Friday 30 April 2010

Star Mela launch new collection and prepare for website re-launch

The new City to Sunshine collection from Star Mela aims to bridge the gap between the city and the beach. Co-founder, Amanda Winship, has drawn inspiration from her global travels to inspire the new collection and was determined to ensure all items look just as good in the office as they do on sand. This collection includes silk tops, kaftans, dresses, cover-ups and skirts alongside accessories such as hats, bags, sarongs, scarves and sandals. All items are available on Star Mela’s new website, www.starmela.com, which is re-launching next week. Anyone living in London has the new Star Mela Cruise Control delivery service available to them which offers immediate courier collection and drop-off.

Lynne Franks to host BLOOM Women’s Creative Leadership Retreat

This June business woman and lifestyle guru Lynne Franks is leading her latest programme in women’s personal and professional development. The BLOOM Women’s Creative Leadership Retreat will be hosted at Lynne’s home in Deia, Mallorca, where a group of women will have the opportunity to work with her unique coaching tools to break through their own barriers and make them real. Lynne believes that women hold back from fulfilling their potential for success either personally or professionally but can become motivated by joining together in small groups to share stories with other women.

Thursday 29 April 2010

New Sisley partnered U-Spa Barrière opens in Cannes

The new U-Spa Barrière, with which Sisley has signed a 3 year partnership, has just opened its doors at the Majestic Hotel, Cannes. Created by interior designer Pascal Desprez, it contrasts white marble with precious wood, in a minimalist aesthetic. 4 treatment rooms (including one double), sauna, hammam, relaxation room, fitness room and a water paradise cabin: a multi-sensorial journey under a series of showers with olfactory, auditive and visual environments to stimulate the senses.

Pistol Panties designs exclusive collection for John Lewis

This season sees swimwear label, Pistol Panties design an exclusive collection of figure-enhancing swimwear for John Lewis. The eight piece assortment will be available in-store and online from 1 May. The brand is favoured by the fashion set including Jade Jagger, Kate Moss and Sophie Dahl. These high quality, engineered designs start at £55.00 for bikini sets and £65.00 for one piece swimsuits. Uncompromising on quality and style, the ‘Disco’ collection uses very fine micro-fibre which makes the fabric ultra soft and very supportive. The range of bikinis includes the halterneck ‘Brigitte’ with bow detail; the floral ‘Marilyn’ with tiered brief and the balconette ‘Betty’ in cute retro polka dot print. Sophisticated swimsuits include the classic cut ‘Jane’ halterneck and the ruffled one-shoulder ‘Lola’.

New make-up brand launches

The Bourjois Company introduce new make-up brand UNE to the market. The premise behind the brand is natural beauty with UNE aiming for 100% natural formulas where possible, using organic ingredients to create healthy, more environmentally-friendly products. Certified by ECOCERT, no synthetic colourings, parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrochemical oils or GMO's were used in the creation of the range. The debut UNE collection comprises 25 products and 148 shades. Key products include the Skin Glow Pencil which is priced at £6.99 and is available in four shades. 100% of the total ingredients are natural origin and 32.2% of total ingredients are from organic farming. The 100% Mineral Foundation is talc-free, creating a glow without a mask effect and is available in 9 shades priced at £9.99. Prices of the collection range from £4.99 for the Eye Pencil to £13.99 for the Soft Minerals Powder Foundation and Healthy-Glow Mineral Powder. UNE is available from May at Boots and Superdrug from September.

New Tamburlaine Autumn/Winter 2010 range launches next week

The launch of Tamburlaine’s Autumn/Winter 2010 collection takes place at the ROA Gallery in London SW1 next week (see DIARYdates), exhibiting photographs, videos and garments from the label. Having worked for the past 20 years as a designer in both Paris and London, including several years as Head of Design at Kenzo Homme in Paris, Tamburlaine Gorst launched the brand in 2007. The new collection offers a leather caban made from goat skin. The finished garment is washed after stitching to give the surface its rough, crinkled and worn look. The T-shirt is treated with a special dyeing technique called ‘cold-dye’. During this process the colour only penetrates the surface and hardly at all at the seams resulting in a finished product with an antique-looking patina. Also available is a tailored military parka, made from a blend of wool, linen and metal in a herringbone weave. The garment is tailored close to the body to reinvent the parka as an elegant coat. The Tamburlaine Autumn-Winter 2010-11 Collection will be available at Liberty of London. www.tamburlaine.co.uk

New Bib necklace from Kirsten Goss

Kirsten Goss exclusively designs and crafts in-house, using sterling Silver and 18kt gold vermeil alongside personally sourced semi-precious stones. This entirely in-house approach allows her to maintain absolute control, exclusivity and quality of the product. With an educated and erudite team of goldsmiths, she produces seasonal and trend led collections, designed to be worn and enjoyed and not shelved for being “too precious”. Collections can be exclusively purchased from boutiques in London and Durban, South Africa, as well as from representatives in the US and Johannesburg ,or directly from the website www.kirstengoss.com. Featured here we have the latest Bib necklace, priced at £875.00. It is a tangled 18kt gold vermeil chain with layered semi precious Pyrite.

Uniqlo announces new collaboration

Uniqlo has announced a new collaboration with video game publisher Konami Digital Entertainment to produce a collection of limited edition UT T-shirts, inspired by Konami’s forthcoming Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker video game for the Sony PSP. The 10 limited-edition T-shirts are exclusively available at selected stores and online from Saturday 19 June, priced at £12.99 each. Each comes with its own special code, that when entered into the game, unlocks the purchase so the T-shirt can worn by a character within the game. To celebrate the launch of the game and the Uniqlo UT collection, Hideo Kojima and lead artist Yoji Shinkawa will be making a one-off appearance at Uniqlo’s London flagship store on Oxford Street, on Saturday 19 June, where they will be signing copies of the new game and exclusive postcards. Both will sign one item per person and will be in-store from 11am to 1pm.

Wallpaper* launches iPhone application

Wallpaper* magazine is launching a free iPhone application in association with Swarovski Crystal Palace. The app – a daily edit of wallpaper.com will bring users the best from the worlds of art, fashion, travel, architecture and technology. As well as the latest stories, picture galleries and short form video content, the app will include the lowdown on all the major design fairs, fashion shows and exhibitions. The Wallpaper* iPhone app was developed by Umee. It is free and available to download now from the iPhone App Store.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Giles Deacon designs limited edition bags for label.m

British Designer Giles Deacon has designed three exclusive bags Summer 2010, as part of a collaboration with label.m Professional Haircare. Using his illustration skills, Giles has created an abstract-inspired print, reflecting one of Spring/Summer’s trends, which is applied to a microfibre canvas. Giles’ recognisable ‘eek’ emblem is juxtaposed against overlapping multicoloured loops. The design concept is enhanced by Grosgrain Black straps positioned to form a V shape, and is finished with a unique ‘Giles Designs for label.m’ logo. The limited edition fashion bags are available in June 2010 a special Gift with any label.m product purchased at TONI&GUY, essensuals and specially approved label.m salons nationwide.

Jade Jagger launches new fashion & music website

Jade Jagger’s new website IWantJezebel.com launches this week. The website features parties, music, clothing and jewellery as well as updates and information on everything that team Jezebel is up to. Videos, photos, news, and an interactive diary invite users to be part of the world of Jezebel. There is a newsletter as well as daily twitter updates to alert users to Jezebel parties. Monthly loft parties bring the Jezebel action to London at 77 Scrubs Lane, London NW10; the next one takes place on 28 May with secret acts to be announced over the coming weeks. For the first time online, the Jade Jezebel Jagger collection will be available to buy directly from the source. The Spring/Summer 2010 collection is currently available at www.IWantJezebel.com comprising distressed, deconstructed dresses, slouchy separates and bold jewellery.

New Cowshed Spa opens

A new Cowshed Spa has now opened alongside Shoreditch House, the third in London. Opened this month, the new, upgraded spa is open to all, offering Cowshed’s trademark social grooming in it’s signature ‘lived-in country’ style surroundings. The space is home to manicure/ pedicure stations, three multi purpose treatment rooms as well as a café style area serving bakery offerings and drinks. Cowshed’s own product ranges, which include organic, wild-crafted and fair trade botanicals from around the world, will be retailed in the Spa. To celebrate the launch Cowshed is introducing the limited edition ‘Morning After’ package. This treatment has been developed specifically for those who have ‘over-indulged’ the night before. The Morning After Package is priced at £32.00 and includes: The Morning After Facial – focusing on the eye area, incorporating lymphatic drainage and your choice of facial oil; A shot of espresso; and a breakfast pastry or muffin. The Cowshed spa is located right next door to Shoreditch House and is open Monday to Friday 8:30am - 9pm, Saturday 9am - 8pm, Sunday 10am to 7pm.

