Body by Beckham

Women weren't the only ones baring skin in ads this year. Fast fashion giant H&M debuted its first Super Bowl ad for the David Beckham Bodywear collection, starring the soccer star in his skivvies. During the London Summer Olympics, images from the campaign were projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover. (February, August)

The fall 2012 runway collections were steeped in 1920s influences, from Ralph Lauren's "Great Gatsby"-inspired gowns to Tory Burch's sportswear inspired by 1920s Deauville, to Frida Giannini's Art Deco black-and-gold fringed flapper dresses at Gucci. The 1920s were roaring on screen, too, with HBO's popular "Boardwalk Empire," set in the 1920s, sparking a retro haircut craze for men and the "Artist," set in 1927, nabbing multiple Oscars, including a statue for costume design. Expect the flappers and fringe to keep swinging into 2013, when Baz Luhrmann's "Great Gatsby" is to hit movie theaters in late summer. (February)

Capitol Couture

The style-obsessed world of the popular YA novel "The Hunger Games" was brought to life on screen by costume designer Judianna Makovsky, with a cast of hundreds dressed in everything from utilitarian garb with Depression-era grit to glam-gone-grotesque get-ups inspired by the latest haute couture. The character Effie, one part Marie Antoinette and one part Isabella Blow, could barely walk in her shoes — which was intentional. "She is a fashion victim," Makovsky said. The studio launched a website, CapitolCouture.com, dedicated to fashion inspired by the film, and collaborated with China Glaze on a range of nail polish colors. (March)

Fashionable politics

Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour made the list of top fundraisers released by the Obama reelection campaign. Holding star-studded fundraising events in June, September and October, she raised so much money — more than half a million dollars — that rumors swirled that she could be rewarded with an ambassadorship to France or England. (June, September, October)

New-media stars rising

Street style bloggers Scott Schuman (thesartorialist.com) and paramour Garance Doré (garancedore.com) won the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Eugenia Sheppard Media Award, cementing their status in the fashion media pantheon. (June)

Never mind glass

Christian Louboutin designed a pair of limited-edition heels inspired by Cinderella in honor of Walt Disney's rerelease of "Cinderella" on Blu-ray and DVD. The mesh heels were embellished with crystals and butterflies — and sported the designer's signature red soles, of course. (July)

Sex and the single girl

Before Carrie Bradshaw of "Sex and the City," Joan Holloway of "Mad Men" and Anastasia Steele of "Fifty Shades of Grey," there was Helen Gurley Brown. The legendary author and Cosmopolitan magazine editor died in New York at age 90, leaving behind a generation of women emboldened by her controversial view of feminism-laced female sexuality. (August)

Gangnam style

South Korean pop star Psy's "Gangnam Style" was the surprise hit of the year. The song, a dance-y satire of the Beverly Hills-like Gangnam district of Seoul, became an international smash hit after its surreal music video went viral on YouTube. Then its influence quickly spread into all realms of popular culture, including fashion. Psy's stylish sunglasses and powder-blue tuxedo coat were a popular Halloween costume, and designer Jill Stuart has announced plans to team up with Psy on a line of "Gangnam Style" clothes that will be exclusive to Asian markets. (September)

Sports report

Athletes descended on New York Fashion Week, where they polished their personal brands and tested their reporting for media outlets. Olympian Ryan Lochte, the swimmer with questionable style chops, covered the runways for E! Entertainment. There were enough basketballers on the scene (Russell Westbrook, Chris Bosh) to play a pickup game. Tyson Chandler and wife Kimberly were reporting a story for Vogue magazine. And Rajon Rondo was deputized as GQ magazine's fashion intern. It may have been the first time in fashion week history that an intern was guaranteed a front-row seat. (September)

A very Vreeland world

She helped popularize bikinis and blue jeans, discovered Lauren Bacall, launched Twiggy and advised Jackie O. Diana Vreeland, who died in 1989, transformed fashion in the 1940s, '50s and '60s, when she worked at Harper's Bazaar and Vogue magazines. This year, she was celebrated in a number of media, with Lisa Immordino Vreeland's documentary "The Eye Has to Travel"; Amanda Mackenzie Stuart's biography "Empress of Fashion"; a museum exhibition in Venice, Italy; and a Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award in Beverly Hills. (September)

Imperfect pitch

"It's not a journey. Every journey ends, but we go on." So began Brad Pitt's now-infamous Chanel No. 5 ad, and it seems that the commercial will go on in the form of countless parodies. The black-and-white ad's weird spoken-word tone was widely spoofed on TV and the Internet and provided an easy joke for late-night talk shows. For his part, Pitt denies seeing the parodies but says "fair play" of the jokesters poking fun. (November)

Babe in the woods

Tavi Gevinson launched a fashion blog, Style Rookie, at age 11. This year, at the advanced age of 16, she sang "Heart of Gold" in the animated film "Cadaver," was cast in an upcoming live-action movie in August and published her first book, "Rookie Yearbook One," in September. Oh, and she gave a Ted talk. (February, August, September, April)

Bond in style

This year marked 50 years of James Bond on film and 50 years of Bond's sartorial flair. The latest chapter, "Skyfall," with suits (and, yes, a tuxedo) by Tom Ford, was released in November. Some critics called it the best Bond yet, and the box office seems to agree — earlier this month it became Sony Pictures' highest-grossing movie of all time. (November)

Tribal trouble

November might have been Native American Heritage month, but a couple of gaffes proved that pop culture still has a long way to go in the sensitivity department. No Doubt's Wild West-themed "Lookin' Hot" video featured Gwen Stefani on horseback, with a feather in her hair, and the Victoria's Secret fashion show had model Karlie Kloss marching down the runway in a bikini and a feather headdress — a scene that was cut before the broadcast aired. Both No Doubt and Victoria's Secret felt the need to quickly and publicly apologize. (November)

Tips for a fashion-forward 2013

The biggest trend in fashion for the new year might just be that there isn't anything especially trendy.

Based on runway and retailer previews, the must-have look in 2013 could be menswear-inspired and tailored, or ladylike chic. Colors are bold and bright, or graphic black and white; fabrics are slinky and silky, or textured and tough.

And pick your silhouette: There are both short, sexy minis and long. flowing maxis to be had. Check off dressed-up shorts, jumpsuits and slinky mermaid gowns.

It was largely the same story for fall 2012 - and spring before that. 2011, too.

"The problem with trends is that we are trended out. ... We are so exhausted by overload that we just don't have a way to process anything new," says trend analyst Marian Salzman, CEO of ad agency Havas PR North America.

Remember the days when a new fashion season meant a new must-have and a corresponding closet purge? Out with boy-cut jeans, in with skinnies. Out with skinnies, in with bell-bottoms.

Years ago, there was often a single muse who dominated the season. If she were a bohemian free spirit in the spring, she might be a tough biker chick in the fall. It seemed as if every designer was courting her at the same time.

Now the models on one catwalk seem like they were dressed personally by the designer from his or her singular point of view. Looks aren't stagnant, and you can see tastes evolving - right now there certainly is movement toward sophisticated, grown-up clothes in rich jewel tones and sultry touches - but there isn't a feeling that it's being done frenetically.

One style might be more "in" than another, but nothing is quite "out."

"When I started in this industry over 20 years ago, we'd be on the plane after the shows and talking about the trends of next season," says Elle creative director Joe Zee. "We really lived in the bubble. You could say, `It's all about the miniskirt,' and immediately you'd hear, `Oh, well, there's nothing for me.' Now, I can say it's all about the `60s and miniskirts again, but there are still a lot of palazzo pants, and jeans, and everything else, so you'll find something."

Do a search for high-waisted bellbottoms on any given day, and you'll find a million pairs out there - and that's a season when they weren't deemed "trendy," says Zee, who also is curator for the online shopping destination Vente-Privee.

Of course, the Internet has played a huge role in this. Shoppers see new styles more or less at the same time as the retailers and editors sitting in the front row, so fashion has become more democratized. There's still a role for insiders, but it's more as style interpreters instead of final arbiters.

Stores have a much bigger selling space with their websites, so they don't have to choose between the wide-leg pants or the skinny ones. And consumers don't have to wait for the big deliveries a few times a year. There's always a rolling supply of new items - and things headed for clearance racks.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing for fashion.

It was a stretch for a designer long respected for career clothes to tout hot pants. The same could be said for the wunderkind doing embellished ballskirts. Now they don't have to. This allows for more creativity, not less.

No one has to look alike. No one has to squeeze into an unflattering must-have item just because a few fashion insiders deemed it must have. After years of the industry preaching personal style, it seems it's taking its own advice, and designers seem more concerned with carving out their own look - and gaining fans of it - than jumping on an inauthentic trend.

Women can approach fashion as if they have options, Zee says. Take colorblocking, for example.

"I've said that's a `trend' for five seasons. This season I'll say it's black and white, and maybe last year I said it was red and pink, but the look hangs out, has a longer life, and that gives you a broader sense of style," Zee says.

When tastemakers began touting "personal style," Zee says he's not fully sure they meant it. But say something often enough, and people start believing it.

"In the moment maybe it was a marketing ploy," he says, "but then came `Sex and the City'- which I think was a tent pole of personal style - and then the Internet and the popularity of `street style,' and now I think women are saying, `I'm going to do what I like to do.'"

There's also the importance of value in fashion now, and there's not just a dollar sign attached to that. Quality, heritage and integrity are factors.

Going into 2013, Salzman says consumers have developed a mindset that will focus on a bigger picture than one snapped at the end of a catwalk.

"We're going to spend more time thinking about what it means to buy something, and we're much more engaged about what our clothing says as our signature," she says.

Jessica Simpson's Christmas tweet seems to confirm pregnancy rumor

Actress, singer and fashion designer Jessica Simpson sent a Christmas Twitter message that apparently confirms media rumors that she is pregnant - showing a photo of her daughter Maxwell with the words "Big Sis" spelled out in sand.

The picture's caption reads "Merry Christmas from my family to yours."

Simpson had her first child, Maxwell Drew Johnson, in May. She has since become a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers.

A representative for Simpson was not immediately available for comment.

Simpson rose to fame as a teen pop star and became a household name after starring in a TV reality show with her then-husband Nick Lachey, a member of the boy band 98 Degrees. The pair divorced after three years of marriage.

