Ethic teens fashions on the catwalk

A cut-out shift dress with transparent panels inspired by a daily Hong Kong ritual took top honours at the Seeing the Possibilities Fashion Show, an event aimed at the city's ethnic minority teenagers.

Fifteen-year-old Sanjila Gurung from Sir Ellis Kadoorie Secondary School won with her design titled "Dim Sum Dress".

The show was organised by Kely Support Group - a local non-governmental organisation for youth aged between 14 and 24. Its 15 participants were required to tell a Hong Kong story through their designs, and Sanjila says the dim sum basket was a huge source of inspiration.

"The top neck of the dress is the cover of a dim sum basket," Sanjila says. "The middle part is made with a crisscross method and represents the basket which holds the dim sum. The bottom part is the dim sum made from a plain white cloth. The inspiration for the dress comes from walking to the KCR every morning when I see people enjoying their dim sum breakfast. I chose dim sum as the theme of my dress as it is symbolic of the food culture in Hong Kong," she says.

Sanjila Gurung's "Dim Sum Dress" took top honours at the Seeing the Possibilities Fashion Show

"This is my first dress and my friend Aakriti helped me to create it. Linking the concept of food and fashion was not an easy task, but I love trying new things and challenging myself."

Advertisment
Cheap Designer Bags Cheap Michael Kors Bags China Wholesale En Bag Air Max Shoes Wholesale Cheap Jordans On sale

Kely spokeswoman Victoria Wong says the theme of the show was "My Hong Kong", so "every piece created was inspired by these teens' experience in the city".

Amandeep Kaur, 16, says she looked to the city's skyscrapers for inspiration. "The jagged city skyline with gems used as lights of the buildings was the thinking behind my design."

Meanwhile, Aakriti Thapa, 16, adopted a green approach. "This dress is about the city's pollution with the colours - whites and greys - reflecting the city's clean air and dirty air."

The Seeing the Possibilities mentorship programme has helped different communities of disadvantaged Hong Kong youth realise their own potential and build essential life skills through fashion design and event-planning training.

Guest judge at the show was Hong Kong fashion photographer Aanchal Wadhwani, who praised the programme for inspiring Nepalese, Filipino, Indian and Pakistani youth. Hong Kong fashion writer Divia Harilela was another judge.

Wong says the next fashion show is likely to be held in December 2015. "This is not an annual thing - it very much depends on funding - although we have been fortunate enough to have one every year for the past four years," says Wong.

An Ulster Log: Stockings fall out of fashion at Christmas

Did children everywhere hang up their stockings by the fireplace this Christmas and leave shortbread and milk for Santa?

Ads by Google
Cheap Air Jordan Wholesale Air Max Free Run China Best Replica Shoes Cheap Air Max 90

My question is prompted by this card sent to us by family friend Anita Gibney. Those three stockings in the picture above were a reminder of how it used to be when I was young.

I love Christmas to this day - I would still enjoy hanging up my stocking only it isn't the done thing for guys of my age to do so.

I was 14 the last time I had my stocking filled. Filled with ashes, to my dismay. A sign that I was growing up. I wonder who put them there?

But getting back to the original question, I have to say, to my dismay, that the current Santa generation have stockings only for wearing.

The point is that you can't squeeze a laptop, or a computer game, into a stocking and children today aren't impressed by an apple and an orange down in the toe.

I used to keep that fruit for weeks just because of the Father Christmas connection.

While I'm on the subject of Yule, let me tell you that the sight and smell of blue paint brings memories of Christmas past tumbling back.

As compensation for no longer being allowed to hang up my stocking, I was promoted to my father's assistant when he was making toys for my sisters.

One year, he built a dolls' cot and painted it blue. Blue paint and Christmas have gone together ever since for me.

And I still believe in Santa.

advertisement

Time to make the Waterfront glitter

The elegant glitter ball that was presented to television presenter Caroline Flack for winning Strictly reminds me of a similar ball that used to hang from the ceiling of the old Floral Hall, a Mecca of ballroom into the 1970s before falling into disrepair.

The Floral glitter ball then went missing for years and surfaced to be spun again at a play in the Arts Theatre.

That was the last I saw of it, before it vanished into a prop store somewhere.

Wouldn't it be nice if the Ulster Orchestra tracked it down again and had it hanging all aglow in the Waterfront in time for one of their traditional evenings of gentle music and song?

To make the evening complete they could invite 32-year-old Caroline and her dance partner, Pasha Kovalev, to perform a few routines in front of the musicians. Caroline, who judge Len Goodman said put her soul into her dance, would help the orchestra to pack the Waterfront in the New Year.

Pasha, by the way, is the boyfriend of Countdown's Rachel Riley, with whom he danced in last year's Strictly without much success.

But, back to my main point - where is the Floral Hall glitter ball hiding?

