Trend Watch: Feathers Still Soaring

Even though it may not feel like it, spring is here! And while the flowers are waiting to bloom, the feather trend is still in full plume.

WWD recently covered the feather trend on the fall 2011 runways. Fluffy feathers were used in inventive ways at the fashion shows of Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Jason Wu, and more. Whether they were fully covering dresses, layered on bodices or used as details on skirts, feathers flew down the runway.


Christian Dior / PC: Giovanni Giannoni


YSL / PC: Giovanni Giannoni


Jason Wu / PC: Talaya Centeno


Prabal Gurung / PC: Giovanni Giannoni



Qi's Domino Feather Tank Dress and our Penelope Dress perfectly captures this trend. We've tamed the wild feather looks from the runway and designed wearable, fashion-forward pieces that will have people flocking to you to ask, "Who makes your dress?" You can say,"It's Qi, of course."


Penelope Dress -$83


Domino Feather Tank Dress-$83

Hurry--buy them now before they fly out of stock!

The Feather Trend Still Flies

PC: Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images

Ann Demeulemeester made an impact with raven feathered garments on the Paris runways. Garments from the Fall 2011 collection are adorned in stunning black feathers, proving that the feather trend is still soaring.


Domino Feather Tank Dress - $83


Penelope Dress-$83

Our Domino Feather Tank Dress and Penelope Dress feature similar feather details. Everyone is flocking to buy these fashion-forward dresses embellished with fine goose feathers. Both dresses are currently on sale, so don't miss out!

Shop now at QiCashmereShop.com!

Black Swan Designers Turn Ugly In A Fight For Recognition

PC: Fox Searchlight Pictures

The Academy Awards nominated film, Black Swan has received a lot of media attention about its costume designs. To the delight of the fashion world, the sisters of Rodarte were hired to create the ballet costumes. Designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy worked to balance style and functionality when designing the tutus, all while remaining true to the film's intentions:

“We had an affinity for the subject matter,” noted Kate Mulleavy to the Huffington Post. “We had never done a film. … This would be a dream job in terms of just getting to make tutus. But, then we had, I think, something that allowed us to add to [and] access the psychology of the film in a different way, which was understanding the darker nature and more of the twisted kind of underbelly of that world.”

Now, controversy has erupted over the fact that the Rodarte sisters were not listed as the film's costume designers--the credit was assigned to a different costume designer, Amy Westcott. This means that should Black Swan get an Oscar Nomination for Best Costume Design, the Rodarte sisters would get cheated out of any credit.

In an interview with NY Magazine, Amy Westcott asserts that the Rodarte sisters only designed 7 looks--not all them.

Westcott explains, "The core ballet was designed by Zack Brown (for American Ballet Theater), and my department and I added some feather detailing to assimilate them with the White Swan."

To see more looks that the designers are warring over check out the intense trailer for Black Swan:


See Qi's take on the Black Swan ballerina by checking out our Domino Feather Tank Dress.



This body con dress adorned in luminous feathers retails for $162.50 and is available at www.QiCashmereShop.com.

The Final Collection

PC: [NYMag]
Legendary model, Kate Moss, has unveiled promo shots from her fourteenth--and final---collection for Topshop. Much like her previous collections, the clothing is trendy yet bohemian, and captures Moss' typical style of not looking like she tries too hard. The clothing has a 70s feel with paisley patterns, but Moss mixes it up with fringe, sequins, and feathers.

Qi's collection features many of the same trends as these clothes.

Naturally we offer a wide selection of comfy sweaters:

Qi's Raven Cardigan

And in our Fall 2010 collection we have many feathered styles:

The Penelope Dress

If you're looking for sequins, try our Halston Tunic Dress or our Alia Tunic:



Check out these styles and other fashionable finds at QiCashmereshop.com

Entourage Star Gives to the Sea

PC: [Oceana]

"The sea giveth and the sea taketh away" is a saying that is often used but rarely contemplated. Living in an age of environmental transition, it is important to consider the impact we, as humans, have on the environment. That is why Entourage's Adrian Grenier is working to inspire people to go green. He is lending his support to Oceana, a non-profit organization focused on the conservation of ocean and beaches, fisheries, and marine sanctuaries. Grenier is an actor who believes his "responsibility on a human level [is] to give and contribute" and has teamed up with Nautica and Ocean to see first-hand how human consumption is affecting the ocean.

