Milla Jovovich Tommy Hilfiger Breast Cancer Campaign

Tommy Hilfiger's latest charity campaign is out! It features Milla Jovovich with a carmine red bag that was made from natural vegetable tanned leather. This Tommy Hilfiger bag costs $300 and 50% of the sale will be donated to Fund for Living that supports breast cancer victims. Find more about this cause at Tommy Hilfiger official site.




Soure: People.com

Ivanka Trump Handbag Collection

After the successful launch of her signature fine jewelry collection, Ivanka Trump will begin selling her handbag collection on February 2011. They will be available on Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor and Macy’s stores.

Ivanka Trump's Handbag Collection will include clean lines, exotic leather and textures of satchels, totes, chain strap purses and clutches. Here's a preview of the collection.





Photo Source: InStyle.com

ASOS' timely 'Best of British' collaborations

As the volcanic ash grounds Britain indefinitely it becomes ever more apparent that we are indeed an island. It seems that half of the people I know are stranded in some far away land, not least Susie who who is unable to return from New York until next weekend at the very earliest while those of us still left have a mere 93278 square miles to play with. This feeling of isolation could provoke cabin fever like hysteria but not on this blog, not at the moment anyway. Thankfully we are marooned on a land that has a wealth of craft and design talent. ASOS' soon to be fully launched 'Best of British' line sees nineteen brands combine for ten limited edition collaborations for SS10. Borne of a desire to work more closely with a selection of brands already stocked by the online retailer and from an aspiration to produce pieces that sum up the nation's wealth of design talent. The list of brands reads like a mouth watering catalogue of the very best British companies and designers. From two of my favourite designers in Tim Soar and Carolyn Massey working with Corgi and Slazenger respectively to unexpected unions in Bill Amberg and Southsea Deckchairs to Brady bags and Jas MB, there is just so much to covet for the warmer months ahead. I've selected a few of the very best collaborations with a little information on each for you below...

Bill Amberg and Southsea Deckchairs - This is one of the most unexpected collaborations but it encapsulates a very definite sense of British summertime. Everything created by Bill Amberg is unique; not just in sustainable materials and handmade quality, but in outstanding design and innovative production techniques. Made in England by West Country craftsmen, Bill Amberg bags are frequently made from hardwearing vegetable tanned leather, produced from one of the last remaining pit tanning operations in the UK. However, for this project Amberg has worked with Southsea Deckchairs utilising traditional deckchair fabrics for his bags. These bags take me back to summers spent making sandcastles.

Carolyn Massey and Slazenger - As you should all know by now, Carolyn Massey is one of our favourite designers while being one of the leading figures in pushing menswear at London Fashion Week. After having a good nosey around her workspace it was clear that Massey is at her happiest when researching something she has found, either an old picture or an actual garment. By taking elements from pieces she has seen and found while combining them with her personal vision for menswear she creates something new and exciting. For 'Best Of British' she has delved in to the archives of Slazenger and Wimbledon to help create her own classic tennis wear that transcends the courts.

Dr Martens and Ally Capellino - Dr Martens are synomous with youthful rebellion and here they've teamed up with the quintessentially British luggage and accessories brand Ally Capellino. Capitalisng on their strengths, the leather loving labels have combined to produce four style of DM, two shoes and two eight holed boots.

Brady and Jas MB - Two of the biggest names in UK bags have joined forces to produce two models that perfectly embody the very best of this island. Both are well know for their craftsmanship but their products normally mix in very different circles. Brady bags, renowned for their solid foundations with the fishing, hunting and shooting folk collaborate with Jas MB, a label known for their statement pieces that are beautiful and hand made in London.

Tim Soar and Corgi - Tim Soar always embraces a purist, modernist approach to menswear , creating classic clothing with unexpected fabrications. For his AW10 collection he shocked a few of us as it saw him collaborate with British heritage knitwear company Corgi. During our Menswear Day coverage we caught up with the designer and he enthusiastically declared that "Corgi are exactly what British manufacturers should be about, making an extremely high quality product that does not try to compete with the Far East on price." For 'Best of British' he has teamed up with the Welsh hosiery and knitwear brand once again to create a knitted sweater.

