International Women’s Day Event CARE International’s #March4Women Sing for a fairer world

15358scr_ed3e53b6951198d 15720pre_65b78fc1195c02dDr Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Bianca Jagger will lead a rally beginning at 12pm on Sunday 5 March, ahead of International Women’s Day. They will be joined by crowds of supporters raising their voice in solidarity with women and girls worldwide who endure inequality and injustice.

The rally will take place at The Scoop by City Hall and will include inspiring talks and a mass ‘singalong’ of the classic women’s empowerment song ‘RESPECT.’ Led by Olympic ceremony composer David Arnold and vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant, the crowd will ‘CAREoke’ along with a range of famous singers including Melanie C, VV Brown, Tallia Storm, Tanita Tikaram, Preeya Kalidas and Natasha Bedingfield. There will also be music by Billy Bragg.

Event organisers CARE International are emphasising the importance of the inclusion of men and boys in tackling sexism and discrimination. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who will address crowds at the event said: “It’s unacceptable that in 2017 in London, the most progressive city in the world, your gender can still determine how much you get paid and your career prospects. Even worse, women and girls around the world are still more likely than men to suffer from violence or discrimination. As Mayor, I have vowed to be a proud feminist at City Hall, and I will do all I can to remove any barriers to women.

“Equal rights is not just a fight for women – all of us need to stand in solidarity with our mothers, sisters, daughters and friends to say that discrimination, in all shapes and forms, will not be tolerated. That’s why, ahead of International Women’s Day, I am honoured to stand shoulder to shoulder with Londoners from all backgrounds to spread the message that London is open and a place where we celebrate everyone, from every walk of life, regardless of their gender.”

Laurie Lee, CEO of CARE International said, “We will #March4Women to shine a spotlight on the inequality women and girls face around the world. CARE’s work in over 75 countries shows that they are still far more likely to experience violence, discrimination, harassment and modern slavery. It will also highlight the plight of women and girls caught up in the global refugee crisis and we will challenge the government to step up its commitments to refugees.

“Supporters are invited to join us in singing for a fairer world and raise their voice for the cause of equality. We will spend an unforgettable afternoon hearing from a star line up of outspoken feminists, refugee women, celebrities and global activists. They will be joined by London’s very own 21st century ‘Olympic Suffragettes’, who will wear traditional Edwardian costume to highlight the fact that the Suffragettes’ goal of equal rights remains unrealised, and for them the right to vote was only ever the start of their movement.”

Helen Pankhurst said: “Our solidarity and the fight for the equal rights of women should not end at the shores of our own country. Join us ahead of International Women’s Day, in solidarity with the many refugees who have trekked hundreds of miles to find safety, many of them mothers, forced to carry their children from one danger zone to the next.”

The lively programme on the day will also include a warm-up ‘morning rave’ by London-based company Morning Gloryville founded by a Zimbabwean woman who experienced being stateless herself, making a family friendly occasion for all.

To join Sadiq, Bianca, Helen Pankhurst and daughter Laura Pankhurst, and a star line-up on 5th March visit www.careinternational.org.uk/March4Women.

 

 

David Beckham For H&M

David Beckham celebrates the launch of David Beckham Bodywear for H&M in London

This week in London, David Beckham celebrated the global launch of David Beckham Bodywear for H&M with an in-store launch, followed by a cocktail party at a pop-up gentleman’s club created especially for the occasion. At the in-store event at H&M on Regent Street, David showed the new television commercial, met with fans and signed the collection. Later, celebrities such as Bianca Jagger, Emma Bunton and Jessica Ennis joined David to toast his bodywear range. This debut collection is the first in a long-term partnership between David Beckham and H&M, and is available from today in 1,800 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online.

“I am very proud to launch my Bodywear collection for H&M in London. It was amazing to see the product at the in-store launch after so many months of development and meet with fans. I loved the pop-up gentleman’s club, which felt both traditional and brand new. It’s the same mix I hope men will find in the Bodywear collection. It was an amazing evening to launch my new collection.” David Beckham.

“The debut of David Beckham Bodywear is a very special moment for us at H&M. It marks the beginning of a new kind of long-term partnership for H&M, one based on quality and excellent design to H&M prices. I am very excited to see how our customers will receive the David Beckham Bodywear collection.”
Karl-Johan Persson, CEO of H&M.

At the cocktail party, guests were treated to a unique David Beckham for H&M experience, with decor, food and drink designed to reflect not only classic gentlemen’s clubs but also David’s British roots. Live music was provided by the James Pearson Trio, direct from the infamous Ronnie Scotts club, followed by a DJ set by ”Mani” from The Stone Roses and DJ the Queens of Noize.

The event marks the debut of David Beckham Bodywear for H&M, a new collection which focuses on fit, function comfort and design. Designed by David’s in-house team and sold exclusively at H&M in around 40 countries worldwide, this first collection presents the nine key products which will go on to form the core of the range. The collection will develop seasonally with new styles, new fabrics and new patterns.

“Lots of people have worked with H&M, so why not David Beckham? I think it’s a really good idea. It means that now everybody can have a bit of him.” Suzy Menkes, International Herald Tribune.

Bianca Jagger: “Why The Rainforest Is Critical For Our Survival”

Bianca Jagger, founder and chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, spoke at the B&Q Forest Friendly forest at Start@Kew, an initiative by HRH The Prince of Wales to inspire the public to take simple steps towards achieving a more sustainable lifestyle. The campaigner highlighted the plight of the world’s forests and the crucial role they play in mitigating climate change.

The festival was open to visitors of The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew over the Bank Holiday weekend with lots of interactive exhibitions for families to learn about how to live a more sustainable way of life.

Bianca Jagger said: “We must realise that in order to prevent catastrophic climate change, we must protect our remaining forests and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.”

Spring & Summer 2011 – Part One – Fashion Looks – Wear It Like You Know It! {Fashion}

So here it is – the start of a fresh new year, with the fashion world upon us. For all you keen fashion lovers out there, prepare to be geared up for a wonderful selection of bright, uniformed, geometrics and an array of textures and bedazzling patterns. 2011 is indeed the year for dynamic fashion.

We see a variety of emerging and reinvented trends, year by year. This year makes a stand for some interesting themes.

Here’s a look into the Spring/Summer Key themes – Military meets Biker. Yes, the military style has been on the fashion scene for quite some time now, and even though this look is great; screaming versatility and can be worn on both a formal and casual basis, this year will highlight room for change.

Introducing the Biker/Motorcycle theme, I remember spying a biker jacket last year whilst strutting down the streets of Soho myself. This is a look that has been in the shadows of fashion since forever, and this year will be a crystal replacement to the military mode we are so used to. Quilted and zipped sleeves will also be a big look, with the added accessory of belts and shimmering bags to accompany. Alexander Wang and Balmain (a personal favourite) have a great range – for the more affordable take – be prepared to hoist River Island‘s asymmetric zip jacket – striking and edgy.

Punk Fashion – Again, this look has been in the mix of a la Rock meets Boy George, largely appealing through 2010. However and somewhat measured by the ‘crowd’ it is most suited to, probably because this look is one that is pretty hard to master, but continuously influential in the fashion world.

2011 will make an iconic stand in Punk Wear – more so in the way it will be experimented with, within other genres. Renowned brand Balmain are at the top of their league when it comes to this look – a real one to look out for – if you can configure the art of Punk to your wardrobe collection, you are doing pretty well! Think Chuck Taylor’s and Motorcycle boots! Treat yourself and take a trip down to Camden Lock and Soho, and be dazzled by the sheer range of punk enthused clothing – at a much more affordable price!

The 70’s Look – 70’s style is all about glamour, so it’s no wonder the striking geometrics and elegance of the bohemian look, are making such a comeback. Flowing dresses, silks and satins being prominent, creating a look of sophistication and feminine, earthy glamour. Faye Dunaway, Angelica Huston and Bianca Jagger are just a few examples of the range to this unique glamour.

The key to winning this style is confidence and boldness. Being experimental is a must. By day – sophisticated block patterns, deep colours. High waisted Wide Leg trousers, accompanied by cute, silk/satin blouses in lighter colours, rolled up sweaters and turtle necks – indeed a Farrah Fawcett look by day. For the evening – silks, satins and metallic patterns. Beautiful dresses with low neck cuts and sexy slits.

The 60’s Fashion Spot – 2011 makes a gateway for one of the most illustrated and sought after looks of all time. Be prepared for bright colours, fresh looking pastels, an array of florals and pinks. Check out Louis Vuitton and Jayson Brunsdon for inspiration. High waisted floral and checked skirts – pinstripe dresses in calming colours, high waisted belts in a multitude of reds, yellows and greens. Bold accessories which make for completion of this look will include heavy beads, 60’s cat-like glasses and sunglasses. Think Jacqueline Kennedy, Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick.