The Tribal Trend by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for Harper's Bazaar

Harper's Bazaar leads the summer trends forecast in their December 2011 issue, where Transformers 3 star, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley models an array of ethnic-inspired outfits. We've seen graphic tribal prints make a colourful splash on the Spring 2012 runways from New York to Paris. 



In South Africa, this isn't a new trend, it's one that has been eternal. Women here wear traditional shweshwe fabrics through all seasons. Historically, it was worn in dress-form by specific cultural groups for special occasions. But in recent years the shweshwe print has merged its way into a more modern, mainstream market, thanks to local designers. 



It's exciting to see this trend extend it's vivifying influence to the rest of the world. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley marches to the beat of a tribal drum in this invigorating fashion shoot for Harper's Bazaar.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley clashes colours and prints in an ensemble by Burberry Prorsum. Warm, spicy shades are brought together in a black and orange striped jacket and blue and ruby print skirt. Striped brown Burberry wedges and beaded clutch echo the tribal style.

Animal prints are dipped in a rainbow of colours for Spring 2012. Rosie flirts with fringing and tiger-stripes in a ruffle-tiered dress and scarf by Missoni. How cute are the runway shoes?

Earthy tones and ethnic beadwork combine in a geometric cut-out dress by Donna Karan. Rosie wears a large statement necklace by Donna Karan and wooden bangles by Alexis Bittar.

Rosie takes a bold stride in a blue and white patterned suit and handbag by Derek Lam. One has to be really fearless to wear a folkloric print from collar to hem.

A vertically striped Bottega Veneta dress in shades of an African sunset. I like how the stripes are designed to create an optical illusion.

An architectural design in glossy ombré stripes. Rosie wears a strapless dress by Giorgio Armani with chunky necklace by Etro. I prefer this look in editorial over runway.

What is your verdict? Are you for or against the 'Tribal Trend'?

Gwen Stefani for InStyle Magazine 2011

Cover Girl Gwen Stefani

InStyle Magazine November 2011



With her signature platinum blonde locks and cherry red lipstick, Gwen Stefani is an iconic presence on the cover of Instyle magazine's November 2011 issue. The 42-year old singer and designer is photographed in glamourous and colourful gowns for the mag, where she dishes on family, fashion and fame. She also has a new clothing line out called 'Harajuku Mini". If it is anything like her primary label, L.A.M.B, we can look forward to more trendsetting styles. 

Gwen looks relaxed on the cover in a fuchsia gown by Marchesa with full tulip skirt and exaggerated strapless sweetheart neckline. I wish we could see more of the dress on her, as it's such a striking piece. Those outstanding bangles are by Lorraine Schwartz.

Gwen wears a Grecian style white gown with gold chain detail on the neckline and gathered waist. The dress is from Yves Saint Laurent's Fall 2011 collection.

Only Gwen could make fern green velvet look this good. Her cap-sleeved silk panne velvet dress with high neck and keyhole cutout is by Ralph Lauren.

Gwen's black floral sleeved dress is by Miu Miu. I like that this photo shows the voluminous sleeves in all their glory. The runway look doesn't have the same effect.

A heavily beaded rose pink silk jacket by Giorgio Armani is paired with teal charmeuse silk knickers. I'm more interested in those spectacular Jimmy Choo heels. The purple 'Marlene' sandals are garnished with deep turquoise feathers and drizzled with crystals.

This tribal print dress in Autumny colours is from her own line, L.A.M.B.

The exquisite detailing on this ruby red dress by Francesco Scognamiglio is beautifully visible in this photo. On the runway, we usually miss out on seeing those finer details. 

Gwen sparkles like a sapphire in a fully sequined wrap dress by Diane von Furstenburg. Her ornate 1970 Estate Chrysoprase necklace is by Van Cleef & Arpels. She wears a chunky diamond cuff on her hand by MCL (by Matthew Campbell Laurenza).

Gwen wears all these looks with such panache, which is your favourite?

Miley Cyrus' Makeover for Prestige Magazine

Cover Girl Miley Cyrus

Prestige Magazine September 2011



I was awestruck when I saw Miley Cyrus completely transformed on the cover of

Prestige Asia. The 18-year-old starlet has been primped and polished for her appearance in the magazine's September 2011 issue. For the shoot, she shakes off her tween image for a more sophisticated look. I can honestly say I've never seen Miley look this good, ever. I had become used to her unkempt hairstyle, tomboy-vs-risque outfits and minimal makeup. 



This is a welcomed change for the actress, she looks sensational in this photo shoot (I can't believe I just said that, but it really is true). Miley wears a mix of gorgeous designer gowns and a few sassy outfits that are more close to home. She may not be able to keep the clothes, but I do hope she keeps the sleek, straight hairstyle.

