Trend Alert: Kimberley Stewart and Ana Matronic share fringed styles (and dance moves!)

Have Kimberley Stewart and Ana Matronic from the Scissor Sisters been secretly swapping style tips? It seems that both lively gals were spotted overnight wearing fringed dresses in London. While Anna performed at the O2 Arena in gold fringeing which suited her to a tee, Kimberley got down at the St Tropez party at Amika nightclub in long black fringing. It seems they've both been swapping dance moves also.
Keep reading for more on this trend...

This trend of fringing has been slowly but surely building since the spring/summer collections debuted earlier this year. It was strong in collections from both Prada and Givenchy, which filtered out into accessories such as handbags.
Interested in trying out this trend yourself? Then Missoni's "Ethel" fringe dress is currently on sale for £300 (reduced from £1145) at Little London. On a budget? Then perhaps this flapper style fringed dress from Etsy for $34 will do the trick.

[Images: Getty/Style]

'M by Mariah Carey' fragrance launched

A flowery 'M by Mariah Carey' advert floated about the web last week, and aghast readers at Perez Hilton screamed bloody murder when deep resemblances to an old Gisele photoshoot were noticed. However, the photoshopped picture turned out to have been engineered by a fan, and peace was restored. Yesterday was the actual launch of the 'M by Mariah Carey' parfum, and the Aussie-star-studded party drew starlets like Ali Mutch, the sexy host of Aussie's Next Top Model - not to mention that, behind Ali, is a peek at Mariah's actual photo and advert for her new fragrance. Phew, Mimi's not crazy after all! I thought she'd gone quite mad before I knew the old advert was a fake, since I prefer Mimi's bare fashion faaar over the fake photo's over-the-top foilage! Pre-order the fragrance from Elizabeth Arden, for US$62.50 for 3.3oz.

[Images: Perez Hilton, Getty]

Sienna and Savannah launch Twenty8Twelve in New York

The first Twenty8Twelve collection by Sienna and Savannah Miller was launched in New York last week. The sisters hosted the event in their own designs while a behind-the-scenes video of the sisters working on their collection played on a big screen. This was the first time the girls’ parents had seen the collection. “Daughters tend to keep stuff from their mothers,” said the girls’ mother, Jo Miller, who wore Ralph Lauren. “I’m very proud of their creativity.”

The guest list was full of fashions hipsters, from Agyness Deyn, Anne Hathaway, Lily Donaldson, and Rachel Zoe were in attendance, with Neiman Marcus’s Ken Downing gushing to FashionWeekDaily over the collection. “The first thing that came to mind when I saw the collection in London is that it speaks to my girl,” he said. “It has that coquettish, flirty attitude that they both have. The line is really such a commentary on the two of them.”

[Source: FashionWeekDaily]

Tweety bird sets up shop in Beverley Hills

It looks like Mickey Mouse has competition... and it's in the shape of Tweety Bird. While the most famous mouse in the world pumps out a Disney couture line that celebrities like Nicole Richie and Christina Aguilera would clamour for, the cute yellow bird that spends most of his time looking over his shoulder for 'puddy tats' is now the inspiration behind the pop up Tweety Boutique in Beverley Hills. For a limited time only, everything from clothes to home accessories will be available to buy and all yellow.

However, don't go thinking it's all Tweety covered tees and pyjamas (although those are available too) Tweety has got some heavy hitters behind him in the shape of Alexander Wang and Charlotte Ronson. Even Thakoon has designed a yellow silk dress for the store, but don't despair, there are affordable options among the designer names in the shape of Havaianas for $23.

Located at 9699 Wilshire Boulevard and open from July 25th to September 3rd... that's all folks!

Add quirky touches to any outfit with the Indie Designer Labels website

If you're a fan of putting your own quirky spin on the trends of each season then take a look at the Indie Designer Labels website. Fashion, accessories, jewellery and handbags are just a few of the categories on offer. Even pick up pieces that are recycled, handmade or eco-friendly.

One website featured is Kristina Bilonick Studio, where for just US$22 you can pick up this adorable jewellery print website.

The suggestion is to pair it with oversized sunglasses and skinny jeans. Also try adding some cute pumps for a gorgeous off-duty look, perfect for the dodgy weather. Don't forget a cardigan though, for when the sun goes down!

Get Jessica Alba's Comic-Con denim look

Jessica Alba at the comic convention? Well it is officially called the '2007 Comic-Con International' and she was there with co-star Dane Cook to promote their romantic comedy Good Luck Chuck. Boy, didn’t she get the right combination of sexy-but-sweet with her outfit.

This flattering long denim dress showed off just enough skin around the décolletage, while keeping most of her shapely legs hidden. The gold ballet flats added a touch of glamour to the outfit. Perfect for a comic convention or a dinner date. Try the denim dress look yourself with these sweet denim dresses and gorgeous gold flats.

Product details after the jump...

1. Sweetface Denim Bandeau & Beaded Eyelet Dress.

2. Seven Jeans Smock Denim Mini Dress.

3. All Saints Strapless Denim Dress.

4. Olivia Morris Delia ballerina flats.

Paris Hilton for Kitson at Kitson!

I have never been more gutted that I don't live in L.A. How lucky all you Los Angeles folk are as you can now be styled by Paris Hilton! The former jailbird has been busy working away on her first clothing line which will be sold at Kitson from 16th August. From 1 - 3pm Ms Hilton will be on hand to offer advice to shoppers who can already pre-order two items from the collection. One of the items is a t-shirt with her face on it in a pop art style, she has been spotted out and about in it, much to everyone else's amusement. However, no doubt that it will sell out and a queue as long as that for Space Mountain at Disneyland will form.

The other item which you can currently pre-order is a pair of twist seam skinny jeans that appear to be designed in a way to make everybody's bum look bigger than it actually is. Why would anybody make such mean jeans? I hear you cry, because she's Paris Hilton so why the hell not?!

[source: Styledash]

Stella McCartney turns her skills to lingerie

She is the woman of the moment right now with her limited edition Glastonbury t-shirts and getting her Adidas range ready for her London Fashion week debut. Nevertheless, Stella McCartney is also in the midst of creating her very first lingerie collection - hurrah!

"This is a natural progression for me," McCartney told WWD. "Lingerie is an obsession of mine. I have been inspired by it for many, many years. Ever since my degree collection at Saint Martins, I have always used it in my work."

The silk, georgette and organic cotton range will launch in spring/summer 2008 under license with lingerie company Bendon, the same company who produces Elle Macpherson's 'Intimate' underwear line. However, knickers from McCartney won't come cheap with prices ranging from £35 to £220.

[source/Getty]

Who wore it better: Rihanna or Haylie Duff?

I wouldn't usually expect one of the Duff sisters and Rihanna to go for the same dress, and if they did, I would have expected it to be Hilary who seems to prefer more quirky choices, rather than Haylie. But, Haylie it was, working this gorgeous strapless minidress at the Maxim Hot 100 Party in May and pairing it with a gorgeous Chanel clutch. Rihanna wore the same one with Christian Louboutin heels last month to the Jay-Z and GIANT Magazine Exclusive MTV Movie Awards After Party. Who do you think wears it better?

Global : 17 fashion-luxury brands in top 100

Brand culture is spreading its wings around the globe, where companies are creating and building international brands to captivate consumers, not only by breaking geographical boundaries but also religious and cultural barriers.

The survey of Top 100 Best Global Brands shows how leading companies manage and promote their brands through unique business plans. Whether these initiatives focus on a communication output or an internal program to engage employees with the brand, all of the analysis suggests that the brand strategy itself has the ultimate impact on the brand’s ability to create and build its value.

For instance, the two sport giants see contrasting results, with Nike taking the 29th spot and Adidas at 69th. Same seems to be the scene for Personal Care category, where Gillette stands at 16th rank while Johnson & Johnson squeezes in at No 90.

At 51st position, L’Oreal was the only Cosmetic brand that made it to top 100.

As for Luxury brands, Louis Vuitton (LV) stood at 17th, Gucci made it to top 50 by holding the 46th spot and Tiffany’s was nowhere near and was ranked at 79.

Gap took the highest position in Clothing accessory fashion category at 61st and Polo Ralph Lauren just made it and grabbed the 99th spot.

In all, the top 100 global brands together were worth more than one trillion dollars. 17 brands made it from Fashion-Apparel-Luxury category, having earned elite reputation in their respective fields.

Fashion Scoop: Miller Time...

MILLER TIME: Sisters Sienna and Savannah Miller made a quick trip to New York on Thursday evening to mark the launch of their spring-summer

Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller collection at the rooftop of the Gramercy Park hotel. "I need a vacation," said Sienna, who left on Friday for Los Angeles to continue working on a new film. "I wish I could just come to New York for a break, but that hasn't happened in such a long time." She did, however, manage to dodge the paparazzi for a little while on Thursday morning when the girls went out for some quality sister time.

"We had a really great sister moment today and went to a little place down the street to get our nails done," Sienna said. As for the collection, don't expect to see it on a runway soon, although the sisters said they hope to show one day.

"For me, there has to be a real reason to have a show," said Savannah, who used to design for Alexander McQueen. "At McQueen, the clothes called for a production and he really puts on a real show."

Sienna agreed, but said, "I would love to have a show someday, maybe if we are bought by the Gucci Group. Then we can have one."

Victoria Bekcham To Open Her Own LA Store

Victoria Beckham is planning her latest move in her American offensive – opening up her own fashion store.

The Spice Girl is planning to open up a boutique on Los Angeles’ trendy Melrose Avenue to sell her own dVb designer wear.

A source tells the People, “Victoria wants to ensure she is as much of a fashion icon in the States as in the UK and this seems the ideal way to do it.

"Melrose Avenue is the place to have a store if you are a designer, so if Victoria pulls it off it will do wonders to boost her status.
"There are plans for a massive ad campaign to coincide with it. Nothing will be done by halves.

"Victoria is also in talks to model the designs herself but may decide it would just be better to stick to the business side of things."

Well, it shouldn’t be hard for Posh to become as much of a fashion icon in America as she is in the UK – ie; none whatsover.

Jane Magazine last issue features nude Eva Mendez

Something is in the water, cos just about everyone is taking off their clothes (damn them all for looking mighty fine, too.) Jane, the magazine usually known for its focus on the non-cookie-cutter woman and conspicuously avoiding the celebutante obsession, how-tos on how to be impossibly flawless at all time, while simultaneously learning every tip on how to teach your man to be a better lover, is including all that and more in its last run, the August issue.

Eva's looking flirty and playful on the cover with those strategically placed blooms, and inside, readers are treated to a black and white body shot of Eva looking exactly like a Guess advert. The 'Body Issue' promises other celebs who strip down, but now that I've seen Eva's fantastically flat abs and curvy, uh, back, I wonder who else could possibly top that? This is proof that there is such thing as the impossibly flawless, after all! Bless Jane Magazine for going out with a bang! Check out Eva's photos in high res, here: Egotastic.

Anne Hathaway's LBD at the premiere of Becoming Jane

Anne Hathaway is on another red carpet, this time for the premiere of her Jane Austin biopic, Becoming Jane. The starlet chose to go simple and chic in a little black dress with a plunging neckline and sequined detail. The dress hugged to her curves and the swept back hair and simple accessories suited the look perfectly.

What do you think of the look?

Becoming Jane was released in the UK in March, did you get to catch it on the big screen? It will start screening in the US on August 10, 2007.

A Topshop dress, Hilary Duff style

Earlier this month we showed you how to get Hilary Duff’s NBC Today show concert look with a Sonia by Sonia Rykiel dress. Well we’ve spotted one that is sort of similar on sale at Topshop. This black pleated dress with circle appliqué detail at the neck is quite reminiscent of Hilary’s dress, only with a round neckline and minus a belt. It’s a little more flower-child, but outfits are never as fun when they are 100% identical to pieces you’ve coveted on the catwalk or in the pages of a high fashion magazine. Get a similar look to Hilary's by adding gold hoop earrings and bangles, vamp up the eye make up a little and you'll be ready to dance the night away too.

Double take: Hilary Duff and Gretchen Mol

I love it when celebrities get snapped in the same thing which, as we know, happens all the time. However, what I love even more about the photos above is that while both Hilary Duff and Gretchen Mol are wearing the same dress, Gretchen is actually seven months pregnant.

Mummys-to-be rejoice! Ignoring this detail for a moment who do you think wears it better? Hilary or Gretchen?

Hayden Panettiere vamps into a 50s pinup in You Magazine

Hayden Panettiere’s 18th birthday is still a few weeks away, but that didn’t stop her from vamping it up in a cute 1950s sort of way for the cover of You Magazine. Wearing nothing more than cute little corsets and 1950s style bathing suits, the cute as a button star shows us a different side of her personality. She tells You magazine that “If you respect yourself and put out that sort of vibe, people will respect you.”

What do you think of magazine shoot?

Also did you hear that Hayden is planning to launch a singing career? She showed off her skills earlier this month on July 4th, singing the Star Spangled Banner as well as a few other songs.

'Fashion' at the UK Simpsons movie premiere (and we use that term lightly)

'Family' movie premieres in London can always be relied upon to bring us plenty of C-listers in bad clothes, and the premiere of the new Simpsons movie didn't disappoint. There were ex boyband members aplenty, not to mention poor Su-Elise Nash, who got accidentally credited on the photo wires as being her (slightly more famous) ex-bandmate Alesha Dixon. Ouch! Interestingly, the most fashion-forward attendee was actually Chloe Madeley (far right), daughter of Richard and Judy and obvious maxi dress fan. Other 'celeb' attendees included Lady Isabella Hervey in a very appropriate shade of yellow (left). Apparently she's now plugging her Red Letter Day experience, where she'll act as your personal trainer. After seeing her bitching her way through 'The Games' and 'Love Island' that's not something I'd want to receive as a gift...

Finally we have Keeley Hazell, who our token office boy confirms is a glamour model (and not a Cheryl Cole lookalike), posing next to her very own Simpsons character (Lily Allen's was better, though the real thing was a no-show). Like all good Page 3 girls, she went for short, girlie and cleavage enhancing.

*sigh* Nothing changes, does it?

Heather Graham, sexy or racy?

Heather Graham seems ageless to me, ever since her role as Felicity Shagwell in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, the blonde starlet always seems to be playing pretty much the same role. She was recently on the red carpet for a screening of her latest flick, Adrift In Manhattan yesterday. Wearing a pretty blue frock with lacy trimmings, I couldn’t help but wonder if Heather's dress was racy negligee or a sexy dress? It was definitely fun and flirty, but the lace panels made it seem like she could wear it from day to bed.
What do you think of Heather Graham's dress?

Red Carpet Watch: "The Bourne Ultimatum" premiere, LA

Forget Matt Damon, last night's premiere of the Bourne Ultimatum was all about the ladies. Julia Stiles led the charge in a floor-sweeping crocheted number which doesn't really grab me. It's a little too doily for my liking and I'm not loving the overkill of straps up top from her slip. Jennifer Garner, on the other hand, radiated in this black and white mini dress complete with Christian Louboutin peep-toes. For once she actually appeared at an event with hubby Ben Affleck in toe! I'm also a fan of Joan Allen's strapless frock and silver stilettos - taking a leaf out of Posh and Cam's book... snaps for that!

Is Jennifer Lopez the healthiest role model around?

Yesterday, Kim wrote about Beth Ditto's not happening collaboration with New Look (click here to take a peek). Most of you weren't keen on the idea, saying that her style isn't accessible enough for the larger lady, and that just as anorexia shouldn't be promoted in the fashion world, neither should obesity. One woman who could never be accused of either, is the gorgeous Jennifer Lopez. Admittedly I'm not always a fan of her style choices, but I think she's incredibly healthy looking - not only in terms of her curvaceous looks but also the way that she embraces what others see as flaws (i.e. having a big bottom) and makes them work. The picture above left is her at the premiere of El Cantante in which she and hubby Marc Anthony star. I'm not a huge fan of the dress there although it's clear why she chose it, but she looked cute as a button when she arrived in Puerto Rico earlier this week in an adorable white bubble dress.

What do you think of her look and body shape? If you aren't keen, who do you think is the celebrity who currently best promotes living looking healthy - but doesn't take it to extremes

Introducing... the cast of Cashmere Mafia (a.k.a. SATC II)

Based on four women, set in New York, written by Darren Star and styled by Patricia Field... if this isn't Sex And The City then I'm experiencing some serious de ja vu. The cast of new series Cashmere Mafia, along with Star appeared at the ABC TCA's to answer all the tough questions and the Sugar team were there to capture it all.


"This is a show that examines women from the point of view of women in business and the particular challenges they face as career women. SATC is a comedy about sex.... the shows are looking at women from two different points of view," Star said. Hmm...

Imitate Rachel Bilson's shopping outfit for under £100

Am I the only one who finds it tricky to decide what to wear for going shopping? Most of the time, I either look like I just rolled out of bed, literally, or as though I think I belong on a catwalk somewhere. How confident we feel in what we wear must to an extent effect what we're willing to try on or even buy, but luckily help is on hand in the actress form of the lovely Rachel Bilson. Despite no longer being one half of one of the most adorable couples around, her fashion choices seem to suggest she's coping pretty well!

What do you think of the style? If you're confident you could pull it off, click after the jump for price details.

1) High waist ultra wide leg jeans, Topshop: £45

2) Black rib scoop neck vest, River Island: £5.99

3) Gold lurex jacket, Miss Selfridge: £45

Topshop told to take out dress 'copied' from Chloé

Last week CQ reported on Diane Von Furstenberg's legal battle with high street retailer Topshop and it seems she's not the only one getting annoyed. More than 1000 £35 copies of the £185 Chloe dungaree dress have been removed from Topshop stores across the country and they have been forced to pay £12,000 compensation and legal costs to Chloé.Chloé are keen to emphasise their determination in the battle against counterfeit items, implying that they will be applying a zero-tolerance policy to the high street.

Sir Philip Green told The Times, "We paid them £12,000 without any admission over whether it was or it wasn't [a copy]. We felt it was easier to do that and get on with the rest of our lives." The issues of fakes continues to cause an increasing problem throughout the fashion world.

Sexy glam gals 'snort fashion' like cocaine

Fashion giant Benetton claims campaign totally fake

An advertisement featuring models snorting a white dress as if it were cocaine is causing an online fashion frenzy, but the company purported to be marketing itself claims the campaign is completely fake.


The image shows two women in glamorous outfits holding straws in a manner associated with inhaling drugs, appearing to be sniffing an outfit lying next to a small pile of white powder on a table top. The superimposed caption has the words "Sisley" and "Fashion Junkie," with the word "Fashion" actually misspelled as "Fashioin."

Sisley, which has been known for sexually provocative ads in the past, is a division of clothing giant Benetton.

Fashion-related sites across the Internet have been flooded with comments about the image.
"For the love of God! I have a 17-year-old daughter and it just kills me to think that she would see this ad or any other ad like this anywhere," writes Sandra Lynch in an online blog. "This is sick and twisted."

"I believe in freedom of advertising," said Bill Muckler, "but, I certainly would never buy, or sanction the use of, any of their products."

But Benetton claims the company is a victim in this case.

"In the recent days, images which are told to be part of the new Sisley advertising campaign have been published," says an official statement on its website.

"One of these images shows some girls 'sniffing a vest.' The allusion to drugs and alcohol is more than clear. We would like to clearly state that the Sisley brand (and the Benetton company) has nothing to do with these images and therefore we refuse to be linked with them."


It also says whoever is responsible could face legal action.
"These images infringe Benetton's rights in the Sisley trademark. Our legal department has therefore been retained to take all advisable actions to protect the company's rights and interests."

Benetton is no stranger to controversy with advertising, as it came under fire just before the turn of the century with a campaign featuring convicted murderers, which some called "United Killers of Benetton," playing off the company's slogan of "United Colors of Benetton."

Fashion taken to new heights

Forget Project Runway, two budding Wellington designers will unveil their collection at a unique in-flight fashion show 30,000 feet above the catwalk.

Friends Rachel Easting, 23, and Anjali Stewart, 24, will watch their label Love Lies Bleeding take off in the promotional pageant for the upcoming Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

The sky-high show will be held on an Air New Zealand flight from Sydney to Auckland on the eve of fashion week, starting on September 16.

The announcement was made yesterday in Auckland, together with the list of designers featuring at fashion week.

The in-flight show will also preview garments from the winter 2008 collections of Trelise Cooper, Lonely Hearts, Annah Stretton, Carlson, Cybele and Federation.

Passengers will be treated to a champagne breakfast and be given access to the fashion week opening night party.

Those confirmed for fashion week include designer heavyweights Karen Walker, Zambesi, Nom*D, Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester, Cybele, Huffer, Annah Stretton, and Auckland-based Lower Hutt designer Adrian Hailwood.

Wellington designers returning to the catwalk are Deborah Sweeney and Lonely Hearts. Another Wellingtonian, Alexandra Owen, was included in the announcement but said her participation was dependent upon sponsorship, which had not been confirmed.

Easting and Stewart are still riding high on their success at Australian Fashion Week in April, where they sold to buyers from a showroom and picked up five Australian stores.
This will be their New Zealand Fashion Week debut.

The pair attended Karori Normal School, Wellington Girls College and Otago Polytechnic together before establishing their fashion label two years ago.

"Going to fashion week is just going to be so much fun for us as it's our first time that we've designed a collection with the catwalk in mind," Easting said.

Other announcements included a collaboration between contemporary artist Robyn Kahukiwa and fashion week.

Kahukiwa is creating 45 individually hand-coloured silk screen prints on Shungetsu paper, valued at $500 each, to be included in VIP delegates' goodie bags.

Public participation at the event has also been extended. Previously a one-day event following fashion week, ANZFW 4U will now be held over two days, September 21 and 22.

Louis Vuitton Lets Fashion Students Design Window

Louis Vuitton has turned it's shop window over to students for holiday season.

The winners of a competition at London St Martin's College of Art and Design will decorate the brand's 370 stores for the Christmas rush.

Vuitton chose the lucky designers through a competition at the famous fashion school, asking students to draw inspiration from their history and image.

The winners were 21-year-old Christopher Lawson from Ireland and 26-year-old Marcos Villalba from Spain, who took the map location of Vuitton's Asnieres workshop as a starting point then re-created its contours into an abstract landscape.

"This year, we decided to give emerging talents the chance to freely express themselves and their vision of the brand," said Yves Carcelle, chairman and chief executive of Louis Vuitton to WWD.

Can Beckham kick-start a fashion revolution?

David Beckham: international soccer star, heartthrob, designer clothes horse and European fashion icon.

But does he have what it takes to influence the looks of that notoriously stodgy species known as the American man? For the brave few, maybe. For the others, maybe he can give them what he is best known for - a good kick - to at least try some new things that could take them out of the baggy pants/big shirt rut, men's fashion experts say.

''Beckham's here to show us not to be scared,'' says Daniel Biloett, men's fashion expert for About.com. ''It's OK to look this great.''

Beckham, now No. 23 for the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, has made his name in fashion by becoming a kind of chameleon, trying on hairstyles, trends and designers to suit each passing whim. He has cultivated an eclectic style, wearing everything from tight Armani suits to deconstructed jeans to flashy rhinestone-encrusted tracksuits.

That fondness for sexy clothes contrasts with America's looser, boxier style, says Biloett. Beckham wears body-conscious pants and shirts unbuttoned to the navel, things many American men, who are more ''nervous about their heterosexuality,'' would reject on principle. (Maybe they should look to his marriage with the coolly beautiful Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, and a fashion icon herself, if they want reassurance that, yes, many women do like this look.

Most men here, even stylish ones, like their pants three sizes too big and their shirts big and billowy, he says. American males are eager to be comfortable and to appear laid-back. ''If you look too put together, you appear persnickety,'' he says. But Beckham is often all about being put together, touting the benefits of facials and manicures, and admits to shaving his body and highlighting his hair. Then there is his willingness to take on many looks.

Even though a wide variety of trend-setters offer different kinds of looks today - Jay-Z's hip-hop cool, the sporty clean-cut look of Tom Brady, the rakish style of Daniel Craig - those guys usually pick one look and stick to it.

''Stylists create an individual look, and it's marketed that way,'' says Mark-Evan Blackman, chair of the menswear design department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Beckham's free-spirited, experimental approach could give men permission to try on different styles, Blackman says. ''We accept radical change in women more than we do in men,'' Blackman says, pointing to Madonna's or Jane Fonda's constant reinvention. But ''the people handling him might steer him toward just one look because that's what we understand.''

Of course, experimentation means at least occasional failure. ''The jury's still out in terms of his taste level,'' says Wendell Brown, senior fashion editor at Esquire magazine.

Fans were skeptical when Beckham started wearing giant diamond earrings. Photographers winced when he grew his hair into a mullet. And the public recoiled when he paired velour tracksuits with pink-polished fingernails.

There's a chance that truly out-there styles will be especially off-putting for American men, says David Kornberg, senior vice president of men's merchandising for Express. Men's fashion operates differently than women's, he says. Above all, men's clothes have to be ''masculine and applicable to a man's life,'' he says - not runway-style shocking.

But even Beckham's ill-conceived style choices have had an influence in Europe: His bleach blond fauxhawk inspired a generation of British schoolchildren.

Most of the time, Beckham's look is wearable and contemporary. Regular guys can envision themselves in the types of graphic T-shirts and blazers Beckham wears around town, Kornberg says. The Jean Paul Gaultier sarong Beckham sported on a beach vacation is ''less understandable'' to the nonfamous.

Still, his status as a top athlete could help him disseminate a kind of European chic and a sensibility about fashion to the more inhibited men of America, he says. '

'Plenty of young, straight, girl-crazy men think nothing of getting pedicures,'' Brown says, ''so people should give American men more credit.''

Iran nets fashion victims

WOMEN who "dress like models" and men whose hairstyles are deemed un-Islamic are being confronted by Tehran police in a renewed drive to enforce dress rules.

Dozens of police cars and minibuses converged on the capital's main squares on Monday during the early evening rush-hour. The "plan to increase security in society" - which began in Tehran but will extend nationwide - comes after an April crackdown resulted in thousands of warnings and hundreds of arrests.

The campaign would target women who were badly veiled, wore overly tight overcoats, sported excessively short trousers and were "dressed like models", a police spokesman, Mehdi Ahmadi, said. "As far as men are concerned we will act against those who have Western-style haircuts and clothing. We are also going to act against clothes shops and hairdressers."

He said 100 policewomen were among the officers sent to confront offenders. Those who infringed the law would be warned at first, then if necessary arrested and taken for "consultation".

"Normally the problem is resolved here," Mr Ahmadi said. "If not, and these cases are often those of reoffenders, the case is sent to the judiciary."

In Vanak Square, central Tehran, women were escorted towards a minibus by policewomen. They waited in the bus as the operation continued.

Other women were seen quickly adjusting their headscarves to cover loose hair.

Women in Iran are obliged to cover all bodily contours and their heads, but many have pushed the boundaries by showing off bare ankles and fashionably styled hair beneath their scarves.

Although the April crackdown was the severest such drive in years, some women are still donning figure-hugging coats and skimpy scarves. The wacky hairdos favoured by some young men in Tehran are also much in evidence.

Many conservatives have applauded the crackdown for protecting the security of society, but moderates have asked whether Iran would be better off tackling poverty and crime.

The city's police chief, Ahmad Reza Radan, said addicts, hooligans and sexual harassment in the street would also be targeted.

"Some young people, intentionally or unwittingly, are walking advertisements for Western deviant sexual and Satan-worshipping cults," he told the ISNA news agency.

"In this plan such people will be identified and confronted."

Agence France-Presse

Mary Kate Olsen at the David Beckham debut in California

Many spectators and paps were out and about at the recent debut of David Beckham with his new soccer team LA Galaxy. The golden boy drew in record crowds for the event, held at the Home Depot Center in Carson City, California.

Seen at the Center were Beckham's wife Victoria and their three sons, actresses Katie Holmes, Eva Longoria and Mary Kate Olsen. While soccer can be a fascinating sport, most of the people there weren't around to see LA Galaxy as they were for Mr. David Beckham, who by now has become a major fixture on the Hollywood radar.

Seen in this recent photo, Mary Kate makes her appearance at the debut dressed in one of her typical looks. MK and sister Ashley acted on the series Full House since the age of nine months until the series was later canceled. The future of the entire cast was up in the air, except for the siblings, who were in negotiations for their own series. While their new show tanked, the Olsens were moguls in their own right thanks to made-for-video movies and a mass merchandising line which added to their Full House earnings, gave them a net worth of $100 million. Post-television, their acting careers have not been as rosy, but the duo seems to have a permanent place on Hollywood's A-list. Mary Kate ended an affair with shipping heir Stavros Niarchos in 2005, who later moved onto Paris Hilton. She left the East Coast permanently in a move to start fresh while her sister remains in NY.

That move seems to have been a smart one, as Mary Kate has carved herself a niche in the style-conscious world of celebrity fashion. She and sister Ash are planning to start a couture line named "The Row" after the success of their mass-produced apparel.

MK is known for her creation of the boho-chic look, a bohemian, laidback Californian style consisting of boots, oversized shades, flowing skirts and baggy sweaters. Somehow, she seems identical to a shorter, younger version of Daryl Hannah. Hannah had the same baggy wardrobe, disheveled-looking hair and dark eye pencil that the Katester is so fond of wearing.

Hippie Chick

Seen in this recent photo, Mary Kate makes her appearance at the debut dressed in one of her typical looks. She balances out a pair of skinny pants with a roomy gray tee shirt, black peep-toe slingbacks and oversized bag. While we think her outfits all year are an effort to downplay her multi-millionaire status, or merely look as unlike Paris Hilton as possible, she works her own style and for that she gets a few points. Hopefully when she passes 25 in a few years, she will discover it's not so bad to look one's age once in a while.

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A new look for Lindsay Lohan

So far, it’s been quite an unforgettable summer with Paris getting out of jail, Lilo leaving rehab and the recent British invasion by the Beckhams.

Lindsay Lohan was observed at a house party in Malibu thrown by designer Rock & Republic July 21st. She chugged an energy drink while shaking a leg with Steve Jones and Scott Wieland center stage.

Sunny Side Up
Seen in this recent photograph, Miss Lohan graced the shores of Malibu after our paps caught the redhead chatting up an unidentified man and later working on her tan.

She posed for pictures dressed (and flatteringly so, we might add) in a low-cut halter dress, one of the season’s newest celeb trends. The dress rocked in bold summer colors, matched with a silver watch and some omnipresent large shades. Of course, her most important accessory was concealed while posing- a bracelet on her left ankle which detects alcohol content by testing the wearer’s perspiration to see if he or she drank. The chilled-out Lohan, with Coke in hand, consented to wear the bracelet on exiting rehab to prove her sober status.

While it’s true Lohan has gone back to the party circuit, she’s also made a big effort to stay dry and we can’t help but respect her for that!

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Jessica Alba in Berlin

Whether it’s a barely-there swimsuit or a bespoke evening gown, Alba’s got the assets to pull it off without batting an eyelash. Which is why we were surprised looking at her outfit for the Berlin premiere of her latest flick, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

Whether it’s a barely-there swimsuit or a bespoke evening gown, Alba’s got the assets to pull it off without batting an eyelash. Which is why we were surprised looking at her outfit for the Berlin premiere of her latest flick, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. It was, if you will forgive us, a little less than fantastic.

Looking at this recent photograph taken on the German red carpet, Jessica doesn’t look herself. Not only that, she doesn’t look her age but a few decades older. A-lister Alba is signing autographs with costar Ioan Gruffuld, but something makes us ask how Berliners knew it was her underneath the layers of makeup?? Or did they just assume she was famous and ask for it anyway? Hmm.

In The Dark
She glammed it up in Gucci for the London premiere, then vexed the fans in Versace back in Madrid. And now, she’s bombed big time. If memory serves us right, she’s been known for subtle, polished looks on the carpets, for either a designer tribute or a film debut. But this picture shows a transformation we’d rather not see. The hair pulled back, smoky eyes, heavy rouge and wine-colored mouth top off one badly chosen LBD. Now usually LBD’s are for people who play it safe. They aren’t getting many points, but it’s a sure thing. This one however, has a tacky cutout in the top, makes it appear that she hasn’t developed knockers and gives her just the right look for a gangster moll. It pains us to say this, because basically the girl is one hot face.

Why hide it underneath all that plaster? She’s even made People’s 100 Most Beautiful list in no makeup. It’s true Jessica Biel has tried the same tactic of shooting higher by dressing more formally for the premieres. But Biel doesn’t overdo it, neither with her face nor her bod. The best caveat here is less is more. Something we wish she’d remembered before she got dressed that evening.

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Jessica Alba in the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer Madrid Photocall

Seen in this recent photograph, La Jessica dazzles her Spanish fans in a trendy Versace minidress with sheer leggings by Waldrof and what else but a pair of sky-high Versace patent leather platforms.

From the looks of things, Jessica Alba has been having one fabulous summer, both personally and professionally. After recently spending a Parisian weekend for Eva Longoria’s nuptials, she then zipped to Florence, Italy to do some recreational shopping. Then she showed up in the style capital of Milan for a ballet in honor of the late Gianni Versace. And as if that weren’t just enough for the jetsetting Jessica, she graced the Madrid photocall for Los 4 Fantasticos y Silver Surfer (Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer) in yet another hot Versace creation.

Pushing the Envelope
While the ballet saw her in a demure full-length gown complete with jewels, Alba went in something more risqué for the photocall. Seen in this recent photograph, La Jessica dazzles her Spanish fans in a trendy Versace minidress with sheer leggings by Waldrof and what else but a pair of sky-high Versace patent leather platforms. We have to give her credit, not every actress can carry off so many trends at once and not appear overdone. But Jess balances it out well. Her softly done hair and makeup echo the colors of the dress. This has to be one of the gutsier moves she’s made, but it’s well played for the superhero and Hollywood’s next big thing. Brava!

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Fashion Frisk: NBC All-Stars Party in Beverly Hills

On July 18th, 2007, NBC held its All-Stars Party at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Sartorial standouts included actresses Linda Cardellini, Sarah Shahi, and Minka Kelly.


NBC held its All-Stars Party at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California, July 18th, 2007. The room was packed with A and B-list talent, including Molly Sims, Carson Daly, David Hasselhoff, John Stamos, and Kyle Chandler. Stars opted for color over the standard black fare, making for a more brilliant night than usual. Sartorial standouts included actresses Linda Cardellini, Sarah Shahi, and Minka Kelly.

Fashion Casualty
Linda Linda Linda. What does one say about you? We know you’ve got talent, coming off of films American Gun, Nana’s Boy and Brokeback Mountain. It must have been hard on ER when Luka Kovac left your character and married Abby. Or in Legally Blonde when you got convicted of accidentally shooting your father. Perhaps it was these issues with men that led you down the thorny path and made you wear this, the mother of all stupid outfits. On top of which, going dark brunette just makes you look sad, like you’re trying to drown yourself in Clairol’s idea of sienna to escape your failed relationships on-camera. Back to the dress, the dusky blue babydoll is so in right now, but somehow it completes the sadness started by your change in hair and doesn’t suit you much. Throw in some flowery footwear and you’ve got one regressed woman, trying to go back in time and recapture what might have been with the men in her life. The only thing we can say is getting over the past makes you closer to Mr. Right. So does wearing flattering clothing, the cardinal rule of Style 101.

Lovely Sarah Shahi kills us with her megawatt smile, killer rack and not a bad pair of gams either. Throw in the fact that she’s descended from an Iranian Shah, a member of the National Honor Society and a former NFL cheerleader and you’ve got one hot royal! We haven’t seen anything this good since, Prince William. Shahi’s biggest role to date has been the gay disc jockey Carmen de la Pica Morales in The L Word. Roles like that aren’t very glam, but when you look like her, who cares?

Sex on Ice
Shahi smolders in a low-cut lime green number that shows off most of her assets but leaves just enough to feign modesty. Paired with white bow-tie slides and a bright red pedicure kind of ruins it for us, only because a dress this hot deserves some seriously sizzling shoes, not girl-next-door sweetness. We get excited (and just can’t hide it) when it comes to La Sarah because we know she’s going places and this is just the beginning. Hopefully she’ll head for Rodeo and go for some true foot fashion.

You Look Like a Lady
Miss Minka reminds us of another young actress who sprang from the Aerosmith seed, Ms. Liv Tyler. Like Tyler, Minka Kelly also has a famous rock star dad. And she’s also a beautiful brunette with taste in threads. Hence, the off-shouldered blue satin dress, if you can call that little fabric a dress, and stripy silver sandals. One look at you in this and the paps will go truly mad. If only because you’ve got the best stems in the entire Beverly Hilton. And after that, you can always leave early and stop at the frat house. The guys are always happy to have an extra Greek or two. Our only peeve is that your bottom half is way darker than the top, which detracts from the outfit just a wee bit.

Fashion Frisk: Katie Holmes at the New York Premiere of 'Hairspray'

On July 16th, at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York, Hollywood’s biggest stars rocked the film premiere of “Hairspray”, based on the hit Broadway musical. While everyone looked awesome on the carpet, most awesome of all was Katie Holmes.

The film’s storyline is about a larger-than-average girl who has aspirations of becoming a dancer and her mother. The girl, played by actress Nikki Blonsky is supported by overly shielding mom Edna, who is none other than John Travolta.

Also at the premiere were much of young Hollywood, James Marsden, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, as well as A-listers Kelly Preston, Michelle Pfieffer, Paula Abdul, Liza Minnelli and Nathan Lane.

Stealing the Show
Looking at Katie’s all-black ensemble what else can one say but wow! Back from Germany, she’s sporting a hot new do that matches daughter Suri’s short hair and looks just as cute. The coordinating short black dress with clutch bag and heels makes us want to drool over her 5”8 figure and forget about the film altogether. While pushing a man’s buttons is not rocket science, it’s not easy either. One obvious button is style. Katie’s marriage and new mom status have brought out poise and polish that we’ve not seen before. The result? Refreshing! The Holmester came to support pal John Travolta, a fellow Scientologist just like husband Tom Cruise. Strength in numbers is what we think.

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Matthew Williamson Wants Your SnapShots

Matthew Williamson is representing the UK in a global fashion competition and is calling for the public's help.

The Birtish designer is getting involved in Canon's interactive We Speak Image design project which marks the company's second year as sponsors of London, Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks.

The project asks the public in 17 European countries to upload images they feel best represent their country. The designers representing those countires will then use the pick of these images as a starting point for a six-piece capsule collection - the proceeds of which will be donated to The Red Cross.

"For me, the We Speak Image fashion campaign is an enormously exciting concept - from the inspiring images which harness the spirit of Britain, to the final fashion capsule collection which celebrates our diversity," Matthew told Vogue.

The competition is open until 4th August and entry details can be found on the Cannon website.

Fashion Frisk: The Cruise Bash for the Beckhams

Sunday evening, July 22nd in the Museum of Contemporary Art was the setting for one of the year’s most exclusive events. It was a soiree thrown by Tom Cruise to welcome his new friends, the Beckhams.

The Museum in downtown Los Angeles, California, played host to Hollywood’s biggest movers and shakers. The guest list included no less than actress Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher who previously threw a reception for the pair, Bruce Willis, Scary Spice Mel Brown, model Devon Aoki, Brooke Shields, Matt Lucas and partner, Eva Longoria, “Cocoon” director Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Quincy Jones and Wesley Snipes. Partygoers rocked the dance floor before sitting down to classic American and British fare.

Hollywood A-Listers
The men chose formal suiting for the occasion while the women went for evening couture showing plenty of skin. All in all, they looked a classy group. Seen in this photograph shot the evening of the party, David and Victoria Beckham are flanked by power couples Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Tom looked dapper as usual in a black suit with aubergine silk tie. David sported his own kicking style in a charcoal gray suit with shadow striping and black tie. Will went for red carpet casual, dressed in a shimmering platinum suit with white V-neck shirt, coordinating white sneakers and rimless shades. The Independence Day star mellowed out the rest of the group with his laidback fashion. The wives chose to flash their millions but did it tastefully. Katester went for Hollywood glamour in a strapless scarlet gown with open-toe heels which made her tower over hubby Tom. David’s better half wore a short and strappy black dress with peep-toe platforms. And Jada donned a black minidress, bling at the ears and wrist, and a pair of black ankle boots.

The Look of Love
In this photograph of the two, TomKat seems happier than ever. Tom, recently arrived from taping in Germany, looks none the worse for wear in his suit while wife Katie is the ultimate lady in red. We have to say, even though she was never a misfit, the girl’s style has improved by leaps and bounds post-wedding vows. She’s bridged the gap between them in image if not in age. Not only that, but she’s one of the few celebs we know that doesn’t reach for the shades in public. Lives in her own skin, we love it!

Beckham Incorporated
Soccer’s First Couple comes to the States. What else could one ask for when neighbor Tom Cruise gives you a glitzy affair in a national landmark? It’s only right that David and V, who share their own brand together would also share the same hair color! But more than that, their outfits speak volumes about them. Beckham, who likes to change his look as often as Posh, brings his liking for snappy threads to LA. Victoria, in a dress with transparent outer layer and trademark hooters finishes the look. She’s so good in her taste in real estate she bought the Beckham home before David even stepped in it! The styles never clash for these two British expats. Here’s to many more goals, on and off the pitch for Mr. Beckham and his designer wife.

Femme du Jour
New bride Eva Longoria has a happy glow, and why not. The ABC star fizzes in a champagne bubble dress with parrot green pumps. The silver clutch, watch, and jewelry all showcase an amazing summer tan while the plunging neckline flaunts a great set of funbags. Gabrielle would approve.