A Break Away

Dearest Friends,

I am heading off for the next few weeks on a little globe-trotting adventure...I plan on taking many photos and hope to have a few exciting tales to share. While I'm away, I have scheduled a few weekly posts for you to read, just in case you need a fashion fix ;)

I will dearly miss you all and will probably get serious withdrawal symptoms from not visiting your blogs everyday. I promise to reply to your comments as soon as I get back. I hope you will not forget to browse through Frills & Thrills every once in a while.

Thank you for your constant kindness and support, it is much appreciated. 

Until we meet again...
Au revoir,
Sam

Cover Girls June 2012

We are on the brink of a new month and with that comes a parade of striking Summer covers. These are a few from around the globe that sparked my interest this June.

Stunning Brazilian model Ana Beatriz Barros lends herself to Elle Brazil's June 2012 issue, dressed in in a minted green Versace sheath dress, flecked with tiny gold studs. The dress is seen on US native Jasmine Tookes on the catwalk.

Kate Moss was also styled in an aqua lime piece from Versace's Spring 2012 collection. She appeared in the low-neck, gold studded dress with pleated skirt on the cover of Vogue UK. Dutch model Nimue Smit wears the runway look.

Making her second feature for the month of June, Kate Moss was coated in a flurry of feathers courtesy of Alexander McQueen for the cover of Harper's Bazaar US magazine.

French beauty Constance Jablonski wears an attractive ensemble by Burberry Prorsum for Vogue Turkey. Her fitted SS12 dress has a knotted cut-out neckline and striped skirt. Joan Smalls models the runway look.

'Rock 'n Roll Gold' are the themes of two Vogue covers for June. To the left is model Daria Werbowy, decked in a striking geo-metallic print Balmain jacket with fringed sleeves. She was captured for the cover of Vogue Australia. South African export Candice Swanepoel shines on the cover of Vogue Japan, in very-renowned-by-now Gucci flapper fringed dress. Incidentally, both these outfits were worn by Natasha Poly (pictured right) on the runway.

Two blue shaded, optical illusion print dresses make the trend cut this June. On the left is German dame Toni Garrn in a one-shouldered swirl edged Stella McCartney number, for Vogue Spain. To the right, on the cover of Flare Canada is actress Brooklyn Decker in an enigmatic zip-front dress by Peter Pilotto.

With her movie 'Snow White and the Huntsmen' almost out, Kristen Stewart graces two Elle covers for June 2012. For Elle UK the brunette actress wore an all white perforated knit crop top and skirt by Jil Sander. Sporting a complete opposite look for the US version, Kristen was glamed up in a black sequined Ralph Lauren dress.

Jessica Alba shows off her sexier side for Marie Claire magazine USA, posing in a burgundy-plum Versus Fall 2012 look with lace-up open back. Icelandic model Kolfinna K walks the runway in the sassy dress.

Two pastel pretty looks from Prada's Spring 2012 collection gain attention for June. Top: Gracing the cover of Marie Claire Hong Kong is Asian beauty Gaile Lok. She wears a lace pleated dress in lemon, pink and powder blue. Claire Danes is the cover girl of choice for Harper's Bazaar Russia. The Homeland actress is dressed in a silken rose pink car-print bodysuit with whimsy matching coat and bejewelled belt.

If all these magazines were on the same newsstand, which one would you pick up first?

Tuesday Thrills - Oonagh by Nanette Lepore

American designer Nanette Lepore is known for her contemporary and feminine clothing line, which is a regular feature on New York fashion week. Stepping off the runway and onto the streets, Nanette has created a diffusion line, which brings her bold, attractive designs to a wider market. The brand has been aptly named 'Oonagh', meaning 'pure' in Scottish, which happens to be the perfect term to describe it. With minimalism on her mind, Nanette presents clean, unfussy lines, saturated in bright colours and portrayed by simple prints. Anything striped and I am sold. This is a view into the current Oonagh collection.

1. Marc striped tank top with fringed neck. $98  Davis floral silk shorts. $168

2. Roy floral printed dress in icy blue and red. $248

3. Dean maxi dress with twisted neckline in red licorice. $168

4. Sassy Paul jumpsuit in a combination of red licorice and icy blue. $348

5. Oliver button-up blouse in the icy blue with contrasting red collar. $168

6. Red licorice and icy blue striped Leon maxi dress with cross-neck design. $168

7. Matthew black and white floral dress with cut-outs. $248

8. Kaleo striped sleeveless jersey top. $98  Jayden asymmetric black skirt. $178
9. Richard black and white sleeveless top with open back. $188. Worn with a striped Rocco pleated skirt. $98

10. Dennis black pleated dress with asymmetrical hemline. $178

11. Hudson colourblock gown in black with neon pink contrast trim. $328 

12. Striped three-quarter-sleeve dress, great to style up with neon accessories. $178

13. Hot pink Brody off-the shoulder silk belted dress with button-front and ruffle neck. $258

14. Cerise version of the Hudson maxi dress, with contrast orange trim. $328

15. Cove printed maxi dress. A technicolor honeycomb patterned dress with pockets. $348

16. Ricky colour-block knit dress in fiesta pink, yellow and blue. $228

17. Sigurd silk dress with front frill in seafoam blue. $248

18. Pierce colour-block bustier top with zip-up front. $128. Worn with a prettily printed Riley silk skirt. $248

To purchase one of these playful and practical looks, visit Nanettelepore.com The line is also sold on various department store websites such as Revolveclothing, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales. Being a subset of a designer brand, the price range is high, but most of these pieces are seasonless and an investment to your wardrobe.

Happy Shopping!

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?

Cannes Film Festival 2012 - Part Three

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2012
Part Three

Our journey across the Cannes Red Carpet continues with Part Three of all the evening glamour. I have never seen more Roberto Cavalli or Pucci dresses all in the same week and in the same place before. These are some of the stand-out gowns over the past few days. For the previous chapter in my Cannes coverage, visit here. Click on the pictures to zoom in.

Very Versace. Rose McGowan was shaded in a sugary pink chiffon Atelier Versace gown with romantic train. Dutch model Doutzen Kroes looked statuesque in a sculpted white strapless gown with metal inserts. Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana vividly lit up the event in a mint green dress with gold studded bodice and thigh baring slit. Milla Jovovich was another star to wear Versace, her futuristic metallic gown featured exaggerated 3D arches on the hip. 

Silver Sunsets over Cannes. French actress Roxane Mesquida wore an embroidered Roberto Cavalli gown in the softest shade of grey tulle. Heidi Klum was dressed in Marchesa, her shimmery silver gown was fully fringed in a modern take on 20's flapper style. Camila Alves owned the red carpet in this captivating Marchesa gown, with ornately beaded bodice and extravagant ruffled skirt.  Georgina Chapman was smothered in a feathered Marchesa gown with embellished empire waist. I am usually all for Marchesa, but I'm little skeptical about this look. 

Roberto Cavalli Rules the Red Carpet. Karolina Kurkova was pictured in a black paillette covered halter neck gown. Brazilian model Ana Beatriz Barros brought out her wild side in a tiger-print flowing dress with intrepid cut-out back. Liu Wen looked engaging in a black and white embroidered illusion gown. Sporting her second Cavalli look, Karolina Kurkova glimmered in a gold sheer beaded dress with matching blazer. Singer Cassie kept to all-black in a glamourous beaded black gown with chiffon skirt. 

Scarlet Letter. Supermodel Natasha Poly sizzled in this sultry cutout, plunge-neck red dress by Roberto Cavalli. I'd give her a medal for bravery. Irina Shayk was radiant in a fiery red off-the-shoulder Roberto Cavalli gown with sheer floaty skirt. Kristen Stewart. In Colour. Enough said. The 'Snow White' actress donned a vibrant red Reem Acra dress with lace detailing. Kylie Minogue was dressed in a long-sleeved, low-neck Emilio Pucci gown with trendy sheer panel detail.

