Elle Vietnam - A Spring 2014 Couture Spread

The Art of Haute Couture
Elle Vietnam
April 2014

The best part about online magazines is that it closes the gap between countries thousands of miles apart and allows us to view beautiful editorials we may have never seen before. Elle Vietnam presents the majesty of Spring 2014 Haute Couture in their latest issue, lensed by photographer Benjamin Kanarek and styled by Adele Cany. He captures Canadian model Dauphine McKee in a myriad of exquisite couture looks that tantalize our high fashion palates.

Dauphine McKee is ravishing in avocado green on the cover of Elle Vietnam April 2014, dressed in a visually expressive ruffled confection by Alexandre Vauthier.

Marco Zanini debuted at Schiaparelli in grand fashion, showing off a gargantuan puff sleeved white jacket that capes a billowy chiffon gown with feathered headdress.

We have Karl Lagerfeld to thank for updating the average sneaker to couture status. Dauphine looks stunning in a turquoise and teal iridescent peacock feathered dress with sequined tulle skirt. 

What seems to be floral curtaining takes a couture turn in this well tailored (and actually wearable) pantsuit by Maison Martin Margiela. In typical MMM avant-grade style, the look is paired with a mesh mask & bronze boots.

Touching upon more feminine ground, Dauphine is styled in a beautiful ivory slashed bodice and satin pleated skirt by Alexis Mabille.

With his futuristic design aesthetic, couturier Stéphane Rolland gave us a glazed apricot orange gown with a patent leather exaggerated bodice and sheer paneled skirt.

Dauphine strides in a wave of sky blue organza and a mesh beaded top by Armani Privé, topped with a headscarf that supplements the ethnic feel to this outfit.

A spiked gold choker and burgundy leather bustier lend a goth dominatrix look to this edgy and sensual Alexandre Vauthier ensemble.

Dauphine cites the retro disco era in a silver silk jersey hooded jumpsuit with plunging neck by Versace that is fully encrusted with studs and sequins.

Dauphine takes flight in a theatrical butterfly shaped Jean Paul Gaultier silhouette, set in flutters of lace trimmed cerise pink organza. Wearable? Well, maybe for a show girl. Creative? Most definitely.

This artful white On Aura Tout Vu dress is constructed from an inventive gem-studded high-collar and off-the-shoulder neckline with a split high-low hem draped skirt.

It takes a skilled photographer to make an Elie Saab gown look even more stunning in editorial, as Benjamin does with this gorgeous oceanic blue silk chiffon dress with slitted skirt and strapless neckline.

Modesty and grace meld together in Valentino's guipure lace embroidered long-sleeved gown.

The true essence of Spring is depicted by beaming canary yellow and coralista pink in a radiant two-piece creation with embellished top and fishtail skirt by Giambattista Valli.

Which of these Spring 2014 Couture looks inspire your imagination?

*Next Post on Wednesday.

Looks of the Week - 05/04/14

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


Cut It Out

Jamie Chung put her toned abs on display in this white cropped bustier top, styled with a navy Reese + Riley tuxedo blazer, metallic sandals and striped maxi skirt. 
Dianna Agron slipped on a modern little black cut-out dress by Cushnie et Ochs, amplified by red Christian Louboutin heels and an Edie Parker clutch.
Alessandra Ambrosio embraced red in a striking cropped cut-out bralet with pencil skirt and blazer, all by Cushnie et Ochs, with strappy metal sandals by Schutz.
Lily Aldridge donned a white T by Alexander Wang V-neck bandeau tank top with slick leather pants, printed Isabel Marant shoes and a Givenchy bag.


Roar!

Sienna Miller teams her trendy leopard print coat with a cappuccino chiffon dress & tan heels.
Myleene Klass rocked a leather moto jacket with her cute leopard print skirt, adding black tights and buckled ankle boots.
Nicky Hilton casually interprets animal print in this long-sleeved mini paired with ankle-strap flats and a Valentino bag.
Kate Beckinsale wears a luxurious leopard print coat with all black, including Louboutin pumps.
Rosie Huntington-Whitely does a boho chic spin on animal print in this flowy Etoile Isabel Marant maxi skirt, teamed with a black cut-out shoulder top and flat Giuseppe Zanotti sandals.


Prettily Imprinted

British actress Sophie Turner wears a beautiful landscape painted Mary Katrantzou sheath dress with red heels.
Natalia de Molina looks stunning in a mergence of lilac florals and leopard print with this lovely Temperley London A-line dress. Her unique geometric heels are by Emporio Armani.
Kate Bosworth is indie pretty in a blue printed shirt dress by Peter Som for Kohls. She added an edge with black leather Zadig & Voltaire biker boots.
Nicky Hilton represents Valentino in an ethnic embroidered, leather appliqued dress with a red fringed bag also by the label. She accessorized with Louboutin pumps and a gold hair wreath. 


