Ms Cole has seen her star rise to dizzying heights since she took on he role of X Factor judge. Now the fashionistas have taken note and invited her to grace the cover of Vogue (the Herve Leger dress featured certainly went down well). We already checked her fashion credentials months ago here.

Generally this ‘honor’ is reserved for the most famous UK and international celebrities, there was very public disagreement when Coleen McLoughlin (wife of footballer Wayne Rooney) was featured in the magazine. Fans of the magazine felt it ‘lowered the tone’ and Coleen didn’t even make the cover.

This will be a huge step of fashion recognition for Cheryl (her stylist has done an amazing job) as only a few years ago she was heavily criticised for her ‘tacky’ advertising campaign with husband Ashley Cole for the national lottery (featured right).

Daisy Lowe guaranteed headlines today during the Matthew Williamson show, at New York fashion week. Photographs of her dominated the press with her new dog sat sleeping on her lap in the front row.

The white Maltese puppy was given to Daisy by music producer and DJ Mark Ronson, as a token of his affection for her. Daisy was sat next to friend Kelly Osborne and was also surrounded by Trish Goff, Leigh Lezark and Joy Bryan, who all took time to pet the sleepy puppy.

The couple have faced some negative publicity surrounding their relationship as Mark Ronson is 33 and Daisy, daughter of Pearl Lowe, is only 19. Controversy surrounded Daisy previously, when it was discovered that Gavin Rossdale (husband of Gwen Stefani) was in fact her biological father at 14 following a legally enforced paternity test.

Daisy is also featured in the new Agent Provocateur collection ‘Season of the Witch‘ alongside, equally headline, grabbing Peaches Geldof.

Agent Provacateur launched their Autumn/Winter lingerie collection today, with both Peaches Geldof and friend Daisy Lowe (girlfriend of producer Mark Ronson), modelling in the new campaign.

The adverts titled ‘Season of the Witch‘ show Peaches posing in suspenders and a black see through negligee, whilst she ‘tempts’ a model with a cherry.

The company have been quoted stating “She’s hot, young and of the moment. She’s got an edginess about her and we like the face of the firm to have that hint of danger. We’ve no doubt she’ll be a huge success.” Updated photographs available here

This is much needed new publicity since Peaches married Max Drummey in a suprise wedding ceremony last month, and dominated the papers with the impromtu nuptials.

The campaign is a number of high profile lingerie ranges being launched this season, starting with the D to G, because we’re more than a handful advertising and later this month the Sexy Science by Dita Von Teese, both by Wonderbra.

You can take the girl out of the sportswoman, with competitive focus and bare faced concentration. However, when the cameras are off and the games are over, you can also take the sportswoman out of the girl it seems.

What do you give a 19 year old double gold medal Olympic champion? A pair of gold Jimmy Choos apparently.

“I loooove shoes. I want one pair for every outfit. I’ve got well over 30 pairs but you can never have enough,” said olympian Rebecca Adlington, on her ceremonial return to hometown Mansfield today. Having won the women’s 400m freestyle and going on to break the oldest world record in swimming in 800m, Rebecca was confident of a repeat performance with the promise of more shoes.

Her time of 8:14.10 for the 800m, was 2.12 seconds faster than the previous record set by United States olympian Janet Evans, 19 years ago.

In addition to the parade, Rebecca also had a local swimming pool named in her honour and the Owners of the local ‘Yates’s’ were changing the name of it to the Adlington Arms.

The company chief executive Toby Smith stated “As a nation we’re very proud of her and she is a shining example to all young people of what can be achieved with hard work and commitment. What better way to honour her than to name her local pub after her? We hear she’s a fan of burger and chips, so, Rebecca, whenever you come into Adlington Arms your meal is on the house!”

The Jimmy Choos may be slightly more motivational than the burgers though.

When the London development agency and the British Fashion Council, set up their independent model health inquiry last year, no one could have guessed the rejection their recommendations faced. Following the death of Brazilian model, Luisel Ramos in 2006, the size zero debate was brought into the public consciousness. The BBC were quick to pick up on the issue, commissioning a documentary by Dawn Porter to highlight the issue. ITV responded with a Louise Redknapp programme and many other media sources were keen to distance themselves from the negative press.

One of the 14 recommendations put forward by the inquiry board was to implement a system of compulsory medical tests for models, and subsequent model health certificates (MHC). These would enable the catwalk shows to promote their endorsement of healthy models. However, the organisers of the Paris, New York and Milan shows refused to implement the scheme, forcing London to pull out, fearing models would boycott the catwalks if they went ahead. The British fashion council are now encouraging modelling agencies to act responsibly, through the endorsement of the Association of Model Agencies (AMA).

The head of the British Fashion Council, Hilary Riva, published an open letter today stating; “The Model Health Certificates continue to create very specific challenges. From our conversations with our international counterparts in New York, Milan and Paris it has become clear that they do not recognise the need for an international health certificate. In summary, Model Health Certificates are an unworkable solution based on concerns in principle and practicalities of implementation. The BFC now feel that we have taken this as far as we can within the remit of our organisation. We are not a regulatory body and we have access to limited resources. We believe the AMA should take the lead role in developing and encouraging an international network, to set best practice in each market and develop a version of the MHC which will be a useful tool for models who work internationally.”

The clothing brand Nolita, took the dramatic step of using anorexic model Isabello Caro across billboards in Milan and subsequently, the 2007 Milan fashion week showed much more shapely models. The lesser known Madrid fashion week in 2007,  bandne girls with a body mass index of below 18 from its catwalks – 18.5 to 25 is considered the “normal” range.

Sadly this year, it seems ’size zero’ is last years news, supporting the health of models is apparently no longer ‘in vogue’. Fashion to die for.

A large group of women dressed only in their underwear posed in front of a billboard at Charing Cross Road today. They were there to promote the launch of wonderbras new D to G cup range.

The advert is a mosiac made up of 8000 ‘real’ (as in not paid models), womens underwear shots. The individual photographs make up a large picture of new wonderbra model Katie Green.

The company are hoping to capitalise of the previous success of the “Hello Boys” poster campaign from ten years ago. The old advert featured model Eva Herzigova, now sadly a lot more ‘boy’ than ‘hello’ having shrunken to skeletal proportions.

The range has been launched to “answer the demands of the ‘dress to impress myself’ generation” according to wonderbra. Wonderbra spokeswoman Julia Nolan also said: “This is the most inclusive lingerie billboard in history and we’re so proud of our one thousand girls, who are now Wonderbra billboard models”.

The company website has an interactive version of the billboard, which is also being put up at Tottenham Court Road today, so that each of the photographs can be viewed full screen.

The campaign is an interesting response to Marks and Spencers negative press regarding the inflated charge for larger sizes. Wonder if wonderbra will do the same?

Follow link for tips on choosing swimwear for a large bust.

Male grooming is now worth an estimated £700m in the UK and is the fastest growing sector in the beauty industry. It seems that men are no longer content to buy or more commonly borrow (I would say steal), their partners products. Loreal have capitalised on the powerhouse that is celebrity endorsement, with their legion of Alpha males now telling the boys they too are “worth it”.

Superdrug have just launched their new Taxi Man range of male cosmetics. First up is the brilliantly titled guyliner and manscara (both £6.50). In September, we will see a concealer (£6.50) and lip balm (£5, £5?!) There is also my ego cosmetics , and lets not forget that clearasil have been subtly promoting their tinted cream in non gender specific teenage advertising for years.

Lots of reports covering the new Taxi man range for superdrug are overlooking the facts. This is not ground breaking, men have worn make-up since the beginning of time. The Egyptians were all about eye liner, let’s not pretend this is a new thing. What about the reign of Elizabeth l? Apparently the nomadic tribe Niger Wodaabe have highly made-up male beauty contests judged by the women.

Wonder if the men feel objectified? What would Superwoman think?

For more details than you could ever wish for on the history of men’s make up, see A history of men’s grooming.

Frighteningly, as sunglasses become fashion items in their own right, we are choosing style over substance. It seems that many ‘fashion’ shades are not compliant with safety guidelines and 63% of us will chose our glasses based on price and trends before safety. Damage to the retina through unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays increases the long-term risk of sight loss resulting from conditions such as cataracts and possibly Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Sunglasses purchased in the UK have to meet set safety standards, so those wanting to ensure adequate eye protection can be assured than in Britain they are safe. This statement does need to be qualified with the understanding that this only applies to those bought legally and not labeled ‘fashion’ glasses.

However with the increase in designer ‘fakes’ available, not to mention the readily available Internet shops, buyers need to be careful. Also, many people buy cheap sunglasses abroad, where the same standards may not apply.

See also tips for safer sunglasses 08.

Follow the guidelines from the College of Optometrists for the best protection:

• Wear good quality, dark sunglasses and check that they are up to standard. Dr Blakeney says: “Good sunglasses needn’t be expensive, you can buy perfectly adequate protective sunglasses from high street stores, but just follow a few guidelines.”

• Make sure sunglasses carry the ‘CE’ Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:1997, which means they offer a safe level of UV protection.

• Do a simple quality test before buying. Hold the sunglasses at arm’s length and tilt them slightly. Then focus on an object in the distance, move them up and down and see if there is any distortion, especially at the lens’ edges. If the lenses are high quality, there should be no movement.

• Don’t confuse the shade of the lens with their ability to filter UV rays. Dark sunglasses may still allow UV rays to enter the eye and can be more harmful than wearing no glasses at all, because they cause the pupil of the eye to dilate, which allows more UV rays to enter.

• When buying sunglasses to use when driving, make sure they are in the filter category of 0-3. A lens carrying a filter category of 4 will be too dark for safe driving. Never wear sunglasses while driving at night or in poor light.

• Avoid scratches, as a scratched lens will scatter the sun’s light and could cause glare around the area of the scratch. Avoid wear and tear by using a case, cleaning them with a mild detergent and water or a lens cleaner and drying them with a microfibre cloth – not paper, which can scratch the lens.

• Don’t discard sunglasses in the winter. The sun’s UV rays can be present in high enough levels to warrant protection throughout the year and the glare can be more noticeable as the sun’s lower in the sky.

For help on choosing a suitable pair of glasses see Tips for Sunglasses.

Below are links to a variety or resources on Brazilian Keratin Treatment.

Keratin Treatment Treatment FAQs

This covers most questions, including which shampoo, how long does the treatment last, and how much does it cost.

Video showing Brazilian Keratin formaldehyde free treatment

This video shows hair being treated, with BKT, in North London.

US News story on the subject

CBS news article on BKT

Below is a more detailed article on the straightening treatment.

Having spent years with naturally curly hair, I decided that this summer, I would have straight hair. It was a choice driven by the fact that I am incredibly busy with work and having my hair straight is simply easier to manage. I’ve had my hair blown dried straight many times for special occasions, but in the UK, it’s just a bit frivolous, as it normally only lasts a few days. Any rain or humidity and my hair is ruined in a mass of dry frizz.

I continued to keep a sharp eye on the options available, regularly reading about the Yuko or X-tenso systems and recently noticed the rise of something called Brazilian keratin straightening also known as “escova progressiva”. It allegedly puts your hair in better condition than before and wears out over a period of three months. Even better you can use it with coloured hair. Bingo, this is what I needed, is actually good for my hair and no life time commitment like Yuko. I really do like having curly hair, so something like Yuko was never a consideration for me.

The next problem was the deluge of frightening articles on the product being carcinogenic. This is because it contains formaldehyde, a dangerous chemical in strong doses (lets not forget it’s in nail varnish). In independent tests, Allure magazines October 2007 issue discovered that US salons were using products up to 10 times over the recommended levels. Time Out New York also reported on their concerns, titling their research ‘Scared straight‘.

Having waded through, I eventually discovered one salon, yes one, that did a formaldehyde free version in the London area. The Joshua Altback salon in St Johns Wood, do provide this service, but it was a pain to go into town for just a consultation and then booking the time for the treatment was proving problematic. An elusive reference to a salon in Surrey through some forums, meant after much searching I discovered Mickael and Ludovik in Warlingham Surrey. The website certainly looked stylish and they were very helpful on the telephone. One week later and I was walking in to have my test. Mickael took a sample of my hair, talked me through the treatment and answered my numerous questions. So far, so good. I dutifully went to get my hair coloured from my usual salon (they couldn’t fit me in at the time in M&L) and I returned on the 12th of July.

On the day, I arrived at 2pm and was quickly whisked to the sinks to have my hair shampood (in a special soap) which was left on for 10 minutes. Now this is no ordinary salon, M&L is beautiful, with stylish decor and a backwash like no other. The lights are low, each sink is separated by a curtain, there is a water feature to look at whilst lying in the sink plus, they play lovely ambient music (think chilled Ibiza rather than tinkly lift). I visibly relaxed (I was irritated having arrived late to the appointment), and really appreciated the quiet for ten minutes. Completely different to lots of salons where they wash your hair in the bright lights and you have to pull your top down just in case you’re showing flesh. Not to mention the teenagers that ask you monotonously if you’re going anywhere ‘nice’, then having dispensed with the formalities continuing their discussion with their friend next to them. Sigh, I wish salons would give their juniors better customer service training.

Next I had the chemicals combed through,  my hair was rough dried with a hairdryer and then blow dried straight in small sections.  During this process my eyes did start to sting, and I eventually had to go outside for a minute, despite the fan being pointed at both myself and Mikael throughout. When the blow dry was finished, my hair was then ’sealed’ with straightening irons, again in small sections. The whole thing took 3 and a half hours, but I have to say it was actually enjoyable. The salon was really laid back, Mickael was lovely company, and we had moments of great conversation and companionable silence . The whole process cost £200, plus the sulfate-free shampoo I needed to purchase for £20. I also had an additional cut just to neaten the ends and make my hair fall right when straight, total cost was £248, plus the tip for Mickaels hard work.

These are the recommended guidelines which I dutifully followed. Mickael said I could wash my hair after three days, but I waited for four, following the guidelines I had pulled of the internet below;

Things You Can Do The First 4 Days. Initially there are some precautionary steps to take to ensure the best straightening possible.

• You do want to wear your hair down for at least 4 days to allow the product to settle in your hair.
• Do use a blow dryer or flat iron as needed, (in case hair gets wet during the first four days.)
• Do wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.
• Do use a shampoo without Sodium-Chloride (Sulfate-Free) on your hair at all times.

Things Not To Do For The First 4 Days

• Don’t wash your hair for the first time.
• Do not tie your hair into a ponytail.
• Do not use hair clips.
• Do not place your hair behind your ears.
• Do not exercise or sweat.
• Do not use hair bands.
• Do not use your glasses to hold your hair back.
• Do not use sprays, gel or mousses.

My hair looked great when it was finished. The problem was on days two, three and four when it just looked lank and lifeless. You can’t resuscitate this by tieing it back either, and it was really hard not to tuck it behind my ears. I actually looked like ‘Violet’ from Pixars ‘The Incredibles’.

Do not have this done if you are wanting to impress anyone for the four days after. Be warned.
I also coloured it again as it was too light, using just a chemist bought slowly fading dye. My curly hair always has products in it and when straight, the colour was too washed out for my skin tone.

The condition of my hair was great though,  I have to say that the shampoo I bought at M&L not only smelt beautiful but left my hair really soft.

Now it is fair to say that I had visions of my hair looking like it does when it is blow dried, once washed. I had read and had been told, I would only need to wash and go, the treatment is that good, gradually getting curlier as the three months went by.  So, on the afternoon of day four I washed my hair, sprayed it with some leave in conditioner and went off to a networking meeting with slightly damp hair.

OH MY GOD. It dried like straight frizz and it was incredibly embarrassing to have such bad hair when promoting a image consultancy business. I also didn’t take anything to tie it back with, wanting to rock my loose hair with a summery maxi dress. Not clever.

The reality a month on is that I now have slightly less curly hair which is a bit shinier. This is not bad at all, it means my hair is longer, doesn’t get frizzy as quickly and when I blow dry it properly (by I, I mean at a hair salon of course!) it lasts a whole week, on the proviso it doesn’t get wet. I didn’t hanker after poker straight locks, but have always wanted a slightly looser curl, trying perms with varying degrees of success to achieve this. The before and after photographs are impressive, but these are taken after blow drying and using ceramic irons. My hair looks like that before the treatment after a blow dry and ironing. I will get this done again in three months and am told that it gets straighter the more you do it. For me it has simply reduced my drying time, which has been a real bonus when time limited.

Overall I would recommend this treatment if you are looking for a looser curl. Make sure that you colour your hair darker than usual and be prepared to have to do some work to make it look good. More than anything though I would recommend the M&L salon, which has proven to be an absolute find. The service was great, the surroundings beautiful and the experience was really enjoyable.

Chameleon Fridays