The Dazzling Diane Kruger.  Diane Kruger impressed with 4 different looks this week. She first stunned in a celestial Nina Ricci gown, with sheer chiffon skirt, purple shoulder corsage & feather fringing. Next Diane wore a hot-off-the-runway Chanel Resort 2013 dress in the purest white with dainty lilac embroidery. Her third look is a colossal white checked Christian Dior gown, embedded with black lace motifs. Pictured last, Diane put on Prabal Gurung frock with embellished bodice, leather belt and ostrich feathered skirt.

The Supermodels. Natasha Poly was alluring in a sheer black Emilio Pucci dress, expertly covered with geometric embellished panels. Lindsay Wixson glistened in a black Giambattisa Valli number with lace long sleeves and paneled skirt. Anja Rubik boldly choose this embroidered burnout gown by Emilio Pucci, framing it with a black tuxedo jacket. Liu Wen went short in an ebony cut-out Givenchy frock with fringed skirt. 

Colourific. Nina Dobrev continues to impress on the red carpet, wearing an embellished electric blue Elie Saab off-the shoulder gown with high slit. Doutzen Kroes also opted for Elie Saab, hers fully sequined in emerald green. Kim Kardashian tagged onto the Elie Saab trend, her belted mustard gown featuring a deep V-neck and slit. Nicole Kidman donned a rose-tined one-shouldered Lanvin gown that complimented her skin tone. Cara Delevingne put her best foot forward in a cross-draped forest green Burberry dress.

Pretty Pale. Actress Alexandra Maria Lara was exquisite in a luminescent fully beaded ivory Elie Saab gown. Irina Shayk poses in an elegant ecru Roberto Cavalli gown with sheer neckline and long train. Her sparking emerald jewellery is the perfect choice of accessory.

Who wears your favourite look in Part Three of the Cannes Film Festival fashion?

A Crush On Kelly Wearstler Clothing

American designer Kelly Wearstler pulled out a colour-seeped page from the 80's when creating her Fall RTW 2012 collection. Delightfully drenched in tinted acid-wash denim, luxurious chunky knits, quirky patterned fabrics and an impressive array of statement coats; this relative newcomer to the fashion industry proves that she is a force to be reckoned with. Kelly constructs fun and dynamic street wear that is wearable and accessible to the masses. 

Wearstler's youthful Fall designs are displayed in vivacious shades of peach, plum, cranberry, chocolate, peppermint and electric blues. Her talent lies in ingeniously mixing different textures and layering one interesting piece upon the other, in a way that excites our visual style palates. We see flirty skirts over skinny jeans, feminine dresses over tights, prim studded shirts under tailored jackets and funky tees dressed in denim. 

Although the theme of the collection may seem trend based, almost every one of the coats are a classic. The camel trench, cropped black biker, chic blazers and cute cardigans. The punk rock range is given a girly twist by way of the floaty asymmetrical skirts, sassy cocktail frocks and glossy silver pointy-toe heels. Taken apart, each eclectic piece will add a fiery spark to your closet, and put together - it will set it alight.

Are you crushing on the Kelly Wearstler collection too?

*Photo credits: Style.com

Who Wore Versace Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Versace Spring 2012 Dress

Three stars battle it out this week in a very sexy Versace Spring 2012 dress. The attention commanding asymmetrical dress is decked with gold studs on the bodice and half the skirt. The leather laden dress also features delicate chiffon draping on one side of the skirt and upon the shoulder. It's the fine balance between goth and girly. The Grecian style mini has been created in two colours, jet black and tangy lime green.

1. British X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos was seen in the dress at an FHM party in London earlier this month. The singer carried a large gold Wilber & Gussie clutch bag and wore chunky black Kurt Geiger platforms with it. 

2. Jada Pinkett Smith wore the sassy dress in a punchy shade of lime green, to a movie premiere also during May 2012. Jada added a pair of gold Jimmy Choo ankle strap sandals.

3. American actress Elizabeth Banks was the first to wear the dress back in January. She took a different approach by pairing the dress with a pair of sheer black tights and slick black ankle boots.

Both dresses as seen on the Versace SS12 catwalk. Left is Zimbabwean model Nyasha Matonhodze in the black frock and to the right we see Dutch girl Melissa Tammerijn in the green version. I much prefer the heels that it's been styled with on the runway.

My pick from the three, (excluding the exquisite runway models) is Elizabeth Banks. I like the punk rock edge she gave the look with tights and boots. Her smouldering make-up and cropped layered locks were befitting too.


Who do you think wore it better? Tulisa, Jada or Elizabeth? 
And which colour do you prefer, black or lime?

Tuesday Thrills - Madewell

After spotting a number of celebrities wearing Madewell, I knew I had to do a feature on this impressive and influential brand. You may remember the cute spectacle sweater that Emma Roberts wore in this post. Other famous lovers of the chic label are Jessica Alba, Alexa Chung, Katie Holmes and Lauren Conrad, to name a few.

Madewell finds it's niche in creating classic cut, utilitarian pieces that are not necessarily trend-base but are rather intended to surpass seasons. Buying an item of clothing from the brand means investing in an ultra-luxe & sophisticated piece of fashion that will never date. The price range is slightly steep, this is due to Madewell's use of luxurious fabrics like soft silks & linens. Here's a peek into their current Summer 2012 range.

1. Silk Laneshift Shirt in wild poppy. $110 

2. Soft Silk Boyshirt in vivid fucshia. $110

3. Silk Bookends Blouse with Peter Pan collar in marseille aqua. $110

4. Sam & Lavi Remi colorblock button-front shirt in colours ecru and tomato. $115

5. The quirky Spectacle Print Sweater in grey with multi-hued specs. $75

6. Something Else Fab Shorts with wide pleats in bright green. $99.99

7. Academy Blazer in ink, which has a tailored menswear fit and gold buttons. $168

8. Perfect Chambray Ex-Boyfriend denim shirt in ferrous wash. $68 

Worn with a Sam & Lavi Addison Lace shorts in white. $115

9. Le Mont St. Michel Striped top in light blue with cropped silhouette. $215

10. Treeshower Shirt in a wispy printed fabric. Colour: bleached linen. $118

11. Silk High Tea Top made from a fine silk crepe in a shade of stormy sky. $89.99

12. Sam & Lavi Raven shirt in a cotton crochet print. $158

13. Jacquard Flutter dress in 'black sea', made from silk linen with ruffled sleeves. $145

14. Won-hundred Gitte-Print tee-shirt dress in graphic print with high-low hemline. $173

15. Something Else cross-back dress in cherry red with neckline cut-outs. $189

16. Glassland skirt with asymmetrical hem in wild poppy orange. $125

17. Silk Musicbox dress with ruched waist and button-up top. $168

The Madewell collection is widely ranged with classic pieces to suit your everyday wardrobe. You can shop these looks and more on their website. Currently, Madewell only ship within the US, to Canada and Japan. But a select few of this range can also be bought via ShopBop.


Happy Shopping!


*All photos belong to Madewell.com

Cannes Film Festival 2012 - Part Two

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2012
Part Two

Things are officially heating up in Cannes, and by that I don't mean the weather. The global village of stars dressed up in some stunning red carpet looks over the past three days. This is the catch up. For part one of the Cannes Film Festival 2012 fashion, click here.

Neon Lights. Jada Pinkett Smith donned a beaded fluorescent orange Atelier Versace gown with rounded gold edged neckline. Bérénice Béjo was tinted in coral, aqua and navy blue, wearing a pleated Prada dress with embellished bodice. Freida Pinto went zesty, also in Atelier Versace, her lime green frock featured a lace bodice, sculpted waist detail and crystal covered skirt.

Glitzy. Jada Pinkett Smith was attired in a patchwork of beaded and lace gold by Emilio Pucci. L'oreal model Barbara Palvin glimmered in a metallic zigzag print gown with plaited belt and neckline, by Valentino. Diane Kruger illuminated the red carpet in a draped silver sequined gown courtesy of Vivienne Westwood.

Dusky Beauties. Freida Pinto stunned once again in an ebony sequined gown with sheer long sleeves by Versace. Salma Hayek made an appearance wearing a sultry coffee brown Gucci Premiere dress, which has a beaded low-v bodice and chiffon mermaid skirt. Eva Longoria struck a pose in a black sheer lace and tulle Alberta Ferretti dress with nude-toned underlay.

