Friday 23 April 2010

My new obsessions.

I caught the end of Jools Holland's show last night for the first time in a long time and discovered some new little treats I thought I'd share with you.

Melody Gardot was beyond intriguing. Absolutely my new obsession. She had style, she had mystery, she was amazing. So much so that I immediately looked her up on the internet and what I found only made me fall in love with her more. Her life story reads like that of a Hollywood movie; hit by a car that ran a red light whilst cycling in 2003, the accident completely changed her life. Gardot's injuries were so severe that she spent a year in a hosptial bed and was forced to learn to perform simple tasks such as walking and brushing her teeth again. Melody only learnt to play guitar and started writing music after her accident, which she credits with helping her heal - Gardot has spoken out many times about the benefits of music therapy and has expressed a desire to set up a music therapy programme in the future. Following the devastating accident she also took up a macrobiotic diet and became a Buddhist (she sold her apartment and gave away all of her furniture and even her cat) in a bid to help her healing process. Due to injuries to her brain, Melody has trouble with her long and short term memory and perception of time to this day. She is also hyper sensitive to light and sound, which is why she was wearing sunglasses during her performance on Jools Holland.



Jerry Dammers' Spatial A.K.A. Orchestra closed the show with an amazing reworked rendition of The Specials' classic, Ghost Town. Experimental jazz covers of my favourite songs done with Egyptian-themed props and costumes? I'm sold.



Kate Nash's triumphant return and 'Band of Horses' also tickled my fancy.

More soon.
Follow the twitter for quicker updates: http://www.twitter.com/thesculptedheel

Frock Me is back!

It's been a long time coming but finally, the second season of Frock Me is here! Fashion darlings Alexa Chung and Henry Holland have come together to host their fashion-oriented TV show once more and I could not be more excited - no longer will we have to resort to watching re-runs of Sex and the City for our TV fashion fix! If you don't know what I'm talking about then this advertisement should tickle your tastebuds:



In a rather disappointing turn of events, word has it that Alexa's parts were filmed seperately in New York where she is now based full-time following a move to host her MTV show, 'It's On with Alexa Chung'. A bit of a let down for those of us who loved seeing the two of them actually together, however it could be an exciting insight into the New York fashion scene where Alexa is now a bona fide style icon. As long as these New York segments aren't as brief and innocuous as Agyness Deyn's in the first season then it might still work. Henry's parts were filmed all across Europe presumably to interview leaders in fashion much like Alexa did in the first season, and joining them will be Radio 1 presenter, Gemma Cairney who will be travelling all over the UK to see what us Brits have to offer. And with fashion favourite, Marina and the Diamonds set to be the musical guest on the first episode, what more could you want?

Whatever the format, it promises to cater to the needs of fashion-lovers everywhere and I, for one, am thrilled to see it return to our screens! You can watch the first episode on Channel 4 on Sunday 25th April at 1pm.

More soon.

Beth Ditto designs second plus-sized collection for Evans.

What better celebrity to design a collection for plus-sized high street store, Evans, than the larger-than-life Gossip frontwoman, Beth Ditto? ..Noone. Exactly.

Beth Ditto

It's understood that Ditto has been in meetings with Evans' head of design, Lisa Marie-Peacock, working on her follow-up collection for the brand. Her first range, which was launched in July of last year, was a huge success so understandably there is a lot of buzz surrounding her Autumn/Winter 2010 design efforts.

Beth Ditto's first collection for Evans

Her last line was a reasonably tamer reflection of her own personal outrageous style, albeit with leggings and sequins a-plenty, and her second line promises not to disappoint. I am rather excited about Ditto's eclectic sources of inspiration which reportedly range from 1940's wartime romanticism to punk to the noughties to the diverse places she visited whilst on her recent world tour. Evans' head of design, Lisa-Marie Peacock, said that “This is a concept for girls with different styles, shapes and sizes. Beth wanted to make modernised versions of style through the years, to create a unique and mix-matching collection.” I must admit, I can't wait to see what she's come up with.

At a size 22, Ditto is constantly pushing the boundaries of what society deems acceptable for a woman of her size to wear, often choosing to strip down to her underwear on stage. However, many plus-sized women may not be brave enough to wear sparkly leggings and body conscious dresses (and it's questionable whether they should). Saying that, I'm sure this will prove to be another massive hit for Ditto and Evans and the countless women out there who feel that big can be beautiful.



