The Gucci pop-up store lands in London

Music producer Mark Ronson and Gucci's Frida Giannini (centre) collaborated on a limited edition of trainers for the pop-up store. Nick Rhodes (far left) and Simon Le Bon, made a surprise appearance on stage with Ronson?s band, Chauffeur.

Volcanic ash could not keep Frida Giannini, Gucci's creative director, away from London and the after-party she hosted with Jefferson Hack at Ronnie Scott’s last night.

Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes made a surprise appearance on stage with Mark Ronson’s band, Chauffeur.

Friendly Fires also did a short gig, and the mainly film-fashion crowd included Poppy Delevigne, Jonny Borrell, Bryan Ferry, Dominic Cooper, Bonnie Wright, Pam Hogg, Margo Stilley, The Misshapes, and the PPQ designers, Percy Parker and Amy Molyneux.

The party celebrated the opening of the Gucci Icon-Temporary, the pop-up store in Covent Garden, for which Ronson and Giannini collaborated on a limited edition collection of trainers, starting in price from £395.

Gucci icon pop-ups first opened in New York in October, followed by Miami in December and, now, London. Tokyo follows in June.

Rubber Soles - Dr. Martens celebrate 50th anniversary

By the time Britain’s skinheads completed their devolution from hard-edged dandies to racist hooligans, their cherished Dr. Martens boots had gone viral. Before long, the list of D.M. devotees would span the length of the screw-up spectrum: “Mods, glams, punks, ska, psycho-hillbillies, grebos, Goths, industrialists, nu-metal, hardcore, straight-edge, grunge, Britpop” and on and on, says Martin Roach, D.M.’s de facto historian. Now, Dr. Martens is marking its 50th anniversary. To celebrate, the company has commissioned covers of 10 “cult” songs from acts like the Human League, Buzzcocks, the Pogues and even the Cold War Kids. (Full details here.) The songs and music videos drop on Thursday at drmartens.com. For an exclusive-to-T taste, watch profiles of three of the cutting-edge acts involved in the project.

Longest Catwalk at Pattaya International Fashion Week 2010

Fifty models of different nationalities along with 14 ambassadors' wives will parade on a 1.5-kilometre ramp along the beach.With the aim of reviving tourism, the Bt20-million-event, being held from April 8-11, is being hosted by Pattaya City, Ministry of Commerce, Intellectual Property Department and Elite Model Management Southeast Asia, Rakchart Management and Central Festival Pattaya.

"The government is focusing on the importance of a new approach to the economy through creativity, or "Creative Economy" to boost the country's competitiveness and increase the value of our products," said Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot.

"Creativity helps to create differences in products, making them unique and more wanted in the global market," Alongkorn said yesterday at a press conference at CentralWorld.

"Pattaya brings in Bt50 million to Bt70 million profit each year for the country's economy. We hope the event will boost the tourism business here," Itthiphol Khunplome, the mayor of Pattaya said.

Edward Kitti of Rakchart said that Pattaya has a market for trendy fashion, as well as the availability of products in shopping malls. "In organising a fashion show, which will be broadcast on many international channels, it is hoped that the world will get to know Pattaya better through fashion, as well as restoring tourists' confidence in Thailand as a holiday destination," he said.

The world-record catwalk will take place on April 9 with 50 models as well as 14 ambassadors' wives wearing Thai silk costumes made from Royal Peacock Silk from HRH Queen Sirikit's Support Foundation. The costumes will be designed by Praepetch, Viengthaisilk, Polini, Niramon, All Lit Up, Puvasa, Asada, B-Bee Za, Tiara and Happy Heart. The aim is for wider recognition of Thai silk throughout the world. As well as Thai brands, some international brands will also be showcasing their Spring/Summer 2010 Collection; Esprit, Mango, US Polo, Dapper, Charles & Keith, Castro, Promod, Guess, Jaspal, Chaps, Speedo, Bossini and Triumph.

Under the Creative Thailand Economy project, a design contest will be held for young designers together with a fashion show on jewellery and hairstyling and mini concerts.

MARC JACOBS is again in the running for women’s designer

MARC JACOBS is again in the running for women’s designer of the year from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and top accessory maker as well; his fall collection of beautiful and modest clothes makes him deserving. Ditto Donna Karan, who has sharpened up her collections in recent seasons. And Alexander Wang is fast building a brand. (The nominees for men’s designer of the year are Michael Bastian, Tom Ford and David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone.)

I’m more intrigued by the contest for the Swarovski young designer award — namely, among Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu and Joseph Altuzarra. The winner will have the personal satisfaction of being recognized by his New York peers, but a more meaningful measure of success these days is possession of a vision that excites people on an international stage, plus good business connections. Making good clothes is not enough, though it was gratifying during the economic crisis to see the level of quality in Mr. Gurung’s and Mr. Altuzarra’s work; they had just started their businesses. And Mr. Wu got the tip from Michelle Obama.

