The Quest for "it"

PARIS: Dorchester Collection Launches 2013 Fashion Prize - Paris

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The 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize was launched today at Hotel Plaza Athenee with a high profile panel of judges from the world of fashion including Lorenz Baumer, Pamela Golbin and Kappauf. Launch events have already taken place announcing judges in the UK: Daniella Helayel, Caroline Issa, Stephen Jones, Nicholas Oakwell, Rupert Sanderson, and Stephen Webster; Italy: Fabia Di Drusco, Vivia Ferragamo, Guglielmo Miani and Margherita Perico; the US: Derek Blasberg, Catherine Bloom, Penny Lovell and Gelila Puck and Switzerland: Frederic Aranda, Laurence Desbordes and Jean-Pierre Greff.

LONDON: VOGUE Festival 2013 is Coming!

 

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The VOGUE Festival 2013 is COMING! Beginning April 27th and ending on April 28th.  Said to be the most glamorous festival in London, leading designers, photographers, celebrities,  models, and fashion editors will be giving audiences a unique insight into their lives and world through interviews, panel discussions and talks.

Participants include: Victoria Beckham, Alexa Chung, Cara Delevingne, Anna Dello Russo, Alber Elbaz, Livia Firth, David Gandy, Anya Hindmarch, Christopher Kane, Michael Kors, Yasmin Le Bon, Natalie Massenet, Tamara Mellon, Mario Testino, Donatella Versace, and many more. Click here for ticket info

 

 

London Fashion Week A/W 2013 Kicks Off!

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Sass & Bide Designers Sarah-Jane Clarke & Heidi Middleton

News from across the pond reports that this morning, the Chairman and CEO of the British Fashion Council, Natalie Massenet and Caroline Rush officially opened London Fashion Week AW13 alongside Minister for the Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey. They outlined the BFC’s new three year strategy and plans to commission a report on Manufacturing and Textiles for the UK that will outline the opportunities that the sector can take forward.

"We represent the most creative, dynamic, and nimble fashion industry in the world. And thanks to the digital revolution our platform goes beyond the front row here in London to millions of people around the world" - Natalie Massenet

Click here for a schedule of London Fashion Week A/W 2013 shows. M*ost noteworthy, Sass + Bide is set for 8:45 pm

LONDON: Rebecca Wang Enjoys Front Row View of the Exclusive Chanel Metiers d'Art Fashion Show

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Rebcecca Wang was recently spotted front row at the EXCLUSIVE Chanel Metoers d'Art Fashion Show.  Karl Lagerfeld, the Creative Director of luxury Paris brand Chanel, ensured a major coup for Scotland this winter by choosing a ruined palace in West Lothian as the dramatic backdrop for the brand's most spectacular and extravagant fashion show.

The Metiers d'Art Collection 2012/13 took place at the very special location of Linlithgow Palace on Tuesday, December 4th at 6:00 pm. Entry to the event was by invitation only. The collection presented the latest beautiful creations from the design studio founded by Coco Chanel.

The Collection series, which launched in 2003, has previously been shown in iconic locations such as Grand Central Station in New York, Huangpu Park in Shanghai and other exotic venues in Tokyo, Moscow, Bombay, Paris and London.  The Metiers d'Art Collection 2012/13 is an opportunity for the brand to showcase the outstanding craftsmanship and work of the ten ateliers gathered under the umbrella of Chanel subsidiary Paraffection (‘in the name of love’). Paraffection was set up in 1997 in order to promote the heritage, craft and manufacturing skills of fashion artisan workshops. The subsidiary represents part of a long held strategy of Chanel to protect - and if necessary purchase - it's most valued suppliers.

Supermodel Stella Tnenat with Karl Lagerfeld
 

The Metiers d'Art show always carries a clear theme. Karl Lagerfeld chose Edinburgh as the location for the collection, inspired by the rich heritage of Chanel in Scotland and the craftsmanship of Scottish tweed and cashmere, which are an integral and iconic part of Chanel's creations. Linlithgow Palace was selected for its fairytale-like surroundings, gothic architecture, nearby loch and adjacent rocky hills.

The Palace, situated 15 miles to the west of Edinburgh, was originally a royal manor, then a fortification known as the Peel, whose site made it an ideal military base for securing the supply routes between the castles of Edinburgh and Stirling. In the 15th and 16th centuries it was one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland. The palace was also the birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots. After the act of Union in 1603, when Scotland's monarchs left for England, the palace, while maintained, was little used. Bonnie Prince Charlie visited Linlithgow in 1745 on his historic march south, and legend has it that the elaborate fountain ran with wine in his honour on the occasion.