Watch a short movie about his journey observing and swimming with bluefin tuna:


Inspired by the cause and eager to make a difference, Grenier created a limited edition t-shirt that will benefit Oceana. The tee, made of organic cotton, depicts a school of fish that make up the image of an anchor.
PC: [Eco Chick]

Qi supports Grenier's dedication to raising awareness about this important issue. Adrian was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to swim with bluefin tuna, a species threatened by extinction due to overfishing. Our consumption, paired with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, has left the bluefin tuna species in grave danger.

Do you part to aid in the clean up of the Gulf by purchasing any of our feather styles from the Holiday 2010 collection or the Ascension Bird shirt. We will donate proceeds from these items to the National Wildlife Federation's on-the-ground efforts to restore the fragile ecosystem.



Visit QiCashmereshop and help support a great cause.

Spike Lee Heads Back to Louisiana

[Charlie Varley/Sipa Press]

Spike Lee returns to New Orleans for his second HBO documentary to look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The new, two-part film, “If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise” is the sequel to “When the Levees Broke”—a documentary that exposed the death, devastating loss, and economic turmoil that plagued New Orleans after Katrina. Now, Spike Lee returns to explore the social, political, and economic factors that are holding Louisiana back from a full recovery. The film looks at the evolution of New Orleans five years after Katrina struck, and follows the city from its 2010 Super Bowl victory to the BP oil spill. The documentary features a moving montage of footage depicting the leak spewing more than 60,000 gallons of oil per day into the Gulf.

Originally, Lee had wanted to end the film on a positive note—with the big Super Bowl win. However, when the BP oil spill struck he had to rethink the entire structure of the film.

Lee told the LA Times, "We had to rethink everything. We had to deal with the biggest oil disaster of the world. And the fact that they didn't want to speak about it made it even a bigger story."

Lee’s mission is to expose the truth behind the disaster and how it could have been prevented. The movie is his response to the injustice that led to the suffering of so many American citizens.

Lee states, "It's about justice, it's about right and wrong. I love this country, and these people are just screwing it up over greed. It's a disgrace. What we stress is that 11 people died on that oil rig over a company's decision to cut corners."

Here at Qi, we are planning to tune in this Monday and Tuesday night to watch “If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise.” We are dedicated supporters of the National Wildlife Federation’s efforts to clean up the Gulf and are interested to see what the residents have to say about the recent disaster.

On sale now are the feathered garments from our Holiday 2010 collection. We are donating 10% of the proceeds from these styles to the NWF.




Also look out for our silk Ascension Bird Shirt from our Spring ’11 line, which will benefit the NWF, as well.

Do your part to help clean up the coast and better the lives of those afflicted by the oil spill.

Gone With The Wind Returns

Fans of Gone With The Wind have rallied together to preserve the costumes from the classic film. Over 600 people lent their support in order to raise over $30,000! Actress Vivien Leigh, who played Scarlett O'Hara, wore all of the clothes that are being preserved. In the 1980s, the garments were shown in an exhibit in Austin and the exposure to the elements left them in a fragile state. Now, thanks to the generous donations from the fans, extra precautions are being taken to ensure that the garments will see Gone With The Wind's 75th Anniversary in 2014.

Experts will restore the dresses and they will purchase protective housing and custom-fitted mannequins so the outfits can be exhibited at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas. There the clothes will be kept in a humidity-controlled room and in acid-free tissue paper. [Contactmusic]

Let's take a look at a few of these famous costumes:
[Mariettaga.gov]
[my.spill.com]

It's interesting to note that what was fashionable in 1939 is still relevant in fashion today. The costumes from the movie are elaborate and elegant. The feathers on this headdress is a perfect example:
[PC: gonewiththewind.film.bigbestmovie.com]

Qi's Holiday 2010 collection is full of feathers! The pieces are practical--the silhouettes are simple and the fabrics luxe--but the feather details really make each garment stand out. Check out the line below.

Oil, Oil Everywhere...

