Rebecca Wang Chairs amfAR's 2013 Inspiration Gala in Los Angeles

Rebecca Wang joined Goldie Hawn, Aileen Getty, Kenneth Cole, Elizabeth Murdoch, Grace Jones and Chelsea Handler at arts media centre on December 12th at The Milk Studios in Los Angeles to support amfAR for its 2013 Inspiration Gala Los Angeles
This month's gala saw Aileen Getty, Goldie Hawn, and the Hugo Boss Group honored for their outstanding humanitarian work and dedication in the fight against AIDS.

Rebecca Wang Chairs amfAR's 2013 Inspiration Gala in Los Angeles

Aileen Getty decided over twenty years ago to state publicly that she was HIV positive and diagnosed with AIDS, admitting that her condition was the result of unprotected sex in an extramarital affair. Her conviction that "HIV was something that required a woman to stand up and tell the truth" put an end to her eight year marriage but also led to her dedicating her life to eliminating the public's fear of AIDS and those who have it. She has since channeled her philanthropy towards some of the most disenfranchised in and around Hollywood, funding projects such as Dallas House - a shelter for women with AIDS - and actively taking a daily part in these projects as part of her own healing programme.
Goldie Hawn the award winning actor, has been a tireless campaigner for AIDS education and research for thirty years, and regularly endorses amfAR events, recently taking Honorary Chair at the inaugural Rio Inspiration Gala.
The Hugo Boss Group has been a committed supporter of amFAR and has taken a strong stance in its public responsibility towards men's health.
Chairs for the gala included Rebecca Wang, executive film producer and entrepreneur who is a devoted patron of the arts and a committed supporter to a number of significant charities; John Demsey, Group President of Estee Lauder; David Bohnett, philanthropist, technology entrepreneur and social activist; and Tim Hanlon, CEO of the Vetere Group.
Honorary Chairs included amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, Naomi Campbell, amfAR's Chair for Global Fundraising Sharon Stone, Janet Jackson and Elizabeth Murdoch.
Chelsea Handler presented the programme for the Inspiration black tie event, which began with a cocktail reception before dinner. Following this was one of the highlights of the gala: a high energy set from legendary performer Grace Jones. After Ms. Jones' performance, the evening proceeded to a live auction.
amfAR Inspiration events have the dual aim of celebrating men's fashion and style and simultaneously raising funds for continuing work and research into AIDS. The evenings are held annually in 6 cities world-wide: New York, Los Angeles, São Paulo, Toronto, Miami, and Rio de Janeiro. They are renowned as much for the stunning standard of their entertainment as for the immense amount of goodwill and participation generated by their fundraising initiatives.
Sponsors for the evening included M.A.C Viva Glam, Microsoft, and international banking and financial services company Wells Fargo. Josh Wood Productions resumed their regular expert role in producing the evening.

Rebecca Wang supports the 12th Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit

Executive producer and philanthropist Rebecca Wang is honored to be a patron to the 12th Annual benefit "An Enduring Vision" for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), which will be held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Tuesday 15th October 2013. She has previously been benefactor over two consecutive years for the charity's annual Academy Awards viewing party.

The Elton John AIDS foundation, headquartered in New York, was founded in 1992 by Sir Elton John, and a UK section of the organisation opened in London in 1993. The organisation is dedicated to putting an end to AIDS and HIV infection-related deaths worldwide and over the years it has become one of the world's leading non-profits in the field, raising over $300 million to date, with the help of its many supporters.

Funding for the EJAF arrives via contributions from corporations and foundations, and individuals such as Rebecca Wang, whose keen concern for health and humanitarian issues has meant continual support from her for charities working in the fields of research, intervention and prevention of AIDS. In addition to EJAF, Rebecca Wang has also acted as sponsor and chair to amFAR, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, at some of their renowned Inspiration Galas held across the world.

Other contributions for EJAF come from cause-related marketing projects and special events, of which An Enduring Vision is one of several held during the year. When An Enduring Vision takes place later this month, it promises to reflect the high status of the organisation. Among those sponsoring the evening are American Airlines, Wells Fargo, The Lauder Foundation, M*A*C Viva Glam, and Caesar's Palace. Award winning CNN anchorman Anderson Cooper is to host of the event, while Ann and Nancy Wilson and their legendary band Heart will be welcomed as special musical guests.

An Enduring Vision Awards will be presented by Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish to celebrity chef Sandra Lee, business mogul Ronald O. Perelman, and Howard Rose, one of the organizations' founding members. The former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will this year be presented with the Founder's Award, in recognition of her courageous planning for an AIDS free generation and for her groundbreaking quote "gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights". Sir Elton John himself will receive the Harvard School of Public Health Initiative Leadership Award.

The Virtuoso Life of Rebecca Wang

In a six page interview given in the latest issue of Hollywood Weekly magazine, Rebecca Wang provides the most insightful account of herself to date, creating a kaleidoscopic portrait which covers the early formative influences and interests in her life, her passions, values and belief systems, sources of motivation and the broadest definitions of her aims, and by no means inconsiderable achievements.

The Virtuoso Life of Rebecca Wang

Whether describing her work life route from academic success at a prestigious US university, through personal development and learning as a practicing psychotherapist, on to her first cinematic creation as an executive Hollywood producer working with a cast of A-list Oscar nominees and BAFTA winner, or sharing a modest insight for her inimitable star quality appearance and bearing, or in showing the dedication which she brings to her philanthropic work, Rebecca reveals herself to be a multifaceted very special person of many talents, who brings a highly intelligent and hands on approach along with an appreciative, compassionate and respectful attitude, to both mankind and  life, and all that they bring.

Her early years were spent in Asia, but later living in the US and Europe along with yearly family international travel when young provided “a whole new set of experiences”, which she found “not only exciting but very rewarding”, and which have left her with an enduring love of travel, and also a practice of behaving open-mindedly and compassionately to all people, no matter where they are from.

Her life has been and is a continuous journey, both personally and professionally. In the interview she acknowledges the different ingredients that have formed her: how the practice of sport, ballet and piano when young honed the qualities of focus, discipline and patience; how, always trusting her intuition to take her to the right path, she chose to study clinical psychology at the University of California at Berkeley,  practicing psychotherapy in leading institutions.

Her recognition of the healing role of the arts in therapy was the stepping stone to move towards the active role of creation in the film industry. She acknowledges that this move, which may seem for many to have been a seismic shift, was a huge challenge, describing it as:  ”an achievement and also a major learning curve”, chief personal mastery among which for her personally was to break through her own fears and limitations.

Her primary driving force and what motivates her the most remains the ability to create, “to see and to watch an idea grow and develop from nothing into a finished entity”, along with the privilege of being “able to experience and develop or learn from that complete process”.

Rebecca Wang interviewed for Hollywood weekly

Rebecca lives her life fully: a huge desire for and love of the arts translates into active support for the film and TV charity BAFTA, and world class museums and art galleries in London. Beyond the arts, her philanthropy, which she views as a universal human attribute -she feels that each and every one of us can make a difference, is directed towards the realm of health and humanitarian issues, most notably the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR) where she has acted as sponsor and chair to some of their renowned Inspiration Galas held world-wide.

With a reputation of always appearing elegant, calm and composed when at special events, Rebecca credits her own regular practice of meditation or yoga before any such occasion as possibly contributing to the serene aura around her in any of the accompanying photos.

Rebecca Wang interviewed for Hollywood weekly

She shows no hint of complacency: when asked about her accomplishments she explains that she never feels as if she is atop a mountain of impressive achievements, since there is always a natural human urge to strive further. Asked to define the greatest obstacles she had to overcome when making the film, she is pragmatic in her response, saying that, much the same as in any other work, this centered on the ability to overcome each obstacle as it occurred on a daily basis.

Crucial in her approach to living are the values she judges as important: honesty, integrity, respect and loyalty. The choice of lotus flower as her company’s logo with its symbolism of growing through difficulties towards the light underlines the morality she incorporates into all that she does.

With this life position, it more than probable that whatever new possibilities are next likely to present, Rebecca will render them as brilliant as everything else she has touched to date through the working of her own unique alchemy.

View Rebecca Wang’s full Hollywood Weekly Interview here.

Rebecca Wang’s Hollywood Weekly Interview Aug 2013

The following is an exclusive interview between Hollywood Weekly and Ms. Wang:
by Jenny Werth.

Jenny writes


In this issue, we have the colourful sunrise in Rebecca Wang’s eyes as she sets her sights on movie producing and passion.

In Rebecca, we find a gorgeous example of what makes a dazzling woman a rare gem; one illuminating both integrity and inspiration. Within her pure heart, the world celebrates a woman who embraces an inward commitment toward the betterment of society through her selfless contributions and the staggering success of her production company, Rebecca Wang Entertainment.

Indeed, Rebecca personifies a rare type of jewel. One that shines multiple rays of success on the myriad of her accomplishments. It takes extreme dedication to live a life that includes such rich adherence to so many purposes. As a graduate from UC Berkley with a Masters in Psychology, Rebecca has helped advance a steadfast resolve for the compassion for humanity. While with her dedication to a romance with fashion, she has also created designs of extraordinary beauty. And most recently, we find her tackling the challenging world of producing movies. Yet another in a long list that makes up an impressive resumé.

Rebecca Wang blooms in the light. She flowers as seamlessly as the lotus flower that serves as her production company’s logo. She thrives in the daylight’s vigor, and by night, beams under the bright flashes from red-carpet photographers. For no matter which brand of light falls on Rebecca, she remains radiant underneath them all.

Hollywood Weekly: What would you say were formative influences and inspirations for you as a teenager and then a young adult?

Rebecca Wang: My formative influences and inspirations for me as a teenager were sport, ballet and piano. The discipline of all that physical exercise and practice inspired me and has given me inner strength and confidence, as well as a commitment to my own optimum well-being. However, of greater impact than this was the influence of film and fashion. “e #lm stories and the glamorous visions of fashion both made a big impression on me.

H W: Do any of these inspirations and influences still impact you today?

R W: Yes, they are both two vital and continuing passions of my life. I also learned the piano as a little girl. “is did not come easily, but it opened me to the world of music and, like ballet, forced me to develop the skills of being disciplined, focused and patient.

H W: Whereabouts did you live and travel during your formative years? How did this help shape/influence your current perception of people from different cultural, social and economic backgrounds?

R W: As a child I grew up in Asia, and have later lived and worked in the US and Europe, and am now based out of London. In addition to this, every summer when I was young I would travel with my family. Each year was a whole set of new experiences, and the new education I was given about different cultures was not only exciting but also very rewarding. I still love to travel, along with all the enrichment that it brings. I feel I have been fortunate to have had such a broad experience, as it has given me an ability to feel at ease in a wide range of global, social and cultural contexts. It has also taught me to be open-minded and compassionate towards people no matter what their background is

H W: Beyond your work in cinema and with your production company, what are your passions in life and why?

R W: My passions are wide-ranging, but for the most encompass the arts. I appreciate all art forms, most especially film, photography and fashion, and this passion has led to me becoming both a member of the Circle for BAFTA – the British Academy for Film and Television Awards, and of the Director Circle of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and in addition, patron to the Tate Modern, National Portrait and Serpentine galleries and Royal Academy of Music in London.

H W: Are there any belief or value systems which you hold dear in life?

R W: I hold the values of honesty and integrity very dear. Respect and loyalty are also qualities that are highly significant for me. For example, I have chosen a lotus flower as my company’s logo, since the values it embodies reflect my beliefs. The journey of a lotus flower growing towards the light is like that of a human on their life path: we meet obstacles that will make us strong and whole. To overcome them, we have to go beyond negativity in ourselves and practise persistence, patience and faith, and make the best and most fully conscious choices that we can.

H W: Having graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, you then practised at various leading institutions, including the University of California, in addition to several elementary schools, specialising in family, children and counselling. What led you to this early career choice, and the areas of psychology you chose to practise in? What gave you the greatest satisfaction in this work, and what did you learn from it? How did your knowledge and experience in this #eld help and inform your passion for all art forms?

