Marc Jacobs – The Man of the Moment
The famous designer Marc Jacobs was born in 1963 in New York and maintained a passion for fashion and design from a young age. He attended the prestigious High School of Art and Design and later the Parsons School of Design. Landing a role in the industry quickly, Jacobs’ first job was for the Weiser family chain of stores, Charivari and he was appointed to design and manufacture hand knitted jumpers for the store.
Marc Jacobs had proved himself to be a talented designer whilst at Parsons and upon leaving was contacted by Robert Duffy to design for the Ruben Thomas Inc Sketchbook label. The pair worked closely together, proving to be a dynamic team and together, they soon joined the label Perry Ellis whereby they were in charge of designing the women’s collections for the brand.
Marc Jacobs soon became a prominent figure on the fashion scene, especially following his rather rebellious ‘grunge’ collection for Perry Ellis which led to him being forced to leave the company in 1993. With Robert Duffy, Jacobs formed Jacobs Duffy Designs Inc. which still exists today. In 1986 Jacobs designed his first collection bearing the Marc Jacobs label. In 1994 he won The Women’s Designer of the Year Award and also produced his first full collection of menswear. By 1997, the Jacobs name had become renowned in the industry and the designer was working on a number ofhigh profile projects including working with Louis Vuitton whereby he started designing and making handbags. It was in this very same year that the initial Marc Jacobs store opened in New York.
Marc Jacobs is a designer who is al
so very much the face of his brand and is known for his vibrant personality and has even become quite the fixture within the New York City celebrity scene often seen out and about with the likes of Victoria Beckham who has also appeared in one of the most iconic Marc Jacobs advertising campaigns. The style of the Marc Jacobs collections take influence from fashion that existed from the 1940’s – 1980’s and he likes to inject his own unique twists on his designs to make them unique and original and despite people often suggesting that his style is sexy and flirty, the designer claims that “what I prefer is that even if someone feels hedonistic, they don’t look it. Curiosity about sex is much more interesting to me than domination. … My clothes are not hot. Never. Never.”
Recently this year, Jacobs hosted the ‘Model and Muse’ themed Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in New York which featu
red supermodel Kate Moss. Marc Jacobs is a firm favourite in the industry and he just knows what people desire from a style perspective. He therefore creates highly fashionable products that always tend to be the ‘it’ accessory of the season. His bags especially, including the ‘Sasha’ shoulder bag and the Hobo are always seen adorned upon the arms of celebs including Lauren Conrad. The collection of Marc Jacobs sunglasses are certainly no exception and with their highly on trend bright colours, dramatic frames and exquisite designer style, these are definitely set to be a hot favourite on the fashion scene in 2010.
Hobo bag, Kate Moss, Lauren Conrad, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Marc Jacobs sunglasses, Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, Parsons School of Design, Perry Ellis, Robert Duffy, Ruben Thomas Inc Sketchbook label, Sasha bag, sunglasses
Ray-Ban Sunglasses- An Iconic Style Favourite
When you think of the word sunglasses, Ray-Ban is the brand which probably springs to mind the quickest. Always at the forefront of style and fashion, Ray-Ban sunglasses actually have one of the most valid and interesting histories of all the designer brands. Indeed, their modern and on trend looks may deceive the fact that they have actually being around since 1936 and the first pair to be launched; the Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses are still hot sellers today.
The History-: During the 1940s, Ray-Ban worked closely with the US Air Force to develop the mirror lens which was an anti-glare measure and tested by pilots. Designed for the sole purpose of function, even back then, the sunglasses soon became quite the desired fashion accessory.
In the Movies-: Think back to all the classic films and it is very likely that a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses sneaked their way onto the silver screen. The most prominent film in which Ray-Ban sunglasses were featured is in the Blues Brothers, the actors of which are all pictured in Ray-Bans on posters for the film and in the famous opening sequence. Other films also include Miami Vice, Reservoir Dogs, Men in Black and who can forget Tom Cruise’s character in Top Gun!
