Lily Allen’s fashion venture

She’s best known for being the spirited singer, but Lily Allen’s on-going relationship with fashion is set to cement itself one step further as she announces she’s to quit music and set up her own boutique.

She’s come a long way in the style stakes since her first move into fashion with that collection for New Look – she’s the face of Chanel’s Coco Cocoon bags, launched her own jewellery line, became BFFs with Karl Lagerfeld and sang at his SS10 show for Chanel in Paris – but now she’s taking it one step further as she plans to set up shop in a new venture with her sister.

Lucy in Disguise is the name for her new boutique, which will make designer labels accessible with clothes and outfits available to hire.

“It’s about making fashion democratic, that’s the idea behind it,” she told the Daily Mirror. “It’s about getting really nice clothes but letting people rent them for affordable prices so they can go out and feel like a million dollars and it won’t cost them a million dollars.”

Well, in principal, we think this sounds like a pretty fab idea.

Oh, and for all you musical maestros, don’t worry – Lily’s not quitting music entirely. She is, in fact, hell bent on starting her own music label.

Fashion in 50 Seconds 12/04/09 The House of Christian Lacroix in Images

The Guardian remembers 22 years of Christian Lacroix in photos.

Bottega Veneta announces fragrance deal with Coty Prestige.

Sam Haskins, Photographer, Dies at 83.

French officials are still trying to save Christian Lacroix.

T magazine relaunches for holiday 2009 with Taylor Swift cover.

Steven Meisel's "Meiselpic" story and cover from Vogue Italia December in full featuring self portraits from Lara, Freja, Kasia, Gisele, Karlie, Naomi, Christy and more.

David Lynch is in Shanghai this week to direct Christian Dior's next Lady Dior film starring Marion Cotillard.

French officials are still trying to save Christian Lacroix.

Fashion Matters: Couple’s marriage endures

Hugh and Doris Martin tend to do things together. If he’s interested in a new car, she goes shopping with him. When she’s searching for furniture, he’s beside her. When they were raising their children, it was a united and consistent effort.

They’re committed to each other and their relationship, a conviction that hasn’t wavered in 50 years.

"We like to do just about everything together,” she said. "We give in to each other. If he wants to go a certain place, and I don’t, I usually go. And he does the same for me.”

Doris and Hugh married in 1958 after dating for three months. She was 17 and a junior in high school. He was 19 and in the Air Force. They moved from Kansas to Japan to Big Spring, Texas. Then it was on to Washington, D.C., where he was an airplane mechanic on the president’s fleet.

When Hugh was sent to Thailand, and she couldn’t accompany him, she and their two children moved to Oklahoma City to be close to her parents.

A year later, the couple reunited, living in California before relocating to Oklahoma City, where they built a home, welcomed new friends and continued to strengthen their commitment to each other.

"We feel like we’re each other’s best friend,” she said. "We talk to each other. We might not agree with each other, but we talk. I ask him for his opinion, and he kind of cools me down when I get upset.”

Hugh said keeping their marriage and relationship strong is a shared responsibility. One person can’t do it alone.

"I think it all boils down to commitment — just paying attention to life, to each other and what’s going on,” he said.

More Info
ONLINE
→Do you know a couple who epitomize commitment? For a chance to share their story, go online to NewsOK.com/inspiringcouples. The deadline to enter is Tuesday. A maximum of 12 couples will be chosen and featured in promotion of the "Forever. For Real” project and the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative.

→To learn about workshops and tips for building a strong, healthy relationship, go to the Oklahoma Marriage Institute Web site at www. marriageOK.net.

Sophia Bush Tells All About Beauty and Fashion Choice

Sophia Bush has no hesitation to share with OK! Magazine on whom she looks up to when it comes to standing out. In an interview with the publication's Last Word, she reveals, "Penelope Cruz is so sensual and beautiful without ever being vulgar. She's stunning to me. I think she's our modern-day Sophia Loren."

