Scene + Heard

Thursday, 30 December 2010

Last Minute NYE Outfit








So you plan to paint the town red this New Year’s Eve, but you have nothing to wear. Well why not dash to your nearest New Look store, and indulge in some of this fabulous finery. Glamorize a pair of black skinny jeans with one of our delightful tops and team with skyscraper heels. Alternatively opt for one of our lush dresses, finish with some festive nail polish and metallic beauty products - we know you love a bit of sparkle, this time of year, he, he!!

So with a glass in hand, we wish you a joyous night of celebrating new year Idol style!!!

Monday, 27 December 2010

We Love Burlesque








The film everyone’s talking about this Christmas, starring pop-star Christina Aguilera and Hollywood legend Cher. Christina returns to her Lady Marmalade days in the film, surrounded in a world of glitter, suspenders and corsets galore.

The movie follows Aguilera’s character Ali Rose, a young waitress who travels to Las Vegas to pursue her dream as a dancer. Cher’s character plays the role of Ali’s mentor, and we think the casting couldn’t be more perfect.

The 63 year old actress looks amazing in her character’s raunchy costumes, and apparently some of them even belong to Cher herself, as she didn’t like what her character had originally been given to wear. Now that is a wardrobe we would love to rummage through!

Burlesque takes you behind the scenes of the glamorous world of showbiz, following young, talented Ali Rose as she tries to make it in the cut-throat world of Hollywood.

We can see why flamboyant Christina Aguilera was picked for the role of Ali, who arrives in Las Vegas as a small town girl and soon becomes a superstar. With all that singing and dancing, we reckon Burlesque will get even the guys up on their feet!

We reckon this is one time where dressing up to go to the cinema is only right.
Now where are those fishnets..?!

Tuesday, 21 December 2010

Jessie J





British singer/songwriter Jessie J is fast becoming one of the most exciting and anticipated artists and is set to hit it big time in 2011.

Her highlights include writing songs for Christine Aguilera, Justine Timberlake and also penning Mylie Cyrus’ Number 1 hit Party In The USA. She has also toured with Macy Gray, Girls Aloud and Jules Holland.

The Essex-born chic will also pen Britney Spear’s new comeback record and that will have a distinctly British flavour. The singer recently mused: "It's a great feeling knowing that what I'm writing might be heard by people from all over the world."

We really enjoy Jessie’s music and was super thrilled that she popped into the Idol showroom.

Sunday, 19 December 2010

Golden Girl





Raised in a small town in Surrey, Alice Gold kick-started her music career travelling around the States in a 1978 Winnebago, which she won in a poker game. Gold began playing gigs in Nashville, Tennessee, home to the iconic Kings of Leon.

Alice’s alternative background doesn’t end there. Having lived on a boat to avoid 9 to 5 London life, this musician is somewhat of a free-spirit. Alice cites her inspiration as Janis Joplin, The Pixies, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix, as well as Idol favourite David Bowie.

Alice recorded her album, ‘Seven Rainbows’, in only 22 days, without any financial backing or record label. Song writing since the age of 9, she was inspired by seeing 1980s girl-band The Bangles on TV, and realising it was possible for girls to play guitar.

The singer has a 1960s, psychedelic sound, and her debut single ‘Orbiter’ is melodic and full of catchy lyrics and guitar riffs. Think ’I Blame Coco’ with some guitars thrown into the mix and you get a good idea of what Alice Gold is all about.

Alice Gold is also setting the fashion world alight with her tousled blonde mane and hippy style, which compliments her music perfectly. With her model-like features and husky, soulful vocals, we think Alice would be a must-have guest at any Christmas party!

Alice is supporting Athlete on their UK tour now. Catch her live, you won’t regret it!

Friday, 17 December 2010

Quick-Fire Questions | Vivienne Gawley


We caught up with Idol's hilariously funny and sassy PR & Marketing Assistant Viv, to ask her a few questions. As always her responses are pure slapstick and and make you spurt your coffee out in laughter...


Who is your Idol? 
Coco Chanel, for all she’s done for the world of fashion. Without her, I might not have a job.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say to them? Charlie Chaplin, and I’d ask him why he chose that moustache, over all other moustache options.



What is the best place you have visited in the world? Scopello in Sicily. Absolutely beautiful Sicilian countryside with a cavernous secluded beach but to be honest I’ve not visited many places, second to that I’d say American Adventure.



Which famous females style do you most admire?
 Chloe Sevigny

What are you wearing? Metallic black leggings, black jumper and platform wedge boots, accessorised with a cappuccino.



What is your favourite colour socks to wear? Black, although I do have some great cow print socks, with pink toes.



If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
DVDs, a DVD player with everlasting life, and a quilt.



Who is your secret crush? Secret crush? As in someone, I shouldn’t admit to? I’m not sure I should tell you but I’ll say Mike Myers, as he’s kept me laughing in his various guises for years.



Most hated chore on the chore list? Paying bills



I’m good at...sleeping



I’m bad at…waking up



I relax by
…Sleeping



The best things in life are… going to be mine, hopefully, one day.



My ambition is to be…happy, in all my pursuits.

Tuesday, 14 December 2010

Male Muse | Pharrell Williams




When we asked Design Director Donovan Pascal what kind of man he designs Idol Menswear for his immediate reaction was “Pharrell Williams.”

Well we can see why Pharrell is a super talented recording artist, producer, musician, fashion designer and even furniture designer! Williams who has worked with everyone from Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake to Beyonce, recently responded when being quizzed about creativity: "Sometimes you’re not expecting anything and then an idea seemingly comes out of thin air. The next day you go in and say, there it is. I cannot believe it. I made something from nothing. When you are able to materialize something, it is an amazing feeling."

Deep stuff Pharrell, we wish we could conjure you up in our Christmas stocking!

Sunday, 12 December 2010

We love Sofia!








Sofia Coppola is talented, stylish and successful. By the age of 39 she has already worked as an actress, producer and film director, and has become an international style icon in the process. Her father, Francis Coppola is the genius behind The Godfather and Apocalypse now, proving that talent really does run in the family. Sofia is the first American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Directing for her 2003 film Lost in Translation.

As the brains behind Marie Antoinette and The Virgin Suicides, Sofia has an impressive list of celebrity chums, including actress Kirsten Dunst and cousin Nicholas Cage. (No, we’re not kidding!) Sofia also has two children with rock star Thomas Mars. We wonder if they will follow in their parents’ famous footsteps?

Sofia is famous for her outstanding cinematography and the subtle touches in her films which make them unique. Check out the Converse worn by the characters in Marie Antoinette and you get an idea of the playfulness behind her films.

We also love Sofia for her impeccable dress sense and effortless beauty. Having modelled for Juergen Teller for the Marc Jacobs fragrance campaign in 2002, Sofia has also interned at Chanel and directed the commercial for Miss Dior Cherie perfume.

Sofia’s signature look consists of Breton striped tops, red lipstick and over-sized men’s shirts. Her Italian ancestry is shown through her classic style, often seen rocking an all-black ensemble or an LBD with a twist.

Sofia’s new film ‘Somewhere’ is out now and was filmed at the notorious celebrity hangout Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. It follows the troubled life of an actor, played by Stephen Dorff, and stars Dakota Fanning’s little sis, Elle.

If The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette are anything to go by, Somewhere will definitely be worth a watch. Plus, the soundtrack is fab.

Sofia, you rock!

Thursday, 9 December 2010

Cher In Idol



It was great to see Cher Lloyd from X Factor wearing our Idol Marble Print top we love the leather trouser and glitzy bag combo…here she shines star quality.

Cher appeared on stage with Cheryl earlier this week for a homecoming appearance in Malvern, check out the two on stage together! During a performance of the Soulja Boy/ Keris Hilson track 'Turn My Swag On', Cher pulled her mentor on stage to join her. Now, do you think this is cool or cringeworthy?

Wednesday, 8 December 2010

Quick-Fire Questions | Hannah Man




We caught up with Idol’s gorgeously sharp Marketing Manager Hannah Man to pose her some quick-fire questions. Hannah is super fun to party with, is always spot-on in the style stakes and has a knack for all aspects of visual communications. We wanna know, just what makes her tick…?

Who is your Idol? Debbie Harry

What are you three wardrobe staples? Black Lame leggings, oversized gold necklace and killer heel ankle boots.

What is your philosophy of fashion? Keep it sharp and simple, accessorize well and stick to what suits you.

What's your favorite place in the world? London

What is the most outrageous thing you've ever done? I couldn't tell you!!!

I'm good at...Getting to the point

I'm bad at...Pretending to like something

My ideal night out would be…Sushi & Champagne then dancing to Kris-Di Angelis!

I relax by...Having a glass of vino in a candle-lit bath.

The best things in life are... Love, Friends, Fashion & Music.

My ambition is to be... Immortal.

Sunday, 5 December 2010

Lissie





Here at Idol we can’t stop listening to singer/songwriter Lissie, with her soulful lyrics and unique sound. It’s the perfect music to chill out to on those short winter nights. Born on the banks of the Mississippi river in the US, Lissie is a true country girl and has been singing since she was 9 years old.

Lissie got her big break playing at her local coffee shop, before moving to LA, where her stunning voice was finally recognised. Having worked with the people behind Kings of Leon, Lissie’s debut album, ‘Catching a Tiger’ is definitely worth a listen. A mixture of country, blues, pop and Laura Marling-esque folk, this record deserves a place on everyone’s Christmas list!

Lissie is inspired by the small town in Illinois where she grew up, and this is clear in her track ‘Oh Mississippi’, where she pays tribute to the famous river itself, staying close to her roots. The singer has already secured a fan-base here in the UK, where she’s been featured in Q magazine and the Sunday Times, to name but a few. Ellie Goulding is also a fan, having joined Lissie onstage at The Great Escape last spring.

We love Lissie’s raw talent and laid-back vibe. Her surfer chick style and tanned, natural skin make us long for hazy summer days driving around with the wind in our hair.

Anyone for a road trip?

Wednesday, 1 December 2010

Fearne Cotton | Casual Chic



We love this candid snap of Fearne Cotton wearing our gorgeous Aviator jacket it’s perfect for nippy weather! The oversized faux fur collar is perfect for keeping snug and the cracked leather look gives a vintage worn-in feel that’s spot on.

We wonder whose the mystery man carrying the Diet Coke?