Beyoncé Fronts New House of Dereon Campaign

Beyoncé has only stepped in front of the cameras a couple of times since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy, on January 7. But news that the newly made mum is getting geared up to get back to work is on the horizon as a new photo of the superstar is released for her latest campaign for her clothing label, House of Deréon.

Shot by famed celebrity and fashion photographer Tony Duran shortly before Beyoncé gave birth, the only image released so far features Beyonce looking stunning and sultry wearing a structured stud embellished bodice accompanied by a fierce lion mane for her spring/summer 2012 collection.

The collection comprises of edgy to elegant evening wear as well as contemporary casual tops and jackets with bold use of stunning prints and a color palette featuring soft pastels, nudes and pops of coral and blue.

Below are some of my favorite pieces as well as the promotional video for the collection. Currently the House of Dereon US site states that the shopping online feature is “coming soon.” However if you are across the pond, you can purchase pieces from Lipsy, Selfridges and House of Fraser.

SquidLondon — Color Changing Couture

Taking the innovative color changing properties of their signature umbrellas to the next level, female “SquidLondon” duo Emma-Jayne Parkes and Viviane Jaeger have collaborated with couture pattern cutter Vlasta Collu and haute couture embroiderer Charlotte La Roche to create a stunning capsule collection of raincoats.

SquidLondon co-founder and Director Emma-Jayne Parkes explains:

“We decided to develop our coat range because our umbrellas are so loved, and so much fun, we really wanted a ‘wow’ factor garment; the intricacies of hand embroidery mixed with sharp couture detailing that beautifully change into a walking piece of art when wet – it’s unique – you can’t beat it!

The capsule tailored rainwear collection “Opera Icons” consists of two jackets and a trench coat available in three embroidery options, allowing the wearer a sense of artistic flair as well as adding a splash of playfulness in her style.

The three designs include the Carmen – a cropped, fitted jacket with a high collar; the Madame Butterfly jacket with its oversize shawl collar that when used as a hood mimics the brightly colured wings of a butterfly; and the Juliette trench coat, a classically beautiful design, just like its namesake. In addition to the coats, there are appliquéd versions of the much-loved Squidarellas, and an oversized scarf that can be worn in several ways.

When dry, the garments are chic monochrome – white flower motifs appliquéd to the black fabric. But add a splash of rain and the white flowers quickly garment blossoms into an array of bright colors.

The coats are made in London and currently available made to order for A/W 2011 delivery direct from SquidLondon’s Shoreditch studio. http://www.squidlondon.com.

Check out a behind the scenes video:

*Majority of information taken from Official Press Release.

Yasmin Le Bon Models 110-Pound Dress By Stephan Rolland

Former supermodel Yasmin Le Bon, 47 — wife of Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon — took to the catwalk, showcasing Stephan Rolland’s outrageously weighted creation: a red jersey dress made of 147.5 feet of fabric that weighed in at a staggering 110 pounds (50kg)! The dress served as the highlight of his collection and required two male escorts — that sounds bad when saying it like this, but keep your mind out of the gutter! the poor woman needed help! — in order to get the gown down the runway.

The show-stopping gown symbolized the designer’s tribute to material, with the fabric measuring as much as 45 metres at its longest point. As if the sheer amount of fabric wasn’t enough, the red silk jersey gown was embellished with metal panels along the bustier and down the front of the skirt. Not only did it turn heads it also proved that the former supermodel (now 47!) still has what it takes and strutted her sleek silhouette in what became the highlight of the entire show.

Andrej Pejic: Poster Boy For Fashion Androgyny

Versatility is an essential component that any serious model must possess. The ability to adapt, evolve and ultimately personify an idea is key to making a name for oneself in the fashion industry. However what happens when you transcend this very definition?

Introducing Andrej Pejic, the latest sensation to push the limits of fashion and blur the line between the sexes. Born 1991 in Bosnia, Pejic is one year shy of his 21st birthday and has already hit major milestones in his budding career as a male model who models both men’s and women’s fashion.

His androgynous features have made him the ideal poster boy for fashion androgyny as well as being acknowledged as one of OUT Magazine’s 100 Most Compelling People of 2011.

When I first discovered Pejic, it was hard to not do a double take, he has a sense of natural beauty and a range of distinctive features that really make him unique and simply put, beautiful. His physical appearance and androgynous features allow him to forcefully push the boundaries of fashion and social acceptance. Check out a few examples of his work below, including one where he is channeling Marilyn Monroe.

Designer Spotlight: Mary Katrantzou

Greek-born Mary Katrantzou in only a matter of years has become renowned for her stunning surrealistic prints that feature bold graphics and vividly captivating color. Katrantzou has secured her prestigious position among London Fashion Week’s leading young designers and it is evident as to the reason why. Her transcendent vision and unique collections are now featured in over 100 stockists in over 35 countries including Harvey Nichols in London, Colette in Paris, Barneys, Neiman Marcus in the US and many more.

Prior to her big break, Katrantzou had previously moved to the US in 2003 in order to study at the Rhode Island School of Design to study architecture. She subsequently transferred to Central Saint Martin’s Collage of Art Design to coomplete both her BA and MA where she focused on fashion prints. In 2006 she collaborating with Sophia Kokosalaki where she managed to create a portfolio for the Central Saint Martins Master Fashion Textiles course. Ultimately opening the Saint Martin’s graduating show, her collection became nominated for Harrods and the L’Oreal Professional Award, as well as gaining sponsorship by Newgen for six full seasons (S/S 2009 – A/W 2011).

Click here to download her press book.

Below is a selection of my favorite looks from Katrantzou’s latest Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear collection: