Timeless Tips on Finding Unique Wedding Bands Women

If you are trying to veer away from the norm with your wedding band selection, there are some options that you can consider. It is not uncommon for couples to struggle when it comes to finding wedding rings that suit them. If uniqueness is the name of the game for your wedding rings, the following tips can help you find the perfect bands for her.

Stackable: A relatively newer concept in the world of jewelry is the stackable wedding ring. These are unique wedding bands women that can be stacked against the engagement ring. To offer better illustration on how this concept works, imagine a fancy engagement ring that features a gorgeous 1 carat diamond ring and that is augmented by smaller diamonds that are encrusted upon the band. Let’s just say that this fancy ring is made from 24 karat white gold. Now let’s pretend that you wanted to find an equally as fancy and unique wedding band that would pair perfectly with this ring, but that was not created with it as an interlocking ring (see below). You can now opt for thinner and just as fancy stackable rings. These rings are very thin and are made to stack nicely against the engagement ring. They are often designed so that after you exchange rings, the ring can be welded to the engagement ring to make one solid ring.

Interlocking: A very popular concept with newer wedding bands for women is the interlocking ring. Typically, you will need to shop for these rings at the same time, and buy them from the same maker to ensure proper fit. Interlocking rings fit together like a puzzle piece, but also look great as standalone rings when not interlocked. Upon your rings being exchanged at your wedding, the interlocking wedding band fits into place with the engagement ring perfectly, thus creating one uniform ring.

Different Stones: Diamonds are forever, and they may very well be a girl’s best friend, but they are not the end-all be-all of wedding rings. Since most engagement rings already contain a nicely sized diamond, you can always consider other types of precious stones for the wedding band. Common considerations include: birthstones, gemstones, black diamonds, rubies, jade, onyx, emeralds and other precious stones.

Unique Metals: Another option for finding unique wedding bands women is to consider different metal mediums. Gold and silver have become the tried and true standards, but you also have some other options that you can play around with. For instance, you can always consider white gold or rose gold instead of yellow gold. There are options with other precious metals such as palladium, titanium, tungsten and others, too. Research the options that you have for metals, you might find that another metal suits your tastes better and makes the ring stand out more.

A wedding band will be on your finger for a very long time, if not for your entire life. Take your time when shopping for them and keep an open mind. A creative and patient approach will result in an ideal wedding ring that’s truly unique.

Western Wedding: Theme or Lifestyle?

Springtime is synonymous with weddings. For women, planning these weddings has often been happening since childhood. Future brides begin planning as girls playing with their dolls, in make-believe weddings with their little friends, on Halloween dressing up as a bride or just daydreaming while reading a bride magazine. Weddings come in different shapes, sizes and themes. But a Western wedding is about more than just using a theme, it’s a reflection of a lifestyle.

What’s the difference? Themes represent a particular place in time or a certain interest, like a Renaissance wedding or a pirate wedding. A wedding that represents a lifestyle is going to have the heart and soul of the bride and groom.  With traditional representations in dress, food, entertainment and environment, a lifestyle wedding can tell you who these people are, where they come from and even who they want to be.  A Western wedding does all of these things—with attitude.

This month, our fashion feature is sharing a part of that lifestyle. A Western wedding has the basis of wedding traditions with the flare of Western style. From the invitations, to the bride and groom, to the wedding toast, the Western lifestyle can add attitude to any wedding. Having the things in your store available to the couple that wants some Western style on their special day can bring uniqueness to their event and a retail edge to your business. Manufacturers in the equine trade industry have not overlooked this important aspect of the Western lifestyle, and have plenty of wedding products available.

A Western wedding, like any wedding, has certain elements. But the building blocks are in the asking, (“Will you?”) and the answer, (“Yes!”)  This brings about…the ring. We found jewelry in different price points, styles and materials. Kelly Herd from Kelly Herd Fine Jewelry is seeing a boom in sterling silver with diamonds and other gems. This is an affordable and luxurious combination that can be handed down to future generations. Loriece Boatright from Designs by Loriece says that red/rose gold and platinum are still popular for wedding jewelry. Crystals like Swavorski with sterling silver is another trend that’s coming into favor for wedding jewelry. Both of these fine jewelry companies have taken engagement and wedding pieces and infused them with an equine and Western essence. They produce jewelry that is truly unique to the Western lifestyle, while maintaining traditional elegance.

