Christian Louboutin launch Lipsticks

I remember being in New York last year and hearing about the big news by the Christian Louboutin brand launching a nail lacquer line, with spiky stiletto bottles that sold out everywhere.

Now, around a year after expanding into the beauty world, the luxury brand is expanding its beauty range to lipstick [THANK GOD- in the sense that I thought their first product would be lipstick and actually not nail polish].

But are you ready for the price? Let me put it like this, I believe the most expensive brand in terms of lipsticks in my make up range is of Mr. Tom Ford (at £38/ $50) and I believe that Tom Ford’s lipstick currently stands as the priciest luxury brand on the market. However from research, I’m seeing around $90 / around £55! But of course, it's not just lipstick we’d be buying. Louboutin says he aims to create "objets d’art," and desires more than "beauty products"—and these creations are indeed just that.

“When a woman carries a handbag, we look at her shoulders. When she slips on a pair of heels, we observe her walk. If she applies lacquer to her nails, we admire her hands,” said Louboutin, in a release from the company. “An object that embellishes the lips—the beacon of sensuality and organ of communication—has to be fairly amazing. The object should inspire a beautiful gesture.”

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The line features 36 shades in three different textures — Silky Satin, Velvet Matte, and Sheer Voile — that are inspired by Louboutin handbags and shoes. As with any of Louboutin's products, the lipsticks are works of art, inspired by everything from Babylonian architecture to Art Deco to Middle Eastern antiquities. In short, a little bit of inspiration from the beautiful Crown Jewels, golden bullet-type mermaid tails.

Originally, sales within the perfume aspect of luxury brands powered the fashion world. Soon after, it became designer jeans and now more than ever, it's another form of accessories. It is no coincidence that Louboutin arrived in the 90s when this switch began, helming alongside Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo as the Holy Trinity of the luxury footwear market. From distance research and observation over the market change, shoes (and bags) have turned from something you put on your feet to avoid splinters into fetish-type objects for woman (as well as men) recently. 

I just wanted to share this because of how the coverage has been online regarding the news of the brands latest venture. Despite the rumoured price tag, I am very intrigued on how this product will play out in terms of features, and possibly more insight into the inspiration behind the inspiration the appearance.

Hermes Exhibition

An exhibition dedicated to the luxury brand will be open to the public at the Saatchi Gallery from the 21st-27th May. Expect to see a selection of different crafts demonstrated live, how they make the luxury products in their workshops and much more !

The Festival de Métiers exhibition will only run for a week, providing to the public a fascinating experience and insight in the crafting of fine and luxury products which Hermès have prided themselves with for many years. We will be able to see how the iconic silk scarves are printed as well as the 'birth' and creation of handbags, fine-jewellery and (hopefully) much more.

So far, the exhibition has been held in Beijing & Shenyang in China and its now coming to London for a week before it sets off to Dusseldorf.

I definitely want to attend this exhibition, I find that brands who are holding theses sort of 'invites' into their world, letting you gain insight to how they have come from the past to the present excites me. Visiting the Valentino, Chanel  and Dior exhibition felt like taking a History class outside my university library and being able to get up close and really see the fabrics, and documents / stamps / symbols that makes the brand what it really is ! So I urge you to go, it will be a fun day out for you and friends and a great history lesson about one of the most well-known and well respected brands in luxury fashion.

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OOTD || Bank Holiday Weekend

Happy Bank Holiday all ! 

Last night along with Jourdan, I attended FashionEvents.co.uk launch party. Fashion Events is a newly launched website that provides a unique experience for both consumer and fashion designers to London, taking a 'fashion forward' approach to seeking new emerging talent in all aspects of the industry to give exposure to their work (so any designers reading this, I suggest you drop them an email ;) ) . Not only so, but they also report on many live events, and keep up-to-date throughout the fashion calendar. It has been around for not long, but officially launched yesterday due to such a massive response to the company.

It was a lovely evening, Jourdan and I met a lot of interesting people from various aspects of life, and the bank holiday weather around South Kensington ( the launch was at Boujis ) was just right ! Here is what Jourdan and I wore

 

Jourdan - Blazer - House of Oshae, Top/ heels and jeans - Topshop

Me - Blouse - Zara , Skirt - H&M, Shoes - Wallis

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OffBeat, in association with Vivid Fashion Group and Made in Shoreditch will present ...

OffBeat Live 2013

Offbeat Live is all about celebrating live music, fashion, art and pop-ups. The 'Shoreditch Fashion Show' is set to be the highlight of the event, showcasing a lot of creative talent from Britain's best young and emerging designers from the world's top fashion colleges (that's right you guessed it right guys ), London College of Fashion and Central St.Martins, as well as the best of British independent brands and hipsters . Not only will you see a fashion show, but fashion photography, unique illustrations and other installations will be running for you to see. And whilst checking out the designs, you'll be listening to the freshest sounds ranging from Live Music and DJs.

It's an event not to be missed, alongside a surprise headliner in store, pop-up food stores and support from the likes of several global brands including Wired Magazine, Tiger Beer, Vita Coco, Young Threads and Serge De Nimes, the party will go on through the night and is set to be a truly memorable showcase of creative talent 

tickets can be purchased here

ÖffBeat Collective’, consists of a group of creatively motivated individuals who specialise in brand consultancy through marketing, events and visual production. At the heart of ÖffBeat we celebrate creativity at its purest, whatever form it takes.

 We nurture and develop creative talent and harness it to develop innovative work for brands and businesses alike. ÖffBeat Events are about creating different and immersive experiences showcasing live music, art and design' 

- ÖffBeat 

Hockton Docks, 27/4/13 ... Will I be seeing you guys there ?

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Celebration in order !

Today marks the 44th Presidential Inauguration Anniversary, and I know the focus is about celebrating the  swearing-in of President Obama, I'd just thought that we would celebrate Mrs.Obama and Mrs.Carter.

Michelle Obama : Thom Browne Coat and J.Crew belt

Beyonce: Emilio Pucci and Lorraine Schwartz jewels

The fashionable First Lady looked so stylish, wearing a custom-made Thom Browne coat and dress for the occasion. What I love about these two figures are how they know to really enhance their figure - and that's what Mrs Obama did with an embellished J. Crew belt that she wore over her checkered coat, cinching in her waist. Earlier in the day the First Lady had a pair of J. Crew pumps, but she slipped into knee-high Reed Krakoff boots for the outdoor ceremony at the Capitol. 

Beyonce looking stunning in her Pucci gown and fur Dior Coat no doubt, but in arms with Mr.Carter just added beauty to the relationship which they have, Jay-Z also brought out his best for the occasion, looking dapper in a Tom Ford suit, tie, and scarf. 

Photos: Getty Images and Google

My Lord, and to only think that there is more to come for the ball later on ... did we like their choices ?

Melika M Launches Collaboration Collection with Naoya Nakayama

Womenswear designer Melika M (founded by Melika Imoru in 2009) has launched a new and exciting collection for her SS13 collection collaborating with LCF graduate Naoya Nakayama. The pair have teamed up to create a clean, crisp and modern collection which encompasses many of the key trends seen in the SS13 collections by Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Dior and many more.

The vibrantly on trend, yet timeless SS13 range with a hint of a sixties vibe includes monochrome dresses adopting sheer panels, asymmetric white dresses and structured jackets, clean and crisp crop tops, panelled skirts and stunning colour block sixties inspired frocks. The collection gives young women the chance to adopt summer trends straight from the catwalk without loosening the purse strings.

 

 With years of experience in the fashion industry, Melika Imoru decided it would be a great idea to include a young up-and-coming designer, and with his stunning graduate collections at London College of Fashion, Naoya seemed the ideal choice. The pair offers each other invaluable qualities. Melika gives her years of experience and insider knowledge, and Naoya gives his fresh approach and revolutionary ideas.

   

  Melika M is for the woman who definitely appreciates attention to detail, classic cuts with an upgrade to flavour. What I adore about this collection is that it's fresh, clean, easy going and has pure sophistication; If styled, there is no need for accessories because it's freshness make the look bold from any other! Looking through the collection, that 'luxury holiday' vibe also comes through my mind - and that is amazing (well to me) considering the £XX price tag . This collection has pieces for the beautiful spring days (That's if the England weather will it to us) and the crisp summer nights. 

To follow up more on Melika Imoru:

Like the facebook page !

Follow the twitter page

And be ready for the launch of her site - http://melikam.com/

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Wool Week- Jylle Navarro

The dark nights are drawing in and the chill is taking place, winter has finally arrived (some may argue that it never left London) and Wool week has commenced ! If your in London and happen to walk down Oxford Circus, you are bound to see many high street stores display their collaborations with graduate students and other designers celebrating wool week, but for those in the internet world ... you have me ^_^ introducing this phenomenal knitwear designer Jylle Navarro.

 

The SS13 collection comprises of over-sized garments, embellished stand out pieces and daring accessories such as woolen balaclavas . The key elements of Jylle's business ethic are global accessibility,gender neutrality  and sustainability.

These designs are only for the edgy and non-conformist individuals but also who dress as a way of influencing the world at affordable prices! There are also less daring pieces to add some electricity into wardrobes of those more introvert than extrovert. Whether you live life to the fullest or you're a quiet flame that occasionally bursts out with an exclusive garment, this is for you.   

 

"With my asymmetric shapes,layering, fringing, draping and use of neon brights, I'm continuously pursuing the boundaries of bold artwork, diverse statement pieces and a daring approach to knitwear." says Jylle

Jylle's work has appeared on celebrities such as Debbie Harry, Pete Burns and Nicki Minaj. She also has assisted in the design of top collections for Louise Grey's AW12 Catwalk show.

Find Jylle's products in:

- store '172' on  Brick Lane

-The 'Happy Shack' in Camden

- via 'Under One Roof' on the ASOS marketplace

[Photos- Styling - Joanna Hir,Photography - Ilana Baxter,Make-up - Gregory Kara, Models - Ira N Gash and Marc Jorden, Accessories - Louise Mckay and Neco London]

Lana Del Rey is Announced - The New Face Of H&M

So first, she's absolutely beautiful (I know, really did not have to address her beauty), then Mulberry named one of their super-luxe bags after her, and now the international breakthrough songstress is announced as the global face of the high street favorite, H&M?! My Lord, Lana Del Rey is fast becoming a fashion industry favorite (but who could blame her? look at that picture !!) She will be sporting the AW campaign, featuring the shift dresses, beautiful jumpers, accessories and etc.

Can;t wait for more of the photos, and of course to shop the collection :)

To see the collection, click here 

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Zara AW12 Collection

Photo's from Look

Here are some of the pieces that I liked from the new Zara collection which are currently in stores and online . I briefly skimmed through the looks whilst visiting the London,Victoria store sometime last week and was amazed with the irresistible collection filled with leather, studs, flashes of leopard print, reds and blues, and of course; peplum. I suggest my fellow Londoners, that we FORGET about summer because the high street stores like H&M/Topshop/Warehouse/River Island New Look and etc are dishing out some styles !!

My favorite has to be the nude studded boots and the red racer back dress. O! And that metal platform heel !!

All in favor of ditching the hope of a summer 2012, lets get ready for Autumn say I? loool

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Primark AW12: Sneak Peek

AW12 collections are coming out soon and to be honest,with beautiful pieces like what Primark has in store for us this autumn ... I'm not so bothered for summertime loool. From this collection, expect to find elegant boucle jackets, sheer printed shirts and chic cigarette pants. 

     

     

     

    

       

What are my favourite pieces from the collection?

There are many, I'm in love with the printed trousers, I just absolutely love tapered trousers and a nice chic print ... with these, an oversized collared blouse/ cashmere jumper and a pair of stilettos

Another piece I love is the sheer cut-out blouse, lovely for both day and night ... with fitted pants and a pair of pumps

x 

Maison Martin Margiela at H&M? Oui Oui Oui !!!

Grab your pitch notice boards my fellow fashionista's !!!

The rumor that Maison Martin Margiela at H&M has been confirmed and the launch of the fall collaboration shall be November 15th.

I can not lie, it is a surprising collaboration, as the historical context of the French fashion brand has cultivated a mythic quality to their brand. And most people will not know of their brand as they never seem to be advertised or aspired to communicate in a mass-market way. As 'MMM' had always remained as an exclusive brand, it shows a lot for it to be teaming with the Swedish brand and they want to raise public awareness to the house,

- big step for the label.

But what is more a 'big' issue is ... will it live up to it's previous successors Versace, Jimmy Choo, Lavin etc ?The french brand is a stunning and dynamic brand, but will it show on a H&M budget? Hmmmm

But ending this post, H&M are bringing out big guns this 2012 with collaborators ... Anna Dell Russo AND Maison Martin Margiela ... What are you most excited for?