Victoria Beckham snaps up £250,000 walk-in closet that tells her what to wear!

It seems that singer Victoria Beckham a.k.a Posh Spice has coughed up 250,000 pounds on a walk-in closet that scans her and tells her what to wear before she steps out of her posh LA home to meet the paparazzi.

Apparently, the equipment with a CAT scan can examine the singer’s clothes and provide her with a 360 degrees view.

The closet can also archive Beckman’s day-to-day clothes to ensure that she doesn’t repeat any of her outfits quite often.

The walk-in-closet comes with ‘a leather floor, a Baccarat crystal chandelier, and a 40,000 pounds Andy Warhol show print, according to In Touch magazine.

However, Beckham’s rep has denied the report and said that though the closet has been installed, it hasn’t got computer wizardry, reports Daily Mail.

An insider said that the closet definitely has a 360-degree mirror like the one seen on ‘What Not to Wear’, Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine's TV show.

The source added that Beckham has also taken her pics in all her outfits, footwear and other accessories, and that details stored will help her locate them in her closet.

Armani plays safe as DG opt for rock chic at Milan show

Hot shades evoking the sunny south and rock/leather chic dominated Milan's fashion ramps Tuesday as Giorgio Armani and Dolce and Gabbana unveiled their men's lines for next summer.

Armani's silhouettes were sleek and classic: clothes gently draping the body and bottomed off by elegant mocassins or slip-ons styled like Turkish slippers.

Coats fell impeccably over retro-style shirts with deep necklines. And the humble T-shirt was a study in sophistication and crafted in the purest silk.

The colors of the collection Armani christened the "South" line were dominated by blues, off-whites and "greige," a color the Italian fashion designer claimed to have invented combining beige and grey.

A straw boater topping a Bermuda suit was as tongue in cheek as Armani would go, but not so Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana who opted for shock value with trash, rock and leather chic on the penultimate day of the five-day run.

Black leather pants and Bermudas festooned with zips, peekaboo jeans torn fashionably just under the buttocks and strewn with nails for a suitable grunge effect, micro-mini swimming trunks in black and white and a Union Jack bandanna were some of the offerings.

Nicola Trussardi's collection was more neutral with pale pink shirts and neckties and a classic black pullover.

Marni on the other hand opted for the simplicity of form with conventional black suits accessorised by exquisite neckties and shirts in royal blue and other time-tested shades.

Five designers including French duo Marithe and Francois Girbaud will showcase their collections on Wednesday, the last day of the show in Italy's fashion capital.

Before the fashion world turned its attention this year to Milan, it was rocked by the sudden death of leading Italian designer Gianfranco Ferre.

Ferre, known as the architect of fashion, died on July 17 aged 62 after a brain hemorrhage and was buried in his birthplace of Legnano near Milan.

A week after his death, the fashion house that bears his name on Sunday presented its summer show for men to a tearful audience that gave him a posthumous ovation.

©AFP

Indian leather fashion brand seeks to go global

As Western luxury brands target India's rising rich, a local leather goods firm aims to turn the tables and become the country's first global fashion marque.

Hidesign, based in the former French colony of Pondicherry in the southeast, logged 80 million dollars in sales at home and abroad last year and is seeking to ride on an international fashion name to penetrate markets abroad.

It is in talks to sell a 20 percent stake to French fashion house Louis Vuitton, or LVMH, which is now assessing the Indian brand's value, chief executive officer Kunal Sachdev said in an interview in India's high-tech hub of Bangalore.

A preliminary agreement is in place before the investment, said Sachdev, 42, adding that Hidesign will also collaborate with Louis Vuitton in setting up a leather factory near Chennai in southern India.

Hidesign, which runs 12 stores overseas including in China, Russia and South Africa, wants to increase that number to 50 in three years, he said.

The brand is sold from Australia to the Middle East, Europe and Africa, and can be found on the shelves of multi-brand department stores such as House of Fraser, John Lewis, Magasin Du Nord, Selfridges and Myers.

"There are no previous examples of an Indian brand establishing a footprint overseas; Hidesign is the first," said Arvind Singhal, who heads retail consultancy Technopak.

There is a retail opportunity in the mass prestige market for products that are not as expensive as Gucci nor very cheap," he added. "Hidesign will appeal to those who cannot spend 2,000 dollars but can afford 250 dollars."

A tie-up with Louis Vuitton will give Hidesign international respectability and recognition, enabling it to compete overseas with brands such as Coach of the US that fall in the same segment, Singhal said.

Hidesign was founded in 1978 as a one-man workshop by Dilip Kapur who began handcrafting leather bags, jackets and other accessories, becoming one of the best-known brands in India where it now operates 18 boutiques.

Kapur makes a virtue of going back to traditional leather tanning methods, using natural vegetable oils and dyes in his products -- hand and computer bags, briefcases, wallets, belts -- to give them a distinctive shine and feel.

Hidesign avoids pigments and lacquers that make real leather indistinguishable from synthetic versions; its oil-tanned ranch leather is very lightly dyed and then covered with natural oils.
The brass buckles and rivets are individually sandcast and handpolished in a tradition that goes back to the old European style of saddle making.

Such products may appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers but that may not be enough to open the doors of the world's biggest shops to an emerging company with aspirations to become a global player.

Hidesign's international expansion depends on it being able to open exclusive stores in prestigious outlets that are prepared to let out premium space to only the most exclusive brands, said Sachdev, the company's CEO.

"In building the brand internationally, we have to go the exclusive-store route," said Sachdev, who runs Hidesign from Bangalore. "Just advertising won't give customers an idea of the brand they are buying, the philosophy behind it."

That's where Louis Vuitton comes in.

"The fact that Louis Vuitton is associated with us would open up the doors internationally for us in terms of opening stores and widening our global presence," said Sachdev, who is targeting 30 percent growth in annual sales.

Louis Vuitton, which has one store each in New Delhi and Mumbai and may soon open a third in Bangalore, is trying to expand in India, a nation of 1.1 billion people, as are other international luxury brands.

Hidesign's local market knowledge will be useful to the French fashion house although the brands will remain independent, said Sachdev.

