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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tom Ford is bringing his menswear to London


Tom Ford is a welcome addition to the next London Collections: Men schedule, which will run from January 7 to January 9 2013.

The designer has announced that he will present his autumn/winter 2013 menswear collection to press in the same month that his first British store will open on London's Sloane Street .

It is not yet known whether he will employ the same stringent publicity rules as he does with his womenswear line and allow photographs of the clothing to be published online or not.

READ: Tom Ford on taking five baths a day and having children

"I am very pleased to be showing my Menswear collection in London next January. London has a vibrancy that is inspiring and much of what I create for men takes it's inspiration from traditional British menswear," said Ford. "My clothes are designed with an international customer in mind, and London is one of the most international cities on the planet".

Ford debuted his eponymous menswear line in 2006 and it has since been worn by the likes of Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp, and Daniel Craig will be dressed exclusively in his designs for the second time as James Bond in the upcoming film, Skyfall, the trailer for which has just been released (see above).

Ford introduced his highly-anticipated womenswear line four years later in 2010 following a six-year break in which he focused on his Oscar-nominated directorial debut, A Single Man .

The first London Collections: Men, which aims to showcase the greatest talents in menswear design, took place last month and was hailed an all round success.


Via: Tom Ford is bringing his menswear to London

July's most stylish: Anne Hathaway


It's official: Anne Hathaway and her (relatively) new pixie crop are having a moment.

Before getting the Haircut of Her Life, Anne loved nothing more than a floral, Oscar de la Renta strapless mini, or an embellished prom-style frock offset by her tumbling, tousled waves to rock the red carpet.

IN PICS: Anne Hathaway's stylish month

Fast forward a few months, and it's clear to see the wardrobe she once loved was swept away with the inches of hair she shed back in April.

Taking cues from the ultimate triumvirate of short-hair style icons: Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn and Jean Seberg, Hathaway has swiftly reinvented her look.

Her sartorial prowess during this month's promotional tour of new Batman flick The Dark Knight Rises excelled whether she was in TV appearance-mode, or arriving at the airport.

READ: Anne Hathaway - She Wears It Well

Shift dresses, ballet flats and cropped jackets confirm her as the new 'gamine queen' and her arsenal of chunky, dark sunglasses are the only accessories the 29-year-old needs.

De la Renta has been replaced by London Fashion Week star Erdem for those smudgy-print floral numbers when a ladylike moment is called for, otherwise her new favourite colours are black and white. It's an effortless recipe - and one which couldn't be simpler.


Via: July's most stylish: Anne Hathaway

The Duchess of Cambridge makes Vanity Fair's Best-Dressed List 2012


The Duchess of Cambridge has been voted one of Vanity Fair 's most stylish stars of 2012. Quelle surprise! Or not: she made the glossy's Best-Dressed List last year, and in 2008, when she was plain old Kate Middleton. Still, it's impressive, given that she once turned up to a roller disco in a green sequinned halter-neck and yellow hot pants. Now she's cutting a dash in Christopher Kane and Roksanda Ilincic at the Olympics . "Kate the Great!" declares Vanity Fair on its September cover starring the Duchess.

IN PICS: Kate's fashion hits and misses

Others repping Team Fashion GB on the list include Stella McCartney and Poppy Delevingne for the ladies. For the men, Prince Harry, Eddie Redmayne, Richard E Grant and Ozwald Boateng have made it, while Colin and Livia Firth have the accolade of being a best-dressed couple.

What exactly does it take to make The List, I hear you cry? Vanity Fair suggests that "for those wishing to emulate the international cream of 2012's fashionable crop, two unexpected words: vintage and grandparents!" So there you go folks: you have to wear vintage - or your grandparents. Let's take a look at the more traditional ways of making the cut:

Being royalty
The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Charlotte Casiraghi, Princess Alexandra of Greece, Princess Mary of Denmark, Sheika Moza Bint Nasser of Qatar, Prince Heinrich Von Und Zu Furstenberg (try saying that when you've had a glass of champagne): having a HRH prefix can't hurt your chances of adding a(nother) fancy title to your name.

Being fashion royalty
This is where the Fan Bing Bings and Diane Krugers come in, girls who consistently manage to rock outfits that would look bloody stupid on anyone else, say, like a taxidermied turkey turban. Or something.

READ: Fan Bing Bing: She Wears It Well

Being rich
Whoever said money can't buy style was a liar. A liar and a pauper. Give us a spare million or five and, post-Céline splurge, see if we don't make the list.

Wearing clothes
Lady Gaga, who has just tweeted a picture of her sitting in an armchair naked, is in absentia , after being hailed "a fashion original" last year. Gaga, love, it's called the Best-Dressed List for a reason.

View the full list at Vanity Fair


Via: The Duchess of Cambridge makes Vanity Fair's Best-Dressed List 2012

London Collections: Men makes a comeback


London's first men's fashion week - rather uncatchily known as London Collections: Men - was such a hit when it debuted last month, that the British Fashion Council have today announced it will make a return in January.

The three day event consisting of presentations, catwalk shows, and parties (which you can see all the highlights of here), showcased the best of British men's fashion, and drew packed venues and a smattering of celebrity names throughout.

GQ editor, Dylan Jones, will continue to helm the event, assisted by a committee of style icons, media and leaders from fashion and the creative industries.

Joining David Gandy, David Walliams, Tinie Tempah and Tom Ford, on the panel next season will be artist Tracey Emin, model Douglas Booth and War Horse star, Tom Hiddleston.

Any mashionistas wishing to ease back into work in the new year however, will be in for a rude awakening. London Collections: Men runs from January 7-9 due to a shortage of days in the calendar year when there isn't a fashion week on somewhere in the world.


Via: London Collections: Men makes a comeback

Madonnas shoes prove to be a hit


Madonna's latest venture into the world of fashion has proved to be an unprecedented success. The pop-up shop which exclusively houses her new shoe range, Truth Or Dare, in Selfridges' Oxford Street store has reportedly become the most successful footwear space in the store.

"It's been thrilling to see our customers' response to this project - the Truth Or Dare collection has proven to be our most commercially successful footwear pop-up this year so far," shoes buying manager Helen Attwood told vogue.co.uk.

