The Soapbox » What Kate Did

Shoe Weekend, Tom Ford to follow Lanvin?

The Soapbox — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:02:50 +0000

For all the shoe lovers, there’s only one place to be this weekend. London department store Liberty is hosting their first Shoe Weekend according to Vogue. The weekend started off with Nicholas Kirkwood’s boutique showcase consisting of shoes he’d created for designers such as Erdem and Rodarte. Other highlights include Raphael Young’s new collection, a drag performance and Rupert Sanderson hosting a discussion with Vogue’s editor-at-large Fiona Golfar and unveiling his resort collection.

After all the hoopla surrounding Lanvin’s collaboration with H&M, industry peeps and fashionistas alike have been wondering who can top the euphoria created by Alber Elbaz. Elle seems to have a clue. Rumours are circulating that Tom Ford may be next in line. His appointment at the retail giant will see him join other designers such as Matthew Williamson and Stella McCartney in spreading the luxury to the masses.

Dolce & Gabbana are representing Italian fashion at a new exhibition showcasing the key moments in modern fashion. Vogue is report that the Les années 1900-2000: Histoire Idéale de la Mode Contemporaine. Vol. 2 will house two D&G creations from the last twenty years. The items in question include a stone-embellished corset from their autumn/winter 91/92 collection and later worn by Madonna and the armour corset dress Lady Gaga rocked in her Paparazzi video.

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

Vogue’s Best Dressed, Tavi and Sassy Team Up

The Soapbox — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:50:28 +0000

Vogue has just released their Best Dressed of the Decade supplement and
coming out tops is Kate Moss. According to the team at US Vogue “No one
has had more influence for the past decade on the way women have dress than
Kate Moss.” Other stylish ladies featured include Alexa Chung who was
awarded the Street Cool prize, Sarah Jessica Parker for the Haute Bohemian
award and Lady Gaga The Visionary.

Finally the wait’s over. Images of Tom Ford’s Spring 2011 collection have landed. The first female collection from the designer in several years hasbeen guarded secretly with a no-camera rule at his runway show. Althoughsome editors managed to tweet some pictures, the industry wanted more. Fashionista have some of the images and they’re well worth the wait!

One of the most popular stories this week has been the royal engagement.
Although Will has only just put a ring on it, the industry is speculating on
the dress Kate Middleton will be wearing for her nuptials. Grazia has gotten
some industry experts together and asked them about their opinion. Read them
all here.

Teen blogger Tavi is making her way from the web to the publishing world
according to Fashionista. She recently took to her blog Style Rookie to
announce she’ll be launching a magazine with Jane Pratt, the founder of Sassy
and Jane magazines. What’s even better is that the two ladies are looking
fro submissions, ideas and interns. If you’re interested you can mail yours
to MagazineSubmissionsAreFun@gmail.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.

An End to the s/s Runways and the Recession

The Soapbox — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:30:39 +0000

After a month on the runway shows of New York, Paris, Milan and London, the spring shows have ended. Elle UK has compiled a list of their favourite shows this season. Check it out here.

What recession?! The LVMH group reported a 19% sales increase for the year. Released earlier this week Vogue is reporting that the luxury goods company, which owns Louis Vuitton and Moët among others, have confirmed an annual revenue of £12.4 billion. The increase is calculated on the first nine months of the year compared to the same time period last year. It seems luxury will never go out of fashion.

Grazia has first look at a fabulous new fashion book. Couture in the 21^st Century is a look into how some of the century’s best designers use the skills and techniques first practiced by Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. Written by Deborah Bee, the book will also feature interviews with Giorgio Armani, Oscar de la Renta and Paul Smith to name a few. Photographer Rankin also used his skills to produce portraits of each of the designers featured.

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

Designer Books, Stars and Cards

The Soapbox — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:36:27 +0000

There’s a new book to add to the fashionista’s bookshelf. Department store Harrods have collaborated with publisher Rankin to create a book that delves deep into the inspirations of some of the fashion industries most fabulous designers. Vogue is reporting that influential designers such as Roland Mouret, Paul Smith and Oscar de la Renta all made the cut. Their interviews will be presented along with photographs, illustrations and individual portraits. The book will be available from mid-October.