On the Celebs-: As Ray-Ban sunglasses are always considered fashionable, a whole host of glamorous and fashion forward celebrities are regularly seen wearing them. These include Brad Pitt, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss, and Cheryl Cole to name only a 
few who favour their Ray-Bans for that effortlessly thrown together look. The colourful Ray-Ban Wayfarers have been a huge hit in 2009 and have adorned the faces of many a celebrity in the style pages. The bright and bold colours are the perfect way to jazz up any outfit and the shape of the Wayfarer is actually very flattering for most face shapes.
The New Styles-: Ray-Ban is constantly updating and revamping its most iconic styles as well as launching brand new designs. A few to look out for this season include the new unisex RB2027 frames which with their slick wraparound style that is a little smarter than typical wraparounds are definitely set to be a sure favourite in 2010. This style is available in a selection of various colours and the slick Ray-Ban logo is positioned on the arms. The new RB2140 sunglasses are a further update of the Wayfarer and one particular version is incredibly cool and contemporary with a white acetate frame and a pink floral pattern on the interior of the arms. The new Tech RB8031 Ray-Ban’s are a new aviator style made from unique Ray-Ban Tech carbon fibre arms and polarised silver lenses and are a great example of using the most innovative of production techniques and materials to create an incredibly high quality product.
Ray-Ban is one of those brand
s that has its own distinctive style and the sunglasses remain classic yet keep up with modern trends by injecting contemporary features such as splashes of colour, vibrant patterns and modern technical additions. They really are one of the best brands to invest in if you are looking for great looks and quality and the various styles, because of their simplicity suit many face shapes and fashion preferences. Definitely a winning brand if you are looking to achieve an effortless and thrown together look with a sense of celebrity-like chic!
Brad Pitt, Cheryl Cole, Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan, Men in Black, Miami Vice, Ray Ban, Ray Ban sunglasses, Ray Ban Wayfarer, Ray-Ban Tech, RB2027, RB2140, RB8031, Reservoir Dogs, sunglasses, The Blues Brothers, Top Gun
The popularity of Ray Ban Sunglasses
There aren’t many sunglass brands that have reached iconic status, yet Ray Ban has undoubtedly achieved this well-earned title. The label has enjoyed extreme highs and lows over the past 70 years and despite the lows, Ray Ban is here to stay. Very few sunglass brands have defined generations and inspired hundreds of similar designs and imitations. Amazingly given their popularity and rich heritage of celebrity endorsement throughout the Fifties, Sixties, Eighties and Noughties, Ray Ban spent long periods of time in the wilderness until their popularity surged once again.
Ray Ban sunglasses have graced movie icons such as James Dean and Audrey Hepburn, Eighties stars John Belushi and Tom Cruise and present day hipsters like Kate Moss and Lily Allen at one time or another. Of course it’s no surprise that the classic ‘Wayfarer’ has been worn more times by celebrity fans than any other model the label have produced. Popularised by films like ‘Breakfast at Tiffanys’, ‘The Blues Brothers’ and ‘Risky Business’ the ‘Wayfarer’ has enjoyed incredible success due to its simple design and sharp look.
The slightly nerdier looking ‘Clubmaster’, worn by Twilight star Robert Pattinson and the very stylish German actress Diane Kruger, has a smaller fan base but is still a classic design and affords the wearer a distinctly hip look.
The ever popular Ray Ban ‘Aviator’ design has been hugely imitated over the years and was Ray Ban’s initial creation back in 1929. Designed with special anti-glare lenses for use by pilots in the US Air force, the ‘Aviator’ model is both practical and effortlessly cool. Perhaps the most versatile of all the Ray Ban designs the ‘Aviator’ style suits men and women of all ages and can be worn both casually or formally.
Ray Ban is not only limited to these 3 styles. The brand have produced an incredible range of sunglasses over the years and you will find many of the styles on these Shade Station pages. Without a doubt Ray Ban has earned it’s icon status and we look forward to many more years of show-stopping Ray Ban designs!
Tags:Audrey Hepburn, aviator, Blues Borthers, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Clubmaster, Diane Kruger, John Belushi, Kate Moss, Lily Allen, Ray Ban, Ray Ban sunglasses, Risky Business, Robert Pattinson, shades, sunglasses, sunnies, Tom Cruise, Twilight, Wayfarer
Ray-Ban Sunglasses – The Celebrity Choice & Twilight Accessory!
We all know that RayBan sunglasses are one of the most popular, ever stylish and versatile sunglasses around. The brand has a remarkable history and has been featured in numerous iconic films including Top Gun, The Blues Brothers and Men in Black.
This month, when I have been looking through the style pages of the glossies, Ray-Ban sunglasses have cropped up on many occasions and the brand definitely seems to be the choice of many celebrities. Yes, it may be November, but sunglasses as every fashion lover is aware, can make for a high style statement and add a finishing touch to your look come rain or shine. Ray-Ban’s have the added advantage of being incredibly functional and so when the sunshine does pop out on the odd occasion (well, here in the UK!), then you know your peepers will be fully protected from UV rays.
So, Ray-Bans and celebrities. The two definitely seem to go hand in hand and here is a rundown of who has been wearing what style of R
ay-Ban shades over the past month or so.
Most of us have harboured an obsession with the Twilight film and of course, more recently the new sequel New Moon. Remember when we saw the rather dashing Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) in the first scenes of Twilight with a cool pair of shades? Well, these were infact the classic Wayfarers and the actor himself in addition to his co-stars Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner claimed that Ray-Ban Wayfarers are the ultimate Twilight accessory. Well, if they’re good enough for great looking vampires!
Rachel Bilson who has become quite the fashionista since the hit show the OC has regularly been spotted in her Ray-Ban 2140’s in a dark tortoiseshell tone. The dark shade of these sunglasses compliment Bilson’s dark hair and skin tone as they offer something a little softer in colour than block black. With sleek lines and sharp style, these 2140’s make for a great laid back look a
nd are very popular among a young and trendy crowd.
With the departure of Lauren Conrad from the latest season of the Hills, Audrina Partridge has taken the crown of style Queen (and drama!) in the show and has frequently been spotted wearing a pair of Ray-Ban aviators in gold. From a style perspective, these are the ultimate in versatility and Audrina has been seen wearing them en-route to the gym, out casually with friends and to the beach. They definitely inject an effortlessly cool edge to your look no matter what your choice of outfit. Another fan of the Ray-Ban aviators is Minority Report bad boy actor Colin Farrell who was pictured wearing a gold rimmed pair. Ray-Ban aviators were first launched in 1937 and aside from contemporary updates such as colour and lens technologies, the aesthetic styling is exactly the same proving that the brand is timelessly on trend.
From a functional perspective, many Ray Ban sunglasses also incorporate a G-15 lens. The G-15 lenses transmit colour naturally and therefore you get a clearer and true vision as opposed to just seeing heavy lens colour. This technology has been incorporated into many Ray-Ban 
sunglasses over the past seven decades and is unique to the brand.
Other celebs who love their laid back Ray-Ban look is Nicky Hilton, Kate Moss, Peaches Geldof and Rhianna, some of whom favour their coloured Ray-Ban Wayfarers which were one of the most popular accessories at this year’s music festivals. Ray-Ban is one of those brands that people love, trust and tend to find a pair within the extensive selection that suits them. Unlike some other designer brands, they are also affordable with the Wayfarers just below £80 so you can look like a celeb and not break the bank!
Ray-Ban has existed for over 70 years and with iconic styles consistently worn and re-vamped, this brand is definitely staying at the forefront of fashion for quite some time.
