The Insider: Contributed by zakman

Hilary Swank Replaces Lindsay Lohan for Fashion Line

zakman — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:58:21 GMT

Move over, Lohan. Hilary Swank is set to take over as the face of Jill Stuart’s fashion line. I blogged Lindsay’s unveling as the company’s new model last May, but obviously there has been a shift in preferences. ... read full story

[Read full story on The Insider]

Scarlett Johansson Auctions Date with Herself

zakman — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:42:43 GMT

Scarlett Johansson is auctioning a date with herself in an effort to raise funds for Oxfam America, an international development and emergency relief agency. The winner will be chaffeured to the world premiere of the film “He’s Just Not Into You” in either New York or Los Angeles, starring Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck. The prize also throws in a hair and makeup preparation for the event. Needless to say, the winner will get to meet Scarlett, and will go home with ... read full story

[Read full story on The Insider]

Spice Girl Mel B Nude for Charity

zakman — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:31:02 GMT

Scary Spice Melanie Brown has posed naked for the cause of the survivors of human trafficking trade. Melanie Brown, popularly known as Mel B, contributes to girl power by stripping for the Helen Bamber Foundation, a British human rights organization that strives for the rights of and benefits obtainable for survivors of the sex slave trade. Mel B, 32, claimed that she wanted to underscore the beauty of the female form, and prove that it was critical to draw attention to the fact. “I’m curvier now I’ve had kids but I like the way I look. Women’s bodies are beautiful and any charity helping women is important,” she said. Photo courtesy of prweb.com.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Amy Winehouse Next Louis Vuitton Face?

zakman — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:11:59 GMT

Looks like Amy Winehouse is finding it hard not to be in the news. First the 5-grammy haul, then announcement of her signature fashion, and now a $1 million gig for luxury goods giant Louis Vuitton. Well, I’m not surprised. Sometimes, more often than not, once you make yourself a name, it starts throwing its own weight. Amy Winehouse was offered $1m for a single appearance at a Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week. Last month, she appeared at the London Fashion Week and her rather unique fashion style also earned her a clothes line by Karl Lagerfeld and the title as the newest golden girl in the fashion industry. True, the girsl has her own style. Last Friday, she wowed the audience filled with celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Kanye West and Rihanna, though pleading, “Forgive my ignorance, I don’t know anything about fashion.” “I’m available for bookings,” she joked. “If anyone wants me for a wedding or a bar mitzvah. … Well maybe not a wedding. My music’s a little too heartbreak. For a wedding, you need something meeker.” Related post(s): Amy Winehouse to Launch Signature Fashion Range

[Read full story on The Insider]

Bridget Moynahan Dazzles for Diamonair

zakman — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:51:26 GMT

Hollywood actress Bridget Moynahan’s new campaign for jeweler Diamonair has just been published. The campaign is indicative of the 40-year-old celebrity jeweler’s tradition of featuing Hollywood glamour. “Bridget was a natural choice for the campaign. Her beauty transcends time, evoking memories of Fellini films and paying tribute to Diamonair’s history and revival,” said Kareem Sethi, CEO, Streetwise Capital Partner. Diamonair is noted as the producers of the finest quaility cubic zirconia, and their jewelry can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue. Moynahan, 36, is known for her roles in Hollywood films such as ‘Coyote Ugly’, ‘I, Robot’, ‘Lord of War’ and her latest ‘Noise II.’ As a model, she graced the covers of Elle, Vogue, Self, Fitness, New Woman and Glamour.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Ewan McGregor: Davidoffs Adventure Face

zakman — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:22:22 GMT

Scottish actor Ewan McGregor is the latest celebrity to join the Coty fragrance bandwagon — or should I say motorcycle? McGregor will be seen worldwide television and print ads for the new Davidoff Adventure, following in the footsteps of Lost star Josh Holloway. “The fragrance is about what I’m about,” said McGregor, who was in London this week to launch the new perfume line. “My greatest passion is motorcycling, which I see as a huge adventure. This fragrance appeals to people’s sense of adventure, and I am very flattered to be associated with it.” Davidoff Adventure is a “fresh, woody and spicy” scent, and was developed by perfumer Antoine Lie. The notes include mandarin, lemon, bergamot, black sesame, pimento, cedar, vetiver and white musk. “Ewan McGregor is a natural choice to represent Davidoff’s new male fragrance. Not only is he one of the most talented actors of his generation, but he also has a charisma and an authenticity that will be very important for the new Davidoff Adventure fragrance,” Francoise Mariez of Coty Prestige, said in a statement. McGregor also took time out between film projects to embark a 20,000-mile motorcycle trip for the documentaries “Long Way Round” and “Long Way Down,” which revealed his adventurous real-life personality, the beauty company noted. He has starred in films such as “The Island”, “Big Fish”, and his latest release is Woody Allen’s “Cassandra’s Dream” (2007).

