BFC Vogue Award Guarantees Lots More Christopher Kane Designer Cocktail Dresses

If you love designer cocktail dresses by Christopher Kane, then the news that he has just won the British Fashion Council/ Vogue Designer Fashion Fund will be music to your ears.

The BFC / Vogue Award is now in its second year and was established to give a boost to British design talent in a similar way to Anna Wintour’s very successful CFDA / Vogue Fashion has done in the US. Christopher Kane will not only recieve  £200,000 but also access to industry mentors to help grow his business and develop his design talent further.

Christopher Kane  has already made a name for himself as an innovative young designer with his creative collections featuring some of the most desirable cocktail dresses in the UK. After graduating from Central St Martin’s college in 2006, he was invited by Donnatello Versace to work for her labels diffusion line Versus. He also already has a good following of celebrities including Kate Moss and Chloe Sevigny who love his unusual and beautiful designer cocktail dresses.

Christopher Kane won the award against some other big up and coming names in UK fashion including Johnathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood, Peter Pilotto and Richard Nicoll. It was his business plan and presentation to the judges panels which was chaired by Alexandra Shulman, Editor in Chief of British Vogue  that secured the prize for him.

He plans to use the funds to implement his strategic vision for the company which includes broadening the collections without sacrificing his love of details and embellishments. We can definitely look forward to lots more beautiful Christopher Kane designer cocktail dresses and perhaps even some beaded cocktail dresses. Kane believes that it is good to move out of your comfort zone each season to allow you to learn new things and challenge your senses. This is perhaps why each one of his collections is so unique and different but always causes a stir at the catwalk shows. His Autumn collection will be shown at London Fashion Week on February 21st and we can’t wait!

His current Spring 2011 features lady like styles with a twist. Neon bright, perforated leather pieces give the effect of lace but a very different look to the traditional lace styles that have been popular over the last year or two. His Galaxy print silk dresses have also proved incredibly popular. From previous collections there has also been the crazy stripes formed by overlapping strips of silk and gingham dresses with bra like contouring.

This Crazy Stripe Silk dress is an excellent example of Christopher creative and experimental way with embellishment and fabrics. If you are looking for a cocktail dresses in the UK, it would be a great pick and is available at 65% off its original price on The Outnet. 

Current collection or not, Christopher Kane’s designer cocktail dresses will always make a big statement and are a great investment. This mesh stam silk dress with a boned corset and peplum waist is a really flattering and versatile black cocktail dress that you will wear and wear. It is 60% less than the original price at the Outnet.

Michelle Obama Loves Red Evening Gowns By UK Designers

The fact that Michelle Obama loves evening gowns by UK designers is significant not just because she is something of  a style icon but also because she is America’s first lady. Her wardrobe is not just filled with a selection of dresses for a night out or occasional party like most of us, she has a selection of elaborate formal evening gowns for official state occasions and visits. Her clothing choices reflect not just her own personal taste but her role as an ambassador for the US.

Michelle has an elegant and sophisticated style as would be expected from this much scrutinised lady who is regularly photographed and pictured on television. She is often described as the ‘first lady of style’  and has championed a number of American designers. She has her pick of beautiful clothes from any of the international fashion designers which is why we are so pleased that she has recently chosen from some of the most beautiful of formal evening gowns by UK label Alexander McQueen.

When she accompanied her husband Barrack Obama to greet Hu Jintao, his Chinese counterpart on a state visit to the US, she wore not one but two dresses by UK designers. For the day time she wore an embroidered navy dress on designer Roksanda Ilinic. In the evening she changed into the most beautiful of formal red evening dresses, a modified version of a piece from the Alexander McQueen resort 2011 collection for an elaborate state dinner at the presidents official residence. The beautiful red evening gown featured a black feather like print. It was stunning and the perfect choice for such an occasion.

Following the sad death of Lee (Alexander) McQueen last year, the label has continued with Sarah Burton, who was at Alexander McQueens side for the past 16 years taking the helm. Whilst it is clear that no one could ever take Alexander McQueen’s place, Sarah has certainly risen to the challenge of taking the label into a new stage of its life. She has proven her ability with not only this dress but countless other formal evening gowns. She has managed to keep the signature style of the label but with a softer edge.

