smileforstyle
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Alexa Chung range a hit
THE Queen gave Prince William the go-ahead to rip up the official guest list for his wedding to Kate Middleton
THE Queen gave Prince William the go-ahead to rip up the official guest list for his wedding to Kate Middleton, he has revealed. He told how he never knew a soul on the official paper of hundreds of people and was not happy with the line-up. The 29-year-old said: “I came into the first wedding meeting, post-engagement. And I was given this official list of 777 names, dignitaries, governors, all sorts of people, and not one person I knew. William told how he then approached the Queen for help. He added: “I rang her up the next day and said: ‘Do we need to be doing this?’ “And she said: ‘No. Start with your friends first and then go from there’. And she told me to bin the list. “She told me there are certain times when you have to strike the right balance.”
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range.
The former X Factor judge and Girls Aloud singer said she would consider becoming a fashion designer and launch her own range. Asked by The Guardian if she'd like her own fashion collection, she replied: 'Do you know what? I wouldn't rule it out, actually. I have loved designing these shoes. I haven't enjoyed a project so much in a long time. So, yes, it might be the start of something.' Chezza stepped out earlier this week during London Fashion Week to launch her shoe collection with website Stylistpick.com at The Home House. The star will also be choosing her favourite items from the online accessory store's collections and telling fans why she likes them in a new blog. Stylistpick’s chief creative officer Juliet Warkentin said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Cheryl. Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm, a quality that has made her the nation's favourite. 'We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact; establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design and further democratising fashion.’
Brit Designers Shine At London Fashion Week
"The truth is that all the ideas come out of here," he said.
"Before they used to be picked up by every other designer from around the world, diluted and communicated to other parts of the world and other people were making the money.
Models display creations by British born designer Osman
"Maybe now it is becoming a lot more important.
"I think Burberry, in a way, bringing their shows back to England has been very important because they have managed to bring the attention back here - that England isn't only a hub of ideas but it is also a business and there is an industry working and people are making it happen."
Rosario Dawson and Pippa Middleton on the front row at Temperley catwalk
The runways have seen a global standard of models showcasing collections, with designers including Burberry Prorsum, Christopher Kane, Erdem, Jonathan Saunders, Mario Schwab and Mary Katrantzou.
US-based media analytics company Global Language Monitor recently ranked London as the Global Fashion Capital, overtaking New York.
It said the Alexander McQueen wedding dress that Kate Middleton wore at her royal wedding moved London from third to top position.
Cheryl Cole 'Falls For Hunky Soldier' In Afghanistan | Cheryl Cole
It seems Cheryl Cole has finally put her failed marriage to footballer Ashley Cole behind her, after apparently falling for a "gorgeous" solider in Afghanistan. The Girls Aloud beauty, who visited Camp Bastion in Helmand Province to boost troops morale, claims to have swapped numbers with the hunky young corporal after taking a shine to him during her trip last week. Chezza confessed to The Mirror: "Not only are the soldiers incredibly brave, a few were also incredibly cute. I actually came back with a phone number from one lad." "He started chatting to me after I'd been shot at during a training exercise. Obviously it wasn't real ammunition, but it was still terrifying." She continued: "Anyway, I think I am going to call him this week and we'll see what happens. I'm sure he's not expecting me to ring but that's why it'll be funny - and that's why I'm going to do it." Cheryl went on to admit that she is realistic about any chances of romance with the lucky solider, stating: "Long-distance relationships are a nightmare – a big time difference is a killer because it’s just so hard to stay in touch.” As well as proving a hit with the men, the former X Factor judge also seems to have charmed ladies, claiming: "There really were so many handsome guys – even some of the girl soldiers were totally gorgeous. Loads of the girls are now following me on Twitter and tweeting me. It’s great.” The 28-year old added: “I’d love to stay in touch with some of the incredible people I was lucky enough to meet.”