Grazia have lined up the new generation of front row stars. Among the list is Micky Green. Green is an Australian singer who lives in Paris. She was spotted at Chloe and Sonia Rykiel. Canadian singer Beatrice Martin lit up the front row of Chanel, Jean Charles de Castelbajac and Sonia Rykiel. Astrid Berges-Frisbey already has a reason for commanding the spotlight, the actress has been cast in the new Pirates of the Caribbean film opposite Johnny Depp and is clearly a big hit with Uncle Karl too as she made front row at Chanel.

High Life magazine has teamed up with designers to illustrate and create postcards for Comic Reflief. In a bid to promot the minor art form of postcards, designers such as Giles Deacon, Manolo Blahnik and Philip Treacy have all created postcards to be auctioned off for charity. To see the postcards and make a bid, you can visit Vogue.

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

The September Issue and the Gorgeous Issue

The Soapbox — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:14:38 +0000

The fourth issue of Love magazine features a collection of the industry’s most beautiful ladies. The Gorgeous issue features Gisele Bunchen, Agyness Deyn, Alessandra Ambrosio, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Lauren Hutton and Buela, a Louis Vuitton doll. Editor, Katie Grand, told Vogue that in her mind each of these women are perfect. The magazine features the various ladies each representing various perceptions of beauty.

The most important month is fashion, September, is upon us. Fashionista have started to rank the various magazine covers. Click on through for their analysis of the best and worst September issues.

Newly-married model Miranda Kerr has officially confirmed her pregnancy. The Victoria’s Secret model is four months pregnant according to Elle. Rumours have been circulating about the Australian model’s pregnancy prior to her wedding last month to Orlando Bloom.

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

Beckham Bags and Hermes Scarves

The Soapbox — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:28:03 +0000

Victoria Beckham will launch her own line of handbags. According to Vogue Ms Beckham will collaborate with Katie Hillier, who previously worked with Marc Jacobs on his runway accessories. The plans are still in the early stages but judging from her design talents which have silenced quite a few critics, the bags are bound to impress.

Luxury label Hermes have just launched a website all about their scarves says Elle UK. The site J’aime mon Carre which translates to I Love My Scarf is a streetstyle blog featuring pictures of the oh-so-fabulous sporting the brand’s signature product in various styles, colours and methods. The website also marks the collaboration between Hermes and French shop Colette. The two have teamed up to create a special collection of scarves which will be sold exclusively by the boutique in September.

If you’re keen to invest in a designer handbag head on over to Fashionista as they count down the Top 5 handbags that are worth their fame and your moolah. Entries include the Chanel quilted flap bag, the Mulberry Neely and the Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton Top Handle.

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

Criticism fired at Rodarte while Adidas goes luxe

The Soapbox — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:05:55 +0000

After facing severe criticism for their MAC make-up line, Rodarte has commented on the incident. The range was inspired by Juarez, a Mexican factory town infamous for high rape and murder rates Kate and Laura Mulleay, the sisters behind the label said: “We recognize that the violence against women taking place in Juarez needs to be met with proactive action. We never intended to make light of this serious issue and we are truly sorry.”. Vogue has reported that the designers have since changed the names of the offending products.

Grazia Daily has reported that a private memorial service has been arranged for the late designer Alexander McQueen. The service will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Monday 20^th September during London Fashion Week.

Vogue has all the details on the latest Stella McCartney for Adidas sportswear range. The latest collection will include glow-in-the-dark apparel. In addition, there will also be a Wintersports line which will feature figure-hugging jackets with alpine scene graphics.

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

London Fashion Week and Crystal Renn for Gaultier

The Soapbox — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:03:53 +0000

The schedule for London Fashion Week has been released. Vogue UK is reporting on all the labels set to hit the catwalk this September. Heavyweights like Matthew Williamson, Antonia Berardi, Burberry Prosum and Jonathan Saunders will continue to show with a whole range of newcomers. Those popping their LFW cherry inclue Michael Van Der Ham, Mary Katrantzou, David Koma and Holly Fulton. Also a first-time is former Givenchy creative director Ozwald Boateng who will showcase a menswear collection. Retunring to London is Giles Deacon who has been absent after showing in Paris for two season. For the full lineup click here.

