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?

New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 - Part 1

New York Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part One

It's that time of year again! The Spring 2013 fashion weeks are underway, with New York at the forefront. I hope you will stay with me through the month, as I cover the best of the runway collections from across the world's fashion capitals. This is the first chapter of my New York Fashion Week favourites. Click on the pictures to zoom in.

BCBG Max Azria

Palette: Less than 50 shades of grey, coral, black and white.
Silhouettes: Slender-fit mid-length dresses, billowy maxi skirts, cut-outs and flutter sleeves. Leather harnesses and geometric frameworks.
Textile: Leather and lace, chiffon, crepes and graphic prints.
Theme: Effortlessly sexy modern armour.
Styling: Ankle-cuff heels, uncombed hair and bright orange-red lips.

Honor

Palette: Sandy shades of beige, cream, peach and white with the zest of lime and candy pink.

Silhouettes: High round necks and ruffled collars, loosely fit longer sleeves, rounded bell shaped skirts, mid-to maxi lengths.

Textile: Lace, organza, macramé, tweed and silk in dainty botanical prints.

Theme: Garden romance with a refined femininity.

Styling: French braids dotted with crystals and fresh dewy makeup.

Nicole Miller

Palette: A kaleidoscopic mix of blues, violet, pinks and greens, simmered down by brown, slate grey, black and white.

Silhouettes: Floaty high-low tops, body-con dresses in contrasting high-def digital prints, skinny-fit pants, cycling shorts, biker jackets and peplums.

Textile: Leather, denim and chiffon in a blend of cosmic galaxy patterns and tropical florals.

Theme: The contrast of Good girl vs Bad girl with intense pattern mixing.

Styling: Geometric earrings, multi-strap sandals in brights and metallics. Slick middle-parted hair and plum shaded eyes.

Tadashi Shoji

Palette: Jewel toned in ruby, sapphire, emerald and turquoise with neutrals in black, white and cafe au lait.

Silhouettes: Bateau-neck dresses, pleated skirts, embroidered sheaths, lace shorts and tunic tops, flowing maxi dresses and beautifully tiered evening gowns.

Textile: Vintage Venetian lace, intricate watercolour ikat prints and sheer tulle.

Theme: Oriental philosophy meets Western enlightenment

Styling: Slightly tousled upstyles, bare-minimum make-up and braided leather sandals.

Jason Wu

Palette: Midnight skies shaded in charcoal black and twilight blue, lightened up by watermelon and buffed beige.

Silhouettes: Slim sleeveless sheaths, sexy bustier and bandeau tops, leather strap harnesses and belts, high-waisted shorts, streamlined jumpsuits and sheer skirted evening gowns.

Textile: Lots of lace, glossy leather, tulle, croc-emboss and smokey floral print.

Theme: Tough seductiveness with lingerie-laden looks braced by leather.

Styling: Netted hatboxes, pointy-toed leather pumps, red hot lips and wave-swirled up styles.

Prabal Gurung

Palette: Classic black and white singed with scarlet and burgundy & softer shades of blue.

Silhouettes: Leisured layering, lounge jackets worn over sheer kurti tops and slouchy trousers, ruffled and feather trimmed drop-waist dresses, pockets, luxe athletic tees and sweatpants, sheer tiered gowns. The tiered skirt seems to be a trend for next season.

Textile: Neoprene, silk, chiffon, ostrich feathers, crystal beading, bird-wing prints.

Theme: Ultra luxe layered cocktail wear made easy.

Styling: Cross-strap heels, long air-dried locks and barely-there make-up.

Monique Lhuillier

Palette: Maritime hues of aqua, sea foam green, teal, turquoise and ultramarine, underpinned by plumberry, metallic silvers and gold and black.

Silhouettes: Slinky mermaid shaped gowns, fitted cocktail dresses, strapless peplum tops, beaded embellishings and one-shouldered necklines. 

Textile: Leather, billowy chiffon, lace, silk georgette, tulle, sequins and aquatic digital prints in scales, waves and koi.

Theme: Sea maiden washed ashore in a wave of glamour.

Styling: Slicked back straight-out-of-the-ocean hair, dynamic blue eye shadow and strappy heels designed by Monique herself.

Christian Siriano

Palette: A sweet confection of petal pink, peppermint green, powder blue, peach and vanilla.

Silhouettes: Pastel printed watercolour day dresses, miniature diamond print peplums & ankle-cropped pants, nonchalant draping, sheer shirt-dresses and dreamy tulle-spun gowns.

Textile: Brocade, pearly leather, silk chiffon, tulle, feathers, pearl & crystal embellishings.

Theme: Prima ballerina swept away by Spring romance.

Styling: High ballerina buns, blush make-up, shiny pink brogues, pastel bow-strap pumps.

As my fond friends and blog readers, would you like to see more coverage on fashion week this September?

Looks of the Week - 08/09/12

With a series of fashion week events, the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals and MTV awards, this was a flourishing week for celebrity style.

The Fine Print

Katherine McPhee wears the mixed graphic print trend with ease in this multi-hued Peter Pilotto dress, bringing out the blue with Charlotte Olympia pumps.

Selita Ebanks attended New York Fashion Week wearing a colourful panel printed mini dress by BCBG Max Azria. She highlighted her look with cerise pink Louboutin heels. 

Emma Watson brought some colour to the MTV Awards red carpet, with an eye-catching Peter Pilotto geometric colour-block top and snazzy print skirt.

A solemn looking Kristen Stewart exhibited a new, more refined style, wearing a feminine floral adorned lace dress by Zuhair Murad, along with Jimmy Choo shoes.

Decorative Dresses

Ashlee Simpson looked pretty in New York, dressed in a serene white embellished Jenny Packham frock, accented by polished silver shoes and a tasseled disco-ball minauderie.

French-Ukranian beauty Olga Kurylenko wears a pastel blue sheer embroidered Emilio Pucci mini with nude 'Pigalle' pumps by Christian Louboutin.

Laetitia Casta was captivating in a sublime peach Elie Saab dress, decked with sprays of gold beads. Matching block strap heels complete her stunning look.

Zoe Saldana premiered her new movie 'The Words' in Los Angeles, looking graceful in golden beaded Elie Saab knee-length dress, with satin heels to match.

Cloud Nine

Italian actress Alessandra Mastronardi looked elegant in a white peplum dress by Alessandra Rich, with fitted lace maxi skirt and silver metallic belt.

17-year-old Maika Monroe attracted attention in a sumptuous short-sleeved snow-white Marchesa gown, the skirt enveloped by a cloud of feathers. This is the same dress we saw Elizabeth Olsen wear in an editorial earlier this week.

Rachel Weisz chose an angelic white bordering-on-bridal tiered Nina Ricci gown for the 'Bourne Legacy' movie premiere in France.

Blackmail

Nicole Richie pushed her style limits in this dare-to-bare Anthony Vaccarello cut-out dress with extreme V-neck. Nicole continued the strappy theme with Costume National heels.

Selena Gomez grows up glamourous in a richly embroidered gold and black lace dress from Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2012 collection. Her perfect choice of heels are by Jimmy Choo.

Olga Kurylenko displays the Fall gothic trend in a black Valentino gown with fitted leather and lace bodice and voluminous tulle paneled skirt.

In Sequin-ce

Blake Lively showed off her toned pins in a shimmering burgundy Gucci mini, encrusted with sequins. Matching ankle strap Gucci heels complete her look.

British supermodel Cara Delevingne sparkled in a strapless silver chainmail dress with cutout bustier Black t-bar strap sandals and a quilted clutch bag accessorize her outfit.

Kate Beckinsale was draped in a sequined sky blue Vivienne Westwood dress, contrasted by white mesh Louboutin heels and a white clutch.

Belles of the Ball

Vanessa Hudgens dazzled at the Venice Film Festival wearing a vintage inspired Temperley London plunge-neck gown with flutter sleeves, garnished with metallic gold beadwork.

