Looks Of The Week

A round-up of my favourite fashions on the red carpet this week.

Jessica Alba looked glam at the 'Versace for H&M' event, wearing a black and gold flecked top and skirt, from the collection. Black tights and heels, a slick high bun and glossy red lips complete her outfit.

Gorgeous Brit model Cara Delevingne glitters at 'Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards' in London. She wears a gold sequined dress by Burberry. Personally, I love that she added the grungy boots and black accessories. It prevents the look from being gaudy.

Selena Gomez looks adorable in a white tulle confection by Marchesa, along with embellished Casadei pumps. She play host at this year's MTV Europe Music Award's in Belfast.

Emma Stone was radiant in a green-tinged gold gown by Lanvin. The actress wore the silky pleated dress with grosgrain belt to 'Glamour's Women of the Year Awards' in New York.

Gwyneth Paltrow gleams in green at the Bambi Awards in Germany. She took my breath away in this fully beaded emerald gown by Elie Saab. But I'd want her to lose the heavy neckpiece.

Sofia Vergara ruled the green carpet at the 2011 Latin Grammy Awards. The brunette actress wore a beautifully beaded strapless ivory gown by Reem Acra.

Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles chose an outstanding mint green gown for the Country Music Awards 2011. The delicately draped gown, glistening with crystals is by Naeem Khan. 

Byrdie Bell attended the 'Versace for H&M' event in New York City - not wearing Versace. I almost mistook the actress for Rachel Zoe, as she certainly looked the part. Her cream maxi dress is by Sportmax, which she wore with a black belt and cropped leather jacket. I do like her boho-biker-chic style.

Must Love Louboutins 2012

Christian Louboutin

Spring/Summer Shoes 2012

Christian Louboutin sets to impress the fashion-loving masses with his latest collection of exquisite designer shoes. The beauty of having even just one pair of these glamourous shoes, is that it can be worn with anything, anywhere, anytime. I think that's the magic of the 'Louboutin heel'. Celebrities and style icons wear them on and off the red carpet, with a pair of jeans or with a fancy evening gown. 

For Spring 2012, Mr Louboutin interprets the trendy wedge heel with a sexy hint of animal print. Sophisticated neutrals are elevated by wooden platforms and plush leather. Heels are bejeweled and spiked for a ritzy rock look. See-through plastic takes on a posh appeal. Ethnic patterns are ornately beaded and embroidered onto handcrafted heels. Feast your eyes on these decorative little foot ornaments...

The red and turquoise beaded pair is on my wish list. Which one is on yours?

Who Wore The Flapper Fringe Dress Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Gucci Sping 2012 Flapper Dress



The LACMA Arts & Film Gala was held this past weekend in Los Angeles, presented by Gucci. When events are hosted by elite fashion brands, it's only natural that stars choose to wear outfits made by designer themselves. Three starlets did just that, picking out 20's inspired dresses from the same Gucci collection, in the same colours, all with an interrelated design, proving that their taste in high-fashion dresses are very similar.

Zoe Saldana wore a cap-sleeved v-neck black dress with loosely fitting top, the skirt draped with gold thread tassels.  

Camilla Belle is no stranger to a glamorous Gucci dress. The actress wore a fringed dress with geometric design, hers differed with slots of white and wide striped straps.  

Evan Rachel Wood fit the part of a 20's screen queen in her knee-length version of the black and gold flapper dress, with higher v-neckline. 

Zoe wore her hair up in a tousled style, showing off her gold Neil Lane earrings. A smokey plum colour adorned her eyes.

Camilla had her hair done in a half-up half-down style. She wore pearl stud earrings and metallic silver eye makeup. 

Evan's wavy vintage hairstyle was in sync with her 20's style outfit. She accessorized with black drop earrings, smokey eyes and a cherry lip.







Zoey wore black peep-toe heels with a double chain ankle strap and a gold heel.

Camilla's strappy gold heels with thin metallic ankle strap are also by Gucci.

Evan Rachel wore gold T-bar sandals, with chain detailing and double ankle strap.





I think these looks would have been equally pretty...if they were all not worn to the exact same event. Together on the red carpet, these three actresses look like part of a stylish Gucci-clad girl band, when each of them should in fact, stand out. As you may know by now, I'm a Camilla Belle style fan, so I'm choosing her flapper fringed look as my favourite. Also her dress wasn't as similar as the other two. Who is your pick?

Stylista of the Week - Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker brought her style and savor faire to the red carpet this past week, as she left New York City for her Australian tour. What's great about Sarah Jessica is that she doesn't stick to a specific style, always keeping her looks fresh and interesting. That's why she is hailed as 'Stylista of the Week'...or maybe I just needed an excuse to feature her outrageous hat somewhere on my blog.

