Newport International Runway Group Latest Trends - On Christmas Day, Dean Newcombe and fellow Tokyo fashion model Sofi Bevan swapped the comfort of the catwalk for something considerably less glamorous: a weeklong 391-km trek across often-mountainous terrain in freezing weather. Newcombe trekked 14 to 16 hours a day, starting at sunrise from the beaches of Choshi in Chiba and ending up on New Year's Eve by the shores of Niigata. Bevan kept pace, with a few days off to heal severe blisters and boot rash.

Why did they do it? "I started feeling like I would rather be giving to a charity than wrapping a gift under a tree. I would rather dedicate my holiday season to support a cause I believed in," says Newcombe.

While the Briton has applied to register his trek as a new Guinness world record, the real motivation for the journey was to raise awareness of appalling garment factory conditions in Bangladesh, an issue that briefly captured the world's attention after the devastating Rana Plaza building collapse in 2013, which claimed the lives of more than 1,100 garment workers. Walk4Work, as the models' project was called, was intended to send a strong message about the need to change the way clothing is manufactured around the world.

"This walk wasn't an abstract idea. It was very close to my heart," says Newcombe, who has been to Bangladesh, where he visited schools and met with workers at a local fair-trade NGO called Thanapara Swallows Development Society. Newcombe decided that more had to be done to raise awareness that where we buy our clothes has real consequences - an idea that the heart of a movement toward "conscious consumerism" that has been gathering momentum for the last 20 years, largely under the banner of "fair trade."

"Fair-trade collectives produce everything by hand or by sewing machines - not automated machinery," explains Newcombe. "I fund-raised for the Swallows foundation on this walk because they're a perfect example of optimal conditions for garment workers: a small village where the workers all know each other; they live nearby; they work for a reasonable eight hours a day, five days a week; they earn wages that are substantially higher than the average Bangladesh garment factory worker; and they live at home with their families, not in urban slums - and, they make beautiful garments that are handwoven and hand-embroidered."

To raise awareness of fair trade as an ethical alternative to sweat shops, Newcombe decided he would try to endure what millions of sweat-shop workers in the developing world endure every day: exhausting, relentless hard work.

"I think it's amazing that he has the tenacity and physical stamina to do what he did," says Safia Minney, CEO and founder of the People Tree brand, a pioneer in fair trade. "A lot of people don't know about the suffering of garment workers."

Most of the world's clothes are the product of a system that relies on the exploitation of garment workers in developing countries, says Minney, whose book "Naked Fashion" tells the tragic yet ultimately hopeful tales of some of these garment workers. "It's women 16-25 years of age who are exploited in factories in the developing world, and it's the same age group buying the most from 'fast fashion' franchises."

This issue made headlines in Japan last month after a Hong Kong-based human rights group called out Uniqlo - arguably the poster child for cheap-and-cheerful fast fashion - for sourcing garments from "unsafe" factories in mainland China.

In "Naked Fashion," Minney writes as both an insider and pioneer of the "sustainable fashion revolution," an informal international community of fashion designers, media professionals and retailers who want to use their experience and skills to change the fashion industry for the better.

When Minney asked Newcombe to be an ambassador for her company in 2013, he joined a select group of celebrities that include actress Emma Watson, voice actress Laura Bailey and model Jo Wood, who share an enthusiasm for raising awareness about fair trade and ethical living. Yet despite the celebrity endorsements, fair-trade clothing makes up only a minuscule 1 percent of the global clothing market, a fact Naoko Tanemori, general manager of People Tree Japan, sees as a reflection of the lack of awareness among consumers about the concept.

"We did a survey two years ago. We found out that while 50 percent knew of the words 'fair trade,' only 26 percent knew what it stood for," she explains. "In England, more than 80 percent know that is a movement of responsibility.

"Fair trade works through the labels. It gives the consumer enough information attached to a garment they are considering buying to make ethical choices. On People Tree garments, the labels provide the name of the collective, its location and explanation about craftsmanship and organic materials that went into production."

The People Tree store in Tokyo's Jiyugaoka neighborhood is a beautiful light-filled space with classic high ceilings tucked away on a quiet backstreet. Where there's embroidery, its handmade. Where there's a print, it's often silk-screened by hand and made with organic cotton, silk or wool. The designers are graduates of Japan's elite fashion colleges, and it shows in the exquisite details and attention to quality.

But there is a rub. Fair-trade garments tend to cost more, and not only because the wages of the workers are higher: Being made of high-quality natural fibers and not synthetics adds to the cost, as does the fact that the garments are made in small batches, as opposed to being mass-produced.

Minney established Global Village, the forerunner of the People Tree shop, in 1991 based on the belief that given enough information, people would opt for fair trade. Guided by that conviction, she began educating her target audience here in Japan through newsletters and lectures.

"Since 1991, when we began, I've seen changes," she says. "People are really prepared now to buy organic food and produce as a way of supporting social change. In Europe you have the younger consumers who are going vegan; their parents were vegetarian and they are going one step further."

People Tree fashions can also be purchased online, with sales marking the end of each season.

There are many other options for conscious and ethical fashion consumption, Minney also suggests. These include buying less, buying at second-hand shops, swapping clothes with your friends, or even sewing your own. She also recommends putting pressure on your favorite brands by asking them for details about their ethical standards and sustainability.

While it's People Tree's mission to change the style-conscious fashion world from the bottom up - and in particular to change corporate practices completely - Patagonia, a U.S.-based outdoor clothing company, focuses on sustainability, choosing fabrics and recyclable materials that draw attention to saving the Earth's resources. Patagonia provided the tough snow-proof clothing that got Newcombe and Bevan across the Japan Alps.

The total amount of money raised from Newcombe and Bevan's walk - more than ¥700,000 - came from small donations by avid followers of Walk4Work, who logged on to Facebook, Twitter and the People Tree websites to catch the latest news and views from the couple's trek.

The grand sum will enable around 25 women to enter the fair-trade fashion business, and continue to live with their families.

Newcombe, while pleased with the outcome, is not about to rest on his laurels. On Feb. 26, Newcombe will set off on his next challenge, Tokyo 2 Tohoku, a run, bike or walk challenge open to everyone and organized by Newcombe's nonprofit organization Intrepid Model Adventures and Ribelie Media.

Newcombe will set off with a team from Tokyo, running an average of 30 km a day for two weeks. They are scheduled to arrive in Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture, on March 11. Funds raised will go toward projects organized by Katariba, an NPO working in the children's education sector in tsunami-hit Onagawa.

As the line between high fashion and activewear blurs, there are more ways than ever to look good while exercising and beyond. WHEN CARA DELEVINGNE stepped onto the runway at Chanel's fall 2014 show last March, she looked as if she might be heading home from a Pilates session. The British model was dressed in a Pepto-pink, ab-baring top and matching leggings with bright running shoes and a tossed-on, elegant tweed coat as she strolled around a set made to look like a giant supermarket. Some 70 looks followed - all variations on a sporty-stylish theme, all in the haute-banal environs of Chanel's mock Supermarché. A master of social commentary, Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld seemed to have dreamed up his own version of something that's happening right now on the streets and in actual grocery stores. To wit: a merger of two apparel categories - activewear and ready-to-wear - that have often intersected but have rarely been quite so interwoven. Evidence of the phenomenon is everywhere you look. Nike Frees and Stan Smiths are the footwear of choice for women from London to Los Angeles, who pair sneakers as often with their Lululemons as with more refined pieces in their closets. Collaborations have popped up like beads of sweat in spin class: this spring, Nike teamed up with Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci, and Adidas has recently worked with everyone from London designer Mary Katrantzou to stylish pop stars Rita Ora and Pharrell Williams. Fashion-conscious British active brand Sweaty Betty is in expansion mode with a third U.S. shop in the works. And un-sporty brands, like Tory Burch, have active collections in the works.

It's a match made in fashion heaven: 'it' girl Cara continues as the face of British heritage brand Mulberry for the coming season.

As part of the campaign, Cara takes to the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands in a variety of chunky knits, ribbed knee socks and plaids.

The images, shot on location by Tim Walker, tap into Mulberry's winning advertising formula- stunning model + cute animals + quintessential British setting = successful campaign.

The model du jour appeared in the brand's Spring Summer campaign in a tea party and also collaborated on a line of quilted leather handbags earlier this year.

The slim 5'9" model famed for her bushy eyebrows was discovered by her best friend's mother, Sarah Doukas, who is the CEO of Storm Model Management.

