Beautiful Image of the Week: Liu Wen for Estée Lauder

I came across this image three times in the past three days. And every time it arrested me. I stopped, looked carefully and moved on slightly happier. The image is so bold and yet soft, so colourful and yet mysterious. Just a great image. And it is always exciting when a simple image can change your mood entirely.
That the model is the first real supermodel from China, Liu Wen, doesn't hurt, with her incomprehensible beauty.
Liu Wen has become a fixture on the runways of New York, Milan and Paris since 2008and has shot editorials with the world’s top fashion photographers including Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Sorrenti and Dan Jackson. Liu Wen recently appeared on the cover of Chinese Vogue and has now joined Estee Lauder's roster of beauties with this campaign, the first time Estée Lauder has signed a Chinese model.

Of Africa, Pretty Shoes, Powerful Women and Other Stories

Captains Log 5, Blog Week 134

It comes to the end of another week and this one has been an excellent week for promoting African clothing and textiles in the States. I have posted no less than four times about it this week, here and here and here.
It has also been a great week for uniting some of the amazing women that I admire and respect, and sometimes work for... Oprah, Victoria Beckham, Michelle Obama, Meryl Streep and Dannii Minogue have all featured, often together.
And so, as we go off for the weekend of family, friends and fun let me share with you some more of my week of joys:

1. Reece Witherspoon looked wonderful at her Avon party. I am not a huge fan, although many of you are. But she got her hair, make-up, shoes and dress all perfect and on trend this week, so props to her.

2. The talent and craftsmanship of local leather designer, Chloe Townsend, has resulted in a new must-have sandal for the summer - the Missibaba Seraphine. Isn't she lovely?

3. We handed over the Oliver Peoples sunglasses, courtesy of Extreme Eyewear, to our blog winner Jasmine Ho. She popped into the office to pick them up and so we snapped a pic of course. I am so pleased for her!

Have lovely, restful weekends all my readers, and I look forward to bringing you another action packed week of fashion and news next week. For now, StyleGuideCT out!

Michelle Obama Revives Kitten Heels

I have discussed Michelle Obama's style at length here on the blog - and will probably continue to do so. But one of the ways in which her style has directly influenced me this week is in the footwear department. Having squished my toes into a brand new pair of patent red kitten heel Jimmy Choos this week and donning another black, classic pair now for the O tea party, I thought about how kitten heels are back and it is probably all Mrs O's fault.
The Huffington Post agrees and ran a lengthy article about it, saying, "Along with chiseled arms, kitten heels have become a trademark of Michelle Obama’s White House style and are an important puzzle piece in her carefully curated public image. Her heels are always low to the ground, but set a tone for how she presents herself to the world — and distinguish her from other first ladies."
They go on, "Obama’s kitten heels are both conservative but demonstrate a fluency in fashion; they’re simultaneously puritanical and vaguely sexy. Obama uses kitten heels in unexpected ways, playing them off an outfit with just enough whimsy to earn her style points in the fashion world."
But be warned, those that seek to emulate her in the style stakes. Kitten heels may be low to the ground but they are not by default more comfortable. The pointy front can be very unforgiving to your feet and toes and can lead to much pain! I know, yet I still wear them...

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Jake Gyllenhaal and Halle Berry

HALLE BERRY
Robyn: Now this is the cat-woman style we know and love. YSL red silk asymmetric drapery. You absolutely can not fault it. As I said on my blog last week, she is an alien life form, such is her perfection. Done.
Marco: Is it possible that she looks more beautiful now than when she donned this look the first time? I prefer the darker hair too, it's a mature version of her former self without making it look any less sexy. 'Meow' if there ever was a reason to say it. She really is knocking them back these days with her outfits. Gold dress anyone? Yes okay, i'll go see your movie.

