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Tuesday 27 September 2011

SHADESTATION CELEBRATED FLAGSHIP STORE OPENING

SHADESTATION CELEBRATED FLAGSHIP STORE OPENING



WITH EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH PARTY

The ‘fash pack’ turned out in style last night to celebrate the opening of Shadestation, the UK’s largest independent sunglasses and watch retailer’s flagship new 1,500 sq.ft. store in the Victoria Quarter.

Customers enjoyed an exclusive late night shopping party where they browsed the hottest trends and coolest fashion for autumn/winter 2011. The champagne was flowing as they
were entertained by ‘Shadestation’s answer to Dynamo’! Shoppers were also treated to
celebratory cupcakes and many took advantage of the discount offered on the night and gifts with purchase.

Customers were impressed by the top floor, which houses a flagship Oakley store-in-store, as well as a collection of more than 200 Rayban sunglasses. The style conscious also enjoyed trying out the Oakley Custom Programme kiosk, one of only two in the world, where they could build their own unique shades with their choice of frame colour and finish, lens and tint.

The new store beautifully displayed Shadestation’s growing jewellery collection; with brands ranging from boho-chic inspired to eclectic and highly traditional to rugged and edgy, and includes Bibi, Danone, Coeur de Lion, Guess, Fossil, D&G and Pilgrim.
The store also showcased Shadestation’s growing sunglasses and watch collection. With
shades from over 35 designer brands, ranging from the high end and sought-after luxury labels, such as Tom Ford, Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Prada. Fresh, cool and edgy brands include Ray Ban, Carrera, Police and Prada Sport, as well as the sports focused brands, such as Oakley and Dragon. Customers also got a first look at the extensive watch collection, which now comprises of over 55 brands ranging from the kooky and quirky Marc by Marc Jacobs to the exquisitely luxurious Michael Kors and the sporty and vibrant collection of Adidas watches.
Jocelyn Anders, joint managing director of Shadestation, commented: “It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying themselves in the store last night. We had a really positive response to its design and layout - everyone seemed excited about the large collection of fashionable sunglasses, watches and jewellery that we now offer. Perfect for treating yourself or as a gift in the run up to Christmas.
“The move from its former location in the arcade was a natural business progression – with the acquisition of so many new quality brands and a growth in product ranges and collections, we had simply grown out of the store. The new store allows us to showcase our vast selection of merchandise and customers can now really enjoy the shopping experience.“As Leeds is a fashion forward city and accessorizing is a key style statement – the opening of the new, larger Shadestation could not have arrived at a better time.”
Shadestation is now located at 42 County Arcade, The Victoria Quarter, Leeds, LS1 6BH.

Monday 26 September 2011

Milan Fashion Week Round Up From Harvey Nichols


Milan Fashion Week Round Up From Harvey Nichols

Our Buying Director, Averyl Oates, reports on the latest trends and backstage news from the Spring Summer 2012 shows at Milan Fashion Week.
Saturday 24 September
Jil Sander

No one could’ve predicted a Jil Sander collection that was Raf Simons’ best effort yet as he consistently transforms the fashion house from season to season. This time, Simons has tied together a number of themes paying homage to the Sander house style but crossed with a simplicity and optimism. Overall, there were a lot of lean tailored dresses, but flashes of colour, texture and patterns propel the minimalist theme into a collection of artistic perfection. The white dresses reflected the Simons’ perception of female roles in marriage, whilst the closing floor length, Grace Kelly style dress was a climax ending to the show.
Friday 23 September
Versace

Set in the Via Gesù show space, the glow of the lighting evoked the mood of an Italian bathhouse or swimming pool. Classic Donatella-style touches of gold studding were clearly a favourite for the designer this season as she took her bow wearing a white shift dress covered in brass gold studs. The same metal studding was seen on a variety of white and brights, pistachio greens and aquamarines. Silks, leather and neoprene were the mainstays of this outstanding collection as Donatella struck the perfect balance of a dress collection that was modern and edgy.
Moschino

Designer Rossella Jardini cites the Spanish Riviera as an influence, a theme revisited by the Italian fashion house. Embroidered jackets with little bells jingling and long fringed suede dresses faired a bit too daring for most, although many other pieces were a much more wearable nod to the tribal theme. Simple dresses were embellished with Navajo style beading and home-spun heart patterns cemented the ethnic trend at Moschino.
Thursday 22 September
D&G

All eyes were on this show as the label announced on Twitter that it will be the last D&G collection, and the designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana were to focus on their main signature line. A mix of old-school scarf prints, Dolce & Gabbana’s back catalogue and a dash of Hermès set the tone for this winning runway show. Heritage crests, polka dots, butterflies, flowers and medallions were emblazoned on silk/chiffons in the boldest way possible. Scarves were wrapped and knitted into tops, shorts, and even wedges. As prints continue to make waves on the catwalks and the front rows, today, D&G succeeded in leaving a lasting impression of vibrant Italian kitsch.
Max Mara

MaxMara’s latest offering had an extremely minimal and sporty silhouette, which was heightened by the ribbed capris, a staple in this pared down collection. Several looks featured three bands of colour- tan, white, aqua and beige, were mostly seen on body-con jersey dresses. Occasional pieces had some Frankenstein-style stitching and perforated leather/suede panelling. Key pieces were the cocoon aqua dress and the white and beige playsuit with mesh panels.
Wednesday 21 September
Gucci

Gucci was born in 1921, but apparently the Art Deco prints were a natural progression for the brand. Showing dresses with a graphic black, white and bronze colour-blocking and embroideries bring the collection up to date. The tailoring had a mannish quality; jackets were short and boxy, whilst trousers were high-waisted with tuxedo stripes. Continuing the autumn trend of luxe-leathers and metallic finishes, key pieces include the black and gold leather shirt dress laser-cut to a fringing finish, metallic panelled sheer tanks were also popular. The colour palette was mainly monochrome, gold and a flash of emerald, evoking the glam-twenties era perfectly.

Thursday 22 September 2011

London Fashion Week Round Up From Harvey Nichols

We report on the latest trends and backstage news from the Spring Summer 2012 shows at London Fashion Week.
Tuesday 20 September
Meadham Kirchoff

The minute we saw the pastel balloon arches on the runway we knew we were in for a treat. Meadham Kirchoff has a reputation for putting on a spectacle that out-does the previous, and this was a theatrical fantasy no one could’ve predicted.
First, a swarm of Courtney Love look-a-likes powdering their faces and applying lipstick in sync opened the show, they broke out in dance as models walk out. The real show began. Girly twin sets, ironic cartoon motifs, pastel marabou coats, broderie anglaise dresses were on everyone’s want list. Every look was pure indulgent girly perfection, and the evidence was obvious at the shows for the rest of the day, as every other person’s conversation started with, “Did you SEE the Meadham Kirchoff show?” A talking point in fashion week shows for seasons to come we’re sure.
Roksanda Ilincic

Already noted as a key trend for spring is sports couture, something that Roksanda Ilincic has already played with in her fall collection. Taking sportswear into luxury is no new concept but when well executed can be transformed into a couture piece. Aqua, mustard and fuchsia were dominant in the colour palette. Graphic silk trousers pulled together with thick rope belt, blue colour blocked crinkle cotton knotted-waist dress and a bright fuchsia puff dress were the highlight pieces of this well received collection.
Mary Katrantzou

Following interior prints from her fall collection, Mary Katrantzou has moved towards broader, more abstract strokes, a collection based on a ‘man vs. nature’ theme. The all-important prints zoomed in on nature- flowers, feathers, scales, and man-made forms-cars, metal cans and, metal flowers. Shapes include structured dresses, slim fitting trousers, biker jackets, asymmetric dresses with billowing trains.
Monday 19 September
Louise Gray

You can always rely on Scottish designer Louise Gray to shake things up at London Fashion Week. Not one to stick to the rules, Gray pushes her treatment of fabric to the max. Reverting back to some of the techniques and textures from her MA show, picking favourite items in her wardrobe, then layering up chiffon-on-chiffon. Graphic 60s and 20s prints, beading embellishment, swathes of appliqué and the odd sorbet tweed twin-set, redefine Gray’s eclectic creations. As complex as those elements sound, this collection was felt calmer, which was a natural progression for Gray apparently. There were a lot of dresses that simply slip on but still have that Louise-Gray-wow-factor!
Burberry Prorsum

As the first look goes down the runway, the unmistakable Cara Delevingne can be seen underneath a pompomed cap and wrapped up in a dress coat, and you know it’s Burberry Prorsum.
Adorning its front row of Rachel Zoe, Samantha Cameron, Emmanuelle Alt, and Kanye West, with beautiful basket weave knits, pleated front skirts (below the knee and in every colour), large geometric embellishments, bright prints and even raffia, Burberry continues the tribal theme for the season with ethnic inspired pieces
Stand out pieces were woven leather sleeve parkas in ethnic prints, striped sculptured shoulder trench, egg shell blue trench with crimped edges. With all the hype that the brand brings alongside the celebs was its usage of technology by showing the collection via twitter. Clearly the power that is Burberry continues to grow and be lusted after.
Erdem

Continuing what he does best, Erdem presented beautiful floral print dresses in every form. From delicate sheer nudes to heavy graphic prints in blues and to whole garden florals covering entire garments, the only piece left untouched from a print was the classic white shirt. Highlights looks include a sky blue silk cotton trench coat with enlarged flowers and the cropped skinny trousers with a flora and fauna all over print.
Christopher Kane

One of the hottest tickets in town, Christopher Kane always has an audience to impress with the likes of Anna Wintour and Kanye West in the front row, watching intently to see what he his imagination and craftsmanship would deliver this season.
There must have been a sigh of relief for Kane’s model as they glided down the catwalk wearing flat shoes. Cricket knit jumpers, signature skirt suits, stiff fabricated silhouettes, and faded denim jeans with crystal embellished knees were all aspects of the collection.
The major continuous theme that throughout was appliquéd florals applied vigorously to many different dresses. From soft whimsical on pockets or shoulder straps to 70s bright on sheer shift dresses dazzled the eyes of the audience.
Antipodium

The quietly cool Antipodium has wooed us once again. Inspired by Woody Allen’s 1970s drama ‘Interiors’ creative director Geoffrey J. Finch was channelling imaginary characters living in the terraced houses of London Fields. An obscure reference actually transpired into what was a very accessible catwalk collection. The use of interesting materials kept the collection looking fresh; PVC coated cotton was used on a-line skirts and cropped jackets whilst blue rinse crochet dresses had chunky gold zipper details. Offering rigidly cut tailoring at pristine angles and buckled boyish shoes juxtaposing with abstract feminine floral prints, their Spring Summer 2012 collection was a delectable concoction indeed.
Antonio Berardi

Every woman has the possibility to be a warrior according Antonio Berardi, and his new collection continues with his beliefs. Opening with an ethereal armor plated like dress with a flowing train, which ran into ivory boleros with red embellished sleeves, and leggings covered in white and gold patterned beadwork.
Truly a master of evening dresses, the tailored pieces in soft fabrics in maroon, black, and white were equally as strong and highlighted the craftsmanship of Berardi. Although the black pieces towards the end of the collection felt about to heavy for spring summer, they were none the less desirable.
Peter Pilotto

Inspired by a recent trip to Indonesia, it seemed Peter Pilloto’s collection wouldn’t be excused from the tropic/safari trend that has been sweeping the runway. But a refreshing take on the theme was present with kaleidoscope patterns laid in directions to create illusions of movement and shone in acidic brights of lime, blue, red, against black trimmings.
Oversized and exposed zips were key in reflecting the scuba diver suits one might wear, while clothing was structure to fit as if it was from sportswear but still functioned as sexy. Figure hugging tops broke free into flowing skirts in beautiful patterns in hues of blue. Floral, fish scale like prints and fitted dresses that had all over laser cuts to keep with prints helped keep the collection fresh.
Sunday 18 September
Acne