She went on to star in the 2005 film version of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and re-invented herself as a country singer in 2008. She currently designs apparel, accessories and other fashion products and is a mentor on the TV contest "Fashion Star."

Simpson's fiance, Eric Johnson, is a former U.S. professional football player whose career spanned seven seasons for both the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

A look back at the year in fashion for 2012

1. Still stylish at 175

Holt Renfrew celebrated 175 years in business.

2. New designers in the house

Two legendary fashion houses announced new designers. Raf Simons arrived at Dior and Hedi Slimane was appointed to Yves Saint Laurent — or rather Saint Laurent as it's now known. Then Nicolas Ghesquière, designer and creative director for the house of Balenciaga announced his departure. American designer Alexander Wang was appointed new creative director.

3. Demise of Fashion Television

After 27 years on air, Fashion Television is cancelled. The groundbreaking series, hosted by Jeanne Beker since April 1985, was instrumental in bringing high fashion to living rooms around the world.

3. Brad Pitt become the face of Chanel No. 5

Chanel selected world renowned actor Brad Pitt to be the face of the upcoming advertising campaign for Chanel N°5, the French fashion house announced on Twitter.

4. In her genes

Aerin Lauder, granddaughter of the late cosmetics doyenne Estée Lauder, launched her own lifestyle brand called Aerin, at Holt Renfrew.

5. Fashion Cares ends after 27 years

The legendary AIDS fundraising event that brought together celebrity culture, spectacular fashion shows and celebrities is over. Elton John belted out the final note.

6. Death notices

Legendary British hairstylist Vidal Sassoon died of natural causes at his home in Hollywood. He was 84. Anna Piaggi, legendary Italian fashion editor and style icon, died at 81. Helen Gurley Brown, an American author, publisher, and the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine for 32 years, died at 90.

7. Fast fashion went cerebral

H &M collaborated with avant guard designer Martin Margiela for a limited edition collection for the masses.

8. Designer stores flocked to our malls

International retailers beat a path to Canada including Kate Spade, Tori Burch, Express, Limited, Anne Taylor, Massimo Dutti and Ted Baker.

9. Seeing red

The colour red was the basis for a lawsuit, as Christian Louboutin and YSL battled it out in court over the use of red soles on fancy shoes.

10. The simple sweatshirt gained haute status

During the fashion collections in Paris many fashionistas were seen decked out in sweatshirts by Kenzo and Balanciaga.

Vivienne Westwood - Vivienne Westwood's fashion hate

Dame Vivienne Westwood admits she used to ''hate'' fashion because it was such hard work and took years before the media noticed her.

Dame Vivienne Westwood used to ''hate'' fashion.
The long-serving British fashion designer often had moments during her 40-plus-year career where she found it tough to keep going, especially when the media largely ignored her for ten years, but says the rewards of creating your own clothing line are worth the effort.

She said: ''I used to hate fashion. Well, not hate it completely. There always comes a point where you think: well, that's incredible. When you're really pleased. But it's very hard work. How do I keep going? I tell myself that when I've finished this pair of trousers, I can read my book.

''I was successful when I started out. That's how fashion works - the new thing is the news! Then they want somebody else new. I was completely ignored by the fashion press for about - easily 10 years. I thought it was terrible. In France, they would have looked after you better. In England, they're so bourgeois.''

The 71-year-old flamboyant diva - who brought punk and new age fashion into the mainstream - revealed model Jerry Hall is her ideal clothes horse and she thinks the statuesque 56-year-old star is the epitome of glamour.

Vivienne enthused: ''I once opened the show with her; she came up through the floor and stood still for about 10 minutes. I think she just feels the glamorous, Hollywood thing. She spritzes perfume before walking down the catwalk. She's amazing.''

Fashion Spotlight: Sofia Vergara, Claire Danes and More Stylish 2013 SAG Nominees

With award season around the corner and nominations rolling in left and right, our anticipation for fabulous red carpet fashion is building by the minute!

And since we have to wait a while before stunning stars debut their designer gowns, we're reliving some of the most fashion-forward nominees' greatest red carpet hits. Last week, we singled out stylish singers up for Grammy Awards, and today we're taking a look at the recently announced Screen Actors Guild Award nominees.

Just how does Sofia Vergara up the va-va-voom volume of her voluptuous form when hitting an award show? We take a look at her tricks for balancing out her curvy figure, and track nominees like Claire Danes' favorite designers. The Homeland star opted for J. Mendel for more than one red carpet biggie this year, so it will be interesting to see if she reaches for the designer come Jan. 27. Perhaps Dior devotee Jennifer Lawrence will hit the SAG Awards in a dress by her fave French fashion house and Naomi Watts will opt for another showstopping floor-length Zac Posen, like she did for the Los Angeles premiere of The Impossible. We break down Vergara, Danes, Lawrence and more nominees' red carpet style.

Review of fashion in 2012: All aboard the haute express

Not one to hide his light, Marc Jacobs' autumn 2012 show for Louis Vuitton in March featured a full-sized, bespoke stream train, which models in Poiret-esque coats and cartoon cloche hats boarded, accompanied by porters weighed down with monogrammed luggage.

It stands as a leitmotif for the industry this year, the lavish departures and loaded decampments, nostalgic reveries despite relentless onward motion through changes of scenery, names and temperament. And that's before we even consider the whirligig of trends that the past 12 months have also thrown up.

Three new appointments, three new aesthetics – all of them at the very hautest levels of fashion, the very pinnacles of prestige – as Raf Simons, Hedi Slimane and Alexander Wang take the reins at Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga respectively. The latter is a relatively new piece of information, announced last month; the former two have been picked over ever since John Galliano's exit first set the merry-go-round spinning in 2011.

Simons' final show in February after seven years at Jil Sander was one of those rare marvels: a collection that was as understated as its impact was obvious. The third in a triptych of couture-inspired, ineffable collections that had seemed to many an open pitch for the spot at Dior, there were mid- century bustier dresses made modern with sharp geometries; Fifties-era double-faced blanket coats, in camel, blush-pink and crimson made fitting going-away outfits. Its aesthetic coherence, a functional but formidable fragility, characterised the whole genteel mood of the season, and both audience and auteur shed tears during a heartfelt standing ovation.

In Paris the following month, Stefano Pilati's Saint Laurent swansong was touching – here was a designer who has for a decade managed the difficult task of fitting his own personality and that of his illustrious forebear into a line that never felt compromised or divided, or in any way diverted from the founder's original message of strong, progressive femininity. So many of the label's commercial successes under his tenure – the Muse and Downtown bags, the Tribute pumps – already feel so much a part of the sartorial canon that fashion fans became fraught at the idea of them falling out of production with Pilati's departure.

When Slimane – erstwhile photographer and the man whose skinny silhouette at Dior Homme famously encouraged Karl Lagerfeld to go on a diet in the early Noughties – took over in March, his intention to break with the recent past was clear. The change of name to 'Saint Laurent Paris' was intended to recall the label's very first incarnation in the Sixties – instead, all it seemed to do was start a chain reaction in the summer that culminated in October with a show that many deemed disappointing, and some even desultory. Slimane reworked the Saint Laurent archive according to his own back catalogue: skinny suits and boho flashes, jewel-coloured gowns and scatterings of safari that were masterfully made but not immediately arresting.

Simons' debut at Dior earlier that week, however, signalled the rise of a new power in Paris. Dior, for so long at the forefront of fashionable fantasy by sheer dint of Galliano's brain, had lagged without anyone to steer the ship: what Simons presented, in elegantly worked holographic organdie that made up wrapped tops, tunics and delicately-printed bell skirts in homage to the founder's New Look line, was a restrained but feminine vision – one that entranced critics and cool kids, but also this label's decisively bourgeois fan base of customers.

And Sander's return to her own label this autumn felt like another smooth transition, an evolution of what Simons had instigated in her absence, with a retro-futurist nod to the work of Pierre Cardin and André Courrèges in a palette of rust and midnight. That's right, not red and blue.

If that didn't make for a tense enough segue into autumn, the announcement that Maison Martin Margiela would be creating a capsule for H&M in November worked shoppers into a frenzy; it came on the back of a collaboration with Versace earlier in the year, as well as a capsule by JW Anderson for Topshop in what was a strong year on the high street, despite Philip Green's daughter Chloe (of Made in Chelsea fame) making her debut this spring as a footwear designer at – you guessed it – Topshop.

Finally, the strangest trend of the year: the wedge/trainer hybrids popularised by French designer Isabel Marant and now copied ubiquitously. They're wrong – terribly wrong – but somehow also just right (for another month, perhaps). And the biggest fashion mishap? Angelina Jolie's rogue leg on Oscar night, crooked at the perfect angle and totally preposterous for that.

But back to Marc Jacobs and his Louis Vuitton steam train – all aboard for 2013!

Fashion Students From FIDM Share Their Holiday Gift Guide

Shoes, tools, and gizmos are at the top of the holiday wish list for fashion students at top fashion school FIDM.

At the downtown Los Angeles campus of Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, students are cramming for finals, putting the finishing touches on design projects, and just starting to remember it’s holiday time. They took time out of their busy lives to share their wishes for peace, love, and fabulous gifts for college fashionistas!

Shoes are top-of-mind for female fashion students this year. Seventies, punk rock style platform booties with towering heels are the most coveted footwear.

“They go with everything, come in every color, and with spikes on the heel,” according to Tatiana, a Merchandise Product Development student, “they are edgy.” She owns three pairs and would love to add to her collection.

Merchandise Marketing student Natasha could also use a new pair of shoes—preferably something with a funky, concave heel to add to the closet with 80 pairs she shares with her roommate. Fashion Designer Jennifer from London is dreaming of a pair of thigh-high burgundy leather boots to keep her warm this winter. Knitwear, in the form of long, bulky scarves to top off casual outfits and crochet coats, is also enjoying a moment as the temperature dips to the low ‘70s.

For those with enough to wear, tools and electronics figure high on the list. Graphic Design majors Ross and Joseph agree that a new desktop with 27-inch screen and retina display would be nice. “A bigger and better screen is it for designers,” says Joseph, who is going on for his B.S. in Business Management at FIDM.

