Scouting for clothes: Samantha Cameron takes in the shows at London Fashion Week

By MAYSA RAWI

Front row chic: Samantha Cameron attends the Peter Pilotto show at London Fashion Week today, left, and Christopher Kane, right, with Harold Tilman

She's the wife of the Prime Minister and a mother-of-three.
But in her spare time, Samantha Cameron is the patron of fashion.
The ambassador for the BFC was pictured on the front row of the Peter Pilotto show today, wearing a top by the designer, Joseph trousers and a vintage Anya Hindmarch coat.


Wearable: Peter Pilotto's Spring Summer 2012 collection will be on every woman's wish list

Samantha no doubt had her eye on a few more designs from the show.
She was joined by steel magnate Laxmi Mittal's daughter-in-law Meghan Mittal and Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council.
She then hopped over to see the Christopher Kane show, another of her favourite designers.


East meets West: The Belgian design duo was inspired by Java, an island of Indonesia


Splash of colour: The silk dresses were the highlight of the show

Mrs Cameron told the London Evening Standard said: 'London Fashion Week shines a spotlight on our talented British designers and I'm proud to see its reputation continue to go from strength to strength.
'These shows bring so many important global industry figures and business to our capital, it's fantastic to see the impact the industry has on our economy.'
Also in attendance were Anna Wintour and Kanye West, who is rumoured to be showing his own debut collection in Paris.


Flower power: Samantha also attended the Christopher Kane show, one of her favourite designers


source: dailymail

Watch out Kate Moss! Sarah Harding sets the catwalk on fire with new red tresses as she models at London Fashion Week

By Nadia Mendoza


Model behaviour: Sarah Harding got over her recent split with a new hairdo and by modelling on the catwalk at the Look Fashion Week show at Westfield in Stratford


It's a classic way to heal a broken heart; cry into the pillow, gorge on takeaways, have a makeover, then show your ex what they're missing.

And Sarah Harding is no exception to the rule having dyed her locks red and owning the catwalk at London Fashion Week.

The Girls Aloud star took to the runway at the Look Magazine show, oozing confidence and glamour as she wiggled her hips in various outfits.

Born to perform: Sarah looked ravishing as she owned the stage and put her love troubles behind her

Gracious: Sarah looked like a Hollywood star with her new sophisticated hairstyle


Sarah gave a whole new meaning to 'office chic' as she rocked a flattering white blazer, complete with fitted black trousers and killer heels to match.

She had a natural swagger and appeared to be in her comfort zone in front of the adoring crowds at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford.

The newly singleton later dared to bare in something a little more daring, flashing her midriff in a black boob tube with a colourful dress draped over.

Dionne Bromfield was also in attendance, belting out her vocal chords for a performance while looking like the little diva she is becoming.

Stunning: Sarah oozed glamour as she modelled a vibrant dress with purple boots

Strike a pose: Girls Aloud star looked healthy and sunkissed as she sported a smooth tan which complimented the wild colours of the outfit

Fashion icon in the making: Dionne Bromfield performed at the Look Magazine Spring Summer 2012 show at London Fashion Week


Harding, who just split from fiancé Tom Crane, sizzled with fearlessness as she showcased her new red hairdo at a press call before the show.

Looking absolutely radiant with shimmering skin, sunkissed Sarah sported a fabulous tan which complimented her fiery tresses.

A fresh start: Newly-single Sarah Harding showcases red hair at the Look Magazine fashion party at Westfield in Stratford

Single again: After splitting with Tom Crane, who will be Sarah's next conquest?


Any hint of crying into the pillow was hidden by a glint in her eye that said, 'I'm single and ready to mingle'.

And the 29-year-old is obviously not ready to bid farewell to the summer, showing off her slender figure in white shorts and a vest top speckled with glitter.

She kept things simple with minimal bling, wearing just a handful of bangles around her left wrist and a pair of black and white wedges.

Forcing a smile: Sarah stepped out earlier this week without her engagement ring


Last week, the Biology singer buried herself beneath a flat cap and behind aviator shades as she stepped out minus her engagement ring.

While her forced smile appeared to be more like a grimace, today's outing seemed to generate a genuine smile.

Sarah ended her relationship with the DJ just nine months after getting engaged, which they celebrated with a glitzy party at The Brompton Club.

