A Floral Photo Shoot - How to Spend It Magazine

As the season turns colder, florals grow darker in enigmatic abstract prints and intricate embroideries, beautifully showcased in this stunning editorial by How to Spend it Magazine. Summer's most exotic blooms come to life in this captivating spread called ' New Florals', lensed by Damian Foxe in moody tones, featuring models Anushka Stupakoff, Mariah Morrison and Lucy Gascoyne who are styled with smudged blush and pale powdered faces, wrapped up with patterned bandanas. This modern inflorescence displays a fresh way to wear florals.

The trio of models wear graceful silk printed dresses by Temperley London that are painted with pink and purple orchids and elatedly blend in with leopard print.

British model Lucy Gascoyne wears an eye-catching arrow and floral print lace and silk organza slip dress by Christopher Kane.

Anushka Stupakoff wears Erdem's sultry interpretation of Summer florals in a yellow and black embroidered jacket and sheer-leg jumpsuit.

Dries van Noten struck an edgier note on styling florals this season, with cotton blend coats and slinky silk dresses, all outlined in a red and yellow tulip motif.

Oscar de la Renta colours in his ladylike summer frocks with polka dots and pretty blooms.

Shadowed flower shapes are embedded upon linen bandeau tops and pencil skirts in fern green and chocolate brown at Michael Kors.

Dainty minted dresses sketched with leafy greens and pink roses in duchess satin and silk make for a pleasing picture at Antonio Marras.

A tropical bouquet brings vivacity and sparkle to this rainbow-hued Vivienne Westwood Red label silk and sequin draped dress.

The femininity of Nina Ricci is maintained in petite lemon and lilac flower prints that gleam across silk cardigans, skirts and pleated dresses.

Swarovski crystals encrust these spectacular cerise and black Mary Katrantzou looks that awe-inspire with innovative design and a whimsical ruffled bodice dress.

Would you wear any of these boldly floral ensembles?

The Metallic Trend 2014

Trendspotting

Metallics

Spring/Summer 2014

One way of updating your wardrobe this season is with glossy silver and gold metallics that have been all the rage from runways to fashion editorials and red carpet events. This is your guide on Spring/Summer 2014's major metallic trend.

Gold Metallics on the Runway

It all began on the SS14 runways, where we were treated to lacquered gold looks in rich lamés, liquid silk dresses and foiled pleated skirts. Christopher Kane and Blugirl kept it subtle with pale shades, whilst DvF, Altuzarra, Reem Acra, Givenchy and Saint Laurent turned up the volume with high gloss looks that glistened like melted gold metal.

Silver Metallics On the Runway

Designers provided an alternative to gold with polished silver dresses, seen at Altuzarra, Thakoon and Rochas. Roberto Cavalli presented slick metallic leather biker jackets, whilst Christopher Kane went holographic. Rachel Zoe and Zero Maria Cornejo took the pants route with laid back luxe. Proenza Schouler and Versace glimmered on with eye-catching evening gowns.

Celebrities and Silver Metallics

Cate Blanchett (in Prada), Kate Bosworth (in Topshop) and Giovanna Battaglia had a head start in this popular trend, pictured out in gleaming silver leather. On the red carpet, Taylor Swift (wearing Gucci) and Kate Mara (in J.Mendel) were statuesque in fluid silvery gowns.

Celebrities & the Gold Metallic Trend

We recently saw Lea Michele go molten gold in a glazed Altuzarra gown at the Met Gala. Sarah Hyland kept it short and shiny in Sass & Bide. Cate Blanchett (in Givenchy) and Jennifer Lopez (in Lanvin) both experimented with mixed bronze and gold coated outfits. Zendaya tried the metallic trend in a lustrous Gucci pantsuit. 

 Metallics in Editorial

Fashion editors have also been endlessly promoting the metallic trend around the globe. From Top: Beth Edwards in a gold foil ruffled skirt by Dries van Noten for Cosmopolitan France. Marikka Juhler in chainmail Versace for Harper's Bazaar UK. Kate King in a gold lamé look for How to Spend It. Magdalena Frackowiack glows in Givenchy for Vogue China. Anja Rubik is varnished in Altuzarra for Vogue Russia. Joan Smalls dons a gold Givenchy gown in Elle Italia and two glossy Lanvin looks are showcased in Elle Russia.

Get With the Trend

Try out the trend with a few of these well-priced looks which is sure to add a spark to your wardrobe. A glossy metallic dress or skirt can be toned down with a simple t-shirt and black biker jacket. Or start with simpler pieces like gleaming bags, flats and heels.

