Lingerie for the Holidays: Sexy Lingerie for Christmas and New Years

The holidays are a time for sexy lingerie and intimate evenings. Forget the stress and strain of holiday shopping and family meals, and remember that relationships can be strained with all the things to do, parties to attend and shopping to do. Don't forget to plan some time alone, to rekindle the romance or just have some serious adult fun. Lingerie is the perfect antidote to the holiday blues.

The holidays are a time for family, true, but your wife or girlfriend is a part of the family too, isn't she? She deserves some special lingerie and so do you. Also don't forget one of the most romantic holidays are just around the corner. So much attention is paid to Christmas, many people almost forget that New Year's Eve is the week after Christmas and we all know how hectic that can be.

Yes, New Years Eve is a very romantic time of the year. I always wondered why everyone seems to get so excited about the New Years holiday. Isn't it just an excuse to party until midnight, toast each other, kiss your loved one as what you are doing on New Year's is a prediction of what you will be doing all year long, right? Well, over the last couple of years, New Years have become very romantic, because I have made it romantic. Start planning now, cause the reservations will be taken fast.

Wherever you live there will be New Years celebrations and you have your choices. There are the parties held by friends and families. There are the parties held by the major hotels in your area. I suggest you try one of these major parties with all the trimmings including the hotel room and breakfast the next morning.
This is the time for sexy lingerie .

If you have kids, get a baby sitter who can spend the night. Plan a luxurious evening complete with dinner, dancing, a midnight snack, breakfast and have I left anything out? Of course! Romance! Last year my husband and I reserved a local hotel room that had dinner for two complete with champagne, the room and a breakfast buffet. Not as extravagant as previous years, but memorable nonetheless. We packed for an evening of fun.

Don't forget the swimsuits for the heated pool or jacuzzi. An extra bottle of wine, or two. A digital camera and of course, sexy panties , bra and panty sets and precious alone time.

We started off the evening off with a romantic candle light dinner and had a little dessert to top it all off. When we got back to the room, we relaxed for a while, then headed down to the heated pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Luckily they were all indoors, but thankfully we took our little plastic cups and a bottle of wine and divided our time between the relatively cool pool and the steaming jacuzzi. Wow, what a relaxing time, but we headed back to the room just in time for midnight, and the ball in Times Square on television.

Out came the lingerie and the camera, and we all know that these two items were made for each other. My outfit was a combination of sexy sheer thigh highs, a bra and panty set and a pair of 4 inch platforms, boy did I look hot and trashy! I won't go into any more details, but the next morning came way too soon. We got up and dressed and got down to the New Years brunch about noon, and while we weren't terribly hungry, the coffee and sweets were appreciated.

On the way home we both agreed that this was going to be a happy New Year.

Source: Flirtylingerieblog

Designer clothing stolen from Mississauga store

More than $400,000 worth of designer Italian apparel has been stolen from a high-end store in Mississauga.

Peel police believe the same men are behind the daring heists in April and again this month at an unnamed store on Ridgeway Drive. In each case, more than $200,000 in Prada and Versace suits, jeans and purses were stolen.

Investigators are linking the thefts with three other break-ins at another high-end store in York Region between August of last year and this past June.

Police are warning the public to be on the lookout for the stolen items, which could end up being sold off the back of a truck or on the street for too-good-to-be-true prices.

Source: CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc

Madame introduces "The Rock and Roll" collection for Christmas and New Year

The party season is on with Christmas on us and new year just around the corner. Madame, a brand synonomous to women fashion wear encapsulates its ever-changing sense of style with an exquisite collection of party dresses that further echo the luxury rock and roll feel of the Fall/Winter collection currently in store.

The party collection is bursting with an array of must have items from pretty and soft dresses, sparkling jewellery and chunky knits, all of which will create the perfect Party wardrobe. It comprises of Tunics, Twin Sets, Woollen Tights and Formal Leg Wear accented by studded accessories.

Knitted Torsos provide the Madame users a shimmer of elegance thus making them stand apart the crowd while keeping them warm. A chic mix of blended fine wool and lurex spells magnificence. The vibrant shades of Maroons, silver, gold and bronze, with hints of rich burgundy, shiny black_& Pearly White are in for the season.

Detail is everything, from a finely studded silver tunic, to a luxurious Black and silver dress ornated with pearls. while classic brown top include a knitted mandarin-style studded with stones.All to the shimer are the gleaming accessories like silver, bonze and golden belts.

Akhil Duggar, Creative Head, MADAME comments: "Madame offers a wide range of ramp to road fashion to its valuable customer. We are always sensitive to their needs. As I wanted to keep this range very fun and youthful, there are lots of playful touches which are perfect for the party season.”.

Source: Indiaprwire.com

Transformed schoolgirl wins Miss Australia Teen Model

Not only was she admitted into the TC Club at Brisbane's exclusive girls' school Stuartholme - that's the "Too Cool" Club - but she decided to try modelling.
"I have always been interested in fashion since I was a little girl," the new Miss Australia Teen Model said.

Geo made her big "life" decision while mucking out her beloved horse's stable - Hilltop Mikessa had the horse flu.

"When I got my horse I lost weight," Geo said. "I started working out and watching what I was eating and the weight just dropped off."

She entered the contest at the last minute after a friend in the fashion industry called.

It was her first modelling attempt.

"I was really confident until the other girls came in," Geo said.

"They seemed more experienced and they knew exactly what they were doing. They got in and helped me, showed me how to walk, pose for photos and how to talk."

The "Geo" of old - circa Year Eight - always stood out.

She was six feet tall, 90kg, and always sported brightly coloured hair.

A bright pink fringe with a shaved head at the back stands out at Stuartholme School.

"Since I was a little girl, from about eight, I always had my hair cut and coloured," Geo said.

She started "working" at the Brisbane hair salon Tognini's when she was eight, sweeping and asking people if they wanted coffee while her mum had her hair done.

And Benny Tognini still supports her. In the contest, she was the only girl covered from head to foot in the sportswear section: she wore a full equestrian outfit.

At schoolies, someone threw her $300 designer shoe over the balcony and it fell 21 storeys where the security guard caught it - and it was so distinctive, he remembered who it belonged to.

Source: Queensland Newspapers

Fashion designer Rodricks kicks off party season in Goa

Noted designer Wendell Rodricks showcased his Lounge Lizard collection in Panjim at the tourists' paradise Goa kicking off the much-awaited party season.

Rodricks' latest collection was an ensemble in black velvet, silver work and lots of tulle.

The collection has been inspired by and aimed at the young lounge reveller. All over India, the concept of a lounge or club has emerged as an integral part of entertainment.

The asymmetrical lines and sharp silhouettes along with electric mix of weaves and fabrics were the highlights of the show.

"The collection is looking great on the ramp. We have a lot of dark colours to start with because it is club wear basically for discos, and then we have gone into whites which is very pure and very Goa, " said Rodricks.

In the relaxed yet energetic ambience, clothing was young, sexy, sporty and yet cocktail wear.

Singer Remo Fernandes and model Carol Gracias graced the occasion.

"He's got a very individual style, you know, among the Indian designers. What I love about him is that he doesn't depend on Indian cliché of the Raj's and Maharajas, " said Fernandes.

Using a colour palette including black, aubergine, deep olive and silver, the Lounge Lizard collection by Rodricks uses diverse fabric woven or treated with a technological edge: Velvet is woven with lycra. Organza is heat treated to form pleats.

"It's always a pleasure. I love his clothes. I feel like a lady and very beautiful and all that sort of thing. I am doing the Wendell show for the second time in Goa. So I am very happy to be here again, many years later. And I feel as great as ever, " said Carol.

The Wendell Rodricks signature style is unique in India, blending ancient Indian geometry with a relaxed Goan attitude. Using natural Indian fabrics, cut in a linear line, the silhouette is sheer, layered, draped and fluid.

The designer is referred to as the guru of minimalism in the Indian fashion industry, thus he has passed his signature style of minimalism, reinvented with a new creativity in his Lounge Lizard collection. (ANI)

Source: Topnews.in

Swarovski Young Designer Awards encourages undiscovered talent

The Awards, part of The Bride Show Dubai, are open to students and amateur designers and aim to throw the spotlight on undiscovered talent looking for their break into the notoriously tough fashion industry.