Graphic Designer Bebe needs a new hard drive, but she wants is a small hand tool, for decorating with sequins and spikes. And Fashion Design student Saul would be happy with his very own mannequin to work on his sportswear designs from home. Visual Communications major Jodie, who is about to graduate, would like the tools of her trade as she enters the entertainment industry: the budding stylist wants a steamer, clothes rack, and styling kit.

And then there are those who prefer experience to material objects—even at fashion school. Several students mentioned travel as their biggest wish and one stressed out fashion student confessed to wanting nothing more than the ultimate comfort gift:

“All I want is to go home and visit my family in Arkansas. I’ve been dreaming about my mom’s mashed potatoes and pork chops for a week,” confesses Shelby. Thankfully, she has a ticket home on Sunday.
With four dynamic California campuses, FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is the premier west coast fashion design college, educating for careers in fashion, graphic design, interior design, and entertainment. FIDM’s graduates include renowned fashion designers like Monique Lhuillier, Emmy® and Academy Award® award-winning costume designers, top fashion industry executives, and entrepreneurs.

Counting Those Who Matter

OF all the hefty fashion tomes that land with a thump in bookstores at this time of year, the vanity monographs and the oh-please-not-another-one biographies of Coco Chanel and Diana Vreeland have nothing on a good survey of designers who matter.

Who are the 100 most noteworthy of all time? Of the last decade? It depends on whom you ask, but a study of the genre can often reveal surprising details about fashion, and how ephemeral success can be. (Among the entrants in the exhaustive 1995 survey “Contemporary Fashion,” edited by Richard Martin, are formerly hot labels like Andrew Fezza and Pepe Jeans.)

Now come two new surveys with markedly different perspectives, beginning with “Fashion Designers A-Z” from Taschen, an extraordinarily lavish overview of the archives of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The 654-page, $350 book comes in multiple editions, with covers by Stella McCartney, Diane von Furstenberg, Etro and others, one bound in Miuccia Prada’s banana print from spring 2011.

While conceived to include only 100 designers, the end tally, after much hand-wringing and additional acquisitions, was 103. This includes the obvious ones (Alaïa, Chanel, Poiret) and some younger labels like Rodarte and Undercover, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the archives.

“A fashion collection is like a shark,” said Valerie Steele, the museum’s chief curator. “It has to keep moving or it dies.”

Interestingly, only two of the designers in that book, Thom Browne and Gareth Pugh, also appear in “Pattern: 100 Fashion Designers, 10 Curators,” coming in March from Phaidon. “Pattern” is a follow-up to the 2005 “Sample,” a yearbook of fashion’s new generation, which at the time included designers like Hedi Slimane, Raf Simons and Phoebe Philo, and also some who have since fallen by the wayside, like Miguel Adrover and Bruce.

“Pattern” similarly reflects its moment. The majority of entrants (a whopping 40) work in the hot fashion capital of London. There are also several of Asian descent, like Jason Wu and Alexander Wang of New York and Xander Zhou of Beijing, but only one, Noritaka Tatehana, from Japan.

Showing how quickly fashion changes, there were 15 from Japan in “Sample.”

Fashion Spotlight: 2013 Golden Globe Nominees

With the announcement of Golden Globe nominations this morning, many people are wondering which actors will take home one of the coveted awards come Jan. 13.

But we're waiting with bated breath for the fabulous fashions that Golden Globe nominees will debut on award show night! We've already broken down the best looks from Grammy nominees, as well as actresses who are up for a Screen Actors Guild Award, and today we take a look at glamorous Golden Globe nominees, like Nicole Kidman, Zooey Deschanel and Amy Adams.

Sofia Vergara, Claire Danes and more stylish 2013 SAG nominees

Kidman stunned in a red tulle silk Lanvin gown at this year's Cannes Film Festival, but we wonder if she will opt for fave designer L'Wren Scott on award night. Best actress in a comedy series nominee, Deschanel, has chosen Oscar de la Renta for some of her major red carpet appearances this year, so we wouldn't be surprised if she turned up in one of the designer's flirty feminine frocks. And while would love to see Adams add some sparkle to the Golden Globes red carpet in a look similar to the Jenny Packham dress she wore to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards, she has also been known to reach for Giambattista Valli on nights she needs to make major style statements. We break down Kidman, Deschanel, Adams and other stylish Golden Globe nominees' red carpet looks in anticipation of their big night!

Fashion Boy's Clothing for Unbeatable Holiday Prices Plus Free Shipping at The Boy's Closet

The pre-holiday shopping season is in full swing, and The Boy's Closet is now offering unbeatable prices on holiday wear for boys of all ages, with free shipping on all orders, now through the end of December. Finding well-fitting dress clothes for boys can be a challenge; The Boy's Closet provides the finest brands at the lowest prices.

Many boys are born with an aversion to shopping. The answer is to shop online, and with The Boy's Closet now offering free shipping with no minimum purchase through the end of December, online shopping has never been easier. The free shipping offer guarantees that the low prices remain low, and there are no added fees at checkout. Moms everywhere can simply order dress wear for their sons, and complete their purchases without having to leave their homes.

The prices at The Boy's Closet are always unbelievably low, and they just got better. A three piece Armani suit goes for $99.95, and a wool/cashmere coat is just $120. Ties are between $10.95 and $14.95, and come in a variety of prints and colors.

The Boy's Closet offers a wide array of suits, tuxedos, shirts, ties, belts, outerwear, and dress pants in all sizes. Their products include seasonal holiday-themed ties that feature snowmen and clip on for a neat look and ultimate convenience. A popular holiday look that The Boy's Closet offers is the three piece suit, which comes in either gray or black. Their suits are tailored and well-fitting, for a polished look.
All products sold at The Boy's Closet come with a complementary thirty-day hassle free return policy. All unworn items can be returned, in their original packaging, for a full refund within thirty days of purchase. Their goal is customer satisfaction, and customers are encouraged to provide feedback or make requests by way of a direct email address that is provided on the site, bypassing associates and automated systems.

Now is the time to purchase boys' dress wear for the holidays, and nowhere are the prices as low as at The Boy's Closet. Enjoy the complimentary free shipping while it lasts, for huge savings.

Suspect in Fashion Island mall shooting is arrested

The man who allegedly fired shots in a parking lot at the Fashion Island shopping mall in Newport Beach on Saturday afternoon was immediately detained by police officers on bike patrol, authorities said.

The suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shots were fired about 4:35 p.m. in the parking lot near Macy’s, said Kathy Lowe, a spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Police Department. Police searched the mall but did not find anyone who had been injured by the shots.

The suspect apparently was trying to get into a white Volvo at the time of his arrest, Lowe said. The mall was not locked down, but individual stores may have been, she said.

Many shoppers posted messages on Facebook and Twitter saying they were locked inside stores.

The mall was crowded with holiday shoppers when the reports of shots were first posted.

Ann Butcher, an employee at Macy’s, said she was on the patio at Whole Foods when people started running and screaming. She said some women left their purses and fled.

“That was very scary,” she said.

Shopper Eric Widmer said he was at the Barnes & Noble bookstore when he saw a mother and daughter rush in crying. He said he heard someone scream, “Shooter!”

He said he managed to exit the bookstore and go to Macy’s, which he could not leave.

“I thought, ‘Great, I get to be scared twice,’” he said. “Lightning strikes twice.”

One person was hurt fleeing the scene, but the injury was not considered serious.

NBC's 'Fashion Star' Will Return March 8th, Airing on Fridays

Is Friday the new hot day to air fashion reality shows? This past season's America's Next Top Model aired every Friday at 8 p.m. on the CW—and just today NBC announced that Fashion Star will make its second series debut on March 8th, also at 8 p.m. Last season, Fashion Star aired on Tuesdays.

Anyhoo, Tuesday-Friday. The second season of Fashion Star will see the return of judges/mentors/peanut-gallery Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos along with "buyers" from Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Express. Notice anything missing? Ah yes, the H&M "buyer" (really: communications director) won't be back for season two. And supermodel Elle Macpherson, who hosted season one (and co-produces the series) will cede the spotlight to Brit Louise Roe.

Are you excited for the second season of Fashion Star? Did you watch season one? Tell us what you thought about it in the comments. We wonder how the producers will change up the show this time around.

Save Time Buying Gifts for Family and Friends this December with NP Fashion

Although the holidays provide the perfect reason to take time off work, the end of the year is no less busy. In fact, many people use vacation time so they might fulfill end-of-the-year obligations. The American woman preparing for Christmas, Hanukkah, or another December event that typically involves gift-giving might be working up the courage to hit the malls this week in pursuit of presents for friends and family. Ideally, the busy cosmopolitan lady would like to purchase gifts that fit the personality and tastes of her best friends, sister, or mother, but fulfilling this objective usually requires much time and thought. When you visit wholesale designer purse emporium NP Fashion, this wish becomes a reality. Through NP Fashion, ladies find original, stylish wholesale handbags of the highest quality for every close female friend on their shopping list.

The buyers at NP Fashion select beautiful bags from a variety of innovative manufacturers. These purses, unlike other handbags for wholesale prices from other retailers, are not replicas of originals from internationally-renowned designers. These purses feature elements that are popular with purse buyers while remaining uniquely designed. When visiting NP Fashion's online store, the bulk buyer may mix-and-match an assortment of original creations, completing their holiday shopping for all their favorite females at one web-based location. Additionally, the individual who dreams of setting up his or her own start-up boutique can begin building an inventory of wholesale fashion handbags through NP Fashion. The more purses purchased, the greater the discount. NP Fashion offers a variety of specials depending on the size of the order.

When NP Fashion declares that their inventory is massive, they are not exaggerating. There are multiple categories of handbags available in many colors and designs. For starters, NP Fashion offers an ample selection of leather fashion handbags with stylish accents, such as colored beads and metal studs that run along the sides of the purse. Recently, NP Fashion added a series of leather bags which feature animal print sashes for undeniable flair. Some of the bags feature unique color combos, such as black, navy blue, hot pink, and green. The new patch-work style bags vibrantly display colors that will add pizazz to a trendy monochrome ensemble.  NP Fashion also carries a huge supply of elegant clutches and evening bags, denim bags, messenger bags, flower appliqued purses, and rhinestone bags, as well as many other categories.