[Read full story on The Insider]

Dream Homes That Never Go Out of Style

zakman — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:26:53 GMT

While waiting in line at an ATM machine yesterday, I noticed a poster ad that said, “Why rent why you can buy? Owning a house is cheaper than renting one.” Hmm… there must be some truth in it, but I’d say that that truth has got more to it than just the finacial aspect. Building a house is like creating a home, a dream for you and your family to enjoy living in. Okay, I can’t ever imagine owning a home like Shakira’s or Avril Lavigne’s, but that doesn’t mean I can’t build a home that exactly matches my requirements and tastes. And if you’re anything like me, I can tell you that help for finalizing your home plans is just fingertips away at HousePlansandMore.com. They help every inch of the way in deciding which of the innumerable house plans could be just right for you and your family. For instance, you can start your planning effortlessly with the easy interface that lets you begin with the broadest ideas in your head. You can start with filling a browser based form by filling in how much area you might need, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a rough cost estimate and maximum home dimensions. The results page present you with a number of houses in your specified area, each matching your criteria. You get all the information, plus you can compare plans. Other than pre-drawn house floor plans ready for you to purchase, House Plans and More also offers an array of home building styles and sizes to fit your taste and budget. Their resources include a home plan cost estimator, HDA residential estimating software, and useful search resources. You can draw on their resources for Signature Series home plans, or you use the website to locate a builder in your area. On the other hand, if you have an architectural style in mind, you’ll find a massive database of 60 house plans on the site, including the beach house plans, country or rustic house plans, contemporary and luxury house plans or the European house plans, Tudor house plans and even the log home plans. You may also do an advanced search for a home plan, and that will cover other preferences like covered front porches and wrap-around porches, or the exact house style that you always wanted. For example, were you looking for a house plan with a vaulted ceiling or a walk-out basement? House Plans and More can find all these for you, and put you in a place from where YOU take the decisions.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Halle Berry in Fragrance Pact with Coty

zakman — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:10:44 GMT

Emmy, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry has signed a perfume development agreement with beauty giant Coty. Coty Inc. is well known for teaming up with top celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, David and Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Kate Moss and Tim McGraw for the creation of signature scents. “Halle is an iconic actress and symbolizes beauty to many generations,” Steve Mormoris, senior vice president of global marketing at Coty Beauty US, told WWD.com. “She adds another dimension to the celebrity fragrance market. Halle has always been a little more mysterious, not quite as open with her personal life as some other stars. Her fragrances will allow her to present another facet of her personality to her fans.” The deal involves Halle Berry, 41, developing a fragrance portfolio as well as endorsing it in advertisements. Mormoris said that the first Berry fragrance products are expected to launch globally in spring 2009, in stores such as J.C. Penney, and then will move into the mass market. “We’re committed to developing a project that will bring luxury to the mass market,” he said. “We want to bring vitality to that market, with projects that consumers find compelling.” It may be recalled that Jessica Alba signed a $5 million deal last year to be the face of Revlon’s 3D Extreme Mascara. However, financial details of the Berry deal are as yet undisclosed. Berry has received Emmy and Golden Globe awards for ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’,and an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002 for her performance in ‘Monster’s Ball’, becoming the only woman of African-American descent to have won the award for Best Actress. She is also a Revlon spokesperson. Source

[Read full story on The Insider]

Bar Refaeli is the Spring/Summer Face of Accessorize

zakman — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:51:54 GMT

Supermodel and Leonardo Di Caprio’s girlfriend Bar Refaeli will front high street chain Accessorize. The Israeli-born model 22-year-old model, who has already graced the covers of Sports Illustrated, Maxim, Elle and Italian GQ, now joins fellow supermodels Lily Cole, Kelly Osbourne, Heidi Klum and actress Mischa Barton in representing the British retailer. Accessorize.com reports that Bar was an obvious choice for the unveiling of the new range beach collection. The collection offers summer beachwear accessories, as well as glitzy jewelled kaftans and embroidered smock tops and a selection of bikinis and sunglasses. The Accessorize campaign was shot by reputed photographer Enrique Badulescu around spectacular surroundings in LA, which not only conveys “an element of high summer and beautiful natural light, but also exudes energy, glamour and a sense of ‘capturing the moment’.” Bar was named as “Sexiest Import” at the 2007 Spike TV Guys’ Choice Awards. And British men’s mag Arena voted her the Best Body of 2008. Maybe they speak the truth: Click on thumbnails for larger images

[Read full story on The Insider]

Russell Simmons Argyle Culture Launched Officially

zakman — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:11:10 GMT

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has extended his urban menswear range with the launch of Russell Simmons Argyle Culture. The clothing range is aimed at men above the age of 25, combining urban styles with the buttoned-up look of professional smart attire. Simmons said Argyle Culture represented a natural succession in his clothing-related businesses. “After nearly 20 years in the young men’s business I have always intended to design sophisticated men’s wear for the urban graduate,” said the fashion entrepreneur, who has teamed up with GQ for the Spring 2008 Argyle Culture publicity campaign. GQ will run a 4 page spread in its March issue as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot for the campaign shot by photographer Ben Watts in St. Bart’s. The campaign is planned to run for six months in print publications and on several websites. Ever since the soft launch of Argyle Culture late last year, the clothing line has been popular with consumers, and even made the number one in Macy’s men’s section. Simmons, 50, was also the CEO of Phat Farm until November 2007, a company that he sold to Kellwood for $140 million in 2004. He also launched his status watches firm Simmons Jewelry Co. in 2003.

[Read full story on The Insider]

The Olsens Break New Ground with The Row

zakman — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:29:06 GMT

For something that started with a T-shirt in their sophomore year, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have worked little short of a miracle with her designer brand “The Row”, which has blossomed into 110 looks for Fall 2008. “What it always comes down to is simple, clean lines and beautiful fabrics,” Ashley Olsen said at a promotions event in Dallas yesterday. “The whole collection is based on fit and quality.” “It’s been great,” she added of the label she produces with her twin, Mary-Kate, via their Los Angeles conglomerate, Dualstar Entertainment Group. “It’s been a lot of work, but fun. Everything is made in the U.S., with the exception of the cashmere knits, in order to keep tight control.” The Olsen twins worked together on the design, but Ashley appears to have taken the lead role at The Row while Mary-Kate continues acting. “Ashley is there full time, every day,” said Rae Miles, commercial director. “She’s in all the fittings, picking all the fabrics and making the final decisions.” The Row is sold in 25 top specialty stores in the U.S. and 72 worldwide, and Fall bookings have already crossed a total of $2.5 million wholesale. And take a guess at who’s fronting the Row’s sprink book? None other than the glamorous Lauren Hutton, whose signature smile which has graced 28 covers of Vogue (more than any other model). It’s easy to see through her energetic spirit and the natural elegance and understand how, at 64, she’s still the muse of many, and a modern-day style icon. Obviously, Hutton made an impression on the Olsens, who were frequent visitors to her garden. “I’ve always looked up to her as a fashion icon,” says Ashley. “And she’s become a mentor to us both professionally and personally.”

[Read full story on The Insider]

Amy Winehouse to Launch Signature Fashion Range

zakman — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:43:55 GMT

Record Of The Year 2008 Grammy Award winner Amy Winehouse is set to release her own clothing and cosmetics range. The 24-year-old British singer is said to be focusing on styles that reflect her distinctive style, and will likely include hairspary and her trademark heavy liquid eyeliner. The Sun newspaper quoted a source: “Amy’s style has been copied by girls around the country and there’s a lot of money to be made. It’s a very distinctive look. “She wants to bring out a range of cosmetics and fashion products. There could be hairspray, head scarves, liquid eyeliner, and perfume.” The spin-off follows Winehouse’s winning five prestigious Grammy Awards last month. The ‘Rehab’ singer is reportedly meeting with fashion and cosmetics experts later this week to discuss plans. A fashion industry source commented: “I think this stuff would sell very well in London. She has become a fashion icon despite not always looking too fresh.”

[Read full story on The Insider]

Lauren Conrad Launches Fashion Collection

zakman — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:58:28 GMT

MTV’s “The Hills” star Lauren Conrad launched her clothing line in Los Angeles today. Among the striking dresses, the Whitney, a homage to Conrad’s “Hills” friend Whitney Port, is a dainty straps and A-line skirt shape, perfect for summer, while the Audrina is a seductive dress cut short above the knee, yet another homage to Conrad’s roomie Audrina Patridge, also a “Hills” star. While the Whitney is selling for $170, the Sophia, yet another appealing dress — a navy blue, Empire-waisted kimono dress, with a deep V-neck and short hem length, made of rayon and spandex, carries a price tag of $160. Most of the tank tops range at about $75, and T-shirts average at $100. This is major milestone for Lauren, who, less than a year ago, was chosen to represent Mark Cosmetics of Avon. She had been designing clothes last year and some of her designs were put on sale online last fall. More of the Lauren Conrad Collection can be seen on her website, laurenconrad.seenon.com. Related post and more of Lauren’s photos here: Avon Marks Lauren’s 21st Birthday

