Think Pink

Think Pink..

If like me, you're a fan of classic old Hollywood films, you'll be familiar with the film Funny Face, starring the iconic Audrey Hepburn and old twinkle toes himself, Fred Astaire. Hepburn plays a plain-looking girl who gets turned on by literature and philosophy rather than fashion. No wonder then that she's more than a little disturbed when Astaire stumbles upon her in the book store she works in and decides she's fashion's "new face". This legendary film poked fun at the fashion industry decades before The Devil Wears Prada was penned. The still above is taken from the film and features the actress Kay Thompson. Thompson plays Maggie Prescott, editor of the fictitious Quality Magazine. Her character is a pastiche of the legendary American Vogue editor Diana Vreeland.

The film's cast includes 50's supermodel and Avedon muse Dovima (playing a model funnily enough). One of the most iconic images of Dovima was taken by super-photographer Richard Avedon, entitled "Dovima with the Elephants". Later, the image was to be referenced by Rankin, who cast supermodel Erin O' Connor to play Dovima in a similar modern day shot. You know you're an icon when NARS names a nail varnish after you, hence NARS Dovima, a bold 50's red lacquer.

Richard Avedon consulted on the sequences in the film's opening credits, while costume credits go to the multi Oscar award-winning Edith Head (she received 8 Oscars for costume design throughout her illustrious career). Givenchy meanwhile, was credited with Hepburn's Paris costumes. There's a memorable scene in the film when Mrs Prescott is called upon to divine the season's new trend - to which she decrees authoritatively; "Think pink!".

"Think pink" would be an ideal phrase to sum up one of the hottest catwalk beauty trends for Spring / Summer 2011. But before we dive into all the new season "newness", let's look at the significance of the colour pink in popular culture over the last few decades:

The marvellous Marilyn Monroe in the Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend sequence from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Madonna, the original pop provocateur, donned a pink punk-trash wig and Keith Haring-style printed leather jacket for her 1984 Top of The Pops performance of Like a Virgin.

Here's Madonna again in her video for Material Girl, which you could say "referenced" Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend sequence from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

The gorgeous Michelle Pfeiffer starred in Grease 2, flanked here by the legendary Pink Ladies.

80's teen star Molly Ringwald in the classic John Hughes film Pretty in Pink.

The luscious Scarlett Johansson donned a pink bobbed wig for the karaoke scene in Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation.

Pink giving baby pink hair an edgy rockabilly twist.

Lily Allen accessorised her "bleeding Bambi" print dress with manga-tastic Harajuku-style hot pink hair.

Mert & Marcus shot supermodel Kate Moss in a long pink wig for this edgy twist on sultry Bardot beauty.

Hello Kitty manufacturer Sanrio cast Lady GaGa to star in the print campaign to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Hello Kitty (MAC launched a Hello Kitty collaboration soon after).

Lady Gaga's MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipstick collaboration.

Kelis rocking Fuschia lips in the video for Acapella, the first single release from 2010's Flesh Tone album.

Kelis rocking pink on tour.

Of-the-moment Trinidadian-American rapper / R&B lyricist / vocalist Nicki Minaj rocking one of her many signature pink wigs.

Minaj's debut album Pink Friday.

Minaj's MAC Pink Friday lipstick collaboration.

The models sported Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in Fuschia (RS320 from the Shiseido Spring 2009 Collection) for the Marc by Marc Jacobs SS10 show last year (Jacobs was ahead of the crowd as always).

Chanel Make-Up's creative director Peter Philips was also miles ahead with Chanel's SS10 Les Pop-Up de Chanel collection. The matte cream textured Super lipstick was the most luscious shade of hot pink (and looked super-cool with the sheer neon pink Laser gloss on top).

Now we come to Spring / Summer 2011. The model pictured above was shot backstage at Diane von Furstenburg's SS11 catwalk show. I adore Furstenburg's vivid use of colour - but what I'm loving even more was the variety of skin colours apparent on the catwalk, with models booked from across the globe. Technicolour clothes and multicultural models - surely that's the essence of modern beauty? The diversity was especially poignant as there was the usual famine of ethnicity elsewhere on the international show schedule. The beauty look at this show was all about sheer "nude" skin (I'll be posting a Nude beauty feature soon so come back for more Spring loveliness), punctuated with a vibrant matte fuchsia lip. You can see the make-up artist is simply using a soft matte pink pencil on the model pictured above, I suggest trying Illamasqua's Medium Pencil in Manic - a long-wear hot candy pink with a soft matte texture. The pencil is priced at £13 and is available from the Illamasqua website: www.illamasqua.com

The lip was made super-matte with a dusting of eye shadow / blush in a coordinating colour. Head to Illamasqua, RMK, Shu Uemura, MAC and Barry M to find an eye shadow / blush to dust over your chosen shade of fuchsia pink lipstick. Fixing your lip colour with a powder in a similar shade will not only intensify the shade and create a matte look, it will also ensure it lasts all day.

