PSG signs two-year deal with fashion house Dior

PARIS – Paris St Germain said on Monday they had signed a two-year partnership deal with fashion house Christian Dior.

PSG said Dior would design their official wardrobe, and that the partnership marked the first time Dior had signed a deal in this way with a sports club.

Kim Jones, artistic director of Dior men’s collections, had designed a series of new creations for the PSG team for the next two seasons, added PSG. Until the Dior deal, PSG had a clothing partnership with Germany’s Hugo Boss.

PSG has one of the most potent attacking forces in club soccer, with new signing Lionel Messi linking up with Brazil’s Neymar and French striker Kylian Mbappe.

A six-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, Messi joined from Barcelona and made his Ligue 1 debut late last month.

-reuters

Coronavirus crisis slashes H&M 2020 earnings by 90 pct

High street fashion icon H&M said Friday the coronavirus pandemic had slashed its 2020 net profit by 90 percent, with about a third of its some 5,000 stores currently closed.

For its financial year to November, the company reported a net profit of 1.24 billion Swedish kronor (120 million euros) as sales fell 20 percent to 187 billion kronor.

"Our measures to mitigate the negative effects of ongoing restrictions and closures are continuing," chief executive officer Helena Helmersson said in a statement.

"Although the situation at the time of writing is highly challenging, the H&M group stands strong."

Despite continued lockdowns and restrictions, H&M said it would not increase the number of outlets -- 350 -- targeted for closure in the current year.

At the same time, it would open 100 other stores, as planned.

The business was especially hard hit in its second quarter, the height of the first wave of the pandemic when up to 80 percent of its outlets had to close, H&M said.

Among the worst affected markets, sales in France plunged 28 percent, with Italy down 24 percent, the United States 17 percent and Britain 16 percent.

China and Germany did better, registering losses of just 3.0 percent.

H&M said that conditions had worsened again in the later part of the year as a second wave of the pandemic swept through.

For the three months to November -- its fourth quarter -- sales tumbled 15 percent to 52.55 kronor, with net profit down 41 percent at 2.49 billion kronor.

Agence France-Presse

Bella Hadid scientifically found to be 'world's most beautiful woman'

MANILA, Philippines — American model Bella Hadid’s face has been found to have a near-perfect 94 percent match to the ancient Greeks’ Golden Ratio of Beauty, according to cosmetic surgeon Julian De Silva of the London-based Centre for Advanced Facial Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery.

De Silva applied the “Beauty Phi” equation to faces of modern celebrities using digital facial mapping technology. Bella’s results beat other big names in Hollywood like Beyonce, Ariana Grande and Cara Delevingne.

"Bella Hadid was the clear winner when all elements of the face were measured for physical perfection," De Silva told the media in a report published by English news site Newshub.

"She had the highest overall reading for her chin which, with a score of 99.7 percent, is only 0.3 percent away from being the perfect shape."

Apart from having good genes, what is Bella's secrets to being the world's most beautiful woman, according to science?


In a Vogue makeup tutorial, Bella has shared some practical tips on how to look like a million bucks and feel like you’re worth every cent.

Dark circles and a pale complexion are never a match for makeup, the most beautiful women showed in a video tutorial through Vogue. But since a busy, jet-lagged Bella with no proper rest for two months straight still trumps most of us on our best days – hydrated and with complete sleep – the results will still most likely vary.

“Imperfections are still beautiful, right?” the supermodel assures in the video.

Bella’s makeup routine involves concealer, a contour stick, a highlighter, a brow pencil, a lash primer, mascara, eyeshadow, lip gloss, and a hairbrush.

1.  Make-over (makeup all over)
Bella liberally brushes lines of concealer and foundation on her t-zone, underneath her eyes, and pretty much everywhere. “See you just like wing it, you know...Just put it like everywhere,” she advises, before blending the product.

2. Defining beauty
To add further dimension to her well-proportioned face, Bella uses a little bronzer pen as a contour stick to draw two-inch diagonal lines on her cheeks. She blends the bronzer and dabs a little on her jawline. “Definition’s always good," she enthuses.

3. Highlight her’s
She then brushes highlighter all over and rubs a conservative amount under the eyes, exuding a subtle, desired “natural glow.”

4. Drawing the line
Bella’s eyebrows are definitely her own, so there’s no need to draw more.

But she does like to color them in using a brow pencil, bringing out a more pronounced shape.

5. Eye wonder
Bella also accentuates her eyelashes with lash primer and mascara.

She then applies some eyeshadow on top of her eyelids and on the corners of her eyes, opening them just enough to even out the color.

6. Lip service
The world’s most beautiful woman closes her beauty routine with just lip gloss, creating a contrast between the shade and tint of her eye area and the bright tint of her lips.

7. Not a hair out of place
After all the work is done on the face, you have to let your makeup set by brushing your hair properly and tying it back, Bella demonstrated with a bun.

source: philstar.com

After Wakanda-inspired outfit, Serena Williams launches fashion collection

NEW YORK (AP) — Serena Williams has launched a fashion collection soon after participating in her first major tennis tournament in 16 months, dressed in a black "warrior princess" catsuit, no less.

But don't look for her French Open outfit among the athleisure, office and evening clothes on her new namesake website, the only place her duds are available.

Following collaborations with HSN and Nike, Williams' "Serena" line includes an "S'' motif and comfortable price points.