How Gerald forged a job and a new life passion

When the forge is glowing and the anvil ready for action, blacksmith Gerald Monaghan just loves shoeing a horse. Or even a donkey.

And today the horseshoes he shapes are for hooves at the Ulster Folk and Transport museum, where he has his smithy. And its proving to be a lucky one as Gerald has been made a Journeyman by the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in London.

The certificate accompanying the accolade explains the Worshipful Company was impressed by Gerald, especially since he took up shoeing only four years ago.

"And he is self-taught," points out Kathryn Kirk at the museum. "His is a natural talent and his workshops are always a sell-out."

Mark Irvine, head of operations at the Folk Park, adds: "Gerald enriches the museum - especially at his daily forge demonstrations. Never mind the horseshoes - the pokers he fashions are always in demand, too."

Gerald, who arrived at the museum in 1996 as a guide, says: "I'm one of those fortunate people who love going to work every day, especially when I became a blacksmith - a trade I have always admired. When I first stood at the furnace back in 2010, I didn't envisage blacksmithing becoming such a big part of my work, but it's a traditional skill I'm delighted to be keeping alive."

Shame on the seasonal scoundrel

Here's a bit of a story about a Christmas rogue.

A 40-something stranger wandered into the hall of a church in east Belfast where a group of women were busy at a craft session.

After he told a minister he was starving, was out of work and generally having a rough time at Christmas with no money, he was made a present of a tenner and a parcel of edibles from a food bank at the church.

But after the stranger departed, one of the craft class ladies discovered that her handbag was missing and her purse, which contained a goodly sum.

Later the bag and purse - minus the money - turned up in a garden.

Here's the ironic bit: the rogue stranger didn't need the grub either.

You see, the food bag which was unopened had been discarded, too.

Quatro tribute to old friend Chris

Delightful Suzie Quatro, who will be at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, in May, has been reminding me that it will be 40 years come January since she and Chris Brown recorded my favourite song, Stumblin' In, which is a kind of love piece with a difference.

Sadly, Chris lost his life in a road accident some time ago and Suzie lost a good friend with whom she was always singing duets.

So when she is at the Waterfront on May 29, Suzie will be paying tribute to Chris, who was particularly popular in Northern Ireland.

Wonder who the lady will get to duet with her?

How about Peter Corry, a hometown boy who is a fan.

'Hopalong' roamed the dry docks

My stories about all those nicknames that used to be a tradition in the H&W shipyard went down a treat with readers.

So here's another one about a plater called Cassidy, who loved to be addressed as Hopalong because he was a huge fan of cowboy film star Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd).

Shipyard Hopalong used to tell his mates in the yard that he had a pony in a field near Glenavy called Topper. You've guessed it - Topper was the name of film star Hopalong's trusty steed.

Cassidy the plater claimed to have seen all of his hero's films - mostly produced in the 1950s and 1960s. Two that went down well in Belfast were Range War and Silver on the Sage.

One Man's Trash, Another Man's Fashion Brand

Trying to save the world today can take on many forms. For Javier Goyeneche, a 44-year-old Spanish entrepreneur, it happens to involve trash — discarded tires, leftover coffee grounds, even old fishing nets from the sea. He's not just recycling them; he's using them to make a fashion statement.

Goyeneche is challenging the world of sustainable fashion with ECOALF, a Madrid-based brand that's exploring new ground in scooping up the detritus of the industrial world and converting it into something people will pay good money for — backpacks, coats and swimwear. The company — named after Goyeneche's first son, Alfredo — was only a concept five years ago, but today, two years after its first line hit the stores, the brand has had an early boost from limited-edition products for some high-profile partners and friends, like Apple, Barneys and the queen of eco-friendly high living, Gwyneth Paltrow. Recently, the company has worked with Will.i.am to develop the first line of outdoor accessories for his new company, Ekocycle, which, in partnership with Coca-Cola, aims to give plastic bottles a second life.

Speaking quickly as he paces about his office — a large, white, minimalist space that serves as shop, showroom and headquarters — Goyeneche contends that junk really can be made into some beautiful fabrics. And when he talks this way, it's easy to get caught up in his excitement. He's a fit and handsome guy, handsome in a very Spanish way, with thick, wavy hair and a charming smile.

The son of an engineer and a professional golfer, he says he never imagined becoming a fashion entrepreneur. Instead, he grew up wanting to be "a million different things." Unable to focus on one, he studied business management and at age 24 created his first brand of accessories, called Fun&Basics, which he recently sold to focus solely on ECOALF.

Unifi makes Repreve, a thread that comes from plastic waste bottles and leftover polyester scraps, at its Yadkinville, N.C., facility.
BUSINESS
Driven By Climate Change, Cotton Buyers Look For Alternatives
It's a tough time for business in Spain, where the euro crisis has led to a drop in retail sales, but ECOALF is focusing on stronger foreign markets, with most customers in the U.S., Japan and Northern Europe. Spain's just 10 percent of sales. Turnover has doubled in the last year, Goyeneche says. Still, it's relatively small, with $4.2 million in sales expected this year and 21 full-time employees.

