Ultimo introduces new Miracle Balcony Bra

Ultimo has just introduced the new Miracle Balcony Bra; a new design that lifts breasts to expose the slimmest area of the torso, giving an improved shape, renewed confidence and a slimmer silhouette. The Superior Advanced Cup Technology in Ultimo’s Fuller Bust Collection, which also includes the Miracle Plunge Bra, is designed specifically for larger cup sizes (from DD-G), offering lightweight support and comfort to lift, shape the fuller busted woman. The new Miracle Balcony Bra is available in sizes 32-38 DD-G in black, white and nude from www.ultimo.co.uk and www.next.co.uk priced at £27.00.

* This is embargoed to consumer press until 00.01am 30 June *

Italian fashion brand MARYLING expands into the UK

Italian fashion brand MARYLING was founded in Milan in 2010 and offers fine wools, soft silks, fine jerseys, cottons and textured linens within its collection. The first presentation of the Summer collection saw refined suit jackets and sharp tailoring, vintage cotton blends and soft wide-leg pants, alongside loose silk leggings and floral silk prints.

The MARYLING fashion looks are created in groups and capsules which can be paired with one another. The collection also comprises accessories including leather shoes, handbags, belts and fashion jewellery. The soft UK launch took place at the end of May, and stockists are to be announced shortly with store set to launch in 2012.
www.maryling.com

Fashion label FLY53 to open new concessions

Fashion brand FLY53 is about to add Wolverhampton, Bristol, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Middlesborough, Nottingham and Metro Centre Gateshead to its existing House of Fraser concessions doubling the amount of doors to fourteen. This is in addition to having two Selfridges areas, the brands first outlet store in Livingston with another planned pre Christmas this year, and an increased independent retailer base. This independent clothing brand will be also launching the AW11 season at Bread & Butter exhibition next month. The philosophy of the brand is to create striking and intelligent clothing that is well designed, unique and inspirational.
www.fly53.com

Lotus Originals to debut boutique at Goodwood

The Lotus Originals taster boutique is set to debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed this year from 1-3 July. Previously only available online, the recently launched luxury lifestyle label will provide a shopping space alongside an exhibition of Lotus cars from the past, present and future; with a showcase of the new Lotus Esprit supercar due out in 2013. Among the Lotus Originals clothing collection are Loro Piana 100% cashmere knits, leather jackets inspired by 1970's racing suits and quilted coats with leather trimmings. Clothing is offered in Lotus green (the dark hue of the original Lotus racing cars), navy, tan, black, red and light grey.

Inspired by the Lotus brand principles of authenticity, innovation and design excellence, the ‘Lotus Originals’ collection is a range of luxury apparel, leather goods and performance outerwear that reflects the spirit of Lotus.

www.lotusoriginals.com
www.goodwood.co.uk

Chantelle introduces new Sexy Shaping collection

Chantelle is launching a new line for AW11 called 'Sexy Shaping' made up of shape wear pieces including a Shaping Body, Open Bust Corselette, Waist Clincher, High Waisted Panty and a T-Shirt Bra (that ensures a flat back) and has been designed to give women support from the lingerie.

The collection is launching exclusively in pop-up shops in Selfridges and Selfridges online in August and September and will then be going into department stores and independent boutiques nationwide as of October.

www.chantelle.com

TOMS announce the launch of TOMS Eyewear

TOMS, manufacturers of ethical footwear, has launched a second product line, TOMS Eyewear. Three styles of sunglasses will be offered to customers, and in keeping with the TOMS ‘One for One™’ ethic, with every pair purchased TOMS will help give sight to people in need through medical treatment, prescription eyeglasses and surgery administered by its first Sight Giving Partner, Seva Foundation. The announcement was made yesterday (7 June) by TOMS’ Founder and Chief Shoe Giver, Blake Mycoskie, who revealed TOMS Eyewear to fans at an event in California, USA.

Made in Italy, each style has a design striping detail, symbolising the three elements of One for One™. The first stripe on the temples represents the purchaser, the stripe on the tips represents the person to whom the customer is helping and the middle stripe represents TOMS, bringing the two together. The new glasses are available from the TOMS website in the US, with the launch date for the UK to be confirmed.

www.toms.com
www.seva.org

Gucci launches new version of bestselling bag to benefit UNICEF

In a further commitment to its near seven-year partnership with UNICEF, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini has designed an updated version of the bestselling “Gucci for UNICEF” Sukey bag, this time featuring the House's historic Diamante motif in deep chocolate brown. As in the past, 25 percent of the retail price for each bag will go to support UNICEF’s “Schools for Africa” initiative which aims to provide children with access to quality education. TGucci launches new version of bestsellinghe newest top handle bag has oft ruches a detachable leather charm bearing the interlocking GG logo. The Diamante pattern, a classic Gucci design first introduced in 1935 and recently relaunched by Giannini, is embossed on soft calfskin that is hand waxed to confer a vintage effect in degrading shades of brown. The “Gucci for UNICEF” Sukey will be available in Gucci stores in over 20 countries and on Gucci.com from 15 June until 20 February 2012.

