abeautifulviewonlife

Smart fashionista - In a quest to discover new writing talent (and highlight its eyewear campaign), PRADA is organizing a literary contest, in collaboration with Italian publishing house Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Editore. This is the moment to show the world that your skills go further than just being fashionable. But be prepared, it’s pretty serious business. Your essay should elaborate on the following subject: ”What are the realities that our eyes give back to us? And how are these realities filtered through lenses?”. But then again, the prize is pretty awesome:  €5000 cold shopping cash and your essay will be published on Prada’s website. You can submit your entry until 18 June via prada.com/journal.

Going once, going twice, sold! - If you ever wanted to own a stunning vintage piece head to Christie’s site, because the iconic auction house is holding an exclusive online fashion auction this week. The offer is to die for: Hermès and Chanel handbags and wallets, Louis Vuitton luggage, Yves Saint Laurent costume jewelry and much more. The auctions runs until 2 May. And fret not, auction prices start at just £200!

Perfect summer nails –  One of my favourite shoe designers, Pierre Hardy, has designed six fabulous nail polish duos for NARS, inspired by his latest spring/summer collection. The duos come in a miniature shoe bag with dust bag (how cool is that) and are available from 1 May via www.narscosmetics.co.uk.

With love.

NEW BEAUTY LAW –  As of 11 March animal-tested beauty products and ingredients (tested either outside or inside the EU) are totally banned in the European Union. It’s about time, if you ask me. It’s not that I’m this over-excited animal welfare activist but testing on animals is cruel, especially when there are other alternatives available.

NEW EXHIBITION – If you’re in Paris this spring you should stop by Palais de Tokyo for the exhibition No.5 Culture Chanel, dedicated to the influence of Chanel’s fragrance No.5. The exhibition, that runs from May 5 until June 5, will also focus on Coco Chanel’s own life and inspirations in connection with the fragrance.

NEW BEAUTY WALHALLA - One of my favorite online shops Net-a-porter.com has branched out into beauty. From now on you can complement your look with beautifying products from amongst others Aesop, Philip B., Natura Bisse and Beauty Works West.

NEW BOO – There’s some good news for all cool mommy’s (to be) out there who object to comfy maternity clothing and boring accessories and who insist on staying fashionable as always. Soon it will be possible to complement your outfit with a cool stroller since Bugaboo, a Dutch design stroller company, has announced a long-term collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation. This May the first Bugaboo x Andy Warhol collection based on Warhol’s famous ‘Flowers’ series and ‘Cars’ series will be available in stores worldwide and in the new flagship store in Amsterdam (Keizersgracht 500). See bugaboo.com for more information.

NEW COLLABORATION -  Not only will it soon (from 15th of April) be possible to admire Queen B in the new H&M summer campaign but it will also be possible to order a special Kate Moss design sushi box covered in sequins. The supermodel has teamed up with Sushi Shop, a French chain, and has created a special sushi box, carrying 40 pieces of the Japanese raw fish-based cuisine. The box will be available from May 13 for €45.

With love.