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Archive for February, 2010

Feb 12

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Net-a-Porter launches new wedding boutique


Fashionbite popped to the launch of Net-a-Porter’s new wedding boutique at Claridges last night.

The new area, which launches on February 16th, is a one-stop shop for the alternative-style wedding. The boutique has been split into four sections; Country Wedding, City Hall Wedding, Cocktail Wedding and Beach Wedding.

The Country Wedding caters for the more traditional bride, exchanging her vows on a beautiful country estate surrounded by family, friends, flowers and a towering cake. She spends her big day dressed in a stunning full-length Alice temperley gown, Lanvin ’20′s-style draped muslin gown veil and Judith Leiber diamante clutch.

The City Hall wedding speaks to the urban fashionista, an intimate civil ceremony followed by a fabulous cocktail party (very SATC!). A short, chic, tailored Donna Karan skirt suit, towering ivory Alexander McQueen peep-toes and a string of Stella McCartney pearls complete the look.

The Cocktail wedding has an edgy, modern twist. A super-cool warehouse party complete with DJ and non-stop dancing. Dress to impress with Valentino’s sculptural ruffle-front mini dress, teamed with Giuseppe Zanotti’s crystal-sprayed sandals.

The Beach wedding is for the destination bride, spent relaxed on a warm, secluded Caribbean beach or a rustic Mediterranean hideaway. Shapes are fluid, accessories are nature-inspired and shoes are flat..or barefoot. A long, flowing Grecian-style 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, made beach perfect with Paloma Raffia wedges.

However, it doesn’t stop there- the Wedding Boutique also caters for mother of the bride, wedding guests and honeymoons, with a full range of accessories and shoes. The packaging is also unique to the Wedding Boutique, with parcels delivered in fabulous white boxes wrapped beautifully with Net-a-porter ribbon. Pricepoints range from £300 to £12,000.

Net-a-porter buying director Holli Rogers said: “Our bridal boutique caters to traditional tastes but also offers an amazing selection of non-classic gowns. It’s the perfect choice for the more spontaneous among us who don’t have time for custom-made and who simply want a fabulous look.”

The dresses are absolutely stunning…worth getting married for!

Holli also suggested that brides-to-be and friends can have a champagne get to together one evening, where they can try on outfits in the comfort of their home.

Sounds perfect…!!

fashionbite xx

Feb 11

Fashion world mourns tragic death of Alexander McQueen


I’m still in shock about the tragic news that legendary British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died. He was found hanged this morning.

A statement on Alexander McQueen’s website says: “On behalf of Lee McQueen’s family, Alexander McQueen today announces the tragic news that Lee McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand has been found dead at his home. At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee’s family.”

Tributes to one of Britain’s most influential designers have been flooding in from across the fashion world.

Sir Paul Smith told fashion industry trade magazine Drapers: “Obviously, like everyone, I am extremely shocked at this sad news. I have known Lee since his time at Central Saint Martins and gave him advice in the early part of his career. He was a very talented and creative designer, especially in respect of his tailored clothing. This is a very sad time and my thoughts are with his family.”

Burberry chief creative officer Christopher Bailey said: ”I am truly shocked and saddened by this tragic news and my thoughts are with Lee’s family. Lee was one of Britain’s greatest designers and was an inspiration to so very many people. His unique vision, charm and warm character will be greatly missed by everybody who knew Lee and by everyone touched by his extraordinary talent.”

Matthew Williamson said: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by McQueen’s death. He was a genius and his talent was second to none. Like many others I always cited him as a hugely inspirational leader of world fashion. He will be greatly missed.”

Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman told The Evening Standard: “He was the most brilliant designer of his generation and his influence can be seen in the way that women dressed over the last 15 years. It is an incredible loss not only for British fashion but for fashion the world over.”

Alexander McQueen started his fashion career as a Saville Row tailor and went on to become one of the youngest designers to achieve the title ‘British Designer of the Year’, he went on to win it four times. McQueen died at the age of 40.

Feb 11

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HEALTH: New trainer for women adapts to time of the month

Japanese designers have launched a new running shoe for women which adapts shape to suit their hormone levels.

The Asics GEL-KAYANO 16 trainer (comes in white, gold and black) has special cushioning which expands and contracts to adapt to changing hormones levels.

The idea is based on research which indicates that changing levels of oestrogen affect flexibility and the height of the foot’s arch. So the foam padding expands and contracts to fit in with this.

The GEL-KAYANO 16 isn’t the cheapest trainer on the market at £120 a pair, but if you’re a serious runner I imagine you’d be investing in a decent pair anyway.

For more info and to find your nearest stockist, check out Asics website.

Podiatrist and Asics consultant Simon Bartold told the Daily Mail Online: “For many years, female athletes have been left a little in the cold, because footwear was basically designed and engineered for men.

“This is curious, because at the last count, there were more female runners than men.

“We have been focussing on the effect of oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone, on tissue compliance or stretchability. The results of this research were quite profound and enable us to understand how the major soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and muscle adapt under the effect of oestrogen over a 28-day cycle.”

Asics footwear product manager Liz Austen added: “The cushioning is slightly softer, which helps with support but also makes the shoe a bit more flexible.”

What do you think, would you pay £120 for a pair….?

fashionbite xx

Feb 10

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Sonia Rykiel for H&M launches next week

Very, very excited!! French designer Sonia Rykiel’s second collection for H&M is due to hit stores next Saturday (February 20), brilliantly timed in the midst of London Fashion Week fever.

The designer, famed for her fabulous knitwear, colourful stripes and Parisian-inspired style, has produced a stunning collection which is sure not to disappoint.

Knitted dresses, sweaters and skirts in black, fuscia, pale pink and sunshine yellow will nestle beside gorgeous embellished, dresses, berrets and rhinestone tops- but I doubt for long! I’m already lusting after far too much…

Price points are fantastic, ranging from £7.99 for tights to £34.99 for a striped, knitted sweater dress and £49.99 for a rhinestone embellished dress.

Natalie Rykiel, daughter of Sonia and president/artistic director of the fashion house, said: “The essence of Sonia Rykiel is the Parisian woman of Saint Germain des Pres, the Left Bank or Rive Gauche.

“The idea of the collection is to offer the essence of Sonia Rykiel. This [H&M] line is absolutely true to our philosophy, which is about quality and know-how, and not about money. H&M gave me complete freedom with creation and quality. We used pure wool and pure cotton. It’s the DNA of Rykiel.”

A colour injection is just what every wardrobe needs to freshen it up for spring- so head down to H&M next Saturday to get your hands on a stunning piece of Rykiel.. without the heavy price tags.

For your nearest stockist, vist H&M’s website.

fashionbite xx

Feb 9

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Burberry to screen live 3D show at London Fashion Week

Iconic British brand Burberry will become the first major design house to screen a catwalk show live, 3D (and around the world!) at London Fashion Week this season (February 19-24).

Burberry will stream its show to screens at parties in New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles, according to The Evening Standard.

In an unprecented move, London Fashion Week is to become the first event to be broadcast in 3D live around the world and could set a benchmark for seasons (and events) to come.

Guests wearing 3D glasses will be able to see the texture of fabrics in great detail- as if they were on the front row of the catwalk.

Burberry’s chief creative officer Christopher Bailey said: “We are very excited we are hosting the first ever truly global fashion show. This unprecedented event will enable people to experience the energy and atmosphere of this show from around the world.

“3D techonology will bring our global audience into the London show space allowing them to see the colours and fabrics, to hear the music and to be a part of the moment when it all finally comes together.”

Before you get too excited though, London Fashion Week hasn’t suddenly become democratic overnight… the 3D parties are invite only.

However, the British Fashion Council (which organises London Fashion Week) announced last week that it is to stream live shows in 2D via the London Fashion Week website during the event…so you can still get a sneak preview of the trends to come for autumn/winter.

Fashionbite has an exciting announcement about London Fashion Week this week… so keep posted for the news!

fashionbite xx

Feb 7

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Brand Alley launches flash Valentine’s Day Sale

Brand Alley, the branded discount site, has launched a fab 3-day Valentine’s Day Sale today, so get your skates to find that perfect present.

Whether it’s for a boyfriend, girlfriend or best friend, Brand Alley has a huge range of designer goods, with discounts of up to 70%. This oversized Gucci bag (left) is a steal at £420, down from £1445 RRP.

The Valentine’s Boutique is open for just 3 days, the Sale closes February 10th and all orders are guaranteed to reach you in time for the 14th. To take part in any of Brand Alley’s Sales, simply sign-up on the homepage.

fashionbite xx

Feb 4

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GET THE LOOK: Fabulous lashes

Super cute pop princess Pixie Lott’s eyes dazzled the crowds last night at The Hard Rock cafe, London.

She decorated her eyes with stunning crystals and completed the look with striking lashes. Why not make an eye-statement this spring?

Adorn eyes with sparkling gems, Swarovski crystal body tattoos are perfect for this- Ebay has loads on offer. Then add some lashes from Eyelashes Direct to complete the look.

If you like the false lash effect, but not the lashes, try Maxfactor’s version- see fashionbite’s post Maxfactor’s False Lash Effect Mascara.

fashionbite xx

Feb 3

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NEW LAUNCH: Organic skincare brand Melvita

Fashionbite popped to the UK launch of Melvita this morning, the French skincare brand which already has a monopoly over the organic skincare market in France.

The brand is suprisingly big, the largest certified organic brand in France (according to the company), and has huge plans for the UK market.

It has launched over 300 products here, which you can buy online at www.melvita.co.uk, and plans to open its first UK store in London this summer. It hopes to have 10 UK stores in the next three years.

Melvita is more like a one-stop shop for organic health products, including deodrant, moisturiser, supplements and even toothpaste, rather than simply an organic face cream firm.

The company was founded in the early 1980′s by French biologist and professional beekeeper Bernard Chevilliat. He set up an ecofactory in the beautiful, rural French region of Ardèche, where he has since tested innovative new products for the brand. All products have a stamp of approval from EcoCert, the international organic certification body.

Having tried and tested a number of products, I really like the skincare range. The anti-ageing serum is light and glides on without feeling heavy on the skin- making a great base for make-up. The rose and lavender water sprays are really lovely, both light and refreshing. I’m not keen on creamy cleansers or facial wipes, so these make a perfect alternative.

Price points are more premium, ranging from around £12 to £32, but for a certified organic brand you know you’re paying for the goodness.

I’ve never been swayed by a brand just because it’s organic, first and foremost it must do what it claims to do, and if it’s organic so much the better. However, Melvita seems to do both, which is great news.

The website offers free standard delivery and two free samples on your first order, so why not give it a go…

fashionbite xx

Feb 2

The Laden Showroom to launch etail site

The Laden Showroom, home to young, independent fashion designers in the heart of East london, is set to launch a standalone website on February 22.

The iconic destination store, located at 103 Brick Lane, features over 65 young designers and is definitely worth a vist if you’re in London. Described by Time Out Magazine as “a font of experimental design” while the London Evening Standard called it a “cult store”, the shop is a creative hub of fresh design talent.

If you’re into your niche labels and love rummaging around for new designers, The Laden Showroom is the store for you.

So, good news- the showroom is launching its first website at the end of this month and you’ll be able to get your hands on all those fabulous labels wherever you are.

The Laden Showroom already has an online presence at Asos, selling a selection of designers such as Bonnie, Chandelier, Pixie and Ruby Rocks. But this is the first time it will have its own site….can’t wait!

fashionbite xx

Feb 1

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Butterfly Twists- perfect for partyfeet

We’ve all had the dilemma…you’ve got the perfect dress for a night out, perfect clutch to go with it and the perfect pair of shoes to party the night away. Ok, so the last bit’s not quite true…

Your shoes will last the next two hours.. just about, before they become so painful you can’t even stand up, then it’s barefoot all the way- not quite so glamorous! Or, you’ll have the age-old dilema of bringing flats and where to put them. Somehow an M&S carrier bag doesn’t quite have the same je ne sais quoi.

My friend had this exact same dilemma this weekend.

We headed to a club in Old Street for a friend’s leaving do. In anticipation of the pain later, she brought her favourite LK Bennett flats. Rather than carrying them around all night, she left them in her coat pocket in the cloackroom. Unfortunately, they didn’t stay there..well, one of them did. We scoured the club for the second shoe, but to no avail.

The solution? New ballet pumps Butterfly Twists. The soles fold in four places, forming a lightweight triangular parcel that just pops into your handbag. They also come in a range of colours and at £9.99 a pair, you can have one for every outfit. You can buy them online at Butterfly Twist, or at Asos.

If you lose both (or even one), you’ll be able to replace at a fraction of the cost. With London Fashion Week coming up, I know I’ll be investing in a pair or two…

fashionbite xx

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