1. Metallic gold skater dress $34  2. Contessa gold brocade dress $58 Nastygal.com  3. Y.A.S bronze leather biker jacket $210.  4. Eleven Paris faux gold leather skirt $135.  5. Mink Pink silver metallic smock dress $72 6. Gold foil pleated skirt $30. All looks besides 2 are available via Asos.com

Metallic Inspiration

From Top: Gold asymmetrical slip dress $30 and Two-tone crossbody bag $32, both River Island.com. Steve Madden flat gold Mary-Janes $80. Gold wrap skirt $30 from H&M.  Silver shimmer jumpsuit $44, Paisley print silver top $35, Silver faux leather metallic pencil skirt, $49, all three by Dorothy Perkins.com. Two-tone caged metal box bag $60 and gold jeggings $80, both from River Island.com. Watches by Michael Kors. Bottom Row: Gold wedge heels $90, River Island.com. Matt gold embroidered shorts $50 from H&M. White and Metallic heels $110 by Dorothy Perkins. White and Metallic clutch $4o from River Island. Silver flat loafers $35 from NastyGal.com

Will you be trying out the Metallic Trend?

Elie Saab Spring/Summer Couture 2014

Whilst seasons change and trends fade, there's one thing that remains steadfast in world of couture, and that is the euphoric sensation of a collection by Elie Saab. And this season, the celebrated designer does no less than thrill and intoxicate with a range of exquisite gowns, each worthy of their own Oscar.

For his Spring/Summer 2014 Couture presentation, Elie Saab takes us on a romantic journey of tea rose and snow white dresses that are lightly caressed with a beaded flower bed of organza appliqués. Plisse pleated gowns in waves of sashaying chiffon and silk gazar proceed to enrapture our glares, ranging from a lush raspberry to green-tinged gold, lilac and violet. Delicate embroidered lace and tulle contribute to the ethereal grace of the collection. 

Saab knows how to accentuate the beauty of the female form with narrow belted waistlines, side pockets and body-skimming skirts. Astronomically sized ballroom skirts brought on dramatic effect, painted in watercolour florals, dip-dyed in smokey flames and others singed in black. The showstopper finale set many hearts a flutter with a dreamy flower-ornamented wedding dress in imperial ivory.

This is the scintillating Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection by Elie Saab.

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What do you think of Elie Saab's Spring/Summer 2014 Couture Collection?

Harper's Bazaar Cites Spring 2014 Trends

Harper's Bazaar UK
February 2014

The cold season has barely passed and already magazines are showcasing trends for Spring. Harper's Bazaar UK has perceptively selected key looks from top designer collections off the Spring/Summer 2014 catwalks. These are the themes and trends that will navigate what we are going to wear next season.  Top French model Julia Frauche is lensed by Tom Allen in this insightful editorial, entitled 'The Collections'.

Spring is hailed in with a myraid of brights, in this colourfully printed tweed jacket with asymmetrical neckline and matching skirt by Chanel. Julia also wears the same leather and wool sock boots as on the runway.

Julia is pretty in a sheer lavender lace pencil skirt and organza shirt by Burberry Prorsum, superbly teamed with a grey cashmere cardigan, pink rubber heels and a leather clutch.

Bringing a light and airy ambiance to Spring 2014, Chloé presents a white georgette dress with tie-up sleeves.

Already proving to be a popular collection for SS14, the blonde, blue-eyed beauty wears Miu Miu's cream silk printed high-neck dress, styled with a red leather cuff and handbag.

Dior combines a lush orange silk top with a blue pearl textured neck piece & silk petal pink tulip pleated skirt.

Easy glamour is instantly attained with Michael Kor's Spring/Summer 2014 range. Julia is pictured in a khaki linen dress printed in white florals, accessorized with a leather belt and wooden platform sandals.

Prada's quirky and slightly offbeat Spring range is represented with a olive and apple green bikini print dress and blue face-motif skirt. The look is given sporty styling with woolen leg warmers and suede shoes.

Riccardo Tisci took to Africa for inspiration for Givenchy's Spring/Summer 2014 collection, seen in this earthily shaded and upstyled safari look with draped one-shoulder and sequined panels. Flat leather sandals add to the natural essence of this dress.

Saint Laurent glams up menswear for Spring 2014 in this seductive black silk jumpsuit with tuxedo collar and low V-neck. Julia wears a leather belt and silver ankle boots with her look.

We can always rely on Dolce & Gabbana to retain an air of romance and grace for the season. Julia is beautiful in a white almond blossom printed chiffon dress with butterfly sleeves and dainty pink floral appliqués. A crystal headband tops off this charming outfit.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have Tom Ford with this tough caramel leather quilted jacket and skirt.

Julia wears the tribal trend in this sienna and sand printed silk kaftan dress by Donna Karan, complimented with a brown leather belt, studded sandals and chunky leather necklace.

Gucci conveys their regular brand of modern luxury in this sheer black georgette dress with burgundy and gold interwoven panels, chicly worn with a pair of black trousers.

Julia shows us the prettier side of Spring 2014 in Giorgio Armani's carnation pink and mint jacquard cut-out floral swing dress.

The 24-year-old model is decked in a neutral Salvatore Ferragamo palette featuring a cotton bomber jacket, cream jumper and pleated skirt. Buckled leather heels complete this ivory outfit.

Taking a graphic turn for Spring 2014, Ralph Lauren incorporates a dizzying grid print into this monochromatic three-piece wide-legged suit, refined by a floral tie and white shirt.

Colourful graffiti is splashed across Céline's Spring 2014 collection in their playful attempt at womenswear. Julia wears an oversized collared shirt and jazzy silk printed skirt with leather shoes.

Valentino plays a folksong with this forest green lace maxi dress, decorated by a florid tapestry of red and gold. A brass necklace, studded headband and metal cuff polish off this ethnically imperial look.

Which of these Spring/Summer 2014 trends appeal to you most?

P.S. I'm away for a mini-break, chat back to you next week.

Awards Season Evening Gown Wishlist 2014

Before we spring into awards season, I have scoured the fashion week archives to find a few stunning runway looks that I hope we will see on the red carpet.


Coral Crush

  I love the colour coral and how it simply suits all hair shades and skin tones. I have the fun tulle Oscar de la Renta look penned for a pop star and the sleek embroidered J.Mendel gown for Emmy Rossum or Sandra Bullock. The chiffon Badgley Mischka would be stunning on Diane Kruger. The floral ruffled Christian Siriano dress is something Julie Bowen would wear.

White Wonder

Where better to wear white off the aisle than on the red carpet. The three lace embroidered gowns desperately need an Oscar outing. We've already seen Gwen Stefani rock a fully fringed dress last year, so hopefully this snow white tinseled number by Siriano will be on someone's list. Latina beauties Eva Longoria and Eva Mendes always look incredible in white.

Gem Tones

These rich jewel tones will be beautifully received at any movie awards show this season. I love the drama of the ruby Elie Saab, seeing that Taylor Swift, Noomi Rapace and Elizabeth Banks are fans, we may see it on either of them. The emerald green Elie Saab would look fabulous on red heads Amy Adams or Emma Stone. The baroque lace Valentino gown needs a Met Gala visit. Jennifer Lopez would dazzle in either of the Zuhair Murad looks.

Blush Pink

This pretty pastel hue has been trending off the red carpet, so I hope to see it sparkle in the spotlight this season as well. These saccharine girly gowns can be left up to the young starlets like Elle Fanning, Bella Thorne, Ariel Winter and Hailee Steinfeld. Kaley Cuoco, Kate Mara and Kerry Washington have favored this sugary shade in the past as well.

Red Haute

My awards season wishlist will be made if Nina Dobrev picks out that exquisite lingerie inspired red Elie Saab dress. The Alberta Ferretti would suit Hayden Panettiere or Zoe Saldana. Claire Danes and January Jones always look great in red. Sofia Vergara would work the structured Bibhu Mohapatra dress to it's finest angle. The demure Georges Hobeika gown is bound to outshine every other red gown it competes with.

Black Tulle

We have seen so many mundane versions of black dresses on the red carpet, so this is the year to spice it up. Sheer tulle and lace make these ebony dresses all that more alluring. I'd love the see Selena Gomez in something as bold as the Reem Acra ballgown (lined of course). The lace Elie Saab and sheer skirted Tadashi Shoji gown would be outstanding on anyone. Michelle Williams, Vanessa Hudgens or Emma Roberts please wear the frilled BCBG gown.

Brights

I would love to see some vibrant brights light up the red carpet. My picks for these vivid gowns are Jennifer Morrison or Ginnifer Goodwin in the orange Ferretti. Jessica Alba or Ashley Green in the cerise Venexiana. Karlie Kloss or Victoria Beckham in the cobalt DvF. The red Ralph Lauren was made for Allison Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow. Blake Lively or Rihanna would stop traffic in the yellow Nina Ricci. I'd like to see Olivia Wilde or Reese Witherspoon in the chartreuse Jenny Packham.

Vintage Romance

This romantic ivory tulle and lace gowns are usually a favourite with blond Aussie actresses Nicole Kidman, Naomi Harris and Cate Blanchett. Amanda Seyfried & Keira Knightley never seem to shy away from neutrals. I've love to see the Badgley Mischka on Jessica Biel, the cream lace Michael Cinco gown on Jennifer Lawrence and the Armani on Charlize Theron.

Which of these runway dresses would you like to see on the red carpet this season?