The votes are in. For the first time an Australian has won Best in Show, as the RHS marks the 100^th anniversary of the Chelsea Flower Show.

The Fleming Nursery team was announced winner this morning to load cheers, and even a couple of manly tears. The winning entry consisted of a re-imagined Australian gorge, created with a crafty series of microclimates fed from a waterfall of rainwater.

It is one of fifteen gardens set to dazzle on this, the opening day of the 5-day event, running from 21 – 25 May. And there are a couple of changes to mark the occasion, one of which may strike fear into the hearts of garden traditionalists – for the first year, the ban on gnomes has been lifted. To mark the occasion, the RHS has even asked celebrities to decorate their own miniatures for an online auction for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.

So far our celebrity antennae have spotted Joanna Lumley and Kirsty Allsopp, cutting colourful silhouettes in orange, and Helen Mirren and Jerry Hall, opting for play-it-safe yet uber-flattering black. Opening The B&Q Sentebale Forget-Me-Not Garden, Emilia Fox looked every bit the serene queen in white broderie anglaise. As for the boys; Jamie Oliver, Rob Brydon and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen were in attendance – all Patene-worthy waves of hair and floral shirts present and correct. Thankfully, some things never change.

Ensure you’re Best in Show in the style stakes with Nicole Farhi, now on Cocosa.

Nicole Farhi

Short sleeved nylon polo shirt RRP £160 now £65

Farah Vintage

Walter striped tee RRP £30 now £15

Chester short in grey/blue RRP £60 now £22

Nicole Farhi

Long sleeved gingham print shirt RRP 3151 now £59

Farah Vintage

Slim fit mid ford check shirt RRP £60 now £22

Albany baby cord short in azul RRP £60 now £22

Great Gatsby: Leonardo de Caprio wearing Brooks Brothers (Both images take from: cWarner Br/Everett/Rex Features)

As Great Gatsby fever strikes, we take a look at four further literary classics that defined the spirit of the Twenties.

The Beautiful and Damned

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

The name says it all with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s second published book, The Beautiful and Damned. Avarice, alcohol and blind ambition blight the future of bright young things Gloria and Anthony Patch – a couple who recklessly spend as they wait to inherit a family fortune. A telling tale of New York decadence that secured Fitzgerald’s place as one of America’s literary greats.

Save Me the Waltz

By Zelda Fitzgerald

“The trouble with emergencies is,” she said, “that I always put on my finest underwear and then nothing happens.” So goes the sparky yet searching Save Me the Waltz, a book about the life of an unfulfilled Southern dancer, Alabama Beggs, and her artist husband. The sole novel of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great love and wife Zelda, this semi-autobiographical account also offers vivid glimpses on her husband’s life and work.

Carry on, Jeeves

By P.G. Wodehouse

Witty, pithy and gay; if you’ve never become acquainted with Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, get yourself to a bookshop. Quickly. The co-dependent relationship between a dithering, jolly-ho socialite and his steadfast valet plays out in one comic anecdote after another in this cult British classic.

The Sun Also Rises

Ernest Hemmingway

Hemmingway’s great masterpiece on the Lost Generation, The Sun Also Rises follows the love affair between a free-spirited divorcée Lady Brett Ashley and impotent World War I veteran, Jake Barnes. From the hedonistic parties of Paris to the bullfights of Spain, the novel captures the hapless spirit of an age torn between faith and moral bankruptcy.

One of this year’s Cannes jury members, Nicole Kidman wowed the crowed in an exquisitely embroidered dress from Dior Haute Couture with flashes of neon florals for a twist on tradition.

Oozing leading lady glamour, belle of the ball Carey Mulligan plumped for pale pink Dior accessorised with delicate diamond earrings and matched her lipstick to the red carpet.

VINTAGE VAMP

Stepping out in a sweeping Gatsby-inspired Stephane Rolland gown, the most stylish Knowles sibling, Solange, was a stunning red carpet success.

Beat the rest of the red carpet in the style stakes with two of the Summer’s hottest colour trends, black and blue. From floor-length glamour to 50′s fit and flare, you’ll be sure to stay top of the frocks with our party pieces.

