Voluptuous Nigella almost spills out of her dress
by DONNA McCONNELL
Curvaceous television cook Nigella Lawson looked dangerously close to having a wardrobe malfunction, as her low-cut velvet gown struggled to adequately contain her Rubenesque figure.
Her ample chest looked in danger of spilling over the top of the corseted creation from her preferred designer, Vivienne Westwood, as she appeared on the red carpet at an event last night.
Overspill: Nigella gets a little help from a seat belt to stay securely in her wayward frock
Nigella, 47, has become the poster-girl for the Rubenesque figure which was idealised for centuries until the fashion world decreed an absence of curves was more desirable.
Thankfully Nigella has ignored the current wisdom and held fast to her voluptuous shape which has won her many fans, male and female alike.
Nigella attended the event, which was organised by Alexandra Shulman the editor of British Vogue, to mark the official launch of the museum's autumn exhibition, 'The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957'.
The exhibition, which opens to the public on Saturday, features more than 100 dresses from Paris designers Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, Balmain and Balenciaga and their London counterparts Norman Hartnell and Hardy Amies.
Danger: Nigella clambered awkwardly into a waiting taxi last night at the gala event which marked the climax of London Fashion Week
The television cook was later pictured clambering into a waiting taxi as she left the gala event.
And it was then that she looked most in danger of spilling out of her designer midnight blue gown.
Nigella recently returned to TV screens with a show that promotes fattening "fast food".
The BBC series, Nigella Express, is aimed at busy working parents. It features calorific meals such as Irish cream tiramisu, coconut rice, sweet potato and bacon hash and cheese fondue, all of which are intended to be conjured up quickly.
Voluptuous: Nigella Lawson's midnight blue corseted gown struggled to contain her curvaceous figure
However, Lawson admitted that, unlike the fare whipped up by Jamie Oliver for his School Dinners series: "The recipes aren't particularly healthy."
And Nigella, along with revered TV cook Delia Smith, recently came under fire for writing cookery instructions that are too difficult to follow.
A Government study concluded that female celebrity chefs are harder to understand in print than their male counterparts, peppering their books with complex language.
Fine form: Nigella's Rubenesque figure has won her male and female fans alike
It found almost half of Nigella's were too tough for someone to understand without GCSE standard reading and numeracy skills.
Whereas some of Gordon Ramsay's recipes are so simple they can be followed by a seven-year-old.
Nigella's new show marks a professional renaissance for the "domestic goddess", whose TV career appeared to have stalled after her attempt to become a mainstream presenter with a daytime chat show for ITV1 flopped in 2005.
A one-off special for BBC2 last year, Nigella's Christmas Kitchen, secured record ratings and led to the commissioning of Nigella Express.
The ripping yarn of Kate and Courtney out partying
By CLEMMIE MOODIE -
Kate Moss has always known how to have a rip-roaring night out.
But usually her outfit - if not her reputation - survives intact.
The vintage gold satin gown she wore to a fashion gala in London, however, was not so lucky.
Calm and then the storm: Kate started out the night looking a picture of glamour, but ended it with her dress torn at the rear
Putting a foot wrong: Kate Moss and Courtney Love pose for a photo
Miss Moss had arrived for the Golden Age of Couture exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum a shimmering picture of old-school glamour.
Unfortunately that's when Courtney Love put her foot in it. Or rather on it.
The 43-year-old American actress, not noticing Miss Moss's two-foot train, stomped all over the delicate satin.
As a distinct tearing noise reverberated around the museum, the 33-year-old supermodel anxiously looked over her shoulder to discover a tiny rip in the material.
As the night grew longer, so did the rip - until Miss Moss's beautiful £650 gown was in tatters.
Eventually, there was nothing for it but to hoist the full-length skirt to safety and tie it just below her hip.
Rip-roaring evening: Last night Moss' dress was torn at the shoulder and under the neck fastening. She tried to avoid more damage by tying the dress out of the way
Who knows? With Miss Moss's fashion savvy, (she has her own range for Top-Shop) the look could be the Next Big Thing in the High Street.
"Kate arrived looking absolutely radiant and was on fantastic form, smiling at fans on the red carpet and happily greeting everyone she knew," said a fellow guest.
"But just seconds after her grand entrance, Courtney, failing to spot the huge train at the end of Kate's dress, trod on it with both heels causing a very slight rip.
"Throughout the course of the evening the hole, which started just above the small of her back, began to spread.
"She took it in surprisingly good humour though, shrugging it off with a giggle and helping herself to another glass of wine.
"At midnight she went outside to the courtyard and watched some jive dancers strutting their stuff and started clapping and whooping along with everybody else.
"Unfortunately, this wasn't great for her dress and the tear gradually began to spread until eventually it reached her armpit.
"But it is to Kate's credit that she didn't let the rip spoil her fun. Instead, she simply rolled up the gown and disguised the hole as best she could."
Moss in a mess: despite the fact that her dress was tatters, Kate carried on partying at the Dorchester Hotel
Damage: the fragile gown was in shreds by the end of the night
Then, with all the determination of an expert party-goer, Miss Moss continued to another do at the Dorchester Hotel.
She mingled with guests including Nigella Lawson, Prince and Sir Philip Green at the hotel's China Tang bar.
Miss Love, whose old band was - perhaps appropriately - called Hole, was also there. Miss Moss, still wearing the evidence of the Love stomping, kept her distance.
Both remained with their respective groups of friends at opposite ends of the bar.
Rod's fury as daughter strips off to model sexy undies
By RICHARD SIMPSON and TAHIRA YAQOOB -
Rod Stewart has had a lot in common with the underwear brand Ultimo recently.
A wife, an ex-wife and a daughter, to be precise.
But when the 62-year-old rock veteran discovered another Stewart has been signed up to model for the brand, he was far from pleased.
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Taking her turn: Ruby in Asda's range
Ruby, 20, is the fourth of his seven children and is understood to have approached Ultimo and asked to model.
And who could blame her? Big sister Kimberly, 28, already has a contract with the brand.
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Penny Lancaster was dropped in 2004
But when their father found out about Ruby's £100,000 deal for Ultimo's Asda range, he ordered work to stop - but she had already completed one of four shoots.
It is not the first time Stewart has had a stand-off with Ultimo's boss, Michelle Mone.
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Rachel Hunter, left, Rod's ex-wife and Kimberly Stewart, third in line to the underwear throne
When the firm dumped his wife Penny Lancaster in favour of his ex-wife Rachel Hunter in 2004, he called Mrs Mone a "manipulative cow".
A source said: "Apparently he decided he was going to make Ruby concentrate on her musical career, but Michelle is in no doubt it's because of her involvement with Ultimo."
Mrs Mone confirmed that Ruby had been signed but said she was doing her last shoot.
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Current wife: Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster
The diva has landed: Jennifer Lopez's extraordinary list of hotel demands
Last updated at 20:44pm on 20th September 2007
If proof were needed that multi-millionaire singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is no longer resident on the block - unless you're talking Park Avenue - her list of diva demands would be all that's needed to convince.
The designer clad diva arrived in London for a whistle-stop promotional tour for the launch of her new Spanish-language album and forthcoming single.
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Demanding diva: Jennifer Lopez has landed in London for a two-day promotional tour with a long list of diva demands
The diva is back: Critics have hailed her new single as a return to form
But as is standard for most celebrities, Lopez made sure to send luxury hotel The Dorchester, five-star hotel a detailed two page list of everything needed to ensure she enjoys her reported two-day stay.
According to a source, it included requests for the usual bottled water, soft drinks, lilies or red or white roses. Plus Grapefruit and Lime Blossom candles from the celebrity's favourite beauty guru, Jo Malone.
No doubt heads will roll if she gets peanut instead of the requested plain M&M's. And she clearly has a sweet-tooth as she's included a request for baked cookies.
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The singer and actress needs candles, flowers a microwave and plain M&M's among a two-page list of requests to ensure she enjoys her stay
If recent speculation which centres on a possible pregnancy are to be believed, the absence of alcohol, apart from a request for low-calorie beer, could be seen as significant.
