Plus Size Continues to Lead the Way in London
Posted on February 23, 2010
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Knitwear designer Mark Fast has ridden over the storm of controversy he caused at last year’s London Fashion Week by sending out plus size models onto his catwalk yet again.
His show last season led to a storm of protests, after his stylist was rumoured to have walked out days before his show due to his decision to use size 14 and 16 models. Yet Canadian Fast was defiant in his plans to continue doing so, aiming to prove that catwalk creations are not just for size zeros.
But will his plan for plus-size domination really take off? While he should no doubt be applauded for his tenacity, he was still the only designer to request larger models for his show. And the blogging world has given mixed reviews – some think he is a visionary while other die-hard fashionistas think he is ruining the lines of his garments with these curvaceous bodies. So will the fashion world ever truly accept the plus-size lady? Only time will tell – but if it does, it’s going to be a very slow road…
Brit Awards Fashion – the Winners and Losers
Posted on February 18, 2010
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In theory, the Brit Awards is the complete antithesis to the likes of the Oscars and the Baftas. You don’t have to show up in some generic, floor-sweeping gown, designed by Oscar de la Renta or Carolina Herrera. The Brit Awards are the perfect opportunity to rock up in a dazzling, avant-garde designer creation and wow the world with your fashion credentials.
Yet this year, the pressure was on even more than usual – Lady Gaga was always bound to outshine everyone, but still some bravely took on the challenge to better her outit choice.
Lily Allen accepted her award wearing a school-teacher’s dress and a bizarre orange wig. Not a good look, and mst try harder.
Florence Welch picked up the style pace with her dazzling silver corset dress – tops marks for her.
Then we were back in the gutter again with Cheryl Cole’s bizarre on-stage choice of a short trench coat and pants. Seriously Cheryl, we all know you have personal issues right now but that’s no excuse.
Katherine Jenkins tried to prove that she can be edgy and dress her age with a prom dress printed with a picture of the Queen. Tried – and failed.
Samantha Fox – not even going to go there. Why was she invited again?
The men clearly won out on the night – bravo to Tom Ford and Ed McFarlane of Friendly Fires for bringing a bit of dapper sophistication to the night.
And so Lady Gaga still wins in the crazy stakes – let’s face it, us Brits just can’t pull it off…
Shop from the Front Row At Henry Holland
Posted on February 16, 2010
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As the worlds of fashion and social media mesh ever closer, Twitter fanatic Henry Holland has announced plans to sell his newest t-shirt collection to his front-row spectators via an application on Blackberry.
The designer also previewed the range on his blog, with Alexa, Agyness and Pixie modelling his wares. Known for his love of slogans, each t-shirt features an abbreviated slogan – Alexa has been spotted sporting a fetch F.F.S. (for fuck’s sake). Now we just need to figure out what the rest of them mean – and find a way into the front row to bag ourselves one…
Alexander McQueen Passes Away
Posted on February 12, 2010
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The fashion world was shocked yesterday at the news of Alexander McQueen’s untimely death, after he committed suicide at the age of just 40.
I know it’s already been said everywhere else, but the industry really has lost a huge creative talent. He was a revolutionary in modern fashion with his influences being seen on the high street as well as the catwalk. It’s so sad that, even as a man who we all felt was at the top of his game, he had so many inner turmoils that he felt he could not carry on any further.
Here’s hoping that, even in his death he will continue to inspire young designers to follow in his career dreams. There have already been mentions of an award in his honour – hopefully this will come to fruition so we can continue to recognise the great man and his genius.
M&S Go for the Cool Factor
Posted on February 9, 2010
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Marks and Spencer are continuing with their quest to appeal to the younger market with the announcement of their new models.
They’ve just revealed that their next campaigns will feature X-Factor judge Dannii Minogue, alongside singer VV Brown and model Lisa Snowdon will be joining up with old favourite Twiggy to launch their Spring/Summer collections for 2010.
Myleene Klass, Erin O’Connor and the boys’ favourite, underwear model Noemie Lenoir have all been axed from the shoots, although Myleene will still continue to work for the company.
I have to say it’s really refreshing to see M&S finally bringing in some fresh talent – especially VV Brown, who has a fantastic look. I always thought she was more vintage than high street department store, but if anyone can get us into wearing M&S, surely it’s her!
Here Come the Boys!
Posted on February 2, 2010
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I’m absolutely loving the fact that Vogue.com has taken a leaf out of its younger sister Teen Vogue’s book with a whole section of the site dedicated to hot boys. Yet instead of lusting after Zac Efron and the Twilight boys, they’ve mixed hot men with even sexier fashion with a swooningly hip parade of the 2010 menswear lines. Step forward David Gandy and friends.
If these pictures are anything to go by, them Autumn/Winter 2010 is going to be pretty exciting. And if your boss catches you looking, you can always take the high road and say it’s all about the designers…
http://www.vogue.co.uk/celebrity-photos/100126-male-models-autumnwinter-201011/gallery.aspx?Page=1
Armani Goes Gaga
Posted on February 1, 2010
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I have to say, out of all the stars hitting the Grammy Awards red carpet, I never thought Lady Gaga would be hte one to be dressed in Armani Prive. The designer’s reputation for classic, demure cuts doesn’t really match too well with Lady Gaga’s outlandish personality and wacky costume choices. Yet clearly Armani decided it was time to get out of that box – and boy did he do it in style!
The lilac-silver ctructured dress he created for her really gives a new meaning to the idea of fashion as art – Gaga looked like she’d be right at home on a pedestal in a museum. It was nothing short of fantastic – if perhaps not the easiest thing to move around in. No wonder she changed for her performance later in the night – she’d have had someone’s eye out…
Fashion meets Politics – With a Heart
Posted on January 26, 2010
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The Prime Minister’s wife Sarah Brown is fast proving herself to be something of a mover and a shaker in the fashion world. Pictured just last week schmoozing with Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue at the National Televison Awards, she yesterday had another very glamorous sidekick – Naomi Campbell.
The pair were launching Fashion for Relief, a catwalk show which raises funds for worthy causes. A host of celebrities will stalk the catwalk in a range of donated designer wares, before they are all auctioned off for charity, and this year the money is going to help aid in Haiti.
And Sarah Brown more than held her own - looking stylish in a demure black dress. It says a lot for a woman to stand next to a supermodel with the confidence that she has, and it’s great to see that she’s putting her position as wife of the PM to good use.
Friday Morning Rage!
Posted on January 22, 2010
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Jason Gardiner, he of Dancing on Ice fame, a man with the most ridiculously white teeth I have ever seen, is now wowing the This Morning viewers with his style savvy. Or not. Gasp in horror as he refers to a fifty-something woman swamped in a voluminous demin coat as channeling “nineties grunge chic”, or assures us that tight fitting demin skirts look fabulous when worn with leggings.
While I’m well aware that This Morning does not share a consumer demographic with Vogue or Grazia, it would be nice of they actually got someone on who knew what he was talking about, or at the very least could tell us about double-denim being the latest trend with a bit of conviction.
Go back to the ice rink Jason – and give someone who knows what they’re talking about a chance of a job….
A Touch of Chung Chic
Posted on January 20, 2010
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Not content with having an oh-so-covetable Mulberry bag named after her as well as numerous modelling campaigns, Alexa Chung is now turning her hand to designing. Joining the ever-growing ranks of celebs to turn sartorial, she’s teamed up with US brand Madewell to create a line to design a collection that’s due out in September. The brand is famous for it’s preppy, Ralph Lauren meets Banana Republic style – very Alexa – so we can expect a huge dollop of her own personal style to be thrown into the mix.
Unfortunately for UK fans, the collection is only going to be available over the pond. Now, call me cynical, but that’s not very sporting is it? After all, Alexa’s style is quintessentially British quirky chic – but she doesn’t want to sell her line here? Maybe she thinks we’ve already got enough of that kind of stuff over here already? Or maybe she’s just worried that she can’t compete with the calibre of fantastic British design that’s already flooding the glossy pages. Whatever the reason, we’ll still be checking out the collection from afar when it is released…
Comedy Review – Craig Hill: 40 – Love?
Posted on January 18, 2010
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Scotland’s campest comedian turned 40 this year, and he’s out to prove that advancing years are no barrier to success – or to his dancing skills. Indeed, when Craig Hill shimmies onto the stage to Lady Gaga, his cream kilt whirling and his sporran thrusting in a rather alarming manner – he immediately establishes that he’s in better shape than ever. And what comes out of his mouth over the course of the show follows the same lead.
As ever, Hill is the master of audience involvement – those who have witnessed the spectacle before are wise and sit up the back, while those in the front row vary between quivering in fear and doing Craig’s own version of Donkey from Shrek, emanating “Pick me!” vibes. He varies between not-so-gentle mocking of the audience and heart-warming stories of his newly-single lifestyle, adding in the odd laviscious wink at the young guys down the front and plenty of singing. It seems he’s keen to parade his vocal skills just as much as his muscly legs to his new front-row conquests.
And as he skipped off at the end to thunderous applause with a wicked glint in his eye, it certainly looked like the audience was truly in love with Craig Hill. Doubt he’ll be single for long…
Saturday 16th Jan – MacRobert Centre, Stirling
Blondes have more…fights?
Posted on January 18, 2010
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Scientists at the University of California have just released the results of their latest study on blondes, and found that, rather than just having more fun in our old cliched fashion, we’re actually much more agressive and competitive than our dark-haired counterparts.
Apparently we have a “war-like streak” that means we won’t give in until we get our own way, especially considering that we’re already used to getting much more attention from men because of our hair colour.
Excuse me? When I started reading about this I was intrigued - a feeling that quickly disappeared when they brought up the old “the men love the blondes” cliche. I really don’t think what colour your hair is says anything about your personality – it’s all about how you caqrry yourself and the confidence that you show.
Unfortunately, the same study found that blondes have the lowest salaries – looks like it’s off to the hairdresser for me…
Gratuitous Friday Ogling…
Posted on January 15, 2010
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David Beckham? Pah, soooo 2009. Armani have just released the first photographs of his replacement – only the most expensive footballer in the world, Christian Ronaldo – and the rumours are already rife as to whether he had a little bit of help from an airbrush or two…
He does actually look as if he was chisled from a piece of rock in this picture! Not really my type though – just a bit too perfect looking for my taste, although I must say it’s always a pleasure to have a nice six-pack to look at though.
But what next for Beckham? I’m quite sure that he didn’t appreciate being sidelined for a younger (and arguably more talented) version. Back to the brand Beckham drawing board…
The January Blues are in Danger of Setting in…
Posted on January 11, 2010
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While I’m usually all for a bit of festive weather, and was overjoyed to see a flurry of snow on Christmas Day, I am now officially sick of it. It’s not just the freezing chill that penetrates right through to my bones, or the sheets of ice that force me to walk at half my normal pace – although these are bad enough. Rather, it’s the entire lifestyle change that I have been forced to adapt, entirely against my will.
- My wardrobe – all I have worn in the past three weeks is welllies, hiking socks and flat boots, and a furry parka. My new Christmas present of a leather jacket, my favourite high heels my sparkly festive wear have all gone unfortunately unworn due to the minus degrees weather.
- My diet – The festive diet has unfortunately continued due to the cold weather – mashed potatoes, hot chocolate and too many sweets on the couch were meant to be given up at the beginning of last week are still very much in evidence (as is my Christmas belly).
- My sloth-like lifestyle – Before Christmas I was at the gym, going cycling, walking to work and keeping healthy. Now I get the bus, come home and sit on the couch watching friends and reading the Twilight Saga. Productive.
While I am fully aware that these menial problems are nothing compared to what some have to face – burst pipes and huge heating bills and broken-down cars and the like. But it’s still driving me nuts! So bring on summer and the flip-flops…
What Next for Jonathan Ross?
Posted on January 7, 2010
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After a year of headline grabbing for all the wrong reasons, Jonathan Ross made the papers again today with his shock announcement that he is to quit the BBC in July. Rumours have been circulating about his salary (said to be around £6 million), and the fact that the BBC were planning on reducing it drastically following his infamous Sachsgate episode last year with Russell Brand.
Now Ross has given up on his Friday night talkshow, his morning radio show as well as his film review programme. While he’s admitted he loves doing them all, it would seem that his desire for a large pay-packet has somewhat dimished his love for the job. Graham Norton has now been tipped to take over his talkshow – I wonder what Ross will make of that move?
I think that he may well struggle to find a new avenue for his ramblings – his recent performance as the host of the British Comedy Awards fell largely flat (cue much footage of straight-faced fellow comedians “forgetting” to clap). While there may well be producers who are keen to get a big name like Ross on board, the reality is that few can afford the BBC-like pay packets.
So was Sachsgate the beginning of the end for Ross? I guess we’ll soon find out…
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