While the world may be obsessed with everything Kate Middleton – her wardrobe in particular – Kensington Palace has decided to celebrate Diana, the original people’s Princess, by agreeing to house five of her most iconic dresses in the new year.
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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 Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, has topped the British Harper’s Bazaar Best Dressed List 2011, pipping Florence Welch and Kate Moss to the post for the coveted title.
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Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the 100 Women in Hedge Funds gala at London’s St James’s Palace. The event supported the Child Bereavement Charity and the royal guests of honour helped to raise over £675,000 for the extremely worthwhile cause.
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Gorgeous English model Florence Brudenell-Bruce is the face and body of the brand new Aspinal of London ad campaigns for autumn/winter 2011, showcasing some fine British talent in more ways than one.
Read MoreAnother week, another boot in a glossy magazine’s metaphorical behind. This time, weekly glossy, Grazia, were reminded of the harrowing effects of promoting digitally altered images. The Press Complaints Association confirmed the magazine admitted to altering an image of Kate Middleton for their 9 May royal edition which made her appear slimmer, but the Bauer Media-owned magazine provided a host of reasons for their ill-received technical work. Claiming that in order to place Kate on the cover, they had to crop out her husband (poor Wills, sidelined yet again), as there were no lone images of Kate from the big day –ultimately contributing to the waist slimming. A touch of tech-wizardry and a few crops and click later, Kate’s waist in the image appears unnaturally shrunken. For a woman so admired, but not immune to digs about her ‘straight’ physique and dismal efforts to accentuate her nonexistent waist in tightly clung Issa creations, Grazia’s digital blunder must have been a beating to the soul. But Kate isn’t alone. Another Kate received the ‘slim fast’ treatment back in 2003 when, curve celebrating Kate Winslet had her legs digitally lengthened and slimmed for a GQ shoot. More recently, L’Oréal were slammed for their use of highly airbrushed images featuring actress Julia Roberts and model Christy Turlington to promote foundation creams, resulting in the adverts being banned. Although the cover is over three months old, it’s pretty obvious Kate Middleton hasn’t totally heeded to Grazia’s retouching gaffe and suddenly started sporting a corseted, Dita Von Tees-esque waistline. I do hope she doesn’t bow to any negative pressure if an episode such as this is repeated again in the future. Although glowing, her face appeared slimmer on the wedding day which hinted towards a disciplined, pre-wedding diet, but the real panic will set when […]
Read MoreBefore you read the title and assume the royal marriage is now defunct, read on. Kate is still very much married to Britain’s most eligible bachelor and she still has to curtsey before the woman with a penchant for pastels and lady like handbags: Queenie. But the woman: our future- squeakily clean and perfect dimple sporting – queen has recently come into the spotlight for matters other than her immaculate Reiss and Whistles ensembles. Simultaneous firing from the fashion gentry, criticising Kate’s elevated style status, overindulged eyeliner and ‘thrifty’ trait has been interesting. See, in fashion, it is believed some people have the ‘right’ to comment and reflect, while others should silence their opinions for lack of a Vogue subscription. In my opinion: Kate Middleton is good at being as normal as they get. ‘They’ being the girls, who shop in local supermarkets, wear the same dress on more than one occasion and even agree to wear silly hats to match their husbands – who in Kate’s case just happens to be a prince. That’s all. If anything, there is a heightened need for Kate to maintain normality when reflecting on the haunting past of her late mother-in-law. In an interview with Sunday Times magazine, fashion veteran Vivienne Westwood spoke of her disagreement with Kate’s heavily kohl-rimmed eyes. This followed on from the comments made by Dutch design duo, Viktor & Rolf, who pleaded with Kate to de-kohl in order to let her natural beauty shine though. A fair criticism, considering there have been times I have seen images of Kate with her eye makeup looking stark in comparison to her rosy complexion, but you have to applaud her confidence for going DIY with the makeup brushes – even on her wedding day! But it isn’t so much Kate’s makeup […]
Read MoreOnce again we have an inventory placing who’s-who in the land of the style-privileged on a pedestal for their wardrobe choices. Vanity Fair released a preview of the 72nd International Best Dressed list yesterday, and we’re loyally championing our stylish British ambassadors! The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, naturally made it onto the list after wooing fashion critics so far this year with her strategic outfit recycling and a fervent appreciation for the high street – not to mention the mammoth praise she received for her choice of wedding dress designer. She first appeared on the list in 2008, but this is her debut entry as a royal. She’s got fashion conscious women fascinated and makes us envious when parading those never-ending pins in yet another Reiss dress. But one thing does strike me slightly: although she’s been hovering in the royal limelight for some time prior to her wedding to Wills, her meteoric rise to ‘style icon’ figure (a term often loosely used) has been rapid – 4 months to be precise – and makes me ask the question: is she really a seasoned style veteran, yet? Others Brits appearing on the list included the notably beautiful and sartorially sound Tilda Swinton, alongside An Education star, Carey Mulligan, both making their second appearance on the style roll call. Veering towards the stars and stripes, I have to declare my admiration for Janelle Monáe – another style maven who made it into the Fashion Originals category alongside Gaga– and her androgynous obsession, listing the tuxedo as her favoured fashion form. Flying the flag high for Britain, Oscar winner Colin Firth and Formula 1 superstar Jenson Button – both dapper suit enthusiasts – clocked up recognition in the Men’s International Best Dressed category. There is, however, a certain individual I was […]
Read MoreIn a bid to hopefully boost their internet sales, American Apparel have teamed up with online heavy-weight, eBay.