Grenson and the British Millerain Co Ltd - With a history spanning more than one hundred and forty years you would forgive Grenson for resting on its Goodyear Welted soles. However, when compared to other classic English shoe makers, they have been making the most positive and interesting moves in recent years. One of the clearest examples of this is their collaborations with well chosen brands from Rag & Bone to Albam to Tenue de Nîmes. These collaborations have reminded us that a classic English shoe brand doesn't necessarily have to follow one set path of shoe making and design. Here they have created an oxford, a lace up boot and and a desert boot which all showcase performance fabrics from the British Millerain Co Ltd.

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Being the style geek that I am, my only criticism of the project as it stands is that there is not enough information on how the products came to be. You all know how much I enjoy a spot of factory porn but sadly it is absent from the current coverage. I would have loved to have been properly introduced to the brands involved and to have been offered some insight in to the production. However, the fruits of this project remind us all that this island of ours is home to a great away of craft and design talent.

Marion Cotillard Shanghai Latest Lady Dior Ads

The latest Lady Dior ads that feature Marion Cotillard is already out. From Paris and New York, the latest ads were shot in Shanghai. Called "Lady Blue", the new campaign showed Marion Cotillard wearing a plunging leather gown and clutching a Lady Dior with the city’s futuristic sky line in the background.

Carrying Veja

For AW10, Veja debuts Project Numero Deux, the first collection of bags.

Veja are considered by many to be the greenest sneakers and rightly so. There is however, far more to them than their eco-friendly credentials might suggest. The French label produce simple, low profile trainers produced to a very high quality. With organic cotton from the Northeast of Brazil, wild Amazonian rubber and ecological leather, it is inventing new methods of work while still creating trainers with designs to get excited over. I have to be honest with you, when I hear the words eco friendly uttered my mind is filled with thoughts of clumpy hemp or folksy printed creations but fortunately Veja offer a different proposition. The label was set up in 2003 by two Frenchmen determined to fight worldwide deforestation, exhaustion of natural resources and Labour exploitation. They have managed to come up with one of the best looking fair trade products I've ever come across, none more so than the Indigenos range for AW10. Now they have extended their offering to bags with the launch of Project Numero Deux...

Veja's Project Numero Deux launches in September.

Back in April I popped down to see them at their London showroom to find out as much as I could about the brand. What struck me straight off was the close knit nature of the team (the London office has only three staff) and how they let the products do the talking for them. You won't see any fairtrade labels pasted on to any of their products. In addition to being impressed by its values and design, the showroom visit afforded me first glimpse of Project Numero Deux AW10. Now that a few months have passed and the launch date is imminent I can finally talk you through the range! Like the trainers, the Veja bags are made with ecological materials. The lining and canvas are made from organic cotton grown by a co-operative of producers in the Northeast of Brazil. The cotton is grown in the agro-ecology method which bans the use of chemicals and pesticides. While the leather is tanned with acacia extracts, a natural non polluting tannin. Let's take a closer look at the range...

Veja Acacia. Canvas style messenger bag.

The Acacia profile.

The Acacia also comes in Navy Biscuit, Burgundi Biscuit, Graphite Cappucino and Kaki Cappucino.

Veja Acacia Leather. Leather style available Burgundi, Cafe and Auburn

The Cafe version is stunning...

A closer look at the tanned leather.

The range. Veja Acacia in canvas and leather sits alongside the Mochila style backpack.

In recent seasons Veja has created a global chain that emphasises solidarity and the environment ranging from their small producers in Brazil to the European concept stores that we are all more familiar with. If you are interested in the range, Project Numero Deux AW10 will be available for pre-order from August 19th on oki-ni, while the launch party will be on September 2nd at Darkroom, Lamb’s Conduit Street.

