Nottingham fashion brand adds extreme edge to casual wear

Casual wear is getting a skiing and skating makeover thanks to new Nottingham fashion brand – Ullr & Skade. Lucy Budge speaks to the designer behind the tees

Head to the glorious ski slopes of either France or Italy and you'll see stylish sportswear at its best.

But now you no longer need a jet-setting excuse to wear fashionable piste clothing – an up and coming Nottingham brand is giving it a casual and urban edge.

Designed by two local friends, Ullr & Skade provides a range of printed tees, sweaters, beanie hats and jewellery for both men and women.



Co-owned by Nick Radjabi and Ashley Davidson, the brand is currently available

online but the pair hope to soon stock it in independent boutiques across the city.

Nick, who heads up the designing side of the business, says: "The brand was launched two years ago. Me and Ashley went to Trent College together when we were younger. I then went to study music technology at university in Leeds and he went to Reading.

"We then both moved back to Nottingham and he did a ski season in France. He saw the skiers wearing these big stylish T-shirts and sweaters and it inspired him.

"We thought we would take it away from the extreme sports side of things and make it more casual."

After completing university, Nick, 24, of West Bridgford, took up a job at House of Fraser, in the Victoria Centre, and says his experience in retail gave him the kick that was needed to launch his own label.



"I was uninspired by the brands I was working with. I wanted to inject my personal style into the clothes and I've always been interested in men's fashion. It started off as a side project and then it grew," says Nick, who now works at Boots opticians, in Castle Boulevard.

"Ashley, of Keyworth, is very good at the business side of things. He's good at talking to people and negotiating. I'm more creative and I like to do the designing and imagery."

As modelled in the pictures by friend Matt Turnbull, Nick has designed a range of

T-shirts and sweaters in grey, black, blue and white as well as unisex silver jewellery.

Prices range from £30 for a logo T-shirt, £40 for a printed sweater and £45 for the long silver arrow necklace.

"We started off just doing the basics but I'd like to do a proper collection for next summer. I want it to be Los Angeles themed, so think pinks and yellows with palm tree prints.

"The idea from the start was skiing and skating stuff but now I want to see it as more casual wear rather than sport.

"The clothes could appeal to anyone but it's mostly teenagers to young adults."

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The products are currently printed by October Textiles, in Canal Street, with the jewellery also hand-carved and moulded in the city.

Giving a helping hand with the brand is former Nottingham Trent University fashion design student Joanna Griggs, who aids Nick in the use of design programmes and transferring his ideas into reality.

"We would like to keep the heritage of the brand local but it can get quite expensive. We might look into going abroad to keep the costs down, but for now I'm enjoying doing it locally.

"The jewellery is quite new to the company with rings, necklaces and accessories. We've got hopes to expand it."

And the name? "It's a Scandinavian name. Ullr is the name of a Norse god meaning God of Winter Games. I wanted to have that as part of the branding because it's all about the outdoors and confidence.

He adds: "The logo is an arrow to not only represent the mountains of Scandinavia and that way of life, but also link to Nottingham's heritage with Robin Hood."

For more information about Ullr & Skade and to view the products, go to ullrskade.com.

The brand will be holding a launch event on Saturday, 12 September, at the Pitcher & Piano, in High Pavement, from 9pm onwards. Free to attend.

Brisbane Fashion Fesitval: Five things we learned at MBFF

If the Australian fashion landscape was a TV, Brisbane would be the best high-definition model. Everything is louder, bigger and more glitzy in the pineapple capital as witnessed on (and off) the catwalk at this year's Brisbane Fashion Festival.
Wedding gowns that transform into sequin rompers, gold bikinis and at least four eliminated The Bachelor contestants were the highlights of the festival's 10th anniversary celebration, which counts Mercedes-Benz and property developers Lendlease as sponsors.
The guest list was a refreshing mix of fashion folk and everyday inspirations, Jennifer Hawkins, Alex Perry, child safety advocate Denise Morcombe, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce all made cameos.
Here's five things we learned from Brisbane Fashion Festival:


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Detachable wedding dresses are a smart investment
Elizabeth De Varga​ stole the show at the bridal showcase with her creations that were, at the pull of a press stud, transformed into princess-style wedding gowns to white sequinned jumpsuit, the perfect look for the Noosa bride. Darb Bridal Couture and Megan Cannings' statement looks proved that brides and tulle go together like Wally Lewis and rugby league.
Eyebrow queen Cara Delevingne​ wouldn't be welcome in Queensland
The word from the make-up chairs backstage is that thick, full brows are not as popular as they are south of the border. Napoleon Perdis' make-up directors said sculptural with the higher arch is the preferred look. Humidity is a curse even for facial hair, I guess.
Sequin swimwear is no long a meter maid's uniform
Aqua Blu's gold shiny one-piece and bikini was a highlight, literally. Sequins on swimwear are not practical and a little meter maid-esque but with the right accessories and footwear these gems could be Queensland's best export since Johnathan Thurston.
Cargo shorts and bright bold shoes are acceptable for men
White cargo shorts are usually considered the Dad Jean of the short world, however Uberman worked them with boat shoes and a button-up shirt, which for the tropical months ahead, will be bang on for smart casual outings. However do not, under any circumstances team said shorts with Urbbana's red and white speckled brogues – save them for night-time or the disco.
Risky Business is still a strong style influence
Paul Hunt has really hit his stride. The bridal and couture designer is evolving into quite the ready-to-wear maestro thanks to his combination of bright and bold Queensland colours and textures with simple, staple pieces such as the white collared shirt. His textured swing coat and sheer maxi shirt with a crisp cotton number made the hero pieces sing better than Bernard Fanning.

Melbourne Spring Fashion Week kicks off with Victoriana: Pleasure Garden

Willowy girls and muscular boys aren't the only beauties booked to model at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, the annual frockfest which kicked off on Friday with Vogue's Fashion Night Out shopping spree.
On Saturday night, at the city's lush fringe among the dusk-lit trees of Fitzroy Gardens, tight-laced maidens will model ensembles suited to a spot of gentle archery, nymphs and faeries will flit about in diaphanous frocks fashioned especially for flitting, and an elegant "fox" will demonstrate the ideal tailored ensemble for the modern Victorian gentleman. That's Victorian; the era, not Victoria, the state.

Hundreds of Melburnians who fancy a bit of history with their fashion will also fill the Fitzroy gardens' exotic Conservatory and surrounds for the culmination of "Victoriana. Pleasure Garden", a year-long project by Melbourne fashion photographer Gerard O'Connor and stylist Marc Wasiak​.
The opening of an exhibition of large format photographs (some two metres high), is part of MSFW's curated programme of art and cultural events running parallel to its catwalk show schedule in the town hall and city square.

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"Victoriana was a love project," says O'Connor. "It involved a lot of passionate people making an idea come to life."
About 100 people, in fact, including wardrobe assistants, prop and set builders, hair and make-up artists, special effects artists, film crew, dressers and general gofers, volunteered to create or play characters in the pair's fantastic vision of a grand Victorian spectacle, shot over three days at the National Trust's Ripponlea Mansion.
"We've always gravitated to the Victorian era and its crazy extremes," says Wasiak. "It was a tight-laced, conservative time, but it had a real undercurrent of perversity. Science and spirituality co-existed: people believed in the occult and seances and nymphs and fairies, yet someone was also discovering that we all have different blood types."
 Late last year, Wasiak and O'Connor began conjuring characters and vignette storylines to slot into their imaginary garden party.  "There's a lot going on when you get a group of people together," Wasiak says. "A lot the viewer might not usually see; a couple might be breaking up, or someone could be going through someone else's handbag …"
The potential for intrigue was limitless and the pair let their imaginations rip. In the Victoriana Pleasure Garden tableau, a butler balks as a dowager and faun doze in the sun, foxes and peacocks strut about, evil creatures with slit eyes and snouts slither through the undergrowth, a giant tortoise shuffles around an opulent buffet.
After a three day shoot at the height of last summer, followed by months of post-production wizardry, the result, finished this week, is a hyper-real snapshot of life on a lovely spring day, 150 years ago.
O'Connor says the link between Victoriana and MSFW is whimsically obvious.
"For one thing, people are still as bawdy, silly, sexy, naughty, whatever, as they ever were, and spring's still the biggest season in fashion," he says. "The garden party was where people showed off their new clothes."
O'Connor and Wasiak are renowned for their extravagant photographic tableaux. They take time out from their commercial work to collaborate on spectacular scenes of battle, bordellos, a 1950s beach and recently, a Victorian funeral made all the more dramatic when they blasted the cast of widows and mourners with water from a fake rain machine.

