That Gucci Dress

Gucci Feathered Dress
Fall/Winter 2013

Every season there comes a dress that is photographed more than others, and this Fall it seems that the honour goes to Gucci (for now). The Italian label have launched a fashion frenzy with their line of feathered dresses from the Fall/Winter 2013 collection, which has been popping up in editorials everywhere. The dress in question is Look 47 off the runway, an elaborate sequined and feathered mesh dress in a spectrum of green, gold and blue hues.

On the Gucci F/W 2013 runway, Polish model Kasia Struss showed off the feather decked Heaven's Bird embroidered dress. It was styled with fish-net stockings, that is congruous with the netted effect of the sleeves.

Chloe Moretz mades a striking appearance in the pages of InStyle USA's August 2013 edition. The 16-year-old starlet looked stunning in this beautifully embellished Gucci dress that parades 5 types of feathers in peacock colours. Owing to her age, Chloe interestingly wears a sequined long-sleeved top under the see-through dress for a more modest look.

Our favourite ex-human/doppelganger-turned-vampire Nina Dobrev stunned in the feathery over-the-knee dress for a photo spread in Cosmopolitan US this September. Nina wore a brassiere underneath the sheer mesh bodice and had her hair coifed in a braided upstyle.

 Indian actress Lakhsmi Menon brings edgy styling and gold ear cuffs to the feathered Gucci frock for the September 2013 cover of Elle India.

Jennifer Lopez takes a seat on the cover of W Magazine's August 2013 issue wearing the blue and green mesh-sleeved dress. Her hair is styled in retro 40's inspired waves. She also wears emerald jewellery that adds to the ostentation.

 Dutch model Marloes Horst does the Gucci feathered dress grand justice, gracing the cover of L'Officiel Netherlands September 2013. Leather gloves and a halo braid style her look. I love the Technicolor effect of the dress in this photograph. The colours magically stand out.

This exquisitely detailed 'Heaven's Bird' dress is fabricated from black netted tulle, with a velvet waistband. It is ornamented by an array of green, turquoise and gold feathers as well as 850 grams of glittering sequins. This extravagant dress will set you back just about $16 000, which here in SAfrica will buy you a small car. A very small car, but nonetheless.

This is certainly not the last we have seen of this highly sought-after Gucci dress. I am interested to see if and which star will wear it on the red carpet. Any guesses?

The editorials that made the biggest impression on me was Chloe Moretz and Marloes Horst. 
I liked the metallic mermaid effect on Chloe's dress and the vibrancy of Marloes. 

Who do you think looks best in that Gucci dress?

*Last set of images via Gucci.com

Who Wore Gucci Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Gucci Fall 2012 Gown

In this glamourous Gucci edition of 'Who Wore It Better', we have two international starlets wearing the same silk emerald green gown from the brand's Fall 2012 collection.

Natasha Poly was the first to wear this luxurious leopard-embossed gown with plunge-neck and high slit. The Russian supermodel commanded attention on the red carpet at this year's Cannes Film Festival, which was held in May. Her look was complimented by black and gold strappy sandals, also by Gucci.

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander picked out the same lush green Gucci wrap gown for the premiere of her new movie, 'Anna Karenina', held in London on 4th September. The 23-year old was perfectly poised in the silken gown, pairing it with a black clutch and peep-toe heels.

Model Yulia Kharlapanova, who is also of Russian descent, walks the Gucci runway for Fall 2012-13. She is styled with wine red lips, sheer black tights and ankle-strap sandals.

On the beauty front, Natasha was given an smouldering smokey eye, her entire eyelid precisely pencilled in with coal black eyeliner. She wore her hair back in a chic ponytail that only supermodels could pull off with an evening gown of this stature. And perhaps the most captivating part of her look are those dazzling diamond and emerald encrusted two-tone briolet earrings by de Grisogono.
Alicia wore a much more subtle version of the smokey eye, her hair elegantly pulled up in a volumized pouf with side-swept fringe and clipped-in waves.

Who wore it better? It's fascinating how the same dress takes a different style stance depending on the wearer. Natasha makes it seem fiercely sexy with her Angelina-inspired leg poses, while Alicia keeps it demurely distinguished. I think both these ladies look exceptionally stunning and completely outshine the runway model, but Alicia wins it for me - I loved how she gracefully transformed this look from sensual to sweet. What are your thoughts?

Who Wore Gucci Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Gucci Evening Gown

There is no better way to cure the Monday Blues than with a good Fashion Faceoff, and this week we pair off two television stars, Olivia Wilde and Kelly Ripa, who were both photographed in the same black evening gown, tailor-made by Gucci.

