Queen of Beautiful Morals

An 18-year-old Saudi girl has bee crowned “Queen of Beautiful Morals” Aya Ali Al Mulla beat 274 contestants to win a crown, SR5,000 ($1,333), a pearl necklace, a diamond watch and necklace and a free trip to Malaysia.

Nobody saw her face. She was judged by her morals, her commitment to her family and her religious values.

“The real winner in this competition is the society. The winners represent the culture of the society and its high Islamic morals,” said Khadra Al Mubarak, Miss Moral Beauty pageant organizer.

Merce Cunningham the legendary and truly superb dancer and choreographer has died in new York. He was 90.

Merce Cunningham Dance Company

Merce Cunningham has died in new York, aged 90. True genius!

Art? Offensive? It's Barneys!

It's hard to imagine the New Yorkers are so sensitive that they couldn't abide seeing a Helmut Lang window display in Barneys.

One minute it was up. Next minute it was down.

Barney's creative director - who is very forward thinking and rather an artistic soul, said that he was away when the display went up but that he ordered it removed because the display crossed the line between creativity and ...... well, he didn't say actually. He just said it "clearly crossed the line."

I don't know, doesn't bother me. And even if it did, it sure wouldn't stop me shopping at Barneys.

Oooh that's too short a story, Tyra!

Miss Tyra Banks, what you doing to us? I have watched all cycles of America's next Top Model, reeled at some of the eliminations (sooooo many of my favorites went home), wondered why some were named ANTM, and then waited eagerly for the next cycle.

Now we have Cycle 13 premiering in September with --- wait, hold on ----- only girl 5 foot 7 and under?

Hello? I love looking at those willowy girls. That's part of the fantasy. I don't want to see stumpy girls thumping down a catwalk. Give me the lofty ones. That's why I watch.

Who will these short girls model for anyway? Like, um, no one. Janice Dickinson and Miss J may be the biggest bitches in the business but they are right when they say those girls have to be tall and lean. It's what modelling is about.

Go tall Tyra, stop this equal opportunity nonsense!

Is Ryan grieving? Who can tell?

Did you see that interview with Ryan O'Neal about Farah? I hardly heard a word he said because I was mesmerized by the face job.

Does no one want to be natural any more?

America is becoming a nation of freaks. It is true. We are becoming well know for our over commitment to the knife. How embarrassing is that?

Kate Moss catwalk video

I have just finished reading a book all about Kate Moss' style and was fiercely reminded yet again why she became so iconic. So I looked on youtube and found this great wee compilation. Isn't she DIVINE? And reminds you why this short unlikely model took over the scene.

The BEST cheek color I have ever ever ever used.

I have long long long tried to use rouge/blush on my cheeks. I LOVE the look of a colored cheek - all rosy and fresh and sunny and feminine.

And I could never do it. My drawer started stacking up with colors and palettes that I used and discarded. I would try anything...... and always be sorely disappointed.

I found this product in a little convenience store in my neighborhood. It's from the the Philippines (yep, go figure) and it's a brand called Ever Bilena and the product is called "Kiss Me Lip and Cheek Gel".

Well I'm telling you, as a lip gel it don't add up to much, but it is the best cheek color I have ever used, or am ever likely to find. You need the tiniest amount (less than the size of a match head for two cheeks) and it goes on quite brightly. Work it into your cheeks and voila! -- the best cheek color I have ever used.

I searched the internet so I could tell you where to get it, but there's no information. I do see, however, that you can buy it on eBay.

By the way - the best bit? It cost $2.75.

WANTED - FOR CRIMES AGAINST PARENTING.

This man has no style.

This man has no class.

This man deserves no sympathy.

Those Williams Sisters!

I once saw Venus Williams in a bookstore. I was on my way out - she was walking in. She filled up the entire doorway with her magnificent physique and looked like a goddess. Truly. I was just completely over whelmed by how extraordinary her body was - the perfect machine.

Venus and Serena are not style icons. Nor are they regarded as being particularly stylish. But they are young women who love fashion and excel at their sport. Their bodies are truly really just beautiful and brilliant.

Viva la Williams fille!

