Monday, 31 May 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Come Dine With Diesel
SOPHIA KOKOSALAKI and Renzo Rosso kept it small and intimate last night as they celebrated the Diesel Black Gold autumn/winter 2010-11 collection with an elegant dinner at Claridge's.
"I just want to say thank you all for coming," a semi-shy Rosso welcomed his guests before toasting to the label's relatively new womenswear creative director, Kokosalaki - who took the helm of the brand last year and debuted her autumn/winter collection for it during New York Fashion Week in February. "She's so talented and we are so pleased to be working with her," enthused a hat-clad Rosso.
An equally shy and reluctant speech-maker, Kokosalaki returned the praise - "It's great to be working with Diesel, it's already like family," she said - and was keen to make sure her guests - who included models-of-the-moment Daisy Lowe and David Gandy as well as actor Luke Evans - had enjoyed their evening. "Did you have a nice time?" she thoughtfully asked.
And while praise and modesty circulated in the centre of the table, at one end talk turned to that of David Gandy's mother's top notch fruit cake, while at the other it was rumours of whether or not some of the SATC cast may or may not have been spotted in the building.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
DOLCE & GABBANA LIGHT BLUE | DAVID GANDY & ANNA JAGODZINSKA by MARIO TESTINO
Monday, 24 May 2010
Post a question for Dolce & Gabbana
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their menswear label, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana will be answering your questions about fashion.
2010 is the 20th anniversary of Dolce & Gabbana's menswear label. Dolce & Gabbana have dressed everyone from David Beckham to Morgan Freeman to Jensen Button, and have launched the careers of top male models, including David Gandy and Jesus Luz, along the way.
These are clothes for sexy, muscular men - think molto macho, brooding Sicilians. Their signature look mixes tailored suits, heavy knitwear, Italian sportswear, racing jackets, skimpy vests and, of course, underwear. The advertising imagery is legendary, often featuring sizzling group shots of gorgeous men.
In an exclusive Q&A, the designers behind the label, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, will answer your questions and solve your style quandaries. Do you want a heads-up on next season's trends? Would you like to know how to break into fashion design? Perhaps you're not a fashion fan at all, but want to know where to eat the best pasta in Milan?
Whatever your question, post it below. Our favourites will be put to the designers, and their answers will be published online on Friday 18 June at guardian.co.uk/fashion, the day before their new collection is unveiled at Milan fashion week.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Dolce & Gabbana The One Gentleman new fragrance
Dolce & Gabbana wanted to create a new men's perfume which would smell different from what they currently offer while putting the accent on elegance and simplicity. The new cologne to be launched in September 2010 is called The One Gentleman and is fronted by actor Matthew McConaughey who was also the face for The One for Men (2008). The name has reportedly nothing to do with a class-bias but on the contrary wants to use an old word to stress adapted, inclusive modern values. Gabbana said,
"I think today's definition of a gentleman is someone who takes care of himself and of the people around him. A father who looks after his children is a gentleman," he said. "It's a much wider concept, not only restricted to a man who lives in a villa with servants. I think a surfer can be a gentleman, too."...
The One Gentleman which was created under the auspices of Procter and Gamble is described as "an understated oriental." It has spicy top notes of pepper followed by a "subtle" heart of lavender, fennel and cardamom before drying down to notes of patchouli and vanilla. "We didn't specify the ingredients, rather the sensation we wanted to create," said Gabbana. "We asked the noses to re-create the feeling of elegance, an emotion that didn't exist in our male fragrance collection."
The fragrance celebrates the 20th anninversary of Dolce & Gabbana's men's wear.
"An eau de toilette spray, The One Gentleman will be available in three sizes: $42 for 30 ml., $57 for 50 ml. and $73 for 100 ml. An ancillary line includes aftershave lotion, $48; aftershave balm, $38; shower gel, $32, and deodorant stick, $25."
Via WWD
Best Dressed - 14/05/2010
Not to be outdone, Gemma Arterton donned a delicate nude embellished Valentino gown, followed by a two-tone Roksanda Ilincic creation, reminding us that she can play an ancient princess or modern beauty just as ably.
