Vera Wang, she of that phenomenal body in Harper's Bazaar last month, does have a day job that doesn't involve posing in swimwear and heels.

She is, of course, one of America's most loved fashion designers, and the volume of stars in attendance at her New York Fashion Week show were testament to that fact.

Renee Zellweger and Leighton Meester were in the front row, while actress Viola Davis and tennis star Maria Sharapova were seated in prime position next to U.S. Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Daring: Sheerer-than-sheer swathes of fabric allowed for plenty of sensual flashes of skin at Vera Wang

The future's orange: As well as greys taupes and teals, Ms Wang sent searing pops of neon down the runway

They were all there for the fashion, of course, which was based on the concept of 'clothing as sanctuary'.

Ms Wang's take on the theme was anything but safe, though. Sheerer-than-sheer swathes of fabric allowed for plenty of sensual flashes of skin, whether the shade was searing orange, teal blue or creamy champagne.

Her description in the show notes read: 'The body protectively enveloped in the soft armor of a fitted sheath, the sharp discipline of fencing-inspired jackets, the structured carapace of a coat.

Devoted fans: Leighton Meester (left) and Renee Zellweger sat on the designer's front row at the show today

Prime position: Actress Viola Davis and tennis star Maria Sharapova flanked Vogue editor Anna Wintour

'The female form revealed by smoky transparencies that allow a glimpse of skin and of delicate lingerie not meant to be hidden, but seen.'

Though the silhouettes were sleek and streamlined, they were also feminine, and Ms Wang played with proportions at the hips, adding peplums that added structure to the otherwise fluid garments.

The graphic prints on some of the fabrics also added to the idea of femininity, as the sharp lines curved and played around the models' bodies.

Back to the day job: Vera Wang, who posed in last month's Harper's Bazaar, takes her bow at the end

Leighton Meester, who fronts campaigns for one of the designer's fragrances, loves Vera Wang the woman as much as the label.

'She's a woman and she owns it,' she said. 'She's smart, quick and funny.'

She came to the show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to support 'Vera and all her wonderfulness.

'I am a big fan,' she added.

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Rihanna has announced her debut television project, launching a fashion series where unknown designers will compete for the chance to dress her when she performs at London's Wireless festival in July.

Launching exclusively on UK channel Sky Living HD, it was announced January 26 that the singer will be executive-producing and appearing on the currently unnamed program.

Despite being the current face of Armani Jeans and lingerie, the star is known for championing more obscure designers on the red carpet from time to time.

have been very fortunate to work with some truly amazing Fashion designers and stylists throughout my career, and they have been instrumental in making sure my creative vision reaches the stage," explained the star.

"I am excited to follow the journey of our aspiring contestants and see how their individuality influences their efforts during the course of the show."

The show will run over ten weeks, challenging the unknown creators to create outfits for a string of celebrities before the ultimate challenge of creating Rihanna's unique stage outfit.

Set to air this summer, it will be presented by Nicola Roberts of UK girl group Girls Aloud, whose fashion credentials include launching her own Dainty Doll makeup range.

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Fashion history will be created and careers launched when the world’s hot new fashion talent show their collections at the 8th annual iD International Emerging Designer Awards in Dunedin, New Zealand. 

Twenty eight finalists from seven countries have been selected to show at this year’s prestigious event to be held on Thursday 29 March 2012, at the Lion Foundation Arena, Edgar Stadium, Dunedin.

Victoria Muir, iD’s event co-ordinator says the iD Awards are continuing to attract international talent who travel from around the globe (including Switzerland, Israel and Croatia) for the opportunity to show at this must-see fashion event. 

“For the first time since this international fashion competition was launched in 2005, we have a finalist from Canada, with an even stronger representation from New Zealand and Australia. Every year I’m amazed at the quality of the entries we receive, and this year is no different. I’ve collated over 100 entries from 11 different countries, representing some of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world.”

Tanya Carlson, fashion designers and selection panellist, says it is exciting to see more menswear collections in this year’s entries, alongside many applicants showing sustainable processes and a greater awareness of the environment.

“It’s great to see an increase in the number of Australian finalists embracing the opportunities the iD Awards offer – including having their collections seen by one of the industry’s best, Hilary Alexander, who I’m looking forward to meeting again!”

Read more about iD reveals 2012 Emerging Designer finalists @ Fibre2fashion

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Ilaria Venturini Fendi was awarded the first Grand Prize by the World Fashion Development Program (WFDP), during a gala evening that took place in Seoul, South Korea, on November 14, hosted in part by the City of Seoul. Ilaria received the award by the hands of Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia and recently appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion4Development.

The prizes distinguish those innovators on all levels of the fashion industry who have made efforts to make the business more humane. The categories include, Fashion for Humanity, Fashion Design, and Green Fashion, among others.

Venturini Fendi, founder and fashion designers of Carmina Campus that she started in 2006, was granted the prize for ethical Fashion Design, which recognizes the person who made the most notable effort to create sustainable modern fashion. Venturini Fendi uses the know-how she acquired while working for her family's illustrious fashion house for her own creative project combining sustainability, ethical production and avant-garde design.

The brand explores innovative ways to reuse materials, to save from waste, to give back to the community and to create unique items ranging from handbags to home furniture. Later, thanks to her partnership with the International Trade Centre -- a UN and WTO agency, and more specifically the ITC Poor Communities and Trade Programme which supports marginalized communities of micro-producers in developing countries, she moved to work in Kenya and Uganda to produce semi-finished items. 

 

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Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival – Brisbane, hosted by South Bank, is back for 2011 and promises a stellar lineup of fashion designers and a range of fashionable events to satisfy even the most sartorially starved crowds. It will run from August 20-26.

From the Renaissance frescos adorning the ceilings of historic chapels and the sculptures of the Galleria dell'Accademia, to the leather smiths of Florence and the haute-couture gowns that render our knees incapable of holding us upright, Italy is renowned for its rich culture, unparalleled sense of style and impeccable craftsmanship. When it comes to things of beauty, Italy’s got it nailed.

This year, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival - Brisbane is proud to announce their affiliation with another Italian icon – S.Pellegrino mineral water.

The quality of S.Pellegrino is legendary. The “Godfather” of design himself, Leonardo da Vinci even visited the town in 1509 to personally sample the “miraculous” water that flows from a thermal spring at the foot of a mountain wall in the Italian Alps. S.Pellegrino is a refreshing, naturally carbonated water with a light, crisp finish, captured perfectly in the brand’s iconic, green glass bottle – a modern symbol of style, sophistication and the conviviality of the Italian lifestyle.

Read more about Sanpellegrino - the haute-couture of mineral water @ Fibre2fashion

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Gwen Renée Stefani, the 41-year-old American singer-songwriter turned fashion designers, will be launching a new children’s collection dubbed Harajuku Mini in alliance with Target.


The star debuted with her clothing line L.A.M.B. in 2003 and expanded her collection with the 2005 Harajuku Lovers line, drawing inspiration from Japanese culture and fashion. Her clothing lines have been a great success and have silenced all the critics of her fashion labels.


Harajuku Mini would be available in outlets all across the US on November 13, 2011, while its second collection is scheduled to hit outlets in January next year.

In her statement announcing the tie up with Target, Stefani said that designing the kids apparel collection was like a dream come true for her as she always was willing to design a cool kids fashion collection, enthused by the super-cute and frisky children’s wear found in Japan.


Presently, though no outlines of the collection have been made public, she did extend a clue that the designs would portray the bold looks that her two young sons – Kingston who is five and Zuma who is almost three – normally wear.

Read More about Gwen Stefani to design kids apparel range for Target @ Fibre2fashion

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DHL, the world's leading logistics company, is proud to announce the three talented finalists of the annual DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship. In its second year, the Scholarship aims to identify Australia’s emerging fashion talent and assist them in achieving international business growth.

The 2011 DHL Express Fashion Export Scholarship finalists are:

- Rachel Gilbert, based in Sydney“Rachel has shown a strong brand presence within just a few years. This bright young talent is the one to watch and has a huge future ahead of her,” said Lucia Labbate from IMG Fashion.

- We Are Handsome, by designers Indhra Chagoury & Jeremy Somers“Indrha and Jeremy have an impressive export strategy backed up by unique prints and designs,” said Jamila Dlala, Global Multi-National Customer Manager from DHL Express Australia.

- Ellery, designer Kym Ellery
“Ellery’s designs are absolutely impeccable and beautifully crafted. She has the persistence and attitude to last in this competitive industry,” Nicola Finetti, one of Australia’s outstanding fashion designers.

Judged by three of Australia’s top fashion and exporting industry leaders – Jamila Dlala, Global Multi-National Customer Manager from DHL; Lucia Labbate from IMG Fashion; and Australian fashion designer Nicola Finetti – the Scholarship received a number of high calibre entries proving there is an emerging talent pool of Australian designers that have the business acumen to succeed overseas.

 

Read More about Fashion designers a cut above the rest @ Fibre2fashion

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The crowds were wowed at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, when The University of Northampton’s nationally acclaimed School of The Arts Graduate Fashion Show took to the catwalk.

The Show featured collections from graduating Year 3 students from the Division of Fashion and Textiles, as well as a Year 2 collection. Bright pinks, orange and purples were a strong trend and there were collections inspired by fairground rides, cosmetic surgery, biker chicks and dolls. Dalmatians even took to the catwalk, along with the professional models.

The evening Graduate Fashion Show presented awards to some of the talented students and graduates from all Years across the Fashion and Textiles Division. Congratulations to:

• Hensman - Creative Styling £150 - Vicky Fallon; named New Fashion Designers Designer of the Month for July 2011.
• Sazarac - Innovative use of Colour & Print £100 - Ellie Bevis
• Handels banken - for Creative use of Leather and Fabric £150 - Thom Neal
• Falcon International Bags Ltd - For Technical Excellence in Fashion Leather Accessories £300 - Jessica Kidby
• Joseph Cheaney & Sons - Footwear Design - £300 - Lois Addison
• Oriflame - Portfolio Excellence £100 - Gemma Darby
• Belamy Fragrances - Creative use of Materials - Kelly Bull
• Silver Viscount - Innovative use of fabric and stitch £100 - Simona Maccario
• Catherine Lichaot Frank and Co - Patent Award - Harriet Pearse
• Guy West - Enterprising and Visionary Footwear Design - Dorcas Phillips
• Leslie Church Memorial Fund £500 - Surbjit Singh
• Leslie Church Memorial Fund £500 - Louise Stratton
• The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers - £1000 - Rosalind Northern
• The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers - £750 - Charlotte Ledger
• The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers - £500 - Millie Dawson
• The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers - £250 - Sophie Everson
• The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers - £1000 - Jessica Rouse
• The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers - £1000 - Tine Raceman
• The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers - £1000 - Sophie Salem
• The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers - £1500 - Surbjit Singh
• The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers - £1500 - Jessica Kidby

 

Read More about Collections hit the catwalk at Graduate Fashion Show @ Fibre2fashion

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Angolan designer, Nadir Tati, will exhibit her newest collection at Africa Fashion Week (New York) (AFWNY) produced by Adirée. AFWNY will take place in New York City’s Financial District July 14th, 15th and 16th at the Broad Street Ballroom.

Nadir Tatis collection themed “The Power of Africa” creates an atmosphere where one can easily identify with the contemporary African woman in a modern world. Tati, whose collection draws inspiration from the traditions and culture of her people, reflects the wealth and power of Angola. Angola has recently had a spike in their economy. The government has announced their plans to open a Stock Exchange this year. Tati’s collection demonstrates this advancement.

AFWNY includes runway shows hosting 21+ designers from various countries in Africa and those of the African Diaspora, exhibitions, and industry networking events. Opening Fashion designers Korto Momolu and designers like Washington Roberts, Saint Wobil, AAMAA Couture, Bill Witherspoon and others will showcase.

 

 

Read more about Nadir Tati’s ‘The Power of Africa’ to be on display at AFWNY @ Fibre2fashion

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Celebrity fashion designers and artist, Camilla Franks, is launching in South Africa this summer. The Camilla label brings worldly charm, personality and exotic flavour to timeless fashion.

“It’s a label that doesn’t discriminate, “says the designer who constantly travels the world in search of inspiration. “I design for all shapes and sizes – all personalities and walks of life - I just want to make women look and feel beautiful whether it’s in a figure-hugging micro mini or a lavishly bejeweled cocktail dress”.

Camilla Franks is a dynamic designer who has been transforming kaftans into chic wardrobe staples for fashionistas and celebrities across the globe. Oprah Winfrey, Fergie, Liz Hurley, Jennifer Hawkins, Paris Hilton, Tori Spelling and Paula Abdul have all been spotted wearing Camilla Kaftans.

The collection consists of free-flowing Kaftans.Bold, pastel, electric and fluro-coloured silk blend prints feature Mother Nature’s beautiful landscapes including luscious tropical and rainforest illustrations with butterflies, peacocks, Amazon tigers, snakes and fish scales as further inspirations. Carefully placed Swarovski crystals and hand beading add runway glamour to these beautiful Kaftans.

 

Read More about Krush Culture launches Camilla Franks fashion label @ Fibre2fashion

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Koko & Palenki, South Florida’s trend setting boutique, teams up with Nicole Richie for an afternoon of style. On Friday April 29, 2011, Koko & Palenki’s Aventura Mall store will host celebrity Fashion designers, Nicole Richie from 2-4 p.m. Richie will be signing autographs and showcasing new pieces from her Spring line of House of Harlow 1960.


“Of our five South Florida locations we picked our Aventura store because it’s central to our clients coming from both the north and south,” said Pamela Garcia, President of Koko & Palenki. “This is going be a great event because our boutique is the perfect setting where fashion lovers and style icons can connect.”


In 2009 Richie launched her boho-chic line House of Harlow 1960, as a jewelry line. Since then HOH 1960 has grown into a full line featuring shoes, ready-to-wear fashion and jewelry. Koko & Palenki has been showcasing the line since its inception. The boutique now carries HOH 1960 jewelry, sunglasses and shoes. In the fall the store will also be carrying Richie’s Winter Kate line.


Nicole Richie’s appearance is going to be the first in a series designed by Koko & Palenki to bring fashion icons and celebrities to its South Florida locations. For future events Koko & Palenki customers will receive special invites to other in-store appearances.

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UK’s leading fashion designers lingerie and women’s wear brand, Ultimo recently signed seven 'real women' to represent its new lingeries collection.

Being insightful to the complaints from ordinary women that real need not mean fat, the firm organized a national level competition, where the firm received over 10,000 entries from several women, eager and willing to model for the brand.


The firm picked the seven finalists to be the new faces and bodies of the brand. This was the company’s second campaign where it shunned professional models to use the so-called 'real women'.


Michelle Mone OBE, CEO of Ultimo, who modelled for her own lingerie in a campaign last year, said that, they were inundated with applications during the last competition, and added that, all the women were very much excited and did a wonderful job.


The models picked by Ultimo vary in the age group of 18 to 31 years and ranged in sizes from 8 to 18. 

Read More about  Lingerie brand Ultimo picks real women over models @ Fibre2fashion

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