To date she has stalked the runway for heavyhitters including Victoria's Secret, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Stella McCartney, Chanel and Donna Karan.

FORMER City favourite ASOS lost nearly one-third of its value today as a second profits warning in three months sparked falls among internet and fashion retailers.

The latest downgrade stemmed from the impact of a stronger pound on international sales.

The FTSE 100 Index slipped 5.1 points to 6813.5 during a session dominated by interest-rate decisions in Europe and the UK.

The European Central Bank (ECB) unveiled a package of measures aimed at getting banks lending in the euro zone, as it became the first major central bank to introduce a negative rate on overnight deposits.

This means banks will have to pay the ECB to deposit cash rather than receive interest.

The stimulus measures, including a cut in interest rates from 0.25 per cent to 0.1 per cent, came on a day when Bank of England policymakers voted to keep the cost of borrowing on hold.

As a result, sterling strengthened against the euro, at 1.23, while it also improved against the US dollar at 1.68.

In corporate news, the warning from ASOS that it has increased promotional activity in the womenswear sector meant Primark owner Associated British Foods fell 14p to 3034p and Next declined 5p to 6640p.

Outside the top flight, ASOS rival Boohoo.com fell 4.5p to 45p and Superdry firm SuperGroup dipped 12p to 1098p.

ASOS shares slumped by as much as 40 per cent at one stage, although recovered as the session wore on to close 31 per cent or 1403p lower at 3120p.

In the FTSE 100 Index, shares in medical devices firm Smith & Nephew surged amid speculation that a second potential suitor has been looking at a takeover of the business.

Medtronic is the latest name to be linked to the Hull-based firm, just days after US firm Stryker was forced to confirm that it had no current interest in a takeover bid. Shares in S&N were up 24p to 1088p, a rise of more than two per cent.

Housebuilder Persimmon was the biggest faller in the FTSE 100 Index after Halifax recorded the strongest monthly uplift in house prices since 2002, fuelling expectations that the Bank of England will take steps to cool the current property boom.

Shares fell more than five per cent or 70p to 1262p, although Bellway was 31p higher at 1436p after it reported an 11 per cent rise in its weekly reservation rate.

In corporate updates, AO World fell five per cent in the wake of its maiden set of results. The online appliances retailer reported an 11 per cent rise in underlying earnings to £11.2 million and said it had started the new financial year in line with expectations.

However, the impact of the profits warning from ASOS meant shares fell 13.3p to 248p.

The biggest risers in the FTSE 100 were Meggitt up 23.4p at 517.5p Smith & Nephew up 24p at 1088p, Ashtead up 17p at 917p and United Utilities ahead 15p at 883p.

Tourism and Tokyo Fashion in Harajuku and Omotesando



Harajuku is internationally famous because of fashion and the electrifying buzz of the main street which connects Harajuku and Omotesando. Trendy youngsters flock to the Takeshita-dori and this is what makes Tokyo fashion so special because the main street is so different and this applies to style, age group and the ambient feel. However, the distance between both places is so short and this is why Tokyo fashion is so special.

Harajuku and the area adjacent is not only focused on fashion because the Meiji Jingu shrine is the most opulent and sophisticated in Tokyo. This stunning shrine is very symbolic and rich in grandeur and you have a lovely garden and many walkways in this spacious area. Also, it is a living shrine but because of the open nature of Shintoism you don't have the overtly pious nature of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam.

Therefore, the Meiji Jingu shrine encompasses all the positives of the indigenous faith of Japan. The entire complex is about nature, prayer, relaxation, beauty in simplicity, space, and connecting with what you deem to be special. It can be a religious experience, a casual visit, a place for tourists to view, a place to escape the stresses of life, a picnic in the garden area and just a fluke visit based on having free time. However, whichever it may be you won't have any religious restrictions put on you unlike some other faiths which divide women and men and have restrictions on clothing.



Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park are very close and this park also provides a spacious place to relax and enjoy a pleasant walk. Often you will see students rehearsing and relaxing with friends, local people walking their dogs, lovers holding hands, friends relaxing, individuals out for a stroll and many joggers keeping fit. Mixed in this environment will be tourists and Tokyoites from different areas who are out for a casual walk or taking a break from the fashion district and unwinding in nice surroundings.

However, for the lovers of fashion then Harajuku is all about stylish boutiques, the latest trends, daring fashion, and iconic companies like 6%Dokidoki which was created by the fashion designer Sebastian Masuda. Therefore, when leaving the main train station in Harajuku you can enter the world of fashion, Shintoism or escape by relaxing in spacious grounds in either Yoyogi Park or the Meiji Jingu shrine.

The magnet area for trendy teenagers and young adults is the Takeshita-dori which is a very narrow street but packed with vibrancy. Fashion boutiques are in abundance and you have several places to eat and drink but if you like tranquility then this isn't the place for you. However, if you are new to Harajuku and want to feel the energy of teenage fashion and young adults, then a visit to Takeshita-dori is a must.



Yet true to the nature of the entire area the fashion scene changes rapidly. Therefore, from walking down from the top of the main street from the Harajuku Yamanote train side and all the way to Omotesando which is connected with Harajuku by the same long street, then another fashion world will open.

This applies to famous international and Japanese boutiques and you have so many elegant and exquisite fashion companies to visit. The further you walk down and meet the Omotesando area then virtually every single boutique will be plush, exquisite and extremely sophisticated. Also, the elegant and enchanting Aoyama area is only around the corner.

However, just like the Takeshita-dori area and the main street which connects Harajuku and Omotesando are different worlds of fashion, the same also applies to the back streets of Harajuku and Omotesando. Therefore, it is vital to browse around the backstreets of both areas and the district which you need to walk through in order to reach Shibuya is awash with lovely fashion.

Boutiques in the backstreets cater for different styles and you also have sophisticated companies mixed together with independent boutiques. However, in the back streets you can relax and visit fashion companies which cater for street fashion, kawaii culture, Lolita fashion, and a plethora of styles. Also, because of the nature of the backstreets then often you will see a new company by chance and this makes the entire area so fascinating.



Ometesando Hills shopping complex is certainly worth a visit because the fashion boutiques inside are stunning and this applies to Japanese and international fashion. A partial list of exquisite boutiques inside Omotesando Hills includes Adore, Anterpima, Apartment Department, Betsey Johnson, Black Fleece, Escada Sport, iliann leob, Kiwa Sylphy, Martinique Le Conte, Milly, Tiara, Oriental News, Patrizia Pepe Firenze (Incontro) Tour H. creer (Merveille H.), Tracy Reese, Yves Saint Laurent, and Zara.

However Omotesando Hills website because you have so many other stylish and elegant boutiques in this stunning shopping mall. Also, the architecture and lighting inside the building creates a lovely feel and you have many other types of stores like Createur Reveal (nail salon), hair make Pas de deux (hair salon), le bois (spa and beauty treatment), M.A.C. (cosmetics), and shu uemura beauty boutique (cosmetics).

Inside Omotesando Hills you also have many places to wine and dine and throughout Harajuku and Omotesando you will find many restaurants, bars, and café shops to enjoy and compliment your visit.

Turning back to the Meiji Jingu shrine this Shinto place of worship reminds you of the real nature of life. Also, the enormous Torii gate is a reminder of your own individual mortality because of its strength and size compared with mere mortals. Also, unlike people who share fleeting moments, this tower of strength will remain.



In this sense, the fashion area and the most grandeur Shinto shrine in Tokyo make perfect sense, with regards to sharing the same environment. This applies to the spiritual nature of people and the power of nature within our world. At the same time, exquisite fashion and new trends is a reminder of vitality, creativity, freedom, joy, escapism, feel good factor, love of fashion and other aspects which will apply to individuals differently.

Harajuku and the surrounding area which encompasses Aoyama, Omotesando Hills and Shibuya is a clear indicator of the richness of Japanese culture and the power of Tokyo. The Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine and fashion districts of Harajuku and Omotesando work　perfectly alongside relaxing in Yoyogi Park. This is because each area is a jigsaw piece which collectively creates a special and exclusive environment.

Japan Fashion News: Luxury Brands Remain in Vogue



The luxury fashion market in Japan is internationally famous because this country is known to consume more items than any other nation. This reality means that major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, Sendai, Yokohama and many others are awash with the crème de la crème of major international and Japanese luxury brands. Department stores also play a major role because some of the finest stores in the world are found in Japan. Therefore, with positive economic signs on the horizon in Japan based on strong sales for many retail companies in early 2014, then many new developments should open-up throughout the remainder of the year.

Indeed, one amazing feature of the Japanese luxury fashion market is that despite negative economic growth it appears that this sector ticks to a different tune. Areas like Kobe and Osaka are extremely close thereby both major cities enhance each other. These two cities also have a very vibrant fashion scene which caters from the most exclusive boutiques in the world to mainstream fashion. Also, Osaka is a major city by itself and when connected with Kobe then you have one continuous huge fashion market.

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated about Osaka that "If you really want to feel a special vibe then a visit to the Midosuji Boulevard is a must. This area is blessed with being tree-lined and you have a really nice feel to this part of Osaka. Also, if you have time on your hands then the mixture between this area and Namba is extremely illuminating. On top of this, you are blessed with so many amazing boutiques to visit and the cultural changes between the Midosuji Boulevard and the 24 hour vibrancy of Namba highlights the power of culture in Osaka."



"A partial list of companies based in Shisaibashi and the surrounding area includes Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Coach, Armani, Fendi, Rolex, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Louis Vuitton, Omega, Versace, Yves Saint-Laurent, Dunhill, BVLGARI, Givenchy, Beams, H&M, Ships, Uniqlo, United Arrows, Franck Muller, and many others including Benneton. This partial list highlights the high octane nature of fashion in this adorable part of Osaka and if you are a fashion guru then this area is a must place to visit."

Meanwhile, in Tokyo you have several adorable leafy districts to enjoy exclusive fashion. The vibes of Aoyama, Ginza, Omotesando and Yurakucho springs to mind quickly. Likewise, in powerful fashion districts like Ikebukuro and Shinjuku you will find a wealth of many different styles. Mixed in within the diverse fashion angles of Ikebukuro and Shinjuku are also exquisite luxury brands which can be found in various trendy parts of these two amazing fashion districts.

Major luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Hermes and a whole host of other luxury brands have heavy exposure in Japan. Indeed, for many luxury brands it is clear that Tokyo and Osaka, and other powerful cities, are a collective saving grace during global economic downturns. After all, the so-called "two lost economic decades" in Japan doesn't appear to have altered the allure of luxury fashion brands throughout this country.



Therefore, Japan is often the fashion stepping stone prior to entering the Chinese and South Korean market for the majority of famous boutiques. Japan is not only tried and tested but this nation continues to attract new forces within the world of fashion. Also, for many famous international designers who were outside of the Japanese fashion market, then in time this often changes because the lore of Japan is too strong. This fact naturally follows on from the buzzing and vibrant fashion scene throughout Japan and which is expressed openly in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

The President of Gucci stated in the past that "Japan is one of the biggest and most important luxury markets in the world, with sophisticated and technological consumers. In the last ten years, the most important brands went through times of difficulty, and the situation is still complex. The year 2011 was a time of recovery both in terms of revenues and brand recognition among Japanese clients….We are still investing a lot, both in terms of quality and marketing, there probably is no other market other than Japan in which Gucci's positioning is more appropriate."

Gucci therefore is highlighting both the complex nature of the luxury fashion market in Japan. Yet at the same time he is making it clear how important Japan is for many famous luxury brands. It is this reality which keeps on pulling in new exquisite designers who enter the vibrant Tokyo and Osaka fashion scene. Of course, each new luxury brand will adopt a different approach to expanding in Japan but a great emphasis is put on expanding in Tokyo and Osaka - and in time - to expand in other major cities like Kobe, Nagoya and so forth.



It is also factual that the vast majority of international luxury brands base themselves in Japan first before expanding to China and South Korea. Therefore, despite the negative global economy it is abundantly clear that for fashion lovers it is "business like usual."

Building on past success, Mode in France Tokyo is now Mode in France Asia with two new locations, Taipei and Hong Kong. Mode in France Tokyo was created in 1996 to present women's ready-to-wear and accessories brands to the Japanese buyers who may not travel internationally.

Asia, a key business partner for France, met expectations in 2013 with 12 percent export growth (source IFM) in the apparel sector. The Féderation's International Division, managed by Patricia Brafman, works to develop opportunities in new growth areas, so for the past two years, the Division has increased business contacts in Hong Kong and Taipei to assure the success of these two new trade shows. The two events will be complements to the Tokyo show (3,000 visitors and around 100 exhibitors for the two 2013 sessions).

The biannual Mode in France Asia now offers three 'business boosting' destinations. 

- 15/17 July 2014 at the Conrad Hotel in Hong Kong

- 19/21 July 2014 at the Regent Hotel in Taipei

- 23/25 July 2014 at the Hilton Hotel in Tokyo

The Fédération's International Division, an expert on global markets, helps over 200 businesses with their export projects every year.

The Division also gives Export Directors and General Managers for fashion businesses the tools to access all the strategic elements for a particular country:

- The Focus Pays program reviews a different country with strong economic potential one Friday every month.

- The Strategic Monitoring program gives monthly presentations of operational information on market opportunities.

Black is red hot in the hands of Tokyo-based designer Kei Ninomiya. A former pattern-cutter for Rei Kawakubo, and current inclusion under the doyenne's Comme des Garçons group umbrella, Ninomiya is a chosen one in a line of luminaries like Junya Watanabe. Quietly launched two seasons ago, Noir Kei Ninomiya is a laboratory of technique for the designer, and it is in this third collection that he has hit his stride. Here, the designer explores his chosen hue via varying shades, textures, and frequencies, and each piece is labored over with painfully detailed execution.

The result is a fusion of punk DIY and elegance, anchored in reality. The 30-year-old Royal Academy graduate's main driving force in fashion is to create something new through a formula of impactful design, beauty, wear ability, and a nice price. Biker jackets appear in various forms: Complicated as they may look-bat wings with metal piercings delicately holding the strips together-they wear effortlessly. Men's tailored pants are constructed of intricately woven velvet and jacquard tape strips or destroyed with laser slashes. Feminine lace is rethought using durable vinyl fabric punctuated with laser-cut patterns, while sequins take on a new identity in faux black leather.

"It's figuring out how to make it as a product at the same time as exploring techniques," he explained from the Comme des Garçons building in Tokyo. "There is a dangerous element. The fragility somehow looks beautiful. But you can still wear them as clothes."

Priced between $480 and $3,585, Noir Kei Ninomiya is sold at Dover Street Market, Comme des Garçons stores, Le Bon Marché, 10 Corso Como in Seoul, and other select retailers.

-Tiffany Godoy

We look ahead at the best London art openings in May, organized by category and opening date. We hope you find it handy for planning ahead. Useful? Missing something? Pile of crap? Please let us know and we'll tweak the format in future installments. This time we've added new sections for 'London-y' and 'Must See'.

Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK is on at The British Library 2May-19 August. See details below. Photo: Misty - well known 1978 dark female comic book of supernatural and horror stories. Photography (c) British Library Board.

Must See

2 May: British Library hosts Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK, a major exhibition about comics and graphic novels, exhibiting works from names such as Alan Moore, Grant Morrison and Jamie Hewlett - Gorillaz co-creator. For comic passionate and… anarchists! Read Londonist preview. £9.50/£7.50, prebook, until 19 August

20 May: Tate Britain hosts a major exhibition about Kenneth Clark (1903-1983): mainly art historian but also public servant, collector, patron and broadcaster. He's widely seen as one of the most influential figures in the popularization of British art of the 20th century. £11.00/£9.50, prebook, until 10 August

22 May: Ancient Lives, New Discoveries unveils hidden secrets and reconstructs the life of eight mummies who used to live along the Nile Valley over 4,000 years ago. Take a journey into history at the British Museum. £10/£8, prebook, until 30 September

22 May: Prix Pictet, the Prize for Photography and Sustainability, is on display at The Victoria & Albert Museum for a few weeks. Eleven internationally famous photographers show projects on the theme of earth consumption. Free, until 14 June

26 May: Reception, Rupture and Return is a free long-term display at Tate Britain about the role of the life model for the artist, the relationship between these two subjects and the changing status of life drawing from the 19th to the 21st centuries. Free, until 12 October

Architecture & Design

1 May: Explore the relationship between architecture and jeweler at the Platform Gallery, with the exhibition Space Craft: Architecture Meets Making. The display is connected to COLLECT, the international art fair for contemporary objects taking place at the Saatchi Gallery (9-12 May). Free, until 1 June

4 May: Anise Gallery displays works from the Society of Architectural Illustration's latest book Drawing on Architecture, which is also the title of the exhibition. Expect a rich variety of drawing, which shares a focus on architecture. On Saturday 3 May from 6.30pm, night of the private view, there will be a live performance from three award winning young musicians: Jenni Hogan (flute), Rosanna Ter-berg (flute) and Olivia Jaegers (harp). Free, until 25 May

8 May: Enjoy a solo exhibition about British designer David Pearson, well known for his series of Penguin book cover designs, who recently played a key role in the re-emergence of the publishing company. Discover his world at the Kemistry Gallery in Shoreditch. Free, until 28 June

14 May: The Design Museum dedicates an exhibition to Argentinian designer Daniel Weil, famous for his series of inventive objects, products and interiors. This exhibition focuses on Weil's personal process of design: how he interprets sources, chooses projects, uses colour and creates form. £12.40/£9.30 (tickets include admission to the museum), just turn up, until 31 August

30 May: The Royal Academy of Arts pays homage to architect Norman Shaw, who contributed to the renovation of the Royal Academy itself. See a fascinating array of Shaw's artworks: from working drawings to dazzling perspectives. The display takes place in the Tennant Gallery and Architecture Space. Free, until 26 October



Drawing

27 May: Artist Aleksandra Mir and her team of assistants take over the entire Drawing Room art space and give life to a giant artwork. The live drawing installation will be entirely made with marker pens, created during the first days of the exhibition, and then it will be left on display. The main theme of the artwork will be London and its architecture. Free, until 19 July

30 May: The F Word Project displays a series of comic books - otherwise called graphic fables - by Maureen Burdock, taking place at Space Station Sixty-Five in Kennington. Each fable features a unique common heroine negotiating a world that still legitimizes various forms of violence and

Fairs

9 May: Saatchi Gallery hosts this year are Collect: International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects. Galleries from all around the world showcase work of museum quality from their portfolio of artists, showing their best design ideas. £12, prebook, until 12 May

15 May - The 20/21 International Art Fair takes place at the Royal College of Arts just for three days. Defining itself as a boutique fair, you will find here modern and contemporary art from the UK and around the world. £8, just turn up, until 18 May

29 May: Free Range 2014 is a two-month event that features graduate art and design shows at The Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane. The collective event shows young talents and includes: design week, fashion shows, photography week, design art week and interiors architecture week. Free, until 14 July

30 May: Chelsea Old Town Hall hosts the Untitled Artists Fair, entirely run and owned by artists. The event is entirely free to attend and artists sell directly their works to the public, free of commissions. Private view is on the 30 May, and you can book tickets in advance both for the private view and the other two days. Free, prebook, until 1 June

London-y

1 May - See drawing of London that looks like an intricate net of wires at the Curious Duke Gallery. Architect-Artist Tannaz Oroumchi's first UK solo show Rectified interpreters the city as a playground. Free, until 31 May

2 May - Saving a Century is a touring exhibition that shows the Victorian Society's most remarkable campaigns, among them the battles for Liverpool's Albert Dock, St Pancras station, the Foreign Office and the much-regretted Euston Arch. See unique archive photographs and material from throughout the Victorian Society's fifty years of fighting for historic buildings at the Waltham tow Library. Free, until 31 May

9 May: From Bow to Biennale displays the East London Group's works at the Nunnery Gallery in Bow. A collection of paintings and archival material that explores the transformation of a group of working class East End painters, firemen and basket weavers into a group of world renowned artists. A way to discover a part of East London's history. Free, until 13 July. LIKE US HERE.

9 May: Grade II listed Belair House in Dulwich opens to the public just for a few days, as part of the Dulwich Festival. The historical building hosts a one-off art and design exhibition curated by arts duo Cavaliero Finn, featuring works from up-and-coming artists and designers. Themed connected events will take place: artists' talks, a workshop for children and a Q&A with interior designers. Free, just turn up, just until 11 May

16 May: The title says it all: Life in the City is the painting exhibition that focuses on daily life activities in our capital. Paintings exhibited are by Deptford-born Trevor Burgees, whose portraits of everyday people doing everyday things in London are a true social exploration. Free, until 13 June

Painting

2 May: cueB Gallery presents this is the Tunes and Whispered, John Duckworth's debut exhibition in London. The exhibition features seven large format paintings that explore a dialogue between Eastern Buddhism and Western consumerism, exploring thematic concepts and questions of identity, purpose and perspective. Free, until 1 June

2 May: German painter Juliane Hundertmark holds a solo exhibition, Strange Animals, at the Knight Webb Gallery Brixton. Enter a world of mythical and rebellious creatures from her imaginary world, which are represented on a theatrical and disturbing background. Free, until 31 May

9 May: Kensington and Chelsea College presents Hidden, a three-day exhibition in a unique London historical venue. See the artworks by Fine Art students on show at the Crypt Gallery inside St Pancras Church, on Euston Road. Don't miss the private view which will take place on Thursday 8 May (free, prebook, 6pm-9pm). Free, only until 11 May

13 May: Artist Annie Kevans presents her solo exhibition Woman and the History of Art at The Fine Art Society. You may remember her as she's currently exhibiting her paintings as part of The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: from Sidewalk to the Catwalk, on show at Barbican Art Centre until 25 August. Free, until 6 June

21 May: See paintings by John Monks at Long & Ryle gallery, who has been described as one of the most important painters working in Britain today. We saw his solo show last year and we're sure you won't be disappointed by this year's exhibition. Free, until 26 August

22 May: Somerset House's Inigo Rooms host Art & Life: The Paintings of Beryl Bainbridge, an exhibition organized by King's College Cultural Institute. The exhibition focuses on the artworks made by the writer and presents a rich programmer of connected events. Free, until 19 October

22 May: Find some Renaissance-inspired paintings with a futuristic twist at The Art Cabin gallery in Southfields. Painter Henrietta Simon's exhibition Scenario will take you to another dimension of post-apocalyptic flavor. Free, until 15 Jun

23 May: Maze lovers should see the artworks by French painter Bernard Frize, on display at Simon Lee Gallery. The paintings are taken from a single series and they re-visit one of his earlier works: a labyrinthine painting made in 1986 on the ceiling of the Musée d'art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Free, until 24 June. READ FULL ARTICLE.

For bricks-and-mortar retailers, store design matters. The ever-increasing demands of shoppers who want to be inspired mean stores must make retailers stand out.

A store's interior design often generates plenty of attention, but a few retailers show off their design credentials with their buildings as well. While interiors are often still prioritized, shop exteriors are increasingly important and seen as a way of attracting shoppers in and helping to make a brand stand out.

Even shopping malls are becoming more architecturally interesting. For years, shopping centers were designed as windowless boxes, but now developers all over the world are coming up with more interesting shapes and designs.

Here are a few of the world's most inspirational retail destinations.

Starbucks, Dazaifu, Japan

What must be Starbucks' most interesting-looking store is nestled in Dazaifu, a small city in southern Japan. It is located near the Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine, which attracts 2 million tourists a year.

The coffee conglomerate commissioned architect Kengo Kuma to create the cafe, which is designed to resemble tree branches in a forest. There were 2,000 wooden sticks used in its construction.

Freitag, Zurich, Switzerland

Freitag is a Swiss bag label founded by two graphic designer brothers, Markus and Daniel Freitag, in 1993. They make bags from recycled truck tarpaulins, and in 2006 decided to go one step further, opening a store made of 19 recycled freight containers. It was designed by Spillmann Echsle architects.

Alexandre Herchcovitch, Tokyo, Japan

Brazilian fashion designer Alexandre Herchcovitch worked with architect Arthur Casas on the unique design for his store in Tokyo, Japan. The shop is in the Daikanyama district and features eye-catching graphic designs on the exterior.

Prada, Tokyo, Japan

The Prada Aoyama store in Tokyo was designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron. Many visit just to see the building, which is an imposing glass concoction. It has six floors, making it the largest flagship in retail in Japan, and is a five-sided shape with smooth curves throughout its interior. Its diamond-shaped glass panes vary between being flat, concave and convex bubbles.

Herzog & de Meuron says: "These differing geometries generate faceted reflections, which enable viewers, both inside and outside the building, to see constantly changing pictures and almost cinematographic perspectives of Prada products, the city and themselves."

Olympia 66, Dalian, China

Olympia 66 is one of the huge new malls that are springing up across China.

