HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)

Holiday is booked, bikini is purchased, legs are shaved. Ok legs aren't shaved, but we're not going for a couple more weeks... We are heading back to the fabulous Gloria Resort in Turkey for some last minute sun and the holiday prep is well and truly underway! From hair protection to stylish sunnies, check out my break down of this years holiday essentials...

1. Huit Dressy Foam Triangle Bikini, £77

Simple and elegant, you can't beat a triangle top bikini but always go for a foam cup to offer more support and to give a smoother shape.

2. Beaded Tusk Necklace, Accessorize, £19

A subtle gold chain against a sun kissed décolletage gives just enough bling for instant poolside glam.

3. Seafolly Gili Island Striped Kaftan, £53

Seafolly do a great range of colourful kaftans with these gorgeous tasselled trims, they are so easy to throw on over your bikini whilst you enjoy cocktails by the pool.

4. Paul Mitchell Sun Shield Conditioning Spray at Hairtrade.com, £9.99

Hairtrade.com is my first stop for all of my hair needs, this conditioning spray will protect against the suns harmful rays to stop your hair getting too dry.

5. Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses, £125

The celeb sunnies of summer 2015.

6. Tigi Bed Head Totally Beachin Shampoo at Hairtrade.com, £8.99

This shampoo is really hydrating, perfect for your summer holiday wash bag and can be picked up at discounted prices at Hairtrade.com.

7. I+I Jewellery Crescent Moon Ring, £160

I discovered this brand on instagram and am lusting after this crescent moon ring.

8. Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, £34

An alternative to the after sun lotion is this luxury body oil for intense rehydration and to moisturise your skin. It also gives you a gorgeous dewey glow to compliment your holiday skin.

9. ESPA Skincare Optimal Skin ProDefense, £35

I keep this handy little pump in my hand bag and apply daily for instant protection from the elements. It's great peace of mind whilst working as an intense moisturiser.

For more posts like this, please check out my blog at Scarlett and Me!

As a London-based stylist, t his season was my first to attend the Paris Haute Couture shows, Automne / Hiver 2015-2016 (or Autumn / Winter 2015-2016, as it is otherwise known). Rest assured, it still confuses me what season we're up to as much as it might you! Being a newcomer, I wasn't prepared for how visually captivating the whole experience would be - from the designer hotel interiors I was whisked into - to the couture collections themselves. Yet again I left Paris feeling inspired, as can be expected!

When we think of haute couture, most of us might think of famous brands such as Chanel and Dior, but I found it interesting to see the many sides of couture by attending such extremely different shows. We can see how couture can cater for different tastes.

Ilja AW15/16, "Ingenium Existere": modern haute couture. Structural silhouettes exemplify an attitude of strength and individualism. Trends: feminine lines but structural, rather than floaty, fabrics. Image Stylist's Own.

Rami Al Ali AW15/16: Modern-day Hepburn. Hollywood's Golden Age, 50's silhouettes enhanced by haute couture. Image Totem Fashion.

As a Personal Stylist, a common problem people come to me with is feeling they are 'stuck in a style rut', or like the look of something on the rails, but would like more confidence to carry it off. Sometimes change is not an easy process. We might go home after purchasing an item, thinking 'that's not me, I can't carry it off', and the negative self-talk creeps in. But my job is to push these boundaries - even a little, so they might escape the rut they're tired of, and come away with a fresh look. This is not to tell someone it looks great if it doesn't - but encourage them to try something different, which nevertheless may be slightly out of their comfort-zone.

Couture shows can guide us towards new trends, but show how they can be worn to suit the individual, no matter what their style preference. The aim: to be a trend-setter, not follower.

Serkan Cura AW15/16 : Street couture, haute couture focusing on one half of the body. Trends: oversized crystals (featuring Swarovski), combining day and evening elements. Image Totem Fashion.

Designer showcases are the most extreme examples of individuality and fashion artistry at play. Even down to the flamboyantly-dressed characters in attendance, who are creations of art themselves. But most people don't want to look flamboyant, or stand out from the crowd. So how do we adopt the trends so they are 'wearable'? This can seem complicated, not to mention time-consuming. A good personal stylist can help by doing the leg-work to find trends that would suit the individual (so you won't have to!).

Before we even begin thinking about escaping a style rut, however, the first step is attitude.

Designer Bowie Wong's message from his AW15/16 show 'Metamorphosis': "Free yourself from restrictions and don't get stuck in one shell. Be inspired to transform. Go your own way and fly free." Image Stylist's Own.

The designer believes the magic of haute couture is it's ability to transport us into a fairytale. It's not only enjoyable to be transported out of every day routines and realities but needed. We can see the power of haute couture to inspire not just stylists or people who work in fashion (or the elite few who can afford to buy it), but everyone.

Julien Fournie AW15/16 "Premiere Nuit". Parisian Couture of dark enchantment, featuring winged headpiece. Image Stylist's Own.

Eva Minge AW15/16 'Black Butterflies'. Butterflies are symbols of change, growth and freedom. Her empowering vision of the modern woman: whilst black butterflies might be soft and beautiful, they are bold and strong. Me (left) pictured with a "black butterfly", lead model. Image Stylist's Own.

