Yes, it’s that time of the year again. It’s officially December, which means the decorations are up, the radio is blaring Mariah Carey and your Christmas shopping is just waiting to be done. We know that battling those Saturday shopping crowds can be an arduous task, so in an attempt to make life that little bit easier in the run up to the big day, we’ve devised a list of great Christmas gift ideas for your loved ones. Here are our top 10 gifts under £100 for female friends! Happy shopping!
Read MoreSearch Results for “london fashion week”
Dior’s Christmas unveiled
Remember us revealing a while back that Dior was designing a Christmas tree for Claridge’s? To mark the beginning of the festive season, last night the trendy tree had its grand unveiling , and to a rather fashionable crowd, might we add.
Read MoreWonderbra Ultimate Strapless party
You’ve probably heard us rave about Wonderbra’s latest wonder before, so we were of course delighted to celebrate the launch of its Ultimate Strapless bra at the Ultimate Strapless party last week.
Read MoreCoco Rocha needs you!
There’s so many things to consider when designing a fashion line: what’s the focus? What’s the style? What to call it? That last one’s can be a bit tricky, which is why model du jour Coco Rocha has asked for help in naming her newly announced fashion line.
Read MoreGiles Deacon’s Parisian dream
Hankies at the ready: London’s lost one of its brightest young design talents as it looks set that British designer Giles Deacon will become a permanent fixture at Paris Fashion Week.
Read MoreMariah Carey at Westfield
Multi-Grammy award winning songstress and all-round global superstar Mariah Carey appeared at London’s luxury Westfield shopping centre last Thursday to turn on its classy Christmas lights.
Read MoreGareth Pugh at SHOWstudio
We’ve always wanted to know what really goes on in a designer’s studio, and here’s a chance to find out: Gareth Pugh is opening up his designing doors in the SHOWstudio shop next week.
Read MoreAngelina Jolie and Brad Pitt design jewellery
What the..? Celebrity lines are often rather predictable, but we can safely say we didn’t see this one coming: Brangelina are the latest designer duo in the jewellery world.
Read MoreDiscovering bareMinerals
I suspect I’m not the only one suffering from being stuck in a major case of ‘the makeup rut’. Last week, I walked into Selfridges beauty hall a MAC girl through and through – not neccessarily due to brand loyalty, more laziness and lack of experimentation – but after a bit of pampering at the bareMinerals counter, I walked out a converted woman… The American makeup brand set up shop in the London department store 18 months ago and has since moved to a larger location with a brand new counter design – one that will be filtered through to all of the launches in 2010. I was more than happy to take a seat at the smart new stand and, as a bareMinerals virgin, listen to what this 33-year-old brand had to offer. bareMinerals is the original mineral makeup using crushed minerals from the earth. With no binding elements or chemicals, their products also have a natural SPF 15, anti inflammatory properties and are suitable for all types of skin. Looking at the products in their pots, it was difficult to imagine how this could all work. While waiting for my ‘make under’ (see what they did there) I wondered if the cosmetics would feel too dry or if they would even stay on my skin. After hearing that bareMinerals is the No.1 foundation in the USA however, I stopped doubting the magic of the mineral. This stuff had to be good. My bareMinerals introduction began with the Enhanced Get Started Kit which launches next January and contains all the face products you need (as well as a How-To DVD) to create that flawless coverage. bareMinerals makeup artist Rachel started me off with a primer before matching my skin tone to one of their 15 shades of foundation. I […]
Read MoreLuella’s prices plunge
The fashion world is still weeping over news that British designer Luella Bartley’s eponymous label has ceased trading, but in a bitter-sweet twist, there’s a way we can show our support that will please our wardrobes at the same time.