Ally Capellino for Apple ipad satchel

Practical, tactile, unstructured, casual, wearable and classic are all words that one associates with Ally Capellino. The label has carved out a niche for finely constructed bags for discerning men and women, providing accessories that are both protective and functional without compromising on style. Of course, collaboration has been a key facet of the recent development of the label. In 2006, Capellino created a collection of bags for Margaret Howell, Topshop and the bestselling artist’s set for the Tate Modern Gallery. However, the most intriguing collaboration began in 2008 when the label worked with Apple.

The resulting AO range sees original Ally Capellino bags and sleeves tailor made for the variety of mac products, from leather sleeves for your Air to a dispatch satchel for your pro. Computer bags and laptop sleeves tend only to focus on functionality. There is rarely any subtlety or element of eye catching design to them. Thankfully, Ally Capellino offer an alternative. As Apple create their seemingly ceaseless conveyor belt of covetable gadgets, Capellino adapts and creates beautiful means to carry and protect them. The latest fruits of the collaboration see Ally Capellino create her first ever exclusive Apple iPad satchel. Oh if only I had an ipad. Before the November 22nd launch, we managed to catch up with the designer to hear her thoughts on the latest addition to the range and learn that she'd love to try her hand at furniture design...

Ally Capellino for Apple ipad satchel in navy canvas.

SS: Could you introduce the ipad satchel in your own words...
Ally Capellino: Well in the vein of other computer bags that we have done it aims to keep away from looking like a typical black nylon thing and to have the relaxed and slightly retro feel that we specialise in. I hope that it doesn't shout 'I've got my iPad in here!'

SS: The range manages to feel decidedly classic while being truly innovative and modern at the same time. How did you approach the design process for the satchels?
Ally Capellino: I like the problem solving aspect of working to a brief, I suppose that the design side of it is just in my DNA now and so that leaves the other bit to work on. The market for these things is a bit different to our fashion market and the bags are being bought by some very particular people who want to keep their hardware looking perfect and in a virtually factory condition. It's sometimes a strange mix with our bags which we like to see aging gracefully. We have used some of the colours that have already worked well for the Apple products, ie the khaki, but then added some of the highlight colours that we have been getting a good response from in the main collection - ie orange.

Ally Capellino for Apple ipad satchel in leather.

SS: You first collaborated with Apple back in 2008, how did the collaboration arise and how has the partnership developed since?
Ally Capellino: Well the right person at Ally Capellino managed to get to speak to the right person at Apple Europe at just the right time. They were open to the idea, but it took us a year to come back to them and another six months to get the product right and probably the same again on contracts etc. They are big and American, and we are small and British so it's been an eye opener.

SS: How important is collaboration to the label and who would you love to collaborate with in the future?
Ally Capellino: Well different collaborations bring different benefits, this brings us a new European audience and a stable income(relatively) Our Tate collaboration allows us to get some really starter priced things out to a very varied audience, and then things like the bag that we did with Norse projects has brought us new international customers for our main business. I would love to do something with furniture or interiors as well, as long as the materials are nice and interesting I'll have a go.

Ally Capellino for Apple ipad. Khaki and orange canvas satchel.
Available from November 22nd.

Spring 2010 Must Haves: Bags

Bags are essential part of women's wardrobe because they affect one's look. Check out these bags from Net-a-porter that will perfectly match you Spring get-up.

Bright-Colored Bags: Achieve a refreshing Spring look by sporting bags in shades of lemon, azure and cerulean.

Proenza Schouler
Bottega Veneta
Emilio Pucci
Jimmy Choo
Marni
DKNY

Metallics: Standout and shine with sparkling and glittering bags.

Christian Louboutin
Michael Kors
Burberry Prorsum
Alaia
Miu Miu

Neutrals: Bags in hues of camel, clay and taupe will not let you down this Spring season.