Newcomer Madisen Beaty played princess in a romantic blush silk strapless frock by Alberta Ferreti, encircled by an enchanting tiered tulle skirt.

Selena Gomez wowed the critics and crowd in an exquisitely structured and leather embroidered Atelier Versace gown. Two stellar looks from the former Disney star this week, I hope that there's more where this came from.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

There comes a time when you must stand alone. 

When you must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.

You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved. 

Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged. 

There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities. 

Be strong enough to overcome your own weaknesses.

Be brave enough to be able to show your emotions, joyful or sad. 

Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by. 

Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, 

and find your true sense of purpose in this life. 

Be willing to make sacrifices. 

Believe in yourself and all that you are.

Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.

Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

Fall 2012 Trends by Nordstrom

Nordstrom have released their impressive style guide for Fall 2012, citing the most significant runway and designer trends. The 'Portraits of Style' Fall 2012 Lookbook compacts everything we need to know about this season's fashion fads, gracefully displayed by some of the biggest names on the modeling scene. This elegantly shot campaign gives us a comprehensive idea on what colours, silhouettes, prints and shapes to wear this Fall.

The oversized coat. This season, winter coats are larger than life and cut on a bias with a rounded shape, keeping details to a minimal. Jeneil Williams wears a radiant crimson red over-the-knee Jil Sander collarless coat. Denmark's Gertrud Hegelund displays chic modernism in an ultramarine blue Celine coat. 

Sombre Vs Sheer. A shadowy gothic theme prevails this fall with heavier all black ensembles, as seen on Meghan Collison's opaque leather look by Givenchy. Opposing this dark force are sheer panels and daring cut-outs, modeled by Ondria Hardin for Emilio Pucci.

Leather and Lace. Valentino combines two of Fall's major trends - the little red dress and decorative cutwork. Ruby Aldrige wears a beautiful red long-sleeved laser-cut leather dress with high-neck. Erdem uses sheer lace with a bright coloured underlay in this lingerie inspired look worn by Argentinian model Tati Cotliar. 

Masculine Mode. We have not yet escaped the menswear trend this Fall, in fact, it has only become more prominent. Chunky knits, stripes and plaid and tailored trousers with a hint of military design. From left: Brazil's Aline Weber in Junya Watanabe, Julia Nobis is sleek in Christopher Kane and Kori Richardson in a sophisticated look by Haider Ackermann.

Velvet Days and Burgundy Nights. Gucci gives us the luxurious feel of velvet in a navy blue animal print dress, seen on Hailey Clauson. The burgundy colour trend has already caught on like wildfire, Hind Sahli wears a specked bordeaux dress by Jason Wu.

Two Toned Glamour. Two very different ways of wearing duotone - Anouk Lepére makes a striking appearance in a black and white Lanvin mini, swirled with voluminous ruffles and accented with red hot heels and gloves. Stella McCartney takes a more streamlined, sports luxe approach to winter dressing in this sexy urbane gown worn by Kate King.

The Patterned Power Suit. Pack away that plain black suit, prints and patterns are the order of the day, with abstract art and bold graphics painted upon masculine tailored jackets and trousers. Dries van Noten gets creative with bold patches of eastern inspired art, modeled by Hanne Gaby Odeile. Anais Mali dons a fully printed square geometric suit by Prada.

Textured. Chanel updates tweed and jeans in charcoal grey with a tinge of metallic for 2012. Romanian model Diana Dondoe wears a three piece look from the collection. Dominican dame Marihenny Rivera displays cozy fur couture in a cloud of white by Alexander McQueen.

Innovative shapes and prints. Mary Katrantzou brings forth futuristic structures in inventive digital prints, as seen on Jay Shin. Proenza Schouler redefines Oriental print and costume design, giving it a more modern appeal, as worn by Magda Laguinge.

Each of these outfits and accessories are available for purchase at Nordstrom. 

Which of these trends are you inspired to try out this Fall?


*All photographs are credited to nordstrom.com

Tuesday Thrills - Heels by RMK

High end trends meets functionality with RMK's alluring new shoe collection. The innovative Australian shoe brand brings us the best of runway-inspired looks in pretty shades of pastel, dazzling metallics, neon brights and classic black heels. Using a textural blend of suede, patent and matt leather, RMK focuses this seasons designs on ankle straps, colour-blocking, chunky platforms and pencil heels. Here's a peek into their recently released 2012 range.

Lashess sandal in minted, tan and white multi-strap leather - $159.95

Bedazzled powder blue cap-toed suede and leather pump - $139.95

Bewitched turquoise patent leather pump- $139.95

Danique platform in tan and mint with ankle strap - $159.95

Deville platform in Champagne suede and metallic gold - $159.95

Avril platinum metallic peep toe wedge- $129.95

Evalyn in nude suede and metallic T-bar design - $129.95

Ellouise in platinum metallic - $129.95

Akira citrus suede cross-strap sandal - $159.95

Sanfran neon shaded leather multi-strap heel - $129.95

Monnaco black and neon yellow reptile print wedges - $149.95

Deville platform in citrus suede and metallic leather - $159.95

Tamique glossy melon patent leather wedge - $149.95

Ellouise stiletto in a mix of black, red and animal print - $129.95

Zafari black suede and mesh zebra inspired design anklet $159.95
Lattina classy strap suede stilettos - $159.95
Bedazzled black and metallic cap toed pumps - $139.95
Zeena sports luxe inspired multi-strap sandals - $159.95

RMK shoes are available for purchase via their website www.rmkshoes.com They currently only ship within Australia, but will hopefully expand internationally in the near future. In the meantime, we can muse over these pretty pairs of heels. I would love a pair of Bedazzled cap toed pumps, which one do you have an eye on?


*All images found via RMKshoes.com

Elizabeth Olsen - A Pink Romantic Rendezvous

Step aside Mary-Kate and Ashley, there's another talented Olsen on the horizon and this one's got pink hair. Elizabeth Olsen has stepped out of the shadow of her famous twin sisters with her critically acclaimed acting skills and a long list of upcoming movie projects. The 23-year-old actress graces the pages of 'Bullett' Magazine's Romance Issue, which seems to be a mash-up of My Little Pony meets Prom Princess at the Prince's Palace. Elizabeth has been lensed by John Bark in an imaginative, alternate pastel pretty universe, wearing a cloyingly sweet array of designer Fall 2012 outfits. Her new candy pink hair colour and cerise rouge is the perfect accompaniment to this enchanted indoor garden editorial.

Captivating on the cover of 'Bullett', Elizabeth epitomizes modern romance in a white gown with crystal embellished neckline and sleeves by Chanel.

We get to see more of the subtly beautiful Chanel gown in the editorial, set amidst an engaging lilac and white glazed garden.

Bringing a bit of Balmain to the party, Elizabeth dresses up in an intricately embroidered long-sleeved, high-neck mini with glitzy beaded swirls of gold, black and pale pink.

Lost in a daydream, Elizabeth is enveloped in an ethereal white feather motif gown with tulle skirt, which is from Marchesa's Fall 2012 collection. I wish we were given a full view of this gorgeous gown in the editorial.

Making her mark in ruby red, Miss Olsen looks radiant in a pleated puff-sleeve Alexander McQueen dress, with a metallic McQueen bow-belt & lace-up sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti.

A close-up shot of Elizabeth that features an elegant netted hair piece by Jennifer Behr, lace Carolina Amato gloves and a textured ivory blouse with billowy sheer sleeves from her sisters' design label, The Row.

Complimenting her angular layered pink crop, Elizabeth is styled in a rosé pink anglaise button-up dress from Chanel's Pre-Fall 2012 range. She is wrapped in a furry grey Christian Siriano stole and wears printed heels by Nicholas Kirkwood.

It sometimes takes an editorial to 'make a dress'. I barely remembered this lavender pink satin and sheer pleated tulle gown from Christian Dior's Fall 2012 collection. But with this exquisite image of Elizabeth wearing it, the delicate fairytale gown will be hard to forget.

