Who Wore Balmain Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Balmain Resort 2012 Dress

Six stylish celebrities, One Balmain dress...this is a 'Who Wore it Better' of epic proportions. Of the entire Balmain Resort 2012 collection, this glittering dress has had the most outings on the red carpet. The white long sleeved mini with low v-neck is richly embroidered with a sort-of tribal gold metallic design. The first to wear the dress was actress Zoe Saldana and ten months later, Kim Kardashian. With four more in between.

Always one to start a trend, Zoe Saldana was first spotted in the mini on 22nd August 2011. Zoe's look divulged from the original, as it had a flowing white chiffon train attached to it. Multi-strap black sandals were her choice of heel.
Creative director for Vogue Japan, Anna Dello Russo wore the Balmain dress a month after Zoe, on 26 September 2011, for a 'casual day' out during Milan Fashion Week. Strappy golden yellow Chrissie Morris sandals, Victoria Beckham sunglasses and a gold Bottega Veneta clutch complete Anna's outfit.
In November 2011, Victoria's Secret model Joan Smalls dressed in the little gold dress, pairing it with an Alexander Wang envelope clutch and silver ankle-strap sandals.

Just two weeks after Joan wore the dress, her fellow Victoria's Secret colleague, Brazilian beauty Alessandra Ambrosio opted for the exact same look. Her accessories included nude peep-toe Vita platforms by Jimmy Choo and a tan Valentino studded leather clutch bag.
Next in line, we saw Katy Perry don the dress during Paris Fashion Week in March this year. The only difference with Katy's look is that the colours are inverted. She walked in Christian Louboutin sandals and carried a gold box clutch by Salvatore Ferragamo. With the ink blue hair, doesn't it makes her seem like part of a showgirl act?
Kim Kardashian was the last starlet to wear the glitzy dress, at an event in Cannes last week (23 May 2012). Kim added a pair of black satin Balmain boots to the mix.

The dress as seen on Polish model Kasia Struss, from the Balmain Resort 2012 collection. It features a white leather double buckle belt. Her matching embellished footwear seemed a more appropriate fit than all the other looks.

Would it be cheating to say I preferred this dress as it was originally shown on the model? 

If I had to pick from all six, I would have to say Anna Dello Russo. The woman is 50 years old, yet she rocks this swanky gold look (in the daytime nonetheless), as good as, if not better than the others who are 20 years her junior.

What are your thoughts?

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part One

Paris Fashion Week

Fall 2012 Favourites

Part One

Paris is the last stop on our Fall 2012 Fashion Week tour. These are the some of my favourite collections so far. Click to enlarge pictures.


Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli established a unique compatibility between heavier knits and flimsy chiffon for Fall 2012. What began in the ashes of black and grey, lit up into a fiery stream of burnt orange and flame red. Chunky sweaters were paired with pencil skirts, drop-waist dresses were hemmed with fur, pleating was sheer and patterns aplenty. The show culminated with wide-belted gowns in striking superimposed geometric prints.

Haider Akermann

Haider Akermann is an architect of innovative new cuts and awe-inspiring sculptural designs. His Fall collection is tinted with shades of an Autumn day; in roasted chestnut, a heap of fallen leaves in every shade of orange, russet woods & sage green. Structured peplum jackets were sternly belted, silk blouses peeked under draped wool, high-waisted pants were framed by moulded leather coats & dresses were ingeniously gathered to yield a folded capelet shape. 

Balmain

Balmain's winter offering was laid from an ornate Fabergé egg, richly embellished with crystals and glistening pearls. Sumptuous velvets and brocade traced Baroque influences, while slick leather trousers and oversized quilted vests signaled modern rock-chick. Navy blue and forest green coloured in a black, white and metallic palette. Shiny gold belts were recurrent throughout the collection, shaping the boxy silhouettes. Casual sweaters and slim-fit pants grounded the otherwise lavish looks.  

Cacharel

Cacharel's Fall collection took flight from the 20's, with intrepid pilot Amelia Earhart at the helm. A serene blue sky of feminine coats and suits were dotted with clouds of white, red and yellow. Silhouettes were more relaxed with patterned palazzo pants, slouchy jumpsuits, polo-neck and belted dresses and cozy knits. The retro-aviatrix looks were accompanied by aviator caps, long leather gloves, cute coloured tights and red and yellow heels.

Christian Dior

What attracted me most to Christian Dior's Fall collection was the dreamy shades of pastels, pink and grey. Skirts, narrow and 50's style flair were all nipped in the waist, paired with peplum jackets and tops with knotted-necklines. Fitted knit caps, ankle-strap pumps and long leather gloves accented each look. In the meridian of this hazy range, were a resplendent few evening gowns with diaphanous skirts and a standout neon pink prima ballerina dress.

Dries van Noten

Hats off to Dries van Noten for taking the mundanity out of the conventional suit and breathing new, exotic life into it. His inventive use of prints are tailored to perfection with a slight Oriental influence this Fall. A bricolage of prints were printed onto silk dresses, longer-length tunics and wool trench coats. Narrow trousers were worn underneath pleated skirts. Brightly hued fur capes added texture to the masculine silhouettes. This is a collection we will see tumble down from the catwalk onto the stylish sidewalks of the everyday girl.

Lanvin

Lanvin's Fall presentation opened with a rainbow of cocktail dresses, flounced on the waist or frilled on the collar. The mood turned darker, with sexy draped and frocks and black and grey bejewelled mini's. Curve-enhancing dresses were punctuated with lavish necklaces, colourful fur stoles, belts and opera gloves (which seem to be a favourite this fashion week). Edgy elegance to appease the glamour-seeking girl with rockstar chic. 

Nina Ricci

Nina Ricci dresses up Parisian romance with a sense of nostalgia for Fall 2012. Designer Peter Copping proposes the idea of assembling an outfit from a treasure chest of clothes you would find in your grandmother's attic. A pretty pastel pink and berry-hued collection of silky slip dresses were blanketed by thick tweed coats. Lingerie-inspired cut-out frocks seduced with their innate feminine appeal, while deconstructed tulle dresses seemed to come undone. Fragments of lace, chiffon and tweed were pieced together, creating an arbitrary patchworked design. Again we see elbow-length gloves, only this time trimmed with fur. Sweetly seductive.

Part Two to Follow.

Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part One

Paris Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012

We've barely recovered from the excitement of Milan Fashion Week, and it's already onto the next one, Paris Fashion Week. Running from 27 September to 5 October, the City of Lights plays host to some of world's best designers, as they present their collections for Spring 2012. These are a few of my favourites so far.

Christian Dior 

Designer Bill Gaytten lends his charm to Christian Dior, showing off an enchanting, ladylike collection for Spring 2012. Daywear in retro-modern shapes were kept to neutral shades of beige, black, white and grey. The only splash of vibrant colour came from a line of saffron red silk dresses. Models were enveloped in sensational sheer organza evening gowns, tickled with lace. A gracious, yet humble new beginning (post Galliano) for the 65 year old fashion house. 

 Nina Ricci

Russian artist Zina de Plagny was the inspiration behind Nina Ricci's romantic Spring range. Prints from the 30's and 40's were reconditioned to fit contemporary designs with a Parisian-chic twist. Midnight blue was a thematic hue that went from daywear to night. Stretch satin sheaths, slip dresses and lingerie-inspired ensembles set a sensual tone. Caged hats and extra large clutch bags accessorized the feminine outfits.

Dries van Noten

Dries van Noten's Spring 2012 range exhibited a relaxed glamour, governed by a variety of influences. The digital floral and cityscape prints pay tribute to English photographer James Reeves. The silhouettes go back to the 50's, with a trace of Spanish design. He placed peplum flounces on pants and bells on sleeves, an emerging trend for next season. Heavy black lace and broderie anglaise enhanced the basic black, navy and white palette. Models wore slicked back hair and strappy tie-up heels.

Rue du Mail

Designer Martine Sitbon told a tale of exotic travels for Rue du Mail's Spring 2012 presentation. She played around with proportions, from fitted skirts to generously cut Moroccan-style caftans. Sitbon was also bountiful in her choice of fabrics: cottons, georgette, knits, satin, plissé detailing, Chinese-inspired prints, tulle embroidery and smock-frocks. Mexican inspired patterns were seamed onto sheer dresses. Smudged smoky eyes and multi-strap platform sandals accompanied this eclectic collection.

 Anne Valérie Hash

Anne Valérie Hash showcased modern designs in luscious tones of blue and a squeeze of orange zest. I love the originality in this collection; the twist-knot front trousers are something I haven't seen before. Two-tone tuxedo jackets were worn over silk slack-fit skinnies. Laid-back tailoring was an unmistakable feature throughout the tangy range.

 Roland Mouret

I was two-minded about Roland Mouret's Spring offering. I wasn't fond of the evil eye insignia on some pieces, but I was impressed by the contoured cut-out silhouettes. Mouret is masterful at moulding fabric into figure enhancing dresses. His flattering designs were nipped in the waist by black grosgrain ribbon belts. Tulip motifs were tacked onto chartreuse, navy & scarlet fit-and-flair dresses. A prim and polished range, that ideally depicts covert sexiness. 

Balmain

I haven't met a Balmain collection I didn't like. This is the first offering from the label's dashing new designer Oliver Rousteing, which can be best described as rock-chick rolled in gold. The glitz and glamour of Vegas collided with Mexican design and Rodeo chic, seen in glittering high-waisted mini's, lightwash denim, tasseled sleeves, glossy leather suits and skirts, structured shoulders, metallic buckled belts and lavishly bejeweled tops. Hypnotic.

One Gold Dress To Rule Them All

Balmain Fall 2010 Dress

The movie Lord of the Rings centers around a precious gold ring that all in Middle Earth were besotted with. The One ring allowed it's wearer to rule over all others. Everyone wanted a part of it's magic. This gold Balmain dress is a lot like that. It has a magnetic appeal that has enthralled fashion editors the world over, covering more than 10 magazines. The sparkly and sexy dress caught my eye today when I bought my copy of Cleo magazine, with Lea Michele glittering on the cover.

What is it about this 'It' dress that is so intoxicating? It has a wrap over design with deep v-neck and exaggerated shoulders. The gold beaded brocade draws you in with it's luminous charm and shimmering texture. It also photographs radiantly, the colour looking so different in each picture.

Top Row
Claudia Schiffer adorns the cover of Germany's Zeit Magazine. She was chosen for their 40th Anniversary issue. She wore the dress with a metallic gold belt and blonde waves.
Aussie model Abbey Lee Kershaw wore the dress for Vogue Germany's August 2010 issue. The picture has a darker tone to it and leopard print font.
Cindy Crawford looks as good as any 20-year-old model in the dress. She wore it on the cover of Vogue India in October 2010, with several gold necklaces.

Middle Row
The dress made an appearance on Vogue España in November 2010. German model Toni Garrn wore it for a group picture.
Romanian magazine, The One, featured Dana Budeanu on their November 2010 cover. The dress is shown against a clear, white background. The dress seems slightly big for her. 
Harper's Bazaar UK chose Natalia Vodianova to close the year on their December 2010 cover. The lighting places emphasis on the shine of the dress. 

Bottom Row
Anne Hathaway is yet another star that sparkles in the dress. She wore it on the cover UK Elle December 2010.
Vogue Russia began January 2011 with the gilded dress on the cover, worn by Alina Kabaeva. It was styled without the plunging neckline.
The dress finally made it to a South African cover, with Lea Michele gracing Cleo July 2011. She wears it with a fresh, youthful appeal.

The famed dress worn on the runway by Anja Rubik

Are you captivated by this little gold treasure as yet? Then don't let the price dissuade you. The dress costs $31 000, which in South African terms is about R213 930. Let's see...buy a new car or a gold Balmain dress? Such a tough choice! ;)

Divas and Darlings - Glamour Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion
Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2011

UK Glamour magazine held their annual 'Women of the Year' awards last night. The best female artists, actresses, presenters and singers were honoured at the event. There was such an assortment of styles on red carpet looks, here is the roundup. 

These fringed ladies had some unique outfits. Daisy Lowe kept her look fresh and interesting with a cropped Versace knit tip and striped skirt. She held a bright green clutch. Scottish actress Karen Gillan was simple and understated in a beige blouse and denim blue skirt. I like her casual vintage vibe and tousled hairdo. Singer Rachel Steven wore a leopard dress with black lace hem. I don't think it was meant to be a one-shoulder dress.

Louise Rednapp made a rare red carpet appearance in a fitted LBD with cutouts by Antonio Berardi. I barely recognized shock pop singer Jessie J. She looked so polished in a strapless sequin gown and retro curls. Gemma Arterton won 'Film Actress of the Year'. She wore a short-sleeve dress by Gucci with plaited belt. This look needed a pop of colour. Kim Kardashian took the award for 'Entrepreneur of the Year'. She was curvaceous in a (too) tight corset gown by Dolce and Gabbana. She was adorned in chunky Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Radio personality Fearne Cotton wore a mustard satin dress by Miu Miu with tri-colour heels. Kirsty Gallacher looked so sleek and radiant in an apple green maxi gown. X-Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos stood out in cerise. I don't like the styling and black strappy heels with this dress. Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins wore a bright coral column gown with black strips by Victoria Beckham.

Printed dresses were at the bottom of the fashion barrel. Kristen Stewart wore Balmain. How many versions of the strapless mini can she wear? TV presenter Jameela Jamil wore the frozen waterfall frock from Ada Zanditon's AW 2011 line. This proves that 'frozen waterfalls' are not meant to be worn. At least JJ always carries interesting handbags. Pixie Geldof wears a bird printed tablecloth with pink lace trim. Actually, I don't think this would even do as a tablecloth. X Factor winner Alexandra Burke does such an injustice to this pink floral D&G gown. It looks like a satin nightie.

Divas and Darlings - MTV Movie Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion
MTV Movie Awards 2011

The 20th Annual MTV Movie Awards took place in California last night. Once again, Twilight wiped out all the competition, winning 5 major awards including Movie of the Year. Sad, I know. Fashion on the red carpet was quite uninspiring but nonetheless - these are my best and worst picks of the night's outfits.

Interesting Mini's

Selena Gomez wore a photoprint top and two-tone skirt with taupe ruching by Giambattista Valli. She accessorized with multi-hoop gold earrings, a white clutch and ivory Casadei heels. Leighton Meester brought on the bling in a mirrored grey long-sleeved dress by Balmain. She wore Pierre Hardy sandals with it. Emma Watson was elegant in a white silk Marchesa mini with embroidered sleeves and neckline. Silver brain Atwood heels completed her look. Emma Stone won the award for Best Comedic Performance in the movie 'Easy A'. She wore a black lace dress with yellow underlay by Bottega Veneta. She added orange to the mix with a clutch bag and Casadei satin pumps.

Vibrant Colours

Aimee Teagarden wore an invigorating one-shoulder wrap dress by Alice + Olivia. Blake Lively's fitted electric blue dress is by Michael Kors. A nice addition of colour with the indigo suede shoes. Nina Dobrev chose a strapless red dress by Georges Chakra. I'm undecided about the gold bow detailing. 13 year old Elle Fanning was adorable in a pink floral D&G romper. She paired it with floral D&G wedges. 

Animal Print

Lily Collins (who is the latest love interest of Taylor Lautner) attended the awards in D&G. She looked gorgeous in this grey and black animal print dress. She added gold accessories and peep-toe buttoned heels by Christian Louboutin. Reese Witherspoon received the MTV Generation Award in a cheetah print dress by Zac Posen. This look lacks something. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is smoking in a fitted tiger-print dress by D&G. Her beige and black patent sandals are by Sergio Rossi.

Fashionably Disabled 

Crystal Reed wore black and white waves by Ina Soltani. It looks like crepe paper flowers were attached to the hem. What looks like beadwork on Kristen Stewart's Balmain mini, is actually safety pins, tons of them. Imagine going through airport security with this dress on. The real reason Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr was banished from the Upper East Side is this awful paisley jumpsuit. Amanda Bynes forgot that an actual dress goes over her shapewear. Those turquoise fringed boots should also be banished from the east side, west side and any other red carpet event.