Eat your heart out Victoria Beckham! Presenting the eight-inch pair of Louboutins...

By Sadie Whitelocks


High feat: Christian Louboutin has designed a pair of eight-inch stilettos for a silent charity auction which closes at 10.30pm tonight to help raise funds for the English National Ballet


You can't turn the page of a magazine without seeing the likes of Victoria Beckham or Coleen Rooney teetering around in a pair of sky-high Christian Louboutins.

But now the 47-year-old, French shoe designer has taken height to the next level producing a pair of eight-inch, red-soled stilettos.

Based on the ballet shoe, the towering silk and Swarovski-encrusted heels are being auctioned off along with a number of other fashion wares to raise funds for the English National Ballet (ENB).


These are one of a number of unique lot items which have been specifically created by some of the leading names in fashion.

Designers including Erdem, Giles Deacon, Moschino, Roksanda Ilincic and Julien Macdonald have donated ballet-inspired pieces, modelled by professional dancers.

The current sale - which is hoped to raise over £50,000 for the ENB - comes following the Arts Council's decision to cut its grant by around £2 million.

Louboutin said: 'I could not help being inspired by English National Ballet... after all... isn’t the classical dancing ballet slipper the ultimate heel?

'The heel which makes dancers closer than any other women to the sky, closer to heaven!'

Test run: A dancer tries on the latest pair of stilettos from Christian Louboutin, which are based on the ballet pointe shoe


Without raising necessary funds the world famous ballet company will be forced to cutback performances and touring.

The Summer Party Silent Auction opened last Thursday and will close at 10.30pm tonight.

Roksanda Ilincic added: 'It was a challenge to develop an individual slant on a piece that’s so famous for looking a certain way but a challenge is always inspiring.

Inspiration: A dancer showcasing one of the lot items designed by Erdem who has used ballet as a theme for his current fashion collections


Centre stage: Giles Deacon's tutu is based on the character of the Black Swan in Swan Lake


'Also, I think every girl has her fantasy ballet tutu in mind so to have the opportunity to create has been magical.'

Founded in 1950 by Dame Alicia Markova and Sir Anton Dolin, the English National Ballet employs 65 dancers and a symphony orchestra.

There has traditionally been collaboration between ballet and fashion dating back to Coco Chanel and dance director Sergei Diaghilev in the 1920s.



source:dailymail

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Lightening up, Cheryl, the X-brunette: Cole goes for more fun as a blonde

By Sara Nathan


New look: Cheryl Cole shows her colours as she visits the US Embassy in London


Like an X Factor reject, that big blousy brunette look was never going to last the distance. So Cheryl Cole has cut her losses and gone sleek. And blonder.

The singer showed off her new hairstyle as she emerged in public for the first time since her dreams of winning over America were left in tatters.

Miss Cole, who turns 28 today and will celebrate with a £20,000 party tomorrow night, is keen to forget the humiliation of being axed as a judge from X Factor USA after four days. A friend said she was making a fresh start – and going blonde was the first step.


The singer has sent a stylish purple and black invite to friends including her Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts and Sarah Harding, X Factor judges and record company executives.

The location has been kept secret so far, but reads: ‘You are invited to celebrate Cheryl’s birthday. Friday 1st July. 9pm til late. Venue to be advised.’

Second step is a little more time out. ‘Cheryl has had a long year, everything has really taken its toll. She’s taking some time to work out what she wants to do now. It’s a new year, a new look.’

Miss Cole arrived at the American embassy in Grosvenor Square, London yesterday to collect the U.S. work visa that would have allowed her to join Simon Cowell on the U.S. show.

She looked happy and healthy as she strode through the sunny London streets dressed in a black jacket, a £130 Stella McCartney vest top emblazoned with tulips, tight black jeans and towering black boots.

Elegant: Miss Cole yesterday and, with big hair, in the US


‘The application had already gone through from when she was doing the U.S. X Factor and it was the final date to complete it otherwise it would have to be done again,’ a source said. ‘What’s good is that now she can work in America whenever she wants – so she can still crack the States.’

When a star usually emerges with a drastic makeover it usually signals one thing – they have something to hawk.

And so, questions quickly arose when Cheryl Cole emerged from five weeks in hiding sporting a brand-new blonde bob.

Lighter shade of Cheryl. She shows off her new hair style and colour


It was the first time she had been seen since her American dreams were left in tatters after being axed from the X Factor USA last month.

Considering the last time she made such a drastic change was when she dyed her hair bright red last October as part of her deal with French beauty brand, L’Oreal, it was a question worth asking.

What new project was she attempting to promote, did she have a new album - and what point was she attempting to make?

Stepping out: Cheryl Cole calls in at the Us Embassy to collect her visa


But surprisingly, a close friend told the Daily Mail that Mrs Cole had chopped off her long brunette mane – always supplemented by expensive extensions – to make a fresh start in her life.

And this will entail the petite star taking a small break from showbiz, as the friend said: ‘Cheryl has had a long year, everything has really taken its toll.

She’s taking some time to work out what she wants to do now.

‘She’s not retiring or giving up showbusiness, she just wants a short break.’

Judge for yourself: X factor judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh


The source added: ‘Cheryl is on fine form – she had a very rocky few weeks, but she’s just looking forward to a new year and to celebrating her birthday with her friends tomorrow night.

‘It’s a new year, a new look – she wanted a change and she wanted to feel free.’

Simon Cowell, 51, admitted he had received a message from Mrs Cole saying she felt ‘let down’ by him, adding: ‘A hundred per cent I have to take full responsibility, because I do have a lot of sway.

‘The hardest thing to accept is that everyone has painted me as a monster because I embarrassed her. But the truth was I was protecting her.

‘I apologise that all this has become public and I understand the stress she is under, and I hate that… I am sorry this has caused so much anguish and embarrassment, but I stand by what I believe was the right intention. And I would say that to her face right now.’

During her time in seclusion, it was revealed Mrs Cole had struck up a close friendship with her ex-husband, cheating Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole - and had even spent the night at their former marital home in Hurtmore, Surrey. Although, friends denied they had shared a bed.


source:dailymail

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Newsweek imagines Diana aged 50 with her admiring daughter-in-law Kate... in article that claims the Botoxed Princess would be Facebook friends with C

By AMY OLIVER

Newsweek even mocked up an image of an older Diana and her new daughter-in-law Kate for the cover


Had she lived Princess Diana would be Facebook friends with arch-nemesis Camilla Parker-Bowles, have 10million Twitter followers and an 'it's complicated' relationship status.

At least that's what Tina Brown's Newsweek thinks in a front-page lead article that imagines what the late Princess would be doing at 50.

The piece hits newsstands days before July 1, which would have been Diana's milestone birthday.

And the cover features a superimposed image of the Princess which has been digitally aged, walking next to her new daughter-in-law, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.

The picture shows Prince William's wife giving her mother-in-law, who is still trim with barely a few wrinkles, an admiring glance.

The article - entitled Diana at 50 - is written by British journalist Tina Brown, editor-in-chief of Newsweek.


Friends? Newsweek fondly imagines Diana would have buried the hatchet with Camilla Parker Bowles, seen far right at the Royal Wedding, and friended her on Facebook. It also believes the Duchess of Cambridge's mother Carole Middleton, left, would be Diana's BFF (best friends forever)


In the piece Brown also imagines Diana would be living in New York, after having married two more times.

She believes Diana would have dumped Dodi Fayed, the boyfriend who died in the August 1997 car crash that took her life.

Brown paints a flattering picture of the Princess, saying: 'Fashion-wise, Diana would have gone the J Crew and Galliano route a la Michelle Obama, always knowing how to mix the casual with the glam.


Moved on: Diana would have ditched Dodi Fayed, who died with her in the fatal 1997 crash, and be on to at least her third marriage, according to Newsweek


'There is no doubt she would have kept her chin taut with strategic Botox shots and her bare arms buff from the gym.'

Brown - who wrote the book The Diana Chronicles - says the mother-of-two would have a good relationship with ex-husband Prince Charles and be BFF (best friends forever) with Carole Middleton, William's mother-in-law.

She says: 'I believe her best male friend in later years would have been, poignantly, her reviled first husband.


Happy couple: Diana would have been an avid tweeter and would have posted 'So so so so proud' on her feed on the day of the Royal Wedding, says Newsweek


'As the financier Sir James Goldsmith once put it: "When you marry your mistress, you create a job vacancy", and Charles, having married Camilla would suddenly have found the company of his ex strangely comforting.

'Diana, with time, would no longer have found Charles's causes tiresome.

'Rather, she would have empathised and asked his advice about hers.'

Brown also suggests that Diana would have made peace with Camilla.

She says: 'After so many loves and losses, she would finally have let go of her rancour toward Camilla.


BFFs: The magazine has Diana tweeting Gwyneth Paltrow, left, to arrange exercise meet ups, and keeping up with a raft of celebrity friends on Facebook, including Anthony Weiner's pregnant wife Huma Abedin, right


Gestures: Diana would also have been 'poked' on Facebook by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, according to Newsweek's mocked up version of her profile on the social networking site


'The Duchess's galleon-size Lady Bracknell hat at William's wedding would have offered satisfaction enough.'

While she would have liked her new daughter-in-law, Brown suggests that Diana would initially have felt threatened by her.

She says: 'The rising public adoration of Kate would have afforded Diana some tricky moments

'Diana would have had to adjust to a broadening of the limelight.

Fun-loving mother: Diana would have found peace in her two beloved boys William and Harry, says Newsweek


...And finally: The Princess would also have kept up her passion for humanitarian causes, no doubt including her quest to highlight the effect of landmines, as seen in this 1997 picture of her in Angola


'Her edge over Kate, of course, was her own epic of princessly suffering, which would always make Diana's story more interesting.'

The Newsweek piece also features an example of what the Princess's Facebook page might look like.

The mock page shows her having 107,623 friends, which would include U2 singer Bono, Chelsea Clinton, footballer David Beckham, Harry Potter author J K Rowling and tennis champion Rafael Nadal.

The imaginary Facebook wall shows her befriending Camilla Parker Bowles, a move that Prince Charles would have approved by clicking on the 'like' tag.

There is a post supposedly from Sarah Ferguson, saying: 'Hey, Sloane Ranger! It's been so long!!! When are we getting drinks?????'

Meanwhile Princess Diana would supposedly have been rubbing shoulders with David and Victoria Beckham.

One post on the mock Facebook wall from Diana says: 'Sitting with Beckhams front-row at Burberry. Love the shoes!'

Brown also believes the Princess would have continued her charity work including raising money for victims of Hurricane Katrina, the September 11 terrorist attacks and the earthquakes in Haiti and Pakistan.

source: dailymail

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Miss Universe Canada 2011, Chelsae Durocher

Latest photos of Chelsae Durocher, newly crowned Miss Universe Canada 2011. Chelsae Durocher is a 3rd year student at the University of Windsor, studying in the Drama in Education and Community Program. She is fluent in both French and English and one day hopes to be an elementary school teacher. She loves working with children and meeting new people; and will embrace any opportunity which allows her to do so.



Latest photos of Chelsae Durocher, newly crowned Miss Universe Canada 2011. Chelsae Durocher is a 3rd year student at the University of Windsor, studying in the Drama in Education and Community Program. She is fluent in both French and English and one day hopes to be an elementary school teacher. She loves working with children and meeting new people; and will embrace any opportunity which allows her to do so.


Latest photos of Chelsae Durocher, newly crowned Miss Universe Canada 2011. Chelsae Durocher is a 3rd year student at the University of Windsor, studying in the Drama in Education and Community Program. She is fluent in both French and English and one day hopes to be an elementary school teacher. She loves working with children and meeting new people; and will embrace any opportunity which allows her to do so.


Congratulations to Chelsae Durocher, our new titleholder! She will be representing Canada at the 2011 Miss Universe pageant to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 12th.


Chelsae Durocher is a 3rd year student at the University of Windsor, studying in the Drama in Education and Community Program. She is fluent in both French and English and one day hopes to be an elementary school teacher. She loves working with children and meeting new people; and will embrace any opportunity which allows her to do so.


Durocher, who stands 1.75 m. tall, will represent her country at Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12.


Durocher, who stands 1.75 m. tall, will represent her country at Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12.



Durocher, who stands 1.75 m. tall, will represent her country at Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12.



Durocher, who stands 1.75 m. tall, will represent her country at Miss Universe 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12.


source : beautypageantnews

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Love match is still on: Pippa Middleton ends speculation of a break-up as she and boyfriend Alex Loudon arrive at Wimbledon

By ANDREA MAGRATH

Still going strong: Pippa Middleton and boyfriend Alex Loudon arrive together at Wimbledon


Speculation has been rife for weeks that Royal bridesmaid Pippa Middleton had answered the prayers of millions of fans and is back on the market.

But the Duchess of Cambridge's sister dismissed the rumours and proved that she is still with boyfriend Alex Loudon today.

The couple, who have been dating for almost a year, arrived hand-in-hand at Wimbledon, looking very much a couple.


Dressed to impress: While Pippa shone in her red dress, Alex looked smart in a pair of beige trousers, navy blazer and blue and white striped tie


Pippa looked bright and summery in a tomato red Hobbs NW3 Wyldes dress, which she teamed with tan espadrille wedges and matching Modalu bag.

Bizarrely, the 27-year-old was spotted doing some last-minute shoe shopping yesterday in the exact same dress she wore today.

And, given that Pippa's sister Kate is flying out to Canada today, Pippa was able to take centre stage at Centre Court where she watched Roger Federer play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.


On sale now: Fashion fans will be happy to know that Pippa's Hobbs NW3 dress is available to buy for £89, down from £129


Happy as ever: The couple were rumoured to have split recently after Pippa was seen in the company of a number of other men


Family day out: Pippa and Alex sat with her parents Michael and Carole watch the match


Fans of the fashionable Middleton sister will be pleased to know that, like Kate's Alice Temperley dress on Monday, Pippa's frock is now on sale for £89, down from £129.

The outfit also got the thumbs up from stars including Dannii Minogue, who tweeted: 'Whoop #WeLove Pippa Middleton's red dress @Wimbledon today. Tres chic!'
Former cricketer Alex, 30, looked smart in a blazer and tie for their day of VIP treatment at the tennis.


VIP treatment: The couple were joined by Pippa's mother Carol Middleton


What's so funny? Pippa smiles as Alex cracks a joke courtside


Pippa's mother Carole also joined the couple at Wimbledon, wearing a white summer dress with a bright pink and purple floral design.

Pippa, sporting her trademark deep tan, styled her hair in Kate's favourite loose waves.

A relative of Alex's told the Mail on Sunday earlier this month that the rumours that Pippa and Alex were on the rocks were 'completely untrue.'


Trial run: Pippa was spotted wearing the exact same dress yesterday while out shoe shopping


Smiles all round: Carole, Pippa and Alex all appeared to be in good spirits as they watched the match


Speculation over a split started when Pippa was spotted enjoying a mini-break in Madrid in May with old flame and former flatmate at Edinburgh University, George Percy.

This month Pippa attended a wedding without Alex, and was then spotted giggling with George as they watched tennis at the Queen’s Club in West London, before enjoying dinner together.

They returned to George’s London house and, after hugging each other goodnight, Pippa was seen leaving shortly after 2am.


Celebrity guests: Anna Wintour and Cliff Richard were among the other famous faces


Meeting showbiz royalty: Pippa enjoys a chat with Sir Cliff before the match begins


But a university contemporary said: ‘Pippa and George are friends, but that is all. Pippa doesn’t fancy George, she’s very into Alex.

‘Alex is the nicest chap you could meet. He’s incredibly sweet, loyal and adores Pippa, but they make a point of seeing each other very privately and don’t go to flash places.’

Other celebrities spotted at the tennis today included Vogue editor Anna Wintour, a close friend of Roger Federer, and Amanda Holden.


Summer chic: Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy was pictured arriving at the tennis in a short black and white dress


Tense match: Chelsy sipped on an iced drink as she made her way to her seat, while Andy Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears chewed her nails


source: dailymail

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Miss Switzerland 2010, Kerstin Cook

Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.





Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011. The first runner-up is Sabrina Guilloud and the second runner-up is Jennifer Hurschler, respectively.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.






Newly elected Miss Switzerland Kerstin Cook poses for media after the Miss Switzerland 2010 beauty pageant in Zurich September 25, 2010.

Kerstin Cook is the new Miss Schweiz 2010 or Miss Switzerland 2010. She was crowned last night September 25th at Theater 11 in Zürich. Kerstin Cook of Kriens is 21 year old and stands 1.80 m. She will represent Switzerland in Miss Universe 2011.







photo: Reuters
source: worldshowbiz

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