Which lucky young designer-du-jour will receive £200,000 from this year’s BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund? The shortlist of finalists is in.
Read MoreSearch Results for “rita ora”
Anya Hindmarch for Barbour
Oh, now this is exciting: Designer Anya Hindmarch, loved for her luxury accessories, is taking her creative streak outdoors, designing for British brand Barbour.
Read MoreVivienne Westwood’s wallpapers
If you haven’t got any Westwood wonders in your wardrobe, try lining your walls with some: Vivienne Westwood has worked her magic on some wonderful wallpaper to get your boudoir looking beautiful.
Read MorePPQ designer swimming caps
Cult British fashion label PPQ have teamed up with the Schweppes Abbey-Well ‘Get Britain Sch…wimming’ campaign to design a range of one-off stylish swimming caps. We never thought we’d see the day…
Read MoreInterview with fashion designer Betty Jackson
Betty Jackson, the legendary British designer, has rejoined the designing team at Debenhams to create their first must-have jewellery line. The range, which forms part of her ‘Betty Jackson. Black’ line for the high street store, fuses resin, perspex and metals with chunky chains and grosgrain ribbon to create a collection of contemporary statement jewellery. We caught up with Betty in the gorgeous Junior Deluxe Suite of the Soho Hotel on Tuesday afternoon to discuss her new collection, her career and her success. This isn’t the first time you have collaborated with Debenhams , you also created the ‘Betty Jackson. Black’ line of clothing and homeware for the store , how did the partnership between the two of you first come about? They just asked. We just thought, ‘that’d be quite good’ and I’d already been working with somebody else , another big company on the high street , and that contract had just come to an end and literally it was the day after when Debenhams phoned and we went in to meet and it’s been great. They’re great people to work with and because they had this stable of designers as well – that was another thing I was bit worried about as well, they had lots of them and I thought, ‘how am I going to make a difference here?’ But I think their choice of designers is great and I think we all have a different voice. They’re very careful about keeping it to the personality of the designer, and I think that they work really hard on that , we all have our own little team and it gets really competitive, which is great. It began with the clothes and then moved onto homes maybe 18 months after and then the jewellery thing was natural, […]
Read MoreRichard Nicoll for Cerruti
Richard Nicoll has announced he is the new designer at French fashion house Cerruti.
Read MoreGarance Dore at Gap 1969 concept store
Yesterday we were invited to a private exhibition of Garance Dore’s illustrations and photography at the pop-up Gap 1969 store in Kingly Street. To celebrate 40 years of the denim label, French illustrator and photographer Garance has created a series of sketches and street style photography marking Gap’s heritage , just one of Gap’s collaborations with designers and artists to mark its anniversary. As well as the exhibition, Garance has also designed a range of exclusive limited edition T shirts for the store featuring some of her unique sketches, which were on display and available to buy last night.
Read MoreInterview with Creative Director at Harper’s Bazaar UK Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou
Highly respected as one of the world’s top fashion editors, Sophia Neophitou-Apostolou, who takes up her new role at Harper’s Bazaar in September, is also Editor-in-Chief of renowned luxury fashion quarterly 10 Magazine and will simultaneously continue both positions. As both Editor-in-Chied of 10 Magazine and creative director for Rouland Mouret and Antonio Berardi, Sophia has pushed the boundaries of fashion with her incredible creativity and ground-breaking editorials. Named “one of the most influential and respected creative forces in fashion” by The Observer’s Life Magazine and having worked as Fashion Director for a number of luxury brands, including China and Russian Vogues and Sunday Times Style, Sophia shows no signs of stopping: “I am incredibly excited to be taking on this new opportunity at Harpers Bazaar. It is a truly iconic title with global recognition and to be Creative/Fashion Director is a huge honour.
Read MoreAW09 Trends: Tweed
Tweed is a perennial fashion favourite, and Autumn/Winter ‘09 is no exception. Yes, it’s time to think tweedy – but certainly neither twee nor traditional.Cast aside any Miss Marple connotations for this season the British country classic gets a slick urban update; tweed has become sexy, smart and tailored. Oh, and practical too. From Vivienne Westwood to Burberry Prorsum, and Gucci to Karl Lagerfeld, it comes speckled, checked and textured this Autumn.
