Sweet Spring Couture by Elie Saab

I know that the images from Elie Saab's phenomenal Spring 2012 Couture show will be posted on thousands of other blogs, but I couldn't help myself. It has left a lasting impression on me, with sensational gowns that are only imaginable in your wildest Midsummer's Night Dreams. 

The maven of couture, Saab one again whets our fashion palates with a delectable array of dessert shaded designs, finely crafted with the utmost dexterity and impeccable detailing. Sheerness was a theme throughout, artfully ornamented by crystal floral appliqués and delicate hand beading. I've paired the designs with the sweet treats they remind me of. Enough from me, I'll let the dresses speak for themselves...they do so in volumes.

Sugar Cookies

Peppermint Tart

Bubblegum Milkshake

Candied Ginger

Peach Cobbler

Lemon Meringue 

Strawberry Cheesecake

Anyone else craving something sweet?

*Photos courtesy of Style.com

Divas and Darlings - People's Choice Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion

People's Choice Awards 2012



Awards Season kicked off in style last night with the 38th Annual People's Choice Awards. Hollywood's favourite TV, movie and music stars came out to play, and strangely, not a Kardashian in sight. I look forward to bringing you the best of the red carpet over the next two months. Lets start with these sizzling looks.





Disney Darlings

Hats off to Demi Lovato for this impressive red carpet makeover. Her strapless peach dress with embellished bodice and bejeweled clutch is by Marchesa. She won the award for Favourite Pop Artist, beating out Beyonce, Lady Gaga & Katy Perry. Miley Cyrus opted for a sexy sophisticated look, wearing an ivory David Koma dress with mesh v-neck and holographic hem detail. Vanessa Hudgens wore a glamourous black and gold embroidered Jenny Packham gown with double halter and knee-high split.

 Green Light

Nina Dobrev looked sensational in an apple green Elie Saab dress with lace sleeves. She paired it with a nude clutch and heels. 'The Vampire Diaries' star won the award for Favourite TV Drama Actress. Comedienne Whitney Cummings glowed in green sequins, wearing an ASOS mini with black belt and heels. Emma Stone walked away with the awards for Favourite Movie Actress and Favorite Comedy Actress. She opted out of a party dress and wore a chic black and green Gucci ensemble instead. Chloe Moretz looked cute in a printed black and green tweed Proenza Schouler dress. The teen star won Favourite Actress Under 25.

Pretty Little Liars

The cast of 'Pretty Little Liars' won the award for Favourite Cable TV Drama. Ashley Benson looked charming in a white dress with frilly black hem and belt by Alice + Olivia. Shay Mitchell chose a black and white print dress by Naeem Khan, along with Jimmy Choo heels. Lucy Hale wore an 'interesting' (that could mean either way) asymmetrical dress with wrap around train by Cengiz Abazoglu. Her pumps are by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Black on Track

Ashley Greene represented DKNY on the carpet, wearing a lace and leather dress with Brian Atwood pumps. Elisha Cuthbert was all dressed up in a Resort 2012 gown by Vawk, with metallic gold bodice and full skirt . Beth Behrs from '2 Broke Girls' was simple in a mini dress with embellished waist by Mandalay. Her red Judith Leiber clutch added some colour. Castle's Stana Katic showed off her figure in a body-skimming, plunge-neck black gown.

Neutrals

Flipped actress 15-year old Madeline Carroll wore a two-tone champagne feathered frock by Jovani. Lea Michele won Favourite TV Comedy Actress for her role in 'Glee'. She was fully fringed in a white Marchesa number with sparkly Jimmy Choo sandals. Julianne Hough shimmered in a Kaufman Franco dress with open back. Jennifer Morrison wore a cream embroidered Oscar de la Renta dress with tasseled hem. Her hair and heels are too austere for this delicate dress.

Bright & Bold

Jennifer Lawrence was futuristic in a blue Viktor & Rolf dress with spiral mesh cut-outs. Ginnifer Goodwin stood out in a hot pink Roksanda Illincic dress with bell sleeves & lacey Jimmy Choo heels. Cobie Smulders stuns in a royal blue corset dress by Reem Acra. A gold collar necklace, leopard print clutch & strappy sandals complete her look. Kristen Bell was sweet in a scarlet dress leather & lace Valentino dress with gold tipped Louboutin pumps.

 The Hostess With The Mostess

The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco played host for the event, displaying some stunning wardrobe changes during the show. I love them all.

Menswear

Are you wondering what designer suits Matt Bomer, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley are wearing? Yup, me neither. Just stare and swoon ladies ;) P.S Thought that this may be interesting after my last post : Did you know that Paul Wesley is Polish?

Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2012

Monique Lhuillier fine tunes uptown elegance for her Pre-Fall 2012 collection. With minimal use of colour and an abundance of ideas, she has created day and evening wear that personifies femininity in it's most favorable form. Lace covered dresses that are fit for a high tea at the palace, or for the fashion-conscious bridesmaid. Then there are extravagant evening gowns that beg to be shown off at prime red carpet events.

Besides for innovative black and white prints, Monique has used blue as a primary colour choice. From cobalt to sapphire, indigo and navy, to shades of midnight, this collection gives new meaning to the term 'feeling blue'. We are presented with jubilant blue creations, in draped chiffon, full tulle skirts, satin ruffles and impeccably placed lace. Silhouettes are kept full and billowy, suited for any type of figure. 

The one dress that I'd really like to see worn on the red carpet is the second last one at the end - which has royal blue lace gently adorning a nude tulle gown. Perhaps on someone regal like Kate Middleton or even Keira Knightly.

Naeem Khan Pre-Fall 2012

Naeem Khan has been gaining fame with a slew of celebrity clients such as Florence Welch, Julianne Hough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and even Michelle Obama. He masterly crafts elegant and feminine gowns with interesting shapes, and in sumptuous fabrics. He applied this same aesthetic to his Pre-Fall 2012 collection, in which sequins were the order of the day, delicately layered upon slinky silk and chiffon gowns.

The colour palette began with sugary pink and creamy white shades, then blazed into amazing brights like cerise, lime and daffodil. Khan added a dash of animal print, for a more dressed down evening look, showing that he isn't only about glitzy embellishments. The range concludes with a few black feathered frocks and an outstanding ivory gown with beaded bodice and voluminous skirt, which would make for an opulent wedding dress. 

Khan experimented with different types of necklines, which keeps the collection from being monotonous. What I appreciate about this range is that each look is unique, and not a continuation of the one before. My favourite piece is the first dusky rose tulle dress below. Which is yours?

Dress Déja Vu

When I saw Kat Graham wearing this cobalt blue gown, I went back to my archives, thinking it was the same one Jessica Alba wore 10 months ago. But it isn't the same dress, just a serious case of copycat couture.

Left: Jessica Alba looked regal in this electric blue silk strapless gown with sweetheart neckline, empire waist and gathered maxi skirt. The gown, which is by Atelier Versace, was worn by Jessica on 13 February 2011 to the BAFTA Awards. She wore her hair up in a braided hairstyle, and added a gold, turquoise and blue necklace.

Right: Kat Graham wore a very similar gown last week (10 December 2011) at the 'Ripple Effect Charity Dinner'. Her blue micropleated silk dress is by couturier Lloyd Klein. It is also strapless, same shade of striking blue, with an empire waist and flowing floor-length skirt. The only major difference is the bandeau neckline and empire style. Kat wore her hair in voluminous waves.

I prefer Jessica's dress and styling. Do you think this is a blatant copy or just a coincidence?

Celeb Style - Ebony & Ivory

The idea of a 'classic black dress' will never tire, while the 'ivory evening gown' will always appear feminine and romantic. This is a clash of colours worn by stylish young celebs on the red carpet this week. Which do you prefer - dark and mysterious or light and airy?

