Met Ball 2012: The Best Dressed, Part II
Courtesy of Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, JustJared

As I said this morning I couldn't just post about my five favourite looks from this year's Met Ball. Last night I would have sworn I didn't like too many looks but after having a look at images of everyone I missed on the red carpet I changed my mind.
There seemed to be mixed feeling about Kristen Dunst in her Rodarte ensemble. But I loved the fact that it was unlike anything she has worn before and completely different from everyone else. I loved the colour, the cut, the lace detail under the blazer and the belt. It was perfectly styled and she looked ultra cool.
It kind of bothers me that no one ever puts Anna Wintour in the best dressed lists. I utterly adored this lobster Prada gown she wore last night. It was chic and fun and she looked so elegant. I simply love the fact that she always stays true to her style.
Bianca Brandolini went for a gilded Dolce & Gabbana number that obviously shone beautifully under the red carpet lights. This would have been such an exaggerated and over-the-top look on someone else but Bianca is so elegant and classy that she just looks like (fashion) royalty.
I was happy to see January Jones back in shape in an Atelier Versace gown. It has taken her a while to get her mojo back after the pregnancy but she is quickly getting there. The dress had such a different vibe than on the runway and I really liked the turquoise in the necklace, which gave the look a new dimension.

Courtesy of Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, JustJared

Giovanna Battaglia's Dolce & Gabbana dress put a smile on my face. It was so tremendously Italian and full of character but Gio wore it in such a young and chic way. And the braid and flower headband were such a great call!

Rooney Mara looked her edgy-meets-rocky-chic usual self. I guess none of us doubted she was going to wear Givenchy. I just wished she would have gone for a bit more drama or a different colour. But I loved the combination of lace and leather, Riccardo.

Cara Delevingne was one of the most fashion-forward attendees. I couldn't have loved her velvet Burberry dress any more. It was a stunning shape and I loved the detail of the collar and the studded Burberry gloves. How unfair is it that she gets to look so great wearing next season's clothes?

Who was your best and worst dressed? – Have I missed anyone on my lists?

Best Dressed of the Weekend: Kate brightens up Sundance
JustJared, Celebrity-Gossip, Courtesy of Stella McCartney

It seems like I've finally managed to (kind of) catch up with most things over the weekend so I am back to my classic Monday post.

I never thought I'd see JLo back on this list after the last time but I love her laid-back look. The distressed jeans, relaxed neutral knit and headband make her look super fresh and really pretty. I really liked how she accessorised the look, especially the leather and croc ankle boots. I want to see more of this.

Eva Mendes has always been too hit-and-miss for me but lately (ever since my older lost brother Ryan Gosling started dating her) she is looking a lot chicer. This late 50's look suits her so well. I love the colour palette and and mix of textures. And those degradé shades add just the perfect touch.

My favourite this week in Kate Bosworth in SS12 Antonio Berardi. She rocked the sexy red number with very simple hair and make up, a silver clutch and matching red shoes, which I actually love here. Sundance has just started and I am hoping for many more moments like this.

Kirsten Dust and Stella McCartney are always a recipe for success. Kirsten wore this SS12 look (how amazing are the brocade cropped trousers!) to Rodarte's dinner at Chateau Marmont last week. I wouldn't say yellow is usually the easier colour for a blonde to pull of but Dunst looked radiant. That's style for you.

JustJared, Zimbio

This weekend I waited until Sunday night to put together my list hoping that the EMAs would deliver one or two great fashion moments. But I was wrong. Thankfully, Gucci hosted LACMA's gala in LA and dressed lots of celebrities in their amazing SS12 collection.

1. Kate Beckinsale in Gucci Resort 2012. Kate loves a white dress and normally I'd be bored but I love this one. She is shinning –I love the golden belt and the retro hair, which reminds me of her as Ava Gardner in The Aviator.

2. Kristen Dunst in Miu Miu. She's always one of my favourites and this gingham number is simply stunning. Is short and flirty but really classy and she styled it perfectly with the loose chignon.

3. Jennifer Lopez. I am loving this diva moment in the big coat, the fur collar and the flashy Gucci boots. It's opulent but quite sophisticated. JLo should do more this and less 'street'.

4. Fergie in Phillip Lim. Yes, I've actually put a picture of her in my blog! I really don't like her style but this rockstar moment in one of my favourite FW11 collections deserves a mention.

5. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. It's nice to see her in something other than a satin Burberry gown. I love the rich feel of the look, the brocade detail of the blouse and the golden touches of the clutch and the Louboutins.

TFS

They say 'never judge a book by its cover' but I've never been keen on clichés. With a magazine it's exactly the cover that makes you decide whether to buy it. To me, it's about choosing a great picture that captures the most interesting piece inside.It's not about having every single story's title is on the cover. It really puts me off. So this month I've chosen my six favourite covers from the October 2011 issues.

My favourite is Harper's Bazaar Australia with Miranda Kerr. I love the pose and the styling. And I really like the different fonts and colours that make all the text work. I would say it' one of the best covers anyone's ever done in months.
I also really liked the Harper Bazaar Turkey cover with Lily Cole. The white dress with the metallic collar and the movement of the skirt read so well on the picture. The contrast with the brick on the back and the layout of text are great.
I was chuffed to find Elizabeth Olsen on the cover of Nylon. I feel like they're a perfect fit for each other. Though I do wish to see Elizabeth in high fashion mag covers soon.
Even though I'm not a fan of Tavi, I love the L'Officiel cover. I love the styling and the fact that a teenager is covering their 90th anniversary issue. It's kind of funny.
The Giambattista Valli peplum skirt is another cover hit. Even more so on Kristen Dunst. I just find it's a great cover to ease people into the FW11 collections.
And I loved Vogue Turkey because it shot FW11 LV in a non-boring way. No more navy and grey backgrounds to go with it, please.

The fashion at the CFDA awards is never ad grand as that of the Met Ball but it's so interesting to see which American designers models and celebrities wear to the event. Last night we saw the usual pretty but plain Calvin Kleins and Michael Kors but also a handful of very stylish and even edgy looks made in America.

My two absolute favourites were Jessica Alba in a custom-made Diane von Furstemberg and Kristen Dunst in Patrick Ervell. I loved Jessica because the colours are very seasonal, the sort of pregnant take on the wrap dress represents the designer and the accessorising adds just the right amount of bling. And Dunst I loved because it was completely unexpected. We've seen so much Chanel with the hair down that we almost forgot what she's capable of. The matching of the nail polish colour and the velvet lapels was exquisite. I was also very keen on the (chavy?) detail of the loops. I can't say why but it works!

Second and third on my list are Miranda Kerr, who I used to hate, in Michael Kors and Karolina Kurkova in a green sequinned Diane von Furstemberg. They were both simple but the side-slit and golden cuffs on Kerr and the hood and Louboutins on Karolina really made them stand out.

The big disappointment of the night were the Olsens, mostly in The Row with a dash of Chanel, LV and Manolos. Ashley's granny look was messy and felt cheap and MK, the better of the two, got the colours and proportions wrong. The only good thing were they The Row bags, which were premiered then. A little Victoria Beckham, no?

[JustJared, Style.com]

I have commented on this over the last week but how boringly long has Cannes been this year? It is my favourite film festival but ten days is five days too long. However, it did end in style. After a few appearances in very disappointing outfits Kristen Dunst finally picked a winning Chanel gown. Her mustard Chloé was cute enough and the Chanel she wore to the amfAR gala was almost a hit while her Rodarte was a big fat mess. So I'm glad she went for this Haute Couture number, which I didn't love on the runway but looks so chic on her.

Rachel Zoe looks as if she was never pregnant. She's back to her signature all-black look, fedora included. I can't think of a cooler mum to have and I simply can't wait for a special magazine spread of her and Skyler Morrison both in Couture Chanel.

The last lady on the list is Jessica Simpson. I have said a lot of really horrible things about her style in the past but I can be objective. She went shopping in New York City this weekend wearing one of the very popular printed Céline from the Spring collection. She's the second really unexpected celebrity to wear it after, of course, Kanye's Coachella moment. And I loved that she paired it with flared jeans because they suit her so well!

