Quick Bites: Chanel, Britney, Julia & Italy freezes Wintour

• Oscar winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese is set to direct the broadcast advertising campaign for Chanel’s new men’s scent. To be launched this August, French actor Gaspard Ulliel has been chosen as the face of the new line.

• WWD have revealed the new Candie’s campaign featuring Britney Spears shot by super-shooters Annie Leibovitz, Terry Richardson and Mark Seliger. Our fave? Annie’s vision (top left).

• 42 year old Julia Roberts has been named Lancome’s new spokesmodel. The campaign pics shot by Mario Testino promote a mascara and will be released in May.

• The Mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, has sent a message to US Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour regarding her fleeting three day visit for Fashion Week: ‘Nobody, not even if her name is Anna Wintour, can take the liberty to do and undo our fashion calendar. For this reason, we must all work united,’” the Corriere della Sera reports. Read the full report at Vogue.uk

NY Fashion Week: Marc Jacobs

Sweet and sombre sums Marc Jacob’s A/W collection. From the smoky hues, simplistic shapes, mostly unknown models and celeb-free front row to the brown paper barrier a suited-up Jacobs ripped down to open his show. As always, ever surprising, slightly off-beat and most coveted, we crave the lot.

How to do Donna's do

Want to adopt Donna Karan’s fabulous chignon into your hair routine? We love Eugene Souleiman’s  sleek, sexy, slick back. So classic yet absolutley modern. Grab bobby pins, Elnett and patent headbands and find out how to at allure.com. 

We are twisting and spritzing as we speak…

Material Girl

Following her successful collaboration with H&M, WWD have reported that according to sources, Madonna is set to launch a “contemporary women’s collection” for Macy’s. 

With label names Material Girl for apparel and Truth and Dare for the lingerie line being considered, we may also be throwing on Madonna-esque bijoux and footwear. Is there nothing she can’t do? Fingers crossed the rumours are ture. We can’t wait…

NY Fashion Week: Black magic

With the world of Vampires still darkening fashion’s doorstep, behold the perfect garb for the grown-up Vamp Fatale.

Donna Karan has magicked up a glamorously gothic collection for Autumn/Winter 2010. Darkly elegant silhouettes in silk satin, cashmere, tweed, lynx fur and laser cut shearling in her signature slinky cut, guaranteed to give any woman a sleek and streamlined shape. 

Wicked.

Little monsters

Who needs fierce heels or Balmain shoulders when armed with one of these little monsters. 

Meet fashion’s pluckiest pouchette. High in punk-appeal and chic-to-boot, she may be small but she packs an oh-so-stylish punch.

Top to bottom: Christian Louboutin Talita spiked clutch, Jimmy Choo Limited Edition Project Pep clutch, Marc Jacobs leopard wristlet

NY Fashion Week: Gold digger

Whilst there has been a glimmer of goth-glam at NY Fashion Week, we can’t help but notice that designers such as (left to right) Victoria Beckham, Alexander Wang and Jason Wu have taken a lighter hand with our favourite heavy metal trend for next season. 

Gone are gold’s big 80’s shoulders and Dynasty-air and in its place, soft feminine draping and lady like silhouettes. The black booties, studs and gleaming leather have been cast aside for silk, jersey and velvet in silver and barely there autumnal shades of forest green, moss and rust brown.

A thoroughly refreshing take on a Solid Gold trend.

NY Fashion Week: Where the wild things are

We love these different takes on fur, a key texture for next season. Helmut Lang’s very wearable luscious, smokey grey wrap gilet, Peter Som’s cropped, 3/4 sleeve boho-luxe jacket and Thakoon’s super-cool wrap collar which contrasts delicously with 2 other big stories for the season; sheer and sparkle.

Purr-fect frames

Today’s obsession? Tom Ford’s Nico sunglasses. Part Mrs Robinson, part Catwoman they
are this season’s purr-fect accessory.

Sir Michael Caine, King of the roast potato?

In my post on Friday, I wrote about Sir Michael Caine’s boast of making “The Best Roast Potatoes EVER”. It’s a big claim. Some might say fighting talk. When faced with such a bold statement, I had no option but to test his method, enlisting my trusty Roast Potato Expert and nephew Will (who lists my roast potatoes as ‘his most favourite food’) to be the judge.

I followed Michael’s method to a T — minus the rosemary and sage addition. I wanted these potatoes to be naked, except for the necessities — olive oil and sea salt. I parboiled, drained and steamed the peeled potatoes until dry, then shook them until their outer was rough and floury. I placed them in a bowl, and poured over a generous slug of good quality Greek olive oil, turning them dutifully for about fifteen minutes or so — until the thirsty potatoes had infused most of the oil. I then transferred them to a hot roasting tin, sprinkled with sea salt and spooned over some of the remaining oil and potato from the bowl … this had become a thick and creamy mixture, so I was beginning to think this might be the key.

An hour later, out they came looking very golden and decidedly crunchy (above). So what was the verdict from Will and myself?