Looking at the shows can help us adjust to emerging trends, so by the time we see them in stores we can more easily imagine ourselves wearing them. I think sometimes we're too scared to try on something different to what we're used to, and from what we've liked in the past. Seeing each designer's stretch of imagination - taking risks through fashion, will hopefully make us more confident to take, even the smallest one.

Charlie Le Mindu AW15/16 'The Male Gaze'. A grand spectacle of Hair Couture, fusing digital and live performance. Image Totem Fashion.

H&M owned womenswear company & Other Stories is the latest fashion brand to cast transgender models in a campaign.

But not only were the models themselves transgender, the entire creative team was transgender too.

Photographer Amos Mac shot models Valentijn De Hingh and Hari Nefstylist, and Love Bailey styled the shoot, with Nina Poon as the makeup artist.

transgender campaign

Asked by Women's Wear Daily about the recent interest in the trans community from the fashion world, Dutch model De Hingh said, "Sometimes to get a political message across, having a commercial brand support an issue can actually help….The thing that you have to be worried about is that it’s not just a fad.

"It’s not a fashion trend to have transgender people in a youth campaign, then after two seasons not have them anymore."

The & Other Stories athletic-inspired capsule collection will launch in-store on 20 August

See the full lookbook below:

SEE ALSO:

Calvin Klein Ad Shows Same-Sex Couples For The First Time

Where Love Is Illegal: Powerful LGBT Portraits From Around The World

5 Style Lessons We've Learned From Caitlyn Jenner

You may have seen in the news that over the weekend three of the biggest model agencies in the country are being investigated for price fixing in the modelling industry.

For reasons that I will explain shortly, the demand for models is increasing and as a result the price clients are willing to pay is dropping. The accusation is that three of the top London agencies have colluded in order to fix prices across the industry and make sure that they keep their slice of the pie in the face of a changing industry.

As someone working in the industry, while I found the news interesting it didn't particularly shock me. For those who've never read my blog posts I run a boutique modelling agency called Sapphires, working primarily with the high street and commercial brands. While we certainly aren't in the same league as the likes of those being investigated, we are a well-respected agency working with some big names in British retail.

Our agency relocated to London in 2010 after operating successfully in the Midlands for several years. I'm not one to name and shame but I can tell you that since relocating to London we have been 'warned off' by several of the larger agencies. Our working with - or even in some cases just approaching - clients or models that the big guys felt were rightfully theirs have resulted in several nasty emails and phone calls essentially telling us to get out of their way or face the unquestionably bad consequences.

A major problem is that it's very easy for these larger agencies to use their clout to essentially steal models and clients from the small guys. While there are contracts in place to stop this, as many people know having a contract and enforcing a contract are two very different things. The small guys like us are constantly in a state of survival as we are always at risk from the large agencies deciding they want our models and clients and swooping in, using their sheer size to barge us out the way.

It's not just the agencies though. Many models suffer from something we call "grass is greener syndrome". We are by all accounts a strong, working modelling agency. Our models are working and are making a decent living through us, in fact many of our models are earning several times what I earn a month! But regardless of that, for some models the glamour of these big, world renowned agencies will always be too much to resists.

But in reality these big agencies really can't focus on an individual model's career unless they're making them money - they are just too big to provide a personal service to each model like we are able to. I'm not saying it's their fault - as a company grows so do financial targets and of course the low earning models are going to be a casualty of that. As the pressure to make money grows the top agencies will cast their net far and wide, scooping up as many models as possible. Some will go on to make big money but most will sit on the books of the agency doing very little until they give up or get dropped.

Of course, no big agency will tell a model this... and why would they? Their jobs are to sign the models and they'll say whatever they need to in order to get them on the books; if that means poaching them from a smaller agency like us then so be it. It's underhanded, unethical and since models are contractually signed to an agency it's often plain illegal but like many aspects of our society, might is right and for the small guys to actually confront the top agencies is very difficult, if not impossible.

As much as the large agencies have used their size to push their competitors around, what they haven't been able to do is control the direction that fashion and retail has headed. The problem they face is that the modelling industry is changing; the price of model bookings has dropped because the demand for website imagery has increased. When brands are booking models every single day they can't possibly expect to pay the same as they used to for shooting a catalogue or brochure once a season.

This change in the modelling world has given the small guys like us a break and now we're in our element. Our agency was founded on a small personal service with great customer service and friendly models, something that these clients booking models every day really appreciate. I don't imagine that the owners of these modelling behemoths at the top have taken kindly to this seismic shift in the modelling industry which has seen their former strengths turn into weaknesses as so many clients turn away from 'named' models, high prices and the prickly fashionistas working at these agencies.

So as I read these articles they didn't particularly surprise me at all - these guys have been throwing their weight around with their competitors for years, it's only natural that eventually their focus would turn on their clients.

It seems there's a new beauty trend cropping up every week - from clown contouring and heart braids, to the very confusing concept of hangover makeup.

But one of our favourites has to be the dyed armpit hair Instatrend that's been kicking about for a while now, but has really taken off on social media this summer.

Watch BuzzFeed's latest video above to see what happened when women dyed their armpits for the first time.

"Women are starting to break free and embrace their own standards of beauty and not let them be defined by other people," said one of the video's stars.

Hopping on the (very bright) bandwagon of this summer's bright hair hues, the hashtag #DyedPits shows that those fun temporary colours don't have to stop at your head.

A photo posted by Tay Trancinhas (@taytrancinhas) on Aug 9, 2015 at 12:58pm PDT

You can do it with a friend.

A photo posted by Rosy Weber (@ros.web) on Aug 12, 2015 at 1:58pm PDT

Match your pits to your lipstick...

A photo posted by Laure Van Aken (@lhvaken) on Jul 29, 2015 at 1:07pm PDT

Or your dress...

A photo posted by lady pit hair (@ladypithair) on Aug 7, 2015 at 1:33pm PDT

Or your hair.

A photo posted by ♥ (@fishwillis) on Aug 3, 2015 at 6:20pm PDT

And basically have all the fun.

A photo posted by Wendy Whitsell (@wendywhitsell) on Jul 17, 2015 at 7:40am PDT

Even guys are getting in on the action too.

A photo posted by Free Your Pits (@freeyourpits) on Jan 11, 2015 at 6:50pm PST

Oh, and Miley Cyrus

A photo posted by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on May 1, 2015 at 12:15pm PDT

SEE ALSO:

A Writer Called Beyoncé's Hair 'Stringy' And The Internet Is Not Happy

our Lime Crime Lipstick Could Be Bad For Your Health

These Celebrity BFFs Have The Cutest Matching Tattoos

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris could be taking their budding relationship to the next level... by starring in an underwear campaign together (as you do).

DJ Harris has been a model for Armani Underwear for the past year and, according to Harper's Bazaar, the brand is hoping to nab the Bad Blood singer to star alongside him.

Friendly relations between Scotland and America. @calvinharris

A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Jul 3, 2015 at 4:33pm PDT

The mag reported they've offered Swift a cool 10 million dollars in the hopes their stripped-down shoot will repeat the success of David and Victoria Beckham's 2009 campaign.

Neither party has yet confirmed the rumours ... but nor have they denied them.

The new Emporio Armani Fall/Winter campaign @armani #CalvinHarrisforEA

A photo posted by Calvin Harris (@calvinharris) on Jul 27, 2015 at 8:51am PDT

To get you through in the meantime, check out Calvin Harris' full Armani campaign from July.

SEE ALSO:

Taylor Swift Reveals Her Favourite Shade Of Red Lipstick

How To Get Taylor Swift's Wavy 'Lob' Hairstyle

Taylor Swift's Hottest Ever Looks

First there was Kendall Jenner's record-breaking heart hair selfie, then came the super cute copy cat photos, next up we had heart-shaped braids, and now... it's all about the heart fringe.

Nothing at all to do with the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, and a lot more to do with the Japanese manga character Sailor Moon, the beauty trend has been worn in Korea for well over a year but is just starting to take off around the globe.

Check out the #heartbangs Instatrend below:

A photo posted by 고엔젤 (@angel_063) on Aug 9, 2015 at 2:06am PDT

A photo posted by Jessica Oliveira (@himejoss) on Aug 16, 2015 at 8:13pm PDT

A photo posted by BIBA Academy (@bibaacademy) on Aug 13, 2015 at 5:50pm PDT

A photo posted by Banana Magazine (@bananamag) on Aug 7, 2015 at 12:26pm PDT

A photo posted by 1+1＝Kiyomi (@exoxmqo) on Aug 16, 2015 at 5:14pm PDT

A photo posted by الإعلامية الريم سيف (@alreemsaif) on Aug 13, 2015 at 3:43am PDT

A photo posted by 연아쓰 (@yeooooooona) on Aug 9, 2015 at 9:33am PDT

SEE ALSO:

Kendall Jenner's Heart Shaped Hair Is The Cutest Thing Ever

People Are Recreating Kendall Jenner's Heart Hair Photo And Looking Adorable

These Heart Braid Hairstyles Are Simply The Cutest

A teen model who became the centre of controversy when she was put in low-cut dresses for a Vogue Paris photoshoot at just 10 years old has returned to the spotlight and been branded a "child model all grown up".

With a career spanning 10 years Thylane Blondeau could be considered to be a veteran of the fashion world, but at just 14 years old a "grown up" she certainly is not.

A photo posted by Ŧhylane Blondeau (@thylaneblondeaureal) on Aug 12, 2015 at 10:51am PDT

Discussion of Blondeau's age comes after she landed a spread in Teen Vogue and follows the furore caused by Dior's choice to send 14-year-old model Sofia Mechetner down the catwalk in a sheer dress through which her nipples were visible.

We have blurred the appearance of Sofia Mechetner's nipples in the image above, as she is under the age of 16

Mechetner's appearance among older models in the Christian Dior Autumn Winter 2015 Haute Couture show kicked off a debate about child models being treated like adults in the fashion industry.

So how young is too young?

Blondeau has her own opinion on the matter.

"Well, Kate Moss started modeling at the age of 15, and that was a little while ago. So no. I'm not too young," she told Teen Vogue.

"If you have a good agency and people who take care of you... it's perfect."

However, citing Moss as an example of how starting young can work out well for models is problematic.

Yes, Moss is now one of the most famous faces in the world, but she has previously admitted that pressure to pose in sexualised shoots at a young age contributed to her having a "nervous breakdown" at the age of 17.

"It didn't feel like me at all. I felt really bad about straddling this buff guy. I didn't like it. I couldn't get out of bed for two weeks. I thought I was going to die...It was just anxiety. Nobody takes care of you mentally," she told Vanity Fair.

"There's a massive pressure to do what you have to do. I was really little, and I was going to work with Steven Meisel.

"It was just really weird - a stretch limo coming to pick you up from work. I didn't like it. But it was work, and I had to do it."

And Moss isn't the only fashion industry insider to voice concerns about the pressure put on young girls in the fashion industry to "grow up" too fast.

Model turned model scout Rebecca Pearson, who was "discovered" when she was 16, wrote in Telegraph: "A 14-year-old's body being used to sell clothes to people who can actually afford Dior - adult women - seems wrong to me."

She added: "The modelling industry can be brutal. And that's why I never approach people who have modelling potential if they look under the age of 15.

"I might be able to see the potential in their Bambi-like features, but I'd hate for them to lose potential in their developing adolescent and academic lives for such an unpredictable job."

There is a time and a place for child and teen models (and Teen Vogue is certainly it), and the fashion industry is taking steps to protect young models - all 21 international Vogue magazines have agreed not to use models under 16 to represent adults, and the British Fashion Council has issued guidelines that require designers use models who are at least 16 for runway shows.

But the language the media use when discussing teen models is part of the issue.

Blondeau's latest photoshoot is age appropriate, but by calling her "all grown up" it makes okay to treat her like an adult and to hold her up to the same level of judgement as we would an adult - and that's a lot for a 14-year-old to take on.

The complete London Fashion Week schedule has just been announced by the British Fashion Council and we couldn't be more excited.

There will be a full five days of womenswear action, from Friday 18 - to Tuesday 22 September, and new additions to the list include Maison Margiela, Zandra Rhodes, Alexander Lewis and Peter Jensen.

Our personal highlights are Versace's sister label Versus showing at LFW for the first time ever and Mulberry's former creative director Emma Hill unveiling her new accessories line, Hill & Friends.

london fashion week autumn

The Topshop-sponsored NEWGEN initiative is also set to show the best of new design talent, including supporting Ashley Williams and Ryan Lo with their catwalk shows, Claire Barrow and Molly Goddard with presentations, and Marta Jakubowski and Sadie Williams with exhibitions.

In April it was announced that the BFC Showspace would be moving to Brewer Street car park in Soho where 16 of the 77 brands on the schedule have chosen to show.

The BFC Presentation Space will be situated at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London SW1.

You can see the full schedule for LFW spring/summer 2016 here.

SEE ALSO:

London Fashion Week is Not Just About Fashion

Transgender Model Makes Debut As Woman On LFW Catwalk

Pregnant Models Steal The Show At London Fashion Week

Justin Theroux was spotted for the first time since his wedding to Jennifer Aniston when he arrived LAX Airport in Los Angeles yesterday.

But there was something very different about him...

The newlywed (and serious multi-hyphenate) actor, director and screenwriter, was sporting his brand new giant wedding ring.

And even if it weren't for the hoards of paparazzi with their cameras focused on Theroux's left hand, it would be hard to miss the new addition to his digit.

No really, it's huge...

justin theroux

The Theroux-Anistons must have a serious penchant for oversized jewellery, as Jen's engagement ring was also a little on the large side.

jennifer aniston ring

Will Aniston have a giant wedding band too? Are they a symbol of their undying love (or just bulging bank accounts)? Do they still have any dexterity in their hands? Whatever floats the Theroux-Anistons' boat, we guess.

SEE ALSO:

Definitive Proof This Is Not Jennifer Aniston's Wedding Dress

Jennifer Aniston And Justin Theroux's Best Style Couple Moments

Have Jen And Justin Pulled Off A Secret Wedding?!

Melissa McCarthy may be one of Hollywood's funniest actresses, but she takes body shaming seriously.

The fashion industry seems to be slowly embracing 'plus size' women, but McCarthy believes the term shouldn't exist at all.

"Women come in all sizes. Seventy percent of women in the United States are a size 14 (UK 16) or above, and that’s technically ‘plus-size,’ so you’re taking your biggest category of people and telling them, ‘You’re not really worthy.’ I find that very strange," McCarthy told Refinery 29.

melissa mccarthy

She went on to discuss how she felt clothing brands were losing out on business by not catering to all sizes and that fashion shouldn't be grouped into separate categories.

"I just think, if you’re going to make women’s clothing, make women’s clothing," she said.

