Sorry Kate, obviously smoking really IS bad for your skin

By MAYSA RAWI

Breaking the rules: Kate Moss lights up on the catwalk for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week today


Kate Moss has never been one to follow rules and today was no exception when she ignored the ban - and No Smoking Day - and lit up on the catwalk.

Walking for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week, Kate indulged her bad habit and proved she's still got it in a pair of tight hot pants and bondage-style lace-up boots.

Moss was the perfect choice to close the fetish-themed show and had the crowd cheering as she theatrically blew out smoke.


Naughty but nice: Naomi Campbell, centre, starred in the fetish-inspired show


Jacobs spared no expense to produce a highly stylised event, casting supermodels Naomi Campbell, Amber Valetta, Carolyn Murphy and Maria Carla.

Hostesses dressed in French maid's uniforms and brandishing feather dusters and platters with caviar canapes and shots of vodka ushered guests into a tent that recreated a dimly lit Paris hotel.

The show saw models emerging from a makeshift lift attended to by porters, while they strutted down the runway handcuffed to their handbags, in heels so high, the catwalk had to be reworked to accommodate the 13cm heels.


Hotel Vuitton: A makeshift lift, attended to by porters saw models emerging from the boudoir-style set


Hourglass shaped coats in tweed and slick patent leather were worn with thigh-high stockings - and nothing else.

Black bustiers were layered over demure A-line skirts worn with shirts with round white collars.

A black dress embroidered with sequins looked innocent enough until the model turned the corner, revealing her handcuff-bound wrists.


Irrational desire: Marc Jacobs said the public's love of everything with the LV logo sparked the idea for the collection


Superstar designer Marc Jacobs said the public's insatiable desire for everything with the LV logo sparked the idea for the collection.

'There's this crazy, almost irrational desire for these objects, these things we create,' Jacobs told a scrum of journalists in a frenzied backstage interview.

'We were thinking about obsession, fetishism and we thought about an old hotel, with its chambermaids and the affairs that go on there, the crimes and scandals.

'And we just wanted to reveal all the amazing creatures who passed through there'.


What a difference an hour makes: Moss's complexion outside looks a far cry from her glossy appearance on the catwalk a short time earlier


Home time: Kate and fiance Jamie Hince, left, and Naomi head out after the show


Louis Vuitton A/W 2011/2012 with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell Fashion and Fetisch collection.



source: dailymail

Brave Lily Allen arrives in Paris to meet her wedding dress designer, Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Smiling again: Lily Allen poses with Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld at his Autumn/Winter 2011 show in Paris, after revealing he will create her wedding dress



She has shunned the spotlight and kept quiet since tragically losing her baby late last year.

But today the brave singer was back in the limelight as she attended the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week.

The 25-year-old headed to Karl Lagerfeld's studio to discuss plans for her wedding dress, before going to the Grand Palais to see his latest collection.



Brief sojourn: Lily popped over to Paris today to watch the Chanel show before heading back to London on the Eurostar


Photographed outside Lagerfeld's studio, she said: 'I’m here to see Karl for my wedding dress.'

Allen is set to wed builder Sam Cooper - who she started dating in summer 2009 - later this year.

Supporting the brand, Allen was carrying two Chanel quilted handbags, which she teamed with a tweed coat and ballet pumps.

As she headed back to her Gloucestershire home, via London on the Eurostar, she tweeted: 'Chanel show in Paris was lovely. On my way home now, think I might hide for a while.'


Coveted seat: Lily sat in the front row next to TV presenter Alexa Chung


Wedding belle: Lily, who modelled for Chanel two years ago, will wear the designer's dress on her wedding day


Allen's brief appearance in Paris came as she spoke about her two miscarriages in a clip from her forthcoming Channel 4 documentary Lily Allen: Riches To Rags.

The singer, who lost her child last year six months into her pregnancy after an earlier miscarriage in 2008, says: 'It was a really long battle - and I think that kind of thing changes a person.'

She reveals her pain at the loss in a new show that charts her venture into fashion as she opened up Covent Garden vintage boutique Lucy In Disguise with sister Sarah Owen.

Lily also reveals in the documentary - which filmed her between March and October last year - that she suffered with an eating disorder.


Raw: Lily has opened up about the tragic loss of her baby in a new Channel 4 documentary


‘There was a point last summer (2009) where I had an eating disorder, I used to vomit after meals,’ she said. ‘It is not something I am proud of. But I tell you what, a lot of people used to come up to me and tell me how great I looked.

'And I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying “Lily is looking amazing – look how much weight she has lost”.

‘I thought I looked good. It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you have been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it.

‘But I wasn’t happy, I really wasn’t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world, but I know I can’t do that without being unhappy. I like my food.’


Emotional: The TV show Riches To Rags followed the singer for several months to chart her foray into fashion


‘People who are famous and successful and live in this mad world tend to die really early, or kill themselves, or die in a drugs overdose. I’d rather not so I figure I will go and eat,’ she said.

‘My idea of hell would be doing this in 25 years’ time. I don’t want to be like Madonna – look at her, she’s mental. No offence, but that is not what drives me. I want to get married and have kids and make sandwiches cutting the crusts off.’

The documentary was filmed before Miss Allen suffered her second miscarriage last November. She was devastated after losing the baby boy she was expecting with fiancé Sam Cooper. The film crew went back to continue filming her story after her loss. In the programme, which airs next week, she spoke of her recovery as ‘a really long battle’.


Frank: Lily and her sister and business partner Sarah Owen discuss their difficult relationship


Her plans to marry Mr Cooper appear to be going full steam ahead. She arrived in Paris this week to watch the Chanel fashion show and meet designer Karl Lagerfield. ‘I’m here to see Karl for my wedding dress,’ she said.

However yesterday she was feeling less than thrilled with life if her posts on Twitter are anything to go by. ‘Have just Googled myself, am depressed.

'Going home and switching off broadband. I just get upset when some people can’t see how nice and brilliant I am. Good day to you all.’

• Lily Allen: Riches To Rags starts on Channel 4 on Tuesday 15 March at 10pm.


Kanye, Florence, Lily Allen at Chanel Show



source: dailymail

'Nervous' Lady Gaga does Nicola Formichetti proud in modelling debut on Thierry Mugler catwalk

By TAMARA ABRAHAM

Mugler's bride: The singer, 24, closed the show in a skintight white ensemble with a corseted top and bizarre lampshade-style hat. Given her usual attire, she had no trouble with the towering platform shoes


With her stylist Nicola Formichetti as the new creative director of Thierry Mugler, it was only a matter of time before Lady Gaga lent her support to the label.

And tonight she did so to great effect as the star model at its Paris Fashion Week catwalk show.

The 24-year-old, who wore long blonde pigtails, strutted like a pro to the sounds of her own music - the debut of a new track entitled Government Hooker, that was almost choral at the beginning - fitting given the catwalk set, which was a network of ancient-looking pillars shot with red lighting.


Mutual appreciation: Gaga joins Thierry Mugler designers Nicola Formichetti - her close friend and stylist - and Sebastien Peigne on the runway as they take their bow


She joined supermodels including Jessica Stam, Coco Rocha and Alek Wek on the runway, all dressed as Gaga-alikes with flowing peroxide ponytails or white-blonde devil horns, lip-synching to the music.

She made a second catwalk appearance modelling the final look - an unconventional Mugler 'bride' - in a white corseted dress and lampshade-style hat.

Dancing to the music, she writhed provocatively against a pillar giving the front row a flash of her red pointed nails.

She then changed her hat to a black feathered headpiece to take her bow alongside Mr Formichetti and Sebastien Peigne, Thierry Mugler's womenswear designer.

The singer, who was listed as the official music director for the show, admitted she was a bundle of nerves before it began. According to the Huffington Post, she told Mr Formichetti: 'You have no idea how much respect I have for you and for all the models, which is why I'm so f****** nervous.

She added later: 'If I vomit on the stage, it will be good press.'


Performance art: Alek Wek (left) and Coco Rocha (right) were among the other star models to appear in the highly-anticipated show


Mr Formichetti, who is the man behind Gaga's infamous meat dress, is masterminding a revival of the famous Eighties label. His debut womenswear collection for the brand has been much-anticipated given his high-profile position as Lady Gaga's stylist.

The collection was simple in both silhouette and palette - super-fitted stretchy garments that made a feature of the legs and shoulders.

Models wore one colour head-to-toe, either black, white or powerful shots of royal blue.

Mr Formichetti, who has also worked with Japanese High Street brand Uniqlo, explained that the items were intended to be luxurious and wearable rather than stage-wear - we're assuming he wasn't referring to the lampshade hat.

He added that the sample garments were so coveted by the models, he was forced to hire security guards to protect them.


Twitter jitters: Gaga announced her modelling debut last night via Twitter. She wrote: 'I have a monster fashion announcement... I am so excited I might give birth to a machine gun'


Gaga announced her participation in the show herself, late last night via Twitter.

She wrote: 'I have a monster fashion announcement are your paws up? I am so excited I might give birth to a machine gun.'

An hour later she spilled the beans: 'I’m making my debut as a runway model, walking in MUGLER PARIS FASHION SHOW 3/2.'

source: dailymail

Inflaming the size zero debate: Stony-faced Samantha Cameron is unimpressed with skeletal model at London Fashion Week

Unenthusiastic: Samantha Cameron watches one of the models on the catwalk for Erdem yesterday


She is usually a passionate follower of fashion.

However, in a coveted front-row seat at London Fashion Week, Samantha Cameron appeared distinctly unenthusiastic about what she saw yesterday.

The Prime Minister's wife stayed sombre and stony-faced as extremely thin models strutted up and down the catwalk in designs from luxury label Erdem.

Some of the women – who will no doubt stoke the size zero debate – hardly filled the floor-length gowns they were supposed to be showing off.