Street Sophistication

Selena Gomez is elegantly dressed in a silky black short-sleeved kimono wrapped jumpsuit, styled with a white Versace bag and Aldo sandals.
Supermodel Izabel Goulart arrives in S ao Paulo looking amazing in a fitted black 3/4 sleeve maxi dress with thigh-high slit. Metallic flat sandals and a taupe bag complete her chic outfit.
Naya Rivera is remarkably polished in a black V-neck Reformation jumpsuit, with round sunglasses and a vintage quilted black Chanel bag in tow.


Blank Slate

Emma Roberts was poised in an ice blue Finders Keepers sheer hem midi dress, sassed up by dazzling mirror embellished Jimmy Choo heels.
Hanneli Mustaparta exuded grace in a lilac plunge neck gown with fitted waist.
Miranda Kerr looked fetching in a petal pink wrap-bodice dress for an appearance in Japan.
Emma Watson proves that simplicity is timeless in a sleek white Ralph Lauren gown with silk pleated skirt panel.


Dressing Gowns

Margot Robbie made a radiant appearance in an off-the shoulder poppy red gown with black waistband by Paper London.
Natalia de Molina is florally printed in navy and white, wearing a cut-out ruched bodice dress by Michael Kors.
Poppy Delevingne takes a patterned risk in this eye-catching art deco printed Emilio Pucci gown in shades of pink, purple and monochrome.
Spanish actress Goya Toledo looked beautiful in a white sheer lace embellished Elie Saab gown.
Laura Vandervoort makes an impact in her black and white abstract floral printed ballgown, which is by Elena Reva.

Who is Your Favourite 'Look of the Week'?

Friday Frills

Do not take anything as being forever

because forever is only as long as today. 

Know that the people who are richest

Are not those who have the most,

But those who need the least. 

We are at our strongest when life is at its worst,

And at our weakest when life no longer offers a challenge.

It is wiser not to expect, but to hope,

For in expecting you ask for disappointment,

Whereas in hoping you invite surprise.

Unhappiness doesn't come from not having something that you want,

But from the lack of something inside that you need.

There are things to hold on too, and things to let go,

And letting go doesn't mean you lose,

But that you acquire that which has been waiting around the corner.

Most of all,

Remember to use your dreams as a way of knowing yourself better,

And as an inspiration to reach for the stars...

Quote by Nancye Sims. Image via Pinterest.

Charlotte Olympia's Nautical Spring 2014 Collection

Charlotte Olympia
Spring/Summer 2014
Bags and Shoes

Creativity overflows at the offices of British shoe designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal this Spring, where we are taken on a thrilling adventure across the high seas in true nautical style. Her treasure map of imaginative bags and shoes is inked in red, navy and and white, dotted with palm tree green and crustacean coral. Silver and gold metallic pairs take us on a voyage of sun glazed beaches with shimmering waves of aquamarine.

Charlotte doesn't hold back on the quirk factor, with whimsical lobster emblems, mystical mermaids and starfish motifs, not to mention a few fish-frenzied leather and suede pairs. Her signature Kitty Flats are given a summertime makeover, imprinted with cute sunglasses. Anchors, ropes and canvas contribute to the maritime theme, with fun elements like message in a bottle heels (the S.O.S sandals) and pumps decked with opened oyster shells.

Charlotte's fantasy seaside vacation is complete with winsome tourist essentials like compass and camera box bags, a miniature suitcase clutch, sunshade shaped pouches and postcard and sailor printed purses. Whilst you may look like fish out of water carrying around a treasure chest or coconut clutch, these beachy pieces will certainly attract attention.

It may not be entirely practical but I like the light-heartedness Charlotte brings to her collections. This is part of the Charlotte Olympia Spring/Summer 2014 range.

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Would you take a dive into Charlotte Olympia's Seaside Spring Range?

All images found via www.charlotteolympia.com

Krikor Jabotian Couture Spring/Summer 2014

Officially rising to the top of my list of favourite couturiers is Krikor Jabotian. The more I view his designs, the more spellbound I am by his intricate detailing and ability to churn lifeless pieces of fabric into breathtaking pieces of art. Krikor's approach to couture is unlike any other, he engineers unique three-dimensional silhouettes that impress at every angle.

