Looks of the Week - 29/09/12

The best of celebrity style on and off the red carpet.

Street Chic

Kristen Stewart made an appearance at the Balenciaga runway show in a rock chic look by the brand. She wears a pale yellow quilted biker jacket with a pair of black and white floral jeans and edgy double-buckle Balenciaga boots.
Michelle Trachtenberg is pictured in a New York savvy ensemble including a navy blue rhinestone embellished dress by Haute Hippe, worn under a similarly studded coat, with Jason Wu ankle boots and an elaborately feathered Angel Jackson bag.
Leighton Meester films an episode of 'Gossip Girl' in a floral print Chloe trench coat, worn with grey pants, a prismic Roger Vivier bag and blue Prada shoes.
Kourtney Kardashian heats up Miami in this unique summer look. The reality star wears a bright green and blue printed caftan dress by Diane von Furstenburg with strappy nude Louboutin sandals, Prada sunglasses, a cute blue turban and a Celine 'Boston' bag.


Black Tie

Emma Watson wears a sleek black strapless peplum dress over cigarette pants and pointy-toe pumps, in this elegant look by Christian Dior.
Dianna Agron displays grace and restraint in a demure long-sleeved gown with low-V sheer neckline, also by Christian Dior.
Bianca Balti dons a little black structured dress by Louis Vuitton, accompanied by stellar accessories including a gold plated Peter Pan collar necklace, a sequined clutch bag and gold cap-toed pumps, all by Louis Vuitton.
Elizabeth Banks does sensual sophistication with ease in a slinky black cut-out bustier dress by Alexander McQueen. She added a metallic clutch and Jimmy Choo sandals to her look. 

Blue Reflection

Brittany Snow looked celestial in an arctic blue Georges Hobeika dress scattered with Swarovski beads and floral appliqués. Silver metallic pumps complete her pretty look.
Lucy Liu sizzles in a light cyan studded gown by Atelier Versace, featuring an illusion bodice and full tulle skirt.
Ginnifer Goodwin also studs up in a powder blue & black long sleeved Jenny Packham dress, worn with a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals, (which is the same pair that Ms Banks wears above).
Lucy Hale charms in a sky blue and white floral shadow print dress by Christian Dior, paired with an Edie Parker clutch and black ankle strap sandals.

Café Latte

Kaley Cuoco looked lovely outside a TV studio in New York, wearing a cream ruffled dress with black waistband and pleated over-the knee skirt. Kaley added a pair of tan Jerome C Rousseau sandals, I don't think this colour shoe works well with the dress.
Anna Kendrick strikes a stylish pose in a coffee coloured Zuhair Murad halter dress with swirls of shimmery embroidery and a ribboned belt. A matching pair of Brian Atwood sandals finalize her outfit.
Nina Dobrev shows off her slender figure in an alluring cream and gold lace long-sleeved Zuhair Murad dress, with sexy cut-out back. Her nude & gold edged heels are by Jimmy Choo.

Coat-ed

Nikki Reed is suave in a menswear inspired look with white and black trimmed tuxedo jacket by Emporio Armani, black envelope clutch & T-bar pumps by Alexandre Birman.
Olivia Wilde's polished street style comprises of a tailored white and grey ombré print BCBG blazer, worn over an ALC camisole and black trousers with Vince Camuto ankle boots.
Gwen Stefani rocks a pair of burgundy Doc Martin boots along with her very eye-catching black and white block Batik-Twill trench coat by Kelly Wearstler.

Who's your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

P.S. I am off for the long weekend, I will catch up with you as soon as I get back.
In the meantime, you can view the collections in Part One of Paris Fashion Week.

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2013 - Part 1

Paris Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part One

We've left the bright shades back in London and Milan, as we enter the final fashion week of the season, in Paris. Click the image to zoom in.

Manish Arora
The eastern influence in Manish Arora's Spring 2013 collection made a strong case in a vase of macaroon shades. Pistachio, rose, menthe, raspberry & lavender sheer tights under kurta tops, punjabi-style dresses, nehru coats & harem pants, all ornamented by lavish headpieces.

Balenciaga
Literally putting the 'edge' in boxy silhouettes, Balenciaga displayed squarish cropped tops and sharp-cornered skirts in eggshell blue, black, caramel and lemon wedge. Balancing out the angular cut jackets and suits were cascading ruffled skirts and leaf-motif cocktail dresses.

Roland Mouret
The eighties influenced Roland Mouret's SS13 offering with 'power dressing' as the policy line. Blinding orange, plum and fern green coloured up the black, white, cream and gold palette. Skillful origami folding on duo-tone dresses, cut-out shirt collars, molten leather, the overstated shoulder and complex draped peplums formulated this ultra chic collection.

