Colours communicate messages and emotions, but how can you choose combinations that best represent your personality?

Whilst the safest option is to play within the neutral palette and inject a pop of colour, spin the colour wheel to get more creative with monochromatic, analogue and complementary combinations.

Monochromatic colours are different shades of the same colour. Max Azria’s viridian green dress is stylish and understated, most suited to reserved and stable personalities like Michelle Obama.

Analogues, on the other hand, are placed next to each other on the colour wheel. Roberto Cavalli’s wrap dress is sophisticated and fashion forward, most suited to elegant and poised fashionistas like Thandie Newton.

In contrast, complementary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel and represent creative and extroverted personalities like Joy Bryant. You’re sure to be the life of the party in a multi-coloured dress from Marc by Marc Jacobs!

With basic guidelines in place and a colour wheel at hand, throw caution to the wind and mix it up with colour combinations that match your mood and personality.

Bedcrumb is an online emporium of accessories with quintessential English charm and cheeky girlishness. Their Spring/Summer 2010 additions will keep you looking chic and whimsical at all times.

From iPod cases to passport covers, each piece features original illustrations of charming ladies with vintage appeal. With a diverse range of products at hand, the quirky characters each have whimsical names such as Vivien, Dot, Marilyn and Lola.

Keep your Jackie O shades in the new Bette sunglasses case made from soft fabric with a button fastening. Available in two designs, Sunset Sweetheart and Lola Does Summer, we’ll be carrying these all summer long!

For more information, please visit www.bedcrumb.co.uk 

God Save McQueen

The fashion world experienced one of its darkest days yesterday as they mourned the sudden loss of one of its great maestros. Lee Alexander McQueen was found dead in his central London home after having reportedly taken his own life.

In his short but incandescent career, McQueen put his own stamp (typically a skull motif) on contemporary fashion, redefining notions of power and sexuality with his controversial personality and avant-garde sensibility. Dubbed “L’Enfant terrible” by the French press due to his close-cropped hair, Doc Martens and feisty attitude, this creative genius aimed to shock and awe.

McQueen once said, “I like blowing people’s minds. It’s a buzz. Like a fix, for 20 minutes, if that…We need a bit of excitement in fashion, don’t we?”

Rest assured, McQueen’s influence lasted far beyond 20 minutes as he became one of the most commercially successful and respected British designers of all time. In 2003, McQueen received a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II, won British Designer of the Year four times between 1996 and 2003, and was named International Designer of the Year at the 2003 Council of Fashion Designer Awards.

Dropping out of school at the age of 16, the youngest son of an East Ender cabbie apprenticed with conservative Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard and Gieves & Hawkes, where he famously scribbled: “I am a c***” on the lining of a jacket for the Prince of Wales.

His rise to fame was short and explosive, much like his career. In 1990, his MA graduate collection from Central Saint Martins was bought for £5,000 by the late fashion icon Isabella Blow, who became his close friend and mentor. She convinced McQueen to use his middle name – Alexander – instead of his first name Lee, and when Icelandic singer Björk wore a McQueen ensemble on her Homogenic album cover, McQueen skyrocketed to success.

In 1996, McQueen replaced John Galliano at Givenchy, where he remained for five years. Upon completing his contract, McQueen sold 51% of his company to Gucci Group in 2000, resulting in rapid worldwide expansion with boutiques opening in London, Milan, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. A perfume range and Puma collaboration followed and McQueen became a red carpet favourite with celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna.

McQueen’s jaw-dropping runway shows were as dramatic and controversial as the designer himself. Who could forget McQueen’s 1998 show featuring a double amputee with curved wooden legs on the catwalk? McQueen’s spectacles kept the fashion press on the edge of their front row seats as he conjured a shipwreck for Spring 2003, human chess game for Spring 2005, and life-sized hologram of supermodel Kate Moss for Fall 2006.

His ability to transform clothes into cultural tapestry was evident as his designs agitate preconceived notions of power, femininity, and romance. McQueen’s signature pieces included “bumster” trousers, skull scarves, 12-inch “armadillos” and show-stopping tartan numbers donned by Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham.

McQueen’s was often mistakenly accused of a misogynistic attitude towards women as his early shows featured the fairer sex in deathly makeup, severe silhouettes and styling. His 1992 graduation collection was inspired by Jack the Ripper and featured locks of human hair sewn into jacket linings, while his 1995 Highland Rape collection divided critics when he sent supposed rape victims down the catwalk.

Love him or loathe him, there was no doubting McQueen’s originality or penchant for the macabre.

“Perhaps by constantly flirting with death, death ends up attracting you,” said Karl Lagerfeld regarding McQueen’s recent demise.

His end might have been dark, but McQueen was one of fashion’s brightest stars. As the fashion world mourns the loss of a true visionary, McQueen’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched in a career that was nothing short of stellar.

The Chancery Red Heart Bag is from next season’s collection and sure to win over style-conscious damsels. Made from sparkly perspex, the red hot accessory features a detachable shoulder strap and glittery Westwood orb.

For something a little edgier, pick up the Ebury Heart Bag. Inspired by an earlier Gold Label collection, this iconic tote features a digitally-imprinted floral motif and is made from 100% leather.

Die-hard fasionistas will fall head over heels for Vivienne Westwood’s unique accessories. Don’t be surprised if sparks fly — you have been warned.

For further information, visit www.viviennewestwood.com

Celebrity shoe designer Natacha Marro, whose client list includes Gwen Stefani and Grace Jones, has recently unveiled  a revolutionary and glittering shoe concept.

Her very unique pair of Mary Janes are  heel-less, liquid, glittery and red, and are something which both Daphne Guinness and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz would certainly love to wear. Marro’s extravagant creations are a limited edition, and only 10 lucky women will be able to purchase them exclusively via the 20Ltd website.

Sizes are handmade to order, and it takes an average of two weeks (and $800) to have the shoes delivered directly to your doorstep. Sparkling and festive as they are, they will surely make a fabulous Christmas gift for both fashion and Hollywood lovers alike.

Image courtesy of M.A.C. Cosmetics U.K.

Who would have thought that a mouthless cat could help create one of the top lip products made for women? Since Japan-based design company Sanrio first debuted Hello Kitty on a coin purse in 1974, the irresistible white feline’s bubblegum appeal has enjoyed widespread success.Ever since M.A.C. Cosmetics and Sanrio Global Consumer Products created M.A.C Hello Kitty earlier this year, shoppers couldn’t get enough of the look marketed as channeling ‘Angelina Jolie’s sex appeal and Shirley Temple’s innocence.’

James Gager, Senior Vice President and Creative Director of M.A.C. Worldwide, believed the partnership was a no-brainer.

‘Both M.A.C. and Hello Kitty are globally loved,’ said Gager. ‘There are Hello Kitty-obsessed fans and M.A.C. addicts. Both brands represent high-end as well as street fashion, inexpensive items and couture.’ M.A.C. Cosmetics, widely used on supermodels and the average consumers to create a flawless face without breaking the bank, first approached Sanrio to collaborate on a collection that pays tribute to the famous white kitty.

M.A.C. Hello Kitty continues to channel femininity with a hot pink theme that’s bridges generation gaps. Conditioners in toasty cherry blossom and dusty rose create plump pouts. Lipsticks such as ‘Big Bow’ are matte, rich, and sensuous, all thanks to its glamorous shade of Hollywood cerise, adored by punk princesses and statuesque sirens alike. Lip gloss or ‘Dazzleglass’  are light and radiant with colours such as ‘Kitty Kouture’, a sheer pale pink with frosted red and gold shimmer. For sexy cat eyes, M.A.C. Hello Kitty offers eyeshadow quads such as ‘Too Dolly Pink’ with runway-ready shades including turquoise, sparkly black, and bright violet, one of the top trends to appear during New York Fashion Week.

While many products originally offered by M.A.C. Hello Kitty have become collectables since premiering, fans can still purchase Hello Kitty Beauty Powder in ‘Pretty Baby’ for sun-kissed cheeks with a touch of gold. If you’re vigilant enough, online boutiques offer an array of M.A.C. Hello Kitty limited edition products, including petite makeup bags and creamy lip tints, all containing the line’s signature black patent packaging and the iconic kitty face in Swarvoski crystals. Honour Hello Kitty’s 35th anniversary and add a dash of colour to the sombre winter season! Here, Kitty Kitty…

Long gloves dominated the Fall 2009 runways, but if you want to add an urban edge to your winter wardrobe, take a cue from Koi Suwannagate and Threeasfour, get creative and take the edge (or fingertips) off a staple accessory.

Slip your hands into a provocative pair of fingerless gloves by Rochas and add a hint of Victorian elegance to your winter wardrobe. Not only will these heirloom-inspired black silk crochet gloves do justice to your beautifully manicured nails, but they may be used all year round.

Joyce and Art Ostrin. Image courtesy of Early Halloween.

In a sprawling loft in the heart of Chelsea, a seasoned store bursts with musky clothes. From military uniforms to metal bras, 19th century corsets to classic couture gowns, poodle skirts to pirate tunics, the store is a pack rat’s heaven — and an exclusive one at that. At Early Halloween, you can play dress-up, but only if you’re an industry insider.

“We don’t rent to the public because I think it’s not right to the clothes,” says owner Art Ostrin. “You never know who is responsible enough to handle such fragile pieces.”

Early Halloween opened its doors the Christmas weekend of 1968 by veteran actor Art Ostrin and his sister Joyce. “Because of the theatre, I was just fascinated with clothing and jewellery from that period,” says Art. “So I toured a lot and bought a lot,” he said.

But Joyce says their fashion fascination began long before Art began acting. “I think we were born that way — with the vintage clothes gene,” she says.  “At 4 years old in the Bronx, we were taking the neighborhood kids down to our backyard and dressing them up in my mother’s clothes.”

The 8,500 sq. ft. vintage rental and styling house began by leasing its colossal collection to Hollywoord film studios, followed by fashion, photography, and publishing industries. Though Art may have been the backbone of the store, Joyce has always been its heart. “It has to do with a passion,” she says. “It’s been 41 years and that passion is still very much there.”

The store first struck industry gold when it provided costumes for the 1974 film The Great Gatsby. Since then, Early Halloween has received both movie and TV credits from the likes of Ali, A Beautiful Mind, Law & Order and The Sopranos. It  frequently scores editorial acknowledgments in Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair and W Magazine, even supplying designers with costumes to employ as creative muses. As long as these industries continue to thrive, these salient siblings will offer their unique supply to meet such high demand.

Early Halloween is at 130 West 25th Street 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001; Tel: +1 (212) 691-2933

Courtesy of Sunshine, Sachs & Associates

Tonic, a prominent media, ecommerce and community site that is focused entirely on ‘doing good’, has recently teamed up with Citta, a non-profit organization that supports remote and impoverished regions of the world, to create the ‘$100 for 100 Women in Need’ project.

From today, scarves will be sold for $100 via the Tonic website with 10% of the proceeds from every sale benefiting Citta and their work being done in impoverished areas of India and Nepal. In particular, these proceeds will fund the new Citta Jaisalmer Women’s Center in Rajasthan, India where women will be provided access to classes on health, hygiene and nutrition for themselves and their families.

Each handmade pashmina scarf features embroidered Sanskrit words selected by a diverse group of philanthropic celebrities that include Queen Latifah, Sting, David Bowie, Scarlett Johansson and Thandie Newton.

Susan Sarandon has chosen the Sanskrit word for ‘awake’ because ‘that is the first step, the basic state, the least and most one can be in their life, before any thing else can be practiced.  One must be awake to appreciate, to empathize, to act, to gain perspective and, most of all, to love.’  Thandie Newton’s word is ‘surrender’ because, as she remarks, ‘it is one of the most important words in Buddhist teachings and has come to mean a lot to me.’

Join Tonic’s ‘positively good’ revolution, follow in the footsteps of these philanthropic stars and pick up your scarf today.

Visit www.tonic.com for further details and to purchase the celebrity scarves.

Image courtesy of Markus Klinko & Indrani

Look out Paris and Nicole, here’s a socialite who not only has a massive fan base, but is throwing the party of year – across the globe. She’s one fine feline with a celebrity following including Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and electro-pop diva Lady Gaga, who recently did a photo shoot paying tribute to the idol. Muse to designers Anna Sui, Christian Dior and Betsey Johnson, this trendsetter is Japan’s most high-profile ambassador. Having just celebrated her 35th anniversary on November 1, Hello Kitty is the purrfect icon of our generation.

“Hello Kitty is an icon of Japanese pop culture with a growing international following,” said Dr. Valerie Steele, Director and Chief Curator of The Museum of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. The iconic cartoon character with a signature red bow has captivated people since she was conceived by Japanese designer firm Sanrio and made her 1974 debut on a coin purse.

This year, Hello Kitty celebrates her 35th anniversary with a European tour. Kicking off in London, the festivities begin with high tea followed by a fashion show at Sketch. Harrods will also be hosting a signing with Yuko Yamaguchi, Hello Kitty’s official designer. Across the globe, festivities are planned at Paris’ Galeries Lafayette, Milan’s Camomilla, Barcelona’s Noguera, and Stockholm’s H&M. It’s no wonder Hello Kitty has such a fashionable following!

Shoppers who can’t get enough of Hello Kitty can stock up on birthday memorabilia such as collectable dolls, retro pouches, and a five-piece Swarovski set. Culture connoisseurs can explore Hello Kitty’s history with Sanrio’s bi-coastal gallery exhibition, featuring iconic products, art and limited edition pieces. Here’s to one cool cat that isn’t afraid to make a loud statement.

Visit Kitty35.com for more information about Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary

Targeted at young aesthetes and their (hopefully deep) pockets, the New York Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) recently celebrated its one-year Anniversary with a madcap Paper Ball. The tightly curated exhibit Slash: Paper Under The Knife includes site-specific installations and new works by over 50 contemporary artists – in paper! The paper gowns on display (Rubin Chapelle, Zaldy, Kai Kuhne among others) would be coveted in any material. Cult New York label Ruffian executed a 19th century ensemble that included a hat and dog and which was laser cut, pleated, folded and crafted wholly from printed paper.

The launch was hosted by one of our favourite Mad Men, Bryan Batt, and the lovely Rose McGowan, and was attended by social glitterati and the Who’s Who of design circles. Kristeen Young, a young musician known for her style in both music and fashion merged classic with cutting-edge in striking black and white cut-outs, scoring a perfect ten for the evening.

Slash: Paper Under The Knife, Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle, New York, 10019. Until April 4 2010.

Betsey Johnson. © Ben Gabbe. Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

The Tilden Mansion on Gramercy Park has been home to The National Arts Club since the early 1900’s. Built in the 1840’s under the guidance of architect Calvert Vaux, Phillip Johnson has described the mansion as ‘one of the most beautiful’ in New York City.

Last week, The Arts Club presented designer Betsey Johnson with their annual Lifetime Achievement Award, placing the effervescent designer in the company of former award recipients Geoffrey Beene (2003), Oleg Cassini (2004), and Carolina Herrera (2005).

Even the tulle rosette-sporting pumpkins decorating the entrance were dressed à la Johnson. Betsey herself was resplendent in a citrus green mock frock and a minicrini. Five decades of her colourful past were on display in a bay window amid potted palms. Her friends, family and the fashionable present held forth in vintage Betsey Johnson threads, toasting the damsel to an evening of joy and celebration.

In true Betsey Johnson fashion, the legendary icon graciously accepted the award from Aldon James and called upon her family members to join her on stage to help present a visual timeline of her life in photos on a hot pink scroll. Johnson told the crowd that the happiness she felt was better than any of her husbands and only fell second to the birth of her daughter Lulu. “I’m so excited, honored, and thrilled! It doesn’t get any better than this,” she exclaimed.