UK Fasion Now: March 2012

Toms’ New Vision

ANTHROPOLOGICAL footwear brand Toms is extending its charitable work by launching an eyewear category, and is promising to help give sight to a person in need with every pair sold. The label was first launched in 2006 when its founder Blake Mycoskie decided that with every pair of its espadrilles sold, the company would give away a pair of shoes to a child in need. The company has since collaborated with the Olsen twins, who wanted to support its One for One ethos.

"Everything we do starts with the need," Mycoskie told us. "In 2006, when I was in Argentina, I saw many children without shoes, with cuts and scrapes on their feet. I also learned that many of them couldn't go to school since shoes were a requirement. That's where I had the idea to create a sustainable way to provide these children with shoes. It was similar with eye care. I came across another need that I wanted to address - sight. And now with Toms Eyewear, we are able to address this need through medical treatment, prescription glasses, and sight-saving surgery."

The collection features three styles, each featuring three hand-painted stripes that allude to the deeper purpose of the offering and all of which are available exclusively at Selfridges. With each pair of sunglasses bought, Toms will donate money to the Seva Foundation which has been implementing sustainable blindness prevention and sight restoration programs for over 30 years.

"The first stripe on the temples represents the purchaser," explained Mycoskie. "The stripe on the tips represents the person to whom sight is being saved or restored. And the middle stripe is Toms, bringing the two together."

ELLA ALEXANDER 22 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/jewellery/news/2012/03/22/toms-eyewear---sunglasses-from-footwear-brand

Luxury H&M

H&M is rumoured to be launching its first luxury brand. Rumours emerged after Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri reported that the high street chain is working on a new project, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
"We are constantly looking at new ideas; it's a natural part of our work. However, there is nothing new that we can [talk] about for the moment," H&M spokeswoman Charlotta Nemlin told WWD.

The brand has dabbled in the luxury market before, teaming up with labels including Lanvin, Versace and Marni, as well as launching its sustainable red carpet range - entitled the Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection - which will land in stores on April 12. Michelle Williams has already shown her support for the line, wearing one of its monochrome floor-length gowns to the BAFTAs in February this year. H&M also operates the higher price point high street label Cos.

ELLA ALEXANDER 27 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/27/hm-to-launch-own-luxury-label

Johnny And Me

KATE MOSS says that Johnny Depp was quite the gentleman when they dated in 1997, recalling how he used to insist that she always stayed with him at his grand hotel in Paris - rather than her own less glamorous city flat.

"When I was with Johnny Depp, he always stayed at the Ritz," said Moss. "I had an apartment in Paris at the time, but he said, 'No, we're staying at the Ritz,' so he came by and swept me up to the Ritz - he didn't want to slum it in my apartment!"
Talking in the April issue of US Vogue, as part of a feature and photoshoot dedicated to the glamour of the Ritz Paris, the supermodel highlighted one of her favourite parts of the hotel - its cocktails.

"I drink the French 76: vodka, sugar, lemon juice topped up with champagne; it's the best drink ever, but it only tastes like that in the Hemingway Bar," she said. "Colin [Field, Ritz Paris' head bartender] made it for my wedding. It doesn't taste at all strong - and then, whoa, whoops-a-daisy!"

ELLA ALEXANDER 21 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/21/kate-moss-talks-johnny-depp

LILY SAFRA PRIVATE COLLECTION Quite A Collection

CHRISTIE'S is gearing up for the auction of a private jewellery collection with an estimated worth of over $20 million (£12.6 million approx.), including the largest private collection of creations by revered jeweller Joel Arthur Rosenthal (JAR) ever to be offered at auction. All proceeds will be donated to charities including Elton John's AIDS Foundation.

Featuring 70 lots, the collection of Mrs Lily Safra features important diamonds, rubies and sapphires, fine antique and period jewellery - as well as 18 pieces by JAR, created specifically for Mrs Safra between the Eighties and Noughties.

"When it includes the largest group of creations by JAR ever to be offered at auction, it is bound to create a sensation," said François Curiel, international head of the Christie's jewellery department. "And when the entire proceeds of the sale are to be shared between 20 hand-picked charitable institutions in the four corners of the world, this landmark sale rises to a whole new level. Only a connoisseur with an eye as refined as that of Mrs Lily Safra could have collected such an ensemble of jewels, and only someone with her philanthropic conviction could have expressed such powerful support to worthwhile causes in all charitable fields."

The auction will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on Monday May 14.

