UK Fasion Now: Women's Fashion

Showing posts with label Women's Fashion. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Women's Fashion. Show all posts

What should I wear on a British summer holiday?

Forget the cute shorts and rope sandals – pack your wellingtons and woollens instead. You can't bring on warm weather by dressing for it, and there's no point freezing to death.

I'm going on a girly break in Cornwall next week and am in a fashion quandary. I don't want to freeze to death but dressing in wintry clothes is depressing on a summer holiday.
Jane, by email

What to do? Jane, it seems to me that you – as so many correspondents to this column do – answered your own query in the letter. Yes, dressing in wintry clothes on a summer break is depressing. But you know what is even more depressing? Freezing to death.

Look, you would probably get a different answer if you wrote to one of the myriad British journalists around, but I'm going to give you some straight talkin' American advice here. There are many things I love about Britain: the national obsession with chocolate; the existence of Speaker's Corner; the fact that newspapers run front page stories about the health of the Queen's corgis.

But one thing I do not love and will never understand is the sense of pride some Britons take in being deliberately uncomfortable. You know, the ones who swim in the sea in November in the rain. The ones who insist on going on walks in lashing storms. The ones who seem to think they're residing on some kind of moral high ground by not turning on the heat until December, when all they're really residing on is a pile of their own smugness, which is all they have to heat their frostbitten bones.

I fully concur that Americans tend to take the whole "personal comfort" thing too far, with their overheated apartments and icy cold air conditioners, their giant cars that they drive 50 yards to go to the gym, and their insanely large portions of food. But really, there is a middle way, and seeing as "middle way" goes against every grain of American ethos (over there you're either a raging Muslim socialist or a swivel-eyed rightwing shock jock), then it is up to modern Brits such as yourself, Jane, to find it. There is nothing superior about making yourself uncomfortable. Rather, it is the person who feels genuinely at ease who should be the most commended, and that person is living in neither an unheated nor an overheated house.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/2013/may/27/what-wear-british-summer-holiday

Lessons from the stylish: Bec Clarke

Are clothes important to Bec Clarke, a woman with more beautiful, precious jewellery than almost anyone else I know? Put it this way, she was sent home from her first job for wearing the wrong trousers. It was a fashion agency. She was front of house. The trousers were straight, not boot-cut. Catastrophe.

So it's probably not entirely coincidental that, almost two decades on, Clarke's daily uniform comprises of boot-cuts and blouses - low-cut usually, the better to show off her curves and her jewellery. She's dressed like this for years. She calls it east meets west London, although when we try to identify which bit of it is east London (she was actually raised in Islington, north London, so I think she just doesn't want to be identified as a pampered yummy mummy type) we're both stumped. "I suppose I dreamt of being edgy and androgynous, but with these boobs and bottom, it's not going to happen. Maybe I mean I'm half groomed, half mess. I'm definitely not experimental."

Lessons from the stylish: Lulu

If mess is the right word, it's more the sleek, Euro version than the mega-strength British genus. Her blonde hair, the colour of a Timotei ad, is lovingly nurtured at John Frieda ("I tried the €30 highlights in a salon near our house in Umbria and it was a disaster") and her nails are impeccable. They'd have to be, given that she's a walking advertisement for the colourful precious and semi-precious stones she has done so much to make accessible. "As a company it's increasingly important for us to present ourselves glamorously," she acknowledges.

Read More:http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/columns/lisa-armstrong/TMG10078373/Lessons-from-the-stylish-Bec-Clarke.html

Jenna Lyons: fashion queen of America

The stylish J Crew creative director, with her colourful personal life and famous fans, is behind the rise of one of America's most influential brands. But will the UK love her look when her first shop opens here?

It is Memorial Day weekend in America, the unofficial start of summer, and my friend and her teenage daughter are in the Hamptons, having scored an invitation to stay at the beachside mansion of one of New York's wealthiest families.

"What are you going to wear?" I asked my friend, before she set off, mindful of the grey and drizzly weather and the fact that grand-style entertaining isn't her usual milieu. "Oh, I'm not worried," she replied breezily. "We went to J Crew."

A mother and daughter both buying clothes from the same retailer could be rather odd, but J Crew is a revered American fashion brand that manages to cater to the tastes of different generations. The clothes are affordable and stylish and wildly popular in the US. Last week, British shoppers got the chance to buy a limited J Crew collection at a pop-up shop in London's King's Cross, before the American retailer's high-profile and much-flagged first British shop opens in London's Regent Street in November.

Overseeing this foray into Britain is J Crew's president and creative director, Jenna Lyons, widely credited with transforming the company from a fashion retailer that had lost its way into a cult brand. The company has more than 300 branches in the US, a growing presence abroad and revenue of more than $2.2bn. The 44-year-old is currently the most high-profile woman in consumer fashion. This year, she was ranked in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People list.

Lyons has been with the brand for her entire career, having joined as a junior designer in 1990. When former Gap CEO Mickey Drexler took the reins of the struggling brand a decade ago, Lyons said that both she and the company were burned out by a corporate strategy that had lost interest in creativity and was simply trying to hold on to the bottom line. "We were lost soldiers, working away, following orders," she remembers of the era when J Crew lost its mojo. "I was shell-shocked… fried."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2013/may/26/profile-jenna-lyons-j-crew

Rita Ora flashes her sexy midriff for night out with Harry Styles and model Cara Delevingne

Shine Ya Light singer Rita Ora went for a daring two-piece outfit last night, flashing her midriff to party with model friend Cara Delevingne and pal Harry Styles.

Rita, Cara and One Direction singer Harry hit the town for a War Child gig after Rita headed to the the Calvin Klein show and also to the Burberry catwalk to see Cara modelling earlier in the day.

Rita clearly doesn't mind the February chill – she'd already showed off her toned tum in a black satin combo earlier in the day before changing into retro print trousers and bright orange crop top for the evening.

Rita looked the epitome of style as she partied the night away with her new-found gang.

Read more at http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk

Israel’s Underweight Models Ban Launches

ISRAEL's new law banning unhealthily thin models has come into effect. The new legislation, which was first passed in March last year, bans models with a body mass index - a calculation based on height and weight - of less than 18.5 from appearing in adverts. This means that a model who is 5-foot-8 can weigh no less than 119 pounds (8.5 stone). The law also requires publications and brands to disclose when they use manipulated images of models to make them look thinner than they really are, The Wall Street Journal reports. Additionally, models will have to provide medical proof of their weight when they go up for castings. Vogue launched The Health Initiative in May last year, a pledge among all international editions to solely use models "who are healthy and help to promote a healthy body image".

03 JANUARY 2013 ELLA ALEXANDER
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/01/03/israels-underweight-models-ban-launches---new-health-law

H&M Declines To Comment On Reports Of Poor Margiela Sales

H&M has declined to comment on rumours this morning that its Maison Martin Margiela collection hasn't sold as well as expected. Online speculation reports that buzz for the high street range didn't translate into sales, with a high proportion still available in stores - a rarity for H&M collaborations. "H&M never comments on the selling of specific collections or items," a spokesperson from the brand told us. A US H&M representative stated that the Swedish chain had produced a larger number of items than ever before for one of its limited-editon lines - after customers complained that the much-coveted high street-designer collaborations always sold out too quickly. The New York Post reported that insiders thought that high prices and the avant-garde designs were to blame for the excess stock - an argument that was quickly dismissed by the brand. "[Our] philosophy is to provide fashion for everyone at affordable prices. For Margiela, H&M offered this collection in larger volume," said the spokesperson.

