On Pattern, Vibrant Girls’s Clothing

In 1945, Balmain based his personal fashion house and shortly gained traction in the post-war years with his bell-shaped skirts and cinched waists. Not only did he design an impeccable wardrobe for Queen Sirikit of Thailand throughout her 1960 US tour, however he also created uniforms for the Singapore Airlines and Air France cabin crews. Although he’s higher known for the Balmain model, this designer scored a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in 1980 for his work on the play Happy New Year. Diane von Furstenberg is a Belgian designer who has been in the spotlight since marrying Prince Egon von Furstenberg in 1969. She quickly made a reputation for herself within the fashion world after launching the iconic wrap costume in 1974. After this whirlwind success, Furstenberg appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine as the next “big thing” in fashion.

GAP collaborated with Ellen DeGeneres in 2016 for the commercial. It features four playful younger ladies, with a tall White girl leaning together with her arm on a shorter Black lady’s head. Upon release, some viewers harshly criticized it, claiming it shows Fashion & Online Shop news an underlying passive racism. A consultant from The Root commented that the advert portrays the message that Black people are undervalued and seen as props for White individuals to look higher.