Britain has long punched above its weight in the field of fashion, and Sir Paul Smith is one of the most iconic living Brits providing luxury designer clothes for men and women. Royal Mail recently released a limited series of stamps celebrating British fashion and included a design from Sir Paul Smith, who began his career on Saville Row in the 1970s dressing fashionable Londoners and musicians such as Robert Plant.

Smith’s smart designs with a twist have come to embody the London look of polished insouciance, and his muses range from punk singer Patti Smith to the bright patterns of vintage Pucci and the lines of classic bicycles. Smith is the darling of men’s magazines like GQ and Esquire and it is easy to see why. Men’s luxury fashion is often designed for the young, but Smith’s pieces work on men of all ages. Here are three of our favorite Paul Smith pieces for men:

A snappy Paul Smith suit is the pinnacle of modern cool – a little bit edgy, a whole lot British, and incredibly smart without looking like boring office job attire. Take your cues from Mark Ronson and look snappy at the bar, at a wedding or strutting the streets with a French woman on your arm (Ms. De La Baume, we’re looking at you). The blue-on-blue wool blazer has a notched lapel, a breast pocket for your favorite pocket square, and a two-button fastening.

Add a bit of humor to your smart outfit with these Paul Smith dog cufflinks. Men’s formal fashion can be quite rigid, so it’s the details that make a difference. A snappy jacket, a sharp pair of shoes and a brilliant pair of cufflinks can transform that designer outfit from dull-but-expensive to an understated victory, and in situations when your dress is constrained, this tongue-in-cheek look at classic British manhood (think tweed, beagles and foxes) is the perfect finishing touch.

They say it’s the shoes that make the man, and these Paul Smith Monk shoes bring a touch of classic Italian style with more than a passing reference to London’s swinging sixties. Whether you pair them with a sharp tweed jacket and tousle of distinguished grey hair and stubble or a skinny Mod suit, these designer leather shoes will add a touch of luxury to your outfit.

Morella Sassoon

Luxury fashion is tricky.  Overly simple designs understate the elegant essence of the apparel.  But ostensible luxury designs achieve a gaudy look and feel.  Morella Sassoon, however, seems to have simple luxury fashion down to an art.

Morella Sassoon is known for delivering meticulous designs that accentuates feminine elegance through intricate embellishments and delicate finishes.  The label is headed by British self-taught designer, Daniella, and her partner, Monty Sassoon.  Daniella infuses the right amount of English eccentricity and personality into her designs.  She blends rich fabrics and deliberate beadwork to create clothing women can wear with ease and comfort.

Sassoon’s current 2012/2013 collection can now be viewed on their website.  Their designs range from tea length to ankle length, shapes spans from ball gown to mermaid.

Their collection is diverse enough for women to wear to date nights, parties, weddings, or formal evening galas.  As different as each dress was designed, one thing is apparent: all of the dresses focus on simple yet soft feminine lines.  Every dress is created to flatter a specific body type.  Even the simplest of tea length dresses does not compromise on the overall elegance.

What I found interesting was Sassoon’s blog site.  It details the new collection as well as upcoming events like their first showcasing at China White, London.  The event is on April 12, 2012.

Interested readers in the area can request a press or buyer’s pass through their media contact,  press@morellasassoon.com.

Nina Ricci

Nina Ricci was first founded in Paris, France by Turin-born Maria “Nina” Ricci, along with her son Robert in 1932.

As Nina Ricci launches its Spring / Summer 2012 Woman ad campaign, the fashion industry icon has developed an intriguing video. The creative video was just introduced at the Nina Ricci Autumn/Winter 2013 show.

From the union of designer Peter Copping’s aerial and romantic universe with Inez & Vinoodh’s deep and strange world, was born a very unusual movie. Directed by the couple, Raquel Zimmermann hypnotizes us, and engrosses us in her breathless ethereal trance. This piece gives a new and original perspective of Nina Ricci’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

The movie as well -as the campaign- was shot in Old Westbury in Long Island, N-Y, USA, and will be broadcasted in Nina Ricci’s shops from the 27th of February, and presented to the press on the March 1st at the Autumn/Winter show.

Appointed creative director of the House in 2009, in every collection he designed for Nina Ricci Peter Copping always managed to capture the essence of felinity. He creates a graceful silhouette with a subtly pared-back playful sensuality; working with powdery hues similar to the sensual and satin aspects of the skin, evoking the world of dreams and emerging the image of the Ricci woman with a vision of spontaneous authenticity.

Therefore Peter Copping remains faithful to the House’s vision of felinity, and its sophisticated luxuriousness yet intentionally relaxed style. By combining sumptuous materials with soft draping, tailoring and her ability to capture the essence, Nina Ricci became synonymous with contemporary fashion. The creator’s main goal was to channel the personality of every woman; proposing a classic wardrobe that favored naturalness over ostentation. It is this exact same goal that Peter Copping has been achieving for the past 2 years.

Annie Diamantidis

Annie Handbags® are handcrafted in the USA by a team of artisans with impeccable artisanship. These luxury handbags are each made of maximum quality from the inside out, each lined with soft suede making them lightweight and versatile.

Modern beauty and timeless style are the grand ideas behind Annie Diamantidis’ namesake collection. Each Annie handbag is handcrafted from exotic skin such as crocodile, python, and ostrich, along with calfskin and accented with 14k gold jewelry, making Annie Handbags the most unique accessory on the market.

Since launching her namesake collection of luxury handbags in 2009, the Chicago designer is quickly gaining global recognition. Many famous celebrities own and show off their beloved Annie handbags.

For example, Hollywood starlet Angelina Jolie fell in love with the Athena leather clutch with 14k gold jewelry and now has it as a staple for her closet. Top winners such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Scarlett Johansson of the 64th Tony Awards received the Eris clutch in their gift bags and celebrity Stylist JenRade carries our Kalypso compact in rose crocodile.

Annie has been labeled by Michigan Avenue Magazine a “Chicago Made, Power Designer”,  Fashion TV says Annie Handbags is a “Trend to Remember”, The Handbag Report has profiled her a “Haute Designer”, and Luxist features her ostrich Clio clutch as the “Handbag of the Day” just to name a few.

To view the entire Annie handbag collection from Annie Diamantidis, please visit their website at www.anniebags.com

Christian Dior

There’s something about lingerie that makes a woman oh so sexy. even the fashion industry has taken notice this year, as Lingerie was popular as ever at all the major catwalks this sea­son.

If you are looking for that stunning fashion statement, then maybe it’s time to divulge in this boudoir in­spired trend – Underwear as Outerwear!

The sound of wearing underwear as outerwear may be too much for most women. If you are not brave enough to run around in just your delicates, the fashion designer Elise Ryan has the perfect dresses to stay ahead of the fashion pack this Summer.

These flirtatious dresses from Elise Ryan is a clever combination of Madonna from the early 90’s and a Dior’s SS10 collection.

Finding the right gift for the special man in a person’s life can be hard and involve a lot of research but one shouldn’t despair as luxury gifts provide a vast array of gorgeous pieces that he’ll want. For the man who has everything look to original gifts with a luxurious twist such as one-off pieces that are talking points as well as being able to raise a few eyebrows.

Shop online to find quirky, stylish and practical gifts for men that are hard to find on the high street or in popular chain stores. What could be better than an unusual umbrella to shelter him from the rain. One can buy umbrellas with a twist at many online stores that offer luxury gifts for men at reasonable prices. And yet he will think that one made the purchase in Bond Street or perhaps in Paris or Milan!

That special present for him can be found online. Designer cuff links with a hint of sparkle will add a confident touch to a modern man’s wardrobe. A little chequered accessory will give a traditional man added charm. And decorated collar stiffeners will make sure that a man who likes to look after his business affairs will always look pristine.

Luxury gifts for men are like rare gems waiting to be revealed like the inside of a ribbon-bound refurbished Bond Street boutique. From exclusive grooming products and shaving accessories to cuff links and collar stiffeners there’s something for every man to be found online. Whatever a personal wants to shower him with make sure it’s something special and luxurious such as leather goods, items for his home, kitchen, or stylish office play toys.

The right gift for the special man in a person’s life is to be found online in little boutiques! For the man who has everything look to original gifts with a luxurious yet quirky twist. Unusual pieces with a rare feel about them make for great talking points and special occasion memories that’ll live on longer than luxury itself.

“Anything Other Than Naked”

It’s no secret that men sometimes are not the best dressing their best or keeping up on the latest fashion trends.  Well fear no longer, Glen R. Sondag is hear to help and teach them to dress properly.

Sondag’s easy-to-read, 86-page book titled “Anything Other Than Naked” is a must-have guide for any man who desires to look his best at all times and for any occasion. Never worry about how to dress properly again.

The book’s title is a clever eye-catcher that instantly draws your attention. Sontag’s tagline, “A guide for men on how to dress properly for every occasion” generates interest and cleverly lures men in who want to learn more.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2010

Last night, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was aired on CBS. The show was actually recorded on the 10th of November.

It was an incredible show with the usual array of beautiful women and amazing catwalk costumes.

This year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was opened by pop sensation Katy Perry, who sang her latest hit, “Firework.” Katy looked stunning wearing two colorful outfits from top designer Todd Thomas.

The audience was filled with famous celebrities including, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Adrian Grenier, Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry, Tyson Beckford and Serena Williams.

R&B star Akon sang his latest hit, appropriately titled “Angel”. The beautiful Victoria’s Secret models strutted down the glittered runway in a themed section named “Heavenly Bodies.”