The letter adorns bralettes and high briefs, along with a T-shirt with the name of her childhood home, Compton.


She says she hopes to inspire women to own their own "s'' words, like strong, sexy, sophisticated, sassy, smart, silly and spontaneous.

Prices range from $40 for the logo T-shirt to $215 for a gold and black anorak jacket.

Williams considers the black bodysuit she wore at the French Open much more than a fashion statement.

There's a practical reason for the full-length legs on the skintight outfit: The aim is to protect her because of past bouts with blood clots.

There also is a message she wanted to send about self-worth and feeling powerful as she returned to Grand Slam action with a first-round victory at Roland Garros on Tuesday, about nine months after giving birth to a daughter.

"It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically, with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves," Williams said after beating Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (4), 6-4 at Court Philippe Chatrier. "I definitely feel like it is an opportunity for me to inspire a whole different group of amazing women and kids."

The outfit called to mind Williams' black "catsuit" that she wore at the 2002 U.S. Open. It also was reminiscent of the white bodysuit that American player Anne White wore at Wimbledon in 1985.
Williams referred to what she wore Tuesday as the "catsuit — the new version, 2.0."

"I call it, like, my Wakanda-inspired catsuit," referring to the fictional nation in the film "Black Panther."

"We designed it way before the movie," she said, "but still, it kind of reminds me of that."

Williams said she feels "like a warrior princess, kind of," when she wears the outfit.

"I'm always living in a fantasy world," she added. "I always wanted to be a superhero, and it's kind of my way of being a superhero."

Tuesday's match was the first at a major tournament for the 23-time Grand Slam champion in 16 months.

She gave birth on Sept. 1, then dealt with complications related to a pulmonary embolism.

"I had a lot of problems with my blood clots, and, God, I don't know how many I have had in the past 12 months. So it is definitely a little functionality to it," Williams said. "I have been wearing pants in general a lot when I play, so I can keep the blood circulation going. It's a fun suit, but it's also functional, so I can be able to play without any problems." — Reports from Howard Fendrich, AP

source: philstar.com

Versace and Furla join designer labels ditching fur

MILAN (Reuters)—Italian fashion house Versace and handbag and accessories maker Furla said they would stop using real fur in their creations, joining a growing list of luxury labels turning their backs on the fur industry.

Fashion houses around the world are bowing to pressure and using alternatives to real fur amid pressure from animal rights groups and changing tastes of younger customers, who are increasingly aware of the environmental issues linked with the clothes they buy.

Donatella Versace, the artistic director and vice-president of Versace, said that she did not want to kill animals to make fashion and that it “it doesn’t feel right”, speaking in an interview with The Economist’s 1843 magazine on Wednesday.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) Senior Vice President Dan Mathews said in an emailed statement that it was “a major turning point in the campaign for compassionate fashion”, adding that he looked forward to seeing a “leather-free Versace next”.

The animal rights group recently campaigned at the Pyeongchang Winter games for an end to the fur trade.

Furla on Thursday committed to replacing all fur with faux-fur for both menswear and womenswear starting from its Cruise 2019 collection.

Italian fashion group Gucci, part of Paris-based luxury conglomerate Kering, said in October it would stop using fur in its designs from its spring and summer 2018 collection joining Armani, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and multi-brand online luxury retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter.

British designer Stella McCartney has long followed a so-called “vegetarian” philosophy, shunning not only fur, but also leather and feathers.

source: interaksyon.com

In the battle over his sole, Louboutin loses a round

BRUSSELS (Reuters)—Christian Louboutin’s bid for exclusive rights to put red soles on high-heeled shoes ran into trouble on Tuesday when a court adviser said he may not be entitled to stop others from selling the same kind of sole.

The French designer went to court in The Netherlands to prevent the Dutch high street chain Van Haren from selling its own versions of his distinctive footwear, a favorite on celebrity red carpets.

But an advocate general at the European Court of Justice advised the court that Louboutin’s trademark protection on the shade of red used on his soles, dating from 2010 and 2013, might be invalid. The judges usually, though not always, follow such advice.

“A trademark combining color and shape may be refused or declared invalid on the grounds set out under EU trademark law,” the ECJ said in a statement, outlining Maciej Szpunar’s advice to the judges hearing the case, which was referred by a Dutch court.

The red color could not be considered apart from the shape of the sole, Szpunar advised, and shapes are usually not protected under EU trade mark law.


Szpunar “expresses doubts as to whether the color red can perform the essential function of a trade mark, that of identifying its proprietor, when that color is used out of context, that is to say, separately from the shape of a sole,” the ECJ said.

Szpunar said his analysis focused exclusively on the issue of the shape of soles and not on the value of the branding of the shoes – he took “no account of (the) attractiveness of the goods flowing from the reputation of the mark or its proprietor”.

“Whilst relevant consumers may instantly recognize a red sole shoe being uniquely associated with Louboutin, trying to persuade the courts to grant monopoly rights with such a ‘badge of origin’ may well be an insurmountable hurdle,” said Sanjay Kapur, partner at intellectual property firm Potter Clarkson LLP.

Kapur said that if the ECJ were to follow Szpunar’s opinion “then this could mean that Louboutin would not be able to stop its competitors, including haute couture fashion houses, from offering shoes with red soles.”

Once the ECJ reaches its verdict, it will be up to the Dutch court that referred the case to take the final decision on whether Louboutin’s red sole can be a trademark.

source:  interaksyon.com

‘UNDER THE STARS’: Bench’s 30th anniversary show promises heavenly bodies shining on the runway

To shamelessly paraphrase the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer tagline, the Bench 30th anniversary show promises to have “more stars than there are in heaven.”

The lifestyle empire founded by Ben Chan will hold another spectacle on Saturday, November 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena, entitled “Under The Stars: The Bench 30th Anniversary Show.”

Bench First Couple, Lucy Torres-Gomez and Richard Gomez, leads a bevy of heavenly bodies that include today’s most famous names in showbiz, sports and social media. On a side note, I wish to see the still-gorgeous Joanne Zapanta, the original Bench Girl, to strut alongside Richard in an ultimate throwback and tribute presentation.

“It will be bigger and better,” assured Chan during a special press preview at the Ibiza Beach Club at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The event also offered a peek into the newest denim and underwear designs, reinforced by Joey Samson’s androgynous touch, and the introduction of the latest Bench Bodies.

Maxine Medina, Miss Universe 2016 Top 6 and a budding actress, joined Kapamilya stars Bianca King, Beauty Gonzales, Marco Gumabao and Albie Casiño, as well as Kapuso mainstays Sanya Lopez, Addy Raj, David Licauco, Bruno Santos, Kiko Estrada and Kim Domingo. Mark Mugen, mixed-martial arts athlete, also flaunted his killer abs.

For an international flair, Austrian model/sports science student Ivo Buchta, Italian-American and physical education student Trevor Signorino, and math genius Pietro Boselli will scorch the runway.

Not to be outdone, some of our world-class beauties will flaunt the Filipina brand of sexiness. From the Miss Universe roster are Ara Arida and MJ Lastimosa. From Miss World are Gwen Ruais, Queenie Rehman, Valerie Weigman and Hillary Parungao.

Also in the beauty brigade are Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago; Miss Supranational Top 25 2016 Joanna Eden; and reigning Miss Eco-Philippines Cynthia Thomalla.

In a grand homecoming, WinWyn Marquez, the newly crowned Reina HispanoAmericana will take the catwalk. Incidentally, she might share the spotlight with her cousin, the statuesque Michelle Dee, daughter of Melanie Marquez.

Meanwhile, the public is left guessing whether Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss Globe 2015 Ann Colis, and Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach—who have all been part of Bench campaigns—will make surprise appearances.

Kylie Verzosa, Miss International 2016, is signed with Bayo.

But, save the screams for tinseltown’s hottest properties. The heartthrobs who will be at the show are Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil, Derrick Monasterio, Ken Chan, Rocco Nacino, Iñigo Pascual, Diego Loyzaga, and Ruru Madrid. Richard Gutierrez will show up but no Piolo Pascual. And Tom Rodriguez will be around but no Dennis Trillo.

The sweethearts, meanwhile, include Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Barretto, Julia Montes, Ashley Ortega, Coleen Garcia and Gabbi Garcia. There’s Lovi Poe but no Marian Rivera. And there’s Maine Mendoza sans partner Alden Richards, who is signed with Boardwalk. James Reid and Nadine Lustre are now endorsing Folded & Hung.

At the Naked Truth show in 2014, Geena Rocero, the famous Filipino transwoman/activist/model, was a welcome inclusion that advanced the cause of the LGBTQI community.

If there’s a cause that Bench might want to advocate this year, it should consider the campaign against sexual assault simmering in Hollywood for a few weeks now. Filipino-Italian model, Ambra Batillana Gutierrez, is the best representation.

Ambra, a runner-up at the Century Tuna Superbods in 2016, was the only accuser who immediately reported to the police right after her assault by producer Harvey Weinstein in 2015, even snaring a taped confession by Weinstein with the help of the New York Police Department.

Even so, with political agenda or not, the show is expected to be extravagant, decadent and theatrical. Top-notch stylist Noel Manapat will collaborate with still-unnamed designers to jazz up the Bench clothing and underwear staples. And with Robby Carmona at the helm, it will be a high-energy display of clothes, music, and performances.

To score much-coveted tickets, purchase Bench merchandise from Php600 (general admission) to Php2,300 (lower-box invitation). But the items must include one Bench Body Underwear or one pair of OJ Denim.

source: interaksyon.com

Tommy Hilfiger closes out London Fashion Week with ‘rock circus’ show

LONDON (Reuters)—U.S. designer Tommy Hilfiger closed out London Fashion Week with a rock-themed show held at a venue famous for classic rock concerts, featuring model and social media star Gigi Hadid as the centerpiece of the event.

The show – dubbed “TommyNow” – represented Hilfiger’s third collaboration with Hadid, with whom he designed the “TommyxGigi” collection that was on display at Tuesday’s event, in addition to the Hilfiger label’s spring/summer 2018 styles.

The collection was a rock and grunge-infused take on the traditional “preppy” styles – clothing associated with upmarket U.S. schools and universities – that have come to be associated with Hilfiger.

These included cheerleader skirts and letterman jackets, offset with studded leather shoes and thigh-high socks, as well as T-shirts and woolly hats reminiscent of 1980s rock band tour merchandise.

”TommyNow continues to put the consumer at the heart of the event, fusing fashion, pop culture and entertainment, and connecting with our global fans in an authentic way,” Hilfiger told Vogue magazine before the show.

Hadid, who has over 35 million Instagram followers, was one of the highest-profile models to grace the London Fashion Week catwalks this season.

She was joined by her sister Bella and brother Anwar, in a show that saw models walk through the audience as well as on the runway which ran through the center of the venue’s ‘in the round’ stage.

Hilfiger’s show was a “see now, buy now” event – a recent trend in the fashion industry that sees labels make outfits displayed in catwalk shows available to consumers to purchase immediately.

Viewers watching the event live online were able to click on any outfit they chose and purchase the items right away.

Held in London’s Roundhouse concert venue, which over the years has played host to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd, the show was the latest incarnation of the pop-up carnivals Hilfiger has staged during the last two seasons.

Hilfiger’s autumn 2016 “Tommy Pier” show in New York featured a Ferris wheel and a range of fun-park amusements, while “TommyLand,” the spring show held in Los Angeles this year featured roller skaters, skate boarders, acoustic musicians and fire-breathing performers.

Hilfiger is one of the best-known names in the U.S. apparel business, with over 1,600 retail outlets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The company, which is now owned by clothing giant PVH, reported global retail sales of $6.6 billion in 2016.

Hilfiger, along with Italian label Emporio Armani, were the most prominent international brands that chose to forego showing collections at other fashion weeks – New York and Milan respectively – to participate in the London event this season.

Their participation gave the event a boost, as Britain’s fashion industry – which experts say contributes £28 billion ($37 billion) to the country’s economy – faces uncertainty as the UK negotiates its exit from the European Union.

source: interaksyon.com

Filipino lands on list of Vanity Fair’s Int’l Best Dressed List 2017

Filipino-American architect and designer Daniel Romualdez has been mentioned in Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List 2017. The newly released list includes basketball star LeBron James, tennis player Roger Federer, British musician Harry Styles, and Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau.

Also in the list in the Men’s category are danseur Roberto Bolle; actor British actor, director, and musician Danny Glover; artist Henry Koehler; JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg; and violinist Charlie Siem.

Romualdez was quoted by VF as mentioning “White button-down shirt” as his favorite item of clothing and “The kids in my office” as his his style idols.

His work has been featured in publications like Architectural Digest and Vogue. And his impressive list of clients include Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Aerin Lauder, Ina Garten, and Renee and Mark Rockefeller, to name a few.

Romualdez, who was born and raised in the Philippines, comes from a political family. He is the son of former ambassador and governor Benjamin Trinidad Romualdez, who is the younger brother of former First Lady and now Rep. Imelda Marcos of the second district of Ilocos Norte.


This isn’t the first time Romualdez has been featured in the iconic magazine. In its August 2017 issue, his elegant Montauk home, which he shares with his investment-banker husband Michael Meagher, was given the spotlight.

In the VF interview, he was quoted as saying that he was a reluctant economics and political science student in the US before realizing that he really wanted to be an architect.

He said, “My father wasn’t happy about me going to architecture school. And because of that I was sort of the black sheep of the family. “It was only when he landed on the prestigious Architectural Digest 100 list. Romualdez shared, “He finally understood that I wasn’t a disappointment. It was very sweet. We sort of made up then, and he said, ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t more supportive and didn’t do enough. You were on your own for 20 years.’ ”

In the women’s category, those who made it on the list include actress Anh Duong, actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg, Venture capitalist Kirsten Green, Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles, singer Rihanna, and Queen Letizia of Spain, among others.

source: interaksyon.com

Tonight, I need your sweet Caresse

MANILA, Philippines - When I lie down at night, I don’t have discreet fantasies about Chris Hemsworth or Robert Downey Jr.—primarily because I don’t need to be halfway to Bedfordshire to do so. Instead, I dream of the perfect lipstick. I dream about breaking certain lipstick conventions, like the commonly acknowledged statement that if it’s a matte finish, it’s meant to dry your lips out a bit. (Or a ton.)

Recently, L’Oreal introduced the Tint Caresse, the brand’s first ever powder lipstick, which has been a serious game changer. Yup, take a minute, because I did say “powder.” That’s just the start of the many reasons why this product, so thoughtfully engineered from the outside in, deserves a spot in your makeup bag.

First of all, the Tint Caresse is packaged in a seemingly common pen-type cylinder, with a few key differences. The actual product is pressed down into a little chamber inside the cap. Similar to what a few Japanese brands have been doing with two-way brow products, the “pen” part has a sponge-tip applicator, with Tint Caresse’s being tulip shaped for extra definition. However, this product’s applicator is spring-loaded, allowing the it to retract into the cap with a small bit of force each time it’s closed, meaning you start each use with a perfectly measured amount of product. It’s a beauty geek’s dream come true.

The product itself is the fruit of technological innovation—a formula blending emollient oils, silky touch powder, and elastomeric silicon, among other things, to bring together a powder we’ve never seen before. Tint Caresse adheres like a lipstick should, sits lightly on lips like air, gives a matte finish without being in any way drying, and lasts until you need it to come off.

The color selection is also something to be commended, because with eight launching colors, it already runs the spectrum from red to pink to nude to peach to orchid to plum. But the really beautiful thing about this is that all the colors are rather sophisticated in tone, and I’m unsure if it’s because of the fact that it’s a powder, but it delivers a host of variety and boldness without ever being vulgar.

A reason for that may also be because it’s being marketed as a great tool for the gradient lip—the look of post-cherry popsicle consumption, with darker concentrated color in the center of the lip, blending outward. And yet, to leave it at that would be a truly grave mistake, because this is a serious, full-coverage product that works on its own. (Not-so pro tip: it’s an incredible treat with a sharp lip liner round the edges, because the product both blends in with and sets the defining liner at the same time.)