Tamara Ecclestone named as new face of Ultimo lingerie

Model and TV presenter Tamara Ecclestone, daughter of Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, has been announced as the new “face and body” of lingerie brand Ultimo. The 26-year-old features in the new Ultimo summer campaign, showcasing the latest designs ‘Odyssey’ and ‘Dazzle’ available exclusively from Debenhams stores and the Ultimo website. Tamara has been signed up to front the Ultimo Summer, Autumn and Winter 2011 campaigns, for both Ultimo lingerie and Ultimo Couture.

The new Ultimo summer collection is available from Debenhams stores nationwide and online priced from £14.00 for Briefs and £26.00 for Bras, available in sizes 30-38 A-G and 8-18.

www.ultimo.co.uk

ANDAM announces finalists for its 2011 Fashion Award

Design by Jeremy Laing

The finalists for the prestigious ANDAM Fashion Awards 2011 have now been announced after reviewing 45 applications received this year. The judging panel consited of 22 influential people including ANDAM’s private partners including Pierre Bergé, representing the Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent Foundation and fashion professionals:
Hilary Alexander, director of the fashion department, The Daily Telegraph
Emmanuelle Alt, editor in chief, Vogue Paris
Nathalie Dufour, founder and general director, ANDAM
Pamela Golbin, head curator, Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Humberto Leon, co-owner, Opening Ceremony
Sarah Lerfel, purchasing and creative director, colette
Virginie Mouzat, fashion journalist, Le Figaro
Nicole Phelps, executive editor, Style.com
Jean-Jacques Picart, consultant in fashion and luxury products
Katell Pouliquen, head of fashion department, L’Express Styles
Clarisse Reille, managing director, DEFI
Jean-Pierre Simon, director in charge of plastic arts, Ministry of Culture
Ralph Toledano, consultant
Valérie Toranian, editorial director, Elle

The six finalists have been selected:

Adam Kimmel
After graduating from NYU with a degree in architecture in 2001, Adam Kimmel (born 1979) moved to Italy to learn tailoring and pattern making. He launched his first collection in 2005. This year the Carhartt label has commissioned Kimmel to create its new capsule collection. www.adamkimmel.com.

Anthony Vaccarello
After graduating with honors from the La Cambre School, Anthony Vaccarello (born 1980) won the Grand Prix of the Hyères Fashion Festival in 2006. After working alongside Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi, he created his first collection in January 2009 and has been showing on the Paris women’s ready-to-wear calendar since then. anthonyvaccarello.blogspot.com.

Commuun
Having worked respectively with Anne-Valérie Hash and Balenciaga, Iku Furudate (born 1976) and Kaito Hori (1977) joined forces in 2005 to found the Commuun label. Their first runway show was very favorably received and their philosophy based on respect, nature and quality won them the ANDAM Award in 2007. www.commuun.com.

Jeremy Laing
A graduate of Ryerson University in Toronto, Jeremy Laing (born 1979) honed
his skills alongside Alexander McQueen for five seasons before founding his own label in 2005. Based in Canada, he shows his collections during Fashion Week in New York. www.jeremylaing.com.

Palmer//Harding
Matthew Harding (born 1984) studied at Central Saint Martins in London, where he met Levi Palmer (born 1981) in 2007. Their collaborative collection, presented during London’s Fashion Week in February 2010, was widely praised in the international press and subsequently stocked by the UK retailer Topshop. After graduation the two designers founded the Palmer//Harding label in January 2011.

Yiqing Yin
A Franco-Australian designer of Chinese origin, Yiqing Yin (born 1985) graduated from the ENSAD decorative arts school in Paris in September 2009. A few months later she won the City of Paris Grand Prix de la Création and was asked to participate in the Hyères Festival. She showed her first collection in September 2010 and is currently in the process of setting up operations in France. www.yiqingyin.com.

