Laura Whitmore Reveals Her Debut Jewellery Line

(Photo:celebrity dresses) Daisy has long been our – and many a celeb’s – go-to for wear forever jewels with added edge, so when we heard the label has snapped up Laura Whitmore to design a collection, we couldn’t wait to find out more. Over a breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs at London’s Riding House Café, Laura told us the range is totally inspired by her love of music, symbols and quotes. The result is a treasure trove of rings, necklaces, bracelets and charms with a rock’n’roll vibe that are already topping the wish-lists of her famous friends…
Symbols are a bit of a Daisy signature Laura, but what do you love about them?
I’ve always loved symbols and quotes - you can see that from my instagram page - and I wanted to find the symbol that represented me. There are triangles and love hearts, but I thought the plectrum was something that hasn’t been used in jewellery and I thought you could really have fun with the shape. I’ve got so many different plecs that I’ve picked up and kept. It’s very music-y, and everyone loves music so hopefully it will connect to lots of people. Everyone remembers the first gig they went to, it’s something that brings back a memory so I’m hoping people will connect to it.
Do you have a favourite?
Probably the ‘You’re Lovely’ bracelet. But I love the necklace you can add charms to. There are 7 charms, all linked to me. One is my tattoo, one is a four leaf clover because I’m Irish – but for other people it means luck - there’s a little shell which came from when my mum did the Camino walk in Portugal. It’s a 6-week walk and the symbol for it is a shell and she bought me back a shell bracelet, so for me it reminds me of my mum but for someone else it might remind them of the beach.
It’s so personal! How about the engravings, what do they mean?
They’re either lyrics or quotes. One says ‘believe to achieve’ because you need to believe in yourself if you want to get anywhere. If you don’t believe in yourself how is anyone else meant to? ‘You make loving fun’ is a Fleetwood Mac lyric. It took me ages to pick the quotes because I was thinking, would a guy wear it? would your sister wear it? – there are romantic ones, friendship ones and then empowering ones that you can buy as a present for yourself. I really like ‘you’re lovely’ – you can forget to compliment people and this does that for you. Someone said it to me once and I just remember thinking it was really nice.
Laura Whitmore at the Lexus Lounge in New York
What’s your jewellery motto? Minimalist or more is more?
You can have a lot of fun with jewellery. I like putting different things together - I will always be wearing a few necklaces. Always wearing loads! I don’t believe in sticking to one metal either - I like mixing it all up together
We know you’ve got a lot of stylish celeb friends…have any of them got their eye on the collection?
Yeah and a few have already asked for bits. Niall from One Direction has asked for one, so I’m like yeah, maybe just instagram it too though thanks! A lot of friends are like, I think I want one for Christmas, and I’m like, well, you know where you can buy it!
What’s the most expensive piece in your own jewellery collection?
It’s not so much expensive; more significant or important. My mum and dad gave me a necklace for my 30th birthday and my mum designed it, she made it. My mum’s from Wexford where there’s the River Slaney and my dad is from Dublin where there’s the River Liffey and she had the symbols for those rivers put together, so it represents my parents.
Laura Whitmore dj-ing at London Fashion Week
You’re a London Fashion Week FROW regular, what do you love about the shows?
I go for fun. I’m like, ‘everyone is working really hard and stressed and I’m just like oh I like that, I like that’. Last year I walked a catwalk for the first time so that was amazing! It was so much fun but also really weird to be backstage. I’m like ‘oh god this is so hectic there’s a lot of stress back here’. The people watching is amazing. Even if you don’t have a ticket just go down and look at people around you and you’ll get ideas. There will be more fashion there than there is on the catwalk.
What autumn trends can you not wait to wear?
Autumn is the best time of the year to dress because it’s all about layering. Everyone else moans about the weather and I’m like, ‘I can wear a scarf, and a hat and all my nice coats!’ I love boots and there’s some amazing faux fur pieces, and knits! Coming from an Irish background, knits are always a big thing. I knit as well. Nothing fantastic - scarves, booties, gloves. But then it’s weird because autumn is starting here and the cool fashion comes in and then I go to Australia for two months for I’m A Celebrity. So I’m like, ‘great, where can I get some summer dresses’?
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic - I dress for moods. My staple look would be skinny jeans, and a shirt or something and but its good to experiment with fashion so I’ve worn a bright yellow feather dress before because it’s really fun. I think the most important thing is that you’re comfortable and have fun with it. Fashion should be a reflection of your personality.
Are you a high street or designer girl?
I’m a big fan of Bora Aksu and Fyodor Golan, but the high street is fantastic at the moment. I love H&M and their collaborations – I still have a Marni for H&M dress that I love to wear. Topshop is great and Urban Outfitters. I’ve always been a high street girl and I mix designer and high street. I love the Kooples - most of my wardrobe is from there!
Who are your style icons?
I look to my friends - they all have a completely different fashion sense to me- and I used to have an unhealthy obsession with the Olsen twins. They’re just fabulous with their massive sunglasses. I love old school Hollywood glamour too like Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly. Then Kate Hudson or Kate Moss, Sienna Miller - they always look comfortable in what they’re wearing and ooze this stylishness that I just love.
Tell us what’s next for you…

