La Prairie open new flagship in London this week

Swiss beauty company La Prairie will unveil its flagship retail space in Europe at Selfridges Oxford Street store on 27th May (see DIARYdates). The state-of-the-art space houses the brand’s first semi-private treatment area offering retail customers on site.

Carnaby Shopping Party to take place next month

The Carnaby Shopping Party is set to take place on 19 May in central London. The event, which happens between 5pm and 9pm, offers visitors 20% discount in over 100 shops, restaurants and bars in the 12 streets of Carnaby, including the Newburgh Quarter and Kingly Court in London W1. The Newburgh Quarter houses fashion and retail stores including Pyrus, Beyond The Valley, Chateaux Roux, English shoe collection F-Troupe, gothic inspired jewellers The Great Frog, and concepts from Fred Perry, Barbour and skincare specialists Cowshed. Kingly Court is home to 30 independent boutiques over three floors where shoppers can get 20% discount at new fashion label Katyakatya Shehurina, feminine boutique Traffic People, lingerie brand Sugarlesque, fashion boutique Bexy Lady, Carry Me Home and tea lounge Camellia World Teas. Plus, seafood specialists The Wright Brothers will be offering free oysters from a stall in Kingly Court plus offering 20% off all food bills on the evening. Fashion brands participating include Pepe Jeans London, Lee. Levi’s, Diesel, Pretty Green, Replay and Gola Classics. For more information about the event and to register for a free ticket, visit www.carnaby.co.uk.

Westfield launches new Tweet Mirror

Westfield London has announced the introduction of a Tweet Mirror at The Big Fashion Wardrobe - a one-week fashion and beauty event running from now until 3 April to launch the arrival of SS11. The Tweet Mirror - by Nedap - allows customers to see themselves in different new outfits and share the experience with others directly by e-mail or sharing images via social media pages. With a digital camera built in, and a real time connection to the web, shoppers can receive feedback on what they have decided to buy.

In the Go Virtual zone at Westfield London, customers can use the Tweet Mirror to wear and compare different outfits. Images can be sent to e-mail address, text, and twitter or to Facebook. If a shopper has taken a picture but not bought the item, the picture will be on their computer at home or work and will link back to the brand’s website for the second opportunity to buy online.

For further information on Westfield London, click here.

New W Hotel to open in Leicester Square next month

This February 2011, W London - Leicester Square will open its doors to the public. Situated on the corner of Leicester Square and Wardour Street, on the site of what used to be the Swiss Centre, the building stands 10 storeys tall, and uses translucent glass which will change colour according to the time of day or happenings in the hotel or the city. Taking inspiration from its surroundings, W London - Leicester Square will deliver a variety of unique guest experiences and initiatives that highlight the brand’s passions within film, fashion, music and design. The new hotel will feature 192 guest rooms, including 17 suites, three WOW suites and one Extreme WOW suite, as well as offering guests an Away Spa with a focus on detox and refuel.

W London – Leicester Square is accepting reservations, including group arrivals and event bookings, from 14 February onwards. To celebrate the exclusive debut, there is an opening offer from £269.00 per-room per-night. Tour the hotel online at www.wlondon.co.uk/showme.

SHOP at The Savoy launched this week and announces news for 2011

SHOP at The Savoy is a new bespoke shopping experience available throughout the hotel as a virtual shopping space. Highlights of SHOP's launch services include:

The SHOP Collection No1 - a selection of handpicked, iconic products. Each season, the quarterly collection is overseen by consultant Yasmin Sewell and hosts pieces from London’s design talent. This season includes Anya Hindmarch, Dunhill, Boodles, Stella McCartney and Bottega Venetta.

Fetch Fabulous - SHOPS 'fetching finders' are on hand to to source gifts from all around London. Personal Shoppers are also offered to help find ideal gifts.

Bespoke London - a selection of London's crafts brought directly to shoppers at The Savoy - in the hotel room or the main hotel areas. This includes tailors, jewellers, milliners and perfumiers.

VIP Shopping - in which guests can be chauffeur driven to department store and boutiques while enjoying VIP privileges during their stay.

SHOP Services and the SHOP Collection are available throughout The Savoy and at www.shopatthesavoy.com in addition to the SHOP AtoZ Guide of Insider’s London and the SHOP TV channel in every room at The Savoy. The SHOP Boutique will launch from early March.

US fashion retailer Forever 21 today announces London store launch

US fashion label Forever 21 announced today that it has secured a retail space on London's Oxford Street and plans to open one of its flagship stores there in Autumn 2011. The 35,000 sqft space, located at 360 Oxford Street, is currently occupied by entertainment chain HMV. Forever 21 operates 470 stores in the US and around the world and recently entered the European market opening large stores in Birmingham (Bullring) and Dublin (Jervis Centre). The retailer also launched the European e-commerce sites forever21.co.uk and forever21.eu. Forever 21 offers a wide choice of clothing and accessories for women, men and children updated constantly in line with the latest styles and accessories.

New website which designs nights out for Londoners launches

New online concierge service, www.designmynight.com is the new website which designs nights out for Londoners and showcases the newest, chicest and best bars and clubs in the city. The website offers a price comparison service as well as a free concierge service for corporate companies looking to book company dinners or events such as Christmas parties or formal lunches. Set up by two Londoners who loved the city but loathed the expense of London nights out, www.designmynight.com aims to deliver the insider track o the best pubs, bars and clubs to suit all pockets and all tastes. For more information please contact Nick Telson on 07939-036238. e-mail: nick@designmynight.com

New Swarovski store to open in Oxford Street

Swarovski is launching a new 2,000 sq ft ‘Crystal Forest’ flagship store at 321 Oxford Street, London due to open later this summer. Swarovski has joined forces with the designer Tokujin Yoshioka who is responsible for the concept that embraces a ‘Crystal Forest’ theme. ‘Crystal Forest’ is a multi-sensory experience that gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the world of crystal. The new store design embodies two concepts dear to Swarovski: Modern Lux and the Poetry of Precision.

Retro-inspired leather bag designs from London-based designer

Natthakur is an emerging fine leather designer based in London. Using the highest quality leathers, Nat designs and currently handcrafts an array of gifts and accessories, from purses and wallets through to bags. Natthakur, offering unique leather gifts and accessories with an eclectic take on leather design, has previous experience working on bespoke furnishings and accessories for companies such as Ghost and Mulberry, began designing her own line of leather gifts under in 2005. Her take on retro objects such as old British coins and traditional sweet shop bags results in functional, durable gifts such as the Half Crown coin purse. In addition, with an ethical policy to only use leather that is a bi-product of meat, Nat’s eco-awareness has also been reflected in the ‘Reusable Range’ in which her take on throw away ‘paper’ and ‘grocery’ bags highlights the disparity between disposability and longevity by recreating these designs in leather. Prices start from £15.00 and all products are available online at www.natthakur.co.uk

Jermyn Street presents The Art of Being British

On Saturday 4 September from 12noon until 5pm The Art of Being British will be presented on Jermyn Street, London SW1. The Crown Estate and the Jermyn Street Association will host a garden party celebrating English eccentricity whilst showcasing many of the specialist retailers and restaurants located in St James’s. Four men’s and women’s catwalk fashion shows will be produced accompanied by displays and demonstrations from many of the retailers in St James’s. Exhibitors will include Fosters & Son, Church’s, TM Lewin, Hawes & Curtis, Hilditch & Key and Favourbrook as well as the Dukes Hotel, Fortnum & Mason, Paxton and Whitfield and The Ritz all of whom will showcase their craftsmanship and signature services. In keeping with the Jermyn Street environment visitors will see the Rolls Royce Phantom on loan from The Ritz while musicians from the Royal Academy of Music will perform a selection of British classical, jazz and theatre tunes live on the street. There will be a picnic area, church market, puppet show, hog roast and an area dedicated to the art of storytelling. Saturday shoppers will be tempted further in store with a selection of added value incentives only available on the day by the retailers of St James’s.

12 Finalists announced for the Elite Model Look UK Final next Thursday

Following the national tour, Samsung Diva Elite Model Look UK has announced its 12 finalists. Amelia Hempleman-Adams from Wiltshire, Daisy Newberry from Somerset, Eilidh Maxwell from Glasgow, Emma Mactaggart from Blairadam, Hannah Noble from Warwickshire, Grace McGovern from Surrey, Jenni Lumb from Leeds, Kate Howat from Buckinghamshire, Louise Stalker from Essex, Olivia Dunn from Nottinghamshire, Olivia Ford from Devon and Sasha Jarvis from Hampshire are all through to the Grand Final of Elite London’s second annual search for the UK’s supermodels of the future. Next Thursday, following a week of mentoring, all 12 girls will showcase at the Grand Final Catwalk Event and Party at One Mayfair, London. The judging panel (which includes Sacha Mascolo Tarbuck, Global Creative Director of Toni & Guy, makeup artist Daniel Sandler and Warehouse PR & Marketing Director Lorraine Pringle) will choose one lucky winner from the finalists who will receive a modelling contract with Elite London a trip to the Elite Model Look World Final in Shanghai.