For Spring/Summer 2014 the Lebanese designer presents an exquisite range entitled 'AkhTamar', the romantic yet tragic love story of a princess called Tamar. She is dressed in a passionate cherry red, palest blush pink, ornate ivory and the purest white. Decadent metallic gold thread is embroidered across the dresses, forming elaborate rococo motifs. High-low hemlines are amplified by volume, necklines are kept demurely high and a labyrinth of tulle and chiffon pleated layers create ethereal waterfall skirts. Luminescent crystals are regally dusted upon the caped gowns, with Grecian inspired headpieces that add to the opulence of the collection.

Dresses magical enough to dream up your own exotic fairytale, this is Krikor Jabotian's Spring/Summer 2014 Haute Couture Collection.

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Which of these Haute Couture gowns catch your fancy?

*All images found via krikorjabotian.com

Red Carpet - Kids Choice Awards 2014

Red Carpet Fashion
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2014

This weekend saw Hollywood's youngest stars bring their fashion flair to what is technically the 'Orange' Carpet at the the 27th Annual Nickelodean Kids' Choice Awards. I honestly don't know half of these teen actresses, but I'm guessing if you ask any 8 year old, they will be able to point them out. So in case you missed it, this is a recap of all the Spring inspired outfits from the KCA's.

Going Green

Bella Thorne kept her look simple and uncomplicated in an emerald green Valentino romper, worn with gold metallic Christian Louboutin shoes. Victoria Justice was printed in all shades of green, wearing an eye-catching Atelier Versace strapless dress with Jimmy Choo sandals. Debbie Ryan looked polished in a black BCBG cropped tank top and green leather wrapover Sportmax skirt. Black ankle strap Stuart Weitzman sandals style her outfit.

Short Cut

Genevieve Hannelius looked adorable in a black and white printed Aqua romper, highlighted with a neon belt and bag. Zoey Deutch took advantage of the good weather in a tree-illustrated shorts set by Osman. Amber Montana teamed her white shorts with a tangerine top and statement necklace and wedge heels. Olivia Holt also opted for shorts in an attractively printed one-piece by Angelys Balek, adding orange Chelsea Paris shoes to her outfit. Kaley Cuoco underwhelmed in darkly hued leather trimmed Rebecca Minkoff shorts suit with chunky heels.

 Ways With White

Gigi Hadid went sporty with a cropped pair of casual white sweatpants, vividly contrasted by an electric blue top and ankle boots. Zendaya Coleman paired her Free People denim cut-off shorts with a white pearl and jewel embellished Oscar de la Renta top and Chanel shoes. Nicole Peltz showed off her slender physique in a crisp white cropped tank and pencil skirt by Calvin Klein, her nude strappy sandals by Saint Laurent.

Bright Young Things

Kira Kosarin picked out a cobalt blue skater dress with metallic gold belt by Peggy Hartanto. Ariana Grande looked chic in a sunflower shaded Aiisha Ramadan fitted mini, styled with a quirky print clutch and Saint Laurent shoes. Stefanie Scott was engaging in a fire-engine red peplum frilled NastyGal dress, along with a zebra print Diane von Furstenburg clutch and red cuffed NastyGal shoes. Sydney Park was youthfully cute in an Arturo D Chavez colourblocked top and A-line graphic print skirt, with shoes by Prada. 

Posh Pants

Peta Murgatroyd was suave in a black cut-out jumpsuit by Self Portrait, along with Christian Louboutin sandals. Alexa Vega displays one of her chicer looks in a strapless graphic printed navy & white Tart jumpsuit. America Ferrera went more formal in a midnight blue & black pants suit by Veronica Beard, with cap-toed Casadei shoes.

Print Parade

Jayma Mays looked tropical in a sheer printed dress by Timo Weiland with a mint green clutch. Coco Jones was vibrantly decked in a yellow corset top with string detail and a royal blue floral printed pencil skirt, styled with bold blue heels. Selena Gomez, who skipped the red carpet, is pictured backstage in a landscaped painted Dolce & Gabbana look with yellow trims. Katherine McNamara wore a jazzy digital printed mini dress by Clover Canyon, along with neon yellow shoes. Ryan Newman chose a kaleidoscopic patterned dress by Alexander McQueen. 

Cropped Tops

Willow Shields donned a black and blue trendy grid print top and pleated skirt by Timo Weiland. Acacia Brinley pushed the envelope in a part rock, part fairy black bustier and ice grey tulle maxi skirt. Laura Marano looked modish in a leather cropped top and cream and black linear printed skirt by Robert Rodriguez. 

Pink Ombré

Peyton List looked pretty in a blush lace embroidered bodice dress with tulle ballet skirt by Rhea Costa. Melissa Carcache wore a petal pink ribbon embroidered dress by BCBG Max Azria with Prada shoes. Lea Michele was at her best in a stunning salmon pink lace lingerie Elie Saab dress with Charlotte Olympia shoes. Audrey Whitby opted for a bright cerise hue in a cute BGBGeneration frock. Kelli Berglund went fuchsia in a strapless Armani dress with chiffon overlay, an aqua Amanda Pearl clutch and metallic ankle strap Armani shoes.

  
Who was your Best & Worst Dressed at 2014 Kids' Choice Awards?

Looks of the Week - 29/03/14

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

Dolce & Gabbana Daydreams

America Ferrera is on an elegant style run, seen in a black and pink almond blossom printed dress by Dolce & Gabbana, worn with avocado green satin pumps and a mosaic clutch.
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor looked pretty in a leafy green Dolce & Gabbana pencil skirt with contrasting almond blossom print top, chunky gold earrings and dazzling coral embellished heels.
Miranda Kerr gets trendy in Dolce & Gabbana's pink floral print sheath, worn with a black Escada coat, a Hermés Birkin bag and printed Louboutin heels.
Kiernan Shipka delightfully blossoms this white and petal pink floral patterned Dolce & Gabbana frock with metallic strap sandals from Aldo.


Sporty Chic

Ashley Tisdale looks casually comfortable in a pair of Blq Basiq sloughy leather jogging pants, a grey tee and distressed charcoal Current/Elliott biker jacket, worn with a red Céline trapeze bag and leopard print slip-ons from Free People.
Jaime King pulled on a white and black V-neck Rag & Bone sweater over her denim skinny jeans, adding a pair of white sneakers to her athletic look. 
Nicole Scherzinger took her sporty ensemble one level up with a black mesh bomber jacket, white tank top, The Kooples leather trousers and white high heels.
Shay Mitchell models a sports luxe outfit comprising of a navy and white Sachin + Babi cropped top and glam white-striped sweatpants by Zadig & Voltaire.

Street Breeze

Ashley Madekwe takes a stroll in a dainty cream lace blouse and denim cut-off shorts, along with a Chanel clutch and black ballet pumps.
Victoria Beckham wears a languid powder blue pair of Chloé wide-leg pants, simply teamed with a white tee and wedge heels.
Julianne Hough is Californian chic in a pastel pink billowy chiffon dress, accessorized with a sky blue wraparound scarf, tan belt, cream Chloé bag and powder blue Valentino studded shoes.
Mandy Moore takes her trendy petal pink overcoat into Spring with a white tee, black cropped trousers and beaded ankle-strap sandals.


Sapphire & Sunshine

Nina Dobrev channels vintage style in this ladylike Prussian blue embellished Michael Kors midi dress with keyhole cut-out necklace, bow-tied hair and Aperlai ankle strap sandals. 
Camilla Belle looked attractive in a marigold yellow Gucci shirtdress, accessorizing with a large leopard print bag and nude pointy-toe pumps, both by Christian Louboutin.
Naomi Watts looked polished in a sapphire blue Elie Saab jumpsuit with lace accents.
Rising style star Lauren Pope merged sunshine with sophistication in this canary yellow Zara pants suit, styled with cropped white Zara top and Casadei pumps.


British Invasion

Poppy Delevingne cements her style icon status with expert layering. She wears a J Brand black leather cropped biker over a denim shirt, Bella Freud sweater and red floral midi skirt, adding a white Prada bag and ankle boots to her eclectic outfit.
Laura Bailey teams her blue trimmed Chanel bouclé jacket with a light blue long-length shirt and bootleg denim jeans, carrying a red quilted Chanel bag to break up all the blue.
British actress Olivia Grant does preppy with poise in this red and black checked blazer, worn over a white top, black velvet skirt, black tights and heels.
English model Florence Brudenell added a military black and gold embroidered vest to her frilled ivory blouse, along with leather leggings and snappy red heels. 


Colour Crusade

Ana de Armas was radiant in a saffron yellow draped Zuhair Murad gown with cut-out halter neck.
Macarena Garcia looked stunning in an apple green chiffon Alberta Ferretti gown, accented with floral embroidery and striking coral drop earrings.
Andrea Duro opted for a classic fitted silhouette in crimson red by Hervé Léger.
Shailene Woodley is memorably bright in a neon orange Roksanda Ilincic column dress with black colourblocked strap, and Brian Atwood heels.

Who is your Favourite 'Look of the Week?