(Photo:prom dresses london)It tops off a year which saw her leave the helm of high fashion website Net-A-Porter after selling it for a reported £70 million.

Massenet, who has dual American-British nationality and has been made a dame as a UK citizen, said: “I am thrilled and completely overwhelmed to be awarded this honour.

“I also feel humbled by it because during my career I have been privileged to have worked with so many brilliant and inspiring people, all of whom have contributed to the success of our fashion industry.”

The former fashion journalist used her style expertise to launch Net-A-Porter from her London flat in 2000, and it has gone from strength to strength, culminating in a merger with Italian rival YOOX earlier this year.

Although she was set to be executive chairwoman of the new company, she made a sudden exit on the eve of the union in September, announcing it was the “right time for me to move on to explore new ideas and opportunities”.

She declined to comment on her future business plans when asked today.

In launching Net-A-Porter, Massenet brought high-end fashion to the internet, something which had not then been done before.

Her concept, a website presented in the style of a magazine, was designed to offer customers across the world the chance to get their hands on the newest looks of the season.

It was a massive hit and Massenet received rapid recognition both within the world of fashion and beyond and was credited by Vogue for “revolutionising the way we buy designer clothes”.

Described as having “the best eye in the business” and knowing “exactly what women want”, she swiftly rose to the highest ranks in fashion circles.

Born in Los Angeles in 1965, Massenet lived in Paris until the age of 11.

When her parents divorced, she returned to America to live with her film publicist father Bob Rooney, while her mother Barbara, a model, remained in France.

As an adult, she forged a career as a stylist and fashion writer, working for a collection of publications including W Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily and Tatler.

But as a fashion journalist, she noticed many readers were unable to find clothes that had featured in magazines.

Alerted to the apparent gap in the market, she hit upon an idea which was to become a multimillion-pound business.

Net-a-Porter.com was launched in June 2000 and by the time of the merger earlier this year it employed more than 2,500 staff in London, New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Massenet was named as one of the 100 most influential people by Time in 2014, and in 2013 she became chairwoman of the British Fashion Council.

Previously an MBE, Massenet is made a dame for services to the fashion and retail industries.Read more at:long prom dresses

 

(Photo:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/princess-prom-dresses)You’d think every fashion writer would dream of the moment when she finally gets to go wedding gown shopping.

A wedding gown is the ultimate fashion moment — one of the only times in a regular gal’s life that the attention is completely on her. So for this future bride, having the perfect dress is a super exciting prospect and an absolute must. But finding said dress sounded quite daunting.

I pictured wedding dress shopping like shopping for other major pieces or things that you will probably only buy one of, like a swimsuit or a couch. And I’m pretty sure I’ve cried in the middle of the store while shopping for both of those things. Then, if you even find any finalists, you have to choose one. People who watch a lot of “Say Yes to the Dress” are always talking about The Feeling, but what if you don’t have that moment where you think, this is absolutely, 100 percent the dress that I will wear on the best day of my life?

I have yet to do the choosing, but the shopping part of this process is a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I really haven’t tried on a dress that looks horrible, because here’s a secret about making such a big purchase: The salespeople make painstaking efforts to keep you happy. The lighting is great, you’re clipped into the dress so you can see how it will actually fit, you may or may not be drinking champagne at 10 a.m., and the attendants pull all the dresses and even dress you in them. It is easily the most delightful shopping experience I’ve had, and I shop a lot.

Since beginning my quest, I’ve picked up some tips on how to make the actual decision easier. Hopefully I’m that much closer to The Feeling.

Budget

Determine your budget before you go, and have in mind an ideal amount you’d like to spend and an amount that you absolutely cannot go over. Don’t forget to factor in alterations and any headpieces or shoes. Often, “dress” is a line item on the budget but alterations alone can run you several hundred dollars.

Give the ideal amount when making your appointment, because you will definitely be asked that question. Since these places don’t want to hold an hour-long appointment for you to come in, see that everything’s out of your price range and then leave, they’ll tell you their starting price up front. A good tip that I picked up from my friends is not to let the store even bring you anything that is over budget.

Style

I went in with a picture of what I wanted and promptly realized that my idea of the dress was totally different from what actually looks good on me. Each time you go shopping, you develop a little more clarity about what you want. In that sense it’s important to be flexible.

However, it’s also helpful to establish a few non-negotiables so you can narrow down your options. For example, true white (as opposed to ivory, cream, etc.) looks best on me, so I’m looking for something that comes in that color.

It can also be helpful to consider your venue and the style of your wedding. If you’re having a small event in a barn, a sparkly ball gown might not be in keeping with the nature of the event. On the other hand, if it’s a big, dramatic venue, then a big, dramatic gown is totally suitable. Take your colors into consideration too. I’m planning on doing some gold, and I am staying away from silver sparkles.

Trying on

The hardest thing to remember when you’re trying on dresses is that the one you’re trying on is not your size. Not only that, but you are basically going to be sewn into the thing on your wedding day.

Maybe you’re looking for ivory, and it’s bright white, or maybe you love everything about it except that annoying applique on the front. These are all things that are really easy to fix.

If there are major things you want to change about the dress (e.g., “Can you do this with sleeves and a low back, and lace instead of the satin?”) you’re really in the market for something different and tailoring is not going to fix it. Evaluate the dress for what it is, but remember that you can make simple edits.Read more at:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/mermaid-trumpet-prom-dresses

 

(Photo:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/plus-size-prom-dresses)Celebrity branding in the fashion world is definitely on the rise so it’s very important to take a closer look to understanding the difference between Celebrity branding and a Celebrity endorsements. In the past prior to the social media boom an endorsement was the traditional paid statement sort of advertising, where the celebrity is paid to say nice things about products and/or service. Now that technology has played into a huge part of the mainstream marketing the future for such in the 21st century is Celebrity branding in which celebs are using a celebrity’s position of prominence to start a conversation and introduce their own brands and/ or collaborations to make to their products more visible, to get people talking about it and genuinely considering its merits.

In the fashion world many celebs are launching there own brands and collaboration via social media by using conversation to its large group of dedicated followers to generate some serious interest in their products. Celebrity branding right now in fashion is definitely on rise as more and more musicians, actors, athletes are looking to make a name for themselves in the fashion game Tracy Taylor, the U.S. Editor of net-a-porter.com states “I almost think it’s more difficult for a celebrity to launch a clothing line. Not only are the eyes of the customer on them, but the eyes of this rarified group that almost is unattainable for celebrities and that’s to be a fashion designer.”

Now with men’s fashion beginning to take center stage and on the verge of make huge profits in years to come here is list of some of the hot new Celebrity Fashion brands and/or collaboration to look for in 2016.

Kanye West/Yeezy: Fresh off being crowned king of footwear this Chicago native and rapper has spent some time building and launching his name in the fashion world his Yeezy 350 footwear are a hit and his collection for 2016 featured beige, brown and black hues, the monochromatic garments welcomed the forthcoming spring season in progressiveness.

Russell Westbrook XO Exclusively Ours x Jennifer Fisher: NBA star has always had fashion and style, he has partnered up with Barneys New York, Westbrook has created four pieces with Jennifer Fisher including a necklace, two bracelets and one ring. The collection is brass and 14kt entitled Russell Westbrook XO Exclusively Ours x Jennifer Fisher, is comprised of brass and plated in 14k gold. “I wanted to create pieces that would be timeless and unique,” said Westbrook the collection is sold at Barneys prices from $395 USD to $795 USD.

Wale/Akomplice: Maymach music OWN and D.C rappers links up with Akomplice to craft ski suit. that also features ski mask Yoruba pattern a blue, black, silver color scheme DWR treatment, waterproof YKK Aquaseal zippers , reflective 3M applications with throughout all inspired by Wale’s own Every Blue Moon outfit. Available at Akomplice webstore this Saturday, December 26 at 2:06 p.m. EST.