Ten finalists from both the Student and the Amateur design categories will be given the opportunity to bring their ideas to life and see their wedding dresses displayed on the catwalk by professional models as part of The Swarovski Young Designer Award Fashion Show on the last day of The Bride Show Dubai 2008.

The overall winner of the Innovation Award will win an internship at Swarovski or a dedicated fashion house. Furthermore, winners of each category will receive a Swarovski trophy and luxury gift hamper.

As is tradition for the Awards, a theme has been set for entrants to take inspiration. This year, the designers will be asked to reflect 'the art of being intimate' in their design for what is arguably the most important dress a woman will wear in her life.

Applicants to the Awards will submit a selection of mood boards, outlining their creative influences, their concepts and overall designs. A panel of judges, formed by eminent personalities and industry figures, will select top ten designs in each category which will then be designed and modeled. All participants will have access to invaluable workshops and mentoring, designed to develop their skills, from the Awards sponsor, Swarovski.

Swarovski, the world's leading crystal company, is an integral partner with The Bride Show. Usually associated with global leaders of the fashion industry, Swarovski recognises the importance of nurturing young talent and developing new ideas and fresh creativity. The Young Designer Awards creates the perfect platform to reach promising future designers and help them break into the fashion industry.

'The response we have received in the last few years of the Swarovski Young Designer Awards has been overwhelming,' said Werner Baumgartner, Managing Director of Swarovski Middle East. 'We believe this is an important competition, which helps both students who have embarked on a path to a career in fashion as well as amateurs who believe they have an eye for creativity and flair. I am very much looking forward to seeing how this year's participants will develop the theme, 'the art of being intimate' into a beautiful wedding dress.'

The Bride Show Dubai is the largest and most prestigious bridal exhibition in the Middle East, making it the perfect arena for budding fashion stars to showcase their unique wedding dress creations to prospective brides and their families, Arab women and expatriates.

'Now in its 9th year, we are thrilled to build further on the success of the Swarovski Young Designer Awards at The Bride Show Dubai,' said Daphne Cota, Exhibitions Manager for The Bride Show. 'Seeing the finalists' hard work pay off on the last day of the event is always very inspiring and we know our visitors love to see local creative talent in the spotlight and on the catwalk. The Awards continue to raise awareness and standards for young talent in the Middle East fashion industry.'

Budding fashion designers who are interested in taking part should download an application form from The Bride Show website. The deadline for submissions is 14 February 2008.

Source: AME Info

Iraqi designers are back in fashion

More than four years after their priceless garments were plundered in the looting that followed the US invasion, Iraq's premier dress designers are back in fashion -- of the ancient Mesopotamian variety.

Now they are ready to display their latest works on the international stage. Perhaps New York, perhaps Paris. Anywhere but Baghdad.

"We are working like butterflies -- quietly," says Iraqi House of Fashions director general May Rammo. We don't want to attract attention. If you are working for the government you are open to being attacked."

Hidden away in a three-storey building in Baghdad that she would prefer was not identified, Rammo oversees a team of 307 designers, artists, embroiderers, dressmakers and models who are recreating dresses and costumes in styles dating back 5,000 years and more.

Artists copy images from ancient pottery and drawings, designers adapt them, experts source natural fabrics in local markets, embroiderers create the motifs, and dressmakers sew them onto dresses which the models then display.

Do not even ask the price of the exquisite hand-crafted garments bearing colourful motifs representing either the Sumerian period (5000-2330 BC), the Babylonian era (2330-1750) and the Assyrian epoch (1800-613) and on up until the start of the Islamic period in the 6th century AD.

"They're priceless. They're not for sale," says Rammo. "Some of them have taken a year to complete. How can you put a price on that? Many people have wanted to buy them but we're making these dresses to preserve our culture. They're just for the pleasure of seeing."

The robes, some of the type worn by the kings and queens of Mesopotamia -- as the land between two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, was known -- are made solely of materials that would have been available at the time.

"Only silks and cottons and wools. No synthetic fibres," says Rammo, a civil engineer turned artist/designer whose mobile phone rings incessantly while she sets about enthusiastically explaining the ethos of her enterprise.

Sponsored by Iraq's culture ministry, the Iraqi House of Fashions was established in 1970 with the aim of conserving ancient Iraqi culture.

For the next 33 years the team turned out hundreds and hundreds of dresses -- "perhaps even thousands," says Rammo's number two, Shireen Mohammed. The creations were displayed at "fashion shows" that more resembled theatre than modern-day catwalk extravaganzas.

"In the shows we'd start with the Sumerian fashions, and then move through the Babylonian era and into the Assyrian era -- then right on up until the start of the Islamic times," explains Mohammed, a Kurdish single woman in her forties who happily admits her life revolves around the fashion house.

Crass modernity, however, clashed brutally with the ancient arts when US-led troops invaded Iraq in 2003, unleashing a savage wave of looting during which priceless antiquities and historial artworks were plundered along with consumer items such as televisions, fridges and hi-fi sets.

Mohammed, who has worked at the Iraqi House of Fashions since 1978, arrived at the building on a day in April 2003 when the sky was cobalt blue but the air was filled with foreboding.

She expected the worst and she found it. The building had been looted and set ablaze. She remembers sobbing for an entire month.

-- After US-led invasion, 33 years of work destroyed in a day --

"I was numb. Thirty-three years of work had been destroyed in one day. The dresses had been stolen or burnt. Everything was in ruins. It was ugly and empty. I was in shock. This is my home and my family and it had been plundered and ruined."

Dressmaker Najat Kadum, 51, who in her 18 years at the fashion house has sewn so many dresses that her fingers are blunted and her eyes strained, says she fell into depression when she saw the damage done to her creations.

"Most of them were gone. Some were still there but had been burnt. The sight hurt my eyes and seared my soul," says Kadum from beneath a yellowing hijab, while sewing a dress embroidered with a scene showing Babylonian King Hammurabi on his throne alongside his famous law code, circa 1792-1750 BC.

Hannah Sadiq, who is in charge of the dressmaking section, says more than 1,000 dresses were stolen or destroyed. "It was like losing one of your children."

After several desolate months, the team regrouped and started all over again. It has not stopped since.

"For the past four years we have been rebuilding. We have created about 50 new dresses since then," says Sadiq, a shy 51-year-old, her white hijab pulled down low, almost covering her eyes.

"We've had some shows," says fashion house supremo Rammo, including one this year in Algeria and one in Arbil, capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region.

"Now we are ready to travel abroad again -- we'd like to go to New York or to Paris but we need financial assistance."

Model Zaman Hussein, with angular face and scorching eyes, says she is proud to be "displaying our ancient civilisation".

"We don't present Western shows; rather they are folkloric, cultural and artistic," says Hussein, adding that in any case opportunities to model modern Western-style clothing in Iraq came to a halt when sectarian violence was unleashed by the bombing of a Shiite shrine in Samarra in February last year.

A sultry blonde tells AFP she is afraid to say she is a model in case extremists attack her.

"Society looks at us wrongly, saying that this job has no place in Arab society. I wish that society's view of women would change. Our society mocks models and even says, 'That man is a son of a model' in a sneering way."

Rammo fears that the US military is focused only on security and is not interested in preserving Iraqi culture -- which has made her even more determined to do exactly that within the safety of the Iraqi House of Fashions.

Meanwhile she is offering a haven for Iraq's hunted artists.

"We are like a magnet. Any artist who wants to work, our doors are open," she says with a soft smile.

Source: AFP

Virginia Zdravkova creates for the second time collecion “Lavazza”

Virginia Zdravkova, two times winner of "Golden Needle" award of the Academy of fashion, for the second time creates collection “Lavazza”. The magnificent event will take place on 4 December 2007 in Kempinski Hotel Zografski.

For the tenth year the company "Sofstock" - representative of coffee "Lavazza" in Bulgaria gives a chance to a Bulgarian designer to create a collection, inspired by the newest advertising campaign of the Italian aromatic drink. The main slogan is “The greatest expresso experience”.

Virginia Zdravkova shared: “When I saw the new calendar of “Lavazza” I was impressed by the perfection of Finlay MacKay. He can situate precisely the details in the whole composition. I sensed the dynamic, elegance, positive energy, splendor and luxury. All that showed that this young artist has a fine sense for aesthetics. It was obvious that he worked with a huge enthusiasm and passion. This is also valid for me as a designer - it seems there is a power that makes me create unforgettable feeling for me and for spectators.”

Source: Bgfashion.net

Maria Nedkova showed modern business garments

Fashion house "Anna Maria" with designer Maria Nedkova presented its newest collection autumn-winter 2007-2008 in the Central military club.

The collection comprises of 60 garments, divided in 7 themes. The silhouette of the clothes follows the line of the body. The style is business, however decorated with original details and accents.

Shortening the proportions is characteristic of the garments in the collection. The waist is higher - a trend for the season. In the bottom part the silhouette is layered.

The trousers are long, type "cigarette" or volume. Most of the jackets are taken in at the waist, some models are with a straight silhouette and with a length to the waist.

The skirts are knee long, in the formal theme the dresses are with a length to the ankle.

Source: Bgfashion.net

SAARC cultural festival: From fusion music to glitzy fashion and more

From trendy fusion music to glitzy fashion and food, fascinating folklore to a car rally, photo exhibition and crafts -- the recently concluded South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) cultural festival in New Delhi showcased them all.

Fashion show:
Wine and cheese greeted visitors at the SAARC fashion show, aptly named 'Threads of Unity', held in the plush environs of the Maurya Hotel. The evening was truly stunning as models walked down the ramp attired in traditional and contemporary outfits. “The collection captures the rich cultural heritage, textile traditions and indigenous handicrafts and embroideries that are distinct to each of the SAARC nations,” says a press release.

The show stealers were the creations of designers Ritu Kumar from India and Mina Sherzoy of Afghanistan. The former said that her work showcased “the couture and bridal collection using the finest of crafts skills which the designer has revived across the weaving, embroidery and printing guilds from the Indian subcontinent.” The occasion, as she pointed out, celebrated the textiles of India, which are “embellished by approximately 16 million practicing craftspeople of the subcontinent.”

Representing the SAARC nations were 12 designers. Bangladesh was well represented by the talented Rina Latif and Nasrine R Karim. The former attracted attention with her ethnic creations -- mostly ghararas and saris. Local fabrics such as muslin, she says, are her forte. She has also used silk, chantilly lace, local embroidery. “Tapestry is my signature line,” she points out.

Meanwhile, Nasrine brought three design labels together for the show: her own Dia and Sozodor and By Deshi. “I showcase typical jamdani and hand-woven fabrics of Bangladesh,” she says. Altogether there were 10 outfits – saris, cocktail evening dresses, sherwanis and also western apparel made of Chittagong Hill Tract weaves. The latter were designed by the upcoming young duo from Sozodor -- Symon and Tenzing Chakma.

The well-organised show had great music and choreography. Making waves was the highflying Media Makers, a Delhi-based creative unit that handles choreography. Says Asha Kochhar, one of the two partners of the organisation, “Our USP is blending a diversity of cultures through a holistic approach and showcasing the unity of all nations.”

The superb programme was organised by the Fashion Design Council of India in collaboration with the Union Ministry for External Affairs and ICCR.

Source: Thedailystar.net

Top 20 Indian gold jewellery designers announced at AuDITIONS

AuDITIONS India 2007-08, the competition to create gold couture jewellery, presented by World Gold Council and AngloGold Ashanti, in association with Tanishq and Rand Refinery, has neared its culmination with the unveiling of the 20 short-listed designers and their sketched entries.

Hailed as the Oscars of Gold jewellery design, the Indian chapter of the competition received an overwhelming response with over 600 entrants from 17 states vying for the coveted title. The 20 finalists were decided by an eminent judging panel on the basis of design impact, innovation in style, practicality of manufacturing and being true to this year’s theme of ‘Trendsetting Gold’. A panel consisting of eminent personalities like Raghavendra Rathore, Dr. Usha Bala Krishnan, Jatin Bhatt (NIFT), Shobha Asar, Divika Gidwani (HRD) and Kumar Ganjam (Ganjam Jewellers) narrowed down the search to the final numbers.

AuDITIONS is the world’s largest gold jewellery design competition and is also held in Brazil, South Africa, China and the Middle East. It was conceived in South Africa and has been well received globally due to its extended support to upcoming designers. This has fuelled both innovation in design and creativity in jewellery and is an exciting endeavor in India.

Three award-winning pieces from South Africa, the home of AuDITIONS, were brought to India highlighting the global platform of this competition. These jewellery pieces were showcased by models Fleur Xavier, Tapur Chatterjee and Nethra Ragunathan. The models were dressed and styled by Raghavendra Rathore.

Ajay Mitra, Managing Director, Indian Subcontinent, World Gold Council, said, “We
are very excited with the response to AuDITIONS India as it has appealed not only to professional designers but students, karigars and goldsmiths from all over the country. The selected pieces are the 20 best designs in India, adding weight to the fact that AuDITIONS India is receiving the recognition it deserves. These trendy designs will have a positive impact on gold’s reception among the youth, who we are confident will be attracted to this new face of gold jewellery.”

Mark Pool, Marketing Manager of AngloGold Ashanti and Creative Director of AuDITIONS, commented, “The theme ‘Trendsetting Gold’ aims for a gold couture collection that excites consumers and inspires the jewellery trade. I am confident that this collection will present a fresh face in Gold – one befitting today’s modern Indian woman.”

Raghavendra Rathore, the ‘Concept Carrier’ for AuDITIONS said, “I have always believed that gold has the power to make a bold fashion statement. ’Trendsetting Gold’ has achieved this by providing a platform to create innovative designs that complement the appearance of the modern woman.”

Alpa Parida, Head of Marketing & Merchandising, Tanishq said, “AuDITIONS 2007-08 has received an amazing response from the participants. These designs are innovative and Tanishq is looking forward to see the final manufactured pieces, as we are confident that it will appeal to the consumers. All the pieces will be showcased at all Tanishq outlets across the country.”

These designs will now be fabricated by Tanishq and after a further judging round, the final 3 winners will be announced. The winner will take away a grand prize of 500 grams of gold, while the first runner-up will win 250 grams of gold, with the second runner-up receiving 100 grams of gold. The balance of 17 short-listed finalists will be given 20 grams gold coins. Since AuDITIONS is a global phenomenon, the participants and the winners will get worldwide recognition.

Source: India Infoline Ltd

Shirt Magic Leads Custom T-Shirt Design Pack with New Site Embeddable Apparel Designer

T-shirt fans all around the world rejoice today at the news of Shirt Magic's new website launch. The site, which offers custom apparel design and printing in lots as small as 1 by utilizing direct to garment technology announces the launch of their new innovative website.

The newly updated ShirtMagic.com offers visitors a 2 year in the making one of a kind experience. Visitors can create and customize t-shirts and other apparel in an easy to use web based design program.

Visitors are encouraged to sign up for Shirt Magic's affiliate program, which allows interested parties to create unique apparel stores that the site will host and share profits on. Shoppers are presented with a wide variety of customizable items including t-shirts, hats, bags, buttons, stickers, banners, and wedding favors to name a few.

While the features on ShirtMagic.com offer visitors an efficient and enjoyable shopping experience, it is the site's groundbreaking shirt designer program that has everyone talking. The creators of ShirtMagic.com have gone beyond offering the designer program on their own website, they have created a way for visitors to grab a simple strip of code and embed the designer on other websites, social network pages, or even in an email message.

"We wanted to allow our partners the chance to offer our incredible t-shirt designer program on their own websites. We felt that if we could give people the easy to copy and paste code, they would have more flexibility in spreading the word about their customizable products, and thus help them make more sales." Explains Shirt Magic Founder and Owner Todd Kriney in regards to the site's innovative technology.

Anyone with access to the internet can sign up as a free partner with ShirtMagic.com. Once partnered with the site affiliates receive a commission anywhere between 10 and 20 percent of a sale.

Shirt Magic is the leading direct to garment customizable product printer in the market. The company's product prices are on par with their competition, and their innovative partner friendly offerings are one of a kind in an industry full of template made websites. Additionally Shirt Magic offers screen printing, embroidery, and full color poster printing.

Source: Shirt Magic

Sharkah Chakra launches hand-woven A/W 2007-08 collection

Sharkah Chakra, a new luxury denim brand made using Fairtrade organic cotton and a completely natural dyeing process, launches its first collection in the UK in September 2007. The jeans are made in villages across southern India by craftsmen that weave the cloth by hand on authentic wooden selvedge looms and use an ancient technique of natural indigo dyeing. By supporting these methods, Sharkah Chakra will revive a virtually extinct craft whilst simultaneously pioneering innovative, luxury denim.

Sharkah Chakra - The Background
Sharkah Chakra is the brainchild of Sara Simmonds, who previously worked at Harvey Nichols, London, as the menswear denim buyer. It was here that she studied and developed a passion for the ancient techniques of natural indigo dyeing and selvedge denim previously only seen in Japan. Using these Japanese techniques Sara wanted to produce something innovative for the denim market whilst also creating a new form of ethical luxury. She went back to the homeland of where the traditions of Indigo, natural dyeing and hand loom weaving began - India; and has over many months perfected the first ever premium denim to be made by naturally and by hand.

According to Sara "hand-woven goods are the original luxury item, life is about simplicity. I have created Sharkah Chakra to take the best of the past and combine it with the best of today to go forward to be the best of forever".

Sharkah Chakra -The Collection
Using Sara's denim expertise, Sharkah Chakra jeans have been cut and sewn to enhance and flatter the individual - designed to be worn forever. The first collection will be available in three different washes: Lotus Sky, Bengal Blue and Nude Neela. For men there are two styles - relaxed and straight leg - and one style for women, a straight cigarette.

Sharkah Chakra - Craft
The dyeing process used by Sharkah Chakra is 100% natural. Using certified organic Fairtrade cotton sourced from Africa, the yarn is woven by hand in India on traditional wooden selvedge looms, and taken to Italy to be laundered and finished by the original denim masters.

Dyeing
The dyeing process begins by extracting leaves from the indigo plant which are then fermented to make natural indigo dye. The cotton is formed into hanks - a unit of yarn or twine in a coiled form - which are dipped into the dye and left out to dry under the open Indian sky. This is repeated up to thirty times to achieve an intense pure blue colour, characteristic of Sharkah Chakra denim.

This dyeing method is extremely rare and only a few people around the world are able to execute it. Typically, brands use synthetic dyes that are damaging to the environment, generating huge amounts of sludge waste. In contrast, the Sharkah Chakra process is environmentally friendly, recycling sustainable waste and purifying the waste water. As organic dyeing does not allow for standardisation, every pair of jeans is unique.

Weaving
The denim cloth Sharkah Chakra produces is the very first of its kind to be woven completely by hand, giving it natural irregularities and character, which in turn gives each pair of jeans a personal touch. Using a premium extract of cotton, coupled with pure indigo dye, Sharkah Chakra has pioneered luxuriously soft denim which does not require lycra for comfort or form.

The cloth is weaved in a village in Tamil Nadu that dates back to over four generations and has a population of a few hundred people. Fourteen artisans work exclusively for Sharkah Chakra and each pair of jeans takes half a day to weave. The jeans are signed by the individual weaver, with the signature representing the hands that have made them. Sharkah Chakra is the first premium denim brand in the UK to be issued with both a Handloom and Fairtrade mark.

Finishing
Sharkah Chakra jeans are laundered at a leading Italian finishing house that works alongside the world's top denim brands. Inspired by Sara's journey, the laundry will use the least harmful chemicals possible in the finishing process in order to be respectful of the pure loomstate cloth. Each pair of Sharkah Chakra jeans has an embossed 9ct gold rivet made from part recycled gold which guarantees the authenticity of the brand. The rivet confirms that the denim is made from 100% organic Fairtrade cotton, is dyed using 100% natural indigo, is hand-woven and reinforces the symbol of the individuals whose hands have made them.

Sharkah Chakra jeans will be sold exclusively at Harvey Nichols, London and online at the Sharkah Chakra shop www.sharkahchakra.com

Source: Sharkah Chakra

Clothes Show Live disappoints eco fashionistas

Earlier this year we were tickled pink to hear 2007's Clothes Show Live would feature a bunch of eco and ethical fashion brands. But we've since spoken to some of the eco exhibitors at the show -- which opened last Friday -- and several are describing the new section as something of a damp squib.

One of the exhibitors told us: "They [the show organisers] could be doing more with the catwalks to promote us -- it would only take a couple of minutes to flag up the benefits of Fairtrade and eco clothing and the ethical area is not promoted heavily enough elsewhere in the show." Another added that "Some traders are not even covering costs, let alone making profit. Saturday was really bad. We took our concerns to the sales teams and some people [among the ethical brands] have said they’re never coming back."

We put these complaints to the Clothes Show Organisers and marketing director Pascale Walsh responded: "We have worked hard and consistently in order to ensure that we supported and championed our first ever ethical area within the show. As this has been the first year we have set up an ethical-focused area we are looking at ways to grow and strengthen the area in forthcoming years, and looking forward to further supporting a cause very close to our hearts in the future."

Enamore, Emmeline 4 Re, THTC, Amana and GreenKnickers are among the names exhibiting in the new Fashion Conscience and Ethical Boutique areas, which were launched this year in response to an increased number of fashionistas hunting for a people- and planet-friendly wardrobe. Some visitors have been very positive about the ethical brands' presence at the show. One of them is Emma from Dudley, who described it as an "absolutely fantastic addition to the show," adding it was "a great way to bring ethical fashion to the masses -- particularly the younger generation."

Emmeline Child from Emmeline 4 Re felt the show's organisers could have done a better job of promoting the ethical brands exhibiting and clarifying which were ethical and which ones weren't, but she told SmartPlanet she'd enjoyed a great show and thinks the organisers will learn from this year and get it right in 2008.

Source: Smartplanet.com

The fashion trends of 2007

The year is drawing to a close, people, and it's time to take a look at the fashionable trends of these last twelve months! It's been revolutionary, with literally dozens of new styles taking root, both for men and for women. Designers have come up with several delightful looks that have become a rage on the red carpet, international runways and at social dos.

Womenswear this year has seen considerable changes -- the asymmetrical tops, ponchos, boot-cut pants and clutch purses of last year have now made way for skinny jeans, wedge heels, leggings and empire waist dresses.

Ditto for men -- instead of merely tweaking the trends a wee bit, which is often the case, designers presented a clear-cut wardrobe for the fashion-conscious male this year, ditching sagging denims, psychedelic shirts and baseball caps for clothing with a little more zing -- linen pants, moccasins and oversized neck scarves.

Of course, there are those who are so hell-bent on making sure that they're keeping up with the fickle fashion world that they opt for over-the-top dressing (yes, metallic shades are in and leggings are in -- but have you ever seen a pair of gold lame leggings doing the rounds? Tsk tsk!). So make sure you opt for 'wow' and not 'whoa!'

Let's flag off, then, without further ado, the fashion year that was 2007!
The balloon dress

One of the hottest items of clothing for women this season is, undoubtedly, the balloon dress. A balloon dress is essentially one which has a loose, flowing cut that culminates in a fitted or elasticised hemline, thus creating a ballooning effect. The style was popular in the 1960s and has made a huge comeback this year, along with other trends that belong to the same decade -- oversized sunglasses, leggings etc.

The garment is suited to a host of different occasions -- you can team a balloon dress with flipflops or sandals and a large handbag for a day at the beach, or with a pair of stilettos and a chic tote purse for a night on the town. The billowing comfort of such a dress will also ease your mind about an extra pound or two that you've gained and will give you a classy look, as compared to a body-fit, stretch-it-till-you-burst outfit.

Besides dresses, balloon blouses and balloon shorts are also doing rounds of the fashion circuit at the moment and from the looks of it, the trend will carry well into the better part of 2008.

Source: rediff.com
Text: Sanaya Dalal. Photographs: Uttam Ghosh and Rajesh Karkera

One of the investments I am looking to do this season is in a classic cropped jacket that I can wear all the time this fall/winter. As my mom loves to point out, jackets are the best investment because they are the first thing people see you in on the streets and you will probably wear it more than whatever you are wearing inside. So I figured that a smart classic cropped jacket would be a good choice- they are versatile and very chic.

