Designer Frida Giannini meshes techno fabrics with natural cottons and silks.
MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 26, 2009) REUTERS - Italian label Gucci took sportswear into luxury at its spring/summer 2010 womenswear show on Saturday, (September 26), mixing athletics and aesthetics.
Designer Frida Giannini cinched and laced outfits with rubber or metallic clasps redolent of ski gear and climbing.
Models wore white short dresses or trousers and jackets spliced with rubber lacing or closed with zips.
A swimsuit in grey had metal clasps and an open-backed jacket was clasped shut.
A native american style print was used for woven leather jackets or flowing chiffon parkas, with its basic black and white design splashed either with orange or cobalt blue.
The print took on a stunning evening role in silver on a little black dress, while other versions of the classic shape in clingy fabrics had networks of metal beading or sparkling black epaulettes.
Giannini echoed other designers this week with high shoes and sculpted heels, but the Gucci version had wide leather ankle bands and criss-cross strap fronts.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Roberto Cavalli brings mediterranean flourish to womenswear show
Floral prints and flowing fabrics give a Provencal feel to the Italian designer's summer collection.
MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 26, 2009) REUTERS - Roberto Cavalli used a soft, flowing look in chiffons paired with smartly cut suit-style jackets and trousers for a very feminine feel in his spring/summer 2010 womenswear show on Saturday (September 26).
Models wore dresses that had shirt lapel necks and then flowed into pretty, cutaway chiffon dresses sprinkled with tiny flower prints.
These were worn over pinstripe narrow trousers and high heels for outfits that mixed smart with seductive.
Cavalli also worked with deckchair-weight canvas, swirling it in bias-cut panels rough at the edges on a dress for a peasant simplicity.
He swept up the floral theme in shoulder straps made of ruched roses or a jacket strewn with individually-made buds.
Colours kept to an emerging theme at this season's shows -- creams, pale pinks and ivory, magnolia and grey.
MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 26, 2009) REUTERS - Roberto Cavalli used a soft, flowing look in chiffons paired with smartly cut suit-style jackets and trousers for a very feminine feel in his spring/summer 2010 womenswear show on Saturday (September 26).
Models wore dresses that had shirt lapel necks and then flowed into pretty, cutaway chiffon dresses sprinkled with tiny flower prints.
These were worn over pinstripe narrow trousers and high heels for outfits that mixed smart with seductive.
Cavalli also worked with deckchair-weight canvas, swirling it in bias-cut panels rough at the edges on a dress for a peasant simplicity.
He swept up the floral theme in shoulder straps made of ruched roses or a jacket strewn with individually-made buds.
Colours kept to an emerging theme at this season's shows -- creams, pale pinks and ivory, magnolia and grey.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Versace jazzes up Milan fashion week with acid colours and plastic
Donatella Versace's Spring/Summer collection swirls sixties prints into contemporary styles.
MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 25, 2009) REUTERS - Versace's plastic skirts over sixties style shifts brought a bright mood to Milan's Spring/Summer 2010 womenswear collections on Friday (September 25).
Donatella Versace, who designs for the house, used candy pink and acid drop green for slinky print mini dresses, while black spots were lined up on pink peplum jackets. The spots splashed out over white wellies, too.
The designer mixed stretchy knit tight-fitting tops with skirts covered in metallic triangle patches for a look half-warrior half-waif. Palest cream leather was worked into pleats and then stamped with rivet-like emblems.
A pale apple green shift sported a metallic shoulder strap like an ammunition belt. Versace showed her soft side in chiffon versions of the prints in floaty folds for evening.
Milan Fashion Week runs until Wednesday (September 30).
MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 25, 2009) REUTERS - Versace's plastic skirts over sixties style shifts brought a bright mood to Milan's Spring/Summer 2010 womenswear collections on Friday (September 25).
Donatella Versace, who designs for the house, used candy pink and acid drop green for slinky print mini dresses, while black spots were lined up on pink peplum jackets. The spots splashed out over white wellies, too.
The designer mixed stretchy knit tight-fitting tops with skirts covered in metallic triangle patches for a look half-warrior half-waif. Palest cream leather was worked into pleats and then stamped with rivet-like emblems.
A pale apple green shift sported a metallic shoulder strap like an ammunition belt. Versace showed her soft side in chiffon versions of the prints in floaty folds for evening.
Milan Fashion Week runs until Wednesday (September 30).
Top models Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova and Naomi Campbell launch new perfume
Nineties supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova and Naomi Campbell launch Dolce and Gabbana's new perfume in Milan as animal rights protesters scuffle with bodyguards.
MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 25, 2009) REUTERS - Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana made the most of Milan fashion week and their love of the nineties on Friday night (September 25) by launching their new perfume in Italy's fashion capital with a little help from supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova and Naomi Campbell.
