Monday 17 January 2011

Golden Globes 2011 red carpet!

The Golden Globes marks the beginning of awards season which can only mean one thing; red carpet dresses! Gone were the traditional blacks or neutral hues that usually overwhelm such Hollywood events, the big trend of the evening was colour and in particular luscious emerald green.

Here are a few of my favourites..

January Jones in Versace

My favourite look of the night, January Jones divided the fashion jury with this red-hot (I couldn't resist) Versace number. I'm obsessed with fringing lately so a sexy yet flattering dress made entirely of fringe is a hands-down winner. And it doesn't hurt that January Jones is just as annoyingly perfect off-screen as her Mad Men character suggests, no wonder Donatella has pegged her as "the perfect Versace woman for the 21st century".

Leighton Meester in Burberry

This was my other favourite look of the night - finally a starlet who knows actual designers from 'red-carpet designers'. Leighton Meester looks amazing and fashion forward in this nude Burberry dress, it's the perfect mix of understated cool with the extreme slit keeping a hint of sexy. I love her gold bag with the tassel too.

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

The colour is perfection, the ruching is perfection and I love that she kept it minimal with the accessories and didn't overpower the look. Reportedly, Mila Kunis paid $7000 for a facial in anticipation of the awards show which involved someone rubbing her face with rubies and diamonds - I'm not sure that was entirely necessary but she's certainly doing something right.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace and Brad Pitt in Versace

Wait, has the world stopped turning? Angelina Jolie is wearing colour?!! After years of sticking to her safe (boring) go-to of simple classic dresses in neutrals and blacks Miss Jolie has finally dared to wear colour and of course she was right on-trend with her emerald green Atelier Versace gown. I love everything about it, the cut is very flattering, very reminiscent of a shorter Dior dress from Spring/Summer 2010.

Claire Danes in Calvin Klein Collection

Another girl who knows her fashion. This Calvin Klein dress is simple, understated flattering perfection. And a really lovely colour to boot.

Elisabeth Moss in Donna Karan

Another actress who opted for the colour of the night was Mad Men star and Golden Globe nominee, Elisabeth Moss. The ruching on her strapless Donna Karan dress keeps it from being too simple and is extremely flattering at the same time.

Robert Downey Jr. in Prada

As my boyfriend is always telling me, it's so hard for men to dress up for the red carpet as they have so few options, so when they do go for something a little different it's always appreciated. Other than the awful glasses, Robert Downey Jr. was the best dressed man of the evening in a lovely grey Prada suit.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive

On paper I should hate this dress - yet another floor-length gold sequin red carpet gown - but actually Anne Hathaway looks amazing in it. The low back keeps that understated sexy feeling and the colour is great on her.

Catherine Zeta Jones in Monique L'huillier with Michael Douglas

This colour is a revelation! It's so flattering on absolutely everyone. CZJ's strapless Monique L'huillier gown looks like a beautiful sculptural garden.

Tilda Swinton in Jil Sander

Tilda Swinton is like marmite for me, I often find myself either loving her or hating her. For the Golden Globes the androgynous star chose to wear a quirky half shirt-half dress from one of my favourite collections of Spring/Summer 2011, Jil Sander. If I were to go to an event like this I would absolutely love to wear Jil Sander, well done Tilda.

Amy Adams in Marchesa

This look is a bit safe but Amy Adams looks great. The cut-out detail keeps it interesting and the colour really suits her.

The Social Network's Andrew Garfield in Emporio Armani

The Social Network star looks nice in this simple black suit but arguably nothing special, however I was won over by how skinny the trousers are cut and also the fact that I'm pretty sure he's wearing my own latest footwear obsession, velvet slippers. I love when men make an effort.

Justin Bieber in Dolce & Gabbana

Don't laugh but, considering he's only 16, I thought Justin Bieber looked really good in this Dolce & Gabbana three-piece suit.

Glee's Amber Riley in unknown

Amber gracefully side-stepped the whole 'larger lady dressing for the red carpet' issue and picked a lovely dress that's also flattering for her figure. The belt does wonders for her.

Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham

Sandra Bullock went for a pretty vintage-inspired nude Jenny Packham dress. A bit safe but it really worked for her, and I like her new fringe.

Mandy Moore in Monique L'huillier

The interesting texture and beautiful colour of this Monique L'huillier gown save it from being too boring, Mandy Moore looks great.

Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci

This Emilio Pucci dress is very flattering on Kyra Sedgwick and perfectly age-appropriate, not too young or too old for her. I'm in love with the colour and the pleats.

Julianne Moore in Lanvin

It looks like Julianne Moore's love affair with Lanvin isn't ending any time soon, choosing it for yet another red carpet event. Although many critics are getting a bit bored, I can't fault it. The bright colour is very on-trend and works well in contrast with her pale skin. I just wish she had steamed her dress..

Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen

This Zac Posen gown is so interesting to look at and incredibly flattering. Kelly Osbourne's new svelte figure is definitely working for her.

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection

Another understated Calvin Klein Collection gown with a hint of sexy in a great colour. This would definitely have been a contender for my favourite look of the night if only someone had taught Emma Stone the cardinal rule of dressing: don't match your dress to your fake tan..

Glee's Diana Agron in J. Mendel

After a string of disastrous red carpet outfits, Glee's Diana Agron finally got it right with this simple J.Mendel gown. The subtle pleats keep it from being too boring.


Now for a few of the worst outfits of the night..

Tina Fey in L'Wren Scott

I don't even know where to start. I love Tina Fey but this dress looks like something she found in her great-grandmother's attic. So hideously unflattering. I can't believe Mick Jagger's girlfriend designed this.

Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf

Natalie Portman looks radiant but I just don't get this Viktor & Rolf dress, the rose seems so out of place.

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Sheer, crystal-embellished poncho. Need I say more?

Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs

Oh Heidi, I see what you're doing, but jumping on the 70's bandwagon doesn't automatically make this look a hit. The colours are absolutely hideous. Maybe if she wore this on holiday in St.Tropez it would look ok? It just doesn't work on the red carpet.

Gabourey Sidibe in Marc Bouwer

There are no words. I understand it's hard for the larger ladies but maybe she should take a leaf out of Amber Riley's book..

Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab

What is going on with Scarlett Johansson here? Everything from the lacklustre hair to the way-too-old-for-her dress just isn't working. Bring back the bombshell!

Johnny Depp in Ralph Lauren Black Label

Yes, it's a given that Johnny Depp always looks incredible but I can't quite put my finger on it, I think maybe it's the shirt that's slightly too much? And is that a chain?! Just no.

Christina Hendricks in Romona Keveza

The colour of the dress combined with her beautiful pale skin and gorgeous red hair is just a little jarring. The dress is very simple and then is overpowered by the Sex and the City movie-esque head-sized corsage. Of course you can't fault her unbelievable figure, it is impossible.

Jennifer Love Hewitt in Romona Keveza

Why does Jennifer Love Hewitt always dress like she's going to a tacky high-school prom?

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Olivia Wilde looks amazing as always, she's a beautiful woman, but this dress is a little too 'red carpet Barbie' for me.

Christina Aguilera in Zuhair Murad

I'm really not a fan of the standard fish-tail gown and this nude lace number is lacking in class and subtlety.


And finally the mediocre ones..

Nicole Kidman in Prada

Nicole Kidman looks lovely but this Prada dress is just a bit too simple.

Megan Fox in Armani Prive

Megan Fox would look hot in anything but I'm a bit bored of the safe 'nude gown with slit' thing, it would have been nice to see her take more of a risk.

Julia Stiles in Romona Keveza

A very nice, if not a bit standard, red carpet gown but it's a bit simple and I wish she'd gone for some colour.

Michelle Williams in Valentino Resort

This beige Valentino dress made Michelle Williams look a little washed-out and it just doesn't feel glamourous enough for the Golden Globes.

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

A very pretty, safe red carpet gown - asymmetrical gown with ruffles and a train, in a pale colour - a bit boring.

Helena Bonham Carter in Vivienne Westwood

I love Helena Bonham Carter but even without seeing this photo I could have told you exactly what she wore - yet another wacky corseted Vivienne Westwood gown. I like how eccentric she is though, she's always fun and relentlessly sticks to her own indvidual style, the quirky mismatching shoe colours are cute.

Eva Longoria in Zac Posen

Eva Longoria looks amazing but I'm tired of seeing yet another boring black 'red carpet dress'.

Halle Berry in Nina Ricci

Halle Berry looks phenomenal in this show-stopping Nina Ricci dress, the sheer layers keep it really fresh but the under-as-outerwear feel coupled with the short-than-short hemline is a little too young.
Carrie Underwood in Badgley Mischka Couture

Carrie Underwood is very pretty in this Badgley Mischka Couture gown, it's just a little too safe and simple for my taste.

All this red carpet action is making the anticipation for the Oscars all the more exciting. It will be interesting to see what the ladies take from this, and if the emerald-green trend is here to stay. More soon.



Photos from Vogue.co.uk and TMZ.com

Sunday 16 January 2011

Tom Ford makes his triumphant return to womenswear!

Tom Ford doesn't do anything by halves. After conquering the world of cinema with his film 'A Single Man' and 6 years away from the Gucci helm, Tom Ford has finally made his long-awaited return to womenswear, this time for his eponymous label.

Held in an extremely intimate presentation in New York, unlike every other fashion show there was a strict no photography policy bar Tom Ford-approved king of controversial raunchy photography Terry Richardson who captured the event. Also unlike every other fashion show was the guestlist. Other designers can only dream of having the likes of Beyonce, Julianne Moore, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Lou Doillon and Daphne Guinness at their show - let alone walking in it. That's right, Tom Ford used his stellar star power to invite a bevy of A-list fashion friends and supermodels to showcase his designs.

Although it was all very hush-hush, video of the event has finally been released, enjoy!



The list of women who walked this show is ridiculous, it reads like a who's who of supermodels: Anja Rubik, Freja Beha Erichsen, Natalia Vodianova, Daria Werbowy, Liya Kebede, Stella Tennant, Amber Valletta, Chanel Iman, Karlie Kloss, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Joan Smalls, Lauren Hutton and Karen Elson who also provided the soundtrack.

Tom Ford's vision of designing for the sexy, glamourous, grown-up women we all wish we were has set the bar extremely high for next season and the fashion world is waiting with bated breath.

More soon.

Somewhere

2011 is definitely looking up in terms of incredible cinema, filling the void until the release of The Black Swan next week is another of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year, Somewhere. The Sofia Coppola-directed, achingly cool film portraying the darker side of fame was supposedly inspired by her own Hollywood childhood spent celebrity-watching at the Chateau Marmont.

The film features 90's heartthrob Stephen Dorff as a semi-washed up Hollywood actor leading an empty hedonistic life residing in the infamous Chateau Marmont. His 11-year-old daughter is played by the latest pre-teen style crush to hit the fashion pages, Elle Fanning, younger sister of Dakota, who comes to stay. A starkly honest portrayal of Hollywood life without the fake Hollywood ending, what else would you expect from the mind that brought us Lost In Translation?



With a soundtrack that includes stripped-down versions of Strokes songs and the new Phoenix album, this is without a doubt one of the coolest films of the year.

Somewhere is showing in select cinemas now.

More soon.
Follow the twitter for by-the-minute updates.

Friday 14 January 2011

British Fashion Council announces Fashion Forward sponsorship winners!

The British Fashion Council has named the three designers that will be receiving 'Fashion Forward' sponsorship to show at London Fashion Week for the next two seasons. Meadham Kirchhoff, Todd Lynn and Peter Pilotto will all be receiving funding as well as access to invaluable mentoring on the best way to grow their respective brands.

Judged by a panel of top industry insiders from magazines, sponsors, department stores and the British Fashion Council itself, the five-year-old Fashion Forward scheme (which is sponsored by Coutts & Co) aims to fund up-and-coming British designers and allow them the freedom to grow their business in London and show their collections at one of the world's greatest platforms, fashion week.

Peter Pilotto Spring/Summer 2011
Todd Lynn Spring/Summer 2011
Meadham Kirchhoff Spring/Summer 2011

Edward Meadham and Ben Kirchhoff said of the honour, "We are both pleased to have been awarded Fashion Forward. It is so important that young talent is appropriately supported in this industry and Fashion Forward gives us the opportunity to develop our work in a relevant manner."

Previous winners include the likes of Erdem, Giles, Christopher Kane, Louise Goldin, Richard Nicoll, Jonathan Saunders, Marios Schwab and Roksanda Illincic which can only mean these three brands are hotly-tipped for big things to come.

More soon.


Catwalk photos from Style.com

Thursday 13 January 2011

The BRITs get a makeover.

The BRIT award has been given a very fashionable makeover. In order to keep the 34-year-old ceremony innovative and exciting the organisers have unveiled their plans for the iconic statuette to become a blank canvas that can be redesigned every year by a leading British creative. And who better to design the first of the new generation BRIT awards than everyone's favourite eccentric grandmother of British fashion, Dame Vivienne Westwood?

Dame Vivienne Westwood and her design for the new BRIT award

BRIT Awards Chairman David Joseph said of the choice, "She continues to be unique, innovative, not to mention massively inspired by music and vice versa. We are honoured she accepted our offer of designing 2011's trophy."

Appropriately wrapping the award in a Union Jack-printed toga, Westwood's design has managed to make this prestigious award all the more covetable. Westwood also took this opportunity to further the cause she's been fighting for years, writing the words "Stop! Climate change" on the bottom of the trophy. The only question now is, how can they possibly top this next year?

You can catch the BRIT Awards live on ITV1 on 15th February.

More soon.


Photo from Telegraph fashion

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Spring/Summer 2011 campaigns! Mulberry

Following on from their big win at the British Fashion Awards, Britain's 'Best Designer Brand' unveiled a fitting British garden-inspired Spring/Summer campaign. The ad features the ever-captivating pout of Lindsey Wixson who seems to be everywhere since getting her big break two seasons ago as the face of Miu Miu at just 15. In contrast to the harsh monochrome of many other campaigns this season, Mulberry's pretty pastels is definitely one of my favourites.


The campaign was styled by i-D's Edward Enninful and shot by the king of dreamy ethereal photography Tim Walker, who also shot one of my favourite ever photographs.

Lily Cole on a spiral staircase by Tim Walker

More soon.