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It is interesting to see how a subject that is usually considered frivolous (fashion) can gain such notoriety as a social thermometer of our times around this time of the year.

Yes, award season highlights this aspect of fashion much more than the fashion weeks, runaway shows and premieres combined. After many celebrities and Hollywood bigwigs have walked the many red carpets (leading to the culminating event, the Academy Awards that took place this past weekend), we all have analysis on why the looks were the way they were, either via a social-economic related blurb or a self-indulgent “best and worst” list.

Want a better comparison? A simple search on Google Insights for Search (a free Google tool used to gauge volume any search term) shows that the search for “oscar red carpet” is higher than search for “fashion week” or even “new york fashion week” (which is actually a longer event that the Oscars).

But even more interesting is the fact that the collective way people dressed on the red carpet actually means something! Here is the part when overnight, fashion itself becomes the thermometer of our times as I mentioned above. So, if the colors were somber, and the looks seemed to be so alike it may indicate a concern in avoiding too much glamour at such (possible end-of-the-word scenario?) times.  Well, perhaps.

If we consider that the stars are dressed for such occasions by a handful of stylists that are paid by the movie studios, the implication may be that these celebrity stylists are indeed these oracles, who use fashion as a way to represent our current global society. And that is not because they are the ones who actually create the clothes and support an entire industry, but because they are perceived as so as Google Insights search volumes have showned. So, the Oscar really goes to them.

  Since most of you have shown preference for my Brazilian nail polish info, here is one of the spring collections release down here. On these nail fashion related posts, I will be mentioning mainly 3 Brazilian brands: Colorama, Risqué and Impala. These are the oldest and more traditional brands.

Here is a spring collection for Colorama called Respeitável Público (something like Respectable Public) which is somehow circus themed. I think some of the colors seems a bit winter-y (too dark) but you can see coral and bright dark pinks as well, which are much more spring-y.

For full disclosure purpose, the wide range of nail polish colors is a relatively new phenomenon in Brazil, about 5-10 years ago it would be near impossible to find such range among Brazilian brands (some analytists blame Channel´s release of Blue Satin mail polish as the culprit for such change here.

The Brazilian nail polish market has also grown exponentially in the past 5-10 years, which I will explain in my next post…stay tuned.

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I will add my 2 cents to this whole discussion. If you have not yet heard (under which rock have you been living, by the way?) , Brazilian authorities have found that one of Zara´s clothes suppliers in Brazil has been using slave labor to produce clothing right in the center of São Paulo, our largest and most metropolitan city.

Now, the fact that there is a huge social cost associated with so called fast fashion (cheap, trendy clothing) is already well know but this reality seemed a bit far from the average Brazilian consumer, who have always though that this type of issues belonged only to sweatshops in Asia and Central America, not in their own backyard. And that is what shocked the local public opinion the most.

It is also worth to mention that Brazil has strict labor laws and that the high cost of apparel items here (just for comparison purposes a denim pants that is similar GAP will retail at about U$ 160).  I, for one, have always taken solace on the fact that while I would be paying more for apparel here in Brazil (compared to the US), at least I would be paying for fair (unionized) labor practices. That innocence is now lost.

Brazilian authorities are now prosecuting this supplier while Brazilian consumers are commenting online on how it is Zara´s responsibility to ensure its suppliers are following the law. Many friends of mine down here are vowing not to buy from Zara ever again. We shall see the implications of this scandal in the medium and log terms.

Here is a look from the Colorama nail polish Summer 2010 – 2011 collection (this is a Brazilian brand that was purchased by Mabeline).

Needless to say, I am no hand model…This is a military trend inspired green hue that is very up-to-date with the global military fashion trend. Accirding to fellow bloggers (and fellow Brazilian from Loucas por Esmalte – or Crazy For Nail Polish- blog), the Militar maybe inspired  by Chanel’s Khaki Vert (which is not yet available in the Brazilian market).

Image courtesy of Loucas por Esmalte

And continuing with the savvy must-read fashion books list, developed by fellow blogger Fashionista Bachelor of Science,here is part 2, which is themed Fashion Books by Celebrities or Fashion Personalities:

“Here are the books penned by celebs or fashion personalities who are willing to share their insider style tips with you.

16. Style A to Zoe – Rachel Zoe. The celebrity stylist shows you how to bring glamour into your every day life, whether you’re dressing for the office or jetting to a beach locale…

17. A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style – Tim Gunn. Tim Gunn has become one of the most trusted names when it comes to dressing the masses. In this book he shows you how to go from trendy to trendsetter.

18. What You Wear Can Change Your Life – Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine. The original What Not to Wear pair motivate you to take that five extra minutes and make yourself presentable with your own style and personality in mind.

19. That Extra Half Inch – Victoria Beckham. The queen of fashion lets us in on her fashion tips and dressing for every day. You’ll appreciate Beckham’s tone, which makes the book read as if you’re chatting with your favorite gal pal.

20. The One Hundred – Nina Garcia. Marie Claire editor Nina Garcia tells us the 100 items every woman should own and why.

21. Influence – Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.Everyone’s favorite billionaire twins penned this book about the influential characters in their lives. Interviews with Diane Von Furstenberg and other designers are included.

22. Style – Kate Spade. A cute book with concise style tidbits that will help you edit your wardrobe and accessories so they work for your lifestyle.

23. The Little Black Book of Style – Nina Garcia. Nina Garcia gives you the essential dressing tips that will help you get through life in style.

24. American Style – Kelly Killoren-Bensimon .The former model and wife of the great Giles Bensimon, wraps up American fashion and style into this fabulous hardcover book that even those out of the fashion loop will enjoy.

25. Olivier Theyskens The Other Side of The Picture – Sally Singer. The former Vogue editor covers the career of Olivier Theyskens, the wonder kid that took the fashion world by storm and has worked at Rochas and Nina Ricci.

26. Lauren Conrad Style – Lauren Conrad. This is a go-to for teen fashionistas. The reality star shares her tips for wearable, approachable style that can be had on a budget.

27. Fierce Style: How to be Your Most Fabulous Self – Christian Siriano. It’s the gay cheerleader every woman needs, only in book form. Designer Christian Siriano walks you through becoming fierce with fashion.

28. The Style Strategy – Nina Garcia . Fashion editor Nina Garcia directs women in the right direction to make their fashion picks become reflections of personal style.

29. Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide To Finding the Style That’s Right for Your Body – Clinton Kelly and Stacy London. The duo from What Not to Wear show you how to dress for your body, whether you’re at the office or a cocktail party.

30. The Sartorialist – Scott Schuman. Schuman is definitely a fashion star for Internet dwellers. His photos on his blog are now compiled into one nifty book which shows that style has a leg up on fashion any day of the week.”

Do you agree with these lists? Wanna add a missing book? Please let me know your comments. Next: The Fashion Book List to Create and Celebrate Your Own Style…