Additionally, the "One Tree Hill" star also admires Cate Blanchett, claiming the movie beauty as "the best thing since sliced bread" to her. "She amazes me with her choices in her career and in fashion. I really think she's amazing. I also really admire wonderful, kind of quirky beauties like Zooey Deschanel, who always owns her own little thing," she gushes.

When asked to share her "style mantra", Sophia has this to say, "Always having fun with it. Putting on something that makes you feel great, whether you're in the mood to be casual and throw on jeans and a v-neck t-shirt, or you want to get done up and put on a dress and the heels and throw the hair up in bobby pins. Regardless of what it is, you've gotta feel good. If other people are pushing you into fashion decisions, I don't think that's the way to go. That's why I generally choose to dress myself."

"What makes me feel most comfortable is feeling like I've been taking care of my body. It's so important as an actor. For me as an actor, having healthy skin is just as crucial as having the big white smile," she continues telling OK! Magazine. "For me, when I've been taking care of my skin and really treating myself well in that way, I always feel good at events because I'm not worried 'do I have to cover something up?' or 'do I have dark circles?' if I've been loading up on my antioxidants, drinking my green tea, taking my Omega 3 fish oils."

"I know that all of that's going to be taking care of, and it makes it easier to get ready, throw on the dress and then go have a good time and not be concerned about anything else. I don't want to waste my time thinking about my appearance. I want to get ready and be done with it," she concludes.

Eastside L.A. fashion and culture magazine Them Rag debuts

Echo Park's creative set has always been a collaborative lot -- and now a handful of Eastside designers, photographers and stylists are pooling their efforts to create a new fashion and culture magazine.

Them Rag, a photo-driven magazine helmed by designer Brian Kim (of L.A. brand Them Atelier and formerly Work denim), launched with a party last week at the Eighth Veil gallery in West Hollywood.

The biannual publication -- which debuts as stalwart titles of the magazine world come crashing down around us -- seeks to cover the "underground" scene in L.A. The idea came to Kim after corralling a large group of his friends (including the designers David Hershberger of Endovanera and Annie Costello Brown) for a Them Atelier photo shoot.

"We realized how many of us there were, creating and surviving through unconventional and non-mainstream means," said Kim. "Looking around the shoot, we realized L.A. can form a very resilient and honorable individual. We felt that they should be presented together in more depth, hence the magazine. Since, it has led us to think about what it means to be underground in today's world of mass information."

"Underground" is a word one might ascribe to a collective living in an abandoned loft and running off communist broadsheets on an old mimeograph. But Kim uses it unabashedly to describe his crew of creative pals. "We feel that there are communities like this all over that are dealing with today's overstimulation, dystopia and speed of change," he said. "Our goal is to find them and present them in a way that reveals the dignity and strength of the current cultural renegade."

Iffy labels aside, there's no denying the beauty of the photography within Them Rag's dark, matte pages. The photo shoots -- which straddle the line between fashion and art brilliantly -- capture the edgy side of modern fashion in whimsical, unexpected ways. Contributing photographers include Mia Kirby, ACB, Todd Weaver and Eliot Lee Hazel.

The $12 magazine is currently available at Front Street (Endovanera's storefront) and Cerre. Don't look for it in Borders any time soon -- the plan is to eventually circulate it to fashion-forward boutiques of the Colette/Opening Ceremony ilk the world over.

Buy your own gifts for a fashion-forward Black Friday

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Thanksgiving is not yet upon us, but everyone is already looking to Black Friday and the holiday shopping rush that will soon ensue. Whether your list of friends and family to buy presents for is short or long, there is one person you shouldn’t forget — yourself!

Who cares if you’ve been naughty or nice this year? You’ve made it through Fall Quarter, and that is reason enough to treat yourself to a token of your own affection.

Maybe you just want to go home and reap the benefits of home cooking and Christmas presents. However, don’t count on Aunt Matilda to buy you a stylish new winter ensemble. Predictable as she is, you can count on receiving yet another scratchy woolen sweater — homemade, of course — that is two sizes too small.

