Now you can wear that backless dress with confidence: Ultimo unveils 'miracle' bodysuit

By Katherine Faulkner

Last updated at 7:23 PM on 14th December 2011


It’s a party season dilemma that fuller-chested women are all too familiar with.

You splash out on a fabulous backless dress for a Christmas do – only to find unsightly bra-straps ruin the effect.

But now a new ‘miracle’ bodysuit has been launched to allow women to wear backless dresses with confidence whatever their bra size.

The £42 bodysuit has a corset-style front to provide maximum support, but is cut low everywhere else, leaving the back exposed

The bodysuit has a corset-style front to provide maximum support, but is cut low everywhere else, leaving the back exposed.

The suit’s makers claim the front provides just as much support as an ordinary bra – while ensuring that no straps make an embarrassing appearance at the back.

The underwear brand Ultimo said the suit also ‘transforms the silhouette’ by controlling the tummy and smoothing the hips, at the same time as boosting and shaping the bust.

And the £42 suits will be available in cup sizes A to G – catering for even the most voluptuous.

Celebrities have led the trend for backless dresses this year, with both Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole recently spotted on the red carpet in backless styles.

Victoria Beckham wore a backless dress from her own collection at the Fashion Awards last month

But they can be among the most difficult styles to wear for all but the thinnest women because they are difficult to combine with underwear.

‘Fuller-chested women tend to stay away from backless styles because they feel apprehensive about going without a bra,’ said Michelle Mone OBE, founder of Ultimo.

‘Miracle shapewear has been engineered to change that by providing all the support of a bra yet leaving the back exposed.

‘This will allow women to feel much more confident stepping out in styles they may have previously avoided.

‘Backless styles are very much in vogue this party season.

‘We hope that we can help take a lot of the hassle out of party dress shopping for women by giving them all the secret support they need for their perfect dress.’

Cheryl Cole shows off her tattoo in a LBD at the National Television Awards

The body suits are part of a range of 12 'Miracle Shapewear' inventions released by the British underwear brand designed to combat love handles, muffin tops and bulging tummies.

Ultimo have also come up with a new ‘frontless’ bodysuit for dresses cut low at the front.

This features a gap between the breast cups – which are held together by an invisible strap – to ensure that no bra fabric is visible when wearing a cleavage-revealing dress.

The styles will be available in Debenhams from today and can also be purchased on the Ultimo website.

Clothing that controls the body shape first appeared in the US, becoming popular with the Spanx pants launched in 2000.

It has since spread to the UK, where a recent survey by market researchers Mintel showed that one in ten British women have worn ‘shapewear’ to improve their figure.

British stores like Asda and Marks and Spencer have been quick to cash in on the trend, and have even launched ranges of aimed at men.

Asda’s range includes a vest aimed to deal with ‘man-boobs’ – the first batch of which sold out in just four minutes - and high-waisted pants which aim to control a beer belly.

You can buy a backless body at Ultimo.co.uk


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Victoria Beckham goes for Gothic glamour and Kelly Brook shines at British Fashion Awards

Victoria Beckham goes for Gothic glamour in a backless gown while angelic Kelly Brook shines in white at British Fashion Awards

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 8:35 PM on 28th November 2011

She usually manages to upstage every fashion wannabe within her vicinity when she steps out in her own designs.

But tonight Victoria Beckham had to pull out all the stops as she rubbed shoulders with the hottest young fashionistas at the annual British Fashion Awards.

And the 37-year-old star, who took home the Designer Brand prize at the ceremony, certainly commanded attention as she arrived for the ceremony wearing a Gothic black gown.

From one extreme to the other: While Victoria Beckham opted for a black gown for the British Fashion Awards, Kelly Brook looked angelic in a pretty white number

While Victoria opted for dark and brooding for the British Fashion Awards, model Kelly Brook went for the opposite end of the spectrum in an angelic one-shouldered white dress, which featured a sexy thigh-high split.

The 32-year-old star teamed the dress with a pretty gold belt and a pair of animal-print heels as she posed for photographers.

Before the event, Kelly admitted she was feeling a little weary, tweeting: 'Back to London British Fashion Awards tonight! #tired'

Glamorous: The gown featured a low back and showed off Victoria's slender figure

Winner: Victoria with her prize after taking home the Designer Brand award

Meanwhile, mother-of-four Victoria paired her dress with a scraped back bun, and kept her make-up simple with a smoky eye and nude lips.

The simple design featured a high neck, low back and long train, leaving Victoria's shoes hidden from sight.

And there was no sign of any baby weight as Victoria, who gave birth to little Harper in July, posed for photographers at the highly-anticipated event.

Flashing the flesh: Kelly teamed the pretty dress with a pair of animal-print heels and a gold belt

It has been a busy few days for the former Spice Girl, who jetted in from Los Angeles yesterday with baby daughter Harper.

But there was no signs of jetlag as Victoria smouldered for the cameras at the event.

Posing up with famous friends including Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs, Victoria was undoubtedly delighted that her designs were recognised at such a prestigious event.

Full-length glamour: Abbey Crouch and Poppy Delevigne both opted for sweeping gowns

Where's your baby weight gone? Abbey looked slender as she posed for photographers outside the awards

Her husband David, meanwhile, is in Jakarta with his football team LA Galaxy where they will be playing an exhibition game on November 30 against an Indonesian all-star team as part of their Asia Tour.
Another WAG showing off her post-baby figure was Abbey Crouch, who wore a form-fitting suede studded dress for the occasion.
Also at the awards, held at London's exclusive Savoy Hotel, were fashion stars including Marc Jacobs and Annie Lennox's daughter Tali, who shone in a pretty gold gown.

Hoping to catch something? Kate Moss arrived for the ceremony wearing an unusual netted dress

Fashion pack: Victoria posed up with Marc Jacobs and Kate Moss inside the event

Alexa Chung wore a cute silver and white Christopher Kane number, while Poppy Delevigne opted for a dramatic paisley-printed number.
Trendsetter Olivia Palermo went for a ruffled knitted dress as models Georgia May Jagger and Amber Le Bon displayed their slim figures in detailed dresses.
Meanwhile, Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth decided to make the event a date night by attending with his wife Livia, who looked stunning in a gorgeous emerald-green silk dress.

Trend setters: Olivia Palermo and Alexa Chung wore typically eye-catching outfits at The Savoy

Fashion's hottest young stars: Georgia May Jagger, Amber Le Bon and Tali Lennox shone at the awards

The pair, who married in 1997, looked more in love than ever as they posed for photographers at the event.
Firth, who took home the coveted Best Actor prize for his role in last year's hit movie The King's Speech, has spoken frequently about his love for his wife, and credited her support for his success.
Accepting his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier this year, Firth said at the ceremony: 'When I look down there at that star, it's her name I see.'

Keeping it simple: Samantha Cameron and Amanda Wakeley both wore black outfits as they posed on the blue carpet

Date night: Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth attended with his stunning wife, Livia Giuggioli

Not everybody got it right at the prestigious awards ceremony, however.
Stella McCartney, who usually looks effortlessly chic at such events, missed the mark in an unflattering jumpsuit while Daphne Guinness went for another Lady Gaga-esque outfit in a geometric black dress.
However, despite her fashion faux pas, Stella took home the Red Carpet Award at the event, while the main winner at the evening was named as Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

Missing the fashion mark: Stella McCartney and Daphne Guinness left a lot to be desired in their outfits

Posing up: Stella, who won the Red Carpet Award, posed for photographers with friend Kate Hudson

Burton shot to fame when she was revealed as the designer of the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Alexa Chung took home the British Style Award, voted for by the public, for the second year in a row.

Here come the boys: Designer Henry Holland, who appeared to have forgotten his socks, and James Long at the awards

BRITISH FASHION AWARDS 2011, LIST OF WINNERS:

Designer Of The Year - Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

Designer Brand - Victoria Beckham

Red Carpet Award - Stella McCartney

Accessory Designer - Charlotte Olympia

Model - Stella Tennant

British Style Award - Alexa Chung

Menswear Designer - Kim Jones

Emerging Talent Award - Accessories - Tabitha Simmons

Emerging Talent Award - Menswear - Christopher Raeburn

Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Sam Gainsbury

New Establishment Award - Christopher Kane

BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion - Paul Smith

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It's a Hollywood ending for Beckham as he brings five-year career in LA to a glorious end by lifting MLS Cup

• 'Whether I stay or not I've had an amazing five years'

By Amelia Proud

Last updated at 12:16 PM on 21st November 2011


David Beckham got his Hollywood happy ending tonight with a scene-stealing performance to secure the MLS Cup for L.A Galaxy in his last game for the team.

It's also likely to be the former England captain's final match in America, with a move to Europe and many suspect the next stop will be Paris.

So it was all set up to be a perfect farewell, if Galaxy could defeat Houston Dynamo. But Goldenballs was never going to leave that to chance.

Dream come true: David Beckham kisses the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after leading LA Galaxy to victory on the MLS league cup final

His perfect Hollywood ending: David Beckham said goodbye to football in America tonight in some style, and his boys got to enjoy it all

Team Beckham: Victoria watches Harper and Cruz as their father battles it out on the pitch below

With team-mate Robbie Keane, the 36-year-old set up Landon Donovan for the only goal in Sunday's final that won Beckham's first silverware in America since his arrival five years ago.

And he did it front of over 31,000 fanatical MLS fans at their Home Deport stadium in Carson.

He has been linked with a move to wealthy Paris St-Germain and said: 'Whether I stay or not, I've had an amazing five years.

'People were talking about if we didn't win it was going to be a disappointment and an unsuccessful five years. It's quietened a few people which is always nice.'

Little cutie: Victoria dotes on her daughter Harper while Cruz is captivated

Bottoms up: Becks enjoys a few drinks in the dressing room after the final whistle

He added: 'I've loved it here. The fans have been unbelievable - the owners, the players, every one of them are heroes. They've been incredible all season and this has capped it off.

GLITTERING CAREER OF GOLDENBALLS

David Beckham, reportedly worth £125 million, has had a trophy-laden career since he burst into the Manchester United team as a teenager.
He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999 before leaving the reds for Real Madrid in 2003.
He was captain of England and earned his much-heralded 100th cap against France in 2008.
In his fourth and final season at the Bernabeu he won his only La Liga title before signing for LA Galaxy in a £30 million five-year deal.

'I've said that all along, it doesn't matter what happens at the end of the season.

'I need to sit back, relax and enjoy this moment. I might talk in the the past tense but that doesn't mean I am not coming back.'

Beckham, who played the full game despite suffering a hamstring problem in training last week, joined Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007.

Galaxy supporters sang, 'We want Beckham' after seeing their team win a first title since 2005.

Team Beckham were present en masse, with Victoria, 37 , leading the cheers with their children Brooklyn, twelve, Romeo, nine , Cruz, six , and baby Harper, who is just four months old.

Victoria looked stressed as she watched the match intently, obviously urging her beloved on to achieve the perfect note with which to sign off.

It's the first memory like this for Romeo and Cruz, certainly, and Brooklyn was just seven years old when the family moved across the Atlantic.

The couple, who will return to their Hertfordshire home for Christmas, are due to announce the decision before Beckham’s five-year deal with LA Galaxy ends on December 31.

He will take part in the club's tour of Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia, which starts next week.

‘David is all geared up for the cup final but after that he and Victoria will make the decision over whether or not to accept the Paris deal,’ a source close to the football star says.

Team spirit! David and his boys celebrate in style after their big win

Fairytale: David doesn't look like he can quite believe the ending he's got

‘Once the last match is out of the way, talks will ensue with his management and I suspect they will move very quickly.’
The former Manchester United man moved to LA from Real following his resignation as England captain after the 2006 World Cup. He signed a deal worth almost £6 million a year.
Beckham has made 26 appearances for Galaxy this season, a campaign that has seen a seven per cent increase in attendances across the MLS.
With Beckham in the side, Galaxy reached the final of the MLS play-offs in 2009, the semi-finals in 2010 and met Houston Dynamo in this year's final.
League games will be broadcast on the high-profile NBC Sports television network for the first time next season, while Galaxy have just secured a $55m deal with Time Warner Cable Sports.
The chief of Major League Soccer, Don Garber admitted that at times he regretted the hype of Beckham's arrival, but not the excitement he generated

Look grandad! Romeo appeared animated as he sat with his grandparents who also turned out to support David at the game

Little tyke: David's father Ted acts playful with his grandson Cruz

Everyone's a winner! Claudine Keane watches husband Robbie Keane win with Galaxy

Thanks for the support: David went to great lengths to thank the fans

He said:'He's been great for our league and for our game. I find it amusing that when David came in many sports media pundits were saying how much he's over the hill, you don't hear that any more, and this is five years later.

'I underestimated the power of his celebrity by a long shot. I totally underestimated how hardworking and tough he is. He will play through injury and fatigue.

'That warrior-like mentality was like nobody expected in MLS.'

He is the champion: Iconic scenes as Beckham holds aloft the cup

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'Victoria and I swap baby tips all the time,' says new mother Emma Bunton as she poses with baby son Tate

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 8:40 AM on 25th July 2011



Emma Bunton has told how she and fellow ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham have been swapping baby tips after becoming mums again just weeks apart.

The 35-year-old - once known as Baby Spice - gave birth to Tate Lee Jones in May.

‘As soon as we can possibly meet up, we will. But for the moment we’re making do with emails,’ Miss Bunton told Hello! magazine.

Baby joy: Emma Bunton poses with her new son Tate in this photo from Hello magazine. The Spice Girls star also revealed she and bandmate Victoria Beckham have been swapping baby tips

The singer lives in the UK while Mrs Beckham had her fourth child, daughter Harper Seven, two weeks ago in Los Angeles.

The full interview appears in this week's Hello!

‘We’ve been swapping bits of advice and photos and sharing our excitement,’ added Miss Bunton, who also has a three-year-old son, Beau, with partner Jade Jones, 32.

The Dancing On Ice judge said she shares a strong bond with her former band mates – especially now they are all mothers.

‘The first bouquets through the door were from Victoria, Geri (Halliwell) and Mel C. They came with little notes and that is always special to me, to get those from the girls.

'The relationship we girls have will always be special. Now our kids are friends too and as they grow, it will be wonderful to watch them all and the different stages in their lives.'

Miss Bunton gave birth to Tate at London's Portland Hospital on May 6 and said she and Jones both sobbed when they held the 7lb bundle.

She said: 'Mum was busy snapping away with her camera and there is one shot of the three of us: Tate is in my arms and I have tears pouring down my face, Jade is kissing me and he's streaming with tears. It was very emotional!'

After originally announcing her pregnancy last November, the Dancing On Ice judge revealed in February she was expecting another boy with Jones.

And in January, the couple revealed they were engaged after 11 years together.

Spice network: Victoria has just given birth to daughter Harper, and Emma said she is looking forward to seeing their children grow up together

Miss Bunton has previously spoken of her fears she would never conceive after being diagnosed with endometriosis when she was 25.

She said while pregnant with Beau: 'I remember the doctor saying at the time, "Fifty per cent of women with endometriosis go on to have children." I thought, "Only 50 per cent..." It scared the life out of me. I was frightened.

'I've been so worried for such a long time that I might not be able to be a mum.'

The full interview is in the new edition of Hello! magazine, out now.

Friends forever: Emma revealed the girls are still close friends and see each other as often as they can

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