Is Alexa the new Kate?

She\'s already in prime position to seize Kate Moss\' style icon crown, but will Alexa Chung nab something even more lucrative? The Daily Mirror published a report last week stating that cosmetic company Rimmel London, who has used Moss as its face since 2001, is looking for a replacement, with Chung as first choice. New Bond girl Gemma Arterton is also being considered, it was reported, while other candidates Agyness Deyn, Daisy Lowe and Lily Cole were relegated to the pile of rejects. According the newspaper, a source was reported as saying that, "Lots of girls admire Alexa\'s rock-chic style and the fact she knows her music. She\'s very much in the driving seat." Another factor to consider is the fact that Kate, who is 34, has 10 years on Alexa and that Rimmel London is traditionally a youth-orientated brand. A rep for the company responded, saying, "Rimmel London has no plans to replace Kate. We are very happy with the collaboration." Danielle Radojcin

Picture: Alexa Chung

Read Alexa Chung\'s fashion face-off with Agyness Deyn on handbag.com 

Sweet Liberty

A shopping trip in London is never complete without a visit to Liberty, and for those unable or unwilling to brave the crowds of the West End, a virtual visit is the next best thing to setting foot in the 130-year old store. The brand\'s in-house label, Liberty of London, has launched an online shop, which, as well as presenting a capsule collection of new season pieces from the label\'s signature handbag, scarf, tie and travel lines, also provides regular news and information updates to satisfy the most  ardent Liberty fan. Each order comes delivered box-wrapped and be-ribboned in the house\'s signature colour of deep purple. Creative director Tamara Salman, responsible for the renaissance of the brand\'s gorgeous Ianthe print, said in a statement, "I wanted the site to echo the understated luxury inherent to the brand and to present Liberty of London\'s decadent mix or exquisite products." Danielle Radojcin
libertyoflondon.com

See Liberty of London on Handbag of the Week on hanbag.com 

Picture: a segment from Liberty of London\'s scarf commemorating the 2008 Chelsea Flower Show

The Carla effect

It\'s hard to believe it now, but it was only last November that a largely-forgotten supermodel called Carla Bruni modelled for a line of handbags designed by Tommy Hilfiger to benefit the Breast Health Institute. Fast-forward five months and said ex-supe is not only France\'s first lady, but a walking fashion advert, to boot (her recent royal visit to the UK got the amount of coverage it did largely due to Bruni\'s various outfits, courtesy of Dior). Not one to miss a money-raising opportunity, Hilfiger is auctioning a limited-edition tote signed by the Italian beauty on 21 April at the designer\'s Parisian flagship store. One of four remaining bags for the sold-out line, all proceeds will once again go towards the BHI.          Danielle Radojcin

Read about the fabulousness of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on handbag.com 

Picture: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy modelling for Tommy Hilfiger last year

Win a Stella McCartney handbag

Who doesn\'t covet a Stella McCartney Appaloosa tote bag? If the £700 price tag has been putting you off, then this could be your lucky day. Or rather, next Tuesday could be. Fashion Fringe, the organisation set up by Colin McDowell in 2004 to support fledgling British design talent, is giving anyone the chance to win said carry-all at a talk hosted by the London College of Fashion. Following the recent announcement of Donatella Versace as its new honorary chairman, Fashion Fringe is bringing together some of London\'s top fashion names (including Giles Deacon) to discuss London creativity and answer your questions. All you need to do is turn up, tune in and keep your fingers crossed. Go to KeithProwse.com for tickets. Danielle Radojcin

See pictures from Stella McCartney\'s autumn/winter 2008 fashion show on handbag.com 

 


Picture: Appaloosa tote bag by Stella McCartney

Fresh as a Daisy

It\'s not just Marc Jacobs who is besotted with daisies: Georg Jensen, the Danish century-old Danish jewellery house, has an eye for them too. In fact, the Daisy Collection, launched this month and available to buy for the first time at the brand\'s online store, has its roots (as it were) in the flower\'s long association with the Danish monarchy: when Queen Ingrid gave birth to the now Queen Margrethe in 1940, Georg Jensen made a special version of the Daisy jewellery collection in celebration (the Queen is still known as "Daisy" to her family). Today, it\'s modern fashionistas such as the ever-stylish Anouk Lepere or actress Margot Stilley who favour the brand. ‘Daisy\' can be worn as a brooch, bracelet, earrings or pendant and is available in a wide array of colours, as well as the original white. The sterling silver range, also available in silver or 18-carat gold with diamonds, is also available at the Georg Jensen boutique on New Bond Street and at Selfridges. Danielle Radojcin

See more pictures of Anouk Lepere and Jefferson Hack on handbag.com

Picture: Anouk Lepere, wearing Georg Jensen \'Daisy\' jewellery, with Jefferson Hack

One becomes two

Following Gianfranco Ferré\'s untimely death in June last year, the fashion house has seen its fair share of dramas. Lars Nilsson, who was appointed as creative director last September, left last February in uncertain circumstances before even showing his first collection for the brand. Now, the duo behind fashion label 6267 have been appointed as joint creative directors. Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, who launched 6267 in 2005, won interest and praise for their line, and followed up by helping with the relaunch of the label Malo, which they will leave (with Alessandro Dell\'Aqua rumoured to be taking over) in order to helm at Ferré. Based in Mantua in north Italy, the two 36-year-olds told Women\'s Wear Daily that they are "happy to approach another entirely Italian brand, a historical label that is tremendously interesting for the international market. We only learn from Ferré." Let\'s hope they\'re here to stay.
Danielle Radojcin

Read more about Lars Nilsson\'s departure on handbag.com 

Missed last week\'s fashion news? Read it here.

Picture: Roberto Rimondi and Tommaso Aquilano