Swingeing London by Richard Hamilton, showing Rolling Stone Mick Jagger in the back of a police car: a great modern history painting. Photograph: Serpentine
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Alexa Chung range a hit
Alexa Chung range a hitformer X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range.
former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range.The former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range. Asked by The Guardian if she'd like her own fashion collection, she replied: 'Do you know what? I wouldn't rule it out, actually. I have loved designing these shoes. I haven't enjoyed a project so much in a long time. So, yes, it might be the start of something.' Chezza stepped out earlier this week during London Fashion Week to launch her shoe collection with website Stylistpick.com at The Home House. The star will also be choosing her favourite items from the online accessory store's collections and telling fans why she likes them in a new blog. Stylistpick’s chief creative officer Juliet Warkentin said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Cheryl. Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm, a quality that has made her the nation's favourite. 'We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact; establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design and further democratising fashion.’
Brit Designers Shine At London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week Is Branded A Big Success For British Fashion Industry
"The truth is that all the ideas come out of here," he said.
"Before they used to be picked up by every other designer from around the world, diluted and communicated to other parts of the world and other people were making the money.
Models display creations by British born designer Osman
"Maybe now it is becoming a lot more important.
"I think Burberry, in a way, bringing their shows back to England has been very important because they have managed to bring the attention back here - that England isn't only a hub of ideas but it is also a business and there is an industry working and people are making it happen."
Rosario Dawson and Pippa Middleton on the front row at Temperley catwalk
The runways have seen a global standard of models showcasing collections, with designers including Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Jonathan Saunders, Mario Schwab and Mary Katrantzou.
US-based media analytics company Global Language Monitor recently ranked London as the Global Fashion Capital, overtaking New York.
It said the Alexander McQueen wedding dress that Kate Middleton wore at her royal wedding moved London from third to top position.
Cheryl Cole 'Falls For Hunky Soldier' In Afghanistan | Cheryl Cole
Cheryl Cole 'Falls For Hunky Soldier' In Afghanistan | Cheryl Cole
It seems Cheryl Cole has finally put her failed marriage to footballer Ashley Cole behind her, after apparently falling for a "gorgeous" solider in Afghanistan. The Girls Aloud beauty, who visited Camp Bastion in Helmand Province to boost troops morale, claims to have swapped numbers with the hunky young corporal after taking a shine to him during her trip last week. Chezza confessed to The Mirror: "Not only are the soldiers incredibly brave, a few were also incredibly cute. I actually came back with a phone number from one lad." "He started chatting to me after I'd been shot at during a training exercise. Obviously it wasn't real ammunition, but it was still terrifying." She continued: "Anyway, I think I am going to call him this week and we'll see what happens. I'm sure he's not expecting me to ring but that's why it'll be funny - and that's why I'm going to do it." Cheryl went on to admit that she is realistic about any chances of romance with the lucky solider, stating: "Long-distance relationships are a nightmare – a big time difference is a killer because it’s just so hard to stay in touch.” As well as proving a hit with the men, the former X Factor judge also seems to have charmed ladies, claiming: "There really were so many handsome guys – even some of the girl soldiers were totally gorgeous. Loads of the girls are now following me on Twitter and tweeting me. It’s great.” The 28-year old added: “I’d love to stay in touch with some of the incredible people I was lucky enough to meet.”
Celebrity Cruises Taps Top Chef to Join Culinary Team
Celebrity Cruises Taps Top Chef to Join Culinary Team
Known for its culinary leadership and commitment to offering guests a modern, luxurious experience during their precious vacation time, Celebrity Cruises has expanded its already robust culinary talent by naming 2010 James Beard Foundation "Rising Star Chef" nominee and 2007 "Rising Star Chef of American Cuisine" John Suley as its director of Culinary Operations. Tapped by Celebrity's charismatic Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden – himself a James Beard-nominated Master Chef – Suley is widely regarded as one of the country's top "up and coming" chefs. Prior to joining Celebrity, he worked in the star-studded, international dining scene as executive chef at the South Florida incarnation of three-time James Beard honoree Alfred Portale's famed "Gotham Bar & Grill" (New York), "Gotham Steak" at the chic Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Suley's wealth of experience also includes work at the Ritz Carlton-South Beach, the Waldorf Astoria and St. Regis hotels, and with many of the world's most accomplished chefs, including Daniel Boulud, and Celebrity's Van Staden himself, at some of the finest restaurants in the dining mecca of Las Vegas. Suley is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. At Celebrity, Suley joins Van Staden in leading the line's continuing quest to achieve the highest levels of consistency, quality and innovation in the culinary experience. "John Suley is known for his edgy and innovative cooking style, and is a genuinely unique chef," said Van Staden, "Having known him for 12 years, and observing the amazing contributions he made during the recent debut of our newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Silhouette, I am confident he will be an inspirational and creative leader within Celebrity's innovative culinary team, and will make tremendous contributions as we continue to prove to vacationers around the world that we can treat them to a dining experience that is easily comparable to the best on land." About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.
