The Beckhams never rest: David's Signature fragrance

First, i want to apologise for all these days I spent eating Christmas chocolate and mince pies instead of posting ... I truly have no excuse, but I guess that's what the holidays are for!
I really do need to figure out how to use that twitter.

I am sure everyone is still digesting the turkey and the pudding (I for one, am) so I will skip the clothing advice today - after all it's the week end, a snug jumper will do the trick.

It is Christmas week but the Beckhams have not wasted time: just after Victoria pre-launches her dVb dress collection, her husband is advertising his new Signature fragrance.



First off: I was really taken by the video. The way it is shot throws shivers down your back.

It is meant to be a more sensual and sophisticated version than the original Instinct perfume.

I only had the chance to smell a whit of it, and it is best to judge a perfume after it has been in contact with the skin for a few hours.

To be honest I prefer Victoria's clothes, but the fragrance does for a late present. It is young and has character.

And it will complete a dVb pair of jeans for the fans.

Merry Christmas!

Just a few of some of the amazing Christmas-Queen-like pieces McQueen made this year. Enjoy, and happy holidays to everyone.

French fashion Special 3 - The French high street

As promised I left my snowy mountains this morning and drove down to have a closer look at what a provincial French town has to offer clothes-wise.

To be honest I was expecting grey, grey and more grey. I was not entirely wrong, but in the midst of all these dull, dark colours I spotted the accessory I will be taking back to London.

This season the French are doing something big in fashion - literally: the oversize scarf.

They are in all colours, from clementine-orange to grapefruit-pink.

I later realised that the magazines are ablaze with the question: "the oversize scarf: do you dare, or do you fear it?"

I say: DARE.

Vogue featured it in an Amazonian shoot last year, and the effect is sublime: all wool, it really adds contrast (in colour and texture) to a black or uniform outfit.

The rest of the displays were well set out and embellished but the inside of the shops rather disappointing ...

Take your typical high street store and remove any items containing bright colours, tight fits, sequins and unusual textures (I am thinking the overly popular shinny or leather leggings). Now you have it: the French high-street.

Style, but safe style only.

French fashion Special 2 - do it Paris like Chanel

Cigarette-cut trousers, cropped bobs, a french actress once the face of Chanel and a french director: the French are so keen on their cinema - and their classic fashion - they are making yet another Coco Chanel film.

"Coco Chanel et Igor Stravinsky" staring Anna Mouglalis as Coco, should be released in April 2009.

The film is based on a novel by Chris Greenhalgh, Coco and Igor.

It is a romantic uptake on Coco Chanel and composer Igor Stravinsky's fiery fascination for each other. The producer, Jan Kounen, said it would be a film about desire, love and passion - Oulala!

Anna Mouglalis is going to rival Audrey Tautou and it could be a tie: both actresses appear to be a perfect fit for the role of fashion designer giant.

This could well suggest that Coco-style is the next French trend to follow.

The french Elle rates cigarette trousers as the trend of the winter - all very 1913 - and the magazine is full of ways in which to work it.

If you want a chic Parisian look this season try it with a tailored jacket, a bowler hat and Derby shoes. Very French, Madame.

I have yet to verify this trend rumour and see if all these items are actually lining shop displays (French stores are prohibited by law to open on Sundays), but I promise a full report on the french high street shops tomorrow.

French fashion Special 1 - France's next hot model

After a slight delay - I missed my flight yesterday - I am finally in France for a short holiday.

I decided to do a three-days-special on French Fashion.

I went through a bunch of magazines this afternoon and I came across an up-and-coming French model who seems like she could be big (not literally of course).

For starters, the 16 year old winner of the Elite Model Look 2007 contest, has a charming name and a stunning body. She moves in a very suave way, connecting with movement, every drop-points of the clothes she is wearing.
Adama Diallo could be the next Naomie Campbell - a la french.

She catwalked for Vivienne Westwood's Spring/Summer 2009 show, which is not an unnoticeable start for someone who has not even started to worry about her GCSEs.

She has got a really peculiar face, and she takes very special care of it (with mostly Chanel products). In an interview she admitted to always have a mirror on her, so that when someone looks at her quaintly she can check why.

Her features are striking, probably because her mouth is set in a continuous pulped pout. she has high eyebrows, high cheekbones and a roundish face - it could be baby fat, let's face it the girl in still in her best teenage years.

In short, she has more than a few elements of the new face: large lips, rounder face and slightly tabular features. It's all very lush.

To be honest, Adama is fascinating, especially when walking down a runway. She's beautifully odd - which, in modeling is the key to success - a little like an exotic bird with peacock feathers stuck on top of her own.

Natalia Vodianova and her fellow supermodels might well look out for this new sweet face.

Top Shop is deemed Wagalicious by Cheryl Cole

As it turns out I haven't been completely missing the fashion point by reading about the fascinating lives of Wags (yes, I have read the sequel A WAG Abroad as well and it actually is a really hilariously entertaining read).

Cheryl Cole, who does fit Alison Kervin's description of a superb Wag - tikka massala colour, impressive hair, even larger breasts and tight clothing - could be on her way to launch her own line.

After meeting with Kate Moss, she reportedly said she wanted to get into high fashion and the two girls started making plans.

The model-improvised-designer is rumoured to be in negotiations with Sir Philip Green to include her new Girls Aloud friend to work with Kate on her own Top Shop range.

I doubt there will be much designing, it will probably be an all-day-long window shopping job for the two fashion-fans.

Top Shop is betting on celebrities in an attempt to reach out to the high street customer (and not unsuccessfully it must be said if we take into account the Kate Moss collection still raises furies from fashion buyers).

It is a reasonable marketing plan, however it will probably mean another notch lost in high-fashion credibility for the store.

Hopefully the full stiletto, boob tube and lager Wagalicious-style does not perspire too much into the range; if the project ever sees the light of Oxford Street.

Travel fashion

I'm taking the plane to go to France tomorrow which raised a major fashion issue: what do you wear while traveling?

It's an easy enough question when you are flying first class, have a taxi to drive you to the airport in time, and own a stunning designer luggage to catch the eye, but what about when you are flying with Ryanair?

First the obvious, avoid tight clothing, shoes over 5inches (for obvious reasons) and laced shoes - mostly because with airport security you will have to take them on and off at least five times before boarding.

Airports are curious places, everyone dresses in a particular way while traveling. It's never about tracksuits and comfy - it's a middle-ground fashion, maybe because you want to look good for the person waiting for you at the arrival.

Something warm is also a sound idea, because no matter what they say, once you are hovering at 13 000ft above the ground its freezing cold.

I am opting for comfy military-style ankle boots (I could run a race and win in these), shinny leggings and an oversize woolen jumper.

Now all I will have to do is perfect my on-the-go-make-up skills tomorrow morning if i don't want to be late for the airport shuffle ...