17 December 2012 Ella Alexander
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/12/17/hm-margiela-collection-poor-sales speculation

Markus Lupfer Unveils Collaboration With ASOS Black

MARKUS LUPFER has teamed up with online retailer ASOS as a guest designer on an affordable leather collection. The capsule range features a selection of printed dresses, separates and accessories in a colour palette of black and navy. "The pieces are contemporary, fun and easy-to-wear - a combination of separates that go right through from day to night, and have something for everyone, which is something I always try to provide," the designer told us. "The printed leather is new for [the brand], I wanted the collection to feel new, fresh and modern - which is something that the very graphic print provides. The leather elevates the feel of things to a more luxury place and gives the very wearable pieces a slightly more special edge." The London-based designer explained that he thrived on the opportunity to work on a project that was a "nice departure" from his mainline collection. "It's a really great way to get our brand to a different audience and a challenge to provide for a new market, and you get the chance to work with some lovely people," he said. "You just have to consider a slightly different customer and be aware of presenting something that reflects your design style whilst being aware of any cost restrictions." Lupfer revealed that the skater dress is his personal favourite piece, while the printed biker jacket is also proving popular within his office - both items that reflect the signature aesthetic of his eponymous label. "With this collection we were designing for a combination of our customer and the ASOS customer," he explained. "A fashion-conscious girl who likes something contemporary and wearable but with a unique slant." The Markus Lupfer for ASOS collection launches on November 12.

09 November 2012 Sarah Karmali
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/11/09/markus-lupfer-asos-collection---leather-dress-jacket-skirt

Margiela H&M Pieces Already On eBay

SEVERAL pieces from the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection are already available to buy on eBay. The designer-high street collaboration was celebrated with a star-studded party in New York on Tuesday, but isn't due to land in stores until November 15. A number of items from the 105-piece collection have appeared on the auction site, with many currently listed at far higher than the recommended retail price. The £179.99 duvet coat (RRP £179.99) is currently on sale for over £235 and the mirror ball leggings (RRP £29.99) are available for more than £65, while the silver candy clutch (RRP £34.99) is attracting bids as high as £135. All pieces appear to have been posted from the US and reports suggest that guests at the New York launch party - who might have been given early access to the collection - may be responsible. H&M's previous designer collaborations, including Versace, Marni and Lanvin, sold out in-store and online in minutes - with many items inevitably ending up on eBay and other such online auction stores.

25 OCTOBER 2012SARAH KARMALI
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/10/25/margiela-hm-on-ebay---buy-martin-margiela-for-hm-online

Sergio Rossi's Rice Paper Boots

SERGIO ROSSI has collaborated with Chinese artist Peng Wei on a collection of boots made out of rice paper. Not designed to be worn, the pieces pay homage to one of China's time-honoured art forms. Taking the designer's signature Chelsea boot as a starting point, Wei has created eight unique designs - all hand-painted with traditional Chinese symbols and patterns. The artworks will be on display in the Sergio Rossi Paris boutique from today until October 21 to coincide with the FIAC - Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain - Paris' annual contemporary art festival. The store is celebrating the artistic collaboration with an in-store cocktail reception tonight, hosted by Wei; Francesco Russo, creative director or Sergio Rossi; and Christophe Melard, Sergio Rossi's CEO and President. Sergio Rossi's Paris store can be found on Rue du Faubourg Sant Honore. Click through the gallery on the left for a preview.

19 October 2012 Sarah Karmali
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/10/19/sergio-rossi-peng-wei-collaboration---rice-paper-boots-artwork

