Une Anglaise A Paris

Jetset Style

2011-10-24T23:05:00.002+02:00

How cute is this new luggage range from Lulu Guinness? Each suitcase even includes its own set of three drawstring bags for accessories.

£195 from Lulu Guinness

Call Me Labelfeld

2011-10-24T22:52:00.000+02:00

This interview with Karl Lagerfeld for CNN is a fabulous insight into Karl Lagerfeld's dial-a-quote universe, in which he readily admits he is a "walking label" and calls himself Karl Labelfeld...and that when it comes to fashion, a little amnesia can be most useful...

2011-10-24T22:28:00.001+02:00

Tom Ford is one of the industry's most successful - and secretive - designers. You must watch the previews below of the documentary he agreed to for Oprah Winfrey's OWN TV channel, in which he opens the doors to his London offices and allows cameras behind the scenes of his private presentations, for the first time.

Power To Wintour

2011-09-22T22:03:00.000+02:00

Forbes has named Anna Wintour the 69th most powerful woman in the world, in a list that includes Muccia Prada and Diane von Furstenberg. Clearly, the fashion industry likes to see women at the top.

You can say what you like about Nuclear Wintour, especially if you believe her "character" in The Devil Wears Prada; however no one can put her down for not being an impressive and extremely successful businesswoman who has remained at the top of her game for almost 25 years.

In the interview below, she explains why despite the hype, she really isn't that intimidating...

Dancing Queen

2011-09-09T20:05:00.003+02:00

I'm loving this video from Lanvin, showcasing its new collection. Directed by Steven Meisel and starring Raquel Zimmerman and Karen Elson, watch it all the way to the end in order not to miss the film's "surprise" dance star...

Dior J'Adore

2011-09-09T19:49:00.001+02:00

Dior's new ad for their J'Adore fragrance has just been released. In it, you can see not only Charlize Theron walking in a fashion show set in Versailles' famed Hall of Mirrors, but also Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, and Grace Kelly. Their faces have all been CGI'd in seamlessly. The ad was directed by Seven Years in Tibet's Jean-Jacques Annaud.

Kate Moss For Balmain

2011-02-06T18:30:00.000+01:00

The new Balmain campaign was shot by Inez & Vinoodh, and features Kate Moss.

While the photographic duo were shooting Moss, they also filmed her for this short film, titled Everglade.

It shows an unwitting Moss being caressed by cartoon snakes...a little weird, but definitely worth a look!

Spying On Kate Moss on Nowness.com.

Black Swan

2011-01-30T14:18:00.000+01:00

I haven't been able to go the cinema and see Black Swan yet, so in the meantime I've had to content myself with this behind-the-scenes video.

It gives a sneak peek into the work that went into the Rodarte-designed costumes, and the extraordinary amounts of Swarovski crystal that were used for the set production:

Fashion Fun

2010-12-12T12:53:00.000+01:00

Not sure how comfortable this lipstick-heeled court shoe by Alberto Guardiani would be, but thats hardly the point of an eye-catching shoe, is it?

Stocking Fillers

2010-12-08T20:15:00.003+01:00

It's worth staying at Le Meurice in Paris, just to take a bath with this super cute canard de bain.

Alternatively, you can buy it at the hotel's online boutique for 20€.

Equally amusing is this reindeer USB key, 9.99 € (4Go) and 11.99 € (8Go), from Maxell.

Making Up

2010-11-25T22:00:00.000+01:00

L'Wren Scott is best known for her expert fashion styling and designing (Nicole Kidman is one of her most loyal clients), but now she has branched out and created a limited edition makeup palette with Lancôme.

It's available exclusively from Sephora.

Taxi!

2010-11-25T21:45:00.000+01:00

How witty is this London Taxi clutch, that can also be worn as a handbag thanks to its detachable strap, from Lulu Guinness.

Love it.

£ 295, from Lulu Guinness.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T21:40:00.000+01:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

In honour of this special event, gift a loved one this fabulous Lulu Guinness Stars & Stripes snakeskin Lips clutch.

£ 395 from Lulu Guinness.

Christmas Wish List

2010-11-25T21:00:00.003+01:00

Christmas may be a month away, but it's never too early to draw up your wish list of presents.

Personally I love this Lanvin satin leopard-print travel kit, which includes slippers and a sleep mask. A no-brainer gift.

$ 490, available from Bergdorf Goodman.

Another favourite is this Collier de Chien bracelet from Hermès, in rose gold and pavé diamonds.

Price upon request, from Hermès.

If I had a driving license, I would dream about owning this Tesla Roadster.

Price upon request, from Tesla.

Back in the real world, I would be so happy with the very cutely packaged Anna dello Russo scent.

$ 25, from Yoox.

Cover Star

2010-11-22T22:28:00.001+01:00

Carine Roitfeld has invited Tom Ford to guest edit French Vogue's Christmas issue, as well as grace its iconic cover (albeit accompanied by a model).

I personally cannot wait to see what the issue has in store...

Time's Up?

2010-11-22T22:17:00.002+01:00

Karl Lagerfeld, the kaiser of the fashion industry, continues to deny that his contract at Chanel will expire in 2012.

What's more, he also denies that Alber Elbaz, widely believed to be his successor, will follow him into the legendary office on rue Cambon.

“I have a contract for life so it all depends on who I would like to hand it to. At the moment I’d say Haider Ackermann,” Lagerfeld has told Numéro magazine.

