NEWS: MySpace for the Fashionistas

CULTURE: MySpace for the Fashionistas

It seems every other day another MySpace clone is popping up, claiming to be the new MySpace killer. In fact, I'm pretty much sick of randoms offering invites to these useless, bound to fail, second class immitation websites. Where's the innovation these days? One of the first things I learned in design school was that while it's okay to use existing material for reference, it's never okay to copy. You take a good element and make it your own. And that is what IQONS is doing. Sure, the name is questionable in a trying too hard to be cool way, but the concept is great. Think MySpace Music, but for Fashion and Design.



With Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano on board, the site was launched at London Fashion Week this past Tuesday. The two often over the top, awe-inspiring designers are said to be online to help new designers and models along their path to success. When I visited the site, I expected to find a bunch of 5'1, overweight, 15 year emo girls, trying to break into the modeling biz with their similar hair, and overly lined eyes. I was actually impressed to see the wide range of members. A quick glance over a randomly generated collection of profile images reveals art directors, film makers, graphic designers, models, stylists, photographers and just about any other profession you can find in the fashion industry. Members can fill out a profile with the usual stat questions (emphasis on Fashion, of course), what they are looking for on the site, create a blog, and present a showcase of their work for others to browse. The profiles are also customizable in that one can add additional info boxes depending on their needs.

The site already has more than 4,500 members and around 600 new members each week.



Fashion has been taking to the tech world more recently. Style.com has podcasts featuring the runway shows of top designers at each showing. Giorgio Armani broadcast his haute couture showing over the internet last month. Even fashion bloggers are gaining more exposure, being admitted to runway shows as press.



Now I leave you with one of my favorite fashion moments. From Galliano's Fall/Winter 06/07 show, featuring the music of Joan Baez.

I might have to go check this site out...


I really like the star prints they used for the fashion line

Ooh. I can't believe I hadn't heard of this. I'm going to remember to take a look in a couple of weeks when I might have some spare time.