Paris Fashion Week Men kicked off this season online. In the New Normal fashion shows are not in style. Designers delivered their latest looks via digital platforms. Below are some highlights:
I could not embed the code for Issey Miyake.
Stay Tuned for full reviews.
Highlights from Digital Week.
I’ll give my opinion on fashion using this crisis to boast its “diversity” credentials. Not happening here! Let’s me keep it 100!
Stay Tuned for my views.
#Fashion brands & industry are using the #GeorgeFloydprotest to boast their #Diversity Public Relations credentials. Not so fast! I have some stories & questions. #Fashionista #racism #FashionWeek #fashionnews #Uprising2020 #ootdfashion #Milan #Paris #NYC #blacklifematters pic.twitter.com/7wqZ0zVSH3
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) June 9, 2020
The low down on Paris Fashion Week, France 24 gives all the details.
The world has now become social media politically conscience. It is hyper connected movement of righteousness mixed with moral superiority. If iOS shuts down, heaven help the world.
Predicting what Millennials and Social Media want is hard. They post one thing to be a part of a movement but purchase the opposite in stores.
Sustainability clothing will not come cheap. Yes, we agree the world needs to change course but putting wallet where the values seems hard to reconcile, especially for a generation raised on disposable fashion. Can they change their consumption habits. Are Millennials prepared to give up the 1.99 t-shirts? Will they buy better and less? No more weekly shopping trips to main street stores for weekend looks only to end up in garbage heaps 1 week later.
The contridictions are glaring. Based on real retail sales, the picture is not so social media warrior clear. When given the choice of quality over quantity. Quantity wins. New shopping habits are required to save the world. Not just feel good speeches.
Fashion pieces in the past were sustainable. Pieces made of better quality. Secondly, styles changes from season to season were less radical. Eternal is no longer a design plan. This is not compatible in a world perpetually chasing followers and likes. Selfies require a constant source of clothing.
The Fashion Industry has taken up the mantle. Recently announcing sustainability, Earth and eco-friendly are now a part of corporate manifestos. Doing more to help the environment. Commendable. But what does it mean? New production techniques, an incentive for less customer consumption, longer product life cycle.
Yes, people are more environmental aware. Voices chanting. Marches across the globe. But the real change comes from the dollar or euro. Where the intentions go, the wallet should follow.
A working holiday in Italy alongside Lake Garda, The largest lake in Italy, located at the foot hills of the Alps, at a luxury resort spa. Not a bad proposal. I jumped at the chance. Why not? I did not know much about the region. A chance to visit. The lakeside village of Bordolino dates back to the 10th century. Offering not only striking sunsets, but an enjoy the moment atmosphere.
The Black and Paper collaboration with the Aqualux Hotel Spa in Bardolino started as a casual conversationon how to work together. With eight pools on the property, naturally, swimwear came to mind.
Assembling a team from Milan: Model Elia Cometti from Elite Models. Photographer Ivan Siggillino, Make Up Artist/Hair Artist Lorena Palmieri, and Photographer Assistant Simone Toson. The Black and Paper team shot menswear swimsuit looks over 2 days.
The Aqualux Hotel is a modern interpretation of a classic Roman Resort Villa. There are spaces for capturing light and keeping cool. The interior gardens and pools offer relaxation while shielding guests from the outside world. Sadly, due to the fact I was working on the production. I did not have as much of an opportunity to enjoy the hotel.
However, I delighted with other offerings, especially the resturant and dinning setting. To say nothing of a breakfast buffet with an omelet chef, my favourite, then an outdoor dinner buffet. All of this while sitting alongside canals, waterfalls, and small pools.
Designed to showcase eight pools, Aqualux Hotel features four indoor pools with four outdoor pools. The indoor pools are enclosed inside a glass atrium. The first floor jacuzzi overlooks the pools and outside courtyard. Outdoors, the large main pool in the center of the hotel is the hub for swimming or chilling out under the sun. The patio areas are designed for tranquility.
The all suite rooms have Internet access with terraces facing the courtyard or outward with mountain views.
Finnally, The service was impeccable. The staff was professional and accommodating during our stay. They knew us as if we were worked at the hotel. As a guest, experience the casual luxury of the Aqualux Hotel, Team Black and Paper recommends it. We had a great time shooting the production.
For more information go to: Aqualuxhotel.com
Paris Fashion Week coverage continues from France 24.
Brice Hardelin, Black and Paper’s creative colleague in Paris, covered our first Couture Show. We could not be more thrilled. Getting an invitation to such a prestigious event at the Le Grand Hotel Opera feels like a dream come true.
A BIG THANK YOU to Mephistophelesproductions in Pairs.
Shopping for a bargain is always an adventure. I call these outings “Fashion Expeditions”. My latest expedition took me to the Ingolstadt Village in the south of German, located in this center are over 130 stores from many top designers and brands. 
The center is architectural fairytale kitsch painted in soft pastel colors designed with a simple one trail layout of stores on both sides. Europeans may find it a bit plastic but being an American, I felt at home.
When shopping for bargains or at outlet centers it is important to do a bit of research. Check prices at local sales outlets then make a plan. Buying the first thing you see is not what I recommend, explore first to see what is on offer. I usually go from store to store for a first round venture to check out what store has what. For me, 
50% off the retail price is minimal incentive to shop at an outlet center because they are usually outside city centers, meaning the savings have to be worth the travel.
My Store Experiences:
Ralph Lauren– This store had a large selection of men’s and women’s fashion.. Were the prices good? On some items, yes, I bought t-shirts and underwear. The prices were comparable to TK Maxx but with many fashion choices from the designer label, a shopper could not go wrong. The customer service was excellent. I spent 72 euros.
Bally-The Swiss luxury brand outlet store had great discounts up to 70% off, but sadly for me, nothing in my shoe size. I really wanted a pair of leather trainers at 75 euros in blue or black.
Tod’s-I was hypnotized in the Italian luxury shoe wear brand’s store. Blue leather hi top trainers or round toe suede ankle boots 70% off. I decided on the round boots, classic style for only 125 euros but there was a bit of remorse about leaving the hi-tops.
Trussardi Jeans-This brand’s menswear collections was on hit for sweaters and jackets. A button down wool sweater and slim cut pants were on my menu at 70%. The fit was perfect. The sales staff was very patient to say the least. How many sweaters did I try on? A LOT! I am sure I drove the sales people to the nearest bar at quitting time.
Sunglasses-I wandered into this small store on the corner by accident, a nice selection of brands and styles. The sales lady was welcoming telling me the store had a reduction on many designer frames. I ended up buying a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses for a steal at 65%.
Gant-A spacious store divided by one side for womenswear, the other for menswear. The premium brand had many items at deep discounts. I was looking for a gift. I found the perfect outerwear in the form of a 100% wool poncho at 80% off.
Gucci-The top luxury brand retained its status even at a discount. The boutique was first class all the way from service to clothing on hand, temptation on every shelf. I wanted a bag. I saw a jacket all at a major discount. I had to walk away on blow my budget. When a person says, “GUCCI AT A BIG DISCOUNT” it is hard to walk away without feeling shaken.
A very productive shopping outing at the Ingolstadt Village, my fashion needs were met without breaking my wallet. If you are planning a “Fashion Expedition” in Europe put Ingolstadt Village on your list.
For more information go to: Ingolstadt Village