Ever since Madonna donned her Dolce and Gabbana cone bra, or Carrie Bradshaw swanned around NYC in what was debatably lingerie a lot of the time, the female nation (and of course male nation too) have been obsessed with lingerie on display! So it’s no wonder that Dior’s Couture (below) and Summer Collections are influenced largely by the delicate design of lingerie.

The Dior Couture Show Winter 2009 was originally inspired by the old photographs of Christian Dior dressing his models in the traditional French salon, where he previewed the collection to his clients. This is where the half-dressed effect came about; the couture collection has flashes of corsets, stockings, bras and knickers, and although there is a distinct 1950s’ style to the clothing, he brings the exposing of garments through in a very contemporary way.

He also brought this lingerie inspiration through to his ready-to-wear Spring/Summer collection (above); it is in a much more subtle way, with delicate sheer fabrics, deep silks resembling nightwear slips and lots of lace.

Then, of course, there was the “Under Cover” story by the Italian photo duo Coppi Barbieri for V magazine (above), styled by one of my favourite stylists Bay Garnett , with an extremely provocative and arty take on displaying garters and under-things to the extreme!

Other designers were more suggestive in their influences, with corset detailing appearing on tops, sheer fabrics and laces adorning many outfits and subtle flashes of flesh. The short shorts or high waited pants returned to the catwalk too this season, showing that it’s not only Lady Gaga trumping this look!

Celebrities like Daisy Lowe, Sienna Miller and Taylor Momsen are the people leading this trend off the catwalk! Taylor Momsen’s style is very grungy/heroin chic and just like Blondie back in the ‘80′s, she is championing this half-dressed, rolled-out of bed look… whenever she is performing, she is wearing some sort of underwear as outerwear or vintage slip dress. Some celebrities who have been channeling this underwear outerwear look for the past few years, in the worst possible way would be Jodie Marsh and Katie Price… whatever you do, do not copy their attempts!

So what about us real women…will I get sniggers and jeers if I go to my local pub in a cropped brassiere worn with my jeans, or my bra showing through a sheer top? Well I can assure you that, no, I didn’t walk out of my house in a bra. There is a very fine line between what is acceptable and what is not… looking like an extra from ‘Pretty Woman’ is not!!! However, there are ways for you to infuse this trend into your wardrobe. Try layering; wear a cropped brassiere like the ones available in Topshop under a sheer or lacy bra, or for those of you a little less adventurous, you can do this same look with a bodysuit under, so there is no flesh on display. Go for a lacy body suit for an extra lingerie effect! I have seen some gorgeous young girls doing the crop top style with high-waisted trousers, and hey if you have the body and confidence to do this, go for it! I don’t think I’ll be recommending wearing knickers out to anyone though… even former style-setter Sienna couldn’t get away with that look!

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Is your dream to work alongside the greats at Versace?

Well here’s your chance with an exclusive Versace Internship in New York City up for grabs!

Ok, so you would want to be a fashion nut to go for this, but… if you are then it’s a chance of a lifetime!

www.charitybuzz.com is auctioning this Internship opportunity at the moment and it will run until the 14th February. Bidding is currently at $3,250 equivalant to €2,270 – not that bad for the chance to rub shoulders with Donatella Versace herself and add to your C.V.!

‘Versace‘s Style Department employs a group of designers and stylists who work in teams. Each team is specifically dedicated to each fashion line or label. These teams operate under the close supervision and guidance of Donatella Versace‘.

Terms: Internship is unpaid (yikes) and requires paperwork for college credit. Duration is for 1 semester in the Winter (or Fall as they call it), Spring, or Summer.

If by any chance you do bid and win this opportunity, remember us here at Wow.ie and send us the inside gossip at Versace!

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There is something extremely intriguing about the designer Peter Jensen. Maybe it’s the allure of his Danish homeland imprinted in him, or it could be the fact that he is not very well known to the masses. He is however undeniably popular within the fashion world and his high street collaborations over the past few seasons have elevated his designer status.

Originally from Denmark, Jensen’s fashion story began with his “fat neighbour” whom he used to make clothes for. It was these tailored outfits that accelerated his love for designing and he enrolled in a six-month embroidery course. Here he was trained with utmost discipline and traditional techniques which still permeate his collections today. He reminisces about the tough methods and divulges that they would have to wash their hands in cold water and wear white gloves so the fabrics would not get dirty. Jensen has never forgotten his Danish roots and derives inspiration from Danish TV shows such as Matador and his dollhouse inspired spring 2010 collection reminds one of Ibsen’s renowned play A Dolls House. He completed a B.A degree in Fashion Design in Denmark where he studied the art of womenswear and he then went onto do an M.A Menswear Fashion Design in Central St. Martin’s in 1999. The Static Show (a month long exhibition of graduates collections) in which he took part to win an Italian backer focused on his menswear label, and to his surprise he won the financial backing. Jensen now teaches the Menswear M.A at CSM as well as focussing on his own work.

His menswear collections are mainly inspired by his personal style and also based on a Mike Leigh character, Keith, from the film Candace Marie. He is huge admirer of Thom Browne who he believes he goes “as far as you can go with menswear before it becomes grim”. For his latest womenswear collection, it was American artist Laurie Simmons that influenced his designs. Instead of a regular catwalk show, Jensen fused his love of film and photography to show his collection in a surreal dollhouse based on the monographic facets of Simmons’ work. Jensen is a fan of clean cuts and uses a multitude of fabrics and techniques to manipulate his clothes onto each model. “I like the cleanliness of American sportswear from the fifties”, and is a fan of Madeline Vionnet who predicted the future would be sportswear. This collection was awash with bright prints and peppered with some intricate embroidery detailing.

He is also a contributor to the website showstudio.com, where along with many other designers and photographers such as Alexander McQueen and Nick Knight he fuses fashion and film. However is adamant on his theory that fashion is not an art form, and that it is the way it is portrayed that is in itself the art-take styling photo shoots for example.

Peter has collaborated with many different labels and stores, such as Opening Ceremony, Urban Outfitters and Topman/Topshop. His most successful collaboration however was with Fred Perry. He was commissioned to use a misprinted Loral from the 1930s which added a vintage feel to his already European aesthetic. He also has a strong celebrity fan-base which includes the infamous Amy Winehouse, Helena Rubenstein and singer Nina from the Cardigans. He tends to design with these people in mind, and loves bizarre and not so obvious muses.

Having lived in London since his M.A, Jensen is intrigued by English pop culture as it infiltrated his youth in Copenhagen. He is more concerned with the conservative aspect of womenswear and doesn’t rate the sensual side as highly as some British designers-“Sexy is an English disease.” Jensen is certainly set to impress next season but kept his collection under wraps throughout the intimate interview in the University of Creative Arts, Epsom, in November.

www.peterjensen.co.uk

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Conveniently in time for Christmas, Nick Knight has just released a book of his most famous/infamous fashion photographs.

Knight first exploded onto the fashion scene back in the 1980s with his unconventional methods of photography. From digital manipulation to streaming shoots live on the net, Nick Knight has transformed the art of fashion photography and his book documents his most famous works. Some of the models he has photographed range from supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell to the luscious curves of Sophie Dahl, which have since disappeared. While an exhibition celebrating the 10th anniversary of showstudio.com takes place in Somerset House in London, the book aims to reach a wider audience and show just how influential Knight has been. He has shot multiple covers of Vogue and Wonderland and has done many a fashion spread for Dazed and Confused; most notably the Levi Strauss campaign in 1996. He has also worked on many designer campaigns with Jil Sander and his creative equal Alexander McQueen- who is an avid fan of the showstudio movement as he too believes in capturing the event in time be movement and making it accessible to the masses.

He uses inspirational figures that may seem like unlikely candidates. While he has used a plethora of famous models and personalities, he also casts people in their 60s and people with physical disabilities. “My aim has always been to push at the boundaries of what is and isn’t beautiful” Knight admits. “Instead of our perception of beauty opening up, it’s becoming more narrow all the time”. He is a firm believer in this aforementioned imperfection and states that “anyone with a brain knows that it is the quirkiness and imperfection in a person that attracts other people.”

Knight is famously so involved in his work and he even flew to China while the book was in print just to make sure everything was to his taste. “From the moment I conceive an image to the moment it is completed, every step along the way, I am interacting with it, changing it, pushing my thoughts and beliefs on to it”.

The book entitled ‘Nick Knight’ is published by HarperCollins (£50). It is a perfect gift for a fashion lover, photography expert or even just an admirer of art. Definitely a collectors item for those of you who wish to aspire to be as great as this fashion Knight.

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It’s round two for top British jewellery designer Stephen Webster, as he relaunches the now infamous mosquito ring aimed to raise money for ‘Malaria No More’.

Stephen Webster is jewellery designer to the stars, not only does he have Christina Aguilera modeling in his campaigns, but Johnny Depp and Kate Moss are huge fans.  Not to mention, the mosquito ring has been spotted on the likes of Victoria Beckham and Erin O’Connor.

For those of you like me, fans of gorgeous chunky jewellery… this is definitely one stocking-filler you do not want to miss out on.  Not only is it uniquely gorgeous, but you’ll be doing your bit for charity too.  Each ring sold will buy up to 10 life-saving mosquito nets in Africa, protecting as many as 20 people for five years!

The ring is rodium plated with crystal wings and is available only online at asos.com from today, 1st December.  But, be quick, this is an extremely limited edition, with only 300 available, so to save lives and wear a beautiful creation by jewellery mastermind Stephen Webster log on asap!

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This is one not to be missed… kicking off this weekend Off the Rails – The Total Experience starting on November, Friday 13th with it’s premiere evening at 7.30pm running until Sunday 15th. This promises to be a fashion packed venue with presenters Brendan Courtney and Sonya Lennon in the thick of it.

You will be treated to live ongoing fashion shows all weekend as well as an ‘experience area’ plus a plethora of stylists, make-up artists, hair experts and fashion gurus dishing out their advice. There will be an International fashion name gracing the stage for the Off the Rails Fashion Awards, of which there are eight catagories, all listed below..

. Best Fashion Designer
. Best Fashion Stylist
. Best Fashion Photographer
. Best Hair Stylist
. Best Make Up Artist
. Best Dressed Male Personality
. Best Dressed Female Personality

We will bring you more up dates as we get them.

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You may remember we recently posted about designer rental boutique Covet. Well, they are about to hold their first ever sample sale! If you are a serious designer buff you’ll be chomping at the bit to get in as there will be discounts of up to 95% (!!), off retail and big designer brands including Galliano, Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney (excuse my drooling.. ). If you are more of a vintage fan they will also have some vintage pieces on offer.

Pictured above Just Cavalli dress, for €380 – from €1,200!! Pencil these dates in your diary, Saturday, 21st November 10am-6pm, Sunday, 22nd November 12pm-6pm. Covet is on the top floor of The Powerscourt Centre, let us know if you bag a bargain! www.covet.ie

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Brown Thomas are helping to celebrate twenty years of the great Lulu Guinness on Wednesday, 4th November in the Accessories Hall from 1pm – 3pm.

Sophie Dahl, Claudia Schiffer, Dita Von Teese and many more celebs are regularly seen carrying Lulu’s bags. The key to her success is her originality and bold use of colour and design. Her designs are so unique they have been exhibited in Sotheby’s London and New York.

On view will be Guinness’ new collection along with party cupcakes washed down by champagne – you better not head back to the office! We’ve pictured one of her more sedate designs, the red crinkle patent leather quilted lips Edith handbag. If you are around Grafton Street on the 4th November pop in for a look at her new collection, you definitely won’t be bored!

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BT2 are getting involved with Off Set – http://www.iloveoffset.com

One of the creative talkers, Anthony Burrill, has designed a range of exclusive menswear t-shirts that are being sold exclusively in BT2 Grafton Street, from Monday 26^th October to 9^th November. The unique 5 piece t-shirts are retailing at €35. Anthony Burrill is an independent designer and illustrator working in a wide range of activities including print, film and internet.

Burrill is a UK creative and has showcased his creations in Colette in Paris, Tate Modern and also has a huge fan base across the world.

In addition to the BT2 t-shirts, he has designed a window wrap that will grace the windows of Grafton Street for two weeks. So, if you are not familiar with his work check out BT2‘s windows which will be entirely covered in an Anthony Burrill design from Tuesday, 3rd November.

One of Burrill’s designs pictured below or check out his website and the Off Set program for more…

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No, this isn’t a far to early Christmas piece, although I wouldn’t mind finding one in my stocking this year, hint hint! Santi handbags are a new and exclusive range just in at BT2 Dundrum. We’ve been told these bags are from India and made by craftsmen using materials such as fine silk, sequins, crystals, shells beads, embroidery, leather, stones in all different shades and intricate designs.

The designers then moved to New York from Thailand in 1986 enrolling at Parsons School of Fashion and, have gone from strength to strength. The designs have a vintage vibe going on while still looking contemporary.

The black bag comes in at €175, while the multicoloured bag is priced at €390 and we love it!!!

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