Fashion agenda: Chanel Cruise collection, Cannes Film Festival

Many of the world's best dressed women will be flocking to France in the coming weeks, with Chanel's Cruise collection this year taking place at the Chteau de Versailles near Paris just a couple of days before the launch of the star-studded Cannes Film Festival, sponsored by luxury jewelry house Chopard. Read about this and other important upcoming fashion events here.Chanel Cruise collection
May 14
Chteau de Versailles, France
Along with the likes of Dior and Gucci, the Chanel Resort collection is one of the fashion world's most anticipated, with last year's show at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes on the French Riviera welcoming stars such as Vanessa Paradis, Blake Lively, and Rachel Bilson to see Karl Lagerfeld's nautical-influenced creations. This season looks set to be no different with the designer heading to the Chteau de Versailles near Paris. Expect water works too as the precise location is the Trois Fontaines Bosquet fountains.
http://www.chanel.com/
Cannes Film Festival
May 16-27
Cannes, France
This year's Cannes Film Festival looks set to be particularly stylish, as creator Jean-Paul Gaultier and actress/style icon Diane Kruger are both on the official jury headed up by Italian director Nanni Moretti. Labels including Gucci, Armani and Chopard - the event's official sponsor - will all be hosting soirees while one of the most glamorous events taking place during the festival is the annual Cinema Against AIDS charity black tie event, which attracts some of the biggest names from fashion, music, business, and international society. This year it is scheduled for May 24.
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html
20th Vienna Life Ball
May 19
Vienna, Austria
This year's Life Ball has the theme "Fight the Flames of Ignorance" and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this annual AIDS charity event this year will see a special anniversary fashion show. Organized by Vogue Italia magazine, some of the most extravagant Life Ball designs of years gone by, from creators such as Roberto Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood, will be showcased -- with top models including Alek Wek and Karolina Kurkova taking to the runway.
http://www.lifeball.org/?lang=en
Timeless Beauty
May 20-July 15
Shanghai, China
Following on from Italian luxury goods label Bvlgari's 125 Years of Italian Magnificence expo in Shanghai, luxury jewelry maison Van Cleef & Arpels will take its Timeless Beauty exhibition to the city's Museum of Contemporary Art. The house presents a guide to its legacy, showcasing some 370 pieces of jewelry, watches and accessories and celebrating more than 100 years of high-end jewels.
http://www.mocashanghai.org/index.php?_function=exhibition
2012 CFDA Fashion Awards
June 4
New York, USA
Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs will compete for the coveted Womenswear Designer of the Year Award at the prestigious annual ceremony, organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Hollywood actor Johnny Depp will receive the Fashion Icon Award this year due to his "personal and eclectic sense of style." This in fact signals the first time a male will receive the gong, which last year went to pop star Lady Gaga.
http://www.cfda.com/category/fashion-awards/




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Rihanna Leads the Troops at the "Battleship" Premiere

It was an exciting moment for Rihanna on Thursday, May 10, as she donned a sexy white gown and walked her first red carpet as an actress. Never one to do things small, the Barbadian native is about to take Hollywood by storm, leading the charge in "Battleship," the new blockbuster action flick based on the classic Hasbro board game of the same name. Budgeted at $200 million, the movie is Hasbro's latest attempt to turn their popular games and toys into movie franchises; in fact, the great success of "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe" led directly to the making of "Battleship."
The film tells the tale of an international flotilla of military ships at sea together for naval war exercises that suddenly encounter an alien fleet, one that attacks without warning. Rihanna plays an American naval petty officer assigned to the USS John Paul Jones, in the film directed by Peter Berg. He marshaled his acting troops into downtown Los Angeles for the massive premiere and after party at the Nokia Theatre, where screaming fans packed bleachers and hoped for a moment with Rihanna or her co-stars. Those included Liam Neeson, Brooklyn Decker, Hamish Linklater, Tadanobu Asano, Alexander Skarsgard and Taylor Kitsch, who commented earlier about accepting the leading-man role in the film.
"Pete Berg, he's the sole reason why I took it on," Kitsch said. "We go back to the "Friday Night Lights" days together," the television show that Berg produced and that launched Kitsch's career. The actor admitted that for a moment, neither one of them was sure they should test their relationship with such a massive cinematic project.
"We have an incredible friendship," Kitsch explained. "So that was a huge thing, are we willing to sacrifice that, or put that up and go to work? But we're both very demanding of ourselves, and on set we're demanding of each other. And that made it better because the trust is there."
Connie Britton, another friend from the "Friday Night Lights" years, joined the guys for the premiere and after party, which included Malin Akerman, Apollo Ohno, Crystal Allen, Kristin Bauer van Straten and Molly Sims.




Source:Fashion Wire Daily

Fashion Fringe 2012: Christopher Bailey selects next generation of visionaries'

Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey has announced the ten semi-finalists in the running for the coveted Fashion Fringe prize, whose previous winners have included Basso & Brooke, Erdem and most recently Fyodor Golan.The London-based emerging talent platform, this year chaired by Bailey, offers its eventual winner a two year-development package comprising financial support, business advice, mentoring and an equipped London studio.
This year's semi-finalists, who have all submitted sketches of their proposed collections, will be whittled down to three later this month, with the selected trio working on their capsule collections during the summer and unveiling them at this September's London Fashion Week.
"It has been truly inspiring to review the work of these incredibly bright and creative entrants - each and every one of them with such a strong expression and point of view," explained Bailey.
"I am so proud to be able to help nurture the next generation of visionaries who will be shaping the world of design in the future."
The Fashion Fringe 2012 nominees:
Cornel Bolt (Cornel Bolt)
Dobrowolski Af Rosenborg (Heta Dobrowolski & Caroline af Rosenborg)
Dejan (Dejan Agatonovic)
Fischer (Nadine Fischer)
Haizhen Wang (Haizhen Wang)
Miyoko Kamijo (Miyoko Kamijo)
Raffaele Ascione (Raffaele Ascione)
Shu Ting Wang (Shuting Wang)
Teija (Teija Eilola)
Vita Gottlieb (Vita Gottlieb)



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Get shopping: Fashion's Night Out going global

A mere four years since its launch, the annual Fashion's Night Out has announced further expansion for 2012, with all of the 19 territories that publish Vogue hosting the stylish shopping soiree.Dates for the next edition in the UK, US, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Russia, Mexico, Australia and Korea have been set for September 6, while some countries will also host events in multiple cities.
For example, British Vogue reports that in Italy there will be events in Milan, Rome, and Florence, while Germany will host events in both Berlin and Dsseldorf.
The extravaganza, which was spearheaded by US Vogue editor Anna Wintour to promote the retail industry, sees special limited-edition products, celebrity appearances, and top in store performances.
It always attracts big names -- the likes of Isabeli Fontana and Anja Rubik attended Vogue Paris editor Emmanuelle Alt's event in Paris last September and Gwyneth Paltrow co-hosted the Coach store opening on London's Bond Street for the UK edition.
More information can be found on the website http://fashionsnightout.com/, while international Vogue websites, Twitter and Facebook pages will be giving more updates nearer the time.
Fashion's Night Out dates for 2012
September 6: Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Russia, Mexico, Australia and Korea
September 7: China, India, Germany and Russia
September 8: Taiwan and Japan
September 10: Brazil
September 12: Brazil
September 13: Portugal, Italy, Turkey, The Netherlands and Mexico
September 18: Italy
September 20: Greece
September 25: Greece



