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Friday, September 30, 2011

Who Wore Alberta Ferretti Better?

Who Wore It Better?

A Gossip Girl or Latina Actress



This first time I spotted this gorgeous pink Alberta Ferretti dress, was in April this year, when the beautiful Camilla Belle wore it for a red carpet event. Forward five months and the same dress appears in a scene of Gossip Girl, worn by our favourite television fashionista, Blair Waldorf. The pretty pink dress is from Alberta Ferretti's Fall 2011 collection, and features a tie-up halter neck and embellished doubled tiered skirt.





Left: Camilla Belle wore the salmon pink dress to the 'Good Housekeeping Annual Shine On Awards' on 12 April in New York City. Camilla accessorized with a black Salvatore Ferragamo clutch bag, Cartier jewels and two-toned ankle-strap heels by Christian Louboutin.
Right: Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) is styled in the chiffon frock for an episode of the upcoming season of Gossip Girl. She paired her dress with cream tweed Moschino jacket trimmed with frills and pearls. Blair carries a quilted Marc Jacobs handbag and walks in Roger Vivier buckle-front court heels, both in similar neutral shades.


The dress as shown on the runway by German model Luisa Bianchin. It is worn with thigh-high charcoal grey boots.


 Camilla wore her hair in a slightly messy updo, while Blair added a matching Carissa pink fascinator to her sleek hair style.




Even though I am a a fan of both stylistas, I'm going to go with Blair on this one. Her outfit is styled in a way that is not typical or predictable. I prefer her accessories as well. I had liked this dress from the moment I saw it on Camilla. But after seeing Blair in it, I like it a whole lot better. She takes the original dress and gives it so much more life and character. 

What do you think?



Thursday, September 29, 2011

Jimmy Choo Winter 2011

Jimmy Choo Bags & Shoes

Fall/Winter 2011 Collection



Jimmy Choo's Fall/Winter 2011 collection has already made countless red carpet appearances, thanks to shoe-loving socialites and actresses. The latest range is every bit as glamourous as we could expect, citing a 70's French film noir inspiration. A balance is maintained between wearable winter boots and staggeringly high heels. There are even a few ballet flats thrown in for good measure. 



The craftsmanship is exquisite; beautiful shapes are sculpted from luxurious fabrics like velvet, suede, leather and lace. Metallics and leopard print are also a common theme. Besides for the conventional black and nudes, there are sumptuous sandals present in opulent jewel tones. I've been spellbound by the embellished evening sandals, which glitter with crystal covered mesh. Each gorgeous pair of heels is accompanied by a matching belt and handbag. I like the red and black box leather quilted ones. Which are your favourites from this collection?





















Have you gotten your cheque book out yet? These heavenly pairs of heels are available for purchase from jimmychoo.com



Friday Frills





“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” 
Sri Ram

2012 MINI Cooper London Edition【Video】


England long jump champion and London 2012 hopeful J.J. Jegede today succeeded in his attempt to jump over the roofs of three cars at the launch of the MINI London 2012 Edition Models.

Built to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games, the London Edition is available in three colors (Chilli Red, White Silver and Lightning Blue) and features a Union Jack hood stripe, a white roof (with the 2012 Olympic logo) and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the car gets even London-ier with a full London skyline etched on the dashboard. The black 'lounge leather' seats feature white piping and red and blue stitching. The patriotic seats are completed with London 2012 logo and Union Jack-piped headrests. The hand brake, gear stick gaiter and floor mats also get colored stitching.

Prices start at £17,800 for the MINI Cooper and rise to £20,860 for the MINI Cooper SD. The order book is now open with deliveries planned for March 2012.



2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition2012 MINI Cooper London Edition



Press Release

MINI LONDON 2012 EDITION HITS THE STARTING BLOCKS

MINI, official partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB, has unveiled its new London 2012 special, limited edition models to celebrate the monumental London 2012 Olympic Games.

There will be just 2,012 of these special edition models built, which are available in Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD trims and come in the Union Jack themed colours; Chilli Red, White Silver or Lightning Blue. All models boast white mirror caps and a white roof featuring the iconic London 2012 Olympic graphic.

The exterior also features a distinctive Union Jack single sport stripe which runs over the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate of the car. The side scuttles also bear the London 2012 Olympic graphic. To finish off the dynamic look, the MINI London 2012 edition features unique grey 17-inch conical spoke alloy wheels - unavailable on any other MINI model.