The winner will not only receive ANDAM fellowship but also an in-kind donation from Swarovski of crystals up to the value of €10,000 to be used in the creation of the winner’s SS12 collection. They will also receive mentorship for two consecutive seasons by Ralph Toledano, who will advise the winner in his or her creative, corporate and commercial development and finally, from Galeries Lafayette, the use of the department store’s “La Suite” space for the installation of a showroom.

www.andam.fr

New accessories brand Rose and Rose to launch

Rose and Rose is the new accessories brand from Robert Rose, set to launch late July/ early August. With influences including vintage interiors, geometric patterns and oriental carpets, the collection includes on-trend polka dots in a range of primary colours, Navaho weaving and fringing, to skull motifs and evening embellishment. Styles are available for both men and women and each scarf is made from 100% silk, wool or cashmere. This AW11 the collection will be stocked at Anthropologie and exclusive boutiques priced between £28.00 and £100.00.

www.rose-and-rose.com

Beg, Borrow or Steal to launch

Beg, Borrow or Steal (BBS) is launching its first collection for AW11. The debut range is made up of four styles, these are the 'Carrie' skinny, the 'Sienna' boot cut, the 'Grace' straight fit and the 'Kimberly' skinny flare. BBS create modern styles by altering factors such as stretch and shape, the design is complemented by two tone stitching and manual whiskering and distressing. The new collection is priced between £55.00 and £75.00 and will be available this June at Bentalls, John Lewis and online at the Beg, Borrow or Steal website and from House of Fraser this July .

HEMYCA wins at Fashion Press Week

(Image from l-r, Bukie Aje-Lloyd, Fashion Business Club; Lauretta Roberts, Creative Director of WGSN Boutique; Helen Croft, Legal Director at Mishcon de Reya; Holly Buckley, editor of DIARY; Helen Clinch, Director of HEMYCA; Myra Nigris, Director of HEMYCA; Suzy Socker, Managing Director at Fearnhurst PR)
Image: Veronika Speigl - Photography | www.veronikaspeigl.com

Fashion Press Week, in partnership with Mishcon de Reya and Fashion Business Club, has announced HEMYCA as the winner of this season’s competition to find the brightest and most directional fashion brand in the UK. For the second year running, law firm Mishcon de Reya sponsored a gallery at Fashion Press Week to support emerging talent and ethical designers through Fashion Discovered and Fashion Fair. Following a nationwide search to find brands to showcase their AW11 collections, seven designers were awarded a space at the press event that took place at One Marylebone last week. Each designer showing in the Mishcon space was given the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges to win a year’s mentoring from a host of fashion, media and business experts including a one-year subscription to DIARY Directory and WGSN. The panel of judges included:

Lauretta Roberts, Creative Director, WGSN Boutique.
Alison Whelan, Founder of Fashion Business Club
Sara Berman, Fashion Designer.
Suzy Socker, Managing Director, Fearnhurst PR.
Helen Croft, Legal Director, Mishcon de Reya.

For more information about Fashion Press Week please visit www.fashionpressweek.com.

Marie Claire and charity seek beauty & fashion brand donations for London event next month

Children’s charity Rainbow Trust and Marie Claire are asking fashion and beauty brands to clear out sample cupboards for Trust in Fashion, a new two-day fashion event taking place at One Mayfair, London W1, at the end of June (See DIARY dates). The event will raise funds for Rainbow Trust, which cares for the families of children with a life threatening or terminal illness. The gala VIP launch of the event will take place on 29 June, hosted by Sadie Frost and Trish Halpin, during which there will be an auction of designer fashion pieces. Brands such as Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Erdem have already donated, however more one-off pieces are needed.

On 30 June the event will open to the public, offering bargains from designer and vintage to high street, shoes and accessories to beauty products, there will also be DJs, a nail bar, champagne and cocktails. In addition to the auction, the event will also offer charity bags to sell and are seeking beauty products, drinks or branded promotional merchandise for inclusion. For details on how to get involved and donate, visit the website or contact Sketch Events by clicking here.

www.trustinfashion.org

The Luxury Wedding Show London to debut this Autumn

This Autumn will host the debut of The Luxury Wedding Show London, taking place from 22-23 October at the Saatchi Gallery on the King’s Road, London SW3. The Luxury Wedding Show London brings influential names in the wedding industry together for a two-day event, offering bridal wear, accessories, cakes, caterers, cosmetics, favours, flowers, gift lists, honeymoon destinations, jewellery, lingerie, menswear, music and entertainment. There will also be a catwalk showing the latest collections from bespoke bridal designers including Monique Lhuillier and Carolina Herrera from Browns Brides and David Fielden.

Private consultations are available with premier wedding planner Mark Niemierko, who opens his ‘studio’ for advice, and hairstylist Errol Douglas. Other exhibitors on hand to give guidance include private concierge company Quintessentially, bridal photographer Julia Boggio, floral designers McQueens and Phillippa Craddock and occasionwear designer Claire Thorogood.

www.theluxuryweddingshowlondon.co.uk

Fashion Press Week kicks off today at One Marylebone

Fashion Press Week started today at One Marylebone, London NW1. The event, now in its second year, is showcasing the AW11 collection launches from a variety of leading retailers and designer brands with a number of features lined up at the event. Brands include Marc Cain, Austin Reed and Thomas Sabo among many others.

