Tessuti launches summer 2008/09 collection at Fashion Rio

The changes at Tessuti arrived for the summer of 2008/09: Fafá Consenza arrives with the mission to replace Clara Vasconcellos.

And the fashion show presented on the fourth day of Fashion Rio revealed the brand’s elegant clients can stay calm, because the brand’s DNA did not get lost on the way.

The collection is classic, with long and short or knee-length dresses, tulip skirts, tops and suits.

The transparencies have guaranteed presence, as do the ruffles and embroideries. Organza and silk gave shape to the pieces. The color chart has white, yellow, red and orange.

Avon global ambassador Reese Witherspoon's Japan visit

Avon Global Ambassador, Reese Witherspoon visited Japan to bring a message of empowerment and hope to the Asia Pacific region.

Ms. Witherspoon was the guest of honor at a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony where she met female breast cancer survivors.

In addition to the tea ceremony, Ms. Witherspoon met with Avon Representatives and introduced the region to Avon's first-ever global fund raising product, the Women's Empowerment Bracelet.

In Tokyo, Ms. Witherspoon attended an intimate Tea Ceremony dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, by a prominent kimono dresser, Midori Yogi. Ms. Yogi's family has dressed the Japanese Imperial Family for weddings since 1952.

The Tea Ceremony, which is a multi-faceted traditional activity designed to capture the spirit of healing the body, mind and soul, offered an open forum to discuss breast cancer issues and needs in Japan, which is a critical topic due to a high rate of breast cancer in the country and the Asia Pacific region.

At the Tea Ceremony, Ms. Witherspoon met Dr. Matsuda, Chairman of the Japan Breast Cancer Association, and three Japanese breast cancer survivors, and talked with them about the lack of breast cancer awareness and screening facilities.

Fine Jewellery is plan for massive expansion

Fine Jewellery India Ltd (FJIL) is planning for a enormous expansion within next three years. The Mumbai based diamond jewellery exporter aims to open new retail outlets across nation along with enhancing the manufacturing capacity to strengthen its position in domestic market.

Fine jewellery sells its in-house lifestyle brand ‘Nirvana’ through large format stores that are spread in 27 cities nation wide, it also has an exclusive stand-alone store in Mumbai.

In an exclusive interview with Fibre2fashion, Mr Sohil Kothari, Director, Fine Jewellery Group asserted, “We plan to set up around 30 NIRVANA exclusive stores in 10 major towns and cities in the next three years. To support this expansion as well as increase manufacturing capacity, we have drawn up a capital expenditure plan that will require nearly US $25 million.

Mr Sohil further divulged, “We propose to raise funds through private equity in the next six months for our famous brand Nirvana, which mainly targets age group of 25 to 45 years. It is a delicate daily wear jewellery, for design conscious young generation.

Camp Rock products premiere on Disney Channel

Disney Consumer Products is launching a new line of tween merchandise inspired by “Camp Rock,” the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie set to launch across multiple media platforms on June 20. Beginning June 15, Target stores nationwide will carry the largest selection of “Camp Rock” products.

Disney Stores will also offer a unique collection for fans everywhere. "Camp Rock" merchandise brings together the entertaining and aspirational themes of the movie with a wide selection of products ranging from electronics, to apparel, accessories and footwear, bags and backpacks, home décor, books, fashion dolls, stationery and other merchandise that will enhance the customer connection with the movie.

"Kids and tweens have been eagerly anticipating 'Camp Rock' and the merchandise program will allow them to bring the movie into their world," said Lisa Avent, vice president of TV Licensing for Disney Consumer Products. "Target and Disney Stores will help us reach this key demographic with a line that will extend the movie's messages of self-expression and creativity."

Victor Dzenk walks the Royal Road

From the white sandy beaches of Rio straight to the villages and baroque churches of Ouro Preto.

Victor Dzenk walked the Royal Road, passing through Parati, until reaching the historical cities of Minas, returning to his roots.

He brought a collection that highlights digitalized prints, with oratory floral motifs, angels, adornments, baroque ceilings, arabesques and all sorts of rococo.

The collection’s shapes portray the architecture of this style in columns, Imperial court and balloons, as well as ample dresses that recall the nightgowns of the time.

