Designer Alexander Wang has skin that glows as if lit from within. But don’t begrudge him that. The man works for it! Alexander follows a complex skincare regime day in and day out. It’s not your standard cleanse, tone, moisturise type of situ either. Alexander’s skincare programme includes a range of exotic ingredients such as sheep placenta. Yes. Sheep placenta.

“I’m a diva when it comes to skin care,” he announced at a New York fashion event this week.

“I use a lot of placenta and a lot of stuff that smells like it shouldn’t be put on your face . . . Things that really burn your face and make your face really red. But then you wake up in the morning and you’re like, ‘Oh s*&^ … I look amazing!’ ”

In Australia skincare products that include sheep placenta are common. They sell mainly in chemists and duty free stores where they’re popular with Japanese and Chinese women, many of whom believe they can brighten skin.

Many of the creams and lotions claim they can refine skin and boost collagen, but there’s little evidence to back these claims up.

Turns out there isn't much evidence to back up these claims either.

"Placenta creams are in the same category as creams with stem cells," dermatologist Patricia Farris told beauty.

"None of them have been tested, and nobody has even looked at what's in them very scientifically."

It might also pay to consider that none of the major beauty houses produce a range that includes sheep placenta. This is likely because they’re yet to see the benefit outweigh any kind of risk. That said, they may very well get on the bandwagon and in the very near future.

And when and if they do, Alexander Wang will be the first person to say ‘I told you so’.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/bridesmaid-dresses

The happy news, dahlings, is that New York-based Ilonggo designer Rafe Totengco has collaborated with dominant fashion lifestyle brand Bench for a capsule collection that combines his Filipino heritage with his Big Apple sensibilities.

“Rafe X Bench” is a collection that shines with the Filipino spirit. All of the pieces are wearable and meant to be “worn multiple times, with as many combinations as possible,” as Rafe himself put it.

“Every bit of a practical collection, it makes use of materials such as lightweight denim for the clothes and cotton canvas for the bags,” he explained. “This is an assortment that capitalizes on comfort, without skimping on style. Mix them, match them, maximize them.”

The idea, palangga, is to get as much mileage as you can out of each Rafe X Bench piece.

Two weeks ago, the unisex collection was unveiled before Manille’s fashion community via a runway show-cum-press launch at the Playground, Bench Tower, Bonifacio Global City.

Hosted by Joey Mead-King, the event transported everyone to the city that inspired the creative genius in Rafe. From the backdrop down to the background music, the Bench Tower basement became the Big Apple.

Headliners were Bench endorsers Diego Loyzaga, Derrick Monasterio and Gabbi Garcia, who are also the faces of the Rafe X Bench campaign.

Other personalities who wore the New York street-ready pieces were chef JP Anglo, interior designer Nix Alanon, publicist Charmaine Palermo and new “Bench-setter” Mathew Custodio.

The show was a fabulous way of saying “Champion ka gid, Rafe!” by another champion of retail, Bench.

The Rafe X Bench capsule collection

is now at select Bench stores nationwide.

Baskin-Robbins

One of the world’s most loved ice cream brands, Baskin-Robbins, recently opened its 14th branch at B8, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, to spread more delightfully cool happiness around our town.

A sprawling tent was set up to create the feel of an ice cream festival. It had yummy booths such as Waffle Wonderland and Fundae Sundae; there were also booths for face painting and balloons.

Guests and lucky shoppers were treated to unlimited Baskin-Robbins in various new flavors, such as Love Potion 31 Dark, Crème Brûlée and my favorite, Choco Choco Chip Cheesecake, which were served in customized, freshly baked waffle cones in whimsical colors and shapes like waffle tacos, fortune cookies and waffle bowls.

Customers were also treated to a special one-time offer of scoops for only P31.

“We are grateful that the grand opening celebration of our new store was well-attended and enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Michael Dargani, president of IceDream Inc., exclusive licensee of Baskin-Robbins in the Philippines. “This is exactly what Baskin-Robbins is all about, with its wide appeal and flavor variety. It’s got something for everyone!”

Baskin-Robbins is also at Uptown Place Mall, Central Square and SM Aura, all in Taguig; Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 2 and 5 in Makati; Fairview Terraces and TriNoma in Quezon City; and Solenad in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Visit www.baskinrobbins.ph.

Cinderella’s CSR campaigns

For the past 60 years and counting, Cinderella has made high-quality foreign and local fashion brands available to the Philippine market.

But Cinderella is not only into fashion.

“We are also devoted to fulfilling our social responsibility to nature,” said Richard Coronel Santos, Cinderella VP for international brands.

The environmental campaign, according to Santos, started in 1991 with the project “Work with Nature Not Against It.”

This was followed by “Be True to Your Nature.”

In 2008, Cinderella collaborated with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.-Bantay Kalikasan for the “Work with Nature: Think Green” campaign.

“This year, as we celebrate our 25th year on this corporate social responsibility project, we are reviving the campaign in partnership with

ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation-Bantay Kalikasan to strengthen our efforts in giving back to nature and helping raise awareness on environmental issues,” explained Santos.

Joining him at the launch were Cinderella executives Malou Coronel de Venecia and Christina Coronel de Venecia, and ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya managing director Susan Rachel Afan.

Part of the campaign is the Cinderella artwork competition. Three winners were selected and awarded cash and shopping passes at Cinderella. Their winning designs will be used in a fashion collection that will be unveiled in March 2017.Read more at:sexy formal dresses | cheap formal dresses

AN AFRICAN fashion designer says she is determined to create ‘employment opportunities’ and bring about ‘economic growth’ for the continent through her own label.

Set to launch an exclusive boutique in East London this winter, Isatu Harrison, the founder of Izelia, told the Voice Online that she felt it was incumbent upon those who came from Africa to play a role in the economic development of the continent.

Having launched Izelia at Africa Fashion Week in August 2014 and London Fashion Week in the same year, Harrison has seen the stock of her brand rise steadily over the last 24 months.

Born in the Eastern town of Kono, Sierra Leone, Harrison was raised by her entrepreneurial single mother with her three siblings.

She hails her mother as her biggest inspiration and influence having watched her work hard to design outfits for herself and others using traditional West African tie-dyed prints.

Drawing from her Sierra Leonean heritage Harrison has created a modern and sophisticated range of ready to wear pieces, positioning themselves as a brand for those who want to make an impression in stylish and colourful outfits with high quality fabrics and structured tailoring.

Each piece features a new twist on African-inspired fashion and Harrison’s own signature style of design.

Harrison’s boutique in East London will also be organising training programmes and apprenticeships opportunities for immigrants and first generation citizens in fashion design.

She said: “I intend to inspire and assist women in rural Sierra Leone, be a voice for these women and young creatives.

“Whilst the brand is becoming well entrenched in the UK, as an African, I feel I have a role to play in the economic development of my continent. Through Izelia, I wish to invest long-term in Sierra Leone’s private sector and I am interested in developing manufacturing, as well as production factories and establishing additional outlets in Africa.

“I am proud to be among a growing crop of entrepreneurs who are creating employment opportunities and bringing economic growth to our countries across Africa.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-canberra | http://www.marieaustralia.com/plus-size-formal-dresses

A BOURNEMOUTH amputee model has proved there are no limits to a disability after jetting to Moscow to strut his stuff on the catwalk.

Jack Eyers, who is a personal trainer at FitSpace Gym, has represented charity Models of Diversity by opening the Bezgraniz Couture show at Russian Fashion Week.

The 26-year-old, who had his right leg amputated aged 16 and has since appeared on the front cover of Men’s Health and made appearances at shows in New York and LA, said he hopes he can inspire young people with a disability.

He said: “I’m over the moon at being selected for this prestigious event and delighted to be at such a great international fashion show.

Jack, who is also a campaigner for disability charity Scope, added: “Russian Fashion Week attracts a huge following and I hope to raise awareness of our campaign to make it possible for models like me to have a chance to change the face of fashion and modelling.”

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Jack was born with rare condition Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency which meant his right leg did not grow properly and he elected to have his leg amputated when he was 16.

He has since turned his life around becoming a model, actor, personal trainer and campaigner.

Models of Diversity is the campaign for more diversity in the models people see every day.

Founder of the charity, Angel Sinclair said: “I met Jack four years ago when he contacted me after the Paralympic Games in London. His poise and relaxed manner struck me immediately and he has now been involved in a number of international events for us and is a great ambassador for all those young people with a disability who would like to break into fashion.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/cheap-formal-dresses | www.marieaustralia.com/vintage-formal-dresses

Foreign fashion designers, stylists, photographers, models, and others working professionally in the fashion industry may find themselves in a bind if they are offered work in the U.S. No matter their level of esteem within the industry, all international models need to obtain the proper type of visa in order to work in the U.S. – even if just for New York Fashion Week. Similarly, fashion professionals – such as non-American designers taking the helm of a U.S.-based brand (à la Belgian design force Raf Simons, who recently took the reigns at Calvin Klein) – cannot do so without the proper employment authorization. So, what are the options?

While there may be a few options depending on a person’s background and experience. The H-1B visa is a popular option, particularly for models of distinguished merit and ability. This type of visa does not come without its downsides; only 65,000 are granted each year to non-master's degree holders and they are highly coveted. In 2013, for instance, the U.S. government announced that within the first five days of the filing period, it had received upwards of 124,000 petitions for the 65,000 H-1B slots. As such, the timing of filing itself a very important factor in determining whether or not the H-1B is even an option.

The O-1 extraordinary ability visa is another one to consider. The O-1 visa is noteworthy has it allows for individuals to freelance for multiple employers or work for just one employer. Moreover, an annual limit does not exist for the number of O-1 visas issued each year.

While the “Extraordinary Ability” standard may seem like a particularly high bar to meet, the immigration regulations provide a formulaic approach to how these petitions are evaluated and adjudicated. If you have received or been nominated for significant national or international awards or prizes in the particular field, such as an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy or Director's Guild Award then you are in a really good position to apply for the O-1. If you haven’t reached this level of acclaim, then you need to submit evidence of at least (3) three of the following:

• Performed and will perform services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts or endorsements;

• Achieved national or international recognition for achievements, as shown by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the beneficiary in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications;

• Performed and will perform in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;

• A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as shown by such indicators as title, rating or standing in the field, box office receipts, motion picture or television ratings and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers or other publications;

• Received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field in which the beneficiary is engaged, with the testimonials clearly indicating the author's authority, expertise and knowledge of the beneficiary's achievements; and/or

• A high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field, as shown by contracts or other reliable evidence.

While you cannot self-sponsor for the O-1 visa, if you have your own company – an entity that is separate from yourself – your company may be able to sponsor you, assuming that you meet certain additional criteria. So, if you want to be considered for the O-1 visa, get those portfolios in order, get publicity, and get members of the fashion elite to write letters on your behalf. With the right approach, it might not be long before you are on your way to the U.S., visa in hand.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/cheap-formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-perth

If you’re interested in shooting production sets, like with fashion photography, you’re going to need to build a team beyond yourself. The truth of the matter is that your success will depend on who you know and what they can do for you. As blatant as that sounds, it’s the nitty-gritty truth about building a team.

Commercial photography is a production and a collaborative effort. It takes a team of creative individuals to create jaw-dropping images, and those same relationships can create new opportunities for you on the business side. I've had the pleasure of working alongside some really talented individuals with a lot more connections that I had and it benefit me in the long run. With that being said, you'll ll have to learn how to effectively work with others, along with respecting their individual responsibilities if you're going to make things work with your team. This is where building solid relationships comes into play.

Building a team of talented creative minds is a lot easier than it sounds. Let me start off by admitting that the individuals that I'm currently working with are not the same individuals that I started working with. Why? I trade up. In theory, you want to find a team and grow together as a family. In reality, if someone isn't growing with you, then you put them on the sideline for a bit until they're pulling their weight.

Before I begin defining roles and responsibilities for each creative individual, it's vital to understand the importance of knowing how to effectively work with others. It can mean the difference between success and failure as a photographer.

Makeup artists are modern-day magicians. A great makeup artist can create the illusion of clear skin, enhance facial features, define eyes, and transform models into visual perfection before you even open Adobe Photoshop. I've found that at minimum, I require a talented makeup artist on set to create stunning images. Yes, you can still create beautiful images without one, but their efforts will save you hours of post processing. Finding a great makeup artist is truly a godsend, since it can mean the difference between creating an amazing image or utter crud.

I've found many makeup artists that I've worked with on Instagram by searching the hashtag MUA (short for Makeup Artist). You'd be surprised by the sheer number of MUAs in larger cities who are activelyworking in the fashion industry. Instagram has become an invaluable resource when trying to see before and after photos, behind the scenes, or even who they've worked with in the past. It's basically a photo resume.

Alternatively, I've found great MUAs though Model Mayhem (MM), although MM has an unfortunate reputation for unreliable and questionable “professionals” because of its fairly lenient user policies. ANYONE can be listed as a professional on MM, in a couple of quick keystrokes. The trick to making MM work for you is learning how to weed through the coal and finding that one diamond in the rough. How? Through reference checks and interviews. It may sound archaic, but it is effective. Ask for references. Do you know any photographers that they’ve work with in the past? Ask for their opinion on the MUA’s skill level, professionalism, or even their personality. Setup a meeting before you work together to discuss ideas, exchange portfolios and get to know one another. If a MUA shows up for coffee at your local coffee house, they’re more likely to show up on the day of your shoot. It’s really that simple.

In addition to social media, I’ve found some great MUAs through client referrals and referrals from models that I’ve worked with. If you don’t have access to a large network on social media because you live in a smaller city, consider meeting MUAs the old fashion way, in person. Most MUAs freelance at stores likeSephora, MAC, etc. Don’t be afraid to talk to the MUAs at your local mall.

Wardrobe stylists are in charge of curating the clothing and accessories for your photo shoot. A professional stylist will borrow pieces from designer showrooms, in exchange for the publicity your fashion editorial will bring the designers. Note that most aspiring wardrobe stylists will begin by buying and returning items from retail stores. The wardrobe stylist would be responsible for making sure that the clothing is returned and undamaged in those rare cases.

A strong wardrobe stylist is one who can put together strong editorial styling consistently even with thesimplest of outfits. In order to have a complete fashion editorial, a stylist will have to put together a goal of six to eight different, but cohesive, looks. If the six to eight looks are not cohesive, or do not fit the aesthetic of the magazine, the editorial will not be published. In addition, it’s important to have a stylist who is reliable, timely, and professional.

Great stylists are generally already working with amazing photographers. If your photography is up to parwith who they’re currently working with, you shouldn’t have any issues emailing them and requesting to work with them. If, however, you’re still trying to find your niche, developing your style, or you’re just learning how to turn your camera on, then focus on working with an aspiring stylist.

The quickest way I've found stylists to work with was by skimming magazines for styling credits. By figuring out who styled a particular fashion editorial, I could quickly obtain their contact information. A quick Google search would provide me with their home city, portfolio, and who they had worked with before. This is all crucial information you’d want before working with someone.

These days, I’ve seen an assortment of stylists on Instagram. Stylists, much like makeup artists, lovebehind-the-scenes photos. You’d be surprised just how quickly you can find a stylist by searching the hashtag stylist. Lastly, don’t be afraid to skim through Model Mayhem portfolios!

Hair stylists specialize in hair artistry. A trained hair stylist should be able to, at minimum, blow-dry hair, braid hair, and style men and women’s hair, while specialized hair stylists can excel in niche field, such as cutting, coloring, highlighting, and styling. If the shoot requires extensions or specialized tools, those responsibilities are up to the hair stylists.

Some hair stylists are extremely proficient with working with certain textures and types of hair. Not all hair stylists know how to style African American and Spanish hair, since it requires a different finesse and technique than working with Asian hair. As you’re skimming through a hair stylist’s portfolio, be aware of what types of clients or models they generally work with. You’d be surprised how many hair stylists just aren’t comfortable or capable of working with certain types of hair.

As you’d expect, you can find hair stylists at your local salon, but did you know that you can contact your local cosmetology school and request to work with someone? If you have a ‘pull letter’ or are looking to ‘test’ with a hair stylist, don’t be afraid to contact your local cosmetology school. There are many aspiring hair stylists who would absolutely love the opportunity to work on an editorial styled shoot for their portfolio.

I’ve also found many hair stylists I’ve worked with by looking at the credits in the publications I’ve worked with. Be sure to compliment them for their work and note why you would love to work with them.

Finally, you’ll find quite a few hair stylists using Model Mayhem and other social media platforms likeInstagram, Facebook and Twitter. A quick search of the hashtag #hairstylist will point you in the right direction.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/orange-formal-dresses | www.marieaustralia.com/purple-formal-dresses

For the very first time the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands will take part in a grand fashion event in the country that will showcase the collaborative work of Dutch and Filipino designers to cap the ongoing “Manila Fashion Festival Now” on October 27.

To be held at the New World Makati Hotel, the fashion show is likewise the culminating event of a fashion exchange program that has been part of the anniversary celebrations of 65 years of diplomatic ties, and 150 years of consular ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands.

Launched in February, the anniversary celebrations, themed “Inspire Innovation: Leading Sustainable Innovations toward a Progressive World,” highlight the importance of new solutions for sustainable development while capitalizing on the common interests of Dutch and Filipinos.

“This collaboration between the talented fashion designers from the Philippines and the Netherlands provides an amazing opportunity to pave the way for sustainable fashion to be weaved into the future of design,” shares Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Marion Derckx.

As part of the program, the Dutch participants Zena Ankersmit, Britta Bentele, and Loes van Nijnatten flew to the Philippines in April to attend design workshops and visit embroidery centers in Lumban, Quezon and Tagaytay and handpick fabrics in Divisoria. Then in July, Filipina participants Nina Gatan, Damaris Chua, and Riza Bulawan visited the Netherlands to immerse themselves in Dutch fashion and witness one of Europe’s most prestigious fashion events, the Amsterdam Fashion Week.

At the culminating runway show, an 18-piece collection of combined Dutch and Filipino artistry created by the young designers will be presented,iInspired by the fusion of both cultures.

“We are very excited to showcase the outcome of this collaboration in one of the Philippines’ most important fashion events, the Manila Fashion Festival. We hope that this event will serve as a platform to highlight the best and most innovative fashion that both countries can offer,” adds Derckx.

The biannual Manila Fashion Festival opened successfully on October 18 at The Marquee of Edsa Shangri-La Manila, featuring the works of AirAsia, Anthony Ramirez, Cheetah Rivera, Jaz Cerezo, Acuzar, Sari Lazaro, and Folded and Hung.

Wednesday night, Day 2 of MFF Now, saw “The Face of the Philippines Season 2,” showcasing collections from Fino Leatherwear, Arin, Gabbie Sarenas, Zalora, Esme Palaganas, the Goethe Institut, and Weave by Brit Romero.

Before the Dutch-Filipino finale, four more shows are scheduled tonight through Friday. This evening’s affair will feature the winners of the Manila Fashion Festival Design Competition as co-presented by Bobson Japan]; to be followed by the runway collections of Androgyn, NCCA’s featured designers, Renan Pacson, Peft X At Control, Brit Tripudio and Timberland. On October 21, the presentations of Malou Romero, Rita Nazareno, Joey Samson, Rhett Eala and TDLG [Tweetie de Leon Gonzales] will comprise the first suite for the evening, to be followed by the collections of Lourd Ramos x Aderans, Rhett Eala, Avel Bacudio, JC Buendia, and Randy Ortiz.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-adelaide | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-perth

Frock star Collette Dinnigan's has unveiled her final kids collection for Aldi to an altogether more well-mannered shopper response without the wild scenes from last year as customers jostled to secure their little piece of Australia fashion royalty.

Ms Dinnigan said she never planned to create a second Young Hearts collection for the German discount giant and promised this summer kids capsule would be her last.

It's understood Aldi ordered larger quantities of the designer apparel this year to ensure there wasn't a repeat of the frenzied scenes that briefly transformed a number of Aldi stores into battle-grounds last spring.

This latest and last range has also been expanded by Ms Dinnigan to include footwear as well as a selection of boys' fashion following an "overwhelming" number of requests for boys clothes as well as her signature, playful girls apparel.

Dinnigan's summer collection for kids was one of Aldi's special buys this week, sitting alongside Halloween treats and glamour makeup in the large, sale bins in that run down the centre of the stores.

Inspired by maps, charts and vintage seaside imagery as well as her own three-year old son, Dinnigan's pint-sized designs hit the Aldi's store network on Wednesday with a lot less fanfare and social media excitement than the first range.

Her first Young Hearts collection triggered a feeding frenzy with shoppers comparing the mayhem to a mosh pit on social media and posting scenes of frantic bargain hunters pushing and shoving to get their hands of the designer apparel.

This year's response appeared to be more subdued overall, however Aldi representatives reported a number of stores were "hectic" early in the day.

Her first Young Hearts collection triggered a feeding frenzy with shoppers comparing the mayhem to a mosh pit on social media and posting scenes of frantic bargain hunters pushing and shoving to get their hands of the designer apparel.

This year's response appeared to be more subdued overall, however Aldi representatives reported a number of stores were "hectic" early in the day.

Some shoppers were disappointed its girls sleepwear range wasn't available in some NSW stores, a misstep that may have lost it some sales on opening day.

Atomic 212 chief and marketer Jason Dooris said it was difficult to pin-point exactly why shoppers hadn't responded in the same way to Ms Dinnigan's second collection at Aldi but he suggested it may have more to do with the maturation of the Aldi brand in the past 12 months.

"When Collette Dinnigan launched last year there was an unnatural interest in Aldi, you could see it on the conversations on social media... and it seemed like anything they touched seemed to turn to gold," Mr Dooris said.

"I'm also not sure that Aldi has strongly established its core brand in this (apparel) space."Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-sydney | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-brisbane

Vivienne Westwood’s print of bared bosoms, Chanel’s supermarket shoppers in sneakers, Galliano’s padded hips, and Manolo’s thigh-high boots for Rihanna - can high fashion sink much lower? All that is missing in this line-up of vulgarity is the Kardashian clan.

But is it as easy to define what is vulgar in the 21st century as it was in the days when the word was a simple translation from Latin? Vulgare once meant “ordinary people”. No judgement. Only later did the explanation evolve into a definition of showing off, bad taste, and crossing a barrier from the acceptable in fine society. Add today the kitsch and the camp.

Fashion Redefined (at London’s Barbican Art Gallery until 5 February 2017) is an eye-opener – especially in the case of the inflatable Stephen Jones hat blown-up to full-size for a John Galliano show. But also metaphorically, in the mental agility of co-curators Judith Clark and psychoanalyst Adam Phillips. In words and fashion displays, they make a case beyond the easy answer that once-exclusive fashion is now for everybody.

“Vulgarity exposes the scandal of good taste,” announces Phillips in one of his smart phrases.

So what is the true meaning of “vulgar”? Clark’s definitions add up to 11 separate categories. The curators start with copies of classicism, meaning nymphs re-imagined and illustrated by the ancient Greek-style draped dresses from Madame Grès and by Karl Lagerfeld for Chloé. More explicit displays include Vivienne Westwood’s “Eve” body suit with a plastic fig leaf at the crotch to preserve modesty.

I asked the curator why gracious drapes should be defined as vulgar?

“It’s the idea about whether a copy is always a diminution of something. ‘Vulgar’ is always thought of as a poor imitation, whereas we show loud and clear that it does not need to be,” Clark explained.

“Showing off” is a second category: the excessive, as overblown silhouettes from 18th-century “Mantua” dresses, requiring a sideways turn to get through the door; or huge gestures of grandeur from John Galliano’s Dior years. Add to this the rock-the-baroque decoration from Christian Lacroix or Jean Paul Gaultier and innovative sculptures as clothing from Iris van Herpen.

A laundry list of designers does not do justice to the exhibition’s broad sweep, which includes Miuccia Prada’s deliberate plays on body language with appliquéd external bras or mighty prints of female faces. They are played against the 18th-century embroidered bodices known as “stomachers” and covering just that body area. One of my favourite sections came under the headline “impossible ambition”, with labels from Galliano’s Dior to Undercover latching on to symbols of past glory. A Stephen Jones headpiece of religious cross and stars for Galliano is a prime example.

The Belgian designer’s frankly sexual padded penis is as shocking as the Puritan lace collars are apparently innocent - except that Adam Phillips claims in the book that white lace against black dresses shows “vulgarity in the purity”.

So what is the definition of “vulgar” today? I wonder if I agree with Sixties fashion queen Mary Quant when she claimed in 1967, “People call things vulgar when they are new to them.” Surely the mini skirts that she and André Courrèges invented were as much signals of sexual availability, reflecting the invention of the contraceptive pill, as they were fashion items?

Clark takes the story of the mini forward when she shows the famous Yves Saint Laurent couture dress that used the geometric lines of Piet Mondrian’s paintings (vulgarity as appropriation) beside a comercialised YSL ready-to-wear version in the Eighties.

Conversely, I remember the often-quoted words from iconic US Vogue editor Diana Vreeland: “Vulgarity is a very important ingredient in life... it’s got vitality.” She wrote in her autobiography: “A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika... it’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical - I think we could use more if it. No taste is what I am against.”

Visually, the show is not as complex as the different categories suggest. There are some flamboyant cross-overs, as evidenced by a recent, flower-embroidered Gucci suit from designer Alessandro Michele displayed on a platform against an 18th-century men’s outfit, while a glimmering Lacroix dress forms a background.

I asked Judith Clark, raised in Seventies Rome by Australian parents for the first 18 years of her life, whether she believed that she had been influenced by the Italian conflict of extravagance and purity, after she had described the experience of other mothers swishing to school in floor-length fur coats.

“My mother was more restrained and in a way I regretted that, because it was as though the others were getting pleasure from their excesses that my mother must have been uneasy about,” the curator said. “I loved experimenting, so I made my own clothes and when we came to London my sister and I would go and buy fabric and fashion our own kind of New Romantics outfits.”

The aim of this exhibition is evidently to make the viewer think about vulgarity not just in the present but in the past, when one of the historical works on display reads: ”Well-bred people do not often dress in what is called ‘the height of fashion’, as that is generally left to dandies and pretenders.”

The Barbican exhibition achieves its aim as a thought-provoking study of “the vulgar” - even without trying to keep up with the Kardashians.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com | http://www.marieaustralia.com/bridesmaid-dresses

Whoopi Goldberg has designed a collection of "ugly" Christmas sweaters.

The actress and TV host has entered the fashion world with a range of 11 holiday-themed sweaters, each of which has its own individual name and story.

For instance, the Bite Me sweater features an image of one gingerbread man taking a bite out of another, while the Santa Love jumper has a picture of two Santa Claus' about to kiss.

"I like Christmas sweaters - the stranger the better," she told WWD, adding that she wanted the designs to have a witty element. "I have a lot of oddness in my brain, and so, this is the kind of stuff that I think about on a daily basis and happily, it all worked out. They're fun and they're sweet and they're not nasty and they're not mean. They're very loving."

The sweaters will retail for $139 (£113) and will be sold exclusively at selected Lord & Taylor and Hudson's Bay department stores. The unisex tops range in size from small to extra large, and each garment features a label with a WHOOPI logo.

Whoopi, 60, adds that she is very pleased with the quality of the garments and hopes they will become collectors' items.

"The quality of the Christmas sweaters has gone down for me," she said. "We wanted to do them really well. They're cashmere blends and they're really soft."

In addition, the Sister Act star intends to wear her Christmas sweaters throughout the month of December on her TV chat show The View, as well as for a forthcoming appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

However, she's hard-pressed to choose a favourite item from the range, sharing that she "likes them all".

"There's Charlie Brown (with a depressing Christmas tree) on one side and a full-on tree with lights on the other side. I love the two Santas kissing. I love the odd family..." she smiled.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-2016 | http://www.marieaustralia.com/long-formal-dresses

Lil’ Kim might not be the most obvious source of inspiration for a couture designer, but the connection can no longer be denied.

At Saint Laurent’s Paris Fashion Week show on Tuesday, one of the dresses that went down the runway was a strapless leather little black dress with a sharp neckline that only covered one bosom. The model’s exposed boob was adorned with a silver pasty to cover her nipple. Sound familiar?

Cue flashbacks to Lil’ Kim’s 1999 MTV VMAs look. You know the one we’re talking about… the one-shoulder one-boob purple sparkly jumpsuit with a matching pasty in the shape of a seashell covering her areola. The mermaid-inspired suit was designed for the rapper by her stylist Misa Hylton. Lil’ Kim took the look even further with a matching purple wig, lipstick, and platform heels.

Now, we’re not sure Bad Boy royalty was exactly what Anthony Vaccarello was going for, in his first time out as creative director. He might have just been following orders or have been inspired by the past, since this style has appeared in presentations before his time; the brand also sent a mono boob dress down the runway during the fall 2015 Ready-to-Wear show. But perhaps it was his idea to add the pasty?

Either way, you know the rule when it comes to Lil’ Kim lookalikes: The first time, we let it slide. But once the pasty is brought out to play, the female rapper gets some credit. And there’s no shame in that. Lil’ Kim is da bomb.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/orange-formal-dresses | www.marieaustralia.com/green-formal-dresses

Christian Siriano knows that discrimination against anyone is wrong — and that’s exactly why he designs clothing for all women no matter her shape, size, color, background, beliefs, whatever.

“I grew up with a mom who is a size 16, and a sister who is a size 0, so I never thought that wasn’t normal,” Siriano told The Guardian. “I just assumed you had to dress everybody,” he added brilliantly.

Idealistic? Maybe. Perfect? Absolutely.

But Siriano isn’t all talk; he’s recently created dresses for women who cannot find designer clothing that fits them, like Leslie Jones and Whoopi Goldberg.

This is part of the reason first lady Michelle Obama enlisted the Project Runway alum to fill her closet. The fact that he’s a fashion genius doesn’t hurt either. “We just made a ton of clothes for Michelle Obama — imagine if I never designed for [her size] before; I wouldn’t want to be figuring that out for the first time,” he told Refinery29. See?! Being inclusive pays off.

“Women’s empowerment in general is having a moment right now, and it’s a perfect time to put it out there,” Siriano told The Guardian. It just so happens to be great for business, as well, since, ya know, most humans are not a size zero. How many of those $995 blue cobalt dresses has he sold since Obama’s convention appearance? “A great amount, but I can’t tell you,” he said, giggling. “Trust me, I’d love to brag about it.”

Not only is he size inclusive — he has a line with Lane Bryant — he’s also income inclusive. He recently collaborated with Payless, and his reason for doing so is just as straightforward — the kind that makes you say, “duh.”

“I couldn’t imagine saying no to a company like Payless,” Siriano said during a talk hosted by Berkeley College. “Why would you alienate a customer? Why would you not want that fan?” Don’t ask us, ask the hundreds of designers out there that only make zillion dollar size zero gowns.

Bottom line: Everyone loves clothes they can fit in and afford, but during these times, people also want to invest in brands with a positive business strategy and values. So, while it might not be easy to design lots of sizes for lots of price ranges, it’s totally worth it, and not just because it’s the right thing to do.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/orange-formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/white-formal-dresses

In the opening moments of Blake Edwards‘ Breakfast at Tiffany’s, based on the Truman Capote novella, Audrey Hepburn as “American geisha” Holly Golightly glides onto screen in a floor-length little black dress custom-made for her by her “best friend,” designer Hubert de Givenchy. And thus, a legend was born.

That couture frock has since gone down in history as one of the most iconic and famous items of clothing ever – the little black dress to end all little black dresses. And that scene (and the movie as a whole) is routinely listed as one of the most famous fashion moments in the history of the movies. Not to mention, it cemented Hepburn as an eternal and much-imitated fashion icon, especially when combined with the updo and oversized sunglasses.

Want proof? Barge into any current college dorm room (don’t really do this) and see her still hanging on the wall alongside James Dean walking through Times Square in the rain, Al Pacino as Scarface and proto-Miley Cyrus Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out.

And Breakfast at Tiffany’s turns 55 years old on Oct. 5. The 1961 romantic comedy-drama went on to win two Oscars, three Grammys, became the 13th biggest grossing film of the year and was considered “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” enough to be chosen by the National Film Registry for preservation. Blatant racism, notwithstanding.

Now, anyone who knows me knows I’m all about fashion absent of fashion sense, but even I can recognize the significance and importance of Audrey Hepburn in that little black dress. To celebrate this enduring image, and especially the half-century mark for this classic movie, let’s give something away. How about the brand-new, hardcover, coffee table-style book, “The Fashion of Film: Fashion Design Inspired by Cinema,” by author and fashion historian, Amber Butchart? It retails for $39.99 and can be yours for the cost of a comment.

That’s right, just leave a comment on this blog post telling us what your favorite film fashion moment, scene, entire film or piece of wardrobe is by Sunday, Oct. 2. We’ll then randomly select one of the comments and swiftly send out a copy of the book published by London-based Mitchell Beazley to the chosen commenter.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/bridesmaid-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/evening-dresses

This Exhibition, set in the glorious, historic State Rooms, brings 90 years of royal fashion out of the shadows of yesteryear into the light of today. The many creations by inspired designers evoke the splendour of great occasions at home and overseas. The long history of Her Majesty, the Queen’s long reign unfolds through exhibits of fashion she has worn from her Christening to her 90th Birthday Celebrations.

Whilst carrying out her many duties, she defined her public appearances through a diplomatic choice of fashion. Overseas visits need understanding of the climate, the exact nature of the engagement, elements of diplomacy and respect for the religion and customs of the country concerned. Her many roles. e.g. Head of Armed Forces, Head of Chivalry and Head of the Commonwealth all need to be considered.

The Queen has always patronised British Designers, especially Sir Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Ian Thomas. In the post war years, Christian Dior, the Parisien designer, created the ‘New Look’ with its luxurious femine shape in gowns which was embraced worldwide. The influence can be seen in Norman Hartnell’s black velvet and silk ball gown of 1948 which is on view. It is typical of the style.

This largest ever Exhibition of the Queen’s fashion encompasses many themes and some exhibits are being displayed for the first time. i.e. the crystal and lace peach beaded cocktail dress for the Opening of the London Olympic Games in 2012 and the vivid green wool-crepe and silk dress and coat for the Official 90th Birthday Celebrations in 2016.

The Queen was christened in the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace in 1926 wearing a dress commissioned by Queen Victoria for her first child in 1841. It was white lace and silk satin and worn by royal babies up to 2004.

For the first time, the Queen’s Wedding and Coronation dresses are displayed together. Caroline De Guitaut, the Curator, explained how the Wedding Dress had to be designed to combine personal qualities in a dress suitable for a Public occasion. Sir Norman Hartnell was chosen as the Designer. His beautiful creation was inspired by Botticelli’s ‘Primavera’ It enthralls the viewer with its ivory silk decorated with crystals and 10,000 seed pearls. Notice the embroidered foliage and flowers of entrancing loveliness hailing the new post war age and the joyous Wedding Celebrations of the beautiful young Princess.

At the time of the Coronation in 1953, Britain was leading in fashion, design and Architecture. The Coronation Dress needed to reflect this spirit and it had to be suitable for the TV broadcast across the world for the first time. Norman Hartnell designed the Dress in the finest white, duchesse satin. Notice the criss-cross embroidery showing emblems of the UK and Commonwealth Countries embellished with crystal and seed pearls. Unbeknown to the Queen, Norman Hartnell added a four leaf shamrock for good luck on the skirt where she rested her left hand.

The Summer Opening of the State Rooms should not be missed and this year a visit is enhanced by the splendid Exhibiton, ‘Fashioning a Reign’ which displays the great creations which adorned the Queen as she tirelessly performed many duties.

It is pleasing to know that one image of the Queen’s great grandson, Prince George can sell out an entire range of clothing for children in a day! The people have always looked to the Royals to guide them in fashion.

It is pleasant to rest awhile in the attractive cafe which has excellent refreshments for sale. It has perfect views of the gardens. The shop further down the garden has some attractive goods, especially those celebrating the Queen’s 90th Birthday. The jewellery by Alex Monroe is impressive too. I liked the gold-pendants of a corgi!Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-sydney | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-brisbane

"Yesterday, I don't know if it was because they were overwhelmed", she added.

Hip-hop provocateur and fashion designer Kanye West dragged some of fashion's most esteemed editors out to remote Roosevelt Island, N.Y., for his fourth Yeezy fashion presentation on September 7.

Kanye also introduced a new range of jewelry and footwear that included an all-white pair of Yeezy Boost 350s, transparent thigh-high boots, and slides. Among his other celeb guests: Pharrell, Spike Jonze and Tyga.

The new Yeezy Boost 350 V2 will be making it's debut later this month in a "Steel Grey/Beluga/Solar Red" colorway but there are plenty more on the horizon including "White/Black", "Turtle Dove", and "Black/Peach" colorways.

The rapper/designer unveiled his Yeezy Season 4 collection outdoors in New York City as part of New York Fashion Week, and it was sweltering. "It's super-awesome. The line grows with us". "We definitely learned a lot".

Audience members also complained about the lack of water and snacks as they were bussed to Roosevelt Island in 30C-degree heat. "It's fun. I like being on the other side". "I wanna ask y'all right now, y'all ready for THIS album?"

"Beneath a cloud of smoke and orange lights, West performed "Black Skinhead", Famous" (allowing the crowd to sing his infamous line about Taylor Swift for him), and "All of the Lights".

The drama continued during the fashion show when one model, identified on social media as Amina Blue, was shown kicking off her heels as she got to the end of the makeshift runway.

Robin Givhan, fashion critic at the Washington Post, was just as annoyed and asked: "Is this the show?"

But Apfel said there is no such thing as a must-have in your fashion wardrobe.

"I believe the first one will be in California, since that's where I stay now", he said. "A must is what you want and what you like and what becomes you, what you can afford and what you're happy with".Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/pink-formal-dresses | www.marieaustralia.com/yellow-formal-dresses

"I'm a fashion freak, not a tech geek," said Michael Kors, his suntanned head poking out of a scrum of reporters Sunday evening at the debut of his new Michael Kors Access smartwatch at his SoHo flagship.

As A-list models like Martha Hunt (in a shimmering gold Kors trench coat) and Nina Agdal (in a black python Kors trench dress) patrolled the soaring space on lower Broadway, guests got their first look at the fashion world's biggest challenge yet to tech titans like Apple and Samsung.

Sure, New York Fashion Week may seem like an unlikely showcase for what is essentially a wrist computer, a product category that is usually rolled out at nerd-fests like the Consumer Electronics Show. But the Access smartwatch is intended as a best-of-both-worlds option. Thesmartwatch slips the latest Silicon Valley technology (a voice-activated Google search, fitness tracking, social media alerts) into a familiar line of watches that already have a proven pedigree among the style set. Indeed, over the last five years, it seems as if a chunky Michael Kors oversize watch has graced the wrist of every other female fashion professional under 30.

The goal was "come up with something that people could personalise and put their own stamp on," but also "makes life easier," Kors, dressed in a familiar ensemble (black blazer, black T-shirt and black aviator sunglasses) told a reporter for W.

Embracing technology is no easy thing for a fashion designer, since "we love what it does for our lives, but we don't always love how it looks," he added.

But even fashion victims not predisposed to geek out over the latest Android Wear interface might appreciate the Access smartwatch as a highly versatile fashion accessory.

The watch comes in two versions: the sporty black Dylan and the all-metal Bradshaw. With a swipe of the finger, users can switch between digital versions of the most popular watch faces from the analog Michael Kors line, like the Kerry, with its an evening-wear-ready pave dial. Owners can also customise their own watch faces by selecting the colour and style of the dial, hands and sub-dials to suit one's outfit. Lest anyone confuse the Access for a plain old watch that just tells time, thesmartwatch also advertises its digital soul with animated dial options, featuring continuously moving images, like a glimmering cascade of gems.

(Despite the features, Kors gave the Access ready-to-wear pricing. Starting at $350, the Access is priced closer to entry-level smartwatches like the Motorola Moto 360 than to luxury smartwatches like the Movado Bold Motion, $695, and the Tag Heuer Connected, about $1,500. The company also introduced an Access activity tracker, starting at $95.) The head-turning features may prove crucial to the Access' survival in the increasingly crowded field of wearables, where manufacturers are looking for any competitive advantage. Just last week, for example, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 2, featuring a water-resistant case and built-in GPS, at an event in San Francisco.

But where the Apple stage featured middle-age tech executives in jeans and sneakers, the Kors party left little doubt that the Access was intended as an accessory for the fashion crowd, capital F.

The model and D J Harley Viera-Newton, wearing a floral embroidered brocade dress, laid down a thundering beat, as disco-ish satellite chandeliers glistened overhead. A broadside of camera flashes, meanwhile, greeted Zendaya, the onetime Disney star, who showed up in polka-dot trousers and navy striped top with a matching collar fromMichael Kors Collection.

As guests ate lobster roll appetizers and drank Champagne, one reporter asked Kors, who is no stranger to a bit of flash, to name his favourite of the Access watch's many dials.

"I'm personally partial to diamonds falling," he said with a smile. "You can never have too many diamonds."Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-brisbane | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-sydney

Style icon, sex symbol, king of threads and star of The Great British Sewing Bee, Patrick Grant, 44, is dominating the fashion world once again.

The creative director of prestigious Savile Row tailor Norton & Sons, this is a man who has earned his keep grafting the hard way – learning a skill, becoming brilliant at it and then working his way up from the bottom.

Which doesn’t happen much in the celeb world these days.

Now, he’s created a collection for eBay, which gives talented British designers an opportunity to sell their garments worldwide.

The Community Clothing range has seen the designer source a collection of gorgeous clothes for men and women, all crafted by British designers who need a big break and a safe platform to trade to everyone. And it’s all at purse-friendly prices.

Patrick made sure the collection utilised clothing factories’ slow periods for their production to create more jobs, harness specialist skills and, ultimately, give businesses an oomph.

It’s a great idea and the clothes aren’t half bad, too. Minimalist shapes, subtle lines and unisex pieces that can be worn smart, casual, in summer and winter. All put together by Patrick, who knows a thing or two about clothes so we trust him. And the classic block colour palette means that everything can be mixed and matched for instant, easy style

all year round.

Most people will be aware of Patrick as a judge on The Great British Sewing Bee, which, now in its fourth series, has single-handedly made sewing cool and brought him fame, although it’s at a level he is comfortable with.

He said: “My life has not changed as much as people might think. I’m just delighted so many people love it. It had just under four million viewers each week this series.

“I do get recognised a little but luckily fans of the show are so lovely. The show doesn’t attract the negativity other reality competition TV shows get.

“The cross-section of viewers is vast and it’s always people you wouldn’t expect. The Duchess of Cornwall is a big fan, which is great. Loads of unique people love it.”

It’s had a major impact on his industry, too, with sales of sewing machines rising.

He said: “Yep, the actual sewing and tailoring industry has boomed, which is remarkable.

“The sales of sewing machines has soared –more than a million have been sold since the show aired.

“Just think what that has done for home sewing. The industry needs young, enthusiastic people who want to learn how to sew. The show has shown how great it is to make clothes. It’s satisfying and rewarding.

“The enthusiasm has trickled down to the professional industry too, which I’m always happy about.”

Patrick has a lot going on. He runs five businesses but he prefers to work as part of a small team rather than with an army of staff.

He said: “I have five businesses so yes, I’m a busy boy. It’s tough to juggle it all, but it’s all great. I have clothing lines, production factories – all very different. But I love them all.

“Some companies are myself and two other people. The biggest one is the Hammond & Co collection, which is a multi-million pound business. But I do that with Debenhams and they do all the heavy lifting. I just do the szooshing.”

Being a clothes designer, on TV and in the public eye, the pressure is on to look smart at all times but it is something which Patrick says comes naturally.

This, after all, is a man who admits to owning “40 or 50” suits, a wardrobe he describes as “modest”.

He said: “I wouldn’t have ended up in this industry if I wasn’t obsessed with clothes.

“Dressing in suits is natural to me and I have a fairly modest wardrobe. Certain uniforms I wear all the time. That makes it easy not to make any mistakes.

“How many suits do I own? Not as many as people think – 40 or 50. But then I wear them

to work. I do spend more time not in a suit than in one, though.”

Does that mean slob gear to wear at home when the world isn’t watching? He said: “Oh,

all of that. I have these amazing trousers that are a 50s shape in an olive-coloured cotton. I’d wear those with a nice navy blue jumper or an oversized shirt.”

His most extravagant item of clothing is, of course, a suit.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/short-formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-2016

Looking around her Flatiron District studio, Claudia Li acknowledges the obvious. “It’s like an explosion of floral prints and lots of colors in here,” she says of the space, which is covered with flower-bedecked sketches, mood boards, and prototypes for her upcoming collection. It’s somewhat of a departure for Li, 28, who has never worked with prints before.

“All the collections before were really calm,” she says, shrugging, “but this season …” as if to say, all bets are off.

The newfound obsession with color and print is less surprising considering that Li initially pursued fine art, studying painting at Central Saint Martins. Then she pivoted to fashion and headed to Parsons’s MFA program. Her thesis collection, full of round-shouldered, cocoonlike shapes, was inspired by her birthplace in rural China. Post-graduation, she interned for Brandon Maxwell, who had not yet started his line and was working full-time as Lady Gaga’s stylist. (During that time, Gaga herself donned one of Li’s designs — a white matching set with Mother Monster–friendly, hyper-exaggerated sleeves.)

Her next step was equally impressive: After J.W. Anderson saw her portfolio, he contacted her directly, and she relocated to London to work in his studio as a draper. The New Zealand and Singapore native began showing her namesake label last year, with a critically well-received debut collection that featured intricately fringed and knotted pieces.

Now, she’s banking on full-on romance for spring 2017 — no wonder a coffee-table book on maximalist hero Christian Lacroix is prominently visible in her work space. The collection is titled After Dusk and Before Dawn. Explains the designer, “Every season I try to reflect on moments of my life where I feel a mood. This is more about an epiphany of finally setting yourself free. It’s like the first moments where you realize that you can just let go and be free.”

One recurring motif is the orchid, which she calls “a symbol of women’s strength and sexuality.” She’s made it feel less precious by mixing it with menswear shirting fabrics and man-tailored silhouettes like trousers and hoodies. But Li hasn’t abandoned her exploration of fabric techniques: This time, she’s played around with yarn, using it in place of embroidery floss.

Expect the show’s set to be just as botanically themed. Li’s team had 10,000 fabric orchids made, which will be papered all over the cubes the models stand on — the perfect setting for everyone wishing for spring in the middle of September.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/green-formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/long-formal-dresses

Designer Sonam Dubal first took to stories. Hearing about them throughout his growing up years, he was introduced to the oral/visual form of story-telling in the form of painted scrolls, motifs and panels on folk fabrics. That made him embark on a mission to not just understand the history of our rich textile traditions but carry them forward.

A graduate from NIFT, Sonam Dubal launched his own brand Sanskar in 1999. “Sanskar celebrates the culture in styles which are contemporary and modern. It works with the foundation of preservation, combining the cultures, amalgamating interesting elements of various embroideries, textiles and prints and blending them together into interesting porphyry,” said Dubal explaining his brand.

“From the beginning I had an avid interest in colours, textiles and print per se, I sought of moved on to getting to know about the textiles which are closer to earth. So, it was more about tussar, aries, silk and khadi and slowing evolving them into prints, working with embroideries around the world. I also had a deep interest in realizing who the weaver is, to understand the craftsperson and that enabled me to have a deeper interest for textiles and crafts.”

Inspired by the oneness of the world, Sonam told us “I had always had an interest in handloom and craft, tradition and culture. I was always fascinated by simple things of life. I found out that most of the crafts have stories behind them and these are the stories that I was always interested in and little by little I started realising that there is world of stories I can get involved in. So I started exploring different textiles and different craft.”

About the Indian fashion industry, Dubal said, “Fashion in India cannot be isolated from its textiles and crafts. There is a movement towards it and I think it’s wonderful. Unlike Western fashion, Indian fashion is related to festivals, weddings and number of other elements. That is our identity.”

The partly Maharashtrian and partly Tibetan/Sikkimese designer is also a passionate reader and expressed his love for films.

Talking about handloom, he said, “Handloom textiles have a story of their own. The challenge lies in understanding that the dye can bleed or the weave can have slurbs. We have to understand that irregularities are a part of it. The beauty of textile lies in the touch and the feel. Handloom enables you to breathe, it keeps you warm in winter and cool in summers and I think this is what is unique about it. More than just designing it, people also have to buy it. We need to be a part of this socio-economic movement.”

How to ace the art of designing handloom? Well, the handloom expert, Sonam told us, “Work with traditions of craft creatively, not necessarily contemparise it. Enjoy the textile. Handloom craft has its limitations but within the limitation it also have an extraordinary appeal. Basically you have to understand the balance and to take it forward within the balance.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-adelaide | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-perth

Nicole Richie is backing Alicia Keys' 'no makeup' movement because she feels most like herself without it.

The former reality TV show star-turned-designer is not against makeup if it makes people feel good, but she insists cosmetics never serve her.

"I know people (who) are so comfortable in makeup and they feel alive and that is what they love to do," she explains to PeopleStyle. "So I wouldn't say that I am against it because I know people that really get joy and feel the most like themselves when they put on makeup.

"I feel the most like myself when I don't have any on and so that's the road that I go down."

She has another reason to abstain, adding, "It clogs my skin".

"Some people love to wear makeup and that's their thing," she smiles. "They like it. They're comfortable in it. It's not something that I would do. I like having a bare face. That's me."

The mum of kids Harlow and Sparrow with husband Joel Madden certainly sticks to her word, regularly posting makeup-free pictures on Instagram. Though Richie has long eschewed cosmetics, it was Alicia Keys who really put the #nomakeup movement front and centre when she appeared bare-faced at Sunday's (28Aug16) MTV Video Music Awards, following an essay she wrote for Girls star Lena Dunham's newsletter Lenny Letter in June (16).

"I don't want to cover up anymore," Keys wrote. "Not my face, not my mind, not my soul, not my thoughts, not my dreams, not my struggles, not my emotional growth. Nothing."