"Designers that put everyone in categories are over-complicating something that should be easy."

McCarthy has teamed up with a few major retailers to ensure her new fashion collection, which ranges from size UK 8 - 32, is sold together in one place on the shop floor, rather in separate 'regular' and plus size sections.

"I don’t like the segregated plus section," she revealed. "You’re saying: ‘You don’t get what everybody else gets. You have to go shop up by the tire section.’

"I said, ‘Run the sizes as I make them and let friends go shopping with their friends. Stop segregating women.’ And they said, ‘Okay.’"

Melissa McCarthy Seven7 collection launches this month in retailers across the world, including Evans in the UK.

SEE ALSO:

Why You'll Love Melissa McCarthy's New Fashion Line Whether You're A Size 8 Or 32

Melissa McCarthy On Plus Size Shopping: 'People Don't Stop At Size 12'

This Is The Worst Way To Advertise Plus Size Leggings

Dressing a bigger bust can be a bit of a minefield, but luckily stars like Kate Upton are showing the world that big boobs can totally pull off high fashion.

Until every brand starts to cater for our needs (it's called tailoring, you guys), finding outfits that flatter and fit will remain a tricky art to master, but celebrity stylist Faye Sawyer has teamed up with big-bust friendly fashion brand Pepperberry to bring you her top tips for dressing bigger boobs:

kate upton

1. Get the fit right, jackets and blazers that are cut to flatter boobs are really worth investing in. Clever tailoring makes such a difference to an outfit.

2. Avoid chunky knits, heavy sweaters or anything that is too fluffy - they can add bulk to to your frame and chest area.

3. High necks like turtle or polo necks should be avoided. Instead, go for lower necklines as these flatter larger boobs.

lonely island

Proof even on a flat chest a polo neck is a difficult look to pull off

4. Accentuate your curves by wearing little belts around the highest part of your waist, these work particularly well with fitted and shift dresses, revealing a fabulous hour glass shape that looks amazing with big boobs.

5. Stay away from elaborate detailing around the boob area stick to simple well shaped pieces.

katy perry

6. If you are going for skinny jeans on a night out, go for heels too, they elongate the body and help balance the proportion of your silhouette.

7. High waisted jeans as a rule don't work if you have larger boobs, unless you are really skinny it's best to opt for lower waisted styles with well fitted tops.

8. Sounds obvious, but make sure your bra is the right size and fits well. Many women have never had a professional fitting, it really is important. Finding the right bra can quite literally transform your wardrobe.

9. A classic shirt is a wardrobe staple, if you have bigger boobs its all about the fit.

Choose a shirt that has bust tailored shaping. This way you can wear beautiful crisp white shirts and you wont have to put up with any gaping.

Pepperberry started its whole collection with a white shirt fitted and cut to flatter the larger bust - it's one of their bestsellers.

via GIPHY

Yay for boobs!

SEE ALSO:

Melissa McCarthy Wants To End 'Plus Size' Fashion

Taylor Swift And Calvin Harris May Soon Be Stripping Off For An Underwear Shoot

Bandage Dress 'Not For Voluptuous Women Or Lesbians', Says Herve Leger Director

Chanel has always been synonymous with style.

Credited with liberating women from the constraints of the corset, the luxury brand's founder Coco Chanel was the only fashion designer listed on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.

Early designs from her eponymous fashion house are now iconicised as modern classics - from their classic tweed suits and quilted handbags, to their best-selling No. 5 perfume.

coco chanel

Born 132 years ago today, Chanel was 87 when she died in 1971 at the Hotel Ritz in Paris, in a legendary and luxurious suite where she lived for more than 30 years.

To celebrate the fashion icon's 19 August birthday, we take a look back at her inimitable style and most inspirational quotes:

SEE ALSO:

This Amazing Chanel Exhibition Is Coming To London

Chanel Are Opening Their First Spa

Chanel: The Epitome of Style

If you don't know who Jillian Mercado is by now, you're going to want to get to know her, fast.

The fashion blogger and model who starred in a 2014 Diesel campaign has officially signed with iconic modeling agency IMG.

Mercado is beautiful, has great style and a deep rooted relationship with fashion, having graduated from FIT (the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York). She also has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair.

NOW REPRESENTING @Jilly_Peppa! Read all about our latest addition @WSJ (link in bio.) # #IMGirls cc @ivanmbart @nicolaformichetti

A photo posted by IMGmodels (@imgmodels) on Aug 12, 2015 at 6:28am PDT

Mercado told The Wall Street Journal that modeling never seemed like "a possibility" growing up. But while a student at FIT, she was asked to serve as a fit model for friends because she fit into sample sizes.

After starring in the Diesel ad, she consequently landed additional, major jobs including a gig for Nordstrom. Then she received a letter from someone who admired the Diesel campaign, and it finally clicked. "A light bulb went off, and I suddenly thought, ‘Go big, or go home,'" she told WSJ.

IMG represents a slew of diverse models and also produces New York Fashion Week, where Mercado has become a front row regular. Fingers crossed for a Mercado appearance on the runway in the very near future.

SEE ALSO:

& Other Stories Launch All-Transgender Fashion Campaign

Madeline Stuart, Model With Down's Syndrome, Will Walk At New York Fashion Week

Meet 11 Incredible Women Who Will Challenge Your Perceptions of Beauty

Liris Crosse, the model dubbed the "Naomi Campbell of the plus size modelling world' has just landed a new campaign and made history in the process.

Starring in the latest Goddess Lingerie lookbook, 32-year-old Crosse is the first black model to do so.

"It is a great step for model diversity within the industry! They didn’t book me cause I am black model but rather I was the best model for the job," Crosse wrote on her blog.

liris cross lingerie

Writing on her blog, Crosse shared her delight at being selected for the campaign: "It is a great step for model diversity within the industry! They didn’t book me cause I am black model but rather I was the best model for the job!

"I can’t begin to tell you the excitement from the buyers of all shapes, sizes, races and gender about my shoot for the line," she added.

"A few commented that their customers would be so excited to see 'someone like them' or they are glad to see some diversity."

liris cross model

A UK size 18, Baltimore-born Crosse was originally told to lose weight when she started out as a model. But instead of giving into demands or giving up on what she believed was her calling, Liris strove to succeed.

She is now represented by major agencies, including Hughes Models in London, and has featured in magazines such as Glamour and Seventeen, and music videos for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Jay-Z.

Cross, who walked the runway for Evans at British Plus Size Fashion Weekend 2014, told the Daily Mail she "would love to work more in the UK with Evans, Anna Scholz, Yours Clothing, Panache, Elomi, ASOS, Simple Be, Dorothy Perkins, Carma Koma to name a few."

Let's hope the brands are listening, but in the meantime see her full lingerie shoot below:

SEE ALSO:

Melissa McCarthy Wants To End 'Plus Size' Fashion

This Is The Worst Way To Advertise Plus Size Leggings

There Could Soon Be A Plus Size Victoria's Secret Angel

When we learned the viral image of "Jennifer Aniston's wedding dress" wasn't actually Jennifer Aniston in a wedding dress, we were disappointed... but only slightly.

We believe the fact the dress was worn at one of the most talked about weddings of the year was only part of the reason it was so widely shared.

The other reason is that it is stunning.

The dress combines a low cut back with the long lace sleeves made popular by the Duchess of Cambridge's Sarah Burton designed McQueen gown and seen on the wedding dresses worn by Geri Halliwell and Emily MacDonagh.

It was designed by Israel-based designer Dimitrius Dahlia Haute Couture. The designer's current collection can be found in shops in Dublin, Ireland and Athens, Greece. The dress is from the fashion house's 2014 collection.

An imitation design is currently available to buy (in sizes 6 to 20) from online retailer AliExpress for just £133.52, plus £10.68 shipping.

SEE ALSO:

Jennifer Aniston And Justin Theroux's Best Style Couple Moments

Here's How The 'Friends' Stars Have Aged Through The Years

Justin Theroux's Wedding Ring Is Pretty Intense

We think another Dimitrius Dalia wedding dress shot could easily end up as a case of viral mistaken identity. Does this model remind you of anyone?

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Jul 5, 2015 at 4:52am PDT

Here are some more beautifully dramatic designs from Dimitrius Dalia:

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Aug 27, 2014 at 8:51am PDT

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Jul 27, 2014 at 5:13am PDT

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Jun 23, 2014 at 9:18am PDT

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Jun 1, 2014 at 10:21pm PDT

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Jun 24, 2015 at 7:26am PDT

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Apr 30, 2014 at 2:10am PDT

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Mar 11, 2014 at 7:22am PDT

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Jan 13, 2014 at 6:16am PST

A photo posted by Dimitrius Dalia (@dimitriusdalia) on Aug 17, 2013 at 12:33pm PDT

Actually, let me rephrase that title, 'Best Eyewear Brands for Men, with personality'.

I started wearing glasses about fifteen years ago and now there is no getting away from the fact they are well and truly part of my identity.

Now, I want Brits to be braver with their choice of eyewear instead of stumbling instead of just stumbling into Vision Express for the best 2-1 deal. It doesn't happen that way with our European friends in Germany, France & Holland, where eye-wear is seen as an extension of an individual's identity and thus frames, quite frankly, have more flair and personality.

So, to encourage chaps to start getting a bit more creative, I've profiled seven brands that hopefully can inspire you to get a little bolder with your choice of specs.

Cult Eyewear

You may not have heard of this brand yet, so if not, I'd like to introduce to you New Jersey based designers Cult Eye-wear. They crossed the pond and entered the U.K market in December last year with an emphasis on recreating some of the most iconic frame designs of the 20th century.

New Jersey already comes with a rich heritage in optical manufacturing and Cult seems to be continuing the trend with their flagship frame, The Fairmount and new for 2015, The Fontana frame.

More frames at: Cult Frames

Oliver Peoples

Oliver Peoples, probably the widest recognised brand on my list, makes the cut for holding our hands for the last decade and telling us that vintage inspired eye-wear is O.K. Since leading the way, they've continued to produce modern models, for the modern gent. The brand was founded in 1987 with a distinctive culture rooted in California, with each frame still meticulously hand-made.