Tags:Audrina Partridge, Colin Farrell, coloured Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Edward Cullen, G-15 lens, Kate Moss, Kristen Stewert, Men in Black, Minority Report, New Moon, Nicky Hilton, Peaches Geldof, Rachel Bilson, Ray Ban, Ray Ban aviators, Ray Ban sunglasses, Ray-Ban 2140, Rhianna, Robert Pattinson, sunglasses, Taylor Lautner, The Blues Brothers, Top Gun, Twilight
Superdry Watches: Unique Style with a Japanese Influence
Superdry is a unique and funky clothing and accessories brand which was founded 2003. What makes Superdry different to other brands is its eclectic fusion of all American style with a strong touch of Japanese fashion influences which is mainly conveyed with the use of graphic prints which you will see featured on the clothing and accessories. It was following a trip to Tokyo that the founders of Superdry actually decided to launch the brand as they were so inspired by the dynamic Japanese style and trends and thought it would merge well with an American/European foundation. American style is great but you have to inject something a little more globally relevant and interesting to separate your brand from the hundreds of others in the industry.
What people like about Superdry is that it gives you a sense of wearing something unique. The brand prides itself on maintaining a limited edition feel to its clothing and accessories and is constantly updating its collections.
Superdry is mainly noted for its funky range of t-shirts, hoodies and bags which typically feature a retro style with graphic designed images. The Osaka t-shirts are particulary popular and come in an array of funky colours. David Beckham was also pictured wearing an Osa
ka Superdry t-shirt which certainly helped to put the brand on the map and give it a cool, trendy and masculine image. Ultimately Superdry aims to give people the ability to express their personality in their style and stand out from the crowd.
Superdry have extended their lines and collections and with a large store in Covent Garden in London as well as a number of concession stores, the brand is certainly obtaining a great reputation and is popular among the fash pack and celebrities.
Superdry watches maintain the same theme as the clothing; they keep up with current style trends but inject a Japanese inspired enhancement to the look. A brand new style to look out for is the Superdry Sport collection. These come in an array of vibrant colours including blue, orange, white, hot pink and green and as the name suggests, have a sporty aesthetic. With a simple design including a plastic strap, the main focus of these watches is in the bold colour and the Superdry logo on the dial and strap which also includes the Japanese lettering translation. The Lumber is also a 
hot new Superdry style and comes in a version for men and women – the Lumber Girl (designed for a smaller wrist). Capturing key watch trends such as a wide strap and large dial, the lumberjack style checks are also featured on the strap whether this is the whole strap or just the reverse side. Checked patterns are a common design on many other Superdry products including men and women’s shirts. The new Brad watch takes inspiration from a well known A List celebrity and the female equivalent of this watch is named Angelina –this is a great example of how Superdry is a fun brand and likes to play around with names and inspirations! With a wide durable soft leather strap and a dial with two separate time movements, this is definitely a unique and striking watch to look out for. There are also cool female watches such as the new Coins Superdry watch. Incredibly distinctive and designed in a charm bracelet style, the charms are coins and the dial is integrated into one of the charms. This style has an urban and funky edge and adds an extra flavour to a piece of jewellery which is typically ‘girly’.
Superdry is definitely the hot label of the moment but has a timeless style that will be prominent for years to come. When you find a label that has its own unique style, people will stick to it as they feel it is a way of expressing their individuality as opposed to going for the clone look! Jude Law and Kate Moss are fans of the brand and both celebrities are renowned for their unique sense of style and reluctance to follow trends but prefer to set them. Superdry watches are made using the finest materials and at prices between £40 and £135 there is a style to suit all budgets.
Tags:Coins Superdry watch, Covent Garden, David Beckham, Jude Law, Kate Moss, London, Osaka, Superdry, Superdry Angelina watch, Superdry Brad watch, Superdry Sport watch, superdry watches, The Lumber, Tokyo, watches
A Timeless Classic
Classic styles of sunglasses never seem to go out of fashion. An example of this is the aviator style which is as popular now as when originally launched in 1937. Of course whilst the original aviators are still frequently seen on the most fashionable of celebrities, during 2008 we have seen the styles slightly more revamped to create a modern edge. Favoured amongst celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biel and Kate Moss the classic aviators come in array of enhanced styles including a more retro look, and with the oh-so-now plastic or embellished frames.
