Watch this space

Four designer's names have been plucked from the hopefuls as the Vauxhaull Fashion Scout's 'Ones To Watch'.

The lucky few recipients of this up-and-comer's dream were Askh, Eudon Choi, David Longshaw and Florencia Kozuch. All four will unveil their showcase A/W 2010-11 collections at London Fashion Week's initiative for new talent.

Askh is the work of Ann Sofie Madsen and Katrine Hedegaard, and their designs lie in the space between ready-to-wear and couture creations. From Eudon Choi, you can expect a striking balance between elements of menswear and a more feminine silhouette. This silhouette finds a playful and avant-garde aesthetic under the eye of David Longshaw, who was influenced by his previous work with Alberta Ferretti and MaxMara. The creations by Florencia Kozuch are even more theatrical than her name, inspired by her native Buenos Aires.

All eyes will be on these new names; they are set to impress when they unveil their men's and women's collections at LFW.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Watch this space.

London Fashion Week goes digital

London Fashion week will be the first to break the frontier of the digital era, confirmed by the recent announcement that it will be screening all its shows live via the internet.

For the first time, members of the general public will be able to watch live from the British Fashion Council tent, direct from Somerset House. Additionally, some designers, including Hussein Chalayan, Twenty8Twelve and Danielle Scutt, have announced that they will be posting their own fashion films on the London Fashion Week website. The CEO of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, has spoken about the recent innovation, commenting that ‘enhancing designers' experience and reach through London Fashion Week is an important area of development for the future.' The fashion week runs from 19-24th February, and will be hosting shows from icons of British fashion, including Burberry Porsum, Christopher Kane and Mulberry.

For a digital schedule of the shows, go to: www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/digitalschedule

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: London Fashion Week goes digital.

Would you ever?

Louis Vuitton are releasing this garbage bag inspired handbag....


Retailing at $2000 its slightly above the price of your average set of 30 garbage bags. However the design comes in dark brown and grey, with a changeable leather strap. The immediate connection to the "Derelicte" collection of Zoolander really puts this in to context with one blogger commenting "If someone is willing to buy what is an obvious anti-capitalist statement, then let'em."

Words by Gabriella Singh

Read full article: Would you ever?.

Liam Gallagher sets July as deadline for new album

Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has set July as the deadline for the release of his first album since Oasis split in mid 2009.

Gallagher, who has formed a new group with other ex-band members Gem Archer and Andy Bell, has confirmed that the trio have been working on new songs and hope to enter the studio within the next few months. Although the new project remains untitled, the members reportedly have a working title of Oasis 2.0. The original band was formed in Manchester in 1991
and is widely credited with pioneering Britpop music.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Liam Gallagher sets July as deadline for new album.

Sartorial delights on display at 2010 haute couture shows

Members of the international fashion elite flocked to Paris this week for the annual Spring/Summer haute couture shows.

The event ran from the 24th to the 28th of January and featured the work of eleven fashion houses, including Chanel, Armani Prive, Givenchy and Christian Dior. While Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel sent models out in a pastel array of 60s inspired frou frou confections, Givenchy went for sumptuous Edwardian glamour injected with a strong dose of goth rock. Other highlights included Elie Saabs’ ultra feminine eveningwear, where models floated down the shimmering catwalk swathed in billowing chiffon of soft apricot, feathery rose and powder blue. Jean Paul Gaultier closed the event with a playful Mexican inspired show, complete with basket woven bustier dresses, feathers, chains and the odd Cuban cigar. The bi-annual couture shows are organised by the Paris based Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, and represent the ultimate in international luxury fashion.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Sartorial delights on display at 2010 haute couture shows.

Introducing Sir Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs gets a nod from the French government.

French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterand will acknowledge Marc Jacobs impact on the french fashion industry when he is decorated as a Chevalier des Artes et des Lettres (Knight of Order of Arts and Letters).

Jacobs is, of course, known for his position at the helm of Louis Vuitton as Creative Director, as well as for his own brand Marc Jacobs and the diffusion line Marc by Marc.

The ceremony, which is taking place during Mens Paris Fashion Week, will also honour Nathalie Rykiel, who is President and Creative Director of her mother Sonia Rykiel's label.

Words by Gabriella Singh

Read full article: Introducing Sir Marc Jacobs.

Artists Jump up to Apply to ArtStart

Applications have opened for the second round of ArtStart grants and to inspire potential applicants ArtStart organisers have revealed a new art fad called Pogoism.

The art form uses pogo sticks to create giant artworks. A video of Pogoism in action has been released today as budding artists around the country prepare their applications.

With over a hundred $10,000 ArtStart grants being offered by the Australian Council for the Arts, it’s surprising they need to generate enthusiasm at all.

The ArtStart gives artists (who’ve graduated from an accredited artist-training scheme in the last three years) the opportunity to build an income-generating career. To apply for a grant, applicants need to submit a written application outlining a simple five-year plan of activities they believe are important to establishing their practice. To find out more, click here.

Read full article: Artists Jump up to Apply to ArtStart.

Tom Ford directorial debut picks up two BAFTA nominations

Tom Ford’s highly anticipated feature length film, ‘A Single Man,’ has recently been nominated for two BAFTA awards, including Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Costume Design.

The film is the directorial debut for Ford, who is also credited with resurrecting Gucci in the 1990s, and more recently, directing his own fashion label. ‘A Single Man’ is adapted from the novel by Christopher Isherwood, and recounts the daily life of an English professor after the sudden death of his partner. The film opens in Australian cinemas on the 25th February, and is already being lauded by critics and fans alike as a visual masterpiece.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Tom Ford directorial debut picks up two BAFTA nominations.

Vivienne Westwood returns to U.S.

Punk pioneer Vivienne Westwood is returning to the U.S. after a nine-year absence; the designer has recently announced that she will be opening a self-titled store in Los Angeles in May.

The Melrose Ave store will be Westwood’s first American retail endeavour since her New York store was closed down after the terrorist attacks of September the 11th, 2001. Westwood has confirmed that the new store will house all her current labels, including Red Label, Gold Label, Man, Anglomania as well as a new line entitled World’s End. The store will undoubtedly continue to spread the influence of Westwood’s eclectic extravagance beyond Britain, where she has been a seminal figure in the development of culture and style over the past 40 years.

Words by Jacinta Mulders.

Read full article: Vivienne Westwood returns to U.S..

Kate Moss for Longchamp.

For fashion's favourite villain, turning 36 isn't the only cause for celebration as the rebellious supermodel is set to collaborate with luxury label Longchamp to design a new line of handbags.

After two decades at the top of the industry, Moss is no stranger to the designer title. Previously appearing in four seasons of Longchamp ads, this time round Moss worked with artistic director Sophie Delafontaine to create the initial line which is certain to be overpriced and an instant success. This follows past collaborative triumphs including the sell out fragrance, Kate, and the in-demand pieces sparked by a collaboration with TopShop in 2007.

The Spring / Summer 2010 line (obviously) titled 'Kate Moss for Longchamp' will be released February 11. Yet this partnership will be no one-off, with Moss set to continue working with the Longchamp house over the coming seasons.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Kate Moss for Longchamp..

Oyster joins the search for new photographers

In collaboration with innovative, independent magazines from around the globe, Oyster is on the hunt for an auspicious new photographer as part of the 10 BEST 10 competition.

Together with New York based photography company WIN-Initiative and magazines such as ZOOM, S Magazine and Let Them Eat Cake, we’re looking for creative, interesting and accessible photographic submissions that bring something unique to the table.

Entrants should submit ten photographs that they feel best showcase their talent and ingenuity to the WIN-Initiative website, with Oyster magazine picking the final representative for the Asia-pacific region.

This competition offers photographers international attention and the chance to work on a shoot, and closes March 8th- so get snapping!

For more information, and to submit your entry, visit www.tenbestten.com.

Read full article: Oyster joins the search for new photographers.

Galliano for men

Women won't be the only ones aspiring to head-to-toe Galliano this year.

The licensing company, Ittiere, has announced the successful diffusion line Galliano for women will be branching out into an urban-casual line for men.

According to Women's Wear Daily, the collection is aimed to light up the eyes of the "extravagant and adventurous" 18-35 year old avant-garde trendsetter.

Expect layers of leather, jerseys and jackets, jeans, knitwear and accessories with a touch of Galliano's trademark flamboyance.

The menswear line will be showcased at Milan Fashion Week this week on January 18th.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Galliano for men.

Kirkwood doesn't fall flat

Once responsible for reinventing the heel, Nicholas Kirkwood takes his sculptural stilettos down a few inches with his first line of flats.

For SS10, London’s talented young designer will bring lace-up closed shoes and one style of sandal to shelves worldwide.

It's good to see his architectural aesthetic reinvent itself with a lower centre of gravity; the man once told Oyster that “high heels should be worn all the time, no exceptions.”

The designs are an understated and artistic mix of clean lines, two-tone suede, and patent black leather.

Once stocked exclusively in Dover Street Market in the UK, this new and very wearable vision is sure to ignite similar levels of lust when new stores are announced around the globe.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Kirkwood doesn't fall flat.

Alice plays muse for designer Wonderland

With hype building for the release of Tim Burton's vision of Alice in Wonderland, French department store Printemps will be creating bespoke window installations in collaboration with top designers.


Alice's iconic look will be given a designer overhaul with pieces to be created by the likes of Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Manish Arora, Ann Demeulemeester, Maison Martin Margiela, Bernhard Willhelm and Haider Ackermann.

From the surreal and quirky, to the haunting and macabre, these one-off designs will be displayed to coincide with Paris Fashion Week in February and the subsequent release of the film.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Alice plays muse for designer Wonderland.

Daniel Palillo's Renaissance

Spots and spikes and skulls– oh my! The pieces from Daniel Palillo’s SS10 Renaissance collection tell a tale of girls and boys braving the change in season draped in a muted colour palette.

Continuing his conventionally dark theme, this line sees over-sized layers of nude, black and white carrying artistic prints of haunting skulls and circus-inspired polka dots.

The Yin and Yang motif perfectly captures the contrasts of long, flowing material anchored by biker shorts and heavy black boots.

This collection is a testament to the talent that is Palillo, proving you don’t have to be adorned in bold colour to make a statement in the sun.

Words by Nic Burdekin.

Read full article: Daniel Palillo's Renaissance.

Generous jewelery at General Pants

Pair Sydney-based jewelery designer Matt Weston with The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network and you get the inspiring 32,000 To Go campaign.

The charity initiative was created to remind us that every night more than 32,000 Australians under 24 are homeless and aims to appeal to those amazing individuals who are both sartorially savvy and socially conscious.

Weston explains that he "used tough durable denim alongside a key to remind us that not everyone has a front door, and a snap clasp so the lanyard can be attached to your keys, worn on your wrist, on your belt loops or anywhere to show your support and help spread the word."

Pick one up for yourself at General Pants Co. stores nationally for the amazing price of just five dollars.

Read full article: Generous jewelery at General Pants.

Stella McCartney designs for Alice In Wonderland

Amidst excitement over the upcoming release of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, a flood of notable designers are creating pieces inspired by the film for Disney.

The prodigious Stella McCartney is the latest to be announced, and she will be teaming up with Disney to design a collection featuring a limited edition necklace and bracelet.

The use of black, pinks and browns in the collection highlights a series of charms dripping in Swarovski crystals and plexiglass silhouettes of rabbits, hearts, spades and, of course, the illustrious Mad Hatter's Hat.

McCartney follows on from jewelery designer Tom Binns, who has designed pieces featuring teacups and hearts for Disney.

Beauty brands have signed up too, with OPI releasing four new nail polish colours playfully named with well known phrases such as "OFF WITH HER HEAD!"

McCartney's collection will be released in time for the March premiere and will be sold in her boutiques.

Words by Tess Bertram-Jones

Read full article: Stella McCartney designs for Alice In Wonderland.

Daisy Lowe's new jewelery range set to shine

Following in a long line of fruitful partnerships, jewelery gods Swarovski are working on a new collection with Brit bombshell Daisy Lowe.

Lowe’s range features four pieces, including a necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings, and were inspired by planets and stars of the night sky.

"I've incorporated black and white, star and moon crystals and multiple strands of chains," she explains, "I wanted it to be about the earth, moon and planetary movements, all that kind of weird stuff."

Lowe is the perfect choice; with a slew of enviable ads and editorials behind her and a collaborative history to boot, she is sure to bring a bit of sparkle to the collection.

Lowe's collection will be available in stores next month.

Words by Tess Bertram-Jones

Read full article: Daisy Lowe's new jewelery range set to shine.

From conception to catwalk

Italian menswear experts Z Zegna are offering sartorially savvy web-surfers the chance to sneak a peak behind the scenes of their imminent runway show at Milan Fashion Week.

For the first time, fans of the fourth generation fashion house can follow the entire creative process online, from design to outfitting, and will be able to watch the end result as the show is streamed live on the Z Zegna website.

After the show, viewers will be given the chance to blog and chat with Allesandro Sartori, the only Zegna creative director whose identity is publicly known, and will have the option of voting for their favourite outfit.

Amazingly, the first ten people to vote will recieve the winning look.

Behind the scenes footage is online now, and Z Zegna’s Autumn-Winter 2010/2011 show at Milan Fashion Week will take place on January 19th.

For more information, and for your chance to win, visit www.zzegna.com.

Words by Zac Bayly.

Read full article: From conception to catwalk.

Williamson Mans Up

After his successful menswear collaboration with H&M last year, Matthew Williamson will be launching a capsule line under his own label.

The small menswear collection will include slim-fitting cashmere jumpers, silk-printed scarves and beaded tees. It will also feature the designer’s signature prints and strong colours. William aims to expand the collection seasonally once the line has been established. The collection will be available online and at Matthew Williamson boutiques in February. Boys should be careful to guard these hot designs from their girlfriends.

Read full article: Williamson Mans Up.