She Shopping Point

Casadei Lovers

2011-05-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

The Casadei Spring 2011 collection is untamed – featuring everything from peace suede 70s platforms to lace kitten heels and leopard-print stilettos, this Italian brand is showing an eclectic mix in its 2011 spring collection. Let’s just say that Casadei knows its customers: They frankly don’t give a damn because they know these shoes don’t have to answer to anyone.

When we’re all used to our fashion lines representing a single theme, this is the brand that knows how to deliver exuberance. And anyways, isn’t it fun to have that kind of variety in one season rather than have a few variations of the same shoe?

To fill you in on the background story of the shoe brand’s history – it was founded in Cesada Italy by Quinto and Flora Casadei in 1958. Today, the shoe company is still run by Cesare Casadei alongside his cousin Fabrizio, and with Cesare as the creative force behind the brand, the line continues to push the envelope in Italian fashion and shoe wear to this day. Cesare has managed to make the brand a global phenomenon with stores in the world’s most fabulous fashion districts for over 50 years. This Italian brand uses only the finest quality fabrics and leathers and is often known as the most colourful collection available in designer shoes. Kate Hudson, Eva Mendez and the Royal Family of Monaco are just some of the names that have acquired a tongue for this rarity. The versatility and fun feminine flair that this line has demonstrated this year isn’t going unnoticed by anyone – the Italian shoe brand is getting quite a following after the big splash in this recent collection.

The utterly feminine style is marked by leather lace and pumps that featuring floating platforms in combination with some serious heels for extra elevation. Just to give you an example before you get your feet wet with a pair of your own, the Cadadei 5525 Lace Tripple Platform pump measures approximately 1″ Heel measures approximately 5 1/4″ Leather and lace upper Leather sole.

So if you love the most daring, the most fun, the most eclectic and most beautiful careful designs to adorn your feet, Casadei will have exactly what you are looking for.

Being synonymous with the highest quality in craftsmanship, style and luxury, Casadei shoes always exude glamour modern-edge, and if you’re the type to push the boundaries of the heights of fashion, then you know that there is no others like these anywhere else on the planet. They are loud, they are in-your-face, and most importantly – they are the most feminine accessories you can bear to strut.

So if you get a few funny looks down the street in a pair of these, just know that whoever dares to look twice is quite frankly, jealous!

Source:www.italianshoemagazine.com

Shoe Hurling

2009-05-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Eggs, and rotten tomatoes used to be the missile of choice for coating a politician — but it seems shoes are fast catching on as the new weapon of humiliation. After shoes were hurled at world dignitaries like Ex-US President G.W. Bush in Iraq,
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Britain, Benny Dagan — Israel’s ambassador to Sweden and recently shoe hurled at BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate, L.K Advani, some politicians around the world must surely be thinking: am I next? The soles of shoes are considered the ultimate insult in Arab culture, which many in the West would have first noticed when Iraqis crushed the toppled statue of Iraq military ruler Saddam Hussain in 2003. But it took the efforts of Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi to give the insult instant worldwide fame on December 14 last year when he threw his shoes at the then US president George W. Bush during his farewell visit to Baghdad.

That cranked up the ratio to one shoeing of a dignitary every third day. It begs the question of what will happen next if the practice continues to spread. US president and the Chinese premier having already been shoed, will other statesmen, and then progressively less interesting people come under a hail of reeking footwear before the fad gets boring? Neither Bush nor Wen were hit and seemed unmoved by the incidents. Bush, with a seemingly amused look on his face, ducked both shoes, which were thrown with menace from close quarters. He then shrugged off the incident, joking about the shoe size. He even compared it to the April 2006 press conference with himself and Chinese President Hu Jintao, which was disrupted by a Falun Gong demonstrator.

Perhaps in time to come, shoe-hurling will be considered as most the popular weapon to draw attention of media and public to demands of aggrieved section of the society. Interestingly, no security exists against non-violent yet most powerful weapon in form of readily available shoes! When even the all-powerful Supreme Court judges could not be secured against the ‘fool-proof’ weapon of shoe-hurling, our ever-erring politicians/political rulers should always keep themselves prepared against regular such attacks.

The obvious next question is: how can security officials prevent further incidents of flying footwear? Will all footwear have to be removed and left outside big name events? Similarly another journalist from the daily Dainik Jagran, Junrnail Singh hurled his shoe at Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram over his responses to the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) clean chit to Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He confessed that the method of protest was wrong but the issue (1984 Sikh riots) was right. “I just wanted to ask (Chidambaram) how he can be happy when one whole community is in deep torment,” Jarnail Singh said when he was in police custody.

Initially, shoe hurling might sound hilarious but now this has become a disputable issue, which has raised many questions over the professional conduct of a journalist. Is shoe hurling the new political tool? The shoes so far, missed the political leaders but it did leave a mark on their political conscience. Some journalists are of the view that such an act was indicative of the public’s deeper distress and frustration with political leaders. Journalists are also part of the society and the iniquities happening also affect them. So does that mean it is justified on part of media to succumb to such emotional eruption? On the other hand, there are others in media who consider it to be one of those senseless acts of hooliganism. According to them, journalists have bent down to a very low level and this sort of act like hurling the shoe at notables for nothing but to become center of attention. Furthermore, hurling shoes is an act of rabble that may invite a strong audience on internet but it does not really help in solving problems.

