Jeffrey Campbell Play

The new season is full of excitement when it comes to accessories and Jeffrey Campbell's spring 2012 shoe collection is all about bringing variety to the fashion scene. Model Jessica Mercedes rocks the new JC Play Fresh to Death collection for the camera lens of Claire Oring, showing off the uniqueness of each and every shoe design included in the collection.

A girl can never have enough shoes, so if you're a true 'shoeaholic', you're going to have a difficult time staying away from the collection as it features various shoe designs that are meant to combine style with comfort and style with edginess, characteristics that have a certain uniqueness that makes heads turn.

Apparently, the designer doesn't aim to bring to the fashion scene the latest trends in shoe design, but rad shoes that will turn you into a trendsetter. These designs have a certain 'je ne sais quoi' that go from day to evening and that can match women with various personalities and styles. Bringing the perfect balance of super-chic sneakers and edgy high heels, JC Play's Fresh of Death spring 2012 collection is definitely worth all of your attention, whether you're all about casual or ladylike styles.

The sneakers signed by JC have a certain deluxe allure attached given not only through the shape of the designs but through the colors and fabrics used in the manufacturing process. Juxtaposing vintage with contemporary details, the designer managed to achieve various super stylish sneakers to suit women from day to evening. From the Flavia metallic sneakers to the Homgicon($80), the Billie Vin, the Teramo sneakericon($206) and the bright Venice sneakericon($214) in turquoise or pink combo, each design has something special that makes it attract attention, making every shoe a perfect choice for 'style & comfort-junkies'.

Thrill-seekers have the opportunity to experiment with JC Play's super fab high heel sandals that are sexy yet casual-chic and that will surely make heads turn. The interesting, edgy color choice and sole design of the Zumba and Fonda heels are perfectly balanced by the vintage chicness of the Smoosh sandals, so explore the new collection and pick your new JC favorites!

Lara Pulver's nude scenes in Sherlock have helped the episode to become the most-watched show on the BBC iPlayer so far this year.

The programme - the first edition of the series screened on New Year's Day - drew around 100 complaints from viewers who were offended by the nude scenes.

But new figures released by the BBC show the programme was way ahead of all others in the period from January to April of this year.

The episode, called A Scandal In Belgravia, featured Lara as Irene Adler, filming one notable scene entirely naked except for her high heel shoes.

New figures show it was seen 2.5 million times on the iPlayer - 600,000 more than the next most popular show, which was the third instalment of the drama series. Sherlock proved to be a massive draw in general, taking all of the top three places in the most-watched list.

Another controversial show, the Top Gear India Special, came fourth. It led to the Indian High Commission sending a letter to the BBC expressing concern about the portrayal.

The BBC responded to the complaints about Sherlock saying the nudity had been carefully discussed "to ensure it was appropriate for a pre-watershed audience".

Jeffrey Campbell Play | Fresh to Death Spring

The new season is full of excitement when it comes to accessories and Jeffrey Campbell's spring 2012 shoe collection is all about bringing variety to the fashion scene. Model Jessica Mercedes rocks the new JC Play Fresh to Death collection for the camera lens of Claire Oring, showing off the uniqueness of each and every shoe design included in the collection.

A girl can never have enough shoes, so if you're a true 'shoeaholic', you're going to have a difficult time staying away from the collection as it features various shoe designs that are meant to combine style with comfort and style with edginess, characteristics that have a certain uniqueness that makes heads turn.

Apparently, the designer doesn't aim to bring to the fashion scene the latest trends in shoe design, but rad shoes that will turn you into a trendsetter. These designs have a certain 'je ne sais quoi' that go from day to evening and that can match women with various personalities and styles. Bringing the perfect balance of super-chic sneakers and edgy high heels, JC Play's Fresh of Death spring 2012 collection is definitely worth all of your attention, whether you're all about casual or ladylike styles.

The sneakers signed by JC have a certain deluxe allure attached given not only through the shape of the designs but through the colors and fabrics used in the manufacturing process. Juxtaposing vintage with contemporary details, the designer managed to achieve various super stylish sneakers to suit women from day to evening. From the Flavia metallic sneakers to the Homgicon($80), the Billie Vin, the Teramo sneakericon($206) and the bright Venice sneakericon($214) in turquoise or pink combo, each design has something special that makes it attract attention, making every shoe a perfect choice for 'style & comfort-junkies'.

Thrill-seekers have the opportunity to experiment with JC Play's super fab high heel sandals that are sexy yet casual-chic and that will surely make heads turn. The interesting, edgy color choice and sole design of the Zumba and Fonda heels are perfectly balanced by the vintage chicness of the Smoosh sandals, so explore the new collection and pick your new JC favorites!

