GIVENCHY’S ARTISTIC director Clare Waight Keller on Monday received the British Designer of the Year in

Womenswear award from Meghan Markle, whose dress she designed for her wedding to Prince Harry.

“It is such a pleasure to be here celebrating British fashion,” Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, said at the star

-studded annual Fashion Awards at London’s Albert Hall.

Givency’s British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller poses with her award for British designer of the year Womenswear during the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London.

The former US actress, who is pregnant, praised the “vision”, “creativity” and also “the incredible kindness” of

Waight Keller.

The two women met in early 2018, before the designer created the dress worn by Meghan for her wedding

to Harry on May 19.

The British Fashion Awards also recognised Vivienne Westwood, winner of the award for positive change, for

her commitment to the environment.

The 77-year-old high priestess of punk took the opportunity to denounce the “rotten financial system” which

the dame said was “the cause of all our problems”.

A long-time political campaigner, she also took aim at French President Emmanuel Macron who recently

cancelled fuel tax increases in the face of the “yellow vest” protests.

The model of the year award went to 17yearold Kaia Gerber.

“This tax hurts the poor more than anybody,” Westwood said, adding “he’s not thinking that he has already

given all these tax breaks to the rich people. So of course everybody is going to be annoyed.”

The model of the year award went to 17-year-old Kaia Gerber, following in the footsteps of her mother,

former supermodel Cindy Crawford.

“It’s such an honour,” said the young American, on the verge of tears. “I have just a small role in making a

creative vision come to life but I’m so beyond grateful to be a part of it.”

Among the other awards, Italian fashion house Gucci was named brand of the year and Italian Pierpaolo

Piccioli, artistic director of Valentino, won the best designer award.

CHANEL HAS become the first luxury fashion house to turn its back on exotic animal pelts such as lizard, crocodile and snake skin, in a move hailed by animal rights groups Tuesday.

Its head of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky declared that it “would no longer use exotic skins in our future creations”, saying it was becoming more difficult to source high-quality pelts ethically.

Handbags, coats and shoes made from snake, alligator and stingray skin command premium prices, with Chanel handbags made from them reportedly selling for up to 9,000 euros (Bt334,000).

Python skin bags were removed from Chanel’s website Tuesday, although second-hand bags were still on sale from more than 5,500 euros from online resale sites.

Animals rights groups cheered the move, with the PETA and the Humane Society International (HSI) claiming that the iconic house founded by Coco Chanel was also renouncing the use of fur.

But in a statement Chanel did not mention fur, saying it would no longer use crocodile, lizard, snake and stingray to make coats, bags and shoes.

Its veteran designer Karl Lagerfeld had earlier told the industry bible Women’s Wear Daily that Chanel used fur so rarely that he could not remember the last time it featured on the catwalk.

He said the brand had chosen to drop exotic skins rather than having it “imposed on us. We did it because it’s in the air.

“It’s a free choice,” he added.

Animal rights groups hailed Chanel as giving a lead to other luxury brands.

By turning its back on exotic skins, “Chanel is saving countless crocodiles, lizards, snakes and stingrays from suffering,” said HSI director Claire Bass.

“The growth in fabulous luxury and eco-friendly fibres that don’t involve animals suffering and dying is helping to drive forward this new era of ethical fashion.

“Fur-using brands such as Fendi (for which Lagerfeld also designs), Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton need to take heed and embrace this fur-free future,” she added.

PETA also piled the pressure on Vuitton, which is owned by fashion giant LVMH.

“It’s clear that the time is now for all companies, like Louis Vuitton, to follow Chanel’s lead and move to innovative materials that spare countless animals a miserable life and a violent, painful death,” it said.

Although top fashion brands have been under heavy pressure to renounce fur, with Gucci, Armani, Versace and John Galliano all deciding to go fur free, Chanel’s decision to stop using exotic skins came out of the blue.

It said that it was now concentrating on developing a new generation of “ultra luxurious” products to replace them from its famous design studios.

Animal rights campaigns against the use of crocodile and snake skin products have not got the same traction with the public as similar crusades against fur, with some luxury brands even investing in reptile farms so they can guarantee that skins are sourced ethically.

The collection is true Moschino, whether it’s a down jacket covered in gold sequins, a black hoodie embroidered with gold chains, extreme oversized jeans, or one of the pieces with the iconic Moschino logo. Every look reveals Jeremy Scott’s deep love of Moschino’s heritage, and the fierce pop energy he’s brought to the brand since becoming creative director in 2013.

The collaboration is full of statement pieces that subvert ideas of cut and scale.

