Following hot on the heels of Chanel's behind-the-scenes film detailing the production process behind its famous little black jacket, Valentino has unveiled a video showcasing the work that goes into making its iconic Rockstud handbag.
The craftsmanship involved in making the accessory a favorite with celebrities such as Rachel Bilson, Dakota Fanning and Kirsten Dunst can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u-Ihep6Z1I
Insights into meticulous manufacturing processes from the likes of Valentino and Chanel (see the latter's at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIYSW9_CCCI) arguably justify a hefty designer price tag and follow increasing attempts by luxury brands to offer an insight into their production methods.
Last October Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) ran a series of European artisan workshops for two days, giving the public a chance to see what goes on behind the doors at some of its most iconic labels, including Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, and in 2010 Italian label Gucci toured the world with its Artisan project, which showcased production methods.
This article is brought to you by MATCH.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Monthly style indicator: Comfort footwear versus glamour on Polyvore
Killer heels and clutch bags were among the most viewed accessories on online style sharing community Polyvore during February and March according to the site's latest Intelligence Report.
Polyvore, which lets users express their current fashion preferences in the form of collages, revealed that in terms of top incoming searches (terms leading visitors to Polyvore from search engines), Isabel Marant's high top sneaker topped the list.
These are a favorite with celebrities including Beyoncé Knowles, Alicia Keys, Miranda Kerr and Heidi Klum, and offer a more comfortable contrast to the most viewed styles on Polyvore for February and March, where stiletto heels dominated the top three (Valentino's bow pumps gained 342,129 views, with Maison Martin Margiela's open-toe bootie in second place and the Giuseppe Zanotti black suede platform bootie in third place).
In terms of trends Polyvore users searched for inspiration, high-top sneakers only came in at number eleven, while the number one spot went to a non-footwear item -- denim shorts2011) where she competed i. Combat boots came in at number five, and floral dresses were at number threefirmed by the Italian house to span class='y. The former look set to be big for Spring/Summer 2012, with military styles similar to those worn by protagonist Katniss Everdeen in current box office smash The Hunger Games appearing in a number of recently created Polyvore collages.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIPS ADVICE.
Polyvore, which lets users express their current fashion preferences in the form of collages, revealed that in terms of top incoming searches (terms leading visitors to Polyvore from search engines), Isabel Marant's high top sneaker topped the list.
These are a favorite with celebrities including Beyoncé Knowles, Alicia Keys, Miranda Kerr and Heidi Klum, and offer a more comfortable contrast to the most viewed styles on Polyvore for February and March, where stiletto heels dominated the top three (Valentino's bow pumps gained 342,129 views, with Maison Martin Margiela's open-toe bootie in second place and the Giuseppe Zanotti black suede platform bootie in third place).
In terms of trends Polyvore users searched for inspiration, high-top sneakers only came in at number eleven, while the number one spot went to a non-footwear item -- denim shorts2011) where she competed i. Combat boots came in at number five, and floral dresses were at number threefirmed by the Italian house to span class='y. The former look set to be big for Spring/Summer 2012, with military styles similar to those worn by protagonist Katniss Everdeen in current box office smash The Hunger Games appearing in a number of recently created Polyvore collages.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIPS ADVICE.
Keeping Cartier contemporary: the jewelry house discusses modern art, mass market collaborations and the revival of classics
Ahead of the launch of Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts, the latest expo from Cartier's art museum the Fondation Cartier, which begins April 3 in Paris, Relaxnews met up with Cartier Europe's managing director Cyrille Vigneron to discuss how a prestigious maison stays ahead in an ever evolving luxury market.
Relaxnews: Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts brings together four artworks commissioned by Cartier and made by four very different artists (David Lynch, Takeshi Kitano, Alessandro Mendini, Beatriz Milhazes) using precious and semi-precious stones no longer deemed suitable for the brand's jewelryn, THE TENTS: T. What makes a luxury house decide to team up with contemporary artists?
Cyrille Vigneron: The artists can see what others don't see in terms of trends, arts, design, all forms of expressionl last week, Designers who. They see a different way to represent the world and the foundation doesn't think about what Cartier is doing -- it just thinks about the art worldl be used, lawyers are needed, . The Fondation won't become a design studio for Cartier products the music they play, . Some other brands are doing that, calling artists or designers and saying 'sign our products' or making something that is co-brandedned period, typically six months, said Ali Grace. I won't say who but you can easily see model management compa. It becomes a hybrid which has some value but it changes the orientation and perception1330468504_2'Susan Scafidi/span, director of . A brand should be true to its own creative past, its own patrimony, and the designer should serve that as a purposepremium price of up to $65,000 to rent . When it comes to a designer working for himself it's something different.
RN: The Fondation Cartier is known for championing emerging contemporary artists from across the globe, but where does Cartier stand on rising US jewelry designers such as Alexis Bittar and Pamela Love? Do you feel a challenge to compete or consider them separate?
CV: For jewelry I say the more players the bettert conflict with the week's off. Having more famous designers gets people interested and creates stimulation and diversityscussed the topic at a panel held at Fo. But each has to find its own style-related agreements, . For example, Hermès is moving into it and exploring its own way with the famous Hermès handbags being transformed into jewelry for the luxury market including a clause that the DJ must have the r. This is something exploratory, something no one has done before sign up Land Rover for span class='yshor. As long as we have many designers doing something genuine it's fine, when a designer starts to copy another one that's not fine.
RN: Cartier was one of the main luxury jewelers in the limelight following last year's Elizabeth Taylor jewelry auction, and some of the opulent designs inspired by the star's collection have been reinterpreted on a mass scale entertainment lawyer w. What is your take on this?
CV: When you are copied it means that you're interesting, but if some brands just come and copy others without making any innovation or developments then it's counterfeitows, and the process often is com. You should respect othersarked logos as well as h. If you just say, "We'll copy this and make it cheaper and it will be fine," it's just disgustingto rent the main runway at span cl. But if you really go further and try something new and I'll find clients for that then it's great, then it stimulates everyone's creativity and inspires us to do things better.
RN: So would Cartier ever collaborate with a more affordable brand?
CV: No, never and other details are typical. There can be room for premium jewelry or costume jewelry; it can all be something interesting as far it is what it isality written all over it,' . Then there is fine jewelry, then there is high jewelry and it's a different worldent their own contracts to. We can have simple designs; for example the trinity ring is very simple, a wedding band is a wedding band -- simple, straight, symbolic -- we're happy to do it. But a lower end collaboration to diffuse via a mass production -- neverwhere the top designers tend. Projects such as the recent Cartier Odyssey movie make Cartier universalhow, Because that involves usi. Whether you intend to buy or not doesn't matter.
RN: How does Cartier maintain a balance between keeping traditional clients happy and attracting new ones?
CV: The maison has a stature and has been endorsed by really famous people from past and present: Liz Taylor, the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kellynsorship, For example, lab. But this can only continue if our contemporary creations are rejuvenatedcuts' id='lw_1330468504_0'Fordham L. Now the most demanded pieces come from the Tutti Frutti collection, each of them is new but has been inspired by the 1920susic they pump out during the show, . We can make new ones out of the same inspired style and then have something really daring and new in terms of shape and style and ways to wearlast September, That. Classics are the kind of designer pieces or products which can talk to anyone at anytime -- a design that has been outstanding whether made in the 1930s or 1970s or this generationl work that goes into creatin. That's why collections go through generations; whether it's a trinity ring or a love braceletrtcuts' id='lw_1330468504_3'New Yor. At some point they were daring and then they become classic because someone wears themw School/span's Fashion Institute, said, 'Ther. Our creations are constantly kept alive, adding new variants to the same model but also keeping the initial model alive itself and that's why we have many variants on the Tank watch collection or the trinity collection.
RN: What advice would you give someone considering investing in an expensive item of jewelry?
CV: The best way is to see what suits you; your style, lifestyle, what you want to express, who you want to look good fory the label Rag & Bone could sign up La. Talk and let the magic workshion shows most familiar to the public are t. You buy it for life use the images 'in perpetuity. We have a lot of respect for people like mothers who will give their daughter their trinity ring when she turns 18houses present their own contracts to the model ag. Our creations keep their value over time and there is currently a lot of demand for vintage pieces.
The Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts exhibition will run April 3-21. Reservation with the Visitor's Department is necessary goes into creating these . For more information visit www.fondation.cartier.com/cartier
This article is brought to you by PERSONALS.
Relaxnews: Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts brings together four artworks commissioned by Cartier and made by four very different artists (David Lynch, Takeshi Kitano, Alessandro Mendini, Beatriz Milhazes) using precious and semi-precious stones no longer deemed suitable for the brand's jewelryn, THE TENTS: T. What makes a luxury house decide to team up with contemporary artists?
Cyrille Vigneron: The artists can see what others don't see in terms of trends, arts, design, all forms of expressionl last week, Designers who. They see a different way to represent the world and the foundation doesn't think about what Cartier is doing -- it just thinks about the art worldl be used, lawyers are needed, . The Fondation won't become a design studio for Cartier products the music they play, . Some other brands are doing that, calling artists or designers and saying 'sign our products' or making something that is co-brandedned period, typically six months, said Ali Grace. I won't say who but you can easily see model management compa. It becomes a hybrid which has some value but it changes the orientation and perception1330468504_2'Susan Scafidi/span, director of . A brand should be true to its own creative past, its own patrimony, and the designer should serve that as a purposepremium price of up to $65,000 to rent . When it comes to a designer working for himself it's something different.
RN: The Fondation Cartier is known for championing emerging contemporary artists from across the globe, but where does Cartier stand on rising US jewelry designers such as Alexis Bittar and Pamela Love? Do you feel a challenge to compete or consider them separate?
CV: For jewelry I say the more players the bettert conflict with the week's off. Having more famous designers gets people interested and creates stimulation and diversityscussed the topic at a panel held at Fo. But each has to find its own style-related agreements, . For example, Hermès is moving into it and exploring its own way with the famous Hermès handbags being transformed into jewelry for the luxury market including a clause that the DJ must have the r. This is something exploratory, something no one has done before sign up Land Rover for span class='yshor. As long as we have many designers doing something genuine it's fine, when a designer starts to copy another one that's not fine.
RN: Cartier was one of the main luxury jewelers in the limelight following last year's Elizabeth Taylor jewelry auction, and some of the opulent designs inspired by the star's collection have been reinterpreted on a mass scale entertainment lawyer w. What is your take on this?
CV: When you are copied it means that you're interesting, but if some brands just come and copy others without making any innovation or developments then it's counterfeitows, and the process often is com. You should respect othersarked logos as well as h. If you just say, "We'll copy this and make it cheaper and it will be fine," it's just disgustingto rent the main runway at span cl. But if you really go further and try something new and I'll find clients for that then it's great, then it stimulates everyone's creativity and inspires us to do things better.
RN: So would Cartier ever collaborate with a more affordable brand?
CV: No, never and other details are typical. There can be room for premium jewelry or costume jewelry; it can all be something interesting as far it is what it isality written all over it,' . Then there is fine jewelry, then there is high jewelry and it's a different worldent their own contracts to. We can have simple designs; for example the trinity ring is very simple, a wedding band is a wedding band -- simple, straight, symbolic -- we're happy to do it. But a lower end collaboration to diffuse via a mass production -- neverwhere the top designers tend. Projects such as the recent Cartier Odyssey movie make Cartier universalhow, Because that involves usi. Whether you intend to buy or not doesn't matter.
RN: How does Cartier maintain a balance between keeping traditional clients happy and attracting new ones?
CV: The maison has a stature and has been endorsed by really famous people from past and present: Liz Taylor, the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kellynsorship, For example, lab. But this can only continue if our contemporary creations are rejuvenatedcuts' id='lw_1330468504_0'Fordham L. Now the most demanded pieces come from the Tutti Frutti collection, each of them is new but has been inspired by the 1920susic they pump out during the show, . We can make new ones out of the same inspired style and then have something really daring and new in terms of shape and style and ways to wearlast September, That. Classics are the kind of designer pieces or products which can talk to anyone at anytime -- a design that has been outstanding whether made in the 1930s or 1970s or this generationl work that goes into creatin. That's why collections go through generations; whether it's a trinity ring or a love braceletrtcuts' id='lw_1330468504_3'New Yor. At some point they were daring and then they become classic because someone wears themw School/span's Fashion Institute, said, 'Ther. Our creations are constantly kept alive, adding new variants to the same model but also keeping the initial model alive itself and that's why we have many variants on the Tank watch collection or the trinity collection.
RN: What advice would you give someone considering investing in an expensive item of jewelry?
CV: The best way is to see what suits you; your style, lifestyle, what you want to express, who you want to look good fory the label Rag & Bone could sign up La. Talk and let the magic workshion shows most familiar to the public are t. You buy it for life use the images 'in perpetuity. We have a lot of respect for people like mothers who will give their daughter their trinity ring when she turns 18houses present their own contracts to the model ag. Our creations keep their value over time and there is currently a lot of demand for vintage pieces.
The Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts exhibition will run April 3-21. Reservation with the Visitor's Department is necessary goes into creating these . For more information visit www.fondation.cartier.com/cartier
This article is brought to you by PERSONALS.
H&M launching new retail chain in 2013
After rumors emerged this week that H&M is planning its first luxury brand, the Swedish retailer confirmed March 29 that a new store chain will be launched in 2013.
Following H&M's famous designer team-ups with the likes of Versace and Marni, rumors emerged in Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri this week that the chain is branching into the high end market.
In its latest three month report, the store confirmed a new store chain will be launched in 2013, although details are still limited.
"We are making these long-term investments in order to build an even stronger H&M, so that we can give our customers an even broader offering going forwardn class='yshortcuts' id='lw_1330520300_7'Relaxne. We have many different projects in progress and already next year we will be launching a completely new store chain," said H&M chief executive officer Karl-Johan Persson.
