August 2007

30 DAYS OF FASHION

30 Days of Fashion & Beauty was launched last night at The Old Art Factory on Oxford Street in Sydney and it was great to see familiar faces like Elle MacPherson and Delta Goodrem in attendance. ACP Magazines' Womens' Lifestyle division is running the event throughout the month of September and it is hosted by 12 of their major womens' magazines. The concept was inspired by The Hearst Corporation (ACP's joint venture partner) as they introduced it for the first time last year in New York. They were extremely successful and is now a permanent event that is also being presented to Los Angeles and Chicago. Here in Australia, there are more than 45 events planned across the country which include VIP parties, makeovers, workshops and giveaways. Check it out at www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.com.au

Krakow Cracks the Fashion List

Global Language Monitor is an American company that tracks trends in language usage worldwide. They have just released their list of the world's 25 Most Influential Cities in Fashion and it's interesting to see that New York has claimed the top spot for the fourth year in a row. Chicago didn't even make the list, even though it has its own fashion week and the Polish city of Krakow placed a heavy footprint in the 25th position. Krakow was the big surprise for many and I've been monitoring it since it joined the European Union. It's a city that's been growing rapidly and though previously it was great for manufacturing, its image and economy are now changing. Krakow is the second largest city of Poland and my friend Cathy's hometown. These days, it is considered the centre of Neo-Bohemian influence and its geographical location makes it a hub for transporting goods between Western and Eastern European countries. Keep your eye on this city...and the pierogi.

25 Most Influential Cities in Fashion 2007 :
1. New York 2. Rome 3. Paris 4. London 5. Milan
6. Tokyo 7. Los Angeles 8. Hong Kong 9. Las Vegas 10. Singapore
11. Berlin 12. Sydney 13. Barcelona 14. Shanghai 15. Melbourne
16. Moscow 17. Bangkok 18. Mumbai 19. Santiago 20. Rio de Janeiro
21. Sao Paolo 22. Buenos Aires 23. Johannesburg 24. Dubai 25. Krakow

HANDS OFF THE TARTAN

Burberry has filed a lawsuit against Iconix Brand Group, the parent company of the London Fog label. Apparently, London Fog is planning to sell trench coats that bare a checked lining which Burberry claims is too similar to their signature pattern. According to their complaint, the scarves are nearly identical and London Fog has placed an advertising spread in the September issue of Glamour magazine which Burberry state has the look and feel of their brand. The ad features Kevin Bacon, Cheryl Hines and Teri Hatcher wearing the trech coats and scarves that Burberry are having a spat about.

BINDI DOES FASHION

Bindi Irwin, the adorable 9 year old daughter of the late Steve Irwin, has entered the ragtrade. Her clothing line for children, Bindi International, was revealed to all at the world's largest fashion trade show, MAGIC, in Las Vegas. Bindi appeared with a Python around her neck and walked the runway like a true fashionista. The collection is designed for newborns to 10 year olds and Bindi aims to promote environmental messages with it. I'm certain she'll be as successful as in her TV Show, Bindi The Jungle Girl.

WIDE-LEG JEANS ARE BACK

Move over skinny jeans, the wide-legs are back. Yes, that's right. Skinnies are flattering but only on women with thin legs who are free of curves. Everyone else should steer away. If you don't, you might struggle long term to eject that scary image from your mind. You might even consider a crash diet and all this because these trousers were not designed for your body type. The wide-leg jeans are relaxed and comfortable. They suit most women because they disguise problem areas for ladies who are in need. With a nice stiletto, your legs appear longer, giving others the impression that you're as tall as Nicole Kidman. Designers are preparing to officially release the wide-leg jeans in the European Spring 2008 but the denim labels are way ahead of them. You can already find pairs in most of your favourite stores.

SHARAPOVA UNVEILS NEW NIKE OUTFITS

Maria Sharapova, the Russian tennis babe, showed off the new Nike outfits that she'll wear during the US Open on the rooftop of the Rockefeller Center. The tennis dresses have graphic interpretations of the New York skyline on the chest and this is done exceptionally well on the day dress. The red colour for the evening dress was chosen because New York is known as the "Big Apple" and it's decorated with more than 600 Swarovski crystals. Hopefully, they won't start falling off mid-game like Venus Williams' hair beads did one year. Remember that? She got fined and then lost the match. Anyhow, the back of the dress has three crystal buttons that create a keyhole effect and all the outfits are seam-free. Let's hope Maria defends her title as she is one of my favourite players. I was very emotional when she won Wimbledon in 2004 and I didn't even mind the grunting.