The November Issue Highlights

THE November issue of Vogue is a celebration of shopping - whether the online variety or the old-fashioned car boot kind. Reach for your laptop and feel inspired by Vogue's pick of the 100 best online shopping destinations, from clothes and shoes to where to go to buy the perfect gift. Even the most die-hard of high street trawlers can't help but be persuaded by some of the gems unearthed. Model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne heads to the Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair in Sussex to model this season's eclectic collections, while Suzanne Johnson investigates the appeal of the beloved car boot sale. This issue also looks at the fashion obsession of many - shoes; as three Vogue editors justify their respective footwear choices - from white stilettos to the beautifully ugly. The More Dash Than Cash supplement provides endless amounts of economically-sound wardrobe solutions, with tips from Hollywood actresses to stylish musicians. But if the luxury fashion realm is still more enticing, delve into the beautiful world of Valentino - as Sarah Harris meets the label's helmers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli. Shopping and style aside, this issue is also a tribute to new young talent; Christa D'Souza interviews Hollywood starlet Jennifer Lawrence, who makes her Vogue cover debut this month; as Fiona Golfar meets London's new generation of creatives, from photography students aspiring dancers. The November issue of Vogue will go on sale from Saturday October 6.

05 OCTOBER 2012ELLA ALEXANDER
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/10/05/november-vogue-magazine-highlights---jennifer-lawrence

Milan Fashion Week: Day Three

Updated Friday September 21, 12.54am: The Just Cavalli girl took a grown-up turn this morning, with a fresher cleaner outlook that we've seen in previous seasons. Moschino played host to of this season's key trends - monochrome and stripes. Cara Delevingne - unarguably one of this season's most in-demand models - stepped out in a white daisy-covered white shift dress that we can't wait to invest in next summer. Updated Friday September 21, 8.13am: It's a big day for Donatella Versace as she prepares to show her next offering from Versace, as well as the new collection from sister label Versus - designed by London man-of-the-moment Christopher Kane. Both shows are bound to pack a sartorial punch both in terms of clothes and their respective front rows. In fact, Versus has already announced one star appearance - from the one and only Beth Ditto, who will offer guests an exclusive catwalk performance. But, it's Moschino who will start the day off with its early 9.30am slot. With its upbeat and feminine aesthetic, it's a label that's well-equipped to get the fashion crowd ready to face another day of shows. Just Cavalli is next up, followed by the opening of its latest Milan store that night - featuring a gig from Azealia Banks, who's fast becoming something of a fashion week regular. She previously performed at Karl Lagerfeld's private party during Couture Fashion Week in July and at another soirée for Chanel. The afternoon will see Etro, Iceberg and Blumarine take to the stage, before Sportmax whets our appetites for the Versace-Versus finale.

21 SEPTEMBER 2012ELLA ALEXANDER
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/09/21/milan-fashion-week-day-three---versace

Paul Smith For Barbour

BRITISH heritage brand Barbour has collaborated with Paul Smith Jeans to create a limited edition capsule collection. The range, which is launching for autumn/winter 2012-13, is designed for both men and women. The women's line features two of Barbour's most popular styles, but with a Paul Smith-twist. The classic ladies International coat and festival-favourite Beadnell jacket are both given a makeover with brightly-coloured printed linings - patterns which are picked up in the matching T-shirts, jeans and chambray shirts which make up the rest of the line. "I have always been a fan of Barbour," said Paul Smith. "This has been a great opportunity to collaborate on a collection that combines the British heritage and identities of both companies." The capsule collection is due to hit stores on September 1, with prices ranging from £39.95 for a T-shirt, to £499 for a men's jacket. "With any collaboration that we do, it has to add interest and create something special for our brand," said Ian Bergin, Barbour's head of menswear. "By bringing together Barbour and Paul Smith Jeans, two very British companies, we have created a collection that is unique and fun, yet still reflects the core values of the Barbour brand."

