Think of women's clothing and Iran and the unappealing image that springs to mind is probably the shapeless, black coverall of a traditional chador.

Beauty queens are often seen as bimbos.

The new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge boarded a Royal Flight helicopter to return home - and in William's case, to work.

John Key has revealed Prince William's bride Kate Middleton wants to visit New Zealand as a priority on her married life agenda, and says the royal ceremony was "a bit like a normal Kiwi wedding".

The wait is finally over. The dress has been revealed, and the hair, make-up and shoes. And it did not disappoint.

Her outfit was as closely guarded as the bride's, right up until the morning of the royal wedding.

Bronagh Key may be wearing Trelise Cooper, but there is another NZ fashion designer stamping her mark on the royal wedding too.

Dressing actors for Auckland Theatre Company's period piece Mary Stuart doesn't mean slavish adherence to Tudor fashion.

Songstress and mother Jackie Clark is doing her bit to help families hit by the Christchurch earthquake.

Kate Middleton may have been using venom from New Zealand bees as a face treatment ahead of her wedding.

When the financial crisis hit, fashion said farewell to the froufrou. Three years on, sleek silhouettes, muted colours and an austere androgyny continue to dominate the catwalks.

More and more fashion designers are creating their own prints: Viva finds out the story behind the fabric.

Supermodel and muse Ines de la Fressange is the epitome of Parisian chic. She lets Viva in on a few of her shopping secrets and style tips

The lost art of embroidery, once the sign of domesticity and an accomplished gentlewoman, is examined and celebrated by artist Deborah Crowe with a display at Objectspace.

Lady Gaga loves them - the crazier the better - Beyonce goes for gold and Katy Perry wore them to the MTV awards. We're talking about Minx nails.

Its intricacy, expense and craftsmanship once made it a must-have for England’s elite. Denise L’Estrange-Corbet traces the history of Honiton lace, a famous feature of royal births and weddings.

Hip publisher Jefferson Hack discussed the future of media in Melbourne - and Viva was there.

Ever wanted to create your own perfume? Head to Paris, says P.K. Stowers.

John Key will wear a bespoke New Zealand-made suit at the royal wedding woven from merino and washed with pounamu (greenstone).

Looks matter if you want to get a job - but it may only help you if you're a handsome man rather than a pretty woman.

Middleton is leading the competition in a global online search for the best-looking British royal.

Columbine was set up 60 years ago by the three Thorpe bothers, Alan, George and Jack.

You can bet that one would shop at Selfridges for one's wedding attire if one happens to be attending Prince William and Kate Middleton's nuptials.

Look closely and be afraid, very afraid, about hair health. That's what trichologist David Salinger does for a living.