Channel a little First Lady cool, with Michelle Obama’s designer of choice and NYFW favourite, Jason Wu. This demure LBD with its sweetheart neckline and A-line skirt is a timeless wardrobe classic.

RRP £1,929 now £729

Go Grecian with Twobird’s goddess gown in this striking blue hue. With over 15 different ways to rework and tie the straps, this really is a forever dress.

RRP £250 now £150

This classic column gown gets our seal of approval from Giles Deacon. Ladylike and effortlessly elegant, a dream dress.

RRP £1,010 now £395

Totally tropical, this Mary Katrantzou cocktail creation is the perfect piece to add an exotic edge to your evening repertoire.

RRP £1,295 now £650

Master the art of packing with our sun-seeking style staples.

Boost, brighten and buff your skin to beach-bound perfection with this dual action body prepping set.

Elemental Herbology

Summer Beach Prep

Now £50 RRP £34

Glow-getters, jumpstart your tan with this hydrating and Vitamin D enriched bronzer.

Perricone MD

No Sun Tanner

Now £54 RRP £25

Beautifully flattering and supportive, this fair-weather failsafe is perfect for days when you don’t want to bare all.

Melissa Odabash

Padded Bandeau One-piece

Now £65 RRP £161

Get your tan on and unleash your beach babe prowess with this sensational little number.

Melissa Odabash

Tie String Bikini

Now £75 RRP £158

Statement shades are a handy deflector on bare-faced beauty days.

Matthew Williamson for Linda Farrow

Black Sunglasses

Now £99 RRP £237

Slip stylishly from sea to sundowners in this light, silk kaftan.

Melissa Odabash

Reef Kaftan

Now £145 RRP £358

Legendary British label Alexander McQueen’s signature separates blend immaculate cuts and the spirit of punk street style with perfect aplomb. Here’s our 5 of the best..

1. Stripes take a directional turn with this sharp reworking of the classic sweater style

Bi colour uneven stripe V-neck

2. Work some of McQueen’s natural beauty into your off-duty style

Crashed moth print twill scarf RRP £120 now £75

3. Say it in uber-luxe style with this silk blend sweater

Shawl collar sweater RRP £465 now £199

4. Give your the classic denim shirt an instant update with McQueen

Long sleeved denim harness shirt  RRP £345 now £159

5. Leather accessories never carried so much style cache as this skull embossed iPhone case

iPhone case in camel leather RRP £115 now £59

Super-quick, super-delicious recipes for warm weather evenings. Easy enough to whip up big batches for guests and just as tasty when made for two.

Nuts & Berries Mixed Green Salad

serves 6-8, depend­ing on the por­tion size

500g spinach leaf / mixed salad

1 pint fresh plum and cherry tomatoes halved

1/2 pint fresh raspberries

1 cup sliv­ered almonds toasted

1/2 cup pine nuts

Wash and spin greens. Toss all ingre­di­ents together just before serv­ing.

Honey-glazed chicken and pineapple

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup honey

2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon lemon juice

8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1 pineapple peeled, cored and cut into 8 thick rings

Brown the onion and garlic over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes. Add the honey, hot pepper sauce and chili powder and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and set aside.

Preheat a grill or large grill pan to medium-high. Rub the chicken with the olive oil and season with salt. Grill until well marked, about 7 minutes. Flip and well mark the other side until cooked through, approx 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and brush with the reserved honey glaze. Cover with foil and rest for 5 minutes. Grill the pineapple until well marked on one side, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Et voila, serve with the chicken.

Shop our Natural History homeware sale here for sensational dinner party plates.

                            Rex images: Richard Saker

Style icons don’t get more fabulous than Isabella Blow. Champion to Alexander McQueen and muse to Philip Treacy (who else could style a lobster on her head and get away with it?), this is one woman who knew her cheongsam from her couture. Finally, we will all have a chance to get up close and personal with her visionary collectibles thanks to an exhibition commemorating her most iconic outfits at Somerset House this November.

“I hope her legacy continues to inspire generations of designers to come,” says fellow fashion royalty, Daphne Guinness, who has lent the collection for the retrospective, in partnership with The Isabella Blow Foundation and Central Saint Martins College. A woman best known for her irreverent and brilliant shoots as fashion director for Tatler, Blow’s ability to spot the Next Big Thing honed some of Britain’s best designers, from Philip Treacy to Alexander McQueen: expect both their work in the exhibition.

Can’t wait that long? Shop Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy’s terrific toppers now on Cocosa.

Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! At Somerset House from 20 November – 2 March. 

THE STYLE HIGH CLUB

Who would have guessed it? Vivienne Westwood, the Queen of eco-cool, has given Virgin’s iconic little red steward uniforms a revamp. A woman known for collections with a conscience, Westwood may seem like an unlikely choice for an airline but then again hers are no ordinary uniforms. Each one will be made from recycled materials. Who knew bottle tops and reused roadside banners could be transformed into something so stylish?

Shop Vivienne Westwood eco-chic Melissa shoes now on Cocosa.

BALLET FEVER

Ever since the Ballets Russes commissioned Chanel, fashion’s fascination with the lithe, ethereal art form has stayed strong. And now it has reached fever pitch with both Altuzarra debuting his designs for the New York City Ballet and Riccardo Tisci unveiling costumes for a new production of Boléro at the Opera de Paris. “It is one of the dreams of a designer to design costumes for a ballet,” said Tisci. Time for a petite trip?

GOING, GOING GHESQUIRE

Nicolas Ghesquière’s close friend Kristen Stewart has spoken out in support of the designer’s move from Balenciaga, after 15 years with the fashion house. “I’m so proud of him…” said the 23-year old star. “It’s not easy to walk a line that not every single person in the world is going to get in a second.” The actresses support follows Ghesquière’s decision this week to speak openly, for the first time, about his decision to leave the brand and hint at his future plans. The designer said, “I may be putting myself in danger, but that’s what I want these days.” Watch this space.

FACTORY OWNER ARREST

A factory owner on the run after the collapse of a Bangladeshi factory, with a death count of more than 350 workers, was arrested at the border of India. Mohammed Sohel Rana was caught near Dhaka, on Wednesday, and faces charges of negligence, after allegedly ignoring safety warnings posed by cracks in the building’s structure the day before the fatal collapse.

Hero heels to suit every style from fashion’s finest. Get a dose of Jason Wu’s Park Avenue princess cool, or Giambattista Valli’s stunning creations in our Luxury Footwear Boutique

Mellow Yellow

Snakeskin wedges from Giambattista Valli

Was £625 now £189

Colour Block Courts

Red and black courts from Giambattista Valli

Was £435 now £129

Metallic Marvel

Gold strappy heel sandal from Jason Wu

Was £760 now £225

The Red Shoes

Red velvet courts from Giambattista Valli

Was £375 now £129

Leather and Feather

Esme feather platform sandal from Jason Wu

Was £855 now £255

With the promise of more warm weather to come, we can’t think of a jollier away to enjoy the Bank Holiday than a trip to the British coastline.

Studland Bay, Dorset

Studland Bay is proof, if any were needed, that you don’t have to travel abroad for miles of pristine white sand. From the tranquil northern stretch, best reached by ferry, to Knoll Beach, on the southern tip, there is a little something for everyone.

Sennen Cove, Cornwall

If you’re looking to show off some athletic shapes on a surf board, Sennen Cove in Cornwall has one of the most consistent breaks in Britain, due to its exposed coastline. A must for intermediate surfers.

Walberswick, Suffolk

You only have to step onto the little wooden bridge connecting the village of Walberswick to the coastline, to understand why this beach has attracted artists by the dozen to capture its ethereal, light-flecked dunes. A true gem.

Sandwood bay beach, Scotland

If you’re looking for Robinson-Crusoe isolation, then Sandwood Bay Beach in Scotland is as close as you’re going to get. Miles of white sand flanked by massive North Atlantic rollers and snaking dunes, this beach is only accessible to the hardiest of travellers due to its wild location, but is well worth the effort.

Brave the British sea in style with our Luxury Swim Boutique.