Blonds have more fun: Sarah sported lighter hair while supporting Kimberley Walsh at the Horrid Henry premiere in July


The split allegedly came after a row between the couple, with Sarah flying to Ibiza, where Tom plays in the top venues, in a bid to save the romance.

Despite the shock of the break-up, their relationship was never a fairytale and throughout their four years they separated several times.

However, they were believed to have overcome their problems after Crane proposed on New Year’s Eve 2010 during a holiday in The Maldives.

But hectic work schedules have been blamed for their fate, with Tom in Spain while Sarah has been shooting Run For Your Wife in London.

The role, which sees Sarah star alongside Danny Dyer and Denise Van Outen, is her first major role following smaller performances in the St Trinian's movies and BBC drama Out Of Control.

Doomed: Sarah Harding and Tom Crane at their engagement party at The Brompton Club in March


source:dailymail

Cheers to Kirstie! Miss Alley wears a wizard outfit for star turn at Fashion Week

By Sophie Forbes


Show stopper: Kirstie Alley wowed the crowd as she took to the catwalk at the Zang Toi Spring 2012 show at New York Fashion Week yesterday


While celebrities come out in droves all battling for a front row seat at the best shows New York Fashion Week has to offer there was one person who did things a little differently.

Kirstie Alley outdid celebrities and models alike today by strutting her stuff down the catwalk for Malaysian designer Zang Toi.

Despite being 60-years-old the Cheers star stole the show as she paraded her newly slimmed down physique in front of a packed house at The Studio at the Lincoln Centre.


Wearing a stunning cobalt blue embellished gown and matching dress coat, the actress garnered cheers and loud ovation as she swept up the long catwalk, looking 20-years-younger than her actual age.

'I feel like Cleopatra': Glamorous Kim Kardashian channels old Hollywood in a stunning one shouldered blue gown

She also donned a fitting black dress over a pair of leggings.

Feeling blue: The actress kept a stern face while the crowd cheered and clapped

Her blonde hair was pulled up into a large beehive-style bun, no doubt with hair extensions added to create the full look.

On Tuesday before the show, she tweeted: 'Waaaa Hooooo!!! Kitty is ready to walk the Cat!!! False Bravado will guide me...Let's have some fun @ZANGTOI!!!'.

'Will be winkin and blinking at y'all. DONT make me laugh! Gotta keep model face. Oh, who am I kidding?? Haha,' she tweeted.

Man behind the clothes: Kirstie walked with designer Zang Toi at the end of the show as he beamed and waved to the crowd

Biggest fan: Kirstie said she has known Zang since 1993 and said 'he has the most beautiful clothes, period'


'DO NOT make eye contact! I will start giggling and fall on my well-dressed ass. Look away!'

And after all the fun was over, Kirstie said: 'Thank You all the REAL Models for letting me share @ZANGTOI runway with you!!!!! You all were sooo sweet and looked soooo gorgeous!!!'

She added: 'THANK YOU @ZANGTOI !!!! I love you!!! I had the time of my life!!!!'

It's over now: Kirstie finally cracked a smile, breaking out of her model pose, to congratulate her friend

Farewell: Kirstie and Zang walk backstage to a standing ovation

Inspiration? Kirstie's outfit looked similar to the one worn by Richard Wilson in BBC show Merlin


Kirstie told Entertainment Tonight that she had known Zang since 1993.

'I did the cover of Redbook and I wanted something really beautiful...he just has the most beautiful clothes, period.'

'Thank You all the REAL Models for letting me share @ZANGTOI runway with you! You all were sooo sweet and looked soooo gorgeous!' she tweeted afterwards.

Barefoot beauty: Kirstie showed off her slimmed down figure in a range of outfits

Looking cosy: Kirstie with a mystery man, thought to be her new boyfriend, after the show

Who is he? The pair laughed and joke outside the Lincoln Centre


The actress enjoyed the experience, and the clothes, so much that she walked out of the Lincoln Centre wearing one of the outfits she modelled.

She was then seen laughing and joking with a mystery man, believed to be her boyfriend.

Ricki Lake was one of the first celebrities to share their admiration for the star.

She tweeted: 'Wow! You are a goddess! Yes, indeed an inspiration to me!'