India's consumer market is expected to grow five-fold to 1.5 trillion dollars by 2025 as a fast-growing economy boosts the personal incomes of a youthful population, according to the consulting company McKinsey.

"After China, India will be the next growth story," Yves Carcelle, CEO of Louis Vuitton in New Delhi, said recently. "But right now we are (at) the beginning."

©AFP

Milan fashion week marries elegance and irreverence

Milan Fashion run of men's fashion shows for next summer displayed brazen irreverence Monday with Moschino's fluorescent tones, Gucci's slimline tweeds and John Richmond's gangster chic suits.

Franco Moschino's offerings were a riot of colour. Turning back to the 1980s, he showed off an orange trench coat teamed up with white pants, a yellow windbreaker and pink socks peeking out under short pants.

Even the belts and shoes screamed Florida. And the Peace and Love symbol of the fashion house were omnipresent, being either a discreet presence on the back of a coat or emblazoned across a T-shirt.

Gucci turned to classic tweed in black and white and pants tailored so close to the body that they veered between classic elegance and insolence.

But the trousers were in more adventurous colours: vermillion, bright yellow and green. For the evening, it was a classic black tuxedo enlivened by a cherry coloured belt.

British stylist John Richmond meanwhile showcased a collection that married an English dandy's wardrobe with that of a Sicilian bandit with dark suits, natty ties and eyeshades to match. And there were trousers in military fatigues.

Valentino, for his part, opted for classic and "still" elegance, showing his designs on mannequins against the backdrop of bare-breasted cabaret dancers covered in fuchsia plumes -- the theme being 'Paris Awakens.'

The mood before this year's Milan fashion week was sombre following the sudden death of leading Italian designer Gianfranco Ferre.

Ferre died on July 17 aged 62 after a brain haemorrhage and was buried in his birthplace of Legnano near Milan.

A week after his death, the fashion house that bears his name on Sunday presented its summer show for men to a tearful audience that gave him a posthumous ovation.

On Tuesday, Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Etro, Marni and Trussardi will unveil their collections in Italy's fashion capital on the penultimate day of the current fashion run.

©AFP

Joss Stone, Britney Spears top new list of fashion offenders

Grammy-award winners Joss Stone and Britney Spears have topped a new list of fashion offenders compiled by American magazine 'In Touch'.

The Brit soul singer's colorful outfits fetched her top position.

Coming in close on her heels at the second spot is the former princess of pop Britney Spears.
Rocker Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly Stewart was ranked third.

'American Idol' winner Kelly Clarkson rounded off the top four places, at the fourth spot.

Teen fashion turns feminine

Summer basics get touches of lace, bows, patterns

Dreamy pastel layers and pretty patterns and prints add up to a picture-perfect summer.

The laid-back, feel-good look is great for anyone, but especially nice for teens looking to put a new twist on the standard summer combo of a tank top and shorts, says Joshua Thomas, a trends spokesman for Target in Minneapolis.

The trend stems from the season.

“Summer is a time when we’re a little more willing to take risks and experiment with clothing,” Thomas says. “So those feminine touches and little bits of romantic charm, like the Victorian lace tops and bow accents, are perfect. It’s also reflected in the different patterns and the softer shades of fabric. It’s uncomplicated sophistication.”

Baby doll tanks and tunics are billowy and cool – pair them with Bermuda length shorts or rolled-up capris. Layer a few lace-trimmed tanks and wear with a skirt. Or go ultrafeminine and don a dress, says Lisa Rhodes, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Maurices. And don’t forget to accessorize. Bold jewelry and hats are a great way to infuse a bit of your personality into your wardrobe, Thomas says.

“The options really are limitless,” he says. “It really is a fun time of year. There truly is something for everyone.”

Andrea Maassen, a 15-year-old sophomore at Brandon Valley High School, loves dresses and baby doll tanks. “I just love going shopping because there is so much out there,” she says. Courtney Woolheater, a 15-year-old sophomore at Roosevelt High School, likes being able to dress up the basics and still keep cool. “When it’s hot, I don’t like to sweat.”

Reach Janna Farley at 575-3628.tterns

Get the best dressed breasts

Today, when it comes to breasts, what you see is certainly not what you get. Why? Because the hi-tech science of bra design has made it possible for women to choose a shape and size for every occasion, and every outfit. Here’s our guide to getting best-dressed breasts of any size.

More than just a bra…

With the right bra, breasts can be pushed up, held down, smoothed out or squeezed together, and they can be cleared of moisture and nasty bacteria. The following bra-label terms will tell you what talents your not-so-humble brassiere is blessed with:

Moulded cups are thin cushion moulds, designed to hold their shape around your breast. They encapsulate, providing bounce-minimising support, a smooth silhouette and an even, rounded shape. Ideal for larger-chested women.

Padded cups are similar to the moulded variety, but have extra padding to enlarge or accentuate a smaller bust.

Moisture-wicking fabric rapidly draws moisture away from your body. It’s useful in a sports bra, as you’ll stay drier and more comfortable. Plus, if you’re prone to body acne, this fabric lets air circulate so pores won’t become clogged.

Anti-microbial fabric (or threads) will be treated with an anti-bacterial chemical, so your sweaty sports bra won’t pong as much.

Off-set seams are those that are set to the front or back of the bra (as opposed to the sides) to prevent rubbing and chafing.

facts on the fit…

Finding the right sized bra is vital for your long-term breast health. But bear the following facts in mind:

Size isn’t everything Never assume a new bra will look good or fit well just because it’s your size. A plunging, padded bra will fit differently to a soft-cup underwire, just as stretchy lace will feel and mould differently to non-stretchy lace. The take-home message: always try before you buy.

Expect the unexpected Bra sizes differ from retailer to retailer and imported labels are often smaller than our local designs.

Know yourself Get properly measured (see box for DIY tips) to establish whether you’re a small or full version of your size (i.e. a small or full 34B).

Pay attention to detail As the band size of a bra increases, so does the cup size. Therefore a 38C bra’s C cup is going to be smaller than a 42C bra’s C cup. So, it’s possible that 36C and 38C bras will fall within the “big bust” category.

Know your look Wear the right bra for the right outfit. The golden rule: however gorgeous it is, a bra should not be on-show. Keep bra straps tastefully covered and colours in-keeping with your outfit.

