Gisele Colours The Pages Of Vogue

Spreading the holiday cheer and sprinkling some colourful confetti over the land of Vogue is the world's number one supermodel, Gisele Bundchen. The 31 year old Brazilian beauty stars in a kaleidoscopic fashion editorial for the December issue of British Vogue. 



Gisele is styled in a colourful array of outfits and wears an extensive mix of designers for the shoot, which is photographed by Mario Testino. Leather and lycra team up for the sporty, street savvy theme. Her look is all about fearlessly combining brights with bold accessories. Is this the start of a 'carrying-around-two-cluches-at-a-time' trend?  

Left: On the cover, Gisele wears a satin georgette Gucci blouse with psychedelic metallic lycra leather leggings by Pam Hoggs. Her disco diva look is complete with a Diane von Furstenberg belt and gorgeous gold cap-toed pumps by Christian Louboutin. Gold cuffs by Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton.

Right: Tennis goes glam in a shiny gold dress by Stella McCartney for Adidas, with black leggings by Hervé Leger for Max Azria. A silk wool Marni jacket tones the look down. She carries a chain-strapped leather bag by Prada and smaller studded purse by McQ. Cuffs by Vionnet (gold), Alex Bittar (red) and Hermés (orange). 

Left: A stylish and sporty Gisele wears a turf green Mugler sweater, pink Diane von Furstenberg mini and black and white McQ leggings. The white leather pocket belt is by Michael Kors. Scarlet clutch and yellow pumps both by Jimmy Choo. On her arms, a yellow Hermés cuff and wooden lacquered Jimmy Choo bangles.

Right: Hot in pink, Gisele wears a scuba-inspired neoprene zip-up top by Michael Kors, a bright blue Jimmy Choo clutch bag and perspex bangles by Celine, Vionnet & Cornelia Webb.

Left: Athletic wear a la mode. Gisele is florescent in a mandarin orange Nike top with a green and blue Jonathan Saunders/Escada Sport skirt. The neon yellow leggings are by Cyberdog. Her look is accessorized by a black Hugo buckle belt and clutch bags by McQ and Michael Kors. Yellow cuffs by Hermés & Alex Bittar, gold studded bangle by Tom Binns.

Right: Gisele dons a navy blue skater girl dress by McQ, paired with crimson cycling shorts by Diane von Furstenburg. Her white belt is also by DVF, the black belt by Sonia Rykiel. She carries two clutches - a lime leather one by Michael Kors, red clutch by Jimmy Choo. Bangles by Hermés (yellow), Alex Bittar (pink) and Stella McCartney (gold).

Left: Gisele tries on a motorcycling cheerleader look in a fitted dark blue Zara top and silk-crépe pleated Gucci skirt. Cotton and leather patch leggings by Ground Zero. Belt and white studded purse by McQ. Mustard clutch bag by Burberry, with shoes by Christian Louboutin.

Middle: White cropped cotton jacket by Mugler, worn over a navy zip-up swimsuit. Sunny yellow DVF mini worn over Hervé Léger/Max Azria tights. Lime green leather bag by Emilio Pucci and pink purse by McQ.

Right: Baseball just got stylish with a black & orange raffia top by Roksanda Illincic. Canary yellow silk-crepe dress with pleated skirt by Gucci. She holds a bugglegum pink purse by McQ and black Michael Kors clutch. Her red hot heels are by Jimmy Choo.

Amidst the icy cold winter weather, a copy of this color-blocked concoction is bound to brighten things up. Do you think these vivid outfits would translate well in reality, and most importantly, would you wear any of them? 

How To Be A Victoria's Secret Angel

Victoria's Secret

Fashion Show 2011



The annual Victoria's Secret soirée took place in New York earlier this week, where a huge fuss was made over a little lingerie in an extravagant $12 million parade. While viewing the glamorous fashion show, I observed that there is a certain criteria to be met in order to be a 'Victoria's Secret Angel'. I've compiled a list for anyone interested in landing one of world's most sought after modeling jobs. 



How To Become A Victoria's Secret Angel



* You will need to be at least 1.78m or 5f 10in tall

* Have a 34-24-34 frame, which is the equivalent to a size zero

* Be ridiculously gorgeous. If you're an 'exotic beauty', that will put you up the list.

* Have amazing legs that go on forever

* Naturally glossy long locks and porcelain skin is a must-have

* Have an electrifying smile with enough wattage to light up Times Square.

* You should probably give up carbs and chocolate...and food in general.