New e-commerce venture taking advantage of social media launches

A new partnership of internet businesses has recently launched a new e-commerce venture. Keynoir, as the collaboration is known, takes advantage of social networking and empowers people to group together via their networks and act as bulk-purchasers in order to secure offers on lifestyle experiences. The new company is the creation of Philip Wilkinson, Kelkoo director and pioneer of the first online price comparison site in the UK, Glen Drury, former CEO of Kelkoo and VP, Yahoo! Europe and Jan Riem, a technology corporate financier. The members-only buying club, which launched at the end of March in London, will expand across the rest of the UK and Europe by the end of the year, promote offers to users and encourage them to enjoy an aspirational lifestyle that Keynoir enables them to afford.

New menswear brand launches

Forgotten Future is a new premium menswear brand created by designer Richard Dawson. The Autumn/Winter 2010 collection was launched at this years On/Off event during London Fashion week. The collection, aimed at fashion conscious men, is influenced by Constructivist graphics and the underground ‘No Wave’ music scene in 1970s New York. Zip detailing enables proportional play and a versatile approach, blazers turn to boleros, long sleeves become short, T-shirts can be unzipped to create an alternative look. Complex patchwork emphasises the labels attention to detail with pleats and geometric graphics reinforcing the modern ethos. Aran knits are included in over and undersized styles. A vintage cardigan inspired the collections kaleidoscope colour palette of burgundy, purple, mustard and teal grounded with tonal greys, cream and black. Peached silk is used for shirting, high waisted pleat front trousers drape in soft wool flannel. Patchwork enables combinations of silk satin with jersey, corduroy gives a crisp but casual edge. Stockists for this collection will now include the premier menswear e-tailer Oki-Ni.

Tuesday 27 April 2010

Young branded fashion grows at Pure London

This August, Pure London will welcome a number of young fashion brands in the UK, with Label and Spirit taking over the entire National Hall of Kensington Olympia. After the successful launch of Label last season, recent buyer research conducted by Pure London showed 92% of all respondents stated that they wanted to see Spirit and Label together under one roof. With this in mind Label will now have a new home sitting alongside Spirit, filling the entire National Hall with over 200 brands.

all for eve has now launched

New lifestyle brand all for eve, which launched yesterday, was founded by George Hammer in memory of his sister-in-law Nadia, who died of ovarian cancer in 2008. Gail Raymonde (publisher) and Holly Buckley (editor) of DIARY

Monday 26 April 2010

New range of high-end luxury bodycare products launch

Spring 2010 sees the UK launch of the anticipated range of high-end luxury bodycare products from JENEUVE, Switzerland. Aimed at women seeking a highly desirable choice of luxury bodycare products, this new range not only leaves skin feeling smooth, but also helps with the battle against fat deposits, cellulite and dry lifeless skin. Swiss-based Laboratoire JENEUVE has developed a formula which plays a key part in the new ESTHETIC BODYSHAPE™ range of bodycare products – the Molecular Cell Booster™.

Friday 23 April 2010

Kelly Hoppen designs debut fashion range for Earth Couture

Renowned interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE is launching a home fashion collection for Earth Couture. The contemporary and versatile collection features stylish but casual everyday items in flattering silhouettes. Made with soft and stretchy organic fabrics, the items are coloured with natural dyes. All packaging is made from recycled materials and transport is by boat and road with carefully planned logistics to ensure minimum carbon footprint. With every purchase made from the collection, Earth Couture donate a natural plant-based mosquito coil to children in Africa to combat diseases such as malaria and aids. One coil gives 8-10 hours burning time and a child in Africa an uninterrupted night’s sleep. With items retailing between £55.00 to £225.00, the Home Fashion Collection will be available for purchase from the Earth Couture website and select stores throughout the UK from late Summer 2010.

Paris Hilton launches Beauty Collection in the UK

Paris Hilton is launching a new collection of false nails and lashes with UK leading beauty accessories brand Elegant Touch. Personally developed at her Beverly Hills home, Paris Hilton by Elegant Touch includes four different designs to reflect her very favourite beauty looks - Hollywood Glamour, Party Girl, Super Girly and Natural Beauty. Featuring four sets of nails and lashes, the new collection is available in Superdrug, Boots and New Look from 30 April.