Advertisment 
Fashion & Style Cheap Nike Sneakers Cheap Air Jordan 11 Cheap Air Max 2015 Cheap Free Run Cheap Kevin Druant 7

Goyeneche didn't invent the idea of recycled fashion materials. Companies like Patagonia have been recycling polyester from bottles since the '90s. Marks & Spencer recently introduced a coat made from recycled wool, and H&M is using recycled cotton in some jeans. So what's so special about ECOALF? While most recycled fabrics commercialized today contain 15 or 20 percent recycled materials, Goyeneche's clothes use 80 to 100 percent.

Of all the materials he uses, the most interesting have got to be old fishing nets. For Goyeneche, they're a fashion treasure because they're often more than a mile long, and made of high-quality nylon that fishermen need to change out every two to three years. Now instead of being dumped into the ocean, the nets are collected by ECOALF; for every half pound of fishing nets collected, the brand produces roughly a yard of fabric. So far, the company has recycled a remarkable 24 tons of fishing nets, along with 24 million plastic bottles. "ECOALF is one of the very few [sustainable fashion] brands which are, style-wise, very mass-market compatible. This is a very big advantage," says German fashion designer Magdalena Schaffrin.

Worker Charles Lee sorts through clothes at Mac Recycling near Baltimore. Textile recycling is a huge international business, and a small facility like Mac ships about 80 tons of clothes each week to buyers around the world.
PARALLELS
The Global Afterlife Of Your Donated Clothes
But the company's products don't come cheap; $250 for a coat and $105 for a pair of shoes are not quite mass-market affordable. And that's likely to be ECOALF's major challenge as it grows. Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen, director of the Center for Corporate Social Responsibility at the Copenhagen Business School, says that most consumers look first at quality, price and convenience, where ECOALF has to compete to be mainstream. "Then sustainability can be an important differentiator," he says.

Staying fresh in the fast-paced world of fashion is also an expensive challenge. "It's difficult to be innovating all the time. A fabric you used last season will probably not be useful the next," says Goyeneche, adding that his company spends up to 17 percent of its income on research and development, a factor keeping prices high. But back to his fishing net fashion: Some 3,000 Spanish trawl fishermen plan to provide the company with trash from nets — instead of throwing it back — so the company can recycle the plastics from bottles and bags and turn them into string. Goyeneche's biggest dream is to turn one of the huge Pacific Ocean trash vortexes into fashionable backpacks and minimalist coats.

"Of course, it's not the easiest or cheapest way to do things," he says. Or likely the most profitable.

Fashion blogger Suzanne Jackson: 'Everyone wants a piece of the So Sue Me pie'

Suzanne's face is familiar to her blog followers, not in the same way as a TV star's might be, the connection is much more intimate, it is like meeting an old friend.

Suzanne is more than just another famous face, she is a close companion to those who tune in to avoid looking like a Las Vegas show girl on a Saturday night out, as could otherwise occur were it not for her expert words and online video tutorials. Suzanne is aware and intensely protective of her loyal following.

"It has built slowly," she tells me. "I think for anything to become successful, it has to be built organically and slowly. If you jump in head first it would either go to your head or it could feel like it is a short term thing and easy come, easy go, but if you take your time it will be a success long-term."

Suzanne Jackson pictured with Joanne Kiernan

Companies in Ireland were, at first, slow to recognise the power of the blogosphere. But with So Sue Me attracting over 1.1 million readers a month, 147,000 Facebook fans and over 80,000 Instagram followers, Suzanne explains with a smile, that these days 'everyone wants a piece of the pie.'

Suzanne is discerning, however, about those she will deal with.

"If the company wasn't right for me or my blog I wouldn't look at them and I still today turn down loads of companies, at least five a week. I can't work with them if it doesn't fit in with my blog," Suzanne says.

"It has to be me and it has to be real, otherwise there is no point. I'm going to feel fake talking about it and readers will see that straight away because they know me now, a lot of them are following me from the beginning so they know my personality, they know who I am and they will be able to tell if I am talking crap!"

Suzanne Jackson has thousands of followers on her So Sue Me blog

Advertisment 
Bag Sale Online Michael Kors Bags from China Wholesale Designer Bag Replica Jordans Shoes Cheap Roshe Runs Air Max 90 Shoes Sale

"They all want to work with So Sue Me now because they know that I have a very loyal and influential following there, but I am very protective of that."

Suzanne has come a long way since being made redundant from a job in Human Resources five years ago. Not only has she managed to carve out a career for herself as a full time blogger, but So Sue Me is now Ireland's biggest and most popular blog.

