Before starting a new diet plan or spending money on a new weight-loss product, it’s important to first define your goal. What exactly do you consider your ideal weight to be? Are you looking to reduce your weight to Y pounds, lower your body fat to X percentage, or lower your BMI to Z? Each measure of weight loss success has its advantages and disadvantages, and before you embark on a journey towards quick weight loss it’s critical to understand the differences.

Whether you’re using a weight scale at home or at the gym, the chances are good that you’ve been taught to rely on the scale as your primary measure of weight loss success. This is a misconception that has plagued dieters for decades, and if you’re seeking truly healthy weight loss it’s a good idea to forget about that dreaded scale.

European brands including Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Chanel lead in the Chinese marketplace.“Louis Vuitton and Chanel are among the first labels coming to China, and the wealthy Chinese are keen on seeing their shows.Chinese actresses including Huo Siyan, Li Xiaolu and Lin Peng were some of the most snapped celebrities during last month’s Paris shows, the recent Beijing Fashion Week’s increasing attempts to compete with the fashion capitals are slowly paying off.

International labels such as France’s Agnès b., Britain’s PPQ and Italian brands Massimo Sforza and Mazzi will present their latest designs. Plus, while the Chinese fashion elite are in the city on April 12, Gucci will present its first Chinese fashion show on The Shanghai Bund, presenting its men and women’s Fall/Winter 2012 collections.

Bridal and eveningwear designer Lan Yu (“China’s Vera Wang”) and Wang Yutao, who also presented his sports tailoring-inspired label Beautyberry in Berlin earlier this year among the most original presentations of Beijing, adding that buyers were attracted to the wearable designs by Cabbeen, Septwolves and Red Dragonfly, who presented Parisian-inspired menswear creations.

When western luxury brands and Eastern money come together, you have a great investment story. It could be a safe and stylish way to play emerging markets.

Western perfume, haute couture, jewellery and automobile brands are profiting from the growth of China and other emerging markets.

With GDP growing at nearly 9 per cent a year, the number of super-wealthy Chinese is rapidly multiplying. There were 271 dollar billionaires in China in 2010, double the number in 2009, according to the Hurun rich list, which is published by the Shanghai-based magazine Hurun Report. Only the US has more, with over 400. China also boasts more than one million dollar millionaires.

Darjeeling: A Fashion Event.

Darjeeling Tea, with a flavour so unique it cannot be replicated, has earned a reputation as the world’s finest and most exclusive tea. It is fitting that the Darjeeling Fashion event, which took place last Saturday evening at Taloola Café, featured equally striking and unique fashions in an up-close, intimate viewing with a tea party theme.

The Taloola Café graciously hosted the event that featured four talented local designers and their creations. This charming, cozy venue allowed guests to sip a hot beverage while enjoying the show, and provided an appropriate backdrop for the array of eclectic, feminine styles. Runway models showcased fashions by Dilly Daisy, hats by The Guilded Lily, handbags by That’s Sew Sarah, and jewelry by Chris Ford. In addition, local talent Sandra Li Li and Juliana Schewe entertained spectators with a captivating performance of vaudeville-inspired belly dance during the break between the two showings of the designers’ work.

The collections brought together bright spring and summer materials with a ladylike sophistication. The vintage inspired designs of Dilly Daisy consisted of retro dresses and skirts with pretty, flattering silhouettes and bright, fun patterns. Hats by The Guilded Lily were remarkably inventive and harnessed old-fashioned, timeless style. These retro pieces can add classical elegance to any modern day woman’s wardrobe. Sarah’s handbags, ranging from clutches to oversized purses in pastels and plaids, are functional and eye-catching. And the large, brightly beaded necklaces, each with a truly exceptional creative design had a beautiful presence on the runway. All are must see items.

Those wishing to add a truly original, custom made design to their wardrobe can visit the Back Room Gallery on Wyandotte Street East, where the designs of each artist can be found for purchase. The gallery also offers a wide variety of creative workshops, including tutorials in different styles of painting, pottery, and sewing classes.

Video games and fashion collide as the stars from Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIII-2 will grace the cover of Arena Homme+’s April magazine issue donning Prada clothing.

Square Enix, creators of the Final Fantasy XIII-2 game, collaborated with leading fashion brand Prada and Arena Homme+ fashion magazine to feature its main characters Noel, Hope, Snow, Sazh, and Lighting.  All five models adorned Prada’s 2012 spring and summer menswear line.

“Our Spring issue focuses on a world of direction and escapism, and having a visually stunning videogame franchise such as ‘Final Fantasy’ work alongside us and a leading fashion brand like Prada to create something so unique is incredible,” said Max Pearmain, Arena Homme+’s editor.

“I’ve always been interested by the power of videogames and their place in society, and the amount of work that’s gone into this project blows my mind. We’re incredibly pleased with the result,” he added.

The images reveal live models with digital rendered faces of the Final Fantasy characters blending realistically into the photo.  Square Enix sought for a creative way to celebrate the Final Fantasy franchise’s 25th year anniversary and found an innovative solution.

“The Final Fantasy series is known for its creativity and innovation; so working with Prada, a renowned fashion house with such beautiful clothing, was a very exciting opportunity. The images we have been able to create together are vibrant and unique,” said Yoshinori Kitase, producer for Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Video Games and fashion are becoming a common sight among clothing, shoes, and accessories.  Brands such as Adida and Brass Monki have dedicated exclusive lines of sneakers devoted to video game charaters.  Recent successful games such as Minecraft and Angry Birds are also diving into merchandising for additional profits.  Minecraft garnered an additonal $1 million on top of their downloaded game sales.

Fans can see the entire Final Fantasy 12 page spread collection in Arena Homme+’s next issue, which will be on sale next week. In the meantime, check out a sample of FF XIII-2 characters in Prada wear along with other fun video game fashion items from Adidas, Brass Monki, and more.

There are four odds-on favourites to qualify, but neither Bedford nor Cornish Pirates from Pool B have applied to be audited for the Premiership so they will not be promoted if they win the Championship.

In Pool A, Bristol and London Welsh have applied, and Bristol are thought to have satisfied the key criterion – often referred to wrongly as “primacy of tenure” – of guaranteeing to host Premiership fixtures to the league’s requirements.

As for London Welsh, they are exploring a plan to develop part of the Old Deer Park (not their ground of that name but the wider area also occupied by London Scottish and Richmond) even though its status as Crown land has always gone against them. In the meantime, the Welsh have nominated two stadiums nearby as home Premiership venues, with a third further afield as back-up.

The Premiership’s bottom club, Newcastle, have set themselves a budget of £3 million to compete next season and would surely challenge any weakness of Bristol and London Welsh in meeting the criteria. The incoming Newcastle director of rugby, Dean Richards, has positive memories of a season in the second division with Harlequins, but the Falcons would not try it unless they really had to.

Newcastle may yet overhaul Wasps, who are eight points above them in the Premiership, with three matches remaining including their meeting on the final day in High Wycombe. It is only five years since Wasps won the Heineken Cup, and four since they were Premiership champions. The latter coincided with the retirement in May 2008 of Lawrence Dallaglio, and later that year Steve Hayes became Wasps’ owner.

Hayes, who is on bail after he was arrested in February for alleged computer hacking, and is selling the club, said at the time of his takeover in December 2008: “London Wasps is undeniably one of the most successful clubs in Europe on the pitch and I have a very clear vision which will incorporate and align all facets of the club to this level of success… We also want to keep and attract the best players, we are clearly England’s international side with us having so many international players here.”

As it has turned out, the number of internationals who have retired or left the club since then has been instrumental in Wasps’ decline. This lot would have been a formidable squad in any division: Dallaglio, Josh Lewsey, Fraser Waters, Tom Voyce, Paul Sackey, Tom Palmer, James Haskell, Danny Cipriani, Mark van Gisbergen, Dave Walder, Simon Shaw, Joe Worsley, Phil Vickery, Jason Hobson, Tom Rees, Steve Thompson (all England), Eoin Reddan, Jeremy Staunton (both Ireland), Mark Robinson (New Zealand), Raphael Ibanez, Serge Betsen (both France), Dan Leo, David Lemi (both Samoa) and Andy Powell (Wales). England’s Rob Webber, who is joining Bath, and Riki Flutey, heading for Japan, are leaving this summer. Palmer and Haskell have re-signed.

Good scents among old farts

Gabby Logan’s TV documentary Sexism in Football? prompted Ruck and Maul to look at English rugby for parallels. Among the 63 members of the RFU Council once described as “old farts” by Will Carling, the first and only female member, Deb Griffin, joined in 2010. And the Union gained their first woman board member, Sophie Goldschmidt, as chief commercial officer last July.

Giselle Mather, the Teddington RFC and London Irish apprentices coach who is the only female in England qualified to Level Four – and completed Level Three with her six-week-old daughter in a papoose, told Total Rugby this week: “My gender has nothing to do with it. I want to be seen as a great coach, not a great female coach.”

The venerable news source ran a dramatically-titled story in yesterday’s paper about the costumes in The Hunger Games and managed to round up quite the array of experts to weigh in. Alas, none of them were particularly impressed.

Ah, yes, that elusive “evil Thierry Mugler place”. We’re pretty sure it’s just a few miles past Gareth Pugh Gardens if you take a left on Rick Owens Road. But we guess The Hunger Games’ wardrobe department was too proud to ask for directions.

The article also cites the numerous comparisons to Blade Runner that the film has garnered, but finds that “judging by reactions from the fashion set, ‘The Hunger Games’ won’t have the same stylistic influence.” Indeed, celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger calls the clothing ”‘clownish,’ like things you would see at a ‘costume party in Venice.”It’s not a ‘Blade Runner’ moment,’ Ms. Hershberger said.”

Ugh, you’re so right Sally. Those Venetian costume balls are the worst.

But that’s not all!

Marc Jacobs‘s ex-bf Lorenzo Martone tosses in his two cents: “All this effort, and this is what the future looks like?” We can only imagine he was wearing his costume from Heidi Klum’s 2010 Halloween party during the interview in the spirit of Good Friday.

Rounding out the panel of critics is public relations superstar Paul Wilmot, who sums up the general opinion of the fashion set with pith, eloquence, and cogency.

Louis Vuitton and Chanel are among the first labels coming to China

While Chinese actresses including Huo Siyan, Li Xiaolu and Lin Peng were some of the most snapped celebrities during last month’s Paris shows, the recent Beijing Fashion Week’s increasing attempts to compete with the fashion capitals are slowly paying off — with more A-list stars, extravagant runway shows and exciting homegrown design talent preceding what is expected to be a star-studded Shanghai Fashion Week.

From classic red-carpet ready gowns at Eternal Color Xie Ping to S&M-themed get-up at She Guang Hu, China Fashion Week in Beijing showcased the country’s emerging design talent from March 25 to April 1, with the likes of Guangzhou-based menswear creator Cabbeen taking the lead from the international fashion capitals and pulling out all the stops on runway décor.

While it may not yet compete with the extravagance of the spectacular steam train that hosted the Fall/Winter 2012 Louis Vuitton show in Paris, models at Cabbeen’s presentation strutted down a shimmering white mountain-like runway that wouldn’t have looked out of place at Paris or Milan.

“The biggest change is China’s fashion designers are getting good at holding fabulous shows. Compared to 15 years ago, China’s fashion designers are more aware of the importance of the runway decor, details, and models. Cabbeen spends a large amount of money on runway decor. Some of the projects and high-tech equipment on the runway can catch up with those from A-list fashion labels in the world,” China Daily fashion writer and regular Beijing Fashion Week attendee Darren Gan told Relaxnews.

International labels such as France’s Agnès b., Britain’s PPQ and Italian brands Massimo Sforza and Mazzi will also present their latest designs. Plus, while the Chinese fashion elite are in the city on April 12, Gucci will present its first Chinese fashion show on The Shanghai Bund, presenting its men and women’s Fall/Winter 2012 collections.

But as European brands including Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Chanel lead in the Chinese marketplace, the French capital still remains the only unmissable fashion week, more so than Milan or New York.

“Louis Vuitton and Chanel are among the first labels coming to China, and fashionistas are keen on seeing their shows, so Paris Fashion Week is much more popular compared to the other three international fashion weeks,” added Gan.

That said the fashion writer cited bridal and eveningwear designer Lan Yu (“China’s Vera Wang”) and Wang Yutao, who also presented his sports tailoring-inspired label Beautyberry in Berlin earlier this year among the most original presentations of Beijing, adding that buyers were attracted to the wearable designs by Cabbeen, Septwolves and Red Dragonfly, who presented Parisian-inspired menswear creations.

San Francisco, CA (Hollywood Today/RushPRnews) April 6, 2012 – Late last year three prominent style bloggers with a passion for films, fashion and technology came together and promised themselves to launch in San Francisco a film festival that would honor style, fashion and design.

With the savvy use of technology, social media and Kickstarter, the friends reached their goal and are  bringing to San Francisco on April 7 and 8 the Fashion Film Festival .

The Festival promises to honor style, design and fashion in its best cinematic form.

Adelle McElveen (Fashionista Lab), Kimara Mitchell Stokes (J’adore Couture) and Annie Wilson (Poetic and Chic) are bringing together the worlds of design, style, costume and cinema. The festival will not only screen well known feature films, classics, shorts and documentaries but films from independent filmmakers, who usually only enjoy a limited audience.

Showcased at the Roxie Theatre, the oldest operating cinema in San Francisco, a selection of films picked straight from your old favorites collection as well as rarely shown films.

All films were handpicked by our three bloggers and are therefore very personal choices. As a result, some movies are inevitably missing from the program.

Two such flagrant omissions are “Bonnie and Clyde” starring a Faye Dunaway dangerously sporting a beret  and “Pulp Fiction”. But others such as the documentaries “God Save My Shoes” directed by Julie Benasra and ‘Miss Representation” are a most welcome addition and worthy of discovery.

To particular interest to all cinephiles are the Fashion Shorts, a selection of short films from all over the world.

But without some creative thinking and technological innovation, this Festival would not exist.  As with a lot of art projects, financing was a major issue. At the recommendation of Adelle, who had once held a job at Facebook and is technology savvy, a Kickstarter campaign was launched early November.

“We raised over $6000$ with the help of social media. Using twitter and Facebook, we directed our supporters to Kickstarter. And we did it in less than a month.” said Kimara.

San Francisco Fashion Film Festival: April 7 and 8, Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., S.F. Festival pass, $75; individual film screenings, $10-$15.

April Spice 2012 is the gorgeous Fatima L who is an aspiring model and actress with a huge passion for dance. She believes dancing is a strong way of communicate emotions, feeling free and weightless. Adoring what she does, she feels working hard is the best way to achieve her goals and being second best is just not good enough! She lives by the mantra of exercising body and mind to keep her healthy and ready to face the world!

Through life she’s experienced that friendship is as valuable as a diamond, friends never let you feel lonely or sad, they pick you up when you occasionally fall, they make smile… they are family! As for ‘true love’ she says only happens once in a life time and it sweeps you off your feet when you least expect it.

For April Spice 2012, we present Fatima in a sexy and lush fusion of selective lingerie and ethnic wear by Allesely Hotel Boutique.

Funky Jewells
Funky Jewells started in 2009 with jewellery designer and creator Jesika Parmar being inspired by her mother who works with crystals. Interest in crystal jewellery and subsequent training helped her develop her brand and her wonderful products for market – which today are very much in demand.

The name comes from the ‘funky’ designs produced by Jesika, and as a person who likes to dress and stand out from the crowd, she is inspired to use all types of materials, from safety pins to shoulder pads when designing her beautiful range of jewellery. The range has expanded to headwear and masks too, and customers looking for customised and one-off pieces are welcomed.

Funky Jewells can add that personal touch to your jewellery, by giving that unique look to your outfit. Stand out from the crowd with FUNKY JEWELLS!

Bollywood films are usually musicals. Very few movies are made without including at least one song and dance sequence. Bollywood actresses, in particular, have caused quite a stir and continued controversy over the years performing these demanding and sometimes risqué, sequences.

From the hip thrusting Helen of the 60’s and 70’s to the scintillating Sridevi of the 80’s. The majestic Madhuri of the 90’s, to the Alluring Aishwarya, captivating Katrina and mesmerising ‘Malaika’ of today to name just a few.

World class performances would not be same, without world class choreographers such as Saroj Khan, Farah khan, and Ganesh Acharya working with these ladies.

Farah Khan is another phenomenal lady with over 96 films to her name including recent action hit ‘Blue’ where she choreographed Kylie Minogue in the song ‘Chiggy Wiggy’.

Ganesh Acharya choreographed five big films in 2006 including Phir Hera Pheri and Lage Raho Munnabhai. He started his own dance group at a very young age (12) and became a choreographer at 19, with his first film at 12: Anaam (1992).

With her seductive moves Helen incorporating the then trendy western dance moves such as ‘The Bump’, ‘The Twist’ and ‘The Boogaloo’ into Bollywood dance sequences. Her popular performances include ‘O Haseena Zulfowali’ from Teesri Manzil (1966, and Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Diwana from Don (1978) with the most famous being ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba from Sholay (1975).

Madhuri was catapulted into stardom, literally overnight, from her dance sequence in Tezaab called ‘Ek, Do, Teen’ which was choreographed by Saroj Khan.

Madhuri has performed many memorable dance sequences including the controversial ‘Choli ke Peeche’ from Khalnayak (1993), but most recently in the film Ajaa Nachle (2007) in the title song of that name, showing she ‘still has it!’ Madhuri is unsurprisingly considered an ‘icon of dance’ amongst her fans.

In recent years she is notably remembered for her performances as an actress and dancer in Devdas (2002), and her ‘Item numbers’ ‘Ishq Kamina’ in Shakti (2002) and ‘Kajra Re’ in Bunty Aur Babli (2005) as well as the remake of the famous Umrao Jaan (2006).

The hit song ‘Chikni Chameli’ is based upon the Marathi hit ‘Kombadi Palali’ including the dance sequence and costume. According to Atul Gogavale, ‘Katrina spent eight days in rehearsal before starting to shoot the song. It took nine days to finish the shoot, and her energy levels never saw a dip’. Her sizzling ‘latkas’ and ‘chatkas’ have everybody hypnotized, leaving them eagerly anticipating more.

Here is a taster of actresses and dancers who have appeared in ‘Item Numbers’ for Bollywood films:

Item Numbers Trend
The song ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ from Dabangg (2010) set the benchmark for ‘Item Number’ songs to follow.

Kareena Kapoor is another lady whose catchy ‘Item’ song ‘Dil Mera Muft Ka’ from ‘Agent Vinod’(March 2012) is causing a lot of commotion. This song is slightly different to other recent songs as it is done in the traditional Mujra style which is a dance originated by Tawaifs (courtesans) incorporating both classical and provocative movements. Kareena has been praised for executing the dance/expressions well. She is currently participating in two ‘Item’ songs in the forth coming film called ‘Heroine’ (April 2012) which she stars in.

Sherawat has since been in songs ‘Razia’ from the film ‘Thank you’ and ‘Shalu Ke Thumki’ film ‘Bin Bulaye Baraati’, both released 2011. She is also featured as an ‘Item Girl’ in the song ‘Laila’ in the film ‘Tezz’ (2012).

In the modern era, more and more often, an ‘Item Number’ is used to promote the film to attract audiences during the trailers- these are usually actresses that are not in the actual film except for the song they perform in.

Nowadays, high profile actresses participate in this trend, simply as guest dancers. These include Veena Malik’s who’s debut ‘Item Number’ ‘Chhanno’ in ‘Gali Gali Chor Hain,’ Bipasha Basu in the film ‘Jodi Breaker’ with song ‘Bipasha- Pyar Ki Bhasha,’ Vidya Balan in the song ‘Ferrari Ki Sewaari’ from the film of the same name, Chitrangda Singh in the song ‘Firana’ from the film ‘Joker’ and Riya Sen in the film ‘Zindagi 50-50’.

So, who are your favourites? The voluptuous vixens of the past or the salacious beauties of today?

SFM is more than a company; it’s about fashion trends and entertainment creating opportunities with in the international fashion and media industry. This new company helps and supports established and up and coming fashion designers national and internationally as a platform and provides them with media coverage they need. As well as fashion designers, SFM are heavily into promoting new fresh faced models from all over the world to the industry.

SFM’S main focus and ethos is on providing the right attitude for model nutrition. Many Modelling Agencies do not provide a healthy image for women. To look stick thin is the image that is being portrayed by the majority. But SFM’s mission has a strong message to combat this stereotypical view of models. Owner, Pily Mirazi talking about their aims said: “As well as providing the many services within this industry such as PR, events management, fashion shows, casting for TV, but to be market and industry leaders in not just looking good on the outside but looking and feeling healthy inside and out.”

Nomy Khan, business partner of Pily of SFM, is a training actor and established model in the mainstream market. Nomy started modelling in June 2011. As well as doing the Asian Bridal shows nationwide, Nomy has succeeded in the western market appearing in many TV commercials and films.

Nomy Khan’s experience of modelling positions him well for this business partnership. He has done modelling shoots for major brands including Levi’s, Ford Fiesta, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Emirates, La Coste Campaign, Vivienne Westwood, Nikon, Nokia, T-mobile and many more.

Fashion designer Shakeel Rabbaney, known for his many collections including the incredible SIM card dress design was present at this amazing event.

Performances by David Jordan, Luc Floreani, Sara Bleta and Karl Brown, which had the crowd on their feet dancing. Melanie Jackson and Laura Moore up and coming designers showcased their new funky collection which was reflected by the models, graced the catwalk with great elegance and attitude. Julian Bennett channel fives fashion guru, hosted the night and kept the crowd entertained in between the catwalks and performers.

Harriandnie achievements are many to be mentioned. They include, Face of FACEON magazine and was at the launch by OK! Magazine; official FACE of Sugahut Brentwood, Pia Michi Couture, ‘FACE’ and ‘LEGS’ of international company UK Tights!

Harriandnie is also ‘the face and patron’ of Detect & Protect Breast Care Awareness. Her hard work of living a healthy and balanced lifestyle in food, exercise and her hectic business schedule is something EVERY woman should take from. With daily hectic lifestyles in today’s day and age of balancing home and work, to eat healthy and exercise can help one feeling happy and full of life to tackle everyday tasks.

This business marriage between Pily and Nomy and with their backgrounds, aims to lead to a fruitful business, as both have gained the experience of being on the ground and building upon this. A strong foundation such as this will help them move fast in the industry. Especially as their unique selling point is to promote healthy eating, nutrition and exercise. This will not just help filter through to the fashion industry but also to everyday women that being healthy is important and not to be stick thin.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has team up with Fashion Pakistan to present the ‘Etihad Airways Most Inspiring Designer’ award at the 3rd Fashion Pakistan Week from April 7-10, 2012. The award will be presented to the most outstanding designer among those who present their creations based on audience votes from all the four days of the event. This is the first time Etihad Airways has joined forces with Fashion Pakistan in a dynamic and constructive program recognising the strengths of Pakistani designers. staff report