looking good, london.

Our Five With: Iekeliene Stange and Victor De Bie

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:55:00 +0000

Model Iekeliene Stange and artist Victor De Bie, both of Dutch heritage, chose a German word to title their latest exhibition: Umfeld. “The closest translation is probably ‘surroundings’" says De Bie. Appropriately, their well edited selection of paintings and Polaroids shown at London’s Horse Hospital this month paid tribute to everything from boyfriends to new babies to ageing park graffiti.

De Bie, a former modelling agency scout turned pro painter, provides a great match for Stange, the face of ad campaigns like Sonia Rykiel and an aspiring photojournalist who’s just as legit behind the camera as in front of it. Look for more of their exhibitions later, but for now, let them tell you how it all came together.

How did this partnership come about?
Victor De Bie: I guess you could say she’s my muse. That’s how we met. After graduation I worked for a modelling agency in Paris and in Brussels, and I was a talent scout. One day I was shopping at a market and I saw Iekeliene. I had to talk to her…Now, a lot of the characters have her features.

How do you get the ideas for your work?
VDB: I think that maybe no one will remember a story, so I have to make a painting out of it. I switch something off. I’m not there anymore. I painted my nephew, but I’m not going to think, “I’m going to paint my nephew.” I knew he was born, and I was so happy. I had never seen him before the painting, and then it looks exactly like him. My brother was like, “That’s him, that’s him.” All the pictures you’ll see [from my paintings and Iekeliene’s photos] are friends and family, all in different situations. It’s a story of our surroundings, our lives, our homes, Holland.

How did you choose the Horse Hospital as your venue?
Iekeliene Stange: We wanted to be quite cosy. This is different from the usual gallery. It has a lot more character. It was a lot of work putting everything together. I was modeling last month and back in January. We went location scouting when Victor was here…and we just looked at the images over email. Skype helped a lot.

Iekeliene, you’ve already had a well-received photo exhibition, I like ponies, in Berlin. Do you think you’ll ever compile a book of your images?
IS: That’s something I would consider. I’m hoping to have more time in the future. At the moment, modelling is a sure thing. I don’t have anything to complain about…I just want to show people these different cultures. I think it’s really interesting. I love that every country that you go to, even in Europe, every country is so diverse and has so much history and culture and so many traditions.

Any plans for another London exhibition?
VDB: I’m addicted to London now. I thought maybe I could do something in October, or otherwise next April. I’m just discovering London, and now Iekeliene’s bringing me to all these cool places. I’ll come back more, definitely.

For more about the exhibit, visit Nylonmag.com.

Our Five With: Betty Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:51:00 +0000

Internationally renowned fashion designer Betty Jackson has an impressive resume. When she was chief designer at the fashion collective Quorum, in the '70s, she worked with legends like Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell. Second, her work in fashion earned her an MBE. And finally, she delivered a knockout runway collection this season, with the Telegraph's Hilary Alexander gushing backstage that she'd 'redefined feminism'.

Now, she talks to LondonNet about how it all came together, and where fashion is going now.

What was the jump-off point for your latest collection?
We always start with colour and fabric, and we wanted to be quite optimistic. One of the main fabrics is mohair, which is the lightest fabric in the world. It looks bulky but really isn't. And then we wanted to mix all the prints up.

Besides some bright prints - anemone-print, wood-grain - you have some darker influences. What was that about?
It was a bit more to do with Tim Burton and all his animations, and sort of more surreal. We wanted to pull all of these odd elements together.

How do you think the economy will impact the fashion community?
I think everybody's spirit is different. I think we will get through it. It's going to be a hard time, no question, because it's probably going to be deeper than anything we've had before, but it just means you have to work harder. You have to concentrate and do what you do best. We're fairly upbeat.

Who are some of your favourite up-and-coming designers?
I think there's a lot of great talent. I love what Richard Nicoll is doing, I love what Danielle Scutt is doing. Christopher Kane is already established and does beautiful, beautiful things. What Giles has achieved in a very short amount of time, it's fantastic.