The talkshow host had earlier said she had agreed to take part in Dancing With The Stars after attending a taping of an episode of the previous season, which saw Alley fall and later lose a shoe.

On a high: She was seen after the show looking happy and relaxed and still in one of her catwalk ensembles

Fashionable: Kirstie sporting smokey eye make-up while standing with Zang backstage


After yesterday's show, Kirstie attended the Richie Rich show, tweeting: 'Ritchie Rich....fashion show FUN!!!!! Wild, crazy, wicked!!!!! Thanks Ritchie!!! Off to dinner ...Yots of friends..Yuv.'

It was certainly a hectic day of shows at the Mercedes Benz sponsored fashion Week with Diane Von Furstenberg, Marchesa, Herve Leger, Oscar De La Renta and Tibi all putting their stuff on display.

With the top labels come the celebrities and there was no lack of them lining the front row seats, eager to see what will be lining their wardrobes in the coming months.

Over at Diane Von Furstenberg Nicki Hilton and Nicki Minaj stole the spotlight at the show which got a standing ovation.

Living the life: Nicky Hilton and Nicki Minaj both sat in the front row for Diane Von Furstenberg's Spring show

Costume change: Petra Nemcova then changed into a black leather mini as she posed with Gerard Butler at the Diesel Black Gold event


source:dailymail

And now for Victoria Beckham's OTHER catwalk show: Posh debuts second fashion line at New York Fashion Week

By Tamara Abraham


Pretty in pink: Victoria Beckham leaving Balthazar in SoHo on Sunday (left) in a bubble-hem dress from her Victoria by Victoria Beckham line, seen on the catwalk yesterday at New York Fashion Week (right)


When Victoria Beckham showed her latest collection at New York Fashion Week on Sunday, she wasn't wearing a dress from her upcoming collection, or one from her current one.

Instead it was yet another sneak preview of her brand new line - Victoria by Victoria Beckham, which was officially launched in a very private press preview yesterday.

The new range is not a diffusion line, rather a completely separate standalone brand, though it will be sold at a lower price point than her existing collection with dresses costing from £375 ($593) to £995 ($1,575).


And as if to set it even apart further, the mother-of-four, 37, has demonstrated a completely different aesthetic from the Victoria Beckham line.

Inspired by indie comic Emily the Strange, the range was entirely comprised of loose shifts, all falling to just above the knee - a departure from her figure-hugging zip-back dresses.

New look: The line was inspired by Emily the Strange, and all models echoed the character with blunt fringes


Cherry red, candy pink and cornflower blue were blocked with black and white, with pretty scallop edging and whimsical cat, cloud and moon prints by way of detail.

Mrs Beckham told Vogue.com: 'It's not a second line, or a diffusion line - it's another line, another side to my wardrobe.

'This is a way to give my customers what they want. They are really easy-to-wear day dresses. You can wear everything with heels, but you can wear them with flats as well. And they fit a lot of different people. Nothing's tight: everything's quite comfortable and roomy.'

Prints charming: Whimsical cats, clouds and pixillated moons adorned shifts and drop-waist dresses

Shift in time: the range was entirely comprised of loose dresses, all falling to just above the knee


All models echoed the designer's comic inspiration with blunt fringes, striding the catwalk in towering platforms in co-coordinating colours and prints, the result of a collaboration with footwear brand-of-the-moment Charlotte Olympia.

Mrs Beckham is in New York with her new baby daughter Harper, while her footballer husband enjoys some quality time with their three sons.

On Sunday, after showing her Victoria Beckham collection at the New York Public Library, she caused a media frenzy when she stopped in at the Prada store for a spot of retail therapy. She was also spotted dining at SoHo favourite Balthazar.


source:dailymail

Has Posh been taking style tips from David? Victoria Beckham's sportswear-inspired collection at New York Fashion Week

Mother-of-four showed racer-back necklines, drop-waist tennis dresses, baseball caps, sports jackets and even flat shoes at her spring/summer 2012 show


By Tamara Abraham


Sporting chance: Victoria Beckham's latest collection marked a departure from her usual form-fitting dresses with tennis-style dresses (on star model Arizona Muse, left) and zip-up, hooded sport jackets (right)


It was one of the hottest tickets at New York Fashion Week today, and for the lucky few to attend Victoria Beckham's show today, the presentation didn't disappoint.

