Best Handbag Picks for Spring Summer 2010

Spring and summer bring us a mixture of colors, raffia, flowers and emotions and a lot of fun which you can�t mix up with other seasons of the year.

A rectangular or square handbag is definitely THE shape of 2010. A box clutch or a rectangular shopper in Rafia (like the Fendi Twins Woven Raffia Shopper below) is a perfect pick for this Summer.

Prints and Colourful Bags are another big trends for Spring Summer Handbags.

Best Summer Bags are totes, they are versatile, chic, casual and practical. This season, totes aren't just canvas anymore. Look for totes in raffia, bright colors, square shapes, and with details like embellishments, exposed zippers and envelope flap closures.

Browse below for our top picks.
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Multi-purpose Spring Summer Best Tote Picks
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1. Fendi Twins Woven Raffia Shopper for �1,540 UK and $2,560 USA: Complete a weekend look with Fendi's sand glazed woven raffia shopper with black handles. Carry this super-sized style by the detachable strap or by the handles to accent an elegant off-duty outfit.

2. Lanvin Raffia Cabas large tote for �1,075: Add a luxe nautical accent to your wardrobe with Lanvin's navy raffia tote. Carry it by the gold-tone rope-effect chain straps to infuse a simple weekend look with signature chic. It works day or night with a ultra-feminine skirt or sundress or with blazer and denims for the evening.


3. Gap Foldover Canvas Tote $39.50: Amazing washed prints that pop, a deep pocket to store everyday essentials, straps that were made to be stylishly slung over the shoulder--we can't get enough of this slouchy bag. Comes in four different prints.


4. Miu Miu Canvas Tote for �750: Breeze into summer with Miu Miu's natural canvas tote with gold-tone hardware. Carry this new-season style staple by the top handles or detachable shoulder strap for a laidback look. This chic tote will complement both a pretty sundress and personalize sleek office separates.

5. Gap Slouchy Washed Hobo for $39.50: Fashion meets function in this canvas tote. Its generous size will care of all your carrying needs and the brown accents and striped lining add that extra pop of style that every bag needs. It's perfect for the beach but chic enough to carry it to lunch or shopping. Perfect summer accessory.

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Prints and Colours - Handbag Trends Summer 2010

Bring a burst of colours or play with prints, with the colourful and printed handbag trend this summer. Among the colours this season, blue is a definite must have of the spring-summer 2010 season, particularly the denim bags.

Prints surely will add some definition to your look, pair a simple Little White Dress with a printed bag for a playful look, to create an haute flirty look River Island's Corsage Bag (below) willbe you perfect pick.
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1. Juicy Couture Croc Velour Day Dreamer Bag for �181

2. Diane von Furstenberg Beach Glazed Canvas Tote for �60

3. Irregular Choice Floral Clutch for �29.99

4. Oasis Plaited Handle Shoulder Bag for �35

5. Mango Denim Shopper Bag for �45, also available in orange.

6. River Island Raffia Embellised Corsage Bag for �34.99

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Spring/Summer Clutch Bag Picks

When the lights go down, the iridescent, mesmerizing shine comes up. These clutch bags are your perfect evening companions.
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1. Reiss Leica Mini Weave Shoulder Bag: A perfect evening bag for evey season, but high for Summers with its woven design. Reiss black and gold clutch is an exquisite way to carry your essentials at night. Carry it as the only adornment to a tailored cocktail look.

2. Miu Miu Lurex jeweled shoulder bag for $950 US and �560 UK: Miu Miu's multicolored jacquard shoulder bag with a gold Lurex finish and smoke crystal-embellished shoulder strap is an evening treasure. Wear this fabulous accessory with a simple cocktail dress and glossy high heels.

3. Stella McCartney Embroidered sequined clutch for $1,025 US and �615 UK: Find new ways to wear your sparkle with Stella McCartney's brown canvas clutch with multicolored floral sequin embellishment. With internal compartments for cash and cards, this vibrant extra is the perfect way to work double duty dazzle. Carry it against an LBD and complement with red or pink metallic heels for a vibrant color combination

4. Ted Baker Tazmin Evening Clutch for �59: TedBaker's black silk cluth with gold hardware is the perfect partner to a tailored evening outfit or a minimilistic chic look. Team it with pants and a shirt to add a touch of femininity to an androgynous look o wear it with your Little White Dress for the evening cocktail.

5. Reiss Beck Enamel Stud Shoulder Bag for �95: Reiss's embellished shoulder bag with all over high shine studded frame design and gold effect tassel and shoulder chain strap is an exquisite accent. Carry it in the palm of your hand or by the gold-tone chain for the ultimate in indulgent glamour.

BEST BUDGET BUY

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French Connection's Sunrise Weave Clutch is the best budget buy. This woven straw clutch is perfect for the Summers with its simple and chic looks and the woven straw stripe design. Carry it in the evenings or day, its a perfect bag that would go with your summer dress, or cocktail dress and even can be carried to the office. Available at �20, click here to buy.

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Chic in the Heat

Summer brings sunshine, and you can finally break out your miniskirts and brights.

But dressing for the varieties of summer activities, from beaches to air-conditioned offices and cinemas to barbecues, to poolside cocktail parties can be daunting. It requires a fair amount of creativity and strategy.

Summer Essentials:

A printed dress, a basic shift cardigans galore, a smart tote, a flat sandal or a cork wedge and oversize sunglasses will take you from the beach to a five-star in style.

- Sundress: They're light, summer hued, comfy and airy. Nothing can beat the heat like a nice summer dress. It's not only fashionable but your respite from the callous heat. Wear a nice summer dress in white or the hot neutral hues and accessorise with necklaces or go for floral or tribal prints. Make sure you pick the right fabric, cottons or linen, to beat the heat ad keep you cool.

- Cardigans or smart blazers: darting in and out of air conditioning can attest to the frustration of runnin hot and cold. Smart cardigans in array of colours or stylish blazers (boyfriend blazers are huge this season) are your saviour and summer staples.

- Oversize Sunglasses: Yes, a nice pair of oversized sunglasses are a total must-have for Summers. Not only they immediately upgrade your glam factor but also protect your eyes and the delicate areas around your eyes from the harmful UV rays.

- Roomy Bag: Summer requires your bag to have the extra space to fit in your glasses, sunscreen, facial spritz, gloss, wallet and a small bottle of water. It's useful to have something roomy like a smart tote.


Colours Trends for Spring Summer 2010

White - White spells class, serenity and SUMMER!!!!! No spring/summer wardrobe is complete without the soothing whites. The summery white does the trick of cooling you off and bringing in the chic to your look. Come Summer and a LWD replaced the LBD, wear all white monochromatic look or add a punch of colour to your ensemble using brights. At the very least, a crisp white shirt should be on top of your shopping list.

L-R: Michael Kors, Fendi and Gucci

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Blush - This ultra-feminine shade is THE COLOUR OF THE SEASON. The pastel shade works for all skin tones, giving fair to dark complexions a rosy glow. It looks best when paired with soft neutral separates during the day and bright iridescent accessories at night. Experiment with lace or chiffon or for a more statement look pick a blush-colored dress or blouse with embellishments. Other neutral hues like nudes, beiges are also in this season. Wear them with the same mantra as Blush and remember playing with layers and textures and mixing the neutral hues would look great.
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Helena Christensen and Sarah Jessica Parker in Stella McCartney Blush Dress

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Acid Yellow - Most of the girls would probably shy away with the thought of adding yellow to their wardrobe, but don't let Acid Yellow intimidate you. Make a sunny statement in a neon shift paired with heather grey sandals and a matching clutch. The color even works at the office�brighten a dark suit with a lemon-kissed camisole or a blouse with a splash of citrine. While acid yellow looks ideal against olive and dark skin tones, fairer complexions can opt for softer versions of the eye-catching hue.


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Victoria Beckham's Designs

Victoria Beckham's luxury dress label has quite the celebrity following. Ever since the launch of her label, celebs from J Lo to Cameran Diaz to Blake Lively to Jennifer Hudson have been spotted in her classy chic dresses and praised her work.

