Topshop featuring Richard Nicoll

A wedding dress from Topshop? Who would have thought?

Young brides-to-be all over the country will be pleased to know that Topshop have unveiled their collaboration with Richard Nicoll – a bridal range called ‘Tie the Knot’.

The collection is aimed at women who are looking for a younger alternative to the floor length ball gown wedding dress that for years have blessed the aisles. This year, the once in a lifetime gown is to be replaced by a shorter, more ‘night out on the town’ style dress.

With a price range from £75-£350, any bride would be laughing, but is it a collection suitable for everyone?

The answer to that has to be no. Reviews all over the internet have slated the collection, deeming it ‘tacky’ and ‘disappointing’. Nicoll is known for his delicate, nude tones and dainty designs and with celebrity clients including Kate Bosworth and Keira Knightley, the collection was expected to portray such elegance, but with short hemlines and lingerie detailing, it isn’t a shock to hear that the dresses are questioned for being inappropriate.

However, all is not lost as the dresses do make perfect party pieces for those who don’t mind digging deep and splashing out a little. 

Urban Decay go against their word

Urban Decay, who were once so proud of their “We don’t do animal testing. How could anyone?” tagline, have decided to sell their products in China. The company, along with many other brands such as Avon, Estee Lauder and MAC, have decided to make the move to the Chinese market, accepting the potential animal-testing regulations.

Urban Decay built their reputation on providing cruelty-free cosmetics but it has now been confirmed in a statement released by the BUAV that they are taking away Urban Decay’s ‘cruelty free’ certification under the Humane Cosmetics or Humane Products Standards. The brand will also lose their license to use the Leaping Bunny trademark on their products.

Urban Decay have a very strong fan base who favour the brand for their views on animal cruelty so it’s expected that the decision has caused controversy in the media. Will their loyal fan base still be interested in a brand that isn’t so loyal to its customers?

Ed Westwick is BACK!

Just as we thought he couldn’t get any better, Philipp Plein has thrown our gorgeous Chuck Bass onto the runway!

Ed Westwick is the face of Philipp Plein’s menswear collection, making his runway debut this week walking for the menswear shows. Ed joins a long list of celebrities that have appeared as campaign stars including Lindsay Lohan who was the face of last year’s women’s-wear collection, for his first ever modelling experience – although you would never have guessed!

A beautifully steamy ad campaign has already been aired, giving us an exciting insight of what’s to come (see below).

Is Diego Boneta the next Zac Efron?

Taking the lead role in the musical blockbuster ‘Rock of Ages’, it was easy for Diego Boneta to quickly gain the title ‘the next Zac Efron’ but the big question on everyone’s lips is who exactly is he?

Diego has already made it as a star in his home country by appearing on various TV shows and releasing two albums. His hard work seems to have paid off as this singer/songwriter has bagged himself two Latin Grammy nominations and two Latin MTV Awards nominations and he is still at the precious age of just 21!

So where did he come from? Diego Gonzalez is Mexican and is certainly a man of many talents. Not only does he write his own songs but he can also speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. He first appeared on our screens in Mean Girls 2 as the delightful Tyler Adams.

Moving on to bigger things, Diego has received nothing but praise for his performance in Rock of Ages, citing his experience as “a dream come true.” Since auditioning, Diego has received the 2012 Rising Star Award from CinemaCon and is currently working on a third album as well as shooting for new MTV show Underemployed. It looks set to be a massive few years for this aspiring young star.

Rock of Ages is in cinemas now so be sure to check it out.

Mario Testino sells Kate Moss for charity

Possibly the world’s most famous photographer of the last decade, Mario Testino has announced he will be donating one of his portraits to the Masterpiece London auction to raise money for CLIC Sargent.

The image from 1996 is of a 22 year old Kate Moss posed against a car looking in the wing mirror in LA. This particular photograph has travelled the world to places such as Milan, Tokyo, Mexico, Edinburgh and many more and has also been featured in a Testino exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.

CLIC Sargent work towards providing clinical, financial and emotional support to children suffering from Cancer.

"I have supported CLIC Sargent for more than 10 years and it is a charity I hold very close to my heart," said Testino. "My brother died aged 10 from cancer and the pain caused by it to people around a child suffering is devastating. I am delighted to donate a unique print for the auction tonight in support of this wonderful cause."

The auction will take place on the 3^rd July during the Masterpiece Midsummer Party with tickets costing £150 each.

Designer VS Highstreet

VS

This week has seen the ultimate designer versus high-street battle as Christian Louboutin took highstreet chain Zara to court in a bid to stop them from selling shoes with Louboutin’s signature red soles. Unfortunately, Louboutin lost their case when the judge decided that there was no obvious risk of customers confusing the two styles, even though they had initially supported the designer’s case.

Christian Louboutin has refused to comment on the court case, which started when the Spanish fashion giant produced a pair of open-toe-shoes with a red sole, similar to Louboutin’s Yo Yo style. Louboutin decided to open the court case against Zara for ‘counterfeiting and unfair competition.’

H&M are at it again

It seems H&M have bagged themselves another fabulous collaboration, this time with Maison Martin Margiela. The French Fashion house is set to create a one-off collection comprising of both men’s and women’s clothes and accessories that is due to launch on 15^th November.

After the rumours began spreading yesterday of this fantastic collaboration, H&M decided not to leave people waiting and confirmed the rumours to be true this morning.

"Maison Martin Margiela is one of the most important and influential fashion houses of the past three decades," said H&M creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch. "I am so excited by this radical collaboration which will give fashion lovers around the world the chance to wear special pieces by Maison Martin Margiela. This collaboration will be a great and memorable fashion moment."

And it looks like H&M aren’t the only ones excited for this new venture as a statement released from Maison Martin Margiela today stated:

"The democracy of our fashion has always been at the centre of our creativity, and the collaboration with H&M allows us to push this instinct further. We will bring together the contrasting universes of the two houses in ways that will surprise all."

Millie's Top Beauty Secrets

In a recent interview with Grazia, Millie Mackintosh revealed her top beauty secrets. I thought it would be selfish of me not to share this with anyone who may not be a regular GraziaDaily reader:

What are your beauty secrets?
Millie Mackintosh: My top beauty secret is to always have a healthy golden glow at all times as it makes me look and feel more confident. Whether I'm heading for a night out on the town, or simply want to look at my best, a tan always helps my skin to look perfectly flawless. I also always wear SPF as I want to nurture and protect my skin whatever the weather. I also make sure I get enough sleep and drink plenty of water to keep my skin looking good. My other beauty secret is to have a shot of wheatgrass every day - I keep shots of them in the freezer and defrost them in warm water in the morning.

Is a healthy glow essential to your beauty regime?
Millie Mackintosh: Absolutely - a glow gives you an instant jet set look. I'm currently working with St.Tropez as the ambassador for its Spraycation tour which will brings rays of safe faux sunshine to cities around the UK this summer!

Any top tips for applying your tan?
Millie Mackintosh: Exfoliate with St Tropez Body Polish to get rid of any existing tan and create a smooth base. St. Tropez Body Butter is the best for nourishing very dry skin and it really helps your tan last longer. I always use an application mitt to make sure the product glides on evenly. My favourite product is St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Mousse as its light-weight and feels velvety when you apply to the skin with a mitt.

Have you had any beauty disasters?
Millie Mackintosh: I used a packet dye when I was younger which turned my hair bright orange! It really damaged my hair and it took a long time to grow out - definitely a lesson learned!

Are there people you allow to see you without make-up?
Millie Mackintosh: Oh yes, I go out a lot in public without make up! I like to glam up for events, but often just having a tanned glow on my face means I need less make-up anyway.

Which modern-day beauties do you admire?
Millie Mackintosh: I think Rosie Huntingdon Whitely always looks good, as does Olivia Palermo - she's very stylish and fresh-faced with great skin.

You always look glam on the red carpet - how do you do it?
Millie Mackintosh: Ah that's very kind! I always make sure I try my outfits on many times and experiment with my hair and makeup until I feel comfortable. Obviously a tan always makes me feel red carpet ready. For the TV BAFTAs I wore a wonderful off-white Lanvin dress and my St.Tropez glow really completed the look. I try to have fun and enjoy the red carpet, you can't look relaxed and happy if you take it too seriously.

How do you stay in such amazing shape?
Millie Mackintosh: I go to a Pilates boot camp which is quite strenuous. Ideally I like to go three times a week, although it's not always possible with my busy schedule!

