GETTING READY FOR LFW WITH FRED BUTLER

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

London Fashion Week begins bright and early at 9am tomorrow. To get us in the London mood (as if we weren't already) we have a little preview chat with colourful accessory designer extraordinaire Fred Butler who introduced a fun new concept to showing fashion with last season's hook up with Charli XCX. Red Bull sponsored the collaboration which saw a track recorded to be sang at Fred's presentation. Two Inch Punch (a.k.a Ben Ash) is Fred's partner in crime for SS13, the theme being bumble bees. An added dimension is Fred's work with the bumble bee conservation trust- totally inspired- and the creation of a fashion film with Elisha Smith Leverock. Find out more in my Q&A below...

Two Inch Punch and Fred Butler: SS13 collaborators

Fred's SS13 sushi pastels

How has your experience in the Red Bull Catwalk Studio changed since last season between working with Charli XCX and Two Inch Punch?

With Charli we devised a song that she would perform live at my AW12 presentation to add a fresh new ambience to the format to energise the space and audience. With Ben we have been plotting a track specifically for the soundtrack to my SS13 fashion film and create a magic sonic world as a backdrop to the narrative.

Fred and Ben in the studio

What made you want to work with The Bumblebee Conservation Trust this season?

In a subconcious way I think the bee fascination has come from Red Bull literally giving me wings and watching the bees buzzing about this Spring/Summer. I went down to the V&A specimen lab with scientists who were ridiculously helpful and sat me down with boxes of bees and left me to my own devices to draw them. I discovered that bumble bees pollinate by extracting the pollen from vibrating their wings and beating the particles out. It's only bumble bees that can pollinate certain plants so they are absolutley crucial and need as much help as they can to spread the word of their demise. For example they are responsible for tomatoes - imagine a world without toms!

What came first, "A Bee in My Bonnet" or your bee design concept?

I'm always waiting for a bolt of inspiration to woosh through my subconcious. I have been wanting to revisit my gold-work embroidery techniques that I tested a few years ago for Kim Howells "House Of" Project. That piece was hexagonal patchwork like honey comb but it wasn't until I met a guy one day who said to me "youve got a bee in your bonnet". Voila! That was it. 

Did you know Two Inch Punch a.k.a Ben and/or his music before you worked together?

I knew Ben's music which is why I approached him for this collaboration because his sound is the aural definition of the visual I had in my mind's eye. He layers samples of wet crackles, licks and drips ontop of a fat woomping bass which I imagined to be the perfect sound to conjure up the feeling of a busy colony of bees working away inside their hidden hive. One of the main connections I have with (film maker and photographer) Elisha Smith Leverock is her intrinsic musical sensitivity and how integral it is to the magic of her editing our fashion films. It's not just an edgy sound in the background, it's carefully considered down to each second.

Two Inch Punch is described by The Guardian as "a mad maximalist". Many might describe you in a similar way. Do you get that vibe from him and did it help or hinder the project?

It's funny that I guess we make "out there" work but in nature both quite tame, calm characters. Perhaps we do all of our shouting via our creative output because personally we are balanced and at ease. He got exactly what Elisha and I wanted to achieve and consequently it's been a breeze! He even sampled one of the beats from the rattle of a spray can which is one of my most used tools.

I'm sure you get asked this all the time but… Lady Gaga has worn your creations. Is that the ultimate accolade?

I think the "Telephone Hat" is my no.1 fact. It launched my name into an arena that it would never had exposure to otherwise so I'm very grateful for that break! Its a very easy way to explain what I do in one sentence! 

You are a natural collaborator- there are so many creatives from different disciplines involved in this and all your projects. Why do you collaborate?

I think life should be a shared experience as much as possible. Projects are a much richer experience when you join forces to have fun and push each others boundries to reach the ultimate goal thats unattainable on a solo crusade. I also feel very lucky to have this presence and want to open it up to other people to have exposure too. 

Putting fashion on film is becoming ever more popular. What do you think makes a great fashion film?

Something heartfelt and distinctive to the designer or director. The most successful are ones that pull a punch in being pure and powerful in original feeling. I've been very excited by Quentin Jones work since she first started and has since gone on to commissions from Chanel, Victoria Beckham, Kenzo and recently Tibi. She has a recognisable and distinctive style yet it can morph and fit between brands which is a seamless success story!

Quentin Jones' Chanel film

 
I'm told that your new collection is "a departure" and has a "fresh street and sport inspired edge". Why was it time for a new direction? Could this be the start of your fans being able to buy into your aesthetic?

I'm a fan of wearing a backpack so I thought I might start trying to design the ultimate dream of one that I would like myself. To plant that seed into the industry I've started off with a couple of bag styles for this collection. As with my show pieces they are very intricate and out of control in labour hours so the diffusion line will be a paired down version. Its funny because in the hour of queuing up to get into the V&A at half term I had immediate research and market material looking at all of the backpacks lined up infront of me!! 

 
Bumble Bee is a classic "dressing up outfit" for kids. Was this something you thought about or was your approach more cerebral?

It is an obvious choice of concept but I never really care about judgement of what Im doing because my main focus is that im enjoying it! To create the most pure work I can has to come from pleasure of the process of physically making it and that is just the path my instinct took me this season. 

 
How do you feel about the upcoming LFW show. Are you excited? Nervous? All of the above?

This is the 3rd time I have got to live out my childhood dream so that one day is a guaranteed surreal whirlwind of emotion. You can't take anything for granted so I'm ecstatic for each time I've been able to do it. Therefore I can't thank Red Bull Catwalk Studios enough for supporting me to make it all possible. I'm also really looking forward to having my own party which is a first! I might end up flailing around the dancefloor like a beetle on its back not able to get up but at least everyone that has helped me can have a chance to celebrate! 

 
Is there anything you have "a bee in your bonnet" about which you'd like to get, er, out of your bonnet?

Please can more people in fashion smile at each other. It's free and its not difficult and brings about a greater sense of well being and invigorating peace. I'd love to see everyone at Somerset House greeting each other how strangers do in remote countryside communities. Simple and yet so rewarding. It's also just good manners, isn't it?

I'm pretty sure Fred's bumble bee collection will be putting a big smile on our faces on Monday morning when the presentation will take place from 9-11 at Somerset House. 

IRISH DESIGNERS CREATE: J.W ANDERSON HITS DUBLIN

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

 I've just got back from a blissful week in Ireland where I did virtually nothing fashion related- my days were filled with swimming in the freezing Irish sea, scrambling up a mountain or two in County Wicklow and fulfilling a long-held ambition to see the super dapper Oscar Wilde sculpture in Merrion Square, Dublin which wears a rather fabulous smoking jacket crafted from jade green and ruby red stone which I'm sure would get the seal of approval from the aesthete himself. On my travels, I did manage to pop into Brown Thomas, the department store which is to Ireland what Harvey Nichols is to Britain and most lately famous as the location Harper Beckham chose to take her first steps in public. I thought it was brilliant and could have spent far longer in there than my fidgety boyfriend allowed.

Irish designers on show at Brown Thomas until 9th September (image from irishtimes.com)

Today is time to get to get back to reality but my "Back to School" feeling was interrupted by tweets from J.W Anderson who is in Dublin to launch this year's Irish Designers Create project which sees a mix of Eire's finest emerging and established fashion designers taking over an area in Brown Thomas in a bid to promote Irish design talent. Mr J- Dubz (originally from Derry) is the biggest Irish name buzzing in fashion right now, but back in the day he worked on the Brown Thomas shop floor to earn his pennies while he was studying. He obviously still has a special place in his heart for Brown Thomas as he tweeted "Obsessed with @brownthomas the store is on another level so modern so sharp.❤❤❤".

J.W Anderson at Brown Thomas this morning (via @LauraJDwyer)

J.W Anderson jumpers in Brown Thomas today(from http://thegloss.posterous.com/full-circle)

Shelley Corkery is Brown Thomas' Fashion Director and came up with the initiative to promote Irish design in this way last year, when the first Create project took place. She describes the "incredible synergy" of exciting talent and one of Ireland's best loved retailers. From now until 9th September, the first floor of the Dublin store (there are also branches in Cork, Limerick and Galway) will become a hub for discovering the likes of Sorcha O'Raghallaigh, who has created numerous outfits for Lady Gaga including that madcap wedding dress which she wore on the Graham Norton show, and Riona Treacy, whose embroidery work featured in Alexander McQueen's final collection. There is also gorgeous looking knitwear from Lisa Shawgi and witty digital printed silks from Natalie B Coleman.

So if you're a week behind me and anywhere close to Dublin over the next week or so then get yourself  to Brown Thomas to discover the great and good of Irish design.

Sorcha O' Raghallaigh with looks from her collection "The world forgetting by the world" which was inspired by the film The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and the Day of the Dead festival (image courtesy of Brown Thomas)

Lady Gaga wearing a Miss Havisham-esque wedding dress created for her by Sorcha O'Raghallaigh (gagafashionland.com)

Riona Treacy's form flattering prints are also part of the Irish Designers Create initiative (image from www.BrownThomas.com)

See here for the full list of designers and more info

THE WEEK IN FASHION: JUNE 11th- 15th

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

It's been a long but thoroughly fascinating and jam-packed week here at FEAL HQ- we were at Graduate Fashion Week for most of the start of the week and came up for a quick breather yesterday before the start of Menswear mini-week today. Of course, we couldn't let the weekend come without bringing fashion news back after a two week absence...

GQ Editor Dylan Jones, Prince Charles, Harold Tilman and Caroline Rush at last night's event (image from  dailymail.co.uk)

The spotlight is on London's menswear designers this weekend as London Collections: Men gets underway with three days of shows and showrooms at the Hospital Club. There was a fancy launch party last hosted by Prince Charles at St James' Palace.  Incidentally, HRH has begun looking rather more dapper of late- maybe he's been taking style advice in advance of London's first run of dedicated men's shows. He was certainly keen to hear Tom Ford's tips on nail care, as Derek Blasberg tweeted last night. Also in attendance were Tinie Tempah and David Walliams, both known for their suave ensembles. However, Prince Charles' closest rival in the style stakes was BFC chairman, Harold Tilman who was as exquisitely turned out as ever. It'll be a varied few days with everyone from brilliantly bonkers Meadham Kirchhoff to Savile Row stalwarts Hardy Amies showing collections.

Wintour inspects SJP's house in advance of the party (image from dailymail.co.uk)

Not be outdone by London's show of the marriage of fashion and state affairs, America has seen Anna Wintour transcend her role of Vogue Editor to become one of Obama's major fundraisers. In her latest quest to secure the President a second term, Wintour teamed up with Sarah Jessica Parker to hold a dinner at the actress's home last night. Solange Knowles and Meryl Streep were among those who attended. Mr and Mrs Obama even popped in to greet the attendees. Rumour has it that Wintour might be rewarded for her efforts- which have seen her raise $500,000 so far- with the role of American Ambassador to London. How extraordinary would that be?

Maison Martin Margiela AW12... Now for H&M too (image from cat walking.com)

There has been much excitement about the announcement of two pretty major new designer/ high street collaborations this week. First to be revealed was H&M's latest venture, this time with Maison Martin Maison Margiela- a big surprise which sent fashion-savvy tweeters into a frenzy, imagining what might come from the collection and discussing whether Mr Margiela would ever have allowed this. After all, he left the business in 2009, leaving the design in the hands of long term colleagues while Diesel's Renzo Rosso gained ownership. I, for one, hope the collection- out on 15th November- will offer some immaculately cut trousers and jackets, a few dramatic curveballs and a smattering of bags and shoes in the vein of the spacey hi-tops currently on offer in the main collection.

In the mean time, H&M have released this teaser video to show what the collection could look like...



The next announcement was less surprising but equally exciting- Topshop let it be known that their next designer collection would come from one of the hottest kids on the London block right now, J.W Anderson- or J Dubs as he is more affectionately known. The collection will comprise the key ideas from Jonathan's design career to date. There are also plans for a second drop early in 2013. In a bit of a twist to the collaboration idea, the range will also include items which the designer himself has picked out such as books, rubik's cubes and memory sticks. J.W Anderson themed life, here we come!

