Search Results for “paris fashion week ”

Steep vs. Cheap: Breton Stripe Sweater

by on 21st April 2013 0 comments

With its gamine allure and a reworking at the hands of fashion greats, including Jean Paul Gaultier and Coco Chanel, the Breton stripe has stood the test of time, trend and style. The perfect finishing touch to an off-duty ensemble, the Breton stripe injects the same dose of chic each time, and for this week’s Steep vs. Cheap options, we love it in sweater form. Making its mark at the high end this week is the Breton striped cashmere sweater by Derek Lam. Spun in luxe cashmere and boasting a longer back hem and stylish ribbed trims, this classic-cool piece rings in at an eye-watering £775! Can’t stretch to such epic financial proportions for the humble Breton stripe then look to this pocket-friendly alternative from High Street saviour, Zara. A super-comfortable mulberry silk and cotton blend, the sweater promises a relaxed fit and makes the perfect option for dressing down jeans and heels for the weekend. Cashing in at £35.99, you’ll be left with enough change to warrant an extra purchase, or three! So which one will it be for you; a cash splash or a more modest approach to adopting the pretty Parisian stripe? Credit cards at the ready, shop both options below. Steep: Derek Lam striped cashmere sweater, £775, available at Net-a-Porter Cheap: Silk and cotton sweater, £35.99, available at Zara

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Christian Lacroix to design 15-piece collection for House of Schiaparelli

by on 17th April 2013 0 comments

Christian Lacroix is reportedly designing a one-off 15-piece couture collection for the soon-to-be relaunched fashion House of Schiaparelli. The line will honour the couturier’s legacy by featuring pieces inspired by previous creations – pretty exciting, no? “In this veritably elegant character, there is a spirit which is simultaneously mathematical, literary and even poetic, which collides with the worlds of arts, theatre and cinema,” Christian Lacroix said. “Elsa is a sacred sphinx who will never cease to make us question things, all the while offering new puzzles by way of answers. “My wish is to reinstate her at the centre of her fashion house and on the stage through which she seduced the world.” Sounds good to us; we can expect to see the collection launch in July during the Couture Fashion Week show in Paris so not long to wait at all! [Telegraph] 

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Lanvin Enamelled Resin Perfume Show Clutch: Yay or Nay?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Accessories by the French fashion house, Lanvin, are the epitome of unadulterated glamour. Pricey, luxurious and with real season-transcending value, Lanvin’s super-statement jewels and hand-held box clutches are an A-list favourite, with everyone from J-Lo to Emma Stone and Demi Moore die-hard fans. So when our peepers landed on this week’s Yay or Nay piece, it’s safe to say we were more than enthralled – and not just by the price tag! Capturing the essence (pardon the pun) of the Parisians’ flair for fashion, the Enamelled Resin Perfume Show Clutch is a lesson in bags that scream wow. No one ever said high fashion was going to be particularly practical, and judging by the form the Perfume Clutch takes (yep, you guessed it!), and its eyeball-popping price tag of a whopping £2,075, we won’t blame you for spending A LOT of time in pre-purchase contemplation. To help you decide whether to shell out or steer clear of this Lanvin beauty, we’ve weighed up the pros and cons below. Will you or won’t you? YAY Collectible: It’s one of those accessory purchases you just cannot bring yourself to use, and we don’t blame you. The plexiglass exterior and delicious gold coloured metal hardware makes us want to stare at it, rather than stuff it with makeup! Visual appeal: The perfume bottle silhouette and pretty detail set the Perfume Show Clutch apart as conversation starter, for sure. Minaudiere trend: A continuation of the fashion house’s knack for creating desirable cigarette box minaudieres, the Perfume Show Clutch is ideal if you want hand candy to accent an evening outfit, but don’t want to sport a massive clutch bag. NAY Impractical size: If you’re one to justify extreme handbag expenditure with how much bag space you’re actually getting, then the Perfume Clutch isn’t worth investing in. […]

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Gemma Arterton vs. Shailene Woodley vs. Amber Valletta: Who wore Stella McCartney better?

by on 10th April 2013 0 comments

Judging by the popularity of a particular Stella McCartney ensemble, it’s a triple fash-off this week! Spotted in the same form-fitting Stella McCartney tuxedo jumpsuit, actresses Gemma Arterton, Shailene Woodley and model Amber Valletta have firmly fallen on our style radar. Cast your minds way back to February 2012, when Stella McCartney threw THAT lavish party during London Fashion Week (the one that included crazy, models-dancing-on-tables antics, and a very cosy looking Rihanna and Kate Moss). Attendee Amber Valletta was the first to slip into the tux jumpsuit for the event, oozing every bit the model glamour she’s carved a successful career out of. A simple black clutch and ankle strap heels accessorised the look, whilst slicked back hair and strong eyes completed the look. Shailene Woodley gave the tux jumpsuit its next outing at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards, last June. Styled with Stella McCartney sandals (natch), Shailene opted for a messy fishtail plait and went sans accessories. And, finally in the fash-off line-up, Brit beauty Gemma Arterton wore the tux jumpsuit to the 2012 British Fashion Awards back in November. Styled with wedges by the same designer, a handheld cross-body bag and an orange bracelet, Gemma sported softly tousled waves and neutral makeup. But whose look steals the fash-off champion title? We’re rooting for Gemma on this one for one simple reason: she oozes oodles of confidence, whereas Amber and Shailene – who look equally as amazing – seem a little vanilla in comparison. The alternative thought to styling and soft curls bring a feminine edge to the near-androgynous style of the tux jumpsuit, and Gemma gets the balance just right! Whose look wins for you?

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Karlie Kloss and Daria Strokous pose with Louis Vuitton’s Alma bag for SS13 campaign

by on 2nd April 2013 0 comments

Louis Vuitton caused a bit of a stir last week with that short film featuring Cara Delevingne and Georgia May Jagger which apparently promoted prostitution. However, we’re putting that all behind us  (new week, new month) and focusing our attention on something far more positive – the brand new spring/summer 2013 ad campaigns which feature Karlie Kloss, Daria Strokous, Jac Jagaciak, Iris Strubegger, and the gorgeous Alma bag in an array of bold colours. The dome shaped bag has become a LV icon since it was first created back in 1934, and we reckon the new campaign, entitled Chic on the Bridge, pays homage to it rather nicely. The models were shot by Steven Klein, and are carrying bags in colours that represent the cities in the pictures… the one above is of course New York with the taxi cab yellow bags (natch) while the image below is ‘French blue’ for the city of Paris.   We think it’s a great concept, don’t you?