In contrast, tighter-fitting shapes provide the sensual look the Brazilian woman likes.

Light fabrics highlight the collection like jerseys, silks, silk gauzes, silk satins, lace and tulle.

The color chart is also baroque, with hues of gold, old gold, nude, emerald green, royal blue, violet, rose and black.

Esmod to arrange Fashion Workshop Summer Class in Dubai

French Fashion University to set Esmod Dubai - Fashion Workshop 1 month July Summer Session class from July 1st to July 31st.

Anyone who wants to get into the industry and has a keen interest in Fashion and trends. Students who need a foundation course prior to entering in the BA degree program in September.

There will be no qualifications or experience need to get on the course. Student will achieve ESMOD Dubai 1 month Fashion Workshop Summer Class Certificate for this course.

To attend the course download the form here and call 04 429 12 28 or 050 356 26 50 to schedule a meeting to remit these forms for registration and payment. Continuous assessment and feedback will be given during the course.

Suashish is going to invest Rs1.5 bn at SEEPZ jewellery plant

Suashish Diamonds Ltd is planning to invest about Rs. 150 Crores in setting up a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Mumbai’s Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ). The investments will be made through the company’s wholly owned subsidiary Suashish Jewellery Ltd.

Out of this the Rs. 82 Crores is being invested in the first phase in setting up a 16,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility. This facility will become operational in August 2008.

It will add an estimated 500,000 jewellery pieces of capacity to Suashish Diamonds’ already existing annual capacity over 10,00,000 pieces of jewellery.

“The first phase of the facility is expected to achieve Turn Over of Rs.180 Crores in a full year of operation. We are looking at investing the remaining Rs. 68 Crores in second phase in next 2 years.

Once the full resources are committed, and both the phases become operational, we expect the SEEPZ operation to achieve Turn Over Rs. 400 Crores annually,” Mr. Ashish Goenka, Managing Director of Suashish Diamonds said.

Maria Garcia uses Taffeta fabrics for summer collection

The starting point for the summer of 2008/09 by Camila Cutolo, of Maria Garcia, was Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, New York, in the United States.

The brand’s narrative shows the apex of the island in the 1920s until its decadence with reurbanization in the 1960s.

In order to tell the story, she divided the collection in three parts: paradise, beach and decline.

Hues of blue and rose, comfortable dresses, pleated skirts, shorts tunics, pantaloons are among the looks.

Flamingos, plaids and boats as prints. The color chart has somber hues like navy blue, red and black. Taffeta is among the fabrics used by the stylist.

Would you like to have Angelina's jacket?

All Angelina Jolie fans have suddenly got a reason to smile, as the sexy and stunning leather jacket that is worn by her in the upcoming film is up for sale. On CharityFolks.com has put the garment for auction. It is anticipating massive online participation as Angelina rests in the hearts of millions world wide.

The Hollywood actress has worn the black jacket in her forthcoming action flick ‘Wanted’. It's the diagonal front zipper and the tassel that gives a glamorous and classy look to the jacket. However, if one wishes to flaunt it, the wearer must have a curvaceous body like Angelina, as it is in extra small size!

The website is expecting to earn big bucks that will help the organization, Plan!t Now, started by the Academy Award winner, Morgan Freeman, one of the most respected Hollywood actors.

Gallery International Fashion Fair: The success continues

The success continues in August, when Gallery International Fashion Fair, which is held in Forum Copenhagen, presents more than 40 new design-driven brands and 8 new catwalk shows with great Scandinavian brands. The fashion fair grows from 4000 m2 to 5200 m2.

Gallery International Fashion Fair Copenhagen is expanding, when the fair in connection with Copenhagen Fashion Week from 7th - 10th August presents more than 40 new brands. Among the new brands, you will find Day Birger et Mikkelsen, Kenzo, Paul & Joe, Helmut Lang, Vanessa Bruno and Cheap Mondays.

• Gallery is expanding and we can sense the interest for the concept the fair is built up on. By expanding the exhibition area from 4000 to 5200 m2 we now have more space for more of the leading Scandinavian design-driven brands, says Christian Gregersen from Gallery.

Gallery already presents profiles such as Filippa K, Lagerfeld, Malene Birger, NOIR, Tiger of Sweden, Peter Jensen, Jens Laugesen, Wood Wood and Stella McCartney - brands that attracted around 12000 visitors in February.

Neon Trend:loveable

By Alana Calikes

It's time to make a statement. Spring may have been all about fine muted tones and delicate floral patterns, but summer is set to explode with eye-popping hues as neon takes a center stage. Bright impact colors made significant appearances in a number of influential SS shows, including Versace, Roksanda Ilincic, Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, Giambattista Valli, Jill Sander and Ralph Lauren.

Strike it bright! The summer dress took on some seriously vibrant shades at Versace, Zac Posen and Roksanda Ilincic.

While all of the designers choose to handle the trend differently, it seemed clear by the end of fashion week that neon was back. The Jill Sander runway was dominated by high impact shades, featured on everything from super vibrant fuchsia cigarette pants to a day-glo orange shift dress.

Ralph Lauren accented his signature equestrian styles this season with flashes of acidic yellow and electric blue, and the trend was also strongly acknowledged at the Giambattista Valli and Versace shows, where sexy summer dresses and dramatic full length gowns stormed down the runway in blinding yellows, limes and pinks.

From Left to right: Miu Miu spongy leather rounded tote; Marc Jacobs Eve Flo Ranna pouchette in acid yellow; Fendi Chef East West bag.

Neon shades are also making a considerable appearances on a number of high-ranking accessory pieces, such as Louboutin shoes and Marc Jacobs and Fendi handbags. Marc Jacobs, whose impeccable design has made him the proud creator of many of the worlds most beloved 'it' bags, has now taken one of his most famous creations, the quilted Stam, and given it a neon makeover. The Day Fluo Quilted Little Stam bag hangs delicately from the shoulder in a bright green fluorescent goatskin.

Louboutin has also given in to ultrabrights this season and introduced a number of new sexy statement shoes, such as the neon orange Passmule Zeppa open toe wedges and the five inch fluo green Privatita platforms, which give undeniable impact to any summer wardrobe.

From left to right: Brian Atwood Leona patent slingbacks; Christian Louboutin Privatita platform slingbacks; Alexander McQueen fuchsia satin rope tie sandals.

Furthermore, neon's influence does not seem to have ended with the 08 SS shows. The use of fluorescent tones and bold colors has continued into many of the designers fall lines. Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Roksanda Ilincic all returned for fashion week with outfits marked by dramatically bright shades, and Christian Dior's ready-to-wear line also joined the neon brigade with a collection of neat Kennedy-era inspired suits in strikingly bright orange, lime and tomato red. Giorgio Armani was also seen outlining his sleek and sexy fall collection with sharp injections of vivid fuchsia and electric deep violet.

With so many fashion powerhouses subscribing in full to the allure of neon, it seems hard to deny that vibrant day-glo shades will soon become a high-ranking trend that is impossible to ignore. It may not be the summer style dominating the attire of celebrity fashionistas' and streetwear brands quiet yet, but it is slowly and surely on the rise and not to be underestimated. Expect neon to make a sure appearance on the high street scene very soon.

From Spring to Fall: Neon hues remains in check at the Fall shows of Christian Dior, Emporio Armani and Versace.

Wild universe inspires Movimento for summer

Movimento’s collection for the summer of 2008/09 is full of elements from the wild universe.

Tininha da Fonte used organic prints with leaf shapes, camouflage and animal fur to create the looks that will be used by contemporary women, and, according to the brand, the "warriors".

Leaf green, purple, red and yellow are in the color chart of the brand that presented low-cut swimsuits and bikinis in diverse models.

The tops have ruffles, drapes, collars and wide straps. The bottoms are straighter and larger. Movimento also suggests ample and long dresses, shorts, overalls and pants.

The mix of prints predominates. The fabrics include stretch with Elastane, Egyptian cotton, pure silk and jersey with Elastane.

SPFW, a sumptuous display of designs

Sao Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW), which is known to bring some of the most amazing and awe-inspiring designs for fashion savvies nation wide, kicked off on June 17 stylishly. With each passing day the ramp is sizzling and dazzling, as beautiful models walk down the runway, flaunting excellent creations of established Latin American designers.

Cia Maritima, the top most beachwear brand of the country which is famous for creating exuberant designs got high appreciation from spectators this time also. The electrifying era of 1970’s was the source of inspiration for the designer.

Tie and dye prints, big brass beads and huge plastic embellishments brought retro look alive on stage. As Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches, there could not have been anything better for local women, this season.

Another designer that managed to steal the attention of spectators was Fause Haten, who displayed his exclusive eveningwear collection. The designs were extremely sophisticated and were made using fabrics like silk and satin that will surely make the wearer look all the more gorgeous. The narrow cuts and folds added a dash of classiness that the designer is known for.

André Lima finishes fifth day of SPFW

Inspiration comes from the “wings”. From butterflies to Batman, regardless, what counts is the study the brand did to generate volumes.

Volumes that finish in geometric, asymmetric points, in wings or bows. The shorter dresses are also the tighter fitting ones.

The gowns, a must in any André Lima collection, are neater cut and evasé. The incredible creativity with which the brand created unusual shapes added a conceptual freshness that united and explained the collection.

The butterfly look stands out with wings projecting from the shoulders and down the sides of the blue mini dress.

A detailed study on almost impossible shapes and their delicate adaptations.

Raw materials include satin, taffeta and jacquard. The color chart is generous and includes coral, grays, lilac, yellow, pink, navy, black and white.

Gallery International Fashion Fair: The success continues

The success continues in August, when Gallery International Fashion Fair, which is held in Forum Copenhagen, presents more than 40 new design-driven brands and 8 new catwalk shows with great Scandinavian brands. The fashion fair grows from 4000 m2 to 5200 m2.

Gallery International Fashion Fair Copenhagen is expanding, when the fair in connection with Copenhagen Fashion Week from 7th - 10th August presents more than 40 new brands. Among the new brands, you will find Day Birger et Mikkelsen, Kenzo, Paul & Joe, Helmut Lang, Vanessa Bruno and Cheap Mondays.

• Gallery is expanding and we can sense the interest for the concept the fair is built up on. By expanding the exhibition area from 4000 to 5200 m2 we now have more space for more of the leading Scandinavian design-driven brands, says Christian Gregersen from Gallery.

Gallery already presents profiles such as Filippa K, Lagerfeld, Malene Birger, NOIR, Tiger of Sweden, Peter Jensen, Jens Laugesen, Wood Wood and Stella McCartney - brands that attracted around 12000 visitors in February.

Garment delegates visit clothing factories in Vietnam & Cambodia

The Hong Kong garment and footwear industry enjoyed a first-hand look at business and investment opportunities in Vietnam and Cambodia earlier this month during a five-day trip organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The Hong Kong Garment and Footwear Partnership Mission to Vietnam and Cambodia, 5-9 May, included 29 delegates from the garment industry and 14 from the footwear industry.

Ralph Chow, Director of Product Promotion at the HKTDC, and one of the mission leaders, said the visit was organised to help Hong Kong garment and shoe manufacturers "explore the possibility of relocating their factories to Vietnam or Cambodia."

Garment delegates visited two clothing factories in Vietnam and three in Cambodia. These included Vietnam's biggest garment manufacturer, Thanh Cong Textile Garment Co, which boasts 5,000 employees, and Hong Kong company Tack Fat Garment (Cambodia) Ltd, Cambodia's largest foreign investor and employer.

Footwear delegates visited two factories in Vietnam and two in Cambodia, including a Taiwanese company, a Hong Kong factory and a mainland operation.

Luxottica to confirm outlook for fiscal year 2008

Luxottica Group S.p.A. a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of premium fashion and luxury eyewear, will confirm during an investor conference call its previously announced financial outlook for fiscal year 2008.

The objective of the conference call, which takes place starting at 6 PM CET (5 PM UK, 12 PM US ET), is to provide the financial community with a more in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the new Group resulting from the combination of Luxottica's base business with Oakley's and, specifically, their impact on Luxottica Group's financial performance for the first half of the year.

A similar investor call was held in March of this year to take an early look at the significant changes to Luxottica Group's business and financial performance by quarter resulting mainly from the merger of the two companies.

Paris fashion week:the man

SOME unconventional male models take to the catwalk at Paris Fashion Week, and the designs are out there.

Red Carter going to show spring 2009 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim

Red Carter, known for his sophisticated, sexy swimwear, has been selected as the "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Red Carter will debut his Spring 2009 collection on July 19th at 10pm, at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh Hotel.

Each Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz sponsors a designer who reflects unparalleled talent to be on display during the five-day runway event.

Recent former "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers include Monique Lhulier, Badgley Mischka, Alice Temperley, Kevan Hall, and Veronika Jeanvie.

"We are thrilled to partner with Red Carter for his Spring 2009 runway show," said Lisa Holladay, Manager, Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes- Benz USA. "Red embodies the true spirit of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

By uniting the many facets of both Mercedes-Benz and the City of Miami, he seamlessly blends modern inspiration with traditional design elements to create his own bold, yet timeless style."

Miss Venezuela wins best Ao Dai title at Miss Universe 2008

As the Miss Universe 2008 pageant is picking up momentum, the contestants are vying for the most prestigious beauty award in the entire world. Hoa Binh Theatre at HCM City featured the participants modeling the traditional Vietnamese dress, Ao Dai on June 24.

Miss Venezuela, Dayana Mendoza, won the title ‘Best in Ao Dai’. Nearly 80 Miss Universe contestants were donning Vietnamese customary garment, created by four famous domestic designers including Lien Huong, Thuan Viet, Sy Hoang and Vo Viet Chung.

Along with Miss Venezuela, four other participants were chosen in the final round from India, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Vietnam. However, Dayana Mendoza made her smooth way out and won the contest.

There were more that 2000 spectators who had come to become the part of the mesmerizing and enchanting event. As it was a proud moment for Vietnamese people to see stunning participants draped in their beautiful traditional attire.

The grand finale will be held on July 14 at Crown Convention Center, Diamond Bay Resort, in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Damas showcases Montega watches collection

Damas, the undisputed watches and jewellery retailer in the Middle East, has launched new models of its elegant and distinctive house brand – Montega.Dedicated to producing superior quality timepieces in a classic and timeless style, Damas has more than accomplished its goal through these amazing models whicwh are setting new trend in the region.

As symbols of sophistication, these coveted Montega watches continue to adorn the wrists of some of the top Arab celebrities in the region.They are big fans of Montega as it is trendy to wear a watch of nearly every colour this season, including the ‘must have’ red. This ever-so-sophisticated look is enjoying a major resurgence right now.

Not only does a Montega watch flatter your wrist, it is also the perfect accessory to most of the summer’s trendy outfits. No wonder the label is fast becoming one of the most widely recognised brand names, offering stylish connoisseurs a wide variety of designs.

The latest collection is studded with high quality diamonds for that confident sparkle every minute of the day. Montega watches offer a perfect combination of grace and class.

Summer enrollment heats up as more students return to Esmod

According to the preliminary enrollment summary from the internationally acclaimed French Fashion University, a lot of people are staying in Dubai realizing the fun and great value of condensed education for one month only; instead of three or six months in winter.

Open for registration; summer session will start July 1st and will last for one month, offering truly sensed experience by enviable team of instructors who are set to add an entirely new dimension to one's lifestyle through interactive methodologies that gives a greater understanding of technicalities of design & garment making.

"Summer may be the time to relax and forget about tight deadlines. However, as the only fashion University in the Middle East, it is important for us to regularly expand our fashion programs to stay on top of new trends and preferences.

Summer gives students a chance to break from routine - a good intense one month course minus theory books and classes truly makes summer education a heavenly experience." said Tamara Hostal, Director, French Fashion University Esmod.

s.Oliver at Akropolis to present new & trendy outfit each month

On 13 June, the Apranga Group, leader of retail clothing market in Lithuania and the Baltic States, opens the second s.Oliver store in Lithuania in the shopping centre “Akropolis” in Vilnius.The new store with an area of 300 square metres offers classic and trendy outfit and will present new collections each month.

The store represents “s.Oliver Casual women und men”, “QS by s.Oliver male und female” and “s.Oliver Accessories” product lines.The first s.Oliver store was opened in Kaunas at the beginning of 2007. s.Oliver was established in Würzburg in 1969, and it currently lines up with the leading European companies of fashion and lifestyle.Different teams of designers create twelve collections from nine product lines. s.Oliver has 80 own stores and 330 stores in cooperation with partners.

2,600 stores and 1,700 sales outlets represent the s.Oliver brand.On the international scale, s.Oliver Group goods are sold in 30 countries. Ambitious and moving with the times, the “s.Oliver Casual women und men” collection balances extreme comfort and high quality with low prices.By the latest fashion trends, top quality and particularly trendy cut, the “QS by s.Oliver male und female” collection creates an individual style with impressive details. A visit to the world of s.Oliver lifestyle ends with the choice of “s.Oliver Accessories”.Currently, the Apranga Group operates a chain of 88 stores in the Baltic States: 59 in Lithuania, 24 in Latvia, and 5 in Estonia.

Macy Gray is Launching Clothing Range

The singer and actress Macy Gray is to amaze the world with her new brainchild. But this time it’s not a new album, not even a movie, it is the new clothing range from Macy Gray.

The clothing line will reportedly come under Macy Gray’s real name - Natalie Hinds. The singer says that she is planning a retro fashion range, whish she is calling "ghetto chic", Femalefirst reports.

Gray worked with Jill Scott and Black Eyed Peas stylist Nonja McKenzie to produce the collection whish is set to hit the stores later this year. The singing actress also revealed that the muse of her inspiration is Diana Ross.

Meantime, Gray is successfully continuing her movie career. She will soon appear on the screen again as a stripper/burglar in Keira Knightley's new film, Domino.

CrocsRx unveils Silver Fox shoe collection

CrocsRx, the medical division of Crocs Inc, revealed a new, sleeker addition to its therapeutic collection, the Silver Fox. Combining Crocs’ legendary comfort with fashion-forward sensibility, this classic mary jane style includes a 1½ inch heel.

The new Silver Fox shoe, will be on display for doctors and medical professionals to view, along with the entire CrocsRx collection at Crocs booth no. 211 at The 2008 Western Podiatric Medical Congress show, June 19-22 in Anaheim, California.

Carrying both the distinguished United States ergonomics endorsement, as well as approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), the Silver Fox is the first shoe in the collection to be designed specifically for a woman’s foot.

Complete with Croslite AG+ material, a revolutionary material created from nano-Silver ceramic crystals, the shoe is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, thus killing harmful strains of bacteria and fungi which are routinely the source of foot infections.

Pamela Anderson going to Host Fashion Cares and Donate $100,000

Pamela Anderson, the recently-announced spokesperson for M.A.C. AIDS Fund and the new face of VIVA GLAM V Lipstick will host the 19th annual Fashion Cares in Toronto on June 4 and will donate $100,000, on behalf of the Fund, to the AIDS Committee of Toronto.

Within just one month since becoming the newest face of VIVA GLAM, Anderson raised over $1,8 mln. for the M.A.C. AIDS Fund. The 37-year-old Baywatch star has focused her attention on the importance of getting tested and knowing your health status. The VIVA GLAM V Lipstick and Lipglass are the main fund-raising products bringing all 100% of profit from sales to the M.A.C. AIDS Fund, which helps men, women and children who live with HIV/AIDS.

"We always knew that Pamela would be an amazing addition to the VIVA GLAM V campaign. We chose her not only because she is a highly recognizable pop culture icon, but because she is so passionate about raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and encouraging people to Get Tested. But we just can't believe how incredibly successful the campaign is already doing with the addition of Pamela. It's a testament to her dedication and commitment to helping bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS," said John Demsey, Chairman of the M.A.C AIDS Fund.

"I am honored to be back in my home country to participate in this year's Fashion Cares, I feel privileged and empowered to help raise funds and awareness on the importance for Getting Tested. Everyone, everywhere, has to Get Tested. It's the responsible choice. Knowing also helps stop spreading the disease that has no cure... yet," said Anderson.

She will join the list of celebrities like Ru Paul, Lil’ Kim and Linda Evangelista who have previously walked the Fashion Cares catwalk representing M.A.C. AIDS Fund, the main sponsor of the event.

There will also be an opportunity to meet Anderson backstage by bidding on eBay Canada (for further information see www.ebay.ca/fashioncares).

Within the first year of the VIVA GLAM V launch in 2004, M.A.C AIDS Fund raised $15 million, having celebrities Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott, Chloe Sevigny, Linda Evangelista and Boy George representing it.

The M.A.C AIDS Fund VIVA GLAM V campaign was designed by M.A.C Senior Vice President/Creative Director, James Gager and shot by photographer Michael Thompson.

M.A.C. is the leading professional cosmetics brand, which was created in Toronto in 1985 and is now the part of The Estee Lauder Companies.

3i is buying 49% of Antichi Pellettieri's bags & accessories

3i, the world’s leading mid-market private equity company, and the funds managed by 3i, announce that they have signed a binding agreement with Antichi Pellettieri S.p.A., the Leather Goods Division of Mariella Burani Fashion Group, for the acquisition of a 49% stake of the newly constituted APB Srl (“Antichi Pellettieri Bags” or “APBags”). APB is the holding company of Francesco Biasia, Braccialini, and Coccinelle as well as Mandarina Duck (acquisition to be completed).

3i will invest EUR 128 million in exchange for a 49% stake in APB. EUR 118 million will be exchanged on the date of closing while the remaining EUR 10 million will be paid based on APB’s performance.

The proceeds of the transaction will allow Antichi Pellettieri Group to eliminate its outstanding debt resulting in a positive Net Financial Position.

The enterprise value attributed to APBags of approximately EUR 355 million, slightly lower that the value currently attributed to the complete Antichi Pellettieri Group at the date of acquisition (EUR 415 million).

In addition, the Board of Directors of AP has expressed its intention to transfer, as soon as possible, its listing from the Expandi segment of the Italian Stock Exchange to MTA.

Hearts On Fire opens its first US retail store

The Hearts On Fire Company (HOF), the pre-eminent consumer brand in the fine diamond jewelry business, announced the opening of the first Hearts On Fire retail store in the U.S. at the Shoppes at the Water Club, the Borgata's new premium hotel in Atlantic City.The store, which will be owned by Hearts On Fire's longtime retail partners Harvey and Madalyn Rovinsky of Bernie Robbins Fine Jewelry, will officially open on June 26, 2008 and offer a full assortment of Hearts On Fire diamond jewelry, from bridal, to fashion jewelry and couture.

Modeled after Hearts On Fire's stores in Asia, the new Water Club location exudes a modern elegance and is designed to highlight the intensity of Hearts On Fire's extraordinary diamonds.Hearts On Fire diamonds, which are cut at 100x magnification, or 10x the industry standard, shine more brilliantly than any other diamond of comparable color, clarity and carat weight.

The name Hearts On Fire, is derived from eight identical hearts that are revealed when peering through a scope, a natural phenomenon of a perfectly cut diamond."We are thrilled to be opening our first U.S. retail store as our next phase of building the Hearts On Fire brand," said Mark Israel, President of Hearts On Fire.

Romance of Cotton

Cotton Council International (CCI), a US-based non-profit organization, runs the "cool with cotton campaign" in India to promote the generic cotton fabric. As part of this campaign it is organizing its first ever cotton fashion extravaganza “Romance of Cotton” in association with well-known designer duo of Meera & Muzaffar Ali.

The guests for the show will include well-known names from the Indian fashion and textile industry. The show will be choreographed by the popular choreographer duo of Apu & Tania and will have leading models from the fashion and glamour industry like Indrani Dasgupta, Joey Matthew, Nayanika Chatterjee, Sapna Kumar, Sonalika Sahay, Krishna Somani, Lakshmi Rana and Tina Chatwal among others, walking the ramp in fashionable cottons.Also joining the show from the US will be Ms Agnieszka Fijol, Senior Manager,

Greater Europe and South-East Asia who will be personally interacting with the media and other notable personalities from the fashion industry.The fashion show is to be held at on 24th June, 2008 at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya Hotel, New Delhi 8:00 pm onwards