For a more casual or vintage look, silversmiths in the equine industry have created designs that epitomize the Western lifestyle. Montana Silversmiths took the classic look of pearls, put that together with the always-endearing heart, and came up with bridal jewelry that reflects their signature style. The company took traditional wedding items and put a Western twist on them to set brides and grooms apart from the crowd. Elk Creek and Vogt Silversmiths offer a more rustic look to some of their jewelry sets with unique, three-part, stackable rings and hand-carved bands of solid sterling silver.

“We design for heirloom quality,” said Casey Vogt of Vogt Silversmiths. His company offers a guarantee on its fine silver jewelry and other silver products. All of these companies offer pieces that can be given to the bridesmaids as gifts. For the men, the silversmiths offer unique gifts for the groomsmen and fathers, such as bolo ties, pocket knives, buckle sets, money clips, cufflinks or cigar cutters.

Another aspect of wedding jewelry is custom design. Designs by Loriece offers items for retail stores as well as a custom design service. Boatright works with her retail dealers and the customer to produce original and extremely personal jewelry.

What the bride and groom will wear has to be number one on the list of important decisions for this special day. Thoughts of the wedding dress have been going through the mind of the bride since she was a little girl. Western weddings offer a chance to take this traditional piece and make it personal and memorable. As a Western retailer, you have the unique opportunity of providing dresses that speak to her lifestyle. The equine industry has designers and manufacturers that offer dresses representing different facets of the Western lifestyle. One such company, Pat Dahnke Designs, makes dresses that are ageless and timeless. Designer Pat Dahnke’s flowing, bias-cut dresses are feminine and are designed to fit and flatter a women’s figure.

“Everyone likes to look tall, thin and rich, so we use rich fabrics that will flow and fit the shape of a woman’s body in a flattering way,” said Dahnke. Her company inspires the romantic, feminine side of the Western lifestyle and can add that same ambience to a Western wedding. Pat Dahnke Designs also offers hats, headdresses, barrettes, parasols, pillows, flower baskets and gifts to go with the overall style of a wedding. It carries fringed belts as well, that Dahnke suggests for the bridesmaids, in a mixture of leather and lace.

Cattle Kate and Western Collections offer a variety of dresses that have distinct Western style. Brides who are looking for variety in the classic, traditional fitted style will find plenty to choose from. Both companies design dresses with full or straight skirts, mixed with lace and some fringe. Long, short or tea length, they have nostalgic styles for brides of all shapes and sizes. Cattle Kate also has a split skirt for the wedding that features a horse carrying the bride, or just to put a different spin on the traditional wedding attire. The trend for men is the gambler look with a vest and skinny tie. To help coordinate the men’s and women’s outfits, Michelle Oster of Cattle Kate suggests scarves of complimenting colors. Her company offers accessories to go with the Western wedding, such as guest books, garters and ring bearer pillows, and also has a line of dresses for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Western Collection has several choices for bridesmaids’ dresses and flower girl dresses to coordinate with the bride.

The Western lifestyle wouldn’t be complete without a decent hat. A Western wedding is no exception. Bailey Hats offers the Renegade bride hat, a beautiful, white felt hat adorned with a veil and flowers. Other headwear options for brides include straw hats with a veil or a custom-made hat from Pat Dahnke Designs. The groom can pick from a multitude of hats to match his outfit or compliment his bride.

Last but not least are the boots. Oak Tree Farms has a line of boots with either the traditional Western style or a pioneer style. Offering the pioneer style in different colors, different materials and different heel choices gives the bride options for being original in her choice.