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Five reasons why we’re lusting after the Samsung Galaxy S4

by on 12th June 2013 0 comments

[noskim] Individuality is key in the world of fashion – yes we all like to stay on top of the latest trends but the world would be a boring place if we all looked the same, wouldn’t it? Your friends might all have the latest Apple phone, but true fashionistas (in particular the fashion blogger) knows that it’s all about standing out from the crowd. The sleek and sexy design of the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a great place to start – it’s perfect for anyone who dares to be different! Here are five (of the many) reasons why we’re lusting after the Samsung Galaxy S4: Wireless charging pad and extra battery kit This is so important not only for the super-busy fashion blogger but for any man or woman who is always on the go. Emails need to be read and sent, pictures need to be taken and edited – and sometimes there isn’t enough battery to see you through the entire day. This is why we love the wireless charging pad – it does pretty much what it says on the tin and is a godsend when you’re not near a wall socket to plug in your phone to charge it. The extra battery kit also comes in rather handy “when charging is not an option”. Fashion Week springs to mind… Dual video call As fashion bloggers are always on the go, finding the time to sit down and have a conversation – be it for business or pleasure – is easier said than done. We love the dual video call feature as it lets you communicate with all the import people in your work and personal life wile bringing something different to the table. This feature uses both the front and back cameras simultaneously so your face […]

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Minnie Mouse gets a mature Lanvin makeover

by on 25th March 2013 0 comments

Minnie Mouse has swapped polka dots for jewels as our favourite Disney girl has been given a gorgeous new look courtesy of Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz.The  bejewelled blue hourglass gown was unveiled to the public at a catwalk show in Disneyland Paris over the weekend… what do you think? “Walt Disney was the one that actually designed Minnie,” Alber Elbaz said after the show. “It’s the first time an actual designer has come into the picture and designed a dress for her. “It was a great challenge and responsibility to do. I just wanted her to shine… I wanted to give her a crown in red, and the dress in blue, (a signature) for Lanvin.” Well, we certainly give it the MFL seal of approval! This isn’t the first time Minnie Mouse has been given a makeover though. Remember last’s year’s size 0 controversy that came with the Barneys New York window display? We don’t think her new look will ruffle quite as many feathers now that Minnie’s famous curves are back! [Telegraph] [Image] 

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Where was Hedi headed?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Well, what a week it’s been at Paris Fashion Week, and, although Wang’s debut at Balenciaga was rolling off the tip of everyone’s tongue, it was Hedi Silmane’s second collection since taking the helm at Yves Saint Laurent that got fashion gossip stirring. So, what did you make of Slimane’s second design offering for the Parisian fashion powerhouse? Shunning the legendary French chic the brand has built its identity upon, Slimane went down the route he knows best: grunge, and unapologetically Californicated at that. Critics haven’t been too kind either, slamming the autumn/winter collection shown in Paris on Monday for straying too far from what has come to be expected of the iconic brand. But all wasn’t lost to negative review. Courtney Love tweeted her affection for the collection, dubbing it ‘rich ladies buying what we used to wear’. But that shouldn’t come as surprise  given Love’s naturally grungy aesthetic, along with front rowers Alison Mosshart and Sky Ferreira, who similarly didn’t have much to complain about. Notably, Jess Cartner-Morley of The Guardian described the appearance of grunge on Parisian runway space, where sophistication reigns supreme and straying from the highbrow approach to dressing is by no means considered the norm, as ‘an abstract concept’. This asks the question, then, whether Hedi’s departure from the accepted ways of the Parisian fashion set was a deliberate act to assert his arrival at the house. But he could’ve done that in his debut collection, right? Unsurprisingly, assertion has been a key theme this season; Simons asserted his famed sensitivity at Dior, Wang, by injecting the wearability at Balenciaga, and, of course now, Hedi. I can’t help but mention here, that Tom Ford’s excitably eclectic autumn/winter ’13 collection had that two-finger attitude witnessed at Saint Laurent, or, as I like to call it, the […]

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Channel next seasons trends as soon as they hit the catwalk!

by on 15th February 2013 0 comments

[noskim] Today marks the start of London Fashion Week (LFW), where designers and fashionistas will descend into London for the next 4 days to see the looks and trends that contemporary designer brands have in store for Autumn/Winter 2013. LFW is the second in the series of ‘Big Four’ fashion weeks, which closely follows New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and is a prelude to the Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks. This year some of the biggest names in UK fashion will be showcasing their work, including Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Christopher Kane; there will also be some of the heavy hitters from across the pond showcasing their work, such as Tom Ford and L’Wren Scott. The big four fashion shows also offer an opportunity to catch a glimpse to see what the big name celebrities will be sporting in the upcoming months; you are bound to see an array of well-heeled celebrities, buyers, and fashion journalists taking their place on the front rows as they admire the Autumn/Winter 13 showcases direct from the showroom. Based on what we saw at NYFW, we can expect a plethora of stripes, embellishment, and lace incorporated into the latest AW13 collections. However, you needn’t be one of the well-heeled celebrities in order to keep abreast of what is happening at the LFW shows; more and more fashion labels are beginning to make their runway shows much more accessible to consumers. Many big name fashion labels have started to stream or digitally broadcast their shows online, which allows consumers to keep up with fashion-related developments. Burberry have gone one step further by allowing particularly enthusiastic customers to purchase garments as soon as they have been shown on the catwalk. Similarly, this year, UK fashion giant Topshop have teamed up with Google + to broadcast […]

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Marie Claire’s SS13 Runway mag and app out now!

by on 8th February 2013 0 comments

The new issue of Marie Claire’s RUNWAY is well and truly out, and it’s bigger, brighter, bolder and better than ever! “The biannual fashion collections is a tour de force of some of the most creative people in the world,” said ed Charotte Moore. “In Marie Claire RUNWAY magazine and on the RUNWAY app we hope to give readers some real insight into everything that goes on both backstage and on the catwalk”. You can get your hands on the hard copy right now, but if you’re more technologically advanced, we recommend you download the iPad app because it more or less changed our lives when we took it for a test drive last night. Really user-friendly and fabulously designed, it has 20 stunning videos, with fashion features director Jess Wood talking us through the hottest trends of the season, while Cassie Steer reveals the key backstage beauty looks from the spring/summer 2013 season. There’s also some pretty impressive live footage of the biggest shows in the New York, Paris, Milan and of course, London. If ever there was a perfect time to launch a fashion iPad app, it’s just before the new season of London Fashion Week. Our iPad is our best friend during LFW (it acts as camera, computer, book, magazine, map and more – so much more!) so having the app at our literal fingertips is a godsend. We can be entertained in the long queues, get outfit inspiration, and compare and contrast the fashion from the spring/summer 2013 season to the one we’re just about to see. The app costs just £2.99 and is available to buy right now. If you prefer the hard copy though you can pick it up for £6. The issue has a backstage look at the return of Preen at LFW, exclusive […]

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Alexa Chung vs. Chloë Moretz: Who wore Simone Rocha better?

by on 6th February 2013 0 comments

We love a style stand-off between two seriously credible fashion mavens, and who better to pit against each other than Brit fashion force, Alexa Chung, and the inimitable young style star, Chloë Moretz! Alexa and Chloë wore the same spring 2013 Simone Rocha dress, opting for different colours, and rocked it in their individual ways to perfection! Alexa was up first, wearing a black version of the embroidered organza dress, embellished with outsized daisies, to the 2012 British Fashion Awards. True to her ultra-cool style, Alexa accessorised her look with a lady-like top handle bag and embroidered Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Belle Epoque’ mesh booties. Her hair had that perfect Parisian gloss to it, whilst makeup was kept to a minimum, accented only by feline eyes. Chloë Moretz started off 2013 with a bang, when she wore the same dress to the People’s Choice Awards last month. The 15-year-old, who is already considered a serious style contender amongst the fash pack, opted for a fun neon colour (an age-appropriate choice for a young fashionista) and accessorised her look with black Casadei ‘Blade’ pumps and a slick of colour on her nails; such a loud dress really needs nothing more. So, how are we expected to choose between two pristinely dressed ladies when both look equally fabulous?! Alexa picked up her third gong for the ‘British Style’ Award on the night (no surprises there), and Chloë racks up red carpet style praise like its going out of fashion, but there can only be one winner… We love how artfully constructed Alexa’s look is; those embroidered booties would never work, but there’s nothing Alexa cannot pull off! However, we did inhale deeply with awe when we laid eyes on Chloë’s eye-opening look, so she kinda steals the fash-off champion title this week (sorry Alexa!). […]

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Steep vs. Cheap: Studded ankle strap heels

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Nothing beats a classic, sexy black heel, and this week’s Steep vs. Cheap has us lusting over two similar styles with price tags at opposite ends of the spectrum. Paired with formal office attire or black, ankle-grazing skinny jeans and a slouchy tee for a hint of Parisian insouciance, the classic black heel has upped its glam ante with a splash of studs across a sexy ankle strap, making it a brilliantly flattering and versatile shoe choice. So, shoe hoarders, for those of you with a healthy shoe fund cast your eyes on these calfskin beauties from Valentino. The ultimate in pretty-meets-sexy, we love the studded ankle strap detail with a gold-tone buckle and the 3.5 inch heel is the perfect height to last in all day without screaming out in agony! But, shoe lovers, Valentino’s heavenly wares come with a devilish price tag, meaning you’ll have to part with a wholesome £560 before slipping into this pair! But if you’re stuck on a shoestring budget with an uncontrollable heel collecting habit, then fashion damsel in distress saviour, Zara, has the perfect pocket-friendly option. This studded ankle strap version doesn’t have the same peep-toe detail as its high-end rival, but it’s the closest you can imagine getting to Valentino glory on a Vimto budget! Wear with a willowy, oversize blouse and skinny jeans to soften the vampish undertones. Steep: Calfskin sandal with stud ankle strap, £560, available at Valentino Cheap: Studded sling back with ankle strap, £39.99, available at Zara

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Pixie Lott embraces the bright trend at The Shard launch

by on 1st February 2013 0 comments

Pixie Lott seems to have nailed all the latest fashion trends in one go, as she attended a party to celebrate the official opening of The Shard in London last night. As the tallest building in the European Union, The Shard boasts some seriously stunning views, but Pixie Lott was a sight to behold too. Bright shades have never been hotter (look to the Atelier Versace Couture show or the Screen Actors Guild Awards for evidence) and Pixie has proven just how effective they can be when worn and accessorised correctly. Lace is also an increasingly popular trend, and we love how Pixie incorporated it into her outfit with sheer effortlessness. The white accessories – 90s-inspired platform shoes included – provided the perfect finishing touch to her vintage retro-meets-contemporary look. Ten out of ten!

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Picks of 2012: three faves that made last year unforgettable

by on 11th July 2014 0 comments

While we’re finally getting back into the swing of things and pretty much enjoying 2013 so far, we still can’t help but reminisce on 2012 and everything that made it such a great year. From the Olympics to Kate Middleton’s baby news…here’s three reasons why last year was so unforgettable… Celebrity pet pics Britney’s puppy Hannah had her own Twitter account with 10,000 followers just hours after she appeared in a picture with the singer, and Miley Cyrus’s pictures of her new dog Bean sparked adoring comments from Twitter users everywhere. It seems it’s not just pictures and updates from the lives of celebrities themselves we are fascinated by! To get in on this celebrity trend yourself, make sure your pet is looking as good as possible by taking a trip to a grooming salon like the one at Pets at Home, then put your best lippie on, strike a pose and get snapping. The Olympics As if we could leave this out! Of course the event brought Britain together and was all very heartwarming, but let’s face it – it also gave us the kick up the behind we needed to strive towards fitter, healthier bodies. The world’s obsession with Jessica Ennis’s super-toned abs took off in a big way, and how to guides sprung up all over the net. Men’s fashion week Described by Style.com’s Mr Blasberg as “the British Fashion Council’s stab at creating its own menswear exhibition like the ones in Paris and Milan”, the first ever London Men’s Fashion Weekend was an event full of royalty in the form of Prince Charles, fabulous fashion from young designers, and stars drinking champagne aplenty. A first to remember and a reminder that it’s not just the ladies who can be inspired by a good catwalk show.