31 August 2012
Sarah Karmali
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/08/31/barbour-paul-smith-jeans-collaboration-launches

100 Most Powerful

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG has been named the most powerful woman in fashion by Forbes. The magazine has just released its annual 100 Most Powerful Women list, which sees von Furstenberg ranked at number 33, ahead of fellow industry heavyweights Anna Wintour, in 51st place, Miuccia Prada, at 67, and Gisele Bundchen, at 83. The most powerful woman in the entertainment industry is Oprah Winfrey, who came in at number 11, closely followed by Lady Gaga at number 14 - who, at the age of 26, is also the youngest female to make the top 100. "These are the women who adhere to the traditional classifications of power (political and economic might) and those who have risen to the top of the social and cultural landscape," said Forbes. "It is our annual snapshot of women who impact the world." The top ten was a mixture of leading political figures, with the top three remaining unchanged since last year. Once again German chancellor Angela Merkel took the top spot, shortly followed by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton in second place, and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in third. Michelle Obama is ranked seventh most powerful, while the Queen was placed at number 26. In the celebrity world, music industry stars ranked far higher than Hollywood actresses, with Beyonce at 32; Jennifer Lopez at 38; and Shakira at 40; all beating Angelina Jolie who ranked in 66th place.

SARAH KARMALI 23 August 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/08/23/forbes-100-most-powerful-women---diane-von-furstenberg-tops-fashion-list

Vogue’s Olympic Gold

FASHION has played its part in the fantastically successful Olympic events over the course of the last two weeks via Stella McCartney's Team GB kit - but Vogue itself has been credited with the success, in part, of tonight's Closing Ceremony. "It just wouldn't have been possible without Vogue and without [fashion director] Lucinda Chambers specifically, who persuaded all the models and the designers to get involved," Daniel Marks, director of public relations powerhouse The Communications Store, told us tonight - describing in detail how the fashion element of the extravaganza came together. Just in case you missed it - it involved Nick Knight-shot billboards featuring the biggest names in British supermodelling wearing our most headline-making British labels - Kate Moss (in McQueen), Naomi Campbell (McQueen), Karen Elson (Burberry), Stella Tennant ( Christopher Kane), Lily Cole (Erdem), Jourdan Dunn (Jonathan Saunders and Stephen Jones), Georgia May Jagger (Victoria Beckham), Lily Donaldson (Vivienne Westwood), and David Gandy (Paul Smith) - coming alive as the billboards were torn down (to a soundtrack of David Bowie's Fashion), to reveal the models' themselves. They then took to a Union Jack-shaped catwalk, followed by a legion of black-adorned foot soldiers who fell into formation in the centre of the catwalk - revealed by a helicopter above them to be the iconic Alexander McQueen skull shape, in tribute to the most revered British designer of this generation. Britain's most celebrated hair and make-up artists - Sam McKnight and Val Garland respectively - were called upon to perfect the look.

Two years in the making, tonight's fashion offering came as a result of Marks approaching Kim Gavin, creative director of the Closing Ceremony, to establish whether it would play a part at all in the proceedings. "At that time there wasn't a plan but then Kim came up with the idea of the billboards and that's when we called on Lucinda to come to the rescue," he explained. "I didn't think about the hugeness of it until I saw the Opening Ceremony and thought, 'wow, lots of people are watching this,'" Lucinda said before tonight's event. "I'm a bundle of nerves." "It felt like such a privilege, such a celebration of fashion. The clothes were beautiful but not bonkers or mad. It was the best of British," she went on. "Sport is glamorous - and the fact that Stella was asked to do the kit is wonderful. Sport, fashion, music - they're all so blurred. How great to celebrate everything that's wonderful about Britain and part of that is fashion." DOLLY JONES

12 August 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/08/13/olympic-closing-ceremony---supermodels-fashion-segment-vogue

