Meet Sudanese model Adut Akech, who has just been named ‘Model of the Year‘ at the glitzy British Fashion Awards 2019 – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of British fashion.  Here, the top players in the industry are recognised for their talent.

One of the most highly-anticipated awards of the night is “Model of the Year” – and this year’s line-up was also one of the most diverse. 

It’s no mean feat to be honoured with the prestigious accolade, with many household names as previous winners.

 (Obviously) Kate Moss won the first award back in 2001 and again 2006. While recent victors include Kaia Geber last year, Adwoa Aboah in 2017, Gigi Hadid in 2016, Jourdan Dunn in 2015 and 2008 and Cara Delevigne in 2014 and 2012.

Sudanese-Australian model Adut took home the 2019 crown, beating out the likes of Kaia Gerber and Winnie Harlow. 

It’s been an landmark year for the 19-year-old beauty, whose meteoric rise in the industry has seen her become of 2019’s most in-demand faces.

Adut served up pure elegance on the red carpet in a strapless emerald green velvet and taffeta dress by Pier Paolo Piccioli for Valentino, paired with crystal drop earrings and bedazzled silver rhinestone heels and a matching clutch.

Adut has had huge support from the industry, including British Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful and supermodel Naomi Campbell, who have taken the starlet under their wing.

But the model’s success hasn’t come without struggle. In an inspiring speech Adut, who moved to Australia with her family as a refugee, spoke about how rare it was for girls like her to win such a prestigious award.

 “It is important for all of us to remember that someone like me winning this award is a rarity,” she said. “This is for the young women and men who found representation and validation in my work. I want them to never be afraid of dreaming big like I once did.”

This is just the beginning for the young model, 2020 watch out!

It’s the most wonderful time of year for Star Wars fans – the latest film “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is out imminently. 

Lovers of the epic franchise will be delighted to know that a brand new product launch is looming, and it’s perfect for anyone wanting to show off their super-fan credentials. 

Can I add-in here, I’m NOT a Star Wars fan (but I did love it as a kid).

Columbia Sportswear is unveiling the new Challenger™ Jacket, Star Wars™ Force Edition, inspired by the ultimate battle between the light side and the dark side of the Force. Fans can now choose their allegiance – whether it’s the black ‘dark side’ jacket with Imperial details, or the grey ‘light side’ jacket, with features honouring the Rebel Alliance. 

These special-edition pieces will be available in-store exclusively at Columbia’s Carnaby Street store in London from 8.30 am today – 6 December. But be prepared, they’re only available while stocks last.

If you’re not up for queueing, don’t worry, anyone in fancy dress gets priority entry to the shop. So whack out your best Princess Leia buns… and a gold bikini if you’re really serious.

The anorak-style jackets have been produced in a Columbia heritage style dating back to the 1990s, and the team worked closely with Lucasfilm to incorporate features inspired by the Star Wars saga – specifically Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

The lining of each jacket matches both of the characters’ legendary light sabres, which appear in the graphics. The jackets are practical too, with Columbia’s Omni-TECH™ waterproof-breathable shell and synthetic insulation that will keep you warm and dry in all weather conditions. 

They are unisex in style, and will set you back £190 – so you need to be a serious fan.

Welcome to DECEMBER and welcome to this week’s instalment of  Amanda Zips It Up.

We carry on with the festive theme as it’s now just 26 days until Christmas day. This week I thought I’d concentrate on some sexy “starry” stocking fillers, in the form of festive undies.  Read more to find out.

I’ve also found some Xmas pants for the lads too, which is always giggle and miles better than giving or receiving socks!

Plus, I came across the return of some 90s retro footwear on the ASOS website – all on sale.

Who remembers 80s/90s rave staples Kickers and Wallabees? Well, they’re back in fashion, and ironically it’s the younger “post rave” generation who are donning them now, i.e. young teens who weren’t even born in the 90s.

These may make a nostalgic gift, if they were your thing back then. Back in the day, I had a green pair of suede Wallabees and purple Kickers. Always worn with tags, of course.

Also in this issue. we discover a cool new T-Shirt range called ‘Random Happiness’ and as we enter Xmas party season, what’s the ultimate hangover cure?

Meet Charlie Harris, who dreamt up the idea for his brand ‘Random Happiness’ about 18 months ago. Charlie wanted to create a t-shirt brand that reflected the club and festival world. One that would resonate with lovers of the music – both those new to the scene and also seasoned campaigners like Charlie.

Charlie hooked up with Ed Coward, a visionary graphic designer, who cut his teeth putting together Turnmills’ “Python-esque” Gallery poster and flyer artwork back in the day. The pair further teamed up with a bunch of talented young designers and illustrators. And so were born the captivating T-Shirt designs now available on the recently launched website www.randomhappiness.net 

As much as the originality of their designs mattered to them, Charlie and Co were also adamant that they should do some environmental good. With that in mind, Random Happiness uses only Organic Cotton garments manufactured in a factory powered by renewable energy. Garments are printed by hand in Brighton. 

Finally, when it comes to sending out customer orders, Random Happiness were determined not to use any plastic, but nevertheless needed to know the clothes would stay dry. The solution was found in the shape of special mailing bags manufactured from a fully recyclable sugar cane derivative. 

They’re super excited to be launching this brand and hope that they can spread a bit of fun and a bit of love for each other and the planet, through Random Happiness!! 

www.randomhappiness.net 

Well, perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but I do love a star print. I first developed a crush after seeing pictures of fashion queen Kate Moss in her star print Equipment shirt, leaving me hooked ever since.

It’s fair to say that stars are relevant to Christmas too – so how do we combine stocking fillers with star-craziness?

Star print lingerie – of course. I dare any girlie not to love the look of these offerings.

To all of my male readers, this gear is all in the ASOS sale, so get online today and choose from one of these starry numbers. Remember to wrap them in some starry xmas wrapping paper and don’t worry, these are all easy on the wallet.  PLUS, you’ll have stars in your eyes when you see her stripped down to them over the festive spell.

Girls, whether you’re buying for your partner, Dad, Brother or GBF, you can’t go wrong with a tongue in cheek pair of pants. We need to banish the idea that socks are an acceptable Christmas present. Designer pants are far more impressive and ASOS have an excellent selection – all in the Black Friday sale today.

Some guys may have more belly over-hang than others, but it’s the thought that counts.

All at ASOS.com

PEAR OF THE DOG

It’s Xmas party time and if you’re anything like me, the older I get, the more that hangovers knock me for six. My other half endeavours to pour a pint of water down my throat with Alka-Seltzer, which usually works. However, possibly the most effective hangover cure yethas been identified by scientists — from pear juice, coconut water and lime, drunk together as a cocktail.

Scientists have discovered that the combination is likely to help the body cleanse itself of booze faster than any other remedy.

A fruit cocktail could be the answer to curing your hangover

And guzzling it with a side of cheese, cucumber and tomatoes may ease headaches and nausea even quicker. That suits me, as I love everything mentioned. Although ensuring that I have a plentiful supply of pear juice, coconut water, lime, cheese, cucumber and tomatoes waiting for me at home every time I go out might prove a bit of a chore. 

But what about the obvious ‘black coffee’ remedy? Researchers from the Institute of Chemical Technology, in Mumbai, warn that drinking coffee after a binge could prolong the agony.

They analysed dozens of fruits, veggies, pulses, spices and dairy products for properties enhancing the two enzymes that break down alcohol. Pear, sweet lime, coconut water, cheese, cucumber and tomato boosted their effects the most in lab tests.

Study leader Prof Rekha S. Singhal said: “Hangover poses a considerable threat at the individual level. Along with the occurrence of unpleasantness there is also a risk of health issues that might impact everyday functioning.”

I think he means vomiting on the carpet and bedsheets.

“It also affects the economy due to a decrease in the productive work caused by sleep deprivation, loss of attentiveness and alertness.  A beverage made from a blend of sweet lime, pear, and coconut water could be used to overcome hangover.”

So, there you have it. Stock up ASAP.

Welcome to the last few days of November and another fine instalment of Amanda Zips It Up.

There’s no escaping Christmas shopping this weekend, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday dominating screens of all sizes.  So, zero excuses for forgetting to get out the plastic for some gift purchases.

Here are some usual suspects. It’s no surprise that fragrances are amongst the biggest sellers at Christmas, clocking up 40 per cent of annual sales in November and December. 

• Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum.
• Chanel Chance Eau de Toilette.
• Lancôme La Vie est Belle.
• Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette.
• Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette.

But there is one fragrance that continues to outsell all. Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbombranks among the world’s top female fragrances, consistently sitting at number one amongst the highly competitive 300-plus fragrance portfolio in national department stores.

Flowerbombwas the debut fragrance of Dutch designers, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren.The guys met while studying fashion at the Arnhem Academy or Art and Design in The Netherlands, beginning working together after their graduation in 1993.

Though well known in fashion circles, it is their best-selling perfume that has made them global household names. Not only is it a beautiful scent, guaranteeing comments wherever you go, the bottles look like a work of art for your dressing table.

So, fellas – get online and order a bottle for the lady in your life Asap. There’s also the SPICEBOMB for men too.

www.boots.com

On to this week’s edition, and we discover designer coats for your pooch, a new collab for Puma and EVEN MORE Xmas present ideas.

From grooming spas to doggy holidays, pampering your pooch with luxurious products is a growing trend. 

It’s definitely nippy in the UK and Balearics right now, and I can almost guarantee that you’ve pulled out your thickest coats from the wardrobe. Well now, you can dress your beloved pet just like you – with a new £280 (322 euros) Moncler jacket designed especially for your dog.

And whilst it might seem to have only niche appeal, the limited edition padded jacket by the Italian brand has been flying off virtual shelves – in fact, it’s currently sold out online.

The luxurious range of doggy coats, which have been dubbed Mondogs,are a scaled-down version of the brand’s trademark puffer jackets – and button up at the front.They come in a range of colours, keeping dogs warm and protected without limiting their movement.

Make no bones about it, Moncler’s dog jackets are the cutest things ever, although I wish a dog came with them, at this price. It is not the first time that high-end designers have ventured into the pet market, with Versacecurrently selling their own dog bowls for £569.

And yes, there are actually people out there buying these things.

The new campaign for PUMA x BALMAIN featuring Cara Delevingne has just been released.

The ‘boxing-inspired’ shots focus on real-life stories of people fighting the good fight, whether it’s standing up for what they believe in or supporting those who just want to be themselves.

Cara, along with a beautifully diverse group of individuals from all parts of the world, can be seen wearing the fashionably sporty collection.

The PUMA x BALMAIN created with Cara Delevingne collection launched worldwide only yesterday – November 21st.

Modelling the unisex boxing-inspired limited edition collection, Cara has previous ties to both brands, being the good friend and muse of Balmain’s Creative Director Olivier Rousteing and a Puma ambassador since 2016.

The unique tri-collaboration merges performative sportswear and Parisian couture, all while conveying the theme of “troublemaker,” which is why he chose Cara for the project. The two friends have worked on several projects together over the years, from Cara starring as the face of Balmain campaigns to closing its fashion show.

The 35-piece collection comprises bra tops, boxing shorts, sneakers, outdoor apparel and accessories in a stark color palette with hints of gold — design elements straight out of Balmain’s atelier.

The collaboration is available now in Puma and Balmain stores, as well as online.

IT’S BLACK FRIDAY! 

Here are some more stocking filler ideas this festive season. They are currently best-sellers, so make haste and order these this weekend before they sell out.  They’ll arrive in plenty of time. All you need to do is pop out for some pretty Xmas wrapping paper.

Lina Green Gin Glasses

£20, Oliver Bonas

Forget Prosecco – toast the festive season with a G&T. These Lina Gin Glasses feature a flower motif on the stem.

Jana Reinhardt Jewellery Family Birthstone Spinning Universe Necklace

£149, Not On The High Street

It’s no surprise to us that this beautiful spinning pendant is proving popular with customers. It’s handmade to order in the UK and incorporates the birthstones of those in your life who are your whole universe. It can feature up to 10 birthstones in different sizes and spins, to reveal a personalised message, making each one completely bespoke to the customer.

Personalised Veuve Clicquot Arrow Tin

£58, Selfridges

 This limited edition Veuve Clicquot arrow tin is proving festively popular. Champagne is a failsafe gift idea and going that extra mile to get it personalised makes it extra special. The metallic tin can be treasured long after the bottle has been downed.

Duncan Stewart Personalised Weekend Holdall

£65, Not On The High Street

This personalised weekend holdall is such a popular gift for someone who travels regularly. In a classic style, it’s high quality, durable and the tastefully embroidered initials add a classy touch.

Apple AirPods with Charging Case

​£159, Apple

Apple AirPods were one of the most popular gifts last year and we expect 2019 to be just the same. They’re packed with functionality and look great. This latest version has Siri built in and charges wirelessly.

Smartech LARQ self-cleaning bottle

£129, Selfridges

One of the top picks this Christmas is the Larq water bottle. Not only is it reusable, but both the water and bottle can be digitally purified at the touch of a button, neutralising 99.9% of harmful odour-causing germs. What’s more, it is double insulated, keeping water cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours.