Kim Kardashian lands Vogue cover!

Evidently I've not had time to blog much time for blogging in recent months, there are some things in life, however, that to disregard would be foolish. This moment is one of them - the moment Anna Wintour publicly lost her mind. 

There is no dispute that Kim Kardashian's wardrobe has evolved dramatically since her partnership with self confessed 'God' Kanye West began. Sure sometimes she looks amazing, other times like her butt is about to bust out of her cream trousers. Is it right then that the reality star has finally landed the front cover of the biggest book in the industry - American Vogue. 

The cover, shot by Annie Leibovitz and accompanied by the hash tag 'worldsmosttalkedaboutcouple' was posted on Kim's Instagram account with the caption 'this is a dream come true! Thank you @voguemagazine for this cover! OMGGGGGG! I can't even breath'. She isn't the only one. 

Considering the Vogue editor in chief vehemently refused to allow Kim at the Met Gala in 2012, it makes the mind boggle at what Kim would of had to do to get this cover - one that places her alongside the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett Johansson. In my mind there can be only one logical explanation - the best April Fools the world has ever seen? 

H&M Ladies Day

This half term has been a rough one, it doesn't help that we have had some of the worst weather this country has seen for a while.  What better way to recharge than with a little retail therapy and a pamper, courtesy of H&M.

The brand have this week launched their 'By Night' range (above) - a selection of partywear that was exclusively launched in this months Vogue.  In addition, 12 of the brands stores will this Friday pay host to a VIP ladies day, meaning that not only can you recieve 20% off of your favourite ladies wear pieces, but you can also have your hair styled by Toni and Guy stylists and recieve a mini mani upon production of a recipt valid for that date.  DJ's will also be playing sets between 9am and 8pm.

Participating Stores:
St Pauls, London
The Strand, London
Lakeside, Kent
Cabbotts Circus, Bristol
Bentall, Kingstone
Touchwood, Solihull
Bullring, Birmingham
Leeds, Briggatte
The Trafford Centre, Manchester
St Davids Centre, Cardiff
King St, Dublin
Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow
 

 

Vogue's Fashion Night Out Guide

It's finally here, tonight is the night that Vogue's Fashion Night Out finally arrives in Manchester. Situated mainly around Market Street and the surrounding areas (The Trafford Centre are holding certain events, namely in Forever 21 and Next) there are going to be some of the fashion industries best and brightest attending the event that YOU get to attend. Whilst Hugo Boss are hosting an exclusive party which Alexander Shulman herself is attending, Below is a list of what certain stores are doing in honour of the event.

* For those who have purchased a FNO tee, Roskanda Ilincic will be customising them in Harvey Nichols (who are celebrating their tenth anniversary). If you've not bought a tee then their is a booth in Spinningfields where you can purchase them

* Vogue Eats will be serving cupcakes, Pizza and Hot Chocolate for those who're feeling a little peckish

* Mulberry will be offering Essie Manicures

* Manchester Art Gallery will be exhibiting an array of costumes through the ages as well as a talk 'What is fashion'

* Emma Elwick Bates will be on hand at H&M to offer fashion and styling advice

* Test your strength at Hermes with a game of tug of war or a participate in a game of bowling

* Have your photo taken in a cover shoot at Manchester Arndale

* Get your hair done by Trevor Sorbie himself in Reiss

* Vogue's health and beauty director Nicola Moultin will be giving tips on this seasons beauty trends in Selfridges

* Manchesters very own Matthew Williamson will be in Flannels

* Kurt Geiger will be holding a competition in which the lucky winner stands to win a year supply of shoes

See you there!

The September Issue

Thanks in large part to RJ Cutlers documentary, The Septemer Issue of fashion publications is well known to be the biggest and most operant issue of the year. That said, it's always a big deal seeing who the magazines choose to front the most prestigious of issues. See

My top picks below.

Whilst American Vogue opted to stick to their favourite marketing strategy of 'celebrity sells' and putting Jennifer Lawrence on their cover, British Vogue chose fashion heavyweight Daria Webowry as the cover model for the biggest issue of the year. I'll admit I expected someone a lot more high profile  , it does make a nice change for a fashion publication to go back to using an actual model on the cover as opposed the the hottest singer, actress, reality star at the time. 

Elle chose 'California Girls' singer Katy Perry to grace their cover this month, coinciding with the stars recent highly anticipated song release.  Dressed in a checked Celine dress Katy looks surprisingly understated on the cover. Perhaps a further indication that the 'teenage dream' days are truly behind her. 

One Direction were the face of GQ. Each 'Directioner' had an individual portrait on the men's magazine cover so that readers can choose their favourite. Whilst this is a great marketing tactic, I can't see it appealing to much the magazines largely straight male readers.

Topshop's NewGen anniversary

Sponsoring raw British talent has always been a thing for high street leader Topshop and it seems like only yesterday they began sponsoring the British Fashion Council's New Gen, but it's been 10 years and the two have teamed up again for a collection of t-shirts from some of it's most noted alums including Mary Katrantzou, Erdem and of course, my favourite designer Christopher Kane.

The shirts are £30 each and will go on sale during London Fashion Week.  There are 10 tees and all can be viewed on Vogue.com now.

Jonathan Saunders Wins The BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund

Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders has today been revealed as the winner of the 2012 BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund, beating off stiff competition from competitors such as Meadham Kirchhoff, Peter Pilotto and Richard Nicoll to name a few.

The designer will receive a cash prize of £200,000 as well as becoming part of a exclusive mentoring programme which will help him achieve his business goals over the following twelve months.

He told Vogue 'I am so happy about winning the fund, the last 12 months have been an exciting time for me and my team and I'm very proud of all their hard work. We have many plans for the near future and this along with the support network provided by the BFC will enable us to achieve our goals'.

Saunders has also won Scottish Designer of the Year award for the past two years and after beating industry favourite Mary Katrantzou to the prize can only be a good thing.

Karl Kartoonified

So I realize that this heading is a little bit 'Kardashian' and that the story is not particularly newsworthy, but upon seeing these 're imagined Simpsons characters' by artist Alexsandro Palombo I had to include them in my blog.  The sketches come after Marc Jacobs was introduced to adult cartoon South Park.

The images contain designer of the moment Donatella Versace as well as other high profile creative directors.  If you cant guess who is who, see the full gallery here: Vogue's Fashion Simpsons

Advent Calender Wishlist: Day Twenty Three

 Anyone reading this knows how successful Vogue's Online Fashion Week was, with designers and retailers firing offers so fast it made your head spin.  British label Burberry joined in by offering free testers to everyone who registered.  Whilst a tester might only be a tiny sample, I of course registered because, well who doesn't love something for free.

I completely forgot about the sample until I received it in the post on Wednesday and no I am in love.  Not only is the ad campaign one of the best for a fragrance this year but the scent is quite literally to die for.

Crushing On: Chloe Moretz

At the Amityville Premier in 2006

Chloe Moretz, the 14 year old bought into our lives by films such as The Amityville Horror and Kick Ass.  Whilst 6 years ago she may have been a little known actress, right now she's headed in the same direction as child stars and fashion icons Dakota Fanning and Emma Watson.

Gone are the days when child stars turn into troubled teens a la Lindsey Lohan and Drew Barrymore, today they go on to become global superstars, known as much for their advertising campaigns as their movies.  Chloe may only be 14, but she has a wardrobe most girls would envy and she seems to be at every event right now.

In Chanel at the 4th MoMA Film Benefit

In Suno at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards

At the Calvin Klein SS 2012 Show

In Dolce and Gabbana at the Spike TV Scream Awards

Judging by these outfits I'd say Blake, watch out....

Adele For Vogue

She may have just announced plans to cancel certain UK tour dates due to illness, but Adele once again is showing us what she is made of.  The 22 year old London singer graces this months cover of Vogue, showing just what a star she is.

She is usually applauded for her amazingly powerful voice after songs such as Rolling in the deep and Someone Like you became hits all over the world, but now the fashion world is finally sitting up and taking notice.  In the past month alone she has performed on the VMA's, appeared on the first episode on the new Jonathon Ross show and announced that she is to sing the theme tune for the new James Bond movie.

Whilst people have already made remarks that the singers body is not featured on the cover, with Adele herself commenting on her wait in the accompanying article, I don't think that critics have a leg to stand on, she looks stunning.

Testino's Triple

Arguably one of the most famous photographers in the world,  Mario Testino has accomplished that which none before him has managed to do.  A hat-rick of covers for Vogue's September issue.  The issue is one of the most important for fashion insiders, whether model or photography after it was the main feature of R Cutlers gripping documentary after the September 2007 magazine weighed nearly 5 lbs.

Testino, who was a favorite of Lady Diana Spencer's as well the photographer behind Wills and Kate's official engagement portrait, was today unveiled as 'the cat that got the cream' after his picture of Grace Kelly's granddaughter Charlotte Casiraghi emerged was chosen as the cover for French Vogue after Emmanuel Alt's decision to take some of the limelight off of British royal Kate Middleton

On top of this latest release he was also behind Kate Moss image on US Vogue as well as Freja Beha Erichsen on British Vogue.

French Vogue cover girl and Monaco Royalty Charlotte Caserati

UK covergirl and actress Freja Beha Erichsen in Dolce & Gabbana

After Testino shot her wedding photo's she was also shot by him for the cover of US Vogue wearing Alexander McQueen

Louis Vuitton or Dior?

Many names have been thrown away this last six months as to who is going to be replacing John Galliano at the helm of Christian Dior, most high profile of which was Alaia.  Today it emerged on Vogue's online page that a source close to LVMH CEO (and 4th richest man in the world) Bernard Arnault has told a Brazilian magazine that Marc Jacobs is top of his list,  fuelling rumours that Jacobs is planing to switch fashion houses.

The source also said that it is being considered for Jacobs to oversee both fashion houses at the same time - which fashion insiders seem t think is unlikely.  Jacobs denied rumours in March that he was a candidate for the position,  but neither the designer or LVMH have commented on todays speculations.

Temperly for Barbour Unveiled

Hot after the succes of Anya Hindmarch's success with Barbour, Alice Temperly wasthe latest designer to announce a collaboration with the popular English Heritage brand back in October 2010.  Today she unveiled her new collection, which is a significant move, marking both British Houses tenth anniversaries.

The Barbour Gold Label by Temperly collection is a combination of Barbours classic styles with their original fabric, with the added glamour that the Temperly brand brings.  "You see an essence of the Temperley detailing throughout the collection mixed with traditional Barbour," the fashion designer told Vogue "I love the Somerset jacket in brown which features leather trimmed detailing, quilted shoulder details, nipped in waist and leopard print lining."

The collection comprises of 5 wax and leather jackets, with Temperly's finishing touches such as leapord print lining, as well as three chunky knits.  If has been said if the collection is successful this could just be the beginning with S/S 12 collections already in the pipeline.

The launch date is as of yet unannounced, but rumored to be sometime this month.