Your Morning Fashion and Beauty Report: Duchess of Cambridge Kate looks great at ARK event. Pippa Middleton loses 'Rear of the Year' vote. [Updated]
The Duchess of Cambridge mixed designer with high street as she arrived Thursday night at London's annual ARK charity gala with husband Prince William. She wore a sleek and elegant rose-colored Jenny Packham gown embellished with Swarovski crystals and shoes from retailer LK Bennett. Her loose hairstyle was fresh, modern and the antithesis of stuffy. It was the couple's first offical "formal" event since their wedding. (They met America's first couple in a much more casual setting, sitting out the more formal state events while the Obamas were in town.) [PopSugar]
British television personality Carol Vorderman beat nominees including royal sister-in-law Pippa Middleton for "Rear of the Year," a cheeky (ouch! I couldn't stop myself from writing that) annual contest sponsored by Wizard Jeans and decided by popular vote. Vorderman has an amply endowed backside that we in the states would term "booty," and there's even a fan website devoted to it. Still, ''I am really surprised and flattered to get this award, particularly at this stage of my life,'' said the 50-year-old Vorderman. [Telegraph]
Remember Stella McCartney's much touted collaboration with GapKids? McCartney moved on to develop her own children's line and now Diane von Furstenberg is teaming with the mall retailer for a children's collection for next spring. [People]
Not only will Florence Welch appear in Gucci's fall ads, not only did she inspire its fall collection, but the atelier is dressing her for the upcoming Florence & the Machine tour. [People]
Kate Winslet shows she can strike a pose, looking sultry in St. John's fall ad campaign. [WWD]
As if Jennifer Lopez isn't busy enough: She's set to launch her Love and Light fragrance exclusively on HSN on July 2. She's scheduled to be on the air for eight hours, taking calls from viewers. [WWD] (Subscription required.) [This item was updated at 9:39 a.m. June 10 to correct the date, which was incorrectly listed as as Saturday June 11 in the linked story.]
Meanwhile, Marc Jacobs is preparing to launch his new fragrance, Oh, Lola, this summer. [WWD] (Subscription required.)
Designer, film director and now beauty maven: Tom Ford has developed a new cosmetics and skincare line. [WWD] (Subscription required.)
And finally -- and sorry, I just think this is weird -- Steven Tyler of "American Idol" and Aerosmith fame -- reportedly has a new fashion gig with MESH, which will be sold exclusively at Macy's this fall. Sorry, Steven, love your music. Love "American Idol." But not so sure about the fashion cred. Then again, that's never been a factor for celebrities. And I still don't get Lady Gaga. [WWD] (Subscription required.)
-- Susan Denley
Upper photo: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the ARK gala. Credit: Reuters
Lower photo: Diane von Furstenberg. Credit: Justin Lane / EPA
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Sure hope I'm not the only comment here because I'd sure like someone to bounce this off of. But if I am, perhaps you, Ms. Denley, would be so inclined...?
Is it just me, or does Kate the Duchess look waaaaay too lean in that photo? Now don't get me wrong...I'm assuming she's healthy and that she's that lean as a result of strict eating habits and exercise. Just askin...
Posted by: K | June 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Susan Denley here, K. I think she looks young, athletic and graceful. But it is hard for me to tell in a photo. If the camera indeed adds pounds, then in person perhaps she is very thin. There has been much speculation over whether she lost weight -- too much weight -- between the time her engagement was announced and her wedding day.
I'd love to hear other commenters' thoughts too!
Posted by: Susan Denley | June 10, 2011 at 01:38 PM
If Kate Middleton is so blessed to have Prince William, so with her husband because Kate is really lovely. Although she has a simple beauty yet she's so beautiful whatever dress she would wear.
Posted by: designer prom dresses | June 11, 2011 at 04:14 PM
I agree that she looks very thin, dangerously thin, in particular when compared with earlier photos. Perhaps it's nerves and as she settles into her new routine and role, she'll return to her previous weight.
Posted by: lola | June 12, 2011 at 09:56 AM