On The Left:

Olivia Wilde first donned the jet-black silk georgette evening gown to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2012. The strapless dress also features a crystal embroidered bow waist band. The House actress polished off her look with hints of gold - a choker neckpiece, bracelets and Salvatore Ferragamo clutch bag. She kept her hair up sleekly in a high bun and went for a smouldering smokey eye.

On the Right:

Kelly Ripa picked out the same figure-moulding Gucci dress for a charity ball held last week, on 25 April 2012. The blonde TV host wore the spaghetti strap version of the gown, pairing it with a black clutch and heels. Kelly had her hair styled in soft waves, with soft make-up.

As for 'Who Wore It Better', with a dress that's made to outline the feminine form like this one, it's almost impossible to go wrong with it. But I have to give it to Olivia Wilde for the impeccable styling. The gold accessories added that Midas touch. What are your thoughts?

Divas and Darlings - Academy Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
The 84th Annual Academy Awards 2012

Awards season reached its pinnacle at last night's Oscars, where the red carpet was abuzz with Hollywood's biggest stars. And every single actress from the movie Bridesmaids. There were far less extravagant looks than I expected, simpler silhouettes that prevailed instead. Popular trends of the evening were shades of red and white, one shouldered sleeves, and mermaid skirts with a short train. Here is the Academy Awards 2012 style file.  


A Twist On Black

Nominee Jessica Chastain was regal in an opulent strapless Alexander McQueen gown, lavishly threaded with gold embroidery. Angelina Jolie put her best foot forward in a luxe black velvet Atelier Versace gown with daring thigh high slit and Salvatore Ferragamo heels. The lighter hair colour does wonders for her. Sandra Bullock wore a black and white Marchesa dress with low back, featuring gold embroidery on the waist and sleeves. 'Bridesmaids' actress Rose Byrne chose a high-gloss sequined look with asymmetric shoulder from Vivienne Westwood. Jimmy Choo sandals fit her feet.

Snow White

Gwyneth Paltrow was superhero-chic in fitted column gown with floor-length cape, bringing designer Tom Ford back to the forefront of Hollywood glamour. Milla Jovovich was breathtaking in an iridescent white one-shouldered Elie Saab gown. She wore complimentary white nail polish, along with a red lip. 'The Descendent's' Shailene Woodley took on a more mature and demure look, wearing a long-sleeved Valentino gown with high neck and empire waist. Best Actress Nominee Rooney Mara was captivating in a white structured gown with fishtail skirt by Givenchy. It's not so much the dress, but her signature blunt bangs and red lipstick that makes her stand out.

Red Haute

Michelle Williams was spellbinding in this gorgeous pleated pomegranate silk mousseline gown with organza ribbon detailing and peplum by Louis Vuitton. Kudos to her for carrying a pink clutch. Emma Stone looked fresh faced and ravishing in a fuchsia red Giambattista Valli gown with floaty skirt and large token tie-up bow. Livia Firth (wife of Oscar winner Colin Firth) didn't shy away from the attention, opting for a scarlet Valentino gown with sheer long Bishop sleeves. Last year's Best Actress winner Natalie Portman went through the archives of Dior and picked out this red and black polka dot dress from 1954. The necklace bothers me.

Glimmer & Gold

Stacey Keibler mirrored the Oscar statue in sumptuous gold Marchesa gown with one-shoulder and large draped rosette on the waist. Her Veronica Lake waves are one of my favourites of the evening. Best Actress winner Meryl Streep wore a molten gold Lanvin wrap-gown with belted waist. 'Bridesmaids' Ellie Kemper opted for a fire-inspired gown by Armani Privé, fabricated from red, yellow and gold palliettes...which also matched her hair colour. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer glowed in her beaded ivory Tadashi Shoji gown. Jennifer Lopez turned up the heat in a plunge-neck shimmery nude Zuhair Murad gown which has cut-out sleeves and linear crystal embellishing. Too risqué for the Oscars perhaps?

Pretty in Pastels

'Bridesmaids' actress Wendi McLendon Covey in a dusty pink lace and tulle gown with crystal beading. Maria Menounos looked charming in a candy apple green Maria Lucia Hohan gown with halter-straps. Kate Mara was ethereal in a petal pink and belted Jack Guisso gown, with intricate floral appliqués and just one sheer draped sleeve. The Artist's Berenice Bejo in a mint embellished Elie Saab gown with deep v-neck and matching clutch. A different hairstyle would have glorified this look. Her co-star in the movie, Penelope Ann Miller wore a pale pink halter-neck Badgley Mischka dress. I'm getting a Miss America vibe from this one.

Dusky Hues

Nominee Glenn Close wore a dapper dark green corset gown with folded fishtail skirt by Zac Posen, and included a matching blazer. Age appropriate I would say. Leslie Mann looked elegant in a form-fitting strapless navy blue Roberto Cavalli gown with embellished bodice. Busy Philipps was toned down in a grey lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with gathered waist. Tina Fey adopted the peplum trend in a deep blue custom-made Carolina Herrera dress.

A Splash of Colour

Missi Pyle wore an attractively shaded and eco-friendly aquamarine dress by Valentina Delfino. Nominee Viola Davis was arresting in emerald green Vera Wang. Her corset dress flows into a fully pleated skirt. Sarah Hyland wore a silky draped amethyst Alberta Ferretti gown. Penelope Cruz was engaging in a lavender blue organza off-the-shoulder dress by Armani Privé. 'Bridesmaids' Maya Rudolph opted for aubergine, in a Joanna Johnson gown with embroidered sleeves and waistband.

A Pale Tale

E! News presenter Giuliana Rancic has really refined her look, she was impressive in a creamy white Basil Soda gown with leaf-like embroidery along the sides and a beaded bodice. Stylist Louise Roe was exemplary in this innovative origami fold gown by Black Halo. Loved her hairstyle too! Cameron Diaz looked a little washed out in a strapless nude Gucci gown, with a layered chiffon ruffle skirt, edged with silver beading. Kristen Wiig is much improved since previous award shows this season. The 'Bridesmaids' star wore a strapless nude J Mendel gown, the lure-factor lying in the fully shredded tulle skirt.

My favourites from the 2012 Academy Awards show are Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab and Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli. Who are your picks?

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part One

Milan Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites

This is the first chapter of my Milan Fashion Week overview. Click the pictures to enlarge. 

Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti's flair for sensually graceful gowns shined through at her Fall 2012 showing. There was a striking contrast between the thick wool 'cocoon' coats and wispy chiffon dresses. The monochromatic colour scheme highlighted the delicate beauty of each look, wavering between black, cherry red, bright blue and plush purple. I'd most love to see the v-neck purple gown (6th on bottom row) worn on the red carpet.

Blugirl

Blugirl's buoyant range dresses four types of girls for Winter 2012. The preppy collegiate in red and blue argyle, polo necks, striped knits and stockings with socks. A phantasmic pastel princess in minted prints, pink and peach fuzzy coats, tights and earmuffs. A woolly white snow bunny, wrapped in chunky knits and Mongolian fur with fluffy knee-high boots and oversized beanies. And finally, the jaunty party girl in sequined and fringed little black dresses. A collection that covers style from the classroom to the nightclub.

Gucci

The dark and esoteric ambience at Gucci's Fall offering was detected through dusky shades and opulent fabrics such as lavish velvets, jacquard, leather, lace and fur. The 19th century inspired range featured luxe-loungewear with slouchy trousers, smoking coats, capes and flat riding boots. Decadent evening wear began with belted floral dressed and ended with sheer silk chiffon and tulle gowns, embellished by sparkly floral appliqués.

Moschino

The swinging 60's mingles with the military at Moschino's sprightly Fall 2012 showing. A youthful pageant of colourful and sporadically quilted coats were bedizened with gold buttons and chunky jewellery. Pants were skinny and colour blocked, skirts never below the knee. Quirky little drop-waist dresses were decked out with fringes and frills. Models were alternated with cowboy hats and beehives with large head bows.

Prada

Longer-lengths and geometric prints were the vanguard of Prada's Fall/Winter collection. That's if the sleek dip-dyed ombré hair and fierce neon smoked eyeshadow didn't already hog the limelight. The show opened with bejewelled black jackets and sleeveless tunics, navigating on to clashing mosaic printed suits in rusted orange, indigo, blue and mustard. Everything was worn over straight-leg trousers that grazed above the ankle. Models carried structured duffle bags and wore two-toned rubber-soled Mary Janes. Retro Appropriate. 

Iceberg

Iceberg tackles the 70's inspired rock-chic trend for Fall/Winter 2012. Swanky fur coats and tailored blazers were paired with chic leather trousers and cozy knit sweaters. Variegated patterned sequins covered skinny pants, shirts and long-sleeved mini's. While all pieces retained a luxurious edge, they were still wearer-friendly. Models were styled with tousled hairdo's and angled cat-eye sunglasses.

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta proposed a sultry elegance for next season, with ladylike shapes adorned by shredded chiffon and peplum waists in midnight blue, ebony and plum. Pencil skirts and fitted dresses fell just over the knee, seen in rich velvets and decked with jewels. Designer Tomas Maier dispersed a few abstract prints through his collection, along with tailored coats and cropped trousers. Skinny belts, statement brooches, long leather gloves and ankle strap heels with socks accessorized the ensembles. 

Versace

Versace took a glam-goth warrior approach for the upcoming winter, with a side of cross-baring dresses and Lisbeth Salander. As bewildering as all that seems, Donatella succeeded in sending forth an army of blunt-fringed models in dresses that moulded to their Amazonian forms. Flashes of citrus orange and yellow met with black leather, metallic strips and large letter-block-prints. Slinky corseted chainmail gowns engineered like armour closed the show...if fashion was a battlefield, Versace leaves undefeated.  

Part Two to follow.

Who Wore The Flapper Fringe Dress Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Gucci Sping 2012 Flapper Dress

The LACMA Arts & Film Gala was held this past weekend in Los Angeles, presented by Gucci. When events are hosted by elite fashion brands, it's only natural that stars choose to wear outfits made by designer themselves. Three starlets did just that, picking out 20's inspired dresses from the same Gucci collection, in the same colours, all with an interrelated design, proving that their taste in high-fashion dresses are very similar.

Zoe Saldana wore a cap-sleeved v-neck black dress with loosely fitting top, the skirt draped with gold thread tassels.  
Camilla Belle is no stranger to a glamorous Gucci dress. The actress wore a fringed dress with geometric design, hers differed with slots of white and wide striped straps.  
Evan Rachel Wood fit the part of a 20's screen queen in her knee-length version of the black and gold flapper dress, with higher v-neckline. 

Zoe wore her hair up in a tousled style, showing off her gold Neil Lane earrings. A smokey plum colour adorned her eyes.
Camilla had her hair done in a half-up half-down style. She wore pearl stud earrings and metallic silver eye makeup. 
Evan's wavy vintage hairstyle was in sync with her 20's style outfit. She accessorized with black drop earrings, smokey eyes and a cherry lip.



Zoey wore black peep-toe heels with a double chain ankle strap and a gold heel.
Camilla's strappy gold heels with thin metallic ankle strap are also by Gucci.
Evan Rachel wore gold T-bar sandals, with chain detailing and double ankle strap.


I think these looks would have been equally pretty...if they were all not worn to the exact same event. Together on the red carpet, these three actresses look like part of a stylish Gucci-clad girl band, when each of them should in fact, stand out. As you may know by now, I'm a Camilla Belle style fan, so I'm choosing her flapper fringed look as my favourite. Also her dress wasn't as similar as the other two. Who is your pick?

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere has just warmed up with the release of Gucci's inspiring Fall/Winter range. The luxury Italian brand interprets the latest fashion trends with high class glamour and relaxed sophistication. The central 70's theme is depicted through suave masculine suits and ladylike dresses. Every piece is an example of refined style and elegance, setting the tone for the season to come. The collection begins with trendy and versatile weekend wear, dabbles in stylish office wear, and ends with classic cocktail dresses. 

Black and slate grey lay down a neutral foundation, built up by terracotta, magenta and steel blue. Simple shorts and denim jeans are paired with texturally interesting tops and jackets; featuring fur trims, fringing and chunky knits. Long trench coats are slung over smooth, streamlined velvet suits. Evening gowns are modern and understated, column silhouettes enhanced by delicate draping. Fedoras, skinny belts, knee-high boots, luxe leather bags and clutches - these accessories are the perfect accompaniment to this polished collection.

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. 

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?

Lea Michele for Harper's Bazaar

Cover Girl Lea Michele
Harper's Bazaar September 2011

The musical comedy series Glee has transformed Lea Michele from a little known Broadway actress into a TV superstar. She graces the September 2011 cover of Harper's Bazaar, with a stunning fashion pictorial inside. Lea is styled in fabulous designer gowns for the floral fantasy photo shoot, which is a far cry from the cute preppy style of her on-screen character, Rachel Berry.

 On the cover, Lea shows off the daring back of a white Yves Saint Laurent halter-neck gown with gold chain detail.

 Lea dreamily gazes off in a blush toned Valentino dress, adorned with floral appliqués.

 Her dramatic red gown with massive tulle skirt is by Giambattisa Valli.

Lea stands amidst a rose garden wearing a beautiful black and white floral print gown by Moschino Cheap & Chic. Love the addition of the large black fabric rose.

 The colourful floral backdrop does not distract from her gorgeous turquoise silk chiffon Gucci gown. It has a cross-over bodice, sheer skirt, tie-up halter neck and extravagant floral shrug. Her heels are by Fendi.

Everything's rosy: Lea wears a rose print dress, with black leather gloves and ankle-strap heels, all by Lanvin. Her winsome fascinator is by Louis Green Millinery.