Nas/ HSTRY : Hip hop legend and Ion Nasir Jones, better known as Nas, release of HSTRY’s Holiday 2015 collection lookbook. His hip-hop inspired collection is well-tailored streetwear visually portrays life experiences through stylistic cues reminiscent of hip-hop’s earlier years of “rebellion, consciousness, militarization and independence” .

Future/ Neff : NEFF teams up with one of 2015′s biggest hip-hop artists: Future for its new NEFF x Freebandz collection. The collection release Dec 22 on the Neff website and will consist of T-shirts, sweatshirts and headwear with the original tribal print inspired by Future fanbase.

Drake/OVO: The hotline bling superstar OVO collection has officially launch as well as his clothing line for men and women along with getting a new LA flagship location which opened up December 5 and is located at 130 N. La Brea Ave., 90036. The collections are simple and clean with subtle gold accents and branding to add a splash of color.Read more at:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/long-prom-dresses

(Photo:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/prom-dresses)When Britta and Chris Sieggen met in 1999, they knew. They knew from their shared language of movie quotes and Beatles lyrics. They knew from their mutual love for trying new things — foods and adventures.

“There was something about Chris,” Britta said. “I felt like he was almost a soul mate right off the bat, like I had known him for such a long time.”

Getting engaged that November, three months after meeting, felt natural and not at all rushed.

“I felt like I had the whole package right there,” Britta said, “so I wasn’t going to let him go, that’s for sure.”

Months later, in February 2000, everything changed.

“It’s the time of your life, you’ve just gotten engaged, and life throws a little curveball at you,” Britta said.

Britta was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 34 — the same age her mother had been when she received what would become a fatal diagnosis.

“My mom passed away from breast cancer when I was 11, so I was always very much aware of the probability or possibility of me getting breast cancer, and so were my doctors,” she said.

Chris and Britta decided to go forward with the wedding, even though it meant Britta would be in the middle of treatment on their special day.

“I wasn’t going to let (cancer) ruin or beat the best thing I had going in my life, and that was Chris,” Britta said.

Chris and Britta were married in a simple ceremony at Chris’ childhood church on Oct. 21, 2000.

“He won’t take a lot of credit for it, but he basically planned our whole wedding,” Britta said. “He stepped up and knew I wanted to do this.”

Chris was a University of Kansas undergrad at the time, but he did what he needed to plan a wedding and keep up with school work.

“I felt like no matter how difficult this part of life was going to be for me, it’s completely, totally a minuscule percentage of the hell that she was going to go through,” he said. “I might have been stressed and freaked out, but I wasn’t staring death in the face either.”

After the wedding, Britta completed treatment and eventually got a clean bill of health. Nearly 15 years passed.

Then in July 2014, Britta found a lump. She had breast cancer again.

And another crisis struck: Chris lost his job when the church where he worked closed.

“We were just trying to follow God and serve God, and then to lose a job, and — in the middle of me trying to find work — she is diagnosed with cancer a second time,” Chris said. “You’re just like, ‘What?!’

“It was one of those hard, honest, bang-your-fist-on-the-chest-of-God moments,” he said.

Again, Britta soldiered through treatment.

“I made a decision without batting an eye that I was going to get a double mastectomy,” she said.

Three months after her mastectomy and chemotherapy (which, she’s happy to report, has improved drastically in the past 15 years), the news was good.

It was then that Britta’s good friend and neighbor, Christine Darden, unveiled the plan she’d been secretly working on for months.

Darden owns Celebrations of Love, a Kansas City wedding and event planning business. She knew Britta and Chris wanted to celebrate their 15-year wedding anniversary in a big way — in a “big ball of wow,” Chris said.

Britta remembers Darden coming to her with the news that she was using all of her wedding vendors to gift the Sieggens a dream vow-renewal ceremony and reception.

“I still get goosebumps,” Britta said. “I feel so humbled and grateful that so many people gave of their time and their money for us.

“That means money and time away from their families,” she said. “That’s what blows me away about it all. I get really teary-eyed. All these people had never even met me.

Donations for the vow renewal totaled about $14,000 in goods and services.

“It really gives you hope,” she said. “People don’t even meet you, and they want to give because they can. It’s amazing.”

The Sieggens renewed their vows Oct. 17, almost 15 years to the day of their wedding.Read more at:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/short-prom-dresses

 

(Photo:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/cheap-prom-dresses)Lauren Slake and Seth Wright exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at Rose Hill Plantation in Nashville, N.C.

The bride is the daughter of Terrence E. Slake of Apex and Edwin “Banzai” Byrnes and Debbie Slake-Byrnes of Raleigh. She is the granddaughter of Shirley Davis of Galena, Md., and Emmett E. Slake and the late Jackie Slake of Cary.

The bridegroom is the son of David and Joni Wright of Roanoke Rapids. He is the grandson of the late Dorothy “Dot” Ussery, the late Joseph “Joe” Ussery and Lillie A. Wright and the late Buck C. Wright, all of Roanoke Rapids.

The Rev. Randy Martin performed the nuptial ceremony.

A program of wedding music was provided by NC Wedding Music (Molly and Dean Olah) of Clayton, string duo consisting of a violin and cello.

The bride wore an Allure bridal gown featuring a slim, fitted dress in all-over lace and a beautiful, raised neckline with contoured straps which continued to a keyhole back.

The bride’s dress featured a chapel-length train and covered buttons. For her headpiece, the bride wore a cathedral-style, lace veil.

Flowers for the wedding ceremony and reception were provided by Val Conger with “Your Perfect Day” of Grimesland. They consisted of lush peonies, cabbage roses and garden roses, which filled the bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces in colors of blush, cream and white.

Serving as maids of honor were Kayla Slake of Cary, sister of the bride, and Martha Erin Smith of Enfield. Serving as matron of honor was Amanda W. Berry, of Bumpass, Va.

Bridesmaids were Natalee Wright of Greenville, sister of the bridegroom, Jessie Horton of Charlotte, Lauren Whaley of Atlanta and Meg Evans of Wilmington.

Khloe Grace Bunn of Wilmington, goddaughter of the bridegroom, served as flower girl. Ring bearer was Landon Congleton of Wilmington,

David Wright of Roanoke Rapids served as his son’s best man. Groomsmen were Edwin “Banzai” Byrnes of Raleigh, stepfather of the bride, Logan Hale of Roanoke Rapids, Christopher Robinson of Roanoke Rapids, Zachary Isles of Nashville, Blake Medlin of Roanoke Rapids, Bradley Silver of Washington, D.C., Anthony Moseley of Roanoke Rapids and Robert Bunn V of Wilmington.

Ushers were Kyle Pratt of Greenville, Mark Seelman of Greenville, Jacob Dixon of Roanoke Rapids and Brant Askew of Greenville.

The bride is a 2008 graduate of Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville and a 2012 graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville. She is employed as a preschool teacher at SAS Montessori School (SAS Institute) in Cary.

The bridegroom is a 2008 graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School in Roanoke Rapids and a 2012 graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville. He is employed as a manager at Enterprise Holdings in Apex.

After a honeymoon at N.C. Mountains Banner Elk, the couple will reside in Raleigh.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Nathan Hall at Rose Hill Plantation in Nashville.

Music and entertainment was provided by Randy and Taylor Archer of Roanoke Rapids.

An after-rehearsal dinner was provided by the bridegroom’s family at the Manor House at Rose Hill Plantation in Nashville.

An engagement party was held in the summer of 2015, given by Nancy and Eddie Elias, Junior and Kim Ivey, Glenn and Deborah Medlin, and David and Joni Wright.

A couples shower was held in the fall of 2015, given by Judy Hale, Tammy Isles, Debra Davis and Wanda Askew.Read more at:http://www.marieprom.co.uk/prom-dresses-2014-2015