Unless your mom is a designer for Marc Jacobs, buying yourself a Christmas present may be your best bet. If you still have any of your savings left over after those late-night takeout binges during midterm season, invest in some fashion staples to keep you trendy all winter long. For some shopping guidelines, follow these new trends and you’ll be sure to impress.

Michaela Jones, stylist at Gavin, a boutique located at 1939 Central Street, gives us the scoop on four of winter’s hottest trends.

Sparkles and sequins
Sequins and anything sparkly are huge, particularly sequined jackets. We found two that will have you channeling the star power of Michael Jackson in his prime.

On the left: Torn by Ronny Kobo – sequined blazer – $440 (Buy it at Gavin)

On the right: BB Dakota – $85 (Buy it at Gavin).
Vibrant colors
Whether it’s tops, shoes or accessories, bold colors are an easy way to make a statement. These two tops are fun options that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

On the left: Kimberly Taylor – Selena Boyfriend Tee – $220 (Buy it at Gavin)

On the right: Gap – Featherweight Waffle Crew – $19.50 (Buy it at Gap)

Tunic tees
The comfy and casual choice of every college student. Easy to throw over leggings and boots. Fun graphics or a daring cut add a unique twist to an otherwise standard outfit.

On the left: American Apparel – Sheer Rib Short Sleeve Tunique – $36 (Buy it at American Apparel)

On the right: Sauce – Skeleton Graphic Tee – $83 (Buy it at Gavin)
Bold, chunky jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, be brave and err on the side of too much this season. These necklaces are sure to captivate your audience and give you an extra boost of confidence.

On the left: Vera Wang’s Lavender Label – Red Necklace – $175 (Buy it at Gavin)
On the right: Francesca’s Collections – Phoenix Wreath Necklace – $18 (Buy it at Francesca’s Collections)

It’s perfectly healthy and oh-so-gratifying to splurge on yourself every once in a while, but there are a few points to consider. Will you wear this piece often? Could you see yourself wearing it five (or 10) years from now? Is it a truly one-of-a-kind piece that will set you apart from the crowd? If you answered yes to any of these questions, give yourself permission to pull out the plastic.

Lindsay Lohan's 'buzz' keeps her at Ungaro fashion house

Lindsay Lohan will keep her consulting role with the Emanuel Ungaro house of fashion despite the criticism. Photo Credit: Splash News

November 25, 2009, (Splash News) - Lindsay Lohan will keep her consulting role with the Emanuel Ungaro house of fashion despite the criticism.

Lohan's debut collection was labelled an embarrassment by fashionistas around the globe. Her stint in Paris at the catwalk was marked by her own tears. Designer Ungaro himself was critical, calling the show a disaster.

But Ungaro is showing its loyalty. "Yes [she's staying on], she has a job to do," president and chief executive Mounir Moufarrige said in Milan.

Moufarrige made mention of "more buzz" around Ungaro as a result of the flop. He continued: "Mr Ungaro has his views, he can keep them. I have no comment. I am sure we can do better in the collection to be honest but I think it was harsh. But it did sell well."

He noted Britain's upmarket Harvey Nichols and Harrods, New York's Bloomingdales and Japanese stores expressed interest.

Lohan, 23, meanwhile is serving probation, undergoing drug and alcohol counseling and warring with her father and on-off girlfriend, Samantha Ronson.

‘Project Runway’: Looking Fashion Forward

Project Runway's lackluster season ends. Can the show get back to making it work?



Project Runway’s widely derided Season 6 is finally over and—as expected—it ended with a whimper instead of a bang. “Mean-a” Irina Shabayeva and her be-hatted, dominatrix inspired collection won the day to a resounding meh. Michael Kors was unusually restrained during judging. Nina Garcia looked downright pissed off for being forced to sit through the runway show. Even Tim Gunn’s highly promoted epic freak out turned out to be little more than a few moments of intense brow-furrowing over the backstage chaos.