People tend to be really uninhibited here, don't they?
Well, yes. There's also all the music and theatre, and wherever you want to go, it's an inspirational place.

Sophie Gittins Builds Her Business

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:31:00 +0000

When you see a flash of red on the sole of a heel, you think Louboutin. When you see a bumblebee, you should think Sophie Gittins. The designer's ladylike shoes won the favour of Vogue before her first fashion week - but all that training at Chloe and a strong sense of business savvy probably helped.

A month after London took down its fashion-week catwalks, the up-and-coming designer tells us what she's been up to and why Thandie Newton should come calling.

What type of woman wears Sophie Gittins shoes? What celebrity or fashion icon could you see in them?
The shoes are classically feminine with an edge, and so they tend to appeal to women who are not necessarily doggedly trend led but who are always current. I would love to see Thandie Newton in them as she’s able to veer between cutting edge and classic elegance whilst maintaining a strong sense of femininity, which is a chameleon quality I admire.

What was a typical day like during fashion week?
Much of my time was spent at the main tents exploring all the other stands. Obviously from a design point of view, it’s interesting to see what trends are emerging and how your collection sits amongst the others, but it’s also fun to build an extended mental ‘wish list’ for the forthcoming season!

What type of response have you been getting?
As I was showing my first collection it was very much an unknown quantity what reaction would be, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s given me the opportunity to gain advice from so many respected people that I can take forward and apply entering my second season, so I really couldn’t ask for more.

Did you do anything to celebrate your first fashion week?
I moved house and studio just before fashion week so I invited my friends over for a grand unveiling. It was lovely and low key and just what the doctor ordered after the chaos of fashion week!

Post-fashion week, what have you been doing?
The momentum has really kept up since fashion week, which of course is fantastic, but I’m starting to focus on Spring/Summer 2010 now. My favourite part of the whole cycle is the research, so I’m looking forward to things easing off so I can concentrate fully on that in the coming weeks.

As a young designer, what's been surprising you about the business side of having your own line?
I’ve always understood the importance of not neglecting the business side in favour of the creative side if you want the company to progress, but it’s surprised me how much help there is available with that side of things if you seek it out. In London especially, there’s a real sense of priority given to nurturing young designers in the early stages of business. I think perhaps this has been heightened by the tough economic times, as there is an understanding that fewer people are likely to strike out on their own, and so those who do need direction and support wherever possible.

Afshin Feiz Likes Rumi, Hates Being Interrupted

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:54:00 +0000

Afshin Feiz is a thinker. Not just any designer turns mythology and Persian poetry into fashion, but maybe that gives the British style star something to talk about with rocker Bryan Adams - one of Afshin's friends who's been known to do photo shoots for his line.

Training with John Galliano, Thierry Mugler, Nina Ricci and Christian Lacroix Haute Couture has helped shape the designer's sexy but restrained line. (Fans like Elizabeth Hurley and Halle Berry seem impressed.) Here, Afshin shares his thoughts on impressing the masses in China, birdhouse dresses and what ruins his holidays.

What gets the creative process going for you? My lastest collection was inspired by a passage I read in a book called A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle - there is a passage that talks about Buddha's silent sermon. Generally, I am inspired by anything to do with love and renewal of oneself. I have been very inspired in the past by the Persian poet Rumi.

What's one of your favourite garments for the upcoming season? What type of woman do you see in these clothes? I would say it would be my opening look for my show, the pastel green short dress with the mini ruffles and cut-outs and the embroidered chains in the ruffles. It's a confident and sexy woman, but more flirtatiously sexy than overtly.

Describe the first garment you ever made. Oh God, it was at school and I thought I was being so avant-garde. It was a green jersey catsuit with appliqued birdhouses and actual bird looking toys sticking out of it. Quite humourous though!

Did you always know you'd be a designer? And if you couldn't do this, what would you do? Yes, I always knew. It took a while before my father warmed up to the idea, but he supports me now fully. If I didn't do this I would always be in some creative industry - artist or photographer or filmmaker.