Through shopping NP Fashion, the customer is sure to find a casual purse for an understated yet stylish friend or an eye-catching, glittering bag for the girlfriend that craves a bit of bling. Now is the perfect time to complete your bulk transaction, as this leading supplier of ladies' handbags offers quick shipments, no matter the size of the order. You could have your beautiful, one-of-a-kind handbags in your possession in no time.

Shop by purse category or color at NP Fashion. Visit www.npfashion.com today for more information and to place an order, or call 213.741.1711 to speak with a helpful customer service representative.

Fashion Spotlight: Sofia Vergara, Claire Danes and More Stylish 2013 SAG Nominees

With award season around the corner and nominations rolling in left and right, our anticipation for fabulous red carpet fashion is building by the minute!

And since we have to wait a while before stunning stars debut their designer gowns, we're reliving some of the most fashion-forward nominees' greatest red carpet hits. Last week, we singled out stylish singers up for Grammy Awards, and today we're taking a look at the recently announced Screen Actors Guild Award nominees.

Just how does Sofia Vergara up the va-va-voom volume of her voluptuous form when hitting an award show? We take a look at her tricks for balancing out her curvy figure, and track nominees like Claire Danes' favorite designers. The Homeland star opted for J. Mendel for more than one red carpet biggie this year, so it will be interesting to see if she reaches for the designer come Jan. 27. Perhaps Dior devotee Jennifer Lawrence will hit the SAG Awards in a dress by her fave French fashion house and Naomi Watts will opt for another showstopping floor-length Zac Posen, like she did for the Los Angeles premiere of The Impossible. We break down Vergara, Danes, Lawrence and more nominees' red carpet style.

Kate Middleton Brought An Entire Fashion Category Back From The Dead

Kate Middleton has single-handedly brought back panty hose.
Until recently, the flesh-toned stockings were in a fashion category that had been relegated to the same class as Christmas sweaters and fanny packs.

When the Duchess was photographed wearing nude pantyhose, people took notice, Julia Neel at Women's Wear Daily reported.

" Given her positive image and sky-high fascination factor, it isn’t surprising that with her legwear of choice — primarily flesh-toned, especially for dress-up affairs — she is single-handedly elevating the category to fashion-worthy status," Neel writes.

Several panty-hose retailers have reported that their sales have skyrocketed since Middleton married Prince William in 2011.

Middleton's style is often emulated and most designs she's photographed wearing sell out immediately. Especially famous are the nude pumps she's rarely seen without.

When she was initially photographed in pantyhose, fashion experts were quick to criticize her. But Kate kept trying, and she was eventually accepted.

Boston Globe fashion writer Beth Tietell said that the panyhose are "quite elegant."

Fashion Place to offer gifts for donations

Fashion Place marks its season of giving with a Day of Gifting on Wednesday.

Beginning at 12:12 p.m. in the mallnext to H&M, shoppers who donate to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation will receive exclusive gifts from Fashion Place, and 12 select shoppers will receive a $120 Shop, Etc. gift card.

Shoppers who donate $10 will receive a Fashion Place holiday gift — a choice of a blanket, water bottle, hand warmer or ice scraper, and shoppers who donate $20 or more will receive the $12 gift card to use anywhere American Express is accepted.

In addition, the first 120 shoppers who text in a $20 donation to Huntsman Cancer Foundation at the event will receive a $12 Shop, Etc. American Express gift card, and shoppers who text in a $10 donation will receive an item from the Fashion Place swag table.

Those who can’t make it to the mall can check the Fashion Place Facebook page at 10:12 a.m., 12:12 p.m. and 2:12 p.m., when $40 gift cards will be awarded to 12 winners each hour.

"This is our biggest giveaway season of the year and we’re always looking for new ways to give back to the community and to our shoppers," said Natalie Watson, marketing manager at Fashion Place. "This is a fun way to engage our shoppers in a great cause, while also spreading some holiday shopping cheer."

Fashion Place also is offering a 12 Days of Gifts online sweepstakes that is under way to celebrate the holiday season. Through Wednesday, shoppers who visit fashionplace.com or Facebook.com/FashionPlcMall can enter for a chance to win a prize each day, with the grand prize winner receiving a $12,000 Shop, Etc. gift card.

Kon5 fashion Handbags from HiKoncept.net will Be Released Next Monday

HiKoncept.net proudly announces that its Kon5 fashion handbags will be released next Monday. All the Kon5 series fashion handbags are featured as: rich choices, fine tailor, and following up with the latest fashion trends.

(PRWEB) December 09, 2012
HiKoncept.net proudly announces that its Kon5 fashion handbags will be released next Monday. All the Kon5 series fashion handbags are featured as: rich choices, fine tailor, and following up with the latest fashion trends.

HiKoncept.net is a new player in the fashion handbag industry, and it used to be a popular review blog, providing exclusive coupon and discount codes for reviewing products.

Many women can become excited when it comes to the topic of fashion handbags. However, most fashion bags are not affordable for many white-collars. Kon5 fashion handbags are to help people grab eyesights with handbags at acceptable prices.

A customer from Germany said, "I was so excited to be able to know this good news, and I have been an old user of HiKoncept.net. Much fashion information on its website, and we can feel the fashion there. Kon5 handbags should have a big amount of fans.”

Alisa James, CEO of HiKoncept.net, said, "We have more than six years experience in the handbag industry. We understand what are the latest fashion and what a woman need. Each season has its own color style. People can know a lot of information about luxury handbags at our website. Our Kon5 handbags will absolutely give you a good feeling.”

Kristen Stewart and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Fashion Twinsies in Jason Wu Lace

One of our favorite things about fashion is the flexibility of intepreting a trend that's unique to you. When we spotted Kristen Stewart wearing a an alluring lace and leather look by Jason Wu, we were instantly reminded of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's smashing ensemble with identical elements, but in a curve-hugging dress form.

The Twilight star stepped out in an unexpected look that came together beautifully. Her high-waisted dress shorts and coordinating blouse gave off a quirky tomboy-ish vibe that juxtaposed the ultra-feminine detailing. Meanwhile, the lingerie model vamped it up in a much more provocative take featuring sheer panels and an extremely sexy silhouette. Vava-voom!

We think they both look incredible in Wu's femme fatale collection and applaud their selection of flattering looks that smartly reflect their unique personal styles. 

Rihanna gets a fashion-design competition show, 'Styled to Rock'

"Big news coming tomorrow!," Rihanna promised Tuesday on Twitter — but did she deliver? Sure she did, if launching a new fashion-design competition series counts as big news in these reality-TV-laden days.

Rihanna and the Style Network will be teaming to present "Styled to Rock," the cable network's first competition show, debuting next year. After a nationwide search, the pop star will personally select a dozen designers looking to "take their work to the next level," the network said Wednesday in a statement, and then give them a chance to dress "some of the biggest names in entertainment," none of whom were named.

Riri will also get an assist from three expert mentor-types who'll work with the competitors — and then help cull the herd over the course of 10 hour-long episodes.

Challenges involve styling various stars, with each week's celeb picking one designer who did the best work and should advance to the next round. The mentors will meet with the rest of the gang to decide who goes home during the show's 12-week run.

"Fashion has always played an integral part in my life and career," Rihanna said in the network's announcement. "I am so excited to partner with Style Network and share my creative insight with these 12 designers and give them this opportunity to showcase their work."

Is Rihanna, who got a taste of the runway during this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the right person to lead a fashion-centric show? Or should she stick to singing?

Designer Antonio Azzuolo to Bring His Standout Ready-to-Wear Collection to Charleston Fashion Week 2013

Charleston Fashion Week®announces Antonio Azzuolo will join as a featured designer and a fashion panel member at CFW 2013 (March 19-23). Azzuolo, a 2011 CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund finalist and 2012 CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear nominee, will present his Spring Summer 2013 collection, a.a. antonio azzuolo. He joins Fern Mallis and other fashion industry leaders on the CFW 2013 Fashion Panel, offering advice and mentorship to competitors in the Emerging Designer Competition: East.

a.a. antonio azzuolo, the custom, hand-tailored menswear collection, launched in 2008, drawing an immediate landslide of praise throughout the ranks of international fashion critics at The New York Times, GQ, Style.com, Esquire, and WWD, to name a few - for expert, razor-sharp tailoring alongside contrasting hints of whimsy and nods to street style. His Spring Summer 2013 included unisex pieces, proving he’s got something to appeal to every style.

“There’s a focus on what I do best, the tailored blazer and garment,” Azzuolo has said of his work. “I’m pleased to bring my collection to such a cultural hub as Charleston, and I look forward to being a part of Charleston Fashion Week.”

Scheduled for March 19-23, 2013, Charleston Fashion Week® will continue its mission to serve as a pipeline to career success for undiscovered talent in fashion design. CFW, in its seventh year, offers aspiring designers exposure and mentorship from fashion industry leaders in addition to producing a professional runway show.

Charleston Fashion Week® 2013 takes place March 19 – 23, 2013. For more information on CFW, Antonio Azzuolo, CFW’s Emerging Designer Competition: East, and to purchase tickets, visit charlestonfashionweek.com. Find @ChasFashWeek on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Electus International Signs Multiple Format Deals, Securing Local Series Commitments For Fashion Star In Asia

Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (IACI), today announced that its global distribution arm, Electus International, has licensed the format for Fashion Star, its hit reality fashion competition series, securing local series commitments in Korea (SBS E!), Vietnam (VTV3) as well as being optioned to Endemol in India. Fashion Star is part of an ever-growing Electus slate that will be brought to market for the first time at the Asia Television Forum in December. Earlier this year, Electus International closed a finished tape deal for Fashion Star to premiere across 20 countries in Asia through DIVA Universal. Fashion Star Season 2 will air in Spring 2013 on NBC.

"Asia is an incredibly important market for Electus International, so I'm thrilled to announce that we're kicking off our push into local productions through series commitments of Fashion Star in Korea and Vietnam, said John Pollak, President of Electus International. "Fashion Star is a unique and compelling format that resonates universally as it fuses entertainment with commerce to build the next big fashion brand."

