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Women's body hair - to have or not to have - is once again the battleground between feminists and people who think that hairy women are female hobbits.

Hair removal product maker Veet's 'Don't Risk Dudeness' campaign has provoked outrage on Twitter, after videos featuring a quite sweet, chubby man masquerading as a woman have been released.

The series of videos feature a similar scenario: a woman's hair leg or pits are uncovered in front of someone else, she then transforms into a man, and the 'don't risk dudeness' stamp appears.

SEE ALSO:

Disney Princesses Get A Warrior Makeover - Who Needs Prince Charming?

You Won't Believe How Old This Female Bodybuilder Is...

It seems to be a spectacular own goal for Veet. Although Aurore Trepo, marketing director of personal care for Reckitt Benckiser says: "it's a comedic approach to address women's hair removal", the overarching message is that to be free of body hair is 'womanly', implying that women who don't are masculine beasts.

Our two pence? We women are perfectly happy to wax and epilate, but not if someone is telling us that to not do so means we're 'dudes'. It's our body hair, and if we want to plait our pits or grow leg warmers, that's our prerogative.

Here's what some were saying on Twitter:

This is unacceptable. According to #veet I am a dude today. http://t.co/rtQzHDjX0T
— Lizzie Lay (@LizzieLay) April 8, 2014

I don't even know what to say. I think I've finally seen something worse than that 'Science, it's a girl thing' ad. http://t.co/ACsf3GARkL
— Sarah Day (@geowriter) April 8, 2014

Those Veet ads are a load of toss.
— Florence Vincent (@FlorrieVincent) April 8, 2014

I suggest that to counteract that vile, stupid, and actually sort of pathetic Veet ad, we all grow our leg hair and plait it.
— Claire McGowan (@inkstainsclaire) April 8, 2014

@VagendaMagazine I feel like sending them a pic of my hairy legs.In fact,I think I might.Screw you,Veet,and the hairy horse you rode in on.
— Jenny Daly (@jennybdaly) April 8, 2014

YOU GUYS A MAN HAS ARRIVED TO LET US KNOW VEET DIDN'T MEAN ANY HARM. OH GOOD I'M GLAD THAT'S BEEN CLEARED UP
— Dorian, Bad Wolf (@thewildestsea) April 8, 2014

I think the message to take from the #veet advert is, if your bf sees you as a "dude" for not shaving every day, dump him.
— Lia ϟ (@missconfig) April 8, 2014

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below...

SEE ALSO:

Disney Princesses Get A Warrior Makeover - Who Needs Prince Charming?

You Won't Believe How Old This Female Bodybuilder Is...

This is unacceptable. According to #veet I am a dude today. http://t.co/rtQzHDjX0T
— Lizzie Lay (@LizzieLay) April 8, 2014

I don't even know what to say. I think I've finally seen something worse than that 'Science, it's a girl thing' ad. http://t.co/ACsf3GARkL
— Sarah Day (@geowriter) April 8, 2014

Those Veet ads are a load of toss.
— Florence Vincent (@FlorrieVincent) April 8, 2014

I suggest that to counteract that vile, stupid, and actually sort of pathetic Veet ad, we all grow our leg hair and plait it.
— Claire McGowan (@inkstainsclaire) April 8, 2014

@VagendaMagazine I feel like sending them a pic of my hairy legs.In fact,I think I might.Screw you,Veet,and the hairy horse you rode in on.
— Jenny Daly (@jennybdaly) April 8, 2014

YOU GUYS A MAN HAS ARRIVED TO LET US KNOW VEET DIDN'T MEAN ANY HARM. OH GOOD I'M GLAD THAT'S BEEN CLEARED UP
— Dorian, Bad Wolf (@thewildestsea) April 8, 2014

I think the message to take from the #veet advert is, if your bf sees you as a "dude" for not shaving every day, dump him.
— Lia ϟ (@missconfig) April 8, 2014

Tell us your thoughts in the comments below...

It's a rarity to find Indian and Pakistani fashion spoken of in the same breath, the two countries design ethics are of course unique, but thanks to their close cultural and geographical proximity, there are a great deal of similarities when it comes to inspiration and palate. Each designer evokes a different set of artistic principles, yet they all strive to achieve the beautiful aesthetic.

Indian and Pakistani fashion will be brought together this next month at the Mayfair Hotel, London, for a one off two day event - the Faisana Fashion Weekend, organised by Radhika Hasan and Aamna & Aisha. From the classically inspired to the contemporary, the Faisana Fashion Weekend will showcase the diverse design talents of India and Pakistan. It will be the first time such an event has been staged, where trade buyers and fashionistas alike will be able to view the latest fashions from the two countries top designers in one place, and all at reasonable prices.

Anita Dhongre "Jaipur Bride 2013" campaign shots at Samode Palace, Jaipur by photographer R. Burman

The principle designers at the Faisana Fashion Weekend will include - Rina Dhaka, Anita Dhongre and Bhairavi Jaikishan; and Umar Sayeed, Sania Maskatiya and Nida Azwer.

Both Aamna & Aisha and Radhika Hasan strive to increase the visibility and access to South Asian fashion in the UK, which in the past has been minimal and somewhat sporadic. Radhika explains "we have a very similar identity in terms of what we do and what we want to achieve, which is why we've come together to do this event." She says that each designer was picked for their own individual style "we felt they possessed the right aesthetic components and a large enough following. These designers epitomise the very best of South Asian fashion, and this event will add to their increasing visibility."

Anita Dhongre "Jaipur Bride 2013" campaign shots at Samode Palace, Jaipur by photographer R. Burman

Aside from giving South Asian designers a unique platform, Aisha says "it will show how versatile Pakistani and Indian designers are in a mainstream setting, moreover in a Western setting, they create pieces that don't necessarily have to be worn at a South Asian event, they can be worn anywhere. Along with this it will highlight the creative differences, for example in india there's an emphasis on saris and churidars, where as in Pakistan we tend to go for more flowy clothes (sic) and the colours are more muted, where as Indian designers tend to use a brighter palate."

Anita Dhongre "Jaipur Bride 2013" campaign shots at Samode Palace, Jaipur by photographer R. Burman

The retailers behind this exhibition have both done their part in promoting South Asian fashion in the UK, which has literally exploded in creativity over the past 10 years. Aisha of Aamna & Aisha explains "we retail Pakistani designers only, at the moment, and our goal is to promote and highlight Pakistani fashion, in the broader sense. We set up business in 2010, on a small scale at first, and then grew from that." Radikha of Radikha Hasan says "I was primarily driven to set up this company because of the lack of access to South Asian fashion. As the company grew, I found there was a great demand for South Asian fashion brands in the UK, so we put our attentions into bridging the gap, so to speak, giving a greater platform to South Asian designers. We've had a few small scale exhibitions leading up to this, showcasing Indian designers like Satya Paul, which proved very successful."

