#ESPnews: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show & British Fashion Awards 2016

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Another year, another drama filled show! Taking place in Paris, in the year when the show becomes legal in it's home town; a total of 12 'Angels' graced the runway, supported by 39 VS models, with their amazing walks and to-die-for bodies.

Elsa Hosk opened the show

Kicking the show off with Elsa Hosk and a cultural infusion for the 'Road Ahead' theme; the show paid homage to Chinese New Year, with beautiful costumes and wings dedicated to the Asian Orient. After a video montage by a handful of the models on what it's like to be walking in the Paris show; Lady Gaga gave us her 2 Euros on what it's like to be one of the show's three performers (the others being Bruno Mars and The Weeknd), inducted into the "Angel family".

Performing 'Million Reasons' in a black lace see-through gown, covered in red roses with green stems, with an Eva Peron-worthy chignon, thick, black winged eyes, bright red lips, and blood red nails; she interacted with the 'Angels' perfectly during the start of their 'Mountain Romance' theme; without an Ariana Grande à la 2015-style mishap in sight.

After her stellar delivery, Bruno Mars was up next. We saw him fixing his gold rings as his entourage joined him en route to the stage. Someone should probably have warned him that amidst the world's crème de la crème of models, performing 'Chunky' in that mink coat was probably gonna be a bad idea - especially with all that jheri-curl juice; 1. It makes the runway hazardous, and 2. There's not a dry cleaner's in the world who can get rid of all that drippage...thankfully, they're all professionals, and as a result, there were no casualties during the PINK label segment.

Next, new 'Angel' Josephine shared what it was like the moment she got the news that she was moving up the echelon of a Victoria's Secret model, and what happens on the journey from 'model' to 'Angel'; before 'IT' Girl Gigi Hadid took her turn. Giving an emotional speech about wanting to be an 'Angel' since she was a child, and her breakout show last year, before introducing baby sister Bella. The two shared a beautiful moment crying for each other, and celebrating being the first sisters to ever walk the show, before cutting to a nervous Bella's debut.

She shouldn't have worried though, she knew the next performer pretty well - it was ex-boyfriend Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Performing his latest hit 'Starboy'; Hadid walked beautifully and as one tweet described it: fulfilled every woman's dream about running into her ex, by looking as flawless as possible!

The VS 'Angel' sisters then waxed lyrical in a montage about the super perfect Adrianna *moment of silence* Lima, and her ultra perfect walk, with a few even impersonating her - including the equally perfect Alessandra Ambrosio. It's truly a moment to behold.

Before we see the 'Dark Angel' segment, we are introduced to a responsible montage from the 'Angels' talking about their fitness regimes, and what it takes to make it onto that runway. I don't know about you, but they certainly inspired me to get my fitness level to peak excellence. I need to speak to somebody about that...stick a pin (for now). Back to the show, and Gaga was back for a triple way ensemble with a jacket change between her mashup of 'A-Yo' and 'John Wayne' that saw her don her own 'Angel' wings at the close of the number. In the tallest boots of the night, with a killer walk to rival the models, she even earned the right to rock the Fantasy Bra in my humble opinion. We also saw Kendall Jenner for the second time during this segment.

Hearing from show Executive Producer Ed Razek next; we heard about the literal global domination of the brand and the 'Angels', learning of their achievements over the past year, before Jasmine Tookes displayed this year's Fantasy Bra, in the 'Bright Night Angel' segment, which closed the show.

Phenomenal and droolworthy as ever, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was most definitely a night to remember...

To watch the show in full, visit the Victoria's Secret website where, all of the pieces in the show are now available to purchase (except that Fantasy Bra...).

