We may have alluded to this in our round-up on Friday, but we actually think this is deserving of a bit more attention – Debenhams, one of Britain’s best-loved department stores, is breaking boundaries in the world of fashion by banning airbrushing from its summer swimwear campaigns.
Read MoreSearch Results for “paris fashion week”
Is Gareth Pugh going to Thierry Mugler?
Big fashion houses love to mix things up a bit, don’t they? Particularly with their choice of designers. Well, if the news we’ve just heard is true, it seems Gareth Pugh may be doing a little hop skip and jump over to well-designed doors of Thierry Mugler.
Read MoreJohn Galliano gets French honour
Good luck getting hold of John Galliano at the moment – he’s a very busy man. Not only is judging the final of this year’s Fashion Fringe as its chairperson, he’s gearing up for Paris Men’s Fashion Week at the end of this month, where he’s set to do more than just present a collection.
Read MoreJasmine Di Milo to close
It wasn’t so long ago that Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed sold the iconic London department store, but it would seem his daughter is keen on getting out of the fashion business, too: Jasmine Al Fayed has announced she’ll be closing her Jasmine Di Milo label.
Read MoreLydia Hearst wears Deola Sagoe
May is a happy month for most of us – it brings our first glimpse of summer, warmer weather and sun-related smiles all round – but for Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe, it also brings with it a Marie Claire cover and another red carpet slot for one of her latest designs.
Read MoreJean Paul Gaultier out at Hermès
Rumours that arose last year regarding Jean Paul Gaultier‘s future at Hermès were with good reason – the French fashion house has announced today that the designer will be leaving the label as soon as his last ready to wear collection bows next spring.
Read MoreBurberry designs coat for Colette
Pretty Parisian fashionistas are in for a treat next month, particularly those partial to a bit of Burberry. The British brand has teamed up with French boutique Colette to design a limited edition jacket for AW10.
Read MoreLouis Vuitton’s Young Arts Project
The worlds of fashion and art are getting set for a serious collision: Louis Vuitton has just launched its new Young Arts Project, which will see the fashion house team up with five of London’s leading art institutions to help creative young minds.
Read MoreFive minutes with model and designer Lisa Butcher
At just 15-years-old, Lisa Butcher started life out as model. After winning British ELLE’s first modelling competition back in 1987, she was dubbed the ‘Face of the 90s’ by royal photographer Norman Parkinson and went on to star in campaigns for major brands including Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent and Max Factor. Sticking with the fashion theme, Lisa also presented the first series of hit TV show Britain’s Next Top Model and worked alongside Mica Paris on BBC’s What Not To Wear, following the departure of the (rather terrifying) Trinny and Susannah. And now? Well, it seems the British beauty can add a few more strings to her stylish bow, as she is currently a designer and ambassador for tall-fashion specialist, Long Tall Sally. We caught up with Lisa after the launch of Long Tall Sally’s very first National Stand Tall Week to find out more about her involvement with the brand and to see what advice she could give to tall ladies out there who might struggle when it comes to shopping on the high-street. How did your collaboration with Long Tall Sally come about? Long tall Sally approached me after the second series of What Not To Wear. I had heard of the brand before, but felt the collections could be stronger. As it happened, the Bennett Brothers – who turned around Oasis and Phase Eight amongst other brands – had just bought out the business and wanted to create a totally new image for Long Tall Sally, so I jumped at the chance to work with them as they have such great reputations. I asked if I could have a go at designing, and it proved really successful and has just grown from there. Plus, it’s also loads of fun! As a designer and ambassador for Long […]
Read MoreThe end of couture?
We’re sure you don’t need telling that times are tough, but it’s not just us ordinary folk who are feeling the pinch, nor is it just a few unfortunate fashion houses. It seems that fashion’s oldest luxury could be in for the kill as designers weigh up whether there’s still a place for couture.
Read MoreRalph Lauren’s Legion of Honour
Paris was quite the place to be last week, particularly if your name was Ralph Lauren. Not only did he open a brand new store in the fashion capital, the American designer was also decorated with a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour.
Read MoreGiles Deacon for Ungaro?