Thousands of people arrived at the Rinascente department store in order to see three of the world's most famously beautiful women.
But scuffles broke out between bodyguards and animal rights protesters who held up a banner calling for the end of the use of fur in the Dolce and Gabbana fashion line.
"Stop the madness, stop using fur" read one banner, hastily snatched away by bodyguards as designers Dolce and Gabbana and the three top models posed for photographs.
After a short time order was restored and the stars stopped signing autographs.
MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 25, 2009) REUTERS - Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana made the most of Milan fashion week and their love of the nineties on Friday night (September 25) by launching their new perfume in Italy's fashion capital with a little help from supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigova and Naomi Campbell.
Thousands of people arrived at the Rinascente department store in order to see three of the world's most famously beautiful women.
But scuffles broke out between bodyguards and animal rights protesters who held up a banner calling for the end of the use of fur in the Dolce and Gabbana fashion line.
"Stop the madness, stop using fur" read one banner, hastily snatched away by bodyguards as designers Dolce and Gabbana and the three top models posed for photographs.
After a short time order was restored and the stars stopped signing autographs.
New Miss Venezuela crowned
Venezuela, the world leader in Miss Universe titles, crowns new beauty queen in Caracas.
CARACAS, VENEZUELA (SEPTEMBER 25, 2009) VENEVISION - Venezuela, who has two consecutive Miss Universe titles, crowned a new beauty queen in Caracas on Thursday (September 24).
Even Venezuela's hugely successful beauty factory revealed it was feeling the global pinch and cut national competitors to 20 from 30. But the night hardly looked cut-rate, with contestants showing off their dancing skills, bathing suit bodies and elegance on massive, multi-tiered stage.
Local beauty czar Osmel Sousa kicked off another chapter in the local "Miss Venezuela" competition, which has landed the South American nation more international pageant titles than any other country.
Wildly popular, the annual pageant draws huge TV audiences that watch young women representing different Venezuelan provinces vie for the crown.
At the end of the night, Marelisa Gibson from the Miranda province was announced as the winner amidst camera flashes and hugs from fellow competitors. Gibson will represent Venezuela at the 2010 Miss Universe pageant.
Venezuela's Stefania Fernandez, an 18-year-old brunette, won the Miss Universe 2009 title last month in the Bahamas, giving her country its second win in a row and its sixth in that pageant's history.
CARACAS, VENEZUELA (SEPTEMBER 25, 2009) VENEVISION - Venezuela, who has two consecutive Miss Universe titles, crowned a new beauty queen in Caracas on Thursday (September 24).
Even Venezuela's hugely successful beauty factory revealed it was feeling the global pinch and cut national competitors to 20 from 30. But the night hardly looked cut-rate, with contestants showing off their dancing skills, bathing suit bodies and elegance on massive, multi-tiered stage.
Local beauty czar Osmel Sousa kicked off another chapter in the local "Miss Venezuela" competition, which has landed the South American nation more international pageant titles than any other country.
Wildly popular, the annual pageant draws huge TV audiences that watch young women representing different Venezuelan provinces vie for the crown.
At the end of the night, Marelisa Gibson from the Miranda province was announced as the winner amidst camera flashes and hugs from fellow competitors. Gibson will represent Venezuela at the 2010 Miss Universe pageant.
Venezuela's Stefania Fernandez, an 18-year-old brunette, won the Miss Universe 2009 title last month in the Bahamas, giving her country its second win in a row and its sixth in that pageant's history.
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
Musonda Malama
Musonda Malama(in black & white) leads the beauty queens from over 40 countries at the office of the Mayor of Prague, Czech Republic
Fall Tag Sale
Shifting wardrobes from spring and summer to fall and
winter clothes is the perfect opportunity to streamline. As
a general rule of thumb, we wear a very small percentage of
the clothes we have in our closets, some people put the
figure as low as 10-20%. So as you swap out filmy fabrics
for thicker ones, take a long, hard look at the clothes you
have and ask yourself: "do I actually wear this?" In
addition to clothes, what else is lurking in your closets
that you never use? Have each family member go through
their closets (and toy chests) too and put all those
unused, rarely worn items aside in a few big boxes. Once
everyone has gone through all of their closets and drawers
and straightened and organized them, it's time to part with
what's inside those boxes. A great way to do that and earn
a little bit of extra money for holiday spending: host a
tag sale. Read on for a few tips on how to organize a
successful one. Alicia on "Planning for Success": "Plan the
tag sale for when it makes the most sense. People generally
get paid on the first and the fifteenth so pick a date very
close to one of those. It can be difficult to draw crowds
if the weather is too cold, so if you live in a northern
area, schedule your tag sale before the end of October.