Celebrity Cruises Taps Top Chef to Join Culinary Team
Known for its culinary leadership and commitment to offering guests a modern, luxurious experience during their precious vacation time, Celebrity Cruises has expanded its already robust culinary talent by naming 2010 James Beard Foundation "Rising Star Chef" nominee and 2007 "Rising Star Chef of American Cuisine" John Suley as its director of Culinary Operations. Tapped by Celebrity's charismatic Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden – himself a James Beard-nominated Master Chef – Suley is widely regarded as one of the country's top "up and coming" chefs. Prior to joining Celebrity, he worked in the star-studded, international dining scene as executive chef at the South Florida incarnation of three-time James Beard honoree Alfred Portale's famed "Gotham Bar & Grill" (New York), "Gotham Steak" at the chic Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. Suley's wealth of experience also includes work at the Ritz Carlton-South Beach, the Waldorf Astoria and St. Regis hotels, and with many of the world's most accomplished chefs, including Daniel Boulud, and Celebrity's Van Staden himself, at some of the finest restaurants in the dining mecca of Las Vegas. Suley is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. At Celebrity, Suley joins Van Staden in leading the line's continuing quest to achieve the highest levels of consistency, quality and innovation in the culinary experience. "John Suley is known for his edgy and innovative cooking style, and is a genuinely unique chef," said Van Staden, "Having known him for 12 years, and observing the amazing contributions he made during the recent debut of our newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Silhouette, I am confident he will be an inspirational and creative leader within Celebrity's innovative culinary team, and will make tremendous contributions as we continue to prove to vacationers around the world that we can treat them to a dining experience that is easily comparable to the best on land." About Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America.
Who needs The X Factor when you have your own shoe line?
Cheryl Cole was all smiles at the Olivier National Theatre in London on Monday night, where the ousted X Factor judge was celebrating her newest venture -- fabulous footwear! To celebrate her partnership with U.K. fashion website, Stylistpick.com, the 28-year-old Brit showed off her amazing figure through the sexy cutouts in her scarlet mini dress. She styled her hair into a voluminous bouffant accessorized with a gold headband and sported smoky eye makeup. The stylish star finished off her look with a pair of sparkling, sky-high heels. But despite their fabulous appearance, weren't such a walk in the park. "Girls..Don't you just love taking your foot out of a heel and into your slippers..The best! Feels like my feet are having a cuddle.. X," the Girls Aloud singer tweeted after the event. Cole's limited-edition footwear collection is due to hit stores in December just in time for the holiday season. "Cheryl is the style icon and is amazingly warm -- a quality that has made her the nation's sweetheart," Stylistpick's CEO, Juliet Warkentin, said. "We believe that the launch will have a huge fashion impact, establishing fashion's greatest influencer as a major force in fashion design." Cole will also curate her own picks on the site as well as give style tips to users.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Pippa Middleton sat front row at the Temperley London show at London Fashion Week
The line contained garments that could easily be seen on either Middleton sister, with tailored jackets and clean cocktail dresses. Drop-waist dresses and a ’20s flapper vibe was also incorporated in the collection, a trend that was also seen during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York last week. This is not the first time Pippa and Temperley have appeared in the same headline. The royal bridesmaid wore an emerald green gown by the designer for Kate and Will’s post-wedding festivities in April.
Pippa Middleton had a prime seat at the Temperley runway show at London Fashion Week at the British Museum. (Tim Whitby - GETTY IMAGES) on Monday, taking in the elegant 2012 resort collection by Alice Temperley next to British journalist Peaches Geldof and actress Rosario Dawson.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Facebook May Help Online Luxury-Goods Sales Grow 20% Annually
Online sales of luxury goods may climb 20 percent a year by 2015 as producers build networks of potential customers on social media websites such as Facebook.com, according to a study published today. Revenue from fashion, jewelry and other luxury products is likely to reach 11 billion euros ($15 billion) in four years, the report from Italian luxury trade group Altagamma shows. “The explosion of social media and the increasing investments in the online channel by luxury companies has reinforced and enlarged the community of those who explore, comment upon and eventually purchase luxury goods,” Milan-based Altagamma said in a statement. Luxury companies are more than doubling their “friends” on Facebook annually in recognition of the link between online and offline purchases, according to the report. At least half of consumers in Europe, the U.S. and China form an opinion or seek information online before buying in a store, while most online luxury sales are preceded by a boutique visit, Altagamma said. Burberry Group Plc (BRBY), the U.K.’s largest luxury goods maker, gets “the most reach and most response” from digital initiatives compared with other media, Burberry Chief Financial Officer Stacey Cartwright told analysts on July 13. To promote the Burberry Body fragrance, which hit shelves this month, the London-based company offered exclusive samples to its nearly 7 million Facebook fans. It received more than 225,000 requests in little more than a week. The Internet plays a key role in increasing the hype around luxury brands and their products, Altagamma said. Fashion Blogs The web’s influence on perceptions of luxury goods is strongest in China, where fashion blogs are the source of opinion for 58 percent of consumers, compared with 27 percent of their counterparts in Europe and the U.S., the report said. The Asian country also has a higher penetration of online purchasing. Seventy-eight percent of Chinese buy luxury goods online, compared with 56 percent of Europeans and 46 percent of Americans, “mainly because they wish to avoid interactions with sales personnel or their insistence,” Altagamma said. The study included surveys of 187 companies with total revenue of 60 billion euros ($82.1 billion), interviews with 1,500 consumers and analysis of 450 websites in seven countries.
Ferrari Proves Recession Proof as Ultra-Luxury Sells Out: Cars
Maserati SpA’s new sport-utility vehicle was one of the most sought-after models at the Frankfurt car show this week and Ferrari SpA predicted record sales as executives said ultra-luxury remains recession-proof. “If you go to the Ferrari stand, there aren’t any customers worried about the recession,” Fiat Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said at the International Motor Show. “The last Ferrari customers I saw at the show weren’t crying.” Fiat’s two upscale brands may help the Turin, Italy-based carmaker weather a decline at its main business as Europe’s credit crisis worsens. Even without the Kubang SUV, Maserati aims to boost deliveries by almost eightfold to 45,000 cars in 2014 as it increases dealers by 150 percent worldwide. Lamborghini SpA’s new Aventador model is sold out for 18 months and Rolls-Royce Cars announced a 10 million-pound ($15.8 million) expansion at its Goodwood, England plant. Ferrari expects to deliver 7,000 cars in 2011 on demand for its first family car, the $356,000 four-seat FF that came to market this year. Fiat’s most profitable unit plans to cap sales at 7,000 going forward to maintain exclusivity. Ferrari targets “significant” results this year after earnings before interest and taxes rose 23 percent in 2010 to 302 million euros ($414 million) on revenue of 1.92 billion euros, Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said. “I’m not worried because we have quality, exclusivity, a strong brand and innovative technology,” Montezemolo said in an interview when asked about the effect of the economic slowdown. Mixed Fortunes The ultra-luxury optimism stands in contrast to concern voiced from volume carmakers that a worsening debt crisis in Europe is prompting consumers to rein in spending. PSA Peugeot Citroen CEO Philippe Varin said this week that Europe is facing a possible recession, while Ford Motor Co. said sales in the region next year will be little changed. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, the world’s biggest maker of luxury cars, is the best performer in the Stoxx 600 Automobiles & Parts Index this year. BMW stock has slipped 6.4 percent, compared with a 24 percent loss for the index. Fiat, which also owns Chrysler Group LLC in the U.S., is the worst performer on the index, with a 42 percent decline. Sales of the main high-end European luxury brands -- Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin -- will rise 19 percent this year to 28,090 vehicles, and gain another 13 percent in 2012, according to a forecast from industry analyst IHS Automotive. “The rich have gotten richer and the number of millionaires in emerging countries is really growing so the demographic trend is very positive” for the ultra-luxury carmakers, said Erich Hauser, a London-based Credit Suisse automotive analyst. “Things would have to get very nasty before they face a problem.” Rolls-Royce Record Rolls-Royce, owned by BMW, expects in 2011 to break last year’s sales record of 2,711 cars, Chief Executive Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes said, adding that China may overtake the U.S. as its top market. The German executive said he’s ”optimistic” about the prospects for the super-luxury segment and that his company so far has not been affected by the slowdown. The ultra-premium segment is likely to weather this downturn better than the previous crisis, Mueller-Oetvoes said. Along with the factory expansion, Rolls-Royce may boost its dealerships to 100 from the current 85 and add a coupe version of its best-selling Ghost model, he said. The carmaker debuted an extended-wheelbase version of the Ghost in Frankfurt. Lamborghini, owned by Volkswagen AG, unveiled the 189,000- euro Gallardo LP 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale at the show, the most powerful addition to the Gallardo series. The 570- horsepower vehicle comes with matte black finish on the large rear spoiler, engine hood and front air intakes and surges to 100 kilometers (62 miles) in 3.4 seconds. Limited Edition Deliveries of the model, which has a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour, will be confined to 150 and start in December, Chief Executive Officer Stephan Winkelmann said in an interview. The Volkswagen division also announced production of the 1.6 million-euro Sesto Elemento. No more than 20 will be built with deliveries due in early 2013. Lamborghini sales may advance from last year’s 1,302 on the back of the Aventador LP 700-4, which will hit showrooms in October and is sold out for 18 months, Winkelmann said. “The super-luxury market has been in steady recovery from its low in 2009,” Winkelmann said in an interview, adding that order books at Lamborghini are showing no declines. “We’re aware that there are risks.” Bentley Motors Ltd., whose customers include Queen Elizabeth II and the Sultan of Brunei, rolled out an updated version of the Continental GTC convertible with deliveries of the 575-horsepower model starting before the end of the year. Powered by revamps of the Mulsanne and Continental models announced over the past year, full-year deliveries may top the 7,000 mark which would mark a 40-percent gain on 2010, CEO Wolfgang Duerheimer said in an interview. An SUV that the Crewe, England-based VW unit is considering may help more than double sales to 15,000 by about 2018, he said. “We’re very optimistic, our business is developing extremely soundly and the order situation is looking good,” Duerheimer said. “We mustn’t talk up a crisis. Growing debt problems in Europe and the U.S. are giving enough reason for concern, but the underlying economic picture remains positive.”
California-based Spectrum Wine Auctions is working with London luxury drinks merchant Vanquish to launch a UK auction business.
The partners, who are soliciting consignments of ‘the most rare and unique’ wines for their first sale, in February 2012, said they are hoping to shake up the staid London wine auction scene. ‘Anyone who's been to a sale in New York or Hong Kong recently knows how different they are,’ said Richard Brierley, head of Vanquish's fine wine division – and ex-Christie's North America wine chief. ‘Auctions should be lively, social occastions. London is well-established but lacks the buzz, the excitement of the full room. We want to bring that back.’ Jason Boland, president of Spectrum Wine Auctions, was attracted by London's pedigree and importance to the secondary market, and its potential. Brierley also said auctions would be held in non-traditional venues and at a more accessible time. ‘A private collector with a day job in the City may not find it ideal to wander down to a sale room in St James's at 11am on a Thursday.’ Since launching in 2009, Spectrum Wine Auctions has grossed $30m (£19m) from internet sales and live ones in California and Hong Kong.
Each season, the fashion industry hand picks their own musical muse
Each season, the fashion industry hand picks their own musical muse — usually a star on the rise who ends up performing at every single industry soiree from New York to Paris and whose hit single is played at a number of the big ticket runway shows. This past February it was all about Adele and before that, Florence Welch. This time it's rapper/singer Theophilus London, and although he's still one of hip-hop's under-the-radar talents, he's quickly becoming fashion's musical darling of the moment. This week, London's not only been spotted front row at the Tommy Hilfiger Men's show, performing hits from his new album "Timez Are Weird" at Tommy's FNO party and hanging at Imitation of Christ and Carlos Campos, he's also promoting his new shoe collaboration with Cole Haan. Last night at their Soho store, London was on hand to mingle and perform, telling us that his new blue suede bucks were, "very cool." He continued, "it was fun to do, but I wish I made them for women. That's all I really care about is pleasing women, not so much men. Don't you want a pair?" London also weighed in on yesterday's somewhat shocking news that Kanye West will be showing his new collection during Paris Fashion Week, starting September 27th. When we asked what he thought about Kanye's move into the world of fashion design, he responded enthusiastically, "I think it's sick man, I totally back him. He actually emailed me this morning and invited me to the show, so I'm definitely going to hop on a plane in a couple weeks and be there for him. He's Kanye, he can do anything." We also suggested that it'd be amazing if he'd team up with Kanye and/or Jay-Z on his next album. "We'll see, I mean that'd be a dream come true. It's cool they even support me, but right now I'm just chillin." Though he was quick to claim his "chillin" status several times throughout our conversation, it doesn't appear that this guy's slowing down any time soon. With a fashion collaboration already under his belt, the attention of iconic designers and an open invitation to what's bound to be the most talked about show at Paris Fashion Week, London's got a swagger we'll be following all season long.
Vogue group opens London fashion school
Having long passed judgement on the catwalk via the pages of Vogue, a leading magazine publisher is setting up its own fashion school in London. The Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design will open in September 2012, taking up to 300 students in its first year. With courses branded around its stable of monthlies and weeklies, its principal will be Susie Forbes, editor of Easy Living and former deputy editor of British Vogue. Last year, Condé Nast's British arm made £34.6m. It is thought the conglomerate's move into teaching may face hostility from the arts education community, with the capital already hosting the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins. Nicholas Coleridge, managing director of Condé Nast, said: "The reputation and authority of our brands puts us in a strong position to teach and inspire the fashion and decorating talent of the future."
He's in fashion: Robbie was at House of Fraser to launch his menswear label and its first collection
Fresh off a sell-out Take That tour, Robbie decided to turn his hand to fashion, launching his menswear label Farrell and its debut autumn/winter collection at House Of Fraser.
The fashion label is named after the singer’s grandfather, Jack Farrell, and has a preppy, mod type feel, consisting of cardigans, smart dinner jackets and long winter coats.
The Angels singer greeted the first 200 customers (with purchases) in person at the Oxford Street branch of House of Fraser.
Rob was not alone in his fashion endeavour – both his stylist Marcus Love and his hairstylist Oliver Woods collaborated with Williams on the collection. The pieces have so far been described as for men who like a ‘bit of snap’ in their wardrobe.
Stand-out items are a long blue military style coat, a £250 dinner jacket as well as various checked shirts and scarves.
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Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Cheryl Cole | Cheryl Cole Flies To Afghanistan To Boost Troops' Morale
British singer Cheryl Cole has flown to Afghanistan to visit U.K. troops serving in the war-torn country. The Girls Aloud star made her way to the country's Helmand Province on Tuesday night (13Sep11) to surprise servicemen and women. Cole underwent special training to prepare for the hostile environment she will tour during her visit, which marks 10 years of British operations in the country. Her morale-boosting trip is being filmed as part of the annual Pride of Britain Awards, which will air on U.K. TV next month (Oct11). A source tells Britain's Daily Mirror, "Cheryl's amazed by the courage of all those serving our country. When she was invited to go out to see them in Afghanistan, she immediately said 'yes'. "She thinks it's such a great cause and they deserve all the recognition they get." Cole has largely been out of the public eye since she was fired from the U.S. version of The X Factor earlier this year (11).
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Euro zone banks in the grip of funding squeeze
Funding through interbank markets remained scarce and expensive for euro zone banks on Tuesday as concerns about a Greek default and rising pressure on Italian bonds increased the focus on heavily exposed French institutions. The cost of insuring senior French bank debt against default rose according to data from Markit, while a media article suggesting BNP Paribas had no access to dollar funding was cited by equity and currency market participants. Money market traders said that while access to dollar loans remained difficult for French banks -- under close scrutiny owing to their large holdings of peripheral government bonds -- the situation was not one of rapid deterioration. "The stress levels have always been there and they're certainly not getting any less... but there's no sense of panic from the banks as they can fund themselves through central bank cash," a trader said. Fiscal slippages have threatened to cut off Greek aid, raising the prospect of a default by year end, while a weak Italian debt auction showed investors remain reluctant to buy new debt from the heavily-indebted state. The cost of dollar funding, measured by three-month Libor interbank rates , edged higher to 0.34711 percent and access to dollars via cross currency basis markets was close to its most expensive levels since late 2008 at -111 basis points.