The volume and shape of it goes perfectly with this season's silhouettes as witness here on the Alice Ritter(left) and 3.1 Phillip Lim (right) runway.

Some of the more classic choices out there are these two from Rachel Pally (left) and Sunner (right). The v-neck blazer-like neckline keeps it classic and the cropped style gives it an extra oomph.

Another option are these two jackets with the more enclosed neckline thats more coatlike from Ella Moss (left) and Milly (right). The play on the buttons are so cute!

Grey is also a great color this season that is easy to wear but not too black. These two cropped jackets from FCUK are so adorable. I especially like the high neckline and the bell sleeve of the jacket on the left, which gives it more shape.

Something a little more edgy, we have this very stylishly tailored cropped jacket by Helmut Lang (who else?, left) and this printed jacket by Milly (right). I LOVE this jacket. This is my favourite cropped jacket of all because the bold print is still versatile being black and white and the feminine cut of the neckline brings edgy and girly together. It makes a statement and is still very wearable. I can totally see myself living and breathing this cropped jacket this season!

Source: iamfashion
Image Source: Elle, Shopbop and FCUK

Bahraini co. organizes Swarovski fashion show in Kuwait

Kuwait's trendiest and most fashion savvy ladies were treated to Crystal Nights-CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements-on 26th November, 2007, in Al Thuraya Ballroom, JW Marriott Hotel, Safat, the event was organized by Eventscom.

Guests who attended the glittering soiree-which is sponsored by MAC make-up-comprised Kuwaiti royalty, socialites, VIP customers, trendsetters, fashion media and other leading local journalists.

Crystal Nights is an innovative fusion where traditional Khaleeji fashion is made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements showcasing embellished Daraa & Abayas with a more contemporary application of crystal component.

Working with traditional Middle Eastern designers, Swarovski launched the Crystal Nights collection and brochure in 2006, presenting sparkling interpretations of Khaleeji fashion, and serving as a source of fashion inspiration for current and aspiring Khaleeji designers.

The collection-created in creative collaboration with leading designers and manufacturers of traditional garments-has been launched in the GCC through a series of special events including exhibitions in shopping malls, trunk shows and fashion shows, to create crystal embedded versions of abayas, jalabiyas, shayla headscarves, and khanduras.

In synergy with the participating designers, beautifully feminine traditional clothing, featuring elegance and style through one-of-a-kind pieces, were created for fashion connoisseurs seeking to express their individuality, personality, and style. The partners in the Crystal Nights venture are: Madame Shaima Aly Al Ballam; Beit Hanayen; Saad Al Dawas; and Madam Bushehri Haute Couture Co. Couturier/ Nadia Boshehri - Daraa.

Madame Shaima Aly Al Ballam specializes in designing Bishts, Shaylas, and Abayas. She predominantly caters to the royalty in Kuwait and currently operates out of home; her shop is expected to open in the coming month.
Bait Hanayen was the first in Kuwait to introduce crystallized with Swarovski Elements on traditional dresses like Abayas and shaylas, and are the only recognized Crystallized branded partners in Kuwait. They have participated in many local shows, and currently operate two showrooms in Hawally and Jahra.

Saad Al Dawas - Daraa specializes and excels in the daraa-equivalent to the khandura in the UAE. The daraa is considered a strong fashion statement by the Kuwaiti women and is worn by her in many events; it is particularly popular among TV celebrities and news anchors.

Bushehri Haute Couture Co. and couturier, Nadia Bushehri, in her capacity as the owner and a designer in the company, has taken the fashion house from local and regional shows to international acclaim in Naples, Italy, and Vienna. Her specialty in Soiree dresses; Bridal wear, and Casual attire, have earned her two Honour Prizes from Sh. Anwar Al-Sabah.

Source: ameinfo.com

Bling beauty shines proudly

The diamond bangle that graces Rita Williams’ wrist each day is much more than simply a stunning piece of jewellery.

As co-owner of Caloundra-based jewellery manufacturer Sunstate Group, Rita has had plenty of contact with such items.

But, she says, it is the story behind a piece of jewellery that makes it special, no matter what the size or cost.

For her, the diamond bangle was a surprise birthday gift last year from husband John, who wanted to find an eternity present to celebrate their marriage and the births of their daughters Astrid, now 4, and Zaida, now 21 months.

“Even though I work with jewellery every day my bangle is so special to me because John worked very hard to find something so beautiful to symbolise 10 years of marriage and our happy family,” Rita said.

“I wear it every single day and whenever I look at it I think of him and my girls. Both Astrid and Zaida love trying it on, pretending to be Mummy!”

Being able to capture such memories is what makes jewellery the perfect personalised gift. Yet this also puts the pressure on to get the choice just right – something the person receiving it will love.

As the jewellery industry approaches one of its biggest times of the year, there are sure to be plenty of people beginning the search for such a piece.

Rita said men looking to buy for their wives or girlfriends often viewed finding the right item as harder than it really was.

“Whatever you buy, she’s going to love it – just because you bought it for her,” she said reassuringly.

In terms of what will suit your loved one, it often comes down to the individual.

“Some can pull off big, bright pieces, because they’ve got the big, bright personality to carry it,” Rita said.

If you wanted to play it safe, though, she advised to go for classic, clean lines as “that’s the jewellery equivalent to the little black dress”, or diamond stud earrings with a basic solitaire.

Also popular at the moment are white gold and stones in the circular-shaped solitaire cuts, as Rita said square cuts were beginning to phase out.

“People are also tending to buy quality jewellery – one, two or three really nice pieces rather than half a dozen junky type things,” Rita said.

“I think it is worth spending a bit extra to get something really nice that you can proudly pass on. You can enjoy it and then others can enjoy it – it’s there to last.”

In its commitment to providing jewellers with such quality, Sunstate Group sources all of its materials from Australia, with the gems that aren’t a product of Australia purchased through local dealers.

In her position as co-owner of the company, which she took over in 2000 with business partner Rob Clark from their fathers Lester Smiley and Bob Clark, Rita has the pleasure of working with these materials to create new and unique pieces.

An innovative project the group has started involves developing partnerships with professionals such as fashion designers, who share ideas for jewellery ranges that can accompany their own lines.

Rita said while this was in its early stages, it was sure to provide interesting pieces and “put a different spin on precious jewellery”.

With jewellery constantly evolving, the choices when you step into the store can be seemingly endless.

But Rita remains confident that one thing will always be a certainty – a quality piece of jewellery is something the person receiving it will treasure.

“You look at it and it’s a pretty thing to capture all the memories.”

Source: APN News & Media Ltd

Ritu Kumar - Indian Fashion Designer

From the desk of Ritu Kumar:

My initial research for prints began in the 60’s. I took several trips to Rajasthan, U.P, and Delhi. In Delhi I met people who were working in an atmosphere charged with national pride. Most of us were searching for our roots, with an earnestness of purpose…to ensure that the hereditary thread of continuity was not broken. I was particularly looking for example of the classical fabrics, which had a traditional aesthetic.

The word designer was not in the national vocabulary. It was to do with the textile design and locating hidden lexicons. It was an exciting heady time; the work was frustrating, as little material for study was available then. Textile museums in India at that time were few and far between. Compared to their counterparts in the rest of the world, which I discovered during my many visits abroad, were largely slumbering. Most old clothing with the royal homes dates to a confused sartorial 20th century baroque textiles period while what I was looking for was a Renaissance. It was hard work but extremely satisfying and exciting.

It sometimes took years, to find out but when one happened to discover the existence of high skills and worked at it, miraculous jeweled textiles emerged from long forgotten textile districts. I am so glad today that there was a commercial aspect to the work I was doing. It ensured that the craft had to be nurtured through years to meet the needs of the generation who were going to be its patrons, and was not just an effort to prove that could in the 20th century be brought back to its pristine classicism. My first exhibition of saris using designs from India’s renowned print schools was held in Calcutta. Of 30 researched pieces I managed to sell only a dozen, over 4 days. I had got it wrong. No one wanted to buy a print, which looked like a Farukhabad bedcover on thick handloom cotton.