Performing hit single 'Standing In The Way Of Control' in Sydney earlier this year with her band, Gossip

The bad news for most of us fashionistas is that Evans only stocks sizes 14 - 32, so start eating those cupcakes and piling on the pounds now if you want to wear Ditto's designs come Autumn. Beth will reportedly be making a series of appearances when the range is launched in mid-September so be sure to keep an eye out at your local Evans store!

More soon.

New Twilight Eclipse trailer.

Robert Pattinson fans rejoice (because let's face it; who's Team Jacob?), a trailer for the latest installment of the Twilight franchise has been released! Enjoy.



I love Dakota Fanning so much, she's great, I might go see it just for her! But it looks like you're going to have to wait a while to see more of your favourite supernatural love triangle looking moody and worried in Forks as it's not due for release in the UK until July. And don't worry Twilight fans, Robert Pattinson recently denied talk that he and co-star Kristen Stewart are engaged calling the rumours "bullshit", so there's still hope for you yet..


More soon.
Follow the twitter for quicker updates: http://www.thesculptedheel.blogspot.com/

Thursday 22 April 2010

Gucci Opens New Pop-up Store in London.

Last night was the glamourous opening of Gucci's new Icon-Temporary pop-up store in London. Everyone was there, from models to editors to musicians, to celebrate Mark Ronson's collaboration with Gucci. The party was co-hosted by Dazed & Confused co-founder Jefferson Hack and Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannini, as well as Ronson. Surprisingly Frida made it over from Italy despite the current ash crisis; I'm sure thousands of stranded holidaymakers would love to know her secret..

Gucci's new pop-up store in Covent Garden


Mark Ronson, Frida Giannini and Jefferson Hack

The guestlist for the party was like a who's who in music, fashion and film. There were celebrity couples a-plenty; supermodel Anouck Lepere accompanied her fiance Jefferson Hack, Yasmin and Simon Le Bon showed up arm in arm, as did new Harry Potter golden couple Bonnie Wright and Jamie Campbell Bower. One Night Only frontman and the current face of Burberry, George Craig also made an appearance minus his Harry Potter Burberry sidekick Emma Watson, Vogue royalty Julia Restoin-Roitfeld came with her Gucci model boyfriend, and of course it wouldn't be a bona fide fashion party without Leigh Lezark DJ'ing.

Anouck Lepere

Leigh Lezark (centre)

Clearly one party is just never enough, and so those who were still in the mood moved on to legendary jazz club, Ronnie Scott's for the afterparty where Friendly Fires and Patrick Wolf performed. Also on stage was Mark Ronson's side project with Sam Sparro and Theophilus London, 'Chauffeur', who were joined by Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran for a surprise performance. And even more celebrity faces showed up to support Gucci including the likes of Johnny Borrell, Dominic Cooper and Poppy Delevigne.

Chauffeur

Friendly Fires

Getting back to the man of the hour; Mark Ronson has designed two pairs of trainers for the Italian luxury brand - a herringbone high-top boat shoe which is appropriately named the 'Gucci Ronson', and the black and white polkadot 'London Gucci Ronson'. The 'London Gucci Ronson' is only available for purchase via the Gucci iPhone app, thus making it even more exclusive and special, obviously. Ronson spoke of his own affinity for footwear saying, "I spent many years as an avid sneaker collector, so I wanted to make sure these Gucci shoes were truly special, both from an aesthetic point of view and a collectable one." Anyone who buys a pair of Gucci Ronsons will receive a free Chauffeur LP.

Mark Ronson with his design efforts for Gucci

In addition to Mark's creations, Gucci's Creative Director Frida Giannni has designed a limited edition collection of 17 sneaker styles (only 2 of which are for us girls) especially for London, prices start at £395.

The interior of Gucci's Icon-Temporary London store


One of only two styles for women in the limited edition collection

Now that Icon-Temporary has come to London, Gucci has given their classic green and red logo a British makeover just for the occasion with some rather fitting royal blue, how thoughtful. This is the third Gucci Icon pop-up store that has been seen around the world. The first was in New York back in October, then in Miami in December. A fourth pop-up is set to open in Tokyo in June. If you want to pick up some limited edition Gucci sneakers then you better get down to 37 Earlham Street, Covent Garden quick; the store is only open for three weeks from today!

More soon.

Press photos from David M. Bennett / Getty Images

Thursday 15 April 2010

Lara Stone is the new face of Giorgio Armani cosmetics.

Giorgio Armani has named model-of-the-moment Lara Stone as the new face of their cosmetics campaign. The debut image is for Armani's new 'Eyes to Kill' mascara which focuses on Stone's incredible eyelashes with a close-up image of her face. Lara's trademark bleached eyebrows, as well as her eyes and cheekbones are highlighted with only part of her pouty mouth on show whilst she is seemingly giving a sultry, sexy look from the shadows - how very Morticia Addams.

Lara Stone for Giorgio Armani cosmetics

Morticia Addams from The Addams Family

The voluptuous model already fronts several major campaigns including Louis Vuitton and Jaeger. She has also recently taken over as the face of Prada's fragrance 'Infusion d'Iris' from fellow top model Sasha Pivovorova who was incidentally the face of Giorgio Armani cosmetics last season too.

Lara Stone for Prada fragrance


Sasha Pivovarova for Giorgio Armani cosmetics


Sasha Pivovarova for Prada fragrance

More soon.


Lara Stone for Giorgio Armani cosmetics photo from ElleUK.com

SHOE NEWS!

Get excited ladies because possibly the most exciting news for women ever has been confirmed this morning; Selfridges has announced it's plans to open the world's largest shoe department. Set to be designed by architect Jamie Forbert, it is reportedly going to be bigger than the turbine hall in the Tate Modern (if you haven't been there, trust me, it's ridiculously huge). The new shoe emporium is due to open in September and will also include six salons and ten individual brand boutiques, presumably for the higher end brands such as Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent etc. It has been reported that several labels, including Givenchy, Chloe and Stella McCartney, will also be making some of their designs available exclusively at Selfridges.


Any shoes you could possibly want will surely be found in this new shoe heaven and I for one could not be more excited, I know where I'm going to be come September!


More soon.

Follow the twitter for by-the-minute updates: http://www.twitter.com/thesculptedheel

H&M gets ready for the festival season.

Chosen to front H&M's latest 'Fashion against AIDS' festival campaign are Lizzie Jagger and Lou Doillon, a brilliantly chosen mix of fashion and rock 'n' roll royalty. Doillon's mother is the namesake of the famous Hermes Birkin bag, Jane Birkin. It is also common knowledge that Jagger is the daughter of Mick Jagger and longtime lover Jerry Hall, she is also the older sister of up-and-coming British Fashion Council's 'Model of the Year' and current face of Rimmel London, Georgia May Jagger.





The collection goes on sale in H&M stores next month. 25% of sales will go to youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects which help to promote the message of safe sex among young people. H&M's collection will include everything you could possibly need for a great festival experience - not only gorgeous clothing and accessories but also tents and sleeping bags, and even menswear for your boyfriend. What more could a girl ask for? Now if only I could look like that after 3 days in a tent..

More soon.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is named the new face of Monsoon lingerie.

GQ recently dubbed her the sexiest girl in Britain, and now Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is set to be the new face of Monsoon lingerie. Already a Victoria's Secret angel, Rosie is no stranger to underwear modelling. She has also starred in a short film for luxury lingerie brand Agent Provocateur. I must admit I have a bit of a girlcrush on Rosie H-W, especially after her stint blogging her own daily style on Vogue's website last month; I can't wait to see these sure-to-be steamy ads.

Rosie Huntington Whitely for Victoria's Secret

More soon.

Follow the twitter for quicker updates: http://www.twitter.com/thesculptedheel

Leighton Meester is named the new face of Herbal Essences.

It has been announced that Gossip Girl favourite Leighton Meester - better known as Upper East Side snob Blair Waldorf - will be the new face of Herbal Essences. Meester will be appearing in print adverts in the US as well as on the company's website and facebook page. It comes as no surprise that Leighton has been snapped up by Herbal Essences, her impeccably groomed hair has long been the envy of girls the world over since her hit TV show, Gossip Girl, started airing in 2007. No word yet on whether or not the theme of the campaign will be that of past Herbal Essences advertisements (i.e. those cheeky commercials that aired during Desperate Housewives with women faking orgasms and lots of innuendo regarding the gardener, although she should be no stranger to that as she was rather convincingly faking an orgasm to annoy Nate and Serena on a recent episode of Gossip Girl whilst she was really just flipping through a magazine!) but whatever the theme, I look forward to seeing 'Blair' work those beautiful brown tresses in a Herbal Essences advertisement soon.



More soon.

Friday 9 April 2010

The faces of Autumn/Winter 2010.

Considering that most of the big glossy magazines are comprised largely of advertisments these days, it's important that those advertisments are at the very least something nice to look at. Here's what you can look forward to on the pages of next season's issues of Vogue.

It has been announced that Karlie Kloss will be returning for Dior having fronted their Spring/Summer campaign and opened the last two shows. The new advertisement will be shot by renowned fashion photographer Steven Meisel and styled by Vogue's Edward Enninful (you might recognise him from a little film called 'The September Issue'). It seems the 17 year old has quite the hold over, not only John Galliano, but the entire fashion industry; she has already fronted several major campaigns including Hermes, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, and the Marc Jacobs fragrance 'Lola'. You may also recognise her from a spread in the most recent (May) issue of British Vogue.


Karlie Kloss for Dior Spring/Summer 2010


In an unusual move, Louis Vuitton has opted for two models who didn't walk their Fall runway despite having a whole host of supermodels such as Bar Rafaeli, Natasha Poly, Magdalena Frackowiak, Lara Stone, Mariacarla Boscono, Dorothea Barth Jorgensen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Joan Smalls, Lily Donaldson, Karmen Pedaru, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Coco Rocha, Jessica Stam and Elle MacPherson to choose from. My favourite super, Natalia Vodianova, who was sat front row for the show has been named as the new face of Louis Vuitton, alongside old favourite Christy Turlington who wasn't even present. Can't wait to see those two Vogue-ing together! Marc Jacobs you are a genius.

Natalia Vodianova for Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2008

Christy Turlington for Louis Vuitton Autmn/Winter 2000

With campaigns for the likes of Barneys New York, Chloe and Y-3 already under her belt, Karmen Pedaru has been chosen to front both the Emporio Armani and Fendi advertisments so expect to be seeing a lot more of her. I'll admit when I heard the name I wasn't immediately familiar with her but when I looked it up I was a bit embarrassed that she wore so many of my favourite looks from the latest shows and I didn't recognise her! She walked for all the big designers including Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Burberry, Balmain, Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gucci, Michael Kors, Fendi, Dries Van Noten, Celine, Isabel Marant etc.

Rumour has it the Emporio Armani campaign was recently shot rather informally (no studio, no unrealistic lighting, no security teams) in full view of the public on the streets of New York with Karmen donning several black ensembles. Can't wait to see it!


Karmen Pedaru walking for Burberry Autumn/Winter 2010


Karmen Pedaru walking for Burberry Autumn/Winter 2010

More soon.
Follow the twitter for by-the-minute updates: http://www.twitter.com/thesculptedheel


Catwalk photos from Style.com

Sex and the City 2!

Just when you'd lost all hope that you'd ever see your favourite foursome again (it feels like it's been forever) those cheeky people over at Warner Bros release the most tantalising teaser to get you hooked all over again.




Too much fabulousness! Yes, the storyline looks somewhat cheesy and predictable but let's be honest ladies, we're only going for the clothes. Patricia Field is a genius. (Plus I always liked Aidan more than Big anyway.) But you'll have to wait a little while longer, Sex and the City 2 doesn't hit cinemas until 27th May.

More soon.

Wednesday 7 April 2010

COCO COLA!

As someone with a serious caffeine addiction (in addition to my fashion addiction) I came across something that really excited me recently and I just had to share it with you. Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel designer extraordinaire, has designed a limited edition Coca-Cola bottle and shot a new campaign for the brand featuring none other than supermodel, Coco Rocha! Does it get more fabulous?

The bottle for 'Coca-Cola light' features Karl's famous silhouette and colour scheme (classic black and white) as well as a fun pink bottle cap to top it off! Karl also shot the campaign which features Coco Rocha wearing a more feminine version of Lagerfeld's famous 'uniform' so to speak, and sipping Coca-Cola out of a chic 'goblet' which is apparently Karl's preferred way to enjoy the drink.



Just when you thought Coke couldn't get any more chic it does! Am I the only one who already adores the Diet Coke commercials with the ridiculously perfect puppets, first seen sponsoring fashionista TV fave, Ugly Betty? The attention to detail is truly amazing, I would kill for one of those dolls!

I for one can't wait to get my hands on some Karl Lagerfeld Coca-Cola.





More soon.

Thursday 1 April 2010

The British Fashion Council/Vogue introduce 'Fashion Fund'.

London-based, Erdem Moralioglu was named the first winner of the British Fashion Council and Vogue's £200,000 prize which looks to allow fledgling designers not only the financial means necessary to expand their company globally, but also unparalleled mentoring in developing designer business both in the UK and abroad. Erdem was chosen from eight finalists including personal favourites, Nicholas Kirkwood and Christopher Kane.



The British Fashion Council stated that Erdem was chosen because of his "strong design signature and clear vision for the immediate development and growth of his business." British Vogue Editor-in-Chief and chair of the judging panel, Alexandra Shulman, added that, "In Erdem I feel we have a worthy winner who already has an international reputation and who has the creativity and application that is needed to become a global business. He makes beautiful clothes that already have a recognisable stamp that is his alone."



Erdem's Spring/Summer 2010 collection

Famous for his bold floral prints and elegant, floor-length evening dresses, Erdem has proven popular across the board - his classy, feminine dresses are often extremely in-demand for high-profile, glamourous events. His most recent show for Autumn/Winter 2010 even reduced some of the fashion set to tears, such was it's beauty. His designs have been seen on the likes of First Ladies and starlets alike, just this week Keira Knightley was spotted out in one of his creations for next season. Hopefully this newfound financial security gifted to Erdem by the 'Fashion Fund' will allow him the creative freedom to continue to produce his beautiful signature pieces, and he won't lose himself in his bid to become a more global and marketable 'brand'.


Sarah Brown

Keira Knightley

For now it looks like Erdem now has the inside track to the top, and I for one couldn't be happier.
More Soon.


All catwalk photos from Style.com

The Delicious Miss Dahl.

I have a new favourite TV show and considering I have little interest in food or cooking, it came as a bit of a surprise. Once described by late, great fashion legend, Isabella Blow as "a blow-up doll with brains", 'The Delicious Miss Dahl' is not only a feast for the tastebuds but also for the eyes. It is a veritable cute overload complete with intermittent illustrations (reminiscent of those seen on the pages of her grandfather, Roald's popular children's books) and dreamy voiceovers. The kitchen and garden she cooks and eats in (her own? I'm not sure?) scream quintessential English countryside romance.

I am in love with Sophie's Cheshire cat-grin, she comes across as wonderfully endearing and very passionate about what she is doing, which makes for extremely interesting television. Yes a lot of you out there might be thinking, what does a supermodel know about food? But you might be interested to know that Dahl got her start shocking the fashion world as a plus-sized model (most notably writhing nude on billboards for Yves Saint Laurent fragrance 'Opium' in 2000).



Yves Saint Laurent's controversial 'Opium' fragrance advert


Admittedly I'm not a great authority on cooking but I was impressed with Miss Dahl's recipes so much that I want to give them a go myself - she introduces an interesting concept of cooking for your mood which really strikes me as something a lot of people, including myself, can identify with. Sophie makes cooking seem young and fun and sexy - Nigella doesn't even compare. Dahl allows some insight into her seemingly perfect world with relevant fun anecdotes that only make her more charming. A wonderfully elegant, eloquent and effortlessly stylish woman; in the first episode alone she sported a great on-trend trench as well as skinny leather trousers. And not that I'm jealous or anything but her GORGEOUS vintage engagement ring seems to shine brighter in every shot, although there have been no guest appearances from hubby-to-be, Jamie Cullum just yet.




You can watch 'The Delicious Miss Dahl' on Tuesdays at 8.30PM on BBC2.

In case you missed the first two episodes ('Selfish' and 'Romance'), you can catch them on the BBC's website here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rs7c9

More soon.