What do you think of Elizabeth's dreamy, sugar-frosted editorial? 
Sickly sweet or sweetly romantic?

*Images credited to bullettmedia.com

Looks of the Week - 01/09/12

The weekly roundup of celebrity style on and off the red carpet.

Shades of Summer

Alessandra Ambrosio displayed her vibrant sidewalk style in an aqua mint button-up tunic by Rails, worn over a distressed denim shorts and contrasted by a neon pink cashmere scarf. Bejewelled flat sandals and Raybans complete her cute look.

Olivia Palermo color blocks in a red cut-out shoulder top by Susan Woo, purple skinny jeans, a plum Miss Dior bag and turquoise and black ankle strap Tibi heels. She added a cute lace trilby to the mix, which is by Asos.

Olivia Munn defines cheap and chic street style in this lovely geometric print Kmart 'Attention' shirt dress. I would have never known otherwise.

Carly Rae Jepson's orange infused marble print mini dress is by US designer Kelly Wearstler. Those charming floral painted wedge heel sandals are by Alice + Olivia.

White Wash

Nicole Richie strikes a pose in an off-white plisse pleated Alberta Ferretti V-neck dress, along with sculpted asymmetrical booties by Brian Atwood.
Miranda Kerr is graceful in a white Willow angle draped dress with uneven hemline, accented by a tan Miu Miu belt and tote, with nude pumps by Lanvin.
Olivia Palermo soaks up the sun in a breezy white peasant style spaghetti strap dress, French Sole flats and a roomy Gerard Darel raffia bag.
Laetitia Casta's beautifully feminine and embroidered lace long-sleeve cuffed dress is by Valentino, with white pumps by Gianvito Rossi. 

Miss Matched

These three stars take a risk in pattern and material mix and matching.

Leighton Meester was spotted filming for 'Gossip Girl' in a bold rose print dress, worn under a lemon and gold tweed Dolce & Gabbana coat. Her wildly eclectic outfit was styled with a vintage rose embroidered Valentino bag and fuchsia suede Rupert Sanderson pumps.

Lucy Hale is pictured in a paisley print peplum top with lace long sleeves, which is by Topshop. Mixing textures, she stirred in a leather mini skirt by Free People and walked in nude Giuseppe Zanotti peep toe platforms.

Florence Welch gave us an eccentric and enigmatic look this week, in head to toe Miu Miu. The redhead songstress wore a dusky pink and tan swirl leaf print blouse, with a pair of cropped pink and brown foliage patterned trousers. Florence accessorized with a jewel-chained royal blue 'matelasse' leather bag and chunky Miu Miu ankle boots.

Venice Film Festival Favourites

Isabella Ferrari stunned in a silver grey Atelier Versace gown with sculpted bustier and shimmering embellished lace overlay. At 48, the Italian actress still looks amazing.

Italian starlet Fiammetta Cicogna was breathtaking in this exquisite blanc Alberta Ferretti gown, shrouded in delicate feathers & lace and underlined by a pale pink satin sash.

Kate Hudson made a spectacular appearance at the Venice Film Festival, glowing in a gold crystal beaded Atelier Versace gown with see-through panels and asymmetrical strap. I've never seen her look better.

Polish actress Kasia Smutniak channels autumn romance in an enchanting pastel print Valentino gown, fitted with white cuffs, a shirt collar and bow belt.

Contemporary Chic

Laetitia Casta made a welcomed arrival to the Italian red carpet in a sexy draped multi-floral print mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana, highlighted by bright blue heels.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley does modern-military in a chic black Marks & Spencer peplum dress with leather panel and a red belt. Nude pointy toe pumps by Jimmy Choo were her choice of heel.
Whitney Port blurs the line between edgy and elegant in a black multi-strap Cameo top and a coral skirt from her own line Whitney Eve. Her outfit is toughened up by a black and white leather IRO jacket. Whitney peppered her look with strappy Dries van Noten sandals and a studded Topshop bag.


Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?