With the attention of the world's media firmly focused upon fashion shows, the catwalk can provide the perfect platform from which to make a political statement. In the past designers have used the catwalk to air their views on a variety of issues, regardless as to whether or not they were directly related to the fashion world.

Fashion weeks are a usually an opportunity for designers to reveal their collections for the up-coming season; for fashion journalists to get an insight into the latest trends; and for new designers to start making their mark.

This year, however, the fashion weeks showcasing the trends for 2010 have been somewhat overshadowed by two tragedies – the untimely death of fashion icon Alexander McQueen and the tragic earthquake in Haiti.

People come in all shapes and sizes, and this sometimes makes the 'one size fits all' approach rather difficult - particularly when choosing which clothes to buy, and which exercise and dietary regimes to follow. After all, what suits your friend may not suit you, and rather than trying to shoe-horn yourself into something that's not right for you - you can use a little knowledge about the different body shapes to your benefit!

Christian Louboutin designs the most sensational and coveted shoes that are seen on the stylish feet of the glamorous and famous. He designs for Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent as well as under his own name and brand. He is renowned for his ultra feminine shoes with killer heels, which look impossible to actually walk in. However, the quality and excellent craftsmanship that goes into their production means that they are incredibly comfortable as well as exquisitely sexy. He has a celebrity following including Madonna and Kylie Minogue, as well as Angelina Jolie, Patti Labelle, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. His shoes are frequently seen on the red carpet at big affairs and award ceremonies. Christian Louboutin has several boutiques across the US and his shoes are found in the UK in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and the like. In June 2008 Laboutin's shoes topped the 'top sexiness' poll, and a month later The Times cited his shoes as the most wanted shoe brand.

Kenneth Jay Lane is the king of costume jewellery. He has made a lifetime's career out of producing fake jewellery and his fans love it. His theory on flash jewellery is that elegance, good taste and luxury never go out of style. His designs have been seen on Jackie Onassis, Barbara Bush, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, and the Duchess of Windsor was buried in one of his bejewelled belts. He began his design career as a shoe designer for Delman as well as Christian Dior. His contemporary celebrity following includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Mischa Barton. Many of his vintage pieces of jewellery have found their way to museums such as the Smithsonian and Dallas Museum of Art, and are extremely collectable items, with much of his jewellery selling at auction in Sothebys, Christie's and Doyle New York.

Although the new Sex and the City movie won't be out until late 2010, fashion-conscious women have a new film to look forward to: Confessions of a Shopaholic. Based on the popular chick-lit novel by Sophie Kinsella, the story tells of a young journalist who aspires to work in fashion journalism, but ends up working as an advisor and writer for a top financial advice magazine, despite being unable to manage her own finances. As well as showcasing Manhattan as the global capital of spending and shopping, the movie is light relief with a likeable and relatable main character and a good old-fashioned romance story.

Victoria Beckham has made it onto the much coveted front cover of Russian Vogue, in the February edition to promote her new fashion line. One time Spice Girl turned model and designer Victoria has come along way since her Posh Spice image, and as she matures, so does her public persona. The majority of super models fail to get their faces on the cover of Vogue once, and rarely more than once, but Mrs Beckham has been there 3 times in the last year, appearing in UK Vogue last April and in November she featured on the cover wearing a beaded wedding sari.

Now that the new fashion season has begun it is time to start collecting the essentials to create an up to date style. With so much variety available it is difficult to know where to start. Accessories can provide an instantly fresh look to your wardrobe, and this season features large pieces of jewellery, bracelets, pendants and earrings, as well as elegant belts and bags.

Achieving an upmarket stylish look while at the same time making a definite statement can be extremely daunting and there is an overwhelming amount of fashion choice and variety on the High Street at the moment. There are so many different images for women to adopt, varying according to season or occasion. And it is all too easy to overlook the importance of accessories and not to give as much consideration in selecting such fashion items such as earrings as we do in selecting an outfit.

Fashion designer Missoni has made it easy for women by offering us some very stylish statement jewellery, including a delightful pair of floral drop earrings. These are designed in a timeless style and will doubtless be worn for many years to come. Produced in gold plate and with a hinged black drop, these earrings have a contrasting floral design to the front of the ear and clip fastening to the back. Designed to be worn on any occasion, this style of jewellery looks stunning when dressed up with evening wear or even worn with jeans and heels. Missoni has hit on a good all rounder in this design. It is not stylised to the extreme, meaning that it will not date quickly. Considering the amount of opportunities for wear, the price reflects good quality and value for money.

Diane von Furstenberg's Wagner dress is ultra-feminine. The startlingly bright candy pink tone is combined with a wrap over line, with bow fronted sashed waist, short fluted sleeves and v-neckline, revealing a black lace edged slip beneath at decolletage and hemline in 100% silk chiffon fabric. It is her definitive statement for the coming season and can be worn with a simple pump or accessorised with a clutch bag in a contrasting colour. The back features more black lace edging to produce a very sexy look. The Wagner dress is designed for evening wear and is very reasonably priced, particularly for a pure silk item. However, the choice of colour is restricted to pink or pink, which does not suit all skin tones, and the sash waist lies flat as intended on the minority of figures. If you have even the hint of a tummy or other feminine curves, this style of dress is not for you.