Whether staying in the city or getting out for a spot of sightseeing, keep your style in check this Bank Holiday with this capsule collection from our sales.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Stevie silk dress was £ 276 now £129

IRO

Knitted red scarf was £165 now £49

IRO

Vernon print jeans was £262 now £65

Nougat London

Draped texture cardigan was £270 now £129

Pierre Balmain

Printed oversized vest was £86 now £25

Bangladesh Protests

Thousands have taken to the streets in Dhaka, India, to protest over the death of more than 300 workers to date, after a clothes factory collapsed in Bangladesh. Protesters are calling for the arrest of the owner, Sohel Rana, for allegedly forcing workers into the factory despite safety warnings. The factory supplies for Primark, Mango and Matalan.

“Baby on Board”

Our favourite Russian model, Natasha Poly, has just announced on Instagram that she is expecting her first child with husband, banker Peter Bakker – news that was met with squeals of joy from the Cocosa girls. Congratulations!

No Fallen Angel

Victoria’s Secret has hit back against slights made by former model Kylie Bisutti, who left the label claiming it made her feel ‘like a piece of meat’ to start a Christian fashion line promoting “modest clothes.” The brand said that Mrs Bisutti had made ‘numerous fabrications’ and had never been one of the Angels. We remain in awe of the chosen few who are… Minor girl crush.

Shop sensational lingerie looks now on Cocosa.

The Rich List

Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe were amongst the names on Britain’s Rich List for the under 30, published in the Sunday Times last week. Robert Pattinson came in at a very worthy 14^th place, quickly followed by Kiera Knightly in 17th.

It has to be said, nothing beats a cup of fresh, hot coffee and from skinny flat white to full fat cappuccino we all have our set coffee habits. So java-lovers are in for a treat this weekend as London’s third annual Coffee Festival  at Brick Lane’s Truman Brewery kicks off lasting from the  25th to 28th April. With artisan coffee shops and gourmet food stalls, tastings, interactive demonstrations, workshops, and micro-roasteries – plus an area for street food – its a true melting pot of deliciously brewed fun.

UK Coffee Week not only gives us all a chance to indulge in one of the nations favourite drink but also offers a chance for independent coffee shops, professional barristers and industry suppliers to collaborate and celebrate the success of the coffee industry. A worthy cause it is too as tickets sales from this and other public events over the week will donate 50% of proceeds donate to Project Waterfall – delivering clean water projects in coffee-producing African countries.

Standard ticket sales are £9.50 advance and £12.50 on the door. See more about the event here

Indulge in a little contemporary chic for your home coffee repertoire thanks to Villeroy & Boch’s cappuccino set here

After months of waiting and countless false starts, Summer looks like it is finally here, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to get body beautiful. After months of hiding away in thick tights and wooly gloves, it’s fair to say I’m not at my buffed best so when I saw that the fantastic Chelsea Day Spa had opened a spa minutes from my house, I was practically the first through their doors. As a regular of their Hollywood and Kings Road branches, this stunningly chic location means I have no excuse to let my grooming slide in future.

First up was a trip to the waxing room where my lovely therapist got me pool ready in a practically painless record time. With hot wax used on delicate areas, pain is greatly reduced therefore reducing healing time.

Next up it was time for the all-important mani- pedi. I must admit, mani-pedi’s are something I take rather seriously and have developed the rather unattractive habit of watching every move the therapist makes, making sure that every bit of skin is removed, buffed or polished. Now, I really needn’t have worried this time as my therapist skilfully cut, filed and buffed my hands and feet into sparkling perfection.

Expertly efficient service in chic surroundings, what more could a girl ask for?

For more information – See The Chelsea Day Spa Website

Need some beauty inspiration? Shop Beauty on Cocosa NOW

Cooler than the red dress

Goat

Sleeveless shift dress was £420 now £189

Say It With Stripes

Furla

Striped large shopper was £240 now £120

Scarlet Satin

Kurt Geiger London

Red satin wedge was £295 now £59

Take the Plunge

Made by Niki plunge bra was £199 now £79

Made by Niki briefs was £129 now £49

Patent Poppy

Michael Kors

Strappy sandals was £445 now £129

You only have to observe the trembling, trepidus heights reached in recent heel history (note Daphne Guinness stalking the streets in Alexander McQueen’s Armadillo shoe) to understand why fashion has recoiled to the mid heel. The perfect compromise between sky-high and flat, this season’s shoe saviour is truly a heel for all.

