Fashion Vixen Hong Kong

Til Schweiger in Bally

2010-01-30T05:13:00.004-05:00

We've always had a soft spot for Til Schweiger. Now we can admire the German actor/director/producer in the latest Bally ad campaign. Shot by Swiss photographer Raymond Maier under the art direction of creative agency Laird + Partners.

Annie Leibovitz Models for LV

2010-01-25T06:47:00.005-05:00

This time around star photographer Annie Leibovitz turned her lens upon herself, as she models for LV together with ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. The campaign photo was captured in Annie's New York studio. "We have the greatest respect and admiration for Annie Leibovitz, both as a person and as a professional," says Antoine Arnault. "We were delighted to be able to offer her our support in troubled times, and she has responded like the consummate artist she is, with a truly exceptional image which - with its association of photography and dance - once again broadens the scope of our Core Values campaign."

The tagline reads: "The journey of a star captured in a flash".

Foxy Armani Underwear

2010-01-22T12:34:00.008-05:00

Uber babe Megan Fox is the new face - or should we say body - of the latest Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans campaigns this season. Seriously, does it get any better than this?

Shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the photos are being released next month. "Megan is young and sexy and has a lot of spirit," says Giorgio Armani. "Both Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans are all about a youthful attitude, making her the perfect choice for the collections." Well, we just think that's she's hot. Does that count?

Girls Night In with Tayma

2009-09-13T02:18:00.004-05:00

Tayma Fine Jewellery's showroom had a facelift. Join for a night of champagne and sparkling jewellery. $5,000 Gift Voucher valid for the night!

Wednesday, September 16

4pm - 8pm

RSVP at finedesign@taymafinejewellery.com / 2525 5280

Shop 252, 2/F, Prince's Building, Central, Hong Kong

Jourdan Dunn for Triumph Inspiration Award 09

2009-09-11T05:56:00.005-05:00

Super model Jourdan Dunn poses for Triumph Inspiration Award 2009 shot by Giovanni Gastel. Vote Online for the Design and Win a VIP Trip to the Grand Finale in Milan on September 23. http://www.triumphinspirationaward.com

For the award the design talents were challenged to come up with a lingerie interpretation of their personal icon. Unlimited in the creative vision the designs included icons such as Charlie Chaplin, Frida Kahlo, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Sydney Opera House, Light, Hula-hoop, the horse Milton.

The winner of the award will be elected in September 2009 at the international final during the Milan Fashion Week by a high-profile fashion jury. "The awards are a great opportunity to recognize new talent", says Jourdan Dunn about the Triumph Inspiration Award.

Diesel 2009 Samle Sale Up to 90% Off

2009-09-11T05:34:00.004-05:00

Get the latest denims (male/female), spare parts, bags and Intimates

When: 9/22 - 9/25 (Tue - Fri), 11am - 7pm

9/26 (Sat), 11am - 5pm

Where: Diesel Pacific Limited

Address: Unit 2007-13, 20/F Cosco Tower, 183 Queens Road Central

Note: Visa/MC available for purchases HKD 1000+

NO Return/Refund/Exchange

For further information, please contact: (852) 2167 8318

Lindsey Lohan New Ungaro Artistic Director

2009-09-10T10:26:00.003-05:00

Emanuel Ungaro has appointed two women in key positions today. One, new chief designer Estrella Archs, relatively unknown , and the other, the new artistic adviser, nobody else but Lindsey Lohan!!

"When I'm involved in a project, I give my all to it," Lohan said of the new appointment. "Clothing is something that's so expressive in so many ways. It really interests me. To be in a position where I'm working with a fashion house in Paris sets it apart from every other celebrity brand." YEAH! Kanye West eat your heart out!

Despite the potential for conflict of creative egos, Ungaro ceo Mounir Moufarrige - who famously replaced The Kaiser with a 25-year-old Stella McCartney at the helm of Chloe- is positive about the expected impact of the new appointments, who are expected to take a bow together following the upcoming show at Paris Fashion Week in October.

Shenzen Fashion Design Talents at London Fashion Week

2009-09-10T09:59:00.005-05:00

Shenzhen design talent is welcomed at London Fashion Week. Three designers will present catwalk shows for spring/summer 2010; Tangy, founded by Chambre Syndicale Fashion School graduate Liang Zi and characterised by its easy and elegant style; Ground Show, the 1997-founded label known for its in-touch-with-nature aesthetic; and Xindier (photo), founded in 2005 and one of Shenzhen's leading brands.

"In my five years of working with China I have seen the rapid transition from a strong manufacturing base to the development of creative brands often headed by talented designers. Fashion Shenzhen is an excellent example of some of the new design talent coming out of China now," says John Walford, Vauxhall Fashion Scout director.

Over The Knee Boots at Pedder Red

2009-09-10T07:51:00.003-05:00

God knows how you'll walk ... let alone sit with these boots, but they sure as hell look sexy! Move over Puss n Boots!

Lancome Ultimate Eye Make-up Contest F/W09

2009-09-10T07:46:00.003-05:00

Prada

2008-07-28T08:26:00.004-05:00

I love the Prada Butterfly sunglasses! The soft, sinuous curves create a dreamy look. Accentuated by shaded lenses in purple and pink combined with black, white, or lilac frames. A tortoise shell version with warmer hues is also available. Celebs including Gwen Stefani, Brooke Shields, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie (photo) have already been spotted wearing them...

Avilable at Prada stores. Retail price: HK$2,300

Fendi Sample Sale

2008-07-28T08:21:00.002-05:00

Up to 90% off
Date: July 30 - 31, 2008 (Wed-Thurs)
Time: 10h00 – 19h00 (Exclude 13h00 – 14h00)
Address: FENDI office
16/F, Dorset House, Quarry Bay, HK

By invitation only!!

Giles Play

2008-07-16T21:03:00.002-05:00

Brit designer Giles Deacon is dabbling in jewellery design. He teamed up with Evoke to create three ranges of pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings for them. Inspired by black and white, the solar planet system and skulls, the range includes Swarovski crystals. The playful collection will hit stores in September.

Through Theyskens’ Eyes

2008-07-16T21:02:00.001-05:00

Could Olivier Theyskens be the next Lagerfeld? Not only has he turned the house of Nina Ricci into one of the most progressive brands on the fashion map, but he has also shot the lookbook for its resort collection. It looks as if Theyskens is embarking on a photography career. Watch out Karl!

Coach Class

2008-07-16T10:56:00.003-05:00

Here's the interview I recently did with Coach designer Reed Krakoff

Meet the mastermind behind American luxury brand Coach

“The number one most attractive thing is people that are comfortable,” Reed Krakoff says. “Confidence!” Krakoff has plenty of that. He is not only president, designer and executive creative director of growing accessory powerhouse Coach. He encompasses it all. He is Coach.

He does everything from marketing, designing accessories and boutiques (Coach just opened its flagship store in Central) to shooting photos for their ad campaigns. But Krakoff doesn’t feel pressured, even though he’s constantly forced to produce new marketing gimmicks. Instead of drama and flamboyance, he chooses a structured and well-organized way of brand building, focusing on clean, but innovative products.

The genius is known to have a laid-back, almost Zen kind of approach to overseeing the brand. Yet his management skills have catapulted Coach into a very lucrative niche in the market, being the only American luxury accessories brand. “The pressure comes from you,” says Krakoff confidently. “I tell you what, the pressure happens when you don’t feel in control of what you are doing. I think when you’re calm, you are in control. I always think when people aren’t calm, they feel like they’re going to fail. I know what I want. I’m not stressed about it. I’m able to accomplish what I want, so I can be relaxed about it. I think at the end of the day, I know that I have to be the one to fix it. So being upset about it isn’t helping. Blaming someone and saying ‘You did a bad job. I ask you to work on this black shoe', I don’t get any points for that.”

Even though he’s in charge of design, Krakoff doesn’t really see himself as part of the fashion world. To him it’s a design challenge, a process. “It’s like a problem,” he says. “I see it as problem solving. Everything challenges me. Every store has to be better than the last store, every campaign…..” He seems so relaxed saying that, one might wonder if the word “stress” actually exists in his dictionary. Things flow so naturally for him. “Well, it’s all internal,” he admits. “Otherwise we’re not going to be successful. It’s in our Coach culture, we all challenge ourselves. As soon as we finish something, we think about what we could do differently. We don’t spend a lot of time ‘Oh this is great. We do a great job’. It’s more about ‘What can we do better?’ The key is to enjoy the “doing” part, and that’s the one thing I learnt, because at the end there’s no there there. I’ve heard Ralph Lauren say that. Calvin Klein has said that. We have to enjoy the “doing” part. The process part is as enjoyable as the “getting” part, opening a big store, being successful…..”

Krakoff has gained 13 years of experience at Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren previously to joining Coach in 1996. The brand has never been the same since. He took the classic elements, the good craftsmanship and the great quality and reinvented the entire label. He spiced it up with new categories such as shoes, eyewear, jewellery, watches, knitwear and fragrance. But the main key to his ongoing success is that he pushes the brand to evolve constantly.

“My philosophy is always changing, but it always has to feel like Coach,” he says. “So it always has to be changing. It has to make sense. It has to be believable. But at the same time it can’t be static. Otherwise people get bored. I say a lot that it has to be common sense. You go to a store and you put on a pair of shoes. You go back a second time, and you don’t find anything you like. You probably don’t go back a third time. So I always want to make sure there’s something different and new.” To keep customers on their toes, Krakoff teamed up with Phillip Lim, and designed a trench coat together for this autumn. For spring he worked with hat designer Eugenia Kim to do an entire collection of hats, which transformed the store into a little hat boutique. But he doesn’t like to say it out loud, since the brand has been doing collaborations for the last ten years, and now it just seems as if they are trying to hop on the bandwagon and do what everyone else does, collaborations.

“I think it’s good though, to see how other people from different creative worlds think about design,” he says, trying to justify his latest projects. “That’s always very interesting to see a different perspective. For next spring we’re already working on something that will be different again. The idea is to always surprise people. Always keep people interested.”

Wealth is of The Heart and Mind, not of The Pocket

2008-07-16T10:20:00.005-05:00

I realized that I never posted this interview I did with Pharrell a while back....that reminds me, he's getting his tats removed..... anyway....

Dynamic Duo Pharrell Williams and Nigo take us on a journey through Disneyland

I’m on On Lan Street (Hong Kong), meeting the founders of the clothing label, Billionaires Boys Club (BBC), and the sneaker brand, Ice Cream. One half of the dynamic duo is production genius and icon Pharrell Williams, who no longer needs an introduction. For the less clued-up, Pharrell made himself a name as the lead singer of his band, Nerd, and as producer with The Neptunes (which includes partner Chad Hugo), creating one hit after another for musicians such as Timberlake, Snoop, Usher, Diddy, Britney, Kelis, Alicia Keys, Gwen Stefani and Jay Z to name but a few. The list is endless. Pharrell dominates the global music scene, and today he has his own radio hits. He’s getting the same attention as his friend Snoop, if not more. But music isn’t the only metier he feels comfortable in, as fashion and music are starting to merge.

The other half of the brilliant combo is Japanese fashion icon and A Bathing Ape founder and designer Nigo. Nigo seems to be less outgoing and more reserved than Pharrell, but nonetheless he has a great following in Japan, where he is worshipped like a rock star, and his fame in the States is growing rapidly thanks to his buddy Pharrell. Nigo has his fingers in many pies. Apart from supervising his numerous divisions of A Bathing Ape, including Bape Play (the toy division), Bape Cuts (the hair salon), Baby Milo (the children’s clothing line), Bape Galley (the art gallery), Bape Café (the restaurant), Bape TV (the TV program) and Ape Sounds (the record label), Nigo is also in charge of the design for BBC and Ice Cream.

The interview is taking place inside the new BBC and Ice Cream store, which looks like a rocket on the outside and resembles outer space on the inside, featuring a Milky Way ceiling with stars and a floor resembling the surface of the moon. I literally find myself in the tip of the rocket at the very top of the store, waiting for Pharrell and Nigo to arrive.

Eventually Pharrell and Nigo show up. They arrive with their entire entourage in tow, including producers from Star Trak (Pharrell’s record label), PAs, translaters and so on. They all come to gaze at the new store and to catch a glimpse of Pharrell’s and Nigo’s world. But Skateboard P (he owns a skateboard team) and Nigo both seem very low-key, dressed in casual jeans and sweaters, none of the bling that we are so used to from all the Hip Hop video clips, except maybe for Pharrell’s chunky ring, which he flaunts on his right hand. The gathering reminds me of a bunch of friends hanging out at someone’s apartment. Everybody just seems so comfortable with each other, unlike the usual business environment you experience with other brands. After everybody has shown their enthusiasm, expressed their admiration for the boutique and asked for directions to the nearest Hermès store, the crowd trickles out. I’ve waited the last six years to meet the genius, heck what are another two minutes? Finally the swarm leaves, and I can start the interview.

Pharrell and Nigo know of each other through Jacob the Jeweller. Nigo was a great fan of Pharrells and used to get them same jewellery made. They eventually met up in Tokyo, when Nigo arranged a session with him in his studio. “Nigo was super open when I met him,” says Pharrell. “He was very complimentary and expressed much admiration for my work. It was different for me though when I walked into his studio. I didn’t think anything of it, and then they told me exactly who he was and what he does. I realised that I had seen his brand here and there. In the US only the coolest of the coolest of the coolest people knew about it, but nobody could get it. So when he took me downstairs to his showroom and he showed me all his samples, he said ‘Whatever you want, you can have it’. He just did that again the other day. He’s just very generous, and I know that when I took those shoes back to the States, that I was going to impress everyone.”

The adoration and respect for each other’s work is limitless and probably also the driving force behind BBC, Ice Cream and other previous projects such as the Louis Vuitton collaboration for a range of sunglasses. The two creative heads almost seem like long lost brothers, sharing a love for science fiction. Their shop is like Disneyland for grown-ups, who haven’t lost touch with their inner child. Much like Pharrell himself, whose childlike charming innocence and artistic mind, reminds one of a young boy. Paired with the ambition and initiative to visualise, manifest and transform his dreams into reality, he is a true genius. “We both love the experience when you walk into something like a Disney World,” says Pharrell. “When you walk into an Ape store, you walk into his idea of how he wants his clothes and sneakers represented. BBC follows that same mentality. When you walk in here, we want you to feel the way we feel, when we are creating it. This is kind of how Nigo and I met, but to me, that still feels new. Nigo is my friend, in fact our whole team…we’re all friends.” What Pharrell refers to as the team, is a bunch of highly creative talented people, having a great time, sharing their ideas and letting others be a part of their world and vision.

The two brands consist of T-shirts, polos, denims, suits, shirts, hats and sneakers and are produced in limited quantities. They are well-known for their bright colours and most of all for the BBC symbol, the iconic astronaut logo. Instead of sporting a crocodile on your polo, you can now have something much cooler and trendier. BBC connects the worlds of wealth and the alternative anti-money culture with slogans, such as “Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket.” BBC and Ice cream are high-end luxury sports brands for the sophisticated yet young at heart. The clientele is largely male, attracting guys, who are looking for something unique, something cool and somewhat underground, guys who like mixing with the creative crowd, like Pharrell and Nigo, The Billionaire Boys.

“I had an opportunity to do sneakers with Reebok,” says Pharrell. “But I really wanted to do the astronaut as an icon together with Ice Cream. I talked to a couple of people about it before and they all thought I was crazy because I wanted to do two brands at the same time. But Nigo just kind of got it. I wanted to borrow one of his visual artists to draw my ideas and get it done professionally, and he said ‘I will do more than that. I’ll help you.’ I couldn’t believe it, and I still feel that way to today. We always have something new happening. The brand is growing, and there is much respect and admiration for it around the world. You begin with a model, and you come to see it, and it actually manifests, and it comes to be this cool boutique palace. It’s what we visualised. I think that’s what we share.”

Pharrell humbly apologises to Nigo for taking so much time to answer the question and drawing the attention away from him. But once Pharrell starts elaborating about something he feels passionate about, things can take a while. It’s as if everything around him stands still and everybody listens and get’s sucked into his idea, teleported into his world, Pharrell’s Disneyland. His vision is so clear, so pure. It’s heaven.

“I was a real fan of Pharell’s music even before we met,” says Nigo. “I wanted to get to know this guy who was making music and who had an individual style. I thought he was really cool and an interesting character. So when we met, Pharrell originally just asked for advice on his brand. But I suggested to do things properly.” “Isn’t it amazing?” Pharrell throws into the room, revealing once more, how much he treasures Nigo’s talent. “He’s a genius!” Their connection and understanding for each other seems so strong and almost sacred, it makes me wonder how they communicate, as Nigo’s answers are translated from Japanese into English. Pharrell quickly admits that he hasn’t picked up any Japanese so far. “I’m embarrassed,” he says. “It’s crazy, because he perfectly understands English, he just doesn’t speak English with other people. I feel so privileged, as we actually have conversations. It’s pretty cool.”

Pharrell’s NASA obsession and his fascination with outer space and Star Trek are well documented. Wherever he goes, his legion of geek-boy fans make the Vulcan “live long and prosper” salute sign to him. His love for stars is reflected in his lyrics, brands and in every detail of the Hong Kong store. So what exactly is this attraction all about? “There are two things,” he points out. “The unknown and the mystery, but the stars are just beautiful.” He gets that look in his eyes, where he seems as if he just took off on a journey ….drifting out into space. His words carry you away with him and you follow. “They shine without prejudice. No intelligent mind could argue the beauty of the stars and the whole celestial existence. No one can really argue how beautiful it is. I was just looking at the National Geographic in my room, and they showed new pictures from outer space. So sick! There are just storms and storms of galaxies. So great!” Pharrell’s nerdy and somewhat romantic side is nothing like I expected. He has so many different personalities, the ghetto player, the studio geek….who is the true Pharrell when he isn’t busy frontin’? “The student,” he responds. “I love to learn, and I like to be amongst greatness. I’d much rather watch National Geographic, the Discovery or the Science channel, than hang out at some nice party. But it took me basically 17 years to learn that, I’m 34 now. I’d much rather be around genius people I can learn things from… all the way around, 360 degrees….not only how to polish what I know, such as creating. But it’s about realising how important research is for your development as an individual and not just for what it is that you do. But I’m a student, a student to life.”

Pharrell loves the mystery, never revealing too much about his plans. He tries to keep things under the radar until they actually happen, such as the store opening in New York. “I’m really excited about this though,” says Pharrell, directing the conversation back to the store in Hong Kong. “Nigo’s probably tired of me saying this, but I feel really blessed. I know that I’m blessed, and I’m so fortunate to be around such a strong team of creative minds. Never in a million years I would have imagined this. “I don’t try to take credit. There are tons and tons of things that I think I could take credit for, fashion and music wise…. but I don’t do that. I make a practice out of it, because I feel credit should be given and not taken, and I live by that.”

Pharrell mentions how some of the interviews often portray him in the wrong kind of light, making him sound more self-important than he really is. “I’m not into that,” he says. “I’d rather say nothing. My ego says nothing. Nigo walks in and his aura, his fashion, his music and his taste in everything that he does speaks for him. I’d much rather be like that. I’d much rather have my skills and my gifts from God to perceive me. Less ego and more creativity.” Pharrell’s philosophical thoughts and statements aren’t something he just makes up on the spur of the moment. His clothes have a deeper message and meaning. “Fashion is a direct connection from you,” he says. “We try to make things that match people’s emotions. I think if more people would dress how they feel. The world would be a better place. But instead we have to fit in trends, we have to fit into a certain size and value is placed upon it. All women say they have to be a size…whatever the hell it is. You look your best when you dress in what makes you feel comfortable. So that’s what we try to do. We try to give people clothes that match their emotions.”

Maybe Pharrell’s gift from God is to make this world a better place, something like a heaven on earth. To no surprise, when asked about one thing he would wish for, he answers “To live in heaven. There you have everything you could ever want.” He has that dreamy look in his eyes again, and he gets quiet. He gathers his thoughts and continues. “I believe heaven is a place where it’s just a frequency, where all spirits go. It’s not quite physical in terms of the body, there is not much room for anything less than elation. That’s my assumption, if I had to take a scientific guess on spirituality. Other than that I don’t know….. heaven is inside of a girl." The translater next to me starts to chuckle, and I snap out of my reverie. Pharrell smiles and continues “….no pun intended.”

Tod's for the Olympics

2008-07-16T10:01:00.004-05:00

I've thought about featuring more products on my page. After all people want to buy stuff right? So this is a good way to start......

Everybody's in an Olympic euphoria and the brands are not far behind. Luxury accessory label Tod’s is making a tribute to China, launching the special edition Pashmy bag. It will be sold in only two selected Tod’s boutiques in China, in Beijing and Shanghai, starting from August 8th, 2008 (opening day of the Olympic Games). Apparently beauties such as Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz and Halle Barry are already in love with the cute bag. Book your next flight or get your ass on Ebay!

