Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood, the London-born fashion designer known for her pieces inspired by Britannia, has strongly urged Scotland to vote for independence on Thursday and suggested a "Yes" vote would "point towards a better world."

Vivienne Westwood is backing Scottish independence

"I am so excited," she said at her London Fashion Week show, "Fingers crossed they will win. Because if they do, it could be the turning point towards a better world.They could lead by example."

Continue reading: Vivienne Westwood Backs Scottish Independence, "I Hate England"

Dame Vivienne Westwood has unveiled a range of new uniforms for Virgin Atlantic staff to wear to work. The British designer teamed up with the airline to design a range of practical yet stylish outfits for use across a range of roles.

At a special unveiling event this week in East London, Westwood introduced her new range for the Sir Richard Branson-owned airline in front of an audience of staff and stars, including Debbie Harry, Mark Ronson, Dominic Cooper, Matt Smith and Bond girl Naomi Harris.

The updated uniforms are being made using a polyester made from recycled plastic bottles and take inspiration from some of the punk designer's most iconic pieces as well as her interest in 1940s French fashion.

Continue reading: Vivienne Westwood Unveils "Extremely Glamorous" Virgin Atlantic Aircrew Uniforms

RIP Shirley Temple: For younger generations, the death of Shirley Temple may not be as heart-rending as for those who grew up with the adorable, depression-era actress and watched her help pull America out of its slump. Temple died peacefully at home aged 85 on the 10th February after a life of reinventing herself and bringing joy to others through her many talents. You may or may not know that Temple was huge in China, but why? Find out here. Shirley Temple: 1928-2014.

Samuel L Jackson Makes Himself Clear: Samuel L Jackson has been involved in what was arguably the biggest foot-in-mouth moment of the year so far. In an interview with KTLA's so-called "entertainment reporter," Sam Rubin, Jackson was asked about his recent Super Bowl commercial...only, the Robocop actor didn't have a Super Bowl commercial, leading to quizzical stares and the immortal quote "what Super Bowl commercial?" as it dawned on the star that Rubin had him confused with fellow black actor, Laurence Fishburne. Read about the fall-out and watch the toe-curling video here.

Continue reading: A Week In News: America's Darling Dies, Samuel L Jackson Feels The Fury, Flappy Bird Meets Its Maker

Vivienne Westwood has designed a custom wedding dress of porcine proportions for Miss Piggy. The star of The Muppets will wear the stunning white gown when she finally weds the love of her life, Kermit the Frog, at the iconic Tower of London in the upcoming movie.

Miss Piggy Will Wed Kermit The Frog In This Stunning, Bespoke Vivienne Westwood Gown.

The British designer was commissioned to create a unique gown in a romantic style fitting for the high-maintenance diva. Westwood and her team certainly excelled on the brief, designing an extravagant Long Ivory Court wedding gown, with corset detailing and paillettes made from recycled plastic bottles, and accessorised with an elegant ivory tulle veil.

Continue reading: Vivienne Westwood Designs Miss Piggy's Wedding Dress, And It's Fabulous

The legendary British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has been tasked with re-designing Virgin Atlantic’s cabin crew’s uniforms. She’s gone for a futuristic look, which references the 1940's glamour for which she is known. According to The Telegraph, the new uniforms will be unveiled in July and launched next year. Virgin Atlantic have explained that the designer wanted to capture the “glamour and style that the Virgin Atlantic cabin crew are renowned for.”

The uniforms for the female flight attendants will remain red and will reportedly highlight the feminine silhouette. The suit will feature a jacket cinched in at the waist, with a curved hip line and a simplistic pencil skirt, with double-pleated back. The men’s outfits, on the other hand, will take on a more classically tailored look, with a contemporary feel. Male cabin crew staff will be kitted out in a three piece burgundy wool suit, with grey wool detailing under the lapels and pockets.

As an interesting twist, the uniforms will be manufactured using sustainable materials, such as recycled polyester yarn made from old plastic bottles. Westwood commented “I am always trying to find fabrics that are more friendly to the environment - working with Virgin Atlantic they managed to research this and find more eco fabrics.” Hopefully Vivienne’s plans will receive a better response that Spring Airlines’ announcement that they intend to make their cabin crew dress as maids and butlers.

Continue reading: Airborne Glamour: Vivienne Westwood Designs Virgin Atlantic’s New Cabin Crew Uniforms

Winner: Cara Delevingne Beams At The British Fashion Award

Ah, it's that time of year again, when the London's fashion glitterati descend on The Savoy Hotel to try outdo each other with their designer dresses, towering heels and flashy bags. Actually, it was a little more elegant than that this year, with some of the leading names in British fashion turning out for annual event. Sure, that Nick Grimshaw guy was there, but he kind of had to be given that he was hosting.

The evening saw 14 awards presented to leading figures in fashion, with Stella Mccartney scooping the top accolade of Designer of the Year. Outstanding Achievement went to Manolo Blahnik for his contribution to fashion, while Jonathan Saunders won the Emerging Talent (Menswear) Award (presented by Ronnie Wood). So that's the boring ones out of the way: who won the exciting stuff? Model of the Year went to the new darling of British fashion Cara Delevingne, who pretty much dominated the fashion stakes on the evening too. The 20-year-old wore a metallic green shift dress by Burberry with silver peep-toe heels. It was big night for the Burberry star, who graced the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in November. She was joined by her close pal Rita Ora, who opted for an aqua gown by Vivienne Westwood before later dressing down with cream trousers and knitted top. Delevingne became the face of the fashion house in 2010 though has also appeared in high profile campaigns for H&M, Zara and Chanel. She appeared in a huge 31 shows at London Fashion Week in September, modelling for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi and Stella McCartney.

Continue reading: Pictures: British Fashion Awards, Cara Delevingne Stuns, Alexa Chung Smokes

All of the guests and winners at last night's Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards looked utterly stunning on the red carpet. Many have noted Emily Blunt's show-stopping backless orange number, and how beautiful Daisy Lowe looked in her timelessly-classic sequined gown, but the wardrobes of the guests were not the reason anyone showed up, nor why the awards are so important to the influential women of the world. 

"Now we [women] are expected to do everything, which probably isn't human," the Telegraph quotes Stella McCartney saying "and we are in danger of burning out if we try to do everything." A full interview with McCartney, as well as with other winners of the awards, will be published in the December issue of Harper's Bazaar, which will be dedicated to the women. French actress Marion Cotillard will appear on the front cover, with whom the magazine also has a full interview inside. 

In a year flush with the monarchy, Queen Elizabeth has also won the accolade of Icon of the Year. The queen has as yet not commented upon this win, but we've no doubt she'll be celebrating in her own way. Ambassadors of the year were awarded to three of this year's Olympic winners, Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendleton and Ellie Simmons, who have jointly provided brand new, healthy role models for young women today. A special award was given In Memoriam to Marie Colvin who was an American reporter, killed earlier this year while covering the siege of Homs in Syria, where a nail bomb exploded, killing her. 

Continue reading: Harper's Bazaar's Women Of The Year 2012 All Dazzled In More Ways Than One

Emily Blunt at the Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards

There was an Olympic feel on the red carpet of the Harper's Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards (not to be confused with the Bizarre Women Of The Year Awards, which we imagine would be quite a different ceremony) but one actress managed to fend them all off in the glamour stakes, with Emily Blunt looking delightful in an Alexander McQueen orange gown with sparkly neckline. It was a wonderful outfit for the actress to wear as she scooped the British actor of the year award at the event held at Claridge's Hotel in London.

Continue reading: Emily Blunt The Star Of The 2012 Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards