NEW YORK (AP) -- Designers Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli are leaving Calvin Klein as part of what the company describes as a global creative strategy to unify all of its brands under one vision. 　Costa has been at the New York fashion house for more than a decade and became the women's creative director in 2003. Zucchelli became the men’s creative director a year later.　In a company release Tuesday, Calvin Klein, owned by PVH Corp., said the new strategy “comes as part of a global revoluti

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago History Museum’s Costume Council plans to honor fashion designer Bob Mackie.　Mackie, who is famous for his sparkling, imaginative costume designs, will receive the council’s Designer of Excellence Award on Tuesday. He’s often called the “sultan of sequins, the rajah of rhinestones” and has won numerous Emmy Awards for his designs and been nominated for Academy Awards.　The 77-year-old designer has dressed many in Hollywood including Cher, Diana Ross, Elton John and Car

PARIS (AFP) -- A bearded imam may have seemed out of place at last week’s In-Cosmetics expo in Paris, an annual showcase for the world’s leading and personal care products.　But Shaikh Ali Achcar’s presence points to a growing demand for makeup that adheres not just to the face -- but also to Muslim rules.　“When an animal-based product isn’t halal -- “allowed” in Arabic -- or contains alcohol, it’s not only forbidden to consume it, but it’s also considered to be impure: you cannot use it on your

PARIS (AFP) - Belgian designer Anthony Vaccarello took over Monday as creative director of Yves Saint Laurent, three days after the departure of the hugely influential Hedi Slimane.　His appointment, which had been rumored for weeks after Slimane dropped some heavy hints of his exit, is a calculated risk for the French label, which has seen profits skyrocket under the man credited with reviving skinny jeans.　After Slimane's rock star chic, 36-year-old Vaccarello will bring a sexy, leggy look whic

PARIS (AFP) -- Former fashion mogul Pierre Berge lashed out Wednesday at designers creating Islamic clothing and headscarves, accusing them of taking part in the “enslavement of women.”　The French businessman, partner of the late fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent, took aim at the wave of big fashion chains that have followed the Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana in catering specifically to the Muslim market. 　“I am scandalized,” he told Europe 1 French radio.　“Creators should have nothing to do

ROME (AFP) - Say goodbye to Mink coats: Italian fashion king Giorgio Armani said Tuesday he would no longer use any real animal fur in his collections, saying there was no excuse to indulge in such “cruel practices.”　The designer and dresser of stars such as singer Beyonce and actress Cate Blanchett said fur would be out from his fall-winter 2016/2017 collection onwards, with artificial pelts taking its place.　“I am pleased to announce that the Armani Group has made a firm commitment to abolish

For many years, "traditional" has been a euphemism for "dull" for young South Koreans. But lately there seems one exception: hanbok, or Korean traditional attire.On Thursday's quaint cobblestones of Gyeongbok Palace, the largest royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), a throwback to an ancient era is on display: young people sporting colorful hanbok with matching hairdos and clutches."I saw lots of photos of my friends in hanbok posted on social media sites. I thought it would be cool to