[JustJared, Celebrity-Gossip]

Best dressed of the weekend: Bows, the good and the bad

Seeing as I have no inspiration to make a collage for today and since the Golden Globes are tonight and they will occupy tomorrow's post I thought it just made sense to post the 'Best dressed of the weekend' today. I don't know if it's because I actually look for pictures more avidly during the weekend but I'll never cease to repeat how much better everyone looks then. This weekend Kristen Dunst slipped into an absolutely stunning Rodarte, which worked so well with the simple girly hair and the dark eye shadow. Let me remember, however, Chloe Sevigny's amazing Rodarte moment from a couple days before. It's quite a coincidence how I should include Olivia Wilde on a post for the first time just when I have decided to start of The O.C. season two. I like her even more as a brunette and her A.L.C. has that kind of "I'm still a surfer girl" vibe to it. It's simple yet interesting and the nude and bronze colours really compliment her skin. Michelle Williams continues on her quest to have me forever in awe. This time she did it with a vintage-inspired Balenciaga dress. If you only look at the top half of the dress you're almost expecting a classic cocktail number, which is why the embroidered scalloped hem is simply genius. It suited her simple styles with heaps of sophistication. And lastly, someone I hardly ever like. Eva Mendes looked incredible in a sheer lace and chiffon Valentino culminating in an oversized black bow to the shoulder (proving Dannii Minogue had no clue what she was doing). What's fair is fair.

Now, this is not part of a best dressed list by any means. But I also didn't think I could let this moment go unnoticed. Some of you UK residents might have watched 'The Devil Wears Prada' last night (or maybe I was the only loser who spent his saturday night like that). If not, I am sure none of you feel like I'm talking about some obscure film. Funny they should decide to play it on the weekend when Jennifer Love Hewitt chose her horrendous Paule Ka dress. And I say funny because it was almost identical to the red "James Holt" dress exclusively designed to Miranda and which causes the "pursing of the lips".

I'm off.

PS. I would have totally included Leighton Meester in SS11 Marc Jacobs if the pictures had been out by the time I started editing.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Zimbio.com, FanPop.com, theage.com.au]

imprinted

The concept of printed clothes is anything but new. Yes, I know. But the SS10 shows provided us with new print options. The concepts were basic: be bold and wear very graphic prints or be arty and opt for blurred, distorted or pixelated prints. There have been two celebrities that, lately, have very much epitomised both looks. On the one hand, beautiful January Jones (whose style sense is rather spotless) has ben seen around LA porting the 'arty' print trend in numbers such as the two below, including one of the jewels from Dries Van Noten's flawless Summer collection. On the other hand, Rihanna. I have been paying a lot of attention to her as of late, specially ever since the two-leopard number (see here). She has a fantastic ability to combine colours and prints. She, however, tends to go for more graphic and bold prints. Bang on trend have also been Kristen Dunst and Victoria Beckham (!) in Miu Miu; possibly the most popular prints of the season.

And, of course, I had to have a look online to see what the biggest e-tailers have on sale in terms of prints. As I said before, Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten, though great, are a little obvious as choices. If you are looking for leopard for the summer, this is your season. There isn't a designer that hasn't created a shirt, skirt, dress or blouse with their own vision of leopard skin. My favourite is Chloé's de-coloured version. But the best brand to go for prints this season Sass & Bide. They have mixed ethnic inspiration with street style and very graphic elements. Giulia and I went to preview their FW10 a while ago (post coming up) and we loved every single piece.

I'm off.

[Pictures: JustJared.buzznet.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net, Zimbio.com, Net-a-Porter.com, Brownsfashion.com]

the week in news: 24.05.10

This past week has been full of fashion news. From the appointment of new designers, to star-studded store openings and sale profit announcements (Burberry's profits rose $131.5 million). I already talked about Christophe Lemaire's new role as Hermès creative director yesterday but he wasn't the biggest news, by far. Earlier this week, the Gucci group announced that Sarah Burton has been chosen as the new creative director for Alexander McQueen. After months of speculations of weather a big name would take over the brand it has been decided that Burton, whose experience as head of women's wear design since 2000 and who put together the presentation of the FW10 collection after Lee's death, is the right choice. I have a good feeling about this.

Also this week, Giles Deacon was announced as Ungaro's new creative mind. After Estrella Arch's monumental failure in collaborating with Lindsay Lohan for two seasons, the Spanish designer was let go to leave room for Giles. Surprisingly, Lohan is supposed to still 'collaborate' in Ungaro's line. I just hope Deacon can play mind tricks with her and trow ALL her ideas in the bin.
A little less news-worthy was the opening of the Louis Vuitton Maison in London's New Bond Street. I never think of LV as an essential part of the industry but I suppose it is in terms of sales. For whichever reason, the opening of their biggest British home congregated an endless list of celebrities all wearing Marc Jacobs' creations for FW10. I really loved Marc's idea for this last collection but I still feel iffy about the execution. Just by looking at most guests (who don't have the average person's body shape) it was evident that the 30's inspired dresses are not flattering in the least. Luckily, Kristen, Alexa, Gwyneth and Gemma were there to prove being the exception to the rule.
I'm off.

[Pictures: nytimes.com, Telegraph.co.uk, Style.com, JustJared.buzznet.com, Zimbio.com]

shutting (it) down at Cannes

After almost two full weeks of never-ending premiers and their subsequent red carpets and parties the 2010 Cannes film festival has wrapped up. This year we have seen the unexpected style change of Kate Beckinsale (Coco's Tea Party explains it best) as well as other amazing fashion moments that I have religiously reported here. The closing ceremony, far from being boring clothes-wise, delivered some looks I did not see coming.

First of all, Beckinsale (who did not wear a white Marchesa) totally looked the part in a Nina Ricci from the FW10 collection that mixed layers of fabric with bits of lace and see-through material. She was desperately asking for that little bit of edge. Kristen Dunst went for a bright turquoise Chanel Cruise 2011 dress fresh from the catwalk. It is not a colour we normally see at this kind of events but I very much loved it, as I did the simple but interesting design. I did hate her shoes the hem of the dress, which looked lovely from the side but odd from the front. Diane Kruger joined the colour club for the evening, for which Giulia and I will be eternally grateful as we're tired of her black and white Chanel. Instead, she donned a fuchsia Jason Wu with dropped from a beautiful black bustier with lace and sequins.
All in all,  this was a very amusing year in terms of fashion. I am so intrigued about Beckinsale and whether she'll keep up the good work or go back to her old tricks. What do you think?
I'm off.

[Pictures: Zimbio.com, JustJared.buzznet.com]

a night to remember?

I am deeply and utterly uninspired as of late, hence the lack of posts around here. Hopefully, with the imminent arrival of the holidays this situation will change. In the meantime, I could not ignore such an event as the Met Ball. It certainly was an odd night, to say the least. Celebrities swapped roles and some seemed as if they were in those clothes to convince the world once and for all that they are not only tasteless but complete nutters. But some others, the few, lived up to the expectations or were simply pleasant surprises.

I AM IN LOVE... and she doesn't know it.

For those of you thinking "WTF?", I will say: it works on them and it wouldn't on anybody else.

Totally unexpected but extremely successful nonetheless.

It was pretty much a Marc overdose what that night was. I have always said it and I always will: He is overrated.

Talk about tables turning... Blake looks slick and sexy even when the dress is not my cup of tea while Leighton, poor thing, was somehow cheated. I like the print, though.

Simple cuts with colours that work great with their skin tones.

Wait a few years and that photo up there will have another member.

Daria has no need to accessorize with such a cleavage and that pair of jeweled eyes. Unlike our little friend on the right, just don't.

Not like  I was blown away but still, at least it wasn't wacko.

I am speechless before this.

Thoughts? Missed me?

[Pictures credit: JustJared, Style.com, GossipGirls]

I'm off.

ORANGE is the new pink

It takes time and good effort to kick a king colour out but, above all, it takes a bored audience in need of a fresher proposition. And this is the case of good ol’ pink. It has been one of the key hues for decades, predominating in fashionistas’ and self-proclaimed girly girls’ wardrobes. But the time always comes when change calls for itself and we can’t but applaud. Orange is quickly catching up taking advantage of pink’s decadence. The occurrence of such a change could not go unnoticed on the red carpet. Have a look at the innovative celebrities who took a risk when the process was only starting out.