Read MoreThe perks of modelling by Alexandra Richards
Alexandra Richards thinks modelling has made her more beautiful. The 23-year-old daughter of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has been a professional model since she was 14, and is convinced her stunning looks are down to industry “beauty secrets”. She said: “There are a lot of plus points to being a model but getting beauty secrets is one of the biggest. That and travelling, seeing new cultures and getting freebies!
Read MoreTried and Tested: Dr Organics Manuka Honey Cream
I have such sensitive skin that when I’m not testing out facial products I tend to stick to a standard fragrance free moisturiser by Boots. However, and I say this like an excited kid, that was until I experienced Dr Organics Manuka Honey Cream by Holland and Barrett. I actually only discovered that Holland and Barrett had a skincare collection after being invited to a press breakfast for the launch. As the name suggests the Dr Organics line is 100% organic and includes a complete selection of skin and environmentally friendly hair, body and oral care products using popular active ingredients. There are six individual skincare collections that make up the line and each offer different healing properties. There’s Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, Tea Tree, Vitamin E, Lavender and my personal favourite Manuka Honey.
Read MoreWatch out Emma, Bonnie’s after your fashion crown
Bonnie Wright “swapped fashion tips” with Emma Watson. Bonnie, who plays Harry Potter’s love interest Ginny Weasley in the wizard movie franchise, in which Emma stars as bookish Hermione Granger, insists there is no jealousy between the female cast members, rather they all help each other look their best. She told Britain’s Grazia magazine: “We swap tips and talk about collections we’ve liked, but there’s no rivalry – we just wear what we need to for the scene. That could mean an all-in-one waterproof bodysuit or massive waders!” Bonnie, 18, admits she would love to follow Emma’s lead by making a foray into the fashion world.
Read MoreBeth can change your life
Beth Ditto has designed some “life changing” leggings. The Gossip singer, who has collaborated with UK fashion chain Evans on a collection for plus-sized women, has always found it almost impossible to find leggings that fit due to her curvy figure, and so was determined to rectify the problem. She explained: “I’m so proud of these! These are going to be life-changing. See if you’re fat the waistband should come up here, all the way up to under your breasts, so you feel secure and you get a smooth line. Not necessarily held in, but like nothing’s going to be weirdly squeezed out.” The 28 year old American was reportedly suggested for the Evans design job by her close friend supermodel Kate Moss.
Read MoreParis Couture Week AW09: Kylie seeks inspiration at Jean Paul Gaultier
Kylie Minogue sought inspiration for her stage costumes at Jean-Paul Gaultier’s haute couture show yesterday. The singer – clad in a vintage black lace cone-bra dress from the designer – was in the crowd at Paris Couture Week for the golden age of Hollywood-inspired show from the man who will co-style her forthcoming North American tour. Models were made up in the style of classic screen sirens including Joan Crawford, Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Rita Hayworth, and took to the catwalk to music punctuated by dialogue clips and film soundtracks of the era. The range included trench coasts, pinstripe trouser suits, tight corsets, lacy bodices fur coats, mink-trimmed tailored suits and lavish velvet gowns. There were also velvet overalls, dresses made entirely out of film reel and rubber unitards.
Read MoreParis Couture Week AW09: It’s bloomin lovely at Christian Dior!
John Galliano sent models down the catwalk in their underwear at the first day of Paris’ Couture Fashion Week yesterday. The ‘Fever in the Cabine’ Christian Dior collection was inspired by shows put on in the 50s, and featured models in jackets and knickers, and skirts and bras. Galliano was inspired by a picture of Dior backstage at a show surrounded by models hurriedly getting dressed. He attempted to recreate the mayhem on stage, with the couture outfits available to order as sets. Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper reports: “A lilac, wide-collared jacket was worn with seashell-pink lace ‘tap’ pants and an orange satin ‘tulip’ skirt with a vintage-style, 50s black bra. Lace knickers, suspenders and stockings were paired with a dramatic, black-and-white, zebra-print jacket. A leopard-print sheath dress was open at the bust to show an elaborate black lace bra.”
Read MoreJo and Ronnie Wood at war over fashion line?
