Doggy style has never been so chic! With the likes of Stella McCartney, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood creating exclusive dog coats and accessories for the abandoned and unwanted canines at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, canine couture will be shown at its best at the Collars & Coats Gala Ball on Thursday 8 November 2012. And it will be all for a good cause as guests at the charity fundraiser will be able to bid on the one-off pieces of fashion history which will then be auctioned off in aid of the animal rescue charity.

Husky Colleen, labrador Comet and their sleek, shaggy and wet nosed friends will be swapping their Battersea kennels on Thursday evening for the dogwalk to model exclusive canine couture by Giles Deacon, Fabergé, Henry Holland, Stephen Jones, Julien Macdonald, Stella McCartney, Mulberry, Jenny Packham, Gareth Pugh, Zandra Rhodes, Philip Treacy, Matthew Williamson and Vivienne Westwood, amongst others.

Battersea’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball, now in its fourth year, will be hosted by Dolce & Gabanna supermodel and Battersea Ambassador David Gandy and by fashion journalist and stylist Hilary Alexander, with Jamie Cullum performing an hour-long set. All profits will go to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, which has rescued, reunited and re-homed over 3.1 million dogs and cats since it was founded in 1860.  www.collarsandcoats.org.uk read more

Between the Jubilee and the Olympics, it’s time for London to shine in style. But if corgis-adorned bags or Union Jack sweaters are not your thing, then a bit of London’s city skyline might just do the (trendy) trick.

Having already been worn by style icon Rihanna and showcased in blockbuster The Hunger Games, the oh-so-trendy London-basedPaperself– the innovative paper-cut eyelashes company- has just launched a new design to celebrate London.

Part of its new “British Collection”, those intricate eyelashes (£12.50 for a pair) showcase some of the most iconic London landmarks.

In the same spirit, Marks and Spencer have just released some very British tights, including a rather sexy London cityscape printed pair (£9.50). read more

What to expect when you’re expecting? Plenty of good things, including the fact that trendy mummies-to-be needn’t lose their sense of style just because they have a bump. Yasmin Alireza, one of the founders of Blossom Mother and Child -the go-to-shop for hip pregnant lovelies, favoured by Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow- gives Chic-Londres her top tips for getting through pregnancy without mislaying one’s sense of cool.

Fabrics should be able to gently hug your growing bump while allowing plenty of room for growth: natural fibres such as linens ans cottons, as well as lycra, are the best for stretch and fit. Your metabolic rate also increases by about 20% when you’re pregnant, which means that if everyone else is shivering, you’re just as likely to be complaining about the heat. With a layered look, you can peel clothes off when needed- although don’t get carried away with too many layers, or you might look sloppy instead of sophisticated. read more

Does Butter make the best dresses in the world? Well, Chic-Londres certainly thinks so. And given the ongoing success of the brand, with fans that include Sarah Jessica Parker, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek and Paris Hilton, we are not the only ones to have a serious crush on those wonder dresses. Glamorous, ultra flattering, versatile and gloriously comfortable –not to mention great quality and affordable!- they are ideal for weddings, hot dates, cocktail parties, clubbing, as a bridesmaid outfit and even for maternity… Whether they are made of satin or jersey, they can be worn in summer or winter, and in so many different ways that you actually have several dresses in one. Genius or what?!

No matter the size or shape of the woman that wears one of Butter by Nadia’s dresses, the silhouettes and the fabrics used by the brand are meant to fit every figure beautifully- which explains why the “one size fits all” New York niche label has been such a massive hit in the States since being launched in 2002. As designer Nadia says herself, her dresses are at one “simple, sexy and sophisticated” and meant to flatter all women. And if that wasn’t enough, the dresses can be washed by hand and don’t need ironing, which means some serious dry cleaning savings. Genius… Shot by Philippa Gedge (www.philippagedge.com) at Electric House, the photo below shows how different the same dress can look on various body shapes, the “models for a day” posing here ranging from sizes 6 to 14. read more

Yep, H&M has done it again! After Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin, Roberto Cavalli, Stella MacCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Matthew Williamson, Viktor and Rolf and Jimmy Choo, the Swedish high street brand has enlisted the help of Queen of Glam Donatella to produce a fashionable -yet of course affordable- collection inspired by the House of Versace most iconic pieces. OTT? Obviously. Desirable? Definitely…

For the much anticipated collection, Donatella Versace has decided to come back to the sources, by selecting strong pieces that stand out and are instantly recognisable. As explained by the designer herself, “the collection for H&M is the essence of Versace. For the collaboration we’ve brought back from the archives, as well as from more recent collections, some of the icons of Versace such as the bright prints, the Greek key and daring cuts.”

Women can expect some Grecian-inspired, flattering and utterly sexy dresses, with sequins, bold prints or metallic colours, while the men’s collection mixes up slick tailoring and extravagant patterns. Forget about pared down elegance: the collection is shamelessly OTT, as one would expect from Versace. read more

Tempted to follow in the footsteps of tattooed celebs, but don’t want to end up regretting it? Then Oliver Sweeney’s pop up shop at Selfridges might be the answer: based in the Men’s Shoe department, this new parlour offers its customers a chance to unleash their creative side, without the risk to end up looking like a wannabe or of contracting hepatitis. Fun!

The process is similar to normal tattooing, with the same inks and needles being used- although the latter obviously don’t need to be sterile. It takes from 20 minutes to a couple of hours depending upon what somebody wants and the complexity of the design.

So far, the most popular designs have been initials and dates- presumably to prevent customers forgetting their loved one’s birthdays- while the most unusual include the depiction of private body parts and a selection of small, cute animals. read more

Ethan Koh may be only 24, but he is already a veteran in the art of bag making, with an exquisite bespoke collection in high demand amongst elegant ladies who lunch, high flying businesswomen and glamorous royals, as well as an increasing number of women in the know able to recognize their Birkin from their Kelly (and obviously able to afford them too). Surprising? Not so much when you know that his family has been providing the world’s leading luxury houses with rare exotic skins for four generations. So when most of his contemporaries were still playing with their Legos, the young Singaporean was learning secret techniques in the family’s tannery at the back of his house, before polishing his skills through internships at Prada and Hermès and degrees at the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martin’s. Here the talented Mayfair-based designer talks to Chic-Londres about his craft and his brand, Ethan K.

What inspired you to become a designer? I was brought up to love the beauty of exotic skins, being the fourth generation of a family that considers tannery as an art form. So I learnt at a young age how to treat the skins by hand through secret family techniques, such as using an agate stone to polish crocodile leather in order to give it shine without the use of lacquer or oil. I started developing ideas to create my own bags as a teenager, so designing for me is at the same time a new adventure and a continuation. read more

Having gained a reputation for sourcing superb quality clothes at reasonable prices, stylist Naomi Thompson is now recognized as London’s premier vintage personal shopper, with her advice and finds featured on the pages of Vogue, The Sunday Times’ Style magazine, The Telegraph, as well as on Channel 4. Here, the super cool stylist talks to Chic-Londres about her passion for vintage fashion and offers top tips on how to buy and wear vintage.

What is the best thing about vintage? I would say the fact that you can develop a look which is totally unique, as you don’t have to follow any rules or trends. Also, because old clothes tend to be very well made –often in beautiful cotton or silk- you can look very chic wearing them.

Do you have a favourite era? I really like the 50s because those clothes have the ability to make a curvy girl look in proportion and a slim girl look curvy. I also adore the 30s because they mark the beginning of power dressing for women: while still elegant, fashion stopped to be about looking like a wife or mother with the introduction of a more tailored silhouette, including trouser suits. read more

Ladies, time to don your hats! Between the Royal Wedding, Ascot’s 300th anniversary and the rest of the Season fast approaching, this perennial accessory is hotter than ever. That is why Chic-Londres paid a visit to the fairytale-like studio of milliner extraordinaire Louis Mariette (38), whose dreamlike collection of hats have been worn by everyone from Lady Gaga to Kate Moss. Here, the Malawi-born designer, who was a judge in the last series of Britain’s Next top Model and is vice-president of The Children’s Trust, and whose latest bespoke creation (pictured here) will be graced by top model Erin O’Connor at the Investec Derby, talks about the art of hat-making and gives us some advice on how to wear them.

How and why have you become a milliner? I started my career as a party planner and one thing I used to do was to take some elements of the decor I was creating to style the hostess: a stylist friend of mine saw what I was doing and commissioned me to make a hat seven years ago, and that is how it started. So you could say I became a designer by accident, although it felt like a natural transition to me. I didn’t receive a formal training and am self taught: my childhood in Africa helped, as when I was a kid, I would spend hours collecting wires and things on the road to built little toys with my hands. read more

The last six months have been good for Roland Mouret: as well as launching a new men’s line (“Mr.”), the glamorous London-based French designer -a favourite of Demi Moore, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Scarlett Johansson- has also regained the right to use his name for his designs and opened on 21st February his first flagship shop in Mayfair.

For his first flagship shop -an old dream of his- Roland Mouret has seen big: a six storey Grade I listed Edwardian building, located at 8 Carlos Place just opposite the Connaught Hotel in high fashion Mayfair, which offers a traditional historic grace mixed with playful 70’s furniture and collectors objects. With two floors of retail, an atelier, design workshops, studios and a sales showroom, it is much more than just a shop, but rather a “maison”, in the Parisian fashion sense, just like Coco Chanel used to have in rue Cambon, where all elements of the designer’s world can be found. “I am very excited about opening our first Roland Mouret flagship store and hope it brings the magic of avenue Montaigne into the heart of Mayfair and I am bracing myself for the challenge ahead, what a new brand should stand for in the 21st century, explains Roland. We wanted to offer our retail clients something unique and special in the store -our new house- and I hope we have created the environment in which to do that.” read more

At Chic-Londres, we like nothing more than a great bargain. And there will be plenty to choose from at the sample sale organised by Rigby & Peller, the quintessential British lingerie brand, with great underwear and swimwear at up to 85% discount.

Who Rigby & Peller, the quintessential British corsetry empire launched in 1939, is the only lingerie brand which holds a Royal Warrant. Famous for its bespoke underwear and expert bra fitting, its customers list includes model Sophie Dahl and the Queen.

What and Why There will be thousands of designer products at up to 85% discount, including Rigby & Peller own label, but also French favourites Aubade, Lejaby, Simone Perele and Huit. Communal changing rooms will be available, as well as expert advice on fitting. All bras will be priced at £15 and briefs at £5, with bikinis and beachwear starting at £15. read more

The days of men fumbling for the tricky bra hook are finally over, thanks to the arrival in the UK of the first magnetic lingerie, launched this week in Selfridges. Created by ultra chic French lingerie brand Dement, it puts an elegant and sexy end to man’s struggle to unclasp the woman of their dreams. Genius…

London men, rejoice! Your time fighting with recalcitrant bra hooks is about to end, thanks to lovely French lingerie brand Dement, brainchild of talented Parisian designer Laetitia Schlumberger. This clever lady has had the idea to replace the traditional -and often tricky- hook and eye by almost invisible magnets placed at the crucial junctures. “While fumbling to unhook a bra strap is a romantic comedy cinematic cliché, it can actually be quite a passion killer, says Helen Attwood, head buyer for Lingerie at Selfridges. This new magnetic lingerie is not just easier to use, but also the biggest innovation in the underwear market for years.” This fresh arrival to the lingerie scene is all the more welcome for the London’s males that -according to Selfridges’ research- 80% of Christmas Eve shoppers are expected to be unorganised men who have left Christmas present buying until the final hour. And what woman doesn’t like a bit of sexy -yet classy (as we can’t emphasize enough)- lingerie? This market is worth £2.59 billion in the UK, with women investing more than ever on luxury labels and sales of the sexiest designs up 50% at Selfridges in 2010 compared to 2009. Last but not least, the clever system enables passionate men to rip off their partner precious (and expensive) lingerie without destroying it- which is obviously an asset. How clever! read more

H&M has already given us affordable collections by top designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, Jimmy Choo and Sonia Rykiel… This season, the high street chain goes one step further with the launch of its most glamorous collection yet, designed by Lanvin for men and women.

The Parisian house set up by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889 and revitalised by artistic director Alber Elbaz is undoubtedly one of the most covetable around, worn by every Hollywood stars from Jennifer Lopez to Jessica Alba. But with prices usually over £1,000, only some happy few can afford it.

“Designer’s work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream of luxury to the masses”, explains Alber Elbaz, whose collection for the high street chain goes from £24.99 to £199.99 for the most expensive piece. read more

New online boutique Boticca.com has just launched, and this is great news for anyone who likes their jewellery and fashion accessories to be chic, unique, beautifully made and trendy, but without costing an arm and leg. The concept? Handpicking the best of emerging designers from all around the world and offering a global marketplace to buy their products. Chic-Londres takes a peek…

Most of you probably have had this great shopping experience -when travelling abroad or strolling a market, be it in Istanbul, Port-Louis or Portobello Road- that occurs when you find a great (and usually cheap!) necklace or bag that draws everyone’s attention, and is all the more unique that you can’t find it on anybody else… Those pieces are just the best, although most of us don’t have the time (sadly!) to stroll around markets all the time, let alone all over the world.

So I was very pleased to recently discover Boticca.com, a new online boutique which showcases hand-picked jewellery, bags and fashion accessories from 130 emerging designers from over 30 countries. The idea came to its French founder Kiyan Foroughi while on holiday in Marrakesh, after he met a wonderful local designer from the Atlas Mountains, and realised the potential such a hidden talent could have… if only she could sell beyond her local market. read more

Even if France was to lose against England in their next rugby match, one thing is for sure: France will still be a winner, at least when it comes to fashion. Yes, this is right, since French brand Eden Park has just become the official formalwear provider of the Rugby Football Union. The official announcement was made by Eden Park founder Franck Mesnel and England team manager Martin Johnson at a party held in Kensington Roof Gardens on the 20th of October. Chic-Londres was there…

With luxurious cashmere scarves, black shoes embroidered with England roses, quirky gavroche hats, details including rugby ball shaped buttons, and each hand-tailored suits made to their individual measurements, the English rugby boys will never have been so incredibly chic. And all of that thanks to us, the French… or at least to Eden Park, which has become the first French brand ever to dress the England team, after creating an exclusive collection of bespoke formalwear. The collection is part of a six year partnership covering the next two Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015 and will see Eden Park kit out the entire 215 strong England squads, ranging from the Seniors through to the Under 18’s, management and backroom staff. read more

Once a cheap website offering copies of celebs looks, Asos.com has now become a prime destination for sophisticated fashion lovers, selling niche designer brands, the top of the high street and its own fashion forward lines, like Asos Black and Asos White. More affordable than Net-a-Porter, but just as stylish and efficient, it is now the UK’s largest independent online fashion retailer, with over 35,000 products available.

Asos has gone a long way since it was established ten years ago: originally known as “As Seen on Screen”, the website used to sell rather dubious and cheap imitations of looks seen on celebrities such as Sienna Miller or Victoria Beckham. Nowadays however, far from copying the stars, Asos does inspire them, with celebs like Rihanna, Katy Perry and Kate Hudson all wearing its designs.

Now the fastest-growing retailer in the UK, it has got over 35,000 branded and own label products available, more than 1100 brands available and over 1500 new lines added each week. It is therefore rapidly becoming the market leader in the UK online fashion world, with over 6.9 million unique visitors a month and 1.6 active buyers. read more

The Oxford Street’s department store is taking shoe fetishism to a new level, by opening on Thursday 23 September the largest women’s shoe department in the world. Bigger than the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, this new space, spread over 35,000 sq feet, will offer over 5,000 different styles from 150 brands, from high street favourites like Topshop to designer brands like Lanvin.

Shoes are like friends: even when you are lucky enough to have many, you can always do with some more… At least, that is what we like to think, us shoe lovers who just can’t resist a new pair. So what a good news -although slightly worrying for the purse- to learn that Selfridges celebrates London Fashion Week by opening the biggest women’s shoe department in the world.

Spread over 35,000 sq feet, it will stock 5,000 different styles and over 100,000 at any given time, with more than 150 brands to choose from, from high street favourites like Topshop to designer brands like Chanel or Roger Vivier. read more

Sex and the City -and every celeb’s- favourite shoe designer is launching a new limited edition collection for Liberty of London, with specially designed shoes, candles, scarves and prints available exclusively in the Regent Street shop in September.

Shoe supremo Manolo Blahnik -a London resident since 1968- is undoubtedly one of the world’s most influential footwear designers, beloved by an international set of adoring glamorous devotees across the globe.

From September, a special collection of Manolo’s shoe designs will be available in Liberty, the first time they have ever been sold outside of his flagship store in the UK.  There are exclusive shoes in Liberty fabrics from the 60’s that Manolo selected from the archives.

To complete the collection, there will also be Manolo’s very own set of Liberty prints, for sale by the metre and a collection of limited edition products, including a scented candle developed alongside English perfumer Lyn Harris, scarves, bow ties, stationery, umbrellas, notebooks, shoe horns and cushions. read more

There are some addresses you’d rather keep to yourself, and Soler is definitely one of them. In this Ali Baba’s fashion cave, you get to choose your own pattern and your own fabric, to get a piece of clothing tailor-made especially for you, at an affordable prize: unique, playful and oh so glamorous!

“Women love to get something a little bit different, which reflects their own taste and personality, and that is what we are offering here”, explains the lovely Alexandra Al-Bader (38), the Spanish model and mother of two who recently opened her first shop, after having run the Soler label for one year from her house.

In the boutique, just off Golborne Road, in fashionable North Kensington, you get to choose your own fabric, amongst 200 rolls of cotton, silk and chiffon, sourced by Alexandra in Paris, London, New York and Marrakesh, with each of them available in limited quantity of 20 metres max, to ensure uniqueness. For this extra personal touch, you can even choose a hand-painted fabric, courtesy of Alexandra’s sister, an artist who has made 25 exclusive designs to choose from. read more