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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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