Whilst reading the Guardian online this week, I came across an interesting article on the ask Hadley feature, which was entitled, Why are so many fashion trends impossible to wear if you have breasts larger than a B-cup size?

As Hadley noted, this subject has caused quite a split amongst the fashion industry. Some fashion protesters have argued that high fashion is a part of the industry that has become dominated by 20 something, size four models, who have been chosen by gay designers to make women look ‘different’, rather then attractive. It is an industry that is all about appealing to gay men.

On the other hand, designers and fashion experts claim that contrary to popular belief, this type of model and the garments she parades have been created to set an example to women; these models have been chosen to embody the ideal that women should dress for themselves and not for heterosexual males. This takes stand against claims that high fashion is a ‘cruel anti-feminine industry, in which the sole goal is to make women feel bad about themselves.’ commented Hadley.

But unfortunately as a result of the goal to achieve the perfect, empowering woman and her wardrobe, the garments that are produced for this type of breed of female don’t usually seem to fit the everyday, full figured female population. And this is why the breast issue continues.

As Hadley stated ‘part of the reason why fashion gets such a bad rap; because it is basically a private member’s club that excludes men’. Being a young female working within the industry, I and many other women do find something refreshing in the fact that most areas of the fashion industry aren’t focused upon or obsessed with breast. But the problem is that we ourselves as women are obsessed with breast, we want bigger, better, smaller, we want perfection, because we live in a breast obsessed world! Even if some  individuals over a B-cup reduced down to this ‘ideal’ fashion size, the likely hood is that many would still  remain unhappy as they would perceive themselves as imperfect in the eyes the rest of the world.

Unfortunately we just have to face the fact that in some cases high fashion and breast go together like a pair of Jimmy Choos with a tracksuit.

Dolce and Gabbana have released their latest ad campaign which features a sultry, vamped  up 51-year-old Madonna. The images depict Madonna as a italian housewife in midst of her domestic chores, sweeping the floor and hiding behind some washing that she’s in the process of hanging out to dry. The ad images also show the housewife’s saucy side, when she is applying her make-up in a provocative manner and stroking a cat in an clevage amplifying, strapped corset. In another she sits crying on the edge of a bed with a half packed suitcase, seemingly ready to leave her husband and family.

Earlier in the week provocative images of Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall were seen in numerous publications, which seemed to cause mixed reactions amongst the public. Many commented that the 53 year old Sex and the City actress was too old to be dressing in such a manner and it should be left to young women. Whilst on the other hand many were quick to praise Kim Cattrall attitude, of just because she is middle aged, it doesn’t mean she can’t give young actresses and models a run for their money. I imagine that Madonna’s sexed up Dolce and Gabbana campaign may lead to the same debates, which I’m sure will prove to be no skin off Madonna’s nose she has built her career around controversy and shock tactics.

I personally think it’s great that both stars have the confidence to star in such risque shoots at 50years+. I don’t blame them one bit, I’m sure if we all looked in our 30’s at 50+, we would all be doing the same. As long as the shots are not offensive and shot in a tasteful manner then I don’t see the problem.

In both shoots the images have captured both Madonna’s and Kim Cattrall’s femininity and sensuality, showing they are powerful, desirable, naturally beautiful women.  I say fashion vamps!

In tribute to MFN’s X Frock-ter blog, I thought I would bring you what perhaps maybe the final X Frock-ter fashion face off between Dannii and Cheryl; if reports that Dannii is set to be replaced are true.

The ever glamourous pair attended last nights National Television Awards, where it wasn’t just the X Factor that triumphed, Dannii Minogue came out victorious once again over the young geordie beauty.

It was Danniis first major public appearance since she announced she was pregnant, and she certainly was glowing. She opted for a classic horizontally striped, monochrome, vintage prom dress paired with towering fire engine red platforms.

Cole unfortunately failed to shine, in perhaps the worst gown choice of the evening. She wore a Stephane Rolland long, grey, embellished chiffon dress which only exencuated how dramatically thin she now looks. And teamed the dress with matching cuffs.

After many months in battle, the resounding of this years X-Frock-ter fashion face off is….. Miss Dannii Minogue. She blew the public and press away with her effortless style and excellent fashion choices that were, sexy, confident and sophisticated. From maxi to minidresses, she regularly opted for her favourite Australian designers J’Aton Couture and Ralph & Russo. And full credit to Dannii she pulled together her own outfits, without the aid of stylists – resulting in edgy hairdos, statement earrings and a floor-sweeping gown. Well done Dannii!

Wednesday 20th January saw the launch of the annual fashion show Bread & Butter, and it was quite an affair.

The B&B Opening is an integral part of the tradeshow for selected brands: On the eve of the first tradeshow day, industry representatives meet for the traditional meet & greet to hold initial talks and establish new ties – but also to celebrate together and get in the mood for three eventful business days.

The prelude to the first B&B winter premiere at the historic airport Berlin-Tempelhof, it was celebrated by 2,500 international guests to the Bread & Butter on the airport site on the evening.

The guests were received in the “Original Sin Saloon”, a gigantic 6-pole party tent at the heart of the Bread & Butter event, with a wild mix of traditional Oktoberfest and classic western saloon atmosphere. Guests feasted on the deliciously hearty cuisine with grilled chicken and crusted roast pork while enjoying the  sensuous burlesque show and the gritty country music.

Klaus Wowereit, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Bread & Butter Managing Director Karl-Heinz Müller were on hand to welcome guests in person, an opportunity not to be missed.

Klaus Wowereit commented “Since the return of BREAD & BUTTER in summer 2009,” “the city has taken a great step towards reaching its goal of being a fashion metropolis! The international fashion audience is not just here to look at this city – it is here to stay! Berlin without BREAD & BUTTER has come to be almost unimaginable!”

The opening was a classy and absolutely fitting start to the tradeshow! With Klaus wishing “all visitors and exhibitors three positive, inspiring and successful days at the tradeshow – expect to see the historic airport in a unique light and an exciting combination of fun & profit!”

If you were unfortunate in missing this winters tradeshow, then leading tradeshow for street and urban wear, will be taking place again from July 7th to 9th 2010 at the historic airport Berlin-Tempelhof.

The MFN pick of the week has been running since late November and through the course of its existence Menswear has been an area of neglect, so as of today my new, but late New Years resolution is to feature more menswear on the pick of the week.

It maybe a little early to have already made a choice for this weeks pick of the week, but in all honesty I can’t see anything else topping Burberry’s Prorsum A/W 10-11 collection.

The collection was featured on Saturday’s runway at Milan Fashion Week and quickly highlighted that Burberry had moved away from the rest of the fashion pack, who had opted for more subdued and muted colours and tones, with the use of autumnal hues and winter greys and blacks. The Prorsum collection was all about out wear (Burberry at its best), utilising yellows, navy and beige on trenches mixed with heavy denim shirts, double breasted wool overcoats, slim trousers and braided knitwear. Military tailoring is also a key focus in the magnificent collection.

Burberry have created updated, sleek versions of the famed trench and other infamous outwear garments. The Prorsum collection really highlights why the heritage brand was credited with such deserved recollection in 2009, it’s everything that is great about Burberry.

Last week saw the release of last quarters retail figures for 2009, with Primark coming out top, with  the success story of 2009. The brand managed to lure in shoppers throughout the year and over Christmas period with cheap fashion choices.

Sales at Primark rose by 19 per cent at its 196 stores in the 16 weeks to January 2. ABF (Associated British Foods) claim the success was boosted by women buying new dresses, bags  and accessories for Christmas parties, as-well as an increase in selling space.

The high street chains success in 2009 poses the question, do people cut back on their morals and ethics to cut back on spending?

It was only in 2008 that the BBC broadcast Blood Sweat and T-shirts which focused upon the unethical acts of high street chains such as Primark, following revelations of their illegal labour practices and poor working conditions in its supply chain. To cement their reputation of bad work practice Primark was voted the UK’s most unethical clothes shop, seemingly bringing much dismay to both public and press, with hoards of shoppers claiming they would never shop in store again.

Two years on and it seems as though the recession that has forced consumers to cut back on their morals and flock back to the reasonably priced fashion store for bargain basement prices.

Unfortunately money is tight in recession (unless you’re the CEO or Executive Manager of a bank), which has resulted in shoppers spending less on clothes and accessories for that credit crunch style. The recession though, does not mean reverting back to an attitude of ignorance towards barely legal manufacturing conditions of garments; and spending less on a poorly made dress than you do on dinner. It means mending, altering recycling and going for more ethical low to mid-range pieces which embody a bit more staying power than three delicate cycles in your washing machine.

Even with Primark attempting to clean up their act by canceling orders from three factories in Southern India for failing to meet their ethical standards and withdrawing the garments from sale; when you have hypnotised shoppers fighting their way around the store to get their hands on the first bargain, high on the promise of 20 t-Shirts for a tenner and people campaigning on facebook for hometowns stores, there will always be a continued lack of ethics.

In a recession the only language we seem to speak in is money, and as long we don’t have any and they’re making it, things will unfortunately remain the same.

We see some pretty scary things throughout the month of October, what with Halloween and all, and this Halloween is set to be no exception. October 2010 and maybe the whole years scariest occurrence is coming from the world of fashion in the form of a strange collaboration between two of the worlds biggest shoe brands, UGG and Jimmy Choo.

The co-branded collection, based on the boots that are seen on every high street, and many a celebrity, will be available from October this year. There will be five different styles in multiple colour variations, priced between £495 and £695, based on the construction of Ugg’s sheepskin boots with design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand. Hmmmm.

The boots will be stocked throughout the world only at Jimmy Choo and Ugg Australia stores and a selection of prestigious department stores which are lucky enough to carry the Jimmy Choo label.

I am quite sceptical about this collaboration as the two brands are just worlds apart in both customer bases and brand level. I have a gut feeling that this could prove to be quite damaging to the luxury shoe brand, whereas UGG will surely reap all the benefits.

Click here to find UGG