Best Dressed of the Weekend: Atelier Versace has its moment in Cannes
Courtesy of Armani, Getty

The Best Dressed of the Weekend posts are never better than during the Cannes Film Festival. This weekend has delivered some show-stopping moments.

Natasha Poly turned up (I don't know why but I don't care) looking absolutely stunning in a green leopard print velvet Gucci dress. It was one of my favourite pieces from the last collection and who better to wear it than one of my favourite models? Her earrings and the incredible eye make up added to the aura of awe.

Jada Pinkett Smith and Freida Pinto made my day when I saw them wearing two of my favourite dresses from the latest Atelier Versace collection. I expected to see them at the Oscars but I guess they work better at Cannes where everyone is a bit edgier. Jada was my favourite of the two – the bright orange was a great choice – but I also appreciated the fact that Freida went for something different.

Paz Vega seems to always get it right at Cannes. Last year she looked incredible in an Azzaro jumpsuit and this year she outdid herself in a Giorgio Armani sequinned gown. It was the perfect fit, the perfect length and elegant yet contemporary – simply a winner!

Lady Gaga will wear custom-made Armani looks for her Asian tour
Courtesy of Armani

We haven't been seeing much of Lady Gaga for the last few months – no talked-about red carpet or stage looks and not even outrageous 'casual' ensembles. But it looks like this won't last for long Her 'Born This Way Ball' kicks off later this month in Seoul, followed by Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and ending in Australia and New Zealand. And how is she coming back onto the spotlight? Well, wearing custom-made Giorgio Armani looks on stage, of course!
The Italian designer, who started working with Gaga two years ago for the Grammy Awards and already designed some looks for her 'Monster Ball' tour, has created four looksincredibly well suited for Gaga.
Look No.1 (my favourite!) is made of transparent Plexiglas, black crystals and luminous studs create a Cubist composition of abstract guitars. The matching headpiece follows in the shape of a keyboard; the boots are black vinyl.
Look No.2 is created via a shiny black grid-patterned PVC bodice with matching headpiece and embroidered ankle boots. Highlights include shoulders outlined by a play of sharp spikes, black Swarovski jet crystals and flowing fringe, creating a moving architecture.
Look No.3 is a long tunic with leg-o-mutton sleeves made of skin-toned latex. Luminous PVC elements create flashes of synthetic light inside the garment. The same avant garde lighting is featured on the triangle decorating the chest, on the headpiece, and on the platform of the matching latex ankle boots.
Look No.4 includes a black bodice made of tubular PVC elements connected with metal studs, with mirrored metal inserts to define a curvaceous design. The ensemble is highlighted by a matching headpiece, robotic thigh-high boots, and exaggerated gloves ending in mirrored nails.

What do you think of Gaga's custom-made Armani looks? Are you excited about her return?

A closer look at Giorgio & Emporio Armani FW12
Know Wear, Courtesy of Armani

This week I stopped by the Armani showroom in London to have a closer look at the Giorgio and Emporio Armani collections. It's brands like Armani whose focus is on subtle elegance that make press days worth it. Only up close you can see the incredible amount of details that all the clothes have.
I must admit that I was especially keen on all the orange pieces. Lately, Armani has a way of using very bold colours and making them so special. The knot dress to the right was a highlight as was the beaded jacket or the bag below. Speaking of which, GA's accessories were particularly strong this season with a lot of clean modern lines of architectural air.
I also loved the textures, which have always been an Armani signature. The velvet jackets and slippers (you know how much I love them at the moment) were some of my favourites. I also loved the colourful sequinned jacket, which would make an exquisite evening look even for the summer paired with simple black jeans and a t-shirt.

Best Dressed of the Weekend: Christina Ricci's on a roll!
JustJared, Getty

Half of this edition of Best Dressed of the Weekend comes from LFW-related events and the other half from the never-ending parties going on in LA.
Jamie King is one of the most beautiful women in TV at the moment. She looks absolutely stunning week after week on 'Hart of Dixie'. Her latest hit comes from the Marni x H&M event in LA. Her two piece look that looks like a drop-waist jumpsuit is perfect for her. The headband and the flats add just the right touch.
Christina Ricci is currently promoting her 'Bel Ami' film around the world and looking consistently chic. This time she wore Jenny Packham to the Berlin premiere. The sequinned gown is quite simple but she adds a Je-ne-sais-quoi to it and really makes it pop.
Victoria Beckham is enjoying a rain of well-deserved fashion critics at the moment. This look is from the Harvey Nichols launch of her namesake diffusion like on Friday night. I loved the subtle details of the two-part black dress and the white details on the collar and the cuffs. Super chic!
And Rihanna is getting it spot on lately. After her incredible moment at the Grammys she turned up in another super sexy Giorgio Armani satin number at the designer's presentation and party on Saturday night in London. J'adore.

Best Dressed of the Weekend: BAFTAs & Grammys Edition
Courtesy of Giorgio Armani and Givenchy, JustJared

Better late than never, right? I have been away for the weekend and travelling back to London today and this post was at the top of my to-do list. Let's put wi-fi on all British trains soon, shall we? It has been a great weekend in terms of style. Both the BAFTAs and the Grammys took place last night. Despite it being a sad day because our dear Whitney passed away both ceremonies carried on (show must go on and all that) and delivered excellent moments on the red carpet.
Adele was the absolute winner of the night at the Grammys. Not only she won 6 of the best awards (woopey!) but she looked absolutely incredible in a Giorgio Armani gown. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this. The subtle details of the dress – dark embellished crystals in a kaleidoscopic patters, a black belt at the waist and a chiffon layer – were exactly what she needed. That, added to the stunning hair and make up really took me back to the times of old Hollywood glamour. She also looked a lot slimmer and radiant. And she slipped into a similarly amazing Burberry Prorsum gown for the rest of the night. She must feel on top of the world today!
Also in Giorgio Armani was the second best dressed at the Grammys. Rihanna, in her new sloppy-dyed blonde hairdo, looked absolutely ravishing in her black dress. The deep V neckline and slit created a really interested symmetry and I loved her gold accessories. But the best, I must say, were her eyes – that eye make up is a winner!

The BAFTAs always tend to be a bit more quiet fashion-wise. They're always quite close to the Oscars and I guess neither nominees nor designers want to make too much noise and keep the WOW-moments for later in the month. And yet we still had a few amazing moments.
First on my list is Christina Ricci in Givenchy Haute Couture. It's hard with all-gold gowns because you can go either way. Luckily, this number had been in the more than capable hands of Riccardo Tisci, who  created the half ruffled half gathered detail at the waist that made the dress a winner. I am so glad to see her back in the scene and doing so well.
Almost neck and neck with Ricci is Tilda Swinton who once again stood out from the crowd. This time in a white Céline dress. I have been missing this brand on the red carpet for months. Hopefully, Phoebe Philo will be able to get back to business once she pops her perfect offspring off. Tilda's look was, as always, very slick with a je-ne-sais-quoi going on. She also had awesome hair. If I were I woman I'd like my hair to look like that.

Collage Sunday, 14.11.10

Red is one of those colours that never really goes out of fashion. However, for FW10 is is very much in. Everyone from the big French houses like Chanel and Givenchy to the fashion-forward rebels the likes of Ann Demeulemeester and Margiela to younger designers like Kamola and Dsquared2 have made red one of the strong points of their winter collections, be it on full looks or as dashes of colours. Even Vogue Italia gave a red Giorgio Armani the cover of their latest issue. If, like me, you are also a Christmas fanatic you'll find that red is not only the chicest way to a bright winter ensemble but also the merriest way to get into the the season's spirit. —Happy Sunday!

I'm off.

[Pictures: Kamola.co.uk, TFS, Style.com]

Designer Dreams (and hotels)

We are pretty much in holiday season and that means a lot of planning to do: who's coming, which company to fly, what to wear and, most importantly, where to stay. Now, I know this is not e very realistic post but I had a look at some of the hotels and resorts around the world entirely designed by famous fashion houses and their creative directors. This current brand-driven world we live in has given cause for many of the well known fashion houses to translate their vision into luxurious urban hotels and exclusive resorts in exotic destinations. We have chosen our favourite five, all completely (Italian, duh) different from each other but each perfect for a different type of fashionista in need of a stylish holiday.