LISA NIVEN 21 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/jewellery/news/2012/03/21/lily-safra-jar-jewellery-auction-at-christies

Gruau's Man

IT'S men only for the Fashion Illustration Gallery's latest exhibition, The Gruau Man, in association with Paul Smith No.9 Albemarle Street.

"It seemed like the perfect synergy," said William Ling - owner of FIG - of the menswear meeting of minds in which rarely seen works, spanning a 16-year-period from 1956 to 1972, are on show until April 21 at the Paul Smith store. The showcase features covers of the magazine Sir: Men's International Fashion Journal and International Textiles magazine.
"They really are exquisite and we're talking about a time before we had Photoshop," said Ling, pointing out the collage nature of the felt tip pen creations depicting a confident and self-assured man who knows that you're looking at him - and, in fact, he wants you to.

Italian-born René Gruau was most known for his elegant and vivid fashion illustrations and was a favourite among the haute couture world. During his career he collaborated with the likes of Givenchy, Balenciaga, Lanvin and Dior and has been internationally exhibited at the Paris Musée du Costume. He died in 2004, aged 95.
Paul Smith, No. 9 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BL.

JESSICA BUMPUS 21 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/21/rene-gruau-exhibition

Secret Baby Boom

ADRIANA LIMA confirmed yesterday that she is expecting her second child with her Serbian basketball player husband Marko Jaric.

SEE ADRIANA FOR VICTORIA'S SECRET
"Big news everyone!" the model Tweeted. "Marko and I are so happy to share some wonderful news with all of you! #ImPregnant."

SEE THE SUPERMODELS' MATERNITY STYLE
Lima, who married Jaric in 2009, already has a daughter, Valentina, who is two. Her fellow Victoria's Secret Angels Lily Aldridge and Alessandra Ambrosio both confirmed they were expecting in January this year.

"The entire family is very excited, especially Valentina," Lima told People. "She keeps blowing kisses to my belly and saying, 'Kisses for the baby.'"

LAUREN MILLIGAN 21 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/21/adriana-lima-pregnant---victorias-secret-angel-baby

Show Scents

FOR spring/summer 2012 designers turned to Jo Malone to scent their show spaces, but for autumn/winter 2012-13 the likes of Victoria Beckham and Christopher Kane opted for the olfactory creations of Diptyque.

THE 10 FRAGRANCES TO WEAR THIS SUMMER

Kane chose the delicate Feuille de Lavande fragrance to contrast with the tough femininity of his collection, whilst Osman contrasted warm Feu de Bois with bittersweet Choisya to complement the opulent brocade and rich palette of his autumn/winter 2012-13 offering.

Meanwhile Victoria Beckham - who last year scented her show venue with Jo Malone's zesty Lime Basil & Mandarin and Grapefruit candles - this time opted for Diptyque's heady Figuier Verte, whilst Antonio Berardi favoured the woody Opoponax.

Lisa Niven 2 hours ago|| March 19, 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2012/03/19/diptyque-fragrances-victoria-beckham-and-christopher-kane-shows

Jewellery Meets Theatre

JEWELLER Diane Kordas has designed two bracelets and a necklace to coincide with a one-off night of theatre starring Thandie Newton, Rosario Dawson, Meera Syal and Trudie Styler and written by The Vagina Monologues author Eve Ensler, who will also perform.

The simple string bracelets each feature a gold or silver diamond-encrusted Venus symbol charm, whilst the chain necklace features a pendant of the same design. All proceeds will go to charity Women for Women International, as well as the V-Day and Domestic Violence Intervention Project to aid women and girls affected by war, rape and violence.

The jewellery collection coincides with the theatre production of A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer, a new collection of monologues from Ensler. The performance will take place at the Lyric Theatre on March 26, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the same three charities.

The jewellery is available to purchase from www.hubculture.com, whilst tickets for the performance are on sale at www.nimaxtheatres.com or on 0844 482 9674.

LISA NIVEN 14 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/jewellery/news/2012/03/14/a-memory-a-monologue-a-rant-and-a-prayer---jewellery

Autumn 2012 Hair Trends

NOW that the autumn/winter 2012-13 shows have drawn to a close, it's time to take stock of the season's new hair trends.

SEE THE SEASON'S HAIR LOOKS IN OUR BACKSTAGE GALLERY

There were fringes at Marni and Versace, windswept up-dos at Rodarte and Vera Wang and side partings just about everywhere, whilst styles were accessorised with pretty hairbands at Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana and Clements Ribeiro.

Some of spring/summer 2012's hairstyles were back for the new season too, with ponytails proving they're going nowhere and the coloured hair trend manifesting itself this time in Prada and Pringle of Scotland's vibrant dip-dyed looks.

Lisa Niven 3 hours ago in HAIR, TRENDS March 15,2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2012/03/12/catwalk-hair-trends-autumn-winter-2012-13

Kate's Fabulous

Updated Thursday March 15, 11.43am: Kate Moss is set to star in a one-off special of Absolutely Fabulous, in aid of Sport Relief on March 23. The supermodel joins close friend Stella McCartney and Emma Bunton, as well as sportsmen Colin Jackson and Linford Christie, who will all make guest appearances.

The British beauty teamed up with McCartney last month, as she modelled the designer's latest collection at her London Fashion Week show. She also supported her friend at the turning-on of her Christmas lights in December 2011, at which Ab Fab character Eddie was the guest of honour.

Updated Wednesday December 14, 11.53am: Jennifer Saunders has offered up a few highly anticipated details about Stella McCartney's Absolutely Fabulous cameo, which is due to hit our screens this Christmas.
"It's funny because [in this series] the joke is that Stella McCartney won't ever let Eddy into her shop to get any clothes," Saunders told Stylist. "Lots of people go in but the door is always locked and I can't get in. And I'm like, 'Stella! Why don't you love me?' I fall at Stella's feet at a drinks reception and go, 'I'd look great in your clothes!' She treats me like her stalker, which I've become. But actually, in real life, Stella told me, 'Oh, I'd love Edina to look really nice in my clothes. Can't she have a Stella makeover?' And I said, 'No, she can't!'"
In the new series, McCartney succeeds Lacroix as Eddy and Patsy's label of choice - a mixed blessing for the designer, so Saunders explained.
"I said 'Don't you mind being the new Lacroix?'" Saunders recalled of a previous conversation with McCartney. "And she said 'No, but he did go out of business didn't he?' But I was like, 'Don't worry, it's not a curse.'"
Updated Thursday December 1, 10.15am: Stella McCartney is set to star in an Ab Fab Christmas special.
Following her star turn at Stella McCartney's Christmas lights switch-on, Absolutely Fabulous' Edina Monsoon (or more likely her real-life alter ego Jennifer Saunders) has managed to convince Stella it will be a good PR move - although McCartney still isn't convinced.

"It's not exactly my idea of fun, but it's Ab Fab, and how can you say no to Ab Fab?" she said. "I'm sure I'll be terrifying, but, you know."
WATCH ALL THE ACTION ON VOGUETV
Edina and her long-suffering friend Patsy (Joanna Lumley) will take a trip to the Stella McCartney store, the Telelgraph reports, in a one-off episode which is also set to star Olympic gold-medal winner Dame Kelly Holmes as well as former Spice Girl Emma Bunton, who appears as a friend of Edina's long-suffering daughter, Saffy.
It was wonderful to be part of," Bunton, who also attended the Christmas lights party, said. "All my friends are so jealous."

ELLA ALEXANDER 15 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2011/12/01/stella-mccartney-in-ab-fab---absolutely-fabulous-christmas-special

Men’s Hats: The Driving Cap

Introduction
Inspired by a recent reader request, today’s article is the first in a short series dedicated to men’s hats. As mentioned in our guide to dressing in your thirties, the hat can easily become a trademark of your personal style. However, many men still shy away from utilising ‘real’ hats on a regular basis – no, your trusty beanie doesn’t count – meaning that is can be just the accessory you need in order to make you stand out from the crowd.

With this in mind, we will be going into great detail on the history, construction and styling of individual hat types – with the hope that by the end, almost every reader will have found his perfect topper.

The Driving Cap
The driving cap; you might know it as a flat cap, golf cap or newsboy cap; perhaps even a cabbie hat. Whatever you call it, it has certainly seen a resurgence in the last couple of years, yet it has still failed to cement a strong foothold within the ever present heritage trend.
This is perhaps because the style carries a certain stigma or two with it. For now, put all thoughts of masked robbers and AC/DC’s Brian Johnson out of your mind, because the flat cap is very much a viable contender for pride of place on top of your head.
History
The flat cap is a style steeped in heritage. Is this a surprise? It might be to some. Typically, heritage styles seem to be associated with old English aristocracy; gentlemanly tweeds and brogues being the first items that spring to mind upon mention of the trend. The flat cap has a different kind of heritage, cemented in the working classes of Victorian London, with an almost Dickensian charm.

The roots of the style can be traced all the way back to the 1300s, when it was seen in England, Scotland and Italy (have the Italians always been so very stylish?) and referred to as a bonnet. In the 16th century, thanks to measures taken by the government to stimulate the wool trade in England, the style became commonplace. By the Victorian era it was practically de rigeur among British men, with even the higher classes having adopted variants of the cap for excursions to the country.
Fast forward a century or two and the flat cap is still readily available and a popular hat choice. It is now a common sight in the countryside and a genuine fashion item, having been recognised for its chic look and relative classlessness.
Should I Wear It?

A hat should suit your face shape. That much we know.
So what face shape should be wearing the flatcap? Well, the flatcap suits almost everybody – although it’s particularly fetching on longer faces. If you’re a Matt Smith or a Benedict Cumberbatch, this might be just the style for you.
More like Jack Black? This hat can still suit, although it would be wise to experiment and see how comfortable you feel in it first.
On The Catwalks
The driving cap has been rising in presence and looks set to be a major trend this year. Burberry, an influential fashion house if ever there was one, chose to make the hat a key theme in its upcoming autumn/winter 2012 Prorsum collection. Check out these three looks:

Burberry works the hat into a series of quintessentially English looks, playing up its heritage. Note the versatility of the item; the first look would be ideal for a brisk city walk to work, while the third look pairs the hat with a substantial waxed jacket for a more rough and ready appeal.
The middle look is a definite favourite. The wild combination of a statement knit, a statement hat, a statement suit – well, a statement everything, really – may not be all that wearable in the real world, but nonetheless it shows us how effective a hat in a statement colour can be, especially when played off against another statement accessory – here the gloves.

How To Wear
The Driving Cap Lookbook

Look 1
While traditional sensibilities seem to be in decline, with the old adage “no brown in town” a firm thing of the past, there are still nonetheless folk who would scoff at the thought of donning a smart fedora in the country. With the flatcap, you need worry about no such thing; it is equally suited to both urban and rural environments.
The look below demonstrates how you might incorporate one into an outfit that’s somewhere in between, with earthy tones and heritage patterns played off against sharp tailoring.

ARTICLE BY: SAM GILBERT
http://www.fashionbeans.com/2012/mens-hats-the-driving-cap/

Exit Signs

days of rumours surrounding the fate of its creative director Derek Lam, Tod's has released a slightly confusing statement about his future - suggesting that he may be set to leave the label in September after all.
"Following the rumours of an alleged termination of the collaboration between Tod's and Derek Lam, the company confirms that the agreement between the parties is set to terminate on 30/9/12," the statement said, the FT.COM reports. "In the meantime, Tod's is in the process of evaluating its options, considering that, based on the company's future development plans, the role of the creative director of Tod's will be central and even more important. The choice will therefore be directed toward an individual with great creative talent and able to commit the necessary amount of time to the success of the brand."

Although the statement doesn't confirm that Lam will leave on the stated date, rather than renew his contract at that time, phrases such as "the choice" and "evaluating its options" suggest that a new creative director is on the cards; one who can "commit the necessary amount of time to the success of the brand" - perhaps unlike Lam who never gave up his eponymous label?

Updated Monday March 12, 2012, 3.07pm:Derek Lam is said to have departed his post as creative director of Tod's. A report by WWD this afternoon suggests that he is no longer with the label, although neither Lam nor Tod's have confirmed the claim.

After cutting his design teeth at Michael Kors, the San Francisco-born, New York-based designer launched his eponymous label in 2002. After a slow start, when his debut collection failed to find any buyers, Lam came to the attention of the fashion world in 2003 - when he "caused a sensation" at New York Fashion Week in September 2003, US Vogue reported at the time. The following year he was nominated for the CFDA Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear - which he won - before becoming a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist later the same year. After creating a capsule collection for Tod's in 2005, he was enlisted as creative director in 2006 - and attracted stars including Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway to model for the brand.

Updated Thursday November 30, 2006, 10.12am: Derek Lam is now the creative director of Tod's. The 40-year-old New York designer, whose ready-to-wear collection for the house debuted in the spring, will continue with bi-annual catwalk collections and will now also create a line of fashion-driven handbags and shoes.
"We look forward to working with Derek Lam, one of the most important and exciting design talents," Diego Della Valle, Tod's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "His work over the past few seasons has demonstrated a great understanding of Tod's as a brand, and we look forward to his contributions to the continuing and growing success of the brand."
Lam told WWD that his new role was a natural expansion of the former job.
"I think it was a matter of being comfortable with how each of us, as individuals, work - getting more familiar with what the Tod's world is and spending much time with Diego and understanding his vision for the brand going forward," he said, adding that he hopes to inject "a sense of youthfulness and new ideas with fabrics and colours. I have a strong point of view about what a customer wants from a luxury brand: It has to be witty, unpretentious and stand or the heritage of beautifully made product."