Two supermodels showcased dressed-down perfection whilst relaxing in New York - and it was a good week for British-based designers, with both Roland Mouret and Matthew Williamson seeing their dresses sported by stars on the red carpet.
"MAY 2010 - Dolce & Gabbana model David Gandy dressed down in a tweed jacket and waistcoat and black trousers for the world premiere of Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time at London’s Westfield this week."
http://www.vogue.co.uk/celebrity-photos/100514-best-dressed--14052010/gallery.aspx?Page=2#
Friday, 14 May 2010
David Gandy stole the show at OFW !
I was asked to attend Oxford Fashion Week http://oxfordfashionweek.com and be on a panel with Tony Mc Gee, fabulous photographer extra-ordinaire; Dolly Jones, glamourous Editor of vogue.com; fabulous Claire Wilcox, curator at the V&A and finally stunning male model Dolce & Gabbana model David Gandy! We enjoyed 2 hours of Q&A with the students and personally I found the whole experience so fascinating.
The debating chamber was packed with inquisitive minds and a passion for fashion. One of the first questions asked was: What has been your most embarrassing moment ( in fashion)?….
At that point David Gandy certainly stole the show! Check out his answer on www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100505-david-gandy-interview.aspx .
It wasn’t all about David of course but it was interesting to know that it hadn’t been easy for him to break into modelling – even looking like he does! All the panelists had wise words of wisdom and we all appreciated Oxford celebrating Fashion as a career. I do urge anyone from the industry to take a look at the website – Oxford was a great source of new innovation.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
PREVIEW 4: DOLCE & GABBANA SS2010 MENSWEAR AD CAMPAIGN by STEVEN KLEIN FEATURING NOAH MILLS, DAVID GANDY, SAM WEBB & ADAM SENN
The final installment in Swide’s behind-the-scenes series – backstage at Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2010 menswear campaign shoot by Steven Klein. See models Noah Mills, David Gandy, Sam Webb and Adam Senn at work and discover what really happens behind the scenes of a campaign shoot.
PREVIEW 3: DOLCE & GABBANA SS2010 MENSWEAR AD CAMPAIGN by STEVEN KLEIN FEATURING NOAH MILLS, DAVID GANDY, SAM WEBB & ADAM SENN
Watch the third video preview of backstage at Dolce&Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2010 menswear campaign shoot AFTER THE JUMP!
“Designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce hit New York at the beginning of November to photograph the campaign with Steven Klein. See models Noah Mills, David Gandy, Sam Webb and Adam Senn at work and discover what really happens behind the scenes of a campaign shoot.
To stay in theme with the collection the boys got all tough and manly; helping them give performances on par with the best of the A-list was flamboyant acting coach to the stars Susan Patson. Watch the models get all worked up in their acting class!”
Few weeks ago we featured the first backstage video preview of Dolce & Gabbana SS 2010 Menswear Campaign. Today the second backstage video of the campaign by Steven Klein you will see usual Dolce & Gabbana models Noah Mills, David Gandy and Tyson Ballou at work and discover what really happens behind the scenes of a campaign shoot, see the video AFTER THE JUMP!
“Inspired by raw masculinity and Sicilian beauty the forthcoming collection is one for the boys. Watch how the designers bring the collection to life in this exclusive preview after the jump!“
Monday, 10 May 2010
The Limelight At Prince Of Persia Premiere…
Last night Westfield shopping centre in London played host to the world premiere of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, as an adventurous prince who teams up with a princess, played by Gemma Arterton, to stop an angry ruler unleashing a sandstorm that could destroy the world.
Sounds like a load of tosh if you ask us but hey, we like chick flicks so it doesn’t really matter what we think and after watching it Saturdays babe Una Healy said: “Prince of Persia is such a beautiful move! X”. The film is released nationwide 28th May.
Aside from Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Una Healy and David Gandy (all of which we have already shown you pictures of) there was one other famous guest attending last nights Prince of Persia premiere at Westfield and that was none other than Kerry - is my transformation complete yet? - Katona.