JAKE GYLLENHAAL
Marco: He has the makings of someone to loathe. You know, charm, good looks, talent and the perfect beard. I should be jealous of him but alas am too busy taking cues from you Robyn, by imagining our bro-dates wherein I am doing something outdoorsy. But before that may I just commend Jake on his effortless and relaxed styling. I actually prefer it sans accessory. Modern fit, great shoes and no fuss. Easy enough to follow, eh boys?
Robyn: Sooooo, Jake and Taylor, eh? Why does that make me feel a teeny tiny bit grubby? So in a week where JAYLOR sightings seem to keep coming, you post a picture of Jake and ask me to comment on his style. Blonde, perchance? Oh, you mean the clothes. Well, he looks jolly nice in his suit. Sleek and simple. I like it.

GQ Best Dressed Men Awards: The Fashion Episode

It was the GQ Awards last week and some of the country's most well dressed chaps were honoured. The eventual winner was blog-godfather, Seth Rotherham so a hearty well done to him. Very hip of GQ.
And lots of people have featured this result and the photos on their blogs. But did you know who came third, forth or even sixth? Well, they are our very own fashion chaps. So I thought that I would share their photos and comments with you. I think it is awesome that the fashion guys are walking the talk and being recognised for thier flair. Big up.
THIRD PLACE: Themba Mngomezulu Fashion designer and founder of Darkie
I would like to see men dressing formally every day come back into fashion. Like we did in the ’60s. Support the local designers. Remember, if you buy local, you provide jobs and that means that your homes and cars won’t be broken into.
FOURTH PLACE: Mokotjo Mohulo Head designer at NOTE Clothing and stylist
My dad is the most stylish man in the world. The shoes I am wearing in this shoot were his. Every single one of my shirts has some kind of personal detail. I personalise my look by expressing my consciousness in it. Whether it’s the hair or the beard, it’s all me.
SIXTH PLACE: Guy Ndlovo, Reality TV star and fashion entrepreneur
Nice shoes and socks are my fashion basics. I always have fun with socks, something is always going on down there. Fitted shirts, cuff links and a nice belt. There is always a playful element in whatever I wear.

O Magazine US Also Highlights International Mohair Trend

Further to yesterday's post about the surprising new textile trend - mohair (which is supplied most often by South Africa...), I was alerted to the November issue of O Magazine in the US, where a fashion spread with Mandy Moore features a beautiful orange scarf by BabyMo, handmade right here in Port Elizabeth.
A very kind man called Andrew sent this information, "Momento's of Africa which created the BabyMo brand has grown literally from nothing. It was originally a self help tapestry weaving scheme to assist unemployed people but in 1994 it was unexpectantly closed. A few of the original employees decided to carry on under their manager Lin Smith and the Port Elizabeth airport (ACSA) offered premises for the Momentos business. Shops across the country began to sell our products and suddenly there was international attention in what we were doing. This was how BabyMo started. The brand now provides employment to 68 people who have become an incredibly skilled team in producing all the BabyMo products by hand."
Of course it must be extremely heartening for these workers to suddenly find that they carefully crafted garments are finding their way onto the fashion pages of international magazines. And not out of pity or charity, but because they really like the feel and look of the products. What a way to start a Friday morning!

Want to Know How to Get Mad Men Style? Now There is a Book!

I know I can get a bit boring, bleating on about my awesome iPad and how it has changed my life. But let me tell you what I will not be buying electronically: the new book by Janie Bryant, costume designer for the most stylish series on television, Mad Men, called The Fashion File. This is one book that will need to be in print, for me to lovingly pour over in my quieter moments on a Sunday afternoon.
Apparently in this tome, Bryant details every part of the Mad Men look. Want to know how to create that show-stopping red lip? It’s in here. Or how to highlight your best assets like your waist or shoulders? You can read about that too. Actress January Jones even pens the foreward. Plus, Janie Bryant discusses whether you’re more of a Joan or a Betty, a Peggy or a Megan.
I am about to go onto Amazon (yes, on my iPad) to pre-order it now. I know it is available in the US on Monday. Not sure when it will be available in SA, but will keep you posted.