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Five minutes with Isabella Oliver’s Baukjen de Swaan Arons

by on 17th September 2023 0 comments

Founder and Creative Director of Isabella Oliver and the fashion brand Baukjen, Baujken Swaan Arons set up her company in 2003 out of sheer frustration, caused by the lack of stylish maternity wear available on the market. Nearly a decade later, and with a cult celebrity following, Isabella Oliver is bigger than ever and every discerning fashionista’s go-to name for comfortable and stylish pieces. My Fashion Life caught up with Baukjen to talk party season style, fashionable mums and wardrobe staples. Your womenswear brand was called Isabella Oliver 365 before being reintroduced as Baukjen. Tell us what inspired this change in name? Originally, our womenswear collection evolved from the Isabella Oliver maternity line. It grew so much faster than we’d ever imagined and we felt it needed its own space to live and breathe. Separating the brands gives them both the space to grow to their full potential. Name three wardrobe staples you cannot live without. A leather biker jacket is an essential and a modern classic; our Agyness Leather Jacket has jersey inserts so its gives a great fit. I wear it over day looks but also over more dressy evening outfits. Black ankle boots work with everything – leather leggings, jersey dresses, jeans and t-shirts – I’m constantly wearing mine. I love stripes and this season I’m wearing them in jersey. Our caramel and black striped dress is great for quick and easy everyday style. I wear it over leggings, ankle boots and pop the black Maryna Blazer over it and add long necklaces. Isabella Oliver Maternity was set up to provide stylish pieces for expectant mums; what experiences led you to specifically choose this market? When I was pregnant with my first child it was very difficult to find stylish maternity wear that reflected my usual style. […]

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Alexander Wang in at Balenciaga?

by on 29th November 2012 0 comments

Despite all the early rumours about Christopher Kane landing the Balenciaga job, Alexander Wang’s name has now been thrown into the equation too. And according to New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn, it looks pretty likely that he could take Nicolas Ghesquière’s place as Creative Director of the brand. “In the continuing Balenciaga drama, Alexander Wang appears to be the leading candidate to succeed the star designer Nicolas Ghesquière, and an announcement of his appointment could be made as early as next week, a Paris source with knowledge of the discussions said on Wednesday night,” she wrote on the New York Times fashion blog, On The Runway. We know we should take all fashion rumours with a pinch of salt, but let’s not forget that it was Cathy Horyn who broke the news about Raf Simons heading to Dior back in April… What do we think? Do we think she is telling the truth, and more importantly do we think Alexander Wang would be a good replacement? There are only two days left until Nicolas Ghesquière officially leaves Balenciaga, so a decision needs to be made pretty quickly either way! [Telegraph] 

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Natalia Vodianova vs. Hailee Steinfeld in Louis Vuitton

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

One’s a model, the other a teenage acting prodigy. This week’s fash off is between two ladies on opposite ends of the age spectrum, but on an equal fashion footing. Hollywood darling Hailee Steinfeld and Russian runway royalty, Natalia Vodianova, sported the same Louis Vuitton dress different events. Hailee opted to wear the textured, blue and brown number to the Teen Vogue 10th Anniversary Party last month, whilst Natalia (rather aptly) chose it for the Louis Vuitton SS’13 show earlier this month. Styling wise, Hailee and Natalia took two completely different approaches. Hailee opted for a more red-carpet appropriate demeanour, adding a gold collar, strappy platform heels and a statement clutch, all by Louis Vuitton. Natalia, on the other hand, took a rather risqué route with hers, wearing the near-sheer dress without a bra! She accessorised her look with a Louis Vuitton crocodile and sequin bag, blue suede pumps and carried the perfect cover up from the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2012 collection on her arm. But only one out of the two lovely ladies can steal the fash off crown, and this week, we’re firmly placing that crown on…drum roll…Natalia Vodianova’s head! Although Hailee’s red carpet effort is commendable, the glossy ringlet curls and gold collar make the look a little busy on top. There’s too much to focus on, as all the accessories fight for attention at once! Natalia’s look is a little more laissez-faire (well, when in Paris…) and the statement bag is perfectly balanced out against the simple dress. Even off the runway, Ms. Vodianova is busy stealing hearts with her style!

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Solange Knowles does print-overload the right way in Twenty8Twelve

by on 5th October 2012 0 comments

Solange Knowles is living proof that there is no such thing as OTT-dressing or print over-load, provided it’s done correctly. The Madewell model stood out for all the right reasons at the New York screening of Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007, putting her own signature on an edgy pink Twenty8Twelve matching hotpant suit. As if the square-print polo-neck top underneath the suit wasn’t enough (Marc Jacobs would be so proud – do you think she took inspiration from the Louis Vuitton spring/summer 2013 collection?) Solange also added some print to her look by way of a Union Jack Charlotte Olympia Clutch and stripy Nicholas Kirkwood sandals. Way to big up the UK, Solange! There’s no denying that her large and in charge afro and bold red lips could have proved too much and ruined the look, but we reckon it only adds to her trademark “out there” style which is why it’s a definite winner for us. What do you guys reckon?