1. Sarah tried on a colour-block look by Narciso Rodriguez for the 'Tower Heist' movie premiere in New York. Her taffeta dress combines unusual shades of soft pink, burgundy-bronze and deep royal blue. Black straps, a bow-belt & pointy-toe Manolo's tie it all together.



2. For the premiere of her movie 'I Don't Know How She Does It' in Melbourne, Australia, Sarah wore a dress from Prabal Gurung's Spring 2012 collection. It has a metallic purple bodice and white pleated skirt, splattered with shimmery violet. She carries a spiked Christian Louboutin clutch and walks in Pierre Hardy heels, her trademark bouncy curls in place.



3. The Sex & the City actress displayed a more sleek look at New York City Center's Reopening Gala. She chose an ensemble from Antonio Berardi's Spring 2012 line. Her contrasting charcoal grey and black coat dress was worn with sheer print tights and Manolo Blahnik heels. Her pulled-back hair matches the sophistication of this look.



4. SJP was a vibrant presence at a press conference in Melbourne. Her gorgeous sunshine yellow dress with colourful abstract print is by Vera Wang. This is my favourite of all her outfits. Aqua pearls hung from her neck and white pointy-toed Manolo's bedded her feet.



5. Sarah channeled Carrie Bradshaw at Melbourne's Oaks Day Spring Carnival yesterday. The actress looked splendid and stately in a two-tone pale pink and white Jonathan Saunders dress. She paired it with a glossy slate grey Antonio Berardi coat. An ornate crystal headpiece, string of pearls and her favourite white Manolo heels completed her look.



6. Sarah Jessica did her fashionable take on 'Ladies who lunch' at the VRC Oak Club Luncheon in Australia. I don't think anyone noticed her tweed Chanel dress. Instead, all eyes were on her enormous and elaborate black sculpted hat by Philip Treacy. A tad too much perhaps? But you've got to take your hats off (no pun intended) to Sarah Jessica Parker. She isn't afraid to experiment with out-of-the-ordinary new looks.

Hoss Intropia Winter 2011

Spain has given us some remarkable fashion brands; Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear and Mango, each with their own massive cult following. Hoss Intropia is another one of those inspiring brands, but unlike the contemporary feel of the others, this fashion franchise marches to the beat of it's own folkloric drum.

For Fall/Winter 2011, Hoss Intropia paints a bohemian picture in earthy shades of brown, cream, tan, khaki and black. The attention to unconventional detailing is what distinguishes the brand from its counterparts. They create their own unique prints and focus on innovative cuts, hand-beading and embroidery and mixing textures, using quality fabrics. The collection has the charm of a romantic countryside, with military-inspired masculine tailoring. Each eclectic ensemble tells a story of sophisticated style and laid-back elegance.  

I could easily go into a Hoss Intropia store and purchase my entire Winter wardrobe all in one go. I particularly love how each outfit is styled in this photo shoot. It shows off the versatility of the individual pieces, and how creatively it can be worn. All the shoes, bags, gloves, hats and accessories are also part of this incredible collection. The range is so extensive, their shapes are flattering, their fabrics luxurious, and their style refined. Hoss Intropia's Winter collection is kindled with originality, and a beauty that is honest and endearing.

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.

Dress Déja Vu

This week, I noticed two upcoming Hollywood starlets wearing remarkably similar dresses - but by two completely different designers. Pretty blonde 'Footloose' actress Julianne Hough and 'Twilight' star Ashley Greene chose matt gold mini dresses, embroidered with a glossier gold swirl-like pattern. It's safe to say that designers are often inspired by the same things, in this case two-tone gold & a rose petal design. 

Left: Julianne Hough wore a dress by Mumbai born designer Naeem Khan to the 15th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala. It has a plunging neckline, short sleeves and embellished waistband. She paired it with nude peep-toe pumps, a gorgeous tan and wavy locks.

Right: Ashley Greene was in Brussels to attend the premiere of 'The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn Part 1'. The brunette actress wore a gold dress by American designer L' Wren Scott, also with a deep V-neck, emphasised waist design and metallic gold rose motif. Her nude heels are by Brian Atwood. I think strappy gold sandals would have been a better fit.

Both these dresses seem like they could be from the same collection or designer, don't you think?

