That is the question. Well, maybe only for those of us that get the option of receiving a special order package from Antoni Berardi.Enter: the Beckhams. As long time fashion friend to the immaculate couple, Berardi stole the show when the two launched their latest fragrance at Macy’s New York, with Victoria tottering around in her Antoni Berardi, platform non-heels.
Read MoreSearch Results for “london fashion week”
Love Your Style: Roisin Murphy
Known for her outlandish stage outfits, Roisin Murphy has been compared to Gwen Stefani and Kylie musically but is like none other when it comes to her personal style.
Read MoreReturn of the Mac!
Until recently, I’d always associated mac’s with flashers and grannies. Why? I’m not entirely sure. Stereotypes aside, I’ve never actually been flashed, and my grandmother is unusually stylish for her age. My preconceived mac-shaped notions were finally quashed on a trip last week to a local charity shop, where I found and fell in love with my very own mac.
Read MoreFive Minutes With: Vogue (US) TV Presenter, Louise Roe
The one thing I love about fashion week is…the front row opposite – sometimes watching what the audience is wearing is more interesting than the show itself. I think the fashion in London is so eclectic and really creative – anything goes, especially during fashion week! A normal day for me consists of filming a live segment very early in the morning and making sure I get strong coffee beforehand, then making notes for my column in the London Lite – remembering any funny moments or cool fashion spots – then usually whizzing home to change before a few meetings with pr’s or producers in the afternoon. I’m working on TV formats for a channel in America right now, so at the moment I add to it every day. I try to relax or head out with friends in the evening but often end up glued to my laptop, catching up with emails until it’s way too late to do either! If I wasn’t working in fashion I would be sleeping! I’m so tired at the moment from a big promo tour in the states for
Read MoreModel.Live: The Reality Drama Begins
Model.Live , the new reality series from Vogue.tv premieres today. The show will follow three determined IMG Models – Austria Alcantara of the Dominican Republic (16yrs old), Cato van Ee of Amsterdam (19yrs old) and Madeline Kragh of North Carolina (20yrs old) – as they embark on supermodel status. From castings, fittings, coaching and the catwalk, viewers will get to see it all and even better interact with them all.
Read MoreEurope’s Love Affair with Nerd-Chic Pharrell Williams
UK (and it seems all of Europe) are in a state of frenzy over Pharrell Williams. Seen prancing about London Town (pictured above), Pharrell recently hopped across the pond to the UK to give credence to the new collection from his clothing label, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, at London’s Harvey Nichols.
Read MoreDiary Date: Shop Mulberry’s AW08/09 collection on my-wardrobe.com
This week has seen me hop, skip and jump around London town on a number of appointments. Always fun, but tiring. One of my trips included a visit to the offices of my-wardrobe.com (their showroom is a slice of heaven!) to discuss all things Autumn Winter 08/09. I know, I know, summer’s just begun, but I’m currently working on some fab features for you guys, so its got to be done.
Read MoreColleen Mcloughlin’s Wedding: The Dress of the Year?
I love a good celebrity wedding. Meringue-style dress, glittering tiaras and sparkling jewellery all create the perfect illusion of a fairytale come true. When I got married last year I aimed for such greatness, but because my wealth does not equal that of a footballers wife, I had to settle for something not quite on par with a five million pound wedding. Yes, the next lavish celeb wedding is due to grace the covers of Hello and OK next weekend when British celeb, Colleen McLoughlin (famous for not so much), weds her football player husband in Italy. Never mind the fact that Westlife will be playing, or the dozens of butterflies each guest will release at the mention of ‘I Do’, – I am more interested in her wedding dress!
Read MoreDiet Coke Gets Sexed Up!
I am so excited to watch the new
Read MoreCharlie Mindu: A Cut Above The Rest
A trendy haircut often cements your fashion status, so where better to look than to Charlie Le Mindu, hairdresser extraordinaire. Having recently relocated to UK shores from Berlin and taken residence in a deserted warehouse in the London’s east end, Charlie is to hairdressing what Gaultier is to fashion.