Nicole Miller Partners with Africa on Bangles

You all know by now that what I believe to be fair trade is the act of African artists, craftsmen and artisans selling what they produce to the western world at a profit that allows them to lead a life they never would have done. The fashionista in me gets even more giddy when it is a gorgeous, style item. And the African in me gets tearfully-proud when it is something only we can do. Don't judge, it is such a patriotic feeling. And I will always do whatever I can to support these efforts.
Now, today, New York fashion designer Nicole Miller has partnered with the nonprofit Indego Africa to release a line of patterned traditional-textile and woven bracelets and bangles co-designed with and hand-crafted by Rwandan artisans at co-ops on the continent.
At the launch in NYC this evening, 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to bolster Indego Africa's business, literacy, and computer training programs.

Vicktoria Beckham Dresses Oprah Winfrey. And It Is Good.

You all know that I just love Vicky B. You also mostly know that I work for the Empire of the Oprah. And just yesterday afternoon, all of this came together and made me the centre of my own universe for about 2 mins.
I picked up a tweet from Victoria saying that she was having a 'dream come true' as Oprah wore one of her designs to the Maria Shriver women's conference. I of course retweeted it immediately and, such was my giddiness, I used an apostrophe incorrectly. The shame.
But today we see the evidence and it is even better than I expected. Oprah looks sleek, elegant and very stylish. Who would have thought. VB you amaze me.

Business News: Hermes In Danger of Selling Out?

You all know I am a fashion geek, so stop furrowing your brow at this dry subject. I promise I will post pictures of pretty dresses tomorrow.
Hermes, the maker of the most coveted bags and scarves in the world (as well as the super-sexy harness in their last horsey collection here), is currently largely family owned. They have, to my knowledge, refused multiple offers to buy them from very reputable organisations over the years. But this past week Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy announced that they've bought a 14.2% stake in the traditional French company.
This signalled two things. One, with the Hermes stock price rising sharply at this news, that the market expects this to significantly alter the competitive landscape with LVMH gaining ground against their competitors like Richemont. The Hermes brand is about as luxurious and prestigious a brand as you can get in the market.
Secondly, that Hermes may be in the last throws of family control. LVMH has a reputation of being aggressively aquisitive, as demonstrated in the past, so it is believed that by stealth or power, Hermes will relinquish more stock to the group in due course.
Bernard Arnault, the founder, chairman, and CEO of LVMH is not saying right now, but already has a large collection of covetable fashion brands with Louis Vuitton, Celine, Kenzo, Fendi, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Loewe and Donna Karan under his control.

Kate Moss' Last TopShop Collection

We are pretty sure that this is the last full collection Kate will be doing for TopShop, so it is probably worth a bit of hype. I have to say that I am really struggling with Moss-ennui, as many of you are. But I hope you will forgive this posting (in the same way that I am forgiving those new lips Kate is sporting by simply not looking at them).
And anyway, just look at that kimono-cape hybrid. That is worth it, no? Now must get someone in the queue for it next week. Alex?

In the US it is Mohair Season - Good News for South Africa

I was reading one of my favourite US fashion sites last night, when I came across this quote, "We're so, so excited for sweater season. There's just nothing like curling with a good book and a warm drink, especially when you've got on a snuggly sweater — especially, especially when it's mohair. In addition to its warmth and durability, mohair adds an unexpected texture to your cold-weather basics, perfect for those frigid days when you're too cold to think about what to wear."
Now I am not sure if you guys know, but South Africa is a very large producer of mohair. In an economy as fraught as we have right now, and with a clothing and textile market shrinking faster than Lindsay Lohan's bank account, that the fashionistas in the US are looking to mohair as a wardrobe essential is very good news for us.
Now all we need to do is remind our local consumers that mohair is great news, come winter, and we may have a fighting chance of giving our local fashion industry a much needed boost. Over to you.

Chloe and the Party Necklace

Apparently it is the party season already. And in the November issue of O Magazine, we did a mini editorial on party jewellery. We had a blast working with the lovely Chloe. I think that by the time we finished shooting we had all pulled a million faces. She, of course, looked spectacularly pretty in them all.
By the way, this stunning neckpiece is Israeli and you can get yours from Callaghan Collezione or Imagenius.
For more photos of party jewellery, go to the actual shops and buy a printed magazine on paper called O, the Oprah Magazine. I know it is scary when you are used to getting all your fashion info via this blog. But it is worth it. Loads to read. Go. Now.
Photographer: Frank Ellis
Hair and Make-up: Luciano dos Santos

Win Shoes Worth R2,000 with StyleGuideCT and Spitz

Another chance to win on the blog!! Yay! And this time we are talking shoes.
I have in front of me two R1,000 gift vouchers. One is to use at Spitz how you see fit (although I can recommend the espadrilles - perfect for the summer and you can get two pairs for this price). And one, also worth R1,000, for Lacoste shoes at Spitz. Do you want them?
I am giving them away to one lucky reader who sends me ONE email with BLOG COMPETITION 4 in the subject line to robync@assocmags.co.za. That's right. Anyone can enter, but you can only enter once. Now go.
Entries close on Friday with the draw being done next Monday 1st November 2010.

Of Hair Cuts, Covers and Pretty People

So I am due for a hair cut this weekend. This is generally not a big issue for me. I simply sit in a chair and Hamish cuts it the way it should be. Extra short in the fringe and dead straight, just under the ears. Done.
But.
Everyone seems to be going in this direction and now, sigh, I think, maybe, I may want something a bit different.
I don't know. Maybe longer? What do you think?
In the meanwhile, for your edification, the cover of Vogue Turkey is Gwen Loos photographed by Mariano Vivanco and the other one is Liu Wen for Harper’s Bazaar Korea, dressed in Comme des Garçons, styled by Havana Laffitte and shot by Yelena Yemchuk.

Sylvie Says: How to Choose The Right Shade of Foundation

A few weeks ago I spent an entire six days week with my pal and brand wife Linda O’Connell who is Me, only for Maybelline, travelling our lovely country doing store visits. Now, aside from that we can tell you that the City Lodge does a fine tuna tramezzini, Tasha’s at Melrose Arch is awesome for meeting Cape Town buddies, I am still not proficient with the Garmin, people in Pretoria love ice-cream and the News Café at King Shaka airport serve Tanqueray – what we can definitely tell you is that SA women STILL don’t know how to test for the right foundation for their skin colour...

An example:
Me: studiously and surreptitiously observing a woman furiously blending foundation into the top of her hand
Me: you know, if you want the right colour you should test it on your face
Her: looking at me as if insane - ‘actually I’m looking for under-eye concealer’
Me: looking at her as if insane. Seriously. Really. Well then testing in on your HAND is definitely the right way to go.

You’re getting my point right? So girls, please – if you want to find the right colour foundation – test it on your face. Most importantly test it on an area where the skin is at its best colour (i.e. avoid the centre of the face) - which bascially means the jawline.
Draw as many stripes on your jawline with as many shades you think you may be and go outside into the natural light.
The colour that has mostly disappeared is the right colour for you.
Simple.

PS: Looking and dismissing a colour from what you see in the bottle aint gonna help either, see?
Xxx sylvie
Pic above stolen, as usual from www.jamienelson.com

Dita von Teese for Grazia Magazine

If I had to choose my favourite magazine in the whole wide world, I wouldn't hesitate to say Grazia. Let me count the ways:
1. It is weekly and I have a gargantuan appetite for fast news and fashion;
2. It is beautifully styled, informative, gossipy, current and has exactly what I need before I know I need it;
3. It begs its reader to be intelligent and well informed about current issues;
4. It always arrives as a highlight to my week, just a moment after I have realised it has been a whole week since I last read it;
5. And now it has featured the consumate stylista, Dita von Teese, in her signature looks.
Photographed by Richard Bernardin
Stylist is Alexandra Bernard

Me and My Mate Jane

So I know that I talk a lot about my fantasy bookclub mates, Dannii, Vicky, Alexa and maybe Cat. Yeah, definitely Cat. But I do actually have real life mates too. And ones that are just as stylish, interesting, witty and/or smart. Some I have known for a few years. Some I have known since I was a kid at junior school. The ones that I got chucked out of class for talking to way too much.
Jane is one of those. And she is also one of the stars of our make-over issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. Having had a baby all of three months before this photo was taken, we decided that it was time for a new look. But one that worked with the whole sustaining an infant malarkey. Phew.
Go and pick up a copy off the shelf to find out how to do a five-star make-over on your own wardrobe. Or just some tips on dressing just after you had a baby so you can look like my mates.
Photographer: Anthony Friend
Hair and Make-up: Luciano Dos Santos

Can Céline Clothes Transform Us?

I think all of us like to think of ourselves as Céline kinda gals. Dressing with simple, clean lines that speak of perfectionists, achieving at our high-flying jobs and up-to-the-minute fashion sense. Looking elegant and impeccable where ever we go. Sigh.
Most of us are just not built that way.
But what is encouraging is the way in which the advertising for the winter line is inclusive of women of all ages. The latest ads, shot by Juergen Teller, cast models in their twenties, fourties and, let's just say, past retirement age. All looking elegant and impeccable.
And then the lovely director/mother/bag designer/writer Sofia Coppola turns up at an event last week looking elegant and impeccable, dressed in Céline and it made me think - maybe it is the clothes that make you look like that...maybe you don't have to be made that way! Now the saving starts.
I am determined I will look elegant and impeccable one day before I retire. I will!
UPDATE: Luisa was just at Apsley 2 at the V&A Waterfront and the dress that Sofia is wearing came in while she was standing there. And some other garments of loveliness. It is my dream.

Celia Birtwell Originals Vintage Store Online

I love this new age when the most amazing stores in the world are now opening online so that we all can play with.
I am a fashion geek. In other words, I am entranced and somewhat obsessed with the history, origin and socio-economic development of fashion and its impact on our lives. One of my favourite stories is of the relationship between designer Ossie Clark and print-lady and photographer, Celia Birtwell, as they traversed the late 60s and 70s together, making fashion.
Now their son, George, has set up an online store where you can purchase not only her new designs by Celia Birtwell but also a selection of original unique vintage pieces designed by Ossie Clark.
I am lucky enough to have an original Celia Birtwell piece - it is part maxi dress, part flamenco, so you know I am going to be spending both time and money on this site. As is great Clark/Birtwell collector, Kate Moss, I assume.
Each vintage piece will come with a certificate of authenticity as well as a copy of one of Celia’s archive sketches signed by the lady herself: www.celiabirtwell.com.

Dannii Minogue and Victoria Beckham Create Style Magic on X Factor

So my mate Dannii wore another dress from my mate Vicky's collection for the UK television series X Factor this weekend. A beautiful fitted blue sheath, with a cowl drape at the neck was a hit in the style stakes, if rather subdued for the UK public. Having trawled the comments sections of many a web site looking at what the TV audiences thought, the overwhelming verdict is CLASS.
For the results show on Sunday night, Dannii went a bit more playful and brought out the floral Dolce & Gabbanna 50s prom dress. There really was so much flirty in this dress, I almost winked at it.
I know that my book club is just a fantasy one, but seriously, if DM and VB are going to get any closer I really am going to have to alert them to their book club responsibilties.

