Forever in search of something original, consumers' desire to make something their own and stand out from the masses has spawned an entirely new genre of fashion. What started with one-of-a-kind kicks from Nike iD and Vans has now expanded into an entire category of DIY bespoke brands, each offering an easy, click-by-click process to create an original look.
For those in search of the perfect dress, StyleShake and Studio 28 Couture give users the option to choose a variety of fabrics, colors, bodice styles, skirt styles, and accents that can be combined to form a seemingly infinite number of looks. On Evlove's site, women (or the men that love them) can create their own underthings. Users choose a bottom style (e.g. thong, boyshort) and/or a top style (e.g. cami, bralet), followed by fabrics, trims and appliques. Lest you think women are the only ones offered custom fashion, Bangkok's Urban Tailor sells "DIY" men's jackets. Customers can choose from three styles-the hoodie, the track jacket, and the "bandana" (a modernized version of the baseball jacket)-for which the colors, fabrics, trims, and even hood size and zipper style are selected with the click of a mouse. For those who need inspiration or assistance, a number of these bespoke brands sell a set of styles created by their own designers.
With just enough choice to both keep übercreatives satisfied and those who need help in the idea department from being too overwhelmed, we see this concept generating significant positive buzz among anyone with a desire for unique, customized style, and expect to see more of these types of DIY fashion services emerge in the future.
And by the way: We're currently obsessing over one of ABC's American Inventor inventions. For those ladies who just can't forego the support, the backless bra keeps things in place so you can show some skin.