All along I’d been rooting for cute Carol Hannah Whitfield, whose lovely, wearable dresses and buoyant personality provided a bright spot in an undeniably draggy season. But, c’est la vie. The real question now is how much of the show’s creative plunge can be blamed on Lifetime Network tinkering, and can PR get its mojo back for Season 7?

At the beginning of the season, long suffering fans breathed a collective sigh of relief. The Project Runway we knew and loved seemed to have survived both a location shift from New York to Los Angeles, and the move from hip Bravo TV to mom-favored Lifetime, relatively intact. There was Heidi Klum, impossibly chic and perennially pregnant. There was dapper Tim Gunn, dispensing advice and proclamations (Don’t Bore Nina!) with typical aplomb. The new crop of aspiring designers settled into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Downtown L.A. and even continued to buy their fabric at a West Coast outpost of Mood.

Sure there were a few troubling signs early on. The first challenge involved making a red carpet-ready dress (yawn), and featured sartorial train wreck Lindsay Lohan as a guest judge. But, we reasoned, this is Los Angeles after all. Some Hollywood influence is to be expected. And sure, this new group of designers is sort of generically young and attractive and straight from central casting, but it always takes a few episodes for the real personalities to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Give it a couple of episodes to find its groove, we told ourselves. Everything will be OK.

But it became painfully clear over the course of the season that, while Project Runway still walked and talked and “aufed” the same, this incarnation was a pale shadow of its former self. Instead of interesting challenges that pushed the designers’ resourcefulness and creative boundaries, we had representatives from corporate sponsor Macy’s coming in and directing the designers to make something blue. Because blue is hard! The genuinely quirky contestants were dispatched early on and we were left with a group of cardboard cutouts who whined and sniped and occasionally made googly-eyes at each other across the work table.

The real turning point came mid-season when Epperson—who had displayed some real talent but who, at 49, was the elder statesman of the season—was sent home instead of the model-handsome but consistently blah Logan Neitzel.

Where are the Christian Sirianos and Santino Rices of seasons past who made up for their occasional bitchiness with genuine talent and creative vision? Instead of a real villain like crazy, Bettie Page-obsessed Kenley Collins we got the blandly unpleasant Shabayeva. I would even have settled for rocker-chick Stella Zotis and her love of “leaathur” to add some spice to this lackluster season.

Project Runway has always stood out because, despite the drama and the kooky contestants and all the typical reality show trappings, it managed to keep a razor sharp focus on the work and the creative process. Instead of promoting mediocre talents and manufactured drama, the show simply needs to get back to the work.

And, for the love of all things holy, stop with the guest celebrities and keep Garcia and Kors in the judging chairs every week. Who else can we depend on to point out that some ill-considered ruffles on a garment make the model look “like she’s pooping fabric”?

That’s just good television.

EasyJet pulls in-flight magazine over Holocaust fashion shoot

Airline apologises for poor taste of fashion spread that used Jewish Museum and Holocaust memorial as backdrop


EasyJet has apologised for using images of models posing at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. Photograph: Public Domain

The budget airline EasyJet has been forced to withdraw almost 300,000 copies of its
in-flight magazine because of protests over its use of Holocaust memorial sites as a backdrop for a fashion feature.

An eight-page spread in the November edition of the magazine, EasyJet Traveller, depicted models posing at the Jewish Museum in Berlin and leaning against the pillars of the Holocaust memorial.

The magazine has now been removed from all flights, after complaints by Jewish organisations in Europe and passengers, particularly on flights to Tel Aviv, one of the airline's destinations.

An advertising agency contracted to produce the feature for EasyJet received written permission to photograph its models outside the Jewish Museum but not at the Holocaust memorial, a field of 2,700 concrete pillars with an underground information hub in the centre of the city.

A spokesman for the Foundation for the Memorial for Europe's Murdered Jews, Uwe Neumärer, said no permission had been given for the photoshoot to take place at the memorial. "We only give permission to projects that have a connection to the memorial, the Holocaust or some aspect of commemoration," he said, adding that no permission was ever given to commercial projects such as EasyJet's.

A spokesman for EasyJet said the magazine was produced by an external agency and the airline had only been made aware of the pictures after they had been printed.

In the fashion feature models pose in clothes by Berlin fashion designers and the specific locations are clearly identified in the text.

Under the headline "A Quick Guide to the Chic Side of Berlin", an accompanying article reads: "Ravaged by war and torn in two by conflicting ideologies, Berlin may not be a picture-perfect jewel … but it's a treasure trove for the culture vulture … no visit would be complete without exploring the testaments to the city's turbulent past, such as … the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust memorial."

INK, the external publishing house responsible for the magazine, said the article was meant to encourage people to visit the memorial.

"The shoot was intended to not only promote local design talent … but to raise awareness. From an educational perspective, it is of utmost importance that visitors to Berlin see the Jewish Museum … and Holocaust memorial," it said in a written statement.

The EasyJet spokesman added: "EasyJet profusely apologises to anyone who may be offended by the inappropriate fashion photo shoot … featured in this month's issue of the in-flight magazine."

He added that the airline was reviewing its future co-operation with INK.

One online respondent to the row on the German news website thelocal.de wrote: "What next? A tourism photo shoot in Auschwitz?"

When it initially opened in 2005, the architect of the Holocaust memorial, Peter Eisenman, created a stir by suggesting that visitors to the site should be allowed to picnic on the stones, and use it as a thoroughfare, enabling it to be integrated into the city's infrastructure. But tight rules were soon introduced and security guards monitor the memorial round the clock.

Meghan Moe Beitiks' Gothic Fashion Backdrop Shows Eco Sensibilities

This Gothic fashion shoot takes place in a set designed by Meghan Moe Beitiks. While the images are gorgeous and almost ethereal in nature, they take on an added level of intrigue when she notes that the set is comprised of recycled materials and shop cast-offs.

In an era where cost-cutting and simplified fashion shoots have become the norm, Meghan Moe Beitiks proves that decadent sets can still be created when environmentally-conscious practices are kept in mind. Check out more of her work below.

FASHION FLAIR HELP LINE : I want my skin to glow

Dear Remmy.

I am an ardent reader of fashion flair , and i have learnt a lot form you.. I want to say thank you
I will like you to help me out with tips that would help to ehance my skin. My skin okay. I just want it to glow more.
Funke, Ibadan

Dear Funke,
Thank you for your letter. I do feel needed when I hear from you, so this is calling on other readers who may have skin or beauty challenges to write in. There are four important everyday things that keeps your skin glowing, even into old age. These are; exfoliation Hydration, nourishment, and diet,

EXFOLIATION

How often do you exfoliate your skin? Is it enough? This s the number one key to glowing skin, Unfortunately lot of people fail to do this all important treatment.
The older you grow, the more often you need to exfoliate your skin. As we all know, skin cells die and new cells keep getting regenerated. These dead cells come to rest on the top layer of our skin, making our skin look dull, and, in some cases, patchy. Although dead skin is replaced naturally by new cells, this process takes longer as we age This is why regular exfoliation becomes a must.

HYDRATION

Keeping the skin well hydrated is another important factor , when aiming for glowing skin. Although your letter did not state your skin type, but I can infer that it is either dry or normal. This is because, those with oily skin would naturally have a glow on their skin, whether they have pimples or not. Avoid using bathing sap , which can stream your skin of it’s natural moisture. Use instead, cleansers, milky ones preferably.