Shopping With Alex: The Return of the Veldskoen

So, recently we have seen the return of the traditional South African veldskoen boot as a trend in fashion, first overseas (as a 'desert boot') and now locally. I noticed whilst out and about that the retailers are doing their own version of this boot for women.
I think this can be a great look leading into summer worn with dresses, shorts and denim with laces loosely tied to show off the calves/ankles.
These are my picks of what is available in store right now:
1. Mr Price: I think this is a great option for the colour (which is very fashionable at the moment), shape and the price.....R120!
2. ZOOM: I think that this is a gorgeous little boot! Lovely soft leather and in 2 very wearbale colours. This is actually my favourite and I think this one would look particularly good with dresses, rompers and shorts, as it is a more lightweight and feminine option. This retails for R799.
Have fun
Alex xx
PS: For any overseas readers, I also know that Clarks produce a similiar boot to the Mr Price option.

R2D2 on the Beach!

This constitutes the random post of the day, but never-the-less a charming one. I am not sure of the overlap in interest between those of you who love fashion AND Star Wars, but you are the niche that this is aimed at. Or for those of you who have Star Wars blokes they are trying to impress. After all, nothing says 'I Love You' more than dressing up as a Star Wars character. And Princess Leia is so, like, done.
Designed by Australian James Lillis as a commentary on how everything is technological these days, this simple, yet lovely, this R2D2 bathing suit is perfect for those of you who want to hit the beach in a different kind of style. This sort of suit says more about you that a skimpy bikini!

New Photos of Our Favourite African Models: Ajak Deng and Behati Prinsloo

Nothing makes me happier on a Monday to read about our local African girls who are taking the fashion world by storm. First up is a new image of Ajak Deng, complete with new hair colour, for her portfolio. Originally from Somalia, Ajak is currently living between Melbourne and New York.
Then we have the Namibian Victoria Secret Angel, Behati Prinsloo, who has just been styled by Nicola Formichetti for Hercules. Formichetti is, of course Lady Gaga's stylist and fashion director of Haus of Gaga, as well as being creative director of Thierry Mugler, and fashion director of Uniqlo and Vogue Hommes Japan.
These local girls is not just making good, they are dazzling up there with the best.

Where 14 Top SA Bloggers Break Bread by iDale

Click here to read all about the favourite restaurants and meals of 14 of SA's top bloggers, including yours truly. Yum.

We Have a Winner for Extreme Eyewear Competition!

Congratulations to Jasmine Ho, our latest blog winner! She wins the incredibly stylish Oliver Peoples sunglasses, courtesy of StyleGuideCT and Extreme Eyewear. Lucky, lucky devil.
For the 162 other people who entered, I am so very sorry. Please go to the kiosk at the Waterfront or the Cape Quarter store before the end of the week for your discount of up to 75% on all the merchandise.
Also, keep coming back to the blog because later this week I have a staggering shoe-related prize up for grabs!
As you can see from the photographic evidence, Kedi was most scrupulous when drawing the winning name from the box. Thanks intern Kedi.

Oprah, Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep To Star in New Comedy by SATC Director

Seriously? Seriously. Could this get any more exciting?*
My uber-boss, the Oscar nominated actress Oprah Winfrey, will be joining forces with the Best-Actress-In-Cinema-TodayTM, Meryl Streep, and the delightful Oscar winning actress Sandra Bullock in a new comendy that is going to be directed by the Sex and the City chap, Michael Patrick King.
And if that isn't enough information for one blog post, I will also tell you that it will be about a home shopping network and that it has been written especially for the three women who will star in it.
Shopping, Orpah, Sandy and Meryl together with laughs and friendship. I can't imagine this is not going to be a licence to print money.
* Yes, I know I am mixing my TV catch phrases (Grey's Anatomy and Friends, for those who didn't notice)

Was October Freida Pinto Month in the Style Stakes?

We are just about at the Salticrax end of October and I was just looking back at the month in pictures of cool outfits and was staggered to find that Freida Pinto has featured no less than seven times in the last two weeks. As part of her promotion of her new film, Miral, she has travelled to the East Coast of America, London and the middle east. And everywhere she goes she manages to look effortlessly stylish, true to herself and happy. Yes, happy. Not moaning about the paps, not complaining about all her free stuff, not half off her head on some prescription drug cocktail. Just sweet, happy, pleasant and very, very fashionable. Well played, Pinto. I hereby declare October as your style month.

