David and Victoria Beckham for Vogue Paris

Could the Beckham's conquer the fashion world any more than they already have done? With Victoria's successful fashion line and David's sought after image for major fashion ads (Belfast to name just one), you'd have thought that their work in fashion can reach no higher summit. Yet, when it comes to the Beckham's, there's always something more you can do and this time it comes in the form of Vogue Paris. As Victoria guest edits the December issue of the magazine, her and David grace the front cover of not one but two possible editions to collect.

Staring directly down the camera and oozing star quality, this duo are possibly the biggest power-house couple in the world, raking in millions every year. However, in the issue Victoria claims that they are both 'so proud of each other' and have had their fair share of 'ups and downs.' The interview also features some gorgeous black and white photos of the pair, showing exactly why they have risen so high in the world of fashion.

Vogue Paris editor Emmanuelle Alt stated that she chose Mrs Beckham to guest edit the Christmas issue because of her strong role as a woman. 'We handed over the running of this issue to a woman who, throughout our working together, has proved to be the exact opposite of her public image.' You can purchase the Christmas 2013 issue of Vogue Paris on December 2nd.

MTV AMA AWARDS: BEST DRESSED

Christina, Heidi and Nicole

Lady Gaga makes an impressive entrance on a white horse

Taylor Swift in Julien MacDonald

 

 

 

 

Christmas Party Dressing... It''s as easy as Mince Pie!

Its that time of year again! Party season is upon us, so its time to whip out those sparkly minis and those killer heels for those embarrassing and (out of control) work parties that have us fashion obsessed women in a frenzy. So what will it be this year? That old, boring LBD or the sparkly gold maxi that makes you look like a giant Christmas decoration? This Christmas season, start afresh, go shopping and get yourself an outfit to wow your friends and colleagues and have them fuming green with envy at how amazing you look, with this falls hottest fashions...

1) The Jumpsuit.
How much do you want to bet that 99.9% of all ladies at this years Christmas party will be wearing a dress? Well, in the words of Jessie J 'do it like a dude,' this season by wearing the all in one jumpsuit. The jumpsuit was seen everywhere in the fall 2013 collections - Diane von Furstenburg, Salvatore Ferragamo and Marc Jacobs to name just some, so this is a fashionable, not to mention very sleek trend. Head to River Island and Topshop for some of the hottest jumpsuits on the high street, which will have you turning heads in no time. For extra glamour, purchase one in either black or white then accessorize with gold/ silver jewellery for that Studio 54 feel. This trend does tend to suit women over 5'6 (and the perfect set of legs) but that doesn't mean you can't give it a go! So for originality, give the jumpsuit a try.

2) The Fur Coat.
It's fierce, furry and fashionable! The fur coat is absolutely everywhere on the high street in so many different lengths, styles and textures. Zara, Cos, New Look even Primark have the fur coat selling out in their stores across the UK, and you too could wow in this fabulous piece. This coat is your statement item with any outfit, so keep your look simple. Wear with a stunning black dress and stilettos or a pair of knee high boots and a pencil skirt. Either way, you'll be sure to stun in this furry number. For added effect, drape over the shoulders to give a "I really haven't bothered about my outfit" look. Relaxed and highly practical too for those cold, winter nights.

3) The Earrings.

What's an outfit without a statement pair of earrings? This season, designers went gaga for massive earrings and even celebs too have been trying out the trend. Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and Tyra Banks have all sported their own dazzling designer ear pieces. But for us mere mortals, Freedom by Topshop do the best range of earrings with feathers, studs and lots of sparkle all thrown in for good measure. If you're wearing an LBD this Christmas, then I highly recommend you invest in a huge, glittery pair which will light up your outfit, and the dance floor. Who cares if they're too heavy? When it comes to fashion, we've got to look good!