Of course, we all know that aviators are super trendy but they were originally created to serve a specific and functional purpose. First designed by Ray-Ban in 1937, aviators were primarily worn by U.S. air force pilots for eye protection. The size and shape of the lens prevents as much light as possible from entering the eye and reduces glare. Despite their significant functional use, the style quickly became popular as a fashion accessory and transcended onto the big screen with Hollywood stars regularly featured sporting them. Originally designed for men, aviators are now equally as popular with women making them a versatile and timeless style.
Aviators are a good style choice as they will never look out of place and can be worn with any outfit. In fact, classic styles are often commended and considered more fashionable than faddy styles which you wouldn’t be seen dead in next season! Therefore they make for a great investment and in addition are of a superb quality due to their durability. They are also fantastic for women as the style is versatile and will inject an edgier look to a feminine outfit. Aviators certainly make for an effective yet subtle fashion statement.
Tags:Angelina Jolie, aviators, Brad Pitt, classic style sunglasses, Jessical Biel, Kate Moss, Ray Ban, Ray Ban sunglasses
Flower Power!
Summer 2008 certainly seems to be catering for every fashion style no matter what your taste. Be it American retro or safari chic, there really is something which allows everyone to shine in the summer sun. For the more girly girls out there the trend has gone all botanical inspired with many floral prints on clothing, accessories and shoes.
Retro floral dresses are currently very popular among celebrities such as Kate Moss, Nicole Ritchie and Rachel Bilson and can be found in many high street stores such as Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Wearhouse and River Island. The style is heavily influenced by the 40, 50s and 70s style tea-dresses. Feminine blouses teamed with flared jeans are also a chic alternative if you are not a fan of dresses. Similarly if you want to wear florals but you wish to incorporate a tougher edge, this season the flower prints have emerged bigger, brighter and bolder than ever with a slightly more abstract element. The key to adapting the look to suit you is how you accessorise and team pieces together. A soft feminine floral dress looks great with metallic footwear, and avoids that ‘Little House on the Prairie’ look. To go even further, the dress can be vamped up with a pair of strapped Gladiator sandals, or even heavy boots to create an extreme bold contrast.
It is also essential to consider your body shape when working this trend. To flatter your figure to its full potential with floras, if you are of a curvier build, match a printed skirt with a block colour top (or vica versa) to draw attention to your best area. If you have a slim frame, try a more eclectic look and team a printed t-shirt with a floral skit to create a stylish clash.
A great alternative to dresses and skirts is the revival of the jumpsuit. There are a number of floral versions on the High Street and these make for great ready-to-go festival wear.
If florals are really not your thing but you still want to inject an element of flower power into your look, then the key is in accessories. There are a number of silk scarves, handbags, flower inspired chunky jewellery and shoes which add an elegant hint of the floral trend to your summer style.
Tags:floral trend 2008, Kate Moss, Miss Selfridge Wearhouse, Nicole Ritchie, Rachel Bilson, River Island, Topshop
Hot Hair Looks for Summer 2008
Summer 2008 is all about accessorising the hair with scarves and hair bands – and the brighter the better! Headscarves are a perfect way to embrace this season’s ethnic style; they are extremely versatile and can be worn in a variety of different ways. For maximum effect, wrap the scarf around your forehead and push over your head, tying under your hair whether tied up or let loose – sweep the fringe and loose hair away from the face and the scarf will delicately frame your features. This style is most effective with a bright or patterned fabric. For a more boho, hippie style look allow the hair to fall around the headscarf and wear with this season’s maxi-dress and gladiator sandals. The headscarf is a fantastic summer accessory which can hide a multitude of hair sins and instantly transforms your look. It is also a great way to experiment with bold vibrant colours and in the summer heat, acts as a hair protector.
One hair trend in particular which has been seen on numerous celebrities such as Micha Barton, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Nicole Ritchie is the 70’s hippie look whereby a thin hair band is worn around the forehead. This look is very simple to achieve and works best with longer, wavy hair. To adapt this look for the evening, wear a metallic, beaded or jewel embellished hair band for an added injection of glamour. Many luxury designers such as Chanel have a gorgeous exquisite selection of hair bands whilst the high street also offers affordable but beautiful options. This look is perhaps not quite so versatile or suited to every day wear but very effective for festivals and summer events.
The colours and designs of hair accessories are typically very feminine and girly but for those more sporty types, neon 80’s colours and accessories are back including the much missed visor. Plain hair bands are also a great option in one block colour such as black and gold and make for a simple, understated yet stylish look.
The key summer hair trend is definitely all about keeping the style natural (yes, put the GHD’s away!) and really dressing the hair up. The use of a simple headband or scarf is a fantastic way of injecting style into casual daywear and glamour for the evening.
Tags:Chanel hair bands, hair accessories, hair bands, hair scarves, hair trends, Kate Moss, Micha Barton, Nicole Ritchie, Sienna Miller, visor
Return of the Spartans
It could have been dismissed as last season’s trend, but the Gladiator sandal has continued to make its mark in the category of must-have summer sandals.
At the start of spring it was all a bit touch and go, and those of us who’d bought into the foot fashion last summer were unsure as to whether we should be slipping our feet back into our Spartan sandals or if we were expected to steer clear. But then, as if by magic, the celebrities started stepping out; paving the way and continuing to stamp their approval on the Roman revolution.
Rather than an array of flats though, this season, footwear designers have pulled out all the stops and we’ve been plied with knee-high straps, tassle-tastic embellishments, leather discs, rope plaits and most shocking of all – high heels!
One celeb who can’t get enough Gladiator glory is Miss Gwyneth Paltrow. From Giuseppe Zanotti flats to sky high Givency ankle boots, her tootsies haven’t seen the likes of a filled-in shoe for quite some time. Also keen on the Colosseum craze are Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan and Sienna Miller to name a few, and just last week Elle MacPherson was seen dropping her kids off at school in a pair – true model mum behaviour.
If you’re keen to put your best foot forward in some thongs, take into account your size and shape. If you’ve got long legs, you’ll be able to pull off the knee high styles no problem, but if you’ve got slightly shorter legs, a lower pair will be more flattering. Then it’s up to you to mix and match them with jeans, dresses and shorts – all of which work a treat with the trend. Colour-wise, metallic shades add to the Mediterranean look, but black and brown versions also add versatility.
The motto of the sandal season then – wear them high or wear them low, just make sure you invest in a pair of Gladiators if you want to keep your footing in the style stakes.
Tags:elle macpherson, Gladiator, gwyneth paltrow, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller
Star Quality
One trend continuing to shine through this season is star led fashion, and we don’t mean star in the celeb sense either. No, it’s hard to miss the amount of star emblazoned accessories and outfits twinkling at us on the shop floor and we have to admit, it’s one stellar look that shouldn’t be ignored.
First seen on the Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Pucci and John Rocha runways, the star gazing craze really kicked in when Kate Moss rocked up at her 34th birthday party sporting a star print Chanel jumpsuit, closely followed weeks later by Alexa Chung, also in a Chanel ensemble but this time a dress; no-one does an all-in-one quite like Kate. Before long everyone was getting a little bit star struck and Kylie, Mary Kate Olsen, Miley Cyrus and Peaches Geldof were all seen donning the mystical motif.
But taking on this trend doesn’t have to mean adorning yourself in stars from head to toe, so do what Peaches did and start small by choosing an accessory to show off the design. Printed scarves are a must-have anyway this season, so why not go for the lunar look and tick two trends off at once. Shoes, bags, belts and jewellery are another great way to get your fashion fix and there are some great high street copies of YSL’s strappy star sandals.
It’s important to bear in mind that print can be powerful, so wear in moderation and try and choose more monochrome based prints in black or navy or it could start looking a wee bit garish. If you’re keen to work some more colour into the outfit, pair the print with bold block colours or add a red and white striped blazer á la Chanel for that all American feel.
Tags:chanel, John Rocha, Kate Moss, Kylie, Mary Kate Olsen, Miley Cyrus, Peaches Geldof, Pucci, star, YSL