A black leather biker jacket is punctured with braided gold chains, and black leather biker pants boast hidden pockets at the knee. Meanwhile a hybrid jacket mixes together a blazer with a hoodie. It has zipoff lapels, a faux leopard hood, different coloured front panels and a back covered in silver sequins. Moschino believes in sequins for daywear, like a belowthewaist down jacket covered in gold sequins, or slimcut silver sequin pants that are perfect for partying.

It’s all about attitude, as demonstrated through Scott’s signature playful take on the streetwear pieces that have become today’s essentials.

A padded bomber jacket is printed with a repeat image of CDs, its hood like a peak cap that reads Moschino. A hooded anorak is printed with a clash of leopard print and Moschino, while a black hoodie is embroidered with multiple chunky gold chains. For hitting the street, oversized stonewash denim jeans have an extreme high waist and long fly, playing with codes and making a statement.  

The Logo mania runs throughout the collection and as always there is the extra twist. For this collaboration, a brand new logo brings MTV together with Moschino capturing a pop culture moment, and is embroidered on organic cotton hoodies and Tshirts, organic cotton Tshirts or the waistband of boxer briefs in the classic leopard and chain print.

Scott is a cartoon super fan. He gives hiphop energy to some of Disney’s most iconic characters. Oversized patches of Mickey and his crew are embroidered onto a white organic cotton hoodie, while Mickey chills next to speakers on a black organic cotton Moschino logo sweatshirt. Donald Duck is DJing on a football jersey, his top highlighted with sequins, while a purple finely knitted sweater shows Goofy, face at the front and feet out the back of the jumper.

In its designs for the ladies, the brand’s mission is to play with fashion. Silhouettes are slashed; shapes are subverted; and pieces are punctured with humour and vivacity. The classic black leather biker is cropped to an extreme high, as is a cropped stonewashed denim jacket and a cropped red padded jacket. A stonewashed denim bustier is cut as if from the waist of a pair of jeans, while Moschino subverts the classic fake fur coat by puncturing a fuchsia faux pelt with gold chains, giving the coat punk energy.

A short black leather dress is total party starter: buckles as straps and a chunky gold zip running all the way down the front. Scott believes in the “haute hoodie”, and here he’s created a parka dress that’s entirely covered in silver sequins and is worn with a gold leather motorbike jacket punctured with gold chains. Be bold in a bustier entirely covered in rhinestones or hit the floor in a bra top of chain and leopard print with ribbing, which comes with matching briefs.

HOSTED BY Thailand 13 years ago, the 2018 edition of the Miss Universe pageant returns to Bangkok this year with the lovely ladies taking to the stage for the finale on December 17.

And this year’s competition is being made even more special as Thailand’s most distinguished designer, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narirattana, is underlining her commitment to female empowerment with a collection of stylish swimsuits designed for the preliminary competition as well as two exquisite Thai silk dresses for tonight’s Thai Night Gala dinner.

The custom-made dresses will be worn by Miss Universe Thailand 2018, Sopida Kanchanarin and Miss Universe 2017, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.

The other 95 lovely ladies will also celebrate the host country by wearing traditional Thai costumes from 19 leading Thai designers using hand-woven silk created for The Support Foundation under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the late King Rama IX.

Thai silk has a unique lustre and its sheen comes from two unique blends – one colour for the warp and another for the weft – meaning that the colour changes when it is viewed at different angles and under different lights.

For this special night, Miss Universe Thailand 2018 Sopida Kanchanarin is wearing an elegant silhouette that draws on the gowns in the Sirivannavari Couture Collection inspired by the wardrobe of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Combining mudmee and praewa silks, the dress incorporates a couture technique that requires skilled craftsmanship and meticulous handiwork to ensure that the identity of the fabric’s unique character shines through. A key detail is the peacock image — a symbol with double meaning as it represents both the Sirivannavari brand and the royal guarantee bestowed by the Queen on high quality Thai silk that the world can trust.

Last year’s winner, South African Nel-Peters, will make her entrance in another royally designed gown. This strapless two-piece is inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s wardrobe and uses solid Thai silk combined with praewa silk. A draping technique is used for an effortless flowing effect with the long skirt created in a Greek style to showcase the unique beauty of the fabric.

For next week’s preliminary competition under the Sirivannavari brand, the Princess has created a collection of colourful swimsuits on the concept “Across the Universe”.

The palette reflects not only the Thai belief in the auspicious colour of the day ranging from red, yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, and purple but also represents the idea of a world united in harmony and peace.

The swimsuits themselves are both one and two piece and decorated with whimsical gold metal embellishment studs. A graphic of the Nebula-inspired pattern is displayed on the scarf.

A favourite of professional divers since it debuted in 1993, and the perfect watch for world’s most beloved spy, James Bond, 14 unique models were launched at the event, six in stainless steel and eight in a mix of stainless steel and 18K gold.

The party was attended by many celebrities such as Pita Limjaroenrat, Preeyanuch Bulakul, Karatphet Issara, Chulalux Piyasombatkul, Ingfah Damrongchaitham, Yumi Kiangsiri, Navadee Mokkhavesa, Vasu Virajsilp, Barom Bhicharnchitr, Jarujit – Pimlert Baiyoke, ML.Korkrita Kritakara, Yanin Viravaidya, Jittima Wattanasin, Supachai Kanjanasakchai, and many more.

Tipanat Lenbury, country manager of The Swatch Group Trading (Thailand), explained that the exhibition “How the Seamaster Diver 300M Became a Legend” aimed to take guests back through the timepiece’s fascinating history.

In 1993, Frenchman Roland Specker achieved a world recordbreaking freshwater free dive to a depth of 80m in Lake Neuchatel. On his wrist, he wore the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, successfully testing it in a true deepwater environment.

In 1995, The Diver 300M became part of sailing history, when it was worn by several sailors of Team New Zealand, who achieved an unforgettable victory at the America’s Cup. One of Omega’s most exciting and enduring partnerships began when James Bond strapped on a Seamaster Diver 300M for the first time in “Golden Eye”. The spy and his watch became synonymous and sales of the timepiece soared.

In 1997, The Seamaster Diver 300M proved that is was not just a watch for diving, when it was advertised as the preferred choice of international sports stars including the swimmer Alexander Popov and tennis champion Martina Hingis.

2006 brought a new James Bond, but the same iconic watch, with Daniel Craig wearing the Seamaster Diver 300M when he burst onto screens in “Casino Royale”. The trusty timepiece was now in its 5th 007 film.

Omega unveiled a complete facelift of this famous watch in 2018. Now sized at a larger 42 mm, each new Diver 300M has been given a Master Chronometer Calibre 8800, the Metasapproved movement instantly taking the collection into a higher realm of precision, performance and magnetic resistance. Every detail of the outward design has also been rethought, including the iconic diving bezel, which is now made from ceramic with the diving scale in Ceragold or white enamel (for longerlasting whiteness and durability).

The dials are also made from polished ceramic and are available in black, blue or sunbrushed PVD chrome colour. Most notably, Omega has reintroduced the wavy pattern (now laserengraved) that was a popular feature of the original design.

Finally, each model is presented on a traditional iconic metal bracelet or an integrated black or blue rubber strap. The metal bracelets feature a new ergonomic design and have been closely integrated to the case.

WITH THE cool season now in progress and a slight chill in the morning air, it’s time to dig out the scarves from our wardrobes or perhaps buy a few from the best-known and much-loved maker of silk and other scarves – Jim Thompson.

For more six decades, the brand has worked on constantly evolving its design and production processes – from farming to weaving, to designing, and to finished products. A variety of patterns reflect the brand’s creativity, among them animal prints such as tiger, elephant, pheasant, cockatoo, mythical animals, as well as the jungle, orchids, banana leaf, rice fields, Thai traditional porcelain, and Southeast Asian culture.

The classic and contemporary designs also incorporate art by old and young generation artists while Jim Thompson’s fabric such as jacquard, silk twill, silk chiffon and hand-woven silks stand out for their unique qualities. All of these factors combine to make Jim Thompson scarves popular among customers around the world.

“Jim Thompson scarves are the brand’s signature product,” says Tinnart Nisalak, design director. “Production began in 1965 and most of the designs reflect Jim Thompson’s identity and our founder’s rare art pieces and archives, which highlight Southeast Asian culture and identity. These include the ‘Rainforest’ pattern, which was developed from a rare art piece and was incorporated into Jim Thompson’s clothing collection during its founding period around 1960.

“Jim Thompson also has special collaborative collections on which we work with many renowned Thai and international artists such as Ithipol Thangchalok, Suthipa Kamyam, Phannapast Taychamaythakool, and Kirsten Synge. All of these talented individuals have been able to reflect the Southeast Asian identity very well through their work. For example, the tiger pattern from the Thai and foreign perspectives are very different even though it is the same tiger. A mythical animal like the Naga (serpent-like creatures believed to live in the Mekong river) reflects the belief in abundance. Our scarves are very colourful and take their cue from the founder’s porcelain collection, making them truly distinctive.”

Apart from pattern, what makes Jim Thompson Scarves stand out from other brands is the fabric, which is manufactured using a high-quality production process and is woven at Jim Thompson’s facility in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where advanced technology has been deployed to ensure quality control. “The special shining quality of Thai silk occurs due to the local technique of using weft and warp yarns. To create patterned fabrics, we use anything between two takor (“heddle”) and 10,650 takor,” she adds.

Four types of scarf fabrics are currently available. Jacquard scarves are woven using highly skilled and intricate techniques, making them a rare find. The machinery used for this type of fabric allows for full control of the weaving direction, which creates vibrant colours and patterns that mirror the appearance of paintings. The weaving technique also results in a reversible design, with a different range of colours on the front and back, showing off its unique beauty.

Jim Thompson twill is special because of how the silk is woven. The ground of the fabric shows a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs called twill, which is soft, pliable, crease-resistant and strong when compared to non-twill fabric. The patterns created by the twill technique have been constantly developed and today Jim Thompson has more than 2,000 designs.

Each print is first hand-drawn by highly skilled artists with 30 years of experience. Each pattern takes more than three months to draw, depending on size, complexity, details and colours. The drawing then undergoes colour separation prior to printing. The colour separation process requires a skilled hand to master and that person must understand printing techniques and the concept of beauty at the same time.

The machinery ranges from antique wooden printers, screen printers to modern-day or digital printers so as to make patterns clearly visible on both sides of the silk twill scarves. The edges are hand-sewn so that the scarf looks flat.

With its crepe-like and light texture, silk chiffon creates an overlay of patterns when used for scarves. Durability of the raw silk material is processed until it becomes light yet strong. Highly advanced technology is introduced into the production process such as tie-dying, filament colour spraying, as well as the use of filaments that carry special features to turn the product into a piece of art, a combination of handmade and modern techniques. The threads used in every Jim Thomson hand-woven scarf cannot be woven by machine. It is truly a work of high aesthetic value.

Besides the four fabrics, Jim Thompson is developing new types of scarves to meet all kinds of demands and lifestyles. These include silk cashmere, which combines the lustrous smoothness and shininess of silk with the warmth of cashmere. The result is a light-texture fabric made from tiny cashmere filaments coated for durability. After the weaving process, the coating is washed away, leaving only pure silk and cashmere, which is extremely soft yet light. “Pleat” scarves have been developed so that the pleats do not disappear after washing, a quality rarely found in other pleat products, mostly made from synthetic filaments. Silk Modal, meanwhile, is a naturally-synthesised filament with characteristics just like cotton – easy to take care of, smooth and soft like silk, while airy and cool to wear. It gives a casual feeling and optimum comfort, with a touch of luxury from the silk.

Occupying 459 square meters on the first floor, the new branch is packed with rare editions and a community space for sharing and updating street-fashion trends.

“I am truly delighted to welcome everyone to the largest adidas Originals store across the Southeast Asia and Pacific Region here at the very iconic ICONSIAM – the place where the best of Thailand meets the best of the world,” said Vijay Chauhan, general manager of adidas (Thailand).

“While the sports and sports inspired business has seen giddy growth over the last few years – sitting at the pinnacle of that growth is adidas Originals. It’s never been hotter and never been cooler than it is today and enjoys tremendous consumer love! With our largest originals store, we are writing another chapter today, one that will ensure that the Thai sneakerheads, fashionistas and fans will always have access to the best of adidas Originals.”

To celebrate its grand opening, adidas hosted a red-carpet party that was joined by celebrities and fashion icons including Araya A Hargate, Ploy Horwang, JJ Kritsanapoom, Sky Wongravee, Pimtha Thanida, Saint Suppapong, Perth Tanapon, Timethai Plangsilp, Maplang Alrisa and Gena de Souza.

Featuring many creative activities for adidas Originals fans, the art exhibition showcases the artworks that represent the core of adidas Originals and a combination with unique identities from three famous street artists Benzilla, October29, and NEV3R.

DIY Zone gives aficionados a chance to create their own one-of-a-kind fashion item, using a hand-jet screening machine and patches in three chic patterns, created exclusively by Benzilla.

The Sneaker Machine corner has been installed right in the store and runs until December 2, offering fans the chance to win a pair of limited-edition sneakers, including the legendary Yeezy. The Photo zone allows fans to capture themselves in cool poses with the chic Art Wall, featuring the Trefoil logo of adidas Originals, a background reflecting the new destination.

JAPANESE timepiece brand Citizen turns 100 this year and to mark this momentous anniversary, it recently showcased some of its rarest museum pieces such as the first pocket watch made in 1924, which was purchased by the Emperor Showa, and launched three new high-tech pieces in a special event at the Emporium’s Gallery.

Japan’s ambassador to Thailand, Hiroshi Kawamura, and the brand’s managing director from Hong Kong, Koichiro Kudo, were on hand to open the event, and received a warm welcome from Wipawan Mahadamrongkul of C Thong Panich, Citizen’s sole distributor in Thailand.

The idea for a Japan-made watch was sparked in the early 1900s when Kamekichi Yamazaki, a dealer in watch metals who learned his craft in Switzerland and the US, returned home determined to create a Japanese-made pocket watch.

In 1918, he established Shokosha Watch Research Institute, which would later become Citizen Watch, and the Japanese timepiece industry was born. In 1924, the watchmaker completed the first pocket watch bearing the name Citizen. Features such as a proprietary screw design were part of the plans to establish the company’s independence as a domestic watch manufacturer.

More than 20 priceless museum timepieces have been brought to Thailand for the show. They include the Citizen Crystron Mega (1975), the first watch in the world accurate to +/- 3 seconds per year and a 2018 pocket watch featuring the Calibre 0100 interior mechanism that is light-powered, giving the greatest precision in the world. Also on show is the thinnest watch ever, the 1962 Citizen Diamond Flake edition, and the technological innovation, 1986’s Citizen Parashock edition, the first Japanese watch to be collision-proof and which was famously launched by dropping the watch from a helicopter onto a baseball field.

C Thong Panich has also brought together a parade of Citizen timepieces popular amongst Thai fans, including the Bullhead or what Thais use to refer to as the “Red Ant”, “White Shark” and “Classic Lion” editions.

“The 1970s were an important era characterised by the transition from mechanical to quartz movements,” Kudo says.

“In 1976, the Citizen Crystron Solar Cell was developed and become the world’s first analog quartz watch with rechargeable solar batteries. These sustainable Eco-Drive watch models became the company’s future direction.”

As part of its centennial celebrations, Citizen is launching three limited-edition models equipped with the watchmaker’s latest state-of-art technologies and designed on the theme “the moment when light is transformed into time”.

The Citizen Promaster Driver 200m boasts brilliant white Roman numerals against key colours of black and gold. A magnificently designed diver’s watch, it offers functionality, durability, and safety.

It is able to withstand a dive of 200 meters, has a stopwatch mode and increased safety features with a unidirectional bezel that allows the watch to only rotate counter-clockwise and a screw-locking mechanism for its winders and push buttons.

The limited edition Citizen Promaster Dark Raider aka Black Ant is a bold and unconventional watch with the crown and push buttons at 12 o’clock. The original chronograph watch was better known to Thais as the Red Ant and the new edition brings back memories thanks to a vintage look and feel but with a finer finish of the black body and band.

The design of the Citizen Satellite Wave GPS F990 evokes the unfathomable mysteries of space. A light-powered watch that can receive satellite waves and GPS signals to automatically set the time, it has a super titanium case treated with Duratech DLC, Citizen’s surface hardening technology that is scratch resistant. Just 1,500 pieces are coming to the market.

All three models will be available at the end of the month and M Card members as well as SCB M Visa credit card holders can enjoy a range of special promotions.

Designed by Ichiro Iwasaki, the “f” timepiece features two symmetrical sets of numbers for AM and PM represented by two different faces of the day and measures just 39mm making it perfect for both men and women.

The two new colours of Morning Grey and Midnight Blue represent a beautiful time of day. The morning grey model evokes an image of morning mist to represent ‘AM’ with centring on the numbers for 1-12.

While the midnight blue model is inspired by the sky in the middle of the night to represent ‘PM’ with emphasis on the numbers for 13-24. The concentric pattern around the base of the dial makes the numbers look raised when viewed from certain angles, adding depth to the face.

Find out more at http://www.TrocaderoTime.com.

To pay tribute to Mickey Mouse, one of Disney’s most beloved characters of all time, the Pandora designers joined forces with Disney’s own character artists to create a truly exclusive, limited-edition anniversary charm. Depicting Mickey Mouse striking a playful pose in his famous outfit, the charm is meticulously crafted from sterling silver. The charm’s luxurious 14k gold numbers represent Mickey Mouse’s milestone anniversary number “90”, making the design as timeless as the pop culture icon himself.

You can mark 90 years of Mickey Mouse with your own limited edition Mickey dangle charm. Double the fun by wearing it on bracelets and necklaces to celebrate Mickey Mouse and to show your personal style and character.

It’s available at the Pandora store at CentralWorld.