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Historic 'Beau Sancy' gem for sale next week

Glittering atop a succession of royal crowns, the 35-carat "Beau Sancy" diamond has been witness to 400 years of European history.Now the jewel, passed down through the royalty of France, England, the Netherlands and Prussia, could leave its noble past behind when it is sold at auction in Geneva next week.
The gem is being auctioned at one of three multi-million dollar sales over as many days in the city, featuring the jewels of queens, film stars and billionaires alike.
"The Beau Sancy is one of the most fascinating and romantic gems ever to appear at auction," said David Bennett of sellers Sotheby's, who estimates its value at $2 million-$4 million (1.5 million-3 million euros).
"One client I showed it to was moved to tears by it," he said.
The pear-shaped diamond's royal connections date back to 1604 when it was bought for Henri IV of France at the insistence of his wife Marie de Medici who wore it atop her crown at her coronation.
Later that century it was acquired by the Dutch and used to seal the wedding of Willem II of Orange Nassau to Mary Stuart, daughter of Charles I of England.
Stuart pawned the rose-cut gem to finance her brother Charles II's fight for the throne.
In 1702 the first king of Prussia gave it pride of place in the new royal crown and it has passed through generations of the House of Prussia until today.
"We've sold much larger diamonds but it has this wonderful romantic history, an unparalleled royal history -- it has never been in non-royal hands," said Bennett.
The Beau Sancy will go under the hammer on May 15 as part of Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels" sale, also featuring a historic yellow diamond once the property of Charles Edward Stuart, one-time pretender to the thrones of Great Britain and Ireland.
More commonly known as "Bonnie Prince Charlie", his attempts to make the Stuarts regain the crown failed and following the Battle of Culloden in 1745 he went into exile in France and Italy, where he is thought to have offered the 7.3-carat gem to the Corsini family in gratitude of their support.
It has an estimated value of $300,000 to $500,000.
A collection of 70 jewels belonging to billionaire philanthropist Lily Safra is meanwhile expected to raise more than $20 million for charity when it is auctioned by Christie's on May 14.
Brazil-born Safra, 77, was married to the Jewish-Lebanese banker Edmond Safra who died in a blaze at his Monte-Carlo penthouse in 1999.
The Elton John AIDS foundation, a water treatment programme in Brazil and children's hospital in Israel are among 20 charitable institutes to benefit from the sale of the gems, many of them created specially for Safra by renowned Paris jeweller JAR.
A ruby-encrusted camelia brooch is expected to fetch up to$1.5 million and a pair of pear-shaped, 19-carat diamond earclips are worth an estimated $5 million.
On May 16, Christie's will host a "Sparkling Jewels" sale featuring a necklace set from the collection of Mexican screen actress Maria Felix (1914-2002) and a diamond once famously refused by Hollywood star and jewellery queen Elizabeth Taylor.
The 23.6-carat brown-orange coloured stone was offered to Taylor by Richard Burton in 1975 while the couple were in Africa, according to Christie's.
Taylor is said to have refused the gift, arguing that the money should rather be spent on building a hospital in Botswana.
The gem set into a ring is expected to fetch $600,000 to $800,000.



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Andam Fashion Award nominees revealed: who can follow in Vaccarello's footsteps?

Cdric Charlier and Thomas Tait are among the rising designers nominated for this year's prestigious Andam Fashion Award, with the Fall/Winter 2012 collections of all six nominees set to go on sale via thecorner.com this September.Past winners of the prestigious French fashion prize include Giles Deacon, Gareth Pugh and, most recently, Anthony Vaccarello.
This year's nominees include Cdric Charlier, winner of the Mot and Chandon Fashion Awards in 1999, champion of the 2010 inaugural Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize Thomas Tait, and Nicolas Andreas Taralis -- who worked with Heidi Slimane at Dior Homme before founding his own label in August 2003.
For this year, Andam is teaming up with online boutique thecorner.com, with the site set to have online exclusivity of all six nominees' Fall/Winter 2012 collections.
Fashionistas won't find out the winner until July 5, when the 24-member jury made up of experts including Vogue Paris editor in chief Emmanuelle Alt and Humberto Leon, co-founder of Opening Ceremony, reveal their choice.
The eventual winner will scoop 230,000 euros, two seasons' worth of mentoring from Pierre-Yves Roussel, chief executive officer of LVMH Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton's fashion division, and a donation of Swarovski Elements to the value of 10,000 euros to be used in their Spring-Summer 2013 collection.
Also worth noting are the nominees for the First Collections Award, worth 60,00 euros, reserved for French-based labels that are younger than three years old. Calla Haynes, Simon Jacquemus, Cline Mteil and Pice d'Anarchive are in the running for this gong.
The ANDAM Fashion Award finalists:
Cdric Charlier
Julien David
Vika Gazinskaya
Calla Haynes
Thomas Tait
Nicolas Andreas Taralis
The First Collections Award finalists:
Calla Haynes
Simon Jacquemus
Cline Mteil
Pice d'Anarchive



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Video: Mia Wasikowska goes Marie Antoinette in new Miu Miu video

Marie Antoinette is continuing to prove a source of fashion inspiration this season, with Australian actress Mia Wasikowska doing her best impression of the famed French queen in the latest Miu Miu video campaign.The technicolor pop art-influenced ad, which can be seen at http://youtu.be/WfSnGhgspeA, sees Wasikowska showcasing the Spring/Summer 2012 offerings of the Italian fashion house including an array of colorful oversized cameo accessories.
It comes hot on the heels of Dior's latest fashion film, "Secret Garden - Versailles", which sees models including Daria Strokus, Melissa Stasiuk and Xiao Wen Ju taking over France's Chteau de Versailles, where Antoinette of course once lived. See the full-length video at http://youtu.be/V6hKNZ4wX0o.
Meanwhile, expect Antoinette-style grandiose wigs and corseted gowns at Chanel's upcoming Croisire presentation at the castle on May 14.



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Rise of the yummy mummy: New site for stylish moms launches

As the US prepares for Mother's Day on May 13, a new digital platform for yummy mommies across the globe looking to share style tips launched May 9.Following the introduction of an iPad app back in November and a soft launch in mid-March, the new site Elizabethstreet.com acts as a network for on-trend mothers internationally.
Features on the site, which covers fashion, travel, activities, culture, philanthropy, and lifestyle, include interviews, video segments, and street style shots with notable stylish mothers including designers Cynthia Rowley and Dee Ocleppo.
The official launch also sees the introduction of a new "Little Pink Book," section, which acts as a worldwide directory for mothers seeking the best in shopping, restaurants, museums and outdoor parks in locations such as New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris.
The site comes just as the internet has seen the rise of a new breed of blog on both sides of the Atlantic from stylish mothers sharing the outfits they don to complete daily tasks such as the school run.
The UK's recently launched Suburban Style focuses on practical yet fashionable outfits, while US working mother site workingcloset.com offers an insight into remaining stylish amid a hectic lifestyle.
Meanwhile, at cocomamastyle.com, where new celebrity mothers including Beyonc Knowles are a source of inspiration, ladies can pose their fashion queries as well as sharing their "mama must-haves."