Armani dresses the Bat

2008-07-16T09:55:00.003-05:00

Does it get any better than this?! James Bond wears Brioni, Tom Ford, Omega.....and what about Batman? Well, a designer came to Bruce Wayne's rescue.

Collaborations-a-go-go

2008-07-15T02:41:00.002-05:00

If Pharrell can do it, then so can Kanye. The rapper with the famous “Stronger” glasses is collaborating with Louis Vuitton on a range of men’s shoes. But no, I doesn’t stop there. Louis Vuitton is on a roll. The luxury label also announced a partnership with the ultimate fashion rebel, Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons. They will open a joint Tokyo store in September, a three-month space where shoppers can order six one-off bags in LV monogram pattern, designed by the Japanese designer. Some might consider this an innovative cooperation, while others believe that they are sleeping with the enemy. But either way, there’s a great similarity between this collaboration and Yohji’s bag for Hermès…

Raid Chloe Sevigny's Wardrobe

2008-07-15T02:27:00.002-05:00

Chloë Sevigny’s flip book is finally here! The young fashion icon and actress has designed a collection with US label Opening Ceremony. The book contains the collection, mixing and matching outfits, bodies and illustrations with endless combinations. Mark Borthwick shot Sevigny, who models each ensemble. The book was released last month and can be ordered on www.amazon.com.

More pics of John Mayer

2008-07-10T22:46:00.004-05:00

Here are some more pics of John Mayer.

John Mayer is Bigger Than His Body

2008-07-10T03:50:00.008-05:00

Finally I have time to upload it. For all of you who have been waiting for the John Mayer interview, here goes....

Singer and guitarist John Mayer claims that people will always get the truth out of him. He speaks about fame, obsession, blogging and talking too much.

John Mayer is a contradiction. Behind that sensitive and seemingly timid Wonderland boy lie a fierce tongue, a bold nature and a sarcastic sense of humour – a stark contrast to what you would expect from a guy who writes and plays “watered-down music,” as his critics call it. No wonder he once told a gullible bunch of teenage fans that his songs are ghostwritten by Richard Marx. He loves to fool and provoke his audience, hence his passion for doing stand-up comedy. Once John Mayer starts talking, he won’t stop. On stage or off, either way his big mouth gets him into trouble.

Then there are the upsides to his skyrocketing career. Rolling Stone magazine named him one of “The New Guitar Gods” and dubbed him Slowhand Jr. He has several Grammys under his belt, and has collaborated with blues legends such as B.B. King and Eric Clapton as well as Alicia Keys and Kanye West. And he has dated several Hollywood beauties over the past few years, including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson, Minka Kelly (daughter of former Aerosmith Guitarist Rick Dufay) and now Jennifer Aniston.

Mayer’s creative outlets include design (he wants to design an Air Max) and writing – he penned a column for Esquire called “Music Lessons with John Mayer,” and the heartfelt lyrics in his songs show that here’s a voice that needs to be heard. He’s an avid blogger, maintaining four blogs, mainly to rectify perceived distortions of his image by the tabloids. Earlier this year he told Best Life magazine that he suffers from panic attacks and carries an anti-anxiety drug with him at all times. Far too often he’s busy mimicking or mocking someone (including himself). Nonetheless his heart is in the right place. He is actively involved in philanthropic activities through his fund “Back to You,” an organisation that addresses environmental issues as well as education and health care.

A stern woman greets me in the lobby of the Landmark Mandarin. She tells me that I only have 20 minutes and that this is an exclusive interview. In other words, I should be grateful and better not upset the star by asking the wrong questions. After all, he’s the new guitar god. I nod in agreement and follow her to his room, where I find myself in a surreal episode of Entourage, complete with camp followers. There he is lounging on a couch, surrounded by two of his friends (I never quite managed to figure out their names, or how they are linked to him work-wise). It’s his first time in Hong Kong, and it’s rainy season. “We’ve been laying low,” he says. “The weather outside isn’t exactly made for getting up and heading out. But I’ve just been relaxing . . . which is good.” Yep, just another lazy day in the life of guitar god John Mayer.

You’re here to unveil the new flagship store for Coach. What is your relationship with the New York brand?

I was approached and asked to play at the opening for their Hong Kong flagship store. It’s those moments that I really like. I think there’s a place for bringing music where there’s sort of a musical quality to something. I don’t know if I’ve ever played for the unveiling of a store. But there’s a musical quality to it. Music and fashion. So I was happy to do it.

Rolling Stone magazine calls you the new guitar god. How do you live up to that?

You don’t live up to it. You just live up to your own standards and do the best that you can do. Take whatever compliment there is, and there’s certainly a compliment within reading that. But if you keep it too long, it doesn’t serve you anymore. You start living by it, trying to live up to it. So I gave myself a couple of days of going ‘Wow, this is pretty cool. This is kind of what I’ve always wanted’, and then put it somewhere in the back of my mind. I think if you keep it in the front of your mind too much, you start to . . . there’s too much to live up to. I know exactly what it is that would make me a better guitar player this year. So there’s enough for me to work on.

What would that be?

Playing less and meaning more, you know. So there is just enough for me to work on this year, that I don’t feel as if all I need to do is sit back and take a compliment.

What is more important? Singing or playing guitar?

Both! Oh, songwriting is so difficult because they’re both so important. You could have a great guitar part, but if you don’t have the right music, the right words over it, you don’t know what you have.

You once mentioned that you wanted to quit music and focus on design instead. (This happened after former Sony head, Don Ienner, disliked his album Continuum. Mayer admitted that he cried that day.)

I still want to. [Laughs.] Yeah, the thing about having a lot of different pursuits, which I would say that I have, is that it gives you incredible confidence in the face of pressure. When things get tough, you know that you could always do something else. Yeah, I’ve had moments where it was just impossible for me to do stuff. But I reserve the right to do that every once in a while, you need to. If you’re in a relationship, you need to say, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.’ Go for a drive, then come back and say, ‘Actually I do want to do this.’

Everybody is curious about your relationship status. (He is currently romantically linked to Jennifer Aniston)

(His entourage jumps up and tries to stop him from answering.) No no no, this is totally fine. Ehm, I’m in a place now where I don’t hide anything. There is a difference between hiding something and choosing not to talk about it at a certain time. I’m choosing not to talk about it at the moment. But that’s not hiding anything, because I still want to live my life as openly as anyone else would. It’s just finding the right moment to talk about it, as you would and everybody else would.

Ok, let’s talk about your other passions. You are said to have a few obsessions, such as watches, tattoos, sneakers . . . ?

I have a lot of obsessions. I don’t have an obsession with tattoos, I have an obsession with watches. Although I don’t really know what the word obsession means any more. Obsession is a sick sociopathic sort of thing. I think what obsession has come to mean is a great interest in [something]. So yeah, I have a great interest in many things. I think that’s one of the best things to have as a person. As a man, as many pursuits you can possibly have . . . that’s the James Bond in me. I would like to be able to crack a safe and tell you what kind of diamonds are in it.

What inspires you to write and sing?

The need to be understood. The need to explain. As soon as I have an emotion that’s new, the only way to make peace with it is to get it out. So I’m just a born expressionist.

That’s also why you manage four blogs?

Yep. I resigned myself to just understanding that I have a high level of communication that I need to take. But I think that’s a lot of people you know. There’s a lot of people who blog. I’m just trying to keep a connection with my fans, in a sense that there are a lot of other messages now competing with the original message, which was that I’m here because I play music and I want to entertain people just through music. When the other messages, like magazine covers or stuff come up, I need to blog, because I need people to still hear my voice. Because what those other things do is, they sort of take your voice away.

Do you do meet and greets?

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. It’s interesting, you don’t get a chance to really talk to people at a meet and greet. But I suppose I’d rather meet two people for 15 minutes, than 30 people for five seconds, because that could really be a moment where you could say ‘What do you think? How am I doing? What would you like to see more of?’

What do you think of bands putting their albums up online?

That’s the new world. Part of being an entertainer is entertaining people the way they request to be entertained. I think across the board, throughout time. The entertainers who continue to have a career throughout generations are entertainers who are able to adapt to the way that listeners wish to be entertained. The Rolling Stones are still the Rolling Stones because they now have question and answer on Youtube. The people who get left behind are the people who kind of put their shovel in the ground and say ‘No, this is the way that I want it to be.’ But that’s just about the most brutal thing you can do, because it’s going to keep rolling, and you just kind of have to stay one step ahead. But then on the other hand, you also have to have good music. So it’s interesting. You can’t go too far into talking about the system without asking ‘What is the actual thing that you’re trying to get out there.’ I’ve never heard an excellent pop song not become a hit pop song. I live with that every day. I put songs on the radio that I knew weren’t pop hits, but I just wanted people to hear, and guess what, that’s exactly what happens. They don’t become pop hits and sometimes people hear them and they go away. So that’s the thing about art. It doesn’t lie. Artists can lie, but art doesn’t lie.

Tell me about your fund, Back To You. What are your latest projects?

The way it came about was when I realised that if I write my name on a piece of paper . . . you know, I sign guitars for friends’ auctions for their schools, and all I do is like this, tshshshshshshsh (he shows me by pretending to write on a napkin), and two weeks later I get a phone call, saying ‘That went for $20,000.’ So it’s a way of taking that incredibly almost unfair sort of economy to be able to do this, tshshshshshshshs, and have it mean more to somebody than it meant to me, because all I do is move my hand. Taking that as much as possible and making good come of that. So what we do is we give back with things that matter . . . to me. Music in the schools. I would like to do something with Nikon and Canon to get cameras in the schools. Everybody owns a camera but nobody knows how to use it. Nobody knows how to use it! They’ll be like this (he does his squeaky voice impression) ‘How many megapixels does it have?’ You know what that means? That means that there will be more pixels of your crappy pictures! You know what I mean? So it’s just a matter of, number one, culturising young kids, and number two, a lot of it are health issues too. It’s sort of a health thing, a music thing and an art thing, keeping people alive and keeping the spirit alive at the same time. I kind of say that the best way to explain this is that they are noncontroversial thoughts. I wouldn’t ever want to pay for a pair of tickets and find out that the money went to something political.

You went from teen geek to guitar god. How do you deal with your fame?

That’s a good question. I was talking about this just the other day. How do you deal with this? Well, you lose something . . . forever. You lose a certain sense of self, gone, forever. There’s a certain part of myself that I will never get back. And in its place you have to rebuild a new self. You have to rebuild sort of on the fly . . . like a replica. That’s difficult you know. It takes a lot of work. It’s a little less natural than who you were before. You have to really consciously take the best parts of yourself, the parts of who you really want to be, and build them back into this new life, this life of having no secrets, this life of having a name, not just on your driver’s licence, but on other people’s minds or on a t-shirt. So you come to understand yourself better. Sometimes there’s a luxury in not understanding yourself.