Inside, the most striking feature is the London skyline, beautifully etched across the width of the piano-black dashboard. Silhouetting some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Battersea Power Station and the London Eye, the dashboard also displays the words "London 1 of 2012".

The London 2012 inspiration continues with red and blue stitching twined with white piping on both the front and rear Black ‘Lounge Leather' upholstery. The headrests complement the theme with Union Jack piping and a London 2012 logo is stitched on the inner edge of both front seats. Coloured stitching also features on the hand brake, gear stick gaiter and floor mats which also have piping.

All London 2012 special edition models come packed with a bundle of extra options like Lounge Leather sports seats, DAB radio, air conditioning, cruise control and chrome interior touches. MINIMALISM technology* also comes as standard; helping to make the 99g/km CO2 emitting Cooper D models exempt from London Congestion Charging.

As well as fuel sipping mpg figures and low CO2 emissions - MINI is one of the top five low CO2 car manufacturers** - drivers can enjoy the brand's trademark go-kart handling and charismatic personality in a truly patriotic driving experience.

To bag one of these must-have street accessories of 2012, the new MINI London 2012 Edition pre-sale list opens at today, with the new models hitting UK roads from March 2012. On the Road Prices for the MINI London 2012 Editions models are:

MINI Cooper Hatch £17,800
MINI Cooper D Hatch £19,080
MINI Cooper S Hatch £20,125
MINI Cooper SD Hatch £20,860


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Roberto cavalli's glam-slam hit


Gold fever hit the Milan runway with Roberto Cavalli’s ode to empire.

Roberto Cavalli: what a rush. Gold rush, that is. From the moment the first look revealed itself from behind smoky sheer screens – an outrageously embellished gilt blazer worn over a short, pleated floral skirt – it was clear that this collection would be a Cavalli hit. Part flapper, part rock chic, part Arabian princess, the combination of pretty silk dresses in colourful prints and hard-edged tuxedo dressing is a hard one to resist.

There was never a chance that the legendary label’s signature leopard print would be left out of the spotlight, this time integrated with lavish scarf prints, while white python stamped leather appeared almost like lace when worked into jackets and second-skin trousers, later appearing in black and gold. Chunky metal wrist cuffs and heavy black lacquered wedges accessorised the look. 

If the makeshift scaffolding surrounding chandeliers suspended above the runway was anything to go by, the glamour was bound to eventually fracture. Sure enough, the dresses that followed appeared in glorious stages of deterioration. Beautiful yet seemingly decaying silk florals gave way to cobwebs of ebony beaded Chantilly lace creeping down the length of backless negligee gowns.

Hanging loose from the shoulders and hugging hips before cascading to the floor in soigné folds, the dresses would surely have piqued the interest of rock royal Courtney Love who sat front row, as would the cream tulle gowns embroidered with jet beads masquerading as full body tattoos. Gold tiaras hinted that this was a regal heiress in line to inherit a crumbling empire, but if this was the case then she was going out in style.

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Reluctantly Reunited











This weekend I attended a terribly organised high school get-together. I say 'terribly' organised, because there were no invitations sent out for the event or, if there were, most of us didn't get one. Unless that was the point...hmmm. I ended up going anyway, sans misplaced invite; where a meagre 25 out of our entire class of 150 students turned up.


I heard about the gathering from a few friends – some of which refused to attend, claiming that they “didn't want to see those people again”. I see that high school politics don't just stay in school. It can follow you through life long afterwards. Initially, I didn't plan on going, but at the last minute, curiosity got the better of me as I wondered what everyone from our class had gotten up to in the past few years. It took me ages to walk the short distance from my car to the Sporthius (sports centre). I must have stopped at least five times on the way, freezing in 5 degree weather; thinking, “Should I go? Should I turn back? I haven't seen any of these people in ages. How awkward is it going to be?"


By the time I made it there (after much debate), most of the folks were merrily punch drunk, so if any of them didn't recognize me, I'm assuming it's because they had blurry vision. I must also admit that I (in my completely sober state) could barely recognize anyone either. Who would have thought that people I'd known my whole schooling career could change so much in such a short time. The ones you'd least expect (and who used to slack off at school) have established high-powered, successful careers, and the ones I never thought would settle down are now married, with kids. Some are living their big city dreams, while others found contentment in the simplicity of small town life. No one was surprised to find out that I am still somehow 'involved' with fashion. 


