Tag Archives: Fashion

Handpicked Media release charity #HPMemory2012 book

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Handpicked Media in collaboration with Blurb, the creative publishing
platform, has created a book showcasing memories of 2012. Curated via the eyes of Handpicked
Media’s blogs and websites it’s about capturing the mood of the nation in 2012 and all the incredible
but personal times that were had.

Frost Magazine has our own entry in the book and we have already ordered our copy.

Entitled ‘This is my #HPMemory2012, what’s yours?’ it is a snapshot of what they experienced from
new babies, and exploring new cities to iconic London events with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and
London 2012 Olympics.

An ebook version can be bought for under £5 from http://store.blurb.co.uk/ebooks/361990-this-
is-my-hpmemory2012-what-s-yours, with a printed copy available for £25 via www.blurb.co.uk/
bookstore/detail/3872418. 100% of all proceeds from the book will go direct to When You Wish
Upon A Star, a charity that grants wishes for children living with life-threatening illnesses.

Callum Watt, Marketing Director of Handpicked Media says, “With the release of this book we hope
to capture a snapshot of 2012 and share people’s memories. It doesn’t stop there though; we
want to get people talking about their own memories on social media channels using the hashtag
#HPMemory2012.”

Teresa Pereira from Blurb says, “It’s been an unbelievably exciting and eventful year for the UK and
this book celebrates everything from the personal right through to the epic. What better way to
capture the highlights of the past year than with a beautifully designed book that can be shared with
friends and families and cherished as a lasting memento of 2012 for years to come.”

Top 5 Christmas Dresses

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Christmas. The time of festive joy and parties. But what to wear? Well, what about one of these dresses at Bank Fashion I have chosen my Top 5, plus one for the very brave.

This maxi dress is perfect for winter, because you can wear thermals underneath!

This look is slightly demure, but classy and smart.

And this one is for the brave. Perfect if you really want to be noticed.

Sponsored post.

Team GB starlet Jessica Ennis admits ‘I’d love to start my own fashion label

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Jessica Ennis has had quite a year, winning gold at the Olympics and becoming an idol for young girls everywhere. Now Jessica is branching out.

Speaking exclusively in City’s AM luxury magazine Bespoke, Olympic starlet Jessica Ennis said:

“I ADORE Victoria Beckham and Alexander McQueen…”

“I’d love to start my own fashion label…”

“I’ve been to two award ceremonies in the last two nights…”

You could be forgiven for thinking these were the words of a Hollywood starlet or seasoned pop star. But this is Jessica Ennis – the poster girl for the 2012 Olympics and contender for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, who, in the mind of the nation, wears lycra as a second skin.

Almost overnight she has become a focal point for the post-Olympics revival of Cool Britannia, as likely to be spotted in Stella McCartney as the new Adidas collection (which she is modelling the day City’s AM luxury magazine Bespoke caught up with her).

The change must be startling: one moment she’s a promising heptathlete, relatively unknown outside a group of loyal fans committed to the sport, the next, she’s an unexpected fashion darling.

So how is she enjoying the transition from tracksuits – and looking very good in them, mind you – to being dressed by some of the most sought after labels in the world? “It’s a brilliant position to be in,” she says. “It’s nice to have the option to pick and choose – it’s less stressful when you’re deciding what to wear.”

Her reinvention as a poster-girl has also given her design ambitions of her own and she confides that a collection is definitely on the horizon. “I would love to go down that road,” she says, “whether it’s collaborating with [a big sportswear brand] or doing the more fashiony side of things.”

With the amount of work coming her way, plus the prospects of further gold on the horizon, don’t expect Jessica Ennis, national treasure, unlikely fashion queen, to take her foot off the pedal for long.

Jessica Ennis, Andy Murray Make Who’s Who

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Who’s Who in 2013?

The new edition of Who’s Who is out with some exciting new entries. Including some of Britain’s brightest athletes.