New men's label launches into Matches this July

RAKE is a menswear collection of versatile separates that can be worn with their counterpart as a suit or separately with jeans, chinos, trainers or complementary pieces from the collection. The signature halo symbol has been subtly incorporated into shirting, appears as a buttonhole on jacket lapels and is embroidered onto trousers. After developing Richard James into an international brand during the period 1992 – 2002, Clive Darby bought Savile Row House, Kilgour, which was re-branded and re-launched in 2003, and is now an International menswear name. The experience Clive gained from these two menswear establishments has been integral to the concept and design of RAKE, which is due to launch into Matches this July.

Bruce Willis set to launch his first fragrance

The cosmetics manufacturer LR Health & Beauty Systems is Germany’s leading network marketing enterprise for body care and beauty products - they are currently developing an exclusive fragrance for Hollywood star Bruce Willis’ first perfume. The official launch of the fragrance is planned for 1 July.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

New casual label launches July/August

New casual label U has launched. U, which stands for Universal Clothing Company, is a collection of California-inspired staples with a Japanese edge, mixing masculine silhouettes with utilitarian detailing. The line consists of everyday pieces in different fabrics to contrast to generic T-shirt and jersey brands. Founders Rafal Antos and Don-Alvin Adegeest designed and worked for Giorgio Armani, Gap Europe and LVMH (Marc by Marc Jacobs) respectively. The look is deconstructed, pared-down utility dresses and hooded tops in soft heather, washed silk and luxurious terry. The collections are made as sustainably as possible in the USA using American fabrics. The range will be available from Matches and select UK retailers from July/August. www.uclothing.com

Tuesday 20 April 2010

New men's online fashion publication and e-boutique to launch

THESTYLEKING.COM is a new men's online fashion magazine and e-boutique being launched by founder and editor, Gary Kingsnorth - former fashion director of FHM and FHM Collections. THESTYLEKING.COM is set to be a comprehensive, constantly updated, men’s specific online fashion magazine and e-boutique, highlighting the latest developments in the world of men's fashion. The website will offer a space for stylish men to view the latest style information and shop online. The new site will launch in late April 2010, with the Boutique launching early Autumn.

Latest issue of Company magazine bans models

Company has banned the use of models completely in its May issue. Instead, the glossy title’s fashion, beauty and trend features use real girls they recruited through nationwide castings at River Island earlier this year. Prompted by the success of their ‘real girls’ issue in 2009, Company searched the UK in February to recruit girls of any shape or size to make their modelling debut in the magazine. Eight girls, none of them professional models, have been professionally styled and photographed, with the shots used throughout all of the editorial pages of the magazine, replacing models completely.

Mary Portas’ first ‘Living & Giving shop for Save the Children’ is launching in London

This information is embargoed for consumer press until 5 May.

Save the Children has chosen Westbourne Grove as the location for its new concept store developed by Mary Portas. This new addition follows the success of ‘Mary’s Living and Giving pop-up-shop’ in Westfield Shopping Centre London which initially prompted rumours of a permanent store. The charity is appealing to the fashion industry to donate press samples and end of season stock for the store launch next month. All money raised will help save children’s lives around the world. The Westbourne Grove shop is the first of a series of ‘Mary’s Living and Giving shops for Save the Children’ which will open in London this year.

Cosmetic Executive Women announces 2010 beauty awards winners


CEW (UK), the leading UK beauty association yesterday announced the winners of it's 2010 beauty awards. The winners were presented with CEW's exquisite Lalique 'Beauty Oscar' at a ceremony held at the InterContinental London Park Lane. A total of 304 products in 26 categories competed for the awards this year. All 27 winners were voted for by over 600 CEW members.

The winning products will be supported by counter and window promotions with CEW's beauty awards retail partner Harrods from 25th April with its ‘Beauty Oscar Day’ taking place on the 7th May. QVC, CEW's broadcast beauty awards retail partner, will run a special 2-hour evening programme on 26th April featuring the winning and finalist products that are sold on QVC. Contact.

The winners:

Monday 19 April 2010

Fred Perry opens new store

Fred Perry has opened a new shop in Spitalfields Market, London E1, its 12th in the UK. The space will present the brand's lines including the 'Laurel Wreath Collection', product collaborations and the brand's Blank Canvas projects. The shop opened on Friday 16 April and its first installation focuses on products from its 'Laurel Wreath Collection', the Fred Perry/Raf Simons collaboration and Stussy and Liberty blank canvas projects.

BFC opens applications for LFW

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced that applications are open for designers to participate in London Fashion Week September 2010. There are six categories for application including womenswear catwalk and presentation, menswear catwalk and presentation, the exhibition, estethica and the talent support scheme NEWGEN sponsored by TOPSHOP and NEWGEN MEN, sponsored by TOPMAN.

Friday 16 April 2010

Estée Lauder names two new global faces

The Estée Lauder brand today announced that it has signed two of fashion’s brightest runway and editorial stars as new global faces of Estée Lauder. French model Constance Jablonski and Chinese model Liu Wen will join Estée Lauder’s roster of global beauties - Hilary Rhoda, Carolyn Murphy, Elizabeth Hurley and Gwyneth Paltrow - and debut in its global advertising campaigns beginning June 2010. The signing of Constance marks the first time Estée Lauder has signed a French model, and the signing of Liu Wen marks the first time the brand has signed a Chinese model.

Thursday 15 April 2010

Urbancode fashion collection

London based designer, Urbancode, creates luxurious leather statement pieces at affordable prices. The collection ranges from accessories including bags, purses and belts as well as tailored leather jackets. Spring/Summer 2010 sees the leather bags and purses in subtle pastel shades of lilac, mint green and beige. Distressed looking pastel pink styles, and more tailored classic blazer designs with small stud detail feature in Urbancode’s jacket designs. A beige asymmetric jacket with capped shoulder detail is a signature piece. The new collection experiments with canvas, distressed leather and stud detailing. The bag featured here is £80.00. Stockist number: 020-8521 5653.

Wednesday 14 April 2010

FiFi UK Fragrance Awards winners


The Fragrance Foundation honoured the UK FiFi winners at the
18th Annual Fragrance Foundation Awards Gala Dinner, held at the
Royal Opera House, London WC2, in aid of Look Good...Feel
Better. TV presenter Jenni Falconer compéred the ceremony. The
FiFi UK Fragrance Award winners are:

Tuesday 13 April 2010

ACHICA now offering interior and homeware

ACHICA, the private member’s online store that launched in February this year, is now by offering interiors and homeware brands at up to 70% off the original retail price. Co-founded by one of the founders behind ASOS.com, ACHICA is the first online retailer to introduce private promotions to brand new categories across Homeware, Garden, Kids and Accessories with brands including Portmeirion (pictured here) Christy, Yves Delorme, Bodum and Jamie Oliver. ACHICA members not only have access to regular promotions but also advice on seasonal trends, interior design tips, interviews with personalities from the world of design and inspirational ideas.

Princess tam.tam celebrates 25th Anniversary

In 1985 Loumia Hiridjee and her sister created French lingerie homewear and swimwear brand Princess tam.tam. The sisters realised early on that their printed silk boxer short, so popular with men, was also something women wanted for themselves and so they created a new style of printed lingerie inspired by the exotic colours and fabrics from their childhood in Madagascar for women. This collection included bras, briefs, robes and leggings and for its 25th anniversary Princesse tam.tam rediscovers the silk and cotton boxer short which can be worn with co-ordinating special edition vest tops. The Princesse tam.tam silk boxer is available in-store from the end May, priced at £37.00. The vest top is priced at £27.00 and is available in a range of colours. Princesse tam.tam is available at www.asos.com or by calling 020-7499 4598 for further stockists.

Friday 9 April 2010

UKFT announces UK Fashion & Textile Export Awards finalists

The UKFT today announces the finalists in the UK Fashion & Textile Export Awards, which celebrate excellence in international trade ranging from sellers of vintage to directional British brands; from newcomers to giants with a long-established worldwide reputation for selling overseas. Organised by the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), the Awards, which attracted a record number of entries, will be presented on 13 May 2010 at The Landmark London by HRH The Princess Royal, alongside Joanna Lumley.

Thursday 8 April 2010

Menswear retail chain launches transactional website

Independent luxury menswear retail chain Pockets has launched its new fully transactional website, bringing top designer brands directly to the door. Having been a year in the development, menswear brands including Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren and Stone Island will now all be available to purchase online. As will more niche brands such as Moncler, Belstaff, CP Company and Vilebrequin. Renowned for and committed to its personal service, Pockets is carrying on its premium offering through its website and even offers a rapid 24 hour delivery. In 2010, Pockets celebrates 14 years in business as a luxury brand retailer. After originally starting in Shrewsbury, the business grew rapidly with further stores opening in Hanley, Nantwich and Worcester. The more recent addition of a store in Newcastle Under Lyme has created one of the largest and well known independent luxury retail groups in the Midlands. www.pockets.co.uk

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Fashion editor creates bikini collection

Violet Lake is the brainchild of Ursula Lake who has been working as a fashion editor for more than eight years. Ursula has worked on a number of different publications throughout her career and currently holds the position of contributing fashion editor for the Sunday Telegraph’s Stella Magazine. Ursula decided to create Violet Lake as she felt there was a lack of well fitting, flattering bikinis available for under £100.00. Violet Lake comprises four different styles of interchangeable bikini tops and bottoms, all of which come in four different sizes and in eight different colours and all the bikini tops have tie fastenings. Colours for the bikini collection have been chosen to harmonise with at least two others within the range and there are 1024 possible colour and style combinations. Violet Lake bikinis are fully lined and made of Jersey Lomellina, imported from Italy. This material is made from 80% Polyamide and 20% Elastane.

Ally Capellino 30th anniversary

This year marks the 30th anniversary of designer Ally Capellino with a number of events starting from April. The Wapping Project will play host to an exhibition of Ally’s work both past and present. A wall of bags will be installed by the art director Rupert Blanchard, in the main hall of the industrial space. The bags will consist of Ally’s own archive, current pieces and vintage bags that have inspired the collections. Bags donated by fans of Ally Capellino will be included in the installation. Archive clothing, images and video footage will tell the story of the brand in a small room, accessed through a secret door in the wall of bags. Three films by photographer and filmmaker Donald Christie will be on display in and around the main hall of the Wapping Project.

Privé International and Stuart Hughes retro mobile phone collaboration

Privé International has collaborated exclusively with Stuart Hughes of Liverpool UK to produce the 'Privé Phone' a completely refurbished retro brick phone, 76 diamonds IF flawless 23ct, 22ct solid gold circa 900 grams. The phone also has the latest technology including WAP, Text SMS and Colour screen. Only 10 limited edition phones will be produced one time only. Individuals purchasing this phone will receive a one year free membership to Privé International (value $20,000.00). The phone will come with a Privé-Stuart Hughes Design Box made from granite, individually numbered from 1-10, including a personal membership card to Privé. Membership will give individuals access to all of Privé’s luxury amenities, from private jet/yachts charters to vacation properties. The Privé Phone will be available for purchase exclusively through Privé International and Stuart Hughes for £139,995.00.

New skincare and cosmetics line beautycyle launches

Direct sales corporation, Amway launches beautycycle skincare and cosmetics. Emma Willis is the new face of the brand and the new product line takes its inspiration from the power of the elements - Air rejuvenates, Water quenches, Earth balances and Fire energises. The complete skincare and make-up solution is primarily aimed at women ages between 20 and 40 who prefer an easy to understand and simple approach to skincare that uses natural ingredients and delivers great value for the price. The beautycycle cosmetics line uses extensive mineral colours in soft and intense shades. beautycycle skincare and cosmetics products are available now. The product line will be expanded at the beginning of June with the introduction of the Air Age Repair Cleansing Milk, Fire Renewal Serum and Fire 3-in-1 Masque-Scub-Brightener. Prices range from £6.05 to £15.85.

MOSS Spring/Summer menswear collection

MOSS has launched its Spring/Summer 2010 collection containing a diverse range of suiting with a choice of styles for all tastes. The 'Ventuno 21' fashion range includes an emphasis on shiny tonic fabrics, slim fit cuts, and shorter jackets. Highlights from 'Blazer' include relaxed business suiting, teamed with knitwear and open neck shirts for a casual look, this carried through to outerwear with a three quarter length navy trench coat. The smart casual feel continues with a nautical theme, striped shirting with white linen trousers and blazers. 'Savoy Taylors Guild’ has a strong emphasis on navy as an alternative to charcoal suiting, bold ties in paisleys and strong colours help make a statement while retaining the classic look. 'Ventuno 21 Dresswear' has slim satin peak lapels with shorter length jackets and wing collars to create a modern look with a nod to a traditional style.

New range of belts from Thomas Sabo

Thomas Sabo has launched a new range of belts in keeping with the adventurer theme of the Spring/Summer 2010 jewellery and watches collections. Sterling silver buckles are mixed with black cubic zirconium, onyx or turquoise detail, with soft dark brown and black leather straps. This range of belts are exclusively available in Selfridges, with prices starting from £598.00.