But who in three or four seasons has provided the creative stretch that runway mavens look for? Whose name is mentioned quietly among European houses as someone to watch and, maybe eventually, design or advise behind the scenes? And who keeps a bit of a distance from the pack? Beyond the C.F.D.A. awards night on June 7, I would keep my eye on Mr. Altuzarra.

Amy Winehouse turns fashion designer

While there is no question that Amy Winehouse has one of the best voices in the music business, I have to admit that we here at Secret Sales HQ were more than a tad sceptical when she announced plans to collaborate with Fred Perry to create a designer clothing range.

A massive black beehive that could have all manner of creatures in it, coupled with tattoos to rival that of the hardest rockers, are not exactly the epitome of chic in my humble opinion.

But to my amazement, when the shots of Amy’s collection landed on our laps we were all pleasantly surprised.

It would appear the singer’s new clean-living image has transpired to her clothing collection - the fifties-style line features cute little signature Fred Perry polo shirts, pencil skirts, jumper dresses and Capri pants.

While the collection is possibly a little bit too tomboy-ish for my liking, there is no doubt that Amy has stayed true to the iconic Fred Perry brand but given it her own unique twist.

"I’m really excited about doing this line with Fred Perry. We’ve been working on it for a while and it’s great to see it finally come to fruition," she says.

The singer joins the ranks of a whole host of other celebrity-turned-designer types, including Gwen Stefani, Kate Moss and Emma Watson and although I don’t think this clothing collection is anywhere in their league, it’s a good first try.

Madonna’s new clothing collection

Whether or not Madonna is set to launch a new designer clothing collection is something that we here at Secret Sales have been speculating about for weeks.

The fashionista has fronted campaigns by both Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton, as well as collaborating with high street chain H&M back in 2007 to create a bespoke clothing collection, so I think it’s fair to say she’s not without fashion experience.

But this time, Madonna’s venture into the designer clothing world will not be alone - she will be assisted by her stylish 13-year-old daughter Lourdes to create a collection of children’s clothes for American department store Macy’s.

Lourdes seems to have evolved into a style icon in the making in what seems like a split second so we bet she will be giving her mum more than just a helping hand.

The first collaboration between the duo and US-based Iconix Brand Group will be released in August and is set to include a collection of back-to-school shoes, clothing, handbags and jewellery.

I’m pretty sure anything designed by someone as racy as Madonna would have been banned instantly from my school!

"We believe that Material Girl will be a dynamic exclusive brand for Macy’s, and we look forward to working with Madonna, Lourdes and the Iconix team," says Jeff Gennette, chief merchandising officer for Macy’s.

"Madonna is a fashion icon who can bring a new dimension to our juniors customer."

The star’s collection for H&M received a fairly lukewarm welcoming from fashion followers - despite Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney’s collaborations with the high street chain selling out in mere minutes, just 50 people queued outside the Oxford Street flagship store on the day Madonna’s collection launched.

Gayatri Devi was a true fashion icon: Ritu Kumar

Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, considered as one of the most beautiful women of the world is no more.

Renowned designer Ritu Kumar was almost in tears when we shared the news of Gayatri Devi’s demise with her. Ritu went into flashback and shared some fond memories of her ‘cherished friend’ ... .

"Oh no! This is so disheartening, she was a close friend. I lately got to know that she underwent a knee surgery and was recovering from it.

I spent two-three days with her while I was working on my book Costumes and Textiles of Royal India. We organized a photo shoot with her and her valuable co-operation was praiseworthy. She lovingly showed us her entire range of expensive attires and royal jewellery. She also shared her collection of rare pictures with us.

I so cherish one of her brilliant pictures that I have, where she has her mother’s painting in the background.

An entire institution has gone with her. She was a true fashion icon. In fact, her entire family is known for their taste in jewellery and clothes.

Gayatri Devi’s mother was widowed very early. She used to wear nine yards white chiffon sarees with her head covered. And paired them up with pearls and emerald rings. Gayatri Devi also carried on this legacy very well. Her classy chiffon sarees just added to her persona and beauty.”

"May her soul rest in peace," an emotional Ritu Kumar concluded.

Source: timesofindia

Farah Khan Ali is fashion week’s ‘Wills Twitter Face’

New Delhi, March 15 (IANS) Jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali’s addiction to micro-blogging site Twitter has paid off. She has been named the ‘Wills Twitter Face’ for the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) later this month to give live updates on the event.
Ali will be present at the venue on all five days - starting March 24 - to review the shows and tweet on the daily dose of fashion week news. And the designer is excited about the new tie-up

“I am excited to be associated with Wills Lifestyle in this unique way. I promise to bring to my followers regular updates from the venue and to give them a glimpse of fashion’s grandest celebration,” Ali said in a statement.

As part of the tie-up, she will share her views on the ramp shows, upload pictures of the event and respond to tweets too.

Her name recently featured in the Top 10 Twitterers of India as compiled by india.twirus.com.

For the last season of WIFW, former Miss India Gul Panag had created quite a buzz as the Twitter face.