R W: I have always trusted my intuition. From a young age I found it never to be far o$ the mark. I decided to develop what was already innate and channel it into education. I gravitated towards clinical psychology because of the huge fascination I had and have for people and how our minds work, what trigger our reactions, and why we behave the way we do in certain situations. I was fortunate to be accepted at Berkeley, as its psychology major is known to be exceptional. During this process, I developed my own understanding both of myself and of others, and this also extended my ability to show empathy in my approach as a therapist. My fulfilment in the post-graduate work came from the privilege of being able to hear about other peoples’ life stories, which greatly increased my capacity for both experiencing compassion and awareness, and incorporating these qualities into my personal and professional worlds. “is gave me the opportunity to hopefully make a positive contribution to the lives of others. Seeing someone heal, grow and go beyond their previous limitations was what gave me the greatest satisfaction. The connection from that work to my passion for the arts came with the recognition that in therapy, arts have a healing role. They can create a sense or an experience of comfort and harmony for a person, which may enable them to release pain, and to connect with joy

H W: What drives and motivates you in your projects?

R W: When working on any of my projects, I am driven primarily by the ability to create, to see and to watch an idea grow and develop from nothing into a finished entity. For me it is a privilege to be able to experience and develop or learn from that complete process. “at is what drives and motivates me the most.

H W: Philanthropy is very important to you. At what point did you realise that you had the ability to make an impact on this world for the better, and what guides you when choosing projects to support?

R W: I believe I was practising philanthropy from a young age, always giving and sharing my clothes and toys with others, or passing them on to charity when I had no further use for them. The attitude and actions developed naturally from there. I feel that philanthropy is a universal human attribute we all have within ourselves; we can all make a difference if we choose. Outside of the arts world, when choosing which projects to support, the area of health and humanitarian issues is important to me. For example, my admiration and respect for the pioneering work and achievements of amFAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research), has led me both to support them and become involved in their iconic charity Gala Series. Most recently I acted as sponsor to the 2012 Inspiration Gala held in Paris, and acted as one of the chairs for this year’s Inspiration Gala held in New York.

H W: We have seen photos of you appearing on major gala event red carpets, standing next to A-list celebrities. Frankly, in most instances, you look more comfortable than the celebrity. What is it about your concept of and sense for fashion and style that enables you to look so re#ned in front of the cameras?

R W: For me fashion and style are an extension of an individual’s personality, value systems and overall awareness. As a teenager, I was a tomboy who developed a love a$air with fashion, and would secretly register for fashion design courses in the summer. My mother also had a major influence: always impeccably dressed and groomed, she would take me along with her to fashion shows in Paris, and also to museums and major art exhibitions. I believe that early exposure to fashion
greatly helped cultivate my sense of style and taste. Beyond these factors, when attending a special event, I always make a habit of retreating to my own space away from the excitement and mania, and take some time to meditate or practise yoga. I believe that these both calm me and also cause me to feel mentally more prepared for all that is to follow, and that, perhaps, is why I might appear to look comfortable in front of the camera and in these settings

H W: Your accomplishments as an Executive Film Producer and as a CEO of your own Production Company are very impressive. How does that feel to you, and how does it feel be an inspiration for success?

R W: Like most people, I never feel myself to be standing on top of a completed mountain of impressive accomplishments. No matter what you achieve, you generally always want to strive further

H W: During your time in the entertainment industry, what do you consider to have been your greatest achievement, and what obstacles did you have to overcome to achieve this?

R W: To have gone into a whole new arena, and for the first time, and without any previous experience to have produced a full length feature Hollywood film – with two Oscar nominated actors Bill Murray and Mickey Rourke (also a BAFTA winner), and also the talents of Megan Fox and British actor Rhys Ifans, was an achievement and also a major learning curve for me. Being able to overcome each obstacle as it occurred on a daily basis, was the ongoing challenge I had to meet.
My greatest achievement in all this was the learning and personal growth I gained from the experience, most especially that of breaking through my own fears and limitations.

H W: It is clear that you are on a path of continuous development and connection, in which areas do you see your next direction as being, and why?

R W: Across all my fields of work and interests, things are constantly moving and fluid.I embrace new possibilities and take them as they come.

Rebecca Wang attends the annual Serpentine Gallery summer party

Mick Jagger, girlfriend L’Wren Scott, Kate Moss, Rebecca Wang and Daphne Guinness were among the A-List names who turned out for the Hyde Park Serpentine Summer Party, a gala leading up to the Wimbledon fortnight that raises funds for the Serpentine Gallery.

Among other patrons attending the event were writer and critic Bonnie Greer, actress Sarah Jessica Parker and husband and fellow actor Matthew Broderick.

The party, held yesterday (June 26th) at Kensington Gardens, is on par with the Chelsea Flower Show and Ascot as one of London’s quintessential outdoor summer society events.

Rebecca Wang attends the annual Serpentine Gallery summer party at The Serpentine Gallery on June 26, 2013 in London, England.

The annual fundraiser supports the Serpentine Gallery and its programs. Gallery Director Julia Peyton-Jones and Co-Director Hans Ulrich Obrist were co-hosts of this years gala, along with the chairman of party organizing committee Tim Jefferies. Scott, a stylist and fashion designer also held the honor.

Greer, recently elected Chancellor for Kingston University, has also served as deputy chair at the British Museum, as well as on the boards of the Royal Opera House and the London Film School.

Wang is a patron to the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and The Serpentine. She is also a member of both the Academy Circle for BAFTA, and the Director Circle for the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The gallery is one of London’s best-known and loved art venues. Housed in a tea house pavilion in the center of Hyde Park and close to the lake from which it takes its name, the gallery enjoys an international reputation. It attracts up to 800,000 visitors a year.

Rebecca Wang Chairs amFAR New York Inspiration Gala 2013

Hot on the heels of AIDS research foundation amfAR's recent Cinema against AIDS party, the Inspiration Gala New York 2013 was held on the evening of Thursday, June 13th at the landmark luxury Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue.

Those serving as Chairs for amfAR's events have always tended to be inspirational in their experience, success, creativity and vision, and this year's line-up is no exception. Among those taking the role of Chair this year were Rebecca Wang, Maria Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli and Thakoon.

Rebecca Wang is a Hollywood executive film producer who is a devoted patron of the arts and a committed supporter to a number of significant charities. In 2012, Rebecca Wang Entertainment acted as a sponsor for the successful amfAR Paris Inspiration Gala. Wang is a member of the Academy Circle for BAFTA, the Directors Circle for the Victoria and Albert Museum, and a patron to Tate Modern, Serpentine and National galleries in London. Maria Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are joint creative directors at the fashion house of Valentino since the founder's retirement in 2008. The aforementioned joined upcoming young Thai-US designer Thakoon whose creations have found huge success, most notably with the ultimate endorsement from Michelle Obama. amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, widely known for his use of fashion as a medium to promote social conscience, and John Demsey, Group president of Estee Lauder, Chairman of M.A.C Funds, and renowned for having his finger on the pulse of the most contemporary trends also chaired the event.

Three awards were given during the evening. Designer Valentino received the Award of Inspiration to commend his lifetime contribution to the world of fashion as well as for the work done by his association L.I.F.E for the support of AIDS related patients. The Humanitarian Award was presented to actress and singer Jennifer Lopez who has supported a range of causes, including charitable activities post September 11, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the American Red Cross. Scottish actor, writer, producer and director Alan Cumming OBE added the amfAR Award of Courage to his many professional awards. Cumming was recognised for his promotion of LGBT and AIDS issues as well as for his longstanding support for Human Rights Campaign, amfAR and Broadway Cares/Equity fights AIDS.

amfAR holds a fierce reputation for creating spectacular events that brim with first-class entertainment and fun activities that support and raise funds for its aims and programs. The annual Cinema against AIDS party was held during the Cannes International Film Festival at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d'Antibes in May. Sharon Stone hosted the evening that saw guests including Kylie Minogue, Goldie Hawn, Jessica Chastain and Roberto Cavalli treated to the Ultimate Gold Collection Fashion Show, which was presented by Carine Roitfeld and paraded by forty international top models. The show was followed by an auction which raised a staggering $25 million and saw one individual make a successful bid of $1.2million to take a space trip with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Rebecca Wang Joins A list Celebrities Front-Row at Elie Saab Fashion Show

Elie Saab Reveals His Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection at Paris Fashion Week

Espace Ephemere at the Jardins des Tuileries, one of the best loved locations in Paris for introducing new creations, was chosen as backdrop for Elie Saab’s A/W Collection on March, 6 during Paris Fashion Week.

Among the attendees were Producer Rebecca Wang, French Actress Vahina Giocante and Spanish model and actress Ines Sastre.

The collection included elegant day dresses; either sculpted to the body and sporting back zips from neck down to hemline, or with a structured bodice and square, scalloped, or occasionally plunging necklines. Models wore full skirts ending just above the knee. A mixed use of solid colours -dark blues, teal, mustard, and a hint of aubergine along with black and white, kept the overall message international, chic and powerful through elegant simplicity. A use of long fluid panels in luxurious evening dresses and gowns which were slashed and overlaid with ornate lace bodywork flowed along the catwalk.

Overall the collection endorses Saab’s general reputation for a styling that is continuous and steady, but it is one that greatly pays tribute both to his talents and to Lebanon.

 Saab, a self taught designer, launched his label in 1992 at the age of 18, in his home town of Beirut with a team of just sixteen employees. Initially specialising in wedding dresses using rich fabric, lace, detailed embroidery, pearls, crystals and silk threads, his designs soon expanded to cater for the high society women who had begun to wear his clothes. Saab is the first non-Italian designer to be made a member of the Camera Nazionale de la Moda in Rome and he has also been invited to membership of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris. While his main atelier remains in Lebanon, he now also has workshops in Milan and Paris, which is now his permanent ready to wear launch pad. Elie Saab has sixty retail outlets across the world and his designs are sold in 22 countries.

Saab’s style is seen as a fusion of Western and Eastern cultures and it is characterised by his use of noble materials such as taffeta, organza and satin with fabrics that are lighter and more fluid. The designer enjoys a large and loyal following in Arab countries and his work is also popular with royalties and international celebrities attending key global events. Saab’s patrons include Queen Rania of Jordan, whom he dressed for her coronation and Halle Berry who wore a burgundy gown by him in 2002, making Saab the first Lebanese designer to dress an Oscar winner. Among his fans can also be counted Princess Beatrice of York, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Celine Dion, Beyoncé, Emma Watson and Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden.

Rebecca Wang joins Karl Lagerfeld to celebrate 100 years of Chanel

Chanel’s Autumn/Winter collection for 2013/2014 under the stewardship of its chief designer Karl Lagerfeld unrolled at Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday 5th March. The date coincided with the label’s 100th anniversary and the German born designer was joined by a crowd of celebrities honouring the occasion.

The highly anticipated event took place at the statement location of the Grand Palais, avenue de Winston Churchill during Paris Fashion Week. Among those attending were Jessica Chastain, Rebecca Wang , Vanessa Paradis, Milla Jovovich, Ines de la Fressange, Mario Testino and Princess Caroline of Monaco.

Rebecca Wang attends the Chanel Fall/Winter 2013 Ready-to-Wear show as part of Paris Fashion Week at Grand Palais on March 5, 2013 in Paris, France

The circular catwalk was set under the glass roof of the iconic Grand Palais and models walked in front of a giant rotating globe; symbolic of the global status of the brand. The collection embraced dark colours which are typical of Chanel. Classic tweed coats, knitwear and short wool suits in black, grey or monochrome colours were teamed up with thigh high over the knee boots creating an uplifting and elegant look. Hints of metallic shades and baby pink were mixed with blacks adding a modern touch to the designs that still strongly reflect Coco Chanel’s classic look for the brand.

“I visited a minerals and crystals museum in France- I love the shapes,” Lagerfeld told reporters, “and then a Czech cubism exhibition in Prague -they are like modern buildings with similar shapes”. He also commented “I work by instinct, -99% goes to the garbage can, the rest is what survives. What has survived is more than enough”.