However, she is keen to point out that her work is not all glitz and glamour.

"Blogging has become the big thing now," she explains. "Four or five years ago everyone wanted to be a model, but everyone wants to be a blogger now because they think that it is easy and they think they can earn money this way and that it is a glamorous job. It is none of those things. It is hard to earn money as a blogger. Where you earn your money is in attending events after you have built up a following. You shouldn't be earning money straight away from your blog because then you are not credible, then you are in it for the money and that's when you are going to fail."

Beauty Blogger Suzanne Jackson launches her 2nd book 'SoSueMe What Happened Next' with her sisters Katie and Carla Jackson

"My readers are nearly five years with me now and they know that I would turn down a million euro tomorrow, I swear to God, if the product wasn't right," Suzanne gasps.

"I think people think I shop and buy Louboutins all day long and it is actually nothing like that. Yes there are days when it is glamorous, but nine times out of ten it is hard work, sitting in my pyjamas talking to clients, blogging and looking after the business side of things," Suzanne smiles.

Rising above a sea of online hopefuls, So Sue Me has managed to stick out for all the right reasons and Suzanne is fast becoming a blogger and celebrity, with a similar reputation and following to many of the world's growing contingent of top international bloggers who are now taking over the front rows in all of the big fashion weeks.

"It's been a huge journey and very much an uphill climb," Suzanne smiles at the thought. "When I first started So Sue Me I was nobody, nobody knew who I was I had no profile, so I literally built it from nothing and now it is crazy, I am booked for all these events because they need a famous face, which is so weird. I am just a normal girl. So I think why aren't they booking Rosanna Davison? But So Sue Me has grown such a huge following."

Fashion blogger Suzanne Jackson launched her 'So Sue Me' style bible book with boyfriend Dylan O'Connor

"I went to New York Fashion week in October and I documented my whole trip. It was out of this wide world. I never thought I would be sitting front row at New York Fashion Week with the world's leading bloggers. It was insane," Suzanne adds. "Seeing Kendall Jenner on the runway for Marc Jacobs and being in a room with all of these huge celebrities and talking to them like normal was just surreal."

Suzanne is a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and the Law of Attraction.

"The book The Secret was huge for me and I read another book recently The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, which is about how your thoughts attract things to you. Everything you put out there you get back, so if you think negatively all of the time then you are going to attract negativity," Suzanne tells me.

Suzanne Jackson signs her book 'So Sue Me'

"You can train your thoughts to be positive and work towards your goals, it sounds so corny and American, but it is so true. I have been thinking like that the last four of five years and it has worked for me."

"I always wanted to work for myself," she adds. "I always wanted to be my own boss and I always knew for some weird reason, in the back of my head it would work out and I would be happy because I wouldn't let myself stay in a job if I wasn't happy and that was kind of how I came to this path.

"If I had stayed in my job working as a beautician, then I wouldn't have gone into HR and then I wouldn't have been made redundant, ended up building my blog. So you have to listen to your gut instinct."

Suzanne is equally as interested in inner beauty as she is in outer beauty. She laughs off a recent poll which voted her as Ireland's Sexiest Woman.

"That was crazy," she giggles. "Georgia Salpa was in there and Nadia Forde and all of these gorgeous women who usually top the polls, but they voted me in! It was mental. My boyfriend says they should see you in the mornings!"

"I am a confident person, but that has only come with time," Suzanne explains. "I wouldn't have been this confident when I was 21 or 22."

Beauty Blogger Suzanne Jackson launches her 2nd book 'SoSueMe What Happened Next'

Suzanne will often tell her followers about her personal experiences outside of the fashion and beauty sphere.

"People often say So Sue Me is perfect, I am not, I have cellulite on my legs, I wish I had bigger boobs and bigger lips, all of these things, but no one is perfect," she says. "I am trying to get girls at a younger age to let them know that it is okay to feel perfect."

Turning 30 has altered Suzanne's outlook on life, she is more confident, relaxed and at peace with who she is.

"It definitely has made me feel excited because I know the road I am on. I feel secure in my relationship now too. I was cheated on a lot in the past.

"I went out with a guy who told me I was everything and was ripping me off with someone else for months, but now I am with my boyfriend Dylan and he wouldn't look left or right, he just sees me in a room of 100 women and that is empowering as well."

Suzanne feels privileged to be a role model to many of her younger followers.

"I wanted to let people know that it is okay that in your twenties if you don't know where you are going in life or you don't know what you are doing. I'm only finding my feet now," Suzanne says. I wanted to let people know a couple of life lessons that I have learned along the way," she adds.

Suzanne's second book, So Sue Me: What Happened Next... which she dedicates to 'anyone with a dream, an idea, or a plan to build something from nothing' is out now.