SA Model Megan McKenzie International Face of Triumph Shape Sensation

South African Sports Illustrated model and FHM glamour girl, Megan McKenzie, has been named as the new face/body of Triumph Shape Sensation underwear for their global campaign.
Having seen some of the behind the scenes footage of the shoot, as well as the print campaign - one of which is above - I have to say it looks like an excellent choice.
I am a fan of shaper undergarments myself. If you consider the foundation wear that is used to get the 50s look in Mad Men, and add that to the international fashion trend that has followed, we really are going to need some help from the underwear gurus to replicate this look.
Nip in your waist with a waist slimmer (in the 50s they used a 'waspie'), lift your bust, smooth out your tummy and thighs and all very comfortably. I don't really care if I land up looking like Megan here or like Joan from Mad Men. Either will do.

Ajak Deng Goes Blonde on Fashion Gone Rogue

A few weeks ago I introduced you to the newest African model to go stratospheric, Ajak Deng here. And if nothing else proves that she has made it into the inner sanctum of the model batcave, it is that she has had her own entry onto respected industry site, Fashion Gone Rogue.
With a new hairdo for a new campaign, I quote from FGR, "Ajak Deng (IMG Models) has gone blonde! The Sudanese model’s new hairdo was envisioned by hair stylist Jimmy Paul and Vogue stylist Edward Enninful. We look forward to seeing this new hair style in print!"

Friday Fashion Face-Off: Minnie Driver and Andrew Garfield

MINNIE DRIVER
Robyn: I must be honest. My affection for the Minster has flip flopped terribly over the years. Until I sort-of forgot about her. But what a great way to jog my pathetically old memory - a turquoise Marchesa Grecian draped gown. Love the neck-piece detailing. And the soft silk. And the weird belty things. It just all works together. Lovely.
Marco: Ooh yes, I remember her. Wasn't she on Will & Grace? This dress is fantastic and that shade of blue is electric against the red carpet. But not convinced of the hair. Is it cropped or are those dangly bits? Pleased that she kept the accessories simple. Good way to remind people you're still around, lady!

ANDREW GARFIELD
Robyn: This is a chap with HAIR. I mean, it goes out there and makes a statement all of its own. It is a wondrous spectacle. But also I like how he has played with tones in the deeper end of the spectrum (greys, black, brown), without trying to be matchy-matchy. I do so like that in a style.
Marco: He looks a little, okay a lot like a Burberry model but that is all the more reason to love this guy. He's British and stylish, a great young actor and he's Spiderman! Those Blue soled shoes would be a great addition to any look even if you don't have broody eyes and hair that swoops.

Update on Lanvin for H&M: Now Including Colour!

I am actually quite amused by the whole hoopla surrounding the launch of Lanvin for H&M. You know I wasn't really on board with this much democratising on the fashion industry, when it was first announced. But now that I have seen some of the garments, sigh, well of course I will be despatching a representative to get me some.
But more impressive is the drip-feed marketing teaser campaign, building up to the launch. It started with those annonymous video clips. It layered some PR on top of that, then the big announcement. Now we have been teased with images from the launch campaign and an announcement yesterday that there will also be a runway presentation of the collection prior to launch.
It's all happening mid-November, so book your flights now if you want to be a part of this slice of affordable fashion history. Or make like me, and get someone you know to go and stake your claim. So pretty.

