Idol Press Event

The Idol press event was so much fun, there were so many exciting elements like our super glossy stand filled with Idol gems and the alcohol fueled bar manned by generous staff! Also the camera men filming for the New Look channel were making us strike a pose, the mini scones with jam & cream that were just scrumptious and of course not forgetting the stylish editors and celebs milling around. The music was electric and kept us entertained whilst gossiping with our fave fashion bloggers. We also had time to catch up with Idol’s Design Director Donovan Pascal to quiz him on a few things Idol related….

Tell us about the new womenswear collection that launches in New Look stores in March 2011
The collection captures a pretty rock style with lots of romantic ruffles; it’s pretty, flirty and feminine. There are lots of easy-to-wear day dresses that are very 1950’s inspired also casual, over-sized boyfriend shorts that look hot with signature rock tees. The collection is perfect for lazy park days and is what you would want to wear at all the summer festivals. I was feeling a blue mood so there are lots of turquoise, electric blue and navy to keep spring nights looking cool.

What is a typical day and more importantly night for the girl you design for?
The Idol girl is always on the go and does not follow rules or trends, she likes to live life to her own rhythm. She is fun, vivacious and does not take herself too seriously. She loves going to gigs, dancing ‘till dawn, experimenting with fashion, hair & beauty and her friends and socializing is what makes her smile.

What has been the highlight of the two-day press event?
The event has been action packed and we have had some very important fashion editors and bloggers visiting us and enjoying a glass of champagne or two! It was interesting to see more men’s editors visiting this season and there’s a lot of buzz around the new menswear line, which is very exciting. My highlight was definitely catching up with Amelle from the Sugababes who came by to get a sneaky preview of what she’ll be wearing in spring!

Tell us a secret from behind the scenes of the press day...any gossip?
The evening before the press event there were many people running around making sure that everything was just so. Admittedly there were a few hiccups…the mannequins were late and some of the lights were not working…at one point I was a little concerned that everything would come together. But everyone worked very hard and when the press arrived the next day they would never have known about our little dramas the night before!

What is your favourite piece from the collection and why?
I really like the white platted, chiffon number, shown here, I put a lot of love into it with my own hands and I think it’s fresh and poetic. It also encapsulates the theme of the collection, which is True Romance, as it’s pretty and ultra feminine. I can imagine this being the perfect dress to wear dancing on the beach barefoot in Ibiza in the summer. It seems weird talking about summer, when it’s sub zero outside!

Who is the Idol man you design for?
My Ideal Idol man is Pharrel Williams.

Zola Jesus

She’s been named “the world’s most stylish goth” and her music has been compared to Kate Bush and Siouxie and the Banshees.

Having been snapped for Dazed and Confused, NME, Vogue Italia and Nylon magazine, we reckon this 21 year old from Wisconsin is set for big things. Currently studying for a Philosophy degree, Zola, whose real name is Nika Roza Danilova, is classically trained in opera and has been singing since the age of 14.

Her new single, ‘Sea Talk’, showcases her gothic vocals perfectly and the video is reminiscent of a 1980s power ballad, but with a modern twist. Her new EP ‘Stridulum II’ is out in March, and Zola is currently touring through Europe to promote her music.

Zola’s platinum blonde locks, pale skin and black-hued wardrobe make the singer stand out from the crowd, and we think she is making the goth look cool again. Just in time for winter! Take inspiration from Zola’s style with the Idol Fringe Front Tunic and the Idol Buckle Platform Boot for a gothic meets rock-chick look. Embrace your inner goth!

Majestic Viktoria Modesta

Idol really enjoyed Viktoria Modesta’s live music showcase this Tuesday at The Hoxton Bar & Grill. All eyes were glued on her, she’s incredibly magnetic, with her sultry sophisticated voice, the sound is electro-pop mixed with the tempo of rock ‘n’ roll. Her look at the showcase was her usual mix of vintage silver screen glamour mixed with futuristic references and her signature bold-shoulder. Viktoria has become a friend of Idol and is a regular fixture at Pooldisco at Shoreditch House.

A rising star in the making, she has been a fixture on the underground, fashion and alternative scene for some time and has established herself as a singer, model and muse…phew!! With naturally starlet looks, we think she looks like a modern day Vivien Leigh, we predict this girl is going to be huge. We absolutely love the Jane Bond track, remixed by Kris Di Angelis & Sam Hunwicke (Feat. Malik Tebrizli) listen in, when she appeared at the Evo Music Rooms, on C4.

Other artists who performed include Feral (MC Kinky) and Pandering & The Golddiggers, but we think Viktoria was without doubt the star of the night.

V Mag – Timeless Starlets

V Magazine features some of our favourite Hollywood idols, gorgeous leading ladies
Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda and Sigourney Weaver grace the cover for the Age Issue.

The black and white shots are taken by photography team Inez & Vinoodh and we think that all three ladies look fantastic, despite being a wee bit older than other Hollywood starlets.

Also it’s so making us want to re-visit Thelma and Loiuse again…damn my copy is on VHS!!

Star Dress

This gorgeous Idol Chain Print Dress has been a star of the season. Fashion editors have been going crazy over this beautiful, multi coloured chain print dress with structured shoulders and 60’s short-fit style. This is a great party-piece and would look fantastic with an architectural wedge shoe, team with a metallic clutch and it’s a killer look for the dance-floor! Since the new Armour Collection launch on the 2nd November, this spectacular dress has already appeared in Grazia, Cosmopolitan and You Mag and is certainly a fave amongst stylish editors.

We Heart Hermione!

Emma Watson may be most famous for her role in the Harry Potter trilogy, but she’s come a long way from the frumpy Hogwarts uniform her character Hermione is so renowned for. Former face of Burberry and friend of Karl Lagerfeld, Emma is a staple on the front row of any hot new designer’s collection, and has just graced the front cover of this month’s Vogue.

Emma caught the attention of the fashion industry after swapping her long, flowing mane for an elfin style crop, putting her straight to the top of the trend pack. Emma’s new hairdo has spurred comparisons to 1960’s supermodel Twiggy, and we can see why. The actress’s new cut follows the end of her contract with Harry Potter, where she wasn’t allowed to cut her character’s trademark long hair.

Having starred in the new video for One Night Only and modelled alongside lead singer George, Emma is no stranger to seeing her face on billboards across the world. Despite her showbiz lifestyle, Emma has chosen to ditch acting for the time being and taken to the states, where she is currently studying at the prestigious Brown university. After being papped in Christopher Kane, Rodarte and Chanel, Emma’s edgy style makes her the best dressed student around.

We would kill to rummage around in Emma’s wardrobe, or even just her phone book!

Kate Moss Untouched

Ever wondered what a super-model looks like without all the trickeries of photo-shop, well check out December’s issue of Self Service. The models recent shots in the Valiserie lingerie campaign, got bloggers buzzing about the heavy use of photo-shop on her bod. For this spread maybe the model chose to bear all to prove that there are just not any warts!

Her career maybe ageing but she still looks good! These pics prove just how unstoppable Miss Moss is, reinstalling her sexy prowess image once again.

Sunday Girl!

Otherwise known as Jade Williams, the 21 year old got her name from working at her local pet-shop every Sunday, where no one knew who she was. Being anonymous obviously paid off and became the inspiration for her music career, meaning the days of cleaning out fish-tanks are long gone.

The video for Sunday Girl’s debut single, ‘Stop Hey’ features an Alice in Wonderland style stately home where Jade dances around with a huge Dalmatian, dressed in a ball gown. As you do! Sunday Girl’s soulful lyrics and husky vocals make her music as unique as the story behind her name.

Having studied Set Design at Wimbledon College of Art, Jade is the genius behind her stage props, and describes her own style as “scruffy Chanel.” Vogue have scouted the singer as their ‘Talent to Watch’ and we can see why. Jade perfects the 60’s look with sultry eye make-up and vintage sunglasses, paired with on-trend brogues and skinny jeans.

The singer also has her own blog on the ‘Sunday Girl’ website which she updates regularly. Pretty cool if you ask us. Catch Jade on tour with Ellie Goulding and hear this amazing artist for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!

Imitating Icons

Idol are feeling this super cool shoot inspired by legendary photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and musical icon Patti Smith for VMAN magazine. Photographing his second story for VMAN, Christian Brylle interestingly stars in his own editorial.

Christian Brylle & Freja Beha Erichsen pay homage to the icons of days gone by, transforming themselves into the hippie culture’s most influential couple.

Rob Downes’ In Music

We caught up with Rob, who is responsible for the ultra cool Idol graphics on our fave tees and dresses to ask him his top 5 songs in the world. We’re lovin’ this series of pics of him with his pals and gorgeous model girlfriend Wei, who we caught up with back in October, larking about before a house party. As predicted he’s come up with some real classic gems, we wish we had his long mane of hair to rock out with him to!! Have a listen….cheers mate x

Isabella Blow’s Life in Film

Idol are excited to hear that the late Isabella Blow’s life is going to be made into a film, based on Lauren Goldstein Crowe's book, Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion.
The film follows the release of a biography by Isabella’s widower, Detmar Blow and friend Tom Sykes, called ‘Blow by Blow.’ The book talks about the fashion icon’s work with Alexander McQueen, whom she counted as a close friend.

Rumour has it that John Galliano will be playing himself in the biopic, but the actors to play Blow and McQueen have yet to be announced. Blow’s favourite milliner Philip Treacy will also have a starring role in the film. Isabella tragically died in 2007 aged 48, and her death shocked many whose lives she had touched both in and outside the fashion world.

Having been credited as the driving force behind McQueen’s rise to fame, Isabella was known for her bright red lips and extravagant hats designed by friend Treacy. During her life Isabella worked for Vogue, Tatler and The Sunday Times, making her big break into fashion as Anna Wintour’s assistant after moving to New York in the 1980s.

Isabella was a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to many. We can’t wait for the film!

Alexis Jordan

When this bright, stunning 18 year old came bouncing into the Idol office last week we could tell she has all the right ingredients to go straight to the top! With her flowing red hair, awe-inspiring voice and vibrant personality, this girl screams super-star! Alexis is signed to JAY-Z’s label and her new single Happiness that came out on Sunday is tipped to be a number one hit. We were thrilled she visited, she absolutely adores the Idol collection and here she is pictured wearing our Idol Tie Die Dress. Alexis also chose to wear Idol jeans for her appearance on T4 this weekend and looked hot!!

We think Happiness is a cracker of a tune…it’s soulful, sexy and lifts your spirits, just like Alexis!

P.S thanks for the snap Miss Jordan. x

Mark Ronson & Boy George TUNE!

Boy George and producer Mark Ronson have lay down a fantastic track, ‘Somebody To Love Me’, featured on the new Mark Ronson and The Business INTL’s album, ‘Record Collection’. The video for the song takes you back to the Boy George age, and ‘new romantic’ era of the 1980’s, picture face paint, a slap of leather, flashes of colour, crucifix crosses and penciled beauty spots! We love Mark, George and this tune!!!

This single is out on November 28th and we’re already addicted.