Once you've picked the date, set a logical time window. If
you know that Saturday mornings are filled with soccer
games, schedule the event for the afternoon. Whatever time
you choose to start, be sure you are ready to go an hour or
two from the start time. If you advertise 9 am, people have
been known to show up at 7 or 8. So, if you really want to
start at 9, advertise for 10."
Sarah on "Not Getting Physical": "If the idea of hauling
all your stuff out onto the lawn seems daunting, remember
that your sale does not have to be a physical one anymore.
Your real items can be sold in the virtual world. You can
either sell them as individual items, package them
together—like a boom box with an assortment of
CD's—or turn the whole thing into one big virtual
sale. Craig's List, for one, has a section specifically for
this. Just remember to charge for shipping. And if this is
a new concept for you, find a friend or family member who
has done it and let that person guide you through the
process."
Here a few tips to help you through the process.
# 1. The Buddy System. If the process of holding a tag sale
seems intimidating, lean on a friend who can help you let
go. Friends often look at your things with a fresh pair of
eyes and can tell you straight that the cardigan you are
holding on to makes you look like a box. Another benefit to
working with a friend: he or she may be your first customer.
# 2. Use a YUNK Box. If you just can't bear to part with
all of your things now, put half of them in a YUNK box.
YUNK simply stands for YoU Never Know. If you have not
touched those items six months from now, you don't need
them and you should get rid of them. This can also work
really well for children who think they are just unable to
part with a toy or doll. If they see that they didn't play
with it for a long period of time without even missing it,
they'll let go.
# 3. For the Common Good. If you don't want to set up a tag
sale of your own, consider being a part of one that could
help the community. Schools, churches, and local
organizations often have communal yard sales to raise money
for charity. Rent a table at one that you care about and
your unused items become directly responsible for giving
back. This might also help you let of more stuff
understanding that the more you give up, the more you are
giving.
About the Author:
Buttoned Up is dedicated to helping stretched & stressed
women get organized. Co-founders Alicia Rockmore & Sarah
Welch team up with a group of Gurus to give you tips &
products for all your messy, stressed needs & introduce
"imperfect organization." Visit
http://www.getbuttonedup.com to see which Guru matches your
style & get info on Everyday Life, Life Essentials & Life
Events
winter clothes is the perfect opportunity to streamline. As
a general rule of thumb, we wear a very small percentage of
the clothes we have in our closets, some people put the
figure as low as 10-20%. So as you swap out filmy fabrics
for thicker ones, take a long, hard look at the clothes you
have and ask yourself: "do I actually wear this?" In
addition to clothes, what else is lurking in your closets
that you never use? Have each family member go through
their closets (and toy chests) too and put all those
unused, rarely worn items aside in a few big boxes. Once
everyone has gone through all of their closets and drawers
and straightened and organized them, it's time to part with
what's inside those boxes. A great way to do that and earn
a little bit of extra money for holiday spending: host a
tag sale. Read on for a few tips on how to organize a
successful one. Alicia on "Planning for Success": "Plan the
tag sale for when it makes the most sense. People generally
get paid on the first and the fifteenth so pick a date very
close to one of those. It can be difficult to draw crowds
if the weather is too cold, so if you live in a northern
area, schedule your tag sale before the end of October.
Once you've picked the date, set a logical time window. If
you know that Saturday mornings are filled with soccer
games, schedule the event for the afternoon. Whatever time
you choose to start, be sure you are ready to go an hour or
two from the start time. If you advertise 9 am, people have
been known to show up at 7 or 8. So, if you really want to
start at 9, advertise for 10."
Sarah on "Not Getting Physical": "If the idea of hauling
all your stuff out onto the lawn seems daunting, remember
that your sale does not have to be a physical one anymore.
Your real items can be sold in the virtual world. You can
either sell them as individual items, package them
together—like a boom box with an assortment of
CD's—or turn the whole thing into one big virtual
sale. Craig's List, for one, has a section specifically for
this. Just remember to charge for shipping. And if this is
a new concept for you, find a friend or family member who
has done it and let that person guide you through the
process."
Here a few tips to help you through the process.
# 1. The Buddy System. If the process of holding a tag sale
seems intimidating, lean on a friend who can help you let
go. Friends often look at your things with a fresh pair of
eyes and can tell you straight that the cardigan you are
holding on to makes you look like a box. Another benefit to
working with a friend: he or she may be your first customer.
# 2. Use a YUNK Box. If you just can't bear to part with
all of your things now, put half of them in a YUNK box.
YUNK simply stands for YoU Never Know. If you have not
touched those items six months from now, you don't need
them and you should get rid of them. This can also work
really well for children who think they are just unable to
part with a toy or doll. If they see that they didn't play
with it for a long period of time without even missing it,
they'll let go.
# 3. For the Common Good. If you don't want to set up a tag
sale of your own, consider being a part of one that could
help the community. Schools, churches, and local
organizations often have communal yard sales to raise money
for charity. Rent a table at one that you care about and
your unused items become directly responsible for giving
back. This might also help you let of more stuff
understanding that the more you give up, the more you are
giving.
About the Author:
Buttoned Up is dedicated to helping stretched & stressed
women get organized. Co-founders Alicia Rockmore & Sarah
Welch team up with a group of Gurus to give you tips &
products for all your messy, stressed needs & introduce
"imperfect organization." Visit
http://www.getbuttonedup.com to see which Guru matches your
style & get info on Everyday Life, Life Essentials & Life
Events
Shine Like A Star In Sequins
It's that time of year when our wardrobes will be changing
for the colder months. This season add shine and sparkle
to you clothing and be sure to dazzle everyone in sexy
sequins.
Sequins will always add glitz and glamour to any outfit and
this season there are so many options to choose from. All
the fashion houses are sprinkling their party dresses in
full sequins and in little subtle bursts to highlight or
accent any outfit. The Classic LBD is a wardrobe staple -
but the sexy sequins dresses are becoming a fast favourite.
Tunic dresses embellished with sequins are an excellent
choice for any party outfit. These stunning outfits range
from extremely form fitting (a great way to show off your
fabulous curves) to body skimming thanks to a range of
fabrics available. Look for tunic dresses to be available
in a full range of bright colours and metallic fabrics,
plus to offer many different sleeve choices; cap sleeves,
big shoulders, and even sleeveless are some of the looks
you're going to find in plentiful supply. Another
fantastic look for sequins is the asymmetrical dress,
something that has long been a fashion favourite. Keep an
eye out for one shouldered designs with asymmetrical
gatherings, ruffles and pleats. There are even many
dresses that enhance the asymmetrical shape with
asymmetrical sequin designs, a very flattering look for
just about any size or shape of body.
Sequin dresses are hot, but not the only option! Add
sparkle and shine with accessories to brighten up any
wardrobe. For instance, sequined leggings are an
interesting addition to the fashion trends this year.
You're going to see them in all sorts of colours from the
very bright to traditional black, and there are variations
in length out there as well. Whether you choose ankle
length, calf length, or even knee length sequined leggings,
you're sure to be the brightest star on the dance floor
Other terrific sequined party pieces that you will love
include skirts, tunics, corset tops, mini skirts, pants,
and mini shorts. For every body shape and personal taste
there are so many styles to choose from. Make sure you add
some sequins to your wardrobe to brighten up the cold
wintery months ahead. It's a great way to rock the party
from start to finish!
About the Author:
Sequins are making their mark this Autumn! Get your
sparkled dresses, leggings and corsets at
http://www.goddiva.co.uk
for the colder months. This season add shine and sparkle
to you clothing and be sure to dazzle everyone in sexy
sequins.
Sequins will always add glitz and glamour to any outfit and
this season there are so many options to choose from. All
the fashion houses are sprinkling their party dresses in
full sequins and in little subtle bursts to highlight or
accent any outfit. The Classic LBD is a wardrobe staple -
but the sexy sequins dresses are becoming a fast favourite.
Tunic dresses embellished with sequins are an excellent
choice for any party outfit. These stunning outfits range
from extremely form fitting (a great way to show off your
fabulous curves) to body skimming thanks to a range of
fabrics available. Look for tunic dresses to be available
in a full range of bright colours and metallic fabrics,
plus to offer many different sleeve choices; cap sleeves,
big shoulders, and even sleeveless are some of the looks
you're going to find in plentiful supply. Another
fantastic look for sequins is the asymmetrical dress,
something that has long been a fashion favourite. Keep an
eye out for one shouldered designs with asymmetrical
gatherings, ruffles and pleats. There are even many
dresses that enhance the asymmetrical shape with
asymmetrical sequin designs, a very flattering look for
just about any size or shape of body.
Sequin dresses are hot, but not the only option! Add
sparkle and shine with accessories to brighten up any
wardrobe. For instance, sequined leggings are an
interesting addition to the fashion trends this year.
You're going to see them in all sorts of colours from the
very bright to traditional black, and there are variations
in length out there as well. Whether you choose ankle
length, calf length, or even knee length sequined leggings,
you're sure to be the brightest star on the dance floor
Other terrific sequined party pieces that you will love
include skirts, tunics, corset tops, mini skirts, pants,
and mini shorts. For every body shape and personal taste
there are so many styles to choose from. Make sure you add
some sequins to your wardrobe to brighten up the cold
wintery months ahead. It's a great way to rock the party
from start to finish!
About the Author:
Sequins are making their mark this Autumn! Get your
sparkled dresses, leggings and corsets at
http://www.goddiva.co.uk
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Fashion brands merge for the masses
Ultra-chic designers join forces with the high street creating luxury labels for less.
Topshop managing director Mary Homer assesses the pieces which make up their new range.
The items on display here were designed by 26 year old British designer Christopher Kane.
It's part of a high street collaboration between the store and Kane.
He was showing off his upcoming Spring/Summer collection at London Fashion Week.
A favourite amongst the fashion crowd, the young designer produces pieces retailing at around 2000 pounds, more than 3000 U.S dollars.
At Topshop budding fashionistas can buy his inspirational designs for around 96 percent less.
Designer collaborations have been a success story for the high street chain - Homer said, due to Kane's high profile, he was the right man for the collection.
MARY HOMER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TOPSHOP SAYING:
''So we decided that it would be right to bring the changes and do something quite different, and sort of showcase somebody. So the first person you know, or one of the many people that came to mind was obviously Christopher.''
Speaking at his show, Kane said his collection for Topshop had to be far more commercial in order to appeal to a wider market.
MARY HOMER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TOPSHOP SAYING:
''The look that I put out for Topshop has to be much more commercial and it just needs to suit a whole wide audience.''
British retailer Philip Green and owner of Topshop said collaborations can only strengthen a brand.
PHILIP GREEN, BRITISH RETAILER, SAYING:
''We're a business operating in 30 countries, so it adds to the credibility of our brand. Christopher steps up to the plate and his collection is strong and it's good it adds to our brand.''
According to Verdict Research the European luxury market has declined by around 6 percent, with first quarter sales feeling the brunt of the recession.
The coming together of ultra-chic designers and high street shops is a popular trend.
High street chain Whistles worked with designer Roksanda Illincic, and fashion doyen Vivienne Westwood has been creating shoes for Melissa.
Consultants from Deloitte said stores appealing to people with smaller budgets is the fastest growing part of the British retail industry.
As more designers create capsule collections for the high street designer collaborations appear to be right on trend.
Basmah Fahim, Reuters.
Topshop managing director Mary Homer assesses the pieces which make up their new range.
The items on display here were designed by 26 year old British designer Christopher Kane.
It's part of a high street collaboration between the store and Kane.
He was showing off his upcoming Spring/Summer collection at London Fashion Week.
A favourite amongst the fashion crowd, the young designer produces pieces retailing at around 2000 pounds, more than 3000 U.S dollars.
At Topshop budding fashionistas can buy his inspirational designs for around 96 percent less.
Designer collaborations have been a success story for the high street chain - Homer said, due to Kane's high profile, he was the right man for the collection.
MARY HOMER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TOPSHOP SAYING:
''So we decided that it would be right to bring the changes and do something quite different, and sort of showcase somebody. So the first person you know, or one of the many people that came to mind was obviously Christopher.''
Speaking at his show, Kane said his collection for Topshop had to be far more commercial in order to appeal to a wider market.
MARY HOMER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TOPSHOP SAYING:
''The look that I put out for Topshop has to be much more commercial and it just needs to suit a whole wide audience.''
British retailer Philip Green and owner of Topshop said collaborations can only strengthen a brand.
PHILIP GREEN, BRITISH RETAILER, SAYING:
''We're a business operating in 30 countries, so it adds to the credibility of our brand. Christopher steps up to the plate and his collection is strong and it's good it adds to our brand.''
According to Verdict Research the European luxury market has declined by around 6 percent, with first quarter sales feeling the brunt of the recession.
The coming together of ultra-chic designers and high street shops is a popular trend.
High street chain Whistles worked with designer Roksanda Illincic, and fashion doyen Vivienne Westwood has been creating shoes for Melissa.
Consultants from Deloitte said stores appealing to people with smaller budgets is the fastest growing part of the British retail industry.
As more designers create capsule collections for the high street designer collaborations appear to be right on trend.
Basmah Fahim, Reuters.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Burberry's head designer and CEO talk about coming back to London ahead of their show at fashion week
Burberry's creative director Christopher Bailey and CEO Angela Ahrendts give rare access behind-the-scenes of the label's show studio ahead of their return show at London Fashion Week.
LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM REUTERS - Burberry gave rare behind-the-scenes access inside their studio ahead of the comeback show at London Fashion Week on Tuesday (September 23), set to be one of the most anticipated catwalks of the season.
The label has been showing in Milan and makes it return to home soil after ten years. Christopher Bailey, the label's creative director said he couldn't wait to show the collection before the home grown.
"Personally it's wonderful because I can sleep in my own bed but for Burberry I think it's just like we're coming home. It's a real celebration of fashion. Burberry is the great British brand and it's wonderful that we've been given the opportunity to bring the show here and to celebrate London and British fashion," he told Reuters Television.