NOURISHMENT

Masks are undoubtedly excellent for the skin, as they provide much needed nourishment. Think about it. Your face is exposed to the elements throughout the day, and the only form of nourishment it gets is a smattering of moisturizer every now and again. Although we should be applying face masks regularly, how many of us do so
Some of us apply facemasks once a month, while others do so no more than 2-3 times a year. Ideally you should apply a nourishing face mask weekly, even daily if possible. Can you imagine the difference applying a face mask daily will make to your skin ten years down the line You don’t need to spend money buying a mask. Make your own face masks by using ingredients from your kitchen.. Egg yolk, honey, bananas, day old yogurt? all are excellent for the skin, whisk and apply on your face. Don’t stick to the same face mask all the time. Keep applying something different.

DIET

Diet too plays an important part in your skin’s health. Always eat fresh foods, and avoid junk foods as much as you can. Eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, nuts and drink plenty of water. At least eight glasses a day.
If you make sure you eat enough of these in abundance and lay off fried, greasy and junk food, you are all set and on the right path to fabulous skin at 60, and, who knows, maybe seventy! Just don’t forget to write in and tell us how you did it!

Party Patrol: Inside the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Time to roll out the pink carpet!

Even though CBS won't air the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show until Dec. 1, I can tell you all about the event going down tonight. There are some changes this year: the show has been moved back to New York City, and new mama Heidi Klum is telling everyone on the red carpet that she's just going to host—not walk the runway—this time around.

The Black Eyed Peas get the party started, hitting the stage to perform "Boom Boom Pow." Fergie's singing live and dancing up a storm as models strut in futuristic lingerie getups. Jay-Z is watching from the front row sans Beyoncé and looks impressed by Fergie's pipes.

After the group finishes "Meet Me Halfway," there's a surprise...

Heidi is walking the runway!

She does her signature catwalk in a fairy-type getup and the place goes crazy. Michelle Trachtenberg sits next to her Gossip Girl costar Matthew Settle, as Kings of Leon look on (while their song plays, how meta).

What else is happening in New York City? Well, across town at the Plaza, Diddy is throwing himself a birthday party, with help from Bono, Kim Kardashian and Martha Stewart. (Which one of these does not belong?)

Now I'm off the to the New Moon afterparty at the Box, where the cast is hanging. Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz are on hand, as well as Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr...but where are Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson?

I'm gonna try and find out. Check back later for all the starry scoop...

Tom Brady Disses Tiger Woods’ Fashion Sense

Being married to the one of the world’s most revered supermodels comes with a few perks. Tom Brady — known in fashion circles as “Mr. Gisele Bundchen” — is best known for his skills with a pigskin, but that doesn’t mean the New England Patriots quarterback doesn’t have some style advice for his fellow athletes.

And he’s sharing them in the December issue of GQ Magazine, on newsstands Nov. 24.

“I see so many guys, really athletic guys, wearing [pleated pants],” the star told GQ, who selected Tom as one of a half-dozen Men of the Year. “I just shake my head. Like, Tiger Woods used to wear pleated pants! I’m like, ‘C’mon, Tiger!’”

Nicole Kidman: Vogue Fashion Fund Awards

Nicole Kidman introduces the keynote speaker at The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards at Skylight Studio on Monday (November 16) in New York City.

The 42-year-old actress covers the latest issue of Ladies Home Journal and shared about her life in the spotlight. “I was running from my life, in a way,” she said of making 17 movies between 2001 and 2008. “My imaginary life was better than my flesh-and-blood life. That’s a sad thing to say, but it was. Now I love my real life so much it requires an enormous belief in a film to want to take it on.”

Nicole added, “I think that we’re in the world to connect. Because that’s what you’re left with. You’re not left with your houses or awards or money, you’re left with the people that you built relationships with.”

15+ pictures inside of Nicole Kidman at the Vogue Fashion Fund Awards…


Read more: http://justjared.buzznet.com/2009/11/17/nicole-kidman-vogue-fashion-fund-awards

NEW ARRIVAL: JORDI LABANDA

Always our best-seller and always fun. Who can beat the smile Jordi Labanda put on our face?

FW09 Jordi Labanda landed in our store earlier. Lots of fun and we’re sure it’ll be a great season!

Here are favorite looks and more are in store. Stop over for some fun!