First look: Rafael Nadal for Armani AW11

If there’s one thing guaranteed to brighten up a bunch of girls on a gloomy British morning, a half-naked man is probably a good place to start. And so it goes that Armani has just unveiled images of Rafael Nadal starring in the new Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans AW11 campaign.

Shot by Steven Klein in Mallorca, the new ads see the defending US Open champion casually slumped against industrial steel in his luxury undies and looking slightly sheepish as he pulls his un-done designer denims up around his waist.

And in typical Armani style, they’re black and white, slightly grainy and suitably gorgeous.

The sports star unveiled the images yesterday at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City to an excited crowd of (mostly) girls, anxiously queuing up to have their photo taken with the tennis hunk.

The ads will role out worldwide in September – in the meantime, you can watch the video of Nadal revealing the ads here.

MTV VMAs 2011: best and worst dressed

In case you hadn’t noticed, MTV had a little awards party on Sunday.

Yes, the 2011 VMAs took place over the weekend, and though it’s unlikely anyone can trump Beyonce’s baby news with something more exciting, we’re still having fun casting our eagle eye over the sartorial hits and misses today.

And whether it’s Beyonce clutching her baby bump in glowing orange Lanvin, Katy Perry coming as a cake (again) or Lady Gaga dressing as a man, there’s quite the assortment.

From the floor-sweeping gowns that graced the red carpet with aplomb to the what-were-you-thinking disasters that filled us with dread, take a look at our pick of the best and worst dressed from Sunday night’s ceremony (and yes, this does come with a warning).

Best

Beyonce in Lanvin

Selena Gomez in Julien Macdonald

Kelly Rowland in Falguni & Shane

Zoe Saldana in Barbara Bui

Adele in Barbara Tfank

Worst

Nicki Minaj in Gareth Pugh

Lady Gaga in Dior Homme

Katy Perry in Atelier Versace

Kim Kardashian in KaufmanFranco

Britney Spears in Moschino

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Lulu Kennedy: fashion's fairy godmother

Suddenly, Britain's young designers seem to have the world's most important women wearing their creations. One day Michelle Obama dons a sleek Jonathan Saunders dress to host a White House dinner, while another day Samantha Cameron is snapped in an art deco-inspired Holly Fulton necklace. When the Duchess of Cambridge took her first steps on American soil this summer she was wearing an elegant, draped lilac shift dress by Roksanda Ilincic.

These designers are now among Britain's leading fashion lights, firmly stamping London's design credentials on the international map. But such stylish fairytales don't happen of their own accord. In fact, without the guiding hand of one woman, Lulu Kennedy, these designers might still be struggling to be noticed.

My Stylish Life: Reem Acra

Fashion designer Reem Acra has made a name for herself as the creator of glamorous and luxurious dresses and accessories. She has become famous for her exquisite bridalwear collection and her ready-to-wear and couture designs are often seen on the likes of Angelina Jolie and Eva Longoria. We caught up with Acra to find out more about her style inspiration. See her answers below. 

Who is your style icon and why?
I am always influenced by my mother's impeccable style and high taste level. From a young age we would spend Saturdays together in the souks of Beirut where she would teach me how to select fabrics for my wardrobe. She was a great teacher and I have never forgotten her lessons.

What's the one piece of clothing that every women needs in her wardrobe?
The one essential piece to build any wardrobe around is the perfect pair of black leggings. If they are the right material and weight they can be worn for day or evening; travelling or at home. There is nothing that a good black legging can't do. For me they are the most essential piece of my wardrobe. I like to be comfortable especially during the busy work week and you know us designers - we have to always look stylish even when we are draping!

Which other designers do you most admire and why?
I had the opportunity this summer to slip out of my studio and see two amazing retrospectives. Yves Saint Laurent's in Paris and the Alexander McQueen show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. These men were both creative geniuses and the exhibitions were both fascinating for me to see. I am also a big fan of Alber Elbaz – you can tell by his work how brilliant he is.

Describe the best outfit you have ever worn.
As a young girl, I would design my own wardrobe with our live – in seamstress. When I was 7 years old, I made the most wonderful navy polka dot dress that was trimmed with a red ruffle, also with white polka dots. I loved that dress and was heartbroken when I grew out of it. I felt like a real star in it and have never forgotten it.

How and where do you do your best work?
I travel a lot and luckily, I am able to work where ever I am so I have gotten used to that. With four ready to wear collections and two bridal collections to produce, I often do my best work with the pressure of a deadline.

What's the most fashionable city in the world?
Even though I live in New York, there's no doubt in my mind that the most fashionable city in the world is Paris. Everything about it – the people, the food, the atmosphere all mix together to make it très chic!

What's your best piece of fashion advice?
The most important piece of fashion advice I can give is to make sure that your clothes fit! You can look equally stunning in a dress from Topshop or a dress from Lanvin as long as it fits properly. I see so many women wearing the wrong sized clothing all over the world - it's epidemic!

Fun in the sun: Rihanna's holiday style

After headlining V Festival last weekend, Rihanna has been enjoying some fun in the sun on the Italian Riviera before she kicks off her UK tour next month.

After spending the week cruising around on a rather impressive yacht, the singer showcased her latest holiday ensemble as stepped out in Portofino yesterday.

While this backless, all-white jumpsuit probably isn't everyone's cup of tea, Rihanna looked fab in the leg-lengthening outfit. Paired with platform wedges and a matching tote, she got her summer look just right.

How do you rate her style? Let us know in a comment and take a look at more pics of the star enjoying her holiday below.