Who Wore Alexander McQueen Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Alexander McQueen black and gold gowns

The impact of a timeless black Alexander McQueen gown is never lost...no matter how many times it has been worn out on the red carpet. These are two exceptionally crafted crepe dresses from the British design label that have graced red carpets the world over a multitude of times. But who holds up the value of an Alexander McQueen original best?

The first gown is a black crepe long-sleeved silhouette with fluted skirt and high neck keyhole cut-out collar that is beautifully decorated by gold leaf embellishings. The dress, which is sold out online, retailed for $7000.

Round One

1. Kate Hudson was exquisitely dressed in this Alexander McQueen frock with decadent gold beaded neckline at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards. She was the first to wear the design and added a leaf motif belt to clinch in her waist. Rolling blonde waves style her look.
2. Russian beauty Victoria Bonya brought this popular dress to the Cannes Film Festival this year, the silhouette fitting her to perfection, with an embellished belt highlighting her narrow waist.
3. British actress Emma Rigby picked out this regal gown for the Berlin premiere of her movie 'The Physician' back in December 2013. A slicked back hairstyle completed her look.
4. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone stunned at the 2014 Screen Awards in India wearing the famed McQueen fishtail gown with embroidered gold neckline. Deepika opted not to wear a belt with her look and slicked her hair back in a style similar to Emma's.

These four ladies were not the only ones to be enamored by the allure of this Alexander McQueen dress. Middle-aged Reality TV stars Lisa Vanderpump, Kris Jenner and Alexia Echevarria all have been photographed wearing the exact same look. (Click the links to see their versions).

This stunning second look from Alexander McQueen is a slinky black crepe strapless gown with gold metal leaf crystal encrusted peplum, which retails for $4 485.

Round Two

1. Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra was beautifully outfitted in the curve-hugging Alexander McQueen gown at the 2014 Filmfare Awards in Mumbai, India. Side swept waves styled her look.
2. South Korean actress Jeon Do Youn wore the same elegant gown with beaded peplum at the 2014 Asian Film Awards in Macau, China. As radiant as she is, the gown seems slightly big on her.
3. The first to wear this McQueen creation long before anyone else in December 2013 was British actress Naomie Harris, at the London premiere of her movie 'Long Walk to Freedom'. Naomie's svelte frame is elongated in this polished column gown.

As for 'Who Wore It Better', in Round One my pick is Victoria Bonya, the gown was tailored to fit her flawlessly and her sophisticated upstyle suited the high neckline of the gown. In Round Two, I prefer the hourglass shape of Priyanka's dress over the slimmer fitted dresses of Jeon and Naomie.

Who Do You Think Wore Each McQueen Dress Best?

Fall Shoes by Alexander McQueen 2012

Alexander McQueen
Fall/Winter Shoe Collection 2012-13

Whoever said that shoes had to be practical and actually wearable, obviously did not see the supermodels strutting down Alexander McQueen's Fall 2012 runway in those outlandish heels. Or should I say - no heels? Some of the unconventional pairs on show had no heels at all, but instead featured a curved metal 'horse shoe' sole. One would need to take a class to walk in them, I presume.

We can't deny the creative brilliance and virtuosity that Sarah Burton has harnessed when constructing these phantasmic pieces of shoe art. Ostrich feathers, shaggy fur, ruffles and rosettes, leather and suede all play a role in making this shoe collection one that surpasses anything we have ever seen before. In this fashion realm at least. 

The Fall/Winter 2012 shoe collection has been toned down from the ostentatious looks displayed on the runway, to a more - dare I say it 'sensible' range. The uber sexy sky-scraping ankle boots and nude shaded sandals will harmoniously fit in with a voguish winter wardrobe. However the sharply sculpted, frilled and fur-covered pairs may only find its place in the closets of the Lady Gaga's and Rihanna's of the world. Whatever your fancy, this collection does makes for captivating viewing.

I would secretly love to try on the pastel pink or red ruffled organza pair. 
I don't think I would get very far in it though. 
Are there any of these fanciful McQueen pairs that you would like to try on too?

A McQ Summer 2012

Summer isn't always about pretty florals and floaty sundresses. At least not according to the vision Sarah Burton has for McQ by Alexander McQueen. The contemporary label brings forth high end designs at a more affordable price, with clothes that retain that unique McQueen edge, but without the theatrics. 

For Spring/Summer 2012, the McQ collection takes a ride on the Texan side, with a few Western inspired looks set in red, black and white, with all the elements of a high fashion rodeo. Floral embroidered shirts, ribbon-tied collars, tailored blazers, cropped cigarette pants and dashes of two-tone denim. A more feminine appeal comes in form of ruffled and A-line skirts, bound by wide leather belts.

The range then dips into animal print pastels in soft pink and powder blue, laid upon pencil skirts, peplums, button-up shirts and bodycon tops. Metallics make an appearance in burnished red palliates, lustrous silver cocktail wear and and flaired out pewter skirts. A vintage twist on trends, this McQ collection will take you from a country music festival, to the office, onto a weekend away, and to a glitzy party and back again.

Mila Kunis Highlights Harper's Bazaar 2012

Cover Girl Mila Kunis
Harper's Bazaar April 2012

The lovely Mila Kunis graces the cover of Harper's Bazaar magazine for April 2012, wearing the cream of the designer crop from Spring 2012's hottest collections. The Ukranian-American beauty features in a fun-loving photo shoot inside the mag, playfully set in an amusement park. It's been shot by photographer Terry Richardson and has got to be my favourite celebrity fashion editorial for the year so far. Gaze on and let me know if you agree.

Mila looks ravishing in a satin blossom pink Versace gown with provocative cutout on the bodice and thigh-high slit. The dress also has a studded waistband. On the runway, the gown was shown off in a light aqua shade, I much prefer it in the custom pink.

Mila horses around in a sultry black bustier top, bedecked with multi-coloured jewels. Black briefs are paired with it, both by Dolce & Gabbana. Sparkly Tom Ford sandals adorn her feet.

Mila satisfies her sweet tooth in a royal blue Yves Saint Laurent cross halter-neck dress with ruffles on either side of the flaired skirt.

Mila's fashion bubble cannot be burst, as she has fast become one of Hollywood's most noted style icons. She looks delightful in a white Chanel shift dress with ultra-high neckline and sheer hem. Her multi-strap pointy-toe mules are by Louis Vuitton.

Mila wears one of the most striking and memorable pieces from Louis Vuitton's Spring 2012 collection. It is an embellished blue, beige and white broderie anglaise dress, with a multitude of 3D floral motifs, enhanced with studs.

Mila strikes gold in this gorgeous Roberto Cavalli number encompassing a floral pleated skirt and glitzy gold sequined jacket.

Glamour takes a carousel ride - Mila looks beautiful in an a celestial white Christian Dior strapless gown with dainty ruffles washed across the bodice. Marc Jacobs Mary Jane pumps were styled with this look.

And finally, the tiara to top off this photo shoot, Mila shows off a romantic fairy-like look by Alexander McQueen, with a textured lilac organza dress laid over a frothy skirt, and worn with fanciful unruffled organza wedge heels.

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part Three

Paris Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites
Part Three

It has been a stellar few weeks of style from across the globe, but all good things must come to an end. This is the final part to my Fall 2012 Fashion Week coverage. Hope you enjoyed it.

Chanel

It was crystal covered eyebrows that stole the show at Chanel's Fall preview. That, and of course, a spectacular array of other-worldly outerwear. A shimmery blend of textures were layered in precious gemstone tones. Tweed coats decked with geometric motifs, motley print dresses and chunky metallic wool knits and sheer skirts, all worn over a skinny pair of pants. I loved the asymmetrical strap Mary Jane's the models trotted in. The collection glistened with a relaxed type of urbane glamour. 

Elie Saab

Elie Saab brings high-end glamour back down to earth with his Fall 2012 collection. Daywear was elegant with two-toned peplum dresses, weighty fur coats and sexy sheaths in charcoal, black and sandy beige. A lace cobweb design spun it's way onto a few floor-length frocks, while a vivid shot of emerald green ensembles filled in the rest of the colour quota. Then came the dazzling evening gowns we've all come to love and expect from the master couturier. Molten metal drizzled with sequins in hourglass silhouettes will be simply irresistible to every stylist and their celebrity clientele.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton takes us on a historic train ride this Winter, exclusive monogrammed luggage in tow. Quirky hats and large round goggles felt inspired by Johnny Depp's 'Mad Hatter' character from Alice in Wonderland. Models looked like 19th century story book characters themselves, costumed in oversized everything: buttons, brooches, lapels, collars and lengthy coats in exotic leather and holographically beaded tweed. The whimsical range was decadently painted in an assortment of colours - hypnotic purples, intense orange, caramel, indigo blue and green. Marc Jacobs tells a vivid tale with every unusual look. 

Alexander McQueen

An Alexander McQueen show is always a momentous event, and this season, Sarah Burton did not disappoint with a storm of cyclonic looks. Futuristic ice princess outfits were smothered in fur, feathers and fringing. Colossal coats & avant-garde dresses were seen in soothing shades of petal pink, lilac grey & celestial white, spiced with cherry red. Massive tiered gowns closed what was a transcendent show. Burton dreams up the extraordinary, then brings it to life.

Miu Miu

Only Miu Miu could turn 70's style wallpaper into chicly sophisticated suits with the utmost dexterity. As with Prada, it's all about the pantsuit for next season, in trippy harlequin and paisley prints. The silhouettes were masculine; long tailored blazers and clean-cut trousers and suit coats. The only hint of feminism came from the frilly ties and silky blouses. Two-toned leather loafers and doctor-bags wrapped up the street-executive outfits.

Paco Rabanne

Paco Rabanne mingles with glossy metallics in 60's style shapes for Fall 2012. Creative director Manish Arora set forth squarish silhouettes in swanky high-shine fabrics. Striped shifts with silver mesh inserts, chain-mail mini's, and grid patterned dresses garnished with fur hems and sleeves. Bright blue popped up amongst the minefield of coal, gunmetal grey and gold. Party frocks that will seek the disco crowd's attention - Paco Rabanne has you covered.

To view a recap of the entire Fashion Fall 2012 season, visit here.

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.

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.