FabSugar UK

Fab Flash: Fur Companies Fund Designers

FabSugarUK — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:00:25 +0000

You might have noticed an increased amount of fur on the catwalks last month as designers attempt to break fashion's biggest taboo. Well, it seems its appearance might not be as innocent as you think as an investigation by The Times discovered that some designers are being funded by major fur companies. Danish fur giants Saga Fur and Kopenhagen fur are involved in this scheme to encourage use of the animal fabric in catwalk collections in return for thousands of pounds of sponsorship. One designer, who wishes to remain nameless, commented, “No one appreciates just how tough it is right now. If you were offered free fur which looks glamorous and expensive and you were assured it was ethically farmed then why wouldn’t you go ahead and stick it in your show?”

To hear more about the use of fur, just read more.

London is usually the fashion capital which avoids using the material due to negative press and strong campaigns by groups like PETA, but this season some brands decided to venture out of their comfort zone. Todd Lynn who is Canadian but based in London used free fur from Saga furs and argued,

“I can understand the ethical side of it, you do hear horror stories but I was working with Saga and all their products are ‘origin assured’, they are ethically produced. It’s like a sponsorship deal. They provide the products and the expertise to make it so I can have it on the catwalk.”

Poorva Joshipura, director of special projects at Peta fought back saying,

“Most people in this country recognise that the fur industry is totally cruel and want nothing to do with it. It is a violent, bloody industry. There is no nice way to rip the fur off an animal’s back.”

It's understandable that during these difficult financial times upcoming designers would seek funding from elsewhere, but do you think that fur is the answer? This news comes just a few weeks after Stella McCartney spoke at a Peta press conference arguing against the use of the fabric.

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FABTV: Behind the Scenes at William Tempest

FabSugarUK — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:00:49 +0000

William Tempest didn't win the Fashion Fringe competition last year, but with a few careful placed red carpet appearances he has managed to make quite the name for himself. This season his show was off-schedule but he still had a star studded front row which included Emma Watson. He has now collaborated with Sony VAIO to share his fashion adventures. See below for behind the scenes and catwalk footage from his recent London show.

A Fashionable Chit Chat With Model Jade Parfitt

BellaSugarUK — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

I spied the stunning, six-foot tall, 30 year-old, British model Jade Parfitt sitting in the front row of the Ashley Isham Show two weeks ago. After it was over, she stood on the catwalk palling around with Erin O'Connor and Tess Daly and I just couldn't resist the chance to ask her a few questions about her beauty regime.

Whist talking, she mentioned her love of horseback riding and her two-year old son. I also learned that Jade began modeling at 15 after winning a TV contest. Since then, she's graced many magazine covers, she's snagged some pretty hefty campaigns (Carolina Herrera Parfum) and she's walked in well over a hundred fashion shows. As if that's not accomplishing enough, Jade has also helped created a clothing project which helps HIV research in Africa.

Interested in more? For additional pictures and to find out all about Jade's guilty pleasures and her secret to beautiful hair and skin, just read more.

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What's your secret to beautiful hair and skin?
Hmm, for skin, I would say that it's important to always remove your makeup. Also, I exfoliate regularly and I love applying Shu Uemura skin masks. They are white and look like a tissue. You just put them on your face and relax - but they always scare my son. For hair, my secret is having a good hair dresser! Also, I use a hair pack occasionally, especially if I'm in the sun.

What's the one beauty product that you can't live without?
My panthenol moisturizer from Kiehl's. It's suited for dry skin, which makes it perfect for me.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?
I love a glass of red wine... or two.

Can you take me through your daily beauty routine?
I have a two year old child so I'm lucky if I can do anything while he's around. At least he's interested in my makeup. He loves putting on my lipstick, especially if it's red.

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Autumn 2009 Trend Alert: Colourful Nails

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Details are everything, especially when it comes to fashion and beauty. That's why I love how designers and makeup artists have collaborated to come up with fun and funky nail polish colours to enhance the look of their clothing on the Autumn 2009 runways. Take a peek at these seven shades and tell me which you are most likely to wear with your winter wardrobe.

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On Our Radar: Day to Night Items are Economy Friendly at LFW

FabSugarUK — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:30:42 +0000

London Fashion Week defended its place in the fashion calendar for Autumn 2009 with some of the best designs and shows in recent memory. The standard was very high, although measures were taken to adjust to the economic climate. Some argue that London played it too safe, but catwalks also presented designs which were more of an investment than a one-off splurge. Whilst handbags are being toned down and the it bag is going bye-bye, design houses also worked on creating more practical items that can be worn from day to night.

This was particularly obvious at Twenty8Twelve where the Miller sisters bravely defied the economy to show their first ever catwalk collection. Here there were day to night dresses glammed up with cropped jackets and killer heels. A similar situation occurred at Luella where party dresses were layered over shirts for an easily adaptable style.

Bryce d'Anice Aime also toyed with the idea, albeit in a more risque way. He used sheer fabrics with tailored items and metallic weave fabrics for a look that wouldn't necessarily be suitable for officewear, but could certainly be worn from day to night.

Source and Mads Perch, courtesy of BCPR

Autumn 2009 Trend Alert: Smoky Eyes

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

This season, one of the most widespread makeup looks from the runway was a classical, black or charcoal smoky eye paired with a little bit of blusher for contouring and topped off with a pale lip. Take a peek of some of the sexiest smoky eyes from 2009 Autumn Winter London Fashion Week and tell me which is your favourite.

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Autumn 2009 Trend Alert: Red Lips

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

History repeats itself, even when it comes to fashion and beauty. So, it's no surprise to see red lipstick making it's appearance on the autumn catwalks again, and I must say, that I'm quite relieved that deep purples and blood-coloured goth-inspird lips are taking a break and giving the classics a chance to make their return. Take a peek at some of the red-lip looks from the runways of 2009 Autumn/Winter London Fashion Week in the following slides.

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Backstage Pass To LFW A/W 2009: Avsh Alom Gur

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Sneaky me got to take a peek backstage at hair and makeup headquarters of the Avsh Alom Gur Fashion Show last week. Whilst the busy team from Toni & Guy were putting the finishing touches on the models hair, I caught up with head makeup artist Michael Gray.

The inspiration behind this look was edgy with a soft, girly and pretty side. The goal was to create an 80's feel by going heavy on the blusher and the brows, but doing it in a more modern and dainty way. Each girl had a pinky, golden peach on their faces, however, they all had a slightly different blue, purple or pink colours on their eyes, cheeks and brows.

To see more images from the show and to find out which Nars, MAC, Chanel and Shu Uemura products were used, read more.

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FACE:Michael began by prepping the skin with moisturiser and then blending in a pale concealer and foundation to their skin. Next, he added a bit of Iridescent Loose Powder in Silver Dusk from MAC all over for sheen. He then added either Orgasm, Deep Throat or Desire powder blush from Nars to their cheekbones.

EYES: Next he applied various eye shadows such as M Rose 160 by Shu Uemura and Himalayas by Nars. The then applied two coats of black mascara before enhancing the eye brows with the same eye shadows to create a dusty, vintage effect.
LIPS: The lips were quite unique. Michael applied Chanel Hydrating Lip Treatment (lip balm) and then dabbed some of Nars Himalays (and iridescent powder eye shadow) on lips too they looked neutral, but edgy.

Fab Flash: Jourdan Dunn is London's Top Model

FabSugarUK — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:00:19 +0000

Late last year Jourdan Dunn was named Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards beating off competition from Agyness Deyn. At London Fashion Week this month she proved her worth to the British fashion industry by appearing on a staggering 14 runways. She walked at some of the biggest shows including Twenty8Twelve, Julien Macdonald and Vivienne Westwood. Other models who made an impact throughout the week include Agyness Deyn who opened and closed for House of Holland, Alek Wek and Stella Tennant at Aquascutum, Erin O'Connor and Lily Cole at Qasimi and Sara Blomqvist opened for Luella.

View 6 Photos ›

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Which Was Your Favourite LFW A/W '09 Show?

FabSugarUK — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:27 +0000

London Fashion Week is over for another season as attention moves to Milan and Paris. There were so many great shows in February including Twenty8Twelve's catwalk debut, and Luella and Vivienne Westwood's rebellious collections. There were also pantone stripes at House of Holland, bright knits at PPQ and gorgeous dresses at Peter Pilotto. It's a tough question, but which was your favourite?

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