Due to the legendary reputation of the Metiers d'Art shows in the fashion world, Linlithgow dwellers are thrilled to have hosted such a high calibre event in their small town. The event was seen by the locals as a fantastic opportunity to showcase Scotland's culture and heritage in the Year of Creative Scotland 2012. Historic Scotland worked with fellow tourism agencies to capitalise on the opportunities the international show brought.

Attendees from all over the world have had the opportunity to visit the capital's tourist attractions, including the palace and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The guest list comprised of prominent figures within the fashion and entertainment industry.  Those invited included Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Anna Wintour, Carine Roitfeld and Keira Knightly.  Producer Rebecca Wang said ‘It’s wonderful to be here tonight, Linlithgow Palace is a stunning historic location for such a prestigious show’.

LONDON: The Winners of NEWGEN MEN Sponsored by Topman for Autumn/Winter 2013

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Eight of London’s brightest emerging menswear talents will receive support from NEWGEN MEN sponsored by TOPMAN, to show at London Collections: Men in January 2013. Find out the winners here. NEWGEN MEN began in September 2009 and has been instrumental in raising the profile of emerging British menswear designers. Find out more about the scheme.

“Following the success of the inaugural London Collections: Men, we’re delighted to be announcing eight designers who’ll be receiving support at the next showcase in January. The diversity of London’s menswear is testament to the creativity and innovation demonstrated by these designers, with thanks going to TOPMAN for their on-going support of emerging talent and the NEWGEN MEN initiative.” - Caroline Rush, CEO British Fashion Council

 

LONDON: Vote Now! British Style Award 2012 brought to you by Vodafone

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Here's a question for you, who is your British style icon? Cast your vote for the British Style Award, brought to you by Vodafone - the only award decided by the public. To see the nominees, add your own and cast your vote, visit www.britishstyleawards.co.uk

This award recognises an individual who most embodies the spirit of London (think Stella McCartney, Kate Moss, Daphne Guinness) and is an international ambassador for London as a leading creative fashion capital. Won by Alexa Chung in 2010 and 2011, the award will be presented at the British Fashion Awards 2012.

Voting will be open until Wednesday 31st October. Voters will be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to attend the British Fashion Awards ceremony. Click here to vote

LONDON: Launch of the Cartier Tank Watch Collection

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On Thursday, April 19, Cartier UK celebrated the launch of the Tank Anglaise, part of the iconic Cartier Tank collection. It was unveiled in true Cartier style alongside the Tank Folleand the Tank Louis Cartier XL Extra Flat.

Cartier bell boys greeted guests at the entrance of the Orangery, where they were then escorted through the West Apse, decorated by bay trees interlaced with candle lights. Within the Orangery guests were invited to view the iconic vitrine’s displaying the historic Tank watches. At 8:30 pm, flanked by trumpeters the Master of Ceremonies brought the guests to attention. With some welcoming words, Arnaud M. Bamberger, Executive Chairman of Cartier UK, proceeded to unveil the Tank Anglaise to great applause and celebration. Cartier UK was pleased to welcome both friends of the Maison, as well as ambassadors of the Tank Anglaise, who were photographed by David Bailey in an exclusive portfolio.

*photo courtesy of Cartier for Getty Images 

LONDON: The Vogue Festival 2012 in association with VERTU

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Vertu, the pioneer and leading manufacturer of luxury mobile phones will tonight host a private debate and cocktail party at the inaugural Vogue Festival taking place at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

The private talk chaired by British Vogue Editor Alexandra Shulman, will discuss whether technology shapes desire or desire shapes technology.  Perry Oosting, President of Vertu will be joined for the debate by fashion illustrator David Downton; Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet; and designer Erdem Moralioglu.  Highlights of the event can be seen exclusively on Vertu.com and also on each Vertu handset via Vertu Select, a digest of original articles selected to inspire, inform and entertain based on a user’s region, preferences and passions.

The programme for the Vogue Festival 2012 in association with Vertu, includes (in alphabetical order) Lisa Armstrong, Christopher Bailey, David Bailey, Laura Bailey, Edie Campbell, Lucinda Chambers, Lily Cole, Jourdan Dunn, Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana, David Downton, Pixie Geldof, Eva Herzigova, Kate Hudson Tom Ford, Holly Fulton, Henry Holland, Roksanda Ilincic, Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou, Nicholas Kirkwood, Nigella Lawson, Natalie Massenet, Stella McCartney, Marigay McKee, Erdem Moralioglu, Mary Portas, Anne Robinson, Alexandra Shulman, Natalia Vodianova, Diane von Furstenberg, Tim Walker, Matthew Williamson, Kirsty Young, Richard Young, and Rachel Zoe.      