Europe's biggest shopping centre opens in London
Europe's biggest urban shopping centre opened on Tuesday in a deprived area of east London where it will act as the gateway to the 2012 Olympics. Westfield Stratford City, which has risen from derelict wasteland in one of the poorest areas in Britain, houses more than 300 shops, 70 restaurants, a 14-screen cinema, three hotels and Britain's largest casino. Hundreds of people queued outside the £1.45 billion mall before the doors even opened on and 100,000 people were expected to turn up on the first day. The Australian owners of the centre are confident they can defy the retail gloom as the British economy stutters. Westfield's sister site in Shepherd's Bush, west London -- previously the biggest shopping centre in Europe -- opened in the depths of a recession in 2009 yet attracted 23 million visitors in its first year. The giant Stratford site is a cornerstone of the Olympic Park and spectators arriving for next year's Games will have to walk through the shopping centre to reach the sports venues. A high-speed train will bring 25,000 Olympics spectators an hour to Stratford International station where they will be greeted by a row of shops and restaurants. Crucially for an area with unemployment levels far above the national average, the centre has created 10,000 new jobs. Local politicians believe it is another part in the jigsaw of regeneration which they hope will create a thriving community once the Olympic flame goes out. "Westfield represents more than just bricks, mortar and fabulous shops and restaurants, it has been instrumental in helping us to transform the lives of our residents by providing them with employment and jobs that they can turn into fulfilling and rewarding careers," said Robin Wales, the mayor of the borough of Newham. But the site's proximity to the Olympic park has required additional security precautions. The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) said it will be operating checks on vehicles entering the public car park at the shopping centre until the Games end in September 2012. Paul Deighton, LOCOG chief executive, said: "With Westfield so close to the Olympic Park and with vehicle access to it directly accessed from the park, it is an obvious and important part of our security plans. "We will make the checks as quick and unobtrusive as possible -- we are confident that shoppers will recognise the need for us to be vigilant and carry out these checks."
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Let's get this straight. Gender studies isn't about 'women good, men bad'
Feminism makes some men very scared, others very angry. Tom Martin, who is taking legal action against the London School of Economics, risks being seen as falling into both of these categories. A former student at the LSE Gender Institute, Martin claims he had the misfortune of being subject to a torrent of anti-male discrimination during his (very brief) time there, and has cited the Gender Equality Duty to support his case. The irony of attacking feminists by invoking a piece of legislation whose existence is largely down to the energy and commitment of feminist campaigners scarcely needs pointing out. Martin alleges that the course material he studied during his six weeks at the LSE was systematically anti-male overlooked men's issues, and ignored any research that contested a "women good, men bad" line of reasoning. Furthermore, Martin claims that the Gender Institute drummed into the students, with quasi-religious fervour, a simplistic view of women as victims and men as perpetrators. If his experience is anything to go by, any self-respecting male should steer well clear of such institutionalised misandry. Well, male readers, before you start cowering behind the sofa fearful of the castrating gender studies professor who's about to get you, let me reassure you. Although I don't know the specifics of Martin's experience, I am a male academic active in gender studies, and was a researcher at the very institution that Martin is suing. And yet for me, as with many other male gender studies scholars and students, my academic engagement with feminism and gender issues has been nothing short of life-affirming. Let's get a few things straight. The dominant ideas, approaches and insights of the vast majority of academic disciplines are produced by, for and about men. This does not necessarily make them bad ideas, but it does mean that there are entrenched gender biases in most fields. In my own discipline – politics – the key undergraduate texts are overwhelmingly by and about men. And yet this is seen by most as unproblematic, as natural or inevitable. Gender studies is an attempt to critique this entrenched male bias. As an emerging area of study, it remains small and lacks the financial and institutional clout of the bigger disciplines. It strikes me as utterly bemusing that one would want to direct one's ire towards one of the few academic spaces in which the implications of biases that go largely unchallenged elsewhere are explored. But let's clear up a few further points. Firstly, the perception that gender studies is doctrinal and dogmatic is simply untrue. It is sceptical of traditional distinctions between fields of research, and is more dynamic, innovative and open to new perspectives than established disciplines. And far from sticking to a crude "women good, men bad" line, gender studies programmes encourage students to acknowledge the diversity of relations between men and women, the limitations of a victim-centred understanding of womanhood, and the complex ways in which gender intersects with race, class and sexuality. The development of this more holistic approach to gender analysis is one of the reasons why the name "gender studies" is now usually given preference over "women's studies", although the name of the field remains a controversial topic. What is not in dispute, though, is the contribution to gender studies of current research into the changing nature of masculinity. Scholars such as Jeff Hearn, R W Connell, Keith Pringle, Michael Kimmel and Terrell Carver have all taken inspiration from feminism and women's studies to analyse, for example, class and racial inequalities between men, the causes and consequences of male violence, the lived experience of different kinds of male sexuality, and the ways in which ideas of masculinity influence social and political thought. Although most gender studies scholars and students are women, the likes of Jeff Hearn and Michael Kimmel have paved the way for increasing numbers of men to contribute to academic gender studies, contributions that have been unambiguously welcomed. In this context, if a gender studies scholar were to put forward a crude "women good, men bad" analysis, it would never stand up to peer scrutiny. Finally, gender studies courses are extremely friendly and supportive environments. In contrast to the stuffiness and conformity of many academic settings, gender studies students and scholars are tolerant, friendly, and enlightened in their attitudes to race, sexual orientation and transsexuality. Gender studies is invariably more sociable than other academic settings, and all kinds of people are welcome, so long as you are willing to engage with people and ideas in a considered and respectful manner. If you're committed to combating discrimination and prejudice in academia, gender studies is an eccentrically misguided choice of target.
