The Utility Trend...

This year, the tired sigh of the military trend quickly turned into a gasp of fresh air, as we saw the likes of Balmain, Burberry Prorsum and Celine take military into a new direction. And with a new direction comes a new name ‘Utility’ is what this season is all about.

The new look is a modern twist on military, with less grunge and more masculine tailoring. The colour palette is of course neutral, but unlike the pretty and romantic style of the other trends, nudes are mixed with khaki and brown for a dirty, industrial effect.

On the catwalk, we saw simple seperates tied together with strong and edgy accessories. Celine showed us how its done at their S/S 2010 show, where layering was truly in effect. The only rule: more is more.

A key piece is the hard-working trench coat, but if you’re really daring, look to Burberry Prorsum for their revolutionary trench-dress. Meanwhile, if you’re going to work this trend properly, you need shorts. As a major key piece in other trends, they won’t be hard to find. Look for oversized pockets, drawstring waists, leather, suede, cargo, zips, buckles and most importantly, turned up hems! Or take inspiration from Loewe and roll those shorts up yourself.

Keep all other layers clean and simple; accessories are priority. Belts are definitely key, we’ve seen them tied, layered and wrapped around twice.
We’ve swapped our handbags for across-body bags, and our delicate heels for chunky wedges. Flat boots laced up to the knee are the casual alternative, like those at Jean Paul Gaultier. And this season we’ve left dainty jewelry behind, it’s all about tough cuffs and leather bangles.

For evening, Balmain have, once again, delivered something which heads straight to the top of our wish list, the embellished blazer. The sequined shoulders add glamour and carry the Utility trend effortlessly into evening.

But if you’re looking to wear Utility in the workplace, take inspiration from Chloe’s S/S 2010 collection, with a masculine tan linen suit.

We are loving this trend and joining the front line, as Utility is set to be the most popular trend this summer.

Last season's 'A LA MODE' Catwalk video

Watch the Feb 2010 'A La Mode' International Catwalk Show Footage Below




Designers interested in taking part in next Season's show (September 2010) need to email yolande@lagenevenorth.co.uk

All press and Sponsorship enquiries need to be directed to theresa@lagenevenorth.co.uk

Link:

www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk

A Not-So-Secret Topshop Make-Up Launch

Secrets don’t remain secrets for long, especially in the fashion world. And as high street favourite, Topshop, prepare to launch their new make-up range on the down low, already the news is becoming common knowledge among beauty circles.

The launch is set to be the biggest news for the fashion chain since Kate Moss’ first collection. The make-up range is made up of 97 basic products in bold and innovative colours, and no doubt, considering the excitement across the internet, will be in high demand causing stampedes the day it hits stores.

Topshop have collaborated with make-up artist Hannah Murray, who has worked with top magazines and photographers and backstage at London’s most influential fashion houses. Her passion for experimenting with make-up has inspired her to create characters in women rather than simply applying products to a face.

So if you need help with your new array of Topshop make-up, look to Topshop Unique’s A/W 2010 show, where Hannah created tribal, woodland girls. Or alternatively, look to the beaches of Rio and the coolest L.A. hangouts, the hotspots where the Topshop team found their inspiration for the range.

We can’t help but wonder who will be the face of the new make-up range? Kate Moss already has a contract with Rimmel…Who do you think it will be?

It’s safe to say everyone is awaiting the range’s release in anticipation, so make space in your beauty bag and keep your eyes peeled during May for Topshop’s announcement.

New Pics added to our Fashion Gallery!

We have added new pics to our Gallery, to view them click here!

Fashion Icon Karl Lagerfield teams up with Coca Cola

The world’s largest beverage company meets one of Fashion most iconic men and you have a beverage so stylish you don’t want to drink it. Designer Karl Lagerfield has teamed up with giant brand Coca-Cola to produce a limited edition of Coca-Cola light available in France.
Who better to front the new Coca-Cola design than the man who said himself “Fashion is the healthiest motivation for losing weight”. Lagerfield is a huge fan of diet Cola and told Womenswear Daily that he ‘prefers to drink it in a delicate crystal goblet to accentuate the taste’.

The sophisticated bottled beverage features a simple pink, white and black design. A white bottle with a hot pink aluminium cap, with Lagerfield’s distinguishable silhouette (pointy shoes, black suit with high white collar and recognizable ponytail) and signature printed on. Even more appealing is the cute box set available, designed to look like a closet open it up and theirs your drink, open the small drawer an inside you’ll find a bottle opener to open your drink.

What’s more impressive is that Lagerfield has also designed the advertising campaign to accompany the limited- edition drink. The ad features the designers favourite models; Coco Rocha dressed in a Lagerfield inspired white button down and black neck tie with cute balck polkadot shorts (all from the designers Spring collection) whilst being served Coca-Cola by Baptiste Giacobini.

The box set will be available from the 24th of April from French boutique Colette for 60 euros or 3.50 euros for a bottle. Available to order now www.colette.fr
A zero calorie drink designed by a fashion legend is always going to prove a successful collaboration.

The fashion world is rife with designer collaborating with different products Manish Arora and Nivea, Emanuel Ungaro and Mac, Christian Audigier wine, Marni and Ladurée’s macaroons, Roland Mouret and Grey Goose.. What next ?

A weekend of contemporary African Fashion

Showcasing contemporary High fashion from the continent through Zed-Eye Presents...

A selection of 20 emerging African and African inspired designers will showcase their contemporary collections to a global audience on Saturday 22nd May 2010 as part of the fashion segment of the Africa Weekender. Africa Weekender is a first in the UK enabling you to experience an authentic taste of modern day Africa right on your doorstep. The weekender will take place at Camber Sands, East Sussex which is just an hour away from London.
Heading the Africa weekender Fashion extravaganza is High Fashion couture designer Zi of Zed-Eye designs. Zed-Eye's contemporary designs have graced the covers of numerous International magazines and have been worn by the likes of celebrities who include Naomi Campbell and Tasmin Egerton.

During the penultimate weekend in May (21st-24th), a 72-hour entertainment extravaganza packed with engaging activities for all the family will bring a new zest of life to the UK’s favorite family holiday park. From fashion, dance classes to fencing, traditional therapeutic treatments to African language workshops – there is something for everyone.

With the preparation for the World Cup in South Africa and the excitement of 17 African nations celebrating their 50th year of independence – all eyes are on Africa. What better way to exemplify this narrative than to provide a platform in which those from the Diaspora, and friends, can come together to party and celebrate the evolution of the countries that make up of one of the most resilient continents in the world.

Award winning Celebrity hairstylist, Desmond Murrey will be heading the backstage hair team. Desmond has manifested himself as one of the most versatile and artistically accomplished hairstylists in the UK. He has won numerous awards for his hairdressing as well as his photography skills. Throughout the years Desmond has become a sought after educator and has conducted seminars all over Europe and the USA. Desmond has a countless number of television appearances to his name, and has gained a huge celebrity clientele.

Fashion Stylist and high street PR expert Arieta Mudja will be lending her expertise backstage with the styling and boutique set up. She has styled a variety of people from Boy bands like Triple 8 ad Blue to TV presenters like Myleene Klass, June Sarpong, Zezi and supermodel Agyness Denn and LILY ALLEN. Arieta Mudja has styled Paloma Faith, Keri Hilson, Kelis, Solange and will soon be appearing on Britain’s next top model this year. She also styled Deola Sagoe’s Spring/Summer 2007 on line look book and did the same for other up and coming African designers in the UK like, ZED EYE which she is also a creative
Director

Celebrity make-up artist Jo sugar will be heading the backstage make-up team. Jo was the head make up artist on Make me a Supermodel: Extra, categories. having done Ivana Trumps make-up in St Tropez for HELLO! Magazine, she has also done Suzanne Shaws make up for HELLO! Magazine and Scott Henshall and his models for the premier of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

La Geneve North Events will be overseeing the backstage management of the fashion show. Since its launch La Geneve North (LGN) Events have directed and managed Catwalk shows for numerous high profile clients and at venues such as The Charing Cross Hotel, Olympia, The Mayfair Hotel, The Park Lane Hotel and the O2.

Events directed by La Geneve North Events have been featured in various prominent publications such as Cosmopolitan, Glam Media, The Independent and Time Out London to name a few, and opened many doors for emerging UK and International designers.

Designers who would like to position their brand, showcase their talent, access new audiences and take advantage of an outstanding new opportunity in the fashion industry by showcasing at Africa Weekender needs to contact fashion@africaweekender.co.uk

To book tickets visit http://zedeye.express.iristickets.co.uk/

- Ends -

For further information contact:
fashion@africaweekender.co.uk
Pr@africaweekender.co.uk
www.africaweekender.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
Prices:

* £10 discount until April 16th

Based on 3 people (1 Bedroom) or 5 people (2 Bedroom) sharing self-catering apartments for the whole weekend:
Club: £155pp
Classic: £135pp
Standard: £115pp
Price Includes:
• 3 nights accommodation
• A free FULLY CHARGED t-shirt or tank top of your choice (£19.99 RRP)
Visit: www.GetFullyCharged.com to view range
• 1 complimentary meal voucher (African Cuisine of your choice)
• Access to selected workshops
• Access to 18 showcases
Passes to all Parties