FASHION BIOGRAPHY: GIANNI VERSACE

Gianni Versace was born in Italy on the 2nd of December, 1946. He grew up with his older brother (named Santo), his younger sister (Donatella, current creative designer of Versace and the woman who made Versace a household name)

Versace began his apprenticehip at a young age, helping his mother make dresses. He studied architechture before moving to Milan at the age of 26 to study fashion design.

In the 70's Versace was hired by Complice to design their leather and suede collections. A few years afterwards, enjoying success, he released his first collection for women at the Palazzo della Permanente Art Museum in Milan. That September he followed with his first ever menswear collection. He opened his first botique in Milan's Via della Spiga in 1978.

Gianni met his partner Antonio D'Amico, a model, in 1982. The couple embarked on a relationship for the next 15 years.

On the 15th of July, 1997, the world shook at the news that 50 year old Gianni had been shot on the steps of his Miami beach mansion. He was murdered by Andrew Cunanan, who used the same gun to take his own life several days later on a boat. Versace's body was cremated with the ashes being returned to the family estate in Italy.

It was announced that Santo Versace, and Jorge Saud would become the CEOs of Gianni Versace S.P.A, with Donatella becoming the head of design

Gianni left 50% of his now empire-sized company to his niece Allegra Versace. Allegra inherited this stake, worth around half a billion dollars, when she turned 18 in 2004. She has the final say in the Versace clothing line

FASHION FOCUS: POSH BECKHAM'S HERMES COLLECTION

Posh Beckham: we've all heard about her. The woman who sang a few songs now living the highest sort of life imaginable. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but there have literally been thousands upon thousands of photos taken of Madam Victoria Beckham making appearances with Hermes bags of all different hues, materials, and in many cases skins. A typical Hermes Birkin or Kelly Bag can be valued at approx $8000-$10,000, so that might lighten the surprise that with all these bags, P's HERMES collection is valued at somewhere around 400,000. It seems to be her favorite bag, but it doesnt mean she always has them, as there are always other bags to be seen with, as well as sunglasses, shoes, necklaces, bracelets dresses. Cant you imagine how it all adds up?

Lets not forget that P is honest to god famous for being famous, and in many cases, designers hand her these bags for free. For those of us not lapping in millions, we have to pay, and ALOT. Take the top picture; this Himalayan alligator bag costs approx 80,000. Funny, its curious how she sleeps at night knowing shes wearing more than an average mans yearly wage on her arm.

A FEW FACTS ABOUT HERMES:

1. The Hermes Kelly bag is named after Grace Kelly, who is the first woman who wore it and made it famous.

2. The waiting list on specially produced Hermes bags can often be a minimum of six months.

3. Buying a Hermes bag ensures that entering any Hermes store worldwide will also grant you an optional cleaning of your bag, to make it look good as new.

4. You can order special Birkin or Kelly bags when buying, in any colour, shade, or leather or skin from the animal of your choice

FASHION FOCUS

LADY GAGA IS IN MELBOURNE. Media spies reported her entering Chanel and in true pop-star fashion, going ballistic. Heres wat a media piece has to say

CRAZY couture is more her thing, but controversial American pop star Lady Gaga has shown she's more than partial to a bit of high-end retail therapy - always with a twist, though.
Spies tell us the singer went on a spree at Chanel's Melbourne city store last week, snapping up a white shirt ($2670) from the fashion house's Cruise 2010 collection, a Jumbo Classic quilted bag in gold ($4350) and a Camellia brooch ($830).
But the most wacky of her purchases came in the form of a sleep mask equipped with eyelashes stitched on the outside that cost $590.
All items were paid for on her own credit card, under her real name of Stefani Germanotta.
Later that night, at her concert, Gaga shouted out a thank-you to the "Chanel buddies" who had helped her out during the spending spree, which totalled an eye-watering $8440.
Gaga's manager also bought a pair of black leather gloves ($1210) at the store as a gift for the star, who celebrates her 24th birthday today.

Gaga, u are amazing. Please keep up ur "crazy couture" and big spending. Don't change a thing, cos ur inspirational. PLUS OMFG I STOOD IN THE CHANEL STORE TODAY, WE STOOD ON THE FLOOR UPON WHICH UR HEELS HAVE WALKED GAGA, I WANTED TO LICK THE FLOOR :P

FASHION FOCUS: 2010 Ascot

This years Ascot as always brought its fashion flourishes and its fashion failures. In the above pictures, perhaps not so much. The Royal Family appreared impeccable as always :) :) :)

Lady Devonshire attempted a strawberry bowl off her head (anyone elses eyebrows raising?) but the overall effect with her Givenchy dress and 6 inch Loboutin heels was reported quite pleasing

The awe inspiring Viktor and Rolf Fashion show (spring-summer 2010)

The Viktor and Rolf show has inspired many good reviews and publicity due to the bold line and soft interior conception. Not only has this collection defined the brand with a new interest but it continued to show that definitive theatrical side to the brand also. Impressive, and transforming

Pics of Lady Gaga and her jaw-dropping outfits

Opinions onthe latest Prada Show: Summer 2010

Miuccia introduced Pradas latest show with a rather strange look. It appeared as if she'd taken a pair of scissors to her couture collection and roughly cut at the hems. The effect was thoroughly new, and coming from someone who isnt a huge fan of Prada (for me, i like a brand that isnt so discreet) i was incredibly impressed. You can get the podcast on itunes FOR FREE!!!!

The First inspiration of many; Lady Gaga

Defs 1 of the most memorable of my fashion inspirations, Lady gaga combines the outrageous outfits and the catchy tunes to result with the title; The Queen of Pop. But it is the former that has inspired quite an outrageous feel to my latest collection. As she gave the interview to the Boston Times, Gaga said that she wanted to portray her vanity, and create scandal with what she wore, and all before she said a word. I believe this is an extraordinary train of thought, and congratulate Gaga. I will provide some photos of the eyebrow-raising outfits she's worn over the last couple of years.

These clothes certainly have me asking, is the fashion world really too narrow minded?

AND SPEAKING OF GAGA I AM GOING TO HER CONCERT IN MELBOURNE ON APRIL 9TH. I AM SOOOOOOOO BLODDY EXCITED