Ebony

Michelle Williams donned a dress from Nina Ricci's Spring 2012 line for the '15th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala'. Her blue-black strapless chiffon gown has metallic gold ribbon detailing on the neckline, and a sheer skirt. 

Amber Heard wore all-black to the NYC premiere of her new movie, 'The Rum Diary', which also stars Johnny Depp. The blonde actress chose a modest Jean Paul Gaultier gown with high neck, long sleeves and belted waist. She was bold for choosing not to reveal any skin, but looked sexy and glamorous nonetheless.

Camilla Belle is sensational in a fitted Ralph Lauren gown, which she wore to an event celebrating the designer. It has a sheer neckline, shimmery bodice and ruffled skirt. Elegantly slicked back and hot pink lips complete her look. As I am a Camilla-style fan, I may be biased when I say this look is perfection.

AnnaLynne McCord looked poised in a simple cap-sleeved glittery Alice + Olivia 'Rumor' gown. As it was a charity event, she wore a yellow empowerment bracelet in honour of the 'Somaly Mam Foundation'. Her smokey eye make-up is stellar.

Ivory

Elizabeth Olsen looked like a modern-day fairy at the 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' (try to say that fast five times in a row) movie premiere in London. May-Kate & Ashley's little sister wore an ivory pink ensemble by Chanel Couture. Her square-neck beaded top was paired with a frothy tiered tulle skirt and gold satin Louboutin pumps. As much as I love the skirt, I wish the top were slightly more fitted. I find her make-up too heavy as well.

Jessica Biel was the latest star to walk ivory down the red carpet. She attended the 'Fashion Group International's Night of the Stars' event wearing Giambattista Valli. Her off-white gown was an interesting blend of two different styles - delicate with the soft, flowing fabric, and intrepid with the inflated ruffled sleeves. A bronze leaf belt clinched in her waist. Do you think this dress overwhelms her?

Rachel Zoe was in Los Angeles for 'Rodeo Drive's Walk of Style' event, honouring supermodel Iman. The stylist wore a sheer chiffon frilled blouse and high-waisted palazzo pants from her own fashion line. She looks effortlessly chic.

Coco Rocha was entrancing at the 'WGSN Global Fashion Awards' held in New York last week. The Canadian supermodel wore a tonal beige and ivory gown with layered skirt and embroidered shoulder harness and waistband. I am unfamiliar with designer Biphu Mohapatra, but this dress has me eager to see more from him.

Who Wore Roland Mouret Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Roland Mouret Fall 2011 Gown



I loved the simplicity and elegance of this gown from the moment I saw it. Now we get to see two very different stars wear it on the red carpet - Australian actress Mia Wasikowska & Reality TV queen Kim Kardashian. Both ladies wore the same wine red gown by French designer Roland Mouret. The stretch-crepe cap sleeved dress has asymmetrical folds on the neckline & a fitted bodice that flares out at the knee. Kim wears the dress 5 months after Mia.

Left: Mia looked graceful at this years' Cannes Film Festival held in early May. She wore the gown to the premiere of her latest movie, 'Restless'.

Right: Kim looked vivacious at the 'Huffington Post's Game Changer Awards' held in New York this week. She accessorized the dress with a shiny gold clutch bag.

The dress was adapted into an evening from this midi version as shown on the Roland Mouret Fall 2011 runway (above left), modeled by Svea Kloosterhof. The gown is available for purchase from Harvey Nichols for a staggering £2000 / R25 250.

Kim had her hair in an interesting French braid while Mia opted for a sleek upstyle.The blonde actress kept her makeup minimal with a berry lip stain and not much else, and sparkled with diamond Boucheron earrings. Kim wears glistening gold disc earrings which highlighted her sun-kissed make-up.

It's obvious that Kim fills out the gown better than the dainty Mia, which demonstrates that this is a look suited to any figure. I like the dress on both. What do you think?