Give them your support
Scientific research has determined that breasts move in a three-dimensional figure of eight (up and down, in and out and side to side) during exercise. With the average 36C breast weighing 200—300g, this puts great strain on the breast's fragile support structure, which comprises only the outer skin and a connective tissue known as the Cooper’s ligaments. A regular T-shirt bra reduces bounce by about 38%, but during the research, women fitted with a shock-absorbing sports bra showed a reduced breast bounce of up to 74%.

Size yourself up
The first step to finding the perfect fit is in knowing your dimensions. Here’s a DIY guide to accurately assessing your assets:

Step 1: Measure your chest, directly under your bust line (not over clothing) with a regular, unpadded bra on, making sure the tape measure is flat over your skin. It’s also recommended that you stand in front of a mirror to ensure the tape is parallel to the floor. Pull the tape measure tight to ensure an accurate measurement, and make sure your arms are down and shoulders are relaxed. Note: round the measurement up or down to the nearest cm.

Step 2: Measure over the fullest part of your bust line, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

This time, don’t pull the tape tight — just make sure it’s not loose. Again, keep arms down and shoulders relaxed.

Step 3: Find your size bra with this handy grid, supplied by Playtex.

Step 4: Make sure your bra fits properly with the following checklist…
The fullest part of the bust should fall approximately at the mid-point between shoulder and elbow.

There should be space for one finger to pass smoothly under the straps to maintain a bust up-lift, without digging into the shoulders.

Shoulder straps should be vertical front and back
Bra should fasten at the middle set of hooks and eyes.

The underbust band should run parallel to the ground (front and back). It shouldn't be overly tight or loose, or ride up.

Underwire should not stand away between your breasts — if it does, your cup size is too small.
The cup fabric should be smooth; folds or wrinkles mean your cup size is too large.

Breasts should not spill out — if they do, cup size is too small.

When you remove a well-fitting bra you shouldn’t see red marks or lines on your shoulders, sides or around your breasts. If you do, re-check your sizing and reduce your bra-wearing time.

This article originally appeared in the May 2006 issue of Shape Magazine. For more information visit http://www.shapemag.co.za/

Take advantage of these trends

People used to go to work half naked, says Leigh Edelkoort. And who would know that better than us here in sunny South Africa? Edelkoort is a trend forecaster who makes it her business to look at what’s happening in the world and how it affects our lifestyle choices.

Speaking at the recent Design Indaba in Cape Town, she gave interesting insights into how our lifestyles reflect our collective subconscious and how trends are an interpretation of global events.

Not black and white anymore
For instance, grey is very much in fashion at the moment for both clothing and décor design. Leigh explains that this is because “we are moving into a society where we want to network and share”. Things are not black and white anymore: they are grey.

New marketing opportunities
We are set for a comeback of the middle market, she says. The public does not understand the prices of big brands anymore and there is room for ideas — companies will have to find ways to get desirable products to the market at a price people can relate to.

However, Edelkoort has a warning in this regard: If we lose the ability to make fabrics locally, we will have the same Chinese fabrics every year, become powerless in the market and kill our own expertise. The silk industry is already dying in India, in favour of cheaper polyester imports. There is a challenge to bring back production to our own countries.

We are covering up
To balance out all these decades of minimalistic dress sense, we are moving into an era where we are going to be covering ourselves up. Designers will find inspiration from snow, ice, moss and dust, fur, capsules and armour. Everything that acts as coverage will be used in design, in terms of colour and texture.

Politics, religion and nature
Lifestyle and fashion trends will also mimic political, religious and environmental questions. Covering yourself up is a form of religious expression too and we will start to look at fashion as a blueprint of the situation in the world. Nature will become important to us again, since “we are realising that what we have done is so bad”.

Military and religious style will escalate in the fashion industry. It’s about coming to terms with a constant threat. By absorbing our environment through what we wear we become ‘it’ and there is nothing to fear anymore. We are designing ourselves out of a situation, it’s a case of: if you can’t beat them, join them.

A softer, more cuddly environment
We will also want our clothes and our homes to cuddle us, she says. Cotton and silk will be popular textile choices. We want to be sensual again, by covering ourselves up, in a sort of burlesque, cabaret style. Red carpet type evening wear will make way for accessories: masks, scarves and sunglasses.

In terms of décor we will see things like wallpaper, stickers, table cloths and carpets becoming more and more popular. Bedding will also be big, “it is time to create fantasy”.

These are all signs that we want to retreat into ourselves once again and treasure the mysteries of being, Edelkoort concludes. The trends indicate that we are finally addressing the issue of saving our planet.

How to dress for the casual office

Knowing what to wear to give the right impression is always tricky — especially when a work environment is relaxed. These two things have really worked for me...

Wearing a skirt, and
A tailored coat

Wearing a skirt instantly gives me a sense of feeling well-dressed without losing the appearance of being casual. An interesting ¾ length coat, which is a tailored, has become a staple of my winter wardrobe. It can be worn over jeans and casual shirts or a top with boots. This gives me a look that is both elegant and casual.

By using simple lines and simple colours I immediately limit the amount of impact an outfit has on my colleagues or clients and this automatically tones down the formal appeal. At the same time I want to fit in with the casual environment so I avoid suits, rather opting for jeans, skirts and dresses.

When it comes to colours and patterns, the following guide is indispensable:

Colour goes with colour
Try to generally keep hot colours together — pinks, oranges and reds. Cool colours such as blues and greens should also be combined. There is however one exception and this is lilac, which can go with either cool (blues) or hot (pinks).

Black with black
Black should only be worn with black, white and perhaps a bit of grey! Grey evidently is ‘the new black’, but please watch out for fads and trends. Following a trend or fad is expensive and if you are not careful it could end up as a disaster. Trends and fads never last very long anyway!

The simpler the better
This is true for the workplace — especially a casual work place. Limit yourself to one busy pattern or focal point. If you want to wear beautiful jewelled sandals then team them up with simple plain trousers and a top. If you want to wear a floral skirt, wear a plain top and shoes to match.