Balmain
The exaggerated 90's shoulder pad and high-waisted tapered pants make a comeback with Balmain's Spring 2013 range. Olivier Rousteing made optimal usage of strong, bold shapes in black and white diamond print, basket weaves, silver crystal beading, denim and leather. 

Dries van Noten
Grunge and plaid are glamorized in the most sophisticated sense by Dries van Noten for Spring 13. The imaginative designer artfully mixes sheer chiffon checks with textured florals, ruffled organza & crepe de chine suits with a hint of metallic. Luxe dressing gowns, peplum tops, shorts & slip dresses were seen in a sweep of navy, maroon, turquoise, peach and mint.

Nina Ricci
Vampish romance set the tone at Nina Ricci with a slew of sexy navy, aqua, pink and blush satin & chiffon slip dresses, which are enhanced by metallic silk fringing & polka netted tulle.

Ann Demuelemeester

Ann exhibited the power of poetry in motion with long, leisurely shapes that floated across the runway - not in a flimsy feminine manner, but instead with the statue of a warrior woman. Violet, black and ivory silk gowns clasped by leather harness belts made a strong statement, with fluttering chiffon wings trailing behind them.

Carven
A burgundy, beige and blue parade of neatly cut-out safari coats and collared frocks set the Carven showing off to an eminent start, followed by quirky outdoor prints, cropped sweaters, flaired skirts, and a host of orange-soaked looks, all in leather, linen and laser-cut lace. 

Lanvin
Inadvertent sexiness at Lanvin was demonstrated by deconstructing classic silhouettes, asymmetric tailoring, strong-shouldered suits, metallic mosaic jumpsuits and numerous takes on the little black dress. An eye-catching set of satin shift dresses in jewel tones closed Alber Elbaz's dynamic 10th anniversary show.

Who has impressed you most in Part One of Paris Fashion Week?

Friday Frills

The adventure of life is to learn. 

The purpose of life is to grow. 

The nature of life is to change. 

The challenge of life is to overcome. 

The essence of life is to care. 

The opportunity of life is to serve. 

The secret of life is to dare. 

The spice of life is to befriend. 

The beauty of life is to give. 

The joy of life is to love.

Quote by W. A. Ward. Image via Tumblr

Who Wore Dolce & Gabbana Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Dolce & Gabbana Dress
Fall 2012-2013

It's not often when we get to see the same designer dress being worn out in spectacular style during the same month, but we're in for a treat this September. Actresses Selena Gomez and Michelle Hicks may have 19 years between them, but both ladies compete equivalently well in this Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012/2013 dress.

Former model and TV actress Michele Hicks wore the black lace pencil dress with elaborate gold curlicue embroidery to the Metropolitan Opera Opening event, held in New York last night, 25th September. The 39-year-old brunette paired the slim-fitting dress with an Alexander McQueen knucklebox clutch and metallic gold T-bar pumps. Michele had her hair pulled up in a voluminous bun and wore ruby red rouge.
'Springbreakers' star Selena Gomez stunned in the same scallop-hemmed, long-sleeved lace dress earlier this month, at the Venice Film Festival on 5 September 2012. The 20-year-old actress wore her hair in a loose upstyle with natural make-up and put on a pair of strappy Jimmy Choo 'Lance' heels with double ankle-buckle. 

As for 'Who Wore It Better', the romantic baroque frock proves to be age-appropriate and elegant on both ladies. I think Selena's skin tone and styling works better with the dress, but I do like Michele's McQueen clutch. What are your thoughts?

Keira Knightley - A Very Vogue Editorial

Cover Girl Keira Knightley
Vogue US October 2012

The exquisite Keira Knightley is regaining her momentum in the movie industry, and with the release of 'Anna Karenina', she garnered herself some attention with the folks at Vogue Magazine. Lensed by Mario Testino for the October 2012 issue, Keira is imperial in Fall couture gowns by high-end design houses like Chanel and Dior.

Keira graces the cover in an ivory lace gown by Chanel Couture, with a pair of metallic silver fingerless gloves.

An adaption on what we deem to be traditional 'evening wear' - Keira wears a blue and rose pink floral embroidered peplum top, paired with cigarette pants

This demure midnight blue long-sleeved silk brocade gown is by Valentino. I much prefer it in the editorial, styled with a netted feather fascinator. 

Keira strikes a pose dressed in a red Valentino coat dress, accented by a metal belt and matching metallic pumps.

Keira is dressed in a dark blue velvet column gown with embellished neckline by Armani Privé, which signifies classic glamour.

Keira is also captured wearing a few of the elaborate costumes from the set of 'Anna Karenina', designed by Jacqueline Durran.

Perhaps one of the most ostentatious looks in the Fall 2012 season, Keira wears a colossal silk tulle ballgown by Chanel, which is enshrouded with almost 5000 feathers!

What do you think of Keira's runway-to-editorial outfits in this issue of Vogue?


*All images via Vogue.com

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 - Part 2

Milan Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part Two

The second chapter in my Milan Fashion Week coverage. If you missed Part One, snap this. Click to enlarge the images.

Aquilano.Rimondi
The thrill of the carnival saturated the stage of Aquilando e Rimondi, where circus shades prevailed in electric blue, teal green, yellow, red and purple. Graphic geometrics were imprinted upon psychedelic jacquard dresses with layered peplums and balloon skirts. Checks, stripes & diamond patterns were all swirled into this vivid display of theatrics.

Luisa Beccaria
There are no better words to describe Luisa Beccaria's SS13 collection than utterly girly and supremely pretty. A Seventies Brazilian seaside affair was translated by the saccharine pink, blue, lilac and and white palette in floral curtain prints and an abundance of ruffles. The darling dresses were clinched in the waist by pink bow belts and styled with turbans.

Roberto Cavalli
Cavalli presented an alluring range of black and white streamlined ensembles, spiced with a splash of lime, acid yellow and orange. Sexy slip dresses, chicly tailored tuxedo coats and languid pajama suits in artsy prints were seen alongside slashed trousers and sheer beaded evening gowns with brazen bodice cut-outs.

Dolce & Gabbana
Sicilian street scenes in radiant shades coloured in the catwalk of Dolce & Gabbana. Blue, red, oranges & greens mingled together in bright beach striped & puppet-print dresses. Raffia made an unexpected appearance, woven into mini frocks, corsets and circles skirts. A scattering of jewels, brassiere tops and basket bags completed the very kitschy-cool collection.

Salvatore Ferragamo
Ferragamo's Spring range was a transition between seasons, equipped with a heavier dose of leather, over-the knee equestrian-type boots & strapping trench coats. The sharply cut riding jackets and well-tailored trousers were stippled with gold sequined skirts, vests and dresses.

Marni
Making voluminous waves with a play on proportions, Marni proffered contrast-coloured blocks and floral, frilled peplums, flaired leather tunics and knee-length skirts - all in the custom clean-cut and oversized silhouettes. The palette of red, khaki, forest green, mint and coral was anchored by midnight blue and the purest white.

Jil Sander

A monochromatic palette of burgundy, navy, black and white emphasized the pristinely cut shapes at Jil Sander's SS13 collection. Curvature and crisp elliptic lines were prominent with long-length coats, duo-tone dresses, tailored gilets, bell-shaped tops, metallic belted A-line skirts and slim-fit trousers. Modernity with a gracious elegance.

Emilio Pucci
For Spring 2013, Pucci drifts across Asian seas with dragon print dresses, quilted kimono jackets and mandarin collars. There was a lightness in the white-shaded silhouettes - diaphanous sequin-specked blouses, see-through chiffon paneled pants and sheer overlays on halter-neck evening gowns. Peter Dundas also threw a few bomber jackets and slouchy pajama suits into the oriental-inspired ring.

Which collection has had the most impact from the part two of Milan Fashion Week?

Divas and Darlings - Emmy Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
Emmy Awards 2012

All the glitz and glamour from last night's Emmy Awards.

Tangerine Temptation

Padma Lakshmi sets the red carpet on fire in a strapless Monique Lhuillier gown with full tulle trumpet skirt. Ginnifer Goodwin also opts for the glamour of Monique Lhuillier in a stunning floral appliqué embroidered ivory and orange gown with high-low hemline. Lindsay Pulsipher glows in a pleated poppy orange Bibhu Mohapatra gown with braided hairstyle.

Blue Waves

Hayden Panettiere is the first to wear an eastern inspired tulle-wrapped gown from Marchesa's SS13 collection. Sofia Vergara dazzles in a fully beaded teal mermaid gown by Zuhair Murad. Maria Menounos in a strapless denim blue frock by Oliver Tolentino. Sarah Paulson picked out an enchanting twilight blue embroidered gown by Reem Acra.

Gardenia Gowns

Ariel Winter is sweetly appealing in a printed sequin Katherine Kidd halter-neck gown with asymmetrical hem. Julianna Margulies in a beautiful botanical couture creation by Giambattista Valli. Elisabeth Moss also wears the high-low hemline trend in a black and green floral ruffled frock by Dolce & Gabbana.