The former trainwreck (turned nations sweetheart in the space of about a month – go figure?!) dazzled on the red carpet in a laced black figure-hugging dress.
Do you think we should just get used to seeing Kezza like this rather than making a big song and dance every time she looks have decent? Or is it only a matter of time before the façade begins to slip? Is it wrong that we kind of hope it's the latter?
Saturday, 8 May 2010
We're sorry David!
Ay Carumba! Alarming news has reached the ears of Grazia Daily this day. VERY alarming news. Last week, we posted a light-hearted leedle piece about the strikingly handsome male model and face of Dolce & Gabbana, Mr David Gandy. We might have made fun of the fact that on a recent TV chat show he spoke about his early career when someone told him he was too good looking to be a model.
After we finished work we went home, watched Zoolander while eating beans on toast and thought no more about it. THEN today we find out that David read the piece and thought we were being a bit hard on him. *CRINGE* *furious blushes!*
David – ARE YOU READING THIS? If so please believe us when we say how mortified we are, seeing as how . . .
1. We were nicely brought up and are not in the habit of being unkind about people.
2. Upsetting top male models and therefore having to avoid them at all future fashion events is THE LAST thing we want to be doing. Honestly!
We want to make it up to you! We can offer a No Expense Spared tour around the Grazia offices and a day of Guest Editing the website à la Chace Crawford if only you’ll forgive us and take us off your blacklist!
Whadday say?
http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/talkingpoints/archive/2010/05/07/were-sorry-david.htm
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Man Of The Moment
DAVID GANDY isn't just a pretty face.
The male supermodel found himself in Oxford University's esteemed Union on Monday night as fashion had a brainy moment. Gandy was joined on a panel by photographer Tony McGee, the V&A's senior curator Claire Wilcox, fashion consultant Frances Card and VOGUE.COM editor Dolly Jones to chat to the students about how to make it in an industry not usually associated with the lofty intellectualism of Oxford.
While the students were happy to hear about each of the panellist's careers and to ask plenty of questions, there was no doubt that all eyes were on Gandy - fresh from an appearance on the Friday Night With Jonathan Ross show and looking as Dolce & Gabbana-gorgeous in real life as he does in his little white pants in the ads.
Admitting that it hadn't been easy to break into the industry when he started modelling "because the trend was for skinny, androgynous guys who had bodies more like girls", the very masculine Gandy had all the women giggling like schoolgirls throughout - and the boys joined in when he told a shocking story about finding himself in someone else's hotel bathroom during a recent shoot. (Caught short and in a desperate hurry, he mistook somebody else's beach hut for his own, only to walk out of the bathroom - refreshed - to find a surprised honeymoon couple wondering what he'd been doing in there).
As well as building his own profile into one to rival any of the super-girls ("I saw a gap in the market"), Gandy has also taken it upon himself to help men for whom fashion is still a mystery. "Men are still quite scared of the connotations of looking gay, even in 2010," he said. "But dressing well can be incredibly easy. You don't have to buy a suit from the most expensive labels - you can pick one up from the high street and for an extra £20 or £30 you could have it tailored to fit you perfectly - and nothing really looks better than a tailored suit. And because we're limited to jeans, T-shirts and suits, it's important to be confident with accessories to look good and be different - it doesn't have to be difficult."
While styling might be another of his talents, however, modelling is still first and foremost. "I've managed to just about cross the line from model to celebrity which puts me up against David Beckham and Jude Law when it comes to modelling jobs," he said. "It's an amazing feeling to be on that level - but on the other hand I do kind of just think, 'I wish they'd sod off - I want those campaigns!'"
Oxford Fashion Week runs from May 1 - 7 2010. For more information go to: http://oxfordfashionweek.com./
The OFW Blog: The Forum
Taking place in the hallowed Union Debate Chamber, Oxford Fashion Week continued its campaign on fashion with its Forum. After a break on Sunday following the successful Style Show, the event brought five well-renowned members of the fashion industry all the way to Oxford on a Bank Holiday Monday evening: Dolly Jones- editor of Vogue.com, Frances Card- Brand Consultant, Claire Wilcox- curator of Fashion and Textiles at the V&A, Tony McGee- Photographer, and finally - perhaps the female favourite - David Gandy, Britain's number one male model. We popped along, as any other budding fashionista would, to hear about what OFW dubbed their "Fashionable Lives" forum, and also to have a good look at Mr Gandy, thank you very much.
Unlike last year's event focusing around the debate "Fashion is an unnecessary luxury" and which featured an enigmatic performance by Sebastian Horsely, this year's Forum modelled itself around a talk followed by a ‘Q&A', allowing the audience to get just as involved as the speakers. It was thus a surprise, and what we believed ultimately to be a shame, that the event on the whole wasn't more popular. On entering the hall just before the talk began, only the front few rows had been taken and there was still space for us and a few more fashion conscious students before any of the rows looked full. However this had no bearing on what would be a truly fascinating talk, something quite different from your typical term card fair. The five panellists had all experienced the fashion industry in their own way: from how they got into the business, how they saw it from their own unique viewpoint and their predictions for the future of fashion, the talks covered followed their fashion journeys whilst the question and answer provided an opportunity to ask those burning questions, some that revealed more that we wanted to know!
Yet what we saw as the most poignant question asked, especially given the week, was whether fashion has a point, or is it as superficial and irrelevant as the empty seats suggested? For many of those attending (and organising) the event, fashion is an industry of great interest, but is it one that students with an Oxford degree should be so eager to enter, or should we pursue more "worthwhile" or "serious" careers, be it doctors, lawyers or teachers? It is true to say fashion is often not taken seriously: associated with frivolous shopping habits, irrational expenditure and impractical purchases (do we really need another pair of 6 inch heels?), it is appears wasteful, and referring back to the empty seats, not worth our time. However as Dolly Jones stated "fashion is a form of communication: it is what people judged you on before you even open your mouth," fashion is certainly more than clothes, it is about identity, it is about personality and it is about culture. Furthermore, as Claire Wilcox described her learning of fashion through the history of textiles, fashion maybe mutative but it also synthesises our history, our political, social and cultural relations and expresses them through a form we can all understand. Yet, Francis Card argued during the talk that it is often the fear of fashion that creates a misunderstanding that consequently stops people from participating within it, leading to this criticism: yet as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada argues about cerulean blue, what David Gandy stated, why you choose to wear a certain thing today, and what Dolly Jones so aptly asks: why do you get dressed in the morning?
Now, we each will have our own interpretation to the question, we each dress a way for different needs, different purposes and to achieve different goals, but what it does show is that fashion is intelligent. Thus whilst we are not here to justify our own devout following of fashion (and hero worship of the panel and what they stand for), we want to argue that fashion is worthy of our time. During the talk, the panel dealt with questions on the influence of art, the role of Web 2.0 and the usage of social networking, the impact of the internet and the recession.Furthermore, they all recognised the role of smart decisions, such as the expansion of fashion onto the internet (highlighted by he recent sale of Net-A-Porter, which was valued near to $350 million) but also unexpected misfortunes including the loss of the brand, Luella, in the last year.
The debate and issues covered thus showed how competitive and volatile fashion is - but it also acknowledged that it is through creativity and, if inadvertently, sense that it continues to survive. For those who attended, the event provided a platform for a formal but informative discussion of what appears so often to be an exclusive industry. The event producers, Lindsey Meyers and Alyx Barker, should be proud of the discussion (if not the turnout): the panellists were well chosen by their team, the range prevented viewpoints and ideas from clashing whilst the dynamics of the guests certainly worked well overall. Not only was it aesthetically pleasing in certain ways, but intellectually challenging. Whilst it is most likely to be the least attended event on OFW's programme, we don't and wouldn't want it to go. The event needs a shake-up, but it will be hard to know what to sacrifice: as Francis Card concluded, "it displays what fashion is about for Oxford".
For all those that missed the talk, we will be updating the page with our favourite snippets from the talk, plus our own exclusive interview with the panellists (and David Gandy's faux pas, no fear!).
Photo removed for copyright invasion!
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Thorpe Park Launches SAW Alive
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