Loving Lanvin

2010-11-03T20:25:00.001+01:00

Love the promotional video for Lanvin's collaboration with H&M.

Most of all though, love the asymmetrical cocktail dresses and accessories, that look way too qualitative to be sold at H&M...but then again, masstige is the word du jour...

Eternal Flame

2010-11-01T14:15:00.000+01:00

To celebrate its century of existence, Elizabeth Arden has created a limited edition, scented candle illustrated with sketches of its prestigious 5th Avenue address in New York.

I'm sure it smells fabulous, but I think the packaging is the best part.

Fashion At Your Fingertips

2010-11-01T13:58:00.001+01:00

For quite possibly the most fashionable manicure in the world, commission the young London artist Georgia Rose Fairman to paint your nails.

Her Fashion Designers set includes the nail-sized likenesses of Karl Lagerfeld (my favourite), Donatella Versace and Giorgio Armani.

It's fashion at your fingertips.

Contact Georgia Rose Fairman at georgia.rose.f@googlemail.com.

Fashion With Benefits

2010-11-01T13:47:00.001+01:00

I have to say that I wasn't overly excited by the news that Gucci were about to launch their first childrenswear line.

That was, however, before I found out that a share of the profits go to the very worthy charity Unicef.

In this behind-the-scenes video of the shooting of Jennifer Lopez for the new Gucci campaign, complete with Gucci-clad twins, find out what inspired the actress and singer to sign up her son and daughter to the brand:

On The Slopes

2010-11-01T11:03:00.001+01:00

Chanel never never put a high-heeled foot wrong in the fashion stakes, so why would they take any other approach when decide to design sports equipment?

Check out these fiberglass, trompe-l'oeil quilted-effect mini-skis. A must if you are headed to Gstaad this winter.

Quote of The Day

2010-11-01T10:57:00.000+01:00

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Carine Roitfeld was asked, "What would be your song?"

Her answer: "You're So Vain. I think in this business, it's a good song. It's dedicated to a lot of people."

Still love her.

Olivier Twist

2010-11-01T10:53:00.000+01:00

Olivier Zahm, Founder of Purple, the influential avant-garde fashion magazine, isn't a fan of bloggers; indeed, in the interview below, you can find out why he "hate[s] them all".

Mode et tendances

Getting Catty

2010-09-22T20:29:00.000+02:00

So before we know it the party season will be upon us, and nothing is more classic in makeup terms than a slick cat-eye.

MAC has always been my makeup brand of choice, so who better to teach us how to get that 60s flick?

Love To Love You Chloé

2010-09-22T20:25:00.001+02:00

I love the soundtrack on the commercial for the new Chloé fragrance Love Chloé.

The head to toe camel on Raquel Zimmerman is pretty cool too, but then it was directed by Roman Coppola...

Chanelling Coco

2010-09-22T20:14:00.002+02:00

Chanel is not a word, not an adjective, it is a name and trademarked brand - something the lawyers at Chanel want you to be very aware of; you may not use it in vain.

This week the super-brand took out a full page ad in WWD to inform the fashionable public:

“A note of information and entreaty to fashion editors, advertisers, copywriters and other well-intentioned mis-users of our Chanel name:
Chanel was a designer, an extraordinary woman who made a timeless contribution to fashion. Chanel is a perfume. Chanel is modern elegance in couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, watches and fine jewelry. Chanel is our registered trademark for fragrance, cosmetics, clothing, accessories and other lovely things. Although our style is justly famous, a jacket is not ‘a Chanel jacket’ unless it is ours, and somebody else’s cardigans are not ‘Chanel for now.’ And even if we are flattered by such tributes to our fame as ‘Chanel-issime, Chanel-ed, Chanels, and Chanel-ized’, PLEASE DON’T. Our lawyers positively detest them. We take our trademark seriously.
Merci,
Chanel, Inc.”

Chanel is Chanel, and everything else is incomparable - now, by law.

Fast Fashion

2010-09-20T20:53:00.002+02:00

Tom Ford just staged his comeback womenswear "show", at a highly secretive presentation during New York Fashion Week.

There were no invitations, no emails, just a phone call, asking the chosen editors to be at the Tom Ford boutique at a certain date and time.

Again going against the tide, he chose to showcase his collection on fashion and cultural icons, instead of high profile fashion models: Daphne Guinness, Lauren Hutton, and Beyoncé, all walked in the show.

What's more, no-one was allowed to take pictures, apart from Ford's own in-house photographer. A few, however, have leaked onto Fashionologie's website, which is frm where I bring you the headshots below - how many of the famous faces are you able to recognize pre-makeup?

Explaining the extreme levels of secrecy to WWD, Ford said: 'this fashion immediacy thing — I get [it].…I don’t get the need for this immediacy. In fact, I think it’s bad. The way the system works now, you see the clothes, within an hour or so they’re online, the world sees them. They don’t get to a store for six months.

...The next week, young celebrity girls are wearing them on red carpets. They’re in every magazine. The customer is bored with those clothes by the time they get to the store. They’re overexposed, you’re tired of them, they’ve lost their freshness, you see somebody wearing it and you say, “Oh, that’s that jacket that was in blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." Or [a] customer doesn’t want to wear that jacket that was in blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. In addition, all of the fast-fashion companies that do a great job, by the way, knock everything off. So it’s everywhere all over the streets in three months and by the time you get it to the store, what’s the point?'.

Personally, I am in complete agreement.