Read More‘Tis the season to get wed – royally, at that. After April 29th’s grand affair and fashion’s royalty getting wed on Friday, Charlene Wittstock became a Princess this weekend when she married Prince Albert II of Monaco, wearing Giorgio Armani Privé.
Read MoreToday would have marked the late Princess Diana of Wale’s 50th birthday, and while the nation – and the world over – still mourn the loss of such a remarkable woman, her memory will undoubtedly live on forever.
Read MoreThere’s no denying the female population’s heightened obsession with wedding trivia and ‘trying to fit into Vera Wang’ syndrome post April 29. It’s as if we manufactured the ultimate wedding dream overnight and woke up on 30th April making wedding planner appointments.
Read MoreWhen Kate Winsor, née Middleton, stepped out at the Queen’s birthday celebrations last weekend, all eyes were on her. Wearing a mix of designer and high street, she dazzled in Alexander McQueen and Zara and caused a fashion frenzy in the process, as per.
Read MoreIt seems David Beckham is following in the fashion-forward footsteps of his designer wife, Victoria Beckham, as the footballing legend plans to launch his debut fashion collection of men’s bodywear.
Read MoreLike you didn’t know already, the 2012 Olympics are coming to London next year, and since we’re all feeling a little patriotic right now, there’s something you should know.
Read MoreAs we predicted, Kate Middleton’s L.K Bennett wedges (the ones she wore before and after the wedding), are set to be reissued in June this year, in what has got to be the largest band wagon running. So if you haven’t already got her blue Issa dress, Reiss’s Nannette dress or her engagement blouse, perhaps you can get these. Originally called Greta, the British brand is re-launching the black patent espadrille wedges under a new name – The Kate – which is a little tacky whichever way you look at it. Still, at least their price will remain the same (£150), unlike a certain Whistles blouse. Apparently ‘The Kate’ already has a waiting list, or so says the Daily Mail, so if you were hoping to get your paws on them, you’d better join now. Frankly, we can think of better wedges to spend £150 on, but we can’t deny The Kate Effect. Will you be putting your name down?
Read MoreNowness.com is the online offspring behind luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, showcasing exclusive daily premieres of the most inspiring stories influencing contemporary arts and global lifestyle, and the latest designer genius to take the website’s centre stage is none other than the late and great, Alexander McQueen.
Read MoreDespite her Duchess of Cambridge title, Kate Middleton’s a self-confessed bargain hunter. Sure, she might wear designer labels like Issa and Temperley, but she’s also a sucker for the high street. Favouring classic stores like Reiss, Whistles and LK Bennett alongside more fashion forward options like Zara and Warehouse – where she shopped for her honeymoon a few weeks ago – Kate’s style is something us ordinary folk can totally relate to. How much of an impact, then, does she have on the sales of her favourite stores and pieces? Let’s do a little digging. When Kate wore her off-white Nannette wrap dress from Reiss in her official engagement photos, the retailer rushed to reissue its AW09 dress just one month later, such was the hysteria surrounding the style. Naturally, it sold out again almost immediately. Similarly, when Kate wore her Whistles blouse for her engagement photos – y’know, the other ones – the store re-released it at £30 more than it was originally priced in 2008, only for it to sell out in record time. But Kate’s style doesn’t just impact on the pieces she owns and wears – it impacts on any piece remotely similar to something she’s worn. Take her Burberry trench coat, for example. The princess stepped out rocking one of the British label’s iconic cover-ups in the rain back in February this year, and women the world over went crazy to get their hands on a similar design. George at Asda reported its online sales of classic camel macs to rise by 300% following Kate’s appearance – and that’s just a supermarket store. So what are we saying? If you’re a high street store and Kate wears you, you’re sorted. Sometimes it pays to be a princess.