It was marvelous catching up with good old friends, and even better to see that they have remained as warm and wonderful as I remembered. It was also unfortunate to see that the people who thought that they were better than everyone else back then, still do. Every high school cliché that you watch in the movies truly does exist; each person I met at the reunion is living proof of it. It's funny how certain titles stay with you for the rest of your life.



I'm actually glad that I went, it made me look back and appreciate how easy and uncomplicated things were. All we lived for were those 30 minute lunch breaks and school holidays; and the most stressful thing we ever had to encounter was the next maths exam.

All those awful Accounting lessons, Physics extra class and Shakespeare essays were almost worth it in the end. Almost. High school was just a drop in the ocean of life...we all have so many more seas to swim, paths to travel, storms to face and rays of sunshine to bask in.



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Milan Fashion Week Favourites 2011 - Part Two

Milan Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012



This is the second chapter of my favourite runway picks of Milan Fashion Week. Some of the major trends that came out of Italy this year are: the bare midriff, pleated skirts, crocheting, bold floral prints, sheer fabrics, flowing floor-length gowns and the pencil skirt. 



Dolce and Gabbana 

Only Dolce & Gabbana can make vegetable prints look seriously sexy. Spicy chillies, red onions, yellow bell peppers, plum tomatoes and purple aubergines were printed onto the 50's style silhouettes. The idyllic Italian summer collection advanced into coquettish cocktail wear, with sheer full-skirted dresses delicately cast over frilly bustier tops. Knee-length frocks were garnished with colourful gems and floral motifs. To further enforce the food-inspired theme, models wore farfalle and macaroni shaped earrings, and strings of pasta around their necks. The colourful straw baskets are suited for an outing to the local fruit & veg market.


Ermanno Scervino

 Ermanno Scervino's Spring 2012 collection was misted with a delicate spray of romance. Shades of pistachio, sea sand, blizzard blue and whipped cream gently washed across the stage. Satin negligées edged with lace stood-in as daywear. Courtly coats were coupled with pencil skirts. Tiered ruffles unfolded onto gossamer skirts. A beautifully feminine and refined collection for a modern day princess, royal or not.


Antonio Marras

Antonio Marras was inspired by French writer Jean Genet's 1947 play, The Maids, when putting together his Spring range. His colours of choice: a splash of cerise, violet, intense teals and greens, all underset by pale ivory and jet black. But it was the luminous yellow pointed heels that solicited most of my attention. Colour blocking collided with silky floral prints. Simple t-shirts were worn with generously cut skirts. There was also a good measure of leather and drapery. A striking collection that will look as good off the catwalk as on.


Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani's Spring collection swims in a deep blue sea of inspiration. He takes us on an underwater excursion with sophisticated designs soaked in pearlescent satin. Lacquered indigo cigarette pants were cropped with slits up to the knee. There are fitted silk jackets for the day, and shimmering beaded cardigans for night. Strapless evening gowns are molded to resemble seashells. Armani always interests me with his customary use of layering, in this case, fluid blue fabrics tier down to create a waterfall effect. This is an aquatic adventure that ripples with elegance and maturity.


Roberto Cavalli

Roberto Cavalli's Spring showcase oozes with gilded glamour and exuberance. It is a head turning collection that is entrenched in excessiveness. An overindulgence of floral and animal prints and an abundance of beads. There was a surplus of lustrous gold jackets, two-toned pleated skirts, impeccably fit trousers and multi-strap drop-waisted dresses. Black and white tuxedo jackets were cleverly used to modulate the ornate looks. I love the sheer tulle embellished gowns. Simply breathtaking.


Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferregamo's Spring range is sustained by charismatic evening gowns in opulent colours. Saturated shades of turquoise, magenta, cherry red and tangerine covered spray-tanned models with side swept waves. Exotic tropical prints furnished handkerchief dresses, tulip-wrapped skirts, jumpsuits and loosely fit pants. Thigh high slits and key-hole halter necks were incorporated into the silk scarf gowns. I like designer Massimiliano Giornetti's refreshing take on colour blocking. A trip to the tropics has never been this glamorous.


Monday, September 26, 2011

2012 Skoda Citigo

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3SpZmG7KZlyjQ3hzOWTynUqkwzuJsxy3LIKeOoNDW_FgubS-K2-2xXMtujNiHYLFoVyDtKrfBOaqwW3RAlBI_AJtQI7XPOyaI1meBserHXo3d9QAgGSgF5VGw6h29RVuuYfad2LXH3k/s1600/2012-Skoda-Citigo-City-Car.jpg

Skoda has releases details for Citigo city car, which will debut first as a
three-door hatch with a five-door variant following later in 2012. The car
goes on sale this year in its domestic Czech market while sales in the rest
of Europe will begin next summer (2012).

From the outside, styling of the Skoda is very clean, conservative yet
modern enough to fit in with the current Volkswagen/Skoda crop. The design
also seems to step away from the sometimes awkward design cues,
particularly in the front end, of other Skoda models.

The Citigo is powered by a three-cylinder 1.0 liter engine with either 60PS
(44 kW) or 75PS (55 kW). Both versions make 95Nm of torque and are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Performance figures for the 929 kg vehicle are a 159 kph top speed and a
13.9 seconds 0-100 kph time for the 60 PS variant and a 170 kph top speed
and 0-100 kph time of 12.7 seconds for the 75 PS version. Both models wear
14-inch wheels wrapped with 165/70 profile rubbers.

The Citigo will measure just 3.56 metres long, 1.65 metres wide and 1.48
metres high. It has a wheelbase of 2.4 meters and offers 251 litres of boot
space, which can be extended to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats.


2012 Skoda Citigo 2012 Skoda Citigo 2012 Skoda Citigo 2012 Skoda Citigo



Press Release

A small ŠKODA for city traffic - "City Clever"


9/27/2011

With its seventh model line, ŠKODA is entering the small vehicle segment. The ŠKODA Citigo will be launched on the Czech market in late 2011. Market launches in Europe scheduled for the beginning of summer 2012.

ŠKODA is continuing its product offensive by introducing its seventh model line. With the Citigo, at 3.56m long, the Mladá Boleslav automaker is entering the A00 segment. The Citigo will debut on the domestic Czech market this year. Other European countries will follow at the beginning of summer 2012. The Citigo offers maximum utilisation of space and seats for four passengers. The Citigo will be launched as a three-door, with a five-door version to come in 2012.

"The Citigo is one of the pillars of our growth strategy. It paves the way for our brand to enter a very promising segment," said ŠKODA Board Chairman Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. "The new product fully meets the corporate philosophy of the ŠKODA Brand expressed through the "Simply Clever" slogan. Despite its small size, it offers ample interior space, but is surprisingly agile, and attractive in terms of trims and technologies used.
Although the Citigo is a small car, it is a typical ŠKODA-and as such fits perfectly with our plans."The designers managed to give the car a distinct look that declares at first glance: this is the new ŠKODA. The finned grille set in a chrome-plated frame and precisely shaped headlamps give the car the typical ŠKODA look. The designers have done a fantastic job on the rest of the car's body. With a length of 3.56 metres, width of 1.65 metres and height of 1.48 metres, the Citigo is one of the smallest vehicles in its segment. The volume of the luggage compartment is 251 litres. It can be extended to 951 litres by folding down the rear seats.

The key target groups are young drivers, young families looking to get themselves a second or even third car, and also "best agers." They are customers who are rather cost-sensitive and have a rational approach to cars on the one hand but high demands for quality, practicality, design and safety on the other. ŠKODA did not have much to offer such groups of customers in the small car segment. Prof. Vahland: "We can see that the demand for small cars with low fuel consumption, at a favourable price and with reasonable operating costs is growing.
ŠKODA's new small vehicle is a reaction to this trend. We are entering new ground and the Citigo will attract a lot of customers mainly in our European markets."The Citigo places great emphasis on safety. For the first time in a ŠKODA vehicle, the designers have used a Head-Thorax side airbag to protect the heads of both the driver and the front seat passenger and together with other elements it forms an exemplary safety packet in its class. In addition, active safety is significantly enhanced by the new "City Safe Drive" brake assistant. The system is automatically activated at speeds below 30 km/h and a laser sensor identifies a danger of collision. Along with the Volkswagen up!, the Citigo is currently the only car in the small vehicle segment to offer the emergency braking functionality.

Two new, three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engines will be available after the Citigo's launch: both have a volume of 1.0 litre and their power outputs are 44 kW/60 HP and 55 kW/75 HP. In the economical Green Tec version average consumption is 4.2l/100km and 4.3l/100km respectively. Emissions are 97g and 99g CO2/km respectively. Fuel consumption and emissions are 4.5l/100km and 105g CO2 per km for the 44kW engine. The engine with a power output of 55kW consumes 4.7l/100km and emits 108g of CO2 per km.

Milan Fashion Week Favourites 2011 - Part One

Milan Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012



Milan Fashion Week started out spectacularly, showcasing Italy's most talented designers from 21-27 September. What I like about this fashion week is the diversity of the collections, each designer has such a unique vision and signature style. These are some of my favourite ranges thus far. Click on the pictures for a closer view.



Alberta Ferretti

Sexy slip dresses wrapped in silk were at the forefront of Alberta Ferretti's Spring 2011 range. The tropical theme was conveyed by palm-leaf prints and floaty gowns in a rainforest of colours. Sheer linear cut-outs and satin-block panels kept the simple sheaths from being monotonous. Crochet knits and intaglio printing added a bit of texture. Models sported natural sun kissed make-up, tousled beach waves and stunning strappy sandals.


Gucci

Gucci provided a modern twist to a roaring 20's styled collection. A handful of bold tones coloured in strong lines - green, gold, black and white made up a sophisticated range; inspired by the architectural lines of New York's Chrysler Building. Masculine suits were glamorized with high-waisted pants, and gold-trimmed collarless coats. Fringed flapper dresses with drop-waists glimmered with bugle beadwork. Each look is individually striking, and all together it forms a compelling range that we can be sure to see on many celebrities next Spring.


D&G

 The younger and more cosmopolitan D&G brand will merge with it's founding label, Dolce and Gabbana after this final Spring 2012 showing. Models were whirled in a sea of what looked like Hermés scarves, in a potpourri of prints. Even wedge-heel sandals were wrapped with printed scarves. There was a multitude of long, billowing gowns, fit for an exotic seaside vacation. Polychromatic prints covered everything - denim shirts, luxurious satin suits, clutch bags, jackets and mini dresses. D&G's swan song was a cheery farewell to a well-loved brand, one that will be pleasantly remembered.


Prada

I've never seen a cartoon car print on a designer dress before, but Prada does so with unusual elegance. Miuccia's 50's style silhouettes that were edged with exhaust flames made for interesting viewing. The automative masculine theme was toned down by soft pastel pleated dresses in sweet pink, mint green, sky blue and lemonade. Leather skirts echoed the interior of a car. Fern green, brick-red and navy floral appliqués were crocheted onto oversized felt coats. The little-boy-pajama-print may not be to everyone's liking, but this will surely be one of the most recognizable collections of the forthcoming season.


Emilio Pucci

It was all about the bare midriff at Emilio Pucci's Spring 2012 showcase. Designer Peter Dundas introduces the enigmatic gypsy girl - decked in paisley printed peasant tops, lacey circle skirts and floaty bohemian gowns. On the casual side, wide-leg trousers and shorts were paired with printed blouses, making use of scarves as belts. The lingerie-inspired aspect was visible through the delicate bustier tops, sheer skirts and gentle frills. Models wore sultry smokey eyes and loose hair with a side swept fringe.


Blugirl

Aimed a more youthful market, Blumarine's trendier line, Blugirl, presented a sweet dose of femininity for Spring 2012. Endearing candy coloured dresses were coated in flowers, bows and frills. Wafty, sheer printed gowns resembled a beautiful spring garden. Charming cardigans accompanied flirty little dresses, slim bowed belts nipped in waists and flowery necklaces adorned necks. Colour-blocked heels and clutch bags supplemented the spritely ensembles. I like the variety in this collection - theres stylish workwear, dreamy day dresses and alluring cocktail frocks. 


Frankie Morello

The most fun, witty and whimsical collection I've seen all Fashion Week is by Frankie Morello. His 'Souvenir of Italy' Spring range takes you on a Vespa ride through the country's most iconic landmarks - The Tower of Pisa, ancient buildings of Rome, the statue of David, Venetian gondolas, the Trompe-l'oeil, Amalfi Coast and streets of Milan. The tourist-influenced pieces are accessorized with camera necklaces and topped off with outlandish head pieces. Models with a sense of adventure carried backpacks instead of predictable clutch bags. Cycling shorts peeked from under flaired mini skirts, printed pleated fans decorated strapless tops and catchphrase t-shirts are worn with long glossy skirts. It may all be satirical, but you have to admit it is cute.


Sunday, September 25, 2011

Old luxury handbags get new life in Hong Kong

The luxury Lifestyle blog (the home of luxury Lifestyle) presents Old luxury handbags get new life in Hong Kong.


Byron Yiu has made his fortune by turning traditional shopping habits around and re-selling rich women’s luxury handbags in Hong Kong.

Yiu’s Milan Station retail chain buys trendy bags — luxury tote or shoulder bags to evening clutch – from the ladies who lunch in Hong Kong’s upscale neighbourhoods.

Locally known as “tai tais”, the small and often thrifty demographic, rarely seen without Prada, Chanel or Gucci on their arm, provides the retailer with a steady flow of bags which are later authenticated by Yiu’s team.

“Hong Kong ladies are smart and money savvy. Unlike jewellery, the value of handbags will depreciate when they are no longer trendy,” said Yiu.

“It has become a culture in Hong Kong, the ladies will sell the old bag when they get a new one. We are depending on this small group of “tai tais” to sell us the handbags they want to get rid of, and they are the main supply source to other ladies”.

The idea not only turned traditional shopping habits on their ear and made Yiu a rich man himself, but the company set a record for the most popular initial public offering in the Asian financial hub’s history earlier this year.

Investors were abuzz with excitement when the firm, little known outside HK, went to market in May with an initial public offering oversubscribed a whopping 2,180 times.

The share sale smashed a 2006 record and outshone high-end handbag maker Prada, which made its own lacklustre Hong Kong debut around the same time.

“We thought we would do well but it was beyond our expectations that the response was so overwhelming,” said Yiu, surrounded by bags sporting names including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes.


From a humble start-up a decade ago with a 100-square-foot (9-square-metre) shop, the pioneering retailer now has 14 outlets, with an eye to further expanding to meet mainland China’s booming demand for luxury goods.

While most customers hope for a big discount, sometimes as much as 30 percent off a bag’s retail price, certain limited edition bags are actually pricier as used collector items, such as the prized Hermes Birkin.

“Ten years ago, there was no such business. People would buy, use and keep the bags at home. When they are no longer trendy, they became trash,” said Yiu.

The company said its share of the proceeds from the float, which saw about 25 percent of the firm sold off for a total of HK$271 million ($35 million), will help it launch 24 new stores in several Chinese cities over three years.

The retailer currently has two stores in Beijing and one each in Shanghai and Macau, a gambling hub about an hour by ferry from Hong Kong, with planned new locations including Chengdu and the southern city of Guangzhou.

“China is like an unexplored oil field,” said Yiu, smiling confidently. “The market is huge, and they have a culture of gift-giving. Some people may not necessarily like the handbags they received so they prefer to trade in the handbags for hard cash.”


China is expected to become the world’s largest luxury goods market by 2020, accounting for a whopping 44 percent of worldwide sales, according to a report by brokerage firm CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets.

Yiu said Milan Station is also aiming to tap the European and US markets with an online sales strategy that would see bags traded on auction giant eBay.

“These are places where we don’t have plan to open stores in the short term so this is our new strategy, and it is a way for us to test the waters online,” he said.

And while few industries are recession proof, the current stock market turmoil and uncertainty about the global economy may not be such bad things for the retailer.

“When the economy is not good, people are selling more bags and we actually get some very rare items during the economic hard times,” Yiu said.

“We are like the Hong Kong Stock Exchange — people come in, buy and sell their bags. People would still want to buy the hottest item,” he said.

Source: AFPrelaxnews

 
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15 Cover Girls for Latina Magazine's 15th Anniversary Issue

Latina Magazine

15th Anniversary Issue

October 2011



Latina magazine celebrate their 15th Anniversary issue by placing 15 of the world's most beautiful and influential Latin leading ladies on the cover. The special October 2011 issue features gorgeous actresses, singers and presenters of all ages, from different Latin American backgrounds. 



The fifteen Spanish speaking beauties strike a dynamic pose on the magazines' three-page cover, all wearing ravishing red evening gowns. It took 9 months to rally these starlets together and 7 photo shoots to achieve the perfect cover picture, with this final result:





 From Left: Columbian songstress Shakira, Disney singing-star Selena Gomez, Mexican actress Salma Hayek (wearing a Gucci gown), Dominican actress from Avatar, Zoe Saldana and Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria. 


 From Left: Cuban music star of the 80's, Gloria Estefan, Dominican actress Michelle Rodriguez, stylish star Jessica Alba (in Valentino), Cuban TV host Daisy Fuentes and Ugly Betty's America Fererra (looking pretty in an Herve Leger dress).


From Left: Puerto Rican actress Rosario Dawson, Mexican actress Ana de la Reguera (wearing Oscar de la Renta), news anchor Natalie Morales, TV presenter La La Vasquez (in a Mario Schwab dress) and Puerto Rican actress of the 90's, Rosie Perez.




With a 100 different designer dresses, and more than $10 million worth of jewellery, I wonder if there were any cat fights on set. Who has the best dress? You decide...


Toyota Pixis Space Launches in Japan


Toyota has Launches the new Pixis Space in Japan. Supplied by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., the car is the result of a partnership the two automakers signed last year.

Minicars are defined under Japanese regulations as having maximum length of 3.4 meters, width of 1.48 meters, height of 2 meters and engine displacement of less than 660 cc.

Equipped with Toyota's eco-IDLE2 – a fuel-saving stop-start system – select versions of the Pixis Space return a class-leading fuel economy rating of 25.5 kilometers per liter (60 mpg U.S.) on Japan's generous 10-15 test cycle.

Minivehicles, with engine displacements of up to 660cc, are unique to Japan and made up about 35 per cent of total vehicle sales last year. They are especially popular in rural areas as a second or third family car.

On the Japanese market, the Pixis Space is priced from JPY1.12 million ($14,700), though it can go all the way up to JPY1.611 million ($21,145).

Toyota Pixis Space Toyota Pixis Space



Press Release

TMC Launches 'Pixis Space' Minivehicle in Japan

-Vehicle First of Minivehicles to be Supplied by Daihatsu on OEM Basis-

Toyota City, Japan, September 26, 2011-Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan today launched the "Pixis1 Space", the first passenger minivehicle to be launched under the Toyota brand. The vehicle will be sold through more than 200 Toyota dealerships nationwide.

The Pixis Space has been designed to meet the diversifying needs of car-buyers in Japan. The vehicle features sophisticated square styling, employs functions and equipment suited to daily driving and has high environmental performance.

Coming in two distinct variations-the simply styled "L" and "X" models and the strong-presence "Custom X", "Custom G" and "Custom RS" models-the Pixis Space's unique design and eight available body colors create variety that enables buyers to better select a vehicle suiting their tastes. The vehicle's carefully crafted and color-accented front seats convey sophistication, contributing overall to its comfortable interior. Moreover, the adoption of the eco-IDLE2 system-a new idling-stop function-in the X and Custom G models, achieves class-leading3 fuel efficiency of 25.5 km/l in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

The Pixis Space represents the first vehicle supplied by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) to TMC under a minivehicle OEM agreement reached in September 2010.

Vehicle Outline

Wide variety to match personal tastes

Two distinct style variations and eight available body colors allow selection that matches personal taste.

L and X
With a square form characterized by bold surfaces and excellent driving visibility, the L and X models also deliver an unassuming cabin space, with simple horizontal accents. A warm gray interior gives a welcoming, modern impression.

Custom X, Custom G, Custom RS
The vertical two-lamp, high-intensity discharge headlight configuration and front aerodynamic bumpers contribute to the imposing front view of the Custom grade models, while the side stone guards play into a side silhouette distinguished by a low center of gravity. The inside is characterized by black undertones and an illuminated instrument panel with switch-controlled graduated lighting, combining to deliver a cool, subdued interior.

Spacious cabin area ensures comfort for all occupants

A long, 2,490 mm wheelbase provides the Pixis Space with a 2,000 mm cabin length. Combined with ample height and a broad width, there is plenty of room for four adults while still ensuring sufficient luggage space.

Designed for everyday use, the vehicle features front seats reminiscent of a sofa that are the result of careful attention to fabric selection and fine needlework.

Superior environmental performance

All models adopt a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with both available engines, the 660 cc KF engine with Dynamic Variable Valve Timing (DVVT)4 and the 660 cc KF engine with an intercooler-equipped turbo, thus giving the vehicle a smooth ride and high fuel efficiency.

The front-wheel-drive X and Custom G models are equipped with eco-IDLE, a new idling-stop function, and get 25.5 km/l (equivalent to 91g/km of CO2 emissions) in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

All models (excluding the Custom RS) surpass the Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards5 by 25%. Combined with certification for emission levels 75% lower than 2005 standards under the MLIT approval system for low-emission vehicles, these models qualify for a 75% reduction in the Japanese automobile acquisition tax and automobile weight tax, in accordance with the Japanese government's taxation system for environment-friendly vehicles.