Whether it was a permanent move, Bailey wasn't certain: "We're not saying yes, we're not saying no. We're just taking it day-by-day. We're loving behing here and we kind of approach everythign in that way, a very simple way. Let's see the reaction, let's see who comes, let's see the buyers, the press, the energy that we've got."
The brand has prided itself on being a quintessentially British brand, known primarily for trench coats which itself was its own patented style: epaulettes (a cloth placed over the shoulder used for ornamental purposes), back vent and D rings for buttons. The UK War Office commissioned the brand during World War I to make trench coats for its servicemen and since then little has changed.
"We're always inspired by what we're surrounded by. The heritage is a huge part of the inspiration. Thomas Burberry, the founder of the company, inspires practically everything we do. The trench coat is the beginning and end of everything we work on. But London is such an inspiring city from art, to film, to music, to design. It's so multi-faceted the inspiration here that it eats into this British attitude that we talk about at Burberry that really define Burberry style," said Bailey.
However, the brand suffered an identity crisis in the 1970s when it was adored mostly by tourists and ignored mainly by the very people the label was meant to dress: the English. But with Bailey at the helm in 2001, he set forth changing the brand's image from aging British design to the capturing the youth. He did so using a very simple but effective tool, celebrities.
First was Kate Moss who gave the model a cool Britannia edge, then Sam Riley, star of "Control" about Joy Division and the tragic life of lead singer Ian Curtis.
But the brand became overexposed with many working class youth wearing the trademark beige, white, black and red stripes as a rebellion against England's class system.
Burberry have now taken on Emma Watson, as the face of their autumn/winter 2009 campaign for another image makeover. Known better as Hermonie Granger in the "Harry Potter" films, Bailey said she symbolises a freshness and renewal for the brand.
"I think with the ad campaigns, we always try to show the different characters, the different British attitudes so Emma (Watson) reflects one of them. So in our different ad campaigns, I think we try to reflect different types of characters so yes it's young, yes we want it to be innovative, we want it to be exciting, we want it to be inspiring. Emma is a wonderful ambassador for the company. She's known throughout the world and she's a British beauty. So she's a wonderful part of the Burberry family," he said.
CEO Angela Ahrendts said she was "thrilled" with the momentum of the 153-year-old brand's top-end Prorsum range, whose spring-summer collection will close the 25th anniversary of London fashion week on Tuesday.
"The environment is still challenging," she said.
"We've got a lot of new initiatives in place, and markets have begun to rally, so we're cautiously optimistic that things will start to turn."
Burberry has been hit hard, alongside luxury peers, by the global economic downturn, but has mitigated the impact by cutting costs, jobs and inventories. It is also extending the brand into areas like footwear and children's clothes.
Burberry posted a 4 percent fall in quarterly revenue at constant exchange rates in July, compared with consultancy Bain & Co's prediction that global luxury sales will fall 10 percent this year on the same basis.
Ahrendts declined to comment on newspaper reports that Burberry is in talks with India's Genesis Colors with a view to forming a partnership that would open 20 to 30 stores across India over the next two years.
But she said India, like other emerging markets such as China and Latin America, was a growth opportunity, and the country's historical ties with Britain made it particularly appealing to Burberry.
"The historical links are absolutely what excite us the most. There's a natural affinity for the Burberry brand there," she said.
Burberry, which trades from about 120 retail stores, 250 concessions, 50 outlets, 85 franchise stores and the Internet in over 25 countries, currently has two shops in India and will open a third soon.
"In a perfect world I think it would be beneficial (to have a retail partner in India)," Ahrendts added.
Burberry's shares fell as much as 70 percent last year, but have reversed almost all of their losses this year, outperforming the DJ Stoxx personal and household goods index.
LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM REUTERS - Burberry gave rare behind-the-scenes access inside their studio ahead of the comeback show at London Fashion Week on Tuesday (September 23), set to be one of the most anticipated catwalks of the season.
The label has been showing in Milan and makes it return to home soil after ten years. Christopher Bailey, the label's creative director said he couldn't wait to show the collection before the home grown.
"Personally it's wonderful because I can sleep in my own bed but for Burberry I think it's just like we're coming home. It's a real celebration of fashion. Burberry is the great British brand and it's wonderful that we've been given the opportunity to bring the show here and to celebrate London and British fashion," he told Reuters Television.
Whether it was a permanent move, Bailey wasn't certain: "We're not saying yes, we're not saying no. We're just taking it day-by-day. We're loving behing here and we kind of approach everythign in that way, a very simple way. Let's see the reaction, let's see who comes, let's see the buyers, the press, the energy that we've got."