Who needs The X Factor when you have your own shoe line?
Who needs The X Factor when you have your own shoe line? Cheryl Cole was all smiles at the Olivier National Theatre in London on Monday night, where the ousted X Factor judge was celebrating her newest venture -- fabulous footwear! To celebrate her partnership with U.K. fashion website, Stylistpick.com, the 28-year-old Brit showed off her amazing figure through the sexy cutouts in her scarlet mini dress. She styled her hair into a voluminous bouffant accessorized with a gold headband and sported smoky eye makeup. The stylish star finished off her look with a pair of sparkling, sky-high heels. But despite their fabulous appearance, weren't such a walk in the park. "Girls..Don't you just love taking your foot out of a heel and into your slippers..The best! Feels like my feet are having a cuddle.. X," the Girls Aloud singer tweeted after the event. Cole's limited-edition footwear collection is due to hit stores in December just in time for the holiday season. "Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm -- a quality that has made her the nation's sweetheart," Stylistpick's CEO, Juliet Warkentin, said. "We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact, establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design." Cole will also curate her own picks on the site as well as give style tips to users.
Pippa Middleton sat front row at the Temperley London show at London Fashion Week
Pippa Middleton sat front row at the Temperley London show at London Fashion WeekThe line contained garments that could easily be seen on either Middleton sister, with tailored jackets and clean cocktail dresses. Drop-waist dresses and a ’20s flapper vibe was also incorporated in the collection, a trend that was also seen during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York last week. This is not the first time Pippa and Temperley have appeared in the same headline. The royal bridesmaid wore an emerald green gown by the designer for Kate and Will’s post-wedding festivities in April.
Pippa Middleton had a prime seat at the Temperley runway show at London Fashion Week at the British Museum. (Tim Whitby - GETTY IMAGES) on Monday, taking in the elegant 2012 resort collection by Alice Temperley next to British journalist Peaches Geldof and actress Rosario Dawson.
APPLE MEGASTORE IN MARBELLA
Apple Megastore in Marbella soon | Malaga Tourism
Tourists come to know Marbella as one of the most sought after holiday destinations not only in Spain but throughout the European continent; now Apple choose the charming mediterranean town with the highest Millionaires concentration to host its most ambitious project in the Iberian Peninsula.
A series of rumors speak of the future opening of an Apple store in Marbella, something which has been discussed for months, but now with an added extra, since it would be the largest Apple store in Spain.
Recently, Apple opened two of its famous stores in Madrid and Barcelona and everything indicates that the next one will be located on the Costa del Sol, specifically in the shopping center La Cañada in Marbella.
The Apple Store in Marbella would have an area of 1700 square meters, which would make it the largest in the Spanish territory. Its inauguration is expected in November. Thus, Marbella will host the third Apple store in Spain.
Polo Experience at Tres Rosas Polo
Polo Experience at Tres Rosas Polo
Tres Rosas Polo offered the chance to try some horse riding as well as the opportunity to play a very popular sport called Polo. Polo is a team sport played on horseback and the players score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled mallet. The traditional sport of polo is played at speed on a large grass field up to 300 yards in length, and each polo team consists of four riders and their mounts. Personally, I must admit I was a bit intimidated by the whole thing, since my only(and very brief) experience with horses was more than 10 years ago. Getting up the horse and heading to the field already raised a fair amount of adrenaline in me, but the peak was reached once my horse started to gallop. Let's just say it isn't as easy at it looks and for me the fear of falling was the biggest! Thankfully my horse, Todo, let my first experience be totally positive, even though I was not sure at all what I was doing. What they told me was that the horse can sense if the rider is insecure and totally in charge. That is the reason also why she didn't obey 100%. Nevertheless, riding the horse with the mallet in the right and leading the horse with my left hand made me feel like a polo player, even if it was for only 15 minutes! I definitely suggest this type of sport to anybody who loves to try something different and Tres Rosas Polo club is the right place to take up this interesting hobby that is played professionally in 16 countries!