Angelic. Jessica Chastain exuded elegance in a floaty and feminine off-white Giorgio Armani gown, the bustier specked with beads. Eva Longoria once again brought her A-game, in a stunning white Emilio Pucci gown with sheer panels and a long train.

The Bing Bang Theory. Fan Bing Bing is always one to look forward to on the red carpet. She stars in a trio of lovely looks, starting with a demure floral print chiffon Valentino dress. Moving on to an exquisite ivory beige embroidered Elie Saab gown with matching cape. Then a shimmering bottle green number with low sweetheart neck and cap sleeves, also by Elie Saab.

Cryptic Colours. Diane Kruger picked out an interesting high collared, see-through black and blue lace dress by Jason Wu. Natasha Poly looked outstanding in a verdant green long-sleeved Gucci gown with plunging neck and high slit. Mia Wasikowska went simple and chic in a burgundy J.Mendel dress with ruched detailing on the bodice. Royal beauty Charlotte Casiraghi tried on a dark forest green Gucci gown with cascading ruffles down the side and neckline. Marion Cotillard was graceful in a navy and black strapless ballgown with sweetheart neck by Christian Dior.

Champagne Trains. Naomi Watts wore a beautiful blush toned Marchesa gown, with intricate floral feathers adorning the bodice and flaired tulle skirt. Jessica Chastain was expertly dressed by Gucci, in a glorious nude champagne gown with gold-painted bodice and flowy chiffon skirt trailing behind her.

Scene Stealers. Finally, the drama I was hoping for! Paz Vega was a marvel in Stephane Rolland Couture. Her wondrous gown has a white round-neck top with daring cut-outs, clasped in by a metallic gold belt and then falls into a massive black feathered skirt. Cheryl Cole also opted for a Stephane Rolland gown, hers in a striking combination of red and white. Cheryl's dress sweeps the floor with a dramatic flame-red feathered train. More Stephane Rolland on the red carpet please!

Who is your favourite pick from Part Two of these dazzling Cannes dresses? 

Looks Of The Week - 19/05/12

Besides for all the Cannes 2012 glamour, these are some noteworthy looks from the rest of Celebsville this week.


Sidewalk Style

If there is one person who can pull off the hippy chic look, it has to be Vanessa Hudgens. The 23-year-old actress kept cool in a denim tie-dye bustier top by Topshop, a beige maxi skirt, gold Miu Miu gladiator sandals and a Cole Haan messenger bag.

Jennifer Love Hewitt looked breezy in a pink and green floral splattered dress, paired with nude pumps. She wore the same dress some time back with a belt, which I much prefer.

Kate Bosworth mixed floral prints in this cute Suno mini dress, worn with ballet flats.

Emma Roberts stepped out in a fabulous pair of colour-block Brain Atwood sandals. The petite actress also stole smiles in quirky grey spectacle print top by Madewell, super skinny jeans and a vivid mint Chanel quilted bag.

Battle of the Brunettes

Lea Michele brought out her ladylike side in a golden fawn-coloured lace dress by Emilio Pucci. Her matching pointy-toe heels are by Casadei.

Rachel Bilson delighted in this cream frosted Chanel dress, which includes a ribbon-belted waist and sheer collar frill. Her satin shoes are courtesy of Casadei.

Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab - this look is what my daydreams are made of. The brunette actress was stunning in an iced-coffee shaded dress that dazzled with silver and self-toned beadwork. She carries an Edie Parker clutch. To top it all off, Anna put on a pair of PVC ankle-strapped and spiked-toed Christian Louboutin heels. <3

Nina Dobrev showed off her svelte figure in a curve-hugging champagne satin Dolce and Gabbana long-sleeved sheath. Nina added a maroon pair of Jimmy Choo heels for colour.

