Look of the Week: Natalie Portman

 

 

Natalie Portman is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful women on the planet.  Whilst she has remained relatively away from the spotlight of late, her promotional tour for the new Thor movie is proving that she will always remain on of our firm fashion favourites.  Sporting a shorter cut than normal, the mother of one took to the red carpet of the Paris premiere in this stunning Christian Dior number.  No surprise there considering the actress is currently the face of the Miss Dior fragrance.

Look of the Week: Jourdan Dunn

I'm not normally a fan of a plunging neckline, especially one as revealing as this Hugo Boss number, but considering it is model of the moment Jourdan Dunn wearing it, I'm making an exception.  Considering the mum of one was recently cut from Christian Dior's Haute Couture show for having a, shall we say, ample chest, this certainly appeared to be a statement making wardrobe choice.  Successfully mastering the plunging v and thigh high slit was never going to be an easy task, but the 23 year old model manages it, beautifully might we add.

Look of the Week: Olivia Palermo

As you can tell by my lack of features on her, I'm not the biggest fan of Olivia Palermo, despite her status as darling of the fashion world. However even I can't deny the fabulousness of her latest outfit choice.

Attending an award ceremony in Madrid, Palermo opted for this simple yet stunning floor length Dior gown. Worn with a simple up do and smoky eyes, the look definitely gives meaning to the saying 'less is more'.

Darlings of the FROW

Everyone knows that those in the FROW of any fashion show are scrutinised just as much as the clothes on the catwalk.  Couture fashion week may not be as high profile as the RTW fashion weeks that we are all accustomed to seeing all over our twitter feed, but that doesn't make these frow guests any less fabulous and worthy of our attention.

Two of my favourite style icons at the moment have both appeared at the two most substantial fashion houses this week, Jennifer Lawrence and Kristen Stewart at Christian Dior and Chanel respectively, both rocking slightly daring looks compared to their usual red carpet numbers.

Jennifer Lawrence, the current face of Miss Dior, wowed in a full Dior ensemble and nailed two trends at once - baring the midriff and the ever questionable skirt/trouser garment.  Whilst the look might come across as slightly too try hard for many a star, Jennifer's slick hair and basic aviators dressed the ensemble down and made it look (almost) wearable.

Wearing head to toe Chanel, Kristen Stewart showed that you can have alabaster skin and still have perfect pins.  Whilst the leather gloved look isn't one that I will be trying anytime soon (Michael Jackson anyone?), it's something that K Stew, in all her grunge glory, actually manages to pull off whilst paying homage to Chanel's sometimes infamous Creative Director.

Despite the fact that Kristen originally was notoriously against the whole Hollywood/Fashionista stereotype, the star has certainly come into her own with the past years public appearances and her teams an oversized tweed blazer with barely visible leather shorts.

My favourite thing about this look?  Her hair.  I never fail to be jealous of the Twilight actresses hair, even when she has it scraped back and greasy it somehow looks better than mine after professional styling.

Oscar's 2012: Red Carpet Glamour

After a hard weekend of partying I decided to spend the day in bed with my best friend whilst watching some of the funniest DVD's I owned, the best? Zoolander of course.  I've not seen the film for a while and it made me laugh looking at some of fashions greatest on the screen 11 years ago as cameos in the movie, from Victoria Beckham to Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld to Tommy Hilfiger.  You could without a doubt see the evolution the stars had gone through over the past decade, although none was more apparent than that of Natalie Portman.

With her crimped her, chubby cheeks and red face, the Black Swan star was a world away from her current style icon status and last night she proved exactly why she held that name as she showed off her post pregnancy figure in a stunning red polka dot, vintage Dior dress, making her my best dressed of the night.

Another star of the movie was Ukranian born actress Milla Jovovich who looked a vision in an one shoulder Elie Saab couture dress accessorized with a box clutch and some slick red lips.  Rooney Mara also looked flawless in her backless Ginvenchy dress, red lipstick and full fringe whilst Angelina Jolie ditched the white that she wore so badly back at the Golden Globes and went back to her signature black wearing a beautiful velvet gown by Atelier Versace.

Raf Simons to leave Jil Sander

Last year rumours were rife as to who was finally to replace Galliano after his highly controversial departure from fashion heavyweight Christian Dior, everyone from Alaia to Marc Jacobs was in the frame. The most recent name thrown into the mix was Raf Simons, who currently is Creative Director at Jil Sander, although nothing was confirmed from either side.

Today, after Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn tweeted 'Jil Sander company has just confirmed that Raf Simons is leaving' it seems that the most recent speculations are in fact true. Jil Sander then released a statement confirming the rumours.

"The Jil Sander Group and Raf Simons, announce today that Mr Simons will leave his position as creative director.  Jil Sander Group and Raf Simons agreed that the designer will step down from his position as of 27th February 2012.

Raf Simons was appointed Jil Sander creative director on the 1st July 2005 with his first big collection being men's Fall/Winter 2006.  The women's Fall/Winter 2012 will be his last for the company.

Jil Sander thanks Raf Simons for his dedicated commitment to the brand, throughout these years, and wishes him the very best for teh future.  Jil Sander will communicate the appointment of a new creative director in the next few days"

With reports that Jil Sander herself is to return to the helm of the brand, we look forward to any news whether Simons is in fact to take control over at Dior.

Couture Fashion Week: Christian Dior

It was a fabulous nod to the 50's at yesterday's Christian Dior Haute Couture show, which began with a monochrome palette before introducing pops of colours with red.

Model's walked to Lana Del Ray's video games with slick side parted bobs, elbow length gloves and a variety of court shoes.  Bill Gaytten stepped away from the looks we are used to by his 'predecessor' John Galliano by showing a collection rich with cinched waists, peplum details and pencil skirts before introducing some of the most fabulous and wearable ball gowns we have seen in a while.

The collection was undoubtedly a nod to the House of Dior's former days, such as the 'New Look' made famous when the brand first began, and with the last twelve months taking a lot of inspiration of the 50's (consider the hype over My Week With Marilyn and Mad Men) it could hardly have been more appropriate.

"It's meant to be x-ray Dior. All the structure of Iconic Dior, thanks to lots of fittings - but all see through" The current Creative Director said after the show.

With the Galliano controversy still causing a big debate in the fashion industry, this collection of highly wearable dresses can only be a good thing, right?

 

 

Couture O'Clock

Hot on the heels of the 2012 menswear shows, today see's the beginning of the Spring Summer 2012 Couture shows.  With the official arrival of brands such as Giambattista Valli and Alexis Mabille and the return of the ever in demand Atelier Versace (which we have only seen on the red carpet for the last 7 years) which opens the shows today, the most controversial fashion house of the moment - Christian Dior, will also be showing.

Tuesday will see undoubtedly the biggest names in fashion -such as Chanel, Givenchy and Armani Privé with Valentino and Jean Paul Gaultier following up on Wednesday.

Not that these clothes are anywhere close to what us mere mortals could afford, but they sure are nice to look at, and write about, dream about and so on.  With the year the fashion industry has had, this a guaranteed to be a good week.

Dior's New Girl

The may not have officially decided on the new Creative Director yet, but Christian Dior have announced Mila Kunis as the face of their Miss Dior Handbag campaign, proving that the French house have been more than impressed with the cast of Black Swan after Natalie Portman was signed up to front the Miss Dior Cherie campaign last spring.  Delphine Arnault, the spokesperson for Dior told Womens Wear Daily 'She (Mila) embodies the true modern woman, her performance in Black Swan was remarkable'.

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.

Welcome to the World (Of Fashion) Lola

So you may remember back in June when I told you my best friend of 11 years was pregnant with her first child.  Well I am sooooo happy to announce that she had her baby on Monday night, little Lola McCann.  

Who Says Pregnancy Cant Be Fashionable

I'd spent the weekend down south after pre booking it off of work, and as luck would have it Kelly went into labour the day I came home, devastated is not the word.  After 36 hours, Kelly's little brother Kane messaged me to let me know I had a new little niece (I realise not by blood, but Kelly and I have been best friends for more than half our lives so surely there's some legal equivalent of a civil marriage right? Naturally being the emotional person that I am I burst into tears as soon as I heard (leaving Lauren a little confused) but I just have to make it known how proud I am of my best friend.  I've never known anyone to mature so much in the space of 9 months and I still cant quite believe that she is a Mum, I mean we used to play  'Pop - Idol' in the front garden what seems like not that long ago, but still all I can say is that Lola is such a lucky little girl to have Kelly for her Mum, because Kelly is going to be the best Mother anyone could wish to have (Although dont worry Lola, I'll teach you how to dance, Kelly only has one single dance move).

Obviously being 300 miles away is not so great, because all I want to do is take her shopping (because your never too young).  But whilst the distance upsets me, it's also a good thing because I get to do lots of lovely online shopping to make sure I get her the prettiest items out there, check these out.

To start with the most important, 'nightwear' because, lets face it, all babies really do is sleep.  Next is one of the best places for clothes for girls up to 5 years and these two all in ones are the best I've found and at £9 each their accessible to everyone.  Jojo is also a great place for children's cloth, and have particularly cute designs.  Baby Dior?  Ok so your child wont be wearing these unless she is Suri or Harper but their cute, so why not throw them in!!

One thing that I love most about baby girls is the dresses you can put them in, and the accessories that come with them.  There is honestly nothing cuter than a little girl with tights that match her dress, I wish I could still dress like that.  Again, the price may be large, but I adore this Fendi dress so much.  I wonder if they do it in my size....

With the winter coming up, coats are a must have for babies.  These days they do not have to be just cotton and pink, you can get fur, printed, raincoats and with high street stores such as Topshop and River Island now launching baby ranges, pretty much anything you can get for yourself, you can get for your baby.  I have to say that I dont think you can beat a fur coat on a baby girl, and this brown one from Mama's & Papa's is now half price and only £24!

Finally, what are all girls known for? Shoes.  Just because she is a baby and not walking yet, there's no reason not to keep her feet looking stylish.  Whilst ballerina pumps look gorgeous with tights and socks, high street stores and even supermarkets such as Tesco now offer alternatives for the cold weather.

Whilst we all wish we could afford clothes for ourselves let alone our babies from designers such as Chloe, Fendi and Dior the highstreet stores do offer great cheaper alternatives.  You no longer have to go to specialist stores such as Jojo or Mothercare for childrenswear, you can now get it when topping up your own wardrobe, or even with your food shop.  Yes we all know there is a stigma attached to buying clothes from supermarkets such as Tesco or Asda, but it's the 21st century (not to mention recession) and affordable fashion is accessible to everyone.  Finally, too tired from the night feeds to leave the house? Joseph M and Alex and Alexa are great e-tailers for designer childrenswear and most high street stores have childrenswear available on their sites.

From Jil Sander to Dior?

Well hear is an ending no one saw coming.  After months of whispers that Marc Jacobs was headed to take over the helm of french fashion giant Christian Dior after John Gallianos highly publicized rants, it appears that Jil Sanders creative director Raf Simons is to take the job instead.

Vuitton or Dior?

WWD reported earlier this morning that Christian Dior are currently closing the deal with the Belgian born designer, and are focusing on the final details including how much notice must be worked at Jil Sander and so on.

Galliano Guilty

Simons, known for his minimalism, is said to have been the second choice after negotiations between Dior and American designer broke down after Jacobs huge salary demands and his wish to take his entire design team from Vuitton over to Dior.

More to follow...

Galliano Guilty

A Parisienne court has today found John Galliano guilty of making anti Semitic and racist comments at a french cafe in February. Although he faced up to 6 months in prison, the 50 year old designer was given two suspended fines totaling €6000 instead.  He did not attend the verdict.


Galliano was charged with two public outbursts in the French capital, the first in October of last year, he verbally abuse 47 year old English teach Faitha Oummedor, calling her a 'fucking ugly, dirty Jewish bastard' .  He then launched a similar assault on museum curator Geraldine Bloch, in the same cafe, calling her a 'dirty whore' and a 'dirty Jewish face'.  The same week as the incident in February Galliano was then filmed on a mobile camera tell two Italian women 'I love Hitler' and that their ancestors should have been gassed.

Whilst he may have escaped a prison sentence, he received punishment in other ways.  Face of Dior's Miss Cherie perfume, Natalie Portman spoke out against Galliano saying “I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced today. In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful,” He was later sacked from French fashion giant Christian Dior, a brand that he was credited with the ' revitalization of'.  


Galliano claimed the misuse of Valium, Alcohol and Anti - Depressants after the death of a close friend was to blame for his actions.

Philo For Vuitton?

Two weeks ago news broke that Bernard Arnault had handpicked Marc Jacobs to replace John Galliano at the helm of Louis Vuitton.  Something that was neither confirmed or denied by the fashion designer.  Today WWD has added more to the rumour mill by adding that Marc Jacobs is now officially in negotiations with the fashion giant this week.

Another rumour that has also emerged is that Phoebe Philo, a British designer best know for her work with Chloe and currently the creative director of Celine, is set to take over Louis Vuitton should Marc Jacobs choose to move.

All three companies, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Celine as well as Marc Jacobs are owned by fashion conglomerate LVMH.

More to follow.