Other stars already on board with the #nomakeup trend include Cindy Crawford, who posted a makeup free selfie on her 50th birthday in February (16), Salma Hayek, and Lady Gaga. Expect other brave A-listers to follow suit soon.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/plus-size-formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-perth

The newlywed mom-to-be chats exclusively to DRUM about her marriage, family and impending motherhood.

Nandi, who married musician Zakes Bantwini earlier this year, says she and her spouse took marriage counselling sessions before they said “I do”.

“Zakes and I went for many sessions of marriage counselling before tying the knot. Those sessions were very insightful into what married life is like, and also preparing to make that transition from being someone’s boyfriend or girlfriend to becoming someone’s husband or wife. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking of embarking on the journey of marriage,” Nandi tells us.

When they married, many people were surprised but Nandi says she and Zakes had always known they wanted to spend their lives together. The fashion designer/musician says the added benefit is how happy her parents are for them and how they adore Zakes.

“My mom and dad are obsessed with my husband,” she gushes. “They love him and see him as their son. They are happy for us as a couple. I am so grateful our families love each other. Thank God because I have heard stories of some families who don’t get along, and that makes stuff hard for the couple.”

Despite everything going on in her life, including a new show on BET called The A-list, her clothing line Colour and being a new wife, Nandi says her biggest project right now is becoming a mom.

“This is my biggest project so far. I am excited and looking forward to it,” she adds.

Grab your copy of DRUM this week, on sale on Friday, for more on Nandi’s marriage.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/cocktail-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses

We're starting to see a pattern! Beyoncé stunned in a white sheer dress as one of her 2016 VMA ensembles — proving that her wedding dress outfit choices aren't just a one-time thing (Grammys, we're looking at you).

While there were a lot of wild and crazy outfits gracing the red carpet at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awardsthis year, the 34-year-old singer showed her fashion-forward ways with a total of four looks for the show — with two being absolute show-stoppers. Upon arrival, Beyoncé and daughter Blue Ivy paraded around in bedazzled Francesco Scognamiglio numbers, according to Daily Mail both wearing dresses that complimented each other. Queen Bey was rocking a mint-bejeweled gown with a feathered neckline that resembled angel wings (you know, just because), and her 4-year-old princess rocked a gold tutu and jeweled head band — complete with golden high tops. Flower girls are jealous all around the world from the cuteness that is Blue Ivy, you can count on that.

On to the main event: even though we wouldn't say that Mrs. Carter was looking subdued in outfits two and three (a sequined gold jumpsuit and several costumes while performing her hit singles "Don't Hurt Yourself" and "Sorry", we will say that number four was the one that truly caught our eye. The sheer Elie Saab number left little to the imagination, which included a nude bodysuit, rouged cap long sleeves, a plunging ruffled neckline, and lace detail throughout. Wearing her hair back in a half-up, half-down style with dazzling statement earrings, the pop star was truly channeling bridal vibes.

After the award show performance and award acceptances (seven thank-you speeches are a LOT of work, let's be serious), she and her hubs retreated to an after party with the crew: a noteworthy squad including P Diddy, Kanye and Kim, Cassie, and Alicia Keys. And what was B wearing, might you ask? None other than outfit #4, her white wedding-dress stunner — showing us that wedding gowns to award shows (and afterparties) are always on trend.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/cocktail-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses

Terese Sydonna’s fall 2016 collection will be available at a sample sale. Terese Brown, an emerging designer, introduced her spring/summer collection for Terese Sydonna, LLC. in April 2016. There were floral prints and animal patterns in black and white kimono jackets, tuxedos, dresses and fancy leggings. Her basic black and white pieces enhanced the color palette.

A Jamaican-born, New York-based designer, Brown has worked five years to build her brand. Her career was inspired by her Jamaican grandmother, who was a seamstress and who taught Brown to sew. She is an alum of Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s and holds a dual degree in economics and business, and studio art from Lafayette College. Her fashion degree comes from the Fashion Institute of Technology. This talented designer has a love for couture and a talent for mixing fabrications. Brown designs each piece in the collection to be versatile without compromising on comfort.

Today, she creates a contemporary ready-to-wear and accessory collection for Terese Sydonna, LLC. The goal is to present a collection for the superhero all women are. Inspired by bold prints, sculpture and unexpected details, the Terese Sydonna collection celebrates a modern landscape where art, fashion and comfort intersect. Stylish, yet maintenance free, 95 percent of the collection is machine washable, quick drying and wrinkle free. Her print designs and color-blocked details are exceptional. The workmanship of her production is tailor-made. Clothes are perfectly designed to fit and accentuate the positives in female forms. The Terese Sydonna brand has gained acceptance at several retail in fine specialty stores. Her clothes are available at www.TereseSydonna.com.

For spring/summer 2017, designer Malan Brandon’s Resort collection at the Style Artist Lounge in Montauk Beach House Saturday was very relaxing and a lot of fun. As guests soaked up the sun at the poolside presentation, they enjoyed music by DJ Vikas, and previewed the latest swimwear by Melan. There were chic black suits ranging from one-piece cut-outs to bikinis with unique gold detailing. Their decorative butterfly cover-ups glided in the wind as models strutted up and down the runway through the cabanas. For a perfect combo, Malan’s designs were sharp in breezy fabrics. He also showed shoes and jewelry in this collection.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/long-formal-dresses

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) on Tuesday announced that the Amazon India Fashion Week (AIFW) Spring-Summer 2017 will be held in October 2016, while its Autumn-Winter edition will take place in March 2017.

“We are excited to announce the dates of the AIFW Spring-Summer 2017 and AIFW Autumn-Winter 2017. While the AIFW Spring-Summer 2017 will see the runway awash with latest trends and captivating ideas for the various summer festivities, the AIFW Autumn-Winter 2017 collections will charm the crowds into winter wonderland,” Sunil Sethi, President FDCI, said in a statement. FDCI is India’s apex fashion body.

The Spring-Summer 2017 edition of its bi-annual event AIFW will take the story forward by continuing to celebrate ‘India Modern’ to pay homage to handlooms and textiles. It will be held from October 12-16 at the National Sports Club of India Grounds here.

Defining looks that will shape the sensibilities of those championing a new wave in the style horizon, AIFW Autumn-Winter 2017 will be held from March 15-19 here.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-adelaide | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-perth

The 27-year-old, who was discovered at an Irish dancing competition when she was 14-years-old, posted a video to her Instagram page, which shows the leggy brunette dancing a very energetic jig at her friend's wedding in Vancouver.

"How former Irish dancers do weddings," Coco captioned the video, alongside six dancing emojis.

Coco, who’s a mother to one-year-old daughter Ioni Conran and who practiced Irish dancing for 12 years before she was catapulted into the fashion world, has previoulsy said that it was surreal Irish dancing her way down the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier's show, which Vogue aptly called "The Coco Moment".

“It was exciting. When you usually dance, you dance in front of a crowd that has no clue who you are, so you can mess up, fall down, be exhausted and no one will really know in the end what you did," she told Irish Central.

"But [at the Gaultier show,] I was really nervous because everyone knew what my name was, and if I fell over and everyone was laughing, it definitely would have hit everyone’s radar. … I don’t think I’ll ever have a peak like that in a show.

"My grandma went nuts. I mean, at shows usually, all you have to do is walk, so I don’t get nervous, but that was a bit maddening.”

Since then, Coco has gone on to grace the cover of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W magazine and has appeared in campaigns for Versace, Balenciaga, Chanel, D&G, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Lanvin to name a few and is known as one of the most socially savvy supermodels in the business.

She's also designed clothes, founded a modelling agency, and even written a book on her expertise, titled Study of Pose: 1,000 Poses by Coco Rocha.

The young supermodel also spends her time speaking to kids at school about body image issues and self-esteem.Read more at:red carpet dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com

StyleMax, the apparel and accessory trade show held four times a year at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, closed Aug. 9, seeing a double-digit increase in buyers and retailers.

“We started strong on Sunday and the momentum continued for Monday and Tuesday,” said Susan Glick, vice president for women’s apparel at the Merchandise Mart. “The energy on the trade show floor was amazing.” The three-day show attracted more than 300 exhibitors and 1,200 brands, including lines such as Central Park West, Fresha London, Ink + Alloy, Three Dots, Sorel and N: Philanthropy. While vendors were showing everything from fall and holiday to spring, retailer Erin Hill of Lois Pearl in Yorktown, Ind. was looking for unique separates, such as jackets, sweaters and knits, to expand her women’s assortment. “The show is a perfect place to see a lot of styles in one place,” said Hill, in town for one day.

At Cupcakes and Cashmere, of blogger Emily Schuman fame, key pieces included jumpsuits, jackets — in vegan leather and genuine leather — off-the-shoulder tops and printed rompers. “It’s a great crossover line,” said Tori Loevner, Midwest account executive. “A mom can wear it and a daughter can wear it.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-melbourne | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-adelaide

We have all, at some stage, thought about our own funeral. But it is probably not something to dwell on. Unless, of course, you’re Rose Matafeo, in which case you construct a step-by-step guide to ensure your final farewell is as tumultuous as possible. And then, you call it a comedy show.

Forget the morbid subject, though, because Rose Matafeo is Finally Dead is spilling over with life. The 24-year-old New Zealander, who was nominated for the Best Newcomer award at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, has fashioned something special, a bulging bag of pick’n’mix that explodes, scattering sugary delights, the moment Matafeo arrives on stage.

She splices her up-to-the-minute, pop-culture observations with song, dance and a series of fine impressions. There is a marvellously silly tribute to Aerosmith and a fine take down of the singer Sean Paul, who, according to Matafeo, “starts his songs like he’s talking to someone on the phone but not really paying attention”. Later, she imagines what it would be like if we actually had to live with our idols, stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.

It is frenetic stuff, but the technically demanding performance is so polished, even when Matafeo is being deliberately chaotic, that the show never loses focus. It simply rattles along at breakneck speed, spinning you this way and that, towards its carefully orchestrated, giddy conclusion.

Matafeo, who cites Americans Tina Fey and Lena Dunham among her influences, is already an established name in New Zealand. She is one of the stars of hit sketch show Funny Girls and a regular contributor to the late-night satirical news programme Jono and Ben, on which she has interviewed agenda-setting comedians Amy Poehler and Amy Schumer. Unsurprisingly, then, there is an edge to Matafeo’s comedy.

In one crushing routine, she scorns the fashion industry for the pressures it places on women and makes a show of celebrating her own body. An original topic? No. But Matafeo’s triumph is in navigating this well-trodden path in such an innovative way.

It is that innovation, displayed time and again, that makes Rose Matafeo is Finally Dead so exciting. From the reference points to the props and the music, the whole thing feels as fresh and invigorating as an ice-cold bottle of Steinlager. This debut solo show is one of the undoubtedhighlights of the Fringe.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/short-formal-dresses

OFF-SHOULDER
When a fashion trend emerges, very rarely does it work for everyone. Nine times out of 10, what’s considered “en vogue” tends to accommodate the under 25 crowd, and those of us above that age struggle to somehow fit it into our lifestyle.

Occasionally, a fad comes along that is easy for anyone to adopt. That’s exactly what’s happening now with off-the-shoulder tops.

Regardless of your age or occupation, off-shoulder shirts need to be in your closet. It doesn’t really matter if the shirts are completely strapless, coupled with a spaghetti strap or don a simple shoulder cutout. The point is to show a bit of skin, and baring your shoulders is quite possibly the most conservative yet stylish way to do it.

To say that off-shoulder tops are everywhere would be an understatement. Try searching online for “off-shoulder tops” or “cold-shoulder tops” and see if you don’t become overwhelmed with the amount of results presented to you.

One thing to keep in mind with these kinds of shirts is that the look should appear effortless. The shape that works best for most body types is the long (to the hip), flowy, boxier cut. I hardly ever cosign on wearing boxy shirts. However, bare shoulders somehow balance out the shape. Plus, when paired with a skinny pant or jean, it immediately creates a flattering silhouette that transitions seamlessly from day to night with a simple switch of the shoes.

Brands like MLM Label, Topshop and one of my indie favorites, T&J Designs, are offering up a great selection to consumers. T&J Designs is so serious about this trend that you’ll find subcategory called “Off The Shoulder” in the Tops section on the website.

Known for having fun prints and unbeatable prices, none of the tops at T&J Designs are priced over $100. And with the frequent sales, there is always something available for $40 or less (try not to get sidetracked by their jewelry collection). Also, if you’re looking beyond straight sizes, plus-size favorites ASOS Curve and Violeta by MANGO USA have countless affordable options.

If you think off-shoulder tops are a little too bohemian or shoulder cutouts are too much of a ‘90s throwback, I highly suggest you reconsider. When something that was once popular reemerges on the scene, modernized designs, prints and use of fabrics typically come with it. Try one of the many poplin styles or pick a bold polka dot or gingham pattern. It may surprise you how sophisticated they can be when styled properly. Want to wear the trend to work? Throw a structured blazer over it, and you are good to go.

Also, don’t be afraid to try the cropped version. Hey, if you got it, flaunt it. And if you, instead, are on team #NoMidriff with me, you can make the crop top work by rocking it with high-wasted jeans or a pencil skirt.

Honestly, I really see no reason NOT to try this trend — and that’s very rare for me. So trust my instincts on this one. You know I’d never steer you wrong.Read more at:www.marieaustralia.com/red-carpet-celebrity-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/cheap-formal-dresses

A wedding celebration full of dance and music took an ugly turn as guests resorted to fistcuffs for not getting non-veg food at the Dhillon marriage palace located on Bibiwala road here today.

In the melee, guests from the bride and groom’s side threw stones, liquor bottles and whatever came into their hands at each other. This brawl continued for around two hours.

Five guests from the groom side and seven from the bride are seriously injured and have been admitted to the Civil Hospital.

It was not the end of the fight as guests from both sides created chaos at the hospital while patients were getting treatment.

The bride refused to tie the wedlock and preferred to be “single rather than living in an uncivilised family whoes members took drugs”.

Police officials from the Civil Lines police station reached the spot.

As per information, Sukhdev Singh, a resident of Guru Nanak Nagar, had arranged for his daughter’s wedding with Gurbaj Singh, a resident of Mallawala village in Firozepur district at Dhillon Palace.

Karnail Singh, a relative of the bride, said, “We were told that 40 members from the groom’s side would come but around 170 guests turned up. We were busy serving them when suddenly, 10-12 persons from the groom’s side, irked over not being served non-veg food, went inside the kitchen of the palace and attack our relatives.”

Groom’s relative Parkash Singh said, “We were serving our own liquor to our guests when relatives of the bride demanded liquor, which led to the incident. They attacked our relatives with weapons.”Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-brisbane | http://www.marieaustralia.com/formal-dresses-melbourne

Ella Mills says; ‘As I started eating more natural foods I became more interested in what I was putting on, as well as in, my body, too. I researched the ingredients in what I was using and looking at alternatives, then started using lots of Neal’s Yard products, which I loved! . . . My readers had been asking about natural skincare at the same time, and it just felt like the perfect fit’. Mills' two products, a fresh, cucumber and rose-scented face wash and light moisturiser are out this week.

The author isn’t alone in her pursuit though, with consumers becoming more and more conscious of what they put both in and on their bodies. Going natural is a growing trend, with almost 50 per cent of consumers buying natural beauty products and a further 8 per cent wanting to, according to Yes To beauty brand. The trend is strong and more and more consumers are turning to it; overall, beauty products from Mintel Natural and Organic Toiletries are reporting a 24 per cent compound annual sales growth rate over the past four years – significantly outpacing the 2.7 per cent growth for the total beauty category.

Much like health food, natural beauty products aren’t new but have become hugely fashionable, shedding their hippie image. As the trend turns mainstream, debate rages over what constitutes ‘natural’; being inspired by natural plant extracts not being enough to claim organic status. What is important to people is how natural is defined, with 47 per cent of consumers of Mintel considering ‘free from chemicals’ as the main indicator for a true natural product and UK consumers positively responding to natural claims such as “formulated without parabens”.

Neal’s Yard Remedies’ motto is ‘if in doubt, leave it out’ having banned silicones, mineral oil, parabens, (a type of preservative) and GM ingredients among others, Fair Trade and cruelty-free credentials are also important. Not all brands marketing themselves as natural are entirely pure or free from synthetic ingredients, and many are owned by big conglomerates. While it’s not necessary to spend £150 on a cream from a tiny independent beauty brand to find the real thing, it may necessitate a bit of reading the ingredients lists prior to purchase. Try Dr Haushka, Weleda, Lavera and Yes To for reasonable prices.

Aside from quandaries over purity and ethics, for the lazy, busy and tired among us, divine-smelling botanical products have a clear advantage. Slathering your face with fresh, eucalyptus-y cleanser or sinking into an oily rose-scented bathtub compare so favourably to using non-botanical products, cleansing, toning and moisturising become such a joy that skin will soon benefit.Read more at:http://www.marieaustralia.com/long-formal-dresses | http://www.marieaustralia.com/short-formal-dresses