In the original U.S. format, Fashion Star gives unknown designers a life-changing opportunity to win a multi-million dollar contract to launch their clothing lines in Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue - three of the largest retailers in the country. Contestants are put to the test to see how they react in a variety of real-world scenarios to determine who has the vision and desire to build a fashion empire. With top fashion experts Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos as their guides and mentors throughout the process, competing designers have to be as adept in the business of fashion as they are in their creativity. Each episode kicks off with an exhilarating fashion show featuring musical performances, dancers, and models in front of a live studio audience. Every fashion show will be built around a weekly challenge that is designed to further develop each designer's brand.

Buyers from the top retailers (Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue) serve as the judges, making on-the-spot decisions each week as they bid against each other to purchase the work of these up-and-coming designers. The night following each episode, the winning designs are available online and in retail stores in the U.S. In the end, the designer who most successfully combines fashion and business will become the next "Fashion Star" and receive the prize of a lifetime - an exclusive capsule line in each of the three retailers.

The Fashion Star format was developed by Ben Silverman of Electus (NBC's The Biggest Loser, The Office, and The Tudors), Rick Ringbakk of Emmy Award-winning 5x5 Media (Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution), and E.J. Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions.

The show is executive-produced by Elle Macpherson, Ben Silverman of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media and EJ Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions.  Electus International retains all international distribution rights.

Fashion tycoons could face jail in tax evasion case

They are accustomed to bathing in the adulation of models and fashion critics as they parade down the catwalks of Milan. But Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's next public appearance in Italy's fashion capital will take place under rather less glamorous circumstances, as the famed stylists appear in court tomorrow accused of tax avoidance on an epic scale.

They are alleged to have evaded more than €400m in tax when they sold their D&G and Dolce & Gabbana brands to a holding company, Gado, which they set up in Luxembourg in 2004.

Prosecutors say the complex arrangement enabled the duo, whose friends and clients include Angelia Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Monica Bellucci and Naomi Campbell, to avoid paying higher taxes in Italy and instead pay at a lower rate in Luxembourg.

Investigators say the price at which the companies were sold – €360m – was about one-third of their true market value. The designers vehemently deny the allegations and have called the charges "absurd" and based on "a completely abstract calculation" of their companies' market value.

The business partners, regarded as gods in a pantheon of Italian fashion icons that includes Versace, Valentino and Armani, face prison sentences of up to five years if found guilty.

Six associates of the duo will also be on trial, including their tax consultant, prosecutors say.

The trial comes as Mario Monti, Italy's straight-talking technocrat prime minister, has declared the government to be "at war" with tax evaders, in a country in which, until recently, tax dodging has been regarded almost as a national sport.

"Some measures adopted by the government against tax evasion may seem like war measures and, in reality, they are," Mr Monti said last month. His predecessor, Silvio Berlusconi, was famous for his soft stance on tax evasion, even suggesting that it was justified if tax rates exceeded a certain level. But since Mr Monti replaced him a year ago, he has led a crackdown on rampant tax dodging, which is estimated to cost the country around €115bn a year.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Dolce and Gabbana will not necessarily attend the first days of the trial, when the timetable for witnesses will be determined. "They are not obliged to appear in court," Laura Pedio, one of the prosecutors, said.

A spokesman for Dolce and Gabbana in Milan refused to comment about the case. Lawyers for the fashion tycoons also declined to comment.

Impressionism, Fashion & Modernity links art and fashion

In other parts of the world it might seem a stretch to turn a museum exhibition about one of the greatest periods in painting into a lesson in the history of couture, but not in the city that happens to be the world capital of both.

Welcome to “Impressionism, Fashion & Modernity,” on view through Jan. 20 at that marvellous former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay.

Showcasing 80 paintings by Impressionist masters (including Monet, Manet, Renoir) and some of their contemporaries from the early 1860s to the mid-1880s, this smart and sumptuous exhibition is an impressive co-venture between the d’Orsay and two North American partners, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, each of which will present somewhat different versions of the exhibit in 2013.

In Paris, the show has a special magic that is in danger of being lost on its way across the Atlantic. That’s thanks to the witty and innovative way Toronto-born Robert Carsen has turned this into as high-spirited, dramatic and illuminating an experience as you could hope to have.

Linking artistic masterpieces with fashion trends of the same era, he takes us for a joyride as the wizards of both worlds compete to dazzle their society with knockout creations. Visitors are swept down a runway of cultural and social history while becoming intoxicated with splendid explosions of style and the exuberant mood of la Belle Epoque.

“By the time I got involved, the works of art had already been chosen by curators from the three museums involved and so had the title of the exhibit,” explains Carsen.

(He is better known as one of the world’s leading opera directors than as a museum maestro, but at the moment he is a creative force not just in the Impressionist show but in another Paris exhibit, about the depiction of Bohemians in art, currently at the Grand Palais.)

Guy Cogeval, the president of the Musée d’Orsay (and former director of Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts), told Carsen: “These are the paintings. You choose the clothes.”

It was up to Carsen to come up with a design and decide how the paintings and the clothes should be presented in relation to one another.

“When I was invited to join the project, I didn’t think we could get all the period clothes and I didn’t like the idea of making copies,” said Carsen. “Luckily, we were able to find all those clothes.”

It helps that Carsen lives in Paris (though he works all over the world) and is intimately acquainted with its fashion world as well its opera, museum and theatre worlds. (The son of the late philanthropist Walter Carsen, he grew up in Toronto but left while still a student.)

Carsen persuaded the museum to add sections about accessories: perfume, gloves, fans, shoes, hats.

Immersing himself in the subject, Carsen discovered how fascinating this quarter-century period was. It coincided with the opening of department stores. And Cogeval gave Carsen huge spaces to work with.

The result: a constantly astonishing show with tremendous momentum. It is filled with delicious insights into how artists depicted the social history of the era as reflected in what the people in their paintings were wearing.

The upshot: while exploring the treasures of a great museum, you may also feel you’ve somehow landed in the display window of the world’s most exclusive department store. Many of the dresses on display here are genuine works of art. In the course of a walk-through, a visitor can learn a lot about the use of ribbons, buttons and bows, and become an expert in the evolution of undergarments such as corsets and crinolines.

The 80 oil paintings flow through nine large rooms. In two of those rooms, Carsen has created runways, using paintings instead of models.

Memorable paintings include Renoir’s La Loge, Monet’s Women in the Garden, Manet’s At the Milliner and (on loan from the Art Gallery of Ontario) James Tissot’s The Shop Girl.

An example of Carsen’s flourishes: a room featuring Manet paintings is decorated with a red carpet and an array of dining chairs, each with the name tag of a prominent person of the age. In his research, Carsen learned that the same chairs used by catwalks today are the ones seen in Impressionist paintings.

At the end of the show, runways flow into the vast, open gallery so that we end up in a green, airy garden where scantily clad young people cavort in parks and along river banks.

Different versions of this exhibition will be seen in New York starting in February and in Chicago next summer. Carsen will not work on the New York installation. He will bring his touch to Chicago, but it won’t be the same extravaganza he created for Paris.

Fashion Frenzy at Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Forget about Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many fashion-savvy shoppers have been counting down to the launch of the much-buzzed about Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection.

The designer collaboration features over 50 limited-edition accessories, home goods and fashions from top American designers like Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Tory Burch and more.

Before the line hits stores nationwide on Dec. 1, New Yorkers can score the hot collection today at the retailers' one-day only pop-up shop. Doors open at 9 a.m. at 530 Fifth Ave in New York City.

" Good Morning America" got the exclusive first look at the pop-up shop at the preview event Wednesday night. The items range from $7.99 to $499.99, but most accessories come in at a gift-able price point: Tracy Reese's $39.99-set of four printed dessert plates, a Tory Burch lunch box for $19.99, to a Diane von Furstenberg printed yoga mat or lacquer jewelry box for $49.99.

Click here to see photos of the complete collection.
The Target and Neiman collaboration follows Target's enormous success with high-fashion designer collections at budget prices, including lines by Jason Wu and Missoni for Target, which instantly flew off of store shelves and sold out online. Fashionistas looking to score the limited-edition Missoni items crashed Target's website last fall and waited for hours in line.

Each shopper at the New York pop-up store will be limited to five total items this time.

Which other big names can you find on pop-up store shelves? Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Rag & Bone, Brian Atwood, Alice + Olivia, Proenza Schouler, and Marchesa round out the A-List designing roster and have cooked up a collection of accessories, home goods and fashions.

Fashion Blogger Of The Week: Peony Lim On Her Blogging Style And Mini Dachshund

Peony Lim is one of the chicest bloggers around. She first started her blog after some warm encouragement from street style photographers hanging around outside her university (luckily based at the home of British Fashion, Somerset House) and has just celebrated her second blogging birthday. The model and stylist recently appeared on the panel of our School of Grazia ‘Street Style, Trend Spotting and Photography’ masterclass where she dished out helpful advice on everything from lighting to posing for the camera. We love Lim's blog for it's mix of inspiring personal style posts, recipes and adorable pictures of her Miniature Dachshund Thumbelina...

Grazia Daily: How long have you been blogging?
Peony Lim: Just two years this month.

Grazia Daily: What made you decide to start your blog?
Peony Lim: Fate really. I didn't want to be an intern and I knew I wanted to work in fashion. I had met some street style photographers outside my university during fashion week (I was based at Somerset House) and they encouraged me to try blogging when I graduated.

Grazia Daily: Which subjects do you particularly love blogging about?
Peony Lim: Food, Fashion and Travel are my loves. Oh and my dog Thumbelina.

Grazia Daily: What’s been your highlight so far?
Peony Lim: Gosh making it a full time job has felt like living the dream.

Grazia Daily: Are there any particular perks of blogging? Do you get freebies or invited to events?
Peony Lim: Yes and yes, but I think the best thing is being creatively in control. Thats wonderful and rare.

Grazia Daily: Do you attend London Fashion Week?
Peony Lim: Yes, and New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.

Grazia Daily: What are your favourite brands?
Peony Lim: Hermes, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, and I love Zara on the highstreet.

Grazia Daily: Blog brag time - why should people read your blog?
Peony Lim: Awkward. I don't know. If you like Miniature Dachshunds, food and some classic clothes, give me a try. I promise you don't have to come back if you hate it!

Grazia Daily: What advice do you have for anyone starting a blog?
Peony Lim: A great camera and some one who knows how to use it goes along way. Also be yourself. You can't be anything 100% better than anyone else!