Why do you have to give up a part? Why can’t you hold on to that self?

Because you can’t! My self-image is everybody’s image of me. My original self-image is gone, because I don’t have that anymore. So in its place I’m learning to have a self, in a world where everyone also has your self. So it’s interesting. Different people do it in different ways. So I try my best to stay as natural as I could stay in this environment. I’m never going to be like I was before, ever. But then you could say the same thing about anybody. You’re never going to be 19 again. It’s just a very dramatic way to grow up. But you get right into parties. I’ll tell you what, I haven’t stood in a line since I was 23 years old! What’s a line?! You know what I mean? So that’s kinda cool, I guess . . . traded my entire inner self to be able to get past the velvet rope. Deal! [Smiles.]

You used to write a column for Esquire a while back. Would you be interested in doing something similar again today, perhaps for our Asian audience?

There’s a lot of work. You turn in your publication and within five days you would have to turn in your next column. I just didn’t like being tied to it. That’s actually the reason why I started blogging. It’s so instant. The world moves so fast, and by the time a month passes and the thing comes out, you might not be talking about some of the people there. I will tell you something. I’m rich and I’m happy. Rich and happy makes you lazy as shit. I had to get dragged out of bed to go on this tour. So I’m really laaaazy, laaaazy. You’ll always get the honest truth out of me, I promise you. But I really like to be lazy . . . for a minute.

What’s your story with stand-up comedy? Why do you like it?

Well, it originated in 1972. Most people don’t know that. Ehm . . . no [chuckles] . . . it challenges other people as much as it challenges me. It’s a huge challenge to me, and I find that it’s actually a bigger challenge to other people to have to make peace with what it is that I’m doing. Here’s the thing. If I told you that I did spoken word, like . . . Down from the sky, black, ecstasy, perfect, sweet, bare, comes to my mind (he performs in a rap sort of style). If I went on stage and read poetry like that, you would go like this (he claps his hands): ‘I gotcha. I like you. That makes sense.’ When I say I want go on stage and do stand-up, it’s really not that different from spoken word. It’s just that nobody has really done it, and nobody really should, to be honest with you. But it’s really just for me. I feel like standing up for the ability to express myself and not charge for it. The minute you start charging money for it, you better be good!

People beg you not to do stand-up, because your mouth gets you into trouble every time.

It’s difficult to do! Even if I wasn’t who I was, you’re still unfunny when you start out. But you just have to figure it out. But for me, I had it twice as hard. I can’t rely on the licence to be able to say anything that’s not true. The minute I say girlfriend, all of a sudden people go, ‘Well, who? Who are you talking about?’ So everybody knows it’s difficult. If there wouldn’t be so many spies in the world, ready to dissect every single thing I say, I would probably spend more time trying to get to a point where I can really . . . actually it’s like karaoke! It would be like an actor or an office guy saying, ‘Every Friday night I like to get a little drink in me and go out and sing “Don’t stop believing.” ’ I like to get a little drink in me once in a while, get on stage and say ‘Take a really big dump on a date.’. I dunno. That’s just an example of what you would get.

If there was to be a movie about your life after you passed away, who would you want to play your character?

That’s a trick question. Number one, I could never die. Number two, it would be animated, because to get that perspective of my life, you can’t put cameras there. Panavision hasn’t built the contraption that would be able to angle cameras, to show the pure drama of my life. You can only really do it in a computer. So it would be sort of like a Final Fantasy, other-world, rotating 360 degrees bullet-time . . . and that’s just me masturbating. I haven’t even left the house, and already, it’s just windows breaking, slow motion, spinning around, me signing on with my password, checking out the new galleries. Who would get to play me? Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s got something. He could really draw out that sort of ambiguous sexuality in me. You know what I mean?

Give me Givenchy

2008-07-02T12:04:00.003-05:00

Check out the latest Givenchy campaign. Nice pics!

Armani's Boys

2008-06-27T04:50:00.002-05:00

Oh here's more stuff that's on my boss' wall. David Beckham in the latest Armani underwear campaign. Enjoy!

It's Sale Time

2008-06-27T04:49:00.003-05:00

We heart Takeshi Kaneshiro

2008-06-24T10:41:00.004-05:00

Armani obviously has a very good eye for good looking boys. First it's Josh Hartnett for his new fragrance Diamonds for Men (I really don't approve of the name, but what the heck at least the Josh is hot) and now he's tapped Jap/Taiwanese heartthrob Takeshi Kaneshiro for his autumn/winter campaign. Does it get any better than this? Takeshi is THE man. The last two movie I saw him in was The Warlords and House of Flying Daggers. He's fluent in Mandarin, Japanese, Cantonese and English! Even my boss has his photo on her wall! ....anyway this is the first time an Asian male has graced the campaign of the Italian label. Way to go Giorgio!!

Bella Milla

2008-06-18T04:51:00.003-05:00

Samsonite Black Label is reinventing their line once again, this time with the Weekend Collection. But even though they got hot actress Milla Jovovich and hubby Paul Anderson to pose for the campaign, I'm not quite sure if that will help to revive the brand. The couple were photographed outside a car along Mulholland Drive in LA.

Hogan Rebel

2008-06-17T23:17:00.003-05:00

James Dean for Hogan? Check this out if you're in Milan.

Mega Watts

2008-06-16T09:55:00.002-05:00

Guess what, Thierry Mugler came out of his fashion retirement for the new commercial of his Angel fragrance. The designer got Australian hottie Naomi Watts to be the new face of the campaign, which will launch in October. What else can Thierry ask for?

Another Day in Paradise

2008-06-16T09:42:00.004-05:00

So long Kirsten Dunst. Miu Miu says goodbye to Dunst and bienvenue to Vanessa Paradis. The French actress will be the new face for the upcoming autumn campaign. The gap-toothed beauty and longtime sweetie of Johnny Depp has had plenty of practice, gracing numerous Chanel ads over the years.

Get Drunk with Cavalli

2008-06-16T09:34:00.005-05:00

First it’s vodka, and now it’s wine? He definitely knows how to have a good time and how to share that know-how with others. The Italian designer launched Cavalli Selection, the first-ever wine from Casa Cavalli. He said that people are often too civilized for him. "I love getting people drunk." Perhaps once they're drunk, they won't realize that he's so full of it.

Tod's finds its way to Tinseltown

2008-06-16T09:30:00.002-05:00

Gwyneth Paltrow is back, not just with her hit movie, Iron Man, but now she teamed up with luxury accessory label Tod’s to do a short film, written and directed by Dennis Hopper. The Short, which will be playing on Tod’s websites, features Paltrow fleeing from a paparazzi. But acting isn’t the only thing she can do. Paltrow also posed for their new autumn/winter campaign, shot by Mario Testino. The ad shows Paltrow indulging in an uber luxurious life of an Italian aristocrat from the jet-set era. I wonder when she's gonna design her first handbag?

Lipstick Jungle versus Sex And The City

2008-06-11T16:31:00.004-05:00

Ok ok I'll get on it. I'll definitely start watching the SATC series. I do agree that I have a major gap when it comes to that. I'll let you all know how I get on. Hehe

But anyway I did love Lipstick Jungle!! I just thought it was so much more interesting.....I dunno. Lemme check out SATC again.

Sex And The City versus Entourage

2008-06-07T11:52:00.004-05:00

I never quite understood what the fascination was with Sex and the City. As a matter of fact I've never seen a complete episode, believe it or not!! I always preferred living my own version of Sex and the City. I'd rather talk to my own girlfriends, and Mr. Big in real life seems far more exciting than on screen. But I guess I'll still make my way to the cinema and at least check it out.

But yeah if anyone can reveal what's so special about Sex and the City...please do, because I have no clue. I'm more of an Entourage type of gal.......

Tom Ford on the Penis

2008-06-07T00:05:00.003-05:00

Tom Ford has dedicated a story on male nudity to the GQ UK Style issue for spring/summer. He explores why looking at and talking about naked men makes us so uneasy. "Why is it 'gay' for another man to comment on another man's figure, when women can freely tell other women their boobs look great?" he asks. "Like women, men notice how members of their sex look, Ford explains. But "it's so uncomfortable for us to fit 'masculine' and 'beauty' together. So we tend to avoid the issue entirely."

Anyway, Tom Ford was shocked when he found that they had censored all the penises.
“I was really pissed off about that. That wasn’t why I got [involved]. It was supposed to be full-frontal male nudity, which was the way we shot it, and then the magazine censored all that!”
“Because I find the human body beautiful. I don’t find sex objectionable. Violence is objectionable.”

My Beijing Yohji trip

2008-06-06T23:49:00.003-05:00

I went through my archive of photos and realized that I never posted the Yohji Beijing pics I took when I was there. Here they are.

Donna Karan saves the World

2008-06-06T23:44:00.005-05:00

I love how a Hong Kong mag manages to get all these exclusive interviews, and they're really interesting too. I wish Tatler would stop the subscription policy on their website. I really would have loved to feature the Ballerina......

Anyway, check this out. An interview with Donna Karan in Prestige Hong Kong. She speaks about how she's trying to make this world a better place.

A Life Less Fashionable

Yohji The Mystery in Prestige Hong Kong

2008-06-06T23:23:00.008-05:00

Prestige Hong Kong featured a lovely interview with Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto this month. He was in Beijing for his show and to auction off the pieces for his charity organization, Yohji Yamamoto Fund for Peace. The proceeds will sponsor a Chinese designer to study fashion in Europe or Japan for 2 years. Also, a Chinese female model will be sponsored to take part in Paris Fashion Week.

In the interview the legend also talks about his daughter Limi Yamamoto who designs under his label Limi Feu. See waht lies beneath.

Read the interview here.

The Mystery of Yohji

Fashion's Little Secret

2008-06-04T11:37:00.006-05:00

Taher Chemirik is the secret every fashion cognoscenti wants to keep to himself. But those days are numbered. Hong Kong's Lane Crawford store started carrying the jewellery designer this summer. His bold, big and beautiful jewellery items are all conversation pieces. If you want something nobody else has, then he's your man. Be the first!

Bid adieu to Yves Saint Laurent

2008-06-04T11:25:00.002-05:00

Everybody bids adieu to the legendary Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most influential and enduring designers of the 20th century. Saint Laurent, 71, died Sunday night at his Paris home after a yearlong battle with brain cancer, said Pierre Berge, Saint Laurent's close friend and business partner for four decades.

Nigo launches A Bathing Ape book

2008-05-31T07:59:00.003-05:00

Woohoo Nigo is coming out with a Bathing Ape book in November. It will detail the rise of the young and talented design genius simply known as Nigo and his transformation of a niche brand into an international powerhouse. Bape's core business focuses on limited-edition hip-hop apparel, sneakers, a full line of women's accessories, collectible vinyl toys, fragrances and even its own indie record label. The hardbound, large-format coffee table books will retail for $60 each.

I wonder when Nigo will be back in Hong Kong. He's such a cool and down-to-earth, humble guy. That reminds me....I should post Pharrell and Nigo's interview here......lemme look for it.

Renzo Rosso held massive Diesel party in Hong Kong

2008-05-29T12:09:00.007-05:00

Renzo Rosso is THE man!! He is worth a billion dollars or more, yet he manages to keep his feet on the ground. Yesterday it was the ground in Hong Kong. Diesel held a major fashion show/party event out in West Kowloon to launch the new Gold Black line. Unfortunately, it was way too packed, and I left early. But Rosso still remains the man. I've become a huge fan just getting to know him and learning about his "Only the Brave" fund and his low-key life in Molvena, where they make "Diesel" wine!!!....which is very good btw! Hehe....

John Mayer in Hong Kong for Coach

2008-05-29T11:52:00.007-05:00

Yay we're all so excited about the Coach event, May 30, Friday. It's John Mayer's first time in Hong Kong and he'll actually be performing!! Believe it or not, the singer has been here since Tuesday. "I've just been laying low," the talented musician says. Obviously he didn't comment on his relationship with Jennifer Aniston. "Hiding something and not telling the truth is different from choosing not to talk about it." Ok fair enough, we'll respect your privacy and adore you because that makes you even cooler. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with the Guitar God.

PS: oh yeah and rumours has it that Jennifer Aniston was in Hong Kong together with John Mayer.....not sure if this is true though. Nobody saw her...

Metamorphoses of an American

2008-05-23T09:36:00.003-05:00

I'm really excited about Karl's new photo book, Metamorphoses of an American. Here are some of the cool pics he took of his muse Brad Kroenig, the world's most sough-after male model. Enjoy!

Romancing The Stone

2008-05-23T09:19:00.002-05:00

Guess what I found in the latest Prestige Hong Kong issue....here's an interview with David Yurman. Their Fashion Editor, Vivienne Tang, who also interviewed Nina Garcia, did the interview with him. I like it.....especially the part where he describes how he met his wife, Sybil Yurman, and fell in love with her. It's really romantic. Hopefully my future husband will remember all those details after 30 years of marriage. Anyway, check it out.

Romancing The Stone

David and Sybil Yurman’s aesthetic journey leads them to Hong Kong, where they find Asian refinement and sensibility

DAVID YURMAN WHIPS out his little notebook again to show me the sketches he made today. He writes notes wherever he goes. He can’t afford to lose any of the creative ideas springing from his restless and inventive mind. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” he says. “I write notes almost every day if something catches me . . . it could be the skyline, it could be the clouds. The creative part of designing is about allowing yourself to just see and absorb. Don’t do anything with it. That comes later. Just be receptive to it.” He looks out over the harbour. “It’s changing . . . it’s like looking into a fireplace. Do you ever watch fire? It just takes you away.”

David Yurman’s boundless creativity builds the core of his jewellery company, his passion for design singularly expressed in the unique pieces he creates. His name is most often associated with his signature cable jewellery, made from twisted sterling silver ropes. But his label isn’t a one-man show. Behind every great man, there is a great woman. His wife Sybil and he established the company in 1979. Yurman was already designing sculptures in high school, but his career in the arts took off in the 60s, when he met Sybil. He recalls that day, when he was sculpting in Greenwich Village.

“I was in charge of a group of seven guys,” he remembers. “Sybil came to the studio to work as a secretary, and we all stopped. All the torches went off. It was a loft. The elevator was on one end, and she had to walk 75 feet. She had black boots, red laces and little bells. Kting . . . It was like Clint Eastwood, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. It’s like she had spurs. Kting, kting, kting . . . black hair like an afro, and she was wearing a Peruvian Alpaca wool skirt.” Yurman laughs, picturing every detail. “We all said to each other, ‘Did you see that? Oh my god! I’m going to take the day off!’ She was just a knock out.”

The two started a romance and have been together ever since. Sybil, who was an artist, started showing her paintings in galleries. She was a source of inspiration and led Yurman from sculpture to jewellery design. She also helped him organise the business when it started to expand.

“I shipped the jewellery to the wrong customers . . . totally dyslexic, and I couldn’t get things in the right boxes. She said, ‘Let me take care of the shipping. You just get them done.’ ”

With Sybil’s help the company became more structured and better organised, and eventually Yurman took over the business side. It remains a family business today, with Sybil controlling the work and taking on the role of design editor while son Evan is in charge of men’s jewellery and men’s watches.

David Yurman is recognised as one of America’s leading fine jewellers, with 17 free-standing stores in the US. The new Hong Kong store is the company’s 18th and is currently the only one overseas. Others are in the pipeline, including Moscow, Dubai and Macau. Yurman wants to expand and evolve while keeping things small. “I’m not an octopus,” he says. “I’m not an uber-brand, and this is to me as much a commercial as an aesthetic adventure. There is an Asian aesthetic, a certain refinement I had to understand . . . and am attracted to. There is a sensibility that is valuable to absorb.”

For David it’s all about following what makes him feel good, taking the time to watch those clouds, acknowledging considerations and feelings. And it’s important to him to know where his gems come from and who the people are that are sorting and cutting them. “When you are taking something from the Earth, how it gets taken from the Earth means something to me,” he says. “That is in the stone.” – Vivienne Tang

Linda wears Prada

2008-05-14T11:18:00.000-05:00

Sasha Pivovarova is about to be dethroned by 90’s supermodel Linda Evangelista as the face of the next Prada autumn/winter 08 campaign. The 43-year-old Canadian born model, mother and former face of M.A.C Viva Glam and L’Oréal is going to be shot by Steven Meisel. Her last project with Meisel was the satirical headline-making Vogue “Makeover Madness” issue, which featured a photo shoot of models getting plastic surgery. Strangely enough, Evangelista publicly admitted that she regularly gets Botox injections to combat wrinkles.

Versace goes Political

2008-05-14T11:16:00.001-05:00

Carla Bruni isn’t the only Italian who is adding a fashionable twist to the political arena. Santo Versace, the older brother of Donatella and the late Gianni is now a member of the State Chamber. But rumour has it that Santo might be heading for a cabinet post in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s administration soon. Santo, who is also the president of Gianni Versace SpA has been the power behind the house of Versace. He has been running the business side of the company since the beginning, and claims that he won’t give up his duties within the family business. Perhaps he plans on extending the dynasty through his daughter Francesca, who graduated from Central Saint Martins in London and is already creating a stir as an up-and-coming designer.

Yurman’s scent

2008-05-14T11:12:00.001-05:00

Jeweller David Yurman has unveiled his latest addition to his growing collections of crystal and cable jewellery. His feminine signature fragrance has a floral scent and comes in a bottle designed with artistic director David Lipman. The flacon is made of Italian crystal and the cap evokes the signature cable jewellery. The new scent is available as eau de parfum spray in three sizes, as well as body cream. A men’s fragrance is already in the pipeline.

Rise to the Occasion

2008-05-14T11:09:00.001-05:00

Christian Lacroix’s design experience is literally rising to new heights. The legendary designer has been asked to apply his signature skills on an avant-garde high-rise building in Dubai. Lacroix and the Middle Eastern real estate development firm Abyaar will team up for the joint venture to create a residential tower in one of Dubai’s exclusive beachside suburbs. The skyscraper will incorporate a Lacroix-designed façade, lobby and luxury interiors with a contemporary and baroque look, fusing East and West. The launch date has not been confirmed yet.

Viktor & Rolf Retrospective

2008-05-14T11:07:00.001-05:00

The Dutch design duo, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, are holding their first exhibition in London. The retrospective will take place at London’s Barbican Gallery this month, debuting June 18. The house of Viktor & Rolf will present signature pieces from 1992 to present, along with a book that boasts over 200 colour photos, drawings, sketches and polaroids from the label. During the exhibition the Barbican Art Gallery boutique will sell accessories, clothes and a special limited edition fragrance, as well as other knickknacks that have inspired the design team on their design journey.

Fashion Snaps

2008-05-14T11:02:00.003-05:00

After a quick collaboration with Italian furnishing company Molteni & C, Vivienne Westwood is back in the news with her Opus Hong Kong exhibition this month. Vivienne Westwood launched her Opus book last February, featuring polaroids of her and her closest friends. The polaroids have only been exhibited in London so far, and Hong Kong will be the second stop this month before the exhibition tours to Milan, Tokyo and Russia. More than 30 giant polaroids will be displayed as well as the big Opus book.

Armani on Screen

2008-05-14T10:59:00.001-05:00

For the fashion house Giorgio Armani, the expression Total Look takes on a new dimension. After the launch of Armani Casa, fiori, dolci and telefono, Mr Armani is now adding televisore to his empire. Now you can watch your favourite DVDs and TV shows on an Armani/Samsung LCD television. It will come in two sizes (46-inch and 52-inch), featuring cutting edge technology, such as 100hz Full HD and HDMI connectors. The TV will be launched in France, Italy, Russia and Korea mid summer, a good excuse to book your next holiday.

Sole to Sole

2008-05-14T10:50:00.003-05:00

Have you ever wished to get a makeover for your worn out Louboutins? Well, now you no longer have to chuck your favourite red soled high heels. You will soon be able to repair your shoes without loosing the signature soles, because Christian Louboutin decided to include an extra pair in each shoe box.

Let Them Eat Kate

2008-05-14T10:14:00.008-05:00

As promised here they are! ....once again Kate is so terribly H O T! Anyway the pics speak for themselves.

The Cut

2008-05-03T11:28:00.004-05:00

Check out Nina Garcia's final interview in the May issue of Hong Kong's Prestige magazine before she got sacked at Elle. The interview is very interesting as it also raises the question of motherhood in the fashion industry. Vivienne Tang spoke to Nina Garcia before she came back to New York and split from Elle magazine. Read what she says about the competitive nature of her job and what might have been the cause for the split.....Garcia must have known that her position was precarious.
“Yes, there is a lot of pressure,” she concedes. “But having my son is a very big source of strength. You have to keep it all in perspective. Some people can be very jealous, competitive or mean. But I think that happens in every business. It’s a little more highlighted in the fashion industry, because it’s a creative business. What happens when it’s creative … nobody knows how long they’re going to be there. The turnover is very quick. So people get even more insecure about their jobs and positions, the hierarchy. It’s silly! But you have to keep it in perspective. It’s only fashion.”
Yeah right it's only fashion!?! Now let's see if she's really that laid back about it as she says she is. Anyway we wish her all the luck in the world.....but perhaps she should just enjoy playtime with her son!!

The Cutthroat Life

White Wedding for Kate

2008-05-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Kate says "I do" in the next Agent Provocateur bridal campaign. The hot and saucy campaign, shot by Nick Knight, will be launching this weekend...and we'll be posting all the pics here!! Stay tuned....

Gucci's new scent

2008-04-30T22:33:00.003-05:00

James Franco is hot hot hot....and he's Gucci's new man! Finally a brand who knows what's hot. The actor is perhaps best known for playing Harry Osborn in the Spiderman movies but first came to everyone's attention when he played James Dean back in 2001. He is the new spokesperson for Frida's second Gucci fragrance, the first Gucci by Gucci came out last year and was promoted with an ad by director David Lynch. No details yet on what the scent's profile will be but it has been developed with the P&G Prestige Products division of Procter & Gamble and will come out in fall. I can only hope Franco shaves off that bad mustache before the photo shoot.

Garcia's way

2008-04-30T22:21:00.003-05:00

Nina Garcia might be heading over to Bazaar after all, as she has been spotted in the Hearst Tower on Tuesday. But strangely the Elle split still hasn't really been confirmed!!

Apparently she was recently let go as fashion director following a 13-year tenure. Garcia, who is said to be in negotiations with Elle over a possible editor-at-large title (which would only keep her on through September), downplayed any speculation that she is mulling a possible position at Hearst, though she did admit, without giving any details, that she was doing some "freelance work."
Back in July 2005, Garcia was being aggressively courted by Glenda Bailey to replace outgoing fashion market director Amanda Ross at Bazaar. Garcia was said to have been offered a director's position at the title, but she ultimately stayed put. Stay tuned......

Time 100

2008-04-30T22:12:00.002-05:00

Karl Lagerfeld does it once again. He's made it into Time magazine as one of this year's 100 tastemakers. Architect Zaha Hadid, who designed the French fashion house's Mobile Art container that is currently traveling the world, praised the 69-year old Lagerfeld for pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
"The brand's identity has always been crystal-clear," she wrote. "Before Karl, we all looked to couture for inspiration and direction. Now, through his work, fashion originates from the street, the media--anywhere. This has resulted in exciting collections that are provocative and sensual. His unrelenting experimentation in fashion, art and photography offers us endless possibilities, yet is always grounded and relevant. There are no simple formulas, no global solutions, and little repetition."
Lagerfeld is featured alongside French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, whose intro was penned by former Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane. "She has an innate ability to mix street culture and society, always avoiding the caricatures that can define both worlds and always recognizing the mix of both worlds as the only catalyst of energy and creativity," Slimane wrote. Takashi Murakami, featured in the Artists & Entertainers section, was lauded by none other than Marc Jacobs.
Time's annual gathering of the 100 honorees will be held on May 8 at Jazz at Lincoln Center. According to a magazine spokeswoman, none of the fashion honorees are expected.

Head to Toe with Tom Ford

2008-04-28T20:14:00.008-05:00

I love this magazine! It is from Hong Kong, but it still brings us world exclusive interviews revealing stuff we've never heard before. Last month it was Karl, this month it's the man himself, Tom Ford. Again Stephen Short interviewed the legend who revived Gucci and YSL and who now has his own bespoke line. He tells Prestige Hong Hong how he wants to dress Barack Obama and raise a child. How's that for some insider news! One of my favourite quotes is...."When you're standing in a room, your effect on that room is the same as a chair's effect, or a sculpture. You're part of someone's view." So you better dress up guys, you don't want to ruin someone's view now, would you!?

Check out the full interview here!

Head to Toe with Tom Ford

Karl the Kaiser

2008-04-28T19:53:00.009-05:00

This is the best interview I've read in a while! Karl Lagerfeld unrated!! The Kaiser sits down with Prestige's Stephen Short to discuss skinny models, love, Chanel and how he hates kids. The solar system exclusive interview goes behind the scene and shows Karl in a way we've never seen him before. Check out the whole interview here. It's very good, hmm!

The Double Life of Karl Lagerfeld

My favourite campaign

2007-05-28T21:59:00.001-05:00

....when I was looking for Natalia pictures before I came across my favourite campaign ever and figured I'll just share it with you...it's old , but nice!!!

Natalia Vodianova for David Yurman's jewels

2007-05-28T21:53:00.000-05:00

Natalia Vodianova has joined fellow supermodels Daria Werbowy and Kate Moss for jeweller David Yurman's new ad campaign. David Lindbergh shot the campaign with the trio on location in St Barths.

Girl with a Vuitton bag

2007-05-28T21:47:00.000-05:00

Scarlett Johansson will invoke legendary movie stars Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly for "voluptuous glamour" in the Louis Vuitton autumn/winter 2007-8 campaign. "In this one, she's much more recognisable," said Vuitton's communications director, Antoine Arnault, admitting the actress wasn't always identifiable as the sweet-faced innocent she portrayed last season. Johansson has won a legion of admirers at Vuitton; Marc Jacobs is said to "adore" her. He based Vuitton's new collection around her character in the Vermeer-inspired film, "Girl With a Pearl Earring."

Tom Ford's new scents

2007-05-28T21:42:00.000-05:00

Tom Ford just celebrated the launch of his Private Blend perfume. 12 individual and unusual scents, including vanilla tobacco and Tuscan leather, are being sold in old-fashioned apothecary-style bottles and can be mixed together according to one's own personal taste. "The concept behind this is similar to that behind my new menswear line. I want to create extremely unique and exclusive products, unlike some of my previous projects," he smiled, referring to his time at Gucci, when making the brand accessible to all by selling everything from keyrings to dresses. With stunning displays of Ford's new fragrances filling up each of Harvey Nichols' 11 windows, the immaculate designer's latest venture is as aesthetically pleasing as his loyal customers would expect. But what about a womenswear collection - when will we finally be put out of our misery? "It is on the cards. I can't promise when, but I can promise I'm thinking about it."

Supermodel Revival

2007-05-23T21:48:00.000-05:00

There seems to be a ‘90s supermodel comeback in the making. Claudia Schiffer, whom Karl Lagerfeld recently tapped as the face of his upcoming Chanel cruise collection, is also slated to star in the autumn Salvatore Ferragamo ad campaign. Mario Testino photographed the German beauty during March alongside Stephanie Seymour in Italy. The images are expected to debut in early autumn.

Posh Votes

2007-05-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

Victoria Beckham will add sparkle to this year's Graduate Fashion Week, when she joins Lanvin revolutionary Alber Elbaz on the judging panel for the River Island Gold Award. She's moving imminently to LA, but is so keen to be seen in fashion circles that she's squeezed the gig into her schedule. The panel (which includes US Harpers Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey and Richard Bradbury, River Island's MD) interviews ten finalists rigorously before the winner is chosen to bag the top prize. With Graduate Fashion Week now attracting big name approval, demand to see the gala show has this year forced the organisers to schedule two sittings. Graduate Fashion Week will take place in Battersea Park Arena from June 3 to 6 - visit http://www/gfw.org.uk for more information.

Karl goes to Hollywood

2007-05-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

Karl Lagerfeld and Lindsay Lohan: the new Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick? The pair played superstars to the hilt in a triumph of cool Friday night after Lagerfeld showed his Chanel cruise collection at Hangar 8 at the Santa Monica Airport to a crowd of 500 guests. It was the first time a major European designer had debuted an original collection in Los Angeles.
“Karl dressed me!” Lohan announced to the first reporter who would listen. The starlet sat front and center for the show, for which the runway was a U-shaped area in the middle of three graduated enclaves strewn with white banquette couches facing various directions. “His dress was a gown a couple hours ago!” Lohan exclaimed, and indeed, her black sequin dress with a chiffon tier was now a mini, which she complimented with Chanel motorcycle gloves á la Karl. “I actually bought the gloves,” she laughed.

"At 8 p.m., a voice blasted over the loudspeaker, “Live from Paris, Chanel Line No. 5! Please be carefully when opening the overhead compartments. Some quilted bags may fall out.” And with that, two Challenger 601 jets pulled up and onto the runway, the doors opened, and the models proceeded to disembark, showcasing the 60 or so looks. Guests, which included Demi Moore, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Victoria Beckham, Diane Kruger, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Eva Mendes, quickly took their seats, where they found personally inscribed carry-on cases containing a bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume.

Marc Jacobs on his Rehab/Relapse Stint

2007-05-21T21:11:00.000-05:00

Marc Jacobs put it best: go with the flow. While accepting the Savannah College of Art and Design’s André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award, the designer explained why he cancelled his upcoming Milan men’s show. “We were going to do the show this season,” he commented, “but I think we’re going to go with our first show in Milan as a fall show.” The reason? “Originally, we had thought to do a spring show, but maybe the fall show is more demonstrative in terms of fashion,” Jacobs offered. “I think certainly a fall show is more intelligent to do as your first show.”
At the time, a spokesperson for Jacobs cited the inability to find the right venue as the chief reason for pulling back. “Part of it was maybe the venue, but I know I was on the fence. I was willing to go along with the idea of the spring show being our first show—but I do think from a design point of view, a fall show is probably more exciting,” he concluded.
Jacobs also spoke candidly about his recent stint in rehab. “I’d had a relapse and started to drink a bit, and got involved in going to parties and doing things I shouldn’t be doing,” he admitted. “But it wasn’t so awful. That’s what rehab is about for me. It was a chance for me to do some meditation, but also talk about where I was at. I would never have been able to do that with such an intensity if I had done it as part of my everyday life while working. So to take a break and remove myself from a work environment and not have to travel within a five-week period of time, to stay in one place and to focus on myself and think about things—where I’m at, how I’d like to be, and how I am—is a really good thing. Other than these few instances of getting drunk—which is not a path I ever want to go down again, because it just takes me away from where I am—I’m taking life as it is. Other than smoking cigarettes, I’ve got no real bad vices left.”

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

2007-05-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

Beyoncé has been named as the face and voice of Emporio Armani Diamonds, a new fragrance set to launch next autumn. "I have worked with my friend Beyoncé on a number of projects including Fashion Rocks and most recently she performed at my 'One Night Only' party in London," Armani said. "I am very much looking forward to this exciting collaboration between the house of Armani and such an inspirational female artist as Beyoncé, who perfectly encapsulates the Emporio Armani spirit."

Who Cares?!

2007-05-18T20:38:00.000-05:00

I still don't really know what to think of Stella. I must say she didn't make that of a good impression, when she was here the other day to launch her new cosmetics line, Care. But then not everybody can be on the same wavelength... Anyway, Stella McCartney has signed a long term agreement with the Lane Crawford Joyce Group for exclusive distribution rights to the Stella McCartney brand in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia....but then, do we really Care?

Balenciaga eyewear

2007-05-18T20:32:00.000-05:00

Good news for those of you who fell in love with those Balenciaga goggles, the house has just signed a licensing deal with collaborators Safilo for a line of Balenciaga sunglasses and eyewear to launch this autumn. Nicolas Ghesquiere will design the range.

Karl Lagerfeld on photography

2007-05-15T23:55:00.000-05:00

“It’s a stupid story, but those are usually the best, no?” said Karl Lagerfeld of his foray into photography. “When we do collections, the press kits have to be ready the day of the show, though the clothes are never ready.” The designer, who was honored by the International Center of Photography with the ICP Trustees Award at its 23rd Annual Infinity Awards gala, was evidently exuding a one-track mind, having just tapped Claudia Schiffer to star in his upcoming Chanel cruise press kit. “Twenty years ago, good photographers didn’t do press kits,” he continued. “We’d tried with several and I didn’t like what they did, so the director of the image of Chanel said to me, ‘If it’s that difficult, do it yourself,’ and that’s how it began. I started late, so I am still a young photographer.”

Jovovich-Hawk launch in LA

2007-05-15T23:47:00.000-05:00

Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk, recently nominated for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, debuted their Holiday collection in Los Angeles at the inaugural Stoli Hotel. The space brought to life the iconic Hotel Moskva depicted on its label with the 10,000 square foot space complete with luxury hotel amenities including a full-service concierge, a bar, and integrated spa offering massages, facials and manicures. It also included an elite Suite VIP room, guest rooms inspired by Stoli's four flavours and a lobby which was lined with pieces from the Jovovich-Hawk Fall collection. The modern Russian Constructivist lines of the hotel complimented the Sixties look that Jovovich and Hawk created for Holiday. Models presented the collection on three circular stages decorated with colorful modern art hanging from a giant mobile that rotated overhead. Hawk said the party was an opportunity to debut their holiday collection in a fun way. She described the collection as Valley of the Dolls meets the Beatniks before they became hippies. The look was classic with clean lines and a chic modern touch - styles included party frocks like a seriously short black mini with a lace yoke and pockets topped with a chic evening coat. A black sheath dress had gold braid trim and a brocade A-line dress had belled sleeves and large decorative buttons. A cape and matching pant in the new wider leg silhouette were made from a wave fabric that inspired the entire collection. Hawk said their fun, kitchy party dresses are for the girl that's flirty, not too serious and isn't afraid to dress with individuality. "It's about being fun and you bringing the party (to the party)," she said.

Pucci turns 60

2007-05-15T04:12:00.000-05:00

Pucci is turning 60 with a bang. The Italian fashion house has invited 250 guests to Florence this weekend for a two-part, event-filled weekend that will kick off with the debut of an artistic installation and black-tie dinner on Saturday at the Palazzo Pucci hosted by Laudomia Pucci and Delphine Arnault. The outside of Palazzo Medici will be lit by a different colour light every night, while the premises play host to coloured balloon installations based on the maison’s trademark palettes. Invitations evocative of the artwork were sent in the form of a black tray ensconced in a sleeve with Pucci’s signature swirls. Inside are three separate cardboard invitations, the top one featuring two Pucci-printed “planets” spinning about on a simple white string. Pucci designer Matthew Williamson will be on hand for the festivities, as will a bevy of European socialites and select press, which cap off on Sunday, when Emilio Pucci will launch it’s new signature fragrance at a luncheon at Marchesi Pucci’s country estate at Villa di Granaiolo.

Jennifer Lopez and her Fur

2007-05-13T19:44:00.000-05:00

When will she ever learn..... Jennifer Lopez is reportedly in fear for her safety after getting threatening letters from animal rights campaigners because of her love of wearing fur. According to an insider, the letters suggest that the writer wants 'to kill her in public, just like the slaughtered animals whose fur she wears." J Lo’s rep dismissed the story as untrue, but the source claims that Jennifer’s husband, Marc Anthony, “has hired two off-duty police officers, in addition to her usual security team, to watch over Lopez whenever she makes public appearances." A spokesperson for the anti-fur lobby group PETA said, "All violence is wrong. But J.Lo needs to stop the real violence she promotes and subsidizes rather than give herself extra protection she doesn't need." .....I don't think anyone would mind if she would wear a bit less.....

Christina Aguilera's new scent

2007-05-13T19:38:00.000-05:00

Christina Aguilera is hopping on the celebrity fragrance bandwagon with a scent of her own called, unoriginally, ‘Christina Aguilera, the fragrance’, that will be launched in the autumn. Proctor & Gamble, the cosmetics giant that is developing the fragrance said, “This is a big priority for us, our objective is for Christina to become the number-one celebrity fragrance… We will invest very strongly behind it.” The bottle will reportedly be based on the Dirrty singer’s famous curves, with the slogan, “Sometimes it’s all you need to wear” across it......Sounds more like something Bai Ling would wear......

Angelina Jolie for Asia

2007-05-09T20:56:00.000-05:00

Angelina Jolie is using her newfound popularity in Asia to her advantage, by appearing in three beauty campaigns for Shiseido. Having travelled there extensively through her role as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Jolie endeared herself further to the continent by adopting two orphans - one from Vietnam and one from Cambodia. The actress flew to Hollywood Studios two weeks ago where she was shot for the Shiseido ads by beauty photographer Camilla Akrans. The US and UK will never see the images - they will be shown only in Japan - Jolie will appear on billboards and in glossy magazines from September to promote the brand's powder and liquid eyeshadows.

Another Date with Kate

2007-05-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

Kate Moss got the five-star Madison Avenue treatment when she toasted the stateside launch of her Topshop collection at Barneys New York. The retailer sequestered off the seventh and eighth floors of the store with velvet ropes and clipboard wielders, and nary a party crasher was admitted—not even at the after party at the rooftop of the Gramercy Park Hotel, where the supermodel stayed for her sojourn to the Big Apple and was joined by Daria Werbowy, Kate Bosworth, Ziyi Zhang, Marc Jacobs, and Mario Testino.
The lady of the hour arrived fashionably early at 6:30 p.m., setting off a flashbulb frenzy. In the spirit of her new high/low line, she floated through the room in a black and white chiffon tunic of her own design for Topshop, paired with an Alaïa belt, Manolos, and Chanel clutch, before settling in to chat with fellow Brit Hilary Alexander, Topshop honcho Sir Philip Green, and his wife, Tina. “Hilary already bought some of the collection,” Moss shouted to Green, raising her voice above the music. “Yes, I’ve already bought four pieces from Topshop,” admitted the Daily Telegraph fashion critic, “and I didn’t even get a press discount.” Her catwalk colleague, Suzy Menkes, however, did not partake in any High Street shopping. “I had a chance to buy it in London, but I didn’t get anything,” she said sans explanation. “But Kate is such a cool chick, a real rock chick, and she just really knows how to put herself together.”

Gisele lingerie for H&M?

2007-05-09T02:51:00.000-05:00

Hold your pretty horses.....It's not confirmed yet. But rumors swirl that Gisele is in talks with H&M to design a line of lingerie to be marketed under her name.

Rafe snags CFDA date

2007-05-09T02:47:00.000-05:00

Rafe Totengco, the creative head behind the New York-based accessories and footwear company has been asked by Target—which earlier this year tapped him to design a line of handbags for its stores—to be a speaker during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Target was looking to showcase a person of Asian descent that had made an impact in the fashion industry and thought Totengco would be an ideal person because of its mainline collection and recent collaboration with cheap-chic giant. Totengco will travel to Target headquarters on May 15 to speak about his history in the fashion world, growing up in the Philippines, coming to the U.S. and starting and growing his collection, as well as his design partnership with Target.
But the exposure doesn’t stop there. Totengco is also the recipient of the National Asian Entrepreneur of the Year, which will be handed out by Asia Enterprise Magazine on May 25 in Los Angeles. The Asian Entrepreneur of the Year Awards was established in 1994 as the only competitive awards program in the U.S. that recognizes exemplary Asian Pacific American entrepreneurs. Additionally, the affable accessories guru has confirmed Japanese supermodel Anne Watanabe as his date to this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards. For the occasion, he has created a pair of silver snake platforms and a matching silver snake clutch for her to wear with her Peter Som dress.

Lagerfeld snaps Brad once again

2007-05-09T02:36:00.000-05:00

Karl Lagerfeld may be a man of the world, but when it comes to his cars, only a fellow German will do. The designer-cum-photographer recently shot his model muse, Brad Kroenig, sitting at the wheel of the Audi R8 in Ramatuelle, near Saint-Tropez in the South of France, for Kaleidoscopic Vision of a Car, a series of 20 black/white photos that will be officially unveiled May 12 at a party at the Audi Forum center on Park Avenue. Lagerfeld breaks down the overall design of the sleek concept coupe by working with reflections to render the images abstractly and convey new perspectives on the coupe. Following the exhibition, which will be on display for two weeks, the images will travel the world. But 12 of the priceless shots will be made into an exclusive 2008 art calendar keepsake that will be distributed to buyers of the Audi R8, which ranges in price from $109,000 to $118,000. Kroenig, as it happens, is currently being shot by the master designer as part of a five-year long-term study he is curating entitled “One Man Shown.”

Gisele Mania

2007-05-08T08:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, you're absolutely right. I just can't get enough of her!

Bundchen has confirmed the signing of her next multi-million dollar contract - she will become the face of Cacharel's new fragrance, Liberte "I think Liberte is a very strong word and a cool project. Everybody should work on being free. That should be everybody's mission for 2007: work on being free!" the supermodel says. Bundchen, 26, will soon be jetting off to Tenerife, where Cacharel's television and billboard campaign will be shot on top of the island's impressive Teide volcano.

Isabella Blow remembered

2007-05-08T08:31:00.000-05:00

Isabella Blow's husband Detmar confirmed this morning that the 48-year-old fashion guru lost her battle with ovarian cancer in the early hours of Sunday morning at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The news has shocked the international fashion world, for whom Isabella has been a bastion, credited with the discovery of such successful figures as Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy, Sophie Dahl and Stella Tennant. "She was a ray of sunshine," said Detmar, of the woman he proposed to just 16 days after meeting her at a wedding in 1988 before marrying her the following year. "She was a beautiful, brave woman; indefatigable, courageous and brilliantly intellectual." Blow, who recently underwent surgery to remove a tumour, had been confined to hospital for some time but her husband said he had still been hopeful of a recovery. "She was original, impactful, generous-minded and spotted some of the greatest talents," said Geordie Greig, editor of Tatler magazine for which Blow was still working as a contributing editor. "She was the most intelligent and creative person in fashion. In many ways she was the British queen of fashion. She was intoxicating. You could never get enough of her. She was a free spirit." Philip Treacy, whose hats Isabella was rarely seen without, also paid tribute from the Blow country home this morning: "She was a great champion of young people," he said. "She came from the establishment but she was a punk at heart. Her love was talent, rather than money. Her ethos was beauty and elegance. And her encouragement was rare."

Sarah Jessica Parker on celebrity designers

2007-05-06T22:53:00.000-05:00

"Madonna's line for H&M is extremely directional, provocative and sexy," says Sarah Jessica Parker, comparing other celebrities' designing debuts to her own forthcoming line, Bitten. "I don't know J-Lo's line as well, but I know that it's much more trendy than Bitten. L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani is much more avant-garde, definitely high fashion. But I don't want to do that for women, because that's not really their lives."

Gisele for YSL

2007-05-05T06:42:00.000-05:00

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen may have bid adieu to Victoria’s Secret, but she’s welcomed Yves Saint Laurent with open arms. The Brazilian model has been cast by Stefano Pilati to star in his Fall/Winter 2007 campaign.

Amber Valletta helps Fashion TV turn 10

2007-05-03T20:50:00.000-05:00

“This is insane,” marveled a newly brunette Amber Valletta as she surveyed the well-lubricated mob packed into Social Hollywood on Wednesday night. “I think I might have to go upstairs.” The model-cum-actress was on hand to host Fashion TV’s 10th anniversary celebration, which climaxed with a runway fashion show of Collection Bebe’s upcoming summer collection.

Gucci tells Frida Giannini who's the Boss

2007-05-03T04:47:00.000-05:00

Gucci ceo Robert Polet has got his company priorities straight. "The brand is the most important asset in our company," he said, adding that "brand strength is paying off". In an industry where the profile and celebrity status of designers is increasing - and with Gucci creative director Frida Giannini's predecessor Tom Ford high up on the list of examples - Polet has affirmed that his company certainly does not see the personality of a designer as more important than the brand's inherent identity. Polet stressed that establishing a label's message and ethos must always remain more important than the prominence of its designers and ceo. He then cited Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Boucheron as good examples of environments in which both designers and executives can be creative, further enhancing the brands. Dunno if Frida will like that!?! Last time she was here in Hong Kong she was supposed to wait for celebrity guests to start the show. She got really impatient and said "Who? Carina Lau? Who is that? I'm the star of the show!" ...yeah so much for the company's priorities.....Good luck Frida.

Gisele says Adieu to Victoria's Secret

2007-05-02T03:51:00.000-05:00

Gisele Bundchen, the world’s top model, has parted ways with Victoria’s Secret, her manager at IMG Models confirmed this morning. While terms of the contract were not revealed, spokesperson Anne Nelson reassured that the relationship ended the same way it began: on good terms.
News about the split stayed quiet until it was reported on Brazilian site Glamurama.com, after which it quickly spread to the U.S. According to the gossip site, Victoria’s Secret was ultimately unable to meet Gisele’s financial terms.
News of the breakup is just the most recent headline-making revelation for the supermodel. Paparazzi and celebrity tabloids have relentlessly scrutinized her relationship to New England Patriots football player Tom Brady, who recently ended a relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan only to discover she was pregnant with his child.
“The long and fruitful relationship between Gisele Bundchen and Victoria’s Secret has reached a conclusion,” said Edward Razek, chief creative officer, Victoria’s Secret, in a statement. “We wish her all the best and thank her for her extraordinary work. She will continue to be a very visible party of the world’s sexiest brand through the remainder of the year.”
Victoria’s Secret models who will keep their wings for the time being include Selita Ebanks, Adriana Lima, Izabel Goulart, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Karolina Kurkova, who signed a multiyear contract with the lingerie retailer in November 2005. There has also been speculation that Heidi Klum will return following the birth of her second child.

Ms. Moss for Topshop

2007-05-02T03:37:00.000-05:00

While the Madonna H&M stuff hardly moved off the shelves, people went crazy about the new Kate Moss Topshop line. The Moss caused utter pandemonium on Oxford Street Monday night, but this time it was in the name of cheap-chic fashion. The supermodel was on hand to personally unveil her capsule Kate Moss Topshop 90-piece collection at its flagship store.
Indeed, outside crowds stood six deep and snaked around three full blocks, while photographers and press were relegated to standing on ladders to get their photo ops and stories. At 8:00 p.m., Moss, clad in a red $390 bias-cut dress of her own design, helped count down “Five, four, three, two one!” moments before appearing draped in the window as a live mannequin. After 10 minutes of posing for photos and observing the hordes of shoppers queued up outside, Moss slinked back inside and upstairs, where she rejoined a posse of British socials and editors—including Alexandra Shulman, Katie Grand, Lily Cole, Sadie Frost, Bella Freud, Peaches Geldof, and Katy England (Moss’ line consultant)—all of whom went mad during a champagne reception, picking out pieces for themselves. Even the store itself had been transformed—think: purple couches, black walls with images of swallows, birdcages, and leopard print floors—to mimic Moss’ own home.

The publicity coup was impressive, to say the least. Only 200 guests were allowed in at any one time, and each shopper was limited to five pieces. Moss’ face was splashed across the covers of nearly every British paper and news and entertainment television program. Needless to say, the reaction to Part II of the Kate Moss Topshop launch—next Tuesday night at Barneys New York in Manhattan—will be of intense scrutiny.

Chloe's fashion statement

2007-04-30T21:45:00.000-05:00

"I don't find trashy sexy," Chloe Sevigny says, after being described as sexier than Paris Hilton. "I think it's sexy to be a little bit mysterious." The actress, 32, is now famed as much for her role as fashion icon as she is for her parts in the film Boys Don't Cry and the TV drama Big Love. Having been cast in campaigns for Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, M&M and Mac's Viva Glam range, Sevigny reveals how she discovered a soft spot for fashion at a young age. "My father was very stylish and my mother took me thrifting. It was very frugal, so I guess I had to find little treasures. My older brother was into skate-punk, so I wanted to be like him. Because the town was all homogenised blonde, blue-eyed preppy girls, I wanted to be able to identify with reject, misfit kids from other towns. Your outfits were your flag." Her outfit of choice for her first day of high school? "Wing-tip, steel-toe Dr. Martens, striped stockings, a turtleneck and mini-miniskirt. The boys were like 'Ee-yew' - Pippi Longstocking!'"

Eva Herzigova and Brad Kroenig

2007-04-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

Check out Evia Herzigova & Brad Kroenig's latest Dom Perignon short film. Enjoy!

Song Hye Kyo for Celine

2007-04-30T05:46:00.000-05:00

To be honest, I got this info about two weeks ago and was just too lazy to post it and forgot all about it, and now it's already out in the open. Aiyah!! Anyway, better late, than never.

Celine is teaming up with Korean hottie Song Hye Kyo for their F/W 07 season to produce a new version of the “Bittersweet” bag. Song Hye Kyo decided to use its shape and to reinterpret it according to her own trendy tastes.

“Having travelled extensively throughout Asia, I have found that Asian women have become more active and have obtained more freedom in modern society,” explains Celine’s artistic director, Ivana Omazic. “Today, I am delighted to have worked closely with Song Hye Kyo for this new creation and to be a part of an innovative project that opens up our company onto the world. I sincerely believe this bag represents the new voice of Asian women.”

A limited edition collection will be available in Asia only. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the bag will be donated to a local children’s charity under Song Hye Kyo’s name.

Marc Jacobs teams up with Wrangler

2007-04-30T00:44:00.000-05:00

Wrangler has made its debut on the runways of Fashion Week, as Marc Jacobs and Wrangler team up for a Women's Denim Spring 07 collection.
The Wrangler Marc Jacobs jean featured on the runway is 100% cotton in a canvas weave. Featuring a slim-fitting silhouette, the jean has the appearance of un-dyed cotton with a light rinse. Adding a feminine touch to the jean is a fashion ruffle at the bottom of the legs, accentuated with ties and copper rivets. Keeping the traditional touches of Wrangler are the “W” stitch, gold brown contrast stitching and leather Wrangler patch. Also on offer is a jacket that is in the traditional jean style.

Gisele Bundchen moves

2007-04-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

Guess it's getting pretty serious with Gisele's realtionship. Long gone is Leonardo.....Gisele Bundchen has put her ? million Hollywood home on the market as she prepares to move to New York to be closer to her footballer boyfriend, Tom Brady.

The Hong Kong Bag

2007-04-27T22:19:00.000-05:00

The largest Bottega Veneta store in South East Asia is about to open in Hong Kong May 25 at Harbour City!! To celebrate the opening of the boutique, the Italian brand will have its own Limited Edition Bag, named The Hong Kong Bag. You better be fast, as there are only 200 pieces worldwide.

J'adore mon Rafe

2007-04-27T22:08:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let you guys know that Rafe Totengco was here this week. You're probably like who?!?!....The New York based accessories designer is still very much under the radar, but famous enough to sport a clientele, which includes stars such as Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, Sandra Oh, Adriana Lima, Gisele Bundchen, Vanessa Minnillo, Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton to name a few. Ok let's face it...every single hip and trendy celebrity in the States is carrying his lovely bags. In Hong Kong the bags are available at Lane Crawford. Check out his blog below and also his damn cool pic with Eva Longoria!!

Elle Macpherson is going solo

2007-04-26T21:42:00.000-05:00

The Australian Beauty, Elle (The Body) Macpherson has reportedly split with Coronation Street star Ray Fearon. "They realised things weren't working out," a source said.

Zara hits Hollywood

2007-04-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

H&M and Zara are fighting over locations, as they are expanding their rapidly growing empires. A 17,000 square-foot Zara store is set to open on LA's Hollywood Boulevard next summer, just doors away from the new H&M shop, launching this Autumn.

Fashion Editor gets banned from Fashion Shows

2007-04-26T21:30:00.000-05:00

New York Times fashion editor and critic, Cathy Horyn has been banned from future Armani and Dolce & Gabbana shows. Italy's big hitters hit back! They said they were sick of her "slanderous criticism". "I accept criticism but not idiocy," railed Armani. "What she published was bullshit."