The regions of focus are:

• Australia
• China
• Europe
• India
• USA

The ceremony is to be held on the 16th of February 2013 during the London Fashion Week 2013.

Woolmark

The Woolmark Company does a lot of work supporting new talent and produces wool of the finest quality that lends itself perfectly to the design of stunning fashion pieces. Nominees from across the world will be united by the product’s versatility and commercialisation of Australian merino wool.

Victoria’s Valued Opinion

Many celebrities who take a break from performing day after day turn their focus on creation of a different kind. For some it’s creating their own fragrances, or moving from the screen to the microphone and for others it’s becoming known purely as a fashion icon.  The judges of the 2012 Woolmark Prize include some of the most prominent names in the fashion industry and although it might come as a surprise to many, Victoria Beckham appears on that list. Beckham was selected to be on the panel for her commitment to the fashion world and well-respected production of ready-to-wear garments, accessory lines, denim designs and eyewear. Peers in the industry as well as many celebrities have all expressed their support and interest in her line.

Panel

She joins other fashion idols:

• Diane von Furstenberg
• Donatella Versace
• Franca Sozzani
• Tim Blanks

Finalists

The ground-breaking event has found some amazing talent within the whole pool of nominees and the finalists have demonstrated exceptional skill in their craft to make it to the final hurdle in crossing the finish line that is the International Woolmark Prize. They were selected out of a pool of seventy applicants who were accepted on an invite-only basis.

Those contending for the award are:

• Dion Lee (Australia)
• Xiao Xue (China)
• DRESSEDUNDRESSED (Japan)
• Christian Winjants (Belgium, Europe)
• Pankaj and Nidhi (India)
• Sophie Theallet (USA)

This year’s Woolmark prize will no doubt be very difficult to award but no matter who receives it, the initiative must be commended for encouraging such appreciation for new designers and age-old fibres.

Dave Peterson has always had a bit of an eye for fashion. He has written numerous columns about the latest trends, whether it be stylish boots or womens macs.

The post Frock of Sheep: Woolmark Prize Hits London Fashion Week appeared first on Fashion and Lifestyle Trends for Men & Women.

Messenger Bags are still with us, the fabulous squared shape is proving an ongoing winner with designers and models alike. What has changed is the size; they have shrunk to tiny bags, conveniently slung over a shoulder or across the body, compact, but big enough for the necessities; perfect for a busy, active lady who doesn’t to carry much. They are generally made from leather or faux-leather and appear in a variety of bold shades. The style to team a micro-messenger bag with is casually elegant, for example a pair of soft but beautifully fitting jeans and a comfortable chunky cable-textured jumper.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/geishabot/4746671019/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Clutch purses are regaining strength, and diverging slightly. Evening clutches remain small, but are highly decorated. Flower clutches are popular; the detail so very frilled and detailed that it will appear that the holder is clutching a bouquet, rather than a purse! Available in a huge range of satin, silky shades it’s simple to match the clutch purse to a glamorous outfit for perfect elegance on an important night out.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/texantiff23/2507024265/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Daytime clutches are appearing, larger than ever – big enough for the necessities of a modern woman’s life; diary, smart phone, keys, wallet etc. They have a name to distinguish them from evening clutches, namely, document clutches. Made from leather, faux leather or suede they are smart and practical, a perfect complement to office wear.

Also making their debut are business-like heavy leather bags, suitable to carry everything needed for a long busy day, whether at the office, taxi-ing the children from school to activity to social event or away from home for the day, visiting or sightseeing. The somewhat dark, practical appearance is enlivened by rhinestones, one single large stone on the flap or a neat row of small gems tracking the seam edgings. Perfect with almost every daytime outfit, from formal office wear to comfortable casual clothing the rhinestones add a much-needed touch of femininity to these sturdy bags.

Other new features that have started to appear on the catwalks include unusually shaped bags; such as cylinders both large and small, and extra-long faux fur in both natural and lurid shades. Animal prints, always popular, continue to be a favourite, allowing women to hint at their wild-side while remaining firmly fashionable, while patchwork is bold; featuring contrasting colours that display a strong sense of individuality.

One final fresh feature are tiny ‘wristlet’ bags; apparently frivolous twists of fabric in pretty and textured materials, featuring distinctive handles, more bracelet than handbag, but concealing sufficient space to tuck away those small items without which you cannot leave home.

It is easy for everyone to find a fashionable handbag this season given the gorgeous variety of models and shapes available and the wide range of materials that they are made from. Get shopping and make sure you have a selection to suit all occasions and outfits!

Sources: handbagfashion.com, squidoo.com, wikipedia.com, stylishcube.com

This article was created by the team at Pick Me Up Bingo, who have a passion for fashion!

The post Handbag Bingo appeared first on Fashion and Lifestyle Trends for Men & Women.

The Show

Just recently the London College of Fashion held its BA Graduate Show where students were given the opportunity to demonstrate the skills that they have acquired and individual style that they have developed under the support of the British fashion industry. There were even a few prominent figures in the audience including Lulu Guinness, the fine accessories designer; and renowned singer, songwriter, model and producer – VV Brown. The show was held at Hackney House, which is a major space for media exhibitions and was specially built for the 2012 London Olympics.

The Winner

Sebastiaan Pieter Groenen presented an eclectic exhibition that fused modern styles with a touch of sportiness. There was a clear element of street and youth culture on the catwalk and one can clearly see the influence it could have on British fashion in the not too distant future. Groenen beat out 36 other designers as he demonstrated how he is a force to be reckoned with on the British fashion scene.

At only 24-years of age this talent now resides in Bethnal Green and was completely overwhelmed by the victory, explaining how he barely knew what was happening he was so surprised. Whether British or not, worldwide fashion trends generate most interest in the womenswear department. They tend to be more bold and daring. But there is no reason British fashion should perpetuate this cycle, and awards like this just add that bit of impetus to the cause, encouraging more designers to go out there and be a bit more daring, which Sebastiaan Pieter has attempted to do with men’s fashion in the country.

More Winners

In a first for the show, participation was extended to students of Jewelry and Contour design. The Award for Fashion Innovation went to the collaborative effort of three British graduates. The pieces centred on Rose Irwin’s edgy design of patterned bomber jackets and cropped trousers, with Auria Harris adding fluoro shaded printed swimwear. The collective effort was completed with Lily Colley’s necklaces and Perspex accessories.

Lastly, it was 22-year-old Ashleigh Downer from Buckinghamshire who showed the kind of sustainable initiative that is testament to the inspiration British fashion currently champions. This earned her the Barnet Lawson Award for best trimmings use. A student of design technology, Downer used crystals that she had grown in jam jars as accessories, as well as coloured pigment and enamel-filled test tubes.

Dave Peterson is a regular at all the fashion shows he can get to. He loves looking out for the latest innovations and item that excites the eyes. Whether it’s Jaeger cashmere or a pair of stunning stilettos stilettos if it’s interesting, he’s interested.

The post British Fashion Exposed: College of Fashion Pushes Boundaries appeared first on Fashion and Lifestyle Trends for Men & Women.