Could you talk a little more about your Chinese brand? It is called Reves De Fleurs, which means Dreams of Flowers. The Chinese love cutesy names like that so it works over there, and it is high-end but more cute and wearable than directional. It has quickly been adopted by all of the major Chinese movie stars and singers and we are about to open a new boutique in Beijing.

What trend should die already? Boho

What's one of your favourite garments from another designer? The whole collection of autumn/winter 2004 - I think it was Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent.

Which movie character wins your best-dressed title? There are undoubtedly many, but off the top of my head I would say Sean Young in Blade Runner.

What's your biggest vice? Chocolate

Name your favourite band on your iPod. The Kills

What's your favourite vacation spot? Anywhere where I'm not harassed by people trying to sell me things.

A Little Gisele with Your Turkey?

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:13:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving! Supermodels Gisele Bundchen and Cindy Crawford are getting into the holiday spirit by serving up traditional holiday fare to those less fortunate. Have you planned any festivities for the American holiday?

Save Your Eley Kash-imoto

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Looking for a few holiday gifts? Unimpressed upon realising the VAT cut won't actually save you much cash? Eley Kishimoto are here to help.

The print-loving brand is having a sample sale this Thursday and Friday from 10.30 am to 7 pm. Show up at The Smokehouse, 44-46 St John Street, EC1M for gifts starting at £5 apiece. Credit cards and cheques are both fine.

You can get clothes, you can get accessories, you can get shoes. But the adorable Westie at left won't be included.

Wake up in Kate Moss Territory

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Please don't email us if this extensively piques your interest because it's kind of creepy, but Kate Moss' old bed is for sale, and it's already generating plenty of interest.

Granted, the supermodel hasn't slept on the recently price-tagged furniture for four years. A pre-Christmas auction tomorrow will take bids on the pine double that was in the master bedroom of a Cotswold cottage she rented from 2001 to 2004.

But a spokesman for auctioneer Moore Allen & Innocent admitted the not-so-innocent motivations that many potential buyers have in mind. He told the Press Association: "Any hot-blooded male whose seasonal fantasy involves no more than waking up in Kate Moss' bed on Christmas morn - or any morn, for that matter - can now have that fantasy fulfilled from as little as £200."

Let the Fashion Insiders Lead You

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:11:00 +0000

When you think of London and you think of sightseeing, you might envision a double-decker bus tours with lots of people wearing backpacks snapping pictures of Big Ben. As much as we love that clock, there's more to London than that.

Enter Urban Gentry, the innovative tour company that hires culture "insiders" to show visitors and locals around the hippest parts of the city. Picture small, private groups trotting around boutiques and galleries that only the painfully in-the-know could locate.

There are special routes for curious types interested in fashion, shopping, design, art and architecture, and the company founder, Kevin Caruth, caters to specific and nontraditional requests when he can. Recently, he found an insider to introduce a couple to London's Danish furniture scene. Seriously.

May we humbly recommend the East End Hip tour, and possibly a side stop in This Shop Rocks on Brick Lane?

Erin O'Connor Still Gawks at Boy Bands

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:43:00 +0000

Erin O'Connor works with Twiggy and Lily Cole, no problem. But when it comes to male costars, she gets nervous. Or so it would seem according to her Vogue blog post about the holiday M&S advert she filmed with Take That.

Erin confesses gawking when she went to the boy band's concert at age 15 (grounding was later involved), but the group had a similar stupefying effect on her a decade and a half later.

She confesses her intimidation online...
"Aside from many other varied attacks of the shys, I:
a) Kept slipping into a pseudo-Northern drawl (even though I'm from Birmingham);
b) Desperately tried not to sing one of their tunes aloud;
c) Tried not to stare intently at them without having anything to say for myself."

Wonder what she'd say if Robbie Williams and his UFO hunters starred in her next commercial.

This Just in from Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:38:00 +0000

If you find yourself needing some vintage YSL or Biba, and if you also find your bank account sufficiently malnourished, then you'll be thankful to know the Angels Big Vintage Clothing Sale will set you back no more than dinner and a few drinks at Pizza Express.