Jean Shrimpton sealed its style status in the Fifties and Catherine Deneuve pushed the pump into cult territory in 1967. Who can forget the image of her elegantly clad in Roger Vivier’s court in a Belle de Jour. As Catherine Deneuve recently stated, “a simple, well-made shoe with a perfect arch is such a pleasure. It makes us walk differently: we feel free, emancipated, as if we can deal with life’s challenges.” Ava Gardner, Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe certainly thought so, eschewing the spike in favour of the midi’s modest allure.

A style that has asidiously fallen in and out of favour, today, once again fashion has gone mad for the mid heel, from Stella McCartney to Marc Jacobs. For the true style seekers though, it never went away. A woman rarely caught without her midi’s, Roger Vivier’s muse and Queen of Parisan chic Inès de la Fressange is a case in point and who are we to disagree? Bestowing poise, polish and priceless comfort, what’s not to love?

Shop the mid heel now on Cocosa.

CARA’S CALLING

Roll up, roll up… Cara Delevingne’s found a new calling, well her and every other hard-hitting model in her wake, from Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell to Agyness Deyn. Together with best bud Rita Ora, the duo are the latest to join fashion’s role call of models to put their vocals to the test, with a forthcoming album launch. Let’s see if they have any better success.

SOME LIKE IT HAUT

Christian Lacroix is to bring his signature exuberance to the legendary house of Schiaparelli for a one-off, 15-piece couture extravaganza. The collection, paying homage to Schiaparelli’s greatest design hits, will be unveiled in July. Lacroix said of the commission: “My wish is to reposition Elsa at the centre of her maison and on the stage from which she once seduced the world.” We have no doubt that he will do it with aplomb.

A BIG SPLIT

Cult Nineties model Kristen McMenamy has just announced her divorce to photographer Miles Aldridge, after 17 years of marriage. She told the Daily Mail, “we have as good a relationship as you can expect after everything that’s happened.” We can’t help but reminisce over the moment Karl Lagerfeld walked Kristen down the aisle for the nuptials, back in 1997.

THE BATTLE CONTINUES

Fashion’s high profile legal battle continues over LVMH’s controversial 22.6% stake in Hermès. The French business magnate Bernard Arnault claims his intentions were “friendly”, with no further plans to increase the percentage of its holding in the company, that has already soared from a 17.1% stake in October 2010. We await the verdict with bated breath.

From the fattening perils of coffee (yes really!) to the health benefits of a shopping spree, take the simple route to happiness with a little help from our experts.

Top London personal trainer Glyn Evans’ three steps to de-stressing.

1. Don’t drink too much coffee. Spend the money you save on a Starbucks and de-stress yourself clothes shopping instead. Coffee increases your stress hormone cortisol by stimulating your adrenal glands, (the place that your adrenaline comes from, which is why it gives you a hit of energy.) It’s also shown to make us fat.

2. If you really want to get out the stress from your week, hard exercise, where you sweat lots, is essential for helping you de-stress, get out any frustrations, manage weight, and keep your heart healthy.

3. Stick to yoga. Stretching and breathing exercises will help calm your mind and body and get into any tight areas you`ve acquired from a long day sitting at your chair.

For more tips from the top, visit Glyn Evans’ The Mission studios in Chelsea and Nottinghill.

If anyone knows the secret to relaxing in style, it’s surely queen of comfort, Lounge Lover’s founder Sylvie Gabriel.

For the ultimate night in I make sure I have the following:

1.      A great companion. My husband is an all time favourite 

2.      A  cosy outfit. I really love our jumpsuits as they are warm and so soft, a real treat to wear!

3.      Happy music. I listen to Ibizaglobalradio.com or to my favourite playlist as it makes me feel happy.

4.      Delicious food. I really like Lebanese food and order regularly from Noura, add to that a good glass of red wine and I am ready for the perfect evening at home.

Mascara. It’s the dominatrix of your beauty kit. Just one flick and voila, instant theatre. Your face is at once purposeful, polished and ready.

If, like me, you’re a pedant about getting it just so, may I introduce you to Minus 417′s Sculpting Volume mascara. Because, I have a feeling you’ll like it. A great deal. With its duel application brush, and clever rounded end so that no lash can escape your grasp, this is not so much a mascara as an artist’s license to play. The result? A sensual flutter and luster worthy of Lauren Bacall. This is makeup as it should be, using the most natural and nourishing ingredients. And, best of all, this stuff has serious staying power (not a panda eye in sight.) Now that’s surely an investment well made.

Shop Minus 417 mascara.

With leather shoes, you get what you pay for, the same goes for a shoe’s shelf life. As with anything prevention is always better than cure, so just how long your shoes will last depends on the effort you put into their care and cleaning. Read on for our four step guide to keeping your shoes looking shiny and new.

1. Know your shoes

Love your shoes enough to wear them everyday, then surely you can love them enough to shine them at least once a week. The most common mistake in shoe care is waiting too long between polishings.

2. Storing

Fine quality shoes need to be looked after. Good quality shoe trees are essential to remove perspiration and allow shoes to dry out in their correct shape, you’ll only need one pair as the key time to use them is the first hour or two after you take off your shoes. The rest of the time you can use tissue paper to stuff the inside to keep the shape.

3. Polishing

The difference between a surface shine and a proper polish is beeswax, use plenty of polish and leave it on as long as possible or overnight. Take your time, it will probably take twice as long as a professional polish to achieve the same result. You’ll know when they’re done as the shine will have a squeak. Always remember to always treat the welt – the attachment point for the upper, inner and sole – with polish too, as this is particularly vulnerable to wear and needs protection. A great tip for buffing is to use nylon tights for a high-shine finish.

4. Weather-proof

Although giving your soles a gritted layer – either with a light scratching of sandpaper or walking on rough ground to build up a decent grip – is a good idea for breaking in new shoes, leather shoes shouldn’t be worn in the rain until the 3rd or 4th time of wearing. After getting wet allow to dry at room temperature (never near heat as the leather can crack) for 48 hrs before re-wearing, as leather soles will wear out twice as fast when wet. You should also spray yours with water-repellent leather protector on a regular basis for lasting wear.

Shop our sale of mens leather shoes from Dsquared2 and Oliver Sweeney

Today, thanks to the valiant efforts of designers like Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney, sustainable fashion has never been more stylish. One of the labels leading the charge is Beyond Skin – a vegan brand that has accumulated awards by the bucket load and the unstinting admiration of A-listers, including Natalie Portman and Anne Hathaway. We caught up with the label’s co-founder Natalie Dean to find out just want makes the brand so coveted.

You seemed to have achieved the dream: gorgeous, guilt-free shoes. Aside from being vegan, what is it that makes your brand so unique?

Being the first British, luxury, vegan footwear brand our uniqueness lies as much in our approach as it does in our aesthetic.  We embrace an unusual use of fabrics, prints and weaves, which has become our signature style. Beyond Skin is the first footwear label to utilise faux suede made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottle tops – an incredible, sustainable material that doesn’t watermark and is amazingly durable.

Green fashion has never been more glamorous. Why do you think it’s now so popular?

Over the past few years we have seen green issues move further and faster up the agenda. Print & Social Media support has been paramount to this new sense of social responsibility and one of the main contributors to the massive growth of ethical consumerism. There is a vast array of talented, pioneering new businesses exploiting this new untapped market and talented new designers leaving University with a greater awareness of environmental issues.  These are all contributing to breaking the stereotypes and expectations of what this earnest demographic usually looks like, proving fashion and ethics are not mutually exclusive.

What comes first for you, style or sustainability?

Human rights, animal rights and the environment are subjects we feel extremely passionate about, yet quality and style is what will make us stay the distance.  It is paramount that our shoes do not compromise their comfort or style in any way for us to forge ahead as a premium fashion footwear brand as it is unlikely that any business will survive on their ethical merits alone.

If there’s one thing that the recent horsemeat scandal has proved, it’s that people are really beginning to care about traceability and transparency in their purchases. Where do you source your fabrics? And why are ethically sourced fabrics so important to you?

We believe that transparency & traceability is crucial for the long-term future of our planet. Hopefully the trend for transparency in business continues so that the companies that aren’t will be questioned for it.  Transparency leads to accountability.  We all have the right to know where the things we buy come from and how they are made, so we can make a conscious choice as a consumer.

All of our shoes are made in Spain and Italy.  We visit all of the component factories in Spain so we know where all of the many parts of our shoes come from. We are always researching new fabric technologies such as a new lining we have recently discovered made from corn.

Natalie Portman is a key ambassador for your shoes. Can you tell us how this came about?

Natalie Portman is a vegan and does not wear any leather.  This led to her stylist contacting us as she had seen Beyond Skin in the press.  We are fortunate to have frequent requests from stylists & magazines and to have our brand worn by celebrities such as Cheryl Cole and Alicia Silverstone.

Recently we sent a bundle of shoes for a Harpers Bazaar shoot featuring Anne Hathaway, she fell in love with a pair of Sirene’s which we gifted her.  We now just have to keep our eyes peeled to spot her wearing them!

How do you think we can balance the demand for fast fashion with a growing sense of social and ethical responsibility?

The very notion of fast fashion being socially & ethically responsible is an oxymoron; it is simply not possible.   Long-term our planet cannot sustain our insatiable desire for disposable fashion. For value to be placed on sustainability and lasting quality, something culturally will need to shift. We are already seeing the cost of cotton rising dramatically, which is affecting the end retail prices, this combined with a growing amount of media scandals regarding working conditions within high street textile factories are all stark reminders to us, as consumers, of the role we play with our spending habits play.

What’s next for Beyond Skin?

It’s a very busy time for us at Beyond Skin.  In the pipeline we have a collaboration with Green Carpet Challenge supported by Livia Firth with Designers Guild fabrics. We are also planning new product ranges such as menswear & accessories.  Watch this space

Shop Beyond Skin on Cocosa now.

The Dead Sea has long been lauded for its therapeutic properties with dense mineral-rich waters reputed to cure various ailments, from skin conditions to arthritis. Skin and spa brand Minus 417′s Dead Sea Mineral range harnesses the natural power of these natural minerals to fortify and replenish the skin. I’m a sucker for at-home spa treatments and with Spring having not quite sprung on time this year, my skin could definitely do with a spruce. So I decided to put it to the test and try out the Ocean Set with Body Peeling exfoliator and Body butter.

Straightaway after using the salt scrub Body Peeling pot my skin was brighter and smoother, particularly my knees and the dreaded upper arms. Uusually with this type of product I’m left feeling a bit ‘filmy’ and need to rinse off with a lather of shower gel. No such problem with Minus 417, although it is uber-moisturising it doesn’t leave you feeling greasy, my skin soaked it right in. It is definitely worthwhile using it daily on problem areas and as a pamper treat all over once or twice a week. The double moisture from the body butter layered on after showering really felt indulgent – also easily absorbed – and left my skin feeling fresh and super soft.

Verdict? If you aren’t lucky enough to be heading off on a jaunt to the Dead Sea this summer, Minus 417 do a pretty good job of bringing the mountain to Mohammed with this at-home quick fix duo, sure to satisfy the toughest skin.

Shop the Dead Sea Minerals by Minus 417 here

A MODEL STANDARD

British Vogue is the latest fashion heavyweight to sign a new Ten-Point Code designed to improve model’s notoriously grinding working conditions. As part of the new agreement, models will be banned from working over ten hour days and Under 16s will no longer be used as ‘adult models.’ A great step for the industry – bravo!

DSQUARED2 FOR BEYONCE

We can’t think of anyone more fitting to design Beyonce’s next tour collection than cooler than cool label Dsquared2. The news was announced yesterday that the dynamic duo Dean and Dan Caten will design their friend’s stage wardrobe based on pieces from Dsquared2’s SS13 collection.

Shop Dsquared2 menswear shoes now on Cocosa.

THE VISIONARY VREELAND

‘Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel,’ a beautiful tour de force on one of fashions most visionary Editors, has just won the prestigious Fashion Design of the Year by the Design Museum. Beating Raf Simons’ debut ready-to-wear collection for Christian Dior to the post, award’s jury member Griff Rhys Jones said of the documentary: ‘This year the fashion category contained many icons of the fashion world but we felt that this documentary gave us a chance to recognize and celebrate a lifetime of contributions from Diana Vreeland.” Here, here.

THE DVF STAMP OF APPROVAL

Model Natalia Vodianova was one of five women to win Diane Von Furstenberg’s Inspiration Award on Monday, presented by none other than New York’s Grand Dame herself. In its fourth year, the event was created to acknowledge women who had shown “leadership, strength and courage in their respective fields.”

Shop Diane von Furstenberg dresses now on Cocosa.

ON THE SUBJECT OF STRONG LEADERSHIP….

Whatever your thoughts on her controversial policies, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who died on Monday, certainly mesmerized us all. A grocer’s daughter and Britain’s longest serving 20^thCentury Prime Minister, she was never short on punchy sound bites or, shall we call them, ‘Thatcher-isms.’ Uncompromising, patriotic, passionate and a ‘force of nature,’ as her more subdued successor John Major once described her, here was one of our favourites: ‘To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say. You turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning.’

Whatever your views on her political legacy, Margaret Thatcher was the original premier of power dressing. Her signature style mirrored her political leadership; firm, authoritative and resolute. Empower your wardrobe and take your cue from her iconic, well-heeled style with our top picks.

Get your fix of classic style inspired by Baroness Thatcher courtesy of Jason Wu’s demure tweed dress

Tweed Short Sleeve Dress

The Iron Lady’s colour palette wasn’t always pared back, pack a style punch in bright pink from Goat

Short sleeve shift dress fuchsia

Buckle your shoes and channel Lady Thatcher’s style circa 1984 with this season’s big shoe trend, the mid-heel

Gambattista Valli satin mid-heels with crystals

When it comes to hairdryers, I’ve always been a believer in investing in the best if you want to forego years of frazzled hair that would make Rapunzel weep into her golden locks. And Collexia beats its competitors by a country mile. Really.

Want to know why? It’s not just the fact that it dries your hair in half the time thanks to a dual fan system, which is of course not a positive to be sniffed at. No, no, this little miracle worker does so much more than that.

I’m going to put it out there; I’ve never been shy of a blow dry, in fact I’m addicted to them. There is nothing that makes me feel instantly brighter and more ready to grasp the day than a beautiful bouncy blow-out – quite literally flattery in hair form. But here a catch-22 situation rears its pernicious head. As hair goes, mine falls into the category of normal/erring onto the parched side. So really a hair dryer, with its drying and damaging effects, shouldn’t be my friend. The more I dry my hair the more it teeters towards the parched/desertland realm of no return. Which is where Collexia comes in. Unlike your average dryer, this quasi-magical product hydrates and nourishes with every blow thanks to its patented nozzle infused with protein and vitamin-rich capsules. After one use my hair literally radiated shine from the inside out and three weeks on my locks have a healthy vitality and bounce that even Sam McKnight would be proud of. Collexia I salute you.

Shop Collexia Hydrating Capsules

Was £40 now £26

Shop Collexia Hairdryer

Was £135 now £94

A decent blow-dry is the key to taking your look from fine to fabulous.  The dreaded self blow-dry has long been a nemesis of mine. I have long hair, little patience and easily tired arms, meaning washing and towel drying is usually as good as it gets. Before when I (vainly) thought my hair could take care of itself, the reality was it often looked dry ended and was prone to snapping and breaking. Could I be swayed by Collexia’s performance promises and become a fully fledged high maintenance hair girl?

The Collexia Professional Hairdryer, and the accompanying special hair program protein pods, promise super-fast drying with quality precision performance and results. And I can honestly say that blow drying has never been simpler. What used to take me 30-45 minutes I can now achieve in 15-20 for soft, silky lightweight hair. The hair treatment capsules comes in 3 different types, which you put into the hairdryer nozzle to infuse across your hair as you dry.

I have used the Beauty capsules for the last 3 weeks and the effect is far more smooth and shiny hair with minimum effort. It is safe to say that my hair definitely needed a helping hand to achieve the healthy sheen I assumed it already exuded. The over all result? My hair feels deeply nourished after blow drying and utterly lightweight throughout the day. Even without using the beauty treatment program the fast-action drying time is a total god send for my morning routine and leaves my hair smiling. I am definitely converted.

Shop our exclusive sale of Collexia products here