READ: Georgia May Jagger turns Material Girl

"It's one of the most successful celebrity endorsements we've ever worked on. We have already had to re-order on almost half the styles we carry," added Attwood. "Bestselling styles have been the Panu studded court shoe and the Cedia brogue in black."


The best-selling 'Cedia' brogue, £120

The Truth Or Dare designs are created in collaboration with the singer's long-time stylist and costume designer Arianne Phillips. The range is stocked exclusively at Selfridges until September 1 and prices range from £80 for ballet pumps to £480 for over-the-knee boots.

Madonna also owns the Material Girl label, which she co-designs with her teenage daughter Lourdes.


Feline' courts. £120 and 'Twidwell' ankle boots, £140


Via: Madonnas shoes prove to be a hit

Ready For Her Close-Up: Jessica Biel


I had my eyes peeled all weekend for sportswomen with good make-up to write about for today's column. Sadly, though, as I expected, the likes of Rebecca Adlington and Lizzie Armistead have more pressing matters to worry about than if their base is looking adequately dewy or if their eyeliner is properly flicked. So onto Jessica Biel, who I'm not sure has won any sporting medals but certainly knows how to work a red lip.

IN PICS: Top 10 red-lipped ladies

What makes Jessica's take on a red lip so appealing is that it's the main focus of her make-up. She doesn't even have the slightest suggestion of a black eyeliner, either, which seems to have become the obvious companion to the red lip in these die-hard I-want-to-look-really-retro days. There seems to be a soft smudge of a taupy-grey powder shadow (try Bobbi Brown's Eye Shadow in 'Cement') and a little flick of mascara. That's it.

And so, back to the lip colour and its top-notch finish. There seems to be a lot of these slightly glossy opaques around for autumn, which is a long time coming. I think it'll be the new way to wear lipstick - not too severe and made-up nor too shiny and glossy. If you don't have this in-between texture already in your make-up kit, apply your usual opaque lipstick and smudge a little Vaseline on top for a soft sheen. I'm sure it's pretty waterproof too, Rebecca, in case you're wondering…


Via: Ready For Her Close-Up: Jessica Biel

Monday, July 30, 2012

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View all products from the Fashion Shop


Via: Purify and Soothe Facial Cleanser

The 'Hatwalk' comes to town


When Stephen Jones told the Telegraph back in May that 2012 would be the year of the hat, citing Ascot and the Jubilee as the main reasons, little did we know that there was another, rather surprising, reason for his belief that he was keeping firmly under his, well, hat.

This morning that secret was finally revealed when 'Hatwalk', the Boris Johnson brainchild curated by Jones and fellow milliner extraordinaire Philip Treacy, was unveiled in London's Trafalgar Square.

The project, which is part of the London 2012 Festival, sees 21 established and emerging millinery talents recreate headwear for some of the capital's most famous hat-wearing statues - including Lord Nelson, King George IV and Shakespeare.

Beginning in Trafalgar Square, the situation of some of the city's best-know statues, Nelson's iconic bicorn hat has been updated by Sylvia Fletcher and Lock & Co (the very same milliners that created the original) to include a Union Jack and Olympic flame. King George IV - and his horse - now wear lavish crowns created by Stephen Jones and inspired by the Brighton Pavillion, the late King's seaside retreat, and Sir Henry Havelock dons a iridescent satellite creation by Philip Treacy.

READ: Stephen Jones: Why 2012 is the year of the hat

"The rest of the world see hats as an innately British thing so this is a great celebration of that, our eccentricity and our talent for millinery," Jones told us before revealing that the Duchess of Cambridge is his current favourite hat wearer. "The designs that Sylvia Fletcher creates for her are perfect. They obviously have such a bond when they work together. The hats never wear her, she always wears them."

The project was born about a year ago, thanks to the Mayor of London, and has involved the employment innovative techniques to ensure that the pieces don't damage the statues, but also so that they will withstand the British weather.

"The idea is to make tourists and London to look again at the history of the city and these incredible historical figures, the kind of people that made Danny Boyle's narrative of history come to life in the Opening Ceremony," said Munira Mirza, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Education.

Other designers involved include Charlie Le Mindu, Piers Atkinson, Gina Foster and J Smith Esquire, who have created pieces for the likes of Isambard Kingdom Brunel on Victoria Embankment and Queen Victoria on Blackfriars Bridge.

The hats will be in place around London for the next four days, and life-sized copies of the pieces are on display in BT House at BT London Live in Hyde Park until August 12. Find out more here .


Via: The 'Hatwalk' comes to town

Male model sued by Naomi Campbell's former agency for 'poaching models'


A male model who became one of the country's top talent spotters is being sued by Naomi Campbell's former agency for poaching rising stars.

Jon Bruce is accused of "diverting away" models and passing on confidential information to his own rival agency whilst still employed by Premier Model Management Ltd.

Carole White: the outspoken model agent

The spat has reached the High Court, with Rupert Butler, for Premier, accusing Mr Bruce in court of "perpetrating a very serious fraud" whilst working for Premier as a booker and of breaching his contract of employment.

Mr Bruce was so good at his job that at times he generated a third of Premier's income, was dismissed from his position on July 24, and he was served with court papers on the same day.

It is alleged that he tried to gain an unfair competitive advantage for a new model management venture, Paulo Ribero Management Ltd (PRM), which he set up in January this year with his business partner, Paulo Ribero, the court heard.

The allegations of diverting models relate to three individuals who are on the books of PRM, Mr Butler told the court, including Brazilian rising star, Talita Correa, and Matthew Holbrook, a Rochdale model, who was the runner up of C4's Model Behaviour show. The third has not been named.

Mr Butler told the court: "What we have here is a case of real damage that has been perpetrated on the claimant and we want to get on with this case and find out exactly what the damage is, so we can get on with rectifying the situation with our customers, our clients and models.

Asking for the judge to make an interim order that Mr Bruce disclose to his former employers "all confidential information or property in his possession that belonged to Prermier, he added: "There is a prima facie case that a very serious fraud has been perpetrated."

He said Premier was seeking the order because "Mr Bruce still isn't coming to heel and doing that which he needs to do to remedy the situation he had created".

He said: "Mr Bruce has acted for eight or nine months completely behind our backs and deceitfully. We don't know what he's done. We want him to tell us what he's been up to."