Media men can always use the most effective weapon that is their ‘pen’ to articulate their assessment. Is the shoe is most effective than the pen for the journalists? However, if we look at the other side of the coin, some call it a courageous sign; even a heroic act that has opened a new chapter in communication. An act that declares that public is no longer oblivious and will not tolerate the unrighteousness any longer.

Yet others condemn this act saying journalism is a field concerning reporting news and not making news. Let not attackers take law in their hands. ‘News is what consensus of journalists determines to be quote by whom? Moreover, hurling shoes during Press Conference is overall defamation that professional reporters should always abstain. Perhaps in time to come, shoes will be banned in future Press Conference and journalists will be asked to leave their footwear outside specially in countries like India, Pakistan and might be in USA. That is one of the suggestions for tightening security for the political leaders as no security exists against non-violent yet most powerful weapon in form of readily available are the shoes.

IBC - Asia

2009-05-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

International Business Cultures - Asia

Students who've completed a foreign policy or international business program of study might be eager to begin working in a foreign country. Perhaps they might be a bit ambivalent or scared, too. After all, the business practices of various nations in Africa,Europe, Asia - and even, North America - can differ vastly from American business customs and etiquette.

Several Asian nations, notably China, Japan, and India, have the potential to dramatically shape the world economy over the next decade. Across Asia, workers highly skilled in computers, engineering, manufacturing, and biological sciences are revolutionizing global methods of innovation, business, and production. It will become more likely over the next decade that a business college graduate will work with professionals from one or more of these Asian nations - especially if that graduate pursues a career path with many international opportunities.

Developing cultural sensitivity and awareness is very important for cross-cultural exchanges. This article will explore some common business basics among people of several different Asian nations, while offering little-known, fun tips and facts.

Building relationships: Chinese, Japanese, and Indian international business

Asian cultures tend to be much more collectivist than Western counterparts. In business decision-making, the group as a whole chooses a course of action. An individual worker's identity is strongly shaped by the group for which he or she works. In American business, conversely, one is much less likely to see collaborative strategies - though the newest generation of American office workers is beginning to change this. International business program graduates who work in China, Japan, or India might wish to develop their group work skills further before heading abroad.

Greeting individuals with a handshake, a slight bow of the head, and eye contact is polite. The firm, authoritative American handshake can be overkill overseas. Touching other professionals is taboo in Asia. Personal space is important; it is not considered polite to stand very close to someone. It is always best to observe the behaviors of your professional associates, and act appropriately.

Expect business to be conducted in a slow, deliberate fashion, and rushed business deals to be regarded as highly suspect. Speak slowly and clearly, and present new ideas cautiously. Aggressive proposals or overly showy body movements will not be interpreted well. Being on time is also essential. Asia is a continent of punctual business professionals, and it makes good sense to be early -- or, at the very least, on time -- to each new business meeting or collaborative opportunity. It also helps to be willing and able to gently negotiate and compromise. Consensus-building trumps maverick ideas in Asian countries.

Building strong business relationships is absolutely paramount in Asian countries, too. American workers abroad are at a disadvantage in this regard, because they will need to overcome cultural barriers to build trust and respect. They will also need to demonstrate their business skills in an honest, but not boastful fashion. Talking less and listening more are always wise moves when meeting a new business colleague. Status and rank are of greater importance in Asia than they are in mostly-egalitarian America, so pay attention to who's who in a company - but, of course, get to know everyone with whom you will be doing business.

Customs for Asian countries

Of course, Asian business cultures will vary in their customs. In Japan, for example, gift-giving is much more acceptable than it is in China - although gift-giving can be an appreciated token if done correctly. Each Asian culture also tends to prefer some ways of greeting professionals over others. Typically, using the last name and the person's professional title (such as 'Dr.') indicates respect. Asian business dress is sometimes more formal than standard American business dress, especially since jeans and t-shirts have become more acceptable in the American post-dot-com age. Navy, black, or grey business suits with conservative ties for men; and dark dress suits or formal, conservative sheath dresses and jackets for women will work well. Business shoes should be dark, polished, and as conservative as possible.

The presentation and reception of business cards is also important in Asia. It is most polite to have your business card printed double-sided, with the Asian language on one side and English on the other. You should offer your business card with the Asian language side facing up. When accepting other business cards, treat them as valuable: Study them carefully to memorize names and information, and never stuff them into your pocket. For your business cards, you might want to consider purchasing a hard case that snaps shut, and which can be tucked discreetly into a briefcase or purse after the card exchange has occurred.

Working abroad can be great fun. Americans can learn much from their Asian professional counterparts, and, by following some simple etiquette guidelines, can enjoy a most enriching cross-cultural experience.

Potomac College, with Washington, DC and Virginia locations, offers courses and programs in international business. Some graduates of the international business program for adult learners opt to seek careers around the world. For more information, visit the school's Web site, http://www.potomac.edu.