Even if the bride and groom choose to go the traditional route with their jewelry and attire, they may still want to express their love of the Western lifestyle. They can do that in many different ways and as a retailer, you can help. Showcasing wedding items in a specific area like the “collection cases” provided by Montana Silversmiths is a good way to display items for Western weddings. Decor can also be a direct reflection of the bride and groom’s lifestyle.

“Quality items that convey the Western style without looking hokey is what we provide for the Western lifestyle and wedding,” said Judy Wagner with Montana Silversmiths.

Invitations that have Western flair are available through Carlson Cards, an invitation-printing company. It provides packages that include invitations, RSVP cards, place cards and thank you notes. Montana Silversmiths, Cattle Kate and Pat Dahnke Designs offer items like cake toppers, certificate holders, ring bearer pillows, flower girl baskets and champagne flute sets.

A wedding is a special day for the bride, the groom and their families. A Western wedding makes this special occasion exceptionally personal to everyone. It’s not every day that a couple invites people to be an intimate part of their lives. Retailers in the equine industry already have a personal interest in the Western lifestyle. Helping a couple express this aspect of their personalities is the icing on the cake, so to speak, and leaves the wedding party, parents and other guests with a unique remembrance of the bridal couple for years to come.

Western Wedding Rings

Romantic western wedding rings are perfect for couples who love the idea of riding off into the sunset and living happily ever after. No matter what your particular association with western imagery, there are countless types and styles of rings available to suit your needs.

Where to Find Western Style Rings

• Cowboy Jewelers has hand crafted ranch brand wedding sets. They also have a saddle style ring guard. All of the jewelry is hand crafted and made in the United States.
• Danny's Jewelry specializes in unique wedding rings that combine turquoise, gold and diamonds. From horseshoe styled wedding bands to turquoise and magnesite bands these rings are made with materials commonly associated with western wear.
• A herd of horses runs around a carved band from Equestrian Jewelry. They also have a ring in which a heart is created by two horses touching noses. If you love horses this company has bands, carved and sculpted, in several styles that feature them.
• Using stones like turquoise, pink opal, lapis and jasper, Shelagh of Designs by Shelagh creates designs that reflect her faith and her love of western culture. A silver and turquoise horseshoe decorated band is rich with western themes and motifs.
• Prairie Rose Jewelry carries the more romantic style of western wedding rings. From Black Hills Gold to Dakota God and Silver, there are several beautiful wedding rings to appeal the western romantic.

Defining Traits of Western Rings

For those with western roots, or who have a passion for the culture, there are many traits that can be found in a ring to represent the style.

Western Motifs

There are many types of western themed wedding rings, both modern and vintage. They will typically be designed with those motifs most often associated with western culture:

• Horses
• Horseshoes
• Brands
• Saddles
• Cowboy boots
• Lassos

Western Materials

Western style rings may also be made out of several different metals and use a number of semi precious gemstones and precious stones for embellishment, including:

• Silver
• Gold
• Rose gold
• Turquoise
• Mother of Pearl
• Onyx
• Jasper

The artisans that make these rings often are running small studios in their homes and create these one of a kind rings individually. One of the first things to do when picking out your western themed rings is to decide what you can afford and where you plan to buy your rings. A small artisan's shop will probably have a more exclusive design but may have to charge a much higher price than a large manufacturer.

What to Look For

The same rules for buying wedding rings apply. Always buy from a reputable source, preferably someone who has been recommended to you by friends or acquaintances.
Ask questions and understand the company's return policies, sizing and delivery times. Many rings created in themed images like horses cannot be resized. Have the measurements done carefully and do not rely on memory or guesswork.
Keep in mind that if you are choosing a ring with a stone, that some stones seen in western style rings, like Mother of Pearl and Turquoise, might not be of the same quality everywhere you go. Some of these materials are also softer and more fragile than diamonds and other precious stones, so make sure you ask questions pertaining to their care, cleaning and how well they will wear throughout your regular activities.

Express Your Love and Interests Together

When you choose western wedding rings you are expressing your love for each other as well as your love of the western lifestyle. Whether you choose to ride off into the sunset on a horse or in a car, your wedding rings will be reminders of your deep commitment to each other...read more

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Top Designer of Diamond Ring Jewellery

Diamond Rings Jewelry is one of the hottest items in fashion right now. After all that they say the attention to detail make or break an outfit. If that's true, we believe that it is, then known as the jewelry is required. Here's a quick overview of the top designers in the market right now, as well as his style hottest and most famous.

Harry Winston. If Albert Einstein is the father of modern physics, then Harry Winston can be called the father of jewelry. It is not so much because it's the people, but also because of the legacy he left. A few things stand out Harry Winston Company. One of their biggest events is when Harry bought and donated the Hope diamond in 1950. Another factor that has escalated the company's well-known is the fact that Harry's son Ronald the man known as the loans jewelry to the stars.

Ronald Wilson is said to be the man to borrow jewelry stars Oscar Oscars. In recent years, the name of Harry became famous feud between the son of Harry in Harry Winston Company. Although to say that no amount of arguing can take away the fact that the Harry Winston jewelry is still considered the most beautiful, luxurious and achievable. He considered the jeweler to the stars.

Tolerance of the most famous designers of the item of diamond jewelry are among the most astonishing. One of the most famous is the "mysterious diamond ring." The ring was stunning display Halle Berry when she received the Oscar for Best Actress of the Year. Its center is a five carat diamond orange, orange world's largest diamond worth over $ 3,000,000.

There are many other famous part of Winston jewelry has touched so many lives. Here are some of the main highlights:

* Elizabeth Taylor Richard Burton bought 69.42 carat diamond engagement ring was designed by Harry Winston

* Paris Hilton has received Winston engagement ring gold diamond her from Paris Latsis.

* The famous necklace in the movie Titanic in 1998, worn by Gloria Stewart, was also a famous piece

* Ben Affleck bought Winston 6.1 carat pink diamond ring in his proposal to Jennifer Lopez

With a great history like that, it's easy to see why Harry Winston designers considered the most famous jewelry in the world. In fact, he not only makes jewelry diamond ring, but created a legacy that will be done as long as Hollywood exists.

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International Education

The Effects of An International Education in Emerging Countries

The 21st Century has signified one great change in the way the people are Educated, especially in Emerging Countries. One example has been implementing International Education, into the local Educational system.

A good example of this is in Indonesia.

In the space of ten years, Indonesia has de-regulated the once rigid State Education system, and allowed localized private Schools to offer International Education to its own citizens, as well as expatriate children.

This has allowed Indonesian-based students to study locally Cambridge, International IB, and UK IGCSE programs in private Schools in the Cities, and Towns across the Islands of Indonesia. And produced some amazing results with Indonesian children often ranking alongside their British and American counterparts, equally.

Some critics of this policy have stated whilst the State provided Education system sometimes lacks the basic facilities, a new "elite" of Western Educated Indonesians are being created, who can afford the higher school fees to enter these Internationalized Schools.

But studies have showed that in the 1990's, this new educated "elite" were often sent to study in Singapore, Australia and the USA, and now their Western-educated Parents prefer them to study closer to home. It also allows more Indonesians to allow their children to get an International Education, when they previously could not afford to send them overseas.

Many Indonesians have always looked Westwards towards getting a better Education, with many Indonesians today working in the nations urban centers holding Degrees mainly from American , and Australian-based Universities.

Local Critics cite the recent Economic meltdown in Countries outside Indonesia, claiming that perhaps as Economies failed - so has the Education system wstem that created the Leaders who presided over the economic decline of many of these Countries, and Indonesia imitates these Countries too much.

The "westernized" Education system these Schools offer ,are Internationalized- but also in the long term may teach values of Countries some say are alien to the local culture. Values that are based on "pop" culture, and Western ideas, rather than Indonesian "family values."

Some Academics see this trend as disturbing, when a new generation of "western" Educated Indonesians may run Indonesia, at a time when some economists do predict that China, and India could be the main influence on Indonesian society.

Other Critics state that students lose their cultural identity, and become less of a National Citizen, but more of a global Citizen. Identifying with the United States more than their own culture, and often migrating there, once they have finished studying.

Those that agree the changes are beneficial, claim that Indonesia will have a new generation of citizens both ready and able to cooperate, and compete in business with their Western counterparts. Bringing wealth to Indonesia.

However to most Indonesians, an International Education offers opportunities in Indonesian society and beyond, that a State system can only provide from certain Schools. And until that changes, hundreds of thousands of Indonesian children, will attend local Schools studying IB programs, and IGCSES, and in some cases gain higher examination results than their counterparts in the USA and Europe.

Read more about life in Jakarta- a City of contrasts, where the uniqueness of a modern world is still entwined in belief of the mysterious.
http://books.google.com/books?id=N4YmX6Oxb_8C&dq=isbn:1596821396

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Women's Western Fashion Evolves Like Country Music Stars

The July issue of SHAPE magazine featuring LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and Julianne Hough is a glaring example of how the image of cowgirls and country music continues to change. To see the front cover picture of these beautiful Country Music stars. These three country music icons look absolutely stunning in their bikinis and prove there is always more to the western lifestyle than meets the eye. I am sure this cover has raised some eyebrows from those "traditionalists" of country music and western fashion. But you can't deny that changes continue to bring more attention to country music and the country life in general. More people than ever before are adopting the country lifestyle and western fashion.

The spring issue of American Cowboy magazine highlights this phenomenon as well. There is a great spring fashion article. You will notice many of the subtle changes that are happening to women's western fashions. Tanks and strapped blouses are replacing traditional western shirts. Softer colors are in. Even the styles of denim jeans are more modern. It's not the standard Wranglers anymore. Western cowgirl boots continue to become more fashionable and colorful as well. Justin boots launched a brand of boots just for women last year called the Gypsy collection. You can also pick up copies of magazines like "Cowboys and Indians" and "Western Horseman" to see numerous pages of these new styles. Wild designs and colors of boots, purses and clothes abound. Its no wonder more women are embracing the western fashion craze. The other explosion in women's western fashion has been characterized as Cowgirl BLING. Bright, exciting, sparkling, and dazzling is the theme. Yes, the word "Bling" has many country and western traditionalists in an uproar as well, but you can't deny the popularity of it.

Then there is my favorite part of western fashion I love to write about, which is western jewelry. The changes in women's western dress have enabled jewelry fashion to become even more prominent. Once again, with the transition to tanks and strapped blouses, western jewelry is taking the center stage of making your statement. Things like chunky necklaces of turquoise and coral are extremely popular and look absolutely exciting. Even traditional southwest sterling silver and turquoise combinations are finding their way into more mainstream styles of fashion. They are not just for blue jeans and cowgirl hats anymore. They are even finding their way onto the runways in New York!

So what is driving all this change? Perhaps it's our zest to return to the great American western lifestyle and its simplicity. Maybe more people are tired of the endless parades of fashions that don't last. American western fashion has been around for centuries. It could be where we started this article, as country music evolves and becomes more main stream popular, so does western fashion. Whatever it is driving these changes and the popularity, this author loves it! Not just because my business revolves around the western lifestyle, but because these changes are so AMERICAN! God Bless America.

The July issue of SHAPE magazine featuring LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and Julianne Hough is a glaring example of how the image of cowgirls and country music continues to change. To see the front cover picture of these beautiful Country Music stars. These three country music icons look absolutely stunning in their bikinis and prove there is always more to the western lifestyle than meets the eye. I am sure this cover has raised some eyebrows from those "traditionalists" of country music and western fashion. But you can't deny that changes continue to bring more attention to country music and the country life in general. More people than ever before are adopting the country lifestyle and western fashion.

