fashion

Detectives seize man trying to sell famous designer's tiger

British police have arrested a 47-year-old man for trying to illegally sell a stuffed Bengal tiger that the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen used in a photo shoot.

McQueen used the beast, which is an endangered species, last October to promote a line of footware he designed for the Puma sports brand. The man, whom police have not named, was held for trying to get £50,000 for the tiger.

The Bengal tiger has attracted controversy since it was bought by photographer Nick Knight, 52, from a German zoo in 2009. It was being kept at SHOW studio at Burton place, London, which was set up by Knight for the storage and selling of one-of-a-kind props from fashion shoots.

Article eight of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) regulates the laws for trading taxidermied animals. The unnamed man failed to produce sufficient documentation to verify its origin and the tiger was seized by the Metropolitan Police who were helped by the National Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) and Hertfordshire Constabulary.

"In order to discourage the trade in rare animals and related items, it is crucial that regulations surrounding their sale are strictly enforced”, says detective Sgt Ian Knox from the WCU.

He added: "Where an item is suspected of breaching the CITES regulations designed to protect our planet's most endangered flora and fauna, we will take the appropriate action to establish its origin and, when necessary, seize it as evidence”.

Officers seized stuffed beastBritish police have arrested a 47-year-old man for trying to illegally sell a stuffed Bengal tiger that the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen used in a photo shoot.

submitted by Editor on April 23rd 2010

North Korean leader is a new fashion icon

The trademark suit sported by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il is now in fashion worldwide thanks to his greatness, Pyongyang's official website said Wednesday.

Uriminzokkiri, quoting an article in communist party newspaper Rodong Sinmun, said the modest-looking suits have gripped people's imagination and become a global vogue.

"The reason is that the august image of the Great General, who is always wearing the modest suit while working, leaves a deep impression on people's mind in the world," it said.

"To sum it up, that is because his image as a great man is so outstanding."

The article quoted an unidentified French fashion expert as saying world fashion follows Kim Jong-Il's style.

"Kim Jong-Il mode which is now spreading expeditiously worldwide is something unprecedented in the world's history," the stylist was quoted as saying.

The suits consist of an overall-style zipped-up tunic and matching trousers, usually in khaki or blueish-grey.

The 68-year-old leader wears them even when receiving foreign dignitaries.

During his outside "field guidance" trips in winter, he also dons a shapeless anorak and fur hat.

Kim and his deceased father Kim Il-Sung are at the heart of a personality cult that borders on religion, with near-magical powers ascribed to the younger Kim.

Rainbows supposedly appeared over sacred Mount Paekdu where Kim Jong-Il was allegedly born, and he is said once to have scored 11 holes-in-one in a single round of golf.

This trademark suit sported by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il is now in fashion worldwide thanks to his greatness, says the country's official website.

submitted by Editor on April 11th 2010

Italian glossy strikes out with Vogue Curvy and Vogue Black

Deborah Hobson

Vogue Italia, the Italian version of the high-end fashion and beauty magazine, has created a stir among rival journals with a new website which dedicates a section to curvaceous “plus size” models and the often over-looked woman of colour.

submitted by Newsdesk on February 26th 2010

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