But Lopez recently put paid to the rumours, and in a statement released her husband's publicist said: "Everyone calls about this every month with the hopes that they'll hit the mark - but no."
Despite staying in one of London's top hotels, home to several restaurants and dining rooms including Kate Moss's favourite restaurant China Tang, Lopez's list includes a request for a distinctly unglamorous microwave, coffee maker, toaster and an oven.
Clearly third-time married Lopez is quite the little home-maker.
But with her sixth studio album 'Brave' due for release in October, she's obviously not ready to hang up her dancing shoes just yet.
Which is fortuitous as critics have hailed new single 'Do It Well', released in the UK October 1, as a return to form for the latino superstar.
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A radiant J-Lo has officially denied the speculation surrounding a possible pregnancy
One American reviewer, the Billboard Review, has described the new single as "a satisfying, flamethrowing pop-urban pearl befitting top 40 hits from Rihanna and Kat DeLuna."
And new pictures released from the video, directed by acclaimed photographer David LaChapelle, see the star in a series of stunning outfits including a tight black ra-ra number and canary yellow mini-dress.
Speaking about the album, Jennifer Lopez told MTV: "I'm really excited about it. The first single will be out this summer. And, you know, it's very different from my Spanish album.
"My Spanish album was kind of an opportunity to get away from what I do on my English albums, to kind of express a different side of myself.
But judging by the long list of demands, it's business as usual for the forthright diva.
Jenny from the Block's list of demands
Britney parties until 2am after judge orders drug tests
Last updated at 15:58pm on 20th September 2007
Just hours after a judge ordered Britney Spears to undergo random drug testing, the troubled mother-of-two made it clear she is in no rush to tame her wild ways by heading out for a late-night bender with pop singer Avril Lavigne.
The 25-year-old was first spotted at Hollywood club Winston's before moving on to celebrity haunt Hyde Lounge, where she danced on table tops until the bar closed at 2am.
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Back on the scene: Britney was spotting party hopping in LA last night
An onlooker told American magazine People: "They kept bringing her shots and so they were drinking."
"She was dancing on the tables trying to be really sexy, even putting a black sock over her head as a hat, and putting on a show for everyone."
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In tune: Britney spent part of her night with pop singer Avril Lavigne
Earlier that day, a judge described Britney as a 'habitual and frequent user' of controlled substances and alcohol, and ordered to undergo random drug testing and hire a parenting coach in order to keep her children.
Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon ruled: "Based on the evidence presented, the court finds that there is habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol by the petitioner".
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Late night: Britney followed up the judge's ruling with a 2am bender
Gordon ordered Spears to undergo testing for drugs and alcohol twice per week on random dates and times.
Both Spears and Federline, 29, are to undergo 'joint co-parenting counselling' and the judge said each must refrain from making derogatory remarks about the other.
And the pair were also barred from using drink or drugs for 12 hours before having custody of the children.
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Back to school: Britney was revealed in court to be an 'habitual and frequent user of alcohol and controlled substances' and has been ordered to submit to twice-weekly drug tests
On the day that Britney is ordered to be drug-tested twice a week, her dubious parenting skills are on display as she proves incapable of putting a buggy up solo
But he saved his most stringent requirements for troubled Britney, who in recent months has exhibited bizarre behaviour after completing a rehab program in March.
Britney was ordered to meet with a counsellor at least once a week to address parenting issues and she must work with a parenting coach at least eight hours a week, according to court documents released after the hearing.
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The judge's ruling followed evidence of Britney's drug and alcohol use and parenting methods
"The parenting coach is to observe (Spears's) interaction with the minor children and her parenting skills," the Commissioner wrote.
The coach will provide lawyers on both sides with written reports, and will appear in court at the next hearing scheduled between Spear's and Federline on Nov 26.
Federline, 29, who Britney has now divorced, had been asking for increased custody of the boys, but Gordon maintained the current 50/50 joint arrangement.
