THE WEEK IN FASHION: 7th-11th MAY

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

It's apparently only been a four-day week but there have been plenty of happenings in the world of fashion for us to bring you up to speed on.

Vidal Sassoon styling Mia Farrow's hair (image from www.hellomagazine.com)

We begin on a sad but celebratory note with news that legendary hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon passed away this week at the age of 84. From a fashion perspective, Sassoon's impact was incredible. He is widely credited as creating hairstyles which freed women from the weekly shampoo and set. Not only were these liberating from a practical point of view, but the five point bob was the defining style which went with the mini skirts of the swinging sixties. What many may not know is that Sassoon spent much of his childhood in an orphanage. He also spent time in his teenage years as a militant Zionist, fighting fascists in London and then joining the Israeli army. His career in hairdressing affected women the world over, whether they had their hair cut into one of his styles, which still look modern today, or used his range of product. As many have already said, a life well lived.

The way it was (image from Guardian.co.uk)

A little more from Monday night's Met Gala now. Carey Mulligan is auctioning the amazing Prada fish scale sequin dress she wore to co-host the event on e-bay. All proceeds will go to Oxfam America. At  the time of writing, the bidding had reached $1,025 but it is widely expect to rise steeply by the time the auction closes on Saturday 19th May.

Carey Mulligan in Prada at the Met Gala on Monday (image from telegraph.co.uk)

We showed you the gowns on Tuesday. But here are a few other pics from the Met Gala and related events which we've come across this week.

Alexander Wang with Azealia Banks, wearing one of his designs, who performed at the gala (image from http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/)

Clemence Poesy with the designer of her dress, Nina Ricci's Peter Copping (image from http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/) 

Grace Coddington in Prada (twit pic by Jim Shi)

The Schiaparelli inspired place setting's at the dinner (twit pic by Jim Shi)

Alexa Chung and Karen Elson enjoying the night with Marc Jacobs (image from Marc Jacobs' twitter)

Grace Coddington has styled Prada's Broadway store to celebrate the Prada/ Schiaparelli exhibition...

Julian D'ys created the sculptures and masks for the installation

Images from Prada

If ever there were a tweet to flutter a thousand hearts (and more besides) then it came from Chanel this week: "Chanel has selected the world renowned actor Brad Pitt to be the face of the upcoming advertising campaign for Chanel No.5". Pitt is apparently heading to London to shoot this week. In Team FEAL's professional opinion, there's no better man to be the first male to promote Mme. Chanel's favourite perfume.

The picture which Chanel tweeted of Pitt

NEWGEN designer Thomas Tait has been nominated for the 2012 Andam prize, the prestigious fashion award judged by some of the most discerning names in business. They include Delphine Arnault, deputy managing director of Christian Dior; Pierre Bergé; Sarah Andelman, purchasing manager and creative director of Colette; Humberto Leon, Kenzo designer and co-owner of Opening Ceremony. Tait is nominated alongside other exciting young designers Cedric Charlier, Julien David, Vika Gazinskaya, Calla Haynes and Nicolas Andreas Taralis. Tait told Vogue,  'If I were to win, I would show at Paris Fashion Week, which has been an unspoken dream of mine for quite some time now'. He went on to admit that he's 'a bit starsrtuck already' by the judges who will be deciding the winner. Previous Brits to win the award, which is worth £185,000, include Gareth Pugh and Giles Deacon. Good Luck Thomas!

A look from Tait's very cool AW12 collection (image from catwalking.com)

Aquascutum has been offered a lifeline this week after a deal was reached  with YGM, the company's Asian licensee. It means that over 100 jobs have been secured and will see the survival of the UK stores, concessions as well as the head office set-up. There are still ongoing negotiations to sell the factory in Corby with hopes for a purchase to be made in the coming fortnight.

Vogue's Fashion Features Director Harriet Quick is leaving to join new invitation only travel club, Luxup.  She will become Editorial Director while Averyl Oates, formerly at Buying Director at Harvey Nichols, will be Commercial Director. In addition, Sarah Mower will be the site's London curator. Quick said "After so many great years at Vogue, I am thrilled to be joining Luxup...The global traveller is a growing force in luxury retail - just witness the environs of Bond and Mount Street. On a simple level, I'm frequently stopped for directions and advice from be-puzzled Chinese visitors. On a personal level - luxury, shopping, travel? That's a wonderful world." Quick's appointment is perhaps another sign of the trend for editorial stars moving from magazines to retail and online businesses.

