Elegance Possessions

Cate Blanchett, Catherine Deneuve attend opening of new Rome Vuitton store

2012-01-28T15:38:00.000Z

Celebrities including actresses Cate Blanchett and Catherine Deneuve, attend the opening of Italy's first Louis Vuitton Maison.

ROME, ITALY (JANUARY 28, 2012) (LOUIS VUITTON) - Celebrities, including actresses Cate Blanchett and Catherine Deneuve turned out in Rome on Saturday (January 28) to add some glitz and glamour to the opening of the first Louis Vuitton Maison in Italy.

Vuitton, well known for its signature bags and luggage, firmly reaffirms its presence in Europe.
Catherine Deneuve remembered her very first Vuitton purchase:
"It's very difficult to remember because I remember that I had a Vuitton case for make-up when I was a very young actress. But it was not as popular as it is today," Deneuve said.

In 1988, Louis Vuitton marked its first step on the road to Rome, and established its first store in the city at the famous San Lorenzo in Lucina Square. Over twenty years later, "Roma Etoile" will open its doors to the public. Entirely reinterpreted by architect Peter Marino, this historical cinema will offer visitors a comprehensive product range.

Australian actress Celebrities, including actresses Cate Blanchett and Catherine Deneuve turned out in Rome on Saturday (January 28) to add some glitz and glamour to the opening of the first Louis Vuitton Maison in Italy.

Vuitton, well known for its signature bags and luggage, firmly reaffirms its presence in Europe.
Catherine Deneuve remembered her very first Vuitton purchase:
"It's very difficult to remember because I remember that I had a Vuitton case for make-up when I was a very young actress. But it was not as popular as it is today," Deneuve said.
In 1988, Louis Vuitton marked its first step on the road to Rome, and established its first store in the city at the famous San Lorenzo in Lucina Square. Over twenty years later, "Roma Etoile" will open its doors to the public. Entirely reinterpreted by architect Peter Marino, this historical cinema will offer visitors a comprehensive product range.
Australian actress Cate Blanchett stressed the importance of craftsmanship when it comes to the movie world as well:
"It's not just the actors who make great films and the directors it's also the hair and make up people, it's the carpenters, it's the costume designers, the propmakers. Having worked with Cinecitta I know first hand the extraordinary skillbase and that's why legendary films are being made and so with a brand that obviously enshrines great craftsmanship it's of course a wonderful thing that they're doing," she said.
Blanchett added that she just recently reunited with the film crew of 'Lord of the Rings':
"I did a small bit on 'the Hobbit' which was really fabulous going back a decade later to put back on the ears and work opposite Ian McKellen."
Blanchett is about to embark on a tour of Europe - and perhaps will take the opportunity to stock up for her travels in this fashionable new store. stressed the importance of craftsmanship when it comes to the movie world as well:

"It's not just the actors who make great films and the directors it's also the hair and make up people, it's the carpenters, it's the costume designers, the propmakers. Having worked with Cinecitta I know first hand the extraordinary skillbase and that's why legendary films are being made and so with a brand that obviously enshrines great craftsmanship it's of course a wonderful thing that they're doing," she said.

Blanchett added that she just recently reunited with the film crew of 'Lord of the Rings':
"I did a small bit on 'the Hobbit' which was really fabulous going back a decade later to put back on the ears and work opposite Ian McKellen."

Blanchett is about to embark on a tour of Europe - and perhaps will take the opportunity to stock up for her travels in this fashionable new store.

Rwanda's upmarket fashion house eyes east Africa market

2012-01-27T18:09:00.000Z

Mille Collines, one of Rwanda's leading fashion houses, has set its sights on marketing its popular mix of traditional African prints in modern cuts to women all over East Africa.

KIGALI, RWANDA (REUTERS) - Already a household name in Rwanda, local fashion house Mille Collines, which means a "thousand hills" is making strides into the competitive fashion market, by setting its sights into the East African market.

Mille Collines, which was established in 2007, already has a presence in Europe and in the US, thanks to its two spanish co-designers.

The fashion house has now grown to a workshop of 28 staff, based in Rwanda.

The designers behind the fashion label attribute the success of the workshop to the fast pace of formal training within the Rwandan fashion scene.

"First and foremost, the fact that our job allows us to create something that is loved by many, who are not just in Rwanda but who are also outside the country gives us a lot of joy," said workshop manager Antoine Karegeya.

The Rwandan fashion house opened its first outlet shop on the outskirts of Rwanda's capital Kigali, and is often streaming with customers on a daily basis.

"We are different to other merchants because first of all the theme of our shop is beautiful, its natural and wooden, and second the quality of our products are different. We put an emphasis on promoting locally made goods, so nothing of this is imported," said assistant manager, Aline Kabanda.

Although the designers behind the fashion house work with co-operatives Rwanda, who make accessories such as buttons and do embroidery, the designers do their own clothes, to maintain quality.

Mille Collines was the toast of town recently at a fashion show to showcase the house's latest collection, attended by the whose who of Kigali.

Co-designer Ines Cuatrecasas, stresses Mille Collines is built on quality, with a fusion with a lot of neutral colours on natural fabrics like cottons, raffia and skills, with a touch of accessories like buttons and a bit of color to the garments.

"I think this brand attracts any kind of people. If they are living in Africa, they will have attraction for the continent, so they will feel attract to African side of it, and then Rwandans feel attract to it because it talks about their country. So they was there was a mingle and mixture of many different cultures and I think this is what it is about. It is created product in Africa that this is likable anywhere," she said.

Fans of the fashion house raved about the vibrant colours and use of African bold prints in the latest collection.

"It was absolutely fantastic: loved girls, loved dressing and details. It shows that designer made a lot of attention to details, and I loved the colors, I loved the fabric and the style," said guest Tita Akamanzi.

According to the designers, Mille Collines biggest market is the US, where they sell through the Macy's department story. With a store, in Kenya's capital Nairobi, Mille Collines is looking into opening another store in the he coast town of Mombasa, and into neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda.

GLOBAL CATWALK Magazine

2012-01-27T17:42:00.000Z

In the inaugural issue of the GLOBAL CATWALK Magazine we focus on the 2011 LONDON GLOBAL CATWALK held to mark World AIDS Day on 2nd December 2011 as part of POSITIVE RUNWAY’s global efforts to sensitize the public against the spread of HIV/AIDS. The magazine features our RED RIBBON Models from different parts of the world including Alasia Ballard from Cycle 14 of America’s Next Top Model, in addition to London’s own top male and female models and fashion designers. more...

Gaultier presents haute couture christmas tree

2012-01-27T17:35:00.001Z

Designer Jean Paul Gaultier puts the old fashioned christmas tree into a brand new outfit.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY (JANUARY 27, 2012) (REUTERS) - Christmas goes couture with the help of French designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.

In Frankfurt, Gaultier presented his latest creation at the fair "Christmasworld" on Friday (January 27): an haute couture christmas tree, adorned with fringes made from finest silk.

"You know I am first a fashion designer and only that which for me it's a lot. So what I wanted to do is like to dress the christmas tree. So what did I do, some couture work, it means like to make one christmas tree with fringe as you can see. So it's like an art deco, twenties, like Charleston dress," Gaultier said of his creation.

Originally, Gaultier had created the tree for a charity event in favour of children with cancer. The Frankfurt fair bought the creation at a charity gala in Paris.

The Gaultier tree will be raffled off to visitors of the fair during the next days.

Police arrest breast implant boss

2012-01-26T16:41:00.001Z

The owner of what was once the world's third largest breast implant firm is awaiting questioning on possible charges of involuntary manslaughter. Sarah Wali reports.

FRANCE FILE-IMPLANTS - The owner of what was once the third largest breast implant firm in the world, Poly Implant Prothese, or PIP, was arrested in his home Thursday.

Jean-Claude Mas awaits questioning while French authorities determine whether to charge him with involuntary manslaughter and causing injury.

Mas was arrested at about 7 AM. Police searched his Marseille home and the premise of a former partner.

The investigation began in March of 2010 after a former patient died of cancer and the autopsy revealed her PIP-produced breast implants contained non-medical grade silicone.

The French government sparked international concern in December of 2011 when they advised women with PIP implants to have them removed.

About 2700 women in France have filed complaints against Mas, and governments around the world have asked women to visit their doctors for checks.
Sarah Wali, Reuters

Lagerfeld launches 'Karl'

2012-01-26T16:34:00.000Z

Designer Karl Lagerfeld unveils new diffusion range 'Karl' on the streets of Paris.

PARIS, FRANCE - It may not be the best of times to shop but designer Karl Lagerfeld, as ever, has his gloved finger on the fashion pulse.

The designer unveiled "Karl" in Paris, a more affordable fashion range for those feeling the economic pinch.

The clothes will be sold exclusively online at luxury shopping website Net-A-Porter.
On Wednesday (January 25), he joined the website's founder Natalie Massenet in launching the collection.

The collection was sleek and urban, featuring dinner jackets, leather jackets and skinny trousers.
T-shirts were emblazoned with Lagerfeld's iconic profile and models wore aviator sunglasses and of course fingerless gloves.

70 pieces will be sold, with most ranging between 3-400 (US) dollars.
The cheapest item, a tote, costs JUST 35 dollars.

Lagerfeld says while the cost may be cheaper the quality is not.

Fashion Designer Karl Lagerfeld, saying
"It corresponds to the times we're living in. One can't just do the very expensive things that I am lucky enough to do in the best conditions. I love the idea, too, of doing things that cost very little and which everyone can afford that are still well designed."

Many of the onlookers gave the collection favourable reviews.

Fashion Designer Isa Luna, saying
"I really like it. I like the futuristic way of seeing this."
Genevieve, An Onlooker, saying
"I found it both urban and contemporary and pretty sensual."

Less than 24 hours later, some of the items are already sold out online, proving Lagerfeld's theory that it doesn't cost a lot to buy into fashion.

Cindy Martin, Reuters

Call-girl linked to footballer launches lingerie during Paris fashion week

2012-01-26T13:08:00.003Z

French former call girl linked to an international football player launches underwear line during Paris fashion week.

PARIS, FRANCE (JANUARY 25, 2012) (REUTERS) -

A self-confessed former call-girl who sprang to international fame following her liaison with international footballer Franck Ribery unveiled on Wednesday (January 25) a line of underwear during the Haute Couture fashion shows in Paris.

Zahia Dehar, who became a household name in 2010 when she said she had had sex with the Bayrern player and another French international while under age, put on an elaborately staged show to an audience of about 300 people.

Dehar treated the spectators to a nature-themed lingerie collection presented by models in the guise of butterflies, flowers and trees.

Paris-based designer Karl Lagerfeld shot Dehar's lookbook, but was not present at her fashion debut at the Chaillot National Theatre, a premium venue in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

"It's a real pleasure because he's someone I've always really admired. Working with him was really incredible because he's a really passionate character and he always does unbelievable things. I'm really happy because he really created an amazing universe for my collection," Dehar said.

Creatively, it may not have been the high point of the fashion week at which designers traditionally put on clothes worth tens of thousands of dollars to cater for a few dozen of the planet's super rich. But that did not stop the event drawing considerable media attention-- and also a largely enthusiastic response from the audience.

"From an aesthetic point of view only and without commenting on the character or what that implies regarding money and many other things and other issues which we're not going to talk about here, I am happy to be under the charm of a delicious, refined, delicate collection that is uniquely playful," said Martine, a spectator at the show.