Giuseppe Zanoti
Fendi
Chloe
Mulberry
Yves Saint Laurent

Bold Animal Prints: Sport the exotic prints and dare to be bold in the name of fashion.

Bottega Veneta
Jimmy Choo
Jil Snader
Jimmy Choo
Lanvin
Alexander Wang

The BoF and Bill Amberg Project

Today, Bill Amberg Accessories Ltd. and The Business of Fashion announce the launch of the Calgary, a co-designed, co-conceived design project and crowdsourcing experiment which will help better understand and spark conversation about how the collective wisdom of crowds could shape fashion businesses, big and small, in years to come.

The BoF's Imran Amed, like us, is a long time fan of Bill Amberg's much coveted leather products and this project is a welcome union of their two areas of expertise. As you should all know, from their studio in North West London, Bill Amberg create stunning bags to travel, work and enjoy for a lifetime. Each and every one of Bill’s bags are unique, practical and most importantly beautiful. Similarly, the Business of Fashion should need no introduction. Since the inception of this indispensable site in 2007, Imran Imran has emerged as one of the leading thinkers on the profound changes that digital media are having on the fashion industry. Rather than a straight forward design collaboration, this project positions itself as an opportunity to learn about the creative and development process of high-end leather goods production and is more an an impromptu experiment with crowdsourcing, which is currently such a hot topic in the fashion business. The landscape of fashion communication and commerce continues to evolve radically and crowdscourcing is just one development (as discussed by the FT last weekend) and this project is keen to explore the potential benefits.

The full Calgary spectrum

Aside from the intriguing crowdsourcing angle, the project of course involves the creation of a heart racingly good accessory. With the Calgary, the world's of Bill Amberg and The Business of Fashion collide and the result is a stunning range of unisex tote style bags, a balance of function. Named after Imran's hometown, the bags were designed and created at The Bill Amberg Studios in London, each one hand made by a Bill Amberg leather craftsman. Stylish and elegant on the outside, functional on the inside. The bag is designed to fit the lifestyle of the busy, modern gentleman or gentlewoman. The bag is entirely padded with neoprene to protect technology, and includes specially designed pockets for iPads, Blackberries, and iPhones. Perfect for fashion week...

The BoF's very own Imran Amed road testing his Calgary in New York. 

Shot by Susie. 

It has been more than a year in the making and Imran has met with Bill several times over the past twelve months to fine tune what was originally intended to be a small project, but has organically grown into something more interesting, substantial, and very BoF. Here we talk to Imran to learn more about the project and take a closer look at the range...

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SS: You, like us, have been a huge fan of Bill Amberg leather products but how did your admiration evolve in to a co-designed range?

Imran Amed: I first met Bill at Pitti Uomo one year ago. When a CNN journalist called me later that same day to chat about luxury brands best suited to the post-recessionary environment in 2010, Bill Amberg was top of mind. After I filmed an interview clip in his store, Bill asked if I might like to work on a bag with him. The collaboration grew from there.

SS: Named after your hometown, the Calgary range is is a unisex tote bag that balances fashion and function effortlessly. Could you talk us through the collaborative dynamic of the project, including your working relationship with Bill and his team.

Imran Amed: Bill and I first started discussing ideas for the bag over a year ago. I have met with Bill and his team team regularly over the past twelve months, at first to discuss ideas for the bag, to watch as the first prototype was built, to provide feedback on the prototype and then to discuss the launch strategy. We have learned a lot from each other from out various vantage points and areas of expertise, Bill with design and craftsmanship and BoF with our understanding of digital media.

Calgary Black (limited edition)

SS: The range has the demands and requirements of modern life at it's design heart. What are the key design elements?

Imran Amed: There are special pockets for all sorts of technology and the bag is entirely padded with neoprene for additional protection. There is also a removable shoulder strap, which is functional as well as being a nice design detail.

SS: Now, I spotted you road testing the bag at NYFW, how is it coping with the assault of relentless shows and presentations?

