Stars shine at the MET Costume Institute Gala 2009

It was in New York City yesterday that all the most beautiful stars came out to play dressed in their best gowns to make an attendance at the fashion equivalent of the Oscars: The prestigious “Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion” Costume Institute Gala held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The glamorous star-studded event was co-hosted by none other than supermodel and fashion icon Kate Moss. Kate certainly stole the show in a striking Gold Toga and matching headdress, and if that wasn't enough to capture the spotlight - she was also accompanied on the red carpet by world famous fashion designer and personal friend Marc Jacobs.


My favourite dress of the night has to be Ashley Olsen's beautiful white dress which was surprisingly her own creation. To me Ashley looks almost like an old Hollywood style painting in this dress.

Following at a close second was Kate Bosworth's black lace Stella McCartney dress.

My prize for the most outrageous outfit goes to Madonna, yes it had to be her! The 51 year old singer turned up at the Gala in thigh-high leather fetish boots and some bizzare turquoise headgear.

Agyness Deyn attended the Gala looking like a tall, skinny version of Marilyn Monroe, only Agyness! Rihanna ensured that she stood out wearing a Dolce and Gabbana jacket which was charactarised by accentuated shoulder pads. The ordinarily sleek Victoria Beckham wore a big black pair of dominatrix/fetish style Marc Jacobs heels of which I am not a fan. Madonna's fetish style Marc Jacobs boots had an identical heel.

I wasn't at all convinced by Tyra Bank's strange hairdo which looked like a hat on her head, however she made no apologies for it and wore the style with confidence.




My favourite accessory for the night was Actress Rachel Bilson's cute shiny Art Deco Clutch purse.

Leonardo's girl, Israeli model Bar Refaeli gets my vote for the best all-rounder. Bar showed everybody just how lucky Leo is to have bagged the Sports Illustrated Covergirl. Despite wearing very little make-up her face was absolutely flawless, Bar has an amazing figure and has the blessing of perfect pins. I love Bar's Marchesa mini-dress, a flattering choice. I just couldn't fault her!

As for the most beautiful couple, I think it's a close contest between couples Tom + Gisele and Jessica + Justin. My vote goes for newlyweds Tom + Gisele, Gisele's blue mini-dress is simple and understated, yet incredibly chic. My vote was swung by the visible chemistry between the newlyweds, Gisele's happiness makes her even more beautiful.



I've posted photographs of some stars in their outfits below. Where I could identify the Designers I've mentioned their names. Take a look and enjoy...

(images are courtesy of JustJared.com. Though they take a little longer to download, JustJared have plenty more so head to JustJared if you want to check the photo's out in more detail and a larger format)

Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs

Ashley Olsen wears her own creation





Ashley Olsen wears her own creation







Mary-Kate Olsen wears Christian Lacroix.







Mary-Kate Olsen wears Christian Lacroix.






Anne Hathaway in Marc Jacobs




Rihanna: Dolce & Gabbana


Rihanna: Dolce & Gabbana






Victoria Beckham in Louis Vuitton





Agyness Deyn




Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel

Tyra Banks Badgley Mischka Couture

Gisele Bunchen and Tom Brady

Eva Mendez wears Calvin Klein

Eva Mendez wears Calvin Klein

Madonna in Louis Vuitton

Madonna in Louis Vuitton

Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson

Chic-Onomics at it's best!

Welcome to spring ladies. The sun is shining, flip flop time is nearly here and the summer fashion frenzy has already begun. There are sales popping up all over the place from many high street retailers offering their best bargains to online favourites such as asos.com treating us to prices we just can’t say no to.

However, the newest and quite frankly coolest member to the online club is Theoutnet.com, the most recent business empire pioneered by Natalie Massenet, the founder of online designer retailer Net-a-porter.com. The fashion site is basically the equivalent of a shopping outlet or mall where all the goods are from last season and therefore discounted by at least 40%. But lets be honest when these goods include bags from the likes of Mulberry, and dresses from hot new designers such as Alexander Wang, who cares about their place on the fashion time line.

The team behind the site have summed their ethos up perfectly, ensuring word of mouth is top of the agenda, ‘the Outnet is the global shopping destination devoted to selling discounted designer womenswear and accessories.’

The layout and design of the site is simple yet chic and has been perfectly created to hold an array of designers all offering us their goodies. The fact that such a fashionable and varied set of brands are on board the project only goes to show how well established Net-a-porter has become and how important the relationships with the client base are. We can only hope this means that other trendy members of the designing fashion elite won’t hesitate to join.