In 2010 Dehar claimed she was only 16 when she had had relations with Ribery. The footballer in turn has said he was unaware of Dehar being a minor. The scandal garnered national attention in the run-up to the World Cup later that year and a police investigation was put off until after the tournament, which France crashed out of.

A judge is due to rule whether the players should be brought to trial, but a prosecutor has recommended that the case be dismissed.

How the Fashion Industry Is Embracing Social Media

2012-01-24T15:48:00.001Z

It’s impossible to deny the power of social media. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and even Tumblr and Instagram have all transformed the way our entire society functions, bringing forth new ways to interact with our family and friends.
There’s one industry in particular that’s a natural fit for social media: Fashion. What you wear is inherently meant to be shared, as it’s first and foremost a representation of yourself — one that many like to broadcast out for all their friends to see. Read More

Celebrities sparkel at Versace's glittering collection

2012-01-23T13:48:00.000Z

Versace opens Paris Fashion Week with a glittering Spring-Summer 2012 haute couture collection, full of celebrity sparkle.

PARIS, FRANCE (JANUARY 23, 2012) (REUTERS) - Luxury Italian fashion house Atelier Versace kicked off fashion week in the French capital Paris on Monday (January 23), with models dazzling at the brand's first Couture show since 2004.

Glitter dominated at Versace, with models wearing sequinned strapless column dresses, golden studs and bodices encrusted with crystals.

American Vogue editor Anna Wintour joined actresses Cameron Diaz, Diane Kruger and Chloe Sevigny in the front row at the sparkling show.

The structure of the garments in the collection designed by Donatella Versace was much appreciated as being 'very flattering' by the actresses.

"The architectural parts, I think, it is very structured, it keeps the body in a contained way, so that I think it is probably flattering to most women," said actress Diane Kruger.

"It is beautiful, I love the architecture," said actress Cameron Diaz.

Versace also added gold details on dresses, giving a military allure, while off-the-shoulder corset-inspired pieces were a main feature.

Versace's couture renaissance was marked with bursts of colour in yellow, green and red.

"I have never been a photographer, and you know, I think it is the best part, because it goes quickly, it is creative, nobody bothers you, and it is fun, they're great all my new friends," said former model and style icon Ines de la Fressange.

Versace recently teamed up with the highstreet store H&M for a new affordable clothing line.

Escada Sport opens Berlin Fashion Week

2012-01-19T13:31:00.000Z

Escada Sport opens the Berlin Fashion Week with a wearable collection of checkers, soft tones and coats for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season.

BERLIN, GERMANY (JANUARY 18, 2012) REUTERS - Escada Sport, of German luxury fashion house Escada, on Wednesday (January 18) opened the Berlin Fashion Week with a series of wearable trouser and dress selections and plenty of coats thrown in against the cold.

The Munich-based brand showcased their Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 collection to a packed out tent at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the official openers to a week that sees some 50 labels and designers descend on the German capital.

Escada Sport brands itself on "understated chic, metropolitan allure, and cool femininity."

Wednesday's show, by Escada Sport house designer Madelaine Schaefer was simple and gentle, with a few floor-length evening gowns added for a touch of glamour.

Berlin's Fashion Week that runs from January 18-21 has long fought to compete with the more glamorous Milan and Paris shows. It often eschews haute couture for more wearable designs in line with the fashion direction of the city.

IMG's head Peter Levy, who co-produces Fashion Week with Mercedes Benz, says the Berlin trademark is now that of 'emerging talent.'

"I would say, Berlin is really seen globally as an emerging market of talent. I mean, as you are probably aware there are more design schools in the city of Berlin than anywhere else," Levy told Reuters TV on the eve of Fashion Week's opening.

"When we started organising this event in 2007 it was about the potential. It wasn't about what was here and our goal at that point was, how can we take a market place that was really all about creativity and organise it in a relevant way so that talent could be really glimpsed by the market place," he added.

Levy, who with IMG has stayed with Berlin Fashion Week since 2007 says the shows offer the fashion industry a vital opportunity to catch fashion potential in its earliest stages.

"You have got more international people realising you have got - especially people that are in the fashion business, not, that are discovering fashion's future - realising you've gotta be here to see it at the beginning and make these people at least part of your consideration set to track and to follow," Levy said.

According to Levy some 400,000 visitors are attracted to Berlin because of the Fashion Week, generating, in Levy's words, "almost a quarter of a billion dollars."

"Hats off to the talent and the city and everything else - it's become sustainable and it's growing," Levy added about the annual event.

Designer Cavalli launches Israel's first fashion week in over 30 years

2011-11-22T10:31:00.001Z

Italian designer Roberto Cavalli kicks off Tel Aviv Fashion Week, the first in over three decades.

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (NOVEMBER 21, 2011) (REUTERS) - Italian designer Roberto Cavalli kicked off the first Tel Aviv Fashion Week in more than 30 years, in a boost to Israel's fashion industry.

Cavalli, one of Italy's leading fashion luminaries, presented his spring 2012 collection on Monday (November 21), fresh from the Milan runways last month.

Cavalli's "barely-there" animal prints, sheer chiffon and backless straight line dresses were amongst some of the styles displayed on the catwalk to a crowd of over 500 spectators, journalists, local and international celebrities.

Cavalli, who has visited Israel several times in the past, said nowadays fashion has become international and Israel is no different than other leading fashion countries.

"I feel that fashion today is no Israeli, Italy, American, England. It's international. Because all of you read the same magazines that all of what you're reading...We watch the same movies. And fashion is there. From there you get idea what to buy," Cavalli told a group of reporters on the eve of the launch of the event.

"You have to realise what you're showing, and...to show your fantasy together with the fantasy of the designer. Maybe I ask too much but exactly what we want from fashion? To be different...with us, people that interpret it, with us, our fashion. That is the most important," he said.

Featuring 18 foreign and local fashion designers, Tel Aviv's old Jaffa Railway Station turned into a lifestyle hub and major attraction for journalists, designers and other notables, such as Milan fashion celebrity Mario Boselli, as well as fashion figures from Russia, Japan and the United States.

Leading Israeli fashion designers will showcase their collections over the event, supported by Israel's tourism ministry and local business.

Backstage before Victoria's Secret's legendary runway show

2011-11-11T20:50:00.001Z

Models Adriana Lima, Miranda Kerr, and Alessandra Ambrosio prepare to walk the catwalk for Victoria's Secret runway show.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 09, 2011) (REUTERS) - Mixed emotions clouded the hair and makeup area for Victoria's Secret's iconic runway show.

New and nervous models sat wing to wing with some of the lingerie store's most relaxed and recognizable faces, as each girl tried to unwind in the mist of the controlled chaos.

Australian model Miranda Kerr is making her return to the heavenly catwalk after taking a year off after the birth of her son with husband and actor Orlando Bloom. Kerr said her diet doesn't change in preparation of the show.

"I'm just generally quite healthy. I like to indulge a little bit sometimes cause we're only human," she told Reuters.

As a so-called guardian angel, Kerr offered advice to some of the new girls walking in the show.

"To really like feel the music and enjoy it. It's a fun show and you know, the audience is there to have a good time, you're there to have a good time. So, try to have fun with it," Kerr told Reuters.

"Just enjoy have fun, you know, be confident," added model Alessandra Ambrosio.

"If you're here it's because you have everything to be doing this show. I think the most important thing is that it's very energetic, so just have lots of fun, cause it's a fun show to do."

Chinese model Liu Wen is making her third appearance in the show and while she doesn't have wings, she does feel like she has the best outfit.

"I have my favorite look here - because my outfit it very pretty, sort of from the ocean. So it's Angels Aquatic, yeah, the section, so it's very, very pretty," Wen told Reuters.

One Australian model who is making her angel debut said her nerves almost got the best of her, but said staying positive is helping.

"Positive thoughts, this is such a huge show for every model. So I feel very blessed and very lucky right now to be chosen out of 200 models is a huge thing for every models career. So positive thoughts, my family, loved ones, people back from Australia given their love," said the newbie.

In addition to the fashions, the show will feature performances by some of the hottest acts in the music industry. This year rock band Maroon 5 and rappers Kanye West and Nicki Minaj will rock the runway during the show.

The runway show will air on the U.S. television network CBS on November 29.

2011-11-10T21:23:00.001Z

Kanye West, Jay Z and Nicki Minaj help turn Victoria's Secret annual fashion show into a party.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 09, 2011) (VICTORIA'S SECRET) - The ladies of Victoria's Secret hit the runway for the U.S. lingerie store's annual fashion show.

Broken up into six themes, model Candice Swanepoel kicked off the show in a look inspired by ballet. The South African beauty strutted down the glittery catwalk in purple feather wings and a tutu like skirt.

Next, Australian model Miranda Kerr was cheered on by her husband, actor Orlando Bloom, as she modeled a red silk wrap and tutu.

Rapper Kanye West finally made his Victoria's Secret debut after the unexpected death of his mother forced him to cancel in 2007. West performed his classic hit "Stronger" for the "Super Angels" section, and then surprised the audience by bringing out his current rap partner Jay Z.

Model Alessandra Ambrosio led the models for the "Passion" chapter of the show, which featured angels in Spanish influenced looks.

Miranda Kerr returned in the "Angles Aquatic" section wearing the famed Fantasy Treasure Bra. The $2.5 million (USD) bra was created by London Jewelers. The garment is comprised of nearly 3400 precious gems including white and yellow diamonds, citrines, aquamarines and pearls-all set in 18 karat white and yellow gold.

Rock group Maroon 5 kept the girls moving during the "I Put a Spell On You" segment. Lead singer Adam Levine walked the catwalk with his model girlfriend Anne Vyalitsina, and added to her look with a quick kiss.

Colorful "Club Pink" fashions was the perfect fit for bold rapper Nicki Minaj who had fun strutting alongside Erin Heatherton. Models were dressed not only in neon colors, but also lights in the most vibrant part of the collection.

The entire show will air on the U.S. television network CBS on November 29.

Twenty six-year-old student claims Mr. Nigeria 2011 title

2011-11-02T10:10:00.001Z

LAGOS, NIGERIA (OCTOBER 31, 2011) (REUTERS) - Making their way down the catwalk in tailored suits and fresh hair cuts, 18 of Nigeria's 'best' looking men battled it out on Saturday (October 29) for the title of Mr. Nigeria 2011.

Hundreds of spectators cheered as the contestants came out all smiles in different outfits in the final of the competition in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos.

The event was organised by the country's leading entertainment company the Silverbird Group.
The contestants were judged on their confidence, eloquence, physic and understanding of various issues affecting their country and the world.

One contestant excited the crowd when he said Nigeria -- while it has made millions from oil revenues, had turned its back on key sectors like agriculture.

The men, all in their 20's were also judged in a special talent category that saw contestants show their skills in modern and traditional dance as well as Taekwondo and even story telling.

But most spectators said they were most impressed by the contestants' physical appearance.
At the end of the show, the judges picked 26 year-old multi-media graduate, Deji Bakare as the winner.
He took home 10,000 US dollars in prize money, a brand new car and will represent Nigeria in the Mr. World pageant.

Bakare will also take on an ambassadorial role for Nigeria, representing the country whenever called upon and is also expected to be a role model for the youth.

Bakare said he was inspired to join the Mr. Nigeria competition to make his country "a better place".
"We will make Nigeria a better place. We will make Nigeria a better place because right now, we are blessed this country, natural disasters is not happening. We are the ones just fighting ourselves being jealous and I am very sure, all the things that are happening right now is just selfishness, that's the word, selfishness," he said.

"It is like a dream come true, standing up amongst 18 men, 18 beautiful, 18 handsome, well built men its really really amazing and I am really really grateful," said second runner-up, 23 year-old engineering student Chuks Obichukwu.

The Mr. Nigeria pageant has been running for the last four years.

Kim Kardashian arrives in Australia to media frenzy

2011-11-02T02:10:00.001Z

Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian creates a media frenzy upon her arrival in Sydney, Australia.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (NOVEMBER 2, 20110) (NETWORK TEN) - Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian, set off a media frenzy on her arrival at Sydney Airport in Australia on Wednesday (November 2).

Kardashian arrived in Australia only hours after she filed for divorce from her NBA basketball husband, Kris Humphries, after being married for only two months.

The 31-year-old reality star was immediately mobbed by the international media which had followed her to Australia after the divorce announcement.

She was protected by Australian police as she struggled to push her way through the airport terminal to her waiting black car.

She was not wearing her wedding or engagement rings.

Kardashian and her sister Khloe are in Australia to promote their Kardashian Kollection range of handbags.

Man charged in celeb photo hacking appears in court

2011-11-02T02:07:00.001Z

A Florida man charged with hacking celebrity emails appeared in a federal court in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 1, 2011) (REUTERS) - A Florida man pleaded not guilty on Tuesday (November 01) to hacking into e-mail accounts to access and distribute nude photos and other personal information of numerous celebrities including actress Scarlett Johansson.

Christopher Chaney, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida was arrested on October 12 after an 11-month investigation dubbed "Operation Hackerazzi" by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Chaney was charged with 26 counts of cyber-related crimes for hacking into e-mails of "The Avengers" star Johansson, along with actress Mila Kunis ("Black Swan") and singer Christina Aguilera. Other victims were identified only by their initials, which included B.P. and J.A., among them.

The photos of 26-year-old Johansson showed her topless and in a towel with an exposed backside. She revealed in a Vanity Fair magazine interview they were taken for her now ex-husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, when they were still married.

Leaked photos of Kunis showed her in a tub filled with bubbles, showing only her face.

On Tuesday, a Los Angeles judge set a trial date of December 27 and freed Chaney on a $110,000 dollar (USD) bond. He will be allowed to return home, but must wear a court monitoring device.

If convicted of all the crimes, Chaney faces up to 121 years in jail.

Miss World turns 60

2011-11-01T23:52:00.001Z

Miss World contestants pose in London ahead of the finals of the competition next weekend in the city where it all began 60 years ago.

LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM - The Miss World competition is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Contestants posed for photos by London's River Thames, as they glammed up for the world's oldest international beauty pageant.

Organizers dub the competition "Beauty and Brains" to try and rid the event of its superficial stereotypes.

Miss India Kanistha Dhankhar hopes her participation will inspire youth.

(Kanistha Dhankhar, Miss India, saying
"I think my message is that there is so much going on and I feel like the youth today is so taken up by so many things like vanity and things they see on TV, but there is so much more to us and we actually are the future of tomorrow."

Egypt's Donia Hamed believes winning would help support her country's newfound freedom.
Donia Hamed, Miss Egypt, saying

"At this point in our history we need anything to make us feel like we are part of the world, so anything at all. If I were to win the Miss World title it would be a really big deal for us."

A record 122 young women will compete for the crown on November 6.

The Miss World finals will broadcast live to more than 150 countries, reaching a global audience of more than 1 billion viewers.

Kilmeny Duchardt, Reuters.

Menswear collections grace catwalk at 2011 China International Fashion Week

2011-10-28T11:23:00.001+01:00

China-Fashion/Menswear -- Menswear collections grace catwalk at 2011 China International Fashion Week

CCTV BEIJING - Handmade crafts and simplicity highlighted menswear collections at the ongoing 2012 China International Fashion Week in Beijing.

According to designer Yang Ziming, founder of Cabbeen, his 2012 Spring/Summer collection was inspired from traditional weaving techniques using elaborate wood, stone and marble patterns that demand time to carve. All the details were knitted to depict the moment of labor, dipped in love and care.

"Actually I'm very interested in the modern handicraft, because I have been many places in the world, and I saw the ancient handicraft is still very eye-catching so far," Yang said.

Founded by Yang, otherwise known as Mr. Cabbeen, the Fujian Province based menswear company was the first Chinese Mainland brand to hit the runways at New York Fashion Week.

Meanwhile, at the "VLOV" 2012 Spring/Summer fashion exhibition, simplicity was the focus of the menswear collection.
Designer Wu Qingqing used the seamless style to show a simple and exquisite image, which not only highlighted the comfort of the fashion but also left customers a larger space for creativity.

Apart from men's fashions, a sportswear contest brought a different taste to the annual event.

The sportswear items, ranging from pullovers to hoodies, displayed people's health and vigor, while red and black accentuated youth and passion.

"They have different design styles. The colors are boldly used in the design of many products. They are also very creative and innovative. Besides, they used lots of environment-friendly materials," said Ni Zhennian, organizer of the sportswear contest.

The China Fashion Week will last to November 1st.

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Ralph Lauren's life goes on center stage

2011-10-25T21:37:00.001+01:00

TV host Oprah Winfrey hosts an one-time only live one-on-one interview with fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - Two American icons shared the stage last night (October 24) in New York to help raise money for cancer care and research.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey hosted a rare one-time conversation with fashion designer Ralph Lauren to benefit The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Stars from the fashion world and Hollywood all came out to learn a little bit more about the man behind the iconic brand. Lauren's oldest son Andrew said the night held great significance.

"A lot of people know the brand, they know Ralph Lauren the name. But I think to really get to know the person is important and it's important for his legacy," said Andrew.

Winfrey hosted the personal, yet intimate conversation at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall.

"I think Ralph Lauren has really been a leader in global fashion and I think seeing him at Lincoln Center puts fashion on a new stage and I think it's where he belongs," said David, Lauren's youngest son.

Over 20 years ago the U.S. designer made a personal and professional commitment to help find a cure for breast cancer. He started by helping to establish the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC and went on to design the first "target" logo for the Council of Fashion Designers of Americas successful "Fashion Targets Breast Cancer" international awareness campaign.

"Ralph Lauren's been very instrumental and donated a huge amount to support this center that is about preventing cancer and treating people who don't have the financial aid or needs," said actress Naomi Watts.

In 2003, he partnered with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and established The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, a hospital-based cancer treatment facility in Harlem, New York. The facility provides education, screening and diagnostic services for breast and other cancers tailored to meet the specific needs of the Harlem community.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the world's largest performing arts center, will also benefit from funds raised by the exclusive event.

African designers influence world trends

2011-10-24T16:18:00.000+01:00

Africa's top designers who have spent the past year treating the world to what Africa has to offer the fashion world, meet up in South Africa to showcase their spring and summer collections for 2012.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Johannesburg recently played host to Africa Fashion Week, showcasing the best of African style and featuring the continent's top 30 designers.

The event which ran from Thursday (October 20) to Saturday (October 22) was well attended by some of the most respected fashion critics and enthusiasts, eager to catch a glimpse of the 2012-Spring-Summer collections.

African designs are drawing a cult following globally with the top fashion fraternity picking up on African looks and trends.
But getting African work seen and taken seriously in the fashion world is not easy.

One of the designers who stood out at Africa Fashion Week this year was celebrated Tanzanian designer Mustafa Hassanali, known for his elegant and flamboyant designs, showcased in his Uhuru collection.

Hassanali said the lack of mobility within the region represents a huge challenge to designers desperate to showcase their work beyond borders.

"The challenges in Africa are still the same. Travel within Africa is very expensive, you get me. Just one country to another , restrictions. We have so much of those which the Europeans do not have. You just get on a train, within one hour you are in another country. You can be living in one country, working in another and there is no problem," he said.

Organiser Allana Finley said they hope the event will help showcase not just the artistic side, but promote the economic viability of African fashion.

"You have got strong marketing platform and you have got partners like SA tourism that have partnered with us to force fashion tourism into the minds of the media and the world, so it makes them want to come here, it makes them want to see that there is a lifestyle and fashion platform in Johannesburg that boost interest in these designers," Finley told Reuters in an interview.

Among this year's top designers were South African duo Kluk CGDT.

Fresh from their successful stint at the New York Fashion Week, the pair is known for their flirty designs on silk and satin.

For this year's show, the pair said they wanted to bring home their success from overseas, along with the global attention.

"You know I always say that America, Europe is very saturated and the world is looking for a new frontier and it has to be Africa because that is the undiscovered country. But at the same time also just been to New York doing the Fashion Week, being amongst other fashion designers we were very proud to say we were from South Africa and to know that we on the same level. And what we do in Africa is incredible and is on trend what they are doing overseas we are doing here at the same time. We are not following or copying what they are doing," the pair said.

Many are also hopeful that South Africa's slowly dying textile industry could receive a shot in the arm from a burgeoning fashion market in Africa's largest economy that is looking for home-grown fabric and stitching for its internationally known designers.

The 8th Africa Fashion week brought together the glamour and chaos of countless fashion shows and the hopes of thousands of jobless textile workers.

The textile industry for decades had been a mainstay of Africa's biggest economy until about 20 years ago when cheaper imports from Asia began saturating the market, with factories closing down.

More bling for your ring with solid gold phone

2011-10-21T12:25:00.001+01:00

A $57,000 solid gold, designer phone is launched in Hong Kong by a Danish company hoping to bring quality back into the mobile phone industry.

HONG KONG, CHINA (OCTOBER 19, 2011) - It doesn't do email, the internet, have a camera, games or GPS navigation, but a new mobile phone from Denmark is literally solid gold.

Danish company Aesir said it hopes to sell its $57,400, limited-edition 18-carat gold phones to Hong Kong's fashion-forward elite.

The phone, which took three years to develop, is "not a play thing", company founder Thomas Jensen said, sipping champagne in a luxury penthouse apartment overlooking the Hong Kong skyline at it's launch dinner.

"So basically what we have wanted to do is to introduce, or re-introduce quality into the mobile phone industry. To design a product that will last instead of being a throw-away product in plastic that will last 18 months, introduce some interesting design, maybe thought provoking design and a quality that will last 10-15 years. And the way we do that is by engaging with some of the world's most interesting and visionary designers like Yves Behar which is the first collaborator," Jensen told Reuters.

The firm says it will design a new phone every 18 months, producing around 2,000 models in stainless steel and 25 in gold which uses over 165 grammes of pure gold in each phone.

Taking two days each to make by hand, Jensen says they are struggling to keep up with demand, but insists Aesir, founded in 2007, is not positioning itself to be a luxury company.

"No, that's for us is the main challenge is to explain that what we do is not about luxury as such, it's about based on Danish design principles, Danish design heritage. What do you do with a product? You refine it, you make it of high quality so you don't have to change it every year, you buy something for life basically. And I think it's basically after the financial crisis and you have a world with scarce, limited resources. Everybody has to consider why they buy something, whether they buy things to throw away or whether they will buy quality that will last," he said.

Several of Denmark's richest families, including the owners of toymaker Lego, have invested in the developing the blocky, streamlined phones, designed by Yves Behar.

