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Breaking News: Luella is No More

FabSugarUK — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:30:03 -0800

I unfortunately have to break some very sad news to you as one of London's best loved fashion labels, Luella, is no more. The announcement came today as WWD revealed that the long term investor Club 21 have walked away from the design house.

According to a statement, VSQ Limited who operated the Luella business have reluctantly “taken the decision not to invest further in its relationship with Luella Bartley Limited.” Bartley commented,

"This is a very disappointing situation for everyone involved with the brand…I very much appreciate the support that VSQ has given me, but it is upsetting not to be able to protect jobs in this difficult economic climate. We have a number of options open to us, and are considering these over the coming months.”

Just last year, Bartley scooped designer of the year at the British Fashion Awards and her designs have a strong celebrity following. You also voted Luella your number one designer of 2008. Let's hope that somebody can save the brand.

Breaking News: Roksanda Ilincic for Whistles

FabSugarUK — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:00:17 -0700

It's been a good week for collaborations! Earlier this week I reported on Jimmy Choo's collection for H&M which is due to hit stores in November, and now I literally just heard about another great capsule line arriving at Whistles in the Autumn.

London based designer Roksanda Illincic is to create pieces for the High Street store which represent her signature style. She will use satins and silks to create a line of seven cocktail dresses which will be feminine with a modern touch.

Retail guru and CEO of Whistles Jane Shepherdson commented, "We have worked closely at every stage of the design process with Roksanda to capture her unique sense of play and contrast in colour, fabric and texture. It would be hard not to fall in love with the resulting collection."

The limited edition pieces will begin to hit stores in early September and will be priced between £175 - £300. Are you excited for this collaboration? I think the frocks will make perfect partywear.

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Breaking News: Jimmy Choo for H&M

FabSugarUK — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:37:23 -0700

I have just heard some very exciting news and I couldn't wait to share it with you lovely readers! High Street retailer H&M have just announced plans for a collaboration with luxury shoe designer Jimmy Choo. The capsule line, due to hit store on November 14th, is the first time an accessories designer has had a partnership with H&M. What's more, Jimmy will also produce a line of menswear for the store.

Founder and President of Jimmy Choo Tamara Mellon commented, "Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!" Margareta van der Bosch, the creative director of H&M is also thrilled. She stated, "This collaboration is particularly exciting because it's our first shoe designer collection. It's a joy to be able to offer top end designer shoes and bags of excellent quality to our customers."

What a great way to stay glamorous for the party season – roll on November!

Images courtesy of H&M

Exclusive News: Alexander McQueen to Sell Collection Straight off Catwalk

FabSugarUK — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:00:48 -0700

We have some very exciting shopping news for you Sugar readers. We can today exclusively reveal the details of Alexander McQueen's plans to sell his line directly from the catwalk with Net-a-porter.com.

On Monday 29th September (a week from today) net-a-porter.com will show a McQueen catwalk show which took place in secret earlier this year in Milan (straight after his menswear show) showcasing eight looks to be available exclusively from the e-boutique.

Based upon traditional tailoring the collection is designed to define the body. The line includes a fitted skirt suit with pagoda structured shoulders, a tailored crepe all-in-one and a selection of body-conscious day and evening dresses.

Chairman and Founder of net-a-porter.com Natalie Massenet says: "Alexander McQueen is arguably one of the finest creative spirits working in fashion today. With this project we really are taking the global fashion consumer to the front row at the show - and not just any show but a show held for her - and combined with the instant gratification of being able to purchase her favorites right away and months before anyone else."

McQueen commented,

“To have the opportunity to bring a McQueen private presentation straight to potential customers with an option to buy immediately is a first for us and as such a truly exciting venture. This particular collection lends itself brilliantly to e-commerce/on-line purchasing."

To watch the collection be sure to sign up here for updates and details.

Breaking News: Phoebe Philo Joins Celine

FabSugarUK — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:57:57 -0700

After much speculation, it has been confirmed this morning that Phoebe Philo will be joining the design team at Celine. She will take on the role of Creative Director at the French fashion house with her first collection being Autumn 2009, although she will not present a catwalk collection until September 2009.

The British designer who, along with Stella McCartney, is widely credited for reviving Chloé, (another LVMH brand) took a break from her career in 2006 to spend more time with family.

Pierre-Yves Roussel, CEO of LVMH’s fashion division feels this is great for Phoebe. “By giving her Celine, we’re giving her a platform to express her vision. For Celine, which is a bit more sophisticated as a brand, the fit is very good in terms of her style, her personality and where she is in terms of her own development.”

He went on to explain why he thinks it is also a wonderful match for Celine.

“In the current climate customers are looking for something that will get them interested and excited about buying again. I want to create clothes, shoes, bags and accessories that are relevant to right now - modern, exciting designs that women will desire and appreciate."

I'm so excited for this appointment and can't wait to see what happens to the brand under Phoebe's careful direction. How do you feel about this decision?
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Breaking News: Mayor Encouraged to Cut Funding for LFW

FabSugarUK — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:59 -0700

Earlier in the month we announced a change in plans by the British Fashion Council to tackle the problem of size zero models at London Fashion Week. The BFC had previously announced plans for the models to have health checks before appearing on the catwalk but could not get support from the three other major fashion weeks (Milan, Paris and New York) so were forced to scrap the plans amidst fears of scaring off models.

Today the week faced another blow as the mayor of London Boris Johnson is being asked to pull funding from the fashion week. Dee Doocey, a Liberal Democrat London assembly member, has asked for public funding to be cut at Johnson's first major question time on September 10th.

The London Development Agency recently gave the BFC £4.2m to develop the week and increase it's profile across the globe. The run up to the Spring 2009 shows has been rocky facing problems from not just size zero campaigners but also as New York Fashion Week threatens to overlap with it.

Breaking News: London Fashion Week Schedule Announced

FabSugarUK — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:00:17 -0700

This morning the provisional schedule for September's London Fashion Week was announced. The Spring/Summer season (I know, how confusing) will kick off as usual with a show from Irish designer Paul Costelloe on Sunday 14th September. That day continues with the likes of PPQ and Ann Sofie Back before Monday's shows by Luella, Mario Schwab, Temperley London and Paul Smith to name but a few.

Tuesday kicks off with Adidas by Stella McCartney and ends with Giles with a bit of Eley Kishimoto and Christopher Kane in the middle.

The week continues with shows from House of Holland and Vivienne Westwood before closing with the MAN show on Friday 19th September. Obviously we will be there to bring you all of the latest gossip!

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Geek Tip: Check Your News on a Map

GeekSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:00:21 -0700

I'm all about catching up on my world news, but some days, sifting through my RSS feeds can be a little painful on the eyes. Not sure if it's the lack of coffee, or that there's just so much to take in! So when I found the Breaking News Map, that shows you visually where the bits of news are coming from across the globe, I was happily relieved. Now I can just sit back, take a tour of the world, and be in the know about what the big headlines are.

What's better, you can set parameters of the kinds of news you're getting – don't care about sports news? Ban it from your list. Want lots of Election 08 coverage? Part the velvet ropes by checking that button. It's easy, free, and kinda fun!

Katie Price Quits I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

PopSugarUK — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:32:00 -0800

Katie Price has followed in Camilla Dallerup's footsteps and quit the jungle on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! We saw her refusal to take part in the next challenge live on last night's show, and overnight she left the camp.

On Sunday the News of the World reported that Alex Reid is heading into the jungle to propose to Katie, possibly on television, so rumours were circulating that he would do it on the show. Obviously this won't happen now, as Katie has quit the series after she was picked to do her seventh bushtucker trial in a row.

Camilla Dallerup Quits I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

PopSugarUK — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:21:26 -0800

Camilla Dallerup has quit the jungle on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!

She's had a tough few days in the jungle and definitely didn't seem to have acclimatised to the new surroundings on the first few shows. Tune in tonight to hear why she ditched the camp and see ex-boxer Joe Bugner head in to the jungle.

I want to hear what you think - are you sad she's left the jungle? Or will this not affect things too much? Let me know!