Facebook May Help Online Luxury-Goods Sales Grow 20% Annually
Facebook May Help Online Luxury-Goods Sales Grow 20% Annually
Online sales of luxury goods may climb 20 percent a year by 2015 as producers build networks of potential customers on social media websites such as Facebook.com, according to a study published today. Revenue from fashion, jewelry and other luxury products is likely to reach 11 billion euros ($15 billion) in four years, the report from Italian luxury trade group Altagamma shows. “The explosion of social media and the increasing investments in the online channel by luxury companies has reinforced and enlarged the community of those who explore, comment upon and eventually purchase luxury goods,” Milan-based Altagamma said in a statement. Luxury companies are more than doubling their “friends” on Facebook annually in recognition of the link between online and offline purchases, according to the report. At least half of consumers in Europe, the U.S. and China form an opinion or seek information online before buying in a store, while most online luxury sales are preceded by a boutique visit, Altagamma said. Burberry Group Plc (BRBY), the U.K.’s largest luxury goods maker, gets “the most reach and most response” from digital initiatives compared with other media, Burberry Chief Financial Officer Stacey Cartwright told analysts on July 13. To promote the Burberry Body fragrance, which hit shelves this month, the London-based company offered exclusive samples to its nearly 7 million Facebook fans. It received more than 225,000 requests in little more than a week. The Internet plays a key role in increasing the hype around luxury brands and their products, Altagamma said. Fashion Blogs The web’s influence on perceptions of luxury goods is strongest in China, where fashion blogs are the source of opinion for 58 percent of consumers, compared with 27 percent of their counterparts in Europe and the U.S., the report said. The Asian country also has a higher penetration of online purchasing. Seventy-eight percent of Chinese buy luxury goods online, compared with 56 percent of Europeans and 46 percent of Americans, “mainly because they wish to avoid interactions with sales personnel or their insistence,” Altagamma said. The study included surveys of 187 companies with total revenue of 60 billion euros ($82.1 billion), interviews with 1,500 consumers and analysis of 450 websites in seven countries.
Ferrari Proves Recession Proof as Ultra-Luxury Sells Out: Cars
Ferrari Proves Recession Proof as Ultra-Luxury Sells Out: Cars
Maserati SpA’s new sport-utility vehicle was one of the most sought-after models at the Frankfurt car show this week and Ferrari SpA predicted record sales as executives said ultra-luxury remains recession-proof. “If you go to the Ferrari stand, there aren’t any customers worried about the recession,” Fiat Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said at the International Motor Show. “The last Ferrari customers I saw at the show weren’t crying.” Fiat’s two upscale brands may help the Turin, Italy-based carmaker weather a decline at its main business as Europe’s credit crisis worsens. Even without the Kubang SUV, Maserati aims to boost deliveries by almost eightfold to 45,000 cars in 2014 as it increases dealers by 150 percent worldwide. Lamborghini SpA’s new Aventador model is sold out for 18 months and Rolls-Royce Cars announced a 10 million-pound ($15.8 million) expansion at its Goodwood, England plant. Ferrari expects to deliver 7,000 cars in 2011 on demand for its first family car, the $356,000 four-seat FF that came to market this year. Fiat’s most profitable unit plans to cap sales at 7,000 going forward to maintain exclusivity. Ferrari targets “significant” results this year after earnings before interest and taxes rose 23 percent in 2010 to 302 million euros ($414 million) on revenue of 1.92 billion euros, Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said. “I’m not worried because we have quality, exclusivity, a strong brand and innovative technology,” Montezemolo said in an interview when asked about the effect of the economic slowdown. Mixed Fortunes The ultra-luxury optimism stands in contrast to concern voiced from volume carmakers that a worsening debt crisis in Europe is prompting consumers to rein in spending. PSA Peugeot Citroen CEO Philippe Varin said this week that Europe is facing a possible recession, while Ford Motor Co. said sales in the region next year will be little changed. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, the world’s biggest maker of luxury cars, is the best performer in the Stoxx 600 Automobiles & Parts Index this year. BMW stock has slipped 6.4 percent, compared with a 24 percent loss for the index. Fiat, which also owns Chrysler Group LLC in the U.S., is the worst performer on the index, with a 42 percent decline. Sales of the main high-end European luxury brands -- Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin -- will rise 19 percent this year to 28,090 vehicles, and gain another 13 percent in 2012, according to a forecast from industry analyst IHS Automotive. “The rich have gotten richer and the number of millionaires in emerging countries is really growing so the demographic trend is very positive” for the ultra-luxury carmakers, said Erich Hauser, a London-based Credit Suisse automotive analyst. “Things would have to get very nasty before they face a problem.” Rolls-Royce Record Rolls-Royce, owned by BMW, expects in 2011 to break last year’s sales record of 2,711 cars, Chief Executive Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes said, adding that China may overtake the U.S. as its top market. The German executive said he’s ”optimistic” about the prospects for the super-luxury segment and that his company so far has not been affected by the slowdown. The ultra-premium segment is likely to weather this downturn better than the previous crisis, Mueller-Oetvoes said. Along with the factory expansion, Rolls-Royce may boost its dealerships to 100 from the current 85 and add a coupe version of its best-selling Ghost model, he said. The carmaker debuted an extended-wheelbase version of the Ghost in Frankfurt. Lamborghini, owned by Volkswagen AG, unveiled the 189,000- euro Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale at the show, the most powerful addition to the Gallardo series. The 570- horsepower vehicle comes with matte black finish on the large rear spoiler, engine hood and front air intakes and surges to 100 kilometers (62 miles) in 3.4 seconds. Limited Edition Deliveries of the model, which has a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour, will be confined to 150 and start in December, Chief Executive Officer Stephan Winkelmann said in an interview. The Volkswagen division also announced production of the 1.6 million-euro Sesto Elemento. No more than 20 will be built with deliveries due in early 2013. Lamborghini sales may advance from last year’s 1,302 on the back of the Aventador LP 700-4, which will hit showrooms in October and is sold out for 18 months, Winkelmann said. “The super-luxury market has been in steady recovery from its low in 2009,” Winkelmann said in an interview, adding that order books at Lamborghini are showing no declines. “We’re aware that there are risks.” Bentley Motors Ltd., whose customers include Queen Elizabeth II and the Sultan of Brunei, rolled out an updated version of the Continental GTC convertible with deliveries of the 575-horsepower model starting before the end of the year. Powered by revamps of the Mulsanne and Continental models announced over the past year, full-year deliveries may top the 7,000 mark which would mark a 40-percent gain on 2010, CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer said in an interview. An SUV that the Crewe, England-based VW unit is considering may help more than double sales to 15,000 by about 2018, he said. “We’re very optimistic, our business is developing extremely soundly and the order situation is looking good,” Duerheimer said. “We mustn’t talk up a crisis. Growing debt problems in Europe and the U.S. are giving enough reason for concern, but the underlying economic picture remains positive.”
California-based Spectrum Wine Auctions is working with London luxury drinks merchant Vanquish to launch a UK auction business.
California-based Spectrum Wine Auctions is working with London luxury drinks merchant Vanquish to launch a UK auction business.The partners, who are soliciting consignments of ‘the most rare and unique’ wines for their first sale, in February 2012, said they are hoping to shake up the staid London wine auction scene. ‘Anyone who's been to a sale in New York or Hong Kong recently knows how different they are,’ said Richard Brierley, head of Vanquish's fine wine division – and ex-Christie's North America wine chief. ‘Auctions should be lively, social occastions. London is well-established but lacks the buzz, the excitement of the full room. We want to bring that back.’ Jason Boland, president of Spectrum Wine Auctions, was attracted by London's pedigree and importance to the secondary market, and its potential. Brierley also said auctions would be held in non-traditional venues and at a more accessible time. ‘A private collector with a day job in the City may not find it ideal to wander down to a sale room in St James's at 11am on a Thursday.’ Since launching in 2009, Spectrum Wine Auctions has grossed $30m (£19m) from internet sales and live ones in California and Hong Kong.
Each season, the fashion industry hand picks their own musical muse
Theophilus LondonEach season, the fashion industry hand picks their own musical muse — usually a star on the rise who ends up performing at every single industry soiree from New York to Paris and whose hit single is played at a number of the big ticket runway shows. This past February it was all about Adele and before that, Florence Welch. This time it's rapper/singer Theophilus London, and although he's still one of hip-hop's under-the-radar talents, he's quickly becoming fashion's musical darling of the moment. This week, London's not only been spotted front row at the Tommy Hilfiger Men's show, performing hits from his new album "Timez Are Weird" at Tommy's FNO party and hanging at Imitation of Christ and Carlos Campos, he's also promoting his new shoe collaboration with Cole Haan. Last night at their Soho store, London was on hand to mingle and perform, telling us that his new blue suede bucks were, "very cool." He continued, "it was fun to do, but I wish I made them for women. That's all I really care about is pleasing women, not so much men. Don't you want a pair?" London also weighed in on yesterday's somewhat shocking news that Kanye West will be showing his new collection during Paris Fashion Week, starting September 27th. When we asked what he thought about Kanye's move into the world of fashion design, he responded enthusiastically, "I think it's sick man, I totally back him. He actually emailed me this morning and invited me to the show, so I'm definitely going to hop on a plane in a couple weeks and be there for him. He's Kanye, he can do anything." We also suggested that it'd be amazing if he'd team up with Kanye and/or Jay-Z on his next album. "We'll see, I mean that'd be a dream come true. It's cool they even support me, but right now I'm just chillin." Though he was quick to claim his "chillin" status several times throughout our conversation, it doesn't appear that this guy's slowing down any time soon. With a fashion collaboration already under his belt, the attention of iconic designers and an open invitation to what's bound to be the most talked about show at Paris Fashion Week, London's got a swagger we'll be following all season long.
Vogue group opens London fashion school
Vogue group opens London fashion school
Having long passed judgement on the catwalk via the pages of Vogue, a leading magazine publisher is setting up its own fashion school in London. The Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design will open in September 2012, taking up to 300 students in its first year. With courses branded around its stable of monthlies and weeklies, its principal will be Susie Forbes, editor of Easy Living and former deputy editor of British Vogue. Last year, Condé Nast's British arm made £34.6m. It is thought the conglomerate's move into teaching may face hostility from the arts education community, with the capital already hosting the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins. Nicholas Coleridge, managing director of Condé Nast, said: "The reputation and authority of our brands puts us in a strong position to teach and inspire the fashion and decorating talent of the future."
He's in fashion: Robbie was at House of Fraser to launch his menswear label and its first collection
He's in fashion: Robbie was at House of Fraser to launch his menswear label and its first collection
Fresh off a sell-out Take That tour, Robbie decided to turn his hand to fashion, launching his menswear label Farrell and its debut autumn/winter collection at House Of Fraser.
