Who Wore It Better - Valentino 2014 Edition

Who Wore Valentino Better?
2014 Collections

Valentino is always a favored red carpet choice by socialites and celebrities, as their range of beautiful gowns are impossible to look bad in. On this edition of 'Who Wore It Better', 3 different Valentino dresses are put on display by international stars, each providing their own unique spin.

Round 1

1. Fashion queen Anna Dello Russo was pictured last week wearing this popular butterfly printed gown from Valentino's Pre-Fall 2014 collection. Surprisingly demure, Anna carried a maroon fringed Valentino bag with her outfit.
2. Saoirse Ronan was the first to wear this black, yellow and blue butterfly tulle frock in March this year, with sleeves that are delicately feathered in a rainbow of colours.
3. Italian actress Matilde Gioli picked this pretty black butterfly embroidered gown for an event in June 2014. She charmingly wore her hair in a side braid.
4. This flutter-filled gown featured as part of Valentino's Pre-Fall 2014 range.

The Verdict: I am impressed at how toned-down Anna is in this beguiling gown, but my vote goes to Saoirse. The dress has a youthful feel to it and her 20-year-old self portrays that wonderfully.


Round 2

1. Blake Lively took a stylish stride in New York during May 2014 wearing a violet hued flower and butterfly embossed Valentino coat dress. The blonde actress added printed Christian Louboutin ankle boots to her chic outfit.
2. Shailene Woodley wore the same butterfly jacquard print in a slightly different silhouette, also in May this year. The 22-year-old vivified her look with neon pink Kurt Geiger heels.
3. Miroslava Duma was pictured this July wearing the green-toned version of this Valentino Fall 2014 coat dress with glazed floral print. Mira wears black ankle-strap sandals with her look.
4. US Model Lexi Boling struts the Valentino runway in this butterfly and flower patterned coat with lacquered sheen.

The Verdict: Between the exceptional poise of Blake and the fashion savviness of Miroslava, I find it difficult to choose between the two. Both wore it splendidly. 


Round 3

1. Asian beauty Lulu Tan attended the Valentino Couture show last week in Paris, elegantly decked in this exquisite white tulle gown with transparent criss-cross bodice.
2. Katy Perry was the first to wear this Valentino Spring 2014 Couture gown back in January, making a memorable appearance at the Grammy Awards. The fluttery white tulle gown with sheer neckline and skirt was an apt pick for the event, seeing that it was decorated by musical notes.
3.  Dutch model Maartje Verhoef looked graceful on the Valentino Spring 2014 Couture runway in this white gossamer gown.

The Verdict: My vote goes to Lulu, her dainty frame enhances the fairytale appeal of this ethereal gown. I also liked it worn on the runway.

What are your Verdicts on these Valentino Dresses?

RED Valentino Spring/Summer 2014

Retaining the timeless and elegant essence of Valentino, RED Valentino captures the beauty and grace of a more youthful and contemporary audience. RED Valentino dresses the 21st-century girl who lives out her daydreams in enchanting feminine ensembles, allowing her individuality and confidence to shine through. 

This Spring, RED Valentino treats us to a visual delight of romantic dresses in floral brocades, lime embroidered macramé, sweet pea printed georgettes, rose pink silks and mint faille. Mini peplum frocks are prettily layered over ankle cropped trousers. Fairytale forests illustrate Set 5, with tiny bow-decked t-shirts and dainty tulle ballerina skirts. 

Emanating from saccharine daytime pastels, the collection takes a midnight dip into dusky dark blues in Set 7. The ladylike silhouettes are delicately built upon flaired A-line skirts and endearing cropped cardigans that can be transitioned through seasons. Monochromes are mixed and matched in Set 8. This modern day fairytale is given a vampish chapter in slick leather and a few all black looks that have been beautifully texturized by lace ribboned-ruffles. Tiara headbands and metallic ballet bow flats embellish this picturesque collection.

This is the beguiling Spring/Summer 2014 range from RED Valentino.

Set 1

Set 2

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

Set 7

Set 8

Set 9

RED Valentino verifies that you can have your head in the clouds, with your feet still on the ground. Which of these sets catch your fancy?


