Rebecca Perry Blog

Longchamp, the traditional French luxury accessories and clothing brand famous for its nylon Le Pliage bags, touched down in Los Angeles recently to celebrate its decade-long relationship with eccentric fashion designer Jeremy Scott.

Through the years, Longchamp has let Scott use Le Pliage as a canvas for a number of limited-edition designs inspired by his self-named ready-to-wear collections.

The highly collectible bags have featured eye-popping graphics including brightly colored piles of pills, 1980s Madballs characters, Zodiac symbols and retro-postcard images. A $370 “Greetings from Hollywood” design was released to coincide with the Los Angeles celebration and anniversary.

Founded by Jean Cassegrain in 1948, Longchamp is still a family business 60-plus years later, run by the second and third generations.

Creative director Sophie Delafontaine and Chief Executive Jean Cassegrain (the founder’s grandchildren) were eager to share information about the brand’s heritage, including the back story behind the origamilike Pliage design, designed by their father, Philippe, and introduced in 1993.

Among the takeaways:

• Longchamp started with pipes, not bags — and even Elvis was a fan.

“A lot of young men were smoking pipes at the time, and a lot of Americans were coming through Paris after World War II. At some point, Elvis Presley must have been through Paris and purchased the pipe,” Jean Cassegrain said.

“The name of the store was not Longchamp at first. It was a tobacconist, selling cigarettes, cigars, lighters and stuff like that. My grandfather was successful supplying the GIs in Paris, but when they went home he was left with an excess. So to give his pipes an identity, he decided to cover them in leather and stamp them with the Longchamp name, after the racetrack in Bois de Boulogne, since another company was already using the name Cassegrain.”

In the 1950s, the company expanded into leather goods, then luggage and eventually handbags and ready-to-wear.

• More than 30 million Le Pliage bags have been sold worldwide, and it takes more than 100 steps to make each one.

A tote that folds flat, Le Pliage (French for the folding) comes in a range of sizes and fabrics including leather, nylon and canvas, all accented with a signature leather oval that snaps over the leather handles. On the brand’s website, you can customize your Pliage by choosing colors and monograms.

“Our father was the first person to have the idea to make luggage from nylon. And the first nylon he used was the nylon used by the French army for the floor of their tents. It was khaki-colored,” Cassegrain explains.

“It’s not that unique to put crocodile or gold everywhere to make luxury,” he says. “Luxury is something (that is) well-suited to your need.”

• Longchamp makes clothing to accessorize its bags, not the other way around.

“I started with six or seven pieces — coats, jackets, very simple,” Delafontaine says. “Season after season, the collection has grown, and now we also have shoes. I always start by designing the handbag collection first, which is different from most brands. I like to use leather and play with it. I make jackets that look like cashmere sweaters but are in lambskin so soft and light, you can fold them in your luggage, for example.”

• Jeremy Scott’s collaboration with the company has been seamless — so much so that not one of his designs has ever been rejected.

“We call ourselves an optimistic luxury brand, and we like his optimistic point of view,” Delafontaine says. “He’s fun, pop and colorful, and he has a huge sense of humor — even about himself. His designs may be eccentric but it never becomes trash.”

• Hermes is not the only luxury goods brand hand-making bags in France; Longchamp does it, too.

Longchamp has six factories in France, mostly in the Loire Valley region. Half of what the company makes is done there, and half is done outside.

“It’s difficult to automatize the making of handbags, so a lot of it is manual,” Cassegrain says. “Hermes is quite unique, insofar as the same person makes an entire bag. Even brands like Vuitton and Chanel don’t work like that. But the know-how of our workshops is impressive.

“For the 20th anniversary of Le Pliage, we created the Pliage Heritage, a version of the bag in full leather,” Delafontaine says. “The opposite of foldable nylon, it is very structured. And I was pleased to work with our team on it to show all the qualities we have at our fingertips.”

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Karlie Kloss is keen to have a career in modelling for a ''long time'' but hopes she'll also have multiple business ventures under her belt as well.

The 23-year-old beauty may be hoping to establish a business empire by undertaking a degree at New York University but she's keen to work hard to ensure her career as a Victoria's Secret angel will continue to blossom as well.

Speaking to WSJ magazine, she said: ''I want to be doing my day job for a very long time. But I also want to grow businesses and make a meaningful impact.''

However, the catwalk star recently admitted making a name for herself in the fashion industry isn't something she had planned on as she was so focused on becoming a dancer.

She explained: ''I didn't grow up wanting to be a model. I didn't think about fashion at all.

''That was all I wanted to be, a dancer. But, I just kept growing up and up and up! I lived in tights and a bun.''

And it wasn't until two years ago that Karlie decided to try her hand at something more academic.

She added: ''I'm a 23-year-old model and I want to think less about my looks and more about my future, and that involves my brain. I want to run companies, have a business future.

''Call me a nerd, but I love coding, the language of computers. Understanding coding is a superpower. I met some tech entrepreneurs and they are billionaires through learning this stuff. I'm so competitive with myself and I am fascinated by the language of technology so I decided to be part of the conversation ... I think it's sexy to learn this stuff; it enables and it empowers both sexes.''

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It's time for the big winter hibernation and we're hankering after cosy and layered clothing to while away the dark days.

The simple pullovers and jackets are all well and good, but this season's catwalks celebrated brave new looks. Behind the myriad looks produced across the fashion capitals, fashionistas promoted brave and bold looks. Sleek, double-breasted coats, cosy capes, edgy faux leather and denim jackets -the A list, too, has started to finally unveil their stand-out winter cover ups and we are spoilt for choice! But, don't panic! We're here with help!

Deepika Padukone's love for all things beige can be seen reflecting in her style. She perfectly teams an off-white tee with a snuggly, and by the looks of it, super-warm beige cape, accessorised by beige tote and brown, fringed boots. Capes were big on the AW 2015 catwalks and show no signs of fading.Embrace Dippy's style for a nonchalant yet chic look.

We love Priyanka Chopra for her edgy travel style. A once-bold choice that has become something of a classic, theleather jacket worn over a light top will give your winter wardrobe a cool kick. PeeCee wears it over a blue shirt and incorporates a woolly neck-warmer to give it a relaxed mood. If you wish to keep it lighter on top, opt for a faux jacket that gives a similar look and wear something warm underneath.

Simple, flattering and never out of style, monochrome stays fresh each season. The long shrug instantly modernises and refreshes the outfit. Alia Bhatt keeps it chic in a white spaghetti top paired with classic blue denims. Try this to elevate your daily wardrobe and go from day to night in a jiffy. If you think combining classic black and white is boring, incorporate a strong accessory to maximise the statement -like a neon neckpiece.

This British supermodel always scores 10 on 10 when it comes to fashion. Take a cue from her easy, effortless style and try this look. Denim jackets are light but provide enough warmth in winters if layered with the right clothing. Cara Delevigne's simple, black tee and the jacket is a match made in heaven. We love how she has added a playful spin by throwing on a woolly cap.The look makes for an all-easy winter wear solution. We love!

Welcome to the look we have christened, `winter staple.' Be inspired by simple shapes for a minimalist feel, as seen on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and opt for soft fabrics to avoid looking too austere. The asymetrical-hemmed cardigan is the perfect autumn/winter transitional piece of clothing. It's the new go-to for cool girls and Rosie's cardigan flying out of the stores as we type.

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Loving laser

Just a few years ago, in-salon laser hair removal was so expensive that it was usually only the choice of the very rich and very high maintenance. But today the technology has significantly advanced, making it quicker, more effective and less painful. Laser hair removal works by selective photothermolysis –light energy from a laser is transferred into thermal energy in the hair follicle. When the heat is absorbed by the hair's melanin, the follicle is destroyed. This is different, and most experts say better, than IPL (intense pulsed light) because a laser's wavelength is more concentrated – it targets just the hair follicle, not the surrounding area.

Both are effective at reducing hair, but laser use seems to be on the upswing. As the machines become cheaper, laser treatment also has become more accessible. Nicky Shore from Off Wax and Laser has recently invested in several Candela Gentle Max Pro machines, which are not only highly effective, but also make the process less painful thanks to mini blasts of (ultra cold) cryogen spray before each pulse of heat.

You'll need about six sessions to see a complete result, so that hair in all its different growth phases can be treated. At Off Wax & Laser prices start at around $99 per 15-minute session (for example, armpits), with discounts for a full course. Sounds pricey – but consider this. According to a study by American Laser Centers, on average, women can save almost $10,000 over a lifetime by choosing laser hair removal on the areas of the body they typically shave. When compared to a lifetime of waxing, the savings are double that amount.

But when it comes to cutting costs, you don't want go super cheap. Laser services are not licenced in New Zealand and anyone can buy a cheap machine from China. If you end up with a disreputable operator you can get burned – literally.

DIY devices

At-home pulsed-light devices are another growth area, as technology improves and becomes more cost-effective. Remington has just launched the i-Light Pro Face & Body, $899, which features an infinity bulb (no replacements ever needed).