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Winter in the Northern Hemisphere has just warmed up with the release of Gucci's inspiring Fall/Winter range. The luxury Italian brand interprets the latest fashion trends with high class glamour and relaxed sophistication. The central 70's theme is depicted through suave masculine suits and ladylike dresses. Every piece is an example of refined style and elegance, setting the tone for the season to come. The collection begins with trendy and versatile weekend wear, dabbles in stylish office wear, and ends with classic cocktail dresses. 

Black and slate grey lay down a neutral foundation, built up by terracotta, magenta and steel blue. Simple shorts and denim jeans are paired with texturally interesting tops and jackets; featuring fur trims, fringing and chunky knits. Long trench coats are slung over smooth, streamlined velvet suits. Evening gowns are modern and understated, column silhouettes enhanced by delicate draping. Fedoras, skinny belts, knee-high boots, luxe leather bags and clutches - these accessories are the perfect accompaniment to this polished collection.

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?

Gwen Stefani for InStyle Magazine 2011

Cover Girl Gwen Stefani

InStyle Magazine November 2011



With her signature platinum blonde locks and cherry red lipstick, Gwen Stefani is an iconic presence on the cover of Instyle magazine's November 2011 issue. The 42-year old singer and designer is photographed in glamourous and colourful gowns for the mag, where she dishes on family, fashion and fame. She also has a new clothing line out called 'Harajuku Mini". If it is anything like her primary label, L.A.M.B, we can look forward to more trendsetting styles. 

Gwen looks relaxed on the cover in a fuchsia gown by Marchesa with full tulip skirt and exaggerated strapless sweetheart neckline. I wish we could see more of the dress on her, as it's such a striking piece. Those outstanding bangles are by Lorraine Schwartz.

Gwen wears a Grecian style white gown with gold chain detail on the neckline and gathered waist. The dress is from Yves Saint Laurent's Fall 2011 collection.

Only Gwen could make fern green velvet look this good. Her cap-sleeved silk panne velvet dress with high neck and keyhole cutout is by Ralph Lauren.

Gwen's black floral sleeved dress is by Miu Miu. I like that this photo shows the voluminous sleeves in all their glory. The runway look doesn't have the same effect.

A heavily beaded rose pink silk jacket by Giorgio Armani is paired with teal charmeuse silk knickers. I'm more interested in those spectacular Jimmy Choo heels. The purple 'Marlene' sandals are garnished with deep turquoise feathers and drizzled with crystals.

This tribal print dress in Autumny colours is from her own line, L.A.M.B.

The exquisite detailing on this ruby red dress by Francesco Scognamiglio is beautifully visible in this photo. On the runway, we usually miss out on seeing those finer details. 

Gwen sparkles like a sapphire in a fully sequined wrap dress by Diane von Furstenburg. Her ornate 1970 Estate Chrysoprase necklace is by Van Cleef & Arpels. She wears a chunky diamond cuff on her hand by MCL (by Matthew Campbell Laurenza).

Gwen wears all these looks with such panache, which is your favourite?

Glitter Girls

Trendspotting

Black & Gold Sequin Dresses



The latest star-studded trend to hit the red carpet is glitter-covered gowns. In the past few weeks, a string of celebrities have been seen wearing sparkly sequined dresses in shades of black and gold, or a combination of both. So put on your shades and have a closer look at this dazzling new trend.

Evening Gowns











Naya Rivera sparkles in a black and gold strapless gown with wavy line design by Douglas Hannat. She was on the red carpet at the NCL Alma Awards in Santa Monica.

Milla Jovovich wore a shimmery black Salvatore Ferragamo gown to 'The Three Musketeers' movie premiere. She added a Jimmy Choo clutch and Brian Atwood heels.

Model Crystal Renn is dipped in molten gold for the Metropolitan Opera Season's opening night in New York City. I love her Zac Posen fishtail gown with sweetheart neck and exaggerated short sleeves.





Cocktail Dresses

Camilla Belle looked stunning in black and gold at the opening of the Gucci Museo in Florence. The actress wore a two-toned sequined dress by none other than Gucci.

Camilla Alves wears a twinkly Manish Arora mini dress with metallic-shaded sequinned stripes to a Cirque du Soleil show in LA. Her black peep toe pumps are by Stuart Weitzman.

Brit Morgan opted for a black and gold dress with pleated skirt by Nicole Miller, which she wore to her birthday party in Las Vegas. She paired it with black and white heels.

Kim Kardashian dons a gold Dolce and Gabbana star-print dress for a photo spread in Harper's Bazaar Arabia.

Who Wore Gold Sequins Better?

Eva Longoria & Katie Cassidy both wore the same gold sequined 'Breck' dress by Alice + Olivia, at two separate events - Eva in Las Vegas and Katie in New York. Eva (left) wore nude peep toe heels, while Katie (right) stepped out in chunky black 'Kiera' pumps, also by Alice + Olivia. I prefer this look on Katie.

