Paris Hilton angers Saudis by opening store in Mecca

Paris Hilton's fifth handbag and accessories shop in Saudi Arabia has been accused of affronting the principals of Islam, and earned her a backlash of Twitter abuse in the process.

The American socialite and hotel heiress who's Twitter is awash with optimistic, life-affirming titbits such as - "Smile, because you're beautiful... Stand strong, because haters can't bring you down" and "I love black and white photographs. They are always so timeless" - has sparked controversy in the Middle East. From the very same account.

Posting a picture of her new accessories store in Saudia Arabia's holy city of Mecca - don't worry, we weren't fully aware of this best-selling handbag line either - Paris caused a backlash of abuse from an insulted Islamic community, with some claiming it as an "affront" to the "principal sanctuary" of the religion.

Her bubbly Tweet - "Loving my beautiful new store that just opened at Mecca Mall in Saudi Arabia!" - was met with disgruntled comments such as: "Saudi claim there are other ways to allow for pilgrims, and if religiosity is of such importance, why is Paris Hilton being allowed a store in Mecca?" The first comment was merely the understated, yet powerful "R u kidding?", according to the New York Daily News .

Undeterred by "The world is a corrupt place at the moment. Someone please send me to Mars" comments, the 31-year-old quietly reminded the Twitter sphere that this is her fifth store in Saudi Arabia alone, and number 42 in total.

Kate Middleton Refuses Kim Kardashian Gift!

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian reportedly sent the Duchess of Cambridge some of her Dorothy Perkins-stocked Kardashian Kollection clothing, only to receive the package straight back with a royal no thank you.

The Kardashian clan (that's Kim, Khloe and Kourtney, aka KKK) have been in town promoting their brand spanking - so-tight-you'll need-spanx-to-wear them - clothing Kollection of late, and it appears they have maximised their marketing strategies while here.

The Los Angeles-based trio, who found fame with their reality TV show Keeping up with the Kardashians , have reached out to the Duchess of Cambridge in the hope that she might give all that leopard print and bodycon her royal seal of approval.

The curvaceous trio sent the Duchess a selection of the Kollection's keyhole cut-outs, sheer panels and floaty drape sleeve blouses, according to The Daily Mail . And though the Duchess isn't one to shy away from a more risqué outfit, the 30-year-old Royal reportedly sent the package back.

Commenting on the bolshy postal move, an insider told the Daily Star that the Kardashian's "hoped Kate might be seen wearing one of the designs out in public, which would give their fashion credentials a huge boost." Continuing to expand on the sister's global domination strategy, the source clarified: "The Kardashians want to be as big in the UK as they are in America, and think associating themselves with the Royals, especially Kate, will help them achieve that."

A representative of the Duchess noted: "In general terms, the policy of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is not to accept any unsolicited gifts unless the sender is known personally to His or Her Royal Highness. Any such gifts are returned to the sender with thanks and an explanation of Their Royal Highnesses' policy."

Fashion Designers in Disney's Animated Movie!

The likes of Anna Dello Russo, Carine Roitfeld and Nicolas Ghesquiere have been transformed into Disney characters to help Minnie Mouse realise her fashion dreams for New York department store Barney's festive campaign.

Anna Dello Russo

As part of the Fifth Avenue store's 'Electric Holiday' campaign, Disney have created a 5 minute-long cartoon featuring some of fashion's best known figures in animated form.

Linda Evangelista sits next to Captain Hook on the front row

Watch as Minnie Mouse is transported into the hustle and bustle of Paris Fashion Week as she gazes longingly at a Lanvin dress in a shop window. On the way she meets the likes of Carine Roitfeld, Linda Evangelista and Alber Elbaz - the creator of her dream dress - gets papped by Steven Meisel, primped by Pat McGrath and preened by Guido, before taking to the catwalk with her fellow beloved Disney characters - Goofy in Balmain, Mickey in Balenciaga and Daisy in Dolce, plus many more.

It's the perfect meeting of fashion and fantasy - and the ending is beyond charming.

