News – Ultimo To Lose Peaches

No longer will the body or face of Peaches Geldof been seen striking a pose in the Ultimo lingerie advertising boards. Peaches, whom was appointed as the model in May of last year is now set to be removed after it was alleged that the lewd one night stand photos that were published of her online in November were down to heroin. Even though her lawyers stress this is not true, as Ultimo promotes its products to 18-25 year old women the founder of the brand Michelle Mone suggest that ‘we feel it’s impossible for Peaches to continue to work with us as the face of Miss Ultimo lingerie.’

But don’t worry the big billboards of Peaches boobs may be leaving the window displays faster than you can say ‘nice bra,’ but the products will still be sold as usual in store.

Fashion Moment – Fur

Iconic, sexy and rebellious are just three words synonymous with a fabric that needs little introduction. Over the years, fur - fake or not has epitomised itself as not only a glamorous, timeless must have, but also as a serious wealthy, status symbol. From early Neanderthal clothing, a nod at the original use of real fur for warmth and protection, to the oversized impractical Chanel Fall 2010 fake fur trousers, the fabric has gained the power to change its identity and use but not lose its appeal. Engrained into history, fur has been used as caveman tent linings, to 1920s fur collars and even on socialites Fendi handbags, as it knows no boundaries and continues to evolve within society.

From the famous fox and mink soles worn by the Hollywood starlets of the 50s, to the fur seen on the backs of royalty (past and present), it seems to show no sign of leaving the fashion scene. Even now the with the likes of Jenifer Lopez wearing and showing fur in her catwalk collections, to the current trend of fur ear muff, as sold in River Island. It seems that fur is never far from the fashion scene, whether couture or high street.

Indeed, the ageless fur coat look will never go out of fashion with the likes of Kate Moss to the Olson twins sporting its style. The coats glamorous silky linings and its affluent bulk of fabric shall remain in fashion regardless of date or occasion, weather worn to the star-studded Oscars a la Victoria Beckham or simply to the shops in a rugged, rock chic Amy Winehouse style. Furs luxurious draw and historical intrigue will never be lost. The look of fur will never die out as it continually evolves and with the likes of Chanel sending out gigantic, yeti style all-in-one jumpsuits, fur fashion looks set to take a frivolously furry new direction. (Image Chanel Fall 2010)

Trend Report - The Cropped Top

Though you won’t have to put your trusty shirts and t-shirts into storage anytime soon, the latest trend evolves showing off a little more body. Certainly the cropped top may mean putting in some extra stomach crunches at the gym. We’re not talking about a totally eighties reveal, but rather a single, cropped top that instantly adds a bit of retro glamour when layered on to any outdated t-shirt. This summer the top is swiftly coming the ‘must have’ shape for all self respect teenagers to the uber cool, late twenties ‘it’ girls about town – including Lindsey Lohan and Pixie Geldof – whom embrace the attention seeking top for its effortless chic appeal.


Fashionstas will know - this certainty isn’t the first time that the crop top has been tipped for the trendy fashion top spot. Indeed the style has been emerging from the fashion scene for the last year or so, thanks to the S/S 09 catwalks with the likes of Prada and YSL showing us that the crop can be sophisticated and cool. But until now (maybe it’s something to do with the recent peak of summer sunshine) it was unlikely to see the style strolling down the high street. Unless perhaps you time warp back to the eighties, then you wouldn’t have blinked twice at a passing midriff. Though here is an interesting fact, that wont bore you about the origins of the crop top, the style actually caught on after the American Football team sported cropped sports t-shirts that were cooler to wear in the hotter weather and its needless to say that every respectable celebrity a la Madonna helped to propel this trend into ionic style status.




Yet, less than thirty years later, the style has re-emerged with vengeance, drawing attention to the 21st century’s tiny waist (just think of Amelle Berrabah the Sugarbabes siren seen sporting the look.)The high street has gone mad for it, from Topshop to New Look there are rows of cropped tops to choose from. Now, with the S/S 2010 catwalks providing us with no less range of couture choices, from Chloes virgin like inspired pleated styles, to Twenty8Twelves’ tight grunge look. This year’s range of crops means that you’re sure to find something that works for you.

News – Take A Look At Child Of Jago

Out And About In London, Take A Trip To Child Of Jago In Shoreditch

With London Fashion Week just behind us, and the likes of Vivienne Westwood sitting on the brands front row, (though it’s not surprising as her son Joseph Corre is the brains behind the business along with Simon Armitage.) But, hey if it means the catwalk gets extra press attention then so what, as all the designs lived up to expectation from the ‘make do and mend’ styles to the twist on tweed.























Certainly, the shop lives up to its name too, based on the Victorian novel ‘Child of Jago’ by Arthur Morrison, it gives the impression that you are entering a London Victorian slum. So don’t expect a warm welcome, but do expect to be hit with an uncomfortable yet unique fashion buzz, the sort that is usually built up over time. You would never guess that the business was only set up 18 months ago, from the array of treasured trinkets, think: limbs of plastic dolls hung from the ceiling to army styled coats dangling from extravagantly dressed rails, as the Dandy meets Rock and Roll with a slice of Saville Row tailoring served up on the side.