Built by developer Hang Lung Properties and designed by Aedas architects, the complex will cover a total of 2.38 million sq ft across seven floors in the city of Dalian, Liaoning Province when it opens in November 2015.

The curving structure was designed to represent Chinese Tai Chi twin dancing carps, and it's a key example of the megamalls opening in developing countries. Despite not yet being complete, it has already won awards for its design and eco-credentials.

Projects such as this show there is still a big appetite for new shopping centres in China.

Apple, Istanbul, Turkey

Apple's stores are known for their minimalist design and its newest store in Turkey looks, from the outside, like a clean glass cube. It opened in early April and features a moat around the outside. The store is the first of several Turkish stores the technology giant is planning.

Selfridges, Birmingham, UK

One of Birmingham's most distinctive landmarks, the Selfridges building at the Bullring shopping centre was opened in 2003. Future Systems, who designed the £40m structure, lived up to their name and went for a sci-fi feel. The outer shell features 15,000 aluminium discs.

Modern Tokyo Time

Tokyo fashion is internationally famous but while Aoyama, Ginza, Harajuku, Omotesando, Shibuya and Shinjuku often hog the limelight, it is equally true that other buzzing fashion districts are far from being in the shadows. This especially applies to Ikebukuro and Yurakucho but in terms of diversity then Ikebukuro is extremely vibrant because of the many angles to this fashion district. Of course, you have many buzzing smaller fashion districts like Daikanyama, Ebisu, Jiyugaoka, Jingumae, Kichijoji, Koenji, Nakameguro and Shimokitazawa that appeal enormously to Tokyoites and tourists alike. Also, in Ueno you have a vibrant and unique angle to fashion amid all the cultural angles to this individual district. Therefore, it is impossible to state the trendiest fashion district in Tokyo because you have so many to choose from. On top of this, the respective angles and the natural environment will appeal greatly to different individuals.

However, if you adore a vibrant district that is alive and kicking for most of the day and which appeals to various age groups and fashion styles, then Ikebukuro is certainly a rare treat. In 2014 the buzzing district of Ikebukuro continues to grow and attract amazing Japanese and international fashion brands. At the same time, you have a nice street culture on the eastside of this district that mixes various fashion angles. This reality means that while Harajuku, Jingumae and Omotesando start to become sleepy, the district of Ikebukuro remains alive until the early hours in respect to entertainment and seedier realities.

Lifestyle angles in Ikebukuro are equally intriguing because on the west side you soon enter quiet suburbs where families, individuals, students, the elderly, business people and so forth reside. Indeed, the amazing beauty of Tokyo is often how sleepy suburbs soon materialize within minutes of leaving busy areas. For example, in Harajuku and Omotesando you have an abundance of housing for individuals to enjoy the quaintness of the backstreets. Therefore, while Harajuku and Omotesando are rightly famous for fashion and cultural factors, it is equally true to state that both districts provide amazing places for people to enjoy quality lifestyles in the heart of Tokyo.



Ikebukuro, unlike Harajuku and Omotesando, offers a more reasonable price mechanism for people to choose from to a much greater extent than other buzzing mega districts. Ueno also caters strongly in this area but the cultural attachments to this part of Tokyo override the strong fashion sense that can also be found in this amazing district.

Lee Jay Walker at Modern Tokyo Times says: "In Ikebukuro the department stores are simply amazing and the same applies to the entire layout within and surrounding one of the busiest train stations in the world. Indeed, in the winter season you don't even have to venture outside because of the intricate network of underground passages that enable individuals to enjoy a fascinating fashion district. Of course, not all areas are covered by this system but it is true to say that you don't need to venture outside if you desire to visit Lumine, Esola, Tobu Department Store, Seibu Department Store and Marui. Also, Parco is within seconds of leaving the east exit of the train station. Equally important, on the west side within the station you have adorable indoor boutiques and lovely places to eat. Not only can this, with Ikebukuro being Ikebukuro, then you even enjoy the cultural angle of Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space in the heart of Ikebukuro via the amazing passage linkup system."

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated: "Ikebukuro is blessed with several universities and you also have several other institutions that are nearby. This reality means that this vibrant part of Tokyo is blessed with an enormous pulling power. The same applies to Ikebukuro being the "gateway" which links Saitama with this powerful commercial area in Tokyo. Therefore, many individuals who reside in Saitama will pick Ikebukuro being their first major shopping destination in Tokyo. Similarly, many Tokyoites will also pick Ikebukuro because of the fashion angle and the vibrancy of the nightlife."



"West Ikebukuro provides a different angle because it is more cosmopolitan and the abundance of fashion is amazing. This applies to utilizing the adorable Tobu Department Store which caters for amazing fashion brands, crafts, delicious food, and so much more. Also, for expats you have a fine selection of international cheese, wine, beer, and other products to make you feel like home from home."

Tobu Department Store and Lumine Department Store are also linked directly together in several areas and this is really attractive. After all, while Lumine is famous for attracting younger ladies, especially, the opposite can be stated about Tobu Department Store because you have a more mature angle to fashion and lifestyle. This doesn't mean that Tobu doesn't attract younger clients because over the last few years this department store is continuing to reach out to new clients therefore more hip fashion brands can also be found in this amazing store. At the same time, you have many exquisite luxury brands based within Tobu Department Store and lifestyle wise this buzzing store provides many lovely angles. Therefore, with Lumine being among the crème de la crème for young ladies fashion (also caters for men) in Tokyo the closeness of Tobu Department Store provides a lovely unique dimension.

Within less than a minute from both these stores you have the adorable Esola Department Store and Marui is also within minutes of all three places. At the same time, the cultural vibe created by Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space in Ikebukuro is a lovely meeting point for all these stores because you have several nice places to relax within this cultural area. Turning back to Esola then the boutiques in this store is extremely stylish and you have ample places to enjoy delicious food - the same equally applies to higher floors that link Tobu and Lumine. Alternatively, the Marui Department Store is blessed with amazing fashion boutiques and other stores related to lifestyle angles. All these amazing stores are based in the west side of Ikebukuro.



The Japan Traditional Craft Center and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space share the same environment and both provide a lovely cultural angle to Ikebukuro. Alternatively, on the east side you have Seibu Department Store and Parco Department Store within the environment of the train station. Seibu Department Store is equally blessed with adorable international fashion brands and a host of areas related to fashion. Indeed, this store is famous to Tokyoites and extremely popular. Also, throughout the year Seibu Department Store creates many new angles to attract new clients and to please individuals who often shop at this amazing department store. Parco, just like Lumine, especially attracts younger ladies despite being open to males and other individuals that adore the vibes of fashion.

Sunshine City also attracts international tourists and Tokyoites alike on the east side of Ikebukuro. This is based on the fabulous aquarium, shopping angle, richness of entertainment, museums and a delightful observation desk. The hotel facilities also attract many tourists to this vibrant area.

Also, within the environment of Sunshine City you have a flourishing street fashion area that fuses the best of Japanese and American street fashion. Not only this, you have well known anime stores and other areas related to otaku and cosplay. Entertainment wise, this part of Ikebukuro is extremely vibrant and lasts well into the night.

Lifestyle wise, Ikebukuro caters for many unique vibes that will appeal to respective individuals. Therefore, while Ikebukuro is extremely busy it is equally true to say that the suburbs are quiet and provide a prime location to reside. Equally important, Ikebukuro truly caters for people looking for a broad range of prices to reside in the heart of Tokyo. On top of this, the student angle is vibrant in this part of Tokyo and the Saitama angle means that the catchment area of Ikebukuro is enormous. Therefore, Ikebukuro is a very vibrant fashion district whereby the environment appeals to tourists, expatriates and Tokyoites alike.

 

Hva slags motetrender er blomstrende denne våren? Sjekk ut nedbryting av varme couture merker nedenfor for en titt på deres 2014 motetrender.

Chanel

Chanel 2014 våren bag samlingen er tilgjengelig i lys blå fargetoner. Disse inkluderer gutt murstein klaff poser, klassisk klaff poser (jumbo og mini størrelser), VM posen, Patent Flap bag og Patent/konvolutt Clutch bag. Chanel tilbyr også Quilted eller Patent ballett leiligheter på $653 og $625, henholdsvis.

Givenchy

2014 Givenchy våren bag samlingen har dempet farger som grønn, grå, blå og svarte nyanser. Det inkluderer den populære Pandora, Antigona, Nightingale, HDG og Lucrezia poser, samt Obsedia tote poser. Givenchy er også popularisere Pandora og Rave Clutch poser som pallen Clutch og andre veske vesker.

