Source:  New York Times: Fashion

Posted: 6-8-10

Forever 21 has been sued more than 50 times over the past three years for allegedly knocking off other people’s clothing designs. Not too long ago, Trovata’s high-profile case against the company was brought before a jury, in what was hoped to result in a landmark ruling in knockoff regulations. But the knockoff fight is a hard one for a victim to legally win, and the weary Trovata ended up settling. The genius mind behind Forever 21′s practically iron-clad designer-imitation design business is CEO Don Chang, and The Wall Street Journal shares his story today. After moving to L.A. from Korea in the early eighties, he pumped gas, among his many first jobs as a new immigrant. The gas led him to his calling: After he noticed that clothing-store owners had the nicest cars, he knew where he belonged. After all, L.A. is a place where nice cars really matter.

So Chang opened Fashion 21 in L.A. in 1984. He enjoyed sales of $947 million in 2005, more than doubled those to $2.3 billion in 2009, and expects to do $3.2 billion in sales this year. Most of his 480 Forever 21 stores are in the U.S., but he hopes to open 100 eventually in Japan, where he just opened his fourth store. And don’t forget that a Forever 21 that is so massive it’s terrifying is about to open in Times Square. But Chang’s personal touches remain:

The Los Angeles fast-fashion retailer famously has “John 3:16” printed on the bottom of its yellow shopping bags, a reference to a New Testament scripture.

“That’s my purpose of life,” said Mr. Chang, a lifelong Christian.

We are curious as to when Chang decided to change the store name from Fashion 21 to Forever 21, which is pretty brilliant since it encapsulates that thing so many women want, which is to look 21 years old forever. And no matter how much its purported shoddy labor practices and knockoffs bother us, we all shop there anyway.

Brittani Wills in Springboro, Ohio.

In a town of cookie cutter homes, a population just over 12,000, and where Friday night football takes precedence over everything else, you might not expect style to be to be on the minds of residents at all.  However, that’s not necessarily the case in Springboro, Ohio. While the latest fashion trends fresh off of the runway aren’t necessarily seen gracing the halls of Springboro High School or on moms at the school PTA meeting, personal style is still ever present here.

Magnolia's on Main shop in Historic Downtown Springboro.

Springboro is nestled in the Southern-western corner of the Buckeye state. The small town, founded by Quakers in the 1800s, is full of hometown pride. Downtown Springboro, which spans 6 blocks, includes a few quaint shops, historical buildings that were once a part of the Underground Railroad, and a drive-in restaurant that is a local favorite. Over the past decade or so Springboro has been made a gradual change from a rural farming town to a sprawling suburb. As new families move in to and make Springboro their home, they also bring a piece of the style and fashions from their previous towns, which contributes to the overall flavor of Springboro.

School-aged boy in graphic t-shirt from Pacific Sunwear and Aeropostale cargo shorts at local skate park in Springboro.

In a lime green shirt from Forever 21 and cotton shorts, this Springboro gal is ready for summer.

Springboro girl lounging in the shade in Aeropostale shorts and tank top, Converse shoes, and bright orange sunglasses from Forever 21.

Style in this midwestern town could easily be described as All-American. During the summer months when temperatures reach 100+ degrees and the humidity is almost unbearable, function definitely takes place over fashion. Shorts of all lengths and styles tend to be the most popular item.   Teenagers and younger residents like to have a little more fun with their looks, while the more mature crowd tends to keep it simple. Neon and other fun colors pop up in accessories and tops worn by those in the school-age crowd. Mixing patterns and colors also makes looks more playful and fitting for the age group. Older, high school and college students usually wear more classic pieces such as khaki shorts and basic tops. However, details in clothing such as ruffles or texture keep the looks from becoming too bland.

Staying classy and cool in twill shorts from Gap, American Eagle cotton top, and sandals from Target.

Springboro college student in shorts from Abercrombie & Fitch and a printed top.

Stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, and Aeropostale are crowd favorites in Springboro. These specialty retailers all offer basics that can appeal to a variety of  a variety of age groups and . Stores that offer somewhat trendier items, like Forever 21 and Pacific Sunwear, are also popular among Springboro residents. High fashion is not on the forefront of minds here, primarily because of limited access to stores like Barneys New York.

This Springboro High School student tries to beat the heat in a Hollister t-shirt and khaki shorts.

As I prepare to leave my hometown of Springboro and head to the Los Angeles area to pursue my career in fashion, I’m taking a bit of classic, Springboro style with me. I’ve watched my own style evolve during my 4 years in college from that off an 18-year old high school grad to a more style-conscious young woman. Writing for Style Seen Daily and being immersed in the fashion industry of L.A. will no doubt play a large part in my style in the future, but Springboro and the midwest is a part of me that won’t be left behind. Personal style is something that is constantly changing and no matter what city you’re in, there is something to offer.

Throwback to the 70s style is back in full force for 2009.

As we head further into 2009 and the weather gets warmer, you will see more and more 60′s and 70′s inspired fashions in the form of floral peasant tops and long dresses and accessories like forehead bands. This look has been termed the “neo hippy.”    

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