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British Fashion Awards

This year's nominees were shared with you right here on 26 October from the hospital bed of Yours Truly; and every fashion pundit went into overdrive, trying to guess who was going to take the Swarovski crystals home. Well as promised then, here are last night's winners in the main categories:

International Ready-To-Wear Designer of the Year:

Alessandro Michele for Gucci

Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga

Donatella Versace for Versace

Jonathan Anderson for Loewe

Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy

International Accessories Designer of the Year:

Alessandro Michele for Gucci

Anya Hindmarch MBE for Anya Hindmarch

Johnny Coca for Mulberry

Jonathan Anderson for Loewe

Stuart Vevers for Coach

International Model of the Year:

Adwoa Aboah

Bella Hadid

Gigi Hadid

Kendall Jenner

Lineisy Montero

International Urban Luxury Brand of the Year:

Adidas

Gosha Rubchinskiy

Off-White

Palace

Vetements

International Business Leader of the Year:

Adrian Joffe for Comme Des Garçons & Dover Street Market

Christopher Bailey MBE for Burberry

Guram Gvasalia for Vetements

Marco Bizzarri for Gucci

Stephanie Sassi for Valentino

British Brand of the Year:

Alexander McQueen

Burberry

Christopher Kane

Erdem

Stella McCartney

British Womenswear Designer of the Year:

Christopher Kane for Christopher Kane

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson

Roksanda Ilincic for Roksanda

Sarah Burton for McQueen

Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha

British Menswear Designer of the Year:

Craig Green for Craig Green

Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson

Tom Ford for Tom Ford

Dame Vivienne Westwood for Vivienne Westwood

British Emerging Talent of the Year:

Alessandra Rich

Charles Jeffrey

Faustine Steinmetz

Molly Goddard

Self Portrait

Well now, how many did you call correctly? I must admit, I got several less right than usual, even the International Model of the Year, which I was certain was going to Bella Hadid - I must be off my game!

That's all for this week folks, I'll see you back here next week for my last but one post of the year!

Until the next...
ES

ESPnews: Victoria Beckham for Target Spring Line / BFC & Annual British Fashion Awards / Richard Nicoll

Hot off the presses of last week's WGSN newsletter (Worth Global Style Network), comes the news that our own VB will be designing a limited-edition, cost effective line for the value brand, ranging from $6-$70, with most under $40 and not only that, but she will also be foraying into childrenswear, in honour of the line she was inspired to create during her last pregnancy, and daughter Harper turning five in Spring.

The womenswear collection will follow in her signature style of sleek, fluid lines, and the 'Victoria Beckham for Target' range will "reflect the essence of the Victoria, Victoria Beckham line, including original designs and inspiration from iconic silhouettes" in the apparel and accessories available April 9th for women, girls, young children and babies across Target's 1,800 bricks and mortar stores, as well as online. Some of the childrenswear will also be available internationally and via Beckham's website store.

The over 200-piece collection will range in sizes XS-3X for women, and NB-XL for girls, children and babies. Colours are described as pastels, bright blasts and spring prints; and described as "feminine and functional", to reflect Victoria's commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Target said that standout pieces include easy-to-wear dresses, rompers and playful tops and bottoms for women, with corresponding styles for girls, toddler and baby (WGSN).

"Working with Target has been a really exciting process, and this partnership allows us to share the essence of Victoria, Victoria Beckham with more people than ever before...I was inspired to create the Victoria, Victoria Beckham line when I was pregnant with Harper, and since its launch, the category has evolved into an established lifestyle collection. With both the line and my daughter turning five, I felt it was the perfect time to extend into a more accessible price point, and to celebrate both milestones by opening up the range to include childrenswear for the first time," said Victoria.

Target Chief Merchandising Officer Mark Tritton added: "Victoria Beckham is synonymous with impeccable style, and she's known around the globe for her distinct point of view as a designer. It's been incredibly exciting to see how Victoria's brand has evolved over the years, and we are thrilled that Target's guests will be a part of that journey with this latest must-have collaboration."

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British Fashion Awards 2016 Nominations

Supermodel and IT Girl Karlie Kloss announced the nominees for the annual British Fashion Awards on behalf of The British Fashion Council, live from partners, the Swarovski Atelier in LA yesterday afternoon, and it was as controversial as ever. Here they are - judge for yourself:

International Ready-To-Wear Designer of the Year:

Alessandro Michele for Gucci

Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga

Donatella Versace for Versace

Jonathan Anderson for Loewe

Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy

Anya Hindmarch SS16 - 'Apophenia' Collection

International Accessories Designer of the Year:

Alessandro Michele for Gucci

Anya Hindmarch MBE for Anya Hindmarch

Johnny Coca for Mulberry

Jonathan Anderson for Loewe

Stuart Vevers for Coach

International Model of the Year:

Adwoa Aboah

Bella Hadid

Gigi Hadid

Kendall Jenner

Lineisy Montero

International Urban Luxury Brand of the Year:

Adidas

Gosha Rubchinskiy

Off-White

Palace

Vetements

International Business Leader of the Year:

Kanye West and Lourde wear Vetements

Adrian Joffe for Comme Des Garçons & Dover Street Market

Christopher Bailey MBE for Burberry

Guram Gvasalia for Vetements

Marco Bizzarri for Gucci

Stephanie Sassi for Valentino

British Brand of the Year:

Alexander McQueen

Burberry

Christopher Kane

Erdem

Stella McCartney

British Womenswear Designer of the Year:

Christopher Kane for Christopher Kane

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson

Roksanda Ilincic for Roksanda

Sarah Burton for McQueen

Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha

British Menswear Designer of the Year:

Grace Wales Bonner AW15

Craig Green for Craig Green

Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson

Tom Ford for Tom Ford

Dame Vivienne Westwood for Vivienne Westwood

British Emerging Talent of the Year:

Alessandra Rich

Charles Jeffrey

Faustine Steinmetz

Molly Goddard

Self Portrait

Well I don’t know about you, but I found quite a few sledgehammer worthy shocks in those. As well as some more run-of-the-mill, expected names, there were a number of omissions, or snubs, if you really want to stir the pot. Anya Hindmarch MBE for International Accessories Designer did not raise a brow after the sophistication of her 2015-16 lines, in particular the brands collection that you may have seen me highlight if you’re an Instagram follower; just like there’s no shock in nods for Adrian Joffe at Comme des Garcons & Dover Street Market, or Guram Gvasalia at Vetements for International Business Leader, when you consider this year’s success in both corners.

Stella McCartney’s omission from the Womenswear, and International Read-To-Wear Designer categories did make me take pause, until I saw her perennial listing for British Brand; and it didn’t surprise me in the slightest that Grace Wales Bonner has been nominated for Menswear Designer of the Year for instance, although I had expected to see AV Robertson under the Emerging Talent banner, after her success at London Fashion Week AW16 and since. However, I had the exact opposite opinion regarding Kendall Jenner’s nomination for International Model of the Year – I mean, is that really justified, considering she’s only been in the game five minutes, and yet you have the likes of Bella Hadid who has worked her hind end off over the past twelve months establishing her brand? Is this not a move spurred on by attempts at popularity and remaining 'trendy', less than recognising talent?

After all, the criteria for nomination states: ‘A male or female model that has contributed most to the international fashion scene in the past year and had demonstrated influence beyond the catwalk’. Well unless we’re talking about the TV show that she is a part of, which has boosted sales for her cosmetic and fashion brands, is there really evidence to justify this nomination? We will revisit on 7 December, after the awards take place, but in the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic, please do share below.

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Richard Nicoll Dies at 39

Richard Nicoll

Curating over 30 collections spanning Ready-To-Wear, Womenswear, Menswear, Resort and Pre-Fall seasons; London-born Australian, Richard Nicoll died from a sudden cardiac arrest at his home in Sydney, Friday morning. Due to take up the helm of Creative Director at Adidas in Germany next year, further cementing his love for, and affinity with, athleisure; Nicholl inspired a wealth of condolences from the fashion community for his work over the last almost 10 years, since he graduated from Central Saint Martins M.A. in 2006, as one of the all-stars who were credited with reviving London Fashion Week for the international fashion community, along with Jonathan Saunders, Roksanda Ilincic, and Christopher Kane – all alumni of the late esteemed Professor Louise Wilson OBE; who went on to create their own labels around the same time.

Richard Nicoll AW13

Having had his entire 2002 graduate collection purchased by Dolce and Gabbana; he continued with his own label, championed by the likes of Emma Stone, Keira Knightly and Sienna Miller, until 2014, when he shelved it to collaborate with high street brand Jack Wills until earlier this year, followed by numerous local Australian brands to date.

On that sad note, that's it for this week's news. Part Two of my London Fashion Week series will be up later today.

Until the next...
ES

Information sourced from WGSN. Images sourced from The Guardian, Rachel Chandler, and Vogue.com.