Susan Boyle's makeover

I have to admit that I must have been the only person on earth who was screaming at Susan Boyle on the TV - "Get yourself a make up job, have your hair done, get yourself some flattering clothes!"

I was bemused by all those people who thrive on make over shows who suddenly started saying that Susan Boyle looked lovely just as she was and that she shouldn't change a thing.

Trouble was, she WAS a prime candidate for a makeover and just looking at her made my eyes hurt. Why shouldn't she have a makeover? She deserved one!

And now she has. And doesn't she look great? Good on you Susan! Make yourself beautiful and womanly and age appropriate - that will make you happy.

Mischa Barton, style icon. Excuse Me?

Now I don't want to kick someone while they are down and it seems Mischa Barton has her fair share of problems these days. And I won't joke about mental illness because jokes like that are just not funny. Ever.

But ..... I can joke about fashion. And I ask you - how in the hell did Mischa Barton ever become christened as a style icon? I actually have never ever seen her look good. She doesn't have it and if she is using a stylist, my god she should sack them and ask for her money back.

Oh dear Mischa, not very lovely at all.

Oh Madonna!

Remember the Louise Vuitton ad that I posted? Madonna looked kinda weird. And you can see why. This is what she REALLY looks like. Oh Madonna! Stop with the surgery now, please.

Happy 91 Nelson Mandela

Very few people can make me burst into tears merely be looking at them.

When I see Nelson Mandela walking hand-in-hand with the love his life, his wife Graca Machel, my heart sings.

On a personal note, I am so glad that after years of jail and a vicious and celebrity chasing former wife, this extraordinary man found happiness with this feisty, intelligent, loving woman.

Happy 91 years Nelson. The world loves you.

How to make a turban in 90 seconds

True style comes in many forms.

Fonda Iconography

Many many MANY people have never forgiven Jane Fonda for her 1970s activism. If you read her memoirs, you will see it from a different perspective.

This complex, intelligent stylish woman has never lived life half heartedly, and boy should we all embrace that idea!

I love her for her honesty, for her continuing search for meaning, for being the first to make me understand that - in her words - "you don't want to get to the end of your life and suddenly realise that it wasn't a dress rehearsal".

And look at what she has on here! That's toooooo cute and ironic.

In memory of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

She has been dead ten years now. But her style and elegance live on. She was never able to blossom into the woman she should have - and would have - become, but she will also be remembered for her beauty and her style. That's all we knew about her really. Killed before her time.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

January 7, 1966 – July 16, 1999

Christy is SO fabulous!

From the new Vogue. J'adore Christy!

Shoe fetishist caught red footed!

In Germany, police have arrested a man who held up women and forced them to remove their shoes to satisfy his shoe fetish.

The 27-year-old man is accused of stealing the shoes of nine women while they were still wearing them.

His modus operandi was simple and sometimes somewhat painful for his victims - he would spy on women and then find one high heels, sneak up behind her, shove her to the ground, then snatch the shoes off her feet before running off with them. His victims, suffering from shock and grazed hands and knees as well as having been left bare-footed, were in no position to give chase.

The man has apparently admitted to a shoe fetish. Now I say, buster do what other shoe fetishists (like myself) do. Save up your money and buy them when you can afford them.

Christian Lacroix: Spring 2009

A reminder of the art and beauty of Christian Lacroix.

Au revoir Christian!

I always felt that Christian Lacroix was far too ostentatious and bling for me - and really, for just about anyone I know, to be honest. And it seems that screeching over the top style has not survived the recession and Lacroix has run his final show - for now.

The Paris' winter 2010 haute couture sessions closed yesterday, one day after Christian's emotional last show. And of course the great irony is that the final collection got rave reviews. Put together by end of bolts of fabric left in the show room, and relying in donated time and love from those who adore Christian, the show - predictably ended in tears.

Christian is hoping that his show will make people see he should not disappear over the horizon - and that some generous soul will come to his rescue. Who knows? His over the top bling will be missed.

Project Runway is running back....and I am SO HAPPY.

I am not a gay man, but I LOVE Project Runway and I have missed it SO MUCH. (Especially Tim Gunn, who I adore for his gentlemanly kindness).

So ...... after all the legal battles, the handbags at 20 paces and the claws out in courts of law, we now know that Tim, Heidi and the wonderful Michael Kors will be back on August 20th.

Christina Aguilera and Lindsay Lohan will make appearances in the show - which this season will apparently be filmed partly in Los Angeles.

The show has already been filmed and completed - the final three showed at Bryant Park in February, and the winner was decided then. To preserve the mystique, the designers did not appear at their shows, so no word of who are the finalists would be leaked.

A new reality show Models of the Runway, which looks at the reality competition from the models' perspective is apparently going debut following the new Runway premiere. It will show the competition from the models perspective. (This could be interesting - there's some good stories to be told with those models - do you remember the flaky Morgan from Series 1?)

I love the madness and frippery of runway shows. People can say what they like but I love the fantasy. Here is Eric Tibusch's latest head wear. Bring a whole new meaning to the phrase "If the shoe fits wear it."

Michelle - you are wonderful but enough already....

I love Michelle, truly I do, but could we dial down the adoration just a little?

If she walks out in a pair of pants and sneakers people go ape. "Look Michelle wearing PANTS! And SNEAKERS! How stylish is that?"

I have seen her wearing ill fitting unflattering dresses and people have gushed. "Look at her! Isn’t she just the most stylish woman you have ever seen?"

Like calling Michael Jackson "the greatest performer in the history of the world" we seem to have all gotten a little carried away with Michelle. Yes, she's lovely, and yes, it's nice to see joi de vivre back in the White House and in American life, but we need to back off from Michelle and over stating her style.

Michelle Obama is a an attractive, nearing middle aged mom, with a utility body (and c'mon it's not that great – she’s pear shaped!), who loves showing off her best assets - her lovely arms - and sometimes turns out looking quite nice in clothes that are given to her. If we can just acknowledge that without trying to gild the lily, it would be so much better. She would probably feel a whole lot less pressure too.

Jackie Loves Bobby!!!!!!

Well well well. Last week we heard that Jackie Kennedy was hoofing around the town with Marlon Brando. Today we hear was MADLY DEEPLY in love with Bobby Kennedy.

Now now now. I think everyone is in a twitter because Jackie was considered the Ice Queen, the Princess of Camelot who was forever in mourning. Never mind that she married Aristotle Onassis. The American public always thought that she belonged to them and they could dictate an image that suited them.

But many books in the past have pointed out that Jackie was indeed very lonely after Jack's death and several years after his passing, she enjoyed several lovely little affairs, purely for pleasure.

Given what she put up with Jack and his insensitivity, who can blame her.
In a new book on Jackie, Franklin Roosevelt Jr is quoted as saying of the alleged Bobby and Jackie affair -

"Everybody knew about the affair. The two of them carried on like a pair of lovesick teenagers. I suspect Bobby would've liked to dump Ethel and marry Jackie, but, of course, that wasn't possible."

Speculation about Jackie and her love life is not going to go away any time soon.

Madonna the Mad Hatter

Doesn't Johnny Depp* look just like Madonna?

*as the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

Brand Moss

Kate Moss and Simon Cowell? Nope they are not a couple, just partners in plotting a reality TV show.

Sir Philip Green - the billionaire owner of Top Shop, who Kate calls Uncle Philip - wants to expand his TV empire worldwide. And why wouldn't he want Kate included in his expansion plans?

Kate is 35 now so her catwalk days are allegedly numbered, though I think she could go on and on and on. But Cowell is allegedly talking billion dollar deals with her so she may be tempted.

I'm a sucker for all those model shows, so maybe Kate could do a model reality show a la America's Next Top Model? Mind you, I have heard her in interviews over the years, and she is no nuclear physicist. Still, she will have people watching, so it's a another wise move from Simon Cowell.

Why was Kate Moss censored?

A rather elegant Kate Moss photograph on the cover of a magazine called Monster Children is causing problems. Not just problems, but CENSORSHIP.

News stands and news agents are refusing to stock the magazine because of Kate's (gasp!) nipple! (I think smoking is more damaging than seeing a nipple, but then I don't think the cover is offensive at all).

Eventually, the distributor of the magazine joined the fray and refused to distribute the magazine.

This is not Hustler magazine, this is not offensive.

Why are people so upset about this lovely photo of Kate Moss?

Japanese video game character or .... Madonna?

Madonna's new advert for Louis Vuitton (by Marc Jacobs) is about to hit the printed page. Some shots of the campaign are above.

Now forgive me for casting a critical eye over the whole affair but seriously? Are we supposed to be seduced by these pictures of a woman who resembles nothing so much as a Japanese virtual sweetie or a video game character?

That's just plain weird. Air brushed to within a whisker of existence. To me that's not selling a bag. That's an invitation to have people go "OH MY GOD!"

Twiggy - you are so lovely!

The UK National Portrait Gallery is to publish a new large photographic book of the original super model, Twiggy.

To coincide with Twiggy's 60th birthday there's also a big exhibition of Twiggy pictures to be shown at the same time.

The photos of Ms Twig are taken by super star photographers Cecil Beaton, Bert Stern, Steven Meisel and Annie Liebovitz.

I love Twiggs! She was so nice on America's Next Top Model, so great in the 1960s (that cor-blimey voice and those knobbly knees), and I love the adverts for Marks and Sparks which feature her. And she is so lovely now.

Happy Birthday our Twiggy! Still a supermodel at age 60.

Coco avant Chanel

I saw Coco Avant Chanel over the weekend and was terribly terribly disappointed. the direction was so conventional and so leaden, and the story uninspiringly told.

There were many wonderful things about Coco: she was in many ways a plain woman who created a true style for herself and turned herself into a great icon, she had an eye for the unusual. Her distrust and dislike for the idle moneyed classes made her long for a more structured and less frou-frou style. She created iconic costumes and pieces. She constantly reinvented herself. She was enigmatic and told fabulously large lies. She was a one of a kind.

Oh dear, the film is so pedestrian I could have wept tears of frustration!

If you want to find out about Coco I suggest that you grab a beautifully large coffee table book and luxuriate in the images of all the style she created.

Have you seen it? What did you think?

Thinking About Michael

The following article from Andrew Sullivan at the atlantic online, about Michael Jackson really says it all. In the rush to lionise him let us not forget the tragedy of his life that led to very deep flaws.

There are two things to say about him. He was a musical genius; and he was an abused child. By abuse, I do not mean sexual abuse; I mean he was used brutally and callously for money, and clearly imprisoned by a tyrannical father. He had no real childhood and spent much of his later life struggling to get one. He was spiritually and psychologically raped at a very early age - and never recovered.

Watching him change his race, his age, and almost his gender, you saw a tortured soul seeking what the rest of us take for granted: a normal life.

But he had no compass to find one; no real friends to support and advise him; and money and fame imprisoned him in the delusions of narcissism and self-indulgence. Of course, he bears responsibility for his bizarre life. But the damage done to him by his own family and then by all those motivated more by money and power than by faith and love was irreparable in the end. He died a while ago. He remained for so long a walking human shell.

I loved his music. His young voice was almost a miracle, his poise in retrospect eery, his joy, tempered by pain, often unbearably uplifting. He made the greatest music video of all time; and he made some of the greatest records of all time. He was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.

I grieve for him; but I also grieve for the culture that created and destroyed him. That culture is ours' and it is a lethal and brutal one: with fame and celebrity as its core values, with money as its sole motive, it chewed this child up and spat him out.

I hope he has the peace now he never had in his life. And I pray that such genius will not be so abused again.

Shame on you l'Oreal - because you are not worth it.

L’Oréal, the French cosmetics giant, has been found guilty of racial discrimination in a French court.

The court proved that L'Oreal deliberately sought all-white sales teams to sell it's Fructis Style shampoo (in the Garnier range). for considering black, Arab and Asian women unworthy of selling its shampoo.

Memos and internal notes were admitted in court which proved that L'Oreal only wanted to employ "white French people" whose mother and fathers were white and French.

What a blow to the image of the world’s biggest cosmetics group! And aren't we glad we found out about it.

Remember last year when Beyonce Knowles did a big L'Oreal campaign and the company were accused of photo shopping her skin to make it look lighter (see picture above)? They rubbished the suggestions then, but looks to me like this company may have some serious issues with race.

Victoria's make under (thank god!)

Has anyone noticed that Victoria Beckham seems to have been taking a few Audrey Hepburn pills and has started being a little more on the stylish side recently?

Now, to be honest, I don't think Victoria has much of a chance of ever reaching the heights of Audrey or Jacqueline Kennedy or even Kate Moss, but she seems to have had her boobs reduced, stepped out of the tanning booth, lengthened a few hems, committed to a decent hair cut and basically classed up her act.

For which we should all be most thankful. Seriously. Look at the before and after pics (above). If I have to read my trashy magazines and see Mrs Beckham at least I am no longer blinded, because honestly, when she was channeling Cher and Pamela Anderson she just never got it right.

Style it down Victoria, the make under is fabulous!

Possibly the world's worst haircut?

Leaving aside the terrible exploitation that Kate Gosselin has put her children through, can I just say, that I do believe that she may be in possession of the world's worst haircut.

What can she be thinking????

Out fake spot!

I have just been reading about a huge haul in Sydney, Australia of over half a million dollars worth of fake designer clothes and accessories. The copies were of including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Tiffany among others.

I don't know about you but fake just doesn't cut it with me. I mean, I am hardly going to spend $1000 every year for a new 'it' bag but I don't want to spend $25 on a knock off either.

I know there are some fabulous knockoffs in a higher price range - a friend bought a really really good red fake Chloe bag in leather, with lining and expensive looking trimmings that cost her $125. But she said it felt tawdry and she felt like a tart when she carried it - so she hardly ever used it.

What is the psychology behind this do you think? Why can't we have a $125 bag that pretends its more expensive and feel happy? Are we really snobs, or do we just crave authenticity?

Size Zero?

The size zero model controversy has been firing up this month after British Vogue editor batted the blame for the craze away from her door back at the designers. She claims samples sent for fashion shoots have become so small that even the skinniest models can't fit into the clothes.

So really really skinny girls get hired, we see the pictures and if we are gullible we think that a body that looks like it is wasting away from a terminal disease is actually beautiful.

Models also agree that getting jobs is getting harder because you have to be minute to get a gig. A friend of mine - a very successful model in NYC - has been on a permanent diet for the past 2 years because the current demand is for her to look like a stick. Truly. She is all jutting bones and looks like a gust of wind will blow her away. But that's what designers are demanding.

“The problem lies at the heart of the catwalk modeling industry, which traditionally demands a girl of a very specific shape and proportion. Only about 10-12% of working models have the right look for this type of modeling, and of these 85% are either eastern European or Brazilian. Nobody in this world is perfect. Who needs this kind of pressure?” Sarah Doukas, chief executive of Storm Management recently told The Guardian online.

I resent all of this. Truly I do. If the designers made clothes that were a size two, then bigger models would be hired. Can someone explain to me why they have a problem with size two? Or even size four?

What do you think?

Picture this: Irina!

It's super model Irina Lazareanu's 27th birthday today! Happy birthday girl friend. (Also it means your career is nearly over, better start looking at the job ads).

I love this model because she is so fiercely unconventional looking. Someone spotted it obviously, because you see her on the runway and it's poetry.

Irina features in a new film about the modeling world called PICTURE ME which follows one models rise into the supermodeling stratosphere. I haven't seen it yet, but you know me - an absolute sucker for documentaries about fashion. It apparently is quite revealing - and not in a kind way - about the predatory nature of the fashion world.

Ah! the sweet smell of soap

I really don't like to use this blog to plug anything...... but recently a friend bought me the most delicious soap I have EVER EVER used and there's a fabulous story behind it worth sharing.

Arghand soap can be bought in the US but is made in Afghanistan and is being made as substitute industry for poppy farming. Make no mistake - this soap isn't some poor, welfare, charity soap, it is beautifully luxurious with a wonderful lather and a variety of perfumes that last for ages. Apricot sweet almond, cumin and anise. Pomegranate, coconut, pistachio, rose ....... wonderful! The soaps are made to resemble pebbles.

The story behind Arghand is so inspiring that I had to post all about it on my blog. Find the website here. When I was looking up Arghand I came upon this article written by the founder of the enterprise. It is a fascinating look into making the soap business work. I tell you if you don't want to buy some soap after reading this article you have ice in your veins.

I have always always loved soap, and now I love Arghand soap.

Is SJP boring?

I have this sneaking suspicion that style maven Sarah Jessica Parker is actually very boring. And be boring is kind of unforgivable really.

I loved her as Carrie Bradshaw (as consumerist and self absorbed as she was) and I adored Sex and City (except for the movie which was awful) ..... but every time I see her interviewed she just sends me to sleep.

Now don't get me wrong. I don't think she is being private and protective and not too giving. I also don't think she is dumb, or stupid. But every time I see her speak I have to get a blanket and cushion and lay myself out for a snooze.

She is wonderful to look at - that classic jolie laide that I adore but what else is in there? It seems there isn't.

Any thoughts?

Audrey Hepburn Speaks Words of Beauty

I was very taken by the new Audrey Hepburn photos released this week (see below). It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes of all time, which in fact comes from Audrey.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

So I looked for other words of beauty from Audrey and these are the best ones I found :

On failed love : “Your heart just breaks, that's all. But you can't judge, or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.”

On friendship : “People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”

On life : It's that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so 'don't fuss, dear; get on with it.'

Audrey - at her rarest

Please see below four very rare photos of Audrey Hepburn that have just been released.

Audrey, oh Audrey!

This week a rare German stamp of her with a long cigarette holder was sold at auction for $50,000. The stamp, part of a celebrity series from 2001 was never released as Sean Ferrer, Audrey's son objected to the photo depicting and glamorizing smoking.

Seems we still cannot get enough of Audrey.

Audrey.

Heidi, ready for cooking

I love Heidi Klum. She is stylish and seems like a lovely person. But yesterday she looked like she was ready to put her bun in the oven in this roasting foil dress by Michael Kors.

Seriously, I felt like pouring olive oil over her. (Love you Heidi).

Imelda, you are shameful

Imelda Marcos has just had over 300 million dollars worth of jewellery returned to her from the Philippines courts. Not because she actually deserves the jewels but because they had no legal ability to keep them.

The Marcos family are alleged to have stolen over 10 billion dollars from the Philippines people.

Now you know I am all for style. I think I can safely say you love style too. But when you are so deluded that you actually say "Filipinos want beauty. I have to look beautiful so that the poor Filipinos will have a star to look at from their slums" you absolutely, unequivocally, without debate, have no style.

Anna Wintour on The September Issue

Obsessed by Anna

Does it seem that my blog has become a little Anna Wintour obsessed lately?

I vehemently disagree with Anna Wintour about wearing fur. But then I am a vegetarian and I don't believe people should kill animals for food. It doesn't mean that I cannot live side by side with them and admire and respect them. And boy do I respect Anna.

She has been editor at Vogue for 20 years - an outstanding achievement. And although many other glossies outsell Vogue (yes, it's true!) there's nothing as serious, elegant or essential as buying it, reading it or better still being in Vogue.

I saw a documentary on Anna about 10 years ago and I so admired her style. Always prompt, always on time, always gracious, turns up when she's supposed to, leaves discreetly (the documentary showed her leaving via a kitchen side door to avoid attention), and a work ethic that makes me pale.

And look at her! She's natural. Her teeth are dodgy and British and her face seems never to have seen a botox injection. Oh Anna, gotta love that.

So I am very excited about the new film, "The September Issue". The director says that once Anna was board, she was impeccably professional and accommodating. Apparently Vogue's creative director, Grace Coddington was not so gracious about being filmed and the best scenes are when Ms. Coddington has creative summits with Ms Wintour and speaks her mind. (Go Gracie!).

I LOVED The Devil Wears Prada, because I LOVED Miranda Priestly (though I would have emptied the contents of one of her huge bags all over her head and lasted less than a day as her assistant).

Can't wait to see The September Issue.