Grazia Daily: Which other fashion blogs do you love?
Peony Lim: Vanessa Jackman and Food Gawker to find new food blogs.

iD showcases fresh fashion talent

Vibrant colour and design, hand-dyed wool, tapestry, leather work, and digital printing are just some of the innovative techniques used by graduates showing at next year’s iD Dunedin Fashion Week.

Five exceptional graduate collections from the Otago Polytechnic School of Design have been selected from a field of 25 on display at the recent Collections 12 runway show to launch their careers at the 2013 iD Dunedin Fashion Show on Friday 15 March and Saturday 16 March 2013.

Rakel Blomsterberg, 26 (Iceland), Olivia Bloxham, 20 (Timaru), Samuel Ralph, 21 (Invercargill), Tansy Morris, 23 (Dunedin) and Samantha O’Reilly, 22 (New Plymouth) will showcase their final-year collections alongside high-profile New Zealand fashion designers, and emerging international designers. Since 2002, the event has included a special section for graduate designers - attracting top talent from Dunedin’s prestigious fashion school, with many talented graduates going on to high flying fashion careers through gaining professional runway experience and exposure as part of iD Fashion Week.

Three of the graduates - Blomsterberg, Bloxham and Ralph - were also part of the six-strong fashion student contingent chosen to show at the prominent Shanghai Fashion Week in October.

The graduate selection panel was comprised of: Tim Pollock (Dunedin Public Art Gallery), Margi Robertson, (Nom-D) and Charmaine Reveley (fashion designer).

Margi Robertson, creative director of Nom-D was impressed by this year’s graduating class, saying it was wonderful to see the progress made year on year by Otago Polytechnic graduates.

"Each year the collections seem to be more advanced and presented in such a professional manner without compromising on personal creativity," she says.

Dr Margo Barton, Otago Polytechnic’s School of Design academic leader and principal lecturer (Fashion), says this year’s crop of graduates were incredibly talented and she was looking forward to seeing them at iD.

"Colour is back - in fact, there is nearly no black in this year's selection. New technology combines with traditional techniques to allow these 2012 graduates to each tell their own fashion stories.

Selecting from a catwalk show is a real challenge. You respond to the drama and spectacle in front of you, and it is exactly the right place to select the collections which would create just the right excitement for the iD Dunedin railway show. I can imagine that the selectors had a terrible time reducing their selections to five, as this year was an extremely high achieving one."

Experience fusion of fashion, music at IRFW

New Delhi, Nov 26 (IANS) With as many as 30 shows, presence of international names including socialite Paris Hilton and the four−day festival divided into three main areas, the second edition of India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW) in Goa promises to set new trends and benchmarks in the world of fashion with its second season.

"IRFW is a three−dimensional concept which believes in providing the complete experiential arenas of resort fashion, resort music and resort retail. All these three arenas have been conceptualised very seriously," Pallav Ojha, director, IRFW told IANS.

The fashion event, to be held Nov 28 to Dec 1, has been divided into three main areas − The Fashion Show, The Fashion Village and The Music Festival.

The India Resort Fashion Village, a retail venue, will be open to all.

The fest this year will give the fashion aficionados a musical experience too, says Nidhi Choudhary, managing director of IRFW.

SandKastle, a beach music festival, will see a robust line up of international and Indian artists perform for the attendees. The line−up includes Paris Hilton, who will go behind the console as a disc jockey (DJ) at IRFW this year.

"Music adds charisma to the garment. It brings out the character of the clothing, created by the designer. At IRFW, we are leveraging the platform of fashion and inviting music lovers from across the world to witness the essence of this fusion," said Choudhary.

The fashion event is scheduled to take place at Goa's popular Candolim beach this year unlike the last season where only the finale took place at Marbela Beach Resort, Morjim and the rest of the shows took place inside hotel Grand Hyatt.

The first edition witnessed 15 designers showcasing their talent, but the second edition has a lot more to offer for its patrons. A few confirmed designers showcasing their work are Narendra Kumar, Neeta Lulla, Arjun and Anjalee Kapoor, Pria Kataaria Puri, James Ferreira, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Rocky S, Babita Malkani and Riyaz Gangji.

Puri feels it is a unique and brilliant platform between the clutter of fashion weeks in India.
"Our country is known for its resort fashion the world over, and having an official resort week encourages international buyers to come down here and explore," Puri told IANS.

Added Gangji: "Destination weddings are in vogue across globe hence the demand for resort wear is humongous. IRFW as a platform provides best ambience to the designers like us to express ourselves better and ingeniously."

Even foreign designers and artists are set to create a flutter with their work and shows. Some of these names are Sidney Samson, Buffer, Viktoria, Fabio and Moon, David Morales, Audiomatic and Robbie Rivera.

A night of fashion and charity at the Gawad Kalinga Hope Ball

It was a night of fashion and charity on November 9  when the country’s elite gathered at the Peninsula Manila in their stunning barongs, tuxedos and gowns for the third Gawad Kalinga (GK) Hope Ball.

Spearheaded by the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, in-demand designers like JC Buendia, Rajo Laurel, and Randy Ortiz celebrated Philippine fashion with a memorable fashion show in which notable names in the country—for the night, called "GK Champions"—played designers' muses.

“For the Hope Ball, FDCP designers were matched with GK Champions who agreed to model. Part of the fee for the gowns and barongs went to the GK,” said FDCP president JC Buendia.

Among the GK Champions was athlete Armand Del Rosario, who walked the runway in a simple Rajo Laurel-designed barong Tagalog.

“The muses are big-hearted GK Champions who were brave enough to model and willing to pay the cost of the garments they're modeling. Designers were matched to the styles and personalities of the champions,” said Buendia.

The designer added that “the clothes presented at the ball each had fabric and/or handiwork done by the various communities.”

Dr. Karen Yabut–Castillo walked the runway in a JC Buendia terno.
Among the stand-out pieces was JC Buendia’s elegant pink mermaid-cut terno with traditional butterfly sleeves made for Dr. Karen Yabut-Castillo. The gown is simple and sophisticated, with some beading on the skirt.

Yabut-Castillo accessorized it with simple dangling earrings that matched her ring, and completed her efforlessly elegant look with a loose '50s bun.

Buendia also designed Lia Andrea Ramos’ two-piece ensemble—a modern, feminine interpretation of a barong paired with a long pleated black skirt. The look exuded glamour and power.

Another standout piece is a red Randy Ortiz number modeled by Salome Uy, with a sheer top and a dramatic take on a peplum skirt.

Ortiz designed a cute little ribbon detail on the waist and made the skirt long with a heavy train.

Furthermore, Uy completed her look with a loose ponytail, light makeup, and dangling earrings.

Part of the fashion show's proceeds will go to the building of relocation sites that is GK’s mission to restore Intramuros, Manila's old Walled City.

Topshop and Topman open first store in South Africa

Famed fashion retailers Topshop and Topman have opened an African flagship in Johannesburg.

Topshop and Topman launched their first stores in Africa on November 21, with a lavish bash in the South African financial capital.

A fresh new 950 square meter flagship store located in Protea Court in Sandton City houses all of the sibling brands' latest styles under one roof. Back in July 2012, a successful pop-up store in Cape Town (in association with concept store Unknown Union), whetted the appetites of South Africa's style set. Mary Homer, managing director for Topshop said a permanent store was the obvious solution: "we've wanted to offer our full Topshop retail experience to the fashion conscious South African customer for a long time."
South Africa is the 37th country market of the British fashion brand, which has more than 700 stores worldwide.

Famed for helping to establish the trend for collaborations between high fashion and the high street, Topshop regularly works with designers including Christopher Kane, Meadham Kirchoff, Hussein Chalayan, Richard Nicoll and Mary Katranzou. The brand has also collaborated with fashion icon Kate Moss who has designed a number of her 'Kate Moss for Topshop' lines.

Topshop's younger brother, Topman, boasts stores in 70 cities worldwide, stretching across 20 countries. Arcadia Group has plans for a second Johannesburg store, and a permanent Cape Town location in the new year.

Victoria Beckham And Anna Wintour Join Forces To Raise Money For Hurricane Sandy Victims

Fashion queens Victoria Beckham and Anna Wintour have joined forces to help raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, with the Council of Fashion Designers and US Vogue teaming up.

Famous fashion figures will show their support for the victims of the tragic Hurricane Sandy which swept New York and left devastation behind, with the likes of Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, US Vogue Editor Anna Wintour and fashion designer Victoria Beckham all showing face.

And whilst an array of prominent fashionistas in the industry have stepped up to pledge financial aid to support the relief effort, the CFDA and US Vogue publication have gone one step further by planning to host a special fundraising event.

The Trade Association, headed by fashion designer Diane von Furstenburg, has teamed up with luxury auction website Charitybuzz.com to help launch the collective fashion industry fundraiser Fashion for Sandy Relief.

The first goody up for auction is the chance to attend a top fashion show with Anna Wintour herself and her team of Vogue editors, as well as a tour of the famous magazine's offices and a luxury goody bag full of Vogue memorabilia.

Other experiences include a meet and greet with Victoria Beckham, a week at one of Tommy Hilfiger's private estates and lunch with Diane Von Fursteburg, lunch with Christian Louboutin and a free signed pair of his famous red-soled shoes.

And it's not all about fashion as other sporting, theatre and movie related experiences will be up for auction as well – with all money raised going towards the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.
Speaking of the fashion fundraising event, Diane von Furstenburg stated: ''Sandy has hit us hard here at home,'' Maboot reports.

''It is devastating to see so many friends and neighbours affected. As we did for Haiti and Japan, our industry has come together to raise funds with Fashion for Sandy Relief,'' she added.

British Fashion Awards 2012: Manolo Blahnik Wins Outstanding Achievement Award

Big whoops to you, Mr Blahnik! This morning, the British Fashion Council have announced that the shoe master will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s British Fashion Awards, due to take place at the Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, 27th November (that's less than a week, peeps).

This isn't any old award - oh no. According to the BFC, this is a 'special award' that is one of the most significant of the evening and 'celebrates and recognises one designer, who throughout their career, has made an impact on the global fashion industry.' Last year, National Treasure Sir Paul Smith picked up the accolade and previous winners include the likes of John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. The award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion was voted for by a panel of leading internationally acclaimed journalists and retailers to pay tribute to Manolo’s extraordinary career and contribution to the British and global fashion industry.