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Nicole Richie following in footsteps of top couturiers with Macy's collab

She's come a long way from her reality star days and now celebrity designer Nicole Richie is following in the footsteps of big name designers such as Giambattista Valli and Karl Lagerfeld by designing a range for US department store Macy's.Launching in 100 Macy's stores and on macys.com in September, Richie's limited edition collection will be the latest designer teamup to hit the retailer's contemporary fashion Impulse department.
It will include 1970s-influenced silhouettes and prints, with items including maxis, asymmetrical skirts, cropped tops and fitted jackets -- allowing shoppers to recreate the style icon's bohemian chic aesthetic at an affordable price ($49 -- $149).
"I am thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Macy's and create a collection that channels the individual artist in all of us," said Richie.
Thanks to her jewelry line House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate women's collection, Richie is one of a rare few celebs-turned designers, along with the likes of Victoria Beckham and the Olsen twins, to have been embraced by the fashion world. She is currently a mentor on NBC's design reality show Fashion Star.
Other designers to have previously teamed up with Macy's include Matthew Williamson and Kinder Aggugini.



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Schiaparelli relaunching, creative director guessing games begin

Following an announcement earlier this week that the Schiaparelli fashion house will reopen, fashionistas have begun to offer their opinions on who should be the new creative director -- with disgraced designer John Galliano one of the most talked about.News of the revival ties in with this week's launch of the Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations exhibit at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Ahead of Monday's celebratory Costume Institute Gala event, Italian fashion mogul Diego Della Valle, head of Tod's SpA group, announced he will relaunch the French fashion house, which has been closed since 1954. He purchased all of Schiaparelli's trademarks and archives back in 2006.
It is expected the new label will focus on accessories, makeup and some clothes.
"The idea with Schiaparelli is to propose the brand with all its modernity, and represent dreams, art and all the most sophisticated things we can do," Della Valle told WWD. "The heart of this project will be the Parisian maison in Place Vendme, in the original location where the first atelier was."
The label's new creative director won't be announced until September, and while many fashion experts have been linking former Dior head designer John Galliano to the role, W editor Stefeno Tonchi told nymag.com there are still many creatives in the running.
"There are a lot of designers that I think would do a great job," he said. "Very soon they will make the announcement, so I already know a little bit too much. But I thought that it could be fun to have John back doing it - as in, Galliano.
"But you know, that's too much of a risky proposition probably. At least for America. But I think he's really talented."
Meanwhile, it is known that French model and filmmaker Farida Khelfa will be the brand's spokesperson in a similar fashion to Ines de la Fressange fronting Della Valle's relaunch of French accessories label Roger Vivier back in 2002.



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Jimmy Choo launches street style blog

Jimmy Choo has teamed up with top fashion photographer Eddie Newton to launch new site Choo 24:7 Stylemakers, where both amateur snappers and professionals can upload their street style pictures.Responding to the growing interest in street style photography and the social aspect of sharing fashion via blogs such as Lookbook.nu, 24:7 Stylemakers invites visitors to submit images of themselves wearing Jimmy Choo shoes and accessories in a way that illustrates their personal style.
It has echoes of British label Burberry's successful The Art of the Trench site, which launched back in 2009, inviting photographers (including Scott Schuman of street style site The Sartorialist) and trench coat owners to submit images of the classic springtime staple being worn by everyday people with panache.
A selection of the best Choo pictures will appear at choo247.com, where they can also be shared via social networks including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Instagram pictures tagged "#choo247" will also feature.
There's a consumer element too, as visitors can click on a link to shop similar styles via the Jimmy Choo site.
Brand ambassadors for major international fashion destinations including Paris, Milan and Tokyo will be revealed within due course, while street style photographer Eddie Newton, of mrnewton.net has launched proceedings as the London ambassador.
See him capture Caroline Issa, the executive fashion director and publisher of Tank magazine, in aid of the project at http://youtu.be/Gu6eyd5mZGY.



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Met Museum glamour fest unites Prada, Schiaparelli

New York's Metropolitan Museum opened its latest homage to the ultra expensive, glamorous world of high fashion Tuesday with an "Impossible Conversations" exhibition of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada. The exhibit follows a star-studded opening gala on Monday that saw Hollywood starlets, top models, sporting champions and the extremely wealthy flock to the Met's Art Costume Institute.
Dozens of iconic outfits created by the two designers will be on show until August 19 against a backdrop of imaginary filmed conversations featuring the actual Prada and an actress, Judy Davis, in the role of Schiaparelli, who died in 1973.
In reality the two fashion greats never had a chance to meet, but for the exhibition they are imagined discussing their lives and careers. Both known as strong characters, their dialogue includes disagreements, notably over whether or not fashion is art.
"Four years ago we had received the Schiaparelli material and we wanted to use it," Harold Koda, the head curator, said.
"As Schiaparelli was already the reason for the show of the conversation, we just needed to find another designer. The first reason we selected Miuccia Prada was not only her influence and her engagement in the art scene, but also the fact that she was Italian and we thought having that common thing made it more elegant and symmetric."
Last year, the Met hosted a big retrospective of fashion designer Alexander McQueen's work.



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Johnny Depp's Dream Fulfilled at the "Dark Shadows" Premiere

The star wattage burned bright in Hollywood on Monday night, May 7, as Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Tim Burton rolled into town to premiere "Dark Shadows," their film homage to the 1970's vampire-infested television soap opera of the same name. As the three cinematic superstars gathered in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre for their red-carpet photo ops, fans screamed from across the barricades in delight.
The movie fulfills one of Depp's lifelong dreams, a desire the 48-year-old actor has had since he rushed home to watch the afternoon show as a child.
"I've wanted to play this role ever since I was a wee tyke," admitted Depp, who also produced the film, talking to reporters earlier at a press conference. "As a child, I certainly had a fascination with monsters and vampires. And I was a real fan of the show."
As was Pfeiffer, who made an out-of-character move in order to be a part of the project and called director Tim Burton to ask for the chance. After all, they had worked together 20 years before on "Batman Returns."
"I shamelessly called him!" Pfeiffer recalled during the press conference with a laugh. "It's just not done, and I didn't even know if there was a part for me. I just said, 'If theres anything I want to throw my hat in the ring.' Give me a job after 20 years!"
Burton did just that, casting Pfeiffer as the loopy matriarch of the Collins clan of vampires, and is thrilled with the result.
"It was weird, because it reminded me how much I love working with Michelle. It was like a long time ago but it just flooded back, because I never really watch my movies again. But it sort of flooded back, how impressed I remember being with Michelle. So, it was a real joy to get a call from Michelle and find out she was a closet 'Dark Shadows' fan."
Burton rounded out the cast with a bevy of gorgeous ladies who joined him at the premiere, including Eva Green, Chloe Grace Moretz and Bella Heathcote, a newcomer to the Hollywood scene. He added a few men, too, who also walked the red carpet, including Jonny Lee Miller, Jackie Earle Haley and rock star Alice Cooper.
Also on hand for the night's celebration was the film's composer Danny Elfman, as well as Cloris Leachman, Alexa Vega, Peter Fonda and Alison Lohman.