Juana Berga backstage.

Elisa Sednaoui and Arlenis Sosa strike an oh-so-pretty pose.

Tao Okamoto backstage, showing how beautiful a blue-hued pink can look on a yellow toned, fair to medium Asian skin tone.

Ataui Deng's rich dark skin tone is enhanced so beautifully by the luscious pink lip, proving pink really is for every woman, it's simply a question of selecting the right shade. If you have medium to dark skin, I suggest opting for a deeper, plummier pink to complement your skin tone. Avoid shades that are too pale as they will jar with your complexion. You may remember Deng from Vogue Italia's famous Black issue, where she starred alongside a host of legendary black models including: Beverly Johnson, Pat Cleveland, Iman, Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Chanel Iman, Liya Kebede, Jourdan Dunn, Alek Wek and Yasmin Warsame.

Here's Yulia Terentieva rocking the matte fuchsia lip backstage at Jil Sander SS11. It's plain to see that this look would translate so effortlessly from runway to real life for the majority of Britain's English roses. Notice how the lips take centre stage while every other aspect of the look is "barely there" - this is the key to keeping this look fresh and fashion-forward.

Illamasqua lipsticks have a beautiful creamy matte texture and are designed to last. This lipstick in Corrupt is a great option, priced at £15.50 and available from the Illamasqua website: www.illamasqua.com

Why not compliment your Corrupt lipstick with the Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Collide (£13.50 @ www.illamasqua.com)

Dolce&Gabbana Make-Up's creative director Pat McGrath has created this satin finish hot pink lipstick for the DG Make-Up SS11 Secret Garden collection. The shade is appropriately named Love and will be available exclusively from Harrods (www.harrods.com)

The beauty editors at Sunday Times Style and Stylist magazines have been going gaga over the pink shades in the soon-to-be re-launched Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lipstick collection (on counter in Harrods from January 31st www.harrods.com / www.esteelauder.co.uk). Lauder's Creative Director Tom Pecheux has done so much to re-invigorate this legendary beauty brand, making it relevant to an entirely new generation of women with its densely pigmented, vibrantly hued eye, lip and nail colours. Anyone who managed to get their hands on Lauder's Summer 2010 collection will know what I'm talking about. How divine was that blue eye shadow palette and accompanying campaign? Make-up heaven!

If you haven't heard of legendary make-up artist Daniel Sandler then you need to do your beauty homework. King of the glow, Sandler's range of high tech mineral make-up makes dewy, radiant Photoshop-style skin accessible to every woman, no matter how inexperienced she may be in the art of make-up application. On the speed dial of a host of iconic fashionistas such as Yasmin Le Bon and Kate Moss, he also created catwalk make-up looks for Gucci when Tom Ford was designer in chief. In other words, he pretty much created that Gucci Girl sizzling 70's make-up look of dewy skin, vibrant smokey eyes, contoured cheekbones and nude lips that we all loved so much. Pictured above is Sandler's Micro Bubble Lipstick in Flamingo - a truly electric pink that looks phenomenal on fair to light olive skin tones. If you feel like your lips need a boost later in the day, the micro bubble technology in this lippy simply requires you to press your lips together to refresh the colour and release essential moisture - genius! Used judiciously, it also doubles as a superb cream blush when blended across the apples of the cheeks. The Daniel Sandler Micro Bubble Lipstick in Flamingo is priced at £13.30, available from www.beautique.com and Urban Retreat at Harrods www.urbanretreat.co.uk

No beauty maven worth her salt would be without the semi-matte Funny Face fuchsia lipstick from NARS (which takes its name from the Hepburn movie of the same name). NARS Funny Face semi-matte lipstick is priced at £17.50 and available from www.narscosmetics.co.uk)

NARS Schiap semi-matte lipstick takes its name from Schiaparelli Pink, a vivid hue created by the legendary couturier Schiaparelli. The Dali collaborator was unique in the sense that she was working with prominent surrealist artists decades before Louis Vuitton collaborated with artists such as Julie Verhoeven, Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami as a means of breathing new life into the signature LV logo accessories. Schiaparelli's infamous shoe hat was a collaboration with Dali, popping up at the Stephen Jones curated hat exhibition at the V&A. Her spine sculpted dress is another iconic piece of design history, more wearable art than throwaway fashion item. Expect a huge resurgence in all things Schiaparelli (including Schiaparelli Pink), as the couturier was adored by Wallis Simpson (Madonna's W.E. film focuses on Simpson and is pencilled for release later this year). Simpson also adored Cartier (who doesn't??). A Wallis Simpson jewellery auction consisting of 20 rare pieces took place at Sotheby's in November 2010, so don't be surprised if Simpson's severe aristocrat / couture dominatrix style becomes a fashion media obsession. NARS Schiap semi-matte lipstick is priced at £17.50, available from www.narscosmetics.co.uk