As much as we love international labels, there is nothing like some homegrown talent. True Love magazine is holding its second fashion awards where you decide who is South Africa’s most fabulous and talented designer. The ten finalists included names like David Tlale, Abigail Betz and Black Coffee will win a prize of R20 000 while voters stand in line to win R5000 among over prizes. You can read more about the awards on their official Facebook page and can go here to vote.

Happy Birthday to British Elle. The fashion magazine turns 25 years old this year. You can join in the festivities by helping to choose your favourite cover. All you ahev to do is head over to the cover archives and select your favourite. The results will be published in big birthday issue in October.

Arguably the most famous plus-size model, Crystal Renn has been cast as the face of Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Autumn 2010/11 advertising campaign. The colouful campaign will also feature models Kelly Moreria and Chineese model Ping Hue says Vogue. The campaign will be photographed by Inez and Vindoodh. This is not Renn’s first outing for Gaultier, she walked in his 2005 Spring/Summer show. Most recently she starred in a advertising campaign for Dolce & Gabbana and walked for Mark Fast and Chanel.

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

Fashion’s football fever

The Soapbox — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:21:32 +0000

The world’s greatest sporting event has just become uber stylish. The 2010 Fifa World Cup has had some fashion injected into the tournament with the official travel case of the trophy being designed by Louis Vuitton. The custom-made case was unveiled by Louise Vuitton and supermodel Naomi Campbell earlier this week. The case was commissioned specially by Fifa and was handmade in the fashion house’s original workshop in Asnières. A spokesman for Louis Vuitton told Vogue, “This exceptional commission truly honours Louis Vuitton’s 150- year tradition of craftsmanship and savoir-faire. We are also delighted to be part of the great festival of football that the 2010 FIFA World Cup promises to be, and to renew our ties with the host country South Africa, with which we have had for many years a very special relationship.”

If you’re in London, be sure to check out the revamped Chanel boutique in Harrods. The recently-opened space designed by New York architect Peter Marino is 245 square metres of pure decadence says Elle UK. Complete with luxury handbag wall, the latest collections from Paris and Shanghai and the new Coco Cocoon range of handbags, this is the place to be.

Two dresses from the late Alexander McQueen will go on auction. Vogue is reporting that the auction will take place at Bonham in London’s Knightbridge at the end of the month will feature two dresses from McQueen’s Autumn/Winter 2007 range. The first piece is a gold embellished floor-length dress worn by Holly Valance at the Brit Awards. The second piece is a cream gown with peacock feather bustier. The former dress is expected to be sold between £12,000 to £18,000 and the latter between £10,000 and £14,000.

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

Gerri’s dress and a new Top collection from Kate

The Soapbox — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:15:57 +0000

An online poll by OffersSupermarket has revealed that according to readers votes, the most iconic dress of the past fifty years is Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress. The former Spice Girl wore the infamous dress for the band’s performance at the Brit Awards in 1997 and capatured 82% of the votes according to The Telegraph. The rest of the top include Liz Hurley’s Versace safety pin dress, Marilyn Monroe’s white dress from The Seven Year Itch, Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy black dress with pearls from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Lady Gaga’s white wig and ensemble from the latest Brit Awards.

Fashionologie is reporting on two new supermodel developments. The first being Claudia Schiffer’s new baby girl. Fresh from posing naked and preggers on the cover of German Vogue, the model and husband Matthew Vaughn welcomed a second daughter into their family. They already have two children, Caspar 7, and Clementine 5. The family are set to announce the new baby name later this week. Also happening in London was the wedding of Dutch model Lara Stone and comedian David Walliams. The paired were married in a traditional ceremony at the Claridges Hotel. Lara wore a custom-designed dress by Riccardo Tisci (of Givenchy). Guests included Tom Ford, Mario Testino, Lily Donaldson and Jefferson Hack.

In shopping news, Kate Moss has unveiled her new collection for Topshop. The collection has been described as decidedly girlie. As with previous collections, the inspiration is part-vintage and part-Kate’s own wardrobe. Expect lost of ruffles, maxi dresses, smocks and lace.

Mulberry’s Alexa bag is definitely the bag of the year. Adored by fashion editors, celebrities and fashionistas, there is still a chance to join the Alexa-loving crowd. A new metallic gold version of the dress goes on sale today. The limited edition version is available at Selfridges online boutique.

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