The brand has prided itself on being a quintessentially British brand, known primarily for trench coats which itself was its own patented style: epaulettes (a cloth placed over the shoulder used for ornamental purposes), back vent and D rings for buttons. The UK War Office commissioned the brand during World War I to make trench coats for its servicemen and since then little has changed.
"We're always inspired by what we're surrounded by. The heritage is a huge part of the inspiration. Thomas Burberry, the founder of the company, inspires practically everything we do. The trench coat is the beginning and end of everything we work on. But London is such an inspiring city from art, to film, to music, to design. It's so multi-faceted the inspiration here that it eats into this British attitude that we talk about at Burberry that really define Burberry style," said Bailey.
However, the brand suffered an identity crisis in the 1970s when it was adored mostly by tourists and ignored mainly by the very people the label was meant to dress: the English. But with Bailey at the helm in 2001, he set forth changing the brand's image from aging British design to the capturing the youth. He did so using a very simple but effective tool, celebrities.
First was Kate Moss who gave the model a cool Britannia edge, then Sam Riley, star of "Control" about Joy Division and the tragic life of lead singer Ian Curtis.
But the brand became overexposed with many working class youth wearing the trademark beige, white, black and red stripes as a rebellion against England's class system.
Burberry have now taken on Emma Watson, as the face of their autumn/winter 2009 campaign for another image makeover. Known better as Hermonie Granger in the "Harry Potter" films, Bailey said she symbolises a freshness and renewal for the brand.
"I think with the ad campaigns, we always try to show the different characters, the different British attitudes so Emma (Watson) reflects one of them. So in our different ad campaigns, I think we try to reflect different types of characters so yes it's young, yes we want it to be innovative, we want it to be exciting, we want it to be inspiring. Emma is a wonderful ambassador for the company. She's known throughout the world and she's a British beauty. So she's a wonderful part of the Burberry family," he said.
CEO Angela Ahrendts said she was "thrilled" with the momentum of the 153-year-old brand's top-end Prorsum range, whose spring-summer collection will close the 25th anniversary of London fashion week on Tuesday.
"The environment is still challenging," she said.
"We've got a lot of new initiatives in place, and markets have begun to rally, so we're cautiously optimistic that things will start to turn."
Burberry has been hit hard, alongside luxury peers, by the global economic downturn, but has mitigated the impact by cutting costs, jobs and inventories. It is also extending the brand into areas like footwear and children's clothes.
Burberry posted a 4 percent fall in quarterly revenue at constant exchange rates in July, compared with consultancy Bain & Co's prediction that global luxury sales will fall 10 percent this year on the same basis.
Ahrendts declined to comment on newspaper reports that Burberry is in talks with India's Genesis Colors with a view to forming a partnership that would open 20 to 30 stores across India over the next two years.
But she said India, like other emerging markets such as China and Latin America, was a growth opportunity, and the country's historical ties with Britain made it particularly appealing to Burberry.
"The historical links are absolutely what excite us the most. There's a natural affinity for the Burberry brand there," she said.
Burberry, which trades from about 120 retail stores, 250 concessions, 50 outlets, 85 franchise stores and the Internet in over 25 countries, currently has two shops in India and will open a third soon.
"In a perfect world I think it would be beneficial (to have a retail partner in India)," Ahrendts added.
Burberry's shares fell as much as 70 percent last year, but have reversed almost all of their losses this year, outperforming the DJ Stoxx personal and household goods index.
SUAVE KATE WALSH
"Private Practice" teamed up with hair care brand Suave(R) Professionals(R) to show America that red carpet style doesn't have to cost a fortune. (PRNewsFoto/Suave)
English theme inspires designers Julien Macdonald and Vivienne Westwood
Julien Macdonald showed off his 'scuba chic' against the backdrop of an English country garden, and Vivienne Westwood said a trip to Hampton Court inspired her designs.
(SEPTEMBER 20, 2009) REUTERS - Set in an English country garden backdrop, Julien Macdonald showed off his Spring/Summer collection on Saturday (September 20).
The Welsh designer said the backdrop of the show was a contrast to the show's theme, underwater love. Macdonald said a deep sea diving trip to the Red Sea inspired this collection.
''Erm a diving trip to the Red Sea, where all of a sudden I was diving underneath the ocean with tanks on my back, and basically I really loved, I got inspired by the scuba suit, the suit you actually you wear when you go diving.''
Describing his creations as 'scuba chic', he also said the it was an aggressive yet fun collection.
Sharp shoulders and wetsuit inspired items were evident on the catwalk. His colour palette, was also darker for Spring/Summer. But Macdonald said his colour palette is chic and that white is the new black.
''And I think in the summer everybody offers lots of very bright colours, so these colours are very subdued but they're very chic colours, so they're colours that very rich women would buy into. The clothes are expensive and you know if you go to St Tropez you know, you want to wear expensive colours, the colours are very intense, there are intense reds and washed out pinks, and there's white, so for me really white is the new black of fashion.''
His underwater theme was evident on the catwalk as models dressed in outfits similar to fish scales stepped out onto the gravelled catwalk.
Having been inspired from one holiday Macdonald said he might end up in a colder climate to give him inspiration for winter.
''Well I think it will be a while but you never know, straight after the show I need to start on my next inspirational trip, so who know what it will be. It's the winter so perhaps I might end up in Alaska.
Following on with an English theme was the doyen of fashion Vivienne Westwood, who showcased her Red Label in London.
Celebrities could be spotted in the audience, among them was former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Girls Aloud singers Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts.
The collection reflected the English weather in the use of colours and the British atmosphere was shown in the traditional British fabrics.
This is the only label Westwood shows in London, her Gold Label is shown in Paris. She says it's the correct fashion capital for that particular line.
''I'm used to showing it (Gold Label) in Paris, because that's where you do show your, Gold Label because it's like, it's, well you've got to show where it's at for certain things.''
During this London Fashion Week many sought after designers are returning to the capital, among them is Burberry and Matthew Williamson.
Westwood said she too may return to the city,
'' I might come back to England as more and more designers coming back to England and it makes a difference who is there you see as well.''
Her shows often attract celebrities, and this year was no different. Singers Joss Stone and Boy George complimented the designer,
''Fantastic, absolutely flawless, very good, classic Vivienne you know.'' Said George.
''I think she's brilliant, she's a very different lady, and she's not exactly afraid of what people thinks, she's just going to do what she does, and she's not following any trends, she's making them.'' Said Stone.
Vivienne was wearing a green dress from a collection which was shown a couple of years ago. As she stepped out on to the runway at the end of the show she was clutching a toy toad. The toad represents the Prince's Rainforest Project, a cause that Vivienne Westwood is supporting.
(SEPTEMBER 20, 2009) REUTERS - Set in an English country garden backdrop, Julien Macdonald showed off his Spring/Summer collection on Saturday (September 20).
The Welsh designer said the backdrop of the show was a contrast to the show's theme, underwater love. Macdonald said a deep sea diving trip to the Red Sea inspired this collection.
''Erm a diving trip to the Red Sea, where all of a sudden I was diving underneath the ocean with tanks on my back, and basically I really loved, I got inspired by the scuba suit, the suit you actually you wear when you go diving.''
Describing his creations as 'scuba chic', he also said the it was an aggressive yet fun collection.
Sharp shoulders and wetsuit inspired items were evident on the catwalk. His colour palette, was also darker for Spring/Summer. But Macdonald said his colour palette is chic and that white is the new black.
''And I think in the summer everybody offers lots of very bright colours, so these colours are very subdued but they're very chic colours, so they're colours that very rich women would buy into. The clothes are expensive and you know if you go to St Tropez you know, you want to wear expensive colours, the colours are very intense, there are intense reds and washed out pinks, and there's white, so for me really white is the new black of fashion.''
His underwater theme was evident on the catwalk as models dressed in outfits similar to fish scales stepped out onto the gravelled catwalk.
Having been inspired from one holiday Macdonald said he might end up in a colder climate to give him inspiration for winter.
''Well I think it will be a while but you never know, straight after the show I need to start on my next inspirational trip, so who know what it will be. It's the winter so perhaps I might end up in Alaska.
Following on with an English theme was the doyen of fashion Vivienne Westwood, who showcased her Red Label in London.
Celebrities could be spotted in the audience, among them was former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and Girls Aloud singers Sarah Harding and Nicola Roberts.
The collection reflected the English weather in the use of colours and the British atmosphere was shown in the traditional British fabrics.
This is the only label Westwood shows in London, her Gold Label is shown in Paris. She says it's the correct fashion capital for that particular line.
''I'm used to showing it (Gold Label) in Paris, because that's where you do show your, Gold Label because it's like, it's, well you've got to show where it's at for certain things.''
During this London Fashion Week many sought after designers are returning to the capital, among them is Burberry and Matthew Williamson.
Westwood said she too may return to the city,
'' I might come back to England as more and more designers coming back to England and it makes a difference who is there you see as well.''
Her shows often attract celebrities, and this year was no different. Singers Joss Stone and Boy George complimented the designer,
''Fantastic, absolutely flawless, very good, classic Vivienne you know.'' Said George.
''I think she's brilliant, she's a very different lady, and she's not exactly afraid of what people thinks, she's just going to do what she does, and she's not following any trends, she's making them.'' Said Stone.
Vivienne was wearing a green dress from a collection which was shown a couple of years ago. As she stepped out on to the runway at the end of the show she was clutching a toy toad. The toad represents the Prince's Rainforest Project, a cause that Vivienne Westwood is supporting.
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