White Trash Beautiful premier launch party at Indig02

White Trash Beautiful made its debut in the UK at the Indig02, straight after the Bon Jovi concert on Wed 23 June. Now this was no coincidence as the new women’s line is the creation of designer/musician Nikki Lund and none other than Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora.

With most guests coming straight from the concert, champagne flowing and with a few celebs thrown in to the mix ( including Jon Bon Jovi , Richie Sambora himself and Glee’s Will Schuester aka Matthew Morrison ), the show had a lot to live up to – no fashionistas quietly sitting and taking notes here. (Except for me of course dear editor)

The show didn’t disappoint and carried on the party atmosphere with the models coming out fast and furious. The collection was of course edgy, rock chick with lots of leather (distressed and faux), suede, animal prints, black, gold, red and more black.

Trousers were skinny with one amazing shiny leatherette pair aptly named Miracle Pant that were so figure hugging they must have been sprayed on.

Skirts were short and tight. The Freedom skirt stood out with its side leather panels and three front vertical zips.

Red pieces included a classic short collarless Believe jacket in leather and the more adventurous Soundtrack leather top with its cutaway sides.

Dresses had a romantic touch ranging from the mini Stardust dress with its silver threaded bodice and floaty silk chiffon wide sleeves and skirt in red and grey, to the Zebra print maxi dress and the star of the show: The mini Orchid dress with its dramatic long black ruched taffeta trail.

Why the name White Trash Beautiful you may ask. Originally an idea Jon and Richie had for a song, Richie decided it would make a great name for a clothing line, called Nikki who was already an established fashion designer in the music world and the line was ready for its premier at Los Angeles Fashion Week in March this year. The collection already has a celebrity following including Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Ann Inaba, Heather Locklear and Stealing Angels.

But guys don’t feel left out as they are planning on extending to a men’s range and have already made a start by designing a bespoke jacket for Jon Bon Jovi.

More details coming soon on their website: http:// www.wtbclothing.com

Ultimate Skincare - The Real Secret to Beautiful Skin

“Mirror, mirror on the wall – who is the fairest one of all?”
Snow White’s stepmother may have been wicked but she certainly had a good beauty regime. She knew the secret of Ultimate Skincare, but being of a wicked nature, probably didn’t share it with any of her subjects.

Luckily BAD (British Association of Dermatologists) isn’t wicked and are more than happy to share the secret of keeping your skin looking beautiful and let you in on how to use Ultimate Skincare – a luxurious beauty product with a difference which has just launched at House of Fraser.

Ultimate Skincare was developed by BAD and they should know what the best beauty regime for your skin is.
However they do have a wicked sense of humour (but it is for your own good) and what appears to be a pot of the latest breakthrough skin cream on the outside, actually doesn’t contain cream. It contains something better than cream and something that will last you a lifetime – guidance on how to check your skin for changes and so help protect yourself against skin cancer.
Also included inside the pot is a mirror to help you on your way and details of the bespoke website (www.ultimateskincare.org) that hosts all the information people need to learn what to look for.

Surprisingly skin cancer is the no 1 cancer in the UK – maybe it’s because we don’t get enough sunshine, we tend to go mad when it’s out. (Noel Coward said it all in his song “Mad dogs and Englishmen “ go out in the midday sun.) And one Briton dies from the disease every four hours!
Luckily, most skin cancers can be stopped if detected early and the best way to protect yourself is to check your skin regularly. And this is where Ultimate Skincare comes in as a recent survey found that half of Britons could not recognise the signs of possible skin cancer and a quarter have never checked their skin.

Well checking for early signs is as simple as ABC (make that ABCDE). Regularly check all of your skin for changes to any moles, or new areas of pigmentation by following these ABCDE rules:
Asymmetry - the two halves of the area may differ in shape.
Border - the edges of the area may be irregular or blurred, and sometimes show notches.
Colour - this may be uneven. Different shades of black, brown and pink may be seen.
Diameter - most melanomas are at least 6mm across. Report any change in size or shape to your doctor.
Expert - if in doubt, check it out. If your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a consultant dermatologist - an expert in diagnosing skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS.

Now you know the simple process of keeping your skin looking beautiful, add it to your own daily beauty regime and don’t keep it a secret, pass it on.

Spicy colours for Falke's Autumn/Winter 2010 collection

The colours in Falke’s Legwear autumn/winter 2010 collection are spicy - red pepper, curcuma and rosemary.

Patterns will be colourful stripes, diamonds, squares and hound’s- tooth.

Their City theme is divided in to Business and Evening.

For the business day they have more subtle stripes and all-over patterns on fine tights and stay ups. Whilst for the evening there is a more playful look with plaids and hound’s- tooth patterns.

For the fashionistas the patterns will be bolder in vibrant shades.

And for the more luxurious look, Falke have designed high quality seamed shiny tights and rhinestones on leggings.

Knee high and over the knee socks is a big trend this summer season and will continue in to A/W. The new Flake Wool Balance knee-highs have a plush sole and premium wool upper ensuring fashion meets warmth for those winter months.

Little girls may be made of Sugar and Spice, but for the big girls, we'll stick to Falke's spicy legwear.

Graduate Fashion Week 2010

Here at Earls Court, fashion graduates from all over the UK and also a few international college graduates were able to showcase their collections to the press, public and most importantly to the fashion buyers and designers. Now in its 19^th year, Graduate Fashion Week ended with a spectacular Gala Show enabling the nominated graduates for the coveted Gala Awards to show their collection on the catwalk.

Hosted by Caryn Franklin, the show opened with “Britain’s Got Talent” winners Diversity doing what they do best- wowing us with their acrobatic dance performance.

Fashion Promotion and Media Awards were presented by supermodel Erin O’Connor, fashion director Hilary Alexander, Biba Barbara Hulanicki, Sugarbabes’ Amelle and Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud to name a few. Jessica Dance of Arts University College Bournemouth received an added bonus of a trip to the Maldives when she won the Per Aquum Creative Marketing Award.

Alberta Ferretti presented the top prize of the River Island Gold award (plus £20,000) which was won by Rebecca Thomson from Manchester University School of Art.

Rebecca’s inspiration for her nostalgic future collection came from photographer Roman Vishniac’s work documenting Jewish children in Eastern Europe and Arthur Rackham’s 1930’s book illustrations. Here we see comfort and construction together as Rebecca experiments with both historical and modern techniques and textures. Colours are neutral in white, soft greys, pale blues and nudes. Crisp wide collars on classic white shirts and a volumous ankle length shirt dress were accessorised with long floppy bows in navy or greys. Pants were a cross between joggings and harem pants. Loved the white sleeveless top with the embroidered grey lace yolk and polo neck. A romantic feminine collection that was definitely wearable.

Thomas Crisp of Ravensbourne College won the River Island Menswear Award presented by Dylan Jones of GQ. Crisp’s collection of bright metallic jackets and tops brought life and colour to tailored suits and pants. Titled “Gilded Youth”, metallic colours included green and silver. Here the inspiration came from 18^th Century French rebels and layering is the key. A plain black kilt was worn over skin tight pants, whilst a black satin suit was paired with a green metallic top. Accessorised with loose neck scarves. A collection making menswear much more interesting.

Lorraine Candy of Elle presented Rhea Fields of Northbrooke College the Best Womenswear Award. Titled “About a Boy”, Fields collection’s take on men’s tailoring was feminised with the use of light fabrics and soft nudes teamed with black. Here we saw a latex black and nude striped jacket; latex striped bibbed tuxedo blouses with large latex bow ties and a muted orange large polka dot blouse in chiffon. All teamed with masculine tailored trousers or black leatherette leggings.

Presented by Zandra Rhodes, the Zandra Rhodes Textile Award went to Anna Lee of De

Montfort University. Brightly coloured with oranges, blues and golds the bold prints were of mythical Chinese tigers and dragons. Not a plain fabric in sight even down to the tights and shoes. To complete the look, gigantuous golden necklaces of dragon and tigers heads were worn.

Rachel Stevens presented the BHM Knitwear Visionary Knitwear Award to Ledina Zhang of Northumbria University. Zhang’s quirky sportswear-inspired designs were a mix of wide and narrow horizontal stripes in greys, pinks, yellows and reds. Swatches of knitted squares hanging loosely and extra pair of sleeves knotted together created the detailing.

Graduate Fashion Week has been sponsored by the high street chain, River Island, for the last six years – and we’d like to say thank you for sponsoring such a great event..

Pleasure State Lingerie Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection

For Autumn/Winter 2010 season, Pleasure State’s inspiration came from Science Fiction, the mysteries and wonderment of the universe.

White Label, the everyday lingerie brand for the style conscious woman takes on 3D application of the 5 elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Loving the wavy embroidered tulle with its opalescent sequins adorning the ecru Echo range; the mix of graphic lace and magenta spirograph print on the Spectrum; and the vivid emerald green and amethyst colours of the Aether trimmed with lace and adorned with a crystal bead drop motif.

My Fit, the graduating cup push-up bra label brings a section of vibrant colours along with the classic shades this season: coral, diamond pink, yellow, infra red, plum and black with spots. The smooth plunge bra and seamless Brazilian panties look retro in black with spots.

Couture, the ultimate luxury brand takes on the Vision of the Future: vision of a sleek future as through the eyes of the past i.e. Retro-futuristic ideas. My favourites are the coral Astral with its diamond jacquard design spliced with inserted scallop trim, and the Gamma Ray with its ivory embroidery handcrafted with a beaded flower motif in Swarovski crystals and then draped in black pleated chiffon.

