A Fur Lined Royal

The Palace has defended the Duchess of Cambridge over claims that she wore a real fur jacket. The International Fur Foundation (ITFF), posted a note on its Facebook page praising the royal for her "classy fur-lined coat", while animal rights charity PETA contacted the Palace showing their disapproval of the look. As a result, the Palace sent a letter to the anti-fur organisation, which was in turn forwarded onto IFRR.

"Her Royal Highness was not wearing fur," the letter read. "The coat was not lined with fur. We therefore insist that you remove the photo from your social media page and issue an immediate public retraction of your claim."

PETA was quick to show its appreciation for the Duchess' decision not to wear fur.

"[Duchess Kate's] decision not to wear fur puts her in the company of public figures such as Michelle Obama, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and the late Princess Diana, all of whom swore off fur because of the cruelty inherent in the fur industry," the company told TODAY.COM. "This was a poor and desperate attempt by the International Fur Trade Federation to promote its products."

Fur issues aside, the Duchess has also hit headlines this morning with the announcement that she is to host a reception at Clarence House to celebrate the Southbank Centre's Women of the World Festival. The lunch will take place on Tuesday February 28, ahead of the festival which starts on March 7. Guests are expected to include Bianca Jagger, Jo Brand, Annie Lennox, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Angela Hartnett, Baroness Scotland and Amanda Wakeley.

Fall/Winter Fashion Week 2012: I want it all.

Ready for Designer Number 2? Read about Number 1 {here}.
Now I don't think of myself as a greedy person, but this is an exception ok? So don't judge me. Jenny Packham. The British always do it right. To be honest, I had absolutely no idea who this fabulous European genius was until a couple of days ago. Little did I know that a small suggestion from my sister would open up my eyes to a fabulous new world of wonder and whimsy. The clothes are [in a British accent] prim and proper [end of British accent] and are completely... they just seem powerful, not fussy and overdesigned. They are almost simple in their elegance. The styling of the hair makes these girls seem like absolutely perfect ladies, but the bold lip is a hint that they are [in an spooky voice] not what they seeeeEEEeeEEem! [end of spooky voice] Please excuse the voices... I thought they would be a nice touch. In short: these girls exude extravagance and are fabulous.

{Photos from Style.com}

Fall/Winter Fashion Week 2012: Can't keep my promise.

I promised myself that I would, I could not, and I should not, post about every single fashion show that was held during Fall Fashion Week 2012. But I've decided to break my promise. So far, I've made a new promise to myself to only post about 3 different designers, but let's be real, that number will probably grow. It's bad, but I think you'll become very very thankful. After all, who doesn't want to look at pretty pretty pretty clothes!

And for a very very nice appetizer, BCBG Max Azria? Well. Done.  


"BCBG Max Azria creative officer Lubov Azria has mastered her interpretation of the perfect urban chiffon dress" (Vogue). Who knew geometric shapes could look like this, beyond fabulous. And don't you just want to be one of these girls? Feeling effortless, free, and confident? A bit of sheerness here and there takes these looks to a new level where these clothes would probably help attract the opposite sex but not in a slutty kind of way. Now I could go on and on about these dresses, but it's really simple: I like these clothes and I think they're pretty. It was a great fashion show. And boom! The entire post just like that. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

{Photos from Vogue}

She be rolling in the dough.

Contrary to what the title suggests, I don't actually know if Adele is "rolling in the dough". I just thought it was a clever spin on her song titled "Rolling in the Deep", but perhaps that's just me thinking I'm funnier than I actually am which is an entirely possible possibility. You be the judge. But I think it logical to assume that her finances are doing pretty darn well, considering all the success this wonderfully talented woman is enjoying. 

Talking about #winning.

I mean, winning 6 out of the 6 Grammy's she was nominated for? Now that's successful. Oh and she's flipping gorgeous. Put me on the cover of Vogue, I would probably look a hot mess. Though with how people use Photoshop nowadays, I could probably look like Beyoncé mixed with a little of Tyra Banks with a whole lot of Zoe Saldana, essentially making me look like a black Aphrodite. But put Adele on the cover of Vogue, and she's an absolute knock-out. Ab-so-freaking-lutely. 

Hair, Hair, Everywhere!

I've always had reasonably straight hair with slight waves...so slight that even if you squinted, you probably couldn't see them. No wonder I was always envious of people with curly hair. I guess you'll always want what you can't have, right?

Then steps in ghd's classic styler. It was perfect for my hair that refused to curl with curling irons or curlers. My curls stayed in for weeks! It even straightens hair...but I didn't need any help in that department. I've never been so impressed with a hair appliance before, but of course this one matched its hefty price tag... I just told myself it was a late Valentine's Day gift for oh-so single me!

Our favorites to win the London Design Museum awards

Seeing the full line up of the London Design Museum awards nominees, made your jaw drop didn't it? I thought I saw some drool.

Let's see Tirvani's favorites for winning the London Design Museum award in the category of fashion.

1. DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE'S WEDDING DRESS
SARAH BURTON FOR ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, LONDON, UK

We're (of course) starting with our favorite and the one we think has the bast chance of winning. 

The Duchess of Cambridge's dress is a mix of old and new. Made by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, it is modeled after Grace Kelly's wedding dress. See more on it here.

2. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN: SAVAGE BEAUTY, METROPOLITAN MUSEUM IN NEW YORK, USA

ANDREW BOLTON, CURATOR

Alexander McQueen... Is there more to say? The brand's name is synonymous with unique but not outlandish fashion; classic yet different.

The collection Savage Beauty is a cross between the wild, fiercely independent side of a woman and her lady-like counterpart. 

3. CÉLINE AUTUMN/ WINTER '11

PHOEBE PHILO AT CÉLINE, PARIS, FRANCE

Gorgeous, right? Céline's autumn/winter '11 line gave us a whole new way of looking at clean. With stark contrast and bold lines, these outfits definitely yell "Look at me!"

Paris Haute Couture: Valentino spring/summer

The lovely designers

and their work...

   

Charming, isn't it?

What were you doing Friday the 13th?

• 

If you don't get the above reference that is in quotes, then a) you are a sad, sad, human being and b) click {here} as soon as humanly possible. Turn your sound waaaaay up.

...And the fashion nominees are in!

Nominations for the London Design Museum awards are in. Here's a little blurb from their website:

The Design Museum’s Design Awards, ‘the Oscars of the design world’, showcase the most innovative and progressive designs from around the world, spanning seven categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Product and Transport. A high profile judging panel will decide the best entries in each of the seven categories. Category award winners and the overall winner of the Design of the Year Award 2012 will be announced at an Awards event in April 2012.


"The Oscars of the design world"? We like that...

Let's take a look at the full list of nominees for the fashion category, shall we?

The fashion nominees in full:

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum, New York, USA
Andrew Bolton with the support of Harold Koda of The Costume Institute, New York, USA

The Duchess of Cambridge's Wedding Dress, London, UK
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

Céline Autumn/Winter '11, Paris, France
Phoebe Philo at Céline

Late Night Chameleon Café, London, UK
Store design: Gary Card, creative director: John Skelton, brand director: Dan Mitchell

Mary Katrantzou Autumn/Winter '11, London, UK
Mary Katrantzou

Melissa + Gaetano Pesce Boot and Flip Flip, New York, USA
Gaetano Pesce, Manufactured by Melissa, Brazil

Oratory Jacket, London, UK
Will Carleysmith, Head of Design at Brompton Bicycle Ltd

Suno Spring/Summer '11, New York, USA
Suno

Vivienne Westwood Ethical Fashion Africa Collection, Autumn/Winter '11
Vivienne Westwood, London, UK

132.5, Tokyo, Japan
Miyake Design Studio

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Come back soon for a review of our favorites to win the London Design Museum awards!

February 3rd: national wear red day