[Read full story on The Insider]

Justin Timberlake for Givenchy

zakman — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:08:25 GMT

Men’s fragrance has a new tune to sing — Justin Timberlake has been declared the new spokeperson for Parfums Givenchy. The ‘SexyBack’ singer will front Givenchy’s all-new men’s fragrance this Fall. “Beyond his huge celebrity appeal, we chose Justin Timberlake because he is a world recognized trendsetter who redefines modern elegance,” confirmed Alain Lorenzo, president of the French perfume brand. “He’s multitalented, he’s been voted one of the sexiest men in the world and he’s a trendsetter, not just in musical terms but in the way he lives and dresses,” Lorenzo added. “He’s very popular everywhere. He’s not just the idol of the Americans or of the Brits, he’s truly a world-recognized artist in his field.” Lorenzo went on to say that while Justin wasn’t involved in the development of the fragrance, he did see it and smell it before signing the contract. “When he smelled it, his only words were ‘It’s cool,’” Lorenzo recapped. Justin will join Liv Tyler in Givenchy’s top-of-the-line spokespersons, as Liv is already fronting Givencgy’s Very Irresistable fragrance.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Ace-High Western Gear

zakman — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:46:42 GMT

I wouldn’t bet my bottom dollar on whether it was Christian Bale in “3:10 to Yuma” or Brad Pitt in “The Assassination of Jesse James” who triggered it, but lately I do see a mighty inclination towards Western gear. ‘Dressing Western’ had always symbolized the American culture around the world, and the trend is making a comeback. I was pleasantly surprised to come across AJ’s Western Wear Outfitters which is offering authentic western wear, western shirts for gents, ladies and the youngens. If you’re a hombre who prefers the traditional look, the company offers the plaid shirt, which can be multi-functional and no doubt grab every lady’s attention. And as everybody knows, a self-respectin’ cowboy should be seen in a custom embroidered shirt — which WesternShirts.com offers in a number of designs, sizes and colors. Point to note: Take advantage of their free branding service and have your cowboy shirt branded with a high stitch count embroidery of your monogram, nickname, group affiliation, and where you want it… you name it, dude, it’s your custom shirt! And if you have a particular design in mind, you can always check out their design catalog. You’ll also find a sweet staggering range of Rodeo & Sport Western shirts, as well as fancy prints and vintage and Retro Western shirts, should you decide to prep up the “studdler” in you. The 21st century cowgirls can rope in some superbly embroidered Western shirts, again customizable with any kind of lettering. The women’s shirts range extends to stylish short sleeves and comfortable long sleeves. Matter of fact, I feel the women have a fanastic range of Western wear to choose from, while men’s are kinda limited to shirts and outer wear. For instance, apart from shirts, sleepwear and outer wear, women can choose acquire a ‘posh’ Western look with some of the sexy Rhine-Swarovski belts and handbags, wallets and cellphone cases. Upon browsing through the whole ‘kit and caboodle’ on the site, guess what inpressed me the most? Their meticulous attention to detail — for sizes (neck, chest and arm) and customization of imprints. Besides the lettering, you get to choose the font (Western style fonts, of course), the color, the location and the flexibility of pricing. WesternShirts.com is more than just Western shirts. It has all the promise of becoming the ultimate choice for anything Western, but the signal is clear–WesternShirts will soon have much more to offer the dress connoisseur.

[Read full story on The Insider]

Kira Plastinina Set to Storm the U.S. Kira Who?

