A centuries-old diamond passed down through generations of European royalty fetched nine million Swiss francs ($9.7 million) at auction in Geneva on Tuesday.

Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Roberto Cavalli are just some of the big names contributing looks to a Carine Roitfeld-curated fashion show at the upcoming amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS gala during the Cannes Film Festival.

Following the regal-meets-rock Chanel Cruise collection at the Château de Versailles near Paris on Monday, Karl Lagerfeld already has plans for next year in mind, citing a ballroom in Deauville as a possible setting.

Following the regal-meets-rock Chanel Cruise collection at the Château de Versailles near Paris on Monday, Karl Lagerfeld already has plans for next year in mind, citing a ballroom in Deauville as a possible setting.

LONDON (Reuters) – A decadent gown made from feathers and a printed lace latex dress designed by some of fashion’s luminaries will go on display as part of a new exhibition to celebrate the glitz and glamour of Britain’s ball gowns. Ball gowns: British Glamour Since 1950, on at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum from May 19 until January 2013, showcases a collection of 60 dresses marking the journey of formal attire from private events to the public parade. …

LONDON (Reuters) – A decadent gown made from feathers and a printed lace latex dress designed by some of fashion’s luminaries will go on display as part of a new exhibition to celebrate the glitz and glamour of Britain’s ballgowns. Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, on at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum from May 19 until January 2013, showcases a collection of 60 dresses marking the journey of formal attire from private events to the public parade. …

One leading lady has twins, the other says “I definitely should not have a baby,” and both led the celebration of pregnancy and motherhood at the “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” movie premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Monday, May 14. …

British fashion label Paul Smith said Tuesday it was planning to open 24 stores in China over the next five years in its second attempt at tapping the country’s booming luxury market.

As Hollywood heavyweights including Nicole Kidman, Kristen Stewart and Marion Cotillard prepare to grace the red carpet at this year’s Cannes Film Festival (May 16-27), Relaxnews offers a guide to ten of the most unmissable galas and VIP soirees from the likes of AmfAR, Gucci and Chopard.

Coco Chanel never really dressed rock stars; yet rock and roll at its most insouciant and innocent was the cry of the latest cruise collection by the house she founded, a show staged amid much pageantry at the world’s most most famous chateau.