The majority of these designers at the Faisana Fashion Weekend have been working in the industry for over 20 years; they have been instrumental in kick starting the rise of South Asian fashion on the global stage.

Faisana Fashion Weekend begins 2nd May at The Mayfair Hotel, London.

Image credits: Rock'N'Romantic collection Women's prêt-à-porter spring/summer 2011 Model: Beth Ditto, lead singer of the band Gossip © Patrice Stable / Jean Paul Gaultier

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier is the first comprehensive exhibition of the work of this celebrated enfant terrible of fashion. And it is a vast, extraordinary exhibition full of iconic celebrity pieces and sexually provocative fashion.

Jean Paul Gaultier is arguably one of the most important fashion designers of recent decades and the full scope of his work is on display in this show at the Barbican Centre, a show so encompassing it covers two floors.

Always considering himself a rebel, Gaultier constantly looks to shake up societal and aesthetic conventions. And always a non-conformist, Gaultier deliberately cultivates models across all genders, race, ages and body shapes, as well as looking to street style to influence his couture line.

As Gaultier says in a quote in the exhibition, "As a child, my attention was always drawn to these women who didn't look like everyone else." Certainly so much of his work encourages individuality and freedom of expression.

As you walk into the first few rooms of this exhibition, that variety and freedom is everywhere - from pleated leather skirts to a Breton-striped lace dress, from an exquisitely jewelled hinged corset, to Chinese-embroidered thigh-high boots. There really is something, some piece that you will be drawn to.

The recent Isabella Blow exhibition at Somerset House set the standard for fashion exhibitions with its multi-media approach and that is adopted here. The army of dressed mannequins is supplemented by fashion photography from the likes of Mondino and Stéphane Sednaoui. And video reels of Gaultier's colourful fashion shows run on loop.

Gaultier's much-coveted and much-adored stage and screen designs are also brought to life with footage of his muses wearing his designs including Kylie, Beyoncé and Milla Jovovich from The Fifth Element.

And where the dress mannequins in the Isabella Blow exhibition were all customised with Blow's signature red lips, here they are facially animated with film of real faces projected onto them. It's innovative, for sure, but it can be a little freaky!

Whereas mannequins usually have blank faces, these ones are fully animated with moving eyes that follow you around the room like some living, breathing Mona Lisa. Indeed even Gaultier himself gives a monologue from one of the mannequins with his face projected onto a plastic model wearing his familiar Breton-striped jumper and punk-rock kilt.

But the main draw is, of course, Gaultier's collaborations with celebrities - and most notably, Madonna.

Yes, that corset is here - and in touching distance (though that's as close as you're allowed!). I don't think either Madonna or Gaultier have had a more notable moment than the gold conical bra corset he designed for her Blond Ambition tour - the image defines them both - so it is great that this iconic piece has been made available to the exhibition. Well done curators!

Up close, you realise this gold corset is a very simple but perfectly designed piece. Structured at the front to give that highly-stylised look, it is also fully flexible to allow for Madonna' energetic choreography. And nor was this their only collaboration.

As the dozen or so sketches alongside testify, the two have worked closely ever since. A more recent corset from the singer's MDNA tour is there as well as a very famous pinstripe wiggle dress that the singer wore on his catwalk - complete with fully exposed breasts.

Madonna and Gaultier has been a mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationship. You sense they are like-minded individuals - both eager to pioneer and provoke. As the Madonna quote in the exhibition testifies: "Gaultier is different because he likes taking risks - sexually provocative but light-hearted." Just like the lady herself.

2014-04-08-GaultierKylieMinogueTheVirginwiththeSerpents.AureoleGownVirginsorMadonnascollection.TheFashionWorldofJeanPaulGaultier.jpg

Image credits: The Virgin with the Serpents (Kylie Minogue), 2008 Virgins (or Madonnas) collection, "Auréole" gown. Haute couture spring/summer 2007 Sky blue pleated tulle gown with "rays of light" gold lame appliqués, long panels floating from the shoulders in the back Painted photograph, framed by the artists 181 x 137 cm (framed) Gallerie Jérome de Noimont, Paris © Pierre et Giles. Courtesy Gallery Jérome de Noimont, Paris

There is more to Gaultier though than his showmanship. His couture work reflects not just his craftsmanship but his incorporation of many fabrics and cultures - the jewelled wedding dress worn with a huge, elaborate white feathered Native American headdress, or the intricately beaded Islamic veil shown with a thick Sherpa-style coat.

His work with Chantilly lace, a nightmare fabric to handle as it's so easy to tear and mark, is a real highlight of the exhibition. Paired with bondage leather jackets, black feathers and masks, these dark romantic, very sexual looks are showcased in mini-bordellos on the upper floor, complete with red lighting.

In addition to this craftsmanship, I am also a fan of the way Gaultier has challenged politics with his clothes.

Corsets have been seen as both vehicles of symbolic and literal repression of women, with their tight-lacing confining and constricting women. Of course to Gaultier, these corsets are symbols of female sexual power but I thought an interesting variation was the corset he designed for expectant mothers. Historically corsets were used to suppress the baby bump - here, it is emphasised in exaggerated glory.

The prêt-à-porter pieces though were, for me, not as successful. Pieces such as the long jewelled sheath dress complete with large Eiffel Tower design, and the trouser suit with heavy pleating from the thigh downwards were not Gaultier at his finest. It's as if you can feel the guy is hemmed in, frustrated by the lack of freedom.

Only in the couture and the stage work is Gautier's creativity given full reign and that's really where the strength of this work and this exhibition lie.

As former mentor and employer Pierre Cardin says, "You are a true designer when people recognise your work without even looking at the label. This is the case for Jean Paul Gaultier." And in his high-end box-office draw pieces, that's where you look and say - Gaultier!

Barbican Centre, London

To August 25, 2014

First off, a huge thanks to the thousands of you who read, liked and shared my blog post on a potential prog rock revival. There are clearly a lot of proggers out there!

For those who asked about new prog bands, have a look at great sites like ProgRockMag.com, ProgArchives.com, or one of the specialist prog groups on Facebook. But for those who asked about the visual style of the genre - something I barely touched on in the article, and something all too rarely discussed - I thought it was worth a few words here.

In contrast to pop acts of the time like David Cassidy or The Bay City Rollers, prog rockers' popularity had little to do with their looks. Often quite the opposite, as some photos of the time can attest... A straightforward photo of the band was unlikely to make an attractive cover image, and gig goers weren't going to be ogling the musicians, so they needed something more.

Meanwhile, many viewed their music as art not pop, so wanted a sleeve or stage set to support that idea. The result? The birth of prog style.

Prog style was a visual reflection of the music. An eclectic, over-the-top, mind-expanding mix of historical and future influences, it blended science fiction/fantasy, surrealist art and the penetrative psychiatry of R D Laing. In the sci fi corner: Roger Dean's fantastical eco-landscapes for Yes (he actually sued the makers of Avatar for plagiarism) and future Alien set-designer H R Geiger's nightmare erotica for Emerson Lake & Palmer. In the art corner, Hipgnosis' mind-bending Escher-like photos for Pink Floyd, and Paul Whitehead's Hieronymus-Bosch-meets-Alice-In-Wonderland images for Genesis. All were designed to look great when stoned ... and terrifying when spiked.

Prog fashions trod similarly eclectic paths. At one end were bands that, for musical or political reasons, thought they should dress down onstage. This was a precursor of grunge: jeans, plaid work shirts, motorcycle boots, long un-styled - and often unwashed - hair (a caustic reference to the latter causing Pink Floyd to boycott the NME in 1974). It was all about the music, man.

At the other extreme was the glam theatricality of artists like Peter Gabriel of Genesis and Brian Eno of Roxy Music (Roxy Mk1 were absolutely a prog band). They were among the first musicians ever to wear make-up, chose clothes as an art statement or visual prop live, and grabbed the headlines from their muso dressed-down bandmates, much to the latter's dismay. Indeed, with Gabriel and Eno this was actually a factor in them leaving their bands.

Most prog groups and fans, though, dressed somewhere between these extremes: mixing downplayed-denim with some theatrical glamour and a little Sword and Sorcery chic. On the High Street, that meant:

"outrageously billowing loon pants, afghan coats, scoop neck shirts, platform shoes and... tie dye combat jackets." (Prog magazine, Issue 37)

Many - though not all - punks laughed at prog style, but some prog fashions proved influential. Jethro Tull, ELP and Curved Air were medieval-meets-dandy decades before steam punk and the goth end of emo. Daevid Allen and Steve Hillage of Gong created the colourful crusty template well before raves and '90s eco warriors.

So, what might a prog revival bring us now, looks-wise? On a literal level, perhaps a growth in Game Of Thrones-style medieval fantasy, geek girl/boffin boy, and steam punk styles. Batik shirts and afghan coats for day to day wear: capes, glitter and knee high boots for nights out. Maybe a revival - and technological extension - of fantasy graphics and surrealist photo-montage? On a broader level, could the past and future become a giant dressing-up box, inspiring even more eclectic styles and unusual genre combinations across fashion and graphic design?

Who knows just how it will develop? After all, the folk revival gave us Movember, knitting and vegetable gardens: not exactly obvious consequences. And restrictions fly in the face of what prog is all about: proggers see themselves as pioneers and explorers.

Wherever prog revival style goes, it will be - like the music - intriguing, unusual, unexpected and, yes perhaps a little pretentious. But it certainly won't be dull. Prog On.

www.next-big-thing.net

So, the first H&M store has just opened in Australia. In Melbourne of course, as Melbourne hits that magical sweet spot between up itself enough to prioritise fashion over everything but football, and cold enough that people need clothes all year round.

A stylish person in Sydney would only need half the wardrobe, and in Queensland and Western Australia, style counts as having a decent range of swimwear, singlets and flip flops.

So what does H&M stand for? Not 'Her Majesty's' or 'heroes & marvels' although I wish it did. It's Hennes & Mauritz, and is a Swedish company.

Combine that with Australia's hunger for anything that's popular overseas, and H&M stores will soon likely be dotting Australia like the Starbucks of old.

So will I ever shop there? Probably. The clothes are decent and reasonably priced.

I'm certainly not suggesting that you don't shop there for ethical reasons. If we all only did what was ethical, then everyone in Australia would be wearing skirts made from grass grown in our own backyards, eating only that same grass, and growing it using fertiliser we've created ourselves. Since every lawn is a massive waste of resources, and should be put to good use before using anything else.

One of my favourite check shirts came from H&M and I wore it for years. Until it finally tore apart while attempting a particularly daring during a drunken dance move for a girl's benefit.

She was so impressed that she left - without me. Then I was forced to leave, as apparently a torn check shirt isn't appropriate attire for an invite-only party at a cocktail bar. Either is dancing on the bar. And not having an invite. The prudes.

As far as clothes go, I don't have a problem with H&M, and as they are the second biggest global clothing retailer on the planet, neither does the rest of the world.
What I don't like, or understand, is lining up for stuff.

People were queuing for hours for the privilege of being the first in there for stuff you can just waltz in and get a few days later. Stuff readily available in thousands of other stores before the store even opened.
(Also in Melbourne this week, people were lining up to be the first at a new McDonald's store. I don't even know how to begin explaining that one.)

H&M are also popular because of this thing called 'fast fashion'. Which is a fancy way of saying they've always got new stuff replacing the old stuff, so there's always new stuff for people to buy.

Zara do the same thing. So instead of four seasons for fashion, there's now about forty.
In order to keep up with the latest trends, you either need a wardrobe that extends over several levels of your mansion. Or to be making regular stops at the charity bins.

One offshoot of this whole fast fashion thing is better clothes being available at the second-hand stores, where I do the bulk of my clothes buying.

I don't understand anyone who likes shopping. For me it's purely functional. I need a new shirt, so I buy one. I've been wearing the same style of jeans for years and a hot girl once told me I looked good in check shirts. It's a combo that works so that's fashion - tick.

Three other reasons I am thoroughly perplexed by anyone who's continually clamouring to be clad in the latest fashions.

1. It's exhausting, time consuming and incredibly expensive.

2. If it looks good on a model or in a magazine doesn't mean it looks good on you. How many times have you seen someone in what's supposed to be the latest, and snickered to yourself? People struggling to be the most stylish always look the most ridiculous.

3. Unless you look ridiculous, nobody cares. You might be well aware of how hot-off-the-shelves your latest sweater is, but you're the only one. We're all so busy looking at ourselves, preening and checking our reflection in anything that reflects, that unless you look truly freakish, nobody gives you a glance.

Listen closely to any fashionista interviewed about the season's new styles, and they'll often squeeze in, between their tired treatise on what's in and why, a statement very similar to this, 'What never goes out of fashion is what looks good on you.'

Indicating to me, that with my jeans-and-check-shirt combination, I've won fashion.
Not that it matters. Remember, nobody's as obsessed with you, as you and nobody's watching.

Xavier Toby is a writer and comedian.

His first book "Mining My Own Business" about life on a FIFO mining site is available now.

For all the progress we are making with diversification of body images, there are still fashion shoots featuring impossibly thin models promoting a look that is beyond the reach of most normal women.

Yet while the fashion world may hide behind the words 'it's art' when taken to task about something a bit tasteless or reprehensible, one blogger's petition is gathering signatures rapidly.

Shannon Bradley-Colleary who writes about body issues and is also a HuffPost blogger, has started an e-petition to ask Yves Saint Laurent to stop using "seemingly malnourished" models after seeing pictures of a campaign in the March issue of Vanity Fair.

model

The petition so far has attracted over 45,000 signatures.

On her blog, she writes: “"My first reaction was, what the hell? My second reaction was worry for this lovely young woman, because, TO ME, she looks malnourished and as the mother of two daughters I want to nourish her.

"I think we’ve all become accustomed to seeing women whose bodies are simply animate hangers for clothing. But even with my high tolerance for ultra-thin models this one struck me as particularly cruel.”

Rivkie Baum, editor of SLiNK magazine and co-founder of a plus size modelling competition with Models1 said: "As someone who works both straight and plus models, I am often keen to point out that the number of straight size models I see or meet while they are very slender they do look healthy and naturally that size.

"I do find the model here appears to be extremely thin and the look is quite unnatural and alarming. This could still be down to photoshop and I think we have to be careful to separate our feeling towards her and towards the brand that chooses to use models as slender as this or digitally alter models bodies. However this image is alarming and it is right and proper to call Saint Laurent out on this choice. Models need as much protection as young girls do from having pressure put on them to be smaller than they naturally can be. But I'd be curious to see the unretouched image first."

Since launching the petition, Shannon has received some comments around her petition questioning whether she is criticising the model, but she's keen to point out this isn't the case.

She, by her own admission has body dysmorphic issues (which is what her blog is about) and writes: "I don’t have proof this model is anorexic, but Walden Behavioral Care cites “muscle loss and weakness” as one of their anorexia facts.

"I see no musculature in this model at all and I particularly dislike her weak, lifeless posture. But, I must admit I had an emotional, visceral (not factual) reaction when I saw this photo."

About the petition which is addressed to CEO Francesca Bellettini, Shannon adds:

"I don't want one more woman or girl to be damaged by the message this image sends. Which seems to be that frailty and uber-thinness is the Beauty Standard. I particularly don't want my daughters to succumb to this expectation."

To sign the petition, click here.

At the opening reception for the The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaulter: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, the designer related how he and his team had been working on the exhibition for over a year. It shows.

The show is an amazing testament to one man's vision and his unswerving pursuit of excellence. Not only in content but, as you might expect from a designer who over the last thirty-odd years has pushed the boundaries of what defined a fashion show, also in presentation. 'Amazing' was a word that I heard over and over again as I walked through the exhibition, from the very first mannequin wearing a vast striped Deauville-style sun hat that doubled as a jacket to the mannequin next to her: a rather saucy sailor whose animated face winked and flirted as guests gazed upon his loveliness - he was dressed in a ragged shipwreck-style matelot top and snug button-front sailor pants. As guests wandered through the exhibition so the eyes of many of the mannequins followed them around the room. Other mannequins sweet-talk and serenade. A genius idea that had many guests swooning left, right and centre. But, do not be seduced. While the mannequins are indeed amazing (each one is a character in their own right, just like the models that walk down the designer's catwalks), the clothes are even more so. Quite simply, this is a staggering body of work and beautifully curated display of workmanship.

There is so much to see and (re)discover. I do not want to say too much specifically about the content of the exhibition but some things to look out for include Gaultier's childhood threadbare teddy bear (with pointy brassiere and smeared make-up), a mannequin shrouded in a woven facsimile of the designer, a corset dress constructed from old flesh pink underpinnings (a bra cup becoming an elbow pad), a stencilled Mongolian coat, a suit that is a combination of crocodile and crochet accessorised with tights that are a technically mystifying blend of both, 3D icons embroidered on evening gowns, a garter belt for holding a packet of Gauloise, tulle camouflage, holy lace and several riffs on the Eiffel Tower and hussars jacket.

Gaultier says that he has added extra pieces specifically for the British show - cue a bevy of Punk inspired Mohawks and Union Jacks. "I've known London for so many years," he said at the opening, describing the people he had been lucky enough to meet as 'eccentric' and 'extraordinary'. "I've been a long time coming to London to have fun. I get a lot of inspiration from here. It's been a f**king great time," he enthused in the vernacular of his hosts. The English and the Japanese, he said were the first to appreciate his work back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Later in the evening he name-checked British models Amanda Cazalet, Erin O'Connor and Jade Parfitt (all in attendance). "I have been inspired by you!" he said.

The designer hoped that the retrospective was 'the contrary of a funeral' and, indeed, it is very much a celebration of a life dedicated to deconstructing the rules of dressing-up and rewriting the last word on chic. Ensembles from various collections down the years are juxtaposed, sometimes in the same outfit, revealing how threads of certain ideas are central to the designer's repertoire (gender and sexuality, glamour and power), explored and reimagined with ever inventive results: turn a corner and a ballgown beaded with a life-size leopard skin is breathtaking in its bravado, until a few steps further a leopard skin shrug of a coat turns out to be completely constructed from feathers.

It is this kind of masterful accomplishment that demonstrates how Gaultier has united the exacting techniques and skills of yesteryear haute couture (his early training was with Patou), with a farsighted vision that has attempted to challenge every accepted preconceived notion of propriety and good taste while high kicking over every trace. Yet this entertainer is a polished professional. A brocade jacket adorning a punk rocker (complete with holey knit sweater that swathes the head and spikey cockscomb hairdo) appears to be destroyed by Jackson Pollock meets The Clash paint splatters. On closer inspection the drips and daubs turn out to be an intricate woven design of silk and metallic thread. A 'nude' sequin bodysuit worn by Gael Garcia Bernal in Pedro Almodóvar's Bad Education and featuring a beaded triangle of pubic hair typifies the designer's risqué sense of fun, apparent throughout his archive.

This exhibition is a triumphant tribute to a man who has sold the world a different way to dress up fancy. It is amazing, astounding, astonishing, audacious, ad infinitum.

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, Barbican Art Gallery, London, 9 April to 25 August 2014

University fashion and style are both things which vary widely, not only between campuses, but also within them. Today we're taking a look at what students are wearing at Exeter University.

Well known for its competitive sports teams and high intake of Surrey students, Exeter style is often thought to consist mainly of sports stash and Jack Wills. While this may be true for some, the majority of students show a true knack for fashion.

From denim pinafores to tie dye t-shirts, Exeter students wear it all.

