A McQueen Halloween

Even after the untimely passing of their namesake, Alexander McQueen continues to grow under the leadership of Sarah Burton and still has the ability to wow me. Here, a short film by Parisian director Babette Pauthier showcases their Fall/Winter scarf collection. The scarves flow and mutate in a mirrored symmetry, with skull print and sinister musical undertones sitting perfectly with the soft flow of silk and more delicate shapes. Who knew scarves could be so captivating?

Coincidently, I went as a skeleton for Halloween last night having painted a full skeleton onto my black catsuit from Halloweens past as Katwoman. Unfortunately I have no shots of the catsuit, but here's my skull!

Luxury Fashion & Social Media

The words Luxury and Exclusivity are often considered synonymous. As luxury brands increasingly feel more pressure to conquer marketing online, how do they remain desirable in a medium that is open to the masses?

It is widely perceived that the web isn’t a luxury market and brands face the dilemma of either embracing social media or being left behind. As people spend more money online, in order to make profit luxury brands must find a way to engage these consumers.

The biggest challenge that faces luxury brands when approaching social media is that luxury implies exclusivity and therefore the product shouldn’t be accessible to everyone. Social media sites make it more challenging to selectively choose whom to interact with. Furthermore, some brands are hesitant to try new marketing techniques, which might be risky to their established brand image. If done incorrectly, they risk ruining their brand reputation and diminishing the perception of affluence.

The solution for the luxury sector is to embrace social media: Just as product can be desirable and exclusive, so websites can be.

Burberry is a fantastic example of a brand who have created their own online community. Rather than shun Facebook and Twitter because of their mass audiences, Burberry has embraced them.

Burberry’s Facebook page boasts over 7 million followers, and the face of the brand’s new ‘Body’ fragrance (and fashion ‘It girl’ of the moment) Rosie Huntington-Whitely appears in a short video to thank fans for the achievement. The page introduces new content, which keep the consumer engaged in the brand and lusting for the product. Whilst remaining exclusive, the brand offers a mass audience the chance to be part of their brand in the same way that a new fragrance does.

Their Twitter page similarly offers snapshots into the world of Burberry with Creative Director Christopher Bailey even taking over the account during Fashion Weeks.

But significantly on top of this, Burberry launched its ArtOfTheTrench internet community, allowing those who sign up to comment, favourite and – if their image is selected - even share their own real-life shots of them in the famous Burberry trench. Bailey even commissioned The Sartorialist’s Scott Schuman to launch the site in a tactical move which would appeal to young internet-savvy fashion fans. Through this site and the younger audience appeal of a renowned fashion blogger, Burberry give their users another outlet that is more refined than the larger social media sites open to the masses.

Other luxury brands have also embraced social media to fantastic effect. Jimmy Choo started an Internet frenzy by launching a “Shoe Treasure Hunt” in London via location-based social networking website Foursquare, whilst Tiffany & Co. and Chanel were quick to realize the potential of iPhone applications which interact with Facebook.

Whilst some hold back attempting to guard their brand identity of desirability, most luxury brands are increasingly realising the need to focus on creating unique online experiences. Social media is a tool that any brand can ill afford not to be involved with. Acknowledging that exposing your brand to consumers through social networks is the only way to engage today’s customers consistently.

Style crush: Johnny and Kate (circa '94)

I'll let the pictures do the talking:

The Rock star and the Fashionista

For decades there has been a distinct correlation between fashion icons and rock stars (think Jerry Hall & Mick Jagger). In more recent years, there seems to be a resurgence of the musician man-candy on the arm of our favourite style icons.

Here's my pick of our favourite trend-setting rock ‘n’ roll couples:

Kate Moss & Jamie Hince (of The Kills).Recently married Kate and Jamie couldn’t be more suited for one another. Kate has been romantically linked with a whole host of musicians over the years and lists Primal Scream singer Bobby Gillespie as one of her closest friends. Dueting with Primal Scream and starring in a White Stripes video have all added to her “indie” credentials (not to mention her relationship with Johnny Depp back in the day and the father of her daughter Lily is Dazed & Confused founding editor Jefferson Hack).

The supermodel’s previous tumultuous relationship with Pete Doherty seemed to put Kate’s head in a spin, but it looks like Kate has finally found “the one”.

Katy Perry & Russell BrandOkay so not strictly rock stars but between Russell’s previous lifestyle and Katy’s music, they certainly tick the Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll boxes. Add both stars’ ability to set fashion trends and you have the perfect fashion-rock duo.

Prior to meeting Russell, Katy had had a bumpy relationship with hip hop star Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, whilst lothario Russell was an admitted sex addict who played the field.

The recovering drug and sex addict comedian and the 'I kissed a girl' singer have been happily married since last October.

Kate Hudson & Matt Belamy (of Muse)

Not to be outshined by the Beckhams, the A-List couple recently announced the arrival of their new baby son Bingham "Bing" Hawn Bellamy. (Yes, you read correctly.) Matt and baby Bingham will now be Hollywood royalty with Kate's parents mum Goldie Hawn and stepdad Kurt Russell.

The new parents got engaged in April following a year-long whirlwind romance.

Kate has a son to previously husband Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson. Since their divorce in 2007, Kate has been romantically linked to a whole host of male stars the one that stuck was (again) a lead singer in a rock band. The role that kick-started her career was that of a rock groupie (sorry, “band-aid”) in Almost Famous.

Alexa Chung and Alex Turner (of Arctic Monkeys).The model-turned-TV presenter had previously been linked with members of The Lost Prophets, The Horrors and Klaxons before hooking up with Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex in 2007.

The ultra-cool couple are often spotted in their natural habitat of music festivals wearing complimentary laid-back chic outfits. Alexa even starred in an Arctic Monkeys music video.

Unfortunately, rumours are abound that the pair have split up. Photographed in May mid a less than enthusiastic kiss, the two haven’t been spotted together since - not even at Glastonbury despite them both being in attendance.

Keira Knightley & James Righton (of Klaxons)

Having split from long-term boyfriend actor Rupert Friend, Keira’s heart seemed to be broken until friend Alexa Chung introduced Kiera to Klaxons keyboarder James.

In just a couple of months the two have been spotted unable to keep their hands off of each other and look set to become the new fashion/indie power couple.

Top 5 wishlist for August

Some achievable, some not-so achievable:

Topshop 'Psychic' black studded ankle boots £110

Chanel 'Boy' bag in white (and/or red) £1525

Tina Lilienthal silver skull and arrow necklace £66Barbour flyweight tartan beadnell jacket £179.95

Topshop honey glossy faux fur cossack hat £22

Featuring yours truly.

What a pity I am horrendous.

Smiley Happy People (Holding Hands)

In the stressful world that is London (not to mention the fashion industry), a breath of fresh air has been introduced to me in the form of Smiley.

The Smiley Company has quite a fascinating history, apparently originating from a Parisian newspaper in the 70s which used to feature the now well-known emoticon next to certain stories (indicating the more pleasant news features). The french Loufrani family bought the rights to the original smiley logo. However it wasn't until more recent years that son Nicolas decided to spread positivity through everything from stationary and quirky homeware to perfume sets and primarily fashion.

I recently saw Eliza Doolittle in the above Moschino Cheap and Chic 'SMILE' jumper and was instantly reminded of The Smiley Happy Deluxe - a fantastic example of how you can take a simple branding idea like a smiley face, and produce a really fantastic range focusing. Smiley have done this through focusing on cut, organic material and above all, originality. Spread the joy...

Pop vs. Love

Fashion in the UK has been split in two between new magazine LOVE (second issue) and the newly relaunched POP. 

OK so bear with me: Katie Grand, editor of LOVE, used to edit POP. Upon leaving POP, rumour spread that working for POP from now on meant you would be banned from working for LOVE in the future. So how could POP compete? Enter Katie’s old boss and POP co-founder, Ashley Heath who was forced out of POP years ago. Can't wait to see how things unfold.