Fat reduction treatment Vaserlipo

Vaserlipo is one of the latest fat reduction treatments to arrive in the UK. Performed under local anaesthetic, this procedure can achieve similar results to Liposuction but without the downtime, scarring or side effects. Now available at a small number of clinics throughout the UK, including The Private Clinic of Harley Street, the Vaserlipo treatment works by using an ultrasound to melt the unwanted fat. Once it has been liquified, the fat is extracted via a gentle suction process. With Laserlipo, the ultrasound specifically targets the fat cells, leaving the surrounding tissue and blood vessels intact, resulting in far less bruising or bleeding making the recovery time is therefore much quicker. This procedure can be carried out on all parts of the body including the legs, stomach, upper arms and chin. Up to two and a half litres of fat can be removed in one go. The starting price for the procedure is £2300.00, depending on the size of the area being treated. Dr Dennis Wolf, cosmetic doctor at The Private Clinic in Harley Street, is one of the most experienced Vaserlipo physicians in the UK.

Discount designer website to host an Urban Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show

BrandAlley the UK online discount designer website, will host an Urban Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show 2010 (25-29 May) in conjunction with designer Nicholas Dexter from NDG +. ‘The Naturally Fashionable Garden’ is inspired by artistic movements in the world of fashion and in particular the work of textile designer and artist Sonia Delaunay. BrandAlley.co.uk is an online brand emporium that specialises in designer flash sales, offering fashion, beauty and homeware for men and women at heavily discounted prices. The garden’s contents will be sold on Saturday 29 May with proceeds going to BrandAlley’s chosen charity, Breast Cancer Campaign.

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Catwalk schedule for White Gallery London

The catwalk schedule has just been announced for White Gallery London 2010 where over 30 of the finest international bridal designers will come together for the first time at London’s Saatchi gallery. On 23 & 24 May, Alan Hannah, Amanda Wakeley, Ian Stuart, Johanna Hehir, Ritva Westenius, Stewart Parvin and Suzanne Neville will be showcasing their 2011 collections on their own named and by invitation only preview fashion shows, sponsored by Conde Nast Brides.

First 'green' collection from Agnes b.

Agnes b. Spring/Summer b. green collection is its first green range and comprises a capsule collection of emblematic pieces, favourites of Agnes’ from her past collections. The collection for both men and women includes knitwear, jersey and couture, along with accessories including jewellery, bags shoes hats and scarves. The b green collection is made from 100% organic cotton produced without the use of chemicals or pesticides or from recycled cotton, and has been conceived within the regulations of REACH, a law respectful to the environment.

World Duty Free

WDF is the UK's leading tax and duty free retailer with over 85 stores across 21 airports in UK and Channel Island airports. WDF's portfolio of retail brands include the main tax and duty free stores; World Duty Free, Biza and Alpha Airport Shopping alongside specialist stores; Glorious Britain, World of Whiskies, Collection, Cocoon Beauty Sanctuary, Perfume Gallery, Sunglasses, Beauty Studio and Simply Chocolate. WDF stores provide airport shopping facilities to over 200 million passengers a year and work with over 300 brand partners to bring travellers year round value on everything from cosmetics to confectionery, fragrance to fashion accessories, spirits to souvenirs, skincare to sunglasses, fine food and wine and champagne to cigars. WDF stores stock hundreds of products across all categories that are exclusive to travel retail and not available on the high street. WDF's press office has recently been brought in-house.

Thursday 1 April 2010

Harper’s Bazaar new Summer beauty supplement

Harper’s Bazaar will produce its first ever beauty supplement, sponsored by Selfridges, for its May 2010 issue.
Harper's Beauty Director, Newby Hands and Deputy Health & Beauty Editor, Katy Young will bring readers hundreds of top tips and insider beauty and health secrets from style experts and celebrities. The publication will also feature a six page Selfridges advertorial showcasing specific makeup looks.
Harper’s Editor, Lucy Yeomans, says: "The supplement will arm them (readers) with all the products, insider tips and knowledge needed to look and feel fantastic this summer."
The world-renowned department store will be the venue for a Bazaar and Beauty Playground Event hosted by Newby Hands and Selfridges’ Menswear and Beauty Director David Walker-Smith on 20th May.