They may have been what it was all about in the 18th century. But the woman who went to lunch though appreciating the colors and design did definitely not want to look like a tea cozy! It taught me my first lesson. Never try and design without a vision, which is not based on contemporary needs. Use the idiom, motif, the design and all that made that school of design so important, but works it for the Present day.

My real desire to document was kindled in the early 70’s. I was asked to participate in an exhibition mounted at the Lalit Kala Academy by Ms. Swantantra Prakash, of researched contemporary versions of patterned fabrics of India. I was in awe of the invitation and left Calcutta with the few scarves and saris that I had designed reinterpreting an older genre.

I remember discovering a huge lexicon of designs with a family of block makers who had trunk full of designs on crumbling paper, preserved perhaps from the 18th century. The family’s traditional livelihood had vanished but the old grandfather had the genius. It was a leveling experience, as I watched him draw a diagonal pattern on a block 4’ x 4’ which made me feel like going back to art school. He had learned the skill of patterning from his forefathers, who he claimed carved, and had designed patterns, which imprinted fabrics, which were exported in dhows to the Arab world and further abroad, in the 17th Century.

I was in my 20’s at the time and remember rushing back to Delhi to meet Pupul Jayakar who headed “The Handloom and Handicraft boards” then and was one of the pioneers of what I call ‘the revival movement’. After listening to my breathless story of discovery, she said, “Do you know that in every district of this country there is need to sustain this legacy. Until your generation is not willing to understand that this is your heritage that is slipping through your hands a supportive government body cannot do anything but be a catalyst.

Don’t come running to me, do something about it”. Long time later I had researched the art of embroidery with gold, which eventually was to have a huge marketing the export of sequined garments out this country. This one technique and craft today has become the mainstay of the ramp collections of the country, though to a textile perspective this is the last and most easily achieved of effects in textile parlance.

“The Handloom and Handicraft Boards Embroidered dyed and printed fabrics which threw up design lexicons which had survived many generations. The country’s imagination was set afire with this seemingly endless repertoire of high textile skills. The patronage once extended by the royal Indian families suddenly took on a national dimension, as handloom and textile related crafts and the use of natural fabrics and processes, definitely set the fashion trend in the country, especially with the urban elite women, who returned to their use with an enthusiasm which ensured their survival till the present time.

The Indian woman’s preference for traditional clothing has ensured that global fashions remained on the periphery of Indian wear and though seen in small urban pockets did not make a national statement. It may have been a short lived miracle though. Most handloom weaves I work with, are in dire straits today. In my experience the industry seems to have slowed down. Its concerns are no longer in the national consciousness, lie forgotten, languishing and fallen in health. It needs intensive cultural design care.

With few exceptions, weavers today are producing functionally ill designed, aesthetically confused and by and large mediocre textiles which do not do justice to the standards set by their traditions. There is no eye for drape and fabric and increasingly over designed and ornamented products come to a market which is resistant to them and is moving fast into the global world of fashion. The renaissance has gone and the baroque has taken over.

Source: Ritukumar.com

Victoria Secret's Diamond Fantasy Bra For 2007

Since 2003, Victoria Secret has teamed up with diamond houses to create and showcase fabulous diamond studded lingerie.

Each year at the event, a different model showcases the Victoria Secret "Fantasy Bra" studded with major bling!

This year, Victoria Secret hooked up with the Mouawad diamond house, to create a comple set of diamond lingerie!

This expanded full gift set, includes a thong, garter, cuff bracelet and matching barrette.

"I felt completely like a woman and so sexy," says model Selita Ebanks, who recently undertook her first Fantasy Bra experience in a shoot for ads appearing in the new Victoria's Secret holiday catalog, due in mailboxes Friday. Once that baby gets hooked on, she coos, "your confidence level immediately goes up."

The blinged out underwear is complete with $4.5 million worth of diamonds, rubies, emeralds and yellow sapphires hand stiched into a push-up bra.

This brings new meaning to diamonds being a "girl's best friend"!!

Ebanks, joins the elite group and gallery of famous models who have showcased these diamond studded bras by Victoria Secret since 2003.

Source: Diamond Vues

India: 'Cocktail collection' unveiled by Shobha De

The cosmo city, which is becoming a fast growing fashion hub, on Friday saw the unveiling of a unique "cocktail collection" of the eternally graceful Indian sari by style diva and noted writer Shobha De.

The exquisite collection, to be showcased at Deepam Silk International, one of the most popular one-stop shops for Indian designer wear here, "has been created for the in-between niche segement that falls between casual and bridal", Shobhaa told reporters launching the collection.

"It is something that can be worn for an evening out, an exclusive dinner or a happening party and is affordable", she said, adding it is targetted not at the noveau riche but the fashion-conscious upper middle class.

The collection came in a rainbow of coloured gerogettes and sensuous chiffons, from muted off-whites and beige to combinations in peacock blue and navy blue, elegant black with cream and white, bright Indian reds, leaf greens and even the bold fuchia pink with orange, yellow and green borders.

The repertoire is "the juxtaposition of traditional,ancient Indian, Japanese and Egyptian motifs with contemporary designs and the embelllishments are crystals and beads and gold thread work keeping in mind the festive season", Shobhaa said.

Three of the desginer saris were auctioned at Rs 25,000 each. The proceeds would go to Parikrama, a city-based NGO which works for street and orphan children.

Source: Hindu.com

Million-dollar outfits worth weight in gold

They're the new fashion heavyweights: a Tokyo design school sent models decked out in more than 1,500 Austrian gold coins clinking down the catwalk on Thursday to showcase its students' skill.

The coins, lent by the Austrian Mint Office and worth more than $1.2 million, were sewn onto three pieces of apparel -- a full-length dress weighing 10 kg (22 pounds) and two jackets weighing up to 21 kg (46 pounds).

The outfits, shimmering like golden scales in the spotlight, were designed by students at Bunka Fashion College for their annual school festival.

The coins were sewn onto the clothes in a locked room within the college campus, where the teachers kept a constant watch. "I felt the weight of the task as I sewed on each piece, coin by coin," said student Yuko Imauji.

One of the models became overwhelmed with the weight of his outfit, a 15 kg jacket, which was swiftly taken off.

"The dress is heavy but well constructed and it fits well," said female model and student Haruna Mine said.

"My back's feeling it, though -- it would be tough to wear these coins every day."

Gold prices hit a 28-year high on Thursday as the dollar dropped. Spot gold hit a high of $799.30 an ounce, its highest since January 1980.

Source: reuters.com

Get ready for the runway

Following the success of her debut collection at the inaugural Dubai International Fashion Week (DIFW) in April, internationally acclaimed Dubai fashion designer, Mille Rostock has again been selected to showcase her breathtaking new Spring/Summer 2008 collection on 23 October at DIFW in the One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel.

The Danish-born designer recently returned from Copenhagen International Fashion Week where her uniquely feminine and romantically-inspired collection caught the eye of numerous international buyers including one of the largest fashion houses in South Korea. Since launching her brand, Mille Rostock's designs have been bought into by many of the leading boutiques in Dubai and featured in numerous fashion shoots across the regions fashion press.

Commenting on what inspires her collections and what it means to be selected to showcase her latest designs Mille explained, 'This season I'm inspired by Hollywood glamour in the 1930s and 40s. Vintage inspired dresses are timeless and the daytime dresses the Hollywood starlets wore emphasize curves, drape elegantly and have a discreet sexiness.'

Key colours and flowing natural fabrics include dusted silver and rose with tonal colours in silk and chiffon mixed with black denim and jersey to create an interesting contrast. The nature of these delicate fabrics combined with the flattering cuts, allows for minimal embellishments and for femininity and elegance to flow whilst achieving a distinctively cutting edge look for today's sophisticated urban woman.

'I feel honoured to represent Dubai at this exciting and fast evolving international fashion week. I feel my collection reflects the diversity and cultural mix of the people and styles that makes this city so unique. Living within such a dynamic environment has definitely influenced my outlook and the way in which I design the cuts and use the fabrics to encompass the lifestyle and glamour of this region.'

Source: ameinfo.com

Fire injuries claim life of designer Suri

Fashion designer Mona Suri has died in New Delhi of injuries she suffered when two men attempted to burn her alive this summer.

The Times of India said Sunday the 35-year-old Indian designer, who was attacked by unidentified assailants at her home in August, suffered multiple-organ failure and died Saturday at a New Delhi hospital. Suri had been admitted to the hospital Aug. 12 following the horrific attack.

The designer had previously told police a colleague of her husband may have behind the attack, leading to charges being filed against the man. Yet the slow pace of the investigation has frustrated Suri's family, who demanded the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation become involved.

"The police investigations were on the right track in the beginning but later it lost direction and for the last 40-50 days, they could not manage to make any headway in the case. We want a CBI inquiry," said Taranjeet Bawa, Suri's brother.

Source: United Press International

A Safari themed Kevan Hall show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion

Born in Detroit, Kevan Hall attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit, where he studied fashion design. He won first place as "Designer of Tomorrow" - a scholarship sponsored by the Los Angeles-based Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

Hall graduated from the Fashion Institute with a Peacock Award for "Outstanding Fashion Design".

In 1982, Hall with his wife and partner, Deborah launched Kevan Hall Couture.

In 2002 he launched his signature Kevan Hall Collection.

The celebrity designer has a long list of Hollywood A listers who have worn his creations to the red carpet. Some of his clients among others are Celine Dion, Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Charlize Theron, Salma Hayek, Felicity Huffman, Vivica A. Fox, Virginia Madsen, Garcelle Beauvais, Debra Messing and Renee Zellweger.

Hall's recognitions include Life & Style magazine's "Stylemaker of the Year", The 47th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Award's "Designer of the Year", Peacock Award for "Outstanding Fashion Design" and NAACP's "Great American Designer."

Kevan Hall presented his Africa: A Safari themed runway show on the second day of the Mercedes Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week Spring 2008, Smashbox Studios Culver City, CA Oct 15 2007.

A long time supporter of Africa cause, the theme was chosen to inspire others to support Africa related charities. Celebrities seated on the front seat were Vanessa Williams, Jessica Colins, Alexandra Rose Rieger, Eric La Salle, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Rebecca DeMornay and Jennifer Beals.

Source: sawf.org

Designer's creations on show

An exhibition on the work of Irish fashion designer Neilli Mulcahy opens at the National Museum this week.

Mulcahy ran a Dublin shop producing haute couture garments in the 1950s and 1960s and also designed the Aer Lingus uniform in 1962.

The exhibition includes examples of her garments, fashion photographs, fabrics, accessories, hats and design drawings. The designer donated her archive to the museum's decorative arts and history campus at Collins Barracks.

Source: The Press Association

Nicky Hilton's casual chic

LA Fashion Week got off to a great start with the debut of Nicky Hilton's new ready-to-wear label, Chick by Nicky Hilton.

After making her New York Fashion Week debut last month with her high-end Nicholai line, Hilton was poised and demure as she gave interview after interview about Chick, the casual-wear label she launched in 2004.

"It's my first clothing line," she said. "So it's my baby."

Aimed at girls and named for Hilton's childhood moniker ("My parents thought I looked like Tweety Bird"), the line features flirty minidresses, floaty tops, playful patterns and super-high hemlines.

"It's very cute, very girly, very feminine. It's very reflective of the LA lifestyle - laid-back, casual," she said. "Nicholai is definitely for the mature, sophisticated customer ... whereas Chick is just fun pieces."

Still, the line has evolved over its three years. "Before it was a lot of sweat suits, T-shirts and tank tops, but now I'm doing more denim and tops and dresses."

Punchy prints - delicate swans, glass slippers and bright red apples - define the spring collection. An apple-covered A-line dress is topped with a black belted trench coat. Swans decorate sundresses and slim-fitting shifts. Printed halters and tanks float over tiny shorts.

Solids also make a statement in swingy T-shirt dresses, high-waisted "sailor trousers" and skinny jeans. Some of the best offerings came in black, including a knee-length dress with ruffle sleeves, a scalloped hem and a white Peter Pan collar and an airy voile top worn with wide-leg pants.

Hilton's parents took a front-row seat for the show, as did actress Jaime Pressly and Petro Zillia designer Nony Tochterman, who is set to close Fashion Week with her show on Thursday night. Hilton's older sister, Paris, did not make an appearance.

Though the day marked Hilton's second fashion week in as many months, she is not done yet. She is set to show Nicholai in Mexico City and Moscow in the coming weeks.

The cameras are coming along, too. A crew from MySpace.com has been documenting the designer's work and plans to follow her on her international adventure for its fashion feature, The Fit.

Still, Hilton seems humble about her international success.

"I'm excited," she said. "I've never been to Mexico City or Russia, so just for me to be able to go there is fun."

Source: theage.com.au

Top designers to showcase collections at AusStyle 2007

A team of 10 top Australian fashion designers will showcase their latest collections to Middle East buyers in AusStyle 2007 at The Monarch Dubai from 4-7 November.

It's the third time the event has been held and represents double the number of designers who took part in last year's AusStyle which successfully matched buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Jordan with inspired designs from ‘Down Under'.This year, buyer meetings will be held throughout the three day event titled ‘La Dolce Vita' (the beautiful life) - Australian style, which will culminate with cocktails and a fashion show for invited VIPs on November 7.

Organiser Milica Duric of the Australian Trade Commission says that while Australia and Dubai are miles apart geographically they have many similarities in climate and lifestyle that make fashion translate well between the two countries.

"We both have warm weather throughout the year with less defined seasons than many Northern Hemisphere countries, so the fabrics and styles our designers use are more compatible with the Middle East than many European collections," says Milica.

Access to top quality fabrics and fibres and an increasingly multicultural society also add to the creative inspiration of the Australian designers who will present unique collections of garments and accessories suited to a wide range of applications from trend-setting café culture to red carpet glitterati events.

"Dubai is renowned internationally as a shopping destination providing consumers with a global snapshot of the world's leading fashion brands. We hope to contribute to that reputation by sharing the latest Australian talents being recognised nationally and internationally," Milica says.

Each year AusStyle hand picks a new group of innovative and successful designers with proven commercial appeal to introduce to the Dubai market, providing an opportunity for UAE retailers to gain potentially exclusive regional access to fresh new looks at a competitive price point while giving the designers added exposure in a dynamic market.

"It's a win-win situation that's good for both the fashion industry and consumers," she says.This year's featured designers are Aurelio Costarella, Charlie Brown, Nina Maya, Verduci-Smith, Ghost & Lola, Bagtart, Gina Kim, Sacha Drake, Kimono Collections and Marniinako.

The continuing success of the high profile event has attracted backing for AusStyle 2007 from elite sponsors, The Monarch Dubai, HSBC Bank International, ModelCraft, Lexus, Cicero & Bernay and Harper's Bazaar, as well as Etihad, Quintessentially, L'Oreal Professionnel, Model Co, Aldo and Pinctada Pearls.

Courtesy: ArabianBusiness.com

Reliance Retail Announces Apparel Speciality Store

The Apparel, Luggage and Accessories division of Reliance Retail has announced the launch of their first Apparel specialty store "Reliance Trends" in Gurgaon. Reliance Trends store at Ambi mall offers some of the best (100+) Indian and International brands in 30,000 square feet of shopping area ,and has been designed and furnished by the best of breed international design agencies, to offer a high quality and lavish shopping experience to the Indian Consumer.

The store layout compliments the evolving tastes and preference of fashion savvy consumers, giving them an opportunity to view /shop with ease, along with an army of well trained customer service associates, to compliment the entire shopping process. Riding on the tremendous success at Reliance Mart in Ahmedabad, the apparel division of Reliance Retail is well on track to democratize fashion and make it attainable to the masses.

This is being made possible by the extraordinary design pool of Indian and International designers, integrating the international design trends and preferences of the Indian Consumers. The company is offering solutions to common maintenance problems through its state of the art innovative products like Ever White Shirts, Anti Stain Trousers, Wrinkle Free Range of garments, aromatic clothes for infants and quick- dry sports wear that ensures optimum moisture management.

Product Quality has been ingrained into the DNA of Reliance Trends and is integral to its mission of "Grahak Devo Bhava". The Quality system processes are designed, implemented and monitored as per international standards by a highly competent team of professionals. To deliver the customer the best value for their money, only those products that demonstrate an exemplary safety and quality meeting both implicit and explicit needs of the customer are approved for purchase.

Some of the quality standards that are being followed are American Association of Textiles, Chemists & Colorists, American Standard, ISO & BIS test methods. For the first time in organized retail, Reliance Trends is introducing a Made to Measure tailoring service, offering customized fits to all the customers buying fabrics from the store at prices comparable to their neighborhood tailors.

Reliance Trends is offering a homogeneous mix of private labels and brands across men's, women's and children's categories to fulfill every customer's requirement. The Network range of garments comprises of formal office wear collection for men and women, while the Netplay range, showcases a smart casual collection for the evolving workplace. The DNMX range has been developed with a clear focus on the youth of India, offering them exclusively crafted fashion garments like Denims, T shirts etc.

Sparsh range of Indian wear for women, offers the finest collection of Salwar Kurtas, Churidars and a fast evolving Mix n Match range of garments. An exclusive label, Panda , has been developed for infants and toddlers , while the Frendz range of garments would compliment the wardrobes the growing generation of boys and girls.

Apart from these private labels, the store is also offering some of the most renowned brands in the country like Lee, Wrangler, Peter England , John Players, Black berry's, Gini n Jony , Liliput , Indigo Nation , Biba and designer labels like AND either directly or through their sub brands, most of these exclusively for Reliance Trends.Continuing the tradition of reaching out to the middle class of the country, the current offering from Reliance Trends is easily affordable to the Indian consumer.

The specific private label called First Class, is designed to cater to a range of garments cutting across mens', momen's, and children's wear to deliver extreme value to the Indian consumers.Taking forward the vision of Shri. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director, Reliance Industries Ltd.

Reliance Trends delivers unmatched affordability, quality and choice of products and services to the consumer. Reliance Retail continues to fine tune its offering by listening to the consumers and learning from them. This, as the Chairman envisions, will be the beginning of transforming Indian retailing with benefits for the Consumer.

Source: Business Wire India

Wild prints charming enough for every day

When an conceptualist designer like Hussein Chalayan – renowned for having once featured a wooden coffee table as a skirt and dresses illuminated with LED lights – shows a collection that includes plain handkerchief hem tunics, ordinary shorts suits and uncomplicated accordion-pleated dresses, as he did on Wednesday night, it neatly sums up the mood designers in Paris are projecting for next spring/summer.

Their modus operandi seems to be designing wearable clothes that will actually sell. Even the format of the Chalayan show – eschewing a runway altogether – was a simple video resentation in an art gallery showing a few models against a black background moving in and out of the camera lens for all of 10 minutes.

With Paris fashion week drawing to a close on Sunday and some of the big French fashion houses like Lanvin, Chanel and Louis Vuitton yet to show, the runways so far have featured a lineup of commercial clothes for real women – at least those with the high-rolling bank accounts.

It seems the City of Light has turned down the wattage this season and London, which seems to be having a fashion renaissance, is the capital that's churning out new ideas. British wunder-boys Christopher Kane and Giles Deacon seem to be the bright beacons on the horizon. But why the reality check here in Paris, the fashion capital the world looks to for flights of fancy when it comes to frocks?

It could be argued that with some of these houses turning out six or more collections a year, if you count menswear and resort, there has never been more pressure on a designer to come up with ideas. Even for the most talented, not every collection can be a mega-hit.

Or it could be that the men who control the purse strings are sending out their own memo to the design department: make clothes that will sell. Yes, fragrances and accessories are the cash cows, but why shouldn't the clothing be utilized to increase those profit margins?

Emerging markets like Russia, China and India have a voracious appetite for luxury labels but these newcomers to the fashion scene are looking for clothes, not with edge, but that they can wear with assurance that their outfits spell out status and wealth.

And perhaps that is why this week's collections, while safe and commercial, have also been in quintessentially classic Parisian good taste.

Even the ring leader of theatrics, John Galliano, toned it right down for Dior with pinstriped suits, bias cut dresses and flapper cocktail numbers.

If there was one big fashion trend that emerged it was a riot of prints and a bonanza of botanicals.

Dries Van Noten sent out a kaleidoscopic collection that deftly mixed several unrelated colourful graphic florals. Some fabrics mixed two or more clashing prints. But he made it look so easy, charming and feminine, that these were dresses, tops and soft pyjama-style pants that women will want to cherish forever. Bright and romantic, they will certainly hold a special place in a wardrobe.

Christian Lacroix, another mix master of prints, sent out an exuberant collection that featured broad, abstract, painterly brushstrokes.

But among the powerful prints and wild headwraps on models, were pencil slim skirt suits that resonated French chic.

One designer exiting his long and storied career on a high note was Valentino, who showed his last ready-to-wear collection this week. His label will continue under Alessandra Facchinetti, the designer most known for succeeding Tom Ford at Gucci until she was let go after a few seasons.
The show was not a melancholy affair but rather boasted a foot-tapping soundtrack of disco hits and a lineup of what he did best for the past 45 years came sashaying down the runway. Elegant column dresses, ruffles and bows, swirls of feminine polka dots and svelte skirt suits.

Here was a designer who built a stellar career and remained relevant and successful for more than four decades by giving women what they want; feminine, sexy, glamourous and utterly wearable clothing.

Source: Toronto Star

Funkshion starts on Oct 10!!

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami is pleased to announce that on October 10 th will open with Harpers Bazaar MAGIA DE LA MODA Fashion Show at Paris Theatre to celebrate its 5 th anniversary. Please be sure to join us for this very special night.

OCTOBER, 10-14, 2007

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami is pleased to announce the dates for its October ’07 shows. It should be no surprise that a leading trend markets like the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach have proven a need for a fashion week to call their own. FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach presented by Lexus, will fuse music, fashion and like no other city in the world could do. This is Fashion Week - MIAMI BEACH STYLE!

For the Spring/Summer 2008 Collections, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will build a state-of-the-art event pod at the Paris Theatre, Hotel Setai and Ice Palace located in the heart of Miami Beach and Miami, October 10 th - 13 th , 2007. The Paris Theatre is a 1940 Art Deco landmark located in the heart of the world-renowned South Beach district. The former movie palace has been meticulously restored and transformed into a state-of-the-art production facility utilized by the world's most renowned photographers, recording artists and fashion advertisers.

Along with our more traditional runway shows, FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will also host a special show consisting of some of the country's hottest up and coming young designers. At this show, Perrier Sparkling Natural Mineral Water will award the best and brightest of these designers with the Perrier "Bubbling Under" Award recognizing excellence in emerging fashion talent. The panel of judges will be made up of media elite, trade industry VIP's, designers, celebrities and members of Fashion Group International. Perrier will award the winning designer with a cash prize to help further their design career.

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a four-day event (October 10 th to the 13 th ) that provides an intelligent, innovative platform for progressive, established, and emerging designers to showcase their collections to media, celebrities, international buyers, and select style makers. FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach will celebrate the energy and substance of style across classes and cultures. The shows are geared towards designer diffusion collections and innovative lifestyle brands. Designers will integrate music into their shows, many personally selecting their favorite celebrity DJs to preside over their runway spectacles FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach has harnessed the curiosity and support of established and emerging talent from the international fashion and lifestyle arenas.

This year we will feature new designs by designers such as True Religion, Adriano Goldschmied, Christina Ferrari and others.

On October 13th at 9pm, music and fashion collide at Mix N Mash — the official FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach Fashion Show and after party fueled by Red Bull Energy Drink. Hosted at the Ice Palace Film Studio in Miami, Mix N Mash is a battle of music and fashion featuring five designers from top Florida-based Art and Design Schools competing against each other in a runway show while simultaneously a DJ battle ensues between Little Louie Vega with Annane, Dj Dummy, Dj Irie and Dj Tabu. Featured designers come from International Academy of Design and Technology (Orlando), International Academy of Design and Technology (Tampa), Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale, and Ai Miami Intl University of Art & Design. Red Bull Formula One Race car driver Vitantonio Liuzzi will open the show, adding a little more “mix” to the “mash.”

“It’s great to be here and showing spring collection. Miami really is the fashion capital, they say that it is New York, but really all the of energy is here, and all the new ideas are here, so I think it’s good that we are here showing as well”, says Russell Simmons on Fashion Week Miami Beach.

Source: FUNKSHION