There's a sense of mystery when it comes to a woman and her handbag, the contents of which can leave any man utterly perplexed.

A selection of World of Wearable Arts garments made a splash at an exclusive event for fashion and yachting royalty in America.

As Karen Walker celebrates 20 years in retail, she takes a look back at some of her memorable campaigns.

Sharon Stephenson has been under makeup’s hypnotic spell since she was a child — what difference will five cosmetics-free days make?

It was an unusual choice for the theme of this year's Met Gala as the star attendee's were asked to go "Punk: From Chaos to Couture."

NZ shoppers are some of the smartest and most budget-conscious in the world - with new consumer research showing locals favour quality over designer labels and brand imaging.

Alexander Wang spent a great deal of time considering his decision and even visited a medium in an effort to get some insight.

US prosecutors have charged a former Tiffany executive with stealing more than a million dollars worth of hoop earings, platinum pendants and other items.

Brand-building businesswoman Maureen Case epitomises the modern approach to selling luxury.

Wanting to give BB creams a try but not sure where to start? Take a look at Viva's top BB cream picks.

I used to use only fancy face creams from department stores but these days I mix it up with supermarket brands such as Nivea and Olay.

Celebrity couple Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge have shown off their relationship in a steamy new advertising campaign for British fashion house Burberry.

Naomi Campbell drew cheers on the catwalk at Paris fashion week when the 43-year-old supermodel opened the first haute couture show of the season for Versace in a sparkling black micro sequin jacket.

British menswear designers have compiled their list of the best dressed rock stars in the world. Most are (predictably) Brits, but we've pulled the pack together in a gallery to see what stuartslondon.com gang are talking about. Owner of the store, Ravi Grewal, says: "It's good to see that musicians are still looked up to when it comes to their fashion choices, and it seems smartly dressed rockers like Gallagher, Turner and Pizzorno have overtaken scruffy rockers."

Love 'em or leave 'em seems to be the response to mineral makeup, but next-generation formulas mean it's time to mine deeper into the appeal of these polarising products.

Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have breathed bright, beautiful new life into iconic French label Kenzo, which is soon to arrive on our shores.

On TV talent contest The X Factor, style can be as important as the songs. Meet the Pretty Committee.

A handpicked edit of the best in beauty and fashion right now – see this week's issue of Viva for more.

A US scientist is convinced that it's possible for us to to become younger and live to be much older than we do now.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana had a little help taking the spotlight off their legal woes when a streaker crashed their menswear show in Milan.

The runways of Milan were packed with menswear looks built around Bermudas, baggy or tailored, but always above the knee. The shorts are proving versatile. They go with jackets, ample overcoats, or for the truly buff, nothing at all. The bare leg offers resplendent choices for footwear, from sturdy sandals to buckskin or woven leather shoes. Designers have gravitated toward dark socks for summer - no longer taboo. The formula reverses with long pants: then it's no socks. Men won't have to wait for casual Fridays to wear shorts to the office. These are highly tailored and completely suitable. This edition of Milan Fashion week features 78 designers - more than in recent seasons - with a concerted effort to highlight young talent. Four young designers - two Italians, a German and a Chinese - are making their runway debuts this week. - AP

Danny Pato of D&M salon in Ponsonby was one of a handful of top stylists invited to Paris to a master class with hair industry star Angelo Seminara.

The wedding gown Elizabeth Taylor wore when she exchanged vows with Conrad Hilton Jr is heading to the auction block.