Dress lust of the week, aside from the Met gowns obvs, goes to Eva Mendes in her Jonathan Saunders AW12 overblown peony print dress. Adore it with the turquoise sunnies.

Eva Mendes in Jonathan Saunders AW12 (image from telegraph.co.uk)

We told you earlier in the week that Tod's owner Diego Della Valle will be reviving the Schiaparelli brand, which he has owned for several years. There have been bubbling rumours that John Galliano, out of a job since his departure from Dior last year, might come on board as Creative Director. This is what Cathy Horyn gleaned of the status quo in her conversation with Della Valle this week.

"Asked if he might consider John Galliano, Mr. Della Valle pulled a good poker face. There have been rumors, he said: “One week it’s Galliano, the next it’s someone else.” He expects to hire someone by September. Finding someone with the skill for Schiaparelli is hard enough, but many designers are used to perks and big budgets, and these don’t seem things they will find in a brand trying to create a new experience"

Farida Khelfa who has been appointed spokesperson for the Schiaparelli relaunch (image from www.zimbio.com)

Anna Wintour appeared on the Colbert Show this week. Among the topics they spoke about as President Obama's announcement in support of Gay Marriage, which came this week (yay!). Wintour said "I am thrilled. There were tears in the office atVogue today in the support of gay marriage. We're thrilled about the president". Wintour also discussed how Prada was so much more than what the Devil wears and how tempted she was to don trackie bottoms and eat chips. I'm very sad to report that I cannot find a working video of the interview yet. 

Shoe King Christian Louboutin is expanding his business with plans to enter the beauty market it was revealed today. He is joining up with Batallure Beauty LLC. Their co-chairman is Robin Burns, a longtime fan of the iconic red-soled shoes. The admiration is mutual; Louboutin chose the company because he felt Burns understood him best. THe line, Christian Louboutin Beaute, will launch late next year. And the muse? Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. 

Louboutin's beauty inspiration Queen Nefertiti (image from jezebel.com)

Finally, Dolce and Gabbana's "Italiana: An Italian Style Comedy" feels like a rather fun way to start the weekend...

WHAT IS 'BLOGGER' RIGHT NOW? THE TOP TEN MOST BLOGGED ABOUT ITEMS NOW

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

We've had so many responses to yesterday's post about the 'blogger' trend via comments, tweets and e-mails. We thought we'd have have a bit of fun today so have put together our view of the top 10 most blogged about items right now. Obviously there are so many blogs out there that we have no idea if this is statistically true but we've asked around and looked at what people have been mentioning so far. Do you agree? If not, what would you have gone for?

1. JEFFREY CAMPBELL SHOES

These clumpy platform boots have gained a rep as the bloggers' favourite boot. Nobody wears them better than Stella from Stella's Wardrobe. She's rarely seen with her Jeffrey Campbells.

Stella in her Jeffrey Campbell boots (image from stellaswardrobe.blogspot.co.uk)

Stella's studded Jeffrey Campbells (image from stellaswardrobe.blogspot.com)

2. PRADA- EARRINGS AND COATS

Prada always produces a hit piece or seven. At the moment it's anything bling from their SS12 collection, especially the earrings and jackets. For bloggers who want to get this look, there are loads of guides showing you how to make your own versions. These make your own guides are probably worth a blog post in themselves at some point- watch this space!

Susie in her Prada chandeliers (image from stylebubble.co.uk)

Meg Gray, whose site is Gray Gardens, in her Prada crystal jacket, as introduced to us by Susie Bubble (image from Tommy Ton on Style.com)

3. MICHAEL KORS WATCH

Need I explain? A big watch is de rigueur when you're looking for max impact in shots.

www.oh-so-glam.com

4. ACNE'S MINT KNITS

This is My-Wardrobe's most blogged about item.

www.houseofsartorialism.blogspot.com

Image from style.com

5. YSL RING

Many of those commenting said that the YSL ring was a bloggers favourite, I guess the fact it spans half the hand is a big bonus.

chicchefblog.com

6. 3.1 PHILLIP LIM BAG

Any one will do, but Mr Lim's structured, graphic and massive bags seem to be a big blogger favourite. My Wardrobe say this one is in their Top 10 most blogged.

www.dulcecandy.com

7. ASH WEDGES

Melanie wrote about these a while back. There'll be all kind of variations around for a while yet, given the gem versions I've seen about at press days.

lolafromvalencia.blogspot.com

8. WHISTLES WISTERIA

This is Whistles' hit print of SS12, now sold out almost everywhere. Olivia Palermo has been styling out the look on her blog this week.

image from www.oliviapalermo.com

9. H & M TROUSERS

I've seen these everywhere, both on and offline of late.

allaboutthestyle.net

10. JIL SANDER HAT

Another item with lots of how-to-do your own guides dedicated to it. Of course, the Queen of Bloggers and Street Style Stars, Anna Dello Russo is its most famous wearer.

bloggers.com

www.nitorlicious.com

Do you agree with our list? What do you think we should add to it?

FEAL team xx

THE BEST DRESSED AT LAST NIGHTS MET BALL 2012 -

Posted by Melanie Rickey & Bethan Holt - team FEAL

There are more than enough red carpet events throughout the year to satisfy our need to award hits and misses to various celebrities' ultimate version of modern fantasy dressing. But the Met Ball is the fashion biggie. The outfits are not on the sideline here, but the the main attraction, and this is where we judge the actual FASHION not yet another interpretation of 'Hollywood Glamour' . Some choose to approach it exactly how they might the Oscars -  hello, Scarlett Johannsson dressed like an actual Oscar statuette. Others use it as an opportunity to try something a little edgier - I'm talking to you, yes you Coco Rocha in your on-trend trousers.

Last night's event launched the 'Prada and Schiaparelli: Impossible Conversations' show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this years successor to Savage Beauty/McQueen blockbuster of 2011, which will run throughout the Summer. There was plenty of Prada and a number of nods to Schiaparelli, and in some instances both - nice tcouch Anna Wintour. But also a variety of new riffs on the red carpet vibe. Diego Della Valle also chose yesterday to announce that he'll be reviving Schiaparelli although the rumours from a few months back that Galliano might be designing seem to have come to nothing. Though we are very much looking forward to what Diego does with the brand, as his revival of the house of Roger Vivier has been beautifully executed by his team and the brands Creative Director Ines de La Fressange.

Here are our picks of the looks which best represent how trends were worked into the looks of the night. This is a barometer for where red carpet fashion will be going in the coming months...it is also, in some cases, a barometer of where real fashion and trends are going. You will be appropriating some of this into your look someday soon.....

MELANIE'S HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada

A very grown up was to do pastels - more futuristic than sugar sweet.  And short! Also, excuse me, but how hot is her body? If that's what two hours a day with a Tracy Anderson trained PT can give you...

(image from Dailymail.co.uk)

2. Kate Bosworth in Prada

One of many to wear very dark lips- there was definitely a goth mood in the air but Kate's made it less severe with a shorter length dress, definitely looking fresh. expect to see LOTS of short in the next collections.

(image from Popsugar.com)

3. Lily Collins in Valentino

Lily and SJP (below) both look serenely beautiful in high-neckedVictoriana style, Valentino.There was barely an inch of flesh in sight and it made the women all the more alluring. This is something we're seeing a lot of now. Covered up is the new chic.

Image from dailymail.co.uk

4. Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino

( image from www.popsugar.com)

5. Milla Jovovich in Prada Autumn/Fall Winter 2012

Image from dailymail.co.uk

6. Rooney Mara in Givenchy

Riccardo Tisci gave us two versions of his Gothic fashionista with his designs for Rooney Mara and Gisele. Pale-skinned Mara's gown combined lace and leather, and along with her dark burgundy lips she looked sensational, definitely where we will be taking our look this Autumn/Fall. With her athletic body, healthy glow and sequinned bling Gisele's play at the woman of darkness thing offered a more Hollywood interpretation. Both get the thumbs up from FEAL.

image from dailymail.co.uk

7. Gisele in Givenchy

image from dailymail.co.uk

8. Scarlett Johansson Dolce and Gabbana

Ms Johansson giving us a delicious taster of Dolce Gabbana's wonderful fairytale, baroque splendour which awaits us for Autumn. though we love this, it isn't quite as directional as it could have been, given the occasion.

image from popsugar.com

9. Jessica Alba in Michael Kors

Another sampler of Autumn/fall's forthcoming opulence-fest - it really is going to be special.

