Highlights of 2010

Now, we couldn't wave goodbye to 2010 before highlighting a few of our favourite posts of the year. Over the last twelve months we have posted three hundred and something times but below are a selection of the very best...

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Style Salvage Speaks To...Hannah Martin - We set out to learn more about her and the craft of jewellery design and what better way than to visit Hannah Martin at her studio for a cup of tea and a chat. Here we talk to the designer about her work placement at Cartier, Russian gangsters, the influence of Count Saint Germain on her next collection and seeing her at LFW through her collaborations with Carolyn Massey and Hannah Marshall.

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Dr Martens: The craft of an iconic shoe - On April 1, 1960 the first pair of Dr. Martens was produced by the Griggs factory in the village of Wollaston in central England. Eight eyelets, ox blood red with distinctive yellow stitching, the design was dubbed "1460" after the date of its creation. More than one hundred million pairs of Dr. Martens have been sold since that first pair was unveiled 50 years ago. To help celebrate reaching landmark Dr. Martens invited a few of us bloggers up to their Wollaston factory to help cover the event.

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The Craft of Cheaney -  Cheaney represent the height of English Bench Made shoe making. It takes eight weeks to make a pair of Cheaney shoes, it involves around one hundred and sixty hand operations, from cutting the leather through to finishing, combining the best of contemporary design with superb quality. Given how much of a factory pervert I am, you can only imagine how many photographs I took as William Church guided me through and in to the nooks and crannies of this well oiled assembly line of true craftsmanship.

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Experiencing Harris Tweed - The story of Harris Tweed is one of a remote island community that lies between the Highlands of Scotland on the north west tip of Europe and the North Atlantic Ocean. I have lusted over this truly unique fabric and have longed to visit the beautiful setting in which it is created for some time now. Thankfully, the launch of the Nike Air Royalty Harris Tweed meant that myself and Susie were invited up by the sportswear giant.

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Nigel Cabourn's Studio -  Nigel Cabourn has worked in the fashion industry for forty two years, yet his clothing has very little in common with most people’s understanding of fashion. Cabourn is a designer who is driven by his longstanding passion for vintage clothing, fabric and details. He has collected vintage clothing since the 70s after falling for their charms on visits to Portobello Road with Paul Smith. Since then he has amassed an archive of over four thousand pieces. It is this ever expanding vintage collection that is the cornerstone of each collection, not a response to a particular trend or demand. Each collection has a real story, is grounded in history and integrity underpinned by the highest level of quality.

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Style Stalking...Imelda Matt - You might think that the phrase 'style stalking' is an exaggeration, but this time you'd be wrong. Ever since we laid eyes on Imelda Matt in a gold suit we knew we just had to get him to do a style diary for us. After months (no, really) of chasing, cajoling and downright begging, he agreed to let us showcase seven days of Imelda style.

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Style Stalking...Ca - After a few months of fruitless voyeurism we finally stumbled across an old favourite who has thankfully resurfaced on the blogosphere. Ca's previous blog, The Cablog, was a constant source of inspiration and it was a sad day when he decided to pause blogging. A number of months later and Ca has returned and we are pleased to declare that he lost none of his style. Ca is a man who knows how to use colour and play with textures to make truly wonderful, multi faceted outfits. He is a man who knows how to balance vintage, high street and labels in such a way that the admiring observer has absolutely no idea where he shops.

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A Visit to Trunk - The year has seen a number of exciting menswear stores open their doors in the capital but Trunk Clothiers is something quite special indeed. Located over two floors on Marylebone’s Chiltern Street, Trunk introduces a much needed new style to the menswear retailing scene in the capital which I was able to experience for myself. The seventy square metres brings together a carefully curated selection of the finest menswear and accessories from across the globe. Trunk is a store that sets the standard for gentlemen seeking modern classics of the highest quality matched with impeccable service.

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Happy New Year 2011.

Bollywood Paradize wishes all its visitors A Very Happy New Year 2011. Thank You all for the support for my blog. Bollywood Paradize is now 3 years old now. I request all the viewers of Bollywood Paradize to continue their support and help.

Once again Happy New Year 2011.

Nihaar Gujjar
Admin
Bollywood Paradize

British menswear in 2010 and beyond

Now, I had started to embark on an epic review post and spent a few hours revising bookmarks and admiring saved images. I began reminiscing over the colour rich Jil Sander SS111 show which was held in the elaborate garden of a spectacular villa in the far hilly reaches of Florence, the dazzling lazer display at the culmination of JW Anderson's SS11 show, experiencing the making of Harris Tweed in the Outer Hebrides and my numerous retail discoveries throughout the year. The last twelve months have been fruitful and have seen us enthuse, reveal and discuss a myriad of menswear subjects over the course of three hundred and eight posts. However, having seen the gluttony of 'Best of' lists clogging the arteries of the blogosphere, I have decided to take a different stance. Yes, 2010 has been a good year but how can we make 2011 a great year?

Having given the subject more thought than any of the other aforementioned volume of posts, I decided to look at the state of British menswear. Menswear Day during London Fashion Week has certainly  continued to grow over the course of two schedule packed days in 2010. Presentations, catwalk shows and film screenings have all celebrated the exciting diversity of menswear design talent which uniquely exists in this capital of ours. It has been hugely exciting to see stalwarts of Savile Row sit so comfortably alongside high street regulars, established designers and enthralling new talent alike. Both  days helped cause a sartorial stir or two whilst collectively flying the flag of menswear and tiring me out in the process. Dense, exciting schedules and flag waving aside, I have found myself with more questions than answers when I come to give British menswear design the once over. Have these ever evolving moments really pushed British menswear design forward as far as they can? Is Menswear Day enough? Are retailers really supporting the talent? Can the design talent that I celebrate forge viable and successful businesses? Are we, as consumers, doing enough?

In moments of questioning, it is always helpful to turn to a different voice.  As I have enjoyed so many discussions with menswear retailer Daniel Jenkins this year, it was fitting to hear his thoughts on the subject... 

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"What is the point of British menswear? Now I must confess to being redhanded and place my cards upon the table. Anyone who receives a Christmas or birthday present from me is accepting ill gotten gains funded by British fashion.

Confession aside I have no interest in using this article to promote the labels that we already sell and those that we will sell in the future. I believe in what we buy and therefore if it doesn't sell I take full responsibility. This leads into my main point, Steve mentioned the end of year review to me a few months ago. I'll admit I was slightly wrapped up in finding the best flat white in London (Woman in Present if you are interested always go for the 6oz). Dalston cliche aside it made me think. So much so I had a rant which I have managed to slightly temper. Two days later I was fortunate to be invited to take an economist around the Whitechapel Gallery with the aim of ignoring the art and discussing the future of British fashion. The question was should British fashion be 'saved' or not. I spent two hours arguing for its survival then received a text message about something far more important and realised the charade was up. Perhaps it shouldn't be 'saved'. 'Saving' as it currently stands could in fact damage it further.

I see it like this. I understand that many within the industry disagree with me and think me a fool for expressing my views however, I simply cannot go on any longer labouring under the pretence that this situation is adequate, normal or acceptable. Despite this year having spent more time with my head in books than look books trying to figure life out, I have seen enough to realise that in terms of sheer design the industry in the UK is in rude health. I don't care who you are or what you do I simply cannot understand any argument claiming that there is better design talent outside of the United Kingdom. Yesterday, Steve and Eliza ran a feature on Joe Casley Hayford, a sublime talent who along with Charlie is changing how the world dresses. This is what we do in the UK. We set the parameters. Yet the press discussion about the best labels, the most exciting stores, the items that men truly would sell their girlfriend for always includes items predominately from outside of this sceptred isle. Why is this? The power of paid for advertising or a deeper and more dangerous issue? We are in real danger of losing a lot of talent which if given a little bit more of a push could really achieve something.

We have a dedicated 'Menswear' day at London fashion week. This I applaud for its intention and execution - this year it was highly professional, but it isn't enough. I'm bored with the conversation that the menswear industry in the UK will simply never be profitable enough. This is sheer nonsense perpetuated by those unwilling to take a risk. We need to ask ourselves why isn't it working. Why are labels having trouble cementing themselves? Each time I read an article about how rosy British menswear is I'm reminded of John Le Carre's words in 1963 'men condemned to death are subject to sudden moments of elation; as if, like moths in the fire, their destruction were coincidental with attainment'.

Please don't confuse me with someone wishing to do damage to the industry. Yes my suit may be painted black and I might admire and enjoy  Auden's poetry noir whilst taking a wistful glance through memories but, I just want to give those with talent in this country a fair and level playing field. If they fail then so be it. They would always have done so. To deny them the opportunity to succeed or fail because they aren't immediately commercially viable is criminal. I understand the financial implications better than most. We are funded solely by sales. If we do not sell we cannot continue operating. I believe that we have a duty to promote those that perhaps would not be given the chance elsewhere. Yes we profit from it, I run a business and I attempt daily to challenge Tony Wilson's mantra regarding history and money  - failing probably on both counts - because someone once took a chance on Ralph Lauren, Alexander McQueen and anyone you could care to mention. Yes, these were business decisions but they were also seven inch leap's from heart to head.

There are those making a difference and there are solutions which have been proffered from greater communication between independent stores and the BFC, increased presence at Paris fashion week - London falls outside of the majority of foreign buyers' schedule each season. An understanding that talent in this country does occasionally need guidance in making sure that they aren't let down by manufacturers, stores and other parts of the 'fashion chain'. If these steps were undertaken I'd be part way to happiness and if the BFC or anyone with ideas regarding how we can turn 2011 into a watershed, wishes to contact me then I'm ready, daniel@danieljenkins.co.uk"

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I don't know about you but I found myself nodding quite a bit throughout this rant. More, on a number of different levels, can be done. For me, one of the real positives of the year has seen the real gems of British menswear take important steps towards Paris. The LONDON ShowROOMS have been successfully running for five seasons now but SS11 saw it extend to include some of the best emerging menswear talent in the UK. The scheme, a joint collaboration by the British Fashion Council, Fashion East and The Centre for Fashion Enterprise took fourteen designers to show in Paris. The likes of Bernstock Speirs, Blaak, BOYOstudio, Carolyn Massey, Christopher Kane Men's, Christopher Raeburn, Miharayasuhiro + Husam el Odeh eyewear, James Long, Katie Eary, KTZ, Lou Dalton, Omar Kashoura and Tim Soar were all present. Their designs showcased at a time in line with the real buying season. Regardless of talent, in order to survive, our favourite designers require sales and even though Menswear Day is wonderful theatre, I'd love to see the very best of our talent continue to charm the world. Here's to British menswear design talent winning over buyers and consumers in the same way that it has won critical plaudits in recent seasons.

Parvathy Omanakuttan Hot Bikini Video

Parvathy Omanakuttan Bikini Hot

In discussion... 2010

The desire to develop a dialogue around men's style and fashion has always been one of our key motivations to blog and this year we embarked on a new series that aimed to stoke the fires of menswear conversation. Each month, starting from May, we invited a cross section of thoughts on and around a range of subjects from the most stylish men they've ever known to the best piece of style advice they had ever heard. Over the course of the year, we heard from a mixed bag of knowledgeable folk air their thoughts and responses came from designers, store owners, PRs, journalists and a few fellow bloggers alike. With this in mind, we couldn't turn the page on the last twelve months without hearing from a few of our favourite figures of menswear on their highlights of 2010...

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"My highlight of the year for menswear would be Dries Van Noten's Fall 2010 collection. Never before have I wanted so much from one collection and I've been buying quite a bit."

Tommy Ton, photographer and blogger.

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"I think personally, making the film that we did for SS11. I find fashion film difficult, its often horribly self indulgent and pointless with it, with little or obvious narrative. We wanted to make something interesting, odd and beautiful, and I'm my harshest critic, but I think we came up with something pretty special there."

Carolyn Massey, designer.

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"Collaborating with Mogwai and Woolrich Woolen Mills for The Rig Out short film was the highlight of my year. A week spent in the north of Norway in July, messing about on glaciers and the odd weird effect of 24 hour daylight was very cool. Plus, the film's not bad too. Check it out!"

Glenn Kitson, co-founder of the Rig Out magazine, PR and brand consultant.

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"My highlight of 2010 was getting let loose in the RRL showroom for the first time. The environment was incredible and with everything RRL no stone had been left unturned. The collection was authentic Americana Vintage and one of the best I had seen all year. I can’t wait to see it launch in store in February in the first RRL shop in shop in Europe."

Stephen Ayres, Menswear Buying Manager at Liberty.

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"The best find of 2010 for me is Japanese brand Sasquatchfabrix. We are the first to bring this over from Japan and I have no doubt that in the coming years this brand will be on peoples radar in a big way. I absolutely love the aesthetic and the raw feeling of this brand."

Dan Mitchel, Buyer at LN-CC

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"The highlight of my fashion year has to be the number of decent menswear stores that have opened up in London over the past 12 months. It is the first time in many years that London has a retail landscape which reflects some of its unique energy."
Joe Casely-Hayford, designer.

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"The most exciting Fashion find of 2010 was all the fatboy fashions coming for SS11. Mr. Hare is only a healthy, bon vivant, size 54, yet even stores in which my shoes are stocked only keep there ranges up to a 52, which in the week before fashion week, due to stress and over work I can just about squeeze into. A few Parisien steak tartares later though and I am back in the land of ass. But this coming summer whether it is Prada's tie front (Karl Kani) jeans and shorts or Diors " I used to be fat but look at me now yo!! Lost 60lbs in sixty minutes at the LIPO-Fatty spa." Or even Haider Ackermans Opium den proprietor/Lothario apparel Fat is where it's at. And our style icon, yes, we wish you were still here...Fat Joaquin!"

Mr Hare, shoe enthusiast and designer.

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We will be posting our own review of the year tomorrow which will include the thoughts of Daniel Jenkins. In the meantime, why not tell us about your menswear highlight below...

Victoria Beckham’s New Year’s Resolution – Drink Less Champagne!

 Victoria Beckham’s New Year’s Resolution – Drink Less Champagne!

Ah, it’s just about that time to start planning those New Year’s resolutions again, and Victoria Beckham has a few already. In order to begin 2011 on a healthier note, Victoria has a few resolutions for herself;

“I’d like to sleep more, drink more water and less champagne. But you have to keep it real.”

Hmmm, for a super busy mother of 3 with her own booming fashion line – not sure how real those are!  And I wonder if that resolution to drink less champagne will work out for her though, since she’s said that she and David Beckham keep their marriage alive by having weekly date nights;

“We go and get drunk and have a date every Wednesday.”
“Sometimes we treat each other to an afternoon at the Beverly Hills Hotel and we’ll each have a massage and spend the day in our robes.”

Well, maybe she can just drink less champagne every day of the week but Wednesday! Something tells me that the former ‘Posh’ Spice might have a hard time giving up her champagne:-D
So do you make new year’s resolutions?

Selena Gomez Admits To Having A Crush On…

 Selena Gomez Admits To Having A Crush On…

… ‘Tranformers‘ star Shia LaBeouf! Wonder how Justin Bieber feels about that? Or maybe Selena Gomez gave this interview before she began hanging out with the singer . When asked what type of guy Selena likes, here was her response:

“I don’t have a perfect boy. I guess they need to be honest and they need to be some who can really be myself around. Although, if they look identical to Shia LaBeouf that would be great! You should be out having fun when you’re younger, not getting caught up in a committed relationship.”

Hmmm… Justin is cute and all, but let’s be honest: he’s no Shia.
Selena confessed she doesn’t even like dating.

“I don’t actually like dates. I get awkward as I never know what to do. I still get butterflies and wobbly legs around a boy I like. But the best thing is to be very open and don’t shut yourself off. Enjoy being young.”

That makes sense, seeing how Selena is only 18! But I still think Justin and Selena seem very friendly…

Leighton Meester Covers Seventeen Magazine

 Leighton Meester Covers Seventeen Magazine

I am a big Gossip Girl fan so I love to see Leighton Meester getting more exposure! Leighton covers the February issue of Seventeen Magazine and talks about how boyfriends really aren’t that important to her!

17 to LM – The last time we talked [for your cover in March 2009], having a boyfriend wasn’t a priority for you. Do you still feel that way?

LM – “Yeah. I’m glad that you’re reminding me of that! I would say the same thing today as well. I think that the importance of love is really strong for me in my life, whether it’s a guy or a friend or just my puppy. I think love changes you over time, and whether you have good or bad experiences, you always grow and learn from it. And if I shut love down or didn’t let it in, I would just be this really cold, sad person.”

Leighton’s issue of Seventeen will be on newsstands on January 4th. I love seeing her in clothes that aren’t her signature ‘Blair Waldorf’ look! Leighton can be seen next in Country Strong, opening everywhere January 11 – are you planning on seeing it? Leighon sings in the movie and is pretty good!  I think it looks interesting, but not sure if I’m intrigued enough to see it in the theatres!

Brandi Glanville “Couldn’t Care Less” About Eddie Cibrian And LeAnn Rimes Engagement

 Brandi Glanville “Couldn’t Care Less” About Eddie Cibrian And LeAnn Rimes Engagement

There’s one person who couldn’t care less about the engagement news of LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian – Eddie’s ex-wife Brandi Glanville. Though she didn’t release a statement saying so, a friend of Brandi’s shared with Us Weekly:

“Brandi knew this was coming for a while, but after everything she’s been through since finding out, she couldn’t care less. LeAnn has gotten exactly what she wanted from the get go,”

The source then gives LeAnn a bit of advice/warning:

“[Brandi] never wanted Eddie back, so it didn’t matter if they got engaged, broke up or whatever. But now he’s LeAnn’s problem. She can wonder what he’s doing on those boys-only trips, who he’s always texting, who’s at his poker nights. As long as she continues to be good to her two boys, it doesn’t matter to Brandi.”

Well, at least her priority is how LeAnn treats her boys – that’s the most important part of the equation now. I wonder if these two ever did get together and talk like Brandi said she was ready to do? I suppose she has had a bit on her plate with the DUI and all.

I know they way they got together wasn’t ideal in any way, but hopefully they can all put it past them eventually and move on and heal. (imnotobsessed)

Photos by WENN

Vivid Entertainment’s Head Honcho To Buy Nadya “Octomom” Suleman’s House?

 Vivid Entertainment’s Head Honcho To Buy Nadya “Octomom” Suleman’s House?

Nadya Suleman is on the verge of losing her home once again, but this time she may have a “friend” willing to swoop in and rescue her from foreclosure. Steve Hirsch, head of Vivid Entertainment tells TMZ he is looking into buying the $450,000 note on the home! Vivid has been trying to woo Nadya into starring in a porn movie for some time now, so this just feels all kinds of wrong. He tells TMZ:

This would be a great opportunity to begin a relationship with Octomom.”

He’s reportedly trying to negotiate on the price of the note.

What do you think of it? On the one hand, it’d save her from being homeless, but on the other…it feels like blackmail, doesn’t it? Or just a way to hold her home over her head to get her to star in a video for their company. (imnotobsessed)

Tom Felton Visits The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando Resort

 Tom Felton Visits The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter At Universal Orlando Resort

Tom Felton, best known for portraying Draco Malfoy in the blockbuster Harry Potter series, visited with the Beauxbatons at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during his recent visit to Universal Orlando Resort on December 28.

After enjoying Butterbeer with his friends and visiting Hogwarts castle, Felton spent the rest of his Universal Orlando vacation enjoying the rides and attractions at both theme parks.

I am SO JEALOUS!! I’m heading down to Orlando in a few months and am going to try my hardest to get to this theme park. I am HOPING I can make it happen. Have any of you been yet? As a fan, are you anticipating going this year?

Celebrity Pictures: Kim Kardashian

 Celebrity Pictures: Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian was spotted heading into a business meeting at a studio in Culver City. Pretty sure this is about the most casual we have EVER seen this girl dressed. And by casual, of course I mean topped off with an Hermes bag. What? That isn’t how you do casual?

Following the meeting, Kim tweeted,

OMG u guys have no idea what I’m doing today! You are gonna DIE.

And then shortly after wrote,

OMGGGG I’m nervous!!!!!!