Emily Betts, for Mr Bruce, Mr Ribero and PRM, asked for the application for the "onerous order" to be rejected, saying that it would unfairly restrict Mr Bruce's ability to earn a living when no wrongdoing has been proved against him.

She described Mr Bruce as "good at his job, well known in the industry and he has a lot of contacts", saying the claim was "an attempt to stifle him and prevent him earning money doing his job and using his skills elsewhere".

She said: "The claimant has not shown what this unfair competitive advantage that the defendant has gained is. We contend that his summary dismissal was wrongful. They should not have dismissed him but they did."

Denying there had been any wrongdoing, let alone fraud, by Mr Bruce, Miss Betts added: "The claimants contacted him to say they were concerned about his loyalty to the business.

"They put the case that he was working for PRM during his employment...He said he was willing to talk to them about that but didn't hear anything back until he received a claim form."

Judge Kent, delivering his ruling, allowed Premier Models' application for disclosure, giving Mr Bruce seven days in which to produce the material requested.

The judge said: "This is case where it is alleged that Mr Bruce, who was an employee of the claimant since 2007, has been in breach of the terms of his employment contract by taking steps to set up a rival business with his business partner Mr Ribero from January this year.

"It is said that he has been passing on copyrighted information and other material with a view to gaining an advantage for the rival business. There is a clear prima facie case of a flagrant breach of those obligations which Mr Bruce owed.

"This is a case where serious allegations are made that £850 was charged to clients of Premier Models which related to a model of PRM's. I don't see how that can be anything but an attempt to defraud Premier Models.

"In all the circumstances, it seems to me that, while the orders may be onerous, there is a strong arguable case for interim relief. The claimants are entitled to protect their business."

Allowing Premier's disclosure application, the judge gave Mr Bruce seven days in which to "disgorge everything."

Premier Model Management was founded by Carole White in 1981 and the agency was the star of TV documentary series The Model Agency , which aired on Channel 4 last year.


Via: Male model sued by Naomi Campbell's former agency for 'poaching models'

Gucci release latest Charlotte Casiraghi campaign


The 'Forever Now' theme, which will see Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi in four campaigns shot by four famed photographers over two years, highlights Casiraghi's and Gucci's shared passion of all things equestrian.

Shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, the black and white photographs this time celebrate on Gucci's iconic metal horsebit, which adorns many of their accessories and was first used by founder Guccio Gucci on the house's saddle-stitched handbags in the Fifties.

WATCH: Behind the scenes on Casiraghi's first Gucci campaign

Casiraghi wears Gucci's classic horsebit-adorned loafers in black and white in the two pictures which make up the campaign. As if channeling her late grandmother, Grace Kelly, she wears a simple shirt with cropped tailored trousers and turned up jeans.


Grace Kelly, Charlotte Casiraghi's late grandmother, pictured in 1955. Photo: Rex

"It is a real pleasure to collaborate with Frida Giannini and Gucci to celebrate one of the House's most elegant symbols: the horsebit. The atmosphere on the set was very natural and intimate which made that moment very special," Charlotte Casiraghi said.

The 'Forever Now' campaign was unveiled in March earlier this year, showing Casiraghi under the lens of Peter Lindbergh.

Back in May it was suggested that Casiraghi had little interest in modelling for the famed Italian brand but was swayed by the large sums of money they offered her . Stéphane Bern, a French celebrity journalist who has covered Casiraghi and her family for years has told the The New York Times : "She has absolutely no interest in being a model, she's much too intelligent for that. But competing in horse competitions costs a lot of money. You have to transport your horses one day to Dubai, the next day to Spain, pay for their care, the trainer. Gucci helps by writing checks with lots of zeros."


Via: Gucci release latest Charlotte Casiraghi campaign

Is Italy losing its high-fashion gloss?


Miuccia Prada, the 63-year-old designer at the helm of Prada and Miu Miu, has voiced her concern that the dispersion of Italian talent and brands could see the country's fashion industry fall into a "second league", report WWD .

In a rare interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica , the designer cautioned that although Italy is the best country in terms of production, she is worried that its renowned factories and workers could become mere contractors in the fashion manufacturing industry.

Prada warns that "the sale of our luxury labels to foreigners" - possibly alluding to the recent buy-out of Valentino by the Qatar royal family for £556 million - puts the entire system at risk: "Because if our brands cross our borders, the credit, glamour, fame and decision making is in the hands of others, and we are abandoned, downgraded," she explained.

The designer, who has a Ph.D in political science, went on to accuse the Italian press of not taking the industry seriously and not recognising how many jobs and sales it generates. She said that the outside view was that the nation, famous for its Milan Fashion Week shows, has "less resources, culture, protagonists, ideas, vitality and money."

Quoted as saying: "fashion goes elsewhere, looking for the best", Miuccia shows Prada's sister line, Miu Miu, during Paris Fashion Week, Milan's neighbouring rival.


Via: Is Italy losing its high-fashion gloss?

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Ive wanted to design ever since I can remember


An intricately embroidered bra-strap and a cup embellished with a cut-out trim poke out provocatively from a lilac ballet cardigan; admittedly, that's all we know about Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's design debut for Marks & Spencer so far, but we're certain it's worth the wait.

The Devonian graces the September cover of UK Elle and the Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Dior pieces she sports have been paired with the first fruits of her labour as an underwear designer.


Photo: David Vasiljevic/ ELLE

"I've wanted to design ever since I can remember and I fell into modelling through wanting to design and then, through my modelling career I modelled a lot of lingerie..." explains Rosie, 25, whose stints modelling for Agent Provocateur, US lingerie giant Victoria's Secret and Monsoon lingerie put her good stead.

PICTURES: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's rise to fashion fame

"My top goal is for it to be accessible and appealing to everybody, I didn't design it for just me" she says of the range for the high street retailer, which is due to land in stores this autumn.

Following in the footsteps of fellow supers-turned-lingerie-moguls Elle Macpherson, Gisele Bündchen and Bar Refaeli whilst simultaneously exploring her horizons an actress, it seems Rosie might be keen to shed her model tag - a career she fought so hard to carve for herself.

"I wasn't quite tall enough either and I hated it to be honest" she says of struggling to make it in the fashion world. "There was no individuality, no opportunity to be individuals. I think that people forget you're human and you just become an object. I was constantly reminded that I wasn't right wherever I went and that was difficult because I'd come from a place where it didn't matter."

READ: Meet Florence Huntington-Whiteley, Rosie's little sister

Currently filming Mad Max: Fury Road and with a debut listing in the Sunday Times Rich List with a cool £5 million, Huntington-Whiteley certainly has bigger aspirations than being a mere clotheshorse for the rest of her years. She openly admits that her fear of failure is her biggest fear in life. "That's probably where my drive comes from" she says. With a face like that, we're pretty sure she can do anything and succeed.

Full interview in the September issue of ELLE, on sale Wednesday, August 1.


Via: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Ive wanted to design ever since I can remember

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Little Black Book: Chantal Thomass


The International City of Lace and Fashion, Calais
This beautiful old lace factory is now a museum dedicated to Calais's history of lace-making. A must-see.
cite-dentelle.fr

Maison Trois Garçons , London
An amazing shop for gifts, antiques and interior design. It's beautiful and cosy. lestroisgarcons.com

Dover Street Market , London
A unique fashion store from Comme des Garçons. Apart from the Japanese label, it stocks everything from Lanvin to Yves Saint Laurent. I always find the best of my favourite brands. doverstreetmarket.com

Restaurant Caffè Burlot, Paris
This charming Italian restaurant serves an improbable mozzarella, basil and tomato ice cream. 00 33 1 5375 4200.

Ladurée, Paris
Famed for its macarons, the rue Bonaparte branch of Ladurée also sells delicious hand-made bath salts and powder. laduree.fr

L'hôtel la Co(o)rniche, Pyla-sur-Mer
Redesigned by Philippe Starck, this hotel near Bordeaux has wonderful views of Arcachon bay. lacoorniche-pyla.com

Sandra Murray , Inverness
A Scottish designer who makes exquisite bespoke clothes. She is known for her hand-made pieces and for sourcing fabulous fabrics. sandramurray.co.uk


Via: Little Black Book: Chantal Thomass

Campbells coup: model Edie Campbell gets ready for her race at Goodwood


MAY
This month I begin my training for the Magnolia Cup, the charity horse race held at Goodwood. The race last year was incredible, but a total blur. The only conscious moment in that minute and a half was the sudden realisation that there was no one in front of me and I was winning the race. I vowed to hang up my boots with a 100 per cent success record, but seem to have been tempted back!

I've been riding since I was five. My mum has a cottage in Northamptonshire so she took me to the local riding school, and that's how it began. None of the rest of my family rides or has ever had any interest in it, but it's my favourite thing. I have a horse in Warwickshire, a bitchy and sometimes adorable mare called Dolly. (For the Goodwood race I'll be riding a proper racehorse.) With Dolly I do 'eventing'- dressage, showjumping and cross-country. It's the perfect escape from the fashion world and university because you have to put your ego totally aside and concentrate on the horse.

I travel to New York to shoot a campaign for a Chinese brand called Ochirly with Mario Testino. I started modelling at 15, when I was cast in a story for British Vogue called Young London that Mario was shooting, and I've worked with him many times since. The shoot is outside and, as it rains all day, we end up having an hour and a half to do it all. We shoot on the street with some dogs, some lovely whippets. It's me and a very sweet and suitably manicured Argentine male model.

At the moment I don't get much time to ride, only one or two days a week. During the week I live with my dad in Notting Hill. I'm in my second year studying history of art at the Courtauld Institute and this month my dissertation is due and exams are looming.

In New York again for Frieze Art Fair. It's my mum's Christmas present to me. I do a lot of walking around, getting sore feet and going to see art. I buy a ring by an artist I love. Do some revision on the plane on the way home. I desperately need to catch up on 'semiotic theories of art' (something I apparently understood in the first weeks of the autumn term but has since left my mind entirely).

Every evening seems to be spent making incomprehensible and oversized mind maps on the kitchen table. I staple A4 pieces of paper together until they're the size of a person, then scribble nonsensical notes on them in the hope that some of it will infiltrate my mind. It's a way of visualising how different ideas connect. By eight o'clock I'm done, so have dinner and go to bed.


Campbell with one of her 'mind maps' at home in Notting Hill

JUNE
I finish my exams on 1 June. Hallelujah! I emerge blinking and unfit from the library but get up at 5am to leave for Salisbury in my smelly little VW Polo. It's one of those disgusting days where you have a cigarette before it's even light. As at last year's Goodwood race, I have been riding out for the trainer George Baker in Salisbury, and I rode his horse, which confusingly is also named George Baker. In spite of my post-exam hangover and lack of practice, it's quite successful. After riding out I have a sausage bap, which the other jockeys politely decline. They have to be so light. It's a bizarre mixture of being incredibly strong and incredibly weak at the same time, so they really don't eat much at all. Straight after riding out I'm back in the car and it's another two-hour drive to Warwickshire to ride Dolly.


Campbell on the racehorse George Baker near Salisbury

I go to the British Racing School in Newmarket for a safety assessment and a fitness test for Goodwood. The bleep test is particularly hideous, dredging up long-repressed memories of games at school. I swiftly realise my love of cigarettes and my love of winning are not compatible. I have to run between two cones, reaching each before the bleep sounds. The bleeps speed up, so you get more stressed as you get more tired. The head trainer gives me endless undignified exercises to do and I'm waved off with an 'If it ain't hurting, it ain't working'.

I catch the first Eurostar to Paris to shoot a film for an iPad app for a new magazine called Obsession. It's an incredibly long day. I start at 7am and don't get back to my hotel until 2am the following morning.

A couple of days later I'm up at 5am again to be in Salisbury to ride out at 7am. The 'lads and lasses' who ride out at George Baker's are all tiny, pumped full of testosterone and filthy-minded. It's a potent combination. To get fit for the race I'm doing lots of cardio (all the jockeys run). Every time I procrastinate I think, 'If I don't win at Goodwood, I'm going to put it down to not going for that one run.' I feel I'll be annoyed with myself if I don't put a lot of effort in. Cycling also works well, particularly if you take the seat off your bike. I've been zooming around Hyde Park with my bottom in the air.

I do a show for the London-based jeweller David Morris to celebrate his company's 50th anniversary, and the stylist Katie Grand styles the show. It's a special event for his buyers and clients, and my 16-year-old sister, Olympia, is in the show, too. I wear some beautiful jewels and parade around the gardens of Spencer House in Mayfair. All my work is booked through the model agency Viva, and I'm happy to leave it to them to decide exactly what I do and don't do.


Top: Edie Campbell being made-up for the jeweller David Morris's anniversary show Photo: CLAIRE HUISH Bottom:modelling for Burberry.

JULY
I spend the weekend at the Hop Farm Music Festival in Kent, then catch the Eurostar to Paris on Monday for couture week. This time my train isn't until noon, which is much more civilised! I go straight to Chanel HQ for my final fitting before the show tomorrow. I put on the two outfits I'll wear and they see what accessories go with them. Then I have to parade in front of Karl and his team. We have to be in full hair and make-up, which most designers don't do. I've only done couture twice before. They like very tall, very refined beanpole girls, so I'm a bit short (I'm 5ft 10in).

On show day it's a 6am start. Chanel does two shows, one at 10am and another at 12pm. They are nearly always in the Grand Palais. The couture shows have a lot more emphasis on craftsmanship than ready-to-wear, so all the mesdames who work in the atelier are at the fittings and the shows to make sure that the clothes are perfect. I have two looks. The first is a classic Chanel tweed suit and the second is a blouse with a pair of full, sequinned trousers that are incredible - and very heavy.


Edie Campbell modelling Chanel autumn/winter 2012 Photo: CATWALKING.COM

At the weekend I showjump Dolly. She jumps well and I come fourth and third. I'm pleased with the results, given that I haven't ridden for 10 days. On Sunday night I have to do a quick dash to New York for a shoot on Monday.

On Tuesday it's straight back to London to have a dressage lesson on Dolly. If rain doesn't stop play I'll be training with the racehorse George Baker again this week. The weather has made riding this summer difficult, as it gets too muddy and slippery and becomes dangerous. Trying to fit in training for Goodwood is becoming increasingly difficult as I have to go away for work a lot. The fashion industry goes on holiday in August, so everyone is trying to squeeze in their shoots before the end of July. I have a reminder set on my phone for 10am and 5pm each day that says 'DO SOME SQUATS!!!' in a vain effort to get fit. Goodwood is looming and I'm getting nervous.

The Magnolia Cup is at Goodwood, West Sussex, on Thursday ( goodwood.co.uk )


Via: Campbells coup: model Edie Campbell gets ready for her race at Goodwood

The Investment Dresser: three best bikinis


Bikini shopping is gruesome. The other day I was telling a colleague about a press trip I'd been offered. 'Lucky cow,' she said. 'Er, wait, does that mean you'll be by a pool with other fashion writers?'

No one feels confident about their bodies. Especially in strip lighting with a 20-year-old sales assistant the other side of the curtain sighing, 'Shall I get the next size up, then?' So don't try them on. At least not in shops when you're tired, vulnerable, bloated. Just buy. And leave. Or go online. You know your size and you can establish whether your quarry complies with the important rules just by looking at it.

BTW, those rules are: bandeaus will always obey gravity when you dive. They're hopeless on droopy boobs, too. Boy-cut, 1930s styles only look good on Keira Knightley, in the movies. A high-cut bikini bottom isn't fooling anyone either. You'll just look like an 1980s body-builder. Thickish straps are more flattering than a halter-neck - make sure they're adjustable. Don't be afraid of padding. But it must fit. Otherwise your breasts will resemble two underfed sparrows flapping around St Paul's Cathedral. If you're clashing patterns, stick to a colour scheme. Other than that, choose whatever makes you happy, in colours you'd never wear at home.

That said, my longest server is a Melissa Odabash black bikini, with tortoiseshell buckles. Costly. But Abercrombie & Fitch and its sister labels Hollister and Gilly Hicks all do reasonably priced mix-and-match prints with cute details. Sea Folly is another mid-level regular in my repertoire. Navy and white stripes with that important splash of red (great in the sun) from M&S and New Look feature, too.

Pricey may last longer than a £12 one. But it may not. Treat your cheapies like expensive ones (wash out chlorine and saltwater at the end of every day, and lay flat to dry, not in direct sun) and your expensive ones like cheapies (don't save them for best, and chuck out when they're no longer supporting you). And remember: even that first day of the holiday is never as bad as bikini-shopping in strip lighting.



From left: Polyamide and elastane top, £19.50, and bottoms, £17.50, Marks & Spencer, marksandspencer.com . Italian-jersey Volpe top, £55, and bottoms, £55, Violet Lake, violet-lake.com . Spandex and Lycra top, £135, and bottoms, £130, Eres, 020 7235 4261.


Via: The Investment Dresser: three best bikinis

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Uno Sneaker


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Via: Uno Sneaker

Glorious Goodwood: Hats off to astylish breed


Fake tan. It's got to go, hasn't it? Not content with turning Aintree into an eerie, post- apocalyptic, radioactive looking neon-orange mud bath, it now stands accused of reducing the fertility of those who wear it.

Whether this is a direct result of all that dihydroxyacetone (DHA) penetrating the skin and having a toxic effect on the reproductive organs, or the prophylactic consequences of being caught in the rain with tangerine streaks coursing down your legs, isn't yet clear.

But one thing is obvious, we need to ease off it for Goodwood. And if we absolutely can't, at least let's try an organic one. The Organic Pharmacy's is my favourite, and so expensive you won't be tempted to over-apply.

I haven't actually been to Goodwood, but my sources swear that of the great British race meetings, this is the one that is truly chic.

Mencyclopaedia: The Goodwood Look

This doesn't guarantee that you won't find yourself standing next to someone from The Only Way Is Essex in the champagne queue - nothing can indemnify you against that.

There's no money-back promise that Kim Kardashian won't show up either. And there's an outside chance that Katherine Jenkins could suddenly pop out from behind a bush to belt out an operatic medley of Take That's Greatest Hits.

But on the whole, Goodwood is a class act. To maintain this status, it has standards. As with Royal Ascot, these are of varying precision, according to the enclosure to which one is seeking admission.