The O'Malley and Sir O'Malley frames are the pick of the bunch, both available in a range of colours to suit your complexion.

More frames at: Oliver Peoples

Lotho

Another big player in the boutique eye-wear market is Lotho, and definitely one of my favourite brands. Seven years young and head-quartered in Paris, Lotho have produced a variety of frames perfect for the Dapper Chapper with personality.

The Zacharay and Rene frames are leading the way.

More frames at: Lotho

Harry Lary's

Let's stay in France a little longer and go over to Harry Lary's. The French eye-wear house produce original frames that combine creativity & elegance. The brand mainly features retro-futurist shapes, all hand-made, with an 'unconventional & timeless chic.'

Definitely one of my favourite eye-wear brands out there, check out these epic Hosty and Manifesty models.

More frames at: Harry Lary's

Andy Wolf

Handcrafted in Hartberg, Austria, Andy Wolf is another brand that creates unique glasses. They produce an array of classic and contemporary frames all of which are coded by a number/letter system and I love the 4511C & 4515A:

More frames at: Andy Wolf
TYG

TYG Spectacles is an up-and-coming Italian eye-wear line. With TYG standing for Three Young Gentlemen, naturally I was interested in what types of frames they produced.

The eye-wear is timeless and current but exudes personality and I particularly like the Indro and Mr Ripley frames.

More frames at: TYG

Glints

Last but by no means least on the list is Glints. Handmade eyewear from Japan, Glints works for those on a stricter budget. They produce decent frames with bold identities, just without the big price-tag. This is done by cutting out the middle man and sending the glasses to the consumer straight from the factory,

Check out the Nelson and Trego frames.

More frames at: Glints

I'm always on the hunt for new brands so please comment to tell me if I've missed any brands you think should have made the cut?

Also, if you are a chap with more creative eye-wear I want to see so tweet me at @dapper_chapper

Photography credits:
Cult Eyewear - www.cultframes.com
Glints - www.glints.london
Harry Lary's - www.harrylarys.com
TYG Spectacles - www.tygspectacles.com
Andy Wolf - www.andy-wolf.com
Lotho - http://www.lotho.fr/
OLIVER PEOPLES - www.oliverpeoples.com/

Laurie Nouchka leggings have been making a bit of a stir in the fitness wear world, and it's not hard to see why.

With drawings of iconic buildings from around the globe translated as geometric patterns onto functional Nylon Lycra garments, they make it possible to become a walking, talking (and yoga class-taking) work of art.

The brand is named after company founder, 32-year-old artist Laurie Nouchka, who became inspired to start a clothing line after a trip to Barcelona spent drawing Gaudi’s buildings.

"I knew that I wanted to take my drawings and paintings off the canvas and I just loved the idea of seeing these buildings towering up your legs - it was a completely visual thing for me," she told HuffPost UK Style.

"I would never call myself a fashion designer, I’m a visual artist through and through. I don’t think that means you only do paintings on canvas – I’ve just made the body mine."

Artist and designer Laurie Nouchka

A keen yogi and swimmer, Nouchka started by making a few pairs of leggings for her to wear to fitness classes.

Before she knew it, she was getting orders in from admirers.

"It was then I realised there was something in what I was doing," she said.

"It was just a great pleasure to be making something people enjoyed wearing."

Nouchka's range of leggings, crop tops and swimsuits are all manufactured in her hometown of London, and are part of the new breed of sports luxe clothing taking over the market.

"You can wear it for Yoga or working out – but equally you can wear it to go out as a special and distinctive item, as a statement piece in your life," she said of her range (Nouchka pairs her leggings with a silk shirt and doubles up swimsuits as a body under denim shorts).

laurie nouchka

She uses her artist's instinct to pair colours for the collection, though she describes the process as "hard to explain."

"I tend to draw big. Sometimes I’ll roll out meters of paper on the street and throw ink around and see what comes out of it."

In a similar manner to a batch of prints from an 'typical' artist, each of her clothing styles is strictly limited edition.

"I’ve always seen it as the same as investing in a limited edition art print, only this time you can wear it," she said.

In her spare time, Nouchka also so runs community arts project Walls on Walls which creates audio visual installations in residential environments – often in housing estates (see their latest project in Camden).

SEE ALSO:

The Hemsley + Hemsley Sisters Talk All Things Fitness

Think Yoga Is 'Just For Girls'? This Man Will Prove You Wrong

The Rise Of Instagram Fitness Gurus And How They Made A Success Of It

But amidst her busy days of single-handedly running a fashion brand, Nouchka always makes her health a priority.

At 8am every morning, she's at London Fields Yoga taking a hatha class, and even incorporates exercise into her business.

"If I’m ever stuck in a rut or feeling lethargic, a swim always sorts me out - and sometimes I'll have swimming meetings where we swim and talk through ideas or plans."