This uses the same IPL technology you'll find in salons and promises up to 94 per cent fewer hairs after four treatments.Homedics offers a similar IPL device. While both are still pricey, they're at stores such as Harvey Norman and Farmers, so discounts are often offered.

Hairy and proud

It may not be the most popular choice, but more and more women are renouncing the tyranny of hair removal norms. In the UK, doctors have called for a Brazilian ban because of constant injuries to pubic skin. But equal rights movements could prove even more compelling than health concerns. A protest against punishing beauty standards, the UK's Armpits4August encourages women to take a month off from their excessive grooming routines. Chinese women have also flooded social media with photos flaunting underarm hair, as a part of a protest for women's rights.

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What did Keats say about autumn? Season of Aran jumpers and tweed jackets?

Something like that. The month started in the thick of a November fog and, having spent the weekend in the forever romantic city of Bath, I’ve come over all lyrical. Everyone in Bath seemed to be wearing tweed and camel and corduroy all at once, and why not? They’re not classics for nothing.

And I’m feeling pretty smug about a grey and black herringbone tweed jacket I’ve got my hands on. Although I’m not averse to Prada’s take on the classic, mine is from Gap. And credit to Gap for creating something so good, I want to wear it every day.

The secret, I believe, is in its slouch. It’s not one of those pinched-in, waisted tweed jackets that can make you feel all elbowy and busty and school marmish. It’s more mannish than that. Alain Delon-ish, Ted Hughes-ish, if we’re being specific. It’s roomy enough to wear a knit comfortably underneath and light enough not to overheat while you’re about it. It has good big pockets that you can hang your hands in.

Wool and tweed are meant to be together – a tweed jacket over a sloppy cashmere roll-neck is another way to channel the poets (and the still-in-vogue ’70s). But a contrast is nice, too. Tweed with an unbuttoned, slippy silk shirt and a fine gold necklace? Yes, please. Dark tweed and a black chiffon dress or ankle-length skirt? That sounds like a party I want to be invited to.

Jazzy tweeds, however, I am yet to be convinced by. I hazard that if Bertie Wooster had ever attempted to sneak a mauve tweed waistcoat or somesuch into his wardrobe, Jeeves would have removed it sharpish with a pursed lip and a bulging vein at the temple. And I would back the chap up all the way. Jeeves knows. Coloured tweeds belong to cushions and throws. Keep your sartorial tweeds sober.

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Shonda Rhimes, who owns ABC's Thursday night (with hit dramas "Grey's Anatomy," ''Scandal" and "How to Get Away With Murder"), had found comfort and refuge in ShondaLand, the dream factory she rules as a mega-producer and writer.

But otherwise she was a chronic naysayer, which spurred her sister to mutter as they cooked Thanksgiving dinner in 2013, "You never say yes to anything."

This stinging rebuke led Rhimes to commit herself to a year of saying "yes" to whatever came her way.

For Rhimes, who describes herself back then as an introvert "to the bone," this meant saying yes to speaking engagements and social invitations she would have turned down before.

But that was just the start.

"I feel like a different person," Rhimes, 45, declared over tea Monday morning at a New York hotel. A television titan who not long ago was legendary for shunning interviews and the media spotlight, she was relaxed and reflective as she shared with a reporter how "everybody asks: 'What happened to you?' I don't know what to say, except that I had this weird, transformative experience and I feel like I've completely changed my life from top to bottom."

Rhimes has chronicled this grand transformation - and helped explain it to herself - in her candid new memoir, "Year of Yes" (Simon & Schuster; $24.99).

For Rhimes, saying yes didn't just mean saying yes to Jimmy Kimmel when asked to be on his show (which terrified her, though it turned out fine) or making time, no matter how busy she was, for her three daughters when they asked, "Wanna play?"

More than all that, "yes" meant breaking her lifelong habit of avoiding new possibilities and opportunities.

Writing "Year of Yes" itself became a part of the transformation process, which delivered her from being a remarkably successful woman who was, nonetheless, miserable, to newfound standing as "a better mother, a better friend, a happier boss, a stronger leader, a more creative writer," and someone who is kind, no longer cruel, to herself.

"The more I wrote about what I was doing, the more I got out of it, and I ended up writing the book just for me, which I think was a good thing. If I had been thinking that anybody else was going to read it, I probably would have censored myself so that what came out was sanitized," she laughed, "for my protection."

It isn't. One of the more revealing chapters recounts her relationship with an ideal man who wanted marriage and mistakenly got the idea she did, too.

She ended up shutting the door on that relationship while, free of regret or self-recrimination, flinging open a door to the notion that choosing to stay single was the right choice for her.

Writing that chapter sparked an epiphany for Rhimes. She realized she unwittingly had led him on.

"He had said, 'I thought you were a traditional person,' and suddenly I realized that I had completely created myself for HIM as someone who seemed to want to get married. Up until that moment, I thought, 'How DARE he say I'm traditional?!' But then I realized, 'That was MY doing.'"

Another intimate section of the book is devoted to her dropping more than 100 pounds. In a painfully funny account, she recalls being too fat to connect an airline's seat belt - then choosing to hide her beltless state with a sweater in her lap rather than ask for a seat belt extension.

Health concerns, not vanity, led to her eventual weight loss. She continues to say yes to food, but now she also says yes to moderation

The creation of "Year of Yes" was as swift as Rhimes' punchy, often stream-of-conscious writing style. It poured out of her this summer and the next thing she knew, she was holding the book's galleys.

"That's when I freaked out. Suddenly this book was real, and I was reminded that everybody in the world is going to read it. So I had my panic. And then I re-read it and I felt OK. It's honest and wildly freeing."

And its publication finds her in a place, she reports, "where needing to say yes is less necessary, because it's much more automatic. There's not very many things that I'm running from now."

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Blackheads, whiteheads and open big pores are common problems which are normally seen on the nose. These problems lead to skin infections and bacteria build up. With the help of home remedies, getting rid of these three nose problems are easy. Lemon juice, tomato juice and sensitive body scrubs are helpful for the skin and should be used at least once in a week.

Massage these natural ingredients on the nose, for 15 minutes and rinse with rose water or warm water. Before using any of the kitchen ingredients mentioned on the list, it is suggested to do a patch test first. The test will show whether the ingredients suits the skin or not. Before using these kitchen ingredients on the nose, it is necessary to rinse the face first with cold water, as it helps to open the pores. Here are some of the best home remedies to pamper the nose with and get rid of the skin problems. Take a look :

Tomato - Make a thick pulp out of one tomato. Extract the juice from the pulp and keep aside. The pulp is then massaged on the nose for 15 minutes, in an upward manner. Rinse the pulp from the nose with the tomato juice. When done, pat dry. Repeat this nose care treatment after 2 days to get rid of dry skin on the nose.

Potato - Potato juice is massaged on the nose to lighten the tan. This Fresh juice should be used on the nose three times in a day for 2 days to speed up the results.

Lemon & Honey -To one tablespoon of honey add one tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix both the ingredients to one. Apply the mixture on the nose and let the pack stay on the face for 10 minutes before rinsing the mixture from the nose.

Salt & Sugar - Add one tablespoon of sugar to one tablespoon of salt. Now mix the ingredients to one and gently massage the home remedy directorship on the nose to get rid of blackheads.

Charcoal - Did you know that charcoal is the best solution to get rid of all types of skin problems. One tablespoon of Charcoal powder is mixed to one teaspoon of rose water. This combination is then applied on the nose like a face pack. After 15 minutes peel the coal pack from the face and rinse well with water water.

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Floral patterns, lace and other pretty elements stood out at Tokyo Fashion Week for spring-summer 2016, reclaiming centre stage from the strong, mannish styles that had been in vogue for a while.

Held Oct. 12-17, the event highlighted new designs from 50 brands in Japan and from overseas.

Keita Maruyama’s eponymous brand presented garments, including coats, with flowery embroidery at its show. Many items were in pastel colours, adding a romantic touch.

Maruyama’s garments also strongly featured the brand’s trademark Oriental flavour, incorporating Japanese patterns and worn in the show by models sporting kanzashi ornamental hairpins.

“I made my collection feminine with materials created in Japan,” the designer said. Maruyama also said much of his inspiration came from Japanese classical literature.

The mintdesigns brand took gardens as its theme, featuring a dress with lines of pink flowers as well as ones with flower-like motifs constituting of layers of striped and checked fabrics. It was the first time in five years for the popular brand to officially participate in Tokyo Fashion Week.

Elegant dresses with large flower prints by Hanae Mori manuscrit added colour to the brand’s show. Designer Yu Amatsu produced the flower motifs by scanning real flowers with a three-dimensional scanner, saying, “I was able to express three-dimensional patterns with depth.”

The garments were a fusion of cutting-edge technology and the graceful colours typical of Hanae Mori.

Christian Dada made great use of lace with flower patterns for its collection. A long lace skirt in turquoise blue had tucks to give it a wide hem and also look light. The skirt was coordinated with a T-shirt with hydrangea motifs to create a gentle mood, a departure from the brand’s usual style.

DRESSCAMP also used lace, presenting a yellow two-piece outfit of a jacket and skirt. The brand’s show lived up to its theme of sweetness, including a pink frill dress and a dress with small flower patterns.

Many of the new works by the beautiful people brand were light and graceful, including long see-through dresses, pleated skirts and wide pants with bottoms that looked like lace.

SHOW BY YOUNG DESIGNERS

Aiming to foster young designers, the latest Tokyo Fashion Week included a show highlighting five individual and group designers who founded their brands in the past few years.

The show was titled Tokyo New Age, and contained innovative, fresh looks, including a black suit reminiscent of a martial arts outfit and a skirt of cut-up leather.

The Ryotamurakami brand presented a short jersey jacket with shorter than usual sleeves, coordinated with pants.

Brand designer Ryota Murakami, 27, said, “I based on clothes that had been stored in drawers at my parents’ home for a long time.” He appeared happy about the audience’s enthusiastic response.

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Rhonda Vincent has been celebrating the season all year; writing new Christmas material, then combining the new originals with the classics. The result is something unique and it's sure to set the perfect tone for this holiday season!

This six-time Grammy® nominated artist is set to reveal "Christmas Time," on October 30 via Upper Management Music. Among the tunes, you will find the "Twelve Days of Christmas," like you've never heard before! Rhonda calls upon some of her most famous Country music friends to join her in the celebration; including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, The Oak Ridge Boys and more.

"It was a dream of mine to create this celebrity version of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas,'" said Vincent. "As I started sharing my vision with family and friends, my bandmate Mickey Harris, began sharing his ideas, relating the line to specific artists. When I told him I had invited Dolly, he suggested she sing the line 'Eight Maids A Milking.' It was then I set to work to match artists with specific lines, and taking on the task of contacting each artist. Dolly was the first to respond, and the first to record. From there, it became a chaotic coordination of schedules, and a victory celebration with the completion of each artist's contribution. I appreciate every artist that joined me in making this incredible dream come true!"

Fans of Dolly Parton will be relieved to hear that the country legend does not have stomach cancer, as was rumored, but rather just kidney stones.

"It is true that I had kidney stones. I had them removed three weeks ago and I am doing just fine!" said Parton. "I am back to work and last week I was at Dollywood filming parts for my new movie 'Coat of Many Colors,' which premieres December 10 on NBC. With the 30th Anniversary of Dollywood, I did a full week of activities promoting my new DreamMore Resort's opening. There is absolutely no truth at all that I have stomach cancer. I love and appreciate everyone's concern."

The upbeat favorite features vocal contributions from Parton, The Oak Ridge Boys, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Bill Anderson, Ronnie Milsap, Gene Watson, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, Jeannie Seely, Larry Gatlin and EmiSunshine. Listen closely as each performer sings a line from the famous tune. Another highlight of the album is the "Christmas Medley," which is the closing track of the album. For the first time ever, Vincent sings with only a piano, on a special arrangement of seven classics; including "We Three Kings," "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" and "The First Noel" with ACM award-winner Michael Rojas.

In addition to the large lineup of celebrity guests, "Christmas Time" also features a who's who of musicians. Along with members of The Rage, joining Vincent on the album is ACM "Fiddle Player of the Year" Stuart Duncan, ACM "Steel Guitar Player of the Year" Mike Johnson, ACM "Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year" Michael Rojas, mandolinist extraordinaire Sierra Hull, and many more, who all come together to bring the Christmas sound to a whole new level. Also assisting Vincent on vocals is the International Bluegrass Music Association's reigning "Emerging Artist of the Year" recipients, Flatt Lonesome.

1. Dreaming of Christmas - Written by Rhonda Vincent

2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

3. Twelve Days of Christmas (Featuring The Oak Ridge Boys, Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Bill Anderson, Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, Gene Watson, Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, and EmiSunshine)

4. Angels We Have Heard On High

5. Milk & Cookies - Written by Rhonda Vincent

6. Christmas Time - Written by Rhonda Vincent

7. Christmas Time At Home - Written by Rhonda Vincent

8. Away In A Manger

9. Jingle Bells

10. Silent Night

11. O Little Town of Bethlehem

12. Christmas Medley (What Child Is This, We Three Kings, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Noel, O Holy Night, Hark The Herald Angles Sing)

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