FASHION FAVOURS FEDERER

I love it when fashion and sport mix, especially when that sport is my favourite, tennis. The reason? Well, the greatest tennis stars are in New York for the US Open which begins next week so, fashionistas Jay Fielden (Men's Vogue Editor US) and Anna Wintour (Vogue Editor US) thought they should gather their friends for a dinner tonight in Roger Federer's honour. The venue? The much talked about Wakiya, the new high-end Chinese restaurant in the luxurious Gramercy Park Hotel. Any excuse for a party, right? Federer is the defending singles champion and graced the cover of Men's Vogue in the May/June issue this year.

LAGERFELD TURNS TO ACCESSORIES

Karl Lagerfeld will be releasing accessories in 2008. He is creating a less expensive alternative to the highly priced designer bags that are currently available. The range will consist of handbags, luggage and small leather goods. The price tag? The contemporary handbags will apparently retail between US $350-$850 and designer handbags will be retailing above US $1000. As far as the travel goods, the luggage will supposedly retail between US $485-$850.

Sarah Murdoch opens The Mothers' Retreat

Australian model, Sarah Murdoch (formerly O' Hare) launched " The Mothers' Retreat" sanctuary along with her "Birth Skills" book on Friday, 19th August 2007 at Lavender Bay in Sydney. The 12 room luxury retreat at AU $1300 per night welcomes mothers and their newborns and provides everything from practicle advice to beauty treatments. The book was co-written with Julia (Juju) Sundin, the well known Obstetric Physiotherapist and is all about techniques and tips to assist women with their labour. Sarah has been through it twice with the birth of her two sons.

Sarah is also involved in several not-for-profit arts and charitable bodies and seems to have a soft spot for children and the ladies. Currently, she's the ambassador of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and a patron of the Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation. No, that's not all. She loves dance as well (She can be my best friend now) and is a patron of The McDonald College of Performing Arts and a member of the Board of Directors for The Australian Ballet. Wait, there's more. She is still doing the ads for BONDS, Australia's iconic underwear label. So, here comes the question. How does she do it?

PARIS LAUNCHES CLOTHING LABEL

Paris Hilton has launched her self titled clothing label at her favourite LA boutique, kitson. Her denim and sportswear collection is "comfortable" and "affordable" and consists of jeans, t-shirts and shoes. Paris has been working on her designs over the last year and apparently, she has been dreaming of owning her own clothing line for quite some time.

WANNA BE POSH?

After becoming a bestseller in the UK, Victoria Beckham is getting ready for the second edition of her book. She's updating it and will also be releasing it in the United States in November. She writes her personal tips for beauty and fashion. It's titled, "That Extra Half an Inch" due to her love for high heels and she shares with us all that she has learned over the years so, we can improve our style and ourselves. Ladies, patience for a few more weeks. Practical guidance for all your fashion needs is on its way.

BEYONCE'S DIAMONDS

Diamonds, the much anticipated fragrance by Armani was launched at Macy's in Herald Square, New York. The face of it? None other than the bootylicious Beyonce Knowles, who looked stunning in a teal Armani tube dress. A large crowd gathered to witness the event and as usual, the crowd pleaser, Beyonce, signed autographs for all and did not disappoint. Let's hope some of the other starlets her age can learn a thing or two by this beauty queen.

TERI HATCHER SIGNS WITH BADGLEY MISCHKA

The Badgley Mischka frocks have always graced the red carpet at premieres and now Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher is the new face of their Fall Campaign. Mark Badgley and James Mischka are old mates with Teri and caught up with her at the American Idol final in May. They had dressed Teri at the 1993 Emmy Awards. Previous Badgley Mischka Campaigns have included the Olsen twins and Sharon Stone.

VALENTINO'S HISTOIRE BAG

Last month, Valentino celebrated 45 years in fashion and has proven that he still has the Midas touch. His gorgeous Histoire Bag is getting a lot of attention and is favoured by Hollywood ladies such as Nicolette Sheridan and Jennifer Garner. The most popular colour is the red patent leather. It has two flap pockets in the front, braided handles, square buckles, gold-toned hardware and yes, it is made in Italy. It costs US $1795 and is worth every penny.

HAVE CELEBS LOST THEIR GLAMOUR?

Cleo magazine in Australia will no longer feature celebrities on its covers. The decision has come after months of negative publicity of many Hollywood A-Listers who have been seen as bad or uninspiring role models for young females. So, the fashion models are back and will be gracing the covers of Cleo from now on. It's a bold move by its editors, as certain celebrities sell high volumes of magazines, but one which is important to set Cleo apart from the rest and to offer female readers covergirls that are aspirational.