Celeb Style - Ebony & Ivory

The idea of a 'classic black dress' will never tire, while the 'ivory evening gown' will always appear feminine and romantic. This is a clash of colours worn by stylish young celebs on the red carpet this week. Which do you prefer - dark and mysterious or light and airy?

Ebony

Michelle Williams donned a dress from Nina Ricci's Spring 2012 line for the '15th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala'. Her blue-black strapless chiffon gown has metallic gold ribbon detailing on the neckline, and a sheer skirt. 

Amber Heard wore all-black to the NYC premiere of her new movie, 'The Rum Diary', which also stars Johnny Depp. The blonde actress chose a modest Jean Paul Gaultier gown with high neck, long sleeves and belted waist. She was bold for choosing not to reveal any skin, but looked sexy and glamorous nonetheless.

Camilla Belle is sensational in a fitted Ralph Lauren gown, which she wore to an event celebrating the designer. It has a sheer neckline, shimmery bodice and ruffled skirt. Elegantly slicked back and hot pink lips complete her look. As I am a Camilla-style fan, I may be biased when I say this look is perfection.

AnnaLynne McCord looked poised in a simple cap-sleeved glittery Alice + Olivia 'Rumor' gown. As it was a charity event, she wore a yellow empowerment bracelet in honour of the 'Somaly Mam Foundation'. Her smokey eye make-up is stellar.

Ivory

Elizabeth Olsen looked like a modern-day fairy at the 'Martha Marcy May Marlene' (try to say that fast five times in a row) movie premiere in London. May-Kate & Ashley's little sister wore an ivory pink ensemble by Chanel Couture. Her square-neck beaded top was paired with a frothy tiered tulle skirt and gold satin Louboutin pumps. As much as I love the skirt, I wish the top were slightly more fitted. I find her make-up too heavy as well.

Jessica Biel was the latest star to walk ivory down the red carpet. She attended the 'Fashion Group International's Night of the Stars' event wearing Giambattista Valli. Her off-white gown was an interesting blend of two different styles - delicate with the soft, flowing fabric, and intrepid with the inflated ruffled sleeves. A bronze leaf belt clinched in her waist. Do you think this dress overwhelms her?

Rachel Zoe was in Los Angeles for 'Rodeo Drive's Walk of Style' event, honouring supermodel Iman. The stylist wore a sheer chiffon frilled blouse and high-waisted palazzo pants from her own fashion line. She looks effortlessly chic.

Coco Rocha was entrancing at the 'WGSN Global Fashion Awards' held in New York last week. The Canadian supermodel wore a tonal beige and ivory gown with layered skirt and embroidered shoulder harness and waistband. I am unfamiliar with designer Biphu Mohapatra, but this dress has me eager to see more from him.

Who Wore Roland Mouret Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Roland Mouret Fall 2011 Gown



I loved the simplicity and elegance of this gown from the moment I saw it. Now we get to see two very different stars wear it on the red carpet - Australian actress Mia Wasikowska & Reality TV queen Kim Kardashian. Both ladies wore the same wine red gown by French designer Roland Mouret. The stretch-crepe cap sleeved dress has asymmetrical folds on the neckline & a fitted bodice that flares out at the knee. Kim wears the dress 5 months after Mia.

Left: Mia looked graceful at this years' Cannes Film Festival held in early May. She wore the gown to the premiere of her latest movie, 'Restless'.

Right: Kim looked vivacious at the 'Huffington Post's Game Changer Awards' held in New York this week. She accessorized the dress with a shiny gold clutch bag.

The dress was adapted into an evening from this midi version as shown on the Roland Mouret Fall 2011 runway (above left), modeled by Svea Kloosterhof. The gown is available for purchase from Harvey Nichols for a staggering £2000 / R25 250.

Kim had her hair in an interesting French braid while Mia opted for a sleek upstyle.The blonde actress kept her makeup minimal with a berry lip stain and not much else, and sparkled with diamond Boucheron earrings. Kim wears glistening gold disc earrings which highlighted her sun-kissed make-up.

It's obvious that Kim fills out the gown better than the dainty Mia, which demonstrates that this is a look suited to any figure. I like the dress on both. What do you think?

Elie Saab Spring 2012

Elie Saab

Spring/Summer RTW 2012



You always know what you're going to get with Elie Saab. Exquisitely made, spellbinding evening gowns slathered with sequins, in sensual shapes that honour the female form. His 'Colour Shock' collection for Spring 2012 has been the jewel in the crown of the entire fashion season. Subdued nudes developed into saturated shades of turmeric, luscious apricot, emerald green and royal blue. Lace met with silk and chiffon to create billowy belted gowns with plunge-necks and knife-pleated skirts. After viewing hundreds of designs from dozens of internationally renowned designers in four different cities over 27 days - this one stands out. 

Atelier Versace Fall 2011

Atelier Versace have released a magnificent range of couture gowns for Fall 2011. The collection finds its roots in Asian and baroque influences. Floor-sweeping gowns are lavishly adorned with crystal and sequin embellishments, while others bear the vintage Versace print. The different silhouettes are draped, cut-out, architectural and flowing.



I like the lack of cohesion in Atelier Versace collections. Each piece isn't a continuation of the next, but instead is a unique depiction of the brand's originality and ingenuity. Polish model Kasia Struss beautifully exhibits these looks; donning a blond beehive, dark smokey eyes and nude lips.

I like the pairing of teal and purple. The surprise element of this gown is the embellished detail upon the triangular cut-out on the back.

Unique and distinctive patterns are imprinted on dresses. The first one boldly shows off the Versace emblem, while the second one has an oriental-inspired dragon design.

You will recognize the light blue Mandarin-collared dress as the one Katy Perry wore to the MTV Movie Awards. The intricate beading seen on the close-up photo is exquisite.

Silk satin, chiffon and silk mousseline form the basis for these glamourous gowns.

These structured gowns amaze with their complexity and intricate leather engraving.

Venice Film Festival Fashion Round-Up

Red Carpet Fashion

Venice Film Festival 2011



The 68th Annual Venice Film Festival comes to a close today after two glamourous weeks. The event was attended by A-list stars from around the world, stylish socialites, models and well-known Italian celebrities. These are the highlights and must-see looks from the red carpet.

Berry Tones: Italian actress Sarah Felberbaum wears an aubergine pleated gown with lace trims by Alberta Ferretti. Cindy Crawford looks amazing at 45, in a ruby red embellished Roberto Cavalli gown. Natasha Poly stuns in a hot pink chiffon gown with key-hole halter neck by Gucci. Her look is perfect from top to bottom. Selma Blair opted for an understated look, wearing a voluminous red cape-styled gown by Lanvin. Greek-Italian actress Valeria Golino wears a one-of-a-kind voile creponne Gucci gown in a rich shade of magenta. I wish she'd done something else with her hair.

Greyscale: Salma Hayek is striking in a smokey grey organza gown by Gucci, with single strap and feather-tipped ruffle skirt. Cristiana Capotondi wears a silky silver gown with ruched criss-cross bodice. Sarah Felberbaum shimmers in silver grey silk charmeuse gown by Gucci. Cristiana Capotondi opts for grey once again. This time the Italian actress wears a tulle covered AMEN dress, that glitters with a gold sequined design. English actress Kaya Scodelario wears a lacey Burberry gown with plunging neckline and ruched waist detail.

Pale Shades: Chinese actress Eva Huang chose a girly ruffle sleeved dress with embellished bodice and tiered skirt. Event MC Vittoria Puccini channels old-Hollywood glamour in a beaded gown with feathered skirt by Versace. Vivian Hsu wears one of my favourite looks from the event. The Taiwanese actress looked classy in a Christian Dior gown, with wrap-over bodice featuring a tie-up bow, and embellished shoulder and sleeve detail. Evan Rachel Wood decided to be different by wearing a buttoned shantung shirtdress with cuffed sleeves and full skirt. It's by Alessandra Rich, with black heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Waisted: I love the glorious teal colour of Giulia Belivacqua's one-shouldered gown. The alluring cut-out back is adorned with satin bows. Italian actress and singer Violante Placido stuns in a sheer lavender gown by Alberta Ferretti. Her Swarovski encrusted dress has a plunging v-neck and black waistband. Chinese actress Charlene Choi wore an emerald green toga style gown, held together by a roped fabric belt. High nude heels finished her look. Marisa Tomei stands out in a mustard coloured long-sleeved gown by Marios Schwab, which has a twist-front and pearl string detail. Italian actress Myriam Catania wears a jade long-sleeved satin dressing-style-gown by Gucci.

Fields of Gold: Jessica Chastain, whom I featured earlier this week, wears an exquisite lace embroidered gown by Elie Saab. Diane Kruger is heavenly in a nude tulle Elie Saab gown with shimmery underskirt and beaded bodice. Gwyneth Paltrow chose a simple halter neck organza gown by Prada. Keira Knightley brought an air of romance to the festival, wearing a beautiful gold-painted gown by Valentino.