We're just wondering one thing - where's Wintour? Lol!

'Galliano's work is NO LONGER RELEVANT'!!!!

Raf Simons, the creative director of Dior, has spoken of his shamed predecessor John Galliano for the first time, saying he believes his work is no longer "relevant" as it restricts women.

Since taking the helm at Dior earlier this year, Raf Simons has kept schtum when it comes to discussing his disgraced predecessor, John Galliano - until now, that is.

Speaking in the latest issue of Vogue Australia, the Belgian designer has revealed that he no longer sees Galliano's work at the iconic design house as "relevant".

"I have so much respect for John [Galliano]'s technical skill and the fantasy, it's just something that I don't find relevant now, especially when it restricts a woman, because in every other area they have so much freedom," he said.

Whilst Simons is known, and indeed loved, for his minimalist approach when it comes to cut and colour, Galliano is famed for his elaborate, extroverted creations, many of which made for exciting catwalk shows but often did not translate in terms of wearability.

CHANEL CANCELLED!!!

Bad news is always best offset with some good news, so here it goes: Chanel's show-stealing, oversized hula hoop bag (below) will not be rolling its way into your local boutique, but its diminutive little sister will.

With a diameter of 24 cms, Chanel's iconic quilted bag nestles between two leather-bound hoops, and will carry a price tag of around £1,500, according to Refinery 29 .

Sadly, the large style which creative director Karl Lagerfeld revealed was for the beach - "You need space for the beach towel, huh? And then you can put it into the sand and hang things on it," he explained - will not be going into production Which means that even style maven Alexa Chung, who was given a homemade edition with her initials on by chat show host Anderson Cooper, can't even get her hands on one!!

Emma Stone crowned 2012's Best Dressed, twice!!

Actress Emma Stone has topped both Vogue's and InStyle's best dressed of 2012 lists this week, making her the most stylish starlet of the year.

It seems 2012 has been quite the year for rising star Emma Stone.

Not only has the 24-year-old won a slew of acting accolades, appeared on countless magazine covers (including both the US and British editions of Vogue , one month after the other) and bagged herself Spiderman as a boyfriend, she's also scored big in the style stakes, becoming fashion's newest darling.

Style bible US Vogue apparently agree, choosing her to grace the cover of their annual 'best dressed' issue - an accolade which last year went to the sartorially-adored Olsen twins. The publication, which names the 10 most stylish stars of the year, also pledges their fashion approval of Rooney Mara, Solange Knowles, Zoe Saldana, Leelee Sobieski, Lauren Santo Domingo, Kristen Stewart, Lily Kwong, Kimberly Chandler and Dree Hemingway.

Kristen Stewart in Zuhair Murad at Twilight premiere

'Twilight' actress Kristen Stewart dazzled on the red carpet at Leicester Square before having an almighty make-under.

She famously loves being comfortable in trainers (this time last year, at the London premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 , she famously swapped her high heels for black Nikes under her Roberto Cavalli gown when no one was looking) but Kristen Stewart did at least manage to last out the red carpet part of last night's premiere in the highest of heels - and no underwear.

The 22-year-old dazzled in front of thousands of British fans (many of who had camped overnight) at the Leicester Square premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II in a backless, lace jumpsuit by Beirut-based designer Zuhair Murad. 

The heavily embellished couture creation harked back to the cobweb-style Marchesa gown she wore to the premiere of Snow White and the Huntsman back in May, and the aforementioned Cavalli gown, and featured lace panels down the side of the legs, leaving no room whatsoever for any undercrackers.

J. Lo Gets Woman Fired for Seeking an Autograph??!!

J. Lo says the hotel maid was not fired for that, Tweeting, "Would never get anyone fired over an autograph. 1st I heard of this was on twitter. #hurtful."

E! News says the employee in question, Pray Dodaj, wasn't fired but was transferred to another hotel.

Dodaj allegedly wasn't seeking an autograph, but entered the room unannounced early one morning.

J.Lo's security team, obviously concerned that a stranger showed up, notified the hotel management.

Lopez was reportedly staying at the Breidenbacher Hof hotel in Dusseldorf, Germany, at the time.

Her rep adds, "Jennifer is having a great time on her world tour traveling with her twins and mom."

"Jennifer always goes out of her way to meet and greet fans as evidenced by her recent twitter @tweet2meet engagements, as well as stopping to sign autographs and say hello to hotel staff."

Between this and Jennifer Lopez nip slip action, there's never a dull moment on her tour.

Kim Kardashian Sunglasses: Enormous, Awesome or Ugly?

Kim Kardashian is set to launch a plus-size fashion line.

And while we doubt sunglasses will be included in it, the large-breasted reality star donned the most enormous pair of shades we've ever seen so far. Tell us what you think!

Selfridges opens largest men’s shoe department in the world

With over 3,000 styles to choose from, there's no longer an excuse to be having a 'shame on shoe' moment on Oxford Street.

Luxury department store Selfridges, the behemoth which commands an entire block on Oxford Street, has today unveiled its new men's footwear concept.

Its first floor is now home to 72,000 pairs of shoes, making it the largest men's shoe department in the world, with over 250 brands and a made-to-order shoe salon.

Prices range from a reasonable £25 for Havaianas flip-flops to over £10,000 for bespoke boots by Tom Ford. There is even a section dedicated to driving shoes - Selfridges' best performing men's shoe category - with practical offerings from the likes of Tod's, Gucci, Carshoe, Bottega Veneta and Prada housed in a salon inspired by the bodywork of vintage Ferraris.

"The new space is one of the cornerstones of our Menswear Masterplan - the ongoing development of men's fashion at Selfridges," explained David Walker-Smith, director of menswear at the chain.

The concept follows in the footsteps of the women's Shoe Galleries, which launched at the Oxford Street site in 2010. Shoe giant Kurt Geiger, who owns hundreds of shoe departments in stores across the country, is responsible for overseeing the edit of casual and luxury shoes.

A host of brands new to the Selfridges footwear roster, such as Kenzo, McQ, Burberry and Barbour have been welcomed into the fold while Lanvin, Versace, Dr. Martens and Trickers have all created styled exclusive to the store. In February next year, Christian Louboutin's red-soled men's collection will be housed in a dedicated boutique - a world first for the French designer.

"Our aim is to truly amaze our customers, and take ownership of core categories within our business by offering the very best international brands within bespoke retail environments," added Walker-Smith.

Just last week the retailer announced sales had broken the £1 billion barrier for the first time in its 103-year history.

Lady Gaga costumes go under the hammer

Julien's Auctions are set to sell four unique items created especially for Lady Gaga, and one even includes a spot of the singer's blood.

Lady Gaga superfans can now get their hands on a piece of their idol's vast wardrobe - if their pockets are deep enough.

Julien's Auctions , the Beverley Hills-based auction house that specialises in entertainment memorabilia, are set to put four unique creations worn by Lady Gaga under the hammer on December 1.

The priciest of the Gaga lot, which is part of the 'Icons & Idols' auction, is the 'Ecstasy' dress, designed by Istituto Marangoni-graduate Eddie Gavriilidis. With a starting price of $5,000 (£3128), the gown is expected to sell for $10,000 to $12,000. It even has a speck of the pop star's blood on it from where she was accidentally cut on the arm by an overzealous fan whilst wearing it.

Other items include a clear rubber mask worn by the star in the Showstudio short film 'Manifesto of Little Monsters'; a second mask formed of rusty nuts, bolts and washers created by Keko Hainswheeler and worn by Gaga in the video for 'Bad Romace', as well as an extravagant 20-inch-high headpiece that was commissioned for her Monster Ball tour. Both the rubber mask and headpiece were designed by Franc Fernandez, the deigner respoinsible for Gaga's now-infamous meat dress.

Other items in the Rock n' Roll' section of the auction include Madonna's black bouffant dress worn by the mega-star for LIFE Magazine shoot with photographer Bruce Weber, and pieces belonging to the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen and Dolly Parton.

Lady Gaga 'The Naked Truth' on Vogue Hommes Japan

Fashion director Nicola Formichetti has announced that the autumn/winter 2012 issue of Vogue Hommes Japan will be the last.

Men's style bible Vogue Hommes Japan will cease publication following its autumn/winter 2012 issue.

The magazine was launched in September 2008 as the Japanese counterpart to the long-running and highly-respected L'Uomo Vogue , the Italian Vogue for men.

Fashion director Nicola Formichetti - who is also the creative director of fashion house Mugler, a long-time collaborator of singer Lady Gaga's and the fashion director of high street store Uniqlo - announced the news via his Tumblr page yesterday.

In a short statement he said publishers Condé Nast had decided to switch "its men's publication globally from Vogue to GQ Style ." He added, "I loved the issues we made together. Each issue was a chance to collaborate with the best creatives in the world. Our goal was to push the boundaries of fashion and oh boy did we take it there!!"

Formichetti also hinted that he is set to pursue a new print venture with two of his colleagues from Vogue Hommes Japan . "In this digital world, I still love making magazines," he said.

The Chinese, Brazilian and US editions of the publication met a similar fate, with all folding within five years of their launch.

Kate Spade New York opens outlet in Dubai Mall

Luxury accessories brand Kate Spade has signed a new deal to expand into the Gulf Region.

Kate Spade New York has signed a new distribution partnership with Jashanmal Group in the Middle East.

According to Arabian Business the new deal will cover exclusive distribution across UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain and will include women’s ready to wear, handbags, small leather goods, fashion accessories and jewellery.

Kuwait’s 360 Mall was the first stop along Kate Spade’s Middle East expansion, with the Dubai Mall outlet opening in April.

Craig Leavitt, CEO of Kate Spade New York told Arabian Business: "We are confident that the Middle East market will be a key growth area for us, and intend to have a meaningful presence in the region, opening in three new markets in the months ahead.

"We are excited about our distribution partnership with the Jashanmal Group as they have a proven track record of strong brand management and aggressive growth plans.

"This launch coincides closely with our expansion into Europe, having opened two stores in London last fall, as we recognise the importance of traffic moving between these two markets."

Tony Jashanmal, Group executive director, added: "We are delighted to announce our association with Kate Spade New York which is one of the fastest growing brands in the US.

"We are confident that this is an excellent addition to our portfolio of accessible luxury lifestyle brands and we are sure that it will offer our consumers an unparalleled sophisticated shopping experience."

Heidi Klum goes BearFaced for Children in Need

Rankin has photographed supermodel Heidi Klum and a host of other celebrities make-up free in aid of Children in Need's new initiative, 'BearFaced Day'.

Heidi Klum has proved exactly why she's a supermodel by wiping off the make-up and revealing her natural beauty, all in aid of Children in Need.

Klum, 39, along with other famous faces such as Louise Redknapp and Caroline Flack, was shot barefaced but for a Pudsey paw print by renowned photographer Rankin to raise awareness of the charity's brand new initiative 'BearFaced Day', which will take place on Friday November 9.

The charity wants women across the UK to go without make-up to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

But Heidi's not the only fashion name to get involved in Children in Need - a whole host of designers have given the charity's much-loved mascot Pudsey a high-fashion makeover . All of the designer bears will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to Children in Need.

Beyonce 'Barely Spoke To Kim Kardashian' At Festival

Kim Kardashian might be 'desperate' to get to know Beyonce and get into her inner circle, but her plans aren't quite working out as Beyonce seemed to pretty much ignore her on Saturday night.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star attended the Made In America festival in Philadelphia this weekend, as did Beyonce, as the ladies were both there to support their men Jay-Z and Kanye West, but Beyonce “didn't even acknowledge” Kim until the end, according to a new report.

“Kim and Beyonce barely spoke to each other,” a source told Confidenti@l, before adding: “They were on opposite sides of the stage. Beyonce didn’t even acknowledge [Kardashian] was there until the concert was almost over.”

Kanye was one of Jay-Z's special guests during his performance at the festival, and is not only one of the '99 Problems' rapper's best pals, but he's also reportedly Blue Ivy's godfather.

But according to the source, it wasn't just Beyonce who went cold, as they said: “(Kardashian) didn’t make any efforts to go speak to Beyonce either,” the source explained, revealing that the 31-year-old spent a lot of time with her buddy Jonathan Cheban and Kanye.

Kim was allegedly 'uncomfortable” when the pair “made small talk in the dressing room, but you could tell Kim was uncomfortable. She clung onto Kanye the entire time and didn't say much,” the source revealed.

They also added: “(Kardashian) was talking to Jonathan, and Kanye was talking to Jay-Z and Beyonce.”

Kim did praise Jay-Z for his set, but it sounds as if he had food on his mind.

There's been rumours of the girl's tense friendship for awhile now with B reportedly slamming Kim for trying to "buy her friendship" after the reality star gave Beyonce's daughter an expensive bracelet back in July.

The insider has revealed that Beyonce called on chef Anthony DiRienzo from STARR Restaurants (Buddakkan, Morimoto) to prepare her meals, which allegedly included a chicken quesadilla with no cheese and watermelon tomato salad.

They loved the nosh so much that they ordered some take-away meals for their private jet on Sunday.

Source: Entertainment Wise

Original Article here

Vogue Café and GQ Bar to open in Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is preparing to welcome the Vogue café and a GQ bar, both titles belonging to Condé Nast.

Diversification is the name of the game over at Condé Nast. The international publishing house responsible for Vogue , Vanity Fair , Glamour and GQ already has designs on a fashion college , and is now set to conquer the Middle East with a Vogue café and GQ bar.

A new Vogue Café (there is already one in Russia) is slated to launch in Dubai by the end of the year, but this being glossy fashion bible Vogue , it will be housed inside the world's largest shoe store.

Level Shoe District, a 96,000 sq ft luxury retail space, will stock more than 250 shoe brands and is situated in Dubai Mall at the foot of the world's tallest skyscraper - the 828 metre-high Burj Khalifa.

"The expatriate community and the local Emirati community are very conscious of brands," said Stuart Nielsen, director of Conde Nast's restaurant division, which was launched in 2010. "People always love to eat and drink, and we see an opportunity because they love fashion."

The Vogue Café will not serve alcohol, but a hotel-based bar inspired by its men's title, GQ , is being plotted for launch in Dubai early next year, would.

The company is planning to open another GQ Bar in Istanbul this year, and has signed deals for Condé Nast establishments in Bangkok and Singapore, Nielsen said. It is also considering opening cafés in Mideast cities closer to Dubai, including Kuwait City and the Emirati capital, Abu Dhabi.

Kate Moss and George Michael take their friendship to the cover of Vogue Paris

Neighbours, friends, and now cover stars. Kate Moss and BFF George Michael land the October 2012 cover of Vogue Paris.

George and Kate, sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Well, probably not the last bit, but the celebrity pair - who are also neighbours in London's chi-chi Highgate Village, really do seem to be the best of friends at the moment.

After Moss moaned that being left out of Michael's Freedom 90 supermodel video was her greatest career regret, Michael promptly made amends by giving Croydon's finest a starring role in his latest single 'White Light' in which she flips a coin to decide the singer's fate.

George later told Magic FM that he chose Kate because she reminds him of his late mum, who the singer was extremely close to. "Every boy who has lost their mum thinks his mum was the most beautiful woman in the world. Why not ask someone who is considered the most beautiful woman in the world in many ways to be that figure?" Welling up here already…

Now the pair have had their love-in committed to fashion history thanks to a Vogue Paris cover and spread shot by renowned photographer, Mario Testino.

We haven't had a peek between the sheets yet, and the cover line 'The pop star falls for the top model, by Mario Testino' doesn't give much away, but this much we do know: A bronzed and bearded George looks in fine fettle after his brush with death last year, and is busting an altogether much more acceptable outfit than the world of leather festival he showed up in at the Olympics Closing Ceremony, while Moss still scrubs up well for the camera (though we would LOVE to get a glimpse of the re-touching bill).