Nouchka also cites a greens-packed diet, a good eight-hours sleep and avoiding the tube as contributing to her wellbeing, and she revealed the main key to managing her time is an age-old one.

"Routine – I don’t find routine boring and it allows me to be organised and therefore more relaxed in the long term," she said.

"I have to schedule in time for me to switch off, but when I do I’m pretty good at letting go."

Finally, her advice for other women starting their own business?

"Passion has to be a huge part of it, but it can’t be that alone," she counsels.

"Understand your market. Who are they, what do they eat, where do they hang out, who do they listen to? Make sure there is a demand for it.

"I also think investing in great people is key to starting out."

Proof that being nasty doesn't pay.

Patrick Couderc has now left his position as Herve Leger UK managing director after making sexist and homophobic comments about who should wear the brand's bandage dresses.

A brand spokesperson confirmed to Vogue that Couderc "is no longer associated with the company".

Couderc insisted on Sunday that "voluptuous" women and "lesbians" should stay away from Hevre Leger's signature skin-tight frocks.

Herve Leger bandage dresses have been seen on stars like Victoria Beckham and Miranda Kerr

"If you’re a committed lesbian and you are wearing trousers all your life, you won’t want to buy a Leger dress," he said. "Lesbians would want to be rather butch and leisurely."

He also added: "You women have a lot of problems. You will lose the plot. You will come and you will put a dress on and you'll be in front of the mirror, like, 'Argh I'm so fat.' Yes you have a 12th of an inch around your stomach, it's not really a disaster, and what you're not noticing is that your cleavage is about two inches too low because you are 55 and it's that time you should not display everything like you're 23."

What a charmer.

Ahead of Couderc's departure the brand released a statement saying they were "shocked and appalled" by what he said said and that his views are not reflective of the company's beliefs.

"The Herve Leger by Max Azria brand celebrates sensuality, glamour and femininity without discrimination," the brand spokesperson stated.

Bye Felicia!

SEE ALSO:

Bandage Dress 'Not For Voluptuous Women Or Lesbians', Says Herve Leger Director

Topshop Apologises For Using 'Ridiculously Shaped' Mannequin

#Curvy Is Back: Instagram Unblock Hashtag Following Huge Backlash

The revelation of Jennifer Aniston's wedding ring is the latest talking point to come from her nuptials to Justin Theroux.

First there was the 'is it, isn't it?' wedding dress (that turned out to be fake), then came Justin's weirdly giant wedding ring, and now... we've finally clocked Jen's gold band.

The former Friends actress was snapped wearing her (very large and sparkly) wedding ring at the premiere of her latest film, 'She's Funny That Way'.

jennifer aniston

Noticeably missing from Jen's tanned hand (a honeymoon in Bora Bora will do that to you), was her enormous 8-carat diamond engagement ring which she famously referred to as her "rock".

As much as Aniston loved the engagement ring, in an interview with the New York Times she admitted: “I’m not a diamond girl. I’m more Indian jewelry and stuff.”

jennifer aniston ring

"The Rock"

Perhaps that's why she switched it up... but more likely there just wasn't enough room on her finger for the both of them.

If, like us, you're mourning the loss of 'the rock', these other celeb engagement rings will give you your giant diamond fix:

SEE ALSO:

Justin Theroux's Wedding Ring Is Pretty Intense

Loved The Viral 'Jennifer Aniston Wedding Dress'? Here's Where It's From

Jennifer Aniston And Justin Theroux's Best Style Couple Moments

Get The Look: Poolside Glam

Lessons In Paris Haute Couture: How to Escape a 'Style Rut'

Transgender Models Star In & Other Stories' New Fashion Campaign

Alleged Price Fixing Among Top Modelling Agencies Isn't Surprising - They Have a Track Record

Dyed Armpit Hair Trend: How To Work The Attention-Grabbing Look

Taylor Swift And Calvin Harris Could Soon Be Modelling Armani Underwear Together

Korean Beauty Trend Heart Hair Is Taking Over Instagram

Teen Model, Thylane Blondeau, Is Not 'All Grown Up' at the Age of 14

London Fashion Week Schedule September 2015: The Full List And Highlights

Justin Theroux's Wedding Ring Is Pretty Intense

Melissa McCarthy Gets Serious About Plus Size Fashion: 'Stop Segregating Women'

Tips For Dressing A Big Bust: Style Hacks To Make You Look Even More Amazing

Coco Chanel Quotes We Love On The Ultimate Style Icon's Birthday

Jillian Mercado, Model With Muscular Dystrophy, Signs With IMG

Liris Crosse: Model Hailed As 'Naomi Campbell Of Plus Size' Scores New Lingerie Campaign

Viral Jennifer Aniston Wedding Dress Designed By Dimitrius Dahlia

Best Eyewear Brands for Men

Women In Business: Laurie Nouchka Leggings Founder On Making Fitness Wear Into Wearable Art

Herve Leger Bandage Dress Update: Patrick Couderc Leaves Company After 'Appalling' Comments

Celebrity Engagement Rings: Jennifer Aniston's Giant Rock Is No Longer (But Her Wedding Ring Is Amazing)