“In my opinion, they understand a signature when it's about them, but don't see when it's about somebody else,” he spits. “There is something incredibly hypocritical in PPR trying to break what I consider is my trademark. It's incredibly rude and double standards,” he says, gesticulating with frustration. “I'm like a mouse with this elephant that can crush me. They have spent so much money on lawyers. But I have to stand up for who I am, and for everyone who believes there is still the possibility to start your own thing, instead of having to be paid and employed by just one or two possible groups.”

Before setting up his own company, Louboutin designed shoes for YSL, among others. But he believes the current company has no relationship with the late designer. “As far as I'm concerned, it is driven by marketing people who don't know what they're talking about, and is totally apart from its fabulous and wonderful creator. He would never have done such a thing like that, for sure.”

Louboutin grew up in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, unaware of his parents' poverty until a classmate offered his mother a maid's job. An only son, with four older sisters, he was doted on. “She [mother] was a free spirit, never judging, the best support. When you have this education, driven by love, it keeps you straight for a long time - and when you have a solid character, you can do anything.”

Which of these women is happiest with her body?

As women finally start to embrace their curves Stephanie Bell finds that bigger can be better.

Is the tide finally starting to turn on society’s obsession with thinness? For years we have been bombarded with images of heavily air brushed impossibly skinny models held up in glossy magazines as the female ideal.

The size zero debate which raged globally in the fashion industry a few years ago did leave a stigma, making it not so hip to be super skinny anymore.

Criticism of celebrities with waif like frames is increasingly creeping into the media with Kate, the new Duchess of Cambridge, the subject of constant speculation about her health and comments about her weight.

Angelina Jolie's recent Oscar appearance had Twitter ablaze with criticisms of her thin frame with one user saying her arms looked like they were ready to snap in half.

In March, Israel took the unprecedented step of banning models from advertisements or fashion shows if they measure less than 18.5 on the body mass index (BMI).

It is part of an effort to promote health for women of all sizes, and to stop glorifying the ultra-thin.

“Beautiful is not underweight,” said Rachel Adato, one of the creators of the bill.

The lack of body diversity in the media has been blamed on the soaring number of children and young teens suffering from eating disorders.

The reality is that most “normal” people are not naturally skinny.

According to a recent survey, the average UK woman weighs 11 stone and is a size 14 and it looks like we are finally starting to embrace and celebrate those natural curves.

We talked to three real women who have very different body sizes about how their weight impacts on their happiness and self esteem and found some surprising responses.

‘Even big ladies can look great’

Donna Wilson (44), a beauty administrator from Belfast, is married to Alan (45), a maintenance engineer, and they have four children, Kerry-Ann (24) Curtis (20), Jordan (19) and Corey (16). She is size 20. She says:

I’ve never been thin. When I was a teenager I would have been a size 12. My weight went up when I had my children and at one stage I was actually heavier that I am now. I did go up to a size 28 but I lost four stone about four years ago although I have put two or three stone back on.

I can’t say I wouldn’t like to be a bit slimmer and I know I could do with toning up for my health but I am happy with how I look.

I love going out for meals and I love socialising. I like to enjoy life and so I don’t let my weight get me down or stop me from doing things.

I love fashion and I love shopping, when it comes to clothes I am a bit of a shopaholic. I always try to make the best of what I’ve got and yes, sometimes I do feel sexy. I love the High Street boutiques, River Island, Next and Dorothy Perkins as they all do my size and I like stylish clothes. I can pick up a nice maxi dress in River Island or leggings in Topshop which I wear with a long vest. I might have the big knickers on underneath to hold my belly in but if I feel good in something then it makes me happy and confident.

Kristin Cavallari Talks Pregnancy

Mom-to-be Kristin Cavallari graces the latest cover of Glamoholic magazine. In the accompanying interview, the 25-year-old beauty talks about pregnancy, wedding, her new shoe line, and future plans. Check out these highlights from her interview!

Kristin Cavallari Talks Pregnancy and Future Plans with Glamoholic
Kristin Cavallari Talks Pregnancy and Future Plans with Glamoholic
Mom-to-be Kristin Cavallari graces the latest cover of Glamoholic magazine. In the accompanying interview, the 25-year-old beauty talks about pregnancy, wedding, her new shoe line, and future plans. Check out these highlights from her interview!

Mom-to-be Kristin Cavallari graces the newest cover of Glamoholic magazine. Inside, the beautiful 25-year-old star talks about pregnancy saying that, "I am actually enjoying it which may sound crazy to some women but I've had a really easy pregnancy. The first couple of months I was tired but I didn't have any morning sickness. Which, I'll take being tired any day over throwing up."

On learning something new about herself while being pregnant, Cavallari admits that, "Your motherly instincts naturally kick in. We weren't trying to have a kid but we weren't not trying, we left it up to fate. I knew there was a possibility but I was really excited! Even if you are trying, just to see a positive result is shocking!"
But does she know if is a boy or girl? "No, not yet. I will find out on Monday, but even if I knew I wouldn't tell you," Kristin confesses. Still, she doesn't have a preference. "No I don't, I just want to have a healthy baby," she adds.

Asked about what qualities she hopes her child would take from her and her fiance, Cavallari says that, "We're both very loyal and Jay is extremely down to earth, which is one of the things I love about him. I'm very driven and I get that from my dad. My dad has always pushed me to do the best I can do so I hope that I can pass that along to my kids."

Asked if she and Jay are planning for their wedding, Kristin says that, "Yes and no. We're talking about the possibility of having another kid right away and then getting married so we can have 2 kids close in age. We want 4 kids, so we're thinking maybe have one more, then get married, then have two more but we'll see, it all depends on how the first one goes."

On her favorite collections at NY Fashion Week, Kristin explains that, "I love New York especially during fashion week the energy is so great. I'm a huge fan of Rachel Roy and it was the first time I had seen one of her presentations. Also, Betsey Johnson I go to every time, it's so fun, it's like a big party. I went to Dennis Baso who was a new one for me. I hosted the Pre-Oscar show on 'E!' so I was specifically looking for a dress for that. I didn't end up wearing one of his pieces but I had a lot of fun and he had some great stuff, so I am a new fan of his."

Speaking about her new shoe line, Cavallari told the magazine that, "It will be in stores in February. I'm working with Chinese Laundry and I'm so excited because I have been wanting a shoe line for years!" As for the inspiration for the collection, she reveals that, "The most important thing is for it to be affordable. I think it's important for girls to know that you don't have to spend nine hundred dollars on a pair of shoes to look and feel sexy. I'll have some boots, heels, your classic staples of every shoe collection."

Robert Pattinson sports Gucci costume in Cosmopolis

Gucci has collaborated with costume designer Denise Cronenberg to create the sleek and elegant silhouette for actor Robert Pattinson in the new contemporary thriller, “Cosmopolis”. The film, directed by David Cronenberg and produced by Paulo Branco and Martin Katz, will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 25th and will be released in theaters later this year.

In the film, Pattinson’s character is dressed in one of Gucci’s signature silhouettes - a black two button notch lapel Signoria. The impeccably tailored suit is paired with a fitted white cotton shirt, slim black silk tie, leather belt with silver buckle detail and black leather lace up dress shoes. “We are so pleased to work with Robert on ‘Cosmopolis’ and to create an effortless and classic style for his character,” said Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini.

Pattinson plays a young billionaire asset manager, Eric Packer, on a twenty-four hour odyssey across Manhattan. Despite traffic jams and a looming financial disaster, Packer (Pattinson) risks travelling cross-town in his stretch limousine for a haircut. During delays including a presidential motorcade, a celebrity funeral, and political protests, Eric receives visitors, both for business and pleasure, in his opulent, high-tech automobile. As the encounters and the economic crisis intensify, Packer cynically gambles with his clients’ fortunes and his own.

Toronto based Cronenberg is known for costume design work in films including Crash, The Incredible Hunk and A Dangerous Method. Gucci was pleased to collaborate with Cronenberg for this film. "The concept I had in mind for Rob's character was decided as I read the script. It would require an elegant, expensive suit, white shirt and slim tie. Rob wore the collection head to toe - I could not have accomplished this look without the help of Gucci,” said Cronenberg.

As the high-end Chinese consumer becomes more discerning in a slowing luxury goods market, analysts say Hong Kong-listed Italian fashion house Prada can face up to the challenge given its attractive product mix and store expansion plans, forecasting huge gains for the company`s stock over the next 12 months.

Erwan Rambourg, Head of Consumer Brands Research at HSBC, says as consumers in China - the second-largest market in the world for luxury goods after the US - become more "sophisticated" and "demanding," Prada's product range that includes pure leather bags and smaller logos, is turning out to be more appealing than those of competitors Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

"Chinese consumers are moving away from logo driven brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Prada looks like a edgy, newcomer with higher image potential," Rambourg said.

