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Marc Jacobs has chosen Madonna to be the new face of Louis Vuitton. The superstar will appear in the spring/summer 2009 campaign, photographed by her long-time collaborator Steven Meisel. The sexy campaign images were inspired by a smoky 1940s Parisian cafe, with Madonna wearing Louis Vuitton killer heels, amazing furry short skirts and ethnic inspired bags. The formidable Jacobs has in the past chosen celebrity models who have included Victoria Beckham, Scarlett Johannson and Jennifer Lopez. In store now in Auckland you can find the latest range of accessories from the Louis Vuitton Christmas catalogue. 99 Queen St, City.
Designer Exposure sale!
We're not sure if we'd really want to wear Paris Hilton's cast-offs, but that's what Designer Exposure is giving Auckland women the chance to do at their receivership sale this week. The sale is on at the old Cube store in Auckland's Chancery until Sunday, with new and mint condition designer clothes including Gucci, Dior, Armani and more.
Block Party
Crispen Korchen is one of our favourite artists here at Viva, thanks to her feminine and whimsical paintings.
Just in time for Christmas, Crispen has launched a new range of her Barking Mad art blocks which are based on her works. This one, called Serenity, was inspired by her love for "curling up in a quiet place with a stack of books and a cup of tea; this is pretty much heaven to me". Definitely an ideal pressie for a book lover. $14-$24, from The Vault (09) 377 7665 and Texan Art stores in Downtown (09) 357 4331, Ponsonby (09) 376 6064, Newmarket (09) 529 1021, Pakuranga (09) 978 9121.
Fashion show
Want to go to a fashion show? Up and coming designer Serena Fagence is presenting her summer collection at Pull Bar tomorrow night (December 18), with both men's and womenswear on the runway. Fagence designs stage costumes for musicians Bionic Pixie, Charlie Ash and The Naked and Famous, and also does styling and photography for 1AM magazine. She says this new collection is "inspired by unique dyed fabrics and prints forming one-off designs" all of which will be on sale the night of the showcase. There will also be an after-party following the show. Serena Fagence show, 214 K Rd, 8.30pm, December 18.
Show some support
Students from Carmel College are teaming up with SkipForLife to fundraise for women with early HER2+ breast cancer. They have produced crystal Swarovski winged angels, which represent hope, strength and a future for women with breast cancer. We think it could make a great Christmas adornment, and is a great way to show support for a good cause. There are pink and clear angels available, $25 each. If you'd like to purchase an angel, email donate@skipforlife.org.nz. And more more information visit www.skipforlife.org.nz.
Eat, shop, love
If you haven't discovered the eclectic Garnet Station Espresso Lounge in Westmere yet, you're missing out. This hip hangout, like its owners Verity and Lisa, oozes personality. The great thing is, at this time of the year they stock up on fabulous Christmas gift ideas including wacky handmade poetry notebooks by poet Raewyn Alexander, vinyl records made into fruit bowls and Egde City ceramic stones - it's the perfect place to find unique presents for your loved ones. And while you're deciding, you can have coffee with a gluten-free Venerdi cranberry and coconut brownie or a decadent Kohu Rd espresso or dark chocolate icecream. 85 Garnet Rd, Westmere. Ph: (09) 360 5320.
We like these
The design duo behind Deadly Ponies have released a range of hand-crafted bone flower pendants, which come with a hand dipped gold chain. We like how they clash the pretty with the slightly macabre. They're the perfect Christmas gift too, for anyone from your best friend to your Grandma. Deadly Ponies bone flower pendants, $205, from Superette.
Nutured in Ponsonby
Local children's label Nutured by Nature have opened their first concept store on St Mary's Bay Rd in Ponsonby. The brand features very cute eco-friendly garments for babies and toddlers that are made to be passed on for generations - and have earned some high-profile fans including Stella McCartney, Jamie Oliver and Kate Moss. The new store will stock the Nutured by Nature brand as well as Bholu baby wraps and critters and Jane Goddard glasswork. Nutured by Nature, 9 St Mary's Bay Rd, Ponsonby, ph (09) 360 0165.
Perfume-and-ride
Perfume-and-rideCity bus passengers who don't like the look of person at the bus stop next to them, can always reach across and give them a quick refresh. Five inner-city bus-stops have been fitted out by the Ecomist company with a promotion for Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink perfume that at a touch of a button, lets the public sample the scent.
Bye-bye Hailwood
Adrian Hailwood is shutting up shop. The talented designer will close his K. Rd store in February next year, and will focus his attention on web-based sales, his signature T-shirt graphic design, and consultancy work. He will also continue to have access to the support of business partner Annah Stretton. Unfortunately for Hailwood fans, the collection shown at New Zealand Fashion Week earlier this year won't be available, but his line of tees can be bought at www.annahstretton.co.nz.
