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F&F Spring Summer 2014 Collection - from the heart of Rio‏

With vibrant colour and touches of luxury, F&F introduces Spring Summer 2014 from the heartbeat of Rio. The Womenswear collection is F&F’s most on-trend, directional campaign yet, inviting the creativity and energy of favela culture into its every detail.


The campaign, shot in authentic Rio, took place in the favelas, now globally renowned as a culturally inspirational and creative hotspot, providing the inspirations for many patterns and details on the swim and beachwear styles.



In a rainbow of colours seen in the street art of Santa Marta, the eclectic womenswear collection celebrates the originality and hedonism of an everyday life in style. Artful embroidery in colourful yarns and dramatic patterns cover super luxe swimwear, printed jumpsuits, shorts and maxi dresses. Bleached and embossed denim, Aztec motifs and blanket stripes rule here.



For laid back evenings at the boteco, try mesh panel crop jumpers, crochet lace shorts and full-length maxi skirts in monochromatic Aztec prints. Including soft sports luxe looks, transparent jumpers in monochrome and tailored waistcoats in neutral palettes. Other highlights include mixed print & lace dresses in romantic & whimsical florals in clean-cut silhouettes.


For a playful edge, mix up playsuits and smocks in floral embellishment with geometric clutch-bags and oversized statement jewellery.


 This season’s taste for soft, feminine ladylike shapes sees 50’s Hourglass dresses arrive in soft neutral tones and pretty pastels.





Swimwear sees clashing prints of leopard print and deep purple; pair with denim cut-offs for urban cool.


Lingerie combines incredible fit with glamorous sophistication; highlights include a baby pink backless body in lace, the ideal companion for summer nights.


Academy Award® winning film Frozen to be sold from freezers in Sainsbury’s frozen aisle

Grocery shoppers in London today are in for an icy surprise as the multi award-winning film Frozen will be sold from the sub-zero temperatures of the frozen foods aisle in a unique, first of its kind retail trial. 

For one day only visitors to Sainsbury’s Wandsworth can pick up their copy of the film, which is released nationwide on Blu-ray™ and DVD today, straight from the freezer whilst shopping for their frozen produce. 

The ice cool initiative marks the first time a film has been sold in this way. 


Celebrity mum Denise Van Outen was the first shopper to pick up a copy of the film from its unique new home at the south London store. “DVDs aren’t something you expect to find in the frozen aisle, but Frozen is an extraordinary film so it is only right that it is sold in an extraordinary way.”

Ziggie Singh, Store Manager at Sainsbury’s Wandsworth, said:
“DVDs and Blu-rays usually sit in our entertainment section, but with Frozen we wanted to do something a little different and bring it to our customers in a new and exciting way. It’s the perfect film for families, and now mums and dads can pick up a copy whilst shopping for their frozen goods.” 

Frozen has broken all records to become the biggest Walt Disney Animation Studios most successful feature of all time taking over $1 billion globally and over £39 million in the UK and Ireland alone.

Frozen is available from today on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA | 'The Style, Inspiration and Life of Oscar de la Renta'‏

Oscar de la Renta, LLC is pleased to announce the release of The Style, Inspiration, and Life of Oscar de la Renta. Published by Assouline, this new book celebrates Oscar’s extraordinary style- from his creative inspirations to his life at home. 

The book features 200 pages of images including fifty years of fashion editorials, images of Oscar’s extraordinary muses, and personal The Style, Inspiration, and Life of Oscar de la Renta is available to order on www.oscardelarenta.com and www.assouline.com for £110 GBP. It is available in Oscar de la Renta and ASSOULINE boutiques worldwide. Foreword by Anna Wintour, text with Sarah Mower.
Oscar de la Renta is one of the world’s pre-eminent designers. The company was established in 1965 and currently produces a full line of women’s accessories, bridal, childrenswear, home décor and fragrance, in addition to its signature women’s ready-to-wear collection. For more information, please visit www.oscardelarenta.com

Thursday, 27 March 2014

ROKSANDA ILINCIC AND ALEX BOX CELEBRATED AT THE DULUX LET'S COLOUR AWARDS 2014

Following widespread acclaim for her Spring Summer 2014 collection launch, Roksanda Ilincic has joined Alex Box, Creative Director for cult make-up brand Illamasqua and a host of other winners in being recognised at the Dulux Let's Colour Awards. Presented last night at the Old Truman Brewery, east London and hosted by esteemed fashion commentator Hilary Alexander, the awards acknowledged the most bold, brilliant and innovative uses of colour across the creative industries and beyond.


 Roksanda Ilincic picked up the Best use of Colour in Fashion and Beauty award for her Spring Summer 2014 collection that effortlessly blurred the lines between day and eveningwear, featuring bright neon hues and displaying a refreshing flair for bold injections of colour


 Alex Box, a trailblazer in the field of experimental beauty, was announced as this year's Colour Ambassador - the ultimate 'colour hero' who not only champions bold and brilliant use of colour through their work but also inspires us with their own colourful style.


 Nominated by fashion consultant and judge, Angie Smith, Alex's evident love of colour and her use of make-up as a medium for personal expression made her a very worthy winner on the night.

Marianne Shillingford, Dulux Creative Director, says of this year's event: "The Dulux Let's Colour Awards certainly picked up where last year left off with some truly stunning winners being celebrated. This year, once again, we have been amazed at the inspirational talent from the worlds of fashion, beauty, interiors and beyond who delight us with their bold and beautiful creations and give us all the confidence to embrace colour and use it to make a difference to our lives. To spend an evening celebrating their achievements has been an honour."
 In a year which saw so many 'once in a lifetime' events and revolutionary new innovations launched, the awards also honoured English National Opera, Michael Craig-Martin, IVANKA and Curiousa & Curiousa.

Henry Holland Designs Ultimate Party Dress to Celebrate Magnum's 25th Birthday

Last night Magnum celebrated their 25th birthday with a glamorous party. Here they revealed the ultimate party dress: Henry Holland Magnum 25 dress.






A 60s inspired shift dress with a structured pointed collar reflecting the House of Holland aesthetic.
Sparkling with hand stitched sequins in shades of white and chocolate brown to interpret the iconic crack of Magnum chocolate and revealing the rich ice cream beneath.





Worth £5000 each, just 25 copies of this exclusive dress have been made, one to mark every year of Magnum pleasure.








A replica of the dress was on display and completely made out of chocolate!!


A Magnum party wouldn't be a Magnum party without the ice cream. Here Henry Holland creates his own magnum at the dipping bar with a selection of toppings.








And this is one I made earlier with toppings of rose petals, edible gold and more chocolate!!

Many celebrities attended including Vanessa from The Saturdays, actor Kayvan Novak aka Facejacker, TV presenter Lilah Parsons, girl band Stooshe, Made In Chelsea stars Kimberley Warner & Caggie Dunlop and here I am posing with boyband Kingsland Road.




Henry Holland poses with his Magnum 25 dress; inspired by the Magnum Classics range and created to celebrate its 25th birthday. For more information head to MyMagnum.co.uk/25years

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Westfield with Snap Fashion to Launch #EDITME‏

Thursday 26th March 2014 Westfield launches a world first partnership with Snap Fashion to launch a brand new style discovery trend hub, #editme.
 The new website is set to empower you to discover the latest new season trends and explore your style.


The microsite is the first time a shopping centre has created a style discovery engine and is a world first evolution of Snap Fashion.
 Launching just in time for the new spring/summer collection, the free and easy-to-access hub is powered by Snap Fashion - the sartorial search engine that uses your own image to search for product matches. Enter #editme by either uploading a photo of yourself in a look that you love or simply browse the season’s top trends.
 Within seconds, Snap Fashion’s innovative photo and colour recognition technology will scan the season’s most covetable trends to present an inspiring head-to-toe look and further stylish recommendations for the season.
 

TK MAXX ME. BY ME. Campaign uses Real Shoppers

Drawing inspiration from its own customers, TK Maxx has looked to their real shoppers to help represent the brand and inspire others to celebrate the wonderful things that make them unique.




The shoppers were plucked from obscurity whilst browsing in stores spanning the UK, Ireland, Poland and Germany and signed up to star in TK Maxx’s Me. By Me. campaign.




The campaign centres around the insight that people are at their happiest and most confident when they are their true selves. It aims to inspire shoppers to unlock their individuality and celebrate their own individual sense of style.





 The cast were taken on a trip of a lifetime to Cape Town, South Africa, where for 10 days they were encouraged to experiment with style and take part in a series of fun and experimental activities to help unlock their Me. By Me. mind-set. With no scripts or storyboards, the cast were given free rein to shape the direction of the campaign and experiment with a wide choice of clothing and accessories from stores to create their defining looks. TK Maxx simply acted as the fashion (and fun) facilitator.


They all found looks they loved at up 60% less. With 1000s of brands, unique gems and the latest styles delivered daily, everyone can find more ways to be themselves.



The shoppers will see themselves appear on television, billboards and in magazines and newspapers across Europe as part of the labels-for-less retailer’s new spring/summer 2014 campaign Me. By Me. 
They represent a varied range of TK Maxx shoppers; from 25-year-old Malgosia found in TK Maxx’s Warsaw store, to 62 year old Olga spotted in London..  