With the risky role of creative director up for grabs at Ungaro, it takes a brave man to come on board such a rocky boat – but as whispers turn to who may fill Lindsay Lohan’s sour shoes, it seems Giles Deacon may be the man for the job.
Read MoreProblems for Stefano Pilati?
Though YSL has denied problems with its creative director Stefano Pilati, rumours are still rife this week that the designer may be in trouble at the fashion house after his latest ready-to-wear offering left little to lust after.
Read MoreWho owns 6,000 pairs of Louboutins?
Thought you loved Louboutins? We’ve found someone who loves them more – 6,000 pairs more. The shoe designer revealed his “supertop customer” this week, though the answer may leave you a little surprised. Extreme fashionista? Fashion editrix? No. Author, actually.
Read MoreOne to watch: Guillaume Henry
Not many designers would mind being dobbed a “young Yves Saint Laurent”, especially when such a lauding comes from Natalie Massenet, but for emerging talent Guillaume Henry, that’s a nom de guerre he’ll have to get used to.
Read MoreYves Saint Laurent: genius or addict?
Yves Saint Laurent is often regarded as nothing short of a genius, his life becoming a sort of fashion fantasy that no one dare challenge, other than Tom Ford. But that may be about to change.
Read MoreExclusive Talk with Kenneth Cole
Hear the name Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. and you might be mistaken into thinking that successful fashion entrepreneur Kenneth Cole is a film producer rather than a shoe designer – it’s an easy assumption to make. But Kenneth Cole isn’t of course a film producer; he’s the fashion designer and businessman behind the label of nearly thirty years. A well-known name in America, Kenneth visited London recently to give an exclusive talk at the London College of Fashion to share some of the secrets behind his success. As Kenneth talked about his brand it was clear that the stereotypical fashion designer persona was far from the business minded man delivering the talk. Cole admits that, ‘People don’t get much more than to judge you on how you present yourself,’ but as he talked about his path to success it emerged that Kenneth Cole is as much about delivering a social commentary as a fabulous pair of shoes. Cole is a master of witty advertising puns, which is something that has become synonymous with the brand – some campaigns of which he penned himself, and many of which are cut through with a sharp social commentary. A significant AIDS campaigner, one of Cole’s advertising billboards following 9/11 read, ‘On September 12, 14,000 people still contracted HIV.’ Commenting on the advertising ethos of the brand, Cole recalls the beginnings of the company in 1982: ‘I wanted to connect the brand to something bigger than what we did.’ His acute sense of realism following 9/11 was, understandably, too much for a country in mourning but the message was not new. Kenneth describes himself as a creative problem solver , a trait that marks many of the milestones of his career , none so significant perhaps as his debut into the world of fashion. […]
Read MoreKarl Lagerfeld’s latest cracks
He’s known for his controversial comments is Kaiser Karl Lagerfeld, and in the latest issue of Vice magazine, he’s come out with some right crackers. Spare a few minutes, if you will, to read some of his most monumental quotes of the year.
Read MoreLouis Vuitton AW10: curves ahead
Young waif-like models may have reigned supreme in recent seasons, but Louis Vuitton are embracing curves for A/W10 , and the French fashion house hired a handful of voluptuous supers to prove it. Elle Macpherson, Laetitia Casta and newly-engaged Lara Stone were among the models to hit the runway showcasing their curves in Marc Jacobs’ sexy autumn offerings, which included corsets and halter-neck dresses for the womanly woman. Designers are always saying they’re going to do a collection for women, but then every girl on the runway is under twenty, claimed Marc, who may or may not have presented one of the most wearable collections yet. I wanted a variety of ages and sizes. We set out to cast gorgeous women, women who feel happy to put their make-up on, get dressed up, get all their accessories, he told the Telegraph, adding, it’s a bit old-fashioned, I know, but I think it’s nice for a change. And change for next season, if Marc’s latest offering for Louis Vuitton is anything to go by, comes in the form of mid-calf length skirts, as he single-handedly brings back the midi-skirt. Take note from Elle Macpherson, who led the finale in a mid-calf rose corset dress with a draped train, if you need convincing. [Images]
Read MoreAlexander McQueen’s final bow
Fashion waited with baited breath yesterday as the final collection from the late legend Alexander McQueen was unveiled at a private presentation in Paris.