I have to admit — I’m curious! What could possibly be more exciting than Mason saying Kim for the first time?!

Anyone have a guess as to this new and mysterious project Kim is working on? Movie? Song? What could it be?

Rep Confirms Reese Witherspoon And Jim Toth Are Engaged

 Rep Confirms Reese Witherspoon And Jim Toth Are Engaged

BAM! We have rep confirmation! As INO reported yesterday, Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth are engaged. Reese’s rep doesn’t give any details, but did verify that Jim Toth liked it so much he put a ring on it, and added,

“They are extremely happy.“

And I am happy for them. Nice to know that Reese never gave up on love and marriage after all she went through with Ryan Phillippe. Jim Toth seems like he is blending in well with the family.  I bet the kids are excited!

In case you are wondering just exactly who Jim Toth is — he’s an agent at Creative Artists Agency where Reese is a client of another agent.

Leighton Meester Is The Next Taylor Swift?

 Leighton Meester Is The Next Taylor Swift?

Uh oh. Looks like we have another Taylor Swift on our hands. Leighton Meester talked about what her process is when she writes songs for the band she’s in and how she goes about making her music. Sounds an awfully lot like someone else we know.

“I’m working with a band right now, doing a lot of acoustic music through singing and writing. It’s really fun and fulfilling. It’s an expression of what I have in my life and what I’m going through, or what I have gone through, and of course, it’s mostly about love or relationships. The ups and downs that come along, which I think are universal.”

Next thing you know we’ll be trying to guess which Gossip Girl co-star each song is about, kind of like we do with Taylor and her men.

Who here is a fan of Leighton’s music? Now that she’s also singing in movies, I wonder if she’s trying to steer her career towards more music and less acting?

Katy Perry Incorporating Scent Into Tour?

 Katy Perry Incorporating Scent Into Tour?

Oy vey! What will they come up with next?!

Sooooo….groundbreaking? Or just plain weird? Katy Perry wants her fans to have a full experience so she’s decided that she’s going to incorporate sense of smell into her next tour.

“It’s going to be great – all the dates have sold out in the UK already. I want it to be really fun and very visual.

“It’s going to engage all the senses, so we’re looking into alternative stuff like smell. We’re talking to a couple of companies at the moment about creating an aroma for the performance.”

Katy Perry adds that her wardrobe is a production in and of itself. She does wear some crazy tight clothes when she performs!

“There will be a medley of looks, and they’ll be very strong. When I get changed during a show it’s like I’m at a Formula One pit stop. There’s Velcro being ripped off and stuff getting strapped onto me.

“On my ‘Hurricane’ tour I wore a different outfit every single night. It was crazy, and not cheap.”

I’m not so sure I would enjoy a scent being blasted at my while I was at a concert. Sense of small is a very particular thing and what one person may love, another hates. Do you think you would enjoy the way Katy is going to incorporate scent into her tour?

See 2 more...

 

 Photos by Fame

Has Snooki Been Banned From Times Square On New Year’s Eve?

 Has Snooki Been Banned From Times Square On New Year’s Eve?

Well, ‘Jersey Shore’ spitfire Snooki hasn’t been completely banned from Times Square on New Year’s Eve. But her planned stunt has been forbidden, according to Pop Eater’s Rob Shuter.

“The Snooki ball drop isn’t going to happen in Times Square,” an insider tells me. “At midnight, the crowd and the media will be watching Mayor Bloomberg, Dick Clark and the official ball drop, not a cast member of the ‘Jersey Shore.’”

I wonder if it was Snooki spilling the beans on her plans that ruined it?

“No way would they allow this to take place. MTV rents a position in the Square that night like every other media outlet. You can’t get access to the Square without an official credential. You have to play by the official rules or you get kicked out, which is exactly what has happened to MTV and Snooki,” an insider tells me.

Who would you rather watch at the very beginning of 2011: the ‘Jersey Shore’ crew or the official ball drop (along with New York City Mayor Bloomberg and Dick Clark)?

Quote Of The Day – Amanda Seyfried

 Quote Of The Day – Amanda Seyfried

“I was super-outgoing until I was around 10. I got a bit older and started getting shy. Way too shy. “I felt so extremely ugly. When I look back, I was not ugly – I was cute and had a gap in my teeth. But I wish I could have enjoyed that part of my life and be more confident.”

-Amanda Seyfried

Eddie Murphy And Owen Wilson Are NOT Dead!

 Eddie Murphy And Owen Wilson Are NOT Dead!

The Twitter death hoaxes are INSANE this week! Today the hot topics are whether or not Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson were killed. Every few months there’s a hoax of some sort, but this out of control. Really people! Stop the madness!!!

It’s going to be sad if something terrible happens to a celebrity in the next few days because NOBODY will believe it!

Charlie Sheen, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Aretha Franklin, Owen Wilson = all ALIVE!

Photos by INF

Christie Brinkley Graces Prevention Magazine’s February Cover

Christie Brinkley sat down with Prevention magazine to dish on everything from beauty secrets to motherhood to romance. She shares:
On her divorce:

“You’ve got to find a way to keep laughing, even if it’s black humor, and my friends are very good at that. Some people think of happiness as a luxury, but it’s a necessity, and you need to make space for it in your life.”

On the possibilities of another romantic relationship:

“Most of the time, I’ve got my kids with me, so I’m not as prone to meeting people. And then, you never really know if someone is talking to you because you’re a celebrity. It’s not my number one priority.”

On her biggest career regret

“I didn’t do Saturday Night Live when they asked me to and I wished that I had now because I love that show and I faithfully watch it whenever I can, I rush back to get home for Saturday Night Live.”

 Christie Brinkley Graces Prevention Magazine’s February Cover

Christie Brinkley sat down with Prevention magazine to dish on everything from beauty secrets to motherhood to romance. She shares:
On her divorce:

“You’ve got to find a way to keep laughing, even if it’s black humor, and my friends are very good at that. Some people think of happiness as a luxury, but it’s a necessity, and you need to make space for it in your life.”

On the possibilities of another romantic relationship:

“Most of the time, I’ve got my kids with me, so I’m not as prone to meeting people. And then, you never really know if someone is talking to you because you’re a celebrity. It’s not my number one priority.”

On her biggest career regret

“I didn’t do Saturday Night Live when they asked me to and I wished that I had now because I love that show and I faithfully watch it whenever I can, I rush back to get home for Saturday Night Live.”

On the pressures of the media spotlight:

“I also think that the TV shows and internet shows need all this celebrity scrutiny in them. It creates an environment for young girls of “how can anybody attain the perfect that they demand of you on all of these outlets.” There’s always somebody waiting to catch a bad angle and then send it out to the whole world. Girls are home alone in their room and going “well gosh I have cellulite on my leg like that and look how she’s being vilified.” What is that doing to everybody’s self esteem and confidence and willingness to just breathe and live and enjoy their life?”

Being a celebrity:

“I think for me the biggest positive that’s come from being sort of a celebrity or in the public eye is that it’s given me the ability to give back and to be able to speak out on issues that are important to me such as protecting our environment, children’s health issues and I consider that a real gift, a real honor to be able to help wonderful organizations achieve their goal.”

On family:

“I always knew I wanted to be a mother…it takes a lot of work. My work makes me a better mom. It gives me a little door to step out of my parenting and bring the excitement from that day back home.”

Her take on dieting:

“Saying you’re on a diet puts you in the frame of denying yourself. But if you replace ‘diet’ with ‘healthy choices,’ you’re giving yourself the gift of feeling good. Go ahead and have the Kit Kat at the movies. If you don’t satisfy an urge sometimes, you often substitute less-satisfying things and end up eating more. I’m cooking for two kids, and they don’t think a dish is complete unless it’s sitting on top of pasta!”

Her Beauty Secret To Young-Looking Skin

“It’s not a secret, I love to exfoliate. I once read a long, long time ago that men tend to look younger than women and it’s because they shave and when they shave they’re exfoliating their skin so I thought well I don’t want them to have an unfair advantage so I immediately started using exfoliators.”

On the pressures of the media spotlight:

“I also think that the TV shows and internet shows need all this celebrity scrutiny in them. It creates an environment for young girls of “how can anybody attain the perfect that they demand of you on all of these outlets.” There’s always somebody waiting to catch a bad angle and then send it out to the whole world. Girls are home alone in their room and going “well gosh I have cellulite on my leg like that and look how she’s being vilified.” What is that doing to everybody’s self esteem and confidence and willingness to just breathe and live and enjoy their life?”

Being a celebrity:

“I think for me the biggest positive that’s come from being sort of a celebrity or in the public eye is that it’s given me the ability to give back and to be able to speak out on issues that are important to me such as protecting our environment, children’s health issues and I consider that a real gift, a real honor to be able to help wonderful organizations achieve their goal.”

On family:

“I always knew I wanted to be a mother…it takes a lot of work. My work makes me a better mom. It gives me a little door to step out of my parenting and bring the excitement from that day back home.”

Her take on dieting:

“Saying you’re on a diet puts you in the frame of denying yourself. But if you replace ‘diet’ with ‘healthy choices,’ you’re giving yourself the gift of feeling good. Go ahead and have the Kit Kat at the movies. If you don’t satisfy an urge sometimes, you often substitute less-satisfying things and end up eating more. I’m cooking for two kids, and they don’t think a dish is complete unless it’s sitting on top of pasta!”

Her Beauty Secret To Young-Looking Skin

“It’s not a secret, I love to exfoliate. I once read a long, long time ago that men tend to look younger than women and it’s because they shave and when they shave they’re exfoliating their skin so I thought well I don’t want them to have an unfair advantage so I immediately started using exfoliators.”

Michael Jackson Killed Himself: Dr. Conrad’s Newest Plea

 Michael Jackson Killed Himself: Dr. Conrad’s Newest Plea

Michael Jackson killed himself according to Dr. Conrad Murray. A trial is about to begin over the involuntary manslaughter of the singer and Conrad’s lawyers will use the defense that Michael took his own life.

During yesterday’s initial hearing Dr. Conrad Murray’s team of lawyers put forth their defense and suggested that Michael administered the lethal dose of Propofol himself.

Defence lawyer J. Michael Flanagan said his client gave the singer just 25 milligrams of Propofol – much less than was found in his system and that a fingerprint found on a broken syringe on the bedroom floor has not been identified.

I guess all they are hoping to create is doubt. But to think that Michael Jackson killed himself? I’m not so sure the jury will believe that.

If Dr Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter, he will face up to four years in prison.

Celebrity Fashion Find: Brandy In Rock And Republic

 

 Celebrity Fashion Find: Brandy In Rock And Republic

Brandy was photographed wearing a pair of Rock and Republic heels earlier this week. The Chickory in black are available online for $350.  Do you love to keep up with celebrity fashion? Check out my celebrity fashion page over on ‘Lady and the Blog’ or click on ‘Get the Look‘ in my header for some great ideas on how you can mimic the style… but for a lot less.

Marc Anthony Owes MILLIONS In Taxes

 

 Marc Anthony Owes MILLIONS In Taxes

Marc Anthony ONCE AGAIN is WAY behind on his taxes. Radar Online is reporting that the singer owes Nassau County $1.8 million in property tax and NY authorities have files charges against him to make sure the debt is paid.

This is ON TOP of the $1.6 million federal tax lien that was filed three months ago on the same property. Talk about swimming in the red.

But Marc probably isn’t stressing out. In 2007, he was ordered to pay $2.5 million in back taxes. This man is used to accumulating such large debt. Someone needs to hire a good accountant.

Queen Latifah Opens Up About Having Children In This Week’s Parade Magazine

 

 Queen Latifah Opens Up About Having Children In This Week’s Parade Magazine

Queen Latifah opened up to Parade Magazine about having a ten year plan, having children, and growing up Jersey. If you are a fan, you’ll be happy to know that in a few days you can catch Queen Latifah hosting the People’s Choice Awards (Jan 5th). Until then, here are some quotes from her recent interview.

10 year plan: I hope to be “on cruise control, with a couple of kids under my belt.”  Is  she moving in that direction?  “It’s in the Lord’s hands,” she says.

Growing up in New Jersey: “There’s something about growing up in New Jersey that prepares you for whatever you might encounter around the world. We’re not afraid to go places. I met Mike ‘The Situation’ because we were both on Jay Leno. He lives maybe 15 minutes from me. He was like, ‘If you ever get a flat tire, call me and I’ll hook you up.’ I love Jersey.”

Giving advice to Kate Middleton: “Make sure you have a sanctuary, because everybody in the world is going to be in your business. He happened to be born a prince; you happened to go to college and meet him. You’re two kids who fell in love. I just hope you have a happy life. And don’t take anything personally.”

Diane Kruger Lands New Movie Role: Marie Antoinette

 

 Diane Kruger Lands New Movie Role: Marie Antoinette

Diane Kruger has landed the lead role in the Benoît Jacquot-directed “Farewell, My Queen” – a movie focusing on the life of Marie Antoinette during the final days of the French Revolution. Eva Green had originally snagged the role, but pulled out last minute.

Diane has been quietly keeping busy with overseas filming, so this move comes as no surprise.  The movie is set to begin filming this spring. Lea Seydoux and Gerard Depardieu make up the rest of the cast.

Film Critic Slams Most Of Hollywood

 

 Film Critic Slams Most Of Hollywood

British film critic David Thomson basically went NUTS on Hollywood this morning. The ­Editor of The Biographical Dictionary Of Film ripped apart almost every A-lister I can think of during an interview with The Daily Mail. Here is just a sample of what he had to say about today’s top celebs:

• HUGH JACKMAN: He is hot (I suppose). Now, he just needs to be interesting.
• KEIRA KNIGHTLEY: She is ­astonishingly beautiful. But Keira is about as interesting as a creme brulée where too much refrigeration has killed flavor with ice burn. She is still more credible as a faintly animated photographer’s model than as an actress.
• BEN AFFLECK: On one hand I have always had a soft spot for Affleck. But my other view is that he is boring, ­complacent and criminally lucky to have got away with everything so far.
• BRAD PITT: Hardly anything he touches now is less than ‘precious’ and ‘awesome’ — it can’t be long before he begins to look very tired.
• HILARY SWANK: In nearly everything she has done, she has been pretty, dull, ordinary and incapable of lifting the film clear of a sanctimonious mud.
• JENNIFER ANISTON: She’s in her 40s now and her £5 ­million-a-movie career ­cannot go on for much longer. But rather in the manner of Doris Day, while one can make gentle fun of Jennifer Aniston, it’s hard to dislike her.
• DREW BARRYMORE: I can’t help finding it shocking, as well as startling, that Drew Barrymore was born so recently (in 1975), and yet seems to have been here, and a problem, for so long.
• GEORGE CLOONEY: It’s clear, as he approaches 50, that George Clooney is the most liked actor in U.S. ­pictures. And it is also clear that he knows it.
• MATT DAMON: What’s most interesting about Damon is the very lack of good looks — and the feeling of a squashed and rebuilt face.

 See some more...

JENNIFER ANISTON

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY

DREW BARRYMORE

Casely-Hayford SS11: The Light Through the Darkness

Much of the last twelve months have whizzed right by me, a great deal has been forgotten for one reason or another. There have, however, been a few moments which have seen the dazzlingly fast rotating clock hands stop completely, allowing me ample opportunity to soak up the scene before me. Thankfully time was stopped during my visit to the SS11 Showroom Next Door and my heart still skips a beat or two as memories of Casely-Hayford's The Light Through the Darkness fills my memory. Having enthused over the collection back in September, it is my absolute pleasure to offer first sight of the look book with you...

Cover image; Circeo washed shirt jacket in deep red cotton, Azuil collarless shirt in white Panama cotton, Algonquin tailored track pants in Morning stripe jersey.

Casely-Hayford's fifth collection consolidates their now signature style of relaxed masculine proportions, fused with an injection of London's cocktail of youth culture. Since its inception, the label has explored the intriguing duality of English sartorialism and British anarchy but now shapes a unique aesthetic that sees the emergence of the 'Sartorial Nomad' from the shadows of the darkened sensibility of their Afro Punk of the season before. Here, Casely-Hayford visit the the idea of the transcultural traveler, whose identity is an amalgamation of the many countries and influences that once or now surround him.

Looking at this collection, I'm reminded of the photography of Etienne Dehau. In his book about the Bedouin tribes and nomadic peoples of Arabia, the photographer took us to the heart of this immense region, tracking the ancient incense route and the nomadic Bedouins. Dehau's wonderful photographs illustrated the culture of these Arabs – a word that originally meant ‘people of the desert’ – as they move from camp to camp within a land that is both hostile and overwhelming. For SS11, Casely-Hayford have reimagined the nomad. The taletend design duo turn to the purity and tranquil energy of the Bedouin nomad in order to seek out something real and something minimal negating the excess so prevalent during the last decade. The Light Through the Darkness communicates ideas of a rebirth for a new decade. There is a discordant synergy is brought to the forefront of the collection as exquisite tailoring is worn over nomadic white shirts, referencing looks often seen in the confluence of London's East End. Here, the cut is unrestrictive and loose yet it still manages to remain masculine and athletic. Fabrics are natural, colours earthy and the silhouette voluminous but minimal...

Left; Moonstone jacket in grey tarmac wool, Lapis pale grey herringbone drawstring jacket, Algonquin tailored track pants in Morning stripe jersey, Brett olive jersey l/s t shirt and Turbeville allotment creeper. 

Right; Luxor stone cotton workwear jacket with turned black hem and Cinnabar navy ribbed cotton fatigue pants.

 

Left; Volga gathered coat in greige wool,  Azul white Panama cotton collarless shirt, Algonquin Morning stripe tailored track pants and Turbeville allotment creeper. 

Right; Circeo washed shirt jacket in grey/check reverse cotton, Cato natural linen curved pocket waistcoat, Algonquin Morning stripe tailored track pants and Isherwood brown leather sandals.

Left; Aldous 2SB, greige wool jacket, Ventura coat in stone crushed jersey, Ambar blue/white cotton wrap shirt. Algonquin tailored track pants in Morning stripe jersey and Isherwood brown leather sandals. 

Right; Marmor marine cotton knit cardigan with Touareg pattern front, Alba Henley in Touareg pattern cotton, Algonquin Morning stripe tailored track pants and Isherwood brown leather sandals.

Left; Ventura coat in stone crushed jersey, Arandis grey ribbed cotton waistcoat, Ambar blue/white cotton wrap shirt, Belgris tapered natural linen pants and Isherwood brown leather sandals.

Right; Tropf bi-colour minimal Mac, Belgris tapered natural linen pants and Isherwood brown leather sandals.

Left; Tourmaline blousen double jacket in navy/black cotton,  Afyon scoop neck stone crushed jersey t-shirt, Cinnabar stone ribbed cotton fatigue pants.

Right; Ventura coat in stone crushed jersey, Cato natural linen curved pocket waistcoat, Anatol white cotton Chino, Alba Henley in Touareg pattern cotton and Isherwood brown leather sandals.

Left; Tourmaline blousen double jacket in navy in khaki cotton, Tardos long shirt in white self-stripe twill, Cosmic white cotton laced Punk Nomad trouser and Quartz black leather Casely-Hayford for John Moore Ghillie brothelcreeper.

Right; Belvoir navy canvas reversible coat, Agra bellows pocket waistcoat in navy organic cotton, Tardos long shirt in white self-stripe twill, Cosmic white cotton laced Punk Nomad trouser and Quartz black leather Casely-Hayford for John Moore Ghillie brothelcreeper.

Left; Tardos long shirt in white self-stripe twill, Cosmic white cotton laced Punk Nomad trouser and Quartz black leather Casely-Hayford for John Moore Ghillie brothelcreeper.

Right; Aldous 2SB greige wool jacket, Ambar blue/white cotton wrap shirt, Basalto flat front trouser in greige wool and Bentley brown leather quilted slipper. 

Quartz black leather Casely-Hayford for John Moore Ghillie brothelcreeper.

Look book credits
Photography: Katinka Herbert
Photography assistant: Christopher Kennedy
Art direction: Casely-Hayford & Son
Model: Yussef Yu, Fine Artist.

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