Models Flock To Justin’s Clothing Launch

(Written 11th July 2007)

By Laura Callan

Models were out in force on Monday night for Justin Timberlake’s clothing range launch.

William Rast, designed by Justin and best friend Trace Ayala was unveiled at a cocktail party in Harvey Nichols, with a list of supermodels and socialites flocking to the event.

The clothing range is described as ‘defining American fashion’: “It’s mainly based around denim”, said Justin, “We wanted to create classic clothing, and classic denim”.

When first approached about the idea of creating a clothing range, the pair said that they would only do it in their own authentic way, and this is reflected in the clothes. Both from Memphis, Tennessee, Justin and Trace have incorporated aspects of their hometown into their T-Shirts, logos and designs.

“Our influences are Elvis and Sinatra”, said Justin, “We just think, if they were our age now, what would they wear?”
But they’re not stopping at this, the pair warn, they have big plans for the future.
“We have loads of plans!” said Trace. “We’re just starting, we want to expand to suits, formalwear, everything so we have a full range” added Justin.

Those celebrating the launch included Lily Cole, Petra Nemcova and Lauren Gold, with a surprise appearance from singer Fergie who has just finished touring with Justin’s FutureSex/LoveShow.

“We’re hoping it will do well here”, said Justin, who enjoyed the night fairly low-key, with a small entourage of security and both his and Trace’s mothers.

Animal Rights: The Fight Goes On

© Laura Callan Photography
(Written June 2007 for Portsmouth News)
By Laura Callan

When raids were carried out across the UK, Netherlands and Belgium last month, arresting 30 people, it made international news.

For Southsea Animal Action, this meant two of their full-time members being arrested in their homes in dawn swoops.

Tom Harris, 23 and Nicci Tapping, 25 were both arrested on suspicion of Conspiracy to Blackmail, and later released on police bail. Both uphold that they have never been involved in any criminal activity regarding animal rights.

Southsea Animal Action are involved with the Southern Animal Rights Coalition, and members regularly arrange marches and protests against animal cruelty. Tom Harris said of the group: “We campaign for the rights of all animals.”

Days after the raids took place the newly released campaigners attended a group meeting ready to carry on promoting their cause. Upon arrival, Tom Harris joked, “We haven’t planned anything because we’ve been arrested for the past few days”.

Talking about their current campaigns, he later said, “We’re trying to get fur out of the area, and stop the sale of foie gras in Portsmouth and Southsea. “We’re trying to work with the council and local MPs to actually get a ban on the sale of foie gras in the area”

The group are also in talks with local shopping centres Gunwharf Quays and Cascades to stop and prevent the sale of fur in the future. Fur garments are currently still being sold in the Guess and Dune stores in Gunwharf Quays.

The production of fur has been banned in the UK but is still imported from fur farms abroad. There have been many undercover investigations by animal rights supporters into the treatment of animals in fur farms. Tom told us, “The way animals are killed for fur is quite horrific: the stunning methods used are inadequate, often when they’re skinned they’re alive and fully conscious, they’re anally electrocuted, and sometimes gassed by CO2 car emissions.

“It really is a horrific industry; I’d suggest that anyone who wants to find out more visit our www.furfreesouth.com website which has a lot of information about the fur trade.” The group welcome anyone to get involved; information is available at www.sarconline.com