Any fashion journalists and stylists should make their way down, regardless of whether registered or not. DIARY's Sarah Lamburn will be there along with editor Holly Buckley and would love to see you there. Remember all are welcome at the drinks reception happening this evening from 6pm to 8pm.

www.fashionpressweek.com

TD Tom Davies introduces limited edition glasses collection

TD Tom Davies has launched a limited edition glasses collection for women that contains styles with Swarovski crystals or, alternatively, diamonds embedded in the temples or brow line. Inspired by the 1950’s cat’s eye, each of the six silhouettes are made of quality acetate, and limited to 50 pieces. The frames can be ordered to fit through the bespoke spectacles service available through stockists of the TD Tom Davies eyewear brand.

TD Tom Davies Limited Edition glasses with Swarovski crystals are priced at £600.00, while the frames fitted with certified diamonds are available to order with prices available on application. TD Tom Davies frames are available from UK stockists including: Barnard Levit (London), Charnley’s (Leamington Spa), Cromptons (Cheshire); Eyesite (Brighton); Ellis & Thompson (Cobham), Gregory & Seeley (London EC4), Tony & Guy (Manchester).

www.tdtomdavies.com

Beachwear designer Juliet Dunn launches e-commerce and redesigns website

British beachwear and clothing designer Juliet Dunn has launched its revamped website this week complete with new e-commerce shop. Juliet's designs comprise hand-beaded, printed or embroidered kaftans, sundresses and accessories, all handmade in India using traditional skills in printing and embroidering featherweight silk and cotton. UK stockists include Harvey Nichols and John Lewis as well as independant boutiques. Her pieces can also be found internationally in France, Spain, USA, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Japan. The redesigned site will feature exclusives not yet available in stores.


The theme for the SS11 collection is an 'African adventure' featuring a palette of chocolate and khaki. This range comprises floaty dresses, evening and beach cover-ups as well as fashion items such as jumpsuits and off-the-shoulder dresses. The line is completed with the kaftans of which the brand is renowned for.

Juliet Dunn Showroom Sale
24 & 25 May, 10am - 6pm
Studio 1, 93 Cornwall Gardens, London SW7 4AX.
e-mail: elodie@julietdunn.com to attend

www.julietdunn.com

Somerset House to exhibit jewellery designers next month

A series of jewellery exhibitions at Somerset House (Embankment Entrance) will take place from 10-12 June, with the first exhibiting the works of Alice Cicolini and Fernando Jorge.

Alice Cicolini (design pictured above) has previously exhibited her work in India, New York and Sotheby’s. Now back in London, Alice is concentrating on her new collections, which combine carved ebony, precious stones and Jaipuri enamel, as well as opening a new boutique. Prices range from £500.00 to £5,000.00 and selected pieces are available from www.talismangallery.co.uk in Harvey Nichols and www.alicecicolini.com.

Fernando Jorge takes inspiration from the concepts of body, gender and sexuality found in contemporary Brazilian culture. Fernando’s jewellery is available from CoutureLab.com and in their Mayfair boutique.

Topshop Emerge to introduce new designers this week

Topshop Emerge is to introduce a new selection of young, streetwear-influenced designers from around the world, including TV, Tom Scott, Meshit and Been by D’Heygere tomorrow (18 May). In addition to the new names, designers from past seasons are set to return, including KTZ, Reality Studio, Marios and Starstyling.

Topshop Emerge, an in-store boutique showcasing a collective of young designers, is a permanent feature in the Oxford Circus store and online. The boutique sees two designers stocked at a time for a month only and in limited quantities (5-10 of each piece). Topshop is the only UK stockist of these labels.

MANGO announces winner of fashion bloggers project

Fashion brand MANGO has announced Andy Torres from the blog stylescrapbook.com as the winner of the ‘MANGO loves the fashion bloggers’ online project. This competition started on 22 March with the participation of six other international bloggers: Nathalie Suárez (natalieoffduty.blogspot.com), Chiara Ferragni (theblondesalad.com), Silvia García (bartabacmode.com), Poppy Dinsey (wiwt.com), Lina Söderström (linadimoda.freshnet.se) and Denni Elias (thechicmuse.blogspot.com).

The project had two stages. In the first stage, the bloggers had to demonstrate their styling skills by creating two looks with the new MANGO collection. The winner was once again Andy Torres, who received a prize of €5,000, which she donated to the Japanese Red Cross. The second stage took place in mid-April, and involved inviting each blogger to a shopping night organised by MANGO in their respective countries, where they were able to interact with customers and offer styling tips.

A cameraman and a photographer followed the bloggers at every moment throughout the two stages and produced a video showing their participation, in order for fans of MANGO to vote for the favourite blogger. The winner will become the brand’s new 'It Girl' for the AW11 season and be invited to the fashion show that will launch the new collection.