Why not compliment your NARS Schiap semi-matte lipstick with the complimentary NARS Nail Lacquer in Schiap, priced at £13.50, available from www.narscosmetics.co.uk

Here's a picture of Ksenia Kahnovich, shot backstage at the Christian Dior SS11 catwalk show. Pat McGrath traditionally puts a modern twist on vintage beauty at these shows, where Joan Crawford style power brows invariably frame a vividly coloured winged eye shape. The lip at Dior is almost always a 40's / 50's shape, when it's not, the 20's and 30's tend to be the go-to decades for beauty inspiration with flapper looks reigning supreme (though always with a modern interpretation). This season McGrath did a subtler take on the "kitten flick". This eye shape is a signature of make-up artist Lisa Eldridge. I recommend viewing the make-up tutorials on her website (www.lisaeldridge.com) to learn how to create the perfect kittenish eye shape with a good eyeliner brush and Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner in Black (priced at £15.50, available from www.bobbibrown.co.uk). Here, it looks like McGrath painted the lid in a reddish-pink cream shadow, extending the colour slightly above the crease and blending out at the edge to create the winged shape. I suggest trying the MAC Cream Colour Base in Fabulush, priced at £13.50, available from www.maccosmetics.co.uk (powder lightly over the lids to avoid creasing as cream textures have a tendency to melt and look messy when worn in heat or humidity).

For a more vivid take on this eye look, why not use the bright pink "B" shade from this Eden Eye Shadow Quad, new from Dolce&Gabbana Make-Up's SS11 Secret Garden collection. Apply the shadow with a moist eye shadow brush to intensify the colour pay off and drama factor. The Dolce&Gabbana Eden Eye Shadow Quad will be available exclusively from Harrods (www.harrods.com / www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com)

Here's another shot of Ksenia Kahnovich backstage at the Christian Dior SS11 catwalk show. Look closely and you'll see that surgical tape has been applied to the temples, above the brows to create a dramatic arch. This is the old-school Hollywood facelift in a jiffy and was hidden by the models' heavy Joan Crawford style fringes / bangs. Partial lashes have been placed at the outer corner of the upper lash line to elongate the eye (Lisa Eldridge does a fab tutorial of partial lash application on her website www.lisaeldridge.com)

Eldridge raves about Shu Uemura lashes and when demonstrating how to create a winged and 60's eye shape, she used their partial lashes, pictured above. The Shu Uemura Partial Soft Cross False Eyelashes are priced at £15, available from www.shuuemura.co.uk

Here's a snap of Siri Tollerod backstage at the Christian Dior SS11 show (apparently having her foundation applied with a cone-shaped pink egg). The elliptical-shaped Beautyblender is in fact a rather nifty tool used by make-up artists the world over. Not only is it superb for building coverage and creating flawless foundation, its pointy end is ideal for hard-to-reach places such as the sides of the nose and around the contours of the eyes.

The multi award-winning (and on-trend) Beautyblender is priced at £14.50, available from www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Here's a model on the catwalk at Michael Kors SS11. This is cardboard cut out American preppy beauty at its best. Rather than opting for a romantic English rose style rosy flushed cheek, the make-up artists for the show appear to have "double blushed". It appears that a sheer foundation, probably in a shade warmer than the model's skin, has been blended over the face, with subtle bronzer blended at the sides of the temples, under the cheekbones, down the sides of the nose and at the base of the chin. A warm pink blush has then been blended lightly across the apples of the cheeks to create the appearance of holiday skin (very St Barts darling).

Brows have been brushed upwards and lightly filled with pencil or eye shadow and fixed with gel. The eyes look fresh, suggesting the use of eye lash curlers (Suqqu and Shu Uemura do the best ones www.suqqu.com / www.shuuemura.co.uk). A soft taupe eye shadow has been washed across the lid and blended lightly below the lower lashes, extending slightly at the edge of the eye for a subtle, smoked-out effect. If mascara has been used it is too subtle to detect. Lashes veered towards the super-subtle this season so if you're a fan of super-volume, it may be time to down-size. A muted rosy-pink lip liner appears to have been used to gently defined the lip contour, with a complimentary rose-tinted balm / stain applied to finish the look.

When one thinks of Michael Kors style all-American beauty, there's only one make-up brand that springs to mind and that's Bobbi Brown. The queen of fresh-faced, healthy beauty has launched her new Pretty Powerful Palettes (following the launch of her Pretty Powerful book and campaign last year). Available in two shade ranges, these universally flattering hues are designed to impart health and a glowing complexion, with all the convenience of a multi-product compact. In addition, you can take part in a fantastic "new year new you" beauty event on one of the Bobbi Brown Studios nationwide. Your Bobbi Brown make-up artist will create a bespoke Spring 2011 make-up look for you. Even better, with "Bobbi's Make-Up Detox", your artist will go through your everyday make-up bag, eliminating the products that aren't working for you (creating space for new Bobbi Brown products that will). The Pretty Powerful Palettes are priced at £42.00, available from www.bobbibrown.co.uk / 0870 034 2566

Benefit have carved quite a name for themselves with their ability to launch what seems to be an increasingly successful number of new blush / face powder shades. Their original Hoola (no-orange) bronzing powder doubles as a superb contour shade on fairer skin, while Dandelion is the perfect pink pick-me-up for lacklustre complexions (Georgia does the same with its pastel peach). Next came Thrrob with its glittery, cool pink sparkle (I recall attending a camp-tastic Press launch hosted by celebrity drag queen Jodie Harsh at the former Soho Revue Bar). Last Summer the beauty Press was obsessed with coral, no surprise then that Coralista was another smash success. This season sees the launch of Benefit's latest offering Bella Bamba. This vibrant "3D Effect"pink blush (read sheer and luminous) is destined to enhance the cheeks of many a fashionista, mark my words. Benefit Bella Bamba is priced at £23.50, available from www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

No make-up bag would be complete without Daniel Sandler's multi-award winning Watercolour. A favourite of Glamour magazine's beauty director Alessandra Steinherr, this super sheer wash of colour imbues the complexion with a seamless flush of health in seconds. Cherub, a delicate sheer pastel pink, is the number one best seller and can be used on eyes and lips as well as across the apples of the cheeks. If you've a round or heart shaped face, I recommend contouring the cheeks with colour rather than applying it "dolly style" to the apples of the cheeks. Doing the latter will only serve to emphasise the widest section of your face, rather than adding flattering definition where it's most needed. If you've a long / oval shaped face, the reverse is true. Contouring the cheek too severely could leave you looking gaunt. Instead, broaden the planes of your face by blending the colour across the apples of the cheeks. The Daniel Sandler Watercolour in Cherub, priced at £12.30 and coordinating hand bag sized Water Brush, priced at £15.35, are available from www.beautique.com

Now you've got the pink make-up trend covered, it's time to think about another topic of urgency - accessories! Granted, the words Filofax and fashion might seem out of context to the uninitiated but this season Filofax has come up trumps with an assortment of delightfully feminine pink accessories. The Adelphi Slimline Organiser in Magenta, pictured above, is the perfect fusion of fashion and functionality. Worlds away from the tough and corporate Filofax of the 80's, the brand actually sells more Filofax Organisers now than it did in its heyday. Furthermore, the professionals amongst you will be pleased to know that if you upload your phone contact details onto the Filofax website, they will have it printed onto contact page inserts for you. Registering your Filofax product on the Filofax website will also protect you if it gets lost - how clever! The Filofax Adelphi Slimline Organiser is priced at £55, available from www.filofax.co.uk

Last but not least, do your bit for your fellow women folk and snap up the pink Filofax Breast Cancer Campaign accessories. With a gorgeous accessory case, passport cover and wallet all on offer, you'd be hard pressed to walk away empty handed. The Filofax Breastcancer Campaign accessories are priced from £24, available from www.Filofax.com

Now that we've come to the end of our pink journey, I'll leave you with a charming Audrey Hepburn quote that's sure to inspire positive beauty resolutions for the new year:

"I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and...I believe in miracles."

In Her Shoes

In Her Shoes..

We're all familiar with the phrase "New Year New You" but what about "New Year New Shoes"? There's been heaps happening on the shoe front in London lately, what with the launch of Selfridges' sizeable Shoe Lounge last season. New kids on the block Gil Carvalho, Nicholas Kirkwood, Beatrix Ong, Charlotte Dellal and Camilla Skovgaard have infused the accessories Press with some much-needed new blood - and hot on their heels comes Anna Kichenside.

Anna's SS11 collection is quirky, bold and colourful, punctuated with dramatic (and dangerous) red leather. For the last few seasons, shoes have grown steadily higher and more sculptural. You'd be forgiven for thinking some designers' offerings had more in common with abstract sculpture than with practical footwear.

Anna's work however, possesses just the right blend of practicality and concept. The red strappy sandals pictured above are a great example of quirky design. I love the way she has taken a "tongue" and criss-cross lace detail normally reserved for the common trainer and has subverted it by juxtaposing it with a classic stiletto heel.

The sandals pictured above with the cuffed leather detail at the ankle are another example of Anna's unique design approach. It resembles a cool hybrid of a classic high heel evening sandal and an 80's ankle boot that has been rolled down for a little edge.

