Retail Therapy: Fashion Week returns

Perfumeria Gal Lip Balm. Photo / Supplied

Despite the economic downturn, Air New Zealand Fashion Week is going ahead, with the organisers last week confirming dates. The industry's big event will run from September 21 to September 25, and will once again take place at the Viaduct Harbour Marine Village. A list of participating designers will be announced in July - we can't wait to see who'll be showing - and invitations, say the organisers, will focus on key media and buyers from Asia - "an untapped area for many New Zealand designers". Meanwhile, Australian Fashion Week kicks off at the end of this month, with local labels Kate Sylvester and Zambesi expected to be showing their spring/summer 09/10 collections.

Lips of an angel

World Beauty stores are exclusively stocking beautiful lip balms by Spanish beauty company Perfumeria Gal. Created in Madrid, Perfumeria Gal have been producing balms, soaps and other cosmetics since 1898 - and now they're available to New Zealand women. The lip balms, which come in amazing tins and an array of flavours, are only $15 from World Beauty stores.

Ashlee loves fashion

Pop singer Ashlee Simpson was in Australia recently with her husband Pete Wentz, who was in town for the MTV Awards. Grazia is reporting that Simpson went into boutique Ourmishmash and picked up a bunch of stuff from our very own Stolen Girlfriends Club and twentysevennames.

Killing it

Hipster band the Kills were in the country last month, and the duo were photographed wearing pieces from local labels including Meadowlark Jewellery. No word on whether Jamie Hince has passed on any of the jewellery to girlfriend Kate Moss.

Bye bye Drop Dead

Bad news for local luxury fashion fans: Newmarket boutique Drop Dead Gorgeous has closed its doors.

Next big thing?

We're not quite sure what do make of Lady Gaga, and we're still making up our minds as to whether we love her or she's tragic. But we kind of loved her outfit on a recently aired episode of American Idol. It involved a custom-made Benjamin Cho dress made up of stars, tassels, sparkle - and an eye-covering that unzipped to reveal her eyeball. Sounds hideous, but it's possibly the most interesting thing you'll see on American Idol this season.

Nature meets nurture

Simple, sexy, soft and sensitive to the environment: we love the new collection from Elle Macpherson Intimates. Called Procession, the collection of lingerie is made of a combination of bamboo cotton and Seacell. Bamboo cotton is a natural and sustainable fibre that draws moisture and sweat away from the skin, and Seacell is made up of natural cellulose and seaweed, which promote freshness and smoothness. The pieces come in a range of colours. Prices start at $34.95.

Go Glam

It's Viva Glam time at M.A.C with the annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser again fronted by singer Fergie. Viva Glam VI is on sale this week, with the versatile soft plum lipstick and lipglass available for a limited time, with all proceeds going to charity. M.A.C's Chancery store has also become the only outlet in the country for the company's Pro products, which, in the few weeks they've been on sale, have proved very popular with makeup artists. Body paints, contour creams and dazzling loose pigment eyeshadows are part of the range.

Crunch Time

The credit crunch is seeing beauty outlets work harder for your dollar, with attractive gifts-with-purchase, special offers at salons and spas, and now discounts in the competitive retail sector. L'Oreal has just dropped the price of its UV Perfect daily moisturising lotions with SPF50 by $10 to $14.95. This non-greasy fluid fights against skin discolouration and other signs of ageing. Now there's no excuse for not using your sunblock every day.

Hair Pioneers

Schwarzkopf has been an established name in hair-care for 111 years, and the giant German company recently celebrated its longevity with a party highlighting its role in pioneering such everyday items as hairspray to the mass market.

Now the company is looking ahead, launching new professional salon and home haircare ranges. Essensity is free of artificial fragrances, silicones, paraffin, mineral oils and parabens, making it one of the most natural mainstream ranges around. As well as shampoos and conditioners, there are also ammonia-free hair colouring options from Schwarzkopf salons.

At supermarket level, the Extra Care line has been relaunched with a special cell repair formula, to provide more care options for those looking for advanced everyday options in shampoos and styling products.