"Like COS, which today is very successful with good profitability, the new chain of stores will be independent and complement the other offerings from the Grouphis JIKI collection, strongR,: What career p. We have great faith in this new brand and we see considerable potential for further initiatives."
H&M is keeping tight lipped regarding further details such as the new chain's name.
"At the moment this is all the information we have availablehortcuts' id='lw_1330520. We look forward to telling more at a later date," H&M press officer Håcan Andersson told Relaxnews.
The Swedish retailer already owns higher price point high street label COS, and on April 12 H&M will launch its Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection, which has been worn on the red carpet by the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Michelle Williams and is made using sustainable materials including organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester.
Following H&M's famous designer team-ups with the likes of Versace and Marni, rumors emerged in Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri this week that the chain is branching into the high end market.
In its latest three month report, the store confirmed a new store chain will be launched in 2013, although details are still limited.
"We are making these long-term investments in order to build an even stronger H&M, so that we can give our customers an even broader offering going forwardn class='yshortcuts' id='lw_1330520300_7'Relaxne. We have many different projects in progress and already next year we will be launching a completely new store chain," said H&M chief executive officer Karl-Johan Persson.
"Like COS, which today is very successful with good profitability, the new chain of stores will be independent and complement the other offerings from the Grouphis JIKI collection, strongR,: What career p. We have great faith in this new brand and we see considerable potential for further initiatives."
H&M is keeping tight lipped regarding further details such as the new chain's name.
"At the moment this is all the information we have availablehortcuts' id='lw_1330520. We look forward to telling more at a later date," H&M press officer Håcan Andersson told Relaxnews.
The Swedish retailer already owns higher price point high street label COS, and on April 12 H&M will launch its Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection, which has been worn on the red carpet by the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Michelle Williams and is made using sustainable materials including organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Ralph Lauren outfits USA Olympic team
American fashion designer Ralph Lauren will be the official outfitter of the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams for London 2012, designing the opening and closing ceremony parade uniforms.
Ralph Lauren previously designed the teams' uniforms for the 2008 Games in Beijing and 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
In addition, Ralph Lauren will design a collection of village wear apparel and accessories inspired by the 1948 Olympic Games in LondonQueen, PPR said last month that. The vintage motifs will mix with modern styling in American colors of red, white and navy and new Olympic team logo.
The Ralph Lauren 2012 Olympic Collection features reissued heritage pieces from the 1930s and '40s, including fleece warm-ups, a cricket-collar shirt and sweatshirts with USA appliquésss='yshortcuts' id='lw_13309635. Reproductions of track & field designs feature an updated 1948 crest.
Outerwear and first-time Olympic-branded accessories include tote bags, hats, towels and eyewear.
The collection for men, women and children will be available for purchase in May in Ralph Lauren retail stores, Team USA shops, select US department stores and online at www.RalphLauren.com and www.TeamUSAShop.com.
As part of the involvement with Team USA for the London Games 2012, the designer announced a partnership with athletes serving as brand ambassadors, including members of the gymnastics, swimming, beach volleyball, Paralympic basketball teams, and others.
The upcoming Olympics look set to be one of the most stylish yet, with the UK team last week revealing its outfits alongside designer Stella McCartney Hem-lines were short, torsos were tight,. Meanwhile, Giorgio Armani has designed both the sporting and formal wear kits for the Italian Olympic team from Armani's sportswear line EA7.
RC
Ralph Lauren previously designed the teams' uniforms for the 2008 Games in Beijing and 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.
In addition, Ralph Lauren will design a collection of village wear apparel and accessories inspired by the 1948 Olympic Games in LondonQueen, PPR said last month that. The vintage motifs will mix with modern styling in American colors of red, white and navy and new Olympic team logo.
The Ralph Lauren 2012 Olympic Collection features reissued heritage pieces from the 1930s and '40s, including fleece warm-ups, a cricket-collar shirt and sweatshirts with USA appliquésss='yshortcuts' id='lw_13309635. Reproductions of track & field designs feature an updated 1948 crest.
Outerwear and first-time Olympic-branded accessories include tote bags, hats, towels and eyewear.
The collection for men, women and children will be available for purchase in May in Ralph Lauren retail stores, Team USA shops, select US department stores and online at www.RalphLauren.com and www.TeamUSAShop.com.
As part of the involvement with Team USA for the London Games 2012, the designer announced a partnership with athletes serving as brand ambassadors, including members of the gymnastics, swimming, beach volleyball, Paralympic basketball teams, and others.
The upcoming Olympics look set to be one of the most stylish yet, with the UK team last week revealing its outfits alongside designer Stella McCartney Hem-lines were short, torsos were tight,. Meanwhile, Giorgio Armani has designed both the sporting and formal wear kits for the Italian Olympic team from Armani's sportswear line EA7.
RC
Transforming jewels into art: Cartier discusses the process behind its innovative concept
Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts, the latest expo from Cartier's art museum the Fondation Cartier, begins April 3 in Paris, and will bring together four artworks commissioned by the luxury jewelry house and made by artists including David Lynch and Takeshi Kitano using precious and semi-precious stones no longer deemed suitable for the brand's jewelryClark, who died last year at age 104. Here, Cartier Europe's managing director Cyrille Vigneron reveals the personalities behind the works and offers insight into the maison's close relationship with the contemporary art world.
Relaxnews: The four artworks were made by American director David Lynch, Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, Italian architect Alessandro Mendini, and Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazesction house said Clark's collect. Why did the selected artists particularly appeal to Cartier?
Cyrille Vigneron: We chose four artists from different continents, different origins, male and female, different sensitivities died last year at age 104, wa. Most important was that they have a great imagination or that they work with colorsThe will is being contested, . Even if they had never previously worked with mineral elements, this was a carte blanche opportunity for them.
RN: Takeshi Kitano made an artist's suitcase (Nécessaire Gosse de peintre), David Lynch a lamp (Jeweled Triangle), Mendini an "endless column" (The Cartier Column) and Beatriz Milhazes a decorated mobile (Aquarium)arris Stevens, said on Tuesday that the. Were you surprised by how different the pieces were?
CV: The results were entirely specific for each unique artist, was heir to a copper, timber . For example, one was very mysterious, another one energeticence on Fifth Ave,, where they maintaine. The lamp is so much like David; it brings us into his interior world, so complex, so weird, so really hima series of auctions of Taylor's s. The Cartier Column is so much like Mendini, such a charming and positive person#39;s death in 1925, Cl. Takeshi Kitano's artist's suitcase was so nostalgic, taking him to a past where imagination was freename 'the reluctant heiress,' eschewing la. We suggested putting stones on the palette but he said that this would be too sophisticated; he wanted a nostalgic piece showing nostalgia for a child's fresh vision.
RN: The pieces were commissioned at different times but what made Cartier decide to bring them all together now? What will happen to them in the future?
CV: Each project took some time, the artists worked at their own speedeat Gilded Age in American history. Some took nine months, others a year and half91 who became Clark's clos. We initially showed each of them at different occasions but they have never been shown all together in France before nowns of Taylor's storied jewelry . The art pieces belong to Cartier, and [in the future] will be shown, like treasures are: occasionallythey maintained three apartments overlookin. In special occasions.
RN: Rather than turning them into art, would there be any other ways you would consider repurposing discarded stones?
CV: Yesmother moved to an Italian palazz. For example, for objets of decoration, we have thought about thatzabeth Taylor/span's renowned span class='ys. But we had the opportunity to do something different...why not use this occasion to create something totally new? Also, with this would come innovation, challenging us in ways that we would not regularly contemplate.
RN: What can contemporary art teach the world of luxury and vice versa?
CV: We thought, 'How can Cartier serve artists? How can we bring our knowhow as craftsmen?' We should make something that can't be worn or sold, just to see what beauty can come out of ital Real Estate, in partnership with Brown Har. We gave artists a free card, they came out with amazing things, thinking outside the box and this is a source of inspiration too.
RN: Discussing the Fondation Cartier more generally, what makes a luxury house decide to team up with contemporary artists?
CV: The artists can see what others don't see in terms of trends, arts, design, all forms of expressionn history,' he added, The aucti. They see a different way to represent the world and the foundation doesn't think about what Cartier is doing -- it just thinks about the art worldtruly a fairytale colle. The Fondation won't become a design studio for Cartier productsrtcuts' id='lw_1331706244_0'Huguette Clark/span wh. Some other brands are doing that, calling artists or designers and saying 'sign our products' or making something that is co-branded $2,5 million, respective. I won't say who but you can easily seeight and trappings of w. It becomes a hybrid which has some value but it changes the orientation and perceptionferring to spend time with he. A brand should be true to its own creative past, its own patrimony, and the designer should serve that as a purposeter its record-smashing sa. When it comes to a designer working for himself it's something different.
RN: Since its launch in 1984, the Fondation Cartier has presented work from contemporary artists ranging from Vija Celmins to Guillermo Kuitca, as well as exploring the world of graffiti in 2009 with the 'Né dans la rue exhibition.' For such a historical brand, do you consider it important to select edgier artists?
CV: Even if Cartier is classic it doesn't mean it's conservative to find this treasure trove. We look for someone with an original tone, a voice, a message -- whether recognized or not yeted to sell for about $7 million and $2,5 mill. Thinking also about graffiti, art born in the street.. Brown Harris Stevens, said on Tuesday tha. this can create a debate, is it freedom or pollution? The Fondation opens a window to the world and tells it what the artists see, how it's moving.
Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts exhibition will run April 3-21as worth millions, As su. Reservation with the Visitor's Department is necessaryfind this treasure trove of period jewels from . For more information visit www.fondation.cartier.com/cartier
This article is brought to you by MATCH.
Relaxnews: The four artworks were made by American director David Lynch, Japanese filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, Italian architect Alessandro Mendini, and Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazesction house said Clark's collect. Why did the selected artists particularly appeal to Cartier?
Cyrille Vigneron: We chose four artists from different continents, different origins, male and female, different sensitivities died last year at age 104, wa. Most important was that they have a great imagination or that they work with colorsThe will is being contested, . Even if they had never previously worked with mineral elements, this was a carte blanche opportunity for them.
RN: Takeshi Kitano made an artist's suitcase (Nécessaire Gosse de peintre), David Lynch a lamp (Jeweled Triangle), Mendini an "endless column" (The Cartier Column) and Beatriz Milhazes a decorated mobile (Aquarium)arris Stevens, said on Tuesday that the. Were you surprised by how different the pieces were?
CV: The results were entirely specific for each unique artist, was heir to a copper, timber . For example, one was very mysterious, another one energeticence on Fifth Ave,, where they maintaine. The lamp is so much like David; it brings us into his interior world, so complex, so weird, so really hima series of auctions of Taylor's s. The Cartier Column is so much like Mendini, such a charming and positive person#39;s death in 1925, Cl. Takeshi Kitano's artist's suitcase was so nostalgic, taking him to a past where imagination was freename 'the reluctant heiress,' eschewing la. We suggested putting stones on the palette but he said that this would be too sophisticated; he wanted a nostalgic piece showing nostalgia for a child's fresh vision.
RN: The pieces were commissioned at different times but what made Cartier decide to bring them all together now? What will happen to them in the future?
CV: Each project took some time, the artists worked at their own speedeat Gilded Age in American history. Some took nine months, others a year and half91 who became Clark's clos. We initially showed each of them at different occasions but they have never been shown all together in France before nowns of Taylor's storied jewelry . The art pieces belong to Cartier, and [in the future] will be shown, like treasures are: occasionallythey maintained three apartments overlookin. In special occasions.
RN: Rather than turning them into art, would there be any other ways you would consider repurposing discarded stones?
CV: Yesmother moved to an Italian palazz. For example, for objets of decoration, we have thought about thatzabeth Taylor/span's renowned span class='ys. But we had the opportunity to do something different...why not use this occasion to create something totally new? Also, with this would come innovation, challenging us in ways that we would not regularly contemplate.
RN: What can contemporary art teach the world of luxury and vice versa?
CV: We thought, 'How can Cartier serve artists? How can we bring our knowhow as craftsmen?' We should make something that can't be worn or sold, just to see what beauty can come out of ital Real Estate, in partnership with Brown Har. We gave artists a free card, they came out with amazing things, thinking outside the box and this is a source of inspiration too.
RN: Discussing the Fondation Cartier more generally, what makes a luxury house decide to team up with contemporary artists?
CV: The artists can see what others don't see in terms of trends, arts, design, all forms of expressionn history,' he added, The aucti. They see a different way to represent the world and the foundation doesn't think about what Cartier is doing -- it just thinks about the art worldtruly a fairytale colle. The Fondation won't become a design studio for Cartier productsrtcuts' id='lw_1331706244_0'Huguette Clark/span wh. Some other brands are doing that, calling artists or designers and saying 'sign our products' or making something that is co-branded $2,5 million, respective. I won't say who but you can easily seeight and trappings of w. It becomes a hybrid which has some value but it changes the orientation and perceptionferring to spend time with he. A brand should be true to its own creative past, its own patrimony, and the designer should serve that as a purposeter its record-smashing sa. When it comes to a designer working for himself it's something different.
RN: Since its launch in 1984, the Fondation Cartier has presented work from contemporary artists ranging from Vija Celmins to Guillermo Kuitca, as well as exploring the world of graffiti in 2009 with the 'Né dans la rue exhibition.' For such a historical brand, do you consider it important to select edgier artists?
CV: Even if Cartier is classic it doesn't mean it's conservative to find this treasure trove. We look for someone with an original tone, a voice, a message -- whether recognized or not yeted to sell for about $7 million and $2,5 mill. Thinking also about graffiti, art born in the street.. Brown Harris Stevens, said on Tuesday tha. this can create a debate, is it freedom or pollution? The Fondation opens a window to the world and tells it what the artists see, how it's moving.
