Fashion is inevitably influenced by world events. We all know that.

But the fall shows that ended in Paris earlier this month seemed to underscore the impact yet again.

These are ominous times. And the mood of the clothing for the
season is somber. Muted and dark colors are strong. Styles are more often modest. Legs tend to be covered in opaque tights.

And as the Middle East remains in the news, some designers are apparently riding the wave to the extreme, Time magazine notes. The Japanese collection Undercover draped the models’ faces with paper bag-like masks. The innovative Dutch team Viktor and Rolf covered faces with fencing masks.

During the week the front row of international buyers and media was buzzing with the word “Muslimification” of fashion.

Shoe designer Christian Louboutin told Betts, “Right now there’s so much happening in the Middle East that it’s top of the mind; it’s not by accident.”

Extensions: longer hair, shorter time in chair

The audience at the Paris fashion shows was impressed by miles of long blond hair that set the current models apart, the New York Times reports.

What was surprising was how the locks seemed to grow instantly through the day.

While everyone knows about hair extensions and the time it takes to knit false hair into real hair for hip-length locks, the news here is a technology that allows stylists to bond hair with heat quickly, maybe in less than an hour.

The credit goes to a London company called Great Lashes, according to the Times.

NASCAR femmes make stylish turn

Forget the camis and faded cut offs. A Memphis company called Track Couture has introduced a clothing brand targeting the women who follow the races.

It claims to have the first NASCAR licensed line strictly for women. It includes hoodies, mini skirts, tanks and pants and carries the NASCAR logo.

It is available on www.trackcouture.com and some racing team stores.

NASCAR-licensed merchandise covers a broad range of goods from uniform jackets to jewelry to furniture.

The sport is so far-reaching that Elizabeth Arden recently introduced a cologne and aftershave for men called Daytona 500, the most prestigious race on the circuit.

Does it smell like gas and sweat?

The New York Times says the press release describes it as a mix of yuzu, bergamot, mandarin, sage, nutmeg, cardamom, amber and sandalwood.

NASCAR hopes the scent will also appeal to women who will buy it for their men.

Jackie White, Knight Ridder

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