Jo Wood is reportedly furious over her estranged husband Ronnie’s
Read MoreJoan Collins not impressed with today’s fashion
Joan Collins thinks clothes are only made for teenagers or “drab old grannies”. The 76-year-old actress struggles to find stylish outfits that are appropriate for women of her age and feels let down by current fashion designers. She said: “I was in a few shops in St. Tropez and I found the clothes impossible to wear unless you are a teenager or in your early 20s. “If you are an older woman – and by that I mean 40 plus – there is nothing to wear unless you want to look like a drab old granny and you go to the fuddy-duddy shops where everything is ankle-length and floral print.”
Read MoreVanessa Hudgens’ fashion experiment
Vanessa Hudgens loves getting dressed up. The ‘High School Musical’ actress likes to experiment with fashion and wouldn’t be happy wearing the same outfit day after day. Vanessa – who works with Hollywood stylist Deborah Waknin – said: ‘I’ve used her forever and I’m in love with her! She completely gets me, which is really hard, I think. I’m not very typical; I like my own thing. I’m not content with wearing a T-shirt and jeans every day. I love fashion and I love playing with it.’
Read MoreDesigner Ronnie Wood
Ronnie Wood is to launch his own fashion line. The Rolling Stones guitarist has teamed up with British heritage store Liberty of London to design a range of clothing and accessories. The range – to be called Ronnie Wood for Liberty London – will include travel holdalls, clutch bags, men’s T-shirts and women’s jersey dresses, all will baring images of Wood’s paintings, which have been adapted by Liberty’s creative director Tamara Salman. Speaking about the collaboration with Liberty – who have previously worked with William Morris, Archibald Knox and Bernard Nevill – Wood said: “I wanted to work with Liberty of London because of the great tradition that Liberty has of artistic collaborations.”
Read MoreStella McCartney designing kids’ clothes
Stella McCartney is launching a children’s collection with Gap. The 37-year-old designer – who has three kids with her publisher husband Alasdhair Willis – is teaming up with GapKids and babyGap for the new line, which will launch later this year. Stella said: ‘For years now I’ve wanted to create a collection for children, it’s something I’ve often been asked about. I believe that this one off collaboration will be a great way for customers to be able to participate in the Stella McCartney brand.’ The designer added the ongoing global financial crisis inspired her to create the affordable line, which will be available in Britain, America, France, Ireland, Canada, Japan and online. She said: ‘I believe that kids’ clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment given the current climate. It’s really exciting for us to do a boys and girls collection for the first time.’
Read MoreLittle Boots’ sleepy secret
Little Boots thinks she ‘looks nice’ when she sleeps in her make-up. The ‘New In Town’ singer often goes to bed without cleansing her skin after a night of partying because she likes the way she looks the next morning. She said: ‘Sometimes if you sleep in your make-up it can look quite cool, or you might just look like a dirty stop-out. Many a morning I’ve still been a bit drunk, I looked in the mirror and thought I looked really nice.’
Read MoreThe Brogue, back in vogue.
The brogue has subtly stepped back into style. Offering an easy way to adopt the androgynous look, brogues carry connotations of old school uniforms – traditionalist and full of heritage. Pair your brogues with simple jeans and a t-shirt, to update your look, or experiment with skirts, dresses and socks, (hint: wear with florals to recreate the English country rose style!) We simply can’t resist these Rupert Sanderson laura leather brogues, £395 available from Net-a-Porter. The chocolate leather is simple irresistible, along with the modish structure and detailing, makes them all worth the price tag. However low and behold trusty Faith have provided us with a cheaper, monochrome alternative – The Achardon brogue, at £35 £14.40. Thoughts?
Read MoreRoberta Armani loves Holmes’ style
Roberta Armani has praised Katie Holmes’ ‘bold’ fashion sense. The niece of Giorgio Armani – who is the director of public relations for the famous Italian fashion house – thinks more people should experiment with their clothes like the 30-year-old actress. Roberta said: ‘Don’t be scared to be bold. My friend Katie Holmes wore some amazing bright blue shoes with an orange Armani Prive dress last year to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York – she looked fantastic.’ Roberta’s role in the fashion house is to recommend pieces to celebrities, in the hope of them wearing Armani gowns and suits to special events.