Source:Fashion Wire Daily

Fly the flag for British fashion in 2012

British designers including Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen have been getting into the spirit of the upcoming Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and London 2012 Olympic Games with an array of patriotic creations ranging from high fashion ball gowns to practical Wellington boots.Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, which takes place next month, Vivienne Westwood's Red Carpet Capsule Collection includes three classic corseted gowns inspired by the Union Jack flag and past gowns worn by the Queen.
Accessories wise, a host of slinky footwear options are available ranging from red, white and blue styles by designers including Rupert Sanderson, while those looking for something more practical should invest in Scottish-based brand Hunter Boot's Union Jack print Wellington boots -- ideal for the great British summertime.
Meanwhile, ladies wanting to stand out from the crowd should visit online shoe company Shoes of Prey, where they can create their own British flag-themed custom design.
Those looking for something more regal should visit the Pretty Ballerinas site, as they have created a specially made black suede slipper with Swarovski crystal embellishment inspired by HRH's crown in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Other labels embracing the Union Jack for this season include Alexander McQueen, which has gone patriotic with a gem-encrusted clutch, and jewelers Links of London and Monica Vinader with their special edition friendship bracelets for London 2012 and the Jubilee respectively.



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British style guide: Get the Alexa look

In honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee coming up next month, closely followed by the Olympic Games, Relaxnews offers a guide for fashionistas hoping to get in touch with their inner Brit.When emulating the London look there is no better source of inspiration than the British Fashion Council's recently appointed Young Style Ambassador Alexa Chung.
The 28-year-old model and television presenter, who was given the job of "championing London designers" by the BFC back in February, has also been named Britain's top style icon for two year's running at the British Fashion Awards -- and counts US Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld among her biggest fans.
Achieving the trademark Alexa look is primarily about accessorizing -- whether it be with a vintage doctor's bags, a colored satchel or of course her own namesake handbag, the "Alexa", which is available from Mulberry stores and online.
In terms of footwear, flats are always favored over heels, with ballet pumps, loafers and the mandatory brogue nearly always teamed with ankle socks or bare legs. For this season British high street favorites including Bertie, Topshop and River Island have an array of androgynous footwear styles on offer.
Hats are also essential to the Alexa aesthetic, and like her fellow Brit style icons such as Florence Welch and Kate Moss, a trilby always goes down well. Brands including Accessorize have a host of styles perfect for the summer, including straw and patterned motif varieties.
Always one to mix high street with designer when purchasing her wardrobe staples such as denim shorts, Peter Pan collar blouses and tuxedo jackets, Alexa champions some of the UK's biggest rising fashion talents including Mary Katrantzou, J.W. Anderson and Peter Pilotto.
To keep up to date with British fashion events visit http://www.britishfashioncouncil.com/.



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The Met Gala: Beyonc's dramatic arrival and Bruno Mars's performance

The Met Gala took place Monday night in New York to launch the opening of The Metropolitan Museum's new exhibition Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations. Bruno Mars's performance and Beyonc's entrance were among highlights noted on Twitter.Marc Jacobs showed up in a lace dress, Coco Rocha came in a vintage Givenchy pantsuit that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor and Lana Del Rey, sporting her well-practised pout, was told by E!Online to "cheer up." But Beyonc got the most tweets for her showstopping arrival in a Givenchy gown. Bruno Mars's performance was called everything from "way fun" by Rachel Zoe to "ethereal and electric" by Desiree Gruber.



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'India's Galliano' says it's all about the product

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian designers are famous for their elaborate embroideries and rich textiles but have yet to come up with products to woo the world's fashion hotspots in the West, says Manish Arora, the international face of India's fashion industry.
Known for his colorful and psychedelic designs, Arora is the only Indian who is a regular at the Paris Fashion Week, and boasts of celebrity clients such as singers Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.
Demand for Indian couture has surged in the Middle East and East Asia in recent years, but the geographically and culturally distant West remains a largely unexplored frontier.
Many designers say they just need exposure to carve out a market in places like Europe and the United States, but Arora disagrees.
"I don't think it's like that (exposure). It's the product which matters at the end of the day," Arora, who just launched his Spring/Summer 2012 collection in India after showcasing it in Paris, told Reuters in an interview.
"If your product is ready for the international market, then it will be there."
While flowing dresses with intricate draping and heavy embroidery mastered over centuries in India may suit rich buyers in Dubai and Riyadh, they remain novelty items in Paris and London, where the avant-garde is celebrated.
Arora, who is often described in the media as India's "John Galliano" for his innovative and bold cuts, said his originality is what earned him recognition in Europe.
"I guess what people like about my work is that I have a very strong individual style. That's what works for me," said the designer, whose overseas clients account for around 70 percent of his sales.
The New Delhi-based designer is stocked in 75 stores worldwide with a majority in Europe. The price of his Spring/Summer collection ranges from 8,000 to 75,000 rupees ($151 to $1418.)
Arora's creations are combinations of intricate Indian craftsmanship and futuristic designs which are sometimes described as "bizarre' or "theatrical," earning him fans like Lady Gaga.
"I don't do anything specific to dress celebrities up. Katy Perry, she noticed my work herself through shows ... and Lady Gaga or Rihanna, their stylists are always looking at everybody's work and I guess I match very well with their personality," he said.
Arora, who was appointed as creative director of French fashion house Paco Rabanne in February 2011, said he had left the label after completing his one-year contract.
"I'm finished. It was just for a year," he said.
Arora's international success apart, a majority of Indian designers still sell around 80 percent of their products at home, where couture is still primarily a bridal wear market catering to the big, showy Indian wedding.
This means that the fashion industry is still relatively small, estimated to pull in around 7.5 billion rupees ($166 million) in 2012, according to a 2008 report by business body ASSOCHAM.
Despite the economic and cultural hype surrounding India in recent years, Arora said the country's designers have yet to properly cash in.
His advice? Be original.
"To each his own. Everyone has their own individual style and it depends on them," he said.
(Editing by Tony Tharakan and Elaine Lies)


Source:Reuters

Cannes film festival party time: A guide to the glitziest galas from the biggest labels

All of the glamorous galas taking place during the Cannes Film Festival are almost as eagerly anticipated as the movie premieres and prizes, and for 2012 Armani is the latest house to announce its involvement, by supporting charities including Sean Penn's Haitian Relief Organization.The Italian fashion house will present a gala evening May 18 in support of Sean Penn's J/P HRO (Haitian Relief Organization); Paul Haggis's Artists for Peace and Justice; and Petra Nemcova's Happy Hearts Fund and their work in Haiti since its devastating 2010 earthquake.
"It is an honor to be a part of Sean's remarkable life of service by joining his humanitarian efforts for the people of Haiti. For this to come to fruition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival marks a career milestone for me, and demonstrates what happens when you work with Sean, a world-class force of nature," said Giorgio Armani.
Other fashion houses involved in this year's Cannes Festival, which features French creator Jean Paul Gaultier on the judging panel, include Gucci -- which will be hosting a dinner and party at the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes May 19. The party is in honor of the May 18 premiere of a new version of Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America. The Italian fashion label has teamed with Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation for the restoration of the cinematic classic.
"We are pleased to be able to bring this particular film back to Cannes almost 30 years after its premiere there - only now, at long last and for the first time, restored to its complete length and glory as Leone originally intended," said Gucci creative director Frida Giannini.
Also, one of the most glamorous events taking place during the festival is the annual Cinema Against AIDS charity black tie event, which attracts some of the biggest names from fashion, music, business, and international society and will this year take place May 24 at the Eden Roc hotel.
Meanwhile, Cannes Film Festival official sponsor Chopard will host the annual Trophe Chopard May 17, which celebrates the talent of two rising actors each year. This will be followed by a party in the Chopard lounge at the Hotel Martinez. The label has also planned a "mystery" evening held in partnership with American producer Harvey Weinstein for May 21, with everyone including the guests finding out the location until the last minute.
To find out more about Cannes visit http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html



Source:AFP Relax News

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Not invited to the Met Ball? Live the red carpet experience via Twitter

As well as being streamed live for the first time, the 2012 Costume Institute gala is particularly savvy when it comes to social media this year, and fashionsistas can get involved in the May 7 event via initiatives including a Twitter Q&A session with the stars as they hit the red carpet.Amazon.com, vogue.com and metmuseum.org will be live-streaming the red carpet action from 18:30 to 20:30 EST, while reporter William Norwich and model Elettra Wiedemann will be hosting live coverage, interviewing the likes of Carey Mulligan, Miuccia Prada, and Anna Wintour.
If you want to get involved be sure to follow @williamnorwich, @ElettraW, @voguemagazine and @metmuseum, and submit questions using the hashtag #metquestions.
Top designers invite "dates" to the gala, i.e. a model/celebrity that they will dress for the night. For the upcoming edition, Joseph Altuzarra has revealed singer Lana Del Rey as his guest, while Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez are set to take Australian actress Isabel Lucas.
Fashion fans can expect Prada and Miu Miu creations to dominate the red carpet though, since the subject of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute this year will be Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, putting the spotlight on Italian creators Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.
More unusually, Donna Karan has chosen cartoon supermodel Polly Bean as one of her Met Ball guests. Created by cartoonist Neil Kerber, the model appears in British satirical publication Private Eye, and also has a blog on Vogue.co.uk. Karan will create a custom-made gown to be sketched on by her creator Neil Kerber ahead of the event. Keep up to date via @pollybean1.



Source:AFP Relax News

Cannes film festival: Preview the Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2012

The Cannes Film Festival is just around the corner, and to celebrate its 15th year as the event's official sponsor, luxury jewelry house Chopard has made sure its Red Carpet Collection 2012 is one to remember, with designs ranging from classic old Hollywood to extravagant and colorful creations.Standout fine jewels in this year's 65-piece Red Carpet Collection comprise a range of cascading diamond necklaces including a floral-inspired variety set with over 1,100 diamonds, pink sapphires, and rubies, while more playful creations include an apple-shaped ring.
Designed to be worn in Cannes, color is key to the collection, which features rubies, emeralds, padparadscha sapphires, tanzanite, kunzite, and diamonds. According to Chopard co-president and creative director Caroline Scheufele, diamonds are an "indispensable ally for women on the red carpet," and her "favorite stone".
The extravagant jewels on display during Cannes are always a major highlight for fashionistas, with the likes of jury member Diane Kruger and Brnice Bejo, Mistress of Ceremonies for 2012, among this year's most eagerly anticipated stars poised to grace the red carpet.



Source:AFP Relax News

Fashion agenda: Met Ball, Barcelona Bridal Week

Fashion fans should prepare for some serious outfit envy as May 7 signals the first-ever live streaming of the annual Costume Institute Gala, also known as the "fashion industry Oscars" thanks to the extravagant red carpet creations its A-list guests can be seen in. More extravagant gowns can be seen later in the month at the 20th Vienna Life Ball, which is hosting a special anniversary fashion show. Read about this and other important upcoming fashion events here.
Met Ball (the Costume Institute Gala)
May 7
New York, USA
This annual ball celebrates the Metropolitan Museum of Art's fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute and is dubbed the fashion industry's Oscars thanks to the extravagant red carpet creations guests wear for their arrival. This year for the first time fans will be able to see the stars arrive from 6:30pm to 8:30pm EST via a live stream on Amazon.com, vogue.com and metmuseum.org. The gala precedes the opening of the Costume Institute's expo Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion, which will run May 10 to August 19.
http://www.metmuseum.org
Barcelona Bridal Week
May 8-13
Barcelona, Spain
Following on from New York's recent bridal shows, the 22nd edition of Europe's most prestigious bridal fair, Barcelona Bridal Week, launches May 8, welcoming over 230 brands from across the globe in the realms of bridal, groom, ceremonial wear and even communion attire. Newcomers for this edition include Carlo Pignatelli, Hannibal Laguna, Zuhair Wall, ZM Woman, Joana Montez and Patricia de Melo.
http://www.moda-barcelona.com/en/index.asp
Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
May 10 - August 19
New York, USA
With film director Baz Luhrmann acting as creative consultant, New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art pays tribute to Italian designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, exhibiting about 80 designs by Schiaparelli from the 1920s-1950s and by Prada from the 1980s to the present day, drawn mainly from The Costume Institute's collection and the Prada archive. Last year's Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty expo there attracted over 600,000 visitors.
http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2012/impossible-conversations
Chanel Cruise collection
May 14
Chteau de Versailles, France
Along with the likes of Dior and Gucci, the Chanel Resort collection is one of the fashion world's most anticipated, with last year's show at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes on the French Riviera welcoming stars such as Vanessa Paradis, Blake Lively, and Rachel Bilson to see Karl Lagerfeld's nautical-influenced creations. This season looks set to be no different with reports the designer will head to the Chteau de Versailles near Paris.
http://www.chanel.com/
Cannes Film Festival
May 16-27
Cannes, France
This year's Cannes Film Festival looks set to be particularly stylish, as creator Jean-Paul Gaultier and actress/style icon Diane Kruger are both on the official jury headed up by Italian director Nanni Moretti. Meanwhile, the event's sponsor Chopard has designed a one-off creation to be worn by one mystery celebrity -- whose identity will be unveiled May 16. One of the most glamorous events taking place during the festival is the annual Cinema Against AIDS charity black tie event, which attracts some of the biggest names from fashion, music, business, and international society. This year it is scheduled for May 24.
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html
20th Vienna Life Ball
May 19
Vienna, Austria
This year's Life Ball has the theme "Fight the Flames of Ignorance" and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this annual AIDS charity event this year will see a special anniversary fashion show. Organized by Vogue Italia magazine, some of the most extravagant Life Ball designs of years gone by, from creators such as Roberto Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood, will be showcased -- with top models including Alek Wek and Karolina Kurkova taking to the runway.
http://www.lifeball.org/?lang=en







Source:AFP Relax News

Paco Rabanne drops art director Arora by 'mutual' accord

Fashion house Paco Rabanne, which launched a women's ready-to-wear line last year, has dismissed its artistic director, Manish Arora of India, by a "mutual agreement," it said Friday."We are most grateful to Manish for the work accomplished and the energy that he displayed all along this project," it said in a statement.
"The strong media impact of the past two seasons has enabled Paco Rabanne to partake with strength in the universe of contemporary fashion," it added, without explaining why Arora was leaving.
Arora, who has his own line of apparel in an array of psychedelic colours and snappy prints, presented a critically acclaimed collection for Paco Rabanne in March.
His first creations for the Paris-based Spanish fashion house, unveiled in September last year in its first show since 2006, featured exaggerated shoulders and hips reminiscent of Thierry Mugler's silhouettes of the 1980s.
Arora, a Bombay native who lives in New Delhi, said in the statement: "Revisiting the Paco Rabanne fashion was a very enriching experience and an exceptional artistic and human adventure."
He added: "I am, today, happy to have accomplished the mission I was trusted with in order to cast this iconic brand back into the spotlight."



Source:AFP Relax News

Bogart sues Burberry over 'Casablanca' photo

The estate of Humphrey Bogart is suing British-based clothes company Burberry over use of the Hollywood icon's name in what it said was an advertising campaign.But Burberry has filed a countersuit, insisting it did not breach Bogart's rights by using a photo of Bogart wearing one of its trenchcoats in the movie "Casablanca," and seeking damages from the actor's estate.
Both companies filed their legal action in the United States on Wednesday, a couple of weeks after the estate raised the issue with the classic English clothing company.
The Bogart Estate filed its action in Los Angeles, saying Burberry used the trench coat picture from the final scene of Oscar-winning 1942 classic "Casablanca," on Twitter and Facebook, without its permission.
"Just as Burberry needed to obtain (Harry Potter actress) Emma Watson's consent before using her name and image to promote Burberry's brand and products, it needed to obtain permission from the Bogart Estate to use Humphrey Bogart's name," said lawyer Michael O. Crain.
"Burberry's business hinges on respect for its own intellectual property rights, so it is quite surprising to see that it apparently has so little respect for the clear rights of others."
But Burberry counter-sued in New York, saying the photo was licensed from photo agency Corbis for editorial use. It said Burberry first contacted it about the issue on April 10.
Burberry said the image was used in the context of a historic "timeline" of the British company, used on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, showing the development of its "culture, products and people" over the decades.
"Burberry's use of this photo and description were intended to reflect on the long history, significance and influence of Burberry fashion in society," said the Burberry lawsuit, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.
"Burberry's use of the image... was not directly connected to the sale of any merchandise, but rather was a historical positioning of the image within an educational project along with numerous other photographs..."
Stephen Bogart, son of the Hollywood legend, was not convinced, saying: "This is such an incredibly disappointing and disrespectful action by Burberry.
"Apparently they believe a shoe company can advertise the fact that Brad Pitt wore its brand while jogging down the street, or a beverage company can claim George Clooney drank its product in one of his movies -- all without even asking, much less obtaining, the actors' permission.
"Wouldn't that be a nice, clever way to get Hollywood icons to endorse or advertise products without paying compensation or, more importantly, obtaining permission?
He added: "What's next, a cigarette company can start an advertising program claiming Bogie smoked its brand, and there's nothing our family can do about it?"
Bogart, who also starred in films including 1941's "The Maltese Falcon" and 1951's "The African Queen," died in 1957 aged 57.



Source:AFP Relax News

Vogue slaps worldwide ban on under-16 models

The editors of all 19 editions of Vogue around the world pledged Thursday to use only healthy models no younger than 16 on their editorial pages in an attempt to shift fashion's approach to body image.Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue's flagship US edition, and Emmanuelle Alt of Paris Vogue, which touched off a furor in 2010 with a photo spread featuring a 10-year-old girl, are among the editors who agreed to the pact.
"Vogue believes that good health is beautiful," said Jonathan Newhouse, chairman of Conde Nast International and a scion of the New York publishing family that privately owns the world's most influential fashion title.
"Vogue editors around the world want the magazines to reflect their commitment to the health of the models who appear on the pages and the well-being of their readers," he said in a statement.
The editors said that in a six-point pact to appear in their respective June issues, they would pledge not to knowingly work with models under the age of 16 or with those "who appear to have an eating disorder."
"We will work with models who, in our view, are healthy and help us to promote a healthy body image," they said.
The editors will also instruct modeling agencies not to send them underage models, require casting directors to check models' ID prior to photo shoots and encourage "healthy backstage working conditions," including food options.
Fashion designers, meanwhile, will be encouraged -- though not obliged -- to "consider the consequences of unrealistically small sample (dress) sizes... which encourages the use of extremely thin models."
"We will be ambassadors for the message of healthy body image," the editors' pact concludes.
In an email to AFP, a Conde Nast spokeswoman said the initiative was being "implemented locally as is appropriate in each market by the individual editions."
The Model Alliance, launched by New York-based fashion models in February to campaign for better working conditions, said it welcomed Vogue's "impressive lead" and hoped other magazines would follow suit.
"The use of underaged models is linked to financial exploitation, eating disorders, interrupted schooling, and contributes to models' overall lack of empowerment in the workplace," it said in a statement.
"We simply believe that 14 is too young to be working in this very grown-up industry, and we're glad that Conde Nast International is making this commitment."
In a recent survey of 241 New York-based models posted on its website (www.modelalliance.org), the Model Alliance found that 54.7 percent had started working between the ages of 13 to 16.
Sixty-four percent said they'd been asked by their agencies to lose weight.
"Eating disorders are not uncommon," according to the survey. "Models report that drug use in the workplace is rampant. And more than two-thirds of models say they suffer from anxiety or depression."



Source:AFP Relax News

Supermodel Evangelista: French billionaire wanted abortion

NEW YORK (Reuters) - When supermodel Linda Evangelista told French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault in 2006 she was pregnant with his child, he asked her to get an abortion, her attorney charged Thursday on the first day of a child-support trial in Manhattan.
Pinault, 49, who is currently married to actress Salma Hayek, denied that charge but testified he told Evangelista that "if she were to have a child (they) might not have a relationship."
With that a four-month relationship, in which he said the couple only actually saw each other seven days, came to an end.
"I didn't even know her very much," Pinault said during an acrimonious afternoon hearing.
The case drew widespread attention last year after it was reported Evangelista was seeking as much as $46,000 a month in child support.
Her attorney William Beslow said that figure was inaccurate, while acknowledging that the unspecified sum she would be seeking is "substantial."
Beslow contends Pinault is worth more than $3 billion. Pinault's attorney, David Aronson, calculated that Evangelista's annual income averaged $1.8 million for the four years leading up to her filing for support in 2010.
"Is Mr. Pinault a comfortable person of substantial means?" Aronson asked in opening arguments. "The answer is yes. But Ms. Evangelista is also a person of substantial means."
Evangelista, 46, gave birth to a son, Augustin, now 5, and supported him for the first several years of his life. She decided to take Pinault to court after private child-support negotiations failed and her multi-year contract as a spokesmodel for L'Oreal Paris cosmetics ended in 2010, Beslow said.
One of the modeling world's most recognizable faces, Evangelista arrived about 15 minutes late to court wearing a black skirt, a floral-patterned blouse, beige stiletto pumps and a grim expression. She barely glanced at Pinault as the trial got underway.
During opening arguments, both lawyers sought to portray their clients as victims of each other's public relations smear campaigns.
Pinault testified he first received a child support request from Evangelista in 2007.
"I asked, 'What do you have in mind?', he said. "I received a demand. It was not reasonable, I made a counterproposal."
He said the next time he heard from Evangelista was 2010, when she filed the support case.
Augustin is Evangelista's only child. Pinault has two children from a previous marriage, and a third child by Hayek.
The trial is expected to last several days, after which a surrogate judge will decide on the amount of child support due to Evangelista. Either side may appeal that ruling to a family court judge.
(Editing by Paul Thomasch and Xavier Briand)


Source:Reuters

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Viral video: Ashton Kutcher impersonates Karl Lagerfeld

Two and a Half Men star Ashton Kutcher spoofs Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld trying his hand at online dating in a new comedy web video series.The video, which can be seen at http://youtu.be/SjLbkEq7Xto, sees Kutcher portray a character called Darl, who dresses in signature Lagerfeld attire and sports a white ponytail and dark sunglasses.
The impersonation isn't completely accurate though, as Darl's pet is a tiny Chihuahua called Poo-poo instead of a kitten named Choupette.
The comic web series, which is promoting the snacks Popchips, sees the Hollywood actor take on a variety of different personas for the joke dating site worldwidelovers.com.
Lagerfeld was the subject of another story earlier this week, as British style icon Alexa Chung took to her Twitter to reveal she had a "strange (sexy) Karl Lagerfeld dream" -- although the tweet was deleted shortly afterwards.



Source:AFP Relax News

Watch: Dior takes over Versailles for Secret Garden video

France's Chteau de Versailles is continuing its moment in the fashion spotlight, with the latest Dior video seeing the famous castle transformed into a secret garden.Just last month it was reported Chanel will host its annual Croisire presentation at the Chteau de Versailles on May 14, and now the prestigious location, which is situated near Paris, provides the setting for a dreamlike fashion video by Dior.
The short film, which can be seen at http://youtu.be/0vmjmkNRLgk, was shot by Dutch fashion photography duo Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, known for their work with labels including Gucci, Chlo and Balenciaga. It features music by Depeche Mode.
The fantastical video stars models Melissa Stasiuk, Xiao Wen Ju and Daria Strokous -- with the Strokous exploring the castle's deserted Galerie des Glaces.
Dior has a long history with the Chteau de Versailles, with former creative director John Galliano using the venue to host Dior's 60th anniversary couture show back in 2007.



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Anna Dello Russo designs playful accessories collection for H&M

After its recent team-ups with big name labels including Marni and Versace, H&M is taking a different direction with its latest collaboration by joining forces with global style icon Anna Dello Russo.The fashion director at large and creative consultant for Vogue Japan is a fashion week favorite, regularly appearing on best-dressed lists thanks to her extravagant sartorial choices. Her H&M accessories line will hit some 140 stores worldwide and online October 4, comprising jewelry, sunglasses, shoes, bags and a trolley.
"I wanted to create precious accessories that are impossible to find. As a stylist I know accessorization is essential: it is the personal touch to any outfit. With these pieces everybody can have fun, turning an ordinary day into a fantastic fashion day," said Dello Russo.
Other eccentric style icons such as Iris Apfel and Daphne Guinness have also been charming the fashion world recently -- Jimmy Choo famously designed a tribute stiletto to the former earlier this year, while there has also been a string of blogger/designer team-ups.
Dello Russo is pleased to play such a key role in the increasing significance of the style icon.
"I am excited by this collaboration: this is the first time H&M involves a Fashion Director in a special project. This is the sign of an important evolution in fashion, and I am both thrilled and humbled to be the one chosen to lead it," she enthused.



Source:AFP Relax News

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'The Face': Naomi Campbell launching new reality show

Following in the footsteps of fellow supermodel Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell has announced she will "discover the next beautiful face of the modeling world" thanks to a new reality show.Scheduled to hit television screens in 2013, The Face will air on America's Oxygen network, with the 41-year-old British model coaching a group of unknown models as they embark on photo shoots, runway shows and commercials before the eventual winner becomes The Face of a major brand.
"I am looking forward to working in partnership with Oxygen and Shine America to discover the next beautiful face of the modeling world," explained Campbell in a release.
"With The Face the audience will get a real insider's look at this exciting industry that has been so good to me."
Campbell will be one of three model judges, with the remaining two yet to be revealed. Perhaps fellow 1990s supers Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigova or Helena Christensen could join -- Christensen has already helped discover fashion faces of the future via the Crystallized Swarovski Unsigned Model Search.
Interestingly, Oxygen also airs the hugely successful America's Next Top Model series, which is fronted by Banks and now in its 18th season. Since its launch in 2003 there have been versions across the globe, with some of the most famous hosts including Elle Macpherson for Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model and Heidi Klum on the German edition.



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Middleton sisters' favorite Temperley announces high street collab

Pippa Middleton's favorite designer Alice Temperley has announced a high street collaboration with British store John Lewis, with the 60-piece collection to launch online and in stores this September.UK model Lily Donaldson will model the line, named Somerset by Alice Temperley, which will comprise Temperley's trademark Victoriana and Bohemian accents.
Temperley, the woman behind the slinky green gown Middleton wore to sister the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding in April last year, already has a diffusion line called Alice by Temperley.
According to the British designer, who took home the Designer of the Year gong at the 2011 Hollywood Style Awards last November, the new collaboration complements her brand perfectly.
"We have spent the last ten years building our lines and Somerset will complement our existing collections; it is a very accessible product that will take our aesthetic to a wider audience," said the designer.
"I wanted it to be very much a collection of essentials and to design a collection that would provide a feminine and functional wardrobe for women in their everyday life."
The collection will hit John Lewis stores September 4, as well as going for sale on the shop's website -- which ships internationally. A second phase devoted mainly to party wear will be launching in early October.
Temperley is the latest Middleton sisters' favorite to collaborate on a more affordable range. Earlier this year Jenny Packham, who regularly dresses Duchess Catherine for red carpet affairs, announced a capsule line with UK department store Debenhams.



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Heading bikini shopping? Scientific study proves stresses of changing room

A study published by Australian psychologist Marika Tiggemann in the May issue of the journal Sex Roles will provide food for thought for women about to embark on the dreaded summer swimsuit trip.The research was conducted at Flinders University in South Australia, with Tiggemann and her colleagues asking 102 female undergraduates to imagine four different scenarios: wearing a bathing suit in a dressing room, wearing a bathing suit while walking on a beach, wearing jeans and a sweater in a dressing room and wearing jeans and a sweater while walking on a beach.
They then had to fill out questionnaires about their moods, feelings about their bodies, and feelings about self-objectification, i.e. worrying about their looks and feeling shame about their bodies.
Unsurprisingly, the jeans caused less stress than the bikini, but more interestingly, the report shows the women were less stressed about hitting the beach scantily clad than they were about the actual process of trying on swimwear in a shop, suggesting a) that women are their own worst critics and b) the changing room environment should be avoided.
"The physical presence of observers is clearly not necessary" to bring on feelings of stress, explains the report.
"More particularly, the dressing room of a clothing store contains a number of potentially objectifying features: (often several) mirrors, bright lighting, and the virtual demand that women engage in close evaluation of their body in evaluating how the clothes appear and fit."
Tiggemanns advice, via LiveScience, is that women should avoid mirrors and comparisons with others -- so put down that copy of the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and head to one of the many mail order sites that accept returned swimwear such as Net-a-porter or Figleaves.



Source:AFP Relax News

Finnish fashion wins at Hyres

The top fashion design prize of the 27th Hyres International Fashion Festival, held in the south of France (April 27-30), was awarded Sunday to a trio of Finnish designers: Elina Laitinen, Siiri Raasakka and Tiia Siren. After the ten finalist designers presented their collections in a runway show, the international jury, headed by Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto, chose to single out the menswear collection from the young Finnish team for its use of color and futuristic styling.The festival provided the opportunity for ten upcoming designers to present their collections to professionals from the fashion industry as well as to members of the public.
While the most prestigious prize of the festival, worth 15,000, was handed out to the three young Finnish designers, Canadian designer Steven Tai won the inaugural Chlo prize (also worth 15,000) for his womenswear collection, while Ragne Kikas of Estonia took the Premire Vision prize (worth 10,000) and the public vote for his womenswear collection.
The Hyres International Fashion and Photography Festival is an occasion for rising talents in these two areas to present their work and has in the past awarded designers such as Viktor & Rolf and Felipe Oliveira Baptista.



Source:AFP Relax News

Uniqlo T-shirt collection celebrates 25 years of 'Metal Gear'

Japanese brand Uniqlo is expanding its collection of UT T-shirts with a line dedicated to the video game Metal Gear, which is marking its 25th anniversary this year. The T-shirts hit shelves in Japan in April and are rolling out to 11 international markets in the first weeks of May.An hommage to the games quarter-century mark, Uniqlos special collection features the colors and designs of the game, with 14 different options, three of which are exclusive to the brand's new flagship store in Tokyos Ginza district.
Konami Digital Entertainment's Metal Gear rang in its anniversary with the release of Metal Gear Solid: HD Collection, which includes three games in the series.
The T-shirts are selling for 19.90 euros a piece.
http://www.uniqlo.com



Source:AFP Relax News

HBO's 'Veep' Looked to White House for Style Inspiration

Credit: HBO.
When it came to dressing the first lady of HBO's " Veep," the beaming, bumbling Selina Meyers, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, only one woman in Washington proved stylish enough to serve as inspiration: Michelle Obama.
"Michelle Obama, she doesn't look like a suited woman," Ernesto Martinez, "Veep's" lead costume designer, told ABCNews.com. "She feels pretty. She likes dresses and heels and she's not afraid to wear them. We went for that."
Even Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, formerly the paragon of White House style, didn't enter into the picture. "Julia really, really liked Michelle," Martinez said. "She is a great fan of the Obamas. I felt we should do Selina's version of what Michelle would wear."
While Selina's political affiliation isn't revealed in the new HBO show - though her predilection for cursing, hissing, and jamming her foot firmly in her mouth is known around the Beltway - her well fitted skirts and penchant for crimson call to mind 2008's would-be veep, Sarah Palin. Although Martinez called Palin's style metamorphosis during that campaign "truly remarkable," he said Louis-Dreyfus "didn't want to look anything like that."
"We used a lot of designer pieces," he said, citing Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada. Selina's signature accessory: A strand of Mikimoto pearls. Jeans and fleeces need not apply.
"There are a lot of points in the series where she's accused of being a diva and being disconnected from the people," Martinez said. And unlike actual elected officials, no one will take pains to show Selina's thrifty side.
"She really is disconnected," Martinez laughed. "She likes clothes and she likes parties."
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Source:Good Morning America

Showgirl glamour at Louboutin's London shoe show

A giant 3D hologram of a burlesque dancer greeted footwear-lovers Monday at a playful London exhibition marking 20 years since celebrated French shoemaker Christian Louboutin first set up shop. The exhibition at London's Design Museum features dozens of the Frenchman's creations, many of them displayed on a 17-metre (56-foot) version of the famous scarlet sole that features every Louboutin shoe.
Lashings of glitter, ruffles and feathers reflect Louboutin's life-long fascination with showgirls, as does an enormous hologram of a glittering stiletto that turns into the sashaying image of burlesque star Dita von Teese.
"I was brought up in a very feminine environment," Louboutin told a press conference to launch the 10-week exhibition. "I had three sisters, I had a father who was barely there."
As a result, the 49-year-old said, he grew up with "the biggest love and the biggest respect for women".
But he admitted that his famously towering heels were not designed with comfort in mind.
"I am concerned by comfort and I know that it is important," said Louboutin, clad in a simple brown and red checked jacket.
"But I do not wish to have that evoked in my designs. The idea of someone saying 'Oh my God, how comfortable it looks...'" He shudders.
But recalling how Parisian showgirl friends would stuff their shoes with veal carpaccio to make them more comfortable, he conceded that "to suffer to be beautiful doesn't work".
"It doesn't give you a nice smile," he said. "The aim with his stilettos is to make them "as comfortable as possible for that kind of shoe".
The discomfort does not put off a host of celebrity fans including actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham, fashion designer and wife of English football star David Beckham.
The exhibition takes visitors through the design process, from sketches to prototypes to the factory floor.
Louboutin's witty designs, some of which are displayed with magnifying glasses to allow closer examination, include shoes featuring miniature Marie Antoinette-style wigs, and stilettos made entirely from plastic googly eyes.
A mock-up of his Paris workshop, complete with scattered shoes and sketches, features the trapeze from which he occasionally likes to dangle.
Another section highlights travel-inspired designs, including fur-lined platforms named after the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator and a pair of stilettos in Chinese silk.
Nell Trotter, a Louboutin communications manager, told AFP the brand was gaining a growing following in China since opening a branch in Beijing last year.
"We're extremely popular in China, particularly since red is such a lucky colour over there," she said.
Louboutin is involved in a bitter legal wrangle with rival Yves Saint Laurent after the brand launched its own series with red soles.
The company launched a million-dollar suit against YSL in April last year claiming copyright infringement, but a New York court ruled in August that YSL could use the soles. Louboutin has appealed against the ruling.



Source:AFP Relax News