Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part Three

Paris Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012



Paris Fashion Week closed off another season of fabulous clothes, supermodels and remarkable designers. The biggest trends that have emerged for Spring 2012 are vibrant floral prints, citrus shades, cropped tops, pleating, lingerie-inspired outerwear, sheerness and belted waists. Although Spring is months away, it's never to early to be inspired.





Emanuel Ungaro

Emanuel Ungaro's newest designer Jeanne Labib-Lamour took a safe approach towards Spring 2012. Paint splash prints in doses of blue and red were pleated, draped, ruched and twisted. Silky jumpsuits and v-neck cocktail dresses were belted with thin metallic gold. Besides for sexy daywear, there was just a touch of sequins at the end, with a gold encrusted column evening gown. Models wore deep blue smokey eyes and side-swept fringes.

Alexander McQueen

Yet another display of creative brilliance for Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton. The underwater inspiration was visible through clusters of tulle coral, couture lace swimming caps, oyster print chiffon, pearly shell pink and a treasure cove of gold dresses. The softness of fully ruffled gowns stood out against sculpted corsets and gothic black gowns. The painstakingly elaborate detailing extended to strappy platform heels. More like pieces of art that belong in a museum rather than in a boutique. 

Valentino

A dreamy and romantic Spring collection from the Italian duo behind Valentino. Pretty high-neck frocks were spun from delicate lace in shades of honeydew, lily white and black. There was also an odd shot of slinky leather dresses. Featherlight evening gowns skimmed the floor in transparent florals, dotted mesh and embroidered lace. Striking scarlet dresses stood out amidst the waves of nude chiffon.  

Chanel

It was Parisian-meets-oceanic chic at Chanel's Spring 2012 showing. Karl Lagerfeld was yet another designer to use an aquatic reference in his collection. The classic Chanel pieces were all there in the usual soft-hued palette; on this occasion scattered with pearls and foamy lace. A prominent feature were lines of black ribbon zigzagged across coats and dresses. A seabed effect was created by airy organza, shouls of gathered chiffon, opalescent textiles and shimmery sequins. Models wore flat ankle boots in lustrous silver, and slicked back hair.

Chloe

Clare Waight Keller expressed urbane femininity in her first efforts for Chloé. New to brand, Keller presented a commercially friendly collection in a dependable colour scheme of soft pinks, coral, cream and beige.  Horizontal stripes and colour-blocked panels were assigned to breezy pleated dresses. Classic white shirts were paired with relaxed-fit trousers. Wide leather belts were slung around drop-waist dresses. This collection may not have all the elaborate frills of others this season, but I find that there is beauty in functionality. 

Miu Miu

Capes. For Spring. If a designer-loving Red Riding Hood went to the Wild West, she would be dressed head-to-toe in Miu Miu. Miuccia Prada toyed with vampish girlyness in moody colours for Spring 2012. The idea of the 'velvet ribbon bound stole' was rendered in different lengths and quilt prints. The vintage charm of guipure lace was juxtaposed against the heaviness of patchwork and the sheen of satin dresses. Models sauntered in rose-embroidered cowboy boots, eyelids aglow with fiery red shadow.

Hope you have enjoyed my coverage of Fashion Week 2011-12. To see a recap of all the events, click here.

Looks Of The Week

Who What Wear

My Favourite Fashion Picks

Rose Bryne is chic in New York, wearing a fern green and black leopard print dress by Dolce & Gabbana. I'm glad she added a belt for definition. High patent pumps by Sergio Rossi complete her look.

Pippa Middleton looks stylish on the streets of London. She wears a pale peach maxi dress with a cropped jacket, tan bag and white peep-toe heels. 

Anne Hathaway attended the UK premiere of her movie 'One Day', wearing an Alexander McQueen Resort 2012 dress. Her ivory baroque lace tea-length dress is worn with tan peep toe heels and a cream and gold clutch, also by McQueen.

Leighton Meester is lovely in lemon, as she attended the launch of Vera Wang's 'Lovestruck' perfume. The Gossip Girl star wore a softly pleated chiffon dress, with black leather wrap belt and Brian Atwood pumps. She wears this simple look so well.

Divas and Darlings - VH1 Do Something Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

VH1 Do Something Awards 2011



The VH1 Do Something Awards were held in Los Angeles this weekend.  The awards show recognizes young inspirational people under the age of 25, who do their benevolent bit for the community. Finally, a red carpet event for a good cause. It also commends celebrities that have been involved in charitable work during the year. These are some of the stylish looks from the 'blue' carpet



Red Hot

The Vampire Diaries Malese Jow wears a scarlet draped dress with half-frilled skirt. Victoria Justice is ravishing in a crimson red ruffled dress by Jay Godfrey. She suitably paired it with leopard print ankle-strap heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Long and Strapless 

One Tree Hill's Sophia Bush chose a flowing strapless gown in a beautiful teal blue by Tibi. She carried a multicolored ethnic print clutch by Hands Up Not Handouts. A Iosselliani necklace and nude Jimmy Choo's finished her look. Glee's Jane Lynch wore a printed gown with a similar design to Sophia's. Her pony print black and white dress is by Alexander McQueen. I don't like the two-tone heels with it.

Colour Blocked

TV actress Kelli Goss wore a neon yellow midriff top with aqua mini skirt and chunky black tie-up books. Tyra Banks wore a tri-coloured jumpsuit with bright pink asymmetrical top that matched her nail polish, a green cummerbund and cobalt blue pants. Too much colour for the talk show host?

An Ivory Affair

Always one for glamorous gowns, Kim Kardashian wore Antonio Berardi. Her ivory dress had a wrap-twist bodice, padded shoulders and metallic gold belt. Demi Lovato stepped it up in an off-white dress with low v-neck and embellished middle panel. Matching peep toe heels complete her look.

In The Pink

Love this sweet pink Sue Wong dress on Bella Thorne. The beaded bodice with silk petal skirt is adorable on the 13-year-old. I'm glad she wore it with bronze ankle boots and not prissy heels. Charity Shea wears a neon pink dress with grey back panels, long tassel earrings and silver wedges. Ashley Benson in a hot pink halter dress by Zac Posen. Jojo poses in a vibrant little pink dress with nude heels.

A Little Bit of Black

Brittany Snow is in a grey animal print dress with flair skirt by Camilla and Marc. She added mustard pointy toe heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. Kristen Bell wore a printed Etro dress with silver Casadei pumps and Jimmy Choo fringed bag. I'm uninspired by her look. South African born Sasha Pieterse looked chic in a 3/4 sleeve black dress with double buckled leather belt and nude heels. I wish my hair would do that. Rose McGowan paired her star print Dolce & Gabbana bustier dress with red Brian Atwood pumps.

Divas and Darlings - Bafta Brits to Watch Event

Red Carpet Fashion 

Bafta Brits to Watch Event 2011



The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka William and Kate attended the Bafta 'Brits to Watch' Dinner on Saturday in Los Angeles. Hollywood stars aligned the red carpet at the Belasco Theatre to meet the royal pair. These are the fashion highlights.



Asymmetrical

Elizabeth Banks went white in gown by Versace. Large gold buttons baring the Versace emblem held her dress together at the shoulder and split. Strappy matt gold platforms, a gold clutch and cuff finished her look.

Jennifer Garner wore a navy blue satin gown with slight draping. I'm finding the bodice too baggy on her.

Anna Kournikova, who I haven't seen in ages on the red carpet, followed the asymmetrical trend in a teal toga gown by Tadashi Shoji. She walked in high metallic gold heels.





Lights

Zooey Deschanel chose a tea-length dress by Oscar de la Renta. The organza dress with scalloped hem dress was fully embroidered in gold. She wore matching ankle strap pumps.

Blake Lively was angelic in Marchesa. The blonde star wore a flowing ice grey gown with pearl and bead embellishing on the hem and neckline. Her stunning silver heels are by Christian Louboutin.

Elizabeth Moss opted for a simple nude pleated dress by J Mendel. Her Lauren Merkin clutch matched the dress quite precisely.

Brights

Jennifer Lopez was form-fitting in a forest green gown by Emilio Pucci. Her toned physique was shown off with cutouts. She carried a Lena Erziak clutch that matched her gold embellished sleeve.

British actress with a very South African name, Gugu Mbatha-Raw looked divine in royal blue. This is my favourite look of the evening. Her draped gown with embellished sleeves is by Reem Acra.

Mary Louise Parker blended into the red carpet wearing Dolce & Gabbana. This is such a lovely gown, the floral cosage on the empire waistband keeps it fun.





Pastels

Nicole Kidman was statuesque in an alice blue Elie Saab gown. Her fully beaded gown was toned down with a silver grey satin clutch.

Honourary guest, Duchess Kate Middleton looked sweetly splendid in a lilac gown by Alexander McQueen. She held a metallic Jimmy Choo clutch.

Cat Deeley wore a dreamy blue low-waisted halter neck dress with lace panels, which is by Christian Dior.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

What a grand collection from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. For the label's Resort 2012 range, she effortlessly fuses neutral colours with a safari/military theme and immaculate tailoring. I adore the exotic embroidery that's tampered with the strong, clean lines.

The utilitarian lines were augmented by a glossy shade of khaki and a dash of animal print. Sheer white lace dresses brought out the romantic side of the collection. Trench coats featured embellished pockets and epaulettes. Waistlines were accentuated by wide buckled belts.

Shapes were Edwardian influenced with tail coats, corsets, fitted waists, peplums & high collars. In the middle is a black jacket & skirt with exaggerated hip, gilded in ornate embroidery. Outfits were accessorized with different sized clutch bags & ankle strap sandals.

Corset gowns intricately adorned with gold embroidery and full skirts smothered in tufts of tulle. Overall, this is an exquisite collection.

Exotic Summer Shoes by Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Spring/Summer 2011 Shoe Collection



The house of Alexander McQueen maintained the late designer's unconventional and artistic approach to fashion with their Spring/Summer 2011 shoe range. Wearing one of these enigmatic creations is like stepping into a magical, animated garden. If fairies wore haute couture, I'm sure they would have loved these theatrical designs. Fantasy aside, these designs are inventive and have been crafted with virtuosity.   

Top Row

Resin and leather wedge heels have been sculpted with a flaming leaf design. It is shown in gothic black, shiny gold and white. Butterflies adorned the sandals. You could wear a sack with these shoes and no one would notice.



Bottom Row

The leather leaf T-bar peep toe heel is available in ivory and a gorgeous bronze. 

In the middle is the wheat inspired sandal made from woven leather. I'm from a farm town and I never thought 'wheat' could be fashionable.

 The Baroque buckled boots with gold tips are magnificent. It has such intricate detailing, from the ornate gold buckles, to the studded platform and beautifully crafted leather leaf design.

This fanciful footwear range is available online, from about R9000. It's hard to believe that Sarah Burton, who created Kate Middleton's royal wedding gown is the mastermind behind these extravagant designs. She truly is a talented and flexible designer. All the shoes in this collection may not be functional, but they are something to revere.

Divas and Darlings - The Met Gala 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

The Met Costume Institute Gala 2011



The Annual Costume Institute Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the Oscar night of fashion. Everyone who is anyone attends, in their finest designer gowns, from the demure to the dramatic. This year, the theme of the exhibit was 'Alexander McQueen : Savage Beauty', which honoured the late designer. These are the divas, darlings and disasters of the evening. 



Simple and Modern Silhouettes 

Frieda Pinto wears a white silk gown by Chanel Spring Couture 2010. The dress is given a masculine twist with the addition of a black tie, high collar and wrist watch. Ginnifer Goodwin in an emerald silk Topshop dress with twist front and cut-outs. She contrasted it with navy Aperlai heels and Kotur clutch. Zoe Saldana dons a lovely lemon Calvin Klein gown. Brooklyn Decker went neon pink in a long-sleeved fitted Michael Kors dress with thigh high slit. The nude heels elongate her legs even more. Isla Fischer shines in a royal blue Tory Burch gown. Emma Roberts is elegant in a one-shoulder Michael Kors dress with cut-out at the hip.

Scarlet Ladies

Lea Michele wears a strapless Escada gown with asymmetrical sweetheart neckline. Isabel Lucas is in a unique coral pleated dress by Louis Vuitton. She accessorized with a gold headpiece, earrings and LV minaudiere bag. Gisele is radiant in an Alexander McQueen gown with voluminous skirt. Dianna Agron wore a simple red dress with triangular neckline by popular designer of the night, Michael Kors. Mary-Kate Olsen stays true to her offbeat style in a loosely fitting, long-sleeved vintage dress by Givenchy Couture.

The Quirky and Unusual

Blake Lively wore a sari draped Chanel Couture gown with silver embroidered bodice. Miranda Kerr is pretty in a swan inspired Marchesa tulle mini. Her look is completed by lacey Nicholas Kirkwood heels. Emma Stone went floral in a gray and black silk satin dress by Lanvin. Elle Fanning is whimsical in a black and white ensemble by Valentino. Liv Tyler wears a wing-quilted Givenchy Couture gown that's dipped in yellow. She carried a yellow Givenchy clutch.

Blush Tones

Mom-to-be Jessica Alba glows in a gold lamé dress by Ralph Lauren. Sarah Jessica Parker pays tribute to McQueen in an exquisite long sleeved beaded gown. Taylor Swift chose a black and nude organza gown with florid train by J.Mendel Couture. Gwyneth Paltrow kept it sleek in a shimmery nude gown by Stella McCartney. Salma Hayek wears a champagne chiffon Alexander McQueen dress with a rosette on the hip.

Different Takes on Black

Beyone wears an elaborate mermaid gown with gold embroidered bodice by Emilio Pucci. Jessica Szohr goes short in a fringed tinseled mini by Topshop Unique. Mia Wasikowska is a hit in this embellished black tea-length dress by Thakoon. Demi Moore takes flight in a fully feathered gown by Prabal Gurung. Her royal wedding inspired fascinator is by Philip Treacy. Michelle Williams is her quirky self in a Miu Miu silk gown adorned with gold birds.

Princess Dresses

Keri Hilson wears a gray knit Atelier Versace gown with tulle skirt. Michelle Alves looks stunning in a vintage lace dress by Abed Mahfouz. Model Jessica Stam is darling in a blush pink tulle gown by Tommy Hilfiger. Ashley Greene wears a strapless tulle gown with strings of sequins by Donna Karan. 17 year-old Dakota Fanning is age-appropriate in daisy-decorated ballgown by Valentino.

Most Disappointing

Rihanna in a black lace dilemma by Stella McCartney, the plaited hair just makes this look worse. Kristen Stewart in Proenza Schouler - the geometric print and red shiny fabric deters from any elegance. Ashley Olsen wears vintage Dior, the puffy Dynasty sleeves killed it for me. Emily Browning wears a Bordeaux lace dress with cap-sleeves and high-neck by Marc Jacobs This look ages her by years and the bag is appalling. Christina Hendricks in an organza gown by Carolina Herrera, looks like the last thing she grabbed while her house was on fire.

Shock Frocks

I almost have no words for these. Almost. Fergie takes her turn at playing a bride in this 80's style wedding gown by Marchesa. Christina Ricci in Zac Posen - this is more of a Halloween costume with all it's spider-webbing detail. Naomi Campbell is a fashion felon in shreds of white fabric by Alexander McQueen. Karolina Kurkova in an ill-fitting gown by Jean Paul Gaultier - so many things wrong, especially the white lace leggings. Daphne Guinness wears this gargantuan feathered 'structure' from the last Alexander McQueen Collection. I'm going to have endless nightmares about this one.

Divas and Darlings - Screen Actors Guild Awards

Red Carpet Fashion

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2011





Stars stepped out in style at the 17th Annual SAG Awards last night. Here are my favourite and least favourite looks of the evening.





Grecian Gowns

Eva Longoria wears a white pleated toga-dress with plunging neckline by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. Kim Kardashian is known for Grecian and asymmetrical gowns. Here she wears both trends in a plum chiffon number by Marchesa with embroidered detailing on the bodice. Hilary Swank looks statuesque in this blush tone dress by Versace, complemented by crystal beading and gold clutch bag. Lea Michele shimmers in this gorgeous beaded gown with metallic belt by Oscar de la Renta.

Colourful Creations 

Jennifer Lawrence wears an Oscar de la Renta dress in my two favourite colours, hot pink and black, but the strappy style and ballerina bun doesn't work too well. Mila Kunis is stunning in an abstract-print strapless gown from Alexander McQueen's Resort 2010 Collection. Sofia Vergara is regal in this royal blue wrap-waisted Roberto Cavalli gown. Tina Fey does vivid red by Oscar de la Renta, who seemed to be the designer of choice for the event. I like this whimsical Louis Vuitton silk dress worn by Claire Danes. The muted blue floral print is well contrasted with a black velvet belt.

The Dazed and Confused

Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks needs to return this L'Wren Scott dressing gown to Hugh Hefner's closet. Winona Ryder in Alberta Ferretti - Is it a wedding gown, prom dress or pieces of a white sheet glued together? Kate Mara wears a pasty and awkward Hervé Léger dress with too many tiered ruffles and constrictive ribbed bodice. TV actress Paz de la Huerta dons liquid brown long-sleeved goth gown with black lipstick. Did she know this is not a Vampire Convention? Angie Harmon's pink swan-inspired dress by Monique Lhuillier looks like a giant feather-duster.

Divas and Darlings - People's Choice Awards

Red Carpet Fashion

People's Choice Awards 2011





The 37th annual People's Choice Awards were held on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Here are some of the styles worn on the Blue Carpet.

The Kardashian sisters all chose to wear metallics. Khloe looks elegant in a flowing floor-length gown by Alexander McQueen. Kendall Jenner wears a draped one shoulder mini by Bebe, paired with a black belt and brogues. Kim stepped out in a glitzy gold knee length dress by Catherine Malandrino.

Country Star Taylor Swift looks pretty in peach in a ballet-inspired dress by J.Mendel and nude Prada heels. Emma Roberts rocks the ruffles in a LBD by Christian Dior. Malin Akerman looks sophisticated in a white cap-sleeve cocktail dress by J.Mendel, brightened up by a ruby red clutch and heels.

These are my least favourite outfits of the evening

Lucy Hale wears a satin ensemble by Lebanese designer Ronald Abdala, paired with silver Rene Cavollia sandals. I'm not a fan of the fluorescent shiny mustard. Vanessa Williams wears a bad combination of long sleeves, shimmer and eggplant in a dress by Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji. A super tanned Ashley Tisdale wears an outdated pastel-print maxi dress with strange cutouts on the bodice by Farah Angsana.