Less is more
Think less is more with regards to your work outfits. Spend money on quality items. Just because you have a casual work environment doesn’t mean you should look like a slouch. For instance, if you can wear jeans then invest in really amazing ones — which fit you perfectly and will last long. Sevens jeans may cost you half your pay packet but they will make you look and feel a million dollars. The pain caused to your credit card will soon subside whenever you try them on!

Never forget your grooming
It doesn’t matter how great the outfit is if your grooming isn’t on par. Never be caught wearing anything you would find a hairdresser using in their salon! Those clips and hair tongs are just so terrible! Spend a little money on good hair accessories such as clips with a motif or a hair band with a flower. Grooming and accessories are often what sets a good look apart from a bad one. It finishes off the picture and makes you appear to have thought your look through.

Accessorize
Whilst concentrating on your basic clothing never forget your accessories. They are key when pulling an outfit together. When you have a limited budget you will often find someone with the same pair of jeans, top, dress or skirt as you, but your accessories are generally what sets you apart and gives you your own sense of style. Match shoes with your handbag — I am not saying you need a different one for each day, but if you are wearing black shoes then your bag should be matching. If you are wearing brown shoes choose a brown based bag. The French have been following this simple rule for years and their style and dress sense has been the envy ever since — even when they are casually dressed.

Never be tempted to wear clothes that don’t fit!
Trousers that are too long or clothes with holes, or equally items with stains or marks are a no-no — no matter how tempted, or desperate you are. Even in a casual work space first impressions count and ill-fitted, stained or holey clothing certainly won't send out the right message.

Cover up bad feet
If you haven’t had time for a pedicure then cover up those feet — no one wants to see chipped nail varnish and hard cracked heals. Flat pumps in a metallic colours, or black, are fabulous and comfy and will go with every colour. They will carry you through a casual day at the office to a chic after work cocktail party.

Plan ahead
With the above rule in mind get organised, plan what you want to wear and always have it washed and ironed the night or even the weekend before. Always have a basket for mending and a basket for dry cleaning. Once a few items have been collected take them to the tailors/drycleaners or mend buttons yourself.

Take time to shop and to try things on
Consider what you have in your wardrobe before your next shopping expedition, and make a note of what you need before leaving home, so that you don’t get distracted. Trying lots of things on, even if you are not sure, will often lead to all kinds of exciting surprises and discoveries.

Often things you thought wouldn’t suit you actually end up suiting you and sometimes your thoughts may be confirmed that that dress simply does not do anything for you! Know your body shape and if you have great legs wear skirts! If you have big hips, wear plain items on the bottom and match it with a pattern shirt. Also remember the bigger you are the bigger the pattern you should wear and visa versa.

Having a casual work environment does not mean that your wardrobe does not need planning and thought, and it certainly does not give you permission to be a slouch. Impression counts — casual or otherwise!

Tall people can't dress!

France's almost two million tall people cannot find shoes big enough or pants long enough, let alone buy a fitted shirt that hugs the body where it is supposed to.

"Sleeves are always too short, women's waistbands are in the wrong place and you can never find shoes," Didier Mattiuzzi, who heads an association of tall people called Altitudes, said at a media conference on Tuesday.

"We are lobbying for help for tall people," said the willow-like Mattiuzzi, a slim 191 centimetres (almost six foot four) tall.

Tall people invariably had cold feet and cold shoulders in short beds, he said.

But the situation was even worse in hospitals, where stretchers as well as hospital lifts also were too short, forcing the sick to have to sit up to be wheeled to a ward. But operating tables nowadays had extensions, Mattiuzzi said.

Car roofs were too low, shower cords too short, baths never long enough and drivers forced to stick a leg each side of a steering wheel. "Tall people even have to sit on the passenger seat of scooters", he added.

"Some big companies are taking us seriously now and listening," he said.

Patrick Robinet, of the French Textile and Clothing Industry (IFTH), said the situation for the very tall or very heavy could improve at year's end when European nations examine how to streamline sizes on the basis of national sizing campaigns held in the different countries.

According to the IFTH, which carried out a two-year national sizing campaign, a total 4.26 percent of French men are over 190 centimetres tall (six-foot three) while 1.28 percent of French women are more than 180 centimetres (six-foot).

That makes for a potential market of tall people of 1.7 million.

Shoe sizes for such people are four more than the average, said Robinet, who headed France's sizing campaign. But head sizes do not vary.

There were no more obese or overweight people among tall people however than among shorter ones, he said.

The campaign, which sized more than 11 000 people using 3-D machines that provide 85 different measurements, showed the French had grown bigger and heavier over 30 years.

In 2006, the average French woman was 162.5 centimetres tall (five-foot four) for 62.4 kilos in 2006, and the average man measured 175.6 centimetres (almost five foot nine) for 77.5 kilos.

That left the French way behind Croatians, where women on average are 174 centimetres tall and average men 185, Robinet said.

Of the few nations to have sized up their population, Croatians were the tallest, he said, followed by The Netherlands (170 cms and 181.9 cms), Sweden (167.2 cms and 180.9 cms), Belgium (164.6 cms and 176.6 cms) and Britain 163 cms and 177 cms).

AFP

How to look feminine in the office

Office wear can be very masculine with your main building blocks being suits, shirts and pencil skirts and pumps. The key to a more feminine and versatile office appearance lies in contrasting the severity of your tailored pieces with feminine elements.

Choose flowing tops in stead of fitted shirts or simply add a dangly strand of pearls for a more ladylike appearance.

An easy way to create variety in your career wardrobe is by mixing and matching suit jackets, trousers and skirts.

Here are a few tips to get that office wardrobe looking ultra-feminine:
• When buying black, look for tailored jackets with decorative inner linings - like a pretty colour, or a textured fabric. It adds feminine sophistication to an otherwise very classic black jacket.

• To avoid blouses and skirts from looking too masculine, create a softer look by choosing a flowing fabric like chiffon or georgette.

• Delicate details like lace and classic soft colours like salmon or nude will tone down the severity of a very structured suit.

• Choose cardigans with pearly instead of plain buttons.

• Select shoes with a pretty buckle or trim for a more feminine feel.

• Make it interesting by mixing tops and bottoms from different suits. For example, wear a fitted jacket with a wide, 50s-style skirt as an alternative to tailored pants, or combine your white suit jacket with navy suit pinstripe pants.