VIP (Voluptuous in Pleasure), designed for the lucky women who can fill a DD to a G cup size and want their well fitting bras to look glamorous. This brand takes on the Sci-Fi Goddess. The smooth ecru Vector shows the warrior side to the Sci-Fi Goddess with its simple black piping and its stretch wave jacquard in matte and shine adorned with a simple flower motif. The Quantum shows a goddess demanding attention with its pink and green sleepy hollow print on ecru satin spliced with black satin and adorned with touches floral guipure motifs with jet

They say it's what's underneath that counts. This collection definitely counts.

Bridal fashion 2011

He’s gone down on one knee and has popped the question – and your answer? Is it a difficult decision? Of course not! You can already picture yourself at the altar in a beautiful bridal gown. Now the picture is a bit out of focus so you can’t see the dress in detail but you know it’s going to be the most perfect of all bridal dresses. You start the shopping marathon to find the perfect dress and find that they are all looking lovely. Well here from the International bridal Fashion Fair at the white Gallery are a few choices to confuse you even more:

HOLLYWOOD DREAMS
As the name suggests, these gowns are big and glamorous, and are taking no chances that they will not be noticed or discovered. Bodices are fitted, sleeveless and beaded whilst skirts are full and multi layered. Long satin gloves add to the Hollywood glamour. Colours are white, champagne and ivory, but they also have pale pink and their signature glamorous and provocative red.
Not for the faint hearted but elegant swooning is allowed.

What about shoes – well Rachel Simpson’s new Noir collection would complement a Hollywood Dream gown as it is inspired by the decadence of vintage Hollywood. The Amarante shoe with its red roses and black lace platform would be perfect for the red Theodora gown

PEPE BOTELLA
Pepe Botella’s collection is called “White Moon” with Spanish top model Marta Espanol as the face of the collection. Here you see ethereal designs in chiffon, soft ruffles, and drapes creating flowing dresses with a touch of the Spanish influence. Crystal detailing glitter like white stars, tussah silk and diamond satin create moonlight shadows and jacquard, lace and picots in a palette of whites add depth.
Sigh -You’ll need your bridegroom’s hand to stop you floating away.

For shoes Rainbow Club’s Rainbow Couture range provides simple elegant satin shoes with pleating and diamante detailing.

JOHANNA HEHIR
Johanna’s collection is inspired by different fashion eras. From the 1950’s era her dresses take the smooth bodices over the hips with full Parisienne skirts. Light pink ribbon round the waist adds a touch of colour. The 1930’s look concentrates on the back detailing, keeping the body lean with fabrics in velvet and delicate diamante details. The 1920’s brings fun with lace, feathers and fringing.
Shoes – Rachel Simpson’s boot shoe Etienne (Noir collection) with its art deco fan design on the side would set the 1930’s look.

JP Jesus Peiro
The 2011 collection is inspired by the myth of Atlantis. Mother of pearl and crystals detailing, sea foam of frothy tulle and draped fluid silhouettes are some of the looks which help create the modern day interpretation of the Atlantis myth. The colour palette is light from salt white to mother of pearl.


And the Big Day is nearing, your nerves are winding tighter and tighter and maybe ,maybe you’re having second thoughts, then purchase a pair of Rainbow clubs Bonnie satin trainers for a quick getaway- Just in case.

Passport Clothing autumn/winter 2010 collection

This German brand’s AW10 collection comprises of knitwear, leather and quilted outerwear. Main colour palette is black, grey, plum and teal blue.

Polo necks grace the jumpers and dresses. Favourites were a teal blue wool empire line mini dress with polo neck and 2 lines of studs on the shoulders; and a charcoal grey polo neck jumper and cardigan set embellished with vertical rows of silver sequins down the front.
Leather is everywhere with leather miniskirts, metallic leather leggings, leather panelled jersey dress and the light brown leather jacket and coat with shearling collar.
The quilted silver waistcoat and quilted plum coat look surprisingly slimming.

This collection says “Bring on the cold

MAC Cosmetics autumn/winter 2010 makeup trend- Cashmink

Last but not least here is Terry Barber's (director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics) 4th look he predicts will be a hot make-up trend for autumn/winter 2010. The 1st was red lipstick (blogged 1st June), 2nd satin eyes (blogged 3rd June) and 3rd Voile Veil (blogged 5th June).

CASHMINK

A combination of cashmere finishes and mink tones this look relies on texture, contouring and highlights rather than colours. However it is not the 80’s iridescent razor sharp contours and glitter highlights but a seamless complexion with slight contours and subtle highlights to create a plump dewy bare look. It’s sculpting with cream colour base and MAC’s mineralised products which add texture without being greasy. Warmth is provided by using shades such as minky toffee, caramel, tea, ochre and rust. On the catwalk Christopher Kane went for the sporty young look and Isaac Mizrahi for a frosty Siberian winter storm theme.

Lips are neutral shades to blend and tone with the skin or very “au natural” with just MAC’s Lip Conditioner

For the very brave, mascara free lashes brings a modern androgynous feel to this look.

So now you have them all- which look will you be wearing in the autumn?