DIARY is delighted to be involved with Fashion Press Week

DIARY is delighted to be involved in the launch of a new press day concept for the fashion industry. Fashion Press Week launches on 3-4 November 2010 at The Saatchi Gallery to showcase Spring/Summer 2011 collections to the fashion press across all sectors of the fashion arena.

Fashion Press Week will host a strong cross section of designer, bridge and high street brands from multiple retailers, e-commerce, department store groups, independent retailers and wholesale labels across multiple product categories giving the press access to the UK’s most press worthy collections all under one roof.

Fashion Press Week’s priority focus is to ensure brands retain exclusivity whilst effectively communicating their core brand ethos to the fashion press. It will not only be more cost effective than a stand alone press day but the brands will receive much higher levels of press attendance, with a budget in place for ensuring the presence of selected press, including international and UK regional.

Graduate Fashion 2010 Winners announced

Graduate Fashion Week took place this week, with the top prize - the River Island Gold Award - going to Rebecca Thomson from the Manchester University School of Art (pictured). The prize was judged and presented by Alberta Ferretti, Kim Jones, Lorraine Candy, editor-in-chief of Elle, GQ Editor Dylan Jones and Naomi Dominique; title sponsor River Island’s Womenswear Design Director. The judging criteria for the River Island Gold Award outlined that the collection should demonstrate exceptional ability in Design, Cut and Construction as well as excellent use of colour and fabric. Rhea Fields from Northbrook College was the successful winner of the Womenswear Award. She was selected for her award by the panel of Gold Award judges. The panel also selected Thomas Crisp of Ravensbourne as the winner of the menswear award. Hosted by Caryn Franklin, this year’s Graduate Fashion Week Gala show celebrated its 19th anniversary and saw an array of fashion figures lending support to the event including Erin O’Connor, Zandra Rhodes, Nicola Roberts, Emma Hill (Mulberry), Jeff Banks (President, Graduate Fashion Week), Terry Mansfield CBE (Chairman, Graduate Fashion Week) and Harold Tillman (Chairman, British Fashion Council). Support from the GFW Mentoring Panel will be offered to all Graduate Fashion Week winners. The complete list of winners is shown below:

The River Island Gold Award - Rebecca Thomson from Manchester University School of Art.

Womenswear Award - Rhea Fields from Northbrook College

Menswear Award - Thomas Crisp of Ravensbourne

Zandra Rhodes Catwalk Textiles Award - Anna Lee from De Montfort

Bhm Knitwear Visionary Knitwear Award - Ledina Zhang from Northumbria.

Hammerson Fashion Innovation Award - Katie Burkes and Susie O’Brien.

The Mulberry Accessories Award - Kitty Keay from Colchester School of Art.

Textiles Award - Natalie Murray from Northumbria University.

The Hachette Filipacchi Media and Design Award - Alice Barnes from Northumbria University.

The Lyle & Scott Strategic Marketing Award - Amy Quickfall, from Northumbria

Per Aquum Creative Marketing Award - Jessica Dance from the Arts University at Bournemouth

Stand Design Award - The Arts University College at Bournemouth

Jon Adam Fashion Portfolio Award - Ellie Mountford from the Arts University College Bournemouth.

The "First Word" Journalism Award - Ellen Devall from the Colchester School of Art

John Galliano announces Fashion Fringe semi-finalists

Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden has announced John Galliano’s semi-finalists for 2010: Alice Palmer, Charlotte Linton, Cornel Bolt, Corrie Nielsen, Danielle Windsor, Edward Finney, Fjodor Golan Frydman, Jade Kang, Ju-Hong Chang and SILVINAMAESTRO. The 10 Semi-Finalists took part in a technical day at the London College Fashion on Tuesday 1 June. The 10 Semi-Finalists were then interviewed and judged on their business acumen, creativity, vision, longevity and commitment to the future of the British fashion industry. Following the technical day and interview process, John Galliano, chair of Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden 2010, will announce his three Finalists at an exclusive party at The Club at The Ivy tomorrow (4 June). Before he announces his three he will be discussing London’s creativity and fashion future, joined by renowned photographer and founder of SHOWstudio Nick Knight and Lady Amanda Harlech. The event will be chaired by Colin McDowell MBE, Founder and Creative Director of Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden. Readers can see the action live online at www.fashionfringe.co.uk.

ellis+louca interiors showroom opens in Clerkenwell

ellis+louca interiors, who have a new showroom in London, is the latest venture from the internationally-renowned florist, Kally Ellis, of McQueens. Working with London-based interior designer Loucas Louca, ellis+louca draws from all manner of sources and inspiration to bring designed pieces to the home, office and garden. They have sourced furniture, fabric, ceramics, toys, stationery, glassware, crockery, books and gifts, with the collection to be expanded and adapted on a regular basis. The products selected highlight British home-grown talent, as well as more established designers, and aim to enhance the home and work environment. ellis+louca can be found at the former McQueens shop in St John’s Street, London EC1, which has been transformed into a contemporary space and houses an in-house interior design service also available to customers.

Exclusive Graduate Fashion Week range launches in River Island

An exclusive Graduate Fashion Week range launches in River Island this week. The store, title sponsor for the 6th year in succession, has employed over 90 graduates in the past 5 years from GFW, ensuring their designs hit the high street. This week River Island is launching a range of GFW products in selected stores nationwide, just in time for this year’s event which is taking place 6-10 June (see DIARYdates). In particular the range has several pieces designed by 2009 Award winners Myrto Stamou (UCA Rochester) and Charlotte Simpson (University of Northumbria). Myrto Stamou, winner of the prestigious River Island Gold Award, as well as the Womenswear Award, has recently completed an internship with Hannah Marshall and has been working closely with River Island to create these dresses, inspired by her graduation collection. The designs, pictured here, are strong and sleek and employ supple leather, mesh panelling and slinky jersey. Giles Deacon described her collection as ‘a cohesive range that could easily be sold tomorrow’. Prices start from £49.99.

New Indiba Deep Beauty Treatments available at Urban Retreat

New Indiba Deep Beauty Treatments provide a pain-free solution for skin rejuvenation. The treatments use a regenerative radio frequency to raise the internal temperature of skin which helps to rejuvenate the face and body. Having combined technology with therapeutic efficacy, the treatment harnesses the Proionic effect to mobilise ions and provide energy inside the body, bringing new life to the skin, both in firmness and tone. The use of radio frequency improves the visible signs of cellulite, regenerates cells, reshapes the body and lifts and firms targeted areas. For the face the treatment Improves sagging skin, bags and dark circles, fine lines and deep wrinkles, double chin, scars and delivers overall skin luminosity. The Indiba Deep Beauty Proionic Body Care System can also be used to improve hyper and hypo-pigmentation, rosacea, improve lymphatic drainage and may be used pre and post operatively following cosmetic surgery. To find the nearest Indiba treatment centre and for details of the treatments on offer visit www.indiba.es or call 08454-680560. Indiba Deep Beauty Proionic Body Care System is available at medi-spas and salons nationwide including Urban Retreat Harrods, U.R. Beautiful Kingston by Urban Retreat, Urban Retreat Harvey Nichols Manchester, Eleven Hair, Mayfair London.

New nail boutique launches in Maida Vale

Tillie’s Nail Lounge is a new luxury nail boutique in the heart of Little Venice offering bespoke treatments for the hands and feet in a calming location with white-washed walls and antiques. Boasting a unique atmosphere, Tillie’s is warm and inviting with sofas, complimentary lattes, primrose hill bakery cupcakes, fresh flowers on every tabletop and shelves of treasures that Tillie collects and offers for sale. Everything from jewellery, to linens and furniture is available to buy, helping Tillie’s fans recreate the French-country chic feel at home. Tillie’s offers treatments that last the afternoon as well as on-the-go maintenance services that get you looking polished in a flash. With highly trained technicians, the Tillie’s team excel at treatments on natural nails as well as offering Gel Lacquer, CND Nail Enhancements, and MINX nails. The interactive website is useful for booking appointments while ordering favourite OPI varnishes and gift-sets. Prices range from £15.00, for a Touch-up Manicure, to £100.00, for the 'Total Opulance' option. Tillie’s is located at 5 Formosa Street, London W9. www.tilliesnaillounge.com

Fred Perry opens new store

Fred Perry has opened a new shop in Spitalfields Market, London E1, its 12th in the UK. The space will present the brand's lines including the 'Laurel Wreath Collection', product collaborations and the brand's Blank Canvas projects. The shop opened on Friday 16 April and its first installation focuses on products from its 'Laurel Wreath Collection', the Fred Perry/Raf Simons collaboration and Stussy and Liberty blank canvas projects.

BFC opens applications for LFW

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced that applications are open for designers to participate in London Fashion Week September 2010. There are six categories for application including womenswear catwalk and presentation, menswear catwalk and presentation, the exhibition, estethica and the talent support scheme NEWGEN sponsored by TOPSHOP and NEWGEN MEN, sponsored by TOPMAN.