"So the core idea behind the design of the phone is that it has to do a few things really, really well. If you put a lot of fancy technologies into a product it tends to become outdated very fast. So the essential things people do with a phone, the communication that will always be important is voice, great sound, great transmission and great tactility, a great feel. So in order to do that you really have to think about the shapes, essential shapes, shapes that will last, that will be classic," said Behar at the launch.

Aesir, which is rolling out models in Cyrillic and Chinese, has already generated buzz with its glitzy promotion in Moscow, London, and New York with its final launch in Hong Kong his week.

Source

REUTERS

Zambia Fashion Week

2011-10-19T18:37:00.000+01:00

Zambia Fashion Week, Wed 19 Oct, 18 00hrs GMT +1, ends Saturday. Venue: Lusaka Museum. For more information contact Petita Mwanza @petitaDrogba, In honor of MOFYA CHISENGA RIP.

Kardashians launch Health and Beauty line

2011-10-09T16:52:00.001+01:00

Kardashians launch Health and Beauty line on JPSelects.com.(PRNewsFoto/JPSelects.com)

Glamour with an urban sci-fi twist

2011-10-09T16:46:00.001+01:00

Zahir Ziani, NAHA Winner of the "Fashion Forward" Award and National Creative Director of Red Door Spas, redefines glamour with an urban sci-fi twist, and styled hair for a sculpted, yet unexpected and bold look, while Lindsay Ebbins, National Makeup Director of Red Door Spas, intensified the style and focused on creating strong facial definition and eyes with bold shadows and shimmers, and soft natural lips. (PRNewsFoto/Red Door Spas)

Money Can't Buy Style

2011-10-09T16:41:00.001+01:00

New PANDORA sterling silver bracelets

2011-10-09T16:35:00.001+01:00

New PANDORA sterling silver bracelets inspired by original charm bracelet. (PRNewsFoto/PANDORA)

A Love Story Between Fashion and Art

2011-10-09T16:30:00.001+01:00

The Isabel Toledo for Payless Spring '12 Collection debuted Sept. 29th at Toledo's first runway show in over a decade in Puerto Rico, and was held in conjunction with an exhibition at El Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico -- a retrospective of her collaboration with husband, artist Ruben Toledo. The exhibit, "A Love Story Between Fashion and Art," features Isabel's emblematic work amidst Ruben's watercolors documenting her designs -- showcasing over a 20 year work-in-progress. (PRNewsFoto/Payless ShoeSource, Jaime Crespo)

Quote

2011-10-09T15:46:00.001+01:00

The image is where you have dinner at night, who youre seeing. Its what car you drive and how you dress. People in the industry sell that, and it creates a dream. Theres nothing else. - Elle Macpherson

Rapper Kanye West debuts fashion line in Paris

2011-10-02T14:54:00.000+01:00

Rapper Kanye West unveils his first womenswear collection at Paris Fashion Week.

PARIS, FRANCE OCTOBER 2, 2011 KANYE WEST HANDOUT - Rapper Kanye West turned fashion designer on Saturday (October 1) for his first womenswear collection "KW" at Paris Fashion Week.

The "Gold Digger" and "Stronger" hip-hop musician brought models out in an array of sportswear which seemed to be modelled on Monsieur West himself.

The first model, Anja Rubik from Poland wore a lose, black jacket over black leather skirt, with U.S. model Chanel Iman wearing a black top and black leather trousers with fur, although the runway was supposed to be for next spring and summer.

Other heavy material included suede, leather, and high-perforance wear. Details included beading, crystals and applique weighing down the wearer when temperatures are on the rise.
West played on shapes included loose fitting jackets, tops and trousers, to tight fitting such as floor-length skirts and body con (body conscious) dresses.

Several dresses saw necklines dropped to nearly the waist with models' bustiers on show. They also wore gold name plate necklaces, which are synonymous with inner-city youth in U.S. cities. It became widely popular after hit U.S. television show "Sex And The City" showed lead character Carrie Bradshow wearing her nameplate in several episodes.
Colour palettes were mostly neutral in black, white and beige but there were bursts of colour in neon peach, silver and midnight blue.

The collection was made with the help of Louise Wilson, the Course Director at London's prestigious fashion university Central St. Martins, which calls designers Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and John Galliano amongst its graduates. British designer Louise Goldin was also recruited to help West's fashion line.
West has been a regular fixture in the front rows of fashion weeks over the past six years but reaction to the collection has been mixed.

Tim Blanks, Contributing Editor of style.com, called West's collection "a baby Balmain", referring to the coveted French label who's re-energised the house with its rock star looks of glitz, skinny trousers and power shoulders. But he added that it was a "work in progress", while the Fashion Editor for Britain's Daily Telegraph Lisa Armstrong warned the rapper not to quit his day job.

Paris Fashion Week ends on Wednesday (October 5).

Who will be Dior's next designer?

2011-09-28T13:16:00.003+01:00

Christian Dior's show at Paris fashion week on Friday will be the talk of the town as the brand is still without a designer six months after John Galliano was fired after making anti-Semitic remarks at a Paris bar.Shotlist

FRANCE-DIOR - Paris Fashion week is in full swing and clothes by Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes were first down the runway.

But the talk back stage isn't confined to the latest designs - the next big appointment at Christian Dior is a hot topic.

The brand is still without a designer six months after John Galliano's dramatic firing for making anti-Semitic remarks at a Paris bar.

Tipped to take over is U.S. designer Mark Jacobs who's currently working for Dior's sister brand Louis Vuitton.
Lopes thinks he would be a good choice.

FASHION DESIGNER FATIMA LOPES, SAYING:
"What I really like, what I really respect is the designers who are really unique and of course he (Marc Jacobs) is really unique."

But there are many who disagree including fashion blogger Marcellous L. Jones.
HOST AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE FASHION INSIDER.COM MARCELLOUS L. JONES, SAYING:
"I'm not very convinced at this particular moment that he will have what it takes in order to take over such an iconic brand as Dior. Particularly because Dior is still one of the houses to have the Haute Couture label. Jacobs has never worked in a house, to my knowledge, where he worked on Haute Couture."

Jacobs is credited with helping to turn Louis Vuitton into the world's biggest luxury brand - raking in nearly $8 billion dollars in annual sales.

Whether he'll get the chance to do the same for Dior is yet to be decided.

Their first collection without Galliano will go on show on Friday when critics hope to find out for certain who will be his successor.

Hayley Platt, Reuters.

Rodrigo Otazu and Lady Gaga Paris Fashion Week

2011-09-28T13:00:00.000+01:00

Rodrigo Otazu and Lady Gaga draped in jewels on set filming the fashion film to accompany Theirry Mugler's Spring 2012 Paris Fashion Week Presentation. (PRNewsFoto/Rodrigo Otazu)

The Sofia by Sofia Vergara Collection for Kmart

2011-09-28T12:54:00.000+01:00

MODE & CLASSIC / KIMONO HIRO IN NY FUSION KIMONO

2011-09-28T12:46:00.000+01:00

Paris Fashion Week lifts off with first show at Eiffel Tower.

2011-09-28T12:39:00.002+01:00

Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes kicks off Paris Fashion Week with a colourful presentation inside the iconic Eiffel Tower.

PARIS, FRANCE (SEPTEMBER 27, 2011)(REUTERS - Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes elevated the start of Paris Fashion Week with a show inside the French capital's most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower, on Tuesday (September 27).

With a collection entitled "Levitation", the designer used bright colours like turquoise blue, sea green and orange to lift the spirits of the gloom of the global economic downturn. She used light fabrics like mousseline in nude colours and paired them with black to give the clothes a weightless but elegant feel.

Lopes also used PVC in her collection, on bathing suits in candy stripes of red and pink, to strapless daydresses in blue and neon green.

Accessories were marked by clutch bags that matched gowns and towering nude heels, which were secured together by a bar.

Lopes talked about making one of her childhood fantasies come true.

"My dream is to make a fashion show at the Eiffel Tower. It's the 26th show in Paris, it's the opening, and the theme of the collection was levitation, so I wanted something very high and really Eiffel Tower is top," she told Reuters Television.

She also touched on the energetic focus of her collection. She admitted that she was also worried about the global economic crisis but said the fashion show must go on.

"Well I think the whole world is scared of course, that's why I think fashion has this obligation to make art and make people forget the problems. Problems are real but of course I'm worried, but at the same time, this is the life I've chosen. And I really love my profession."

Paris Fashion Week will see shows by some of the world's biggest labels including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent, with all eyes focusing on Christian Dior, to see whether U.S. designer Marc Jacobs will take over design duties from John Galliano, who was sacked in February over anti-Semetic rants.

Love & Light

2011-09-24T12:16:00.001+01:00

International superstar Jennifer Lopez kicks off HSN's 34th Birthday with one of her most successful fragrance launches ever. The exclusive debut of "Love & Light" resulted in more than 51,000 units being sold on HSN.

Paris Hilton lands in India to launch her handbag line

2011-09-24T12:06:00.003+01:00

The American model, businesswoman and socialite, Paris Hilton arrives in Mumbai to launch her line of handbags and accessories called 'Paris Hilton'.

MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA (SEPTEMBER 23, 2011) ANI-The American model, businesswoman and socialite, Paris Hilton early on Saturday (September 24) arrived in Mumbai to launch her line of handbags and accessories called 'Paris Hilton'.

Hilton, who is here to unveil Fall-Winter designs of her handbags, arrived in India's entertainment capital on her maiden visit from September 24-26, as a battery of photographers and cameramen eagerly awaited her arrival.

This strategic move makes India the 36th country in the world to house the glamorous Paris Hilton shops.
Hilton was seen wearing blue pantsuits, with a headband and beaded necklace.

The American socialite has cut short her trip by a day as according to her earlier schedule, she was to be in Mumbai till September 27.

During the visit, Hilton is going to don Indian fabrics designed by noted Indian celebrity designer Rocky S.
Hilton was arrested last year, as she was found guilty of cocaine possession in Las Vegas. She was found to have 0.8 grams of the drug in a purse.

She was given a one-year suspended sentence, fined $2,000 and ordered to do community service.

In 2007, Hilton had planned to come to India on her friend, designer Anand Jon's invitation, but the trip didn't work out.

The former star of reality TV show "The Simple Life" is a member of the family that founded the Hilton hotel chain, and she has parlayed her notoriety into a successful career endorsing products in fashion, fragrances and other industries.

Don't Miss Gossip Girl collection from Romeo & Juliet Couture Coming This Fall.

2011-09-24T12:00:00.000+01:00

The "Bottom Line" (aka the derriere)

2011-09-24T11:42:00.000+01:00

Want to look bikinirific on the beach this summer? Pop hit website Bikini.com's pick for the top swimwear trend in 2011 – emphasis on the "Bottom Line" (aka the derriere) – is well highlighted in the 2011 Beach Bunny Swimwear fashion show. For more hot swimwear trends check out www.bikini.com.

Bold Yet Minimal: The Carlisle Collection's Velocity Caramel and Black, Knit, Color-Blocked Dress.

2011-09-24T11:37:00.001+01:00

Floral Chanel and Orange Birkin Bag, Borrow or Steal

2011-09-24T11:29:00.000+01:00

The Bakers Footwear 'Luca' style shoe

2011-09-24T11:24:00.001+01:00

JANET JACKSON IN "WHAT BECOMES A LEGEND MOST?" BLACKGLAMA CAMPAIGN.

2011-09-24T11:20:00.001+01:00

The Mary Jane - The Ultimate Good Girl Gone Wild.

2011-09-24T11:14:00.002+01:00

Rihanna: UNLOCKED" campaign

2011-09-24T11:13:00.001+01:00

"We Found Love". (PRNewsFoto/The Island Def Jam Music Group)

Etro jazzes up Milan Fashion Week

2011-09-23T17:34:00.000+01:00

Pleats, tribal prints for Veronica Etro's summer collection.

MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 23, 2011) (REUTERS - Italian fashion brand Etro played new jazz for its Milan's spring/summer 2012 womenswear show in Milan (September 23).

Designer Veronica Etro deconstructed her futurist signature print into a broken collage for a modern elegance.
Drop waist or no waist dresses took centre stage for a tribal look different from the defined romantic lines seen this week so far.

Hems were below or at the knee with fringes or pleats -- a recurrent theme for next summer.
Etro worked fabrics to create burnt inky edges on pleats.

Trompe-l'oeil prints on V-neck plunge dresses gave a sexy allure to fluid forms.

Silk and satin added movement to the soft forms with strategic cuts to reveal the skin.

Etro mixed a palette of apricot, cream, peach with pop colours like orange, blue and lime green.

Accessories included clutches or cigarette box shaes with 3-D patterns or zig-zag prints.

Oversized tribal-esque earrings in metal and stones completed the look.

Prada roars in the 50s at Milan show

2011-09-23T17:30:00.000+01:00

Italian fashion house Prada has been inspired by 50's looks as it shows its new collection in Milan.

MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 22, 2011) (PRADA HANDOUT - Italian fashion house Prada took inspiration from 50s looks and cars for its Milan's spring/summer 2012 womenswear show on Thursday (September 22)

Miuccia Prada, considered as one of the world's few trend-setters, created a sweet femininity for next summer.

Models walked among foam cars in soft blue and red colours on a reinvented catwalk at the fashion house headquarters.
The car motif, the signature of the collection, was on the back of leather pencil skirts and of rounded soft jackets.

Open-toed shoes had leather flames on their high heels to add glamour and sexiness.
Round-shouldered coats were decorated with wooly roses for a romantic woman.

Small tops left the skin exposed and were paired with high-waist skirts.

Pleats, another key feature of the collection, added movement to skirts and dresses.

Hems were just below or above the knee. Chaste 1950s swim suits completed the collection.

Prada worked a palette of yellow, beige, blue and red, with some prints inspired by comic books as it was seen at her menswear's show in June.

Among accessories, Prada unveiled a new double-handled bag in another tribute to the 50s.

Fans feel Beyonce's Pulse

2011-09-23T17:27:00.001+01:00

Global superstar Beyonce debuts her second fragrance at Macy's in New York.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - Beyonce brings her scent to Manhattan.

The mega-star debuted her new fragrance, Beyonce Pulse, at Macy's department store in New York.
The new mom-to-be kicked off the event by posing for photos in a cream Lanvin dress - that only showed a hint of her baby bump.

Once inside the store, the singer expressed her appreciation to fans.
Beyonce Knowles, singer, saying
"I just want to thank you guys for coming today and I'm so proud of this fragrance. And I hear some of you have been waiting since last night, you all slept here - and I appreciate that so, so much. So I can't wait to meet everyone, and I hope you all love the fragrance as much as I do."

Knowles then greeted fans one-by-one, even showing her maternal side with a few young admirers.
One fan from Houston, Knowles' hometown, was excited to support her fellow Texan.

Beyonce fan, saying,
"I've been with her since Destiny's Child, before she was Beyonce on her own, I love her - great inspiration and role model."

Pulse is the singer's second perfume and is marketed as having an "enchanting" scent.
Excited fans gave the fragrance their stamp of approval.

Beyonce fan, saying
"It smells so good, I have it on right now. Love it."

Alicia Powell, Reuters.

Dolce and Gabbana tie the knot with foulards for the youthful line's last show

2011-09-22T16:15:00.000+01:00

Dolce and Gabbana show of their D&G line for the last time at Milan's spring/summer 2012 collections as they announce incorporating the brand into their core business.

MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 22, 2011) REUTERS - Italian fashion duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana stitched foulards together for the last show of their D&G line here in Milan (September 22) at the womenswear summer 2012 week.

The designers, who announced they will incorporate the brand into their core Dolce & Gabbana business, turned silk foulards into the main element of dresses, shirts, pants, skirts and accessories.

The collection follows the search for iconic themes seen at their previous shows.
Shorts and pants were smooth over the skin for a relaxed elegance.

Golden coins adorned foulard bags worn around the waist.
Oversized straw and raffia hats added a beach glamour to the fresh collection.
Wedges returned on the catwalk entirely made of foulards for a colourful summer season.

A-listers rock London 'FROW'

2011-09-20T18:55:00.003+01:00

Kanye West, Kristen Stewart, Pippa Middleton amongst stars to rock FROW (Front Row) at London Fashion Week.

LONDON, ENGLAND, UK - Whoever said London Fashion Week didn't matter ought to look at this past season.

Celebrities from both sides of the Atlantic came out in full force to support British designers.
Kanye West - who will unveil his own fashion line at this season's Paris Fashion Week - turned up at Christopher Kane.

"Twilight" star Kristen Stewart sat "FROW" - that is Front Row - alongside Kate Moss at Mulberry.
Rosario Dawson and Bianca Jagger were seen backstage at Julien MacDonald.

Dawson also turned up at Temperley where the real focused seemed to be on a Middleton.
The Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister Pippa was flanked by photographers when she sat front row at the British designer's show.

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson rocked up to see what her good friend Viviene Westwood does best.

Later in the week, the model for Burberry Body and actress Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley showed her support for the label, alongside Ben Kingsley and Andy Murray.

Sienna Miller supported good friend Matthew Williamson and the actress summed up London's status as a fashion capital.

Sienna Miller, saying:
"London is really the epicentre of exciting, fashionable things and so I think it (London Fashion Week) has been fantastic. I thought Burberry was beautiful, I thought Matthew's (Williamson) was beautiful."

The grand dame of them all, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, lent her support to British talent.
Next up for the fashion parade, Milan next week, then Paris.

Cindy Martin, Reuters

Vidal Sassoon honoured with design award

2011-09-20T18:32:00.000+01:00

London-born hairdressing legend Vidal Sassoon has been honoured with the London Design Festival's first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

UK-VIDAL SASSOON - St. Paul's Cathedral, rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, is a testament to the enduring impact of imaginative design.

The building - completed in 1710 - is a key site during this year's London Design Festival.
Matt Cowan, Reuters correspondent Matt Cowan saying
"What you're looking at is the Geometric staircase inside St. Paul's Cathedral but reflected off a new design by John Pawson called Perspectives. That lens in the centre there is 40 centres and that's the largest commissionable lens, offering up a new perspective of a very old, much-loved building."
Fitting then that this event is honouring a Londoner who took architectural thinking in entirely new directions.

'Mr. Vidal Sassoon."
Vidal Sassoon became the recipient of the London Design Festival's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

Vidal Sassoon, Award-winning hairdresser, saying
"We, my wife Ronnie, myself, are so glad to be here accepting something so extraordinary."
At eighty-three years old, Vidal Sassoon has won many an accolade. He's credited with inventing 'the bob'. His life story is captured in the new documentary: Vidal Sassoon The
Movie.

QUOTE FROM 'VIDAL SASSOON: THE MOVIE'
Vidal Sassoon says "When I look at the architecture, the structure of buildings that were going up worldwide and you saw a whole different look in shape. My sense was hairdressing definitely needed to be changing."

Given his inspiration, Sassoon says receiving recognition from a body whose members include prominent architects and designs is especially meaningful.

Vidal Sassoon, Award-winning hairdresser, saying
"This one is not just special but extraordinary. We actually flew in from Los Angeles for this two days ago and not having seen the inside of the church (corrects himself) the cathedral, umm, there's a little bit of magic around here."

Still, the decision to bestow such a weighty honour on a hairdresser did raise a few eyebrows says Tom Heatherwick, who was an enthusiatic advocate for recognizing Sassoon's accomplishments.

Tom Heatherwick, Designer, saying
"When you say to the average person - DESIGN! They imagine toasters, motorbikes and sofas and lovely lights and I find that quite limiting and when you really step back and look at who through design has had major significance in this country, there seemed to be one person sticking out to my mind who hadn't been acknoweleged."

Vidal Sassoon, Award-winning hairdresser, saying
"It's hard labour, but it is design. Especially when you can analyse a face, and know what it would look like with a good haircut and then do it and be recognised for it. That's design alright. Especially when after the person's eyes light up."

So while Sassoon didn't get to realize his dream of becoming an architect, he has build a lasting legacy from wash and wear creations.

Matt Cowan, Reuters.

Burberry flies flag for British fashion

2011-09-20T13:45:00.002+01:00

As London Fashion Week draws to a close, luxury brands keep increasing their sales, and British brands like Burberry and Alice Temperley are selling well at home and abroad.Shotlist

UK-FASHION BUSINESS- Attracting sports stars and actors to the front row at London Fashion Week was British brand Burberry.

The spring / summer 2012 collection included the use of crafts like hand weaving and crochet.

Burberry's Creative Director, Christopher Bailey said he wanted to combine the old with the new.

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Creative Director, saying
"I wanted to celebrate these artisanal techniques so whether it be, whether it be crochet, whether it be beading, whether it be hand weaving things, and I wanted the contradiction between all the digital stuff that we're doing with technology because I like the idea of things taking time."

Burberry's essentially British aesthetic is a hit at home and abroad - largely thanks to Asian demand.

Worldwide sales from Burberry's retail network - which accounts for two thirds of turnover - rose by 50% in their first quarter - putting Burberry at the top of the luxury sector.

The group is also refurbishing its two London flagship stores as well as opening new outlets.

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Creative Director, saying
"We have a very strong presence and have historically had a very strong presence in China. it's a wonderful, wonderful country that we have many stores in already."

Designer Alice Temperley is hoping for similar international success.

Her fans already include Pippa Middleton and her sister Kate.

A Temperley-dress sold out online when the Duchess of Cambridge was photographed wearing it earlier this year.

Alice Temperley, Designer, saying

''I think she's brilliant for England. Perfect, perfect future Queen. I think she's definitely finding her way with her whole style, and I hope she'll become England's Grace Kelly.''

London's fashion shows come as UK shoppers are tightening their belts amid government spending cuts.

Fashion is the 15th biggest industry in Britain and it's vital for the economy.

Many hope when the international spotlight falls on London during next summer's Olympic Games the visiting sports fans will also be shopping for British brands.

Joanna Partridge, Reuters

Top model agency hunts for new face from Kenya

2011-09-19T15:29:00.001+01:00

International modeling agency, Elite Models, famous for representing Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and discovering Cindy Crawford chooses a fresh face from Kenya.

NAIROBI, KENYA (SEPTEMBER 18, 2011) REUTERS - Kenya's young, bold and beautiful were out in force in the capital Nairobi on Sunday (September 18th) for the final of the international elite model contest.

Organised by one of the world's leading modeling agencies the event marked the end of a month long search for a new face from Kenya.

With high hopes of reaching the international stardom achieved by other models represented by the agency including Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, finalists strutted their stuff in front a panel of beauty pageant judges.

The event was also a chance for local designers and fashion students to display their work in front of a host of local and international industry experts.

"I believe it shows what Africa has to offer in both design and as well in look. We do have beautiful girls in Africa. We do have beautiful designs and creations. This gives us a platform to be able to showcase to the world what we have to offer," said Anthony Mulli, a designer from Nairobi whose decorated bags and elaborate jewelry were featured on the runway.

Judging the competition was international director of Elite Models, Stephane Pesciomoro and a panel of internationally renowned pretty faces including Miss Ethiopia Rahel Debeb, Miss Universe India Ushoshi Sengupta and Miss European Union Carmin Moreno.

Speaking during a break between catwalk shows, Moreno said there were many qualities the judges would be looking for when choosing the winning girl.

"Well of course the basics will be the height and you will have to have certain measurements as I say most of them, all of them they meet the criteria. And beside that we had a couple of interviews with them because we also need someone who has a personality which is spontaneous and very strong and confident," she said.

Elite Model agency have been holding castings and competitions all over Africa and the rest of the world as part of their annual search for new faces to represent the brand.

The winner of each national competition gets the chance to travel to Shanghai where they will compete in the world final.
The top three contestants in Kenya also win a year's modeling contract with Elite, said to be worth over 325,000 US dollars.

"Yes the girl who'll win tonight will have a chance to represent herself first at the Elite model world final and of course she will also represent her country but she will compete to be one of the top fifteen next top models," international director Pesciomoro told Reuters.

After three hours of catwalk shows in which girls had their last chance to impress the judges, 15-year-old school girl Michelle Daka from Nairobi was crowned winner. Second place went to 21-year-old Gloria Baraza and third place went to Beatrice Chepkorir, 19-years-old.

Mobbed by photographers and competition judges after the results were announced, Michelle Daka said she never dreamt of winning.

"I'm very excited and still can't believe that I actually won. I thought my age would hold me back but I'm so happy. I'm so glad to be here," Daka said.

Elite model agency represents over 700 models all over the world.

Moss, Stewart at Mulberry

2011-09-19T15:21:00.000+01:00

The front row at Mulberry was heaving with Kate Moss and Kristin Stewart on show.

REUTERS / MULBERRY HANDOUT - Kate Moss and Kristen Stewart were amongst the stars in attendance at the Mulberry fashion show in London.

A hit with celebs, the British label has gone from strength-to-strength based on their increasingly popular bags.

Next season, creative director Emma Hill took inspiration from the British seaside.
She sent models down the catwalk in brightly-coloured lemon macs, paired with neutral palettes with names such as Pebbled Beige and Plaster Pink.

Four-legged furry friends weren't excluded from the catwalk as dogs too were given their own raincoats to shield them from the Britain's famous elements.

Afterwards, singer Kelis talked about their love of all things Mulberry.

Kelis, saying:
"I feel like it's got a classic, established vibe, you know what it means. It always feels good, I like ostrich and all the other fun stuff they do. It's a great company, I like it. And also, they do fun things like this."

Manchester band The Hurts entertained the glamourous crowd as London Fashion Week partied into the morning hours.

Highlights left for the week include Burberry, Temperley - a favourite of the Middleton sisters - and a special award to photographer Mario Testino.

Cindy Martin, Reuters

Zambia's Super Model - Petita Mwanza

2011-09-08T17:39:00.000+01:00

Model, law student @ the universty of Lusaka. am fun, fierce and crazy. Zambia is the place to be

http://petitamwanza.blogspot.com/

Audrina Patridge denies she's had plastic surgery

2011-09-05T12:19:00.000+01:00

Audrina Patridge denies plastic surgery and admits to chest problemsNEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (APRIL 21, 2011) (HOLLYWOODTV - Audrina Patridge doesn't understand why people think she has breast implants. When asked whether she has fake breast, the 26-year-old reality star tells The Daily: "I don't like to talk about that. Well, see I have this chest problem. My bone right here, it's higher on this side? It's pectoralis something. So I've always struggled with that. You could see they look different sizes all the time." But she doesn't attribute the "problem" to implants. As for her rumored plastic surgery, Audrina adds: "They always ask me that because of Heidi [Montag] and there's all these rumors and they all say I've had, like, six procedures. And I'm, like, 'Where do you get that?' Look at the pictures. I fluctuate in weight a lot. And as far as my face, I'd never had anything done." Audrina's VH1 reality entitled "Audrina" will not return for a second season according to Audrina and VH1.© Copyright Hollywood.TV. This story, including the video and script, is provided by Hollywood.TV. Thomson Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of, or endorse the views or opinions expressed in, this story. THIS STATEMENT SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER STATEMENTS RELATING TO COPYRIGHT ATTACHED TO THIS CONTENT.

Jennifer Lopez talks about her Kohl's collection!

2011-09-05T12:16:00.003+01:00

Jennifer Lopez dishes the details on her new Kohl's collectionShotlistLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (MAY 03, 2011) (HOLLYWOODTV - Jennifer Lopez opened up to Ryan Seacrest on her upcoming lifestyle collection for Kohl's, and she made sure to leave soon-to-be ex husband Marc Anthony's name completely out of it. The ex-pair, who spilt in July, had created the clothing and home-wares line together, but now that one of Hollywood's hottest couple is no more, Lopez is taking the reigns on the project. Lopez said to Seacrest on KIIS FM morning show, "I'm really excited about it! I've been working on it for two years now and I've had ideas of concepts of what I've always wanted my line to look like. I'm thinking of working women like me, who have kids and want to look great, but also have to work and want to have fun. The bedding is great I have it on my bed right now. It really is everything is just a real reflecting of my style and how I would do things and how I would wear things." The new collection, featuring 26 ultra-femme ensembles inspired by old Hollywood glamour, hit Kohl's nationwide on September 07, 2011.© Copyright Hollywood.TV. This story, including the video and script, is provided by Hollywood.TV. Thomson Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of, or endorse the views or opinions expressed in, this story. THIS STATEMENT SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER STATEMENTS RELATING TO COPYRIGHT ATTACHED TO THIS CONTENT.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012 Swim Sizzled With Maui Jim and Aqua Di Lara

2011-07-18T22:33:00.000+01:00

PEORIA, Ill., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Maui Jim® Inc. and Aqua Di Lara™ heated up the runway inMiami on Saturday, July 16 with stylish sunglasses, signature swimwear and handcrafted jewelry to dazzle the eye.

Aqua Di Lara is the designer swimwear line by Creative Director, Reyhan Sofraci. Sofraci has a talent for creating daring styles that are masterfully sewn using high-quality European fabrics and production techniques that use a spectrum of vibrant and exotic materials on the body, like paint on a canvas.

This year's new collection of swimsuits offered exotic prints inspired by the '70s; seascapes matched with reflective solids; textured reptilian skins mixed with shiny weaves; and some dazzling structured suits sparkling with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystals.

Sofraci paired her swimsuits with Maui Jim's most fashion-forward sunglasses for the coming season. Updated metal aviators and colorful nylon frames were in abundance. Models had a little fun walking down the runway in the new Aloha Friday, Lani, Pau Hana and Punchbowl, mixed with Maka, Honolulu, Mahina, Alana, Kihei and Rainbow Falls.

The pairing of Maui Jim with Aqua Di Lara was a natural choice. Maui Jim's reputation is based on the development of advanced technologies for double and single gradient lenses that offer the best polarized protection from the sun's damaging rays. The company is the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world. "We use a lot of UV protecting fabrics in our swimwear; and we believe Maui Jim was a perfect match. We were excited to present Maui Jim's stunning sunglasses on the runway with our 2012 collection," said Sofraci.

"This was Maui Jim's debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," said Linda Glassel, vice president of marketing at Maui Jim. "Partnering with Aqua Di Lara was a perfect way for beach-lovers to see our newest styles paired with some of the most beautiful swimsuits of the year."

About Maui Jim, Inc. ®

Maui Jim, Inc.® is the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world. The company's reputation is based on the development of advanced technologies for double and single gradient lenses that reduce 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays and cut glare from above, below and behind each lens by 99.9 percent. Maui Jim uses up to 9 layers of protection built into each lens, including the company's proprietary polarized film, PolarizedPlus®2, that produces true, vivid colors. Visit MauiJim.comor find us on Facebook or Twitter at @OfficialMauiJim.

About Aqua Di Lara

AQUA DI LARA™ by award-winning designer, Reyhan Sofraci, is one of designer swimwear's most celebrated names. The Aqua Di Lara line was created to enhance the beauty of the feminine form with its original yet sophisticated styles made to be wearable both in and out of the water. For Aqua Di Lara, luxury means not only high-style but also high-quality and manufacturing excellence. Made from European fabrics in its atelier in Montreal, each and every swimsuit is cut and sewn with precision and care, creating pieces that fit comfortably on the body like a second skin. By combining aesthetic beauty and unique styles with comfort and quality that satisfy the demands of an astute and fashion conscious clientele, the Aqua Di Lara line has quickly achieved international status and is now available in high-end boutiques and luxury stores throughout North America, Europe and The Middle East.

SOURCE Maui Jim, Inc.

Cuba celebrates its hairdressers

2010-12-28T18:58:00.000Z

Hundreds of hairdressers participate in a hair-cutting event in Havana, aimed at honouring the creative trade.

HAVANA, CUBA - Cuba is trying to boost its private sector -- and what better way to reflect the changes, than to showcase specific professions. So this year, December 27th was declared the Day of the Hairdresser.

Accompanied by a symphony orchestra, some 300 hair-cutting professionals gathered for three hours in Havana Plaza to snip, chop and style the city's residents.
It was a day aimed at recognizing the profession's traditions and showing appreciation for the creative trade.
Many, like Melisa Fundora, say events such as this one, showcase artistic talent.

Melisa Fundora, hairdresser, saying:
"It is a profession, just like any other and it deserves a place too, equally, just like any other profession. Like music, like art. It is part of art, it has its place."
Event organiser Gilberto Valladares, said the event was long overdue.

Event organiser, Gilberto Valladares, saying:
"There has always been a lot of tradition, in this case, with barbers and hairdressing. And it seems fair to me that we also have a day like in other professions, and that we celebrate our day."
Cutting government jobs in favour of self-employment is part of a move signalling the biggest change to Cuba's economic system in the last 20 years.

The plan has seen Cuban authorities hand over the administration of hundreds of small barbershops and beauty salons to state employees, who are now hiring their own studio space and paying taxes.

Jennifer Marostica, Reuters.

Hollywood Smiles Influence Cosmetic Dentistry

2010-12-07T14:33:00.000Z

A growing number of young people are undergoing cosmetic
dentistry procedures to imitate Hollywood stars.

Professor Jimmy Steele, of Newcastle University, has argued
that younger people are more likely to invest in cosmetic
dentistry as they want to achieve the perfect smile and look
like their celebrity idols.

Research led by the Newcastle University and the University
of Adelaide revealed that the younger generation is more
likely to complain about oral health problems such as issues
with their teeth and gums in comparison to older men and
women.

Professor Steele said that these complaints have been
influenced by the media as youngsters are constantly exposed
to celebrities with straight, white smiles that appear
faultless.

He said: "You only have to open some of the glossy magazines
to see pictures of famous people with perfect, unblemished
teeth, or features about cosmetic procedures, such as
bleaching. A large number of dental practices are now
offering bleaching."

Increasingly image-conscious young people are more likely to
have procedures such as teeth whitening which can be done in
a dentist's surgery through laser whitening or at home with
a customised mould that fits a person's teeth.

