A Costume Drama

On hearing today's news that a 4th series of Downton Abbey is in the pipeline; a bold divulgence considering series 3 is yet to be screened, it brings me to share with you another pretty spectacular revelation of the bare flesh variety. Edwardiana may be a key trend for the coming Autumn but the Grantham girls find themselves worlds away from their on screen characters in this gothic themed shoot for achingly cool bi-annual Love magazine. Styled by Love's Editor-in-Chief Katie Grand and photographed by the famous fashion duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott; Jessica Brown Findlay (Lady Sybil), Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary), and Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith) star as otherwordly beings, with crazy candy floss hair, greasepaint smears and a wardrobe ranging from new season Alexander McQueen to vintage Vivienne Westwood. 

It's not the first time that the Grantham girls have shed their period costumes for something a little more racier, having stared in a Christmas disco shoot for Marie Claire magazine in 2011, which caused much controversy for being considered tacky. But the girls have definitely raised their stakes in gracing the covers of highly acclaimed fashion-meets-art Love magazine and in so doing have catapulted themselves to the forefront of the cultural elite. Having been given the royal fashion stamp of approval by Katie Grand, who is widely known by fashion insiders as Katie-Grand-A-Minute for commanding £3,000- £4,000 a day as a fashion stylist and consultant for big names such as Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Prada and Giles Deacon, the girls are definitely the new trio to watch. What more lies in store only time will tell but as for transformations concerned this is pretty dramatic.

Jessica Brown Findlay as the ethereal bride for one of a series of covers

The usually plain Edith wears little more than a piece of netting to cover her modesty. 

With flowers stuck in her huge wild hairstyle and dramatic orange eye make-up, Michelle is barely recognisable. Showing off her enviable curves, this is a definite bodice riper of a pose.

Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith reclines seductively on a red velvet sofa, displaying very un-Edith like behaviour by revealing her naked legs to the camera. 

How we're used to seeing the actresses as Ladies Sybil, Mary and Edith in Downton Abbey.

Love 8 "A Costume Drama" Autumn/Winter 2012 is on sale now.

Charlie Trendy Loves ...Urban Olympic Survival Backpacks

With the Olympics near approaching and our minds turning to that all important question: "How does one fit everything one needs into a tiny airport security check, restricted backpack and yet still be at the uppermost of cool?" Well look no further, Selfridges have come up trumps in commissioning designers ranging from Vivienne Westwood to Mulberry, to design exclusive Olympic Survival Backpacks that not only meet the requirements of the most fussiest bag lady but solve all our dilemmas of what to pack rain or shine.

The line up looks like follows:

Lane 1:
Championing Brit-girl cool, Mulberry has quite literally transformed our favourite It-bag of the moment; the Alexa into an all functioning backpack and filled it with all manner of Mulberry goodies, including an umbrella, coin purse, logo printed scarf and city guide that is sure to make a very stylish companion for the fashion led host nation supporter.

Emma Hill for Mulberry £1,500

Lane 2:

Anya Hindmarch the pinnacle of slogans has triumphed yet again with her roomy holdall equipped with sports style memorabilia. The canvas tote which is sure to not look out of place with the Wimbledon sloanies, includes Dunlop running shoes, sweatband, a foil cover cosy and a winning trophy. There's even an energy drink to ensure you're not left flagging in the slow lane.

Anya Hindmarch £250

Lane 3:

Paul Smith our quintessionally English friend boasts a stylish tote for the dapper gent, containing its famous stripy notebook, city guide and sugar free gourmet bon bons, which are sure to go down a treat. 

Paul Smith £315

Lane 4:

For all those left a little light on the pocket after the ticket lottery fiasco, Kiehl's have a more purse friendly option containing miniature beauty essentials to keep you looking good and feeling great whatever the outcome. You can be sure you're on to a winner with its luxurious Creme de Corps range of minis. Championing the exclusive Celebrate Britain label you won't be disappointed.

Kiehl's Celebrate Britain Backpack £50

Lane 5:

The ultimate in functionality this chic 3.1 Phillip Lim backpack also doubles up as a sleeveless jacket. The height of style it is simply packed full of luxurious treats including Nars beauty products, designer shades, music; a dvd celebrating the acclaimed fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and some light reading material that is sure to keep you amused during the warm up. J'adore!

3.1 Phillip Lim £495

Lane 6:

The Dame of British fashion Vivienne Westwood scores tops for her ethically made, spacious rucksack and blanket. Comprising recycled materials and supporting the International Trade Centre's Ethical Fashion program which helps women in conditions of extreme poverty, this iconic addition is sure to make a worthy statement whilst you sit back and watch the action unfold.

Vivienne Wesrwood £410

Lane 7:

An Olympic spotter's dream, Oliver Spencer's bold rucksack and mac will guarantee you stand out in the crowd. Complete with all the resources you need to ensure you capture every moment, you won't be sorry you invested in this winner.

Oliver Spencer £400

Lane 8:

Of course the line up wouldn't be complete without Nike, our trusted friend in running that extra mile. Protected from the elements (a necessity with the good old British weather), the Cheyenne Backpack boasts water resistant zippers; multiple compartments for your every eventuality essentials; customised trainers, a compass key chain and Dr Dre Beats headphones that will ensure you're hitting the top notes whilst watching the Brits come in.

Nike Cavendish Backpack £395

Now the line up is finalised who will make it on to the winning Olympic medal podium? You decide...