*All images found via www.redvalentino.com

Who Wore Valentino Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Valentino Fall/Winter 2013-14
Ivory Embroidered Dress

This Valentino FW13 dress has worked its way from an LA awards show to an NYC movie premiere and all the way to Europe for a chic casual outing. Featuring an embroidered wool bodice and bell-shaped skirt, high neck with mesh inset and cuffed tulle sleeves, this exquisite dress will go down as a classic in Valentino's hall of fame.

Retailing for a whopping $13 000 (yes 3 zeros), this Valentino dress has been a popular pick amongst the young and stylish...

 

1. Girls actress Allison Williams looked elegant at the MTV Awards in the ivory embroidered mini dress, choosing to wear her hair up and pairing it with metallic Christian Louboutin shoes.
2. British model Atlanta de Cadenet was spotted styling up the streets of Paris in the cream embroidered dress, selecting to keep on the scalloped neck collar as seen on the runway. Atlanta carried a see-through clutch and vivified her look with red lips & strappy shoes.
3. Victoria's Secret model Lily Aldridge was an image of grace pictured in the same romantic wool/silk dress at a movie premiere in New York City. Lily had her hair in loose waves with a red hot lip and embroidered ruby heels to accessorize.
4. On the Valentino Fall/Winter 2013-14 runway, US model Juliana Schurig presented the richly embroidered dress with the scalloped bib attached. The scholastic silhouette was accented by a side braid and black headband, along with gloved T-bar block heels.

As for 'Who Wore It Better', I think it would be impossible for anyone to look bad in this tasteful dress. My vote goes to Lily, because she wears it so effortlessly (and she's one of my favourite models). But kudos to Atlanta for wearing this look out casually whilst the others saved it for the red carpet. Do you prefer this dress with or without the scalloped collar?

Who do you think wore this Valentino dress better?

*Next post on Wednesday.

Who Wore Valentino Better?

Who Wore It Better?
Valentino Pre-Fall 2012 Jumpsuit

Continuing in the spirit of Valentino this week, this fashion face-off features a crimson red jumpsuit from the label's Pre-Fall 2012 collection. Spotted on several different celebrities and in magazine editorials, this ultra sexy jumpsuit isn't the easiest look to pull off. Lets weigh the options and decide on who did it justice.

*Bridesmaids actress Kristen Wigg was the first to don the scarlet suit with folded corsage detail, in early February this year. The comedienne went all red with Sergio Rossi ChiChi pumps and carried a metallic Kotur box clutch.

*Next in line, we see Jennifer Williams (of the Basketball Wives TV series) wear the same strapless suit in May 2012. The reality actress accessorized with a multi-strand Chanel pearl necklace and cream strappy heels by Christian Louboutin. The jumpsuit seems a size too big.

*Jada Pinkett Smith stepped out in June wearing the altered, cropped version of the Valentino jumpsuit, giving it an entirely different appeal. She paired her sassy shorts set with black ankle strap sandals by Jimmy Choo.

*For Vanity Fair's July 2012 issue, Elvis' granddaughter Riley Keough was given retro styling in the fiery red suit, along with matching studded 'Pigalle' pumps by Christian Louboutin. 

*Finally, we see newcomer Rebecca Dayan take the jumpsuit out for a spin just last week on 1st August. The French actress kept her look slick and edgy with studded T-strap pumps and a studded leather clutch bag, both by Valentino.

The jumpsuit as it was presented in Valentino's Pre-Fall 2012 collection, 

worn by Polish model Zuzanna Bijoch.

Who Wore It Better? I preferred the styling on Riley Keough in Vanity Fair Magazine, those spiked Pigalle pumps gave it that extra oomph. But credit to Jada Pinkett Smith, at 40 for bravely pulling off that shortened version. What are your thoughts?

Resort Romance by Valentino 2013

Andy Warhol Inspired Pop Art + Retro 60's + Ladylike Lace pretty much sums up Valentino's buoyant and optimistic Resort collection for 2013. A floral confection of sundae shade dresses sets this decadent range into motion, followed by a zesty serving of lime green designs. The peplum makes an appearance once again, featuring sheer yokes and sleeves, chicly paired with slim-fit trousers. The romance of vintage guipure lace is given a modern update in sunshine yellow, rich emerald green, ruby red and snow white.

