Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts..

What do you get if you cross the hottest denim label of the moment with Hoxton's hippest boutique? The answer is PRPS Hearts Start, an inspired collaboration between PRPS denim and uber-stylist Brix Smith-Start. The latter is the proprietor of Hoxton's Start boutique, the go-to destination for London's coolest fashionistas (and fashion Misters). You'll recognise her from Channel 4's Gok's Fashion Fix. In the show, she pits her wits against his, in a fierce catwalk battle of designer creations versus highstreet imitations. I caught up with Brix at the launch party while Ladyhawke spun feelgood tunes ranging from Stevie Wonder's Superstition to Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 for the cream of London's coolest cats. The collaboration is a highly limited collection of 56 pieces, comprising of 50 pairs of jeans and 5 leather jackets (there were six but they sold one that morning). Both the jeans and jackets were based on existing cuts and fabric treatments, though both feature distinctive stud details. Manufactured on traditional selvedge looms and distressed by hand, Brix said of the jeans, "they're not contrived, they look and feel authentic, like something you've had in your closet for some time". She explained that a studded heart motif is placed on the back pocket prior to washing, then removed to reveal a "ghost heart" relief design - rock 'n' roll tie dye for the Noughties. Brix told me the back pocket motif has become something of a PRPS signature, with previous mainline designs featuring a trompe l'oeil wallet design. The heart design was chosen because they knew the party was going to be called PRPS Hearts Start. The black washed leather jackets feature a silver studded heart motif on the back - as modelled by Brix at the event. On the topic of the boutique's history with the brand, Brix said "PRPS is the Rolls Royce of denim brands, their washes and fit truly set them apart. It started out as a menswear brand so we found ourselves selling small sizes to our female customers as boyfriend jeans". When I asked her about her must-have item for AW09 she said, "it's all about the PRPS Hearts Start black washed leather jacket with silver studded heart motif on the back. As soon as I saw studs at the shows I instinctively knew they defined the tough aesthetic for womenswear this season". Ladyhawke imbued the neo-grunge trend to perfection. With her heavy fringe, sheer black knitted hoody and black and white striped breton tee shirt she looked like the love child of Stevie Nicks and Kurt Cobain. At the other end of the style spectrum, Harrods fashion and beauty director Marigay McKee held court in an exquisitely draped corset-effect navy Givenchy dress. With subtly padded shoulders and minimal lines, it was reminiscent of 40's couture, particularly Schiaparelli. She accessorised with a pair of midnight python gladiator heels from cult designer Deborah Lyons' Mechante of London AW09 collection. Her fierce footwear only serves to highlight that tough chic is the definitive look for fall. Deborah Lyons says of her own AW09 designs "The collection is warrior/fighter inspired. A lot of the materials and shapes are suggestive of armour, but still elegant and very feminine. When I was naming the shoes, all of these women had a sense of that guarded powerful femininity and timelessness". It's not surprising Marigay opted for the Bouddeccia gladiator heels, she's something of a warrior queen in her own right. Despite a fiercely competitive market, with her guidance, the beauty turnover in Harrods has more than doubled from £30 million to £63 million. Ever gracious, she said of the event "I love the PRPS Hearts Start collaboration and greatly admire the unique ambience Brix has created in-store. I told her I wasn't sure I'd fit in with such an edgy crowd but myself and my colleagues from Harrods are having such fun. The collection, the music, the people - it's a magical combination". When I asked what we should look out for at Harrods this season, she said "I'm very excited about the French designers. We're really supporting Lanvin, Balmain and Givenchy - they're all super-important for autumn/winter 09. Roland Mouret has designed beautiful beaded pieces exclusively for us - and in very limited numbers. We've also recruited Susie Murray, former global sales director of Aquascutum, to be the new CEO of Jasmine Di Milo. With her on board, we expect to see immense growth in the brand's development. Snap up a pair of the Jasmine Di Milo leggings - they're a key piece". Before heading home, I chatted with Gareth Lindsay, personal shopper at Start. He earned his style credentials, rocking a sequinned Mr Start tuxedo jacket with a two tone Comme Des Garcons shirt, PRPS shorts and studded Converse shoes. When asked for styling tips he said, "Wear your PRPS shorts with one hem casually turned up for a skater feel". Being a magpie, I couldn't help but spy his remarkable finger candy. After a little digging from yours truly, he confided that the gold, baguette cut aquamarine and pave set sapphire and diamond ring was his own design. Having studied fashion, he'd been inspired to create jewellery. With a collaboration with high end jeweller Hannah Martin already under way, he's without doubt an emerging talent - and one to watch. When it comes to PRPS Hearts Start, I couldn't say it better than Kylie, "Two hearts are beating together. I'm in love, I'm in love".

PRPS HEARTS START is available exclusively from Start Boutique.

www.start-london.com

www.prpsgoods.com

Spirit in the Sky

Spirit in the Sky..

I was recently invited to create make-up looks for award winners at the Body & Soul Teen Spirit Awards. Body & Soul is a unique UK charity set up by the late Dame Anita Roddick. It supports children, teenagers and families living with, or closely affected by HIV. Lovells, the world-class international law firm, kindly donated the use of their HQ at Atlantic House in the City for the event. I was overwhelmed by the optimism and courage of the young people I met. Many people regard fashion and beauty as trivial pursuits. However, events like this only serve to prove that something as simple as a make-over can put a genuine smile on someone's face.

www.bodyandsoulcharity.org

www.lovells.com

What's NU Pussycat?

What's NU Pussycat?

Given that I'm opposed to invasive cosmetic procedures (do a Google search for Jocelyn Wildenstein and Lesley Ash to see why) - I'm always thrilled to hear about the latest developments in anti-ageing skincare. I've just had a preview of a new cosmeceutical men's range that will have rival brands such as M-Lab, Amatokin, Creme de la Mer, SK-II and La Prairie quaking in their Fit Flops. It's been reported that sales of premium skincare have declined, with devotees opting for the immediate results guaranteed by Botox and fillers. That may be the trend at present but come mid-September the pendulum will undoubtedly swing the other way when the NuBo men's range launches exclusively in the Beauty Apothecary at Harrods. The women's line has already found its way into the beauty arsenary of Harpers Beauty Editor Newby Hands, not to mention Pop Princess Kylie Minogue. I've met the former and trust me when I say she knows a thing or two about hero products. The results oriented range is free of parabens, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - a harsh detergent and toxin), synthetic colours, fragrances and irritating petrochemicals. So how does this range differ to others? NuBo's Cell Dynamic technology converts toxins in the skin into energising oxygen and water. Our bodies are 80% water and our cells rely on a regular supply of oxygen for optimum function. In other words, NuBo is effectively a fountain of youth for the skin. I can vouch that this isn't another beauty industry myth. After one application of the Cooling After Shave Moisturiser SPF 20 and The Essence, the back of my hand was so soft and smooth that my fiancee commented on it several hours later. Being a make-up artist, I'm particularly excited about Perfectionist, a translucent tinted cream available in shades to suit various skin tones. It mimics an anti-ageing sheer liquid foundation, blurring imperfections while the hyaluronic spheres effectively "fill in" fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it mattifies the complexion - avoiding skin so shiny your face looks like a mirror. Regular use of the range will boost moisture levels, skin elasticity and radiance. The poet W.H. Auden is famed for his poem "Stop All the Clocks". I'm not sure about stopping all the clocks - but at least with NuBo you've got a fighting chance of stopping the ageing one.

Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser - 120ml £35
Cell Dynamic Cooling After Shave Moisturiser SPF 20 - 30ml £80
Cell Dynamic The Essence - 30ml £200
Perfectionist - 30ml £98
Lifting Eye Serum - 15ml £80

Available exclusively at Harrods Beauty Apothecary from mid-September 2009
www.harrods.com / 0207 730 1234

Bridezilla..

Bridezilla..