4) The Dancing Shoes.
In the words of Abba, 'You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life,' in these mouth watering, amazingly fabulous Kurt Geiger shoes! Just head to the website or your local Kurt Geiger store to wonder at the fantastic selection they have pulled out for the party season. You could literally pick out any pair, and they would be perfect for those upcoming parties. My favourite is the hot 'Glib' heel and the fierce, studded 'Gyrate' Carvela shoes...You have got to check them out! Frankly, any stiletto is practical for Christmas, so be ready to hit that dance floor, in a killer pair of heels.

Sally Edelstein: 1950's Collage with a Twist!

Pop art, Hollywood and 1950's advertising = Sally Edelstein. This is a new artist I've discovered who I have absolutely fallen in love with. The bright, popping colours and the unique portrayal of women seen through the eyes of men is interesting and individual, I've certainly never seen art like this before. Not to mention, Edelstein uses collage in a whole new way.  Hundreds of pictures of women all thrown together to depict the Cold War era,  the role of women in media and the sex revolution that eclipsed the 1960's. Her work is amazing. What other artist uses Marilyn Monroe, a saucepan and  a jar of jam in the same painting? Yeah, she's pretty unique and a fantastic artist to work with in my 'male gaze' art project.

For more information and wonderful pictures of Edelsteins work, head to her website at:
http://www.sallyedelsteincollage.com

Here are some of my favourite collages...

Jenny from the Block: The Red Carpet Style of Miss Lopez

It's been many years since Jennifer Lopez first sang, 'Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got, I'm still,

I'm still Jenny from the block...' Here at theFASHIONbox, we are certainly not fooled by the rocks that she's most defiantly got, but is she really still Jenny from the Bronx? From her stunning red carpet style the answer has go to be...No! JLo has come a long way from that infamous Versace gown at the 2001 Grammy Awards and has instead developed into a flawless actress and singer, with a wardrobe to match. 

Whether it's the Oscars or a red carpet appearance for her new perfume, Lopez always looks beautiful dressing for her age, body shape and most importantly... For herself. Dior floorlength dresses, emerald Pucci classics and dazzling Armani ball gowns, this is one stylish Latino who knows how to work red carpet style. Lopez frequently experiments with colours, (over the years we've seen dresses in all colours of the rainbow) has her hair and make up to perfection (thanks to loyal make up artists) and carries herself with ease, elegance and sophistication - she's come a long way from the unknown backing dancer in Janet Jackson's music video. 

For the big red carpet events such as the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, Lopez favours neutral tones in the form of creams, pure whites and shimmery metallics as seen at the 2013 Oscars. However, for the Grammys, MTV music awards and her appearances as judge on American Idol, JLo brings a more fresh, urban swagger to her style by wearing daring mini dresses, sparkly accessories and super high heels. Cool yet super stylish! 

Jennifer Lopez has a STUNNING figure. Fact. Her famous bottom and Latino curves make her the classic example of how to wear a figure hugging dress. Lanvin, Julien Macdonald and Victoria Beckham are just some of JLo's favourite designer brands whose dresses accentuate her curves and provide that all important red carpet glamour that so many stars these days just can't get right. Our personal favourite? That divine gold Marchesa gown she wore to the 2009 Golden Globes with Lorraine Schwartz jewellery. Sexy, stylish and jaw-dropping, revealing just enough flesh to not look too OTT. That dress stole the show and highlighted Miss Lopez as a serious contender in the fashion style stakes. Utterly beautiful.  

The paparazzi love her and the world can't get enough of her. JLo, no longer Jenny from the block, ticks all our a list, red carpet, fashion requirements. Showing the younger generation how it's done, Jennifer Lopez is red carpet fabulous! 

Walk like an Angel! Victoria's Secret 2013

A whole load of supermodels, skimpy bikinis, international pop performances and crazy costumes...it can only be Victoria's Secret! As the angels took to the catwalk for the latest VS collection here are some of the best pictures from the show...

Lily Donaldson, Magdalena Frackowaik, Jourdan Dunn

Karlie Kloss, Erin Heatherton, Adriana Lima

Cara Delevingne, Alessandra Ambrosio,

Candice

Taylor Swift

Hunger Games: Catching Fire Premiere London

Thousands of screaming fans, flashing lights and Jennifer Lawrence in a white Dior dress... It could only be the Hunger Games Catching Fire premiere! It may be cold in London, but that didn't put off any of the fans in Leicester Square last night who camped out, longing to catch a glimpse of their idols. Jennifer Lawrence and co took to the red carpet in all their a-list finery with Lawrence showcasing her stunning new hair with a sparkling Dior dress to match. Even though said dress has been compared by some as something that came out of a Smarties tube, (don't listen Jen!) theFASHIONbox thought it was a wonderful dress which suited Jens body shape perfectly.

Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Donald Sutherland also took to the red carpet as well as other celebrity guests including Ellie Goulding, Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Peaches Geldof, keen to watch this sure to be box office smash. A night to remember!

Hunger Games Catching Fire hits cinema screens on the 21st November.

All hail Queen Mary Katrantzou of Prints!

 

We've had Pucci in the 60's. All bright, bold and loud embedded on scarves and mini dresses. Then Missoni. Woolen knits, in all the colours of the rainbow, just right for cold, winter evenings around the fire. Etro emerged in the 90's with their Arabian paisley prints; a key part of their heritage. And now for the 21st centurary, there is a new Queen of prints, in the form of the exciting, new London based Greek born designer: Mary Katrantzou.

Since her gradutate collection for Central Saint Martins in 2008, Katrantzou has caused quite a strom surrounding London fashion, becoming a firm favourite at fashion week (even Anna Wintour's a fan.) With her colourful display of prints on every imaginable piece of clothing, she has established herself as the new Queen of the fabulous print. The extraordinary thing about Katrantzou's designs is that, her prints really shouldn't go together, yet they do so beautifully that even Anna Dello Russo and  Rihanna have turned into devout fans. Heard of her lampshade dress? A classic Mary fashion staple, this dress looks like a lampshade (the clues in the name), billowing out at the waist to create an unusual yet flattering silhutte, coveted by editors and buyers alike. Then last spring, she presented a collection of prints inspired by postal stamps found on her travels. One word: AMAZING. Who knew that wearing an Indian stamped t shirt would look so chic? Geometric patterns and shapes featured one season while for spring 2014, Katrantzou went all girly with flower prints taking centre stage.

Spring 2014 was a more relaxed, summery collection with a main motif of flowers. Her famous lampshade dress still featured but was updated with crop tops and frills around the bust area. Pastel colours and white were the base of her colour palette while fabric was left loose, billowing as the models strutted down the catwalk. All in all, prints were not as controlling. What I mean is, the clothes weren't overpowered like they usually are with crazy prints, which was a nice change and a new look for the Katrantzou customer. This was a delightful show, with many wearable pieces that, I have no doubt have gone straight on the summer shopping list of eager fashionistas, demanding a slice of Katrantzou fashion.

Mary and the rest of the London fashion crew (Kane, Saunders, Erdem etc) are doing great things for London fashion at the moment. After a long wait, London is starting to be taken seriously with new, young, creative talent erupting out of fashion universities up and down the country, firmly making their mark in womens wardrobes. Katrantzou has also managed to inherit the crown only worn by the best print designers, who have taken the use of pattern on garments to a whole new level. Fun, energetic and bright, I can only wonder what Mary Katrantzou will do next season...

Marilyn Monroe... and Chanel

"What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course...”
Who knew that these words spoken by Marilyn Monroe almost 60 years ago would leave such an everlasting impact. First of all, anything Marilyn said was either controversial, quotable or highly intelligent for the blonde bombshell that she was. Flashing that dazzaling smile at the paparazzi she would utter phrases that have been quoted on social networking sites millions of times and used in songs, literature and movies worldwide, (ever listened to Marilyn Monroe by Nicki Minaj?) It was impossible to take a bad photo of Marilyn, impossible not to be drawn to her vulnerable and caring nature and clearly Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel could not resist the oppertunity to feauture Marilyn in their new perfume ad for Chanel No5.