Image from www.ibtimes.com

10. Coco Rocha in Elizabeth Taylor's Givenchy trouser suit

By far the most INTERESTING and fabulous choice of the night. Rocha went completely against the tradition of having a custom dress and instead wore the outfit she'd bought at the auction of Elizabeth Taylor's wardrobe. I think both Mrs Prada and Mrs Schiaparellii would have approved. Coco's independence of spirit is admirable in the face of Vogue diktats and 'suggested' (aka subtly enforced) dress-codes.

Image from Popsugar.com

11. Miuccia Prada, the guest of honour

Here is Mrs Prada being brilliant in jacquard trousers and tunic and stomping big, gem heels.

image from vogue.com

FASHION JUNIOR'S HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Arizona Muse in Erdem

The evening's best look from a Brit designer, and Erdem is looking pretty hot too.

Arizona with Erdem (image from vogue.com)

2. Anna Wintour in Prada

I love how literal and diplomatic this is: a Prada dress with classic Schiaparelli lobster motif.

image from dailymail.co.uk

3. Lana del Rey in Altuzarra

Ok, so Lana does look a bit miserable but I don't know why because Jospeh Altuzarra's chainmail gown and long, black cape do that goth thing but with a glamorous, via-the-dancefloor sort of vibe, and capes and chainmail are so on-trend for Autumn/Fall. Game of Thrones lovers, take note!

image from stylelite.com

4. Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy

I have a huge style crush on Solange at the moment. The buttercup brightness and peplum detail look chic but not too serious plus that 'fro is the best accessory ever.

image from dailymail.co.uk

5. Marc Jacobs n Comme des Garcons

We can't leave without showing you Marc Jacobs in Comme des Garcons lace, boxers and buckled shoes from his women's mainline collection ... Yeah, baby.

image from graziadaily.co.uk

THE RETURN OF BLING: FASHION GOES GEM-TASTIC

Posted by Melanie Rickey, Fashion Editor at Large

The most worn and blogged about fashion item of this Spring has been the Prada satin-collared bomber jacket covered with colourful chunky stones. During the catwalk shows I lost count of the number of people - both male and female - who owned one, and each individual jacket seemed unique to the wearer. That is the power of a gem; they become part of you. It is also the power of Prada. Every time I saw one on someone I become mesmerised to the point of childlike awe; I need one of these jackets in my life, as entertainment if nothing else.  

Miuccia Prada tends to roll out an influential corker for the summer season, and a more commercial collection for winter. This summer's Prada collection may have revved up the high street with its Vroom-Vroom car iconography but it also, it turns out, has influenced the most directional catwalk designers for Autumn from Lanvin to Vuitton, Nina Ricci to Versace, and we're not talking about the cars, but the hundredweight of bling.  Miu Miu and Prada carried on showering chunks of rock onto their clothes for Autumn.. but scroll down and you will see how the rest of the high fashion firmament lost themselves to the power of opening fire with equivalent of an AK 47 loaded with crystal ammo. 

This all marks the return of bling, something the BRIC countries - Brazil, Russia, India and China  - who are all in the throes of a boom time, will love and indulge to the max. In the Western market partaking in this trend will be done with more than a sense of irony. 

THE PRADA JACKET 

Prada 

More Prada

Even more Prada 

You guessed it... 

Street style blogger Hanneli Mustaparta mixes Tom Binns bling with a varsity jacket

More Tom Binns.. (All the above photos by the inimitable Tommy Ton for Style.com)

AUTUMN/WINTER 2O12 GEM-TASTIC OFFERINGS

Prada AW12 (image from www.jasonlloyd-evans.com)

Dolca and Gabbana AW12

Lanvin AW12

Lanvin AW12

Marni AW12

Nina Ricci AW12 

Versace AW12

Louis Vuitton AW12 (all catwalk images from www.catwalking.com)

THINGS TO BUY NOW... 

Jewelled sandals £58 Topshop

Gem sandals £40 River Island