Read MoreCharlie Mindu: A Cut Above The Rest
A trendy haircut often cements your fashion status, so where better to look than to
Read MoreSweatshop shame: Banana Republic accused of promoting unfair working conditions
Banana Republic, opened its first store in the UK yesterday in Regent Street, London, amidst allegations of promoting unfair working conditions. According to the charity War on Want, workers in its Indian factory are forced to work 70 hours a week for 15p an hour, often receiving only half payments for overtime. Even worse, the Guardian claims that workers are verbally abused if they dare complain, and petty disputes often result in docked pay.
Read MoreDressing Up (or Down!) for Any Occasion
Getting dressed for a night out is always something of a conundrum (for me, anyway). Where am I going? Is it raining out? How far do we have to walk? Am I going to an Irish pub or something a little more swanky? These are all things that I attempt to answer before I head out the door, but I’m generally fairly successful as long as I know where I’m going. So last week, my wonderful boyfriend told me he was going to take me out for Valentine’s Day, and … and those were all the details I got.
Read MoreQ&A: Designer, Christoforos Kotentos
How would your friends describe you? Honest ,Gentle, positive, optimistic, passionate & a visionary (although it’s hard to see myself that way!!) What can we expect from your Autumn/Winter 08 collection? A futuristic wardrobe inspired by armour which combines geometrical forms with soft lines, matte and warm fabrics of luxurious textures in contract with shiny technologically engineered ones. The collection is named “Queens at War
Read MoreAlexander McQueen’s studio struck by thieves.
In terms of 2008 predictions we didn’t suspect that the thefts that plagued London designers last year would be rampant this year, especially as we thought the thieves were caught…..but it appears we might be wrong. Just days into the new year and
Read MoreInterviews: Cecilia De Bucourt
There’s a reason why Heidi Klum and Jessica Simpson both love Argentinean model turned designer
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Interviews: Caroline Issa – Owner of Tank Magazine
Caroline Issa – owner of Tank Magazine – is known for her impeccable sense of style but fashion aside Caroline is also an astute entrepreneur. Being at the helm of such an innovative and influential publication means she’s always on the go and in the know. Here, Caroline takes some time out of her busy schedule to talk fashion, music, travel and more… Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself, your background and how you came to own Tank Magazine? I actually studied business in Philadelphia as an undergraduate and moved to San Francisco after that as a strategic management consultant, working with fashion retailers and consumer brand companies on their business strategy. Working in the US and in Asia, I was then moved to work in London with a UK-based retailer before meeting my now-business partner, Masoud Golsorkhi who had started Tank magazine four years earlier. I found him to be an inspiring partner and thought, I’m young, when else can I become an entrepreneur with such an amazing opportunity and product. Five years later, I’m still here! Any thoughts on increasing Tank’s online presence and launching a blog? We have been debating in the office what we want Tank’s online presence to be. We currently have our own project, www.tank.tv which we started five years ago showing moving images online and has had shows at the Tate Modern and the ICA. Regarding our magazine’s online presence, we are aiming to launch something unique, which doesn’t just translate what the paper version is but adds a layer for the readers. Watch this space. Your job requires that you’re constantly on the go, travelling. But which destination is your favourite spot to just getaway? I love Singapore for the food, Beijing for the sights and Montreal for […]
Read MoreInterviews: Director of Makeup Artistry, Bianca Alexander
With the focus of the runway being on the clothes, it is easy to forget how much cosmetics are a major part of Fashion Week. This fact wasn’t lost on the geniuses over at M.A.C cosmetics who hosted a cosmetics reception at their own booth inside the tent at Bryant Park. Representatives were available to showcase the M.A.C line and makeup artists were on hand to answer questions. Bianca Alexander is the Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C and she knows just how influential fashion show makeup can be. I sat down with Ms. Alexander to ask her about makeup trends, tips of the trade and just how she came to have such a dream job.
Read MoreBianca Alexander- Director of Makeup Artistry
With the focus of the runway being on the clothes, it is easy to forget how much cosmetics are a major part of Fashion Week. This fact wasn’t lost on the geniuses over at M.A.C cosmetics who hosted a cosmetics reception at their own booth inside the tent at Bryant Park. Representatives were available to showcase the M.A.C line and makeup artists were on hand to answer questions. Bianca Alexander is the Director of Makeup Artistry for M.A.C and she knows just how influential fashion show makeup can be. I sat down with Ms. Alexander to ask her about makeup trends, tips of the trade and just how she came to have such a dream job.