The fashion label is named after the singer’s grandfather, Jack Farrell, and has a preppy, mod type feel, consisting of cardigans, smart dinner jackets and long winter coats.
The Angels singer greeted the first 200 customers (with purchases) in person at the Oxford Street branch of House of Fraser.
Rob was not alone in his fashion endeavour – both his stylist Marcus Love and his hairstylist Oliver Woods collaborated with Williams on the collection. The pieces have so far been described as for men who like a ‘bit of snap’ in their wardrobe.
Stand-out items are a long blue military style coat, a £250 dinner jacket as well as various checked shirts and scarves.
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Rob was not alone in his fashion endeavour – both his stylist Marcus Love and his hairstylist Oliver Woods collaborated with Williams on the collection. The pieces have so far been described as for men who like a ‘bit of snap’ in their wardrobe.
Stand-out items are a long blue military style coat, a £250 dinner jacket as well as various checked shirts and scarves.
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Swingeing London by Richard Hamilton, showing Rolling Stone Mick Jagger in the back of a police car: a great modern history painting.
showing Rolling Stone Mick Jagger in the back of a police car: a great modern history painting., Swingeing London by Richard HamiltonRichard Hamilton, the most influential British artist of the 20th century, has died aged 89. In his long, productive life he created the most important and enduring works of any British modern painter. This may sound a surprising claim. We have our national icons and our pop celebrities. But neither Francis Bacon nor Lucian Freud nor Damien Hirst has shaped modern art as Hamilton did when he put a lolly with the word POP on it in the hand of a muscleman in his 1956 collage, Just What is it that Makes Today's Homes So Different, So Appealing? Hamilton has a serious claim to be the inventor of pop art: this collage is a visionary, yet ironic, manifesto for a new art that would be at home in the modern world. For him, in a postwar Britain of austerity measures, pop was a utopian ideal. Big, fast cars were the metal angels of a smooth, beautiful future. I have been driven by Hamilton in his huge, sleek car. The experience was like stepping into one of his paintings. He drove me to his house, a modern dream home decorated with the works of Marcel Duchamp – or rather, Hamilton's own replicas personally approved by the maverick dadaist chess player. Hamilton's second great influence on the art of today was his championing of Duchamp at a time when the Frenchman's subversive philosophical art was largely forgotten. One of Hamilton's masterpieces is his replica of Duchamp's Large Glass, in Tate Modern. was an intellectual. He did not go for the guts, but the brain. His art is thoughtful, uneasy, even as it celebrates the power of technology. It also became increasingly political. He confronted issues from the Irish Troubles to both Iraq wars in works that dropped the cool mask for outright engagement, making him even more of a meaty and serious proposition. Swingeing London, pictured above, in which Mick Jagger in lurid green jacket is enclosed in the back of a police car, shielding his face against the media glare, is a great modern history painting. So is Hamilton's portrait of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. These works analyse the way images are made, yet their intellect is saturated with outrage and compassion. Hamilton saw our future coming. He even designed a computer as a readymade artwork in the early days of digital. He saw and accepted the way technology changes the human condition. Yet he cared about, and fought for, the human ghost in the machine. That is what makes him a great artist.
Duchess 'is no trendsetter' say NY fashionistas
Duchess 'is no trendsetter' say NY fashionistas
While her closely-watched outfit choices may send clothes flying off the shelves in Britain, fashionistas in the Big Apple say no one would look at her twice on the streets of Manhattan. Related articles Duchess of Cambridge: Stylish Kate combines sartorial flair with patriotic diplomacy Duchess of Cambridge expected to fuel sales of £5 face cream Kate Middleton turns to the high street for her engagement photograph outfits One style guru at New York fashion week suggested that it was only because of her fame as a royal that people are interested in what she wears. Elle fashion news director Anne Slowey told the Daily Mail: "Is she a style icon of the likes of a Kate Moss? Absolutely not. Is she in the public eye? Are people going to become obsessed with everything she wears regardless of what it is? Yes." Gregg Andrews, a fashion director at leading US department store chain Nordstrom, said: "She is stylish but she's not setting trends, she's following trends. "If you take Kate out of the Royal Family, put her on a street in New York, you wouldn't look at her twice. She's a beautiful woman, but she blends into a crowd." On a positive note, however, fashion writer Jill Martin predicted that the Duchess's wedding dress, by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, would be a style followed by many brides next spring. The 29-year-old royal has won plaudits in the UK for mixing high street and designer looks and her public appearances in various outfits have seen sales rocket.