Individual tickets are available for both morning and afternoon sessions. Each half-day ticket (75 British pounds per session) allows you to see the main talks and panel discussions, as well as a wide range of additional activities to watch and participate in – makeovers, Vogue photoshoots, t-shirt customisation, trend talks and fashion films, and a Vogue pop up shop. 

The event also sees Vertu unveiling its latest product offering - Constellation Candy, Vertu’s first touch smartphone which is exclusively on offer in a variety of bold summer shades, created to seamlessly complement and enhance the discerning lifestyle of the fashion forward female. The Constellation Candy touchscreen model strikes the perfect balance between an unparalleled art of craftsmanship and modern technology while offering an unrivalled range of category leading exclusive services.

 

LONDON: Complete 'MTV Presents Titanic Sounds' Line-Up-12th April 2012

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MTV UK - part of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) UK & Ireland - today revealed that triple-platinum pop princess, Pixie Lott, and darling of the UK underground scene, Katy B, will complete the 5 act line-up at MTV Presents Titanic Sounds. Celebrating the opening of the Titanic Belfast attraction, and set against the backdrop of the iconic new building, the 16000-person free pop festival will be staged in collaboration with Belfast City Council and Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Taking place on 13 April, the event will feature a stellar line-up of multi-million selling performers including one of the UK's most successful male artists,Olly Murs, global superstar Sean Paul and smash-hit hot new talent Rizzle Kicks, in addition toPixie Lott and Katy B. 

Shining its global spotlight on Belfast, MTV will be filming the concert for broadcast across 63 MTV channels and 153 territories around the world as part of its 'World Stage' music series. MTV Presents Titanic Sounds performances will also be broadcast on MTV UK's music channels from May 5,  2012. 

EMA award-winning Pixie Lott, responsible for summer smash 'All About Tonight' from triumphant second album, 'Young Foolish Happy', will be appearing in Belfast fresh from Japan. The soulful, R&B influenced singer-songwriter, who has built a social media following spanning millions and legions of fans across the globe since her debut 'Mama Said' catapulted into the top spot just two years ago, will unveil a typically high-energy, polished performance of tracks from current chart-topping album alongside favourites from debut 'Turn It Up'. Commented Pixie Lott: "I'm really excited to be going back to Belfast... you guys know how to have a good time! Woohoo!" 

Katy B is renowned for her lyrical style and massive cross-over appeal. Currently set to release 'Anywhere in the World', with Mark Ronson, Katy B is one of the most credible names and exciting talents in UK music. Off the back of the success debut album 'On a Mission' a genre-defining classic, Katy's powerhouse MTV Presents Titanic Sounds performance will include a world exclusive of 'Anywhere in the World' in addition to tracks from her stable of hits. 

Doors to MTV Presents Titanic Sounds will open at 5:30pm on Friday April 13 with the first performance scheduled for 6:30 pm. Under 16's should be accompanied by an adult. Photographic ID will be checked on access to the event site. 

EVENT OF THE WEEK: The Body Shop Launches a New Beauty Movement with Heart

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The Body Shop, one of the 21^st Century's most iconic and pioneering brands, has just launched a new beauty movement – called Beauty With Heart – that will inspire individuals everywhere and transform the boundaries of beauty.  The launch took place, yesterday, March 22nd in central London and attracted figures from the worlds of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle such as Vivienne Westwood and Jo Wood.

Beauty With Heart places emphasis on a beauty experience that is more than skin-deep, putting a human stamp on beauty and empowering people the world over to Look Good, Feel Good And Do Good.  Beauty With Heart will spring to life through a new store experience called Pulse, as well as through the active support of the first global Brand Advocate for The Body Shop, Lily Cole.

Activist, model and actor Lily Cole (above & below) is the embodiment of the Brand’s strong Values and the first of a community of inspiring young activists.

 

Sophie Gasperment, Executive Chairman, The Body Shop, said: "We know that our Brand delivers more than beauty; our products truly contain heart as well.  Today, we’re looking to a future where our vision of beauty can be experienced by new generations for whom it is all about looking good, feeling good and doing good, too.”

Lily Cole, global Brand Advocate for The Body Shop, said: “I have long been an advocate of the potential of using business and consumer power to cause positive change.  The Body Shop takes a responsible attitude to people and the environment, and it feels amazing to be supporting a brand who are pioneers in that way of working.”

*photos courtesy of Garreth Cattermole/Getty Images for Body Shop

 ***-The Body Shop became one of the world’s first ethical businesses when it opened its first store in 1976 in Brighton, UK. Today, The Body Shop welcomes over 275 million shoppers to its stores every year, and has over 2,700 stores in 63 countries worldwide.