Checks appeal

Burberry,Fashion news Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler

We may be officially in a recession, but Burberry is one the few fashion companies posting profits, and so have more reason than most to celebrate. This week saw the relaunch of their Beverly Hills flagship store, with a cocktail party hosted by designer Christopher Bailey and photographer Mario Testino, who shot the current ad campaign starring Sam Riley and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. As well as Riley, other guests at the reopening included Liv Tyler, Kate Hudson and Mischa Barton, as well as ex-pat Cat Deeley (who caused much hilarity recently as the presenter of Peter Kay\'s X Factor spoof Britain\'s Got The Pop Factor And Possibly A New Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly On Ice). Continuing the British theme, mini shepherd\'s pies and Yorkshire puddings were served, while actor Ryan Gosling played DJ. In response to the economic climate, Bailey was reported as saying that it was important to keep moving forward: "It\'s important to keep rejuvenating and rethinking to make sure the brand stays fresh." Go to burberry.com to watch a podcast of the event.

See pictures from the Burberry Prorsum spring/summer 2009 fashion show

Picture: Kate Hudson and Liv Tyler

Mr Blackwell, I presume?

fashion,news Mr Blackwell Mr Blackwell, the inventor of the Worst Dressed List, has died in Los Angeles, aged 86, from complications caused by an intestinal infection. Blackwell\'s first list, published in the 1960s for a publication titled American Weekly, and the final, which was topped by Victoria Beckham, was his 48th. Other famous people on the receiving ends of Mr Blackwell\'s barbed remarks included Princess Diana (who appeared on the best dressed list the following year in 1983), and Drew Barrymore, whom he famously suggested should be renamed "Drew bares more". Some celebrities, such as Whoopi Goldberg, were proud of their worst-dressed status, even sending Mr Blackwell gifts for the publicity it garnered them. Born in Brooklyn with the name Richard Selzer, Mr Blackwell endured a poor upbringing and ran away from an abusive stepfather to hold a number of jobs before landing the Best and Worst Dressed lists job. He published his autobiography, From Rags To Bitches, in 1995. As well as Posh Spice, other celebs on his latest worst-dressed list, published last January, included Amy Winehouse and Lindsay Lohan. He wasn\'t all mean, however: he declined to include Britney Spears, saying, "I felt that it was inappropriate at this time to make comment, when her personal life is in such upheaval. I hope 2008 is a better year for her." Go to www.wacotrib.com for a year-by-year list.

Picture: Mr Blackwell

Obsesserize

Selfridges,Fashion news Jimmy Choo Glint shoe boot

For those of you fashionistas who make it your mission to get your mitts on that new It bag or shoe as early as possible, listen up. From now until the beginning of November, Selfridges is holding an in-store event focussing exclusively on accessories. Handbags To High Heels will give shoppers the chance to meet some of the most famous accessories designers around, like Tamara Mellon and Anya Hindmarch, as well as showcasing the most essential AW08 and Cruise handbags and shoes. They\'re also giving you the chance to buy specially sourced exclusive pieces from next season and get your hands on never before seen styles like the Gucci Tattoo bag (in store from 27 Oct - 2 Nov only). One lucky customer will even win a new designer handbag and a pair of shoes for every month of the year, from brands like Christian Louboutin, YSL and Marni. Accessories heaven doesn\'t even begin to cover it.

London In Store Appearances:

Tamara Mellon in store 22 October, 4pm

Anya Hindmarch in store 27 October, 1pm

Giuseppe Zanotti in store 27 October, 6pm

Jonathan Kelsey in store 31 October, 6pm

Rupert Sanderson in store 1 November, 3pm

Picture: Glint suede shoe boot by Jimmy Choo

 

Ka-pow!

diane von furstenberg,marc by marc jacobs,Fashion news Diane Von Furstenberg\'s Wonder Woman print

Two fun fashion stories from our friends in New York: Marc By Marc Jacobs will be launching a swimwear line, it has been reported, while Diane Von Furstenberg has created a capsule collection inspired by every fashionista\'s favourite superhero, the very fabulous Wonder Woman. The Marc Jacobs diffusion line, which keeps it cool chops by featuring the likes of the trendy M.I.A. in its ads, will no doubt come up with something suitably edgy in the itsy bitsy department. Von Furstenberg, meanwhile, has included minidresses, tunics, t-shirts and accessories with prints based on the comic series, in her collection, and published a book, Be The Wonder Woman You Can Be: The Adventures Of Diva, Viva And Fifa (published by DC Comics) - with proceeds going to the Vital Voices, a charity which supports emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe. The line, which includes t-shirts, tote bags and notebooks adorned with her Wonder Woman print,  is available at DVF stores in the UK now.

Picture: Diane Von Furstenberg\'s Wonder Woman print

 

Come the witching hour

Anya Hindmarch,Fashion news Anya Hindmarch

Halloween for one night only? Forget it! At Anya Hindmarch, it\'s a week long event. Come 25 October, the fun-loving handbag designer will be hosting a week long Trick or Treat extravaganza at all stores and online, lasting until Friday 31 October. It works like this: customers will be invited to pick a sweet from Anya Hindwitch\'s Trick or Treat bag (no purchase necessary). Those who pull out a treat may win an Anya Hindmarch bag, clutch or purse from the autumn/winter 2008 collection; but for those who pull a trick, a funny forfeit must be carried out. Sinister stickers and bags of spooky sweets - jelly brains, skullcrushers and lucky bones - will be on offer to tempt both children and parents alike. Go to anyahindmarch.com to find your nearest spooky happening.

Read last week\'s fashion news on handbag.com

Picture: Anya Hindmarch Halloween logo

Fashion event alert!

fashion event,Fashion news The Style Show

Get ready for a fashion and beauty bonanza: the Style Show, presented by handbag.com, is a five day event in Birmingham involving fashion, beauty and cocktails. The mini fashion week will play host to one of the most respected fashion writers in the business, The Telegraph\'s fashion critic Hilary Alexander, who will style and produce a designer catwalk show featuring next season\'s trends. Shoppers will be able to discover up-and-coming designers at the Fashion Captial Boutique, which will be stuffed full of one-of-a-kind pieces, while the fashion-weary will be able to relax with a spa treatment or manicure. Top it all off with a snack at the Fashion Café or a cosmo at the Cocktail Bar. A ticket to the show, which can be bought at thestyleshow.net, also includes free entry to Clothes Show Live!

Tickets: £24 + £2 booking fee

Call: 0844 579 3177

Book tickets at: thestyleshow.net