Such is the popularity of her designs that her Fall 2009 collection completely sold out on the luxury online shopping store Net-a-Porter.com. Her designs are classy, simple, chic and stylish - forever pieces.

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Gwyneth Paltrow in Victoria Beckham

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow attends the 2nd Annual Bent on Learning Benefit at The Puck Building in NYC in a shimmering gold Victoria Beckham's minidress.

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J Lo in Victoria Beckham's Creation
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Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow were spotted in a beautiful body-flattering pencil dress by Victoria Beckham. Gwyneth wore VB's dress in grey for an Iron Man 2 photocall while J Lo picked the dress in lovely blush colour and was seen wearing in Washington D.C. with a pair of nude Louboutins. Both the ladies looked gorgeous in their respective dresses.

Looks like Gwyneth has fallen head over heels for VB's dresses, as she wore two of her designs in a short span of one week.
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Rumour has it that Victoria Beckham would be designing a few outfits for Beyonce for her next series of concerts, as Beyonce completely loved her designs.

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Good work Posh, but we wish she creates some affordable line for other fashion savvy females, who don't want to loosen their bags as much.

Image Source

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Christian Louboutin Spring/Summer 2010 Ad Campaign

Christian Louboutin's creativity now running in their advertisements too. Inspired by the fairy tale, Christian Louboutin's has come out with some very unusual adverts for its Spring/Summer 2010 Collections.

Shoes, sandals and boots have become fairy tale characters - Alice in Wonderland with its White Rabbit and Mad Hatter, Cinderella and her white mice, Thumberlina with her colorful butterflies; and even Mermaid and her underwater castle.

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Style your Hair

Shoulder-length
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Shoulder-length hair suits all face shapes and hair types. But if your hair is very curly, this is the shortest you should go.
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This haircut can be a little high maintenance, as it is neither long nor short and hence needs some time to put it together. But it is an all-season style, never goes ou of fashion.

To give it an edge and make it interesting try some stacked layers in the back.
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Bangs
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Bangs, or fringes, is the most popular and very versatile. It suits all textures, except the curly hair. They're particularly flattering on women with long, oval and heart-shaped faces.

Women with round face can use bangs to cut the width, but it has to be done very carefully as a wrong job can be disastrous. If you have round face then make sure the layers are long and a little chunkier to make your face look long and slim. Avoid front bangs (blunt style) as it will make your face appear wider.
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Front and blunt bangs are best-suited for women with oval face.

Bangs are a great way to soften a strong jawline and look best when they're long.
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If you have fine to medium hair, go for the side-swept bangs, it looks great as it adds volume to your hairstyle. Thick hair? Side-swept can work well even on thick hair. Adding layers often gets rid of some of the weight of thick hair, but can also make your hair appear really heavy and chunky.

High Maintenance style, they require a trim every three weeks.

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Bob Cut

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This style is appealing on every face shape, except round and is ideal for straight or wavy hair. Bob looks very chic and sophisticated and lends a sweet appearance. A more conventional way to go Bob is asymmetrical short haircut, that is somewhere between tousled and messy, and smooth and sleek.

A bob draws attention to your neck, collarbone and jawline. Katie Holmes, Victoria Beckham and Bipasha Basu had recently brought back the Bob on the fashion radar.

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Long and Layered
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This is one style that is classy, suits all face shapes and hair type. It's ideal for hair that's medium to thick.
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Layering is a great way to make them look interesting and gives you varied options to style your hair.

Twist the ends of the hair with a straightening iron to achieve a gentle curve at the ends of your hair.

Low-maintenance and very versatile.

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Gamine Styled Hair
This style originally emerged in the sixties and seventies as a style fitted for small framed individuals with sharp features
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This short-layered cut is best suited for women with petite frames. Boyish yet feminine. Avoid it if you have very curly or wavy hair. It brings in texture and excitement into your hair.

A gamine style complements all face shape, except a long and narrow one as it will only accentuate the shape further.

It's a great style for summer, practical and looks gorgeous.

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Sunglasses for your Face Shape

Pick the right sunglasses to suit your face as you brave the summer.

Oval -
If your face is longer than wide and chin is slightly narrower than forehead then you have an Oval Face. This is the most versatile face shape because of its balanced proportions. Most frame shapes work with Oval face. However, it is advisable to look for frames which are wider than the broadest part of your face.

What will suit best: Square, rectangular and geometric shapes which add angles to soft curves.

Avoid: Frames that are too long for your features.


Square -
Strong jawline, a broad forehead and wide cheekbones define a square face. This face shape is usually proportional in length and width.

Because square faces are so angular, Reduce the angles with soft, curvy styles that will give the face some definition. The classic ovals also works well for this face shape.

What will suit best: Choose round, oval or cat eye glasses to soften and add contrast to the face.

Avoid: Geometric and square shaped frames that accentuate angles of the face.


Round -
A rounder face has an equal width and length and is characterized by soft curves with few angles, if any. For round face, choose sunglasses equal to or slightly wider than the broadest part of the face. Angular frames with rectangular or geometric shapes create balance, minimise the curves and add definition to a round face. These frames als help to minimize the fullness of the face.

What will suit best: Wider frames with angular/rectangular styles. Rectangular and horizontal Frames.

Avoid: Round frames as they make your face rounder and large frames as they shorten your face.


Heart-shaped Face -
High broad forehead and a narrow jaw line define the contour of a heart-shaped face.


What will suit best: Narrow rounded or square frames, aviators.

Avoid: Styles wider at the top.


Small Face -
If you have a small face, don�t wear oversized sunglasses because they�ll make your face look smaller.


Tip: As a general rule of thumb, you should always choose a style that is opposite your face shape.

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Chanel Paris Fashion Week - Fall/Winter 2011

Chanel's Fall Winter 2010/2011 Show was amazing, with the models walking on the runway alongside an iceberg. And it was not just any iceberg, Karl Lagerfeld imported a 265-ton iceberg from the northern reaches of Sweden to Paris' Grand Palais to creating an expensive and highly elaborate set especially for the show.

The theme of the collection was the global warming or �the global cooling� as Karl Lagerfeld called it.
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Chanel Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Collection at Paris Fashion Week

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The other great thing about the show was, all the fur used the whole Autumn/Winter collection was faux, right down to those monstrous snow boots. We love when a designer spares animal cruelty.

We want to see Karl Lagerfield design a great non-leather accessories collection next.


Like always, the collection was amazing feminine and classy. Accessories were perfect. Jewelry was very similar to little pieces of ice, sparkling and mysterious.
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Celebrity Watch - February 2010

Kate Winslet - the beauty in black

The always gorgeous Kate Winslet has been favouring black this season. At the Golden Globe Awards function, she wore a one shoulder black dress from Atelier Yves Saint Laurent that perfetly accentuated her perfect figure.

She highlighted the design's pearl and crystal embroidery with diamonds from Tiffany & Co and wore her hair in a chignon that looked just perfect with the dress. She looked every inch glamorous and classy.
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Kate Winslet at 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards

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How to create a chignon like Kate Winslet?
From her hair dresser: "I wanted Kate Winslet to look like a glamorous woman with a slightly undone style," said Frederic Fekkai celebrity hairstylist Renato Campora, who created the look. He mixed mousse with glossing cream to rough-up the hair, then set the entire head in pin curls. After the curls had set, he gathered all the hair at the back of the neck, set it with bobby pins, and added a touch of shine serum. The final touch? "I bent the ends with a one-inch curling iron to make them pretty," he said.

(Source)

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At the British Academy Film Awards 2010, Kate Winslet wore a sexy black Stella McCartney gown with Stella McCartney sandals and Tiffany & Co. jewelry. She showed off her svelte shape in a peek-a-boo gown with lace insets.
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Kate Winslet at British Academy Film Awards 2010

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Colour Popping

Jennifer Garner attended the 12th Annual "I have a Dream" Foundation's Gospel Brunch in Los Angeles. Jennifer wore a brilliant fuchsia Dior minidress; she paired the dress with cork-soled wedges.

Jennifer Garner
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The French actress Audrey Tautou looked totally chic at the BAFTA Awards in London. Tautou wore a lovely cocktail-length coral Lanvin dress, which she accessorized with pops of red: lipstick, pumps and clutch included. The red looked lovely with the dress, loving this shade of red.

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Audrey Tautou

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Doing the Bling

Kate Hudson attended the Burberry Prorsum 2010 Autumn/Winter fashion show during London Fashion Week clad in a Buberry Prorsum emerald mini dress and shoes from the same designer house.

At the show, Kate stole the spotlight in an ultra-short sequined green design. She wore sky high black platform heels with the dress and paired a chunky ring in black.
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Kate Hudson

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Taking shimmer tip from Kate: When wearing shimmer all over, take a tip from Hudson and add chunky accessories in a neutral hue that would add glam to the dress at the same time tone down the shimmer.

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At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in California, Taylor Swift had heads turned when she arrived in a sequinned blue off-the-shoulder sparkly gown by Kaufman Franco. Her sheath dress fitted impeccably ang her hair and makeup were a perfection. Authentic as usual. She did an updo style with wavy hair, her signature (she later opened her hair that looked equally lovely).


She accessorised her down with diamond bracelets, diamond teardrop danglers and matching blue sandals. Totally loved her long dropped diamond earrings. She looks fab!
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Taylor Swift at 52nd Grammy Awards

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Glowing in Gold was none other than the fashion forward Sarah Jessica Parker at the Halston Fashion Show in NYC. Ms Parker led the Fashion Week in a pleated gold top by Halston and cropped black pants. For accessories, she added extra shine via a sparkling statement necklace, structured thorn clutch by Cassandra LA (love the clutch, isn't it gorgeous?), and Prada studded sandals. Chain wrap bracelets and a square-cut ring complete her fashion fire.

Despite going on too much on accesories on a gold top, the black pants and sandals perfectly added the just required balance to the blingy look. While leaving the show, Sarah wore a pretty pink and bloe brocade jacket.
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Sarah Jessica Parker at the Halston Fashion Show

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Get Sarah Jessica Parker's look by adding eye-popping jewelry to a metallic blouse�just pair with a pencil skirt or slim trousers for an understated finish.
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Anne Hathaway glowed in a sequined bronze Vivienne Westwood dress at the Alice in Wonderland London Premiere. She paired her dress with gold heels and red nails. She was every inch the siren in a figure-flaunting bustier dress glowing in gold.
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Anne Hathaway at the Alice in Wonderland London Premiere

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Designer to watch out for: Peter Pilotto

Peter Pilotto, the new name in th fasion industry that has caught the attention of some o the biggest fashionistas including Jessica Alba and The First Lady Ms Michelle Obama, is surely a brand to watch out for. Their collection embraces both new and classic perspectives on elegance.

There are two individuals and four cultures behind the Peter Pilotto collection. Peter Pilotto is half Austrian, half Italian and his partner Christopher De Vos is half Belgian, half Peruvian. The former is the textile expert while De Vos concentrates on the silhouette and draping. The result is a collection that embodies otherwordly prints combined with soft sculptural shapes. The team describes their design process as being very organic and their fascination with a scientific view of nature is reflected in the stunning hyper real prints found in the collection.

Peter Pilotto Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

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Peter Pilotto in Celebs Wardrobes

The ever chic lady Jessica Alba was spotted at The Beverly Hilton Hotel to promote the new movie �Valentine�s Day�, in a beautiful Peter Pilotto Spring 2010 mini dress. Love the mix of colours which look like a moody sunset, blush and deep blue in mettalic painted over the faint snakeskin pattern.

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Jessica Alba
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Model Claudia Schiffer wore a printed red and black Peter Pilotto drape dress at the British Fashion Awards at Royal Courts of Justice.

Claudia Schiffer

Where to buy Peter Pilotto's outfits?
http://www.feathersfashion.com/
http://www.mytheresa.com/
http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Peter_Pilotto

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