Imran Amed: Really well! I am always carting around so much with me during fashion week, and now everything has its rightful place.

Calgary Tan Nubuck (limited edition)

SS: The launch incorporates an intriguing and exciting experimental element, crowdsourcing. Three other versions will be created based on data provided by the users of BoF over a period of three weeks. Could you talk us through the logistics and mechanics?

Imran Amed: Originally we planned to do only one version of the bag, but Bill really liked the silhouette of the bag and saw potential to do it in several materials and colours. Six of these will be limited edition bags, available for sale right away and for three other bags we are seeking feedback to help us decide which versions to produce, in which quantities. We will share the results and lessons learned with BoF readers.

Calgary Tan Woven (limited edition)

SS: The crowdsourcing element is an experiment that develops the role of the consumer, here they are active participants in production. Despite the relationship between digital media and fashion being in its infancy, you have long been one of the leading thinkers on the profound changes that have already taken place. Is this the future of retail?

Imran Amed: I'm not sure I would say it is the definitive future, and not all consumers want to get involved in providing feedback, preferring instead to take a strong lead from designers, but there are evidently others who enjoy participating in the creative process.

SS: Now, you started the BoF back in 2007 and have since gained a global following as an essential daily resource for fashion creatives, executives and entrepreneurs in over 150 countries. What's next? How would you like to see this indispensable site evolve?

Imran Amed: We'd like to continue sparking and catalysing conversations in fashion boardrooms, classrooms and studios around the world about the opportunities and risks afforded to us by new new digital tools and business models. This little impromptu crowdsourcing experiment is just one example of that.

Calgary Black Ponyskin (limited edition)

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The launch of the Calgary is accompanied by an interactive video created by CraneTV, showing how the bag was designed and created. Furthermore, the video employs hotspotting technology enabling consumers to 'click-to-buy'/'click-to-vote'...

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As discussed above, for three of the (non limited-edition) bags, the project involves a crowdsourcing survey. The survey will determine which bags are most popular and which ones should be produced, and in what quantities. For those of you who would like to be involved, Imran Amed has created a customised survey link. Use your power wisely.

Kate Moss Unveiled Her Longchamp Bags and Newest Ads

Make way for Kate Moss' bags for Longchamp! In the previous ads of Longchamp, Kate Moss was just the face of the company. Now, she models her own designs for Longchamp. Checkout her bag line in the following Longchamp ads.



Source: People.com

Kate Moss Autumn Longchamp Bags Ads

Here's the second installment of Kate Moss' ads for Longchamp Bags! See the must-have bags for autumn 2010. I love them!






Photo Source: Fashionindie.com

Chanel Valentine’s Day 2010 Collection

Valentine's Day is coming! If you are looking for the best way to channel this special holiday, then you'll be happy with what I have discovered. Chanel fashion house spread their love to all the women by creating a special valentine collection. Chanel Valentine’s Day 2010 Collection will include pink quilted charm pouch, quilted charm wallet as well as Chanel brooch set.

Checkout the exciting collection!




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Jimmy Choo's Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Jimmy Choo unveiled his Spring/Summer 2010 Collection of footwear and accessories. View his latest campaign ads!




Photos from Fashionising.com

Rachel Bilson Taylor Swift Debut Roberto Cavalli’s ‘Diva’ Bag

At the 40th anniversary show of Roberto Cavalli in Milan, his "Diva" bag was launched. This new purse is available in three sizes and seven material. Diva comes in denim, python, calfskin leather and others. Rachel Bilson and Taylor Swift sported the bag at the Milan Fashion Week. Roberto's Cavalli Diva bag will be available in November.




Source: InStyle

Kate Moss Longchamp 2010 Handbags

The most talked about handbags of Kate Moss for Longchamp will be available on February 11. On top of this important date for her, she also unveiled her creations on the February issue of Vogue Paris. Let's have a first look on Kate Moss' 2010 handbags for Longchamp before it hit the stores!



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