Tag Archives: Marchesa

The Oscars 2013: Red Carpet

Posted in Awards, Beauty, Celebrity, Fashion, Film, Red Carpet by

The Oscars Red Carpet is the peak of the awards season, and it signals the end of all the boozing and schmoozing. What I love the most about this red carpet, is the anticipation and build up of which designers the stars will pick to wear.

It could be the making of a fairly unknown designer’s career, or it could be the Kings and Queens of red carpet dressing are displayed in all their glory, like the obvious pairings of Jennifer Lawrence and Dior, Anne Hathaway and not this time Valentino, Jennifer Lopez and Zuhair Murad, Jaime King and Jason Wu, and Diane Kruger and Chanel/JasonWu/Giambattista Valli…

What I hope for the most is for someone to be daring, for a celebrity to be brave and genuinely shock critics and viewers alike by picking something unexpected. The only person on the Oscars red carpet that managed that on Oscars night was Jennifer Aniston.

Don’t be mistaken I don’t think she was the best dressed I’m just glad she wasn’t wearing black. Her red Valentino Haute Couture gown didn’t translate as well as on the red carpet as it did on the runway, but kudos to Jennifer because everyone expected her to stick to her usual monochrome palette instead she pushed that envelope a little by going with strapless red bustier dress, safe but interesting for her.

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Another person in red was Sally Field, although she lost out to Anne Hathaway for Best Supporting Actress, she looked gorgeous in Valentino Haute Couture. Showing the younger ones how it’s done by wearing a sheer gown with a nude underlay , it was a worthy effort and she certainly looked better in her red Valentino than Hilary Swank who chose a similar gown from the Spring couture collection.

Sally Field in Valentino Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Sally Field in Valentino Couture at The Oscars 2013.

I give the award of Best OTT Frou-Frou Moment to Amy Adams, another strapless bustier gown but this time a dove grey Oscar de la Renta creation that the actress struggled to manage down the red carpet. This was just one of many colourless gowns that was on display, it could have been epic if it was a vivid pink or even yellow.

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta at The Oscars 2013.

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta at The Oscars 2013.

My obvious choice for Best Princess Moment has to go to Jennifer Lawrence she just simply shone on the Oscars red carpet.

I’ve been trying to figure out for weeks what she would pick from the Dior Spring Couture collection, her BAFTAS dress threw me and the dresses I had earmarked for her were worn by Marion Cotillard, instead she chose a blush pink brocade strapless (!) bustier gown.

A twitter picture showing her getting ready was released just before she appeared on the red carpet, I was glad because I genuinely thought I’d be waiting all night for her to appear. I think what made the look was the Chopard necklace draped down her back, such a modern touch.

I’m so glad she won the Best Actress Oscar because after her previous two nominations this was deserved, and also simply because she is adorably clumsy as proved when she tripped going up the stairs to collect her award.

JLaw getting ready.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Stunning.

I think what the trouble was with the Oscars red carpet was that it was pretty mediocre, I mean don’t get me wrong there were some nice dresses but that’s all they were just nice and if not pretty boring. So many stars chose to go the strapless look, either a coloumn design or a big full skirt there was hardly any variation. That’s why as soon as Naomi Watts stepped onto the red carpet I knew she was going to be my best dressed without fail.

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive at The Oscars 2013.

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive at The Oscars 2013.

It all rests on the cutout, otherwise it is simply another sparkly column gown, Naomi had said that she wanted something different and this was the perfect choice to stand out on the red carpet. I’m surprised more people didn’t choose a cutout design, it’s such an easy way to add something special without it being tacky (I’m looking at YOU Brandi Glanville). Naomi’s gorgeous teased updo, jewels, and flawless make up made the whole look.

Another actress who dared to do something different was Zoe Saldana, her red carpet style is so unpredictable it was great to see her in a lavender Alexis Mabille Couture gown with an ombre style train. The floral applique hem made the strapless element more exciting, and noticeable with her hair wavy but pushed back to expose her drop earrings.

Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Another stand out gown came from Stacy Keibler, this is her second year as George Clooney’s plus one at The Oscars so well done to her for keeping hold as we all know George is notorious for getting a girlfriend just for awards season maybe she’s a keeper… Anyway she wore a gun-metal grey Naeem Khan embellished gown that just made her look stunning, she made my best dressed list last year as well in Marchesa so she obviously knows what looks good on her and isn’t afraid to flaunt it. I’m warming towards these faux wavy bobs as well I wish my hair would do something like that…

Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan at The Oscars 2013.

Stacy Keibler in Naeem Khan at The Oscars 2013.

I was really looking forward to seeing Kerry Washington on the red carpet, and whilst she impressed me in Miu Miu with her coral pop of colour and embellished bust, it was once again a strapless gown. I really was expecting something dramaticlike the amazing Giles dress she wore to the UK premiere of Django Unchained. Now that was epic.

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu at The Oscars 2013.

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu at The Oscars 2013.

When I saw Charlize Theron on run the red carpet, what struck me was how gorgeous she looked with her ice blonde pixie crop with a matching ice white Dior Haute Couture peplum gown. Yes it was another strapless dress, but with Charlize she’s able to bring something that sparkles without really having to do anything. The only factor that may have pushed Charlize down further on my best dressed list is heat magazine associating her with Brigette Nielsen…

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture at The Oscars 2013.

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture at The Oscars 2013.

It’s really the case of the best of an OK bunch, as Salma Hayek wore a black velvet Alexander McQueen dress with gold halterneck applique, Jennifer Garner playing the part of proud wife in a purple ruffled Gucci gown, Samantha Barks looking sexy in black Valentino, Sandra Bullock wearing one of the only Elie Saab gowns in black, Olivia Munn in a burgundy and gold Marchesa with stunning make up and hair, Fan Bingbing wearing an extremely vivid pink Marchesa, and of course one of the shocks of the night Anne Hathaway wearing Prada NOT Valentino, it was a pretty dire dress to be fair as the darts on the bust of the gown made her nipples look erect the whole time.

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen at The Oscars 2013.

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen at The Oscars 2013.

Jennifer Garner in Gucci at The Oscars 2013.

Jennifer Garner in Gucci at The Oscars 2013.

Samantha Barks in Valentino at The Oscars 2013.

Samantha Barks in Valentino at The Oscars 2013.

Sandra Bullock in Elie Saab at The Oscars 2013.

Sandra Bullock in Elie Saab at The Oscars 2013.

Olivia Munn in Marchesa at The Oscars 2013.

Olivia Munn in Marchesa at The Oscars 2013.

Fan Bingbing in Marchesa at The Oscars 2013.

Fan Bingbing in Marchesa at The Oscars 2013.

Anne Hathaway in Prada at The Oscars 2013.

Anne Hathaway in Prada at The Oscars 2013.

And a special award to Funniest Hair Faux Pas has to go to Melissa McCarthy, her hair disaster was beyond epic. You could see her bouffant bobbing along in the crowd from space. Otherwise her David Miester dress was quite pretty.

Melissa McCarthy in David Meister at The Oscars 2013.

Melissa McCarthy in David Meister at The Oscars 2013.

Blake Lively Savages press tour

Posted in Celebrity, Fashion, Film, Gossip Girl, Style Crush by

She’s back, and she’s hotter than ever. (Is that even possible?!)

Blake Lively kicked off the press tour for her newest movie, Savages, last week and has had hit after hit on the red carpet.

We haven’t really seen much of Blake recently, what with Gossip Girl filming earlier in the year and her dating Ryan Reynolds, one of the hottest guys in the movie business, she has been greatly missed.

One of my style crushes, Blake has the perfect mixture of legs, boobs and hair and she knows how to work each of these to her advantage. She’s not scared to flash her pins with a hint of boob, it comes across as sexy and not slutty, she can work a suit just as well as a mini dress and that’s always a good thing when you have a press tour for a movie that requires numerous different looks to keep the fashion critics on their toes.

Her first big WOW moment of the Savages press tour was at the LA premiere, wearing Zuhair Murad Couture. After just been announced as the face of the new Gucci Premiere fragrance, Blake went old Hollywood glamour with Veronica Lake-esque classic waves with a voluminous twist and a form-fitting gown with matte red lips and matching nails.

The nude gown had black bead detailing which perfectly outlined Blake’s honed body, and she was serious competition for Salma Hayek, her co-star in the movie, who wore a fully embroidered teal Gucci Premiere dress. Each dressed to the max for the occasion and I really hope they keep it up, and that Salma doesn’t let the team down.

Side note :- It just occurred to me that Blake and Salma starred in this movie together, and that Salma’s husband Francois-Henri Pinault is the CEO of PPR which owns the Gucci Group, this includes Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, [formerly] Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Sergio Rossi, and Boucheron. I’m only speculating here but did someone put in a good word for a certain rising Hollywood actress…? Blake could get there on her own merit, as she did as the face of Chanel Mademoiselle handbags, but everyone benefits from having friends in high places! (Not to mention her BFF Florence Welch whose US tour wardrobe was also created by none other than Frida Giannini…

Blake Lively in Zuhair Murad Couture at the LA Premiere of Savages

Salma Hayek in Gucci Premiere at the LA Premiere of Savages

Next up was an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, Blake turned up in a pretty blush pink Jenny Packham dress with an encrusted neckline and the most beautiful Christian Louboutins. She left in a similar Marchesa dress, I was slightly disappointed with this as the fit seems off but the hair and shoes seem to pull it together.

Blake Lively in Jenny Packham at the Late Show with David Letterman

Blake Lively in Marchesa at the Late Show with David Letterman

The second WOW moment so far has to be the red-hot Michael Kors suit she wore for an appearance on Good Morning America. The last time she wore a suit was an electric blue Elie Saab number, and although slightly less dramatic this red suit was classic and gorgeous without being overtly sexy. And yet again the Christian Louboutin shoes are to die for, as some may remember she is BFF’s with the shoe king and so I bet she has plenty of the red-soled wonders in her wardrobe for this tour.

Blake Lively in Michael Kors at Good Morning America

Next stop New York premiere, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before Blake called upon her newest Gucci partnership for her press tour. Blake donned a buttery yellow Gucci halterneck gown with turqoise drop earrings. I think this summery dress would have been suited to the LA premiere and then vice versa, but she still looks beautiful and the make up is much fresher and the pop of turquoise against the yellow is fantastic. Blake opted to tie her hair up on this occasion, I am particularly jealous of her fishtail plait and think it complements the neckline of her dress.

Blake Lively in Gucci at the New York premiere of Savages

Cannes Film Festival 2012

Posted in Awards, Celebrity, Fashion, Film, Style Crush by

The Cannes Film Festival held at the Palais des Festivals is majah. So majah that you will never see as many couture gowns on a red carpet than any other event in the whole year.

As we all know Cannes is a festival about film, but sometimes the fashion is more important especially when the film premiering is Madagascar 3…

The Opening Ceremony, which also doubled for the premiere of Wes Anderson’s new movie Moonrise Kingdom, saw L’Oreal girl Eva Longoria hit the red carpet in a breathtakingly beautiful Marchesa gown; my number one style crush, and serving as a jury member for the festival, Diane Kruger, looking elegant in a Giambattista Valli Couture mint green flowing chiffon dress; Eva Herzigova rocking some gorgeous jewels and Dolce & Gabbana gown, and Freida Pinto in a colourful Michael Angel dress with a candy pink skirt.

Eva Longoria in Marchesa at Cannes Film Festival 2012

Diane Kruger in Giambattista Valli Couture at Cannes Film Festival 2012

Eva Herzigova in Dolce & Gabbana at Cannes Film Festival 2012

Freida Pinto in Michael Angel at Cannes Film Festival 2012

Now I wouldn’t normally talk Jane Fonda, but man she has the body of a 21-year-old athlete. Her days of keeping fit have not let her down at all. She looked striking in Atelier Versace at the opening ceremony and the premiere for the film Moonrise Kingdom.

Jane Fonda in Atelier Versace at Cannes Film Festival 2012

New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear

Posted in Fashion, I Adore, Models, Runway by

I honestly don’t know how fashion editors, buyers, directors etc etc do a fashion week. I’ve struggled to keep up with all the shows and I’m sat on my arse in front of a computer scrolling through photographs from each show, and even then I have to make a selection of who I want to look at because it TAKES SO LONG. I always look at my favourite designers, the recognisable names and then pick a few random ones that usually end up been the better options!

New York Fashion Week, was a whole load of different, if that makes sense. There were some similar themes running through several shows, like a LOT of white, and in mostly silky sheer material which looked a dream, seen at Luca Luca, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. The material I mention was in practically every show, well every show that I looked at, it’s the perfect shimmery, sexy, slinky, swishy, silk material that I adore especially when you see it down the runway floating and folding on the model. I especially loved the DKNY show, I watched it livestream on Style.com and I felt like I was there (I pretended OKAY) the looks were light and airy with really nicepops of colour.

Luca Luca

Luca Luca

DKNY

Colour was another big look, from pastel, sherbet, vivid, neon, rich, royal, sparkle and nude there wasn’t a show that didn’t pass by without a flash of the rainbow (well maybe apart from Ralph Lauren…). My favourite ‘colour’ shows were Jason Wu and Christian Siriano, Wu’s pastel pinks paired with crisp white and citron flashes of yellow were a dream, and Siriano’s burnt orange ball gown skirt was a delight.

