The Soapbox | Where South Africans Speak Out

Vogue is setting the couples rumours straight. Firstly they are confirming that actress Halle Berry and her model baby daddy Gabriel Aubry have split. The two met whilst shooting an ad campaign for Versace in 2006 and have since gone on to have a daughter, Nahla, together. The other big couple rumour this week is whether the relationship between designer Marc Jacobs and his long-time partner Lorenzo Martone. The couple have confirmed they are still together by stepping out on the red carpet at the Spring Fling party last weekend. Lastly Vogue cover girl Sienna Miller confirmed she was no longer single at this year’s Met Ball. Miller has hooked up with her former fiancé Jude Law.

The annual list of the World’s Most Powerful Brands was released earlier this week. The list was compiled by Millward Brown Optimor. One of its directors, Pierre Dupreelle, told Fashionista.com that while the recent economic climate meant luxury brands suffered, it was still a good year, particularly in terms of strides made in digital marketing (Prada being the perfect example). Furthermore, some brands actually earned more than before the financial crisis. The top ten list sees Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci and Chanel hold on to their top four rankings. Others making the list include Hennessy, Rolex, Moët & Chandon, Cartier, Fendi and Tiffany & Co.

The former CEO of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas, died last weekend. The Frenchman ran the luxury goods company from 1978 until 2006 after stepping down due to his long-suffering with Parkinson’s disease, reports Vogue. Tributes poured in for the businesmmes from designer Jean-Paul Gaultier and Pierre Hardy, the artistic director of Hermès. Dumas leaves behind two children.

Lastly, the fashion quote of the week:

“He’s the master, so whatever he says, I obey.” – Anna Wintour, Vogue US editor-in-chief, on Karl Lagerfeld.

(Via fashionista.com)

Our fashion columnist, the incognito Green Eyes, blogs about life, love and fabulous fashion at her must-read blog: Skinny Bitches – In The Making.