Read MoreHarvey Nichols SS10 press day
The S/S10 previews are out in full force, so last week we popped down to London’s luxury Harvey Nichols store to check out its new season offerings from a whole host of designers. Harvey Nichols‘ roster of designers is as strong as ever for the new season, as old and new faces take to the floor and embrace everything from bold brights and abstract prints to soft, neutral palettes and contemporary cool day pieces to gorgeously glamorous evening wear, giving the best edit of the very latest labels and trends. For this season, expect new collections from Alexander McQueen, Erdem, Jonathon Saunders, Celments Ribeiro, Jade ‘Jezebel’ Jagger, Henry Holland, Louise Goldin, Markus Lupfer, Preen, Lara Bohnic (with whom Harvey Nichols is stocking her first collection of shoes exclusively), and accessories from Quentin Mackay and Raven Kauffman among many, many others. With so much to look at, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite pieces… Nautical cardigan by Clements Ribeiro Abstract striped jersey tunic by Jonathon Saunders Puff ball gem dress by Alexander McQueen Cream lace dress by Erdem Grey suede chain wedges by Camilla Skovgaard Diamonte black satin stilettos by Alexander McQueen Black and gold studded bead dress by Sass & Bide Nautical sequin sweater by Markus Lupfer Silver leather punch hole top by Chrome Tonal dress by Peter Pilotto Patterned canvas tote by Marc Jacobs Black and blue sequinned bead dress by Cacherel (exclusive to Harvey Nichols) Metal beaded jacket by Willow Black case clutch by Raven Kauffman
Read MoreChristmas with Dior
We love this: John Galliano is embracing the festive spirit by designing a Christmas tree for Claridge’s.
Read MoreLuella stops selling
Oh no. Luella Bartley has revealed this morning that her Luella label has ceased trading.
Read MoreLady Gaga wears Orschel-Read
Celebrities are really embracing London’s young designers lately, aren’t they? We spotted Michelle Obama in Peter Pilotto, Cheryl Cole and Beyonce in David Koma, and now, Lady Gaga has made an appearance on German TV wearing Orschel-Read.
Read MoreGeorgia May Jagger for Versace
After rumours circulated this week as to whether Georgia May Jagger will model for Versace, it’s just been confirmed that the young model will be the face of the Italian fashion house’s S/S10 campaign.
Read MoreBeyonce wears David Koma
David Koma’s been the talk of the town this week after Cheryl Cole debuted his designs on Saturday night’s X Factor, and now tongues are set to wag even more: Beyonce has been spotted wearing the same dress.
Read MoreBuy a piece of Sir Philip Green’s brain
Ever wanted to rack Topshop tycoon Sir Philip Green’s brains , find out his cat’s name or what his Auntie Dorris likes for breakfast? Well now you can, thanks to an upcoming online charity auction.
Read MoreDon’t forget: win a competition with Wonderbra
There’s just over a week left to win our competition with Wonderbra , your chance for you and a friend to win an incredible Ultimate Strapless bra and VIP tickets to London’s Punk nightclub, complete with free food, drink, a Christmas catwalk show and styling tips from a top celebrity stylist. If you haven’t entered the competition yet (where have you been?!) you can enter here. Remember, this competition is for UK readers only and will close on Wednesday 11th November. Good luck, ladies!
Read MoretheOutnet brings Corso Como
Be still our beating hearts. theOutnet.com, the world’s most fashionable fashion outlet, is teaming up with Corso Como , the go-to shopping destination in Milan.
Read MoreOur Top 5 Most Stylish Laptop Bags!
The world of computer technology creates lots of problems. Computer viruses, expensive software, spontaneous shut downs and finding a laptop bag that doesn’t look like it came from an industrial warehouse in the 1980’s. Luckily a few designers have answered our prayers so that we no longer have to feel like an embarrassed teenager about our luggage on our commute to work…
Read MoreFive minutes with Olivia Rubin
It’s difficult not to feel overwhelmed after fashion month. All those shows, all those new clothes and all those new designers to choose from. But in London one woman has been quietly forging a name for herself, emerging slowly from under the radar to become a firm favourite with London-based fashion editors and the girls at Vogue. Olivia Rubin is a graduate of the infamous Central St Martins fashion school, the college that gave us Luella Bartley, Hussein Chalayan, Giles Deacon and John Galliano among many, many others. At 27, Rubin has already worked with Jaques Azagury and fellow Brits Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. Her own line hit our radar when she was shortlisted for the semi-final of Fashion Fringe 2007 and 2008 and has gathered a list of fashion savvy celebrity fans that most designers would kill for including Lily Allen and M.I.A. In past collections, Rubin has specialised in creating urban-inspired graphic prints on architectural shapes, which in other hands would be scary but in hers is soft and flattering – girly without the schmaltz. Her oversized brick print has become something of a signature, floating around the body on simple charcoal grey shifts, chiffon dresses and peach maxi dresses (the charcoal brick print shift has been on our wishlist for ages as has her brick embroidery print tunic). We managed to grab five minutes with Rubin to find out more about what drives her…
Read MoreLusting after The Mulberry Alexa!
Yes, we know, IT bags are so 2007. We’re not meant to want to splurge out on a must-have bag anymore – we’re supposed to go for discreet classics, or ‘stealth’ bags that look great but don’t shout too loudly or look too familiar. But there is one bag that had almost every fashion editor drooling at fashion week. And it’s certainly the first one that has ever made me contemplate joining a waiting list.
Read MoreTK Maxx exclusive womenswear store
Love TK Maxx? We’re partial to a bit of the designer discount store ourselves, so earlier this week we popped down to the preview launch of their new store in London, exclusively for women.
Read MoreGraeme Black for Hugo Boss
Scottish designer Graeme Black has been announced as new creative consultant for the formal section of Hugo Boss’ womenswear collection.
Read MoreAfternoon Tea with Lulu Guinness
Well, unfortunately Lulu Guinness was unable to attend last minute, but her lovely team put on a delicious spread for a number of us bloggers at the Met Bar in central London on Tuesday. In celebration of 25 years of Fashion Week and the release of her latest collection, Lulu Guinness invited her favourite bloggers for an evening of mingling, sipping tea and more importantly, eating lots of delicious Lulu-inspired cake. I sat with the very lovely Gemma of Retro chick and Rachel of Fur Coat no Knickers and it was great to be able to put a face to a name – something that doesn’t often happen in this little blogging bubble!
Read MoreMark Ronson to partner with Gucci
Mark Ronson is set to design trainers for Gucci. The record producer has teamed up with the Italian fashion house to create an exclusive range of footwear for its new pop-up trainer store.
Read MoreHow old is too old to wear a mini-skirt?
It’s not very often that you feel sorry for a woman like
Read MoreAnn-Sofie Back for Cheap Monday: Hot or not?
Ann-Sofie Back collaborated with the brand for their Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Back’s influence is clear to see. Her own girly goth vibe is weaved throughout the collection with rips, gashes and holes adorning both jumpers and jeans. The jeans ooze that “cool kid about town look. While the jumpers are a perfect choice for our very unpredictable English weather, allowing us to cover up stylishly. What makes this collection even more desirable is that the prices have stayed true to their name (literally)….. [Images]
Read MoreZandra Rhodes embarrassed but not hurt
Zandra Rhodes was left “embarrassed” but unhurt after she was involved in a car crash. The flamboyant British designer drove her vehicle into the front of a hardware store in San Diego earlier this week, but while she was left shaken she had no injuries. Her spokesperson said: “Zandra is fine. She panicked when the car went forward instead of reverse as she had intended. She is highly embarrassed by her mistake but is glad no one got seriously injured.”
Read MoreJustin Timberlake’s a fan of feminine clothing
The ‘SexyBack’ singer – who launched his
Read MoreFive minutes with Net-a-Porter Buying Director Holli Rogers
What does a typical working day for you consist of? My work is extremely varied and there’s no typical day at NET-A-PORTER.COM! I love this about my job and thrive on the buzz of never really knowing what the next day can bring. When I am travelling, I go from appointment to appointment and meet with existing brands and potential new ones, scouting out trends and new talent. When I am in London, I meet with the rest of the buying and retail teams as well as marketing, creative and editorial to plan for the season ahead. Most treasured item in your wardrobe? I know I always say this but I love my Rick Owens leather jackets , they go with everything in my wardrobe and I would be lost without them!
Read MoreElizabeth Taylor’s hat order
The Hollywood legend recently placed the order with royal milliner Philip Treacy, after she was impressed with his quick response to her fashion query. Treacy revealed: ‘Her assistant called me up asking for hair pin and I sent her a message back asking if she wanted a hat to go with it. It turns out that she did – she wanted lots of them!’ Taylor asked the hat creator to meet her at a London hotel so he could show off his designs – and while he picked hats for her to wear, the 81-year-old screen star entertained him with songs and cocktails. Treacy explained: ‘We spent two evenings at her suite at The Dorchester hotel fitting them, looking in the mirror. She even sang a song for us and ordered us cocktails. She doesn’t need an excuse to buy that many, she invented celebrity extravagance.’
Read MoreTop designer Frida Giannini
Frida Giannini was named Fashion Designer of the Year at last night’s Glamour Women of the Year Awards. The Italian fashion house’s creative director won the accolade at the ceremony at London’s Berkeley Square Gardens, where some of the world’s most glamorous women were in attendance. Kylie Minogue stole the show by winning Entrepreneur of the Year and Woman of the Year and looked stunning in a black simple dress and animal print pashmina. Samantha Cameron – wife of British Conservative party leader David Cameron – was named Accessory Designer of the Year and attended the event with her husband.
Read MoreVogue to the rescue!
The economic downturn has got us all in a bit of a mess. But never fear because Vogue are here to save the day and save the world. Ok, so that might be a slight exaggeration but it’s not far off. Vogue, the CFDA, NYC & Company and Mayor Bloomberg are calling on retailers around the world to open their shops up later on 10th September. The idea is that cities everywhere will host ‘Fashion’s Night Out’, and stores will open late, receptions and parties will be held all in the hope that the recession will get a good stiletto clad kicking.
Read MoreHalston hires Marios Schwab
So many names have been thrown about, over who would take the role as creative director of Halston ever since Marco Zanini left. Well, now the guessing is over, as Marios Schwab has been announced as Zanini’s successor and he will begin from 1st July. Schwab is a London-based designer and is of Austrian and Greek heritage. He studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, and launched his own label four years ago. His first collection for Halston will be make it’s debut next February during fashion week.
Read MoreChris Craymer brings Romance to Mulberry
London based photographer Chris Craymer is launching his new book ‘Romance’ and will be exhibiting his work in Mulberry stores across the world. The New York exhibition opened last week with a party that included a pink photo booth and vast quantities of chocolate kisses as well as a GB flag cake and a silent auction to raise money for the CFDA. The book is quirky and fun, and the images are gorgeous. Speaking about the ‘Romance’ Craymer said: “I wanted to find subjects that allowed me to make emotional images, not intellectual ones, I hope the book gave people a happy feeling because that’s what I like to feel when I look at people.
Read MoreMichelle Obama wears Basso & Brooke
Michelle Obama is a phenomena, she has managed to create her own look and pioneer young designers throwing them into design superstardom. And for her latest style outing the First Lady was seen wearing a British designer. Michelle wore a gorgeous
Read MoreBen de Lisi shuts down womenswear line
The famed London based American designer is probably best known over here as the bloke who helps out wannabe designers on Project Catwalk. But for those followers of fashion they will know him as the creator of many a red-carpet gown. But things are not all well in the Ben de Lisi camp. He did not show at fashion week and he’s now announced that from June his Elizabeth Street store and womenswear line will cease to trade. Speaking to Vogue.com he said he’s decided, “to take life a bit easier and concentrate on the very many other aspects of the Ben de Lisi brand. He stresses his excitement over this new venture, but doesn’t really explain the sudden change. De Lisi plans to focus on homewares and is working on a Grosvenor Estate in Mayfair, as well as bathroom and kitchen lines and of course furniture. He doesn’t mention the words recession or climate, but instead appears supremely positive: “I will be able to spend more time painting and sculpting as I am planning a one man show at a prestigious gallery in the west end in the autumn. He will also continue with his BDL line for Debenhams. It does mark the end of an era in a sense, but his home lines have tended to be more coherent than his ready-to-wear. Ben de Lisi we wish you all the best and look forward to seeing your new creations. [Source]
Read MoreDining with Gucci
Oh it has been such a week for high profile affairs, but none more so than the Gucci dinner held in honour of Frida Giannini at the Saatchi Gallery. The stars were out in force, with Claudia Schiffer, Roland Mouret, Emilia Fox, Tom Parker Bowles, Jessica de Rothschild, Jasmine Guinness, Erin O’Connor, VV Brown, Sophie Dahl and her beau Jamie Cullum, yes they were all there, amongst many more, including the brat pack, no prizes for guessing who I’m referring to.
Read MoreModel watch: Tosin Akeredolu
Based in both London and Cape Town, model Tosin Akeredolu has been on our radar for a while. With a gazelle like figure, it’s no surprise that her modelling c.v includes stints at Vivienne Westwood and Agent Provocateur. Frustrated by the under-representation of Black and ethnic models in the UK, the 6ft beauty bravely relocated to Cape Town where she’s been inundated with work. Currently with
Read MoreCause she’s worth it: Aniston spends £40,000 on her hair
Recession. Credit crunch. Sorry what? It seems certain A-listers aren’t bothered about such trivial issues. Take for example Jennifer Aniston. The actress hit the headlines not just because she was a picture of perfection in a strapless grey blue georgette Burberry gown at the UK premiere of her new movie with Owen Wilson, Marley & Me (she actually looked so good we could almost forgive her for churning out yet another soppy romantic comedy). No, Jen mainly has everyone talking due to recent reports by the
Read MoreYSL’s Edition Unisex is set for launch, but you’d better be quick
We mentioned the latest creation from the wonder that is Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent a couple of weeks ago. Edition Unisex harks back to the androgynous heyday of the legendary fashion brand. Having adapted the styles from the Spring/Summer 09 men’s collection to flatter a woman’s figure. It is a fabulous range; those blazers are stunning not to mention those great high waisted trousers. But if you want a piece of this soon to be iconic collection you’d better act fast. After New York Fashion Week the line hits London, then moves onto Milan, Paris and Hong Kong. This isn’t a collection that plans to hang around for long, this is strictly limited edition. In London the collection will be available to purchase only on, yes that’s ONLY ON: Friday 20th February and Saturday 21st February at the Yves Saint Laurent store on Old Bond Street. Then it’s bon voyage to the holy grail of collections. These items are true investment pieces, not only will you love them forever but they will become sought after in the future. If you have the money then definitely invest, if you don’t then drop by and drink in the wonder.
Read MoreFall in love with YSL this Valentine’s Day
Whether you have a special someone in your life or not, there is always a spot reserved for Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati. And this Valentine’s he is spreading the love, and you know what? Love costs nothing. If you value your status as a true fashionista you will be strutting your way to your local city streets this Saturday. 2,000 very lucky people will be given a free cotton bag, a heart shaped USB stick (that has lots of treats uploaded on it) and a copy of Pilati’s fashion Manifesto. So whether you’re in New York, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Hong Kong or London this week, make sure you’re there out on the street bright and early. The luscious goody bags will be handed out for free from 11am. So you’d better make sure that it’s you that gets the goodies and not some poor random that doesn’t have a clue and will probably throw it away or give it to his Gran. For London dwellers you need to be at Covent Garden, Bond Street, Knightsbridge or Kensington High Street to claim your bag of loveliness. Just think when you get into the office on Monday, all your loved up co-workers will be chucking out their dead flowers, whilst you slip you notepad out of your YSL tote and plug in your heart shape USB. Now, that’s true love, it lasts forever (or until it’s eaten by moths/you lose it). Isn’t Valentine’s looking so much lovelier now?! Check out YSL to see the Manifesto.
Read MoreTamara Mellon reveals her expansion plans for Jimmy Choo
Fabulous. That’s the word I would use to describe co-founder of Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon. Now, I know there are tons of other descriptive words probably more apt, but fabulous is enough for me. She’s a fabulous business woman, has a fabulous personality and dishes out fabulous pearls of wisdom. Yesterday evening I took a trip down to the London College of Fashion for The Sunday Times Style Lecture with Tamara Mellon. It was worth it.
Read MorePugh’s in good company
Gareth Pugh’s career has gone from strength to strength and he is now recognised the world over as a fashion force. It was only a matter of time before the fashion houses started to show interest in Pugh and his creations. This week Vogue reported that Delphine Arnault, the daughter of Bernard Arnault chairman of LVMH, had attended Pugh’s menswear show in Paris and exclaimed it as “amazing. LVMH is the ultimate fashion and luxury brand house, controlling designers such as Marc Jacobs and Fendi, to be part of this group is a straight route to success. And it has just been confirmed by Bernard Arnault that LVMH are financing Gareth Pugh’s shows. But why? They haven’t taken on Pugh as a brand in his own right; rumours suggest that he may be called upon to become the creative force behind one of LVMH’s luxury brands. So watch this space, for Pugh the sky’s the limit.
Read MorePamela Anderson & Vivienne Westwood: A dynamic duo
So we’ve lost count of the amount of celebrity advertising campaigns, we were wowed by Katie, deflated by Lindsay and envious of Victoria. But possibly the strangest pairing looks to be the best. We knew it was coming, but what to expect? Pamela Anderson isn’t the first person you think of when you hear Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 09 campaign. But you know what? It works. Shot in Pamela’s Malibu trailer by legendary photographer Juergen Teller and stars Pamela, the Grande Dame herself and her husband Andreas Kronthaler. It was always going to be tongue in cheek. Vivienne’s designs are all about sex and the feminine form, and who is better than the breathing blow up doll herself? But what do you think? Is it clever and stylish or tacky and try-hard?
Read MoreSex and the City: They’re back…again!
You would think a movie grossing £300 million worldwide would be enough for four women. But it would seem world domination twice in one lifetime is not nearly enough. After the success of the series and then the film, there is reportedly another movie on the way.
Read MoreShow your alliance to spring: Wear brights
I know it’s grey, I know it’s freezing, I know you’re still battling the post Xmas bulge and all you want to do is stay in bed. But I urge you to mend your ways, I am telling you to stop feeling sorry for yourself in your washed out greys. It is time to look to the future, to be optimistic; soon spring will be upon us and why not embrace it a little bit early.
Read MoreBreakfast with designer William Tempest…
Actress Emma Watson made the headlines last week. Why? Because of the gorgeous dress she wore to the L.A premiere of her new movie The Tales of Despereaux. And because she opted for an up-coming designer over the likes of Chanel or McQueen. The chosen one was of course designer quaint cafe in Bermondsey he mentioned the possibility that Emma would wear one of his exquisite designs. I for one am pleased William made it to the red carpet…take a look at his collection for
Read MorePartying in Style with Roisin Murphy
Hosted by two of the coolest cats in the styling business, Kabir and Leo Belicha, Roisin Murphy’s end of tour party boasted a celeb-packed guest list like no other.
Read More