One tiny thing here, though, is that it claims to be transfer proof. I don’t find this to be a hundred percent true. I think the nature of the product being what it is, it’s built to adhere to skin, so it tends to kiss off minimally on say, the back of your hand. On a tissue or on other surfaces, though, it stands strong. So while you can rejoice at the prospect of eating a burger without leaving that dreaded lipstick ring around the bun, perhaps look in another direction for a more make out-friendly lip color. And at 500 pesos a pop for a seriously excellent product, I think we can afford to be a little less nitpicky.

The beauty market is oversaturated with so-called variations on the same old products, constantly throwing around the term “revolutionary” and “brand new.” In its midst, the Tint Caresse stands out as something that is not only seriously unique, but delivers on fronts where its predecessors failed to do so. (I’m looking at you, prune-esque inducing matte lipsticks of yesteryear.) It has not only managed to tick all the boxes of what you ever wanted in one product, but its managed to be that thing you didn’t even know you were dreaming of. Which, in terms of any product development, has every right to be called revolutionary.

So now that we’ve found powder lipstick, it’s inevitably on to the perfect mascara.

source: philstar.com

Actress Jane Birkin asks Hermes to remove her name from croc bag

PARIS | Actress and singer Jane Birkin has asked Hermes to remove her name from one of the luxury goods maker’s best-selling bags due to what she called “cruel” crocodile farming and slaughtering practices.

“I have asked Hermes to rename the Birkin Croco until they adopt better practices that meet international standards for the production of this bag,” Birkin said in a statement to the media on Tuesday.

Birkin said she had signed actor Joaquin Phoenix’s Mercy For Animals petition to “shed exotic skins from your wardrobe” in protest against the “millions of reptiles slaughtered each year and turned into shoes, handbags, belts and other accessories”.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, said it had released a video, narrated by Phoenix and which Birkin had seen, showing how live reptiles were skinned or sawed open on farms that supplied luxury brands.

Hermes said the crocodile skins it sourced from a Texas farm in the video were not used for Birkin bags and stressed that it did not own that farm.

The luxury brand also said that an investigation was being conducted into the farm’s practices and that “any breach of rules will be rectified and sanctioned.”

Hermes said it imposed on its suppliers the highest ethical standards regarding the treatment of crocodiles and for more than a decade, had conducted monthly checks on them to ensure that they were respected.

“Hermes respects and shares her (Jane Birkin’s) emotions and was also shocked by the images recently broadcast,” it said in a statement.

“Her comments do not in any way influence the friendship and confidence that we have shared for so many years.”

Birkin agreed to lend her name to the bag after sharing a flight with the charismatic late head of Hermes, Jean-Louis Dumas, in the 1980s.

The crocodile Birkin and the Kelly bag, named after actress Grace Kelly, are among the most sought-after luxury goods — even though the starting retail price is more than 20,000 euros ($22,096) – partly because shops routinely run out of them.

Customers can obtain one either by putting their name on a waiting list or by paying hefty fees to specialized buyers who scout for the bags on their behalf.

A fuchsia Hermes crocodile Birkin bag with a diamond-studded clasp and lock set a record as the most expensive handbag ever sold at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong last month, fetching $222,000.

source: interaksyon.com

Meet Sports Illustrated's first plus-size model

MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in history, Sports Illustrated is featuring a plus size model in an “editorial spread.”

Robyn Lawley, an Australian Native is gracing the issue's "Rookies" section, wearing a scanty tangerine and snake skin-inspired bikini that showcases her bodacious curves.

In the US, size 12 Lawley is technically considered a plus-size although an average American woman is size 14. She was considered as one of the first plus-size women in the modeling industry and has been very vocal about her advocacy to stop the plus-size stigma.

“I don’t know if I consider myself as a plus-size model or not. I just consider myself a model because I’m trying to help women in general accept their bodies,” Lawley told TIME.

Lawley shared her scorching hot photos on her Instagram account:




Aside from Lawley, size 16 model Ashley Graham  also made buzz for starring in the first ever ad to feature a plus-size model in the pages of the magazine's annual swimsuit issue.

This year's coveted swimsuit issue features Hannah Davis, a 24-year old model hailing from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

source:  philstar.com

Singer Robbie Williams launches clothes collection

LONDON | British star Robbie Williams is to launch a 30-piece clothing collection with retailer Primark, the singer announced on Thursday.

Williams, who rose to fame as a member of pop band Take That, has his own fashion label, Farrell.

The brand was saved from closure in 2013 by entrepreneur Peter Jones, and the collection will be joint produced by Farrell and Primark, a subsidiary of Associated British Food.

“What a great collaboration, let’s have it!” Williams said, adding he was “delighted”.

The autumn-winter collection will be launched in 15 branches of the budget chain, which has shops in several countries in Western Europe.

It comes after US singer Beyonce announced she would launch a sporty clothes collection with retailer Topshop in 2015, offering “clothing, footwear and accessories across dance, fitness and sports”.

source: interaksyon.com

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop names new CEO, plans e-commerce push

Goop, the lifestyle blog and online shopping site founded by actress Gwyneth Paltrow in 2008, named a new chief executive officer on Monday to spearhead an e-commerce expansion that includes Goop-branded apparel.

Lisa Gersh, who was previously CEO and president of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and co-founder of Oxygen Media, will expand the site’s tie-ups with fashion designers including Stella McCartney and Diane von Furstenberg next year.

“We have a brand. Now it’s time to build the business to that level,” Gersh said in an interview.

For the next 18 months, Goop will focus on being a U.S.-based site that ships globally. Goop will also build its own advertising team to tap into the site’s loyal fan base, said Gersh, who also sits on the board of toymaker Hasbro Inc.

Eventually, Goop will launch its own label, stretching into apparel — starting with basic wardrobe staples — beauty and home, Gersh added. “We’ve seen the mistakes out there,” she said. “We’ll take small steps.”

Gersh resigned from Martha Stewart Living in December 2012 after a rocky tenure that saw her in the CEO job for less than six months. While at the company, she led the restructuring of the company’s publishing unit.

After leaving the company, Gersh began advising fitness guru Tracy Anderson, who introduced her to longtime client Paltrow, Gersh said. In June, Paltrow moved Goop to Los Angeles from London.

Goop’s expansion comes at a time when other celebrity-backed e-commerce companies are doing the same. The Honest Company, a startup co-founded by actress Jessica Alba that sells organic and environmentally friendly family products, is looking to expand in China and is planning to eventually go public.

The bulk of U.S. retail sales still happens in brick-and-mortar stores, but e-commerce is growing much faster than retail sales overall. U.S. ecommerce sales will jump 15.5 percent in 2014 to $304.1 billion, according to data from eMarketer, compared to 3.7 percent for non-e-commerce sales.

source: interaksyon.com

From Badgley Mischka to Isaac Mizrahi, here are 8 must-have shoes and bags

MANILA, Philippines - With cooler weather ahead – and the latest collections set to hit the racks – what’s a girl to do to update her shoe and bag wardrobe for the season?  The good news is that you can be on-trend with the latest looks abroad with the SM Store’s Shoes and Bags Department.  Here are eight must- haves you’ll love to have for the season and beyond.











1. Booties: Bold booties in edgy metal hardware and deli-scene in stylish pairs from Joe’s Jeans and Parisian.cate cutouts are making great strides in today’s fashion

2. Fab Flatties: Yes, the world is flat, and pretty ballerina flats from Life Stride and Marie Claire are not only cool and comfy, but also fun and fab.

3. Pointy Toe Pumps: El- egant eve- ning pumps from L.A.M.B. and Parisian are simply sleek and sophisticated.

4. Evening Heels: Shining, shimmering, splendid evening shoes from Badgley Mischka and Nina will defi- nitely take you to new fashion heights.

5.  The City Backpack: Life is a journey, so go the distance with urban backpacks with attitude from Parisian.

6. The Modern Satchel: Colorbringsa fresh new at- titude to this to-go bag.

7. The Classic Tote: Uptown or downtown, there’s nothing like a classic tote to pack in all the things you need and give you time- less style.

8 . Bold Clutches: Mini bags from Isaac Mizrahi and French Connection bring high impact to your evening style.

source: philstar.com

Beauty and the beach

The hashtag #LaBoracay2014 has gotten much attention on social media this week, with mixed reactions from all sectors — some are amused and excited, others are disgusted at the conspicuous display of bodies and bikinis this side of “thin-seltown.”

It’s  the peak of summer, if you haven’t noticed, ladies and gents, time to brighten up, get that Belo sunblock, take off your clothes (not all of them)) head over to our 7,107 beautiful islands and Instagram away. And don’t forget to hashtag.

Last week’s hottest beach shebang? #CenturySuperbods2014 drew a stellar mix of the country’s biggest stars, a standout selection of the best bodies and nonstop workouts to make sure we get to maintain that “transformation.” The T-word was the big buzz for the season, as everyone awaited the unveiling of a shirtless John Lloyd Cruz in Boracay.

Leading to that grand unveil was a Zumba-thon in the morning, with participants doing nonstop workouts. The BNO Boys hosted while everyone got possessed with the heat and sweat of the morning sun. I must compliment the transformation of the BNO Boys, who underwent the Century challenge and really showed great results! Credit for all the transformation goes to fitness coach Jim Saret and nutritionist Nadine Tengco, who I promise, will be my new best friends. Hello, Century!

I had promised everyone I was going to Zumba with them as soon as I woke up from the past night’s festivities, but I preferred to Zumba in bed — in my dreams. Must remind myself to be more disciplined, to think like a Superbod!

The best Superbods batch 

The White Party the night before was equally eventful. The #CenturySuperbods contestants were formally introduced by host Gelli Victor to the sizable media delegation present. It was not easy to have favorites since almost everyone looked like a winner — a truly spectacular and very international Superbods batch — half Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Chinese, American and pure Pinoy, too! From the point of view of someone who’s been judging this competition for a few years now, this is, indeed, the best #CenturySuperbods batch ever.

Joey Mead King, that rock star of a supermodel mentor and Asia’s top, top model herself, started the ball rolling as soon as she rocked that ramp and grabbed that mic. I am amazed each time she does her runway-slash-hosting duties — how she commands the floor and makes you sit up and take notice. She also coached the contestants with their walk and how to carry themselves best. The smooth styling of the show, directed by Robby Carmona, another stalwart in his field, was more than evident in how fast-paced it was. Never a dull moment, each segment was a highlight! Standouts in the audience were Nanette Medved-Po, forever a vision in pristine style, and Marielle Santos-Po, wearing Rajo Laurel’s Palawan summer collection.