The Day Before

2010-09-20T20:40:00.001+02:00

French journalist Loïc Prigent is continuing with his fly-on-the-wall fashion documentaries, and is about to release a second season of riveting behind the scenes footage of what goes on the day before a high profile fashion show.

Personally I love Diane von Furstenberg's segment, from which you can view an excerpt below. She is seen arguing with one of her team regarding the flatter value of wearing boyfriend jackets - a trend, along with boyfriend jeans, that I personally am totally against.

I love it when the assistant tries to impress the idea that boyfriend jackets are a huge fashion statement, and Diane says: "I don't care about fashion, I care about women."

Here, Here!

Lanvin Hearts H&M

2010-09-20T20:12:00.000+02:00

So the wait is over, finally we know with whom H&M will be collaborating for its now-traditional end of year collection.

The collection will go on sale 23rd November, but you can start preparing your shopping lists on 2nd November, when the collection will be presented for the first time.

In the meantime, enjoy this filmed interview of Alber Elbaz describing the moment he laid eyes on the first collection of samples:

Belle d'Opium

2010-09-20T19:49:00.000+02:00

OK so I know I'm currently posting a lot of video content, but there are quite a few fabulous short fashion "films" being released right now, and they are just so more interesting than your regular 2D print ad campaign.

Point in case is the new televised ad for Yves Saint Laurent's new scent, Belle d'Opium, featuring the French actress Mélanie Thierry.

She looks absolutely gorgeous; who wouldn't buy a scent if it promised to make you as sensual as she herself appears in this film:

Gimme Miu Miu

2010-09-20T19:38:00.000+02:00

Madonna may not always be a success in front of the film camera, but she certainly seems to know what she's doing behind it, if this behind-the-scenes Miu Miu video is anything to by.

The collaboration came about accidentally, when Madonna popped in to see her friends Mert Atlas and Marcus Pigott, while they were on-set, shooting Miu Miu's new ad campaign. She volunteered to direct the "backstage" video herself, teaching the models' some of her own dance moves, and waiving a fee.

You can see the fabulous results right here:

Guilty Pleasures

2010-09-06T21:23:00.000+02:00

What do you think of Gucci's trailer for a short film produced to promote its new fragrance Gucci Guilty?

Check it out below:

Personally I am a bigger fan of Chanel's similar creative effort with Martin Scorsese, who directed the televised ad campaign for the brand's new menswear fragrance Bleu de Chanel:

Pour Memoire

2010-09-06T21:16:00.000+02:00

Grace Coddington, Creative Director of American Vogue and star of The September Issue, is working on her first memoir.

One can only imagine how rich it will be in fashion history and anecdotes about the industry's high-personality designers.

A definite must-buy.

Suite Dreams

2010-08-31T20:44:00.002+02:00

There's a brand new designer hotel in Paris, and its rooms come complete with levitating beds and baths, fibre optic lighting in the ceilings that replicate stars, and unexpected interactive experiences.

Seven suites have been conceived by different designers, including an apparently very trippy Marie Antoinette suite.

Never has a good night's sleep been more originally set.

Le Seven Hotel Paris, 20 rue berthollet, 75005 Paris.

Gossip Girl

2010-08-07T12:07:00.001+02:00

Spotted, strolling through the Marais, Louis-Marie de Castelbajac, son of the French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and fiancé of Dita Von Teese.

Spotted not far off, brunching on the bobo rue de Bretagne, British designer Henry Holland.

xoxo

Nars To See You

2010-08-04T19:56:00.003+02:00

Daphne Guiness is the face of the NARS Autumn-Winter 2010/11 campaign, representing the makeup brand with a vintage Hollywood and futuristic image.

Handpicked by François Nars himself, the Couture-clad Guinness previously fronted a campaign for Swiss label Akris.

www.narscosmetics.fr

Hostess With The Mostess

2010-08-04T19:45:00.002+02:00

I just read about this fabulous cook book in Vogue Australia, which focuses on "do-ahead dishes for the dinner-party diva", suggesting recipes that can be made well in advance of your next dinner party, thereby avoiding last-minute spills and stains on your carefully prepped outfit.

A cute way of avoiding both a culinary and wardrobe malfunction.

Meals In Heels, around 13 € on Amazon.fr.

Beauty Is In The Eye of Burberry

2010-07-31T14:16:00.001+02:00

In the same way that a Burberry trench remains an essential, dependable item in every stylish girl's wardrobe, the British brand's first makeup range, just-launched, aims to cover the basics.

The line includes powder, foundation, bronzer, blush, mascara, eyeshadow and lipstick, each in natural colours, recalling the easy, unforced ethos that is Burberry's heritage - and attitude today.

Available at Harrods or online at www.burberry.com.

(Champagne) Bubble Bath

2010-07-31T14:04:00.000+02:00

L'Hôtel Prince de Galles has reinvented the bubble bath, adding to its list of room services the possibility of ordering a Bain de Champagne.

This involves 160 litres of Champagne being "run" for you, with such a bath apparently extolling toning, draining and anti-oxidant virtues.

Apparently this is the way Kate Moss and Johnny Depp used to bathe whenever they visited Paris together.

It's certainly a sparkling way to start the day!

Bain de Champagne, 6 000 €, Hôtel Prince de Galles.

The Big Teese

2010-07-31T13:53:00.001+02:00

Dita Von Teese has collaborated with Perrier to star in a short, interactive film that is viewable on the water brand's website.