The spring issue of American Cowboy magazine highlights this phenomenon as well. There is a great spring fashion article. You will notice many of the subtle changes that are happening to women's western fashions. Tanks and strapped blouses are replacing traditional western shirts. Softer colors are in. Even the styles of denim jeans are more modern. It's not the standard Wranglers anymore. Western cowgirl boots continue to become more fashionable and colorful as well. Justin boots launched a brand of boots just for women last year called the Gypsy collection. You can also pick up copies of magazines like "Cowboys and Indians" and "Western Horseman" to see numerous pages of these new styles. Wild designs and colors of boots, purses and clothes abound. Its no wonder more women are embracing the western fashion craze. The other explosion in women's western fashion has been characterized as Cowgirl BLING. Bright, exciting, sparkling, and dazzling is the theme. Yes, the word "Bling" has many country and western traditionalists in an uproar as well, but you can't deny the popularity of it.

Then there is my favorite part of western fashion I love to write about, which is western jewelry. The changes in women's western dress have enabled jewelry fashion to become even more prominent. Once again, with the transition to tanks and strapped blouses, western jewelry is taking the center stage of making your statement. Things like chunky necklaces of turquoise and coral are extremely popular and look absolutely exciting. Even traditional southwest sterling silver and turquoise combinations are finding their way into more mainstream styles of fashion. They are not just for blue jeans and cowgirl hats anymore. They are even finding their way onto the runways in New York!

So what is driving all this change? Perhaps it's our zest to return to the great American western lifestyle and its simplicity. Maybe more people are tired of the endless parades of fashions that don't last. American western fashion has been around for centuries. It could be where we started this article, as country music evolves and becomes more main stream popular, so does western fashion. Whatever it is driving these changes and the popularity, this author loves it! Not just because my business revolves around the western lifestyle, but because these changes are so AMERICAN! God Bless America.

As a courtesy, to quickly see the front cover picture of LeAnn, Martina, and Juliaane you can visit my blog at http://kickbootaccessories.com/blog/.

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Sex and the City 2 Controversy: Western Fashion as Force for Muslim Female Liberation?

(Western fashion as cultural imperialism?)
By Govindini Murty. Sex and the City 2 continues to generate controversy for its critical depiction of how women are treated in the Muslim countries of the Middle East. Claudia Puig at USA Today is still fulminating about the film, while Manohla Dargis at the New York Times addresses the hypocritical nature of the critical establishment’s outrage. Here on LFM, my own positive review of Sex and the City 2 incited a number of female readers to write in. One of our liberal feminist readers – the self-styled “Feminazi” – attacked my review and called me a “reactionary” for praising the film, claiming that lingering patriarchy in the West and social pressure to look attractive somehow are so morally compromising to us that we have no right to critique the treatment of women in the Middle East. On the other end of the political spectrum, a Muslim female reader named Hala accused me of “flaming intolerance” toward Muslims, and stated that women in the Middle East are “strong, smart, and well-treated” and that our vaunted women’s rights in the West, such as the right to drive cars, are not so great anyway. I engaged in a dialogue with both of them and found it interesting that when it came to the issue of Islam and its treatment of women, that both liberal feminists and traditional Muslim women would have the same viewpoint: that the West has no right to claim that its women enjoy any superior freedom to the women of the Middle East because women are supposedly treated in a sexist manner in the West. I found it striking that I would be defending the West’s advocacy of equal rights for women against both a liberal feminist and a Muslim traditionalist.

Finally, LFM reader Melissa commented that, while she liked Sex and the City 2, she thought it was “somewhat offensive” to have a scene where the Muslim women remove their burqas to show the Western designer fashions they are wearing underneath to Sex and the City heroines Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Melissa was concerned that this scene made light of Muslim women’s oppression by showing them as being able to wear Western clothes, albeit under their black robes. I responded to Melissa that this scene depicts an actual reality in the Middle East. Muslim women, especially those who are affluent, do indeed wear colorful, stylish Western clothes under their dour black robes. Though they generally can’t wear these clothes openly in public, they can wear them privately at parties and special events. It is one of their private joys; even if they are restricted in what they can show the outside world, they can enjoy wearing exquisite, colorful clothes underneath.

(Harem pants, turbans, Halston, and Manolo Blahniks: the meeting of West and Middle-East.)
Call me idealistic, but I believe that American and European fashion is a unique vehicle for bringing Western democratic values into Middle Eastern women’s lives. Western fashion is not just an ambassador for Western style – it is an ambassador for Western freedom. After all, the freedom to look as you wish, to dress as you wish, to cover up or not cover up as you wish, affects how you think and move and behave. The more freedom we have in how we are able to present ourselves to the world, the more joy we have in interacting with that world. Therefore, it is entirely appropriate for Sex and the City 2, in its brave depiction of the culture clash between the West and the Middle East, to show the Western women Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda as having the freedom to wear a joyful, colorful synthesis of American and Muslim fashions in public (see Carrie in a purple turban and Samantha in gold lame harem pants in the picture above) – and to depict the Muslim women they encounter as tentatively expressing their desire for freedom too by wearing the latest Paris and New York fashions – but being forced to cover them up with black burqas. This is not cultural insensitivity – this is reality.

As a further confirmation of the fact that Middle Eastern and Muslim women do indeed wear Western high fashion, here’s the Wall Street Journal Magazine’s recent cover story on haute couture fashion. It discusses the fact that many of the top haute couture customers today are wealthy Middle-Eastern women, and that they have in fact taken the place of the American women who used to be the predominant buyers of haute couture. It is basically the Middle Eastern and Russian women now who are keeping the haute couture afloat. For example, almost the entire business of haute couture designer Elie Saab is based on customers from the Middle East. As the WSJ magazine reports, Saab’s customers include the wives of wealthy sheikhs who think nothing of dropping $100,000 or more on one of his gorgeous beaded dresses to wear to a wedding or special party – before hanging it up in their closets never to be worn again. (An astounding extravagance in the context of the current worldwide recession.)

Also, in the June issue of Vogue, there is an article on Natalie Massenet, the founder of online fashion powerhouse Netaporter.com. While the article (not yet available online) focuses on the fact that Massenet just sold her share of the business for an estimated $76 million (not bad for a ten-year old business that everyone said wouldn’t work!), it also indicates that a number of Netaporter.com’s customers are in the Middle East. This makes perfect sense, because shopping online for designer clothes gives Middle-Eastern women who cannot freely travel to the West access to some of the high fashion style that Western women enjoy. (By the way, Vogue.com, aware of its own importance as an ambassador of global style, recently praised “Sex and the City 2″ for being “culturally aware.”)

The enormous success of Western fashion worldwide, even in the most culturally restricted countries of the Middle East, is an established fact. As someone who is involved in the creative arts, I cannot help but think that even if the adoption of certain Western cultural forms such as fashion or music may not inevitably lead to Western-style democratic freedoms, it is at least an interesting indication of an urge for greater freedom on the part of the people of the Middle East. Certainly, that is how the ruling authorities in the Middle East see it. Why else would they force women to hide their Western clothes under burqas, or ban teenagers from playing Western music (as poignantly depicted in the Iranian film Nobody Knows About Persian Cats), if they did not see these Western cultural forms as harbingers of freedom that are deeply dangerous to their own efforts at totalitarian control?

Eastern Culture or Western Culture, Which is Better

As we see the changing of the guard of the Worlds greatest civilizations from the United States to China or India we see history repeating itself as it has so many times in the human endeavors written history. It was not much more than 200 years ago when Great Britain was the greatest nation in the World. They kept the Great in their name but the United States clearly carried the choice after that. Next it appears due to our own follies and lake of forward progression we will be passing the torch again and in doing so taking our place as a footnote on the page in the annals of mankind's history.

As we pass are on the apex of the hand off, which is clearly a choice having drown our nation in bureaucracy, over regulation and disdain for change, innovation or progress; we see a difference in cultures which is vast indeed. It is obvious that Western Culture has its advantages, whether we take advantage of them or not. It is equally as obvious for anyone who studies culture that Eastern Culture has its own advantages. Some of these advantages are in conflict, while much is similar. Which is better?

Should we assume that since Eastern Culture is next up to bat with the bases loaded that Eastern lifestyle is more fulfilling than the Western Lifestyle? We know from our own short 200-year history in the United States that western worlds; capitalism and western culture lifts people up, who put in. We have seen in recent history how Socialism and Communism have tended to push people down and over run civilizations in debt and inefficiency. Yet all in all most of human history and the government structures they have chosen share many things. All these scenarios and all the hybrids of each or all, seem to involve people who are of the ruling class who are motivated by those things humans are motivated by, similarly to those they rule, who are equally motivated by such things.

So when we ask which is better; one government structure or one culture over another, it appears that one could indeed argue both sides of the point or be right no matter which side they argue. And indeed in such abstract thought it seems we are all of the same genes and all one in that regard. The only difference between you neighbor in the United States and one of Asian Ancestry is probably not more than 3000-4000 years and certainly not more than 10,000 to 15,000. We all have similar needs to fulfill self and although have been pre-conditioned to believe one culture is better than the other is more nurture than nature isn't it? Have you thought here yet? You might next time someone says it is us against them, as that is more similar to punching yourself in the eye really? We all belong to a fairly successful species which has come quite a ways and whose future is very bright if we will dump these egocentric attitude and that goes for both sides.

In the movie about World War II a Japanese Political Prisoner in the United States was asked; "Who do you want to win the war?" In the movie his answer showed much wisdom as he said; " If your mother and father are fighting, do you want one to kill the other or do you just want them to stop fighting?" Well with that said and if you are a God fearing individual what do you think your God might say about this? Do you really believe that a God believes that these questions of which culture is better; Eastern or Western Culture are relevant? When Gandhi was asked what he thought of Western Culture, he said; "I think it would be a good idea." You know so do I, I wish we would live as we promise ourselves rather than in hypocrisy, how about you?

Additionally had it not been for our long and strong history of capitalists, we in the Western World would have never achieved this level of civilization, yet we condemn those who got us here and those that follow in their footsteps. How many times have you heard that Bill Gates is the Anti-Christ? That is ridiculous and he and Melinda have given more to the World than anyone else in the history of humankind and what do we do as a society? Call him the anti-Christ and tell the government to attack his company, which is providing the communication to the world and opening up the world for cross-culture knowledge and commerce? So if Western Culture is better, why do we attack it?

We should not necessarily equate Red China to communism or place a label like Imperialism as we did to the Japanese in the Second World War, but we should understand that as we live in hypocrisy in our civilization often those running other civilizations do the same. History shows many different styles of societies, but in critic of Western Civilization for Eastern Culture, we might wish to define which one. The Chinese Dynasties of days gone by, the more recent hard line Red China of three decades ago or the newest hybrid culture which is slowly emerging, which when finished will much resemble a larger and even more stable version of South Korea?

Currently I guess if I were a Chinese Peasant and the government was testing out N5H1 Bird Flu vaccine for a possible use for bio-warfare in my South Western Province, I do not think I would be a great supporter of Eastern Culture over Western? I think if this was the case that I would rather have my family to be making Nike Shoes today and driving a Chevrolet and wearing Levis tomorrow. This is an interesting point on debate of which is better; Eastern or Western Culture, but the question in itself is wrong as we are comparing apples and oranges aren't we. Some say that the Ugly Western Culture Capitalists in their pursuit of Globalism are causing other nations to remain impoverished. Is Globalism really bad, or is it getting a bad rap? And does it really matter which is better Eastern or Western Culture as we do not even respect all we have in the United States and in our haste to point out worse problems in the world, we have taken our eye off the ball and China and/or India is ready to hit a grand slam home run, clean out of the park. So it really doesn't matter which you think is better; click here:

Learn Chinese while you drive, sure beats road rage, yelling at fellow citizens, may as well start today:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1888194170/104-0004098-8541509?v=glance

It would be wise to re-evaluate our nation, what we really stand for and move to fix those things which are not perfect now, before we allow it to all slip away embroiled in controversy, politics and chaos as we divide ourselves. Think about it.