So, is this what you'll be wearing to the wedding, Kate? Sarah Burton unveils new bridal collection for Alexander McQueen

By MAYSA RAWI

Fit for a McQueen: Sarah Burton, rumoured to be designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress, unveiled the Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week yesterday


As the fashion industry is awash with reports that Kate Middleton's wedding dress will be made by Sarah Burton, the Alexander McQueen designer kept the rumour mill running when she unveiled a very bridal collection in Paris yesterday.

Although Burton dismissed claims after the show, the speculation continues and there is no doubt the stunning pieces are fit for a queen.

Kate's gown will be bespoke, but the Winter 2011 ready-to-wear line provides exciting insight into what to expect on the big day should the news turn out to be true.


Ice Queen: Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines


Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines, but no sleeves in the collection that was aptly named 'Ice Queen'.

Kate will no doubt follow in the traditional footsteps of her predecessors and eschew spaghetti straps or bustier designs in favour of a more demure look.

The odds so far have been on Kate choosing veteran designer Bruce Oldfield or Phillipa Lepley.


Innovative: Burton retained McQueen's signature look but introduced new elements, including a dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain with a 6ft long train, which took two weeks to make



Short 'n' sweet: The collection won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as Burton ducked out for a bow


But it seems fashion experts are now desperately hoping Burton will be the chosen one.

Asked whether he thought the rumours would prove true, Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, replied 'I hope so.'

'If she were dressed by Ms Burton, she'd make a beautiful bride.'


Black Beauty: The Gothic-inspired designs were a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen


Hardcore: The collection also included a fair share of black, not to mention plentiful hardcore bondage touches


Either way, Burton won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as she ducked out for a bow as the front row exchanged knowing glances.

But although white dresses dotted the collection, all the McQueen signature detailing was visible including chunky platform heels, black and Gothic accessories.

Only 35 pieces were made, giving the designer a chance to hone her expertise and concentrate on every little detail - including an intricate dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain and a 6ft train.


Take a bow: Sarah Burton at the end of the show


It was Burton's second since she stepped into McQueen's immense shoes about a year ago following his suicide.

Burton, 36, had worked closely with McQueen for years, and her debut collection, shown last October, was lauded by the press for managing the tricky task of tapping into the late designer's creative genius, while softening McQueen's signature hard edges and letting out his painfully nipped-in waists.

And if she really is tasked with the Royal wedding dress, then her efforts have clearly paid off.


Recognition: Naomi Campbell, left, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington


Top secret: Kate, pictured yesterday, will not be revealing any details until her wedding to Prince William in April


Turning out to support her were supermodel Naomi Campbell - a longstanding fan of McQueen - Vogue editor Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington.

Burton joined the label in 1996, where she grew to become his loyal sidekick and eventually became creative director when McQueen died last year.

After the announcement was made, she said: 'The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee's vision.

'I intend to stay true to his legacy.'

Jonathan Akeroyd, president and CEO of Alexander McQueen said: 'We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to take on the role of creative director.

'Having worked alongside Lee McQueen for more than 14 years, she has a deep understanding of his vision, which will allow the company to stay true to its core values.'

Kate's choice and any details will of course not be revealed until April 29, but after yesterday's collection proved to be such a hit - and arguably the highlight of Fashion Week, the verdict is unanimous.

It would be a great shame not to see the future Princess in a McQueen dress on her big day.





source: dailymail

'It's phenomenal': Tiger Woods set to move into new $60m den that boasts a running track and four-hole golf course

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New home: Tiger Woods is preparing to move into this new mansion in Jupiter, Florida
'I'm excited about that and I'm even more excited about my new practice facility. It's phenomenal.'


Tiger Woods is preparing to move into his $60 million Florida mansion - which comes complete with a running track and four-hole golf course.

The golfer, whose marriage to Elin Nordegren ended in a hugely expensive divorce last year, posted photos of his new pad on his blog and said he was 'excited' about making it his home.

'Pretty soon, I'll be moving into my new home in Jupiter, Florida,' he wrote.


'Excited': The golfer is eager to move into hjs new luxury residence


Before their split, Woods and Nordegren had spent months planning every last detail of the 10,000 square foot home on ultra-exclusive Jupiter Island.

But dreams of turning it into the perfect family home came crashing down after it emerged the golfer had cheated on his wife in a string of seedy affairs.

Following their divorce - which is rumoured to have cost Woods $100 million - the former World Number One took over the planning and has transformed the property into a state of the art bachelor pad.

The mansion, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, boasts huge windows for incredible sea views and has a glass-fronted lift for anyone too tired to take the stairs.

As well as a gigantic master bedroom - with, a little ironically, his-and-hers bathrooms - there are three further bedroom suites.

According to his architects' plans, the basement also houses a large wine cellar and possibly a cinema and games area with the best equipment for Woods' children Sam and Charlie.

Scores of tall trees and high boundary walls surround the plot, ensuring the privacy the golfer craves.

Another four buildings adjoin the main house, including a boathouse, golf training studio, a stand-alone garage and a huge guesthouse.


Luxury living: The property features a tennis court, gym, diving pool, lap lane, 100-foot running track and small golf course


Bachelor pad: The mansion was initially intended to be a family home prior to Tiger's split


Outside, there is a tennis court, gym, diving pool, lap lane, 100-foot running track and small golf course. A pair of boat docks will provide a berth for Woods' 155 ft yacht, aptly named Privacy.


Separate lives: Elin Nordegren with the couple's daughter in New York last week


Writing on his blog, Woods said he was particularly excited about using his new 3.5-acre back yard golf course.

'Working with my team, I designed the short-game facility and oversaw its construction,' he revealed.

'It features four greens, six bunkers with different depths and kinds of sand, a video center and a putting studio.

'If no wind is blowing, the longest club I can hit is a 7-iron. It's also set up so I can hit shots out of my second-storey studio.'

Woods' five-year marriage was left in tatters in 2009, exposed after a bizarre November 27 car crash outside his mansion in Windermere, Orlando.

Former swimwear model Nordegren quickly ditched her wedding ring - and later filed for divorce.

Speaking about her relationship with the golfer, she said she felt 'blindsided' and 'embarrassed' when she found out about his multiple infidelities.

She said: 'I never suspected. For the last three-and-a-half years, when all this was going on, I was home a lot more with pregnancies, then the children and my school.'

Nordegren added that she and Woods tried to work through their marital problems, but in the end they had to agree to split.


source: dailymail

Kate Middleton shows off her pancake

By MAYSA RAWI

Flipped out: Kate Middleton concentrates on pancake-tossing as Prince William looks on during their trip to Belfast on Shrove Tuesday


Kate Middleton added another talent to the list as she showed off her pancake-tossing skills today in Belfast.

The future Princess celebrated Shrove Tuesday by mastering the art of the flip, impressing the crowds - and Prince William - with her culinary trick.

The Royal couple are touring the UK ahead of the wedding in April and by the looks of things, there is little doubt that she is settling into her new role with confidence and ease.


Mastering the art: Kate looked even more relaxed and at ease as she settles into her new role


And for a refreshing change, Kate opted to wear an on-trend £650 Burberry trench coat with skirt detailing, a notable contrast to the more formal attire we have seen over the last two weeks - swapping her flat boots for high-heel courts.

Perhaps Kate, 29, has been taking note of the fashion critics who have called for the future Princess to adopt an edgier, younger look.

There have already been reports that Kate has decided to have her wedding dress designed by Alexander McQueen's avant-garde protegee Sarah Burton - a welcome choice in the fashion world.


Greetings: The couple met with Lord Mayor Pat Convery and Dame Mary Peters a former Olympic pentathlon athletics champion who is now the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast


And although the rumours have been heavily denied, it seems Kate's slight but bold sartorial adjustment today is a statement that she intends to make conscious fashion decisions when it comes to her wardrobe.

Either way, she looked stunning in the neutral piece, teamed with opaque tights and sapphire engagement ring as the couple brought the centre of Belfast to a standstill.

A small crowd gathered in the bright sunshine inside the grounds of City Hall in the hope of a walkabout after police sealed off streets and diverted traffic as part of a huge security operation for the couple's first visit to Northern Ireland.


Sartorial hit: Kate looked stylish and on-trend in a £650 belted Burberry trench coat with skirt detailing


They arrived at the George Best City Airport at Sydenham, east Belfast.

The couple were met by Lord Mayor Pat Convery and Dame Mary Peters, a former Olympic pentathlon athletics champion who is now the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast.

It was the first in a series of engagements planned for the couple, who are to marry at Westminster Abbey on April 29.


People person: The future Princess hugs a newborn, and shows off her sapphire engagement ring


Fans: The crowds gathering in the city centre after word leaked out because of the heavy security presence


The couple accepted a framed photograph of City Hall and a book on the building's architectural history.

They arrived in an eight-car cavalcade, with William and Miss Middleton in the second.

They paused for a time on the steps of the front door, acknowledging the cheering crowd, some of whom waved miniature Union Flags.


The look of love: Kate shoots an admiring glance at her future husband


Heavily-armed police patrolled adjoining and nearby streets, and at one stage used steel rods to check litter bins close to the City Hall gates and grounds.

One officer using binoculars kept watch from the rooftop of the Robinson & Cleaver building directly opposite, and at least two others, also using binoculars, positioned themselves on the top of City Hall, just few away from the Union Flag which fluttered in a gentle breeze.



Surprise: Senior officials at the Northern Ireland Office who were involved in organising the trip did not confirm William and Kate even planned to make the visit until their aircraft landed in east Belfast


Senior officials at the Northern Ireland Office who were heavily involved with Buckingham Palace in organising the trip did not confirm William and Kate even planned to make the visit until their aircraft landed in east Belfast.

But by the time the entourage pulled up in front of City Hall, word had already leaked out because of the heavy security presence.





source: dailymail

From pigtails to Princess-in-waiting: Never before seen childhood pictures of Kate Middleton

By TICKY HEDLEY-DENT and TAMARA COHEN

We've grown accustomed to her face. But there is, it seems, still a lot to learn about the girl who is only eight weeks away from becoming a princess.

Yesterday Clarence House gave us a glimpse into Kate Middleton’s family photo album with five previously unseen portraits of Prince William’s fiancée posted on the official Royal Wedding website.

And although the smiling little girl in pigtails may already look vaguely familiar, there are a few surprises in the accompanying biography.


At three-and-a-half, Kate is already displaying the cheerful determination that will see her through life’s ups and downs.

In this case, it’s the hills of the Lake District before her and in pigtails and stripy jumper, she is enjoying every step of the challenge she faces. The picture was taken in the Lake District on holiday with her family in the summer of 1985.

As a teenager at Marlborough College she would go on to excel at sports, taking part in tennis, swimming, netball, hockey and athletics, as well as completing her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award which involved a four-day hike. According to the official biography, hill walking is still one of her passions, along with tennis and sailing

Miss Middleton spent part of her early childhood living in Jordan – and as the Mail has learned, could actually sing Happy Birthday in Arabic before English.
The Middletons moved to Amman while father Michael was working as a flight despatcher for British Airways. Kate’s first steps in education were therefore not in England, but at the Al-Saheera nursery school from the age of three.


I’m a big girl now, five-year-old Kate seems to be saying in this picture, taken on a summer day by her family at an unknown location in the UK. The family had been back in Britain for a year and were living in a modest home in the village of Bradfield Southend in Berkshire. There, Kate went to the village school, Bradfield Church of England Primary, and enjoyed playing rounders on the school field and swimming in its outdoor pool. Kate’s little brother James had recently been born, and it was around this time that her mother, Carole, had the bright idea of turning a hobby of making party bags into a business. Party Pieces was established soon after
The photos, all showing her sunny disposition, are part of the Palace’s efforts to ensure the country gets to know the girl who will one day be Queen. Interestingly, they are all copyrighted to the Middleton Family.
From her prowess in sporting and outdoor pursuits (she completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award) to her gap-year break in Chile, her university days to her work in the family business, the details of her pre-Royal years are all there.
Now she is about to start the most important chapter of her life. Perhaps those at the Palace hope these snapshots will provide some reassurance that she has the strong foundation necessary to face what the years ahead will bring.


It looks like a family holiday snap. But the Middletons were at home with the blazing sun and desert air of Jordan for more than two years. Her hair blonde in the sunshine, this is Kate aged four with her father and two-year-old sister Pippa towards the end of their previously unknown two-and-a-half year stint living in Jordan. Michael had taken a job there with British Airways in May 1984 when Kate was two, and the family set up home in the capital, Amman, where she attended a local nursery school where she is said to have picked up rudimentary Arabic. This photo was taken on a trip to the ancient Greco-Roman ruins in Jerash, 30 miles away from the Jordanian capital and near the Syrian border


Warmth and informality stand out in this picture. With William’s hand over hers, Kate cuddles into her prince, who on that day is just another graduate basking in his achievement. During the ceremony, the university’s vice-chancellor Dr Brian Lang said presciently: ‘You will have made lifelong friends... you may have met your husband or wife.’ William also made a speech saying he had ‘thoroughly enjoyed’ life at St Andrews where he had been made to feel like a ‘normal student.’ During his years there, he was sheltered from public glare and allowed to experience the freedom of student life, cooking for himself, socialising with friends, and learning how to juggle responsibilities with fun. Kate was there to help him do that and their closeness is evident in this smiling portrait


Relaxed and happy, this is said to be Kate’s parents’ favourite picture from her graduation day. She graduated from St Andrews in June 2005 with a 2:1 in history of art, while William achieved the same grade in geography, having switched courses during his first year. He did not settle into university life as well as Kate, and she is said to have been pivotal in persuading him to stay on. Graduation day is also believed to be the first time Kate and her parents met the Queen, who attended along with Prince Charles and Camilla. Kate and William returned to St Andrews ten days ago for their second public engagement together. This time they were greeted with a crowd of 3,000 and military fly-past


Kate and Wills photos 'a revelation'



source: dailymail

Kate Middleton's old school bans wedding day off for pupils

EDITED BY CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS

Former pupil: Sources say the 870 pupils have been threatened with punishment should they speak to reporters about the wedding


Kate Middleton may be one of the most famous former pupils of Marlborough College, but youngsters at the school have been told they will not get the day off for the Royal Wedding.

Instead they will be expected to be on best behaviour for film crews who are set to descend on the school to report live on the wedding day.

Sources say sixth-formers at the £29,310-a-year Wiltshire boarding school have been told they must gather for a meeting next Monday to be briefed about plans for April 29.

But while cameras may be welcomed on the big day, Kate’s parents Carole and Mike Middleton have requested that in the meantime the school clamps down on any mention of Kate.

Sources say the 870 pupils, aged 13 to 18, have been threatened with punishment should they speak to reporters about the wedding.

One pupil at the college, where Princess Eugenie also studied, said: ‘The school is making detailed plans for that weekend.

'It is likely we are going to have to play games and walk around smiling in the background of shots, and there’s talk of hosting a sort of scholarly party. Many students are fuming as they would rather have the day off like everyone else instead of being used as scenery.’


Film set: Many students of Marlborough College in Wiltshire are fuming as they would rather have the day off


Another said: ‘It is likely that there will be a set-up of the live footage in our Memorial Hall and it is expected that media will be present. We will have lessons in the morning followed by a class-free afternoon to help out and watch.’

A spokeswoman for the school’s
Master, Nicholas Sampson, said: ‘The Palace did say they were looking at the school and may organise something directly and with the Press.

‘We have been advised not to participate in any Press interest at the moment.’ A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment.

Chelsy gets a helping hand on wedding style
Chelsy Davy is hiring stylists to make sure she looks fabulous at the Royal Wedding on April 29.

Prince Harry’s 25-year-old, on-off girlfriend will have a team of people to help her choose an outfit, hat and plan her hair and make-up.


Suits you: Chelsy is enlisting help to ensure she looks the part at the Royal Wedding


‘Chelsy has been worrying about the wedding. It is an important public day and she wants to get it right,’ says a friend.

‘Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa has offered advice to help her look chic rather than trashy. But Chelsy never looks as polished as the Middleton girls. She’s a relaxed person and throws outfits together. Being blonde doesn’t help either.’

Eugenie's down-to-earth night on the town
While many princesses would expect an elaborate ball on their 21st birthday, for Princess Eugenie a cheap night out with fellow students in Newcastle will suffice.

The English, politics and history of art student reaches the milestone on March 23.


Birthday girl: Princess Eugenie wants a low-key dinner followed by drinks and dancing... but it could get wild


‘She just wants a low-key dinner followed by drinks and dancing,’ says a pal.

‘The plan is to go to a favourite spot called As You Like it. Her grandmother insisted there should be no ostentation and Eugenie’s perfectly happy with that.

But wherever she ends up the party will get wild – she loves an all-nighter.’

Harry swaps ciggies for chocolate
Prince Harry may be on a health drive as he prepares for a charity trek to the North Pole later this month, but he does have one vice – a taste for Snickers bars.

Marlboro Lights addict Harry, 26, swapped cigs for Snickers when he trained last week with the four wounded soldiers he will join on the first leg of their challenge.


Vices: Harry's nicotine habit has been replaced by a chocolate addiction


‘Harry has lots of tricks to help himself: as well as Snickers bars he’s also made a playlist of motivating songs for his iPod,’ says team member Captain Martin Hewitt.

The expedition is in aid of Walking with the Wounded, a charity for injured ex-Servicemen.


source: dailymail

Hilarious video of the baby who laughed hysterically as dad tore up rejection letter

By MARK DUELL

10-month-old Micah McArthur laughs hysterically as his dad Marcus rips up a professor job rejection letter...


Video gets more than 750,000 hits after actress Alyssa Milano tweets it

Another clip posted of ten-month-old laughing at the laundry basket

Parents can spend thousands of dollars trying to make their children smile, but all Marcus McArthur needed to entertain his son was a worthless piece of paper.


...and he squeals with delight so much that 'you almost wonder if he's stopped breathing', said Mr McArthur


Ten-month-old Micah laughed hysterically in his pink all-in-one suit as his dad ripped up a job rejection letter piece by piece in front of him.

Mr McArthur, 33, who is finishing his doctorate at Saint Louis University and applying for professor jobs, was looking at ways to entertain Micah at home in St Louis, Missouri.

‘But he starts laughing again and you think: "Yeah, he's OK". At that moment I thought: "Yeah, this is a really great clip".’


No money: Mr McArthur said he will not be selling the video, despite receiving offers, as it is just for fun


The video was posted five weeks ago but went viral after being tweeted by actress Alyssa Milano on Friday. It has now been viewed more than 750,000 times.

Micah enjoyed watching his father rip up the letter in front of him so much that Mr McArthur moved onto credit card statements, which resulted in more laughter.

Mr McArthur told KSDK: 'Around the 22-second mark he does an extremely hearty laugh where you almost wonder if he's stopped breathing.


Watch the hilarious video of baby Micah McArthur laughing hysterically in front of his dad



Not laughing enough yet? See baby Micah chuckle with his dad at the laundry basket



source: dailymail