Apart from finding my Christmas AND birthday presents for the next two years on this fashion domain, my favourite section is ‘Dress me’; a personal styling service all done through the computer. The titles include ‘Vacation planner, Fashion Trends, Social Events, Chic essentials, Wear this forever, and Working wardrobe.’ What a truly genius idea this is, with Little black dresses having their own page and a ‘meet the parents ‘ area where you will find cute floral dresses, ruffle shirts and bow skirts all highlighting how spot on the creators really are.

With shoppers everywhere searching for good quality items at a reasonable price, word on the street is that the Outnet.com is set to be huge. Despite being new at the moment, if the success of big sister site, Net-a-porter is anything to go by, we know it will be just as fabulous and no doubt in the near future include all the extra little features.

Some of my personal favourites:

This Narciso Rodriguez dress would look fab for a summer party and is also similar to the Narciso dress Drew Barrymore wore recently. Originally £646, Outnet’s price £323.

And this Roberto Cavalli leather lovely, at £482 reduced from £964.

With worldwide delivery and plenty to choose from there really is no excuse to keep away… of course if you haven't enough space in your wardrobe, you can always shift some of your old clothing and make some cash in the process by selling them on our new global fashion auction website fabricjam.com. If you haven't checked it out already, be sure to do so!

Some useful outnet.com links (don't worry, links won't take you off this page, they will open in a new browser):

For designers: click here
To browse their selection of clothing: click here
To ogle over their handbags: click here
To check out their selection of shoes: click here
For their accessories department: click here
The outnet 'dress me' section: click here
The outnet 'flash sales' section: click here

Want more from us? Then visit our fashion and celebrity news blog,here: fabricjamfashionnews

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Blog post by Katie Powell, London Fashion PR Exec

Topshop launches in New York!

Whenever I shop in London’s Oxford Street, I love to pop into the world of Topshop: and a world it certainly is at their flagship store. With everything from clothes and shoes to a beauty studio, a restaurant and even its own hair salon, Topshop, Oxford Street really is a true department store!

The brand that started off selling clothing in Peter Robinson stores in 1964 is now a multi-million pound empire that is, for most people, associated with wearable and affordable clothing and accessories, as well as being at the cutting edge of high street fashion.

However, despite the UK being treated to over 300 stores, with London being the metropolis of them all, American Fashionistas have not yet had the opportunity to experience the phenomenon that is Topshop. This is all about to change, as yesterday, 2nd of April 2009, New York’s 478 Broadway showcased America’s first taste of the true English styles that have become synonymous with the brand.

Kate Moss in the 50's style Ad campaign, running up to the big Launch

Kate Moss in the 50's style Ad campaign running up to the big Launch. Kate's dress has on it the Liberty Of london prints that have been designed exclusively for her collection.

Kate Moss arrives at the Topshop launch Party in New York

Jennifer Lopez and Husband Marc Anthony attend the Topshop Launch party in New York

THE STORE:

Topshop / Topman
478 BroadwayNew York,
NY 10013
http://www.topshop.com/

The store was actually supposed to open last year but unfortunately, because of construction problems the launch date had to be put back.

Situated over four floors, the flagship store will host all of their main lines such as Topman, MOTO, Unique and Kate Moss’s range; as well as exclusive collections by American designers. The ‘Style Advisor’ and the personal shopping service will also be adding to the flavour of the store.

Given its current success in the UK under the umbrella of the Arcadia Group, it is not surprising that Topshop has now decided to invade the US market, and especially in such an affluent area of New York. This was all predominantly down to Sir Phillip Green, (pictured left with Kate Moss) whose business acumen can certainly withstand any new venture.

The billionaire entrepreneur who grew up in South London bought Arcadia in 1999 and has since transformed it into a thriving empire with others brands such as Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins sitting aligned with Topshop. Under the watchful eye of Green, it seems the Topshop team are always establishing new ways to expand the creativity and visions behind the growing brand. The most popular and most successful so far have been there sponsorship for the ‘New Generation’ scheme at London Fashion Week which gives young designers financial support in order for them to produce their collections. Also, in 2005, Topshop Unique (part of the Boutique collection) was selected as the first high street range to be shown at London Fashion Week resulting in New York boutique ‘Opening Ceremony’ buying and stocking the range.

Around the same time in 2005, Green was not only meeting and greeting but also plotting and planning with one of the world’s hottest supermodels; Kate Moss. The 34-year old fashion icon sealed the deal with Green for a reported £4 million a year and since May 2007 has launched eight best-selling collections and has a personal input into them all with some pieces being replica's of her own wardrobe wonder’s.

Pieces from previous collections have included her signature style staples such as skinny jeans and denim hot-pants as well as each collection providing a new take on her mini dresses.

Whether you are a regular Mossy follower or a new customer, Spring Summer 2009 looks set to be huge and after having a peek on Topshop.com it certainly won’t disappoint. The new collection which is inspired by Kate’s love for floral/feminine pieces mixed with her ‘rock n’ roll spirit’ will be launched in London and New York on the 2nd April.

I think it is fair to say that having modelled for some of the world’s most prestigious designers (Chanel, Roberto Cavalli and Louis Vuitton), Kate Moss undoubtedly knows a thing or two about fashion and how lucky we should feel that Topshop have offered us all a slice of her fashion pie.

The Topshop story continues……

So if you’re an American fashionista through and through, a trip down to 478 Broadway would certainly be advised and if you’re a true Brit then be content in the fact that there will always be a Topshop waiting around a high-street corner for you. Of course, if online shopping is your preferred choice then topshop.com is crammed with treats for everyone.

Post Written by Katie Powell, London Fashion PR exec.

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An evening with ‘Giles’ Deacon

After spending an amazing evening at the V&A (Victoria & Albert) Museum in London listening to a talk with the iconic and influential designer Giles Deacon, I thought it was only fair to share some of what I heard and learnt with all you Fabricjam devotees!

Known as ‘Giles’ in the industry, Mr Deacon is arguably the very best contemporary fashion designer today. With a British Designer of the year award under his belt as well as counting Tom Ford, Katie Grand and Kate Moss as his friends, Giles has established himself as a solid part in the framework of London Fashion.

The former Bottega Veneta designer was born in Cumbria, North West England, a beautiful and predominantly rural county. His surroundings weren’t necessarily linked to fashion or style at all therefore having an awareness of trends wasn’t of any importance to Giles whilst growing up. It was only when he picked up his first copy of the contemporary style and design magazine i-D as a teenager that he realised the appeal of clothes as a construct.

The 80’s band scene was a musical era Giles was surrounded by and also very interested in. Looking back at various 80’s bands in copies of the i-D mag, all dressed in Vivienne Westwood’s creations you can see why his interest was evoked.

“It gave me an aesthetic awareness”

Giles was keen to stress the point that for him designing is a very personal thing and in that respect, any ideas must come from within, however insignificant they may seem and regardless of whether the ideas fit with the ‘fashionable’ colour or fabric for that season. It is this raw quality about Giles that makes his designs so appealing and fascinatingly unique.

It was at London’s Central Saint Martins (the epicentre of British fashion) that Giles took his place to study in the late 1980’s. This decision was to prove a very successful career move as it was there that he met Katie Grand (pictured below left), the most powerful stylist around today and a former consultant at Prada who served to boost his career. It was Deacons personal and professional relationship with Grand that bagged him the job at Bottega Veneta, the Italian luxury leather goods company best known for its shoes and bags.

‘The designers at Bottega offered for me to ring up for an interview so I did and that was that. Doing that type of thing was very 80’s.’

Despite working his magic on the brand for a year and helping the company launch a ready-to-wear line of clothing, the Gucci group already had other ideas and in 2001 announced that they were to buy Bottega Veneta. Giles, who was now a recognised designer, was swiftly replaced by Tomas Maier, a German designer whose background was of a more classical style.

However, Giles’s talent did not go unnoticed and realising his innovative ideas Tom Ford, head of Gucci at the time snapped him up for the Gucci women's-wear label. Giles’s time at Gucci came to an end in 2002 when he decided he wanted to go it alone and create his own label. He was set on London being the base for what was to become a fashion phenomenon.

‘I was so keen for London to be the launch place; it seemed the right atmosphere for the type of clothes I wanted to create and compared to New York and Paris, the clothes are so unusual and quirky.’

Two years down the line and a whole lot of logistics worked out, Giles showcased his first runway collection for Autumn/Winter in 2004 at London Fashion Week which was met with great acclaim. It was the first of many collections to come which have transformed London each season.

Hearing Giles describe the design process behind his label was interesting and highly compelling, giving a unique insight into the working mind of such a creative genius. The most unusual yet intriguing aspect was the fact that his design team who ‘are a solid bunch’ often design the accessories like the shoes and hats before designing the clothing as he finds inspiration from different sections of the collection. He told us that sometimes the pieces are still being made in the week leading up to the shows!

Whatever work ethic Giles and his business team choose to employ, there is no doubting that the ‘playfulness’ of fashion that once attracted him has helped him turn his love for clothes into a designing domain. His subversive but obtainable, high-end creations are a must for every woman wanting that extra bit of confidence.

The most recent Autumn/Winter ’09 collection appeared to be a step up from his previous work, with famous models being mixed with random girls from a street casting walking the catwalk together and all adding to the maturity of the pieces which were inspired from his time at London Central Saint Martins in the 80’s.

With spikes, animal print, suede and metallic’s all overlapping each other, it was an unquestionably strong collection and one that certainly highlights the phenomenon that is Giles.

Luckily for us, this budding designer has no intention of going anywhere at the moment as he is happy with the success of ‘Giles’, however he did say that if a ‘good, solid brand’ approached him in the future then he would consider it.

For the moment though, let’s enjoy and embrace the quirky, statement pieces that Giles keeps rolling out and be grateful that such a unique designer really is so down to earth.

To view Giles’s current collection plus his previous one, log on to Style.com Giles Deacon

Post by Katie Powell, London Fashion PR exec.

*For daily fashion and celebrity news, check out our fashion and celebrity news blog

Katie Holmes dazzes in ad campaign for Miu Miu!

Katie Holmes is just full of surprises! Watching her act in her role as Joey Potter, an intelligent, philosophical and bordering on innocent teen on cult tv programme Dawsons Creek, one would never have thought her life would turn out quite the way it has.

Over the course of just a few years Katie Holmes has married Tom Cruise, given birth to a beautiful little girl Suri Cruise, joined the church of Scientology, befriended Victoria Beckham, Acted in Broadway Production, and now... completely nailed it in a spectacular photoshoot for Miu-Miu's Spring 2009 ad campaign. We heard that she was going to do it back in November but I certainly didn't expect it to be this good. In my opinion this eastern influenced shoot is one that will turn heads and will most certainly prove to be a huge success for the uber-trendy design house.

Every shot conveys it's own unique emotive qualities. Katies perfectly defined facial structure and natural beauty is highlighted by the rooms intense lighting contrasts and deep shadows. Katie looks comfortable in front of the camera and encompasses the look of being striking yet graceful in every shot. I love the lighting, the bold and deep colours contrasting with black shadows, the outfits, mosaic prints, fabrics, heels, drapery. What is there not to like about this campaign? Katie Holmes has truly put herself on the map as a model, see for yourself...

The best of the week (London fashion week!)

After the success of New York Fashion week, last weekend saw the fashion packs go crazy for the start of London, and there was not a spare seat in sight as British and International press along with celebrities came by to see what was on offer from designers such as Luella Bartley, Alexander Wang, Christopher Kane and Vivienne Westwood.

Despite the economic situation, the designers insured their collections were still original and many revamped the catwalk by bringing back past trends but with a twist. Giles Deacon’s creations were inspired by the feel of London in the late 80’s when he was at St. Martins Fashion College mixed with London style today. Pieces included thigh high leather boots, body-con dresses with a rebellious feel to them using studs and spikes, and unique prints on silk dresses. In an interview with Vogue TV, he said, ‘we wanted to do a cross-section of what’s exciting about London at the moment with how I felt when I first started college.’

Many other designers impressed the fashion elite as they sent their models down the runway. Probably the most anticipated show of the week was that of Savannah and Sienna Miller, whose label, Twenty8Twelve, is most certainly designed for the urban, sexy girl; and with that in mind, their creations for Autumn/Winter 2009 certainly didn’t disappoint. For more on their debut, you can click here.

The design duo enjoying some well deserved applause. [Image via Vogue.com]

The week however is not just for the established designers who are used to showing off just how good they really are, but also for the fresh faces in fashion who are still working just as hard but need a way in to the designers domain, where recognition and respect are crucial for success.
This is where Vauxhall Fashion Scout comes in; a catwalk venue just up the road from the main fashion tent which supports these up and coming designers.
One of the most sophisticated shows to pop up on the sunny Saturday morning at the VFS, was that of Bryce D’Anice Aime, a French designer who was showcasing his work on the catwalk for the first time. D’Anice Aime, whose first ever collection was for Spring/Summer 2007 has clearly moved fast and is working hard in order to achieve a spot on the main fashion runway schedule in seasons to come.

With Natalie Wansbrough-Jones, senior fashion editor at ELLE UK styling the show, and Larare shoes beautifying the models feet, it was sure to be a stylish affair.

As Lady GaGa along with Mozart (an eccentric mix) blasted from the speakers, models emerged as what can only be described as exquisite pieces, with structured tailoring and luxurious fabrics coming together to make a dramatic infusion.