Berry Haute

Kelly Osbourne matches her hair to her dress, in an artfully draped one-shouldered Zac Posen dress. Ashley Judd ties up her style in a raspberry Carolina Herrera gown. Tina Fey's aubergine gown with embellished bustier is by Vivienne Westwood. Jena Malone goes Grecian in a bordeaux pleated J.Mendel gown with high slit. Julia Louis Dreyfus strikes a pose in a wine red Vera Wang gown with sheer halter neckline.

Shades of Grey

Christina Hendricks is dressed in an icy grey Christian Siriano gown with belted waist. Sarah Hyland's modern princess look in pearl grey is by Marchesa. Kate Mara looks engaging in a metallic embroidered lace gown by Badgley Mischka. Lucy Liu reflects her sparkling style in glossy silver Versace chainmail gown. Emily VanCamp exhibits grace in a dove grey tulle J.Mendel gown with sheer yoke. Morena Baccarin caught stares in this alluring smokey grey Basil Soda gown with gravity-defying plunge-neck.

Black & White Glamour

Giuliana Rancic took to the red carpet in sculpted Romona Keveza gown with  side split. January Jones stunned in an imaginative architectural tulle gown by Zac Posen. Jessica Pare was a picture of elegance in a white one-shouldered Jason Wu dress. Emilia Clarke defied the standards and stepped out in a purple embroidered Chanel gown with shorter inner skirt.

Seafoam Splendor

Heidi Klum showed off her enviably long legs in a provocative mint Alexandre Vauthier gown with low-neck and thigh-baring slit. Julianna Hough was captivating in an aquamarine beaded bustier gown with velvet paillette covered skirt, by Georges Hobeika. Nicole Kidman looked polished in a shimmery turquoise embellished column gown by Antonio Berardi. Zooey Deschanel played princess in a frothy sky blue Reem Acra gown with airy tulle tiered skirt.

Jewel Tones

Allison Williams looked exquisite in an emerald green silk faille Oscar de la Renta gown with sculptural peplum bodice. Kat Dennings was ravishing in a ruby red draped J.Mendel dress with low-sweetheart strapless neck. Jane Levy is poised in a cap-sleeved sapphire blue Pamela Roland gown. Melissa Rauch joins in one of the biggest trends of the evening - the one shouldered gown, hers in vivid green by Oliver Tolentino. Cat Deeley is engineered in an ornately folded scarlet gown by Tadashi Shoji.

It was All Yellow...

Juilanne Moore stole the spotlight in a demure shaped but alarmingly shaded chartreuse gown by Dior. Aussie presenter Renee Bargh was pretty in a canary yellow bustier gown. Hannah Simone dons a buttercup one-strap dress by Emilio Pucci. Kaley Cuoco picked out a sunflower Angel Sanchez gown with uneven draped peplum. Claire Danes opted for sophisticated simplicity in a draped Lanvin dress. Julie Bowen electrified the red carpet in an acid yellow gown with folded fishtail skirt by Monique Lhuillier.

Who is your best dressed at the 2012 Emmy Awards?

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 - Part 1

Milan Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part One

An overview of the most noteworthy collections at Milan Fashion Week thus far.

Alberta Ferretti

Waves of maritime shades washed over the catwalk of Alberta Ferretti with iridescent coral reef encrusted cocktail dresses, shiny pools of lamé, seascaped lace and tulle evening gowns and floaty chiffon shifts worn over cropped satin pants. 

Gucci

Gucci brings us a rainbow of sophisticated ensembles, with a focus on oversized ruffles, which were tacked onto sleeves, collars, shoulders and cuffs. There was a prominence in streamlined column gowns, colourful feather prints, keyhole cut-outs and slick pantsuits.

Ermanno Scervino

Ermanno Scervino sets forth a bohemian themed Spring collection in a vibrant oranges and lemons palette. The range focuses on fringed suede, decorative cut-work, halter neck dresses, feathered trims and slinky jersey gowns.

Prada

Miuccia propels a set of chic and innovative looks, skillfully folded to resemble exotic origami creations. Chalky flower motifs weaved its way through the entire range; scribbled upon satin kimono style dresses, geisha gowns, collarless coats, and panel-stitched pencil dresses. Colours included forest green, blush pink, mint, red, black and white. The Japanese theme was further instilled by the leather-bound and ribboned Geta footwear.

Etro

An Oriental theme blossomed at Etro, with beautifully hand-painted paisleys, butterflies and floral prints. A polychromatic garden of colours covered caftans and kimonos, leather belted judo jackets, elegant evening dresses, and bodices arranged to appear as flower petals.