The research also found that the number of people who would
rather have teeth restored through cosmetic dentistry than
removed grew by three per cent between 1988 and 1998.

Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts was keen to take
advantage of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry after
emerging victorious from the reality show and bagging a
number one album.

The ex-mobile phone salesman told the Daily Mail that he
wanted to undergo cosmetic dentistry because he lacked
confidence in his smile due to a crack in one of his eye
teeth.

He told the newspaper: "I'd like to deal with the teeth
because I do feel very self-conscious about them. It'd be
nice to feel less self-conscious and to be able to smile
with confidence.

"I'm not sure about veneers but I do want to get the crown
repaired. It would be nice to be able to smile naturally. I
feel very self conscious about it at the moment."

Athletes as well as entertainers are also likely to undergo
cosmetic surgery due to potential oral injuries sustained
while performing physical sports such as rugby, football or
cricket.

Derbyshire cricket captain Luke Sutton and Derby County
defender Michael Johnson both share the same cosmetic
dentist after suffering sporting injuries which damaged
their smiles.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Street Dentist, SW1 provide a full range of
general, preventive and cosmetic dental treatments. Visit
the website http://www.dentistlondonsw1.co.uk/ now!

Categories of Walking Shoes

2010-12-07T14:31:00.002Z

We use shoes on a day to day basis whether were walking,
running or playing sports. Your choice of shoes reflects
your personality but also affects your health and mood.
There are shoes for all occasions. You can find casual
shoes, athletic shoes, dress shoes work shoes and the list
goes on. It's important to take time each morning to select
the proper footwear for your feet and what you will be doing
during the day. There are basically 3 categories of shoes
that you may want to purchase to ensure the best walking
shoes for your feet.

High heels are not considered walking shoes. A good pair of
walking shoes should not have a heel more than an inch in
length. Walking shoes should be flexible so they bend with
your foot as you walk. The last thing you want is your feet
fighting your shoes with every step you take. Always try on
a pair of shoes before you buy them. If they feel
comfortable to you in the store than you have probably made
a good choice.

Any type of shoe that was designed specifically for
participating in physical or sporting activities is
considered an athletic shoe. These shoes have a different
style than dress shoes. Athletic footwear is typically made
from flexible material and has a dense rubber sole. Athletic
Trainers have their own advice on what type of shoes you
should get for your activities.

Casual shoes are flexible shoes made from soft leather.
These shoes are the most commonly worn shoes for work and
play and make good walking shoes. Before you buy a pair of
casual shoes, make sure they fit your personality and match
your apparel.

If you are uncomfortable buying the right pair of shoes, you
may want to visit a specialist shoe store. They will have
properly trained employees to help you get what you need.
The internet is also a great place to research and compare
prices and designs of shoes, but it is best to buy a new
brand or style in a store where you can try them on. Once
you have studied up on quality shoes you will be able to buy
the right shoes for you.

One of the most important pieces of advice that I can give
you is that it is critical to buy the right sized shoes for
your feet. Buying miss-sized shoes can lead to aching feet
that will cause many bad days for you. Sore feet aren't the
only thing you need to worry about. Wearing wrong sized
shoes can lead to knee, back and even spinal problems. Save
yourself the trouble and take the necessary time to
research, test and buy the right shoes for you and your
personality.

About the Author:

Learn more about quality Propet Shoes at
http://www.propet-shoes.net

Hip Hop - What to Wear To Look Good When Dancing

2010-12-06T13:04:00.000Z

Look good, feel good perform better. Every dancer knows that
and hip hop dance is no different. The dance clothes that
you wear when you are hip hop dancing have to be edgy and
stylistic. The clothes should be very loose allowing for a
lot of free movements. Because hip hop involves big
movements it is best to wear loose clothing so there isn't
a lot of friction caused if body parts must hit the ground
during the moves.

Depending on the song that is played during your dance
routine you can pick and match clothes according. For
example you clearly don't want to be wearing baggy jeans
dancing to Mozart. Hip Hop dance is a style of dance that
allows for people to dress in many different ways. Because
it is not very formal, neither are the clothing
requirements. Everyday clothes can be worn so long as they
allow enough room for the dancer to move and perform the
style of movement chosen. If you are more advanced or want
to perform and take part in competitions you will need
slightly more considered hip hop dancewear.

Sometimes for Hip hop competition there are more strict
clothing rules and clothing requirements because certain
types of styles are not allowed. Be sure to ask and plan
your dancewear accordingly. The hip hop dance dressing style
yu pick should also match if you have a group of performers.
There are many different ways to match including using
things such as color coordination so that you have a variety
of clothes in the team in different colors.

Color coordination is the most popular form of style
coordination that the hip hop community likes to wear for
dance competitions. Remember that clothing can help a lot
not just from a stylistic standpoint but also from a skill
stand point. Wearing the right combination of hip hop
dancewear clothes can help make it easier to execute certain
moves.

The hip hop shoes are extremely important because they are
the direct clothing that helps you move around and interact
with the ground. Having the wrong pair of shoes could easily
destroy your entire routine. Thick soled sneakers are the
most commonly used shoes for hip hop. These allow the feet
to execute spins and jumps as well as some of the more
athletic gymnastic style moves used in hip hop dance.Some
hip hop dancers go 'en pointe' like ballet dancers. Thick
soled sneakers are essential for this.

About the Author:

http://www.danceclothesuk.com has hip hop shoes and a wide
range of hip hop dance clothes Visit
http://www.danceclothesuk.com for more information and
great dance clothes.

A Simple Guide To Dresses

2010-12-05T14:16:00.000Z

Fashion among ladies is usually a big problem. Women take
fashion very seriously. The correct dress is critical for
them. A dress can be a skirt by having an extended bodice
for that upper area of the body. Most ladies wear dresses
for formal occasions. And getting the proper fit is very
important to bring out the very best of the night time.

When someone goes to a party, they usually want to look
good. Many teens have been going crazy over which type of
dress they should get for prom. The most important factor of
choosing a dress is getting one that is right for the
occasion.

Dress right: Before you decide on what style or color dress
that you want to wear, think what's best for the occasion.
There are occasions that require you to wear formal or
conservative dresses. While some other occasions give you a
chance to showcase more parts of your body.

Obtain the right color dress. If you want to be an attention
grabber, try some plush colors. You can try bright colors to
get the attention of people. It's also good to put on white
since it is probably the most used color ever. It is
significant to find the right colors of the dress that you
might want to put on. Large of clothing shows people that
you might want positive attention at their store.

Make certain your dress displays the curves of the body.
Clothes can be used to pay for your body. But it is crucial
to exhibit some curves. The figure from the body can be
quite well emphasized with the best dress that you simply
wear. You need to wear clothes that may show the curves of
the hips and waist. You will find dresses that will help to
alleviate the strain in your breasts too.

Make sure the dress you have is comfortable in your case. If
you need to go an event, it is very important be comfortable
and search good as well. You'll want to be happy with the
gown that you just wear. If you cannot wear dresses that
relate too much of one's body, then tend not to opt for
them. You'll need to be sure that one could wear a dress
that could definitely supply you with a good look without
allowing you to feel awkward.

Always try to get a cheap dress. Buying dresses may cost you
a bit. You have to consider the price of the dress. No take a
lot of your dollars to wear a presentable and stylish dress.
You can have a dress that can provide an excellent look
without spending excess amount. Look around before you
settle on a specific dress.

About the Author:

Dresses are a woman's best friend. They are to most desirable
article of clothing for women. The thing is though, that many
people do not know much about dresses. To learn more about
dresses, go here:
http://hubpages.com/hub/dresses-info
or go here to learn more about all dresses:
http://hubpages.com/profile/syncronox

Great Fashion, Even In Shoes, Is Available Online

2010-12-03T21:43:00.002Z

There are many online stores these days which sell just about
anything. Who would have though years ago that we would be
buying Vibram shoes or Hunter boots online? But the good
thing about this kind of store is the variety of designer
footwear which can be bought at some very reasonable prices.

Finding just the right supplier is the first move in getting
some rather fashionable footwear of course since none of us
want to buy shoddy goods. So doing some research before
buying is probably a good thing to do. Asking friends and
relatives about where they got their goods is a good way to
ensure that the right suppliers are found and this also
increases business for those stores who really take care of
their customers.

When the right supplier is found, the next thing that the
customer wants is fashion that is bang up to date. Although
the Paris catwalks may be a million miles away, even those
living in small towns want to be part of the action.
Indeed, they probably follow fashion much more ardently than
those living nearer to big cities.

Since the style of the footwear and the quality is now taken
care of, then it is the pricing point which becomes
important. What people will strive for is up to the minute
fashion but at a price which their pockets can stand
otherwise the footwear will just remain on the shelf. This
is why, obviously, end of season sales are so prominent when
the merchandise is not moving well.

Some stores have come up with some clever marketing plans
whereby they help with something within the community to
encourage people to shop at their stores. Perhaps they will
support a local softball team by giving the team playing
strips or they may just put in something that people would
like to visit. Indeed, by putting in something that will
attract people from outside the community then they are
helping the whole place by bringing in tourist dollars too.

Even full fashion shows are used to bring in people from the
suburbs since this give all the other outlets a chance to
push their products and the people coming in can appreciate
a free show or two while they are doing their shopping.
Most of the other stores will collaborate of course by
providing clothing or jewelry to make the models look
wonderful. All in all, this is a great way to get the
community feel back into areas where people are becoming
more insular for sure.

Finally, although fashion is important to most people,
particularly when they are young, fashion with some heart is
becoming more popular. That is, when the goods are seen to
be coming from fair trade style outlets then the customer
feels better about what they are buying. Fair trade is
where the artisans are being paid a living wage for the work
that they are doing so if they have this kind of product on
sale, they should make the most of it to boost sales.

About the Author:

For more information on Vibram shoes go to

http://www.hanigs.com/vibram_fivefingers.aspx .

Aloe Vera

2010-12-03T21:39:00.000Z

Aloe vera plants are very handy little critters to have
around the home, especially if you're trying to cut down on
the amount of chemicals and toxins you are exposed to and
live more naturally.

In Great Britain, aloe vera plants are going to be found
inside your home rather than out in your garden (unless you
have a hothouse) as they are desert plants and, as you have
probably noticed, England isn't one. Aloe vera plants like a
nice, sunny position and well-drained soil, but they hate
frost. They don't need an awful lot of feeding and
shouldn't be over-watered. They can be treated like any
other indoor cactus or succulent... which is what they are.
Aloe vera plants also have the agreeable habit of spawning
lots of little aloe vera plants, and if you have plenty of
pots, some good potting mix and a vigorous mother plant, you
could probably come up with a few little aloe vera plants for
sale.

Unless you want to keep the little baby aloe vera plants.
Keeping them is a good idea, because once you have
discovered the uses of aloe vera, you will be using it all
the time. How do you use aloe vera? In general, what you use
is the gel. Getting the gel is easy. Simply snap off one of
the big outside leaves or part of the leaves (OK, if you
want to be scientific and technical, what you'll be snapping
off is the stems; the actual leaves are the little spiky bits
along the edges). Inside the leaf (we'll call it that for
convenience), you'll find a clear, clumpy pulp. Squish this
pulp up with a fingernail or a teaspoon and it will turn to
a clear gel. This is what you will use.

What do you use aloe vera for? Occasionally, you will find
bottles and drinks at your local health food shop that
contain aloe vera and recommend it as a digestive aid and
detoxifying agent. You can use it like this, but it tastes
horribly bitter and it has a laxative effect (in fact, aloe
vera was a popular laxative or purge used in the Middle
Ages). You have been warned.

Aloe vera gel is best used externally, as it is excellent
for the skin. For everyday use, it can be used as a light
moisturiser, and it can also make a great hair gel. You
won't be able to spike a punk hairdo with aloe vera gel, but
you will be able to set curls, control a few flyaway hairs
and give a short hairdo a bit of lift. Aloe vera gel can
also be used as a sunscreen. It isn't SPF 30 or anything
like that, but it does give a little bit of protection
against excess sun exposure. Aloe vera can also be used on
the skin to help heal burns of various kinds, including
sunburn. After you have done the usual first aid treatment
for a burn (running it under cold water for 10 minutes),
then apply a thin coating of aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is
also considered to be a good remedy for rashes, dry skin,
bruises, fungal infections and other general skin ailments.
While it may not be an absolute cure-all, it certainly won't
hurt and it will do some good for most conditions. Some
writers suggest that it should not be used on open cuts and
wounds, as it may slow the healing process - but it is fine
to use on scrapes and chapped skin.

About the Author:

Nick Vassilev founded Anyclean, his London based domestic
cleaning company, back in 1998. Nick is an expert on
cleaning and loves to help people with his cleaning tips,
articles and knowledge.
If you would like to know more about his cleaning company,
please visit:
http://www.anyclean.co.uk .

London Fashion Styles

2010-12-03T13:22:00.002Z

England's capital city is known for its stylish people. And
while every high end designer has a shop in this fabulous
city, it is more affordable brands like H&M, Topman, and
Uniqlo that appear on the backs of every well dressed man
about. Adding designer bits and expensive bobs give an
outfit a little bit more lux.

Men's.

So what is the London street look for men?

Skinny jeans are a big hit, especially amongst hipsters and
artists and therefore are often seen on legs trotting around
East and North London. Cuffed trousers that show off worked
in loafers and laced-up canvas shoes is also a common look.
Men in London love their petty-coats, their blazers, and
their leather saddle bags. For a dressier look, a slender
suit always does the trick. After all, there's nothing more
appropriate than a sharp look in a sharp city.

And of course, there are accessories.

We mustn't forget those. London men love their scarves, they
love their bright coloured socks sticking out of their
expensive leather shoes. They love their leather, driving
gloves and they love their cufflinks.

Women's.

Like any major cutting-edge fashion city, London has its
very own look. There are the glamorous girls, and then there
are the girls with few things in their wardrobes but 150
ideas of how to wear them. Dark tights with jean shorts over
top, a blazer, and tall boots make a popular look. Dark
tights a short dress, shapeless or shapely, covered with a
big grandfather sweater and a scarf is also quite cool.

2010-11 has seen the comeback of capes, long leather gloves
and 1950s style dresses. On the more casual side, it has
seen the return of Doc Martin's, bomber jean jackets, and
fingerless leather gloves.

A preppy schoolgirl look is also a nice way to bring in the
autumn. With a kilt at the centre of this look, it is
complete with riding boots, tweed, and dark coloured
corduroy blazers with suede elbow pads.

Military colours and styles never seem to go out, nor do
nautical stripes, and of course black. Wearing black
leggings, a long flowy black sweater, and platformed black
lace up shoes, is just as in now as it ever was and ever
will be.

And of course, their accessories.

Most women don't step out of the house without at least one
accessory on, and sometimes many more then that. From hoop
earrings, to chunky bracelets, vintage handbags, and exotic
scarves, accessories most often make the outfit.

About the Author:

Thompson London offers the discerning and style-conscious
Londoner the opportunity to select beautifully made
cufflinks and accessories, at very competitive prices.
Without compromising on quality materials, unique design
details and the latest style trends, the brand has proved
from the very beginning a commercial success. For more on
London Cufflinks visit
http://www.thompsonlondon.com/Cufflinks/View_All

Botox and its many uses may surprise use

2010-12-02T20:02:00.002Z

Botox is the brand name of a diluted and purified form of the
bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Direct injections into
specific muscles can disrupt the nerve impulses, causing a
relaxing effect that reduces the look of wrinkles or treats
a variety of medical conditions.

COSMETIC USES for Botox: Botox is most often used
cosmetically to reduce the look of expression lines like
forehead lines, crows' feet, or frown lines. Botox smoothes
out these expression lines, creating a more youthful
appearance that will appear within a week after the first
injection and last for up to four months.

Botox does not affect all types of wrinkles, so a
consultation is essential prior to injections. Botox works
best to ease the signs of aging caused by expression lines.
It will not affect wrinkles caused by sun damage, smoking,
or sagging skin related to gravity or weight loss.

NERVOUS SYSTEM APPLICATION: Botox is also used to treat
eyelid spasms, which can be both cosmetically distressing as
well as create a situation in which it vision is constantly
disrupted due to the frequent blinking. Botox eases the
spasms, improving the sufferer's vision.

Muscle spasms such as Cervical dystonia (neck spasms) can be
a good application for Botox. CD can cause a person's neck to
spasm uncontrollably, leading to chronically awkward and
uncomfortable positioning of the neck and head. Botox
injected directly into the neck muscles can ease the painful
spasms for up to three months.

Botox can also relieve crossed eyes, another condition
caused by excessively tight muscles.

SWEATING: Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) has been
successfully treated with Botox as well. Sweating is caused
by overactive nerves over stimulating the sweat glands.
Botox can impede the nerve pulses and reduce sweating. Botox
works to block the chemical impulses from the nerves, and the
results can last nearly 7 months.

MIGRAINES: Botox has recently been approved by the Food and
Drug Administration to treat chronic migraines. The doctor
may use as many as 30 injections around the patients head
and neck region to reduce migraine pain, lowering the number
of migraines by as much as 50% and providing comfort for as
long as 3 months.

SIDE EFFECTS: Botox when used as directed is generally
considered to be very safe. The most common side effect of
Botox injections is temporary bruising at the injection
site. Some side effects can include dry mouth, some
sensitivity at the injection site, headache, vision issues,
fatigue and neck pain.

A loss of voice or inability to speak clearly, a loss of
bladder control, double vision, body-wide weakness, or
difficulty breathing or swallowing may be a sign of
botulism. Any of these symptoms requires immediate medical
attention.

About the Author:

The Smart Lipo Center of Ohio offers Botox and many other
cosmetic procedures. Considered one of the best clinics in
Ohio, The Smart Lipo Center attracts clients from Dayton,
Cincinnita and Columbus.

Classy Gift Ideas for Men

2010-12-02T19:41:00.000Z

If you're looking to impress, these gifts are sure to grab
attention. Even the most stylish man in your life will love
one of these fashionable gifts, and likely wear it with
panache. Don't just give him something ordinary--find
something unusual.

1. Cufflinks

Every man needs cufflinks. They add elegance to any dressy
outfit, and can easily be personalised. Personalisation can
mean adding his initials, or perhaps picking out a special
and unusual material. Cufflinks come in surprising styles,
including leather and fiber optic glass. Even animal and
novelty cufflinks are available, if the man you have in mind
is a bit quirky.

2. Ring

Rings are the classic gift to engrave if you have a certain
special message to convey. Depending on the preferences of
the intended recipient, the ring can be fine or chunky, with
rounded or squared edges. A variety of metals are used for
rings, the most common being gold, silver, and platinum.
However, some men might prefer a more rugged metal such as
steel--though a harder metal might not be possible to
engrave.

3. Bracelet

Bracelets are not the most common men's fashion accessory,
but they can be quite a distinctive and stylish gift.
Leather is a popular material, often with silver or gold
accents; a simple gold or silver chain is also a great way
to go. A bracelet might be a surprising gift for a man, but
it is especially perfect if you are looking for something
that he might not expect.

4. Scarves

Though the only non-jewelry item on this list, a scarf can
also be a classy present--and a functional one at the same
time. The right scarf can make an ordinary suit look quite
dashing, as well as nicely emphasize a more casual outfit.
Scarves are endlessly useful as a layering piece; they are
one of the more versatile accessories out there for men. As
a present, a scarf is one of those gifts that can be given
to most any man in your life, from your brother to your
friend to your uncle.

4. Watches

A watch is another easily engraved item, and is also a great
gift to commemorate some sort of achievement. A watch is
perfect for a graduation gift, perhaps engraved with the
year and the recipient's name; a promotion at work might
also be a good occasion. Though the wristwatch is more
modern, pocket watches are also back in style; a pocket
watch and chain can be the ideal pairing with a three piece
suit, so if the man you're thinking of has a vintage flair,
a pocket watch might be just right.

Hooray! Your Christmas shopping is halfway done!

About the Author:

Tateossian was established in 1990 by Robert Tateossian,
whose own international lifestyle and keen sense of
aesthetics is at the heart of the company's success.
Products include bracelets, necklaces, rings, and cufflinks,
and are designed for both men and women. All items are of the
highest quality. To learn about mens designer jewellery visit
http://www.tateossian.com/Mens/

Time To Get Real With Brands

2010-11-30T14:42:00.002Z

There are so many Gucci Replica handbags being sold online
each passing day. The consumers are ignorant most of the
time and they end up paying handsome amounts for these
apparently Discount Designer Handbags. You have a right to
save your money but it is foolish to do it on the stake of
quality. Therefore try to avoid your preference of buying
lower quality handbags.

In order to distinguish between the original and a
counterfeit product, the initial step should be the
appropriate brand awareness. You must learn about the brand
thoroughly. Try visiting your nearby boutique and cautiously
yet extensively examine all the fashion bags thoroughly. Try
to give close consideration to the details. For example;
stitching detail like color, hardware color and impressions,
zippers, texture of the canvas, the way the canvas looks and
feels, the texture of the leather and the lining.

A good example of these details would be to use the Horse
bit hobo. You can buy the black canvas with silver hardware
the other canvas bags all have light gold hardware. The
stitching over a certain period of time was the same color
as the leather and then newer seasons have distinguished
stitching. Plus their zippers almost always have a brand
name adorned on the bottom. Some of the amazing styles also
carried Branded heat stamps on the zippers while others did
not. The leather comes from actual animals and is not
handmade by humans. If you find a perfect checkered pattern
on the leather, it obviously means that the leather is
manmade and fake. When you look closely at the texture of an
authentic bag, you will be able to see where the hair
follicles are on the leather. In fact, your bag must smell
like a leather shop if it is brand new and genuine.

If you see a Branded bag that is brand new selling much
cheaper on eBay than what is the actual price of it, it is
apparently a replica. Even the boutiques do not buy them
from the factories at those prices. The boutiques normally
buy at 60% off retail prices nut they can be sold at a
discount when they are no longer in season. This is one way
to buy authentic bags with proof of genuineness at a
discounted price. If you can wait for the season change
often times you can get some sizzling hot bag at a great
sale price.

There are good sites out there that sell genuine brand at a
discount of retail prices. The key is that they have actual
photos not just stock photos. If you contact them for
additional pictures they should be able to take some actual
photos for you. If you cannot get in touch with someone
before purchasing on the site it is evidently a red signal
too. Part of the business after all is providing people with
customer service. The ability to produce a store receipt and
still having the store tags on the bag is also a good way to
ensure genuineness.

It is difficult to find strictly authentic branded bags
online but surely it is not impossible.

About the Author:

For more information on discount designer handbags go to
http://www.dforeplicahandbags.com/ .