For Long Sweet Life
For Long Sweet Life
Whether for its unique taste, it versatility when used for cooking or its antioxidant phenolic compounds, maple syrup is a local product that is greatly appreciated and that never ceases to amaze. Maple syrup has already begun its interesting breakthrough with the international scientific community, and consumers everywhere, especially in Japan, are widely interested in the product. Indeed, the Japanese, always on the lookout for natural foods that play a role in disease prevention, love 100% pure maple syrup from Canada and are particularly interested in its various benefits. Dr. Keiko Abe of the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences led a study that showed that maple syrup could promote a healthier liver. The study established that healthy laboratory rats fed a diet in which some of the carbohydrate was replaced with 100% pure maple syrup from Canada yielded significantly better results in liver function tests than the control groups fed a diet with a syrup mix1 containing a similar sugar content as maple syrup but without the beneficial compounds of maple syrup. The results will be published in the November, 2011 issue of “Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry.” Although most healthy individuals take liver function for granted, liver health is of great importance because of the hundreds of vital functions it performs that are essential to human life, which include storing energy (glycogen) and regulating blood glucose, the production of certain amino acids (building blocks of protein) and filtering harmful substances from the blood. According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, there are over 100 liver diseases affecting approximately one out of ten Canadians, including men, women and children. These health diseases show up most often in middle aged people who are overweight, have abnormal blood lipids and diabetes or insulin resistance—conditions when grouped together, are known as metabolic syndrome. “It is important to understand the factors leading to impaired liver function– our lifestyle choices including poor diet, stress and lack of exercise, as well as exposure to environmental pollutants,” says Dr. Melissa Palmer, clinical professor and medical director of hepatology at New York University Plainview. “The preliminary results of this research are encouraging and emphasize the importance of choosing a healthy diet to help counteract the lifestyle and environmental factors that may impact liver function, even our choice of a sweetener. In addition to Dr. Abe’s recent findings, published research suggests that 100% pure maple syrup may prove to be a better choice of sweetener because it was found to be rich in polyphenolic antioxidants and contains vitamins and minerals,” notes Palmer . The animals were evaluated using the latest analytical methods including gene expression profiling called nutrigenomics. In the study, rats were fed diets consisting of 20% pure maple syrup, or 20% syrup mixture with similar sugar content as maple syrup but without the beneficial compounds of maple syrup. After 11 days, the rats on the maple syrup diet showed significantly decreased levels of liver enzymes AST, ALT and LDH in the blood, standard biomarkers for evaluating liver function. The gene expression profiling observations suggest a mechanism whereby the maple syrup diet caused genes involved in the production of harmful ammonia in the liver to down-regulate, that is, to be less active. “This research contributes to our growing understanding of the incredible health potential of maple syrup,” remarked Serge Beaulieu, President of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. “We learned previously that maple syrup contains antioxidant compounds that may actually help regulate glucose metabolism and increase insulin release, possibly aiding in the management of type 2 diabetes. And now, Dr. Abe is exploring the relationship between maple syrup consumption and liver health. Her current findings give us even more reason to enjoy our maple syrup.”
Fame of killer bull named 'Mouse' spreads in Spain
Fame of killer bull
The Feadship Helix arriving in Gibraltar
The Feadship Helix arriving in GibraltarHelix is Feadship Royal Van Lent's latest F45 superyacht, which was launched on August 15th. Helix is the first yacht in the series with the Nautical interior theme, which features a modern mix of light fabric covered walls in mahogany wooden frames and a high contrast in carefully selected materials. Helix is currently being offered for sale, and will make her first public appearance at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show, which runs from September 21 to 24.
British company wants to buy La Manga Club
British company wants to buy La Manga Club
British real estate fund asked for a price for La Manga Club in Murcia. La Manga is one of the main tourist and sports complexes in the region and is under bankruptcy protection. The fund which is showing an interest is London and Regional (L&R) Properties. They talks with the owners, MedGroup, are reported to be currently on hold, but La Verdad reports that the workers’ union CGT consider the sale as signed and sealed. The union would welcome the purchase, and notes that L&R already has some 60 hotels including the Hilton chain. Antonio Ros, the General Director of La Manga Club, told the paper that ‘It’s true that there were conversations, but at this time we have no information’. L&R Properties are reported to be interested in a greater holding in the Spanish market. The fund is owned by Ian and Richard Livingstone, and completed their first purchases in Spain last June with the purchase of two FCC offices in Madrid and Barcelona, to then rent them back to the same company. La Manga Club applied for bankruptcy protection at the end of 2008 when it was unable to finance its debt of 97 million €.
