Roberto Cavalli for H&M

High street-designer mania is not settling by any stretch of imagination; while the Josh Goot hysteria at Target yesterday was mildly busy, Swedish chain store H&M today declares the rumours of an H&M cooperation with Roberto Cavalli.

“Fancy yourself as a Cavalli babe next winter – for next to nothing? The Italian designer most famous for dressing Gwyneth, Madonna, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez is next up to design a one-off collection for H&M – following sell-out-in-seconds collections from Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf. "Roberto Cavalli has created a world of his own, iconic and full of fantasy, when it comes to colours, prints, and style," says H&M creative director, Margareta van der Bosch. "There is no place for shyness and no possibility of ending up with a mainstream wardrobe of everyday basics. The Roberto Cavalli collections represent an exuberant, successful lifestyle."

Donna Karan Joins The Blogosphere

“This has been the most incredible week of my life. I suppose I've simply gotten to a point in my life where I want to “address” people, not simply “dress” them. When first my husband Stephan became ill with cancer, and then my best friend Lynn Kohlman, I realized something was terribly wrong with the way they were being treated.” 19 May, The Huffington Post

Queen of cool, and American designer Donna Karan’s blog is far from an ode to fashion designs, but rather, an amazing insight into a subject that Karan feels very strongly about – the US health care system. Karan, known for her fund raisal for AIDS awareness, has also been co–chairing several cancer research charity events such as the annual New York “Kids for Kids”, and “Super Saturday” to name but a few. While the blog reveals details of Karan's private life, and her personal view on the health care system, some of the comments have fused some pretty lively conversations . Good for you, Donna!

Designer Rugs

Feeling particularly generous and want something unusual in your house? Then Designer Rugs might have exactly what you’re looking for.

Twelve of Australia’s leading fashion designers have been asked to design an original and exclusive rug, in a unique single edition. Each designer has chosen a charity they feel passionate about - the different choices include anything from Greenpeace to Amnesty, and Unicef to Meals on Wheels. All money raised by the silent auction will go to the charities.

The auction is in full swing already but will continue until Thursday 10th May 2007, so join now to be part of the bidding. 6 of the designs are displayed here, but our favourite is Akira's design, at the top left corner.

Take No Prisoners, says William Klein

Well they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, though you’d have to wonder if that really is the case for everyone. Reading that maestro John Galliano has been ordered to pay £140,000 in damages, after being found guilty of plagiarism, adds a whole new dimension to the expression.

Louise Roe, Vogue reports: “A court in France ruled that in his current ad campaign, the British designer had copied William Klein's trademark technique of painting over photographs. The creative director of Dior admitted he had been “inspired” by Klein, but denied the charges of plagiarism. According to the Daily Mail, Klein was furious when he first saw the images appearing in glossy magazines, all of which have now been withdrawn from publication. The 79-year-old, who is based in Paris, continued, “I was very bitter and angry when I found out. It felt like a kick in the teeth to the integrity of my work.””

What complete bollocks, we're off to paint over some photographs. Let's hope John hasn't put his paint brushes away for good (ed.).

Where Would You Wear That?

From Cincinnati with love comes this often-said phrase, which is also going to be the highlight of many "Cincy fashionistas" in June this year. The event, located at The Cincinnati Art Museum, is show-casing an intriguing collection of Japanese avant-garde Fashion designs, among whom über-cool Yohji Yamamoto's work is going to be featured. The exhibition is showcasing from 2 June 'til 12 August.

“Examine the work of several of the most forward-looking fashion designers of the twentieth century through this exhibition of more than fifteen pieces designed by Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, and other avant-garde Japanese designers over the past thirty years. This innovative, multimedia installation showcases designers who have changed the way we look at clothing.”

Jil Sander Wears Heavy Metal Heels

If it weren't for the guys over at Hintmag we would never have found these metallic bronze patent leather stilettos. Trying to make some sense out of Jil Sander's teutonic website seems even harder than reading an old business spec from her countrymen at SAP. But back to the shoes now - we can’t get these stilettos out of our heads. By the looks of things you couldn’t possibly stand up in them either... but who cares, as we always say "Style is everything, comfort is nothing", right?


Thank you Jil Sander, oh and thank you Hintmag! And thanks for nothing SAP!

High Street Bling

High Street-store-meets-designer-brand is a concept that’s clearly gone somewhat over-board these days. We’re not being snobs here and we’re definitely not whinging about the accessibility. No, we mention this as it is a weird phenomenon where the novelty of buying a designer piece at, say H&M, seems... less exciting because of this. Take the most recent designer collaborations where Stella McCartney’s 42- piece collection for Australian Target is planned to maximise Target’s revenue sale by 24%. Target alone isn’t the only budget brand that’s brought in big names to trigger sales figures. We’re thinking instantly of Adidas, Puma and LeSportsac who’ve all exclusified their products by Stella, Yohji Yamamoti and the likes. Victor and Rolf’s gig with H&M lats spring took dramatic proportions where some stores reportedly sold out in less than 10 minutes. Next in line is Kate Moss for Top Shop and (featured here) Madonna’s collaboration with H&M.

Total Makeover at Belen Echandia

We mentioned Belen Echandia some time ago. This time around Jackie, the brainchild behind the label has been a busy bee working on all sides of her business. Collection-wise she’s doing Italian workshops resulting in tons of exciting additions to the line. Some of the things we love are the additions of luxurious silk fuchsia linings in the bags. PDA pockets and a new logo are other elements we simply adore. The website has had a bit of a face-lift too, adding great visual effects with vivid images and easier navigation.

Hot bags: Hold Me in silver (£160) and Take Me Anywhere in tan (£495)

Galliano and Ten Years in the Blazing Saddles

You’ve got to give it to him though – John Galliano, a guy that, ten years ago, gave the designer handbag, in the shape of a saddle, complete with a dangling stirrup, a new meaning. The saddlebag, that incidentally seemed to be a visual joke, sums up what the flamboyant designer brought upon his arrival at the grand French couture house that day. His sense of humour, along with a strong determination to change Dior’s rather bourgeois image, were key ingredients to his success.

As couture shows in Paris are running on full blast, we can't wait to see the creations of Galliano & co as he’s celebrating 1o years as head designer of Dior.

Fashion Designers on Sydney

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; Sydney is an awesome city with a multi-cultural vibe offering lots of fun activities. And what's even more amazing; when you’re sick of the sunshine and the endless blue sky, there’s plenty of great shopping, funky bars and more restaurants you could ever dream of. Interestingly enough, Australian Vogue has presented a list of some well-known (Australian) Designers and their take on the city. Check out what their favourite spots are and what we think of their choices...

Jayson Brunsdon

-Seven Shillings beach at Double Bay.

-Mint Bar at the Hotel Intercontinental.

-My studio in Surry Hills.

-Grandma Takes A Trip in Crown Street Surry Hills. Yes, we totally agree – funky!

-My couch at home watching a movie.

***For a guy that is always delivering fantastic, female collections we find it rather hard to believe that gorgeous pouting Jason is a complete couch potato. Nonsense. Put him in Mint Bar with a glass of sparkling Pinot Noir.

Josh Goot

- The fish markets at Glebe.

- Coles, in Bondi Junction.

- The Harbour Bridge.

***Yes, Goot, the fish market is fun, we couldn't agree with you more on that. But Coles...? Eh, sorry we're lost! Did we really miss that moment when the Opera House took a beating of 'the Supermarket' in the Lonely Planet guide? Phew. Goot may be the King of streets, but never has streetwise been more confusing...

Nic Briand and Susien Chong of Lover

- Nielsen Park.
- Utopia Records.

- Golden Century. Chinese cuisine at its best.

***Utopia Records, yeah, we could see that one coming. An interesting label makes an interesting choice. Oh, and the Chinese cuisine is perhaps even better at East Ocean Restaurant, but that's a tough one. Nielsen Park? For parks, see London.

Fleur Wood

- I love a post-beach burger at Burgerman on Bondi Road.

- Brad Ngata hair direction. Possibly the best haircuts and colouring in Sydney.

- An outdoor table at Sean’s Panorama.

- The Beauty Room, for excellent facials and massages.

***OK, Burgerman. Burgerman. Clearly Ms Fleur needs to be taken out a little more often. Sean's Panorama we've never heard of, but a vast improvement from her post-beach dietary habits. The Beauty Room=spot on.

Rebecca Davies

- Otto Ristorante is my favourite restaurant, I try to go a couple of times a month.

- Eva Kaparti (Beauty salon), Double Bay.

- Cosmopolitan Shoes.

***What is it with these Double Bay ladies? Nay darling, nay. Best shoe shops in town are actually Emporium and Gary Castles. End of story. And Otto Ristorante may be a good Italian, but not nearly as good as trusty Alfredo's.

Christina Ribel: A Scandinavian Gem

Gothenburg, Reyjkjavik, Helsinki and Lillehammer – the thought of walking down snow-covered roads in one of these places is enough to make us home sick. But while these Nordic cities make excellent pre-Christmas holiday spots, in a different context we’d think nothing of snow, glögg and Scandinavian delicatessen. Christina Ribel’s connection to the Nordic cities proves further that there are other associations. As names like Copenhagen and Stockholm have provided some great names to the pieces of her collection, we're delighted to have been introduced to this fashion line.

Being the spoilt fashion brutes that we are (*blows air-kisses*), we were lucky enough to receive a few samples from her exquisite t-shirt collection. Delivered in high-duty gift-wrap boxes, the t-shirts were carefully packed in silk paper; this set high expectations for the content. Though unfamiliar with the design, we didn’t know what to expect.

The t-shirts were lovely. What we particularly loved were the clean lines, and 'uncluttered' designs – exclusive t-shirts that you can wear everyday with anything you like. Bold colours and fine quality added to the great feel of wearing these garments. The t-shirts were, and are still as we speak, genuinely fantastic.

The 29-year-old Danish fashion designer says: “The fundamental factor in the creation of the Christina Ribel designs has been to adapt the products after how the female body actually looks and behaves. The tops are tailored after the natural shapes of the female body, with many special features that all result in a unique fit with a slightly extended and curved lower part.”

Henrik Vibskov, Copenhagen

Guys around the globe have been topping up their list of must-visit fashion stores in Copenhagen. The coolest spot where all Danish blonde babes will be cruising is Henrik Vibskov’s flagship store. The much-anticipated store, which opened up yesterday, is located on Krystalgade 6, not far from the prestigious promenade at Strøget. Born in Denmark, Vibskov graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. With regular shows in Paris fashion week for men, Vibskov’s work is now sold at places like Pineal Eye in London, Midwest in Tokyo, and Shine in Hong Kong. Find out more about his playful collections here and here.

D Factory: The Business of Fashion

D Factory, Powerhouse Museum’s monthly design event, is organising another evening focusing on fashion, from a designer’s point of view. Sydney Fashionistas shouldn’t miss the event tomorrow where we’re promised tons of interesting information. Here’s what’s on the agenda: “Regular host and fashion aficionado Nell Schofield will be joined by three talented Australian designers to discuss the thrills and spills of Fashion Week. Juliana Foong from High Tea with Mrs Woo, Kirrily Johnston and Kate Hurst will give us an insider’s view on what’s involved in putting a show together and the importance of this major event for their business.”

When: 29 June 2006, 6-7.15pm
Where: The Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney
Cost: Free of charge