* Spend at least 4 hours a day in the gym doing some form of trendy toning exercises. 

* Dating an equally good-looking and world famous rock star will amp up your appeal.

* And most importantly, you will have to wear itsy lingerie, walk in sky-high stilettos, carry a colossal pair of wings on your shoulders (that weighs 3 times your body weight) and look incredibly graceful while doing it.



If you fit all these requirements, Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming the Next Victoria's Secret Supermodel. As for the rest of us, we can just admire the exquisite creations that were shown at this years' Victoria's Secret runway show. P.S. Click on the image to see a larger version.





Aquatic Angels

The surreal mermaid theme is brought to life by bevy of international beauties including Russia's (and Adam Levine's) Anne Vylitsyna, top Polish model Anja Rubik, China's stunning Sui He, pretty Swedish blonde Caroline Winberg and Maryna Linchuk from Belarus. 

Super Angels

Step aside Batman/Spiderman/Superman, there is a new superhero in town and she is armed with a valiant cartoon coloured costume, daring thigh-high boots, a killer smile and a whole lot of sex appeal - which is often mistaken for a super power.

Be My Valentine

Wrapped in shades of Valentine, ribbon, feathers and tulle are Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, Brazilian beauty Lais Ribeiro and New Zealand newcomer, Jessica Clark.

Supermodels of Swan Lake

 A ballet-inspired theme in a sugary blend of sweet pink, lemon and dreamy blue hues. Chanel Iman makes leg warmers look sexy, Alessandra Ambrosio does her best impression of Black Swan, German model Toni Garrn flaps her butterfly wings and Dutch dame Doutzen Kroes strikes a dramatic pose in her blue and white tutu.

 A Black and White Affair

These are my favourite costumes from the collection. Lily Donaldson's black and white ensemble with the vintage lace wings. Brazil's Flavia de Oliveira looks ravishing in all black. I love the striped and layered tulle skirt worn by Estonian model Karmen Pedaru. The umbrella adds a vintage touch to her alluring Edwardian outfit. Cameron Russell wears a coquettish number with a high-collared corset, suspended feathers and black lace gloves.

Show Stoppers

 Brazilian supermodel and Victoria's Secret veteran Alessandra Ambrosio balances the elaborately beaded Passion Play wings, which weighs around 30lb/13kg. It's rumored to have taken seven years to make! South Africa's own dreamgirl Candice Swanepoel looks like a Grecian goddess with her gilded wings. Miranda Kerr brought the sensational show to a close, wearing a $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure brassiere, encrusted with 3400 precious stones. I'm guessing it comes with it's own safe and bodyguard.

So there you have it, another bout of the supermodel syndrome at the Victoria's Secret 2011 fashion show. I wonder if they get to keep the wings?

Mango Fall/Winter 2011

Mango Fashion Campaign

featuring Isabeli Fontana



Gorgeous Brazilian supermodel, Isabeli Fontana is the newest brand ambassador for Mango. The well-known Spanish clothing brand chose the Victoria's Secret model for "her extraordinary beauty and naturalness." Isabeli represents the two sides of their Winter 2011 collection; ultra sexy femme fatale and masculine elegance. Each side is differentiated by the styling - tousled waves with smokey eyes, and slicked back locks with striking red lips.



A primarily black colour scheme runs throughout the range, with dashes of leopard print and polka dots. The collection is a mix of glitzy cocktail dresses, leather and faux fur, classic coats, luxe knits, mini skirts and impeccably tailored suits. I love the gold-tipped black shoes and embellished clutch bags. 



With their Winter 2011 range, Mango seeks to style the modern, dynamic and independent woman. While the rest of you dress for success in one of these polished looks, us in South Africa will only be receiving the range next year. 

Divas and Darlings - CFDA Fashion Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion

CFDA Fashion Awards 2011



The CFDA Awards were held in New York this week, where designers were honoured for their exceptional contribution to fashion. Marc Jacobs took home the 'Lifetime Achievement Award', whilst Celine's Phoebe Philo won 'Best International Designer'. 'Womenswear Designer of the Year' was awarded to Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler. The award for best merging womenswear designer went to one of my current favourites, Prabal Gurung.



I get pretty excited about these type of awards shows, as the sole focus is placed on excellence in fashion design. Designers showcase their best designs on their preferred model or actress of choice. It is a celebration of beautiful creations and an appreciation for the art of style. It was impossible to put up pictures of all the outfits, but I have posted the most impactful looks from the evening. This is red carpet fashion at its best. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.



The Supermodels

Dutch model Doutzen Kroes wore a raspberry red one-sleeve gown by J Mendel. Czech export Karolina Kurkova dons a shimmery fern green wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. The hoodie is an interesting touch but those strappy heels have got to go. Czech model Hana Soukopova wears an embellished off-white gown with asymmetrical frilled hem by Marchesa. This reminds me of Halle Berry's Oscar 2011 dress. Australian model Miranda Kerr looks gorgeous in a slinky black cut-out gown by Michael Kors. Head to toe, this look is perfection. Brazil's Alessandra Ambrosio is beautiful in a red v-neck Prabal Gurung gown.

Precious Pearls

Pearl tones were a major trend on the purple carpet. American Italian model Elettra Wiedemann wore a wispy chiffon pleated gown by J Mendel. French beauty Anais Mali wore a creamy satin dress with sheer long-sleeves by Sophie Théallet. Katie Cassidy was sweetly simple in an embroidered dress with uneven hemline by Iranian born designer Behnaz Sarafpour. Victoria's Secret model Angela Bellotte is celestial in a white low-neck gown Grecian gown. Whitney Port chose an ivory Pamella Roland dress with floral beading on the shoulder.

Bright Young Things

Ashley Greene wore a neon pink and black mini by Michael Kors. She seems underdressed for this event. Tunisian model Kenza Fourati wears a billowing maxi dress by Marc Bouwer. The sapphire blue colour works incredibly with her skin tone. Emmanuelle Chriqui is a spectacular sight in David Meister. She chose a citron yellow strapless mini with chiffon train. Love the pairing of the purple bejeweled Manolo Blahniks. Chanel Iman chose a kaftan-style keyhole gown in sea green by Max Azria. Mum-to-be Jessica Alba wore a salmon and mauve ensemble by Diane von Furstenberg.

Black and White

Kirsten Dunst took on the menswear trend in Patrik Ervell. The styling is too stuffy. Chloe Sevigny wore an unusual combination of black leather and white lace from her Opening Ceremony line. I don't like those slipper-like shoes. Leelee Sobieski also chose a masculine suit, hers by Adam Kimmel. It may be classy for the office, not a fashion gala. 90210's Shenae Grimes is dressed in a lace corset and black trousers by Rebecca Taylor. Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede chose a halter-neck black and white dress by Derek Lam.

Dismally Disillusioned

Namibian model Behati Prinsloo wears a shaded blue mess - there's a difference between 'vintage' and 'antique'. I'm not fond of Liv Tyler's Proenza Schouler outfit because of the kaleidoscope/lego print. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen wear their own line, The Row mixed with some Chanel. I really don't get these two, they are the only ones carrying large satchels with evening wear. Actress Amber Heard wears a sheer beige overlay dress. The black embroidered bodice looks like a nasty rash and the shoes and belt don't add up. Marcia Cross looks fantastic for her age but this sparkly grey Pamella Roland jumpsuit just isn't inappropriate.

Somebody Call 911

The fashion police have to be alerted about these looks. Socialite Julie Macklowe has been swallowed by a slimy green swamp. Why would someone make this dress? British heiress Daphne Guinness's look is incohesive. She overstyled what was an elegant mini dress by Abed Mahfouz. I always mistaken Lady Gaga for a drag queen. Must be the hair, or the makeup, or the dress or the monster heels, or everything.

Supermodels & the Little White Dress

Who better to carry off the Little White Dress trend than the supermodel. Victoria Secrets' Rose Huntington-Whitely and Brazilian bombshell Gisele Bundchen wore their LWD's at two separate events this week.

Rose is a classic beauty in a fitted long-sleeved cut-out dress by MaxMara. She paired it with a leopard print clutch and nude Sergio Rossi heels. Gisele is white hot in a Victoria Beckham sheath dress. She broke it up with a black skinny belt and peep-toes by Christian Louboutin.

Alessandra Ambrosio - Party Dresses

Gorgeous Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio attended two parties this past week, wearing two very different dresses.

At the GQ Brazil launch party in Sao Paulo, Alessandra wore a pretty pale blue asymmetrical dress with white lace panels and a ruched bodice. Her nude heels are by Prada. At the Victoria's Secret SWIM Collection party, she dazzled in a fully embellished metallic mini with Giuseppe Zanotti black platforms. Sweet or Sexy, Alessandra always looks stunning.