Read MoreFashion Fringe at Convent Garden is back with a bang
The hunt for Britain’s fashion design talent is on.
Read MoreLabel alert: Beckerman
Who: The story behind hot American label Beckerman reads a little like the plotline of a sitcom: three hippy-cool sisters pursuing different aspects of fashion design eventually come together to create a label that takes the states by storm.
Read MorePure luxury: Georgina Chapman for Garrard
Ladies we have yet another collaboration to lust after. Georgina Chapman (co-founder of Marchesa) is on board to design a limited edition collection for jewellery house Garrard.
Read MoreGod Save McQueen
Britannia fashion is something that is appearing more and more this season, and Alexander McQueen is, as usual, one of the
Read MoreA/W 08 Trend: Anglomania
As London Fashion week fast approaches it seems appropriate to draw attention to the significant amount of A/W 08 shows that flew the flag for Blighty away from home. Alexander McQueen has long been a lover of the bright and bold brilliance of the British flag: emblazoning it famously on a jacket designed for David Bowie, and featuring it heavily in his most recent collection of corset dresses, mini bejewelled clutches, (above) and killer stiletto heels.
Read MoreJill Stuart Goes Drip Mad!
Can you get more artsy and urbane than a room completely clothed in canvas? Well, Jill Stuart’s A/W 2008 ad campaign, staring model Toni Garrn, made a sophisticated attempt with its vigorous nod to the “blending of art and fashion cliche.
Read MoreExciting News! Louis Vuitton At Comme des Garçons Store
How many handles does one need to carry a bag? Eight, according to Rei Kawakubo (founder of Comme des Garçons). This mini HL (pictured above), is one of six bags designed/customized by Kawakubo to celebrate limited edition Papillon complete with cute animal charms to the confusing mini HL with its multiple handles. If you’re already thinking “I want one!, hold on a sec because there is a catch.
Read MoreGraduate Fashion Week 2008: The Gala Awards
On Thursday evening I took a trip down to Earls Court to attend the Gala Awards for Graduate Fashion Week. What an evening! Awards ceremonies are long winded at the best of times, so put it this way, I knew what I was in for. Truth be told it wasn’t too bad.
Read MoreTrends: Head Scarves
When
Read MoreWhere the Wild Things Are: Emma Cook for Topshop
With the impending onset of summer (ha!) comes the inevitable announcement of those annual summer trends that will never go away (nautical stripes or ethnic prints anyone?). Lets take the ever-present ‘safari’ trend – predictable and a little bit tired if you go down the old khaki jacket route; far more exciting if you take a walk on the wild side with all those beauties of the animal kingdom.
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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 MoreGoddess Ring
I’ve set out to create balanced jewellery that is luxurious, elegant beautiful without being heavy to wear says Korean jewellery designer Jang Minsook. Recently unveiling a stunning new collection of contemporary individual pieces hinting at Minsooks heritage, it was this gorgeous Goddess ring which caught our eye. Compromising an exquisite large cut rose quartz stone set on 18k pink gold with a white diamond and pink sapphire studded band, the Goddess ring exudes an air of romance designed for the princess in all of us. For more information visit Jangminsook.com
Read MoreSpring Trend Alert: Feeling Fruity
Spring must definitely be in the air as we’ve been seeing a more light-hearted, colourful approach to fashion of late. Sharp blues and pillar-box reds have been fresh new flashes of colour amidst the nudes and greys, lifted only by a flash of gold till this season. Now colour-lovers can have their cake and eat it as colour and gold are finding a perfect partnership in fruit-inspired jewellery. It’s everywhere, and I for one love it. Strawberries and pineapples are strung around necks, whilst green crystals form the shape of apple earrings, in fact, some charm bracelets are a veritable fruit salad of juicy gems! Some of the best pieces come from the high street, but rest assured, should you feel the need to splurge you’ll find plenty to whet your palate at Browns Fashion and Net-a-Porter. Here are 6 of the best… 1. Pineapple pendant, Urban Outfitters £24 2. Blue Crystal Fruit snap bracelet, Butler and Wilson, £58 3. Cut-out cherries pendant, Topshop £6 4. Strawberry pendant necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane at Net-a-Porter, £80 5. Grape cluster earrings, Miss Selfridge, £6 6. Gold necklace with Fruit pendant, Daslu at Browns Fashion, £370
Read MoreMy Favourite Dress
Top British Fashion Designers Step Out In Their Favourite Dress To Help British Youngsters Date: 23rd June 2005 Venue: Hurlingham Club, SW6 Time: 7.00pm This midsummer’s eve fashion icon Zandra Rhodes, the Fashion and Textile Museum and Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity will team up with the crème de la crème of British fashion – from Sir Paul Smith to Clements Ribeiro to Lucinda Chambers to Jade Parfitt – to host a glittering charity event, the My Favourite Dress Charity Ball. The event, being hosted at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in Fulham, is being held in association with leading British Fashion Retailer Warehouse, who have stepped on board as principal sponsor. A theatrical extravaganza of fashion and fundraising, the ball will raise money for Fashion and Textile Museum’s Education Programme, which provides disadvantaged young people with training and opportunities in fashion and Rainbow Trust, who helps children with life threatening or terminal illness and their families Platinum selling artist Lucie Silvas will be headlining the entertainment, which includes New York dance act Rachel Cohen and Company who are flying in specially for the ball. “How often do we get to really dress up? I want to give women the chance to feel fabulous for the day by dressing up in their favourite dress – be it their wedding dress, prom dress, favourite sari or just their best summer frock. All the money raised from My Favourite Dress initiatives will help to bring vital support and care to young people throughout Britain. We have found the perfect charity partner in Rainbow Trust – they have really captured our hearts and imaginations and make a true and lasting difference to the families they work with. We can’t thank Warehouse enough for helping us make, what started as an exciting dream, a reality.” Zandra […]
Read MoreSistahs r doin it 4 themselves
“To be fashionable is to be uncompromising to the things you love… “ – Sistahs Harlem New York What do Alicia Keys, Cody Chestnutt and Jada Pinkett Smith have in common with Common? Apart from all being very fine people they all share a love for the phenomenon that is Sistahs Harlem New York. With a passion for fashion and sheer determination, Carmia Marshall and Carmen Webber took it in to their own hands to make a name for themselves. Starting in 2001 they have already dressed some of the most prestigious entertainers, and their collections of street couture continue to creatively grow from strength to strength. Coming soon are a line of Accessories and a Brothers Harlem New York and it looks like these Sistahs are set to make a very chic mark in the world that is fashion. MFL: How do you decide upon the theme for each collection? Carmia: There are many things that inspire a collection. Music. Friends. Family. Colors. Laughter. Books. Politics. We love to empower women (but we are not limited to solely empowering woman (smile). We love to educate. Our collections always have an educational lesson about something or someone. Our last fall collection was entitle Le Femme Du Monde ( High Society Woman) Our muse were Margaret Sanger, Assata Shukar, Zora Neal Hurston, Amy Tan, Tina Turner, all these woman, so different yet so influential and magnificent. We wanted to celebrate them. Our latest spring collection Afro-Cuban: The Africa in Cuba. We wanted to explore the African heritage in Cuba. Very festive, very colorful . . . Sometimes we sit over coffee and brainstorm; other times I may have an idea and I’ll call Carmen and say, “hey what do you think about this idea or vice versa. We may be having […]
Read Moretata-naka
I’ve been wanting to post about tata-naka for a while now, managed to get a chance today. ABOUT Identical Georgian twins Tamara and Natasha Surguladze have surged on to the London fashion scene. Arriving in Britain in 1996 to study at Central St. Martin’s, they launched their label in 2000. Their two-part collections mixing Russian memories, prints and uncompromising modern cut have struck a chord with rapidly increasing stockists. This season in addition to their expanding accessories range they are introducing swimwear, lingerie and children’s wear. A Tata-Naka store is in the pipeline COLLECTIONS More.. INTERVIEW What would you say is your label’s key look? We do a collection each and they both have very different looks – but we show them together. Tata’s part. ‘Stolen Memories’, is romantic, decorative and feminine. Naka’s clothes focus more on experimental cutting and textiles. FASHION IN MOTION MAY 2002 Autumn 2002/Winter 2003 Collection –TATA NAKA at the V & A
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