Get The Look

1. Steal Eva's and Katie's style with this copper and gold sequined stretch-mesh dress by Alice + Olivia. $597 or R4810 from Saks Fifth Avenue

2. One-shouldered black bodycon dress with gold sequined bodice by Bebe. $119 or R959 from Bebe.com

3. A lustrous one-shouldered gold ruched mini by Rare Opulence. $180 or R1420 from The Outnet

4. A glimmering black and gold foil print sequin dress with long sleeves by ADAM. $640 or R5152.50 from Bloomingdales

5. Blue-black front-wrap dress by French Connection. £160 or R2029 from Asos

6. Sequin short-sleeved tunic dress with satin sash by Kaliko. £140 or R1745 from John Lewis

7. Violet Thunder sequin black dress scattered with gold flowers, by French Connection. £110 or R1395 from Asos

8. A simple silk and sequin playsuit by Sylvie. $325 or R2570 from Reiss Online





This trend is sure to add some spark to your nights out. 

What are your thoughts - Gaudy or Glamorous? 

Who Wore Salvatore Ferragamo Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Salvatore Ferragamo Houndstooth Dress



This is a WWIB battle of epic proportions. Six leading ladies from all corners of the globe have fallen for the hypnotic charms of this Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2011 houndstooth dress. The long sleeved black and white wrap dress has a deep plunge neck and slight front slit. I usually love houndstooth print, but this is getting a bit much...

1. Australian actress Teresa Palmer wore the dress first on 28 June 2011, while attending Salvatore Ferragamo's Resort 2012 presentation. She paired it with a box clutch, embellished belt and black heels by Ferragamo. Teresa kept her hair straight, with natural makeup.

2. Fashion-frenzied Lady Gaga wore houndstooth from hat-to-heel for an appearance on 'The View' on 1 August. Her hat, outlandish sunglasses, clutch bag and pumps were all in sync with her Ferragamo dress. She added strings of pearls for more drama.

3. Chinese actress Fan Bing Bing wore the dress next, within the same week as Gaga. She opted to wear the dress to the Ferragamo 'Attimo' fragrance launch in Beijing. Fan accessorized with black platform heels and a black sling bag. She added an air of mystique with a black netted hat. Her jet black locks were ironed out, her makeup almost theatrical.

4. Australian model Jessica Hart took her Ferragamo frock out on the town during Fashion's Night Out in New York on 8 September. Jessica accompanied her look with a statement bejeweled choker, black clutch and pointy-toe Ferragamo heels. Her hair was up in a high bun.

5. Vogue Japan editor Anna Dello Russo wore the dress during Milan Fashion Week in late September. She tossed on a flamboyant feathered hat, garnished with a large pink rose. At 48, she wears this dress as well as the younger dames. I like the two-tone heels with it. She carries the same Ferragamo houndstooth clutch as Lady Gaga.

6. Kim Kardashian is never one to miss out on a trend. She wore the wrap dress last week, on 7 October, for a television interview in New York City. This is the simplest from all the looks, as Kim chose neutral black accessories and wore her hair in a slicked black ponytail. The bold red lipstick is a great addition.

The dress as shown on the runway, worn by Italian model Bianca Balti

As for 'Who Wore it Best', this is a tough one. I like the fit on Anna, along with her black and white heels. But I prefer it with simple hair and styling like Kim's. What are your thoughts?

Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part Three

Paris Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012



Paris Fashion Week closed off another season of fabulous clothes, supermodels and remarkable designers. The biggest trends that have emerged for Spring 2012 are vibrant floral prints, citrus shades, cropped tops, pleating, lingerie-inspired outerwear, sheerness and belted waists. Although Spring is months away, it's never to early to be inspired.





Emanuel Ungaro

Emanuel Ungaro's newest designer Jeanne Labib-Lamour took a safe approach towards Spring 2012. Paint splash prints in doses of blue and red were pleated, draped, ruched and twisted. Silky jumpsuits and v-neck cocktail dresses were belted with thin metallic gold. Besides for sexy daywear, there was just a touch of sequins at the end, with a gold encrusted column evening gown. Models wore deep blue smokey eyes and side-swept fringes.

Alexander McQueen

Yet another display of creative brilliance for Alexander McQueen's Sarah Burton. The underwater inspiration was visible through clusters of tulle coral, couture lace swimming caps, oyster print chiffon, pearly shell pink and a treasure cove of gold dresses. The softness of fully ruffled gowns stood out against sculpted corsets and gothic black gowns. The painstakingly elaborate detailing extended to strappy platform heels. More like pieces of art that belong in a museum rather than in a boutique. 