Officially off the market

It seems congratulations are in order for 19-year-old singer Miley Cyrus who has recently announced that her heartthrob boyfriend Liam Hemsworth has popped the question. Miley said: “I’m so happy to be engaged and look forward to a life of happiness with Liam.” Awwwh.

And wouldn’t any girl be over the moon? Not only has she bagged her self a beaut but take a look at the ring! This gorgeous 3.5 carat diamond ring would definitely be hard to turn down.

The engagement however, has caused quite a stir for many reasons. Not only is it argued that Miley is a little on the young side to be engaged, while everybody is celebrating with Champagne, Miley will be on the orange juice, but also for the reason that Miley and Liam have had a somewhat rocky relationship so far. This on-off relationship started in 2009 when they met filming for Nicholas Sparks film The Last Song but by August 2010, they were already on a break. Let’s hope this one can last longer than Kim Kardashian’s.

However, it’s looking hopeful for the young couple. Liam confidently admitted: “She makes me really happy. When you start, you want to be professional, but when you’re filming those scenes with someone and pretending to love them, you’re not human if you don’t feel something.”

Olympics - Best of British

2012 is certainly proving to be an exciting year to be British. After the 4 day weekend that has just passed, celebrating lovely Liz’s 60 year reign, it is now time to get ready for the Olympics which as I’m sure you all know are being held in London.

But this celebration isn’t just about the athletes. Some of the biggest names in fashion including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have been called in to appear at the closing ceremony wearing designer gear, all British designers of course, in a ‘Best of British’ celebration. Creations by designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen will be worn by the models in order to celebrate the talent of British designers. This is set to be part of a showcase of British talent from every creative aspect that will be held at the Olympics this year. It is rumoured that Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John have also been booked to perform. 

Disney goes Designer

This Christmas, Harrods are teaming up with Disney to give the lovable Disney princesses an old yet improved style. Designers including Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab, Versace and Valentino will each take inspiration from one original Disney princess dress and recreate it.

Characters include Ariel, Aurora, Pocahontas, Snow White, Tiana, Jasmine, Cinderella, Mulan, Belle and Rapunzel who will be part of this fashion renovation that is due to grace the windows of Harrods in November. Along with the window designs, the dresses will also feature in a specially-built 7,000 square foot area on the fourth floor that is set to hold a Disney princess pop-up boutique. There is no age limit on the excitement as I am sure it is every girls dream.

"Each year we strive to deliver a Christmas theme that will inspire and enthrall our customers," Mark Briggs, Harrods' store image director, said. "Collaborating with Disney this year is an exciting prospect for the store, as it allows us to combine luxury and fashion with fantasy and nostalgia to execute a show-stopping Christmas."

"We are thrilled to be working with Harrods and some of the world's most famous designers to sprinkle some magic on Christmas in London this year," Anna Hill, Disney's chief marketing officer, added. "The enchanting stories of our Disney Princesses are timeless and continue to inspire girls and women across generations." [Quotes taken from Vogue.co.uk]

Summer Sun

If anyone wants to buy me these sunglasses, I would much appreciate it. Modeled by Millie Mackintosh and Kourtney Kardashian, I'm not sure I could pull them off quite as well, although I will be more than happy to try.

The Devil Wears Prada is BACK!

It’s time for all those budding fashion journalists to get excited again. Lauren Weisberger, former personal assistant to Anna Wintour although more commonly known as the writer of the fantastic The Devil Wears Prada has done it again. It has recently been confirmed that Lauren is in the process of writing a sequel to everyone’s favourite book which is due for release in 2013.

Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns is due to be released next April and a sneak peak has revealed that the lovable, perhaps fictional version of Anna Wintour, Miranda Priestly is back. It really is something to look forward to.

The story follows Anne Hathaway’s character Andy, eight years on. Not only is she getting married, who the lucky man is we do not know (please, please, please be Nate), but she is also the editor of a bridal magazine and BFF’s with the once upon a time enemy, Emily.

Whether the book will be adapted into a film again is unknown but with the success of the last one, grossing more than £196m worldwide, it would be a huge shame should it not.

Keep your eyes out for this guaranteed summer bestseller next Easter. It’s a definite must have.

Wonderfully British