Paris Hilton's fifth handbag and accessories shop in Saudi Arabia has been accused of affronting the principals of Islam, and earned her a backlash of Twitter abuse in the process.
The American socialite and hotel heiress who's Twitter is awash with optimistic, life-affirming titbits such as - "Smile, because you're beautiful... Stand strong, because haters can't bring you down" and "I love black and white photographs. They are always so timeless" - has sparked controversy in the Middle East. From the very same account.
Posting a picture of her new accessories store in Saudia Arabia's holy city of Mecca - don't worry, we weren't fully aware of this best-selling handbag line either - Paris caused a backlash of abuse from an insulted Islamic community, with some claiming it as an "affront" to the "principal sanctuary" of the religion.
Her bubbly Tweet - "Loving my beautiful new store that just opened at Mecca Mall in Saudi Arabia!" - was met with disgruntled comments such as: "Saudi claim there are other ways to allow for pilgrims, and if religiosity is of such importance, why is Paris Hilton being allowed a store in Mecca?" The first comment was merely the understated, yet powerful "R u kidding?", according to the New York Daily News .
Undeterred by "The world is a corrupt place at the moment. Someone please send me to Mars" comments, the 31-year-old quietly reminded the Twitter sphere that this is her fifth store in Saudi Arabia alone, and number 42 in total.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian reportedly sent the Duchess of Cambridge some of her Dorothy Perkins-stocked Kardashian Kollection clothing, only to receive the package straight back with a royal no thank you.
The Kardashian clan (that's Kim, Khloe and Kourtney, aka KKK) have been in town promoting their brand spanking - so-tight-you'll need-spanx-to-wear them - clothing Kollection of late, and it appears they have maximised their marketing strategies while here.
The Los Angeles-based trio, who found fame with their reality TV show Keeping up with the Kardashians , have reached out to the Duchess of Cambridge in the hope that she might give all that leopard print and bodycon her royal seal of approval.
Commenting on the bolshy postal move, an insider told the Daily Star that the Kardashian's "hoped Kate might be seen wearing one of the designs out in public, which would give their fashion credentials a huge boost." Continuing to expand on the sister's global domination strategy, the source clarified: "The Kardashians want to be as big in the UK as they are in America, and think associating themselves with the Royals, especially Kate, will help them achieve that."
A representative of the Duchess noted: "In general terms, the policy of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is not to accept any unsolicited gifts unless the sender is known personally to His or Her Royal Highness. Any such gifts are returned to the sender with thanks and an explanation of Their Royal Highnesses' policy."
We were just surfing the internet to bump into Nouf Dee blog where she has so skillfully drawn a set of Lady Fozaza illustrations... We simply fell in love with every one of them! Thank you Nouf Dee for the wonderful gesture!
You definitely must......
We loved the "Rock it with Lady Fozaza" one.. Illustrations that "speak"!! Thank you Nouf again!
"Nouf Dee for Lady Fozaza"... beautifully done!!
Interested in viewing more of Nouf Dee's beautiful work? Visit her BLOG
The likes of Anna Dello Russo, Carine Roitfeld and Nicolas Ghesquiere have been transformed into Disney characters to help Minnie Mouse realise her fashion dreams for New York department store Barney's festive campaign.
Anna Dello Russo
As part of the Fifth Avenue store's 'Electric Holiday' campaign, Disney have created a 5 minute-long cartoon featuring some of fashion's best known figures in animated form.
Linda Evangelista sits next to Captain Hook on the front row
Watch as Minnie Mouse is transported into the hustle and bustle of Paris Fashion Week as she gazes longingly at a Lanvin dress in a shop window. On the way she meets the likes of Carine Roitfeld, Linda Evangelista and Alber Elbaz - the creator of her dream dress - gets papped by Steven Meisel, primped by Pat McGrath and preened by Guido, before taking to the catwalk with her fellow beloved Disney characters - Goofy in Balmain, Mickey in Balenciaga and Daisy in Dolce, plus many more.
It's the perfect meeting of fashion and fantasy - and the ending is beyond charming.
We're just wondering one thing - where's Wintour? Lol!
Raf Simons, the creative director of Dior, has spoken of his shamed predecessor John Galliano for the first time, saying he believes his work is no longer "relevant" as it restricts women.
Since taking the helm at Dior earlier this year, Raf Simons has kept schtum when it comes to discussing his disgraced predecessor, John Galliano - until now, that is.
Speaking in the latest issue of Vogue Australia, the Belgian designer has revealed that he no longer sees Galliano's work at the iconic design house as "relevant".
"I have so much respect for John [Galliano]'s technical skill and the fantasy, it's just something that I don't find relevant now, especially when it restricts a woman, because in every other area they have so much freedom," he said.
Whilst Simons is known, and indeed loved, for his minimalist approach when it comes to cut and colour, Galliano is famed for his elaborate, extroverted creations, many of which made for exciting catwalk shows but often did not translate in terms of wearability.
Bad news is always best offset with some good news, so here it goes: Chanel's show-stealing, oversized hula hoop bag (below) will not be rolling its way into your local boutique, but its diminutive little sister will.
With a diameter of 24 cms, Chanel's iconic quilted bag nestles between two leather-bound hoops, and will carry a price tag of around £1,500, according to Refinery 29 .
Sadly, the large style which creative director Karl Lagerfeld revealed was for the beach - "You need space for the beach towel, huh? And then you can put it into the sand and hang things on it," he explained - will not be going into production Which means that even style maven Alexa Chung, who was given a homemade edition with her initials on by chat show host Anderson Cooper, can't even get her hands on one!!
'Twilight' actress Kristen Stewart dazzled on the red carpet at Leicester Square before having an almighty make-under.
She famously loves being comfortable in trainers (this time last year, at the London premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 , she famously swapped her high heels for black Nikes under her Roberto Cavalli gown when no one was looking) but Kristen Stewart did at least manage to last out the red carpet part of last night's premiere in the highest of heels - and no underwear.
The 22-year-old dazzled in front of thousands of British fans (many of who had camped overnight) at the Leicester Square premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II in a backless, lace jumpsuit by Beirut-based designer Zuhair Murad.
The heavily embellished couture creation harked back to the cobweb-style Marchesa gown she wore to the premiere of Snow White and the Huntsman back in May, and the aforementioned Cavalli gown, and featured lace panels down the side of the legs, leaving no room whatsoever for any undercrackers.
Kim Kardashian is set to launch a plus-size fashion line.
And while we doubt sunglasses will be included in it, the large-breasted reality star donned the most enormous pair of shades we've ever seen so far. Tell us what you think!
With over 3,000 styles to choose from, there's no longer an excuse to be having a 'shame on shoe' moment on Oxford Street.
Luxury department store Selfridges, the behemoth which commands an entire block on Oxford Street, has today unveiled its new men's footwear concept.
Its first floor is now home to 72,000 pairs of shoes, making it the largest men's shoe department in the world, with over 250 brands and a made-to-order shoe salon.
Prices range from a reasonable £25 for Havaianas flip-flops to over £10,000 for bespoke boots by Tom Ford. There is even a section dedicated to driving shoes - Selfridges' best performing men's shoe category - with practical offerings from the likes of Tod's, Gucci, Carshoe, Bottega Veneta and Prada housed in a salon inspired by the bodywork of vintage Ferraris.
"The new space is one of the cornerstones of our Menswear Masterplan - the ongoing development of men's fashion at Selfridges," explained David Walker-Smith, director of menswear at the chain.
The concept follows in the footsteps of the women's Shoe Galleries, which launched at the Oxford Street site in 2010. Shoe giant Kurt Geiger, who owns hundreds of shoe departments in stores across the country, is responsible for overseeing the edit of casual and luxury shoes.
A host of brands new to the Selfridges footwear roster, such as Kenzo, McQ, Burberry and Barbour have been welcomed into the fold while Lanvin, Versace, Dr. Martens and Trickers have all created styled exclusive to the store. In February next year, Christian Louboutin's red-soled men's collection will be housed in a dedicated boutique - a world first for the French designer.
"Our aim is to truly amaze our customers, and take ownership of core categories within our business by offering the very best international brands within bespoke retail environments," added Walker-Smith.
Just last week the retailer announced sales had broken the £1 billion barrier for the first time in its 103-year history.
Julien's Auctions are set to sell four unique items created especially for Lady Gaga, and one even includes a spot of the singer's blood.
Lady Gaga superfans can now get their hands on a piece of their idol's vast wardrobe - if their pockets are deep enough.
Julien's Auctions , the Beverley Hills-based auction house that specialises in entertainment memorabilia, are set to put four unique creations worn by Lady Gaga under the hammer on December 1.
The priciest of the Gaga lot, which is part of the 'Icons & Idols' auction, is the 'Ecstasy' dress, designed by Istituto Marangoni-graduate Eddie Gavriilidis. With a starting price of $5,000 (£3128), the gown is expected to sell for $10,000 to $12,000. It even has a speck of the pop star's blood on it from where she was accidentally cut on the arm by an overzealous fan whilst wearing it.
Other items include a clear rubber mask worn by the star in the Showstudio short film 'Manifesto of Little Monsters'; a second mask formed of rusty nuts, bolts and washers created by Keko Hainswheeler and worn by Gaga in the video for 'Bad Romace', as well as an extravagant 20-inch-high headpiece that was commissioned for her Monster Ball tour. Both the rubber mask and headpiece were designed by Franc Fernandez, the deigner respoinsible for Gaga's now-infamous meat dress.
Other items in the Rock n' Roll' section of the auction include Madonna's black bouffant dress worn by the mega-star for LIFE Magazine shoot with photographer Bruce Weber, and pieces belonging to the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and Dolly Parton.
Fashion director Nicola Formichetti has announced that the autumn/winter 2012 issue of Vogue Hommes Japan will be the last.
Men's style bible Vogue Hommes Japan will cease publication following its autumn/winter 2012 issue.
The magazine was launched in September 2008 as the Japanese counterpart to the long-running and highly-respected L'Uomo Vogue , the Italian Vogue for men.
Fashion director Nicola Formichetti - who is also the creative director of fashion house Mugler, a long-time collaborator of singer Lady Gaga's and the fashion director of high street store Uniqlo - announced the news via his Tumblr page yesterday.
Formichetti also hinted that he is set to pursue a new print venture with two of his colleagues from Vogue Hommes Japan . "In this digital world, I still love making magazines," he said.
The Chinese, Brazilian and US editions of the publication met a similar fate, with all folding within five years of their launch.
The reality TV favourite — famed for her voluptuous rear — this week launches her new fashion range in the UK.
Kim, 32, knows all too well how much pressure women can face to look good, and admits she’s had to learn to deal with so much attention being given to her shape.
She says: “I am really glad to be able to promote a healthy, natural body shape, eating well and exercising and appreciating the shape that you naturally have.
“I was a teenager in the 90s, which was the era of grunge, the waif and heroin chic.
“Female models were skeletal, and with my Armenian background that was a mould I was never going to fit.”
The range features more than 100 pieces in sizes 8 to 16, and is designed to make women of every size feel sexy.
Aside from her busy working schedule, Kim has been making headlines through her showbiz relationship with rapper Kanye West, 35.
Kim admits she has never been happier and said of the relationship in a recent interview: “We know what we are to each other.
“It’s so nice to have a best friend in this game who understands everything you’re going through.
“He’s been there through so many different stages of my life and before I was famous, so this relationship is a different thing entirely.
Despite her track record of failed relationships — including her infamous 72-day marriage to American basketball player Kris Humphries — Kim admits she still easily falls in love.
“I'll always believe the next one is ‘The One’, I’m such a hopeless romantic,” she says.
“It had always been my dream to have a big wedding. When people said that I’d made the wedding day over the top for the TV show, that was just me. I am over the top.
“But the next time I want to do it on an island with just my friends and family and that’s it.”
Despite having recently returned from a romantic trip to Italy with Kanye to celebrate her 32nd birthday, Kim says it is not overblown gestures but daily affection that counts.
“I don’t think romance is about one big thing, but about the way that someone treats you every day, and Kanye is very kind and thoughtful,” she explains.
And her idea of a perfect date? “I really like a guy who is confident, so I like a guy who has a plan for a date.
“There is nothing worse than a guy who shows up and just asks what I want to do.
“A really simple date of good food, and really good conversation with someone who I really have a spark with is perfect.”
Always open about her life and relationships, Kim has accumulated 16.5million followers on Twitter.
But despite her huge online fan base, she says she has a love-hate relationship with social media, which has been a breeding ground for online bullying against the star.
She admits: “Yes, I have been the subject of mean comments and nasty put-downs.
“I am confident enough in myself that I just ignore it. But what worries me is young people on social media who take these remarks to heart.
“I would like to say to them that the faceless bullies that target you are people who are just too weak to make a stand in the real world. Be confident in yourself, hold your head high and ignore them.
“If someone is really suffering, then I would say to definitely speak to a friend or a parent.
Luxury accessories brand Kate Spade has signed a new deal to expand into the Gulf Region.
Kate Spade New York has signed a new distribution partnership with Jashanmal Group in the Middle East.
According to Arabian Business the new deal will cover exclusive distribution across UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain and will include women’s ready to wear, handbags, small leather goods, fashion accessories and jewellery.
Kuwait’s 360 Mall was the first stop along Kate Spade’s Middle East expansion, with the Dubai Mall outlet opening in April.
Craig Leavitt, CEO of Kate Spade New York told Arabian Business: "We are confident that the Middle East market will be a key growth area for us, and intend to have a meaningful presence in the region, opening in three new markets in the months ahead.
"We are excited about our distribution partnership with the Jashanmal Group as they have a proven track record of strong brand management and aggressive growth plans.
"This launch coincides closely with our expansion into Europe, having opened two stores in London last fall, as we recognise the importance of traffic moving between these two markets."
Tony Jashanmal, Group executive director, added: "We are delighted to announce our association with Kate Spade New York which is one of the fastest growing brands in the US.
"We are confident that this is an excellent addition to our portfolio of accessible luxury lifestyle brands and we are sure that it will offer our consumers an unparalleled sophisticated shopping experience."
Stella McCartney, the designer and mother-of-four, said women who juggle jobs and motherhood "are expected to do everything, which probably isn't human"
Women are "in danger of burning out" if they try to be perfect mothers and career women, according to the designer Stella McCartney.
The 41-year-old has risen to the top of her profession while raising four children with her husband, Alasdhair Willis.
McCartney said she had tried to explain women's rights to her five-year-old daughter, Bailey, and admitted that juggling work and family life was a difficult task.
"Honestly, it's not easy and it's silly to pretend that it is," she told Harper's Bazaar magazine.
"She [Bailey] really didn't understand women had to throw themselves under horses to get the vote, and I hope she doesn't ever have to understand it.
"But, at the same time, now we are expected to do everything, which probably isn't human, and we are in danger of burning out if we try to do everything."
She added: "It could flip for the next generation and slip, so I think it is important to take note of what one can and cannot do.
"I lose it sometimes. If I've had four hours' sleep because I was at something late and up early with the kids, then I am not a particularly good mum and not a particularly good colleague at work."
The daughter of Sir Paul McCartney designed the kit for Team GB at the London 2012 Games, and said she had found it one of her toughest challenges.
"I did get very involved, mentally as well as physically, and got emotionally drained. So much work went into it, more than I can imagine now," she said.
McCartney, named Designer of the Year at last night's Harper's Bazaar awards, studied at Central St Martin's and famously enlisted Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon and Kate Moss for her graduate fashion show.
Rankin has photographed supermodel Heidi Klum and a host of other celebrities make-up free in aid of Children in Need's new initiative, 'BearFaced Day'.
Heidi Klum has proved exactly why she's a supermodel by wiping off the make-up and revealing her natural beauty, all in aid of Children in Need.
Klum, 39, along with other famous faces such as Louise Redknapp and Caroline Flack, was shot barefaced but for a Pudsey paw print by renowned photographer Rankin to raise awareness of the charity's brand new initiative 'BearFaced Day', which will take place on Friday November 9.
The charity wants women across the UK to go without make-up to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
But Heidi's not the only fashion name to get involved in Children in Need - a whole host of designers have given the charity's much-loved mascot Pudsey a high-fashion makeover . All of the designer bears will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Children in Need.
Robert Pattinson has reportedly signed a multi-million pound deal to be the new face of Christian Dior's men's fragrance.
The Twilight heartthrob, who is currently promoting the hotly-anticipated final film in the vampire saga, will star in a series of ad campaigns for the brand's line, reported E! News.
A source said the 26-year-old actor has signed a three-year deal with the French fashion house, and that it is thought to be worth close to 12 million dollars.
R-Patz follows a host of Hollywood stars who have fronted campaigns for the brand, including fellow Brit Jude Law and Black Swan actress Natalie Portman.
He is also following in the footsteps of his Twilight co-star and real-life girlfriend Kristen Stewart, who is the face of Balenciaga's Florabotanica scent.
The final Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 2, will be released in November.
H&M have announced that British photographer and film director Sam Taylor-Wood has shot the print and film campaigns for their highly-anticipated collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela.
A behind-the-scenes look at the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M campaign, shot by Sam Taylor-Wood.
There's even more reason to get excited about Maison Martin Margiela's upcoming collaboration with H&M as it has been announced that photographer and director Sam Taylor-Wood has shot the accompanying print and film campaigns.
Taylor-Wood photographed the as-yet-unseen campaign on the streets of Paris in collaboration with creative director Markus Kiersztan. The store has released one behind-the-scenes image, which shows Taylor-Wood photographing a model in an oversized jacket, stood inbetween two covered cars in front of a grand Paris building.
"Working with such an anarchic house as Martin Margiela alongside a high-street brand was a challenge that creatively became a crazy, fun project," the artist told WWD . "I wanted to create an atmosphere that was both quiet and still. That each person was in their own emotional and physical thought space. A world away from the heady atmosphere of the usual urban noise."
Taylor-Wood has close ties to the fashion world - she's friends with Kate Moss and Stella McCartney, has previously shot a campaign for Bottega Veneta and appeared in Louis Vuitton's 'Double Exposure' campaign. She recently married actor AaronTaylor-Johnson, who she met when she directed him in her debut film Nowhere Boy in 2008.
-World’s greatest retail festivities to run from 3 January- 3 February 2013
-Iconic festival has welcomed more than 42 million visitors since 1996 with total visitor spend of more than US$27 billion
-Festival runs under its everlasting slogan “One World, One Family, One Festival”
And here it comes!! The 18th edition of the internationally acclaimed Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will run from 3 January to 3 February 2013 it was announced today by Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), the Dubai Government entity that organizes the famous event.
DEPE launched a marketing campaign revolving around the theme of ‘Dubai at its Best’, which builds on the fact that during the 32 days of DSF the city of Dubai presents the best of every thing it has to offer, painting the city in a festive mood with a unique blend of shopping, prizes, promotions and entertainment. It’s a winning combination that has helped to put Dubai firmly on the map as one of the world’s leading retail destinations.
Dubai now boasts the largest collection of international retail brands in any world city with the exception of London and DSF has become one of the world’s best-loved shopping events with a unique and diverse range of retail experiences - from city and street markets, to traditional souks, to world-class shopping malls.
As well as tax-free discounted shopping, visitors to Dubai during DSF can look forward to hundreds of events and activities - from international concerts, musicals and shows to sporting, outdoor, and fashion events as well as the ever-popular fireworks over picturesque Dubai Creek.
More than 70 of the city’s spectacular malls will participate in DSF 2013, with bargains, promotions, sales and special offers. There are thousands of chances to win daily and weekly prizes organised by participating malls and retailers; with raffle prizes including everything from cars to jewellery to cash. Shopping during DSF lasts day and night with the highly popular Night Souq, initially introduced in 2003, returns for another year.
Layali Dubai, a signature DSF event, will entertain visitors during weekends with a series of concerts by local, regional and international musicians; while the DSF Carnival will feature performances by international artists, acrobats, percussionists, dancers and more. In addition, DSF’s spectacular fireworks and laser shows will dazzle Dubai visitors and residents every day during DSF.
Dubai Fashion has become a must-attend event with high impact stunts such as the world’s longest catwalk and biggest makeover providing plenty of opportunities for entertainment and haute couture.
Always one of DSF’s biggest draws, Global Village will open for festival season. This unique shopping and entertainment destination features pavilions from countries around the world showcasing their unique products and cultures, alongside entertainment, events, food stalls, rides, sports activities and daily lucky draws.
Launched in 1996 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a leading tourist destination, Dubai Shopping Festival has stayed true its famous slogan 'One World, One Family, One Festival' and, up to its 2011 edition, has attracted more than 42 million visitors from across the world with a visitor expenditure close to US$27 billion.
Kim Kardashian might be 'desperate' to get to know Beyonce and get into her inner circle, but her plans aren't quite working out as Beyonce seemed to pretty much ignore her on Saturday night.
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star attended the Made In America festival in Philadelphia this weekend, as did Beyonce, as the ladies were both there to support their men Jay-Z and Kanye West, but Beyonce “didn't even acknowledge” Kim until the end, according to a new report.
“Kim and Beyonce barely spoke to each other,” a source told Confidenti@l, before adding: “They were on opposite sides of the stage. Beyonce didn’t even acknowledge [Kardashian] was there until the concert was almost over.”
Kanye was one of Jay-Z's special guests during his performance at the festival, and is not only one of the '99 Problems' rapper's best pals, but he's also reportedly Blue Ivy's godfather.
But according to the source, it wasn't just Beyonce who went cold, as they said: “(Kardashian) didn’t make any efforts to go speak to Beyonce either,” the source explained, revealing that the 31-year-old spent a lot of time with her buddy Jonathan Cheban and Kanye.
Kim was allegedly 'uncomfortable” when the pair “made small talk in the dressing room, but you could tell Kim was uncomfortable. She clung onto Kanye the entire time and didn't say much,” the source revealed.
They also added: “(Kardashian) was talking to Jonathan, and Kanye was talking to Jay-Z and Beyonce.”
Kim did praise Jay-Z for his set, but it sounds as if he had food on his mind.
There's been rumours of the girl's tense friendship for awhile now with B reportedly slamming Kim for trying to "buy her friendship" after the reality star gave Beyonce's daughter an expensive bracelet back in July.
The insider has revealed that Beyonce called on chef Anthony DiRienzo from STARR Restaurants (Buddakkan, Morimoto) to prepare her meals, which allegedly included a chicken quesadilla with no cheese and watermelon tomato salad.
They loved the nosh so much that they ordered some take-away meals for their private jet on Sunday.