J.W Anderson AW12... Now for Topshop too (image from catwalking.com)

Louboutin's signature red soles (image from www.scwimmerlegal.com)

Christian Louboutin's battle to retain his red sole trademark took another sad turn this week when he lost his case against Zara. The high street giant had produced red soled heels similar to Louboutin's YoYo style. However, the French courts ruled that the trademark was too vague and ordered Louboutin to pay £2,000 to Zara as compensation. An awful outcome for Louboutin whose name is extricably linked to the red sole, no matter who else tries to copy it- don't we think? 

Kate King walks the catwalk at the Louvre for Ferragamo (image from style.com)

Seasoned fashion week attendees will know that Paris's Louvre museum complex has in the past hosted Paris Fashion Week  (it's now a quick walk away in the Tuileries Gardens). However, there has never been a show which takes place amongst the precious works of art which hang in the Louvre's galleries. Until this week that is, when Salvatore Ferragamo showed their Resort collection in the Denon Wing. It looks like a grand affair complete with celebrities (Hilary Swank) and one of Paris' longest ever catwalks at 140m. There's little doubt that its affiliation with the La Sainte Anne: Leonardo Da Vinci's Ultimate Masterpiece takes the Ferragamo brand's already considerable glamour factor up a notch or ten.

Muhammad Ali for Louis Vuitton (image from vogue.co.uk)

Louis Vuitton unveiled the latest star of their Core Values campaign this week. Muhammad Ali is pictured alongside his gorgeous grandson Laila Ali at his Arizona home. The image is tagged with the line "Some stars show you the way". According to Yves Carcelle, Louis Vuitton's Chairman and CEO "this captures the idea of transmission, which is of great significance to Louis Vuitton". Annie Leibovitz took the shot which shows a bag from the Core Values travel collection open beneath Ali's leg.

Lady Gaga on the first cover she did for US Vogue in March 2011 (image from WWD)

Get set for a peak in Lady Gaga mania come September when her first ever perfume is set to launch. Rumour has it that she has already been shot for the cover of Vogue's September issue by Mert and Marcus. Images of the perfume, which Gaga previously said would smell  of "blood and semen", have also been leaked this week. It's been noted that the leaked bottle images look remarkably similar to Mugler's Alien bottle design. The super sweet perfume from Mugler, a brand Gaga has often worked closely with, is about as far from bodily fluids as you get so maybe the similarity ends at the bottle?

Gaga Fame vs. Mugler's Alien (image from Huffington Post)

Finally, if you enjoy horses, great eyeliner and stars and stripes hot pants then you will adore Azealia Banks' video for her new single Liquorice. It's directed by Rankin and styled by Nicola Formichetti. Apparently it was filmed in Paris- if anyone can tell me where the rugged, cliff- enhanced outback is around Paris I'd love to know- nevertheless I love it. Happy Weekend!

THE WEEK IN FASHION: APRIL 16th- 20th

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

First up this week, huge congratulations are in order for Alex Fury who is to become Editor of LOVE magazine, leaving his current position as Fashion Director at SHOWSTUDIO.com. Here at FEAL, we are huge admirers of Alex's unmatched dedication and fashion geek factor. We always look forward to his  unique perspective in the reviews he posts from fashion weeks.

Alex Fury in Maarten Van Der Horst for Dazed Digital (from www.dazeddigital.com)

Today also happens to be the launch date of Fashion East designer Maarten Van Der Horst's collection for Topshop. Alex has been modelling the Aloha shirt from the range for Dazed Digital. Also loving the Topshop carrier bag booties!

Aquascutum's factory was established in 1851 (image from www.aquascutum.com)

The other big fashion story which has really pulled at our heartstrings, but for all the wrong reasons, this week is the news that historic Brit brand Aquascutum has gone into administration. It was then confirmed yesterday that the factory in Corby will close. This means that the 115 employees will be made redundant. The move apparently comes from an attempt to secure the jobs of the company's remaining 135 staff. In an ironic coincidence, Burberry- a brand with a heritage easily compared to Aquascutum's- is still going strong, forecasting profits of £372m for 2011. According to EDITD, the past few months have actually been extremely good for Aquascutum, their online fan base grew by over 67% over fashion month- the biggest percentage rise of any brand. Aquascutum is now looking for a buyer to revive its fortunes- somebody who can take the strength of Joanna Sykes' design ethos and use it to give the brand back its appeal.