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2010 – Alessandra Ambrosio

Longtime supermodel, Adriana Lima wore an elegant $2 million bra with over 3,000 sparkling Diamiani diamonds and sapphires.

In addition to Adriana Lima, other popular models that were part of this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show were Karolina Kurkova, Chanel Iman, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Erin Heatherton, Behati Prinsloo, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lily Aldridge.

Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel’ is sexy Adriana Lima and 29 years old. Adriana opened the show wearing a huge set of wings. This show marks her first return to the famous catwalk, since giving birth to her daughter Valentina, about a year ago. Adriana Lima first performed in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show back in 1998, and officially became an “angel” in 2000.

Adriana drew raves for her stunning look in the 2008 Victoria’s Secret fashion Show wearing an incredible $5M bra.

The show continued with a variety of other creative themes including: the exotic “Wild Things,” the heavy metal look of “Tough Love,” flirtacious “Pink Planet,” sports inspired “Game On,” and the sexy country girl look “Country Girls.”

Later in the show Katy Perry returned and sang a medley of her most popular songs, which included “Teenage Dream,” “Hot N Cold” and “California Gurls.”

Victoria’s Secret Fashion show 2010 – Katy Perry

TRON Pop-Up Shop – Disney Consumer Products

Back in 1982, the release of “Tron” in movie theaters brought a fresh and cutting edge look for adoring science-fiction fans. Tron was one of the first movies from a major studio to use extensive computer graphics.

With the pending release of Walt Disney Pictures new movie “TRON: Legacy”, Disney Consumer Products was inspired to come up with a trend in women’s fashion.

Working along with a number of high-end designers, Disney Consumer Products has created a luxury shoe and accessory collection – “TRON: Legacy” Luxury Shoe And Accessory Collection.

Several of the high-end designers included – Hayden-Harnett, Rousseau, TomTom and Rotenier.

The trendy new fashion collection has been described as being designed for “the young female urbanite.”

TRON Pop-Up Shop – Disney Consumer Products

If you want to buy products this wonderful collection, you’re options are rather limited. The “TRON: Legacy” Luxury Shoe And Accessory Collection will only be available at the “TRON” Pop-Up Shop set to launch in Los Angeles, California this month.

The “TRON” Pop-Up Shop is proud to be the one and only exclusive retail destination for men and women to get limited-edition “TRON” merchandise.

The “TRON: Legacy” collection will be priced from $90 to $2,600.

The Painted Nail – Love My Louby’s

Located in trendy Sherman Oaks, CA, there’s a new, luxurious nail bar named The Painted Nail.

The Painted Nail, along with Nubar Nail Lacquer have collaborated and will be launching an exciting new line of Organic Sugar Body Polishes, Shimmer Crèmes and 18 gorgeous Nail Lacquers!

These attractive nail products all have shades names after famous celebrities.

– Newlywed Hilary Duff’s wedding inspired Secret Engagement, a flirty pink and sister Haylie Duff’s flashy counterpart Stalkarazzi
– Teri Hatcher‘s homage to her name, Hatched, a gorgeous golden yellow
– Hayley Williams of Paramore’s favorite shades – Beware of You, a rich bold blue and its bright shimmering counterpart RIOT!
– Lastly. the scene stealing “Betty” the most amazing and hi-class White polish named after Betty White.
– In addition, other notable celebrity fans include Melina Kanakaredes, Vanessa Hudgens, Alison Sweany,  Ashley Tisdale and Kimora Lee.

You can also find other nail care items including – base coat, topcoat and organic cuticle “treat”ment oil.

All Painted Nail products are certified organic, cruelty and carcinogen free!

The Painted Nail – Golden Egg

With the holidays quickly approaching, The Painted Nail offers holiday gift sets will include 3 nail lacquers – 2 base colors and a layering shimmering shade.

For additional information on all nail care products from The Painted Nail, please visit www.ThePaintedNail.com or one of their two boutique locations in Los Angeles, California.

Photo: Gemvara

A growing trend in the fashion industry is catering to people who are blind or visually impaired.

By wearing braille jewelry, it provides a unique means to communicate one’s message or feelings.

Gemvara.com has recently launched several new jewelry pieces that include Braille messaging.

Although a few lower-end jewelry makers and other online jewelry companies also offer braille inspired jewelry, Gemvara.com is a high-end, custom jewelry design website and has incorporated Braille into their high-end designs that provide its jewelry wearers a “hidden message” of sorts.

This new jewelry line from Gemvara offers several wonderful designs with Braille.

If you don’t see something you perfectly like, no problem.  Gemvara is totally customizable.

You can request your perfect creation by combining the designs in another precious metal or gemstone combination.

To view the Gemvara braille jewelry collection, please visit – www.gemvara.com