2014 våren menn samling linje funksjoner robot skriver på elementer som lommebøker, ryggsekker, tote bager og skjorter.

Fendi

Denne våren, Fendi bruker en Bag feil navn referanseguide for sin bag samlingen med åtte hårete, skinn ansikt monstre med gravert øyne laget av mink og fox. Fendi golfbiler navn: Dragoo, Kooky, FurYou, heldig ser, Lucifur, Snobius, vill Jess og Nutty. Golfbiler har bag sjarm som gir mer stil til de ikoniske 2Jours Tote og Peekaboo posene som Fendi selger starter på $580.

Prada

Pradas nye linje av bøtte poser kommer i tre stilarter. Først er en klassisk skinn messenger stropp bag med berømte Prada skiltet og et håndtak på toppen. Andre er en ny dusk. Den tredje stilen er en forseggjort dappled utgave. De øverste håndtaket er lengre slik at de fungerer som skuldervesker. Lær poser har også flerfargede interiør og farget interiør.

Yves Saint Laurent

Den klassiske Monogram bagasjen 2014 vår samling av Saint Laurent består av bagasje, duffles, kofferter, plagg og messenger poser. Poser kommer finnes i skinn og nyanser og trykt lerret. Også sjekke ut sin nyeste samling av dokumentet vesker, lommebøker og iPad tilfeller.

Louis Vuitton

Denne sesongen, introduserer Louis Vuitton deres skjerf samling med Street kunstnere samarbeidet. Disse brikkene inkluderer gatekunst californiske Kenny Scharf, svensk-portugisiske kunstneren André Saraiva og chilenske designer Inti.

Scharfs har et lappeteppe av strålende og fet-farget astronomiske tegn. Saraiva fashioned sin egen versjon av Louis Vuitton Monogram sjal med sprutet maling. I mellomtiden, Intis brikker har en gul og oransje solen på skjerfet med bilde av en "Wiracocha".

Christian Dior

Dior presenterer sin MyDior elektrisk gummi solbriller denne våren. Gummi-innrammet solbriller er sporty og er tilgjengelig i levende farger. Signatur "Blodbadet" mønster av Dior gjenspeiles på gummi rammer. Plast og gummi solbriller har en matt finish og er tilgjengelig i marine blå og rosa, himmelen blå og gul, og rose rosa og oransje.

La det bli kjent-90-tallet er tilbake, bedre enn noensinne!

Det er vanskelig for å tro den gamle skolen tiåret er resurfacing stil scenen, men en blikk på kjendiser som Kim Kardashian, Emma Roberts og Anne Hathaway, og det er helt bekreftet.

Flere stilige stjerner har vært omfavner retro utseende med vigor, iført rutete flanellsbukser, tøff bekjempe støvler, utskrifter floral og gotisk-inspirerte stiler denne våren.

Denim jakke er topping av utallige ensembler, og vi er overveldet av populariteten til overaller igjen.

Selena Gomez og Olivia Palermo både trekke mesterlig av utseende uten å se helt ut av sine elementer.

Nyheter: Gi meg at! Kylie Jenner's Coachella halskjede

Vårt råd: bare gå med det!

Candice Swanepoel stunned i et beskåret fluffy mohair genser og høy waisted jeans, mens Kate Bosworth gikk ut på Coachella i ' 90s standardmodus, iført en mønstret romper av utskåret sammen med piggdekk flatform sandaler, maroon leppestift og en glatt topknot for full effekt.

Hvis du ikke er helt like tapper som Kate eller Candice, plukke en ' 90s element å innlemme i antrekket for en litt mer moderne vri.

Du kanskje har hørt noen buzz om litt musikkfestival kalt Coachella. Bortsett fra besetningen av kunstnere er neste de fleste snakket om emnet hva du skal ha når du er der. "Festival stil" har blitt så stort, har den oppnådd en plass som sin egen garderobe kategori.

Tradisjonelle Coachella motetrender involverer jenter i denim konsentrasjon, logo tank topper og blomst kroner - i utgangspunktet, noe kanalisering Woodstock er bra. Den mannlige standarden ser mange gutter kommer til tank topper, sett av Joe og Nick Jonas og skuespiller Jesse Metcalfe.

Heldigvis, noen av de største mote trendene for våren 2014 er mer enn egnet for den kommende festivalen. Vi tar deg gjennom hva du skal bruke for å se oppdatert på årets shindig.

Beskjær øverst

Beskjære toppen var stor i fjor og fortsetter å holde sin bakken i 2014 DVF, DKNY og BCBG Max Azria med egne tolkninger i sine våren viser. Beskjære toppen er en Coachella stift så ikke forlate hjemmet uten en. Skuespilleren Vanessa Hudgens er en gjenganger i Indio, California festival og oppmuntrer de magen rentebærende.

Mesh

Du er sannsynligvis skeptisk, men mesh er ute som det kan være en av våren 2014's store trender. Bære en hvit netting topp med noe lyse eller neon under for en perfekt Coachella utseende. Hvitt på white, ville som Rihanna demonstrert Balenciaga mesh toppen, også passe perfekt. Skuespilleren Bella Thorne var også på seg en hvit mesh toppen på fjorårets festligheter.

Full skjørt

En full skjørt kan virke som matronly alternativ for en musikkfestival, men ikke om det er stylet riktig. Koble en mønstret full skjørt med en avling topp for et glimt av huden som Dree Hemingway gjorde briljant. Til slutt, kaste på et par plattform kiler (fortrinnsvis skjegg seg å forlenge bena og fullfører utseendet).

Pasteller

Tonnevis av designere som Jason Wu og Rag & Ben sendt pastell klær ned rullebanen for vår/sommer 2014 samlingene. Pulveraktig fargetoner som lavendel og mynte grønn er perfekt nyanser å bli avkjøle under den varme solen. Hvis du ikke planlegger rulle i gresset, er pasteller et flott feminine alternativ. Vi faktisk elsker pastell hår trenden kjendiser som Kelly Osbourne og Nicole Richie har vært sportslig og vi kan se "My Little Pony" håret blir en stor skjønnhet trend på årets festival.

Ren

Noe vil ren eller ren detaljering være i full blomst når vårlig Vær endelig spark i. Bra du skal på Coachella hvor været er allerede perfekt for så vidt der klær. Modell Rosie Huntington-Whiteleyviste den perfekte Coachella-esque ensemblet forskjønnet konsentrasjon og en ren hvit bluse på festivalen i 2012.

Pannelugg

Er det noe mer passende for Coachella? Pannelugg er i år, i hvert fall ifølge 3.1 Phillip Lim og Proenza Schouler. Beskjære toppen er noe fringed din nr. 2 Coachella stift. Vi elsker Fergie's Coachella stil: en boho frynser vest lagvis over en enkel hvit maxi kjole.

Florals

Er noen overrasket florals igjen regjere over våren 2014 mote? Skuespiller Jamie Chung så perfekt lite vedlikehold i en floral kjole, denim jakke og ankel boots under roaming Coachella grunnlag i 2013 og Solange hadde et floral hibiscus skjørt, sender en helt annen vibe mens benytte vårens favoritt utskrift.

Ruffles

Girly dialekten gjort sin vei ned flere rullebaner, inkludert Dries Van Noten, Rodarte og j. Crew. Ruffles si morsomt og flørtende: er ikke det hva vi går for når suiting for en musikalsk festival under California solen? En pirat-stil ruffle topp som bæres av Vanessa Hudgens og Kylie Jenner ville være ideelt for en dag ute i fairgrounds.

Mann smykker

Guttene seg tilbehør er kult, og vi tror denne trenden vil oversette spesielt godt på Coachella. En stor ur og noen skinn armbånd rundt håndleddet legge den perfekte bohemske elementet til noen fyr Coachella ensemble.

Bermuda shorts

Denne våren trenden gjelder for både menn og kvinner. Hvis du føler foregående cutoff, elsker vi skuespillerinnen Portia de Rossi ferie klar stil. Hennes khaki Bermuda shorts og flowy hvit tank top se sette sammen, men avslappet nok etter Coachella.

Flytte over,  sjokolade bunny. Vi trenger å gjøre plass for leker i de påske kurver.

Markedsføring av ferien har ramped opp. Samlet det har vært en økning i antall forbrukerprodukter tilgjengelig for påske og andre helligdager som Thanksgiving og Halloween, sier A. Dwayne Ball, leder av markedsføringsavdelingen ved University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Derfor kan du nå kjøpe strenger pastell påske lys, påske ornamenter og selv en 7-meter høye oppblåsbare bunny for verftet.

Ball sier forbrukerne er blandet på trenden. "Noen mennesker vil tror det går for langt, andre mennesker vil si det er slags kult."

Men kommersialisering er ikke den eneste endringen vi ser til påske. Her er en titt på noen av trender i hvordan ferie feires. 

SER MYE SOM JUL

Candy, du har fått konkurranse: gå aisles av lokale rabatt butikker og finner du massevis av leker rettet mot påske-kickballs dekket med kaniner; basketballer i rosa og lilla pasteller; og Hot Wheels og Nerf våpen i store papp hyller merket "Påske".

Foreldre Scooping opp gaver: Adrienne O'Hara, talskvinne for Toys R Us kjeden, sier at i siste årene har det vært økt interesse i leketøy shopping for påsken. Flere leker er spesielt markedsført til påske, som Furblings, hårete skapninger med store øyne og store ører.

Presenterer hensikt: Patty Johnson Omaha sier at for hennes familie, påske er om å feire Jesu oppstandelse. Hun gir vanligvis barna et par enkle gaver som en bok eller fargestifter, men det er et formål. "Det er en håndfast påminnelse (av i) frelsens gave."

IKKE DIN GRANDPAS KIRKEMUSIKK

Påsken er den store kristne hellige dag, merking oppstandelsen av Jesus Kristus, så mange kirker gå ut med musikk som gjenspeiler gleden av ferien.

* Salem Baptist, Omaha: mer enn 200 personer utfører i "Grace, en original musikalsk bærer temaet Guds tilgivelse. Fire Salem kor vil kombinere sanger.

* St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Omaha: trompet og alto saksofon spillere vil hjelpe sparke opp lyden av den vanlige lovsangsgruppe. Kor og menigheten vil synge overlappende deler av et spesielt arrangement av "Kristus Herren er oppstått i dag."

* St. John lutherske kirken, rådet bløffer: koret medlemmer vil synge solo og bell koret utføres.

* Landsbygda Community Church, Omaha: Pauker tromme, brass quintet og jazz combo runder ut spesielle musikken. Mer enn 50 musikere og vokalister vil utføre på hver av de to viktigste tjenestene. Jim Larrabee, landsbygda minister for musikk, sa gleden av oppstandelsen krever kraftfull musikk på påskedag: "Det er den høyeste dagen i året."

FYR OPP GRILLEN

Påsken er sent i år-tre uker senere enn i fjor-så noen folk tenker grillet burgere i stedet for Ovnsbakt skinke.

BBQ Trend: Chris Friesleben, talskvinne for Hy-Vee Inc., sier kjøtt ledere har sett grille utviklingen de siste årene når påske kom sent. Jada, er det sjanse for regn i prognosen, men temperaturer vil være i 60 og 70. Etter denne vinteren er det en hetebølge. «Folk er spent på å komme utenfor,» sa hun.

Røyken ut: Ron Rauert planlagt å røyke en biff brystkasse og Tyrkia til påskemiddag familiens vest Omaha hjemme. Men Rauert, som eier en detaljhandel grilling forsyning butikken, sa han ikke la ut tradisjonelle påske retter. Trekke opp til bordet hans og du finner også skinke og potetmos.

Bonus: Føler kutting noen kalorier fra påskemiddag? Legge til kylling kjøttkraft istedenfor smør og fløte for å gi dine potetmos smaken. Grønne bønne gryte er velsmakende, men prøv steking noen grønne bønner eller asparges i stedet. Yr grønnsaker med litt olivenolje, dryss på salt og pepper, og stek på 400 grader i 12 minutter.

FYRENE, GRØFT KHAKI, MARINEBLÅ

Menn gå fet, lyse våren farge: tror lilla polos, aquamarine slacks og myke lavendel frakker idretten. Jada, masse gutta ikke ville tenke på seg en farge som ikke blå eller brun. Men flere menn begynner å gi lyse farger et skudd, sier Jenny Galley, medeier av Denim salongen i Omaha Dundee nabolaget.

Marine blå, atletisk Chic for kvinner: farger inspirert av havet er populære denne våren. "Prøv å blande marinen med chambray og kobolt, eller topp et par tynne hvite jeans med en feminin aqua topp," sier Sofia Wacksman, vice president for trend Kohls kjøpesentrene. Sporty elegante utseendet er en sterk trend på runways, og lett å bære. Vi snakker sweatshirts i opphøyet stoffer og sofistikert ut blande.

Strukturertfigurer,moderneblomstermønstre,tribalpåvirkninger,kunst-bøyddesignogklumpetesandaler.

Det var ikke noe tempererte Stephanie Solomon's spring mote prognose. "Din strømpebukse, kaste dem ut," hun oppfordret. «Kvitte hatten, din skjerf, men mest av alle disse slangen. Du vil aldri se dem igjen." Salomo, frittalende mote direktør for Herren & Taylor, var så godt som hennes ord, snu opp for lunsj på en sjeldne milde ettermiddag tidligere denne måneden, sin egen kalver blottet i påvente av en sesong som utvikler seg, i hennes vurdering, som "den største feiringen vi noensinne har sett."

Ekstreme selv om det høres, hennes er sprelsk reaksjonen på en tilsynelatende endeløs vinter, følelsesmessig ladet svaret måneders oppdemmet lengsel etter en etterlengtet tine. Lignende følelser er blir ekko i år av en kohort av kjøpmenn, trend seere og designere exhorting sine kunder å skuldertrekning av deres ullen lag for en rekke spenstig humør-løftere. Hva er de forkjemper? Kalv-beite skjørt; beskjæres arc-shouldered topper som bare oppfyller de høye waistlines nyeste bukser eller skjørt; og bukser så flytende de rippel. Like høyt på sine lister: zesty neopren eller maske biter lånt fra gym. Og, mest overbevisende flust av blomster: en overdådig visuell metafor for løfte om våren.

"Du ikke kan snakke om sesongen uten å snakke om floral trykte kjole," sier Beth Buccini, partner, med Sarah Easley, i Kirna Zabte, SoHo utpost for eventyrlystne design. Easley var ikke mindre overstrømmende, legger til, "Vi ser en hage eksplosjon av blomster i tusen varianter." Like leopard og cheetah før dem, floral har blitt så gjennomgripende i markedet, la hun til, at de er klar til å bli "de nye sommeren nøytrale." Poppies og peoner, påskeliljer og tusenfryd og glorete flust av hothouse blomstrer har passert selge gulvene. Deres overdimensjonerte blomster, moodily etset på mørke eiendom, utlån livfullheten til alt fra skulpturelle jakker maxi-kjoler, ryggsekker og Birkenstocks.

Blandet med prikker eller geometriske datamaskinen utskrifter, tilbys rett opp i nostalgisk tapetmønstre eller sprengt i 1940- og 50-tallet retro design, kan blomstrende utskrifter mildne starchiness en arkitektonisk strukturerte kjole eller et skjørt som står flott fra kroppen. De kan gi en svimmel kontrapunkt til en grundig sammenlignet-down silhuett, som Sheila Aimette, bemerket vice president i WGSN, en trend som prognoser selskapet.

"Det er ikke noe gammeldagse eller floozy om dem," sa hun. "De gi kvinner en grunn bort fra sin komfortsone når de butikk." Forhandlere er bank, noe som gjør det til et oppdrag å ta floral meldingen viral, spre en smitte ment å friste selv når skittish forbrukere.

"Når det er vanskelig å få kvinner å engasjere seg i Kjøp mote, ikke bli overrasket om store, fet floral kommer ut," sa Marshal Cohen, den viktigste bransjeanalytiker med NPD Group, som rapporterer om trender blant forbrukerne. Presiserer at salg av kvinners klær har ligget etter menn for første gang på et tiår, han lagt som, sammen med pulserende farge, iøynefallende floral har blitt en viktig merchandising tool. "De er en måte å få forbrukerne til å anerkjenne at noe nytt og dramatiske skjer," sa Cohen.



London designere som Peter Pilotto (se forlate), Mary Katrantzou og Erdem Moralioglu har praktisk talt bygget sine merkevarer på splashy botaniske utskrifter. Men hage mønstre var et pågående avvik for Markus Lupfer, som viste fra sin sedvanlige behersket palett denne sesongen for å opprette flere lappeteppe floral inspirert av Tracey Emin sofistikert dyner.

"Hva jeg ønsket å oppnå," sa han, "er en spiller mellom noe nostalgisk og noe svært moderne, mellom noe feminin og litt slem." Og svaret hans muntre men verdslige design har vært oppmuntrende. "De var helt nytt for oss, men bra for vår merkevare," sa han. "Jeg føler at det er noe spennende å bygge opp i fremtiden." Andre begynte kartlegge våren retning så tidlig som et år siden. "Du har en følelse at noe er i luften," sa Tom Mora, visepresident for kvinners design på J. Crew, som tok sjansen på floral mønstre ulikt noe sett i naturen.

Floral kan ha vært sesongens foretrukne trend, men det er stiler her for enhver mann og enhver anledning, sier Radhika Dhawan



Det bemerkelsesverdige ansiktstrekk av nye menn luksus trender er enkelheten (for det meste) og komfort element. Etter ca et halvt tiår av velsmakende foppishness synes dette å være øyeblikket når noen trekker tilbake for noe renere og enklere.

Noen kalte det "Smasuals" - det er trygt å si at smart casual trenden har kommet. Menn er tilbake til konseptet av luksus likhetstegn mellom komfort og denne gangen med en mer laidback tilnærming. Det synes å være vilje blant de med mer dristig sartorial valg å bryte dress og eksperimentere i jakten på det perfekte antrekket med et sterkt ønske blant designere og merker for å hjelpe dem gjøre det.

Her er et par av sesongens top trender og noen stykker å eie.

Store sjekker/sjakkmatt

Kontrollene er allerede en stor stift i menns garderober men i år de er tatt svært alvorlig. Forvent dem å funksjonen på alt fra t-skjorter bukser og skjorter. Flotte med denne trenden er dens allsidighet. Legge til en subtil, dempet av et antrekk for et snev av detaljering eller gå ut i head-to-toe, store sjekker i sterke farger.

Mine herrer, gjerne hente ut de Burberry skjortene, vil du være rett på trend. Andre store design hus som Brioni, Alexander Wang, Alfred Dunhill, Alexander McQueen, Hugo Boss og Giorgio Armani med sin egen tolkning av sjekken for 2014, bare betyr at mønsteret er her å bli i lang tid.

Fortsatt å din indre dandy? Toby Bateman, kjøpe direktør MRPORTER.COM sier, "følger Thom Browne som han tar mønstret sport jakke til sin logiske konklusjon med denne iøynefallende papirutgaven. Vi ville ha den med en hvit Oxford shirt- og en selvsikker skritt.»

Denne trenden er så lett å plukke opp og gå med at du ikke virkelig få det galt.

Nøytrale

Balmain, Ermenegildo Zegna, Canali, Michael Kors, Etro, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen alle innlemmet nøytrale i sine samlinger og naken toner - peachy rosa, nøytral akt, kremer, grå eller grunnleggende beige - på en rekke design.

Selv om ofte brukt til å utfylle et antrekk, er noen ganger en nøytral nyanse alt du trenger å gjøre en sofistikert stil uttalelse. Trekke sammen en vellykket ensfarget ensemble må nøye overveielse ved å blande farger og teksturer.

Bateman påpeker, "det er noe med krem klær som lar dem beholde en urokkelig aura av eksklusivitet. Kanskje er det fordi de viser at en mann har god smak å velge kremen over hvit, eller kanskje det er til Implikasjonen at han har penger og tid å være ubekymret av fargens glamorøse upraktisk."

Hvis tonale dressing er ikke for deg vil deretter en nøytral egen sammen med moderne kramper som slim-fit jeans eller chinos oppnå den perfekte balansen mellom klassisk og moderne.

Slip-on joggesko

Inspirert av flat-soled sko som skateboardere slitasje, slip-on joggesko er en av de viktigste trendene denne sesongen. Det er noe spesielt tiltalende om disse lett joggesko bokstavelig forsinket av og på, om du treffer stranden eller fjerne sikkerhet på flyplassen.

Dette fantastisk enkel å bære slip-on joggesko er litt smartere enn Fëanors blonder opp, og det betyr at de er allsidig nok til å være forbundet med en slim-utrustning Dress bare og jeans, chinos eller shorts. Selv om dette ikke konvensjonelle ni til fem se, kan du bare komme unna med en dempet på kontoret, avhengig av alvorlighetsgraden av kleskode.

Med Bottega Veneta vevd semsket skinn til Alexander McQueen dristige skallen motiv og andre som Lanvin, isfjell, Yohji Yamamoto, Bally, Maison Martin Margiela, Jimmy Choo og Valentino, for å nevne noen, utlån denne enkle, avslappet sneaker en aura av raffinement gjennom bruken av materialer av høy kvalitet, kan du være trygg på at du kan være iført dem dag til natt ganske snart. Les hele artikkelen her.

Store navn designere inkludert Akira Isogawa å savne Fashion Week Australia

Akira Isogawa var så cash-strapped når han først viste Fashion Week Australia 18 år siden, den unge designeren kan ikke betale for sko for sine modeller.

'' Jeg innså sko kan koste mer enn $100 i par og med 15 modeller jeg bare ikke råd til det, "Isogawa sa.

'' Jeg sette dem i røde sokker i stedet."

Som vises i 1996 var en bratt læringskurve for designeren, som returnerte neste år med sko og en slicker samling.

"Det var et vendepunkt for min karriere,'' sa Isogawa vise sin 1997. '' Virksomhet mer enn fordoblet over natten, inkludert internasjonale boutiquer, og en av mine kjoler fra som viser var på forsiden av Vogue, båret av Naomi Campbell.''

Men disse dager, Isogawa viser i Paris, hvor han sier '' ekte kreativitet '' i mote kommer fra.

'' Også Fashion Week har blitt mer innenlands i fokus, og det er mindre internasjonale kjøpere enn da jeg begynte, som er et faktum,'' sa han.

Isogawa er en av en rekke store navn som vil være fraværende når Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia åpnes i Sydney på mandag. Lisa Ho, Willow, Sass & Bide, Josh Goot og Zimmermann er blant de andre store merkene ikke tar del i år.

Noen etablert etiketter nå viser på internasjonale mote uker i stedet mens andre hevde Fashion Week har blitt mer om reklame muligheter enn generere salg.

Zimmermann har vist konsekvent på Fashion Week siden hendelsen begynnelse, men nå presenterer samlinger under New York Fashion Week i stedet.

"Vi har gjort valget å basere vår viser i New York mest fordi vi fokuserer på vokser vårt varemerke i Amerika i øyeblikket,'' sa Simone Zimmermann.

'' Vi skylder arrangementet mye, men jeg tror måten den har utviklet seg, nå er det mer om [markedsføring] din egen merkevare enn det handler om mva for de fleste designere.''

Arrangørene av Fashion Week sa muligheten av store designere å nå vise utlandet snarere enn reflektert lokalt rollen arrangementet hadde spilt i hjelpe dem å vokse sine virksomheter over hele verden.

'' Suksess bør feires for en designer går utenlands, men det er også viktig at unge designere har høyre grunnlaget i sin egen bakgård,'' sier Jarrad Clark, global kreativ direktør for IMG mote, som eier uken.

'' Fashion Week plattformen er svært viktig å gi næring til dem så de kan forstår hvem de er som designer og også som sin kundebase.''

Mr Clark sa at mens færre kjøpere kan reise til mote uker, flere mennesker engasjert med hendelsene samlet på grunn av virkningen av Internett.

76 designere på tidsplanen for uken er mer enn halvparten nykommere, åpner veien for neste Isogawa eller Zimmermann å skinne.

'' Viser på Fashion Week er en måte å si, 'Her er jeg, ta meg på alvor, dette er min etikett og dette er hva jeg har fått','' sa Hayley Elsaesser.

25-åringen Queensland University of Technology utdannet vil presentere sin nye kolleksjonen våren-sommeren torsdag.

For 27-åringen Leroy Nguyen, som viste med gruppen Ultimo TAFE mote Design Studio i fjor, sin første solo-Fashion Week Vis tilbyr en mulighet til å gå fra å være en fledgling designer til en fullt dannet business.

'' Jeg vil gjøre en trygg uttalelse om etiketten og produktet, og alle salg ville være en bonus,'' sa Nguyen.

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