Read MoreHonouring Karl Lagerfeld
It’s been a busy week for Karl Lagerfeld, and it’s not just his unveiling of Chanel’s AW10 collection amid blocks of ice yesterday that’s got everyone talking , he’s set to be made a commander of the French Legion of Honour.
Read MoreCoco Rocha’s wedding will be soon
She’s only just excitedly announced her engagement, but fast-forward one week and Coco Rocha‘s wedding plans are already well under way. And they ought to be, because the big day is in three months.
Read MoreGalliano on style and McDonalds
He’s the father of eccentric French fashion, and after unveiling his A/W10 collection in Paris over the weekend, John Galliano has shared some insightful words on style, his beloved fashion… and fast food?
Read MoreMFL’s top 5 gadget accessories
Fashion and function are terms that regularly cross paths but only recently have we seen an influx of designers getting creative with technology. Not only are fashion houses and retailers bridging the gap between catwalks and the consumer by launching phone applications, tweeting on a regular basis and live streaming fashion week shows; they’re putting their names to a whole host of products, making our day-to-day technological appliances that little bit nicer to look at. From Fendi to Gareth Pugh, we can honestly say that the contents of our handbag have never looked so well dressed. See our top five gadget accessories, below: Mulberry Daria sleeve for 13″ MacBook It might look like an oversized clutch, but this sleeve, inspired by Mulberry’s Daria range, was designed in collaboration with Apple to protect your MacBook. When did practical ever look so pretty? £350 from Mulberry. AnOther iPhone shell by Gareth Pugh for Incase Gareth Pugh designed this monochrome iPhone case as part of his capsule collection for AnOther magazine and Parisian boutique colette, which brings together fashion and technology in a limited edition, bold aesthetic. Pugh’s graphic was also added to a 13″ MacBook pro sleeve, which incorporates his signature star print. £53 from AnOther Shop. Jaeger BlackBerry case Replacing the BlackBerry case that I so carelessly lost a few months ago, is this bright number from Jaeger. Available in orange and lemon yellow, it also makes finding the damn thing in the depths of an oversized tote much easier. Hurrah! £20 – £25 from Jaeger. Fendi laptop case So, apparently the Mulberry MacBook sleeve is only fit for an Apple but this Fendi neoprene laptop case isn’t so prejudiced. The hot pink protector features a zip pocket and is perfect for the girly girl on her commute. £225 from Net-a-Porter. […]
Read MoreZoolander sequel
Ok film fans, steady yourselves: cult classic fashion parody Zoolander is coming back for a sequel. Prayers. Answered. Etc.
Read MoreRemembering McQueen: funeral today
It’ll be a bleak afternoon in London with the announcement of Lee Alexander McQueen’s funeral, which takes place in the capital today.
Read MoreCelebrating McQueen
A dark cloud was cast over the fashion world last Thursday, when news was brought of British designer, Lee Alexander McQueen’s death. New York Fashion Week began with a sombre tone as news rapidly spread, regarding the demise of the prolific fashion designer whose lower-priced line , McQ , was scheduled to be presented that very afternoon. Instead, friends, family and fans paid tribute to one of the most influential fashion figures of recent years, looking back at the many highlights of his successful career. Crowds descended upon Alexander McQueen stores to pay their respects with flowers, notes and candles while the London store lowered its McQueen flag to fly at half mast above the window display, which now shows only black drapes. Aged just 40 at the time of his death, McQueen was seen as one of the most exciting designers in the business, constantly shocking and impressing onlookers at his conceptual shows, showcasing inspired designs, tailored to perfection. Perhaps more significant to current and future designers however, is the fact that the ‘enfant terrible’ of British fashion grew with the trends , and not merely in terms of fashion. McQueen’s last , and perhaps best , show, which displayed his spring 2010 collection, streamed live from Paris, enabling anyone with internet access to watch from the comfort of their own home. McQueen was perfectly in tune to the possibilities of fashion and constantly pushed boundaries, making his mark in fashion history whilst setting the benchmark for Fashion Weeks to come. The British Fashion Council are yet to decide how to mark McQueen’s passing but Lucy Yeomans, chairman of the BFC press committee told the Guardian: ‘it is only right that London Fashion Week marks his passing in some way, pointing out that it was important ‘to do something […]
Read MoreBurberry goes 3D at LFW
It’s not just the film industry that’s getting giddy over 3D at the moment, the trend is hitting fashion too, lead faithfully by British brand Burberry, who is set to stream its London Fashion Week show live in 3D.