But Mrs Cameron herself attracted admiring glances in her chic Osman beige shirt-jacket, stylish Whistles shirt, cropped trousers and favourite Zara shoes.

The 39-year-old opened London Fashion Week on Friday in her first appearance as the event's ambassador. She explained how she was 'passionate about fashion' and how it 'makes people feel'.

But she appeared to be less passionate about the choice of models made by Erdem, a label which has been worn by Glee actress Lea Michele and editor of U.S. Vogue Anna Wintour.


Weighty issue: Chloe Memisevic barely filled out the floor-length gown as she walked the runway


Backward step? Chloe's painfully thin arms were on display as the size zero debate is reignited


Charities offering support for eating disorders also described the selection of very thin models as 'disappointing'.

Susan Ringwood, chief executive of eating disorder charity Beat, said: 'There's a backwards step here, and it's a shame. We had hoped that the tide had turned, so this is a disappointing move.

'Young people are especially interested in fashion and want to take the lead it gives. If we're back to the old days of seeing one size on the catwalk, it is regrettable.'


Unrealistic expectations: The Mental Health Foundation believe using such thin models on the catwalk is irresponsible and dangerous


Simon Lawton-Smith from the Mental Health Foundation, which offers advice to sufferers of eating disorders, called the choice 'irresponsible and dangerous'.

He added: 'The idealising of underweight models can set unrealistic expectations.

'A perceived failure to meet these expectations can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety and serious mental health problems such as depression.

'These in turn can increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder.'
Erdem failed to comment.


Tribute: Samantha Cameron made a touching speech at the press preview of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, praising the designer


The Prime Minister's wife also had her sombre face on this morning at a press preview of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty - an upcoming exhibition of the late designer's work.

The exhibition celebrates the work of one of the UK's most famous designers who tragically committed suicide last year.

Samantha Cameron made a touching speech at the launch, praising the designer.

The collection opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 4, but the preview took place as part of fashion week at the Ritz Hotel in central London.


source: dailymail

Model shows off her own fall collection with tumble on the runway at Christian Siriano

By TAMARA ABRAHAM

Going, going, gone: A model trips and falls on the runway at the Christian Siriano show at New York Fashion Week yesterday. The shoes were from a range the designer had created for budget store Payless


With the likes of Alexa Chung, Mena Suvari and Petra Nemcova in the front row, the pressure was on for the models at Christian Siriano's show at New York Fashion Week last night.

But it all proved too much for one girl who took a tumble in her towering heels. The embellished platforms were part of a collection Mr Siriano had designed for budget store Payless.

Miss Chung, who looked every inch the kooky fashionista in a long printed dress and platform heels, was also joined by actress Gabrielle Union at the event.

The Bring It On star wore a short teal printed dress, while Miss Suvari went for a rock-chic look in a black leather jacket, miniskirt and towering platform wedges.

Like the models, both actresses wore shoes from Mr Siriano's Payless line, but thankfully neither followed the unfortunate model's lead in falling over.

Though Siriano, 25, has shaken off his reality show roots to become a respected designer in his own right, his decision to hire celebrity stylist Danielle Nachmani has proved a shrewd one.


Front row fashionistas: Actress Gabrielle Union was joined by television presenter Alexa Chung and American Beauty star Mena Suvari at the fledgling designer's star-studded show


His signature high-octane glamour looked to have found its comfort zone in a palette of inky blacks, greys and khaki greens.

The collection, which was inspired by the orchid, also featured flashes of soft pink - a sweet counter to the muddy hues.

Much of the drama came from his use of volume and different textures - one cocktail dress was an explosion of fabric petals, while a cashmere and leather double-lapel coat worn with a slim knit turtleneck and skinny silk trousers was an example of how he had mastered the multiple mediums.


Muddy hues: Siriano lifted his palette of black and khaki with a soft pink that was the perfect counter


Cocktail hour: Eveningwear featured volume and ruffles, and is set to be a favourite with stars on the red carpet


The silk draped sheath dress with just a hint of a leather underskirt was accessible yet fashion-forward, and the zip-front shawl collar jacket had the makings of a wardrobe staple.


Celebrity fans: Siriano (centre) with Mena Suvari and Gabrielle Union backstage after his show


Siriano shot to fame after appearing on the fourth season of reality television show Project Runway in 2008. He is the youngest person to have won the show, though he has enjoyed more success from it than any other winner.

He is of Italian and German descent, but was born in Maryland and is based in New York.

Before his appearance on Project Runway he was an intern at Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Marc Jacobs.

He is a favourite with actress Christina Hendricks, who wore one of his dresses at the Golden Globes last year. He is one of few designers prepared to loan the U.S. Size 10 star dresses for awards ceremonies.

She said last year: 'People have been saying some nice, wonderful things about me. Yet not one designer in town will loan me a dress.

'They only lend out a size 0 or 2. So I'm still struggling for someone to give me a darn dress'.


Christian Siriano FALL 2011 COLLECTION, MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK



source: dailymail