Following the success of last year’s inaugural Love Ball, Natalia Vodianova and Lucy Yeomans, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar UK, last February 24 hosted The Love Ball, proudly supported by De Beers in aid of the Naked Heart Foundation.

Natalia Vodianova was radiant in a stunning De Beers necklace made of pear-cut diamonds, totalling over 122 carats.

The glittering event was attended by the worlds of fashion, art and high society including Kate Moss, Joely Richardson, Stella McCartney, Donna Karan, Elizabeth Hurley, Diane von Furstenberg, Harvey Weinstein, Mario Testino, Matthew Williamson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Ernesto Bertarelli and Mariacarla Boscono, stunning in the beautiful Arabesque earrings and cuff from De Beers Guests admired the centrepiece of the event and evening’s charity auction, The Magic Moment necklace, designed by Natalia herself and created by De Beers.

Inspired by the precious moment when two people meet, Natalia recalled the famous love poem by Pushkin (A Magic moment I remember…) when designing the piece. Natalia also wanted to capture her own magic moment, the instant she saw the children’s happiness and excitement at the first playground opened by the Naked Heart Foundation.

“Designing this piece with De Beers was an experience I will treasure forever. Creating something so precious that truly represents my passion for the Naked Heart Foundation was a unique opportunity for which I will be eternally grateful.” Natalia Vodianova.

“We are honoured to have been able to support The Naked Heart Foundation and are proud that the beautiful Magic Moment necklace contributed to Natalia’s spectacular evening of fundraising. Her natural elegance and flair made this piece truly exquisite and we hope that the new owner will treasure it not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for the generosity of spirit it represents. This fantastic evening was truly a magical moment, and the start of a wonderful collaboration between De Beers and The Naked Heart Foundation”, François Delage, CEO of De Beers Diamond Jewellers.

The delicate diamond studded chains of The Magic Moment necklace gently encircle the body and capture two De Beers pink and white heart shaped diamonds, a reference to love ensnaring and seizing a heart at that magical moment.

The central pendant features a 1.10 carat fancy intense pink heart-shaped diamond, paired with a 3.06 carat white heart-shaped diamond, hand set in delicate micropavé adding texture and depth. The pendant dances elegantly on a chain of white gold, studded with white, pink and yellow diamonds, part of the chain is detachable for versatility.

The Magic Moment necklace can be worn either as an intricate statement or as a sophisticated pendant. The necklace was displayed throughout the evening, allowing guests the opportunity to admire the expert craftsmanship and diamond selection that epitomises De Beers Diamond Jewellery, and guests were entertained by Leona Lewis, Sharleen Spiteri, Yusuf Islam and Paloma Faith During the evening, this one of a kind piece was auctioned along with bespoke pieces of art by the likes of Tracey Emin, Dinos and Jake Chapman, Peter Blake, Jeff Koons, Marc Quinn and Anselm Reyle.

The Auckland pair behind label 21Grams, Andrew McCulloch and Shaun Bay, have launched a new e-store that sells a variety of streetwear fashion brands.

“Online shopping is becoming more popular and getting easier for the consumer to utilize,” says McCulloch.

“I mean, who doesn’t want to be able to buy the latest gear without having to even get out of their slippers?” he says. Called Stitched.co.nz, the estore will focus on providing quality men’s and women’s streetwear along with skate boards, accessories, shoes and more, all at competitive prices.

“We aimed to make shopping on the site as easy and enjoyable as possible while maintaining fast delivery times and great customer service,” says McCulloch.

The site has been set up so customers can access hand selected brands from around the world without having to deal with exchange rates or high shipping costs.

“Some of brands we will sell are smaller, more underground labels,” says Bay. “We want to help them get their gear out to the public, because there is some cool labels in New Zealand that either don’t get the exposure they deserve or are so new that most of the general public haven’t discovered them yet,” he says.

As well as 21Grams, the site will offer ABC, 57Cartel and Simply Complicated; with garments ranging in price from $50 to around $400.

 Popular TV3 personality, and M2 Woman of the Year, Samantha Hayes, has been confirmed as the host for the Emerging Designer Awards on Thursday 11 March.

Crowd favourites and dynamic duo Carol Hirschfeld and John Campbell will return to host the iD Fashion show on Saturday, 13 March.

Carol will host the iD Fashion Show on Friday 12 March in true style, following her outstanding performance as host at the first iD Emerging Designer Awards show in 2005.

The 2010 iD Dunedin Fashion Week Emerging Designer Awards show has a very limited number of tickets available, while tickets are still available for the two iD Fashion shows held on 12 and 13 March 2010.

The judges for the 2010 iD Dunedin Fashion Week Emerging Designer Awards are: Zandra Rhodes, international fashion designer; Stefano Sopelza, Mittelmoda Fashion Award Project Supervisor, Italy; Katie Newton, fashion and beauty editor of the Sunday Star Times, Sunday Magazine; and, Isaac Hindin-Miller, fashion blogger. Judges for the jewellery section of the Awards are: David McLeod, Dunedin sculptor and jeweller; and, Andrew Logan, international sculptor and jewellery designer.

With the success of KidsCan Designer Jandals, the charity now presents Designer Slippers with patterns from the likes of Silverdale Knitwear, Ooby Ryn and Stitch Ministry.

Available now at Number One Shoe stores nationwide for $24.99, proceeds from the sale of each pair going to KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust to help them provide shoes to thousands of disadvantaged Kiwi kids.

Participating in Paris Fashion Week, the Spring/Summer 2010 Couture show of Lebanese designer Georges Chakra was held on January 25, 2010 in Paris, at L'École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts.

Drawing inspiration from nature's beauty, Chakra's collection treads the fine line between reality and fantasy, while staying true to the feminity of women.

A collection of forty three dresses was presented characterized by varying geometric lines, contemporary designs, contrasting hues combined with delicate necklines and asymmetrical cuts.

All shades reflect summer tonalities: flamboyant pink-orange of sunset, flashes of metallic blue, sparkling gold and silver and the eternal beauty of black and white, create unparalleled elegance and sophistication.

Textures came in an endless variety ranging from luscious layers of chiffon, tulle, organza, lace, to satin and silk embroidered with sequins, feathers, rhinestones and pearls.

With its magical touch, this outstanding collection will undoubtedly leave in its wake a breath of sunshine and a gust of shimmering light.

Egyptian actress and well known pan-arab figure Youssra wearing a Chakra's dress, Egyptian director E'inas Al Daghidi, French actress Cyrielle Claire as well as a large audience of international press and VIPs gave the designer a well deserved standing ovation at the end of his show.
 

Here are the images at the opening of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Berlin.

TICKET SALES OPEN 26 JANUARY FOR KEY EVENTS WITH PACIFIC BLUE TRAVEL PRIZES TO BE WON

Zandra Rhodes, internationally renowned fashion designer and known as the "Princess of Punk" has confirmed she will show at the iD Dunedin Fashion Show, in New Zealand. Due to popular demand, the show will run over two consecutive nights, Friday 12 March and Saturday 13 March, 2010.

Key Points

• The Queen of Colour will showcase pieces from her current collection including classic chiffon and fabulous organza eveningwear alongside her famous kaftans. Rhodes hopes to show some of her timeless vintage items from the late 60s and early 70s. Her collection will feature stunning items of jewellery from prominent English sculptor, Andrew Logan, who will also be in attendance.

• Rhodes created fashion history with her bold use of colour, prints and textiles. She was one of the new wave of British designers to put London at the forefront of the international fashion scene in the 1970s.

• Zandra Rhodes will be a guest judge at the iD Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards alongside Katie Newton, Fashion and Beauty Editor of the Sunday Star Times, Sunday Magazine, Stefano Sopelza, Mittelmoda Fashion Award Project Supervisor and David McLeod, Dunedin sculptor and jeweller, with other judges yet to be named.

