Victoria Beckham Credits 7-Year-Old Son with Fashion Design Help

Victoria Beckham, otherwise known as Posh Spice, has been a central figure of fashion and celebrity in the UK for several years. From her much-copied haircut to her seemingly failsafe insistence on perfectly tanned and toned skin at special events, the pop star and wife of renowned football star David Beckham is frequently featured in magazines, gossip rags, and of course, plenty of places online. Other than traversing the globe looking fabulous, however, Beckham has also begun to show an increasing interest in fashion design, the latest result of which is the launch of her new label. Working towards bringing her distinctive style and sense of taste to stores for her admirers, Beckham has purportedly devoted many hours and lots of effort to establishing herself as a trustworthy source for spot-on clothing and accessories. Where precisely the Spice Girl gets her inspiration hasn't always been clear, but recently, the singer divulged that her seven year old son Romeo has played a part in her design choices.
Romeo, who is the middle child in the Beckhams' collection of three young boys, is apparently quite interested in his mother's new profession, asking to be taken to work and to participate in the production of design and textile work. Beckham notes that her son loves to feel fabrics and speak his mind about various fashion pieces, and often offers his opinions on his mother's own apparel choices. In fact, Beckham has related that on some occasions, her sons have helped her to avert potential fashion disasters, such as the combination of skinny jeans and an opera cape which cause her children to exclaim that she looked like Batman –not likely the precise look she was hoping to achieve.
Involving the creativity of children in fashion and design work might not always be the wisest of choices, but the honest opinions of the young may indeed lend assistance to those hoping to create pieces that will dazzle and impress potential buyers and lookers-on. Not strictly limited to clothes themselves, children may also be able to provide insight on collections and combinations of costume jewellery. Helping to identify items that clash and putting together pieces that are made for each other in ways that might not readily be apparent to a trained eye overworked with the perception of aesthetics in daily life, kids might prove to be an especially effective mirror.
Next time you're deliberating over whether to pair a multi-tiered necklace with a bangle bracelet, or aren't sure if a certain pair of crystal drop earrings go with the neckline of an evening gown, consider soliciting the opinion of someone who can offer a frank decision on the spot with no bias: a child. You might just find that by taking Victoria Beckham's lead and involving youth in your fashion decisions, you can add a bit of extra fun –and an extra layer of security-- to how you compose your look.

Fashion House YSL to Hold Second Art Auction

Those with an interest in the world of high fashion may have noted the recent auction of artworks hailing from the personal collection of legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, but with all of the turmoil happening in haute couture these days, it's probably forgivable if the event was missed. The death knells, ringing out not so long ago, of French house Cristian Lacroix may lead to the idea that any sort of sale is directly linked to the effects of the global economic downturn on the classic sensibilities of the high fashion world. In a sense, this may be true in the case of YSL's auction, but the tone is distinctly different from those of other brands of late; the proceeds are going to charity. Namely, to AIDS research. Perhaps feeling charitable at the hands of personal misfortune (even if YSL stays afloat, the current state of affairs has to sting a little), or perhaps simply due to a personal inclination, the designer's decidedly opulent art pieces have lent their star power to helping further research for this serious health concern.
As if the masterpiece paintings and rare accentuating objects sold in the last auction weren't enough, the fashion mogul's estate has decided to hold another round of bidding on more of his collection. Coming from his country estate as well as his two urban residences in France, the items range from original Van Gogh paintings to a valuable ancient Chinese vessel, with plenty of eye-catching and rare items in between. Over the course of many years, Saint Laurent cultivated an impressive art and artifact collection with his partner, resulting in a treasure trove of items that are sure to draw even the most cash-strapped of bidders. After the designer's death last year, his partner made the choice to sell the pieces –a decision criticized by some, but applauded by others.
Of course, the auction may prove perfectly valid as grounds for dressing up and causing a bit of a stir in fashion mags. After all, the beauty of a Van Gogh doesn't have to mean that viewers' own artistic tendencies are totally out-shined. With a mild season prevailing in Paris, the event is ripe for a host of fluttery, flattering dresses, and audiences are rapt with attention to discover just what vintage YSL designs will make their way into the auction house. No matter the designer duds, there's plenty of room for costume jewellery to make a grand appearance at the event. With all the extraordinary items on the block, shelling out for pricey stones and branded baubles isn't likely to be in vogue. Instead, auction attendees can get a visual –and financial-- lift from radiant Swarovski crystals, complex chandelier earrings, beautiful brooches, and other jewellery pieces that look worthy of a few raised paddles but don't cost as dearly as anything in the lot.