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Britney and ex-husband Kevin Federline have both been ordered to attend a 'Parenting Without Conflict' class
All by myself: The singer's bizarre behaviour has seen her dropped by her lawyer and her manager in the same week
The ruling has come in a week in which the star's manager, music guru Jeff Kwatinetz, became the latest of her inner circle to abandon the troubled star. Others include her lawyer Laura Vasser, and her trusted bodyguard, Tony Baretto.
Vasser is said to have quit in frustration - accusing Britney of refusing to take her advice and being impossible to guide.
The singer immediately hired new lawyers Melvin Goldsman and Marci Levine - who represented David Hasselhoff in his divorce from Pamela Bach Hasselhoff.
But, has since changed her mind and hired reknowned divorce lawyer, Sorrell Trope.
Bodyguard Baretto filed a declaration in the custody battle which alleged "issues of nudity by Ms. Spears, drug use and safety issues involving the children."
The terms of the custody ruling in the bitter custody battle between Spears and Federline over their two sons - Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1 were revealed in documents leaked to celebrity news site TMZ.com.
An increasingly troubled Britney has stunned the public with her behaviour this year. Before entering rehab, she shaved her head bald, was seen attacking paparazzi.
Earlier this month her big comeback performance at the MTV's Video Music Awards was widely panned, as Britney forgot the words as she mimed to new single, Gimme More, was dressed like a stripper, and looked out of shape.
Justin Timberlake opens up about out-of-control ex Britney Spears
Last updated at 16:32pm on 20th September 2007
In a revealing new interview, Justin Timberlake has spoken about his troubled ex girlfriend Britney Spears, admitting he barely knows the woman she's become.
The pop star said he has not spoken to Spears in a long time and could not offer any explanation for her recent bizarre behaviour.
Still, Timberlake had kind words for the mother-of-two, saying she had a "huge heart."
Opening up to Oprah: Justin Timberlake spoke to the talk show queen about his ex Britney Spears
Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey asked the star: "What do you think is going on with Britney?"
The 26-year-old singer responded: "I don't know, to be honest with you. I haven't spoken to her in years. There's no ill will. I have nothing but love for her."
Timberlake, who appeared uncomfortable talking on the subject, said: "It's funny because we dated each other at a time. Wow, I haven't talked about this in a long time, this is interesting."
Out of control: Britney hit the clubs last night after a judge ordered she take random drug tests in her custody battle
He continued: "We were teenagers. And I think that's basically the best way to describe what happened to us."
He went on to add: "I think she's a great person, and I don't know her as well as I did... What I do know about her is she has a huge heart, and she is a great person."
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Got the blues: Britney and Justin's dress sense in 2001may have been bad, but worse things were to come for the loved up pair - they split a year later
Spears and Timberlake, both Mouseketeer alumni, dated for three years before breaking up in March 2002.
Spears has divorced Kevin Federline, shaved her own head, spent time in rehab and delivered a sloppy performance at MTV's Video Music Awards during the past year.
Earlier this week a judge presiding over her custody battle with Federline ordered Spears to undergo random drug testing.
However she quickly made it clear she is in no rush to tame her wild ways by heading out for a late-night bender with pop singer Avril Lavigne.
Why can't Britney EVER cover her behind?
Last updated at 12:21pm on 10th September 2007
It's the question on everyone's lips as walking disaster area Britney Spears rolled up to a supermarket dressed in yet another barely-there buttock-skimming dress.
Just why can't Britney cover her behind?
Seen out before her widely-panned comeback performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, the troubled pop star wore yet another outfit which showed she is not on intimate terms with a mirror – at least not from behind.
Bottom flash 1: Britney goes on a supermarket sweep with a dress that's a few inches too short
The night before she wore the same bottom-skimming dress to party in Las Vegas before her flop comeback performance at the MTV awards
Britney headed to her local supermarket in the outfit which failed to cover her behind the night after she was first seen wearing it to a Vegas nightclub.
The singer and illusionist beau Criss Angel spent the night together at Las Vegas hotel the Luxor after a busy night flitting from one club to another.
The pair spent the night partying with rap artist P Diddy at Caesar's Palace.
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Bottom flash 2: Another supermarket, another bottom-exposing frock
It's just the latest in a line of fashion faux pas made by the 'Toxic' singer who is currently in the midst of a bitter custody battle.
Despite a string of her employees being summoned by the court to testify to her fitness as a parent, Britney has continued to act in a bizarre fashion, and is constantly seen in public flashing her dimpled, cellulite-riddled bottom.
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Bottom flash 3: Britney does it again as she exposes her cellulite-riddled bottom for the world to see - again
Ex-husband Federline has filed for primary physical custody of their two sons.
Federline is reported to be concerned about his former wife's increasingly erratic behaviour and believes she is exposing their children to "unnecessary risk," according to sources.
His lawyers are also said to be compiling a dossier on Britney's outlandish behaviour.
But despite the threat, and on consideration of the above evidence, it appears the singer does not feel she needs to change her ways - or her wardrobe.
Fully clothed: Britney hit Las Vegas nightspots with new beau illusionist Criss Angel
Britney's ex-bodyguard blows lid on her 'drug use and nudity'
Last updated at 10:53am on 18th September 2007
A former bodyguard of Britney Spears has accused the pop star of post-rehab drug use and of having "issues of nudity" as he gave evidence in the custody battle over her two children.
Tony Barretto, who was yesterday revealed as the "secret witness", filed a declaration in the custody battle which alleges "issues of nudity by Ms. Spears, drug use and safety issues involving the children."
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Trouble: the star, pictured here in LA last week, is caught in a bitter custody battle with her ex husband
Laywer Gloria Allred told reporters: "Today we came to court with a key and secret witness in the Britney Spears/Kevin Federline custody battle. Our client's name is Tony Barretto. He was employed as a bodyguard for Ms. Spears from the time she came out of rehab until May 17th.
“During that time he was in her home on a full time basis, drove Ms. Spears to various appointments and observed her behavior inside of her home, outside of her home and around her children."
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On guard: Britney with the man believed to be her former bodyguard Tony Barretto in March
“He became very concerned about the children and their safety. Though he was reluctant to come forward amd become embroiled in her custody dispute he decided to do so because of his concern about the safety and well being of the children. He is a father of young children himself."
In a further twist to the bitter tug-of-love, Barretto also gave evidence about a planned "hit" on Britney's ex-husband Kevin Federline.
FBI and LAPD are investigating reports about a suspected plot to carry out "a contract hit" on Federline.
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Skirting the problem: in his statement, Britney's former bodyguard said the star has 'issues of nudity'. The singer, seen earlier this month, has developed a reputation for revealing a little too much in public
Spears married Federline in October 2004. She filed for divorce last November and the divorce became official July 30.
The two have joint custody of sons Sean Preston, who turned 2 on Friday, and Jayden James, who turned 1 on Wednesday.
Federline reportedly has been fighting to get full custody of the two boys.
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Fight: Britney's ex husband is seeking primary physical custody of their two sons
Britney made a disastrous start to her career revival last week in her opening act at the MTV Video Awards, which was followed by more purported photos of her without underwear hitting the Internet.
Britney's team opted not to cross examine Barretto, but Federline's attorney, Mark Kaplan, said it was not unusual for lawyers to decline questioning a surprise witness.
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Fiasco: Britney's now notorious 'comeback' MTV performance
"Sometimes lawyers don't like cross-examining when they don't know what the extent of the answers will be," said Kaplan.
Kaplan did not discuss what went on inside the hearing, but told reporters his client was not seeking more money from Spears.
Kaplan said a new custody hearing would likely come in mid-November. An exact date was not yet available.
In yet more bad news for the troubled singer, her management company yesterday announced they had dumped her.
The Firm said in the statement: "It saddens us to confirm media reports that we have terminated our professional relationship with Britney Spears."
"We believe Britney is enormously talented, and has made a terrific record. But current circumstances have prevented us from properly doing our job. We wish Britney the best."
