VOIR COUTURE

Judith started writing these 'newsletters' to her clients in 1990. We decided to include these 'newsletters' in this site because her insights and inspirations are timeless. Maybe if we ask nicely, she will start writing them again!

The purpose of these 'newsletters' was to stay in tune with her clients, notify them of new products, and offer ideas on wardrobes and clothing.  Her clients liked these so much that they took it upon themselves to send her money for subscriptions. Feel free to copy these and/or use these ideas in your own business and marketing.

This is the first one, the remaining ones are in no particular order.

1990 - The start of this new decade has already been dedicated to various issues and described by the experts.

What have the experts told us is happening to fashion in 1990? World designers are still telling us that the leg is the emphasis with skirts going shorter. White is the "new" color -- bright white, that is.

Vogue magazine, January 1990, has an interesting article (pages 47-52) on what they call the "New American Couturiers", defined as "Personal Designers". Most of you who receive this VOIR COUTURE already have your own personal designer, Judith! The new personal designer, they say, knows more about you and your wardrobe than you do. Bob Evans, NYC, says "Busy women have more important things to do than chase the next style."

To be a personal designer is to have an extremely important role in someone's life; as such, it does not require direction as much as it requires understanding. With the responsibility in mind of being your personal designer, plus my desire to keep in touch with you, each of you will be receiving news from the world of fashion, ideas for you the individual, and how-to's for adapting designs for your Signature Wardrobe.

During the last several years, clients and friends have urged me to write down my suggestions and ideas. My concern was that everyone wears clothes and therefore everyone is an expert. Newspapers, television, magazines -- all tell us what to wear and report that various experts are stating what is in and what is out. In this atmosphere, I will pass on summaries of articles and books along with my comments to simplify what these "new" ideas mean to you, the consumer. My goal is to assist you in coordinating your Personal Clothing Signature, to assure you a consistent clothing style, and to conserve both your time and your clothing dollar.

For example, I am always amused at the announcement of what colors are "in" or "hot" this year. What this means for us is that a particular color will be in the marketplace this year. Colors you are seeing this year were chosen three years ago by the Fashion Institute. Therefore, if you were finding it difficult to find "bright white" last year, you will be happy to know that this year it will be shown and available in the stores this year. For those who enjoy wearing the fashion "in's", a white suit should be your next purchase.

I personally am happy to see this particular color again, as it is one of my favorites. Incidentally, anyone can wear this color. It works efficiently as a basic color and can be worn with pastels or brights as accents. Gold jewelry as well as silver jewelry are great accents.

According to my recent color survey, white was the second most popular color, with descriptive words as follows: self-assured, calm and good, fresh, clean, necessary, summery, pure, sparkling, refreshed, crisp, demure, innocent, stark, happy, soft.

White in a wool or silk business suit would also be considered confident, prosperous (evidently you can afford dry cleaning), and up-to-date. Southwest businesswomen can now wear their whites to the east and not be geographically judged from the South or California. Accent colors for business could be blue, grey, wine, true red (not orange red), navy, taupe or tones of these colors that are flattering to you and give you a sense of feeling good. Watch your use of pink, yellow, peach, rust, purple, violet or gold. These colors may be your favorite but should be used cleverly for business or only for casual dressing.

As usual and especially in the bright white, stay away from polyester. Linen is great but the wrinkle problem is even more noticeable in white. Cotton is acceptable in a suit but still looks like cotton even to the self-described fabric novice. If you are considering purchasing a ready-to-wear suit, pay special attention to the lining. Polyester lining will make your suit hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Look for rayon or acetate lining.