Dressing Watson

FORMER stylists to Vogue cover girl Emma Watson Katie Clark and Polly Judge have explained how they decided what outfits to dress her in. The duo styled the actress for two years, picking dresses such as the black Rafael Lopez dress that she wore to the London premiere of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 and the velvet Vionnet gown that she donned for a Claridge's party in November 2010. "For each event, we work closely as a team putting an inspiration board together, like the ones you see on our website home page," Clark said. "We collate vintage pictures with tear sheets and runway stills and from this we have a very clear idea of the look we want to achieve." As well as Watson, the pair have also dressed VOGUE.COM contributor Pixie Lott, Razorlight, and former Burberry boy George Craig. This month, Clark and Judge have launched their latest project: a new website, named Stardust Vintage, with pieces sourced from European flea markets; the wardrobes of private clients; and American clothing auctions. All items are curated into current season trends, making it even easier to find desirable treasures. Customers are also invited to email the duo with any personal styling queries. "We have always had a love of vintage and often use unique pieces within our styling for fashion shoots and personal clients," Judge told us. "During the years, we had amassed a great collection of clothing and accessories and felt the time was right to share them." For spring/summer 2012, the pair cites Fifties and Eighties florals; cut-off cowboy boots; and romantic lace and sheer pieces as the vintage world's key trends, while autumn/winter 2012-13 will see the rise of Russian-inspired military looks; animal print; and hand-stitched embellishment. Keen to impart their knowledge of retro dressing, the pair have revealed their ultimate tips to achieve vintage cool: Do keep in mind the key trends and colours as you buy - whether it's spots or stripes, Fifties and Eighties, pastels or florals - as it will make searching that bit easier. Don't go by the size on the label as vintage clothes can have very different sizing. If you are buying online make sure you read the measurements carefully. We always think it is a good idea to measure a piece of clothing you already have that is a similar shape and compare that with the item you wish to buy. Don't dress in vintage from head to toe! You don't want to look like you just stepped out of a period drama. Do remember the pieces may not be perfect, but they do have a history and a story and you will always look unique.

ELLA ALEXANDER 30 May 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/05/30/stardust-vintage-launches---emma-watsons-stylists

"So Beautiful"

CHERYL COLE has spoken for the first time about the dramatic dress she wore to the Cannes Film Festival this weekend, designed by couturier Stéphane Rolland. "The first time I saw the dress it made me take a gasp of air," Cole told us this morning. "I thought it was so beautiful and I loved that it was so chic, yet dramatic. I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to wear it. It was like a work of art and surprisingly comfortable to wear." Rolland - who has dressed the Vogue cover girl several times before, as well as stars including Beyoncé Knowles and Rihanna - was equally enamoured with the sight of Cole in the dress. "Cheryl Cole always pulls it off," he said. "She has never looked anything short of immaculate. For this year's appearance at Cannes, I chose a glorious gown with a feathered tail to emphasise her silhouette. Like an exotic bird, feathers would swish with every step. Cheryl is a delight to dress, and to my team and me, she's our British darling."

LAUREN MILLIGAN 23 May 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/05/23/cheryl-cole-cannes-film-festival---stephane-rolland-dress

Rihanna's Collection

RIHANNA has teamed up with Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear to design another collection, imbued with her own boyish, dressed-down style. "Rihanna is a great artist," Giorgio Armani said today. "She has personality, charisma and energy, and has been a pleasure to work with. She captures the young and contemporary essence of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans perfectly." The singer and Vogue cover girl - who has been the face of both labels for the past two seasons - has created four T-shirts, three denim pieces, a leather jacket and a canvas bag in two sizes for Armani Jeans; and a selection of matching underwear sets for Emporio Armani Underwear.

LAUREN MILLIGAN 10 May 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/05/10/rihanna-launches-second-armani-jeans-collection

Fashion's Night Out

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT will be held this year on September 6 - and for 2012 all 19 territories that publish Vogue will host the shopping event. Along with the UK, the US, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Russia, Mexico, Australia and Korea will hold their celebrations on September 6; China, India, Germany and Russia on September 7; Taiwan and Japan on September 8; Brazil on September 10 and 12; Portugal, Italy, Turkey, The Netherlands and Mexico on September 13; Italy on September 18; and Greece on September 20 and 25. The event, which is the fourth annual Fashion's Night Out, will this year be held by some countries in more than one city. have taken the decision to host Fashion's Night Out in two or more cities this September. Italy will hold events in Milan, Rome and Florence; Germany in Berlin and Dusseldorf; Russia, in Moscow and St Petersburg; Mexico will host events in Mexico City and Guadalajara; Brazil in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro; and in Greece in both Athens and Thessaloniki. "We are delighted to be supporting the fashion and retail sectors again, while highlighting the important role fashion plays in the economy of a country," Alexandra Shulman said. "Numbers of visitors in 2011 were exceptional, in particular on Bond Street where visitor numbers were up by 92 per cent on 2010. Street closures and live performances helped boost attendance and create the mood of a stylish street party."