Pastel print A-line dresses are nipped in the waist, and feminine tulle maxi gowns are delicately embroidered with garden-specked beadwork and tiny floral appliqués. Moving on from sprightly daywear, the collection takes a darker turn with a set of coal-black pants suits and skirts, and demure gowns in duotone animal print and optical alluring stripes.

The kitten heel re-emerges in 2013, and is a constant feature throughout, clasped by metallic ankle straps. Vibrant hand-held leather clutches duly compliment each look; these are sure to be on the wish-list of Valentino fans everywhere. Vivid splashes of fuchsia make an eye-catching end to this exquisite Pre-Spring collection.  

My favourite looks from this collection have to be the floral pop art evening gown (set one), the black leather lace and tulle gown (set six) and the striking hot pink animal print maxi dress above. Which are yours?

*Images via Style.com

Divas and Darlings - Baftas 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
British Academy Film Awards 2012

The Baftas were held in a freezing Covent Garden earlier this evening, where some starlets braved the cold and donned skimpy evening gowns. Here are the red carpet highlights. Stay tuned for all the fashion from The Grammys, which is yet to be held. It still baffles me why the British equivalent of the Oscars and Music's Biggest Night have been scheduled on the same date. 


My Favourite Frocks

Holliday Grainger looked ethereal in soft shimmery gold Valentino gown with organza belt and tulle skirt. Fearne Cotton may have been a red carpet presenter, but she outstyled many of the celebrities she interviewed. Fearne was gorgeous in a long-sleeved coral Moschino gown, with black bow belt and bejeweled high-neck collar. Shailene Woodley is forgiven for the casual top-knot bun, as her beautiful pale Dolce & Gabbana gown, which is scattered with floral appliqués, fully makes up for it.

Column Gowns

A trendy topic on the red carpet were column gowns. Tilda Swinton was simply chic in a white two-piece Celine ensemble, trademark hairdo intact. Michelle Williams defied style critics by wearing a custom-made monochrome H&M gown, along with scarlet red lipstick and book-shaped clutch. Bridesmaids' Kristen Wiig chose a strapless silky white Alberta Ferretti gown. Penelope Cruz was elegant in a wine red Armani Privé gown with sculpted bodice. Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe also opted for white, in a side-studded round-neck gown.

Coloured In

Naomi Harris brought an optimistic shade of yellow to the event, in a billowy Emilio Pucci gown with cut-outs on the bodice and sleeves. Model Laura Bailey took a risk in a multicoloured abstract print dress with crystal beadwork and red heels. Nominee Viola Davis wore a bright pink one-sholudered and eco-friendly Valentino dress. Captain America actress Hayley Atwell went for a ho-hum cream and blue colour-blocked dress.

Long-Sleeved

Melissa George stunned in a lacquered black long-sleeved Victoria Beckham gown. Nominee Berenice Bejo looked a tad bit dowdy compared to her previous red carpet appearances. The Artist actress wore a two-toned Alaia ensemble under a black fur coat. Harry Potter actress Bonnie Wright was cute in a vintage knee-length navy and white Prada dress, paired with black tights and bright peep-toe heels. Jessica Brown-Findlay kept warm in a long-sleeved black belted Alessandra Rich gown.

Gilded Gowns

Another big trend of the evening were gold shaded gowns. Christina Ricci arrived in a gleaming bronze Givenchy wrap dress with high slit. British actress Emilia Fox was darling in a gold Luisa Beccaria gown with tiered skirt. Gillian Anderson wore a strapless textured gown by Sybill Connolly/Vintage William. Jessica Chastain adopted a Grecian goddess look, in a pleated molten gold Oscar de la Renta dress with plunge-neck and criss-cross bodice.

Who Wore It Better - Awards Show Edition

Celebrities should know by now that Awards Season is the one time of year when they will be photographed the most and in the public eye. So wearing the same outfit as any other starlet during this short space of time should be carefully avoided. But on occasions when they don't, we have posts like these. 

Who Wore Nina Ricci Better?

Left: British beauty Keira Knightley wore this black taffeta and lace Nina Ricci dress to the 'National Board of Review Awards' in New York on 10 January 2012. The dress has a sheer lace paneled bodice with ruched sides. Keira paired it with black tights, black Roger Vivier heels and a quilted black Chanel bag. She kept her hair in waves and wore a reddish lip colour and bright red nails.
Right: Tamara Mowry (from 90's sitcom Sister Sister) wore the dress just a day after Keira at the 'People's Choice Awards' on 11 January. She teamed the flirty black Resort 2012 dress with multi-strap black shoes. Tamara had her hair pulled back and wore large pearl earrings.