Rachel Zoe shows her fashion prowess in cut-out black jumpsuit at design event with husband Rodger Berman

Rachel Zoe showed her impeccable style in an all-black outfit on Wednesday while hosting an event in West Hollywood, California.

The 43-year-old fashion stylist rocked a sleeveless blouse with diamond-shaped cutouts that she paired with flared trousers.

Rachel had her long blonde hair down in soft curls and accessorised with dangling earrings and bracelets. 

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Style icon: Rachel Zoe rocked an all-black ensemble with revealing cutouts on Wednesday while hosting an event in West Hollywood, California

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The celebrity stylist wore minimal makeup and added just a hint of colour with red lipstick.

She was joined at the Fashion Meets Design Dinner by her husband Rodger Berman who also is the president of Rachel Zoe, Incorporated.

The fashionista earlier this month admitted she uses her keen fashion eye to gain insight on people. 

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Cute couple: Rodger Berman also attended the event with his wife Zoe

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Celebrity stylist: Rachel hit the right note in her black ensemble with flared pants

'I can tell a lot about a person by what they are wearing,' she admitted on The Project while in Australia.

'I think style is one of the best forms of expression without actually having to speak,' she added.

Rachel, who is arguably one of the most well known stylists of the 2000s, is known for popularizing the so-called boho-chic looked that consists of over-sized jewelry and loose fitting clothes. 

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Going strong: Rodger and Rachel have been married since 1996

The former star of the Rachel Zoe Project has been in the fashion industry for 20 years and has been the stylist for Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway.

Rachel and investment banker Roger were married in 1996.

The have five-year-old son Skyler and 20-month-old son Kai together. 

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Sealed with a kiss: Rachel kissed her husband on the cheek during the event

Carrie Underwood Debuts New Line at New York Fashion Week

Carrie Underwood will debut her new sportswear line this September at New York Fashion Week, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

The line, Calia by Carrie Underwood, was formed as a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods and features work-out and lifestyle clothing.

Calia by Carrie Underwood is currently sold exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Underwood will show her line on Sept. 10 at The HQ, 451 West 14th Street, New York, New York. The new venue, which will hold various New York Fashion Week events, will act as a pop-up shop where guests can shop the line immediately following the show.

The shop will be opened to the public every day following the show between the hours of 2-4 p.m. Shows from official New York Fashion Week venues will be live-streamed throughout the day as part of a Fashion Week partnership with bloggers and media outlets.

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According to Women’s Wear Daily, Underwood, who will be choosing the music for the show, may also be announcing a possible extension of her new line.

The line will feature a special technology called Bodywarm, which is designed to maintain body heat and block out cold air.

The affordable line offers bottoms from $60 to $85 and tops from $30 to $35.

The country singer will be releasing her fifth album, Storyteller, on Oct. 23. “Smoke Break,” is the first single released from the album.

Transgender style: How an all-accepting attitude in the fashion world is leading the way

It is fashion’s duty, to paraphrase Nina Simone, to reflect the times in which we live. There’s no doubt that’s true.

But sometimes, rather than simply hold up a mirror to society, the fashion industry is actually responsible for reshaping that reality. One way it does this is by breaking taboos and bringing marginalised ideas into the mainstream. Take, for example, the current visibility of transgender people, and discussion of transgender issues that is occupying general discourse. Yes, that’s a development reflected in the fashion world with unprecedented casting of transgender models. But that we’ve even got to this point is thanks in part to the pioneering work of visionary creatives.

Aesthetically, the blurring of the traditional lines between genders, and explorations of androgyny, are recurring themes in fashion and they’re rife on the catwalks once again. Gucci is currently putting a gender-neutral ethos, and to some extent cross-dressing, in the spotlight. New designer Alessandro Michele  is dressing male models in womenswear, and vice versa. Since their unspoken strategy is that sex sells, letting him sell this ideal of sex is as revolutionary as his designs.

Meanwhile, the Agender project at Selfridges explored the gender gap earlier this year, selling clothing without labelling it as men’s or women’s in response to customers shopping across the gender divide. “We wanted it to be provocative – challenging ourselves, as well as engaging with conversations around the gender tipping-point,” says Linda Hewson, Selfridges creative director. It seems that, right now, and more than ever before, people are delving deeper into unisex aesthetics.

Transgender supermodel Lea T in pictures

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Lea T, a transgender model and muse to Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy, has been much in demand since the designer gave her her big break in 2010, when he cast her in his campaign in order to help fund her gender-affirming surgery. She then went on to lock lips with Kate Moss on the cover of Love magazine in spring 2011. So far, so ground-breaking.

But T’s most recent role has been arguably the most important . This year – as the face, and locks, of Redken hair colour – she became the first transgender model to front a campaign for a global beauty brand. Beauty campaigns are coveted by models because they are lucrative; and they’re lucrative because someone who spends their time surrounded by spread sheets thinks that they model they choose will help add another digit to the bottom line.

So, while it’s great to see transgender models on the catwalks or in style magazines, this could be dismissed as headline-grabbing. But when someone puts their money where their mouth is, and decides that this idea of beauty is the one they want to sell to women around the world, it validates their community in a very high profile way.

And with T’s beauty brand debut being followed closely by that of fellow transgender model Andreja Pejic, whose campaign for Make Up For Ever launched last month, we have further proof of the appetite for diverse depictions of beauty.

Before her transition earlier this year, the Serbian-born, Australian-raised model (then called Andrej) appeared on the catwalks of both men’s and women’s designers thanks to an androgynous aesthetic. Now the casting of transgender models is becoming almost routine. In this year’s spring/summer shows, models such as Juliana Huxtable and Hari Nef (a vocal advocate for trans visibility and rights) appeared in New York and Pejic made her post-transition debut in London. But just as important is the trickle-down effect, which brings catwalk ideas to brands that are more accessible.

Swedish label & Other Stories is building a reputation for exploring diversity in its fashion campaigns, and the latest is something of a landmark – created as it was by a team of transgender models and creatives. “The fashion world is embracing transgender models and we think that’s great. But we couldn’t help but ask ourselves how the traditional fashion gaze can change if we keep the same normative crew behind the camera,” explains Sara Hildén Bengtson, creative director of the brand.

It’s an important step in the right direction, believes Nef, who stars in the campaign alongside Valentijn de Hingh. “I was thrilled that I got to shoot next to Valentijn because we are such different body types,” she says.

“I think it’s important that people see there is not only one way to look trans, or one way for trans people to be beautiful. While an all-trans team on a campaign is what we need now, I would love to see a more casual and sustained employment of transgender fashion artists – models, photographers, stylists, make-up artists. There should be a mix.”

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Caitlyn Jenner has been embraced by the fashion world (Getty)
The campaign was shot in the brand’s Stockholm atelier by Amos Mac, the co-founder of trans male quarterly magazine Original Plumbing, who had wanted to photograph Nef for some time. “I can’t tell if this beautiful campaign is a step towards diversity in the industry because it is so pointedly trans, and I don’t know if that means it will inspire the higher-ups in the fashion industry to diversify who we see on magazine covers or who gets the jobs. What matters to me is, for even one young trans person to see this campaign, filled with the work of visible trans adults, and realise that their experience matters.”

Nef herself believes that, while we may currently be celebrating a chosen few, that’s too few altogether. However, she is keen to point out that the lives of most trans people are a world away from the glamorous existence of an in-demand model: “Increased trans visibility has coincided with an increase in violence against trans folk – especially trans women, and trans women of colour. Representations of trans people in the media can work to demystify and de-stigmatise the trans experience, but they can also work in the opposite direction.

“Trans issues will only stay in the limelight for so long, but the struggle for trans rights will outlast it by decades. So brands and artists that want to engage with the trans experience need to be thinking about why they are attracted to this issue in the first place. If it’s just about being trendy, then the work will just feel trendy.”

Or in the words of Caitlyn Jenner, who has been embraced by the fashion world since making her debut: “I’m not doing this to be interesting... I’m doing this to live.”

Sai One Raises A Fashion Flag in Downtown Buffalo

I first met retailer-designer Angel Rodriguez ten years ago when he opened his style boutique – Sai One – on Elmwood Avenue. Angel had come to Buffalo, from NYC, with his business partner Norman, to test out the Buffalo market. While Norman remained based in NYC, Angel began to hone his skills in the apparel industry in Buffalo, starting off with quirky, offbeat handbags and furniture. Over the years, he has developed his tastes and clothing design aesthetics into a refined, yet fashion forward look of his own, that he continues to roll out to this day.

This morning I finally caught up with Angel, after trying to track him down for days. Angel just got back from NYC on a fabric buying trip, where he was scoping out clothing designs that will be featured in his new Market Arcade boutique. Angel recently closed his store on Elmwood Avenue, after ten years on the street, in order to pursue business in Downtown Buffalo. When I saw that he had closed his shop, I immediately felt that this city lost a real talent and personality. Fortunately, the winds of change blew Angel into a completely new part of town, where he is determined to make his mark.

“Elmwood is sandals and frappé,” Angel thought aloud. “And a lot of browsers. I feel that the people who are shopping at the Market Arcade are looking to buy. We might not have the foot traffic yet, but we have people who want to buy. There are a lot of professionals down here who see my storefront and say, ‘I want that dress in the window’. I first heard about the Market Arcade two years ago, and with the help of Novi (Sasmita) I finally made my way here. I opened just a few days ago, but I’m already selling. My vision has always been to have a little shop that one might see in SoHo… I believe that I have finally got that here in the Market Arcade.”

Angel is a huge asset to Buffalo fashion scene. The man has gone from flying by the seat of his pants, to a fashion pro with attitude and edgy design sense, and the skills to back it up. “I was homeless before my business partner gave me a shot at this business,” Angel confided in me. “He has pushed me all along. A couple of years ago he told me that he would buy the fabric, if I began to make dresses. Now I’m making my own designs, with the fabric that I choose. My designer name is OMI, which meanswater in Yoruba (Nigeria). I have been initiated as High Priest there – water and fire… I stuck with the water part of the designation. I am a very spiritual person, and my spirituality transcends the clothing.”

As I talked to Angel, my wife tried on one of his new dresses, which she ended up buying. “My aesthetic is a powerful womanwho takes charge of her life, with a lot of edge… she can rock that dress with leggings on a yacht, or with bare feet on the beach, depending on the clutch and the jewelry of course.”

“My mom passed away three years ago,” reflected Angel. “Every time that I dreamed of her, my collection came to me. After years in the business, I finally started designing with a lot of love five years ago. I do it for the love of it, which is why the designs sell.”

Angel’s dresses are very reasonably priced, considering that they are all 100% unique – $150-$175. He even makes custom dresses for $175 and up.

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Along with rockin’ dresses, Angel sells some kick ass sunglasses at rock bottom prices. He also sells jewelry and a number of other clothing lines (other than his own designs) for guys and gals. “Sai One [pronounced ‘say one’] is slang Jamaican for ‘unique looks’,” said Angel. “My partner’s grandmother used to say, ‘you look sai one…’ – I believe that everyone should look unique. That’s why I carry so many one-of-a-kind items.”

Along with unique threads (hip men’s shirts) and accessories (pocket books, bow ties, etc.), Angel also prides himself on attention to detail. In his world, service is key. Angel doesn’t tell you what you want to hear… rather he will tell you what he honestly thinks. That’s because he wants everyone to walk out of his store as a billboard for his brand. Now that’s simply refreshing. Downtown Buffalo could really use a guy like this, to help lead the way to a fashionable and promising future.

New model army: Iranian fashion revolution moves above ground

In northern Tehran’s Oxygen Royal health and fitness centre, a group of 20 young men have gathered, each wearing identical black T-shirts inscribed with a big white DFW, the abbreviation for Darab fashion week.

The centre is located in the affluent and historical district of Gheytarieh in the foothills of the Alborz mountains, which tower over Iran’s capital. With its VIP members and advanced exercise machinery, you may as well be in Beverly Hills. Instead, the centre is the venue for Iran’s male models to practise strutting the catwalk under the aegis of a professional trainer, who will also prepare them for the castings that will follow.

After a day of hard work, the results are promising. All the men have been offered contracts for Darab’s forthcoming event in September, planned to take place at the Esteghlal hotel.

After more than three decades of resistance and struggling underground, fashion is finally gaining a foothold in the Islamic Republic. As fashion weeks mushroom across Iran, the need for more models has significantly increased.

Most models at Oxygen Royal are hired by Behpooshi, a modelling agency that last year became one of the first to obtain official permission to operate. The agency has 50 male and 30 female models, linking them with event managers such as Darab.

“If I say that fashion in Iran has gone through a revolution in the past year, I haven’t exaggerated,” Sharif Razavi, Behpooshi’s director, told the Guardian. “In around 30 years since the revolution, we saw around 10 to 15 catwalks in the country,” he said, “but in the last year alone, we’ve seen more than a hundred.”

Before this if I were to mention to the authorities that I wanted to found a modelling agency nobody would listen to me
Sharif Razavi, modelling agent
Behpooshi began seven years ago but like many others involved in the fashion industry in Iran, the agency operated underground.Then two and half years ago, Razavi wrote to the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and asked for a religious edict to find if Islam forbade fashion and modelling. To his delight, it didn’t.

He pursued the matter with the authorities at the ministry of culture and Islamic guidance. And this effort opened doors. “Before this if I were to mention to the authorities that I wanted to found a modelling agency nobody would listen to me but things changed,” Razavi said.



 A model wearing an Iranian-style manteaux and scarf. Photograph: Photographer: Afra Pourdad/Afra's Corner
Rayan Baghdadi, with many followers on Instagram, was among the 20 men practising at Oxygen Royal. “Modelling is now my job and I’m taking it very seriously,” said the 23-year-old. “When you are a model, you can’t do so much things other people do, like drinking or eating fast food, you are always conscious about what you do and what you eat.”

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Baghdadi, who recently performed at Tehran fashion week held at the sumptuous Sam Centre complex on the city’s most expensive street, Fereshteh, said significant improvements have been made in the past couple of years. “The authorities now issue licences to each model and those who want to participate in public events and catwalks, should apply for a licence and its ID card. The underground fashion is fading.” He has even had international experience, doing catwalks in Dubai to promote the works of designer Rahil Hesan, who is half-Iranian.

Mahan Farokhmehr, Darab’s chief executive, echoed Baghdadi. “In the past two years, the atmosphere has changed positively,” he said. “The ministry has set up a body called the working group for bringing order to fashion and clothing which regulates fashion in Iran and grants permission for holding events. What took place underground a few years ago, is now happening in public.”

Despite this, red lines persist. Darab fashion week, Farokhmehr said, will feature the works of young Iranian designers, including Mohsen Asgari and Neda Sadeghi, over two days. But while women can go and watch the men’s catwalk shows, men are not allowed to attend the women’s shows. Although the event is held in public, attendance is by invitation-only. “We wouldn’t have enough space if we were to open it to the public,” Farokhmehr said, adding that 2,700 people are expected to participate.

Not all Iranian models, however, have applied for a licence. Dana Mashalahpoor, 28, has been particularly successful but his route to fashion has been entirely different to that of Baghdadi. Although he has worked with big companies, including foreign brands, he has never been invited to walk a catwalk at home.

“Fashion is becoming more serious in Iran and that’s a good thing,” he said. “You’ll see plenty of people interested in fashion today in the country compared to a few years ago. There’s a wave, a strong wave but we’ll have to be careful and do it right.”

There has been progress but big challenges remain. Some people still have negative views about fashion in Iran
Dana Mashalahpoor, model
Mashalahpoor is now the face of Dorsa, which sells popular leather products. He has been featured on large billboards in Tehran streets at least eight times, has appeared for for Swiss brand Davidoff in Dubai and has modelled for the Italian menswear Pal Zileri in Iran.

“There has been progress but big challenges remain,” he said. “Some people still have negative views about fashion in Iran. But Iran has a huge potential in fashion, and models are very ambitious and want to work across the globe.”





A model wearing an Iranian-style manteaux and scarf. Photograph: Photographer: Afra Pourdad/Afra's Corner
The fashion boom has give hope to independent designers such as Salar Bil and Farnaz Abdoli. Abdoli’s firm Pooshema specialises in women’s clothing such as manteaux, which many Iranian women wear in public instead of the traditional chador, which covers them from head to toe. Many Iranian women push the boundaries and wear manteaux that are short, colourful and modern.

Pooshema has been recently approached by Vancouver fashion week. Long before the authorities allowed fashion operations, Pooshema (previously known as Poosh) became popular online for its work. “At those times, the authorities were very sensitive, and there were only a few people involved in holding fashion weeks,” Abdoli said. “Fortunately things changed for better. Now you can’t count the number of people involved in fashion in Iran, with many companies holding training for modelling and designing and even offering certificates.”

Abdoli said she has been overwhelmed by the number of emails she has received from abroad about her work. “When people see our work, they are shocked,” she said. “They expect women in Iran to wear veils and niqabs but then they see our models and designs and they can’t believe what they see.”

Fashion Footwear Show In NYC Previews Summer 2016’s Hottest Trends

Summer may be the season for flip flops, but for some women, shoes are always a coveted fashion item.
As CBS2’s Diane Macedo reported, the Fashion Footwear Show offers a preview of some of the styles you may be walking around in this time next year; from sleek spring slippers, to chunky summer sandals, and plenty of fancy footwear for men too.
“Right now you’re seeing spring/summer 2016. We have about 600 brands from a higher end to more bridge, contemporary, dress, comfort,” said Phyllis Rein, executive vice president with Fashion Footwear Association of New York.
Expect to see colorful slides and bright platforms. Popular trends for next year are taking their cues from familiar styles, Macedo reported.

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“Bohemian chic, very fringe inspired, traditional Spanish boots,” said Meaghan Lawson, with Musse & Cloud.
There will also be plenty of leather and wooden platforms to choose from, and the easy comfort of flat fringed boots.
“The women are really driving the western in the city today,” said Quin D’Imperio, with Corral Boots.
Cowboy boots are a timeless trend, but new styles come with Swavorski crystals, and even a hand-stitched wedding boot.
New to the show this year are some distinctive, sculpted, and architectural styles, Macedo reported.
“The only way to make a shape like this is through 3-D printing,” explained Julian Hakes.
The unique design literally hugs the food and promises comfort in high style, Macedo reported.
And in classic style, expect to see the timeless design of the Mary Jane flat hitting the streets next year, along with bright, colorful loafers.
“Even though they’re in suede, they feel very light and easy for summer, and very soft and forgiving,” said Jill Rubinstein, with Jon Josef Shoes.
So for spring 2016, expect color and neutrals, flats and stilettos — something for every taste and style.

Luxury fashion retailer Neiman Marcus files for IPO

Luxury fashion retailer Neiman Marcus Group Inc filed with U.S. regulators on Tuesday for an initial public offering of common stock.

The retailer, backed by Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board and Ares Management LP among others, intends to list its common stock under the symbol "NMG", according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Neiman Marcus, whose revenue was $4.8 billion for fiscal year 2014, did not name the underwriters for the offering.

The company set a nominal fundraising target of $100 million.

The amount of money a company says it plans to raise in its first IPO filings is used to calculate registration fees. The final size of the IPO could be different.

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Darwin Cup: Favourite Lightinthenite wins the feature race

The hot favourite for the Darwin Cup Lightinthenite has won the Northern Territory's premier horse race by eight lengths.

The horse, owned by a syndicate including the Chief Minister Adam Giles and a number of Darwin developers and publicans, was never troubled over the 2,000-metre race.

Second was Royal Request followed by last year's winner Pretty Blonde.

Lightinthenite took the lead on the final bend and had bounded clear with 250 metres to go.

Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman said the win was a tribute to trainer Gary Clarke.

He said it was very special also today to win the inaugural Simone Montgomery medal in race six.

The horses connections, including Darwin developer John "Foxy" Robinson and Chief Minister Adam Giles said it was a great feeling to win for their syndicate of Darwin friends.

Mr Giles declared his stake in the horse on the parliamentary pecuniary interests register a few weeks before it won the second race of the Darwin carnival, the Chief Minister's Cup.

Earlier on Monday he said he was not putting his money on the horse to win today's $200,000 race.

But the Chief Minister came down to the winning post to celebrate the win with his syndicate of Darwin co-owners.

"It was fantastic. You've got to be in sport with good people, supporting a good event, and that's what it was today," Mr Giles said.

PHOTO: Darwin Racing chairman Brett Dixon and Chief Minister Adam Giles with the Darwin Cup before the race.(ABC News: Jane Bardon)

Earlier, the Fannie Bay Racetrack was a sea of colour, as thousands turn out in ideal conditions for the 2015 Darwin Cup.

Up to 20,000 people were expected to attend the race, which is the premier event in the cup carnival and a major social occasion in Darwin.

"Obviously a lot goes into the preparations for the cup in finding that right dress and then trying to match obviously a headpiece and your shoes," racegoer Abbey Holmes said.

She and her friends went to the race mostly for the atmosphere on the sunny day that was expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius.

"We are more here for the fun, I don't know much about the horses themselves," Ms Holmes said.

The fashions on the field awards all went to women from out of town.

Jordan Beard from Cairns won the under 25 category, her sister Jalaine Beard also from Cairns won the over 25 and Lisa March from the Gold Coast won the over 40 section.

PHOTO: Fashions on the field winners Jordan Beard and Jalaine Beard from Cairns and Lisa March from the Gold Coast.(ABC News: Jane Bardon)

Chad Miller was on his buck's night, and had travelled to Darwin from Brisbane with eight friends.

They came to the cup dressed as police officers.

"We've heard about the Darwin Cup, and we thought it would be a good experience and get the boys up here for a bit of a craic," Mr Miller said.

PHOTO: A buck's group from Brisbane came to the Darwin Cup dressed as policemen. (ABC: Jane Bardon)

Bookmaker Rob Waterhouse said he was expecting a good betting day, even though many in the crowd did not take the event seriously.

"It's seen more as a big day out," he said.

"They most certainly dress very well for it and they have a very good time."

Chief Minister Adam Giles has a stake in the horse Lightinthenite, which is one of the favourites to win the race.

But Mr Giles said he was not betting on his own horse but no matter who won the race, the NT's tourism industry would be the big winner.

"Today is about Territorians about the tourism industry," Mr Giles said.

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 "I think there are some very good horses. Anyone can win it."

Quinton de’Alexander Combines Fashion and Philanthropy

Quinton de’ Alexander has been described by Chicago Now as a “designer extraordinaire” who has taken the Chicago fashion scene to a new level.  And although his designs are  without question exquisite, dramatic, exotic at times and certainly unforgettable and always elegant and high fashion his best work is what he does  to make a difference in the community.
De’ Alexander combined fashion and philanthropy in inventive ways. He regularly offered free seats at his exclusive fashion shows to those who could not otherwise afford to attend. It was his was of introducing  some glamour and fun into the lives of young single mothers.  He  has arranged “spa days” with makeovers and modeling lessons, presenting a designer prom dress to the teen mom with the best grades. He created similar programs for the mature , building self-esteem in those whom society often ignores by staging fashion shows where seniors model designer originals.
Another side of de’ Alexander’s community work was inspired by his own solitary struggle to learn the skills he needed to succeed in the field of fashion design. Through an organization he’s founded called Creativity United, Inc., de’ Alexander helps aspiring artists to gain a foothold in all facets of the design industry. Creativity United also hosted the Midwest Fashion and Beauty Designer Awards, an annual event recognizing the achievements of both established and beginning designers.
And if that isn’t enough, his pride and joy is his annual event ‘Creativity United’ Project, ‘We Live and Remember in Color’ hosted this year  Saturday, August 1, 2015  at The DuSable Museum.
The annual even  celebrates some extraordinary people. Survivors that have over come some challenging obstacles who live to  share their testimonies to encourage and inspire  other’s to keep their faith and get through what they must go through to heal.
Project “We Live And Remember In Color” ground breaking mission is to unify the awareness colors of health and humanity in one ribbon. Our objective is to stress the importance of knowing your color. Knowing your color is the key to mind and body support, disease prevention and humanitarian assistance. Because people give most to what matters to them, Project “We Live And Remember In Color” intends to showcase events in collaboration with other organizations in fundraising efforts toward the many “Colors” that affect us all. (colors refer to the colors of the ribbons attributed to the disease with which it is associate i.e.., pink is breast cancer)

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Quinton de’Alexander  is quite extraordinary himself.  I spoke with him during production and under the gun only to recognize his serene calm and composure as he continued to work and pull together  the final touches that will bring the event attendees to their feet.  It really will be an amazing red carpet event which dazzle everyone. The attire is black tie.
He showed me some event photos from years past and I was enthralled at the stage settings and asked, “Who’s your set designer?” only to hear him reply, “Me.”
This he also does, just one more task, a major task I might add  given all else that he does to assure that the participants, attendees and honoree’s all have a pleasant evening to remember.
But perhaps the most alarming factor in all this is that he lost his mother with whom he was very close  earlier this year around Mother’s Day. He expressed,” At one point I thought to put the event on hiatus and then realized my mother wouldn’t want that. She’d prefer that I do my work, to serve and contribute to those in need, so here I am, here we are ready to celebrate humanity.”
de’Alexander  says, “We at ‘Project ‘We Live and Remember in Color’ is on your side. Celebrating individuals and assisting you with realizing that ‘life is a song worth singing’!!!! Celebrate life!!! For more information of our ‘we dream in color’ humanitarian celebration, please visit:www.weliveandremember.com. ‘Media center/video’s’ to view highlights of past celebrations.