Monday, 24 March 2014

Joan Collins Brings Out Her Timeless Beauty Collection

Glamorous Hollywood actress Joan Collins has decided to share her passion for beauty by creating her own fragrance, skincare and cosmetics range under the apt name of Timeless Beauty.




Fragrance:
I Am Woman Eau de Parfum is classed as an oriental scent to carry you from daytime to evening glamour. 

Citrus Top notes: bergamot, lemon peel, orange zest and peach nectar.
Floral heart: rose, orange flower, jasmine and moss.
Musk base notes: vanilla, tonka, amber, cedarwood, sandalwood and patchouli.

The fragrance is a reflection of Joan’s personality, sophistication and elegant feminine style.  
 The bottle shape was inspired by Joan’s love of Art Deco.
 Price £50 for 50ml.

 QVC are offering an introductory price of £43 http://www.qvcuk.com/JoanCollins.product.205762.html

Also available in body lotion.




Cosmetics:
Joan’s cosmetic range includes First Base foundation (six shades); Fade to Perfect concealer (three shades); Impeccable Finish translucent powder; Meticulous compact powder (four shades) and a variety of cosmetic brushes. 

Paparazzi Ready Compact Duo combines the Meticulous compact powder (neutral shade only) with a Divine Lipstick (eight shades to choose from) at a cost of £34.
QVC are offering an introductory price of £27.65 in lipstick shades called Alexis and Fountaine. http://www.qvcuk.com/JoanCollins.product.205753.html
As you may have guessed the lipstick shades are named after and inspired by Joan’s most famous characters.
 See all the shades online https://www.joancollinsbeauty.com/shop/cosmetics/divine-lips/  
. Which character will you go for?




Also included in the range is the Contour Velvet powder blusher (four shades); Eye shadow Quad palette (two colour ways); four shades of Glorious lip Gloss,  eight shades of Divine Lips with matching Nail Lacquer ; several  eye and lip pencils plus the glamorous Crystal Mirror £35 -a golden compact encrusted with 288 dazzling crystals
One essential item that was missing was mascara - maybe that is something planned for the future.


Contra Time Skincare Range:     
Knowing the importance of good skincare routine, Joan’s Contra Time range products take you through the beauty regime:
Scrupulous Cleanser with Yogurt Extract to naturally exfoliate and nourish
Rose Optimise- a multi function lotion to optimise efficacy by balancing the skin’s PH level and boosting its capacity to absorb key nutrients.
Superlift Eye Serum
Sun Hat Day Cream with Ectoin to protect from UVA and UVB rays
Sleep Active Night Cream
All are sold separately but for the jet set woman Joan has put four of her products in to handy travel size containers and packaged them together in to the Contra Time Discovery Kit.  Price is £35 but QVC have an introductory price of £28.10 Item 205749 on http://www.qvcuk.com/Joan-Collins-4-Piece-Contra-Time-Skincare-Discovery-Kit.product.205749.html
Free from allergens, parabens, sodium lauryl  sulphate and alcohol.

All products are available from www.joancollinsbeauty.com , with some from www.qvcuk.com and Urban Retreat at Harrods.

Saturday, 22 March 2014

Weekend Max Mara introduces special high-tec facbric New Life

Weekend Max Mara introduces New Life, a four piece capsule collection made of a special hi-tech fabric using the NewLife yarn.


This polyester yarn is obtained by converting recycled plastic bottles into a polymer spun yarn. Sustainability, quality and attention to fashion blend in this cutting-edge style project. All pieces are of the jacquard fabric with macro black and white houndstooth print.
Image shows the Trench £375 and skirt £135. Other pieces are Jacket £255 and Top £125 www.weekendmaxmara.com

Friday, 21 March 2014

Julian Hakes Creates the Black Widow shoe for the release of Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier

To mark the theatrical release of Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Julian Hakes, the Award-winning footwear designer and architect, has designed a unique ‘star heel’ shoe, drawing inspiration from the characters in the film.


Following the popularity of his Marvel’s Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World shoes earlier this year, Hakes won the prestigious ‘Vogue Accessories Designer’ award, and the Marvel characters continue to inspire his work and influence his designs.

Julian Hakes said, “This latest collaboration with Marvel for Captain America: The Winter Soldier was the perfect opportunity to create a brand new and unique shoe style. I wanted to create a fusion between traditional footwear and the high tech modern world. In Captain America: The Winter Soldier we see Steve Rogers reunited with his S.H.I.E.L.D colleague Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow. I therefore decided to call this new shoe style the Black Widow edition.  I imagined how Natasha might wear the shoes undercover but then at a moment’s notice she could use them as an effective weapon.”

www.julianhakes.co.uk  

TRINITY LEEDS CELEBRATES ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY WITH FREE PARKIN(') AND EVENING ENTERTAINMENT FROM BEATFOOD AND LOCO

Trinity Leeds - the only major shopping, dining and leisure destination to have opened in the UK in 2013 - celebrates its first year and its first 22 million visitors on Friday 21st March.
To celebrate its first birthday Trinity Leeds is giving away free Parkin(').
 In return for a tweeted birthday message to @TrinityLeeds lucky shoppers will be given the chance to relieve those weary legs by choosing from a delicious piece of Yorkshire Parkin, or a day of Free Parking at Trinity Leeds' Boar Lane car park.
Paul Smith, Marketing Manager at Trinity Leeds comments:
 "With 365 pieces of Parkin and 365 free car parking vouchers* up for grabs we recommend that you come down early to avoid disappointment. Simply come down to Trinity Leeds' atrium from 9am on Friday 21 March and show our 'Parkin Wardens' your Tweeted birthday message to get your hands on free parkin or a free parking."

 One lucky tweeter will also win a free parking space in the Trinity Leeds Boar Lane car park for a whole year, worth more than £7,000 so we urge everyone to get tweeting to be in with a chance of winning.

 In addition to the daytime giveaways the team at Trinity Leeds is excited to present an evening of street food, music and visual entertainment hosted by Beatfood and Loco at Trinity Kitchen. The eclectic mix of music will set the tone as diners enjoy this month's unique selection of the best of British street food vendors, cafes, bars and restaurant pods in the cool and colourful food market.

NOTE:
 * Participants will have the option to choose between either one piece of parkin' or one parking ticket. Winning car parking tickets will be valid from 21st March 2014 and will be valid for one month. Tickets will be a replacement for the ticket that the customer takes on entry to the car-park.
 In order to qualify for either a piece of free Parkin' or a one month valid car parking ticket, customers need to show their tweet to a Trinity Leeds 'Parkin Warden' at Trinity  Leeds on 21.03.14.
Tweets will need to include both @TrinityLeeds and #FreeParkin.
The overall winning tweet for a year's free parking will also need to include both the handle and the hashtag and will be chosen at random following receipt of all entries. Should the winner decline the prize there will be a second prize draw of all other entries.

Rachel Bilson wears Banana Republic

Rachel Bilson spotted running errands in LA wearing the Classic Ivory Trench from the Banana Republic California Collection



Photo credit: Michael Simon/Startraks

Available at Banana Republic and online
www.bananarepublic.co.uk

Thursday, 20 March 2014

Todd Anthony Tyler shooting the March double cover issue of Numero Thailand


Preview of the double cover issue of Numero Thailand's March 2014 issue, featuring Thai star Ploy Chermarn Boonyasak. and shot by world renowned photographer Todd Anthony Tyler
www.toddanthonytyler.com  – best known for his photography for Uma Wang and his time as a judge on Cycle 1 of Asia's Next Top Model.

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Yardley London launches two new fragrances and revamps two of their favourites.

This year, Yardley’s Signature Fragrances have had a makeover to create a contemporary fragrance collection.  Introducing two new women’s fragrances plus a re-launch of two favourites to bring them up to date.


New Fragrance: JADE
Inspired by the 1960s the fragrance is a fresh green floral scent.
Top notes:  A sharp start with bergamot, sweet peach and green woody galbanum
Heart: Floral bouquet of rose, jasmine, ylang ylang and orris
Base notes:  Patchouli, sandalwood and moss
Price £19.99 for EDT 50ml













New Fragrance: POLAIRE
A softer fragrance is this modern floral chypre. Actually launched at the end of last year.
Top notes: Fruity with pear and freesia
Heart: Spicy floral with rose, ginger and pink pepper
Base notes: Powdery with patchouli, amber and balsam.
Price £19.99 for EDT 50ml














And the re-launched?:

The Royal English Daisy has been re-launched as the LONDON DAISY with a fun and youthful packaging of little white daisies on a sunshine yellow background.
Young and fresh this is a dewy fresh green floral great for the spring season.
Tops notes: Fresh green leaves and apple.
Heart: Rose and hyacinth.
Base notes: Warm sandalwood and musk
Price £14.99 for EDT 50ml








Royal Diamond has become LONDON DIAMOND and is more of a sophisticated floral fragrance.
Top notes: Fruity Citrus with pear, bergamot and honey
Heart: Rose, peony and the delicate lily of the valley
Base notes: Warm cedar wood, sandalwood and vanilla.
Price £14.99 for EDT 50ml

Yardley fragrances are available nationwide at Boots, Lloyds, Morrison’s, Sainsbury, independent chemists and online at www.yardleylondon.co.uk