Dita is fabulously sexy and seductive in the starring role, while, as always, leaving as much as possible to the imagination.

You can view a short excerpt here:

All Booked Up

2010-07-31T13:49:00.000+02:00

Olivier Zahm of Purple magazine is working on the first biographical book about Carine Roitfeld, slated to be published in the autumn of 2011.

It is sure to be worth the wait!

Celebrated Addresses: Paris

2010-07-31T13:33:00.000+02:00

Want to know where Carine Roitfeld gets her colour done, who fixes Emmanuelle Alt's heels, or to whom Lindsay Lohan turns to have her hair blown out?

Then check into Celebrated Addresses regularly.

Pin Up

2010-07-23T19:07:00.000+02:00

I love this shell hairpin, which is the perfect addition to any beach-bag of accessories.

20 €, www.bijoux-cheveux.com

La Vie En Vogue

2010-07-19T20:43:00.000+02:00

I love American Vogue's "making of" videos, which provide behind the scenes insight into the magazine's cover shoots.

Here, you can see Marion Cotillard being prepped for her shoot with Mario Testino at La Bastide de Marie, a charming country hotel in the south of France:

Beauty Injection

2010-07-14T13:38:00.002+02:00

Beauty and syringes used to mean one thing: an extreme way of enhancing one's looks. But not anymore, thanks to a new skincare line designed by the French doctor Olivier Courtin (son of the founder of Clarins).

The concept is one of highly personalised skincare, where customized formulas that you mix yourself, treat you skin according to their individual, evolving needs.

Using a syringe filled with the product appropriate to your skin type, you release a pre-measured dose of your chosen Emergency Booster into your day or night cream, and blend.

A very modern way of tackling contemporary skin conditions, that can vary as easily as a change of clothes.

www.myblendbeauty.com

Bar None

2010-07-14T13:22:00.001+02:00

You might be used to drinking superior cocktails blended by the most reputed mixologists, but have you ever been served a cocktail designed by Bruce Willis?

If not, head to the Bar Hemingway the Ritz in Paris, where you can order a one-off cocktail mixed up by the Hollywood star especially for Coco Chanel's favourite hotel.

Named "My Sobieski by Bruce Willis", it will be prepared for you by the just as celebrated barman Colin Field.

Wu-Hoo!

2010-07-04T20:13:00.001+02:00

This CREATE cameara, designed by Jason Wu, is perfect for popping into your handbag and photographing your adventures about town.

240 €, at Colette.

Bag It Up

2010-07-04T20:06:00.002+02:00

Finally, one will be able to amuse oneself while taking out the trash...as long as your bins are lined with these cheeky goldfish bowl-print garbage bags.

£10 from suckuk.com.

Gucci Gucci Coo

2010-07-04T20:01:00.003+02:00

Gucci are launching their first childrenswear line this Autumn, marketed at babies up to 24 months old, and children up to the age of 8.

The only toddlers I could actually imagine wearing Gucci footwear, scarves, ties, belts, jewellery and sunglasses, would be the fictional offspring of Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big in the no doubt forthcoming sequel to Sex And The City 2.

Give me Bonpoint and Baby Dior any day!

In A Louboutin World

2010-07-04T19:52:00.001+02:00

I love the series of images produced for the launch of Christian Louboutin's Autumn-Winter 2010-11 collection, which is already viewable on his website.

The campaign is as creative and imaginative as his utterly unique shoe designs.

Bag Lady

2010-07-04T19:44:00.000+02:00

I love this quilted leather laptop bag designed by H by Harris. It's stylish and practical, and comes in lots of different colours so that you can match it to your outfit or accessories.

Available at Dover Street Market, or online at oki-ni.com.

Blow by Blow

2010-07-04T19:37:00.000+02:00

This September, Christie's had planned to hold an auction in London of the late Isabella Blow's wardrobe; however, this sale has now been called off, after a private buyer, rumoured to be the Couture collector Daphne Guinness, purchased the entire inventory.

The collection includes designs by Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Manolo Blahnik and Philip Treacy (50 hats, apparently!), and will now remain whole, as per the buyers' wishes.

They are accompanied by a collection of portraits of Blow by Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, David LaChapelle, and Karl Lagerfeld.

If Guinness is indeed behind the purchase, then the historic clothes are sure to be well and appropriately looked after - Guinness was both a friend and distant relative of Isabella Blow.

So Long, Maria Luisa

2010-07-04T19:26:00.003+02:00

Maria Luisa, so long the bastion for young and avant-garde design talent in Paris, is shutting up shop.

August will mark the last month that Maria Luisa's eponymous boutique continues to sell via a brick-and-mortar format, having opened her first clothes shop in 1988.

The future, as far as Maria Luisa sees it, is the internet, and by the end of the year she should be back in business, selling her carefully curated collections through a new e-boutique.

Mount Street Deli-cious

2010-07-04T19:20:00.001+02:00

There's a fabulously smart new delicatessen that's just opened up on London's Mount Street, serving up signature recipes from its fashionable culinary neighbours.

Annabel's trademark chocolate cake, Harry's Bar pizza and Scotch eggs from Mark's Club are just a few of the gastronomical treats on offer, now all available in one place.

The time you save stocking your fridge at the Mount Street Deli, is time you can reallocate to a hair treatment at Jo Hansford, or picking a new outfit at Lanvin or Azzaro, also on the same street.

Got It Nailed

2010-06-21T21:40:00.000+02:00

How fabulous is the new Rock et Baroque varnish collection from Yves Saint Laurent? The colours are designed to be paired with clashing tips... Love it!

Back To Basics

2010-06-21T21:26:00.001+02:00

Givenchy's Creative Director Riccardo Tisci announced today via WWD that there will be no more Haute Couture shows produced by the House.

Instead, clients and editors will be invited to view the new collection at private one-on-one appointments. What's more, the silhouettes presented have been distilled to a selection of just ten (compared to the usual 35 or 40).

By doing so, he will be cutting out the many pique-assiettes who hound fashion PRs for invitations, with the sole intention of "being seen" at such prestigious events, and who have no real interest in the beauty or construction of Haute Couture garments which have taken extremely talented seamstresses weeks if not months to make.

He's going back to basics with a whole New Look on Haute Couture.

Do You, Do You St. Tropez?

2010-06-21T21:15:00.001+02:00

This summer Chanel will open an ephemeral boutique in St. Tropez, staying open only as long as the sun shines (until 3rd October, to be precise).

Located between the place des Lices and the terrace of the institution that is the terrace of the Sénéquier café, the boutique is situated within an XVIIIth century mansion and decorated in the Chanel colour codes of black and white, beige and red.

Blown Away

2010-06-14T20:51:00.000+02:00

There are rumours, put forward by American Vogue's André Léon Talley, no less, that Isabella Blow's tragic but most fashionable life is soon to appear on the silver screen.

If true, one can't think of a more glamourous homage to one of fashion history's most colourful characters.

Tokidoki Karl

2010-06-14T20:44:00.001+02:00

Karl Lagerfeld has just collaborated with Tokidoki to produce this limited edition "Mini Karl".

The doll is a Japanese-inspired take on his image, but does not include Karl's recently acquired accessory, the Legion d'Honneur, awarded to him by the French President and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

The star-shaped pendant was made by Chanel's jewellery manufacturers, as a surprise for the designer.

For once, Karl was apparently lost for words, although not President Sarkozy, who had the dernier mot: 'A world where there is an election every six months — I feel for you: Horrible, horrible, horrible.'

Gaga for MoutonCollet

2010-06-14T20:09:00.000+02:00

For those of you who haven't yet seen Lady Gaga's latest musical installment Alejandro, let me tell you it's worth checking out, if only to get a glimpse of the fabulously customized British bobby's hat, designed by Paris jewellery duo MoutonCollet.

It is not the first time the creative pair have designed accessories for la Gaga, and this certainly won't be the only time you'll see their designs have a starring role...

www.moutoncollet.com

Re-Channeling Coco

2010-06-14T19:50:00.000+02:00

I can hardly wait for French actress Anna Mouglalis's adaptation of Coco Chanel's character in the forthcoming Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky.

Although Kaiser Karl is apparently not pleased with the film's presentation of his predecessor at Chanel, he did allow the fashion house to contribute to the wardrobe, which goes some way to explain the stunning costumes that the trailer below allows you a sneak peak at:

Gathering No Moss

2010-05-31T21:17:00.000+02:00

Shot by the mighty Nick Knight, Kate Moss plays up her rock chick attitude in this short film to promote her new collection for Topshop.

The feathered cape almost steals Kate Moss's show...

To Dior For

2010-05-18T22:57:00.000+02:00

Dior's new fine jewellery collections, Rose Dior Bagatelle and Bois de Rose, feature delicate and intricate designs incorporating white and pink gold, white and pink diamonds, and pink sapphires.

Amongst my favourite pieces are the rose thorn-shaped rings.

How's a girl supposed to say no to that?

www.diorjoaillerie.com

Lip Service

2010-05-18T22:47:00.000+02:00

The gorgeous packaging of Tom Ford's lipstick collection is enough to make it a must-buy, but the beautifying colours are just as much of an incentive to decorate your dressing table with these vintage-looking rouge à lèvres.

Try Pink Dusk, which is a very flattering peach pink.

www.tomford.com

High Tea

2010-05-18T22:28:00.001+02:00

British Airways has brought new meaning to the British tradition of high tea.

First Class passengers are now served The Dorchester hotel's selection of crust-less sandwiches and delicious cakes, along with a large choice of internationally sourced fine teas.

For die-hard traditionalists, it's an experience worth flying high for.

Visit www.Ba.com for further information.

Bejewelled

2010-05-18T22:17:00.002+02:00

I love this shell and gold-plated bangle, from British jewellery brand Mirabelle.

It is chic and simple and will go with all your summer outfits.

£ 45, from www.mirabellejewellery.co.uk.

Maison Moschino

2010-05-16T18:58:00.000+02:00

Dreams really do come true at the Maison Moschino hotel in Milan, where you can choose from various creatively and eccentrically decorated rooms.

Most fashionable of all, however, has to be the Red Dress room, whose bed is designed to look like it is part of a red carpet gown.

Snap Happy

2010-05-11T22:30:00.000+02:00

The celebrated fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth has just opened an exhibition showcasing some of her career's best work, at Le Bon Marché.

It's a great way to mix in some culture to your shopping!

Karl Vision

2010-05-11T22:17:00.000+02:00

Karl Lagerfeld has written and directed a short film featuring his current coterie of models, shot in St. Tropez.

Entitled Remember Now, it is of gorgeous fashion feast, but perhaps the most desirable accessory featured is Karl's very own Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, given to him as a Christmas present.

You can view the trailer here:

The End of An Era

2010-05-11T21:30:00.006+02:00

Harrods, the world's most famous department store, that promised you anything you could ever possibly wish to purchase would always be procurable from within its walls, has been sold to the Qatar royal family.

The sale brings an end to Mohammed Al Fayed's eccentric and flamboyant 25-year reign over the store.

Apparently no great changes are to be made by the new owners. One certainly hopes that they will not modify Harrods' old-fashioned but fabulous views on the attire deemed worthy and appropriate for one of its customers.

Below are just a few of the fashion-conscious rules one must take into consideration - and adhere to - before shopping at the Queen's favourite store.

Harrods kindly asks all visitors to:

Ensure all clothing is clean and presentable and that the appropriate footwear is worn whilst in the store.
Refrain from wearing clothing which may reveal intimate parts of the body, or which portrays offensive pictures or writing.
Refrain from wearing crash helmets in the store.
Carry rucksacks in your hand rather than on your back or shoulder.
Refrain from eating and drinking, except in our cafés and restaurants.

Tilda Swinton At Pomellato

2010-05-11T21:01:00.000+02:00

Tilda Swinton seems to be picking up as many luxury goods ambassadorial roles, as she is in the entertainment industry.

She is the new face of Pomellato, having previously fronted the ad campaign for Pringle of Scotland.

What's more, she's also acted in a promotional film for Pomellato, just as she did for Pringle.

Once again, celebrities win over fashion models.

MAC Up

2010-05-11T20:52:00.000+02:00

I love the new To The Beach range of makeup by MAC.

Intended to keep you beautiful by the seaside, it includes this gorgeous bronzer embossed with a seahorse.

Visit MAC for further details.

Style And The City

2010-05-06T21:24:00.010+02:00

The opening of Sex And The City 2 is around the corner, and in the spirit of keeping the suspense going, here is my style countdown to the girls' most out-there costumes. I wish I had any one of these outfits the last time I was in Morocco:

I love this pleated and sparkly Halston dress:

Could Samantha's earrings be any bigger?

Check out Samantha's harem pants!

This vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior dress, complete with fashion newspaper print, is a classic noughties look:

And as for all the other fabulous outfits, you'll have to wait for the film to discover a whole new wardrobe of Patricia Field-styled looks!

"It's better to be stylish and cold than warm and frumpy"

2010-05-06T20:38:00.001+02:00

I do love this video of Paris style blogger Garance Doré explaining how to turn her Gucci handbag into a necklace.

It also includes an interview with another blogger, who explains why "it's better to be stylish and cold than warm and frumpy."

Like her style!

Come Fly With Me

2010-05-04T20:08:00.004+02:00

Darphin has designed an exclusive and limited edition travel cosmetics bag, that contains all you need for a weekend jet-away.

It's a one-stop beauty solution for those times that it's easier to avoid check-in and travel light.

Diving Into Fashion

2010-05-04T20:03:00.002+02:00

How cool is this Liquid Swim Mask, available exclusively at Colette?

It's the world's only dive mask to have an integrated waterproof digital video camera, and the ability to take photographs as well.

It's ideal for snorkeling, spearfishing, free diving, shark cage diving and shallow scuba diving...basically all the regular activities that require the skyscraper heels and designer wardrobe we know and love.

Who cares, it's fabulous!

Drawn To Rykiel

2010-05-04T19:52:00.003+02:00

Sonia Rykiel is turning sketch artist for a forthcoming exhibition and sale at the Galerie Catherine Houard in Saint Germain.

For the first time, Rykiel will be showcasing over 200 of her drawings and notebooks.

It's just a small reminder of the French designer and author's huge talent.

Food For Chic

2010-05-03T22:05:00.001+02:00

How would you like to be as fashionable in the kitchen as you are when shopping on the rue Saint Honoré?

Does being able to conjure up Isaac Mizrahi's Mushroom Truffle Spaghetti, Carolina Herrera’s Pommes Toupinel, or Derek Lam’s Yellowtail Crudo, sound like a stylish plan?

Then pick up a copy of the American Fashion Cookbook, which contains recipes and original illustrations by more than 100 important designers.

Food has never been more chic.

La Vie En Rose

2010-05-03T21:53:00.002+02:00

Fashion photographer Bettina Rheims is one of the most talented ones out there, and now in partnership with her lover, the writer Serge Bramly, she has created her own modern fairy tale with the exhibition Rose, C'est Paris.

The creative couple filmed and photographed their circle of celebrity friends for the expo, including Moncia Bellucci, Anna Mouglalis, Naomi Campbell, and the great Charlotte Rampling.

There is special attention to a wardrobe that includes decadent and risqué designs by the likes of Azzedine Alaïa, who even appears in the film.

One does love it when fashion's best join forces.

Word On The Street...

2010-05-03T21:39:00.001+02:00

Diane Kruger, the actress who launched many thousands of DVDs thanks to her role as Helen of Troy, is to become the new, very appropriate face of Calvin Klein's forthcoming fragrance Beauty.

Kruger walks in the steps of Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson, who have both already appeared in Calvin Klein ad campaigns for their range of scents.

Luxe For Less

2010-04-28T22:27:00.001+02:00

I just heard that when Gucci CEO Domenico de Sole left the company in 2004, he was bequeathed an 18-carat white gold Gucci discount card - with no expiration date - as a leaving gift.

I mean, how do you beat that?

Dresses At Dawn

2010-04-28T22:24:00.002+02:00

A lot is being made of Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlett Johansson's recent similar outfits in the same colour, no less, at an appearance to promote their new film.

This was then followed by them both being dressed by Giorgio Armani in his Couture label Armani Privé, in silhouettes again created in very similar hues.

Who knows if these "fashion malfunctions" were accidental or not, but who - quite frankly - really cares, when the result is simply stunning?

Gwyneth looked young and fresh, even though she was wearing hand-made Couture, that usually gives off the opposite effect.

Hands up to Armani!

Fashion Plays On The A-Team

2010-04-28T22:16:00.003+02:00

The Eighties are one of the most influential decades in fashion, influenced themselves not just by the fashion designers of its day, but by film, art, and even television.

Who could forget the killer shoulder pads and the multicoloured eye-shadows in Dynasty and Dallas?

The wardrobe of another hit TV series is another big fashion reference, particularly with regard to the current military trend: A-Team.

And now you too can enjoy those combat outfits all over again, as the remake comes to a big screen near you, soon.

Who wants to see a modern take on Mr. T's layered gold jewellery? I do!

Here's a little preview of the updated outfits and soundtrack we knew and loved:

A-team Official Trailer

Shoe Time

2010-04-28T22:06:00.000+02:00

How gorgeous are these Valentino shoes by Philip Treacy?

Some shoes are not just impressive feats of engineering, they are also little works of art.

Un Amèricain à Paris

2010-04-28T21:59:00.001+02:00

Ralph Lauren has just launched a new store on the boulevard Saint Germain, which was apparently years in the making.

As well as stocking the various Ralph Lauren collections, this new address also boasts a restaurant, Ralph's, which might just be the first place I've found in Paris that serves proper frozen margaritas.

It also has the most gorgeous terrace, which will be the perfect setting for sipping rosé once summer arrives.

Time Out

2010-04-28T21:43:00.001+02:00

The luxury fashion industry is on the up, despite the crisis, and yet there is only one fashion designer featured in this year's Time 100 list: Marc Jacobs.

No surprise there: the man is a money-making - and handbag-designing - machine.

In an ironic twist, Time preferred to include fashion's greatest personae on the other side of the pen - as the interviewers rather than the interviewees.

Tom Ford profiles Liya Kebede, Donatella Versace interviews Jet Li, and Donna Karan talks to Zaha Hadid.

Fashion and culture always have been a compatible intermix.

Game, Set, Chanel!

2010-04-26T21:46:00.000+02:00

This is quite possibly the chicest pétanque set in the world, having been designed by Chanel, no less.

What's more, you can also use it as a picnic hamper, if you remove the boules.

Love it.

Gossip Girl

2010-04-25T20:02:00.002+02:00

Spotted: having early evening drinks on the sun-drenched terrace of Le Fumoir in Paris, Christian Louboutin and fellow designer Andrew Gn.

Both have their studios in the area.

Who knew that celebrated designers are just like you and I, meeting up for post-work, Happy Hour drinks, and enjoying the first rays of summer sun.

xoxo

Show Me The Inspirers

2010-04-22T22:15:00.005+02:00

Yves Saint Laurent is gone, Hubert de Givenchy no longer designs for his namesake Couture House or ready-to-wear brand, and Alexander McQueen has left us.

I look around and I see so much new creative talent: Christopher Kane, Marios Schwab, Mark Fast, Louise Goldin - is it any coincidence they all emerged in London? - and yet I see very few great designers in between the established and avant-garde.

Who is left in charge, running the show until the next generation of aforementioned designers have been fully groomed to take over?

I feel like we are currently swimming in a sea of beautiful and desirable brands, but where are the inspirational GREATS, the revolutionary designers that will take us through to the next chapter in fashion's history?

Is it any wonder that the fashion industry feels obliged to continually relaunch old, previously ground-breaking Houses such as Vionnet? Which designer could influence the power-playing luxury groups to open a new House in their name? Clearly none.

Hence we find John Galliano at Dior, Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy, Christophe Decarnin at Balmain, and now Phoebe Philo at Celine.

Who will define our generation's fashion and style? Who is the Yves Saint Laurent of our day?

Tasty Mango

2010-04-22T22:01:00.000+02:00

High street chain Mango has just gone up in my esteem, launching a collection by Oscar de la Renta's son Moises.

The line of jewel encrusted, ribbon and chain decorated t-shirts, which also featured luxurious fabrics such as tulle, is a perfect way to go from day to night without having to run back home for a wardrobe change.

Moises de la Renta is only 25, but he already counts Michelle Obama amongst his clients, who has worn one of his dresses to a White House function.

When Politics And Fashion Don't Mix

2010-04-22T21:53:00.000+02:00

Carla Bruni Sarkozy recently guest-edited the weekly French style supplement Madame Figaro.

What one would expect should have been the magazine's most successful issue of the year, if not to date, was surprisingly and notably thin on advertisers.

Is this a case of politics and fashion not making a successful financial mix?

Do the usual heavyweight suspects of fashion branding not like to pick sides (any brand advertising in a publication with a First Lady acting as editor in chief cannot avoid this been seeing as overt support of the acting political party)?

Perhaps so, since the issue in question must have a spectacular seller, seeing unprecedented readership figures...and thereby making that particular edition of Madame Figaro an anticipated advertising record-breaker.

Clearly the fashion industry seems most comfortable on neutral ground, whichever designer heels it is standing in.

From Trash To Couture

2010-04-22T20:56:00.002+02:00

Here is a little reportage by American Couture Queen Susan Tabak, on one of my all-time favourite brands, Trash Couture.

They make the most romantic, feminine, and out-of-this-world creations - entirely original dresses, handmade from recycled Haute Couture fabrics, that really are the stuff of dreams.

Fellow collectors include Penelope Cruz, Kirsten Dunst, and the late, great Isabella Blow.

But then with iconic model Veruschka as the brand's muse, how could the result be anything but timeless elegance?

Susan Tabak at Prêt-à-Porter Fall 2010: Trash-Couture from Susan Tabak on Vimeo.

Waxing Fashion

2010-04-22T20:30:00.000+02:00

Anya Hindmarch has designed a small collection for Barbour, the 116-year old British label that is the go-to for country outerwear.

My favourite jacket is "The Foxy", which has been rendered a little more glamourous by detachable fur cuffs. I also love the quirky hidden touches, such as inner pockets labelled "lipstick" and "dog and bone" - Cockney rhyming slang for a telephone.

The perfect way to bring a bit of fashion to the hunting season.

Mixing Politics With Fashion

2010-04-22T20:24:00.000+02:00

Bernard Arnault, who practically owns the French fashion industry, has managed to persuade Bernadette Chirac, wife of the former French President Jacques Chirac, to join his board at LVMH.

Chirac is a front-row regular and BFF of King Karl, which makes sense of her invitation to appear at Arnault's court.

The appointment is further made relevant by a new French law currently being drafted that would oblige publicly traded companies to have a minimum of 40 percent female input within their staff of directors.

Being a woman has never been more fashionable!

No Cannes Do

2010-04-22T20:11:00.002+02:00

There is a very real possibility that we will be deprived of a high-octane red carpet fashion fix, if the Cannes Film Festival jury lineup is anything to go by.

The only A-list stars on board are Kate Beckinsale and Benicio Del Toro, upon whom one certainly can't count for an extraordinarily glamourous gown.

All style-sensitive attention will have to be centered on the sidelines to the official competition, which are playing host to Woody Allen's film with Naomi Watts, Antony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas and Freida Pinto, as well as Oliver Stone's sequel to Wall Street, featuring Michael Douglas.

No doubt the latter's wife can be called upon to inject a high fashion contribution, if all else fails.

Smells Good

2010-04-20T21:29:00.004+02:00

Jennifer Aniston has finally put her celebrity name to an endorsement, and will be launching her first fragrance at Harrods in June.

Aniston describes the scent as "a nonperfume perfume", which is of course in keeping with her easygoing, clean, California lifestyle and image.

She describes the fragrance, named Lolavie, as “sexy and clean” and “floral, but not too flowery.”

A Fine Vintage

2010-04-20T21:17:00.002+02:00

I just discovered a great new online vintage boutique, with clothing by some of history's most important and influential designers.

Check out Vintage Academe for original creations by Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior, Madame Grès...the list of designers is a long one!

It certainly beats trawling through flea markets and musky second hand shops to find that hidden treasure!

Alaïa A Match for H&M?

2010-04-20T20:36:00.001+02:00

If I could wish for a fashion dream that would come true, it would be for Azzedine Alaïa to partner with H&M and create an affordable capsule collection.

Apparently, this is also a dream of Alaïa's, who disclosed in a recent interview with Flaunt, that if he had the time he would love to design a collection for the high street giant.

Who knows whether this will indeed ever become a reality, but oh goodness one does hope so!

In the meantime we'll have to content ourselves with Mark Fast's designs for Topshop. The London-based, Canadian designer is the closest thing I've seen to a successor to Alaïa's King of Cling crown.

The Revolving Door of Fashion

2010-04-20T20:26:00.001+02:00

It has just been confirmed that Estrella Archs, so fatally paired with Lindsay Lohan to revive the Emmanuel Ungaro brand, has just quit the Parisian fashion house.

No prizes for guessing why, although one can't deny that the whole debacle has very definitely put her name on the fashion map...if she makes a success of her own label, she will be living proof that in this industry, there is no such thing as bad publicity.

Rumours of Estrella Archs's departure started circulating this week when established designer Giles Deacon was spied having lunch with the owner of Ungaro at the very public Le Relais Plaza on avenue Montaigne.

Was the designer being interviewed for a forthcoming vacancy?

We'll have to wait until Ungaro's revolving door swirls back around in order to find out...

Is Kate Losing Her Midas Touch?

2010-04-14T20:19:00.000+02:00

It used to be that everything Kate Moss touched, turned to gold. Her collaborations with Topshop and Longchamp are just a couple of examples of her Midas touch (her partnership with the latter label earned them a 25 percent increase in sales the month it was launched).

It would seem however, that the Parisian art scene is not in agreement, if the cancellation of the Kate Moss exhibition at Les Arts Décoratifs in Paris is anything to go by.

Scheduled for March next year, the exhibition planned to examine the Kate Moss myth in advertising, but it has now been shelved due to a lack of sponsorship.

This does seem odd, since Kate Moss is not only a muse to the fashion industry, but to the art world too; she has posed for artists Marc Quinn, Sam Taylor-Wood, Gary Hume, and the legendary Lucian Freud.

What's more, how easy would it have been for either Topshop, Longchamp, or another one of the brands for which Moss is the star of their advertising campaign, to sponsor the exhibition (and in the process, reap even further financial reward from Moss's image)?