Bias Queen Label: Relaunched

The inventor of the uber flattering bias cut, Madeline Vionnet, has made one of the most memorable names in fashion. Sadly, after her passing, the label passed as well, leaving women of curves longing for something drape-worthy. And here comes the good news- "the legendary fashion house Madeleine Vionnet, which is seeking a revival of its venerable name, French designer Marc Audibet had been named Artistic Advisor after Sophia Kokosalaki resigned from her post as Creative Director to concentrate on her label, which is now under the Diesel umbrella." Source: Fashion Windows

Viktor + Rolf @ the Barbican, London

The dynamic Dutch duo have been in business since 1992, after meeting at design school. Together they are most famous for their couture line, as well as collaborating on a collection for H&M.



The exhibition will showcase signature pieces from their haute couture collections including Atomic Bomb (1998-99), Russian Doll (1999-2000) and Launch (1996)

The House of Viktor & Rolf runs from June 18 to September 21. For further information, call 0845 1216825 or visit www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery. (April 2 2008, AM)

Ready to make an Investment?

No, Im not talking about convincing yourself to buy the new season's bag because it will be worth more in the years to come. I am talking about an actual stock investment, as Prada has just gone public!

With profits rising 63 per cent to £1 billion in 2007 and a stronger-than-ever spring/summer 2008 collection in the offing, Prada is certainly worth watching on both the shop and trading floors.

Prada promises to go public before the year's end.

Fringe Update

Do you all remember this angry post I made about the use of fringe a while back? Well, lets just say I am sort of coming around. The look is actually fresh and new when used in spring colours and sewn onto jersey materials. The idea is to look more fashion forward than a Halloween flapper costume. I even have this 3.1 Philip Lim dress on my shopping list:


$395, Neiman Marcus

Lets just say, fringe, when done in moderation, is not bad for your health. ;)

Designer to Love: Alexander Wang

We first saw Mr. Wang's (why does that sound funny?!) beautifully tailored and girly cashmere sweaters and dresses Fall 2006, and have increasingly developed a fondness for his rough yet soft style aesthetic. His style embodies New York cool with Los Angeles flair. Case in point: his Spring 2008 is by far his best collection to date. Here are a few standouts:


Prices range from $200-1000
Buy now at Opening Ceremony (LA, NYC), Barneys New York, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols

Shannon's Spring picks

The Maxi Dress

Don't get me wrong, I love the rush of first Spring's rays, and am the type to dust off my summer's nearly there skirts + dresses. We saw the maxi return briefly last spring, and in 2008, the 70s look is in full swing. If you live in a big city, you'll love being able to throw on this Grecian shape and go, with no worry of wind gusts exposing your bits.
A few favourites, courtesy of shopbop.com


ADAM, One Shoulder Hand Gathered Dress
$495



Diane von Furstenberg, $445

Pleating:



Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent
Pleated Hem Tank Dress
$264.00

Ruffles


Karen Zambos Vintage Couture
Ruffle Dress
$350


Karen Zambos Vintage Couture
Layered Ruffle Dress
$350


The 50's Floral


Diane von Furstenberg

New Platforms


Christian Louboutin cork sandal $815


Brian Atwood Harlow Suede Platforms
$685

Helmut Lang Cropped Matte Leather Jacket



The Scent

Tom Ford Black Orchid Voile de Fleur



$65

Smart Launch

I love the sheer brilliance behind some PR stunts.

In a new way of launching the movie 27 Dresses, starring Katherine Heigl, there will also be a launch of a charity auction to include 27 celebrity gowns. All proceeds will go to the Lavender Trust.

March 4, 2008.



PS: Im very excited to see this movie! I missed the premire in LA, but looking forward to the London showing.

A charity worth looking into?

Ever find that with all the charities out there, it may be hard to choose one to commit your time to? Well, here is an organisation that with your help and time can enrich the lives of others in this century.

Womankind is:

"Women have an abundance of practical ideas for improving their own lives and lifting their families and communities out of poverty. But this can only happen if they have the confidence and opportunities to articulate their needs and ideas - and be listened to.

WOMANKIND Worldwide is the only UK charity devoted to enabling women to achieve this.

We work closely with 32 partner community groups in 14 developing countries. This means that the projects we fund and support tackle the specific issues in a particular area, rather than trying to import a 'one size fits all' solution from the UK.

All our projects are connected to enabling women to understand their legal rights. And to use these rights to benefit their daily lives. Where new legislation is needed to protect women or improve their status, we help our partners secure this too."

How does fashion play into this? Ms. Couture queen herself, Daphne Guinness is donating three racks of couture, ready to wear and accessories to be sold at auction-with the proceeds going to Womankind.

Words of a Genius

"It's like talking in Chinese. I don't understand them [clunky shoes] at all. The past few years have been aesthetic hell for me... It's because designers have forgotten about the importance of the harmony of extremes." And the modern media doesn't fare much better, in his opinion. "I'm totally confused," he admits in Style magazine. "I don't even know what taste is anymore. Frankly, I can't bear to buy magazines. I get so upset." - Manolo Blahnik



Now that is a man with divine taste and style distinction.

ASPREY SAMPLE SALE!!

ASPREY is holding a three-day charity sale at London's Science Museum this week, offering up to 75 per cent off their ready-to-wear collection and accessories - plus, some added surprises. Begins on Thursday, 21 February and runs until Saturday, 23 February. The best part? A percentage of all proceeds raised will go towards Starlight, the national charity for seriously or terminally ill children.