By: Ashley Ford

Rihanna is a huge tattoo lover. She loves tattoos so much that she has a total of twelve and she also enjoys spending her free time just hanging out in tattoo studios. Although the Barbados born beauty has twelve tattoos you probably haven’t even noticed half of them, half of them are very small and in unnoticeable places.

Here’s a list of her twelve tattoo:

1. A music note on her ankle.
2. The Pisces sign behind her right ear
3. A star in her left ear
4. Sanskrit prayer going down her hip
5. The word ‘love’ on her left middle finger
6. A patch of star dust on the back of her neck
7. [she turned #6 into] a trail of stars going down her back
8. The phrase ’shhh…’ on her right index finger
9. The date 11-4-1986 on top of her left shoulder
10. A skull on the back of her left ankle
11. “Freedom in God” written in Arabic on her left side
12. A tribal design on her right hand and wrist that represents strength and love

Rihanna loves to talk about her tattoos and loves to explain what they mean. She sat down with The View in Las Vegas and talked to them about her latest tattoo.

“They’re Roman numerals. Me and my best friend got the same thing. It’s her DOB (date of birth) and she has mine.”

“I like hanging out in tattoo shops. When I am in New York, after all the photo shoots and performances, when I should be resting, sometimes I get dressed and go to the tattoo parlors in SoHo and hang out. I am so intrigued by tattoos. It’s an entire culture, and I study it. Sometimes I go with friends or just by myself. I get bum-rushed, but I don’t care. I don’t take security.”

Your Tattoos Friend

Ashley

About the Author

Ashley enjoys writing on her Tattoo themed blog at http://infinitetattoos.wordpress.com please stop by and drop a comment.

For more information and access to over 15,000 tattoo designs online, check out Ashley’s sponsor at Infinite Tattoo Designs

(ArticlesBase SC #833504)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Celebrity Tattoos: Rihanna

Tips to select top 10 latest urban hip hop fashion put on in 2010

Author: Jason Chan

Hello and welcome to 2010 trend trends in urban hip hop fashion. Lets find out where we are standing and what accurately we have to be dressed in in 2010 to be obvious in the croud.

· Start collecting the chunky knits, these are going to be your fashionable appear this frost. Accesories with popular Knitted scarves and jumper jersey are the are the just right set of trend be dressed in in coldness.

· Laddered Stocking is obviously the vogue for women outfits in 2010. The model way of dressed in laddered stocking is to dress in it with a short skirt. Thus, we are convinced that short skirts are going to be another style this time.

Women’s urban hip hop fashion trend for 2010 spring:
· See through clothing is forever a top style style for women’s in dressing. Katie Holmes is definitely one of them to be seen in most of the occasions. Denim skirts and one piece would be a rage in 2010.

Guys outfits and cool hip hop clothing for the next coming 2010 winter and spring· Denims would rule the men’s hip hop trend. And by denim, it is not just pants; denim would be translated to jackets and casual pants too.

· Sporty jerseys and sneakers can by no means go out of style front. But the style noticeably indicates that Rocawear is in. Young people and young men attending rap concerts would dress in these.
Black leather jackets will rule the urban hip-hop garments style.

· Tracksuits would be most worn casual attire in 2010. Along with tracksuits, men’s tank tops too would be in rage.
This style would in fact be an extension of the style of 2009. The spring of 2009 was noticeably ruled by heat transfer tee shirts.

Apart from the above, vintage garments will also rule the urban hip hop clothes. This would contain the firm wash pants, skin skirts and tiny skirts. inflated fashion in any form will for all time be in the forefront. This would take in embroidered shorts, wash pants, jackets etc.

With the supply of the above-mentioned stuff on your stack, you will by no means have a trouble of non-moving stuff or locked up catalog. Try to supply as loads of varieties and styles in dissimilar colors, to give your customers highest options.

About the Author:Quick Recap :

The 2010 Trends for Wholesale Urban Hip Hop clothing are:
Women’s urban hip hop clothing trend for autumn and winter:

• chunky knits

• Stylish knitted scarves

• knitted jumper sweater

Men’s urban hip hop clothing trend for 2010 for winter and spring:

• Denims

• Athletic jerseys

• Sneakers

• Rocawear

Get best deals for 2010 Trends at Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – 2010 Trends for Urban Hip Hop fashion

By: Al Link and Pala Copeland

Lose weight. Reduce stress. Lower your cholesterol level. Improve your circulation. Live longer. Stay younger. Sounds like an ad for a new wonder drug right? In fact it’s a partial list of the benefits of humanity’s oldest and most pleasurable pastime – sex.

Most of us are aware of the feel-good benefits of sex while we’re engaged in it, but do you also know that there are benefits which carry on after the sweaty bodies have dried and the sweet talk has reverted to sports? For instance:

Maintaining Ideal Body Weight

There are 3500 calories in a pound of fat. For every 3500 calories you burn (that you do not replace with food!) you will lose one pound of fat. Sexual intercourse burns approximately 150 calories per half hour. Here’s how that stacks up against some other activities that may be part of your fitness regime: yoga 114 calories per half hour, dancing – rock 129, walking – 3mph 153, weight training 153, canoeing – 2mph 153, volleyball 174.

According to one survey reported by the Ottawa Citizen, Canadians on average have sex 7.33 times per month, lasting approximately 24.4 minutes. That means that “Joe Canada” is burning off more than 10 thousand calories a year, or about 3 pounds, in a not particularly active sex life. Those who are more sexually active, into Tantra for instance where lovemaking lasts 4 hours, would burn up 600 calories a session. At once a week that’s 31,200 calories or 9 pounds per year. Considering that people put weight on gradually, slowly gaining 5-10 pounds per year until they are overweight, it’s not unrealistic to assume that regular sexual activity is one way to help maintain a healthy body weight.

Increased Blood Flow

Sex helps increase the blood flow to your brain and to all other organs of your body. Increased heart rate and deep breathing accounts for the improvement in circulation. As fresh blood supply arrives, your cells, organs and muscles are saturated with fresh oxygen and hormones, and as the used blood is removed, you also remove waste products that cause fatigue and even illness.

Lower Cholesterol

Lowering your cholesterol is another of the “sex as exercise” benefits. Sex helps lower the overall cholesterol level. Perhaps more importantly it tips the HDL/LDL (good/bad) cholesterol balance towards the healthier HDL side.

Stress Reduction, Relaxation and Improved Sleep

People having frequent sex often report that they handle stress better, so the normal stresses of living do not become distress. The profound relaxation that typically follows lovemaking, with orgasm for women and ejaculation and/or orgasm for men, may be one of the few times people actually allow themselves to completely let go, surrender and relax. Many indicate that they sleep more deeply and restfully after satisfying lovemaking. In the relaxing afterglow you may be able to let go of distracting thoughts. Being able to stop thinking has helped many to overcome insomnia.

Sex as Pain Reliever

Through the touch magic of sex the hormone oxytocin is secreted in your body which in turn causes the release of endorphins. Because of these natural opiates sex acts as a powerful analgesic, elevating the pain threshold and helping to relieve the aches of conditions like arthritis, whiplash and headaches. Now there’s a novel approach, sex as a remedy for headache rather than an excuse for abstaining!

With arousal and orgasm oxytocin levels rise. They spike 3 to 5 times higher than usual just before orgasm. In fact it is oxytocin that triggers the orgasm. Measurements performed at the Masters and Johnson laboratories have shown that the uterine contractions brought about by orgasm (triggered by oxytocin) are just as powerful as those of child labor. Women can use this extraordinary orgasmic contraction and relaxation of the uterine muscle to relieve cramps during PMS and menstruation.

Live Longer, Stay Younger

A British study of 1,000 men found those who had at least two orgasms a week had half the death rate of their countrymen who indulge less than once a month.

The hormone DHEA promotes sexual excitement and increases in response to it. Dr Theresa Crenshaw author of The Alchemy of Love and Lust says DHEA may be the most powerful chemical in our personal world. It helps balance the immune system, improves cognition, promotes bone growth, and maintains and repairs tissues, keeping your skin healthy and supple. It may also contribute to cardiovascular health and even function as antidepressant.

Prostate and Genital Health

Some doctors believe that more than 75% of men over 50 have a somewhat enlarged prostate, and that virtually all men will suffer from prostate enlargement if they live long enough. This condition, called benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), is normal and usually not dangerous. Unfortunately, some of these men develop prostate cancer, one of the leading causes of death in older men. Regular sexual intercourse with frequent ejaculations will help to keep the prostate healthy.

For those men who practice delaying ejaculation, for example in the practice of Tantra Sacred Sex, performing Kegel exercises (in which you contract the muscles around your genitals), will tone these muscles, just as exercising other muscles tones other areas of your body. More importantly, these exercises will help keep the prostate healthy, by moving the sexual energy up out of the prostate and circulating it throughout your body. The technique is very simple and you can perform hundreds of contractions per day for top sexual/physical fitness for both men and women. Imagine you are urinating, but want to stop the flow of urine, that’s all there is to it.

Contracting your muscles in this way is one of the healthiest exercises you could add to your exercise regime. When 178 Belgian men with minor erection problems participated in a 4-month daily rehabilitation program which primarily focused on Kegel exercises, 74 percent showed improvement and 43 percent were cured. For women, Kegels strengthen the entire urogenital tract, aiding greatly in childbirth and preventing the onset of incontinence in later life. They also sensitize the genital tissues, helping women to become orgasmic and/or increase the intensity of their orgasms

Boost Testosterone and Estrogen

Regular sexual activity boosts testosterone and estrogen levels in both men and women. Besides boosting your libido testosterone fortifies bones and muscles. Some physicians suggest that testosterone keeps hearts healthy and good cholesterol high. Testosterone is what makes the sex drive in men and women more aggressive. It makes you want to have sex, pursue sex, initiate sex and perhaps dominate the lovemaking. Testosterone seems to motivate both men and women to strongly desire specific genital sex and release by orgasm. Because men have so much testosterone, they seem obsessed with genitals, intercourse and ejaculation, but appear to care less for romance and foreplay-touching, hugging, cuddling, eye gazing, etc.

Sex increases women’s estrogen levels keeping vaginal tissues more supple and also protecting against heart disease. It is estrogen that makes a woman sexually receptive and responsive to a man’s approach. It is estrogen that makes her want to be touched and feel romantic, it is testosterone that makes her want to be penetrated. Estrogen makes a woman soft-breasts develop in response to estrogen. Estrogen is a powerful influence on how a woman smells. It influences the degree to which she projects softness, openness, and interest in sexual touching.

Men’s bodies also produce estrogen. In fact testosterone can be converted into estrogen in the man’s body. Some estrogen helps a man to develop the softer, more nurturing feminine sides of their personalities. As men age, the testosterone/estrogen balance begins to shift, with testosterone decreasing and estrogen increasing, and this is one reason why so many men seem to mellow out as they get older.

The Healing Power of Intimacy

Sex is good for you, but sex with love is even better. According to Dr. Dean Ornish author of ‘Love and Survival: the Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy’, “an open heart can lead to the most joyful and ecstatic sex”. His researches into intimacy and its effects on health have shown that “anything that promotes feelings of love and intimacy is healing”. If you have someone who really cares for you and for whom you care in return, someone you are intimately connected with in all ways – emotional, physical and more — then you may be three to five times less likely at risk of premature death and disease from all causes.

Part of this has to do with the positive effects of touch, what Dr. Crenshaw refers to as Vitamin T. The chemical composition of your body is changed by touch. Caressing, hugging, stroking, cuddling send a chain reaction of chemicals to signal your brain that this is pleasurable, nurturing, good.

There is strong scientific evidence demonstrating the importance of touch to good health. In the 1930s, Dr. Rene Spitz, attending physician at a number of nurseries, noticed that the illness and mortality rates were quite a bit higher in some of the nurseries. His observations and experiments led to the finding that the children who were becoming ill and dying had nothing to do with hygiene or nutrition, but rather had to do with the amount of touching the infants received from the attending staff. He confirmed his findings by hiring “grandmothers” to come into the nurseries to hold, fondle, and cuddle the children. The illness and mortality rates declined rapidly.

Researchers at Miami’s Touch Research Institute (TRI) found that premature infants who received three massages a day over 10 days gained 47 percent more weight than preemies who weren’t massaged. David Sebringsil, who writes regularly for The Society For Human Sexuality (one of the best online sources of excellent, sex-positive information), recommends Erotic Massage become a part of or alternative to regular lovemaking. It is one of the best ways to help someone achieve extended, multiple, or “whole body” orgasmic states. Through erotic massage partners learn to give and receive loving touch and extraordinary pleasure. It makes you healthier and happier.

Healthy blood, healthy bones, healthy heart, healthy body and a peaceful mind – all thanks to the healing powers of sex. Next time you’re in the mood let her know you’ve got the doctor on your side!

About the Author

Al Link and Pala Copeland own and operate 4 Freedoms Relationship Tantra. They regularly host lover’s romantic weekends near Ottawa Canada, and weeklong retreats in exotic locations. For more info Visit www.tantra-sex.com, www.sexyspiritualrelationships.com and their blog www.askaboutloveandsex.com or send email: 4freedoms@tantraloving.com

(ArticlesBase SC #1943407)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – The Health Benefits Of Sex

By Sandrine Goncalvès

Since her first show in 2000, Ann Valerie Hash has seduced with her original vision of fashion and her taste for the transformation of clothes. The queen of the androgynous look – as many call her – who found her style by diverting men’s clothing, has managed once again to mark the week of Haute Couture in Paris in an original and stylish way.
She was absent from the catwalks in 2009 but she came back this year with an intimate but entirely original fashion show called “Confessions” that was simply held in her Paris studio.

To develop her new project, she has asked some friends and personalities from the worlds of fashion, art or show business to give her a garment they really cared of and that best reflected their personality. The pieces she collected proved all very different. Albert Elbaz, the artistic director of Lanvin, offered some pajamas. Lea Seydoux gave an African bag while Jean-Paul Gaultier gave a sailor sweater. Bettina Rheims chose to offer a dress by Azzedine Alaia and Pete Doherty an old military jacket he wore while playing with his band Babyshambles. Among the 30 people she contacted,14 answered positively.

Then, Ann Valerie Hash recycled those 14 garments in various ways: by embroiding them with sequins or by covering them with organza for example. Each clothe was dismantled and reworked in a real game of deconstruction-recontruction. The designer has really given them a new life as they sometimes were unrecognizable on the catwalk. Thus, Albert Elbaz’ pajamas became a silk tuxedo and Bettina Rheims’ dress was changed into cavalier boots. The designer even successfully converted a ballet shoe into a glove.

To achieve such astonishing results, she has worked hand in hand with well-known craftsmen such as the Maison Fabre, which is specialized in the manufacture of gloves, the renowned luxury shoes manufacturer Massaro, the famous hat manufacturer Maison Michel and Schlaefer Jacob, the Swiss specialist for textiles.

For Ann Valerie Hash, the difficulty laid in transforming the garments while respecting the personality and style of the people who gave them. She also confessed she had taken great pleasure and fun by creating this collection. She explained she has been seduced by this « cast off chic » or « second-hand luxury » as it can be called because she saw it as a breath of fresh air in the actual fashion industry.

According to her, people buy way too many clothes and such a collection represents a return to a more sensible fashion. Finally, this recycling work also reflects the current trend for ecological matters as well as an affection for things linked to the past.

Ann Valerie Hash also likes to think about this work as an artistic research rather than a simple fashion collection as it will certainly never be sold. Furthermore, she has always been conscious not be financially able to compete with prestigious houses like Dior or Chanel. So, she had to fight on another field, that of creativity and experimentation. The result is not only surprising but also touching and intimate.

This Famous Celeb Workout And Weight Loss Secrets

Author: Casey Mcphee

Everyone has secrets, even beautiful, talented celebrities such as Kate Beckinsale. In a recent interview, Kate admitted that she suffered from anorexia when she was a teenager. Now in her thirties, Kate looks great, and she admits that she now has a healthier body image. If you want to know more about Kate’s weight loss and workout secrets, then continue reading below:

Clueless?

* The star revealed that when she was in her twenties, she didn’t have a clue about healthy eating. For example, she ate baked potatoes for dinner. Many experts believe that eating carbohydrates should be cut down in the evening since it takes longer to digest and the carbohydrates are easily stored as fat. Since Kate didn’t know this, she remembers feeling terrible after eating carbs for dinner.

Wising Up

* Kate, however, is glad that she found out about healthy eating and the portion control diet. Now, the star eats healthy foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here’s how her usual meal looks like:

* eggs, cereal, or oatmeal for breakfast

* a piece of chicken or a vegetable wrap or salad for lunch

* fish with vegetables for dinner

Since Kate also follows the Portion Control diet, she knows exactly how much food she needs to eat. She says that controlling your portion sizes isn’t difficult, as long as you are determined and focused.

Her Guilty Secrets?

* The celeb loves cupcakes and other sweet treats. She believes that giving herself treats makes dieting easier. Of course, the diet she is following isn’t as restrictive as other diets. As long as you eat controlled portions, you can actually eat just about anything!

* Kate also dislikes going to the gym, especially in public. She says she can never make working out a part of her daily routine. However, the actress also knows the importance of exercise. That’s why she had her own gym built inside her garage to avoid working out in public. She works out at least four times a week, more if she needs it for a film role.

Tips from a Star

The beautiful star of the successful Underworld movies confesses that she has her good days and bad days, just like any other people. Her tip is to not let those bad days get to you by keeping your goal in mind. She also tells people not to let their body image obsess them so much. Kate’s diet and workout routine allows her to eat normally and remain fit and healthy. Aiming to have a supermodel body is not bad in itself, but it can be difficult and frustrating. She suggests beginning with realistic goals first and working up from there.

Kate Beckinsale may have her secrets, but it just goes to show that she’s normal just like any of us. If you want to be in great shape like her, then follow her tips and see the changes for yourself.

About the Author:

Now you want to have more energy, be Healthier, look Younger, lose weight, and cleanse your body, right?

Author: Stephen Cauldry

In the past decade, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons has single-handedly become the the world’s premiere female urban hip-hop clothing brand. Imagine, it all started with a simple tiny tee. These now infamous tiny tees were worn at a Phat Farm runway show as promotional tools which caught the eye of celebrities, supermodels, and fashionistas alike. A star was born. This new, urban fashion brand was set to shoot right into the stratosphere.

Baby Phat Beginnings

Baby Phat officially began as a sportswear collection. Naturally, Kimora was to transform this budding brand into an American clothing icon. Her daunting task was to merge hip-hop apparel and high-end fashion. Needless to say, she pulled it off flawlessly. Kimora’s experience as a top fashion model and her relationship with Phat Farm founder, Russell Simmons, helped catapult Baby Phat to the forefront of urban fashion.

The Fab Lane

Undoubtedly, Kimora’s personal style greatly influenced the Baby Phat brand. The collection has been featured in Bazaar, Seventeen, Star, Vibe, and many other widely circulated magazines. The variety of publications featuring the collection speaks to the crossover appeal of Baby Phat. Celebrities known to have to donned this chic, urban apparel include Paula Abdul, Britney Spears, and Alicia Keys.

Fashion Model To Fashion Mogul

Kimora Lee, a St. Louis native, was an established model by the age of 13. Early on it seemed Kimora was destined to live the life she now leads. During the 90s, the pinnacle of the supermodel era, Kimora Lee was the fresh face on international runways. By age 16, she had modeled for world-renowned designers Giorgio Armani, Yves St. Laurent, Gianfranco Ferre, Givenchy, Fendi, and Richard Tyler. Her experiences as an elite fashion runway model prepared her for the challenges of running a fashion empire. To her credit, Kimora is a mother, TV personality, businesswoman, and still remains a frequent runway staple.

Worldwide Recognition

Baby Phat’s sleek feline logo is recognized internationally and is synonymous with style, poise, hip, and quality. The denim collection is always fun, sassy, glamorous, and feminine. Baby Phat has since branched off to include leather, outerwear, handbags, shoes, lingerie, jewelry, eyewear, and even two limited edition Motorola mobile phones. Even as competition stiffens in womens apparel, Baby Phat reigns supreme in taking upscale, urban fashion to the next level.

About the Author:

Baby Phat is a lifestyle for the glamorous woman who is everything hip-hop and everything fashion. Find the latest baby phat clothing and baby phat shoes at incredible prices. Visit www.babysphatshoesandclothing.com today!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Baby Phat Clothing Legacy

The Twilight phenomena began the moment Stephenie Meyer dreamed up the story of Bella and Edward, and put the dream on paper. Since then, the story has captivated readers all over the world. Pre-teens, teenagers, young mothers, grandmothers, businesswomen, somehow the story has managed to appeal to all ages and types. The story was written for young adults. What many people are wondering, however, is why the story appeals to so many adult women. What is it that draws these women to this teenage romance novel?

Twilight is, in essence, a story of forbidden and impossible love. Edward and Bella have to rise above innumerable obstacles in order to be together. This appeals to women because the main characters have to draw on their hidden strength in order to win this battle. Women do that every day. Whether they are a mother, a housewife, or a businesswoman, they are continually drawing on their inner strength to tackle and solve problems.

Women also see Twilight as an opening for them to return to their childhood. The story somehow has the ability to bring back all the memories of being a teenager. It brings back the memories of falling in love for the first time, and the memories of that first electrifying kiss. They experience again the memory of the longing they felt to spend every waking moment with the object of their love, and the pain they felt when their love wasn’t near.

The memories also go back further, to when these women were little girls, dreaming of finding their prince. The character of Edward is the epitome of perfect. He is Bella’s prince. Edward is handsome, intriguing, mysterious, and has a dangerous aspect that is extremely appealing, but he is also thoughtful, understanding, and, most important, unconditional. He loves Bella for who she is. He doesn’t care if she wears ratty pajamas and wakes up looking like a haystack. He thinks it’s endearing. If she cries or gets upset around him, he doesn’t mind. He loves her anyway. In Bella’s mind she is extremely flawed, but Edward only sees her perfection. What woman hasn’t dreamed of a man who will love her no matter what? Who honestly does not see her flaws? Edward and Bella have a love for each other that is totally unconditional. This love is what women hope for as little girls.

The most intriguing aspect of the novel, however, is Edward’s inner struggle to control his natural vampire urges. Bella’s blood is the single most tempting thing Edward has ever stumbled upon. His first thought when he smells her is that he wants her. He can think of nothing else. So, through most of the novel he is in a constant struggle of willpower over desire. This struggle is the perfect metaphor for the sexual desire of adolescents. Adult women understand and relate to this. Most of them have experienced the struggle at some point in their lives. In fact, most people have experienced this struggle. Stephenie Meyer was able to show the emotions involved with this tumultuous time in a teenager’s life, and to awaken in women a remembrance of this struggle.

Ultimately, Twilight is just another teenage novel. But it appeals to such a broad range of women simply because it is a story every one of them can relate to. It doesn’t matter whether they relate to it through the memories of their childhood, or whether it’s through following the journey of adolescence one more time. The appeal for women is there. They may not understand how or why, but it’s there, and it allows them to relive their past once again.

Balenciaga Spring 2010 Collection, a crafted look into the future of fashion

By Sandrine Goncalvès

Under the chandeliers of the luxurious Hotel Crillon, Balenciaga has presented its summer 2010 collection that revealed itself much more sportswear than usual. Those who expected to see the common parade of cocktail dresses, were amazed at the multiplication of slim pants and hooded jackets.

Nicolas Gesquière, the artistic director of the brand, actually said he wanted to reconnect with his first love, which is urban fashion. He then left evening gowns aside in favor of looks more urban, sporty and futuristic. He really wanted to revive his old style, the same that witnessed a huge success during the presentation of the fall/winter collection in 2007/2008.

Being a true lover of science fiction and new technology and being a great admirer of haute couture, Nicolas Guesquière decided to express the balance between all these worlds by combining exceptional craftsmanship and sophisticated technology. If you look closely at the hooded jackets for example, which first look seemingly simple, you will realize that they are composed of extremely complicated knitted pieces of leather.

Leather work is actually very developed and it is maybe the most important part of this collection. Nicolas Guesquière not only played on a combination of different types of leathers, but he also attached very much importance to the shapes and cuts. Indeed, he worked hand in hand with a really talented Parisian artisan specialized in the weaving of this special material. The pieces of leaser were laser cut and than hand-colored using vegetable dyes.

The details of the clothes are finally always very impressive. Some other prooves of this meticulous work are the mini-skirts that are composed of a multitude of small loops of leather that certainly required countless hours of work. Leather can be found everywhere, from the hooded jackets to the skinny trousers. It is also present in the shape of strips adorning muslin tops or in blue or orange squares stuck in dresses. This is probably the first time that this type of material is so much worked upon in a single collection.

The first group of models who walked through the hotel rooms was called “the dark” or “the grudge” because it really resembled a small army of Templars in hoodies.
One must not forget that there is always a touch of fantasy and darkness in the work of Nicolas Guesquière, which is such a huge fan of horror movies. The second part of the show was called “the scratch” because each piece of clothe offers a detail to discover, be it a layer, a special cut or an opening. What is also always remarkable is Nicolas Guesquière’s taste for solid textures and thick volumes.

This fashion adventurer, as many call him, claims to be back to his own personal roots with these urban figures, the graphics and simple shapes that perfectly represent the woman who lives in the city. With Balenciaga and especially Nicolas Gesquière, searching for past references is truly irrelevant as one always has the feeling he is viewing an innovative approach of fashion, a true expression of avant-garde.

By Sandrine Goncalvès

During last Paris Fashion Week, portuguese designer Fatima Lopes presented « Air », a collection that celebrates a ethereal summer where the wind rushes into the garment to give it shape and size. The designer played with volume, overlays, transparency and draped. The silhouette is sleek, futuristic and sometimes graphic but all remains light and luxurious. The muslin and lace, the satin silk, the flax and the crepe mix to create a fluid and light effect. Finally, the the gradation of four colors recall those that take the sky depending on its mood. 

Fatima Lopes offers this season a surprising and yet infinitely feminine collection declined around the themes of optimism, hope and happiness. According to her, one should not talk about world crisis anymore, it is now time to spread positive messages and good humor. She actually always says she creates clothes just to make people happy.

Thus, summer and joy are expressed by an explosion of bright and cheerful colors with shades of blue, yellow, pink and light grey. The make-up, and especially eyeshadows, is also colourful and bright.

This collection shows a subtle balance between references to the past and a prospective look. Silhouettes are reminiscent of the fifties but great graphic pieces are undeniably futuristic.

Audacity is well expressed in the work of the form. Some clothes are literaly thought of as sculptures of fabric. Volumes are pronounced, looks are structured and shoulders are sharply shaped. However, clothes stay nevertheless extremely comfortable and aesthetic. 

Always wearing vertiginous heels, a woman who dresses in Fatima Lopes likes to get noticed and be seen. The cuts are really suggestive and nothing is ever too much. The necklines are also sexy and would totally enhance generous breasts. The audience was very receptive to this glorification of the woman’s body and was visibly impressed by the audacity of sexy swimsuits. Always in tune with the times, Fatima Lopes’ actually knows how to celebrate all types of women and their forms.

Much attention is paid to details, to the work of the lace for example, or to the way a piece of fabric is folded. The designer also plays with a variety of lengths and alternates extremely short dresses adorned with pleats for texture and very long evening gowns. The collection also includes trousers such as modernised harem pants or elegant urban jumpsuits. As a final touch, colourfull bags and accessories add flair to these summer looks. This variety shows the designer thought about the women’s wardrobe as a whole as she offers both day and evening outfits.

Again, Fatima Lopes’ collection proves very feminine and it sublimates sensual women, her constant aim being to make women glamorous and sexy. According to her, it is not a question of beauty as no woman can be perfect. It is a question of tailoring. Known as provocative at the beginning of a carreer, Fatima Lopes’ work has gained class and wearability. She is definitely a woman who likes to dress women and has proved so for over ten years in the parisian catwalks.

There’s no argument that men are different than women.  Not only are they physically dissimilar, but their whole mental approach to life is worlds apart.  The man’s thought process is basic, almost primeval. In fact, it is primitive and men are driven by instinct rather than emotion.Sometimes overly logical, man rationalizes his world based on simplistic needs.  Man will look at a cave and see a hole in the ground, a place to lay his blanket and be sheltered from the rain.  A woman will look at that same cave and see a home – a place to be comfortable and raise a family.

From this one example it’s easy to see how far apart men and women can be when it comes to the romantic aspects of a relationship – dating, gifts, and intimacy.   

Dating:

One of man’s greatest inventions is the wheel, so his enthusiasm over any activity that revolves around this discovery shouldn’t come as a surprise.  Such events as Monster Truck Rallies, Motocross racing, and anything where a car can legally go faster than posted speed limits is a natural attraction for man.

Unfortunately, women don’t always understand the appeal of exhaust fumes, dust and the roar of vehicles without mufflers.  These are to a man what candles, flowers and soft music are to a woman – a pure turn-on!

Physical activities like football and hockey bring out the competitive side of man and he can’t help the compelling draw to watch warriors competing on a sports battleground.  Wresting!  This is the ultimate show of brute force – man against man – animalistic one on one combat.  Women out-dress and out-cook each other; men take an easier approach and just beat each other up.

What has this got to do with dating?  Simple – these activities are man’s passion, so he quite naturally wants to include his woman in the things he loves. When you mention a date, the woman thinks of a movie; the man agrees, but it has to be an action movie.  A woman will think ballet; man looks at break dancing.  Women enjoy stage performances; a man’s stage is the boxing ring.

Understand these underlying differences in thought patterns and women will be able to easily manoeuvre their men into a romantic evening.  Try the candle light dinner and a moonlit walk along the beach – after the baseball game.

Romantic dinners:

For men, eating was never meant to be romantic.  Grabbing something to eat is a basic means of replenishing their strength, or an activity taken during a social gathering.  There was always a practical purpose for eating – and it had absolutely nothing to do with romance.  

The basic man enjoys basic cooking – barbeques, deep fried chicken, pizza and fast food.  If you can wash it down with bottled beer, it’s good.  If you can do that without having to get out of your jeans, it’s even better.

Eating a meal wasn’t intended to be a prolonged event for man.  When a man eats, it’s usually a prelude to something that he really wants to do – watching the football game, going to the bar, having sex.  Knowing this, it may be wise for the woman to insinuate a long night of unimaginable pleasure if her man will take his time at the dining room table.

Gifts from the heart 

Man is always fascinated by anything he can take apart, use to take something apart, makes loud noise, or he can hang on the garage wall.  Hand tools, power accessories, and anything electronic – give your man a ratchet set and he’s in Heaven; add a compressor and you’d think he just had sex.

He enjoys the role of handyman, so tools are a natural gift for him. Considering this mentality, is it so strange that the gift he selects for his woman happens to be a kitchen utensil, or microwave oven? 

If you leave the choice of gifts up to the man and expect something personal, you may be disappointed.  Help the man out and make him a list of what you want.  He’ll appreciate it.

Sex and intimacy

Wherever the word ‘sex’ came from, it was made for the man.  It’s a simple three letter, one syllable word that’s easy for men to remember and to say.  Like eating, sex is a fundamental need, one more pleasurable project on his list of things to do. If he doesn’t have to get dressed up for dinner, he won’t.  If he can have sex without foreplay, he will.

If women want their men to be romantic, then they have to train him.  Since men aren’t all that complicated, training should be relatively simple. 

Some will say that men are truly romantically challenged while others will defend man’s simplistic approach to love as being a product of his prehistoric heritage.  Women have evolved to be these complex creatures and have to exercise patience while their men catch up.