Fashion and the Steal

H&M Fashion News Updates

H&M has been very busy lately. Here are two hot events they've put together just yesterday.

David Beckham Celebrates His Bodywear for H&M Launch

Last night, David Beckham celebrated his new bodywear collection for H&M in London.

The event was an in-store launch, followed by a cocktail party at a pop-up gentleman´s club created especially for the occasion.

Among the celebrities you could see this night were Bianca Jagger, Emma Bunton, Suzy Menkes and Jade Parfitt.

David Beckham said:

"I am very proud to launch my bodywear collection for H&M in London- It was amazing to see the product at the in-store launch after so many months of development. I loved the pop-up gentleman´s club, which felt both traditional and brand new. It´s the same mix I hope men will find in the Bodywear collection."

David Beckham with Emma Bunton

with Jessica Ennis

Bianca Jagger

The Inaugural H&M Design Award Winner...

...is Stine Riis / London College of Fashion

Breaking News: London Fashion Week Goes Global

Today, the British Council and the British Fashion Council announced the inaugural International Fashion Showcase to take place during London Fashion Week, February 2012.

A total of 19 embassies and cultural institutes across London will open their doors to display the work of over 80 international emerging designers. The public, along with international press and buyers, are invited to explore the collections of some of the most innovative, emerging fashion designers from around the world.

This showcase is phase one of the collaboration project which is named the Fashion 2012 Cultural Programme. It has been developed to celebrate the year of the Olympics and Paralympics and honour its values of international respect, excellence, equality and friendship. Countries participating in this showcase include Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Caribbean, China, Croatia, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Sierra Leone, United States and Uzbekistan.

Below is a booklet with pictures from each country along with the showcase schedule:

International Fashion Showcase

The British Fashion Council Creates The Jewelry Initiative: The BFC Rock Vault

Yesterday the British Fashion Council (BFC) announced the brand new jewellery (FYI - I'm using the British spelling of jewellery within the post since this is from the BFC) initiative ‘BFC Rock Vault’ to support, showcase and promote Britain’s most innovative fine jewellery talent, curated by Stephen Webster and sponsored by the International Palladium Board (IPB). The'Rock Vault' will launch during London Fashion Week, February 17th-21st, at Somerset House.

The ten successful jewellers who have been selected to showcase their AW12 collections within the Rock Vault are Alexandra Jefford, Fernando Jorge, Hannah Martin, Hillier, Husam El Odeh, Jo Hayes Ward, Jordan Askill, Melanie Georgacopoulos, Sophie Bille Brahe and Tomasz Donocik. The designers will feature alongside five concepts created in Palladium by Central Saint Martins students.

The participants are invited by a panel led by Stephen Webster comprising Anna Orsini, British Fashion Council; Brad Mills, Chairman of IPB; Caroline Broadhead, Central Saint Martins’ Programme Director; Catherine Nieto, Grazia Fashion and Accessories Editor; Francoise Tessier, Browns Fine Jewellery Buyer; Jos Skeates, EC One; Katie Bain, British Fashion Council; Lara Bohinc, Designer and Cartier Consultant; Liane Wiggins, Matches Head Buyer; Maria Lemos, Rainbowwave; Olivia Richardson, Liberty Head of Buying; Sarah Mower, MBE BFC Ambassador for Emerging Talent and contributing editor for US Vogue.com; Valery Demure, marketing and sales, jewellery and accessories agent.

Below are pictures of the participants' work.

Alexandra Jefford

Tomasz Donocik

Sophie Bille Brahe

Melanie Georgacopoulos

Jordan Askill

Jo Hayes Ward

Fernando Jorge

Hannah Martin

Husam El Odeh

Hiller

H&M Design Award Finalists Announced Today

A jury has selected six brilliant finalists for the H&M Design Award 2012. The finalists now compete to win the global Design Award. The finalists are from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The winner will show their collection at Mercedes-Benz fashion week in Stockholm, February 1. There will be a live stream at 1.30 pm (EST) at the design award site: designaward2012. The winner will receives a prize of €50,000 and also get the chance to have chosen pieces from their collection sold in selected H&M stores later in the year.

Visitors to the site can also vote and help their favourite designer to win the prestigious prize of a one-month internship with Christopher Kane’s studio.

The judges are Hilary Alexander, Fashion journalist; Christopher Kane, Designer; Susie Lau, Fashion blogger; Kristopher Arden Houser, Fashion journalist; Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Design H&M; and Margareta van den Bosch, Creative advisor H&M.

The Judges

Belgium

Denmark

Netherlands

Germany

Sweden

A Glimpse of the Spring/Summer 2012 Haute Couture Shows

I consider haute couture the foundation of truly, creative fashion design. This venue is where you have the opportunity to experience the full scope of fashion as a form of art. Who cares if some things are just not wearable. It's all about the creativity. I can't imagine having the gift to conceive of the designs ... I am, in essence a fashion groupie, but on the artistic, appreciator level. I don't follow the trends. I react to what I like and occasionally buy what I know will look great on me (if I can work it to fit within my budget - which isn't always that easy).

Anyway, below are some runway videos from Paris.

Karl is Almost Here: The Karl Collection to Launch Tomorrow

Net-A-Porter is pulling out all of the stops to promote tomorrow's launch of the Karl collection. Not only did they put together a series of videos to promote the launch (the latest one is below), they also have orchestrated a fan club known as Karl Kult.

They will also offer a lucky shopper a $1,500 shopping spree. Click on the link below for more information on the several "launch event" locations around the globe.

More info on the event near you

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Insider Access: Amazing Finds Previously Owned by Celebrities, Studios, Jewelers ... The Beautiful People

This online consignment store has something special that most don't ... celebrity. The owner's list of high profile clients includes celebrities, the entertainment industry (music and TV/film studios), art dealers, exclusive retailers and auction houses.

Edwards Lowell of Beverly Hills Fox Fur Shrug - New

The owner, Andi Frazin, has worked with some of the best. She has been a fashion TV reporter, stylist, and has managed the public relations for a list of high-end, Rodeo Drive designer retail stores as well as plastic surgeons in New York.

The bottom line is Andi has exclusive, up close and personal access to "the goods". This is the fab jackpot!

Imagine, getting authentic pieces from designer labels like Chanel, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, YSL and Gucci that are barely used, and, quite often, are collectibles.

Chanel Satin Slingbacks - Worn once

Andi's list of luxe items on sale is quite diverse. In addition to fashion and accessories, she sells/has sold memorabilia, art, high end cars, furniture and whatever unique, rare find happens to capture her attention.

In 2010, she sold one of Michael Jackson's Swarovski-encrusted gloves. This glove was a prototype of his signature glove.

Below is a sample of what you can currently find on sale at Andi's eBay store, Sillyrabbits95428q90:

Dolce & Gabbana Silk-Lined Lace Corset Bustier - Worn only once

Prada Madras Doctor's Satchel - From Andi's personal collection

Orange/Pink Dolce & Gabbana Fox Fur Jacket with Leopard Lining - New

Miu Miu Studded Patent Leather Platform Sandals - Worn once

Vintage '80's Versace Pink Shearling Coat - One of Andi's - A portion of the proceeds to go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Vintage '80's Versace Navy Leather Pencil Skirt - Never worn

Chanel Shoulder Bag - Previously owned by a celebrity

Rolling Stones Lenticular (3D) Print - Sale proceeds will support the MusiCares Foundation

I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Andi and plan to share additional pictures in the very near future.

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