After the Success of its MAC beauty collaboration a few years back, the famous Japanese cat is taking on the fashion world now. Launching in November, 2011 a ‘Hello Kitty’ themed collection in collaboration with the US chain Forever 21.

The 12 year old inside all of us just can’t wait. Stay tuned to the latest news, we’ll keep you updated on the launch. Have a look at the few items that will soon be up for grabs!

This range of products will be priced all under $30, and include:

• 1) Sweaters
• 2) Printed Blouse
• 3) Cardigans
• 4) Nightwear
• 5) Accessories – Umbrellas – Scarves

After its move into Asia, Forever 21 had been expanding to Europe in 2011 and has been opening outlets in all major cities and states.

The Hello Kitty Collection is dated for the November 18^th, 2011 release.

Paris Hilton, the hotel heiress and international celebrity is in India for the launch of her stores and new PH handbag line, in Mumbai.

The socialite who is in the country for a three day trip was overwhelmed by the turnout in the ‘Inorbit Mall’ in Malad, a northern suburb of Mumbai where she set about the launch for the line of handbags.

She was greeted by hundreds of fans at the launch who were there to see her line of handbags and her as well. “Wow! Thousands and thousands of people here at Inorbit Mall for my PH purse launch! Love my fans in India. What an amazing turnout…Everyone is so friendly and sweet,” Paris tweeted.

The 30 year old heiress was brought down to India by Brand Concepts Pvt Ltd, was seen sporting a blue dress by Monisha Jaisingh and she was seen signing autographs and smiling for pictures with many of her fans. She also signed bags for a lucky few.

Keep it up PH! Looks like we might be seeing you in India again soon!

London Fashion Week went into a crisis after the huge Italian fashion brand Gucci, have to show their collection for Spring/Summer 2012 in Milan, wanted many number of models to fly to Milan early to begin fittings for their show.

Since this move happened, the bi-annual fashion event was chaos as the models were being pulled from shows at the last minute, which left London-based model agencies outraged and threatening to boycott London Fashion Week next season if the British Fashion Council does not take initiative and re-organize the London FW schedule and intervene to prevent all the tactics of bullying by both New York and Milan Fashion Weeks.

All these problems began when Marc Jacobs moved his New York show to a later time ro make up the time his design team lost due to the Hurricane Irene. Jacobs’ show ran very late on Thursday night and due to this the models could not get a flight back to London shows the next day. One of the London based model agency founder said that they were holding up not one or two big models but many of them in New York, as many designers did not select till the very day of the show, which meant most of the models were staying in NY just in case they got cast.

So with all this happening the London Fashion Week suffered as many models appeared to be picked for the NY and Milan shows which left London struggling and running around to replace them with various other models. People in the London FW have found it hard to believe that their fashion camaraderie could be so heartless and create a hostile arrangement for all. Wake up London!! Step up to the NY and Milan FW’s for your models!

First there was Megan Fox, Then Victoria Beckham and Now Rihanna.

Rihanna is gone blond and masculine for the latest Armani Jeans Campaign. She has become the latest spokesperson for the multinational brand.  The singer had her first photo shoot for the brand in New York and Armani has released the first picture of Rihanna for the upcoming campaign for the brand.

The pop singer Rihanna is following some sexy footsteps in the new campaign for Armani Underwear as the new face and body of the brand by baring almost all in the recently launched pictures.

First the blond hair made the debut in the first photos and now the full set of pictures are launched with Rihanna wearing jeans, lingerie and that’s it. Check out the pictures below of Rihanna for the Armani Jeans Campaign, shot by Steven Klein in monochrome!

Akshata Murty has designed clothes to be more than stylish, they also are means to discover Indian culture, and she has left a career in finance and marketing for one of the most original careers in Indian craft into fashion. Murty goes to many villages in India and discovers artist and talented people and works with them and their designs to create her own. Her Fall/Winter 2011 collection was based on traditional Ikats, Chanderis and Mysore silks which were paired with tweed and wool. The upcoming andtalented designer had an interview with Vogue and explained her fashion philosophy. Given below is the interview:

Vogue: What is your design philosophy?Murty: I’m about the story behind a particular garment; it’s authenticity, craftsmanship and protecting a rich heritage. I care about doing something in India, for India because its part of our family’s DNA.

Vogue: Your label provides artist fees and royalties to craftsmen who have worked on the collection. Tell us how this works?

Murty: I approach this on a case-by-case basis. For example, for my Gond painting collection, I commissioned a number of well-known artistes to paint tableaux. The artists were paid an upfront fee and will also be paid a royalty fee for the sale of every dress inspired by the painting. For my Prsi Gara collection, I worked with Parzor, a non-profit organization in Delhi.

Vogue: What are your picks from the Fall/Winter collection?

Murty:The blue and black Ikat ‘Ela” dress, the gold brocade ‘Hansa’ skirt with a brown and gold Chanderi top called ‘Eta’. And for a fun night out, the navy ‘Hasita’ waterfall dress in Mysore silk.

Vogue: How would you describe your personal style?

Murty: Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved clothes. My mother, a no-nonsense engineer, was always baffled why I would spend so much time creating different outfits from my wardrobe. I’ve collected an eclectic mix of whimsical things that I find on the streets of Mumbai and Los Angeles, as well as staples from Gap and American Apparel. I layer them with funky pieces from vintage stores and the occasional Alexander Wang dress – I love his casual and fun, lightweight jersey dresses.

Akshata Murty is available exclusively at Moon River, New Delhi. Tel: (011) 41617103