Fashion Contrast

Indulge your passion for fashion by booking a holiday of a lifetime and stay in a hotel associated with your favourite designer. Read on to discover more about five sumptuously designed hotels with links with some of the biggest names in the fashion industry.

Armani Hotel, Milan

Opened in November 2012, this luxurious hotel is situated on Via Manzoni, in the heart of Milan, and Giorgio Armani designed every aspect of the 95 sophisticated guest rooms and suites.

The Armani Hotel Milano provides guests with a truly multi-sensual experience. As soon you walk into the hotel, you’ll able to smell the Armani scent the fills the lobby. Your taste buds will be tantalised in the hotel’s restaurant, whilst the views across the city from the Armani / Bamboo Bar are a feast for the eyes.

The Round Hill Resort, Jamaica

The Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has been popular with celebrities looking for an idyllic holiday destination since it opened in 1953. Guests over the years have included everyone from Grace Kelly to Heath Ledger, as well as fashion industry stalwarts like Anna Wintour, Tommy Hilfiger and Michel Kors.

This beautiful seaside resort consists of a hotel, Pineapple House, and 27 villas, one of which is owned by Ralph Lauren. Lauren has redesigned much of the property, including each of Pineapple House’s 36 guest rooms, creating a light, airy, contemporary take on traditional Caribbean décor.

Claridge’s Hotel, London

Claridge’s Hotel, in the fashionable London district of Mayfair, is often thought of as the epitome of British style and is a favourite with fashionistas. It’s known for its Art Deco features, particularly those in the elegant lobby area, some of which are original and some of which were restored from old photographs during a major renovation in 1996.

However, the hotel’s design also includes more contemporary design features, including twenty rooms and suites which were designed by Diane Von Furstenburg in 2010. In recent years, Claridge’s has also commissioned famous names to design its Christmas trees, including Alber Elbaz and John Galliano.

Palazzo Versace, Australia

For a fashion-themed, fun-filled luxury break down under, head to the Southport Spit on Australia’s Gold Coast and stay at Palazzo Versace. Opened in 2000, this opulent hotel was created by the House of Versace and the Sunland Group, and is designed in a distinctly Italian style.

You’ll need deep pockets to be able to afford a stay here – but splash out and you can soak up the spirit of Gianni Versace in style at this elegant 200 room hotel, which even has its own private marina.

Schlosshotel, Berlin

A stay at the Schlosshotel im Grunewald is a must for Karl Lagerfeld fans. This beautiful mansion in Berlin was constructed in 1912 for Kaiser Wilhelm II’s personal advisor but later became a hotel.

Lagerfeld was commissioned to redesign the hotel’s décor in the 1990s and, although some of his more vibrant flourishes have since been removed by later owners, if you stay in the lavish Grunewald Suite, with its chic red and gold furnishings, you’ll be able to get a real sense of his design skills.

Whichever of these stunning hotels you choose to stay in, you’re sure to have a holiday experience to remember – just make sure you’re dressed to impress when you walk through the doors.

Further reading:

http://www.businessinsider.com/fashion-designers-have-infiltrated-nearly-every-part-of-the-hotel-business-2012-9

http://www.centurion-magazine.com/nc/sections/post/berlins-fashion-designer-hotel.html

Frankie is a travel and fashion blogger who loves to combine both interests in her writing.

We all love shopping and finding those wonderful pieces that we adore for years. It’s about time that we give the same attention to our smalls! Lingerie can be such a wonderful addition to your wardrobe; it can give confidence, add a luxurious feel to an outfit and simply brighten up your day.

Handmade lingerie is the ultimate confidence boost. There’s nothing better than knowing that the clothes that you wear have been given the utmost attention and care before they make it through your door.

Michelle Star is a fashion blogger with a special passion for lingerie and says: “Have a look at some of these examples and my list of the top websites that specialise in handmade lingerie. There’s sure to be something that will take your breath away…”

Mauve Sable Set by Bunnysmalls

The Mauve Sable Bandeau is just £18 and with matching knickers at £32, they’re an absolute bargain.  This set is made with delicate stretch lace for a pretty, girly effect. Bunnysmalls’ products are all made in the UK and feature UK sourced fabric. This website is full of gorgeous designs and definitely worth a look.

Red Cherry Cutie corset by Frantic About Frances

This cheery number is a steel-boned, under-bust corset in a cherry red.  Made from satin with a cream lace trim, it’s topped off with cherry buttons at the centre front. A cute little addition to your wardrobe at £220, it’s adjustable at the back with black lace-up detail.  Frantic about Francis is a vintage-inspired company that hails designs from the pin-up era and has featured in Vogue during the last year!

Juliet Babydoll Set by Luva Huva

This cute babydoll set is £44 from Luva Huva, a company based in London that creates ethical, handmade pieces.  Their clothes are ethically sourced and made from sustainable fabrics. At such a reasonable price, it’s rude to say no.

Luxury gold silk bra set by Lucile & Co.

This set from Lucile & Co. is stunning! Made from luxury pale gold silk and black lace, the bra is £113 and comes with a choice of knickers; tie-back, lace back or thong. Lucile & Co. create all their pieces in England to the highest of standards. This company is the most prestigious of brands, founded by Lady Duff-Gordon, who is the founder of the modern padded bra, and is rooted in lingerie’s historic foundations.

Pear Drop playsuit by Fred & Ginger

This beautiful playsuit is from the Candy Girl collection. Made from shimmery pink silk-chiffon, its draped design flatters all body shapes. It’s backless sash-tie design is beautifully feminine and a real investment piece at £210 – but worth the cost for the quality you’ll be getting!

Dainty Bess playsuit by The Last English Rose

This beautiful silk playsuit by The Last English Rose, available at handmade lingerie ‘superstore’ Esty Lingerie, is made with silk satin, printed silk cups and a Nottingham Lace finish. It’s £115 so an investment piece again, but worth every penny. The Last English Rose is a British company based in London that specialises in handmade silk lingerie. Ranges are beautifully named, from Gentle Hermione to Teasing Georgia.

Harlow bra set by Gilda & Pearl

This piece is made from antique-gold French lever’s lace and pure silk satin. From the Harlow collection at Gilda & Pearl, you can choose from bow bra, baby-doll, cover-up, tie-side knickers or classic knickers – or splash out and buy the whole lot! Match with the Harlow Kimono for real boudoir glamour. Prices start at £42 in this collection. Gilda & Pearl was founded by Louise Hudson and all designs are created in the UK.

Pandora satin & tulle bra set by Baby Grand

A gorgeous set from this Baby Grand Lingerie that includes options for all tastes. Based on 1940s and 50s sirens and film noir style, Pandora in a beautiful bra set available various colours to sui your personal taste. Baby Grand is a luxury brand that prides itself on aesthetics and service. This bra is £69 and the knickers £59.

There’s my list of my favourite 8 handmade lingerie sets. I could list 100 more but for now, today at least, these are my favourites. What are yours? I’ve love to hear them and maybe discover some new handmade lingerie brands so please leave me a comment below…

Michelle Star is a fashion blogger with a special passion for lingerie.

Everything is weirder in Japan! A cliche but true nevertheless. These weird Japanese fashion subcultures will surely make your jaw drop.

The many fashion subcultures in Japan vary greatly from clothing trends that we see across the United States and in many other countries. Fashion in Japan can be categorized into many popular, vibrant subculture categories. These styles are about more than mere garments; they communicate important messages about identity and social groups. Women in Japan are renowned for spending far more on clothing and cosmetic work each year that the average Western shopper. In the fashion world of Japan’s many subcultures that statement is especially true. Grown women, teenagers, and even young girls participate in elaborate wardrobe rituals for some of the everyday looks we will see below. These fashion trends are beginning to percolate around the world–and far beyond small, underground movements. Designers like Gwen Stefani are translating these trends for a global audience, with a fun and colorful effect. We examine a few of the fashion categories in Japanese subcultures below.

Kigurumin

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This trend may seem pretty outlandish, but for any girl who has ever gone to college classes in her pajamas (which includes nearly all girls), it may have some sense of familiarity, however small. This trend became popular in the early and middle years of the past decade, emerging around 2003. It is based off of the popular Kigurumini characters in Japan. These are the costumed cartoon characters that we all know from fairs and theme parks. The term Kigurumini combines Japanese words for “to wear” and “stuffed toy.” The female fashion trend that emerged from these characters allows women to do just that. Kigurumin became popular in Shibuya when young women began wearing oversized pajamas made to look like cartoon characters–as part of their everyday dress. Sometimes called “disguise pajamas” this articles of clothing allowed for unique experimentation with fashion. Popular characters include Winnie the Pooh, Hello Kitty, and Pikachu.

Decora

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This fashion subculture has become so popular in Japan that it is essentially mainstream. Its name implies a lot about the characteristics of this style, in which young women decorate themselves in wild color combinations and textures. The essential element of Decora is kawaii, which means “cuteness.” This look is all about channeling the cute elements of childhood into adult wear. Sometimes confused for the fashion subculture of FRUiTS, which gets its name from a popular Japanese photo magazine, Decora is truly set apart from other trends by its adherence to cute, childlike elements. Girls who wear Decora style are often seen in fuzzy, soft clothing. They wear Mary Jane shoes, miniskirts, and shirts that are often intentionally too small. If this is beginning to sound a little unusual…just wait. One of the most important fashion accessories of the Decora look is the use of toys, often fuzzy, plush stuffed animals with animated movements and talking sounds. Decora girls love the color pink, and they often dye their hair that color. Their childlike take on fashion means that often incorporate whimsical elements, such as handbags shaped like animals or heart-shaped sunglasses. There a lot of different variations within decora.

Lolita Fashion

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This subculture trend is one that has gained momentum around the world, thanks to the popularity of Anime and the unique stylings associated with this look. Lolita fashion involves dressing in a way that evokes childhood looks, as well as Rococo influences and Edwardian dress. This look emerged in the international fashion capital of Harajuku in Japan (this city from which Gwen Stefani took the name of her fashion line). Girls who wear Lolita dress choose ruffled, knee-length skirts that often have the look of a cupcake because of voluminous petticoats and undergarments. The ruffles of the petticoats are echoed on other parts of the ensemble, with ample lace and other intricate patterns. Childlike Mary Jane shoes are often associated with this look. Although Lolita, like Decora, borrows many elements from girlish or childlike fashion, it is not all about “cuteness.” The Edwardian quality of Lolita adds an element of modesty. Lolita looks can also range from feminine confections, as seen in Sweet Lolita, to hard-edged fashion in Punk Lolita. Gothic Lolita, which features black garments, smoky eyes, and red lips has become outrageously popular. One can find Lolita fashionistas, like the ones seen above, sporting heart-shaped handbags and floral dresses, or you may find Lolitas in full corsets, petticoats, and Goth makeup.

Ganguro

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Ganguro can be translated as “blackface” and its even more extreme offshoots Yamanba and manba (loosely translated as mountain hag) are one of the really extreme Japanese fashion subcultures. It is a rebellious fashon movement going against the traditional Japanese concepts of beauty of paleness, dark hair and modest neautral makeup. This style features extremely tanned skin (artificial or natural), bleached white hair or aggressive neon colored wigs and dreadlocks.

Simon works for Higherclick.com, a company, which brings awesome writers and cool companies together. This Guest post was written in behalf of their client Macy’s.com.