THE WEEK IN FASHION: JANUARY 14th-18th

Posted by Bethan Holt, Fashion Junior at Large

Everything you need to know about fashion this week is all compiled here in a handy little post. Swot up then get out in the snow...

John Galliano makes a comeback (image via thinkboutique.com)

TODAY'S BIG NEWS: John Galliano is making his tentative first steps back into fashion with a short residency at the studio of his long-time friend Oscar de la Renta in the run up to his AW13 show. Galliano opened up to WWD, confessing that 'I am an alcoholic', going on to speak about his recovery and regret at the events which led to him leaving Dior in March 2011. He added that "I am grateful to Oscar beyond words for inviting me to spend time with him in the familiar surroundings of a design studio." Galliano has been spending time studying the history of anti-semitism as well as meeting with the Anti-Defamation League.

There has been a big focus on menswear this week, with the AW13 shows taking place in Milan and Paris. Here are a few of the highlights...

RAF SIMONS... Notice the neck tie's similarity to Stephen Jones' scarf creations for Raf's Dior debut. In other Raf news, a collaboration with Adidas was also unveiled during the Paris show.

PRADA... Surprising simplicity, with messy collars and shirt tucking

LOUIS VUITTON... Kim Jones' luxe Himalayan adventure

All menswear images via Style.com

Alexander McQueen today confirmed that their AW13 show will be scaled back to an 'intimate presentation' to allow Creative Director Sarah Burton to begin her maternity leave in peace. The deisgner is expecting twins and looked rather heavily pregnant when she received her OBE in December. The decision is a further sign that the fashion industry is getting with the time when it comes to being kind to designers.

Sarah Burton gets her OBE from Prince Charles (image via telegraph.co.uk)

American Vogue has got itself into hot water this week with a shoot based on Hurricane Sandy. The images feature models in new season looks posing with emergency workers including doctors and even on a coastguard boat. The accompanying feature tells the story of those that helped during the crisis in October so was probably intended as a well-meaning tribute to their efforts but plenty say it's in poor taste. Perhaps this is Anna Wintour's way of combining her current fashion magazine duties with setting herself up for a diplomatic or political post during Obama's second term?

Doctors plus SS13 Marc Jacobs

Army plus SS13 Proenza Schouler

Staying with the US, President Obama's inauguration for his second term takes place on Monday. While the world waits to see what he has planned for what is usually a more bold programme as thoughts of re-election are not an issue, fashion watchers are also keen to see what Michelle Obama will wear. Shallow as that may sound, the impact she has made is considerable and this is a really great piece summing up those changes.  In the same way that Duchess Kate got a fringe before a very important event (announcing her pregnancy), so FLOTUS debuted her 'bangs' yesterday via her brand new Twitter account. We love.

Michelle Obama got a fringe (image via twitter.com/flotus)

It's not a complete surprise but yesterday we found out that Rihanna x River Island will launch with a catwalk show during London Fashion Week. It will take place on the Saturday and of course RiRi herself will be in attendance. Anyone keen to buy won't get their hands on the collection until March 5th.

Rihanna was a big attraction at last February's Stella McCartney LFW party

One extremely good reason to get excited about the Oscars is Quvenzhané Wallis, the 9 year-old actress who is the youngest ever to be nominated in the Best Actress category. She has been setting up huge expectations for her red carpet look with her penchant for doggy handbags and age- appropriate part dresses. She recently sang to André Leon Talley that 'fashion is my kryptonite' while The Telegraph has dissected her love for a canine themed bag.

Quvenzhané Wallis wins best Young Actress at the
Critics Choice awards (image via huffingtonpost.com)