Archive for July 15th, 2009
SUPERMODEL Elle Macpherson’s new shop has helped Cheshire Oaks beat the recession.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has continued to defy the consumer downturn with second quarter sales up on last year.
Despite UK retail sales falling 0.8% in May 2009 and non-food down by -2.4% from March – May 2009 sales at the outlet’s 140 stores were up by 8.6 compared with the same period last year.
Jewellery at the centre has been popular with shoppers with a sales increase of 68% and designer collections have also seen a rise of 47%.
Colin Wilding, managing director of Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, said: “The economic climate has encouraged people to make their money go a lot further but instead of sacrificing quality for price, Chester shoppers want both and are opting for out of town designer outlets to pick up top brand names at discount.
“With our average footfall figures increasing by 5.9% over the last three months, the discounts of up to 60% available appears to be attracting more shoppers.
“We have designer fashion brands including Ted Baker, Elle Macpherson Intimates and Nicole Farhi alongside high street favourites such as All Saints, Warehouse and Henleys.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has 140 stores with top brand names including Karen Millen, Toshiba and Oasis.
source: ellesmereportpioneer.co.uk
July 15th, 2009
The supermodel will ditch the catwalk for the kitchen when she takes an “emotional look” at food.
The 31-year-old, whose granddad was Roald Dahl, will cook up her own recipes and reminisce over her food memories.
Sophie Dahl, who is dating jazz star Jamie Cullum, said: “For me, food is more than just fuel; it’s a joy and an adventure.
“Cooking often serves as an emotional barometer, and with this show we will run the gamut – from a solo dinner that suits melancholy, to a homecoming feast for 20; it’s cooking with an anecdotal thread, irreverent, unpredictable and not without flaw.”
Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC Two, added: “We are delighted to be bringing Sophie’s culinary talents to the channel.
“Not only are her recipes fantastic, she’s honest, funny and warm.
“And she’ll be in great company alongside our other homecooking heroines, Delia and Nigella.”
Sophie, who began her modelling career as a voluptuous size 16, will film the six-episode series later this year before it airs in 2010.
Zoe Collins, head of Fresh One Productions, added: “Sophie really is a terrific cook and with her relaxed and refreshing style is a great new talent in the world of television food programming. We are excited to be working with her.”
source: thesun.co.uk
July 15th, 2009
Britain’s favourite supermodel joins Simon Cowell and Sir Philip Green in their entertainment super-business
Britain’s superpowers have joined forces – and we’re not talking politics. A new venture between Sir Philip Green and Simon Cowell, tipped to be called Greenwell Entertainment, has just recruited their third team member; Kate Moss. She will be directing the style and image of the super company, expected to rival entertainment giants Disney.
A source close to the supermodel said that Kate Moss has been signed “as a style setter for the fashion end of the business. She will bring her expertise to the table, advising on all branding and style for clothes, hair and accessories”.
Moss’s boyfriend, Jamie Hince, may also have a finger in the super pie. It is rumoured that he has been brought on board to have a hand on the music side of the business.
Kate has been friendly with fellow Croydoner Sir Philip since the duo paired up to launch her designing career in 2007 for Topshop, which has seen her design nine collections to date. Since then, Moss and Sir Philip have become close pals and are often seen dining together and flying off on holiday in his private jet. She even calls him “Uncle Phil”!
The business will straddle showbiz and fashion, incorporating Green’s Arcadia Empire along with Cowell’s TV shows, The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. Kate is reportedly set to double her fashion fortune to over ?100 million… That Croydon lass is not just a pretty face!
source: instyle.co.uk
July 15th, 2009