There's certainly something to be said for female designers when it comes to knowing intuitively what their fellow women want. Donna Karan made her name by launching the body in the 80's and Phoebe Philo has been causing a commotion at Celine with her effortlessly chic "real clothes" (read immaculately cut basics in sumptuous fabrics). If Anna sticks to her guns and follows her instincts, it could be her body of work that some blogger or fashion journalist references in years to come.

I'll leave you with a quote from one of my favourite films, "In Her Shoes" starring Toni Colette and Cameron Diaz as two warring sisters. If you haven't seen the film, I'll put the quote into context for you. Toni Colette plays Rose Feller, the more rotund, high-flying corporate elder sister, with Cameron Diaz playing Maggie Feller, her stunning (but clueless) wildchild younger sister. Maggie has fallen on hard times and moves in with her elder sister. Rose is overweight and has a penchant for buying ridiculously expensive shoes rather than shelling out on clothes that neither fit her, nor flatter her larger figure. Maggie has a history of stealing her elder sister's shoes and when they look at the shoe closet together, she picks up some of the unworn shoes and cries;

"Shoes like these should not be locked in a closet! They should be living a life of scandal and passion and getting screwed in an alley by a billionaire while his frigid wife waits in the limo thinking he just went back into the bar to get his cellphone."

www.annakichenside.com

We All Have Our Price

We All Have Our Price..

I was browsing the Topman website last night and came across the Antony Price Priceless collection (his fourth limited edition collection for the high street chain). The collaboration had been on my radar for a few seasons but it was this AW10 collection that really piqued my interest. At first glance, the stark and edgy campaign imagery could be vintage Hedi Slimane era Dior Homme. The campaign star, Polish model Tomek Szczukiecki (signed to FM model agency in London), already has a host of major designer campaigns under his belt, including Dior Homme, Versace and Paul Smith. His cool rock-androgyny demeanour, coupled with the minimal set, styling and black and white photography, combine to make the collection look more haute couture than high street.

Photographic wizardry and international male models aside, I think you could have shot these garments flat on the pavement and it still would have looked like Lenny Kravitz had just walked by and inadvertently dropped his jacket. But then you'd expect nothing less from Antony Price, the man that could be justly credited as THE defining rock n' roll stylist of the century.

In the 60's we had Britain's Tommy Nutter, who was arguably the most influential tailor of that decade. Twiggy, Mick and Bianca Jagger and Elton John were all fans, as were The Beatles. Nutter was famous for dressing three out of the four Beatles for the cover of their seminal Abbey Road album in 1969. Though George Harrison opted to wear jeans, John, Paul and Ringo were suited and booted Nutter-style.

But there's no question that the 70's and 80's belonged to Price. His client list reads like the rock n' roll hall of fame. He dressed the Rolling Stones for their 1969 American tour and went on to collaborate with Lou Reed on his Transformer album. Price designed the super-tight "Arse" trousers, the crotch of which had been photographed (in close proximity) for the album's back cover artwork. The risque shot showcased what appeared to be Lou Reed's sizeable erection but it was in fact a model, with a cucumber shoved down his trousers for visual effect. Whoever came up with the concept was certainly adept at marketing, as the homoerotic image was bound to get people talking. A little public scandal and outrage has never had an adverse effect on record sales - just look at Madonna or The Sex Pistols.

So successful were Price's "Arse" trousers, that when Vivienne Westwood's clients complained to her about the comparably unflattering fit of the drop crotch trousers from her Pirate collection, she is alleged to have retorted "well go to Antony Price then". He went on to work with David Bowie, Jerry Hall, Steve Strange and Duran Duran. However, it was his work with Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music that really cemented his status as a cult designer and stylist. The album cover artwork of Roxy Music's first eight albums were all Price collaborations. The most iconic was probably their 1975 Siren album, featuring a smoking-hot Jerry Hall, her pneumatic body encased in an Antony Price Couture mermaid dress.

Despite my initial desire to shop for myself, rather ironically, I ended up purchasing a Christmas gift for my partner instead. He'd been wanting to replace his navy Hugo Boss peacoat for a while, so I showed him The Black Wool Military Peacoat (pictured above) and it was fashion lust at first sight. Though I'm yet to see the garment in real life, from the photo it appears that the fabric, fit and finish are not only beautiful but executed to a high standard. I suppose the proof will be in the pudding when he opens up his presents on Christmas Day. My partner has a broad torso and shoulders so the clever positioning of the seams and inverted triangle shape created by the metal crested buttons will really work to emphasise the breadth of his shoulders, nipping him in at the waist to create that highly sought after v-shaped chest.

The Grey Wool Long Military Trench (pictured above), was one of the initial pieces that caught my eye, as I've been wearing my elaborately embroidered John Rocha coat to death and I fear for its future and condition if I don't start rotating it with another winter option soon. Being slim, I love how a little military tailoring can bulk you out, padding out your shoulders ever so slightly to create a strong, clothes hanger style silhouette for the torso. I'd imagine its the male equivalent of the 80's power shoulder, though unlike its 80's equivalent, its origins probably owe more to Napoleon's military uniform than it does to Joan Collins and Dynasty. Alas, I bottled out of purchasing it. Being a devotee of black, I was concerned that a grey trench would look more like casual weekend wear than kick ass work attire.