Opened by supermodel Arizona Muse, the collection at the New York Public Library marked a departure from her usual form-fitting dresses, with something of a sporting theme.

The designer, 37, appeared to have taken inspiration from the world of her footballer husband with drop-waist dresses reminiscent of tennis frocks, and racer necklines that promise to take the sportswear stalwart from the gym to the most glamorous of backs.


Grosgrain shoulder straps, according to Mrs Beckham's show notes, 'reinforce a fresh functionality within the collection.'

Voluminous jackets continued the theme with hoods and zips, with leather baseball-style caps completing the look.

A colour palette of navy, black and orange looked fresh and interesting too, sitting well alongside the safer taupes, greys and creams that promise to be favourites on the shop floor.

Baby's first fashion show: The mother-of-four, who wore a black and pink dress from her Victoria by Victoria Beckham line, sparked a frenzy after the show when she shopped at Prada with daughter Harper


The shoes were also an interesting departure from her usual towering platform courts and boots. The Christian Louboutins had sharp pointed toes and leather ankle cuffs on both heels and flats (perhaps that slipped disc has had some style influence too).

The usual form for Mrs Beckham's shows is for her to talk press and buyers through each look, but this time she let the fashion make the statement.

According to the few that attended, it seems she began to thank her guests at the beginning, but was prevented from continuing by a booming soundtrack.

New look: The designer's colour palette of black, navy and neon orange looked fresh and interesting


Instead she sat front row, only standing to take her bow at the end.

She asked press and buyers to arrive early to observe silences in honour of the 9/11 ten-year anniversary today before the show kicked off.

The mother-of-four, who wore a black and pink bubble-hem dress from her Victoria by Victoria Beckham line, which launches tomorrow, is in New York with her eight-week-old daughter Harper.

Finale: Highlights included evening gowns in white with pleats (left) and slinky black with white straps (right)


Neutral territory: Safer taupes, greys and creams promise to be favourites with customers on the shop floor


She sparked a frenzy on Broadway after the show when she stopped in at the Prada store.

Mrs Beckham appears to have recovered from a slipped disc that forced her to wear flat shoes for several weeks, as she completed the look with a towering pair of black ankle boots.

Last night she teased fans with a picture of husband David with a new season tote over his head - a reference to the campaign she did for Marc Jacobs in 2008.


source:dailymail

Hot Cole: Lily models winning design of lingerie competition at Berlin Fashion Week

By Maysa Rawi


Lily's Triumph: Lily Cole models a corset bodice created for the Triumph at Berlin Fashion Week today


Having just graduated from Cambridge with a double first, Lily Cole should spend the summer celebrating.

Instead, the model is back at work and on the catwalk at Berlin Fashion Week.

Lily showed off her curves in the winning lingerie design, created by finalist Boglárka Bódis for the Triumph Inspiration award show.


Entitled 'Les Fleurs du Mal, the monochrome corset bears some resemblance to the nude bodice designed by Jean Paul Gautier and made famous by Madonna.

Hungaria Bódis, who received a 15,000 Euro prize, said: 'My design piece was inspired by the quote from one of the most beautiful poems of Les Fleurs du Mal by Baudelaire and I was moved by her words.

'I had the desire to emphasise the eternal beauty and sensuality of the female body. Let us celebrate the women of the world without leaving out one single detail.'

The lingerie was created for a Triumph competition, won by Hungarian designer Boglárka Bódis, left


Lily, also on the judging panel, modeled all 37 finalist designs in a photo shoot taken by Ellen Unwerth for the lingerie labe's website.

Bódis' lingerie will be added to Triumph's collection and sold in stores worldwide.

The winner of the most online votes was Liu Pak Yiu, from Hong Kong, who created a cutaway corset with skirt.

Top prize: Boglárka received 15,000 Euros and her design will be sold at Triumph stores worldwide


She said: ' The corset symbolizes bird cages and the protruding chiffon train imitates a bird escaping from its cage.

'The model wears the cage like a corset showing that women will not be trapped any more, they are now free and more confident.'

Lily modelled all the finalist designs including last year's winning piece, left, and this year's winner of online votes, Liu Pak Yiu from Hong Kong


The award has been running since 2008 and this year Triumph celebrates its 125th anniversary.

