Google Maps, Earth updated with high-resolution imagery

In time for the Olympic opening ceremony, Google released a huge update of aerial and satellite imagery for both Google Maps and Google Earth, including for the Olympic Park in London.

Olympic Park, London

(Credit: Google; Screenshot by Zack Whittaker/CNET)

Google has added fresh high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery to its mapping services for 25 cities and 72 countries.
Among the imagery to get an update is the Olympic Park, London, where athletes around the world are currently vying for medals in the London 2012 games.
Google noted on its LatLong blog that the pictures show the "final construction touches" being added to the East London stadium, suggesting the images are no more than a month old.
More than 20 U.S. cities have been also updated with 45-degree imagery, which Google users to build its urban 3D models, as part of the refresh. Meanwhile, other major European cities in the U.K., Spain, and Germany also saw upgraded satellite imagery, as did parts of Latin and South America, the Middle East, and Australia.

Roksanda Ilincic, leading lady of London Fashion Week

With clientele ranging from Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton, to Hollywood stars Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan, we couldn't wait to see what Roksanda Ilincic had to offer today at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall.
Whilst the crowds filtered in, chamber music filled the room, setting a regal tone that matched the grandeur of the show space. However, as the models graced the runway, it wasn't to the sound of strings...it was a hip-hop beat. The contrast of the music reflected in Ilincic's AW12 collection, where 40's styling met 90's sportswear - this was high-end casual like never before!

It was a meeting of two worlds, with a colour story that started in her signature subtle way. Garnet reds and midnight blues moved into teal, purple and white as the show developed. Pops of yellow came from the shoes, whilst shimmering gold thread wove it's way through oversized coats and into our hearts. The combination of fabrics on each outfit was unmistakably progressive, with boxy cut silk tops with long sleeves and fur shoulders transforming into luxury hoodies as the models turned. Jersey mixed with silk, crushed velvet and fur; feminine satin tunics gently pushed into masculine construction with suits and oversized coats.
Attention to detail was carried out through zippers, stitching, bead work and patterns, including oversized plaid on sleeves and weekend bags with chunky rope ties. Effortless, undone buns and tired, smudged eyes added to the care-free look.
Mixing luxe elegance with sporting elements is no mean feat, even for a designer with 5 years Fashion Week experience under her belt. For me, lincic's collection is the best attempt at glamorous leisure I've ever seen - the show was beautiful and incredibly confident, crafted with an understanding of the modern woman and her need for a fashionable, comfortable wardrobe.

David Koma opens his eyelets at London Fashion Week AW 2012

If there's one thing you won't be seeing in Autumn / Winter 2012 from David Koma, it's cleavage. With the exception of a couple of round-neck jackets, his entire collection featured high necks and stand-up collars, not unlike the ones worn by a certain Mr Lagerfeld.


Aside from the collar, an oversized oval-shaped metal eyelet was the key to this collection, and it appeared not only on coats and dresses to create punch-out holes (often with vibrant colours poking through), but also in the models hair, holding ponytails in place. The shape was also recreated in prints and textures, and the show closed with a white dress covered in the eyelet motif in glittering pale aqua and silver.

We saw lots of peplums, many of which were attached almost like an afterthought in shimmery striped fabrics on plain coloured structured dresses, protruding from those eyelet details. In places, the dresses had an unfinished feel - a lot of the fabric frills and volume detail was only on the front, while the backs were simple, fitted sheaths - a little like they're designed to only be seen from the front.

Elswhere there was a touch of fur - most dramatic in a thick belted coat - and sheer panelling with curvy piping, a look we've seen at a lot of London Fashion Week shows this season, and an easy way of making an otherwise summery dress a little more covered-up for Winter.

Overall, this was an incredibly cohesive collection with a clear theme running through and some beautiful dresses in incredible shapes. But on occasions, it missed some of the 'wow' factor of Koma's previous work, and I was crying out for a really bold shape or decoration away from that eyelet.