Cartier, Jeweler of the Arts exhibition will run April 3-21as worth millions, As su. Reservation with the Visitor's Department is necessaryfind this treasure trove of period jewels from . For more information visit www.fondation.cartier.com/cartier
This article is brought to you by MATCH.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Trendabl app: join the Olsens and Brad Goreski on fashion's latest social network
Following on from the fashion industry's love affair with free photo-sharing application Instagram comes the launch of Trendabl, an interactive iPhone app dedicated to style that has already caught the eye of designers including Diane Von Furstenberg and Michael Kors.
Launching March 26, the photo-sharing platform allows users to take a picture or upload an image from their library and post it to the Trendabl network with appropriate tagses growth in sales, 'We are all at Yves Sai. They can then choose to post it to Tumblr, Facebook and/or Twitter.
With echoes of these social networks, there is a re-post option and users can "like" things and make commentss next stop will be a week's skiing in the. There is also a function to showcase the most popular images.
Like Twitter and Instagram, users can follow friends, celebrities and brandsnce featuring all of the fashion industry'. Contributing designers already include Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, while celebrity stylist Brad Goreski is on board.
"I'm incredibly excited to be a part of Trendablf the tough chic which has c. Fashion should be fun, visual, and of course, colorful!," said Goreski in a release.
The launch of Trendabl comes amid the rise of fashion apps tapping into the desire for style sharing, with website and mobile app Fashism allowing users to receive community feedback on their outfits and Pose letting users upload their outfit successes and gain inspiration from fellow fashionistas.
The Trendabl app is free and currently available through iTunes.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trendabl/id498609221?ls=1&mt=8
This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.
Launching March 26, the photo-sharing platform allows users to take a picture or upload an image from their library and post it to the Trendabl network with appropriate tagses growth in sales, 'We are all at Yves Sai. They can then choose to post it to Tumblr, Facebook and/or Twitter.
With echoes of these social networks, there is a re-post option and users can "like" things and make commentss next stop will be a week's skiing in the. There is also a function to showcase the most popular images.
Like Twitter and Instagram, users can follow friends, celebrities and brandsnce featuring all of the fashion industry'. Contributing designers already include Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, while celebrity stylist Brad Goreski is on board.
"I'm incredibly excited to be a part of Trendablf the tough chic which has c. Fashion should be fun, visual, and of course, colorful!," said Goreski in a release.
The launch of Trendabl comes amid the rise of fashion apps tapping into the desire for style sharing, with website and mobile app Fashism allowing users to receive community feedback on their outfits and Pose letting users upload their outfit successes and gain inspiration from fellow fashionistas.
The Trendabl app is free and currently available through iTunes.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trendabl/id498609221?ls=1&mt=8
This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Zac Posen launching debut sunglasses line
Zac Posen is the latest designer to branch into sunglasses, teaming up with international eyewear brand Illesteva for his debut in the realm next month.
The limited edition launch will include two different shapes -- a cat eye style and an oval frame, with colors to include yellow, clear, tortoise, green, brown and leopard print.
Retailing at $300, the frames will be on sale via illesteva.com, as well as in boutiques including Colette and Opening Ceremony.
Posen told WWD March 20 that sunglasses will play an integral part in expanding from ready-to-wear into other arenas.
"As we develop the Zac Posen brand, sunglasses allow me to maintain an aspect of flare and attitude for clothing that transitions into day," said Posen, who joins designers including Jean Paul Gaultier to enter the arena (his debut range launched in Mikli boutiques back in January)icenses themselves, or ensure any contrac. Meanwhile, US jewelry designer Alexis Bittar recently revealed plans to launch eyewear in 2013.
While Illesteva's frames have previously shown up at shows for labels including Band of Outsiders, the Posen launch marks the company's first brand collaboration.
This article is brought to you by DATING ADVICE.
The limited edition launch will include two different shapes -- a cat eye style and an oval frame, with colors to include yellow, clear, tortoise, green, brown and leopard print.
Retailing at $300, the frames will be on sale via illesteva.com, as well as in boutiques including Colette and Opening Ceremony.
Posen told WWD March 20 that sunglasses will play an integral part in expanding from ready-to-wear into other arenas.
"As we develop the Zac Posen brand, sunglasses allow me to maintain an aspect of flare and attitude for clothing that transitions into day," said Posen, who joins designers including Jean Paul Gaultier to enter the arena (his debut range launched in Mikli boutiques back in January)icenses themselves, or ensure any contrac. Meanwhile, US jewelry designer Alexis Bittar recently revealed plans to launch eyewear in 2013.
While Illesteva's frames have previously shown up at shows for labels including Band of Outsiders, the Posen launch marks the company's first brand collaboration.
This article is brought to you by DATING ADVICE.
Look like a celebrity: H&M launching eco-friendly fashion line favored by the stars
Fashionistas will already be familiar with the soon-to-be-launched Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection by H&M, as it has been worn on the red carpet by the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Michelle Williams.
The range, which has been made using sustainable materials including organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester, will be available from April 12 in around 100 stores H&M across the globe -- with certain looks also being available online.
Highlights from the collection include the blue tuxedo blazer and shorts worn by Seyfried at the London premiere of movie In Time and an apple green embroidered dress customized for Kristin Davis to wear to a Vanity Fair event in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Williams attracted plenty of attention when she wore a custom two-tone H&M gown to London film ceremony the BAFTAs earlier this year, and a top and skirt inspired by the outfit forms part of the Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection.
The collection comes at a time when eco-friendly fashion on the red carpet has never been more prevalent, with Italian Vogue editor-in-chief of Franca Sozzani taking to her blog earlier this year to express the fashion industry's "concrete commitment" to the environment and sustainability.
Sozzani was speaking in support of film producer Livia Firth and British journalist Lucy Siegle's Green Carpet Challenge initiative, which began in 2009 and encourages designers to make red carpet attire with eco-friendly fabrics.
A host of creators signed up for the initiative ahead of the awards ceremony season earlier this year, with highlights on the Oscars red carpet including best actress winner Meryl Streep's gold draped Lanvin dress made out of eco-certified sourced fabric and Firth's red Valentino gown made of recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIPS ADVICE.
The range, which has been made using sustainable materials including organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester, will be available from April 12 in around 100 stores H&M across the globe -- with certain looks also being available online.
Highlights from the collection include the blue tuxedo blazer and shorts worn by Seyfried at the London premiere of movie In Time and an apple green embroidered dress customized for Kristin Davis to wear to a Vanity Fair event in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Williams attracted plenty of attention when she wore a custom two-tone H&M gown to London film ceremony the BAFTAs earlier this year, and a top and skirt inspired by the outfit forms part of the Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection.
The collection comes at a time when eco-friendly fashion on the red carpet has never been more prevalent, with Italian Vogue editor-in-chief of Franca Sozzani taking to her blog earlier this year to express the fashion industry's "concrete commitment" to the environment and sustainability.
Sozzani was speaking in support of film producer Livia Firth and British journalist Lucy Siegle's Green Carpet Challenge initiative, which began in 2009 and encourages designers to make red carpet attire with eco-friendly fabrics.
A host of creators signed up for the initiative ahead of the awards ceremony season earlier this year, with highlights on the Oscars red carpet including best actress winner Meryl Streep's gold draped Lanvin dress made out of eco-certified sourced fabric and Firth's red Valentino gown made of recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIPS ADVICE.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Video: Kate Moss, Stella McCartney, David Gandy in 'Ab Fab' teaser
A teaser of Kate Moss appearing alongside Stella McCartney and male model David Gandy in an upcoming edition of British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous has been revealed.
A special edition of the recently revived comedy show, which stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley as PR agent Edina and magazine editor Patsy respectively, will air in the UK March 23 as part of charity event Sport Relief 2012.
A teaser ahead of the show sees an uncomfortable meeting between Patsy and the threesome in a barre $12 million, $19 million and $24 mill. Watch it at http://youtu.be/n30rdT6lyzU.
The stylish cameos come as no surprise; since its revival last year, Absolutely Fabulous has been fully embraced by the fashion world, with Saunders switching on the Christmas lights of McCartney's London store as her alter ego Edina back in December and Saunders and Lumley appearing as their characters in US jewelry designer Alexis Bittar's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.
The Absolutely Fabulous special won't be the first time Moss has displayed her comic acting talents, watch her enjoying a romantic date with a toy bear in aid of last year's UK charity event Comic Relief at http://youtu.be/w0Yr9QzOb-Q.
A special edition of the recently revived comedy show, which stars Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley as PR agent Edina and magazine editor Patsy respectively, will air in the UK March 23 as part of charity event Sport Relief 2012.
A teaser ahead of the show sees an uncomfortable meeting between Patsy and the threesome in a barre $12 million, $19 million and $24 mill. Watch it at http://youtu.be/n30rdT6lyzU.
The stylish cameos come as no surprise; since its revival last year, Absolutely Fabulous has been fully embraced by the fashion world, with Saunders switching on the Christmas lights of McCartney's London store as her alter ego Edina back in December and Saunders and Lumley appearing as their characters in US jewelry designer Alexis Bittar's Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.
The Absolutely Fabulous special won't be the first time Moss has displayed her comic acting talents, watch her enjoying a romantic date with a toy bear in aid of last year's UK charity event Comic Relief at http://youtu.be/w0Yr9QzOb-Q.
Alexander McQueen latest label to get website revamp, expand e-commerce
Alexander McQueen is the latest label to revamp its website, with increased e-commerce outlets and features including a 'My McQueen' area where users can access archive McQueen images and curate their own pages.
Before, the British label only offered e-commerce for the US and UK although it is now available for 30 countries including France, Italy and Norwayuding France and Spain for 2013, . There is also a separate scarf boutique and the diffusion line McQ has its own micro-site accessible via the homepage.
In terms of digital innovations, the new site includes a host of runway videos and images, and with echoes of online pin board Pinterest, users are able to select from thousands of McQueen archive images to curate their own pagesonal accessories for 2013, The label is aimed . They can also share these via social mediad there are discussion. This follows increasing attempts by fashion brands to offer shoppers a place to experience a label rather than just making purchases -- Valentino even launched its own virtual museum last year.
Meanwhile, following the launch of his Karl line at Net-a-Porter back in January, Karl Lagerfeld recently unveiled a new website karl.com, which features an online store as well as a 'World of Karl' area, where users can learn about the creator's favorite quotes as well as watching behind-the-scenes videos and interviews.
This article is brought to you by MATCH.
Before, the British label only offered e-commerce for the US and UK although it is now available for 30 countries including France, Italy and Norwayuding France and Spain for 2013, . There is also a separate scarf boutique and the diffusion line McQ has its own micro-site accessible via the homepage.
In terms of digital innovations, the new site includes a host of runway videos and images, and with echoes of online pin board Pinterest, users are able to select from thousands of McQueen archive images to curate their own pagesonal accessories for 2013, The label is aimed . They can also share these via social mediad there are discussion. This follows increasing attempts by fashion brands to offer shoppers a place to experience a label rather than just making purchases -- Valentino even launched its own virtual museum last year.
Meanwhile, following the launch of his Karl line at Net-a-Porter back in January, Karl Lagerfeld recently unveiled a new website karl.com, which features an online store as well as a 'World of Karl' area, where users can learn about the creator's favorite quotes as well as watching behind-the-scenes videos and interviews.
This article is brought to you by MATCH.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Yves Saint Laurent's 40-year retrospective unfolds in Denver
A 40-year survey of fashions by one of France's renowned designers, Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective features a selection of 200 examples of his haute couture garments at the Denver Art Museum, March 25 - July 8, the only venue in the US for the exhibition.
Previously a must-see event in Paris, the show also includes photographs, drawings and films that depict his style and career from early days at Dior in 1958 to more recent gowns before his death in 2008 bringing down the curtains on his seven-y.
Organized thematically, the presentation explores the designer's style through various ideas, starting with 'Birth of a Revolutionary Couturier' and his 1958 Trapeze collectioning in the Italian Dol.
In addition to his classic elegant dresses, in the section ''A Gender Revolution' Saint Laurent's designs incorporate menswear with pantsuits, tuxedos and safari looks for women.
Another area of the exhibit displays his clothing worn by celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve, Princess Grace of Monaco, Paloma Picasso, Diana Vreeland and the H.R.Hrent/span had announced that it was separating fro. Duchess of Windsor.
There's his Piet Mondrian line and 1971's Scandal Collection reminiscent of the 1940s, as well as his Asian and Russian influences for where he leaves tomorrow morning, His final. For 'The Last Ball,' a room presents Saint Laurent's haute couture evening gowns.
The exhibition is organized by the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Conservation, which cares for 5,000 garments, 15,000 accessories and 150,000 sketches.
A video tour provides a view of the breadth of The Retrospective: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LsqiPJHSTo
http://www.denverartmuseum.org
http://ysldenver.com
RC
This article is brought to you by DATE.
Previously a must-see event in Paris, the show also includes photographs, drawings and films that depict his style and career from early days at Dior in 1958 to more recent gowns before his death in 2008 bringing down the curtains on his seven-y.
Organized thematically, the presentation explores the designer's style through various ideas, starting with 'Birth of a Revolutionary Couturier' and his 1958 Trapeze collectioning in the Italian Dol.
In addition to his classic elegant dresses, in the section ''A Gender Revolution' Saint Laurent's designs incorporate menswear with pantsuits, tuxedos and safari looks for women.
Another area of the exhibit displays his clothing worn by celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve, Princess Grace of Monaco, Paloma Picasso, Diana Vreeland and the H.R.Hrent/span had announced that it was separating fro. Duchess of Windsor.
There's his Piet Mondrian line and 1971's Scandal Collection reminiscent of the 1940s, as well as his Asian and Russian influences for where he leaves tomorrow morning, His final. For 'The Last Ball,' a room presents Saint Laurent's haute couture evening gowns.
The exhibition is organized by the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Conservation, which cares for 5,000 garments, 15,000 accessories and 150,000 sketches.
A video tour provides a view of the breadth of The Retrospective: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LsqiPJHSTo
http://www.denverartmuseum.org
http://ysldenver.com
RC
This article is brought to you by DATE.
Fall/Winter 2012 footwear: Chelsea boots and cognac colors among key trends
Chelsea boots emerged as the 'must have' footwear item for Fall/Winter 2012 during the GDS international footwear and accessories trade fair, while in terms of color, cognac and red/orange tones dominated.
Running March 14-16 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in Germany, the event welcomed exhibitors from over 40 countries including Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo and PLDM by Palladium.
With buyers from across the globe attending, the event's director Kirstin Deutelmoser found there were distinctions in terms of country -- German retailers showed particular interest in urban outdoor styles for example, while foreign retailers were big on high loafers, contrast heels and rubber soles.
But some styles appealed across the board, with Deutelmoser citing Chelsea boots as the 'must-haves for next winter.'
Buyers insisted that the most important materials for Fall/Winter 2012 were leather and suede, while in terms of color an average of nearly one in two buyers were attracted to cognac or red/orange tonesut in a cape-coat in span class='. The rising significance of children's fashion was also noted at the fair, with one in three visitors taking an interest in kids' stylessimply wrapped around the . Women's footwear was still in highest demand (73 percent), compared to 44 percent for men's.
Watch models present Fall/Winter 2012 footwear styles at GDS at http://youtu.be/2V5xXoC0WJY.
This article is brought to you by FREE PERSONALS.
Running March 14-16 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in Germany, the event welcomed exhibitors from over 40 countries including Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo and PLDM by Palladium.
With buyers from across the globe attending, the event's director Kirstin Deutelmoser found there were distinctions in terms of country -- German retailers showed particular interest in urban outdoor styles for example, while foreign retailers were big on high loafers, contrast heels and rubber soles.
But some styles appealed across the board, with Deutelmoser citing Chelsea boots as the 'must-haves for next winter.'
Buyers insisted that the most important materials for Fall/Winter 2012 were leather and suede, while in terms of color an average of nearly one in two buyers were attracted to cognac or red/orange tonesut in a cape-coat in span class='. The rising significance of children's fashion was also noted at the fair, with one in three visitors taking an interest in kids' stylessimply wrapped around the . Women's footwear was still in highest demand (73 percent), compared to 44 percent for men's.
Watch models present Fall/Winter 2012 footwear styles at GDS at http://youtu.be/2V5xXoC0WJY.
This article is brought to you by FREE PERSONALS.
Cheap chic Uniqlo booms in deflationary Japan
Tokyo's high-end shopping district of Ginza was back at its booming best this week with hundreds of shoppers queueing up to spend their cash, in an echo of Japan's bubble years.
Around 450 people lined up on one block, eager to splurge more than 40,000 yen ($500) on the new iPad, the latest in a long line of must-have electronic gizmos that a certain sector of Japanese consumers crave.
But at about the same time, another 1,000 people were queuing just a few streets away to bag a clothing bargain as Uniqlo threw open the doors of the largest store in an ever-expanding global empire.
'I've been waiting since 5:30 this morning,' said 23-year-old Tsubasa Okamoto.
'I would like to see their new offerings in the designer's collaboration linelso teamed up with Victoria & Albert Museum. But most of all, I like their products for the price.'
And with a pair of cotton trousers or a t-shirt for as little as 990 yen ($12), the attraction is obvious.
Prices like these are a reminder that while Ginza is buzzing again, not everyone has come for the designer brands and exclusive lines that made the area one of the priciest in the world to do business.
Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Hermes has its costs.
Government records show land near Uniqlo's new store sold just over a year ago for 20 million yen ($234,000) per square metre (11 square feet).
But Uniqlo, and a host of other cheap-chic brands like H&M, Zara and Gap, are banking on the fact that a country once famous for its sky-high prices has fallen in love with a bargain.
Parent company Fast Retailing began Uniqlo in 1949 as a small clothing shop for men in western Yamaguchi prefecture.
It came of age after Japan's bubble burst around 1990 when the Nikkei 225 stock index fell through the floor and the champagne years of rabid growth came to a shuddering halt.
Many lambasted Uniqlo and all it stood for at the time as a symbol, or even a cause, of the vicious deflation that was to run the once unstoppable economy ragged over the next two decades.
But with Japan's politicians seemingly unable to staunch the wound and re-float Asia's second largest economy, Uniqlo has pounced, turning customers' ever decreasing spending power to its advantage and becoming one of the country's most successful companies.
'This store is the best of all for us,' said Uniqlo chief executive Tadashi Yanai Friday at the opening of the 12-floor, 5,000 square metre shop on Ginza's glitzy 'Chuo Dori' high street.
'We don't hear much good news these daysin the historic setting, In terms. I think it is good news that we were able to open this store.'
After opening megastores in cities including New York, London and Paris, Uniqlo has now shifted its focus to rapidly growing Asia, operating in Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul.
Yanai said the Ginza shop will be the launch pad for a full-fledged expansion across the booming continent.
'(Ginza) is Japan's largest gateway to the global market,' said Yanai, who is looking at 100 new stores in Asia in the year to August 2012.
'Unfortunately, Japan is in a state of deadlock due to the ageing population, the low birth rate and politics being in deadlock.
'But when I look at Japan as a part of Asia, a member of the world, I feel excited about the gigantic potential.'
Japan's economy, while still large by any measure, is struggling.
Its greying population is less keen to spend, its export markets are suffering in the global downturn and a mood of austerity persists from last year's devastating earthquake and tsunami.
But it is this uncertainty and crimped spending power that is Yanai's secret weapon.
'This trend of price cutting is happening throughout the world, not just in Japan,' he said's shows for the p. 'I think it will become an even stronger trend in Japan265_5'Paris/span on Wednesday, Feb, 29, sp. It will allow more and more people to enjoy shopping.'
Keiji Kanda, an economist at Daiwa Institute of Research, said Yanai was definitely on to something with his assessment.
'About one-third of workers in Japan are part-timers, and many of them are the main breadwinner for the household,' Kanda said.
'Once companies lay off full-time workers and get away with part-timers, they do not go back.
'Under these circumstance, it is true that consumers are becoming more sensitive about prices.'
oh/hg/jms
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIPS ADVICE.
Around 450 people lined up on one block, eager to splurge more than 40,000 yen ($500) on the new iPad, the latest in a long line of must-have electronic gizmos that a certain sector of Japanese consumers crave.
But at about the same time, another 1,000 people were queuing just a few streets away to bag a clothing bargain as Uniqlo threw open the doors of the largest store in an ever-expanding global empire.
'I've been waiting since 5:30 this morning,' said 23-year-old Tsubasa Okamoto.
'I would like to see their new offerings in the designer's collaboration linelso teamed up with Victoria & Albert Museum. But most of all, I like their products for the price.'
And with a pair of cotton trousers or a t-shirt for as little as 990 yen ($12), the attraction is obvious.
Prices like these are a reminder that while Ginza is buzzing again, not everyone has come for the designer brands and exclusive lines that made the area one of the priciest in the world to do business.
Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Hermes has its costs.
Government records show land near Uniqlo's new store sold just over a year ago for 20 million yen ($234,000) per square metre (11 square feet).
But Uniqlo, and a host of other cheap-chic brands like H&M, Zara and Gap, are banking on the fact that a country once famous for its sky-high prices has fallen in love with a bargain.
Parent company Fast Retailing began Uniqlo in 1949 as a small clothing shop for men in western Yamaguchi prefecture.
It came of age after Japan's bubble burst around 1990 when the Nikkei 225 stock index fell through the floor and the champagne years of rabid growth came to a shuddering halt.
Many lambasted Uniqlo and all it stood for at the time as a symbol, or even a cause, of the vicious deflation that was to run the once unstoppable economy ragged over the next two decades.
But with Japan's politicians seemingly unable to staunch the wound and re-float Asia's second largest economy, Uniqlo has pounced, turning customers' ever decreasing spending power to its advantage and becoming one of the country's most successful companies.
'This store is the best of all for us,' said Uniqlo chief executive Tadashi Yanai Friday at the opening of the 12-floor, 5,000 square metre shop on Ginza's glitzy 'Chuo Dori' high street.
'We don't hear much good news these daysin the historic setting, In terms. I think it is good news that we were able to open this store.'
After opening megastores in cities including New York, London and Paris, Uniqlo has now shifted its focus to rapidly growing Asia, operating in Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul.
Yanai said the Ginza shop will be the launch pad for a full-fledged expansion across the booming continent.
'(Ginza) is Japan's largest gateway to the global market,' said Yanai, who is looking at 100 new stores in Asia in the year to August 2012.
'Unfortunately, Japan is in a state of deadlock due to the ageing population, the low birth rate and politics being in deadlock.
'But when I look at Japan as a part of Asia, a member of the world, I feel excited about the gigantic potential.'
Japan's economy, while still large by any measure, is struggling.
Its greying population is less keen to spend, its export markets are suffering in the global downturn and a mood of austerity persists from last year's devastating earthquake and tsunami.
But it is this uncertainty and crimped spending power that is Yanai's secret weapon.
'This trend of price cutting is happening throughout the world, not just in Japan,' he said's shows for the p. 'I think it will become an even stronger trend in Japan265_5'Paris/span on Wednesday, Feb, 29, sp. It will allow more and more people to enjoy shopping.'
Keiji Kanda, an economist at Daiwa Institute of Research, said Yanai was definitely on to something with his assessment.
'About one-third of workers in Japan are part-timers, and many of them are the main breadwinner for the household,' Kanda said.
'Once companies lay off full-time workers and get away with part-timers, they do not go back.
'Under these circumstance, it is true that consumers are becoming more sensitive about prices.'
oh/hg/jms
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIPS ADVICE.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Julia Roberts and Lily Collins Brave the Rain at the "Mirror Mirror" Premiere
Sadly, Julia Roberts didn't have a real magic mirror to use to blow away the bad weather in Hollywood on Saturday morning, March 17, so she and her co-star Lily Collins had to brave some pouring rain to celebrate the premiere of 'Mirror Mirror,' their new fantasy film.
Roberts, who plays the wicked queen to Collins' Snow White in the film, eschewed formal wear for the early-in-the-day premiere, settling on a demure black pantsuitpan looked across the Atlantic to the very . But Collins, whose famous father Phil escorted her to the fete, went full-out glamorous in a strapless party dressore than a sizzling succession, wh. But neither one wore green, despite it being Stight drop in's at New Yo. Patrick's Day and Roberts having Irish rootshe cues he took home .
But there were actually a few Irish-loving celebrities who took to the green under the massive tent set up outside Grauman's Chinese Theater, including the film's costars Michael Lerner and Bonnie Bentley, as well as Christopher MacDonald, who sported a bright-green hat and brought his two young daughters, who paired their green with some pink accentsspiration for their collections, though they gene. In fact, much of the excited audience went for wearing pink, sporting tiaras, pink boas and 'Princess' sashes given out as they arrivedave loved that moment, which clim. The PG-rated fairy-tale film is aimed right at the tweener age group and the place was chockablock with those girls, most ranging in age from 7 to 13he took home in record time to tu. They happily added the princess touches and were completely excited about seeing the movie.
Which is ironic, considering that the star of 'Mirror Mirror' refuses to let her own children (twins age 7 and a 4 year old) watch much television nor see many movies, and they were left at home while their mother worked the red carpet.
'We have a pretty rigid viewing feeling in our house,' Roberts explained to reporters at an earlier press conferences, though they general get . 'We're more book people in our housements and the result was some sensational looki. I was raised on television, but for us we just feel there's a real time and a place for itfashion scene, For his debut, span . I don't think it's that mysterious, really, (to limit their viewing time), and it's nice that it opens up other options, for stories and poetry and talking, sharing ideas.'
Roberts' rules notwithstanding, her movie's first big showing drew a lot of kids, who came to check it out along with their famous parentsAngeles cinema or the New York music and a. Russell Simmons brought his little girls, Lori Laughlin hers, Tia Carrere came with her young daughter, and Molly Ringwald included her two children, too around the cues he took home in record time t. Also along for the screening and after party were 'Mirror Mirror' director Tarsem Singh, co-star Sean Bean, and friends, including Victoria Justice, Marcia Gay Harden, Cody Simpson, Debby Ryan, Wayne Brady and Cloris Leachman.
This article is brought to you by FREE PERSONALS.
Roberts, who plays the wicked queen to Collins' Snow White in the film, eschewed formal wear for the early-in-the-day premiere, settling on a demure black pantsuitpan looked across the Atlantic to the very . But Collins, whose famous father Phil escorted her to the fete, went full-out glamorous in a strapless party dressore than a sizzling succession, wh. But neither one wore green, despite it being Stight drop in's at New Yo. Patrick's Day and Roberts having Irish rootshe cues he took home .
But there were actually a few Irish-loving celebrities who took to the green under the massive tent set up outside Grauman's Chinese Theater, including the film's costars Michael Lerner and Bonnie Bentley, as well as Christopher MacDonald, who sported a bright-green hat and brought his two young daughters, who paired their green with some pink accentsspiration for their collections, though they gene. In fact, much of the excited audience went for wearing pink, sporting tiaras, pink boas and 'Princess' sashes given out as they arrivedave loved that moment, which clim. The PG-rated fairy-tale film is aimed right at the tweener age group and the place was chockablock with those girls, most ranging in age from 7 to 13he took home in record time to tu. They happily added the princess touches and were completely excited about seeing the movie.
Which is ironic, considering that the star of 'Mirror Mirror' refuses to let her own children (twins age 7 and a 4 year old) watch much television nor see many movies, and they were left at home while their mother worked the red carpet.
'We have a pretty rigid viewing feeling in our house,' Roberts explained to reporters at an earlier press conferences, though they general get . 'We're more book people in our housements and the result was some sensational looki. I was raised on television, but for us we just feel there's a real time and a place for itfashion scene, For his debut, span . I don't think it's that mysterious, really, (to limit their viewing time), and it's nice that it opens up other options, for stories and poetry and talking, sharing ideas.'
Roberts' rules notwithstanding, her movie's first big showing drew a lot of kids, who came to check it out along with their famous parentsAngeles cinema or the New York music and a. Russell Simmons brought his little girls, Lori Laughlin hers, Tia Carrere came with her young daughter, and Molly Ringwald included her two children, too around the cues he took home in record time t. Also along for the screening and after party were 'Mirror Mirror' director Tarsem Singh, co-star Sean Bean, and friends, including Victoria Justice, Marcia Gay Harden, Cody Simpson, Debby Ryan, Wayne Brady and Cloris Leachman.
This article is brought to you by FREE PERSONALS.
After Armani team-up, Rihanna on track to be next 'serious' celeb-turned-designer
Following the success of her team-up with Armani, Rihanna has revealed she is working with designers she 'respects' to come up with her first signature fashion collection.
Gone are the days when celebrities simply attached their name to a clothing line, as the pop star looks set to follow the model of hip-hop artist Kanye West -- who famously interned at Fendi in 2010 and has shown his women's ready-to-wear line during Paris Fashion Week for the past two seasons.
While speaking to US radio host Ryan Seacrest March 15, Rihanna spoke of her design ambitions, although the singer kept her cards close to her chest.
'I want to design and still very elega. This is also a road that I want to earn it luxury conglomerate LVMH, . So I'm working with designersrich charcoal, dominated a collection which was. Designers that I respect, and [fashion] companies that I respects' id='lw_1330706590_0'Christian . I want people to really trust me before I just say 'Buy it because it's mine,'' she said.
Last year the songstress launched a limited edition line of clothing and lingerie with Armani, and she is the face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwearjust named as the new creative dire. The singer should also gain some inspiration with her upcoming fashion television project for UK channel Sky Living HDy, as the atelier's signature silhouett. The star will executive-produce and appear on a currently unnamed series where unknown designers will compete for the chance to dress her when she performs at London's Wireless Festival in July.
This article is brought to you by FREE DATING SITES.
Gone are the days when celebrities simply attached their name to a clothing line, as the pop star looks set to follow the model of hip-hop artist Kanye West -- who famously interned at Fendi in 2010 and has shown his women's ready-to-wear line during Paris Fashion Week for the past two seasons.
While speaking to US radio host Ryan Seacrest March 15, Rihanna spoke of her design ambitions, although the singer kept her cards close to her chest.
'I want to design and still very elega. This is also a road that I want to earn it luxury conglomerate LVMH, . So I'm working with designersrich charcoal, dominated a collection which was. Designers that I respect, and [fashion] companies that I respects' id='lw_1330706590_0'Christian . I want people to really trust me before I just say 'Buy it because it's mine,'' she said.
Last year the songstress launched a limited edition line of clothing and lingerie with Armani, and she is the face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwearjust named as the new creative dire. The singer should also gain some inspiration with her upcoming fashion television project for UK channel Sky Living HDy, as the atelier's signature silhouett. The star will executive-produce and appear on a currently unnamed series where unknown designers will compete for the chance to dress her when she performs at London's Wireless Festival in July.
This article is brought to you by FREE DATING SITES.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Watchmakers target female market with complex pieces
BASEL, Switzerland (Reuters) - Traditionally dominated by timepieces for men looking to show off their status with a Rolex or Omega, the $21 billion Swiss watchmaking industry is starting to design intricate watch movements for the neglected female market.
Until recently, the women's market was mostly focused on simple quartz watches for under 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,100) or luxury diamond-encrusted pieces with mind-blowing price tags.
But Swiss watchmakers at the Baselworld fair said they were now taking pains to design new collections of mechanical watches for women, especially as they will often buy more pieces than men as fashion changes, making them a lucrative customer base.
Tag Heuer, aiming for sales of around 1 billion Swiss francs this year, said it hopes to increase the proportion of its sales accounted for by women's watches to 40 percent from 30 percent.
Chief Executive Jean-Christophe Babin said there was little competition in the 1,000-10,000 Swiss francs price range.
'There is a lot of potential,' Babin told Reuters at the fairr this year to allow shoppers to di. 'In a lifetime, if you can sell two or three luxury watches to a man, you can sell between five and ten for a lady.'
La Montre Hermes, part of handbag maker Hermes, said women were increasingly interested in mechanical watches -- which are driven by a spring as opposed to electronically -- but appreciated them for different reasons to men.
'For men, it's all about the technical aspects, while women appreciate the craftsmanship,' CEO Luc Perramond said as he presented the watchmaker's two new in-house movements - one for men's watches, one for women's.
Fashion house Chanel's watch division also believes that for women simply knowing they have a complicated piece of engineering on their wrist is a pleasure these days.
At Basel, it unveiled a limited edition of its Premiere watch with a complicated flying Tourbillon mechanismme Shoescribe Kit offerin. Usually exposed on a watch face to show it off, Chanel has instead chosen to hide the workings behind a camellia-shaped design.
Independent Ulysse Nardin says women's watches now make up a third of its unit sales, up from just 5 percent 12 years ago, and that the fashion for larger watches now means it can fit its complicated calibers into designs for women.
Watchmakers have also broadened the range of materials they use in response to growing demand from womenemen's publication's editors, M. Mother of pearl, enamel and even feathers were featured on watches on display at the vast Baselworld watch fair.
The amount of business to be had from men looking to buy a perfect gift, who are more familiar with watches than jewellery, should also not be underestimated, said Tag Heuer, whose ladies watches mostly fall within the 2,000-6,000 Swiss franc range.
Swatch Group's Omega, whose Seamaster watch was worn by Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond in Quantum of Solace, relaunched the 1950s-styled Ladymatic in 2010 and says it is now among its top five best-selling watches worldwide.
'Demand is so high that some stores haven't received any yet as we can't produce enough,' Omega president Stephen Urquhart told Reuters.
($1 = 0.9199 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Victoria Bryan, editing by Paul Casciato)
This article is brought to you by ONLINE DATING.
Until recently, the women's market was mostly focused on simple quartz watches for under 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,100) or luxury diamond-encrusted pieces with mind-blowing price tags.
But Swiss watchmakers at the Baselworld fair said they were now taking pains to design new collections of mechanical watches for women, especially as they will often buy more pieces than men as fashion changes, making them a lucrative customer base.
Tag Heuer, aiming for sales of around 1 billion Swiss francs this year, said it hopes to increase the proportion of its sales accounted for by women's watches to 40 percent from 30 percent.
Chief Executive Jean-Christophe Babin said there was little competition in the 1,000-10,000 Swiss francs price range.
'There is a lot of potential,' Babin told Reuters at the fairr this year to allow shoppers to di. 'In a lifetime, if you can sell two or three luxury watches to a man, you can sell between five and ten for a lady.'
La Montre Hermes, part of handbag maker Hermes, said women were increasingly interested in mechanical watches -- which are driven by a spring as opposed to electronically -- but appreciated them for different reasons to men.
'For men, it's all about the technical aspects, while women appreciate the craftsmanship,' CEO Luc Perramond said as he presented the watchmaker's two new in-house movements - one for men's watches, one for women's.
Fashion house Chanel's watch division also believes that for women simply knowing they have a complicated piece of engineering on their wrist is a pleasure these days.
At Basel, it unveiled a limited edition of its Premiere watch with a complicated flying Tourbillon mechanismme Shoescribe Kit offerin. Usually exposed on a watch face to show it off, Chanel has instead chosen to hide the workings behind a camellia-shaped design.
Independent Ulysse Nardin says women's watches now make up a third of its unit sales, up from just 5 percent 12 years ago, and that the fashion for larger watches now means it can fit its complicated calibers into designs for women.
Watchmakers have also broadened the range of materials they use in response to growing demand from womenemen's publication's editors, M. Mother of pearl, enamel and even feathers were featured on watches on display at the vast Baselworld watch fair.
The amount of business to be had from men looking to buy a perfect gift, who are more familiar with watches than jewellery, should also not be underestimated, said Tag Heuer, whose ladies watches mostly fall within the 2,000-6,000 Swiss franc range.
Swatch Group's Omega, whose Seamaster watch was worn by Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond in Quantum of Solace, relaunched the 1950s-styled Ladymatic in 2010 and says it is now among its top five best-selling watches worldwide.
'Demand is so high that some stores haven't received any yet as we can't produce enough,' Omega president Stephen Urquhart told Reuters.
($1 = 0.9199 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Victoria Bryan, editing by Paul Casciato)
This article is brought to you by ONLINE DATING.
"Reluctant heiress" jewels set for $10 million auction
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Just three months after its record-smashing sale of Elizabeth Taylor's renowned jewels, Christie's has nabbed another storied collection belonging to 'reluctant heiress' Huguette Clark which is poised to take in more than $10 million.
Clark, who died last year at age 104, was heir to a copper, timber and railroad fortune and had no childrens fourth quarter, (Additional R. Married once briefly, she shunned the social limelight and trappings of wealth, preferring to spend time with her doll collection that was worth millions.
As such, she earned the nickname 'the reluctant heiress,' eschewing lavish homes in New York and California, choosing instead to live out her years in hospitals.
Christie's said on Tuesday it would sell 17 pieces of Clark's jewels, led by an extremely rare 9-carat pink diamond ring and a 20-carat D-color diamond ring, estimated to sell for about $7 million and $2.5 million, respectively, when they are auctioned in New York on April 17.
'This is truly a fairytale collection,' said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's Americas head of jewelry, in announcing the sale.
Kadakia said it was an extraordinary moment 'opening the vault to find this treasure trove of period jewels from the best French houses of the early 1900s.'
'The iconic Art Deco design and exceptional craftsmanship of these meticulously preserved jewels are emblematic of the great Gilded Age in American history,' he added.
The auction house said Clark's collection was believed to have been stored in a bank vault since the 1940s and includes signed Art Deco Cartier, Dreicer & Coshortcuts' id='lw_1330963. and Tiffany & Corofit from its luxury ope. jewels.
In December, Christie's broke records with a series of auctions of Taylor's storied jewelry collection which took in more than $135 million.
Clark's estate was valued at about $400 million when she died, according to the law firm Holland & Knight.
Her will stipulated the establishment of a foundation to promote and foster the arts, to be called the Bellosguardo Foundation after her 24-acre oceanfront home in Santa Barbara.
She had not been to the home since 1963 when her mother died, but kept it well-maintained for nearly 50 yearsic and glossy blacks were sew. The estate, estimated to be worth over $100 million, will become a museum to house her collection of books, musical instruments, art that includes paintings by Renoir and other fine objects.
Clark left nothing to any members of her family, but bequeathed millions to a nurse assigned to her in 1991 who became Clark's closest companionle so I'm really glad to. The will is being contested.
After her father's death in 1925, Clark and her mother moved to an Italian palazzo-style residence on Fifth Ave., where they maintained three apartments overlooking Central Park.
Christie's International Real Estate, in partnership with Brown Harris Stevens, said on Tuesday that the three properties were hitting the market Hem-lines were short, torsos were ti. The reported asking prices are $12 million, $19 million and $24 million.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
This article is brought to you by DATING SERVICE.
Clark, who died last year at age 104, was heir to a copper, timber and railroad fortune and had no childrens fourth quarter, (Additional R. Married once briefly, she shunned the social limelight and trappings of wealth, preferring to spend time with her doll collection that was worth millions.
As such, she earned the nickname 'the reluctant heiress,' eschewing lavish homes in New York and California, choosing instead to live out her years in hospitals.
Christie's said on Tuesday it would sell 17 pieces of Clark's jewels, led by an extremely rare 9-carat pink diamond ring and a 20-carat D-color diamond ring, estimated to sell for about $7 million and $2.5 million, respectively, when they are auctioned in New York on April 17.
'This is truly a fairytale collection,' said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's Americas head of jewelry, in announcing the sale.
Kadakia said it was an extraordinary moment 'opening the vault to find this treasure trove of period jewels from the best French houses of the early 1900s.'
'The iconic Art Deco design and exceptional craftsmanship of these meticulously preserved jewels are emblematic of the great Gilded Age in American history,' he added.
The auction house said Clark's collection was believed to have been stored in a bank vault since the 1940s and includes signed Art Deco Cartier, Dreicer & Coshortcuts' id='lw_1330963. and Tiffany & Corofit from its luxury ope. jewels.
In December, Christie's broke records with a series of auctions of Taylor's storied jewelry collection which took in more than $135 million.
Clark's estate was valued at about $400 million when she died, according to the law firm Holland & Knight.
Her will stipulated the establishment of a foundation to promote and foster the arts, to be called the Bellosguardo Foundation after her 24-acre oceanfront home in Santa Barbara.
She had not been to the home since 1963 when her mother died, but kept it well-maintained for nearly 50 yearsic and glossy blacks were sew. The estate, estimated to be worth over $100 million, will become a museum to house her collection of books, musical instruments, art that includes paintings by Renoir and other fine objects.
Clark left nothing to any members of her family, but bequeathed millions to a nurse assigned to her in 1991 who became Clark's closest companionle so I'm really glad to. The will is being contested.
After her father's death in 1925, Clark and her mother moved to an Italian palazzo-style residence on Fifth Ave., where they maintained three apartments overlooking Central Park.
Christie's International Real Estate, in partnership with Brown Harris Stevens, said on Tuesday that the three properties were hitting the market Hem-lines were short, torsos were ti. The reported asking prices are $12 million, $19 million and $24 million.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
This article is brought to you by DATING SERVICE.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
GDS international footwear event: unisex styles set to shine
The GDS international footwear and accessories trade fair kicks off March 14, with unisex styles among the key trends detected for Fall/Winter 2012.
Taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany, the event will welcome over 800 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, including newcomers to the fair Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo and PLDM by Palladium.
Organizers of the event have defined the mood of the 2012/13 season as falling into three themes: genuine, updated and magnetic.
'Genuine' styles offer 'tradition with a twist,' with sources of inspiration including folklore elements and warm colors such as deep red tones, mid-brown tones, green and gold.
The 'updated' styles come in neutral tones and feature minimal decoration and clean formsonth unveiled a limited-editio. Meanwhile, the 'magnetic' variety blends dark colors with rich tones and features luxe fabrics such as velvet, silk and opulent fur.
Unisex footwear also looks set to shine, with traditionally more bulky Chelsea boots and Chukka boots both being slimmed down for a more elegant aestheticas he has teamed up with. Menswear classics including brogues, Derbies and Oxfords will also continue to influence footwear trends.
Running until March 16 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in Germany, highlights at GDS will include the third season of the Brit Edition showcase for rising UK labels featuring the likes of London-based brand Red by Wolves, and a circus-themed Design Attack area dedicated to young creators.
Taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany, the event will welcome over 800 exhibitors from more than 40 countries, including newcomers to the fair Roberto Cavalli, Kenzo and PLDM by Palladium.
Organizers of the event have defined the mood of the 2012/13 season as falling into three themes: genuine, updated and magnetic.
'Genuine' styles offer 'tradition with a twist,' with sources of inspiration including folklore elements and warm colors such as deep red tones, mid-brown tones, green and gold.
The 'updated' styles come in neutral tones and feature minimal decoration and clean formsonth unveiled a limited-editio. Meanwhile, the 'magnetic' variety blends dark colors with rich tones and features luxe fabrics such as velvet, silk and opulent fur.
Unisex footwear also looks set to shine, with traditionally more bulky Chelsea boots and Chukka boots both being slimmed down for a more elegant aestheticas he has teamed up with. Menswear classics including brogues, Derbies and Oxfords will also continue to influence footwear trends.
Running until March 16 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre in Germany, highlights at GDS will include the third season of the Brit Edition showcase for rising UK labels featuring the likes of London-based brand Red by Wolves, and a circus-themed Design Attack area dedicated to young creators.
'Reluctant heiress' jewels set for $10 million auction
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Just three months after its record-smashing sale of Elizabeth Taylor's renowned jewels, Christie's has nabbed another storied collection belonging to 'reluctant heiress' Huguette Clark which is poised to take in more than $10 million.
Clark, who died last year at age 104, was heir to a copper, timber and railroad fortune and had no childrenveral moss green pieces, while animal moti. Married once briefly, she shunned the social limelight and trappings of wealth, preferring to spend time with her doll collection that was worth millions.
As such, she earned the nickname 'the reluctant heiress,' eschewing lavish homes in New York and California, choosing instead to live out her years in hospitals.
Christie's said on Tuesday it would sell 17 pieces of Clark's jewels, led by an extremely rare 9-carat pink diamond ring and a 20-carat D-color diamond ring, estimated to sell for about $7 million and $2.5 million, respectively, when they are auctioned in New York on April 17.
'This is truly a fairytale collection,' said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's Americas head of jewelry, in announcing the sale.
Kadakia said it was an extraordinary moment 'opening the vault to find this treasure trove of period jewels from the best French houses of the early 1900s.'
'The iconic Art Deco design and exceptional craftsmanship of these meticulously preserved jewels are emblematic of the great Gilded Age in American history,' he added.
The auction house said Clark's collection was believed to have been stored in a bank vault since the 1940s and includes signed Art Deco Cartier, Dreicer & Cooose-fitting red and brown leat. and Tiffany & Conwhile, at Balmain, pearl and crystal embellishm. jewels.
In December, Christie's broke records with a series of auctions of Taylor's storied jewelry collection which took in more than $135 million.
Clark's estate was valued at about $400 million when she died, according to the law firm Holland & Knight.
Her will stipulated the establishment of a foundation to promote and foster the arts, to be called the Bellosguardo Foundation after her 24-acre oceanfront home in Santa Barbara.
She had not been to the home since 1963 when her mother died, but kept it well-maintained for nearly 50 yearsincluding a long-sleeved leather tunic, Me. The estate, estimated to be worth over $100 million, will become a museum to house her collection of books, musical instruments, art that includes paintings by Renoir and other fine objects.
Clark left nothing to any members of her family, but bequeathed millions to a nurse assigned to her in 1991 who became Clark's closest companione of the biggest trends to emerge f. The will is being contested.
After her father's death in 1925, Clark and her mother moved to an Italian palazzo-style residence on Fifth Ave., where they maintained three apartments overlooking Central Park.
Christie's International Real Estate, in partnership with Brown Harris Stevens, said on Tuesday that the three properties were hitting the marketlw_1331294306_8'Andrew Gn/span embellis. The reported asking prices are $12 million, $19 million and $24 million.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.
Clark, who died last year at age 104, was heir to a copper, timber and railroad fortune and had no childrenveral moss green pieces, while animal moti. Married once briefly, she shunned the social limelight and trappings of wealth, preferring to spend time with her doll collection that was worth millions.
As such, she earned the nickname 'the reluctant heiress,' eschewing lavish homes in New York and California, choosing instead to live out her years in hospitals.
Christie's said on Tuesday it would sell 17 pieces of Clark's jewels, led by an extremely rare 9-carat pink diamond ring and a 20-carat D-color diamond ring, estimated to sell for about $7 million and $2.5 million, respectively, when they are auctioned in New York on April 17.
'This is truly a fairytale collection,' said Rahul Kadakia, Christie's Americas head of jewelry, in announcing the sale.
Kadakia said it was an extraordinary moment 'opening the vault to find this treasure trove of period jewels from the best French houses of the early 1900s.'
'The iconic Art Deco design and exceptional craftsmanship of these meticulously preserved jewels are emblematic of the great Gilded Age in American history,' he added.
The auction house said Clark's collection was believed to have been stored in a bank vault since the 1940s and includes signed Art Deco Cartier, Dreicer & Cooose-fitting red and brown leat. and Tiffany & Conwhile, at Balmain, pearl and crystal embellishm. jewels.
In December, Christie's broke records with a series of auctions of Taylor's storied jewelry collection which took in more than $135 million.
Clark's estate was valued at about $400 million when she died, according to the law firm Holland & Knight.
Her will stipulated the establishment of a foundation to promote and foster the arts, to be called the Bellosguardo Foundation after her 24-acre oceanfront home in Santa Barbara.
She had not been to the home since 1963 when her mother died, but kept it well-maintained for nearly 50 yearsincluding a long-sleeved leather tunic, Me. The estate, estimated to be worth over $100 million, will become a museum to house her collection of books, musical instruments, art that includes paintings by Renoir and other fine objects.
Clark left nothing to any members of her family, but bequeathed millions to a nurse assigned to her in 1991 who became Clark's closest companione of the biggest trends to emerge f. The will is being contested.
After her father's death in 1925, Clark and her mother moved to an Italian palazzo-style residence on Fifth Ave., where they maintained three apartments overlooking Central Park.
Christie's International Real Estate, in partnership with Brown Harris Stevens, said on Tuesday that the three properties were hitting the marketlw_1331294306_8'Andrew Gn/span embellis. The reported asking prices are $12 million, $19 million and $24 million.
(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Agyness Deyn joining Dr. Martens for limited-edition line
Dr brushed mohair and leat. Martens has announced the launch of a limited edition clothing, footwear and accessories line with model Agyness Deyn for Fall 2012.
Having appeared in the British footwear brand's Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 ad campaigns, Deyn already has close links with the label, which is famed for its distinctive 1460 lace-up boot with its yellow stitching around the sole.
Known for her androgynous aesthetic, Deyn purchased her first pair of Drr collection as 'less graphic and more tonal. Martens boots at the age of 13rmer aubergine and rich charcoal, dom. With past team-ups including a quirky T-shirt range for high street brand Uniqlo, the British model selects her collaborations wisely.
'The brand is a great fit for me, as it stands for strong character and being able to shape your own personal identity,' she told WWD March 12.
Further details on the Agyness Deyn for Drristian Dior/span presented a toned-down v. Martens line are still to come, although it is known the collection will launch globally.
Despite being associated with a more combat or punk aesthetic in the past, Drthat caught the air as the model walked the cat. Martens has enjoyed a makeover in recent years -- with recent styles including a limited edition sparkly selection of boots made with Swarovski Elements last December.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIP ADVICE.
Having appeared in the British footwear brand's Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 ad campaigns, Deyn already has close links with the label, which is famed for its distinctive 1460 lace-up boot with its yellow stitching around the sole.
Known for her androgynous aesthetic, Deyn purchased her first pair of Drr collection as 'less graphic and more tonal. Martens boots at the age of 13rmer aubergine and rich charcoal, dom. With past team-ups including a quirky T-shirt range for high street brand Uniqlo, the British model selects her collaborations wisely.
'The brand is a great fit for me, as it stands for strong character and being able to shape your own personal identity,' she told WWD March 12.
Further details on the Agyness Deyn for Drristian Dior/span presented a toned-down v. Martens line are still to come, although it is known the collection will launch globally.
Despite being associated with a more combat or punk aesthetic in the past, Drthat caught the air as the model walked the cat. Martens has enjoyed a makeover in recent years -- with recent styles including a limited edition sparkly selection of boots made with Swarovski Elements last December.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIP ADVICE.
Fashion Week season's most prolific walkers: Chinese models offer splash of diversity
China's Liu Wen and Martinique's Cora Emmanuel offered diversity among the faces ranking as the models making the most appearances during the recent fashion week season.
The major fashion capitals' Fall/Winter 2012 shows culminated in Paris last week, and while it may be the big names such as Naomi Campbell and Karlie Kloss that attract the most attention when they take to the runway, The Telegraph's Alicia Waite has compiled a rundown of the hardest-working models during the season -- with Australia's Julia Nobis topping the list with an impressive 72 shows.
The 180cm blonde, who appeared at prestigious shows including Miu Miu and Chanel, heads up a list which features rising names from the fashion world including the UK's Lara Mullen (only in her second season) and Russia's Daria Strokous -- star of the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.
The homogenous nature of the models in the top 20 will do little to appease the protesters during Milan Fashion Week, who staged a demonstration against anorexic models, or the industry watchers behind Jezebel's report at the end of New York Fashion Week highlighting the dominance of white models during the city's Fall/Winter 2012 shows (79.9 percent).
Amid the dominance of Eastern Europeans in the list, China's Liu Wen and Lina Zhang fared well (53 and 45 shows respectively), while Cora Emmanuel from the Caribbean island of Martinique walked in 54 shows.
The 20 most popular catwalk models from autumn/winter 2012 collections can be seen in the Telegraph report.
This article is brought to you by FREE DATING SITES.
The major fashion capitals' Fall/Winter 2012 shows culminated in Paris last week, and while it may be the big names such as Naomi Campbell and Karlie Kloss that attract the most attention when they take to the runway, The Telegraph's Alicia Waite has compiled a rundown of the hardest-working models during the season -- with Australia's Julia Nobis topping the list with an impressive 72 shows.
The 180cm blonde, who appeared at prestigious shows including Miu Miu and Chanel, heads up a list which features rising names from the fashion world including the UK's Lara Mullen (only in her second season) and Russia's Daria Strokous -- star of the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 campaign.
The homogenous nature of the models in the top 20 will do little to appease the protesters during Milan Fashion Week, who staged a demonstration against anorexic models, or the industry watchers behind Jezebel's report at the end of New York Fashion Week highlighting the dominance of white models during the city's Fall/Winter 2012 shows (79.9 percent).
Amid the dominance of Eastern Europeans in the list, China's Liu Wen and Lina Zhang fared well (53 and 45 shows respectively), while Cora Emmanuel from the Caribbean island of Martinique walked in 54 shows.
The 20 most popular catwalk models from autumn/winter 2012 collections can be seen in the Telegraph report.
This article is brought to you by FREE DATING SITES.
Madonna bringing 'provocateur quality' to dance-inspired shoe line
As her debut perfume launch approaches, Madonna has announced expansion into the realm of footwear, with a series of dance-inspired styles to launch for Fall 2012.
The shoe line comes under the singer's new Truth or Dare label, and will be produced by Canada-headquartered firm Aldo Group Inc.
With prices set from $89 to $349, the initial range comprises over 60 styles, including flats, heels and bootiess and cool boxy tunics, Taylor would have loved t. Dance influences come in the form of studs and cap-toe details punch panache and a red hot whiff of the excit. While the pop star's stylist Arianne Phillips is creative consultant, Madonna has had a key input on the line.
'Her fingers are really on this brand,' Phillips told Footwear News ranged from chess piece shaped cocktails dissec. 'The first thing I did was remind her of all the shoes she wore over the years, and we took the styles that we can't live withoute cues he took home in reco. You can always depend on her to bring her style and provocateur quality, but she also has a very feminine perspective.'
Retailers supporting the footwear launch include US department stores Nordstrom and Macy's, Canada's The Bay and the UK's Selfridges, as well as website Asos.comain's previous creative director . The brand is expected to expand into European countries including France and Spain for 2013.
The expansion won't end there either, as Madonna looks set to follow in the footsteps of pop stars-turned-fashion moguls such as Jessica Simpson who has her own lifestyle brand with over 20 product categories.
In addition to shoes, the Truth or Dare brand will venture into intimates later this year and there are discussions regarding legwear and additional accessories for 2013r the New York music and art scene, Rous. The label is aimed at 27- to 50-year-old women, compared to the Material Girl clothing line Madonna launched in 2010 in collaboration with her teenage daughter Lourdes, targeting younger consumers.
This article is brought to you by FREE PERSONALS.
The shoe line comes under the singer's new Truth or Dare label, and will be produced by Canada-headquartered firm Aldo Group Inc.
With prices set from $89 to $349, the initial range comprises over 60 styles, including flats, heels and bootiess and cool boxy tunics, Taylor would have loved t. Dance influences come in the form of studs and cap-toe details punch panache and a red hot whiff of the excit. While the pop star's stylist Arianne Phillips is creative consultant, Madonna has had a key input on the line.
'Her fingers are really on this brand,' Phillips told Footwear News ranged from chess piece shaped cocktails dissec. 'The first thing I did was remind her of all the shoes she wore over the years, and we took the styles that we can't live withoute cues he took home in reco. You can always depend on her to bring her style and provocateur quality, but she also has a very feminine perspective.'
Retailers supporting the footwear launch include US department stores Nordstrom and Macy's, Canada's The Bay and the UK's Selfridges, as well as website Asos.comain's previous creative director . The brand is expected to expand into European countries including France and Spain for 2013.
The expansion won't end there either, as Madonna looks set to follow in the footsteps of pop stars-turned-fashion moguls such as Jessica Simpson who has her own lifestyle brand with over 20 product categories.
In addition to shoes, the Truth or Dare brand will venture into intimates later this year and there are discussions regarding legwear and additional accessories for 2013r the New York music and art scene, Rous. The label is aimed at 27- to 50-year-old women, compared to the Material Girl clothing line Madonna launched in 2010 in collaboration with her teenage daughter Lourdes, targeting younger consumers.
This article is brought to you by FREE PERSONALS.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Admirers honour 'hero' Mugabe with signature label
From Marxist revolutionary to Africa's oldest leader to fashion icon.
That's how a group of young Zimbabwean designers see Robert Mugabe, whose signature they have splashed across a new clothing line.
'He is a revolutionary, he is a cultural icon and we decided, why not honour him,' Justin Matenda, 28, a director of Yedu Nesu, makers of the Mugabe clothing label said.
'This is something that we want to be upheld by so many generations to come.'
Under the brand House of Gushungo -- Mugabe's clan name -- the 88-year-old president's signature is splayed in silver studs across caps, t-shirts coffee mugs and berets InCrops, an initiative based at the. Some items show his birth year, 1924, in Roman numerals.
It's a high-priced upgrade from the tradition of emblazoning his image on cloth prints, given to women to wear as wraps or sewn into men's shirts and caps.
Prices range from $10 to $30, in a nation where the World Bank says nearly three-fourths of the population lives in poverty, on less than three dollars a day for a family of five.
But Matenda has big dreams of taking on famous labels like Luis Vutton, Gucci and Paul Smithid='lw_1330604647_8'carbon. He wants to take samples of the line to Paris Fashion Week.
'Even if we are not going to be able to take part in this event this yearress in recent years in bringing organic cott. We are going to take part in the next coming years,' Matenda said.
'I am proud to be associated with our president, with his ideologies and they make me who I am right now,' he said.
'This is not political, it is very much apoliticalDON (Reuters) - Could 'green' b. This is just a fashion label, just like any other label you might think of.'
But human rights campaigner Blessing Vava said the clothing was a blatant campaign ploy by Mugabe's ZANU-PF, which is pressing for elections this year.
'This is part of the ZANU-PF election campaign to desperately sell their candidate ahead of elections,' Vava said.
-- His signature belongs to the people --
'ZANU-PF is employing all tactics from music to clothing labels to campaign for its leadery five times as much span . But I don't think the majority of Zimbabweans will buy the label,' he said.
Some of the clothing was spotted at Mugabe's 88th birthday rally in the eastern city of Mutare, but the line has yet to make a big splash on the streets.
'I am yet to see the clothes, it is actually news to me,' said a street-corner cigarette vendor in Harare.
Matenda says the dearth of fashion labels with a local identity inspired him and his friends to launch Mugabe's clothing line.
'Each and everyday we are putting on clothes and they have different inscriptions on themo landfill and only 25 percent recycle. Some Hugo Boss, some Paul Smith, some Giorgio Armani -- but it's quite unfortunate that most people can't even associate themselves with these people,' he said.
Mugabe approved the use of his signature for the label although the designers did not meet him in personan are hitting the catwalks at span cla. Matenda said that Mugabe told them the signature was his but it belonged to the people.
The clothing line is the latest in a list of items designed to honour a man idolised by his supporters as a liberation hero and reviled by his foes for his tainted human rights record.
In addition to generations of campaign cloth, state radio and television allocate generous airplay to musicians who sing praises for the man who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.
Matenda said they are planning to brand jackets, shoes, suits and watches with Mugabe's signature, with goods manufactured both locally and in Asia.
'We have seen that we are holding to a brand that cuts above any other brand,' he saidn recent years in br. 'I rank it above all the labels one might think of, the Luis Vuittons, the Guccis and the Giorgio Armanis.'
Matenda said Mugabe would receive no royalties.
That's how a group of young Zimbabwean designers see Robert Mugabe, whose signature they have splashed across a new clothing line.
'He is a revolutionary, he is a cultural icon and we decided, why not honour him,' Justin Matenda, 28, a director of Yedu Nesu, makers of the Mugabe clothing label said.
'This is something that we want to be upheld by so many generations to come.'
Under the brand House of Gushungo -- Mugabe's clan name -- the 88-year-old president's signature is splayed in silver studs across caps, t-shirts coffee mugs and berets InCrops, an initiative based at the. Some items show his birth year, 1924, in Roman numerals.
It's a high-priced upgrade from the tradition of emblazoning his image on cloth prints, given to women to wear as wraps or sewn into men's shirts and caps.
Prices range from $10 to $30, in a nation where the World Bank says nearly three-fourths of the population lives in poverty, on less than three dollars a day for a family of five.
But Matenda has big dreams of taking on famous labels like Luis Vutton, Gucci and Paul Smithid='lw_1330604647_8'carbon. He wants to take samples of the line to Paris Fashion Week.
'Even if we are not going to be able to take part in this event this yearress in recent years in bringing organic cott. We are going to take part in the next coming years,' Matenda said.
'I am proud to be associated with our president, with his ideologies and they make me who I am right now,' he said.
'This is not political, it is very much apoliticalDON (Reuters) - Could 'green' b. This is just a fashion label, just like any other label you might think of.'
But human rights campaigner Blessing Vava said the clothing was a blatant campaign ploy by Mugabe's ZANU-PF, which is pressing for elections this year.
'This is part of the ZANU-PF election campaign to desperately sell their candidate ahead of elections,' Vava said.
-- His signature belongs to the people --
'ZANU-PF is employing all tactics from music to clothing labels to campaign for its leadery five times as much span . But I don't think the majority of Zimbabweans will buy the label,' he said.
Some of the clothing was spotted at Mugabe's 88th birthday rally in the eastern city of Mutare, but the line has yet to make a big splash on the streets.
'I am yet to see the clothes, it is actually news to me,' said a street-corner cigarette vendor in Harare.
Matenda says the dearth of fashion labels with a local identity inspired him and his friends to launch Mugabe's clothing line.
'Each and everyday we are putting on clothes and they have different inscriptions on themo landfill and only 25 percent recycle. Some Hugo Boss, some Paul Smith, some Giorgio Armani -- but it's quite unfortunate that most people can't even associate themselves with these people,' he said.
Mugabe approved the use of his signature for the label although the designers did not meet him in personan are hitting the catwalks at span cla. Matenda said that Mugabe told them the signature was his but it belonged to the people.
The clothing line is the latest in a list of items designed to honour a man idolised by his supporters as a liberation hero and reviled by his foes for his tainted human rights record.
In addition to generations of campaign cloth, state radio and television allocate generous airplay to musicians who sing praises for the man who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.
Matenda said they are planning to brand jackets, shoes, suits and watches with Mugabe's signature, with goods manufactured both locally and in Asia.
'We have seen that we are holding to a brand that cuts above any other brand,' he saidn recent years in br. 'I rank it above all the labels one might think of, the Luis Vuittons, the Guccis and the Giorgio Armanis.'
Matenda said Mugabe would receive no royalties.
Paris Fashion Week top trends: Feathers, sparkle and Eastern influences
After nine days of catwalk presentations, Paris Fashion Week came to a close March 7, with some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses showcasing their Fall/Winter 2012 collectionstead the rumor mill . Here is a roundup of some of the biggest trends to emerge from the event, where leather came in all shapes and forms and green emerged as a contender to Milan and New York's omnipresent orange.
Bad news for ticklish fashionistas for Fall 2012 because feathers were all over Paris Fashion Week; with huge froths of pink plumage stealing the show at Alexander McQueen and models' faces being obscured by ornate feather creations at the Peachoo and Krejberg showers including Marc Jacobs, span class='ys. Other labels went for a more subtle take on the trend, with Zuhair Murad offering cocktail dresses decorated in sequins and feathers, Louis Vuitton adorning Edwardian-influenced creations with feathers and jewels and Andrew Gn embellishing blouses with lace and feather appliqués.
An Eastern influence could be seen at a number of shows, with a Japanese blossom motif being embroidered onto chiffon blouses at the Leonard presentation and deconstructed kimonos making an impact at Maison Martin MargielaParis Fashion Week/span Marc. Blousons with kimono details were also seen at Damir Doma, while kimono shapes and Eastern-inspired prints stood out at Dries Van Noten6'Christopher Kane/span . Meanwhile, Japanese animation was referenced at the Mugler show, where models channeled ninjas in black huge shouldered creations with hoods.
The material of choice at Paris Fashion Week had to be leather, with a string of black leather creations including a cape, jumpsuit, a trench coat and shorts opening the Valentino showation surrounding the report,. The material was just as ubiquitous at Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy, with highlights at the former including a long-sleeved leather tunicSimoens himself would neither . Meanwhile, the latter showcased loose-fitting red and brown leather pants and black leather pleated skirts accessorized with long black leather gloveshe latest creator to get caught up in the . Hakaan went for all-leather ensembles in burgundy, while leather harness detailing added edge at Arzu Kaprol.
While the domination of orange, neons and metallics seen during the previous fashion capital presentations continued into Paris, green was also having a noteworthy moment Nathalie Tribouillard-Chassaing refusing . The Kenzo show began with several moss green pieces, while animal motif sweaters came in brighter shades and lime green made an impact at Chanelortcuts' id='lw_1331049497_8'Leonard/span may. At Hermès, woolen coats and capes in bottle and officer greens made an impression, while floral detailing and green fur evoked the feeling of a forest at Lanvin and at Adrian Runhof flowing sheer creations echoed green foliage.
Paris Fashion Week wouldn't be complete without some sparkle, and this came aplenty thanks to the dominance of bejeweled creationsd fashion brand span class='yshortcuts' id='lw. Models with their jewel-adorned eyebrows even walked a runway of glistening granite sand at Chanel's sparkling mineral-themed show, while at Vivienne Westwood jeweled Elizabethan-style tops stole the showm March 5 quoted industry . Bejeweled jacket buttons and elaborate brooches were seen at Louis Vuitton, where huge Swarovski adornments made for seriously blingy train casesurrounding the report. Meanwhile, at Balmain, pearl and crystal embellishment was everywhere, with late actress Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection providing a source of inspiration for the collection.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIP ADVICE.
Bad news for ticklish fashionistas for Fall 2012 because feathers were all over Paris Fashion Week; with huge froths of pink plumage stealing the show at Alexander McQueen and models' faces being obscured by ornate feather creations at the Peachoo and Krejberg showers including Marc Jacobs, span class='ys. Other labels went for a more subtle take on the trend, with Zuhair Murad offering cocktail dresses decorated in sequins and feathers, Louis Vuitton adorning Edwardian-influenced creations with feathers and jewels and Andrew Gn embellishing blouses with lace and feather appliqués.
An Eastern influence could be seen at a number of shows, with a Japanese blossom motif being embroidered onto chiffon blouses at the Leonard presentation and deconstructed kimonos making an impact at Maison Martin MargielaParis Fashion Week/span Marc. Blousons with kimono details were also seen at Damir Doma, while kimono shapes and Eastern-inspired prints stood out at Dries Van Noten6'Christopher Kane/span . Meanwhile, Japanese animation was referenced at the Mugler show, where models channeled ninjas in black huge shouldered creations with hoods.
The material of choice at Paris Fashion Week had to be leather, with a string of black leather creations including a cape, jumpsuit, a trench coat and shorts opening the Valentino showation surrounding the report,. The material was just as ubiquitous at Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy, with highlights at the former including a long-sleeved leather tunicSimoens himself would neither . Meanwhile, the latter showcased loose-fitting red and brown leather pants and black leather pleated skirts accessorized with long black leather gloveshe latest creator to get caught up in the . Hakaan went for all-leather ensembles in burgundy, while leather harness detailing added edge at Arzu Kaprol.
While the domination of orange, neons and metallics seen during the previous fashion capital presentations continued into Paris, green was also having a noteworthy moment Nathalie Tribouillard-Chassaing refusing . The Kenzo show began with several moss green pieces, while animal motif sweaters came in brighter shades and lime green made an impact at Chanelortcuts' id='lw_1331049497_8'Leonard/span may. At Hermès, woolen coats and capes in bottle and officer greens made an impression, while floral detailing and green fur evoked the feeling of a forest at Lanvin and at Adrian Runhof flowing sheer creations echoed green foliage.
Paris Fashion Week wouldn't be complete without some sparkle, and this came aplenty thanks to the dominance of bejeweled creationsd fashion brand span class='yshortcuts' id='lw. Models with their jewel-adorned eyebrows even walked a runway of glistening granite sand at Chanel's sparkling mineral-themed show, while at Vivienne Westwood jeweled Elizabethan-style tops stole the showm March 5 quoted industry . Bejeweled jacket buttons and elaborate brooches were seen at Louis Vuitton, where huge Swarovski adornments made for seriously blingy train casesurrounding the report. Meanwhile, at Balmain, pearl and crystal embellishment was everywhere, with late actress Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection providing a source of inspiration for the collection.
This article is brought to you by RELATIONSHIP ADVICE.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Revealed: Charlotte Casiraghi for Gucci campaign
Italian fashion house Gucci has presented the first images of its 'Forever Now' campaign featuring Princess of Monaco Charlotte Casiraghi, daughter of Caroline of Monaco.
A young show jumper, Charlotte Casiraghi was photographed in an equestrian settingflourish - into some fantastic looks, Beaut. The princess models items featuring the brand's signature red and green stripes in a campaign celebrating its heritage.
Charlotte Casiraghi has been called a natural choice for the brand since she has attended several editions of the Gucci Masters -- including the last edition (December 3-5, 2011) where she competed in the International Jumping Competition.
This article is brought to you by DATING ADVICE.
A young show jumper, Charlotte Casiraghi was photographed in an equestrian settingflourish - into some fantastic looks, Beaut. The princess models items featuring the brand's signature red and green stripes in a campaign celebrating its heritage.
Charlotte Casiraghi has been called a natural choice for the brand since she has attended several editions of the Gucci Masters -- including the last edition (December 3-5, 2011) where she competed in the International Jumping Competition.
This article is brought to you by DATING ADVICE.
From champagne to soda: Gaultier labeled Diet Coke creative director
While more accustomed to designing high-end collaborations like champagne packaging for Piper-Heidsieck, Jean Paul Gaultier is going for more mass market appeal by becoming the latest designer to collaborate with Diet Coke.
The French creator has been named the beverage's European creative director and is appearing in a series of short films for the brand.
As well as signing on to design bottles and cans, Gaultier will also have input on online content and retail concepts for 2012.
Plus, he's the star of three light-hearted short films for Diet Coke's YouTube channel, portraying a therapist, a journalist and a private detective solving a puppet's wardrobe dilemmased in one of these suits, and. See the first in the series at http://youtu.be/qoTR5bqsx-w.
His first limited-edition designs will be unveiled across Europe starting next monthked like polished furniture, worn old skins, s. Bottle designing isn't completely new to the creator though, as he has teamed up with Piper-Heidsieck in the past -- last year dressing a bottle of vintage champagne in black lurex, fishnet and Swarovski crystalsterial as the stiff show invites, the col. For the Diet Coke collab, Gaultier has hinted at a characterful creation.
'The brand asked me to explore its fun personality and to style the bottleks of fashion shows, this l. I want to show people the codes and signatures I lovens of leather that looked lik. The bottles have the shape of a woman's body, so it was great fun to 'dress' them,' the French creator explained in a release.
'The Diet Coke motif is so beautiful I had to design around thisty, With its concentration on dandified m. The finishing touch was to apply my logo to the bottle, like applying a fragile stamp -- making it something special you want to touch.'
Gaultier follows in the footsteps of leading designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli and Nathalie Rykiel by teaming up with the soft drinks brand, while over in the US Diane von Furstenberg last month unveiled a limited-edition collection of bottles adorned with her signature prints in red and black.
This article is brought to you by FREE DATING SITES.
The French creator has been named the beverage's European creative director and is appearing in a series of short films for the brand.
As well as signing on to design bottles and cans, Gaultier will also have input on online content and retail concepts for 2012.
Plus, he's the star of three light-hearted short films for Diet Coke's YouTube channel, portraying a therapist, a journalist and a private detective solving a puppet's wardrobe dilemmased in one of these suits, and. See the first in the series at http://youtu.be/qoTR5bqsx-w.
His first limited-edition designs will be unveiled across Europe starting next monthked like polished furniture, worn old skins, s. Bottle designing isn't completely new to the creator though, as he has teamed up with Piper-Heidsieck in the past -- last year dressing a bottle of vintage champagne in black lurex, fishnet and Swarovski crystalsterial as the stiff show invites, the col. For the Diet Coke collab, Gaultier has hinted at a characterful creation.
'The brand asked me to explore its fun personality and to style the bottleks of fashion shows, this l. I want to show people the codes and signatures I lovens of leather that looked lik. The bottles have the shape of a woman's body, so it was great fun to 'dress' them,' the French creator explained in a release.
'The Diet Coke motif is so beautiful I had to design around thisty, With its concentration on dandified m. The finishing touch was to apply my logo to the bottle, like applying a fragile stamp -- making it something special you want to touch.'
Gaultier follows in the footsteps of leading designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli and Nathalie Rykiel by teaming up with the soft drinks brand, while over in the US Diane von Furstenberg last month unveiled a limited-edition collection of bottles adorned with her signature prints in red and black.
This article is brought to you by FREE DATING SITES.
Calling shoeaholics: Arianne Phillips curates new international footwear site
March 7 saw the launch of Yoox Group's new online shoe boutique shoescribe.com, with unique features including a resident shoe guru as well as celebrity guest editors.
Dedicated solely to footwear ranging from sportswear to high heels, the site ships top international brands ranging from Havaianas to Giambattista Valli across the globe.
Visitors to the site can ask resident shoe guru Ms Suzie Scribe their shoe-related dilemmas via the 'Ask Suzie' feature and access a range of editorial and video content, with Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips as the guest editor for the launch of the site.
Watch the interview with her at http://newsreel.shoescribe.com/en/footnotes/in-her-shoes-en/arianne-phillips.html.
Like Italian online retailer Yoox Group's other e-commerce sites such as yoox.com and Thecorner.com, to make a purchase consumers have to become a member of shoescribe.com with the choice of paying an annual fee of ?129 for the VIP-styled Shoescribe Programme.
Benefits of being an annual member include a welcome Shoescribe Kit offering help on keeping shoes in top condition, unlimited free shipping, and a "fairytale present" arriving on your birthday.
For details on registering see https://secure.shoescribe.com/account/account.asp?tskay=83BD90B3
The emphasis on editorial content on this new venture follows an increasing trend for editorial-rich e-tail sites, with online boutique Gilt Groupe teaming up with fitness publication Women's Health earlier this year to allow shoppers to discover workout tips while they perused the January sales.
Gilt Groupe's men's spin-off shop Park & Bond also hosted a GQ online store last year, featuring items selected by the gentlemen's publication's editors.
Meanwhile, the resident shoe guru aspect echoes a rise in websites offering women tailor-made fashion and beauty helpwomen's shows for the past sev. Recently launched StyleUnited, a partnership between Procter & Gamble Beauty & Grooming and fashion website ShopStyle, offer personalized fashion tips and lets consumers pose style queries.
This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.
Dedicated solely to footwear ranging from sportswear to high heels, the site ships top international brands ranging from Havaianas to Giambattista Valli across the globe.
Visitors to the site can ask resident shoe guru Ms Suzie Scribe their shoe-related dilemmas via the 'Ask Suzie' feature and access a range of editorial and video content, with Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips as the guest editor for the launch of the site.
Watch the interview with her at http://newsreel.shoescribe.com/en/footnotes/in-her-shoes-en/arianne-phillips.html.
Like Italian online retailer Yoox Group's other e-commerce sites such as yoox.com and Thecorner.com, to make a purchase consumers have to become a member of shoescribe.com with the choice of paying an annual fee of ?129 for the VIP-styled Shoescribe Programme.
Benefits of being an annual member include a welcome Shoescribe Kit offering help on keeping shoes in top condition, unlimited free shipping, and a "fairytale present" arriving on your birthday.
For details on registering see https://secure.shoescribe.com/account/account.asp?tskay=83BD90B3
The emphasis on editorial content on this new venture follows an increasing trend for editorial-rich e-tail sites, with online boutique Gilt Groupe teaming up with fitness publication Women's Health earlier this year to allow shoppers to discover workout tips while they perused the January sales.
Gilt Groupe's men's spin-off shop Park & Bond also hosted a GQ online store last year, featuring items selected by the gentlemen's publication's editors.
Meanwhile, the resident shoe guru aspect echoes a rise in websites offering women tailor-made fashion and beauty helpwomen's shows for the past sev. Recently launched StyleUnited, a partnership between Procter & Gamble Beauty & Grooming and fashion website ShopStyle, offer personalized fashion tips and lets consumers pose style queries.
This article is brought to you by MATCHMAKING.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Magically Mannish Miu Miu
They say fat is a feminist issue, but fashion is too, especially in the hands of Miuccia Prada, whose latest collection for her label Miu Miu, was a fashionable game changer staged on the final day of the French runway season in Paris on Wednesday, March 7gner would want the bad p.
Signora Prada's fashion has always stood for expressing the importance and independence of women that goes into creating these . Her first aim is to add a certain dignity and elegance, which separates her from so many other designers whose most pressing goal is to make them beautifulused in advertising, social media and.
Not that this fall 2012 collection was not a beautyertainment lawyer wh. With its concentration on dandified masculine tailoring, it was frequently enchanting, though much of its charm lay in the way the clothes will eventually distinguish the women who buy thems also require that literature for each.
As ever at chez Miu Miu, the setting was sublimeity,' Models' representatives try to limit . Staged in a massive modernist government building near the Trocadero, elaborately decorated in a mat gold carpeted seating and a runway in exactly the same material as the stiff show invites, the collection opened with silk gents' suits worn with shirts, ties and platform shoesattendance, .
Created in hyper colorful zigzag prints in mixes of purple, soft pink and bright orange, the tailoring grew more dandified through the show9; representatives try to limit that cont. Plus, the designer came up with some great tailoring tricks, like a sleeveless double breasted jacket with side slits for the arms to appear, or several cape/jacket combinations that were charming eye puzzlersion shows most familiar to the pu.
'I wanted to think that when a woman is dressed in one of these suits, and she sees everyone one else in a dress, she just goes pffffft,' the designer said with a knowing laughts/span bind together designers, span clas.
Once again, her choice of footwear was unlike anything else seen on Continental catwalks, sturdy platforms in unlikely combinations of leather that looked like polished furniture, worn old skins, shiny suede and tough metal bucklesy director of busines. So, while it was the last important show in the four weeks of fashion shows, this latest excursion by Miu Miu will be one of the most influential of all collectionsly included in a designer'. And, more importantly, it will empower women of taste in today's world.
This article is brought to you by SINGLES.
Signora Prada's fashion has always stood for expressing the importance and independence of women that goes into creating these . Her first aim is to add a certain dignity and elegance, which separates her from so many other designers whose most pressing goal is to make them beautifulused in advertising, social media and.
Not that this fall 2012 collection was not a beautyertainment lawyer wh. With its concentration on dandified masculine tailoring, it was frequently enchanting, though much of its charm lay in the way the clothes will eventually distinguish the women who buy thems also require that literature for each.
As ever at chez Miu Miu, the setting was sublimeity,' Models' representatives try to limit . Staged in a massive modernist government building near the Trocadero, elaborately decorated in a mat gold carpeted seating and a runway in exactly the same material as the stiff show invites, the collection opened with silk gents' suits worn with shirts, ties and platform shoesattendance, .
Created in hyper colorful zigzag prints in mixes of purple, soft pink and bright orange, the tailoring grew more dandified through the show9; representatives try to limit that cont. Plus, the designer came up with some great tailoring tricks, like a sleeveless double breasted jacket with side slits for the arms to appear, or several cape/jacket combinations that were charming eye puzzlersion shows most familiar to the pu.
'I wanted to think that when a woman is dressed in one of these suits, and she sees everyone one else in a dress, she just goes pffffft,' the designer said with a knowing laughts/span bind together designers, span clas.
Once again, her choice of footwear was unlike anything else seen on Continental catwalks, sturdy platforms in unlikely combinations of leather that looked like polished furniture, worn old skins, shiny suede and tough metal bucklesy director of busines. So, while it was the last important show in the four weeks of fashion shows, this latest excursion by Miu Miu will be one of the most influential of all collectionsly included in a designer'. And, more importantly, it will empower women of taste in today's world.
This article is brought to you by SINGLES.
Lagos Fashion Week to kick off in Nigeria
Nigeria's biggest city from Wednesday hosts the second Lagos Fashion Week, which organisers say will showcase local design talent and add a splash of colour in a region often seen as troubled.
'There's a lot of negativity about Africa in general and Nigeria in particular,' Penny McDonald, managing director of Arise Media, which is organising the event, told AFP on the eve of the opening day.
'Everything in the news is doom and gloom, from famine to bombings, to petrol (price crisis), most recently in Nigeriato the rock world that so. Hopefully this will redress the imbalance..ock world that so fascinates him,. that is to say Africa and Nigeria are not broken.'
Although the country does not boast any high-class shopping malls, Nigerians are well known for their flair and love of fashion.
Africa's most populous country has produced some of the continent's best known designers, such as Frank Osodi and Bridget Awosika, who will showcase their work Wednesday along with Britain-based Jamaican Romero Bryan.
McDonald said the number of designers shot up to 77 from 50 in 2011, a rise she attributes to the success of the inaugural show.
Two huge tents have been erected on the grounds of a five-star hotel to host the shows, and specialist decorators have been flown in from Europe.
Other top African names showing off their collections during the week include British-Ghanaian Oswald Boateng and the internationally renowned South African duo Kluk CGDTe, having worked there in. The show runs through Sunday.
'The world needs to see Africa showcase its own fashion,' said McDonald.
This article is brought to you by MATCH.
'There's a lot of negativity about Africa in general and Nigeria in particular,' Penny McDonald, managing director of Arise Media, which is organising the event, told AFP on the eve of the opening day.
'Everything in the news is doom and gloom, from famine to bombings, to petrol (price crisis), most recently in Nigeriato the rock world that so. Hopefully this will redress the imbalance..ock world that so fascinates him,. that is to say Africa and Nigeria are not broken.'
Although the country does not boast any high-class shopping malls, Nigerians are well known for their flair and love of fashion.
Africa's most populous country has produced some of the continent's best known designers, such as Frank Osodi and Bridget Awosika, who will showcase their work Wednesday along with Britain-based Jamaican Romero Bryan.
McDonald said the number of designers shot up to 77 from 50 in 2011, a rise she attributes to the success of the inaugural show.
Two huge tents have been erected on the grounds of a five-star hotel to host the shows, and specialist decorators have been flown in from Europe.
Other top African names showing off their collections during the week include British-Ghanaian Oswald Boateng and the internationally renowned South African duo Kluk CGDTe, having worked there in. The show runs through Sunday.
'The world needs to see Africa showcase its own fashion,' said McDonald.
This article is brought to you by MATCH.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)