Karl Lagerfeld offers his view on ‘sexy’ Carole Middleton

While Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld is no great fan of Pippa Middleton, he thinks her mother is 'very sexy'.

Karl Lagerfeld is full of praise for Carole Middleton Photo: REUTERS/ PA

While Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld is no great fan of Pippa Middleton, he thinks her mother is 'very sexy'.

While we all know what Karl Lagerfeld makes of the Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton - he famously remarked that she "should show only her back" - he has much admiration for her 57-year-old mother Carole.

"I think Carole is very sexy" he told Grazia. "I think the mother is sexier than the daughters. There is something full of life about her. For a woman who must be 50 or so, I think she's great. She's full of energy."

Not so full of praise: Pippa Middleton. Photo: Getty

The spotlight was on mother of the bride Carole at last year's royal wedding, where she looked elegant amid the royal guests in a powder blue creation by Catherine Walker and especially trim thanks to a rumoured stint on the high-protein Dukan diet.

Duchess Kate and Carole are even known to share clothes, with Kate recently borrowing a royal blue dress by Reiss from her mother's wardrobe for a public outing.

"I Love Kate Middleton" added Lagerfeld. "Kate can try anything. For make-up, she has no limits."

The Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: Reuters

The multi-tasking designer also tried to explain the venomous comments he made towards 28-year-old Pippa. "I only meant I don't think her make-up is right," he said, adding: "she has a roundish face and round eyes and should pick another make-up for the eyes." However he did conclude with: "Her sister's more beautiful."

Chanel ordered to pay 960,000 AED in counterfeiting case

Chanel has been ordered to pay the sum to their former knitwear supplier, World Tricot, who accused them of copying one of their designs.

Chanel has been ordered to pay a former knitwear supplier, World Tricot, £161,000 (€200,000) by the Paris Court of Appeal.

The ruling is the latest twist in an ongoing legal battle between the two companies.

In 2009, World Tricot attempted to sue Chanel for £3.6 million: £1.3 million for wrongful termination of the business relationship, and £2.3 million for alleged counterfeiting of a white crochet pattern. Chanel denied all accusations and the commercial court ruled in their favour ordering World Tricot to pay Chanel £161,000 euros for "public disparagement".

However, the court decided on Friday to overturn that ruling and instead ordered Chanel to pay World Tricot.

"This is the first time we have faced this type of situation, although we work with close to 400 suppliers. This very specific case is in no way a reflection of the quality of our relations with our suppliers," Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel fashion told WWD .

Chanel says they will decide "shortly" whether or not to appeal the decision to the French Supreme Court.

Did Chris Brown get a tattoo of Rihanna's battered face?

Just when we thought naff rapper Chris Brown couldn't get any more offensive (his crimes against fashion are enough to pique our gag reflexes let alone his prosecution for beating up ex-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009), the utter moron has lowered even his own critically depleted standards.

Brown recently unveiled his new 'ink', a charming tattoo adorning his neck.

Now, what would be the most brainless thing you could get permanently etched on your neck if you were a convicted abuser. Hmm, let's see… how about a picture of a battered woman's face? Not just any woman though, not controversial enough. How about one that looks just like the image of Rihanna's swollen face that hit the internet in the aftermath of the attack which left her with a split lip and bruised eyes? Genius!

Despite inexplicably managing to rebuild his career since his conviction, (one which as far as we can detect is built on instantly forgettable nonsense), clocking up number one singles and albums and even the odd Grammy Award along the way, Brown still seems intent upon making the whole world continue to hate him.

He, of course, denies that the tattoo is Rihanna telling TMZ that it's just a "random woman", while his tattoo artist Peter Koskela told EW.com that the image was inspired by a M.A.C cosmetics design of a skull associated with the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead (see, moronic) which Brown asked him to convert to a tattoo.