ASOS, the website you turn to if you want a cheap copy of a celebrity outfit, has launched a 'luxe' range. Still named after the stars, and still copied straight from outfits they've worn, the range is much the same in concept, just more taxing on your wallet.

The pieces appear to be pretty and the quality looks like it could be good - though without seeing the fabric it's always hard to tell. Our question, though: is this a brand extension can ASOS pull off?

Sydney based designer Nik Philpott launched his label Artsu during F.ROCK in 2005. It won him a six month mentorship with Fashion Assassins designer, Alex Zabotto-Bentley. Artsu also had their first solo show during fashion week this year and it has been said that Artsu will be the next big thing. Fashionising had a chat to Nik from Artsu about the future of their brand.
1. You were mentored by Alex Zabotto-Bentley of Fashion Assassin. What were the main things that he taught you about fashion, the fashion industry and how to reach people with your brand? How did you get the opportunity to have Alex mentor you?
I was awarded the mentorship with Alex after winning F.ROCK in 2005 - this is a fashion parade which is held on Sydney's Northern Beaches annually.
The Mentorship was great, Alix, Jenni and Hareth at Fashion Assassin were really helpful in guiding Artsu in presentation of a complete collection to buyers, how to target a particular market and who to approach to get the collection seen. He also shared his extensive knowledge of makers, fabric houses, media and industry contacts, and most importantly showing me what a collection needed to consist of to be taken seriously. Without the generosity of the mentorship, I don't think Artsu would still be going.
2. Where did your passion for fashion begin?
After six years as a screen printer, printing everything from golf balls to 8 colour zoo animal tshirts I had a real passion for printed garments. My background allows me the extensive experience to experiment with techniques no one else is doing or could even attempt, be it through lack of know how or lack of budget. I get a real buzz from creating an individual garment that feels great and looks great. Growing up I would always manipulate my clothes, to get them looking the way I liked them. People enjoy looking good, it gives them an extra level of confidence. I love to create clothes that I love to wear.
Runway photos from Artsu's inaugural RAFW show.
Jane Shepherdson, who was Topshop's brand director, resigned at a most inopportune time, ten days after the news came out about Kate Moss for TopShop. She has now said that, "It was getting a bit boring"; now we can't take this statement seriously. She goes on however to slam cheap chic saying:
"We should always question if something is very, very cheap and think that if you, the consumer, aren't paying for it, then someone, somewhere down the line, is paying."
Shepherdson has just came on board with People Tree an ethical fashion label, though her remarks seem at least on the surface to be an attack on TopShop which to my mind makes her sound more bitter then sincere.
What do you think of eco fashion? Is it something that you would come on board with?
[source: The Independent]
Alice! Yes, for those of you who have been watching ANTM, it came as a shock to some when the winner of the third series was announced.
Alex Perry, Charlott Dawson and Jodhi Meares assisted the audience in picking 19 year old Alice Burdeu who is renowned for her fiery red hair. Working as a trainee customer service officer for Telstra prior to entering the show, Alice will now get a contract with Priscilla's Model Management.

Reuters reports that supermodel Gisele Bundchen is taking the on the Church in Brazil, notably the world's largest Roman Catholic country, over its stand on abortion and birth control. She provides the following comment:

Gisele wants people to avoid the itch, amongst other things
What's a Fashgasm? It's all the latest in Fashion news from around the web that aren't necessarily suited to being covered on Fashionising, but we still think you should see and enjoy.
Are you ready? Here we go:
Naomi Campbell joins Russel Crowe in the league of telephone throwing movie stars.
She’ll star in a romantic comedy called Bad Love
Dazed and Confused interviews fashion designer Andres Azubul, go read now.
Heidi Klum actually has a name for her breasts. Hanz and Franz. You know you needed to know that.
On a serious note The Telegraph is in on the skinny debate with 'A Thinner and Sadder Industry'
Oscar de la Renta show review on Fashion Week Daily News
More opportunities from our casting call board:
Fashion Designers / Labels
There's an opportunity for editorial in a US magazine.
On Wednesday, Darren from the ever-insightful Problogger organised a meetup for Melbourne's bloggers.
The range of blog topics we encountered was more vast than I would have imagined, from astronomy to food to photography and much more in between. Among those there were Zack, Geoff, Ed, Jon, Wilson, William, Karen, resident Fashioniser Gala Darling, Kirrily, Gath and John from CraigHarper.com.
Cannes film festival has kicked off, with Norah Jones and Toni Collette being among just a few of the stars present for the opening. Also expected to arrive are Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone, Quentin Taranteno and Bono, reports News.com.au.
Some photos from Cannes, below, show us a rare glimpse at the media exposure. We can actually see things from the perspective of the celebrities themselves. For most of us, paparazzi attention as seen in these pictures would be inconceivable; a sea of cameras greet the red carpet which could be daunting for even the most attention loving entertainers.
Diane Kruger looks stunning at Canes