My Verdict: I prefer this dress on petite-framed Keira, and because she wore it with matching tights and heels, it gives the look more of a solidity.

Who Wore Paul Ka Better?

Left: Beth Behrs (from the sitcom Two Broke Girls) wore a Paul Ka dress to the 'HBO Golden Globes After Party' on Sunday, 15 January. Her pale shell pink mini has an asymmetrical frill down the bodice. She paired it with gold Giuseppe Zanotti peep toe heels, a sparkly gold clutch and soaring beehive hairdo.
Right: Selena Gomez was the first to wear the dainty dress, last year already at the 2011 'People's Choice Awards' on 5 January 2011. I'm presuming that Beth didn't watch the show. Selena looked pretty pairing it with nude heels by Giuseppe Zanotti, incidentally, and a black clutch. She had her to the side in cascading waves.

My Verdict: Selena 100%. Beth's space-age hair ruined it for me. I liked how Selena's hair mirrored the frill on her dress.

Who Wore Valentino Better?

Left: We just saw Stana Katic at the 'People's Choice Awards' last week (11 January) in a slinky black V-neck Valentino gown. The Castle actress looked stunning in this figure-fitting dress with gathered front and sported side-swept waves.
Right: Ali Larter wore the white version of the dress 3 days later at the 'Art of Elysium Heaven' event in Hollywood. She added turquoise earrings and wore a sleek straight bob.

My Verdict: Although the knotted front detail was more visible on the white gown, I have to go with Stana, simply because the dress fit her impeccably well.


I would love to hear your verdicts:

1. Keira or Tamara?
2. Beth or Selena?
3. Stana or Ali?

Divas and Darlings - Critics Choice Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
Critics Choice Movie Awards 2012

Its back to back awards shows this week, with the Critics Choice Movie Awards that took place last night in LA. There was a mix of styles with both short and longer length gowns. Nothing groundbreaking, but worth a look at. 

Cropped Frocks

Kirsten Dunst was engaging in a feminine black silk chiffon Christian Dior dress with sheer frill hem. Black ankle strap heels and a side swept ponytail finished her look. 14-year old Isabelle Fuhrman chose a playful Christian Siriano dress with grey feather fringed skirt. Age appropriate but maybe too funky for this occasion. Chloe Moretz, on the other hand (who is also 14) looked mature in weighty black and grey dress with frilly sleeves, by Chanel. Star of 'The Artist', Berenice Bejo dazzled in this embellished blue number by Elie Saab, paired with gold broad strap Jimmy Choo heels.

 A Ray of Sunshine

If green was yesterday's red carpet colour, then today's is certainly yellow. Diane Kruger was stunning a yellow and grey colour-blocked and pleated Prada dress with halter neck. Her best accessory - a cerise pink pout and Prada clutch. Elizabeth Olsen was a vibrant sight in Pucci, wearing a beautifully beaded yellow mini. I'm let down by her shoes. Elle Fanning disappointed me in this sunflower print Rodarte gown. The term 'shapeless shower curtain' came to mind. Ahna O' Reilly put on a quaint sheer white Honor dress with lemon underskirt. Lilac heels complete her cutesy look.

Colourful

Missi Pyle wore a peach prom style strapless dress, which gives me Deja Vu of the one Demi Lovato wore in the previous post. Emma Stone was striking in green once again, this time in a navy and emerald graphic print gown by Jason Wu. It has key-hole cutouts on the neckline and a belted waist. 'Cougar town's' Busy Phillipps chose a vividly shaded reddish pink wrap gown, by Antonio Berardi.

The Minimalists

Shailene Woodley was dare I say it - dull - in a taupe Calvin Klein column gown. A few interesting accessories would've perked up this look. Jessica Chastain wore a simple rose pink Balenciaga gown with roomy cowel-neck. It needs something, drop earrings, clutch or a bracelet perhaps. These two need some accessorizing tips from Diane Kruger. Stacy Keibler was George Clooney's +1 at the event, where she looked elegant in an understated white gown by Armani. I've never been happier to see a sparkly silver clutch bag.