Originally the flourishing mark of its original creator, Gabrielle "Coco" Bonheur Chanel, the brand is now a global leader whose outlets have spread way beyond the original small shop in Paris, where her outstanding role in fashion began in 1909. After moving through millinery and designing sports clothes for women for sale at outlets in the then fashionable seaside resorts of Deauville and Biarritz in the years leading up to 1915, Chanel’s strength and contribution was to create innovative clothes and revolutionise fashion at a time when it was most needed. The First World War along with the socio-economic mobilisation of women, who were replacing men in the factories and fields, brought a need for practical and protective garments that would allow women the freedom to do this work. Chanel’s use of jersey fabric produced clothes that were comfortable and affordable, and by replacing structured silhouette based on the corset and the bodice with garments that were flattering to a woman’s figure, she was completely in tune with the changes of the time. By the end of the war, her designs were known throughout France, the high quality design, construction and finish of the clothes had established the reputation of Coco Chanel as a meticulous couturiere.

Chanel is currently owned by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, both grandsons of Pierre Wertheimer, an early business partner of Coco Chanel. The brand’s boutiques and popularity stretch across the continents, and have most recently included a 220m2 boutique in Hong Kong, and a 50million USD building in Grinza, Tokyo. Chief among its timeless and exclusive signature products are the Chanel suit, the “little black dress” and its perfume Chanel No 5. Its creations have been personified by well known women including Catherine Deneuve, Vanessa Paradis, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley and Marilyn Monroe, all of whom epitomise the independent confident Chanel girl. More recently, Chanel has again led the way not just with accessory products such as watches, sunglasses, travel collections and skin care, but also in setting up Paraffection, a subsidiary company originally established in 1997 to support and preserve artisanal manufacturing for the fashion world.

Lagerfeld has stayed as a helmsman for the brand over the last thirty years after being persuaded to come over from Chloe. While incorporating the signature fabrics and detailing such as tweed, gold accents and chains; Lagerfeld has also helped to bring the brand into today’s modern day fashion world. In later collections he has chosen to break away from the ladylike look of Chanel and experiment with different styles. Coco Mademoiselle and In Between Wear, targeting younger women, have been launched in the last decade.

Rebecca Wang at Giambattista Valli A/W Collection Show

Giambattista Valli Autumn -Winter 2013/2014 Ready-to-Wear collection show was held at Place Vendôme in Paris on March 4, 2013.

The collection displayed a line of luxury that was both chic and easy. The ice themed show featured ladylike silhouettes, unexpected use of fur and plenty of linear layering. Models wore high necks with Grecian metallic skirts or slick cigarette trousers. Streamlined car coats and parkas featured chiffon layered with fur and structured fabrics creating a contrast between heavy and light. The colour palette included snow queen whites interspersed with an explosion of vivid colours and floral and animal prints.

The Italian born designer grew up in Rome but is now based in Paris where he shows his Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear collections. Valli knew from the age of eight that fashion was his main calling and he has named watercolours by YSL, Grau’s illustrations for Dior and Cocteau’s drawings as his early influences while studying at Rome's Art College, Accademia di Belle Arti. After joining the European Institute of Designers, and following an illustration course at Central St Martin in London, Valli’s first fashion work was with Cecilia Fanfani, who involved him in the planning of couture shows in Rome. He then joined Roberto Cappucci’s atelier as an assistant, a time he credits for learning the relationship between the atelier and master and the fundamental aspects of colour and volume.

Two years later came the role of overseeing the new Fendissimi line as senior designer. From there he moved to Krizia and in 1997 Valli was appointed art director of fashion for Emanuel Ungaro’s ready to wear collection. 2001 saw him promoted to art director for the rtw, along with the younger Ungaro Fever lines, accessories and licenses. In 2005 Valli introduced an uninhibited collection after starting his own line with licensee Gilmar. His own line launched in 2005 with an aim to create a style based on a line and silhouette. This style was in contrast to the focus on decoration at Ungaro.

While working at Ungaro, Giambattista Valli begun to dress his celebrity friends which had a positive impact on his reputation. Fans of his work include Penelope Cruz, Natalia Vodianova, Jessica Biel (who asked him to design the gown for her wedding in Puglia to Justin Timberlake), Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Valli credits early deliveries, reliable quality and a disciplined regard for consumer needs, for the growth of his own brand.