The Black Shine Crop Padded Jacket (pictured above) was sadly another miss. Though my heart screamed "buy me, buy me", my head said "go anywhere near a bonfire and you'll be a walking human torch". Though I opted not to buy, the fusion of a padded tech fabric (black nylon) and sculptural tailoring is a real winner, to me it looks super high end. The second-skin shape is very Rik Owens, while the futuristic fabrication reminds me of the clothing collaboration between PUMA and Mihara Yasuhiro, or Markus Lupfer's designs for Armand Basi. The thing I love most about this piece is that on closer inspection, it's quite possible that Price has re-invented none other than the classic black leather biker jacket. Squint a little at the photo and you'll agree that the shape bares an uncanny resemblance to the iconic leather jacket Marlon Brando rocked in 'The Wild One". Perhaps he borrowed a little from Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld with the quilting? Anyone remember the cult reversible black quilted nylon Cocoon bag from the Lily Allen campaign?

The Black Wool Cowl Neck Peacoat (pictured above) was the final piece from the collection that I took a shine to. Shooting the jacket from the side was a clever touch as it showcases how an exceptional tailor can virtually re-shape a person's body. The seams places on the sides of the abdomen contour the stomach, creating a streamlined "washboard" effect. What man (or woman), wouldn't want a piece of clothing that was not only functional but also hinted at the possibility of gym abs underneath (even if in reality it's more a case of jelly belly than gym bunny).

Black Wool Military Peacoat - £120

Grey Long Wool Military Trench - £150

Black Shine Crop Padded Jacket - £100

Black Wool Cowl Neck Peacoat - £120

www.topman.com

www.antonyprice.com

A Touch Of Frost

A Touch Of Frost..

Here's a lovely snap of childhood friends Jemima French (left) and Sadie Frost (right), aka design duo FrostFrench, on the red carpet at the British Fashion Awards 2010. Tuesday evening's glittering event at The Savoy was the perfect opportunity for Sadie to show off her Beatrix Ong black patent Glare shoes. The dainty straps add a naive doll-like charm to her kooky ensemble. Teamed with elegant sheer black tights, they set off her high-waisted navy and black pencil skirt, sheer black blouse and bustier to perfection (PS - how hot do Jemima's legs look?).

If you are in London, you can snap up Beatrix Ong shoes at Harrods, Liberty and select Jaeger stores (if you live further afield, check out her website for a complete stockist list). For the full Beatrix Ong experience, take time to browse her men's and women's shoe, accessory and luggage collections at the new Beatrix Ong concept store at 188 Pavilion Road, London SW3 2BF.

Beatrix Ong Glare - £188

0845 430 8880 / www.beatrixong.com

A Close Shave

A Close Shave..

I've been sent many a shaving product over the years to test for reviews. Being mixed race, my hair is naturally curly, leaving me prone to painful ingrown hairs. Having sensitive skin, with fast-growing hair and coarse stubble, I often find the shaving process uncomfortable (I have to shave daily to avoid looking like Joaquin Phoenix, pictured below during his rapper phase). With this in mind, I'm especially picky when it comes to my shaving products.

When I was contacted by Oliveology, an American shaving brand, to ask if I'd consider reviewing their natural Shave Gel, I thought sure, send it over and I'll see how it compares to the premium natural products I already use. Olive Oil is the core ingredient in this product. In Greek mythology, when Athena, goddess of wisdom, was challenged by Poseidon, god of the sea, to create a divine gift for the Greeks, she created the olive tree. Athena's gift turned out to be a little more useful to modern man. While horses are generally kept for sport and agriculture in the Western world (with the notable exception of France where they like to consume them on occasion), the olive (and olive oil) is a staple of Mediterranean and increasingly Western diets. It's no wonder then that Mediterraneans are famed for their longevity, supple skin, healthy hair and nails.

Olive oil is known not only for its culinary cholesterol-reducing properties but also for its efficacy as a skin cleanser and moisturiser. A rich source of Vitamin E gives the olive antioxidant properties, valuable protection against cellular damage from free radicals and environmental aggressors. In short, Vitamin E gives olive oil anti-ageing properties, making it particularly effective in skincare.

I can guarantee that the majority of modern working men and women would rather have one excellent shaving product, than have to rely on a host of products to achieve the same super-smooth result. I certainly don't have time to massage a pre-shave oil into my skin, followed by a shave gel/foam and post-shave balm - it's just too fiddly and time-consuming. This is why I already use multi-purpose natural shaving products and why Oliveology Shave Gel has earned a place in my bathroom.

