Marchesa Resort 2013

We have all come to expect frills, feathers, tulle and high-octane drama from Marchesa over the past few years. But for their Resort 2013 collection, Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman have turned the flamboyance down just a notch. 

Dreaming of an English garden under the romantic summer sun, this range sees raspberry, turquoise and fuchsia shaded dresses, twirled with folded petals of taffeta and silk. Delicately beaded net rests over classically shaped evening dresses, necklines are kept modest and hemlines vary from the knee to a stiletto's end. Beaded metallic gowns that embrace every curve, ruffled skirts and finely woven lace depicts the sheer femininity of the label. A line of all white gowns are given Marchesa's signature touch with a dose of feathered trims and crystal embroidery. This exquisite collection has to be one of my favourites for Resort 2013.

*Photos via Style.com

No Marchesa Dress Is Complete Without A Matching Clutch

Marchesa had us spellbound at their Fall 2012 showing, by weaving a enchanted tale of gilded gowns in the finest metallic thread, and dreamlike dresses ornamented by intricate beadwork and delicate wisps of snow white feathers. To add to the magic and glamour of Marchesa's ethereal appeal, the design team have released an exquisite set of clutch bags that idyllically compliment the unique looks.

Skillfully crafted from exotic materials and sparkling jewels, these precious bags enhance the beauty of the fairytale gowns. Each ornate piece has been designed to echo the style and luxurious fabrics of the different ensembles. Celestial couture and clutch bags...this is a match made in fashion heaven.

*Runway photos via Style.com

Who Wore Marchesa Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Marchesa Spring 2011 Jumpsuit

How does one compare a model-turned-designer and one of TV's biggest style icons? Especially when both of them are wearing the exact same outfit? Marchesa co-designer Georgina Chapman and Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester are facing off on this edition of 'Who Wore It Better'. The brunette beauties were seen wearing a lace jumpsuit from Georgina's own fashion brand, Marchesa...over one year apart. 

It's safe to say that when Georgina Chapman designs for her own brand, she creates outfits she intends on wearing herself, as we've seen on the red carpet. Last month (February 2012), Georgina picked out a black plunge-neck jumpsuit from her Spring 2011 line to wear at the CFDA Gala in New York. She had her suit lined with black fabric, displacing the sheer effect that it was presented with originally. Georgina added black Louboutin pumps and a clutch bag, and had her hair slickly tied back. 

Leighton Meester, who is always at the forefront of fashion, wore the jumpsuit way back in November 2010 to a Harry Winston jewellery launch in New York City. Leighton dared to wear the ensemble as is, revealing a whole lot of skin through the sheer lace. A sparkly diamond necklace, Nicholas Kirkwood heels and a silver bejewelled sphere clutch completed her provocative look.

Polish model Zuzanna Bijoch wears the runway version of the jumpsuit at the Marchesa Spring 2011 showing. It features an off-the shoulder neckline with deep V-neck, clasped by an embellished waistband. The harem pants are tapered and ruched at the ankle.


Who Wore It Better? This is not the ideal silhouette for everyone - with all that transparency, the genie-in-a-bottle pants and a oh-so-low neck, it's extremely tricky to wear. I prefer the jumpsuit on Georgina, it looks more modest and demure than on the other two. I also think that Leighton lacked the height needed to pull off the shape of the pants, which seems to be more forgiving on Zuzanna.

What are your thoughts?

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012 - Part Three

New York Fashion Week
Fall 2012 Favourites 
Part Three

This is the last chapter to my New York Fashion Week 2012 coverage. As the last few days of shows ran it's course, it was evident that faux fur, reds, black and metallics ruled the runway.


Farah Angsana

Farah Angsana conveyed youthful opulence at her Fall 2012 showing. Matte golds and silver fought for attention against a dazzling gem-toned palette of ruby red, citrine, emerald, amethyst and sapphire. The Indonesian-born designer is victorious in creating feminine gowns and flirty cocktail dresses, with all the fizz and none of the fuss.

J. Mendel

Everyone has a favourite from NYFW, and this year J. Mendel is mine. The thought behind this collection is scattered between luxe furs and tweed, floaty chiffon gowns, cleverly-placed cut-outs, a handful of sparkle and a hint of asymmetry. Champagne shades were twirled with a glass of burgundy, all-white ensembles and the trending chartreuse. The gown I'd most like to see on the red carpet is the white and gold trimmed stunner, (pictured first, bottom row), preferably on someone like Angelina Jolie or Kate Beckinsale.

Derek Lam

Derek Lam gives us a 'Library' of chic modern designs that would translate as well off the runway as it did on the 60's styled models. Every Persian printed piece, leather pencil skirt and boxy peacoat is wearable in this black, white and red hued range. Gold-capped brogues and box-shaped bags acted as accessories. Minimalist yet graceful gowns rounded up this effortless and sophisticated collection.

Jenny Packham

Jenny Packham takes a punchier approach to 'pretty' for Fall 2012, with a display of slinky streamlined gowns in the most popular colour scheme during NYFW - red, black and metallic silver and gold. A few pastel shades lightened up the range, sweeping the floor with waisted gossamer gowns. Models wore retro 40's style bouffants and dark sultry make-up.

Michael Kors

If 'lumberjack-chic' was never a trend before, it is now, thanks to Michael Kors. The illustrious designer takes his sportswear sensibility into the great outdoors, where plaids and sequins meet in a place of rustic refinement. Kors pioneered a flock of weighty fur coats, fringed ponchos and blanketed skirts, leather dresses and tweed suits. Fur trimmed hats and gloves perfected the charismatic countryside look. 

Rolando Santana

Rolando Santana re-enters the 70's disco era with a ritzy collection for Fall 2012. The Mexican designer also played the red, black and metallic tune like so many other designers did, but differentiated himself by intermixing textures, leather and lamé, satin and tweed, fur and sequins. A high-glamour collection that will place Santana on the global fashion map.

Marchesa

Marchesa can do no wrong when it comes to illusion bodices, jewels and tulle. Every embroidered evening gown was worthy of it's own Oscar-winning moment. The lavish gold brocade dresses and swan-like white feathered frocks left one gasping for air (in a good way of course). Almost impossible to choose, the stand-outs for me were the short white and gold embellished dress (second on the top row) and the black and gold embroidered gown with upturned tulle neckline (fourth on bottom row). Breathtaking!

Click to see Part One & Two of New York Fashion Week 2012. 


Image Credits: Style.com

Divas and Darlings - SAG Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2012

All the glamour and gowns from the 18th Annual SAG Awards 2012 Red Carpet.

Biggest Trend - Braids

Kaley Cuoco enchanted in an aqua-mint confection by Romona Kerveza, with textured skirt and strapless draped bodice. TV Presenter Renee Bargh was beautiful in a purple lace and draped dress by Basil Soda. Ariel Winter looked delightful in a smokey grey Collette Dinnigan dress with beaded bustier and knee-length lace skirt. Dianna Agron was pretty in a deep pink Carolina Herrera gown with ruffle neck detailing. All ladies wore braided hairstyles.

The Scene Stealers

Emma Stone was perfection in Alexander McQueen. She chose a black tea-length dress with ruffled lace bustier neckline, pairing it with a McQueen clutch and floral adorned heels. Rose Byrne pioneered a new red carpet trend, wearing an ivory embellished Elie Saab jumpsuit, with plunge neck and wide-leg pants. Emily Blunt stood out in a revitalizing shade of vivid green, wearing a one-shouldered Oscar de la Renta gown.

 Black & White

Zoe Saldana opted for a white silk organza Givenchy Couture gown with crystal beading and a sheer netted top. Paz Vega looked glamourous in a glistening black and white gown. Although slightly bridal, I loved Judy Greer's angelic white Collette Dinnigan dress. Emilia Clarke donned Chanel, showing off accentuated shoulders and a black feathered skirt. Viola Davis put on a white strapless Marchesa gown with gold embroidered bodice.

Into The Blue 

Jessica Chastain in a sapphire blue fitted corset gown by Calvin Klein. Jane Lynch chose a royal blue V-neck David Meister dress. Diane Lane wore a blue satin one-shouldered dress, which is also coincidentally by David Meister.

Glee Girls

Naya Rivera wore sparkly ice grey embellished Naeem Khan gown with deep plunge-neck. Jayma Mays dazzled in a black sequined Reem Acra gown, with the back covered in lace. Lea Michelle showed off some serious leg in a pale grey Versace dress with woven bodice.

Black Out

Amber Heard looked alluring in black silk-faille cut-out Zac Posen gown. The always elegant Angelina Jolie wore a fluid liquid-look Jenny Packham gown. Ashlee Simpson pleasantly surprised style critics in a beaded Jenny Packham dress with sheer capelet. Stacy Keibler was a safe bet in a lace off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown.

TV Presenters

Kelly Osbourne was refined in a cream Badgley Mischka gown with tassel belt and embroidered sleeves. Giuliana Rancic wore a red Basil Soda gown with alternating panels and a metallic belt. Maria Menounos flaunted her stunning figure in a form-fitting Dolce & Gabbana gown. Nancy O'Dell wore a fire-engine red tiered gown.

Too Much Champagne Makes  Everything Look The Same

If I see one more gown in this dull champagne shade, I will pass out from boredom. Julianna Marguiles wears Calvin Klein. Katrina Bowden in strapless lace Amsale. Kristen Wiig in a halter-neck Balenciaga gown. Sarah Hyland in an age-accelerating dress by Temperley London. Berenice Bejo was shimmery in Ralph Lauren. Yawn.

Berrylicious 

Julie Bowen was beautiful in a magenta gown with split sleeves by Temperley London. Michelle Williams wore a strawberry red Valentino gown with asymmetrical hem and lace neckline. Natalie Portman looked gorgeous in a strapless plum silk-chiffon Giambattista Valli gown with large floral motif. Sofia Vergara stuns in raspberry gown with folded strapless bodice by Marchesa. Kyra Sedgewick was chic in a cherry red Emilio Pucci dress with cut-out back.

Who was your favourite pick at the 2012 SAG Awards?

Divas and Darlings - Golden Globes 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
Golden Globe Awards 2012

The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards took place last night at the Beverly Hills Hilton. As a pre-cursor to the Oscars, Hollywood's second biggest awards show laid out the red carpet to welcome some incredible styles. Click on each of the pictures for a larger view.


The Romantics

Charlize Theron was ethereal in a pale blush pink Christian Dior gown, which has a large bejeweled waist bow and split leading into a long train. A sparkly headband completed her vintage look. Jessica Alba is lovely in lavender, wearing a strapless beaded Gucci gown with matching clutch. Jessica Biel incited antique charm in this exquisite ivory lace gown by Elie Saab. With the addition of Salma Hayek's and Georgina Chapman's dresses, these are my favourite looks from the event.

Radiant Shades 

'Mission Impossible 4' actress Paula Patton was wrapped in a canary yellow Monique Lhuillier gown with flared skirt. Jenna Dewan is gorgeous in a silky teal Maria Lucia Hohan gown with nude underlay skirt. Purple statement earrings are the prefect accessory to her outfit. Ariel Winter looked adorable in a violet Dolce & Gabbana dress with ruffled skirt and black tulle hem. Natalie Portman underwhelmed in a cerise pink Lanvin gown with red band and clutch. Kelly Osbourne's azure blue mermaid gown with exaggerated shoulders is by Zac Posen.

Two-Tone

Georgina Chapman is breathtaking in a white grecian Marchesa gown, with delicately embroidered gold neckline and cuffs. Claire Danes went for a simple silhouette, wearing a black and white J Mendel gown. Emma Stone was her glorious self in a plum sheer pleated gown with ruby panels. She accessorized with a black eagle belt and Lanvin sandals. Kate Winslet chose a classic Jenny Packham gown with black satin keyhole cutout top and white skirt. Angelina Jolie was polished in an off-white Atelier Versace gown with draped split skirt. Colour comes in the form of a folded red neckline, crimson lips & clutch.

Raspberry Rouge 

Reese Witherspoon wore a cherry red Zac Posen gown with strapless sweetheart neck. Her best accessory was a dashing smile. Viola Davis chose a one-shouldered burgundy Emilio Pucci gown with thigh-high slit. Dianna Agron was unusual in scarlet laser-cut Giles dress, with tiered skirt. Kudos to her for taking a risk. Penelope Anne Miller looked elegant in a wine coloured Pamela Roland gown. Stacy Keibler sticks to her simple yet sophisticated style in a red hot Valentino gown. 

Bridal Inspired

Kate Beckinsale wears a chalk blush Roberto Cavalli gown with mermaid skirt. Elle McPherson is yet another star to wear Zac Posen. Her ivory gown features a corset satin bodice that unfolds into a layered tulle skirt. Amanda Peet wore an irresistible one-shouldered Marc Jacobs dress with wispy tiered frills. Jessica Chastain opted for a white high-collared and beaded Givenchy gown with accented waist. Shailene Woodley wore a pale grey Marchesa gown with zig-zag strapless neckline and pleated skirt. Giuliana Rancic picked a surprisingly tasteful cream textured gown with high-neck.

Blue Belles

Golden Globe award winner Michelle Williams in a navy blue Jason Wu velvet dress. An anti-climax since her last red carpet look. Frieda Pinto wore a teal blue Prada gown with a black leather belt and capacious skirt. Sofia Vergara does a figure-fitting gown like no other. Her indigo blue peacock gown with fishtail skirt is by Vera Wang. Madeleine Stowe made a rare red carpet appearance also wearing Vera Wang. Her bright blue gown has a strapless corset and trailing skirt. Berenice Bejo strikes a pose in a navy blue silk organza Gucci gown, with Daniel Swarovski clutch.

 Back to Black

Mila Kunis looked elegant in a one-strap Christian Dior dress with sheer ruched bodice. Rooney Mara was predictably in black, wearing a Nina Ricci gown with deep plunge and strapped neckline. Salma Hayek looked ravishing in a custom made Gucci gown with angular silver and gold beading and shimmery black skirt. Debra Messing wore another favored designer of the night, Monique Lhuillier. Her asymmetrical gown has a tucked-in drape skirt. Julianne Moore was every bit graceful in a delicately ruffled Chanel gown.

 Green Screen

Award winner Laura Dern glistened in a long-sleeved, emerald green Andrew Gn gown. Hannah Simone was alluring in a jewel green off-the shoulder gown. The colour is amazing with her hair and skin tone. Evan Rachel Wood tried out a bottle green Gucci gown, exorbitantly embellished with shiny paliettes and ostrich feathers. Zoey Deschanel maintained her unique style, wearing a lime and black Prada gown and 60's hairdo .

Shades of Champagne

Nicole Kidman showed off her slender figure in a body-hugging Versace gown, decorated with gold studs. Diane Lane was graceful in a gold flecked Reem Acra dress. Julie Bowen displayed vintage glamour in a fairy-esque Reem Acra dress with embellished sleeves and retro waves. Katherine McPhee opted for a shorter length Donna Karan dress with uneven hem. Sarah Hyland was dressed in a champagne lace Dolce & Gabbana gown with black lace beaded belt. Heidi Klum was toned down in a simple Calvin Klein column gown, placing all emphasis on a million dollar turquoise Lorraine Schwartz statement necklace.

Debatable

You will either love or loathe these. Sarah Michelle Gellar wears a blue and white smoke print dress with lumbering folds, by Monique Lhuillier. Lea Michelle in a sequined silver grey Marchesa gown with a sheer bodice, craftily covered in a feathered design. Piper Perabo looked washed out in a very sheer nude Oliver Theyskens ballgown with voluminous skirt.

Who are your best dressed celebs of the event?

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?