Friday, 9 September 2011
Daisy Lowe Attends Fashion's Night Out
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Daisy Lowe, David Gandy and Pixie Geldof were among the big names at Vogue's Fashion's Night Out in London yesterday (08.09.11), kicking off the fashion season in style.
Daisy Lowe, David Gandy and Pixie Geldof were among the big names at Vogue's Fashion's Night Out in London yesterday (08.09.11).
The glamorous trio were at the Asprey party in New Bond Street and the Vodafone Experience store in nearby Oxford Street as they helped kick off the fashion season in style.
Designer Richard Nicoll was at the Vodafone Oxford St experience store, where he personalised limited edition Richard Nicoll tote bags for customers.
The evening marked the beginning of Richard's two season LFW partnership with Vodafone which will continue to offer exclusive access and invaluable fashion insight for customers.
The partnership will also see Richard and the Vodafone innovation team working closely to design an on trend accessory that fuses technology and cutting edge design to deliver a truly pioneering fashion product that will be showcased in Nicoll's Autumn/Winter 2012 runway show.
Other stars to attend Fashion's Night Out in London - the worldwide annual after-hours shopping extravaganza - including Gwyneth Paltrow, Roland Mouret and Matthew Williamson.
Talking about the event, Matthew said: "It's a proper celebration of British fashion and it's about brand building and having fun with people who have a keen interest in fashion," he told us. "Though having said that, I have just sold a dress to someone I thought would be an unlikely buyer - so we're capturing new customers too."
Mercedes-Benz Official Sponsor of London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Show Schedule
September’s events will take place at six unique venues in the capital: Somerset House, Mercer Studios, The Royal Opera House, The Topshop Show Space, My Beautiful City: Old Sorting Office and The Freemasons’ Hall.
Here is the most recently updated provisional show schedule released by the British Fashion Council to ensure you keep your finger firmly on the fashion pulse.
FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Paul Costelloe BFC Show Space at Somerset House
09.30 - 12.00 Preen by Thorton Bregazzi TBC
10.00 Corrie Nielson TBC
11.00 - 19.00 Orla Kiely Portico Rooms at Somerset House
11.00 Caroline Charles BFC Show Space at Somerset House
12.00 Jena.Theo WC1
12.00 - 14.00 Emilia Wickstead TBC
13.00 Bora Aksu BFC Show Space at Somerset House
13.00 - 15.00 The Rodnik Band WC2
14.00 Maria Grachvogel WC2
15.00 Jean-Pierre Braganza BFC Show Space at Somerset House
15.00 - 17.00 bStore W1
16.00 sass & bide WC2
17.00 Felder.Felder BFC Show Space at Somerset House
17.00 - 19.00 Teatum Jones WC2
18.00 Basso & Brooke WC2
19.00 Ann-Sofie Back Atelje BFC Show Space at Somerset House
19.30 - 21.30 Christopher Raeburn EC2
20.30 PPQ BFC Show Space at Somerset House
SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 DAKS BFC Show Space at Somerset House
10.00 Clements Ribeiro WC1
10.45 J.W.Anderson women Portico Rooms at Somerset House
11.00 Ashish BFC Show Space at Somerset House
11.15 J.W.Anderson women Portico Rooms at Somerset House
12.00 Julien Macdonald TBC
12.00 - 14.00 Zoë Jordan WC1
13.00 Jasper Conran BFC Show Space at Somerset House
14.00 Emilio de la Morena SW1
14.15 Craig Lawrence salon show Portico Rooms at Somerset House
15.00 Jaeger London BFC Show Space at Somerset House
15.15 Craig Lawrence salon show Portico Rooms at Somerset House
16.00 House of Holland WC1
16.00 - 18.00 Sister by Sibling The Terrace at Somerset House
17.00 John Rocha BFC Show Space at Somerset House
18.00 Vivienne Westwood Red Label EC1
19.00 Jonathan Saunders W2
19.30 - 21.30 Dominic Jones Portico Rooms at Somerset House
20.00 Issa London BFC Show Space at Somerset House
20.45 Fashion Fringe WC2
SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Margaret Howell W1
09.15 J. JS Lee Portico Rooms at Somerset House
10.00 Mulberry W1
10.15 J. JS Lee Portico Rooms at Somerset House
11.00 Richard Nicoll SW1
11.30 Mulberry salon show W1
12.00 Fashion East W1
13.00 Nicole Farhi WC2
13.30 Peter Jensen Portico Rooms at Somerset House
14.00 Holly Fulton BFC Show Space at Somerset House
14.30 Peter Jensen Portico Rooms at Somerset house
15.00 Unique Topshop Show Space
15.30 Unconditional salon show WC1
16.00 Marios Schwab BFC Show Space at Somerset House
16.30 Unconditional salon show WC1
17.30 - 19.30 Fred Butler Portico Rooms at Somerset House
17.00 Paul Smith SW1
18.00 Tom Ford Women’s Presentation SW1
19.15 Matthew Williamson SE1
20.30 Acne WC2
MONDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Peter Pilotto Topshop Show Space
10.00 - 12.00 Antipodium Portico Rooms at Somerset House
10.00 Antonio Berardi SE1
11.00 Pringle of Scotland SW1
12.00 Christopher Kane TBC
13.00 Michael van der Ham Topshop Show Space
14.00 Erdem WC2
14.00 - 18.00 Christian Blanken Portico Rooms at Somerset House
14:30-16:30 Jordan Askill The Terrace at Somerset House
15.00 Mark Fast BFC Show Space at Somerset House
16.00 Burberry Prorsum TBC
17:00 Nasir Mazhar Topshop Show Space
17.30 Louise Gray Topshop Show Space
18.30 Todd Lynn BFC Show Space at Somerset House
19:30 Giles WC2
20:30 Temperley London WC1
TUESDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER
09.00 Mary Katrantzou Topshop Show Space
10.00 Aquascutum WC2
11.00 - 13.00 Designers Remix Portico Rooms at Somerset House 11.00 Roksanda Ilincic SW1
11:00-13:00 Saloni TBC
12.00 Osman BFC Show Space at Somerset House
13.00 Kinder Aggugini TBC
14.00 Meadham Kirchhoff Topshop Show Space
15.00 - 19.00 Tata-Naka Portico Rooms at Somerset House
15.00 Danielle Scutt TBC
15.30 - 17.30 Body Amr TBC
16.00 David Koma Topshop Show Space
17.00 Danielle Scutt BFC Show Space at Somerset House
18.30 Aminaka Wilmont BFC Show Space at Somerset House
WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER / MENS
09.00 J.W.Anderson Portico Rooms at Somerset House
09.45 Christopher Shannon BFC Show Space at Somerset House
10.00 - 14.00 Aquascutum men’s presentation Navy Board Rooms
10.30 MAN Topman Venue
11.30 Lou Dalton Portico Rooms at Somerset House
12.15 TOPMAN Design Topman Venue
13.00 - 17.00 NEWGEN and Fashion East Men
Installations The Terrace at Somerset House
13.30 E.Tautz WC2
14.30 James Long BFC Show Space at Somerset House
15.30 Oliver Spencer TBC
16.00 - 18.00 Mr Start WC2
16.30 KTZ BFC Show Space at Somerset House
17:15 A Child of the Jago TBC
18:15, 19:15 New Power Studio Portico Rooms at Somerset House
18.00 RAKE W1
19.00 Hardy Amies W1
Mercedes-Benz Official Sponsor of London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Show Schedule
