1960s Fashion  Color and art reminiscent of 1960s Fashion were emphatic themes at 2008 Milan Fashion Week.The 1960s fashion theme of color and art became very apparent at the Dolce & Gabbana show, when designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce asked three artists to paint fabrics for them. They made the biggest splash with handpainted ballgowns. Lastly, at Gucci, designer Frida Giannini used a black and white base for her patterns but liberally splashed them with bright yellow and bubblegum pink. 1960s fashion here we come! Examples of artistcally inspired designs were shown by Miuccia Prada, often seen as one of Milan's most creative designers. The use of large petals of tissue-like silk hung on the hips of dresses or draped across shoulders was breathtaking. Also inspired by the 1960s fashion art and color, were designers like Jil Sander, Marni and Burberry  all using bold colors. Donatella Versace ended her show as a tribute to the 1960s fashion of art and color on Thursday with a series of flowing evening gowns in colorful versions of pink, yellow, jade, and turquoise. Honoring Emilio Pucci, known by such nicknames  during  the 1960s fashion heyday  as 'The Marchese' and the 'King of Casual Couture ' was fitting . As one of the kings of the art and color celebrated in 1960s fashion, he designed silk tights in kaleidoscopic prints with clashing lime green, brown, capri blue, pink and peppermint. He used similar prints on ready-to-wear outfits giving his clothes a richness of colour and designed fabulous patterns. Zandra Rhodes, who graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1964 became a 1960s fashion designer to watch. The daughter of a fashion instructor, she is renowned for her unconventional clothes and pink hair. Interested in Pop Art and Pucci prints, she sold some of her first textiles to Foale and Tuffin.

The biggest news is that photo art on tote bags is now very trendy.  Expressing  your individuality on handbags is all the rage. Rumor has it some are trying to organize a project with artists around the world to help promote art through handbags.  Artists can now upload photos of their work onto tote bags thus allowing their art to be seen and appreciated more publicly. Snaptotes is one of the leaders in this industry and gearing up for the Holiday Season. In the spirit of Milan 2008 Fashion Week and the 1960s Fashion of celebrating color and art, this will bring unknown photographers and artists works into the lime light.   Companies like Snaptotes help people to carry wonderful works of art around on their tote bags from any artist giving permission as well as peoples own photos. I think people will build a relationship with the artists if this unknown artists site takes off. Artists would be available on the message boards and would leave messages about directions they are taking with their art and possibly share some insights and thoughts they have as artists. People need a central place to look at the unknown artists works. I hope it comes together. It will be a great promotional site for unknowns artists. We are pleased that art and color reminiscent of the 1960s fashion were celebrated at 2008 Fashion Week  Milan and hope the momentum continues. Owning an Unknown Artist Bag will say two things about a person. "I support the arts and artists. I see art as worthy of celebrating not only on the walls of my home but to be enjoyed and discussed everywhere my handbag goes."

1960s  Fashion Collect many handbags as an investment in yourself and art. You never know which unknown artist you purchase from that may become famous. You can have a part in their success by showing all your friends and associates a piece of their art ! With the internet people will be able to connect with their favorite artists more personally.  Many were the the talents of artists that went without notice in the 1960s fashion era and we'd like to make more people aware of these hidden jewels of talent. The internet has availed Artists the ability to aggregate for this common purpose and vision.Let us see if the artists desire is strong enough to work together to make art more visible.  In a way Fashion Week 2008 and 1960s fashion were all about communicating through color and art. In 1966, the midst of 1960s fashion, the world's youth became more aware of social issues such as war and starvation through mediums such as television. The 1960s fashion gave us Psychedelic clothing. Colors were brighter and bolder. Men began to dress fancier. The "Hippie look" was popular. Hot pants were that were bold, solid color contrasts from the Op Art and Pop Art movements, called Mod fashions were in. We can't forget The Beatles became extremely popular. The "Fab Four", John, Paul, George, and Ringo, were played on radio stations all over the world and loved art and color on their album covers.  1960s fashion, celebrating the love of color and art, welcome back to the 21st century. FashionWeek 2008 congratulations on your celebration of art and color 1960s fashion style!