Trendy Print Bags Support Women in Ghana

First, these bags are fun and pretty and perfectly on trend for this summer. Now that we have that out of the way, let's also enjoy the fact that they take money spent by the Americans for fun, pretty, trendy bags and use it to fund the lives of women in the poorer areas of Ghana. That's what I call fair trade.
LA-based designer Tina Tangalakis formed a company called Della to help Ghanaian women achieve financial independence while creating versatile and playful handbags. In addition to providing the women with jobs, Della also educates them in entrepreneurship. The line, which includes wallets, clutches, and a great oversized hobo, uses authentic Ghanaian fabrics. Plus, they're all hand-made by local seamstresses out of completely vegan materials. The company also recently introduced laptop and iPad cases. Perfect.
Refinery29

Yes, Another Michelle Obama Post. Well She is Worth It.

How do we know she is worth it? Well Harvard have just told us. In their latest Business Review they assessed the monetary value Michelle Obama has on the fashion labels she wears. Apparently when Michelle wears something, that company's stock spikes upward, and stores that carry the labels also benefit. From November 2008 to December 2009 Mrs O made 189 public appearances, the total value generated by those appearances for those companies was estimated at $2.7 billion, while they estimate the total value of a single public appearance at $14 million. The bad news is that when you are a competitor to a brand Mrs O wears, you stand to shave half a percent off your value.
Apparently the US First Lady’s astonishing influence may be tied to the fact that consumers know she’s not paid to wear what she does, whereas they may subconsciously discount other endorsements.
And considering Mrs O wears items from African designers every so often, I think that this is very good news - news that will hopefully pay off for our guys.

Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon Awarded an OBE

You all know, of course, that I am a Jimmy Choo devotee. I have two pairs I am currently saving for to add to my sizeable collection. Although the cost of servicing my car yesterday kinda did away with those savings. Sigh.
Sorry, I got distracted. Yesterday morning, Jimmy Choo owner, Tamara Mellon received her OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), from Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. And apparently I had something to do with her getting this award.
She said, "I am so thrilled to be receiving this great honour and to be recognised in this way. I am grateful to everyone at Jimmy Choo - and our customers around the globe - for helping make our success possible." Well, it's a pleasure Ms Mellon.
It's been a successful week for her - on Monday the Elton John AIDS Foundation awarded the Jimmy Choo founder the Enduring Vision prize, in tribute to the label's fundraising efforts. To date, Jimmy Choo has raised £2.2 million for the charity.
Big up Jimm-to-the-Choo!

Cynthia Nixon in Carolina Herrera Dress

You know amongst your friends there is always someone who is obviously the "Carrie" and someone who totally identifies with "Charlotte" and one of you is the "Samantha" although no one wants to embrace it too eagerly. But no one is ever willingly "Miranda". The hard-nosed lawyer always got the worst of the outfits throughout the TV series. She was painted as quite an uptight, unsympathetic character. And I was always told I was the Miranda. Of course.
But I have now got my comeuppance. First of all that dreadful SATC2 movie was a winner for me for one reason - Miranda got the BEST outfits. I mean seriously - that 'Out of Africa' jacket and skirt ensemble? Loved it.
And now Cynthia Nixon seems to be following suit. Putting aside her rather faded red hair (a pity), this Carolina Herrera dress from the runway summer 2010, looked spectacular. Serious and beautiful. An appropriate dress for a woman who is talented, making her own choices in life and have a ball. Literally.
I'll stop it now.

Dominique Piek, Warren McAslen, Dirk de Waal and I - What Do We Have in Common?

Last night I went to a very lovely soiree where I bumped into a model that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with before. Personally I think that he is one of the most beautifully mannered, good fun, pro guys in town. He was on the cover of Men's Health for October. His name is Warren McAslen. And I had just seen the great profile Man of the Cloth had just written about him here. Now the thing is, I had news for him last night.
I had just discovered that not only did we both share a birthday with our old friend, stylist Dirk de Waal, but we also shared it with international Sports Illustrated swimsuit supermodel, Dominique Piek. Dominique lives in the States now, but originally hails from the Strand, here in Cape Town. Her dad was my dentist at one point. And she has just shot the Ralph Lauren Denim Fall 2010 campaign - and nabbed the superstar sports boyfriend.
And there we all are, come 13th July 2011, there are going to be some fashion parties!