zakman — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:03:13 GMT

ABC News called her a fashion figure, the likes of Liz Claiborne or Tommy Hilfiger. Metro.co.uk said, “High school student by day, top fashion designer by evening.” The Daily Mail reported,”Kira takes on the fashion world. The youngster has 40 shops selling her clothes in Russia, and her style has been billed as the Slavic answer to Topshop and H&M.” HELLO! magazine called her the “15-year-old fashion whiz.” We’re talking about Kira Plastinina, of course. And at 15, she’s the chief designer for a rapidly growing chain of clothing stores aimed at teenage girls. The first Kira Plastinina shop opened in Moscow last year, and already the chain now has 28 locations throughout Russia. And the stylish teenager is ready to storm the U.S. this year with stores from coast to coast, with at least half a dozen stores operating in as early as July at prime locations such as SOHO and Manhattan in New York, and Beverly Center in Los Angeles. Bob Higgins, senior vice president, retail development and operations of Kira Plastinina, said a minimum of 50 U.S. stores are envisioned by 2010. “We actually feel like we are being real cautious and strategic,” he said. “The stores are either on premier streets or in A malls.” With an average price of $48, the collection emphasizes denim, tops and day and evening dresses with touches of white, metals and wood, and Kira’s signature pink and is aimed at fashion conscious girls and women aged 15 to 25. What’s she like? As could be expected, Kira does take in a diet of pop culture. And she says Paris Hilton is her style muse. She loves the Olsen twins, Italian craftsmanship and hot pink. Javno Magazine reported that Kira wants to be taken as a designer so seriously that she offered Paris Hilton two million dollars just to sit in the front row at her fashion show. Kira always had aspirations of making it in the fashion world. “As far back as I can remember, I was always drawing things, either clothing or horses,” said the 10th-grader at the Anglo-American School in Moscow. “But mostly clothing.” So what we now see is a broad array of teen-oriented clothes, shoes and accessories that are plainly girly and playful, with touches of hearts and frills–and of course, an unabashed use of pink and purple. So, the Russian is coming. Get to know her a little better before she hits the teenage fashion scene: Click on thumbnails for larger images

[Read full story on The Insider]

Fergie to Front Calvin Klein

zakman — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:58:26 GMT

Pop singer Fergie is the new face of fashion house Calvin Klein. The Black Eyed Peas star — or Stacy Ann Ferguson — now lines up to join Eva Mendes as a spokesperson for the brand. “She’s a perfect fit. She loves Calvin and they think she is beautiful and fun and brings a lot to the brand,” a source told American magazine OK! It was just the right to thing to happen. I should have seen it coming, after Fergie, 32, stole the limelight at the Grammys earlier this month performing with John Legend, in a Calvin Klein yellow silk crepe draped panel back strapless gown (pictured above — Calvin Klein Collection for women dress, designed by Francisco Costa, Creative Director, Calvin Klein, Inc.). Photo courtesy of Getty Images. Related post(s): Eva Mendes to Front New Calvin Klein Fragrance Fergie F on Latest Viva Glam Campaign Get a Bagful of Fergie

[Read full story on The Insider]

Lindsay Lohan Nude for New York Magazine

zakman — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:35:12 GMT

Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan has posed naked in order to pay tribute to Marilyn Monroe in the latest spring fashion issue of New York magaizine. Lohan was attempting to recreate the legendary actress’ final 1962 photo shoot known as The Last Sitting. The 21-year-old star allegedly said she was comfortable being nude before the camera. The photos were taken by renowned photographer Bert Stern who also shot Marilyn’s 1962 Vogue shoot. The photo shoot was a one-on-one affair in LA on February 5. Lindsay said she’s always had a fascination with the 1950’s idol. Lindsay also owns an apartment where Marilyn once lived and has a huge painting of the iconic blonde. Click on thumbnails for larger images (though you’d do that anyway Related post(s): Top Three Young Celebrity Searches on Google for 2007 Linday Lohan Jells with Jill Stuart Lindsay On A Roll

[Read full story on The Insider]

Shakira in Beauty Deal with Puig

zakman — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:12:39 GMT

Grammy-winning singer Shakira has signed a worldwide agreement to create a signature line of beauty products with Barcelona-based Puig Beauty & Fashion Group. Shakira will develop fragrances and other beauty and personal care products teaming up with Puig. “I am very excited to be able to express myself through another creative medium. My feeling is that personal care and beauty should be effortless and accessible for everyone,” said the 31-year-old Colombian-born rocker. The move by Puig doesn’t really come as no surprise since the Group has previously developed perfumes fronted by actor Antonio Banderas, as well as designer fragrances Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne and Nina Ricci. The Puig Group, with a presence in more than 150 countries, will also act as the sole global distributor of the products and create strategic marketing alliances. As for the songbird and entrepreneur, whose name in Arabic means “woman full of grace”, Shakira is also the creator of the Barefoot Foundation, dedicated to the improvement of educational and social conditions for families and children in her home country. She is continuing the good work by selling some of her personal belongings on eBay for her children’s charity. Recently, a fan paid £1,500 for a Roberto Cavalli jewelled bra that Shakira wore on her Oral Fixation world tour in 2007.

[Read full story on The Insider]