• Coats are also ideal for the office: soften the military lines by wearing a dainty floral-print dress or camisole underneath.

• A tie is a great fashion accessory for the office, but with a shirt it can look very masculine. Try wearing it as a belt with your trousers or with a t-shirt under your jacket, more like a scarf.

Retha Jurgens is Fashion Editor for health and wellness magazine, Shape.

Islamic wear becomes trendy

Finally, Islamic clothes have become trendy. In SA, Marie Claire magazine was first in pushing the limits on Islamic wear in a fashion shoot. We chat to Sadie Cragg, the magazine's fashion director, in an exlusive interview...

iafrica.com: Given that Islamic wear for women continues to be represented in a negative light (Britain and France have banned the veil in schools, in Afghanistan the burka is seen as a form of oppression, even modernity's ‘less is more’ scorns it) what pushed you to portray Muslim women ‘covering up’ in a positive way?

Sadie Cragg: Here in South Africa and particularly Cape Town we have a large Muslim community. In fact both the junior fashion editor and fashion assistant at Marie Claire are Muslim. We wanted to portray Muslim women as they are — fun-loving, social and interested in fashion. This was an accessories fashion story so the burka provided the perfect canvas against which to show this season’s latest bags shoes and jewellery

iafrica.com: Are you hoping this exposure will make this dress code more acceptable in a Western context?

Sadie Cragg: I think that this story will make people more familiar with women wearing burkas, as well as challenging a few stereotypes. The story portrayed Muslim women during the course of their day as relaxed and having a good time, pretty much the same as any other young woman. Our readers can see that women who wear hijab are just the same as them.

iafrica.com: How did the models feel wearing the clothes? Was it fun doing it up with the bling and accessories?

Sadie Cragg: Even though none of the models were Muslim they were very comfortable in the burkas. One of the models was from Brazil but does lots of work in the Middle East, so she had been dressed for shoots like this before. I used lots of very expensive jewellery, which is always fun. We all like trying on the real deal that we could never afford!

iafrica.com: How were the models perceived when they were out in public doing the shoot in the burkas and hijab?

Sadie Cragg: We shot in a variety of different locations, including the beach and a busy McDonalds restaurant, and didn't encounter any problems or comments. I think people in Cape Town are familiar with seeing women dressed like this.

iafrica.com: Do you believe one can be a fashionista in a burka?

Sadie Cragg: Definitely — If you look at Muslim women around the world, especially in places like Dubai and London, many of them are fashionistas. Underneath the burka are the latest designer labels. Furthermore, as the shoot proves, a bag or great shoes can be proof enough that you know your fashion trends.

iafrica.com: Please share any bright ideas you might have on how to wear these scarves and still look cool...
Sadie Cragg: You can tie the scarf in quite a few ways: either simply wrapped aro
und the head and tied over the shoulder; or by wearing a coloured scarf underneath that peeps through at the top of the forehead that matches your bag, eye make-up or shoe; or with the fabric piled on top of the head.

iafrica.com: What has the public's reaction been to the fashion spread so far?

Sadie Cragg: We thought that this shoot might cause a bit of controversy but we have only received positive responses. We have had a very positive reaction from several Muslim readers, who have written to Marie Claire to congratulate us for portraying Muslim women in such a positive light and for challenging stereotypes. These are women who are proud to be Muslim and do not feel at all oppressed.

The burka fashion shoot featured in the April 2007 issue of Marie Claire magazine.

Daniel Craig is best-dressed male Brit

Daniel Craig, the latest actor to play James Bond in the super-spy series of movies, was named the best-dressed man in Britain by men's style magazine GQ on Monday.

In an article in GQ's May issue, due out on Thursday, the magazine listed the 10 best-dressed and worst-dressed men in the country.

Craig was followed in the best-dressed list by David Cameron, the leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, who placed second, and film star Clive Owen, who was third.

Gordon Brown — the finance minister and likely future prime minister — conversely came second in the list for Britain's worst-dressed men, beaten only by TV host and comedian Russell Brand.

Craig's slick, suit-wearing character in 'Casino Royale' — the latest iteration in the James Bond series — was credited with his topping the list.

"No Bond since Sean Connery has worn it better," GQ said.

"It works because the 007 uniform seems like an upgrade of what Craig would naturally wear."

GQ said that Cameron, meanwhile, was "a politician who understands the news agenda is set as much by appearance as it is by words."

Acknowledging that some celebrities polarised the fashion world with their dress sense, GQ placed some men on both lists.

Pete Doherty, the frontman for Babyshambles, perhaps best known for his relationship with supermodel Kate Moss, placed seventh on the best-dressed list, while also placing fifth in the worst-dressed list.

Cameron also made it to sixth on the worst-dressed list, along with his second-place finish in the best-dressed list.

Prince Harry also made it on the list — the first royal to be included in the poll — placing 10th, with GQ describing him as "the sartorial world's favourite Army recruit."

AFP

Is the tie dead or alive?

The tie, that onetime symbol of manhood and social supremacy, is in trouble, creased and crumpled by lifestyle change.

Step into a trendy Paris restaurant or classy dinner party, and is any man in tune with the times turned out in neckwear, aside from the occasional diehard tie aficionado?

Take 27-year-old Mathieu Duballet, financial consultant and fashion dandy.

Every morning Duballet picks through his favourite 20 to 30 ties for the perfect match to his suit and shirt. Once found, he deftly flips the long end round the short end three times left and right and through the knot, to produce that "don" of necktie knots — the Windsor — in less than a minute.

"I love ties and hate anyone buying me one as a present," said the always impeccably-dressed banker, who likes his ties in extremely thick spun silks to finish up with an impressive knot and firm tie that will look good and stand up all day.

"And they have to match the clothes," added Duballet, whose father taught him to tie a Windsor when he was only 14, a feat he can accomplish even without a mirror.

But after work, Duballet slips his favourite accessory off and almost never wears one partying or for a meal with friends.

Will the tie make a comeback?
Yet according to Paris couture circles and watchers of emerging trends among the very young, the tie may be poised for a comeback.

"The tie is doing better, it was ill, on the brink of death, it is convalescing," said Franck Nauerz, purchaser of men's accessories nationwide for France's Printemps department stores.

"It isn't dead but there was a real drop in sales, it was sick," agreed the buyer for men's goods at the rival Galeries Lafayette stores, Helene Pasteur.

Neckties in their current form surfaced in the mid 19th century, immediately influenced by the elaborately-tied hit cravats and scarves of "Beau" Brummell, the obsessive English dandy who spent six hours a day dressing but died in rags.

Strips of grunge-style cloth tied around the neck to soak up sweat, protect infantry against the chafing of armour or clothing that was rarely washed, can be traced back to ancient Chinese warriors in 300 BC, to Rome, and more recently to the picturesque scarves knotted around the necks of Croatian mercenaries who fought in 17th-century France.

Historians say French mispronunciation of the word "Croat", or "Hrvat" in the original, produced the sartorial word "cravate" or cravat.

Others say the mannish qualities of the tie derive not only from its military origins, like most men's fashion, but from its protection of man's perhaps least attractive iconic attribute, the Adam's apple.

And why do doctors often wear bow-ties? So their ties won't pick up germs.

A must for appropriately named white-collar workers through the 20th century as well as for special occasions such as marriages and deaths, the tie's fortunes floundered significantly after tbe introduction of casual Fridays and dressed-down office wear in the 1990s.

"Because of the new casual dress work ethic, nowadays men who buy suits and shirts no longer necessarily buy a tie to match," said Pasteur, the buyer at Galeries Lafayette.

"I don't think the tie will return as routine office wear," opined Nauerz of the Printemps stores. "But it is making a comeback as a fashion accessory."

In the last three seasons, top fashion gurus such as Hedi Slimane who has just left Dior, dazzled the catwalks with an array of skinny -- often loosely-knotted -- ties, inspired by rock stars such as Franz Ferdinand or The Hives, a throwback to the Mods of the 60s and 70s when even the Beatles did their thing in ties.

Often plain-coloured, the new look ties are four or six centimetres wide, against the traditional nine.

"Young people are buying these ties now, and the designers are offering new colours, new fabrics, new collections, they're making ties un-stodgy," said Nauerz, a reference to Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Dior, Calvin Klein and Paul Smith.

"You can tell the fashion houses are not going to drop the tie."

Historian Farid Chenoune, author of a book on men's fashion through the ages, sees renewed designer interest in the tie as part of the struggle between the ethics of suburban rap and hip-hop, and inner-city life.

"There's currently a reassertion of central city elegance, based on the jacket, shirt and tie," he said in an interview. "There's a kind of struggle going on, which even has a slight political undertone, between suburban fashion and inner-city fashion, even though there're links between the two."

"The return of the tie via young rock groups is part of inner-city fashion, inner-city youth."
Chenoun said the comeback of the tie followed the return of the jacket and shirt five or six years ago by the under-35s, breaking with the T-shirts favoured by the previous generation.

Like today's loosely knotted, unkempt and worn ties, shirts since 2000 are cool if worn unbuttoned, loose, or straying from under a sweater or out of a pair of pants.

"It's a statement by a generation, and the tie is part of it," he said.

But in one of Paris' top luxury goods stores, the vagaries of mass market buying have gone un-noticed.

At Charvet, the temple of the tie with an eye-boggling 8000 on sale and a bespoke service of collars, shirts and suits to match, manager Anne-Marie Colban said of the fall in tie sales:

"We have heard of it, but have never seen it."

AFP

Men's fashion tips from the top

The Milan Menswear Collections is certainly the most esteemed men's fashion show in the world. We spoke to an inspired Neil Doveton, Fashion Director of Men’s Health and Best Life magazine, live from Milano...

iafrica.com: What’s the hot gossip? Tell us what the fashionistas are talking about this year at the Milan Menswear Collections…
Neil: Apparently — and it's eavesdropped gossip — King Giorgio is tad upset with the American Vogue... but I am certainly not going into details!

iafrica.com: Apparently accessories for men featured quite strongly at the Menswear Collections in Milan this year. What kind of accessories are in vogue?

Neil: You have to carry a bag — or don't bother hoping to be noticed. Leather carryalls in every possible size and shape and finish — leather, patent leather, nylon, as long as its big and obvious.

Hats too are another way to finish your look in style, everything from straw hats to caps, poorboys and trilby's.

iafrica.com: Describe the most fantastic outfit of the week…

Neil: Aw come on that's not fair! Only one? Well seeing as it the year of the Golden Boys with gold being the new black, the old black, the every black I would say it has to be Burberry Prorsum's gleaming Gold Alligator trench coat belted in the waist and worn over deeply scooped black summer knit slim silhouette trousers and neoprene boots — Christopher Bailey's brilliant fusion of technical sport and glitzy glamour.

iafrica.com: What are the new key fashion items and colours for next summer…

Neil: Its a mixture of glamour and sport. The tuxedo features strongly in many variations from sophisticated and traditional to worn casually over a Henley T-shirt... the other total must-have is the waistcoat, layered, worn under jackets or simply as a shirt... it's great to see this classic piece make such a strong comeback. Colours... everything and anything that shimmers or shines.. every possible metallic, gold being supreme and contrasted against either an icy palette of summer whites, sandy desert hues or the deepest ebonies and charcoals.

iafrica.com: What are you specifically looking forward to wearing next season?

Neil: My waistcoat and mandarin collared shirt I bought in Milan! Oh and sneakers in patent shimmering metallic silver. And of course a Henley T-shirt under a satin lapelled Tuxedo jacket, skinny fit black jeans and sandals.

iafrica.com: Which male model is the most sought after right now?

Neil: It must be Marlon Brando's grandson, Tuki Brando, the new face of Versace... not only famous but gorgeous too.

iafrica.com: Did you get to meet any interesting fashionistas or celebrities?

Neil: To be honest I really keep my focus on the trends but did hobnob a bit with the fashionistas and fashion directors of UK GQ, Vogue and Italian Homme and Arena.

iafrica.com: Which show was your favourite and why…

Neil: You cant ask me that — they are all so brilliant and each so different, It's an enchanting experience that whisks one away to different places and sensations.

I mean D&G is always so sexy, DSQAURED2 real man, Burberry Prorsum stylish and British , Valentino put on such an unusual show with no runway, merely a raised semi-circular stage where models posed in amused manner as fashionista and photographer could gather up close for an extraordinarily tangible experience and even entice a glimpse of a smile from the models... a great new concept.

However it's Miss Vivienne Westwood who never fails to steal my heart, make me go all goose-bumpy and to be honest a little tearful as she brings such delight to the world of fashion, but we also love King Giorgio and the ever young Donatella (however does she do it?).

iafrica.com: Did you go shopping in Milan? What did you buy?

Neil: Well a can of coke is about 30 bucks if you know what I mean — nonetheless I always invest in classic white shirts in Milan, lets face it the Italians know how to make a good shirt, and the collars, mmm the collars are always just right!

iafrica.com: Drawing from your international fashion experience, is there any advice that you can give the local fashion industry?

Neil: I never like to give advice to our local industry — we have enormous talent back home and most of the outfits I wore to the collections are from our very own designers and retailers and guess what had my picture taken almost every day. I say only "keep it up, go for the glimmer and shine and most importantly — just love what you do, don't take it too seriously — fashion should be enjoyed and never a burden."

Copyright © 2002-2007 iafrica.com

Nokia's 8600 Luna Fashion Phone

Earlier this week at a press event in New York, we had the chance to check out some of Nokia's latest releases, including their new flagship fashion phone, the 8600 Luna. While the Luna has reasonable specs like quad-band GSM/EDGE support, a 2 megapixel camera, and a 16 million color QVGA display, the draw for most consumers will likely be the design.


The Luna is the first device that we are aware of that uses glass as a design element for something other than covering a display. In this case, The Luna has a smoked glass sliding cover that secures the phone's keypad when it is not in use. The glass also allows the slowly pulsating keypad backlight, the 8600 Luna's "heartbeat", to be seen when the phone is idling.

For me personally, I thought the Luna looked much better in the official Nokia press photos that it did in person. The phone just came across as being so dark in general. None of the design features were easy to see in the admittedly poor lighting at the event. The design just looked far too stealthy for a fashion phone. To me, fashion phones need a bit of flash to them to be effective. They need to be noticed.

While the Nokia 8600 Luna is pretty, it just doesn't come across as super model beautiful to me. Considering its 700EUR/US$945 price tag, I think it should. It is currently available in the UK, but should be available in the USA in the next month or so.

Source: Mobileburn.com

The naked truth about Danish fashion

Discover the naked truth about Danish fashion when the Danish Design Centre tells the story behind the Danish fashion adventure in the exhibition "Naked - Danish fashion and identity". It stays open until 7 October 2007.

Fashion is one of Denmark's main export trades. But what is the story behind the Danish fashion adventure? Today, fashion is a matter of branding and careful identity management. The Danish Design Centre opens the stage to Danish fashion brands with the exhibition "NAKED - Danish fashion and identity".

From fabric to fashion
Today, fashion is about more than just the clothes or the product, it is equally about branding and careful identity management. Together with a project team of fashion experts, the Danish Design Centre has selected a number of creative and successful Danish fashion firms that stand out with a high-profile corporate identity. How did they get there, and why are they successful right now?

Danish brands on display
The exhibition features some of the stories that form the core of the fashion firms' approach to branding and identity management. These stories are told by both established brands and rising stars, including Bruuns Bazaar, Henrik Vibskov, Inwear, Kopenhagen Fur and Noir.

All-round perspective
The exhibition concept is to view the dual theme of branding and identity management from two angles: the consumer angle and the corporate angle. This means that some of the stories address the aspects of fashion that are visible to the consumer (media, shows, shops, etc), while others focus on the underlying strategies and processes that help position a brand and turn fabric to fashion.

Fashion and design as export trades
The exhibition aims to explore why fashion is one of the creative areas that Denmark needs to continue to develop in the future. The goal is to spark inspiration and innovation, not just in other Danish fashion firms but also in other industries that have design as en important parameter in relation to their export potential. The Danish fashion business is one of Denmark's main export trades, and in 2006 alone the textile and fashion business had a total turnover of just over 32 billion DKK.

The exhibition has just opened at the Danish Design Centre and stays open to the public until 7 October 2007.

Further informationPress Officer Pia Dandanell Christensen, tel.: +45 3369 3345, email: pdc@ddc.dk
Or visit www.ddc.dk

Markam fashion Hot Spot

MARKAM FASHION will present its new lines of Spring 2008 collection at the fairs in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Düsseldorf (Germany), Vienna (Austria), Salzburg (Austria), Brno (Czech Republic), Moscow (Russia), Sofia (Bulgaria).


MARKAM FASHION will show for the first time the Summer 2008 collection at the fairs in Moscow (Russa) 04.09 – 07.09.07 and Sofia (Bulgaria) 04.10 – 06.10.07.

MARKAM’s Hot Spots in contracting: indisputably superb quality for its clients and profitable relationship with its partners!

The collections are characterised by perfect clarity of the line, modern, dynamic silhouette, minimalism and exact aesthetic measure in detail! Inspired by antiquity, dresses are major accent for this season. They come with different silhouettes, strongly draped, asymmetric, in "A" and "H" lines.

Markam team advises you to be remarkable!

Sharapova, Mauresmo win at Wimbledon

Wimbledon, England -- Second-seeded Maria Sharapova and defending champion Amelie Mauresmo each notched straight-set first-round victories Tuesday at Wimbledon.

Sharapova got past Yung-Jan Chan 6-1, 7-5 in her first match of the 2007 grass-court Grand Slam tournament. Sharapova won the Wimbledon women's title in 2004.

Mauresmo, who missed much of the spring recovering from an appendectomy but still seeded fourth this year, faced just one break point and blitzing Jamea Jackson 6-1, 6-3.

Also Tuesday, third-seeded Jelena Jankovic was extremely sharp in a 6-2, 6-0 romp over Anne Keothavong while eighth-seeded Anna Chakvetadze dumped Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 and No. 10-seeded Daniela Hantuchova needed just 40 minutes to eliminate Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-0, 6-1.

No. 23-seeded Venus Williams rallied from a 2-6, 0-2 deficit to defeat Alla Kudryavtseva 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.

Spears looks to Holmes for fashion tips

Pop star Britney Spears wants to reinvent her look--and hopes to take inspiration from the clothing choices of actress Katie Holmes.


The "Toxic" singer admits she is a great admirer of the Batman Begins star's fashion choices and plans to revamp herself as a similar "classy" lady.

She says, "I like clothes. But I like to be comfortable, too.

"Katie always looks so cute in her Armani and Manolo Blahnik stuff. I'm gonna go for that vibe and all the trimmings."

Oprah, The Olsens & More Step Out For CFDA Fashion Awards

Last night in NYC, it was the Oscars of fashion, where Oprah Winfrey lead an unbelievable style parade down the red carpet.

“I’m wearing Ralph for Ralph by Ralph,” Oprah said of her outfit.

Pale pink perfection! Lady “O” arrived to awaiting photogs who were eager to get a shot of her exquisite, floor length Ralph Lauren gown at last night’s CFDA Awards.

“Ralph called me personally and he asked me to come,” Oprah explained. “I said ‘Ralph, I don't know I'm suppose to be in Africa,’ so only for Ralph would I do this!

Mary-Kate Olsen opted for classic white while twin sister Ashley held her own in a sophisticated black gown, both in their own designs.

A dapper Diddy dusted off his vintage Tom Ford tux and walked the carpet solo as did all out sexy Eva Mendes in bright pink Calvin Klein and stunning at 53, Ellen Barkin in skintight sequins.

A white hot Petra Nemcova channeled Marilyn Monroe in the night’s red carpet trend – halters.

Taking the purple plunge, Uma Thurman and Debra Messing – arriving with designer Michael Kors and out celebrating the success of “The Starter Wife.”

“I know USA has the option to turn it into a series,” Messing said. “So we'll take it one step at a time and we'll see!”

Heidi Klum sparkled in this chocolate Michael Kors still glowing after renewing her vows with husband of two years, Seal.

“It’s true,” Heidi said of their renewal. “I don’t know who always talks about [these] things.”

Copyright 2007 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.

STARS LINE UP FOR FASHION ROCKS EVENT

JENNIFER LOPEZ, AEROSMITH, USHER and ALICIA KEYS are among the stars confirmed to play this year's (07) Fashion Rocks concert in New York City. Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy, Fergie and Ludacris are also scheduled to perform at the annual Radio City Music Hall event, which celebrates the ties between the worlds of music and fashion. The 6 September (07) concert will be hosted by Entourage actor Jeremy Piven.

Keira Knightley Walks The Walk With TOMS Shoes

When she’s not a pirate in love/not in love with Captain Jack Sparrow, or an impossibly good looking 18th Century Jane Austen character, Keira Knightley is a fashionista with an eye for design and a penchant for charitable causes.

So is the case with TOMS Shoes — a business that allows Knightley to combine her love for helping out, while also looking good. TOMS creates shoes that are inspired by the traditional make found in Argentina. For every pair that is bought in stores around the world, the company generously gives away the same pair to a person in need. Over 10,000 pairs have been distributed so far to poor in Argentina.

You can pick up a pair for about $38 or hit up the website for more information. A great concept and business that’s easy on the wallet and good for the sole.

Jennifer Garner Slips Into Pine IV Jeans

Ah, mon chérie. J’taime.

Today’s fashion find is none other than my personal favorite celebrity, Jennifer Garner. A sassy tipster spotted Garner slipping by in a pair of Pine IV Jeans. The green spin is that for each jean sold, the company will make a donation to one of several different conservation organizations who will plant one tree on that customer’s behalf. The program comes at absolutely no cost to the consumer, but you’ll definitely be shilling for the jeans. Each pair sells for a cool $200.

But what’s so great about Pine IV Jeans? Here’s what one reviewer had to say,

“Girls who want great-fitting jeans should check out Pine IV, a line of denim out of Redmond. First, the jeans aren’t too low; they come to just four fingers below the belly button. Second, they’ve got just the right amount of stretch to be comfortable, but they don’t bag out. Finally, they seem, well, accommodating, whether you’ve got a little excess junk in the trunk or an abdomen that isn’t perfectly flat.”

Interested? You can grab a pair here — and Jennifer: Keep wearing the green. I don’t mind telling the world at all.

MINK Shoes Gives Celebrities Green Options For Their Soles

Buxom blonde Pamela Anderson extended her veg-advocacy from her stomach to her toes with sustainable vegan footwear along with Denise Richards in their latest comedy Blonde and Blonder, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in France, according to MINK Shoes founder and owner, Rebecca Brough.

MINK Shoes—a vegan shoe company dedicated to animal-welfare and environmental conservation—offers fun, sexy, flirty, vegan high-heels for woman. Green and Hollywood veg die-hards like Natalie Portman and Alicia Silverstone off set their carbon footprint to an even greater extent thanks to Brough’s signature dainty, glamor-gal, animal-inspired designs constructed from cork, denim, linen and additional non-leather fabrics. The vibrant, eye-catching fancy footwear comes packaged in recycled, hot pink, girlie-girl boxes adorned with a picture of animal of inspiration.

At roughly $350–$400 a pop, the haute pair do not come cheap—but, neither do the unsustainable Manolo Blaniks and Jimmy Choo shoes.

Keira Knightley Hits Farmer’s Market With Hindmarch Bag

The “I’m Not A Plastic Bag” tote has been spotted once more on the arm of its famous owner. After getting snapped earlier this year carrying around the Hindmarch bag, Keira Knightley was seen at a Farmer’s Market in central London last week walking the green walk with the same bag.

Sure, it’s just a bag — but the craze that followed after Knightley was photographed with the tote caused designer Anya Hindmarch to be overwhelmed with demand. We’re talking lines around bocks, Ebay sales, cats and dogs living together, etc. Then there was the controversy that erupted when the bag was found to be less than “green” — even though Hindmarch never intended them to be sourced locally or made from organic materials. This spawned a whole slew of “I’m Not A” knock-offs and responses.
We’re just hopeful this goes beyond the fashion and causes people to use less plastic and more reusable options.

Dear Keira: Please carry around a solar panel next. They’re heavy, but you’ll look great.

For more photos of Knightley and her beau Rupert Friend at the Market, hit JustJared’s gallery…