Archive November 2009

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DESIGNER UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: DEAN AND DAN CATEN (DSQUARED2)

Most of us fashionistas will know our Chanels from our Louis Vuittons, however some of us prefer labels that aren’t as well known yet produce head-turning clothes packed with attitude. Enter Dean and Dan Caten.

The identical twin brothers were born in Ontario, Canada and are the youngest of nine siblings. Both moved to the Big Apple to study fashion at the infamous Parsons The New School for Design but instead of graduating, they found a financial backer upon moving back to Toronto after one semester.

After launching DEanDAN, they were signed to Ports International in 1988 as creative directors in a bid to revamp the company, bringing it to the forefront of fashion. Moving to Italy, they worked as designers for Versace and Diesel.

1994 was the year that they launched their men’s collection and in 2003 came their women’s collection. The beauty about these ambitious brothers is the striking, elaborate shows they put on to showcase their new collections.

“Explosive energy” could be one way of describing these shows with Christina Aguilera stripping the male models of their clothes in 2005 and Rihanna entering the stage in an American muscle car in 2007.

That same year the first DSquared2 store opened in Milan’s fashion district. Others followed opening in Capri, Istanbul, Kiev, Singapore and Hong Kong. The innovative designers have won several awards such as the 2003 GQ Men of the Year Breakout Design Award. In 2006, they were awarded with the Golden Needle Award, which has been previously won by Oscar de la Renta, Gianni Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Their success has been so immense that they were chosen to design Britney’s costumes for her ‘Circus’ tour.

"We are enormous fans of Britney, and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to collaborate with her," the designers explained. "We searched for a different interpretation for this tour, starting with the traditional idea of the circus and then abandoning it."

Previously having designer for Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and Rihanna, it’s not surprise that the princess of pop chose the dynamic duo to work their magic for her tour.

"We wanted to create something much more provoking and indecent...something animalistic and primal.”

Using their experience within fashion, their Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection consisted of a mixture of open-air details such as fur trimmed coats and chunky knits, with sexy glamorous visuals such as a deconstructed corset and hand stitched denim which appears to be a favorite amongst celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Madonna who previously asked the duo to produce over 150 pieces for her 2002 ‘Drowned World’ tour.

With men and women’s wear, footwear, fragrances and cosmetics, Dean and Dan have struck a balance, which keeps celebrities coming back for more. With huge fashion giants to contend with, there’s a strong gut feeling that DSquared2 are here for the long haul, challenging trends and taking fashion to another dimension.

By Safeera Sarjoo - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

LIP SERVICE! BE POUT-TASTIC!

Don’t get caught out with dry lips like I did!

OK, I was coming back from swimming, so it was kind of inevitable that my skin was going to be drier than normal.

The rules:
- Use a lip buffer or a toothbrush to take off dead skin.
- Use a lip salve, namely: Vaseline, The Body Shops Shea Lip Butter or Bobbi Browns lip treatment.
- Apply your base colour.
- Use a high shine lip gloss: Spikes favourites are: Boots NO.7 Lip Gloss and Clinique’s Superbalm Moisturising Gloss.

…And away you go!

It is a bit of long process; that is why I’ve called it a service. If you do these simple steps each time you reapply your lipstick during the day, your lips will stand the test of time and the harsh weather constraints leaving you looking and feeling pout-tastic.

By Clare Eluka - Beauty Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

FASHION TREND ALERT - NIGHT FEVER

It’s getting to that time of year again where we girls need to start thinking about wrapping up warm for those nights on the town. But don’t worry because this season is all about keeping warm but staying sexy. Think lurex, faux fur, velvet and silk - because fashion just hit the dancefloor!

Glitter bugs are in luck this Autumn/Winter as this season is set to sparkle! Transform that LBD by adding a long-sleeved sequin shrug and some detailed sheer tights to ensure you shine in the spotlight and dazzle on the dancefloor. Look for sequined accessories to propel your outfit from daytime chic to night-time glamour!

For those extra-cold nights invest in a statement super-soft fur jacket and team with some wet-look leggings and killer high heels to ensure that you’re not left standing in the cold after a big night out. For ultimate sophistication go for a textured fur in brown hues to contrast with a sexy black outfit.

Keep those pins warm this Winter with some trend-setting knee-high boots. Suede and patent are a big favourite amongst fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and Armani this season and look great with black lace tights and a super sexy mini dress to guarantee you will get all heads turning.

Leather is still a major hit amongst celebrities and designers alike but this season go for a suede jacket or heels to add some sophistication to any outfit. And why not try a midnight blue instead of black for ultimate glamour, teamed with a silk shirt and lace tights for a match made in heaven!

Whatever your style this Winter keep warm and stay sexy with these simple ideas and get that fire burning on the dancefloor!

By Charlotte Seabury - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

CELEBRITIES CANT GET ENOUGH OF VELVET FASHION AND ACCESSORIES

Freane Cotton, Rachel Bilson and Lauren Laverne are just a few of the celebrities who are getting into the velvet trend this season. Across the high street you will find a huge range of velvet items, such as tailored jackets, bodysuits, dresses and even shoes. All fab must have items as apart of your Winter wardrobe! However velvet shoes are very unpractical for the weather we get this season, but I still have to say I really like them.

At the top of the ladder is defiantly velvet dresses, every girl needs at least one party dress this season and make it velvet. They come in a rainbow of colours, my favourite being the plumb tones whish will compliment any skin tone and keep it feeling very festive. Fearne Cotton is a fan of the dress and wore a long sleeved mini blue number to a red carpet even. Teamed with bright red lippy and lace tights this rock chick has a look that will please.

The blazers are still very much in so bag yourself a velvet one! Again a range of colours and cuts to suit all, team with a jump suit or party dress and you have a great evening look. Alternately you can wear with skinny jeans and a simple tank for a classy day look.

Go wild with Velvet! Don’t forget to accessorise, check out our range of fabulous shoes, bags, and more!

By Emma Evans - Celebrity Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

GET IN THE PARTY SPIRIT WITH A FABULOUS SNAKESKIN CLUTCH BAG

As Christmas approaches, panic begins to spread about finding the perfect party dress for this exciting festive occasion. Something a little sparkly, above the knee but not too short due to the Winter chill, an outfit that makes you feel special and really puts you in the mood this holiday season. You might have to purchase numerous dresses to wear several separate events. That means that you will need endless different accessories, and with all those presents that you have to buy, it gets a bit much. Why not take a look at our selection of clutch bags, particularly our Large Gold Metallic Snakeskin Effect Clutch Bag for a fabulous £12.00. All you need to do is purchase one bag his season, and it needs to be this one.

The clutch bag is elegant and versatile, a perfect party piece to go with all your festive outfits. It is a functional item as you can pack it full with a few seasonal essential and off you go to party the night away in style. Two of the most fabulously dressed women on the planet, Rachel Bilson and Kate Moss are both fans of the clutch bag, making it an ultra chic must have. 

Matthew Williamson has some wonderful clutches in his collection this season and Jimmy Choo have produced some fabulous studded clutch bags.
 
The snakeskin pattern of the clutch gives you that little added touch of excitement to add to you wardrobe. The bag has silver metal detailing and two silver chain linked detachable straps, of varying lengths: one long, one short. This gives you different ways to carry the clutch, meaning that with this item you really do get more than one look.

If the gold is not for you, and you are looking for something a little subtler the item also comes in black, as well as silver and blue. Grab one while you still can!

By Amy Shiels - Product Features Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK.

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