In the Richmond Enclosure, for instance, men are gently ushered in the direction of jackets and ties, and even polo necks or cravats.


Left to right: Billie Piper, Sophie Raworth and Sophie Ellis-Bextor at Glorious Goodwood PHOTO: RII SCHROER/ WIREIMAGE/HEATHCLIFF O'MALLEY

Along with Morgan cars and Terry-Thomas, polo necks and cravats have been laying low for decades. If this were women's fashion, that would qualify them for an imminent revival, but men's fashion works in different, incomprehensible ways, so let's stick to the far more logical arc of women's clothing.

Hats are encouraged, though not obligatory in the Richmond Enclosure, but are so popular these days that you're likely to bash into them all over Goodwood.

These are not the big showy cartwheels, "witty" pillboxes or headpieces shaped like the Gherkin that pass muster at other racecourses. Bundle MacLaren , who designs hats for the Kate Middleton set, says: "The colour of your hat doesn't have to match your dress. For a more eclectic and individual look, choose colours that tone and balance with each other."

Glorious Goodwood for top horse racing and fashion

In Goodwood's other enclosures, dress codes are less formal, but even in Richmond, there isn't the same imperative to make a statement as there is at Ascot. The results tend to be less showy, and consequently more stylish.

This is not the place for cocktail wear masquerading as daywear, either. The unspoken code is Modern British Boho. Think Sienna Miller on one of her smarter days: elegant, flowy dresses, blazers or pretty, beaded or embroidered cardigans and soft, uncontrived hair.

As for shoes, your best option is a bare leg and wedge sandal: stylish, elevating and unlikely to sink in the turf.

By the way, MacLaren is such an expert at this kind of dressing she'll be offering her style tips on Channel 4 during Goodwood. In the best tradition of racing commentary, I hereby hand you over to her, and retreat to the Stewards' Enclosure for a well-earned herbal tea.

1 Glorious Goodwood represents effortlessly stylish high summer British dressing. Have fun with florals, bold prints and colour.

2 Proportion and balance are key. If your hat is a bold statement design keep the dress simple and vice versa.

3 Hats worn at an angle generally make your face look slimmer and add character to a look.

4 Don't be afraid to play with different styles and shapes. From embellished turbans and decorative trilbies to sweeping saucers and boaters, there's something to suit everyone.

5 A great hat is wasted on frizzy limp hair. Get a good blow-dry or, even better, have your hair put up professionally.

6 Choose a hat that feels comfortable. Confidence is key to looking great.

- Glorious Goodwood will run from Tuesday, July 31, to Saturday, August 4. Telegraph writers including Weekend's Anna Tyzack will be reporting and blogging from the trackside - and the enclosures. Visit telegraph.co.uk/goodwood for more.


Via: Glorious Goodwood: Hats off to astylish breed

Friday, July 27, 2012

Wink Cashmere Knit


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Swing Crepe Coat


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Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha join forces for 'The Face'


News of the Naomi Campbell-fronted US show The Face has been flying around for a while, but it's suddenly got a whole lot more exciting thanks to the addition of two more supermodels to the mentoring team.

READ: Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Georgia May Jagger and more to close the 2012 Olympic Games

Czech model Karolina Kurkova and Canadian Coco Rocha have now signed on to aid Campbell in her search for the fashion world's next big model talent. Campbell, Rocha and Kurkova will each have their own group of aspiring models and will be tasked with guiding them through projects such as photoshoots, runway shows and commercials for several brands. The winning model will front a campaign for a major, as yet unannounced, brand.


Coco Rocha posted the above picture on her blog. Photo: Oxygen

"As the youngest mentor of the three, I have looked up to Naomi and Karolina my entire career and am ecstatic to be able to work side by side with them on this amazing new project," Rocha wrote on her blog, oh-so-coco.tumblr.com. "As mentors to the girls, we hope to impart valuable lessons and skills that will help them through their challenges, giving them an accurate idea of what it takes to have a career as a model and be the face of a brand."

Going by our photo montage at the top of the page, all three are clearly fans of the 'hand in pocket' pose which is a good sign that they'll get on like a house on fire. Well, maybe.

The show is slated to air on the Oxygen channel in 2013.


Via: Naomi Campbell, Karolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha join forces for 'The Face'

Alexander Wang teams up with Azealia Banks for T


For a relative newcomer to the celebrity circus, rapper/singer/lyricist Azealia Banks has managed to add yet another string to her bow, this time as a model. The 21 year-old American has teamed up with fellow New Yorker, Alexander Wang, to strut her stuff as the new face of his jersey line, T. Banks accompanied the designer to the Met Ball earlier this year, creating whisperings around the possibility of a creative collaboration.

The rapper is the latest in a line of stars to front Wang's T line, with the likes of Santigold, Spank Rock and Die Antwood having previously filled the role. Sporting pieces from the autumn/winter 2012 collection Banks bops along while singing 'Van Vogue' from the star's recent EP 1991.

First look at Kate Moss in George Michael's White Light video

When asked about the partnership, Alexander Wang told style.com that 'she [Azealia] exudes a certain rawness that makes her a very unique talent…I loved working with her on this video for T Fall 2012, and think the collaboration captures a collision of energies.' Take a look for yourself.


Via: Alexander Wang teams up with Azealia Banks for T

Holmes & Yang's model fan: Heidi Klum loves Katie Holmes's fashion label


Impending divorce from Tom Cruise seems to be bringing nothing but good things for Katie Holmes - at least when it comes to her fashion brand Holmes & Yang.

Following a reported boost in sales for the label at Barney's New York and Beverley Hills stores, Holmes' style and design prowess have been feted by none other than supermodel and host of Project Catwalk - which Katie recently filmed a guest designer appearance on - Heidi Klum.

READ: Katie Holmes to conquer New York Fashion Week

"She has great style. She has her own style. She's a designer, so I'm sure she did a good job," Klum told The Hollywood Reporter at an event celebrating Project Runway's 10-season anniversary last week. "I think [Katie] has a great line. I like a lot of her clothes, especially right now. She has these very beautiful spaghetti-strap camisoles. I love them, and the line. Sometimes these very basic things are the hardest ones to find."