Europe's biggest film and theatrical costume company is clearing out more than 30,000 pieces of vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery. All of the pieces (from European or British couture houses or high-street labels) have appeared in TV or film during the past 50 years.

This is the first time in 160 years that Angels has organised a big sale. The organisation took on the BBC Resources Costumes earlier this year, leading to a bit of an overstock/duplicate-garment situation.

So you're going, right? Here are the details…
Date: 6 December
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Angels Warehouse, First Floor, 3 Boundary Road, Wembley HA9 7ND
Rules: Buy a medium-sized bag (£10), super-size bag (£20) or jewellery bag (£20) and fill to your wardrobe's content. Don't worry - you can buy more than one bag.

Daisy Lowe Enjoys Catwalk Company, Shuns Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:46:00 +0000

A scene from the RE: Fashion Awards at Shoreditch Town Hall last night...

Event Planner Sarah: Who's walking down the catwalk with Daisy Lowe?
Jill: Her boyfriend (Will Cameron). I miss Mark Ronson.
EPS: Do you think she moaned to the organisers and said she'd quit unless they let her bring her man?
J: I don't know. But Pixie Geldof looked pretty intense, so maybe she threatened to stomp on them for her.

*Disclaimer: To avoid the risk of 'getting our a**es beaten', as it was so delicately promised, we have no actual pictures of the happy couple.

Dazed & Confused Sees It Clearly

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:35:00 +0000

Feeling depressed by the state of the economy, and by the extraordinarily well-to-do who sneer "Credit crunch is my breakfast cereal!" as they squeal away in their Aston Martins? Take heart in the latest issue of Dazed & Confused, the magazine here to tell you it's not all bad.

Dazed fashion editor Katie Shillingford told the Independent this week: "The creators are creating more than ever before...optimism is a must, and our outlook is multicoloured!"

Shillingford & Co pick their favourite fashion innovators for the December issue - Italian Andrea Cammarosano, for one - plus explore the creative underground in Beijing and profile Japanese erotic photographer Nobuyoshi Araki. That, and the staff get to eat cake with electro-pop duo HeartsRevolution. Good for at least a temporary morale boost, no?

Comme for H&M: Hurry Up

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:40:00 +0000

The woman who designed this now wants you to shop at H&M. Immediately. Rei Kawakubo of the Japanese line Comme des Garçons has created a capsule collection for the high-street retailer, available today at 200 stores worldwide.

The 50-piece collection is heavy on black, white, navy...and polka dots. There's both women's wear and menswear in stock, plus accessories and a unisex scent. Prices peak at £200 but start as low as £15, making Rei's gothic and boundary-pushing style credit-crunch friendly.

Previous H&M collaborations (with designers including Viktor & Rolf and Stella McCartney) have sold out in days. Shoppers went wild when the Comme des Garçons collection debuted at the retailer's new store in Harajuku, Tokyo, on Saturday. Especially those who had been waiting outside since Tuesday.

Get to the Oxford Circus Tube stop immediately.

Lindsay Lohan (and Her Wardrobe) Coming to Soho

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:23:00 +0000

Your chance to critique some celeb fashion is coming up this Saturday at Cafe de Paris.

Lindsay Lohan and girlfriend Sam Ronson are hosting a party at the Soho club, with Sam taking a turn at the DJ booth.

The details: doors open at 10pm, entry is £15 before midnight, and it's £20 after.

The benefits: you can see if your outfit is better than that of a former Mean Girl.

Dior Homme's Plans Fall to Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:46:00 +0000

Johnny Borrell reportedly turned down the chance to star in the next Dior Homme adverts because he worried it would compromise his music career.

According to British Vogue, the Razorlight frontman impressed fashion execs with his look in the video for new single Wire to Wire. Johnny's New Romantic blouson and earring must have seemed a perfect fit for the Dior Homme Girl with a Pearl Earring-influenced campaign.