The super cute Jospeh Altuzarra with a model dressed in pieces from his J.Crew collection (image from www.fashionologie.com)

This week the highly anticipated J.Crew collaboration with Joseph Altuzarra was finally unveiled. Both these labels usually present me with the exact kind of things I want to wear, J.Crew being a little more achievable than Altuzarra. I was ready to pay massive shipping costs to get my hands on a piece from the collection. But I mentally shopped too soon. I'm not saying I don't love a Breton stripe top or a gingham summer dress, but I expect I, and most other women who might buy this, already have several of those. They're boring wardrobe staples, not pieces you would expect one of America's hottest designers to produce. I love that Altuzarra was inspired by 'what Jean Seberg wore in Breathless and by pictures of "Brigitte Bardot walking around St-Tropez in espadrilles and a slouchy boy's sweater" but the pieces just don't have the fashion element I was expecting. I think plenty of American women will be pleased to re-stock their wardrobe with Altuzarra's classic staples but I think I'll just have to save up for the real thing... Pamela Love and Creatures of the Wind collaborations are also on their way from J.Crew.

Jean Seberg in Breathless (image from www.fashioninfilms.com)

He may have been dogged by recent rumours that Stefano Pilati is being lined up to replace him but it seems Giorgio Armani is still very much at the helm. His latest venture is designing Lady Gaga's costumes for her upcoming sold-out tour. Mr Armani's designs are right up Gaga's street with latex, crystals and plexiglass detailing galore. He said 'Collaborating with Lady Gaga is always an exciting experience for me. I admire the way she uses fashion as a scenic element and as a means to build a character'. The outfits will be worn by Gaga during the Asian leg of the 'Born This Way Ball" tour.

Gaga's guitars (and keyboard) get up, by Giorgio Armani (image from www.telegraph.co.uk)

We have a lot of shop news for you this week... first up is Celine who will be opening a store on Mount Street after a three year absence from London's streets following the closure of the New Bond Street store shortly after Phoebe Philo joined the label. Form an orderly queue at the current site of Jordan International Bank people. While we're speaking of Mount Street, Oscar de la Renta will soon open his first UK store in the premises currently occupied by Nicky Clarke. We're sad to hear that Isabel Marant's first London shop will now be opening in September rather than July as previously planned- we'll have to wait  little longer to get the full Marant experience. I am most excited by whispers that Givenchy and Erdem are looking for possible London store sites.

An Erdem shop, yes please! (image from catwalking.com)

Another week, another Olympic outfit unveiled by bother designer looking to win gold in the fashion stakes. This instalment comes from Ralph Lauren who is kitting out the American team for the closing ceremony. Whatever we all had to say about Stella's Olympic outfits, at least they don't seem to involve all white baker boy caps. I quite like the belted dress though. What do you think?

The US ladies' costume for the closing ceremony from Ralph Lauren (image from www.wwd.com)

We have another, properly exciting reason to get into the Queen's Jubilee celebrations- Karl Lagerfeld is to provide commentary on the day's outfits for French TV, as he did for the Royal Wedding. The Chanel designer is infamous for his acerbic tongue e.g his 'short skirts on fat legs' comment regarding the wedding guests. He'll appear on France 2, can we get that here?!

King Karl is set to give his view on the Jubilee outfits (image from www.galleryoftheabsurd.com)

A couple of news bites....

Carine Roitfeld has teamed up with MAC to create her own range of make-up. It'll be out in the Autumn we hear, the same time that her magazine 'CR Fashion Book' will debut.

Carven has been chosen to be Guest Designer at this year's Pitti Uomo. Lapo Cianchi, Director of Communications for Pitti Uomo said that Carven “harmonized perfectly with the general trend we are promoting at Pitti Uomo: a new, sartorial elegance and affordable luxury in men’s wear.”

The CFDA and BFC this week confirmed the dates for NY and London fashion weeks for the next two years. The announcement brings to an end a few months of wrangling over dates. It seems that Paris and Milan have stood firm on certain demands, meaning that New York will now have to begin earlier than usual.

Keith Varty with his partner Alan Cleaver and a model, in 1987(from WWD)

Finally, Keith Varty who designed Byblos during the 1980s died last week aged just 60. His friend Joan Burstein, founder of Browns said this in tribute:

"Keith Varty was the first of the first that set a standard, he was a young innovative British designer. Keith worked for Dorothee Bis in Paris before being wowed over to Italy by Gianni Versace, who then worked at Byblos. After two successful years, Keith Varty and Alan Cleaver took over. The collections could have been as modern today as it was then. He bought an infusion of talent from Britain into the Italian market."

Byblos from Spring 1992 (image from WWD)

The FashEd and I are off to enjoy the delights of the Vogue Festival now. Have wonderful weekends! 

ADVENT DAY 4: OPEN THE DOOR ON THE WORLD OF CARINE

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

Carine's Irreverent £42 at Amazon

It's the fashion book of the year from former French Vogue Editor Carine Roitfeld. This tome is full of fabulous photos, anecdotes and mementoes from her career thus far as well as intimate pictures with her family and friends. We think anybody who loves fashion would regret not having this close to hand.

'Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it's not medicine' Donatella Versace

Lady Gaga's new video is so many things, on so many levels... but she does confirm that 'mint green is gonna be huge next season'... Her 13-minute long Marry The Night Video really needs a Sunday-like time void to be properly viewed. 

THE WEEK IN FASHION: 14th-18th NOVEMBER

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

It's a case of fashion mirroring life this week as we bring you news of births and deaths and, er, rebirths. It's been pretty dramatic actually.

Tom Ford SS12

American Vogue has just released the very first pictures of Tom Ford's SS12 collection (photographed by the multitalented Mr Ford himself). The former Gucci designer had decreed that the designs he showcased in a highly exclusive catwalk show should not be seen until now to avoid people becoming bored of them before they were available to buy. However, he suffered something of a backlash when fashion editors including The Guardian's Jess Cartner-Morley and Le Figaro's Virginie Mouzat wrote negative reviews not only of the clothes but also of that approach to showing. Sarah Mower's interview with Ford, which is posted beneath the pictures, reveals that Ford will revert to intimate showroom presentations for his next collection, emphasising the necessity to explain each look in detail. Furthermore, Ford claims that he designs in response to what his customers want, hence all the flounced mini dresses. Now that we can see for ourselves, what are your thoughst?

Tom Ford SS12

Tom Ford SS12 (All images from American Vogue)

Evelyn, her husband Leonard and Estée (from WWD)

On Sunday, the sad news arrived that Evelyn Lauder, daughter in law of Estée, had died at the age of 75 from Ovarian Cancer, having suffered Breast Cancer in the past. Evelyn not only played an instrumental role in growing Estée Lauder from a small family business into one of the world's biggest beauty companies but she also made a profound contribution to raising awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Research. In 1989, she was diagnosed with the disease and went on to spearhead the Pink Ribbon campaign which has now become a widely recognised symbol of support. The fact that Evelyn's childhood was marred by her family's escape from Nazi-occupied Europe only makes her lifetime achievements more incredible. The New York Times' obituary has some fascinating insights into Evelyn's life.

The Lauder family. Evelyn is seated, hugged by her son. Estée is in the white hat (from WWD)

In happier news, it's time to congratulate Julia Restoin Roitfeld, daughter of Carine, who's expecting her first baby. Somehow we can't imagine Carine sitting down to knit booties or change a nappy quite yet but I think we can safely say that this could be the best dressed grandchild on the planet once it arrives in May. A day out with Grandma Roitfeld could involve anything from sitting FROW at fashion week to crawling around on a Chanel shoot... Lucky babes!

Julia with boyfriend and baby daddy, Robert Konjic (image from thevoguediaries.com)

Versace Couture SS09 (images from audreysworld.blogspot.com)

 This week has, let's admit it, been rather dominated by the launch of Versace's collection for H&M. Just a couple of days before the brand went high street, it was announced that they would be swinging right back the other way in January with the re-introduction of a couture show. It's set to take place on January 23rd, the first day of the couture week. WWD points out that Versace has still been doing couture during its seven year absence from the schedule, opting to keep to more discreet appointments. I guess now that the world is buzzing with Versace frenzy, it's a good time to capitalise on keeping up the momentum. I can't imagine we'll see the queues we saw yesterday though!

Versace Couture SS09

Marc Jacobs' SS12 London press day had to be cancelled yesterday after the collection was stolen during its journey from Paris. Some have pointed the finger at counterfeiters who might be out to copy the collection.  Or could it be a sneaky ploy by Dior HQ to harangue Jacobs into becoming their Head Designer? Whoever the culprits are, one thing's for sure- they will be easily identified by their translucent flapper dresses and general 'thirties meets future' vibe. No word of a reward for information as yet...

Missing: Have you seen this Marc Jacobs SS12? (Image from www.lloyd-evans.com)

The best ad campaigns are the ones which get everyone talking; Benetton have certainly achieved that this week with their latest set of images which depict world-famous figures kissing one another. If you can see the lighter side of the world's current woes then these are very entertaining. However, the Vatican were not in a humorous mood about the image which shows the Pope in embrace with Mohammed Ahmed al-Tayeb, an Egyptian Grand Sheik. The Guardian reports that Fr Federico Lombardi said: "We must express the firmest protest for this absolutely unacceptable use of the image of the Holy Father, manipulated and exploited in a publicity campaign with commercial ends. This shows a grave lack of respect for the pope, an offence to the feelings of believers, a clear demonstration of how publicity can violate the basic rules of respect for people by attracting attention with provocation." There is a deeper message to Benetton's images though; they support Unhate which is campaigning for a world free from hate culture, what's to object to about that?

The Pope with Mohammed Ahmed al-Tayeb

Angela Merkel and Nicholas Sarcozy get cosy (Images from dailymail.co.uk)

 On Sunday, the surprise news emerged that Tamara Mellon would be leaving her role at Jimmy Choo, the company she has ushered from small time cobbler to one of the world's best known accessories brands. On Sunday evening, there was an impeccably timed advert for Jimmy Choo perfume during X Factor which starred Mellon herself. A firm reminder to those in the industry that she knows exactly how to play the game. Speculation that Mellon will be launching her own name brand before too long is already mounting. The fashion world's eyes are sure to be closely watching how Jimmy Choo and Tamara Mellon get on without one another. Lisa Armstrong is sure that we should expect plenty more from Mellon...

Mellon starring in Jimmy Choo's perfume campaign (image from nytimes.com)

In case you hadn't noticed, Lady Gaga has been in the UK this week and while she's here she has been taking advantage of the opportunity to showcase designs by some of London's finest. It must have been love at first sight for Gaga and the Roksanda Ilincic dress which she was seen out and about in just an hour after it was sent to her on Wednesday! She's also worn two outfits from Osman Yousefzada's SS12 collection and a look from Simone Rocha's first standalone collection which comprised a beautiful array of trapped lace pieces. It looks like Gaga has developed her look recently after parting from her long time stylist and collaborator Laurieann Gibson earlier this month. Here at FEAL, we're loving the Gaga London look, long may it continue!

Gaga in Simone Rocha (image from graziadaily.co.uk)

In Osman (image from telegraph.co.uk)

In Roksanda Ilincic (image from telegraph.co.uk)

Sample Sale Alert! Next Friday 25th November, Mawi jewellers will be having a massive sample sale with up to 80% off usual prices. It'll be at MAWI STUDIO, 2, Nimrod Passage, London. N1 4BU from 9am to 8pm. Just in time for Christmas!

This necklace will be reduced from £810 to £300

This L'Wren Scott dress is $999 from $2145; in ££ that's about £500.... not bad. Gilt.com

Last night the FashEd had dinner with Kevin Ryan and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson the founder and co-founder of the hugely successful American flash sale site gilt.com at the Savoy. The occasion was the firm making its discounted stock available for UK and European shipping for the first time. Think of the site as TK Maxx online, but whereas TK Maxx run their shops with a less is more approach, Gilt.com is a slick package, and trying to make discounted luxury feel sexy and special.


Joining the site is free, and once a UK member you can log on every day at 5pm to gain access to 20 flash sales. What fun. Today’s bargains come from, among others, L’Wren Scott. You have to but in $$ but with the current exchange rate, this is a good thing! We would encourage you to join now at Gilt.com.