Sunday, September 21, 2008

London Fashion Week: Nicole Farhi S/S 2009


Nicole Farhi was one of the first London designers to continue on the
trend of painterly florals we saw emerge at New York Fashion Week, and she does it just beautifully. Hemlines were longer, below the knee, and shapes were a bit of a throwback to the earlier decates of the last century. But the prints and some tweaking of the silhouette kept things modern and chic.


There was a definite British seaside look going, without the preppiness of more American nautical style. A little more laid-back, less put-together and it looked just lovely.

London Fashion Week: day three


We're only just into Tuesday and the shows just keep getting better. Here's a quick list of our latest London Fashion Week coverage...


Meanwhile in Spain and New Zealand...

Stay tuned for reviews, behind-the-scenes gossip and galleries from the Catwalk Queen team. Of course it's not all hard work, we're letting our hair down tonight and heading off to the Marie Claire 20th anniversary party!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Gianni Versace's mansion becomes local tourist attraction


As far a tacky goes, this could just about take the cake... The mansion where the late Gianni Versace was shot dead, has been opened to the public as a local tourist attraction. Now, ten years after his death, inquiring minds can visit the palatial grounds of Casa Casuarina in Miami Beach, for the price of $50 (£27) a tour, which includes a guide dressed in a Versace gown. Gross, huh?

Versace was gunned down on the steps of his home in a brutal attack in 1997. His death shocked the fashion industry, who paid tribute to the late designer last July, with a celeb-studded dinner and opera performance in Milan, hosted by Donatella Versace and her family.

The estate's current owner, Peter Loftin, first turned Casa Casuarina into a private club, before renting it out for overnight stays and special events. Now, visitors can pay to see the 1930-built home, which features an observatory overlooking Miami Beach, and a guest room designed especially for Madonna.

"It's too magical a place not to share with a wider audience," said Loftin.

Sure, as long as you can make a quick buck off someone's death in the process, why not? Give me a break! This is beyond disrespectful.

Outfit pick: J'aime Paris. And tartan.


Tartan and checked items don't automatically mean you have to go punk. A lot of the stuff that's emerging this season is much smarter and more feminine than the mini kilts and skinny trousers you might be used to. River Island's cute little cinch-waist jacket caught my eye for its vintage charm, but I wanted to do something a little bit unexpected...for once there's not a pencil skirt in sight!






Reasons why Charlize Theron is a movie star...


Charlize looks like she was born to wear Versace at the Venice Film Festival. It's a lesson in how to do red carpet glamour. The look is made by the soft hair, diamond bracelets, miniaudiere and intentional lack of any other jewellery. With a dress like this, less is definitely more when it comes to accessories.

Victoria Beckham rocks Giambattista Valli in Manchester; reveals more about dress collection


Sticking to her usual style routine of clean lines, towering heels and perfectly groomed locks, Victoria Beckham landed in Manchester last week to promote her new fragrance, Signature. While in town, she opened up about her forthcoming dress collection, set to debut at New York Fashion Week: "They're very sexy dresses. Full-length frocks and bold colours - stuff that makes women feel good. I'm just showing it to a collection of magazine journalists and boutique retailers because I want to start off small and see what the reaction is. I really hope people will like it."

Victoria impressed locals when she stepped out last Thursday evening in a shiny black Giambattista Valli catsuit, featuring super-wide trousers. The following day she greeted fans at Harvey Nichols to official launch her new perfume, which she shares with hubby, David Beckham. Donning a pair of silver sequinned Christian Louboutin heels, and a tight white sleeveless dress from Giambattista Valli's autumn/winter '08 collection, it included a feathered back, giving Victoria an angel-like appearance.
Check out the steamy new commercial for the Beckhams' new Signature fragrance.



What do you think of Victoria's recent style efforts and her ad with David for their perfume? Let us know below.

[Source / Images: Richard Young/Mark Campbell/Rex Features]

Gallery: red carpet glamour at the Valentino premiere party


The fashion legend that is Valentino Garavani can definitely pull in a crowd. The Venice Film Festival after party for the premiere of the new film 'Valentino: The Last Emperor' pulled in a host of A-list names including Charlize Theron, Elizabeth Hurley, Claire Danes and Diane Kruger. They all looked fabulous (mainly in Valentino, natch) and we've got the pics!
(Click to Enlarge):

[all images: Rex Features]

Lazy Oaf tees and sweatshirts - are you ready for a cute overload?


Hidden away in one of my favourite London shopping areas - Kingly Court in the Carnaby district - is the Lazy Oaf shop, one of those quirky, bright coloured t-shirt emporiums that ups the cuteness factor even more with big smiley clouds on the walls and happy, pastel illustrations on every available surface.

The brand is the brainchild of illustrator Gemma Sheil, and if you can't get to the shop itself, the website is almost as cute. The I Love London t-shirt (£25) sums up my feelings on our capital, and will definitely be finding its way into my wardrobe soon!