Indeed, Manolo Blahnik is well and truly enshrined as an icon in the halls of luxury fashion history with his elegant, perfectly-made shoes being worn by everyone from Carine Roitfeld and Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City to Marge Simpson. And let's not forget Kate Moss AND Bella Swan wore Manolos on their wedding days.

It all began back in 1968 when the designer moved to London to work at fashion boutique Zapata. Diana Vreeland championed his footwear designs but it was in 1972 when he got his big break and Ossie Clark invited him to create shoes for his catwalk show. He stayed true to his stiletto creations in contrast to the mainstream chunky platform boots of the '70s and now owns boutiques across the globe, from Las Vegas to Dubai. No wonder Madonna described his heels as 'better than sex'.

Rewind to 2011 and Manolo was producing an eco shoe made out of old fish skin. Yes, we faltered slightly too, but they really are gorgeous. The range of sustainable shoes was part of a collaboration US-based eco-designer Marcia Patmos who has been designing sustainable clothes since the late '90s. And after years of towering platforms dominating the fashion landscape, during which time Manolo never once bowed to popular opinion and created super elevated ones himself, his thin soled, pointy toed spindle-heeled pumps steamed straight to the top of the Autumn Winter 2011 wish lists. In October last year, we reported that his dainty kicks were selling out all over New York City.

As for his successes this year, footwear fans rejoiced when Manolo teamed up with Kurt Geiger to launch a boutique in Harrods and Liberty (our bank balance was not so happy). Then Mr Manolo coaxed VB out of her Louboutin heels and into a pair of flat buckled Monk shoes. The designer created the flats for Lady Beckham's Spring Summer 2013 mainline collection, convincing us that androgynous is the new shoe-du-jour.

Fashion Flash: Michael Kors Critiques The First Lady, Ralph Lauren Provides Sandy Relief

Rodeo Drive Resale, premier reseller of upscale clothing and accessories, recaps the latest in designer fashion, runway news and celebrity style.

To help luxury lovers stay informed on the latest in upscale style and Hollywood happenings, Rodeo Drive Resale, premier reseller of 100% authentic St. John Knits, Louis Vuitton handbags, and Tiffany & Co. accessories, looks at the latest happenings in the world of upscale fashion and celebrity style.

MICHELLE OBAMA, BY MICHAEL KORS: “Mrs. Obama looked chic and elegant as always on Election Night,” Famed designer Michael Kors said in an email to the Associated Press. “My dress, with its strong color, clean lines and feminine silhouette, has all the elements that have become a part of the trademark style of our first lady.” The First Lady donned a Michael Kors magenta silk chine pin-tucked dress on Tuesday, November 07, 2012, as she joined her husband onstage as he celebrated his presidential victory. Michelle, not one to let a good piece go to waste, has worn the dress twice before.

ST. JOHN KNITS ANNOUNCES BIG SALE: Fashion favorite St. John Knits recently announced a special sale, offering up to 40% off their select fall fashions. The sale is being offered online and off. St. John lovers that prefer the more traditional look of the iconic label are invited to visit shopRDR.com, the world’s largest reseller of St. John Knits. There, shoppers can find classic pieces from the label’s collection, all guaranteed authentic and offered at an amazing price.

RALPH LAUREN AIDS IN SANDY RELIEF: World-famous designer Ralph Lauren is doing his part to assist in the rebuilding efforts of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. According to a November 6 story posted on Examiner.com, Lauren has pledged $2 million dollars, which will be split between the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and the Robin Hood Relief Fund. He will also donate the money to states that need rebuilding like Connecticut and New Jersey.

“I'm a born and bred New Yorker,” Lauren said. “I raised my family here and started my business here. The Tri-State area is home to thousands of our employees and our customers and we have a special and personal relationship with the affected areas. We want to support the selfless work of so many agencies, professionals and volunteers and hope that these donations will make it easier for our cities to rebuild and recover.”

Rodeo Drive Resale (shopRDR.com) has built a reputation of providing amazing deals on handbags, clothing and accessories from the top designers of upscale fashion. The company offers a 100% guarantee of authenticity on each item sold, and works daily with a network of clients looking to buy, sell, or for consignment of their luxury goods.

Box sets fashion

A similar phenomenon is observed in the current teen series Gossip Girl. When the television series premiered in 2007, it garnered quite a following. The show, which revolves around the social intrigues of a group of fashionably attired Manhattan private school teens, attracted not just teenage viewers but also women in their twenties who tuned in for the plot as much as they did for style tips from the extravagant wardrobes of the stars, put together by costume designer Eric Daman.

Crested blazers, layered polo shirts, kilts and duelling plaids had never looked more chic. Viewers were also taken by the distinctive styles of Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and her haute bohemian ensembles, or the fussier look of Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) and her frilly headband, brooches, pearls, scarves, colourful blazers and patent leather pumps. Let us also not forget the bevy of gorgeous couture gowns that the girls don when the occasion calls for it in the show.

The New York Times reported in 2008 that Gossip Girl is the first show to have been conceived in part as a "fashion marketing vehicle". It quotes Daman as saying, "We tried to launch trends from the get-go."
It certainly succeeded in doing that as the series ignited a resurgence of ritzy, preppy and collegiate looks in the spring/summer 2008 fashion season, with labels including Marc by Marc Jacobs, Henry Holland and Ruffian coming out with punk, schoolgirl styles.

Another show that has brought the schoolgirl look or "geek chic" to the fore is the musical series Glee. In particular are Rachel Berry's outfits, which mix preppy staples like pleated skirts in plaid or stripes with argyle sweater vests, tall socks and sweaters with quirky details, and always with a small sling bag to match. This autumn/winter fashion season, we see once again a revival of schoolgirl styles: varsity jackets, buttoned-up shirts and layered under knits, tartan or plaid, and ankle, knee-high or thigh-high socks under loafers or brogues are seen at Edun, DSquared2, LAMB and Lauren Moffatt.

But before Rachel Berry, there was one who truly epitomised the geek-chic style: Betty Suarez, the titular character of the Ugly Betty series, known for her clashing layers, patterns and combinations that make the fashion-conscious wince. As over-exaggerated as her look may have been — her wardrobe was courtesy of costume designers Patricia Field and Eduardo Castro — it was the muse for Marc Jacobs and Miuccia Prada, who both love clashing, 1970s-style prints and have created similar designs. Mismatched patterns were a huge trend in spring/summer this year, seen at D&G, Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Sui and Erdem, among others. The trend continues this autumn/winter, particularly at Prada, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Just Cavalli.

The reigning television series of fashion inspiration is Mad Men, which is in its sixth season and is one of the most influential shows on television right now. Ever since the first season premiered in 2007, the sleek ensembles of its male characters and the oh-so-feminine and demure frocks of its female leads by costume designer Janie Bryant have led to a resurrection of 1950s and 1960s styles on the runway.

Nostalgic fashion dominated the silhouettes of the collections from Louis Vuitton and Prada a few seasons ago, and it seems that designers are not done with referencing looks from this elegant period of fashion history. This year's spring/summer fashion afforded many such retro-inspired looks from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Valentino, Jil Sander and Rochas, to name but a few, and the autumn/winter collections from Dior and Lanvin also reference Mad Men.

Another nostalgic fashion throwback this past spring/summer season was the flapper style of the 1920s, seen in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire, which follows the adventures of corrupt county treasurer Enoch "Nucky" Thompson in Atlantic City in the 1920s. Fashion labels from Gucci, Etro and Ralph Lauren to Jill Stuart and Roberto Cavalli this past spring/summer season carried a variety of looks with drop-waist silhouettes that defined the dresses from this era.

For the current autumn/winter season, a number of collections reference the English sartorial sense of Downton Abbey, a series set in the early 1900s about the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and its servants. Ralph Lauren even presented his English countryside-inspired styles at fashion week to the soundtrack of the television series. His collection had corduroy jackets and jodhpurs, tweedy plus-fours, Fair Isle knits, houndstooth coats and bowler hats.

Over at Louis Vuitton, there are elbow-length gloves, oversized hats and buttoned-up coats, while at Burberry Prorsum, it is Downton Abbey meets downtown chic with peplum jackets, tweedy urchin caps and dainty lace-up ankle boots.

Fashion chief Lord Alliance of Manchester urges shops to invest in UK clothing

Fashion mogul Lord Alliance of Manchester has warned that retailers who fail to invest in domestic manufacturing are ‘doomed’.

Price rises in China have undermined the advantage of buying from Far Eastern factories and rapidly changing internet-led fashion demands mean retailers need to source clothes from closer to home to keep up with trends, he said.

Alliance’s £752 million internet shopping firm N Brown, whose brands include Simply Be, has re-established its UK manufacturing base over two years to cut supply times and the need for discounts.

‘Businesses need to realise their future depends on serving the customer, and you cannot serve the customer with clothing that is 12 months old,’ he said. ‘If you think you can survive doing that, forget it, you’re doomed.’

It can take six months for clothes to be made and delivered and up to 12 months if the time taken to buy dyes and raw materials is added. Arcadia chief Sir Philip Green, who releases his latest profit figures this week, has increased his use of UK factories in the past year by a fifth to 47.

Asda’s clothing boss Andrew Moore also said the store had increased UK production from one to five factories to respond to the latest trends. That supported a push in lingerie and nightwear over the past year that helped double sales.

UK retailers moved the vast majority of clothing production abroad more than a decade ago to make use of cheap labour. But attempts have been made to revitalise home-grown industry. Manchester City Council has set up a centre for excellence for the textiles industry, led by former Rochdale MP Lorna Fitzsimons.

Marks & Spencer has increased UK production in clothing and home products by 20 per cent to £250 million over five years.

Fashion Designer Liz Lange and Jane Wagman Launch Liz + Jane Apparel Collection Exclusively on OpenSky

Sisters and co-editors in chief of Shopafrolic.com, renowned maternity designer Liz Lange and graphic designer Jane Wagman launch their first fashion collaboration on OpenSky.com. The duo has teamed up with The Jump Apparel Group on a collection of five holiday dresses that will be available under the Liz + Jane label starting today exclusively on the social shopping site.

"Every woman needs chic affordable dresses in her wardrobe arsenal for holiday or any day. Don't get caught with nothing to wear," said Liz Lange. "We worked hard to ensure that there were styles that worked for every body type. Our dresses are flattering and comfy," said Jane Wagman.

OpenSky.com is a social shopping marketplace that helps people discover, buy and share unique goods that match their individual taste. Members create their own shopping circle by connecting to their friends and their choice of the site's industry insiders in food, healthy living, fashion, beauty, home decor and electronics to create a personalized shopping experience. As "Insiders" on OpenSky, Liz and Jane have been curating collections of fashion and accessories for members of the site for more than a year.

"Liz and Jane are incredibly connected to their shoppers on OpenSky, they know what they love," said Simon Black, OpenSky's Chief Merchandising Officer. "We're excited to see how their shoppers react to the Liz + Jane label."

The launch of Liz + Jane marks the first time the pair will offer their fans on the site something under their own brand. There are five different styles available each named for a fashion icon: Marilyn - a sequined cap sleeve party dress with built in bra in gunmetal gray ($99), Diana - a black lace one-shoulder, knee-length dress with cream underlay ($89), Michelle -- a magenta shift dress with embellished beaded collar ($69), Georgina - a black cocktail dress with beaded accents on the cuff and hemline ($59) and Audrey - a black dress with lace insets and a bow detail at the waist ($89). Additional styles will roll out beginning in Spring 2013.

Philanthropy in Fashion

As Ali Hewson and her husband Bono stood with the fashion entrepreneur Renzo Rosso on an African trip earlier this year, the raw white cotton in the hands of the Diesel founder led to an epiphany.

 Why not create a collaboration among three people who believe passionately in the promise of Africa?

This week the tangible results of that trip will take the fashion for philanthropy fast forward, into a smart business. Bono, a persistent and vocal supporter of help for Africa going back more than 25 years, and his wife are expanding the reach of Edun, the fashion company they set up in 2005.

Through a partnership with Mr. Rosso, founder of the Diesel group, Edun products, sourced or made entirely in Africa, will be sold in Diesel stores under an Edun+Diesel label.

“Bono and I have known Renzo Rosso for over 10 years,” Ms. Hewson said. “When we decided to travel to Africa to visit both Renzo’s Millennium Village in Mali and our own cotton farming program in northern Uganda, we realized that the result would be both an amazing journey and a collaboration resulting in a line of beautiful clothes made from our cotton and 100 percent made in Africa.”

Bono himself is reticent about the overall subject of “Africa rising” and says that he would rather leave it to his African team to discuss aid to the continent in a wider context.

“There is a bit of a minefield here which you can choose to ignore. You don’t have to be an expert on this stuff,” the U2 musician said of his long-term support to African countries.

Bono’s attitude is that Africa is not a poor continent, but rich in everything: people, land, diversity — and especially young people, with 60 percent of its population younger than 25 years old.

“In my experience, the entrepreneurial spirit has always been alive and kicking. In tough circumstances of extreme poverty, the survival instinct is an innovative one,” he said, adding that new technology had brought new opportunities to the continent, like farmers managing their money via smartphone applications.

“People want control over their own destiny. You can see it in the Arab Spring, you can see it on college campuses, you can see it in on the streets of Nairobi,” he continued. “Economists predict that between 2010 and 2015, 7 of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world will be there. For those who think the 21st century will belong to China, look where the Chinese are: They’re in Africa!”

Bono’s active participation in founding Edun puts him and Ms. Hewson in a strong position to follow the code expressed by Ban Ki-moon, the U.N. secretary general: “Africa does not need charity, it needs investments and partnership.”

While the entire Edun+Diesel line will be made in Africa, that goal has not been easy for Edun itself to achieve, although Ms. Hewson plans for 40 percent of its men’s and women’s ranges to be made in Africa in 2013.

The company, which sold a 49 percent stake to the luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in 2009, manufactures its clothing in a variety of countries including China, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

Mr. Rosso is as plainspoken as Bono when he talks about Africa and his enthusiasm for the new partnership. His Only the Brave Foundation is philanthropic, but he says the African projects are founded on good business sense.

“I think working in Africa is both brave and smart: Brave because we are currently investing our time and money in building know-how in these parts of the world; and smart because Africa is the next big market, as the Chinese have already understood before anyone else,” he said. “I don’t feel I am doing it for philanthropy. We are doing it to generate sustainable development.”

The foundation’s initiatives, in spite of the recent political coup in Mali that has destabilized the country, have included building a secondary school with a dormitory for students from remote villages, laboratories used for teaching job skills and other modern facilities.

“Africa is a rich continent: rich in resources, rich in culture, rich in the ambition to grow permanently” out of its current problems, said the Italian entrepreneur, who, in addition to the Diesel jeans lines, also owns the upscale brands of Maison Martin Margiela and Viktor & Rolf as well as the production specialist Staff International, which has licenses for labels like DSquared2 and Just Cavalli.

 Mr. Rosso says that he wants the fashion industry not only to bring trade to Africa, but also to channel and give visibility to the continent’s creativity in style, fabric graphic design and craftsmanship.

Why this new collaboration? Ms. Hewson says the benefits will be a “two-way street”: Edun’s Conservation Cotton Initiative in Uganda will be alongside Diesel denim product skills, as well as the global commercial clout of the Diesel brand.

To all three, the initiative therefore is a small, but significant, part of a bigger picture.

As Mr. Rosso puts it: “With this project we want to show to consumers and to the industry alike, that it is indeed possible to source, produce and generate sustainable trade — and, hence, development — in Africa.”

While admitting that “there are kinks in any industry that need ironing out,” Ms. Hewson’s commitment to Edun, along with that of her husband, is to create “great clothes,” creating new jobs and serving consumers along the way.

“We are a tiny company with big ambitions — one of which was to persuade some of the fashion heavyweights to take more interest in this part of the world,” she said. “The business environment is getting easier in many places, and the more people and companies that show interest, the quicker that will change.”

When Lauren Bush, a scion of the Bush political family, was a college student in 2003, she traveled with the U.N. World Food Program as an honorary spokeswoman.

From her understanding of the importance of U.N. school lunches, in both feeding children and enticing them to school, came her current project: FEED.

“I would return from these travels to Latin America, Africa and Asia always inspired to get more people — especially young people — involved,” said Lauren Bush Lauren, as she became when she married David Lauren of the Ralph Lauren family in 2011.

Finding it frustrating that world hunger seemed both an overwhelming and a faraway issue, she was determined to act.

“I had an ‘aha’ moment and came up with the FEED bag as a way for consumers to give back in a tangible and meaningful way,” she says.

With help from the fashion industry, Ms. Bush Lauren produced a burlap and organic cotton bag that went on sale through Amazon in 2007. The FEED Web site now sells it for $80, which will provide school meals for a child for a year.

“I designed it to look like the bags of food rations I saw being distributed. I wanted the aesthetic to be connected with the cause — very industrial and utilitarian,” she said.

Five years on, 60 million school meals have been bought through partnerships with Bergdorf Goodman, Tory Burch, Clarins, DKNY, Gap, Godiva, Pottery Barn and, of course, Ralph Lauren.

“I love being an entrepreneur,” the designer said, explaining that while 20 percent of her time was spent speaking for the cause, the rest was a hands-on involvement with design, communication and partnerships. And, in creating the apparel and accessories that also are sold on the FEED Web site, she said, “We are able not only to give meals, but to support artisans’ livelihoods.”

“The combination of business, fashion and philanthropy is a powerful one,” she continued. “And when done right can make a huge difference in the world.”

They’re All Playing the Game

THE fashion trade, when you get down to it, is just an endless competition. New designers compete to break through. Older designers compete to stay on top. Models compete to walk the best runways. Party reporters compete to gather the most trivia.

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So it was on Tuesday night in West Chelsea, where a wondrous display of fashion players populated a large gallery space for the annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner, which is itself the culmination of a competition for emerging designers trying to win the industry’s support.

Moving through the crowd, one could learn all sorts of little things: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the Proenza Schouler designers, are thinking of moving to Fort Greene in Brooklyn. Chanel Iman is recently single. Devi Kroell has dyed her hair a color she called “rose gold.” Victoria Bartlett is suing her plumber. Alexa Chung is secretly a great rapper, fluent in early-century Nelly.

“I’m just here for the chicken potpie,” joked Christina Ricci, wearing a midriff-baring dress by Richard Chai and referring to the evening’s traditional menu, selected by Anna Wintour for its one-plate efficiency. That, and comfort food helps on a night that, while fabulous for most guests, is full of anxiety for the designers who were competing for the prize.

Does it ever get easier? Even at the grown-up tables, the designers were stressed. Tory Burch was a trooper when faced with dinner conversation that kept returning to the he-sued-she-sued legal battle with her former husband, Chris Burch, over their respective retail brands.

“We don’t want to read any more about Tory and Chris,” Tommy Hilfiger said.

“Thank you, Tommy,” Ms. Burch said. “I don’t want to read any more about it, either.”

Christopher Bailey, the Burberry designer, who gave a keynote address and was introduced by Chelsea Clinton, tried to calm everyone a bit, relaying his own experiences in an industry that can be brilliant, he said, “but also ridiculous.” He described his early days, and many long nights, working for Donna Karan, when a masseur would come around the office at 3 a.m., then “at 4 a.m., we’d all sit in a little circle and chat over fabrics, and then at 5 a.m., Demi Moore would come in for a fitting,” he said. “That was weird.”

Finally, Emma Stone, dressed in a Burberry peplum top and skirt, which she had covered for most of the evening with a blue coat, presented the awards. The runners-up were Jennifer Meyer Maguire, the jewelry designer married to the actor Tobey Maguire, and Tabitha Simmons, the footwear designer and Vogue contributor married to the photographer Craig McDean. The big winner was Greg Chait, the designer of the pricey cashmere line Elder Statesman, who is engaged to the actress Laura Ramsey. (Trivia!)

The awards come with cash, $300,000 for Mr. Chait and $100,000 each for the runners-up. But the real draw for the designers is the promise of mentorship and a leg up in the bigger competition — which, of course, is just business.