Want to see your uni featured on campus style? Email us: ukstudenteds@huffingtonpost.com

Name: Liv Price

Course Studied: English

Wearing: Topshop MOM jeans and crop top, Urban Outfitters cardigan

Favourite Fashion Trend: Gap Year Chic

exeter style

Name: Jia Hong

Course Studied: Accounting and Finance

Wearing: Zara shirt, Burberry scarf, Topshop jeans, Dr Marten boots

Favourite Fashion Trend: Vintage

exeter style

Name: Ian Stephenson

Course Studied: Business and Management

Wearing: ASOS jumper, Pull and Bear jeans, Puma trainers

Favourite Fashion Trend: Aztec and Tribal prints

exeter style

Name: Ziggy

Course Studied: Computer Science

Wearing: Topman shit, Zara t-shirt, River Island jeans, Air Force

Favourite Fashion Trend: Anything inspired by Nike

exeter style

Name: Alice Woods

Course Studied: Classics

Wearing: Tie Dyed top, Urban Outfitters Jeans, Doc Marten boots

Favourite Fashion Trend: Doesn't really have one, prefers quirky, handmade pieces

exeter style

Name: Eleanor Alexander

Course Studied: Drama

Wearing: Urban Outfitters shirt, Topshop pinafore, Doc Marten boots

Favourite Fashion Trend: Vintage Grunge

exeter style

Name: Kasheina Vencatasawmy

Course Studied: English

Wearing: Vintage shoes, blouse and coat and Zara shorts

Favourite Fashion Trend: Vintage and retro, especially anything inspired by the 60s

It happened again yesterday.

I told myself I would stop. I know it isn't good for me. I gave myself one of those stern internal lectures; determined not to let the demons get the better of me yet again. I tried desperately to put own personal fulfilment and happiness aside in favour of the greater good, ala Harry Potter.

But my efforts were all in vain. Because it happened again...

I fell down the deep, dark internet rabbit hole of gazing at seemingly endless photographs of Kate Middleton's outfits.

And who could blame me, really?

The woman's mix of high end fashion and chain store bargains is something to be marvelled at. Middleton's ability to dress appropriately 'royal', while keeping her look attainable for those of us who can't afford a horse and carriage is both impressive and really very polite.

All this is topped off by the fact she has to keep half the world's paparazzi and fashion critics (plus a super traditional grandma with a fondness for yellow twinsets) happy with everything she wears.

I know I'm not alone in my lavish praise either. A Google search for 'Kate Middleton fashion' yields a massive 127,000,000 results.

But here's where the real problem lies: I'm an Australian republican.

Photo supplied by mamamia.com.au

If I'd been old enough to vote back in 2001, I would have proudly selected the word 'yes' when asked whether or not Australia should cuts its remaining ties with the British monarchy.

I first joined the Australian Republican Movement at age 19, and soon graduated to proudly shouting various not-so-clever slogans about how "we're a country in our own right" through a university campus megaphone.

I believe that the pain and shame of what happened to our indigenous brothers and sisters at the time of colonisation cannot truly be repaired without Australia taking this final step to full independence from Britain.

We need to be able to celebrate the birth of our nation on a day that recognises our Aboriginal ancestry and our multicultural diversity, as well as acknowledging our roots in British history.

Having a head of state to call our own - someone who is chosen by the Australian people rather than someone who happens to be born to a super rich lady in a castle in England - is fundamentally necessary for our country to heal wounds of the past and move forward with confidence into the future.

And while I respect the traditions of the monarchy and acknowledge the many benefits our nation's ties with England have brought us, it really is high time Australia said kthxbye to the royals.

Our parliament is independent from Britain, our courts are no longer bound by decisions of the Privy Council, and thanks to illegal internet downloads we get all of their good TV for free anyway.

But Kate Middeton? She sways my steadfast beliefs in a way that makes me rather uncomfortable.

This time around, my loyalty to the Australian republican cause started wavering the second the Duchess stepped off the plane in New Zealand. Such sartorial brilliance so close to home is enough to leave any fashion tragic weak at their credit card clutching finger tips. Our first glimpse was of cute and chubby baby George being carried in arms swathed in bright red material; you could almost hear the collective gasp of royal-starved southern hemisphere fashionistas.

Then the not-quite-a-princess revealed the full shebang. A bright red double breasted Catherine Walker coat (the colour and the designer, a nod to Princess Diana's 1984 New Zealand tour) and a matching Gina Foster pillbox hat. Kate also wore her trademark black pumps and a silver fern broach borrowed from her nanna-in-law, the Queen.

Photo: Twitter/ 9 News

I mean, seriously. The same outfit on anyone else would have looked like an air hostess circa 1980 but on Kate? Perfection.

The political attention to detail of the royals' fashion choices is worthy of the utmost praise. In that one outfit Kate managed to throw some love to the Queen, to her late mother-in-law, to the country she's visiting (the fern is New Zealand's national symbol) and to practicality (she has single-handedly brought back the nude stocking, much to the joy of goose-bumped women everywhere).

But at a time when our prime minister is reintroducing honours for knights and dames and support for the Australian republic model is below 40% - my support for the cause cannot be allowed to waver. Even for She Who Wears Everything Brilliantly.

And so, I make my promises again. To no longer swoon over the navy v-neck, floor length Jenny Packham frock from the 2014 Portrait Gala. To turn my back on the black lace Temperley evening gown Kate rocked at the Natural HISTORY museum. To pretend I wasn't impressed that at her first post-baby public event Kate rocked head to toe silver sequins.

To act as if taking the time and care to wear Prabal Gurung in Singapore during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee State Dinner, was no biggie. And to delete the photo of Kate in an Alexander McQueen shirt and skirt at a Birmingham event off my desktop because I'm never going to be able to afford even an imitation version.

I promise to cease and desist. To let it go.

Because I am a committed republican who can't be bought by cute clothes and the cult of the round toed pump.

This post originally appeared on mamamia.com.au

In the second installment of our review and interviews with fitspiration brands, we caught up with Nike's Julie Igarashi.

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Julie is the vice president of global design for women's training, a big task considering how intrinsic a role Nike plays in women's fitness, from running We Own The Night 10K events to the curated Nike Training App which we couldn't do without.

So, does the kit measure up to the events the brand champions? Read our review at the end...

What does Nike take into account when creating a new piece of clothing - is it driven by demand or design?

The first question we ask ourselves when creating a new piece of apparel or footwear is: ‘will this make the athlete better?’ This thought informs our every design decision. It is our first, and most important, filter.

Are there different considerations for women’s wear than there are for men?

We understand the female athlete often has different tastes than the male athlete, not only in terms of style, but also in the way she trains. This influences the way we design for her.

For example, women tell us they want products that perform at the highest level and that give them the aesthetic they are looking for. Achieving this sweet spot is a particularly important consideration when we design women’s product.

nike

What's the process that takes place from a design on paper to it appearing in the shop?

Our design process starts with the female athlete. We listen to her and study her body in motion. We also work with Nike’s sport research lab to develop the scientific insights that inform our design decisions.

We have better manufacturing technology available today than ever before and this allows us to take athlete insights and scientific data and translate them into innovations that help the female athlete move more and move better.

Can you talk us through some of the tech that goes into making Nike activewear for women?

We bring a deep passion and understanding of the science of sport to everything we do. For example, we study maps of the female body that indicate where muscles and heating and cooling zones are. Informed by this data, we can then engineer in areas of stretch, support and breathability where they’re needed most.

This extensive amount of research and testing with world-class athletes and Nike’s sport research lab has also led to our identification of six core moves an athlete completes when she works out. These core moves—lunge, squat, push, pull, bend and rotate—serve as our design compass. If our footwear and apparel can handle these moves, they can handle most any training an athlete will encounter.

How does training wear differ from running kit?

We design around the body in motion. What that means is we study how the female athlete moves and then create products that enable one’s natural motion, rather than restrict it. Running and training movements are different, and so are the needs of the athlete. We create products designed specifically for those needs.

This can mean anything from different cuts and shapes to unique functional features such as zippered pockets for that runner in need of a place to store her keys and zipper-free apparel for an athlete whose training involves floor exercises. Doing a sit-up in a tight with a zipper at the base of your spine can be a distraction, and we design to remove all distractions so an athlete can focus on the task at hand.

Still, we use many of our revolutionary technologies in both running and training wear. For example, Nike Dri-FIT technology is a staple of running and training apparel. It helps keep sweat away from the body to keep athletes dry and comfortable.

SEE ALSO:

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Beautiful Pictures Of Strong, Fit Women On Instagram Inspire Us To Get Physical

What tends to be the most popular items?

We know that the female athlete demands a versatile product that can take her from the gym or studio to the street. We’ve seen great success with products that can do this, such as our Nike Tight of the Moment, a performance proposition adorned with beautiful artwork created in collaboration with influential artists.

Also, our Nike Tech Fleece apparel has been tremendously successful. There we brought a modern look to a traditional fabric like fleece.

Is there one sport among women that's more popular than the other?

What we’re finding to be most popular isn’t just one sport. Rather, it’s a combination of activities. Today’s female athlete is all about versatility. Some days she runs. Others she does yoga or high intensity training, which involves quick and explosive movements, often done in intervals.

Sometimes she does multiple workouts in a given day. This versatility is the key to not only strength, but style as well. Our designs must equip her for whatever workout she chooses, as well as wherever she heads before or after her workout.

fruit juice

REVIEW:

Tried: Crop top, £50, and Tights of the Month, £90

Appearance: These are easily the most mental-looking sportswear I own, but that's a good thing. I love the bold pattern and the neon tick, and although my husband says I look like an extra in a 50 Cent video, I think they look cool. I like that they are so different to what I see other people in the gym wearing - it makes me feel like I'm being fashion forward in a space I don't expect to be.

In action: I own a pair of Nike crop pants which are fairly old, and fairly uncomfortable. I won't be too explicit, but the crotch area is a problem. These tights however clearly demonstrate how quickly Nike are adapting to women's bodies. It is comfortable in all the right places, and when I stretch, the clothing moves along with my body, not against it. These are from the training range, so great for weight lifting and circuits.

Verdict: The price point is at the higher end of the scale but you can really feel the technology working for you. The garments are long-lasting yet unbelievably light, meaning you aren't swaddled in layers of clothing. Plus, have you seen how cool they look?

I always used to wear the same clothes over and over, and had piles of unworn stuff in my wardrobe. And I assume that this is the reality for many women today, am I right?

I remember when I was doing a wardrobe clean out around 2.5 years ago, and saw so many things with tags, things that I had bought years ago, things that I loved, but was scared to wear because I'm plus-size. Around the same time I also started following fashion blogs that were run by gorgeous plus-size girls who wore what they wanted. All that got me thinking and I decided to start wearing something new from my wardrobe every day, even the more daring stuff. And in a few months I felt the need to start my own blog, and The Wardrobe Challenge was born.

I'm still on that same challenge today, wearing something different every day, but with my ever-growing wardrobe that certainly is a mission. In this post I wanted to show you an example of how I choose my outfits, and hope you get some tips to wearing more of your wardrobe.

I'm not a morning person myself, I need to sleep as long as I can and then fly out the door, so giving much thought to my outfit in the morning is a no-no for me. For that reason I usually choose my outfit for the day on the previous evening, that way I don't need to hurry and I can give it some thought. So, and this is the key part for me, I usually start by choosing an item that I have never worn, or haven't worn in a long while.

For this example I chose to start with this lovely black coat, and like you can see, the tags are still on... haha. This coat has a huge waterfall collar and edges, and has lots of volume. My instinct said that I should pair it with simple white tank top and a pair of skinny jeans, so that the coat is the main focus of the outfit.

When it's time for shoes and accessories, I usually try to choose at least one piece that I wear really rarely, and get more variety to my outfits that way as well. With this outfit I went for black trainers with a chunky white sole, I have only worn them once before, but they bring something current to the otherwise quite classic outfit. I also went for my new persplex clutch, and a chunky gold chain - and classic red lipstick.

The end result is like this, classic denim, monochrome, gold and red lipstick, with added current trends like chunky shoes and persplex clutch.

I hope my way of thinking and building an outfit will help you get more use of the neglected items in your wardrobe too. I'm sure you can find many items that deserve some love and wear!

You can find more of my outfits at my blog and my Instagram -- so please give me a follow.

By Charlotte Sutherland-Hawes

Wedding season is approaching fast, with brides planning for Spring weddings full of sunshine and charm. To add a little inspiration to the preparation process, Vogue.fr has compiled a virtual moodboard for the modern classic, boho and vintage bride-to-be, bringing you blogs packed with ideas, big day dresses to wear now and cherish forever, and an accessory to polish your outfit off. Muse with Vogue.fr, and make the journey up the aisle a little bit smoother, whatever style you choose.

I love my accessories and am so into jewellery at the moment, particularly stackable stuff - rings, bracelets, layered necklaces - all piled high, the more, the merrier.

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tatty Devine, Cos and & Other Stories are my go-to stores for affordable jewellery, plus the obligatory browse in Accessorize (who have some great stuff in right now - check my instagram for pics). But I wanted to switch it up and branch out to see what new designers and brands I hadn't yet discovered were doing. Here are a few of my favourite findings...