Elie Saab Spring 2012

Elie Saab

Spring/Summer RTW 2012



You always know what you're going to get with Elie Saab. Exquisitely made, spellbinding evening gowns slathered with sequins, in sensual shapes that honour the female form. His 'Colour Shock' collection for Spring 2012 has been the jewel in the crown of the entire fashion season. Subdued nudes developed into saturated shades of turmeric, luscious apricot, emerald green and royal blue. Lace met with silk and chiffon to create billowy belted gowns with plunge-necks and knife-pleated skirts. After viewing hundreds of designs from dozens of internationally renowned designers in four different cities over 27 days - this one stands out. 

Atelier Versace Fall 2011

Atelier Versace have released a magnificent range of couture gowns for Fall 2011. The collection finds its roots in Asian and baroque influences. Floor-sweeping gowns are lavishly adorned with crystal and sequin embellishments, while others bear the vintage Versace print. The different silhouettes are draped, cut-out, architectural and flowing.



I like the lack of cohesion in Atelier Versace collections. Each piece isn't a continuation of the next, but instead is a unique depiction of the brand's originality and ingenuity. Polish model Kasia Struss beautifully exhibits these looks; donning a blond beehive, dark smokey eyes and nude lips.

I like the pairing of teal and purple. The surprise element of this gown is the embellished detail upon the triangular cut-out on the back.

Unique and distinctive patterns are imprinted on dresses. The first one boldly shows off the Versace emblem, while the second one has an oriental-inspired dragon design.

You will recognize the light blue Mandarin-collared dress as the one Katy Perry wore to the MTV Movie Awards. The intricate beading seen on the close-up photo is exquisite.

Silk satin, chiffon and silk mousseline form the basis for these glamourous gowns.

These structured gowns amaze with their complexity and intricate leather engraving.

Venice Film Festival Fashion Round-Up

Red Carpet Fashion

Venice Film Festival 2011



The 68th Annual Venice Film Festival comes to a close today after two glamourous weeks. The event was attended by A-list stars from around the world, stylish socialites, models and well-known Italian celebrities. These are the highlights and must-see looks from the red carpet.

Berry Tones: Italian actress Sarah Felberbaum wears an aubergine pleated gown with lace trims by Alberta Ferretti. Cindy Crawford looks amazing at 45, in a ruby red embellished Roberto Cavalli gown. Natasha Poly stuns in a hot pink chiffon gown with key-hole halter neck by Gucci. Her look is perfect from top to bottom. Selma Blair opted for an understated look, wearing a voluminous red cape-styled gown by Lanvin. Greek-Italian actress Valeria Golino wears a one-of-a-kind voile creponne Gucci gown in a rich shade of magenta. I wish she'd done something else with her hair.

Greyscale: Salma Hayek is striking in a smokey grey organza gown by Gucci, with single strap and feather-tipped ruffle skirt. Cristiana Capotondi wears a silky silver gown with ruched criss-cross bodice. Sarah Felberbaum shimmers in silver grey silk charmeuse gown by Gucci. Cristiana Capotondi opts for grey once again. This time the Italian actress wears a tulle covered AMEN dress, that glitters with a gold sequined design. English actress Kaya Scodelario wears a lacey Burberry gown with plunging neckline and ruched waist detail.

Pale Shades: Chinese actress Eva Huang chose a girly ruffle sleeved dress with embellished bodice and tiered skirt. Event MC Vittoria Puccini channels old-Hollywood glamour in a beaded gown with feathered skirt by Versace. Vivian Hsu wears one of my favourite looks from the event. The Taiwanese actress looked classy in a Christian Dior gown, with wrap-over bodice featuring a tie-up bow, and embellished shoulder and sleeve detail. Evan Rachel Wood decided to be different by wearing a buttoned shantung shirtdress with cuffed sleeves and full skirt. It's by Alessandra Rich, with black heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Waisted: I love the glorious teal colour of Giulia Belivacqua's one-shouldered gown. The alluring cut-out back is adorned with satin bows. Italian actress and singer Violante Placido stuns in a sheer lavender gown by Alberta Ferretti. Her Swarovski encrusted dress has a plunging v-neck and black waistband. Chinese actress Charlene Choi wore an emerald green toga style gown, held together by a roped fabric belt. High nude heels finished her look. Marisa Tomei stands out in a mustard coloured long-sleeved gown by Marios Schwab, which has a twist-front and pearl string detail. Italian actress Myriam Catania wears a jade long-sleeved satin dressing-style-gown by Gucci.

Fields of Gold: Jessica Chastain, whom I featured earlier this week, wears an exquisite lace embroidered gown by Elie Saab. Diane Kruger is heavenly in a nude tulle Elie Saab gown with shimmery underskirt and beaded bodice. Gwyneth Paltrow chose a simple halter neck organza gown by Prada. Keira Knightley brought an air of romance to the festival, wearing a beautiful gold-painted gown by Valentino.

Dramatic: English actress Andrea Riseborough wears a Cinderella style gown in the softest shade of gold. Her Christian Dior gown features a full tulle skirt scattered with sequins. Aussie actress Abbie Cornish is dressed in a textured purple and black Atelier Versace gown, covered in tiny silk organza petals. Irish actress Sarah Bolger opted for a dramatic bottle green gown with bejeweled neck and waistband, and a massive tulle skirt.

Best of Black: Valentina Lodovini looked elegant in a long-sleeved Gucci gown with silver and gold bejeweled neckline. Italian model Sveva Alviti wears a black sleeveless gown with embroidered high neckline. Russian model Natasha Poly put on a daring see-through chiffon dress by Gucci. I like the turquoise floral shrug she's holding. Italian actress Asia Argento wears a strapless black chiffon gown by Alberta Ferretti, which has a tulle and lace skirt. Socialite Bianca Brandolini d'Adda wears an interesting Gucci gown with several cut-outs on the ornately beaded bodice. 

Jessica Chastain in That Elie Saab Dress

Love This Dress

Jessica Chastain in Elie Saab 





Finally, someone has chosen to wear my favourite Elie Saab gown on the red carpet. 30-year-old actress Jessica Chastain put on this dreamy dress at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of her new movie, 'Wild Salome'. I fell in love with this dress the second I saw it presented at Elie Saab's Fall Haute Couture 2011-12 show on Fashion TV.

 The ethereal nude evening gown is exquisitely crafted in gauzy lace which is adorned with shimmering beadwork. It has cap sleeves, a low back and full skirt trimmed with embroidered lace. Jessica wore her red hair in a twisted upstyle and kept her make up simple. She sparkled with a diamond bracelet and earrings.

Jessica is the perfect candidate to wear this dress. It is a difficult colour to pull off, but she so beautifully. She drifts across the red carpet with grace and elegance.

Who Wore Temperley London Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Temperley London Evening Gown



What does a demure British sweetheart and a fallen Hollywood actress have in common? Answer: The same dress sense. Who would've guessed? I never thought I'd see Pippa Middleton and Lindsay Lohan wear the same evening gown. But here it is...

Left: The charming Pippa Middleton wore the emerald green satin gown to the royal wedding reception of her sister, Kate Middleton on 29 April 2011. The floor-length dress has a plunging neckline with crystal embellishing. Pippa paired the dress with strappy silver Aruna Seth heels and a silver metallic clutch bag.  

Right: Lindsay Lohan wore the white version of the Temperley London gown to Kim Kardashian's wedding reception, which had a black & white dress code for all 450 guests. The dress appears to be very satin-bridal-nightie on her. The bridal-like upstyle isn't helping either.



I prefer the beautiful jewel-toned colour of Pippa's dress. She carries the gown off with grace and elegance. I don't share the same sentiments about Lindsay's look. What do you think?

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.