Glamazons

Charlize Theron looked incredible wrapped up in Christian Dior. Her sheer black chiffon gown features a wide waistband and nude-toned underlay. Her emerald green drop-earrings were the perfect source of bling.
Supermodel Jessica Stam was striking in a demure cherry red Valentino gown with lace detailing on the bodice and a stream of frills down the side. Red hot lipstick, retro side-swept waves and a Valentino clutch bag complete her outfit.
Brooklyn Decker opted for a more fun and playful look, looking sunny in a buttercup yellow and white Giambattista Valli frock. The drop-waist dress features a contrast of two prints, one floral and the other striped paint brushstrokes. 
Miranda Kerr was all-the-bombshell in a pale powder blue gown with brazenly low neckline, open back and draped skirt. The dress is by Australian designer Carla Zampatti.


Who is your favourite look of the week?

Friday Frills

Take time to think...
it is the source of power.


Take time to play...
it is the secret of perpetual youth.


Take time to read...
it is the fountain of wisdom.


Take time to pray...
it is the greatest power on earth.


Take time to love and be loved...
it is a God-given privilege.


Take time to dream...it is what the future is made of.

Take time to be friendly...
it is the road to happiness.


Take time to laugh...
it is the music of the soul.


Take time to give...
it is too short a day to be selfish.


Take time to work...
it is the price of success.


Take time to do charity...
it is the key to fulfillment.

*Images via weheartit.com

Cannes Film Festival 2012 - Part One

Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes Film Festival 2012
Opening Ceremony

The French Rivera was illuminated today with a flurry of international stars, all to grace the Cannes 2012 red carpet. This is the 65th annual film festival held in Cannes, from which we can expect two weeks of glamourous gowns. Here are the most notable looks from the opening ceremony, which took place earlier this evening.

Graceful Dames. 90's supermodel Eva Herzigova looked radiant in an ivory crystal embellished Dolce & Gabbana gown with demure three-quarter sleeves and retro hair to match. French actress Bérénice Béjo was a picture of elegance in a vivid red pleated silk gown with flowing skirt by Louis Vuitton.

Pretty Pastels. German actress Diane Kruger, who is part of the Cannes jury this year, stunned in this minted green gown. Her sublime one-shouldered silk dress with sheer fabric cape-like effect is by Giambattista Valli. Indian beauty Freida Pinto opted for something a little more whimsical, in a delightful gown by Michael Angel. It features a multi-hued kaleidoscopic bodice drenched in crystals, along with silver metal belt that appends to a pale rosé pink skirt with draped peplum detail and high slit. Silver Louis Vuitton sandals and a beaded clutch bag complete her look.

Block Colours. Jessica Chastain played it down in a soft pink silk faille gown with low-v-neck by Alexander McQueen. The pockets suggested a more casual side to her look. French actress Virginie Ledoyan looked splendid in an emerald green Elie Saab column gown with draped strapless bodice. Although simple, the impact lies in the rich colour and fine design. Lana del Rey picked out a black Alberta Ferretti gown with inverse scalloped neckline and tiered skirt. Dolores Chaplin brought a refreshing splash of chartreuse to the red carpet, looking regal in a drape-pleated Lanvin gown with cut-outs on the neckline and thigh high split.

Polished Metal. Tilda Swinton, who is by far the most active ambassador for Haider Akermann, wore a look adapted from the designer's Fall 2012 collection. The sheeny bronzed gown shows off a lovely origami folded bodice. But I can't help but think this was not the right colour for her. Jane Fonda looks unbelievable at 74, the actress was decked in a lacquered gold criss-cross sequined gown with sheer sleeves, by Atelier Versace.

Train of Thought. Couture maiden Fan Bing Bing made her customary appearance at the festival's opening, donning an exquisite Christopher Bu gown with long train. Her dress is imprinted with an attractive Chinese-inspired design. Eva Longoria gives us our first memorable Cannes fashion moment for 2012, as she impressed the crowd in this elaborate pale grey gown by Marchesa. The dress displays an embroidered illusion bodice and slopes down into a tulle-smothered train.

I must admit I am slightly disappointed not to see more dramatic couture looks at the opening ceremony. I would pick Eva Herzigova's dresse as my immediate favourite...but I have yet to be wowed. I will be covering the fashion from the festival over its course, so please stay tuned. How do you think these gowns fare?