Old Skinny-Jeans Johnny had no problem gracing the cover of British Vogue with model Natalia Vodianova in May 2007, making himself one of just a few men to ever nab a cover shot for the magazine.

Maybe the singer, known for his tendency to strip off his shirt, was really just concerned that someone else would be able to tell him when to keep his top on.

Gareth Pugh Gets into the Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Does it seem ironic that the man who created this is playing Father Christmas for Westfield London? Designer Gareth Pugh has created a custom Christmas tree for Topshop's new location in the shopping centre, and as can be expected, it's anything but ordinary.

The 2.8-metre tall tree uses 60 white neon bulbs to mimic branches, and there's no green or red in sight. "This neon tree is my interpretation of the traditional Christmas tree shape, putting a super-slick and modern edge to it," Gareth told Vogue.

"I think the simple melding of tradition and modernity aptly suits the mood at the moment; we are all looking to a brighter future."

Gareth's Christmas tree will also be displayed at Topshop's Oxford Circus flagship. And no, this doesn't mean that he'll let you sit on his knee and tell him your wish list.

Walk in Twiggy's Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:53:00 +0000

Literally. The iconic '60s model is just one celeb who's donated footwear to a pop-up vintage shop for the children's charity Barnardo's.

Open for the month of November only, the shop near Carnaby Street is crammed with retro shoes, handbags and accessories from top designers. A bit of bargain-priced Mary Quant or Vuitton, anyone?

Besides Twiggy, donors include the likes of Rosamund Pike, Peaches Geldof, Trudie Styler and Dame Helen Mirren. Geri Halliwell pitched in heels from the Spice Girls reunion tour, Christian Louboutin handed over some blue sequined stilettos, and Queen of Shops Mary Portas donated autographed Stuart Weitzmans.

The Barnardo's store is at 69 Broadwick Street, so get that holiday shopping started. Everyone on your gift list should be happy to know their presents are helping more than 100,000 children fight poverty and inequality.

Viva Obama!

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:26:00 +0000

Katy Perry has a new president, and she likes it. The American songstress best known for girl-snogging anthems plans to get political at the MTV European Music awards tomorrow night.

Katy has voted to wear French designer and artist Jean Charles de Castelbajac's "I Have a Dream" dress to the Liverpool ceremony. The LYD (little yellow dress) features Barack Obama's face in sequins, and we assume his big fat grin comes from sweeping the election yesterday.

Little K is presenting the event, and Castelbajac (whose fans include Mick Jagger and Tara Palmer Tomkinson, and who designed Farrah Fawcett's Charlie's Angels looks) is set to attend.

Perhaps the frock will get a standing ovation, like it did on the runway. Dress for change!

Enjoy in Moderation

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:45:00 +0000

Sometimes fashion can be sweet. Sometimes it can rot your teeth. Just ask designer Emma Bell, who teamed up with Vauxhall Motors to make the most sugar-filled fashion party this side of Candy Land.

Emma Bell's Vault for Vauxhall party on 17 November promises "candy-striped stalls overflowing with penny sweets galore while stilt walkers mingle amongst candy-floss cars, glittering sugar-coated palms and paparazzi light bulbs flashing against a life-sized disco ball car." Phew. Oh, and don't forget the candy-covered car.

Jodie Harsh is lined up to DJ at the event in the London Bridge Vaults, with it-boy Scottee performing and Charlie le Mindu (hairstylist to Jodie, Bloc Party and LCD Soundsystem) working his magic at an in-car salon.

Emma's made a name for herself by sending a mish-mash of knitted food, plastic and glitter down the catwalk at London Fashion Week. If you come straight from the office, do yourself a favour and ditch the business casual.

Grab your tickets here, and be sure to schedule a dentist appointment for maintenance later.

Re: Viv, Zandra, Todd and Jonathan

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Ethical fashion just got much more high-profile. The RE:Fashion Awards will feature top models wearing looks by designers including Vivienne Westwood, Zandra Rhodes, Todd Lynn and Jonathan Saunders.

The awards ceremony is set for 13 November at Shoreditch Townhall, and you can still buy tickets to see Daisy Lowe, Portia Freeman and Pixie Geldof strut the runway. Budding designers set out to change the world one eco-friendly shift dress at a time should be pleased to see Daily Telegraph fashion director Hilary Alexander in the audience.

All the profits from the RE:Fashion event will go to the Ethical Fashion Forum, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of garment workers and making the clothing industry sustainable. Entry prices start at £37.50, but expect to pay more to sit up close to Portia and Pixie.

Tom Ford Can Entertain You

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:03:00 +0000

Grab your designer shades and a bucket of popcorn. Julianne Moore is rumoured to star in a new film by former Gucci Group creative director Tom Ford.

Filming for the feature movie, A Single Man, should begin in Los Angeles on 3 November. Tom started the film production company Fade to Black three years ago, but this will be his directorial debut.

A Single Man, adapted from Christopher Isherwood's 1964 novel, is also said to have Colin Firth and Matthew Goode among its cast. Not bad for your first go, Tom.

Sarah Palin Loses Her Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:14:00 +0000

The US Republican National Convention caused a stir by shelling out $150,000 for VP candidate Sarah Palin's campaign clothes since September, but the group is trying to regain some street cred with an offer of generosity.

Looks like all those goodies from Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's are going to charity after the campaign, as reported by Vogue and WWD. Anyone need to look like a Dynasty character?

Topshop Comes Out on Top

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:50:00 +0000

Kate Moss should be proud of the shop that sells her clothes. Topshop recorded a record year for sales and profits, despite a significant drop for its parent company, the Arcadia Group.

Two of Sir Philip Green's other high-street staples - Topman and Miss Selfridge - also did exceptionally well for the past 12 months, but Arcadia posted a 6.1 percent profit decrease overall.

Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Wallis all ended low, which the company attributed to consumers' financial fears and an odd year for weather.

When questioned about the stats, Sir Phil didn't seem worried. He told Drapers that the company will boost its UK trading space by 210,000 square feet next year. International stores should also jump in number from 447 to 505.

Does this mean more Kate? We hope so.

And the Nominees Are...

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:40:00 +0000

Place your bets, people. The BFC announced the shortlist of nominees for the British Fashion Awards today, and there'll be some tough choices to make. But if we look on the bright side, at least the runners-up probably will look really good when they hear another name called on 25 November.

Here's a full list of fashionites who got the nod...

Model: Agyness Deyn, Jourdan Dunn, Lily Donaldson
Designer Brand: Jimmy Choo, Agent Provocateur, Paul Smith
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Pat McGrath, Terry Jones, Tim Walker
Red Carpet Designer: Matthew Williamson, Giles Deacon, Stella McCartney
Menswear Designer: Christopher Bailey for Burberry, Paul Smith, Richard James
Accessory Designer: Jonathan Kelsey, Rupert Sanderson, Lara Bohinc
Swarovski Emerging Talent Award – Ready to Wear: Danielle Scutt, Louise Goldin, Felder Felder
Swarovski Emerging Talent Award – Accessories: Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Anna Vince
Designer of the Year: No shortlist available (winner announced at the ceremony)
BFC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design: Winner announced on 11 November

Manish Arora in Your Makeup Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Jill) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:20:00 +0000

Your blush just got a little more Bollywood. Manish Arora - the Indian designer who made his name in bright colours and blatant kitsch - has teamed with MAC Cosmetics to produce a limited-edition makeup collection for Harrods.

The palette casings are nearly as flashy as a Manish runway look, with the designer's traditional Indian decorations replicated to near Delhi-quality. The seven-piece collection, also available online at MAC, ranges in price from £10.50 for Tinted Lipglass to £30 for a six-colour eye shadow set.

Manish is the first Indian designer to establish an international brand (in 2007 he became the first to show at Paris Fashion Week, he's collaborated with Reebok, and he also has the tamer line Fish Fry). Save your old lipstick tube when the last swipe is gone because you just might have a collectors' item.