A spokesperson for Triumph said: 'The award challenges fashion design students from all over the world to use their talent, artistic vision and inspiration to conceptualize and design a unique lingerie showpiece for the year’s design theme.'

Outfit change: Lily swapped the sexy lingerie for a more casual look, left, and at the press conference


In the limelight: The model isn't taking any time off after graduating from Cambridge with a First


source:dailymail

Copy Kate: The Duchess looks to Hollywood fashions as she ups the style stakes

By Sadie Whitelocks


Hot gossip: American websites have already started to ask 'Who Wore Jenny Packham Better: Kate Middleton or Leighton Meester?'


Her sophisticated style is revered by millions.

And it appears that the Duchess of Cambridge is taking lead from Hollywood to add a touch of glamour to her once demure wardrobe.

Snapped at recent events Kate Middleton has been spotted in designs previously worn by Queen of Pop Madonna and Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester.

In the past the Duchess has been criticized for her safe fashion choices but she is now being applauded for more eye-catching designs.

Starry night: Kate opted for £3,800 Jenny Packham dress for last week's charity event, a label favoured by stars such as Emma Watson and Paris Hilton


Accompanied by her husband Prince William to Prince Philip's 90th Birthday celebrations in Berkshire yesterday the Duchess opted for a coral silk design as worn by Madonna to the amFAR gala in Cannes three years ago.

She was seen purchasing the spring/ summer ’09 Stella McCartney dress with her sister Pippa at the Joseph sale shop on the Kings Road before her wedding in March.

On the lookout for a bargain the Duchess bought the dress, which originally priced at £1425 for a reduced £308.

And last Thursday she outshone A-listers at the 10th annual Absolute Return for Kids (Ark) Gala Dinner event held at Kensington Palace in a floor-length, jewel-encrusted Jenny Packham gown.

Celebrity style: The Duchess wore a Stella McCartney dress to Prince Philip's Birthday celebrations as worn by Hollywood star Madonna


A label favoured by stars including Emma Watson and Paris Hilton, the £3,800 dress came from the British designer's Mayfair boutique.

This is an almost identical design to the Jenny Packham gown modeled by Leighton Meester in the U.S drama Gossip Girl.

The 25-year-old actress, who plays Blair Waldorf can be seen wearing a knee-length version of the embellished slip when she gets engaged in the episode titled 'The Princesses and the Frog'.

Kate has had a phenomenal impact on the fashion industry boosting sales for a range of British High Street brands.

When she was pictured wearing the pale camel Reiss £175 ‘Shola’, dress to meet the Obamas at Buckingham Palace last month the design sold out instantly, causing the website to crash.

David Reiss said: 'We’re really proud that Kate is a Reiss customer.

‘She has the eyes of the world on her and is an incredible ambassador.’

It has emerged that Kate is having a greater influence on retail sales than Michelle Obama who is heralded as fashion's $3billion woman.

Numerous U.S. websites such as usmagazine.com have already started asking: 'Who Wore Jenny Packham Better: Kate Middleton or Leighton Meester?'


source:dailymail

Head start for the Ascot hat brigade as the race for best-dressed fashionistas begins

By David Wilkes


When it comes to Royal Ascot, the most closely-fought race is always the one between the fashionistas.

Feathers and fascinators emerged as the favourites at the first day of the event yesterday – with some racegoers going to such heights to catch the eye that they obscured their own view.

Hat designer Tracy Rose raised the stakes with her outlandish black, white, yellow and pink creation, which matched both her dress and her nail varnish.

Colour co-ordinated: Hat designer Tracy Rose

Eye eye: Not exactly a bird's eye view

Plumage: A peacock-inspired headpiece

Now THAT'S a hat: Anneka Tanaka-Svenska in a Louis Mariette head-piece at Royal Ascot


But Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, who accompanied the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on the traditional carriage procession around the course before the racing started, went for elegance over extravagance in simple hats and smart jackets.

And three racegoers in traditional Japanese dress stood out from the crowds with their flowing kimonos.

However, it was model Anneka Tanaka-Svenska who emerged head and shoulders above the rest – thanks to a 2ft Louis Mariette headpiece made of fake hair and cabbage roses.

Pretty in pink: A racegoer struggles to see past her hat

A glimpse of the orient: Spectators in traditional Japanese dress

Understated: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (right)


source:dailymail