LAUREN MILLIGAN 10 May 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/05/10/fashions-night-out-2012---news-and-updates

Who We Met

LAST night's Met Ball threw up a few sartorial surprises, as well as some more predictable choices - including plenty of guests celebrating one of the night's honourees - Miuccia Prada - by wearing Prada. Anna Wintour, Carey Mulligan, Jessica Biel, Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Mendes, Diane Kruger, Kate Bosworth, Linda Evangelista, Mia Wasikowska, Grace Coddington, Milla Jovovich, Amber Valletta and Anne V among others chose dazzling dresses by the Italian label. Trend-wise, metallics were one of the night's biggest stories - showcased by stars including Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, Karolina Kurkova and Camilla Belle, as well as some of the Prada lovelies - whilst stars from Rihanna and Gisele to Rosie

Huntington-Whiteley and Mary-Kate Olsen opted for simple, classic black. Voluminous feathered hems were the event's other big trend - with Beyoncé Knowles, Cate Blanchett, Diane Kruger, Florence Welch and Leighton Meester all adopting the mermaid silhouette. Cameron Diaz lent her star power to Livia Firth's Green Carpet Challenge - first launched on VOGUE.COM in 2010 - by wearing a custom-made Stella McCartney gown, made in support of the GCC. Made from organic, certified silk adorned with glass beads and crystal chain, the dress is the latest GCC gown to be worn by a star other than Livia - following Meryl Streep's appearance at the 2012 Oscars in a bespoke Lanvin dress. "Yet again the GCC has been given a window on the supply chain and incredible technical processes involved in producing fashion at this level, and Stella McCartney has allowed us to influence this process," Livia Firth said. "Our next goal is to tackle the sourcing of embellishment materials.

Who knows, this time next year every attendee at the Met Ball might be in a complete GCC gown - that's my dream!" Meanwhile, British designer Christopher Kane spoke this morning about dressing actress Shailene Woodley. "Shailene is such a beautiful and talented actress," Kane told us this morning. "When I first met her, I felt she was right to dress. She has an amazing personality and admires my work. She loved my last autumn/winter show, especially the chainmail pieces so I adapted one of the dresses from the show to be floor-length to suit the occasion. It's a very dramatic and beautiful creation." A ticket to the event costs $25,000 (£15,500) and, if all the famous faces who attended had paid to attend, the Huffington Post reports today, it would have raised over $17.5 million (£10.8 million).

LAUREN MILLIGAN 08 May 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/05/08/met-ball-dresses-2012---gisele-beyonce-rihanna

Next Top Naomi

NAOMI CAMPBELL may have settled her long-running feud with Tyra Banks years ago, but the two are set to go head to head again when Campbell becomes a mentor on her very own modelling show. The US programme - called The Face - will follow a similar format to Banks' wildly successful Next Top Model franchise, and will be operated by NBC Universal, which also produces The Voice. Campbell will be responsible for "moulding, nurturing and transforming contestants" alongside two other supermodel mentors who are yet to be revealed.

Campbell was linked with a mentoring role on Britain's Next Top Model in 2009, but the show was eventually helmed by Elle Macpherson. The news comes just days after Banks revealed she had parted ways with her three fellow panellists on America's Next Top Model - Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J Alexander - reportedly in a bid to spice up the show's format.

LAUREN MILLIGAN 02 May 2012
http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/05/02/naomi-campbell-the-face---next-top-model-show-tyra-banks

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