Valentino

A dreamy and romantic Spring collection from the Italian duo behind Valentino. Pretty high-neck frocks were spun from delicate lace in shades of honeydew, lily white and black. There was also an odd shot of slinky leather dresses. Featherlight evening gowns skimmed the floor in transparent florals, dotted mesh and embroidered lace. Striking scarlet dresses stood out amidst the waves of nude chiffon.  

Chanel

It was Parisian-meets-oceanic chic at Chanel's Spring 2012 showing. Karl Lagerfeld was yet another designer to use an aquatic reference in his collection. The classic Chanel pieces were all there in the usual soft-hued palette; on this occasion scattered with pearls and foamy lace. A prominent feature were lines of black ribbon zigzagged across coats and dresses. A seabed effect was created by airy organza, shouls of gathered chiffon, opalescent textiles and shimmery sequins. Models wore flat ankle boots in lustrous silver, and slicked back hair.

Chloe

Clare Waight Keller expressed urbane femininity in her first efforts for Chloé. New to brand, Keller presented a commercially friendly collection in a dependable colour scheme of soft pinks, coral, cream and beige.  Horizontal stripes and colour-blocked panels were assigned to breezy pleated dresses. Classic white shirts were paired with relaxed-fit trousers. Wide leather belts were slung around drop-waist dresses. This collection may not have all the elaborate frills of others this season, but I find that there is beauty in functionality. 

Miu Miu

Capes. For Spring. If a designer-loving Red Riding Hood went to the Wild West, she would be dressed head-to-toe in Miu Miu. Miuccia Prada toyed with vampish girlyness in moody colours for Spring 2012. The idea of the 'velvet ribbon bound stole' was rendered in different lengths and quilt prints. The vintage charm of guipure lace was juxtaposed against the heaviness of patchwork and the sheen of satin dresses. Models sauntered in rose-embroidered cowboy boots, eyelids aglow with fiery red shadow.

Hope you have enjoyed my coverage of Fashion Week 2011-12. To see a recap of all the events, click here.

Paris Fashion Week Favourites - Part Two

Paris Fashion Week

Spring/Summer 2012





This is the second chapter of my Paris Fashion Week Favourites.





Martin Grant

Martin Grant's Spring collection produced a perfect balance of light and dark. Flashes of yellow, tangerine and electric blue were anchored by silky ebony gowns. The Australian designer steered clear from the popular floral prints of the season, sticking to monotoned duchess satin. Simple, unruffled shapes were a canvas for cut-outs and colour-blocking. A bright stripe of orange outlined the eyes. 

Sonia Rykiel

Shades of sunshine were beamed across an optimistic yellow runway at Sonia Rykiel's Spring showing. The colour palette developed from vanilla, honey and lemon to glowing midday oranges. Both sporty and feminine shapes were represented. A unifying strip of black fabric was drawn across pleated dresses, culottes and skirts. The collection concluded with a gorgeous colour block gown and silk tulip-print dresses.

Haider Akermann

It was the poetic works of 19th century dramatists, Byron and Baudelaire that inspired Haider Ackermann's Spring collection. The silhouettes had a strong masculine theme; with slouchy pants, loose-fit blazers and robe-like jackets.  Opulent fabrics like silk, jacquard and brocade were set in jewel tones and mismatched sari-like prints. It was great to see the models wear flat oxfords instead of heels. 

Costume National

Costume National's rose-tinted Spring range is as unpretentious as it is prepossessing. Composed and sophisticated outfits in charming shades of peppermint and pink went from work to cocktail wear. Italian designer Ennio Capasa focused on geometric tailoring, exaggerated cap sleeves and sheer panelling. A pretty, sensible and wearable collection. 

John Galliano

 Designer Bill Gaytten drew inspiration from two classic 'Marys' for John Galliano's Spring 2012 range. The Mary Poppins element can be seen in the boater hats, oversized tweed coats, corsages, flair skirts, Mary-Jane heels and carpet bags. 1920's actress Mary Pickford was the muse behind the saccharine organza dresses, swiveled in tulle. The collection leaped from bias-cut daywear to gauzy feminine evening gowns.

Andrew Gn

 Singaporean designer Andrew Gn merged Japanese construction with 18th century French grandeur for next Spring. Kimono-style dresses featuring origami pleating were woven from lavish baroque brocades. Rococo bejeweled waistbands adorned floaty chiffon dresses. Models were crowned by floral tiara headbands - the ideal accessory for a royally beautiful range.