Miss Monroe and Chanel have always had a loving relationship. As she told the press in 1960, Chanel was the only item she wore to bed and in many photos of the legendary actress in bed among white, crisp sheets, it's indeed Chanel No5 that sits obediently on her bedside table. Chanel have discovered and used the previously unpublished conversation between Marilyn and a French journalist for Marie Claire, where she declares her love for Chanel and insists that it is all she wears to bed, no pyjamas! Once again, a highly provocative and controversial quote by this movie icon. Futhermore, this Chanel advert looks likely to increase sales of their best selling perfume over the Christmas period thanks to the help of Monroe.

Its not all good news though. There are those who feel that companies like Chanel are just using and abusing Marilyn's legacy by turning her into a form of advertising. What right has Chanel got to feature Marilyn in their perfume ads anyway? Marilyn can't decide for herself what is done with her image, but she is an icon, an instantly recognisable figure that the world is still in love with. I think it's acceptable to use Marilyn to promote Chanel No5 no matter what all these so called 'Marilyn lovers' say. And why not? She did love the perfume and said so herself on two public occasions and I can't wait for the advertising campaigns to hit the billboards, magazines and department stores worldwide.

Marliyn Monroe is an icon and her legacy should not be forgotten.

You can watch the ad at the link shown below or directly visit the Chanel website to order your own No5 Chanel perfume at http://www.chanel.com/en_GB/fragrance-beauty/Fragrance-95228

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6AtDQZ8K28&feature=player_embedded

Kate Moss: Vogue Cover Girl

Kate Moss. International model, celebrity and fashionista, barely out of the news and a Vogue cover girl. For British Vogue's December 2013 issue, Moss appears as the magazines cover girl for the 33rd time! The highest number for any model to have appeared on the same magazine cover and her second stint as cover girl in this year alone! (She was on the June 2013 issue too.) Kate has appeared on hundreds of magazine covers worldwide and been photographed by some of the greatest photographers ever - Steven Mesiel, Patrick Demarchiler, Mario Testino... The list just goes on! Her high cheek bones, petite frame and photogenic smile has made her a worldwide icon and one of the best models Britain has ever produced.

So here are a collection of just some of her British Vogue covers taken throughout her glorious modelling career. The vogue December issue is on sale now so head down to your local newsagent to grab your copy! As for Kate Moss, we salute you!

Unique and Original: Artwork by Meaghan Coles

For my new art project I happened upon an artist, Meaghan Coles. Through looking at iconic images from the 1950's and fashion magazines of today, I wanted to explore how media portrays women in advertising and fashion. Coles is an excellent Australian artist who takes images from magazine covers and then shreds away all the airbrushing, make-up and effects found in modern media. She paints these models with all their blemishes and insecurities plain to the naked eye, portraying women as normal, unique and beautiful.

Blow dried blonde hair, tanned skin, size 8 body, dark oval eyes, perfect skin... this is how many women look on billboards, adverts and fashion magazine covers. This is how the media portray women, constantly putting ideas into our heads of how us mere 'mortals' should look. Unnatural and flawless. Coles goes against this ideology and uses newspapers, mixed media and wood to create imaginative pieces of art, focusing on the true meaning of beauty.

I've come a long way with this current art project. From looking at the Hollywood greats (John Wayne and Elizabeth Taylor) to fashion photography circa 1970. Exploring the 'male gaze' and now looking at what truly makes a picture iconic, this has been a project full of twists and turns... and it's not even finished yet! Meaghan Coles has certainly influenced me and I will continue to explore her concept further, wherever that will take me. Remember to keep checking back to theFASHIONbox for all the latest on my art work and for fashion news, trends and celebrity gossip!

Below are some of Coles' amazing art work and my own designs inspired by her art: