Condé Nast are opening up their archives for a new exhibition on June 15th as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival. Featuring an impressive collection totalling 160 of fashions most beautiful photographs from the past 100 years including early work by David Bailey, Cecil Beaton, Edwin Blumenfeld and Corinne Day, this is a great opportunity for see these works of art on display.

The exhibition curator Nathalie Herschdorfer was given access to the international Condé Nast archives in New York, London, Paris and Milan. The pictures themselves offer an amazing insight into a century of fashion imagery, taken by more than 80 photographers. Nathalie credits publisher Condé Nast himself for building the foundations of such an impressive archive, after he scouted Irving Penn, Edward Steichen and William Klein.

"Mr Condé Nast understood that a powerful cover would bring him more readers," said Herschdorfer. "The first Vogue covers are works of art. In the early Twenties, he realised what the photographic medium could bring to his magazines. He was a man of his time and was looking ahead. He wanted to work with people who were talented artists and not necessarily good practicians. The vision of the photographer was recognised as a value, and then the photographer was asked to adapt it to the magazine's needs."

She described her selection process, "I was looking at strong, powerful works which announced the mature work of these photographers. There is a Helmut Newton style, a David Bailey style, a Peter Lindberg style, a Miles Aldridge style. The works in the show announce the best of these styles. This is a walk through the 20th Century because looking at fashion images shows also the way that the society has changed and evolved. Each image tells a story and invites us to engage with it, but it also encapsulates something of the tastes, the aspirations and the dreams of its time."

Coming Into Fashion: A Century Of Photography at Condé Nast opens June 15 until September 8 at Edinburgh City Art Centre.

Albert Watson for Vogue, May 1977


Deborah Turbeville for Vogue, May 1975


Vans Lamsweerde & Matatin for French Vogue, October 2002


Edward Steichen for Vogue, December 1923


Norman Parkinson for Glamour, October 1949


John Rawlings for Vogue, March 1943


Clifford Coffin for Vogue, June 1949


Guy Bourdin for French Vogue, February 1955

All pictures: Norman Parkinson

Written by Rose Humble 

Highlights from fashions most glamorous night and how you can get your hands on them

Last weekend saw the worlds A-list descending on New York to attend the most glamorous event in their calendars, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Costume Institute Gala.

Red carpet glitz and glamour got an edgy twist with this year's theme, "PUNK: Chaos to Couture" and the stars didn't shy away at the chance to play dress-up.

Topshop made a collection of custom-made dresses for the event that were worn by guests and will be available to buy later this year. Designed and made at Topshop's design HQ in London, the gowns were worn by Nicole Richie, Jaime King, Jourdan Dunn, Ashley Madekwe and Julianna Hough. The collection will go on sale this September and will retail from $465 to $775 (at current exchange rate), a bargain for a red-carpet ready gown. The dresses sit within Topshop Limited Edition range and will be available in small quantities at stores in New York, LA and London and on Topshop.com. I think this is a great idea and will spark a new trend.

Here are my fashion highlights from the night:


Miley Cyrus chose a Marc Jacobs dress, Prada shoes and Eddie Borgo jewellery. I was expecting her do go over the top, so was happy when I saw her in this great dress.

 
Elizabeth Banks dazzled in an Atelier Versace dress with Brian Atwood shoes and bag and Kara Ross jewellery.


Jennifer Lawrence kept her look simple in a Christian Dior dress and jewellery, Brian Atwood heels and a Jennifer Behr headband.


Madonna wore an attention seeking outfit by Givenchy, paired with Casadei shoes. When will she learn that less is more and please next time wear underwear!


Jessica Alba looked gorgeous in this dress by Tory Burch, jewellery by Jack Vartanian and Christian Louboutin shoes and bag.


Rita Ora looked amazing in custom made Thakoon, I love her hair and make-up.


Katy Perry wowed in this Dolce & Gabbana outfit complete with crown. 


Nina Dobrev looked amazing in this unique custom Monique Lhuillier dress and Rupert Sanderson shoes. She accessorized with a Kimberly McDonald ring, and Edie Parker clutch. I love her hair and make-up and think this is a great look for her. 


Miranda Kerr looked her usual sexy self in this cut off Michael Kors dress and Tabitha Simmons shoes. She accessorized with Cartier jewellery, and spiky Christian Louboutin bag. 


Karolina Kurkova was eye catching in this sexy Mary Katrantzou outfit. 


Mary-Kate Olsen chose an interesting ensemble for this year's event, choosing a vintage Chanel Haute Couture dress, vintage fur Balmain jacket, Louis Vuitton shoes and Sidney Garber earrings.

 
Ashley Olsen was a vision of orange in this striking vintage Christian Dior Haute Couture gown with Monolo Blahnik heels and Sidney Garber earrings.

 
Anne Hathaway showcased her new blonde hair and paired it with vintage Valentino circa 1992.


Cameron Diaz stood out in Stella McCartney, I love the simplicity of the silhouette and the spiked gold belt. 


Gwyneth Paltrow wore a pink Valentino dress and Wilfredo Rosado earrings. I don't think this dress shows off or flatters her amazing figure and think she could have rocked something more daring and edgy. I find the hair and make-up boring as well. 


Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. Kim wore a Riccardo Tisci dress, gloves and shoes with Lorraine Schwartz jewellery. I don't know where to start with this ensemble... the dress is bad enough but why she chose to pair it with matching shoes and glove I don't know. She apparently had a last minute change of outfit after her original dress showed too much of her arms. It couldn't have been worse than this, she needs to embrace her arms and invest in a new maternity wardrobe. Fast.


Kristen Stewart wore a burgundy Stella McCartney all in one. I love the outfit but it's not flattering on Kristen and I don't like the shoes with it either. 


Sarah Jessica Parker went all out in an extravagant Giles Deacon dress, Philip Treacy punk couture hat, Fred Leighton and Repossi jewellery, Giles Deacon bag, and Louboutin boots. I don't love the clashing patterns of the dress and boots but she gets full points for effort.

So i have been out and about on the high street this weekend looking for what next to add to my spring wardrobe and i notice some kind of sport wear craze.

Sportswear seems to be steeling the fashion scene of recent, from draw string trousers and skirts to stylish jogging bottoms and the wedged trainers. It seems the London Olympics in 2012 has inspired designers and stylist to incorporate elements of sportswear in the various collections.

Sweat Shirts


Sweat shirts are something that have been around for quite a long time, but they used to serve the purpose of sportswear, uniforms and maybe even home slacks for some people. Only in recent years have they become trendy pieces. From printed statements, cropped to graphic print, sweat shirts are quite versatile and can be worn with skirts, printed trousers or even dungarees depending on your desired look.

1. Asos - £28
2. Asos - £32
3. Ebay - £19.99

Jogging Bottoms


For those lazy I'm not bothered days, jogging bottoms are always the way to go for a dressed down casual look, the only difference is this spring/summer can dressed up with a half tucked shirt or tee, a statement necklace and some stylish heels. For an updated take on the trend go for printed pair or for added edge indulge in a fur leather pair.

1. Suicidal Couture - £194
2. Topshop - £35
3. Lulu & Co - £285

Wedge Trainers


This season wedge trainers are creeping up all over the place, the wedge trainer phenomenon is clearly making its mark within the fashion set. After all, who wouldn't like the comfort of a sneaker with a hidden high heel? Weather its high end or high street every sporty chic needs one of these. Here are my picks

1. Asos - £159
2. Asos - £149
3. Spy Love Buy - £29.95

Written by Anu Ogunneye 

Sofia Dourvari has launched Sofia Couture in July 2012, a high-end, luxury range of women's clothing inspired by the designer's Greek roots.

All items are bespoke and Sofia Couture offers an alterations service on all garments, making them truly customized and unique to the wearer.

The designer behind the luxury ladies wear brand is Sofia Dourvari, age 30, originally from Athens, Greece. The up and coming designer has lived and worked in Manchester for ten years and she is looking to break into the vibrant UK fashion community. Sofia studied Fashion Design at Salford University then went on to complete a Masters in Textiles Technology at the University of Manchester. During her studies, she won the Best Designer Award in the International Student Festival (2007).

Sofia has many signature elements to her designs, fishtails, ruffles and gathers, elegant flowing dresses, low scoops. Black will be a key theme for the show, with graceful, feminine dresses featuring stand-out details. Many of these will feature silver and gold highlights.

Sofia says: "Fashion and design have always been my passions and since graduating I have worked for many fashion houses, both in the UK and abroad. My philosophy is to create elegant feminine designs that are creative, unusual and suitable for a wide range of occasions, from parties, galas and events, to weddings and formal dinners and even for the office. I like to create timeless designs suitable for ladies of any age, in both classic, practical shapes, in either pencil or skater-style, as well as dramatic floor-length gowns".

www.sofiadcouture.com 

Salvatore Ferragamo celebrate 35 years of their iconic Vara shoe with star studded event and exhibition of customised shoes designed by A-listers

To honour the impressive 35 year milestone of the Farragamo icon- Vara, the brand hosted a star studded event in Manhatten. Alexandra Richards DJ'd and guests were able to customise their choice of Vara or Varina shoe with a range of bold new colours and limited edition designs. For 35 years the Vara shoe has been a favourite shoe for stylish women all over the world, in 2007 it inspired the Varina, a ballet flat featuring the same iconic bow and gold plaque. It was a huge hit and soon gained a cult following amongst Hollywood's A-list.
Here are some of the stylish ladies who attended the event:


Sisters Alexandra and Theodora Richards


Lauren Remington Platt


Eva Longoria


Garrett Neff, face of the new Ferragamo fragrance


Jessica Hart and Lily Aldridge

On the Ferragamo website you can explore L'Icona, a digital collection of 21 portraits which are curated and art-directed by fine-art photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank. Each day reveals a modern iconic woman in customized Vara's or Varina's, paired with their own wardrobe and favourite Ferragamo pieces, exploring her individual style through her own words, photography, and film. With names including Olivia Palermo, Camilla Belle, Jessica Hart and Alexandra Richards it's definitely worth taking a look.

If these portraits of effortless Italian style inspire you to customise and create your own Vara or Varina, reflecting your unique personal style, you are in luck! On the Salvatore Ferragamo website you can do just that. I think this is a great idea to reinvent this iconic shoe and I can't wait to design mine!



All photos from ferragamo.com

Written by Rose Humble