Credit where credit is due. It would seem Michael is not only a legend of stage and screen, but a potato roasting genius. Sir Michael, Will and I salute you and your “Best Roast Potatoes EVER”.

Fair play to you. Now pass me another potato…

Lee Alexander McQueen: 17 March 1969 – 11 February 2010

The fashion world is mourning the untimely death of fashion visionary and enfant terrible Lee Alexander McQueen. The hugely influential British designer was found dead at his Mayfair Apartment. Reports suggest he had been suffering from depression following the recent death of his beloved mother Joyce, and it appears he has taken his own life. His death came as final preparations were being made for an autumn collection to be unveiled in Paris.

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief, Vogue: “We are devastated to learn of the death of Alexander McQueen, one of the greatest talents of his generation. He brought a uniquely British sense of daring and aesthetic fearlessness to the global stage of fashion. In such a short career, Alexander McQueen’s influence was astonishing—from street style to music culture and the world’s museums. His passing marks an insurmountable loss.”

Kate Moss, via her rep: “Kate is shocked and devastated at the tragic loss of her dear friend Lee McQueen. Her thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Naomi Campbell: “I am truly devastated to lose my close friend. His talent had no boundaries and he was an inspiration to everyone who worked with him and knew him. This is a sad day to all who loved him around the world and my condolences are with his family. I will miss him so much, he will never be forgotten.”

Madonna: “Lee McQueen was a  truly unique visionary in the world of fashion. A creator of beauty. What a tragedy.

”

Victoria Beckham: “Today, the fashion industry has lost a true great. An icon of all time. He made all he touched beautiful and will be desperately missed. My heart is very much with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Rest in peace, Mr McQueen.

Weekend challenge: the perfect roast spud

I don’t know about you — maybe it’s my Irish lineage — but one of my all time favourites is the Perfect Roast Potato. All crisp and crunchy on the outside and flecked with a generous sprinkling of sea salt, fluffy and tender on the inside. You could call it Potato Perfection.

My lovely nephew Will tells me my roast potatoes are his ‘most favourite food’. I think he is telling the truth because for a slight little fellow, he can eat my body weight in roast potatoes in one sitting.

My method for roast potatoes is pretty simple. Pop a roasting pan in a hot oven with some oil (rice bran is perfect). Par-boil peeled potatoes, drain well and shake in the pot with lid until the surface is rough and floury. Then tip the hot potatoes into the roasting pan with the hot oil, turn ensuring the potatoes are coated in the oil, sprinkle generously with sea salt and roast until the outsides are golden and crunchy (approx 50 mins).

Now I tell you this because I’d always been led to believe (and found) that the Gorgeous Olive Oil was not the correct choice for successfully roasting the perfect spud. Doesn’t have a high smoke point, potatoes won’t crisp up, the oil turns rancid … the list goes on.

Then along comes legendary actor Sir Michael Caine with his “I make the Best Roast Potatoes EVER” claim, and I’m intrigued. Not only does he use COLD olive oil, he SOAKS his par-boiled potatoes in it first! Is this genius or pure madness? I can’t tell you, which is why I am instigating the Perfect Roast Spud Weekend Challenge. I will be enlisting Will, my Roast Potato Aficionado, as the judge and will report back Monday.

I encourage you to join me in testing Michael’s theory and comparing to your own roast spuds. See you Monday…

Sir Michael Caine’s Perfect Roast Potatoes (as outlined on Desert Island Discs)

• Pre-boil potatoes “otherwise they’ll be no good”
• Drain and let them steam until “absolutely dry”
• Replace saucepan lid and shake “so that they go all fluffy”
• Place in cold olive oil to soak (”so it soaks in”) with rosemary and sage, then place onto a baking tray and into a hot oven for an hour and they should emerge with a honeycomb coating that is deep, crisp and even.

Images: Daily Mail UK

Alice in Paris

With the March release of director Tim Burton’s 3-D interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, fashion has become curiouser and curiouser.

Step through the looking glass and straight into Parisian department store Printemps Haussmann. Our beloved tearoom, Laduree has morphed into the ultimate mad hatter’s tea party. Once you have had your fill of tarts and tea and with head still firmly intact, it’s onto fashion, where designers such as Alexander McQueen, Ann Demeulemeester, Chloe and Martin Margiela have concocted wild and fantastical versions of Alice’s party frock. We love the bespoke heels by Nicholas Kirkwood, the most curious footwear we’ve seen since our favourite ruby slippers. Now for jewellery and straight to Stella McCartney’s store for Alice-inspired bijoux featuring playing cards, rabbits and all things wonderland in her signature palette of pretty neutrals. 

This is one rabbit hole we would be delighted to slide down!

Watch the trailer for Alice in Wonderland here.

Think PINK!

FFF says THINK PINK! Especially if it’s this delightfully pink pompom handbag by Lanvin. The perfect tonic for a blue day.

White pepper is the new black

I am going out on a limb here, but sometimes I just don’t think Cracked Black Pepper (CBP) is all that it’s cracked up to be.

Quite frequently, even when a recipe calls for the cracked black stuff, I ignore the rules and reach for the garden variety, pre-ground white stuff — aka white pepper (WP). Why?

Because (and with no lengthy discourse, scientific proof or discussion) … it simply TASTES BETTER. WP wipes the floor with CBP on any comfort dish you care to entertain. Try it on a traditional roast, and most definitely a fish, chicken or shepherd’s pie. Scrambled eggs with bacon? No contest. The list is endless…

But where I find WP really comes into play? Seasoning raw meat (eg. hamburger mince, steak, chicken et al), and vegetables when first breaking a sweat in the pan. CBP simply doesn’t hit the same perfumed, spicy notes that — without the pomp and circumstance — WP so modestly and quietly achieves. Think of it like this: WP does all the grunt, back-end work whilst CBP glamorously charges in at the end, all hype and reputation, sprinkling it’s coal like magic over the final product.

It’s all well and good to salute the star, but don’t forget to utilse those below-the-line heroes who can make a dish really sing.

Oscar-worthy food

With the pinnacle of Hollywood’s awards’ season but a breath away, all things Oscar come into sharp, cinematic focus — including food.

The clever folk over at Epicurious have once again released their list of Academy Inspired Menus, based on the hot meal tickets this year. They have put together 10 mouthwatering menus to make, and enjoy, whilst watching the Tinseltown Thesps duke it out for the ultimate knick-knack … the golden Oscar.

Are you barracking for Avatar? Then why not make a blue hued feast including Peppercorn-Crusted Muscovy Duck with Blueberries, Wild Blueberry Pie with Almond Crumble Topping washed down with a Cool Blue Martini. Up in the Air more your speed? Try the jet-set-breakfast inspired menu of Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Lemon Cream, Rosemary and Mustard Breakfast Sausages partnered with Champagne and whiskey (preferably in small airplane-sized bottles). Or would you like to see Sandra Bullock take home her first little bald guy? Then try the All-American, down home comfort fare based on Blindside — Southern Deviled Eggs, Memphis-Style Ribs, India Pale Ale and Lemon Chess Pie.

If you can’t choose one menu, why not fast forward through all to find your favourite bits, and splice together an Indie-Smörgåsbord.

For the full list, visit Epicurious. May the best meal win!

Images: Epicurious.com

Glamour-pusses

It’s decided. FFF wants to come back as one of Grace Coddington’s cats. We are purring over her book The Catwalk Cats, a collaboration between Coddington — Cat Lady and one of the world’s most influential Fashion Editors — and her husband, hairstylist Didier Malige. 

A chic visual diary published by Karl Lagerfeld’s company Edition 7L, it chronicles the 20 years the fashionable couple have resided with their family of moggies. Told through whimisical illustrations by Coddington and photography by Malige, pad along in the prestigous pawprints of this fashionably feline famille; Henri, Baby, Bart, Coco and Puff (a red tabby with wild flaming hair just like his mother’s) as they surf  East Hampton, feast on fresh sashimi and sit in for Kirsten Dunst at a Vogue shoot with Annie Leibovitz.   

It’s the cats’ meow…

Purr-fectly lovely flashback: Model Karen Elson (left) as Grace Coddington for US Vogue August 2008.

(Faux) tattoo you

The must-have accessory for the new season? Temporary tattoos. That’s right. No need to think before you ink, just apply your temp tatt, add water and you’re a marked woman.

The most coveted body art to bag? Chanel’s Les Trompe L’œil de Chanel, (set of 55 individual tattoos, £49) from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection available from 1 March at Chanel stores and concessions, Selfridges and chanel.com.  

Our new Toys!

You know it’s a great day when a courier arrives brandishing a package from your Über Fabulous Friend Francene in Hong Kong containing … ta da! Two bright, shiny and new Toy Watches (below).

We’ve been toying with the idea of this watch for a while now (it is one of Oprah’s Favourite Things), but never got around to purchasing when we were in HK recently. Then suddenly, Francene rang on the FFF-Batline from Lane Crawford to inform us they were on sale. We simply couldn’t look a discounted gift horse in the mouth, so we pounced.

But the real genius? We have two Jelly Toys in fluro orange and yellow AND we have joint custody. So we will be able to swap throughout the year. Brilliant! We have finally learnt to share our Toys. Our mothers would be so proud…

GOOP & GOOP

We LOVE Goop. Naturally. And now we also love Goop & Goop, the musings of 25 year old Jilly Gagnon, a Boston-based wannabe-novelist.

Taking a leaf out of Julie & Julia’s success story, Gagnon has set herself the 30 day task of living life and ‘nurturing the inner aspect’ according to the word of Goop, Gywneth Paltrow’s lifestyle website.

Putting Gwynnie’s tips to the test, Gagnon follows them to the tee with amusing results. Fun, fresh and the perfect morning giggle, it’s an addictive read. Here’s hoping she snares that lucrative book-slash-movie deal. Follow her daily diary at Vanity Fair.