Well there’s I’m A Celeb in November and December and then I’m making a trip to the Philippines because I’ve sponsored a little girl out there for the last 7 years so I’m going out with my mum to meet her and do some stuff out there. Then I have this little project that’s not announced yet…it’s a TV thing that’s really fun. Watch this space…Read more at:plus size prom dresses

LOTS OF BUZZ ABOUT DRESSES AT WHITE HOUSE STATE DINNER

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wait for the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
First lady Michelle Obama chose a prom dress by a Chinese-American designer for Friday's White House dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Obama wore a custom-made black, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown by Vera Wang Collection for the occasion. Fitted, with sheer sleeves, it skimmed the floor with its silk organza flounce. Mrs. Obama swept her long hair off to one side.
The first lady has worn Wang's designs before, winning raves for the draped, strapless, electric blue column she donned at The Kennedy Center Honors in 2011.
China's first lady Peng Liyuan, also a fashion icon, selected an embellished silk gown in a rich aquamarine hue. With three-quarter-length sleeves, it boasted intricate beading on its bodice and skirt.
Peng was considered more famous than her husband when he took office in 2013, having enjoyed a long career as a singer of ballads and patriotic anthems with the People's Liberation Army arts troupe. Since then she's emerged as a key force for Chinese "soft power," ever present by her husband's side during trips abroad, unlike previous first ladies who largely stayed in the background.
Those appearances have made her a fashion icon. The outfits and accessories she wears often sell out soon after the designers are identified. She wears Chinese designers exclusively, both to show her support for homegrown talent and to avoid the accusations of being a show-off or spendthrift frequently leveled at public figures who appear in Western luxury wear.

The name of the designer of Peng's gown for the China State Dinner was not immediately available.Read more at:black prom dresses

Superdry officially launches in China with catwalk fashion show

(Photo:princess prom dresses uk) Superdry was paraded down a catwalk in Beijing to officially launch the company in China.
The launch event showcased some of the key product lines at the British Embassy Residence.
The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills was at the event, as well as a strong representation of a number of current and former Chinese government officials.
Mr Javid said: said: "We are delighted to see British brand Superdry join forces with Trendy International Group as they continue to further their international expansion in mainland China.
"For decades, fashion has been at the core of British culture, something Superdry knows only too well. 2015 marks the UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange and both markets have a great deal they can share with each other.
"Chinese consumers have a huge appetite for British brands so Superdry is well placed for success. Good luck to both SuperGroup and Trendy International as they embark on this auspicious partnership."
The agreed partnership to bring Superdry, the premium British lifestyle brand to China, will see an investment of up to £18 million (180 million RMB), on a 50:50 basis across a minimum period of 10 years. The joint venture was evolved from an initial introduction from the UKTI.
The Chinese apparel market, with a current total retail value of $351 billion, presents an immense opportunity for the Superdry brand, particularly as it is forecast to become the largest apparel and footwear market in the world, overtaking the US this year.
Euan Sutherland, CEO of SuperGroup, said: "Today marks a significant milestone in our joint venture with Trendy.
"We are excited at the prospect of entering this market with such an established and experienced partner. We look forward to gaining a deep understanding of the Chinese market and customer, and this launch marks another significant step in Superdry becoming a global lifestyle brand."
The partnership with Trendy, a highly experienced retailer which already operates 3000 stores across China, will offer invaluable market insight and knowledge.
Trendy will utilise their expertise and knowledge of the Chinese market and consumer to manage the joint venture, with a focus on operations and logistics in China, whilst SuperGroup will provide support from the UK, concentrating on brand guidance and merchandising.
Both Trendy and SuperGroup believe Superdry has the potential to flourish in this market as it already has the appropriate product offering, pricing model and infrastructure for effective delivery in China.
For Superdry customers it is about attitude, not age nor demographic. The Superdry product is contemporary and fuses vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a British style. With an increasing demand for British brands abroad, Trendy sees Superdry as well-placed.
Jacky Xu, founder and chief executive of Trendy International Group said: "We are delighted to be working with the SuperGroup team to launch Superdry in China.
"Superdry is an innovative British brand, which we believe will sit well amongst our existing brands and have great appeal in the Chinese market.
"Today, there is an increasing shift in consumer tastes in China, as individuals are moving away from the luxury brands to those more influenced by pop culture.
"We believe Superdry is well placed to take advantage of this shift, presenting an excellent opportunity for our new partnership."Read more at:mermaid prom dresses uk

