The Real Runway

The Real Runway http://www.thereal-runway.com/ en ellengracejones@hotmail.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-14T11:38:39+00:00 DESIGN FOCUS: Make Mine A Decal http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/buy-grafitti-art-wall-decal-home-interior-trend/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/buy-grafitti-art-wall-decal-home-interior-trend/#When:11:38:39Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dface.jpg" alt="DESIGN FOCUS: Make Mine A Decal" />< Since Banky's provocative stencils pretty much re-wrote the rulebook of mainstream graffiti, artists have been getting increasingly more creative with the application of their wall-daubings. Gone are the connotations of hoodied-hoodlums spray-canning mindless tags, graffiti has climbed into the echelons of 'street art' incarnation, and with it comes the decal / sticker trend.A cursory glance around East London's graffiti hotspots will offer many-a-stickered area.  Pioneer of the adhesive movement was D*Face whose giant, punk-esque decals have been splattered on E1 walls since the mid-naughties. Ace One, Lempke, Chora and many others are a new breed who continue to plaster doodlings on unsuspecting walls, lampposts and public amenities. Hot from the streets, arty wall decals are the latest interior trend: removable wall decals here are a snappy way to update a drab space lurking in your homestead. Less costly than the uber-passe fancy-schmancy Victoriana wallpaper and easy to whip down should you tire of it. Can't afford that taxidermy deer mount? Slap a silhouette decal over your fireplace! No vista from your basement bedsit? Paste a cityscape decal across your lounge wall!We particularly love David Shrigleys witty 'days stuck in this room' jail tally chart (makes our self-incarceration feel a little more pleasurable) and Keith Haring's multicoloured dancers. Craaw's gigantic painterly decals are like having your own personal beautiful gothic dreamscape.Decal hunters should check out Brick Lane, Bethnal Green, Angel, Old Street. Keep and eye out for Eine's colourful alphabet soup on shop shutters as well. 2012-05-14T11:38:39+00:00 Women’s Tailoring Trends In 2012 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/womens-tailoring-trends-in-2012-next/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/womens-tailoring-trends-in-2012-next/#When:13:55:51Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/NEXT-NUDE-SLUB-DRESS-COVER.png" alt="Women’s Tailoring Trends In 2012" />< When it comes to modern women’s tailoring Next has the market nailed. It has six key tailored trends on its website including Jardin, New Ethnic Geo and Modern Separates, each with its own interpretation of tailoring. Tailoring has always been important for men, but since the powerwear of the eighties women embodied that masculine look with blazers, trousers suits and tailored suits. These days tailoring isn’t just for formal occasions however; a chic tailored blazer works effortlessly with jeans or even a casual dress and flat pumps. Here are some of Next’s best tailored looks for summer 2012. Next has given the boyfriend blazer (pictured) a makeover this summer and injected plenty of pretty pastel shades into its colour scheme. At just £50 Next’s Pink Cotton Blazer (pictured) is a real charmer. The delicate pink shade is on trend and completely adorable. It works well with black for the office or you can add some yellow or mint jeans and pumps for a casual weekend look. It has a single button fastening, two side pockets and skinny sleeves that can be rolled up to three-quarter length to give this boyfriend blazer a more relaxed look. Every woman needs a tailored dress for work and formal events. The Slub Dress from Next comes in nude (pictured), coral or mint green. The slightly tulip skirt, fitted and belted waist, capped sleeves and v-neckline couldn’t be more flattering and the colours are on-trend but enduring at the same time. At just £45 too, it’s a real bargain. Next has a wide range of suit trouser cuts to choose from including wide-leg, flared, skinny and cropped so you can find a style that fits your shape and look. High-waisted designs are particularly on trend this summer and are incredibly flattering. They help to lengthen legs and flatten tummies. Next has a pair of high-waist Black Belted Suit Trousers that will work well with pretty much any item, from a formal skirt to a silk camisole. Thankfully shorts have now become acceptable work attire in some offices and are a great summertime alternative to trousers. Lipsy, available from Next, has a stylish pair of Herringbone Tweed Shorts (pictured) that are just £19. These cute, tailored shorts look great with strappy sandals and a vest top for a night out or with courts, a blazer and crisp white shirt for work. Miranda Kerr shows just how stylish you can look in shorts.       2012-05-08T13:55:51+00:00 Designer Focus: GENE http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/designer-focus-gene-fashion-label-lora-nikolaev/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/designer-focus-gene-fashion-label-lora-nikolaev/#When:15:23:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/GENE.jpg" alt="Designer Focus: GENE" />< Introducing our new fashion crush; we're totally in love with hot new luxury womenswear label, GENE. When their S/S 12 lookbook photos (shot by Japanese photographer Yoshihiro Takeuchi) landed in our inbox, we couldn't help but be enchanted by the contrasting silhouettes and feminine yet sexy shapes executed by creative director and founder, Lora Nikolaev. “I'm more excited this season than I have been with any other” claims Nikolaev, “We're in talks right now about a collaboration with one of Britain's leading high street stores and an international superstar is wanting to wear GENE on her next world tour! Things couldn't be better!” Who could she mean...? Growing super-quickly from it's 2009 launch, GENE is is thriving thanks to its wearable shapes, mixing of textures and a focus on the form of the female wearer. We've particularly got our eye on that gorgeous slouchy jumpsuit. Silky lovlieness at it's best. GENE is officially launching its SS12 collection in the UK this week www.genestyle.net   2012-04-23T15:23:46+00:00 Dole Queue For Aqua Staff http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Aquascutum-goes-into-administration-corby-plant-closure/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Aquascutum-goes-into-administration-corby-plant-closure/#When:15:19:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_2217145QybMjHUM.jpg" alt="Dole Queue For Aqua Staff" />< It's bad news for staff at Aquascutum's UK factory in Corby - and the British manufacturing industry full stop. The long suffering label decided last week to enter administration, the sad inevitability of which meant their plant's closure due to, "loss-making operations and a lack of funding.""Whilst a difficult decision, it has been necessary in order to stem on-going losses for the business, and to protect the positions of the 135 remaining employees," a spokesperson for the adminstrators began. "We plan to provide appropriate assistance to all affected employees, including liaising with Jobcentre plus and helping with claims to the Redundancy Payments Service. All head office and retail operations across the UK and international high street, concession and outlet stores are operating as usual at present."Harsh times. Will the poor, skilled, laid-off workers be resigned to branches of their local Phones4u flogging mobile phone deals? Stacking shelves in Tesco? The decline of Aquascutum is yet another tragic footnote in the story of British industry's decline, let alone the loss of a much-loved historical label.We do wonder, does Aquascutum look at their peer label in Britishness, heritage and luxury, Burberry's success and think, "that coulda been us!!" That so seemingly identical quintessentially English brands could have had such polarised fortunes and successes boggles the mind.Even as a double team, Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz never matched the finesse of Christopher Bailey and garnered mixed reviews at best. Aquascutum's A/W 2012 collection under the direction of Joanna Sykes shelved her pervious whimsy for a darker hard edge to much acclaim but it seems too little, too late.All is not lost however, the company is in the midst of looking for a buyer and their fingers are crossed a suitable investor will be found soon. Here's hoping. (All images Aquascutum A/W 2012) 2012-04-21T15:19:56+00:00 The Keiser’s Speech http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-to-provide-queens-60th-diamond-jubilee-commentary/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-to-provide-queens-60th-diamond-jubilee-commentary/#When:15:59:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_18181044Vy21rNMW1.jpg" alt="The Keiser’s Speech" />< Much like the coming Olympic Games, the Queens 60th Jubilee is another excuse for the great unwashed to be reminded of their dutiful need to be 'grateful and patriotic' like good subjects whilst simultaneously having their pensions cut, benefits removed and civil rights hastily eroded.Needless to say, the prospect of the Diamond Jubilee excited us much as getting our toenails chewed off by Prince Phillip (aside from the bonus bank holiday piss-up opportunity - obvs). That was, however, until we found out that our favourite fashion patriarch, none other than Herr Karl Lagerfeld himself is gonna be lending his Deutche tones to the proceedings, courtesy of France 2 Television!Yes, commoners, as the doors of Buckingham Palace fling open and out hobbles Ma'am and co. in tow, we expect nothing less than a scathing, cutting commentary from Kaiser Karl. "Mein Gott! Vas in der Hell ist Frau Middleton verring??" we want to hear him cry."Pippa ist ein grosse porker, nein!!??"Will The Ginge sartorially upstage poor balding Wills? Will the Tweeledee and Tweeledum twins (aka Eugenie and Beatrice) opt for headwear equally as heinous as Bea's 'ovarian toilet seat' Royal Wedding disaster? These are the burning matters we want Karl's opinions on NOW!Franco journalists Marie Drucker and journalist Stéphane Bern are set to join Karl for the broadcast which will no doubt be the only way one should consume any of the silly Jubilee circus, accompanied with a generous jug or twelve of Pimms, of course.Long live the Karl! 2012-04-18T15:59:58+00:00 EXHIBITION FOCUS: Pick Me Up 2012 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/exhibition-focus-pick-me-up-2012-somerset-house/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/exhibition-focus-pick-me-up-2012-somerset-house/#When:08:32:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/pickmeup1.jpg" alt="EXHIBITION FOCUS: Pick Me Up 2012" />< The last time TTR were strolling around the basement space at Somerset House it was for the London Fashion Week A/W 12' exhibitions, so it was certainly a noticeably different crowd when we headed to Pick me up Contemporary Graphic Art Fair over the weekend. Less clacking Louboutins, more squeaking Converse, but no less of a creative buzz, and dare we say it, slightly more enjoyable! With work on display from some amazing graphic artists and collectives from the UK, events, workshops and prints to buy with pricetags as sweet as a tenner, Pick Me Up is totes fun. We started our journey around the colourful plethora of print, with a stop off at Print Club London. An East London gem, who had set up shop, screen-printing live, featuring some super duper artists and print makers. Particular favourites were Esther McManus, who's intricate, narrative lead prints have been (unsurprisingly) popular with visitors and press alike at the event, and Screen-printing/illustration powerhouse Dominic Owen, who was on hand signing his bold offerings, hot off the press to his adoring fans.  One of our favourite time-killing spots of Shoreditch; Beach London, also had a space, with books one aspires to own, and in classic Beach style, beautiful aesthetically yet grubby thematically print work. Luring us in with amazing execution and colour, only to find yourself enchanted by a phallus. We particularly swooned over Jasper Dunk's riso-prints for 25 squids.  We weren't left hankering for that fashion feeling, as Viktor Hachmang and Raphael Garnier of Landfill editions provided the textile gorgeousness in their space; I particularly salivated over Hachmang's silk scarf. The dark imagery with the soft pastel colours was super duper. In the Pick Me Up selects area, Matthew the Horse's unfalteringly funny ink drawings went down an absolute treat. With artists including Marcus Oakley, Jean Julien and many more, there is SO much to see at Pick Me Up, the atmosphere is focussed on interaction, fun and getting stuck in, definitely worth a visit.  No blogging suites or organza in sight, but in our humble opinion, exchanging air kissing and current season show-pieces for accessible, UK made art for a hot minute will definitely give you a pick me up. Pick Me Up runs until 1st April 2012-03-28T08:32:29+00:00 Immaculate Collection? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Madonna-reveals-exclusive-shoe-collection-for-aldo/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Madonna-reveals-exclusive-shoe-collection-for-aldo/#When:15:59:32Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/madonna-2011-venice-film-festival.jpg" alt="Immaculate Collection?" />< Times must be hard in the Madonna household. The Material Mum’s the latest diva-turned-cash-cow by moonlighting as a cobbler (see also: Cheryl Cole for Stylist Pick and Kanye West for Louis Vuitton.) Proving a girl can have her cake and eat it too, the past year’s seen the irrepressible Madge with her fingers in duplicitous dollar-filled pies from her own Truth Or Dare line, a new album, her own fragrance and a feature film. So it comes as no surprise that the bankable powerhouse would keep the cheques flowing in and lend her name to a Fall 2012 shoe collection in collaboration with Aldo. With expectations high, it was with baited breath that the fashion world waited for a sneak peak at the line. Madonna! The good girl gone bad! All fishnet tights, frizzy hair and bullet bras. The ever-changing siren of cool in contemporary pop. How could they possibly go wrong?   Creative consultant Arianne Phillips has revealed on the collection, ‘the first thing I did was remind Madonna of the shoes she’s worn over the years’, not exactly a recipe for ground-breaking originality. She also revealed that the range will be, rather dryly, inspired by ‘dance’ (really, Madonna?!) If this is the case, the preview photos look more Striptease at Spearmint Rhino than Get Into The Groove. Snakeskin platforms, gold t-bars and studded stilettos - nothing that we haven’t seen on a Friday night in Wetherspoons With prices starting from sixty quid, Madge’s new range certainly won’t burn a hole in your pocket but we’d advise you to save your pennies and wait for Agyness Deyn's collection in collaboration with Doc Marten which is bound to make more of a statement. 2012-03-18T15:59:32+00:00 DESIGN FOCUS: The Barcelona Chair http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-barcelona-chair-modernist-furniture-design-classic/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-barcelona-chair-modernist-furniture-design-classic/#When:17:07:38Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Barcelona-chair-.jpg" alt="DESIGN FOCUS: The Barcelona Chair" />< Contrary to our usual ranting, we don't just bitch about fashion stuff at The Real Runway, from time to time we like to get our worshipping hats on and celebrate all round class design. There are fewer iconic pieces of furniture design than the peerless Barcelona Chair. At over a staggering eighty years old, it's hard to acknowledge this awesome assembly of leather and steel is nothing other than contemporary, such is the chair's flawless, minimalist nature. So anyway, here's our TRR love letter to a pure design classic.This Barcelona chair business began back in 1929 and was the lovechild of Bauhaus architects Ludwig Miles van der Rohe and Lilly Reich. Designed exclusively for the German Pavillion - the country's entry into the International Exposition (hosted in, you guessed it, Barcelona) the chair and accompanying ottoman's taut, quilted square reclining cushions juxtapose with the smooth curves of the steel frames, inspired by the ergonomic folding Roman Curule chairs. Even in its royal pavilion setting, the chair's minimal design knocked out visitors.Much like a Chesterfield, Arne Jacobsen's egg chair or Salvidor Dali's lips sofa, the Barcelona Chair is that rarefied era-defying modernist classic which which transcends interior trends over the years and looked relevant and chic in any epoch. Think of any decade's interior fashions: the 60's, 70's or 80's and the BC somehow defines each of them. It's testament to its simultaneously futurist and timeless design that the Barcelona Chair will continue to look badass in many-a home over coming years. 2012-03-14T17:07:38+00:00 BEAUTY FOCUS: Go With The Fro… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/beauty-trend-afro-hair-solange-knowles-thandie-newton/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/beauty-trend-afro-hair-solange-knowles-thandie-newton/#When:15:01:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/solange.jpg" alt="BEAUTY FOCUS: Go With The Fro…" />< It's a lazy Wednesday afternoon, and I'm taking a brain-vacation on the Daily Fail (don't even try and pretend you don't do the same on a caffeine-low) and amongst the reprehensible It-slags, soap stars and Kardashians our eye is drawn to Thandie Newton. Always stays safe on the red carpet Thandie Newton. Flawless skin Thandie Newton. Elfin beauty Thandie Newton. Yeah…sure. As I peruse, my fashion-follicles prick up and notice yet another example of a burgeoning hair trend: the natural 'fro. Thand's has chucked chemical straighteners so her daughters don't feel pressured or ashamed of their natural curls, and to set the example: natural is better. Firstly… Looks hella cute. Secondly, babes… fro's are seriously in right now - what an excellently well-timed act of altruism.  Whilst pounding the streets around London Fashion Week, I couldn't help notice that the 'fro was out in force (something I'd notice, since I sport a do akin to Scary Spice circa 1997 myself) and not just on the street; some of the most influential fashion darlings of the moment are getting in on the action. My immediate reference point to this would be Solange Knowles; DJ, model and sister to Patron Saint Beyonce, SK is definitely one of fashion's current obsessions. Sitting frow (no pun intended) at Fashion Week's and the front pages of magazines, her eclectic aesthetic and expert execution of the 'print block' makes her a favourite with the fash-pack. And her fro is now exception. Moving away from the lace-front route of most black women in fashion, Solange cut it short and started again, and now has an ample eau natural 'fro to show for it. The results hark back to the 60's and 70's, compliments bright colours and a mixture of prints; everything we're going crazy for right now. Another 'fro-connoisseur, and street-style photog' mainstay is Wonderland fash ed' Julia Sarr-Jamois. Her colours are always bright, her mane slightly more untamed than Knowles' or Newton's and her voice, decidedly fashion forward. Jamois isn't a popstar or an actress, she knows her shit, she's a cross-section of the 'fashion woman'. This works to show that the fashion industry is going to take reference from within, and the black woman makes up a tangible, influential and aesthetically rich part of the industry, it's no wonder the hair is getting bigger. We saw Meadham Kirchoff's quaffed luminous 'fro's sauntering down the runway last season and every editorial seems to be brimming with curly locks; this all has to come from somewhere.  As the afro crops up more and more on the street, the runway and the magazines, it kind of warms my heart that Thandie is showing her daughters to embrace their curls, (it's not always the easiest thing to do in the awkward years) After all the hairstyle crosses trends, race and gender and symbolises something decidedly fun about personal style.  I'll end with a sentence I mostly regard with disgust and cringeworthy aversion when it gets used in fashion; but with regards to this style, I feel like it works: "If you've got it, flaunt it." 2012-02-29T15:01:07+00:00 LFW: Ashish http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-ashish-autumn-winter-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-ashish-autumn-winter-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/#When:15:03:54Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ashish1.jpg" alt="LFW: Ashish" />< With a fanbase as flamboyant as the collections themselves and a growing reputation amongst the bright young tricks of London, Ashish definitely has the hype of London down to a tee. Recent seasons prompted a few whispers of derivative ideas and question marks arose on the one trick sequinned pony. His Spring Summer 12 pieces were literally everywhere, and we were eager to see where Ashish would take it next.  The sequins were still very much (omni)present and we weren't complaining because he sure does 'em well, but with this came slouchy layering, loud slogans, tie die and coloured denim. Citing  influences as 'New Age, rainbows and Goa' we couldn't help feeling it was more like watching the queue to a Dalston watering-hole as opposed to a New Age nirvana. His references to London's subcultures were all too brash, smiley faces and oversized denim feel like they've been shown, shot and copied by now. A little too done? Although the splashes of sequins and use of colour worked well, the slogans hit a bit of a bum note in a sea of yin and yangs, head scarves and hackneyed hippy-dippy prints which would have been more at home splattered on 1970's sofas. There is no doubt in our minds that Ashish does colour like no other, understands the energy required to successfully show in London, and definitely showcased some stand-alone super strong pieces, but it was the concept we wasn't totally buying. Although definitely over-hipsterized, still an interesting direction and pleasant cacophony of shape and colour, and as we say, resolutely London.    2012-02-23T15:03:54+00:00 LFW: Christian Blanken http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian-blanken-autumn-winter-2012-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian-blanken-autumn-winter-2012-london-fashion-week/#When:11:38:34Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/daily2.jpg" alt="LFW: Christian Blanken" />< For A/W '12, the Christian Blanken girl is no shrinking violet. Daywear looks consisted of angular, clean and sharp tailoring in a muted palette of blacks, greys and ivories. Minimalism was key, with beautifully square-cut mini dresses adding a feminine touch to the otherwise gamine collection of austere trouser suits and funnel necked tunics. Proving that less is more, spontaneous splashes of red and leather wildly permeated the clean cut, industrial severity that lent itself to the rest of the sporty collection. His trademark shearling jacket returned this season, an easy and chic addition to the autumn/winter looks. Dresses that slip on and off with the simplicity of a humble t-shirt brought a softer focus to eveningwear, with elegant draping and ruching creating a loose fitting silhouette of fluid silk. The looks were finished with Armenta military inspired belts and rather precarious Terry De Havilland python stilettos that were rather more Essex than exotic and left several models teetering on the brink of ass-over-tit. Setting to redefine the modern, functional wardrobe for the contemporary woman, Blanken’s collection is no game-changer, but it has worth. Amongst the all the experimentation and eccentricity of Fashion Week, Blanken presented a perfectly wearable collection that’s, quite frankly, a breath of fresh air. 2012-02-23T11:38:34+00:00 LFW: Fred Butler http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/fred-butler-autumn-winter-2012-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/fred-butler-autumn-winter-2012-london-fashion-week/#When:12:10:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/_fred5.jpg" alt="LFW: Fred Butler" />< The Real Runway's favourite technicolour wizardress, Fred Butler brought an injection of riotous colour to Somerset House's Portico rooms yesterday. Her short and oh-so-candy sweet salon show alongside the soundtrack provided exclusively for Butler by Charlie XCX was fun, playful and touchable - basically Rainbow Brite on Acid. Her classic origami formations were teamed with interwoven Fair Isle knits and pastel leotards, playfully contrasting soft and hard shapes and textured quilting. Something of a super-sharp fashion polymath, Butler also designs and produces sets, props and furniture hire for editorial shoots and thus, she never misses a trick. Minute detail attention was given to the models from tip to toe. With candy hued hair adorned with signature intricate geometric head pieces and interwoven rope bands, to eyepopping nails adorned with cute sushi patterns by Marian Newman. The detailing didn't end there with Butler collaborating with newcomer Rosy Nicolas for another season on footwear. The beautiful pastel knit stilettos with neat micro ankle socks underscored Butler's homespun, crafty aesthetic. The omnipresent multi-colour sailors knots almost gave a sense of a nautical rainbow paradise; a look that Butler is no stranger to. Butler continues to grow from season to season with her wearablity and craftsmanship becoming increasingly more polished and honed. Always our first port of call for a dose of colourful cheery joy, the Queen of Rainbows continues to go from strength to strength. You can download the exclusive show soundtrack, created exclusively by Charlie XCX for free for a limited time 2012-02-21T12:10:23+00:00 LFW: Craig Lawrence http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-autumn-winter-2012-craig-lawrence/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-autumn-winter-2012-craig-lawrence/#When:16:57:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/craig2.jpg" alt="LFW: Craig Lawrence" />< Craig Lawrence's London Fashion Week salon show is always a seasonal highlight for TTR, and this season was no exception. With his A/W 12 collection Lawrence continuing his one man crusade to inject a dose of high octane sex into the perhaps otherwise not-quite-as-white-hot world of knitwear. With a volcanic, earthy colour pallette and sheer form fitting knits, the models were dripping with bronzed decadence. The tone was resolutely sultry with peekaboo panels of sheer gauze but Lawrence expertly mixed it up with playful crop tops, slouchy hoods and oversized polar-neck collars. This irreverent side was also explored through the pops of intense sparkle; breathtaking without being gaudy or too razzle-dazzle. The multiple bare midriffs were perhaps a tad too bold given this is a winter collection (note to self, must layer up) but then compromising on fun and quirkiness has never been Lawrence's modus operandi. The micro crop-tops and knitted knickers will easily work over longer layers. Emphasis was on texture, which is a given with knitwear, but it was executed with perfection, the oranges, umbers, rusts and golds highlighting the intricacy and beauty of the pieces. Silhouettes occasionally veered away form the usual long-n-lean with a few voluminous skirts swinging like prom dresses, but were otherwise bodycon and figure hugging. The final look; a show-stopping cocktail dress, was sexy and glamourous, with a Lawrence twist. With a hint of the luxury of Gucci SS12 and experimental knitwear of signature Craig Lawrence styles, summed up a strong, mature and progressive collection.    2012-02-19T16:57:18+00:00 Keep It Down Karl http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-slags-off-adele-for-being-too-fat/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-slags-off-adele-for-being-too-fat/#When:11:06:36Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Adelepic.jpg" alt="Keep It Down Karl" />< So Karl Lagerfeld can't shut up. Mrs TTR has already sunk her claws into the mononchrome motor-mouth earlier this week with her piece regarding his comments on the style-less middle class. No sooner had her proverbial ink dried had Karl piped up again, and this time the victim of his vitriol was amongst others, singer Adele. Now we're not gonna sit here defending everyone Karl's got a gripe with. That seems to cover female stars of Twilight and the whole of the Russian male population, and frankly we haven't the time. But it doesn't seem that we're alone in thinking Adele doesn't deserve to be publicly called fat (besides, come on Karl we all remember how you looked in the 80's - and wearing threads resembling something from a free classifieds ad). We believe the question posed to Karl was: "What do you think of Lana Del Rey?" To which his response was that he preferred Adele and Florence Welch. Erm, OK, not exactly an answer, but leave it there then? no. "She's a little too fat, buts she has a beautiful face and a divine voice." Ahem, sorry K, but how did a Q about Lana mutate into your personal rundown of Adele's vital statistics?Sure, Adele is too big to walk down a catwalk and she'll never be shoe-horning herself into a Florence-esque outfit, but Karl, you know she exists entirely in the medium of her emoshe ballads and very little else. She belts out that heartbreak, she's never asked to be a 'brand'. She 'makes music for ears not for eyes', and even if we're sick of being reminded of our romantic failings from the constant warbling, she's doing that pretty well. Misogyny and fat-phobia in fashion is becoming such a bore. Karl Lagerfeld feels Adele's weight (and 'beautiful face') is up-for-grabs is because she's a female singer; therefore fair game for objectification in terms of fashion. A fat fella singer whose conducted themselves in the same way Adele would not have to put up with this shit: why oh why Karl must you be such a boring stereotype?Kelly Cutrone; PR guru and serial badass piped up the lovely rhyme, "If you love Adele then boycott Chanel." Nice sentiment, but you can bet Adele's got a Chanel bag, (like, what 23 year old millionaire woman from Tottenham wouldn't?) and we also bet she ain't gonna be burning it anytime soon. Comments like this warrant boycott of a brand, or uproar for that matter, but they do warrant a little question mark at who we turn to as a talking point on...well anything.Karl can't be trusted because he's good at making frocks and revolutionising fashion houses, not...(clearly) at giving his opinion on Lana Del Rey. Which FYI isn't as articulate as ours (just sayin'). Calling a woman fat from a totally unprovoked stand-point, shouldn't have the biting effect it does, but guess what? It does. It'll get some young women feeling shitty, it'll get some thinking twice about that mid-morning Hobnob and feeling like they should agree with Karl.We don't mean to get our Gok Wan's on; we aren't suggesting that everyone is beautiful and we should all romp off into the sunset in our Bridget Jones knickers, trampling on Karl and his glasses all to the theme tune of 'Here Come The Girls' but in this case Karl's barking up the wrong tree. Dude, you're 78, not 11. Adele can stick to warbling to the heartbroken and Karl can stick to frocks. End of. 2012-02-09T11:06:36+00:00 Lie To Us Lana http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lana-del-rey-fake-image-or-authentic-popstar/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lana-del-rey-fake-image-or-authentic-popstar/#When:15:47:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lana_del_rey-born-to-die.jpg" alt="Lie To Us Lana" />< So yeah, Lana Del Rey's got an album out…Haven't you heard? Oh its probably because the promotion's been super subtle... Oh wait! Yeap, its time for the TTR two cents re: Del Rey. You must've known it was coming, we're pretty sure even Horse and Hound are doing a feature on her. Yes the pucker-lipped princess of the pseudonym is everywhere, and it seems the great swathes of initial awe and lust are moving in a more questioning direction. Her album is getting a bit of a slamming review wise, despite being number one in like every country. She's Louis Vuitton clad on the front of Vogue (no mean feet after what… two singles?) But who she actually is seems to be at the forefront of everyone's minds. And to be honest, its not that hard to see why. The thing about using a stage name is that the first thing the press ask is, "So, err, what's your real name?" as soon as theres the slightest hint of the disingenuous, a whiff of deception, the investigation pitches up, and unfortunately for Lana, well Lizzy to be precise, there's yellow tape, all round her crime scene… The media smell a rat. She's not the first to pop into the cultural consciousness from a few YouTube videos and a nice set of pins, but she is definitely something different to what dominates the mainstream right now. Whereas Rihanna is a product of Beyonce, Nikki Minaj a product of Lil Kim and Gaga a product of, well, the list's too long, Lana's not like your average top 40er. There's certainly borrowed elements: a little Winehouse-eqsue pain, some of the weird disconnect you get from Florence and the Machine and those Monroe references are constant - but her delivery, her look, her approach is something new. And that's tough. When you're something new, and you want to be 'accepted' you have to spend a lot of time making the idiots 'get it'. People spend a lot of time going…"oh? so this is like, what your about? ...really?"  The issue with Lana Del Rey, is that her answers don't seem water tight. One minute she's fresh from a trailer park, all ghetto nails and heartbreak, next minute theres a billionaire daddy backing her to the hilt. She's pitching herself as the 'Gangster Nancy Sinatra' but we're pretty sure Nance' woulda made a bit less of a pig's ear of that Saturday Night Live performance. Next thing you know, the tabloids are squawking: 'She's buckling under the pressure'…'Friend's say she's cracking'. They've only known her name five minutes that didn't take long.   Being something different, carving your own hole into the industry and nestling comfortably in there is what separates the wheat from the chaff, it's the stuff great stardom is made from. The aforementioned Winehouse is a prime example of this, but if there's one thing the media never questioned was whether she was genuine. In fact it seems the more genuine are in this field, the more likely you are to meet an untimely demise, maybe Lana's just protecting herself from this glare with a suit of armour made of denim and sex appeal, but that seems unlikely. She's probs just got a good stylist. That's the thing with Del Rey is its hard to know if she's just some girl with a good team of image makers and a nice Barnet, or the 'real deal' whatever that might be. Our instinct is that we won't get that answer for a while. What makes a performer is their live offerings, no matter what her die hard fans say she still has some stuff to prove on that front. If it turns out her whole persona is as surgically pumped up as her top lip, its pretty likely she'll be chewed up and spat out before you can say 'collagen'. But if that's really her, we've got a fucking superstar on our hands. 'Born to Die' is out now. 2012-02-02T15:47:49+00:00 When Prada Met Laura Ashley… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/photographing-laura-ashley-panel-discussion-philip-meech-prada-martin-wood/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/photographing-laura-ashley-panel-discussion-philip-meech-prada-martin-wood/#When:03:35:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/philip_meechphilip meech" alt="When Prada Met Laura Ashley…" />< In antithesis to the archetypal post-New Year-boozing-continuation (Us? New Years abstinence? Never!) we, instead, got our cultural heads on and went along to the brilliant Fashion and Textile Museum with the aim of learning something. To be specific: listen to a panel discussion on the role of the photographer in a fashion and lifestyle brand. Prada photographer Philip Meech, Laura Ashley biographer Martin Wood and the FTM's curator Dennis Northdruft threw their ideas in the mix. Martin Wood (author of Laura Ashley) got things rolling; focusing on images that Jane Ashley (daughter of the aforementioned) shot for her mothers iconic brand from the late sixties onwards which worked to transform the Laura Ashley brand and solidify it's aesthetic. The classic imagery of Ashley's Victorian romanticism came to life with Wood's personal insights as well as input from Jane herself. The strength of the images and their power to nostalgically evoke a bygone era was evident in spades and Martin's confirmation that Laura herself was not a designer, but an editor (acutely aware of trends before they exploded, what would or would not be popular) explained how such an iconic aesthetic came alive with exceptionally executed photography. Prada photographer Philip Meech (whose work is actually on display at FTM) held court next, with and altogether different perspective. With Laura Ashley it was the photography which worked to expand the brands influence, but Meech stepped into a brand that was already globally successful. His work as a reportage photojournalist was eyeballed by Prada and subsequently hijacked to convert backstage documentary imagery into fashion photographs in their own right. Meech's interests were inspiring and lay somewhat removed from silly fashion nonsense and the Prada fashion house: the capturing of stolen moments, the calm within the chaos and glimpses of humanity working to create amazing fashion images. Meech's work is featured on Prada's 'fantasy look books' sent to approximately 100,000 people each season, separate to the main campaigns. His imagery brings a fresh and perhaps subversive subversive perspective to such an iconic brand via his distinctly non-fashion approach. On hand to polarize the differences between the two examples was FTM curator Dennis Nothdruft who expertly underscored the breadth of photography's influence within the industry whilst emphasising the different approaches from launching a brand to revitalizing it. Nothdruft has also curated 'Catwalk to Cover'; an exhibition documenting the many faces of fashion, which also features some of Philip Meeche's work. It runs until February 25th at the Fashion and Textiles Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 2012-01-16T03:35:56+00:00 Wild at Heart: 20 Years Of Dazed And Confused http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dazed-and-confused-magazine-celebrates-twentieth-anniversary/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dazed-and-confused-magazine-celebrates-twentieth-anniversary/#When:15:03:52Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dazed_crop.jpg" alt="Wild at Heart: 20 Years Of Dazed And Confused" /><   The Terrace Rooms of Somerset House were awash this month with 20 years of fashion history as Dazed and Confused celebrated two memorable decades in the industry. Making It Up As We Go Along charms exhibition-goers with all the irreverent attitude, youthful bravado and two-fingers spirit of Jefferson Hack and Rankin’s nineties-born tome. Coinciding with the publication of a book in the same name, a stylish selection of the most iconic spreads from the publication charts a chronological journey from the magazines humble beginnings in 1991 to the glossy aesthetics of the publication at present date. Jefferson Hack and Emma Reeves curate to capture some of the most poignant moments in the magazines cult history; from Rankin’s signature portraits of Beth Ditto, Blondie and Kate Moss to Dazed pin-up boy Luke Worrall’s first shoot with newly instated Nicola Formichetti as Creative Director. Editorial shoots from Nick Knight, David Sims and Terry Richardson serve as a perceptible reminder of the magazines stellar alumni whilst interviews and contributions from Damien Hirst, David Lynch and Thom York set the barometer for dynamic content. Angular mirrored sculptures reflect the plethora of fashion darlings adorning the walls, making the magazine come to life in all the magnificence of Somerset House. Room 1 captures the first ten years of the glossy and with it, the emergence of 90’s grunge culture. Haunting portraits of Kids heroine Chloe Sevigny, Harmony Korrine and Iggy Pop decorate the walls in various states of undress. Jeurgen Teller’s Interstella Overdrive exposes a youthful and fresh-faced Kate Moss on the brink of success whilst a Jarvis Cocker cut out standing in line at a fast-food bar echoes back to the first stirrings of New Labour’s Cool Britannia in Rankin’s 1996 Pulp, It’s A Rap. Room 2 heralds the last decade’s fascination with celebrity culture, including the iniquitous Fake Issue Cover starring the ‘is-he-or-isn’t-he’ Jacko-alike. Gareth Pugh’s first issue cover in 2004, featuring the red and white balloons from his BA collection, is a fantastic example of how Dazed has become a stage for designers to break into the public stratosphere. Showcasing the work of a little-known Central St Martin’s graduate is risky business, but as founder Jefferson Hack states “everything came from a spirit of curiosity – a core attitude that is purely informed by the feeling and mood of the times.” Further into the exhibition and we are treated to a vibrant and colourful collection of images from the late noughties in Room 3 entitled Scary Monsters and Super Creeps. Mark Pillai’s 2009 Tye-Dye story features a very on-trend, rainbow-haired Anastasia Kuznetsova who could give the BLEACH girls a run for their money. Elsewhere, photographs of London’s Youth come to the forefront of the magazine’s current history, highlighting the entrepreneurial do-it-yourself culture that has emerged from the internet, blogging and social networking. The exhibition concludes with a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen and the magical and inspiring ideas he contributed to the magazine before his untimely death. This includes his 2001 uber-creepy Salo installation and groundbreaking disability shoot Fashion-Able, which Hack sites as a turning point for the magazine in terms of capturing headlines on a global scale. Despite turning twenty, Dazed and Confused shows no sign of losing the reckless and wanton teenage abandon it has consistently seduced us with every month for the past two decades. Now immortalized in print, the exhibition and accompanying book is perfect for any fashion aficionado interested in British style press and magazine culture. The Terrace Rooms of Somerset House were awash this month with 20 years of fashion history as Dazed and Confused celebrated two memorable decades in the industry. Making It Up As We Go Along charms exhibition-goers with all the irreverent attitude, youthful bravado and two-fingers spirit of Jefferson Hack and Rankin’s nineties-born tome. Coinciding with the publication of a book in the same name, a stylish selection of the most iconic spreads from the publication charts a chronological journey from the magazines humble beginnings in 1991 to the glossy aesthetics of the publication at present date. Jefferson Hack and Emma Reeves curate to capture some of the most poignant moments in the magazines cult history; from Rankin’s signature portraits of Beth Ditto, Blondie and Kate Moss to Dazed pin-up boy Luke Worrall’s first shoot with newly instated Nicola Formichetti as Creative Director. Editorial shoots from Nick Knight, David Sims and Terry Richardson serve as a perceptible reminder of the magazines stellar alumni whilst interviews and contributions from Damien Hirst, David Lynch and Thom York set the barometer for dynamic content. Angular mirrored sculptures reflect the plethora of fashion darlings adorning the walls, making the magazine come to life in all the magnificence of Somerset House. Room 1 captures the first ten years of the glossy and with it, the emergence of 90’s grunge culture. Haunting portraits of Kids heroine Chloe Sevigny, Harmony Korrine and Iggy Pop decorate the walls in various states of undress. Jeurgen Teller’s Interstella Overdrive exposes a youthful and fresh-faced Kate Moss on the brink of success whilst a Jarvis Cocker cut out standing in line at a fast-food bar echoes back to the first stirrings of New Labour’s Cool Britannia in Rankin’s 1996 Pulp, It’s A Rap. Room 2 heralds the last decade’s fascination with celebrity culture, including the iniquitous Fake Issue Cover starring the ‘is-he-or-isn’t-he’ Jacko-alike. Gareth Pugh’s first issue cover in 2004, featuring the red and white balloons from his BA collection, is a fantastic example of how Dazed has become a stage for designers to break into the public stratosphere. Showcasing the work of a little-known Central St Martin’s graduate is risky business, but as founder Jefferson Hack states “everything came from a spirit of curiosity – a core attitude that is purely informed by the feeling and mood of the times.” Further into the exhibition and we are treated to a vibrant and colourful collection of images from the late noughties in Room 3 entitled Scary Monsters and Super Creeps. Mark Pillai’s 2009 Tye-Dye story features a very on-trend, rainbow-haired Anastasia Kuznetsova who could give the BLEACH girls a run for their money. Elsewhere, photographs of London’s Youth come to the forefront of the magazine’s current history, highlighting the entrepreneurial do-it-yourself culture that has emerged from the internet, blogging and social networking. The exhibition concludes with a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen and the magical and inspiring ideas he contributed to the magazine before his untimely death. This includes his 2001 uber-creepy Salo installation and groundbreaking disability shoot Fashion-Able, which Hack sites as a turning point for the magazine in terms of capturing headlines on a global scale. Despite turning twenty, Dazed and Confused shows no sign of losing the reckless and wanton teenage abandon it has consistently seduced us with every month for the past two decades. Now immortalized in print, the exhibition and accompanying book is perfect for any fashion aficionado interested in British style press and magazine culture. Making It Up As We Go Along runs until 29th Jan 2012 at Somerset House, W1 2011-12-22T15:03:52+00:00 Sexy VS Skeletal? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karlie-kloss-shocking-cover-shoot-pulled-by-vogue-italia/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karlie-kloss-shocking-cover-shoot-pulled-by-vogue-italia/#When:15:01:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Karlie-Kloss-Nude-Vogue-Italia-December-2011Steven-Meisel.jpg" alt="Sexy VS Skeletal?" />< This month’s edition of Vogue Italia has certainly had the fashion world in a frenzy, once again digging up that old ‘size zero’ chestnut. 19 year-old Karlie Kloss’s contorted pretzel torso made headlines after the title unceremoniously pulled the plug on an image of the supermodel looking rather angular on their online site. The December cover shoot, photographed by Steven Meisel, caused uproar when an image of Kloss in Daisy Dukes, dramatically twisted at the waist was found doing the rounds on thinspiration blogs and ‘pro ana’ sites encouraging anorexia. Just when we thought curvy was making a comeback, Vogue Italia editor Franka Sozzani has defended the pelvic predicament on her blog, stating the removal of the picture was a mistake and a formality to avoid an unnecessary weight argument. She has even gone so far as to dub Kloss ‘The New Body’, presumably leaving Elle Macpherson crying into her swimsuit. Whether Karlie Kloss has a hot bod or not is certainly subjective, and as usual fashion followers have made no bones about lambasting the waifs size zero assets on the blogging network. The online uproar has left Sozanni looking particularly red-faced after she passionately launched an anti-anorexia campaign earlier in the year. Personally, those angles look a little too sharp for our liking. Thank god it’s nearly Christmas and Karlie can get her hands on some well-deserved mince pies. 2011-12-15T15:01:18+00:00 The Devil Gets Its Wrists Slapped http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hm-revenue-customs-introduce-strict-rules-on-unpaid-fashion-interning/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hm-revenue-customs-introduce-strict-rules-on-unpaid-fashion-interning/#When:11:52:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/meryl.jpg" alt="The Devil Gets Its Wrists Slapped" />< To anyone who's laboured in the fashion industry, hearing the glamorous job title of 'unpaid intern' will not come with the slightest bit of surprise. Said much put-upon intern isn't just the person collecting samples, steaming the fabrics and licking the floor of the fashion cupboard clean anymore: their roles are so manifold they're the very lynchpin of the operations, making the collections come to life. To make a collection come alive you don't need a team: you need an army. With so many fashion graduates pouring from schools with an abundance of naivety, extraordinary talent (and glasses of the rose-tinted variety) designers can pretty much take their pick of the willing-but-wet-behind-the-ears. This economic downturn this hasn't only accelerated the fashion-slave industry. Whilst obviously it benefits from this phenomenon (duh, it's totally win-win for the designer)  just take a look at London's recent fashion weeks, the anti gets upped every time.  So, three cheers for the fact that HM Revenue and Customs have finally caught on to this little slavery-loophole: it seems they finally smell a rat of the exploitative variety. A whopping 102 fashion houses that show at London Fashion Week have received stern letters of warning that they are 'under scrutiny' for treating unpaid interns like paid employees. The assumption being that by next London Fashion Week conditions will have started to change.  Having undertaken internships (good and bad) in this rather chilly economic climate, I have to say it's gonna take more than a few finger-wagging letters to cut out this practice in fashion. That fashion relies on interns is an understatement. Who do we think does this heavy embellishment? If we want to change the system of internships within fashion, more stringent guidelines should be made for the fashion houses, yes, but also for the interns themselves. If you ain't getting a dime well, then there's some shots you're well within your rights to call, and if done correctly you'll take away something amazing from one of the most exciting industries to be a part of.  Let's not forget that the face of fashion isn't the chauffeured-to-the-front-row champagne-sippers. Its the girl fetching their Starbucks. 2011-12-14T11:52:18+00:00 Girls Get Busy http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/duran-duran-girl-panic-music-video/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/duran-duran-girl-panic-music-video/#When:15:19:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/pop_duran-duran-girl-panic_-AMBASSADOR-HENDO_Cindy-Crawford_Naomi-Campbell_eva-herzigoa_helena-christensen-495x412.jpg" alt="Girls Get Busy" />< Those six-figure ad campaigns just don’t pay the bills like they used to. These days our favourite supermodels of yesteryear can be found earning a crust whilst romping around the Savoy, guzzling Moët and trashing hotel suites for our viewing pleasure. We’re, of course, talking about the much anticipated Girl Panic video by Duran Duran, which sees Naomi, Cindy, Eva, Yasmin and Helena assume the egos and tuxedos of the notorious eighties new romantic band in their hedonistic hey day. With all the usual cliché’s of reckless rebellion, the nine-minute featurette sees the girls in a whirlwind of leather, sequins, feathers and lipstick lez-ploitation as Duran Duran take on the world, or at least the mini bar. Explicit nudity has already seen the video banned from MTV, which is unsurprising considering it’s directed by bonkers virtuoso Jonas Åkerlund (the man responsible for the outrageous semi-nudist jail spectacle that is Lady Gaga’s Telephone.) At the helm of the video is Naomi Campbell, the bitch we all love to hate, playing Simon Le Bon in a staple oversized fur coat. Mad props go to Dolce and Gabanna for lending their hands in the stylist department – classic refined elegance with a very season appropriate (fashion, not weather) S&M feel. Proving sex definitely does still sell, this video will probably go down in history. It’s a shame George Michael already trademarked the idea in his Freedom 90 video. Sloppy seconds, anyone? Words: Liz Connor 2011-12-13T15:19:18+00:00 The Real Runway’s Annual Fragrance Gift Guide! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christmas-2011-fragrance-perfume-gift-guide/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christmas-2011-fragrance-perfume-gift-guide/#When:08:07:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/olfactory-1.jpg" alt="The Real Runway’s Annual Fragrance Gift Guide!" />< Fragrances. Everybody loves a Yuletide bottle, but failure to nail the perfect person-to-perfume combo will mean only an epic Xmas fail and a swift banishment from the dinner table. No, granny did not want Rihanna’s Reb'l Fleur, nor did little brother want YSL’s Kouros. With this in mind: Welcome to TRR’s Annual Christmas Fragrance Gift Guide! Let it be said, our shit does stank and this is the indispensable, failsafe manuel au parfum to take you by the nose and lead you to exactly what to buy and for whom – including yourself. As usual, each year we wrap our nostrils round 2011’s highlights along with a soupcon of enduring classics that have kept our olfactory senses aroused over the years.   THE HE/SHE ANDROGYNOUS CONCOCTION - Maison Martin Margiela (Untitled) Smells Like: Fresh Air Like the elusive man himself, Martin Margiela's debut fragrance (Untitled) is as enigmatic and minimalist as they come. For Christmas 2011 (Untitled)'s apothecary-esque clinical bottle comes in a sleek, silver limited edition. The gender-ambiguous scent's main element is galbanum - an emblematic and raw material of artisanal perfumery. It's freshness is complimented by the bitterness of green boxwood and herb accents of mastic. Maison Martin Margiela (Untitled) from 62.50 pounds for 50ml available exclusively to Selfridges THE MODERN CLASSIC - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Smells like: A Molotov Cocktail It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since this sensual, floral pong exploded onto our dressing table. What’s not to love about FB? Where do we begin? From the tactility of the grenade-like flacon to its sublime bouquet of samba jasmine, centifolia rose and catleya orchid which harmonizes with patchouli and benzoin. Flowerbomb is a true modern classic. For Christmas 2011 it's had an exquisitely dolled-up couture makeover, replete with fuchsia bows - now that's beautiful belligerence. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Xmas Edition 2011 from 76 pounds for 50ml  THE ‘FOR HIM’ - Bleu de Chanel Smells Like: Franco fantastique! OK we’re suckers for advertising. Or, well, a hot French piece of ass at least.  To our delight, the dreamy Gaspard Ulliel is still doing the rounds this year in Martin Scorcese’s Bleu de Chanel advert - so how could we not be lured to the heady charms of the scent itself..? Fortunately - like its muse - it’s intense, brooding, masculine and tres, tres alluring. One pop of the magnetized lid and an opening veil of citrussy, peppery top notes join richer accords of cedar, frankincense and moss – all making for a seriously sophisticated aroma you want generously doused over the man in your life. Bleu de Chanel from 42 pounds for 50ml THE COMEBACK KING - Versace Vanitas Smells Like: Triumph over adversity 2011 will officially be remembered as The Year Versace Flew Back On The Fashion Radar. A killer collection with H&M (not to mention Gaga's two month devotion to wearing only the house) Versace's cred is sky-high. What better to underscore a successful renaissance with a hot new smell we cry? Versace Vanitas celebrates what they does best: opulence and ostentation. Voluptuous tiara flower sublimated by lime and freesia, enveloped by accents of cedar wood and tonka bean make for a seriously sensual scent. Versace Vanitas from 38 pounds for 85ml   THE TEEN SPRAY - Miss Dior Smells Like: Jailbait Your little sister will forgive you that lifetime of hair-pulling, bitchslapping and general sibling-abuse if you thrust a bottle of this delicious new fruity-floral fragrance from Christian Dior into her palms this Christmas. A modern 2011 remix of the 1947 classic Miss Dior Original, “Miss Dior is a chypre that develops step by step." states creator, François Demachy . "It glides from the sharp charm of a fresh, fruity, citrus prelude into blossoming floral notes, then on to the noble elegance of patchouli, before finally concluding with musk, the last trace of memory.” We say: perfect for a teen’s naïve insouciance.  Sweet yet tender, the bow-bedecked bottle's yummy scent is underpinned with jasmine, rosa Damascena and sandalwood. Christian Dior Miss Dior from 60.50 pounds for 50ml THE FAILSAFE - Acqua Di Parma Gelsomino Nobile Smells Like: Class, Bottled Positively no one would thumb their nose at an Acqua di Parma scent, such is the faultlessness of their age, lifestyle and taste traversing appeal. AdP perfumes are less pretentious concoction, more Just Delicious Refined Smells. Gelsomino Nobile is their latest rich honey-coloured tonic for women. Both gentle yet intense, it masterfully harmonizes jasmine of Calabria with joyful top notes of mandarin, pink pepper and seductive tuberose. Gelsomino Nobile  from 65 pounds for 50ml THE BUY-FOR-YOURSELF-IF-NO-ONE-ELSE-WILL - Burberry Body Smells Like: Well, not B.O. that's for sure "The fragrance is very British and is the most sensual and feminine we've ever worked on" coo's Christopher Bailey. "It's sophisticated, it's modern and it's delicate. Rosie is this beautiful, sensual English rise and perfectly captures the spirit of Burberry." OK, OK, so we can't all look like campaign face Rosie Huntingdon Whitley but splashing on a drop of Burberry Body can get us that little bit closer (well, in our minds…) We love this new shamelessly feminine fragrance, the top notes of green absinthe, peach and freesia harmonise with rose absolute and iris forming a luxurious heady aroma. Burberry from 38 pounds for 85ml   THE HERO/HEROINE SCENTS - Tom Ford Extreme / Violet Blonde Smells Like: The sweet smell of SUCCESS Nothing spells class more than the unholy scent of a Tom Ford fragrance; the tanned Texan’s gourmand fragrances are the byword in luxurious, artisan smells. When a new addition of the Ford women's apothecary arrives, we don't half get our panties in a bunch. Welcome, then, Violet Blonde: within the regal purple and gold housing lies a complex blend of sweet violet leaf, Italian mandarin and Baia rose top notes with woody lower notes of benzoin, cedarwood orpur and Haitian vetiver. Like every Ford potion it's multi-layered and utterly beguiling. We all know there ain’t no man like a Tom Ford man and Tom Ford Extreme is like an amped up version of his classic For Men. Timeless, enduring, gentlemanly and a whole heap of other sophisto-adjectives besides, Extreme smells like what every discerning gent should. Distinctly woody, it fuses herbs and spices (Thai basil, chamomile, cinnamon) with fruity notes of black fig and plum. Accords of leather and aged patchouli nail that vintage grooming parlour ambiance. Tom Ford Extreme from 80 pounds and Violet Blonde from 80 pounds 2011-12-12T08:07:49+00:00 GIFT FOCUS: Tissot Watches http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christmas-gift-focus-tissot-watches-casual-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christmas-gift-focus-tissot-watches-casual-collection/#When:09:34:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/tissot-watch.jpg" alt="GIFT FOCUS: Tissot Watches" />< Swiss timepieces: now we certainly wouldn't sneer at procuring one from our stockings 'pon Christmas morn. We've been lucky enough to peruse Tissot's new weekend collection of watches and present to you, lucky readers, our highlights... First up is the Tissot Courturier: we love the sexy red leather strap, and dare we say, the pretty masculine feel to the face. For those blessed with more scrilla to spare, the Couturier can also come with a diamond bezel. Chronographs can often be too fussy (a bit aspirational James Bond, we think) however Tissot's Dressport is a really elegant model. With a mother of pearl dial and rose gold tone face it combines femininity with functionality.  For an understated day-to-day watch the Classic Dream is a simple, classic (duh) watch and in white looks ultra-fresh. The scratch resistant sapphire crystal and stainless steel case renders it virtually immortal to everyday abuse - hurrah!  The Tissot TXL is dreamily vintage-inspired. With a square face and elegant lines it kinda reminds us of a 1920's Cartier. The embossed leather straps come in a varied pallet of colours (turquoise, red, green, black, pearly white or stainless steel) so snap one up for every outfit. Our favourite model is Tissot's Lovely: a timeless dress watch whose combination of discretion and luxury won us over. The clean dial can come in mother-of-pearl, black, silver or goldtone plus it's also available with a diamond bezel. Whilst we'd naturally team this with a killer LBD this party season (Maison Martin Margiela's leather and jersey number please, Santa) we'd also throw out the rule book and wrap it round our wrists out of party mode for a little luxurious flourish. Tissot Courturier - RRP £195Tissot Dressport – RRP £320Tissot Courturier on White Leather – RRP £195Tissot TXL – RRP £270Tissot Lovely – RRP £150 www.tissot.ch 2011-12-07T09:34:49+00:00 Fakin’ It http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/2011-rise-in-counterfeit-fake-designer-goods-gucci-vuitton/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/2011-rise-in-counterfeit-fake-designer-goods-gucci-vuitton/#When:16:10:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/vuittonbinbag.jpg" alt="Fakin’ It" />< Genuine Wolex watch anyone? Our love of a fake fashion bargain is back on the rise but how bad are those sartorial skid marks imprinted on the industry and in-turn, why the hell are we still faking it?? “Touis Vouiston”, “Georgia Armani”, “Auls Boutique”, these are the oh-so luxurious brands which have prevailed over the Brit car boot market since the early 90’s. Their popularity declined in the early naughties (as our ever expanding disposable incomes instead were stuffed into genuine designer purses) however, in the wake of our doomed economy counterfeit designer goods are back, baby, BACK! British Customs reported a 60% increase in intercepted counterfeit booty coming into the country this year.  Does the cost to the plagiarised brands really add up? Copious numbers of reports confirm that they do in fact lose millions in sales. For every illegal bag found, this is one sale lost to the stores (British Trading Standards Report, (2010))  Is this a sensible assumption? Would these consumers, if fakes were not available, buy the real deal? So here’s the rub: British customs this year seized around 6 million fake products, that’s a lot of bags, and that’s a lot of potentially people frontin' inconspicuous labels - counterfeit or not. All exposure is good exposure, right? We ask, has a back-handed compliment ever really been a bad thing…? 2011-12-01T16:10:18+00:00 SHOPPING FOCUS: Late Night Notting Hill http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/shopping-focus-late-night-notting-hill-christmas-shopping-event-w11/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/shopping-focus-late-night-notting-hill-christmas-shopping-event-w11/#When:12:48:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lnnh.jpg" alt="SHOPPING FOCUS: Late Night Notting Hill" />< Were we inclined to strain against the tide of gift-ravenous consumers belligerently negotiating their way down Oxford Street come 7pm? Were we hell. For London's premier shopping experience a la nuit, the only place we procured our pressies at was Late Night Notting Hill.The spend-a-thon extravaganza incorporated over forty local boutiques including Agent Provocateur, Paul Smith, Helmut Lang and Temperley London. It featured glorious Xmassy vibes by way of mulled wine, special one-night-only discounts and limited edition products.Guided style walk mavericks Fox and Squirrel led us roun a two hour guided walk taking us to the doorsteps of everywhere we needed snap up those Christmas gifts.For more information on all participating boutiques head over to www.latenightnottinghill.co.uk and follow @latenightnottinghillLate Night Notting Hill, W11 Thursday 8th December 2011-12-01T12:48:19+00:00 We Will Wait In Line For Versace… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/large-queues-for-hm-versace-collection-fashion-victims/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/large-queues-for-hm-versace-collection-fashion-victims/#When:19:37:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/donatelladonatella" alt="We Will Wait In Line For Versace…" />< With the Versace for H&M collection hype gaining momentum at lightening speed (so rapid those predictions of stampedes and catfights were all together too accurate) our feelings towards the collection can't help but be mixed. Don't get us wrong, it ain't the actual collection that riles us (studs, leather and Donatella, what's not to love??), but the surrounding hoopla, seems a little… well, cheap.... High-profile designer collabs with high street classics are often tinged with a touch (or dollop) of hysteria. H&M have been bumming designer collaborations since 2004 - and whilst we welcome exposure of brilliant fashion voices to a larger demographic - the image of hysterical femmes clawing at Topshop's windows to a posing Kate Moss after one too many shots in their Starbucks is tragically the key image which refuses to evactuate our brains when this kind of collab comes around.  Who really remembers the collections? Moreover the headlines and imagery of camped out fashion victims? Stroll ten paces down Oxford Circus and you'll find Call-Of-Duty-3-Weapons-Of-Warfare-esque shoot 'em up with desperate fashion fans carrying out the same frenzied (read: sex-starved? Desperate?) blood-lust. Shudder. Definitely not chic. But viewing the collection, there's something about Versace for H&M that is making us wonder whether shunning the tent was wise. We're impressed at the clever are re-working of Versace classics; studded leathers, prints that defined the genre: perhaps worth enduring thosee elbows to the wind-pipe after all. 2011-11-20T19:37:18+00:00 New Collection Focus: Adidas Originals Blue http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/adidas-originals-blue-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/adidas-originals-blue-collection/#When:15:47:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/charlie6.jpg" alt="New Collection Focus: Adidas Originals Blue" />< Being lazy fucks here at TRR sportswear rarely registers on our radar. But when it does it has a lot to live up to; we want it luxe, we want it sexy, we want it wearable goddamit. There's a plethora of brands out there doing it badly and when it's bad, its horrid. This can't be said for adidas originals. A staple classic, whose Tokyo design team know how to sex it up, their new Blue collection brings a little somethin'-somethin' to the otherwise overlooked (in our case) genre. We snuck a look at the new collection at their recent press day and offerings focused a lot on texture, with panels of croc creeping into trainers and accessories and knit printed onto a statement bomber which particularly tickled our fancy. As was to be expected the strongest pieces lied in menswear, harking back to 80's classics reworked into new desirable staples. Clever flashes of colour, wearable and dare we say 'chic' pieces were aplenty. May even inspire us to get gym-bound. Adidas Originals Blue hits stores nationwide on the 15th of October. 2011-10-21T15:47:18+00:00 New Designer Focus: N K O Y O http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new-designer-focus-n-k-o-y-o/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new-designer-focus-n-k-o-y-o/#When:18:13:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_1114457SrR0WHXz.jpg" alt="New Designer Focus: N K O Y O" />< As well as scoffing at fashion nonsense as a happily signed up member of the The Real Runway editorial team, I also am a maker of fashion nonsense: namely my silk scarf label, NKOYO. It seems pretty rare right now to find a fashion writer for whom writing about fashion is the only part of the industry they are involved in. The fashion industry is hands on, and the overlaps are evident everywhere. Nkoyo is my middle name, from the Ibibio word (Imbibo, language spoken in Southern Nigeria - I'll forgive you for not being au fait with regional West African dialects) meaning 'Beautiful One'. Obviously apart from being my name - and also being nice - the meaning of the word reflects what I want to do with the brand. With all of the overlaps that come with fashion at the moment, my work straddles fine art, fashion and illustration, and are just pieces that are beautiful. My current A/W 2011 silk scarves collection is inspired by the contrast between nature and man. The three key influences are man, earth and water, manifesting themselves in designs that reflect the beautiful side of each of these things. For example, the way we beautify ourselves with braiding of the hair, raw amethyst and diamonds and patterns created by water. The illustrations are deeply intricate and detailed, all part and parcel in the quest to create something of beauty. All the drawing is done by myself, as well as water colour painting, printed and made into a piece of wearable art.  My influences are very eclectic. From classic Versace and Balmain silk scarf collections; the filigree detailing, rope and pattern, to Alexander McQueen and those ubiquitous skulls. Also the newer pioneer in print Mary Katranzou, as well as tribal African prints, and botanical drawings.  As a designer, I feel like writing aids the design process and vice versa, the critical eye, and hunger for something better, develops the designs and puts them into different contexts. For me print is something celebrated and revered by the fashion world; the all black staple get-up will forever be hard to break for the most seasoned fashionista, but the revival of print is definitely in full swing and I feel like its definitely a welcome one. NKOYO is available to buy now. www.nkoyo.co.uk  2011-10-10T18:13:18+00:00 S/S 12: Team With The Theme… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/spring-summer-2012-concept-collections/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/spring-summer-2012-concept-collections/#When:17:19:13Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_11145915rXdDFGha.jpg" alt="S/S 12: Team With The Theme…" />< Our World Fashion Month brains have just about stopped spinning, or at least nearly. It takes a few weeks for the looks we've gawped at to truly sink in, The street style to be blogged and the heel induced blisters to, well…heal. Amidst all the Fashion Week bonanza and bullshit, spring/summer 2012 does on the whole look like it's going to be bloody brilliant. The trends this season seem to be pretty clear cut, with great swathes of nice, but not enormously memorable drippy tailoring, nudes versus brights and cut panels, all making for great transitional wardrobe pieces. But what we at TTR really LOVED (somewhat guiltily) about a few stand alone shows from S/S 12 international fashion weeks is the theme of the, err, 'Theme' - or rather, concept collection. It seems some of our favourite designers have been getting their PTA mum hats on, and going all out for a theme this season. Really pushing the boat out, with the effect of a haute couture summer fete. What fun. In London we had Meadham Kirchoff. A super duper fashion moment; igniting tears in some show-goers and general joy from TTR. Marie-Antionette wigs, Courteney Love-meets-BabySpice dancers, ballerinas, crests of balloons and a early Gwen Stephani explosion of girldom that was so brilliant it hurt our eyeballs. The use of the theme to work alongside the collection; demonstrating it's intensions. The brashness highlighting the beauty. "Its a celebration of girls. Of the ridiculous artifice and expectation of female beauty." says Edward Meadham…"A celebration and disgust of it." What's not to love?? A few weeks later and we hop-skip to Paris, and the queen bee of the theme Mr Lagerfeld is hanging up the bunting and arranging the tombolla for the mama of all themes; the Chanel show. Karl's Under the sea concept did not make it's first appearance at Chanel, for one, TTR favourite Fred Butler gave a beautiful sub-aquatic presentation in London, and many collections mirrored the theme. Chanel's sea, however, looked like it was situated 100 leagues under Hollywood. With Florence Welsh getting her Botticelli on, and pearls and sea shells dripping from Karl's 80+ looks, the collection's luminosity and light made it one of the most memorable of recent years.  The purpose of Lagerfeld's theme was very different to Meadham Kirchoff's. Although his apparent disgruntled comments on the many designers currently copying Chanel's iconic tailoring, seemed to mirror his departure from some of the more obvious 'Chanel-ly' looks, under the sea was done to compliment and illuminate the pieces, as opposed to make a statement. Its fashion after all, we don't always want a party conference, and Chanel was a pearly swirly watery delight. After travelling through arks of balloons and a sub-aquatic paradise, we could almost taste the candy floss by the time Louis Vuitton spun around. Last year's Louis Vuitton fetish brothel had us all in a spin… so this 180 degree turn around for this season had almost the same effect. Matte white, candy pinks and yellows, and Kate on a caroussel was so sweet it hurt, sealing the candied looks of Spring with syrupy certainty.  What we've loved about the themes of S/S 12 so much, aside from the girly swirl of playfulness and guilty fun, is the spectacle. That is after all what the fashion weeks are about. Prancing up and down, screaming from the rooftops and striking a pose. We've all done it to varying degrees, so If Karl can't do it from a huge seashell, we all may as well give up now. Style your hair to this season's trends using ghd hair straighteners. Whether you'd like to create sleek sophisticated styles or loose curls, you can do with ghd stylers. Just visit www.ghds.co.uk and browse their styler guide online. 2011-10-10T17:19:13+00:00 LFW: Thanks For The Teen Memories, Rimmel http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/rimmel-london-fashion-week-glam-media-trafalgar-hotel/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/rimmel-london-fashion-week-glam-media-trafalgar-hotel/#When:18:30:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/rimmelbagscrop.jpg" alt="LFW: Thanks For The Teen Memories, Rimmel" />< Rimmel make-up occupies a special place in our no-heart: the first thing TRR ever shoplifted was a frosted pink Pat Butcher-esque Rimmel lipstick. That illicit thrill combined with the dalliance into gown-up, made-up adulthood solidified our love for the iconic rites-of-passage British cosmetic brand - not to mention a bit of five-fingered-discount. But we digress. Fast forward twenty years and here we are, mid-LFW reclining in our publisher, Glam Media's hotel suite at The Trafalgar enjoying more free Rimmel (albeit legitimately) courtesy of their London Fashion Week Survival Kits. Although, to our dismay, there was no nostalgic frosted pink lippy within, there was instead, some rather delicious fuchsia pink and red from Kate Moss' new lipstick line along with a genius tri-colour Union Jack eyeshadow palette, lavender nail polish, foundation, primer plus their new WOW mascara which we can honestly testify is now outsting MAC's Plush Lash as our make-up bag go-to for spidery lashes. Admittedly the straight-outta-Essex Union Jack nail decals will remain sealed until we feel the need to attend an Austin Powers fancy-dress party. Or to get patriotic at the Olympics. So basically, never, then. Dans la suite, the TRR team enjoyed getting 'The London Look' (yes, we know) via Rimmel manicures and make-overs whilst fully raping the much welcome pitt-stop champagne - even Mr TRR got involved getting his lashes mascara'd. Thanks for the teen-memories, Rimmel. 2011-09-29T18:30:18+00:00 LFW: ACNE http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-acne-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-acne-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/#When:07:05:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/2318564u1gA9zTd.jpg" alt="LFW: ACNE" />< At ACNE spring/summer 2012 someone (like at oh so many a-fashion show) whispers that Anna Wintour might be coming. But for once this routine and quite frankly uninspired rumour falls dead on their neighbours’ ears, because everyone seems more focused on seeing the show. Or maybe it’s just because it’s the last show of the day, and the heady martinis served by the denimed chaps has put everyone into a soporific lull. Either way, everyone seems to be relatively more hushed than usual. Whilst the thought of baseball caps and glitter might set alight the hearts of some with euphoria, you can be certain that for others it just doesn’t have that same effect. But of course, this is ACNE and they tend to have an uncanny knack for halting that twitch of the eyebrow before it becomes a fully fledged frown. This collection is a little harsher than the gelato-parlour hued menswear collection. Everything is touch harsher, not to mention the mirror lined, concrete venue-New Oxford Street’s old sorting office. Jonny Johansson has cited Morocco as an inspiration. It doesn’t scream Marrakesh, but it doesn’t intend to, as with any good rendering, it hums. Only a slight puff is exuded here and there: tasselled loafers, terracotta, lapis lazuli. In certain looks the colours weren’t so much blocked as coned, wedged and umbrella-ed which lifts them out of that potential dreary realm of simplicity, into a much more desirable subtlety. Whatever you think of the overall aesthetic, what can’t be denied is Johansson’s apt delivery of a concept, and whilst undeniably ACNE, the label has clearly shed any last remaining thoughts of it as ‘just a jeans company’. 2011-09-26T07:05:18+00:00 LFW: Masha Ma http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-masha-ma-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-masha-ma-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/#When:22:29:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lead_masha.jpg" alt="LFW: Masha Ma" />< Masha Ma's soft and fluid colour palette was simply exquisite used with their clever structural tailoring, textures and shapes. With such all encompassing influences as 'redefining femininity' Masha Ma do run the risk of the over-thinking over-influenced under-style kind of collection, but the use of colour in contrast to the use of structure makes for a collection both beautiful and clever: playing with lengths, panels and textures to really explore her craft. The mixing of feminine and masculine in one piece is a trend we absolutely love, using a boxy panelled top with girly ruffled skirt to play with each idea. Texture is used beautifully, particularly in the powder blue ruffled bodice, using unfinished edges and worn sleeves to bring many levels to the look. Masha Ma's cool and concise collection exudes both couture craftsmanship and effortless wearability, fitting into contrasting trends and classic looks.  2011-09-23T22:29:18+00:00 LFW: Lako Bukia http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lako-bukia-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lako-bukia-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/#When:22:24:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Lakobukia2.jpg" alt="LFW: Lako Bukia" />< The Oriental influences of Lako Bukia's collection were evident from the first few seconds of the video projected on the walls of the Freemason's Hall catwalk. As rich drapeing navies swirled down the catwalk, this reference was firmly in place. Bukia mixes modern with the traditional by using conservative cuts juxtaposed with sheer fabrics of revealing panels. Although the use of prints isn't always completely on point; with the red, black and white colour pallete a little obvious, the cuts really capture this contrast excellently. The collection isn't all pyjama-esque flowing shapes, Lako Bukia displays some great tailoring, particularly in the sleeveless suit jacket, ruffle waisted trousers and silky bodice. Not so much adhering to trends as bringing a modern twist to traditional clothing, the collection is solid, with some highly wearable pieces.  2011-09-21T22:24:18+00:00 LFW: A La Disposition http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/a-la-disposition-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/a-la-disposition-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/#When:23:36:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/aladisposition.jpg" alt="LFW: A La Disposition" />< A La Disposition's collection, albeit a very small offering, managed to cram some super-fine detailing in. With a focus on fabric manipulation, pleats and folds, the influences seemed to be both mechanical and organic. The use of earth tones contrasting with highly worked into fabrics was very strong, using metallics, ruffles, pleats, folds and stripes to create a veritable melting pot of influences and looks. We loved the bodice with the large statement shoulder ruffle, showing the dramatic shoulder trend still has some milage in it yet.  2011-09-20T23:36:18+00:00 LFW: Backstage At Jasper Garvida http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/backstage-jasper-garvida-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/backstage-jasper-garvida-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/#When:23:23:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jasper3.jpg" alt="LFW: Backstage At Jasper Garvida" />< Jasper Garvida cites women as his main influence and this is clear to see in his opulent and luxurious SS12 collection. All sparkles, print and contours, the collection exudes glamour and femininity in the boldest way possible. Harking back to 60's screen sirens his woman's cinched waist; all statement zips, ruffles and silk is miles away from the floaty ethereal create being sent down other runways. With a focus on the metallic, whether exectuted in the extreme, with mirrorball mini dresses, or in panels and detailing that dazzles, the focus is on the eye catching. His monochrome print is also a large focus to the collection. More understated than the metallic pieces, but still with a dose of animal print; again taking a very 60's influence. 'Cool, Fresh, Relaxed, Chic' Reads the instruction to the models backstage as we have a sneaky wander before the show and sneak peak the collection. Cool and relaxed the models may be, but the pieces themselves sure pack some punch. Our favourite piece being the Coco Chanel-esque mini dress with statement white front ruffle, capturing Garvida's love of glamour, femininity and all the bells and whistles that come with it. 2011-09-20T23:23:18+00:00 LFW: Dans La Vie http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dans-la-vie-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dans-la-vie-spring-summer-2012-collection-london-fashion-week/#When:22:49:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/danslavie.jpg" alt="LFW: Dans La Vie" />< The tagline of 'My Pop up Madonna' and a printed musical running order of what looked like a who's who of pop princess didn't fill us with the upmost joy on viewing Dans La Vie's second collection in London. Much less by hearing the collection was inspired by Madge, Amy Winehouse, Rihanna and Lady Gaga, and also seemingly unrelated…Tokyo after the devastating earthquake in March. However, whatever inspired designer Rira Sugawara did turn out to be irrelevant, as the collection demonstrated courage, femininity and tongue in cheek fun. Despite being separated into four sections (for each pop princess) the pieces did have a uniformity in terms of shape and cut. The use of PVC in dramatic kick skirts, fun shorts and separates and wearable raincoats was really transferable from catwalk to street. The choice of material worked excellently with the brash prints; rainforest oranges and yellows for Madonna, corals and cherubs for Amy, chintsy love hearts for Rihanna and browns contrasting with circuses for Gaga. Dans La Vie demonstrated great shapes and wearable accessories as well as statement show pieces and dramatic head gear. By the last look all our pop skepticism had melted away. 2011-09-20T22:49:18+00:00 ART FOCUS: Mari Sarai - NAKED http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mari-sarai-naked-exhibition-alice-dellal-daisy-lowe-doors-showcase-gallery/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mari-sarai-naked-exhibition-alice-dellal-daisy-lowe-doors-showcase-gallery/#When:22:27:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_13182947WMxewY0R.png" alt="ART FOCUS: Mari Sarai - NAKED" />< A clothes-phobic Alice Dellal and Daisy Lowe? What's not to love, we cry! On the eve of London Fashion Week Japanese photographer Mari Sarai launches her new exhibition, NAKED at Shoreditch's Doors Showcase gallery which, paradoxically, celebrates wearing nothing at all. As the name connotes, this exhibition does exactly what it says on the tin and stars a troupe of friends, musicians, artists and, err, Janice Dickinson baring all for her enquiring lens.   There's no gratuitious titty-baring here though folks, NAKED celebrates the 21st century woman in all her bare-bosomed, erotic glory - Sarai's beautifully spontaneous images peel away the model's contstructed persona to reveal a powerful feminine sensuality. Transending the boundaries between traditional portraiture and fashion photography, her work embodies the modern-day liberated, empowered female.   After studying photography at Santa Monica College in Los Angeles, the globetrotting Sarai worked as a photojounalist in New York. In 1999 she relocated to Tokyo where she worked as a fashion photographer. In 2005 she moved to London where she has since been working intensively on editorial projects including Dazed & Confused, Harpers Bazaar UK, Vogue UK as well as exnteive commercial and advertising work.   NAKED opens at Doors Showcase, 20 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DU on 15th September and 13th October. Sarai's book, NAKED is available at The Photographers Gallery, London.   www.marisarai.com 2011-09-13T22:27:18+00:00 Music Focus: We’ve Come To The End Of The Road… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/music-focus-end-of-the-road-festival-lamer-tree-gardens-dorset-review-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/music-focus-end-of-the-road-festival-lamer-tree-gardens-dorset-review-2011/#When:21:19:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/eotr1.jpg" alt="Music Focus: We’ve Come To The End Of The Road…" />< Alas, the last of the major summer festivals are coming to a lipstick smearing, Strongbow swigging, glitter smothered climax with Bestival this weekend. As always we're looking back at the festival season as more of a conglomeration of hedonistic weekends; daft dancing, socially acceptable daytime alcohol consumption plus food utterly inconducive to our pre-Fashion Week starvation-diets. Not the stuff of style.  Sure there's been some meh street style at this years summer offerings (Lovebox and Field Day's one day charms didn't fail to delight us) But for the most part colourful faux Raybans and tiresome Jessie J/Rihanna/insert-starlet-here slagfits seemed to insidiously creep into the bracket of 'festival chic'. Damn Kate Moss for leaving the style-genre unattended in 2009. So as TRR packed up and headed to Dorset's Larmer Tree Gardens for the End of the Road festival, our expectations of any refreshing aesthetic were slim-to-none. Oh shame on us for tarring it with the same brush. As we stroll around the grade 2 listed gardens, greeted by vivid macaws and parrots fluttering their serious plumage in the skies above, we start to think this crowd is hella up our street. With an emphasis on the finer things in life (like art and music) as opposed to the norm: aka extreme intoxication, End of the Road's style is precisely the festi-chic tonic we're looking for. The gardens host windy areas to relax, play games, see comedy and of course music. With a very low idiot ratio - almost unheard of now at English festivals - the premise of End of the Road is pretty folky. This is echoed in the set up and atmospheric ambience with several good vintage stalls being rummaged through by hipsters enjoying the late summer sun. The music was joyously eclectic, with Mogwai giving us a big dose of epic, Joanna Newsom twinkling the harp, Laura Marling, Kurt Vile and Willy Mason (new weird crush?)  Too many fun things to mention, without the need for the obligatory self-imposed quarantine couple of days trying to forget what you've put yourself through. A new TRR end of summer favourite, and not a slogan tee in sight.   Photos by Ro Cemm Early bird tickets for 'End of the Road 2012' are on sale now 2011-09-07T21:19:18+00:00 Bobbing for Apfel http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Iris-Apfel-in-Albert-Maysles-Documentary/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Iris-Apfel-in-Albert-Maysles-Documentary/#When:18:07:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/iris-apfel03.png" alt="Bobbing for Apfel" />< There’s been a big docu-fashion shaped hole in everybody’s heart since The September Issue, even if they didn’t realise it. Said hole is about to be filled! If you thought Grace Coddington was the last amongst of that glorious race of whacky fashion bitches to which belonged the likes of Diana Vreeland and the Big and Little Edies of Grey Gardens then you’re totes erroneous because in recent years everyone’s been flocking to the throne of the Big Apfel (soz!).   Now 90, she’s gained heightened attention and it seems no one can resist a big slice of Apfel pie as she and her wardrobe have been documented by bloggers, editors and photographers as well an exhibition at the MET dedicated to her. What makes this a potentially epic documentary though is who’s filming it which is Albert Maysles of Grey Gardens.  Whilst it might not hold the same weight as Jackie O’s cousins parading about in makeshift clothes in a racoon infested house, bursting into song and dance just about once every thirty seconds, Mrs Iris Apfel certainly has ample character to give this project sufficient legs and sufficient lolz.   2011-09-04T18:07:18+00:00 Pool Hall Couture For The Queen Of Camden http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/amy-winehouse-final-fred-perry-collection-line/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/amy-winehouse-final-fred-perry-collection-line/#When:17:51:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/amyamy" alt="Pool Hall Couture For The Queen Of Camden" />< Pre snuffing it, Amy Winehouse found time to design one last collection for Brit sporting institution Fred Perry, and it went on sale last week. Continuing from where she started with her first collection for the brand, the pieces include classic FP collared polos, 50's inspired bowling shirts, cardigans, knit and lashings of houndstooth. The pieces are wearable and classic, as well as being unequivocally British, just like it's prematurely deceased creator. Britain lost a true style icon, despite Ames' protestations her fashion knowledge began and ended at throwing on some jean shorts and Reebok classics ("Just as long as my hair's on point") her look will always be a touchstone for the 'up yours' generation of Londoners. A melting pot of influences from pin-up girl sex appeal meets 60's girl group member, to Camden rude girl meets The Specials. Her Fred Perry legacy is cool and fitting. Pure pool hall couture to represent and remember the Queen of Camden Amy Winehouse's Fred Perry collection available in Fred Perry stores nationwide. Donations going to hersoon to be established foundation 2011-08-30T17:51:18+00:00 Fashion Freaks Form An Orderly Queue http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/rico-the-zombie-rick-genest-lady-gaga-andre-pejic-auslander-fashion-freaks/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/rico-the-zombie-rick-genest-lady-gaga-andre-pejic-auslander-fashion-freaks/#When:00:55:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/0818111.jpeg" alt="Fashion Freaks Form An Orderly Queue" />< If you're new to TTR and don't know how we roll, let us tell you one thing: we can sniff out a publicity stunt at ten paces. Quite frankly we've seen it all, and it takes the fashion world quite a lot to shock us. Case in point, fashion's latest specimen in the viewing gallery: Rick Genest, aka. Rico the Zombie. The Canadian model tattooed top-to-toe in intricate anatomical artwork. Dude is clearly interesting to look at, but once you've seen the tatts where do you go from there? Sure, Gaga writhed on him in Born This Way, but a week later it was some other piece of meat. Formichetti's obsessed with him?...erm..cool? Same with Andre Pejic. He's a boy, but he looks like a girl. A tres beautiful one, granted, but there are lots of beautiful girls. He's been in FHM's sexiest list as a man and a woman. Call us all kindsa skeptical, but the 19 year old is another media pawn to spark a bit of questionably homo-centric controversy. Stories like these in fashion are like cheap firecrackers: there's a big bang when they explode but the spark's diminished within seconds. Who's next in line to the fashion freak show? We're pretty much immune to it all so this better be good. It seems Brazilian label Auslander beg to differ, however. Plucking these two fashion mould-breakers from the blogs and column inches in which they currently swirl and plonking them into their Spring 2012 campaign. In doing so, telling us we should be shocked by what these two stand for, especially paired together. Hi-jacking and exploiting their brand of crazy is done with such brazen column-inch hungriness you'd think the collection itself would be equally as, ahem, 'controversial'. Shock horror, another firecracker goes out. Yes, Pejic's gender fuckery (mixing men's and womenswear with such poised ease) does retain your attention that little bit longer, but that's Pejic's deal... not down to Auslander's slogan tees and Peter Pan necklines. Genest's poses are bold and engaging and the colours in his carcass-art compliment the navy's of some of the pieces. But for all their zaniness we can't help but feel, well... underwhelmed. Auslander's clothing (unlike its choice of models) brings zero new to the table. Nice, but a million miles from controvershe'. The campaign bonus is that it puts these two anti-classical images of beauty into a mainstream context - you don't have to be lipsing Gaga or prancing about in an arty video to own looking different. But in the same breath, people like Genest and Pejic keep being the catalysts for getting gratuitious column inches. In a lot of instances the people who reap the benefits ain't wholly deserving. 