What a day! Started with a power meeting with my agent at the Ivy Club. Headed off for a spot of lunch off Carnaby Street with the hubby. Dragged him into Van Den Berg fine jewellery on Newburgh Street and spotted the most gorgeous ring. I tried it on and it fitted like a glove. The shop assistant remarked "Wow! A Cinderella moment" and the hubby said "Do you like it?" to which I replied "I do" - how ironic! The hubby told the assistant to keep it behind the counter as we were going to go for a coffee. We grabbed two lattes from Pret on Carnaby Street then took a seat on a bench on Fouberts Place, sipping our lattes in the sunshine. The hubby told me to guard the coffees as he needed to pop somewhere. Five minutes later he strolled back with a gorgeous bag in hand. He opened the bag, produced a stunning jewellery box and opened it to reveal an even-more-stunning ring. He slipped it on my ring finger and asked me to marry him. Naturally I agreed - how romantic!

www.vandenberg.co.uk

The Burning Question

The Burning Question..

If like me your daily shave leaves you feeling like you've gone five rounds with Edward Scissor Hands, you'll welcome a product that minimises skin irritation. New from Bob Norburn (No Burn would be more appropriate) is a holistic dual-action wonder that not only guarantees the smoothest of shaves but also doubles as a cracking moisturiser. Devoid of nasty Parabens and Petroleum, this cruelty free, vegan product contains antioxidant Grape Seed Oil to nourish skin and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and environmental aggressors. I've been using it for a few months now and have to say it does exactly what it says on the tin - a definite must for those with sensitive skin.

Bob Norburn 3-in-1 Pre Shave, Shave Cream & Moisturiser £12.95, 100ml
www.body4real.co.uk

All White Still..

All White Still..

It's not surprising our American friends across the pond have such a dim view of British teeth. The "Hollywood Smile" is as ubiquitous in the US as stained and asymmetric gnashers are in Britain. Being one of the last of the dying smokers (literally), nicotine stains are an on-going concern. Thankfully, Beverly Hills Formula have come to the rescue with their Dentist's Choice toothpaste. Its triple action formula gently lifts stains, combats gingivitis and helps prevent teeth sensitivity. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate free, it contains anti-bacterial Glycerin and Xylitol to promote healthier saliva flow. Permethol, Panthenol, Vitamin E and Folic Acid nourish and heal gums while Zinc Ions keep breath fresh for up to 18 hours. A higher Fluoride level of 1450 ppm F helps to strengthen, remineralise and harden tooth enamel for cavity protection. Used regularly, the Potassium Citrate formula builds a protective layer on tooth nerve endings, protecting against painful sensitivity.

Beverly Hills Formula Dentist's Choice - £3.99, 75ml
Available at ASDA stores nationwide
www.asda.co.uk
www.beverlyhillsformula.com

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor..

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor..

With autumn around the corner, it's time to invest in some key transseasonal knitwear. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana cited Surrealism as the key inspiration for their AW09 women's collection - specifically the work of Man Ray, Salvador Dali and his collaborator, couturier Elsa Schiaparelli. Indeed, the Schiaparelli influence seems to be popping up all over the place - with Stephen Jones featuring her "Shoe Hat" (a collaboration with Dali) in the exhibition of millinery he curated for the V&A earlier this year. The kitsch and quirky London based design duo Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts (aka Antoni & Alison) have been delighting those in the know for years with their irreverent take on fashion. Their AW09 women's jumper collection is delightfully naive, featuring trompe l'oeil prints. The bows are reminiscent of Schiaparelli's iconic "Bow Jumper". Comprising of five playful styles, my favourites are the red "Tin Soldier" and navy "Bow Jacket" jumpers. Toughen up your Toy Soldier sweaters with a pair of super-skinny jeans and killer heels to keep things directional. With Nautical style a perennial trend for spring, the navy "Bow Jacket" is a great investment piece as it's bound to be something you'll wear again and again.

Red "Tin Soldier" jumper £210
Navy "Bow Jacket" jumper £198
Stockist: 08450 944 012
www.antoniandalison.co.uk