Read MoreJean Paul Gaultier on couture and cats
He’s the enfant terrible, the mischievous French designer who’s outlandish ways have earned him somewhat of a reputation on the couture circuit , the very same circuit that Jean Paul Gaultier fears is in demise.
Read MoreFive minutes with William Tempest
Fashion can make stars as quickly as it breaks them, and over the past couple of years few stars have risen higher or shone brighter than young challenger to the British fashion crown William Tempest. And last year was a particularly phenomenal one for the 24 year old designer, who was working for another great British fashion name, Giles Deacon, before he had even graduated for the London College of Fashion. Having launched his own label in 2008, after a stint working for Jean Charles de Castelbajac and dressing Madonna, Tempest was selected to show at London’s Fashion Fringe event and went on to win the Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award in 2009 allowing him to hold his first solo catwalk show – the Tudor themed The Golden Age – which won over pretty much every critic and secured his place as one of the hottest names in London. We caught up with Tempest in the run up to London Fashion Week to find out more about what we can expect to see from this bright young designer in 2010… 2009 seemed to be a pretty amazing year for you – what were the highlights and low lights? Highlights of 2009 were definitely holding my first catwalk show, dressing Victoria Beckham and being selected as one of Vogue magazine’s ‘Class of 2010 – the people who will define the next decade! Any New Year’s Resolutions? To help out others more often and to do something for charity. I’m currently working with Sport Relief at the moment on a great project to raise awareness and money to target malaria in Africa. I loved your Tudor inspired ‘The Golden Age’ collection. Why the Tudors? How much research did you do before you know which elements of Tudor style you wanted to play with? Thanks, […]
Read MoreBalmain’s lower-priced let down
Fashion fans have been revelling in the rumours that Balmain are set to launch a lower-priced diffusion line, but all hopes have come crashing to the ground this week as it’s confirmed there’ll be no such fantasy.
Read MoreKate Moss’ new do
Nothing gets the fash pack talking than a new hair do, especially when it’s being sported by London’s style ambassador and all-round fashion phenomenon. Yep, Kate Moss has got herself a new do , and it’s grey.
Read MoreJosephus Thimister returns to couture
Whilst we’re on the subject of couture this morning, someone else is making a comeback: Josephus Thimister, or former Mr. Balenciaga, as he may be better known.
Read MoreGucci couture?
With Paris Couture Week in full force, all eyes are on the fashion houses: Christian Lacroix’s sad exit from the couture circuit has left a noticeable gap in the field, but one major name in fashion’s game is about to fill it with some high end shoes.
Read MoreOne to watch: Stephane Rolland
His name may not be familiar with all fashion fans, but with Cheryl Cole championing couturier Stephane Rolland’s designs, that’s all about to change.
Read MoreMarc Jacobs to be knighted , the French way
Congratulations , or felicitations, should we say , are in order: Marc Jacobs has been awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), or the French equivalent of a knighthood, to us mere folk.
Read MoreArmani vs. Dior
Couture claws at the ready; tempers are flying high in the world of haute fashion, and schedules aren’t the only thing clashing.
Read MoreGalliano Menswear
Whether he’s wearing it or sending it down the catwalk, John Galliano‘s got a signature style that’s as far fetched as fashion gets. Now, the Dior creative director is turning his design marvel to menswear for a second time. As more designers brainstorm pieces for the boys , most recently Victoria Beckham and Matthew Williamson , King of Couture John Galliano has announced a new, lower-priced diffusion line for men which will sit alongside his current menswear and womenswear offerings. His inspiration? Himself. “I was inspired by memories of my twenty-year old self,” Galliano told Vogue UK of the collection, called ‘Galliano’. “I was fashion-obsessed yet starved of choice in clothes. We used to take our vintage market finds and pull them apart and recombine them to create our own mixed-up signature looks.” Aimed at men who want to express their own ideas and identity through their style, Galliano’s contemporary offering attempts to capture the attitude of the London rock scene. “It’s not just the girls who want to party and be able to pepper their wardrobe with urban essentials, the boys want this option too – and to have those pieces in denim, leather and something that has that quirky signature Galliano identity. They want high fashion but not the high fashion prices, so I wanted to create a collection that could inspire as much as bridge that gap.” The new collection will launch at Milan Menswear Fashion Week on January 18.
Read MoreAlexander McQueen online
It’s dreary days like these, when you can’t face braving winter’s wild weather, that online shopping was made for. And it’s days like these, when nothing looks likely to banish the blues, that Alexander McQueen was made for. Just think what would happen if these two things came together.
Read MoreLondon stays home for Kate Moss
Remember a few weeks ago when we reported Kate Moss might be moving to Paris? Well, guess what? She’s staying put.
Read MoreModels refused to walk in McQueen’s armadillo shoes
Well what do you know, it seems modelling isn’t as easy as some like to think , not when faced with towering 12 inch heels, at least , and model Abbey Lee Kershaw is having none of it.
Read MoreBritain’s favourite Frenchman
Ooh la la! Little known to us, there was a grand award ceremony last week (Francais of the Year Awards), and one of fashion’s favourite Frenchmen scooped a prize.
Read MoreVictoria Beckham and Marc Jacobs to do fur?
She’s just expanded (and re-branded) her denim and sunglasses lines, but it seems Victoria Beckham’s already got more cards on the creative table, teaming up with Marc Jacobs to focus on fur.
Read MoreLacroix designs uniforms
A Paris court may have decided his future a few weeks ago, but that hasn’t stopped Christian Lacroix from doing what he does best: designing. And in this case, the pieces in hand happen to be uniforms.
Read MoreEmporio Armani’s Foxxy frock
Ooh, Emporio Armani has designed a new dress inspired by the strapless fuchsia Giorgio Armani Prive number Megan Fox wore to the Moscow premiere of Transformers 2. The new design comes after blockbuster beauty Megan Fox was named as the next face of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans over a month ago, taking over from Victoria Beckham. The dress, which, judging from Armani’s sketch is the spitting image of the Giorgio Armani Prive dress that Megan Fox wore on the red carpet, has just landed in Emporio Armani stores nationwide (in time for the festive season), and is set to sell at $980 (around £600). This is the latest in a string of events that link the actress du jour and Armani together; she was front row at his Prive show, he snapped her up to front Emporio Armani next season, she wore a Prive dress to her movie’s premiere, and now he’s designed a dress based on that one she wore. BFFs, perhaps? Meanwhile, shooting has already taken place with Fox for her SS10 campaigns where the actress will appear across billboards and ads clad in Emporio Armani Underwear , something tells us those images will be sizzling.
Read MoreDesigners enter Alice’s Wonderland
Clearly we’re not the only ones who are super-excited about next year’s release of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland: Parisian store Printemps will be bringing together some of fashion’s hottest names to help create a dreamy Alice-themed window display.
Read MoreDior’s Christmas unveiled
Remember us revealing a while back that Dior was designing a Christmas tree for Claridge’s? To mark the beginning of the festive season, last night the trendy tree had its grand unveiling , and to a rather fashionable crowd, might we add.
Read MoreWonderbra Ultimate Strapless party
You’ve probably heard us rave about Wonderbra’s latest wonder before, so we were of course delighted to celebrate the launch of its Ultimate Strapless bra at the Ultimate Strapless party last week.
Read MoreScarlett Johansson in Harper’s Bazaar UK
In the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK, screen siren Scarlett Johansson talks about her off-duty work in Africa (with U2’s Bono), and her passion to change others’ lives for the better. Oh, and of course, she looks gut-wrenchingly gorgeous.
Read MoreJonathan Saunders comes back to London
Following recent news that Giles Deacon looks set to show in the French fashion circuit for the foreseeable future, we’re pleased to hear that British designer Jonathan Saunders will show in his home turf of London again next season.
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