2011-08-22T00:55:18+00:00 Much Ado About Whatevs http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/richard-nicoll-pairs-up-with-vodafone-soho-shouse/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/richard-nicoll-pairs-up-with-vodafone-soho-shouse/#When:07:13:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_620155xL3k0166.jpg" alt="Much Ado About Whatevs" />< Richard Nicoll’s got a new partner. They’re mutually exclusive, and want to keep it out of the public eye for the moment. He's in cahoots with Vodafone. When half of London’s fashion world is gathered on the top of a Soho House at 9 in the morning to hear some news it’s bound to be about something damn epic and delish...isn’t it? “Fashion breakfasts just don’t have the same...appeal as fashion-any-other-time of the day.” Whispers one bleary eyed prominent editor in chief to her equally prominent blogger cohort. But when the ample breakfasts are wheeled out she isn’t complaining. As a rule any fashion launch, breakfast or brunch that involves a co tie in has yawnz written all over it's big promotional face, so we don’t blame her jaded cynicism (and she’s an editor; it’s not like they’re ever jaded so she must be onto something...) But instead, and maybe it’s the sun-soaked-rooftop-free-breakfast talking, where we was expecting a major soliloquy about how good Vodafone is, it turns out they’re actually going to keep it short sweet... and mysterious. What can be inferred is that much in the way that O2 and Orange give their customers exclusive little treats here and there with music and film, Vodafone will now be doing with fashion. We do know that it will give Vodafone customers the chance to meet Richard Nicoll backstage. There will also be some sort of design based collaboration between Nicholl and Vodafone: an accessory which won’t be revealed until his upcoming show.   For now it’s all extremely hush hush and we just won’t know until they spill the beans at LFW 2011-08-12T07:13:18+00:00 MUSIC FOCUS: WIN! RizLab Tickets http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/competition-win-rizlab-tickets-jamiexx-quayola-friendly-fires/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/competition-win-rizlab-tickets-jamiexx-quayola-friendly-fires/#When:16:10:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_9123250dWoJWYR811.jpg" alt="MUSIC FOCUS: WIN! RizLab Tickets" />< The very fine people at Rizla rolling papers (TRR favours the liquorice - baccy Ed) have founded a pioneering concept uniting maverick artists to explore their creative passions. RizLab is a series of individual live performances essentially acting as vehicles for musician's, artist's and DJ's own personal vanity projects. Here they will be able to induge in their creative fantasies, otherwise hindered by their day job. Everyone loves a good gig right? Well the RizLab shows will be that one step further, pushing the boundaries of each artists vision. The first two will see Jamie XX and Friendly Fires create unique live performances combined with innovative visual artists. We are giving away a pair of tickets for Jamie XX's four hour show this Thursday with the amazing sound and visuaization artist, Quayola. Quayola uses custom-built software called Partitura - which converts sound into images - and has exhibited at the V&A, the BFI and the Royal Albert Hall. To enter our prize draw, simply email info@thereal-runway.com with your name and contact details or follow us on Twitter and retweet our competition tweets @therealrunway.     2011-08-09T16:10:18+00:00 Not So Sure About Kiddy Couture… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/thylane-loubry-french-vogue-child-sexualisation-exploitation/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/thylane-loubry-french-vogue-child-sexualisation-exploitation/#When:16:53:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_8125348nEvY0jte.jpg" alt="Not So Sure About Kiddy Couture…" />< So ickle Thylane Loubry has more than caused a bit of a stir with her provocative spread in French Vogue over the interwebs. The deal is thus: kid is ten years old and portrayed in a sexualised way, sprawled on a tiger print chez lounge with 'come to bed eyes'. Here at TTR its not the first time we've raised a primped and plucked brows at kiddie exploitation in fashion which seems one baby-step away from cute playground couture into two-dollar-stripper territory. However until now it's been the nature of children's clothing lines and how the campaigns have been approached (not to mention the stiletto driven approach of the parents of said children) But this is different. Although Thylane has appeared on the cover of Vogue enfants, along with numerous campaigns for children's lines, this is French Vogue; AKA Vogue for grown ups. Is this not a little weird? That Thylane is a true beauty-in-the-making is not in question. That the shots depict her poised in clear and defined adult roles is. Applying red lipstick, crossed legs in stilettos on a silk, decadent arm chair, eyes to camera/viewer; chic but undeniably 'sultry'. Were this shot with an adult model or celeb, the Daily Mail would be all over calling it 'risque' without even flinching. Looking at Thylane's folio, images of her thumb hooked into low rise jeans baring her hip, imitating the self-proclaimed sexualisation of Diesel's ad campaigns leaves more than a sour taste in our mouths. So topless with only her hair and well placed ethnic beads covering her chest and a direct-to-camera stare only makes us choke. No doubt she'll have a long career, her modelling abilities aren't under scrutiny - girl can surely pose - but the choices of the photographers and parents certainly are. This is a shamelessly immoral not only depiction of a ten year old but appropriation and hijacking of their innocence as a means to shock and inflame. Aside from Vogue we'll finish this off by going back to the beads and bare chest. We believe that's called 'implied nudity' We're pretty sure this term belongs in the contract of a Kim Kardashian Playboy spread, not in that of a young child. Just sayin'. 2011-08-08T16:53:18+00:00 1..2..3…Ryder and Rowe! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ryder-and-rowe-lingerie-underwear-123-Bethnal-Green/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ryder-and-rowe-lingerie-underwear-123-Bethnal-Green/#When:23:05:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/RR10.jpg" alt="1..2..3…Ryder and Rowe!" />< Now we don't profess to be girly girls here at TRR (perish the thought) but there is something about chugging an Earl Grey from a china teacup and admiring beautifully printed silk that takes our cynicysm levels down a peg or two. Established by trio Alison McCann, Naomi Ryder and Dennis Nothdruft, Ryder and Rowe is the hottest new lingerie-line on the block and TRR was delighted to take tea and cake with them at one of our favourite stores, 123 Bethnal Green Road. Cooing over the capsule of silk pieces, their debut collection, entitled, English Riveria was inspired by the life and work of F Scott Firzgerald and appropriates muted blues and pinks to celebrate the British coastline in a similar way that those French across the pond do. The collection erred on just the right side of quaint; dainty illustrated seagulls and beach hut prints worked well on on floaty nightwear and dresses. There is a simplicity and classic charm to the ivory and navy silk lingerie pieces, with soft art deco detailing and perhaps some of the nicest cuts we've seen in lingerie for a while - Ryder and Rowe's debut is really rather exquisite. The navy silk soft cup bra was a particular favourite; fitting right in with the intimate, boudiour vibes of 123.  Ryder and Rowe is available exclusively at 123 Bethnal Green Road, E2 2011-07-28T23:05:18+00:00 Theres Something About Karl http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-produces-fashion-line-for-macys/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-produces-fashion-line-for-macys/#When:15:42:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/karl-l-lacys.jpg" alt="Theres Something About Karl" />< Democratising fashion huh? We hope that’s not a metaphor for stripping anything vaguely luxurious out of a garment until it’s undeniably pedestrian. So far our favourite octogenarian Unkle Karl Lagerfeld has aligned himself with Dottling safes, motorboats, Coke, Geza Schon fragrances, Magnum and Barbie amongst others. This time he’s collaborating with Macy’s for what looks set to be a truly humdrum collection. I’m sure Macy’s are quite capable of producing plenty of crap all on their own without Karl adding to the pile. What is that noise, is it just our stomachs churning?  No not just that, it’s the sound of Coco spinning in her grave. It is time something is done. An intervention needs to be held. Because everyone sees it but him, the addiction that is: the eyes which are all lit up like a klepto in the throes of their first car boot-sale; Karl just can’t stop. Sure, other designers have had all sorts of heinous collaborations, but anyone who has had to accompany Mr Lagerfeld past a vending machine will tell you they wince and pray some product doesn’t catch his eye... Because once it does, that’s it. He has to get his hands on it, and from their things rush with a dizzying speed until some months later, it has his name on it. It’s all awfully patronising and what began as lolz is becoming too too snore-making. Maybe if we’re lucky he’ll do a collaboration with...hmmm...Chanel? 2011-07-27T15:42:18+00:00 Swatch MTV Playground: Fred Butler On Music http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/swatch-mtv-playground-fred-butler-on-music/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/swatch-mtv-playground-fred-butler-on-music/#When:20:02:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/fredb-crop.jpg" alt="Swatch MTV Playground: Fred Butler On Music" />< What better way to combat this schizophrenically grey un-Julylike weather than to introduce another video from Swatch MTV Playground, featuring the Queen of Rainbows, Fred Butler. Here she discusses her relationship with music and the conversation between it and her design work. Although Fred has had marked success in her more commercial endeavours, for example her recent accessories collection with Lazy Oaf, most of us know Fred for her structural origami inspired costume and accessories, brought to life perhaps most successfully on stage.Here Butler describes herself as a 'frustrated musician', combatting this feeling of inadquacy by creating costumes and props for musicians. If you ask us this feeling is no bad thing; with the listof recording artists who've been lucky enough to have been adorned by her reading like a who's who of brilliant. Engaging her love of music with the visual embodiment of the artist works so well with Butler's work. It's almost a given that her mixtures of textures and materials would compliment the layers of sound on stage with Patrick Wolf, and her metallic, graphic shapes and strong contrasts would turn yet another magnificent Gaga headpiece into an iconic piece of design. If you don't know Fred Butler, surely you know that telephone hat.Perhaps this longing for the stage is what has made the designers of costume for musicians in recent years reach above and beyond in terms of extravagance on stage. Perhaps it's the reason why viewers of MTV of all ages are watching music videos and turning up to the artists concerts months later wearing matching makeshift couture. Whatever it is everyone has a longing and a passion for something, even if that thing is not realistic or doable (personally ours is Madonna circa Material Girl, but whatever floats your boat). Passion is what makes great art, and Butler's passion comes in every colour of the rainbow! 2011-07-22T20:02:18+00:00 MUSIC FOCUS: Enter the Dragon http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/enter-the-dragon-little-dragon-band-corsica-studios-Yukimi-Nagano/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/enter-the-dragon-little-dragon-band-corsica-studios-Yukimi-Nagano/#When:00:43:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/little-dragon.jpg" alt="MUSIC FOCUS: Enter the Dragon" />< There is nowt that gets us more hot n' sweaty than a super-hot frontwoman and they don't come much more perfectly packaged than electro-popsters Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano. We first caught Little Dragon at a tiny festival in 2008 and their return gig at London's Corsica Studios this week reminded us why we fell in love with her. As fashion front women go, Nagano's got it goin' on. Covered in gigantic snaking tatts, she's a Swedish-Japanese cultural powerhouse that plays with geometric patterns, fringing and subverting feminine an masculine sensibilities. And it works oh-so-well so well.   Musically her voice hop, skips and jumps from a whisper to an undulating high note that's both haunting yet angelic and these contrasts are totally reflected in her style. Already appropriated by the fash-pack, the group performed at Hugo Boss' S/S12 show and Nagano is BFF's with designer Ann Louise Landelius who designs a lot of her avant-garde stage outfits. Right now we need Yukimi Nagano more than ever; she's the indispensable antidote to the now, tiresome Gaga and predictably hyper-sexualized blandness of Rihanna and Katy Perry. Stick to the pages of heat magazine while we wait for our dentist appointment girls, when it comes to who really gets our juices flowing, we want girls in bands. Little Dragon's new single Ritual Union is released july 26th 2011-07-14T00:43:18+00:00 The Knight Wears Chanel http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/anna-wintour-receives-knights-de-chevalier-award-chanel/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/anna-wintour-receives-knights-de-chevalier-award-chanel/#When:17:49:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ANNA-WINTOUR-LEGION-OF-HONOR_2.jpg" alt="The Knight Wears Chanel" />< She’s got a page boy haircut and she’s a French knight. Nope, it’s not Jean of Arc it’s Anna Wintour; the similarity ends there. Betwixt and between getting called a bitch by Gaga and attending Couture week the Editrix squeezed in time to receive the Légion d'honneur. She was appointed Chevalier (aka knight), the highest rank, and with it joins the leagues of Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfield, Nicole Fhari and Giorgio Armani. It’s no common thing for an Ed to receive a bauble like this, so we’ll be kind enough to stop the humungous whatevs escaping our lips. Sometimes it’s nice to see people smile, sometimes it’s... not. We'd have died to see Nuclear Wintour keep her shades and impassive expression perma-fixed throughout the ceremony. Everyone from Franca Sozzani and Donatella to Alber Elbaz came to cheerlead the beaming Wintour; quite the little ball of sunshine - even as Sarkozy pierced her Chanel Contour in front of all the yawning gang. We bet Carine Roitfield’s pissed she didn’t hold on a few more months. Obvs it’s not the first shiny badge she’s been the recipient of, but seriously, no one gives a shit about an OBE. At least now Wints' might have something besides dropping another photo shoot in place of more ad space to write about in her much-blithered-about-possible-memoirs... 2011-07-13T17:49:18+00:00 The Green Box Project http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/becks-the-green-box-project-global-commissioning-project-nick-knight/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/becks-the-green-box-project-global-commissioning-project-nick-knight/#When:16:59:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/greebox-crop.jpg" alt="The Green Box Project" />< Very little will rouse us from our Monday morning slumber. There's not much which will get us dragging our sorry asses up and outta bed - especially bundling down to Shoreditch's cold, cavernous, subterranean Village Underground space. But when it's for the launch of a thus-far top-secret international project being launched by its mentor and co-curator Nick Knight we hotfooted it down faster than our hungover'd organs could carry us. Beck's have joined forces with a gazillion pioneering creatives and launched The Green Box Project, the biggest global cultural commissioning project the world's ever seen, like, wow! Thirty super-mavericks spanning the arenas of art, fashion, music and design have been commissioned to lead the project. They are (deep breath) Nick Knight, Sam Spiegel, Arne Quinze, Kate MccGwire, Shaniqwa Jarvis, Austra, Kenneth Cappello, Hussein Chalayan, Bompass & Parr, Lucky Me, Stephen Burks, Meryl Smith, Reed + Rader, Sage Vaughn, Kathy Grayson, Petra Storrs, Steve Harrington, Andrew Kuo, Warpaint and Hannah Barry. Commissioned work will only ever appear in Augmented Reality; both online and around thirty Green Boxes, that measure two metres cubed, which will appear in specific locations across seven international cities: London, Manchester, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Rome and Milan. Freeing art from physical constraints and liberating it within the unlimited boundaries of a digital green cube, Beck’s Green Box Project heralds a new platform for independent thought and unlimited creativity. Using a custom built Augmented Reality app, available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices, you lot will be able to look at any of the green boxes through your smart phone to reveal the unique content contained within it. The Augmented Reality uses a series of reference points around the box as well as GPS to display the content of the box digitally. So far, so techy! "This feels like a new art form" claims Knight. "The juxtaposition between the world we see and the world we’re going to be allowed to see through the technology.  To me, art is the people’s voice, it’s about people expressing themselves and their position in the world and with this project everybody’s voices can be heard.” To experience The Green Box Project you've gotta initially download the free Beck’s Key app from the Apple iTunes App Store. Once you have the app on your phone or device you can search for the closest Green Box to you either through the app or by visiting becks.com or Beck’s Facebook profile. By visiting any of the Green Boxes you can see the commissions come to life in front of you. Here's the 411 on the Fashion Green Boxes: Shaniqwa Jarvis is an original insider of the New York downtown scene. Now based between London and Los Angeles she continues to represent the coolest in subculture; she has photographed everyone from Mos Def and Jason Dill to Ciara and Johnny Rotten and her portfolio holds within it all the genuine underground heroes that have made it big. Her collaboration evolves her still photography project, “Charming Man” and takes it to an entirely new level. Her portraits of creative men from all over the world, shot in the surroundings of their own home will become animated, subtly shifting and changing as specially selected music plays in the background. British/Turkish Cypriot fashion designer Hussein Chalayan is well loved and respected for constantly pushing boundaries with new technologies within the world of fashion. His Digital Fashion concept surrounds his team’s vision of shooting a model on film behind a blue screen wearing one of Hussein Chalayan’s most iconic looks from the AW98 collection ‘Panoramic’, spinning slowly on a pedestal, so that the figure looks like it’s in the midst of the cityscape. 2011-07-12T16:59:18+00:00 In Which We Defend Moss (For Once) http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-faces-criticism-from-press-for-contraversial-wedding-guests/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-faces-criticism-from-press-for-contraversial-wedding-guests/#When:19:56:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/article-2010250-0CD2D28100000578-506_634x569.jpg" alt="In Which We Defend Moss (For Once)" />< We at TRR have always known there's only one Kate in London, and Mossy really showed us who's boss at her wedding last weekend. Her curiously scraggy beauty and AAA list guests aside, we're somewhat confused and surprised by the subsequent ragging on Miss Moss (née, Mrs Hince) by the press over some of her guest choices for the big day.According to the tabloids (to our shame - and yes, that includes you, Daily Fail) not only was her choice to keep her original dress designer of John Galliano positive blasphemy, loose-lipped hairdresser James Brown's attendance beyond the pale but even controversial rawk singer Bobby Gillesppe's attendance a step too far. What we say to all this is, like, way to bash a girl for being a loyal friend.C'mon gutter-press, this is, after all, Kate Moss. Your bestest cash cow. The Kate Moss that made you stacks with her visage emblazoned across your front pages hoovering cocaine. Whose relationship with Pete Doherty was plastered all over the international press, in varying states of intoxication. She's hedonism's favourite poster girl, and has never asked to be anything else. Now we've all very publicly watched her fall in love and settle down - at least by her standards. She's made good for herself and instead of denying and hiding, continues to be the semi-silent icon we know her to be, reminding us of this on the runway at Louis Vuitton last Paris fashion week. Go Mossy, we say. So if on her wedding day she wants to invite people who've made some verbal faux pas and less-than-desirable comments, it only confirms she is a staunchly loyal mate who doesn't kowtow to the bitching and sniping of the press.Galliano designed her dresses for her 21st and 30th birthdays and it was for his show that she first walked down a runway. This surely deserves some fashion loyalty, non? If Kate's wedding gown is the last thing we remember of his nearing two decade career, then call us fools but we think its a good thing - as for Galliano, as for so many of us, Kate was and still is the ultimate muse. 2011-07-06T19:56:18+00:00 FESTIVAL FOCUS: Lovebox, Baby Lovebox http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/festival-focus-lovebox-baby-lovebox-2011-line-up-vice-arena/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/festival-focus-lovebox-baby-lovebox-2011-line-up-vice-arena/#When:21:36:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lovebox-vice.jpg" alt="FESTIVAL FOCUS: Lovebox, Baby Lovebox" />< London's flyest festival is almost upon us, we're talking Lovebox, baby, Lovebox. Each day is oh-so neatly processed, packaged and shrink-wrapped just right for your delectation; with Friday's Bang The Box as the 'pop day', Saturday's Music Safari the 'marginally-effnik-but-still-totally-mainstream day' and finally Sunday's Out and Out Fierce, yep, otherwise known as the 'Gay Day'. Thank God for our good friends over at VICE; they're hosting Friday's VICE ARENA featuring the excruciatingly awesome line up of, Flying Lotus (Live), Herve, Hudson Mohawke (Live), Photek (Live) and our personal favourites, filth-tongued, XXX electro-rappers, Spank Rock. In other words, they're saving your eardrums from otherwise being subjected to the aural shitestream of The Wombats and Example. There are still tickets available so if you haven't got yours yet whizz over to lovebox.net and cough up a measly £28.50 - zing! Lovebox, Victoria Park London, 15th - 17th July 2011 2011-07-04T21:36:18+00:00 (Mal)maison Martin Margiela http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/maison-martin-margiela-hotel-la-maison-champs-elysees-paris/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/maison-martin-margiela-hotel-la-maison-champs-elysees-paris/#When:03:27:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mmm-hotel.jpg" alt="(Mal)maison Martin Margiela" />< It’s always amusing when fashion houses dabble in things other than making clothes - and it seems to happen rather often. It does, of course, work both ways. Some of us still haven’t scrubbed that stain that was Zaha Hadid’s Melissa shoe from our mind’s eye. And the less said about Karl’s Coke, quite frankly, the better (the less said, the less thought... Perhaps it will cease to exist if we just blot it out our thoughts entirely... Just pretend it doesn’t exist...)Now it’s Maison Martin Margiela’s turn as they get on an interior tip and ‘revive’ (deface?) the 19th century Maison Champs-Elysees just in time to kick off couture week. Although no strangers to dabbling in interiors, a hotel is a first in MMM's ever-increasing portfolio of obscurities.We'd have expected big things from la Maison; witty and oh-so subversive touches here and there, but as far as the hotel world is concerned, alas, the look is more Holiday Inn vs IKEA showroom (i.e. bleak; and no, not bleak in any MMM minimalist sense). The shiny hall screams asylum corridor, the rooms themselves, well, can someone say Tr*v*l*dg*...? Given their similarity to the old rooms, what else can we say but, hey, MMM, a new mattress and a lick of your signature white paint doth not a revamp make.Epically LOLZ. And anticlimactic. At €203 a night, La Mainson Champs Elysees ain't bad, but unless the staff come fully Margiela lab-coated, the bathrobes artfully deconstructed or the complimentary slippers with Tabi toes, we'll be checking in elsewhere...lamaisonchampselysees.com 2011-07-04T03:27:18+00:00 Swatch MTV Playground: Rankin http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/swatch-mtv-playground-rankin-watches-guest-editor/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/swatch-mtv-playground-rankin-watches-guest-editor/#When:17:55:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Rankin_newcrop.jpg" alt="Swatch MTV Playground: Rankin" />< Hey, you know you've reached iconic staus when when you operate on single-name status. Rankin is a photographer that needs little introduction; his glossy yet intimately personal shots have imbedded themselves in the consciousness of fashion, art, film and worlds. Few people have escaped the Rankin lens - royalty to rappers to rock stars. We welcome Rankin as the second guest editor of Swatch MTV Playground and bring you two exclusive videos of the super-snapper talking shop - Siezing The Moment and Photo Technology. Rankin has also gotten into bed with Swatch to design a micro-collection of eyeball-emblazoned watches taken from his Eyescapes photography series. www.swatch.com www.mtvplayground.com 2011-06-28T17:55:18+00:00 Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Julien Macdonald http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-2011-ladies-day-fashion-show-julien-macdonald-longines/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-2011-ladies-day-fashion-show-julien-macdonald-longines/#When:14:32:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/macdonald-crop.jpg" alt="Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Julien Macdonald" />< Julien MacDonald spring/summer 2011 collection Royal Ascot Ladies Day fashion show 2011-06-22T14:32:18+00:00 Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Vivienne Westwood http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-2011-ladies-day-fashion-show-vivienne-westwood-longines/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-2011-ladies-day-fashion-show-vivienne-westwood-longines/#When:13:57:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/westwood-ascot-crop.jpg" alt="Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Vivienne Westwood" />< Vivienne Westwood spring/summer 2011 collection Royal Ascot Ladies Day fashion show 2011-06-22T13:57:18+00:00 Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Todd Lynn http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-2011-ladies-day-fashion-show-todd-lynn-longines/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-2011-ladies-day-fashion-show-todd-lynn-longines/#When:13:46:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/todd-lynn-crop.jpg" alt="Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Todd Lynn" />< Todd Lynn spring/summer 2011 collection Royal Ascot Ladies Day fashion show 2011-06-22T13:46:18+00:00 Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Stephen Jones http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-fashion-show-ladies-day-2011-stephen-jones/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/royal-ascot-fashion-show-ladies-day-2011-stephen-jones/#When:20:07:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/stepehn-j-crop.jpg" alt="Royal Ascot Fashion Show: Stephen Jones" />< Stephen Jones spring/summer 2011 collection Royal Ascot Ladies Day fashion show 2011-06-21T20:07:18+00:00 When The Real Runway Went To Royal Ascot… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Royal-ascot-2011-fashion-show-longines-stephen-jones-gary-england/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Royal-ascot-2011-fashion-show-longines-stephen-jones-gary-england/#When:19:06:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ascot-crop.jpg" alt="When The Real Runway Went To Royal Ascot…" />< So when official sponsors Longines dangled an invitation to gatecrash Royal Ascot's Ladies Day in front of The Real Runway and Freak Deluxe, we leapt at the chance. Each Year Royal Ascot hosts a fashion show showcasing the crème-de-la-crème of up-and-coming and established British talent so - as seasoned show-goers - excited were we at seeing just how this would play out in front of a well-groomed yet perhaps not so high-fashion literate audience. First decision: hat. It was a no-brainer – the insanely talented Piers Atkinson. Our favourite maverick milliner by an interstellar mile, the only choice was his oh-so witty ‘Dalston’ hat in collaboration with Andrew Logan from the S/S ’11 collection (not only since Dalston is where TRR HQ resides but the fuchsia leather beret, replete with mirrored lettering features a microscopic and, of course, entirely accurate mugging scene…) After scooting up to our private Longines box on arrival and proceeding to attack the bottomless champagne (it’d be rude not to) we cosied up for a chat with the ever-lovely Stephen Jones and brainchild of the Ascot shows, Gary England. Surprisingly, England told us about his seeming naiveté towards the fashion industry upon launching the Ascot fashion show in 2007, coming from an entirely arts background. “I worked for the Barbican before and had no clue about what I was doing, only that I wanted to establish something that could really support British fashion.” Doing just that, the full show roster included Vivienne Westwood, Julien MacDonald, Amanda Wakeley, Stephen Jones and to our glee, Todd Lynn. Whilst it was made our heart sink observing some semi-interested racer-goer’s only throwing a cursory side-eye towards the proceedings, what is crucial about the show is less the (dis)interest of those viewing it, moreover the vital platform it gives up-and-coming designers. Each day on rotation a designer gets a daily TV interview and the catwalk shows are intermittently displayed on the gigantic screen therefore subjecting all racegoers and royalty to an eyeball full of high-fashion. “I courted Gareth Pugh to show here,” explained England. “But sadly he declined…” Now whilst we totally get Pugh’s decision, we woulda choked on our Welsh beef lunch to see a few Pugh creations trotting out on that enormous concourse screen. Stephen Jones (wearing his grandfather’s top hat, no less) told us how Ascot was his yearly highlight – not just commercially, but literally too. The Jones’ are veteran racegoer’s and his dear 90 year old mother had accompanied him this year. “Hats are really universal” expressed Stephen, “you don’t need to be a fashion person to transform your look. There is something about the top hat that’s glamourous, fun and extravagant yet sort of crazy, like, why are you putting this thing on your head? I’ve always loved top hats and there’s something quite sexy about them too.” Show over, we vacated the comforts of our box, rolling with aristos and well-heeled alike to mingle with the riff-raff and go hat street style spotting. Slightly dissapointingly our anticipation of off-the-wall headwear was met with uninspired Debenhams-mother-of-the-bride-fasincator-esque creations. Even the Royal’s played it safe – perhaps a conscious move given Bea’s Philip Treacey faux pas. Our millinery highlight came, ironically, courtesy of a lone gentleman sporting his own homemade, magnificently plumed creation. A special mention goes to my partner in crime, the lovely Cyrena Freak Deluxe who wore a gloriously summery number, also customized (with flowers and an itty-bitty hummingbird) using her grandmother’s old sunhat. Back in the box, it was time for more eating, boozing and finally – racing! Post-5 course lunch came TRR’s Eliza Doolittle moment when I got over excited cheering (jeering?) on my horse with the all grace of a football hooligan chanting at his team. Needless to say, it came in! If you're looking for some womens clothes to wear to a fashion show, and want to make an impression, even off the catwalk, then check out http://www.ellos.co.uk www.longines.com www.royalascot.com Words: Ellen Grace Jones 2011-06-21T19:06:19+00:00 STORE FOCUS: Guts For Garters ‘Surreal Women’ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Guts-for-garters-store-camden-surreal-women/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Guts-for-garters-store-camden-surreal-women/#When:15:54:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/photo_crop.JPG" alt="STORE FOCUS: Guts For Garters ‘Surreal Women’" />< When Camden wonder-emporium Guts For Garters opened its doors back in March we fell in love with the lovingly curated selection of madcap curios, art and fashion - not to mention the its inspired and oh-so-timely ‘The Royal We’ concept. Now curators Rachel Chudley and Cassie Beadle return with their second theme, ‘Surreal Women’, celebrating 75 years of the Surrealist movement and conversely exploring its resistance to the female form - citing marginalized female cross-dresser Claude Cahun as their muse. Were Elsa Schiaparelli and Dali to open a store it’d be a little something like this; oddball items and obscure artifacts range from a micro-garden installed in a four-posted bed, cacti chairs, vaginal wallpaper, tailor dummies with eyeball nipples and mounted animal heads replete with cute mustachios. An imposing glass chandelier (each element individually handblown) makes a commanding centerpiece. Featuring one off commissions from Grayson Perry and Grace Palthorpe, photos from Wendy Bevan plus handpicked vintage McQueen, Ossie Clark, and archive pieces from costume designer Petra Storrs, the store’s wares read like a loveletter to the subversive and sublime. Guts For Garters, ‘Surreal Women’ runs until July 21st. Guts For Garters, The Cob Gallery, 205 Royal College Street, NW1 0SG www.gutsfgorgarters.com 2011-06-20T15:54:18+00:00 Little Lanvin http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Lanvin-petite-alber-elbaz-launches-childrenswear-line-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Lanvin-petite-alber-elbaz-launches-childrenswear-line-collection/#When:12:31:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_15102850XJp4FqEp.jpg" alt="Little Lanvin" />< Like the plump, cherubic fairy godmother he is, Alber Elbaz has sprinkled some of his magic dust upon an itty bitty kids collection for Lanvin - perfect for narcissistic mothers wanting to assert their status vicariously through their precious princesses. Don’t expect a diffused, de-adulted collection, mind, ‘Lanvin Petite’ is as luxe as the mainline, with crystal encrusted washed organza dresses, satin ribbons and pleated tulle. So far, so frou-frou. Ice-creams and muddy puddles are off-limits - thus fun, it would appear. Style: 1 Practicality: 0. Whislt we cannot deny the ultra-cuteness (and might we add, our approving lack of Suri-esque high heels) there is something disquieting about the precocious posturing and oh-so-adult nature of the shots and collection, aimed at girls from 4 – 10 years of age. Those choke-worthy beaded necklaces are gagging to get caught on a slide or worse still, yanked off in a teeny-tots bitch-fight. If shoehorning your little darling into one of Alber’s kiddie creations is outta your budget then perhaps one of the four rag dolls he created for Lanvin Petite would be a little more purse – and fun - friendly. Lanvin Petite will hit Lanvin stores internationally this November. 2011-06-15T12:31:18+00:00 TRR Welcomes… Swatch MTV Playgound http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/swatch-mtv-playgound-fred-butler-alex-noble-lady-gaga/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/swatch-mtv-playgound-fred-butler-alex-noble-lady-gaga/#When:14:25:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_9102721O9ykY77u-crop.jpg" alt="TRR Welcomes… Swatch MTV Playgound" />< Hold up. We are TRR are beyond delighted to announce our partnership with Swatch MTV Playground. No swings, slides or bullies here folks, whilst this inspired watch-slash-music-vid-channel initiative is indeed one big creative playing field, it is in fact dedicated to sniffing out and showcasing the finest up-and-coming talent. Over the forthcoming months we will be hosting exclusive videos starring inspirational up-starts in the fashion, art and music arenas. First up this week is the multicoloured harlequin magic of accessories and set designer, Fred Butler who reveals her career highlights, plus fashion designer wunderkind, Alex Noble, who talks industry collaborations (Hint: his latest one was with a certain Lady...) 2011-06-09T14:25:18+00:00 WIN! Longines Watch & Royal Ascot VIP Experience http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/win-longines-watch-royal-ascot-vip-experience-competition/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/win-longines-watch-royal-ascot-vip-experience-competition/#When:01:46:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Royal_Ascot_Fashion_Show-crop.jpg" alt="WIN! Longines Watch & Royal Ascot VIP Experience" />< On your marks, get set, go fetch those fascinators ladies! The Real Runway have teamed up with lust-worthy timepiece purveyors, Longines for the ultimate luxury Royal Ascot giveaway. Longines are the official sponsors of next week's filly extravaganza and to celebrate we are giving away a stunning chronograph watch worth £2,040, a new model from their Column-Wheel collection.If wrapping this gorgeous hunk of a timepiece around your wrist isn't temptation enough, you'll also win a day of VIP R.A. treatment on Wednesday 15th June for yourself and a friend. You'll get grandstand admission, a slap-up five course lunch, complimentary bar (hell yes!) and full afternoon tea - not to mention view the daily couture fashion show. So if the thought of chugging back as much Piper Heidsieck as possible, maybe even throwing a few bets down and hey, perhaps even bagging yourself a suitably minted gent gets you going, then enter below!The Real Runway will also be right the heart of all the equine action next week (at Ladies Day, natch) so keep your eyeballs stapled to the site for our coverage of the fashion show - and possibly even a gallery of our amusing headwear highlights. This year marks the 300th Anniversary of Ascot so if it's not fascinators-at-dawn there'll be trouble...ENTER OUR AMAZING LONGINES COMPETITION HEREPlease see full terms and conditions below:1. All information forms part of the terms and conditions. 2. Open to all UK residents aged 18 and over, except employees Ascot Racecourse or anyone associated with the competition. 3. Prizes are as offered. No cash alternatives. 4. No entries by post. No purchase necessary. Only one entry per household. 5. Emails will not be accepted and entries received after the closing date will not be considered. 6. No responsibility is taken for entries lost or delayed. 7. The winner will be drawn at random and the judges’ decision is final; no correspondence will be entered into. 8. Competition closes midday on Monday 13th June 9. There is one prize of one Longines watch and two hospitality packages within the Bessborough Restaurant at Royal Ascot on Wednesday 15th June 2011 10. The winners may be required to take part in publicity. 11. In the event of developments outside its control, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.12. The promoter’s decision is final and binding in all matters and no correspondence will be entered into. 2011-06-08T01:46:18+00:00 ART FOCUS: OFF-KEY http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/off-key-exhibition-strand-gallery-daisy-lowe-jamie-wintstone/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/off-key-exhibition-strand-gallery-daisy-lowe-jamie-wintstone/#When:15:29:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/off-key.jpg" alt="ART FOCUS: OFF-KEY" />< Hands up who doesn't love Moschino? And ten quid says the first piece you ever owned was one one of those knock-off market belts where you had to rearrange the letters from M-O-C-H-S-I-N-O to resemble something close to a genuine article. Anyway. A new exhibition, OFF-KEY celebrates our 30 year love affair with the Italian label and explores our appropriation of it from inner city street culture to the more well heeled affluent suburbs alike.Curated by the stylist Julianna Sseruwagi-Nisbett, OFF-KEY stars all of our current red-hot young thangs from the worlds of fashion to football, acting and grime.  including, Daisy Lowe, Jamie Winstone, Lethal Bizzle and Eliza Doolittle. Shot by Linus Morales, Tom Beard, Alex Harley and Joe Miranda, the photographs are displayed sans text so "people will appreciate the beauty in the clothes, the way they are worn and for each individual to interpret the photograph in their own way," says Nisbett.OFF-KEY opens this Friday 27th May at Annin Arts, The Strand Gallery, 32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6BP and runs until the 1st June 2011-05-23T15:29:18+00:00 Issy’s Collection WILL Be Rolled Out On Tour http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/daphne-guinness-plans-to-exhibit-isabella-blows-clothing-archive/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/daphne-guinness-plans-to-exhibit-isabella-blows-clothing-archive/#When:15:41:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Daphne_Isabella_Blow-crop.jpg" alt="Issy’s Collection WILL Be Rolled Out On Tour" />< When Daphne Guinness gazzumped all expectant bidders in the auction of the late Isabella Blow's wardrobe (by swiping it all before it even started) we were somewhat suspicious of the couturista's motives. A year later, it warms our no-heart to learn that rather than hoarding said archive like the ravenous fashion fan she is, Guinness explains her reasoning and is toying with multi exhibition concepts, including a virtual museum;"I thought what’s going to happen is [the pieces are] going to be lost. She had an incredible eye and she truly loved her pieces, they're like a diary. I didn’t want to buy them and wear them, I wanted to buy them and keep them because I think it’s very interesting for students and people who are interested in fashion to see. I’m trying to think of a way to do it, and I’m thinking maybe it’ll be a virtual museum, maybe then it could go on tour,"Whilst most remains holed up on storage, thus far, some of Blow's sartorial back-catalogue has been lent to the Met for the current Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibit plus Barynes and Harvey Nichols.Come on then Daph's put yer money where your mouth is and make this happen post-haste!! 2011-05-10T15:41:18+00:00 Holy V! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/riccardo-tisci-curates-Visionaire-60-magazine/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/riccardo-tisci-curates-Visionaire-60-magazine/#When:04:43:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/visionaire-60-crop.jpg" alt="Holy V!" />< Nope, don't expect to grab an issue down your local newsie, nor find a dog-eared copy lurking behind Vogue in Smiths. In-between keeping us in suspenders over the will-he-won't-he-succeed-Galliano at Dior, Riccardo Tisci has found time to curate the latest edition of Visionaire, and boy, what a pricey tome it is. At an eyewatering £300, the 60th concept edition will come in its own itty-bitty wooden box.Given the majority of Tisci's Givenchy back catalogue worships at the altar of Catholicism and all its iconography, it's of no surprise this issue is on Religion. From the extracts, Tisci has explored this in your predictable archetypo-Madonna way (read: burning crosses, veils, bare tittys aplenty) and hijacked the talent of his fashion buddies, Karl Lagerfeld, Carine Roitfeld, Helmut Lang et al. Within its holier-than-thou pages expect to see Mario Sorrenti's modern 'Madonna and Child' with Arizona Muse, Kate Moss as an angel (can someone say, 'oxymoron') shot by Nick Knight and Lea T stylised as a sarcophagus. There's no denying the pics are hella pretty but seriously, for 300 quid we'd hope for the box to double-up as pop-up model Vatican complete with micro-Pope and Cardinals. At least.       2011-05-03T04:43:18+00:00 Not A R*y*l W*dd*ng Story http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/balmain-to-announce-olivier-rousteing-as-christophe-decarnin-successor/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/balmain-to-announce-olivier-rousteing-as-christophe-decarnin-successor/#When:15:49:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Christophe-Decarnin-crop.jpg" alt="Not A R*y*l W*dd*ng Story" />< Let's not pretend here that any of us really give a fuck about this week's approaching Will's n' Kate nuptials. Aside from the extra day to drink ourselves into an earlier drunken weekend stupor, the impending ceremony and all its wearisome press-overkill has us excited as a Primark clearance sale at opening time. Which is why you'll note a palpable absence of tedious dress speculation, what-Kate's-shopping-for-now and other frothy-yet-tenuously-linked-wedding stories at TRR.Anyway. We begin this ultra-short week with the hot news that Balmain are this close -> <- to announcing Christophe Decarnin's successor and it's likely to be a little known Olivier Rousteing. Before you get your panties in a bunch and "whooo?" on us, he is to Decarnin who Sarah Burton is to McQueen, so fret-ye-not that our oh-so-beloved Balmain silhouettes will be vanishing. Moreover, getting a fresh remix by the chief designer's right-hand-man.Prior to Balmain, the French-born Rousteing spent six years at Roberto Cavalli and is a "young and promising creative dynamo" according to sources. He's that under-the-radar we couldn't find any piccies of him, so you'll just have to make do with the shortly vacating Decarnin and highlights of Balamin's A/W'11 collection. 2011-04-26T15:49:07+00:00 Jane’s Birkin http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jane-birkin-sells-hermes-birkin-on-ebay-for-red-cross-japan-appeal/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jane-birkin-sells-hermes-birkin-on-ebay-for-red-cross-japan-appeal/#When:16:41:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/birkin-bag-crop.jpg" alt="Jane’s Birkin" />< Oh, Jane, Jane, could you be any more awesome? It's stories like these that slip into context the offensive flashy vulgarity of like likes of the Hermes hungry Posh, and dare we say, the K*rd*sh**ns.Original chanteuse, lover of Serge, and all-round boho philanthrope, Jane Birkin donated her (and THE) original Hermes Birkin for auction on eBay to raise money for the Japan crisis and it's sold for over an eye-watering £100,000. As one would expect from such a well aged and travelled receptacle, her Hermes namesake bag came fully be-trinketed with worry beads and stickers.                     For the (surely) very few that don't know the story by now, Birkin was mouthing off on a 1984 flight about not being able to find the right leather weekend bag. Fate would have it, she happened to be seated next to Hermes' Jean-Louis Dumas who set about creating one for her. “It’s very nice that everyone’s got one or wants one,” say Birkin. “I keep saying to Hermès to make it out of plastic or, even more fun, make it out of cardboard. Then it wouldn’t be so heavy.” Or unaffordable - thus undemocratic. But, then, that's everything Hermes (and Posh) wouldn't want. 2011-04-21T16:41:37+00:00 Eau De Le Papier http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-launches-paper-passion-book-inspired-fragrance/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-launches-paper-passion-book-inspired-fragrance/#When:16:22:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Karl_Lagerfeld_paper_passion-crop.jpg" alt="Eau De Le Papier" />< When you're a self-confessed bibliophile and your own personal wank-bank of books contains over 300,000 weighty tomes, would it not be only logical your new fragrance would have, shall we say, an eau de le papier about it?Nothing really surprises us with Karl Lagerfeld anymore (his week-by-week craziness amuses us less as his 'creative genius' rather, 'charming senility') so learning his new perfume, Paper Passion, in conjunction with publisher, Steidl, will indeed whiff of our papery friends, barely registers on the insane-o-scale.Berlin based perfumer, Geza Schon - known for his eccentric pongs - created the scent based upon printed and unprinted paper sent from Steidl in order for him to capture the precise aroma of books. Hiding just like a key or bottle of whisky would in some kinda detective-y film, Paper Passion will be encased in a hardcover book.Alas, poor Karl is late to the biblio-centric bandwagon; perfumer, CB I Hate Perfume has a scent called, In The Library, Demeter have their musty, Paperback perfume and Amouage, their old book based Opus II. 2011-04-20T16:22:02+00:00 Dr Martens Go Apparel http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dr-martens-launch-clothing-line-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dr-martens-launch-clothing-line-collection/#When:15:36:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dr-martens-clothes-crop.jpg" alt="Dr Martens Go Apparel" />< Most people’s first Dr Martens memory came around circa 1993, stomping around angstily in their beloved cherry red 9-holes. Far pre-dating that romantic grunge era, ours sadly smelt more of playground bullying than teen spirit thanks to getting perma-ridiculed for our flat, orthopaedic looking, yellow-stitchless brown DM brogues. Insisting, “But they have air in the soles!” to our tormentors, alas, fell on deaf ears. Anyway, not allowing our early emotional-trauma to make us fall out of love with such an iconic brand (which, mostly thanks to Mr Gareth Pugh, has endured something of a revival over the past few years) we are pleased – yet not altogether surprised – Dr Marten’s has launched its first clothing line, albeit 20 years too late perhaps. It ain’t gonna win awards for fashion-forwardness but looking at the collection, it fundamentally takes its cues from what your common-or-garden-21st Century DM wearer wears at London Fields each Saturday. Button-down plaid shirts, sweat-dresses, leggings and plenty of workaday tee’s are what you’ll expect to find and with prices ranging from between £30-£70 you can bet your bottom dollar that American Apparel bankruptcy will come quicker than ever. The Dr Martens clothing line is available at http://www.drmartens.com 2011-04-19T15:36:07+00:00 It’s A Sole Thing http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian-louboutin-sues-ysl-carmen-steffen-over-red-soles-shoes/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian-louboutin-sues-ysl-carmen-steffen-over-red-soles-shoes/#When:16:33:52Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/artice-main-crop.jpg" alt="It’s A Sole Thing" />< Copycat 'trademark infringement' lawsuits teeter a precarious line between being a rational, sensible legal maneouver to a downright petty, egomaniacal ruse. Step-up Christian Louboutin who is casually flinging legal papers in the direction of any brand who so dares to coat their shoes with a lick of red paint.    It began with last week's announcement of suing - not so much a bargain-basement plagiarizer - but fellow luxury peer, Yves Saint Laurent. A peeptoe Tribute pump in their spring/summer 2011 collection just so happens to have a red sole, and given that the collection features purple pumps with purple soles, navy with navy soles, we think Louboutin is kinda getting a bit trigger happy with this 'copycat' nonsense.His legal team argue, "The defendants use of red footwear outsoles that are virtually identical to plaintiff's Red Sole Mark is likely to cause and is causing confusion, mistake and deception among the relevant purchasing public as to the origin of the infringing footwear."Oh for fuck's sake; the contours of The Tribute shoe are eons apart from that of Louboutin's - aside from whatever this ambiguous 'Red Sole Mark' legally entitles him to, there is a fundamental difference between a cheapo label out to deceive the public knocking out two-a-penny ripoff's than a peer brand following a colour-block theme in a collection.Which brings us nicely to today's announcement: next in line in court is Brazilian label Carmen Steffen's, a company who are fighting back claiming, like, they were totally making red-soled shoes before he trademarked it in 1996."Carmen Steffens France is confident in its position regarding the brand's long-standing use of colour on the soles of some styles of Carmen Steffens shoes, including the infrequent use of various tones of red," says president of US operations, Mark Willingham. "Of the 250 styles in Carmen Steffens France's current collection, only three styles utilise red tones on their soles."Christian, we heart your sexy footwear but get a) a grip and b) your pompous, arrogant head out of your sphincter. Wanna go after the real copycats? Well while you're at it sue New Look, Topshop, Faith, Aldo and Forever 21 (not to mention the actual Chinese Louboutin knock-offs); all of whom have deliberately produced cheap, red-soled footwear intentionally aping yours. To target - essentially - competitors over trivial irrational coincidences is hyper-sensitive a best, and deludedly egomaniacal at worst. For those ladies who need wide-fitting shoes, head over to K&Co where they stock a great range of shoes to fit all foot sizes! 2011-04-12T16:33:52+00:00 News Just In: Luxe Clothes Make You Richer http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Rob-Nelissen-Marijn-Meijers-fashion-experiment-designer-clothes-study/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Rob-Nelissen-Marijn-Meijers-fashion-experiment-designer-clothes-study/#When:16:59:11Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/logo-mania-crop.jpg" alt="News Just In: Luxe Clothes Make You Richer" />< Wanna bag that badass job? Bring out the Burberry. Pay rise? Pass the Prada. Better start scrimping now folks as a new survey has revealed that wearing unsubtle luxe labels will not only fast-track your way to securing your dream role but will get you a fatter salary too.Rob Nelissen and Marijn Meijers, a pair of social psychologists at Tilburg University in the Netherlands threw some designer and bargain-basement labels at some human lab rats and filmed them in an interview situation to test how we perceive people.Those in the Tommy Hilfiger polo shirts were ranked more suitable for the position and suggested he earn 9% more by volunteers than those in the no-name brand. Interesting as the study may be it's kinda like, 'tell us something we don't already know!' C'mon! We don't overspend on insane amounts of overpriced gear to make ourselves unconfident, seemingly unemployable, shrinking violets, do we?"The present data suggest that luxury consumption can be a profitable social strategy because conspicuous displays of luxury qualify as a costly signaling trait that elicits status-dependent favorable treatment in human social interactions," say the authors. Well, duh. Not only will luxury brands increase your potential earning power but get suitably groomed via laser hair removal and you will nail that winning job. 2011-04-05T16:59:11+00:00 TRR’S Top 5 All Saints Spring Picks http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/all-saints-spitalfields-top-5-spring-2011-womens-clothing-for-sale/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/all-saints-spitalfields-top-5-spring-2011-womens-clothing-for-sale/#When:15:52:42Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/all-saints-crop-shoe.jpg" alt="TRR’S Top 5 All Saints Spring Picks" />< We love All Saints at TRR, in fact it's one of our favourite retailers - mostly grungey, rarely girly, and always with a distressed beaten-in edge - AKA: everything we want from a high street label. We've scoured their women's spring collection currently on sale to bring you our Top 5 highlights.1) Suzetta Jumpsuit - Statement prints don't come much more eye-popping than this exotic bird beauty. 100% silk with leather detailing, the draped parachute jumpsuit is a flattering godsend for those bods residing in the post-Winter-not-quite-Summer stage. £2252) Bex Dress - Who says Spring should be all frills and florals? The Gothic look is perennial in our book. This cobwebby-wonder has been acid washed for that 80's vibe and dare we say, squint and it could almost past for a Mark Fast. £753) Aztec Skirt - Tribal prints have been big news for a while now - this Aztec mini is given a luxe edge interpreted in coral metallic sequins. £1654) Dower Pipe Skinny - It's time to break from the dark-washes and move to the lighter side. These low-rise ashen-grey jeans come in a worn-in wash with 3D creases. £655) Pither Heel - We love the abstract / cubist feel to these tri-colour wooden platform sandals. Sturdy enough for day and high enough to carry you through to night, these aggressive clompers will stomp you through the seasons till autumn. £175    `www.allsaints.com 2011-04-04T15:52:42+00:00 STORE FOCUS: The Oxfam Curiosity Shop http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges-oxfam-curiosity-shop-ultralounge/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges-oxfam-curiosity-shop-ultralounge/#When:17:46:32Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oxfam-curiosity.jpg" alt="STORE FOCUS: The Oxfam Curiosity Shop" />< Being huge charity shop fans at TRR, it ain't half depressing that finding that obscure 80's Alaia cocktail dress is becoming increasingly harder given that most shop's stock these days comprises of old Primark tat that would be cheaper were it still sold there. Anyway, here's the good news! Pioneers of contemporary-charity-concept initiatives, Oxfam have once more teamed up with Selfridges to create their fabulous Oxfam Curiosity Shop.From Friday 1st April to Sunday 10th, Selfridges' Ultralounge will mutate into an uber-thrift store selling thousands of celebrity, vintage and designer items. All proceeds will naturally go to Oxfam - specifically funding their women's projects around the world. Items will also be auctioned online at selfridges.com. Altruistic celeb-souls include Kate Moss who donated her 30th birthday dress, Natalie Imbruglia who donated a pair of Louboutins, Alice Temperley, V V Brown and Pixie Lott.Those that visit the 10 day event will not just get to rummage the rails for a bargain but attend daily styling classes plus fashion classes hosted by famous bods and top fashion ed's. Selfridges promise further surprises in store from high-tech video clothing tags, special VIP appearances and one-off competitions.Last year's OCS raised a whopping quarter of a million, so dig deep ladies and get philanthropic for your fashion.www.selfridges.com/oxfamauction 2011-04-01T17:46:32+00:00 EYEWEAR FOCUS: Silhouette Crystal Collection http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/silhouette-crystal-collection-eyewear-glasses/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/silhouette-crystal-collection-eyewear-glasses/#When:17:44:59Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/silhoeutte.jpg" alt="EYEWEAR FOCUS: Silhouette Crystal Collection" />< That hour we lost at the weekend means only one thing: British Summertime is officially here and it's time to start thinking all things optical. There's nothing like a  spot of understated eyewear elegance and masters of frameless specs, Silhoutte have just launched their beautifully simple yet classic Crystal Collection. It's with great pleasure we bring you the 411 on the range."Eyewear is so important to so many people" says campaign face, Helena Christensen. "In some cases they are imperative to their existence. Glasses have a very special significance in history. Culture and tradition additionally play an important role, as many people – artists, above all else – have also defined themselves using eyewear. This makes the story of eyewear even more exciting to me – it’s very much the story of the person wearing them."We couldn't agree more. Comprising four prescription and three sunglasses models, the collection utilizes high tech titanium and SPX- refined using Austrian-cut crystals to create shimmering lightweight lenses in shades of grey, apricot  and earth. We at The Real Runway favour the larger wrap-around Dreamwings Shield frames in Grey and the timeless elegance of the Sun Limelight in Apricot. www.silhouette.com 2011-04-01T17:44:59+00:00 Lily In Disguise http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lucy-in-disguise-lily-allen-own-collection-harvey-nichols-sarah-owen/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lucy-in-disguise-lily-allen-own-collection-harvey-nichols-sarah-owen/#When:20:01:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lily-in-d-crop.jpg" alt="Lily In Disguise" />< Thanks to the gleefully schadenfreude-esque C4 show, Riches To Rags, by now we've all guffawed at Lily Allen and her sister Sarah's seeming ignorance / naivety to the little world called fashion retailing. Let it be said that were they as deft at commercial know-how as they are at puffing on endless fags and chugging back litres of Rioja, the show would be infinitely less entertaining, yet their store, Lucy In Disguise, infinitely more solvent.Not content on hawking out designer vintage clobber-for-hire to those wot just cannot afford it (come on people, being a lowly retailer alone just can't be satisfying enough for Lil's ever-multiplying vanity project hunger) the duo are launching a new collection - like, totally designed by them and everything - under the Lucy In Disguise moniker. Before you eyeroll, Team Lil' will creatively consist of LVMH menswear style director and Kim Jones' sister (who knew?) Nadia Jones. As you can see from the really rather pretty painterly illustrations, the line will be vintage-inspired, merging key details from their vast hoard of stock. Each garment will be retro-named so expect to slip into a 'Capone' - a 30's sequin dress - or a 'Fortnum' - a 40's tea dress.Well the buyers are obviously convinced as launching in June, the collection drops into Harvey Nicks then 70 stores internationally along with their own boutique. If rumours are to be believed (and despite their business model being more of a boozeness model) it's doing well so it'll be interesting to see whether the Lil' 'designed' clothes will prove more successful than the Lil' 'sourced' ones. Then again, anyone recall her ill-fated New Look line? Nope, us neither. If you're looking for vintage clothing, then there are plenty of examples at the Very store which you can visit by going to the website at http://www.very.co.uk.  There are plenty of different lines there that you can check out. 2011-03-29T20:01:55+00:00 Kash-Karl http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kash-karl-lagerfeld-magnum-diet-coke-rachel-bilson/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kash-karl-lagerfeld-magnum-diet-coke-rachel-bilson/#When:04:21:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/24144743RpUMJySw.jpg" alt="Kash-Karl" />< In these tough economic times who ain't looking for ways to make a quick buck? No one is immune; least of all, Karl Lagerfeld. Sigh. Obscure, sell-out projects are like commercial catnip to Karl, and documenting each and every baffling one never ceases to bring the LOLZ to us: bespoke saves, outboard motor-boats, Coke bottles - hell, even private luxury islands, nothing escapes a little K endorsement. But on hearing our Uncle Karl decided to direct Rachel Bilson in a new Magnum ice cream advert, we really began to question the state of Chanel’s finances. Quick people! Stock up on some 2.55’s or at least a few Rouge Noir nail polishes! Replacing couture with choc-ices is quite a come down. We sat and scratched our heads, surely the lure of working with a star as bright as Bilson couldn’t have been the only selling point? So imagine how further perplexed we felt today on learning of his latest corporate tie in: yet again Karl has jumped into bed with Coca Cola to design some questionable limited edition bottles. The bottles will be available in the UK from June for anybody gullible enough to think a plastic wrapping is a fast-track to luxury kudos. Obs Chanel can’t be paying quite as well as you’d expect. Like, seriously, who sucks this much corporate cock without expecting their credibility scale to slide to nil?? Perhaps he’s simply building himself a monetary life raft before Lindsay Lohan sobers up and attempts and Ungaro-style coup...? 2011-03-25T04:21:00+00:00 Dior Hmmm… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hedi-slimane-slams-celebrities-designers-red-carpet-dressing-dior-homme/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hedi-slimane-slams-celebrities-designers-red-carpet-dressing-dior-homme/#When:17:10:54Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hedi_slimane-crop.jpg" alt="Dior Hmmm…" />< Memo to Hedi: We hear you - hell, we even salute you for trying to berate our repellently corrosive celebrity culture - but don't get all holier-than-thou over something you essentially practice as much as the next designer. Sigh... For once - just once - a story has provoked in us, not outrage nor total agreement, moreover a seemingly unheard of case of total ambivalence. Yes, people, we are on the fence: for once we can see both sides. Former Dior Homme honcho, Hedi Slimane (AKA the individual single handedly responsible for the sharp spike in male eating disorders) has been shooting his mouth off about celebrities wearing designer clothes, branding red carpet fashion "cheap." "The unfortunate outcome [of blogging and social networking] might be the obsession and collusion between the celebrity culture and high fashion.It is just a big global mess of random endorsement. Nothing looks worse than a dress or a suit on a red carpet. It is an ongoing tragedy of cheap fashion on cheap celebrities, followed by ubercheap comments. I only like designers’ clothes on models. Good models have an inner understanding of the clothes and design." Naturally talking smack about our oh-so-beloved 'sleb culture has caused a big stink (cue cries of "how dare he??" and "who does he think actually buys his clothes??") but seriously - and not just to play devils advocate, we totally get where he's coming from. C'mon he knows it's the affluent older (read: porkier) types rather than the scraggy hipless, teens that slunk down his runways that bankrolled his wage-packet. What we think Hedi's getting at is how cynically willing label's have become to be celeb's bedfellow's, forsaking credibility, integrity and the brand's soul/aesthetic for a brief moment on the back of some D-lister at a premiere. That said, Hedi's whole argument is kinda made null and void by the fact he spent most of his Dior years sartorially butt-fucking Pete Doherty (along with whoever the hip young indie upstart was at the time) so to get all morally superior on our asses is sanctimonious at best and unequivocally hypocritical at worst. 2011-03-23T17:10:54+00:00 Store Focus: Guts For Garters http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/guts-for-garters-shop-store-camden-royal-college-street/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/guts-for-garters-shop-store-camden-royal-college-street/#When:19:13:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/guts-crop.jpg" alt="Store Focus: Guts For Garters" />< After a gestation period of three years, Guts For Garters, London’s newest art-cum-fashion-cum-curiosity concept store has finally opened its doors. Located - not, as one would expect - in the East End but hidden away on an unassuming Camden street. We sat down with the founders of this unique wonder-emporium, Coulthard Institute graduates Rachel Chudley and Cassie Beadle, to pick their brains. We're assured that this store is one of a number of inspired endeavours popping up to reclaim Camden’s rich history - now buried under the market’s escalators that seem symbolic of the area’s ruin. Guts For Garters appears central to this revitalization, housed in “a whole creative space; the store, a gallery and artist’s studios”. “We wanted to create an alternative to throwaway culture," Rachel explains. "The store sells things for people to pass down to their children; they invest in the quality but also the idea. Rather than it being like a gallery where you look around with a rope in the way, you can go home with something. We want to make art fun and available.” The girls have emphasised a return to archaic ideas so alien they seem almost futuristic to those who spend weekends generating piles of high-street panic-purchases rather than considering artistic investments. The space itself is less a shop, moreover, a bedroom overflowing with precious and loved junk. But it won’t always seem like this; akin to a gallery, there will be three themes at Guts For Garters each year and the space will change radically with each. The first theme is the rather aptly timed, ‘The Royal We’. Rachel explains: "This is a contradiction. When The Queen refers to ‘we’ or ‘us’ she means ‘me and God’, which is ridiculously exclusive. But as a nation we own her and if we revolted she wouldn’t be here.  This is no praise of the monarchy, rather an aesthetically pleasing, peaceful rebellion." Housing a glorious mish-mash of antiques, memorabilia, furniture and majestic vintage fashion, sourced almost entirely by Rachel and Cassie, you're likely to find including rare Vivienne Westwood alongside McQueen and Biba. And then there’s the artwork. Even the most ameteur of art buyers can find somewhere to conceive their collection amongst the fifteen contributors. One has the option to experiment in punk with Jamie Reid’s Sex Pistols cover art, anarchy with Carrie Reichardt’s tiles or appreciation of the blood and guts of Kings and Queens past with Andy Walker’s ‘off with his head’ inspired fashions. Such an abundance of choice under one roof is overwhelming but beautifully executed, and the decadence dovetails harmoniously with the regal subject. The oh-so timely opening of the store in the month prior to the Royal Wedding confirms how the lighthearted bastardisation of our Monarchy is so thoroughly appreciated. At the opening, guests were treated to ‘Kate Middleton’ performing a burlesque dance, stripping down from her wedding dress to union jack pasties and leather straps - completed with only a picture of her betrothed  covering her dignity. A very amused HRH lookalike watched approvingly from the balcony, waving occasionally. Anti-monarchy? Possibly. Tongue-in-cheek teasing than tasteless treason? Absolutely. For more information on the store visit http://www.gutsforgarters.com Guts For Garters: bottom floor of The Cob Gallery,205 Royal College Street, Camden, NW1 [Kate Middleton image: Christopher James] 2011-03-17T19:13:50+00:00 Uniqlovely http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/uniqlo-donate-millions-to-japanese-earthquake-tsunami-disaster/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/uniqlo-donate-millions-to-japanese-earthquake-tsunami-disaster/#When:18:14:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/uniqlo-japan.jpg" alt="Uniqlovely" />< There's nothing like a spot of sartorial philanthropy to warm our no-heart and by God, this is a seriously affecting gesture that should make other uber-retailers take note. Japanese basics pioneer Uniqlo have donated a colossal $25.6 million in relief towards their homeland's tragic earthquake > tsunami > soon-to-be nuclear fallout disaster.The mind-blowing offering breaks down thus: $4.9 million comes from Uniqlo, $8.6 million's worth of garments (comprising coats, jeans, towels and 300,000 pairs of its Heattech thermal underwear) and $12.2 million straight outta the back pocket of Tadashi Yanai, founder and president of Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo.An astonishing, soul gratifying gesture which, whilst upliftingly informs you globalism ain't without an altruistic side, conversely it serves more of a reminder of the utterly contemptible, amoral way it more often than not operates. Here's looking at you Mr Philip 'Tax Dodger' Green. 2011-03-16T18:14:43+00:00 Put Them Away, Daph’s http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/daphne-guinness-did-not-call-victoria-beckham-ugly-pig-sunday-times/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/daphne-guinness-did-not-call-victoria-beckham-ugly-pig-sunday-times/#When:23:12:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/daphne-crop.jpg" alt="Put Them Away, Daph’s" />< Suicide, Daphne? Really? We're sure Vicky B has bigger shit to worry her fragile bones over now she's preggers than whether or not you likened her to a farmyard animal. Let's not be too melodramatic here. It seems TRR's favourite couturista, Daphne Guinness, sure is getting her spray-on-Gareth-Pugh panties in a bunch over being 'misquoted' in an interview with Camilla Long in The Sunday Times.The article quotes Daph's as saying making this less-than-complimentary (though, incidentally LOLZ) remark:"She is an ugly pig! Downbeat, miserable and awful. Of course she's going to make money - she's backed by Simon Fuller. I don't have anyone! She annoys the shit out of me."Naturally Daphne took to her Twitter on the offensive, protesting (too much?) with histrionic suicidal gestures and cries of foul play:"@davidmtt I feel like killing myself, I have been stabbed in the back by that journalist@_tokyostar I am so sad stitched up by the sunday times. I thought c. long was a friend. I would never call anyone an ugly cow, not my words""And for the record I not only admire Victoria Beckham but know her and like her. My point was that I do most things alone without a backer."Not sure who to call out on this one. Yes journo's will embellish, spin and entrap, but we can envisage Ms G talking this kinda smack about Posh. But seriously Daph's, 'no backer'? Coming from lips of an heiress with a stinkingly handsome divorce settlement, it all sounds a bit inconsequential, non? 2011-03-14T23:12:18+00:00 xox-NO http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gossip-girl-blake-lively-stars-in-chanel-mademoiselle-handbag-campaign-xoxo/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gossip-girl-blake-lively-stars-in-chanel-mademoiselle-handbag-campaign-xoxo/#When:20:54:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chanel-blake-crop.jpg" alt="xox-NO" />< It's heartening to learn our omnipresent eye-rolling at fashion's oh-so imbecilic tendancies isn't simply our embittered souls playing out gratuitously. How we recoiled at Karl Lagerfeld's vampiric-like appropriation of youth - in this instance, his choice of Gossip Girl's Bland- we mean, Blake Lively for the Chanel Mademoiselle handbag campaign. How in the hell can this ostensibly vanilla teen star be the postergirl for serious luxury, we cried?Well, one look at the uninspired and curiously dark (literally: you can barely see the red bag) campaign shots and we're quietly vindicated by our accurate prediction. The stairwell milieu is banal, our heroine, rigid and sexless (even in her attempt to dry-hump her own reflection) and dare we say, the handbags-gliding-down-the-railings composition, a bit teehee.When are the big power-houses going to learn? Lazily slapping the latest anodyne teen heartthrob in your ads doth not a good campaign make.   2011-03-14T20:54:37+00:00 Wot, No Latex? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emmanuelle-alt-first-french-vogue-cover-gisele-bundchen-carine-roitfeld/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emmanuelle-alt-first-french-vogue-cover-gisele-bundchen-carine-roitfeld/#When:15:49:39Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/gisele-vogue-crop.jpg" alt="Wot, No Latex?" />< What says, "I'm very much my own woman and will sure as hell carve out my own niche" better than essentially pulling a 360 on your predecessors work? When we announced Emmanuelle Alt's replacing of Carine Roitfeld as French Vogue editrix back in January, we mused whether or not she'd pull a volte-face on Carine's, err, distinctly S n' M aesthetic.Well the goods are in and for her first issue, Alt has only gone and slapped a, shall we say, distinctly ethereal looking Gisele on the cover in a floaty white lace Dolce and Gabbana number with the strapline "white: simply chic."  If there was ever any confusion over what Alt would do, then this cover kinda bears all the hallmarks of a new, more romantic, less shock-tactics French Vogue.      2011-03-14T15:49:39+00:00 LFW: J.W. Anderson http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-j.w.-anderson-autumn-winter-2011-collection-runway-review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-j.w.-anderson-autumn-winter-2011-collection-runway-review/#When:18:36:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/myphoto2.jpg" alt="LFW: J.W. Anderson" />< LFW A/W 2011 saw the BFC give us Mensday for the second season running. And for the second season running, J.W. Anderson violently blasted all other menswear designers out of the stormy sartorial water with his ironically degendered approach to dressing the beautiful male form. J.W. Anderson, to us, you can do no wrong. The same prints and colours as seen in the womenswear collection, yes please. Excessive amounts of razored fur, perhaps somehow resembling a tortoise-shell, please do continue. Men in coats that look like skirts and men in actual flowing skirts, please just marry us. Beautiful where it should be bizarre, lacking, if anything, a miniscule lashing of leather, JW Anderson gets gold yet again for his genderless genius. If you're looking for some men's jackets or coats this season, then why not view the Superdry collection at Very? Learn more visiting the Very.co.uk website. 2011-03-01T18:36:57+00:00 LFW: Basso & Brooke http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-basso-brooke-autumn-winter-2011-collection-runway-review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-basso-brooke-autumn-winter-2011-collection-runway-review/#When:18:05:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/myphoto.jpg" alt="LFW: Basso & Brooke" />< Basso & Brooke turned out an impressive ambush of ‘we do printing better than you’ designs in their A/W 2011 collection. With the digital print market becoming incresingly over-saturated after the duo’s original mastery, the crowned kings stepped up to the proverbial, sartorial plate and proved that they most certainly do still got ‘it’, whatever ‘it’ is that makes their digi-prints more fine art than fashion. But it’s gotten a little bit vulgar; digital print is smeared all over the catwalks now and boys, we know you do it like no other, but save us from this onslaught and show us that’s not all you do. It’s all well and good showing myriad silhouettes but guessing the next skirt length wasn’t keeping the Frow awake; what was mesmerising is now a tad soporific. TRR promises that you can keep your places at the head of the digital print monarchy, just integrate some digital plain.   2011-03-01T18:05:46+00:00 Oscars 2011: The Get-Ups http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/oscars-2011-outfits-best-dressed-list-worst-dressed/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/oscars-2011-outfits-best-dressed-list-worst-dressed/#When:18:52:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/portman-crop.jpg" alt="Oscars 2011: The Get-Ups" />< Libya is on the brink of collapse, we're teetering close to a cost-of-living crisis, but hey, fuck that shit, along come the Oscars to distract us from what really matters. Who needs to worry about trifling global concerns when there's frocks to be cooed over, right?!So, casting a glance over this year's (mostly meh) red carpet roll-call, they wore it rouge and exceedingly sculpted: host Anne Hathaway, Sandy Bullock and an ultra svelte J-Hud rocked scarlet bustled and swagged gowns from Valentino, Vera Wang and Versace respectively.Our winner, Cate Blanchett nailed it in Japanese inspired Givenchy Couture, although we were hella pissed to note she didn't opt for the matching enormo Goldrake robot helmet as presented by Riccardo Tisci.Surprisingly Helena Bonham Carter favoured Atwood (Colleen) over Westwood (Vivienne) though given the corsetted,voluminous nature of her frock, we'd be dammed to even tell the difference.Florence Welch and Mila Kunis looked lusciously ethereal in vintage-y layered lace confections by Valentino and Elie Saab whilst GOOPY Gwynnie went for a Bacofoil Calvin Klein number and - holy shit - Nicole Kidman was only one peplum away from passing as a gypsy bride in her sizeable-overly-embellished Christian Dior creation.Best Dressed Bump goes to Natalie Portman's swelling protrusion which was gracefully cloaked in an aubergine Rodarte number. 2011-02-28T18:52:56+00:00 LFW: Clements Ribeiro http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-clements-ribeiro-autumn-winter-2011-catwalk-runway-review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-clements-ribeiro-autumn-winter-2011-catwalk-runway-review/#When:00:14:36Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/2710154yLOj8fC4.jpg" alt="LFW: Clements Ribeiro" />< Clements Ribeiro returned to LFW this season to give the new kids on the block a lesson in how to make clashing prints refined.  Lace melted into leopard print which in turn vanished amid gold and orange brocade. Romance, Darkly shouldn’t have worked. On paper it’s grotesque - violently loud colours, thick black crochet tights, chunky platform heels and prints that resemble an old woman’s dirty curtains; in reality it’s a triumph. 2011-02-28T00:14:36+00:00 LFW: sass and bide http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sass-and-bide-autumn-winter-2011-collection-runway-catwalk-report-lfw/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sass-and-bide-autumn-winter-2011-collection-runway-catwalk-report-lfw/#When:19:48:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/2664914RbKjNhCZ.jpg" alt="LFW: sass and bide" />< It was a case of seasonal amnesia at sass and bide’s A/W 2011showing. No hint of the cosy knitwear or shearling we’ve come to expect elsewhere, no earthy shades or berry tones. ‘Boogie and The History Maker’ was wall-to-wall fluorescents, colour clashes and print-on-print, topped with sci-fi fez style headpieces and tribal feathered jewellery. The delicate silk scalloping, concertina pleating with knotted and plaited details added texture to the more subtle looks.   2011-02-26T19:48:09+00:00 HOT OFF THE PRESS! LFW: David Koma http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-david-koma-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-david-koma-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/#When:19:12:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/koma-crop.jpg" alt="HOT OFF THE PRESS! LFW: David Koma" />< London Fashion Week: David Koma autumn/winter 2011 collection. Full report to follow. 2011-02-21T19:12:44+00:00 LFW: Aminaka Wilmont http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/aminaka-wilmont-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/aminaka-wilmont-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/#When:18:00:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_215825cAO52O1M.jpg" alt="LFW: Aminaka Wilmont" />< London Fashion Week: Aminaka Wilmont autumn/winter 2011. Full show report to follow. 2011-02-21T18:00:19+00:00 LFW: Felder Felder http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/felder-felder-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/felder-felder-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/#When:17:50:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_2145152sBrGtHc.jpg" alt="LFW: Felder Felder" />< London Fashion Week: Felder Felder autumn/winter 2011. Full show report to follow. Photos: Mari Rustan 2011-02-21T17:50:26+00:00 LFW: Jean Pierre Braganza http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jean-pierre-braganza-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jean-pierre-braganza-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/#When:17:24:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_2143624VDKb9C0h.jpg" alt="LFW: Jean Pierre Braganza" />< London Fashion Week: Jean Pierre Braganza autumn/winter 2011. Full show report to follow. Photos: Mari Rustan 2011-02-21T17:24:23+00:00 LFW: Maria Grachvogel http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-maria-grachvogel-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lfw-maria-grachvogel-autumn-winter-2011-collection-catwalk-show/#When:18:31:36Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/maria-crop.jpg" alt="LFW: Maria Grachvogel" />< London Fashion Week: Maria Grachvogel. Full show report to follow.   2011-02-19T18:31:36+00:00 LFW: Jena Theo http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jena-theo-autumn-winter-2011-catwalk-show-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jena-theo-autumn-winter-2011-catwalk-show-collection/#When:18:28:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_1853038WzMFXXSY-1.jpg" alt="LFW: Jena Theo" />< HOT OFF THE PRESS! Jena Theo autumn/winter 2011 collection. Review to follow... Photos: Mari Rustan 2011-02-18T18:28:23+00:00 Hope We Can Forgive You http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/leona-lewis-ethical-fashion-new-look-lips-fail/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/leona-lewis-ethical-fashion-new-look-lips-fail/#When:19:25:53Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/1163416g07xkJvM.jpg" alt="Hope We Can Forgive You" />< 'Hey Leona Lewis! Look! It’s the kooky fashion bandwagon rolling past! Quick! Jump on it!' Yep, that’s exactly what St. Leona of Lewis has done this week in a somewhat feeble attempt to maintain our ever-dwindling interest. Clearly influenced by Simon Cowell’s blind devotion to the current wave of pop stars that look as if they’ve been popped outta the same anodyne cookie-cutter mold, the once oh-so-innocent-yet-bland Leona shoved herself into a high-waisted skirt and sheer crop top, with only some oversized lips to protect her modesty. The ever creative X-Factor winner then totally mixed it up the next day switching the lips for a bow. - Woah, fashion icon in the making! The media reaction to her latest image overhaul has mainly seen girl get cussed hard but we think it’s a little harsh.  You people want her to look like a cabaret singer forever? Sure the weave is a bit off key, her snount suspicously slimmed-down and the bronzer overkill on another level of horror, but we’re going out on a limb to call this one a massive improvement. Just Surely anything has to be better then those sickly highlights and bridesmaids curls, non? Those endless pastel satin gowns gave her as much sex appeal as box of hair. Leona Lewis is a fugly duckling (potentially) turning into a swan; it’s just that she’s currently stuck in that patchy feathers stage… We still can’t forgive that heinous gothic-pierrot doll look she tried out recently. Though while we’ve decided to encourage this bold new look from Leona we’re holding back from giving her any actual praise after hearing the designer behind the brave new revamp was actually, erm, Ms. Lewis. So obviously the natural progression poisonous course for some one in the public eye who has designed two questionable crop tops, and has no formal design training is to embark on an entire ethical fashion line… groan. How far will she go with this new look before trotting back to the safety of those hideous Coast dresses? Only time will tell. Word is she’s designing her Grammy’s outfit. We wait with baited breath. 2011-02-11T19:25:53+00:00 Die Fringe-Off http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-copied-hairstyle-yolandi-visser-60-minutes-anderson-cooper/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-copied-hairstyle-yolandi-visser-60-minutes-anderson-cooper/#When:18:01:03Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/gaga-born-this-way.jpg" alt="Die Fringe-Off" />< Us? Take cheap pot shots? Neve- well, OK, OK, when it comes to our favourite whipping gal, to try and refrain from taking a swipe is like having our bestest toy put on a high shelf waaaay outta reach. Anyway. After mega LOLZing at Lady Gaga being told to get the hell out of her former apartment on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper (let's face it, who'd let that in) the one thing that struck us more than her residential rejection was her new 'receding hairline' barnet.Like, way to plagiarize a hair-do, homegirl. This albino-meets-Dave-Hill-from-Slade look has been looted literally follicle-by-follicle from Yolandi Vi$$er - AKA probably the most effortlessly coolest, hardest bitch in music. For the uninitiated, Vi$$er co-fronts Sarth Effrika's finest - and scariest - rap/rave/hip-hop/zef cartel, Die Antwoord (The Answer). Seriously, for all her faux masquerading as the pioneer-of-originality, Gaga actually needs a slap-upside-the-head with a hardcore dose of it. Even in the artwork for her new single Born This Way she is totally channelling Vi$$er's vibe. So in the micro-fringe wars who does it best? Cape Town's albino princess or the predictable NYC identity bandit? We know who our money's on and die antwoord is.... 2011-02-09T18:01:03+00:00 Muberry: Let The Love Blossom http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/muberry-the-love-blossom-valentines-day-ecard-daniel-brown/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/muberry-the-love-blossom-valentines-day-ecard-daniel-brown/#When:18:04:59Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/20091109_nomiansari_560x375-rop.jpg" alt="Muberry: Let The Love Blossom" />< Ecards? Meh. Pixellated monstrosities starring cringingly unfunny wisecracks or barfingly over-sentimental slush. BUT! This Valentines Day, what says "I love you (but not nearly as much as fashion)" more than sending your lover a bespoke romantic greeting from Mulberry? The big M have teamed up with digital artist, Daniel Brown for their inspired Love Blossoms project which allows you to create a piece of floral digital art whose petals bloom into their S/S '11 prints.Head to the below URL, pick your design and come February 14th, your paramour will receive your unique artwork via email which will blossom to life before their very eyes. Each design will grow organically (well, as organically as digitally permits) as it would in nature, thus, no flowers are the same.Beautiful and charming yet interactive and techno-centric - and above all free! - Mulberry Love Blossoms is seriously the e-card alternative that shouldn't be consigned to Trash.Mulberry Love Blossoms http://www.mulberry.comloveblossoms 2011-02-08T18:04:59+00:00 Kim K: Does Anyone Really Kare? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kim-kardashian-cries-over-naked-photos-in-w-magazine-porn-or-art/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kim-kardashian-cries-over-naked-photos-in-w-magazine-porn-or-art/#When:05:07:24Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/616307lDGBg6nS.jpg" alt="Kim K: Does Anyone Really Kare?" />< Recent reports have stated that Kim Kardashian is completely devastated about how 'revealing' her photos for W turned out (revealing in Kardashian lingo translating as full frontal porn). For someone who has infamously made the uninherited part of her 'fortune' by doing nothing BUT taking her clothes off such a statement seems rather alarming to say the very least. Poor Kimmy K was under the deluded belief that her most intimate parts were going to be covered by 'art', oh the woe! "I'm more naked here than I was in Playboy.." she squealed to the numerous cameras filming for her newest installment of reality garbage. Even funnier than the bizarrely hilarious circumstances is the fact that Kardashian couldn't even express a single emotion upon her frozen face. Hold up, let's just remember how Kim even gained the ability to pollute televisions and magazine covers globally? Oh that's right! By starring in a fully fledged home made porn tape with singer Ray J and then secretly leaking it to gain fame! She then went onto regain her dignity by posing for Hef but it seems she's finally come to her senses, releasing a statement that "she'll never pose naked again, except if it's for Vogue". Hate to break it to you, but we don't somehow see Miss Wintour requesting any has-been shots of your haute couture birthday suit any time... ever! Perhaps Kim should have taken a few pointers from her sister Khloe (genius alliteration right there huh?) Known for being the 'man' of the clan, she recently released some dreadfully dominatrix styled photos in hopes to show that she too can be as fashionably challenged as her sisters. Sadly, the photos were pretty much nothing more than proof that aliens have landed.. What's more, Kim's latest Hollywood hater isn't just another inheritance idiotic hoe but none other than Sir Elton John himself! "Who the fuck is Kim Kardashian? Some stupid old tart?"His musical highness hilariously stated! Tinsel town's version of the ugly step sisters? Maybe. Trash TV at it's finest E Entertainment hour? Absolutely!  2011-02-07T05:07:24+00:00 FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/rodarte-mulleavy-sisters-vs-amy-westcott-black-swan-costume-design-drama/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/rodarte-mulleavy-sisters-vs-amy-westcott-black-swan-costume-design-drama/#When:03:24:21Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/3144459RgUKDBa9.jpg" alt="FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" />< When we first heard that Rodarte’s Mulleavy sisters had been dealt a massive snub being left off the costume credits for Black Swan we could sense a fight brewing, but when they were left off the BAFTA nomination we knew this thing was going nuclear. Now Amy Westcott, the costume designer at the eye of the storm has come out fighting with a sucker punch of a statement… we do love a good ol’ rant. Westcott claims their role creating the stunning tutus at the heart of the film were merely collaborations, and that their input only extended to a meager seven costumes. "Controversy is too complimentary a word for two people using their considerable self-publicising resources to loudly complain about their credit once they realised how good the film is.” Ouch… “I was happy for Rodarte's persistent publicity efforts at first; I'm so proud of the film and anything that brings it to an even wider audience is genuinely welcome. I tried to put aside my ego while being airbrushed from history in all of their interviews, as I'm just not that kind of person anyway. But when articles were planted that attacked me personally as if I had conspired against them I felt nothing but despair and betrayal. I don't have a publicist working for me, needless to say, and I was asked to stay quiet -'not to engage', to avoid any bad press towards the film. Unfortunately this seems to have proven detrimental to the perception of my work on Black Swan. I didn't make the rules that the Guild and the Academy set and I am proud of my professionalism and commitment to my work, so to have my name dragged into such ill-informed gossip is galling and hurtful to say the least." Pow! That’s telling them gurllll! Can’t see anymore Westcott/Mulleavy collaborations anytime in the future can you? Now they’ve been painted as the villains of the pieces it’s over to fashion’s ugly sisters - What have you to say girls? 2011-02-04T03:24:21+00:00 Shock And Bore http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-to-release-blood-and-semen-fragrance/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-to-release-blood-and-semen-fragrance/#When:22:27:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/gagtease.jpg" alt="Shock And Bore" />< Christ, we all knew it would happen sooner or later. Hot on the heels of announcing that her forthcoming single would have the boringly peurile title 'Shit', Lady Gaga - the Western world's foremost purveyor of cod-transgressive, pantless tedium - has expressed the intent to release a fragrance which smells of 'blood and semen' or, as we here at TRR call it, 'Friday night'. You'll forgive us if we stifle a yawn, but we can't help but recall an altogether similar scent having been produced by Etat Libre d'Orange; their floridly-named 'Secretions Magnifique' has the dubious honour of being the first perfume created to recall the altogether familiar scents of 'blood, milk and iodes', effectively beating her Ga-ness of Ga to the punch by several years. It certainly isn't the first time that the unitard-wearing space buffoon has sought to capitalise on the devotion of her 'Little Monsters' by appropriating the work of another artist, but let's give the Lady her dues - in this case, she would have found it somewhat difficult to crib from her usual sources. After all, as far as we at TRR Towers are aware, neither David Bowie nor Grace Jones has ever released a fragrance. (No word on what the name of this olfactory abomintation will be thus far, by the way, as it's set for release in 2012, but we suspect it's unlikely to better our favourite celebrity fragrance title - namely, that of the actor Alan Cumming's second offering, poetically dubbed 'The Second Cumming'. Genius, non? Call us back when you've got a good pun lined up, Gags, and we'll talk.) 2011-01-27T22:27:09+00:00 Couture! Couture! Givenchy http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Givenchy-couture-collection-spring-summer-2011-riccardo-tisci/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Givenchy-couture-collection-spring-summer-2011-riccardo-tisci/#When:19:55:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/givenchy-couture-crop.jpg" alt="Couture! Couture! Givenchy" />< Quick, someone post a memo to Uncle K and tell him this is how its done. Utterly unpredictable and mesmerising in its concept and execution, Riccardo Tisci’s Givenchy couture collection was a spellbinding rendering of Asian inspiration. But Harajuku and Geisha girls it ain’t. Tisci took reference from the late Japanse dancer, Kazuo Ohno and the crazy futurism of their robotic toys which offered a thoroughly modern remix of Far Eastern culture as yet untapped by fashion. At first, viewed from the front, the Philip Treacy giant double horned plastic helmets (think: Ghengis Khan vs Goldrake robots) jarred with the romantic, ethereal gown's soft, dusky lilacs and mushroom hues. But these belied their striking rears which featured intricate back detail resembling neon rocket-packs. The mind-boggling intricacy of the pearl/crystal embellishment and origami-esque detailing reveals the level of blood, sweat and tears that went into Tisci’s vision (one outfit took 4,000 hours to complete) however it’s indeed one where fashion truly can be justified as art. 2011-01-27T19:55:35+00:00 COUTURE! COUTURE! Chanel http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chanel-couture-collection-spring-summer-2011-paris-couture-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chanel-couture-collection-spring-summer-2011-paris-couture-week/#When:19:10:59Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chanel-couture-crop.jpg" alt="COUTURE! COUTURE! Chanel" />< Really Karl? Couture you say? Hmm… Don’t get us wrong , we love subtlety, but are left kinda bemused at Chanel’s spring/summer 2011 couture offering. At first glance: Just. Doesn’t. Seem. Like. Couture. Which prompts the question, what defines couture? Is it out-and-out OTT, outlandish ostentation or simply the painstaking craftsmanship? Were it the latter, Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel show yesterday was a lesson in understated couture finesse. Mercifully for the model’s podiatry health, they padded out in flat ballet pumps rather than the archetypal crippling vertiginous skyscrapers. Given, the clothing barely differs from Karl’s R-T-W offerings, many of the diaphanous fabrics were actually minutely beaded embroidery. Inspired by the artist, Marie Laurencin , the omnipresent sugary hues of the classic boucle tweed suiting, shift dresses and flowing maxi-gowns were interestingly offset by glossy black PVC cigarette pants. Absolutely saving the gently tiered ruffles abundant baby-pink and from being too far, far too frou-frou. 2011-01-26T19:10:59+00:00 BOOK FOCUS: ACOFI http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Amelias-compendium-of-fashion-illustration-book-acofi-ameila-gregory/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Amelias-compendium-of-fashion-illustration-book-acofi-ameila-gregory/#When:17:45:51Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/acofi-crop.jpg" alt="BOOK FOCUS: ACOFI" />< For those of you that mourned the loss of the print version of Amelia’s Magazine (alas, gone are the days of those inspired colour-in, scratch ‘n’ sniff and Swarovski crystal covers) you can rejoice as her illustration-centric fashion content returns to paper form with her newest book. Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration unites the work of thirty emerging illustrators and profiles fifty ethical fashion designers. These days fashion and illustration are publishing bedfellows – from the equally lovely Sketchbook magazine to Pourquois Pas? - but Amelia’s was a real pioneer of the homespun marriage of the arts with craft practices. Despite the smidgen of inevitable bias given that Mrs TRR is an Amelia’s Mag writer, ACOFI is indeed a glorious tome featuring, first and foremost, ethical designers that mercifully forego substituting style for happy-clappy sentiments; Ada Zandition, Prophetik, Romina Karamanea and Edun are all wonderfully profiled. The up-and-coming illustrators were cleverly selected via the setting of an open brief – testament to the democratic, supportive, leg-up nature of Amelia’s, with the nurturing of new talent being as fundamental as the content. From the pearlised cover designed by Arizona based artist, Andrea Peterson to the ethical production practices, ACOFI is a book with a conscience and heart as much as beautifully realised artwork.   Amelia’s Compendium Of Fashion Illustration is available at the Tate, Design Museum and Magma 2011-01-26T17:45:51+00:00 COMPETITION: Can You Shape What’s To Come? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Levis-face-of-shape-whats-to-come-community-competition/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Levis-face-of-shape-whats-to-come-community-competition/#When:23:16:21Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/LEVIS_GIRL_COMP-crop.jpg" alt="COMPETITION: Can You Shape What’s To Come?" />< Gather round Tweethards, come closer, Facebook fanatics, Levi’s are looking for a super-fly fashion and social media savvy girl to become the face and voice of their awesome Shape What’s To Come initiative. Shape What’s To Come launched last year encouraging young, creative women from fashion, art and music spheres to network, discuss ideas, hell, even just help each other figure out how to actually make a dollar and a cent out of the creative game. The lucky winner will get to spend six months living it up at Levi’s HQ in San Francisco being the face and voice of the SWTC community. If you’ve got a keen eye for global issues as well as badass personal style then this opportunity has your name on it. To enter, get busy with your iPhone and submit a video of yourself using the Levi’s Facebook app (http://www.facebook.com/Levis) by Wednesday 2nd February telling them precisely why they should pick you. 2011-01-25T23:16:21+00:00 Couture! Couture! Armani Prive http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/armani-prive-couture-spring-summer-2011-collection-catwalk-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/armani-prive-couture-spring-summer-2011-collection-catwalk-show/#When:18:33:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/armani-prive-crop.jpg" alt="Couture! Couture! Armani Prive" />< Devo? Grace Jones? Whoever's conical headwear Giorgio Armani was channelling, the Philip Treacy UFO-esque fascinators certainly set the futuristic agenda in his spring/summer 2011 Armani Prive collection. Metallic textures poured down the runway like shimmering gem-hued fluid, such were the glossy liquidity of the ruby, turquoise and emerald tones. Cropped jacket, gown and bell-bottom shapes flowed in harmony with the body whilst giant gemstone breastplates looked like semi-precious armour. Words: Mari Rustan 2011-01-25T18:33:57+00:00 Couture! Couture! Christian Dior http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian-dior-couture-spring-summer-2011-catwalk-images/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian-dior-couture-spring-summer-2011-catwalk-images/#When:18:01:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dior-couture-crop.jpg" alt="Couture! Couture! Christian Dior" />< John Galliano's Christian Dior spring/summer 2011 couture collection paid big, big lip service to Dior illustrator, Rene Gruau. It was Gruau's 1950's brushstrokes that underscore the Dior's iconic imagery and heritage and as such, the New Look-era collection read like a love-letter to the maison's past. Opening 50’s silhouettes starring nipped-in-waists and capacious skirts in vivid scarlets and blacks fed through into voluminous peplum’d, shouldered and hemmed dresses in jewel tones of jade, emerald and cobalt. Closing were frothy confections of romantic, rose-trimmed sugar-hued gowns.   2011-01-25T18:01:01+00:00 Formichetti-Gaga-Mulger: Our Verdict http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nicola-formichetti-thierry-mugler-menswear-autumn-winter-2011-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nicola-formichetti-thierry-mugler-menswear-autumn-winter-2011-collection/#When:08:54:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_2055712KSMjiE7w.jpg" alt="Formichetti-Gaga-Mulger: Our Verdict" />< Hey, when your face is just bone, you don’t need a surname! Skeletally-tattooed model, ‘Rico’ was just one of Nicola Formichetti’s many novelty touches (for there were plenty) at his debut show for Thierry Mugler as creative director with Gaga soundtraking the proceedings. The carcass-inked Canadian looked eeew-freaky-cool and resembled a kinda ghost-zombie in the closing look, beneath a billowing white veil. Let us set aside, for a moment, our disgruntled feelings on the true modus operandi of this holy trinity of minds. A few days ago we offered our pathos on the disagreeable nature of this – grabbing, perhaps, cynical, definitely - designer-celeb-stylist love-in. But all that aside, let’s just look at the clothes. As some fashion ed's commented, this collection was more a ‘walking-editorial’ by way of its quirky whimsy: bare-tattooed exposed chests, ashen-grey faces, almost burqua-esque head scarves and waist-high wader-resembling dungarees all made for very fashion shoot flourishes. In between those, err, gratuitous moments there remained some very neat tailoring moments – the louche tailoring, drop-crotch pants were all signature, classic Mugler, in fact and very well executed. The mostly navy-noir palette (broken hither-thither with the odd jolt of burnt umber and cream) absolutely underscored Formichetti’s gloomy agenda. In fact, most of the, ahem, comedy elements paid more lip service to co-designer Romain Kremer’s own eponymous line itself (the liquid-PVC overload, the masking of faces) than possibly Formichetti’s aesthetic design vision. Whatever, with no benchmark to truly discern the latter, one is only left to hypothesize. Intrigued, margainally impressed and definitely interested, at least. 2011-01-25T08:54:57+00:00 Spears For Sears? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Britney-spears-to-launch-bcbg-clothing-line-spears-for-sears/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Britney-spears-to-launch-bcbg-clothing-line-spears-for-sears/#When:18:11:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/bald-britney-crop.jpg" alt="Spears For Sears?" />< On the rare occasion Britney Spears gets column inches, ‘psychiatric wards’, ‘paparazzi attacks’, and ‘custody battles’ are just a sprinkling of what leaps to the forefront of the mind. However rumour has it (and you better pray that it stays that way) that the former star is in talks of a collaboration with BCBG for none other than the oh-so exclusive Sears. Entitled Spears for Sears (a name that wrote itself, obs) Brit Brit is set to become the creative consultant for the 'mature' line featuring casual apparel, which she aims to appeal to her older fans.  Okay, hold up, last time we checked, the only time Britney had ever been anything close to ‘creative’ was getting trigger-happy with the hair clippers during that infamous head shaving episode. Which, of course, started the most sought after follicle trend of the year, y’all. Secondly, if she wanted to do something for her 'older fan(s)' (AKA: the ones that have grown-up and moved on) perhaps she could focus on her children or better still, retiring gracefully. Despite having her visage slapped across a trillion past brand endorsements, this repackaging of Britney as a sophisticated fashion doyenne is just perfect timing what with her, err, greatly anticipated comeback - with the most greatly anticipating being whether she'll actually sing or stick to miming and shuffling about the stage again.  Here at TRR we're all for collaborations - H&M and Lanvin, Kate Moss for Topshop, hell, even Alexa Chung for New Look if we really had to, but the Hollywood hairless hobo look for the American version of George? Hmm… 2011-01-24T18:11:00+00:00 Someone Needs A Looking Glass http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/venus-williams-eleven-clothing-line-tennis/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/venus-williams-eleven-clothing-line-tennis/#When:21:18:31Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_245309vquZB1ZJ.jpg" alt="Someone Needs A Looking Glass" />< With the exception of male athletes modelling pants, the fickle world of fashion has never been a particularly kind place for sporting folk. Venus Williams this week continued her one-woman battle to ensure it never is. Yes, she of savage grunting fame has once again deflected the headlines from her mad tennis skillz and onto her vom-inducing sartorial choices. Her retina-burning acid yellow lattice cut dress (complete with galaxy print skirt) was enough to draw comment from that renowned fashion critic and England cricketer, Graeme Swann who declared it; “The worst outfit ever seen on a tennis court”. Reminiscent of something Beyoncé’s ma woulda guilt-tripped her in to during the height of Destiny’s Child, the dress was in fact of Ms Williams own design from her range EleVen. Post-match Tina Knowells’ biggest competitor bragged of her inspiration,  "Yeah, don't laugh. But it's kind of about a surprise, because when Alice goes down the hole, the rabbit hole, she finds all these things that are so surprising. This outfit is about having a surprise in tennis a dress, and kind of, you know, showing some skin and then just having a print. Prints don't happen that often in tennis. So it's called the Wonderland dress. It was fun." Surprise just doesn’t cover it - but we think we get it now. It’s less a fashion statement, moreover a tactical distraction, making sure your outfit fucks so much with your opponent’s head you beat them into submission and guarantee the win. Result! Not content with using her evil fashion powers on hapless Sandra Zahlavova, the audience got an unwelcome eyeful of that famous Williams derrière courtesy of a criminal pair of flesh coloured pants and a serious case of hungry bum. Clearly the Alice in Wonderland inspiration didn’t extend to a quick glance in a looking glass. 2011-01-22T21:18:31+00:00 Testify! Testify! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Franca-sozzani-speaks-out-against-ugly-gratuitous-fashion-editorial/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Franca-sozzani-speaks-out-against-ugly-gratuitous-fashion-editorial/#When:18:13:11Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/franca_sozzani2-crop.jpg" alt="Testify! Testify!" />< It’s rare pearls of wisdom like these that make us weep a little (OK, a lot) that there is, gratifyingly, someone who inspires a HELL YES moment in this absurd industry called fashion. Vogue Italia editrix, Franca Sozzani has fearlessly spoken out against the tastemakers over the torrid increase in gratuity forsaking creativity within fashion editorial. Like, way to piss of your peers, Sozzani! Call it morality, call it common sense, call it what you will - whatever she’s talking, it sure ain’t smack. Publishing this statement on her blog, these words are as long-overdue as they are welcome, so drink in their wisdom and bask in their sanity…* “For the sake of appearances, we have seen going around pictures that had very bad taste and went against all aesthetical grounds. Why is it that the fashion magazines, the ones doing the most research, fall into out of line, worrisome, and at times vulgar traps? We have seen nudes of men and women for a while without purpose if not shocking the audience. How about little girls? Wearing heavy make up, sexy clothes, posing in poses that are outrageous for their age. The movie Pretty Baby with Brooke Shields talks about a baby prostitute, but without being vulgar, the images were actually romantic for the harsh reality portrayed in them. Lets not even talk about the decadence of seeing older women posing naked. This is the question. How far can we go trying to find new ways to create images? To disturb, make people look vulgar, pretend that what's ugly is avant-garde, negate the widely accepted aesthetics to find new things that usually lead to stupefying results, without a purpose if not pleasing few people in the business that find this cool. The research that goes behind photography is an open road and trying to put goofy and vulgar limits is really a shame. An image doesn't have limits, it shows the creativity of a photographer and a team that works with the idea. To find a concept and follow it with strong images is great. To make people react can help the evolution of taste, at times too standardized. Without a strong idea exasperating an image is just self-satisfaction. If what's beautiful depends on your opinion, what's ugly just repulses you.” *(Ed: Not that we like to brag, but we totes pipped Sozzani to the post on this issue with this little feature I wrote for Don’t Panic last year) 2011-01-21T18:13:11+00:00 No Shit, Sherlock http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Laura-craik-says-internships-are-only-for-the-wealthy-now-les/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Laura-craik-says-internships-are-only-for-the-wealthy-now-les/#When:21:48:25Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dwp-crop.jpg" alt="No Shit, Sherlock" />< Memo to Laura Craik: Tell us something we don’t already know! In today’s Evening Standard, Ms C has professed that internships are “only for the wealthy now.” Err, really? ‘now’, you say? Not, ‘always-have-been-and-will-continue-to-be’, perhaps? While Craik is precisely en pointe in principal, this ain’t just a new trend and to link it to the influence of The Hills is disingenuous and fundamentally, well, wrong. Oh, to lick a fashion cupboard floor… Those sacred opportunities within the ivory towers of Conde Nast, Natmags, IPC et al. The Publishing School of Real Life where you’ll learn such skills as fetching the right latte, calling-in a million lilac blouses for none to be used on shoot, hiding your alcoholic boss’ vodka and so on and so forth. One would think that the time spent here is where one really needs to prove themselves, to go out-of-their-way to impress with the coffee fetching, but no. Quite simply, eventually getting offered that masthead job is determined not by how hard you slog it out there but how long. Do the math: to sustain working for nothing for an age with no help from ma and pa is not doable. TRR has licked many-a fashion cupboard floor over the last decade (indeed, the above task examples were all anecdotal) however these internships were stolen months whilst at still Uni either kipping on friends-of-parents’ floors or renting a 60-quid a week squalid room in Walthamstow and sneaking off to the Job Centre every fortnight to sign on. In short: fucking tough and thoroughly unsustainable. When wealthy student peers won masthead roles because their financially blessed parents could bankroll them whilst they played the waiting game until said magazine eventually caved in and hired them, it inspired not jealousy, but utter frustration, resentfulness and contempt towards the industry’s schema of only allowing the wealthy to advance by default. But thems the brakes and alas, that’s how it’ll always be. Internships have, are, and evermore shall be for those auspicious enough to be monetarily propped up. To the un-finically blessed London outsider: good luck with that. 2011-01-20T21:48:25+00:00 Twolander! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ben-stiller-confirms-zoolander-sequel/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ben-stiller-confirms-zoolander-sequel/#When:21:49:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Zoolander_001-crop.jpg" alt="Twolander!" />< Not that we like to blow our own trumpet for being, like, way ahead of the game n’ ting, but, it was, ooh only about a WHOLE YEAR AGO we broke the news that a Zoolander part deux would indeed be in the works. Fast forward to today and now the script is apparently in the can. With much of Ben Stiller and co-writer Justin Theroux’s research being conducted at Paris Fashion Week (Ed’s note: nope, we didn’t spot them larking about like we did Bruno two years ago) Stiller explains the story thus far: "Now the studio has the script and we’re at that point where we’re waiting to see what they want to do. It’s ten years later and most of it is set in Europe. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s basically Derek and Hansel ten years later - though the last movie ended on a happy note a lot of things have happened in the meantime. Their lives have changed and they’re not really relevant anymore. It’s a new world for them. Will Ferrell is written into the script and he’s expressed interest in doing it. I think Mugatu is an integral part of the Zoolander story, so yes, he features in a big way.” We are left to ponder what else may be in store since the fashion landscape has changed oh-so much since 2001. This will be a post-recession fashion film after all folks, so we’re thinking; Fashion Week’s will be running on a 5 day schedule, Derek and Hansel will be working their thang at micro-salon presentations not extravagant runway shows of course, blog appearances will be the new cover-star campaigns and Mugatu will be pushing an eco-stance with his Derelicte line, obs. 2011-01-18T21:49:02+00:00 You Scratch My Back And I’ll… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Lady-gaga-music-director-for-nicola-formichetti-thierry-mugler-mens-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Lady-gaga-music-director-for-nicola-formichetti-thierry-mugler-mens-show/#When:23:23:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/14_mugler_crop.jpg" alt="You Scratch My Back And I’ll…" />< Let’s face it, Theirry Mugler is pretty much bankrolled (as are so many houses these days) by fragrances. In fact, every time a waft of Angel passes beneath our nostrils it spells nothing more than not-so-romantic memories of carelessfree student-hormones-mixed-with-stale-gin. Anyway we digress. Considering for a moment, Mugler’s way-off-the-radar status (like, when’s the label been relevant since the 80’s?) would it seem churlish to suggest all the current brouhaha over Nicola Formichetti’s debut menswear collection as creative director would, fundamentally, be due to a certain Mizz Gaga’s attendance as ‘music director’ for his show? Oh and did we mention, she’ll be debuting a remix of a new album track? For realz! Clothes? What clothes…? There are so many things in this little fable that irk us more than we really want to pretend actually exist, but- oh, ok, we’ll spill anyway. Firstly: Nicola’s appointment. (OK OK, we know we're late on the bash-his-appointment bandwagon, but hey.) Nicola is a badass stylist. This we are not denying. We all know fashion and music have looong been bedfellows. This much we accept. But when someone is actually bequeathed a job role they are not even – let’s not kid ourselves here – properly qualified for, only being blessed with said role due to their association with The Worlds* Current Fashion Icon, something in the Pommery ain’t clean. Can someone remind us in fashion history, when has a stylist (with no discernable design training) become creative director of a pretty iconic – though flagging – fashion house? We almost wonder if there was a clause in Formicetti’s contract that Gaga must rear her ugly visage somewhere to ensure some MUCHNEEDEDHYPE. What’s so wrist-slittingly depressing in this tale is not just Gaga’s cynical hijacking of a fashion show (where all spotlight should be on Mugler) for her own sales-hungry gain, moreover that the Gaga-Formichetti-Mugler circle jerk is emblematic of the ever-increasing drip-drip-drip away of fashion houses’ credibility in their rush to butt-fuck the latest blogger/celebrity/scenester. The grizzly bigger picture is thus: with ever-decreasing sales, one can only listen in despair for the whoosh as the world’s fashion brands (ailing or upstart) clamour to clutch at sartorial-celebrity straws to shout the loudest and be noticed. If Formichetti can pull it outta the bag for Thierry Mugler, awesome. Given the baffling ‘bronze barbarian’ collection tease released so far, we’re gonna reserve judgement. * Sure as hell ain’t ours 2011-01-17T23:23:43+00:00 Golden Globes: The Get-Up’s http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/golden-globes-2011-best-and-worst-dressed-list/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/golden-globes-2011-best-and-worst-dressed-list/#When:19:38:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/gabourey-sidibe-crop.jpg" alt="Golden Globes: The Get-Up’s" />< Jesus Christ what is it with these ceremony’s that brings out the Zzzz and the LOLZ in equal measures? Last year, the crème of the Golden Globes get-up’s was upstaged by the haemorrhaging of the heavens (oh how we wept over poor Precious’ rain splattered dress) but really, this year, the safe, bland predictability of the gowns boggles our freaking minds. Do women take backhanders or certain role assurance from Harvey Weinstein just to wear Georgian Chapman’s utterly dreary Marchesa? Any woman under 30 wearing Oscar de la Renta needs a smack upside the head with some Christopher Kane shit pronto and seriously: abundant Vera Wang? Copious Jenny Packham? Memo to y’all: this ain’t a wedding reception. Sigh. Even our usual ne’er do-wrong Michelle Williams failed us in a Valentino gown fashioned from your nan’s daisy-print kitchen curtains circa ‘64. Natalie Portman hid her bump under a sugary confection of a Viktor and Rolf column dress, that one from Glee that really needs a nosejob looked like she was bleeding blancmange from her right thigh courtesy of a sickly OdlR mess and honestly, what in the holy hell made Catherine Zeta Jones roll up a goddamn Astroturf court to fashion her hideous Monique Lhuillier gown? All was not lost however. January Jones looked S M O K I N G in a slashed, crimson Versace number, Anne Hathaway shimmered in a nicely sculpted Armani Privee gown and Helena Bonham Carter looked her usual dragged-through-a-jumble-sale-backwards amazingness in Vivienne Westwood. The Menz? Well we’re scratching our heads over how much Ted Baker greased greasy host Ricky Gervais’ palm with to wear their threads as no one has worn them since, err, well. Best dressed homme? Well considering we’d still hit James Franco dressed as a woman in his Terry Richardson shoot, his Gucci attire left us pretty weak-at-the-knees and damp-in-the-pants. 2011-01-17T19:38:01+00:00 Somewhere, Over The Rainbow http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Lindsey-wixson-alexander-mcqueen-spring-summer-2011-campaign/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Lindsey-wixson-alexander-mcqueen-spring-summer-2011-campaign/#When:18:51:41Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mcqueen-lindsey-wixson-crop.jpg" alt="Somewhere, Over The Rainbow" />< Congrats, Kansas style to rural belle, Lindsey Wixson who fronts Alexander McQueen’s just launched spring/summer 2011 campaign. The beautiful-yet-strangely-doughy-faced teen looks nonplussed whilst caught in a thunderous storm of butterflies – prolly wondering where she left her damn net. It makes for a powerful and poignant image, indeed, underscoring one of McQueen’s perma-themes of force vs fragility. We likes. Wixson is a serious contender to kicking Crystal Renn and Freja Beha Erichsen’s asses for 2011’s Most Campaigned Model’ title as well, appearing in Miu Miu, Mulberry and Versace’s summer ad’s. Nope, Toto, she ain't in Kansas anymore... 2011-01-13T18:51:41+00:00 Ctrl Alt Delete? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Emmanuelle-alt-replaces-carine-roitfeld-as-french-vogue-editor/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Emmanuelle-alt-replaces-carine-roitfeld-as-french-vogue-editor/#When:17:38:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/carine_roitfeld_emmanuelle-alt-crop.jpg" alt="Ctrl Alt Delete?" />< So the brave/lucky/cursed soul bestowed with the duty of picking up French Vogue from where Carine Roitfeld bid it au revoir, is its very own Fashion Director, Emmanuelle Alt. Joining the mag at the same time as Roitfeld in 2000, Alt perhaps seemed the inevitable choice, non? Thus far her peers have been gushing about her appointment, however, never backwards in coming forwards (and always first in line to offer his tuppence worth) of course, is Karl L. Ah, good old Unkle K, we can always rely on you to play devils advocate. Despite having commissioned her in the past to style Chanel campaigns, he remains dubious of her promotion; “Her style is her big shoulders, long legs, tight jeans, sleeves up to the elbow, one hip out,” he mused. “I personally like her. She’s a handsome French woman. She has a style, but is it enough to make a whole magazine?” Hmm. A bitchy aside? Or does he have a point? There’s no denying Roitfeld’s indelible tough-aggressive-sexy stamp she hallmarked on Vogue’s every page, so will a distinctly less S n’ M inclined Alt pull a volte-face on the mag’s aesthetic? Well Condé Nast France president, Xavier Romatet doesn’t think so, insisting Alt’s work will be simply be a “progression” of the, err, NSFW blueprint Roitfeld imbued it with. “Working with a very talented team, I will devote myself to developing the incredible potential of Vogue Paris,” reckons Alt herself. Let’s face it, given that it’s an open secret Alt was a major advisor to Christophe Decarnin at Balmain, this is a woman who knows her shit. 2011-01-12T17:38:12+00:00 Coming To A Sale Rail Near You http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/geri-halliwell-launches-next-swimwear-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/geri-halliwell-launches-next-swimwear-collection/#When:19:03:10Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/geri-halliwell-0crop.jpg" alt="Coming To A Sale Rail Near You" />< Last time we checked Geri Halliwell hasn’t been anyone’s role model since 1997, so quite why she’s been asked to ‘design’ a range of swimwear for high street bore-fest Next is anyone’s guess. Yes. We’re barely into 2011 and already it’s time for the first celebrity swimwear collection. Being involved in her forthcoming line was, “a dream come true” claimed Britain’s more irrelevant woman. “It’s all about inspiring confidence with great looking swimwear for all body shapes.” Well, she should know, she’s yo-yo’d up-and-down more times than Posh’s titty implant sizes. The artist formerly known as Ginger is also pretty pleased with herself; not just for being the face of the brand, oh no, she is so much more. La Halliwell actually spent her own time sourcing the fabrics too. Rather like what came before care of Scary’s shudder-inducing clothing collection, the omnipresent animal print means it’s more Kat Slater then catwalk. Demented Spice’s input could clarify this distinct lack of fabric variation – which she explains away by saying it’s all the same so we can mix and match! So now we get it! Thanks for clearing that up, G! Well not everyone hits the bullseye with the first dart. Anyone above a size 12 who is misguided enough to front a Geri cossie in a public place will only be inspiring our sympathies, pity, and certainly some guffawing – esp if they go for the cross body animal print number. See you on the beach Geri! Words: Kelly Morris 2011-01-10T19:03:10+00:00 Oh Bebe, Bebe, Bebe http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Jean-paul-gaultier-launches-gauliter-bebe-baby-line-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Jean-paul-gaultier-launches-gauliter-bebe-baby-line-collection/#When:18:31:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_753050EhKvLqKg.jpg" alt="Oh Bebe, Bebe, Bebe" />< *Squeals!* This is beyond cute. Jean Paul Gaultier is launching an itty bitty baby line, Gauliter Bebe, later this month. Despite having the maternal instincts of a castrated gnat, there’s something about the thought of Breton bibs and, err, conical baby bra’s (we jest) that gets our hormones in a flurry.   Strictly for newborns and babies up to two years, the collection will inexorably be nautically inclined featuring sailor shirts, body suits and knitted dungarees; all in his emblematic red, white and blue palette. Prices will start from £63. 2011-01-07T18:31:58+00:00 Gossip Groan http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/blake-lively-new-face-of-chanel-campaign-karl-lagerfeld/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/blake-lively-new-face-of-chanel-campaign-karl-lagerfeld/#When:20:08:48Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/blake-lively-chanel-fine-jewelry-night-of-diamonds-crop.jpg" alt="Gossip Groan" />< Sadly it wasn’t just the Gossip Girl rumour we hoped for. Could it be that Karl is finally going senile in his OAP years? Or the ultimate diplomatic move in fashion-meets-TV-PR? Don't get us wrong, Blake Lively seems a very lovely girl n’ all, one who would be the perfect patron saint of Abercrombie & Fitch, J Crew, or, hell, even Target… But the poster girl for Chanel? Did we miss something? Since when did squeaky-clean, apple-pie, California cheerleader ever translate to a brand that is the serious byword in luxurious sophistication? Not surprisingly, Blakey-poos squealed the most twee, vom-inducing statement about her undying love for the timeless Chanel bag: "it's a quilted case full of lipstick, love letters, dreams and possibilities." Continuing the perplexing ‘Gossip Girl Gals In Campaigns’ trend, ol’ panda eyes Momsen is doing her best 2 dollar ho-strut for John Galliano’s new fragrance looking sulky- we mean, seductive, as ever. Can we draw a line under this now please? Words: Bianca Bass 2011-01-06T20:08:48+00:00 The Anatomy Of A Best Dressed List http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_anatomy_of_a_best_dressed_list_2010/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_anatomy_of_a_best_dressed_list_2010/#When:19:24:54Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/gaqga-meatdresscrop.jpg" alt="The Anatomy Of A Best Dressed List" />< So we're lazy fucks here and can't be arsed to cobble together who our 'Best Dressed of 2010' were. In lieu of said list here's a little something we posted one year ago today, which, given our signature misanthropic agenda, absolutely bears repeating. The fact that not one of the categories we highlight has changed in terms of how these lazy lists are cobbled together, illustrates just how predictable and banal they are. Here's to 2011!! Lists are now so omnipresent, they’ve become redundant; meaningless. Once upon a time Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed List was the only one that mattered (and who can forget the late Richard Blackwell’s Worst Dressed List?) and was always so, well, refined, respected and considered. These days they’re so cynical and hackneyed you can break down the anatomy of their uninspired make-up thanks to the sloppy brain-dead sheep like journo’s who comprise them. So it’s with great (dis)pleasure we present to you, The Real Runways guide on “How To Make Up A Supposed Best Dressed List Despite Being Unimaginative And Fundamentally WRONG” 1) The Actress With No Discernible Style Whatsoever Yet Was In One Big Movie And Has Had Designers Chuck Clothes At Them, So That, By Default, Must Mean They’re Stylish… Right? See: Frida Pinto, Emma WatsonProof that an iota of talent and class doth not a style icon make. Sure they’re pretty and maybe even a bit intelligent too, but really, c’mon are they breaking any boundaries here? Or just lapping up what’s thrown their way? Front row seats included. Test: Just ask yourself, have you ever seen them photographed off the red carpet? Then describe one outfit they’ve ever worn… 2) Models Who Just Because They Are Flavour Of The Month Must Mean They Dress Amazingly Too See: Miranda Kerr, Lily Donaldson, Georgia May JaggerTake note: Agy does NOT count. She does, like it or not, have style. The others above? Meh. Like any other long-limbed girl on the street except on a higher budget. Average, average, average and utterly forgettable. 3) The Token Reality TV Star To Prove We’re, Like, Totally Not Snobbish See: Cheryl Cole, Dannii MinogueThrowing a special side-eye to Tatler for their, hoho, ‘subversive’ appointment of chav princess, Cheyl Cole as their 2009 style queen bee. The paradox with Cole is that despite loathing her and detesting her existence on said lists (TV/airwaves/magazines/ad infinitum) we actually adored some of the pieces she wore, however simply being the over-groomed, fake polished-turd that she is, killed any meaning and authenticity. We mean, compare her in the David Koma dress to the runway image - like, way to kill a look girlfriend. 4) The Identikit, Anodyne, Fauxcialite/Aristo From A US TV Import See: Leighton Meester, Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively Did we miss something? WE JUST DON’T GET THEM! Grown women of 30+ who work on magazines salivate over these, essentially glossy yet dreary middle-of-the-road, charisma-vacuums who dress as unimaginatively as one another that we're honestly unable to tell them apart. There is nothing remotely stylish (read: unique, interesting, characterful) in fact they are the epitome of a style-void since the get-ups they employ appear no different to any other teen, just acutely more expensive. They have the combined charm of my toenail and everything about them screams, “I’m an overgroomed, bland, socialite”. Gah. 5) The Perrenial Safe Bet See: Mossy, SJP, Angelina Jolie Whether their presence illustrates their enduring importance or is more a case of, ‘err, shit, we’ve still got numbers to make up’ page filler, you can always rely on these aging fillys to kill some white space. 6) The Token Fatty See: Beth Ditto Nuff sed. But the irony is, while Beth does actually kick all the scrawny gal’s asses into next week in the style stakes (which is why she graces the article’s illustration) it’s disheartening her presence is there for the novelty factor. 7) The Politico Supremo See: Sarah Brown, Michelle Obama, Sam Cam, Carla Bruni Sarkozy Like, when did we ever give a fuck what the first ladies wore? Oh, when ex model Ms Bruni married the French pres. Ever since, the others thought, ‘shit we gotta step it up a gear now’ and the rest is, well, Sarah Brown buddying it up with Naomi Campbell at Glastonbury. (Original publication date: Jan 5th 2010) 2011-01-05T19:24:54+00:00 It’s Not Porn, It’s ART http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Dolce-gabbana-uomini-rizzoli-book-male-models/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Dolce-gabbana-uomini-rizzoli-book-male-models/#When:18:04:34Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_55724WQcHhYol.jpg" alt="It’s Not Porn, It’s ART" />< Dolce and Gabbana: “Hey, we’ve got this idea, like, can you basically print us a book of dudes we wanna rough n’ tumble with, err, either in the nip or wearing our smalls?” Rizzoli: “Sure thing!” Sigh. It must be nice know you can speed dial the world’s greatest coffee table tome publishers and have them generate, fundamentally, your innermost personal wank fantasy in print. That’s what Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have done, the lucky, lucky gays. Dolce & Gabbana Uomini is a ‘celebration of men’ or what we prefer to call, ‘a gratuitous but very welcome and by no means tasteless flesh-fest.’ Shot by Mariano Vivanco, buff tings ripple and pose on every monochrome page; cover star André Ziehe is joined by A.J. Abualrub, Clint Mauro, Tom Warren, and a pile of other criminally polished and honed specimens. And the motives for the horny Sicilian duo’s indulgent, vanity project of a book? Well we can only fathom that they gotta find some way to cheer themselves up over their, cough, taxeveasionscandal, cough. Either way, there ain’t nuthin’ like a little perving-for-the-sake-of-altruism: the proceeds of the book will go towards, "a digitization initiative undertaken by EUPLOOS to put the Uffizi Gallery’s prints and drawings online to create a complete, accessible computerized catalogue," according to the Ford Models blog. 2011-01-05T18:04:34+00:00 Happy New Year, Happy New Moan http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/victoria-beckham-handbag-collection-obscene-overpriced-awful/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/victoria-beckham-handbag-collection-obscene-overpriced-awful/#When:21:26:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_483742Dydqh5Ql.jpg" alt="Happy New Year, Happy New Moan" />< Happy New Year TRR readers! After an extended seasonal hiatus we're back and bitchy n' bile spewing as ever. And what better way to ring in 2011 with a good old rant?? We've never liked Posh; a woman so vacuous and insecure, to fly in comfortable, appropriate attire is as unendurable as shoehorning your bunioned feet into insane stilettoes - wait, she does that too??? Every normal-life journey a vital photo-opp, every restaurant-departure a catwalk to prove to us Just How Stylish And Attention Worthy She Is. Well considering Vogue have slapped her visage on their new cover (in a shot that thanks to the soft focus and woolly threads, resembles a 1980's knitting pattern cover) it seems they A) either approve or B) welcome the inevitable circulation boost her FUG mug will bring. Our bets are on the latter. Anyhoo, thus far her so-so, pretty meh clothing line has only been remotely tolerable thanks to its heavily plagiari- we mean, inspired designs from Osman, Roland Mouret et al. But frankly her newly launched handbag collection, oh my, has all the design finesse and elegance of a leather cardboard box: for that is what they resemble. Beige leather rectangles. With handles. Whilst we balked at her recent nomination for Designer Of The Year at the recent British Fashion Awards, the alarmingly misguided kudos obviously fuelled her delusions of grandeur as she's just come out with this clanger of a slogan: “Your Beckham can replace your Birkin.” Hear that ladies? Sod your beautiful, soon-to-be-inherited-from-granny, antiquated heirloom Birkin - it's all about Beckham’s Beige Box! Love, because you own a tastelessly obscene amount of Birkins it doth not mean you can peddle your ‘versions’ to a grossly hoodwinked public. She really is that erroneous. Not convinced she really does consider does consider Hermes, Chanel and Dior her peers? Her Victoria Bag sells from £2,300 to £18,000 for a crocodile version. Ye gods! What is so painful in this sorry tale of vulgar design deception is that the bags have sold out. We despair, we really do. Conversely, for all the stick Posh gets for not personally designing her goods, considering the offensively bland nature of these retarded receptacles, for once, we can actually believe they’re something she drew. 2011-01-04T21:26:22+00:00 Fash Backlash http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/carine-roitfeld-leaves-french-vogue-was-she-fired1/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/carine-roitfeld-leaves-french-vogue-was-she-fired1/#When:19:05:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Carine_r-crop-lead.jpg" alt="Fash Backlash" />< Sigh. Can’t a woman quit in peace already? Those did-she-jump-or-was-she-pushed rumblings are as unavoidable as eating-our-bodyweight-till-we-puke this weekend. Since Carine Roitfeld announced her departure from French Vogue last week, the blogsphere has been abuzz over why and just what the hell will be next for the pioneering, circulation-boosting editrix. Now, rumours have surfaced that perhaps her exit wasn’t quite so, err, voluntary. LVMH bid daddy, Bernard Arnault apparently winced, “hell no” at last month’s kidz-as-adults shoot considering it to be in “poor taste” and threatening to pull his brands ad’s. Roitfeld has also had to defend and deny accusations lobbied at her regarding doing paid consulting work on the downlow – though we all remember her alleged faux pas at sending Balenciaga to her client Max Mara which earned her team a blacklisting from their shows. Cowardly anonymous critics has been blabbing to WWD; “She only really published the clothes she liked,” moaned one about her reluctance to shoot advertisers clothes in editorial. Another mused if it was partly her disinterest in the Internet: “One always had the feeling that French Vogue was a bit like a family photo album. The tribal, ultrahip attitude of the magazine perhaps no longer fits with the zeitgeist at a time when fashion is global.” Whatever motivated Roitfeld’s vacating Conde Nast Tower’s, perhaps we shall never know, such is the spurious, gossip-mongering, rubber-necking nature of the net. In an age where women’s glossies have seemingly merged into the same celeb-bumming, advertiser-gratifying, unambitious tome, French Vogue under Mizz R was a beacon of defiant, dark, artful wonderfulness. 2010-12-21T19:05:50+00:00 NEWMEN http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/newgen-men-sponsorship-winners-autumn-winter-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/newgen-men-sponsorship-winners-autumn-winter-2011/#When:19:37:42Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jwa-crop.jpg" alt="NEWMEN" />< There ain't nothing like hearing it for the boys. Despite London Fashion Week's depressing shrinkage in size each year, one thing it's done is amp up their support and coverage of menswear with the introduction of a dedicated menswear day and last year's arrival of NEWGEN MEN. This financial leg-up is essential to reinforcing London's leader-of-hot-up-an-coming talent status and lucky winners of a much needed scrilla injection for their autumn/winter '11/'12 collections have just been announced. Luxe terrace-chic purveyour Christopher Shannon, J W Anderson and James Long have all been blessed with catwalk sponsorship, whilst Katie Eary, Lou Dalton and knitwear mavericks, SIBLING will all get some pennies thrown their way to hold a salon presentation. "NEWGEN MEN has quickly grown from an experimental pilot to a successful talent identification scheme and support initiative, highlighting how British menswear designers are forging a global reputation for innovation," reckons BFC CEO Simon Ward. And long may it continue, we say. (Main picture: J W Anderson S/S '11) If you're looking for some new mens clothes for the Autumn/Winter season, then visit www.superdry.com and browse their jackets, tees and jeans online. They're one of the most popular high street labels of the minute.   2010-12-16T19:37:42+00:00 Operation Ore Ain’t Got Shit On This http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ooh-la-la-couture-noah-cyrus-kids-lingerie-line-wrong/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ooh-la-la-couture-noah-cyrus-kids-lingerie-line-wrong/#When:16:47:54Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ollcouture-crop.jpg" alt="Operation Ore Ain’t Got Shit On This" />< What is a mother to do? At the risk of getting all Mary Whitehouse on your ass, when the nations pre-teen girls pipe up saying, “I wanna be like that, mummy!” following being subjected to an eyeful of strippers/hookers/'hos [delete as appropriate] gyrating and pussy-thrusting their way through Aguliera’s act on Saturday’s X Factor final (oh we forgot, it was a burlesque performance – funny then, that it had the grace, poise and class of a 2 dollar strip-joint rather than a Dita von Teese show) TRR has the answer to both their prayers! Now mum can put in a good word with Santa and come Christmas morning little Jacinta will find her very own prostitot outfit under the tree, courtesy of Oh! La, La! Couture, a label that churns out what we can only describe as tarty attire - just for the kids. Back in October we major eye-rolled at the pretty damn disturbing ease in which precocious tiddler star Willow Smith worked her thang (adult style/adult posturing/adult media trained responses) during Milan Fashion Week. Well, watch yer back Willow ‘cos a younger, sluttier celebuspawn has been prodded-into-showpony-status. And it’s sinister, folks. Real sinister. Micro-sister of Miley, Noah Cyrus and pal Emily Grace Reaves were responsible for creating a line for Oh! La, La! Couture (even then name is loaded with kinky connotations) earlier this year. This fabulously ‘ho-centric range will cater for your pre-pubescent darling’s every paedo-enticing whim. Barely-there tutu skirts, body-con silhouettes; all in a gaudy palette of animal print, neon pink and black – effectively your kid could look like a real-life risqué Bratz doll: result! The two twisted fuktard women who launch OLLC state, “We set out to create a line of fun and funky, yet sweet and girly clothes that are comfortable enough to go with their active lifestyles.” Active lifestyles? Well anything that helps them swing their little legs round those stripper poles, we guess… 2010-12-14T16:47:54+00:00 British Fashion Awards - The Winners! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/british-fashion-awards-2010-winners-alexander-mcqueen-phoebe-philo/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/british-fashion-awards-2010-winners-alexander-mcqueen-phoebe-philo/#When:18:32:53Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/bfa-cover-crop.jpg" alt="British Fashion Awards - The Winners!" />< So, the results are in from last night's collective sartorial circle-jerk that is the British Fashion Awards. None come as any particular surprise; in fact, were Alexander McQueen not to win BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion, there woulda been one helluva uproar. Designer of the Year went to Phoebe Philo whose success at Chloe and now Celine seals her as a True Great British Export. Mulberry took Designer Brand and based on their flourishing recession-ass-kicking sales, that was probably a given. Alexa Chung took Style Icon, as voted by you, the great unwashed and Lara Stone whose gaptoothed, big tittied beauty haunted a plethora of 2010 campaigns took Model of the Year. Our favourite was Naomi Campbell's winning of the Special Recognition award - like, err, yeah so she does a spot of charitable work in the aid of philanthropic PR- we mean, her kind, calm, altruistic soul… But, really? In a year that her most broadly recognised achievement was most likely lying under oath in a war crimes trial? If it's Special Recognition for being a harridan, then yeah, we can roll with that. Full list of winners are below... BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion: Alexander McQueenAn award recognising one designer who throughout their career has influenced and inspired the global fashion industry. Designer of the Year: Phoebe Philo for CelineThe ultimate accolade, which recognises an internationally acclaimed British designer of couture, ready-to-wear, knitwear or accessories who has made a significant impact in the past year both in the UK and internationally. Designer Brand: MulberryA leading British designer brand that has excelled and made an impact on the international stage over the past year. Emerging Talent Award - Ready-to-Wear: Meadham KirchhoffAn innovative and directional designer who is emerging as an influential force in British fashion in the Ready-to-Wear category. Emerging Talent Award - Accessories: Husam El OdehAn innovative and directional accessories designer who is emerging as an influential force in British fashion in the Accessories category. Accessory Designer: Nicholas KirkwoodThe leading British designer of shoes, jewellery, millinery or accessories within the past year. Special Recognition: Naomi CampbellAn individual who has greatly contributed to the fashion industry, as a a hugely influential ambassador for British fashion. British Style: Alexa ChungAn individual who embodies the spirit of British fashion and is an international ambassador for the UK as a leading creative hub for fashion. Model: Lara StoneA British model who has emerged as a leading name in the modelling industry and is making a strong mark on the international fashion scene. Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Nicola FormichettiA British stylist, make-up artist, photographer, art director or producer whose creativity has been a major inspiration and influence in the past year. Digital Innovation: BurberryAn award for a brand that has pioneered digital initiatives. Voted for by the BFC Digital Committee. Menswear Designer: E.TautzA leading British designer of ready-to-wear and bespoke tailoring who has been instrumental in enhancing men's fashion in the past year. 2010-12-08T18:32:53+00:00 The Real Runways Annual Fragrance Gift Guide! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christmas-2010-fragrance-perfume-gift-guide/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christmas-2010-fragrance-perfume-gift-guide/#When:16:17:05Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/smell-crop.jpg" alt="The Real Runways Annual Fragrance Gift Guide!" />< Fragrances. Everybody loves a Yuletide bottle, but failure to nail the perfect person-to-perfume combo will mean only an epic Xmas fail and a swift banishment from the dinner table. No, granny did not want Katy Perry’s Purr, nor did little brother want YSL’s Kouros. With this in mind: Welcome to TRR’s Annual Christmas Fragrance Gift Guide! Let it be said, our shit does stank and this is the indispensable, failsafe manuel au parfum to take you by the nose and lead you to exactly what to buy and for whom – including yourself. As usual, each year we wrap our nostrils round 2010’s highlights along with a soupcon of enduring classics that have kept our olfactory senses aroused over the years.   THE MODERN CLASSIC - Agent Provocateur Smells like: Erotica, bottled It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since this sexual, sensual, powdery pong first landed on our dressing table. A decade later, a pink ceramic beauty still sits there smugly at holding the longest tenure of any of its perfumey peers. What’s not to love about AP? Where do we begin? From the tactility/fragility of the egg-like flacon to its bewitching, come-ye-to-my-boudoir potency courtesy of sublime Russian coriander, Indian saffron and Moroccan rose oil notes, Agent Provocateur is a true modern classic. Agent Provocateur from £45 for 50ml   THE ‘FOR HIM’ - Bleu de Chanel Smells Like: Franco fantastique! OK, OK we’re suckers for advertising. Or, well, a hot French piece of ass at least. After getting our collective panties-in-a-bunch over the dreamy Gaspard Ulliel in Martin Scorcese’s Bleu de Chanel advert, how could we not be lured to the heady charms of the scent itself..? Fortunately - like its muse - it’s intense, brooding, masculine and tres, tres alluring. One pop of the magnetized lid and an opening veil of citrussy, peppery top notes join richer accords of cedar, frankincense and moss – all making for a seriously sophisticated aroma you want generously doused over the man in your life. Bleu de Chanel from 42 pounds for 50ml   THE HE/SHE ANDRODYNOUS CONCOTION - Comme des Garcons’ Wonderwood Smells Like: Tree Spirit (cue groans) We fell in love with this scent at its summer launch (and were this close to piping up at the Q&A to inquire; “So, what was the inspiration? MDF? Chipboard? Sawdust?”) but were surprised to learn Wonderwood is essentially a feminine scent, such is the seemingly manly, woody aroma. But then Comme des Garcons’ are known for fucking with gender when it comes to their marvellous alchemic potions; imagine every exotic timber shoved in a shredder and you’ll get something close to the fragrant results. Uniting Agarwood, cedarwood, sandalwood, cypresswood and gaiaicwood it really is one big, beautiful tree orgy. Comme des Garcons Wonderwood from 48 pounds for 50ml   THE TEEN SPRAY - Chanel Chance au Tendre Smells Like: Jailbait Your little sister will forgive you that lifetime of hair-pulling, bitchslapping and general sibling-abuse if you thrust a bottle of this delicious new fruity-floral fragrance from Chanel into her palms this Christmas. A fresh, zingy remix of Chance, it shares the same bottle as its elder sister but with a sugar candy hue brought by grapefruit and quince. Described as, “the fragrance of an optimistic woman who believes in happiness and holds onto chance,” we say: perfect for a teen’s naïve insouciance. Sweet yet tender (clue’s in the title) the yummy scent is underpinned with vibrant green notes and warmed by hints of jasmine and white musk. Chanel Chance au Tendre from 45 pounds for 50ml   THE HIS N’ HER’S DUO - Burberry Sport range Smells Like: A Nova check tracksuit "Sport is a natural extention of who we are," says Christopher Bailey. "We really wanted to explore the technical, functional and sporting sides of the Burberry heritage." For those active, fitness freak go-getter’s that like to co-ordinate their bodily odours, the new Burberry Sport range for him and her is right up your, well, nostrils. Let’s be clear: sporty fragrances ain’t the most alluring of scents: those vigorous aquatic notes being more locker-room than bedroom. But this new his n’ hers eau de toilette duet thoughtfully leaves those in the gym and expertly includes a mix of warmer accords (magnolia and honeysuckle for the womens, amber and cedar for the mens) thus making the perfect invigorating-yet-sexy double act. Burberry Sport from 27 pounds for 30ml   THE FRAGRANCE FAMILY - D&G Anthology  Smells Like: Sexy schizophrenia It’s true: the perfume you wear really is your persona in fragrant format. Inspired by the Gallic game of tarot, Dolce & Gabbana’s winning Anthology family is a compendium of six dissimilar scents; each referencing the title and number of its namesake and embodying a different ‘personality’. 1 Le Bateleur (the seducer), 3 L’imperatrice (the star), 6 L’Amoureux (the charmer), 10 La Roue De La Fourtune (the players), 11 La Force (the achiever) and 18 La Lune (the dreamer). So for those who struggle to decide who you want to be today (buy all six!) or those seeking to underscore a friend’s character via the medium of scent (inflict one!) your prayers have been answered - thank you D&G! We favour layering the juxtaposing sweet vanilla and gardenia notes of 10 with 11's robust sandalwood and cardamom spiciness. So read in to that what you will… D&G Anthology fragrances from 35 pounds each for 100ml   THE FAILSAFE - Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia / Amber & Lavender Cologne Smells Like: Englishness, Bottled Positively no one would thumb their nose at a Jo Malone scent, such is the faultlessness of their age, lifestyle and taste traversing appeal. JM perfumes are less pretentious concoction, more Just Delicious Refined Smells. English Pear and Freesia is JM’s latest tonic for women and masterfully harmonises the honeyed notes of quince and pear with the delicate peppery freshness of white freesias and scrambling wild roses. Men, on the other hand will love the Oriental headiness of the Amber & Lavender cologne. Uniting with myrrh, this aromatic brew evokes the piquant warmth of twilight. Jo Malone cologne from 34 pounds for 30ml   THE BUY-FOR-YOURSELF-IF-NO-ONE-ELSE-WILL - Love, Chloe Smells Like: Your grandmothers powder compact Yes, we all guffawed at the campaign stylist’s sartorial gaffe of wrapping – quelle horreur! – a YSL belt around Raquel Welsh’s waist in the advert, but Love, Chloe is the one new fragrance of 2010 you need and the one whose arrival had us all in an excited fervour. Like everything Chloe, it’s romantic, nostalgically evocative and shamelessly feminine without being sickly or twee. Pop off the gold chained lid from the beautiful flacon and out wafts floral notes of orange blossom, hyacinth, lilac and heliotrope that gently peel away to reveal a powdery soft delicately musky bouquet. Dreamy.      Love, Chloe from 38 pounds for 30ml   THE HERO/HEROINE SCENTS - Tom Ford Grey Vetiver and Black Orchid Limited Edition Collection Smells Like: The sweet smell of SUCCESS “Vetiver immediately evokes for me the classic man, someone who has a confident, refined, and slightly traditional sense of what it means to be a man.” And we all know there ain’t no man like a Tom Ford man (or woman). The tanned Texan’s gourmand fragrances are the byword in luxurious smells and this latest addition to the Ford apothecary is just, well, divine. Timeless, enduring, gentlemanly. and a whole heap of other classy adjectives besides, Grey Vetiver smells like what every discerning man should. The vetiver core is enlivened by orangeflower, grapefruit, nutmeg, pimento and orris root (us neither) while the middle notes gently lighten to reveal rich amber woods in the dry down. Black Orchid is another scent which has a perma-home on our dressing table. A complex blend of French jasmine, black truffle, dark chocolate and ylang-ylang it’s multi-layered, intense yet never cloying. Curiously, Black Orchid also acts as both a compliment-magnet (guys love its intoxicating warmth) and chav repellent (for reals, some wrong-un’s once sneered at TRR’s TF aroma in a shop) in equal measures. New for 2010 is the Black Orchid Limited Edition Collection. Comprising a pressed perfume housed in a sleek black-fluted compact with his lip colour and nail polish in the shade of the bloom which inspired the scent, this is the most elegant, covetable trio of treats your handbag could desire. Tom Ford Grey Vetiver from 80 pounds and Black Orchid Limited Edition Collection from 90 pounds         2010-12-07T16:17:05+00:00 How To Make Zeus Blush http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/baptiste-giabiconi-nude-in-karl-lagerfeld-mythology-pirelli-calendar-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/baptiste-giabiconi-nude-in-karl-lagerfeld-mythology-pirelli-calendar-2011/#When:16:53:25Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/baptease.jpg" alt="How To Make Zeus Blush" />< Oh, Grandpa Karl. Our crazy, beloved Grandpa Karl. May we perch on your Dior Homme-clad knee for a moment? It's just that we'd like to discuss the direction in which you've taken 2011's 'it's-not-porn-it's-art-dammit-annual' - otherwise known as the Pirelli Calendar. A direction which we might euphemistically refer to as 'south', or simply by using a saucy eyebrow wiggle, or which we might more realistically call 'towards the inclusion of a certain male model's gilt-clad nether regions'. Don't look coy, Karl. We all know how you feel about Baptiste Giabiconi's admittedly Adonis-like physique (although it's interesting to note exactly which parts of it you've chosen to honour with the equivalent of their own little laurel wreath, as though his wanger were a decadent Caesar), but frankly, we're all used to associating this calendar with 12 pairs of double C's, if you know what we mean (nudge nudge, wank wank), and they ain't the kind which appear on the buttons of a Chanel boucle suit. Still, we suppose it's a step towards gender equality, and we have to say, the Mythology themed photographs really are exquisite. Daria Werbowy as Artemis, for instance, makes us want to cover up our winter wobble with another Fair Isle sweater and throw ourselves out of the office window simultaneously. Next time, though, Lager-bro - can we get a scantily-clad man who doesn't look like Ancient Greek Olympics Ken? Ta. 2010-12-02T16:53:25+00:00 Errr, Right… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-admits-interviews-make-her-ill/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-admits-interviews-make-her-ill/#When:19:23:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/moss-drunk-crop.jpg" alt="Errr, Right…" />< "I just hate it. When I used to do interviews a long time ago, I used to get very ill just worrying about them before they came out. "I just didn't like it." Every now-and-again Kate Moss opens her gob (other than to insert alcohol) long enough to comment on why she keeps it shut most of the time. This time around, she is claiming that interviews are, err, ‘bad for her health.’ "When I first started out I did press because I wasn't really aware that they would write something really horrible but then they did, and I was like: 'Oh no, I don't want to go back there.’ I don't really want to open up myself to that kind of criticism. I think that a lot of the time you walk in a room [and] they already know what they want to write about you, so it doesn't matter what you're like. But sometimes I will do it if I like the person or the project." We say: rather bizzaro, topsy-turvy 'health' concerns from someone who has spent the best part of twenty years as a human narcotics bin. Hmm, anxiety at potential interview judgement making you ill, Kate? Or perhaps it could be the line snortin’ pill poppin’ induced paranoia-comedown? We know what the smart money’s on. Gotta say, Moss’ lack of lip-flapping over the years has been her wisest business move (her elusive mystique being her USP of course) and from these recent verbal offerings right here, it’s clear when she does, talking smack which underestimates our ability to see it’s just that, is all she’s seemingly capable of. 2010-12-01T19:23:50+00:00 WIN! Sex And The City 2 DVD http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/win-sex-and-the-city-2-dvd-competition-carrie-bradshaw/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/win-sex-and-the-city-2-dvd-competition-carrie-bradshaw/#When:18:18:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/satc2-crop.jpg" alt="WIN! Sex And The City 2 DVD" />< Wanna see a bunch of menopausal harridans go wild in the desert in what is most likely 2010’s most xenophobic film? Then enter our Sex And The City 2 DVD giveaway! We have a two-disc special edition up for grabs folks.* To enter, just email win@thereal-runway.com by Friday 3rd Dec or follow us on Twitter and retweet our competition tweets. (*We’re not SATC haters, just disconsolate over the demise of a once-genius show)   2010-11-30T18:18:01+00:00 It’s A Shoe Thang… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/libertys-shoe-weekend-london-footwear-store/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/libertys-shoe-weekend-london-footwear-store/#When:18:33:08Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/14_A0113A-CROP.jpg" alt="It’s A Shoe Thang…" />< Calling all foot fetishist’s: get ready to wank over the decadent footwear orgy that is Liberty’s Shoe Weekend. Yep, our favourite London wonder-emporium is currently hosting a shoe-related love-in celebrating everything about our beloved leathery accessories. Nicholas Kirkwood kicked off the proceedings last night with a shoe boutique takeover, selling all his to-die-for bespoke creations for Erdem, Louise Gray, Roksanda Ilincic amongst others. Young upstart Raphael Young will be in store from 3pm today to shoot the breeze with y’all and disclose his new collection. Later on the party really gets started when DJ Richard Sloan and his ‘Sloan Rangers’ cabal hit the decks. Drag-artistes extraordinaire Johnny Woo, Jeanette plus statuesque goddess Gwendoline Christie will be setting-up their rabble-rousing occupation in the shoe floor from 6pm – exemplifying how to shake your thang in vertiginous heels, of course. Tomorrow Rupert Sanderson will be in convo with Fiona Golfar, Vogue’s ed-at-large from 2pm and somewhat strangely, will be signing shoes afterwards. As much as we heart RS, quite why you’d want his scrawl over your beautiful kicks is beyond us. Anyway, all those snapping up a pair will be gifted with a pair of heart shoe-shapers (we have a pair and they are beyond cute!) More feety treats come courtesy of the Sole Spa squad’s podiatry skills. The team will be on-hand to de-corn and de-stress those Christmas shopping overworked tootsies so hot foot it (boom boom!) down there at some point over the coming days. (All images: Nicholas Kirkwood A/W '10/'11) 2010-11-26T18:33:08+00:00 Dream On, Love http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-middleton-st-andrews-uni-fashion-show-dress-worth-1000000-charlotte/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-middleton-st-andrews-uni-fashion-show-dress-worth-1000000-charlotte/#When:19:50:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-dress-crop.jpg" alt="Dream On, Love" />< So the strip of gauze dress Kate Middleton modelled at some uni 'fashion show' causing Wills to blow his load could be worth up to £100,000. You heard. Since it’s now a part of ‘royal history’, this expensive piece of sartorial Viagra has sky-rocketed up in value: quite a triumph for something which resembles, at best, an oversized garter belt and worst, a big black doily. Girlfriend really shoulda held back on those curling tongs too – oooeee! Charlotte Todd, the unknown designer who still owns the flimsy piece of crap couldn’t contain her excitement at having been blessed with what has been (and will only ever be) her ‘career’ highlight: “The dress is a part of fashion history - the moment William could first have fallen in love with Kate - and that makes me really proud. I don't think I'll sell it. I want it to be in a collection of Kate's royal dresses in future. The only person I'd probably give it to is her. Maybe in exchange for a wedding invitation." Err, memo to Charlotte: somehow we don’t think the V&A’s Royal Dress Retrospective 2040, will somehow feature this silly rag (erection stirring or not) alongside the future cast of genius talent who will no doubt be soon dressing Ms Middleton. This is the part that really brings the LOLZ: far from now being an established designer, Todd works in – get this - an aquarium! We’re sure when the happy couple need the royal fishtank skimming they’ll holler.   2010-11-25T19:50:55+00:00 Italio Scandalo! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dolce-and-gabbana-indicted-for-tax-avasion-face-trial/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dolce-and-gabbana-indicted-for-tax-avasion-face-trial/#When:17:43:27Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dolceegabbana-indicted.jpg" alt="Italio Scandalo!" />< Quick! Stuff the mattress, un-nail that loose floorboard and secrete those remaining Euro’s post-haste. Those shady Italios obs don’t know how to fill out their Tax Returns as Domenico Dolce and Steffano Gabbana have found their asses indicted on tax-evasion charges. To the eye-watering tune of $569 million. Each. Cue all kinds of wriggling, squirming and defensive manoeuvres to deny any naughty transgressions, declaring the issue lies with the Luxembourg based holding company and not at all them. Honest, guv’… The seemingly doomed duo have two options: pay an almighty, potentially one billion dollar fine or face a jury and undergo a hardcore lengthy trial. “In many cases” reckons a Milan-based source, “this kind of accusation stems from the different interpretation of regulations. The state, which often doesn’t get to big-time tax evaders, tries to get to those who already pay their taxes, and ends up collecting one from the original 100 demanded.” Well, if it does reach trial at least we know who’ll be dressing their courtroom attire (themselves) but really, there’s a lesson to be learnt here folks; when HMRC comes a-knockin’ even fashion ain’t above the law. (All images: Dolce & Gabbana S/S '11) 2010-11-24T17:43:27+00:00 When It Goes Wrong, It Goes Very Very Wrong http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/valentino-for-gap-collection-dover-street-market/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/valentino-for-gap-collection-dover-street-market/#When:15:56:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/valentino-gap-crop.jpg" alt="When It Goes Wrong, It Goes Very Very Wrong" />< Q: How can a purveyour of fundamental basics chime with romantic, high octane glamour? A: It can’t. The fact that people have been freezing their ass off since 9pm last night to snaffle up their piece of Lanvin for H&M means this is a lesson in nailing the designer-high street collaboration: Faithful to the designer’s aesthetic, utterly desirable and on-trend with the only compromising being the fabric quality. This is how you do it! The new Valentino for GAP collection is a woeful exemplar of getting it very very wrong. So wrong our sides are spilling open at the comical hideousness of it all. Three words: Frilled. Khaki. Combats. Rather than masterly crafting an alliance that loses not a jot of the designer’s modus operandi, this range has made the first schoolboy error of collaborations; sloppily stapling together two polarised elements of both that simply do not harmonize: in this instance GAP’s signature military casuals with Valentino’s dreamy, flouncy glamour. The result is a confused mish-mash of failblog.com style proportions; come on, who in the Holy hell is going to covet such a befuddled collection seven shades of fug? A collection that reads nothing like a considered attempt to translate a luxury brand to a less financially blessed fanbase and just serves as a reminder to of why we’ve not shopped in GAP for fifteen years, nor ever will. Bleh. 2010-11-23T15:56:22+00:00 Lanvin 4 H&M: The Show! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lanvin-hm-collection-show-launch-in-new-york-alber-elbaz/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lanvin-hm-collection-show-launch-in-new-york-alber-elbaz/#When:19:47:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lanvin-anna-crop.jpg" alt="Lanvin 4 H&M: The Show!" />< Alber Elbaz flipped that ol' Rolodex of his and roped in a bunch of friends to walk last night's Lanvin for H&M runway show in New York. Pixie Geldof, Dree Hemmingway and Anna Dello Russo (with poodle companion) worked the catwalk at the Pierre Hotel in the forthcoming collection which had been sexed up by Alber to add a bit of oomph to the proceedings. Said customised dresses along with five of Alber's original doodlings are now online for aution on www.lanvinforhm.com which ends at midnight on November 26th. All proceeds will go to UNICEF. Philanthropic fashion: can't beat it. 2010-11-19T19:47:58+00:00 Karl On Kate http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-speaks-on-kate-middleton-royal-wedding-prince-william/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-speaks-on-kate-middleton-royal-wedding-prince-william/#When:19:56:48Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-wills-crop.jpg" alt="Karl On Kate" />< OK forgive us our hypocrisy, we know we bemoaned the impending overkill of the royal nuptials but when fashion royalty itself passes commentary, one should not choose to ignore it. Bow down people, for TRR fave, Kaiser Karl Lagerfeld hath voiced his opinions on Kate's commoner status; "For the royals, apparently the royal blood is not in demand any longer. Better for the generation to come. She is very different from Princess Diana, and seems a very well-balanced and a happy person. She is chic in a way the position needs. Let's wait and see..." Wait and see what? If she continues her - thus far - bland-but-wholesome non-journey into fashion? Or decides do a ‘Daphne’ and shape herself into a avant-garde fashion icon who could give Ms Guinness a run-for-her-money? (Please the latter, please the latter). K thinks Waity-Katy's anti-aristocracy status ain't a bad thing - neither do we. Whilst hardly an estate-dwelling, Jeremy Kyle viewing, benefit-chaser, she's no blue-blooded thoroughbred either - nor does she seem like a right wing-nut like her deceased ma-in-law, God rest her soul. It’ll be curious to see if her sartorial decisions do get critiqued as much as Di’s, however. Either way, if Di’s tragic death gave way to Posh’s elevated status to paparazzi goddess then let’s hope Kate can bump the vacuous famewhore off her waaay overlong tenure quick-stat. 2010-11-18T19:56:48+00:00 She’s A (Teeny, Tiny) Brickhouse http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/crystal-renn-harpers-editorial-plus-size-debate/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/crystal-renn-harpers-editorial-plus-size-debate/#When:19:21:34Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/renntease.jpg" alt="She’s A (Teeny, Tiny) Brickhouse" />< Tsk! That Crystal Renn, eh? What an enormous, jiggling elephant of a woman. It can't be easy to look like a water balloon full of porridge - a human simulcrum carved from 'orrible lard, if you prefer - while remaining in the public eye, but a plus-size woman's gotta do what a plus-size woman's gotta do. It's her duty, after all; ever since her ascent to fame in the past year or so, Miss Renn has agreed to represent women of a certain size unconditionally, for better or for worse, until the end of time, Amen. It's in her contract somewhere. It might even be in the Bible. But wait! Hold onto your fascinators, flabby fashion types, because TRR has discovered that Crystal Renn has committed treason against all of your outsized asses, by apparently dropping from the equivalent of a gargantuan UK size sixteen to a miniscule, barely visible UK size 12, and appearing even smaller in the latest issue of Harpers Bazaar. Yeah, you heard. Two. Entire. Dress sizes. I know what you're thinking. We're all thinking it. How could she let us down in such a way, possibly by going to the gym slightly more, eating a little differently or - quelle horreur - by fluctuating in weight like a normal, human woman? "It's unthinkable that a model should be the equivalent of a UK size twelve and still be expected to represent real women. There are categorically no size twelve women anywhere on the globe - science tells us unequivocally that all women are either desirably stick thin, or, as is the case with anyone over a size sixteen, are only capable of washing themselves with a rag on a stick," absolutely no-one was quoted as saying. There is, of course, the possibility that Crystal Renn's extreme total body overhaul (is this even really her? It's impossible to tell! We don't know who to trust anymore! etc.) might be down to a few small tweaks on Photoshop, we admit, but come on, reader. This is fashion. If we decided not to make a huge, judgemental and heavily politicised deal about every small change in the bodies of those people who we alternately revere as untouchables, and dangle the sword of Damocles over, we'd be out of a job. Wouldn't we? 2010-11-18T19:21:34+00:00 Bored Already http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prince-william-kate-middleton-to-marry-bridal-gown-wedding-dress-designer/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prince-william-kate-middleton-to-marry-bridal-gown-wedding-dress-designer/#When:18:02:28Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-wills-plate-crop.jpg" alt="Bored Already" />< Dangle the whiff of a Royal wedding before the great unwashed and we all fall in love the establishment again, despite the fact they're surreptitiously leading us by the nose into financial ruin *Cough* The Bilderberg Group *cough* (if you don't know, just Google it - please, Google it). Anyway, we're going to try and refrain from bleating on about what really concerns us regarding this news story - that it all seems too much of a convenient distraction from what we should really be giving a shit about right now (hint: Not X Factor) and talk about what we should be - the bride-to-be's gown - because this is a fashion site after all. God forbid we mention economics, politics or dare we say it, the New World Order... So. Now Wills has shoehorned his late moma's rock onto Kate Middleton's finger we can sit back and amuse ourselves at the flurry of designers rattling the Kensington Palace gates pitching to design what will no doubt be the most cooed over and scrutinized dress of the decade. Early rumblings and the lowest odds suggest she may plump for Matthew Williamson, Issa, Vivienne Westwood or Jenny Packham. "If we were lucky enough to be asked for this amazing task" says Alice Temperley, "I would make her into a true English rose: classic, regal and ethereal. Could be the most amazing dress ever designed - god I would love to do it." Lulu Kennedy thinks; "She needs Roksanda to do her frock!! And, in fact, all her party dresses too. And Nic Kirkwood on shoes." "I see her in a beautiful, intricately ornate yet simple and romantic dress in a shade of white. I would love to design it" says Julien MacDonald."  WE, however, see her in a nice Gareth Pugh number. Something not too dissimilar from his white/black S/S '09 collection; a hybrid of regal Elizabethan shapes and his spectacular angular futurism. Or some Maison Martin Margiela - the shredded, white woollen macramé dress from the S/S '10 collection perhaps? Failing that, there's always Pam Hogg's fabulous n' filthy 'War Bride' gown, complete with ripped and bloodied train. We actually cannot think of a better, more fitting, more provocative dress and given our current establishment’s trigger-happy, conflict-loving status, we’re sure Grandma-in-law will approve. Congratulations Wills and Kate! 2010-11-17T18:02:28+00:00 Tears Before Bradshaw http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sarah-jessica-parker-cries-over-bonnie-takhar-departure-from-halston/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sarah-jessica-parker-cries-over-bonnie-takhar-departure-from-halston/#When:19:15:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/sjp-bonnie.jpg" alt="Tears Before Bradshaw" />< As you may, or may not know, we're as approving of celebrities-masquerading-as-designers (Li-Lo at Ungaro, being our favourite whipping-girl) as we are every other cynical famewhore-celeb/brand co-masturbatory pairing. However, when news hit us back in January that Sarah Jessica Parker was leaping aboard the good ship Halston Heritage, we reserved judgement and held back our collective eye-rolls for a quick minute. Well, pass the Kleenex folks, because apparently SJP has been weeping and a-wailing over the recent axing of CEO Bonnie Takhar. Harvey Weinstein - Halston bankroller, board member and general Hollywood heavyweight announced her P45 delivery was a joint board decision and it was, "time to change direction." "Parker was in the middle of the office, in tears, when she finally heard that Bonnie was going," a source revealed. "Sarah and Bonnie had a meeting on Friday in Halston's offices to discuss problems with the latest collection. Sarah has been a strong supporter of Bonnie for a very long time, and has been the sole voice supporting her against the board and shareholders. She has been fighting this for a very long time. She believed in Bonnie. She was emotional and upset because this finally came to a head." We ask: were they tears mourning the loss of a friend and colleague? Or ones of salty self-preservation? Perhaps Takhar was the main vocalist for her appointment and now her ass is outta there, is SJP in fear of her bony butt being next? Either way, Takhar's removal is kinda a shame since not only did she really helped drag the label into the 21st Century, but the diffusion line, Halston Heritage, is really not too shabby at all... 2010-11-12T19:15:29+00:00 The Selby Is In Your Place (For Free!) http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-selby-is-in-your-place-book-available-for-free-online-todd-selby/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-selby-is-in-your-place-book-available-for-free-online-todd-selby/#When:17:19:08Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/selby-crop.jpg" alt="The Selby Is In Your Place (For Free!)" />< If you're feeling voyeuristic, then hurry, you only have until tomorrow to check out Todd Selby's marvellous nosey tome, The Selby Is In Your Place entirely for free on his website. The Selby, if you're unaware, is kinda like a sexy Lloyd Grossman; taking you Through The Keyhole of the homestead’s of the fashionable and fabulous. Marvel at the chandelier in Christian Louboutin’s atelier, squint as you try and identify Karl Lagerfeld’s Deutche porn collection in his floor-to-ceiling library and recoil at the bed where lothario Olivier Zahm does his business (and pray he at least changed the sheets pre-shoot). Accompanied by Todd’s charmingly whimsical watercolour illustrations and completed hand-scrawled questionnaires by his subjects, TSIIYP is less Interiors Monthly, more an affectionate scrapbook-style peek into lives of friends. It may instil a feeling of interior inadequacy but it’s so joyous and inspirational it really doesn’t matter. View The Selby Is In Your Place entirely for free here until Friday 12th November   2010-11-11T17:19:08+00:00 Not So Much Biting The Hand That Feeds You… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/franca-sozzani-slates-fashion-tv-shows-vogue-italia-antm-bntm/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/franca-sozzani-slates-fashion-tv-shows-vogue-italia-antm-bntm/#When:19:32:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/8_franca_sozzani_crop.jpg" alt="Not So Much Biting The Hand That Feeds You…" />< ...Moreover, gnawing it off at the wrist, masticating the flesh and sinew, then spitting said tissuey mess on the floor. In what is a curiously hypocritical move, Vogue Italia editrix, Franca Sozzani has been spitting venom over the piss-poor state of fashion television - oh, whilst simultaneously pocketing a rather tidy fee for partnering America's Next Top Model. "TV shows about fashion are generally boring and with so many websites on the subject, unnecessary," hissed the hypocrite. "Sometimes there are shows that make you feel embarrassed to belong to the world. Television is great. It makes you famous in a few seconds. It's like fashion. However both together haven't found the way to work. This requires an idea. A new one." Now whilst we whole-heartedly agree on this front - Fashion TV is miss or miss: it either A) promotes and perpetuates the myth that the industry is populated by well-paid (yet seemingly fashion ignorant) uber-groomed staff whose magazine's offices resemble space-ship interiors and operate on pre-recession budgets (Hello, Ugly Betty). Or B) Propagtes cheeseball, naff, shoots with commercial-standard models as actual high-fashion editorial (Hello, ANTM, BNTM and every country who've purchased the franchise, ad infinitum).  The crux of the matter herein lies thus: basically all fashion TV is made by industry outsiders for outsiders meaning any iota of actual industry reality (read: cutting-edge, high-art creativity, the blood, sweat and tears expelled for no money, the draughty, half-derelict offices) won't even get a look in before the pitches have even reached the commissioning editors door. No wonder fashion comes in for so much stick; if what outsiders take what they view on TV to be the case as given then it's doomed to be perceived as one big joke. Which it, err, kinda is anyway. For all Sozzani's moaning, if she - like us - finds fashion TV so offensive then TRR suggests the bitch better get pitching and put her money-where-her-mouth-is.   2010-11-10T19:32:09+00:00 Jackson 5 Clothing Line: Thriller Or Bad? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jackson-5-clothing-line-thriller-or-bad/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jackson-5-clothing-line-thriller-or-bad/#When:08:36:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jackson5.jpg" alt="Jackson 5 Clothing Line: Thriller Or Bad?" />< The mourning siblings of the King of Pop have announced the launch of a commemorative fashion line dedicated to their brother who art in heaven. In a cynical move that they claim is "100%" representative of his musical identity, the shameless cash-in collection will include exact replicas of the jackets made famous by the Thriller and Bad videos. Referring to the brand as a "tribute" to Michael Jackson and his iconic legacy the label has been aptly titled, err, J5. Yep, that's right. The five remaining members of the sixties breakthrough act, The Jackson 5, (yes, they may have gave Jacko his early fame, but sure as hell wouldn't be remembered for much other than 'that ABC song' had Michael's solo prowess not toppled the charts in a mammoth way) are cashing in once more on their late and great brother. Blessing as it may be that the line won't be featuring any afro wigs or seventies shirts, the label would still be a more fitting tribute to MJ were it actually attributed to him.  Charging up to an eyewatering $600 dollars for pieces whose doppelgangers will assuredly be found in 90% of costume stores internationally, but will no doubt be snaffled up by-the-dozen by loyal, borderline-obsessive fans. To say this smacks of a merciless cash-in by the band of brothers is an understatement as much as it's no surprise given Jacko Senior's track record. But catastrophically, admitting that talks about the line have been ongoing since the funeral (why let small matters like custody of nieces and nephews or, you know, actual grieving get in the way?) underscored our tut-tutting stance on this. Especially when no-one can pull off his bizzaro aesthetic but Michael himself - if Cheryl and Rihanna and that Navi dude can't make it work then TRR certainly won't be getting within a crotch-grabbing distance. 2010-11-09T08:36:19+00:00 Fashion’s Biggest Fangirl http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/robert-pattinson-says-no-to-model-burberry-christopher-bailey-twilight/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/robert-pattinson-says-no-to-model-burberry-christopher-bailey-twilight/#When:07:58:52Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/edward-cullen-desk.png" alt="Fashion’s Biggest Fangirl" />< We all remember when news first broke of Harry Potter starlet Emma Watson first making the transition from nerdy teen's wet dream to high fashion incarnate. The fash pack of course simply loved dahling Hermione Granger sans frizz as the new face of Burberry, and now sans any hair at all she's lighting up the cover of Vogue faster than you can say, "Lumos-with-more-fashion-credentials-than-you-can-wave-a-Dragon-Heartstring-wand-at" (no more Potter puns, we solemnly swear).  Who was behind such a magical transfiguration? Burberry chief Christopher Bailey, of course. Having done his part for the soon-to-be-no-more Harry Potter legacy, Bailey has turned his sights towards the British star of teenage magical-realism's number one franchise: Twilight. Robert Pattinson, every noughties' teenage girl's unreachable V-card swiper, is reported to be on the receiving end of some interest regarding his undeniable model behaviour. The wizard-turned-vampire has said "no", for now, claiming (despite adorable pre-movie portfolio pictures as seen above hinting at the contrary) "I'm an actor, not a model." But R-Patz, sweet, breathy, blood-sucking R-Patz, TRR thinks that the powers-that-be at Burberry may have a little more persuasion in them yet. You know how frighteningly obsessive these fangirls can become; they ain't called Twi-hards or, erm, Pot-heads for no reason. Christopher Bailey, be it for PR or personal reasons, has displayed his penchant for the protagonists of other-worldly teen-angst flicks and TRR sure hopes he'll come back with some bite; Edward Cullen glistening in shearling finery on billboards across London is an infinitely more fulfilling prospect than the alternative of Ron Weasley's sweaty grimace. 2010-11-09T07:58:52+00:00 So You CAN Polish A Turd http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/erin-fetherston-juicy-couture-collection-2010-velour-tracksuit/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/erin-fetherston-juicy-couture-collection-2010-velour-tracksuit/#When:19:17:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/erin-featherston-juicy-couture-holiday-.jpg" alt="So You CAN Polish A Turd" />< Rewind back to May and to say we guffawed at the prospect of Erin Fetherston's appointment as Juicy Couture's Creative Consultant is an understatement. Just how her flouncy, romantic aesthetic would gel with a brand who made their name slapping 'JUICY' accross the back of girl's velour-smothered asses left us in a state of curious bemusement. Anyway, the collection has just become available online and thankfully our predictions of pussy-bow hoodies and silken trackie bottoms were wrong, but, well, not entirely far off. The omnipresent velour has been mercifully been replaced with a more on-trend crushed velvet, and the the drawstring detailing is more Greek goddess than estate-dwelling teen mom. There's a definite Victoriana-cum-vintage mood which is entirely welcome, plus the Art-Deco accessories are really rather special - we heart the sequin skull cap. Will her efforts be enough to revive the decade-out-of-touch label? Hmm, view the full collection and make up your own minds here. 2010-11-08T19:17:23+00:00 It’s Difficult To Make A ‘Veruschka’ Pun http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/veruschka-slams-giles-deacon-after-2011-spring-summer-show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/veruschka-slams-giles-deacon-after-2011-spring-summer-show/#When:18:45:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/versease.jpg" alt="It’s Difficult To Make A ‘Veruschka’ Pun" />< If there's one thing we've learned from the somewhat dubious history of Naomi Campbell, it's that if you're an iconic, android-perfect supermodel, you can get away with pretty much anything; we can't help but wonder whether if we at TRR were doppelgangers for a bevvy of well-known supermodels (if you've never met any of us, by the way, please feel free to continue imagining that we are), fortune might smile on us a little more kindly. We bet Kate Moss never gets chastised for putting an extra apple through on the self-scan machine at Tesco Metro, for example, and that Lily Cole never has to wait for the next tube train at rush hour. It's unfair, reader, but gawsh darn it if it ain't true. The latest epic beauty to bite the hand that fed her, at least until retirement, is Blow-Up star and sixties editorial sensation Veruschka, who, at the height of her fame, commanded a fee of ten thousand dollars a day (more than enough to get Linda Evangelista out of bed several times over, when you think about inflation) - the seventy-one-year-old super made a return to the catwalk for Giles Deacon's latest show, and admits that she hated her dress and felt like a gimmick. 'I was in my 20s when I made [Blow up] and found success', she added, as a swift jab at the proliferation of teenage models on the catwalk. 'We were women, not children.' Oh, to be beautiful enough to call out all our old employers in such a public, humiliating way! (We wouldn't, though, of course; we're still milking our tattered old staff discount cards. Ahem.) 2010-11-05T18:45:02+00:00 She Wouldn’t, Would She? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi-campbell-accused-of-lying-under-oath-carole-white-moodform-mission/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi-campbell-accused-of-lying-under-oath-carole-white-moodform-mission/#When:18:18:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/naomi-lawsuit-crop.jpg" alt="She Wouldn’t, Would She?" />< Homegirl just can't keep her ass outta trouble - or court, it seems. Yet again Naomi Campbell is the protagonist in a legal ruckus; this time, her ex-agent, Carole White has accused the phone hurling harridan of lying under oath. Rewind twelve years ago when Nom's signed a deal with perfumer, Moodform Mission to promote a line of fragrances. Somewhat unsurprisingly she did not fulfill contractual obligations to promote a fragrance called - wait for it - Cat Deluxe With Kisses - so Moodform hit her up with a lawsuit this June. Can't say we really blame her for not wanting to be associated with something that sounds like, at best, feline food, or worst, kitty litter - we sure as hell don't wanna know what its stank was - pooeee! Anyway, White is claiming our heroine lied under oath in an affidavit so she could scram from the deal and wants her investigated for perjury. Being the shy, retiring, humble soul that she is, Campbell is bitchslapping her with a counter-suit saying that White 'misrepresented' her role in the scent contract negotiations. Oh what a tangled web we weave. Somehow we think this one is gonna run and run... The smart money, of course, is on White, as we all know only too well what side of the law Ms. C normally resides - two words: 'dirty pebbles.'   2010-11-05T18:18:12+00:00 Sisterly Love http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Sister-by-sibling-topshop-womenswear-diffusion-line/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Sister-by-sibling-topshop-womenswear-diffusion-line/#When:05:01:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/sibling-crop.jpg" alt="Sisterly Love" />< TRR has long been a fan of the couture-like awesomeness of menswear knitwear label SIBLING. But, alas, there were always two frustrating, heartbreaking hurdles in the way that felt like a hard slap in the face meaning, “No bitch, not for you!” 1) The eyewatering prices and 2) It’s for the menz, duh. Many-a long night was spent praying that some day, somehow, we will own some Sibling… Well, thank heavens, sing Halleluiah, our Lord in the shape of Philip Green has answered our divine pleas. Topshop have joined forces with the label to create SISTER by SIBLING – a wallet friendly capsule-line for les femmes that has all the wondrous hallmarks of what makes them so great: the Gothic motifs, the animal print, the twinsets, and oh, those sequins! We love the Skull Fair-Isle cardigan and sequin embellished leopard print sweater dresses. Everything is priced at £95 – about a tenth of what the menswear line costs. Says Cozette from Sibling; “For SISTER by SIBLING we took all the influences from our menswear mood boards and remixed them, putting an X chromosome into our male brand DNA. The line is also a small thank-you to all the boys who supported SIBLING but whose girlfriends stole their sweater – now you girls can buy your own!” Amen. SISTER by SIBLING drops in selected Topshop stores on November 24th 2010-11-03T05:01:22+00:00 It’s Here! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/full-lanvin-h-and-m-collection-autumn-winter-2010-alber-elbaz/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/full-lanvin-h-and-m-collection-autumn-winter-2010-alber-elbaz/#When:18:07:31Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/full-lanvin-crop.jpg" alt="It’s Here!" />< “What does luxury mean today? Can luxury be exclusive and democratic at the same time? How can we translate the essence of luxury to a wider audience? The world around us is changing rapidly and I find myself asking these questions more and more. A designer’s work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream of luxury to the masses. It was almost like going back to school for me.” Oh Alber, when you're not talking smack about  women's sizes you don't half speak sense. Finally, the full men's and womenswear Lanvin range for H&M has been unveiled following a torturous, minute teaser last week. Big question: Is it an anti-climax? Hell no. It doesn't even remotely whiff of a diffusion line, it's that good. We love the black mesh blouse and will take one of the swagged and ruched dresses in each colour please. As for the men's, well it's all about the inevitable enormo-bow-ties, dandyish shirts and ultra-hot tailoring, including a damn fine tuxedo. With womenswear prices starting from £25 for a T-shirt up tp £155 for dresses and mens ranging from £12 to £186 for the tux, reserve your place in the queue now, folks.   2010-11-02T18:07:31+00:00 TRR’s All Saints Top 5 Autumn Picks http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/all-saints-spitalfields-top-5-autumn-2010-picks-ladies-clothing/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/all-saints-spitalfields-top-5-autumn-2010-picks-ladies-clothing/#When:18:13:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/as-jacket-crop.jpg" alt="TRR’s All Saints Top 5 Autumn Picks" />< We love All Saints at TRR, in fact it's one of our favourite retailers - mostly grungey, rarely girly, and always with a distressed beaten-in edge - AKA: everything we want from a high street label (not to mention their glorious Spitalfields flagship is on our very own doorstep.) Anyway, we've scoured their current ladies clothing autumn collection and bought you our Top 5 highlights. 1) Mohan Leather Jacket - We like (no, require) our biker jackets to look armed and dangerous and this lamb leather beauty is effortlessly on the offensive with its studded lapels. It's heavily enzyme washed so will easily pass for a punk original. £395 2) Gabriel Mini Dress - We couldn't help but think this 100% silk georgette dress looks smack bang out of the 1930's with it's Art Deco-esque geometric sequin layout. £195 3) Bex Jumper - Threadbare and cobwebby, this enormo-slouchy knitted wonder ticks all the Gothic boxes with its acid wash and extreme float stitch detail. £95 4) Liena Leather Pipe Skinny - If your wardrobe is without a pair of leather pants then snap these skinny trews up, pronto. They look as though they've already done ten rounds at a 70's death-metal convention thanks to the vegetable tanning which lends a worn-in, vintage feel. £150 5) Anat Chelsea Boot -  This sturdy, aggressive take on the classic Chelsea boot perefctly marries a high heel with everyday-wearability, which we constantly struggle to find in a boot. £195  www.allsaints.com 2010-11-01T18:13:57+00:00 STORE FOCUS: Eat Your Heart Out http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/eat-your-heart-out-evil-cake-shop-maiden-shoreditch-london-miss-cakehead/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/eat-your-heart-out-evil-cake-shop-maiden-shoreditch-london-miss-cakehead/#When:18:01:36Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/evil-cake-crop.jpg" alt="STORE FOCUS: Eat Your Heart Out" />< This post is brought to you by the letters XXX and the number 666. You have been warned. Deep in the basement of Maiden on Shoreditch High Street is a dank and dimly lit dungeon resplendent with clanking chains and cages housing the most sinister, evil bakery you ever did see. Unbolting its creaky doors today, Eat Your Heat Out & The PRETOX Potion opens, fittingly, until Halloween on Sunday. This grisly confection of a pop-up is the brainchild of Miss Cakehead’s The Mad Artists Tea Party and unites the morbid and erotic culinary talents of Jellymonger, Bompas & Parr, Lily Vanilli and Ms Cupcake. Last night TRR channelled our inner gluttonous-goth and headed to its launch of, frankly, a combination of two of our favourite things; filth and food. Oh, and it goes without saying - this store comes with a 18 Certificate. Macabre and sublime in equal measures, each cake is an individual work of gruesome art; expect to find zombie nurses serving glistening human organ replica cakes, syringes of green Alibi Pretox potion, phlegm cupcakes, dismembered fingers plus alarmingly real-life like vagina, cum-dripping-bellend, pustule and pierced nipple cakes from Holly Andrews. Our favourite hands down was the Two Girls One Cupcake - needless to say, unless you’re familiar with its video namesake, we’ll refrain from filling you in for the sake of taste. Aside from the larger sugary bakes, all cupcakes are priced between £2.50 to £3.50 - a seriously bargainous way to scare/enthral/arouse/offend your friends this All Hallows Eve. Eat Your Heart Out & The PRETOX Potion opens today at Maiden, 188 Shoreditch High Street until Sunday 31st October www.evilcakeshop.com Photos: Matt Bramford 2010-10-29T18:01:36+00:00 Fashionably Frightening http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/fashion-halloween-costumes-karl-lagerfeld-t-magazine-new-york-times/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/fashion-halloween-costumes-karl-lagerfeld-t-magazine-new-york-times/#When:16:28:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/karlvallitease.jpg" alt="Fashionably Frightening" />< It's that time of year again, everyone - the time when every fashionista can finally hold their head high, whack on a ridiculous animal headpiece, slip into the kind of pantsless, bejeweled costume that would reduce even Elton John to tears, and, satisfied that they look suitably fearsome, bellow 'I am frivolous! Hear me roar!' with all the might of a sartorial demon. Of course, we're not talking about Fashion Week here, you gulliable ninny (or, in Anna Della Russo's case, a trip to buy a pint of semi-skimmed); we're talking about Hallow'een. The New York Times' T Magazine has decided, as a celebration for that most goffick of holidays, to ask a bevvy of fashion types what they plan to dress up as this year, and the results are both hilarious and unsurprising. Pamela Love, for example, has opted to go as Georgia O'Keefe, that most famous of vag-centric flower painters (no word on whether her costume will be literal, or whether a red hooded cape will be involved). "This year", exclaims designer Eddie Borgo "I'm going as Pee Wee Herman!" Vena Cava founder Lisa Mayock, meanwhile, says that her best ever Hallow'een costme was the year that she went 'as a bodega' which, for the uninitiated Brit, is a corner shop. With these suggestions in mind, we had a wee think about what we'd like to see fashion's most famous icons dress up as for a Hallow'een knees-up. Karl Lagerfeld, we imagine, could only ever go as Karl Lagerfeld, which in fairness, is enough of a costume in itself. Galliano should be forced to go without dressing up as anything at all, just to see if his head implodes. And Anna Wintour? Well, we think she should follow the lead of the rest of the United States, and buy into what's proven to be the year's best-selling costume overall - Snooki from Jersey Shore. We'd pay good money to see that helmet hairdo re-worked into a pouf. (If these pictures of Roberto Cavalli dressed as Karl Lagerfeld for a Hallow'een party don't warm your heart on a cold, grey Friday, by the way, then you have no soul.) 2010-10-29T16:28:07+00:00 Mossy’s Swansong http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/final-last-kate-moss-collection-for-topshop-autumn-winter-2010/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/final-last-kate-moss-collection-for-topshop-autumn-winter-2010/#When:18:20:27Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mossy-crop.jpg" alt="Mossy’s Swansong" />< Cue the mourning of style-plagiarising, boho-wannabe's the nation over: Kate Moss' final ever range for Topshop drops instore next week and is something of a greatest hits collection. Featuring all the sell-out highlights of her previous fourteen (the floral tea dress, the sequined evening gown) it will also offer a few new surprises, of which we've cherry picked our highlights. TRR is shedding a tear - not least because her woolen cape has remained one of our staple winter wrap-ups for three years now - but out of all the cynical celeb-high street love-in's, the Topshop / Mossy affair was a very harmonious one indeed. Always a little bit vintage, a little bit rock n' roll, a little bit romantic and a helluva lot of Kate. So, adieu, Mossy Vs. Topshop. It's been emotional. Kate Moss for Topshop will hit stores nextTuesday 2nd November 2010-10-28T18:20:27+00:00 Lara Stone: 1 Playboy: 0 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lara-stone-wins-french-playboy-lawsuit-donates-damages/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lara-stone-wins-french-playboy-lawsuit-donates-damages/#When:18:20:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lara-stone-crop.jpg" alt="Lara Stone: 1 Playboy: 0" />< Today is the day gaptooth models the world over can rejoice in a victory against sticky jazz mags. Back in June French Playboy couldn't contain their excitement over some nekkid yet wholly unauthorised pics of Lara Stone and published them without the Dutch hottie's permission. Girlfriend bitchslapped them with a lawsuit faster than you can say, 'unsanctioned-titty-overload' and thankfully, has won significant damages. "No woman wants photos of them to be published in Plaboy without permission," Says a vindicated Mrs Walliams; "I'm very pleased to have won the case, although of course I would rather not have had to take legal action at all." Now whilst she obviously objects to being overtly sexualised by having her baps out in Playboy (God forbid she was ever looked at in a pervy way other than the stunning supermodel that she is) it's kinda curious why she clearly doesn't give two hoots about appearing as the victim of a violent rape in the current Calvin Klein Jeans X advert. An ad considered so offenseive it's been banned in Australia. We ain't no prudes here at TRR - quite the opposite in fact - smut should be encouraged we say, however the ad is really rather disturbing to say the least and bringing such abusively suggestive images into the mainstream breeds only incremental acceptance of them. Which is never a good thing. Anyway, all's well that ends well, we wouldn't be so forgiving we it not for the philanthropic Stone donating her windfall to Great Ormond Street Hostpital. We think this is probably the world's first and hopefully last case of publishing titty-pics being of benefit to children. 2010-10-27T18:20:44+00:00 Tru Trussardi Eyewear Examination http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tru-trussardi-launch-eyewear-spring-summer-2011-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tru-trussardi-launch-eyewear-spring-summer-2011-collection/#When:22:36:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Screen_shot_2010-10-24_at_182031.png" alt="Tru Trussardi Eyewear Examination" />< Iconic 80's fashion house, Trussardi have kinda comparatively fallen off the radar in terms of their spotlight-hugging Italio contemporaries; Prada, Dolce, Fendi et al. But not that they should be overlooked. Their ‘urban’ spin-off, Tru Trussardi is launching its first ever endeavour into the world of eyewear in spring/summer 2011. TRR has taken a sneaky peek to let you know whether the house (that perhaps, alas, has become more synonymous with tack than taste over the years) has delivered. So did they succeed? Almost certainly, yes. Rather than simply testing the metaphorical waters with a line that simply appeals to, ahem, their usual WAG clientele, Trussardi have made a splash with a universally desirable selection of assortment of luxury, sunwear and optical frames for fashionistas, not just footballers’ wives. Naturally there are flamboyant pairs that would appeal to hardcore Trussardi diehards; there’s big and there’s bling and there’s animal print. But, mercifully Tru Trussardi have clearly bonded with the word ‘subtle’, so nothing is done to hurl-worthy excess. Instead, clever texturing and a repeated nod to the fifties has reunited the brand with its reputation of classic Milano chic. 2010-10-24T22:36:01+00:00 THIS!!! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lanvin-for-hm-collection-diffusion-line-preview-tease/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lanvin-for-hm-collection-diffusion-line-preview-tease/#When:18:17:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lanvin-hm-crop.jpg" alt="THIS!!!" />< This is the big one: the main event! The mack-daddy of designer/high street love-ins! Finally released is a tease of Lanvin's collection for H&M, and boy, does it look all kinds of hot... Sensuous satins, tiered ruffles, puffed sleeves - all the hallmarks of why we love Lanvin have been diffused perefctly into a not-so-wallet-busting collection. And may we say, the campaign featuring Hannelore Knuts, Jane Schmitt, Tati Collitar, and Natasha Poly (shot by Luella's fella, David Sims) suggests this line means business and isn't the ususal piss-poor H&M cash-in *cough* Viktor & Rolf *cough* Jimmy Cho- erm, right where were we... There's another month to wait until images of the full 30 piece range are released to a salivating public but until then this'll keep our panties nice and moist. Wonder-collaborations like this seriously don't come around often, it's kinda like Prada getting into bed with Primark. Anticipate elbowing, hair-pulling and bitch-slapping aplenty when Lanvin for H&M finally drops instore. 2010-10-22T18:17:35+00:00 WIN! 150 Pound Vero Moda Spending Spree! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/win-150-vero-moda-london-oxford-street-flagship-store/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/win-150-vero-moda-london-oxford-street-flagship-store/#When:07:20:34Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/vero-moda-ccrop.jpg" alt="WIN! 150 Pound Vero Moda Spending Spree!" />< Get those itchy-competition-trigger-fingers at the ready 'cos it's giveaway time! To celebrate the arrival of Danish super-retailer, Vero Moda's new London flagship store, The Real Runway is only giving away not one but two 'Gold Bags'. Gold Bags that you can stuff with up to £150's worth of glorious Vero Moda clothes at the Oxford Street store's opening day on November 4th! If Vero Moda are as-yet off your fashion radar be prepared for that to change as the Scandinavian label are the ultimate in directional yet affordable chic - we can't wait to slip into the leather Space mini dress and the McQueen inspired biker heels. The new store will house all their collections; the Vero Moda Very premium line, Vero Moda Jeans, Vero Moda Basics and their Intimates lingerie line. To enter, simply email your name and address to win@thereal-runway.com by Friday 29th October. Double you chances of winning by keeping an eye out for our competition related tweets. Follow @TheRealRunway 2010-10-21T07:20:34+00:00 Henry Holland Vs. Roxy Heart http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/henry-holland-roxy-heart-collection-at-beyond-the-valley/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/henry-holland-roxy-heart-collection-at-beyond-the-valley/#When:18:30:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/roxy-hh-crop.jpg" alt="Henry Holland Vs. Roxy Heart" />< That nip in the air? It's a sign that Jack Frost has got designs on your ass right now. This means two things: finally we rejoice in the knowledge it's time to bust out our winter wardrobes and layer up to the extreme, and also that our thoughts can turn to the slopes for a bit of on and of piste fun. To nail that perfect apres ski outfit then go no further than the new Roxy Ski Chalet pop-up at TRR favourite, Beyond The Valley for Henry Holland's collaboration with Roxy Heart. With it's pine panelled walls, roaring fire and the obligatory mounted stag head, one would be forgiven for thinking you're in a Klosters cabin were it not for the adjoining store. Henry's 15 piece capsule collection pays lip service to Roxy's sporty aesthetic, but with his own idiosyncratic injection of fun; TRR loved the quilted leather skirt, heart cardigan and tarnished stud tee-dress. Also available to tumble glide down the slopes is a limited edition Henry Holland snowboard created exclusively for the pop-up. Now where did we leave that fondue set...? Roxy Ski Chalet will be at Beyond The Valley, Newburgh Street, W1 until 19th November 2010-10-20T18:30:12+00:00 Birkins And Bagels http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hermes-open-shoreditch-scarf-pop-up-shop-east-london/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hermes-open-shoreditch-scarf-pop-up-shop-east-london/#When:18:53:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hermes-matt-crop2.jpg" alt="Birkins And Bagels" />< Fancy a Birkin with your Brick Lane bagel? Well rejoice as Hermes have announced the arrival of their Shoreditch pop-up, right on TRR's very own doorstep, no less! Alas, that aforementioned Birkin may be out of the question as the store will cater only in their iconic scarves. Branded, J'aime mon carré, (I love my scarf) the East End micro emporium will be fully manned with Hermes pro's ready to dish out advice on how to tie that new purchase just-so. Hermes Shoreditch branch will be open from November 16th - 25th All images are from Matt Irwin's amazing Hermes collaboration where he travelled to four cities shnapping gal's with their scarves. 2010-10-19T18:53:56+00:00 M.I.A. Goes (Sort Of) Gaga http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/m.i.a.-lady-gaga-wears-burqa-to-scream-awards-ceremony/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/m.i.a.-lady-gaga-wears-burqa-to-scream-awards-ceremony/#When:03:38:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mia-burqa.jpg" alt="M.I.A. Goes (Sort Of) Gaga" />< So M.I.A. wore a burqa on the Scream Awards Red Carpet. Far from questioning the religious/social/political statement behind this, and further still from debates on the success of an obvious publicity stunt (negligible), the question on everybody’s lips is; ‘what in the hell are the Scream Awards?’ Whatever this absurd fashion choice was for; it failed. Perhaps due to M.I.A.’s ambiguous religious background (with the most informative source claiming that she’s ‘probably’ Hindu) and even more unknown position on Islamic religious dress (because it’s just not worth opening that can of worms, Sarkozy), the general reaction is distinctly underwhelming. Which is a true shame, because TRR loves a good ol’ piece of questionable sartorial gristle to chew on. To ensure that the Konnie Huq-alike gets it right next time she fancies some controversial clothing the Lady of dressing Gaga herself has (probably) drafted up a variation of the following professional guidelines... 1) Go The Whole Hog - Think role-play, not costume party; next time opt for classic black rather than garish print. 2) Stay Dedicated - Don’t back out halfway through and send a flunky to the nearest clown store to get a replacement outfit. 3) Think PR – Make sure the column inches are positively correlative to how potentially laughable you look, and have a spiel of reducto ad absurdum poignant reasoning ready to potentially stop everyone laughing. 4) Use Protection – Choose the party you’re offending carefully. Vegans are notoriously less vengeful than Muslims, for example. So there you have it M.I.A., from the mouth of the not-so-proverbial horse itself. You can't say we didn't warn you. If we don't see you in full Papal attire, complete with a speech about prejudice against farmers' children in the light of an industry big-wig shake up, at next year's Squawk Awards then TRR will not be impressed. 2010-10-19T03:38:29+00:00 Theysken For It http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/olivier-theyskens-refuses-dior-valentino-givenchy/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/olivier-theyskens-refuses-dior-valentino-givenchy/#When:19:21:52Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oltease.jpg" alt="Theysken For It" />< It's impossible to find a job in fashion these days - sure, you might have started the autumn months infused with a quiet hope, picturing yourself sitting behind a desk at Vogue HQ by Christmas, or at worst, working in Dolce as a stopgap, but we suspect that the outcome of your endeavours might have been somewhat more bleak. Enjoying that admin job, are you? Happy to write 'fast food operative' under the employment section of Facebook which, as everyone knows, was created for the sole purpose of showing the orange, spider-lashed oxygen thieves you used to go to school with that you've moved on since the days of being dubbed 'Lesley the Lezzer' after one particularly unfortunate haircut*? It's a tough world out there, readers, and an uphill struggle for us all. Except, of course, for Olivier Theyskens - pictured here nude as a poignant reminder of his, ahem, bare-faced cheek - who appears to view turning down some of the world's most covetable fashion jobs as some kind of bastarding hobby. After reportedly demanding, at age 25, twice as much money as Lee McQueen to helm Givenchy (and being refused, the cheeky little sod), it's been suggested lately that he has also turned down the top jobs at Valentino and Dior respectively, within the last few years alone. His reason for rejecting the latter? Apparently, Dior is viewed as a career-finisher for a young designer. Finisher, schminisher! We'd take a stretch at Dior over compiling a ten-page spreadhseet any day of the week. *TRR apologises for any unpleasant flashbacks which might have been induced by this entry, but we're exponents of tough love here, so man up. Especially you, Lesley. Which shouldn't be too difficult. 2010-10-15T19:21:52+00:00 Failblog Dot Com http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chloe-mix-up-ysl-belt-in-love-perfume-advert-campaign-raquel-zimmerman/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chloe-mix-up-ysl-belt-in-love-perfume-advert-campaign-raquel-zimmerman/#When:18:34:08Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chloe-crop.jpg" alt="Failblog Dot Com" />< Hold the front page! Sack the stylist! In a sartorial faux pas of epic proportions, some dozy, unobservant fucktard overlooked the fact a YSL belt (quelle horreur!) found itself wrapped around Raquel Zimmerman's waist in a Chloe advert. Chloe! An eagle-eyed WWD observer noted the sorry oversight when the campaign for their new fragrance, Love, hit giant billboards this week. Much hoo-ha is being made over who precisely is to blame; creative director Ezra Petronio? Coty, the licencing company? Inez and Vinoodh the photographers? Or Raquel herself? Of course, the real crux of this wholly tragic scenario is whether or not she was actually wearing the actual fragrance, and not, say, YSL's Paris. We demand answers! 2010-10-15T18:34:08+00:00 On An Island, Very Far Away… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/isla-moda-karl-lagerfeld-fashion-island-dubai-oppenheim-kor-hotel-group/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/isla-moda-karl-lagerfeld-fashion-island-dubai-oppenheim-kor-hotel-group/#When:18:17:13Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oie_13554578pBKJZ0F.jpg" alt="On An Island, Very Far Away…" />< From saves to Coke bottles, is there any marketing opportunity curiosity Karl Lagerfeld doesn't wanna exploit? Whether or not it was a surreptitious attempt to actually be ruler of his very own kingdom, Herr K has only gone and created the worlds' first man-made 'fashion island.' Isla Moda (what else?) is a style utopia created in conjunction with Miami architecture firm, Oppenheim and the KOR hotel group. It'll house three plush hotels along with 150 residential villas and the inevitable plethora of boutiques. Apparently inspired by the floating palaces of India and cruise ships, we were relieved to see the renderings disconfirmed our initial 'Taj Mahal meets P&O ferry' fears. Saying that, we're not quite sure if we're frightened by the biodome-esque quality of the project let alone the concept of Karl's actual elevation to emporer-like status. Isla Moda couldn't really exist anywhere other than Dubai. The fact the place is a soulless, slave-made, mall-in-a-desert, paean to consumerism means Karl's little real-estate vanity project will slot in just fine. There's also something quite comforting about the self-imposed quarantining of the world's vacuous, narcissistic high-rollers, come 2014. 2010-10-13T18:17:13+00:00 ART FOCUS: Vanitas http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vanitas-the-transience-of-earthly-pleasures-exhibition-frieze-33-portman/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vanitas-the-transience-of-earthly-pleasures-exhibition-frieze-33-portman/#When:18:24:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mao-crop.jpg" alt="ART FOCUS: Vanitas" />< It's Frieze week so TRR is getting its art vibe on, and may we introduce the most gloriously morbid, decadent and gothic exhibtion, Vanitas: The Transience Of Earthly Pleasures opens today at 33 Portland Place. Housing macabre yet sublime works from Reece Jones, Tim Noble and Sue Webster, the Chapman Brothers (Trufax: TRR once lived in their old Whitechapel flat) and Alastair Mackie, Vanitas is a contemporary homage to the fourhundred year old theme of the nature of beautiful objects combined with the impermenance of man and his earthly pleasures in the face of his inevitable demise. Juxtaposing fragility with death is Bertozzi and Casoni's butterfly adorned electric chair, Vanitas' key symbol of mortality, the skull, makes up a lifesize bust of Chairman Mao by Dutch artist, Bouke des Vries. There's enough taxidermy animal coming from Polly Morgan's warped mutiple blackbird head formation and Noble and Webster's mindblowing mass of creatures, British Wildlife to make one question whether they all have a credit account at Get Stuffed in Angel. The British Wildlife assemblage creates a perfect silhoutte of the couple - right down to the prickly hedgehog forming Noble's spiky chin. What makes this exhibition so moving is the shabby, also decaying interior of the grand 33 Portman Place. It's fading glamour lends the perfection ambiance for the morbid tone. Vanitas: The Transience Of Earthly Pleasures runs until 17th October at 33 Portman Place, W1   2010-10-12T18:24:49+00:00 Paris Fashion Week: Celine http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-celine-spring-summer-2011-phoebe-philo/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-celine-spring-summer-2011-phoebe-philo/#When:21:04:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/celinetease.jpg" alt="Paris Fashion Week: Celine" />< Last season, if you weren't Phoebe Philo (if we may paraphrase hobo-bothering flare-monger Erin Wasson's briefly popular slogan t-shirt), you weren't shit. The Celine aesthetic quickly became ubiquitous amongst anybody who was a somebody, and a fair few of us who certainly weren't; the Stones may have wanted to Paint It Black, but Ms. Philo was far more concerned with painting the whole world beige, and by God, did she get her wish. 'Camel' became a seasonal buzzword, and was considered exciting for the first time in, well, ages, and all things flirty and ostentatious were shelved in favour of a pared-down, early Klein wardrobe, full of sensible wool and unembellished cashmere. The question on everyone's lips, then, was this - would Philo reveal herself to be devoid of new vision, and, perhaps more tellingly, would the masses much care? The anwer to the first question? A little of 'yes', and a pinch of 'no', thrown into the mix with a few heaped tablespoons of 'who the hell cares?' Certainly, there was very little to be seen in the way of pattern or colour, save for a few well-placed and eternally chic stripes and the odd Moroccan flourish, and once again, pared-down simplicity ruled. But the point of Celine at this stage isn't innovation, it's execution, and this is where Philo's genius comes into play. This season, as in the last, the Celine woman is unapproachable, yet desirable, without ever having to resort to naked sex appeal - the models came equipped with loosely-wrapped ponytails and outfitted in austere, 1970s-nautical, mannish separates, and yet still the fashion elite came close to sighing audibly with envy. The key to the look, essentially, is that it should be easy to replicate, but isn't, requiring as it does money, thinness, and a certain attitude. It takes a certain shrewdness to find this balance, and there's no denying it's a lucrative one; worldwide, women will see these garments as investments, a half-truth which will serve to override the pangs of guilt that normally accompany a status buy. And that's genius, really. So thankyou, Celine, for bringing back those same old feelings of inadequacy and desperate lust that we'd all but buried from March. We'll take three of everything. 2010-10-07T21:04:55+00:00 Paris Fashion Week: Louis Vuitton http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-louis-vuitton-spring-summer-2011-collection-runway-revie/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-louis-vuitton-spring-summer-2011-collection-runway-revie/#When:18:35:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/VUIT_SS11_0268-crop.jpg" alt="Paris Fashion Week: Louis Vuitton" />< "Oh oh oh oh, my little China girl..." It's clear Marc Jacobs had a bit of Bowie on his mind and moodboard for his Louis Vuitton spring/summer 2011 line. Utterly Eastern and abundant in unabashed opulence, the flowing emperor jackets, silk kimono jackets, metallic Lurex-knit dresses and shimmering swinging fringed gowns looked positively regal in jewel colours (emeralds, amethyst, citrine) and precious metal tones (bronze, gold and pewter). Subtle, LV S/S ’11 ain’t. Giant painterly florals, zebra and giraffe print – not to mention panda and tiger faces splashed over sweaters fed the mood of extravagant anti-minimalism luxury gong on here. The LV monogram was cleverly interpreted into lace dresses and fans, whilst enormous sequin cummerbund belts paid homage to the Geisha silhouette.   2010-10-07T18:35:01+00:00 Paris Fashion Week: CHANEL http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/2011-spring-summer-paris-fashion-week-chanel/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/2011-spring-summer-paris-fashion-week-chanel/#When:18:13:17Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chaneltease.jpg" alt="Paris Fashion Week: CHANEL" />< Shortly before Chanel's show began, TRR noticed that SHOWstudio had tweeted about Karl Lagerfeld's retirement - it seems that every season, in a dance as old as time, the rumours begin to swirl anew that fashion's own starch-collared Pope might be just about ready to hang up his Dior Homme suits, heading off into what we can only assume would be a monochrome sunset towards a new life of boules and senior-centric aerobics classes. It seemed fitting, then, that there was a touch of youthful rebellion about the new Chanel, with garments being left ragged-edged, or cut into with punkish abandon. Of course, there were the usual elements - feathers, tweed, and long, bows sweeping necklaces - but accompanied by perforations, thigh-high leather and selvedge knits, the classic Chanel touchstones looked more like Coco as re-interpreted by some young, hip and inebriated socialite. As elsewhere in Paris, t-shirt-like jacket shapes often prevailed, and skirt-length slid inexorably toward the knee, although by contrast, the few pairs of shorts that were peppered throughout the collection appeared liable to showcase some immaculately-waxed model genitalia at any moment. 'I'll die with my boots on' had been an earlier comment from Lagerfeld on the subject of his resignation; undoubtedly, this was the message here, too, writ large in slashes and beaded psuedo-burns. (A word to the wise, though, Grandpa Karl - although we appreciate a good male model as much as the next red-blooded and, aherm, fashion-conscious woman, we'd rather not see him accompanied by a mewling, drooling mini-me in a matching Texas tuxedo, if it's alright with you. Breeding is so last season, dontcha know.) 2010-10-06T18:13:17+00:00 Paris Fashion Week: Giles’ Ungaro Debut! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-giles-deacon-debut-emanuel-ungaro-spring-summer-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-giles-deacon-debut-emanuel-ungaro-spring-summer-2011/#When:17:02:13Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ungaro-giles.jpg" alt="Paris Fashion Week: Giles’ Ungaro Debut!" />< Like, woah. Were the eye-popping abundance of blooms suffocating a load of Lovebug VW Beetles a distraction to the clothes? A seemingly unsubtle hint of what Giles adopted as inspiration for his Emanuel Ungaro debut? Or perhaps a sly dig at his not-so-sucessful antecedent?First things first; there's no way in hell his efforts were gonna be trounced by his predecessor, Lindsay Lohan - an 'Artistic Advisor' who though slapping glittery heart pasties over models chests was totally a good look. From the cornucopia of daises that appeared worked into lace panels, on pocket embellishment and sat atop perky Jackie-O shades it's clear Giles paid a fun lip-service to Ungaro's floral motifs which proved a nicely woven thread throughout the collection.Homage was duly paid to the house's 80's halcyon days with bustier pencil dresses, oodles of frou-frou feathers and swathes of the Ungaro signature draped jersey. Fortunately he shunned the predictable fuchsia pink overload, opting for subtler shades of mushroom, dusky peaches, peppermint blues and lavenders.The oh-so-now bra's peeking through sheer blouses will no doubt ensnare the younger hip brigade. The capri pants and tweed suiting will reignite past-fans love-affair with the house. The boy done good. 2010-10-05T17:02:13+00:00 TRR’s Guide To: Bargain Basement Balmain http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-balmain-spring-summer-2011-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-balmain-spring-summer-2011-collection/#When:17:35:48Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/balmain-crop-ss11.jpg" alt="TRR’s Guide To: Bargain Basement Balmain" />< Nobody does rock n' roll luxe better than Balmain - or, err, ourselves actually. There's virtually nada in Christophe Decarnin's spring/summer 2011 collection that we've not been fronting since, well, forever. When we saw it, it was like staring at our own wardrobes - albeit an infinitely more deluxe version. Frayed denim cut-offs? Check! ripped fishnets? Check! Studded biker leathers? Check check check! So with this in mind, to achieve many of the Balmain S/S '11 looks all you need is the following... 1) Pack of multicoloured biros (to make like it's the last day of school and doodle all over your tee) 2) Plenty of punk pin badges (use with caution, one too many and you'll be channelling Storm from X Factor) 3) Pair of scissors and safety pins galore (to cut shit up and pin back together) 4) A table with splintered legs (to snare the fishnets on) 5) Someone with a mean right-hook (to achieve the blood-splattered vest) 6) Stud-gun (to pebble-dash that biker jacket with metal) 7) Old denim cut-off that've done four seasons in Ibiza to accomplish threadbare perfection 2010-10-04T17:35:48+00:00 Paris Fashion Week: Maison Martin Margiela http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-maison-martin-margiela-spring-summer-2011-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris-fashion-week-maison-martin-margiela-spring-summer-2011-collection/#When:16:18:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mmm.jpg" alt="Paris Fashion Week: Maison Martin Margiela" />< When TRR was lucky enough to interview Le Maison a few months ago (post-Martin's departure) they assured me; “The creative process has not changed as the team has always been at the heart of everything the Maison has expressed since it has been created in 1988. Our intentions are intact and that is what keeps us genuine.” Well, for all the best intentions in the world, Maison Martin Margiela's spring/summer 2011 collection was, heartbreakingly, a disaster. The only things missing were the words 'Golf Sale' - such were the comedy dimensions of the sandwich-boardesque silhouette dresses, shirts and blazers. It was a fun motif but in execution was as flat as the garments' proportions themselves. When they veered away form such rigid rectangular structures - as seen on the closing silver jacket and a grey marl cardi, the silhouette erred on the side of wearable. Last season's enormo-waistband trousers that appeared to orbit your waist like some planetary ring reappeared and were a welcome Maison creation that toes the line between their conceptual wizardry and the actual covetable factor. Otherwise, the prevailing Flat Stanley look was just spread a little too thinly - for want of a better word. Please, MMM, perhaps sometimes a dictatorship is better than a democracy. 2010-10-04T16:18:49+00:00 Milan Fashion Week: Roberto Cavalli http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/milan-fashion-week-roberto-cavalli-spring-summer-2011-collection-catwalk/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/milan-fashion-week-roberto-cavalli-spring-summer-2011-collection-catwalk/#When:21:20:14Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/cavtease.jpg" alt="Milan Fashion Week: Roberto Cavalli" />< Ah, the mid-life crisis. One day, you're a young, hip, happenin' kind of guy, and the next, you're either rolling up the sleeves of your Ferrari windbreaker to polish your new high-speed penis extension, or else slowly reverting into some kind of long-haired, free-lovin' new age hippy. After forty years of design, Roberto Cavalli (the brand, that is, and not the man, who is now safely ensconced on the far side of the hill) has chosen the second option, becoming even more enamoured than usual of flares, suede fringing and 1970s-style snakeskin this season in Milan. Walking through a man-made tropical paradise, the models looked for all the world like lofty, expensively-dressed groupies, or androgynous rock stars, sporting muff-skimming hipsters that drew attention to their razor-sharp hip-bones and ironing-board stomachs. It wasn't quite as trashy as your usual Cavalli fare, but by God, it was trashy still. And we loved it. Pleasingly for Cavalli - and pleasing to the eye, after the primary assault that was Prada - the colours were extremely muted, hovering around a palette of soft greys, dusky pinks and subtle beiges; the 'rock chick' look never felt too much like something which Coleen Rooney could appropriate for a 'wild' night out at a gig, recalling instead a more credible side of rock and roll history with its laced-up leather and biker fringe. Most importantly, unlike so many others, Cavalli had opted out of interpreting a rock look as simply being about the now-ubiquitous studs and leather, choosing to pay homage to a different facet of its history from the punk and metal-centric vision presented at so many other shows. Roberto Cavalli spring/summer 2011: Groovy, man. 2010-09-30T21:20:14+00:00 Milan Fashion Week: Prada http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/milan-fashion-week-prada-SPRING-SUMMER-2011-COLLECTION-CATWALK-REPORT/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/milan-fashion-week-prada-SPRING-SUMMER-2011-COLLECTION-CATWALK-REPORT/#When:21:15:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/prada.jpg" alt="Milan Fashion Week: Prada" />< Milan Fashion Feek saw something of a departure from Prada's usual aesthetic; sexy yet intellectual, modern and intrinsically feminine. To paraphrase a wise woman, that shit was bananas. More accurately, that shit was literally covered in bananas; swinging around hemlines, clustered on shoulders and swamping tikki-style shirts, they made their potassium-infused mark on the collection with the kind of subtlety that placed it a step above a huge, foam banana costume. Elsewhere, stripes reigned, looking fabulous on the models but probably destined to make mere mortals like ourselves look more watermelon than banana in shape, occasionally accompanied by fat-cheeked, Versace-style cherubs which evoked a holiday home in Havana. Not exactly what were we expecting, in short, although accessory devotees are in for a treat, with bright platform brogues, swirly sunglasses and striped, primary-coloured fox furs all conspiring to soften the banana-tinged, Latin-American blow. Still, we're sure that it'll be a big seller, if only in circles thin enough to wear bumblebee stripes. (Miuccia herself, in case you're interested, took her catwalk bow in dangling banana earrings. Insert 'bananarama' joke here.) 2010-09-29T21:15:49+00:00 Twenty Five Years And Still Living In Sin http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi-campbell-violent-interview-magazine-shoot-mert-and-marcus/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi-campbell-violent-interview-magazine-shoot-mert-and-marcus/#When:16:36:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/naomi-interview.jpg" alt="Twenty Five Years And Still Living In Sin" />< Nothing celebrates your Silver modelling-matrimonial anniversary quite like wrapping yourself around a freshly bloodied-and-bruised corpse. Hang on, is he dead? Or just mortally wounded? Either way Naomi Campbell looks like she's hungry for a spot of necrophilia in this Mert and Marcus shoot for the October issue of Interview magazine. We love her post-orgasmic expression as she takes a drag fresh from banging the poor bastard's head against the sink and my, how she cradles his beaten cranium to her bosom. One cannot deny the massive shades of Reservoir Dogs in this gloriously violent tableau, you kinda half expect her to whip out a shaving-knife and carve his ear off too whilst gettin' on down to some Steelers Wheel. The irony of course is, that this bloodbath is by no means nothing our Nom's ain't actually capable of - nor would hesitate to execute. The only difference is her face would not posses the same angelic serenity, moreover, the look of the actual dark, belligerent and bloodthirsty harridan we love her for being. (Can we just also add how awesome the dude's Russian tat's are - we'd tap that in a heartbeat, dead or otherwise.) 2010-09-29T16:36:37+00:00 STORE FOCUS: Out Of Town http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/store-focus-out-of-town-vintage-shop-boutique-clerkenwell-london/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/store-focus-out-of-town-vintage-shop-boutique-clerkenwell-london/#When:16:05:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/OUT-OF-TOWN-CROP.jpg" alt="STORE FOCUS: Out Of Town" />< Vintage shops in East London are two-a-bleedin-penny these days, like some retailers think hauling in a ton of old crap, a good shop maketh. So when TRR was invited to the launch of Out Of Town, deep in the heart of Clerkenwell, we were utterly won over - not only by it's charm and the exquisite detailing (right down to the hand-written labels) but by the uniqueness and milieu of the space. Out Of Town has the ambience of a living room emporuim if you will; a kinda-shop-cum-cafe-cum-bar-cum-studio-space. Crafted with love and stuffed full of vintage memorabilia, bespoke furniture, found art, reclaimed clothing and eclectic beverages, here you're as likely to find an original Belstaff or WWII aviator jacket alongside vintage maps and 50's spectator shoes. Out Of Town is that rare hidden vintage gem of a retailer that writes a loveletter to the past rather than hawks as much second-hand junk as possible, and for that, TRR approves. Out Of Town, 30c Great Sutton Street, London, EC1V www.outoftownlondon.com   2010-09-28T16:05:09+00:00 London Fashion Week: All About The Menz http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-menswear-hardy-amies-ozwald-boateng-topman-ss-2010/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-menswear-hardy-amies-ozwald-boateng-topman-ss-2010/#When:22:10:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hardy-amies.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week: All About The Menz" />< Wednesday (AKA Mensday) started with a slap-up brunch-with-a-difference courtesy of Hardy Amies and GQ ed, Dylan Jones. As we gorged at Simpson’s-on-the-Strand we were treated to a Brideshead-esque display; a group of dashing young gents – all chiselled cheekbones and swept-back hair - lounging on park benches surrounding a blossoming rose tree modelling the dapper-as-hell tailoring. Successful in making all observers wish all men dressed so decadently: check. But successful in making TRR and others sense emotions akin to those previously reserved for sordid auctions of Wilde’s favourite rentboys: also check. TRR moved swiftly onwards to Topman Design at The Royal Opera House for a more traditional catwalk. The boys impressive collection appeared to be inspired by the attire of tween boy scouts from days of old. Despite a few subtle alterations none were strong enough to stop our foreboding inner guilt of sartorial paedophilia. Fortunate distracting plus-points came from circular shades of Gaga proportions and the inclusion of a handful of coloured sweaters that may as well have been labelled “Girlfriend, steal me now”. At the LFW closer, Ozwald Boateng at Leicester Square's Odeon (this time) guilt-free we indulged ourselves in the sight of and eyewatering 100+ MEN clotheshorsing the hell outta Boateng's signature and utterly immaculate rainbow coloured Savile Row suits. 2010-09-27T22:10:57+00:00 Precocity Has A New Name… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/willow-smith-milan-fashion-week-jada-pinkett-smith/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/willow-smith-milan-fashion-week-jada-pinkett-smith/#When:17:30:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/willow-smith.jpg" alt="Precocity Has A New Name…" />< ...And it's Willow Smith. Obviously Milan Fashion Week pre-stocked on booster seats since this celebuspawn has been papped front row everywhere. Now, we ain't kiddie-bashing here - on the contrary - but there is something altogether quite stomach-turningly sinister at how this nine year old (nine!) is being pimped-up and paraded to the world like some micro-Rihanna. Now at nine TRR barely knew which way round to do-up its Brownie tie (before getting kicked out for swearing at Brown Owl: trufax!) and celeb-in-training or not there ain't no way in hell a pre-tween throws together such a pretentiously incongruous bunch of rags and demands a 0 grade head shave. But what makes one shudder that little bit more is how this poor prodded-into-stardom-show-pony is so scarily at-ease with it: smug expressions and adult posturing case-in-point. OK, so it was kinda a given that the nepotistic law would dictate the fruit of Smith's loins will be stars by default, but there is no "aww doesn't she look kinda cute dwessed as an ickle grown-up" WHATSOEVER here. Her whole MFW ensembles and beyond reek of OTT career/attention-grabbing-opportunism and it's sinister to say the least. Just don't get us started on the paedo-enticing prostitot stylings of Noah Cyrus... 2010-09-27T17:30:26+00:00 London Fashion Week: David Koma vs. Holly Fulton http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-david-koma-holly-fulton/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-david-koma-holly-fulton/#When:22:46:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hollly-1.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week: David Koma vs. Holly Fulton" />< David Koma and Holly Fulton double teamed in a back-to-back dual show. Koma opened with a line that should have been awarded “most logically coherent”, sending out a chronology of immaculate pieces spanning from full-skirted pinks and whites through to fierce, armoured black via black and white asymmetry and gold mirror detail. Holly Fulton’s collection followed nicely on in the vein of architecture, with hers doing her art-deco roots mighty proud. Models bounced out in perfectly accessorised (our favourite being the ‘Holly Says Relax clutch) outfits harking back to the seventies and the Aztec times simultaneously including an impressive number of spot-on cocktail dresses. Both lines score impossibly highly for that early on a Fashion Week Monday morning and kudos to both Koma and Fulton for so convincingly pissing on the impressive designs of the other NEWGEN award winners to take the joint medal for The Most Fucking Awesome Designers at the Forefront of British Legacy. And whoever decided that they should show together, step forward and receive the Fashion OBE for singlehandedly compiling every woman’s most coveted wardrobe. 2010-09-24T22:46:00+00:00 London Fashion Week: Paul Smith http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-paul-smith-catwalk-show-spring-summer-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-paul-smith-catwalk-show-spring-summer-2011/#When:21:24:54Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/p-smith-crop.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week: Paul Smith" />< The general ambiance in the Paul Smith pre-show queue was one of a soporific call of duty to an elder of the industry, and as whilst almost becoming fashion roadkill outside the Kingsway venue (bitches puh-lease take note: less shoving when the crowd average heel-height is four inches) TRR heard a shrill-as-fuck whimper of “Why the effing hell are we risking our lives to see yet another line of sodding masculine tailoring?” Even as the first models filed past them on the s-shaped runway several lard-arsed fashion editors were still clumsily failing to stifle boozy yawns and one unlucky model was caught coming over all Sleeping Beauty amidst the pre-show chaos. But, in the name of the almighty God of classic and timeless fit, fashion’s least surprising lovable gent’s spring/summer 2011 collection roused even the most sleep-deprived of viewers into an upright position. But this sudden and, let’s just say it, 1000% unexpected excitement amongst the crowd wasn’t down to the accompaniment of the bizarre-but-we-kinda-love-‘em jelly/brogues, or the casual introduction of some has-Paul-Smith-been-on-the-viagra-because-these-are-too-sexy cocktail dress silhouettes half-way through, or even the somehow darling I-threw-my-entire-top-half-on-backwards-and-still-look-hot-as-hell theme dotted throughout. Believe it or not, and you could’ve knocked us down with a standardly food-deprived model, what awoke us tired journos from our RSS (repetitive shirt slumber) was shirts. But not the standard workwear that we’d all-but-reviewed beforehand; these button-downs are works of magic. Always one to bypass a shirt/dress – we’d rather have one, the other or both, thanks – if we had a must-have list one of these would be leading the well-heeled charge. Preferably in purple, with the triple belting and the matching jumpsuit. Just FYI. 2010-09-24T21:24:54+00:00 London Fashion Week: Jasper Conran http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-jasper-conran-spring-summer-2011-collection-runway-revi/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-jasper-conran-spring-summer-2011-collection-runway-revi/#When:05:57:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jasper-conran.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week: Jasper Conran" />< Noone writes a loveletter to quintessentially British elegance quite as well as Jasper Conran. His spring/summer 2011 collection was a lesson in ladylike poise; with knee-skimming 50's silhouettes, high-waisted floaty, flippy skirts, a pussy-bow here and a 3/4 cardi there. A monochrome opening scattered with graphic prints and shapes fed through to fizzy sherbet shades of lemon, peach and deeper salmon tones. The painterly seaside tableau which appeared on a dress and skirt (not to mention show invitation) said it all; nautical but nice Riviera chic. Conran's cheeky wit appeared via abstract-sized gingham prints, a jumbo-corsage and also came courtesy of millinery maestro Stephen Jones' jaunty tilted sunhats. Bon voyage! 2010-09-24T05:57:58+00:00 London Fashion Week: PPQ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-ppq/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-ppq/#When:04:59:27Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/PPQ-CROP.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week: PPQ" />< As too many cooks may shit in the broth, so may too many trends shit on a collection - particularly when said trends are so damn baffling. All would be forgiven in a haze of celebrity collaborations (Jamelia was on the front row, perhaps she’d be interested) had the PPQ duo shown any remotely logical inspiration for their spring/summer 2011 line. Instead, with only a mere doff of the cap to the current decades de rigeur (hair styling and the recurring print gave a nod of recognition to the seventies and a few token fifties silhouettes were offered) the fundaments of the collection included fez hats, oversized night shirts and, most bizarrely, a leniency towards colours and ruffles best left in a flamenco dancer’s closet. Obviously TRR wouldn’t be so cruel as to say that all of the pieces were hideously misguided; the label did deliver a few hugely covetable cocktail dresses. Only to create them in the high-shine satin monstrosity that America’s Sweetest Sixteeners wouldn’t force their parents to dish out laughable sums of questionably earned dollah for. Although despairingly, we could have gulped back our vom-like eruption of comments on taste-level - or lack thereof - and walked away believing that, come next March, London’s femmes will be content with wandering around dressed like gleaming off-duty Spanish senioritas, had the clothes even flattered the models on the runway. But with such absurdly-placed peplums, curiously judged not-so-hot pants and oddball headgear, the Ali-Baba-on-acid look is not one we'll be replicating. 2010-09-24T04:59:27+00:00 London Fashion Week: Christopher Kane http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-christopher-kane/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-christopher-kane/#When:21:03:21Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kanetease.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week: Christopher Kane" />< Christopher Kane's spring/summer 2011 was inspired by the idea of 'Princess Margaret on acid'. Real talk - was anyone else left more than a little baffled by his decision to utilise neon leather, cut it to create the appearance of lace, and then vinyl-coat it as a means of making it look as much like cheap, 1990s pleather as possible? Although we understand that dear Kane's work is almost always about 'pushing boundaries', and 'making us re-think both cuts and fabrics', and 'taking the untouchable and making it covetable', we're quite sure that it shouldn't also be about 'putting fashion consumers in mind of the orange and lime variety of Tic Tacs'. The argyle knits and tattoo prints which made an appearance not long after appeared both anachronistic and like an afterthought, the only unifying theme between the three elements appearing to be their roots in 90s mall chic. Perhaps we're more unfashionable than we thought, but we can't exactly say that we were rapt with desire when we saw his frumpy two-pieces schlumping down the runway, grazing models' knees and searing audience's retinas in one fell swoop. It could be, of course, that The Editorial Factor will come into full effect here and, as often happens with Kane's work, the pieces make more sense when separated and styled accordingly; if nothing else, it's certainly helped us to decide against ever doing peyote with a royal. 2010-09-23T21:03:21+00:00 London Fashion Week: House Of Holland http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-house-of-holland-show-spring-summer-2011-catwalk-review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-house-of-holland-show-spring-summer-2011-catwalk-review/#When:18:14:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/HOH-CROP.JPG" alt="London Fashion Week: House Of Holland" />< TRR had high-hopes for the House Of Holland show like we did getting front row at Burberry. AKA: None at all. Henry, bless him, has managed to make one idea go a very looong way, so, with expectations lower than our post-partying eye-bags, TRR was, dare we say it, argh... Quite impressed. The fabric invitation said it all; shaped like an exotic banana leaf, the vibe was unashamedly 70's poolside glamour with the aforementioned leaf splattered all over everything; blouses, micro-shorts, clam-diggers, blazers, column-dresses - you name it, it got leafed. Then there was the actually quite mouthwatering palette of aquamarine, lilac, forest green with metallic gold accents - very Xanadu which was in fact cited in the show notes as an inspiration. Called, Something With A Fringe On Top, the collection did what it said on the tin - to the extent Holland looked like he got a tad carried away in a haberdashers. Losing the exaggerated fringe detailing would have saved some of the looks. Frankly the denim pinafore dresses with appliquéd multicoloured stars kinda looked like something you'd knock up in Yr 7 Textiles and the earrings out of those wool pompoms were something TRR actually did knock-up in pre-school. That said, there ain't no party like a Henry Holland party and with The Misshapes pumping out a killer soundtrack, his shows are a much welcome energy-injection.   2010-09-23T18:14:12+00:00 London Fashion Week: Osman http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-osman-catwalk-report-spring-summer-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london-fashion-week-osman-catwalk-report-spring-summer-2011/#When:19:59:15Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/DSCF6085-crop.JPG" alt="London Fashion Week: Osman" />< Couldn't help notice that Posh was curiously absent from Osman's* spring/summer 2011 show. Kinda hoped I'd see her front row, pad in hand ready to plagair- I mean, get inspired by his designs for her next collection. Anyway, it was a business as usual as Osman taught us what he does best; a lesson in clean, flowing fluidity. Elegant seperates hung effortlessly with blouses and column dresses featuring their own sweeping tail of chiffon. Interestingly for summer he opted for a predominantly pallete noir, however this was interjected with vivid jolts of citrus lemon and lime plus shocking fucshia pink. * TRR loves how the dropping of his tongue-twister surname has erased many a fashionista's embarassment: "I'm off to see Osman Yosuaf-zard-I-mean-Yousef-oh-fuck-it..." 2010-09-21T19:59:15+00:00 McQueen Memorial http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/memorial-to-lee-alexander-mcqueen-takes-place-at-st-pauls/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/memorial-to-lee-alexander-mcqueen-takes-place-at-st-pauls/#When:19:26:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/naomitease.jpg" alt="McQueen Memorial" />< If we may take a moment out from our snarking, snippiness and general bitchery, as well as from the hectic schedule of London Fashion Week, we'd like to turn your attention to a somewhat unhappier topic. Today saw the planned memorial of the late Lee McQueen taking place in St Paul's cathedral; the scene studded by the designer's signature tartan as his rich and famous devotees paid homage. Sadder still, many news sources which have covered the event appear to have used it as an excuse to parade the memorial as an orgy of star-studded celebrity, mourning the loss of one of fashion's last geniuses in one breath and dizzily reeling out a who's-who list of designers, supermodels and pop stars in the next. While we wouldn't be so gauche as to follow suit (you'll notice that our focus for the lead image is Mcqueen's garment, for instance, rather than the Super wearing it), we do feel that one notable appearance seemed apposite enough to be worthy of a mention - that of Bjork, reportedly dressed as an angel, singing her own personal take on Gloomy Sunday, colloquially known as 'The Hungarian Suicide Song'. We can only hope that McQueen - who, despite his commercial success, always revelled in the weird and the left-of-field - would have approved of the moment's macabre and ethereal weirdness. 2010-09-20T19:26:35+00:00 Meat Your New S/S Look http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jeremy-scott-and-lady-gaga-lead-meat-clothing-trend/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jeremy-scott-and-lady-gaga-lead-meat-clothing-trend/#When:19:30:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/scottetease.jpg" alt="Meat Your New S/S Look" />< We aren't fond of eating our words here at TRR. We're even less fond of eating our clothes, come to think of it, which is probably why we took such umbrage at Lady Gaga slathering herself in steaks and calling it an ensemble in the first place; nonetheless, having seen the runway images from Jeremy Scott's S/S '11 show, we fear we might be forced to do a little of both during the coming season. We're jesting, of course - we somehow doubt that proscuttio chic is going to be a trend with 'legs', so to speak, and we'd never actually retract a well-aimed Gaga diss because she irritates us to buggery - but it was unnerving to see yet more flesh-based couture floating down the runway, like the feverish hallucinations of a cartoon character stranded on a desert island. What's next, fashion carnivores? Entrail fascinators? Eyeball pendants? The heart in the Commes De Garcons logo being replaced with a beating, bloody, real-life facsimille? We're getting awfully close to turning vegetarian, you know. At least until you can market us a lipgloss that tastes like crispy bacon, anyway. ... What? Oh, don't look so disgusted! You'd buy it, and you know it. 2010-09-16T19:30:01+00:00 Style Book: Fashion Inspirations http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/style-book-fashion-inspirations-liz-walker-getty-endeavour/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/style-book-fashion-inspirations-liz-walker-getty-endeavour/#When:20:40:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Style_Cover-crop.jpg" alt="Style Book: Fashion Inspirations" />< Many (many!) years ago, when TRR was but a lowly intern licking the floors of the Marie Claire fashion cupboard, there was one editor who won our hearts - not because she was the only IPC staff member allowed to bring her dog to work but because behind her elegance and class was a lady who sent us on covert vodka procuring missions. Liz Walker = fashionista awesomeness!Now in semi-retirement, Liz has utilized her encyclopedic knowledge and launched her new book, Style Book: Fashion Inspirations. It is a rare historical fashion tome insomuch as that eschews the archetypal stock runway or celebrity imagery and is a rich, colourful cultural document.Yes, Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and Bowie are all there, however you're likely to find them juxtaposed against a Chinese diver from the 1950's, Groucho Marx and his hat collection or a 1920's Mexican dancer. Style Book: Fashion Inspirations says as much about fashion as it does social history, architecture and art - thus reading more like a historical loveletter to style and culture than simply a bland fashion almanac.Painstakingly and lovingly edited from Getty's archive, the book's chapters are split into sartorial themes (denim / plaid / animal print) rather than decades which creates a more emotionally engaging, less time-rigid structure. Fashion urban legend has it that it was Liz who first came running to the aid of a seething Anna Wintour whom had just received a red paint pelting from an angry PETA mob. If that doesn't underscore her status as an industry icon then, well, we're stumped. Now where did we hide those vodkas...?Style Book: Fashion Inspirations will be out next week published by Endeavour 2010-09-15T20:40:50+00:00 Baste Her And Broil Her http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-meat-beef-dress-mtv-awards/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-meat-beef-dress-mtv-awards/#When:17:21:06Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/alg_meat_gaga.jpg" alt="Baste Her And Broil Her" />< So by now the whole world is either in awe of, or blew some serious chunks at the sight of Lady Gaga's beef curtains. Accepting one of her multiple gongs at the MTV Music Awards with hunks of prime British beef flapping about her person, all that was missing was a dollop of horseradish and a 200 degree oven. Now we ain't no prudes at TRR, but there's pushing the envelope stylistically and then there's gratuitous-shock-tactics-for-gratuity's sake - and this meaty gown is the latter. Gaga and her 'Haus of' have conceived to push the proverbial envelope so far it's addressed to the State of Cynical Desperation. Every new sartorial stunt, every grabbing attempt at being oh-so-directional just brings out the eye-rolls and the ever-increasing desire that she'd just fuck the hell off. It doesn't feel natural, it isn't. Short of the repeated Madge bumming, Camilla Paglia's right-on-the-nose, critical decimation of Gaga in Sunday's Times spoke fundamental truths about how sexless, dead-eyed, tiresome Gaga and her machine has become - nee - always was. Second to strapping a decaying human cadaver to oneself, what can she do next to keep her blinkered, fawning 'Little Monsters' in their naive, unquestioning state of suspended awe and wonderment? Homegirl, just go grill yourself already. 2010-09-14T17:21:06+00:00 BIBA Relaunch: Epic, Err, WIN! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/BIBA-relaunch-new-collection-daisy-lowe-house-of-fraser/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/BIBA-relaunch-new-collection-daisy-lowe-house-of-fraser/#When:05:11:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/biba-daisy.jpg" alt="BIBA Relaunch: Epic, Err, WIN!" />< To get this wrong would be like pissing on an icon and wiping your ass on its wonderful, rich heritage. Fortunately, however, the relaunch of BIBA has blossomed a collection overflowing with its glorious art-deco sensibilities yet remaining fundamentally contemporary at heart. Nostalgic and sympathetic without being a hackneyed rehash. Last week TRR was privy to a private preview and despite posessing - admittedly - tenuous expectations, we were exported from our perma-cynical disposition and seriously wowed. The signature sumptuous velvets, long, flowing column-dresses and rich jewel colours were all there along with Marabou coats and beautiful feather and sequin capelets. Bringing the label right into the twenty first century is the introduction of BIBA's first ever denim line featuring four leg cuts and two washes. The only bummer is that sadly you won't be able to make like it's 1970 and skip down to Kensington for the whole Barbara Hulanicki BIBA experience. BIBA#2 is only available exclusively at House Of Fraser stores nationwide and online. Still, the return of BIBA's sumptuous decadence is very welcome - especially if your idiotic mother unforgivably slung out all those heirloom pieces that were rightfully yours. The new BIBA autumn/winter '10/'11 collection is available exclusively at House Of Fraser stores nationwide and online. 2010-09-13T05:11:26+00:00 Annie Get Your Gunn http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Tim-Gunn-and-Anna-Wintour-feud-over-memoirs/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Tim-Gunn-and-Anna-Wintour-feud-over-memoirs/#When:17:12:41Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/wintease.jpg" alt="Annie Get Your Gunn" />< When we said in an earlier post that a clash between Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour was the equivalent of a WWE match, we hadn't heard about the latest of her feuds, which seems to be more of a Bruno/Tyson affair. Now, it seems, is the Wintour of the US Vogue editrix's discontent, after the eminently loveable Tim Gunn has included a rather telling anecdote in his memoirs - namely, one which made her seem somewhat unreasonable and demanding. Do not adjust your monitors, and please do take a moment to re-compose yourself before reading on if that revelation has made you feel at all faint or unwell, by the way, because TRR takes no responsibility for any injuries obtained; quite frankly, we're barely over the shock ourselves. Moving swiftly on - in an appearance on the American morning show Regis & Kelly this week, Gunn revealed that everyone's favourite thunder-faced, hat-haired fashion krakken had made legal steps towards getting the story retracted; the tale being, incidentally, that she had demanded to be carried down five flights of stairs by her bodyguards at a recent fashion show because of the height of her heels. While to us this sounds fairly reasonable - assuming that the bodyguards also moonlighted as male models, the better to meet our vigorous standards - it seems that Ms. Wintour would rather her diva behaviour remained behind closed doors, apparently going 'ballistic' and demanding a very public apology. Tim Gunn's response? While he refused to aquiese to her request, saying in essence that she was paying the price for not owning up to her own ridiculousness, he did make one small tip of the hat toward the sour-faced sartorial bint. 'She knows how to work a Manolo', he admitted gravely, though we can't really see how hard it can be with five strong men underneath you. Maybe we'll conduct an experiment and get back to you. You know, for science and that. 2010-09-10T17:12:41+00:00 Karl Lager-Felled http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-cancels-paris-show-to-work-on-new-line/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-cancels-paris-show-to-work-on-new-line/#When:17:25:04Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/karlteaserr.jpg" alt="Karl Lager-Felled" />< You'll have to excuse the terrible pun, but we're just not ourselves right now; we had a terrible scare when we read a tweet from Vogue.co.uk yesterday announcing that Karl Lagerfeld had canceled his show in Paris, and we've been swooning ever since. The very thought of Uncle Karl throwing in the workaholic towel and - if we may regress to our schooldays for a minute - 'skiving off' seemed as unthinkable as, say, Peaches Geldof appearing articulate, or Julien Macdonald designing a demure woolen two-piece. Thankfully, this stern, teutonic cloud has a silvery, CC-embossed lining, as Lagerfeld has announced he'll be using the time he's saved by binning the show on developing a new ready-to-wear line, set to go on sale in time for A/W 2011. "I wanted this for a long time," the be-ponytailed maverick told WWD, probably while organising his extensive iPod collection. "I prefer to work in another way. I can't compete with Chanel. I don't want to be the poor child of myself." The slightly jarring image of the venerable Karl being anything approaching either 'poor' or a 'child' aside, this sounds like it can only be good news, especially given his assertion that "it will be something affordable for lots of people." We're loathe to pay a premium for our pre-stiffened collars. 2010-09-08T17:25:04+00:00 FESTIVAL FOCUS: Offset http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/offset-festival-street-style-spotting-hainult-forest-essex/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/offset-festival-street-style-spotting-hainult-forest-essex/#When:17:30:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/crop_offset_festival_2010_standard.jpg" alt="FESTIVAL FOCUS: Offset" />< For one weekend a year, there are actually stylish people in Essex. We're talking Offset Festival here folks. Just a few months back TRR deemed Lovebox the first festival of fashion, however after hitting-up Offset over the weekend we're reeling that title back in.All of East London's cool kidz decamped to the bowels of Hainult Forest with style and imagination that, thank Christ, goes beyond the yawnsome fuckwits that think Hunter wellie's and a pair of Wayfarers maketh a good festival look. Lennon-esque round sunnies were prolific, as were shredded hosiery, tons of underwear-as-outerwear, studded leather and fur. If there was one defining item it was the cloak - as seen on all of Chrome Hoof.Style Icon of the weekend hands down goes to the fabulously neanderthal singer from Monotonix (all of whom played out in the crowd) who bashed his drum like a primitive caveman that'd gone wild in M&S boxers department. (Images courtey of Louise Roberts, Andrew Kendall, Giles Smith, Kristina Mordokhovitch) 2010-09-07T17:30:44+00:00 Jean Genius http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/levis-curve-id-jeans-denim/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/levis-curve-id-jeans-denim/#When:16:37:41Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Levis_Curve_ID_Group_Image_crop.jpg" alt="Jean Genius" />< Us femmes all know that aside from getting our tittays measured, there's nothing worse than shoehorning our asses into multiple pairs of jeans in order to find a pair that don't inflict a muffin-top or buttock gaping. So to solve this eternal denim dilemma Levi's have conducted a seriously hardcore study: the biggest piece of global ‘fit’ research in recent history to listen to the jeans-related angst of 60,000 women. The results of which are their magnificent new Curve ID jeans. Featuring three revolutionary cuts, Slight, Demi and Bold, they will skim your lovely lady contours and flatter you in all the right places.A quick non-naked, non-intrusive measuring with a Levi's Curve Consultant then a simple calculation will arm you with your perfect fit. TRR got fitted last week and trust, it ain't painful - denim has never felt more bespoke and personal. Don't go with any preconceived notions of what fit you'll be; despite being convinced our ample derriere would be a Bold it was in fact a Demi. Oh Levi's you are awesome. With a mindblowing fourteen(!) washes and three leg cuts (skinny, straight and bootcut) this denim experience is more Savile Row than than off-the-peg department store.Levi's Curve ID are now available in Levi's stores nationwide. www.levi.com/women 2010-09-07T16:37:41+00:00 BLAH de Chanel http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/bleu-de-chanel-gaspard-ulliel-martin-scorsese-film/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/bleu-de-chanel-gaspard-ulliel-martin-scorsese-film/#When:04:35:21Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BLAH_de_Chanel_LEAD.jpg" alt="BLAH de Chanel" />< So TRR swung past a department store yesterday and swooned a whole freakin' lot at the visage of French actor Gaspard Ulliel staring down at us in the new ad campaign for Chanel's latest men's fragrance Bleu de Chanel.As a huge fan of Chanel's male scents (hell, we'd be all over a tramp in Allure Homme Sport) and an even huger fan of Monsieur Ulliel, we almost came in our pants upon hearing there was also a short Martin Scorsese directed film accompanying the ad campaign. "I was surprised to see they'd got this huge director for this commerical!" gushed Gaspard. Us too, babes, us too. So after promptly hitting up Chanel's YouTube channel (wonder if Unkle K moderates the comments himself?) a repeated three viewings AND checking out the 'making of' vid (it's about freedom and doing the unexpected. Apparently.) we're left kinda, well, 'meh'. 2010-09-04T04:35:21+00:00 Lanvin-dalism In Viscose http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lanvin-to-release-collaboration-with-h-and-m-alber-elbaz/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lanvin-to-release-collaboration-with-h-and-m-alber-elbaz/#When:21:29:28Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/albertease.jpg" alt="Lanvin-dalism In Viscose" />< Look, we love Lanvin as much as the next fashion freak - the expert cuts, the sumptuous fabrics, the tiny, bald-headed bowtie'd designer - but we're not entirely sure that this is a match made in heaven. After the announcement that H&M's next designer collaboration would be with dear Alber Elbaz's label, fashionistas all over the internet were wetting their Agent Provocateur knickers in anticipation. 'Finally!', came the general consensus 'We'll be able to afford exotic, jewel-toned couture gowns at a price-point normally reserved for a cheap jersey maxidress! There's no way that this isn't viable and we're getting excited over nothing!'Alas, poor fashion fanatics; ye poor, innocent, hopeful masses. Do you not remember Karl Lagerfeld's collection for H&M but a few short years ago? Purchase anything from it, did you? How's that holding up lately? And did it really look anything like, well, anything you'd seen on a Chanel runway at any point in the label's history, ever? We're being cruel to be kind, you understand. It's what we do.Our final verdict, then? We'll reserve judgement until the preview images come out later this month. Until then, we refuse to believe that Lanvin and viscose are anything other than the original odd-couple. 2010-09-02T21:29:28+00:00 Breaking: Cox In Soho http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Patrick-cox-opens-bakery-in-soho-sex-shop/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Patrick-cox-opens-bakery-in-soho-sex-shop/#When:19:55:03Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/coxtease.jpg" alt="Breaking: Cox In Soho" />< Having flooded our entry about Alexander Wang's new store with Wang puns, it's going to be hard for us to avoid turning this into a redux; shoe designer Patrick Cox has teamed up with celebrity baker Eric Lanlard to hire out a derelict sex shop on Soho's Brewer street, turning it into a neon-lit bakery complete with strip lighting and black gloss floor. Most promising of all about this venture? Cox, Cookies & Cake boasts late-night opening hours, ensuring that you might be shoulder to shoulder with a fair few ladies (and gentlemen) of the night as you queue for your cupcakes and buttercream confections. The bottom line here is: It won't be the first time that Soho's renowned for being the best place in London to get Cox in your mouth, but - as of September 1st - it's certainly the chicest.(Oh come on, for Christ's sake - it's opening in a sex shop, and his surname is Cox. Cox! We're only human, you know.) 2010-08-31T19:55:03+00:00 Topshop Gathers No Moss http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-to-quit-topshop-range-philip-green/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-to-quit-topshop-range-philip-green/#When:18:36:27Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mossgreen.jpg" alt="Topshop Gathers No Moss" />< Come October, when people look back through the swirling mists of time on Kate Moss' career as a clothing designer - courtesy of the British high-street giant that is Topshop, natch - they might find themselves gazing into the distance with unabashed longing. 'It certainly was surprisingly expensive for a high-street concession range,' they might exclaim with a certain choked-up nostalgia, yearning for the good ole' days when they could trot down to Oxford Circus and snap up an embroidered polyester kaftan faster than you could say 'Didn't Ossie Clark make something quite similar?'Reader, you may want to reach for your monogrammed handkerchief, because it's true - Miss Moss' inimitable range of imitation vintage garments is set to come to an end, forever denying us the chance to pay approximately 30% more for re-hashed versions of second-hand garments than we normally would in Philip Green's fast-fashion store. Rumor also has it that the split has not been an amicable one, with many sources citing the involvement of Green's daughter in the business from this Autumn onwards as having put Kate in a bit of a mood; whatever the reason, it seems now that rather than haunting the rails of Topshop in their replicate thousands, Kate Moss' vintage finds will be consigned to either her back or the floor of her bedroom forevermore. The poor little threadbare bastards. 2010-08-31T18:36:27+00:00 Wang: King http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-wang-first-store-103-grand-street-new-york/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-wang-first-store-103-grand-street-new-york/#When:17:30:38Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/wangtease.jpg" alt="Wang: King" />< Like any other fashionista worth their salt, TRR loves Wang. We 'just can't get enough Wang', you might say. Sometimes, there are days when we just spring out of bed wanting Wang all over our bodies; it's an incurable affliction. We even seem to recall that one or two celebrities have been to rehab for it - Lindsay Lohan springs to mind, for some reason.If you're a Stateside Wang-fiend, however, help (or rather, Wang) is at hand. After a great deal of anticipation, Alexander himself has just announced that his Wang will be revealed on 103 Grand Street - in the shape of his first official store, the former home of Yohji Yamamoto. "It's a perfect, iconic location, and there is [sic] a massive amount of windows" he enthused, which is just as well if you ask us. After all, Wang like that should be flashed as much as possible, no?(By the way, is it just us, or does it sound like there might be something a teeny bit rude about the surname 'Wang'? No? Ignore us, then. We're probably just being paranoid.)   2010-08-27T17:30:38+00:00 Laddy Gaga http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-jo-calderone-alter-ego-vogue-homme-japan-nick-knight/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-gaga-jo-calderone-alter-ego-vogue-homme-japan-nick-knight/#When:18:30:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lady-gaga-jo-calderone-vouge-crop.jpg" alt="Laddy Gaga" />< That Lady Gaga, eh? What kind of crazy, derivative original shock tactics that David Bowie and Grace Jones definitely haven't already thought of will she pull out of her AK47 bra next? She's like Elton John, but with a bigger Adam's apple. In completely unrelated news, a Sicilian mechanic called Jo Calderone - who appears to have no connection to the fashion world other than allegedly having met Lady Gaga (and, coincidentally, looking an awful lot like Lady Gaga) appears on the cover of the newest issue of Vogue Hommes Japan, with a headline proclaiming that he's just 'too cool to care'. One thing that this grimy, Gaga-faced spanner-jockey does seem to care about - in case you gave a toss - is using the resulting interview as a backhanded platform for heaping abundant praise on his beloved mistress; describing her as "funny", "interesting" and "fuckin' beautiful". TRR's gotta say, after suffering so much self-promotion from the Lady herself over the last few months, hearing those words from an unbiased outside source might just be the thing to lend her some real credibility. Sometimes it's great to have a completely impartial bystander who can say things about you which, were you to say them about yourself, would only make you come across like a narcissistic, self-absorbed, fame-hungry shitcake, huh? 2010-08-26T18:30:37+00:00 (Cod)dington Almighty http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/grace-coddington-to-release-memoir-vouge-anna-wintour/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/grace-coddington-to-release-memoir-vouge-anna-wintour/#When:19:39:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/coddingtonleadpicture.jpg" alt="(Cod)dington Almighty" />< For TRR, watching Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour go head-to-coiffed-head in The September Issue was the equivalent of watching a very, very sedate WWE match. Every veiled barb about money management or scuffle about whether PVC constituted a 'texture' was like seeing a Half Nelson skillfully executed by, uh, some wrestler or other - Piledriving Miss Wintour, if you will. You can imagine our delight, then, to learn this week that Coddington is planning to release a memoir  detailing her early life, her modelling career and, most importantly, her time at Vogue; it's to be written in conjunction with former Men's Vogue editor-in-chief Jay Fielden, and is slated for release in Autumn. "I'm hoping it's going to be very rich in fashion history. It's more than just about me," she told Vogue Online. Quite frankly, we couldn't give a toss if it was all about our favourite flame-haired titan, and nothing else. Our only proviso? That it contains at least a smattering of scandalous gossip about Nuclear Wintour, with at least one revelation concerning her much-discussed 'do. Seriously, what the hell is that thing? It's like Darth Vader's helmet crossed with a busby. We bet Grace knows something we don't.   2010-08-25T19:39:12+00:00 Why, Why, WHY? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jimmy-choo-ugg-boots-tamara-mellon-sheepskin/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jimmy-choo-ugg-boots-tamara-mellon-sheepskin/#When:16:38:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jimmy-choo-ugg.jpg" alt="Why, Why, WHY?" />< How does one polish a turd? We all know the answer: one cannot. Just why the hell Tarama Mellon thought it was a wise move to get into bed with Ugg and create this perverse hybrid bootie is beyond. So there we have it - Jimmy Choo + Uggs = Chuggs FUGGS!"We are delighted to have created a special capsule that captures the best of both brands" coos Mellon, "The legendary comfort of UGG with the spirit of Jimmy Choo."Quite bafflingly though, is why the spirit Jimmy Choo only equates to stars and fringing: STARS AND FRINGING! To make matters worse you'll have to fork out between £495 and £695 for this footwear fuckery when they hit selected Choo outlets in October. The irony is, of course, that the look precisely like the five quid Shoe Zone knock-offs that have been doing the rounds for years.   2010-08-24T16:38:57+00:00 Viv’s Footwear: A Eulogy http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vivienne-westwood-shoes-an-exhibition-1973-2010-selfridges-ultralounge/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vivienne-westwood-shoes-an-exhibition-1973-2010-selfridges-ultralounge/#When:21:35:17Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Vivienne_crop_Elevated_Gillie.jpg" alt="Viv’s Footwear: A Eulogy" />< When your archive reads something like a subcultural timeline it's high-time for exhibition veneration! And that's just what Selfridges are doing for Grande Dame, Vivienne Westwood's footwear with a month long retrospective in their Ultralounge space. Opening this Thursday, Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition 1973-2010 will chart the evolution of Viv's idiosyncratic kicks, housing almost 200 pairs. From her enduring Pirate Boots, the dandyish Trompe l'Oeil Boots and of course, those vertiginous platforms that Naomi took a tumble in, every memorable shoe will be honoured here. There are few designers whose footwear back catalogue draws from so much history yet defined it in equal measures. Go see! Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition 1973-2010 runs until 22nd September 2010-08-23T21:35:17+00:00 Ellis Scott Needs YOU http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ellis-scott-photogrpaher-live-shoot-spot-pop-up-showroom/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ellis-scott-photogrpaher-live-shoot-spot-pop-up-showroom/#When:20:20:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ellis-scott.jpg" alt="Ellis Scott Needs YOU" />< Wanna get shot? The marvellous Ellis Scott - who has shot for Gareth Pugh and Alexander McQueen - is doing a live shoot this Thursday at SPOT's pop-up showroom off Brompton Road. In what will be a marathon sesh, Ellis will be shooting portraits all day long on instant film and is calling YOU to be his subject. For more deets contact michael@spotcomms.co.uk    (Images: http://ellis-scott.blogspot.com/)   2010-08-23T20:20:12+00:00 Let’s All Kiss And Make Up, Please http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges-fall-out-with-dolce-gabbana-no-longer-stock-dg-in-store/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges-fall-out-with-dolce-gabbana-no-longer-stock-dg-in-store/#When:18:10:41Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/DOLC_AW10_0519-crop.jpg" alt="Let’s All Kiss And Make Up, Please" />< Ladies, please. Can't this be settled over a nice bottle of Grappa? It's all ended in tears for Dolce & Gabbana and Selfridges who's only gone and thrown its toys out of the pram - moreover - D&G out of the store. Yep, from next spring the wonder-emporium will no longer stock Dolce & Gabbana or its diffusion line, D&G due to an acrimonious yet mysterious bitchfight which appears to stem from instore-brand positioning. “We constantly seek to improve the diversity and presentation of our brand portfolio and address the demands of our ever-evolving fashion and accessories departments. To this end we have found that we are unable to accommodate Dolce & Gabbana and D&G in our mix going forward,” state Selfridges cryptically yet pretty much alluding that in their eyes those Italio asses ain't R-E-L-E-V-A-N-T to their future agenda. Ohi! One premium label co-owner has whispered, however, "They have had a giant falling out and flounced off. I’m sure they will kiss and make up when they have cooled off. They’ll have to.” In TRR's eyes the good money's on D&G and those Sicilian temperaments as to who pulled the others hair first. Bitches, just 'cos Selfridges probably wanted to give five inches of your floor space to Fendi, no need get all diva on the fine store. Play nice now, you two. (All images: Dolce & Gabbana A/W '10/11 - alas the last collection you'll be buying in Selfridges) 2010-08-20T18:10:41+00:00 The Bland Leading The Bland http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/myleene-klass-to-host-new-ms-tv-fashion-show-myleenes-makeovers/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/myleene-klass-to-host-new-ms-tv-fashion-show-myleenes-makeovers/#When:18:06:15Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/1225988_Marks___Spencer_autumn_10_Myleene_3-crop.jpg" alt="The Bland Leading The Bland" />< Yes, this story only got written so I could drop-kick the killer pun of a title so TRR won't blame you if you nod off before reaching the end of it or skip it at all. She of the irritatingly omniprescentness, Myleene Klass, is fronting a new online Marks and Spencers (of who she is the poster girl to SAGA holidaying women nationwide) fashion show. Entitled Myleene's Makeovers, Klass will deploy her nauseating faux empathy and compassion on customers whilst cajoling them into advising them on which pieces from M&S's Autograph, Limited Collection and Portfolio collections to fork out for. “It’s brilliant to be the face of M&S TV" chirrups Myleene. "It’s a real honour and I’m very excited about being involved with M&S click to buy, I’m all for anything that makes shopping online simple!"   2010-08-19T18:06:15+00:00 And Not Before Time http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mac-rodarte-contravertial-range-juarez-mexico-pulled-from-stores-banned/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mac-rodarte-contravertial-range-juarez-mexico-pulled-from-stores-banned/#When:18:01:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mac-rodarte-crop.jpg" alt="And Not Before Time" />< MAC and Rodarte obvs decided it was too little, too late after they announced they'd donate 100% of the profits from their absurdly offensive cosmetic line (named after the impoverished Mexican city, Juarez) and wisely scrapped the whole damn thing. A rambling statement posted on their Facebook page goes a little something like this: "Out of respect for the people of Mexico, the women and girls of Juarez and their families, as well as our MAC Mexican staff and colleagues, MAC has made the decision not to ship the MAC Rodarte limited edition makeup collection.This decision will have no impact on MAC’s commitment to donate all of its projected global profits from this collection to local and international groups that work to improve the lives of the women and girls of Juarez. We are currently conducting due diligence to ensure we donate to organizations with a proven record of directly supporting the women and girls of Juarez.MAC and Rodarte are deeply and sincerely sorry and we apologize to everyone we offended. We have listened very closely to the feedback of concerned global citizens. We are doing our very best to right this wrong. The essence of MAC is to give back and care for the community and Rodarte is committed to using creativity for positive social change. We are grateful for the opportunity to use what we have learned to raise awareness on this important issue." Hmm, whatevs. It was still a profoundly heinous error of judgment in the first instance - a seemingly unforgivable one given the Mulleavey sisters' own Mexican heritage. Let's file this one under: Research Your Goddamn Roots, Ladies.   2010-08-18T18:01:50+00:00 In Which We Will Just Have To Make Do http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/luellas-guide-to-english-style-book-luella-bartley-author/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/luellas-guide-to-english-style-book-luella-bartley-author/#When:19:10:16Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/luellaguidetoenglishstyle_cover-crop.jpg" alt="In Which We Will Just Have To Make Do" />< It ain't the same, but if we can only have Luella on our coffee tables instead of hanging in our wardrobes, at least it's some kinda consolation. In the absence of her infuriatingly defunct eponymous label, Luella Bartley has gotten busy at her typewriter and written, Luella's Guide To English Style where she seeks define just what makes us Brits so goddamn fly. I mean, firstly, how long have you got - but seriously, the 200 page tome will pick over our icons and idiosyncrasies via drawings, diagrams photos and those things wot we call words. "My aim is simply to dig up the roots of, and, more importantly, show my unerring appreciation and devotion to those contrived subtleties, and that blatant contrariness that makes British women so staggeringly adept in the art of expression through style" says Lu' in the books intro. The fact Bartley was a former Vogue scribe means she possess the literary prowess to pull this one off - ensuring it won't be some hackneyed attempt to take a trip into authordom while her label is on permanent vacation. Which reminds me: someone get girlfriend an investor PLEASE! Luella's Guide To English Style will be released on October 14th   2010-08-17T19:10:16+00:00 The Real Ruuuuunnnnwwaaaaaayy http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/copenhagen-fashion-week-worlds-longest-catwalk-runway-helena-christensen/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/copenhagen-fashion-week-worlds-longest-catwalk-runway-helena-christensen/#When:15:32:34Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/The-Worlds-Greatest-Catwalk.jpg" alt="The Real Ruuuuunnnnwwaaaaaayy" />< Those crazy Danes! Is it a little attention seeking? A desperate attempt to muscle their somewhat-under-the-radar Copenhagan Fashion Week up there with the big boys, London, Paris, NYC and Milan...? Either way, they attempted to break the World Record for the longest ever catwalk - and break it they did! Slinking down the pedestrian street, Strøget, at a whopping one mile long, it shat over Mexico's previously held record of 1,320.45 m.Over 200 models worked their thang down it over the weekend wearing the creme of Scandinavian designers. The whole shebang was hosted by Great Dane, Helena Christensen (who else!) and because fashion likes to pretend it really ain't entirely self-serving, the event was to benefit the Children of Chernobyl charity. And we all know there's nothing like a spot of fashion 'n' philanthropy to massage the conscience.   2010-08-17T15:32:34+00:00 Musical Show Spaces. Again. http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop-moves-show-space-to-waterloo-eurostar-terminal-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop-moves-show-space-to-waterloo-eurostar-terminal-london-fashion-week/#When:18:03:05Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/UNIQ_AW10_0695.jpg" alt="Musical Show Spaces. Again." />< Just as we were coming to terms with London Fashion Week upping sticks from The Natural History Museum and decamping to Somerset House, Topshop's even itchier feet have promoted their show space's move from the University of Westminster to Russell Street and now today they've announced the old Waterloo Eurostar Terminal will house next month's shows. The runway will occupy one platform while the other will dish out food and drink for us greedy fashion folk. Why do they keep doing this? Like, way to confuse us the hell of us, Topshop. Any more readjustments of my show bearings is only gonna equate to further navigational screw-ups equating to more missed shows - and on the back of my LFW perma-hangover, not a fun experience. Have to say though, what an inspired choice of venue - if only the Waterloo terminal was still operational, it could mean trans-Channel show hopping a thing of the future. (All images: Unique A/W '10/'11)     2010-08-16T18:03:05+00:00 To Criticize A Sacred Cow http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mark-kitson-accuses-chanel-of-being-dusty-karl-lagerfeld/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mark-kitson-accuses-chanel-of-being-dusty-karl-lagerfeld/#When:22:49:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/CHAN_AW10_0147-ccrop.jpg" alt="To Criticize A Sacred Cow" />< As the fashion world draws a collective gasp of, "holyshitdidhereallysaythat!?", Mark Kitson remains nonplussed. The branding expert has done the seemingly blasphemous and declared Chanel as being tired and "dusty" in the latest issue of Marketing Week. "Of all the criticisms you can level at a luxury brand, dusty is perhaps the most devilish. The great luxury brands are unusual in that they are much older than the clients they currently target. For each to survive must practice the art of constant brand revitalisation - a delicate process in which centuries of heritage is carefully balanced with contemporary rule breaking. Should a luxury brand ever slow down in the latter category, it rapidly becomes dusty." Now for a while Chanel have been the paradigm of effectively straddling the moneyed-ladies-wot-lunch vs youthful markets but TRR can see Kitson's point. Not only backed up by the facts Chanel have lost 11% of their brand value and refused to aggressively push their Chinese market, just a cursory glance at their horrendously hirsute A/W '10/'11 collection confirms Karl may be clutching at straws to remain en pointe. I mean, who in the holy hell wants to look like the freaking back end of a pantomime horse? Mind you, Uncle K don't give a shit as his elderly corpse is currently sucking the adolescence of his muse, Baptiste Giabiconi in St Tropez  like the youth vampire he is. Go Karl!   2010-08-14T22:49:49+00:00 V-To-The-O-T-E! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/cosmopolitan-blog-awards-the-real-runway-nominated-shortlist/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/cosmopolitan-blog-awards-the-real-runway-nominated-shortlist/#When:17:33:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/COSMO-AWARDS.jpg" alt="V-To-The-O-T-E!" />< Hell YES! Some twisted fucks out there kinda like the crap that spews forth from TRR as its only gone and gotten its ass on the shortlist for the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards! So, in a cynical vote canvassing fashion, VOTE FOR ME, BITCHES! 2010-08-13T17:33:18+00:00 Did Someone Say, ‘Karma’? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american-apparel-financial-trouble-face-bankruptcy-dov-charney/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american-apparel-financial-trouble-face-bankruptcy-dov-charney/#When:18:24:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dov-charney-crop.jpg" alt="Did Someone Say, ‘Karma’?" />< Dov, Dov, Dov, denial ain't just a river in Egypt you know. The paedo-a-like American Apparel CEO is pleading ignorant as to just how much financial shit the rapidly failing company is; "I don't know anything about it" he told The Cut. Coupled with the fact AA were "unable, without unreasonable effort and expense," to file their quarterly accounts report on time for the three months that ended June 30, there appears to be only one way our once beloved basic separates company is headed and that's straight to the bankruptcy courts. Poor internal business decisions, the steadily increasing alienation of hipsters resentful of paying for overpriced neon leggings and as TRR put it once before - the karmic comeuppance of a sexual predator CEO all make for a date with disaster. To put it bluntly, our affair with American Apparel is long over...   2010-08-12T18:24:37+00:00 The Duchy Of Primrose Hill http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-to-create-jam-line-costwold-estate/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-to-create-jam-line-costwold-estate/#When:16:00:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-moss-jam.jpg" alt="The Duchy Of Primrose Hill" />< We all know supermodels have a shelf-life, and whilst many can rest on their laurels thereafter, it appears Kate Moss has got designs on becoming the new Martha Stewart as she approaches the twilight years of her career. Seemingly not content with pimping her name out for her Topshop and fragrance lines, homegirl is getting busy with the fruit on her Cotswold estate and creating her own brand of jam, imaginatively called, Kate's Damson Jam. “Kate bought a load of expensive equipment because she's always been keen on the idea of making jam." Blabbed a source. "She has so much fruit on her land she wanted to put it to good use. It started as a hobby, but she's taking it a lot more seriously after glowing feedback from friends and family. She's hoping her plum conserve will be a hit with the public. It's great for mother-daughter bonding. Kate hopes the jam will give Lila a nice project to take over when she's older.” OK so screw Kate having aspirations for her daughter to follow in her supermodel footsteps - just enslave the fruit of your loins into harvesting the fruit of your estate, et voila, your own ready-made, fully-operational preserve empire!   2010-08-11T16:00:44+00:00 Crude Oil http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vogue-italia-oil-spill-slick-fashion-shoot-stephen-meisel-Kristen-McMenamy/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vogue-italia-oil-spill-slick-fashion-shoot-stephen-meisel-Kristen-McMenamy/#When:00:25:15Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/vogue-oil-spill-1-crop.jpg" alt="Crude Oil" />< In typical naive, vainglorious, arrogance masquerading as pseudo-philosophical and oh-so-artful interpretation, Vogue Italia have conceived and executed the most hideous and downright sick glamorisation of suffering in, Oil and Water, their Stephen Meisel shoot parodying (for yes, that's what it's doing) the recent BP Gulf oil spill disaster. Like some wretched, dying bedraggled bird, Kristen McMenamy lies twisted in black nets, spewing filthy feathers and awaiting rescue. Cue pitiful justification from features editor, Carlo Ducci: "We can't be silent in this kind of situation and why shouldn't our interpretation be artistic?" Because people, animals and the coastline are DYING you fucktard. The highly toxic dispersal chemical, Corexit is being sucked up in the atmosphere causing poison rain to virtually destroy the Gulf and its surrounding areas. But don't let a little thing like that get in the way of expropriating the catastrophe. There is nothing profound, nor clever about hijacking a tragedy of epic human and environmental proportions - the result of which is for your own shallow, ends. "We can't be silent"? Just how in the hell do you think a gratuitous shoot such is this is helping?? Without getting all Keats on your ass, yes truth is often beauty, but please, let's not kid ourselves there is anything remotely earnest nor thought provoking about this affair, other than fashion's self-serving conceitedness that it is somehow offering some meaningful dialogue between distress and beauty - no matter how pretty the images are.   2010-08-11T00:25:15+00:00 Konichiwa, Topshop! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new-topshop-store-opening-tokyo-japan-arcadia-shinjuku/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new-topshop-store-opening-tokyo-japan-arcadia-shinjuku/#When:15:28:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/topshop_japan-crop-.jpg" alt="Konichiwa, Topshop!" />< Just like his waistline, Phil Green's ever-swelling Arcadia empire just won't stop expanding. Tokyo's Shinjuku shopping district is set to get an enormous flagship Topshop store next month.The 1000 sq ft behemoth will be the largest in Japan and home to women's, menswear, homewear, a shoe lounge and its recently launched cosmetic line. The Topman floor will feature a concession area, Japan Collaboration, which will house up-and-coming Japanese menswear designers including Heath, Ambush and Roc Star.   2010-08-10T15:28:46+00:00 Would You Like Vogue With That..? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/conde-nast-to-launch-restaurant-chain-vogue-gq/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/conde-nast-to-launch-restaurant-chain-vogue-gq/#When:15:24:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/GQ-Bar-Moscow-crop.jpg" alt="Would You Like Vogue With That..?" />< Conde Nast has 'branched out' into a food division which will license out their portfolio of magazines' names to restaurants. Imaginatively called Conde Nast Restaurants, there could be a GQ Grill or Tatler Trattoria heading to a city near you, folks.  Johnathan Newhouse, Chairman of Conde Nast International,  confirmed they've signed a deal with Russian restaurateur, Arkaday Novikov and launched three successful Moscow eateries. Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul and Kiev, are next on the list. Smart business move to keep afloat an ailing industry by pimping out their brands' lifestyle marketability? Or a sign the publishing house is clutching at straws to remain solvent? Either way, let's hope their brand strategy is poles apart from past efforts at uniting fashion and food. Fashion Cafe, anyone?   2010-08-09T15:24:56+00:00 Why, Katie? Why? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/katie-hillier-victoria-beckham-to-launch-handbag-line-brand/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/katie-hillier-victoria-beckham-to-launch-handbag-line-brand/#When:18:12:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/katie-hillier-crop.png" alt="Why, Katie? Why?" />< That sound? Katie Hiller's credibility hurriedly slamming the door behind it as it vacates the building. The accessories genius (and she who is lucky enough to be tappin' the nauseatingly handsome Patrick Grant's ass) has only gone and teamed up with the vacuous streak of desperation that is Victoria Beckham. Yes, the odd couple are set to launch a range of handbags - quite what Beckham's input will be leaves TRR bemused - perhaps the insertion of her chavtastic, aspirational dVb logo? Either way, Hillier's trademark whimsical, charming aesthetic is at total odds with everything Beckham is about. Given, Mrs B has hoodwinked naive, fawning press into praising Roland Mou- I mean, her clothing label, but come on - fundamentally everything she is about is selling not her creative flair, just herself and her whole family's loathsome brand of repellant faux luxe. Katie, you're bigger than this!!!   2010-08-06T18:12:12+00:00 Bitch, please! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi-campbell-testifies-gives-evidence-charles-taylor-trial/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi-campbell-testifies-gives-evidence-charles-taylor-trial/#When:22:38:30Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/05_naomi-court-oath.jpg" alt="Bitch, please!" />< Girlfriend didn't wanna testify, but subpoena her ass the judge did, and so today Naomi Campbell took to the stand to give evidence at African despot, Charles Taylor's war crimes trial. Accused of accepting a blood diamond after a 1997 charity dinner hosted by her 'adopted grandfather' Nelson Mandela, Nom's tactic thus far has been deny-deny-deny. Even to the extent of bitchslapping the camera of an interviewer when pressed on the matter. Anyway, today she backpeddled and confessed she did receive blood diamonds but wants us to believe she thought they were, wait for it, "dirty pebbles!" For reals! Our heroine claims thirteen years ago she was awoken from her slumber by two guys at the door who dumped a pouch in her hands simply saying "a gift for you." Discarding it by the side of the bed she returned to sleep until the morning when her agent and Mia Farrow told her some home truths... Feigning ignorance, Campbell reckons she had no idea who Taylor was. A liar? Plain stoopid? Or all of the above? Now whilst bitch ain't ever gonna win any awards for altruism, somewhat excruciating (yet wholly unsurprising) is her entirely egomaniacal, narcissistic and self-absorbed take on things: “This is someone, I read on the internet, killed thousands of people supposedly. And I didn't want my family in any danger in any way. I did not really want to be here. I was made to be here. I want to get this over with and get on with my life. This is a big inconvenience for me.” A BIG INCONVENIENCE?? How much of an 'inconvenience' does she think it was for the women that were raped, for the children forced into slavery, for the thousands murdered under Taylor's dictatorship?? For the love of God, any remaining shred of sympathy she had from her apologists must be vanishing faster than you can whisper, 'coldconceitedcunt'. 2010-08-05T22:38:30+00:00 Lard Jacobs http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc-jacobs-plus-sizes-robert-duffy/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc-jacobs-plus-sizes-robert-duffy/#When:04:04:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/marc-jacobs-robert-duffy-rop.jpg" alt="Lard Jacobs" />< Marc Jacobs CEO, Robert Duffy has let slip via his beloved communication medium that the brand is gonna cater for ladies of the well-upholstered variety. The perma-tweeter who's seemingly stapled to his Twitter account announced; "Your right. We gotta do larger sizes. I'm with you. As soon as I get back to NY. I'm on it! It will take me about a year. But stay with us. Problem solving is a big part of our job." "I'm a big guy 6'4" 210 lbs. [It's] not easy for me to find clothes. Of course I can have them made. I know how everyone feels. I try to diet but... I don't like the phrase 'plus-sizes'. Any suggestions?" Sure Rob, How about, 'long overdue sizes'?   2010-08-05T04:04:29+00:00 Pugh’s First “Black Box” http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Gareth-pugh-first-store-shop-opening-hong-kong-china/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Gareth-pugh-first-store-shop-opening-hong-kong-china/#When:17:51:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hong-kong-store_gareth-pugh1.jpg" alt="Pugh’s First “Black Box”" />< Master of avant-garde darkness, Gareth Pugh, has decided it was high time to hijack his own retail space and opened his first store in Hong Kong. The high-gloss interior houses slick rubber walls, some of which feature his trademark quilted triangular motif and illuminated optical illusions. With neighbours such as Comme des Garcons and Maison Martin Margiela, he's in high-art concept store good company. "Because it was my first store, I knew I had to do something that was very me" says Gareth. "So I went back to my runway shows and thought, what could be more me than a black box? But instead of doing something very one dimension, I decided to play around with a lot optical illusions that will change the space according to reflections. Contrasting themes such as shiny and matte, black and white, hard and soft are also important part of my style. I wanted to take these ideas and create something that would make sense in a retail environment." Gotta say, the abstraction is utterly reminiscent of Pugh's NYE Boombox a few years back that saw the entire interior of the Hoxton Bar and Grill decked out in black PVC. Only on an infinitely higher budget. Anyway, in a further techno-concept Pugh will forgo mannequins and window displays, instead the windows will frame an LED wall to showcase imagery and graphics - of course, aided by his good friend Nick Knight. Now's the time to get really jealous of the Chinese city: apparently Pugh has no other plans to open further stores, despite eventually wanting his own boutique in London. Well, if you take the boy out of Dalston... 2010-08-03T17:51:00+00:00 Store Focus: 123 Bethnal Green Road http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/123-bethnal-green-road-dr-noki-sustainable-fashion-shop/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/123-bethnal-green-road-dr-noki-sustainable-fashion-shop/#When:18:48:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/DR_NOKI_123-022-crop.jpg" alt="Store Focus: 123 Bethnal Green Road" />< Let's not beat-around-the-bush-here, sustainable fashion blows. Mostly. Yes, the sentiments are oh-so-conscience-masturbating, but we're still straddling that weird limbo between smug, mumsy hemp-smock hell and ethical shit that we actually wanna wear. Well, perhaps not any more it seems. Perched right on the end of Brick Lane sits the imposing and lovingly restored, Grade 2 listed 123 Bethnal Green Road. Within is walls are 3 floors of directional, sustainable and (crucially) desirable fashion. 123 have been popping out reworked designer vintage for some time now, carefully selecting patterns and fabrics from their archives to remix with a modern edge, but this store is their first outing of their entirely new fashion pieces under the 123 label. 123 will also invite established designers to get into bed with them sartorially to re-work old patterns utilizing their own fabric resources. OK, not only are the clothes seven shades of gorgeous, there's no sanctimonious, earthy mawkishness in sight! Rejoice! Fresh from his Lovebox fashion show, recycling auteur, Dr Noki has a whole floor dedicated to his NHS line. Literally known for ripping-it-all-up-and-starting-again, the perma-masked maverick will present his shredded and artfully reconstructed diffusion line exclusively to the store. 123 Bethnal Green Road, E2 2010-08-02T18:48:44+00:00 Lara: “Don’t Mess With My Chest” http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lara-stone-sues-playboy-naked-pictures-lawsuit-david-walliams/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lara-stone-sues-playboy-naked-pictures-lawsuit-david-walliams/#When:18:26:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lara_stone___steven_lyon-crop.jpg" alt="Lara: “Don’t Mess With My Chest”" />< So Lara Stone's Dutch tittay's somehow found themselves tumbling out of Playboy France's June issue - without her consent, quelle horreur! "Playboy had no right to publish these unauthorised photographs. It's not the kind of publication I would ever choose to appear in" she wept to The Independent. "I feel I have no option but to take steps to protect my reputation." Thus, gap-toothed girlfriend has instructed her lawyers, Schillings, to thwack Playboy, along with Greg Lotus, the offending photographer, with a lawsuit. Gotta love her holier-than-thou attitude over appearing in jazz-rag - although kinda a contradiction when you wed a notoriously seedy lothario dontchathink? 2010-07-29T18:26:37+00:00 Draw Me Up And Turn Me Out http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sketchbook-studio-kingly-court-carnaby/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sketchbook-studio-kingly-court-carnaby/#When:22:28:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/sketchbook-popup.jpg" alt="Draw Me Up And Turn Me Out" />< Another season, another Sketchbook magazine love-in. Spring saw the illustration-centric tome's Newburgh Street pop-up store spill at the seams with exhibitions, workshops and bloggers (not forgetting that tower of cupcakes). Now in summer, tucked away in a little corner of Kingly Court in the heart of Carnaby, the Sketchbook Studio has been one big fat creative workshop with an explosion of talent beavering away on three floors. Deep in the basement lies the artists workspace, brimming with all kinds of illustrative wonderfulness, next floor up is host to a live photo studio and top floor is Sketchbook HQ. Despite my post-Secret Garden Party flu (don't ask) TRR hauled its ass there earlier today for stylist, Sabrina from The Science of Style 's shoot only to find itself at the receiving end of home-baked bespoke cupcakes and the front of a camera lens. Running until the end of the month, Sketchbook Studios will continue to house its gaggle of artists in residence as well as compiling their next issue. Sketchbook Studios, M9 Kingly Court, Carnaby 2010-07-28T22:28:26+00:00 Arcadia Overhaul http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new-arcadia-websites-topshop-topman-philip-green-wallis-burton-miss-s/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new-arcadia-websites-topshop-topman-philip-green-wallis-burton-miss-s/#When:15:03:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/topshop-website-croptopshop-website-crop" alt="Arcadia Overhaul" />< Phil Green's web-development elves have been gettin' busy by the looks of the new pimped-up Arcadia websites. Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Wallis et al have been given a slick - suspiciously 'Net-A-Porter' style makeover, having seemingly adopted their streamlined template of a horizontal navigational menu above a large glossy landing image. The refurbished features include improved navigation, videos and improved product viewing angles. “The new sites give a much bigger canvas for the chains features, images and video" brags Simon Pritchard, Arcadia's E-commerce Director. "We want to make these sites real destinations for content and fashion.” Nosing through the new Topshop.com, the moodboard style deconstruction of each of their collections is a really inspired move, as well as the styling advice and key-piece navigation. All the sites follow an engaging, magazine-esque format that seem to be built around personality rather than a clinical e-retail store. Backslaps all round. 2010-07-28T15:03:33+00:00 The Ghost Of Primrose Hill Past http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-primrose-hill-house-haunted-ghost-spooks-exorcist-jamie-hince/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-primrose-hill-house-haunted-ghost-spooks-exorcist-jamie-hince/#When:18:59:15Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-moss-jamie-hince-kills-rop.jpg" alt="The Ghost Of Primrose Hill Past" />< It's probably the deathly pale ghost of Pete Doherty past clanking around in the hallyways looking for his misplaced crack pipe, but either way, Kate Moss is convinced her Primrose Hill home has got a bad case of the spooks. So-much-so in fact she's roped in the help of an exorcist to rid the house of evil spirits (cue tossing out the booze-cabinet jokes). "Jamie Hince is a believer in the supernatural and has persuaded her there is bad energy in the house which needs to be removed by a shaman priest," an anonymous source told The Scum. "She has found one who will perform a ceremony to cleanse the place." Well her place is nothing if not cursed considering her recent burglary and sewage leak but surely all that's needed is a ritualistic burning of anything Doherty related to cleanse the property of ghostly beings and undead souls..? 2010-07-27T18:59:15+00:00 We R Not 2gether N-E More http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc-jacobs-lorenzo-martone-split-up-relationship/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc-jacobs-lorenzo-martone-split-up-relationship/#When:18:13:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/marc_jacobs_and_lorenzo_martone_crop.jpg" alt="We R Not 2gether N-E More" />< Marc Jacobs and his hot Brazilian piece, Lorenzo Martone have waved goodbye to those commitment tattoo plans and called time on their relationship.Lorenzo tweeted: "Thanks for t notes. yes, I saw t press today. We are not together, haven't been in 2 months. And we will not comment on it. Sorry. We r fine." Wow, if his, err, questionable grammar isn't due to running out of Twitter characters and with no comment, I guess we're only left to speculate whether it's Martone's absent eloquence which could to blame (I jest, I jest). The announcement certainly puts the kibosh on the will-they-won't-they marriage rumours and perhaps confirms the ones circulating about Martone gettin' cozy with a married man behind Jacobs' back... Aw well. At least he still has Spongebob. 2010-07-26T18:13:23+00:00 Pulling Tricks On The Catwalk http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prostitute-fashion-show-vienna-world-aids-conference-despu/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prostitute-fashion-show-vienna-world-aids-conference-despu/#When:14:06:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/prostitute-fashion-show-vienna-crop.jpg" alt="Pulling Tricks On The Catwalk" />< So a bunch of hookers got together and swapped the streets for the catwalk on which to do their ho' stroll. The World AIDS Conference took place in Vienna last week and to raise awareness sex-workers united to fight the cause via workin' their thang in Daspu (meaning 'from the whores') a Brazilian label established by an ex night-worker, now fighting for the rights of ladies-of-the-night. Strategically placed condoms could be seen poking from pockets and bodices in the brightly coloured collection as the gals and guys strutted down the runway on pins that would rival any model's - and with unquestionably more charisma. Go streetwalkers! “AIDS prevention is an instrument for working", says Friederike Strack of Davida, an association working Daspu. "It's important that the sex professionals, the sex workers, know how to use condoms, and they are the best to make HIV prevention: they have contact with the clients.” Safe sex is important to everyone though - remember, rubber-up ya'll! 2010-07-26T14:06:26+00:00 McQueen In Memorandum http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-memorial-service-st-pauls-cathederal-london-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-memorial-service-st-pauls-cathederal-london-fashion-week/#When:18:52:36Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/alexander-mcqueen-SERVICE.jpg" alt="McQueen In Memorandum" />< The late, great and tragically troubled, Alexander McQueen is going to be timely venerated at a memorial service during London Fashion Week in September. Bankrolled (rightly so) by The Gucci Group who own his label, the Saint Pauls Cathederal service will be a celebration of McQueen's life and legacy.Friends, family and colleagues are to attend, though TRR doubts there'll be no shortage of followers and fashoinistas abandoning key shows to line the streets and pay their respects.(All images: Alexander McQueen A/W '10/'11) 2010-07-23T18:52:36+00:00 Quite Literally, Handbags At Dawn… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gucci-group-sues-elisabetta-gucci-dubai-hotel-chain-lawsuit/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gucci-group-sues-elisabetta-gucci-dubai-hotel-chain-lawsuit/#When:18:16:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/GUCCI-CROP.jpg" alt="Quite Literally, Handbags At Dawn…" />< It's an Italio-showdown as The Gucci Group bitchslaps one of its own, Elisabetta Gucci, with a lawsuit after hearing the rogue familia member wants to pimp out the 'ahem' respectable Gucci name and develop hotels in the soulless-mall-in-a-desert - otherwise known as Dubai. Gandaughter of Gucci founder, Guccio Gucci, Elisabetta laboured under the Gucci Group until 1995 when she became artistic director of the Formitalia Luxury Group and now Gucci are out to destroy her evil plans to pop-up and 87 suite hotel in Dubai's Media World district. "Gucci wants to make clear that it has no relationship to Elisabetta Gucci Hotels and that it is not involved in any project whatsoever with Elisabetta Gucci Hotels," the company whined. "Gucci filed the lawsuit against Elisabetta Gucci and the parties involved seeking injunctive relief in order to protect its rights." TRR loves that these damn Gucci's can't keep a lid on their fiery Italio-temperaments and quit all this infighting: murder, imprisonment, the Gucci history reads like an episode of Dallas. No wonder Ridley Scott is tapping that scandal and making a film. More please! (All images: Gucci A/W '10/'11) 2010-07-22T18:16:18+00:00 What In The Vomitus Fuckery Is THIS! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mariah-carey-lollipop-bling-fragrance-perfume/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mariah-carey-lollipop-bling-fragrance-perfume/#When:17:16:52Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mariah-lollipop-bling.jpg" alt="What In The Vomitus Fuckery Is THIS!" />< Now. Mariah Carey has never been known for having been beaten around the head with a good-taste stick - we know she wipes her ass with rainbows and eats unicorns for breakfast whilst Nick Cannon polishes her Hello Kitty vibrator, BUT THIS IS GODDAMN SACCHARINE INSANITY!! To promote her trio of sickly, E number infused Lollipop Bling 'fragrances' (entitled, Mine Again, Ribbon and Honey) she has launched a website so offensively kitsch in its execution that it defies belief. Actually I defy you not to be able retain your lunch whilst browsing the site, simultaneously agog at the horrendousness of it all. Our heroine, Mimi, sits kinda Buddha-eqsue atop some cotton-candy clouds which proceed to whirl around at top speed like assaulting your senses and stomach like only drinking an XXXL milkshake on a fairground waltzer could. Seriously. We should be thankful we don't get wafts of the syrupy nonsense from our screens. The ONLY thing TRR urges you to do with this site is take up Mariah's advice to 'Say it with candy' and sign-up your worst enemies up to 'CandyGram' whereby they'll receive a whole heap of sickly-bile into their inbox. Genius! www.lollipopbling.com 2010-07-21T17:16:52+00:00 MAC and Rodarte Vs Everyone With A Brain http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mac-rodarte-contravertial-range-juarez-mexico/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mac-rodarte-contravertial-range-juarez-mexico/#When:14:00:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mac-rodarte.jpg" alt="MAC and Rodarte Vs Everyone With A Brain" />< So Rodarte has been all kinds of irresponsible and brewed-up a right shitstorm after not only naming part of their new MAC make-up range after impecunious, Mexican border city, Juarez, but Factory, Ghost Town and del Norte. Juarez is an impoverished city, known for its huge rape and murder rates. It's like, modern Mexico ain't smiley people in sombrero's, sipping tequila and shaking their maracas, Mulleavey sisters. But they should know this!! Somewhat baffling is their own Mexican heritage - their grandfather came from Zacatecas, migrating to the US post the Mexican revolution. Anyway, it's been Operation: Damage Control with their grovelling statement, "We recognize that the violence against women taking place in Juarez needs to be met with proactive action. We never intended to make light of this serious issue and we are truly sorry." Yeah, yeah yeah, just how did ya'll even THINK linking a vanity product with the grim reality and suffering of many women was in anyway taking 'proactive action'?? "We are thankful for all the comments calling attention to the urgency of addressing this situation". Even after this whole sorry cosmetic brouhaha, despite their now so-called enlightenment to the situation, will they do a f***king thing to truly benefit it, aside from wallow in their own shame..? The great irony comes with the deathly-pale hues of the MAC line - clearly Latina's were not in their target market, it was just OK for them to ignorantly hijack wretchedness and suffering for their own self-serving, exploitative agenda. 2010-07-21T14:00:26+00:00 And The Most Inappropriately Titled Award Is… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Nicolas-Ghesquiere-superstar-award-fashion-group-international-night-of-sta/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Nicolas-Ghesquiere-superstar-award-fashion-group-international-night-of-sta/#When:15:37:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/nicolas-ghesquire.jpg" alt="And The Most Inappropriately Titled Award Is…" />< Balenciaga's architect of triumphant ressurection, Nicolas Ghesquière, has been bestowed with the honour of apparently being The Fashion Group International's latest 'Superstar'. The FGI (kinda like the US BFC) will present his award at their 'Night Of The Stars' ceremony in October.  "Nicolas Ghesquière defines the word 'superstar,'" gushed FGI president Margaret Hayes. "Said to be one of the most intriguing and original designers of his generation, he has reinvented the House of Balenciaga and endowed its legacy with a cool, modern edge." Now while there's no denying her sentiments there, I'm loathe to the term 'superstar' defining Ghesquière, or even any other limelight shunning designer - it's a fundamental insult to his creative ingenuity, furthermore his admirable discretion and wholly respectable avoidance of courting the designer-as-celebrity schtick: thus rendering any 'superstar' connotations obsolete. Perhaps more alarming however, is the apparent theme of the Night Of The Stars ceremony - 'The Globalists'... 2010-07-20T15:37:58+00:00 Fancy A Monogrammed Hit? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis-vuitton-bong-hello-kitty-terry-richardson-diary-blog/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis-vuitton-bong-hello-kitty-terry-richardson-diary-blog/#When:14:36:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/LVbong-crop.jpg" alt="Fancy A Monogrammed Hit?" />< Well looky here, some drug paraphernalia for only the most stylish of stoners: a Louis Vuitton monogrammed bong. For those most discerning of weed-lovers, now you can get high in style from this frosted glass beauty where the 'LV's' have tastefully been replaced with a lil' marijuana leaf. Chucking a whitey has never been so chic. Oh and the source of this oh-so kitsch item? Terry's Diary of course. On further narcotic related fashion research, TRR stumbled across another bizarre Louis Vuitton / Hello Kitty (Hello Hitty, anyone?) hybrid bong. The mind boggles. Now all I wanna see is some Chanel wraps, Gucci Rizla roll-up papers and I'll be sorted. Toot toot! 2010-07-20T14:36:46+00:00 And So It Plays Out… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/crystal-renn-jean-paul-gaultier-campaign-autumn-winter-2010-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/crystal-renn-jean-paul-gaultier-campaign-autumn-winter-2010-2011/#When:17:53:32Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/gaultier-crystal-renn.jpg" alt="And So It Plays Out…" />< Only last week when feathers got a-rufflin' over big gal du jour, Crystal Renn's seemingly sudden weight loss, TRR pondered if this was the route of every plus-size model's career: 1) Secure fatty fame 2) All of a sudden hemorrhage the pounds that got you famous (whether via insecurity / pressure / coercion) 3) Get 'Accepted' by the industry by way of top campaign securement. Exhibit A: Sophie Dahl Anyway, thems are the rules it seems and sure enough, Ms. Crystal Renn has got her first skinny seal of approval by way of the new Jean Paul Gaultier autumn/winter 2010/2011 campaign. Shot by Inez and Vinoodh and co-starring Kelly Moreira, Renn looks, well, hardly as rakeish as Moreira but certainly not the voluptuous Rubenesque beauty she was when she last strolled down the runway hand-in-hand with Gaultier... 2010-07-14T17:53:32+00:00 Introducing… The Smartest Way To Shop Online! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/shopittome-co-uk-online-retail-shopping-service/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/shopittome-co-uk-online-retail-shopping-service/#When:15:14:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Homepage-CROPHomepage-CROP" alt="Introducing… The Smartest Way To Shop Online!" />< Finally, a method of online shopping that removes all the anguish, incessant trawling and wasted time schlepping from one site to another in search of what you actually want. Shopittome.co.uk is a concept so ingenious in its methodology it's a wonder it's only just arrived in the UK from the States where it has a devoted three million subscribers. OK, we all know there's nothing more frustrating than spending hours sifting through multiple sites to finally locate that dream sale purchase only to find it's gone in your size. Bah. Well, shopittome.co.uk is a bespoke, personalized service whereby after entering your size requirements and selecting from a choice of over 480 brands and labels (from Chloe and Marc Jacobs right through to Topshop and All Saints) Shopittome will scour the sites of 100+ retail partners including Net-A-Porter, Liberty and My-Wardrobe for you. The results of which will be conveniently deposited right into your inbox as often as you like per week via a Salemail alert. Et voila! Gone is the misery of being gazumped on that last pair of size 39 Lanvin pumps. On average you'll be saving over 42% off the original price and Shopittome will also keep you abreast of VIP discounts, exclusive offers and free delivery clothes. Seriously, invest two minutes to sign up and resign trawling sites as a thing for the great online retail uneducated. www.shopittome.co.uk 2010-07-14T15:14:18+00:00 Lovebox, Baby, Lovebox http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lovebox-festival-victoria-park-london-sunday-grace-jones-dr-noki-johnny-woo/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lovebox-festival-victoria-park-london-sunday-grace-jones-dr-noki-johnny-woo/#When:22:04:59Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dr_noki-crop.jpg" alt="Lovebox, Baby, Lovebox" />< The capital’s best festival is gettin’ its fashion well-and-truly ON this Sunday as master of recycled couture, Dr Noki hosts Lovebox’s debut fashion show. "Just like Linda, Naomi and Christie famously known for only waking up for no less than £ 10,000 a day, Dr Noki only wakes up to immerse himself in exciting new projects," said Noki (you gotta love that third person).  "Music is one of my first loves so I was very excited and honoured to be asked to host Lovebox's first ever catwalk show. I can't wait to bring an explosion of sustainable fashion Dr Noki style to the main stage at Lovebox Sunday." Let’s face it, most eco-slash-sustainable-slash-ethical-fashion sadly sucks big hemp dick. Not Dr Noki. The perma-spraypaint masked, anonymous recycling auteur has been artfully deconstructing and reconstructing used garments for sometime now, although it was his spring/summer 2008 Fashion East show that got everyone rejoicing in the knowledge sustainable fashion doesn’t have to equal hessian smocks and happy-clappy sentiments. So. With The World’s Biggest Fashion Icon (AKA my hero and namesake) Grace Jones headlining, Dr Noki’s show and East London's ringmistress, the glorious drag-artiste, Johnny Woo compering the proceedings, Lovebox Sunday will nail its epithet of the ultimate fashion festival. Lovebox, Victoria Park, London 17th – 19th July 2010 www.lovebox.net 2010-07-12T22:04:59+00:00 Insensitivity: 1 Respect: 0 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-selfridges-store-window-manchester-gallows/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-selfridges-store-window-manchester-gallows/#When:16:23:30Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ALEXANDER-MCQUEEN-SELFRIDGES-WINDOW-CROP.jpg" alt="Insensitivity: 1 Respect: 0" />< UPDATE! Selfridges Tweeted this apology: "We apologise for any offence caused. It was not intentionaland the dress has been removed." * Disrespect is alive and well and living in Manchester; Selfridges store window in Manchester to be precise. Some retarded VM obviously thought it was, like, a really clever idea to merchandise one of the late Alexander McQueen's dresses suspended from a makeshift gallows. And what is with the 'Adore'?? Adore what? The total heinous error of judgment here? Way to shit all over a dead man, Selfridges. I'm hoping it was just a catastrophic oversight rather than some catastrophic attempt at being oh-so-subversive and ironic. Either way it smacks of utter thoughtlessness. Get a grip, Selfridges. * Just how much is Twitter the new cop-out, scandal diffusing, PR medium..? 2010-07-12T16:23:30+00:00 Berlin Fashion Channels, Err, Gollum http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/patrick-mohr-bald-bearded-models-berlin-fashion-week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/patrick-mohr-bald-bearded-models-berlin-fashion-week/#When:15:41:15Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/patrick-mohr-3.jpg" alt="Berlin Fashion Channels, Err, Gollum" />< It seems designer Patrick Mohr has been wanking over too much Tolkien lately since the bald n' bearding models he sent out at his runway show over the weekend looked strangely like Lord Of The Rings' evil shrivelled scrotum, Gollum. Like, what in the holy crap was Mohr thinking??? What the hell was his message in popping out emaciated, hirsute models who looked like aliens that'd done a decade or two at Belsen?? Yes, Berlin Fashion Week is known for its risk-taking, boundary-pushing oeuvre - more so than Paris, London, et al but this is just freaking disturbing... 2010-07-12T15:41:15+00:00 COUTURE! COUTURE! Christian Dior http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/couture-couture-christian-dior-autumn-winter-2010-collection-runway-review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/couture-couture-christian-dior-autumn-winter-2010-collection-runway-review/#When:16:32:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/DIOR_HC_AW10_0005-crop.jpg" alt="COUTURE! COUTURE! Christian Dior" />< John Galliano looked no further than to nature itself for his Christian Dior autumn/winter 2010 collection as each look took inspiration from the beauty of a blossoming flower. Tiers of ruffles and swathes of tumbling organza layers in Crayola bright hues of canary, violet and cobalt echoed the soft folds of petals delicately unfolding. Hair was sculpted high into a tightly formed bud - many of which were swaddled in Stephen Jones' florist resembling (or Quality Street, depending on how you look at it) cellophane creations.   2010-07-07T16:32:23+00:00 COUTURE! COUTURE! Maison Martin Margiela http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/couture-couture-maison-martin-margiela-artisanal-collection-runway-review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/couture-couture-maison-martin-margiela-artisanal-collection-runway-review/#When:16:42:27Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MARG_HC_AW10_0028-crop.jpg" alt="COUTURE! COUTURE! Maison Martin Margiela" />< Maison Martin Margiela's couture - or, rather, 'Artisanal' collections are known for their often recycling of used items, whether it be vintage gloves or belts. This time round for autumn/winter 2010 it appears to be simply bits of dead animal, as deconstructed patchwork skins, pelts and macrame leathers made for a curious mish-mash alongside a particularly Hellraiser style bondage / bandage strapped outfit (albeit sans nails) and a solitary entirely leather cowboy outfit. Err, yeehaw? 2010-07-06T16:42:27+00:00 colette Vs. KesselsKramer http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/colette-vs.-kesselskramer-pop-up-swap-shop-hoxton-square-london/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/colette-vs.-kesselskramer-pop-up-swap-shop-hoxton-square-london/#When:21:44:48Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/darcel-crop.jpg" alt="colette Vs. KesselsKramer" />< Put those cynical eye-rolls on hold for just a moment because whilst this may be yet another new pop-up shop, it ain’t just any old pop-up and is infinitely the most exciting one to hit London since pop-up’s became the new black. In something of a trans-Channel swap-shop the peerless, Parisian wonder emporium, colette (AKA the world’s best store) have gotten into bed with communications agency KesselsKramer and traded creative spaces for July and August. Fortunately nothing at all to do with Keith Chegwin’s multicoloured variety (for those of you old enough to remember) these swap-shop’s are all about exchange of creative identities rather than that dodgy broken Etch-A-Sketch your aunt gave you for Christmas. Whilst KesselsKramer has now taken over colette installing a showcase of products, books and artwork reflecting their creative output, KesselsKramer’s Hoxton Square space is now host to a micro-colette, stuffed with colette indorsed idiosyncratic goodies Amping up the Parisian mien is an exhibition of three famed Franco artists; Monsieur Andre, Craig Redman and Irina Dakeva. Andre, famed for his spindly monchrome stickmen and lending some cool to the global nightlife scene, you can even pick up a Mr. A. surfboard or necklace here. NYC based Aussie Ex-Pat Redman’s alter-ego the bespectacled, cycloptic eggman, Darcel, is the sole focus of his exhibition, in ceramic and print form, whilst painter, Dakeva displays tiny, dreamy watercolour stills from her music video for Ed Banger artist, Breakbot. Colette swap-shop @ KK Outlet, runs until end of August. 42 Hoxton Square, N1 2010-07-05T21:44:48+00:00 Oh, Crystal… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/crystal-renn-weight-loss-plus-size-model-/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/crystal-renn-weight-loss-plus-size-model-/#When:16:49:31Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/crystal_renn-crop.jpg" alt="Oh, Crystal…" />< What unwritten law dictates that as soon as a 'plus size model's' curves secure her notoriety and fame, she must then lose them quicker than you can say, "Make-mine-a-triple-Quarter-Pounder-with-extra-cheese-and-don't-hold-on-the-fries?" It happened with Sophie Dahl and now it's happened to big-gal of the moment, Crystal Renn. The pounds appeared to have started to migrate away from her when she walked the Chanel Cruise show in St Tropez last month, but now she's looking like she's literally shed herself a few times over and is virtually unrecognizable as the buxom beauty whose curves spilled out of those Mark Fast knits. If Dahl's career path is anything to go by - losing her USP won't dent it one iota - hell, maybe she'll end up with her own ill-fated cookery show too? 2010-07-05T16:49:31+00:00 Blow Hits The Boards http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/isabella-blow-play-new-york-jewel-box-theatre/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/isabella-blow-play-new-york-jewel-box-theatre/#When:14:41:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/-isabella-blow.jpg" alt="Blow Hits The Boards" />< Blow Inc. (AKA: How To Whore Out The Tribulations Of A Troubled Woman) rolls into New York next week, hitting the the boards of the Jewel Box Theatre as part of the 11th Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival. Entitled, Blow By Blow (ho ho!) the play will pick around the late Isabella Blow's marvellously eccentric yet tragic life and death. Scripted by playwright Jean Bergantini Grillo and directed by Jen Forcino, let's hope her feminine touch will lend an unexploitative gravitas to the show. This is unrelated to the forthcoming Blow film to be produced by John Galliano. Only last month, the September auction to sell her colossal aberrant wardrobe was cancelled as a result of it all being flogged early to a single private bidder. All this post-death scratching around corse-picking and money-grabbing is cynical to say the least. Poor Issy. 2010-06-24T14:41:46+00:00 Givenchy Flee Couture Catwalk! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/givenchy-quit-couture-fashion-week-catwalk-paris-riccardo-tisci/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/givenchy-quit-couture-fashion-week-catwalk-paris-riccardo-tisci/#When:18:02:28Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/GIVE_HC_SS10_0096-CROP.jpg" alt="Givenchy Flee Couture Catwalk!" />< There's gonna be a Givenchy shaped void in the Couture Fashion Week schedule from now on as the French house announce they are quitting the runway. Never woulda had Givenchy down as needing to furiously yank together those purse strings but apparently it's all in a bid to save a bunch of cash. They will still create and show their couture creations but by appointment only.  "I want to make couture even more special than it is, and not just another catwalk show." Justifies Riccardo Tisci. "People can really experience the couture moment: See it, touch it." To be fair, that's a nice, romantic slant to what's only really a move to save up to 35% less via private appointments. But this ain't Tisci's greatest hurdle - the lover of noir has vowed to avoid black in his next collection, "It's the first time I'm not doing any black. It's a challenge for me to do no black, and I like a challenge." (All images: Givenchy Couture S/S '10)   2010-06-22T18:02:28+00:00 Milano Boys! Dolce e Gabbana http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dolce-e-gabbana-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dolce-e-gabbana-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/#When:17:04:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/DOLC_MW_SS11_0101-crop.jpg" alt="Milano Boys! Dolce e Gabbana" />< David Gandy topless? Check. Monochrome Sicilian suiting? Check. Pecs oozing from under tight vests? Check. It's was all business as usual at Dolce e Gabbana - kind of. Absent was the usual ostentation, bling and Italio flamboyance. Instead, a romantic, pastoral mood to the latter half of the collection- grandad shirts, baker boy caps, rope belting created a whimsical nonchalance of a 1930's jaunt to the seaside: trouser hems rolled up just-so for that paddle in the sea.   2010-06-22T17:04:20+00:00 Milano Boys! Burberry http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/#When:16:21:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BURB_MW_SS11_0213-crop.jpg" alt="Milano Boys! Burberry" />< Out poured the wan, sickly looking boys at Burberry Prorsum, leathered and studded and looking as if they'd been peeled straight from the streets of east London. Christopher Bailey is unquestionably following a pretty trite, yet seemingly perennial rock n' roll aesthetic in his spring/summer 2011 collection - which read kinda heavy for the warmer months: those knee-padded leather trousers will require some talcum powder insertion for sure. Whilst he wasn't playing at punks, military motifs fed through with khaki, camel and army green knitwear and epauletted shirts. The Burberry trench even got a military remix with multiple stud detailing. It's a bold move on Bailey's to attempt such grungy, subculture look at such a luxe level - one clearly befitting his scrawny teen models perhaps more than the City traders who can actually pony up the scrilla for those leather trousers. Whilst Balmain can rework the same themes as Bailey and present them at insanely high costs, the looks are polished and by no means alienate the older clientele who can actually afford it. Nevertheless Bailey is the golden boy and when you understand he is launching, Burberry Acoustic - a showcase of up-and-coming bands curated by him - everything makes perfect sense. 2010-06-22T16:21:29+00:00 Milano Boys! Prada http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prada-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prada-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/#When:20:28:30Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/PRAD_MW_SS11_0497-crop.jpg" alt="Milano Boys! Prada" />< All the colours of the rainbow got into a fight at Prada, and it looks like blue won. Miuccia Prada wowed with a tight collection of rainbow hued accents, albeit with prevailing shades of cobalt, navy and azure. The silhouettes and shapes minimal - a box-sleeved T here, a striped ribbed sweater there - but the colourways were limitless. 2010-06-21T20:28:30+00:00 Milano Boys! Alexander McQueen http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-milan-mens-fashion-week-catwalk-review-spring-summer-2011/#When:20:22:36Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MCQU_MW_SS11_0195-crop.jpg" alt="Milano Boys! Alexander McQueen" />< Sarah Burton rose to a daunting task of recieving the baton from the late Alexander McQueen and presented a collection seemingly celebrating the English dandy - as regal as he was dishevilled; brocade dinner jackets, billowing satin pants, sat alongside snappy drainpipes and rakish trenches. 2010-06-21T20:22:36+00:00 It’s Musical Chairs For Giles’ Show http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giles-deacon-to-return-to-show-at-london-fashion-week-emanuel-ungaro/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giles-deacon-to-return-to-show-at-london-fashion-week-emanuel-ungaro/#When:05:52:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/GILE_AW10_0939-crop.jpg" alt="It’s Musical Chairs For Giles’ Show" />< He's only been showing in Paris for a couple of seasons but Giles Deacon is in talks with the British Fashion Council to do a U-turn and front his collections back on the catwalks of London. Figures really since he's now gettin' busy at the Ungaro drawing board and will show his debut collection for the decaying house across the Channel this autumn. In other Giles news, he's been getting his pirouette on and preparing a bespoke tutu for the Black Swan at the English National Opera, “The tutu was an absolute nightmare - it’s hard to get the shape and weight right. It turns out that all tutus are made by a specialist in Devon – he ended up doing this one, too. Otherwise it was a fun job." (All images: Giles A/W '11) 2010-06-21T05:52:50+00:00 Blow Auction Gazzumped By Private Bidder… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/isabella-blow-auction-cancelled-christies-private-bidder-daphne-guinness/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/isabella-blow-auction-cancelled-christies-private-bidder-daphne-guinness/#When:19:43:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/blow-crop.jpg" alt="Blow Auction Gazzumped By Private Bidder…" />< ...Presumed to be Daphne Guinness (who else). The September auction at Christies featuring the late Isabella Blow's magnanimous wardrobe (comprising oodles of John Galliano, Phillip Treacy and the inevitable abundance of Alexander McQueen) is now no more since a mysterious private buyer snapped up the whole bally lot. Organised by Blow's sisters it was the ultimate dressing-up box that everyone would have wanted a rummage through. "The executors are delighted that their sister's estate can now be settled, and are very confident the collection has found the perfect home" claims Patricia Frost, Christie's director of vintage fashion and textiles. Yeah, more likely the price was right so they were more than willing to hand over the sartorial treasure trove. I mean, who the hell wants to wait till September for a big fat payout eh? It's really a shame, no doubt the new owner **cough** Daphne **cough** will honour the pieces but surely THE GREEDY BITCH OWNS EVERY PIECE OF FASHION ALREADY and would it not have been infinitely more democratic and giving to share Blow's love around. 2010-06-15T19:43:43+00:00 Fashion Vs Chocolate http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-to-sue-cadbury-chocolate-over-flake-advert/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander-mcqueen-to-sue-cadbury-chocolate-over-flake-advert/#When:16:41:06Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/katemcqueen-crop.jpg" alt="Fashion Vs Chocolate" />< Poor McQueen, he's barely resting in peace (or living it up upstairs with Issy Blow and his mum) yet execs at his company are considering bitchslapping Cadburys Chocolate with a lawsuit over their new Flake advert. The advert in which a woman seemingly floats whilst her dress billlows in slow motion is dangerously close to the hologram of Kate Moss from his 2006 show. It even features a similar dreamy, ambient soundtrack. "This is about Baillie Walsh 's work. It was his house style that attracted us rather than any previous work he had done." Said a Cadbury rep in full-on denial mode. "The Alexander McQueen show is not relevant. His previous work was one of many of our visual references but not the only one. We would not accept the charge of imitation." Hmmm... Well all you can do is watch the vids and judge for yourself to see if it is a case of Alexander McQueen getting trigger-happy with the lawsuits or indeed Cadbury are shameless ripping-off a dead dude. 2010-06-14T16:41:06+00:00 It’s Official! Selfridges Reigns Supreme! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges-win-worlds-best-department-store-award-igds-iads/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges-win-worlds-best-department-store-award-igds-iads/#When:15:49:45Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/selfridges-cropselfridges-crop." alt="It’s Official! Selfridges Reigns Supreme!" />< British retail just got a good slap on the back thanks to Selfridges officially kicking the ass of Bloomingdales and Lane Crawford to win Best Department Store In The World. The iconic 101 year old London wonder-emporium was given the honour by IGDS (Intercontinental Group of Department Stores) and IADS (International Association of Department Stores) in New York at the Global Department Store Summit. The award was based on varying factors like customer service, in store experience, financial performance etc etc, but frankly Selfridges coulda nailed it on their windows alone - the orgasmic assault on the eyeballs that they are. Well done Selfridges! 2010-06-14T15:49:45+00:00 WIN! REN Skincare Goodies! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ren-skincare-competition-pop-upshop-st-martins-lane-hotel/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ren-skincare-competition-pop-upshop-st-martins-lane-hotel/#When:19:54:53Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/REN_Pop_Up_Shop_crop.jpg" alt="WIN! REN Skincare Goodies!" />< The Real Runway has teamed up with REN Skincare to celebrate the launch of their new pop-up shop and are giving away their Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm and Grapeseed Jojoba and Shea Butter Body Cream. REN have taken residence on the Front Room of St Martins Lane Hotel to coincide with their 10th anniversary, so if you fancy getting your zen on head on down to visit their concealed retreat offering bespoke REN facials and hand treatments. The full range of REN products are of course, available to purchase. One wall of the shop is devoted to a 'Living Wall' and customers are invited to submit images of their concept of 'natural beauty'. The top 3 entries will win a top secret luxury prize and every entry received will receive 10% off any pop-up shop purchase. So whether it's your dog, granny, last years Ibizan sunset - hell, even your vegetable patch, send in your snaps to popup@renskincare.com or drop it into the store itself. To take part in the REN / TRR giveaway, email your name and address to win@thereal-runway.com by Friday 18th June. REN Pop-up shop, 45 St Martins Lane, WC2N open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm 2010-06-11T19:54:53+00:00 BFC NEWGEN Winners http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/bfc-newgen-winners-british-fashion-council-spring-summer-2011-topshop/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/bfc-newgen-winners-british-fashion-council-spring-summer-2011-topshop/#When:05:52:15Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/perspex.jpg" alt="BFC NEWGEN Winners" />< The BFC have just announced the lucky, lucky winners of the spring/summer 2011 NEWGEN sponsorship and they are as follows... CATWALK WINNERS David Koma Holly Fulton Mary Katrantzou Michael van der Ham Peter Pilotto PRESENTATION WINNERS Craig Lawrence Louise Gray EXHIBITION WINNERS Atalanta Weller Chau Har Lee Christopher Raeburn Craig Lawrence David Koma Dominic Jones Fannie Schiavoni Felicity Brown Heikki Salonen Holly Fulton Jordan Askill J. JS Lee JW Anderson Louise Gray Mark Fast Mary Katrantzou Michael Lewis Michael van der Ham Peter Pilotto Sykes Yang Du Love the new addtions - Chau Har Lee's architechtural inspired footwear, Felicity Brown's exquisitely tucked and draped pleated dresses and Jordan Askill's fragile yet rigourous jewellery. 2010-06-11T05:52:15+00:00 Oki-Ni Are Going Bankrupt In 5, 4, 3, 2…. http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mr-porter-menswear-online-retailer-net-a-porter/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mr-porter-menswear-online-retailer-net-a-porter/#When:18:41:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BURB_AW10_0192-crop.jpg" alt="Oki-Ni Are Going Bankrupt In 5, 4, 3, 2…." />< Well, not really but the marvellous men's online store are probably shitting themselves at the announcement of, Mr Porter, the new menswear offshoot of leading luxe retailer, NET-A-PORTER. Set to launch in January 2011, Mr Porter will emulate its female counterpart and offer all the biggies (Lanvin, Burberry, YSL et al) plus a selection of smaller, niche brands. "We have a ready-made customer base for our men's business," Says N-A-P founder, Nathalie Massenet. "100 per cent of Net-A-Porter customers have a man in their lives in some capacity and 59 per cent of them are married or living with their partners. 3 million unique users trust and love NET-A-PORTER's service and will be invited to make a purchase for the men in their lives. Additionally we look forward to welcoming a new group of super stylish men." Now using the success of N-A-P as a yardstick should preeeetty much confirm Mr Porter will not just work, moreover, gobble-up all the competition, chew them up and spit out their sorry remains (sorry Oki-Ni). (Main picture: Burberry A/W '11) 2010-06-10T18:41:20+00:00 Quelle Surprise: ANOTHER Fash-Politico Love-In http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/john-galliano-legion-of-honour-award/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/john-galliano-legion-of-honour-award/#When:17:44:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/John_galliano-crop.jpg" alt="Quelle Surprise: ANOTHER Fash-Politico Love-In" />< Franco-fashion and politics are making curiously popular bedfellows right now. Perhaps it's Sarkozy's ex-model wifey raggin' on his ass, but either way, he's certainly made a habit of flinging awards at fashion designers. Only the other day Karl Lagerfeld got his bespoke bit of bling and now it's the turn of John Galliano. The Dior creative director will receive the Legion of Honour award at the end of the month  - the same title recently bestowed to Sonia Rykiel and Marc Jacobs (a yank!). Now if Jean-Charles de Castelbajac doesn't get his by the end of the year we should be calling for Sarkozy's impeachment... (All images: John Galliano A/W '11) 2010-06-10T17:44:26+00:00 Ou Est Le Junkie Piscine? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nycked-swimwear-Lorenzo-Martone-Marc-Jacobs-Bijules-Jules-Kim/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nycked-swimwear-Lorenzo-Martone-Marc-Jacobs-Bijules-Jules-Kim/#When:14:35:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/nycked-crop.jpg" alt="Ou Est Le Junkie Piscine?" />< If you get into bed with a designer literally, should it mean you can therefore metaphorically and create your own line of swimwear? Marc Jacobs' piece, Lorenzo Martone thinks so and has teamed up with Bijules jewelry designer, Jules Kim and popped out, Nycked, a micro-collection of cozzies apparently inspired by Manhattan (NYCked - geddit?) Aside from the model channelling the look of a sub-aqua smack-head, the pieces are rather yum - especially the enormo-bowed swimsuit. Nycked is only gonna be available in the States for the time being, but let's hope they hurry over to British shores 'cos I quite fancy lurking Nycked-up poolside at London Fields lido. 2010-06-08T14:35:35+00:00 Calvin Klein TrIes Milking A Stone http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/calvin-klein-lara-stone-fronting-all-autumn-winter-ck-campaigns/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/calvin-klein-lara-stone-fronting-all-autumn-winter-ck-campaigns/#When:19:27:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/calvin-klein-lara.jpg" alt="Calvin Klein TrIes Milking A Stone" />< Calvin Klein have decided to spread Lara Stone's gap-toothed beauty as thinly as possible - right across their entire plethora of labels. Stone will front campaigns for (deep breath) Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein and Calvin Klein Jeans this autumn. This is the first time in an age that Calvin Klein have pimped out a singular model to represent the face of all their brands and in a golden-handcuffs type deal, Stone will only appear exclusively in CK campaigns and on CK runways in autumn. “I have a long history with the Calvin Klein brand, and so it was wonderful to work with the house again this year,” said the new Mrs Walliams. “It’s like being part of a family.” What puzzles me is that, nice kecks aside, who in the hell actually buys Calvin Klein clothes anymore?? It's so terminally banal and surely just resigned to be the first 'designer label' you coveted as a naive, style-ignorant teen in the 90's. I do wonder if Stone's wonky-beauty monopoly of all CK's billboards will make the label even a tiny bit desired again... 2010-06-07T19:27:33+00:00 Kaiser Karl Gets Pretty Medal http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-receives-leigion-of-honour-award-president-sarkozy/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-receives-leigion-of-honour-award-president-sarkozy/#When:15:18:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/karl-l-sarkozy-bruni.jpg" alt="Kaiser Karl Gets Pretty Medal" />< Karl Lagerfeld tucked his multiple necks into one of his high-collared shirts and trotted up to the Elysée Palace to receive a Commander of the Legion of Honour award from President Sarkozy last week. "I am much better at making small talk than at giving speeches" explained a stunned Karl, "If it wasn’t for 99 percent of the people in this room, it would all amount to nothing. So in fact, this is for me but it is also for all of you." Fittingly, Kaiser Karl's award was a one-off bespoke creation made-to-order by the French Mint and Chanel. The pink gold medal is encrusted with diamonds and white quartz stones. Following the ceremony where Sarkozy praised his dedicated work ethic, everyone indulged in a piss-up garden party, where Karl no doubt let down his ponytail and shook his bony ass alongside Carla Bruni. Go Karl! 2010-06-07T15:18:09+00:00 Beauty Focus: The Powder Room http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-powder-room-pop-up-the-powderpuff-girls/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-powder-room-pop-up-the-powderpuff-girls/#When:16:48:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/crop-powderpg.jpg" alt="Beauty Focus: The Powder Room" />< The Powderpuff Girls have brought a little slice of vintage glamour to the West End with their recently opened Powder Room beauty parlour pop-up offering a menu of manicures, makeovers, hairstyling and pedicures. Katie Reynolds and her marvellous team will pamper you senseless in surroundings that are all about the tiniest touches - from the retro Mavala nail polishes, Paul and Joe's candy coloured cosmetics to the dainty cup and saucer you'll sip your tea from. The parlour itself is decked out in vintage furniture - with the cosmetics displayed like cupcakes, exquisitely arranged on porcelain. Even in its tiny little corner of the Newburgh Quarter virtually every-passer-by is magnetised in by The Powder Room's charm as the parlour is constantly met with lingering stares, bemused awe and curious smiles. "After the success of our Columbia Road boutique" explains Katie, "I wanted to extend our 1950's glamour and charm to the ladies of the west end. In the hub of central London, spending time on yourself should not be a chore it should be a delight, a chance to relax and unwind in indulgent surroundings." Not got time to make that central London post-office dash home to prepare for a night out? Let the girls take care of all your needs as you get revived, refreshed and ready at The Powder Room - and they'll even courier your belongings back the next day. Group bookings from £65 per person, treatments, from £15. The Powder Room Marshall Street, W1 0844 879 4928 2010-06-04T16:48:07+00:00 Maison Martin Margiela 20 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/maison-martin-margiela-20-exhibition-somerset-house-NEW/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/maison-martin-margiela-20-exhibition-somerset-house-NEW/#When:14:40:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MARGIELA-CROP1.jpg" alt="Maison Martin Margiela 20" />< Martin Margiela is a living paradox; he is one of the most influential, vital designers of recent times yet remains a complete enigma – no post-show bows, communiqué by fax only and no existing photos. His retrospective, Maison Martin Margiela 20 arrives at Somerset House this week and dissects the Belgian designer’s 20-year visionary repertoire. Considered by many as the token 7th member of the infamous and iconic Antwerp 6 (kinda like fashion's 5th Beatle) except our elusive anti-hero radically shaped the fashion landscape far more than his Antwerpian peers. Launching his Maison Martin Margiela line in 1988, Margiela employed a deconstructivist, abstract approach, often subverting found objects into couture like items. As humourous as it was often perplexing, some of Margiela’s trademark anti-luxury motifs range from raggedy threadbare denim, trompe l’oeil, visible hems and lining to coats constructed from wigs and tinsel. So far, so conceptual, but there was always a deeper intellectualism at play. His aesthetic swam against the tide of 80's power dressing, instead, chiming with the mood of early 90's grunge and striking a chord amongst those longing for an ostentation antithesis. Margiela’s theme of anonymity extended right through to the Maison’s ‘anti-branding’ numbered coding system in their labels. Each label had a circled number representing which of the eleven lines a garment was from – the only tell-tale to those in the know were the four signature white label stitches visible on the rear of a garment. Inconspicuous consumption for an enlightened elite. Maison Martin Margiela 20 began in Antwerp, later moving to Munich, is far more than a simple, ‘here’s a clothes timeline’. The multi-layered experience incorporates, film, photography and video installations. “What is so special about the exhibition,” explains Somerset House curator, Claire Catterall, “is that it’s not a classic retrospective or chronological in any way, it’s much more about what occurs in the Maison’s work. So what they’ve done is unpick the themes in a really intelligent way.” Go to any Margiela store or show and you’re greeted with an overwhelming clinicism. All staff wear identity-stifling lab-coats, stores and showrooms swaddled in white fabric – eliminating any element of personality and ensuring sterility and a sense of unity and oneness prevails. “The first thing in the exhibition you come across” says Catterall, “are cut-out polystyrene portraits of the Maison, and the point is the Maison are a collective - very much a ‘we’ and not an ‘I’. They answer questions as a ‘we’ and are very anti the cult of personality.” The Maison elaborate; “We often compare our way of working to the building of a wall: everyone brings a stone and eventually the wall is built. And everyone needs to bring the stone, otherwise the wall collapses. Everyone has a role within the team, but everyone also has a voice within that team. This is one of the reasons why Martin never appeared publicly, as we all know that if he would have, the light would have been on him, and without him in the light, the message would be different: the work is the collaboration of a team and not just about one single individual.” Margiela himself quietly vacated the Maison over the last two years – no specific date was given, yet a formal announcement was made last October. No one has been appointed as a replacement (testament to his lingering code of democracy) and today the 70-strong Maison operate from the Paris HQ sans creative director, remaining as stoic and almost as united as ever: “The creative process has not changed as the team has always been at the heart of everything the Maison has expressed since it has been created in 1988. Our intentions are intact and that is what keeps us genuine.” After a critically less-than-well received S/S ’10 collection which rung something like a confused redux of a greatest hits collection, the Maison are getting their groove back with a praised A/W ‘10/’11 one. Catterall doesn’t believe his absence will impact the house however, “I think certainly the Maison know that Martin left without any great fanfare and he didn’t think he was the actual creative talent so in that sense I don’t think it makes much difference.” Margiela shows take place in the most obscure places, the white lab-coated staff could be ushering you in to a morgue or abandoned Metro station. I was at the A/W 08’ show (rumoured to be his last) in a cramped Parisian sports arena – everywhere draped in clear polythene, until a small sliver was peeled away pre-show to create the runway. With a wall-of-noise soundtrack, the mood is always intense and purposely unnerving – totally at odds to Chanel at the Grand Palais for example. Spring 2010 saw the launch of the first MMM fragrance, Untitled (what else?) prompting a few cynics to whisper, “sell-out,” yet the Maison remain justifiably defensive about the brands diversification into other areas; “What we aim at is following our instinct and passion and pursuing expressing our creative vision. Fashion and interior design have always been part of Maison Martin Margiela since Line 13 [objects and publications] was introduced in 1999. Over the years, architectural and art projects plus store openings deepened our expression of interior design. Editing our 2008 book and finding a way to express ourselves with a fragrance, is again, us following our instinct. More to come later…” 2010-06-02T14:40:43+00:00 Designer Focus: Simon Ekrelius http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/designer-focus-simon-ekrelius-stardust/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/designer-focus-simon-ekrelius-stardust/#When:16:29:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/simon-ek.jpg" alt="Designer Focus: Simon Ekrelius" />< I first spotted Swedish designer, Simon Ekrelius' work at the On|Off showrooms at Fashion Week earlier this year and fell instantly in love. The powerful shapes and structures he creates juxtapose with such delicate, sheer fabrics they create a dialogue between strength and fragility. I am sure you will agree with me when I say how you can just instantly fall in love with a designer. Of course everyone has different tastes, some people will love this and others may prefer something like Ralph Lauren. Even those who don't know much about designers will know what it is they like shape and colour wise. I think that's when a designer really succeeds, when people are instantly drawn to what they see. Ekrelius' autumn/winter '10/'11 collection, Stardust, was inspired by architect and artist, Le Corbusier's Phillips Pavilion and this is strikingly evident with the jutting lines creating angular, spiky silhouettes. Of his architectural influence, Ekrelius says, "Sometimes I just take the feeling of the architecture and sometimes the whole story, I reflect on the energy as well as on the base and silhouette." Quasars, dark matter and metallic streaks spill across silk, wool and organza in gunpowder black, silver and sun yellow. There is an earthly, yet other-worldly mood to the mineral-like forms and shapes. Raised in Stockholm, Ekrelius studied fashion design, art-history and illustration. He graduated from Tillskarar Akademin in Stockholm with a collection using plastic and moose suede and it was voted one of the best of ten student collections in Sweden's SIFA competition. In what seems a bizarre about-turn of thinking, he launched an eponymous couture line before switching to his current R-T-W line in 2006. "I like my work to be more accessible and I really appreciate seeing my work being used and loved which is why I created the R-T-W line". Simon Ekrelius is available from My Sugarland Art direction: Sasha Rainbow Photography: Jenni Porkka   2010-05-28T16:29:12+00:00 BREAKING NEWS: Sarah Burton To Succeed McQueen http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/breaking-news-sarah-burton-to-succeed-mcqueen/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/breaking-news-sarah-burton-to-succeed-mcqueen/#When:17:11:53Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/sarah-burton-1.jpg" alt="BREAKING NEWS: Sarah Burton To Succeed McQueen" />< The seemingly unknown, Sarah Burton (formerly Alexander McQueen's go-to-gal and right-hand-woman) will be bestowed with the honour of taking full creative control of the house which was left in jeopardy since McQueen's tragic suicide in February. Burton had worked alongside McQueen for sixteen years so there is no doubt as to her appointment being the sensible (read: only) option. Burton announced today; "The creation of modern, beautifully-crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee’s vision. I intend to stay true to his legacy." Ne'er a truer word spoken. 2010-05-27T17:11:53+00:00 JPG: “Au Revoir, Hermes!” http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jean-paul-gaultier-leaves-hermes-christophe-lemaire-lacoste/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jean-paul-gaultier-leaves-hermes-christophe-lemaire-lacoste/#When:15:12:30Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jean-paul-gaultier-crop4-25.jpg" alt="JPG: “Au Revoir, Hermes!”" />< It's musical chairs at luxury house, Hermes as Jean Paul Gaultier shuffles out the door making room for Lacoste's Christophe Lemaire to step in as new creative director. JPG's final collection will be spring/summer '11 shown in Paris this October. "Hermès is deeply grateful to Jean Paul Gaultier for his outstanding creative contribution during these seven years" say the house. What we're left wondering however, is if he jumped or was pushed... It'll be curious to see whether or not Lemaire leaves his Lacoste influences at the door and pray that we're not gonna suddenly see little crocodile motifs slapped across Birkins. 2010-05-27T15:12:30+00:00 Giles: “OK I Lied…” http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giles_deacon_not_to_become_creative_director_of_emanuel_ungaro/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giles_deacon_not_to_become_creative_director_of_emanuel_ungaro/#When:15:04:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/giles-crop.jpg" alt="Giles: “OK I Lied…”" />< UPDATE : He's in! So Giles will be attempting to restore a little dignity the the ailing house of Emanuel Ungaro despite his recent protestations to the otherwise. His debut Ungaro collection will be the spring/summer 2011 colletion debuting in Paris this autumn. Says G; "I obviously don’t want to infringe upon my own line, but I like things that are very feminine, lots of color, great prints, great quality, some unusual cuts. All of those things that I like in the world of fashion design I’m going to bring to what I feel is appropriate for the Ungaro woman." For Ungaro's sake, let's hope Giles does more of a Christophe Decarnin for Balmain and Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga than Alexander McQueen for Givenchy. 2010-05-26T15:04:20+00:00 Designer Focus: Black Eyewear http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/black-eyewear-retrospecs-robert-roope/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/black-eyewear-retrospecs-robert-roope/#When:23:40:16Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/r-spex.jpg" alt="Designer Focus: Black Eyewear" />< Optical maestro Robert Roope was pioneering vintage frames aeons before fashion ever knew they were gonna be cool. To say he is the godfather of retro eyewear would be an understatement; this is a man who after accumulating over a 1000 pairs of vintage frames over a period of 30 years launched his peerless Retrospecs site in 1999 as a method of channelling his acquired horde to the masses. Trot down any high street now and cheap Wayfarer or Clubmaster knock-offs are two-a-penny; such is the trickle-down effect of fashion. In fact I’d challenge anyone to find a modern pair whose silhouette doesn’t derive from (read: plagiarise) a style of yore. It’s not wonder they’re popularity has skyrocketed, vintage frames have far much more of a sense of character than new ones and to wear them it's like you're embodying an era or a feeling - there's a narrative to them and they offer a distinct sense of identity. This a sentiment Roope echoes,   “I think it’s because the past styles for example the 50s were so iconic. You see a pair of fantastic cats eye upswept glasses and you immediately associate it with the petticoat wearing icons of that time. It’s very interesting to meet people of all ages that are in love with a certain era and are looking for the perfect pair of glasses to complement their style and wardrobe." 67 year old Roope has lived a colourful, globetrotting life. He sailed to Peru while serving in the Navy at 16, lived in Denmark and Singapore then retuned to the UK and opened his own opticians in 1979. With a desire to recreate obsolete and rare styles, Roope launched his vintage inspired Black Eyewear Collection in 2006. A die-hard jazz fan (stemming from many a night in smoked-filled Copenhagen jazz clubs) he even names the frames after iconic musicians. He explains; “Many of the Jazz greats of the 50s wore heavy plastic frames, particularly Dave Bubeck, Dizzy Gilespie, Bill Evans, Sonny Rollins and Theolonius Monk. These musicians touched a nerve and I’m thankful for their music. It was natural that being an optical/eyewear man, the glasses/sunglasses they wore caught my eye and became part of the Jazz culture I was wrapped up in. You could say their eyewear was part of the music, part of the shape of how it was.” All frames above from the Black Eyewear Collection at 147 pounds http://www.retrospecs.co.uk 2010-05-25T23:40:16+00:00 Kate Moss Is Living In Shit http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-burglary-broken-sewage-pump-flooded-basement/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate-moss-burglary-broken-sewage-pump-flooded-basement/#When:18:37:38Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-moss-topshop.jpg" alt="Kate Moss Is Living In Shit" />< Quite literally. A double whammy of disaster has bitten poor Kate Moss on the ass - firstly her beloved Banksy got robbed, now apparently her cellar has flooded with sewage due to a broken pump. A source told that beacon of truth and virtue, The Mirror; "Kate is absolutely gutted. Not only is her house a complete disaster zone - with mud, gunge and sewage everywhere - she is looking at a bill of around £100,000 to replace her outside deck, plus kitchen units, furniture and flooring." Kate's obviously been a very, very bad girl recently 'cos this smacks of some hardcore karmic comeuppance. Memo to Moss: play nicely now. 2010-05-24T18:37:38+00:00 Homoeroticism Gone Mad? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc-jacobs-bang-fragrance-mens/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc-jacobs-bang-fragrance-mens/#When:16:26:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/marc-jacobs-bang.jpg" alt="Homoeroticism Gone Mad?" />< I'd never has pinned Marc Jacobs as an aspring turkey, but he's basted himself up and got cosy with a bit of Bacofoil good n' proper in the ad for Bang, his first ever men's fragrance. Either that or he's just collapsed in his thermal sheet after running a marathon. With only a gargantuan bottle resembling scrunched up foil to cover his, erm, modesty, the ad is shot - obviously - by long-term bedfellow (metaphorically, mind) Juergen Teller. MJ's ad's always possess a certain whimsy, with almost a poetic element too them (think Sofia Coppola in the pool for Daisy) which is why this is just... Well... Put it this way, things have slipped down hill post-Posh. Blame business partner, Robert Duffy, though. Says Marc: "Robert and I work closely with Coty on these projects, and he said, 'Marc, you look so great now  -you should be the model for men’s fragrance.' My immediate reaction was, I don’t know. But then I came to see that it made sense. Men’s fragrance, unlike women’s in a certain way, is very personal. It’s a layer on top of skin - for women, it can be like changing a makeup color, but not for men. Once I agreed to be the model, I couldn’t see what I would wear to express this. We tried it with clothes, but it didn’t work. Then Juergen had the idea for the silver Mylar, and it all came together. The silver Mylar also gives it that flash, that bang." For someone who can see the big Five Oh sneaking up on the horizon, Jacobs' does have a seriously killer bod so guess we can't blame him for wanting to inflict those greasy pecs on us. 2010-05-24T16:26:43+00:00 All Aboard The Good Ship Armani http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giorgio-armani-replay-yacht-party-cannes/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giorgio-armani-replay-yacht-party-cannes/#When:15:20:11Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ARMANI-WATTS.jpg" alt="All Aboard The Good Ship Armani" />< Giorgio Armani, threw down his yacht gangplank in Cannes and let a host of celebs and fashion bods trot on board for a bash thrown by Italio label, Replay. Naomi Watts, Emily Blunt and Elizabeth Banks all looked suitably elegant while Adrien Brody brought some serious FUG to the proceedings in a baggy brown leather suit (one can only assume it was an homage to Armani's complexion) with Lady Gaga T-shirt underneath. Why, Adrien, WHY? Nathalie Imbruglia sang, then Michelle Rodriguez spun to a crowd including Carine Roitfeld and her offspring (who knew she had a hot son??), Margherita Missoni and models Eva Herzigova and Karolina Kurkova.   (Main picture: Giorgio Armani and Naomi Watts)   2010-05-21T15:20:11+00:00 The Generalization Of The Week Award Goes To… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alber-elbaz-lanvin-skinny-remarks/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alber-elbaz-lanvin-skinny-remarks/#When:17:30:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/alber-elbaz-crop.jpg" alt="The Generalization Of The Week Award Goes To…" />< ...Alber Elbaz! In his interview in Style's Future Of Fashion series the Lanvin chubster has come out with a rather grand sweeping statement that not only is loaded with contradictions but reads more like a grasping attempt to convince himself of his argument rather than those at the receiving end of the comments; "We are being accused that some models are anorexic, but we as fashion designers cannot be blamed, because you know, when I talk to women around the world, rich and poor and young and old and intellectual and not, what they want to be is skinny. You ask them, what is your dream? It’s to be skinny. That’s all they want... Me, as a designer that is not exactly skinny, all I want is comfortable clothes. All I want is beautiful. I mean, I like gray hair, I love wrinkles. But this is me." Now whilst he's nailed it in that fashion designers are by no means to blame for anorexia (despite holding a duty of responsibility) and yes, given the choice we'd rather be lissome than large, his affirmation that the entire female population's one dream in life is to be thin (and that's all we want; not health, domestic bliss, a prosperous career - just to be skinny) is thoroughly loathsome. Elbaz is suggesting that we are all mindless, sheep-like, media-driven, brainwashed drones that only clamour after the Holy Grail of emaciation no matter how dumb or smart we are. Got that ladies? Fuck our individualism: we share the same goal apparently! Unquestionably the women he talked to inhabit the vacuous little bubble that is fashion (so kinda a biased survey, right?) but throwing in the fact he ain't no sylph-like guy smacks of justifying he has carte blanche to make ridiculous statements. It reads like, 'yeah this is just what women want, I only make tiny clothes because it's supplying demand, but me? No I'm a fatty who'd be happy making comfy shit - no wait! I want beautiful as well. Hang on, aging rocks too, honest!' Way to dig your own hole, Alber. 2010-05-18T17:30:12+00:00 Lady Blue Twin Peaks http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-blue-shanghai-dior-film-david-lynch-marion-cotillard/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady-blue-shanghai-dior-film-david-lynch-marion-cotillard/#When:21:56:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dior-lynch-crop.jpg" alt="Lady Blue Twin Peaks" />< TRR worships at the altar of David Lynch so it's not often we get excited by fashion films as much as the new sixteen minute Dior epic, Lady Blue Shanghai starring Marion Cotillard. Utterly Lynchian from start-to-finish, all his regular motifs are there; the groaning ambient music, foreboding sense of disqiuet, trippy dreamscape sequences, the ambiguous era and anxious camerawork. The premise is thus, upon returning to her hotel, Cotillard discovers someone has deposited a smoking Dior bag in the middle of the floor, freaks the hell out and calls security. It dawns on her a mysterious visit to the Pearl Tower may have something to do with it. Cue flashback to a room in Old Shanghai where she makes out with a guy and then leg it to a rooftop to profess their undying love for one another. He vanishes leaving her with a blue rose, which lo-and-behold, reappears inside the bag later. Firstly, I'm sure if we returned to find a Dior bag lying mysteriously in the middle of our hotel room floor (smoking or otherwise) the last thing we'd do is call security, moreover, chuck it our luggage and quickly hot foot it out the door. Anyway, it's all really rather beautiful as you would expect, Cotillard smoulders as our perturbed heroine. This is her third outing in a Dior film, and Lynch's second foray into fashion advertising.   2010-05-17T21:56:55+00:00 Thank You, Thank You! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/butterfly-twists-bow-collect-london-brat-and-suzie-elf/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/butterfly-twists-bow-collect-london-brat-and-suzie-elf/#When:16:11:30Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Red_Squirrel_On_Motorbike_Tee_crop014.jpg" alt="Thank You, Thank You!" />< This post is giving major props to all the lovely, lovely brands who sponsored my launch event last week and if If ya'll weren't lucky enough to get a goody bag then, well, I'm about to ram in your face what you missed out on. Brat and Suzie make the most charming tees; whimsical illustrations of Burglar Rats, Guitar Playing Meercats, Swimming Daschunds, Foxes in Lockets look quirky and make perfect festival attire http://www.bratandsuzie.com Collect London combine amazing limited edition prints by various designers and bands with the perfect fitting T shirt http://www.collectlondon.com Davy Limliman Vallecer's label, BOW! makes the cutest baby bows, medium bows and giant bows all for various body parts - neck, hair, fingers. In fact there probably isn't a body part she hasn't created a bow for! http://www.oneoffpinkribbon.com To make that painful schlep between fashion shows or post-club drunken stumble home a little more bearable Butterfly Twists are your answer. Neat little pumps that twist up and stow away in your handbag. http://www.butterflytwists.com Cosmetic label E.L.F. have a gorgeous selection of colours and it's such good value you can splurge on all the on-trend colours without guilt it'll remain in your make-up bag come end of the season.  http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk Thank you all guys! TRR x (Main picture: Brat and Suzie) 2010-05-17T16:11:30+00:00 Gucci: Out The Red Carpet Rolls http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gucci_premiere-couture-line-salma-hayek-cannes/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gucci_premiere-couture-line-salma-hayek-cannes/#When:23:29:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/salma-gucci.jpg" alt="Gucci: Out The Red Carpet Rolls" />< The house of Gucci have hollered from the rooftops that they're launching a "haute couture" line. I say "haute couture" because it all smells a bit fishy really. Gucci Premiere will offer unique, one-of-a-kind gowns - so far, so couture sounding right? Wrong. Apparently Gucci Premiere won't be bothering the Parisian couture catwalks anytime soon - this is strictly a celeb love-in affair. Creative Director, Frida Giannini, explained this rather anomalous decision; "We don't have any kind of plan in this direction for the moment. It's more an intimate approach between the house of Gucci and the stars and the celebrities. I don't think, honestly, it's in the soul of Gucci to do a haute couture fashion show," So let me get this straight - they're calling it a couture line yet hold no desire to establish themselves alongside the grand masters in Paris?? Let's not kid ourselves here, it appears essentially a cynical celeb promotional cash-in in order to score a few red carpet namechecks. Following their recent Mark Ronson trainer line, Gucci really seem to be bumming celebs left-right-and-centre at the moment and it all seems somewhat desperate and grabbing. Yes it's the workmanship and skill that earns the couture epithet, and Giannini has confirmed they will be working with Parisian seamstresses and embroiderers but witnessing Gucci Premiere's underwhelming debut outing on the back of Salma Hayek in Cannes I struggle to see what is so painstakingly couture-like about it. When the true masters like Christian Lacroix are teetering on the edge on bankruptcy and have no financial backing and Gucci roll up and just slap a 'couture' title on a range it's akin to Primark masquerading as a designer label. 2010-05-14T23:29:22+00:00 Future Chanel! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chanel-coco-cocoon-bags-autumn-winter-2010-collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chanel-coco-cocoon-bags-autumn-winter-2010-collection/#When:20:22:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chanel-crop.jpg" alt="Future Chanel!" />< TRR swung by Chanel HQ to wank over their gorgeous forthcoming Coco Cocoon bags. Resembling cartoonishly puffed up versions of their normal quilted incarnation (kinda like a 2.55 overindulged on the Krispy Kremes) the bloated beauties come in grey, cream, black and gold colourways and extend through shoulder bags, large totes, and mini-rollercoasters. Everyone cooed over the giant gold shopper as we were shown that - lo-and-behold - it turns inside out! Double Chanel for your money! Also previewed were a selection of sunglasses and rather lovely perspex bangles. The Coco Cocoon bag range will debut this autumn as part of Chanel's autumn/winter 2010/2011 collection. 2010-05-14T20:22:44+00:00 Juicy: Fruitless? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/juicy_couture_erin_fetherston-creative-director/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/juicy_couture_erin_fetherston-creative-director/#When:23:28:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/erin-crop.jpg" alt="Juicy: Fruitless?" />< Are Cali-trash purveyors, Juicy Couture tryna' slip into the so-far uncharted realms of taste and, dare I suggest, subtlety? Their curious appointment of Erin Fetherston as Creative Consultant suggests they've finally recognised we no longer wanna be strutting about with JUICY slapped across our asses and that tapping her romantic, flouncy aesthetic may, just may, shed their chavtastic connotations. Her first daunting (read: probably impossible) task is to reignite our love for their signature tracksuits. Hmm, do I smell pussy-bowed hoodies? Silken trakkie-bottoms perhaps? Fetherston will also pop out a micro-collection of dresses this summer. She spoke (with two fingers crossed behind her back): "This is an incredible opportunity. It's very impressive that Juicy Couture has become a global brand in such a short period of time. I've always related to its fun-loving and modern spirit and its distinct design point of view." Riiiight. Since its founding members, Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy fled from the velour monster of their own creation in January, Juicy has needed to take a good, long look at its grotesque self and reposition the label as a coveted one again (TRR suggested that a pyre of everything was the only solution). Fetherston will still continue with her own eponymous mainline and will introduce more limited edition pieces into the Juicy Couture line. 2010-05-12T23:28:44+00:00 Erdem 4 Liberty http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/erdem_4_liberty/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/erdem_4_liberty/#When:18:18:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ErdemDress3_V_30apr10_pr_b_272x408.jpg" alt="Erdem 4 Liberty" />< In what appears to be a marriage made in floral heaven, blossomy-print wunderkind, Erdem has gotten into bed with Liberty and created a micro-collection featuring two of their heritage range of fabrics, Mabelle and Phoebe. He told Vogue; "I have adored Liberty ever since visiting London as a child - the amazing exterior of the store and going into those dark wooden stairwells. It has such vivid memories for me. I was determined it would be almost not identifiable. I kind of wanted to destroy it and build it up again. The pieces are not even seasonal. They're to keep forever and wear whenever you want." Liberty's iconic florals have had such a renaissance of late - what with being their famous Tana Lawn being appropriated by half of fashion (Opening Ceremony, Luella et al). Admittedly, it will always, for me, carry the connotations of the Liberty patchwork quilts my nan has made on an annual basis since 1977. Or thereabouts. Seriously, my loft is stuffed. The collection will be priced between 325 pounds to 995 pounds and will be available from June in Liberty and online at www.liberty.co.uk. 2010-05-05T18:18:55+00:00 In Other Ungaro Revolving Door News: http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/franck-boclet-quits-leaves-emanuel-ungaro/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/franck-boclet-quits-leaves-emanuel-ungaro/#When:17:28:31Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/franck-cropped.jpg" alt="In Other Ungaro Revolving Door News:" />< Their menswear designer has quit that bitch too! Following a three year tenure, Franck Boclet, head of menswear has decided he better join the mass exodus and flee the ailing house while the going’s, err, bad. As a result Emanuel Ungaro have announced they will put their menswear collection on hold! Frankly I think this current complete ethnic cleansing is the only way Ungaro will ever redeem itself. Wipe the slate clean. Boclet’s collections were vom inducing anyway - I remember trying to hold down my lunch when at the A/W ‘09 Ungaro menswear show in Paris last year . 2010-04-27T17:28:31+00:00 Future Topshop! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop-autumn-winter-2010-collection-preview/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop-autumn-winter-2010-collection-preview/#When:20:07:47Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0492.JPG" alt="Future Topshop!" />< Topshop previewed their autumn/winter 2010 collection yesterday and boy, there were some seriously showstopping pieces! Comprising four themes; the athletic inspired, Hi Performance, bondagey, primal Out Of The Wild, The Outsiders a fun take on British heritage wear and Dark tough, aggressive, with strong Medieval influences, I was literally blown away by the level of embellishment, detail and high-end conceptualism. LOVED the casual grey marl T shirt with attached diamante bra (such a fab juxtaposition of materials) gothic feather cape, gold wire dress and general proliferation of leather and heavy stud work. Also on display too was their new make-up range with a seriously hot selection of nail polish colours. 2010-04-22T20:07:47+00:00 In Which The Inevitable Happened http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/estrella-archs-leaves-house-of-emanuel-ungaro-lindsay-lohan/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/estrella-archs-leaves-house-of-emanuel-ungaro-lindsay-lohan/#When:03:56:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lindsay-estrella-crop-.jpg" alt="In Which The Inevitable Happened" />< She jumped before she was pushed! Estrella Archs has stuck two fingers up at Emanuel Ungaro and left her job as Creative Director of the ailing house. A spokesho’ confirmed: “Estrella Archs announces that she has left her job as chief designer of Emanuel Ungaro due to irreconcilable differences related to the creative direction of the brand.” Like, DUH. If she, (alongside ex Artistic Advisor, Lindsay Lohan) thought the right way to steer the good ship Ungaro is into a sea of blancmangey pinks and oranges, heart pasties and white mink stoles then it ain’t no wonder CEO Mounir Moufarriage wants to revert its course back to tasteful shores. Way to kill an iconic label, ladies. Actually, I kinda pity Archs, with Li-Lo on board her voyage was always pretty doomed. Now, BRING ON THE DEACON! 2010-04-21T03:56:00+00:00 Is Giles The New, Err, Li-Lo? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giles-deacon-to-become-emanuel-ungaro-creative-director/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/giles-deacon-to-become-emanuel-ungaro-creative-director/#When:15:32:48Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/giles-deacon-crop.jpg" alt="Is Giles The New, Err, Li-Lo?" />< Holy shit, never saw this one coming. Apparently Giles Deacon is being wooed by Emanuel Ungaro owner, Asim Abdullah, to fill the Lindsay Lohan shaped void and come in as Creative Director. There are mutterings that the current CD, Estrella Archs (co-responsible for those heinous heart pasties) ain’t gonna last that much longer and will be making like la Lohan and collecting her P45. WWD reports that Deacon was spotted talking shop with Abdullah and his management team last Friday in Avenue Montaigne’s Le Relais Plaza (like, where do these sartorial spies come from? Seriously - do they stake out certain locations or something?). Anyway, there’s no denying that since Giambattista Valli quit the house of Ungaro in 2005 it’s been something of a confused, directionless mess. I can see Giles’ humourous, witty idiosyncrasies slipping in quite nicely to Emanuel Ungaro. It’s always had something of a colourful, playful aesthetic - and hey, to even consider employing Lindsay Lohan they have to be able to see the funny side in that. 2010-04-19T15:32:48+00:00 Vogue India: Epic Fail http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/voguge_india_dark-skinned-cover/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/voguge_india_dark-skinned-cover/#When:16:13:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/vouge-india-crop.jpg" alt="Vogue India: Epic Fail" />< OK, Vogue India decided to tackle the thorny issue of their country’s increasing struggle with accepting the beauty of their darker skin. Sales of skin lightening creams shot up 18% last year. Their editorial manifesto reads thus: “Every generation has its share of beauty myths. Perhaps it is time to bust this one. Time to say that as a magazine we love, and always have loved, the gorgeous colour of Indian skin, dark, dusky, bronze, golden - whatever you call it, we love it.” All very agreeable sentiments but to me the whole goddamn purpose is undermined by the fact that only two of the cover models actually look Indian. It’s kinda like saying, “darker skin is good if you’re a bronzed beach-babe.” They fundamentally appear to be subscribing to a very Western notion of beauty. Which is the actual problem. I mean looking tanned, healthy and sunkissed is generally universally regarded as to being attractive. The fact sales of whitening cream are shooting up is because they are influenced by this Westernized beauty ideal. This would have better been challenged by Vogue India by putting explicitly Indian women on the cover, not some Western looking bronzed beach lovelies. Nice try, but spectacular own goal. 2010-04-14T16:13:56+00:00 Jil Sander’s Navy http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jil_sander-navy-diffusion-line-cheaper-range/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jil_sander-navy-diffusion-line-cheaper-range/#When:15:33:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jil-sander-crop.jpg" alt="Jil Sander’s Navy" />< Maybe it was Uniqlo’s coaxing Jil Sander out of semi-retirement to produce a budget range for them, that got her thinking on a discount-tip, either way, the German designer has just announced the arrival of her new cheaper diffusion line. Jil Sander Navy will be a ‘lifestyle casual label’ and, “incorporates the values of purity, simplicity and ease. Adding and developing the aspect of casual luxe to the brand’s DNA of highest quality and forward innovation will enhance the reach of the brand. explains Alessandro Cremonesi, CEO of the Jil Sander Group. “Reflecting the nature of casual sportswear, its light and unconstructed fit, as well as the attractive price points, the line will provide the opportunity to address additional clients.” Can’t say that I’m overwhelmed with excitement at this news, but totally get their decision to spread the brand a bit thinner. Current creative director, Raf Simons (who’ll be heading up Navy too) explains, “I will continue to open up the Jil Sander brand by pushing its boundaries and introducing new elements to reinforce and widen the attraction to the house.” Yawn yawn, seriously despite being priced 40% lower than the Jil Sander mainline, if you want your little slice of on-budget JS minimalism just head to Uniqlo. Jil Sander Navy will launch worldwide in June and be sold in Jil Sander boutiques and online. (All pictures: Jil Sander S/S ‘10) 2010-04-13T15:33:12+00:00 Tel’: “I Heart Naked Men Too, Honest!” http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/terry-richardson-model-harassment-claims-to-like-men/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/terry-richardson-model-harassment-claims-to-like-men/#When:16:15:38Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/terry-richardson11-crop.jpg" alt="Tel’: “I Heart Naked Men Too, Honest!”" />< Has lens-perv Terry Richardson just embarked on a voyage of full-on damage control? After all the accusations of sexual harassment from mostly unnamed (and a few brave named) models, stylists and other industry bods who’d witnessed or been party to his nefarious ways, Tel’ has utilized his interview in the latest issue of The Journal, to protest that, ‘look I LOVE shooting men too, honest! In fact, contact me, I wanna snap your nekkid asses!’ Thus reads his full comment: “I love shooting guys. Some of my favorite pictures over the years have been the things I’ve done with guys. In a commercial context too, there’s no hair or makeup with guys, which is great. I love shooting nudes of guys, but it’s harder to get guys to do full nudes, I don’t know why, but they don’t want to show their junk. I love doing guys. If there are any guys out there that want to get naked you can email: model@terryrichardson.com.” Whatevs. It does seem Richardson has entered furious backpedalling mode. Not only did he quickly withdraw shady naked lady model pictures from his Terry’s Diary blog now these statements just kinda smack of ‘me thinks he doth protest too much.’ When quizzed outright if he was a sex addict he is either in denial or clearly has no self-awareness/moral compass: “Yeah, like David Duchovny, just kidding ... No, I don’t identify myself that way. Sex is intense. Sex, food, drugs, shopping, alcohol, the gym, plastic surgery, collecting art, there are all of these things that people get a rush from or become obsessed with. Sex then was never an addiction but a kind of obsession, and it was fun. It was all during the day and there were people everywhere and the energy was incredible. To me, it was like a happening.” OK, so not addicted then, just ‘obsessed’... 2010-04-08T16:15:38+00:00 Thanks For The Memories (Of Playground Ridicule) http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dr-martens-50th-anniversary-birthday/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dr-martens-50th-anniversary-birthday/#When:04:23:53Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dm-50-anni-crop13.jpg" alt="Thanks For The Memories (Of Playground Ridicule)" />< Everyone has a ‘first ever pair of Dr Martens’ story. Most people’s -I imagine - embody that nihilistic, rebellious stage of their lives. Not mine. I remember getting my first pair aged 9 - orthopedic footwear resembling, yellow-stitchless, nerdy, flat motherfuckers that they were. I got the piss ripped for them. My protestations to my male bullies that, “Look, they’ve got air in the sole!” (tryna’ make like they were Nike Air Jordan’s or something) fell on deaf ears. There, that’s my anti-establishment childhood for you. Nostalgic memories aside, the footwear legends have just hit half a century. Woohoo! Happy birthday Dr Marten, you can now go on SAGA Holidays and free bus tokens ain’t far off. In honour of reaching the big FIVE-OH, the iconic kicks have teamed up with 10 hot bands who have covered an iconic tune. The videos can be viewed at http://50.drmartens.com/ Plus how else can you better celebrate 50 years of classic footwear than reissuing classic lines - namely the Doc Marten 1460 and 1461 in black and every skinhead’s fave, cherry red. It’s a brand that for many, shares some palpable moments of sentimentality within their past. Thanks, Dr Martens, it’s been emotional… 2010-04-08T04:23:53+00:00 Fashion Stake Out http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/fashion_stake_website_vivian_weng_designers/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/fashion_stake_website_vivian_weng_designers/#When:15:17:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/fashion-stake-screenshot-crop.jpg" alt="Fashion Stake Out" />< Wow, the fashion funding blueprint could be set for a shake-up thanks to a new public investment website, Fashion Stake. Vivian Weng, a Harvard Business School student came up with the natty concept because since, “fashion’s dirty little secret is that no one really has a lot of money - even people who are well-known and household names,” Fashion Stake will be a destination for fledgling labels to receive 50 dollar donations from members of the public. Here’s the 411: By buying a 50 dollar stake in a company, “supporters” will be given credits to put toward clothing purchases, as well as special offers like exclusive previews, showroom visits and fashion show invitations. Interestingly, case studies have indicated shoppers value having personal experiences with designers more than getting discounts, Weng said. Supporters will also vote for the styles they would like to see produced. OK fashion editors are already pooping their panties over the power of bloggers, when ever more power is handed to the great unwashed - this time via public donators’ ability to throw in their 2 cents (literally and metaphorically) are they gonna find themselves becoming (or at least feeling) even more obsolete? 2010-04-07T15:17:46+00:00 Karl Lagerfeld’s New Endorsement Pt. 589,386 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-coca-cola-coke-bottle-coco-rocha/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-coca-cola-coke-bottle-coco-rocha/#When:15:50:30Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lagerfeld-cocacola-bottle-crop.jpg" alt="Karl Lagerfeld’s New Endorsement Pt. 589,386" />< Ultimate famewhore, Lindsay Lohan, Karl Lagerfeld has only gone and scribbled his signature on a Diet Coke bottle (of course it’s Diet Coke you fools, he’s hardly gonna endorse full-fat Coke is he, are you insane?!) The bottle also features his lean, pony-tailed silhouette, in fact Karl kinda looks like he’s got something of a stoop goin’ on - yo Karl, maybe you should think about investing in one of these. The advert features the delicious Coco Rocha being served a glass by Baptiste Giacobini - perhaps Karl’s tryna’ hint something to her, in light of her recent apparent baffling ‘weight gain’(!) So folks, now you can store your bottle inside your Karl Lagerfeld safe, which also houses your Chanel snowboard. Actually, I can’t help notice how much the bottle presentation box resembles Kaiser Karl’s 250,000 Euro, Narcissus safe. When you’ve drunk your bottle stuff the box full of your valuables and save yourself a good few hundred thousand Euros A naked (sans presentation box) bottle will set you back 3.50 Euros from Colette. 2010-04-06T15:50:30+00:00 Would You Like Staples With That? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-girls-paper-eaters-long-live-the-photo-story-selfridges/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the-girls-paper-eaters-long-live-the-photo-story-selfridges/#When:18:21:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/PaperEaters1-crop.jpg" alt="Would You Like Staples With That?" />< From today, artist duo, The Girls are barricading themselves inside Selfridges for a month with the sole aim of churning out three issues of The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story! an instore photo-story magazine. Before your eyes swiftly avert to the date of this post, nope, this ain’t no April Fool. Selfridges Ultralounge space on the lower ground floor has now mutated into a micro-Fleet Street: The Paper Eaters editorial HQ. From here The Girls (Andrea Blood and Zoe Sinclair) will be beavering away amongst paper-inspired found and made objects, compiling their issues featuring photo-stories of staff and customers. All of which will be assembled in a totally old-school cut-and-paste fashion, artfully thumbing their noses at the proliferation of digital technology. As an utterly multi-layered arts experience, visitors can get in on the action via a drive-in style photo-story viewing booth, 1980’s makeovers, shaking their thang on a dance floor and tap-tapping away on manual typewriters. They’ll also have the chance to talk to the artists to ask them just what the hell this is all about, plus even get involved in editorial meetings. Art and fashion bods will be getting in on the project - the progress of which will be followable via a blog and podcasts. Viva la DIY revolution! The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story! is a collaboration with The Photographers’ Gallery and Selfridges 1st - 29th April, Ultralounge, lower ground floor, Selfridges Oxford Street, W1   2010-04-01T18:21:09+00:00 The Sketchbook Opens… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sketchbook-magazine-pop-up-shop-opening-party-newburgh-quarter-carnaby/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sketchbook-magazine-pop-up-shop-opening-party-newburgh-quarter-carnaby/#When:17:13:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0433.JPG" alt="The Sketchbook Opens…" />< Sketchbook magazine threw open the doors of their new pop-up shop in the Newburgh Quarter last night. As you can imagine the walls were decked with illustrations of notable fashionistas, films were projected in the tiny cellar and the enormous seven-tier cupcake tower was demolished within minutes. The pubescent band performing looked like they had to be up for school the next day (in fact I swear I saw one’s dad watching on, car engine running nearby). Sketchbook Magazine pop-up shop, 31st March - 21st April, 10 Newburgh Street, Carnaby, W1 2010-03-31T17:13:56+00:00 A Pop-Up Sketchbook http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sketchbook-magazine-pop-up-shop-newburgh-quarter-carnaby/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sketchbook-magazine-pop-up-shop-newburgh-quarter-carnaby/#When:19:51:51Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/SECOND_ISSUE-crop1.jpg" alt="A Pop-Up Sketchbook" />< All you doodle lovers, pencil-pushers and aspiring scribblers get your asses down to the The Newburgh Quarter tomorrow for the first day of Sketchbook magazine’s pop-up shop. Despite the ‘pop-up shop’ mantle, the delightful, illustration-centric tome is hosting something closer to a micro-fashion school: during the three week tenure they’re offering free educational workshops, lectures and discussions, which will be digitally streamed through an interactive live thread. Guest bloggers, artists, designers, illustrators and editors will rear their heads and offer advice. The Sketchbook Pop Up Shop Garden is going to contain a human sized Easter egg that visitors can get busy with their pens over and decorate. A competition will be running throughout, offering ya’ll the opportunity to submit illustrations for a future issue’s front cover. The lucky winner will be announced in the following month! For more information: http://www.sketchbookmagazine.com Sketchbook Magazine pop-up shop, 31st March - 21st April, 10 Newburgh Street, Carnaby, W1 2010-03-30T19:51:51+00:00 Is That Karma I Smell? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american-apparel-in-trouble-face-bankruptcy-plumetting-profits-dov-charney/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american-apparel-in-trouble-face-bankruptcy-plumetting-profits-dov-charney/#When:16:06:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dov-charney-american-apparel.jpg" alt="Is That Karma I Smell?" />< Dov Charney, the retail equivalent of Terry Richardson (read: paedo resembling, model-harassing, perv-meister) is gonna be quaking in his oversized 70’s spectacles as his American Apparel empire is reportedly in financial trouble. Yep, apparently everyone’s favourite basic separates company is playing peekaboo with bankruptcy. Investors, Lion Capital have been throwing them a lifeline but as a result Dov has had to cough up a giant equity stake to the private equity firm. Seemingly hemorrhaging funds, Lion have put the kibosh on AA’s spending - and Dov ain’t happy! To top it all off last week profits dropped 17%. Strange as I’d have nailed American Apparel as really rather flourishing right now, what with the amount of stores that have popped up in London over recent years. Hate to say it but maybe it’s karma for poor old Dov (ala Tel’s current witch hunt) - a dude who also thinks coercing his models into getting down-n-dirty with him is just A-OK - oh, and who also recently held an ass contest for his customers. Let’s file this one under ‘Long Overdue Comeuppances For Dirty Old Men’. 2010-03-30T16:06:22+00:00 Sneak Preview: Mulberry A/W ‘10 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Mulberry_autumn_winter_2010_collection_bags_accessories-rtw/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Mulberry_autumn_winter_2010_collection_bags_accessories-rtw/#When:00:24:41Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_04101.JPG" alt="Sneak Preview: Mulberry A/W ‘10" />< Sadly my naive hopes that the lovely Mulberry press team would psychically determine it was my birthday (and therefore throw me an Alexa satchel) were in total vain as I left their autumn/winter 2010/2011 press day empty handed… Nevertheless it was an utter treat to check out the forthcoming collection including updates on favourite lines and a few new bag families thrown in for good measure. All apparently inspired by a curious mish-mash of The Valley Of The Dolls, naughty English royalty, Hollywood theatricals and OTT animal prints, it perhaps comes as little surprise that the collection was playful, eclectic and hella’ irreverent. The classic Bayswater bag has a totally new remix in gold python and newcomer, the aforementioned Alexa has been reincarnated in multiple sizes. I loved the new Edna and Margaret (after, Princess, natch) lines, regally influenced and resplendent with charms, chains and the adorably kitsch bulldog and cupcake crest. Particularly yum (and fortunately, prolific throughout the collection) was the pink and purple Loopy Leopard print which has managed to splatter its way over R-T-W and accessories. (Main picture: The new Greta bag family) 2010-03-29T00:24:41+00:00 Finally! A True Meeting Of Minds! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lindsay_lohan_to_design_handbags_for_ed_hardy_/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lindsay_lohan_to_design_handbags_for_ed_hardy_/#When:16:26:15Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/crop-lindsay_lohan_chanel_karl_lagerfeld.jpg" alt="Finally! A True Meeting Of Minds!" />< So soon after her departure from Ungaro, Lindsay Lohan has bounced right into the bosom of perhaps the most appropriate label for her: why Ed Hardy of course! Synonymous with a trashy, sleazy, tacky aesthetic, Lind- I mean, Ed Hardy has welcomed the walking wrecking ball into their open arms requesting her to do a handbag line for them. A source (wise, to remain anonymous) bleats, “As of last week, there are three collections in development and numerous more are expected. Lindsay is very directly involved with the project, and she’s always pulling things online and from magazines for ideas.” Well, we all know how this one’s gonna end, it starts with a ‘P’ and ends in ‘45’. 2010-03-24T16:26:15+00:00 Bring On The Posthumous Awards Onslaught… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_awarded_cfda_posthumous_award/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_awarded_cfda_posthumous_award/#When:15:56:10Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MCQU_AW10_0133-crop.jpg" alt="Bring On The Posthumous Awards Onslaught…" />< Alexander McQueen is to be commended with a CFDA Board of Directors Special Tribute award in June. As good news as this is, I guess it was only a matter of time before awarding bodies started clamouring over each other to honour McQueen posthoumous awards. Does it reek of a bit of post-death congratulatory acknowledgment? Possibly so. The International Award goes to the marvellous Christopher Bailey, the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award is to be presented to Michael Kors and the Fashion Icon Award winner will go to Mrs Bowie, Iman. (All images: Alexander McQueen A/W ‘10/‘11) 2010-03-18T15:56:10+00:00 Karl Out? Alber In? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-largerfeld-replaced-by-alber-elbaz-at-chanel-lanvin/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-largerfeld-replaced-by-alber-elbaz-at-chanel-lanvin/#When:20:24:11Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/alber-elbaz-lanvin-crop.jpg" alt="Karl Out? Alber In?" />< The fashion rumour-mill is grinding itself into a frenzied overdrive right now as gossip reaches fever pitch over whether or not Lanvin god, and he-of-the-tongue-twister-name, Alber Elbaz is about to succeed Kaiser Karl Lagerfeld to the double C’d throne at Chanel. Last summer whispers of said replacement were swiftly hushed but over the weekend, blogger, Tommy Ton claimed he was sitting on news that would, “SHAKE the fashion world”. Now Aussie Grazia have poked their beaks in and professed: “We at grazia.com.au think we might know what this earth-shattering news might be - with rumours circulating that Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure at Chanel is coming to an end and none other than Alber Elbaz will be announced as his successor.” Quite frankly, the hot question is not whether or not the insanely talented Elbaz will be able to rise to the task in hand, but whether or not he will follow Karl’s serious shrinkage and get his tubby ass down to micro-one (and subsequently resort to wearing giant-collared shirts to tuck the post-weight loss multiple necks into). Not that he should, I love Alber’s jolly rotund stature, his cartoony dickie-bows and his ability to celebrate and dress the female form rather than making malevolent, twisted statements regarding the “over” size of certain female models. 2010-03-15T20:24:11+00:00 TRR’s Paris Fashion Week Party Diary http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_autumn_winter_2010_party_diary/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_autumn_winter_2010_party_diary/#When:04:42:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/paris-parties.jpg" alt="TRR’s Paris Fashion Week Party Diary" />< Such is the blurry-days-into-nights-into-days fog that descends over Paris Fashion Week, the only way I can recall post-trip what went on and where is via trawling pictures and identifying what outfits I wore and when. Anyway, here’s a hazy recollection of Parisian misadventures with my accomplice, designer, Johanna O’Hagan. Thursday began with a tres civilized and pleasant affair at the plush Mon Hotel for a Glam Media publishers’ love-in with Style Cartel, Mademoiselle Robot, Clothes Whisperer, Wonderland Charlottes VVeb. The frustrating egg-cup sized champagne portions did encourage much yo-yoing to the bar, mind. Whizzing to Le Meurice to catch my idol and namesake, Grace Jones playing at the Viktor and Rolf bash, the intense scrum outside and subsequent lack of entry inspired at first, anger, denial, fear, then reluctant acceptance. So on we roll a few doors up the rue du Rivoli to the VIP lounge for Barbara Bui - and what seemed like a case of de ja vu finding VV Brown performing - exactly like the last time I was there. What a heinous error of judgment it was to return to the VIP the following night for the Model’s Rock party. Crawling with slimy Eurotrashy creatures it was an anti-fashion party of epic proportions. Quitting that bitch faster than you can say, “fuck-am-I-in-Paris-or-St-Tropez?” it was onto Le Baron where it seemed all of NYC had descended into Paris for Sunday’s New York New York party, including hosts and good-time-guys, Steven Rojas and Tommy Saleh. Retarded moment of the week came when I turned to bon vivant and all-round dude, Tommy at the bar to exclaim, “Haha, look at that guy he looks like a really fat James Murphy” only for him to yell over, “Yo, James, you wanna drink?!” Needless to say, I forgot LCD Soundsystem were in town to provide the soundtrack to the YSL show… Arriving at the On|Off do at L’ARC stupidly late on Saturday (think we were operating four time zones behind) we missed the actual party but were able to catch Lee On|Off for a chat and a few vodkas before scooting off to Baron again. Here I bumped into fellow Londoners, Henry Holland, Robin Sketch and total asshole, gigolo and self-styled author, ‘Golden’ (who was rude to me ‘cos I refused to sleep with him years ago - pah!) and literally, bumped into Mark Ronson vacating la toilette whilst zipping up his flies. I think that mental image will be indelibly marked in my brain forever. Fashion Fatigue had well and truly set in come Sunday, which made the New York New York party at Le Regine virtually unbearable - to say the dry-bar inflamed the pain is an understatement. Wandering around like a zombie I spotted Busy P, Matthew Williamson, Mishapes, Hannah Marshall, the omnipresent Mr Holland, and actual zombie, James Goldstein. United with fellow sufferers, photographers Laurence Passera and Chris James, we knew old faithful Baron wouldn’t fail us. Busy P made a repeat-appearance, a hilarious Mark Eley Kishimoto bowled around in a very lubricated state, sporting a nasty gash on his forehead and a tired Amy PPQ snoozed off on a banquette. Olivier Zahm, his perma-aviators and Camille Bidault-Waddington managed to hold court till the very end. Drained yet determined, we bundled in a cab with Nathan Gossip (who’d been spinning at Baron) joining Jean Pierre Braganza at designer Tillman Lauterbach’s studio, who in honour of his British guests, charmingly served tea with vodka. At 8am. From thereafter it was no sleep till London… Clicky here for last season’s Paris mayhem Images courtesy of http://www.weknowwhatyoudidlastnight.com 2010-03-12T04:42:22+00:00 The Least Surprising News Of The Year… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lindsay_lohan_dropped_from_emanuel_ungaro_house/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lindsay_lohan_dropped_from_emanuel_ungaro_house/#When:19:14:39Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lindsay-lohan-ungaro1.jpg" alt="The Least Surprising News Of The Year…" />< Emanuel Ungaro has realised Lindsay Lohan’s sorry carcass ain’t doin’ them no favours as an ‘Artistic Advisor’ and has dropped the wayward wastrel from the house. Err, hello, is anyone really surprised? In fact I’m puzzled why since ex-CEO, Mounir Moufarriage (responsible for Lohan’s employment) left with his tail between his legs back in December, her P45 wasn’t posted out immediately too. Let’s hope her up-and-coming fashion empire, 6126, *titters* will fare better, eh? 2010-03-09T19:14:39+00:00 Paris Fashion Week Day Three: A F Vandevorst http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_a_f_vandevorst_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_a_f_vandevorst_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/#When:22:21:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/VAND_AW10_05911-crop.jpg" alt="Paris Fashion Week Day Three: A F Vandevorst" />< These bizarre facial accoutrements caught my eye yesterday at the A F Vandevorst autumn/winter ‘10/‘11 show. But what the hell actually are they? Chin stirrups? Jaw harnesses? I gotta admit this look is probably best filed under “Primitive 70’s Dental Brace Apparatus” and consigned to remain in that decade. 2010-03-05T22:21:33+00:00 Paris Fashion Week Day Three: Bernhard Willhelm http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_bernhard_willhelm_autumn_winter_2010_presentation_catwalk/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_bernhard_willhelm_autumn_winter_2010_presentation_catwalk/#When:20:26:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0345.JPG" alt="Paris Fashion Week Day Three: Bernhard Willhelm" />< One part art show, two parts fashion show, absolutely all freak show, Bernhard Willhelm’s autumn/winter ‘10/‘11 installation-cum-presentation featured nothing other than his usual aberrancy. Models fronted pick-up-stick mohicans, wielded baguette pugil sticks, plantpot dumbells and trickled mutlicoloured gel from teapots over towers of champagne flutes. Sexual voyeurs rubbernecked to get a glimpse of a duo rolling around dry-humping and 69ing with wanton abandon (trashing the set in the process). Once the girl removed her head from the guys crotch I realised it was my friend Marie - gotta love her balls - or rather, the guys whom she had her face in. Seriously, the clothes were secondary to the madness. But as usual, humour took a central role embodied by the repeated phallic motifs. Geisha themes and Japanese symbolism were prominent and I loved the stacked heel shoes in collaboration with Camper. Now I think I need a lie down 2010-03-05T20:26:02+00:00 Paris Fashion Week Day Two: Balmain http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_balmain_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show_runway/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_balmain_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show_runway/#When:23:12:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BALM_AW10_0006-crop.jpg" alt="Paris Fashion Week Day Two: Balmain" />< The first look from the Balmain autumn/winter ‘10/‘11 show screamed only one thing to me, and that set the entire agenda for the collection: Marc Bolan. The big shaggy purple coat, dandyish blouson and tight leather pants spoke pure 70’s glam-rock and what followed read as something of an homage the the sleazy, louche and decadent era. Paisley brocade suiting, tight, tight leopard print, and oodles of gold lame and leather. The boulder shoulders popped up a couple of times, however the silhouette Decarnin is sticking to the most is his ultra-short yet long-sleeved micro-dress. Nothing revolutionary here, but as the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 2010-03-04T23:12:56+00:00 Paris Fashion Week Day Two: Manish Arora http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_manish_arora_autumn_winter_2010_fashion_show_runway/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_fashion_week_manish_arora_autumn_winter_2010_fashion_show_runway/#When:20:18:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0298-crop.JPG" alt="Paris Fashion Week Day Two: Manish Arora" />< Manish Arora’s autumn/winter ‘10/‘11 show a few hours ago was his usual glorious technicolour visual assault on the eyeballs. Sequins, brocades and beadwork all in eye-popping hues looked distinctly futuristic offset with acid coloured, angular cut bob wigs. A bizarre finale featured what appeared to be headphones with rotating fibre-optic tendrils (kinda like those 80’s Christmas trees, remember?) 2010-03-04T20:18:26+00:00 Anyone Wanna Buy A Hilfiger? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tommy_hilfiger_label_for_sale/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tommy_hilfiger_label_for_sale/#When:17:02:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hilfiger.jpg" alt="Anyone Wanna Buy A Hilfiger?" />< US label Tommy Hilfiger may be going up for sale. Apax Partners the private equity company that owns it are testing the waters to see what other company’s are sniffin’ around. Currently first in the race are Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, who also own Calvin Klein. Like, does anyone even give a shit about Hilfiger anymore? The label’s certainly off my radar. After it’s peak the early 90’s following Hilfiger’s reluctant embracing of rappers appropriating his gaudy-garb, (and despite developing a more Ralph Lauren, preppy aesthetic) it remains pretty much lumbered with the naff 90’s connotations. (All images: Tommy Hilfiger A/W ‘10/‘11) 2010-03-02T17:02:35+00:00 Lock And Karl http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-dottling-safe-chanel/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl-lagerfeld-dottling-safe-chanel/#When:20:53:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/karl-lagerfeld-safe-crop-copy2.jpg" alt="Lock And Karl" />< Where can stupid, narcissistic rich fuckwits now lock-up their valuables? Why in the new ‘Karl Lagerfeld’ safe of course! Don’t worry, you are reading this correctly, Unkle K has bizarrely teamed up with German safe-makers, Dottling to produce 30 limited edition safes - the most expensive in the world, you understand. Appropriately called, Narcissus (what else) these glorified lockers retail for an eye-watering 250,000 Euros and stand at just under 6 foot tall (so it could probably house Karl himself quite comfortably). Jesus, nothing surprises us anymore with Lagerfeld; the shameless sellout slut that he is. It was only last month TRR revealed his perplexing Chanel dinghy - one really does wonder if there’s nothing he’d pimp out were the price not right… 2010-03-01T20:53:02+00:00 Did It Even Take This Long? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/agyness_deyn_barneys_japan_collection/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/agyness_deyn_barneys_japan_collection/#When:18:07:16Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/agyness-dress-barneys-crop.jpg" alt="Did It Even Take This Long?" />< Rockstar botherer, Agyness Deyn has only gone and popped out an 11 item collection for Barneys Japan. I’m actually surprised it’s take this long for a retailer to tap Deyn’s pretty fly style and haul her ass in to the, err, ‘drawing board’ to co-produce a range for them. Here’s the philanthropic bit, people: proceeds of Deyn’s line will go towards Barneys’ environmental project, Go Green Go, helping planting trees in Inner Mongolia. Altruism don’t come cheap, mind, as prices start at 142 quid up to 206. Quite honestly that lavender cowl neck dress is seriously vom-inducing and aside from not looking unlike something your great aunt wore to a wedding circa 1997, unless you share the same vital stats as Agy, anyone who wears it is gonna resemble the lumpy, frumpy bridesmaid. Agyness Deyn for Barneys will be available at Barneys Kobe, Japan from Friday. 2010-03-01T18:07:16+00:00 Recession Kicks Fashion’s Ass Pt. 895,394 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Mariella-Burani-Fashion-Group-liquidated/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Mariella-Burani-Fashion-Group-liquidated/#When:16:27:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/VALI_SS10_0010-crop-.jpg" alt="Recession Kicks Fashion’s Ass Pt. 895,394" />< Mariella Burani Fashion Group, the company responsible for production and distribution of Giambattista Valli, La Perla and Vivienne Westwood has been whizzed up in a blender and liquidated. It remains as yet unknown how this latest recession casualty will affect the aforementioned brands. Uh-oh. What’s that I spot..? Is it another Luella on the horizon…? Please, God no… Imagine all of Westwood’s production halted. Wow. Big gap on the fashion landscape. (Main picture: Giambattista Valli S/S’10) 2010-03-01T16:27:56+00:00 Hollywood Does PFW http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Zoolander_sequel_paris_fashion_week_bruno/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Zoolander_sequel_paris_fashion_week_bruno/#When:16:07:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/zoolander_school_-crop.jpg" alt="Hollywood Does PFW" />< Woohoo, exciting news of the day is that not only is there a sequel to hilarious fashion piss-take, Zoolander in the works but writer and director, Justin Theroux is gonna be hitting Paris Fashion Week next week to, “immerse himself on what is current in fashion.” TRR loves it when Hollywood says ‘coo-eee’ to the fashion world. In 2008 I had multiple encounters with Bruno at PFW - the most surreal of which was queuing alongside him to get into the Givenchy party at Le Regines. Obviously not in possession of an invitation, when quizzed by the bouncers he declared; “dahlink my cock is my invitation”, heckled guests leaving the party, insulted my friend’s outfit (who hadn’t twigged it was him) and continually tried to hop over the velvet rope. Needless to say he didn’t get in and we all ended up on the cutting room floor. Here’s hopin’ this season’s trip could provide some, ahem, inspiration… 2010-02-26T16:07:35+00:00 Farewell To An Icon http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lee_alexander_mcqueen_funeral_service_ceremony_knightsbridge/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lee_alexander_mcqueen_funeral_service_ceremony_knightsbridge/#When:21:30:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mcqueen_funeral-crop.jpg" alt="Farewell To An Icon" />< The funeral of Lee Alexander McQueen took place earlier today at Saint Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge. It was a small, intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Sam Taylor-Wood, Stella McCartney and Daphne Guinness who wore a marvellous, billowing black cloak McQueen would no doubt be proud of. A larger, open memorial service is expected to go ahead although nothing is confirmed yet. His final autumn/winter 2010/2011 collection will be shown on 9th March during Paris Fashion Week. R.I.P. Lee 2010-02-25T21:30:01+00:00 For Furcks Sake! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/twiggy_criticizes_designers_fur_collections_london_fashion_week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/twiggy_criticizes_designers_fur_collections_london_fashion_week/#When:18:31:34Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/LYNN_AW10_0103-crop.jpg" alt="For Furcks Sake!" />< TRR’s micro-heart bled a little after we spotted a disturbing abundance of fur at the shows in New York. Now London’s over and we all take stock of the collections, again our fluffy little animal friends popped up in far, far too many shows. Todd Lynn, Matthew Williamson, Peter Pilotto and Burberry: hang your heads in shame. Of this rather shameful and shameless appropriation, OAP supermodel and M+S poster-gran, Twiggy, has just stuck her oar in branding designers who use fur as “intolerably cruel.” Twigs’ is also a spokes-ho’ for PETA and features in their new campaign, so if she didn’t kick up a stink it’d be kinda, well, hypocritical really. She continues to slam; “these poor animals are kept in such terrible and inhumane conditions. Is it really worth this cruelty just for fashion’s sake? I don’t think so.” The proliferation of fur in the autumn/winter 2010/2011 collections is downright scary (here’s precisely where I stand on the fur debate) but what is the most alarming is how little the industry’s eyebrows have raised. In fact, not one eyelid seems to have batted. It seems utterly accepted - moreover - very fur-centric collections have been praised for fucks sake. As World Fashion Month has moved to Milan, I’m anticipating shows to be the most frighteningly fur-a-go-go since all the big luxe daddies and vulgarity-worshippers (Fendi, Versace, Cavalli et al) show here. If the autumn/winter 2010/2011 collections don’t provoke a humanitarian call-to-arms then, I fear, the industry is doomed from rinsing the blood from its hands. Oh, and by call-to-arms I don’t mean the calamitous, exasperating red-paint-throwing brigade. (Main picture: Todd Lynn A/W ‘10/‘11) 2010-02-25T18:31:34+00:00 Curiouser And Curiouser http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alice_in_wonderland_alice_temperley_party_selfridges/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alice_in_wonderland_alice_temperley_party_selfridges/#When:17:03:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0228.JPG" alt="Curiouser And Curiouser" />< Down the rabbit hole I went at last night’s spectacular Alice In Wonderland themed party for the launch of Alice Temperley’s new diffusion line, Alice By Temperley at Selfridges. Quite literally in fact since the entrance was a circular hole one had to trickily negotiate themselves through - like, clever idea with everyones heels, not. Once through the narrow corridor, inside everywhere you looked was eye-boggling monochrome chequers and stripes (think: Bungalow 8 on an acid trip) with clock ice sculptures sat either side of the bar and a magician on hand playing card tricks - nope, that wasn’t some illicit Black Jack speakeasy-style gambling going down in the picture. We guzzled micro-Pommery bottles resplendant with ‘Drink Me’ labels, strange steamy broth from cups and saucers and smoked salmon canapes served by mime artist Mad Hatter inspired staff. New Young Pony Club played a killer set which got even Jasmine Guinness and Jade Parfitt on their feet. For more information go to http://www.alicebytemperley.com 2010-02-24T17:03:49+00:00 London Fashion Week Day Five: William Tempest http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_dayfive_william_tempest_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_dayfive_william_tempest_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/#When:16:40:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0222.JPG" alt="London Fashion Week Day Five: William Tempest" />< Hot off the press! Images from last night’s William Tempest autumn/winter 2010/2011 catwalk show (TRR game: play ‘Spot The Haggard Supermodel In The Background’) 2010-02-24T16:40:20+00:00 On|Off Highlights http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/on_off_tv_exhibition_london_fashion_week_highlights/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/on_off_tv_exhibition_london_fashion_week_highlights/#When:19:55:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0158.JPG" alt="On|Off Highlights" />< Once greeted by a rather forlorn looking deer that kinda looked like it’d taken a wrong turn and somehow ended up on an astral plane far away, I took a look round the On|Off exhibition stands and snapped some of my highlights. I will be doing individual designer focuses soon, but for now, wrap your eyeballs round these rather fantastic finds that caught my eye… Bryce Aime’s beautiful, architectural dresses and bodysuits Prose Studio’s playfully voluminous coats and prints Richard Sorger’s recurring bumblebee motif (even printed on the show invitation!) Simon Ekrelius’ digitally printed and highly sculpted silk creations 2010-02-23T19:55:29+00:00 London Fashion Week Day Four: Pam Hogg http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_four_pam_hogg_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_four_pam_hogg_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/#When:17:14:06Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/IMG_0195.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week Day Four: Pam Hogg" />< Hot off the press! Images from last night’s Pam Hogg autumn/winter 2010/2011 catwalk show (AKA: the net ‘fro show as my friend dubbed it). 2010-02-23T17:14:06+00:00 London Fashion Week Day Two: Mark Fast http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_two_mark_fast_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_two_mark_fast_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/#When:20:16:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/FAST_AW10_0180-crop.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week Day Two: Mark Fast" />< Mark Fast rolled out the big gal’s again for his autumn/winter ‘10/‘11 catwalk show. Their inclusion last season earned him more press attention than any up-and-coming designer can dream of, but just to show they weren’t, like, a total publicity stunt or nuffink (for this, he would be damned were the larger models not present again) out they trotted in his clingy clothes once more. Fast’s lietmotif cobwebby dresses remain his strength - so intricate and graphic the shapes he creates. However I got the impression he is trying to get the hell out of this comfort zone with the inclusion of some flowing, draped toga-style gowns. Some worked better than others, especially a beautifully constructed gold Grecian number. A mostly organic pallete of mushrooms, ecrus, caramels and soft greys was broken up with injections of rusty oranges, reds and berry hues. Whilst I am all for the bigger ‘real’ models, and yes, they did look good in his ultra body-con designs - especially the stunning Crystal Renn - what I couldn’t take my eyes off were the bloody muffin-tops created by the tights underneath. Surely having them walk, sans tights woulda been better, non? 2010-02-21T20:16:02+00:00 London Fashion Week Day Two: PPQ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_two_ppq_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show_runway/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_two_ppq_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show_runway/#When:18:28:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/PPQ_AW10_0011-crop.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week Day Two: PPQ" />< Oh PPQ, how I love thee, let me count the ways… Whilst Percy and Amy are never gonna reinvent the wheel (nor purport to) and now Lulla is no more, we need their edgy-yet-wearable-yet-street label more than ever. And what’s not to love even more when their autumn/winter ‘10/‘11 collection is based around the two colours that probably occupy 90% of my wardrobe: black and gold! The opening black velvet peplum dress resplendent with gold military tassles and frogging set the ‘regal-yet-edgy’ tone. I spied a marvellous tiered cape, an interesting dip into monogram territory with gold P’s and Q’s splattered all over a giant knitted cardigan and plenty of shades of Krystle Carrington with a shamelessly 80’s gown with metallic bustier and fishtail plus a potentially suffocating enormo-fur collared coat. Trouble is, whilst there were some great moments, there were too many ‘meh’ black keyhole-neckline dresses which slipped through, seemingly appearing like ‘filler’ and stopping the collection being as tight as it could have been. Still love you though. 2010-02-21T18:28:23+00:00 London Fashion Week Day One: Ashley Isham http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_one_ashley_isham_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_one_ashley_isham_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/#When:18:21:41Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ashley-isham-show-aw10.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week Day One: Ashley Isham" />< Hot off the press! Pictures from yesterday’s Ashley Isham autumn/winter 2010/2011 catwalk show 2010-02-20T18:21:41+00:00 London Fashion Week Day One: David Koma http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_one_david_koma_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_day_one_david_koma_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/#When:18:07:03Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/david-koma-aw10.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week Day One: David Koma" />< Hot off the press! Pictures from yesterday’s David Koma autumn/winter 2010/2011 catwalk show 2010-02-20T18:07:03+00:00 London Fashion Week Day One: Charlie le Mindu http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_charlie_le_mindu_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_charlie_le_mindu_autumn_winter_2010_catwalk_show/#When:17:34:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/charlie-le-mindu-aw10.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week Day One: Charlie le Mindu" />< Hot off the press! Pictures from yesterday’s Charlie le Mindu autumn/winter 2010/2011 catwalk show 2010-02-20T17:34:44+00:00 Alexander McQueen Label Will Continue http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_label_will_continue_confirm_PPR/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_label_will_continue_confirm_PPR/#When:17:19:25Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mcqueen-floral-tribute.jpg" alt="Alexander McQueen Label Will Continue" />< Alexander McQueen, the label, will continue confirms PPR chairman and chief executive, Francois Henri-Pinault, this morning. Before the conference Pinault hearalded him as a “pure genius” and a “poet” and continued by making this poignant statement: “You understand, the Alexander McQueen trademark will live on. Fashion has lost one of its extraordinary people. He was one of the falling stars that comes across our generation [and] he is a person we will miss enormously.” As yet, nobody’s come out and said whether or not his autumn/winter 2010 womenswear collection will be shown in Paris next month. I must admit I’m quite surprised at this outcome. With all the mutterings of debts and being a brand in its infancy I kinda expected PPR and The Gucci Group to close it down. The next question on everyone’s lips will no doubt be, ‘who will be installed as creative director?’ It’s too early to even begin guessing but it’ll be intriguing to see whether another known designer or one of McQueens senior design staff will succeed his role. 2010-02-18T17:19:25+00:00 NYFW: Rodarte http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nyfw_rodarte_autumn_winter_2010_runway_review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nyfw_rodarte_autumn_winter_2010_runway_review/#When:19:05:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/RODA_AW10_0027-crp.jpg" alt="NYFW: Rodarte" />< The Mulleavy sisters ransacked their Mexican roots for their Rodarte autumn/winter ‘10 collection and it shows. Whilst avoiding the out-and-out Mexican cliches that Jean Paul Gaultier embraced in his recent couture show, the references crept in with print, multiple textures and by the very nature of their crafty, rustic sensibilities. In terms of the Rodate anatomy, it was business as usual with their typical bucolic structures composed by swathing, draping, gathering of discordant fabrics. This time, delicate floral print chiffons, lace, chunky woven wools and somewhat strangely, tartan. The signature cobwebby stringy loose-knits swung in tiers from skirts and across chests in gauzy-tops and everything was anchored by a pallet maroons, taupes, burgundy’s and creams I adore Rodarte for the very fact it’s its own label - the Mulleavey’s never kowtow to trends or commercialism, they simply inhabit in their own homespun hemisphere where everything appears handstitched with the kind of love reserved for couture. But there was something about this collection which jarred slightly. Despite the beautiful closing dresses - as ethereal as they appeared gothic in all their raggedy glory, the separates - particularly jackets - felt rather weak. 2010-02-17T19:05:02+00:00 The Brit Awards 2010 Outfits http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_brit_awards_2010_red_carpet_outfits_gallery/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_brit_awards_2010_red_carpet_outfits_gallery/#When:17:15:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lady_gaga_brits-crop.jpg" alt="The Brit Awards 2010 Outfits" />< After last night’s piss-poor, farce of a Brit Awards ceremony I can’t be arsed to dissect every outfit but here’s a gallery of what everyone rolled up on the red carpet in.  Lady Gaga’s multiple costume changes were nothing short of spectacular and despite rocking up looking suspiciously like one of those doll bog-roll covers yer nan has then seemingly changing into Elton John’s discarded pompadour outfit from his 50th birthday, she really owned the night. Lily Allen arrived in a bizarre wet-look Chanel gown only to change into a micro black dress and custard weave later on. Courtney Love looked surprisingly well assembled, Alicia Keys, stunning in Balmain, not quite sure about Leona Lewis’ William Tempest dress though. Adored Florence (sans Machine) in her rhinestone corset and thank God she did eventually get an award. Natasha Khan looked her usual wonderfully eccentric self and La Roux didn’t stray from her usual androgynous aesthetic. 2010-02-17T17:15:43+00:00 London Fashion Week Digital Schedule Is LIVE http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_digital_schedule_is_live/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_digital_schedule_is_live/#When:22:36:59Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/london-fashion-week-digital-schedule.jpg" alt="London Fashion Week Digital Schedule Is LIVE" />< Book your front row seat now by going to http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/digitalschedule ! The British Fashion Council have just released the full details of London Fashion Week’s first ever Digital Schedule, announcing live streaming show times along with when fashion films will be screened. (Finger’s crossed their server holds up…!) 2010-02-16T22:36:59+00:00 NYFW: Halston http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nyfw_halston-marios-schwab-autumn-winter-2010-runway-review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nyfw_halston-marios-schwab-autumn-winter-2010-runway-review/#When:22:06:10Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/HALS_AW10_0029crop.jpg" alt="NYFW: Halston" />< A little while ago TRR let slip Sarah Jessica Parker was gonna be getting busy at the Halston drawing board, and while she was very much present at the Halston show, it was indeed Marios Schwab’s moment as he previewed his first collection as creative director for the iconic 70’s brand. Most designers faced with the chore of reinvigorating a sleeping giant tend to plunder the archives and ‘make it relevant.’ Yadayadayada. Boring. What Schwab has boldly done is not pay lip service to that assumed norm and entirely done his own thing - even throwing his own aesthetic very much centre stage. Bold, sculpted forms prevailed, particularly a cocoon-like silhouette. There was a sense of fluidity with all the draping and the overriding feeling was one of modernity - not dissimilar to Christopher Kane’s revamping of Versus Embellishment was key, with silver studwork creating geometric patterns, as was chucking a plethora of fabrics into the mix; leather, fur, marl wool, satin, metallics and mohair knitwear. That olde 70’s long, draped, floor-sweeping jersey of yore still said a little ‘coo-eee’ in the form of a sweeping lemon satin number. 2010-02-16T22:06:10+00:00 NYFW: The Story Thus Far… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nyfw_marc_jacobs_autumn_winter_2010_runway_review/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nyfw_marc_jacobs_autumn_winter_2010_runway_review/#When:21:16:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/JACO_AW10_1246-crop.jpg" alt="NYFW: The Story Thus Far…" />< Well New York Fashion Week autumn/winter 2010 is teetering on the halfway mark so it’s time I got my butt in gear and actually compiled my runway reviews rather than fretting over which of my invites have or haven’t turned up for London Fashion Week. First up, yesterday’s Marc Jacobs unorthodox cardboard box-esque presentation. In a Lexington Avenue Armory which had been decorated to resemble the inside of said receptacle, Jacobs and business partner, Robert Duffy took to the stage and like they’d had the collection Fed-Ex’d from yonder, unwrapped 56 models from a giant brown packing-paper parcel. The girls eventually took to the runway and fronted a definite volte-face from recent seasons. Lacking his usual whimsy, everything felt recognizably grown-up; hemlines all fell to just below the knee; swinging culottes, prim tweed skirts and three-quarter length double breasted coats. The pallete only strayed from a spectrum of greys (gunmetal, pewter, charcoal) to let a few ochres, nudes and daffodil yellows slip in. His signature mish-mashed preppy sensibilities were present in the form of clashing Fair-Isle knits, anglais trims and those ubiquitous cartoony chunky buttons. Pussy-bowed blouses - particularly a trompe l’oeil bow dress looked charmingly elegant and metallic gowns dazzled. Unmistakable though, was the abundance of fur trims; curly Persian lamb, shaggy cuffs and collars were everywhere. TRR has to ask; what’s going on, people?? Fur is creeping suspiciously back on the radar without any of the fashion pack batting an eyelid. 2010-02-16T21:16:43+00:00 Madge Gets Into Bed With Macys http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/madonna_fashion_line_range_apparel_macys/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/madonna_fashion_line_range_apparel_macys/#When:18:57:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/madonna-dg.jpg" alt="Madge Gets Into Bed With Macys" />< Madonna is in talks over popping out a contemporary women’s clothing collection to be sold exclusively at Macy’s. The sprawling range will include apparel, accessories, intimates and footwear. Names up for serious consideration apparently include the insanely original, ‘Material Girl’ for the main line and ‘Truth or Dare’ for the lingerie. Not announced yet, curiously, is precisely what market the line will be aimed at. TRR wonders if it’ll remain true to Madonna and be an entirely mutton-dressed-as-lamb collection for 50+ aspiring 20-somethings or, conversely, geared toward all the yoof wot really wanna ape the style of their desperate grandmother clinging by her sinewy fingertips to her last vestiges of credibility. Either way I hope it’s aeons better than her disastrous, ill-fated H&M collection - what can only be described as tracksuits for the style-phobic. Perhaps she should stick to posing as a beleaguered Italio houswife for Dolce and Gabbana; I really rather like her in that role. 2010-02-16T18:57:56+00:00 Follow TRR on Twitter For Live LFW Updates http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/follow_trr_on_twitter_for_live_lfw_london_fashion_week_streaming_updates/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/follow_trr_on_twitter_for_live_lfw_london_fashion_week_streaming_updates/#When:20:32:51Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/TRR-TWITTER.jpg" alt="Follow TRR on Twitter For Live LFW Updates" />< Yep, TRR will be Tweeting and blogging live from London Fashion Week starting this Friday. Wanna know what collections sucked? Who was seen wearing what right as it all happens? Then follow @TheRealRunway and staple your eyes to the the site for streaming updates! 2010-02-15T20:32:51+00:00 Tavi, There’s A NEWER Girl In Town http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tavi_child_blogger_katie_new_york_fashion_week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tavi_child_blogger_katie_new_york_fashion_week/#When:17:24:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/katie_fashion_blogger.jpg" alt="Tavi, There’s A NEWER Girl In Town" />< All those galled at a 13 year old occupying front row seats that should be theirs should run and hide because there’s an even younger girl on the scene at New York Fashion Week. Toddler blogger, Katie is Racked National’s newest shameless marketing exercise recruit and at an ickle-wickle 5 years old, makes Tavi look like she should be collecting her fashion pension. With a self confessed extensive fashion vocabulary of three words - yes three words (“For me, it’s really all about Love, Hate, or Like”) and probably the ability to interview designers with such probing questions as, “wot colourez do u like?” I’ve no doubt Sarah Mower is now sleeping with one eye open. OK Tavi, I can take, but seriously, WTF is next?? Foetal bloggings from beyond the womb? This whole young blogger phenomenon is becoming a parody of itself. Can we bail out now please before things get scarier than they’re quickly becoming? 2010-02-15T17:24:00+00:00 Louis Vuitton Vs. eBizzle http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis_vuitton_sue_win_case_lawsuit_against_ebay/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis_vuitton_sue_win_case_lawsuit_against_ebay/#When:16:31:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lv_sues_ebay.jpg" alt="Louis Vuitton Vs. eBizzle" />< Louis Vuitton have successfully kicked eBay’s ass by winning a lawsuit over the auction site selling counterfeit Christian Dior, Kenzo, Givenchy and Guerlain perfume products. This is the second case Vuitton have sued eBay and won, this time receiving an award of 80,000 Euros. LV’s global intellectual property director, Nathalie Moulle-Berteaux smugly declared, “Louis Vuitton welcomes this decision which confirms established case law that aims to protect the consumer from the illicit use of company trademarks.” However, Yohan Ruso, director general of eBay in France ain’t too happy; “This issue is being used by certain rights owners as an excuse to retain total control of what people can buy, where they can buy it from and how much they have to pay.” Hmm this is a tricky one, sure all counterfeiting is, like, totally illegal and stuff but I can kinda see eBay’s point here. It does smack of of a megalomaniac-like need to exercise complete dominance over the market. (FYI: TRR’s first ever Louis Vuitton bag was an Alma purchased on eBay. The fact it wasn’t cheap meant of course it wasn’t gonna be a fake - oh bless my naive, teenage soul - on closer inspection of the rivets I noticed it was actually made by ‘Lois Vuitton.’) 2010-02-15T16:31:00+00:00 McQueen Press Office: Retun Samples Pronto http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_press_office_retun_samples/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_press_office_retun_samples/#When:16:45:42Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MCQU_SS10_03802-crop.jpg" alt="McQueen Press Office: Retun Samples Pronto" />< The director of communications at Alexander McQueen has requested all samples on loan to press be returned urgently. She also confirmed that no more samples will be sent out for editorial shoots adding, “it is our responsibility to keep Lee’s legacy safe and protected.” With mutterings of the label facing full-closure, this news does nothing to abate the rumours and still leaves us wondering what its future will hold. (Main picture: Alexander McQueen S/S ‘10) 2010-02-13T16:45:42+00:00 Toby Young: The Jan Moir Of The Telegraph http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/toby_young_alexander_mcqueen/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/toby_young_alexander_mcqueen/#When:21:30:42Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/tobyyoung_alexander_mcqueen-crop.jpg" alt="Toby Young: The Jan Moir Of The Telegraph" />< As I’ve just Tweeted, C*nt Of The Day Award goes to Toby Young for his ill-informed, lazy, ignorant and downright moronic comments about Alexander McQueen. The lowdown is thus: He once attended a shoot with McQueen. Toby didn’t like him though. Toby’s huge ego couldn’t handle someone else’s status being higher than his. All of which has entitled the venomous prick to call open-season not only onto a man whose corpse is barely cold, but the fashion industry as a whole. Yes his ignorance has bred the kind of hostility and bile that Jan Moir reserves for homosexuals and young attractive women. Get this: according to Young, “One person puts together a collection in which the models appear in dustbin liners, another in which they’re sporting sackcloth, and who’s to say which collection embodies the ‘Zeitgeist’?” Riiiiight. OK, CASE IN POINT of how utterly ignorant this bald scrotum is - of course, fashion designers waste years crafting their skills, honing their aesthetic, only to throw on ‘binliners’ and ‘sackcloth’ and parade it around as a collection. Does Young really have that little self-awareness that making thoroughly misguided comments like this fundamentally undermines his whole argument?? He farts on: “I’m always skeptical when the word ‘genius’ is bandied about by the fashionista - more or less everything is ‘genius’ in their world.” Oh that old chesnut! Hoho, nice to see you again: Fashion designers can never be called a genius! Because it’s fashion, people - got that? Fashion. Frivolous, skill-less, shallow, meaningless thus rendering any extreme talent, challenging-ideals, or high-artistry within its spheres redundant ‘cos, like, it’s only about clothes and stuff. Nothing worthy, like, science or, I dunno, fucking astronomy. Young’s hulking great chip on his shoulder causes him to spout on and on about how because, in his personal encounter with McQueen (like that validates his argument or something) he found him to be “sulky” or “prima donna-y” we only therefore must be venerating him because of some enigmatic charisma. Utter bullshit. How many people in the world have ever met him? On what basis is a persons ability to appreciate high-concept, beautifully realised art (for that’s what a McQueen show was) governed by the creators - unknown - personality? And of course, McQueen couldn’t have just been plain shy - no, it had to be “passive aggression”. Opinions on everything should be encouraged - but only informed, educated ones with an inherent understanding of the subject in hand. Young’s vitriolic diatribe stems from a personal vendetta and philistinism pure and simple. Fuck you, Young. 2010-02-12T21:30:42+00:00 McQueen Sales Soar Posthoumously http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mcqueen_sales_soar_posthoumously/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mcqueen_sales_soar_posthoumously/#When:16:30:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MCQU_SS10_02141-crop.jpg" alt="McQueen Sales Soar Posthoumously" />< Drapers are reporting that sales of his key pieces and his spring/summer 2010 collection skyrocketed following the hours of his death. UPDATE: Liberty are reporting a staggering 1400% increase in sales - particularly his trademark skull print scarf*. Kate Brindley, Liberty’s head of press, told The Guardian, “People want a memento, and these scarves are such an easily identifiable one. Customers were buying them and putting them on immediately.” Not sure if this a case of greedy vultures picking over a still-warm corpse or those wanting to pay respect and honour him the only way they know how. Either way, the news is just still unfathomable. * TRR once owned a much loved McQueen skull scarf until it was stolen by Pete Doherty. But that’s another story entirely. (Main picture: Alexander McQueen S/S ‘10) 2010-02-12T16:30:09+00:00 BREAKING NEWS: Alexander McQueen Found Dead http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_found_dead_suicide/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_found_dead_suicide/#When:21:17:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/AlexanderMc-crop.jpg" alt="BREAKING NEWS: Alexander McQueen Found Dead" />< Alexander McQueen has sadly committed suicide at the age of 40. I am lost for words. This is utterly tragic and to say it was unexpected is an understatement. There are few details at this time. A peerless maverick whose non-conformist irreverence and shook the fashion industry to its core, and whose spirit and talents will be missed. What a devastating and horridly poignant start to World Fashion Month. UPDATE: London Evening Standard confirms McQueen was found hanging at his Westminster home. It is reportedly the eve of his mothers funeral. UPDATE #2: It is being reported that McQueen was found hanging in his wardrobe and that a note was indeed left. Whilst I am reluctant to post more details about the tragic scenario, it is perhaps heartening to know a note was left and that his loved ones may gain some understanding of his inner turmoil. McQueen is Dead. Long live McQueen. 2010-02-11T21:17:26+00:00 But Where’s The Dog On A Rope…? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis_vuitton_new_age_traveller_bag/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis_vuitton_new_age_traveller_bag/#When:18:18:40Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Louis_Vuitton_new_age_Traveler_Backpack.jpg" alt="But Where’s The Dog On A Rope…?" />< Right, apologies for double merchandise posts (hate to bang on about product) but I couldn’t hold back from introducing Part 2 of ‘Louis Vuitton’s Oh-So Ironic Bags’. Earlier this week I presented Vuitton’s Raindrop Besace binbag and now let’s take a look at their luxe parody of every crusty soap-dodgers favourite recepticle, the New Age Traveller Backpack. Whilst it looks suspiciously like it’s vomiting telephone cables and tassles, I noted that not only are the traditional rainbow colours strangely absent but also a micro weed-stash pocket and tag to attach a flea-ridden mongrel on a rope. Oh and don’t expect to be able to snap this up in some patchouli-fumed festival tent for a fiver. It costs 26 GRAND. That’s a whole caravan commune surely? 2010-02-11T18:18:40+00:00 High Top Hell http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jimmy_choo_high_tops_dunks_sneakers_trainers/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jimmy_choo_high_tops_dunks_sneakers_trainers/#When:16:03:05Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jimmy_choo_high_top_sneakers_trainers.jpg" alt="High Top Hell" />< Jimmy Choo are a bit late on the old high-tops bandwagon, but nevertheless out pop the images of their new 400 quid high-top sneakers that’ll hit stores in May. Lanvin have been doing them for ages now and personally TRR prefers their discreetly luxe flannel and patent leather ones than these, frankly, gaudy snakeskin dunks. As for the putrid brown/taupe colourways, like, WTF?? Anyway, fuck all of these overpriced designers cynical attempts to gain a bit of street cred - you can’t beat a pair of Nike hi-top dunks circa 1990. 2010-02-11T16:03:05+00:00 YSL Countdown In 5… 4… 3… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ysl_yves_saint_laurent_manifesto_spring_2010/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ysl_yves_saint_laurent_manifesto_spring_2010/#When:18:38:03Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ysl_manifesto_tote_bag.jpg" alt="YSL Countdown In 5… 4… 3…" />< The sixth Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto is nearly upon us! The inspired freebie, spreading the YSL agenda (that’s the new Inez and Vinoodh shot spring/summer 2010 campaign starring Natalia Vodianova) will be doled out to 2000 lucky commuters/frantic YSL fans/nonplussed passers by/savvy eBayers on the streets of New York on February 16th. The manifesto goes global on 20th with further drops in Paris, London, Milan, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and, for the first time, Berlin. Those lucky enough to snare the blurry pixellated strawberry print tote with Stefano Pilati’s upturned ‘YSL’ will no doubt be the envy of LFW attendees who will just have to make do with lugging their crap around in a plain old Vauxhall Fashion Scout one. For more information go to http://www.yslmanifesto.com 2010-02-10T18:38:03+00:00 It’s Called Karma http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc_jacobs_sues_christian_audigier_ed_hardy/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc_jacobs_sues_christian_audigier_ed_hardy/#When:17:05:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/christian-audigier-crop.jpg" alt="It’s Called Karma" />< Marc Jacobs has bitchslapped designer Christian Audigier* with a lawsuit. Yes, the man responsible for Ed Hardy (the brand subsequently responsible for chavs pooling a months worth of Jobseekers Allowance in order to wear an overpriced, tattoo-covered T-shirt bearing Ed’s name, ‘cos it makes them look, like, really cool and affluent) has been ripping off Marc Jacobs’ Pretty Nylon tote bags promting Marc Jacobs to file a complaint with the Los Angeles District Court for copyright infringement. The bag, a quilted tote with the brands name stitched in block print, looks, “confusingly similar” to the 2007 Marc By Marc Jacobs bag according to Jacobs’ legal rep. They add the Ed Hardy monstrosity, “has been intentional and willful, calculated specifically to trade off the goodwill that plaintiffs have developed in their successful Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon tote bags.” Bag plagiarism aside, it’s almost like an Ed Hardy T shirt is an “I’m a cunt” badge, I cannot recall a singular garment which has been appropriated by the collective worst of humanity. You can see the entire rationale being played out in their minds: Ugly? Check. Tacky? Check. Will make me look a aspirational chav? Check. Hideously exorbitant? WHERE DO I SIGN?? * HOW can you respect a man that has the most flaccid ‘gangsta’ gesture ever? 2010-02-10T17:05:22+00:00 SELF SERVICE 1-31 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/self_service_1-31_st_martins_lane_hotel_idea_books/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/self_service_1-31_st_martins_lane_hotel_idea_books/#When:19:22:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/self-service-st_matins_lane_hotel.jpg" alt="SELF SERVICE 1-31" />< Want another reason to visit The St Martins Lane Hotel over London Fashion Week other than the ubiquitous post-show debauchery at Bungalow 8? The French, biannual book of marvellousness that is Self Service has teamed up with IDEA BOOKS to showcase their entire back-catalogue at a dedicated exhibition there. Got any gaping holes in your SS library? ‘SELF SERVICE 1 - 31’ will offer you the chance to purchase early and limited editions issues, all priced on availability and starting at 50 pounds. “After fifteen years of publishing Self Service, it felt like an ideal time to share the extent of our archives with a larger public. The partnership with IDEA BOOKS allows us to do so at a pivotal moment in our history. We see 2010 as a year of drastic cultural shifts, a time to reflect upon the past with the purpose of rethinking and re-imagining the future” gush Self Service publishers Ezra Petronio and Suzanne Koller. ‘SELF SERVICE 1 - 31’ runs from the 18th - 25th February at The St Martins Lane Hotel WC2N 4HX 2010-02-09T19:22:33+00:00 Vivienne Westwood: ‘Stop Buying Clothes!’ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vivienne_westwood_stop_buying_clothes/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vivienne_westwood_stop_buying_clothes/#When:18:51:51Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/WEST_SS10_00102crop.jpg" alt="Vivienne Westwood: ‘Stop Buying Clothes!’" />< Ya got that, bitches? The grande dame instructed everyone to quit with buying new shit for at least 6 months on BBC London this morning. TRR assumes you also mean your S/S ‘10 collections too? OK, cool, fine. But I ‘spose you’re still alright with people buying your insanely pricey wallpaper? Thought so. (Main picture: Vivienne Westwood S/S ‘10) 2010-02-09T18:51:51+00:00 Something 3D This Way Comes http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry_stream_autumn_winter_2010_show_3d/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry_stream_autumn_winter_2010_show_3d/#When:17:24:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/burberry_spring_summer_2010.jpg" alt="Something 3D This Way Comes" />< Sweet Jesus, show technology is moving so fast it’s making me feel like some primitive cavewoman (FYI, my BlackBerry is 2 years old and the broken screen is held on with superglue).  Last year the hottest story was designers clamouring over one-another in a bid to stream their shows live online - McQueen arguably won the war with double-teaming his with Lady Gaga’s new single premier causing McQueen.com to crash. Anyway, Burberry are about to piss all over everyone else’s efforts by displaying their show in 3-fucking-D: GLOBALLY! In your face, live-streamers! Guests at a string of parties in New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles will be given specs designed by Christopher Bailey to view the autumn/winter 2010 show in all its multifaceted glory. Bailey excitedly blabbed to WWD; “We are very excited to announce that we are hosting the first ever truly global fashion show… 3D technology will bring our global audience into the London show space allowing them to see the colours and fabrics, to hear the music and to be a part of that moment when it all finally comes together.” God, Avatar has a lot to answer for it seems. Personally I doubt Burberry’s 3D experience will top the 3D Gay Bingo I attended at the weekend. Yep, our tranny hosts doled out glasses whilst dangling various items on fishing rods amongst the audience. Beat that, Burberry! It does beg the question though, whatever next? Shows on the moon? Shows beamed direct by satellite into our living rooms? Collections that haven’t even been designed yet beamed via hologram from the future? 2010-02-09T17:24:46+00:00 The Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc_jacobs_louis_vuitton_raindrop_besace_bag/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc_jacobs_louis_vuitton_raindrop_besace_bag/#When:22:54:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/louis_vuitton_Raindrop_Besace-crop.jpg" alt="The Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore" />< Oh, Marc, for once your sense of humour is lost on me. Really putting a new spin on ‘taking out the trash’, Marc Jacobs’ ‘Raindrop Besace’ sacks for Louis Vuitton quite literally are giant rubbish bags. I don’t smell subversive irony here, I smell (and see) a retarded pile of crap. And an expensive one at that for these idiotic luxe refuse reticules retail at 2000 dollars a pop. Not so long ago TRR gave you its guide on how to make a DIY ‘Gilesceratops’ (Giles Deacon dinosaur) bag. Well if you really are as dumb as to wanna be seen making like a binman lugging around a sack of shit on your back, then you can achieve the ‘Raindrop Besace’ look by simply attaching a strap to a common or garden bin bag (TRR favours a pink Tower Hamlets recycling one). 2010-02-08T22:54:35+00:00 The Feline Issue http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/grace_coddington_rj_cutler_the_september_issue_catwalk_cats/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/grace_coddington_rj_cutler_the_september_issue_catwalk_cats/#When:19:11:52Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/catwalk_cats_grace_coddington.jpg" alt="The Feline Issue" />< We all know the real hero of The September Issue was Grace Coddington. With her almighty finger-in-a-socket flame-hued locks and a penchant for remaining determinedly ‘old school’ amid a sea of corporate wank, our hearts bled for the self-confessed romantic when Nuclear Wintour canned 50,000 dollars of her editorial with a wave of her hand. Anyway, news is that Coddington is reuniting with TSE director, R J Cutler to make a film about - wait for it - her beloved kitty’s. Coddington’s book, Catwalk Cats, is going to the be inspiration. “We think it’s going to be a big animated feature film about Grace Coddington’s feline family” says Cutler. If you’re not familiar with her moggy-centric tome, it lovingly features Coddington’s adorable illustrations of her own cats and images shot by Didier Malige. 2010-02-08T19:11:52+00:00 Topshop Brings The LFW Ruckus http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop_oxford_circus_london_fashion_week_2010/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop_oxford_circus_london_fashion_week_2010/#When:02:01:21Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/topshop_oxford_circus.jpg" alt="Topshop Brings The LFW Ruckus" />< As London Fashion Week looms, it comes with little surprise that Topshop Oxford Circus are hellbent on bringing in the full LFW experience instore with a series of killer events. Seriously, sod the shows, you could just spend the week instore lapping up all the fun. Workshops, pop-up’s, competitions and an enormo-video wall - here’s the full lowdown of what will be happening… Ex-supermodel-turned-baker, Lorraine Pascale will launch a pop-up of her Ella’s Bakehouse bakery plus the only nail bar you should ever visit, Dalston’s amazing WAH Nail’s are bringing their talon skills instore with a pop-up salon. Blake Mycoskie, founder Ethical shoe label, TOM’s will join model and designer Erin Wasson to front a ‘Style Your Sole’ customizing workshop plus bloggers, Oh Elle, Disneyrollergirl and Coco’s Tea Party will be dishing up advice on how to start your own (waste of time if you ask me…) A micro Vintage Academe will be shoehorned instore along with founder, Clare Nicholls and VA curator, author and fashion historian Judith Watt to guide you through the installation featuring exquisite, hand picked vintage designer and couture pieces. Last week TRR reported on the British Fashion Council’s launch of the London Fashion Week Digital Schedule, well if your broadband rate sucks and you don’t fancy squinting at a pixelly screen, Topshop will be screening shows on a giant video wall. Topshop Unique, Christopher Kane, Meadham Kirchoff, Mary Katranzou, Richard Nicoll, Marios Schwab and Louise Goldin are just some of the designers being shown. All this will be to a fun fashion soundtrack, spun by a roster of DJ’s including, Esben and The Witch, Wet Dog, Bleech, Samual and The Dragon, Stricken City, Peggy Sue and Chew Lips. Oh and spend more than 80 quid and you’ll instantly win a free gift - there will also be a chance to win an entire ‘Fashion Week Wardrobe’. Now don’t say Phil Green doesn’t love you. The Topshop London Fashion Week experience will run from the 19th - 23rd February. 2010-02-08T02:01:21+00:00 Valentines Day Nailed By The Newburgh Quarter http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/valentines_day_newburgh_quarter_carnaby/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/valentines_day_newburgh_quarter_carnaby/#When:19:23:13Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kat-hillier-bangle-1.jpg" alt="Valentines Day Nailed By The Newburgh Quarter" />< Want more than a bunch of flaccid petrol station flowers for Valentines Day? Then steer your other half in the direction of the Newburgh Quarter. This little area tucked off of Carnaby Street is bursting with all kinds of wonderfulness. TRR took a trip there to handpick some gifts which I’d be rather ecstatic to receive, yet, somehow feel the limp flowers will be more likely… Click story for all images, prices and stockist info. Purveyors of up-and-coming talent, Beyond The Valley stock marvellous fluoro-tube necklaces by French designer and CSM alumnus, Blandine Bardeau. Bardeau created dresses for her graduation collection from the same tubing and it was at the request of BTV that she interpret the media into a jewellery collection for them. When she’s called it, Fluorescent Monkeys and Other Funky Chickens how can we not love her even more?? Beatrix Ong crafts exquisite shoes but at her boutique the jolliest little heart purses can be found - and if perhaps if your other half wants to tell you it’s doomed they’ll get you one of Ong’s broken heart keyrings. I totally fell in love with this cute perspex Katie Hillier cat bangle at Souvenier. Karl Lagerfelds’ showstopping perspex spike cuff’s can also be snapped up here. For all those camera obsessives the Lomography shop has just launched this pink 35mm fish-eye camera. Yes, if you fancy your pictures looking all bulbous with an 180 degree angle on subjects this retro looking snapper will fit the bill. Aside from their amazing screen printed T-shirts, Your Eyes Lie have also got the wittiest, playful jewellery - and it’s all at utterly reasonable pricepoints. What’s not to love about a deer, bunny or bumble-bee ring? The also sell online at http://www.youreyeslie.com. (Main picture: Katie Hillier cat bangle 170 pounds Souvenier - (0)20 7287 9877) 2010-02-04T19:23:13+00:00 Ungaro: The Li-Lo Effect http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emanuel_ungaro_lindasay_lohan_store_closure/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emanuel_ungaro_lindasay_lohan_store_closure/#When:17:01:53Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/UNGARO_1SS110111_0700-crop.jpg" alt="Ungaro: The Li-Lo Effect" />< Like some kinda human wrecking-ball, Lindsay Lohan’s appointment as Emanuel Ungaro’s ‘Artistic Advisor’ has caused collateral damage to the, now ailing house. Since the collection stank to high-heaven it ain’t really a surprise to see the cards come tumbling down around them. Net-A-Porter and Neiman Marcus both ran scared from the risible S/S ‘10 collection, dropping Ungaro from their rails faster than you can say, “man, those gilittery heart pasties sucked.” Now news is that the only remaining Ungaro boutique in New York is closing it’s Madison Avenue doors. TRR wonders if this is gonna inspire a global domino effect like closure of all Ungaro stores..? Tut-tut, when will these houses learn eh? Chucking a celeb into the mix does guarantee the tills to kerching. 2010-02-04T17:01:53+00:00 Oh Alexa http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexa_chung_vogue_march_2010_cover_star/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexa_chung_vogue_march_2010_cover_star/#When:19:24:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/alexa_chung_vogue_cover-crop.jpg" alt="Oh Alexa" />< Alexa Chung is Vogue’s March cover gal and TRR likes the results. Her tousled mop, semi-masculine styling and anti-groomed look instantly gave me a Patti Smith / Chrissy Hynde vibe. A nice antithesis to over-styled and ultra-pimped covers. 2010-02-03T19:24:12+00:00 Let’s Get Digital http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_digital_schedule/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/london_fashion_week_digital_schedule/#When:17:08:17Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/SCUT_SS10_0124-crop.jpg" alt="Let’s Get Digital" />< These times they are a-changin’: so-much-so that the British Fashion Council have announced their first ever London Fashion Week Digital Schedule. It will unite live streamed shows and digitally presented fashion films. Caroline Rush, ceo of the British Fashion Council, told Vogue, “This is a significant step in developing our digital strategy. Enhancing designers’ experience and reach through London Fashion Week is an important area of development for the future.” Fancy being front row? The check the schedule here, choose your show time and voila you can get the best seat in the house as the show streams in real time. Antoni & Alison, Boudicca, Cassette Playa, Craig Lawrence, Danielle Scutt, Hussein Chalayan, JW Anderson, LP.BG and Twenty8Twelve are all going to be those showing exclusive fashion films debuting their A/W ‘10 collections. (Main picture: Danielle Scutt S/S ‘10) 2010-02-03T17:08:17+00:00 LOVE X 8 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/love_magazine_cover_8_naked_supermodels/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/love_magazine_cover_8_naked_supermodels/#When:05:33:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-crop-cover--.jpg" alt="LOVE X 8" />< Has Katie Grand become clothes-phobic or something? So, yet again - quelle surprise - the new LOVE covers (for there are 8) feature bodies in the buff. This time it’s a gaggle of supermodels getting stretchy with what looks suspiciously like a broken tractor fan belt. Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Lara Stone, Natalia Vodianova, Amber Valetta, Jeneil Williams, Kristen McMenamy and Daria Werbowy are the ones baring all to Mert and Marcus’ lens. Grand’s justification of the concept is thus: “For this issue of LOVE, we took eight women who are generally acknowledged as the most beautiful in the world, got them to show off their bodies - widely regarded as the most perfect in the world - and photographed them all in exactly the same position for the cover. We did this to show how much they differed physically from one another, which is why we also printed their measurements.” Oh PUH-LEASE. ‘Physically differ?’ Give or take a few lumps ‘n’ bumps they are all virtually the same. Don’t insult our ability to sniff out shit attempts at masking shameless titty baring publicity stunts and please let’s not pretend this is some ‘profound’ expose here. Dressing the concept up like we’re all gonna go, “wow, gee, all these so called perfect bodies are actually a few inches different here and there.” Because of course, we all stupidly thought you could only have a perfect body if you fit one exact mold. Why can’t Grand be honest? Because nudity gets headlines. There’s a fucking article on it in the Daily Mail for Christ’s sake. Woohoo - LOVE hits the Home Counties. But we all know the tawdry truth ain’t gonna toe the line with her flimsy ideology. LOVE ain’t a bad mag, but let’s not beat-about-the-bush when it comes to honesty, huh? 2010-02-03T05:33:49+00:00 Donatella Versace: Another Of Elton’s Saved? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/elton_john_saved_donatella_versace_from_addiction/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/elton_john_saved_donatella_versace_from_addiction/#When:19:50:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/donatella_versace_nose.jpeg" alt="Donatella Versace: Another Of Elton’s Saved?" />< Poppa Elton: like some kind of Archangel from on high, he seemingly swoops down to rescue drug-addicted slebs from their narcotic turmoil. He cured Robbie, only a few months ago he was begging George Michael to sort his ass out and more recently, revealed he’d been keeping Eminem on the straight-and-narrow for 18 months. The latest news is that former nose-casualty Donatella Versace was also pulled back from the brink of the bad shit by Elts. A potentially scandalous new book, House Of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival drops in the shops tomorrow and within its salacious pages is a rather compelling incident… Back in 2004 Elts apparently threw a “surprise 18th birthday party” for Donatella’s daughter Allegra. Basically it masqueraded as an intervention. Deborah Ball, the book’s author and a long-time Milan correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, asserts that he was shitting his pants so much over Donatella’s nose-bag addiction that he just couldn’t deny his saintly calling and help out. Like every Elton story, this had a happy ending. Donatella was bundled onto a plane directed straight to The Meadows clinic in Arizona, she cleaned up and has now resurrected Versace to critical acclaim. 2010-02-02T19:50:33+00:00 KANYE HITS BACK AT ALL YOU HATERZ!!11!! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kanye_hits_back_at_haters/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kanye_hits_back_at_haters/#When:17:30:45Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kanye_west_amber_rose_fur2-crop.jpg" alt="KANYE HITS BACK AT ALL YOU HATERZ!!11!!" />< Good God. When Kanye West speaks online it’s all in one breath, at a million miles an hour and IN HULKING GREAT SHOUTY CAPITALS!!!!111!! I would DIE to find out what a psychologist makes of his amusing (for all the wrong reasons) blog posts. They’re always so angry, so narcissistic, self-deluded and frankly, how the fuck does he expect anyone to take one word of his grandiose diatribes seriously is beyond me. Anyway, the other week Kanyizzle and his payrolled girlfriend, Amber Rose enraged not just Peta but people with an actual concept of taste by wearing some truly heinous and gratuitous fur get-up’s at Paris Mens Fashion Week 2010. Here is his comical riposte to said outrage: “WHEN IT’S ALL SAID AND DONE, REMEMBER THE FEARLESS, REMEMBER THE DREAMERS, REMEMBER THOSE WHO REPRESENT THE GHETTO…THE FAIRY TALE OF NOTHING TO SOMETHING. I’M BRIEFLY SADDENED BY NEGATIVE COMMENTS, BUT I HAVE TO REMEMBER THOSE PEOPLE ARE SCARED, INCAPABLE OR JUST PLAIN IDIOTS. WE ARE THE F***ING ROCK STARS BABY. NO COCAINE, JUST LIFE MY N****S!! NO COCAINE, JUST LIFE! IT’S FUNNY TO ME WHEN FASHION BLOGGERS DOWN OUR OUFITS AND THEN SUPER JOCK OUTLANDISH SHIT ON THE RUNWAY BUT THEN THEY DRESS MAD PRUDE AND DON’T LIVE FASHION. WE LIVE IT MAN. F*** THAT, WE LIVE IT!!! WE LIVE IT SO HARD PEOPLE LIVE THROUGH US! WE REPRESENT YOUR INNER SPIRIT!! THE CHILD IN US ALL, THE BRUTAL HONESTY, THE NAIVETY, THE BRAVE WARRIOR, THE ADRENALINE THAT ALLOWS A MOTHER TO LIFT A CAR IF HER CHILD WAS TRAPPED UNDER IT! REMEMBER, THERE WAS A TIME WHEN EVERYBODY DISSED MICHAEL JACKSON EVERY CHANCE THEY COULD. IMAGINE THE PRESSURE OF BEING A TRUE ICON. VERY FEW HUMAN BEINGS ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO TAKE CONSTANT HATE!!! IF WE DON’T DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS THE SHIT, YOU BEAT US UP VERBALLY AND MENTALLY, LIKE A CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER BEATING A CREATIVE STUDENT INTO SUBMISSION. I CAN HEAR YOU SCREAMING ‘COLOR INSIDE THE LINES!!!’ WELL F*** YOUR COLORING BOOK, COLOR BY NUMBERS APPROACH TO LIFE. AT THE END OF THE DAY WHO ARE WE HURTING??? OH “THE NEW BLACK???” SINCE BARACK IS PRESIDENT BLACKS DON’T LIKE FUR COATS, RED LEATHER, AND FRIED CHICKEN ANY MORE?! WHEN YOU TRULY UNDERSTAND CULTURAL SETTINGS, BOUNDARIES, AND OUR MODERN DAY CASTE SYSTEMS, THEN YOU CAN FEEL THE GLORY AND PAIN FROM THE DAYS OF KINGS IN AFRICA TO THE NEW KINGS OF THE MEDIA. LET THE BALL PLAYERS DANCE AFTER THEY SCORE! IT’S LIFE MY N****S, IT’S LIFE! REMEMBER CLOTHING IS A CHOICE. WE WERE BORN NAKED!!! FRESH IS AN OPINION, LOVE IS OBJECTIVE, TASTE IS SELECTIVE, AND EXPRESSION IS MY FAVORITE ELECTIVE. NO MORE POLITICS OR APOLOGIES!!!” And breathe…. 2010-02-02T17:30:45+00:00 Never Before Has One Bow Opened Such A Can Of Worms http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tavi_bloggers_vs_editors/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tavi_bloggers_vs_editors/#When:16:43:06Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/tavi-bow-crop.jpg" alt="Never Before Has One Bow Opened Such A Can Of Worms" />< I ummed and ahhed about commenting on the furious maelstrom that has been whipped up by a bunch of angry editors, spitting feathers at the - gasp! - horror that a 13 year old girl blogger, Tavi, was sat front row at couture in front of them of all people. These sacred cows quaking in their ivory towers that their precious industry ain’t governed by the same rules anymore. What made matters worse is that she had the audacity to wear a fat-ass bow, obscuring their view. Cue onslaught of venomous editors bitching about about the proliferation of bloggers courted and wooed by the big fashion houses. Never one to bite my tongue, TRR couldn’t hold back from commenting on a number of sites discussing the issue. For anyone that gives a shit, here is where TRR toes the line on the great ‘Bloggers Vs. Editors Debate’. The tenuous lines between ‘blogger’ and ‘journalist’ have become ever more blurred. Are those editors at the top threatened? Probably. Do they like what is happening to their precious industry? Christ no. Up until recently there was only one way of breaking into becoming a recognised fashion journalist. In the advent of online media this has gone out the window and as fashion editors witness the rulebook being torn up before their very eyes they’re freaking the hell out. RE: Tavi’s offending hair appendage. Polite etiquette would dictate that she remove it, but for the love of God she is a CHILD. Grown women - probably old enough to be her mother - have been bitching and sniping, thus, making them look wholly odious, let alone unprofessional. One could argue that if she’s old enough to roll with the big boys, she should play along with show decorum, but frankly their critical opinions smack of bitterness. Yes she is a bit of a novelty, sure she hasn’t really ‘paid her dues’ nor amassed a wealth of technical garment terminology, but she has charm, an endearing wide-eyed innocence and the makings of a very good writer indeed. Let’s hope she doesn’t get sucked in to the evil machine. The kind of fashion blogs which make my skin crawl are the downright self-serving, narcissistic, me-me-me ones (mentioning no names!) which do little to endear anyone to fashion bloggers - I’m with the ed’s on this one. As a blogger, a sometime professional journalist and ex-features editor for a couple of magazines I see the arguments on both sides. The bottom line is there is fuck-all money in fashion (unless you do get to the upper echelons of the fashion hierarchy) and I’m not ashamed to admit to having been a fully paid-up member of the Dole Club at times, whilst struggling to build a career. For that reason we are all as front-row-free-flight-goodie-grabbing as oneanother. UNASHAMEDLY. 2010-02-02T16:43:06+00:00 Me & Shitty http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/me_city_agyness_deyn_orlando_bloom/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/me_city_agyness_deyn_orlando_bloom/#When:21:44:08Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/meandcity14.jpg" alt="Me & Shitty" />< Me & City? Nope, me neither. Apparently it’s a Chinese label, and elfman Orlando Bloom and rockstar botherer Agyness Deyn are the co-stars of their new campaign. Shot by pervy lensman, Sir Terry of Richardson, the results are, well, curious… Look at the picture of them sat round a dinner table - God you can cut the awkwardness with freakin’ butterknife. Have you ever seen shots so devoid of chemistry?? And what the hell is she doing shoving a blusher brush under his nostrils?? If these are the ones that made the final cut, Lord knows what ended up on the cutting room floor. Just. Don’t. Get. It. 2010-02-01T21:44:08+00:00 Juicy Goodbye http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/juicy_couture/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/juicy_couture/#When:19:08:16Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/pamela-skaist-levy-and-gela-crop.jpg" alt="Juicy Goodbye" />< Aspiring WAGs, Essex girls and chavs-in-denial better cling onto their velour trackies for dear life as Juicy Couture founders, Gela Nash-Taylor and Pamela Skaist-Levy are waving goodbye to their seven year old label. Oh, but apparently they’ll lurk in the wings as Creative Consultants (Free TRR tip: Assemble a pyre of everything velour, burn the mother and start from scratch). Gela says, “We’re super-creative girls. We want to bust out and do everything…” Rumour has it that ‘everything’ equates to a film, TV show and book. Like, is there nothing this megalomaniac pair doesn’t wanna conquer? I think they’ve caused enough injury to fashion as it is. Ha, even their naive attempts at a more *titters* ‘classy’ range with their Couture Couture line. TRR does ashamedly confess to buying a JC hoodie once - DON’T HATE ME. I was young, and confused, and it was right at the start before they got appropriated by all of WAGdom. 2010-02-01T19:08:16+00:00 How To Massage Your Conscience Pt 1 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emma_watson_people_tree_range/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emma_watson_people_tree_range/#When:18:35:31Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/EMMA_WATSON_P_TREE-crop.jpg" alt="How To Massage Your Conscience Pt 1" />< Aw, nice little philanthropic Emma Watson launches her ‘range’ for eco fashion leaders, People Tree today. Acting as ‘Creative Advisor’ (and we all know how tenuous these titles are) her range is aimed at under 24’s who wanna be, like, really ecologically conscious and stuff. Look! There’s a model wearing the nice blue and red top and then there it is again being made by the slaves well paid and nicely supported workers in India! Look how they smile, ain’t the People Tree world a happy place?? The range, well, it’s nowt to write home about, but then actual clothes have got nothing to do with it. It’s the warm fuzzy feeling you get inside when you buy an Emma Watson for People Tree garment, whilst you sip smugly on your organic latte reminding yourself just how very middle-class and oh-so-socially conscious you are. And you can sleep tight because you saw a picture of the workers who made your clothes actually smiling. That’s the self-satisfying bonus of eco-fashion! For more details visit peopletree.co.uk 2010-02-01T18:35:31+00:00 Grammies: The Get-Ups http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/grammies_2010_outfits/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/grammies_2010_outfits/#When:17:39:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lady-gaga02-crop.jpg" alt="Grammies: The Get-Ups" />< Last nights Grammy Awards... Not too many shocking clangers, unfortunately. Lady GaGa’s sculptural Armani Prive gown was a work of art, but what the hell is happening to her face?? Is it just me or is she kinda morphing into Heidi Montag post-surgery?? Tweener Miley Cyrus looked really rather good in a green Herve Leger gown which at first looked suspiciously like Balmain S/S ‘10. Owner of the evening, Beyonce opted for Armani Prive too, her gown was poles-apart from GaGa’s though. Poured in to within an inch of her life, it was quite a ‘meh’ affair - and perhaps not the most flattering colour (soz B!) Since Ciara (that’s, Sierra - like the car) is Riccardo Tisci’s new muse it was no surprise she wore Givenchy Couture - and looked especially elegant. Jennifer Lopez’s silver Versace was OK but combined with make-up had something of hooker-vibe.Rihanna‘s Elie Saab Couture dress was certainly red carpet worthy but she was too covered up - where were those thighs, gal?? And finally… Katy Perry and Britney Spears. Oh dear. Katy’s bizarre flesh tonen Zac Posen dress complete with gold daisy’s made her look like she was wearing a sparkly condom and poor Brit Brit’s Dolce and Gabanna get-up looked like some kinda granny Spanx-come-corset with frumpy slip chucked over for good measure. 2010-02-01T17:39:18+00:00 American Apparel: Ass Contest http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american_apparel_bottom_contest/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american_apparel_bottom_contest/#When:16:36:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/american_apparel_ass_competition.jpg" alt="American Apparel: Ass Contest" />< Approach with caution. Considering American Apparel’s founder and CEO, Dov Charney has been bitch-slapped with various sexual harassment lawsuits, to say there are sleazy undercurrents to his latest, err, ‘competition’ is an understatement. American Apparel are requesting all you fine-assed ladies out there to send the perv pictures of said derrieres which will then be posted to their website and available to be rated by the public. Thinly disguised as their quest to find the Best Bottom in the World, the public voing is perhaps an irrelevant ‘distraction’ from the fact that it’s ultimately Dov American Apparel that have the reigning decision of whose ass wins. But get this - even the winner is not even guaranteed to be the next AA model - they are just eligible to become it. Like, WTF?? And here’s the catch, folks, your asses have to be clad in AA clothing in your entries, but you may - just may - win $300 worth of AA products if you’re in the top 10 public rated. This has gotta be the the most cynical, shady competition in the whole fucking history of competitions. Like I dunno why Dov doesn’t just spell out the deal in laymans terms… “Go out and buy loads my gear, pose sexily for me and send me the pics so I can knock a few out over them - oh and yeah, you may just get reimbursed for what you spent on clothes to enter the comp and at best, become eligible to model in the campaign.”   2010-02-01T16:36:22+00:00 UK: Farewell High Street Identity http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jcrew_coming_to_uk_/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jcrew_coming_to_uk_/#When:20:23:10Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jcrewspring2010-1-crop.jpg" alt="UK: Farewell High Street Identity" />< In a not-so-distant future, London’s shopping streets are gonna have morphed into those of our American counterparts - a Transatlantic parallel universe if you will. Recently we’ve acquired Abercrombie + Fitch (bleurgh, shrink-wrapped, insipid Americana at its best worst) Banana Republic (meh) and Anthropologie (cool, if only for the living walls) and are soon to be on the receiving end of Victoria’s Secret. The latest news is that Michelle Obama’s beloved J Crew is about to be exported over to these here shores. Now while the States seem to be winning in numbers in the great UK/USA Store Exchange, the fact we gave them Topshop (read: directional, fashion-forward, actually COOL) doesn’t seem to me like a fair trade off. We give: inspirational, high-concept well-priced fashion. We get: generic, anodyne, paint-by-numbers clothing. 2010-01-29T20:23:10+00:00 Mossy 4 Longchamp http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate_moss_longchamps_bag_range/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kate_moss_longchamps_bag_range/#When:19:11:38Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kate-moss-longchamp.jpg" alt="Mossy 4 Longchamp" />< So we all scratched our collective heads at Mossy’s oddball choice of hair colouring (is it grey? Is it blue?) at the Parisian launch of her new range of bags for Longchamp. But follicle matters aside, what the hell does the range look like?? Longchamp, well, although nice quality are like, a totally Zzz-ville brand so Kate Moss’ association should hopefully plop them back on the - wait, were they ever on it? - fashion radar. Obviously her starring in their campaigns wasn’t enough to make their wares covetable, so it was time for Plan B and haul her ass in to design them. Anyway, the results are still very restrained - certainly not wild enough to scare their granny clientele off, but they’ve got subtle rock ‘n’ roll details like riveting and studs. Apparently each one of Moss’ 12 different styles is named after one of her favourite haunts, ie: Soho, Ladbroke, Goldbourn, Gloucester and Glastonbury. TRR wonders why Pete’s Crack Den, Groucho’s Toilet Cubicle and Croydon didn’t make the cut…? Kate Moss for Longchamps will be available form February 11th at the Longchamp Boutique, 28 New Bond Street, London W1 2010-01-29T19:11:38+00:00 Death Bells Tolls For Versace Workforce http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/versace_workforce_redundancies/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/versace_workforce_redundancies/#When:17:11:05Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/VERS_SS10_0336-crop.jpg" alt="Death Bells Tolls For Versace Workforce" />< Uh-oh. Towards the end of last year TRR reported that sadly Versace was taking such and ass-beating in the recession that Donatella would be handing out P45’s to a quarter of her workforce. The axe was gonna fall mid 2010 but now the unlucky few have been led up to the chopping block sooner since Versace have brought the redundancies forward to March. Let’s hope these sacrificial lambs won’t have been slaughtered in vain and that Versace doesn’t go the same was as Lacroix and our Lu’. 2010-01-29T17:11:05+00:00 The Hoodie: Heads High, People http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_hoodie_heads_high_people/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_hoodie_heads_high_people/#When:22:30:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/balenciaga_hoodie-crop.jpg" alt="The Hoodie: Heads High, People" />< According to WWD hoodies have achieved ‘iconic status’. They consider it a defining trend of the noughties and as it seems no sign of abating, is one which will no doubt endure. Surely only the geriatric ignoramuses residing in the darkest corners of the government still believe/perpetuate the myth that that hoodies are synonymous with crime/gangs/trouble and those that wear them - gasp - must be naughty lowlives! Bad hoodies. Evil yoof culture. It’d kinda like they achieved the same ‘chav’ connotations as the Burberry check did. Now since Burberry have long-rid themselves of those, ain’t it high time all the great un-educated realise hoodies aren’t a byword for ASBOs? If Balenciaga can open a open their Spring/Summer 2010 show with a phalanx of hoodies, the boundaries between sports/streetwear and high-fashion are gonna remain ever blurred. So pop up yer hood in pride, bitches! 2010-01-28T22:30:37+00:00 Wot, No Lacroix? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_lacroix_absent_paris_couture_week/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_lacroix_absent_paris_couture_week/#When:21:25:13Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Christian_Lacroix-crop.jpg" alt="Wot, No Lacroix?" />< There was a hole at Spring 2010 Paris Couture Week and it was Christian Lacroix shaped. As London Fashion Week approaches next month, the absence of Luella will also be palpable. Having not long returned from showing in New York, she was one of London’s bigger coups. Curse you recession!! 2010-01-28T21:25:13+00:00 Couture! Couture! A Hurried Round Up http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_couture_week_spring_2010/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_couture_week_spring_2010/#When:21:10:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/GIVENCHY-crop1.jpg" alt="Couture! Couture! A Hurried Round Up" />< Firstly, apologies for my frankly, wank coverage of Paris Couture Week Spring 2010* Right, it’s a bit belated, but here goes… Apparently Ricardo Tisci’s muse, err, Ciara, enraged guests and photographers at the Givenchy show by holding it up for 40 minutes, which I find strangely baffling since 40 minutes ain’t long for a show to be delayed. Anyway, androgynous tailoring combined interestingly with feathers and generous scultped-looking ruffles looked delicious. Gothic in mood, there were heavy notes of Tisci’s Catholicism, with weighty layers of lace. It closed with vivid jewel coloured encrusted bolero jacketed trouser suits, jumpsuits and gowns. The only common thread seemed to be the interesting cylindrical lampshadey hats, very Margiela-esque actually, which leads me nicely too…. Maison Martin Margiela. Considering it was only a micro-couture collection, it sure as hell was very discordant. A be-frilled swimsuit here, a be-flowered gimpsuit there. A frame jacket covered in feathers and a green/blue two-tone jacket/dress/jumpsuit hybrid alluded the now absent designers’ silhouettes of yore. Whether or not Karl Lagerfeld had been taking hair cues from Lady GaGa or even Gary Oldman’s Dracula, it was hard to ignore the blonde, bouffant, bows atop models heads at Chanel. A 66-piece strong collection of pure neo-serenity; all creams and candy colours with little flashes of silver and gold trimmings. The traditional skirt suit looked positively futuristic worn with metallic fingerless gloves, tights and strangely athletic heels plus the continually appearing cocoon shape (dresses, skirts and jackets) underscored a feeling of total modernity. Ay ay ay! Jean Paul Gaultier went for an all-out Mexican concept show. It seemed to span the country’s entire history, rich with cultural references: enormo-sombreros, gaucho pants, swinging tassles, painterly florals, palm-leaf motifs, heavy beadwork and nods to armour. Even Spanish senorita-y models clutched fat cigars. It was one big fat fiesta of a collection, utterly diverse yet simultaneously cohesive. (Main picture: Givenchy) *TRR rendered itself blind for 48 hours - via it’s own vanity might I add. Faced with the option of wearing glasses held together with a plaster or dodgy contact lenses that hadn’t been stored properly to Tuesday’s PPQ party, naturally, I opted for the latter. Cue subsequent agonizing pain, eye-watering, blindness and so forth. Lesson learnt: thou shalt not allow narcissism to prevail over health. 2010-01-28T21:10:00+00:00 Couture! Couture! Dior http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_dior_spring_10_couture/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_dior_spring_10_couture/#When:16:21:32Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/dior_couture-crop.jpg" alt="Couture! Couture! Dior" />< John Galliano was feeling an equine vibe with his Christian Dior Spring ‘10 couture collection, girls trotted out - whips in hand, hats cocked just-so and waists nipped-in with elegant crimson and fuchsia dressage jackets. Shocking Elvira hair - bouffant with white streaks - combined with alabaster skin lent a curiously Gothic sensibility to the formality of the outfits. After the horsey opening, things took a distinctly frothy turn; oodles of flouncy cream, mint and peach lace, full, tiered skirts, peplumed bodice jackets looked delicately girlish - and followed a 50’s silhouette. Closing, rich, jewel coloured satins were swathed and draped creating voluminous sweeping skirts, sleeveless shirts/halter-necks and tumbling, tumbling ball gowns. Ever the showman, Galliano took his final, err, curtsey, looking something like a very proud dressage cup winner indeed. 2010-01-26T16:21:32+00:00 McQueen’s Slithery S-s-spring/S-s-summer ‘10 Campaign http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_ss10_raquel_zimmerman_nick_knight/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/alexander_mcqueen_ss10_raquel_zimmerman_nick_knight/#When:18:28:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/alexander-mcqueen-raquel-zimmerman-ss-2010.jpg" alt="McQueen’s Slithery S-s-spring/S-s-summer ‘10 Campaign" />< Like, woah. Where do the snakes end and Raquel Zimmermann begin…?? When Alexander McQueen debuted his S/S ‘10 Platos Atlantis collection, TRR was in awe of Nick Knight’s ‘snake porn’ film which accompanied the show. Well here’s Raquel again, writhing around with loadsa wriggly reptilies for the ad campaign - yes, featuring those shoes. One literally could get quite lost in this photo. 2010-01-25T18:28:20+00:00 Arise, Sir Marc http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc_jacobs_knighthood/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/marc_jacobs_knighthood/#When:17:37:03Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/marc_jacobs_nathalie_rykiel.jpg" alt="Arise, Sir Marc" />< N’awww, Marc Jacobs became a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) in Paris on Friday. Also getting the same honour was Sonia Rykiel’s daughter, Nathalie. TRR guesses the fact MJ ain’t a Frenchie doesn’t seem to bother the government, after all, he does kinda preside over their beloved Louis Vuitton. French Culture Minister, Frederic Mitterrand gushed that Jacobs was “an iconic designer, a gifted person, but also a hard worker,” Backslaps all round. 2010-01-25T17:37:03+00:00 Annie, Get Your Handbag http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/annie_leibovitz_mikhail_baryshnikov_louis_vuitton/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/annie_leibovitz_mikhail_baryshnikov_louis_vuitton/#When:17:03:21Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/louis_vuitton_annie_leibovitz_mikhail.jpg" alt="Annie, Get Your Handbag" />< Louis Vuitton kindly decided to throw Annie Leibovitz’s broke ass a lifeline and asked her to star in their new luggage ads rather than shoot it for a change. She agreed on the condition she could pick one other famous campaign co-star and selected Mikhail Baryshnikov, ballet dancer and of course, Carrie Bradshaw’s ex-Russian piece. Vuitton’s luggage ads have always featured the well-travelled and world-weary; Keef Richards, Sean Connery, and, err, Mikhail Gorbachev, so it really is quite a novel, yet maybe unsurprising twist to about-turn the lens onto Leibovitz herself - and her own three year old monogram Neverfull bag. The tagline reads, “The journey of a star, captured in a flash.” LV Communication Director, Antoine Arnault, claims the ad embodies the “moment of quiet and calm” Leibovitz achieves with her subjects. “She just gets in their souls,” he said. “This campaign has really become almost a saga.”   2010-01-25T17:03:21+00:00 To Fur Or Not To Fur? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kanye_west_amber_rose_fur/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/kanye_west_amber_rose_fur/#When:16:47:30Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/kanye_west_amber_rose-crop.jpg" alt="To Fur Or Not To Fur?" />< Oh Lordy, it was only day one of Paris Mens Fashion Week yet Kanye West and his beard girlfriend Amber Rose drew evil side-eyes for rocking these rather fluffy get-ups. Right? Wrong? Tasteful and classy? Or downright vulgar and cruel? Frankly TRR thinks they’re coarse and pretty offensive in these austere times. Like Posh, who the hell wants to see distasteful flashes of wealth while we’re still tits deep in a recession? Now I toe a rather tenuous line on the real fur debate. I love fur, albeit of the vintage variety. Despite the existence of modern ‘humane’ animal farms, the truth is the fur trade remains fully unmonitored. When all pelts are gathered at traders’ warehouses, pelts that may have been gathered ‘humanely’ sit alongside those which may have been bludgeoned to death (fur is only sorted according to type and colour - not how it’s gathered) therefore importers - designers - who purchase pelts in vast quantities are none the wiser to how their fur was harvested. For that reason all designers should boycott fur and the trade should be outlawed. Yet then there’s the argument that wearing any fur at all - even vintage - is surely promoting the trade? Not so, I feel. These fur items have existed for years, it’s beautiful, warm and in moderation - looks good. Crucially it looks nothing like todays’ brash, tacky new fur garments -  especially not like Kanye n’ co.‘s grotesque, flashy fur monstrosities. The only way the fur trade will truly be toppled is active campaigning, boycotting buying new fur items and increasing pressure on importers and traders, not by ‘destroying’ all existing vintage fur and lumping those that choose to in the same boat that buy new. Let’s face it, those than can only afford new fur are rich fuckwits whose only priority is to ram their wealth down our collective throats - they’re hardly gonna be inspired to buy it by those that wear vintage fur. I know my stance on animal cruelty and I don’t want to be made to feel like I’m Kanye West when I trot down Brick Lane on a Sunday in my vintage fox hat or raccoon stole by the venomous angry protesters that line the streets screaming their mantra at passers by. It is possible to be both pro-fur but anti-animal cruelty. Above all, Kanye’s and Amber’s fur coats just look, well, very ugly and really rather gratuitious. Shame on you both. 2010-01-22T16:47:30+00:00 Karl Goes Outdoors http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl_lagerfeld_chanel_football_snowboard_boat/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/karl_lagerfeld_chanel_football_snowboard_boat/#When:21:23:21Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chanelfootball.JPG" alt="Karl Goes Outdoors" />< See we knew we were'nt being complete dickheads last week when, for a quick minute, we thought Tetsuya Noguchi’s Chanel samurai armour was real. The French house is always popping out monogrammed obscurities and here we go: Random Chanel Stuff Part 358,984! First up is an American football, which apparently costs 195 dollars - pah! Then there’s a very sleek looking snowboard and finally TRR’s personal favourite: an itty-bitty motor boat!! Whatever next?? We would DIE to see Unkle K gettin’ down n’ dirty on the field with some quarterbacks. Knowing him, he’ll probably have one of his multiple man-ho’ minions at hand to check his laces, mop his (barely) perspiring brow and probably actually carry the ball over the touchline for him. 2010-01-21T21:23:21+00:00 Sisterhood: 1 The Guys: 0 http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louise_goldin_fashion_forward/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louise_goldin_fashion_forward/#When:18:36:42Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/louise_g-crop.jpg" alt="Sisterhood: 1 The Guys: 0" />< Hooray for Louise Goldin! It’s been announced today she’s the lucky recipient of the Fashion Forward award - the British Fashion Council’s support scheme. Even better for her, she gets her mitts on the full money pot as over the last three years the award has been shared jointly between Erdem, Christopher Kane and Marios Schwab. Vogue’s Emma Elwick, one of the judging panel gushed, “Louise has shown perseverance and drive that parallel her forward-thinking talent and design nuance. She is pushing knitwear into a new zone of sophistication.” And so say all of us. 2010-01-21T18:36:42+00:00 Tom Ford: Aspiring Despot? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tom_ford_nicholas_ghesquire/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tom_ford_nicholas_ghesquire/#When:16:51:11Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/balenciaga_ss_10-crop.jpg" alt="Tom Ford: Aspiring Despot?" />< Balenciaga’s Nicolas Ghesquiere has been lectured advised on the finer points of running a fashion house by Tom Ford in the latest, Interview, and it involves ruling with an iron fist. “If you are a designer, sometimes it is better not to delegate, because someone pays money for something that you, Nicolas Ghesquiere, designed, so it should be exactly the way you want it, exactly the way you would have chosen it. People call me a control freak, and I say, ‘Well, my name is on the shoe.’ It means the heel needs to be the way I want it and not the way somebody else wants it, and the toe needs to be exactly the way I want it, and the fabric and the material have to be exactly the way I want it. It is not a democracy - it is a dictatorship.” Yikes! Whilst TRR loves nothing more than a bit of control freakery, the ‘D’ word is well, such a loaded term. Perhaps it’s testament to Ford’s ‘vision’ (read: self-obsession). I can’t help noting that Ghesquiere’s response was omitted. Wonder if it was something along the lines of, “couldn’t agree more, Fordy, you gotta crack that whip and keep that design team in their place” or probably the more sheepish, “ahem, err… Yeah, right…” (Main picture: Balenciaga S/S ‘10) 2010-01-21T16:51:11+00:00 Computer Says Yes http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/david_walliams_lara_stone_engagement/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/david_walliams_lara_stone_engagement/#When:19:43:04Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lara-love-crop.jpg" alt="Computer Says Yes" />< Well well well, serial fucker-arounder David Walliams has apparently ‘put a ring on it’ (cue groans) - Lara Stone’s finger that is. Apparently the comedian went all old-fashioned and asked the supermodel’s Dutch parents for permission to ask for her hand in marriage first. They approved, et voila, they’re now engaged! TRR wonders if the key word regarding Stone’s parents granting permission is ‘Dutch’ - aka, not from this country, aka haven’t seen British press coverage of Walliams, aka probably oblivious of his philandering ways!* Ah well, ignorance is bliss and they do make a cute couple. Congrats you guys! * TRR has first-hand experience of this, having been practically mentally undressed by Walliams’ leery eyes at an Elton John bash a few years ago. Voms. 2010-01-20T19:43:04+00:00 Nat Finkelstein: From One Extreme To The Other http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nat_finkelstein_from_one_extreme_to_the_other/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nat_finkelstein_from_one_extreme_to_the_other/#When:17:09:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/nat-fink-crop.jpg" alt="Nat Finkelstein: From One Extreme To The Other" />< Last night, a whole bunch of aging rockers, E1 trendies and general private-view-whores piled into the Idea Generation Gallery in Shoreditch for the launch of veteran 60’s snapper, Nat Finkelstein’s exhibition. Now whilst the name may not ring a bell, we’ve all seen his iconic documentation of Warhol’s Factory, with a starring cast of Edie, Nico, Dylan and the Velvet Underground. What lent the show an extra gravitas amid the scene of creative, self-obsessed young things, however, were his images capturing riots and anti-war protests of mid-60’s America. Finkelstein was a dedicated political activist, his allegiance to The Black Panthers, in fact, forced him to flee to the Middle East for 15 years whilst a warrant was out for his arrest. It’s such a sweeping, emotive body of work and on the pulse of so many cultural, social and political movements (Mr TRR overheard one lady bleat proudly, “that’s me in that picture!” to anyone who walked past) and not many photojournalists can have had as many “I was there” moments. Sadly Finkelstein passed away in October last year, in the middle of completing his memoirs. Despite the many stories he had to tell, perhaps his most fitting legacy is what has been captured through his lens. The retrospective dips into his mighty portfolio spanning a whopping 50 years and was touchingly co-curated by Elizabeth, his widow. Nat Finkelstein: From One Extreme To The Other runs from 20th January - 14th February at the Idea Generation Gallery, Chance Street, Shoreditch. http://www.ideageneration.co.uk 2010-01-20T17:09:12+00:00 Dover Street Market: Tachiagari Time! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dover_street_market_tachiagari_time/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dover_street_market_tachiagari_time/#When:22:09:27Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Lanvin_160110.jpg" alt="Dover Street Market: Tachiagari Time!" />< Dover Street Market’s seasonal floor-changes are always all kinds of wow and their new, Tachiagari (beginning / start in Japanese) for S/S ‘10 is awe-inspiring as ever. Click the story for full gallery of images. Just beautiful - and how goddamn cute are the Lanvin ‘scarecrow’ ladies?? 2010-01-19T22:09:27+00:00 Argh I Want This Now Now NOW! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/damien_hirst_blanket_other_criteria/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/damien_hirst_blanket_other_criteria/#When:16:56:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/damien_hirst_blanket-1_copy.jpg" alt="Argh I Want This Now Now NOW!" />< It’s almost like Damien Hirst read TRR’s mind, picked all my favourite iconography and threw it all up over a lovely cashmere blanket. The aging enfant terrible Brit artist has produced a schnuggly-wuggly blanky in collaboration with Other Criteria, resplendent with religious imagery and a nice big skull - all taken from his 2007 New Religion show. The Scottish-woven blanket is double-bed sized, 100% cashmere and manufactured using, like, really old techniques making it even more special and stuff. Available exclusively from http://www.othercriteria.com it costs an arm-slitting 975 pounds. Sad faces all round. 2010-01-19T16:56:35+00:00 Yohji’s Boo-Boo http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/yohji_yamamoto/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/yohji_yamamoto/#When:16:18:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/johji_ss10-crop.jpg" alt="Yohji’s Boo-Boo" />< Apologies for the pun, I just couldn’t help myself. Yohji Yamamoto has been treading water for some time - last October he filed for bankruptcy in Japan although fortunately an investor came in at the 11th hour. All is not lost, however, as the Japanese designer has come out guns-blazing with a new management team and strategy to steer the good ship Yamamoto back to success. He’ll still continue to head up the creative side of his actually quite vast portfolio of labels, including (deep breath) Yohji Yamamoto Homme and Femme, Y’s, Y-3, Coming Soon, Y’s Mandarina and Prototype) a new board of directors has been inserted along with a new CEO, Shohei Otsuka. A spokesho’ told Vogue, “We are determined to stabilise the operation and drive creative activities under the leadership of our new management”. The brand will continue to sell from Paris and London stores plus 200 worldwide concessions. Now it’s great that he’s on a path back to the straight-and-narrow but where the hell are adidas when you need them?? Last week TRR reported Hussein Chalayan was actually be able to fully buy back his own eponymous label from Puma. Yohji has his wildly successful Y-3 collaboration with adidas - why can’t they throw a few pennies in his direction? It’s baffling why they’ve seemingly left him floundering. 2010-01-19T16:18:09+00:00 Where’s Precious’ Brolly?? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Gabourey_Sidibe_golden_globes/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Gabourey_Sidibe_golden_globes/#When:16:58:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/precious.jpg" alt="Where’s Precious’ Brolly??" />< Poor Gabourey Sidibe. Whilst every other actresses gown was protected by an assistant scurrying around with an umbrella, Sidibe’s emerald Kevan Hall gown got rather drenched indeed. Either that or it doubled up as a makeshift napkin for the fried chicken she was munching on pre-ceremony. There does seem to be a rogue umbrella pole in the background though - being a Hollywood brolly (Hollybrolly, anyone?) perhaps its circumference just didn’t reach….? 2010-01-18T16:58:58+00:00 The Colour Purple http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/golden_globes_2010/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/golden_globes_2010/#When:16:22:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/rose-byrne.jpg" alt="The Colour Purple" />< At yesterday’s 67th Golden Globes ceremony there was surpisingly few sartorial clangers, and it appeared purple was the colour of choice. Sandra Bullock’s Bottega Veneta gown was a full-on glossy violet, while Rose Byrne leant towards a more burgundy shade in a luscious Lanvin floor-sweeper. Jane Krakaowski and Alfre Woodard also went on a purple tip, both in one-shouldered gowns by J.Mendel and Pamella Roland respectively. 2010-01-18T16:22:20+00:00 Well, The Title’s Certainly Apt. http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/well_the_titles_certainly_apt/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/well_the_titles_certainly_apt/#When:20:46:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/cropmaison-martin-margiela-untitled-fragrance.jpg" alt="Well, The Title’s Certainly Apt." />< It’s here! It’s here! The long awaited Maison Martin Margiela fragrance has finally been dropped like a big minimalist stinkbomb and is fittingly called, Untitled. It woulda been weird had it been called anything other than Untitled to be honest - not only does the title toe the ‘minimalist’ Margiela line, but it also alludes to, well, absence - a void if you will - certainly fitting indeed considering the elusive man himself is no longer at the helm of his eponymous label. Fortunately, no, it doesn’t smell of fresh air as one would assume, moreover, it’s a zingy green scent with apparently very contrasting ingredients including, Galbanum (floral, woody, very green), Lentisque (bitter green, fern) and Incense Resin (ambery and oriental). Being Margiela, of course it’s ambiguously unisex. The bottle looks marvellous, very alchemic and designed in conjunction with Fabien Baron who was inspired by 19th Century glass stoppered bottles. The world exclusive preview will be held at Colette (bah) on 23rd January then will launch globally throughout April. Nope, TRR has not had the pleasure to wrap its nostrils round a bottle yet, but will be certain to when I hit Paris for the shows in March! 2010-01-16T20:46:29+00:00 Take Your Unwanted Clothes to Start, Like, Yesterday http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/take_your_unwanted_clothes_to_start_like_yesterday/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/take_your_unwanted_clothes_to_start_like_yesterday/#When:02:34:17Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/brix2.jpg" alt="Take Your Unwanted Clothes to Start, Like, Yesterday" />< Not only is the very amazing and philanthropic Brix Smith-Start sending all unsold sale clothes from her Start boutique in Shoreditch to the Haitian disaster, but she’s encouraging others to donate their unwanted garments too. I was saving all my old clobber for The Swishing Roadshow next week, but somehow I think this is a far more worthy cause. Please, please, PLEASE hotfoot it to Shoreditch with as much as you can possibly carry. Start, 42-44 Rivington Street, EC2A 3QP 2010-01-16T02:34:17+00:00 And The Winner Of The Campaign With The Combined Lowest IQ Is… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/megan_fox_ronaldo_armani_campaign/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/megan_fox_ronaldo_armani_campaign/#When:17:57:03Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/megan_fox_ronaldo_armani.jpg" alt="And The Winner Of The Campaign With The Combined Lowest IQ Is…" />< Megan Fox and - hang on - is that really Ronaldo?? TRR can barely recognise him in the new Armani campaign since he looks so, well, matte as opposed to the oily, glossy sheen he normally sports. As for Fox, err, apart from having a bad case of the squint-eyes, thank God her tatt’s are pretty much covered up. Saying that, I’d much rather see this pair leering down from billboards than their vacuous predecessors. 2010-01-15T17:57:03+00:00 Postcard From My Desk… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/follow_the_real_runway_on_bloglovin/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/follow_the_real_runway_on_bloglovin/#When:20:17:25Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/trr-desk-crop.jpg" alt="Postcard From My Desk…" />< Follow my blog with bloglovin Look deeply into the eyes of PPQ kitteh and DO AS THE SIGN INSTRUCTS! You may have noticed The ickle RSS Feed box in the top right hand corner, well now if you can be arsed, you can track TRR’s feeds via Bloglovin by clicking——————-> HERE 2010-01-14T20:17:25+00:00 Carrie 4 Halston http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sarah_jessica_parker_halston/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sarah_jessica_parker_halston/#When:16:59:29Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/sarah-jessica-parker-crop.jpg" alt="Carrie 4 Halston" />< The iconic Halston that every hot bitch strutted in at Studio 54, has had a kinda tenuous revival over the past two years. Co-enabled with the financial backing of Hollywood heavyweight (literally and metaphorically) Harvey Weinstien, raisin-on-a-toothpick ‘stylist’, Rachel Zoe and Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon, the collections have all been kinda meh yet still extortionately priced. But they have an ace up their sleeve and it’s Sarah Jessica Parker shaped. Before you all emit a collective groan of ‘oh-not-another-fucking-celeb-masquerading-as-a-designer’ it’s still not been confirmed what her actual job title will be - though one assumes the association factor will be enough to get our panties moist. Titles being bandied around… Consultant? Creative Director? Design Director? Who the hell knows what her input will be, as long as it’s more than Lohan’s, err planning parties and trying shit on for her own 6126 line or, err, choosing what colour sparkly heart pasties to whack on titties at Ungaro. SJP already has mega-successful fragrance lines, a pretty triumphant Gap range plus, an, erm, seemingly forgotten attempt at her own fashion line, with Bitten. She’s certainly not a living-car-crash and who doesn’t privately / openly worship Carrie? So all signs point to this being a potential success. Here’s to you, horse face! (TRR is also confused as we thought Marios Schwab was coming on board as Creative Director for the A/W ‘10/‘11 collection. Hmm….) 2010-01-14T16:59:29+00:00 Johnny Blue Eyes: ‘Love For Sale’ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/johnny_blue_eyes_love_for_sale/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/johnny_blue_eyes_love_for_sale/#When:18:13:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/JBE1-1.jpg" alt="Johnny Blue Eyes: ‘Love For Sale’" />< As the title suggests, it’s a whole pile of love, and indeed, life that super-stylist (and Creative Director of House Of Blue Eyes) Johnny Blue Eyes is selling. Now there’s nothing like an early spring-clean and JBE has decided to the time is right to showcase and sell items from his insanely extensive archive. If you’ve ever gone to a House Of Blue Eyes show, you’ll know this won’t be any old sale, it will also double up as an exhibition with passers by being treated to the man himself working some ferocious looks in the window. Says Johnny; “Since I was a child all I ever wanted to do was dress up, up and more up! I have spent most of my life collecting beautiful treasures and as we travel into a hopeful 2010, it feels the right time to move these pieces onto others and have them appreciate and enjoy them as I have.” Expect this very magnificent closet-cleanse to feature a time-capsule of amazing vintage garments, accessories, shoes, trinkets and art - and by the way I’ve got first dibs on the lips glasses. “Love For Sale” will be held at Machine A boutique and gallery on Berwick Street, Soho from 16th - 30th January. 2010-01-13T18:13:49+00:00 Seriously, Like OMG, WTF?? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tony_blair_advisor_lvmh_bernard_arnault/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tony_blair_advisor_lvmh_bernard_arnault/#When:17:15:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/tony_blair_lvmh-crop.jpg" alt="Seriously, Like OMG, WTF??" />< Holy shit, never coulda seen this one coming. If mutterings are to believed, ex PM Tony Blair has reached an agreement to become Bernard Arnault’s lapdog advisor. The CEO of LVMH (and Salma Hayek’s baby poppa) oversees multiple power-brands, Louis Vuitton, Moet Hennesey, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy and a whole bunch more. TRR smells a rat. We all know that since closing the Downing Street doors, Blair’s made a more than a buck or two consulting, lecturing and turning up at engagements - oh how lucrative the post-political career options are. Since Arnault is a ‘close friend’ of Blair’s, coupled with the ambiguity of being an ‘advisor’ is this just an excuse to whack him on the LVMH payroll in exchange for doing fuck all? Apparently his role will be to “attract more clients”, but for the love of God, with Cherie as Blair’s USP (a woman who clearly selects her outfits in the dark) who the hell would have faith in him having any concept of style, taste, refinement, elegance, finesse… 2010-01-13T17:15:35+00:00 From The Lens Of Terry http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/terry_richardson_blog/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/terry_richardson_blog/#When:19:12:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/terry-richardson.jpg" alt="From The Lens Of Terry" />< Everyones’ favourite perv with a camera, Terry Richardson has finally gotten his own blog (the pre-existing one was an unofficial impostor). Check out http://www.terrysdiary.com for some intimate - albeit more PG than R rated - moments. 2010-01-12T19:12:09+00:00 The Reinvention Of An Icon http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry_colette_trench/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry_colette_trench/#When:18:07:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/burberry-colette-3.jpg" alt="The Reinvention Of An Icon" />< Being the Francophile that I am, it’s no surprise my most cherished store is Colette. So imagine my excitement upon seeing these beautiful be-studded lovechild’s of Burberry and my beloved French boutique. Christopher Bailey has really reignited our love of the classic British outergarment recently, what with Burberry’s Art Of The Trench in collaboration with The Sartorialist and a very trench-centric S/S ‘10 collection. So seeing this classic staple given a punk remix has really gotten me salivating. Rows of gold studs line the underneath of the collar so when it’s popped will look pretty fereocious. Shoulders have been puffed and pleated lending a bit of femininity and shape and the cropped version features a twisted, knotted front. Totally limited edition (obs) and available exclusively at Colette (obs) these beauties will be purchasable from 22nd February. 2010-01-12T18:07:50+00:00 Screeeeeeech…....... CRASH!!! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ck_billboards_eva_mendes_jamie_dornan/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ck_billboards_eva_mendes_jamie_dornan/#When:21:37:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/calvin-ad-jamie-eva.jpg" alt="Screeeeeeech…....... CRASH!!!" />< That’s the sound of mutli-car pile-ups around Houston and Lafayette Streets and at the High Line in New York. The latest installment of Steven Klein’s Calvin Klein adverts feature a greased up Eva Mendes and Jamie Dornan* and really should come with an XXX rating, they are THAT hot. TRR particularly loves Klein’s menswear ads with French model, David Agbodji, oiled-up to the extreme. Stark bollock naked and athletic to the nth degree, the images are utterly reminiscent of Grace Jones’ Island Life album cover. On the womens side, model Monika Jagaciak has been shot by Luella’s hubbie, David Sims. Now I think I need a cold shower and lie down… * TRR once had the pleasure of interviewing Jamie a number of years ago and I do wonder whatever became of his *cough* music and *double cough* acting careers he seemed hellbent on rhapsodizing over… Yeah, that’s right, just stick to looking pretty. 2010-01-11T21:37:07+00:00 Hussein Got His Baby Back http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hussein_chalayan_buys_back_business_stake/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hussein_chalayan_buys_back_business_stake/#When:17:56:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hussein_chalayan1-crp.jpg" alt="Hussein Got His Baby Back" />< Considering his past bankruptcy, it’s heartening to hear Hussein Chalayan has been able to pony up the scrilla to buy back the majority stake in his business from Puma. Chalayan, also Puma’s Creative Director, sold the vast chunk to them in 2008. This means now he’s regained total brand independence and he’ll keep on popping out the Sportlifestyle collections for Puma too. Chalayan should consider himself blessed that he’s had the safety net of a global sportswear behemoth. Poor Christian Lacroix hasn’t been so lucky. Anyone smell a ‘Lacroix for Nike CD’ campaign..? (All images: Hussein Chalayan S/S ‘10) 2010-01-11T17:56:12+00:00 Testino’s Photoshop Fairies Get Too Excited http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emma_watson_burberry_leg_crop/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emma_watson_burberry_leg_crop/#When:16:25:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/emma_watson_burberry_photoshop.jpg" alt="Testino’s Photoshop Fairies Get Too Excited" />< Ha, last week people started to notice Mario Testino’s retouchers got a little trigger happy with the Crop tool. Current Burberry pin-up du jour Emma Watson is missing a huge chunk of her leg. Or maybe it vanished into the well behind? Or her little brother next to her ate it? Tweet your thoughts on what could be responsible for The Mystery Of Emma’s Missing Leg to @TheRealRunway 2010-01-11T16:25:56+00:00 Battlefield Vs. Runway http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chanel_samurai_armour_Tetsuya_Noguchi/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/chanel_samurai_armour_Tetsuya_Noguchi/#When:15:36:51Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chanel_armour_2-crop.jpg" alt="Battlefield Vs. Runway" />< TRR spat coffee all over its screen on seeing these pictures. Not too long ago I joked that Marc Jacobs would be bringing out a range of monogrammed Mongolian gear for the opening of Louis Vuitton’s Ulan Bator store, and now it seems artist, Tetsuya Noguchi took the hint. In an homage to Chanel he’s splattered the iconic double C’s all over traditional samurai armour. (To be honest at first I did actually think Uncle K had actually brought out the range - nothing surprises me with Chanel anymore, I mean for God’s sake we’ve had surfboards and motorbikes.) Now as every self-respecting, fashion-literate warrior knows there ain’t nothin’ more important than doing battle in style. When your enemy charges, what more will send them running scared than the terrifying acknowledgement that he’s dressed considerably more inferior to you? 2010-01-11T15:36:51+00:00 Tyra Can Sleep Easy Now http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tyra_can_sleep_easy_now/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/tyra_can_sleep_easy_now/#When:19:09:04Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/naomicampbell-crop.jpg" alt="Tyra Can Sleep Easy Now" />< Well that’s our new year ruined. It seems we won’t see her Royal Bitchness front an X Factor style modelling show after all. Naomi Campbell has run screaming from the project at the 11th hour over fears she couldn’t surpass her ex nemesis practicalities. “Naomi was really excited, but pulled out because she couldn’t reach an agreement over logistics or the amount of time she would have to commit” confirmed on of the producers. Aw, that’s a shame, TRR was quite looking forward to a masterclass in being a diva. Here’s Nom’s sunning it up in Thailand with her Russian piece 2010-01-10T19:09:04+00:00 Sneak Preview Time! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop_designer_collaborations/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/topshop_designer_collaborations/#When:20:12:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jonathan_saunders_topshop-crop1.jpg" alt="Sneak Preview Time!" />< It’s sneak preview time, woo, and TRR is getting its panties in a right bunch over the new designer collaborations at Topshop. First up is Jonathan Saunders who arrives in store on 20th Jan. It seems he left his trademark prints at the door in favour of a purely denim ‘n’ devore collection. “My collection for Topshop this season has been inspired by sportswear and workwear, as well as the bold and graphic shapes of the Memphis movement.” says the Scot. Ann-Sofie Back and Ashish land on 3rd Feb. Back’s collection looks like it had an argument with a Stanley knife and lost, with artfully slashed jumpers and t-shirt dresses. It follows on from the Horror theme she explored in her last collection; “I looked at traditional American stereotypes such as horror movies. The sequined tops, dresses and sweats are slashed by Freddy Kruger himself.” Ho ho. TRR’s personal fave is Ashish’s spiked sportswear (think: The Slits do track-and-field) especially the angry looking biker jacket. “Studs and spikes were a big part of my mainline collection this season, and it felt right to carry that through in some way for my range for Topshop. I love the contrast between soft sweatshirt fabric and metal spikes - it’s classic sportswear meets punk.” (Main picture: Jonathan Saunders 45 pounds) 2010-01-08T20:12:07+00:00 I Am Not A Waxy Jacket http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/i_am_not_a_waxy_jacket_barbour_anya_hindmarch/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/i_am_not_a_waxy_jacket_barbour_anya_hindmarch/#When:05:20:12Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/queen_elizabeth_barbour-crop.jpg" alt="I Am Not A Waxy Jacket" />< Sigh… Barely a week into a new decade and already there’s no hope of stopping those designers and brands dry-humping one-another in a bid to exchange scents, I mean cred, I mean, sell more. First out of the 2010 starting blocks are Anya (I ain’t a fucking plastic bag) Hindmarch and waxy country staple Barbour who have gotten into bed and produced an itty-bitty capsule collection of jackets. Mizz H told Vogue, “It was fascinating working in the archives, seeing the Barbour stories behind some of the coats from explorers, military men and heroines. We have respected the original design but played with the cut, fit and the details. It has been fun to add a little Anya Hindmarch style to such an iconic British brand.” Hmmm, TRR will reserve judgement for now, but in my eyes the Barbour jacket isn’t something that should be screwed with - certainly not ‘girliefying’ as Anya potentially could. Ahhhh, now it’s with great nostalgia that I recall my green micro-Barbour from my childhood… Mmm… I can smell it now. Us countryfolk like things simple, we don’t want none of them there city types meddling with our shit. Prices start from 249 pounds and the collection will be available from Barbour and Anya Hindmarch outlets this autumn. 2010-01-06T05:20:12+00:00 Welcome 2010: The Decade Of…? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/welcome_2010_the_decade_of/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/welcome_2010_the_decade_of/#When:18:04:16Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/luella-crop.jpg" alt="Welcome 2010: The Decade Of…?" />< Well sympathy could be an option if the New Years honours list are anything to go by. Luella Bartley has been awarded an MBE for her services in the fashion industry; the year her business sadly went into liquidation. I ain’t really insinuating her award was due to pity, but it is perhaps a curious time to acknowledge someone, who not only hasn’t been actually around that long but who no longer actually is offering the services for which she’s just been awarded. Also recognised was the lovely Stephen Jones with an OBE, as was MOR mum’s fave, Amanda Wakeley and Michelle Moore, founder of MJM International, the company which owns Ultimo and Tesco’s Florence and Fred. For services to knitwear (who knew there was such an award??) Anthony Edward Langford, a non-exec director at John Smedley, was given an OBE, whilst tailors’ Timothy Everest and Imtaz Khaliq had MBE’s chucked their way. Now let’s all have a quick whip-round to cobble together a few pennies for our Lu’ to get her up-and-a-runnin’ again. 2010-01-04T18:04:16+00:00 Lindsay Lohan: Next Stop, World Domination http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lindsay_lohan_6126_new_apparel_line/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lindsay_lohan_6126_new_apparel_line/#When:18:19:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/6126_lindsay_lohan_design.jpg" alt="Lindsay Lohan: Next Stop, World Domination" />< I think I need to devote a whole new subsection to Lindsay Lohan. I just can’t help myself documenting her, *titters* fashion career endeavours. 50% for the newsworthiness and 50% for the snooty, voyeuristic entertainment factor. Like slowing down for car crashes. Or something. Well, the less said about her ongoing Ungaro disaster-saga, the better, so it’s with a sigh of relief that this time it’s 6126, (her leggings empire) wot guest stars in Li-Lo’s Daily Fashion Tidbit Pt. 389,867. The news today is she seems to be making like Philip Green and getting on a megalomaniac tip, as 6126 is gonna be rolled out as a proper apparel line for A/W ‘10/‘11. But wait, before you drop your last mince pie in horror of the thought of an army of Li-Lo clones, it doesn’t stop there. Kristi Kaylor, 6126 principal says, “We’re launching the full clothing collection next year, and a cosmetics line, handbags, shoes, jewellery in spring 2011.” * Yesterday, via Twitter (where else? - The medium blessed for the narcissistic and inarticulate in equal measures) the hot mess herself rambled; “i need MORE followers i am so sad about this, how can i tell everyone about my 6126 full collection COMING OUT! all clothing.” Err, can anyone translate? As for our heroine’s actual contribution, Kaylor insists she’s been hands on, completing such creatively taxing tasks as, ahem, throwing a lunch for the design team and trying shit on. That noise? It’s YSL spinning his grave. * TRR wonders if the cosmetics highlight will be a ‘meth face’ range, perfect for achieving the smacked-out, hollow-eyed look. 2009-12-30T18:19:20+00:00 Deck The Halls With, Err, Westwood http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vivienne_westwood_wallpaper/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vivienne_westwood_wallpaper/#When:20:28:47Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/westwood_paper.jpg" alt="Deck The Halls With, Err, Westwood" />< Never knew that being an anti-establishment, anarchistic maverick means you get into bed with a posh wallpaper firm, but, hey, what the hell do I know. Vivienne Westwood has teamed up with Cole and Son to produce a range of pretty paper to slap on yer walls, based upon prints from her past R-T-W collections. “This collection is a perfect opportunity to be able to work with a heritage company and to see my ideas from fashion translated into the world of interiors and wallpaper,” justifies Westwood. It is actually really rather special and TRR’s particular favourite is the ‘Squiggle’ print, taken from her 1981 Pirates collection. Ranging from 55 to 188(!!!!!!!) quid for a roll, I could afford to paper the inner walls of a goldfish bowl and that’s about it. To view the whole collection go >>>>>>>> here 2009-12-28T20:28:47+00:00 Two Yves In One Year http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/yves_rocher_dead/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/yves_rocher_dead/#When:23:02:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/yves_rocher_dead-crop.jpg" alt="Two Yves In One Year" />< Not the most pleasant post just after an indulgent Xmas eating and drinking my body weight, but it’s with sadness TRR announces the death of another Yves in 2009. The French cosmetic god, Yves Rocher died in Paris yesterday at the age of 79. His cause of death is, as yet, unknown. Yves began flogging hemorrhoid cream from classified mag ad’s, eventually turning his eponymous company into a multi-billion pound global business. Whilst we may sneer at the perhaps, err, ‘uncool’ factor of his products, he was actually pioneer of the whole trendy natural / organic bollocks used to flog us crap today. The entire brand was based on the concept of “beauty from plants”. C’mon 2010, be a little morbidly kinder, please. 2009-12-27T23:02:26+00:00 TRR’s Christmas Wish List http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/trrs_christmas_wish_list/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/trrs_christmas_wish_list/#When:20:04:45Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/edidiclutch.jpg" alt="TRR’s Christmas Wish List" />< Sigh… A girl can dream….. So here’s what TRR is hoping we’ll find beneath our tree ‘pon Friday morn’... The Edidi crystal skull clutch (1) failing that the McQueen skull knuckle-duster one (2) will also do very nicely, thank you. For my Xmas barnet I’d love anything from Cherry Chau, preferably the beautifully sculptural coiffe with tear (3) or one of the very sweet and talented, Fred Butler’s amazing creations from her Heliocentric range (4). As for a bit of bling, I’d pimp out my little sister for Zoe and Morgan’s Lotus Heart spider ring (5), or a made-to-order Mayaza Joao Dancing Squares necklace from the amazing new Gaudion Bowerbank studio. Pllleeeeeease Santa! I’ve been a good girl this year. Honest… (1) Available from Libertys 2,560 pounds (2) Available from Net-A-Porter 750 pounds (3) Available from Selfridges 320 pounds (4) Available from kabiri.co.uk 90 pounds (5) Available from kabiri.co.uk 1,200 pounds (6) Available from gaudionbowerbank.com 1,160 pounds 2009-12-21T20:04:45+00:00 Green’s Megalomaniac Fist Tightens Its Grip http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/philip_green_new_topshop_opens_knightsbridge/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/philip_green_new_topshop_opens_knightsbridge/#When:18:46:43Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/philip_green.jpg" alt="Green’s Megalomaniac Fist Tightens Its Grip" />< Al Fayed better start sleeping with one eye open and clutching a knife as Knightsbridge is gonna be the lucky recipient of a new Topshop… Directly opposite Harrods! In a move which aims to seize on on the abundance of tourists in the area, Green’s latest venture will pop up next Easter. Apparently the diminutive greasy chubster has been lining the palms of the Abu Dhabi royal family who own the empty premises at 70 Brompton Road. Following the successful launch of the New York store earlier this year, Green is gonna start sniffing out potential stores in Italy, France, Germany and Asia in 2010. As much as TRR hearts Topshop, we have to ask… Is nowhere sacred?? 2009-12-21T18:46:43+00:00 Balenciaga Vs. Steve Madden: Shoe Wars http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/balenciaga_sue_steve_madden_over_shoe/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/balenciaga_sue_steve_madden_over_shoe/#When:16:53:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/balenciaga_madden_shoe.jpg" alt="Balenciaga Vs. Steve Madden: Shoe Wars" />< My my, it’s been a month of lawsuits - certainly doesn’t do much for that whole ‘festive cheer’ concept, eh? Only last week seamstress, Carmen Colle had her case against Unkle K’s Chanel behemoth thrown out, and in an about-turn of statures, this week it’s a case of The Man vs. Small Designer. Balenciaga are proceeding with their case against Steve Madden’s copycat blatant rip-off of their A/W ‘07 technicolour cycling helmet inspired shoe. Filed last Tuesday in United States Eastern District of New York Court, Balenciaga are beefing that Madden “intentionally copied” their shoe. I mean just take a look at it; what a gruesome attempt at a knock-off, ick. The colourways are identical, even down to the mesh panelling around the heel, but the shoe itself? Ugh! Rather than recreate the plastic sculpted separate panels he’s turned it into some patent pump nightmare. C’mon Madden, if you’re gonna copy it, at least do it justice!! There is the trickle-down effect in fashion then there is flagrant plagiarism and with a shoe so goddamn distinctive it was unlikely Madden ass’s wouldn’t be drawn over hot coals for this… Oh and if you need me to tell you his shoe is on the left, then begonewithyou!!! 2009-12-21T16:53:55+00:00 The Real Runway Christmas Fragrance Guide! (AKA: How To Cheat At Gifts) http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_real_runway_christmas_2009_fragrance_guide/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_real_runway_christmas_2009_fragrance_guide/#When:16:49:17Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/smell.jpg" alt="The Real Runway Christmas Fragrance Guide! (AKA: How To Cheat At Gifts)" />< Fragrances for Christmas gifts: the preserve of the unimaginative boyfriend. But fuck it. Either way, everyone’s dressing table should be groaning under the weight of a good handful of bottles so to receive one is never an unpleasant surprise. There were some seriously lovely pongs out in 2009 and here is TRR’s guide to what your should be giving, and to whom. Lisa Hoffman Variations For: Mum Smells Like: A Very Pleasant Chemistry Set Lisa Hoffman Variations are a seriously sophisticated quartet of vials encasing beautiful pulse-point oils - each for a different time of day (morning, daytime, evening and bedtime, duh). Designed to compliment ones ‘olfactive capabilities’ (nope, me neither) each vial is housed in a gorgeous leather pouch. Mum can brew up her own alchemic combinations of French Clary Sage, Tuscan Fig or Tunisian Neroli depending on mood, time of day or just for the hell of it. (Available from Harvey Nichols nationwide 90 pounds 0845 604 1888) Tom Ford Extreme For: Dad Smells Like: Old Chesterfield sofas TRR has been biased towards TF fragrances ever since Black Orchid stripped Agent Provocateur of my signature scent crown, so we were a little excited at the launch of Tom Ford Extreme. A more mature and deadly potent version of his ‘For Men’ fragrance, TFE is encased in a stunning amber glass bottle. Vintage patchouli, black Italian figs, Persion lemons, black truffle and cedar wood make up the heady, superiour and entirely masculine potion. (Available from retailers nationwide from 79 pounds) Marc Jacobs Lola For: Sister Smells like: Jailbait Flacon Award of the Year goes to Lola’s enormo jelly floral (or vagainal depending on how Freudian one is feeling). Bottle aside, however, Lola is a young and vibrant scent that, for once, isn’t vom-inducingly sickly-sweet. Pear and peppery citrus notes peel away to reveal a warmer vanilla musk. (Available from retailers nationwide from 45 pounds) Christian Dior Ambre Nuit Colgone For: Boyfriend Smells Like: Pompadour wigs OK OK, so this is apparently a unisex fragrance but if your significant other is even a teeny bit as camp as Mr TRR then it’s perfect. Ambre Nuit is inspired by 18th Century balls and powdery colognes of the era - even containing ingredients that gents used to rid their gloves of the icky smells that got on them. Fresh, vivid Turkish rose and carnal amber, with a top note Calabrian bergamot form “a demanding view of masculine elegance that reflect Monsier Diors own codes of refinement.” A deliciously androgynous interpretation of a cologne indeed, and one you’ll be wearing as much as him. (Available exclusively from Selfridges and Harrods from £69 0800 123 400 and 020 7730 1234) Chloe Intense For: Yourself, dammit Smells like: Sultriness, bottled. TRR had been pathetically sparing the last dregs of our complimentary bottle of original Chloe signature fragrance from its launch party two years ago until we received this divine elixir; the ‘moodier sister’ incarnation. The cute pink bow has been replaced by a dirty charcoal one and the hue is a rich amber opposed to a pale pink. But the smell, mmm.. The key rose notes are very much present, however this has a headier kick; pink pepper, sandalwood and tonka (I always thought they were toy trucks from the 80’s, but hey) all comprise a seductive scent that if no one else is going to buy you, then you damn well should. (For stockists call: 0800 083 6312 from 55 pounds) 2009-12-17T16:49:17+00:00 The Man: 1 Carmen Colle: 0 (Well, Sorta…) http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/carmen_colle_chanel_court_case_thrown_out/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/carmen_colle_chanel_court_case_thrown_out/#When:21:49:24Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Carmen-Colle-chanel.jpg" alt="The Man: 1 Carmen Colle: 0 (Well, Sorta…)" />< The story of smalltown seamstress, Carmen Colle, suing the ass off Chanel for counterfeiting and breach of contract captured TRRs heart. Sadly the news arrives today that the mean old court has thrown the case out. All ain’t lost however, and Colle ain’t pissed - the judge still awarded her 400,000 euros for B.O.C. Chanel basically put the kibosh on crocheted and embroidered garments from World Tricot (Colle’s company) which accounted for nearly 90% of its revenue. Colle mostly employs refugees too, the philanthropic soul that she is. 2009-12-14T21:49:24+00:00 Christian Lacroix: Choo Choo! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_lacroix_sncf_uniforms/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_lacroix_sncf_uniforms/#When:21:44:28Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/christian-lacroix-sncf.jpg" alt="Christian Lacroix: Choo Choo!" />< Has it really come to this? Luella as a Chistmas display VM and now it seems TRRs beloved Christian Lacroix has been reduced to nothing more than a uniform designer for practically all of France’s transport operators. But then again, at least his designs live to see another day, oui? In 2010 all SNCF (French railway) staff will be looking mighty fly in purple and grey jackets, skirts and trousers. Lacroix has also designed uniforms and interiors(!) for Tezo and TGV lines plus Air France flight personelle uniforms. Flight decks and train corridors are the new runways, baby. Perhaps it’s only a matter of time until we see a ‘Luella for TFL’ range? ‘McQueen for First Great Western?’ ‘Christopher Kane for Southern Railways’...? 2009-12-14T21:44:28+00:00 Chez Yves http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ysl_house_on_market/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ysl_house_on_market/#When:19:11:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/yslhouse.jpg" alt="Chez Yves" />< TRR announced a wee while back that Sir Yves of Saint Laurent was kicking Jackos ass in posthumous earnings. Well now his victory in said ass kicking is secured as his Rue de Babylone home has been stuck on the market. Got a spare 20 mil euros?? Then chez YSL can be yours! Recline with a Vogue Slim where Yves did. Poop in the same toilet as Yves. Host debauched drug fuelled soirees like Yv- Oh you get the picture… 2009-12-10T19:11:02+00:00 And The New Creative Director Is… Oh! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new_creative_director_maison_martin_margiela/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/new_creative_director_maison_martin_margiela/#When:18:54:14Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/margiela.jpg" alt="And The New Creative Director Is… Oh!" />< Let’s face it, Maison Martin Margiela has sucked since our elusive hero did a quiet runner a few seasons ago. Following whisperings of his sneaky departure due to, ahem, rather shiteous collections, sure enough his departure was confirmed back in October. TRR was lucky enough to have been at his last A/W ‘08 Parisian show (the one with the giant shoulders - the real reason we’re all wearing them now, he was that so far ahead) and how little did I know the sad swansong I was witnessing. The subsequent ‘parodies of themselves’ collections that followed broke our hearts. Anyway, MMM has announced its new Creative Director and it is…. Err, no one! Ta da!  CEO Giovanni Pungetti, announced to surprised ears, and Vogue; “We want to stay avante-garde and provocative, but without a new creative director. It’s a challenge. We know this. We will probably make mistakes, but the most important thing is to learn from them” Err, scratch the latter part and replace the “will probably make” to “have made” and you’ll get closer to the mark. But its comforting to know they’re willing to acknowledge this. He goes on; “We came to the conclusion that we didn’t want to substitute [Martin], not because he is irreplaceable, but because we are the Maison Martin Margiela. He always liked to say to his design team, ‘You are more Margiela than me’”. True or not that may be, perhaps it was testament to MM’s humilty. Frankly TRR thinks if MMM#2 is gonna survive, let alone regain some credibilty, it needs some serious guidance and leadership. For such a pioneering, avant garde house, to leave it floundering with a design team alone could only spell more confused, directonless pieces which are a poor homage to a thus far legendary body of work. Pleeeeeaase MMM, sort it ahht!!! (Main picture: MMM A/W ‘08 - AKA: Martin’s swansong) 2009-12-10T18:54:14+00:00 Comme des Barbie http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/comme_des_barbie/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/comme_des_barbie/#When:17:12:59Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BARBIE-COMME.jpg" alt="Comme des Barbie" />< Seems it ain’t just Louboutin who harbours a Babs fetish. Comme des Garcons genius, Rei Kawakubo has designed a sell-out version, which flew off the shelves when she landed in Tokyo last week. Fronting an asymmetrical dress in Kawakubo’s ‘Jingle Flowers’ print, Comme Babs comes with a display stand to keep her upright when she’s wasted on eggnog. Arriving at the marvellous DSM in London this week, she costs TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE QUID!!! Sweet Jaysus that’s one pricey stocking filler, so no letting any annoying nieces getting their chocolatey mitts all over her. 2009-12-09T17:12:59+00:00 Britain’s Next Top Hothead http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi_campbell_reality_tv_show/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/naomi_campbell_reality_tv_show/#When:17:03:28Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/naomi-campbell1-crop.jpg" alt="Britain’s Next Top Hothead" />< She of the insanely short temper, Naomi Campbell is poised to ape the career of her former arch nemesis. Yep, Mizz C is in talks to get her own modelling leg-up reality TV show, just like Tyra. Apparently following an X Factor style format (Bitch Factor, anyone?) Nom’s will adopt, nurture and advise a hareem of wannabe modduls, eventually whittling them down to one winner. Here are TRRs predictions of the masterclasses and tests of endurance Naomi will run: A) How To Snare A Married Russian Oligarch B) How Hard Can You Hurl A Phone At An Employee? C) How To Successfully Sue The Ass Off A Tabloid 2009-12-09T17:03:28+00:00 A Very Posh Heist http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/victoria_beckham_posh_dress_theft_robbery/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/victoria_beckham_posh_dress_theft_robbery/#When:04:29:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/victoriabeckhamspring2010.jpg" alt="A Very Posh Heist" />< Aw, diddums, someone’s only gone and robbed Posh’s frocks. Approximately 75 dresses from her S/S ‘10 collection were en route to Neiman Marcus until some obviously sartorially challenged burgalar held the driver at knife-point and swiped them in a meticulously planned heist over the weekend. This quote from the Daily Fail, doesn’t half make TRR chuckle; “Victoria was informed straight away about the incident and was shocked and deeply saddened, although her first priority was the well-being of the driver.” Well-being of the driver??? Err, right. Like, one wonders if the thing that was indeed, ‘meticulously planned’ was actually the whole operation by 19 Entertainment to A) Cast Posh as some caring, aggrieved soul whom is deserving of our sympathy, or B) a pure PR stunt to draw the world’s attention to Roland Mou- I mean, her designs. Her spokesho’ bleated that hopefully the collection could be remade in time for delivery to Neiman Marcus and confirmed police were gonna sniff around over the incident. (Main picture: Victoria Beckham S/S ‘10) 2009-12-08T04:29:56+00:00 Operation Ugg Removal http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ugg_boots_websites_shut_down/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ugg_boots_websites_shut_down/#When:18:28:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/uggboots.jpg" alt="Operation Ugg Removal" />< Those websites you see advertised everywhere offering fake Uggs have been clamped down on by the Metropolitan Police. As everyone rushed out to snap up the cheapo furry booties in the run up to Christmas, the po-po have frozen 1,219 dodgy retail sites as part of Operation Papworth. Annoyingly though, the cunning (or clever, depending on how you look at it) fakers used bogus names and untraceable emails so are unlikely to get caught. “Fraudsters target the victim’s desire to buy designer goods at reduced prices, particularly at this time of year.” Detective superintendent Charlie McMurdie, head of the Police Central e-crime unit told the Daily Fail. Frankly the police should shut down the REAL Ugg boot website for crimes against fashion - hideous baked-potato resembling things that they are. If TRR opened a gift on Xmas day to find a pair of those ugly bastards, I’d… I’d… Well… Mind you, those fake sites do look mighty tempting, I’ve always considered clicking and getting a pair of knock-off YSL Tribute boots, at 100 quid a pop they’re a darn sight more obtainable. But then I value my ankles more than my vanity. Just. 2009-12-04T18:28:55+00:00 Doomsday Has Arrived http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_lacroix_administration1/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christian_lacroix_administration1/#When:18:05:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/domesday-book-.JPG" alt="Doomsday Has Arrived" />< The day we hoped would never come sadly has. With so many ‘so-near-but-yet-so-far’ moments, Christian Lacroix has failed to secure a financial backer since he plummeted into administration this June. Sad faces all round. Instead, the Falic group (Lacroix’s present owner) will shortly announce a turnaround plan. As to whether or not the beleaguered brand will be rescued from administration, we will find out later today. There is a minute window of hope as administrator, Regis Valliot, has requested if it could be postponed one more week in the hope a backer will come forward. Keep that prayer-ring strong, folks. 2009-12-01T18:05:46+00:00 The Curious Case Of The Crocodile Eggs http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/is_hermes_a_secret_crocodile_egg_horder/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/is_hermes_a_secret_crocodile_egg_horder/#When:17:19:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/HERM_SS10_06411.jpg" alt="The Curious Case Of The Crocodile Eggs" />< Croccy farmers of Louisiana are gettin’ their southern panties in a bunch… And claim luxe titans, Hermes, are to blame. Last year the farmers reaped over half a million wild eggs to harvest, this year they’ve plucked virtually none. Demand has apparently fallen so greatly and they suspect it’s due to Hermes now having the, err, ‘crocopoly’ (see what I did there?) on the market since they began breeding their own crocs on Australian farms in 2008. According to the Times Hermes have become, “the largest player in the exotic tannery business”. One angry pitchfork wielding, gun-totin’ (one suspects - or hopes, just for comedy value) farmer wonders if Hermes are secretly hoarding skins and subsequently eeking up the prices for other not-so-lucky fashion houses. Of course Hermes have denied this.  As a result of a declining trade, farmers have resorted to opening roadside zoo’s starring other local reptilia. Now TRR has to admit, although this is inevitably less lucrative, how much more fun is it surely, to entertain other fellow southern yokels with cute performing turtles and acrobatic snakes than breeding then killing innocent crocodiles for (albeit rather sexy) rich ladies arm-candy? Just a thought… (Main picture: Hermes S/S ‘10) 2009-12-01T17:19:56+00:00 Selfridges Celebrate The Big 1-0-0 With 100 Mil Quid http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges_london_100_mil_profit_centenary_year/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/selfridges_london_100_mil_profit_centenary_year/#When:22:22:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/selfridges_window.jpg" alt="Selfridges Celebrate The Big 1-0-0 With 100 Mil Quid" />< If only everyones’ birthdays were so salubrious. Selfridges have just annouced they’re gonna trounce last years £88 mil profit, making a £100 mil - in their 100th year of trading. They cite a killer-start to Christmas trading to helping them nail such a fittingly winning, centenary amount. Paul Kelly, chief exec, blamed a robust operational performance, strong products and engaging in-store entertainment for the cash-tills ringing in the close of such a prosperous year. With window displays like Emily Pugh’s jaw-dropping pantomime orgy, then profits like these come as no surprise. Happy Hundredth, Selfridges. 2009-11-30T22:22:33+00:00 See, London Ain’t That Bad http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jonathan_saunders_to_remain_in_london/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jonathan_saunders_to_remain_in_london/#When:17:12:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/SAUN_SS10_1379.jpg" alt="See, London Ain’t That Bad" />< Jonathan Saunders has confirmed he will show in London again in February after a triumphant return from NYC in September. This is warming to know considering the fate of a recent NyLon returner *cough* Luella *cough* With other recent London ‘returnees’, Matthew Williamson and Burberry coming home to rapturous press and praise the city can’t be that cursed, surely? Well either way he don’t care as he’s buggering back to NYC in autumn. Says he of his itchy feet; “London much easier than New York because I’m still based here, and I always will be - but I will go back to show in New York next autumn. It’s just such a huge country - and nationwide stores like Saks and Barney’s give you such huge reach. It’s good for a business.” Wherever you show JS, just don’t lose yer backers, the world would be a drearier place without your prints. (All pictures: Jonathan Saunders S/S’10) 2009-11-27T17:12:23+00:00 Speccy Hobbits And Four-Eyed Rockstars http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/oliver_peoples_elijah_wood_shirley_manson_garbage/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/oliver_peoples_elijah_wood_shirley_manson_garbage/#When:17:13:42Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/oliver-peoples-elijah-wood-shirley-manson.jpg" alt="Speccy Hobbits And Four-Eyed Rockstars" />< And the award for the Oddest Campaign Pairing goes to… Elijah Wood and Shirley Manson from Garbage for the new Oliver Peoples campaign. Yes, you heard that right, a Hobbit and a rock star. Not only will they front the photographic campaign but star in a micro-film based upon the 2010 collection, shot at Silver Lakes Paramour Estate in California and directed by Autumn de Wilde (how rad is that name?). “I was eager to be involved in a project that had so many dimensions,” Wood squeaked to WWD. “And working with Autumn, you know exactly what you are signing up for - a creative journey with a gold mine at the end.” Basically it’ll probably involve the curiously coupled twosome gadding about in some lovely vintagey looking frames looking arty. TRR adores Oliver Peoples glasses, but no matter how hard I try, I just can’t shake off those American Psycho connotations…. “Paul Allen has mistaken me for this dickhead Marcus Halberstram. It seems logical because Marcus also works at P&P and in fact does the same exact thing I do and he also has a penchant for Valentino suits and Oliver Peoples glasses…” 2009-11-26T17:13:42+00:00 Ungaro: Operation Damage Control http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emanuel_ungaro_operation_damage_control_Lindsay_Lohan/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/emanuel_ungaro_operation_damage_control_Lindsay_Lohan/#When:17:53:51Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lindsay-lohan-ungaro.jpg" alt="Ungaro: Operation Damage Control" />< Sigh… Another day, another chapter in the sorry Lohan-Ungaro saga. I can now understand why Moufarrige has come out defending the appointment of his living car crash. He ain’t stupid. He knows the real score and is fantastically unabashed in admitting it to WWD; “There are some girls out there that whenever they move, whatever they wear, they attract attention, even if they make mistakes. It’s all publicity.” And then there’s Lohan thinking she’s, ahem, like, totally a good designer, honest…. Moufarrige insists that (despite Lohans’ pretty much crucifying) her ass ain’t gonna be outta there and she’s still very much on Ungaro’s payroll; “As we speak, she is in New York in shoots with Ungaro.” And then in a weak attempt to run to her defense he blunderingly chucks the ‘controversial’ angle in; “but fashion is controversial anyway, and you need some novelties and you need to test some new ideas.” Err, understatement of the century, anyone..? 2009-11-25T17:53:51+00:00 Does My Mortar Board Go With My Hair? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Zandra_Rhodes_UCA_Chancellor/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Zandra_Rhodes_UCA_Chancellor/#When:02:18:11Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/zandra_rhodes.jpg" alt="Does My Mortar Board Go With My Hair?" />< Technicolour goddess and she of the slept-in-eye-makeup look, Zandra Rhodes has been dubbed the first ever Chancellor of the University of the Creative Arts. Having attended its founding college, Medway, as a wee student as well as being the daughter of one of its teachers, we can assume Rhodes musta been the default choice really. She avowed to Vogue, “My years at Medway College of Art were my formative years and shaped me into what I am today - I learned the basics that have carried me through the rest of my life and career: Drawing, sketching, lithography, screen printing, lino-cutting, all the practical basics.” Her role as key figurehead will see her preside over graduation ceremonies. This reminds TRR of the time we saw our Zand’s award her eponymous ‘Knitwear Award’ at Graduate Fashion Week some years ago - the work of said awards’ winner, looked suspiciously like what can only be described as a *cough* blatant ‘Rhodesripoff’. Well, I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all. 2009-11-25T02:18:11+00:00 Peter Jensen: “Fat Girl Is My Muse” http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/peter_jensen_fat_girl_is_my_muse/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/peter_jensen_fat_girl_is_my_muse/#When:21:39:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/peter_jensen.jpg" alt="Peter Jensen: “Fat Girl Is My Muse”" />< Inspiration. It’s a curious thing. Whilst many designers cite their love of the masters / their elegant great aunt / old school Hollywood vixens for turning their heads to clothes, Peter Jensen has professed to The Independent that it was, in fact, his fatty boom boom neighbour that got him into a-stitchin’ and a-sewin’ .  “I didn’t sit down and think, ‘Oh I want to be a fashion designer’ declares Jensen, who hails from a small Danish fishing village. “I liked the technical part of it. There was a fat girl who lived next door and she couldn’t really buy clothing anywhere, so I used to make her clothes and then charge her £3 for a top. She just kept on growing.” So, from tinkering on his mama’s sewing machine making, err, tents to 12 seasons on the trot at London Fashion Week: The boy’s come a long way… 2009-11-24T21:39:57+00:00 Wish You A Vintage Christmas http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/wish_you_a_vintage_christmas/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/wish_you_a_vintage_christmas/#When:21:09:57Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/rokit1.jpg" alt="Wish You A Vintage Christmas" />< And so begins a season of festive frolics…  First party on the Crimbo calendar is hosted by the lovely peeps at Rokit, who are throwing a bash at their Covent Garden store this Thursday 26th November. As much as TRR hearts vintage, I can’t help wincing every time I trot down Brick Lane (which, is about thrice daily since it’s my ‘hood) and see ANOTHER BLOODY VINTAGE STORE has opened. Rokit, however are the originals and best, so allow their in-house stylists to truss you up in a perfect seasonal outfit, enjoy their drinks, cakes plus live rockabilly rock n’ roll supplied by Ronnie King and the Hustlers. Also available is a 15% discount on all purchases so be sure to snap up some vintage gifts on the cheap! 6pm-9pm, Rokit, 42 Shelton Street, WC2H 2009-11-24T21:09:57+00:00 2010: The Summer Of Round http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/2010_the_summer_of_round_Topshop_sunglasses/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/2010_the_summer_of_round_Topshop_sunglasses/#When:02:30:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/topshopsunglasses3.jpg" alt="2010: The Summer Of Round" />< So today was kinda the finale (or at least normally the highlight) of a mammoth month of press days. It’s the time Mr P. Green gets to front his next seasons wares at the S/S ‘10 Arcadia press day. A full report will follow, but for now, here is a teaser of the frame shapes we will mostly be wearing next year. Fuck Wayfarers and screw Clubmasters, the only frame shape to sit on your face should be a big, fat ‘O’. (Oh and apologies for the shiteousness of the picture quality as TRR towers was in fact burgled on Monday, alas, its camera being swiped in the process. So just squint a bit at the pixelly, BlackBerry shot images and you’ll get a rough idea at least.) 2009-11-19T02:30:02+00:00 Hold The Front Page: Chanel Launch Magazine http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hold_the_front_page_chanel_launch_magazine/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hold_the_front_page_chanel_launch_magazine/#When:16:28:03Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/chanelmagazine.jpg" alt="Hold The Front Page: Chanel Launch Magazine" />< Karl L and Purple’s fabulously nutjob Olivier Zahm have gotten into a big fluffy publishing bed and are popping out the first ever Chanel magazine in stores nationwide this week. Entitled, 31 rue Cambon after the original Parisian Chanel boutique, the in-house rag is art directed and designed by Zahm. It looks delicious and TRR adores how the iconic Chanel font is used throughout the publication. Since Uncle K is kinda a demi-god and cultural encyclopedia of epic proportions, combined with Zahm’s equally informed brain, 31 rue Cambon is probably one cynical brand/mag cash-in that is actually any cop. See purpleDIARY for more details. 2009-11-17T16:28:03+00:00 The Real Runway’s Fashion Royal Honours Roll Call http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_real_runways_fashion_royal_honours_roll_call/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_real_runways_fashion_royal_honours_roll_call/#When:17:42:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/nataliemassenet.jpg" alt="The Real Runway’s Fashion Royal Honours Roll Call" />< Buckingham Palace was a-buzz with fashionista’s on Friday as Mizz HRH welcomed the following lucky souls into her very exclusive letters club. Christopher Bailey and Net-A-Porter founder Natalie Massenet took home MBE’s, Conde Nast head honcho, Nicholas Coleridge got a CBE as did Clothes Show legend, Jeff Banks. London College of Fashion headmistress, Frances Corner and Professor Helen Storey have both received an OBE. Well analyzing the above list, it seems clear that Queenie’s fave heritage label is Burberry, is partial to doing her online retail at N-A-P, and loves nothing more than kicking back with a copy of Vogue in front of old Clothes Show repeats. Congrats to all, and doesn’t Natalie look lovely in her Roland Mouret coat? 2009-11-16T17:42:20+00:00 Brad N’ Angie Do Asprey http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/brad_n_angie_do_asprey/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/brad_n_angie_do_asprey/#When:16:23:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/asprey03.jpg" alt="Brad N’ Angie Do Asprey" />< Christ, is there any end to Brangelina’s talents? Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have ‘created’ a line of jewellery and silver accessories for Asprey. Inspired by snakes and entitled, The Protector, the range - which took a year to conceive - will hit stores worldwide this week. Apparently when Ange was knocked up with Shiloh someone gave her a snake shaped ring, ever since she’s convinced it’s a protector of her family and lucky talisman. The philanthropic twosome will donate all net proceeds from sales to Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, cofounded by Jolie in 2006. Hijacking the chance to promote their trinkets, they instead opted to blab about their charidee’s aims; “These are the children who most need a safe place to learn, a place to heal, a place to learn reconciliation, a place to build a better future and a place - to just be children. Yet the education for these children is often forgotten. Tens of millions of children and adolescents in conflict are not in school” says Ange. TRR loves anything snakey and irrespective of how much design input they really did have, kinda reluctantly hearts most of the range, esp the coiled bracelet. Hiss Hiss. Prices start from $525 for a freaking baby spoon. 2009-11-16T16:23:26+00:00 BFC Announces Its Six New Ethical Seedlings http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/bfc_announces_its_six_new_ethical_seedlings/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/bfc_announces_its_six_new_ethical_seedlings/#When:18:34:56Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/estethica-3230.jpg" alt="BFC Announces Its Six New Ethical Seedlings" />< Whilst TRR is loathe to admit it’s underwhelmed by most of what is classed as ‘ethical fashion’, we’re excited to see what the 6 new winners of the BFC’s support programme (as part of Estethica, its eco-fashion initiative) will churn out. Ada Zanditon, Christopher Raeburn, Goodone, Minna, Nina Dolcetti and The North Circular are all the lucky recipients of a hand-holding from three industry mentors; brand consultants Susanne Tide-Frater and Yasmin Sewell plus buying consultant Bev Malik. Now since TRR is too lazy to investigate all of them individually, it begs for the love of God, PLEASE no more shapeless, smocky, hempy garments, twee embellishment or happy-clappy sentiments. 2009-11-12T18:34:56+00:00 It’s Official, Ungaro Loathes Lohan http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/its_official_ungaro_loathes_lohan/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/its_official_ungaro_loathes_lohan/#When:17:31:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ungaro_14.jpg" alt="It’s Official, Ungaro Loathes Lohan" />< Emanuel Ungaro has been blubbing to reporters at a Lisbon film festival, citing that Lindsay Lohan’s much maligned efforts are indeed a “disaster”. The retired designer, who sold the house still bearing his name in 2005, bitched, “I am furious but I can’t do anything about it. Ungaro is in the process of losing its soul. That happens to a lot of designers. We were the creators and patrons, responsible for the creation and destiny of our houses. But when we gave up our houses, we gave up our souls.” Although I sympathize as it was indeed a heinous collection of epic proportions, the phrase, “you’ve only got yourself to blame” somehow springs to mind… 2009-11-12T17:31:00+00:00 Louis Vuitton: Ciao Ciao, Madonna, Hello, Lara Stone http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis_vuitton_ciao_ciao_madonna_hello_lara_stone/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louis_vuitton_ciao_ciao_madonna_hello_lara_stone/#When:16:38:20Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/madonna.jpg" alt="Louis Vuitton: Ciao Ciao, Madonna, Hello, Lara Stone" />< David Walliams’ current fuckbuddy, Lara Stone is inches towards shoving Maddonna off of her current Louis Vuitton perch, replacing the sinewy child molester for their S/S’10 campaign. Daniel Lalonde, LV’s CEO told Nymag, “Well, as you know, Madonna worked with us for two campaigns. We have a tendency to always change the person responsible, the ambassador for each campaign. So it’s a very natural, organic thing for us.” He gushes, “Lara is very fresh and someone who embodies a lot of the values of the brand, and a lot of talent and a lot of beauty. I think it makes a lot of sense for the fashion part of our campaign.” Since M has been confirmed as next seasons face of Dolce and Gabbana, TRR is sure her LV exit is certain since it’s unlikely her Madgeness is gonna have some megalomaniac-like hold over fronting every designers Spring campain - imagine it: Madonna for Comme des Garcons, Madonna for Rodarte, Madonna for Giles - quelle horreur! Besides, Lara’s hot to trot - question is, will LV sign DW for their mens line….? 2009-11-12T16:38:20+00:00 @Club21 - Noooooooooo! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nooooooooooooo/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/nooooooooooooo/#When:02:47:02Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/LUEL_SS10_0485.jpg" alt="@Club21 - Noooooooooo!" />< The economy is a cruel mistress. This is tragic, tragic news (and no, for once, TRR ain’t being sarcastic). Every London gal’s favourite, Luella Bartley’s financial backer, Club 21 have stoopidly announced they’re not gonna keep coughing up any further for her eponymous label. Heartless bastards. Bartley blubbed this morning; “This is a very disappointing situation for everyone involved with the brand. I love the Luella character and hope that after we have survived this challenging time the Luella girl can have an exciting future ahead of her, whichever incarnation she takes on next. We have a number of options open to us, and are considering these over the coming months.” 2008: ‘Designer of the Year’, 2009: ‘Xmas window dresser at Liberty’. Oh how the mighty have fallen… Let’s hope Mizz B’s fortunes are revived in 2010. 2009-11-11T02:47:02+00:00 Deck The Halls With Willow Pattern http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/deck_the_halls_with_willow_pattern/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/deck_the_halls_with_willow_pattern/#When:02:28:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/20091110_gallianoxmastree_250x360.jpg" alt="Deck The Halls With Willow Pattern" />< Last week TRR inaccurately predicted what Claridges’ Galliano be-decked tree would have dangling from its branches. Well here is a sneaky preview and it looks alarmingly muted and more like it belongs on a delicate willow pattern plate or ancient ming vase than the hallway of a plush hotel. 2009-11-11T02:28:37+00:00 Pakistan Fashion Week: In Your Face, Osama http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/pakistan_fashion_week_in_your_face_osama/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/pakistan_fashion_week_in_your_face_osama/#When:04:04:50Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/20091109_nomiansari_560x375.jpg" alt="Pakistan Fashion Week: In Your Face, Osama" />< Fashion should never be parochial, but it is. The press rarely venture out of their 4 city comfort zone and that’s wretched. How many know there are actually around about 100 Fashion Week’s territorial to different cities globally? Now whilst I don’t think we really need to concern ourselves with, err, Plovdiv (where?), Riva (umm..) or Ulan Bator (riiiight…) Fashion Week’s, we should not overlook the importance of the first ever Pakistan Fashion Week which took place last week in Karachi. In times of such social unrest there couldn’t be a better big ‘fuck you’ to the Taliban’s oppression of women. Ayesha Tammy Haq, the CEO of Fashion Pakistan Week triumphantly explained; “This is our gesture of defiance to the Taliban. There is a terrible problem of militancy and political upheaval, but that doesn’t mean that the country shuts down. That doesn’t mean that business comes to a halt.” Never let anyone tell you fashion is unimportant or frivolous; it’s perhaps the one precious thing that flies in the face of persecution - and in this case - offering a 4 day oasis of hope, creativity and above all showing the world there is more to the country right now than terrorism. The turmoil and distress Pakistan faces completely informed the designs - you could almost smell the dissent emanating from the seams. Women strode the runway in vicious spiked bracelets and body armor. Others had their heads covered, burqa-style, but cleverly subverted with shoulders - and tattoos - proudly on display. The event was, perhaps unsurprisingly, postponed twice over security fears an unease at it being held smack bang in the middle of a big army offensive, but fashion prevailed! Brave, moving and roll on next season. 2009-11-10T04:04:50+00:00 Carmen Colle Vs Chanel - It’s War http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/carmen_colle_vs_chanel_-_its_war/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/carmen_colle_vs_chanel_-_its_war/#When:17:10:24Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/getaspx.jpeg" alt="Carmen Colle Vs Chanel - It’s War" />< TRR can’t get enough of this story, there’s nothing like a good-old battle of a small-timer saying a big ‘up yours’ to the man. In this instance ‘the man’ is Chanel and the small-timer about to sue their asses for $3.71 mil is a sweet little 61 year old lady, Carmen Colle. The provincial seamstress from a remote French village claims the fashion behemoth like, totally stole one of her crochet patterns. Colle runs, World Tricot, an ethical company which painstakingly makes haute couture for big industry players. Now the story goes that Colle created shit for Chanel before but alleges they never coughed up for the designs. After spying her pattern on a cardigan in Tokyo store in 2004 the case is finally coming to court. Of course Chanel protest that the design is all their own. Apparently her business is at stake, she’s lost clients, laid off employees and banks won’t touch her with a barge pole. Tres sad indeed. Says Colle to the Guardian, “You cannot imagine what it is like, You are faced with an enormous machine, you become the guilty party. It is not just World Tricot at stake. It is the recognition of small businesses and their creations. [Big names] treat us as things they can take up and then throw away.” Chanel went wailing to the Parisian court, asking them to rule on World Tricot’s “blatant denigration” of the Chanel name. All TRR can say is, ‘TEAM COLLE!’  * * Oh and the best way to really resolve this would be Karl Lagerfeld and Carmen Colle outside, gloves off… Fight, fight, fight! - And with more weight behind her, my money’s on Colle.     2009-11-09T17:10:24+00:00 Burberry: Trench-U-Like http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry_trench-u-like/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/burberry_trench-u-like/#When:16:37:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BURB_SS10_0224.jpg" alt="Burberry: Trench-U-Like" />< Burberry have buddied up with street style snapper extraordinaire, Scott Schulman (AKA The Sartorialist) to collaborate on an inspired new social networking site, artofthetrench.com. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, the site is a portal through which trench lovers can submit portraits of themselves fronting their favouritist ever coat, alongside Schulman’s infamous pictures. Christopher Bailey bleats, “Artofthetrench.com celebrates our iconic trench coat, capturing the emotional connection behind our distinctive outerwear heritage. Everybody has a different story related to their coat or the first time they came into contact with one - I love the idea that people from all over the world can share those stories and images with each other and all the different attitudes and expressions of the Burberry trench coat and the people who wear it.” TRR has to agree with Bailey here, the Burberry trench (particularly the classic camel coloured, storm-flapped, double-breasted variety) has gotta be the ultimate blank canvas by which we’re invited to style/mould/adapt to create our own narrative. I always feel like I’m playing at being a grown-up when I’m in mine (not that it ever makes me behave like one) and will be submitting my little slice of narcissism to artofthetrench.com post-haste. 2009-11-09T16:37:19+00:00 Libby’s On The Mend http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/libbys_on_the_mend/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/libbys_on_the_mend/#When:21:06:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/liberty2.jpg" alt="Libby’s On The Mend" />< TRR’s heart crumbled to pieces when its favourite store (well, maybe dual tied with Colette) closed their Regent Street section 4 years ago. Today, however, Liberty announced they’ve come back fighting from a troubled spell with ‘strong’ July sales. Spokes-ho from parent company MWB Group whooped; “Liberty continues to perform ahead of last year following the strong trading recorded in the six months ended June 30.” Whilst still making losses, they’re 42% down on last year. In fact, back in July, Liberty confirmed that it had begun a ‘strategic review’ of the business with plans to expand internationally. Hmmm, now it’ll be interesting to see how our quintessentially British store will export overseas. Apparently the sales of its Liberty Of London own-brand were what drove up sales, which can only indicate people can’t get enough of Libs’ utterly English sensibilities. 2009-11-06T21:06:07+00:00 Prada Leaves http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prada_leaves/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/prada_leaves/#When:19:55:46Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/prada-book01.jpg" alt="Prada Leaves" />< Mrs P. and Patrizio Bertelli have unveiled a big-ass doorstop of a tome which celebrates 30 years of innovation and creativity in fashion, art, architecture, cinema and communications. At a whopping 706 pages, the paper brick, cleverly entitled, err, ‘Prada’ (wonder how long it took them to come up with that one) will retail at 100 euros in Prada stores plus select bookshops globally. Bertelli, chief exec, raves; “for Prada, fashion, luxury and style go beyond producing an infinity of clothes and shoes, so the book wants to illustrate the various aspects through which Prada expresses itself.” I quite like the idea of this self-indulgent vanity project, it certainly looks pretty cool and would no doubt break my coffee table were I daft enough to fork out 100 euros for it. 2009-11-06T19:55:46+00:00 Matthew Does Men (Tell Us Something We Don’t Know) http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/matthew_does_men_tell_us_something_we_dont_know/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/matthew_does_men_tell_us_something_we_dont_know/#When:17:16:05Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/matthew_williamson_hm_02.jpg" alt="Matthew Does Men (Tell Us Something We Don’t Know)" />< Technicoloured, boho wizard, Matthew Williamson has announced he’s gonna pop out a menswear line in February 2010. The S/S ‘10 collection will be sold exclusively in Harrods and MW boutiques. TRR is curious as to how he’s gonna neuter his distinctly girly mien - wonder if his signature butterfly motif will appear…? Perhaps not. Almost certain though, has to be some of his trademark prints. Further MW news comes by way of embracing online retail and making his whole A/W ‘09/‘10 collection available to snap up online at the end of November. 2009-11-06T17:16:05+00:00 Santa Galliano http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/santa_galliano/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/santa_galliano/#When:18:54:53Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/John_galliano.jpg" alt="Santa Galliano" />< Apparently John Galliano is gonna play Santa at Claridges and decorate the Crimbo tree wot will stand in their Art Deco lobby. TRR is chomping at the bit to know what will adorn its branches - some tinselly undies maybe? An corsetted angel on top perhaps? The bedecked wonder will be unveiled on December 1st. 2009-11-05T18:54:53+00:00 Hebenhams http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hebenhams/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hebenhams/#When:18:35:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/Picture-1314.png" alt="Hebenhams" />< One trick pony, Henry Holland is launching a range for mum’s favourite department store, Debenhams. Following in the footsteps of Julien Macdonald and Matthew Williamson, Holland’s range, cleverly entitled, errr, ‘H!’ (one has to shout it, I imagine) will be available instore next February. Describing it as, “an exciting and adventurous mix of happy grunge for a different, younger customer” the collection will be anchored by washed-out denim, leather and prints. 2009-11-05T18:35:44+00:00 Lady, Err, MAC-Ga http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady_err_mac-ga/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lady_err_mac-ga/#When:22:07:11Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ladygaga4301.jpg" alt="Lady, Err, MAC-Ga" />< Every year, M.A.C. sign up the latest femme-du-jour to front their AIDS Fund campaign, so perhaps it was a little inevitable that Mizz Gaga would wind up as their selected mug this time round. Also, some M.A.C.-head made the inspired decision to choose Cyndi Lauper as her campaign co-hoe. Lady Gaga was out and about last night in this get-up at the ACE awards collecting a ‘Stylemaker’ gong. Yes, the maverick, stylish, talented, siren (and Lady Gaga) will each make a Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick (place your bets now for lavender coloured) and a Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick for 8.50 quid each, all proceeds going to the M.A.C. AIDS Fund. ‘Stylemaker’ gong? Oh the irony of it all… 2009-11-03T22:07:11+00:00 Vogue and BFC Heart New Design Talent http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vogue_and_bfc_heart_new_design_talent/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/vogue_and_bfc_heart_new_design_talent/#When:19:09:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/32630_Cover1_122_338lo.jpg" alt="Vogue and BFC Heart New Design Talent" />< This is heartwarming news: The generous souls and Vogue and the British Fashion Council have clubbed together to create a kitty for up-and-coming design talent, plus support them with business savvy. The BFC Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, which will pony up 200k, launched this morning as part of the BFC’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Vogue editrix, Alexandra Shulman gushes: “It is inspired by the need to support British designers who through their own talent have reached a certain level and built a business but who need to grow their business now into something more solid.” As we all know Brit’s are heavy on skillz but light on scrilla so this another welcome fund (along with Newgen, Vauxhall Fashion Scout, Fashion East) to give a legs-up to those with an already established business but in need of some monetary aid. Designers are invited to apply at http://www.britishfashioncouncil.com before December 2nd. Finalists will be announced in April 2010. 2009-11-03T19:09:00+00:00 Gucci: A Very Italian Scandal http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gucci_a_very_italian/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/gucci_a_very_italian/#When:18:06:48Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/theguccis.jpg" alt="Gucci: A Very Italian Scandal" />< Director, Ridley Scott (he of Blade Runner and Roman blub-fest, Gladiator fame) is set to begin on a potentially scandalous biopic of the Gucci famiglia in 2010. Now the Gucci family don’t like this one iota and are pooping their panties over the cinematic documentation of their downfall. Maurizio Gucci’s cousin, Patrizia Gucci has been wailing to Italian newspapers that she feels betrayed by Scott’s wife - also the film’s producer - with whom they spend jolly holidays at their Florence pad. Apparently Angelina Jolie is in talks to undertake the role of Maurizio’s wife, Patrizia Reggiani - who is presently banged-up for successfully plotting to pop a cap in his ass back in 1995. TRR loves the idea of this picture - we’re thinking Goodfella’s meets, err, The Devil Wears Prada. And aw, don’t they look sweet in the above picture, shot circa 1990. Poor Maurizio, blissfully unaware of his fate. Hot dayum they had good upholstery taste too. 2009-11-03T18:06:48+00:00 Hello Dolly http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hello_dolly/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hello_dolly/#When:19:20:08Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/louboutin_barbie.jpg" alt="Hello Dolly" />< So whilst a high street range isn’t good enough the right time for him, Christian Louboutin has just unleashed his new trio of Barbie’s out into the wild. Based upon Marilyn Monroe and Queen Nefertiti, each micro-diva comes with four pairs of micro-Louboutin’s wrapped in teeny-tissue in dinky little shoeboxes. Bab’s seems to be an enduring muse as this isn’t his first collaboration - Louboutin released a hot-pink collection of his classic peep-toes in honour of her 50th birthday in February this year, not to mention a set of images of the plastic princess chilling at L’s pad. The range will be released just in time for Christmas through Net-A-Porter and retail at a eye-watering £100. (The only Barbie TRR got in their stocking was a cheap market knock-off, probably not even with a full pair of shoes, let alone four designer options…) For more info, clicky here 2009-11-02T19:20:08+00:00 Scary Vs Style http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/scary_vs_style/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/scary_vs_style/#When:17:06:24Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/american-apparel-halloween-party-2009.jpg" alt="Scary Vs Style" />< Fancy a bit of style with your spooks tomorrow? You can always begin your Halloween by celebrating the last day of the ‘Wish You Were here?’ exchange of 30 boutiques between London’s Newburgh Quarter and NY’s Lower East Side, at their New York themed party in Carnaby between 6-9pm. Offering live music, apple bobbing, candy floss - even the booze is NY themed with free Brooklyn Beer available till it runs dry. If the beer’s all been drained before you arrive, at least there’s a whopping 30% discount on all items before they’re shipped back to NYC the next day. After that, hotfoot it over to Shoreditch for the an American Apparel costume party at The Black Lotus, Scrutton Street 9pm-4am. With prizes for the best male and female costume (though I’m sure whoever goes head-to-toe in as much American Apparel gear as they can wear at once will win by default) noise comes courtesy of Real Gold DJ’s and friends. There’s also an instore pre-party at the Curtain Road store 6-9pm with 15% of most merchanside - woo! 2009-10-30T17:06:24+00:00 Sonia’s Brief Encounter http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sonia/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/sonia/#When:19:49:24Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/rykielhm.jpg" alt="Sonia’s Brief Encounter" />< A little while ago, TRR predicted (perhaps not all that accurately) what the new Sonia Rykiel / H&M lingerie line would look like. Well here is a sneak preview and there doesn’t seem to be any stripes or fruit in sight. Love love LOVING the rosette tittays and velvet cushion. 2009-10-29T19:49:24+00:00 Donatella Wields The Redundancy Axe http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/donatella_wields_the_redundancy_axe/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/donatella_wields_the_redundancy_axe/#When:16:27:39Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/VERS_SS10_0166.jpg" alt="Donatella Wields The Redundancy Axe" />< Donatella is saying “ciao ciao” to a quarter of her workforce as Versace take an ass-beating from the recession. In a statement issued yesterday the Italio uber-house cited a decline in the demand for luxury goods as the reason for the P45 handouts. Gian Giacomo Ferraris, chief executive officer of Versace SpA, blubbed to the Financial Times that they expect to make a £27m loss this year with revenues expected to fall from £301m in 2008 to £245m this year, plus further losses in 2010 to £242m. Their current workforce stands at 1360 and that will be whittled down to 1000. Now seeing as Versace are really back on the radar with a winning S/S ‘10 collection, not to mention a nicely rehabilitated Versus line courtesy of Christopher Kane I’ll be surprised if their profits don’t start to creep up somewhat. Maybe if Donatella halved her annual spray-tan / peroxide budget she’d shave off a few mil from their losses. Just a thought, just a thought… 2009-10-29T16:27:39+00:00 YSL: Way To Reap It From Beyond The Grave http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ysl_way_to_reap_it_from_beyond_the_grave/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ysl_way_to_reap_it_from_beyond_the_grave/#When:20:05:37Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/yves-saint-lauren-761392.jpg" alt="YSL: Way To Reap It From Beyond The Grave" />< The late Yves Saint Laurent has just been named the top earning dead ‘sleb according to Forbes. His posthumous earnings total $350 million this year - that’s a whole load more than the comparatively paltry $90 million Jacko has amassed since his death in June. For once I don’t have a caustic riposte for this, RIP Yves - long may you keep rakin’ in the scrilla and poppin’ those pills upstairs. 2009-10-28T20:05:37+00:00 Just… A… Little… Longer… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/just..._a..._little..._longer/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/just..._a..._little..._longer/#When:17:09:08Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/LACR_HC_AW09_0575.jpg" alt="Just… A… Little… Longer…" />< Christian Lacroix must be seething and shitting it in equal measures right now. He was so close to being rescued from the brink of financial armageddon by Emirati sheik Hassan bin Ali al-Nuaimi, however today it’s been revealed the takeover has been put on hold until mid November. Apparently some French tribunal yesterday adjourned hearings citing ‘procedural delays’ (whatever they are). Al-Nuaimi was all set to step in after Italian businessman Maurizio Borletti bottled out. Let’s all close our eyes, join hands and form a prayer ring, that this beloved house may live another season… 2009-10-28T17:09:08+00:00 Where Have All The Suits Gone? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/where_have_all_the_suits_gone/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/where_have_all_the_suits_gone/#When:19:02:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/ARMA_SS10_0042.jpg" alt="Where Have All The Suits Gone?" />< Whilst arduously trawling the Spring/Summer ‘10 collections, one of the biggest trends I spotted was what I’d call, ‘No Tailoring’. I mean, there were some elegant evening suits, some unstructured blazers, but in terms of steely City suiting - nuhuh, virtually zero, nil, nada. Yes, there’s always less tailoring during summer, but there was literally zilch for the working woman to chose from. I wonder if it would be churlish to suggest that designers thoughts were a million miles away from rigorous board-room suiting (like, so unrecessiony) they either omitted tailoring altogether or favoured feminine, romantic variations on businesswear - gone were pinstripes, rigid lines and angular silhouettes. Paradoxically, statement, aggressive pieces are still big, big news but in dresses, accessories - basically everything but office wear. Is it un-PC in our current economic meltdown to be seen typifying an aesthetic embodying redundancies, loss and woe for so many? Mr Suit Noir himself, Giorgio Armani offered tailoring which was unconventionally soft and voluminous - pantaloons replaced nipped in cigarette pants. Dolce’s only few efforts were more elegant gaucho than City-slicker with giant lapels, johdpur style pants and swinging sash-like cummerbunds. Stella’s trademark masculine blazer looked more effete than usual, even Chanel’s boxy staple suit was re-invisioned in a relaxed form, in neutral creams. Tailoring was virtually absent from YSL - save for one matador/Le Smoking lovechild and Jil Sander’s silhouttes were gentler and distinctly less-taut. So it will be interesting to see if this non-trend will endure into A/W ‘10/‘11 (customarily the season with most suiting) and it’ll be a case of back-to-the-boardroom or bust. (Main picture: Giorgio Armani) 2009-10-27T19:02:18+00:00 No, Marc, NO http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/no_marc_no/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/no_marc_no/#When:17:08:32Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/600full-marc-jacobs.jpg" alt="No, Marc, NO" />< Since Marc Jacobs made an off-the-cuff quip to New York mag about wanting to do a reality show a couple of years ago, he’s been beating back the offers with a big LV monogrammed stick. Bravo executives Frances Berwick and Andy Cohen opened up a few days ago, professing their agonizing torment over securing MJ, “we’ve talked to him about it so many times, and we’re grateful enough that he’s appeared on The Rachel Zoe Project for two seasons,” Cohen whimpered. “We are desperate for Marc - to get him on Bravo.” So, what could we expect to see? “Just live his life, his amazing life, and let us shoot it. I mean, just go. Just go! Open your eyes, let us put the tape in the camera, and let us go.” Now whilst we all would love a little glimpse into Marcworld, what in the hell is he thinking? Reality shows are the preserve of the the desperate, the famewhores, those trying to reignite their glory days, he doesn’t need that shit! Is MJ that much of a narcissist? Isn’t his mighty Spongebob / Red M&M grip on the fashion world enough? I mean this is Bravo we’re talking about here, it ain’t gonna be no September Issue... 2009-10-27T17:08:32+00:00 Lohan: Screw The Philistines http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lohan_srew_the_philistines/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/lohan_srew_the_philistines/#When:15:40:54Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/lindsay-lohan-ungaro-show.jpg" alt="Lohan: Screw The Philistines" />< A few weeks ago myself - and every other fashion journalist / person with the ability to see - universally panned Lindsay Lohan’s debut collection for Ungaro in her, err, job as ‘Artistic Advisor’. It was on the record that she wasn’t even paid for her efforts and was indeed bankrolled via a never-ending stream of free clothes. However Ungaro CEO, Mounir Moufarrige, has come out insisting the walking pharmaceutical cabinet does actually receive a proper salary (although he wouldn’t divulge quite how much - I guess, a couple of 8-balls, Adderral, etc) and that it’s, “quite enough. It’s expensive”. He also insisted her tenuous mental health “has been factored in”. Riiiiight… About all those mean haters, Lohan has come back fighting, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I didn’t expect everyone to be completely loving the collection. It is the same with everything I have done. I knew that people were going to target me. I am a target. I don’t know why I am, but I am, and I accept that. I just don’t pay attention to it.” I just LOVE how she tries to spin this as her being the victim. If you’re paid (via free clothes, salary or otherwise) you are expected to successfully perform that role. Yet anyone with half a braincell knew that it’s only her notoriety and our morbid, tawdry fascination with a person in the depths of turmoil that would bring a whiff of excitement to an otherwise dull house. Moufarrige knows this. We know this. Sadly the only one blissfully unaware is La Lohan herself, hence her protesations. They smack of a total lack of self-awareness - she doesn’t know why she’s a target? Is she really that oblivious of her behaviour? The poor lamb really does think she can cut-it in her role; “I feel I am on the cusp of something new. I just need to be here more,” she naively gushed. So what is your big plan then Li-Lo? “Oh, God. I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t like to think ahead.”  Like, way to want to be taken seriously, gal. 2009-10-27T15:40:54+00:00 Louboutin: “Me? A High Street Range? Not On Your Life” http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louboutin_me_a_high_street_range_not_on_your_life/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/louboutin_me_a_high_street_range_not_on_your_life/#When:22:05:55Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/christian-louboutin.jpg" alt="Louboutin: “Me? A High Street Range? Not On Your Life”" />< Mr Red Soles just announced there’s not a chance in hell he’d ever pop out a high street collaboration collection. When quizzed by the New York Times if he’d ever consider a range with H&M, Christian Louboutin snorted, “They proposed me to do the diffusion line and I declined,” Hurriedly backtracking he added, “Not that I don’t think it’s an interesting idea, but it’s a lot of work really, so it’s just difficult for me to do it.” (Roughly translates as: “I don’t bloody think so folks, my shoes are too good for the likes of those wot cannot afford them.”) Can’t say that I disagree with him. I mean what would they do about the red soles? They’re just too synonymous with his aesthetic - combined with the fact his footwear is always so simplistic, timeless and classic in design, I can’t really envision how H&M could produce a diffusion line without them looking like exact knock-offs - I mean, copies - I mean, oh forget it… Last word to Mr L: Would he ever do a range in the future? “No.” 2009-10-23T22:05:55+00:00 Anthropologie London: The Walls Are Alive! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/anthropologie_london_the_walls_are_alive/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/anthropologie_london_the_walls_are_alive/#When:15:52:23Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mfl-anthropologie.jpg" alt="Anthropologie London: The Walls Are Alive!" />< Quick! Hurry down to Regent Street today for the opening of the UK’s first Anthropologie store. Basically the the US equivalent of Urban Outfitters, the posh fleamarket-esque export will feature bespoke capsule collections by Eley Kishimoto amongst others. Most exciting of all, however, is the botanical freakshow of the living hydroponic plant wall. The 50 ft high micro-jungle covers 1,500 sq ft and is fed by a system that allows plants to be grown vertically using piped nutrient feeds in place of earth. A second store will be opening in the old Antiquarius building in Chelsea in early 2010. 2009-10-23T15:52:23+00:00 Will He?! Won’t He?! Yes, He Will! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/will_he_wont_he_yes_he_will/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/will_he_wont_he_yes_he_will/#When:17:30:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/6a00d83451586c69e200e551aca7f18834-800wi.jpg" alt="Will He?! Won’t He?! Yes, He Will!" />< Following whisperings, longings, anticipation and speculation over whether or not Tom Ford will ever launch a women’s line, the tanned Texan quietly let it slip during a promotional trip to Tokyo that, huzzah, he will indeed be returning to womenswear “very soon”. In town to pimp out his new directorial debut, “A Single Man” Ford added that it’s a case of when, rather than if, and that everything pretty much boils down to scrapin’ together some scrilla first. Later he spilled the beans further to WWD; “You know it will take me 18 months when I start, because I have to hire the team, find the factories, put everything together and then get the stores ready so there’s a place for these clothes.” Rumour has is that Ford and business bud, Domenico De Sole are seeking $50 million+ to fund their women’s collection and that Credit Suisse is likely to be clutching the purse strings. * * Wonder if they can threw a Euro or two Christian Lacroix’s way 2009-10-22T17:30:09+00:00 Would Genghis Approve…? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/would_genghis_approve/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/would_genghis_approve/#When:16:34:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/louis-vuitton-tokyo-80.jpg" alt="Would Genghis Approve…?" />< The Mongol’s had better prepare for a luxury invasion as Louis Vuitton has announced the opening if it’s first store in capital city, Ulan Bator. Sukhbaatar Square will be the site of the latest outlet. I wonder if this means the nomadic tribes will start hauling their goods around in matching monogrammed trunks? Perhaps Marc Jacobs is gonna launch a range of del’s? Introduce some Stephen Sprouce graffiti khoshiya…? Murakami produce some multicoloured uudji’s? Oh the options are almost limitless… 2009-10-22T16:34:19+00:00 The Paris Ballgown Massacre http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_paris_ballgown_massacre/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_paris_ballgown_massacre/#When:16:35:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/VIKR_SS10_0669.jpg" alt="The Paris Ballgown Massacre" />< Tulle has never looked so deliciously raw and anti-frou-frou. Over recent seasons Viktor and Rolf have toed a fine line between conceptual mastery and just getting it plain wrong, but when they get it right, they really get it right. Whether or not Horsting and Snoeren got halfway through their S/S ‘10 collection and thought, ‘fuck this, let’s chainsaw the lot,’ the result is a masterstroke of harmonizing frothy confection with rigourous, irreverent abstraction. Dubbed, ‘credit crunch couture’ (I thought one even looked like a giant mouse had mistaken it for a piece of cheese, gnawing holes in it) the slashing, slicing and tunneling of tulle was a humourous and timely motif. Despite the showstopping (semi) ravaged gowns marching out right at the finale, the whole collection was so cohesive - the shawn layers of tulle filtered down more sublty through muted jewel and lavender coloured cocktail dresses, evening separates and tailoring. Deconstructed tux jackets appeared throughout, the black lapels injecting that added severity against the softer hues. With the models hair and make-up evoking Grace Jones circa ‘Warm Leatherette’ - her sleek belligerence perfectly underscored the collection’s taut and unyielding shapes. The soundtrack was actually provded by a preggers Roisin Murphy who sang live from the rear of the runway - bump was incognito under, you guessed it, a wad of tulle. Bless. 2009-10-21T16:35:00+00:00 Jean Paul Gaultier On Target? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jean_paul_gaultier_on_target/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/jean_paul_gaultier_on_target/#When:18:42:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/jean-paul-gaultier-2009-1-22-14-34-25.jpg" alt="Jean Paul Gaultier On Target?" />< Budget retailer Target - the US equivalent to a kinda Primark/Tesco/IKEA hybrid - has managed to coax Jean Paul Gaultier into producing their third ‘Designer Collaborations’ series. Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui have already popped out micro-collections in conjunction with the bargain-basement emporium. Now I’m all for a spot of democratic fashion and H&M / Topshop are exemplars of nailing the high street retailer vs. designer love-in, but after seeing McQueen’s insipid, personality-free efforts and Sui’s stale yet baffling ‘Gossip Girl’ concept collection, I truly pray JPG’s range (apparently paying tribute to the ‘American woman’) actually retains some of his aesthetic. It’s almost like Target dilute all the designers’ identity from the collections, leaving a rather bland, middle-of-the-road, could-be-from-any-old-high-street-retailer flavour - except most high street stores these days are actually pretty damn directional. Ho-hum… Well we’ll have to wait till March 7th next year to see the results. JPG’s collection will be available in over 250 stores as well on the website, TARGET.COM, until April 11th.   2009-10-20T18:42:19+00:00 Out With The Posh, In With The Fox http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/out_with_the_posh_in_with_the_fox/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/out_with_the_posh_in_with_the_fox/#When:19:05:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/megan-fox-armani.jpg" alt="Out With The Posh, In With The Fox" />< Whilst I can’t stand the hard-faced poor-man’s Angelina, I can’t help chuckling to myself at Megan Fox replacing skeletal Ronsealed Posh as the face/bod of Emporio Armani’s new Underwear and Jeans campaigns. Shot, as always, by the amazing Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott whom have the innate ability to polish turds through their wonder-lens, the Transformers ‘actress’ and tramp-du-jour will appear in print ads and billboards worldwide next January. 2009-10-15T19:05:33+00:00 Beyond Extinction http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/beyond_extinction/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/beyond_extinction/#When:22:22:00Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/GILE_SS10_0177.jpg" alt="Beyond Extinction" />< Like, aw! You can always rely on Giles to bust out a cute cartoonish reference. We’ve had bleeding Bambi, dancing skeletons, Pac Man and now come these adorable puffy 3D dinosaur bags just like what you had at school - essentially bestrapped stuffed toys with their gizzards removed and zip replaced, but amazing nevertheless. So, be ahead of the season by following….                           The Real Runway Guide To A DIY ‘Gilesceratops’ Bag! 1) Nip down to Dalston Market and purchase the cheapest triceratops cuddly toy you can find (colour optional but Giles favours metallic or grey fur) a 50cm length or ribbon and a 30cm zipper 2) Slash between neck and tail, removing guts, entrails and so forth (err, wadding) 3) Sew in zipper along spine 4) Attach ribbon to base of neck and tail et voila: One knock-off Giles bag!   2009-10-13T22:22:00+00:00 Corre Drops His Knickers http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/corre_drops_his_knickers/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/corre_drops_his_knickers/#When:21:38:33Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/agentpro_joe_corre__693032a.jpg" alt="Corre Drops His Knickers" />< Yeah I know that pun was unforgivable but couldn’t help myself. Joe Corre, purveyor of pretty panties (OK I’m really gonna quit now) has just stepped down from the board of Agent Provocateur. Yes, the son of Viv’ Westwood and Malcolm MacLaren slunk away from the board last Friday and headed, I’m assuming, directly to Shoreditch since he is now going to pursue his rather superb men’s line, A Child Of The Jago (Seriously, check out the Curtain Road store, it’s a veritable time capsule of vintage military regalia and modern day dandyism). Anyway, AP Chief Exec Garry Hogarth weeped: “As is often the case when a founder ceases to be in full control of a business, Joe wanted to pursue new challenges and will be focusing on other projects. We are still on good terms with Joe. When he left he wished all the staff well, particularly because he still holds a sizeable stake in the business.” Well, I guess it kinda went downhill when his his co-partner and wife started bangin’ Paul Simonon from The Clash, in fact I’m surprised he held his solo-tenure for that long. (Regarding the change of original image with Corre and his Dirty Stop Out bandmates, I was saddened to learn the recent passing of Luca Mainardi so have replaced with one of a lone Corre. RIP ‘Filthy’ Luca) 2009-10-13T21:38:33+00:00 The (Anti) Recession Runways http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_anti_recession_runways/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_anti_recession_runways/#When:18:06:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MCQU_SS10_0567.jpg" alt="The (Anti) Recession Runways" />< In a time when sadly increasingly more designers now don’t even have enough pennies to rub together and hold a show in their mum’s front room, it appears the divide between modest presentation and awe-inspiring fantasy show is growing. Whether not it’s a desperate attempt to holler “look, we’re recession proof, honest!” the big power-houses seemed to inadvertently rub the noses of those not so fortunate in it with their indulgent extravaganzas - many of which were pure concept shows. Chanel had a hoedown in la Grand Palais, transforming it pretty much into a big ole’ cow shed with a sandy floor and clods of grass artfully arranged (mind you, surely it can’t cost that much to sling a few hay bales around?) At Hermes it was a case of everyone for tennis as the entire runway had been flanked by turf, complete with white lines converting it into a very sexy Centre Court. John Galliano created a quasi-Mars lunarscape, red lasers streaming up and down beneath the catwalk with giant white orbs floating and vapourising on contact. Whilst McQueen’s was nothing like his performance art-esque shows of yore, his shimmering ice-like runway was backdropped with projections of Nick Knight’s Raquel Zimmerman snake porn film. The ‘Plato’s Atlantis’ collection was streamed live on SHOWstudio.com (which frustratingly crashed due to Lady CaCa hijacking the occasion as a tool to promote her new single) fledging the burgeoning trend for allowing mere mortals to view shows online too. Now whilst squinting at a teeny box on screen and cursing your slow broadband rate ain’t the same as, say, sitting in the Carouselle du Louvre, designers are starting to embrace live streaming as the future of presenting their wares to not just editors / buyers but the baying masses. Halston kinda kick started it in cahoots with Net-A-Porter making collection pieces available online the following day, Burberry streamed their recent show, as did Armani and Vuitton so at least if the show budgets are gonna remain poor-tastedly astronomical, the houses are gracious enough to democratically wipe their ass with the elitism that surrounds them. 2009-10-13T18:06:07+00:00 Paris Party Round-Up http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_party_round-up/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/paris_party_round-up/#When:20:51:44Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/8732_149569503732_708578732_2768302_96154_n.jpg" alt="Paris Party Round-Up" />< OK so this season’s trip was a fleeting one, not my usual 9-day booze-a-thon so my party attendance was shockingly modest - and probably to my benefit since I managed to bust my wrist following a drunken rollerskating session on day 4 (don’t ask). Touching was the Jean Paul Gaultier hosted Buffalo party in honour of the late, great stylist Ray Petri at the Salon du Louvre. We joined fellow Brits/friends, Richard Mortimer, designers Hannah Marshall, Percy and Amy PPQ, Johanna O’Hagan and photographer Laurence Passera. Jo dropped a drink on Tim Blanks’ foot only for her apology to be hilariously met with, “oh don’t worry darling, I’ve had far worse things on there”. Kelly Osbourne was apparently DJing but there seemed to be no sign. Despite the Tanqueray cocktails flowing very freely, some got bored with the reggae soundtrack and started hollering “PLAY SOME ELECTRO!” So, once open bar drained we whizzed to the remainder of JCDC party at Le Baron (AKA my Parisian second home) the Ed Banger crew were out, including Gaspard Justice (who’d gotten so hirsute I didn’t recognise him when he greeted me) Kavinsky and So-Me. Everything afterwards was something of a blur… Comedy party of the week / lowlight was no doubt the Paco Rabanne do at VIPRooms on rue du Rivoli. Bulging with vile, greasy, seemingly style-phobic creatures, it was hysterical watching everyone dancing with themselves in the mirrored walls. I’m surprised no one actually started dry-humping their reflection. V V Brown performed but was easily outshone by a 25 stone tranny belting out hits wearing a dress made from silver bubbles. With more cheese than it’s possibly human to bear, it was back to Baron where TRR’s companion found themselves with the awkward task of politely fending off John Galliano’s advances (AKA shoving his hand down his pants). 2009-10-12T20:51:44+00:00 Oh Phoebe, How We’ve Missed You, Let Me Count The Ways http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/oh_phoebe_how_weve_missed_you_let_me_count_the_ways/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/oh_phoebe_how_weve_missed_you_let_me_count_the_ways/#When:19:24:35Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/CELI_SS10_0114.jpg" alt="Oh Phoebe, How We’ve Missed You, Let Me Count The Ways" />< Screw kids and husbands, they always get in the way of important things, like, MAKING GOOD CLOTHES FOR US! Since Phoebe Philo bid au revior to Chloe in 2006, leaving it under the tenuous revolving-door of Creative Directors, Paulo Melim Andersson and Hannah MacGibbon, she spent the last few years makin’ babies and matrimonial bliss rather than nice clobber. But now the woman who was the true saviour of Chloe (sorry Stel’) is back at the helm of another house which can do with some of her magic, Celine. And the results? Well for starters, her Chloe madamoiselle has grown up and evolved into an elegant madame. The kooky vintage sensibilities replaced with, refined and restrained elegance. There are notes of Chloe Phoeb’s there (the high waists, voluminous hips and erring on the side of retro at times) but for the most part, it’s camels, creams, mustards and taupes, a bit of safari, moulded looking leather shifts, skirts and tee’s, cape-like dresses, wispy pussy-bow blouses all understated general all-round niceness. Welcome back, gal. 2009-10-12T19:24:35+00:00 Dramalamadingdong http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dramalamadingdong/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/dramalamadingdong/#When:19:00:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/page001_ss.jpg" alt="Dramalamadingdong" />< Couldn’t help but give a little heads-up to a mag close to my own heart since it’s one I helped nurture (from fashion photographer, Ram Shergill‘s initial brainwave two years ago) into a fully-fledged title. Now, only available for download onto the iPhone and iPodTouch, the second digital issue of DRAMA Magazine has just been unleashed on iTunes. Now if you haven’t already heard of DRAMA then hang your head in shame and get a grip!! The worlds only Fashion and Performance based glossy is ridiculously indulgent and theatrical with insanely opulent photography, beauty and styling. The new issue features the ginge and blondie from Harry Potter plus cast from the Young Vic and a wealth of other up-and-coming thesps’. www.drama-magazine.com 2009-10-09T19:00:58+00:00 Li-Lo For Ungaro: EPIC FAIL http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/li-_lo_for_ungaro_epic_fail/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/li-_lo_for_ungaro_epic_fail/#When:18:27:34Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/UNGA_SS10_0005.jpg" alt="Li-Lo For Ungaro: EPIC FAIL" />< For too long now Ungaro has never been an attention-worthy house, certainly not one I’ve ever given two hoots about - that omnipresent fuchsia is just too barf-inducing. Yet on this occasion I was gagging to see whether Lindsay Lohan’s appointment as ‘Artistic Advisor’ (one does wonder what the actual job description for that was) would be gloat-worthy of, ‘see, we told you so!’ or surprisingly quite good. And so were a million other voyeurs it seems, rubbernecking to get a glance of Li-Lo’s *cough* collection.  Sure enough, the former was true: the clothes were as farcical as her appointment in the first place. With Spanish designer Estrella Archs at the helm, the show opened with a quite agreeable Leger-ish bandage dress, but alas it soon descended into a kitsch saccharine agony, complete with heart-overload - what in the goddamned kinda hell were those giant heart bindis/pasties all about?? It was like Linds’ thought, ‘hey, we’ve got loadsa these glittery hearts left, let’s whack them on foreheads and tittays just for laughs, and that will be, like, really artistic, right? RIGHT???” And don’t even get me started on the pointlessly vulgar white stoles. Dhoti pants (yawnsville) be-hearted bandeau tops (double cringe) and not one hemline below the crotch (virtually) yes they may have achieved that ‘youthful’ angle they set out to, however, tragically, I foresee it’ll more likely encourage the tasteless St Tropez worshipping oldies who buy Ungaro to dress sluttier than tribes of young women suddenly stampeding the stores. In this instance I’d normally advise to stick to your day job, but, oh dear! La Lohan doesn’t have one. Moral of this story is: living car crashes, doth not a designer make. 2009-10-05T18:27:34+00:00 Forgive Me Father For My Impiety http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/forgive_me_father_for_my_impiety/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/forgive_me_father_for_my_impiety/#When:18:26:09Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BALE_SS10_0095.jpg" alt="Forgive Me Father For My Impiety" />< Sometimes when you see a show you think, ‘hmmmm, is this not good or is it just too new to get my head around yet and come next season I will love it and wonder why I ever questioned it?’ Well those are the thoughts swimming around my head after seeing the Balenciaga show. Whilst there is no denying Ghesquiere’s technical wizardry - alchemy, almost - this is a guy who marry a million types of fabric with complex structures and make it work somehow. But, to me, his S/S ‘10, well, it just looked a bit, err, ugly ***runs and hides for fear of committing sacrilege!!! *** The thing is with Ghesqueire, we expect him to reinvent the wheel each season, and to his credit, he does in terms of challenging prevailing silhouettes and techniques (remember the Tron trousers?) but for some reason I’m left somewhat cold. Now as usual, the footwear was to die for, as Ghesqueire’s always are - futuristic, convoluted and above all, humourous. The leather patchwork trousers reeked of biker heaven, but everything waist-upwards, particularly the leather and mesh patchwork tops, well, even as a diehard Balenciaga devotee I found them hard to stomach. The colour harmony, the composition of the fabrics, hmm, all a bit grim really. The abstract colourways and shapes on a number the dresses, however, especially the orange and sky-blue were very special indeed. The hoodies, I think will be a grower. 2009-10-02T18:26:09+00:00 Balmain: Que Military Rush In 5… 4… 3… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/balmain_que_military_rush_in_5..._4..._3/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/balmain_que_military_rush_in_5..._4..._3/#When:16:59:49Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/BALM_SS10_0009.jpg" alt="Balmain: Que Military Rush In 5… 4… 3…" />< There are times I wish Christophe Decarnin was never born. Balmain collections infuriate me into such a rage as I know there is no hope in hell of me ever ever being able to afford and piece of it so they are the kind of clothes that have me howling out with lust and torment in equal measures (I actually keep getting weird looks from the kids in the school just outside my window from thumping my desk in fury right now). Whilst Decarnin’s S/S ‘10’s aesthetic remains the same as it ever was (I like to call it luxe raggedy) last seasons cyber disco queen has morphed into a kinda Napoleonic, military goddess. The tennis ball shoulders replaced by hulking dangly epaulettes, with a core pallete of sludgy taupes and khakis plus grubby bronzes and golds. I even spotted shades of neo Greco-Roman drapery - all very modern day Athena. Of course the denim and jersey remains artfully distressed, perhaps like they’d been fighting tooth and nail on the front line or something. I’m already thinking what I can pawn to own the bullet belt dress or black and gold metallic blazer. Now where did I leave my grandmothers heirloom jewellery….? 2009-10-02T16:59:49+00:00 The Eternal Dilemma… http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_eternal_dilemma/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/the_eternal_dilemma/#When:23:16:52Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/PUGH_SS10_0387.jpg" alt="The Eternal Dilemma…" />< ...Remain true to oneself or sell your soul to the devil? It’s a toughie, and one which has long faced ‘enfant terrible’, Sunderland boy, Gareth Pugh. For three years now we have enjoyed his perversely theatrical giant poodles, illuminated coats, cube heads, arm band wings and sci-fi chequerboards, but there comes a time when you have to please your backers otherwise to continue in the same freakshow vien (as rad as that’d be) wouldn’t be so much as biting the hand that feeds you, moreover, chewing it off at the wrist, sptting it out and shitting on the remains. And so here is Gareth Pugh’s S/S ‘10 collection. Mixed men’s and womenswear (although it was hard to tell underneath the grey pan-stick) he presented an exceedingly more commercial array of clobber than usual. Ashen, gun-metal, pewter, charcoal and black chiffon’s, crepes and leather were horizontally slashed. The two-tone panelling and trademark lattice triangles were there, but rather than on beefy PVC puffa jackets, appeared sublty (cant believe I’m using ‘subtle’ in the same sentance as Gareth) on trousers and soft trenches. Everything flowed and there was a fluidity as opposed to the discordant alien-esque dystopia his models normally inhabit.  Still cybery-gothic though, still featuring his stomping laced knee-boots and still unmistakably Gareth. 2009-10-01T23:16:52+00:00 For The Love Of God, Someone Save This House http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/for_the_love_of_god_someone_save_this_house/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/for_the_love_of_god_someone_save_this_house/#When:18:41:18Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/LACROIXHCSS092.jpg" alt="For The Love Of God, Someone Save This House" />< Poor, poor Christian Lacroix. Never made a profit in 22 years. Who’da thunk it? We know rumours of debts / teetering on bankruptcy have plagued the balding French gnome-a-like for some time, however there was a glint of hope in the shape of Italian investment group Borletti. After sniffing around for 3 months, Italian businessman Maurizio Borletti recently announced, “the conditions for confirming this takeover were not brought together”. All is not lost, though… Insanely rich Gulf investor Hassan bin Ali al-Nuaimi made an earlier offer and Lacroix’s administrators have deemed this offer as “very satisfactory”. Now one would think having never made a profit in 22 years would indicate that Lacroix is preeeetty much never likely to. Now I’m no financial analyst, but I’d hazard a guess Mr al-Nuaimi ain’t ever gonna see a return on his scrilla. Which leads me to think, maybe his wife / daughter / niece is a big Lacroix fan and kept nagging his ass till be bought the damn house. In which case, sometimes the best gestures are those that benefit others. (Result! I made it to the end of the feature without resorting to one Ab Fab reference!) 2009-10-01T18:41:18+00:00 American Apparel: Since When Did Legality Ever Matter? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american_apparel_since_when_did_legality_ever_matter/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/american_apparel_since_when_did_legality_ever_matter/#When:18:03:01Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/american_apparel_33.jpg" alt="American Apparel: Since When Did Legality Ever Matter?" />< Apparently American Apparel has fired about 1,500 immigrant production workers in the last month because they were unable to prove to federal authorities they had the legal right to work in the U.S. I’d have thought it more likely that it was because they spurned Dov Charney’s advances… 2009-10-01T18:03:01+00:00 Ciao Ciao Milano http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ciao_ciao_milano/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/ciao_ciao_milano/#When:16:45:58Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/DOLC_SS10_0159.jpg" alt="Ciao Ciao Milano" />< In a recession, creatively, one of two things can happen: designers can break out into the realms of the unknown (yep, there ain’t nothin’ like times of uncertainty and austerity to stimulate the imagination) or they can go the opposite way and cling desperately onto the past like some big warm fluffy nostalgic safety blanket. After viewing the Milan shows it appears the latter was mostly the case. Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Alberta Ferretti - and to a certain extent, Versace, all plundered the archives of their ‘greatest hits’ collections. Dolce’s was uber-Italiano with oodles of corsety, satin, lace and frills, exposed brassieres, jodhpurs plus lots and lots and lots and lots of black. I kinda got a whole Latin widow vibe; which is no bad thing, mind. Then there was Roberto Cavalli, who, like Julien Macdonald, toned down the vulgarity in favour of - whisper it - demure, refined sensibilities. Perhaps they figured their usual ultra-tinselly ostentation in these times would be something of a sartorial faux pas. Fendi’s, too was a cute, reserved collection, free from their archetypal enormo-accessories. Nudes, warm creams, and peachy tones have seemed to prevail in many of the shows thus far, in fact. Then there were those who embraced optimism; shunning his typically monochrome pallete for cobalts, emeralds and berry hues, Giorgio Armani‘s collection screamed vibrance and vivaciousness. As Mrs Prada put it; “When things are bad, you have to come out from that. Optimism,” she declared, “is a choice.” And if you can’t rely on Mizz P for articulating the mood of the times, well then we’re screwed. 2009-10-01T16:45:58+00:00 Could This Man Mend Boss? http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Could_This_Man_Mend_Boss/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/Could_This_Man_Mend_Boss/#When:19:21:26Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/3186.jpg" alt="Could This Man Mend Boss?" />< Who buys Hugo Boss? Really, I’ve never understood nor fathomed what type of person wears it. I don’t know one single person that has ever purchased one item from there. Having said that, as a child I recall my grandparents returning from the States with these matching Hugo Boss shellsuits for the whole family (FYI: mine was bright pink with ‘BOSS’ stamped down the sleeves and legs - I still have nightmares to this day). Anyway, perhaps in a bid to entice those-wot-actually-care-about-fashion to buy their goods, they’ve just signed up Graeme Black as Creative Consultant for the Boss Black women’s collection. His first tip?: WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN! I jest, I jest. But seriously, Boss could do worse than have some of Black’s eponymous label’s luxurious aesthetic rubbing off onto them. His first collection with Boss will be for A/W ‘10/11 Philipp Wolff senior vice president, communications said: “The Boss Black label has never had an outside creative consultant before, and this move is a sign that we are investing in women’s wear and taking it very seriously.” Not before time, matey. 2009-09-30T19:21:26+00:00 When Two Worlds Collide http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/when_two_worlds_collide/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/when_two_worlds_collide/#When:18:50:08Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/1209081_Uniqlo1.jpg" alt="When Two Worlds Collide" />< I’m kinda left scratching my head over this. Jil Sander has been coaxed out of semi-retirement to produce a range with Uniqlo. Quite what the output of probably the most minimalist fashion house combined with the most minimalist high street retailer will be is puzzling. Or rather glaringly obvious: MINIMAL. Actually, we don’t have to wonder anymore, because here are the results, and you’ve guessed it, it’s minimal. Uniqlo’s Oxford Street stores and Westfield Shopping Centre will get the range first before it goes global. Prices from £14.99 to £99     2009-09-30T18:50:08+00:00 Christopher Kane Vs, Err Versus http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christopher_kane_vs_err_versus/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/christopher_kane_vs_err_versus/#When:17:24:31Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/VRSU_SS10_0057.jpg" alt="Christopher Kane Vs, Err Versus" />< And the prize for the most prolific designer goes to… Why, Mr Christopher Kane of course. Having just shown his own collection but a week ago in London, dropped a heeeuuuge collection in collab’s with Topshop to much hype (in fact I’m already sick of seeing those damn croc tee’s everywhere - next!) the busy boy has now just previewed his debut collection with Versace for their - until now - tired Versus diffusion line. Long was the label favoured by naff wannabe rude boys and gals who wanted a bit of Versace cred but couldn’t stump the main line’s price. Then along came Kane with his magic wand to revive the ailing sister label and inject some oomph back into it. Starting with all the footnotes of Gianni’s legacy; the safety pins, chainmail, ruched jersey, peekaboo panelling, oh-so-delicate-yet-sexy lace detailing, Kane reinterpreted them for (and I’m loathe to how cheesey this sounds) a ‘new generation’ (vom’s). As confirms Donatella: “It’s a young collection, I make it a young price.” So now all the young ‘un’s can still afford a bit of the Versus -  and just look infinitely better too. 2009-09-30T17:24:31+00:00 Stripy Knicks Ahoy! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/stripy_knicks_ahoy/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/stripy_knicks_ahoy/#When:19:08:22Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/10108-sonia-rykiel-21.jpg" alt="Stripy Knicks Ahoy!" />< Continuing in their trend for bang-on collaborations, H&M have apparently just signed the coolest Parisian octogenarian (almost!) Sonia Rykiel to make some pretty panties and bras for them: the first time they’ve ever got into bed with a designer for an underwear range. The lingerie will drop in the shops nationwide on December the 5th. Now I’m placing my bets now that there’ll be some of her trademark stripes in somewhere, maybe a couple of knitted pieces, most certainly some sequin fruit (cherries or ‘nanas I recokon). Says H&M Creative Advisor, Margherita van der Bosch: “Sonia Rykiel is a true fashion icon who invented a signature style around femininity, Parisian chic and modernity - as well as functional, comfortable, wearable clothes. She has an attitude that inspires admiration among women of all ages around the world.” Quite. (Madame Rykiel actually holds the award for throwing possibly the best party I’ve ever been to - her 40th Anniversary at La Balustrade last year in Paris. Decadence doesn’t even begin to describe the utter awesomeness of the evening - from the moment we stepped into our vintage gold Caddy to be escorted to the palace grounds on the outskirts of the city, to raping the vintage Perrier Jouet on tap all night to the emotional finale: a surprise runway tribute show to the lady herself featuring an homage from almost every designer out there. Viva Rykiel!) 2009-09-29T19:08:22+00:00 Julien Macdonald In “Tasteful Collection” Shocker! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/julien_macdonald_in_tasteful_collection_shocker/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/julien_macdonald_in_tasteful_collection_shocker/#When:20:07:36Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/MACD_SS10_0126.jpg" alt="Julien Macdonald In “Tasteful Collection” Shocker!" />< We all know Julien’s girls are WAG-wannabes, Hollyoaks actresses and tack-loving D listers (who can forget Paris Hilton walking for him a few seasons ago?) but I dare-say after seeing his S/S 10 collection I may find myself slipping over to the darkside - or should that be blingside…? He’s obviously found time from creating pink tat for Debenhams to pull it outta the bag with a slick, sexy and “thank Christ he hald back on the glitter” collection. OK, OK it owes more than a wink and a nudge towards Mr Decarnin with those big shoulders, but right now there ain’t noone who’s loving a bit of shoulder boulder action. Rigid power-suiting infused with wet-suit detailing worked with micro-dresses and glossy trenches. Yes the scuba theme sounds nuts but it harmonized so well with the taught lines and silhouettes - even the minimal bling was gloriously fishscaley. Just leave the snorkel at home. 2009-09-28T20:07:36+00:00 Delete Those Preconceptions http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/delete_those_preconceptions/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/delete_those_preconceptions/#When:19:57:19Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/SASS_SS10_0402.jpg" alt="Delete Those Preconceptions" />< Like, wow. It seems Sass and Bide ain’t just about those Black Rats and Misfits. Whilst there’s certainly nowt wrong with their delectable spray-on leg constrictors, S&B’s S/S ‘10 collection gave us a reason for their label not to be synonymous with such thrush-inducing clobber (yes, I’m sorry..!) Moving their asses across the Atlantic to front their S/S ‘10 collection in London was a smart move at a time when designers are getting big kudos for returning to Britain (coo-eee Burberry). Essentially monochrome (with some rather witty prints) the loose drapery - by way of parachute pants and bilious skirts - contrasted against nipped-in micro dresses and aggressive tailoring, all fed through with golds, (loved the metallic pantaloons) and heavy tribal bead embellishment. And ne’er a drainpipe in sight. 2009-09-28T19:57:19+00:00 Hogg Wash http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hogg_wash/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/hogg_wash/#When:15:25:16Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/hogg-bride.jpg" alt="Hogg Wash" />< When I grow up and find some pitiful sod to marry me, this is the frock pour moi! Whoever said romance is dead was indeed correct since this neo-Gothic bridal numbers’ train does actually look like it met a disturbingly grizzly end. The grimey basement of 180 Strand was the perfect location to show Pam Hogg’s ‘Goddess of War’ collection - a soiled urban battlefield for her hareem of punk girls from the future, including, Liberty Ross (and her tittays), Alice Dellal, Daisy Lowe and Anouck Lepre. Don’t be fooled by Hogg’s “just jumpsuits” connotations, there is a mastery in her cutting - emphasized by the complex coloured panelling in some of the pieces. Yes there may be acres of shiny spandex (plus miles of ribbon, feathers and diaphanous ruffles) but the beauty of Hoggs craftsmanship - especially in draping - lent her Goddesses a delicate femininity amid all the shiny shiny. The cute baby blues and powder pinks helped too. The front row proved amusing: Boy George squeezing his giant tusch into a teeny gap (one would have thought a prison diet may have benefitted it but obs not), the Nicest Man In Fashion AKA Stephen Jones, Martine McCutcheon (err, why?) Roisin Murphy, Jodie Harsh, Siouxie Soux, Paul Simonon and Serena Rees. It was hard not to giggle at the vile Geldof creature sat opposite’s sour / smug “look-at-aren’t-I-the-most-important-person-in-the-room” expression. Err, no love, you ain’t. Everyone in here is someone, you on the other hand are a jumped up little parody of a parasite, *cough* I mean ‘socialite’. 2009-09-25T15:25:16+00:00 Eco Schmeco http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/eco_schmeco/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/eco_schmeco/#When:15:19:07Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/RubyDuoTwo.jpg" alt="Eco Schmeco" />< OK I find most ‘eco fashion’ intolerable, and wandering around the Estethica stand at LFW sadly confirmed my suspicions that although we’ve kinda inched a little away from hemp smocks, there is still one helluva journey to eco fashion THAT - QUELLE HORREUR - IS ACTUALLY DESIRABLE TO WEAR!!! There are only so many shapeless linen garments one can view before bringing out the razors and slitting our wrists in frustration. Then just before I hung my head in woe and began to sink my fifth glass of champagne of the day in relent (err, yeah, for that reason, honestly) I came across Aussie designer Rachael Cassar. Quite literally i started having lustful palpitations at the striking couture-esque one-off creations in her S/S ‘10 collection, ‘Ruby’.’ Baroque noir with a whisper of gothic hippie, a bolero jacket with giant feather epaulets took my eye (a bit Brandon Flowers, but hey…) 90% of Cassar’s materials are rehashed from used products; “The only way people are going to accept eco-fashion is if they’re not sacrificing anything for it” says Cassar. Err, precisely: STYLE should not be sacrificed!! If only other eco-designers would hurry up and grasp Cassars way of thinking… http://www.rachaelcassar.com 2009-09-25T15:19:07+00:00 Orgasm Alert! http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/orgasm_alert/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/orgasm_alert/#When:16:27:27Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/eary1.jpg" alt="Orgasm Alert!" />< Backstage before the MAN show the other day I nearly came in my pants when I saw Katie Eary’s gold metal skeletal feet and hands being delicately attached to the models. So intricate and beautiful, the sinewy jewellery was produced in collaboration with one of my faves, MAWI and is quite frankly some of the most gruesomely spectacular pieces I’ve seen, who cares if they’re for boys, I needs me some now!! Her collection, Naked Lunch, was inspired by William Borroughs’ work with an anatomical emphasis on the human body and the destructive relationships with mind and soul altering substances within his texts. In other words, a dark, acid trip featuring ripped off skin and flesh and exposed organs…. Yummy… www.katieeary.com 2009-09-24T16:27:27+00:00 Mulberry-Go-Round http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mulberry-go-round/ http://www.thereal-runway.com/article/mulberry-go-round/#When:15:59:06Z <img src="http://www.thereal-runway.com/images/uploads/mulberry1.jpg" alt="Mulberry-Go-Round" />< E-numbers were the drug of choice last night and most of the fash-packs headaches this morning were sugar-induced rather than alcohol. Mulberry’s Fun Fair themed do at Claridges was overflowing with candyfloss, sweeties, mini burgers and sickly sweet apple cocktails. A fake tattoo parlour, hook-a-duck stand occupied the ballroom while candy coloured balloons seemed up every inch of available space, oh and those mirrors that make you go all wobbly lined the walls. Highlight of the evening though was Friendly Fires set - they had all of us screaming out the chorus to Paris (probably because most of the room will actually be going to Paris next week - huzzah!). Two fifths of Girls Aloud showed up (there was something alarming about how well Sarah Harding worked that pony) plus the usual brat pack of vacuous It kids (Pixie, Daisy et al) Walliams, Ben Grimes, Leigh Lezark (who is just frighteningly beautiful but actually as icy as her eye colour) Erin O’Connor, Amber le Bon, Lady Victoria Hervey (I thought we got rid of her to the States??) and a wasting away Alexa Chung also enjoyed the cotton-candy fun. 2009-09-22T15:59:06+00:00