ASHISH's AW12 New Age at London Fashion Week

Today sees the last womenswear day of London Fashion Week and with it comes one of the most entertaining designers on schedule; ASHISH. With design signatures of "Sequins, glamour, sportswear and more sequins," we can always expect a fun, frivolous and glamorous affair at one of the most enjoyable shows all season. As ever, ASHISH didn't disappoint.


Whilst last season saw a fun approach to bright and bold florals with a Garden of Eden feel, the Autumn Winter 2012 collection on display today headed in different direction all together. You only have to look at the collection's title, "Bollywouldn't" to see the humorous, quirky and boundary free approach this designer takes to fashion. Models strolled down the runway at a casual pace to a mixed up track of yoga instructions and meditation chants. The theme was undoubtedly New Age; models were draped with tie dye silk scarves whilst sequin embellished Acid House smiley prints adorned trousers, jackets and dresses.


The collection was a closet hippie girl's dream; layers were draped on top of layers, multi length hoodies were worn all at once, sequins were everywhere and shoes were a lace up platform boot with rainbow stripes. Various items came emblazoned with free spirit themed sayings across them from "cloud 9" to the ironic "say no to drugs" (with the Acid House face), the simplistic "Relax" and "Enquire within". One dress in particular (which had some breathtakingly embellished sleeves I must add) quite literally gives the finger up, apparently, to "the idea of giving up on earthly possessions". The theme came to life tied together with grungy feel scruffy side pony tails decorated with Bollywood (there's your title reference) style chains which draped from ear to nose.

Aside from the clever messaging and fun, quirky theme that made me question whether my Vitamin Water has been spiked afterwards, the impressive effect of the embellishment techniques ASHISH applied to the clothing was outstanding. The collection finished on a floor length red carpet style sequined gown which was ironically matched with a thick knit jumper inscribed with "Be Happy". With a collection like this in front of us - we certainly are. Check it out for yourself in the video below.

Holly Fulton's graphic beauty at London Fashion Week

Click here to view the whole gallery

Never one for the shy and retiring, Holly Fulton opened her AW12 collection at London Fashion Week this afternoon with bold, graphic prints that have become synonymous with the brand. London's most eclectic fashion crowd crammed into the BFC space at Somerset House for a show inspired by glasshouses, Lady Chatterley, and steamy Stepford wives.

Working from a self-restricted palette of hot fuchsia, teal and black, Fulton delivered contemporary sophistication with Art Deco styled graphic prints over everything. Colour was explored, with multiple tones creating an almost 3D effect within the technically stunning collection. Luxurious materials, chandelier detailing and gem encrusted accessories reflected the high elegance of the pieces, and although some of the dresses screamed evening wear only, there was still a great deal of accessibility in the collection.

Layering and classic cut trousers were married with polo necks, which also appeared on dresses. Exotic palms and creatures flourished across the print - we particularly loved the graduated butterflies that graced a pair of silk trousers. Hems on skirts and dresses were shredded and eyes were smoky, lending to the hedonistic spirit of the show. The shoes were all black Louboutin, but the handbags were full of colour, with oversized fur totes, metallic envelope clutches, and outfit coordinated silk patterned clutches.
Apart from a slight stumble from the last model (which sent a tense atmosphere through the crowd) the show ended on a high, with the final walk showcasing the refined spectrum of colours and inspired botanical designs.

What we wore to London Fashion Week Feb 2012 - day five

It's the final day of London Fashion Week, and while we're all a bit knackered, the promise of killer shows from Mary Katrantzou, Holly Fulton, Meadham Kirchhoff, Ashish and Aminaka Wilmont got us out of bed bright and early. Here's what the CQ team wore for their last trip to the tents...


Amy wore: Grey midi dress and suede flats from Topshop, Moschino belt, boyfriend blazer from Only, handbag by Therapy.

Gemma wore: Stella McCartney for H&M tuxedo jacket, graphic floral dress from Wallis, Accessorize suspender tights, buckled heels from ASOS, studded suede bag by Beth Ditto for Evans and necklace from Butterfly by Matthew Williamson.

Steph wore: Agent provocateur bodysuit, Topshop jeans (rip by Steph - does that count as 'customised'?) and Kurt gieger boots

Kate wore: Floral maxi dress from Topshop, long knitted waistcoat from H&M, fringed leather jacket from H&M, black knit tights from M&S, black ankle boots from Topshop, black bucket bag from M&S and a vintage watch.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label's English Heritage at London Fashion Week AW 2012

Is 70-year-old Dame Vivienne Westwood finally feeling her age? The legendary designer had her tongue firmly in her cheek when she opened her Autumn / Winter 2012 collection with a model dressed in a pale blue coat, opaque tights, chunky bag, thick glasses and headscarf; looking very much like a chic grandma.
But perhaps this look was actually inspired by another famous granny, who just happens to celebrate her diamond jubilee this year. The Queen loves a good headscarf, and it definitely wouldn't be the first time Dame Viv paid homage to HRH Elizabeth II.


Moving on from that fun opening look, the rest of the Vivienne Westwood Red Label was reliable, classic Westwood. Styled in heavy layers, often with clashing prints and layered hoisiery, wellie-esque boots and tweedy hats, the emphasis was on wearable Winter clothing with a touch of attitude - painted on tattoos and emblems and tattoo tights, not to mention huge dangly skeleton earrings, gave a nod to Westwood's punk heritage.

With a strong English Heritage feel, these were pieces made to sell rather than shock, though all the elements of a classic Westwood show were there, from artfully tailored dresses and tops with cowl bust detail (a brown leather shell top was particularly eyecatching over a shirt and shorts combo) to tartan and wool on coats, capes and suits. Pops of colour came in jagged prints and draped jersey dresses, not to mention a 20s style knitted twinset and skirt with orb embroidery in sparkly lilac yarn.

Suprises came in a bumblebee striped rugby jersey and an oversized top emblazoned with a bullseye. The show closed with eveningwear that came in heavy, glittering brocade and low-cut, sexed up tartan. A tailored silver dress with slightly puffy skirt, folded neckline and capped sleeves was embellished with a huge brooch in an arrow shape, aimed pointedly upwards - perhaps to suggest 'my face is up here'?

Meadham Kirchhoff host monster disco for London Fashion Week

On the last day of womenswear at London Fashion Week, it can all start to blend into one, and I find myself falling asleep counting models instead of sheep. Everyone has that slightly lethargic air about them, having seen hundreds of shows with similarities popping up in each one. It was a completely different story at Meadham Kirchhoff, where the imagination and creativity banished all signs of tired eyes - it was the show that put a smile on everyone's face, which can be tricky at London Fashion week with everyone pouting for the cameras.
As the throngs of colourful fans and press poured themselves into the room they were greeted by a light up disco catwalk, with glitter falling everywhere and the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack setting the mood. Renowned for their individual and uncompromising designs, Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff's seventies glam inspired AW12 collection was no exception.


The models danced down the disco catwalk under kaleidoscopic lights in a plethora of colour and fabric, with the first look consisting of a striped blue shirt and boxy orange jumper worn over appliquéd denim flared jeans, accessorized with a yellow fuzzy bag and Dorothy-esque red glittered platforms. As the walk continued, the collection showed no signs of constraint, with glitter, fur, sequins, tinsel and pompoms used in every outfit. Layering was key, with a red plaid dress worn over striped yellow and orange tights, with an electric blue sequined corset and embroidered brown floral shirt underneath.

Fabrics ranged from dyed sheep's wool and striped furs to baroque silk and metallic leopard prints. Bumblebee plaid featured heavily alongside appliquéd, patchwork denim and embroidered floral button up shirts. The outfits were styled with an 'anything goes' attitude, like an excitable kid in a dressing up box, with crayon makeup and fuzzy felt hair to match. The models looked happy to be there, stomping around to Abba in primary coloured dresses with tinsel jackets, sequin covered bodices and monster fur coats.
Whilst the collection may not be to everyone's taste, amongst the madness lies dedication. Strip away the costume drama and there are wearable elements, which I'm sure we'll see in the form of colourful character knitwear this winter.