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Leigh Lezark vs. Daisy Lowe in Topshop Unique!

by on 4th October 2012 0 comments

We find nothing more exciting than when celebs favour high street wares! Reasons: 1) We can buy them too, and, 2) they wear them so well, it’s almost high end minus the painful price tag!   So when we laid eyes on this week’s fashionably forward duo, who sported the same Topshop Unique a/w’12 handknit cross jumper to different events, we were beyond ourselves with excitement!   Excitement because we knew the jumper in question would be a hot favourite with the fash pack as soon as it appeared on the Unique runway back in February and, also, because superstar DJ and all round fashion darling Leigh Lezark and Brit model Daisy Lowe put their personal spin on the fabulous piece.   Daisy sported the statement Unique jumper to, surprise surprise, sit pretty on the FROW at the Topshop Unique s/s’13 show during London Fashion Week last month. She daringly took inspiration from the original catwalk look and teamed the knit with bare legs, wedge calf-length boots and added a cute backpack and a long coin necklace to the mix.   Leigh was spotted in the Unique jumper at the Anna Dello Russo x H&M launch in Paris last month, and opted for a similar look to Daisy’s, however she opted for (visible) leather shorts, pointed knee-high boots and a chain strap shoulder bag.   Can you see our predicament? Ton between two similar looks, both on super stylish women and both so good?! But, as always, there can only be one sartorial prize snatcher…   Fash-off champion: Both ladies pulled of the Unique cross jumper with aplomb, but we do love a darer when it comes to turning conventional dressing on its head. Although Leigh’s look works, it’s a safe choice in comparison to Daisy’s. A suitably stylish flash […]

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From the Sports Track to the Red Carpet: the Rise of the Tracksuit

by on 28th September 2012 0 comments

Prada’s Olympic collection continues high fashion’s athletic obsession The S/S 2013 fashion season’s well underway, with London Fashion Week in full swing, but its Milan’s menswear catwalks that are still the talk of the town. Prada’s S/S men’s collection created a buzz, with its Olympic spirit clear for all to see. Thanks to Prada, just-like-that, the tracksuit is back. The collection features a supremely tailored take on the traditionally slouchy sportswear, with go faster stripe detailing switched to run the length of the inner, rather than outer, leg. Sweatbands, sports vests and polo shirts completed the look, alongside wide-strapped and striped rubber mules, reminiscent of retro Olympic swimmers. Prada’s sporty new look is a continuation of a trend set last year that saw the tracksuit take on a whole new level of couture cred. Dubbed the Track and Field trend by Vogue, dresses took on an athletic flavour, performance sports fabrics were used to create figure-hugging shapes, and the tracksuit was given an elegant overhaul by the world’s leading fashion houses, all in the run up to the Olympics. For the final seal of stylish approval, one of Britain’s most successful fashion exports, Stella McCartney, teamed up with Adidas this year to create the chicest Team GB uniforms yet. A long way from the eyepopping Jimmy Saville shellsuits of old, the sports gear has been toned down and tailored up, with designers using a whole range of fabrics to create a whole new take on this athletic staple. Helping the tracksuit sweat its way from the sports track to the red carpet, trendsetting celebrities have played as big a part as haute couturiers in transforming the tracksuit into a hot fashion item. We’ve seen a lot more of celebrities in their gym threads in recent years, thanks to the round-the-clock […]

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Why we can’t get enough of French label Sandro!

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

A French label always gets us excited: Gallic charm; insouciance in the way the clothes carry themselves, and above all, that just-arrived-from-Paree feeling we get every time we slip into something of francais heritage. Sandro is that label. A Parisian fashion house whose clothes radiate insouciance with a razor sharp edge. It’s Emanuelle Alt, after she’s spent a week living with Rihanna; sharp, sleek tailoring with contrasting, outstanding street detail that has us wanting to devour the entire collection as if it were fashion chips. Working with a palette of electric blue, grey, bottle green and Bordeaux for autumn/winter 2012, Sandro offers style and pocket-conscious shoppers the perfect, mid-market sartorial antidote to the pricey, high end Fall collections that are oh-so-desirable, yet financially destructive! Denim has been fashioned in delectable variations, ranging from shock-inducing block colours, to leopard print and boasting eyelets lace and zip details to add an interesting edge. The Sandro girl doesn’t compromise style for comfort, instead merging them together and wearing it in the form of an oversized chambray shirt, or a cosily chic lambswool, angora and cashmere mix sweater. Blouses, shirts and vests come emblazoned with circus prints, tiger heads speckled complementarily amongst polka dots and a russet coloured silkscreen top that has us drooling at its high end look, high street price! Outerwear and accessories are hot Fall favourites, too, as the Sandro girl embraces an uber-luxe fur-trimmed leather jacket, coats boasting military details and leather-trimmed mannish coats in melange tweed, whilst accessories take a functional turn in the form of zipped, wristlet clutch bags and roomy, embossed leather satchels in want-now hues. Shoes for Fall, you’ll be pleased to know, don’t fall into the blister-causing category. A moccasin suede studded slipper touches on the super-comfortable slipper trend, while Sandro’s classic sneaker, the Albatross’ […]

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Could eBay kill our charitable side?

by on 3rd September 2012 0 comments

Like a sickening Heston Blumenthal recipe of bacon ice cream, one wouldn’t consider stringing ‘Kim Kardashian’ and ‘charity’ along in the same sentence. I’m not talking about financial charity – she does that – I’m talking about fashionable charity; the act of handing over the beloved contents of your wardrobe to a charity of your choice for a cause worthier than walking around in them racking up envious praise, without financial gain. After rap star boyfriend Kanye branded her rather extensive wardrobe ‘ghetto’, Kim Kardashian has jumped on the e-selling bandwagon and auctioned several items from her designer-heavy wardrobe on eBay. Well, obviously, there’s no room for cleavage-pushing bandage dresses and heels teetering on Coco Austin territory in Kanye West’s all leather and monochrome world. So, the subservient girlfriend that she is, Kim has decided to flog her pre-loved wares on the world’s largest marketplace, and only donate 10% of the proceeds from sale to the ‘Life Changing Church Community’ charity. *insert shocked-fall-on-the-floor- gasp here*. An appalling donation by the standards of someone who has several financially flourishing enterprises on the go, and splashes $750,000 on a Lamborghini for her beau’s birthday present (cue: awkward/angry shifting in chair). But her reckless spending has nothing to do with the pain that I’m feeling in the part of my heart dedicated to all things charity-related. No. The fact that most things a super-celeb of Kim’s calibre endorses turn to platinum (forget gold), and quite frankly thrash all records of public success frightens me. Take the sacred union of marriage for example, now reduced to an easy, 72-day (façade), complete with desirable Vera Wang wedding dress. Could Kim’s shift to eBay spell ruin for charities so desperately in need of donations such as these to keep supporting the causes that created them? An […]

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What to pack for a city break?

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Heading for a post-Olympic, getting-over-the-games city break? Or, maybe you’re squeezing in some much needed R&R before fashion month begins? Whatever your reason for a mini-hol (not that we ever need one – a reason, that is!), our guide to packing for a city break is sure to take the stress out of that suitcase! Whether you’re headed to a fashion hotspot such as Milan or Paris, or want to soak up the cultural and historical cool of relaxed locales such as Sweden’s second city, Gothenburg; city breaks call for a sensible wardrobe with a stylish slant. But as with all fashionable endeavours, it is not what you wear, but rather how you wear it. A capsule city break wardrobe will see you nicely through your extended weekend of vacay-fun, so shake off those wardrobe woes with our checklist of just what you need for a super-slick time in the city!  1. Red Pashli Messenger Bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, £695 2. Classic Stretch Wool City Shorts by Theory, £115 3. Juliane Lurex Anthracite Jacket by Iro, £299 4. Grey Floral Printed Stiletto Skinny Jeans by CURRENT/ELLIOTT, £215 5. Tanne blouse, £75 6. Slacker tee, £43 7. Paddock Ankle Boots by McQ Alexander McQueen, £370 8. Camel Baxton Flat Camel Pump with Gold Tip by Sam Edelman, £79 9. Tan Middleton Medium Shoulder Bag by MICHAEL Michael Kors, £325

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Mila Kunis is back for Miss Dior handbags

by on 14th July 2012 0 comments

We’re so glad to see Mila Kunis back for Christian Dior’s Miss Dior handbag ad campaign – her debut last season was rather stunning, and the French fashion House would have been rather foolish to not keep her on! The new Miss Dior handbags campaign for the autumn/winter 2012 season was shot by Mario Sorrenti in Los Angeles and was styled by the one and only Carine Roitfeld. We love the 1950s Hollywood celebrity style make-over that Mila Kunis has going on – it’s not hugely dissimilar to her Elle UK cover shoot which was just as breathtaking. Even in the 50s, we still think Mila would have driven the paps wild, so the theme of the campaign is spot on! You can catch Mila’s Miss Dior ads in the September issues of Vogue Paris, Vanity Fair US, Harper’s Bazaar UK and Tatler UK among others. Some behind the scenes pics and a short film will also be released on Wednesday, so keep your eyes peeled for those next week! Do you like Mila’s second Miss Dior ad campaign? [WWD]

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Rate or Slate: Monica, M.I.A and Beyonce

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

This week’s Rate or Slate feature takes us to the BET Awards and the Atelier Versace Couture show. First up at the BET Awards was singer Monica, who provided us with an interesting burgundy trouser-suit with a plunging front and a reverse peplum jacket. Singer M.I.A did Donatella proud and attended the Atelier Versace Couture show in Paris in a full-on Versace ensemble teamed with bold red lips and gold bling. Beyonce wore a very bright Stephane Rolland full-length gown to the BET Awards at the weekend, which she teamed with a full mane of natural, voluminous curls and a smile that lit up the room! What did the Style Jury make of these looks? Amy of Wolf Whistle says: Monica: ‘This cranberry/burgundy combo is in my favourite shades so I’m biased but I think Monica looks gorgeous here. She’s trying but not trying toooooo hard and accessorising with just the most beautiful skin. I’m down with this, even if I couldn’t sit down in it.’ M.I.A: ‘I always think it’s a little bit naff to wear a band tee shirt to that band’s gig but wearing TRIPLE VERSACE to sit front row at Versace Haute Couture is just so incredibly naff that it’s superhypermega cool. Hell yeah, M.I.A.!’ Beyonce: ‘My initial worry for Bouncy was that this outfit was a one-armed, one-legged silk jumpsuit – the HORROR – but I’m fairly sure that it’s a dress. So my worrying moved onto a new worry that her lady areas might be stabbed by that belt when she sits down. Be careful, Bey. Chartreuse is dangerous.’ As the Fashion News Ed, I thought I’d weigh in too… Monica: ‘I’ve said it before and will say it again, I love it when celebs mix it up and wear something other than a […]

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Inside the Atelier Versace Couture show

by on 3rd July 2012 0 comments

Huge congratulations to Donatella Versace and the rest of her team, as the Ritz in Paris played host to Atelier Versace’s fist ever Couture show since 1997 on Sunday night. Christian Dior wasn’t the only show we were waiting with baited breath to see! We had a small feeling the autumn/winter 2012 show was going to be quite the spectacle, but that turned out to be a massive understatement. In a word… it was epic! The Atelier Versace collection was “built upon the idea of deconstruction and reconstruction in all its various forms. “Inspired by the imagery and decoration of tarot cards, powerful symbols such as the sun, moon and world are reproduced on weightless fabrics with a glass effect,” reads a press release from the fashion House. “The elements of these tarot cards have been rendered and embroidered as though seen through the eyes of Pablo Picasso, giving them an abstract feel.” Pretty cool concept, huh?! Predictably, the front row was laden with only the most famous of faces (naturally clad in their Versace ensembles), the likes of which included Jessica Alba, Christina Hendricks, Lea Michele, M.I.A, Fan Bingbing and Pierce Brosnan among others. Welcome back Atelier Versace Couture!

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Dolce and Gabbana to show first ever Couture collection next month!

by on 28th June 2012 0 comments

Yep, Dolce and Gabbana is going Couture! Cue screams of excitement! Just because Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana haven’t got their D&G diffusion line to worry about anymore (sniff!) it doesn’t mean that they’ve been sitting around twiddling their thumbs. On the contrary they’ve been very busy boys indeed – first introducing a brand new childrenswear line, and now branching out into the wonderful world of Couture! The Dolce and Gabbana brand will be showing its debut Couture collection on July 9th, but rather surprisingly, the show’s going to be held in Taormina, Sicily, as opposed to Paris – the official home of Haute Couture Fashion Week. And it’s also going to be quite a small affair, with only a select group of clients and “three media outlets” being invited to witness the action. We can’t wait to see what’s in store! Are you pleased to see Dolce and Gabbana branch out into Couture? [Telegraph] 

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Spotlight on…Pedro Lourenço

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

This week’s Spotlight is on a very interesting breed of designer, almost prodigal by some standards. Starting out at the tender age of twelve, Brazilian designer Pedro Lourenço designed the autumn/collection for another designer, Carolita Joakina, which was later shown at São Paulo Fashion Week. Quite a feat for school kid, we say! Naturally, in 2005, Lourenço went on to launch his eponymous label at São Paulo Fashion Week, and has since been a steady fixture on the fashion scene, showing at the Paris R-T-W shows since March 2010, and also on the radar of many of fashion’s elite. Hailing from a family of designers, parents Gloria Coelho and Reinaldo Lourenço ensured Pedro had a suitable start in life, surrounded by fashion design paraphernalia from a very young age. With a particular interest in cutting and finishing techniques, paired with an eye for technology and appreciation for the impact of digitalism in design, 21-year-old Lourenço took an architecture-inspired direction with a noticeable amount of fun for spring/summer 2012. With the collection boasting statement jackets, wine-cork-soled sandals and embellishment aplenty; like most of the fashion industry talent we’ve seen come out of Brazil; Lourenço is setting himself up for big things to come. Shop an exclusive edit of the Pedro Lourenço spring/summer 2012 collection at LN-CC. All above shown items available at LN-CC

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Five minutes with…Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou of Ancient Greek Sandals

by on 17th September 2023 0 comments

What do you get when you mix ancient mythology with contemporary style? Ancient Greek Sandals, that’s what. “According to an Ancient Greek myth, the gods and goddesses had their sandals made on the beautiful islandof Crete by a gifted sandal maker who enriched each pair with magical powers. Famous for having made the flying sandals for Hermes, the sandal maker also embellished them with his personal signature…a “golden wing” buckle.” And, with this mythological summary in mind, Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou set about realising their dream of creating beautifully feminine sandals infused with Ancient Greek historical references. Handmade by skilled, local craftsmen using centuries-old techniques, Ancient Greek Sandals was launched for Cruise 2012, and are currently stocked at some of the best stores around the globe. We caught up with the design duo behind the name to talk holiday spots, favourite spring trends and, of course, shoes. Describe your typical working day Christina: I mostly work in the mornings and I take care of my son in the afternoons.  I sit in my office to design; correct prototypes, choose colours and materials and in general organise things.  Because I live on the island of Corfu and not inAthens, where the sandals are made, I am on the phone a lot with the technicians in the factory explaining and organising everything. I travel a lot; I usually go to Paris, which is a nice break from the daily countryside routine. Nikolas: I arrive at my office by 09:00 and find time flies as I try coordinating a million things at the same time! It is overwhelming at times but the feeling of satisfaction when I get things done makes up for it. Although I try to leave work by 17:00 in order to make it for my daily gym workout […]

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My Beauty Evolution – Laetitia Wajnapel

by on 8th May 2012 0 comments

In the third and final post of our series sponsored by John Lewis, who will open the doors to their new-look Oxford Street beauty hall this week, Laetitia Wajnapel from www.mademoisellerobot.com shares the story of her own beauty evolution. As far as my beauty routine goes, I’ve always been pretty low maintenance – of the ‘less is more’ school of thought. I don’t know if it is a Parisian thing or a family thing, but I’ve never been much of a preener. In my high school days when friends were comparing skin washes and compact powders; I used to look down, slightly ashamed of myself for not wearing any make-up. My mother and grandmother, although both very sophisticated, weren’t much into cosmetics either – to be honest neither of them needed it – so I grew up in a household where a bit of eyeliner and some mascara was considered a full face of make-up! And my beauty routine hasn’t changed much since I was 13: I wash my face (without water if possible) and moisturise well every morning and night, drink a lot of water and keep make-up to a minimum. Pretty boring, but I must have been doing something right as often people think that I’m 23 rather than 33 (maybe they need glasses)! What has changed a lot over the past decade is my hair: Hair is a great accessory and as I’ve been blessed with a lot of it I don’t mind experimenting in the name of fashion. Over the years I’ve been the proud owner of a pixie cut, a mullet, various lengths of bobs, fringes, side partings, middle partings, beehives in a spectrum of colours ranging from pitch black to bright orange, including navy blue, peroxide blonde, dip dyed ends, ginger and of course […]

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Sacai

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

Headed up by Chitose Abe, Japanese label Sacai has fast become a head-turner on the runway. Producing pieces she says are “made in a complex way, but its easier to wear”, Abe’s designs are worthy of being in this week’s spotlight. Already stocking at coveted fashion outlets such as Colette and Dover Street Market, Sacai was launched in 1999 after Abe spent more than eight years cutting her teeth working for Junya Watanabe. Abe showed her first runway collection for spring/summer 2012 in Paris, less than a month after opening her first flagship store in Tokyo’s trendy Aoyama district, and Sacai’s performance before the fashion elite was nothing short of brilliant, and highly praised. Merging heavy biker influences with dainty florals, lace and embroidery anglaise, Sacai is the go-to label for those seeking the perfect summer wardrobe with a gritty edge. Far from a sickly sweet rendition of the new season, the Sacai SS’12 collection offers relaxed silhouettes in a dark palette, interestingly pairing lace with linen and embroidery anglaise with cashmere and cupro. Easy-to-wear pieces in a trans-seasonal colour palette and perfectly suited for a day-to-night wardrobe; Sacai is steadily acquiring a go-to status for all the right reasons. Shop select pieces from the Sacai SS’12 collection at LN-CC. Dress and Gilet shown above, both available at LN-CC

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Damir Doma

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

The SPOTLIGHT this week is on a designer who has taken the men’s fashion scene by storm, and now transferred his talent to womenswear, too. Paris-based, Croatian-born designer, Damir Doma, first appeared on the fashion radar when he presented his debut menswear S/S ’08 collection on the official fashion calendar, followed up three years later with a prêt-à-porter womenswear collection for A/W ’10. From the tucked away toile surroundings of his mother’s German atelier, Doma has gone onto work with esteemed names, including Belgian designer Raf Simons and Dirk Schönberger in Antwerp. Doma’s design aesthetic draws inspiration from the worlds of architecture and art, and takes a somewhat pure direction, cancelling out embellishment and embroidery. With his design roots firmly entrenched in menswear, his womenswear collections display subtle androgyny intertwined with a highly wearable appeal. For S/S ’12, Doma’s designs gave way to a focus on Grecian style, with flowing fabrics, draping and a palette of burnished gold, navy, burnt plum and paper gold, all the while keeping a modern sensibility to his looks. Shop select items from the Damir Doma S/S ’12 womenswear collection at LN-CC, and check out Doma’s full womenswear collection here.

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Five Minutes with Monica & Joe

by on 5th April 2012 0 comments

At the forefront of fashion this husband and wife duo are a style force to be reckoned with. They are the faces behind namesake contemporary online boutique Monica & Joe that stocks a range of personally selected womenswear designer collections. My Fashion Life caught up with the super-busy business and life partners to talk pet hates, favourite shopping cities and wardrobe staples. What is a typical working day like in the life of Monica & Joe? We work from home so after walking the boys to school we normally have to answer lots of e-mails: PR requests, customer queries etc, plus constant liaising with our warehouse regarding deliveries and orders. Joe and I divide our roles so I look after all the buying, PR & marketing side of things and Joe looks after the logistics, operational and financial side of things. We often have meetings during the day and when it’s the buying season we have several appointments, alongside having to squeeze in trips to Paris and Copenhagen!  Best and worst thing about being in a husband and wife business partnership? The best thing is that we see each other everyday and spend lots of time together. We go through all the ups and downs of running our own business and support each other, which is amazing. The down side is that we do talk about work a lot and it’s hard to switch off.  The idea for Monica & Joe was conceived on trip to Paris, which are your top fashion shopping cities, and why? We love Paris, the cool boutiques, the buildings, the cafes and of course the cuisine. We adore Copenhagen, too. The women are so stylish in a very relaxed and cool way and the boutiques are really inspiring. We love the bars and café culture there, too. […]

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MFL Most Wanted: Cobalt blue a la Katy Perry

by on 19th October 2013 0 comments

When Katy Perry drastically went from sporting candyfloss pink locks to a bright blue Marge Simpson-esque barnet, we knew blue would hit the roof. And it appears to have done just that, in Katy’s world anyway. Spotted at the Viktor & Rolf fall 2012 show in Parislast week, the Teenage Dream singer graced front row in a cobalt blue creation from the designers’ spring/suumer 2012 collection. Katy made an envious sight in the deep oceanic hue, although verging on absolutely crazy – her blue-haired secretary-esque up do and the tidal wave embroidery on her dress and contrasting coat made the paps go wild – she kick started a bout of colour envy at My Fashion Life HQ, and now we want to douse everything in a striking shade of the colour. We won’t rattle on about the specifics of the blue a la Meryl Streep and the ‘cerulean’ rant in Devil Wears Prada. Instead we’ve selected the best cobalt blue pieces you can snap up right now. Blue hair optional, deranged paps not guaranteed. Cala & Jade Salmon Batu Clutch, £300, available at My Wardrobe  Ganni Exclusive Katie Contrast Court Shoes, £145, available at ASOS   AWear Cobalt Skinny Jean, £35, available at ASOS      A.L.C Betsee Bi-Colour Dress, £545, available at Matches       Michael by Michael Kors Chiffon Top, £170, available at Selfridges Kenzo Two-toned Denim Skirt, £219, available at My Theresa Tibi Cobalt Kayya Lace Dress, £330, available at My Wardrobe

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Is Sienna Miller pregnant?

by on 9th January 2012 0 comments

Just last week Peaches Geldof announced that she was pregnant, but it was also speculated that Rachel Zoe could very well be expecting her second child less than a year after giving birth to little Skyler. And now we have yet another name to add to our “bump watch” list as reports are suggesting that Sienna Miller and boyfriend Tom Sturridge are expecting their first baby together. 

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mai marimoto lungta de fancy

Five minutes with Lady Gaga’s fave shoe designer, Lungta de Fancy

by on 25th November 2011 0 comments

Despite Lungta De Fancy designer Mai Marimoto being on her way to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the brand, penning a book and branching out into lingerie in the next coming months, the Central Saint Martins graduate remains a humble and fuss-free designer with a true passion and talent for her work – and a desire to please every one of her shoppers. And, since we mention it, those shoppers happen to include some of fashion’s most famous faces from Lady Gaga to Victoria Beckham and Rihanna (and even a royal, too). The appeal, it seems, is her ability to meet every girl’s needs. You can find Lungta De Fancy in London’s New Bond Street, Knightsbridge and St Christopher’s Place, which is where we caught up with the designer last week as part of the fabulous Thank You Thursdays shopping event. Find out what Mai Marimoto told us about her inspirations, her plans for the label, and those Lady Gaga shoes…   How do you manage to balance getting the maximum out of your creativity and keeping the prices down to (relatively) affordable prices? I understand that every customer is special so I wouldn’t mind if someone came up to me and said ‘I love this’, but it needs to be a bit different here so each item can be individual if that’s how a lady wants it. Every lady is something special and everyone has different figures. For three of our stores we do free alterations so we like to make sure it fits the client perfectly before their special event. Like this client that’s come in today – she thinks the dress is a little too long so we are fixing it to how she likes for no extra cost. London isn’t the only place you have a […]

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kate winslet michelle dewberry stella mccartney dress copy

Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry wears £50 version of Kate Winslet’s Stella McCartney dress!

by on 25th November 2011 0 comments

Our mouths literally dropped to the floor when Kate Winslet stepped out in Paris for the Carnage premiere in the figure-hugging, waist-cinching red and black Octavia dress from Stella McCartney’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection.Kate knew she was onto a winner as she wore the monochrome version of the dress in Venice for the Mildred Pierce premiere a few months ago, and received endless compliments about how stunning her curves looked in it. 

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