THE WEEK IN FASHION: JANUARY 28TH- FEBRUARY 1ST

Posted by Bethan Holt, Junior Fashion Editor at Large

We may have got through January unscathed (hurrah!) but now it's February and just one week until the AW13 shows begin. Helpfully, our stateside friends have been compiling some excellent articles full of tips for getting through fashion weeks in the very best way possible. First comes US Vogue's guide to getting slimline calves and ankles. They've pre-empted the chunky calf epidemic which is set to spread thanks to the newly fashionable chunky, low heel. Without our leg lengthening stilettos  we're all going to be revealing the reality of our sizable lower leg. Thankfully, there are tips from ballet experts and the like for some last minute crisis aversion. I love the Platypus walk, it's great fun.

Low heels like Louis Vuitton's need slim legs (image via westeastmag.com) 

My week has been blighted by a yucky cough and cold so I find the New York Times rundown of everything editors and designers do to prevent the lurgy during fashion month extra pertinent. indeed, the flu and norovirus epidemics which are sweeping both Europe and America make illness a real possibility. There are some brilliant anecdotes, including how one editor held vomiting throughout a Chanel show. FYI, there will be no touching this fashion season.

On to the rest of the week's fashion news now. Let's begin with the drama which occupied most of everyone's Monday morning, did Jennifer Lawrence's Christian Dior dress rip at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards? Of course, the DM thought so, but they don't have quite the appreciation for couture construction as some. It was soon made clear that it was down to the tiered nature of the gown that it appeared to split apart. You might have thought they'd think of that before they sent an actress quite likely to win an award out in the gown? Nevertheless, Raf did a gorgeous job on Marion Cotillard's dress.

Marion Cotillard in Dior (image via stylebistro.com)

Huge congratulations to Nicholas Kirkwood, winner of this year's Vogue Fashion Fund award. Who doesn't love Mr Kirkwood's bright, beautiful and glamorous shoes? Even so he had to beat off stiff competition from Mary Katrantzou, Roksanda Ilincic, Emilia Wickstead and Peter Pilotto. Nicholas will get £200,000 to invest in his business, as well as targeted mentoring from the very best industry experts. He already has stores in London and New York, plus a newly-debuted men's line. We can't wait to see the rise and rise of Britain's brightest shoe talent.

Nicholas Kirkwood celebrates his Vogue Fashion Fund award (image via vogue.co.uk)

Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem SS13, lovely! (image via shoera.com)

It was only a matter of time before Karl Lagerfeld's sharp tongue made another appearence. This time, it was directed at Michelle Obama and her new bangs...

“I adore Madame Obama. . . [but] frankly, this doesn’t suit her. The fringe was a bad idea, it’s not good.”

Somehow, we think FLOTUS will above Lagerfeld's comments. Besides, if reports are to be believed then she will have been busy this week being shot for the cover of US Vogue by Annie Leibovitz. Then there's the small matter of getting through a second term at the White House.

Go Michelle and your new bangs! (image via yahoo.com)

In yet more proof that the nineties are back, DKNY has reissued 15 pieces from their archives in collaboration with Opening Ceremony. The label made its name in 90s streetwear so its only right that they get in on the act as it has a renaissance now. And who better to model the collection than everyone's favourite model , Cara Delevingne? Get yourself to Opening Ceremony this weekend, in store or online, to get your hands on a cropped hoodie, zip up jumpsuit or a natty bomber jacket.

Cara's cornrow buns for DKNY x Opening Ceremony

It's never a good time to do a photo shoot on a holocaust memorial, but particularly not at the same time of year as Holocaust memorial day. Spanish blogger Pelayo thought it would be a good idea to take advantage of the stark architecture and the way his bight pink bag would stand out against the grey columns, but all in all it was a terrible idea. Think before you blog people. 

In further fashion getting political news, a petition for Victoria's Secret to stock mastectomy friendly bras and prosthetics attracted signatures from 120,000 people. Allana Maiden began her campaign because her Mum- a breast cancer survivor- really wanted to be able to shop in Victoria's Secret again as she had done before her op. Find out more about their mission in The Daily Beast's excellent report.

Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop 

If your childhood was remotely like mine, then you might remember visits to The Body Shop, where they would hand out canvas bags with their anti-animal testing slogans plasted across the front. It was a strong message and a campaign which the store, which was originally founded by Anita Roddick, has kept up for nearly 20 years. In 1996, a petition calling for an  end to the practice attracted 4 million signatures. Now, the EU has listened to Body Shop, and their partners Cruelty Free International and banned animal testing. It's just sad that Anita Roddick didn't live to see the day.

Betty Halbreich, Bergdorf's personal shopping legend and subject of
Lena Dunham's new show (image via style.com)

Just when you thought Lena Dunham couldn't be any more awesome, it turns out she can. Reports suggest that the Girls creator is working on a new show about Bergdorf's personal shopper Betty Halbreich. Details are sketchy but this still excellent news to start the weekend on, isn't it?