Look of the Week: Naomie Harris

Whilst the 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' London was a bittersweet affair this week (it showed the same day the former South African president passed away). Despite this, Naomie Harris - who stars as Winnie Mandela in the biopic - still managed to wow crowds in this strapless black Alexander McQueen gown. 

The simplistic nature of the dress was accented perfectly by the embellished peplum which negated the need for accessories and allowed the actress to keep her make up minimum without running the risk of looking too plain. 

Look of the Week: Nicki Minaj

 

I'm the first to admit that Nicki Minaj is one of my least favourite celebrities.  With the exception of Gaga (who can, at least, be called original) the whole crazy, over the top fashion statement that the likes of Minaj, Paloma Faith and even Katy Perry - to an extent - try to put across just doesn't wash with me.  Stop trying to be dramatic, you aren't making a statement, you just look ridiculous.

Anyway, rant aside, this latest look by Minaj literally floored me, I couldn't believe it was her.  Posting to her Instagram account, the 'starships' singer is wearing the stained glass print dress by British brand Alexander McQueen.

Teamed with a new blonde bob, this look is a definite winner!

Brit Awards 2012: Red Carpet

 

Not only is it the biggest night of the year for the British music industry but the Brit awards are probably my personal favorite awards of the year. Not only is it a great night for fashion with the stars swarming the red carpet but we are always guaranteed a truly brilliant bunch of performances, who could forget Plan B's fiery performance last year or the amazing collaboration of Dizzee Rascal and Florence Welsh in 2010.

Whilst I'm not the biggest Florence fan, that applies only to her music.  She tonight showed exactly what a credit she is to the fashion industry yet again wearing a dress from the SS 2012 Mcqueen collection whilst debuting a new, darker hairdo than that we are used to seeing from her.

Fresh from winning 6 Grammy's, Adele won two Brit Awards from her 3 nominations and was looking as flawless as always in her full length black Burberry dress with a sheer overlay and beaded neckline.

It came to no surprise to anyone that Rihanna scooped the Brit for International Female, but we're surprised she managed to make it to the stage at all with her Givenchy gown that reportedly weighs 100 Ib's, which she accessorized with Givenchy full length gloves fresh from the runway.

Lana Del Ray,who won the Brit for International Record, wowed in a floor length, off the shoulder Red Vivienne Westwood number, and whilst I'm not a fan of her highly acclaimed 'video games' I cant deny she looked every inch the star in her gown.  Pixie Lott also opted for full length with her black strapless number which looked fab next to her pale skin and blonde her and was finished off with red lips and a red clutch.

A mention has to go to Ray Winstone who, at 55, managed to do what his daughter still hasn't managed and  looked dapper than any of his younger counterparts tonight in a 3 piece pinstriped suit complete with a watch chain.

Worst dressed of the night? Without a doubt Emma Watson in her short red laced number that, on it's own was a faux pas, but next to Jessie J's similar yet beautiful gown is promised to get her on all the 'sack the stylist' lists for next week.

SAG awards 2012

They may not be the most prestegious of awards, but the Screen Actors Guild Awrds red carpet is a glamour fest none the less.  Whilst nude was the ruling colour at this years Golden Globes, the overall pallete was a lot darker last night with many stars in black gowns, although there was the occasional pop of colour from stars such as  Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli, Michelle Williams in Valentino and Sofia Vergara in Marchesa.

Angelina Jolie led the way for those who decided on LBD's for the night, going back to her darker roots in a flawless black Jenny Packham gown, Emma Stone stepped away from Lanvin for the night and opted for a black Alexander McQueen dress, shoes and clutch whilst Tina Fey looked more stunning than usual in a black vintage Versace dress.

Best dressed of the night? For me it was without a doubt Emily Blunt, doing Britain proud in an absolutely stunning Asymmetric Oscar de la Renta gown with a long side split showing just the perfect amount of her perfect pins.

2011's Fashion Round-Up

2011 has certainly been a positive year for the fashion industry, from the controversy of Galliano's sacking from Dior to Versace's huge launch for H&M.  Here are my highlights of the year.

Style Crush - Chloe Moretz

She may only be 14, but Chloe has literally had me Googling everyone of her outfits this year, from the LBD she wore at the premier of I Am Number Four to the winning velvet top/pencil skirt combo worn at the Paris premiere of Hugo.

Chloe Moretz Style Crush

E-Tailer - My Wardrobe

A hard choice considering other luxury e-tailers such as Net-a-Porter and Matches but My-Wardrobe won me over with their easy navigation, features and more importantly their Christmas room, a handy little section dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift or party dress.

Story of the Year - Diors New Man

After the suspension and consequential sacking of Galliano after his anti-semantic remarks in February of this year, the fashion rumor mill went into overdrive with news of his replacement.  With everyone from Alaia to Alber Elbaz being fingered as the front runner for the job, it appeared that Louis Vuittons' Marc Jacobs was the definite successor after months of negotiations as reported in credible fashion sites such as Vogue and WWD.  We're still waiting for the official announcement but supposedly Jil Sander's Raf Simons is currently in talks with the French fashion giant and is said to be 'hammering out the final details'.

Jil Sander to Dior?

Cover Girl - Rosie Huntington Whiteley

Rosie has without a doubt had her most successful years yet. Not only is she one of Victoria's Secret's 'Angels' but the 24 year old moved in with beau Jason Statham, starred in Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, became the new face of Marks & Spencer's alongside the perfection that is Ryan Reynolds, won the new Burberry Body campaign and starred on the cover of Vogue in the UK and German. That's only to name a few.

Television Advert - Paco Rabbanne One Million

So it's not a female scent, it's not the best male scent, but put together the gorgeousness that is Mat Gordon and the beat of The Chemical Brothers 'Do it again' and your onto something.  It makes me dance every time it comes on!

Ad Campaign - Chanel

Freja Beha Erichsen showed just how worthy she was of Lagerfeld's approval this year with this A/W 2011 ad campaign in which she was styled by Carine Rotfield in these Parisienne shots.


Duo - Dakota and Elle Fanning

We've known Dakota since she starred in 2003's The Cat in the Hat but little sister Elle only became big this year after appearing in Super 8 and appearing at the MTV Movie Awards in the cutest D&G playsuit.  The duo have not only hit headlines in the style stakes but have also caused controversy when Dakota's 'Oh Lola' ad campaign for Marc Jacobs was banned by the ASA as they described it as 'sexualising children'.

Wedding - Breaking Dawn

It was a year for weddings in 2011 with Kate Middleton, Kate Moss, Sophia Coppolla, Lily Allen and Zara Phillips all tying the knot.  The dresses created were, for the most part, off the charts.  My favourite however was without a doubt, a fictional one.  The fourth installment of The Twilight Saga saw two of the story's main characters, Edward and Bella say 'I do' with Carolina Herrera creating the highly anticipated gown.

Brand - Alexander McQueen

Previously known for Lee McQueens misogynistic yet incredible designs, Alexander McQueen has gone from strength to strength this year.  First designing both the wedding and bridesmaid dresses for Kate Middleton, creative director Sarah Burton went on to show case a SS 2012 collection that wowed fans and critics alike with her feminine twist on outfits that undoubtedly had their creators stamp on them.  She also helped officially boost London to the Fashion Capital of the World alongside the Duchess of Cambridge, won an award for Designer of the Year and dress Kate Middleton a few more times.  Have I forgotten anything?  oh yes, the McQueen exhibition : Savage Beauty in New York's Met also broke records after being visited by over 650,000 people, staying open until midnight on it's final weekend and warranting a petition for the exhibition to return to and be showcased in Lee Alexander McQueens hometown, London.

Designer - Christopher Kane

Not only did he put flat shoes back on the map for SS 2012 but the Scottish designer followed in the footsteps of Erdem to win the New Establishment Award and launched a new collaboration with J Brand. He's not only gone and made neon fashionable again, but was also announced to remind Italian designer Donatella Versace of her late brother Gianni after the two worked together on the brands sister line Versus.

The Duchess In McQueen (Again)

Kate Middleton dazzled us again last night in another Alexander McQueen masterpiece.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests alongside Prince Harry for The Suns Military Awards.  Looking back just a few years ago, who would have thought that the misogynistic and highly sexualised brand that was the eponymous label of Lee Alexander McQueen would have proved to put the pair amongst the highest rated in the Fashion Industry.

The gown was a stunning, floor length black velvet strapless gown and accessorized by the duchess with a ruby and diamond necklace and bracelet and simple diamond drop earrings.  Her simple, loosely curled hair finished off the outfit with the elegance and grace that has become synonymous with her growing fashion icon status.

Also in attendance were the Beckham boys, X Factor Winner Little Mix and reality TV star Lydia Rose Bright (in perhaps the worst outfit I've even seen her in).  Quite a guestlist then.

British Fashion Awards: Trend it like Beckham

Victoria Beckham last night made a teary acceptance speech as she was awarded the Best Designer Brand at the annual British Fashion award held at the Savoy Hotel.  The former Spice Girl beat Tom Ford, Stella McCartney and Burberry to win the award.

No one can deny the struggle Posh has faced since turning her hand design, with the stereotype that comes with being a girl band member not to mention 'head WAG' no one deserved the award more than her.  She wore a simple yet elegant black floor length, halter neck gown as she posed for pictures with close friend Marc Jacobs and gratefully thanked her family.

