Sorry Kate, obviously smoking really IS bad for your skin

By MAYSA RAWI

Breaking the rules: Kate Moss lights up on the catwalk for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week today


Kate Moss has never been one to follow rules and today was no exception when she ignored the ban - and No Smoking Day - and lit up on the catwalk.

Walking for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week, Kate indulged her bad habit and proved she's still got it in a pair of tight hot pants and bondage-style lace-up boots.

Moss was the perfect choice to close the fetish-themed show and had the crowd cheering as she theatrically blew out smoke.


Naughty but nice: Naomi Campbell, centre, starred in the fetish-inspired show


Jacobs spared no expense to produce a highly stylised event, casting supermodels Naomi Campbell, Amber Valetta, Carolyn Murphy and Maria Carla.

Hostesses dressed in French maid's uniforms and brandishing feather dusters and platters with caviar canapes and shots of vodka ushered guests into a tent that recreated a dimly lit Paris hotel.

The show saw models emerging from a makeshift lift attended to by porters, while they strutted down the runway handcuffed to their handbags, in heels so high, the catwalk had to be reworked to accommodate the 13cm heels.


Hotel Vuitton: A makeshift lift, attended to by porters saw models emerging from the boudoir-style set


Hourglass shaped coats in tweed and slick patent leather were worn with thigh-high stockings - and nothing else.

Black bustiers were layered over demure A-line skirts worn with shirts with round white collars.

A black dress embroidered with sequins looked innocent enough until the model turned the corner, revealing her handcuff-bound wrists.


Irrational desire: Marc Jacobs said the public's love of everything with the LV logo sparked the idea for the collection


Superstar designer Marc Jacobs said the public's insatiable desire for everything with the LV logo sparked the idea for the collection.

'There's this crazy, almost irrational desire for these objects, these things we create,' Jacobs told a scrum of journalists in a frenzied backstage interview.

'We were thinking about obsession, fetishism and we thought about an old hotel, with its chambermaids and the affairs that go on there, the crimes and scandals.

'And we just wanted to reveal all the amazing creatures who passed through there'.


What a difference an hour makes: Moss's complexion outside looks a far cry from her glossy appearance on the catwalk a short time earlier


Home time: Kate and fiance Jamie Hince, left, and Naomi head out after the show


Louis Vuitton A/W 2011/2012 with Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell Fashion and Fetisch collection.



source: dailymail

So, is this what you'll be wearing to the wedding, Kate? Sarah Burton unveils new bridal collection for Alexander McQueen

By MAYSA RAWI

Fit for a McQueen: Sarah Burton, rumoured to be designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress, unveiled the Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week yesterday


As the fashion industry is awash with reports that Kate Middleton's wedding dress will be made by Sarah Burton, the Alexander McQueen designer kept the rumour mill running when she unveiled a very bridal collection in Paris yesterday.

Although Burton dismissed claims after the show, the speculation continues and there is no doubt the stunning pieces are fit for a queen.

Kate's gown will be bespoke, but the Winter 2011 ready-to-wear line provides exciting insight into what to expect on the big day should the news turn out to be true.


Ice Queen: Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines


Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines, but no sleeves in the collection that was aptly named 'Ice Queen'.

Kate will no doubt follow in the traditional footsteps of her predecessors and eschew spaghetti straps or bustier designs in favour of a more demure look.

The odds so far have been on Kate choosing veteran designer Bruce Oldfield or Phillipa Lepley.


Innovative: Burton retained McQueen's signature look but introduced new elements, including a dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain with a 6ft long train, which took two weeks to make



Short 'n' sweet: The collection won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as Burton ducked out for a bow


But it seems fashion experts are now desperately hoping Burton will be the chosen one.

Asked whether he thought the rumours would prove true, Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, replied 'I hope so.'

'If she were dressed by Ms Burton, she'd make a beautiful bride.'


Black Beauty: The Gothic-inspired designs were a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen


Hardcore: The collection also included a fair share of black, not to mention plentiful hardcore bondage touches


Either way, Burton won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as she ducked out for a bow as the front row exchanged knowing glances.

But although white dresses dotted the collection, all the McQueen signature detailing was visible including chunky platform heels, black and Gothic accessories.

Only 35 pieces were made, giving the designer a chance to hone her expertise and concentrate on every little detail - including an intricate dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain and a 6ft train.


Take a bow: Sarah Burton at the end of the show


It was Burton's second since she stepped into McQueen's immense shoes about a year ago following his suicide.

Burton, 36, had worked closely with McQueen for years, and her debut collection, shown last October, was lauded by the press for managing the tricky task of tapping into the late designer's creative genius, while softening McQueen's signature hard edges and letting out his painfully nipped-in waists.

And if she really is tasked with the Royal wedding dress, then her efforts have clearly paid off.


Recognition: Naomi Campbell, left, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington


Top secret: Kate, pictured yesterday, will not be revealing any details until her wedding to Prince William in April


Turning out to support her were supermodel Naomi Campbell - a longstanding fan of McQueen - Vogue editor Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington.

Burton joined the label in 1996, where she grew to become his loyal sidekick and eventually became creative director when McQueen died last year.

After the announcement was made, she said: 'The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee's vision.

'I intend to stay true to his legacy.'

Jonathan Akeroyd, president and CEO of Alexander McQueen said: 'We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to take on the role of creative director.

'Having worked alongside Lee McQueen for more than 14 years, she has a deep understanding of his vision, which will allow the company to stay true to its core values.'

Kate's choice and any details will of course not be revealed until April 29, but after yesterday's collection proved to be such a hit - and arguably the highlight of Fashion Week, the verdict is unanimous.

It would be a great shame not to see the future Princess in a McQueen dress on her big day.





source: dailymail