The Bulgari Resort in Bali is exactly my kind of place. I love that sense of feeling stranded and being far away from any remotely westernised city. This complex of Italian/Balinese style hangs 150m over the see on a cliff, which gives its main pool and 59 villas absolutely breath-taking views. Every villa has its own private courtyard garden and a dining lounge but food is also served in the two pool-side restaurants. A lift connects the complex on the cliff with the private beach club downstairs and guests can enjoy the beauty salon and fitness centre at the spa. One single 1300sq-meter 3-bedroom villa with its own built-in bar, dining and living area, swimming pool and full service quarters. And I don't know why but it looks like the kind of place where one should wear loads of Bottega Veneta, no?

If I'm not mistaken, Palazzo Versace is the oldest all five hotels in this post. It's located just outside Brisbane, in the Golden Coast of Australia. Even without the bright medusa and green motif mosaic at the front door it is undeniable that everything about this place is 100% Versace. Now, all the gold and turquoise and blinding-white may seem a little overwhelming were it not for the immense windows that surround the main building and its beautiful view over the pools and the sea. The furniture is obviously all by the fashion house, which has added its own boutique to the hotel so guests can literally blend into the deco. The three restaurants, spa and fitness studio give the final touch to what looks like the most old-school glamourous experience one could get these days.

Moschino's hotel in Milan has a much more relaxed atmosphere than the ones before. Different bold designs can be found in every corner; from the massive tea cup as a coffee table to the hanging-dress headboards or a wolf put to bed ready to eat you every single thing adds up to the modern but elegant dreamy feel of the hotel, which they describe as "where the ordinary world is described with a stroke of surrealism". The building is also pretty much around the corner from Corso Como and Corso Garibaldi and it includes, of course, a spa and a restaurant, 'Clandestino.Milano'.

I would've never expected to find a Missoni hotel in Edinburgh, but it was a pleasant surprise. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe coming up in August is the best occasion to treat yourself to an amazing dose of the ever-famous colourful stripes and triangles (towels and bathrobes, hello?) in a very urban interpretation of Italian style. The hotel, situated on the popular Royal Mile, provides all its guests with in-room Nespresso machines and contains two restaurants and a trendy cocktail bar. With my best friend directing a play at the festival I have the perfect excuse to see first-hand what Rosita Missoni has been up to in Scotland.

And, of course, there had to be one in Dubai. Armani has chosen the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to hold his first hotel. It includes 166 guest-rooms and 144 Armani residences as well as 5 restaurants, an ARMANI/Privé nightclub, a private member's club (ARMANI/Club) and an Armani/Spa. All stylishly furnished by ARMANI/Casa's minimalistic ways. The complex also offers, of course, Armani/Dolci, Armani/Fiori and Armani/Galleria so guests can decorate their rooms or take a little bit of Dubaian Armani with them.

Which one would you die to go to?
I'm off.

[Pictures: hotel websites and Style.com]

When the gods descend

Right, so this is where I eat my words. I have spoken too much too soon regarding Cannes. Yes, Cate Blanchett looked alluring in McQueen; yes, Michelle Williams looked fantastic with in her silver mini-dress. But I didn't see this coming. Last Thursday, Tom Ford, Carine Roitfeld and her two very stylish offsprings (and with Giovanna Battaglia clinging to Vladimir's arm) made THE appearance at the amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS 2010 benefit gala in Cannes. I honestly have no words to describe this. Seeing Carine in Alaïa and posing next to Tom gives me goose pumps and her stare from behind her locks makes my knees shake. Julia totally rocked the event with a Mark Fast that proved she's very much learnt how to be fashion-forward from mummy while Vladimir and Giovanna, more classic but über-cool, both donned Armani.

Do you die or what?

I'm off.

[Pictures: Zimbio.com]

PS. Look out for Giulia's SS10 must-haves in a couple of hours!

"rebirth of nature"

Nicola Formichetti is on a roll. His latest editorial for the very young yet professional Vogue Hommes Japan features key SS10 pieces from Givenchy, Chanel, Dunhill, Dior Homme, Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein. What genius!

Photographer: Josh Olins

Fashion editor: Nicola Formichetti

[Pictures: Coute que Coute]

I'm off.

bluuuue VELVET, and grey and brown and red...

When in search for that touch that will transform your outfit into the ultimate winter ensemble velvet is the key. Specially amongst men collections blazers and trousers can be found velvety both in traditional colours and in more fashionable hues. This might not be a fabric easily found when reaching into your wardrobes, but it proves itself most versatile and suggestive when it comes to texture. Velvet introduces light and different shades of a colour into an outfit, making it easier to put together hues of the same palette avoiding looking uninteresting. Let's have a look at the best proposals from the most relevant runway shows.

Since Frida Giannini entered Gucci the house has seen itself influenced by the designer's colourful soul which was instantly injected into the dark brand's past, not making it any less chic. This is why, once more, I have to crown Gucci one of the best collections of the season. In addition, just as it happened with the womenswear line, there is a sort of boho and hippy vibe which includes playful patterns to make it all even more eye-catchy.

Velvet, however, seems to require high levels of confidence. This is why I have collected some more traditional and classic velvet options as well as the daring new ones. There is a velvet choice for every kind of man. Black and brown are always a safe pick for the traditional men, but go velvet for a bit of an edgy feel. J. Lindeberg, Hermès and Giorgio Armani offer full suits and separate pieces in both colours so you can choose. It is YSL, nonetheless, that offers the most beautifully tailored blazer in black.

Now, for those of you reading and realizing you should spring life into your wardrobe, look closely. There is no need to go overboard with colouring. You can start by trying velvet on a weekend to get the hang of it. Grey (Giorgio Armani), brown (Junya Watanabe) or dark green (Rykiel Homme) are perfect hues that will match anything from your winter closet. Find other items from within the same palette and you're on business. Blue velvet (Dolce & Gabbana) might be harder in the winter but is a very stylish option when mixed with grey.

Olive green and different shades of "mustardy" beige seem to be the most original and stylish pick when trying to bring colour into darker combinations of clothes. If you are past confidence issues and black and brown are a little "blah", this is your colour range. Again, YSL produced perfection in the shape of a blazer. Junya Watanabe's innovative collection included trousers and blazer in some of this colours throughout the entire runway show, which makes it a good designer to resort to. D&G's brown velvet suit is perfect for elegance and edginess in the appropriate dose.

Lastly, for the brave he-fashionista, a range of bold bright hues that will surely make you the centre of any party. Have it bright green (3.1 Phillip Lim), pearl grey (Kris Van Assche), fuchsia (Dries Van Noten), or simply mix it up clearing your mind of any fashion preconceptions (Yunja Watanabe).

Has anyone seen the light after reading about the suggestive powers of velvet?

[Pictures credit: Men.Style.com]

I'm off.

to be or not to be... a MAN

Everyone knows fashion is more of a women's world, there is no wonder about that. But how unfair is it that only because of that overlook-able fact we men must wait around for a year in order to get those trends in our sizes. Whether you are looking for gladiators, a boho look, new hippy or neon you might as well wear last year's clothes with wit and find a good amount of patience. Then, of course you can be lucky enough to be a pocket-size guy with extraordinarily small feet so as to find your beloved item among a pile of unwanted womenswear. Something which seems highly unlikely all the same. However, we shall not be fully disappointed as Milan fashion week is well on the move, showcasing what seem to be the innovative ways of transporting S/S'08 womenswear onto the male side of fashion. Upset as that fact could make us, it can also be taken as a better way of approaching the now super fresh trends. Designers have time to let their ideas mature and experiment with them for some months. And it looks like that is precisely what has occurred. S/S'09 offers all we could wish for specifically adapted for us —oh what an honour.

Balmain's new hippy comes via Gucci for next summer.

It's also Gucci that brings in Prada's graphic fantasy and colours.

Hermès oriental touch is courtesy of Asia-lover Giorgio Armani.

Neon as seen in Blumarine can also be found at Salvatore Ferragamo and Calvin Klein Collection for next summer.

Cropped tops for men are introduced by Prada, just like Jil Sander did.

In this case, Etro uses their own trends and patterns for their womenswear'08 and menswear'09 for the summer season.

[Pictures credit: Style.com]

I'm off.

UPDATE: I have just changed the header, it needed some refreshing. What do you think?