2014-04-11-RuifierKineticDiamondLuxuryJewellerySarahMcGiven.jpg

Ruifier
I was drawn, magpie-like, to Ruifier when the shine from their gem stones suckered me in as I was walking past a glass case filled with their pieces. This incredible fine jewellery brand really has to be experienced in person so you can fully appreciate the magnificent, siren-call sparkle of their Kinetic Collection. Modern, yet timeless, these incredibly wearable designs provide a fabulous talking point. A fusion of invisible technology and exquisitely set, semi-precious stones keeps these gems in constant, magical motion, creating your own personal light show. Every piece is utterly captivating and devastatingly covetable. It's nowhere near as good as seeing them in person but you can click here to watch a video.
Visit Ruifier online to shop the Kinetic Collection and the Icon Collection (including the rings, pictured above) at www.ruifier.com

Finchittida Finch
Identical twin sisters, Tida and Lisa Finch, design this accessible jewellery and accessories range, taking inspiration from their Lao and British heritage. Everything is made in their London studio and materials are all sourced from within the UK. Finchittida Finch produce beautiful designs with an unmistakeable aesthetic that has earned them a fashion forward following that includes Rita Ora and Lianne La Havas. Their jewellery is East London cool, often featuring strong geometrics and exotic, architectural shapes, but also has a chic, classic quality to it. I am utterly smitten with their Hmong haircombs (£25 each) in particular - an unusual and welcome addition to an accessories collection.
Find them at finchittidafinch.com or at ASOS, Nylon, Luna & Curious and in Urban Outfitters stores

2014-04-11-ElectricPicksstackablebraceletsSarahMcGiven.jpg

Electric Picks
This American jewellery brand specialises in stackable bead bracelets, inspired by music and freedom, their pieces are perfect for festival season. Designed by best friends, founder Mj Barton and Chantel Gia, and handmade in New York, Electric Picks designs often feature edgy rock 'n' roll-influenced motifs, from skulls and roses to specially designed guitar picks, mixed with glamourous crystals, beads and gemstones for an essential festival luxe arm candy look. They also offer a customisable service on their website so you can have your own unique creation.
Find them online at www.electricpicks.com

2014-04-11-LayanaLondonbowjewelleryringearringsSarahMcGiven.jpg

Layana London
Layana London is a stunningly simple online destination site that showcases eye-catching work by distinctive jewellery designers. The online shop has an airy elegance that exhibits their collections, which include exclusives and bespoke pieces, in the most beautiful way. Created by Monika Karasinska-Obloj, the site currently houses an inspiring selection of international designers covering a range of aesthetics. I adore the clean, contemporary designs of ALE by designer Alexandra Przybysz including the ribbon pieces pictured here and the Serpentine collection.
Visit www.layanalondon.com

At this weekend's MTV Movie Awards 2014 the outfits were just as important as the awards, never mind who won what - we really wanted to see who looked fabulous and who had a total fashion fail.

Rihanna and Ellie Goulding both went for white at the swish event in Los Angeles, but there were plenty of stars who decided to rock a more colourful ensemble. But did they get it right?

Take a look at the snaps from the evening below and cast your vote to decide which celeb should be crowned best dressed and who needs to sack their stylist...

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Rita Ora took the phrase ‘cleavage-busting’ to a whole new level at the MTV Movie Awards 2014 with her daring ensemble.

Rita, who will appear in the ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ adaptation being released in 2015, certainly looked the part at the LA ceremony, keeping accessories to a minimum and letting her dress do the talking.

rita ora

The 'Hot Right Now' star confidently flashes the flesh

The ‘R.I.P’ singer attended the event solo and had some fun presenting the Best Shirtless Moment prize to Zac Efron, cheekily cajoling him into whipping his shirt off on stage.

Wonder what her boyfriend Calvin Harris will say?

While Rita went for a dramatic black gown, a number of other stars - including Rihanna and Ellie Goulding - went for white.

Rita Ora

The 23-year-old has recently been rumoured as a possible addition to the ‘X Factor’ judging panel however the starlet has apparently turned down a huge £1 million offer from Simon Cowell.

Rita’s no stranger to flashing the flesh in a boob-tastic number and braved the London chill in a super sexy top after a Prince gig earlier this year. At least it’s a bit warmer in California…

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Coleen Rooney is the latest star to strip off and model her own swimwear collection for Littlewoods.

The Liverpool-born lass looks stunning in the pics, showing off her figure in a cleavage-busting red swimsuit before giving everyone a lesson in beach style by sporting an aztec-print maxi dress.

Coleen Rooney

Coleen is a huge fan of keeping things simple while on holiday (gone are the days of hair extensions and OTT bling) and has stated that the collection is designed to help women feel comfortable and confident.

“Natural make-up and fresh looking skin are my most important beauty tips this summer and on holiday,” she explains. “My collection of easy to wear clothes and swimwear are designed to flatter women giving them the confidence to go with a more natural look.”

coleen rooney

Coleen models a maxi dress

Designing a swimwear collection is a logical move for Coleen, who seems to spend an awful lot of time enjoying vacations in sunnier climes.

Coleen will reportedly be left at home in June when hubby Wayne Rooney heads to Miami for his World Cup training, as England boss and spoilsport Roy Hodgson has banned WAGs from joining their husbands and boyfriends in Florida.

coleen rooney

The mum-of-two shows off a fresh-faced look

Coleen’s 26-piece Littlewoods collection is available to purchase online now.

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(Photo: www.freshnessmag.com)

I used to be an eBay addict. It sounds laughable, but when you're receiving poorly-packaged parcel after parcel at your office, and you don't have a clue what it's going to be, it's troubling (and kind of like Christmas! Mystery gifts to unwrap! But back to being sinister...)

Over the years, I have reaped endless eBay 'rewards', as I like to call them. A leather Whistles handbag for less than half the original, in-shops-right-now price. Cos items that make me sweat because the material is such good-quality that my previously-Topshop-clad body can't handle it. But I made the decision to wean myself off of it all.

In doing so, I made a list of 10 things only fervent eBay-ers will know.

1. Everything is a 'bloggers fave'. Yes, even that Zara bag circa yesteryear that precisely one well-known blogger publicly owns.

2. Everything is also 'SOLD OUT. AKA last season, which by logic, means it is not in the shop this season.

3. 'Watching' items is not innocent. I only know this because when a friend and I discovered we were both watching items on eBay, I felt compelled to tell her just how many things I was watching. 36. She recoiled in horror. She was watching just 3. Embarrassment and concern for my welfare ensued.

4. eBayers are not your friends. The amount of rude messages I've received is ridiculous. No, I am not part of a 'burgeoning eBay barter generation', I'm just wondering if you'd give me one set price for shipping if I bought two items. You pretentious, greedy arsehole. (I didn't say that bit.)

5. Only amateurs list high-street clothing at a higher price than 99p. I often find myself shaking this old head of mine, a smug grin splayed across my face. Oh, eBayer, if only you knew. Items set at 99p attract more watchers, sell for more and make you seem like a seasoned eBayer. Your £5 used Zara top, plus postage? Pass.

6. It brings out the ugly in you. Those final minutes, where a victory or defeat is imminent, and the refresh button beneath your finger is being tapped faster than the floor beneath Adam Garcia's feet. eBay face makes sex face look normal, maybe even attractive.

7. That being said, sometimes a loss is ok. As that item is being shipped to 92-hot-girl, we think of the money we saved, how we didn't want it anyway. And failing that? Things happen for a reason. (This is all before we hate ourselves for being the kind of person who says shit like that about eBay and actually kind of means it).

8. Receiving a well-packaged item is like winning the lottery. Shoddy envelope work and poor penmanship is the disappointing norm. Although I'm no packaging role model. I accidentally included a Granny Smith along with a dress I sent. But to be honest, if I was the recipient, I'd be laughing. Single apples are very costly these days.

9. Anecdotes = trustworthy. Knowing that Melissa_b is selling her Stella McCartney silk chemise because it no longer fits her, because she's not a 'skinny Minnie anymore LOL' makes me trust her, and thus invites a bid. Her sad story tells me that she isn't some dodgy backstreet business. She is a person, like me, who loved something. Goddamn it.

10. It's hard to go cold turkey. You can get anything on eBay, which is both terrifying and brilliant. But mostly brilliant. That Clarins cream you want? It's there! Those Office boots you never saw again? Totally hanging out on eBay! I'm staying strong. For now. But surely it's only a matter of time before I see you on the home feed...

With its interesting boutiques and vintage shops coupled with the polished high street stores on George Street, as well as luxury boutique Jane Davidson on Thistle Street, Edinburgh is a fabulous city for shopping. The city is home to what might just be the best designer shopping spot in Scotland: Multrees Walk. It's here that you'll find high end labels such as Louis Vuitton and Mulberry (now housed over two-stories), as well as much-coveted and slightly more accessible labels including Kurt Geiger and Michael Kors. Multrees Walk proudly boasts some of the biggest names in the fashion business, with new additions popping up continuously; Burberry opens soon and Tommy Hilfiger will open this summer in association with Edinburgh International Fashion Festival. Of course, every luxury shopping destination needs a luxury department store, and Harvey Nichols - one of my favourites, alongside Liberty - is a firm fixture having been on Multrees Walk for over ten years. It's here that you'll find a wealth of high fashion, from Alexander McQueen to Diane von Furstenburg and Mary Katrantzou. There's something for everyone, whether accessories, jewellery or beauty take your fancy.

For me, it's shoes. High heels that are precious to me, sartorially speaking. They are so special; they make you feel different! Beautiful heels are fun and exciting and romantic - it's the Cinderella effect, I suppose. So, as a self-confessed shoe girl, I was beyond excited when I received my invitation to the launch of Manolo Blahnik (yes, MANOLO BLAHNIK) at Harvey Nichols Edinburgh.

On Wednesday I attended the launch along with a select group of lovely guests: a delicious cocktail of Scottish press and loyal Harvey Nichols' customers. We were treated to champagne and canapes, a live jazz band and, of course, an exhibition of the shoes. Manolo's niece, Kristina Blahnik, made the trip to Edinburgh for the launch, which included an intimate viewing of the short film "Jealousy", starring Rupert Everett, before a thoroughly enjoyable Q&A with Kristina (hosted by the delightful Elizabeth McMeekin). Kristina works with her uncle and mother across the Blahnik brand; despite the economy and the tendency for brands to sell out to luxury conglomerates, they still own the label - with no other investors - after 40 years in the industry. No mean feat for a fashion designer of any background, and a fact of which they are very proud.

During the Q&A Kristina was relaxed and passionate and it felt as though we were all old friends; everyone in the room shared the same passion for Manolo Blahnik (both the shoes and the designer). Kristina told us how the shoes are created (Manolo leads every step of the process) and funny tales of her youth spent in the shop playing dress up. She confessed that Manolo talks to the shoes when he's working in the factory. She said: "They're not products, they're characters. He talks to the shoes! That's how he sees them; as little people in his story. Watching him in the factory is part of the poetry."

The event was wonderfully executed and was most enjoyable - it completely lived up to my expectations. One might think that Manolo Blahnik coming to Edinburgh is pretty standard fashion news. A new label at a designer department store? Whoopdeedoo. But, actually, Manolo Blahnik at Harvey Nichols Edinburgh is big news: HN Edinburgh is the first stockist in the UK outside London. Harvey Nichols was hand-picked by Manolo himself (with the support of his team) and they chose Edinburgh - Scotland - because they love the city so much. Kristina said of Edinburgh: "We did a tour last summer and came to Edinburgh. The city immediately resonated with the brand; it's incredibly chic! Harvey Nichols is somewhere we wanted to be and Edinburgh felt right. Manolo loves Edinburgh! For him, heritage and integrity is important and Edinburgh has both - it's clear about what it is as a city."

Well, a fabulous city should sell fabulous shoes. No?

Summer might be a few months away in Blighty but it's come early for Abbey Clancy who has been lapping up the rays on a sunshine break to Dubai.

The model and ‘Strictly’ winner looked absolutely gorgeous in an itsy-bitsy bikini on board a boat in the United Emirates.

Abbey Clancy on holiday in Dubai

She left very little to the imagination with her choice of swimwear, which included a boob-tastic bikini top which she paired with ripped-look bottoms.

She was also snapped later having fun with friends on the beach, one of whom was trying to give her a piggy-back.

abbey clancy

Abbey's bikini left little to the imagination

Abbey took home the glitterball trophy in the most recent series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, beating stiff competition from Susanna Reid and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Since being crowned winner, she has been the face - and body - of lingerie campaigns for the underwear brand Ultimo, where she's showed off her fabulous figure to full effect.

During her time in the dancing contest, she complained that her strict fitness regime was making her lose her womanly physique, worrying at the time she was “turning into a boy”.

Judging from these beach photos, Abbey, you really didn’t have anything to be concerned about.

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Veet's 'Don't Risk Dudeness' Hairy Legs And Armpits Ad Campaign Causes Uproar

Veet's 'Don't Risk Dudeness' Hairy Legs And Armpits Ad Campaign Causes Uproar

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Weekend Shopping: Jewellery Gems

MTV Movie Awards 2014: Best And Worst Dressed Celebs On The Red Carpet - YOU Decide (PICS)

MTV Movie Awards 2014: Rita Ora Flashes Major Cleavage On The Red Carpet (PICS)

Coleen Rooney Strips Off To Model Littlewoods Swimwear Range (PICS)

eBay Truths

Manolo's Welcome Party

Abbey Clancy Shows Off Beach Body In Barely-There Bikini On Holiday In Dubai (PICS)