Read MoreOn Off preview: Spring/Summer 08
Going to a fashion show, especially one held in a club- is like starring in a show yourself. Everyone is immaculately dressed and as guests wait patiently for the show start they too make their own judgements on the outfit choices of others. As I waited for the ON|OFF Preview Spring/Summer 08 show – held on Aug 1 at the CC Club in London – to start, two guys behind me were having a ball checking out individuals and exclaiming “Ooh I love what she’s wearing etc etc. I too am one of those people. I love to observe. Unfortunately I don’t like to be observed. So I was very pleased when after half an hour of eyes darting back and forth towards me On|Off’s creative director Lee Lapthorne announced the show would finally be starting. We were to be treated to two presentations filled with sneak previews of the Spring/Summer 08 collections from designers, Aman Copeland, Peter Pilotto, Jerry Ribbon, Richard Sorger, Pyrus, Aminaka Wilmont, Hannah Marshall and Deryck Walker. The evening was being filmed by the BBC and was basically a taster to whet our appetites for the impending fashion week.
Read MoreWandering Banquets
Apologies for the lack of updates yesterday. I took a long weekend and spent some much needed time with family. Thought I’d start off this week’s postings with the picture below of this amazing 18th century inspired corset gown taken at Collective , a showcase of some of London’s design talent (more about this coming later). Designed by Wandering banquets, the gown was worn by the waitresses who managed to craftily manoeuvre their way round the room serving food from the four embedded pocket holes. Skill and creativity at its finest!
Read MoreCalling all vintage lovers!
I wouldn’t have pegged Angelina Jolie as a vintage lover but funnily enough vintage boutique Orsini, has a fan in the actress. Located just off High Street Kensington, Orsini is filled with selected one-off gems from Chanel, Dior and more. Best of all purchases can be altered on site to ensure a perfect fit. The boutique is wonderfully inviting with scented candles that create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. If you’re a self confessed vintage princess its a must that you check it out! Orsini, 76 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EQ. Opening times 7 days a week 12 noon , 6pm, or by appointment. Tel: 0207 937 2903
Read MoreGharani Strok Sample Sale
What: Gharani Strok Clearance Sample Sale Where: Gharani Strok, Block B, Unit 3c, (3rd Floor), Long Island House, Warple Way (Corner of Valetta Road) London W3 ORG When: Wednesday 30 May to Friday 8 June (excluding weekends) 9.30am to 7pm
Read MoreJanet Reger Sample Sale
So you’ve spent all your time and energy focusing on what’s on the outside and to the detriment of your lingerie collection, you’ve forgotten to take of underneath. Don’t stress. Janet Reger will be holding a sample sale from the 4-11th June 2007! Times: Daily from 10am until 6pm, including weekends Location: Janet Reger showroom at 138 Brompton Road, London SW3 1HY
Read MoreParisian Circus
These days Paris Fashion week is taking second place , NY is still number 1 of course – as the hotspot for young starlets vying for press attention. During fashion week rosy cheek actress Jessica Biel was all over the place, smiling sweetly as the camera’s papped away. Not to be outdone her nemesis Scarlett Johansson ensured she was seen glammed up at Louis Vuitton, Lily Allen looked fresh faced seated front row at Sonia Rykiel and Mischa Barton was freshly groomed in white at Christian Dior. I half expected Amy Winehouse to take some time out of her drunk fuelled binges to make sure she was “seen. What puzzles me is that , unlike the likes of Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton – these are all credible and talented ladies, who don’t need the extra attention to boost their careers. It’s very possible that it’s the payment they are possibly receiving from the fashion houses that’s dragging them out of their beds to perform at the circus, although a part of me wants to believe they’re learning to acquire a taste and appreciation for the art of fashion. YEAH RIGHT! If that were true they’d make it a must to visit London!
Read MoreFragrances: The Olsen Tweens
Mini moguls and queens of the tweens, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have packed a lot into 20 years, achieving more success than most of us would hope to see in a lifetime. This week they were named the highest earning stars under the age of 21, beating Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame and Lindsay Lohan of, well, we’re not sure really. Of course it’s the paparazzi photos of the twins’ perfectly dishevelled hair and artfully mismatched designer accessories that seems to have got them noticed on this side of the pond – but personal style is not all they’ve been turning their hand to of late.
Read MoreThe Olsen Tweens
Mini moguls and queens of the tweens, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have packed a lot into 20 years, achieving more success than most of us would hope to see in a lifetime. This week they were named the highest earning stars under the age of 21, beating Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame and Lindsay Lohan of, well, we’re not sure really. Of course it’s the paparazzi photos of the twins’ perfectly dishevelled hair and artfully mismatched designer accessories that seems to have got them noticed on this side of the pond – but personal style is not all they’ve been turning their hand to of late.
Read MoreMaking his Marc
Style god Marc Jacobs brought the New York fashion elite to London last week when the opening of his Mount Street store coincided with his Marc by Marc Jacobs show at Claridges on Friday. Both events were fabulously cool and star-studded, and the Champagne flowed late into the night at The Connaught hotel, but now the hangovers have subsided it’s time to focus on the real matter at hand: The contents of Jacobs’ Mayfair boutique. The multicoloured flower-filled windows, reminiscent of Notting Hill Carnival floats promise something special within , and the interior don’t disappoint. The Stephen Jaklitsch-designed space is furnished with cool Christian Liagre furniture, and stocks all collections from menswear and kids to the top-end Marc Jacobs line. Handbags like the Speedy and Venetia will have fashionistas in a frenzy, whilst less affluent Marc fans can stock up on pieces exclusive to the store such as a quirky London taxi-print tee (£11) and two-tone wellies (£19) that will have us looking forward to rainy days , though don’t let these prices fool you into a false sense of security. A dress can still set you back a cool £1000 and more, so channelling Jacobs’ muse Sofia Coppola will have to be left to the real Mayfair ladies-who-lunch brigade. [Images:Vogue]
Read MoreElle Style Awards 2007
With the madness of fashion week I totally overlooked the Elle Style Awards 2007 which took place last Monday at the Roundhouse in Camden, London. The stars came out in full force for the 10th year running to celebrate both fashion and style. Thandie Newton looked flawless as always and picked up best actress, Naomi Campbell won best model, Giles Deacon received best British designer and Stella McCartney went away with the award for best International designer…… Elle have some short clips of the night available at brightcove. Watch Thandie Newton pick up her award and a very fresh and composed Naomi Campbell talking to the press!
Read MoreNewStyle for the New year
A massive thanks to friend of the site and freelance fashion journalist Kirsten Hanssen for giving My Fashion Life some love in her column for Netherlands fashion trade mag Newstyle – on sale today – Kirsten’s also been kind enough to provide a translation too, see below….. Published in the quarterly fashion trade magazine NewStyle #1 2007 (12th of Jan.) Fashion Life My Fashion Life from London can be best described as a mix of a weblog and an online magazine. Opinions are given in easy-to-read articles about the latest ongoing movements in the fashion business. But at My Fashion Life you will also find interesting interviews and background stories. What I like the most about My Fashion Life is that it focuses on talent rather than trends. The portal is a sort of database for everyone, professional or consumer, who has an interest in fashion. One thing: take some time out for My Fashion Life, because the site contains enough information and useful links to spend a weekend with!
Read MoreAn alternative
SWATCH ALTERNATIVE FASHION WEEK provides a genuine alternative for truly innovative designers to present their work directly to the press, the public and the fashion industry. Alternative Arts supports this fresh talent by producing and directing Swatch Alternative Fashion Week at no charge to the designers. What: SWATCH ALTERNATIVE FASHION WEEK presented by Alternative Arts Where: Spitalfields Traders Market, Crispin Place, Brushfield St, London E1 (Liverpool St Station) When: 19 – 23 MARCH 2007 For more info visit www.alternativearts.co.uk
Read MoreBack to business…
Wow, hasn’t this holiday break gone by in a flash! It was quick, but relaxing, and I spent most of it, eating, drinking and getting my fashion fix from re-runs of Sex and the City. Oh how I do miss Carrie’s style…..many can criticise but she is and will always be a style icon in my eyes. And to another icon of style, Kate Moss, – whom I still think doesn’t beat Carrie in the style stakes – the New Year has only just begun and Moss is already stealing the headlines with her possible marriage to Pete Doherty. Apparently the two skinny jean lovers didn’t tie the knot but instead engaged in a Buddhist ceremony. Anyway back to business, as fashion week will soon be upon us, I thought I’d kick of with some dates for the big players Couture Week: 22nd , 25th January 2007 New York: 2nd , 9th February 2007 London: 12th -16th February 2007 Milan: 17th February – 25th February 2007 Paris: 25th February , 5th March 2007 In addition Glasgow will be holding their fashion week from the 28th March , 31st March 2007.
Read MoreLevi & Kurt Geiger’s premium golden project…
Last week I managed to get down to the opening of the new Kurt Geiger flagship store on Regent Street, London along with the launch of their collaboration with Levis to create a limited edition line of 100 handmade retro gold running style shoes. More of a collector’s item rather than a wearable shoe, pictures really do it no justice. The shoe is well made and extremely detailed with the Levis trademark stitching in the sole unit of each shoe. The store itself was spacious and filled with gorgeous shoes see more pics below…
Read MoreGrab Your Diary: Roland Mouret’s Gap launch
Unveiling his new collection for Gap earlier this week, Roland Mouret demonstrated his ability to appeal to the mass market. His designs for the high street store maintained the simplicity which Gap is known for while adapting to the slouchy and baggy trend dominating this autumn/winter. However while the collection will appeal to most one can’t help but feel a little disappointed, rather than adding something new to the high street, he’s played it relatively safe and reproduced existing styles. To celebrate the launch of the collection, Grazia magazine will be holding an exclusive shopping evening at Gap on Thursday, November 9 at 6pm. The champagne fuelled evening will consist of a private audience with Mouret, a chance to purchase pieces from the collection, with a pre-booked stylist if you wish, as well as listen to style talks from the fashion editors at Grazia. Tickets are £10 from aloud.com
Read MoreAngeline Tournier
“I want to make shoes that are beautifully designed and finely made, but without an over the top price tag” If your feet are on the larger side, then you’ll know a thing or two about the difficulty in not only finding your shoe size (especially in the sales) let alone actually finding cute shoes which don’t look gigantic. Well lawyer turned footwear designer Angeline Tournier can relate and as a result of her frustrations set up Angeline Tournier London, specialising in designing and manufacturing footwear ranging from sizes EU36 right up to EU44 and which look great on big feet as well as small. Paris department store, Le Bon Marche exclusively bought Angeline’s debut collection and she’s just recently released her spring/summer 2006 collection…. What do you enjoy the most about your job? Four things 1) Working for myself, 2) fulfilling a lifelong dream to create shoes available in larger sizes, 3) being creative, 4) no longer being stuck in an over-air-conditioned office, wearing “formal” clothes and spending my time analysing and sorting out other people’s legal problems, and doing a job with little creative outlet. And like the least? Working for myself means I never get “time off”, I tend to work longer hours than before and I can not “get away” from work, even on week-ends and holidays. Can you tell us a bit about the design process involved in shoe design? The design process takes place over a number of months. I kind of visualise shoes or boots I’d like to wear myself, I sketch my initial ideas, sometimes I get inspiration from a trim off an item of clothing, a type of leather I see at a leather trade show or other totally unrelated topic. A few weeks before I need to submit my drawings […]
Read MoreCatwalk City
Full Name: Alistair Allan Occupation: Photographer and Designer for Bureau Conform The concept behind Catwalk City is great! We are so consumed by what celebrities’ wear that we forget to appreciate the fashion we see on a daily basis…what motivated you to start Catwalk City? Well, I know quite a few designers and a lot of their inspiration comes from people on the street, so I figured why not cut out the middle man and showcase the people that are influencing the designers. Do you photograph street fashion only in London and if so will you be branching out to other cities? I work primarily in London but I will be shooting in a few other cities in the coming months I have to work in Tokyo in November so I’ll get out onto the streets there and then I’m off to Cape Town a few weeks after that so you’ll get to see some fashion from there too. I am hoping to branch out into other cities in the future, but it will take a while to find the right photographers. How would you describe your style? That’s a tough one… a bit of a subtle hoxton-electro mix… you know the type, a bit of vintage and some H&M thrown in for good measure. Who is your favourite designer? I can’t pick one, because it changes on a daily basis… So at the moment I really like what Imitation Of Christ are doing and Basso Brooke for innovation, and Acne Jeans! Where do you like to shop? Urban Outfitters, the Illustrated People concession in TopMan, H&M (can’t beat a bargain!), Rokit and Ebay. On the odd occasion kokon to zai. A lot of designers still don’t have websites and don’t see the need, however the use of the internet […]
Read MorePure Bucks the Trend of Retail Gloom with Buoyant Sales Reported
The high street’s climate of caution failed to take hold at Pure this week, as exhibitors at the Emap-owned show reported a confident and buoyant mood among buyers. Many of the 800 brands who showcased their S/S ’06 collections at the Olympia venue experienced an increase in business on previous seasons. Now in its eighth year Pure is the UK’s largest fashion and accessories event attracting high calibre buyers, with visitor figures increasing by 6% despite reports of a retail downturn. As Simon Rappley from Mint says; “Even at 4.50pm on the last day we’ve just taken another new order. It’s been a really strong show and people have had a Dunkirk spirit; we won’t be beaten by the reports of doom and gloom.”
Read More“Black girls rule” – Trace Party
Last week, Trace Magazine brought the celebration of it’s recent issue “Black Girls Rule” to London. 4 rooms of excellent music and a chilled atmosphere made it a great party “TRACE is the leading multicultural style title. Launched in London in 1995 and New York in 1998, TRACE has nurtured the careers of photographers, designers, stylists and writers in Europe and the US and staked out an unchallenged position for itself at the cutting edge of international urban cool. TRACE covers everything from fashion, gossip, music, celebrity interviews, regular reviews of the best bands around, the latest CD releases and more.” – magazine cafe
Read MoreProject Catalk
“Project Catwalk” is an exciting new reality series for Sky One that gives 12 talented and hungry fashion designers in womenswear the opportunity of a lifetime – a chance to have their collection shown in front of the global fashion community in London and displayed in the pages of a top glossy magazine. To earn this honour the chosen 12 have to compete against each other in a series of challenges that will determine who has what it takes to be the next “It” designer. They will be put through a range of experiences that measure their creativity as well as their character. Set in London, one of the fashion capitals of the world, “Project Catwalk” is a hip and entertaining series that will break fashion’s next big name. The 3 finalists will have the golden opportunity to show a womenswear collection during Fashion Week 2006. The chosen winner will then get the chance to showcase their designs in a spread in a top magazine and a big cash prize to help start his/her collection. For more application form visit “Project Catwalk“
Read MoreLayers of Meaning
Orginating from a degree in Decorative Arts, Deepa Panchamia proves that fashion is an art form. Her collection is breath-taking, her ideas unique and her determination is evident. Deepa lectures on her own practice and runs workshops for GCSE, A-level and University art students in the UK, and this is just the beginning…….
Read MoreInterviews: Effi Samara
Colour, Colour Colour is what Effi Samara is about. Boasting a clientele of Gwyneth Paltrow, Kirsten Dunst and Alicia Keys, the half Greek/half Scottish designer appeals to the known and unknown, dresses 18 – 80 year olds and has a knack for combining the 18th & 21st Century. With the backing of a dedicated team the label has managed to grow from strength to strength and if past achievements are anything to go by then there is no doubt that the future for Effi Samara is bright.
Read MoreLaw breaking?
While designer Sadie Frost may have had some very public rows with her ex-husband Jude Law in the past, it looks like all is well between the former couple these days. Jude, who arrived with girlfriend Sienna Miller (above), was on hand to support his ex-wife’s latest collection. [AP] In fact, the former pair are apparently getting along so swimmingly that he was a guest at his ex-wife’s FrostFrench fashion show in London over the weekend.
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