The $350 spaghetti-strap camisole Heidi is a fan of. Photo: barneys.com

The spaghetti-strap camisole in question will set you back a cool $350 (£223). Other items include a navy 'Contrast Placket Dress', which Holmes was cannily pictured wearing recently, and comes with a hefty $1,100 (£700) price tag, and the 'Cropped Moto Jacket' which costs a whopping $3,095 (£1,970).


Holmes & Yang's 'Contrast Placket Dress' and 'Cropped Moto Jacket'. Photo: barneys.com

Holmes & Yang will show at New York Fashion Week for the first time this September, with many anticipating that the show will be full to the brim with eager buyers and editors who are now far more interested in Katie sans Tom than they ever were when she was married.

In the UK, the label is stocked at Harvey Nichols' Knightsbridge store.


Via: Holmes & Yang's model fan: Heidi Klum loves Katie Holmes's fashion label

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Gucci win trademark case against Guccio Gucci


We love it when a family finds a name they like and sticks to it, like George Foreman who named his five sons George (George Jr., George III, George IV, George V and George VI), and Jermaine Jackson who named three of his eight offspring Jermaine, Jaimy, and Jermajesty.

Sadly, however, such family pride doesn't always lead to happy endings.

Yesterday in Florence, a judge ruled against Guccio Gucci and his brother Alessandro Gucci, the great-grandsons of Gucci founder, Guccio Gucci in an intellectual property case brought by the Gucci Group.

WWD report that Guccio and Alessandro's handbag and accessories firm ToBeG Srl has been found guilty of infringement of Gucci's trademarks "illegitimately" using the names "Gucci" and "Guccio Gucci" for its marketing communications and website activities.

The judge ruled that the use of the name 'Guccio Gucci' "determined an unfair association" between ToBeG's products and Gucci's trademarks, and said that its behaviour "constitutes an act of unfair competition to Gucci's detriment because the advertising materials of the defendant caused confusion with Gucci's products and business activities and took unfair advantage of the qualities and reputation of Gucci's products".

READ: Gucci awarded $4.7 million in damages over Guess trademark infringement

Guccio Gucci worked for the family fashion label for 12 years, leaving in 1989 to work for his father's Giorgio G handbag line before setting up ToBeG in 2008.

It's not the first time Gucci Group have been forced to take legal action to protect its name.

Previous victories include a 2009 case against Jennifer Gucci (former wife of Paolo Gucci, grandson of Guccio Gucci) who was operating a chain of Gucci coffee shops; a 2010 case against Cosima Gucci in Hong Kong, and one against Elisabetta Gucci, who was planning a global chain of Gucci hotels.

In May, Gucci were also awarded $4.7 million (£3 million) in damages over trademark infringement by rival fashion label, Guess.


Via: Gucci win trademark case against Guccio Gucci

Stella McCartney launches Little Miss Stella childrenswear


A couple of years ago, Stella McCartney collaborated with the people behind the Mr Men and Little Miss series to design a new character. The result was the dead adorable Little Miss Stella (inspired by McCartney, naturally), who appeared on the invitations - a proper Little Miss book - to her spring/summer 2007 catwalk show. In terms of literary greatness, perhaps the story - Little Miss Stella meets Little Miss Nobody, otherwise known as Billy No Mates because she's wearing last season's shoes or something, designs an amazing suit for her and turns her into a somebody - doesn't quite rival War and Peace 's, but, then again, War and Peace doesn't have a character whose skin tone is a fetching shade of blue. You win some, you lose some.

Anyway, Little Miss Stella is the inspiration for McCartney's new seven-piece Kids' capsule collection, and appears on everything from babygros, jumpers and T-shirts, to bags and felt-tips. The line, starting from £27 for a T-shirt, will be launching at the end of next month in time for school. Should you fancy getting hold of that hag-to-fab fable (only 1,000 were originally printed for the show), Stella stores will be giving away an extended version with each purchase for a limited time, where, presumably, Little Miss Somebody (née Nobody) completes her transition to full-time fashionista by dropping 10lbs.

Little Miss Stella will be available from the end of August at Stella McCartney stores on Bruton Street W1 and Fulham Road SW3, in Liberty and Cricket, and online at stellamaccartney.com and alexandalexa.com


Via: Stella McCartney launches Little Miss Stella childrenswear

Model fight club: Selita Ebanks accused of breaking Liza Irizarry's nose


Former Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks is on the brink of being sued by US television channel Telemundo model Liza Irizarry after claims the former broke the latter's nose in a nightclub brawl.

New York Daily News report that the fracas, which took place inside Miami's Dream nightclub at 5am last November, resulted in Irizarry, 34, sustaining a complex nasal fracture and nasal obstruction, which required surgery two days later.

According to Irizarry, the incident occurred after she greeted Ebanks' boyfriend, TV presenter Terrence J, with a "warm kiss on the cheek".

"When she saw me, she said, 'Don't be kissing my man,' Irizarry said in an interview with NYDN in lawyer Edward Steinberg's Manhattan office.

"I said to myself, 'So what, that's my friend.' That's when she hit me on the nose. I went to swing back - that's when all her friends jumped in. I felt hair pulling and fists coming at me."

Miami police have never arrested or charged Ebanks over the incident even though Irizarry filed a police report and sent them her medical records.

Now, nine months on, Irizarry is seeking financial recompense for pain, suffering and medical bills.

"I'm so angry, because she thinks she can get away with anything."

"You shouldn't be allowed to put your hands on anyone for no reason. Me saying hello to someone doesn't give you the right to hit me."

Ebanks, who recently appeared as a phoenix in Kanye West's short film 'Runaway', has called the allegations "baseless", with her lawyer Paul Rothenberg adding that the anticipated suit is "nine months old and completely without merit."


Selita Ebanks on the Victoria's Secret runway in 2010. PHOTO: REX


Via: Model fight club: Selita Ebanks accused of breaking Liza Irizarry's nose

Poppy Delevingne's beachwear brand of choice


A month or so ago, looking at beachwear felt heart-wrenchingly ineffectual. With scorching weather finally hitting London today, however, we're spending our afternoon shopping for kaftans. Where better to browse than Beach Candy , Poppy Delevingne's holiday brand of choice?

Launched by British-born, Mumbai-dwelling designer Sophie Paget a year or so ago, Beach Candy is Sophie's take on pool-side perfection. If you're heading to Ibiza (or better yet, London Fields lido) then this is the collection for you: hand-printed chiffon kaftans in dolly mixture shades jostle alongside tie-dye maxi dresses, allowing you to embrace your inner bohemian without feeling too try-hard.

In pictures: Poppy Delevingne models for Louis Vuitton.

Even better, Beach Candy has serious ethical credentials. The silk crepe collection is hand-dyed by a family-run project in Mumbai, and coloured using recycled dyes of indigo, pomegranate and saffron. Manufacture is carried out in conjunction with a charity aiming to get physically handicapped women into the workplace, teaching them how to balance the books in the accounts department, or equipping them with stitching and embroidery skills.

In pictures: Life's a beach when you're a supermodel.

As well as selling on her website, Sophie also has a shack on the beach in Goa where she prettifies holiday-makers. She is passionate about utilising India's existing textile skills to glamorous effect: "India is so full of craft, but it's often hard for the locals to access a marketplace. It's been a real learning curve for both myself and the Bombay textiles craftsmen. They have amazing skills in hand-printing, and they teach me a lot, but I can tell them which colours and shapes are marketable. They used to print on only wool, for example, but I suggested that they try it on chiffon. The results were fantastic."

Poppy and friends on holiday in Corfu last month. Photo: Poppy Delevingne.

Poppy Delevingne seems to think so - she wore a maxi dress from the collection for her holiday in Corfu last month, and reported on her blog that Beach Candy "made my sunshine wardrobe complete!". With the news that Florence Brudenell-Bruce is also a fan, we think it could finally be time to bring on the beachwear.


Via: Poppy Delevingne's beachwear brand of choice

Kate Moss for Rag & Bone


Moss was shot by fashion photographer Craig McDean in North West London's Kentish Town for Rag & Bone's debut campaign, wearing pieces from the autumn/winter 2012 collection.

David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, founders of the brand, told WWD that concept behind the shoot "was to create stripped-back images featuring Moss caught in a moment" and to maintain their ethos of "keeping things real".


The second of Rag & Bone's new campaign images. Photo: Craig McDean

"It wasn't in a studio; it was just them on a derelict London street - Kate with minimal make-up, and Craig with a handheld camera and natural light," said Wainwright.

"Although we are essentially a New York brand, our English roots have always influenced our aesthetic, and casting Kate was another nod to our heritage," added Neville.

The New York-based brand will open the doors to their first European store on London's upmarket Sloane Square today.

IN PICTURES: Rag & Bone autumn/winter 2012

The label was founded by the British duo, both of whom hail from London, in 2002. Despite a lack of any formal design training, the pair have succeeded in building a CFDA-award winning brand that now operates six stores in New York City, as well as flagship stores in Boston, Washington D.C. and Tokyo, Japan.

In celebration of their arrival in the UK, the label will present their spring/summer 2013 collection to buyers and select members of the press in their new store during September's London Fashion Week. They will also show on schedule at New York Fashion, as usual.


Via: Kate Moss for Rag & Bone

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Behind the scenes at Chloe Sevigny's Miu Miu campaign


Miu Miu's autumn/winter 2012 collection was fun with a capital F, so who more appropriate to star as the face of the season than kooky actress, and fashion world favourite, Chloë Sevigny.

Sevigny variously snarls, sips tea and eats cake in this short film, interspersed with shots of her posing on a fluffy, white shagpile carpet in Miu Miu's psychedelic Seventies-inspired collection.

The perfect mix of tomboy attitude and feminine charm, we want to be Chloë in this film so bad - not least so we can be the mistress of this particularly delectable wardrobe.

Enjoy…


Via: Behind the scenes at Chloe Sevigny's Miu Miu campaign

Sales of Katie Holmes' fashion label boosted by divorce


As they say, no publicity is bad publicity, and Katie Holmes is the latest proof of that.

Sales of her Holmes & Yang fashion line have reportedly soared since she announced her high-profile separation from Hollywood husband Tom Cruise at the end of last month.

READ: Katie Holmes to conquer New York Fashion Week

According to a clerk from the Beverly Hills branch of US department store Barney's, the brand has been "selling particularly well", reports Fox News . The New York branch has similarly confirmed that sales are up, although no exact figures have been given.

News of the sales boost comes two weeks after it was announced that Holmes & Yang are preparing to show their spring/summer 2013 collection at New York Fashion Week for the first time this September.

The former Dawson's Creek actress has been spotted wearing pieces from the label - which is designed in collaboration with stylist Jeanne Yang - a number of times since the split, including for a much-hyped appearance on Project Runway.


Via: Sales of Katie Holmes' fashion label boosted by divorce

Oxfam's profits hit record high


It seems that all we ever hear about at the moment is how much money the luxury fashion sector is making. But one decidedly low budget, home-grown brand is thriving thanks not, for a change, to Chinese production or consumers, but the generosity of the British public.

Annual trading figures released today reveal that Oxfam's profits have hit a record high despite the tough economic climate and a devastating fire at the charity's Wastesaver textile sorting facility.

READ: Livia Firth named global ambassador for Oxfam

Oxfam stores have seen a five per cent income increase on last year - up £18m to £385.5m - while fundraising income (including donations from supporters, the public and institutional income) increased eight per cent.

At £89.9m, Oxfam's retail sales are £4m higher than last year and the overall contribution from Oxfam's shop network rose to £25.5m, a like-for-like annual increase of 6%.

"Fundraising is tough, and may continue to be so, but we have seen a terrific response from the public" Bob Humphreys, Oxfam's finance director said in a statement, before cautioning "However, we are still urgently seeking more donations in clothes and books to our network of Oxfam shops and to build our base of regular donors. By continuing to increase our income, we can ensure that we continue to help more and more poor and vulnerable people around the world."

Over the past 12 months, Oxfam has reached 15 million people across 55 countries, whether by enabling access to clean water and sanitation, or educating over 2 million people about women's rights. Additionally they have supported 27 humanitarian crises, providing emergency shelter in the wake of disasters and helping victims rebuild their livelihoods.

Last week they named Livia Firth, eco-warrior and wife of Colin, as their global ambassador to help the charity with its campaigning and fundraising work.


Via: Oxfam's profits hit record high