Classic Beauties

Charlize Theron wowed in an Azzedine Alaia gown. Her black scallop edged gown fell into an elaborately tiered skirt. This is one of my all-time favourite looks on Michelle Williams. Her beautiful Chanel gown features velvet-trimmed sleeves, a black waist band and wrap skirt. Evan Rachel Wood's embroidered black gown is by Valentino. Its an elegant look, but seems to be mismatched with the hairstyle. 

Divas and Darlings - People's Choice Awards 2012

Red Carpet Fashion
People's Choice Awards 2012

Awards Season kicked off in style last night with the 38th Annual People's Choice Awards. Hollywood's favourite TV, movie and music stars came out to play, and strangely, not a Kardashian in sight. I look forward to bringing you the best of the red carpet over the next two months. Lets start with these sizzling looks.


Disney Darlings

Hats off to Demi Lovato for this impressive red carpet makeover. Her strapless peach dress with embellished bodice and bejeweled clutch is by Marchesa. She won the award for Favourite Pop Artist, beating out Beyonce, Lady Gaga & Katy Perry. Miley Cyrus opted for a sexy sophisticated look, wearing an ivory David Koma dress with mesh v-neck and holographic hem detail. Vanessa Hudgens wore a glamourous black and gold embroidered Jenny Packham gown with double halter and knee-high split.

 Green Light

Nina Dobrev looked sensational in an apple green Elie Saab dress with lace sleeves. She paired it with a nude clutch and heels. 'The Vampire Diaries' star won the award for Favourite TV Drama Actress. Comedienne Whitney Cummings glowed in green sequins, wearing an ASOS mini with black belt and heels. Emma Stone walked away with the awards for Favourite Movie Actress and Favorite Comedy Actress. She opted out of a party dress and wore a chic black and green Gucci ensemble instead. Chloe Moretz looked cute in a printed black and green tweed Proenza Schouler dress. The teen star won Favourite Actress Under 25.

Pretty Little Liars

The cast of 'Pretty Little Liars' won the award for Favourite Cable TV Drama. Ashley Benson looked charming in a white dress with frilly black hem and belt by Alice + Olivia. Shay Mitchell chose a black and white print dress by Naeem Khan, along with Jimmy Choo heels. Lucy Hale wore an 'interesting' (that could mean either way) asymmetrical dress with wrap around train by Cengiz Abazoglu. Her pumps are by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Black on Track

Ashley Greene represented DKNY on the carpet, wearing a lace and leather dress with Brian Atwood pumps. Elisha Cuthbert was all dressed up in a Resort 2012 gown by Vawk, with metallic gold bodice and full skirt . Beth Behrs from '2 Broke Girls' was simple in a mini dress with embellished waist by Mandalay. Her red Judith Leiber clutch added some colour. Castle's Stana Katic showed off her figure in a body-skimming, plunge-neck black gown.

Neutrals

Flipped actress 15-year old Madeline Carroll wore a two-tone champagne feathered frock by Jovani. Lea Michele won Favourite TV Comedy Actress for her role in 'Glee'. She was fully fringed in a white Marchesa number with sparkly Jimmy Choo sandals. Julianne Hough shimmered in a Kaufman Franco dress with open back. Jennifer Morrison wore a cream embroidered Oscar de la Renta dress with tasseled hem. Her hair and heels are too austere for this delicate dress.

Bright & Bold

Jennifer Lawrence was futuristic in a blue Viktor & Rolf dress with spiral mesh cut-outs. Ginnifer Goodwin stood out in a hot pink Roksanda Illincic dress with bell sleeves & lacey Jimmy Choo heels. Cobie Smulders stuns in a royal blue corset dress by Reem Acra. A gold collar necklace, leopard print clutch & strappy sandals complete her look. Kristen Bell was sweet in a scarlet dress leather & lace Valentino dress with gold tipped Louboutin pumps.

 The Hostess With The Mostess

The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco played host for the event, displaying some stunning wardrobe changes during the show. I love them all.

Menswear

Are you wondering what designer suits Matt Bomer, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley are wearing? Yup, me neither. Just stare and swoon ladies ;) P.S Thought that this may be interesting after my last post : Did you know that Paul Wesley is Polish?