When I have been faced with the possibly awkward situation of wearing the same get up as someone else, it can normally be brushed off with a simple "Clearly we both have good taste!" comment and made into a bonding experience as opposed to a polarising effect, with both fearing you will feature on "B*tch Stole My Look" on Joan River's Fashion Police.
In my line of work, I have had the great opportunity to work with a number of beautiful and inspiring women. Launching Ultimo in 1996 stemmed from my own discomfort as I wore a very uncomfortable cleavage enhancing bra on the evening of a dinner dance, I was very conscious, and it was then I had a lightbulb moment.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the best bit about visiting any museum or large art gallery is the trip to the gift shop.
had the good fortune to speak briefly with Lise Van Aisenoy - Women's Merchandising & Design Director, Anit Van Eynde - Senior Director for Marketing and Marie-Helene Azar, Senior Manager of Media Relations about Levi's' heritage, it's vintage collection and Levi's and women! Here is what they had to say:
The button has long been a favoured, decorative feature in fashion for both men and women, with the pearl button adding exclusivity and desirability to garments for both.
Today I've gone with a mixed look of shorts, plaid shirt, brown boots with a red bag! A little bit of a laid-back, western but...
I'd like to believe that I am guided by the premise that fashion is essentially about wearing what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
The whole debate about celebrities covering magazines is an issue that doesn't seem to go away and Kim Kardashian is the prime example of just how far that trend has gone.
I was delighted when The Huffington Post UK contacted me about their new Style Section and I'm so excited that I can be a part of the launch. I thought I would kick off my first blog post with a little introduction to my studio and let you know what we have been working hard on these past few months. Earlier this year I announced that Julien Macdonald (the brand) was launching a private client, made-to-measure service in house at my studio, keeping the whole Made in Britain theme alive, especially in this Jubilee year!
Previously I'd lumped Gestuz, the laidback young Danish fashion label, pronounced Jess-Tuce, in with the kinds of sporty, denim brands typically found in the tiny girls' sections of skate shops, labels like Bench and G-Star, but if their 2012 ranges so far are anything to go by, it seems either they've had a shift in design focus since their new designer came on board last summer, or I was very, very wrong.
For some time now I have been interested the Law of Attraction. For those not familiar with the theory and its teachings, it's the idea that 'like attracts like' and that by focusing on either positive or negative thoughts you will get a either a positive or negative result.
A few years ago, I came across an article in the Acne Paper about an elderly New York woman called Iris Apfel. I wondered what it was about her that shook me to the core, and I realised it was because she was a style icon at 80. There are so few older women we can look up to and emulate.
The super-tanker that is fashion and its messaging to women about their bodies must surely shift course now that the publishing monarchy Conde Naste has finally and officially weighed in to: "Encourage designers to consider the consequences of unrealistically small sample sizes of their clothing, which limits the range of women who can be photographed in their clothes, and encourages the use of extremely thin models".
The 90s are now officially classified as 'vintage' because we are two decades on and just like when I was coming out of my teens 30 years ago, a new generation is starting to discover and enjoy the creative fruits of musicians, designers, artists and film makers who delivered their ideas 20 years ago.
Neutrals, bolds, and everything in between, now is the time for a lip colour makeover. Get out of your current lipgloss rut. Consider lipstick a cost effective fashion accessory. Invest in a new lip wardrobe and discover the amazing new formulas and fresh shades for summer.
When I first set eyes on Helen Steele's SS12 collection, with its vibrant prints on sumptuous silks, I immediately thought it would make for a great story on modern florals, perfect for Chelsea Flower Show week.
As a bi-continental designer splitting my time between London and San Diego, everyday brings adventures that are larger than life.
I love clothes. As many of you will suspect I love dressing up and going out. I am sure that I am as guilty as the next person for hoarding and thinking 'oh I will get another year out of that item". Then it sits at the back of the closet alone for another year. I think I will be lonesome if I throw out my old coat or jumper. This new Shwopping campaign is helping me with these little daily dramas. So just what is this Shwopping idea and why am I so interested in all your old shirts, shorts, bras and underwear?
Before packing my suitcase, I have a mini runway show in my house, trying on the looks and choosing outfits in advance. This means I end up traveling lighter and I don't have that annoying moment of putting on the perfect dress and realising I don't have the right shoes for it.
Jess Shanahan, 2012.29.05
Zandra Rhodes, 2012.27.05
Vivian Ho, 2012.27.05