A wonderful edition to the East End, not only are the clothes startling but they also sustainable. Made to get better with age, not worse, Child Of Jago is heading the fight against fast fashion. Each fabric combination is rendered in such a way it would be practically impossible to copy. A clever concept that is sure to catch on more widely. Indeed, the brand already has a loyal consumer base and links with Selfridges and Hervia Bazaar (Manchester.) Expanding rapidly, catch this brand while it’s super unique within its own stylish bubble and take a peek.

It’s certainly worth a visit to the shop, even if it’s just for a chance to experience the fantasy fashion world.

Trend Report - It’s A Mans' World In Matte Black

Ladies Watch Out There’s A New Metropolitan Superhero About

(A snapshot down Mayfair )


Once upon a time, man had little more in common with a stealth superhero than say, Clark Kent’s scratchy grey suit, or his geeky horn-rimmed trademark glasses. But now it seems that a new trend is emerging for the wannabe heroes - the matte car, a fashionable fad not dissimilar to the ‘Batmobile.’

With many male dreams resting on the urge to become ‘Batman’ (after ‘The Dark Knight’ in 2008 hit our screens), it’s no surprise that this testosterone-driven trend has become hot across the globe. Matte may not be the most obvious choice for car paint work, but it’s fast becoming the new Vogue. No longer, does gloss equate to luxury: think of the new ‘dull’ finishes to mobile phones and laptops, or even the muted clothing at the height of fashion (Child Of Jago A/W 2010-11). So the next step for the bionic colour is of course, a car.

The bling-factor of chromed cars has peaked; for example take attention-seeking footballer El-Hadji Dioufs’ obnoxious silver-coated Mercedes McLaren SLR. Now, at the opposite end of spectrum, wealthy men-about-town, drive understated Lamborghinis – coloured in the non-tacky Nero Nemesis, a personalised matte coat - for around £10,000, (on top of the £150,000+ car price tag.) Even Lindsey Lohan is reported to be renting a matte black Rolls Royce. At the other end, backstreet boy racers, hastily cover their dated but pimped out cars, in black film wrap or basic car primer (for £25) to keep up with the action. Ask these boys with such nicknames as AJ to JC, why they do it? They simply reply, “It’s hot. You look cool. It’s something different.”

Ironically, the streetwise boys pay homage to the original concept of non-glossy cars, the ‘Rat-rod’ craze of the 1930 to 50s (DIY customisation), resulting in primed but unfinished cars, which emphasised the cars’ body, not the paint work. This idea has filtered into the SEMA trade car shows over recent years, (fast cars with no flash). But, notably this time around matte (which is actually rough to the touch) cuts an impressive image of masculine strength along roads filled with polished candy coloured cars, representing not only a superpower car but an elite lifestyle.

Lustreless colour, is certainly becoming a ‘fashion statement,’ according to Stephan Winkelmann, President of Automobili Lamborghini, it makes for an "even more exclusive Lamborghini,” defining a privileged society. However matte mania is tricking down into mainstream life, catching the eye of all big car companies within the last year, from Audi to BMW.

Indeed the macho matte effect is starting to take a hold, shaping the outlook of car parks worldwide. These are rapidly turning into a ‘Batman’ film sets (have a peek outside Harrods). But, love it or hate it, this emerging trend is certainly developing at a superhero fast pace.

One To Watch - Brilliant Beth Is Buzzing With Ideas

(Work by Beth Davis)

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

This quote sums up the fashion philosophy in which Beth Davis works, and on a bright sunny morning reaching for the sky, certainly doesn’t seem beyond this talented photographer. Dressing like a seven year old, vintage French girl, it’s clear she is unfazed by fashion and knows what she wants to achieve.

Having grown up in the world of Fashion and Textile at School in Suffolk – like many fashion students these days, Davis knew she had to stand out from the crowd. Moving to London, certainty sent her in the right direction, she exclaims, ‘The photography came about later on as I grew to love the work of other fashion photographers and wanted to explore the medium for myself.’ Rather, than being uncertain about her work, which you may expect from a recent graduate (completing her degree in 2008), she seems truly at ease and in control of her path.

Confident and composed, it’s no surprise that Davis effortless fashion edge sprung up naturally. But, where does this passion stem from, simply she says, ‘Tim Walker and Paolo Roversi have a special place in my heart, and I always have their work to aspire to.’ There’s no denying that her work has the same sensual dream like qualities as both her idols. In fact, Camilla Seckin a recent interviewee choose Davis to collaborate on her lingerie photo shoot for just this very reason. Davis suggests that, ‘we’re (her and Camilla Seckin) are quite different in our approach but it actually worked out amazingly,’ and as they say the proof is in the pudding, (take a look at the pictures uploaded).







(Work of Tim Walker and Paolo Roversi, Beth Davis)

Her amazing photographs, which range from vintage fashion shoots to the slightly more avant-garde concepts, (though she claims, ‘I’m not really one of the cool kids’), seems to be gaining media attention. Working with the publication fashion156 and LauraLaura, there is no end to this girls talents. Branching out in to illustration, she admits, ‘I think my work has a lot of cross overs with other creative mediums.’ So, what’s next for this rising star? Well, Davis says, ‘I am currently focusing more on illustration, with a view to maybe turning it into something physical like print design.’ Indeed, she brings her personal style, which she explains is, ‘Nostalgia and Britishness’ to all her projects, so surely whatever she turns these skills to next will become fabulous fashion success.

Take a look at her work - www.bethdavisonline.co.uk