 On the cover, Miley poses in a scarlet silk chiffon gown by Gucci, which has a ruffled petal halter top, with tie-up bow and sheer black skirt.

 Miley is veiled in an aqua blue and black star print gown by Dolce & Gabbana. The floaty chiffon dress has long-sleeves and a tie-up neck bow. She wears black and gold statement star shaped earrings.

To the left, Miley rocks an embellished corset by The Blonds. Right: She wears a black satin and lace bodycon dress by Dolce & Gabbana, with peep toe heels by Christian Louboutin. The fitted silhouette is contrasted by an umbrella sized hat. 

 Purple, peach and pink are stirred into a pretty watercolour gown by Escada.

 Miley strikes a fierce pose in this intrepid ensemble. She wears a mammoth feathered coat by Yves Saint Laurent, over a black satin and lace lingerie set by Dolce & Gabbana. She seems more confident with this look.

 This is my favourite outfit, a cherry red Temperley London dress, with a ruffle-draped shoulder. She looks quite innocent in this pic, especially with the rose tiara.

 Miley relaxes in a forest green printed maxi dress by Emilio Pucci. Very demure.

The Disney star wears two outfits by Lloyd Klein. On the left she sparkles in a multicolored sequin gown with fishtail skirt. Right: Miley is dressed in a long leopard print coat with bright purple lining. Her high black boots are by Gio Diev. How cute are the puppies?

What do you think of Miley's new and sophisticated (albeit temporary) look?

Cover Girls - August 2011

From Catwalk to Cover

Fashion Magazines August 2011



There have been so many interesting magazine covers for August 2011, I couldn't help but share my Top Ten. It makes me wonder, if all these magazines were on the same newsstand...which one would I pick up first?

Kate Moss for Vogue UK. The newly-wed model gazes off in a coral wool dress by Miu Miu, which is covered in an embroidered floral design. The hazy cover shot has a retro feel to it, as does Kate's hair. Marni resin-drop earrings, a brass Diane von Furstenberg cuff and bold red lips add weight to Kates look. 

Katie Holmes for Vogue Spain. Katie takes on a fierce but feminine military persona for the cover of Vogue España. Her black long-sleeved lace dress with polo neck is by Lanvin. Black nail varnish, smokey eyes and a leather army cap complete her valiant look.

Mia Wasikowska for Harper's Bazaar, Australia. The actress wears Louis Vuitton for the vintage-styled cover. She poses in a sheer black and white dress with high collar, puff sleeves and a black buttoned corset. Pulled back hair and barely-there make up play off against the complexity of the outfit. She looks so beautiful compared to the 'tortured' runway look.

Olivia Palermo for Shop Til You Drop magazine. This has got to be the most eye catching cover for August 2011. How adorable is Olivia's Sass & Bide dress? It features dozens of layered leather cutouts in warm autumn colours. She wears the dress back-to-front for the cover and minus the belt.

Megan Fox for Elle China. The sultry star wears an all black crepe-wool ensmeble by Emporio Armani. The jumpsuit fits much better on Megan than he runway model. I think the outfit would have had more of an impact against a clean white background, rather than this grassy one. Windswept hair and red-hot lips complete a very polished look.

Miranda Kerr for Cosmopolitan, Australia. The model wears a sexy purple plum bandage dress with v-neck and zip-front, by Herve Leger. The bright turquoise background and Miranda's radiant smile makes this a fun and energetic cover. She looks amazing seven months after she had her baby.

Sarah Jessica Parker for Vogue. The 'Age Issue' sees a smiling SJP on the cover. Her white embossed coat with black accents and leather belt is by Burberry Prorsum. Her hair is pulled back with a hairpiece to the side. I'm finding this cover to be the most insipid. I prefer the runway styling.

Lily Allen for Elle UK. The British singer wears a dress from my favourite Winter collection of 2011, by Dolce & Gabbana. Her star-printed charmeuse dress is contrasted by panels of black lace. Her hair is worn in retro waves and make-up kept minimal. SA's Candice Swanepoel (right) wore the dress on the runway with  a zebra print bag, black socks and white shoes.

Mila Kunis for Flare, Canada. The Russian-American actress wears a salmon coloured dress by Lanvin with volumized neckline and fitted skirt. Her hair is worn completely to the side. The dress on the runway seems over-accessorised compared to Mila's look. Also, the beauty of the neckline is shown off better on the magazine.

Selena Gomez for Elle Mexico. She wears a midnight blue stretch knit tunic and pants by Altuzarra. The bronze belt with plaited detail and tassels is by Gucci. Her wavy locks are covered by a cute Scala Pronto floppy hat. The cover is simple and sophisticated, it's also is more mature look for Selena, which I like.

Which is your favourite cover for August 2011?

Off The Catwalk - Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

Mila Kunis

in Elie Saab Fall 2011 Couture



Moscow was bedazzled by Mila Kunis yesterday, who was there to attend the premiere of her new movie, 'Friends with Benefits'. The actress looked stunning in a dress from Elie Saab's Fall 2011 Couture Collection.

Mila wore an ivory knee-length tulle dress with sheer illusion bodice, which sparkled with sequins and Swarovski crystals. The shoulders were beautifully adorned with beadwork. Mila also wore the same Elie Saab heels as shown on the runway. I love the entire look, especially that she styled this fairy like dress with a tiara Alice band.

Selena Gomez in Burberry Prorsum

Off the Catwalk

Selena Gomez in Burberry Prorsum



The stunning Selena Gomez played host at the MuchMusic Video Awards in Toronto this weekend. The 20-year-old starlet arrived in a sexy beige dress by Burberry Prorsum Spring 2011. The silk and chiffon mini was flirty with layers of uneven frills while the back was bound by leather straps. 



Selena paired the nude tone dress with fabulous violet peep toes by Giuseppe Zanotti. She wore her hair down in voluminous curls.

Blake Lively in Chanel

Blake Lively in Chanel

Green Lantern Movie Premiere



Chanel mascot, Blake Lively attended the premiere of her new movie, 'Green Lantern' in LA this weekend. The actress wore an angelic white gown from Chanel's Spring 2009 Couture line. The short-sleeved dress is decorated with floral appliqués and has a sheer embroidered skirt. She wore her hair to the side in a tangled plait. It's nice to see Blake wearing something other than a short, fitted dress. 

Emma Roberts in Temperley London Dress

Off The Catwalk

Emma Roberts in Temperley London



The lovely Emma Roberts was in New York to promote her new movie 'The Art of Getting By'. The 20-year old actress was enchanting in a nude chiffon tea-length dress by Temperley London. The frothy fairytale frock is embellished with pearls and tiers into delicate ruffles. Emma paired the dress with satin Casadei heels and a Jimmy Choo clutch. The dress is from designer Alice Temperley's Fall 2011 line. It was shown on the runway with a sheer inner long-sleeved blouse and a collar. Polish model Paula Klimzcak wore the dress with ankle boots and stockings.

I like the strapless version Emma wears, sans the collar and sleeves. For some reason the colour of the dress on the runway appears lighter, and the length shorter.

Kate Middleton & Blair Waldorf in Jenny Packham

Off The Catwalk

Kate Middleton & Blair Waldorf



The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton looked gorgeous at the ARK 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner held in London last night. The brunette beauty wore a romantic pale rose gown from Jenny Packham's Spring 2011 collection. The dress has soft tulle sleeves and is encrusted with tonal sequins and Swarovski crystals. Kate paired her dress with a matching blush tone clutch and peep toe sandals.

You may recognize the dress, as Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) wore a very similar version on this weeks' episode of Gossip Girl, entitled 'The Princesses and the Frog'. From a real life princess to a TV's fashion princess, the dress is a stunning colour on both. I prefer the design of Blair's dress, but like Kate's hairstyle better.

Below is the original runway version of Blair's tea-length dress.

Lucy Liu channels Black Swan

Off the Catwalk

Lucy Liu in Monique Lhuillier



The spirit of Black Swan lives on in this Monique Lhuillier gown that Lucy Liu wore to the CFDA Awards on Monday. The bold black ballgown features a strapless bodice embroidered in Chantilly lace with a massive skirt covered in tufts of ostrich feathers. You're either going to love the drama of this gown or think that it's excessive.

I like this gown on the runway, the model is tall enough to carry it off elegantly. It's looking too 'heavy' on the petite Ms Liu.

Sophia Bush in Zac Posen

Off the Catwalk

Sophia Bush in Z Spoke by Zac Posen

 Sophia Bush attended the 'Beauty Culture' exhibition in California last night. The One Tree Hill star wore a playful dress from Zac Posen's mainstream fashion line, Z Spoke. The dress features a yellow tartan high-neck corset and black voluminous skirt. Her black ankle-strap shoes are by Marc Jacobs. This dress is a cute contrast, it combines a punk rock top with feminine skirt. She should have left out the necklaces.

Hilary Swank in Oscar de la Renta

Off the Catwalk

Hilary Swank in Oscar de la Renta

Hilary Swank looked charming at the Joyful Heart Foundation Gala in New York City this week. She wore an embroidered silk dress with floral imprint by Oscar de la Renta. The turquoise colour is so fresh and vibrant. She boldly paired the dress with cerise pink heels. Hilary accessorized with a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch bag and turquoise crystal earrings. I prefer her look to the runway's.

Blake Lively in Zuhair Murad

Blake Lively

dressed in Zuhair Murad Couture

Blake Lively stuns in this beautifully draped chiffon gown by Zuhair Murad. The actress was honoured at the Times 100 Most Influential People Gala this week (I'm guessing for her stylish fashion sense). The ombré aqua gown is from the designers' Hymne au desert Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. It was modified from the original runway look to include a beaded decolletage. Her turquoise and diamond statement ring is by Kimberly McDonald. Blake also showed off new shorter red locks - love the radiant colour on her. This is what I'd imagine Disney's real life 'Little Mermaid' to look like.

Alexis Bledel in Oscar de la Renta

Alexis Bledel at 'The Conspirator' Premiere

dressed in Oscar de la Renta

This has been a good week for actress Alexis Bledel. This is the second look she wore from Oscar de la Renta's Pre-Fall 2011 line. For the premiere of her new movie, 'The Conspirator, she chose a stunning cap-sleeved dress with sparkly blue beadwork and gold edging. She brought out the black detailing on the dress with cut-out Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, and a Cecelia clutch bag. At first I wasn't sure about this look, but it's really grown on me.

Off The Catwalk - Emma Stone & Camilla Belle

Emma Stone

dressed in Preen

Emma Stone attended the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List party wearing a pretty pale blue dress from the Preen Spring 2011 Collection. The chiffon and crepe cocktail dress has a delicate beaded bodice and simple skirt. Emma accessorized with a skinny white belt, Calvin Klein clutch and Christian Louboutin 'Bretelle' slingbacks. I like that she added a pop of colour with bright pink lips. Her voluminous waves complete this soft and romantic look.

Camilla Belle

dressed in Alberta Ferretti

Camilla Belle is captivating in a coral halter dress by Alberta Ferretti. She wore it to the Annual Shine On Awards in New York. It's such a refreshing colour and features beaded tiers and a tie-up bow around the neck. She wears nude 'Luxura' ankle-strap shoes by Christian Louboutin. I'm not fond of the maroon-coloured Salvatore Ferragamo clutch bag.  Her hair could have been a bit more polished too. That said, I still like the dress. 

Off The Catwalk - Ashley Tisdale in Farah Angsana

Ashley Tisdale

dressed in Farah Angsana Couture

You have to believe me when I say I am not a fan of the High School Musical crew. However, I found myself drawn to this frilly frock that Ashley Tisdale wore to the premiere of her new movie. The white 'Talisa' dress is by Indonesian couture designer Farah Angsana. The bodice with embellished shoulder detail is Grecian-inspired, while the skirt has romantic tiered ruffles. Ashley paired the dress with a Swarovski clutch bag and glossy silver pumps by Brian Atwood. The runway model wears it with chunky gladiator heels. Being such a girly dress, I would have liked to see it with daintier heels.

Off The Catwalk - Jennifer Aniston in Valentino

Jennifer Aniston

dressed in Valentino Couture

Seeing this photo of Jennifer Aniston makes it hard to believe that the actress is 42 years old. She looks amazing in this nude asymmetrical dress from Valentino Spring 2011 Couture. She wore it to the launch of her new perfume in New Mexico. It's refreshing to see her with a shorter hairstyle and a bronze glow. She paired the embellished dress with nude Tabitha Simmons sandals. I think this dress looks better on Jennifer. Which do you prefer?

Off The Catwalk - Blake Lively in Chanel

Blake Lively

dressed in Chanel Couture

Gossip Girl's Blake Lively was the guest of honour at a Chanel dinner this week. She is a brand ambassador for their line of Mademoiselle handbags. She showed up to the event wearing a Chanel dress (obviously) from the label's Spring 2009 Couture Collection. This short-sleeved white dress features chiffon and organza ruffles on the skirt and neckline. It looks more structured on the runway. Blake paired it with Christian Louboutin shoes, a Mademoiselle handbag and emerald earrings. The shoes remind me of the kind that brides used to cover in satin to match their wedding gowns. Back in the 80's.

Off The Catwalk - Halle Berry in Elie Saab

Halle Berry

dressed by Elie Saab

You may recall a post I did last month on the Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2011 Couture Collection. This resplendent red sheer chiffon and lace gown with grosgrain belt is from that collection. Halle Berry wore it this week to the Annual Costume Designer's Guild Awards in Beverly Hills. She accessorized with it with diamond earrings and bracelet from Indian jewellers Amrapali.

This dress translates beautifully from the runway to the red carpet. The raspberry red is an outstanding colour on any skin tone. I actually like it more on Halle. Which do you prefer?