big business ships production overseas forcing American factories shut down. FINALLY I am beginning to see a shift – the fashion industry is sticking out it’s precious toe to test the American water.  The conversation has begun,…what will it look like if Made in China becomes Made in America? Are YOU willing to pay a little more for something that is made here?  What does Made in America mean to you? And here is my question to ME… why did I just pay 180.00 for a shirt made in China?  That’s right… my self righteous ass saw the must have and IGNORED that disgusting MADE IN CHINA label.  SO why did I do it? Because I wanted it.  I liked it. It’s the same reason I eat eggplant even though I am allergic to it.. Enjoy now.. ignore the consequences. So now I ask, if even a die hard bleeding heart “American made” flag waver such as myself can have such a cavalier attitude when it comes to the “cuteness factor” how do we change the minds of the masses who don’t give a shit to begin with? It starts with the designers.  The more designers bringing production and development back to the good ‘ol U.S of A the less the consumers will be tempted. But we consumers must dial it in too.  Let’s all make a promise, the next garment we purchase will be made in America.. who’s with me? Anyone…. Anyone…

You can’t mention fashion and rock and roll in the same sentence without David Bowie’s presence chilling your core.  And, no better time than this week when David dropped on us his new song and video for “WHERE ARE WE NOW” Take note. THIS is how you do it. And by “it” I mean everything.

x

Ali

I can’t believe NY fashion week was almost 2 MONTHS ago, and what a treat it was for me to accompany Roxanne Lowit and Susan Baraz to the opening of “Antonio’s World”.  The Suzanne Geiss gallery was transformed into a an Antonio Lopez land of fashion illustrations and Polaroids just scratching the surface of his prolific body of work. His influence is still strong and his talent has yet to be rivaled.

You can’t help but notice the strong hold he still has on fashion today as models such as Lara Stone are bleached/dyed and posed to look just like an Antonio girl!

Don’t forget to notice the letter from Karl Lagerfeld!

x

Ali

Well, it’s surely no shock to anyone who reads the LP blog ( hi Mom) that I preeeeetttyyyy much only blog during NYFW.  How lame.

But, that being said, another fashion week is upon us and I am in flight bored out of my skull ready to (as many of the bored do) tackle social media.

So, follow me  on twitter @alibibarone if you want to see backstage photos and 1st looks from my favorite designers. Also prepare for my dry commentary regarding the rude, affected, and ridiculous.

I am just going to go ahead and say it… Georgina Chapman (designer of Marchesa and wife of Harvey Weinstein) is officially my girl crush!  I assisted Roxanne Lowit on a photo story chronicling her moves before and day of the 2012 Oscars.  I watched as she elegantly fit Stacy Keibler in her Marchesa gown.  She was gracious and gorgeous. Well spoken and polite.  On day 2 I steamed her Amaze-balls dress and helped her pick which clutch to wear for the carpet. She captivates the room so quietly.  So this is my gushing love letter to my new hero.  Do you see what I see?

x

Ali

We arrived so early to the L.A.M.B presentation we actually spent more time hanging out BEFORE the start than for the actual main event!!  It was that 1960′s feel we all know so well.  Models wore a bump (nearly a bee-hive) and posed before a collage of Twiggy and Edie clad images reminiscent of Worhol’s hayday. SNORE.  Don’t get me wrong… I LOVE those images. The inspiration is unarguable ,but, this was SO phoned in. Gwen didn’t even show up.  The 3rd model came out before the music even started.  VERY unprofessional. We left before the 6th look.

But dont Roxanne and I look CUTE!!