THE WEEK IN FASHION: JANUARY 21st-25th

Posted by Bethan Holt, Junior Fashion Editor at Large

Hurrah, not long until January is over, you're nearly there! To boot, here's all the fashion need to know news from this week.

It's been couture time in Paris this week. Besides all the beautiful dresses (pay special attention to Valentino and Christian Dior) it seems like long-time couturiers were in the mood for mischief. First of all, Karl Lagerfeld made a statement about gay marriage by sending two brides arm-in-arm, subverting the usual final look sequence on a couture catwalk. Then there was Jean Paul Gaultier's finale trick; a skirt full of children. Hidden under a huge skirt, four brightly dressed Indian children emerged from underneath and scampered down the catwalk. For the couture lowdown, see the New York Times.

Jean Paul Gaultier's skirt full of children (image via latimes.com)

In support of gay marriage at Chanel (image via glamour.com)

Oh so pretty... Valentino (style.com)

Petals and blooms at Dior (style.com)

The Cut also got their knickers in a twist about the potential fanny flashing in this Dior look. Let's hope any actress thinking about this for the Oscars foresees THAT issue...

Flowers of every kind, er (style.com)

In Washington, Michelle Obama was doing what she does best; mixing it up, flattering her figure and being both modern and incredibly occassion appropriate. She did it in J Crew, Thom Browne and old favourite, Jason Wu. Most of us were pretty happy to see her consolidating the signatures she's laid down during her husband's first term. WWD's Bridget Foley's had a few bones to pick though. Meanwhile, Beyonce may be being lambasted the world over for possibly miming her rendition of the US national anthem, does anyone really care? What we do care about is her earrings. Until, that is, you hear they're worth $1.8 million. Ouch. Not so diplomatic, but VERY Beyonce.

Showing off those arms in Jason Wu (image via usmagazine.com)

In foulard inspired Thom Browne coat and J Crew accessories (image via latimes.com)

Beyonce's earrings, plus Pucci dress (image via jezebel.com)

Prepare for more royal reminiscing. Buckingham Palace unveiled the concept for their Summer exhibition this week as a look back at the coronation, marking 60 years since the Queen was crowned. The gown and robes she wore on the day, as well outfits worn by the rest of the royal party including Princess Anne and Prince Charles will be on display. The exhibition will open on 27th July.

Cecil Beaton's portrait of the Queen at her coronation (artlyst.com)

The latest incarnation in the "Letting Your Fashion Opinions Be Known Via Your Tee" trend... just $90

Congratulations to Holly Fulton, David Koma and Michael van der Ham who have won Fashion Forward sponsorship for AW13. The award, sponsored by eBay and the Mayor of London, follows on from NEWGEN and should help the designers in their quest to establish successful fashion businesses.

Designs by Koma, Fulton and van der Ham on the SS13 catwalks (via artinfo.com)

Yulia Kondranina, Yeashin and Patrick Li will be Fashion Scout's Ones to Watch at the upcoming London Fashion Week, an early tip off for future fashion talent.

We're loving...

Yeashin's eccentrically modern take on traditional Korean costumes...

Yulia's delicate handiwork and gothic vibes

And Patrick's clean lines and colour panels.

Forget Teen Vogue, it's all about Miss Vogue, a new venture from the British edition of the Conde Nast publication. It will come as a 124 page supplement to the main magazine. Oh, how my teen self would have rejoiced. Rather appropriately, Cara Delevingne makes her cover debut for the March issue. She seems like ultimate Miss Vogue.

Cara Delevingne on March Vogue (via thefrontrowview.com)

In fashion week related news, ACNE is moving to Paris after years showing in London while H&M takes London's influx of high street shows (Whistles, River Island) international with a show in the French capital.  As small consolation for losing our favourite scandi brand, London is getting a whole exhibition- Fashion Scandinavia- of labels to know from our North Eastern neighbours.

Acne are leaving London for Paris (style.com)

Put 25th February in your diaries now. High Fashion Society will be hosting an auction of celebrity's pre-owned treasure for you to snap up with all proceeds going to the very brilliant and worthwhile Kids Company. Nigella Lawson and Sienna Miller are among the well-known names who have dug deep in their wardrobes for this excellent cause.

In case your anticipation for the launch of VB's website had subsided then she's making sure you don't forget with a few obscure teaser videos....



Finally if the post-snow sludge, colourless skies and chilly temperatures are getting you down, you'll be needing a reminder of sea, sand, sunshine and bare legs, courtesy of True Religion