Blumarine

A hazy dream of lavender fields, soothing blue seas and teatime macaroons - Blumarine's Spring 2013 collection enters into a fairy land filled with willowy chiffon and tulle embroidered gowns, ombré dip-dyed ruffled skirts, floral beaded dresses and the lacquer of draped lamé.

Giorgio Armani

The crisp early morning skies that graduate into dark starry nights, Armani takes us on an cosmic tour of the style atmosphere for Spring 2013. Every shade from dawn to dusk was represented - heavenly light blues, cloudy grays, shimmery silver and twilight. Layering, as always, was key with sleek coats and loose tunic tops worn over airy organza skirts and straight-fit trousers. Glimmer came in the form of sporadic starburst beading and galactic prints on elegant silk evening gowns and sophisticated pajama suits.

Fendi

An intermingling of luxe fabrics like leather and fur, along with strong, bold shapes and you have Fendi's futuristic vision for Spring 2013. The urbane colour palette included pale blue, grey, cream, taupe, teal, yellow and peach caramel with a sprinkling of sliver and gold sequins. There was an emphasis on sturdy shoulders, multi-panelled shirt dresses, cropped coats and a unique explosion print. Utilitarian takes a geometric turn.

Versace

Donatella Versace painted a vivid picture of orange sunsets, sandstone slopes and deep blue skies over the desert for Spring 2013. Tie-dye, lace inserts and metallic fringing adorned the set of slashed silk slip dresses, glamourous gowns and sassy mini dresses.

Which collection has impressed you the most thus far at Milan Fashion Week?

Looks of the Week - 22/09/12

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

The Style Icons

Alexa Chung sparks on a military-sports trend in this paneled button-front dress by JW Anderson dress, combining army green, black, white and navy. A pair of cool black Oxfords finish off her look.
Emma Stone emphasized her ultra chic style in a forest green flecked jumpsuit by Calvin Klein, along with matching suede peep toe pumps.
Olivia Palermo is a maven at putting together the most effortlessly stylish outfits. Here she wears an emerald green Reiss blazer over a gray long sleeved Espirit top with golden yellow skinny jeans by Hudson. She carries a Reiss bag and wears heels by Valentino.
Diane Kruger looked modish in a buttercup yellow Calvin Klein dress with cutout bodice and bandeau top. Her T-strap 'Kiara' sandals are also by Calvin Klein.

Frock and Roll

Holland Roden went goth-girly-glam in this black tulle Maria Lucia Hohan frock with frilled shoulders and an illusion V-neckline. Holland added a rock edge with studded ankle boots, a red clutch and red lips to match.
Cat Deeley charmed in a cherry red Tadashi Shoji dress with lace bodice and tier-frilled skirt, with ribbon trims. She poses in a printed pair of Christian Louboutin sandals.
Stacy Keibler looked stunning in a white Marchesa cocktail dress with embellished neckline and feathered sleeves. A pair of sparkly Louboutin pumps and a bejeweled Marchesa clutch complete her look.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead puts herself on the fashion map in this demure teal silk Oscar de la Renta dress, prettily embroidered with pearl and glass beads. Her strappy metallic sandals are by Giambattista Valli.

Printed Out

Poppy Delevingne impressed as a London Fashion Week ambassador, pictured here in a chic cream trench coat, worn over a floral asymmetrical hem dress. She accessorized with a cute Anya Hindmarch apple clutch and black D-Squared boots.
Kim Kardashian in a lustworthy floral biker jacket by Balmain, along with skinny leather pants, a black tee and Gianvito Rossi pumps.
Christa B Allen showed off her vivacious style in multi-tonal sequined top by Max Mara, worn with leather shorts by Rebecca Minkoff. Christa brightened up her look with a pair of neon pink Casadei pumps and carried a metallic YSL clutch.
Hailee Steinfeld dons a quirky sunglasses-print top with a jazzy abstract print skirt by Mary Katrantzou. A pair of Brian Atwood sandals and a punchy yellow Rebecca Minkoff clutch round off her fun look.


Alma Awards Update

Bella Thorne blended into the red carpet in an elegant ruby strapless gown with ruffled sweetheart neckline, which is by Indian born designer Bibhu Mohapatra.
Eva Longoria played hostess at the Alma Awards in a gorgeous black Monique Lhuillier gown with sheer beaded neckline, a leather waistband and high slit. Her heels are by Tom Ford.
Zoe Saldana exuded glamour in a pleated dusty rose Gucci gown with bejeweled belt.
Dania Ramirez drew attention by the glorious green shade of her billowy chiffon gown, which features spaghetti straps and an empire waist.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?