Dramatic: English actress Andrea Riseborough wears a Cinderella style gown in the softest shade of gold. Her Christian Dior gown features a full tulle skirt scattered with sequins. Aussie actress Abbie Cornish is dressed in a textured purple and black Atelier Versace gown, covered in tiny silk organza petals. Irish actress Sarah Bolger opted for a dramatic bottle green gown with bejeweled neck and waistband, and a massive tulle skirt.

Best of Black: Valentina Lodovini looked elegant in a long-sleeved Gucci gown with silver and gold bejeweled neckline. Italian model Sveva Alviti wears a black sleeveless gown with embroidered high neckline. Russian model Natasha Poly put on a daring see-through chiffon dress by Gucci. I like the turquoise floral shrug she's holding. Italian actress Asia Argento wears a strapless black chiffon gown by Alberta Ferretti, which has a tulle and lace skirt. Socialite Bianca Brandolini d'Adda wears an interesting Gucci gown with several cut-outs on the ornately beaded bodice. 

Jessica Chastain in That Elie Saab Dress

Love This Dress

Jessica Chastain in Elie Saab 





Finally, someone has chosen to wear my favourite Elie Saab gown on the red carpet. 30-year-old actress Jessica Chastain put on this dreamy dress at the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of her new movie, 'Wild Salome'. I fell in love with this dress the second I saw it presented at Elie Saab's Fall Haute Couture 2011-12 show on Fashion TV.

 The ethereal nude evening gown is exquisitely crafted in gauzy lace which is adorned with shimmering beadwork. It has cap sleeves, a low back and full skirt trimmed with embroidered lace. Jessica wore her red hair in a twisted upstyle and kept her make up simple. She sparkled with a diamond bracelet and earrings.

Jessica is the perfect candidate to wear this dress. It is a difficult colour to pull off, but she so beautifully. She drifts across the red carpet with grace and elegance.

Who Wore Temperley London Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Temperley London Evening Gown



What does a demure British sweetheart and a fallen Hollywood actress have in common? Answer: The same dress sense. Who would've guessed? I never thought I'd see Pippa Middleton and Lindsay Lohan wear the same evening gown. But here it is...

Left: The charming Pippa Middleton wore the emerald green satin gown to the royal wedding reception of her sister, Kate Middleton on 29 April 2011. The floor-length dress has a plunging neckline with crystal embellishing. Pippa paired the dress with strappy silver Aruna Seth heels and a silver metallic clutch bag.  

Right: Lindsay Lohan wore the white version of the Temperley London gown to Kim Kardashian's wedding reception, which had a black & white dress code for all 450 guests. The dress appears to be very satin-bridal-nightie on her. The bridal-like upstyle isn't helping either.



I prefer the beautiful jewel-toned colour of Pippa's dress. She carries the gown off with grace and elegance. I don't share the same sentiments about Lindsay's look. What do you think?

Divas and Darlings - Bafta Brits to Watch Event

Red Carpet Fashion 

Bafta Brits to Watch Event 2011



The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka William and Kate attended the Bafta 'Brits to Watch' Dinner on Saturday in Los Angeles. Hollywood stars aligned the red carpet at the Belasco Theatre to meet the royal pair. These are the fashion highlights.



Asymmetrical

Elizabeth Banks went white in gown by Versace. Large gold buttons baring the Versace emblem held her dress together at the shoulder and split. Strappy matt gold platforms, a gold clutch and cuff finished her look.

Jennifer Garner wore a navy blue satin gown with slight draping. I'm finding the bodice too baggy on her.

Anna Kournikova, who I haven't seen in ages on the red carpet, followed the asymmetrical trend in a teal toga gown by Tadashi Shoji. She walked in high metallic gold heels.





Lights

Zooey Deschanel chose a tea-length dress by Oscar de la Renta. The organza dress with scalloped hem dress was fully embroidered in gold. She wore matching ankle strap pumps.

Blake Lively was angelic in Marchesa. The blonde star wore a flowing ice grey gown with pearl and bead embellishing on the hem and neckline. Her stunning silver heels are by Christian Louboutin.

Elizabeth Moss opted for a simple nude pleated dress by J Mendel. Her Lauren Merkin clutch matched the dress quite precisely.

Brights

Jennifer Lopez was form-fitting in a forest green gown by Emilio Pucci. Her toned physique was shown off with cutouts. She carried a Lena Erziak clutch that matched her gold embellished sleeve.

British actress with a very South African name, Gugu Mbatha-Raw looked divine in royal blue. This is my favourite look of the evening. Her draped gown with embellished sleeves is by Reem Acra.

Mary Louise Parker blended into the red carpet wearing Dolce & Gabbana. This is such a lovely gown, the floral cosage on the empire waistband keeps it fun.





Pastels

Nicole Kidman was statuesque in an alice blue Elie Saab gown. Her fully beaded gown was toned down with a silver grey satin clutch.

Honourary guest, Duchess Kate Middleton looked sweetly splendid in a lilac gown by Alexander McQueen. She held a metallic Jimmy Choo clutch.

Cat Deeley wore a dreamy blue low-waisted halter neck dress with lace panels, which is by Christian Dior.

Marchesa Resort 2012

The design duo at Marchesa know how to make a girl look fabulous. Their glamourous take on Resort Wear 2012 pays tribute to this. Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig were inspired by movies and books from the 1960's whilst creating this very wearable collection. Swinging chiffons in sorbet shades, Grecian style gowns with a retro twist and simple embellishings to tie it all together. 

The colour palette progressed from minted green to lemonade, coral to magenta. I adore the grey and black leopard print dresses.

White goddess gowns were trimmed with gold embroidery, detailed necklines a focal point. These gowns are fit for the elegant and understated modern bride.

Trend of the Week - Frills

Trendspotting

Frills 

I finally get to do a trend post that refers to my Blog's name. There were so many glam events this week. The haute couture shows in Paris, The 'White Fairy Tale Love Ball' and the premiere of the final Harry Potter movie. Frills were in abundance at all these fashionable gatherings.

At a photocall for the final Harry Potter movie, Emma Watson wore a sheer back lace dress by Rafael Lopez, which had a nude inner dress. The sleeves and hem were adorned with black frills.

Clemence Poésy attended the 'Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2' Premiere wearing a white Nina Ricci dress that's swirled in ruffles. I like that she paired it with a black skinny belt and black bow heels.

Alexa Chung was in Paris for Chanel's Fall 2011 Couture presentation. She wore a black cocktail dress by Chanel, naturally, which had a white frilled neckline. Black oxfords and a Chanel chain bag completed her look.

The 'White Fairy Tale Love Ball' was hosted by designer Garavani Valentino in France earlier this week. The white dress code brought about many ruffled dresses. 

Margherita Missoni wore a dress from her family's design label. Her spaghetti strap gown had lines of sliver beading with layered frills at the hip and hemline.

Anne Hathaway looked like a scene out of the 'Princess Diaries' in a Valentino gown, with silver-trimmed frills. A tiara Alice band and loose waves added to her fairytale look.

Italian socialite, Bianca Brandolini d'Adda also chose a gown by Valentino. The pleated strap gown was covered in rows of small frills.

Anna Dello Russo attended the 'White Fairy Tale Love Ball' in a Roberto Cavalli gown with a fully frilled mermaid train. A rose-lined netted fascinator topped off her bridal-like look.

Emma Watson was enveloped by tons of tulle frills, in this grey Oscar de la Renta gown. She wore it to the World Premiere of 'Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2'.

Elie Saab Fall Couture 2011

The exuberance of Elie Saab Couture was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week yesterday. I am mesmerized by his Fall 2011-12 Collection, which stays true to his opulent design aesthetic. Elie churns out glamourous goddess gowns unlike any other.

 His latest range reminded me of the seaside. The aquamarine of early morning sky settling in over the ocean. The crisp whites like heavenly clouds floating above. The sandy shades that catch the sunlight and chocolate brown seaweed that lays upon it. Then there's the shimmering dark blue waves, reflecting off the starry night sky. 

 Gowns glistened with intricate beadwork, delicately sheer fabric was enlightened by a sea of sequins, and billowy chiffon sailed across the runway like a cool breeze. Ethereal white gowns were sprinkled with pearl-like embellishing.

If I could chose any gown from this collection, it would have to be the first one to the left. I love the sheer beaded fabric and vintage style.

Waists were accentuated by decorative floral motifs. Make up was kept natural with a barely-there look. Hair was swept up in waves.

The collection is one to marvel at, with each gown more beautiful than the next.  

Elie Saab has retained his crown as 'King of Couture'.

Fashion at Monaco's Royal Wedding

Royal Wedding Guests

in Monaco



The fashion stakes were high at Monaco's Royal Wedding this Saturday. VIP guests were invited to two events celebrating the union of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock. There was a Roman Catholic ceremony during the day and an extravagant dinner party and fireworks display last night. European royalty and celebs graced the occasion in elegant daywear and later in glamourous gowns.

Top: Prince Albert's niece, Charlotte Casiraghi wore an off-the-shoulder baby pink Chanel dress for the ceremony, which had a short, tiered skirt. Her hair was covered by a black netted fascinator. At the dinner, Charlotte chose a flowing light grey chiffon gown with long sheer cape.

Bottom: Naomi Campbell was somehow also invited for the nuptials. She wore Alexander McQueen for the ceremony. A peach floral fascinator complemented her floral frock. She then changed into a green bejeweled Givenchy gown. 

Top: Clotilde Courau, Princess of Venice & Piedmont, added a flash of coral to the wedding party, in a Giambattista Valli cocktail dress with side frilled bodice. She also wore a large black floral head piece. She was casual later in the evening, wearing a black brocade skirt with white 3/4 sleeve top.

Bottom: Asian actress Michelle Yeoh was accompanied by her husband Jean Todt, who is CEO of the FIA. Her chocolate brown day dress was by Azzedine Alaia. She accessorized with a cute pink hat, strings of pearls and unsuited shoes. She changed into a stunning emerald green gown later that night.

Top: Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark were also on the guest list. Princess Mary wore a turquoise satin dress with beige floral hat and beaded clutch bag. For the evening's event, she was striking in a cerise pink gown with matching sash.

Bottom: Duke of Anjou, Louis de Bourbon was accompanied by his wife, Maria Margarita. The Venezuelan heiress wore a chalky blue and grey paneled dress, with feathered hat. She kept to the same colour scheme that night, in a beautiful dove grey gown embellished with strings of gold.

Top: Above are my favourite fashionable royal family from Sweden. Princess Victoria wore a beaded sea blue dress with matching clutch and heels. Later, she changed into a peach and grey pleated chiffon gown. Love the colour combination. Her husband, Prince Daniel is pictured with her.

Bottom: Stately siblings, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine of Sweden. My royal crush, Prince Carl Philip wore military suits on both occasions; wish he'd lose the sailors hat. Princess Madeleine was elegant in a beige satin daydress with embellished waistband. For the royal dinner, she wore a textured ice grey gown, with silver clutch bag.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

What a grand collection from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. For the label's Resort 2012 range, she effortlessly fuses neutral colours with a safari/military theme and immaculate tailoring. I adore the exotic embroidery that's tampered with the strong, clean lines.

The utilitarian lines were augmented by a glossy shade of khaki and a dash of animal print. Sheer white lace dresses brought out the romantic side of the collection. Trench coats featured embellished pockets and epaulettes. Waistlines were accentuated by wide buckled belts.

Shapes were Edwardian influenced with tail coats, corsets, fitted waists, peplums & high collars. In the middle is a black jacket & skirt with exaggerated hip, gilded in ornate embroidery. Outfits were accessorized with different sized clutch bags & ankle strap sandals.

Corset gowns intricately adorned with gold embroidery and full skirts smothered in tufts of tulle. Overall, this is an exquisite collection.

Regal in Red

Red Evening Gowns 

worn this week



A red dress always turns heads due to it's dynamic colour. This week, Hilary Swank and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley set the red carpet alight in two glamorous red gowns.

Oscar winning actress Hilary Swank was in Toronto to attend the IIFA 2011 Awards. She looked sensational in a raspberry red Elie Saab gown. The sleeveless gown with bateau neck was lavishly beaded, and featured a long train. She carried a gold clutch bag by Judith Lieber and wore drop diamond earrings. Her hair was simply styled up in a bun. 



In New York, Rosie Huntington-Whitely continued her promotional tour for 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon'. The actress wore a strapless cherry red lamé gown with high slit by Antonio Berardi. Nude Louboutins finished her look, although strappy sandals may have looked better. Rosie wore her hair in a vintage Veronica Lake style, with side swept waves.

Monique Lhuillier Resort 2012

Monique Lhuillier brings forth glamour and gorgeous gowns for her Resort 2012 Collection. The Filipino born designer chose a vast palette of colours for her new range, starting with pristine white, moving into summer pinks and oranges, to darker shades of blue. She remains steadfast in her feminine design aesthetic, there is no shortage of ruffles here. These are some of the pieces from the collection.

 Navy blue and white usually remind me of nurses uniforms, but Monique manages to capture an elegant side to these two colours. There's the white ruffle wrap-over dress and navy ruffled collar mini. Shades of blue replace the typical animal print colours.

Tropical coloured taffeta gowns make a splash with textured mini ruffles and ballgown silhouettes. Coral sets the scene for printed dresses, which are dusted with a bit of lavender. I see these styles being Matric farewell favourites. I love the lavender chiffon gown, which has a tulle skirt covered in floral appliqués (pictured bottom right).

Embellished tulle princess gowns complete the outstanding collection.