Bentley Continental GT
Bentley Continental GTPrice: £135,760 What do you do when you see a sweating man changing the foot-wide punctured tyre of a Bentley Continental GT in the rain? You smile, of course, then drive past and inhale that most satisfying aroma – rank schadenfreude. Well, last weekend, on the busy A429, that man in the rain was me. To make the most of my time with the new GT, I'd taken it on a mini Grand Tour, up through the Cotswolds then back in a long lazy loop to London. I'd spent several happy hours powering past small fry and practising my look of haughty disdain. But then, to my horror, I plunged into a gaping pothole. A sickening thump was followed by the unmistakable slapping sound of a flat tyre. Worse was to come. The skinny spare has a limit of only 50mph, so I spent the day inching the 200mph supercar back home. The final insult was added when I was flashed doing 48 in a 40 just miles from London. Oh the perfect irony… The Bentley Continental GT is enormous – it weighs in at an immodest 2.3 tonnes. The bonnet stretches into the horizon. Peering forward you can only hazard a guess where your four corners are. And yet, despite its awesome scale, it's the little things that win you over. The steering wheel is heated. The air vents are controlled by organ-stop chrome knobs. You can press a button to remind yourself of not only the air pressure in each tyre (zero in the front left), but which set of wheels you're driving on – the 20in, the 21in or the winter wheels. The boot is opened by lightly brushing the "B" on the rear badge. The boot and doors are self-closing and, let's be honest, having to shut things can be a real fag. Best of all is the fact that when you sink into your fat-man's driving seat, a small arm passes you your seat belt. Heaven forbid you might have to reach over your own shoulder. If the Conti GT were a person it could well be Michael Winner. It is larger than life, brazen, unapologetic and quintessentially English – yet despite its shortcomings inspires great affection. It is packed with contradictions: it's hugely overweight yet boasts graceful lines and dances round corners; it is conservative yet technically ahead of its time; it is one of the most glamorous marques in the world, yet it is built in Crewe. But, channelling its inner Michael Winner, the Bentley doesn't hide this fact – it rejoices in it. Every vehicle has a metal plate screwed to the door with the words: "Handcrafted by Bentley Motors Ltd, Crewe, England." This most recent model of the Continental GT now comes with a revolutionary six-speed auto gearbox that reduces shift times by 50%. The monumental 6-litre twin-turbo W12 engine has been uprated and now puts out a heroic 567bhp. The car features active air suspension, so it raises and lowers itself to improve its aerodynamics. All this indulgence brings with it a certain amount of pain. And that pain is felt most acutely when watching the fuel-consumption figure. You feel like cheering when the figure jumps from 4.3 to 4.4 miles per gallon. Admittedly that was in nasty start-stop traffic – on the open road it was managing an average of about 21mpg – the official combined figure is a pitiful 17.1mpg. And that's surely enough to bring a blush even to the cheek of Michael WinnerCrewe’s control: the Cheshire cat has been given a new lease of life with a massive injection of cash from VW. Photograph: observer
Miles per gallon: 17.1
Top speed: 198mph
Daisy Lowe Attends Fashion's Night Out
Daisy Lowe Attends Fashion's Night Out |
Daisy Lowe, David Gandy and Pixie Geldof were among the big names at Vogue's Fashion's Night Out in London yesterday (08.09.11), kicking off the fashion season in style.
Daisy Lowe, David Gandy and Pixie Geldof were among the big names at Vogue's Fashion's Night Out in London yesterday (08.09.11).
The glamorous trio were at the Asprey party in New Bond Street and the Vodafone Experience store in nearby Oxford Street as they helped kick off the fashion season in style.
Designer Richard Nicoll was at the Vodafone Oxford St experience store, where he personalised limited edition Richard Nicoll tote bags for customers.
The evening marked the beginning of Richard's two season LFW partnership with Vodafone which will continue to offer exclusive access and invaluable fashion insight for customers.
The partnership will also see Richard and the Vodafone innovation team working closely to design an on trend accessory that fuses technology and cutting edge design to deliver a truly pioneering fashion product that will be showcased in Nicoll's Autumn/Winter 2012 runway show.
Other stars to attend Fashion's Night Out in London - the worldwide annual after-hours shopping extravaganza - including Gwyneth Paltrow, Roland Mouret and Matthew Williamson.
Talking about the event, Matthew said: "It's a proper celebration of British fashion and it's about brand building and having fun with people who have a keen interest in fashion," he told us. "Though having said that, I have just sold a dress to someone I thought would be an unlikely buyer - so we're capturing new customers too."
Mercedes-Benz Official Sponsor of London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Show Schedule
Mercedes-Benz Official Sponsor of London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Show Schedule
September’s events will take place at six unique venues in the capital: Somerset House, Mercer Studios, The Royal Opera House, The Topshop Show Space, My Beautiful City: Old Sorting Office and The Freemasons’ Hall.
Here is the most recently updated provisional show schedule released by the British Fashion Council to ensure you keep your finger firmly on the fashion pulse.
FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Paul Costelloe BFC Show Space at Somerset House
09.30 - 12.00 Preen by Thorton Bregazzi TBC
10.00 Corrie Nielson TBC
11.00 - 19.00 Orla Kiely Portico Rooms at Somerset House
11.00 Caroline Charles BFC Show Space at Somerset House
12.00 Jena.Theo WC1
12.00 - 14.00 Emilia Wickstead TBC
13.00 Bora Aksu BFC Show Space at Somerset House
13.00 - 15.00 The Rodnik Band WC2
14.00 Maria Grachvogel WC2
15.00 Jean-Pierre Braganza BFC Show Space at Somerset House
15.00 - 17.00 bStore W1
16.00 sass & bide WC2
17.00 Felder.Felder BFC Show Space at Somerset House
17.00 - 19.00 Teatum Jones WC2
18.00 Basso & Brooke WC2
19.00 Ann-Sofie Back Atelje BFC Show Space at Somerset House
19.30 - 21.30 Christopher Raeburn EC2
20.30 PPQ BFC Show Space at Somerset House
SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 DAKS BFC Show Space at Somerset House
10.00 Clements Ribeiro WC1
10.45 J.W.Anderson women Portico Rooms at Somerset House
11.00 Ashish BFC Show Space at Somerset House
11.15 J.W.Anderson women Portico Rooms at Somerset House
12.00 Julien Macdonald TBC
12.00 - 14.00 Zoë Jordan WC1
13.00 Jasper Conran BFC Show Space at Somerset House
14.00 Emilio de la Morena SW1
14.15 Craig Lawrence salon show Portico Rooms at Somerset House
15.00 Jaeger London BFC Show Space at Somerset House
15.15 Craig Lawrence salon show Portico Rooms at Somerset House
16.00 House of Holland WC1
16.00 - 18.00 Sister by Sibling The Terrace at Somerset House
17.00 John Rocha BFC Show Space at Somerset House
18.00 Vivienne Westwood Red Label EC1
19.00 Jonathan Saunders W2
19.30 - 21.30 Dominic Jones Portico Rooms at Somerset House
20.00 Issa London BFC Show Space at Somerset House
20.45 Fashion Fringe WC2
SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Margaret Howell W1
09.15 J. JS Lee Portico Rooms at Somerset House
10.00 Mulberry W1
10.15 J. JS Lee Portico Rooms at Somerset House
11.00 Richard Nicoll SW1
11.30 Mulberry salon show W1
12.00 Fashion East W1
13.00 Nicole Farhi WC2
13.30 Peter Jensen Portico Rooms at Somerset House
14.00 Holly Fulton BFC Show Space at Somerset House
14.30 Peter Jensen Portico Rooms at Somerset house
15.00 Unique Topshop Show Space
15.30 Unconditional salon show WC1
16.00 Marios Schwab BFC Show Space at Somerset House
16.30 Unconditional salon show WC1
17.30 - 19.30 Fred Butler Portico Rooms at Somerset House
17.00 Paul Smith SW1
18.00 Tom Ford Women’s Presentation SW1
19.15 Matthew Williamson SE1
20.30 Acne WC2
MONDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Peter Pilotto Topshop Show Space
10.00 - 12.00 Antipodium Portico Rooms at Somerset House
10.00 Antonio Berardi SE1
11.00 Pringle of Scotland SW1
12.00 Christopher Kane TBC
13.00 Michael van der Ham Topshop Show Space
14.00 Erdem WC2
14.00 - 18.00 Christian Blanken Portico Rooms at Somerset House
14:30-16:30 Jordan Askill The Terrace at Somerset House
15.00 Mark Fast BFC Show Space at Somerset House
16.00 Burberry Prorsum TBC
17:00 Nasir Mazhar Topshop Show Space
17.30 Louise Gray Topshop Show Space
18.30 Todd Lynn BFC Show Space at Somerset House
19:30 Giles WC2
20:30 Temperley London WC1
TUESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Mary Katrantzou Topshop Show Space
10.00 Aquascutum WC2
11.00 - 13.00 Designers Remix Portico Rooms at Somerset House 11.00 Roksanda Ilincic SW1
11:00-13:00 Saloni TBC
12.00 Osman BFC Show Space at Somerset House
13.00 Kinder Aggugini TBC
14.00 Meadham Kirchhoff Topshop Show Space
15.00 - 19.00 Tata-Naka Portico Rooms at Somerset House
15.00 Danielle Scutt TBC
15.30 - 17.30 Body Amr TBC
16.00 David Koma Topshop Show Space
17.00 Danielle Scutt BFC Show Space at Somerset House
18.30 Aminaka Wilmont BFC Show Space at Somerset House
WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER / MENS
09.00 J.W.Anderson Portico Rooms at Somerset House
09.45 Christopher Shannon BFC Show Space at Somerset House
10.00 - 14.00 Aquascutum men’s presentation Navy Board Rooms
10.30 MAN Topman Venue
11.30 Lou Dalton Portico Rooms at Somerset House
12.15 TOPMAN Design Topman Venue
13.00 - 17.00 NEWGEN and Fashion East Men
Installations The Terrace at Somerset House
13.30 E.Tautz WC2
14.30 James Long BFC Show Space at Somerset House
15.30 Oliver Spencer TBC
16.00 - 18.00 Mr Start WC2
16.30 KTZ BFC Show Space at Somerset House
17:15 A Child of the Jago TBC
18:15, 19:15 New Power Studio Portico Rooms at Somerset House
18.00 RAKE W1
19.00 Hardy Amies W1
Mercedes-Benz Official Sponsor of London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Show Schedule
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