The 165th edition of Who’s Who brings together over 33,000 autobiographical entries from people of, influence and interest in every area of public life. Featuring just over 1,000 entries new for this edition, Who’s Who 2013, published on 3rd December 2012, celebrates the achievements of British Society. An invaluable research tool and a unique way of measuring social change, it is the longest established and most comprehensive general biographical reference book. An invitation to appear in Who’s Who recognises lasting distinction and influence. An entry in Who’s Who is for life.

Preface by Arianna Huffington

Arianna Huffington, President and Editor-in-Chief at the Huffington Post Media Group, is a new biographee for the 2013 edition. She has written this year’s foreword, in which she considers the ways in which technology is rapidly transforming the media.

Olympic Idols

Included for the first time in the 2013 edition is Heptathlon darling, Jessica Ennis, who won gold at the 2012 Olympic Games. At just 26 years old, her impressive resume includes an Olympic gold, two World Championship medals, two World Indoor Championship medals, a European Championship medal and a Commonwealth Games medal.

Double Olympic gold medallist, Mo Farah makes a welcome entry this year, as does professional tennis player and Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray. Born in 1987, Murray is the youngest non-hereditary new entrant.

Entertainment

Presenter and journalist, Gabby Logan is a new addition to Who’s Who 2013. She represented Wales in rhythmic gymnastics at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, before carving out a career in broadcast where she recently presented at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Included in the 2013 edition is author and Times columnist Caitlin Moran, who was named Critic of the Year and Interviewer of the Year at the 2011 British Press Awards. She lists her recreations as ‘hair biggening, cava, eyeliner, The Struggle’.

Comedian and songwriter Tim Minchin, who composed the music for Matilda the Musical is included in Who’s Who for the first time, as is fellow comedian Richard Ayoade. Richard starred in The IT Crowd and has directed music videos for the Arctic Monkeys and Super Furry Animals, amongst others.

Cooking Sensations

Two star Michelin chef, Michael Caines is a new biographee for the 2013 edition. Head Chef at Gidleigh Park in Devon and Bath Priory, Michael appeared in Celebrity Masterchef 2011 and is one of Britain’s most acclaimed chefs. He is joined by Nathan Outlaw, another South West based chef, who enjoys ‘collecting cookery books’. Star Wars fan Nathan is a two star Michelin chef who has two restaurants at the St Enodoc Hotel, in Cornwall.

Family Connections

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s brother Leo, Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers Sustainability and Climate Change and sister Rachel, Editor-in-Chief of The Lady, are new names for 2013. Boris, another brother Joseph and father Stanley are already in Who’s Who making them one of the most successful families in the yearbook.

Another well-connected new entrant is Rachel Wolf, Director of the New Schools Network, who began her career as a researcher for Boris Johnson and whose mother and father are both already in Who’s Who.

Trivial Pursuits?

Lord Haskins, former Chairman of Northern Foods and Express Dairies plc, has updated his recreations to include ‘only-in-emergency harvest tractor-driver’, while Zai Bennett, Controller of BBC 3, and a new entrant for the 2013 edition, reveals his pastimes to include ‘impersonating primates for baby daughter’.

Writer and broadcaster on architecture and design, Thomas Dyckhoff’s recreations include ‘gluttony, staring out of the window, butchery and pie-making’ and Antonia Romeo, Director General of Transforming Justice at the Ministry of Justice, enjoys ‘Star Wars, Lego’. Host of Radio 2’s The Art Show, Claudia Winkleman, is another welcome addition to the 2013 edition. She lists her recreations as ‘sleeping, cuddling and bothering the children’.

Who’s Who in Numbers

4.5 tonnes – the weight of Who’s Who if all the UK’s inhabitants were in it (the weight of an Asian elephant!). It would be 94 metres thick, which is the height of the O2.

6th – where Who’s Who would have come in the medal table if it had been a team at the London Olympics (12 golds, 4 silvers)

80 – the number of jumbo jets it would take to transport everyone in Who’s Who

91 – the age of the oldest new entrant in Who’s Who 2013, Professor Yoichiro Nambu, Emeritus Professor at the University of Chicago

Who’s Who 2013

Published by A&C Black, 3rd December 2012

Hardback £235.00

Print-and-online edition £325.00 (available from Oxford University Press, visit www.ukwhoswho.com

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge unveils Natural History Museum Treasures

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Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was guest of honour at the grand opening of the Natural History Museum’s new Treasures gallery this evening. Treasures displays 22 of the most extraordinary specimens that have ever been on show at the Museum, and opens 30 November to the public.

The Duchess, who wore a green Mulberry dress for the evening, commented:

‘The Natural History Museum has a very special place in the heart of this nation. William and I are just two of millions of people who have passed through these doors, and marvelled at the spectacular wonders of the natural world, housed in this beautiful gallery. I care passionately about what this museum stands for.  Being here tonight, seeing some of nature’s finest treasures, reminds me just how precious and awe inspiring the natural world is. That is why the opening of Treasures is so incredibly exciting.  If it were ever needed, there is now even more reason to visit this wonderful museum.’

The Duchess met curators and viewed four star specimens in detail:

  • Archaeopteryx fossil – the most valuable fossil in the Museum’s collection, this 47-million-year-old rock slab contains the remains of the earliest known bird. With its combination of bird and dinosaur characteristics, it is a famous snapshot of evolution in action.
  • Audubon’s The Birds of America – the world’s most expensive book and one of the best-known natural history books ever produced. It was first published in double elephant folio size between 1827 and 1838 and is famous for its stunning life-size illustrations of birds.exquisite glass models of marine life
  • Charles Darwin’s pigeons – Darwin’s pigeons provided him with the crucial evidence for the theory of evolution by natural selection. He bred them in his garden as an experiment and donated these fancy breeds of rock dove to the Museum in 1867
  • Wold Cottage meteorite – earliest surviving meteorite seen to land in the UK. The rock formed during the birth of the solar system, 4.6 billion years ago, and was seen to fall near Wold Cottage, Yorkshire, in 1795, confirming the extra-terrestrial origins of meteorites.

Each of the 22 objects have been hand-picked by Museum scientists for the fascinating story it has to tell and all objects represent an important part of the Museum’s scientific, historical, social and cultural worth.

Treasures in the Cadogan gallery is free to visit, giving a snapshot of the vast collections in a short space of time. It is located in the upper mezzanine floor of the awe-inspiring Central Hall, overlooking the iconic Diplodocus.

Dr Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum said;

‘We are thrilled Her Royal Highness joined us to celebrate the opening of Treasures. We hope that she is the first of many visitors to discover everything the Museum represents in this special gallery.’

QVC Spring Summer 2013 | Frost’s Pick

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We popped along to the QVC SS13 press day to find out what you will be buying next season.

I love Lulu Guinness. Her quirky bags are beautiful and original.

Stationary from Anna Griffin. Very elegant. Stationary says a lot about a person. This says all the right things.

I love this Honora bracelet.

Jack Murphy Clara Quilted Jacket.

Kelly Hoppen Buddha.

These Marta Jonsson Peep Toe Court Shoes are divine. I love the red detail.

Nails Inc nail polish. Always a classic.

Nina Leonard Maxi Dress.

Perricone MD Necolletage. Pricey at £123 but it really works.

Tiana B Geometric Print Maxi Dress.

Strivectin Advanced Overnight Serum. Good stuff. Relatively easy on the wallet.

The sun won’t be out for a while, but when it is you will want Ultrasun Tinted Moisturiser.

I love these Lotus Catherine Sandals with a beautiful flower detail.

Brilliant detail on this beautiful cuff bracelet from Rush by Denis Charles.

Hiras Fashion’s Bespoke Tailoring: Individually Fitted and Personalized to Perfection

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Individually fitted and personalized to perfection is a mantra that Hiras Fashion has taken seriously.

For almost 60 years, the art of bespoke tailoring has been perfected and celebrated by the masters themselves. And to this day, Hiras continues to thrive and reinvent itself in the age of technology-driven economies and fast fashion.

You will get a chance to meet one of the master tailors, Chand Hira, in Hiras Fashion’s London trunk show from November 26th to December 12th, 2012 at the Waterloo Studio, Park Plaza Hotel, 200 Westminster Bridge Road.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hiras aims to maintain its global reach with its bimonthly visits to over 100 cities worldwide including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Luxemburg, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

The finest bespoke suits, shirts, sports jackets, trousers, waistcoats, blazers, tuxedos, and topcoats are individually hand cut and stitched by hand for almost 40 hours in its Hong Kong workshop.

For its collection, Hiras only uses the best fabrics from Dormeuil, Wain Sheill, Scabal, Loro Piana, Holland and Sherry and Ermenegildo Zegna. It should be noted that the shirt fabrics are imported from Italy while the suit fabrics are mostly imported from Italy and the UK.

With its own style guide and over 3,000 fabrics to choose from, you will never run out of ideas for your custom made suit – and your inputs matter.

Hiras prides itself in fostering long-term relationships with its clients and ensures their active participation when creating their preferred bespoke garment. From the style, design, color, and fabric in the selection process – your preferences are welcome and necessary to complete your bespoke experience.

The launch of its online shop makes purchasing custom made clothing even easier in the comfort of your own home, office, or wherever you happen to be. Customizing your page and viewing thousands of fabrics in detail are just a few perks entitled to you once you register your account online. In addition, Hiras will reward you with a special discount upon checkout.

Whatever the occasion calls for, Hiras delivers great form and style with impeccably fitted custom made clothing for everyone.

They say suits make the man.

Hiras creates the suits and transforms the man into a stylish gentleman of sartorial fashion.

Shop online now or book an appointment at info@hiras.com

For more information, visit Hiras Fashion at www.hiras.com or call (+852) 2366 9700

New luxury lifestyle emporium – Cuckooland launches in the UK

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– Another dreary luxury Gifting Site? Not on your nelly…. an exceptional site for extraordinary women launches in the UK-

Women deserve to be spoilt…check. Women love surprises…check. Women love unique…check. Well now comes a website that will spoil and surprise in equal measure with its unique and inspirational products for you, for your friend, for your family, heck – even your pooch!

Now if you are stressed out and have no time to pop down to John Lewis you just have to fire up your computer and go to Luxury lifestyle emporium Cuckooland is a website catering for the needs of the modern day woman and all her interests, impulses and indulgences. It features a range of luxurious and lavish products handily divided into useful categories including Mrs Smith, Mr Smith, Lifestyle Cool, Little Smiths, Pet Accessories, Travel and After Dark.

Each category showcases a cherry-picked selection of some of the most original and opulent brands on the planet including: luxury leather goods from across the pond with GI New York, the chicest jewellery from Sence Copenhagen, audiophile heaven from Ruark Audio, the sartorialist’s choice in travel accessories with TravelTeq and where else could you buy a white shirt for your dog? Only the most exclusive, original and desirable “non-mass produced” products reside in Cuckooland!

Even better, as a member you can earn site credits for sharing products you love with Cuckooland’s

“Share the Trends” incentive. Just share the products you love via Facebook or Twitter buttons on the product pages or you can create a Wishlist and then share your Wishlist by email, Facebook or Twitter and when the recipient buys the product via these links you receive credits:

• By sharing products up to the value of £75 you receive £2.50 credit on your

account.
• By sharing products over the value of £75 you receive £5.00 credit on your
account.

Unlike most luxury online gifting stores, the vast majority of Cuckooland’s stock is bought outright and kept at its warehouse for speedy delivery. All product deliveries are tracked and if you’re not happy with your delivery or order there is a “no questions asked 30 day returns policy”. And of course there is also a gift-wrapping service and a free gift tag available at checkout. In fact, the team at Cuckooland likes to think it has the best check out service in the business – quick, simple and secure. And, if you’re lucky you might even fall prey to a “Random Act of Cuckooness” – little surprises released by these slightly cuckoo people to brighten up your day.

Lastly, watch out for Zebarella, the awfully clever zebra centaur with a fabulously large bottom who you can thank for Cuckooland. It is Zebarella who had the idea of selecting the incredible array of original, desirable and non-mass produced products found in the hills, valleys, streams and estuaries of her native Cuckooland to share with you all online. If you want to see some of Zebarella’s favourite products take a peak at, “Zebarella’s Picks” a fantastic place to get you inspired before you flex your card.