... and so does David Jones

THE last time David Jones launched its new fashion collection things got interesting for all the wrong reasons.

Style Queen

As she gets ready to become a princess, Kate Middleton has also become a fashion icon, writes Rachel Wells. Since becoming engaged to Prince William, Kate Middleton has been elevated from "Waity Katie" to accidental fashion phenomenon. Within minutes of arriving at St James' Palace on November 16, dressed in a royal blue dress that matched her sapphire engagement ring, Middleton sparked a global rush on the pretty, though unremarkable, frock by London-based label Issa.

SHOP TALK

Where 8 Woorayl Street, Carnegie, 0416 550 979

Snitch

SIX BURNING QUESTIONS FOR ... CELIA PACQUOLA

street seen

Who Sam Cremean, 21I AM an ACMI visitor services officer.

So good you should bottle it

BOTTLING YOUR OWN FRUIT AND TOMATOES IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST SAVING LOTS OF MONEY

Centre of attention

Bruce Elder finds a darkly handsome fifth-floor loft is the perfect base for a weekend of fine dining. Park8 Hotel Address 185 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.

High fashion, high price

DESPITE the slightly misleading reports suggesting Sydney is the second most expensive central business district market in which to set up shop, international brands are still looking to enter the Sydney market with a bang.

The strip of a lifetime

The photobooth is back in fashion as artists, filmmakers and retro buffs call the shots, writes Lindy Percival.

Make a splash

Shield your eyes as vivid colour brightens menswear, writes RACHEL WELLS.

Society in need of brighter fabric

The characters' lives ring true in this family saga but it's hard to care much for them. WE HAD IT SO GOOD Linda Grant Virago, 352pp, $29.99

FROCK STARS

The cream of a new crop is ready to launch, writes fashion editor Janice Breen Burns.

FASHION

WAIT FOR IT

Six-figure frocks just a taste of French excess

During Haute Couture week in Paris, the prices are even higher than the fashions, writes Janice Breen Burns.

Letters

Leaders should be a cut above the rest

the melbourne look

This month: nautical stripesOur streets have been awash with stripey sailor tops and frocks lately, many of them after the style of the Breton shirt, official sailorwear in France since 1858. This stripey look has been favoured by bohemians and renegades from Pablo Picasso to Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, James Dean, Andy Warhol, Siouxsie Sioux and Deborah Harry.

Life's good at the Paris end of town for Chanel's Melbourne model

Melbourne model Abbey Lee Kershaw walks the runway for Chanel (above) during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week and (main, right) joins fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld as he acknowledges the audience following Chanel's spring-summer show. Kershaw, 23, is the fifth highest paid model in the world, according to www.models.com. She was booked exclusively by Chanel, which will pay her about $100,000 for two trips down the runway. Pictures: AFP, Getty Images

FASHION POLICE

News, trends and style secrets from the front line.

On with the show

The colour of winter is looking bright, writes Kellie Hush.

WEB WATCH

Saturday Afternoons

Online shopping has clicked in Australia

THE worst fears of the nation's leading bricks-and-mortar retailers ��� that customers are increasingly deserting them for the internet ��� have been realised after the world's biggest online retailer pinpointed Australia as one of its fastest-growing regions.

On the radar

Colour will brighten menswear this autumn and winter, writes Rachel Wells.

ULTIMATE

Rating: 3.5/5 ULTIMATE Pet Shop Boys

streetseen

Who Monique Taylor, 19

Derby clash means more than just bragging rights

IF THE first Melbourne derby was a novelty and the second was all about revenge; derby three is a good old-fashioned six-pointer.