If you have an important event or occasion this year, why not follow Michelle Obama’s lead by choosing from some of these beautiful red designer dresses.

Valentino Pleated Red Evening Gown - this beautiful silk dress is in Valentino’s signature red has a flattering v neck and pleated bodice and wrap style waist.

Red Strapless by Bottega Veneta - for a slightly less formal occasion, this simple but very stylish red designer dress has  a concealed boned bodice.

Anoushka G Chiffon Wrap over Grecian Dress - another beautiful choice of formal evening gown this beautiful dress makes full use of draping with folds of extravagant silk chiffon.

Notte By Marchesa One Shoulder Organza Dress – this stunning red cocktail dress with dramatic ruffles is the perfect way to stand out from the crowd at a party.

Celebrity Designer Dresses – Who’s Wearing What?

Celebrity designer dresses are a great way of working out which styles and designers will be hot for the season ahead. Celebrities often get an early start on the rest of us as in the form of samples, gifts and previews from the designer collections. They will be spotted in a designer dress well before it is available to the public. They also have a huge influence on which styles will popular, take for example that Kate Middleton dress that everyone wants.  So which celebrity designer dresses are going to hot for SS11?

Kate Middleton

Of course Kate Middleton is the celebrity of the moment, with the Royal wedding set for the spring. All eyes are on what Kate is wearing and she has shown that even Royals can mix designer and high street and look amazingly stylish. Most  notably she has recently been pictured wearing an elegant Issa dress to announce her engagement to Prince William and a dress by Reiss for her official engagement photographs. The question that everyone is still desperate to know is who will designer the royal wedding dress and what will it look like, easily the most more influential celebrity designer dress of the year and one that is likely to be copied for many years to come.

Kate’s favourite label Issa is likely to be big news this summer.

Silk Jersey Dress by Issa

Rhihanna

Currently enjoying huge  global success in the music industry, Rhihanna also keeps us all captivated with her bold dress sense. Recently she has been spotted in lots of floral dresses and all over floral prints including a Stella McCartney outfit, a stunning ankle length Jean Paul Gaultier ankle length 50′s style dress and a red poppy playsuit. Other good places to look for pretty floral designer dresses for the summer are D& G and Mulberry.

D & G Mimosa Shift Dress

Emma Bunton

Emma Bunton has recently announced that she is pregnant and due to give birth in May. As with so many other celebrities she is likely to continue to work throughout her pregnancy presenting the hit TV show Dancing on Ice. She has already decided that she will be wearing dresses from the label Project D by Danni Minogue, presumably those that will allow for a little expansion.

Snow Drop Dress by Project D by Danni and Tabitha

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman star of the latest blockbuster film black swan is another star that has recently announced that she is pregnant. She is also making the most of celebrity designer dresses that conceal that baby bump in style. For the recent Palm Springs film festival in California she wore an elegant dress from the Vionnet SS11 collection with white chiffon shirt style top and black ruffle hem. The collar and cuffs were both embellished with gold studs.

Silk Crepe V Neck Dress by Vionnet

Finally, there is nothing like an awards ceremony for checking out the latest celebrity designer dresses. At the recent Golden Globes Awards some of the most notable outfits were Jennifer Anniston in a simple but stunning one shouldered Versace dress, Mariah Carey in a full length Herve Leger bandage dress, Drew Barrymore in a nude  coloured Versace gown with crystal embellishments at the shoulder and hip and Sandra Bullock in a deep purple Bottega Veneta chiffon gown.

5 Style Resolutions For 2011

A great investment piece -silk satin shift dress by Dolce and Gabbana

A wardrobe staple – Ozzy cotton dress by Isabel Marant

A piece of British fashion history -  Vivienne Westwood Anglomania teal samurai friday dress

With Christmas offering the chance get dressed up in your favourite designer party dresses, new year is a great time to reflect on your style and think about style resolutions for the year ahead. Being super stylish is all about wearing clothes that suit your body shape, lifestyle, budget and personality. You should be comfortable and confident in your choice of outfit and you will look and feel great. Here are 5 style resolution that will help you make the most of your wardrobe.

1. Instead of buying lots of impulse buys save up for one beautiful designer dress   – not only will this help you to build a stylish wardrobe that will last for many years, it will also be so much more satisfying to buy something that you have saved up for. Key investment pieces include a shift dress by Dolce & Gabbana  or a corset dress by Vivienne Westwood. Why not invest in a classic little black dress by your favourite designer, this is sure to get plenty of wear and compliments. Isabel Marant does some very stylish day dresses and separates.

2. Audit your wardrobe - before you buy anything new have a look at what you have already got and what you need more of. Make sure that you fill the gaps and not just buy more of what you have already got. There is no point in buying more evening wear if you already have lots but rarely go out in the evening, look for beautiful day dresses instead.

3. Add some personality to your outfits -your outfits should be personal to you and should reflect your personality. If you are feminine with  a bright and bubbly personality, why not try swapping your jeans for some floral dresses. You can also add accessories to transform a simple piece like a shift dress into a unique outfit. Styling your own outfits can be so much fun so why not give it a go?

4. Shop for your body shape – you should always wear the types of clothes that you love, but if you stick to those that enhance your body shape  you will always look and feel great. There are plenty of books and magazines that give advice on which styles of clothes suit which body shapes, you can try some out and see which you like. Once you have found the key styles that work best for you, you can still have some fun using colour, texture and pattern.

5. Compare your options - there are so many different choices of stylish dresses that you should spend a little time researching the options before buying. You can compare price, quality, colours and styles to find the designer dresses that really suit you. Impulse buying might give you a rush of excitement in the short term, but in the long term it won’t really benefit your wardrobe. You may also save yourself some money when you discover amazingly stylish dresses at great prices. The Outnet is usually is a good starting point for discounted designer clothes.

How To Get The Best Designer Dresses On Sale

Once Christmas is done and dusted, there will be only one thing on any serious fashionistas mind and that is the sales. There is definitely an art to sales shopping. Those that plan and think carefully about it will end up with some amazing bargains including designer dresses on sale or maybe a beautiful handbag. Designer dresses and evening gowns on sale are particularly good buys because they are usually quite expensive items but also great investments that you are likely to hang onto for years to come. Just imagine how you will feel on New Years Eve in a dress that you have only paid a fraction of the real price for.

Only buy what you need

If you buy designer dresses on sale that you will never wear, they are not a bargain. You should only buy what you need and should have a good look through your wardrobe to beforehand to identify the gaps. Be aware of your danger zones! If you have a wardrobe full of shoes but can never resist buying a new pair steer well clear of the shoe department on sales day.

The early bird gets the worm

The best bargains will be snapped up straight away. Make sure that you know what date and time the sales start for your favourite stores. Have an early night the night before and get up early to make sure that you are there early. Each extra hour that you spend in bed in the morning could mean missing out on some of the most amazing designer dresses on sale, you can catch up with your sleep later.

Plan in advance

In order to stand the best chance of getting exactly what you want, you need to know exactly what that is. Write yourself a wish list in priority order and then set yourself a budget. You may not be able to get everything that you want on your list so have some second choices ready. You should also where possible try on items in advance. In the sales, shops, may not have changing rooms available and trying on can waste valuable time.

Shopping Online or Offline

There are advantages and disadvantages to shopping the sales both online and offline. For anyone who loves online dress shopping, the online sales may be your best option. You can shop from the comfort of your own home, cup of tea in hand. It is quicker and less exhausting than visiting the shops but can be equally as frustrating. There may be different items available in the online sales but you are also at the mercy of the website and your internet connection. Visiting the actual shops will work better for you if you know a particular shop and are familiar with the stock. It is also the best choice for those who like to see or feel the clothes before they buy and have sharp elbows.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Rose New Drape Tunic - 50% off at My Wardrobe

Paul Smith Ruffle Shift Dress – 50% off at My Wardrobe

Sequin Dress by Biba – 50% off at House of Fraser

Jersey Maxi Dress By Biba – 25% off at House of Fraser

Why BCBG Dresses Are The Latest Must Have

Ask any fashionista in the know and they will tell you that one of the latest must have pieces of clothing are BCBG dresses. Dresses by the American label are literally flying off the rails at the moment with BCBG evening dresses being a big hit with celebrities for the red carpet. If you don’t already recognise the name BCBG it is the label  of much loved  Azria who has also been the designer for Herve Leger  since 2007. There has been a massive following of his cult designer dresses in the UK and around the globe. Celebrities including Kate Winslet, Victoria Beckham, Cheryl Cole and Sarah Michelle Gellar are all fans of the super body con bandage dress which hugs and sculpts the body to perfection. The BCBG dress is a stand alone piece which makes a huge style statement and requires little or nothing in the way of accessories.

The initials BCBG are from the French phrase  ’Bon chic, bon genre’ meaning ‘Good style, good attitude’. Whilst the designer Max Azria is French (born in Tunisia), his label has an American spirit about it which is cleverly combined with a European sophistication. The brand just goes from strength to strength with everyone wanting to have  BGBC Max Azria dresses. But what is it that is so special about the designer and the brand and why are BCBG dresses the latest must have?

The beauty of these dresses is that they are both practical and incredibly stylish, just what the modern women needs from her hard working wardrobe. The BCBG evening dresses combine opulence and luxury and most importantly are incredibly flattering. Of course, it always helps when a brand has a celebrity following, but the desirability of Max Azria goes well beyond the fact that he designs so many celebrity dresses. He has designed couture dresses for some of the biggest celebrity names to wear on the catwalk including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Catherine Zeta Jones.  Angela Jolie, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone and Alicia Keys have all also worn BGBG dresses for major events.

BCBG dresses are a real investment purchase, the sort of clothing that will always look amazingly stylish and will never go out of fashion. They are incredibly chic and yet unlike the dresses designed for Herve Leger, they are not just celebrity dresses, they are a price that normal women can afford. They are also fun and interesting to look at with ruffles and bandage styles being key features.

You can buy this Herve Leger foil dressat Selfridges for a mere snip at £1415. It is very much the signature style of the designer.

Or  you could opt for this BCBG MAXAZRIA tunic which is a real bargain in the My Wardrobe sale at only £59. Wear it every day with leggings or save it for the summer to slip over your bikini at the beach.

Bruce Oldfield To Design Kate’s Royal Wedding Dress?

There has been so much speculation over the past few weeks as to who will be designing the future Queen’s wedding dress for the Royal Wedding of the decade. So far there have been a number of names bandied around including Issa, one of Kate’s favourite designers, Philippa Lepley and Amanda Wakely. Whilst no official announcement has yet been made, there has been ‘talk’ that Bruce Oldfield is going to be the chosen designer. Kate Middleton is likely to follow in the foot steps of many of the royals who wear very stylish but modest wedding dresses.

It would definitely make sense that Kate chooses a designer who has an extensive track record of creating beautiful dresses for celebrity a lists and royals. He also dressed Princess Diana on a number of occasions. No one is saying anything on the choice of Royal wedding dress but there has been a rush of bets being placed on the designer Bruce Oldfield so much so that on Wednesday bookmakers Paddy Powers closed their books on the designer choice due the large number of bets being placed on Bruce.

Bruce Oldfield’s career in Fashion Design has spanned 37 years and during that time he has made a name for himself particularly with his couture evening wear. Despite having a difficult start in life as a Barnado’s boy, he showed a passion for designing at an early age when he used to make clothes for his sisters dolls. When he graduated from Central St Martins in 1973 to critical acclaim he was spotted by Henri Bendel and later returned to London with his first show. He later started to make couture clothes for individual clients (including the Princess of Wales) and launched his ready to wear collection which has included some beautiful white dresses.

Bruce was awarded an OBE in 1990 for his services to the fashion industry and continues to dress British and international royalty, European Aristocracy and celebrities including Sienna Miller, Catherine Zeta Jones, Charlotte Rampling, Jerry Hall and Joan Collins to name but a few. He was even involved in the redesign of the McDonalds uniform in 2008!

In the past Bruce has been vocal on his views on British Fashion including the lack of support given to designers, the mass market for clothes and the vulgar style way that the young dress. He has also criticised amongst other Victoria Beckham and dished out advice including ‘wear less make up’, avoid ridiculously oversized bags  and how not to over accessorise. It therefore seems highly likely that if Bruce Oldfield does design the royal wedding dress that it will be a simple and very stylish affair. His dresses aim to flatter and are structured to give that little extra help. He also designs modest wedding dresses fit for a princess for his own collection of stylish and modern wedding dresses.

For any brides who will be sharing the same wedding anniversary or getting married next year like Kate and William, here are some designer white dresses which would make stunning modern wedding dresses.

Valentino – Strapless Silk Georgette Flower Gown

This dress has a simple but elegant shape and a flattering empire line. We love the intricate floral embellishment which will look great for a spring wedding.

Thurley – Cornelli Silk Georgette Gown

This dress by an Australian based designer has a romantic look. It has beautiful detail and subtle draping on the skirt.

Calvin Klein – Folded Silk Blend Dress

This dress is made from a luxurious white wool and silk blend and has ultra modern sculptural folds for a modern bride.

5 Designers And Brands To Watch For 2011

 Charlotte Taylor

Katie Penguin Print Dress

Charlotte Taylor launched in 2009 and showed her first collection at London Fashion week this year following her graduation from Central St Martins and a stint with British designer brands Luella. Her relaxed signature style is already winning her plenty of fans. Strong tailoring and bold silhouettes including some very desirable day dresses which act as a great canvas for bright colours and prints. Her inspiration comes from such things as grannies, penguins and soap operas for an eclectic look that puts the fun back in fashion.

Shop Charlotte Taylor

Jolaby

Floral Trim Chocolate Dress

In these times of austerity, women are looking for clothes that really work hard to justify their cost. Multi tasking pieces are the latest trend. They allow the wearer to change the look depending on their mood. British label Jolaby started in 2004 and have made a name for themselves creating pieces in styles that transcend the latest fashions and trends. The avant garde styling and attention to detail is an exciting  alternative to the mass produced fashions that are so prevalent. The hand made techniques used by this label result in some elaborate and unusual styles.

Shop Jolaby

Juicy Couture

Tweed Black Grey Waistcoat

The Juicy Couture label has long become associated with WAG’s and the velour tracksuits which were so popular over the past few years. The brand still creates its luxe sports wear in a range of lurid colours but it has also started to move in a whole new direction with a collection of smart casual separates that are more high end fashion. With influences including English aristocracy punk rock and Californian surfer to name but a few, the label has definitley upped its game with a more sophisticated look than before and pieces which could easily be described as chic wardrobe staples. Therea re even a few very wearable day dresses thrown in for good measure.

Shop Juicy Couture

Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED

Ferrandis Glamour Collier necklace

The latest concept and retail opportunity from Swarovski is Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED, a range of highly desireable and timeless jewellery and designer handbags. The very chic pieces have been created by some of  the biggest names in jewellery design and are the perfect way to add a little sparkle to your life. Designers for the collection include Azzaro, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Lulu Guinness, Manish Arora and Philippe Ferrandis. Each piece in the collection feautures dazzling Swarovski precision-cut crystals, colourful crystal beads and lustrous pearls.

Shop Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED

Isabella Oliver

Isabella Oliver is a name that you may have associated with designer maternity dresses in the past but the label has now branched out and is offering a full range of very wearable ladies wear with Isabella Oliver 365. The Isabella Oliver designer maternity dresses were popular with ladies because they offered a comfortable, luxurious and very stylish option for pregnancy wear now this same  winning formula has also been translated into their women’s wear range with a range of stylish and comfy day dresses. The range works well for all ages and has been featured on style blog Trying To Look Fab In Your Forties as well as Vogue.

Shop Isabella Oliver

Issa Dresses And The Kate Middleton Effect

This weeks announcement by Prince William and Kate Middleton (along with her very stylish Issa dresses) that they are engaged and to be married next year, has grabbed the attention of the UK and the world. After 10 years together, it is about time he popped the question and put the poor girl out of her misery. Apart from everyone looking forward to a great big celebration and possibly even a day off work, the announcement of the Royal Wedding has brought much speculation of whose brand will be next to have “by Royal appointment” adorned on their stationery be designing Kate’s wedding dress, the wedding dress of the decade and what style she will be wearing.

Along with all of the talk of weddings, there has also been a renewed focus on the couple who try to live as private a life as possible.  Kate Middleton’s style is being watched by the world. What did she used to wear? what is she wearing at the moment? what was she wearing when they announced the engagement and what will she be wearing for her new royal life. Whilst their has been much scrutiny and some criticism of Kate’s choice of clothing over the years, it is generally thought that she is incredibly stylish and she has even been tipped as a style icon in the making. Her navy blue Issa dress that she wore for the announcement sold out in Harvey Nichols shortly afterwards and Tesco are even promising to produce a budget version of the dress so that anyone in the UK can get the Kate Middleton look.

Whilst in the past Kate has in the past worn pieces of clothing from the high street (the styles just happened to sell out straight after she appeared in them), now she is going to be a royal it is likely that she will be wearing some very beautiful designer dresses. It is rumoured that she is already having a wardrobe of couture Issa dresses made for her (something that most girls could only dream of). She is lucky enough to have her pick of any designer dresses that she likes but the fact that she has chosen Issa is of great significance for the label.

From now on it seems that just about everything Kate wears will be struck by ‘The Kate Middleton Effect’. Her favourite label Issa by Brazilian-born Daniella Helayel is likely  to become one of the must have labels of the year. When it comes to celebrity designer dresses Issa is most definitely going to be top of most peoples list. They are flattering and luxurious, striking the perfect balance between classic cuts and a fresh modern look. Issa dresses also make great cocktail dresses with extravagant draped jersey, silks and satins and some beautiful colours.

If you want to get Kate Middleton’s style without having her royal budget, check out this great choice of Issa dresses on The Outnet.

One Shoulder Mini Dress by Issa

Sequinned Silk Jersey Dress by Issa

Feather Print Silk Jersey Dress by Issa

Draped Satin Jersey Dress by Issa

Wrap Effect Silk Jersey Dress by Issa

To See more Issa Click on the Button Below:

How To Choose A Beautiful Ball Gown And Understanding A Formal Dress Code

If you are going to a ball over the festive season, no doubt you will be thinking very carefully about what you should wear. Ball gowns can be elaborate or simple and stunning but if you have never been to a ball before you may be a little puzzled about what sort of dress you should actually wear and what the dress code is.

When you receive an invitation or ticket that specifies that ‘white tie’ or ‘evening dress‘ or ‘formal’  for an evening event, this would usually mean that a ball gown would be appropriate. Debutantes would also wear a ball gown at their debut (yes this does still happen, check out Intrinsically Florrie’s blog to see what she wore as a modern debutante) and students would usually wear a ball gown or prom dress to their prom. Etiquette is a strange thing, it is often not clearly defined what you should wear and these days many of the more traditional dress code rules don’t always apply or are relaxed.

Traditionally a ball gown was an incredibly formal dress  made of luxurious fabrics with a full skirt. It was often worn with a stole and gloves. These days whilst a ‘full’ ball gown will always be acceptable at such events you, you will usually find that people also wear a range of other dresses include evening dresses and even sometimes cocktail dresses. An evening dress is usually a full length dress whilst a cocktail dress can shorter or knee length.

As with everything in life, it really depends on the event what will be most appropriate. Some balls for example a military event may require a full and traditional style of ball dress whilst others like perhaps a school prom or college or university ball  may be much more relaxed. If it is an event that runs every year, it is well worth seeing if you can find some pictures or talking to people who have attended in the past to see what people wore. If in doubt always opt for the more elaborate or formal option as you are always better over dressed than under dressed.

For designer dresses, look for ball gowns and evening wear by designers including Alberta Ferretti, Marchesa and Roksanda Ilincic. You can often also find beautiful formal evening wear in online department stores. Satins, chiffons and taffeta are all great fabrics for ball gowns and evening wear, you should also look for embellishment or elaborate details.

Whilst a traditional ball gown will always be dressy enough for even the most dressy of balls, there are also plenty of on trend evening dresses that could work well. One shouldered, Grecian  and draped styles are very fashionable at the moment and are an elegant and flattering choice. Vintage styles are also very popular, look for lots of elaborate beading to get this look.

Alberta Ferretti Silk Chiffon Gown

Roksanda Ilincic Organza Panelled Silk Satin Gown

Notte By Marchesa Satin Embroidered Shoulder Gown

Antik Batik Laria Gown

Notte By Marchesa One Shoulder Draped Applique Dress

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Red Satin Ball Gown Debenhams

Purple Satin Lace Back Ball Gown

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