Rebecca Wang Enjoys Front-Row Seat at Galliano Fashion Show

The Galliano house of fashion made a return to the catwalk on Sunday 3rd March, with the showing of its Autumn/Winter Collection 2013-2014 during Paris Fashion Week. Bill Gaytten, The British-born former right arm to Galliano in the in-house design team for over 23 years and the current lead designer for the label, showcased his second collection on Sunday.

The show was held at the iconic Le Centorial, 18 rue du Quatre Septembre, in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. The Galliano Autumn/Winter Collection for 2013-2014 was heavy in dark colours. It featured geometric cuts and shades of blue, plum and black. Models with minimal make up wore long belted drape coats with cropped trousers or over the knee skirts. The collection also included simple evening gowns, peplum skirts and oversized hats.

Rebecca Wang with the President and CEO of Christian Dior,  Sidney Toledano 

Over the years the Galliano team’s speciality has been to give a theatrical approach to contemporary fashion, with uniqueness created through contrast and sprinkled with vintage allure. Gaytten is building upon this and fast earning a reputation for his love of experimentation with styles packing different levels of sophistication.

The brand was founded in 1993 by the Gibraltar-born British fashion designer John Galliano, who had a rapid ascendancy in world fashion at an international level. After being appointed designer to head up Givenchy in 1995, and receiving high praise for his first collection there, 1996 saw him move to Christian Dior, where he oversaw all creative design for the following fifteen years, garnering many fashion awards for his services to the industry. Fans of Galliano designs include Charlize Theron, Madonna, Cate Blanchett, and Nicole Kidman. Kate Moss opted for a Galliano designed wedding dress for her marriage to Jamie Hince.

The Galliano house of fashion is one of the sixty prestigious brands that make up the international luxury goods group LVMH. LVMH came into being in 1987 following a merger between Moet Hennessey and Louis Vuitton. The group specialises in five main areas: fashion and leather goods; watches and jewellery; perfumes and cosmetics; wine and spirits, and selective retailing. The most veteran brand in the group is wine producer Chateau d'Yquem, whose origins go back to 1593. While created and headquartered in Paris, LMVH now has over 3,000 stores world-wide (over 79% of them outside of France), and more than 100,000 employees. Sidney Toledano, who is the President and CEO of Christian Dior SA and President of John Galliano and Fendi was in the audience of Gaytten’s second solo show for Galliano.

Rebecca Wang supports the BAFTA awards in London 2013

The 2013 BAFTA award nominations were notable for their variety and quality, representing big-budget blockbusters, stunning international cinema and left-field independent films. The awards were always predicted to be "a wide open race", and this, to quote BAFTA's chairman Michael Willis, "really reflects the health of cinema throughout the world."

Rebecca Wang supports BAFTA awards in London 2013

Stephen Fry hosted the evening, and a stellar list of nominees and leading members from the film industry were in attendance, including Ben Affleck, Anne Hathaway, George Clooney, Ang Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Daniel Day-Lewis, Hugh Jackman, Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes and Jennifer Lawrence.

Hollywood producer Rebecca Wang supported the awards in her capacity as a member of the Academy Circle, which constitutes the charitable side of BAFTA. She is strongly committed to a proactive role in enabling, encouraging and supporting all art forms of creative talent across the film industry.

In addition to the high-profile awards ceremonies held annually in London, Los Angeles and New York, BAFTA runs a year-round Learning and Events programme aimed at audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK and USA. The programme offers unique access via workshops, master classes, lectures and mentoring schemes to some of the world's most inspiring talent.

Rebecca Wang supports BAFTA awards in London 2013

The Academy has also in recent years extended the range of access to resources that inform and inspire. Its online archive is a treasure trove of features, photographs and interviews.

The 66th BAFTAs took place at London's Royal Opera House on Sunday 10th February, and a post-ceremony dinner was hosted at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Red carpet coverage was provided by BBC Three and BBC One broadcast the awards ceremony itself. Four new 360-degree cameras were employed to span the carpet, enabling viewers at home to enjoy the evening's proceedings.

Please click here to see BAFTA Highlights 2012/13