The oil leak may have been stopped, but the controversy continues. Vogue Italia has attracted criticism for mixing politics and fashion in their August issue’s “Oil and Water” shoot. Photographed by Stephen Meisel, the shoot stars Kristen McMenamy, betrothed in an oil-soaked feather gown, who appears incapacitated and washed up on shore. Editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani admits that the shoot is “shocking to see” but that the message being conveyed is very important. She reminds readers to “[b]e careful about nature” and “take more care about nature.”

However, some people do not share Sozzani’s perspective on the shoot. Many residents of the Gulf argue that Vogue Italia is cheapening a grave, life-altering catastrophe by glamorizing it. Take a peek at the photos below and decide for yourself whether the magazine did a tasteful job in mixing art and fashion with social commentary or if you feel Vogue Italia should have steered clear of the serious issue: [Styleist]


All Pictures Courtesy of: Vogue Italia

Here at Qi, we tend to agree with Franca Sozzani—the pictures, while provocative, depict the environmental tragedy in a creative and realistic way. We commend Vogue Italia for making the disaster a global issue and preventing it from going unnoticed. Qi especially approves of the message Sozzani intended to send—a reminder to examine our society’s environmental impact and make conscious efforts towards a sustainable future.


This season Qi is celebrating the increasing social concern for environmental conservation. Our Holiday 2010 collection features pieces that are adorned in beautiful feathers. We will be donating 10% of the proceeds of the feathered garments to the National Wildlife Federation to help aid in the clean up of the Gulf. Qi is also saying no to plastic and encouraging others to do the same. We created the Mother Nature tote bag to serve as a fashionable reminder to save our planet. With its inspirational phrases such as, “Mother Nature Loves Us, Love Her Back” and “Make A Change, Start A Trend, Go Green,” we aim to inspire everyone to make changes that will benefit the earth.

Birds Of A Feather...

Seen all over the Paris runways in 2010, the feather trend is huge right now. Looking at this season’s garments covered in lustrous feathers—seen on every runway from Ann Demeulemeester to Givenchy—you might not suspect that the feather’s first fashion debut was on a men's hats in ancient Babylon. Journalist Caroline Weber from the New York Times, traces the origins of the feather trend here.

The feather was first worn by men in the form of decorative headgear:

In the ancient patriarchies of Babylon (2105-1240 B.C.) and Assyria (1200-540 B.C.), plumes mingled with palm fronds in sacred headgear for men. In medieval Europe, feathers featured principally on the metal helmets (heaumes) that men donned for war. Because their heaumes hid their faces, knights needed a means of distinguishing friend from foe in a split second. Feathers also came in handy when the knight tried his luck with the ladies. Based on the era’s protocol for ‘‘courtly’’ love — which served, in a brutish age, to separate the gentleman from the savage — a suitor wore feathers in his damsel’s special colors when he jousted or did battle, albeit with no guarantee of currying favor. (Weber)

PC: [deannadibene]
Now, feathers have appeared on everything from tailored jackets to miniskirts to shoes! Feathers are going to be a huge fall trend and we must admit, here at Qi we're loving them! Edgy yet opulent, the feather provides a striking contrast against our luxe cashmere basics. Our holiday 2010 collection features simple silhouettes that are enhanced by the luminous feather details.




Will you be wearing this stylish look that has deep roots in fashion history?

Flights of Fancy

Qi is loving the feather trend for fall. Our holiday collection features some great pieces adorned with iridescent feathers for when you want to make a statement.


Feathers have been seen all over in the pre-fall collections, such as Moschino Cheap & Chic, Celine, and Givenchy.

Celine pre-fall 2010 Style.com

Moschino Cheap & Chic pre-fall 2010 PC: WWD.com

Givenchy pre-fall 2010 PC: Style.com

Miu Miu is staying on trend and continuing their swallow motif from spring 2010 into fall/winter 2010 by incorporating the bird print into their sunglass line. The rims come in brown and tan, pink and clear, and plain black.
PC: nitrolicious.com

Other Items We Love:
Elizabeth and James Feather Cuff



Ann Demeulemeester Feather Pendant Necklace



Koolaburra Kythira Feather Sandal