Sophia Bush and Victoria Beckham were two of the first ones who dared to cover their skin with the bold colour. They both went for simple cuts and subtle draping and accessories that didn’t get much attention away.

American indie princess Kristen Dunst also chose a very simplistic silhouette in a darker shade and accompanied it with white retro accessories. Cameron Diaz found a very sexy short dress in a dark orange as well. In her case cuteness in brought into the picture by a decreasing line of ruffles.

Gucci’s resort 2009 collection introduced orange in responsible doses to a major part of the collection. It was this maxi dress, however, that is almost an homage to the new king colour. Natasha Poly wore it to Gucci’s 70th Anniversary with her hair down, as did Blake Lively also showcasing her golden threads.

The last famous portrayer of the latest popular colour has been Maggie Gyllenhaal, who wore a beautifully laced and semi-see-through dress that definitely matched her adorable green eyes. Are we looking at the next style transformation à la Gwyneth?

[Picture credits: JustJared and Style.com]

It’s great to be back!
I’m off.

PS. Comments will be answered during the next few days. Thanks again for keeping on coming back.

santa's late DELIVERY

There are not many things in this world I like more than Christmas but, this is certainly one of them. As our beloved Spring approaches and the latest magazines start to come out it is also the time for the fresh fashion campaigns to premiere. It is sort of a second, more glamurous holiday season.

If Giselle for Versace, Sasha for Prada, Kate for YSL and Agyness for Burberry (yet again) were not enough, one of the other loves of my life (I really need time to start working on my faithfulness), Kristen Dunst, rents her face for Miu Miu's Spring/Summer 2008 ads. Previous campaigns with Lindsay Lohan (S/S 2007) or Laetitia Casta (F/W 2007) didn't work at all and were too unorginal. On the other hand, this new set of adverts still posseses Miu Miu's characteristic vibe and point of view and yet manages to innovate within its boundaries. I couldn't be more delighted. Can anyone deny the Alice in Wonderland inspiration in it? Alice is now a grown-up sexy woman who wants to missbehave.  I am truly going to enjoy this new season!

[Photos credit: JustJared]

I'm off.

and the OSCAR goes to...

As promised, I'm back again. It's Oscar week and we have to take advantage of it!
By now, we already know who the winners are. But, do we know who the best and worst dressed were? Well, you would probably say YES to this, but you are actually wrong. Only soVIPzone knows how to go beyond glamour and glitter and provide you with the real DEAL on the Oscar fashions. So HERE we go!


You probably know her for being a beautiful but creepy she-elf, but this pale skin blondie is this year's winner for best dressed. Having the ability of going beyond pure glamour it's a difficul task to accomplish, but it is a piece of cake for Cate Blanchett, who always looks stunning. What a wonderful surprise it was finding out that she was wearing —God's design— Armani Privé. A straight full-lenght grey and black gown with an odd and yet exotic resemblance to middle-age mailles, covered with a gauze layer and delightfully culminated with Swarovski crystals and onyx both down at the bottom and in the top strap over the shoulder. This great piece serves both as gown and jewlery, but Cate decided to add earrings and a bracelet —also from Armani— matching the colors of the dress. She was the real QUEEN of the night.

Despite the perfection of the former elf's look, there were two more LADIES who made it to the TOP 3 this year.
First we have Jennifer Lopez. It's been a while since I last saw her looking genuinely classy. She either goes over the top trying to look very rich —which by the way it's a fact— or tries to look "down-to-earth" in a way that is far from successful. Bottomline, she ends up looking tacky. However, she must have had a revelation concerning this year's gown for these awards. Marchesa signed the greek goddess dress she wore. Greek goddess indeed; the cut and the fit are a thing of big perfection and the rows of diamonds on the neck and below the chest clear JLo of wearing any sort of jewels except earrings (by Lorraine Schwartz). In addition, the fact that she had a hair cut —thank God!— softens her whole look and makes her more of a goddess. The make-up was peRRfect and the color of the dress.., oh the color, very faded pale violet, almost white, is superb. I could only find a huuuge mistake on "la diva latina": accesories. The purse was great; I'm talking about Marc Anthony, she should have left him home having a steak with fries, he's looking skinnier every day.

I don't get why some people have critisized Cameron Diaz, her hair and her "wrong choice" for the dress. She is actually the third on my list of best dressed. As the smart —and gorgeous— girl that she is, she went for a gown that enhanced her tanned skin (due to daily surfing with new bf Kelly Slater) and that is synonymus with white. Where better to find the perfect white dress than Valentino who has devoted his whole Spring/Summer collection to white? It is hard to find a white dress that looks different from everything that's been done before, but this one is one of a kind. The train gives it the final touch, and I particularly love the two-part down-folded neckline; it's sort of a beachy wedding dress. I LOVE that Cameron went for emeralds on the earrings, they helped bringing out those deep seas that are her eyes and that drive us nuts. I'm sorry for the "blond-Cameron team" but I honestly think that she looks much better as a brunette; the hair, by the way, was exactly how it looked best: carrying on with that beachy vibe she was going on from the beginning. The rest of the accesories consisted of more diamonds —the other protagonists of the night— and the silver peep-toe sandals and purse. In the night of the Hollywood firmament Cam shined like the star she is.



* And now, for the big SCREW-UPS of the night...



It is a fact that pressure affects us while flying on a plane. This must be the effect that John Travolta's favourie hobby has had on his wife, Kelly Preston. After doing a lot of thinking this is the only possible explanation that I've come up with. It would be complete non-sense to wear THAT in a state of sanity. But thankfully —or sadly, I don't really know— she is not alone: "i signori" Domenico and Steffano (Dolce & Gabbana) have gone insane too. Their last collection is based on LEOPARD prints! Oh yeah, I'm freaking out like you guys! I never thought such a disaster could happen, but nowhere in my darkest thoughts it would have occured to me that a HUMAN person would actually wear any of that STUFF —they don't even have original designs. But, well, there're all kinds of people in this world, so there you go with Mrs. Travolta —grease lightning, oh grease lightning!


When did Oscar de la Renta start making "gowns-à-porter" for Wal-Mart? I wish I had known about that beforehand; so I wouldn't have been surprised when I first saw Jennifer Hudson's dress —or whatever that is. Is that piece of silver cardboard supposed to be a bolero jacket?!! I don't know, she just looks like the silver version of a Ferrero Rocher. And those hobbit feet coming out of the dark? Yuk! And have you noticed that there are pockets?! I wonder what they are doing there... Anyways, this american idol is not what girlZ dream about anymore. Period.

Even geniuses make mistakes. This is the case of Valentino and fashion Kaiser Karl Lagerfeld (for Chanel). And Anne Hathaway and Kirsten Dunst (respectively) have been their victims —they could have shown some taste, though. Miranda's fictitious girl, Anne Hathaway, looks like a rockstar who just got out of rehab and didn't have the time to think it over. That bow is a TRAGEDY in capital letters. You add white to that skin and you have the perfect sick look. Let's not talk about all that "scrap" she had on, shall we? My condolences to the designer. Wow! Really, I don't know what more to say. The pics speak for themselves. "Enjoy" them.




My beloved Dunst... she screwed up big time! I read that she didn't feel comfortable in it, but it's understandable not to think about being wrong with your choice when you are wearing Chanel. Please, take a look at the picture: is there anyone who actually thinks that a shirt-like neck and TONS of feathers and sequins over a see-thru fabric look OK?!?! Everything else was a fatal error too: that ring, the bracelet, make-up, hair... I can't talk any more s**t of Kirsten, I love her too much. See and judge for yourselves.
Last is Jessica Biel. First off, I don't know what the hell she was doing at the Oscars, she is more like Kid's Choice Awards. Second, who was the fool that let her in? Come on! Look at her! Her "chest" is all over the place and you can see her torches on thru the "gown". And third, what is that dressed made of? Fuchsia crepe paper? Oh and the black wannabe-suede belt from the nearest thrift store is so pretty! God, my sister playing to be a celeb with her sarong on looks better than that! This is for you, Jess: get a job, make some money and, PLEASE, don't try again next year!



Hope you enjoyed the special on the EVENT of the year —unless there's a Brit come-back anytime soon. I'm off.