If I had to single out the most outstanding point of difference between this products and its rivals, it would be the slippy texture of the gel. I'm yet to find another product that lubricates my razor blade as effectively, without the build up of stubble on the blade. All you have to do is look at the water in your basin as you shave, you'll see hairs everywhere and it's all because there's none on the razor. It's also worth mentioning that a little bit of product gives a lot of great shave.

The odourless formulation will be appreciated by those with sensitive skin (and others like myself who prefer their face not to smell like a cheap generic men's deodorant). Additional natural ingredients such as skin-soothing aloe and sangre de grado extract (a tree resin also known as dragon's blood), known for its skin-healing properties, ensure this product ticks all the boxes from efficacy to added benefits. The travel-size bottle is especially handy for those on-the-go (in my experience, airport security have a fondness for seizing your essential toiletries at the least convenient times - so it's safer to downsize).

Oliveology House Bottle, 8oz - $12.00

Oliveology Travel Bottle, 2oz - $5.00

www.oliveology.com

Lip Service

Lip Service...

In beauty history, 2010 will undoubtedly be remembered as "The Year of The Lip". Lipstick has experienced a fierce revival with major launches (and re-launches) from brands as diverse as Tom Ford, Dolce&Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Dior, Chanel, YSL and Clarins. Most of these brands have released moisturising formulas with a satin finish.

For Fall 2010, NARS releases their Pure Matte Lipstick collection. The collection comprises of six "essential" shades for the modern woman, forming the perfect wardrobe of matte lipstick shades. The payoff from these densely pigmented lipsticks ensures a "colour true" finish, while the matte texture delivers long wear with minimal risk of feathering. Priced at just £18, this product offers incredible value given its fusion of slick design and excellent formulation.

The campaign image (shown above) features the doll-like porcelain perfection of model Heather Marks. She wears one of my favourite of the six shades, Vesuvio, a powerful and vibrant red. The lipsticks featured in the image (left to right) are:

Volga

A vampy berry hue is a go-to colour every Fall and a "must have" for any vintage glamour girls.

Vesuvio

A bold and vibrant red, this shade evokes both the Hollywood glamour of Marilyn Monroe and the New Wave rock chic of Debbie Harry. This shade looks fabulous on all skin tones but is truly electric on fair and dark skins.

Bangkok

This rosy pink is the perfect everyday colour option for those with fair skin.

Terre de Feu

The intense depth of this deep berry red shade reminds me of the cochineal shades worn by 20's icons such as Louise Brooks. Carmine, the pigment that gives cochineal its colour, is derived from crushed female cochineal beetles (or dactylopius coccus). This tiny insect inhabits cactus plants, particularly the prickly pair variety native to Central and South America.

Tonkin

This brick shade definitely veers towards the natural end of the spectrum and is a great option for redheads and brunettes.

Tashkent

My favourite pale shade from the collection, this peachy nude will enhance the pout of blondes, redheads and brunettes.

To get the best from this product, I advise gently buffing the lips with a textured cotton pad soaked with a little NARS Freshening Lotion. Apply a NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment in a complimentary shade to your chosen Pure Matte Lipstick. Finish with an application of the lipstick. Blot once, then re-apply for a professional finish that lasts.

Above is an image from the launch of the NARS Pure Matte Lipstick collection on the third floor of Selfridges, London. NARS Pro and National Make-Up Artists were on hand to help pre-booked fans and bloggers find their ideal colour matches from the collection. They were also treated to a complimentary mini nail shape, with an application of a Nars Nail Varnish to compliment their chosen lipstick. The lucky lipstick-buying ladies all trotted off with treats, including a NARS Lipgloss Duo and NARS Nail File.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick is priced at £18 and is available exclusively from Selfridges, London throughout September 2010.

www.selfridges.com

Below is the exclusive NARS Pure Matte: Infinite Reflections video featuring the campaign star Heather Marks.

Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)..

Most of us have got to grips with the concept of safe sex. We've the NHS (and perhaps Madonna) to thank for that. Anyone who recalls her Blonde Ambition Tour's infamous "hey boys don't be silly, put a condom on your willy" will know what I mean. So it's rather odd that the regular practice of safe and responsible sun care still eludes many people. The UK is particularly bad when it comes to shunning sun cream in pursuit of a fast, deep (and peeling) tan.

We've overtaken Australia with the number of confirmed cases of malignant melanoma. Today, one in ten UK citizens are diagnosed with skin cancer. When caught in its infancy, the success rate of treatment is high. But like all cancer, when diagnosed in its advanced stages, it can (and often is) fatal.

Tanned skin in its many shades, has been championed by cultural icons as diverse (and at times comical) as Coco Chanel, George Hamilton, Farrah Fawcett, Jennifer Anniston and Donatella Versace. At its best it speaks of glowing health, athleticism, jet-setting and a love of the outdoors. At its worst it is orange-tinged and attributed to Z-List celebrities. But good or bad, a tan isn't worth dying for. Ever.

The Australians are immensely clued-up when it comes to being safe in the sun. They've led active campaigns to ensure their citizens are aware of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure. Specifically its direct links to malignant melanomas and skin cancer. Strolling along Bondi Beach, bottles of sun cream are as prevalent an accessory as the surf boards. The difference being that a surf board won't save your life while you're out in the sun.

What's so awful about enjoying the sunshine you might ask? Well, if you are remotely vain, the sun's rays (specifically UVA rays) break down the elastin in your skin. In layman's terms, if you don't wear sunscreen, in time you are guaranteed to look like a prune. A prune that accessorises with plenty of liver spots (and potentially skin cancer). So if you want to look more Daisy Duke than Driving Miss Daisy, get with the program and starting learning about (and using) a product with the proper SPF for your skin.

Five Top Tips

1. Try to stay indoors or in the shade between the hours of 12pm and 4pm, this is when sun exposure is particularly dangerous as the sun's rays are very strong.

3. Covering up is a great way to avoid sun burn and skin damage. Joan Collins, an icon of a certain age, is as striking and well preserved today as she was at the peak of her success in the 80's. When in the sun she's rarely (if ever) seen without a sun hat. No wonder then that her complexion and skin tone are as milky and line-free as they are. Kaftans are a great cover up for the girls, while longer board shorts, drawstring cotton or linen trousers and a shirt or t-shirt are ideal for the chaps.

4. Pick the right sunscreen for your skin type. As a general rule of thumb, those with fair skin should opt for a product with an SPF between 30 - 50. Those with olive to dark skin shouldn't wear an SPF lower than 20. If you are unsure where to start, head to Boots and invest in Soltan products - they carry a five star rating for protection against UVA rays.

5. The sea, swimming pools (and unfortunately sweating) all diminish a product's SPF so be sure to re-apply liberally in each instance to maintain sufficient sun protection.

Top Sun Care Products

The snap of me at the top of this blog is from my June holiday in Barbados. I built up a gorgeous, safe tan using these standout products:

1. Liz Earle Mineral Sun Cream SPF 20, 150ml - £18.50

http://uk.lizearle.com

New to the market, the first thing that grabs you about this mineral sun cream from Liz Earle is its delicious aroma and luxuriously creamy texture. Scented with antioxidant Green Tea Extract and Orange Flower Water, it is part Kyoto tea house and part Moroccan spa in olfactory impact. Some experts question the safety of sun creams that absorb the sun's rays. There is research that suggests a long-term health risk due to the skin's increased exposure to radiation. When solar radiation is absorbed on to the surface of the skin, there is an argument that suggests that the radiation would then pose an immediate risk to the skin itself. This product is brilliant because its active minerals, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, reflect radiation away from the skin, limiting the risk of long term sun damage. Holistic junkies like me will be delighted to hear that together with Green Tea, it also boasts the antioxidants Beta-carotene, Pomegranate Extract and Vitamin E. Skin-conditioning comes with the aid of Glycerin, D-panthenol and Shea Butter.

Jurlique Sun Lotion SPF 30, 100ml - £39.00

www.spacenk.co.uk

I fell in love with this product. Its scent takes me back to a very special family holiday in the south of France, in particular the heady aroma of the lavender fields in Grasse, France. So many sun creams make me break out but this light-as-a-feather lotion absorbed spectacularly well, leaving not a trace of oily residue on my skin. Naturally, this superstar is from Jurlique, which together with Kylie Minogue, is one of Australia's most legendary exports.

3. Caudalie Soleil Divin Body Sunscreen SPF 20, 100ml - £21.50

www.spacenk.co.uk

Grape-seed polyphenols are mighty antioxidant free radical busters and central to the Caudalie range of skin care. Known for their age-defying properties, grapes have been culturally significant since the Greeks and Romans, with grape seed extract and grape seed oil now featuring in a variety of naturally inspired skin care products. The French are renowned for their savoir faire when it comes to beauty. Gallic stars such as the actress Eva Green are testament to that. It's no wonder then that Caudalie is the go-to brand for those in pursuit of a skin care regimen that is both indulgent and effective. This sun cream for the body had a subtly sweet aroma, pleasingly light texture and didn't irritate my sensitive skin.

To find out more about Fake Bake products, go to:

www.fakebake.com

Below is a recent interview I filmed with James Read, the UK's leading authority on self tan and go-to man for a stream of A-List lovelies including pop star Lady GaGa, Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan and Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington Whitely. The video also features the CEO of Fake Bake, Sandra McClumpha, who talked about her collaborations with high street fashion giant New Look and music video mega-channel, MTV:

And some of you may remember this funny music video from Moulin Rouge director Baz Luhrmann: