Blast from the Past

Its everywhere. I cannot go anywhere without seeing some shape or form of fur. I love when trends leave the runway and suddenly I see 5 year old girls in skinny jeans. Now the trick here is to know that less is more, in no way should fur be worn with a feathered skirt, thigh high boots and your newest caplet . Now im all for hitting the right trends at the right time but in proportion and perspective. Its one trend im quite glad to see the influx of and the variety that that carries. Simply because it brings that sense of vintage glamour to any outfit and with an abundance of faux fur collections available this trend does not prejudice. But before this trend hit the runway Sophie Loren, Edie Sedgwick and Bridgette Bardot showed us all how to make it work.If your looking for some inspiration cast a glance at where it all began. Fashion is in essence about regurgitation

The Fashion Bizz

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award is no mean feat as Sophie Theallet knows too well. Following in the footsteps of Alexander Wang, French born Theallet swiftly took the reigns to be crowned the winner of this years event. Along with a $200,000 prize Theallet also earned herself a year of mentoring making her " American Dream" a reality. So how did it all begin? Well a profile page in Vogue sure does wonders for your career and if the Wintour approves then you can pretty much watch your career skyrocket. A favourite of Michelle Obama Thealet refutes the traditional codes of style and trend and instead opts for bohemian luxe and a klaeidscope of colours. The designer who enetered fashion under the tutelage of Jean Paul Gaultier is no stranger to controversy and was the first designer to include an all black cast of models for her debut collection. Citing Madeleine Vinnot, Jeanne Lanvin, Coco Chanel and Charles James as her influences it'll be interesting to see where Theallet progresses from here. Watch this space.

Grazi Signor

Intorducing Anna Piaggi a freelance editor for Italian Vogue since 1988 and the woman Manola Blahnik dubbed as the " the only authority in frocks". Piaggi has always treated her work with a sense of free spirited awareness and style that cannot be made but born. Bursting onto the scene with bright red lips and the kind of attire one wonders where on earth she actually shops, Piaggis influence on the design world is institutional.Regarding Karl Lagerfeld to be one of the most influential men in her life its easy to see how the avante garde Piaggi ascended to the timeless and ageless. "A triangle of extraordinary people" connected by fashion, culture and experimentation. Her work for Vogue is authoritarian perhaps a fantastical version of Anna Wintour, an acid trip of creativity and colour. Perhaps one of the most unparalled figures in the industry. I think a lot can be taken from Piaggi, fashion shouldnt be symbolic of riches and labels but more so on the creativity the soul can take once it finds its niche. So if your looking for that edge you'll certainly find it in Piaggi.

Style for the Unconventional

Its hard to know how any normal person could wear harem pants. I for one look like a cast member of Alladin, the thing with fashion is knowing when a trend will not work and probably never will and harem pants for me is like a colloboration between Ozzy Osbourne and Miss Piggy (oh wait) . For anyone carrying anytype of extra baggage this trend is detrimental to the silhouette shifting volumes of weight to areas where I personally do not need the extra punch. Filtering down the runaway the potato sack/ hot new trend has made appearences in Marks and Spencers, H&M and Zara to name but a few. Even Anna Wintour has admitted that these low slungs "are not my favourite",and if The Wintour condemns something then you can be sure these diapers will enter the reduced bin quicker than John Travoltas fledging career. All is not lost if you are one of the 0.001 % of the population who can carry the look, you are guaranteed to rise to the top of the trend set while the rest of us dream on.

Its in the Statistics

Audrey Hepburn started the glove trend, John Bender gave it an edge and Karl Lagerfeld revolutionised it. Whether you want to show a general disregard for society or merely to keep you hands warm theres nothing quite on trend now like the fingerless gloves. Salvatore Ferragmo, Fendi, D&G and Missoni have all jumped on this trend wagon so if your looking for a fashion upgrade perhaps these bad boys can become your staple item. But be warned these gloves are more fashionable than functional. Whether your a madonna wannabe circa the 1980s or a punk rocker looking for there fix, the trick to making this trend work is incorporating it into a neo glam rock outfit.

Standard Control

Annie Lebovitz never fails to create editorial shoots that transfix,inspire and sweep the reader into a hybrid of fantasy and escapism. For the December issue of Vogue Lebovitz shoot recreates the Metropolitan Operas production of Hanzel and Gretel. The beautiful Lily Cole blends into the scenario quite perfectly and effortlessly depicting the vulnerability and naivety of the character. That said centre focus in the shoot lies the red lady of the moment Lady Gaga. I cant help but be slightly peeved as to how Gaga should have any place in this shoot. Yes she is controversial, yes she wears more clothes than I do in the shower but controversy does not a style queen make. Its hard to take any photo shoot seriously with a woman who proclaims to be married to Kanye,quite frankly the woman annoys me. Style isnt something that is contrived from trying to be controversial and different, its a blend of effortless chic something Lady Gaga simply is ignorant too. Wearing a Marc Jacobs satin bra seems like a waste of time and effort for those who created these garments for true stylish women. Tut tut, surely magazine sales shouldnt compensate the integrity of a true style mecca.

Sonia Rykiel the name needs no introduction. Voted one of the 10 most elegant women in 1980 and the " Queen of Knits", Rykiels sweaters have become the signature style of her collections refuting the traditional 50s style tailoring by introducing inside out seams. In the wake of Jimmy Choos colloboration with H&M Rykiel has swiftly taken the reigns to produce the winter 2009 spring 2010 collection. The collection to be launched on December 5 sees the first time H&M have extended their lingerie and accessories line to a fashion designer. A national icon Rykiel incorporates her clothing line with Parisisan chic, individuality and a penchant for demode (unfashion) as she sees it. I for one eagerly await the modern twist Rykiel is bound to take and in the meantime feast your eyes on some of the released pictures of the new line oooh lala.