"Prada's presence in China is limited, which helps them have a more exclusive image. There is first mover disadvantage for companies like Louis Vuitton, they can only lose share," he added. While Prada has 19 retail outlets in China, Gucci has 48 stores.

Zara for Dh10, Mango for Dh15

A Zara dress for Dh10? Yes, that is the price you would pay for other branded dresses as well at the city's second-hand stores that are fast becoming a favourite hunting ground for many Shoppers bag amazing bargains at thrift and second-hand shops in Dubai as they look at ways to curb spending

DUBAI: "I once bought a Barbara Bui silk and velvet top for Dh5!" says Rose Fernandes. "It should have cost me approximately Dh7,000 to Dh10,000! And people wonder why I rummage through thrift stores. There are hidden treasures to be discovered!"

Her friend, Manuella, says, "One man's trash is another's treasure. I often find dresses, skirts and trousers from Motivi, Mango and Zara for Dh10 or Dh15. The clothes are in really good condition, as if they've been worn just once or twice."

Hanane Younes, operations and facilities supervisor at the Dubai Charity Centre (run by the Dubai Centre for Special Needs), the city's largest and most popular second-hand store, says their Karama shop is always packed. "Everything is sold at a fraction of its original cost, and only good quality products are sold," she says.

If the increasing numbers of shoppers are anything to go by, more people are choosing to make their fashion and household purchases from second-hand stores than ever before.

As people look for ways to curb spending, buying second or pre-loved items isn't the taboo it once used to be. In fact, the city's thrift, charity and second-hand shops are all the rage.

Younes says their thrift store in Karama does better business than ever before. "Although our primary aim is to generate profits for our special needs centre, we love being eco-friendly by recycling clothes and household items as well as giving the less fortunate the same advantages as the fortunate."

A walk through the store reveals amazing bargains. With men's suits being sold for as little as Dh20, children's clothes for Dh5, and everything else from books, shoes, toys and household items being sold for Dh5, going up to a maximum of Dh20, the store is a shopper's delight.

"I've just picked up a Vivaldi CD for my husband, an Aerosmith CD for me, a beautiful blanket for our baby, some soft toys, six white pots for our plants, a Zara shirt for my husband and a pink leather handbag for me, all for Dh75!" says Filipina Rosalinn Ruiz, a personal assistant in Dubai.

"If you look hard, you'll find a gem hidden amongst the stacks," says Bleese, who bought an original Gucci bag for under Dh300, at over 95 per cent off its original price.

Quebec protests gain high profile support

Quebec's student protest movement gained some high-profile supporters in the fight against tuition fee increases over the weekend as anger mounted and demonstrations continued against a new law aimed at curbing the three months of demonstrations. Montreal police arrested more than 180 people on Sunday night.

Quebec's provincial government passed an emergency law Friday restricting protests, including a requirement that police be informed eight hours before and told the route of any demonstration that includes 50 or more people. Demonstrations were held again Sunday, including a rowdy evening march, for the 27th night in a row.

The new law has only served to fuel the student movement.

The nightly demonstration was quickly declared illegal by police after it started at around 8:30 p.m. after objects were thrown at police, said Sgt. Ian Lafreniere early Monday.

A first group of protesters was cornered and 110 people were arrested. As the demonstration continued, more arrests were made after demonstrators climbed on police and civilian vehicles, causing damage, he said.

The previous night's protest also ended with dozens of arrests as police clashed with protesters.

Student groups have panned the law and said they would challenge it in court and continue demonstrations.

A major demonstration is scheduled Tuesday to mark the 100th day of protest. Montreal police said more than 200 demonstrations have taken place since the student movement began in February. More than 300 arrests have been made in the last week.

The movement also gained celebrity support. Montreal indie rockers Arcade Fire wore the movement's iconic red squares during an appearance with Mick Jagger on Saturday Night Live. Twitter erupted with questions about the meaning of the fashion statement, while student backers praised the move.

Activist and filmmaker Michael Moore also gave his support to the students, featuring links about the issue on his website.

The conflict has caused considerable social upheaval in the French-speaking province known for having more contentious protests than elsewhere in Canada.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest has refused to roll back the tuition hikes of $254 per year over seven years. Quebec has the lowest tuition rates in Canada, but even after such an 80 percent increase, it would remain among the lowest in the country.

While the new legislation aimed at stopping the protests is unpopular among students and rights groups, a poll published the day after legislation was passed showed two-thirds of Quebecers supported it.

The U.S. consulate in Montreal last month warned visitors and U.S. expatriates to be wary of demonstrations.