LAUREN MILLIGAN 14 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2006/11/30/hot-tods

Furstenberg Babies

Diane von Furstenberg said last week that her Gap childrenswear line was created with the same aim as her mainline collection: to empower women - and it looks as though her ethos is already rubbing off on her own granddaughters, Antonia, 12, and Talita, 13.

"[One of my granddaughters said:] 'DD, when I run your business, do I have to call it Diane von Furstenberg or can I call it Talita?'" she said. "They say, 'DD, you are my role model'. Your daughter can only say that after you are dead. But your granddaughters can say that."
Von Furstenberg also revealed that it was her own mother, who survived the German concentration camps during the Holocaust aged only 22, who taught her she could achieve anything she put her mind to.
"[She was] extraordinary," she told the Sunday Times. "She taught me to only look at positive things, no matter what happens."

Updated Friday March 9, 9.20am: Diane von Furstenberg has unveiled her new childrenswear collection for Gap for the first time - and we have the colourful offering her to show you. The range was officially launched in LA last weekend with a star-studded event, attended by the designer herself, supermodel Milla Jovovich and actress Molly Sims. Featuring vibrant hibiscus prints and mini versions of Von Furstenberg's famed wrap dress, the line lands in stores on March 28.

"This collection is about celebrating life and colour," Von Furstenberg said. "The minute a little girl is born, she is already the woman she will be. So to empower a little girl is to empower the woman she will become."

Updated Wednesday June 8, 9.12am: Diane von Furstenberg has confirmed she is teaming up with Gap, to launch a childrenswear collection set to launch in March next year.
As previously reported, the line will be aimed at baby girls up to the age of two, and young girls from two to 14. The collection will incorporate DVF's signature bold prints and use of bright colours, at Gap's democratic price points, according to WWD. Von Furstenberg follows in the footsteps of Roland Mouret, Valentino and Stella McCartney, who have each designed ranges for the brand.
Gap also made headlines last month, when it dismissed its creative director Patrick Robinson after four years at the company.

ELLA ALEXANDER 12 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2011/06/08/dvf-for-gap-childrenswear-collaboration

Model Comparisons

CINDY CRAWFORD may be proud of her daughter's much-talked-about modelling career, but she can't help but feel a little jealous. Her 10-year-old made her fashion debut in January, after becoming the star of Versace's inaugural childrenswear campaign.

"I look at my daughter and I'm like, 'You have my old skin and I want it back! You have my old legs, I want them back! You have my old hair, I want it back!' She is just getting more and more beautiful," Crawford told US television show Access Hollywood. "But at the same time, there's so much good that comes with it. And I think if you're happy in your life, it's a lot easier to take."

The supermodel says that she made sure that the campaign was appropriate for her daughter, Kaia, before any decisions were made.

"I'm like protective mama, so I said, 'Who is doing the pictures?' I said, 'I don't want her looking like a tart. She can't wear makeup,'" she said, before adding, "I'm going to hold the bar so high for her, in terms of photographers and stuff, because I know."

ELLA ALEXANDER 12 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/12/cindy-crawford-on-daughters-modelling-career

Wealthy Lady

MIUCCIA PRADA is back on Forbes' billionaire list for the first time in six years, after deciding to float her label on the Hong Kong stock exchange in January last year. According to the annual chart, the Prada designer is worth $6.8billion (£4.3 billion), ranking at 139 in the world's billionaire list. Her husband and the brand's ceo, Patrizio Bertelli is worth $3.7 billion (£2.34 billion).

For the second year running, fashion's richest man is LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault - with his net worth valued at an impressive £41 billion (£25.9 billion) - the same amount as 2011, a figure which makes him the richest man in Europe. The founder of high street store Zara, Amancio Ortega came fifth, with $37.5 billion (£23.75 billion). At number eight came H&M chairman Stefan Persson, with $26 billion (£16.46 billion).

Other fashion names to feature on the list include François Pinault and his family with $13 billion (£8.23 billion), Selfridges owner Galen Weston and his family with $7.6 billion (£4.81 billion), Ralph Lauren and Chanel owners Alain and Gerard Wertheimer with $7.5 billion (£4.74 billion), Giorgio Armani with $7.2 billion (£4.55 billion) and Philip and Christina Green - who at $4.2 billion (£2.65 billion) - are worth the same as Sir Richard Branson.

ELLA ALEXANDER 09 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/08/miuccia-prada-makes-forbes-billionaire-list

Exclusive: Monsoon Spring/Summer 2012

Junior brings you an exclusive preview of Monsoon childrenswear for spring summer 2012

We love these beautiful images of the gorgeous spring/summer 2012 childrenswear collection from Monsoon. Pieces will start to hit stores, and the website, from March 2012 throughout the summer. From smart suiting for boys to pretty floral numbers for girls, there is something to suit every occasion from a summer garden party to a fun family day out.

Monsoon were a runaway sucess in the Junior Design Awards 2011, winning our Best Girls' Fashion and Best Fashion Accessories categories and being highly commended in the Best Boys' Fashion category.

Don't miss... another gorgeous image from the Monsoon collection in our April magazine fashion news pages, out now.

Posted: 5 March 2012
by Catherine Hudson
http://www.juniormagazine.co.uk/shopping/exclusive-monsoon-spring-summer-2012/12053.html

Livia's New Launch

LIVIA FIRTH may have been busy lately with her Green Carpet Challenge - which she took from the Golden Globes to the BAFTAs and Oscars - but she has also found the time to design a necklace, to launch her Livia Firth Design (LFD) label on ECO-AGE.COM.

SEE LIVIA'S GREEN CARPET CHALLENGE BLOG

Made in England, the recycled bronze necklace features four hand-crafted skulls and can be worn loose, knotted or wrapped around the wrist as a bracelet.

"I am so excited about the launch of this skull necklace - I wore it to all the parties in LA during Oscars week last week and I got so many comments on it - which obviously made me very proud," Livia told us. "Also, this is the beginning of a few of my designs which will come out later in the year. I have been really enjoying this creative process, designing what I want to own and wear and do it with materials which are not only ecological but utterly beautiful."

The LFD Skull necklace will be on sale from March 2012 on ECO-AGE.COM, priced at £270.

LISA NIVEN 01 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/jewellery/news/2012/03/livia-firth-skull-necklace-for-eco-age

Farewell Paris

Updated Thursday March 8, 8.38am: Elie Saab and Collette Dinnigan brought a month of shows to a final close yesterday, the former with its signature red-carpet-worthy, shimmering dresses (as modelled by Karlie Kloss, Natasha Poly and Anja Rubik), and the latter with lace and sequinned looks with feathered detailing.

Updated Wednesday March 7, 5.47pm: Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Natasha Poly and Karlie Kloss showcased the latest Miu Miu collection tonight, in front of a star-studded audience that included the label's new campaign star Mia Wasikowska and singer Katy Perry. Jewelled mini dresses matched jewelled eyes, while frock coat shapes were teamed with cropped, tailored trousers. "Young, sassy and brilliant for a place in the limelight," - this is one collection destined to please the Miu Miu girl.

Updated Wednesday March 7, 1.12pm: Singer Katy Perry just arrived at the Miu Miu show - in a pale blue coat and matching ponytail, sucking a lolly the same shade as her baby pink dress.

Updated Wednesday March 7, 9.16am: When we arrived at Louis Vuitton this morning - in plenty of time for a 10am start as instructed - half of the catwalk was covered with a black sheet, creating the level of mystery and anticipation that Marc Jacobs just loves on show morning. Then, the Vuitton steam train pulled into the Louvre, carrying all the models, and prepared us for the greatest Vuitton show yet.
"Jacobs was transformed into the Willy Wonka of fashion, as models disembarked - each followed by a uniformed porter carrying piles of baggage and handbags, hat boxes and doctor bags - in layers of bejewelled tweed and leather topped with squished hats, not quite as large as at Jacobs' own show had featured in New York but featuring horse hair plumes for eccentricity and flare, and tailed with huge platformed, multi-strapped Mary Janes," VOGUE.COM editor Dolly Jones says in her show report.

Updated Wednesday March 7, 8.28am: Fashion watchers were treated to two sides of the style coin last night with Kanye West's tepidly-received second outing following a Sarah Burton tour de force for Alexander McQueen.
Unfortunately for the rapper, a front row including P Diddy, the Kardashians and Alicia Keys couldn't enliven a lukewarm reception to his second collection from the world's fashion press: "All the trimmings but without the substance - yet - like a boy playing at being a big fashion designer. Is it that Kanye is surrounded by yes men who won't suggest he sticks to his - undoubtedly brilliant - day job? Or is it that he's still learning? Or are we simply too mean to allow a man success in two fields?" VOGUE.COM editor Dolly Jones asks in the show report.

Meanwhile, Sarah Burton - yet again - showed all the others how it should be done, with a collection of fluffy perfection, in winter white, bright orange and fuchsia, for Alexander McQueen: "I don't think she could do any wrong," said Vogue's Fran Burns afterwards. "Her sense of femininity and beauty, and of craftsmanship is mind-blowing. Plus it was an army of blondes so a big thumbs up from me."

Updated Tuesday March 6, 1.21pm: Somehow managing to balance the season's emerging masculine utilitarianism with Valentino's signature girliness, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli produced yet another perfect collection - with scallop-necked dresses and collarless coats that every girl will lust after come next winter.

Updated Tuesday March 6, 1.21pm: Sean Combs, aka P. Diddy, just arrived at the Hakaan show - half-way through the show - and was quickly seated by a PR right next to French Vogue editor Emmanuelle Alt in the front row.

Updated Tuesday March 6, 11.48am: Surrounded by amethyst and crystal stalagmites in the Grand Palais this morning, Karl Lagerfeld sent out his Chanel models - including Miranda Kerr, Stella Tennant, Lindsey Wixson, Lily Donaldson and Cara Delevingne - in alien-inspired make-up and deliciously decadent urban seperates.

Updated Tuesday March 6, 9.37am: Miranda Kerr is gearing up to walk in the Chanel show this morning, the model has revealed via Twitter. The Victoria's Secret Angel walked in last season's underwater-themed ready-to-wear show alongside fellow Angel Candice Swanepoel.

ELLA ALEXANDER 08 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/02/28/paris-fashion-week-2012---catwalk-shows-pictures

April Vogue

ASIDE from the biggest story of the new issue (Sienna Miller talking about pregnancy for the first time - read more here), there's plenty to tempt and delight you for spring in Vogue's April issue - from fashion and shopping, to politics and culture.

SEE INSIDE THE NEW ISSUE

Two of the magazine's longest-standing contributors - photographers Bruce Weber and Paolo Roversi - return this month for fashion shoots that showcase their skill and playfulness in very different ways, whilst three stylish women road-test one of the season's most stylish silhouettes: could you wear the peplum?

Your cultural appetite won't be left unnourished either, as Boris Johnson talks about his Mayoral re-election campaign; actors including Helen Mirren share their experiences of Shakespeare; and Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman introduces the first ever Vogue Festival, set to take place this April.

LAUREN MILLIGAN 07 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/07/sienna-miller-vogue-new-issue-cover-april-magazine

Supermodel Shoes

ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO has created a shoe collection with Melissa, the label that has previously created its recognisable plastic shoes with designers including Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh and Jean Paul Gaultier.

GO INSIDE ALESSANDRA'S WARDROBE
The pregnant Victoria's Secret Angel is the first celebrity to design a range for the brand but the collaboration is the first in a new series, called Melissa Loves, which will see more celebrity fans of the brand create their own ideal styles. Ambrosio has designed two shapes: Melissa Incense Glitter, a delicate pump inspired by the ladylike style of the Fifties; and Melissa Divine, a classic ballet flat.
"I thought about something that represented my style. I only wear what I love," said Ambrosio. "I decided to take part in the project because I was looking for something beyond the modeling career. I think the creative process fascinating, and I have to tell you that I was willing to get involved and create something with my name, my brand."

To celebrate the collaboration, Ambrosio stars on the cover of the seventh edition of the company's in house magazine, Plastic Dreams, sporting a pair of the shoes she designed.

LAUREN MILLIGAN 07 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/07/alessandra-ambrosio-melissa-loves-shoe-collection

Supermodel Challenge

NOT busy enough with Paris Fashion Week, Vogue cover girl Natalia Vodianova completed the city's half marathon on Sunday - having first completed the annual 21-kilometre-long (13 miles), run last year.
"The half marathon was incredibly challenging, since I had not trained at all," she said on her Facebook page. "And when I say at all, I mean I hadn't run even 50 metres all year since the last half marathon."

Although the supermodel struggled when she reached the eight km mark, she persevered in order to raise funds for her charity the Naked Heart Foundation - founded in 2005 to provide safe environments for children to grow up in urban Russia.

"As always, the mind has to overcome the body," she said. "And just when I needed it I got second wind. Fifth to eighth km went really easily and on the eighth a huge struggle started. I remember that uphill from the previous years. It's like facing blizzard mixed with strong wind and dressed really lightly knowing that home is still far, far away."

Despite adverse weather, Vodianova maintains the run was still very much a positive experience - and the next morning opened and closed the Stella McCartney show.

"If you never experienced the race like this, then you are missing out big time on this incredible feeling when you cross the finishing line - especially if your entire family is waiting for you on the other side," she explained.

ELLA ALEXANDER 06 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/06/natalia-vodianova-runs-paris-half-marathon

"Nothing To Say"

Updated Tuesday March 6, 9.16am: Despite rumours over the weekend in Paris that his tenure at Leonard is about to come to an untimely end, Maxime Simoens insists he is merely negotiating with the label.
"There is nothing to comment because we are in negotiations," he said. "For the moment, nothing is happening. So when something happens, we'll talk about it."

The label's managing director, Nathalie Tribouillard-Chassaing, also indicated the rumours had no foundation.
"I don't know what these rumours are about," she told WWD. "This is not at all topical. We are doing the show, and we'll see what happens afterward."
Updated Monday March 5, 9.22am: After only four months in the role, Maxime Simoens is said to be about to depart the helm of Leonard - the label which snapped up the young French talent last October. Rumours suggest that Simoens has spoken with Christian Dior about the still-vacant creative directorship - something that the designer has strenously denied to WWD - but no confirmation of his depature has yet been released by either party.

Updated Friday October 21, 10.29am: French label Leonard has made Paris designer Maxime Simoens its new creative director, replacing Veronique Leroy who held the position for eight years.

"I greatly admire Maxime's talent," Leonard's president, Daniel Tribouillard, told WWD. "His youth and creative impulse will be a major asset for the development of this family-owned company that has enjoyed a global presence for over 50 years."

Simoens, who completed apprenticeships at Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior before launching his own label in 2009, will showcase his first collection for Leonard in March.
His work is known for its fluid, feminine yet architectural shapes, and in January this year he joined Paris' couture line-up. Fans of the designer's own label include Blake Lively, Leighton Meester and Rachel McAdams.

LAUREN MILLIGAN 06 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2011/10/21/maxime-simoens-hired-at-leonard

Londoners Abroad

Michael van der Ham shows off his exquisite new jewellery line at the London Showrooms in Paris.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/the-vogue-blog/2012/03/03/londoners-abroad

Rihanna For River?

DESPITE rumours flying around this morning's tabloids that Rihanna is set to design a collection for River Island, it seems that her visit to the brand's London headquarters earlier this week was more about pleasure than business.

"Rihanna did stop in on Monday to visit Vanessa Lewis [owner Bernard Lewis' wife]," a spokesperson for River Island clarified this morning. "Vanessa and Rihanna's mother are acquainted and went to dinner in Barbados. She picked up a few jumpers and a pair of studded denim shorts, but there is nothing else to add at this time."
But that won't stop us hoping it comes true.

LAUREN MILLIGAN 01 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/01/rihanna-designing-collection-for-river-island

Chase away a rainy day

With rain on the weather radar this weekend, these wellingtons by Kenzo are top of our shopping list to brighten up a grey day. They will also look super chic at the festivals this summer teamed with, as shown, a cute denim dress, shorts or dungarees. Boots from £34 (sizes 23-40)

Also, don't miss... our preview of the Kenzo spring summer 2012 childrenswear collection

Are you a fan of our official Junior Facebook page yet? An easy way to receive fashion news updates, previews and alerts to new web posts

Posted: 1 March 2012
by Catherine Hudson
http://www.juniormagazine.co.uk/fashion-news/chase-away-a-rainy-day/12018.html

Daphne’s Fashion Sale

DAPHNE GUINNESS is offering you the chance to buy items from her personal wardrobe, at an auction held at Christie's on June 27. All proceeds will go towards the Isabella Blow Foundation, a newly-launched charity set up by the heiress to help support young art and fashion talent.

"We are delighted to be offering the fashion world this incredible one-off opportunity to buy some of the most iconic and cutting-edge haute couture of the early 21st Century, owned and worn by Daphne Guinness," said Christie's fashion director Pat Frost. "Not only will the auction comprise exceptional designs by the likes of McQueen, Chanel, Balenciaga and others, but it will also aptly benefit and shape the designers of the future. Christie's is very proud to be able to play a part in helping Daphne to achieve her forward-looking and charitable aim."

Having bought the fashion collection of her late friend and stylist - Blow - in June 2010, in order to stop the planned Christie's auction, Guinness will now sell 100 of her own avant-garde pieces. The contents of the sale will go on public display from June 23 until June 27.

ELLA ALEXANDER 02 March 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/02/daphne-guinness-christies-wardrobe-auction

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