Structured shoulder styles are huge for Autumn/Winter 09.

My two most favourite looks included a long sleeved ivory shirt with longer side panels teamed with a metallic charcoal skirt which exuded the chic factor and some shiny skinny trousers in a metal colour pulled over a beautiful peach chiffon blouse.









The colour palette for the collection seemed to be this way inspired, with black, midnight blue, ivory and metal all providing a contrast to the softness of some of the pieces.

When I caught up with Bryce himself after the show, he explained that this collection ‘explores the dramatic universe of the Burlesque, inspired by the soft and hard edges of the showgirl world. Each piece is aimed at enhancing the wardrobe of the woman who likes to wear her garments from day to night.’

With this is mind I was instantly attracted to the pieces which on the one hand are somewhat daring with sheer mesh bodysuits but on the other extremely feminine with floaty dresses, but all very wearable.


The powerful themes behind Bryce’s creations have certainly worked well and with many of his key styles being spotted on the main runway later in the week with the mainstream designers, there is no doubt that he is bang on trend and it won’t be long until he is showcasing with the best of the best. (The piping spotted on one of Bryce’s skirts was a theme also used throughout Christopher Kane’s show later in the week.)

I will leave you with the designer’s final words to myself which completely sum up the perfection of the pieces and give you an insight into the creative mind of Bryce D’Anice Aime. ‘This collection is for the woman who wishes to create a distinct yet quiet drama within her wardrobe.’

To view Bryce’s current collection, Visit his website
The Autumn/Winter 2009 collection will also be presented at Tranoi, Paris.
For all sales enquiries contact @bryce-danice-aime.com
For all press enquiries contact harriet@bcpr-uk.com
All Bryce D’Anice Aime catwalk photography supplied by Mads Perch.

Post written by Katie Powell, London Fashion PR

February Fever

Through the snow, wind and rain it can sometimes feel that February is just an extension of the January blues, but in the fashion calendar, the Valentine fuelled month is always an exciting time and industry fashionistas everywhere are preparing for one of their busiest months. Elle magazine started the proceedings on Monday night with their prestigious style awards held at Big Sky Studios in North London which I had the privilege of attending!

Despite the rain it really was glam galore, with celebrities such as Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller and Courtney Love all gracing the red carpet in their fabulous frocks. Alexa, who hosted the awards, wore a stunning backless Chanel dress whilst Sienna Miller chose a Matthew Williamson number teamed with a Louis Vuitton jacket and looked radiant as she collected the award for ‘Style Icon.’

Alexa's Chanel dress was custom fitted just for her…I’m jealous!

My two favourite outfits were sported by Alexandra Burke (2008 X-factor winner) and ultra trendy designer Henry Holland who teamed his House of Holland tee with a vintage jacket decorated with a hot heart print. He certainly proved that fashion can often look cooler when you mix different styles, genres and brands; cheap or chic.

I absolutely love brogues, on men and women. High street favourite, Office, introduced the original Scottish shoe style to us last year but they are still hanging around and I think they look so awesome either with skinny skinny jeans or a funky dress and black tights.

Alexandra looked divine in D&G-rocking the nautical theme and highlighting just how fab this huge Spring Summer trend can look.

Other awards of the night included Rupert Sanderson for Accessories designer, delightful duo Viktor and Rolf for Style Visionaries and Christopher Kane for British designer.

Design team Viktor and Rolf are known for their quirky sense of humour. If you fancy a virtual magical trip check out their website http://www.viktor-rolf.com/; it’s certainly a shopping ‘experience.’

The fun continued into the night at the after party with free flowing Moet served in miniature bottles and Godiva chocolates being passed around on grand silver trays.

I found the chic touches made for a super evening and the whole event brought the February fashion fever to life in style.

But fast forward less than a week and the fashion pack are presented with the first of four fashion weeks spreading over Feb and March starting with New York. The phenomenon is then passed on to London before bombarding Milan and Paris. I find it impossible to comprehend how the designers cope at this time of the year, creating and organising their collections as the fashion cycle gets shorter and shorter every year. Whilst we prepare for Spring 2009, they are experimenting for Spring 2010!

If you want any information on when and where your favourite designers will be showcasing their work, log on to http://www.vogue.com/ for the full international schedule.

These next couple of months are precious for fashion history, so keep your glad rag brain in gear, be individual and fashion forward at all times (refer to previous Fabricjam tips if needed) and keep your eyes peeled for fresh style news following the new collections!

Post written by Katie Powell, London Fashion PR

Images from:

http://www.nitrolicious.com/