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.

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!"

...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!

Scandal on the cover of Tatler's february issue

Fall & winter's best trench coats

Just got back from London after visiting some friends and going to some (kinda slightly mad) fashion filled parties. (Harry Potter premiere anyone?) ...Lies... It's been a while, but I can't get Brit fashion out of my head!

So what's the fashion secret the Brits hold that we, their American cousins, can't seem to grasp? Maybe it has something to do with how they manage to look totally chic even in their not–so–Californian weather?

Turning to Britain's budding fashion icon, the Duchess of Cambridge, America has got to learn some pointers on how to dress to kill even in the rain. Really guys, rain isn't an excuse to go sloppy on your wardrobe!

Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge rocking it out in a Burberry trench coat

So here's a list of the top three trench coat must haves in a girl's closet:

1) DKNY Women's Belted Rain/Trench Coat (in Camel)

No surprise this classic color is first on the list of my top trench coat picks. With a classic cut, a few old school pleats and of course (how can we forget!) a belted waist, this pick is quite the ideal trench coat!

2) Miss Sixty Women's Roll Sleeve Trench Coat (in Khaki)

Another perfect specimen of the rare species of the exotic trench coat. Slightly lighter than DKNY's trench coat above, this shade of khaki tends to go really well with lighter skin tones. The longer pleats and shorter hem line make the illusion of longer legs and the roll up sleeves are just the sugar and cherry on top!

3) Tommy Hilfiger Woman's Double Breasted Cotton Trench Coat (in Black)

Every girl needs at least one black trench coat. Sure, the "classic" look of the trench coat brings to mind colors of camel, khaki, tan, and at the lightest beige and off white, but sometimes black is just the way to go. With this black trench coat, you can wear it over evening wear as well as on a walk to the park. This trench coat also comes in khaki, and though this khaki is lighter than the one above, it's also A approved.

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Till next time my beloved trenchies, and may the coat be with you!