Jason Wu Jacquelyn Jablonski

Jason Wu Kate King

Christian Siriano

Shape was sexy and tailored, peekaboo splits, peplum skirts or ballgown goodness. The recurring sexy tailoring was a particular favourite, pencil thin trousers in an array of colours, or the easiest way to do spring tailoring, shorts. Shorts galore! Simple style with a loose tee or sharp with a tux blazer, a great look to pull off if you pair the right shapes together. There were shift dresses from Victoria by Victoria Beckham her new line (not diffusion mind), there were full length red carpet amazing-ness, puff-tastic, dropped flapper style waists and some dripping in embellishment, case in point, Marchesa.

J. Mendel

Tibi

Prabal Gurung

There were plenty of red-carpet looks that could be seen at future film premieres, gala’s and even award shows, one of my favourites was Ralph Lauren’s look 52. A simple white column dress with cobweb patterened jewel short sleeves and a high neck, I would very much like to see this on Emma Stone. Zac Posen’s collection exudes glamour and red carpet beauty, for someone to wear one of his gowns would be a show-stopping moment. And not forgetting, the queen of red carpet, Georgina Chapman…

Ralph Lauren Zuzanna Bijoch

Zac Posen

Marchesa Karolina Kurkova

My ULTIMATE look of the week and ULTIMATE model, has to go to Karlie Kloss in Prabal Gurung. Prabal Gurung’s show was the epitome of sexy and I also watched that livestream and couldn’t believe how good it was. Karlie Kloss just has this amazing walk and this smoldering eyebrow-arching pout that I am just drawn to, how can she look that good and be only 19 *sad face*.

Prabal Gurung Karlie Kloss

Right I’m ready and raring to go for London Fashion Week, I expect this to be edgier as the Brit designers are apparently known for. Probably won’t like it as much… I can’t wait for Paris though.

Here’s the best of the rest….

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All images from Style.com

The lovefest continues

Posted in Awards, Boy Crush, Celebrity, Fashion, Film, Girl Crush, Hair, I Adore, Style, Style Crush by

I’m still loving all the attention the Royal newlyweds are getting, Wills and Kate, the Prince and the Princess, oh how genuinely happy they look together. Their tour of Canada was fantastic, I don’t care that each news piece was simply an updated version of the couple’s itinerary for that specific day, I want to know exactly what they were doing and what they were wearing whilst doing so. Kate is so pretty, still on the skinny side but dare I say it may be why she is so easily accepted into the media spotlight, what would they say if she was slightly rounder and less slimline, probably wouldn’t be so kind. Her long locks and bright radiant smile are her selling point, and her carefully planned wardrobe for the trip were put together very well, so kudos to the person who helped her out.

Their tour overseas ended in LA, with a BAFTA Brits to Watch event that saw 42 Brits named as up and comers in their field of entertainment, film and television alongside some of the more glamourous Hollywood A-listers such as Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Tom Hanks et al. To be honest I haven’t seen many pictures with the Brits that attended but plenty of the American stars that wanted their audience with royalty. My favourite picture of the night has to be J to the L-O chatting to the future King and Queen. That sentence, seriously who could ever have predicted that “Jenny from the Block” would get to chat to royalty, never.

Jennifer Lopez chats to Prince William and Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge.

Hi my name is J-Lo and this is my ass.

Prince William and Catherine arrive.

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge in Alexander McQueen.

Cat Deeley fighting the Brit corner in pre-fall Christian Dior '11.

Ed Westwick looking super dishy, no bow-tie here but some leather straps. Hot. (Simon Spurr leather dickie ooo)

Dominic Cooper my you're looking handsome. (Burberry)

Blake Lively, and no sight of her boobs or her legs in Marchesa. Lovely dress just not very Blakey. Next please!

I heart Zooey.

MTV Movie Awards vs. CFDA Awards

Posted in Awards, Beauty, Celebrity, Fashion, Film, Girl Crush, Gossip Girl, Hair, Lists, Models, Sexy, Style, Style Crush, Twilight by

Two awards shows, two very different crowds. But both one common goal, dress to impress. MTV Movie awards saw plenty of daringly short dresses, embellishment, and casual sexiness. The CFDA Awards were all high fashion bang on trend, colour blocking, sheer and silk materials, super tall models alongside the most notable fashion designers of-the-moment.

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