Super Model Pay

If you think that supermodels today do not get out of bed for say anything "less than $10000"? Think again. According to Guinness Book of Records and Forbes.com's '2007 list of The Top Earning Models in the World’, the sultry, bronze, Brazilian 'hot-stuff' known as Gisele Bundchen has been reported to be the highest earning model in the world to date. 'Raking in at US$33 million, triple the $9 million banked by Kate Moss, who came in second, and various other well-known names such as, Heidi Klum ($8 million), Adriana Lima ($6 million) and Alessandra Ambrosio ($6 million)'.

Ms. Bundchen may have recently relinquish the number 1 title in the Victoria's Secret's stables, but it has not slowed her income raising stakes. Recently modelling for Dolce & Gabbana's AW '07 collections, the face for British label Aquascutum and grabbing the lead role in the next instalment of 'Da Vinci's Code', called 'Angels & Demons', starring along side Tom Hanks, things can only look better for this model, actress, and business woman.

It seems beauty does pay.

The re-birth of Halston

The US fashion label from the 1960's, Halston was renowned in the days of Studio 54 and Andy Warhol. It is a label that is iconic and legendary in America's fashion history. Last year the movie-making-mogul Harvey Weinstein secured the rights and ownership of the Halston label. With this in tow, heading up the new team is the recently appointed creative director, Italian designer Marco Zanini. Who? I hear you ask. Well Zanini is the head designer of womenswear, ready-to-wear and haute couture at the House of Versace.

To assist Zanini with creating and maintaining the flair and style of the "Studio 54" days' glamour in modern times, is the ex-Jimmy Choo director Tamara Mellon, who sits on Halston board. To top things off, the celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe is an advisor on the creative team. One could say there are exciting things to come.

Bring it on!

Hot off the press......it seems that Harajuku lovers and fans do not take kindly to "cheap-crappy-copy-cats". A "patron-saint" and great supporter of this style, Gwen Stefani is reportedly taking a "cheap-not-chic retailer, Forever 21" to court, after being caught blatantly knocking off Stefani's two lines. "In the suit, filed in Los Angeles, Stefani claims that Forever 21 has stolen designs from her Harajku Lovers and L.A.M.B. clothing lines". According to Vogue Uk reports, "It's not the first time the retailer has been in hot water; Diane Von Furstenberg started similar proceedings in March, claiming that it had breached copyright laws by copying two of her dress designs".

In an industry where stealing, copying and blatant disregard is common, it's good to see someone taking a stance and "holla-back" against this crap. As Gwenie-Gwen-Gwen would say...."this my sh#t"!

Jens is the man!

It is not everyday that you are asked to design a collection for Topshop, without being some-what of a big shot, heavy-weight designer or celebrity these days. So that makes Jens Laugesen one hell of a designer. Hailing from the UK, but of Danish birth, Laugesen has a collection of awards and accolades to his name. The LVMH prize, London's new-up-and -coming designer in 2002, as well as having Rei Kawakubo buy his entire collection for her shop in London, up-coming Topshop capsule collection and recently named as one of Fashion Forward's winning designers for 2007 as London's fashion elite looked on. His designs are renowned for clean minimalist shapes and cuts, with a play on black, white and grey colours.

We at Akiin are big fans of Mr Laugesen, having quite a few pieces between the two of us. We can honestly say they are pieces every wardrobe should have. Keep it coming Mr Laugesen!

Where art thou Monsieur Slimane?

Alas it seems the time has come for Dior Homme to show what it has done without its renowned instigator of thinner-than-thin menswear, that is Monsieur Hedi Slimane. As we last reported Dior Homme's newly appointed predecessor is none other than Slimane's assistant with his own label, Kris Van Assche. At the recent Paris Fashion Week for Menswear Spring/Summer 2008, Van Assche did not list Dior Homme in the fashion weeks' schedule. Instead opted to have a "private viewing" for the selected buyers, media and "guests". But according to reports from several sources, the models pictured in Van Assche's debut collection for Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2008, are not the only ones nostalgic and rather glum-looking about Slimane's departure. Tim Blanks for mens style.com reported upon the collection's silhouettes as "interspersed with these indulgences were sober, sleek suits with a little peaked lapel".

Let's just hope for the future's sake of Dior Homme that the new designer is more than a "little peaked".