Read MoreYou’ve seen Kate Middleton’s wedding dress – from every angle – by now, but the Duchess of Cambridge gets two custom-made dresses, don’t you know, and yes, this one’s by McQueen too. For round two at the Buckingham Palace reception, Kate wore a white silk gazar evening dress designed by Sarah Burton with a full circle skirt and a sparkling diamante-embroidered waistband, where she joined her 300 guests for dinner and dancing – a right royal knees up, in other words. Much like her highly-praised wedding dress, Kate’s second look was understated but elegant, combining classic cuts with a modern simplicity that suited both her sense of style and her role as a new royal. And, proving that even princesses aren’t an exception to the cold, she accessorised with a fluffy angora shrug for evening’s events, letting her half-up hair down in the process for a classic curled ‘do (we hear she used secret extensions to keep her hair bouncy in the breeze – see how to get her beauty look here). Doesn’t she make the perfect princess?
Read MoreWe’ve got to hand it to Sarah Burton, that’s one hell of a poker face. After being rumoured as the favourite to design Kate Middleton’s wedding dress for the best part of two months – a sentiment she strongly denied, the devil – Burton finally confirmed she was the designer of the highly anticipated dress when she was spotted entering the Goring Hotel, where the bridal party was staying, on Friday morning. And now that the world has seen her Chantilly lace and silk gazar creation, Sarah Burton has finally opened up about what it was like to design the dress of a lifetime. “It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. It was such an incredible honour to be asked, and I am so proud of what we and the Alexander McQueen team have created,” she said in a statement. “I am delighted that the dress represents the best of British craftsmanship. Alexander McQueen’s designs are all about bringing contrasts together to create startling and beautiful clothes and I hope that by marrying traditional fabrics and lacework, with a modern structure and design we have created a beautiful dress for Catherine on her wedding day. The last few months have been very exciting and an incredible experience for my team and I as we have worked closely with Catherine to create this dress under conditions of the strictest secrecy.” She goes on to explain why the house of McQueen repeatedly denied it had any involvement in the dress: “Understandably, Catherine has been very keen to keep the details of her dress a secret, which is every bride’s prerogative, and we gave an undertaking to keep our role confidential until the day […]
Read MoreIt’s Easter (well, almost)! And that means there’s lovely long weekend ahead of us. Luckily, thanks to Prince Wills and Kate, we’ve got another one coming next weekend, too, and we reckon it’s high time to pack our bags and head off on a last minute getaway. If you’re heading afar too, we’ve compiled a packing guide of the essentials every girl needs on her exodus to make sure you travel in style this spring. Whether you’re jetting off on a city break, escaping to the country or hitting up a seaside sojourn, we’ve picked three hot holiday outfits that’ll have you looking chic wherever you wonder. See below for our spring break packing guide – it’s time to get gorgeous! City break Equipment coral silk blouse, £209, available at my-wardrobe.com. BUY NOW!; blue flippy skirt, £26, available at Topshop. BUY NOW!; Retrosun vintage Dior sunglasses, £150, available at my-wardrobe.com. BUY NOW!; KG by Kurt Geiger Heidi platform, £120, available at Kurt Geiger. BUY NOW!; Hampton tote, £180, available at Jaeger. BUY NOW! Country escape Reiss Venus sweatshirt, £120, available at Reiss. BUY NOW!; pleat front short, £160, available at Jaeger. BUY NOW!; tan suede peep-toe wedge, £68, available at Urban Outfitters. BUY NOW!; Mulberry oak camera bag, £638, available at my-wardrobe. BUY NOW!; black rounded sunglasses, £18, available at Topshop. BUY NOW! Beach-side soujourn Boutique rainbow print sleeveless dress, £160, available at Jaeger. BUY NOW!; Balenciaga multi-strap sandals, £545, available at mytheresa. BUY NOW!; Abbey Den denim jacket, £42, available at Topshop. BUY NOW!; Allier duffle bag, £225, available at Reiss. BUY NOW!; tortoiseshell curved sunglasses, £18, available at Topshop. BUY NOW!
Read MoreIf you’re a fan of Kate Middleton’s style and you clamber to get your claws on her outfits every time she steps out, you need to scoot over to Warehouse. The bride-to-be was spotted shopping at the high street store along King’s Road in London yesterday, apparently snapping up pieces for her honeymoon (maybe she’s as sick of the wedding dress rumours as the rest of us). And here’s what she bought: A lace trim blouse, £55; a feather print one shoulder dress, £45; a tropical bird print dress, £65; and a bright bandeau frill dress, £45 (all pictured above). The location of the royal couple’s honeymoon still remains a secret, but we’re guessing they’re off somewhere tropically sunny, if her purchases are anything to go by. Also, kudos where it’s due, it’s refreshing to see Kate with something other than dresses a middle aged woman might wear. Now go shop before they sell out!
Read MoreThe sun is shining and the sky is blue, so with occasion season upon us, it’s high time incorporate some flowery fun into our accessories box – and Jaeger has provided us with the epitome of gorgeous, girly headwear. Remember when you were little and you proudly sported your sparkly alice band on the playground to impress that boy you had a crush on? Well now you can impress the fashionistas instead with your on-trend feather headband. The powdery tones of this pretty headpiece will complement any outfit while the striking oversized feather flower takes centre stage, making this headband a must for all spring parties, evening occasions and weddings (royal or not). Best of all, the flower won’t wilt, unlike our daisy chain headbands we made in the park. Better pick up this headband quick before the clouds appear (again). Jaeger feather flower headband, £75 available at Jaeger. BUY NOW!
Read MoreIt looks as though our future Queen of England isn’t in everyone’s fashionable good books – after being hailed as the style icon to watch by the industry, it seems Kate Middleton has a skeptic amongst the high-class fash pack.
Read MoreAs we battle the post-holiday blues and prepare for what the new year has in store, we’re still reliving what last year had to offer – and in fashion, there were enough dramatic twists and turns to keep us on the edge of our sartorial seat all year long. From Alexander McQueen’s tragic death in February to the frenzy following William and Kate’s royal engagement in November, take a look at the highlights and lowlights that have made the most memorable fashion moments of 2010. Lee Alexander McQueen Following the designers death in February, the fashion world came together to mourn the loss of one of the world’s greatest design talents with a special memorial service at September’s London Fashion Week. His last collection was unveiled without him at a private show just one month after his death – shortly after, Sarah Burton was named as his successor, and unveiled her first solo collection at Paris Fashion Week. Celebrating his life and work, McQueen was last month honoured posthumously with the Outstanding Achievement Award at 2010’s British Fashion Awards. Naomi Campbell She’s had her fair share of controversy, what with being accused of attacking her New York driver – for which she didn’t face charges – and being sued by her former agent for perjury, but Namoi Campbell has had her ups too. Her Fashion for Relief catwalk show reunited the fashion greats for a worthy cause and went down as a storming success, Dolce & Gabbana payed special homage to her at Fashion’s Night Out, and the super picked up the Special Recognition Award at the BFA’s to boot. Fashion’s Night Out (and In) Fashion’s Night Out proved more successful in its second year than it did the first, persuading even the biggest names in fashion to get involved […]
Read MoreSpeculation about who will design Kate Middleton’s wedding dress has been mounting ever since the royal engagement was announced two weeks ago, but today there’s a new twist in the tales – according to rumours, it seems the Queen-to-be may have chosen her designer already.
Read MoreWell what do you know, it seems London may be about to get the royal touch as Elizabeth Emanuel, who designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress with her then-husband David, gets set set to make a comeback at September’s London Fashion Week.
Read MoreIt was the dress that earned her the title of ‘Daring Di’, and the dress that subsequently sent her soaring in the style stakes. Now, the dress designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel for Princess Diana is going under the hammer. When the young Princess, then 19, officially stepped out for the first time since her engagement to Prince Charles in a low-cut black taffeta gown, a fashion fascination was born – and seemingly, it still lives on today. “The transformation was incredible,” Elizabeth Emanual told the Daily Mail. “She arrived [to try it on] looking like the nursery school teacher she was, but now she looked like a movie star. ‘We hadn’t considered the fact that when Diana bent over – as she would have to do when getting out of the car – she would show quite a lot of cleavage. We just thought she looked fabulous.” The Emanuel-designed dress will be going up for auction in June alongside plenty more of the Princess’s iconic ensembles, including a chiffon blouse she wore to her engagement portrait, original sketches of her wedding dress and its final calico toile – and the 30 lots are expected to make quite the six-figure sum. The auction will take place at La Galleria in London’s Pall Mall on June 8 – bids at the ready if you’re a royal fashion fan. [Images]
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