Simone Rocha hits the spot at London Fashion Week

Yet again, Simone displayed her genius for thinking outside the box and she took something as mundane as tobacco stains, ropes, binds and plastic cording and turned them into a triumph of textures.
The mum-to-be worked on references wire, grass, flowers in cars and a bride in the bamboo forest and turned them into something utterly exciting to wear.
Adventurous with fabrics, both man-made and natural, Simone explored a series of textural juxtapositions with plastic bodices over full, bouncy skirts, shimmering crystal earrings worn with ultra simple black silk dresses, and pink evening dresses dissected across the chest with black macrame braids.
White plastic cording was woven into bodices, bags and cross-body ties worn over tissue-light, white tulle tea dresses over deep-cuffed trousers.
Exaggerated bows turned up on shoulders, hips and morphed into bags.
The sheer diversity of silhouettes and undeniably gorgeous fabrics was fascinating: silvery embroidered brocades and black silks with the trellis surface weave echoing the wire motif on our invites which ran throughout the collection.
It was, as Simone explained in her show notes, about "ropes and ties and tension, unison".
It was the romance of it all that seduced us, especially the closing scene of moss green and white evening dresses uk.
Show done, Simone went off to prepare for the opening of her Mount Street, Dublin, store yesterday.
She has to get a new collection on paper and then, there's the baby arriving in November. Busy girl.

MHS Dress Drive has students donning the best for homecoming

In real life, the pumpkin won’t turn into a carriage, the mice won’t become stylish horses and no wand can be waved to make the torn rags a sparkling blue fashionable number.
But luckily, everything won’t undo in real life at midnight, unlike in fairy tales — unless that’s after curfew and mom and dad find out.
No, there may not be a fairy godmother in East County, but that doesn’t mean local girls will go without the perfect dress for homecoming this year. Not if Montesano High School junior Carlee Cavanaugh has anything to say about it.
Cavanaugh is the MHS Associated Student Body business manager, in charge of Food Ball, and more recently the MHS Dress Drive. The Dress Drive collected second-hand dresses and put them up for sale, rent or donation on Saturday, Sept. 12, during the Dress Drive at the school’s Bo Griffith Gym. Cavanaugh, with the help ASB president and senior Kasie Kloempken, organized the event.
The drive featured 93 prom dresses with a range of prices, but all with one factor in common: they’re much cheaper than if they were new.
“If they’re brand new, the dresses can be up to $300, but here they didn’t go over $180,” Cavanaugh said.
When asked how often the dresses are worn, Cavanaugh said, “Only one night, normally — it’s crazy.”
Six of the dresses were donated, and four of the dresses were available for rent.
The dresses were hung from racks in the gym, organized by size. That side of the gym was a shock of color and sparkles, with the stark brown of the folded-up bleachers behind the racks only helping to accentuate the vividness of the dresses. On Saturday, the girls came in to look through the racks for the perfect dresses. From each dress hung a tag, painstakingly attached.
“We’ve been organizing for two weeks,” Cavanaugh said on Saturday. “Tagging all of the dresses was the most difficult part. We put up signs and fliers and we did a lot for it on social media.”
But the effort to organize the event wasn’t without its rewards. As an organizer, Cavanaugh had first pick of the long prom dresses.
“I found my dress here earlier this week — it’s red with jewels on top,” she said. “I had first pick. It’s one of the perks.”
The idea for a Dress Drive had been kicked around for the past few years, ASB faculty adviser Anne Ekerson said. This year’s drive was the first year the idea came to life.
“This was a group of hard workers and they were motivated and they just said let’s do it,” Ekerson said. “We were talking this summer and we said let’s put it together for homecoming, and here it is.”
The way it works is a girl scrutinizes the racks for the perfect dress, tries it on in a back room. If it’s just right, she buys the dress, unless it’s a rental. For the rentals, Cavanaugh took payment and swapped contact information for the dancer and owner, and after homecoming, the dress goes back to its original closet.
Overall, the Dress Drive aimed to solve two problems caused by dances (homecoming, prom and other soirees and galas). First and foremost, it gives the old dresses another night. But it also helps to get girls matched up with the perfect dress for a possibly perfect night.
“I don’t think you should have to spend that much money on dresses,” Cavanaugh said. “They sit in closets for months. One girl had a dress from years ago that she donated to the Dress Drive.”
Cavanaugh said the school plans to take the leftover dresses and seek additional donations for another Dress Drive before prom.
The Dress Drive was available to all students from Montesano, Elma, Hoquiam and Aberdeen, and it was for a good cause.
“Thanks to all the people who brought dresses in, and for helping other girls who might not have been able to afford it,” Cavanaugh said.
On Monday, Ekerson said the Dress Drive sold eight dresses, rented one and four were donated.

“Although we were hoping for more sales, we were pleased we could help some girls find reasonably priced dresses. Some girls made money on a barely worn dress, and some girls walked out with a free dress to wear to homecoming,” Ekerson said. “We plan to do it again for prom, but much earlier (we’re shooting for a late February date), and we are hoping more girls will take advantage of selling their old dresses as well as shopping for a dress at a fraction of what it would cost in a store.”