Vivienne Westwood to launch Ethical Africa collection on ASOS

Vivienne Westwood is launching the Ethical Africa collection, a new range of bags created using recycled canvas, reused roadside banners and unused leather off-cuts. Handmade in Nairobi, the bag collection is made by communities of women who are affected by extreme poverty. Available in a range of styles from unisex rucksacks, totes and zipped clutches. The collection will available at ASOS.com later this month, with prices starting at £58.




SOURCE - DIARYDIRECTORY.COM

Gucci unveils collaboration with artist Hirohiko Araki

Gucci has unveiled a unique collaboration between Creative DirectorFrida Giannini and renowned Japanese Manga artist, Hirohiko Araki. Inspired by Giannini's 2013 Cruise Collection, Hirohiko has created an exclusive Manga (Japanese comic strip) story that will feature in the shop windows of Gucci's worldwide direct store network in January and February. Entitled 'Jolyne, Fly High with Gucci', Hirohiko's Manga tells the story of Jolyne Cujoh, a student who inherits a keepsake from her mother’s Gucci collection. Echoing the colour palette and graphic undertones of Giannini's Cruise collection, it references the House's iconic Flora pattern that has been reinterpreted in a number of the collection’s signature pieces and the technique gives a three dimensional effect to his characters. The window installation will roll out across more than 70 Gucci boutiques around the world from today and will remain until mid-February. A multi-media campaign will complement the window installation, including in-store and viral videos and the publication of the full Manga story exclusively in Japan's Spur magazine and on Gucci’s Facebook page.

www.gucci.com 




Source: Diary Directory

Hugo Boss introduces new men's fragrance

Hugo Red is the latest men's fragrance from fashion brand Hugo Boss. The fragrance is built around two contrasting accords - the ‘solid chill’ accord and the ‘liquid heat’ accord, which reflect the different facets of cold and hot metal. The ‘solid chill’ accord combines grapefruit in the top note and rhubarb in the heart note, with a metallic accent, while the ‘liquid heat’ accord contains cedarwood and hot amber. Launching in January, Hugo Red Eau de Toilette is priced at £27 for 40ml, £37 for 75ml and £52 for 150ml. A Shower Gel, After Shave Balm, Deodorant Stick and Deodorant Spray will also be available within the collection.

www.hugo.com






Source: Diary Directory

Radley London collaborates with illustrator Rory Crichton

British premium accessories brand Radley London has announced its latest collaboration with British illustrator and textile designer, Rory Crichton. Having worked as a consultant with leading International brands such as Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Gucci, Giles Deacon and Sonia Rykiel, Rory Crichton has created a hand drawn sketched design of his own interpretation of the Radley Scottie dog for SS13. Rory’s designs will feature across an extensive range of classic totes, small leather goods, umbrellas, holdalls and luggage entitled the ‘Thames Collection’. The full Rory Crichton ‘Thames collection’ hits stores in January 2013 and can be found at any one of Radley’s 21 stores nationwide or online.
www.radley.co.uk 



Source: Diary Directory

T.M.Lewin launches new occasionwear collection

British tailor T.M.Lewin has just launched a new range of occasionwear in store and online. This includes two sophisticated dress suit options, a range of shirt styles, plus accessories to complete the black tie look. The T.M.Lewin dinner jacket comes without side vents, for a more streamlined silhouette, while the Merino Wool/ Mohair mix offers a subtle luminescence. The Mayfair dinner suit comes with a classic one-button dinner jacket, while the Guiness slim fit, with shawl lapel, has a more contemporary feel and a slimmer fit through the waist. The T.M.Lewin dress shirt range includes a classic plain white, pleated front and wing collar option, as well as a collection of classic bow ties, cummerbunds, cufflinks and dress studs. 

www.tmlewin.co.uk 




Source: Diary Directory

Ermenegildo Zegna appoints new Head of Design

Zegna Group has today announced the appointment of Stefano Pilati as Creative Director of Agnona, the women's luxury ready-to-wear and accessories brand , and Head of Design at Ermenegildo Zegna, with responsibility for the brand’s fashion show as well as for the Ermenegildo Zegna Couture collection. Both appointments are effective 1 January 2013.

Commenting on the appointment, Gildo Zegna, Chief Executive Officer of the Zegna Group said: "I’m thrilled to have Stefano in our Group as he brings great talent, invaluable experience and enormous enthusiasm. We have ambitious plans for Agnona, and we strongly believe that under his creative leadership we will be able to develop this little jewel into a global brand."

As per the Zegna brand, he added: "we have been thinking about its role in fashion for some time. With this appointment, we will be able to combine our tradition in tailoring and our leadership in innovative materials with a new vision for men’s fashion."
www.zegna.com



Source: Diary Directory

First details unveiled for Fashion’s Night Out London

The first details on Vogue's Fashion’s Night Out (FNO), which takes place on 6 September, have been announced, naming the participating stores, designers and events confirmed so far. British Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, is co-hosting a launch party with Mulberry’s Creative Director Emma Hill at the Mulberry store. To mark the evening, the official limited edition Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt, commissioned by British Vogue and designed by Jonathan Saunders, will be supplied by GAP and will be on sale from £18 in many of the participating stores and online, with proceeds going to Refuge, a national charity for victims of domestic violence. Ahead of Fashion’s Night Out, Condé Nast Worldwide News on St George Street, W1, will be selling the T-shirt exclusively from the 3 September. Fashion’s Night Out 2012 will be sponsored by Vodafone.

Other highlights of London’s Fashion’s Night Out 2012 will include:

• Anya Hindmarch’s 'How Do You Wear Yours?' competition with a chance to win a bag from the AW12 collection.
• Boucheron’s space outside the Bond Street store will be transformed into a Paris street. Artists will be drawing FNO attendees onto a Vogue front cover template. The winner will receive a Quatre black edition ring.
• Daks are turning the paving area outside the store into a lawned garden area, providing British refreshments with a competition to win tickets to the LFW Show.
• Emporio Armani will be hosting ‘MTV Brand New: For 2013’ presented by Emporio Armani Diamonds, showcasing an invitation-only evening of emerging music talent in the secret garden of the New Bond Street store.
• French Connection customers will be able to have photos taken, with the best one from the night winning a £500 shopping spree. Shoppers will also be able to get their hair styled at the Vogue-inspired hair station, enjoy refreshments, canapés, discounts, and an exclusive DJ set.
• Juicy Couture will be celebrating the launch of its AW12 line, LA Loves London, with a chance to win perfumes and hampers.
• Uniqlo will celebrate the launch of its new AW12 Orla Kiely collection with Orla personally meeting and greeting customers. Customers will receive a free bunch of flowers, an Orla Kiely tote bag, and a limited edition postcard set when purchasing two or more items from the collection.
• Vivienne Westwood will focus on the use of Merino wool in the brand’s AW12 collections, in celebration of Vivienne’s role as Woolmark Ambassador, and customers can also enjoy cocktails, canapés, live entertainment and complimentary limited edition gifts with purchase.

www.vogue.co.uk/fashions-night-out





Source: Diary Directory

Gucci unveils Flag Collection for UNICEF

Gucci has introduced the Flag Collection for UNICEF, an exclusive line of T-shirts and accessories designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini to celebrate the launch of UNICEF’s “Schools for Asia” initiative. Gucci will make an initial donation of $350,000 to the initiative in the name of the Gucci children’s collection with a specific focus on the Yunnan and Chongqing provinces. Meanwhile 25% percent of the retail price of each item of the Flag Collection that is sold will be donated to provide further support to both of UNICEF's school initiatives, which provide quality education to millions of children and a safe environment for more vulnerable girls. The Flag Collection includes a series of items ranging from tees to handbags and zip-around wallets - all distinguished by a new version of the interlocking GG logo featuring the colours of different national flags from around the world. The new collection launches into selected Gucci boutiques today.


www.gucci.com






Source: DIARY DIRECTORY

Giorgio Armani Essenza fragrances launching in July

Giorgio Armani is launching two new fragrances next month: Acqua Di Gio Essenza for men, and Acqua Di Gioia Essenza for women. The men's version (£49 for 50ml or £66 for 100ml) contains a top note of cascalone with accents of cologne, sicilian bergamot essence and grapefruit zest. The floral heart note of paradisone is combined with jasmine absolute, basil and sage, while the base contains patchouli obtained by a new distillation method, atlas cedar, vetiver and ambrox. The female version (£55 for 50ml or £74 for 100ml) starts with mint, lemons and pepper, followed by jasmine absolute blended with water jasmine. The base notes consist of cashmere woods with hints of cedar wood and red sugar. Both fragrances will be available nationwide in July.
www.giorgioarmanibeauty.co.uk

Source: Diary Directory

Gucci Equestrian Collection launching in November

Gucci is set to launch its new Equestrian Collection later this year, a contemporary tribute to the equestrian tradition and riding heritage that has inspired the House for over 90 years. The line is part of the Cruise 2013 collection and includes a ready-to-wear assortment featuring 15 styles, completed by a selection of accessories. The collection is characterised by the symbols of the House: the Gucci Crest, the horsebit and the green-red-green web stripe. Creative Director Frida Giannini has designed a complete capsule collection for women, evolving from the wardrobe she created for Edwina Alexander, the world’s number one female horse-jumper, who is sponsored by Gucci. The colour palette features natural and classic tones like black, beige, sky blue and pure white. The new Equestrian Collection will be available at select Gucci boutiques worldwide and on the label's websote from November.
www.gucci.com


Source: Diary Directory

Tiffany & Co. to launch Tiffany Enchant in September

Tiffany Enchant, the new collection from Tiffany & Co. is set to launch later this year. The new range is based on the symmetrical patterns of traditional 19th century garden gates, with decorative motifs in jewellery with white and coloured diamonds. Designs include a scroll pendant, earrings and bangle, each with white diamonds, hand cut and set in platinum and 18 carat rose gold. The collection also includes a key pendant with a butterfly of pink diamonds (pictured above), as well as custom ring settings featuring Tiffany yellow diamonds, surrounded by white diamonds set in platinum. The Tiffany & Co. Enchant collection will be available in selected stores from September, with prices starting as £1000.
www.tiffany.co.uk


Source: Diary Directory

Gucci launches eco-friendly shoe collection Sustainable Soles

Gucci has announced the launch of Sustainable Soles, a special edition of eco-friendly women’s and men’s shoes, designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini and part of the Pre-fall 2012 Collection. The Sustainable Soles include the Marola Green ballerinas for her and the California Green sneakers for him, both made in bio-plastic - a biodegradable material in compost used as an alternative to petrochemical plastic. This eco-aware material follows a shorter degradation process compared to traditional industrial plastic, without leaving waste or environmental impact. The Marola Green flat ballerina features cut out details, the GG logo motif and is available in the blush, taupe, black and black with an interlocking G in white. The men’s California Green sneakers, in a low or high top version, combine the bio-rubber soles with the upper part in vegetable tanned black calfskin, biologically certified strings and rhodium-plated metal details. Additionally, the green Gucci logo has been designed on a recycled polyester label. The Sustainable Soles will be available at selected Gucci stores worldwide and online from the end of June.
www.gucci.com


Source: Diary Directory

Prada introduces new shoulder bag this June

Prada has introduced its new shoulder bag for SS12. A new contemporary version of the ‘hunting bag’, key features include a practical flap closure with double fastening in brass-finished metal as well as the classic Prada triangle logo. Designed in Saffiano Vernice, the new style will be available in several colours including red, orange, blue, purple and classic black. This design will be sold exclusively in Prada stores from June, in selected European countries as well as the United Arab Emirates, US and Hong Kong.


www.prada.com


Source:Diary Directory

Havaianas & Mavala partner to launch summer Beauty Bar

Flip flop brand Havaianas has opened the Havaianas Beauty Bar on the second floor of John Lewis, Oxford Street, London, running until 5 June. When purchasing a pair of Havaianas, in one of 18 colours in the Slim style, customers will receive a complimentary shape and polish with a matching or clashing Mavala nail colour.


www.uk.havaianas.com
www.mavala.co.uk


Source: Diary Directory

Paolita launches T-shirt collection at Harvey Nichols

Beachwear label Paolita has launched a T-shirt collection has at Harvey Nichols. To mark the occasion, Anna Paola was invited along with the twenty participating designers and artists to paint a mural installation on the walls where the collection will be displayed. The collection infuses the designer Anna Paola’s Mexican heritage along with the design elements from Paolita’s summer 2012 collection. Made from 100% ethically sourced cotton, the shirts each have a low cut neck and are priced at £60.
www.paolita.co.uk



Source: Diary Directory

Superdry & Timothy Everest collaborate to launch capsule collection

British fashion brand Superdry and contemporary tailor Timothy Everest have collaborated to create a suiting collection. Superdry and Timothy Everest share the philosophy of blending craft, tradition, design and quality, which are all qualities that can be found in this new collection. Heavy wools teamed with a button-down shirt and chunky British brogue boots create a classic look, while a more casual slant is achieved with cracked print tees, raw selvedge skinny jeans and white low tops.

www.superdry.com
www.timothyeverest.co.uk



Source:Diary Directory

Temperley London to open first flagship store in London

Temperley London has announced the launch of its first flagship store in London’s Mayfair. Opening this November at 27 Bruton Street, W1, the store is situated in a six floor Georgian building dedicated to the World of Temperley. The building will house all three Temperley collections; Temperley London, ALICE by Temperley contemporary line and Temperley Bridal across two floors equaling 2,500 square foot of retail space including a ‘By Appointment’ private shopping salon. The Bruton location will also hold the Press and Wholesale showrooms and their teams, and the Financial and e-commerce offices, becoming the new Head Office location for Temperley London.

www.temperleylondon.com



Source:Diary Directory

Ralph Lauren to launch The Big Pony Collection for Women

Ralph Lauren has announced the launch of The Big Pony Collection for Women, a series of four fragrances with four attributes of a woman; Sporty, Sensual, Free-Spirited and Stylish. All four fragrances are set upon a floral backdrop and are based on a duo of ingredients, with an accent of citrus, fruit, green or oriental. The Sporty Fragrance (1) is a floral citrus scent comprising grapefruit and blue lotus. The Sensual Fragrance (2) is a floriental fruity scent with key notes of cranberry and tonka mousse. The Free-Spirited Fragrance (3) is a floral green scent with highlights of pear and mimosa. The Stylish Fragrance (4) in an oriental floral containing wild cherry and purple amber. All four fragrances are featured in a coloured bottle with the brand's iconic polo pony in an oversized position on one side of the bottle and the number in the series on the other side. Priced at £50 for 100ml and £35 for 50ml, the The Big Pony Collection for Women will be available nationwide from July.
www.ralphlauren.co.uk




Source: Diary Directory

Tesco launches F&F pop-up shop in London

Tesco has announced that it will launch an F&F pop-up shop in central London, open to customers for four days on the week of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, from 30 May to 2 June. Located in the Piazza at Covent Garden, the pop-up will be the first time F&F will be available in central London and will see F&F showcase its exclusive online collections. Customers will be able to see, try on and shop selected pieces from F&F’s online only collections, as well as try out the latest augmented technology from Aurasma. Unlike a traditional shop, the items on show will be for display and trying on purposes only, and instead of a till there will be an iPad station where customers can browse and buy. Customers will also be able to virtually try on garments using our ‘Virtual Fitting Room’, and there will be QR codes on all products allowing customers to shop on their mobile phones. In addition to standard delivery, the website’s Click and Collect service will be available in the local Covent Garden Tesco Metro, allowing customers to collect their orders nearby the next day. Customers will receive goody bags with purchase and there will also be offers, competitions and beauty treatments available from the Vintage Cosmetic Company.

www.tesco.com




Source: Diary Directory

Juicy Couture creates London Olympic Bag

This July, Juicy Couture will launch a London canvas tote to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games. The printed canvas shoulder bag has been designed by fashion designer, illustrator and author Sujean Rim, and will be free with every Juicy Couture Couture 100ml or 50ml fragrance purchase from July.

www.juicycouture.com



Source: Diary Directory