• Anderson Lloyd has made Zandra Rhodes and Andrew Logan’s visit to New Zealand possible, with their generous sponsorship.

• As the iD Dunedin Fashion Show reaches its 11^th year, the organisers have worked hard to ensure the shows will be events to remember. Tickets to this successful, not for profit fashion show and other key events during the week will be highly sought after.

• Tickets go on sale Tuesday 26 January, 9.00am through TicketDirect for key events of the iD Dunedin Fashion Week, with Pacific Blue travel prizes to be won; the Emerging Designer Awards on Thursday 11 March and the iD Dunedin Fashion Show on Friday 12 March and Saturday 13 March.

• Tickets are available at TicketDirect venues, Ph 0800 4 TICKET or online at www.ticketdirect.co.nz and a booking fee applies.

• Pacific Blue Airlines is a sponsor for the second year and official airline for the 2010 iD Dunedin Fashion Week. The airline will be giving away four travel prizes, including return flights for two people from Dunedin to Brisbane. One trip will be awarded to an Emerging Designer winner. Three trips will be given away to a guest in a Lucky Boarding Pass Draw at each of the key events, the Emerging Designer Awards and the iD Dunedin Fashion Show.

Summer is here (finally!) and we are seeing some fantastic colours and styles in the shops; so now is the time to get the legs out and embrace the warmer weather. 

According to Image consultant Stephanie Rumble is one of New Zealand's leading personal stylists and makeover specialists, She said There are 5 key fashion trends for summer that you can take on in some small way or embrace all the way!  What you take or leave really depends on your body type, age and lifestyle.

Grecian

This trend is flowing, sexy and suits everyone.  It can be a simple top with a draped shoulder line draping, a one shouldered dress or simply a flowing empire line maxi dress.  The extra fabric in this style is fab for covering up extra winter excess.  One shoulder tops and dresses are chic without being too revealing. Don't wear too much jewellery with this look as it makes a statement on its own.

Harem Style Pants

Harem style pants or any version of these are great for covering up fuller bottom and thighs.  They are comfortable and flattering, and a great style for women with a slim top half.  The best length is just over the knee.  Make sure that the waist is always defined by tucking in the top half and keeping it fairly simple.  For the most flattering shape, keep it tight on top; a camisole top or tailored jacket is perfect.  This is a great trend for using a fabulous detailed belt.  This trend looks best with high heels!

80s Chic

Big shoulders, ruffled necks and in some diffusion ranges we are also seeing tie dye.  The big shoulders are so flattering for the curvy amongst us as they balance out the hip and thigh area and give a long lean silhouette. 

Statement Shoes

This season it is all about shoes.  They are high, low, colourful and detailed.  Look for gladiators still holding on this season, silks, metal hardware and patterns. 

Statement Necklaces

Accessories take your clothing from average to interesting, so brighten up any outfit with a new statement necklace.  Look out for chains (many together) colour and large pendants. 

Most importantly enjoy the season.  Take time out to relax, while looking fabulous at the same time!

Image consultant Stephanie Rumble has advised and helped some of New Zealand’s leading personalities, corporate, celebrity and household names. www.flairimage.co.nz

Valentines Day is soon to be upon us and romance is in the air – so why not show the person you love how much you care by entering the HOTmilk Valentines Day competition?

During February, purchase any item of ravishing HOTmilk lingerie and you can enter the draw to be in to win 1 of 3 luxurious prize packs from leading contemporary jewellery company, Kagi Jewellery.

Exquisite HOTmilk Maternity and Nursing Lingerie embodies chic design, imagination and seductive craftsmanship to remind mothers and mothers to be that they are beautiful, confident and sexy!

www.hotmilklingerie.com

*This competition will run in Australia and New Zealand, with 3 prize packs for both countries.