Blocking was the key to Acne’s collection this season. Using structured and somewhat oversized pieces in solid tones or distinctive contrasts emphasized the cool factor of the Swedish brand.
Being inspired by a recent trip to Morocco, but not wanting to offer up a cliché version, designer Jonny Johansson created a colour palette to enhance his designs, using orange, candy pink, lime and soft blue against black, white and tobacco. Continuing its movement into an established fashion brand and not just denim wear, the designs have once again grown with prom style dresses, caftans, and wide leg trousers simply make the collection demand attention.
Marios Schwab

Femme fatale silhouettes came swishing down the catwalk presenting a refined feminine collection that had the audience in awe.
Fabrics were crucial for the collection s they played a major focal point, with netting used widely throughout the collection – tiny fine punctured fabrics to wider gaping nets, while high waited swimsuits were shown wrapping around the neck and exposing the stomach, balancing the fine line of sexy while being wearable. Colour palettes ran through of pastels and muted tones, while final dresses were long sleeved netted gowns with crystal bodysuits underneath to shine through.
Markus Lupfer
London Fashion Week Round Up
Set in a low key private area at St Martins Lane Hotel, Markus Lupfer showed off his new collection in a room made up like a jungle themed boudoir. To match the scene, four models sat gracefully wearing convincing animal masks, striking a pose for the cameras, playing their wildlife characters. Heavily inspired by nature, Lupfer has produced fun, wearable knitted separates and dresses with his signature sequinned motifs, this time starring tropical creatures; flamingos, baboons, elephants and parrots to name a few. There’s even some graphic prints thrown in the mix with day-glo coloured leopard print jackets with matching cardigan, and shorts. The use of black lace in skirts and dresses smartened up the quirky display.
Richard Nicoll

Sunday morning and what better way to start the day then with a calming sea of pastel blue hues at Richard Nicoll. Presented against white walls and high ceilings, Mr Nicoll led the eyes to feast on 60’s inspired tunics, shifts and baby doll dresses – all based on old patterns for young girls nighties from the era.
With the M.A.C make up team adding to the 60’s vibe by using black hospital bandage cut outs to get that perfect winged eyeliner.
Pastel pink dresses broke up the collection with the slick wet look, soft trousers swan around models legs, while a sheer black gown with frills finished the show in a modern elegance, making the collection a highlight of the week.
Saturday 17 September
Issa

Issa’s Spring Summer 2012 collection Designer Daniella Issa Helayel was inspired by her native Rio de Janeiro roots. A fun and whimsical direction for a red-carpet-dress brand we thought. Pineapple, banana and palm leaf prints on cotton mini dresses and separates were a departure from the usual jersey gowns. Similar fruity prints were also seen on swimwear and cover-ups. The perfect antidote to our blink-and-you’ll-miss-it British summers, these tropical pieces would brighten up any girl’s wardrobe, and who can say no to that?
Jonathan Saunders

Jonathan Saunders never fails to bedazzle his audience with his fine-tuned craft of print and colour. This season saw the Scottish designer divulge in the scenery of South Beach, Miami. Citrus tones of peach, fuchsia and tangerine were layered together with aquas, limes, lemon yellow, colour blocked and often ombréd tones. Picturesque references of the beach spring to mind with swimming pools, sunsets and clear blue skies. Toying with the line of ladylike and sexy, womenswear shapes varied from sundresses, negligees, vests, full fifties skirts and boyfriend jackets. Prints came in the form of faint paisleys and surf/scuba style tribal markings.
Vivienne Westwood Red Label

This season sees Westwood dominate her collection with her spin on suiting pieces; jackets, blouses, trousers were aplenty but this was no traditional tailoring here. Single elements of each garment were highlighted, playing with proportion and sculptural dimension. Highlights include the beige oversized jumpsuit with a cinched knotted sleeve and the blue suit jacket with draped lapels, both very wearable. The simplicity of the Grecian-looking silk jersey dresses stood out against this complex collection, proving Dame Westwood understands the importance of having commercial pieces in a runway piece.
Felicity Brown

After the success of her Fashion East show and now part of NEWGEN, high hopes were held on this fashion week newcomer, Felicity Brown. An exquisitely decorated private room in the Royal Opera House was a the perfect location to show what we knew was going to be breath-taking. A live pianist and violinist, wearing one of Brown’s trademark layered ruffled silk dresses, set the tone as dainty, doll like models sashayed slowly around the room. Brown has looked to the past on previous seasons, and for Spring Summer 2012 it was no different, this time with Victorian references; slim silhouette, rich regal colours; high necklines and the odd corset detail. Fabrics were ruched, draped and pleated to maximum effect, some with ombre prints, giving them a water coloured painterly effect. It was refreshing to see a couple of looks consisting of separates that retained the overall romantic influence. The collection was beautiful and the presentation was well executed from the regal atmosphere, right down to the wasps hair and minimal make up.
Emilio de la Morena

It was all about skirt at Emilio de la Morena, with a variety of different dresses to lust over they all had one thing in common – above the knee. Starting with his multi paneled dresses in whites through to fitted sweater top dresses with wispy overlay skirts in contrasting colours. Presenting his first knitwear and prints, perhaps we are about to see a lot more firsts from this talented designer as he furthers his palette.
JW Anderson Women

With an inspiration of ‘a schoolgirl raised by nuns, finally escaping the convent”, JW Anderson’s collection that modestly covered the body. Mixing mens with womens traditional pieces, gender basics were reexamined with flowing wide leg trousers, cardigans turned into dresses and button up shirts becoming jackets, each piece played on strong texture combinations and graphics. Patterns of zig zags were used against each other in a variety of widths while multi coloured shapes were replicated and layered upon each other for beautifully contrasting garments.
Friday 16 September
Christopher Raeburn
You can always rely on Christopher Raeburn to wow us with a clever and unique offering. Partnering with the Museum of London to present his latest collection, guests are faced with his giant inflatable squirrels on arrival, the same squirrels can be found at our current Christopher Raeburn Installation. Reducing waste is a key principle of the British brand, so they use any off cuts to create a different mammal every season. Walking through to the Linbury Gallery downstairs, from a distance what looked like an interactive design exhibition, was actually a brilliant display of garments, colour and sound. Based on the emotional relationship between garment and wearer, and in turn the link between colour and sound. A single touch of each jacket triggers colour on the large LED ellipse, mirrored to the garment, stimulates an associated sound in the hall. We were excited to see Raeburn’s signature parkas in an array of rainbow shades, some with colour blocked panels and in a range of styles too, from cropped to hooded to ponchos, as well as traditional longer lengths.
We caught up with blogger and fashion journalist, Susie Lau of Style Bubble, to demonstrate this wonderful experience.
Sass & Bide
London Fashion Week Round Up
Kick starting London Fashion Week’s first day with Sass & Bide was definitely a good idea. Styled by Wonderland magazine’s fashion director, Julia Sarr-Jamois, it is the perfect marriage of it-girl street style and high end fashion. This time round, designers Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton toned down the silhouettes with a collection with a streamlined aesthetic. That’s not to say it is minimal, Sass & Bide has retained it’s unique combination of texture, colour and print, but stripped it back a little. There were silver sequins, batik polka dots, bright silks and tribal beading, all mixed together in streamlined pieces with maximum effect. The show closed with a Gallery collection, a continuing affair with a more grown up aesthetic. White neoprene twisted into cocktail dresses, a modern take on the couture-inspired classic.

Tuesday 20 September 2011

Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Hot 100 at Harvey Nichols

Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Hot 100 at Harvey Nichols 
 
Tuesday 4th October 2011
6.30pm-9.00pm

 Celebrate this year’s Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Hot 100, in association with Harvey Nichols, Leeds. 

Enjoy an evening of pampering and beauty treats.

Activities on the night include:

Beauty Trend Presentations
Make up masterclasses
Hairstyling
Mini manicures
Massages
And much more…

Tickets £10. per person, redeemable against beauty purchases on the evening and includes a goody bag*.

Tickets can be bought on-line at
or
in-store:

Harvey Nichols
107-111 Briggate
Victoria Quarter
Leeds
T: 0113 204 8888
E: leeds.reservations@harveynichols.com.

Friday 16 September 2011

Harvey Nichols’ A/W 2011 Fashion Show

Harvey Nichols’ A/W 2011 Fashion Show

Wednesday 21st September 2011

6.30pm – 10pm

Step up a gear, as Harvey Nichols Leeds and Land Rover invite you to an exclusive fashion show
 AND introduce you to the new Range Rover Evoque.

Join Harvey Nichols at the VQ for drinks and canapés followed by a runway show featuring key looks from Harvey Nichols’ Autumn/Winter collections.

Tickets are £15. and include a luxury goody bag.

Booking is essential.

Please call:
T: 0113 204 8888

 Harvey Nichols
107-111 Briggate
Victoria Quarter
Leeds
E: leeds.reservations@harveynichols.com.

Thursday 15 September 2011

BUBBLEOLOGY POPS UP IN HARVEY NICHOLS LEEDS

BUBBLEOLOGY POPS UP IN LEEDS


-The delicious science of bubble tea can now be enjoyed across the UK-
Bubbleology bubble tea is delighted to announce that it will be popping up in Leeds this Saturday (17th September), allowing more Brits to taste the unique and delicious drinks.

Bubbleology already has a large celebrity following with fans that include Jameela Jamil, Gizzie Erskine, Razorlight, The Feeling and Poppy Delevigne - and is now set to become a cult drink across the UK.

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980's from a single market stall and is dubbed as Taiwan's national drink, with over 8,000 bubble tea cafes across the country.

With a red or green tea base, bubble teas have a delicious fruit infusion and are served in either fruit or milk flavours with the highly addictive addition of tapioca pearls at the bottom of the cup. The pearls have a “gummy bear” texture but with 0% fat and tasty caramel undertones, all sipped up through a crazy coloured oversized straw.

With London outlets in both Soho, Rupert Street and Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge the popularity of bubble tea has spread rapidly through the capital. This summer, Bubbleology is excited to be sharing the delicious science of bubble tea at Harvey Nichols stores.

Bubbleologists in mad-scientist style lab coats will be serving up bubble teas to customers in Leeds for one day only, so hurry to the store before the bubble bursts

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER DETAILS. 

Tuesday 13 September 2011

bareMinerals Smoothie Van visits the VQ


 HARVEY NICHOLS



bareMinerals Smoothie Van visits the VQ

Monday19th September 2011

This September, the Bare Escentuals skincare van will be touring the country inviting you to discover brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin and a have a free smoothie from RDA Organic.

We will be introducing bareMinerals® skincare. The revolutionary new skincare range is powered by our ActiveSoil Complex, with each product working to energise the skin and give you that famous bareMinerals Naturally Luminous glow.

Come and visit our skincare van in Leeds in Victoria Quarter on Monday 19 September from 11am until 5pm. Plus, walk away with a special treat* too!

*One treat per customer. Treat consists of limited edition bareMinerals skincare tote or skincare sample. Limited time offer ends 31 September 2011.

Immortelle-A True Story

 L'Occitane






Immortelle-A True Story
L’OCCITANE has revealed the exceptional beauty benefits of Immortelle. These golden flowers grow along the Mediterranean coast and never fade, even when picked. The precious essential oil hidden within the flowers has been shown to hold powerful anti-ageing properties.

10 years following its discovery, L’OCCITANE unveils a new secret within the Immortelle flowers: new cell extracts that contain highly active ingredients, for dramatically enhanced anti-ageing action.

This innovation, supported by a new patent, lies at the heart of the new Precious Immortelle collection and offers proven results for younger looking skin.
  
IMMORTELLE Precious cream 50ml £39
A rich, smooth cream that visibly corrects deep wrinkles and improves firmness. Ideal for normal to dry skin.
IMMORTELLE Precious Night Cream 50ml £49.00
This silky smooth, skin-caressing cream helps to reverse the thinning of the epidermis, which occurs naturally with age. The skin is strengthened during the night – a crucial time for cell regeneration.



IMMORTELLE Precious Eye Balm 15ml £28
This velvet-soft balm has been formulated with ivy and ruscus extracts, to visibly reduce puffiness and dark circles.



Free Precious Immortelle  Collection (worth £22) when you purchase your Immortelle moisturiser and another product.
Offer valid from 15th September to 5th October 2011(While stocks last. Excluding soaps.)