Then came Anne Curtis, and the world stopped. She put one leg out in her flowing Charina Sarte lapis lazuli beach dress and owned the stage like no one else can. This was the perfect lead-up to the night’s transformatory unveil. A cleanly unshaven John Lloyd Cruz walked onto the center of the stage. Everyone went wild. He then took his floral buttoned shirt off, waved it to the crowd, to reveal him wearing a sando — a leaner, meaner John Lloyd Cruz, “macho” dancing in front of the audience. “From Superbad, I’m now a Superbod!” Even in these “heated” circumstances, JLC’s sense of humor shines through.

“Why didn’t John Lloyd take his shirt off?” ranted some of my followers on social media. Because he didn’t have to. Transformation doesn’t mean abs. It means a change in mindset and lifestyle. It is both internal and external. He went on a strict diet, lost close to 20 lbs. and looks happier and healthier. In the end, that should be the goal — to be happy and healthy. Abs optional.

Postscript to the announcement of winners after a few months of intense training and grueling challenges — Mario Lumba and Sara Polverini emerged as this year’s #CenturySuperbods. The runners-up and the special awards went to the other early favorites, who, I must say, made judging this year extra difficult but extra pleasurable.

And then fun times at the after party at The District with DJ Mars Miranda. Time to take a dip in this Labor Day weekend sun. But I won’t take my shirt off.

source: philstar.com

One Day Flowers, Two-Year Pearls and the secrets of skin illumination

Coco Chanel said, “A woman is only as good as the light and peace she radiates.” While she may have been speaking of inner beauty, it can’t hurt to each have our own portable light, like a soft beam of sunshine to follow us around. Chanel’s solution is much more down-to-earth, of course, but no less heavenly. The new Le Blanc whitening line perfects the complexion with two secret ingredients: a pearl and a flower.

In 2011, Chanel culminated nine years of research on skin whitening with the revolutionary TXC molecule, an exclusive quasi-drug whitening active ingredient that works throughout the hyperpigmentation process on all key steps of melanogenesis to reveal even, bright skin. Because skin cells are protected by melanin, the objective is not to stop it, but instead, balance it so that it does not overperform and darken skin. It acts on seven factors responsible for the chain reaction of melanin production, and is activated for 12 hours. Existing dark spots are reduced and new ones are prevented.

To perfect the effects of TXC, Chanel combines it with the Two-Year Pearl Extract — a specific Akoya pearl from Japan, cultivated for Chanel for two years to reach its prime quality. The mature pearl reveals incredible luminosity, and contains active moisturizing molecules to brighten complexion and hydrate skin.

Supporting the Two-Year Pearl is the One Day Flower, which blossoms at dawn and fades at dusk. It is a potent natural antioxidant that prevents lipid peroxidation on the skin surface for a pure, translucent complexion. It prevents a yellowish, dull complexion and amplifies the illuminating effects of the Two-Year Pearl.

The combination of the TXC Molecule, the Two-Day Pearl and One Day Flower is the arsenal behind Chanel Le Blanc, which moisturizes and protects the surface of the skin from oxidation, while correcting dull complexions and yellow-toned skin. For total illumination, like a permanent flattering light on your face, follow this Chanel Le Blanc regimen:

1. Apply Le Blanc Whitening Concentrate Double Action TXC morning and evening on entire face, eye contour and neck. It has a fine, translucent texture that melts on the skin and delivers a sensation of freshness, making the face visibly more luminous and radiant.

2. Moisturize with Le Blanc Whitening Moisturizing Cream TXC to reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone. It delivers up to 12 hours of hydration, lights up the skin, and plumps the surface.

Le Blanc cream comes in two textures: Crème Fine, which is light and delicate, and the Crème Rich, which melts on skin and leaves behind a velvety comfort. Apply morning and evening on face and neck.

3. Perfect your complexion with Chanel Le Blanc Light Creating Whitening Compact Foundation SPF25/PA +++, an Active Lightening Ceramic that reflects light and actively generates it. It absorbs energy and re-emits it in longer wavelengths so natural brightness is enhanced. It has six different shades that all feel comforting on the skin.

4. For additional glow, apply Jardin De Camélias, a compact powder that lights up the face with pearly shimmer, in Ivoire Rosé. Dust on cheekbones, temples and lightly on the tip of the nose.

5. For a wash of luminous color on the eyes, use Illusion D’Ombre in Fantasme, an iridescent shadow that gives eyes a wide-open effect.

6. Top the look with a swipe of Aqualumier Gloss in Eau De Rose, a pearly, almost transparent pink, on the lips. For more intense color, try Pink Pivoine, a fresh raspberry tone.

source: philstar.com

Paris menswear makes way for couture

PARIS - Lanvin headlined the last day of the Paris menswear shows on Sunday with a rock-and-roll inspired collection billed as anti-uniform, before Versace kicks off six days of haute couture.

"Freedom to choose" was the byword for menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver, with pants both slim and wide, waistlines high and low, and classic tailoring and streetwear paired with coloured sneakers and chunky-knit scarves.

"It's not about a single look, or a single man. It's about individuality," said Lanvin's creative director Alber Elbaz after the show, where the actor Will Smith sat front row.

Elbaz took the uniform as starting point for the line.

"It's the opposite of what makes people happy," he said. "You have to be yourself."

Shows by Paul Smith and Saint Laurent were to wrap up the Paris men's fashion, before a late evening show by Versace which opens six days of haute couture collections -- showcasing jaw-dropping creations aimed at A-list stars and the world's richest women.

More than 40 years after the death of its founder, Italy's legendary house Schiaparelli makes a much-anticipated comeback to haute couture Monday, under the Italian designer Marco Zanini.

Elsa Schiaparelli, who died in 1973, was among fashion's most prominent figures between the two world wars and became Coco Chanel's biggest rival.

Haute couture is a legally protected appellation in France subject to strict criteria such as the amount of work carried out by hand, and the size of a house's workforce.

Altogether, 15 French houses including Dior and Chanel will be showing couture collections, along with six foreign labels and 10 guests including Britain's Ralph & Russo and Belgian designer Serkan Cura.

source: interaksyon.com

Red rules on Golden Globes red carpet

LOS ANGELES | Red ruled the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday as Hollywood’s A-list stars bared their shoulders in eye-popping gowns for the first major awards show of the season.

A sprinkler malfunction almost rained on the fashion parade at the Beverly Hilton, but Tinseltown’s top film and television actors successfully strutted their stuff after workers scrambled to mop up the mess.

“American Hustle” star and best musical/comedy actress winner Amy Adams chose a two-tone burgundy-red Valentino halter dress with the same only-if-you-dare plunging neckline seen in the 1970s-era crime caper.

The key to pulling off the wide V neck? “Good posture,” Adams quipped to E! television’s Ryan Seacrest.

Lupita Nyong’o, a best supporting actress nominee for her searing turn in “12 Years A Slave,” stunned in a red Ralph Lauren column dress with matching cape, all off the shoulder.

Host Tina Fey wore several gowns throughout the night, but all of them had at least a hint of red. On the red carpet, she donned a strapless black Carolina Herrera ball gown with a long train, sprinkled with red flowers.

During the broadcast, she wore a sleeveless burgundy dress with a jeweled V-neckline, and another strapless frock in fire-engine red.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, a nominee for her work in romantic comedy “Enough Said,” also wore bright red — a curve-hugging Narciso Rodriguez number.

Pop starlet Taylor Swift also wore Herrera: a strapless gown with a black bodice and a flowing red skirt.

Other bright colors were seen — “Girls” star Lena Dunham sported a strapless canary yellow Zac Posen frock with a sweetheart neckline, and “Orange Is The New Black” star Taylor Schilling wore an emerald Thakoon dress with spaghetti straps and a lacy neckline.

And best supporting actress winner Jennifer Lawrence of “American Hustle” again wore Dior — this time, a tiered gauzy white gown with two black bands.

Basic black, always a red carpet staple, of course had its place at the Globes.

Australian actress Cate Blanchett, who won the best drama actress prize for “Blue Jasmine,” wowed in a lacy Armani number. Rock star Bono called her “a goddess.”

Fey’s co-host Amy Poehler — a winner for best TV comedy actress for “Parks and Recreation” — sported a sleek black Stella McCartney gown with a stomach cutout, and “August: Osage County” star Julia Roberts chose a black and white belted dress from Dolce and Gabbana.

“I just didn’t want to break her,” Roberts said of her epic fight scene with Meryl Streep in the film about a dysfunctional family harboring secrets in Oklahoma.

Hollywood’s A-list men did not disappoint: “Wolf of Wall Street” star Leonardo DiCaprio — a winner for best actor in a comedy — wore an Armani tuxedo, while “Hustle” star Bradley Cooper sported Tom Ford.

“Good Wife” star Julianna Margulies — a nominee for best actress in a television drama — chose a black Andrew Gn gown with cap sleeves and gold accents.

One of her rivals, “Scandal” star Kerry Washington, glowed in pale flowing Balenciaga, and had perhaps the best accessory — a baby bump.

source: interaksyon.com

Fiber optic dress changes color on a whim

LAS VEGAS - The techno-chic with a few thousand dollars to spare can sport outfits that can change color on a whim.

London-based designer Amy Rainbow Winters showed just how in a FashionWare area at the Consumer Electronics Show here on Wednesday.

On display was a dress she made of fabric with fiber optics woven in and sensors in the sleeves. Light traveled through the cloth, which glowed blue. With a touch of a sleeve, Winters changed the color.

"If you feel like having a purple, the dress will be purple," Winters said. "If you later feel like having red, you have red. You just look at the sleeve and decide what color you want."

Winters designs fabric and clothes, then collaborates with technologists to made the materials needed. She works with many techno-fabrics, including some that react to sound, sun or water.

Nearby she had on display a dress with motion sensors in the cloth that changed colors if the wearer jumped.

Fabric she creates can be made into just about any garment.

"The fabric can be anything; pants, shirts, dresses, hats...," Winters said. "If someone is going to wear Google Glass they might as well wear fiber-optic pants."

Her creations are custom, and have been used in entertainment productions such as music videos or to catch eyes in ads. She is not in the ready-to-wear market.

"I've had some retailers as me about stocking, but you have to be really careful because they are so expensive to make," Winters said.

"They are showpieces; but if people have a couple of thousand dollars to spare here it is."

Fiber-optic dresses cost about $3,000 to make, but the price can rise depending on the design, according to Winters, whose creations are on display online at rainbowwinters.com.

source: interaksyon.com