Beauty Buzz: MAC launches new Viva Glam lipsticks for AIDS awareness

Yesterday I attended the Viva Glam launch of two new lipsticks to raise awareness of MAC Cosmetics' Aids Fund. The new campaign entitled 'From our Lips' is fronted by Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper, the new spokespersons for the fund, and the event was hosted by Sharon Osbourne.

The star studded gathering had Britain's fashion and entertainment darlings in attendance including models Agyness Deyn, Tallulah Adeyemi, designer Henry Holland and diva extraordinaire Jodie Harsh.

It was an intimate 'audience with' and both Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper had much to say about the subject of HIV and AIDs. Fans of MAC and the divas alike from all over the world emailed questions for Sharon Osborne to invite the feisty duo to address.


The discussion shared the extent to which MAC are working with pharmaceutical companies to develop a female condom, and donating the full price of the new lipsticks (£12.50) to their charity.

It is understood that 2.5 million dollars will go to locations with the highest level of aids infection such as Africa, the Caribbean and Queens, New York. More money will be distributed to other affected countries and cities as needed.

Flamboyant and as iconic as ever, it is hoped that the discussion between Gaga and Lauper on the subject of HIV and AIDS will encourages people to think and act differently about the disease. One of the biggest preconceptions is that AIDS is primarily a gay disease, but the infection rate of heterosexuals is vast enough to challenge that myth.

At one point the discussion turned to solemn was when Cyndi Lauper talked openly and somewhat emotionally about loosing a best friend to the disease in the 1980s. It was this loss that made her pay more attention to protecting herself from the infection. She said to ignore the importance of safe sex would have been a disservice to her friend who lost his life.

When asked what their message to women around the world about sex is? Lady Gaga spoke bluntly in saying 'Wrap it up with a condom. Women are now the highest demographic of the infected'. In agreement Lauper stated 'Women need to feel strong enough to say 'I practice safe sex, or nothing at all' - protect yourself and don't be a knucklehead! Viva Life, Viva Glam'.

Web: www.macaidsfund.org

Fashion News: Fat Face launches Carrot Denim

Cult leisure brand Fat Face recently added a new style of denim to their collection entitled Carrot. The relaxed boyfriend fit denim is in a heavy vintage wash and sits low with a slouchy fit on the hips yet slim at the calves and ankles.

Perfect for pear-shaped girls like me who find skinny jeans less than flattering, the Carrot denim is a brilliant alternative; with angled front pockets and cinch back waistband, it's tapered to fit like skinny jeans and I love the fact that I can adjust the waist for a snug fit.

I've always had trouble finding the perfect skinnies; thanks to my wide hips and a smaller waist, the proportions never seem to work, but I think I've found the perfect match. Here's a snap of my carrot denim, it's so comfy I live in them most weekends. Carrot denim is available to buy online, now reduced to £44.00.

Web: www.fatface.com

What do you think of the new Carrot denim?

Photography courtesy of Chris Hutty

Fashion News: 7 Ribbons, the new online accessories boutique

7 Ribbons is a new website that launched this week selling accessories, hand-picked from around the world.

The independent boutique is well known by shoppers astute to popular London summer festivals, as the brand regularly exhibits at shows throughout London, and their pieces are creating a buzz among fashion editors and stylists.

The online shop has an impressive collection of eclectic and contemporary pieces; most great for everyday wear, others for occasions and making a statement. There's also an ethical collection of handbags, hand woven and made in Kenya.

If you're a fan of high street chain Accessorize, then I think you'll like what 7 Ribbons has to offer; their range is a happy medium between premium fashion quality and high street prices.

Web: www.7ribbons.co.uk

Fashion News: Sososher launches cash back for savvy shoppers

A new website has launched which may just change the way you shop online. It's called Sososher “Savvy Online Social Shopper”, and it combines four popular things that we tend to do via the internet; shopping, socialising, watching videos and bargain hunting.

Sososher offers a unique way to shop online with friends via the shopping buddy tool so that you can interact with other members and share product recommendations. There's also Video/Picture reviews to browse the purchases that others have made giving you the added confidence to make an informed purchasing decision.

But the best bit about Sososher is the cash back; every time you shop, you receive cash back on your purchases and there's over 2,000 stores participating in the scheme including Karen Millen, Agent Provocateur, La Senza, Dorothy Perkins and Kurt Geiger. With the current recession still causing many of us to tighten our spending, the website and its perks couldn't have come at a better time.

Its free to join and thankfully there are no tedious forms to fill in, bank details to give or contracts to sign. As well as being able to receive cash back at stores across over 40 different categories they have a huge Health and Beauty section where you can earn cash back from Avon, Champneys and many more.

Web: www.sososher.com

Fashion News: Eyola launches new collection

Fashion label Eyola has launched a new high-octane collection entitled Tarcotsira. Eyola is the brainchild of designer Aloye, a recent alumni of the prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design (IED Moda Lab). I recently received images from the new look book photographed at Beach Blanket Babylon restaurant in Notting Hill, London.

The venue with its lavish surroundings, was the ideal backdrop for Eyola's iconic designs; where fashion meets fairy tale. In this case, the new collection seemingly tells a story of modern vampish glamour and vintage charm.

Just in time for the party season, the series of power dresses featuring rich jewel hues and plenty of sparkle is truly about making a bold statement. Aloye stays true to the opulent style we've come to know and her inspirations still reference the femininity and grandeur of the Victorian era.

Since the last time I wrote about Aloye, she has been hard at work taking her luxury womenswear label to new heights and the work is clearly paying off. The Londoner showcased her pieces during Africa Fashion Week and won the 'Most Promising Designer of the Year' at the Arise Fashion Awards this Summer.

The new collection Tarcotsira is the 5th Octette in the Eyola family, and the label remains firmly on my style radar. Here's a peak at my favourite shots from the look book:




Web: www.eyola.com

Fashion News: e.g... unveils new collection

Cutting edge designer Emma Griffiths has recently completed her new collection for SS/10. Her label e.g... is quickly becoming the new cult fashion brand, empowering women with ultra sharp, sexy shapes and modern detailing. Griffiths' latest designs can be viewed in the video below, showcasing a series of pieces that I believe is her best work yet. Watch it, you'll love it.

Web: www.egfashion.co.uk

Fashion News: Gap celebrates 40 years with new denim concept store

The denim authority that is Gap has enjoyed unprecedented levels of success since the first store opening in the summer of 1969. When San Francisco pair Doris and Don Fisher came up with the simple idea of a shop where everyone can find a great pair of jeans, I wonder if they ever imagined it would celebrate 40 years in the making?

Gap is renowned for it's iconic denim styles, and from the 10th of September to the 5th October, the brand will be launching the Gap 1969 concept store, just off Carnaby Street. It is set to feature a large collection of exclusive denim styles and artist collaborations.

Designers Pierre Hardy and Albertus Swanepoel have both created bespoke denim pieces for the store. Gap’s new season ankle boot by Pierre Hardy is re-worked in unwashed indigo, whilst Albertus Swanepoel has designed a black felt wool riding hat with denim peak.


As part of the celebrations, there will be music from breakthrough artist VV Brown on the opening night and photographer Garance Doré will also curate an exhibition of her work for the space. Showcasing street portraits and illustrations, Doré explores the idea at the heart of Gap; highlighting how the simplest outfit can create such individuality of style and remain so enduringly fascinating.

Gap will also be giving back with special charity donations; to mark Gap’s anniversary, on the opening day ONLY they will be stocking limited edition RED rinsed jeans in your favourite Gap fit for £19.69. Half the profits from all jeans sold will go towards the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Gap 1969
G7 / G8 Kingly Court
Carnaby
London W1

For more information visit www.gap1969.com

Fashion News: Kirsty Doyle AW09 Collection

The moment I've been waiting for has finally arrived - Kirsty Doyle's latest collection is now complete and what a style offering it is. Consider it a power dressing fiesta with classic appeal and cutting edge shapes if you will. The 2006 Project Catwalk winner hasn't disappointed with 10 stunning noir and ivory pieces.

Bordering on a capsule collection, the Ivory Quartz Jacket is quite a show stopper; a luxurious mix of cashmere wool and raw silk. It drapes beautifully. The Silk Ivory Pleat Shift, is a must-have for work and play. The Origami Peaked Shoulder Jacket is one of my favourites; featuring strong shoulders, sharp detailing and great versatility. However, the piece I'm most excited about is the Black Pleated Jumpsuit, and for this I can't say much more than yes, Yes, YES.

See the full collection online at www.kirsty-doyle.com.

Stockists
My Wardrobe
Exclusive stockists of Kirsty Doyle womenswear.

Fashion News: Next Model Competition Winners

A big congratulations to Kiren Modi and Dan Clarke who battled it out among 50 contestants and won the prestigious Make me the Next Model competition last week Thursday. The two winners will feature in future issues of the Next Directory and have hopefully started a fantastic modelling career.

The event staged at a secret venue in central London was an exciting soirée with a fashion-led panel of judges including the beautiful Emanuela De Paula - face of Next and Brazilian Model extraordinaire. The contestants showed us what they were made of, Flawless (of Britain's Got Talent fame) rocked the venue with their body popping street dance and the AW09 fashion show had me scribbling frantically about black sequins and primary brights (more about that later).

I have great respect for the 50 contestants who made it through to the final. Rumour has it that they all had to learn catwalk routines, master their signature walk and grasp the backstage pressure just hours before the show started. Nerves certainly would have got the better of me, but the finalists did well to hide any sign of intimidation and all did brilliantly given the short time span.

The night ended with good food and an invitation to the dance floor, which I happily accepted.
Here are some photos of the event:

Contestants in Backstage Makeup

Model and Judge Emmanuella De Pauala (left)

Flawless in motion

Event DJ

Stylish guests at the show reception

Fashion News: Next scouts new models for Directory

Over the last few weeks, fashion retailer Next has been searching for two new, unsigned models to feature in a forthcoming Next Directory. The shopping pages goes out to over 2.2.million people in the UK and with entries surpassing 3,000, the competition is creating quite a buzz.

The top 50 entrants have recently been announced and details are available via the nextonline facebook page. I've checked out entrants myself and there are some very strong contenders. I'm loving the look of Dan Clarke, Muna, Natasha Musson and Fabio (all pictured above). I think they could go far.

The final round is on the 31st July, where the hopefuls will be narrowed down to just 10. Hosted by Alesha Dixon and Paul Sculfor , the finalists will battling it out to wow the judges and Next will be officially revealing their A/W collection on the night.

Want to be part of the action? There are free tickets up for grabs; for your chance to win entry to the exclusive 'Make Me The Next Model final, all you have to do is become a fan on the facebook page and email your details to nextofficial@next.co.uk. The deadline for the next draw is mid-day on the 26th July, good luck!

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/nextonline
Click here to go to Next Online

Fashion News: Living & Giving Shop raises £113,000

The buzz surrounding Mary Portas’s Living & Giving Shop at Westfield London continues. In the 3 weeks that it was open, shoppers have managed to rake in a fantastic £113,000 for charity.
The is quite an achievement, especially as Mary was aiming for half that amount.

The charities benefiting from the money raised at Living and Giving are Save The Children, Mind and Trees For Cities. Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children reminds us of how important it is to continually show support, when she explained, ‘Saving a child's life can cost as little as £5 - so every T-shirt, handbag or designer dress bought has stopped children from dying.'

It just goes to show the difference we can make, if we all put our minds to it. There are charity shops all over the UK that still need donations, so let's keep contributing. I hope this news inspires you, as it has me.

For the updates on the shop's proceeds, visit:
uk.westfield.com/thevillagelondon/events/charity-shop-update