Other guest included Alexander McQueen successor Sarah Burton, who, not to anyone's surprise walked away with the award for Designer of the Year and Alexa Chung who, for the second year in a row, scooped the British Style Award - the only award voted for by the public.

Whilst they didn't win any award, Georgia May Jagger and Amber Le Bon stood out with their stunning detailed dresses in metallic colours which accented their perfect figures.

It may have been one of the most fashionable events of the years, two of arguably the most stylish women in the UK seemed to have sacked their stylists, given that their chosen outfits would have looked more at home on animals than the ladies themselves.

Kate Moss wore a full length fishnet dress, that she teamed with what appeared to be a gorilla fur jacket whilst WAG Abbey Crouch wore a tan suede studded dress that would look more at home on a camel.

Overall a great night for British Fashion, with Elle Magazine even tweeting they were to start a campaign to get VB to show her collections at London Fashion Week.  Lets keep hoping shall we.

See The Winners Here:

Designer Brand: Victoria Beckham

Designer of the Year: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

British Style Award: Alexa Chung

New Establishment Award: Christopher Kane

Emerging Talent Award - R.T.W: Mary Katrantzou

Emerging Talent Award - Menswear: Christopher Raeburn

Emerging Talent Award - Accessories: Tabitha Simmons

Menswear Designer: Kim Jones

Accessories Designer: Charlotte Olympia

Red Carpet Award: Stella McCartney

Model: Stella Tenant

BFC Outstanding Achievment: Paul Smith

Isabela Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Sam Gainsbury 

Steal Her Style: Pippa Middleton

It's the dress that millions of girls all over the world coveted, the dress that catapulted Pippa Middleton into the spotlight, the dress that helped prove just what a worthy successor Sarah Burton was to Alexander McQueen.  Now Pippa Middleton's bridesmaid dress is available to the masses!

The Cowl Neck Silk Crepe Gown is now available on Net-A-Porter for £1995 and has only a few alterations from the original worn by the Duchess of Cambridge's sister, namely the buttons being replaced with a zip.  Sold as part of the online retailers bridal range, it comes with the reccomendation to be worn 'with swept-back hair and drop earrings for a radiant, understated appeal'

Expect lots of Pippa wannabe's at your local weddings then.

Alexander McQueen SS 2012

Lee Alexander McQueen was known the world over for his voyeuristic and misogynistic collections, criticized even.  One thing no one could argue was that his collections weren't just high fashion, they were art. When he died many debated if the fashion house could continue without his extremist designs, then came along Sarah Burton.  The lady who shocked us all by being the designer who made the wedding gown of the Duchess of Cambridge that has bought in an estimated £10 million pounds from visitors tickets has yesterday proven that she was exactly the right person to take over at the helm of this iconic label since the tragic death of it's creator.

This season Sarah Burton has taken this eponymous label and made it her own, whilst keeping to the vision that Lee McQueen had for it, which is no mean feat, yet still making it her own and adding a striking feminine twist.

The show featured a lot of strong tailoring with jackets that prove the influence of the likes of Coco Chanel stand with us still to this day, but were given that edge McQueen was known for with cinched in waists and embellished and powerful shoulders.  To begin with nude skirts were dip dyed into a fabulous gold that was carried onto the next look where the skirts consisted of some fabulous ruffles.  The pink look that came next showed us exposed bras and cut outs that give a sophisticated look that high fashion edge.

We were next shown a fabulous metallic lavender shade on dresses where the ruffles were moved from the hem of the dress up to the waist and along the torso all the while showing of the models gorgeous figures.

The sharp tailoring then moved onto constructed ruffles and chiffon babydoll dresses that you could see the likes of Natalie Portman looking amazing in.

Next we were treated to some longer chiffon gowns that Lee McQueen himself would have struggled to improve.  Sarah Burton showed her sense of creativity was synonymous with the late designers by treating us to a look featuring bondage and sexualism that he was known for.  She swapped the lace headbands that models wore earlier in the show for full on balaclavas that would make even Lady Gaga proud.

We were then taken to creations that had us reminiscing of that eventvul MTV VMA show were Gaga cried whilst paying tribute to McQueen in the aftermath of his death with overly dramatic statement dresses that the masses would struggle to understand but could be described as nothing other than an impetus.

There were even more ruffles that would make an ostrich jealous and high necklines that bought a hint of the 1600's to the collection.

The collection was Sarah Burton's first since her amazing dress was worn by Kate Middleton for the Royal wedding, and she managed to do what I personally think no other designer out there could of done.  She kept the collection close to the creators ideals whilst at the same time making it entirely her own.  I've said a lot of the shows this season were amazing, but that has not been more true than it is now.

Lee McQueen dedicated his life to fashion, he evoked new ideas that were shot down by many but not once did he give up on that vision.  He bought it home that fashion is not just about clothing, but that it is about art and I think anyone will be hard pushed to find a collection as artistic as this.