4-year-old designer in "Fashion by Mayhem" lands J.Crew gig

Sydney Keiser may be the youngest fashion designer in the world. The 4-year-old from Milford, Ohio, recently signed a deal with J.Crew to help create a new line of clothing for kids.

She has quite an imagination and parents who never stop encouraging her to bring her unique concepts to life, reports CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan.

To understand how Sydney works, you have to watch her in action.

Every morning, the fashion phenom creates whatever comes to mind using paper, tape and scissors.

On the day CBS News visited her, she not only came up with two dress ideas within an hour, but also decided to make something for her imaginary sister, a mannequin she calls Mackenza.

Then she modeled off the dress she made for herself.

When asked where her ideas come from, she replied, "My head."

She said she practices about 10 hours a day.

Sydney doesn't quite realize she has a gift, but those gifts were brought to light by Sydney's mom, Angie, who started a blog this year called "Fashion by Mayhem," Sydney's nickname. But it was Angie's Instagram account, which showcased Sydney's dresses, where things really took off. Angie has more than 400,000 followers who are eager to see Sydney's original creations, as well as some red carpet re-creations.

Advertisment
Cheap Designer Bags Cheap Michael Kors Bags China Wholesale En Bag Air Max Shoes Wholesale Cheap Jordans On sale


Last February, J. Crew head designer Jenna Lyons showed a serious interest in teaming up with Sydney.

When Angie got the first email from J.Crew, she didn't think it was real.

"Seriously to know the volume of email that was coming in at that time, it was incredibly overwhelming," Angie said. "That particular email, sort of stopped me in my tracks and I thought, 'Is this really real?'"

J.Crew flew the family to New York where Sydney was treated like a rock star. Last week they made it official: "Fashion by Mayhem" would work with J.Crew on a 2015 summer collection for kids.

Some may look at the intricacies of the dresses Sydney created and question whether she really made it.

"I would say she did not come out of the womb with little scissors and packing tape, starting off and putting these things together on her own," Angie said. "There are definitely dresses that I help with a lot more, but she still really has most of the creative control."

Editor-in-chief of Yahoo Style Joe Zee said technology played a big role in Sydney's success.

"It's a very sort of elaborate arts and crafts of anything that we did when we were kids. Except none of us had an Instagram to post it when we were younger. So here's a chance where she can actually now put her projects out for the world to see. But I think when you're this young, it's really just fun," Zee said.

When Sydney's not having fun making dresses, she's busy helping her parents at their photography studio -- or just being a typical 4-year-old having a blast in the park.

Sydney's work has also been featured on Vogue magazine's website, and her mother says they have some other projects in the works that they can't quite talk about yet.

Kering Shares Fall on Changes at Gucci

Kering shares fell 2 percent Friday following the news that the top team at Gucci was exiting.

The French luxury goods conglomerate saw its shares drop to 155.65 euros, or $193.18 at current exchange, in trading on the Paris Bourse.

Kering had revealed early Friday that Patrizio di Marco, Gucci's chief executive, and Frida Giannini, its creative director, were out. Giannini will step down from her role at the end of February after showing her fall-winter 2015 collection on Feb. 25 in Milan, and di Marco is to exit on Jan. 1 after six years at the management helm.

RELATED STORY: The Patrizio di Marco and Frida Giannini Years at Gucci >>
The news sparked a guessing game as to who could succeed Giannini. Speculation has long been focusing on Givenchy’s creative director Riccardo Tisci, whom sources continue to say heads up the list of potential candidates.

Asked about Tisci, a Kering spokeswoman said, “We never comment on rumors. All I can say is the recruitment is under way.”

LVMH declined to comment on the Tisci speculation.

Other sources suggested Joseph Altuzarra could be an internal possibility. Kering took a minority stake in his New York-based fashion house last year and the designer has sat front row at the Gucci show.

Marco Bizzarri, named chief executive of Kering's luxury couture and leather goods division last April, is to succeed di Marco at the helm of the Florentine house.

"There is no change in terms of strategic approach for Gucci. We will continue to pursue the implementation of the brand elevation strategy," Francois-Henri Pinault, chairman and ceo of Kering, told WWD.

"Marco's expertise, but also his knowledge of the Kering group, makes him the perfect choice to build on Gucci's extraordinary legacy to lead the brand to a new momentum," Pinault added.

Kering shares were trading down 1.5 percent at 156.50 euros, or $194.56, shortly after Friday's opening on the Paris Stock Exchange. The CAC 40 was down 0.7 percent.

Bizzarri, who piloted Bottega Veneta, Kering's most upscale leather goods brand, before his April promotion, should offer a steady hand to Gucci, which is trying to reinvent itself with fewer logo products and stem sliding sales in China.

Gucci's sales slipped 1.6 percent to 851 million euros, or $1.13 billion, in the third quarter, eclipsed by smaller, but more dynamic brands in the conglomerate, especially Saint Laurent, helmed by French fashion star Hedi Slimane and tracking a 27.6 percent gain in the period.

Asia Pacific represents a particular challenge for Gucci, precipitating a management shakeup in the region. Sales there declined 5 percent in the third quarter, reflecting the disruption of pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong and Macau.

Merinda Yeung, previously general manager of Gucci in Taiwan, was promoted to president of Gucci in Greater China, effective in January. She succeeds Carol Shen, an Estée Lauder veteran who had joined the Italian brand in mid-2012.

Before Gucci, Yeung had worked for Chanel in Singapore and Louis Vuitton in Tawian, Hong Kong and Vancouver.

RELATED CONTENT: Gucci RTW Spring 2015 >>
Advertisment Bag Sale Online Michael Kors Bags from China Wholesale Designer Bag Replica Jordans Shoes Cheap Roshe Runs Air Max 90 Shoes Sale



Announced in October, Gucci noted its new structure for the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan, would allow headquarters to work more directly with the respective markets and ensure the “effective implementation” of its strategy.

Kering has trumpeted more positive trends in directly operated stores in North America and Japan — up 8 percent and 4 percent, respectively, in the third quarter — underlining the success of Gucci’s “brand elevation” strategy, hinged on more leather products.

The company cited “solid trends” in handbags, which represent 32 percent of retail sales, fanned by the new Swing and Bright Diamante lines, with the Jackie Soft also showing promise. It also touted double-digit growth for Giannini’s fall ready-to-wear and noted men’s and women’s shoes “grew nicely.” Small leather goods and luggage were in negative territory.

Thomas Chauvet, luxury analyst at Citi, said in a report that he expects Gucci’s new designer to confirm the  brand elevation strategy initiated several years ago (more leather/no logo, less canvas/logo)” and to “drive a re-acceleration in sales following two years of subdued growth and five quarters of flat to negative trends. We expect minimal operational disruption near-term.”

Chauvet forecasts a "moderate improvement" at Gucci in the fourth quarter: up 1 percent versus declines in the last two quarters. The bank estimates that the Gucci brand will account for about 35 percent of Kering's sales and 60 percent of group operating profits for full-year 2014.

He trumpeted Bizzarri’s tenure at Bottega Veneta, which “enjoyed one of the most exceptional growth stories in the luxury industry in the past decade.”

“This was a change that was a long time in the making,” said analyst Luca Solca, managing director of equities and head of luxury goods at Exane BNP Paribas. “Di Marco and Giannini have presided over Gucci for a whole era, taking it to new heights. It is in the nature of the business that managers go, and brands remain. Gucci is one the most prominent luxury mega-brands. It will benefit from new ideas and fresh energy. The key to stay relevant in luxury goods is continuing reinvention. Marco Bizzarri is a proven team builder and a very good manager. He could take over the great work Patrizio had done at Bottega Veneta, and bring the brand to new heights. We expect he is setting himself up to do the same at Gucci. With Bizzarri, we also see low risk of a 'kitchen sink' brand reset.”

At Gucci, di Marco and Giannini, who are also a couple and have a daughter together, highlighted Italian artisanal craftsmanship, raised the luxury content and reworked several of the brand’s staple and archival designs.

Giannini joined Kering more than 12 years ago, becoming head of design for leather goods in 2004. She was appointed sole creative director in 2006. Pinault thanked Giannini for “her extraordinary passion, dedication and contribution” to Gucci. He underscored how being the creative director for close to a decade was “a remarkable accomplishment.”

Bizzarri joined Kering in 2005 as ceo of Stella McCartney and was appointed ceo of Bottega Veneta in January 2009.

Pinault will take on Bizzarri’s role as ceo of Kering’s luxury division in the interim. Reporting to Pinault as ceo of Gucci, Bizzarri is to continue the brand’s “elevation strategy to continue to strengthen [its ] international growth, reinforce its unique positioning and develop the iconic Florentine house throughout the changing world of luxury,” according to Kering.

Pinault also thanked di Marco, saying, “The great performances achieved by the Gucci brand during his tenure stand as a testament to his success. His strategic vision, passion, dedication and charisma were key to bring Gucci where it is today.”

Giannini and di Marco have just returned from trips to Japan and Russia, capping off a year of travels that included stints in the U.S. and Brazil.

During his trip to Tokyo in November, di Marco maintained that the Italian brand was on the right track in terms of its repositioning efforts and working to boost its competitive edge over rivals. Di Marco and Giannini at the time both reiterated their denials that they plan to go anywhere soon — at least of their own volition.

The double departure at Gucci echoes what transpired in 2003, when Tom Ford and Domenico De Sole — the dynamic duo who built Gucci into one of fashion’s hottest houses and built a luxury conglomerate around it — resigned.

Mel Gibson suffers fashion mishap as he steps out in bizarre combination made up of clumpy trainers, beach shorts and socks

A Canterbury shopper claims she has been refused a refund because she bought "fashion shoes".

Heidi Kitty Morrell returned her shoes to Peppermint Canterbury in early November, displaying what she says were two large holes in the back of the shoes.

Advertisement

Wholesale Shoe Hub Cheap Air Max Shoes Air Jordans Shoes Online

"I explained to the assistant that I hadn’t worn them very much but that unfortunately both shoes had come apart at the back, leaving large holes between the sole and the canvas of the shoes," Miss Morrell stated in her blog, which depicted what she claimed to be poor customer service.

She continued: "She then commented that as I’d bought the shoes in June, too much time had passed for her to give me a refund. I explained that I’d bought the shoes specifically for my waitressing job, for which I work only one or two shifts per week."

Miss Morrell said the assistant seemed to have accepted this point and went to consult with her colleague.

"She returned a few minutes later and coolly informed me that a refund would not be possible because my shoes were actually “fashion shoes” and that they’re not supposed to be treated like 'normal shoes'," she said. "I must admit I stared blankly at her for a few seconds." 

She added: "I pointed out that the Sale of Goods Act specifies that goods must be fit for purpose and last a reasonable length of time. She repeated that my shoes were actually 'fashion shoes'. 

"I asked her how long she personally thought was reasonable for a pair of shoes to last and she replied that my shoes were actually 'fashion shoes'.

Miss Morrell has posted her story and e-mail she has sent to the shop for the past few weeks, which you could read here. She claims she hasn't heard back from the store in several weeks.

A Peppermint spokeswoman commented on Miss Morrell's complaint. She said: "We understand that the shoes were purchased at the beginning of June. Miss Morrell returned the shoes to our store at the beginning of November. 

"Our Staff inspected these shoes and believe that the shoes were worn out and that the customer had received fair wear and tear. In our opinion, these shoes were worn out and showed no sign of manufacturing fault."

The shop refused to make a comment on the "fashion shoes" remark.

Stylewatch: dressing for the office Christmas party in storm season

Tumultuous weather across eastern Australia and Christmas party season are colliding. Here’s our guide to dressing to go out in weather that makes you want to stay in

 The complete Guardian guide for dressing in storm season. Photographs: Nick Evershed for the Guardian

Deciding what to wear to the office Christmas party is bad enough. But deciding what to wear in a storm is even more difficult.

Crazy weather across most of Australia during the Christmas party season has given dressing for going out an extra layer of complexity.

Stilettos sink in this week’s muddy lawns. Blow-dried hair turns fly-away or fizzy. Dresses and suits get soaked and stay damp. Eye makeup runs, turning carefully painted cat’s eye into goth tears. Skirts fly over heads in gales.

A cursory flick through fashion magazines covers the latest trends for Christmas parties: lace and leather, flapper dress, embellished sequins, bronzer, tulle, cleavage sparkles. But in the past few weeks we’ve been lashed by hail, dust storms, lightening strikes and flash flooding – with more to come. It’s bad news for embellished sequins.

Some retailers – such as Gorman, are trying to make practical items pretty. A polka dot raincoat over your party frock can keep it dry as you wait an hour for the cab to the party in horizontal “hard” rain.

Shoe stores are selling platform sneakers – which can give you the lift of a pair of heels but will protect against trench foot.

Want to stay dry and stylish for your Christmas party? Follow our guide for dressing for parties in storm season.

The man-wrap (ma-rap)

Men! This one is for you. Protect your party clothes from storms by wrapping yourself in a protective sarong or wrap. Once at the party, the sarong comes off to reveal … a dry suit!

The man wrap

Hat hair

Hats are in. Were they ever out? Protect your hair from going crazy in the humidity by bolting it down under a massive hat. Wide, with a sturdy brim or panama are all the rage this season. While the weather may be wild, your hair will stay tame.

Stormwear … a hat, light parka, umbrella and boots

No eye makeup

Walking to the party in the rain? Lest you want BLACK TEARS running down your cheeks, go with minimal eye makeup. Lipstick should be applied at the party. Go bright red to distract from lack of eye makeup.

Bag Accessories: Wholesale Designer Bag

Shorts instead of skirts in high wind, go easy on eye makeup

Boots on

Slipping on wet tiles, sliding in mud, getting your shoes stuck in soil – the wrong footwear can ruin your night. Be sensible. Wear boots. And when you can’t get a cab at the end of the night, you’ll be in a good position to walk the two hours home.

This party season rock your sensible shoes

: Wholesale Shoe Hub

Poncho or parka

Waterproof your clothes by going old school with a bin liner (with arm holes) or pull out your parka. Lightweight is good. Don’t roast in an overcoat – save your sweat for the dancefloor.

Stay dry in an old-school parka

Fashion Sale

ESSENCE Network: Patrice J. Williams Shares Holiday Shopping & Fashion Tips

The gig: As a writer and affordable style expert, I blog on a daily basis at Looking Fly on a Dime and I write style articles for a few websites. I also do on-air style segments including finding models and products and offering style commentary for outlets like the Today Show. I also host thrift shopping events in New York City. When you help a woman put a little pep in her step, it instantly changes her outlook and empowers her.

The journey: I was the nerdy girl and awkward growing up. When I entered the workforce and became an assistant at a fashion magazine, I was earning less than $30,000 and became a pro at dressing on a budget. When I was laid off from my job right before Thanksgiving in 2008, I was forced into the entrepreneurial world.  I was broke, so I had to figure out what it was that I loved about my former position, what I hated and how I could turn that into my own thing. It took me a year to come up with the idea for Looking Fly on a Dime.

Her top shopping tip: Don’t get hypnotized by sale signs. A lot of stores try to lure you in with a sale, but you’re not always saving money! Before spending, research to determine if it actually is a steal.

Advertisment: 
Cheap Designer Bags Cheap Michael Kors Bags China Wholesale En Bag Air Max Shoes Wholesale Cheap Jordans On sale 

Thrifting 101: Fashion is cyclical, so what’s hot now was hot back in the day. Thrift stores have the trends we’re currently wearing at a cheaper price andmore unique items than what’s being mass produced. It’s all about affordability and individuality.

The fashion staples every woman should own: Flat riding boots, a statement coat, a structured leather purse, an Aaline little black dress that hits just above the knee and single sole black pumps.

Her biggest lesson learned: When I first started blogging, I was initially Living Fly on a Dime and didn’t research my name. About a year into blogging, I received an email from a blogger letting me know I was infringing on their trademark. I had to consult an attorney who let me know that I had to change my name. I was able to rebrand using Looking Fly on a Dime. I made sure to trademark my name.

 Her top business tip: Always negotiate. It can be intimidating when you’re a new business owner but if I don’t advocate for myself, then who will? I finally stopped feeling guilty about asking for more money or perks because I’ve proven that I’m worth it. Even if you don’t get exactly what you asked for, at least you asked and set the foundation that you take yourself and your business seriously.

Her secret superpower: I have an active imagination and I’m a dreamer. I visualize everything. Whether it’s mapping out my day in my planner or even visualizing what I want my life to look like a year or 5 years from now. Those visions help me map out what I need to do now to get to where I want to be.

Her stress reliever: I love to zone out and watch any home design shows on HGTV and I have a weird obsession with MSNBC’s prison show, Lockup. I also love walking and I pray and meditate every morning and night.

Her tech fix: I never leave home without my myCharge portable charger for my iPhone.

Her top shopping apps: I love Poshmark for selling your amazing, unwanted clothes and PriceGrabber to find the best deal on products before you buy.

Her beauty bag: I love NARS tinted moisturizer. It’s less fussy than foundation, but provides coverage. My hair is really dry, so I use Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls and African Pride’s Bouncy Curls Pudding.

Her power style accessory: Statement necklace. I have at least 15 of them.

Her theme song: “Everybody Got Their Something” by Nikka Costa.

Lamborghini Opens New Fashion Boutique at The Dubai Mall

A very special Lamborghini boutique has just been opened in the famed Dubai Mall thanks to Abdulaziz Al Rasheed Trading.

The high-end store is dedicated to the fashion and accessories range of Collezione Automobili Lamborghini. The opening of the store also saw a special fashion show to launch the Fall-Winter collection for 2014-2015 from the Italian marque. Items from the boutique aren’t just catered to Lamborghini owners. They cater for customers “who values quality, style and elegance” with clothing for children also available.

Advertisment Cheap Nike Sneakers Cheap Air Jordan 11 Cheap Air Max 2015 Cheap Free Run Cheap Kevin Druant 6

Discussing the store, the chief executive of Al Rasheed Group, Abdulaziz Al Rasheed said, “The philosophy behind the Automobili Lamborghini fashion line is synonymous with the Italian brand and the traits of Lamborghini super sports cars – pure, cutting edge and visionary. Dubai’s strong appeal in the region as a city famed for the ‘best of the best’, makes it the perfect fit for Collezione Automobili Lamborghini stores, which we look to expand across the Middle East in the next few years. The location of our flagship store in the iconic Dubai Mall is fitting for one of Italy’s most prestigious and internationally recognized brands.”

According to the head of Collezione Automobili Lamborghini, Boris Puddu, “Our aim is to communicate the strength of our brand in terms of style, materials and cutting edge design through our fashion and accessory collection. Lamborghini’s is the most desirable super sports car brand. The customers of Collezione Automobili Lamborghini are part of an exclusive “club” of Lamborghini enthusiasts, wearing the philosophy of an Italian marque.”