Despite the fact that she's finished promoting her 'Talk That Talk' album, Rihanna is everywhere right now. Since last week she's been out and about promoting her debut acting role in the upcoming film, Battlefield, and in line with that she appears on the cover of American ELLE's May cover.
There's no glossing around the fact that the cover is disappointing - it is. If only the cover had been shot with her new dark hair, it would have been a lot better because the blonde hair and dark roots combo that she's sported lately hasn't been the best hair style we have seen from her. That said, the accompanying cover shoot is actually really good.
What springs into your mind when you saw the images of David Beckham's underwear line for H&M? If it was anything like just the thoughts going through just about every other woman (and some men's) minds, it is these exact thoughts, which have been the subject of much debate. Earlier on this week the campaign was the subject of an investigation after claims alleged that his poses and facial expressions were too sexual and therefore 'unsuitable for children to see' on billboards and on TV.
The Advertising Standards Agency have taken a firm stance against fashion campaigns - cast your mind back to Hailee Steinfeld's Miu Miu campaign or Dakota Fanning's Marc Jacobs' fragrance ad - but suprisingly, common sense seemed to prevail with this one. In a statement Watchdog said that they have no intention of taking further action against the high street retailer and confirmed that they have dismissed the claims - and we agree. I can't see what the fuss is about, especially since the ads for brands like Calvin Klein, which have been far more suggestive, have not been banned.
Nicole Richie is doing really well. Her House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate lines are extremely successful and last month saw her launch her new apparel and handbag collection for QVC.
Along with celebrity designers like Victoria Beckham, though, there's no denying that Richie had a point to make when she decided to turn her hand to design, but the challenge is one that she embraces. 'I view challenges as positives, and it's all about learning and growing,' she told WWD. 'I face challenges every season, but that's what this business is all about. You have to study your craft, and I'm learning everyday.' She continued: '[My name is not on the label because] it is not about me. I wasn't the product to speak for itself and have a customer go after it or stay away from it based on the product not the name. That's very important to me.'
This all seems like a far cry from her days starring alongside Paris Hilton in 'The Simple Life' but as you know, she recently returned to reality TV for NBC's new fashion reality show competition, Fashion Star. 'I'm looking forward to American getting to know the journey of these 14 amazing designers,' she told the title. 'There [will be] a lot of bumps in the road, but it's important to not lose sight of who you are as a designer and never forget who your customer is. I try to pay as much attention as I can to customer feedback and really listen to what they want.'
J. Crew is on a roll right now. Aside from their string of great collaborations, the clothes in general are just really good. If, like me, you're a fan of just about everything that Jenna Lyons, the retailer's creative director, wears then you're pretty much sorted. The collections continue to reflect pieces she would wear.
But it's not only the clothes that have an uncanny resemblance to Lyons. Back in February at their fall 2012 presentation I noticed that one model in particular looked exactly like her and clearly I'm not the only person that noticed since Metro asked Lyons about it in a recent interview. 'It's funny because she was being used for Madewell and for one shoot they put glasses on her. The person doing the casting came up to me and said, 'You know this girl looks like you.' But I don't think so', she said. 'The next day a blog asked, 'Is Jenna Lyons trying to make Madewell like herself?' Not in a million years would I do that! Can you imagine the narcissism? Plus, she's like 20 years younger than I am. But we brought her in for the J.Crew show because we like her. She's a smart girl.'
The announcement of Simon Spurr's departure from his own brand last month was bizarre for several reasons. Firstly, it followed the announcement of the brand's nomination of a CFDA award and also, such fashion musical chairs doesn't commonly take place at young brands. The confusion wasn't helped by the fact that both Spurr and his co-partner Judd Nydes kept the reason for Spurr's departure close to their chest.
The pair have decided to speak out this week and dispel all of the speculation. Judd, who will remain at the company, told WWD, 'We regret Simon’s unfortunate decision to leave the company. The company plans to continue without Simon and is looking towards a bright future as its business continues to mature.' Spurr hinted that his decision to move was a result of disagreements which 'had been going on for a while now'. When asked about the next step he wasn't too forthcoming but said that he's 'looking forward with great hope and excitement toward my future within the industry as a men’s fashion designer.'
With the Olympics just around the corner each day more images from of the international kits are hitting the net and the latest come from Italy. Not to be upstaged by Stella McCartney's work for the Olympic Team GB kit, Italy has secured Prada to design the kit for the Olympic and Paralympic sailing teams.
"We are extremely proud to have Prada as a sponsor, the Prada brand is not just a flagship of Italy worldwide, but it has always been very closely connected to our sport and has nearly become synonymous with major sailing challenges," Carlo Croce, president of the Italian Sailing Federation, said. When it comes to the main kit, the big job has gone to Giorgio Armani who was recently criticised for trying to steal McCartney's thunder after releasing images of his designs on the day of the big TeamGB reveal.
