Best Dressed at the 2012 CFDA Awards
Getty

This year's CFDA awards had me particularly excited for two reasons. The first was the fact that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were nominated for Best Womenswear Designer for The Row. The second was the fact that this year, for the first time, I voted for all the categories myself. So I feel like I had some part in making Ash and MK the big winners of the night.
The Olsens obviously chose to wear looks from The Row. They felt a bit more summery than they usually do, which probably has to do with the fact that they belong to their latest Cruise 2013 collection. I was also gladly surprised to see Mary-Kate has gone brunette again. I think it really suits her and it sure makes a lot of journalists' job much easier.
Joan Smalls accompanied Michael Kors in one of his designs. I loved the skirt cut and the sort of scalloped hem line. It was very much summer wear but extremely chic and Joan rocked it.
Hilary Rhoda, who has the most amazing eyes ever, went for a silk Rebecca Minkoff number. It was an unexpected choice for an event of this sort but I like the elegant yet slightly casual air of the dress. The colours and cut out details are super chic and they sure bring out her eyes.
No fashion event feels whole without Kate Bosworth so I was chuffed to find her amongst the attendees. She wore Altuzarra and was the designer's date. I was also super happy for Joseph Altuzarra, who won the Swarovski Awards for Womenswear. I, too, voted for him.

* Take a look at my blog for Harper's Bazaar Spain to see more of my favourite looks.

Best Dressed of the Weekend: Red, peplums & The Olsens
JustJared

It's always a good weekend when the Olsens are out in the open. This time they attended the Fresh Air Funds Salute to American Heroes in New York. They went for a kind of Ying and Yang look – Ashley in a ivory The Row dress with the ruffled detail at the front and Mary-Kate, also in The Row, in a black combo of silk shirt and skirt. I loved MK's (Fendi?)shoes and her choice of croc The Row bag.

Charlize Theron is currently on her press tour promoting Snow White and the Huntsman and Prometheus, which has turned out to be quite a treat. She's been choosing all the right dresses for the red carpet – especially her Dior in London – but also for travelling – here another of my favourites. Her latest hit, by Lanvin, was only last night at the MTV Movie Awards in LA. I loved the simple strapless red with the season's super trendy peplum.

I'm not sure anyone in the world hasn't heard about the Queen's Jubilee. I must admit I missed much of it but was happy to see that Kate Middleton – should I call her Duchess of Cambridge? – went not only for red, which was compulsory, but for McQueen again. The combination of the pleats in the skirt and the flat top was super chic and I liked the fact that, if very subtle, there was also some peplum action going on here.

Leelee Sobieski, the new style icon
JustJared

Sometimes it takes me longer than it should to recognise true style, even if it seems obvious. It happened with Rooney Mara a while back and now it's Leelee Sobieski's turn.

Up until recently I had only noticed her every so often like when she wore a stunning Mary Katrantzou I loved. I guess that I didn't really start to remember her until she wore the white Adam Kimmel tuxedo to the 2011 CFDA Awards and shortly afterwards she went for a Jil Sander – I love a woman who can pull off a pant suit and who dares to wear Jil Sander.

But it was this week when I was really blown away. Earlier this week Leelee wore Jil Sander again (the last collection from Raf Simons) to the Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair party. I haven't seen anyone look so beautiful in a long time. It was a slick and elegant look very well complemented with the hair.

A day later, for the same festival happening in New York, Sobieski slipped into an über chic Boy by Band of outsiders black gown (see it here without coat) which she wore with a Maroon coat from The Row. I absolutely love her choices of designers – elegant and refined but contemporary.

What do you think of Leelee's style?

Best Dressed of the Weekend: A double dose of Olsen-ness
JustJared

It seems like this weekend no one in Hollywood could stay indoors and so I have actually have to edit out my options of Best Dressed of the Weekend from quite a few options. I have been quite impressed with Elizabeth Banks' red carpet looks for her Hunger Games press tour. However, none of her looks were quite part of the weekend, alas...
Fortunately, both Ashley and her young sis Elizabeth were out this weekend, which more than made up for it. Ash, who we haven't seen a lot in the last few months, looked amazing in a very understated look with a black turtle neck jumper, a classic camel coat by The Row and Aquazzura heels.
Elizabeth Olsen has one of my favourite airport styles at the moment. Unlike most celebs she doesn't go for leather jackets and layers of black. I love her blue suede brogues, which she's been wearing quite a bit lately. The whole colour palette of her look is super chic and I am loving the cropped trousers that are just right.
And lastly, Diane Kruger at the reopening of the St. Regis Bal Harbour resort in Miami. Diane wore Jason Wu FW12, which was one of my favourite collections from NYFW. 

Shoe Porn Friday: The Row for Superga
TheRow.com

Spring is pretty much upon us (officially next Wednesday) and I have already brought my Supergas to my wardrobe's front line. There is something so simple yet so chic about these trainers that makes them the perfect choice.

After waiting for months since it was first announced the collaboration The Row has launched this week the line of sneakers in anticipation of the new season, I'm sure. There are linen and cashmere models in classic colours but my favourite is the grey cashmere because of its interesting texture.

You can check out the whole collection here. I am sure they're not going to last too long so hurry!

Beyoncé & Ivy Blue stroll in New York: Get the Look!
JustJared

Over the last few weeks Beyoncé has been in quite a few posts around here most of which have been lists of best dressed. I really love what she has been doing with her look. There is a sort of 'diva' essence that is always there but she is not afraid of trying new things, which is what makes her so unique.
I was afraid that once she got pregnant we would only see a series of repeatedly slouchy and uninteresting black outfits over and over again but it turns out she has got even more interesting. Proof of it is her latest outfit, which she wore to go for a stroll with mum Tina and baby Blue Ivy.
The look is all about the bold but chic print of the Easton Pearson trousers, which make the statement. Everything else is black but so rightly so. I love the The Row x Linda Farrow round sunglasses, which are so on trend and make the look so slick. The wide-brimmed hat and the black loafers (not unlike these Church's brogues) give a boho chic touch. And the oversized gold hoops make it all a bit sexier. My favourite detail is the bottle holder by Roberto Cavalli. Blue Ivy sure is on for a bright future as a fashionista.

What do you think of B's momma look?

Best Dressed of the Weekend: Elizabeth Olsen wears The Row
JustJared

I was quite happy that Paris Fashion Week ended late last week because it meant I would get to include some of the looks from the last big shows and after parties on today's post.

I think Sarah Jessica Parker's white Louis Vuitton look was one of my favourite of all fashion month. It wasn't the dress on its own but how she wore it with a black bra, which worked almost like a small bustier, and that amazingly decadent hairdo. It was glamourous and edgy but very classy. So good, in fact, that I can even overlook the fact that she is wearing white stilettos. Not that it's the first time...

Gwyneth Paltrow also wore Louis Vuitton for the brand's fashion week closing party in Paris. Hers felt a lot more modern than SJP's – a sexy double-chested tux jacket with satin lapels and tux capri pants. Gwyneth always knows how to make a statement out of simplicity. If you don't know what I mean, remember her Oscars look.

Elizabeth Olsen was seen out and about in New York in one of my favourite looks of her – a maroon velvet suit by The Row. I love the way she wore it with a slightly oversized shirt buttoned up (Karl Lagerfeld would be proud) and snakeskin pumps. I would perhaps gone for a smaller bag but this is a 5-star look regardless.

Future trend: Colour-block & panelled Furs
Leeoliveira.com, Getty, Style.com

Sometimes we don't give Anna the credit she deserves as a trend-setter. I can't say for sure but it looks to me like as soon as she ordered her Céline FW11 fur coat about a year ago word went around and some of the top designers decided to add some of the new colour-blocking panelled fur to their FW12 collections.

Apart from London, we have seen pieces like these in all the other cities. In New York from The Row – the one I think Anna will be wearing next year. In Milan from Fendi, which looked a bit bolder but could work for Anna with an edited version. And in Paris a new version from Céline (I love the navy sleeves), a red-hot cropped jacket with a trail from Givenchy, and a bambi-inspired super chic coat from fur-master Révillon.

Which one will Anna Wintour be wearing for FW12?

Style.com

Know Wear

I already mentioned how much I enjoyed the PR Consulting press day a few weeks ago when I posted about Damir Doma and it's stunning chokers. One of the main reasons why enjoyed it so much is because they brought to London the SS12 collection of The Row. You know how big a fan of the Olsens and their work I am so I was ecstatic to be touching (amazing!) garments that might have been in close proximity to MK and Ashley.
Even though you could tell from the runway pictures that it was a very minimalistic mainly white-based collection you also guessed how exquisitely made everything was. Which is why it was so incredible to have a closer look at the collection. The cuts of the lighter pieces were both precise and delicately made and the embroidered pieces seemed like a herculean task for a human to achieve. The top, skirt and kaftan you can see on the top right picture were as heavy as they were amazing to look at. That's what wearing jewels all over your body must feel like.
I was also impressed by the accessories –the famous sold out crocodile bag and the more classic hand bags– particularly by the understated jewellery (very Ashley) and the sunglasses, after all that's what they know the most about!

Celebrity-Gossip-net, Style.com

Ever since the Olsens launched their high-fashion brand The Row I have been a huge follower. Not only because their clothes are exquisitely made but because, unlike many celebrity fashion lines, you can see their personality reflected on the clothes.

For SS12 they created this incredibly beautiful white-based collection with strong Oriental influences. It's like a sort of traveller who goes to live in Bali and combines her personal chic style with elements from the other culture.
This mini-trend, started a few months ago by Ashley herself and goes along the lines of their own new collection. It's basically a sort of beaded necklace/rosary worn across the top like the strap of a messenger bag. Ashley is such an influencer that it wasn't only on The Row catwalk that we saw this but also on Rebecca Taylor's, who showed it on several looks and in various colours.

Would you wear this trend?

[Style.com]

I think it would be fair to say that this last badge of cruise collections has been the best one since the so-called midseason became a fashionable thing for brands to do. As I mentioned before, I was particularly impressed with Erdem's simple concept and exquisite cuts and details and I rather enjoyed Chanel even though it was more of the same.

Even though there are still some more to come I will risk saying that we have seen the three best collections already.

The first is The Row. Being such a young brand they are already venturing into Cruise and doing it so well! A big part of the line seemed to focus around breton stripes, which is a pretty simple but genius idea. I would assume the Olsens picked breton stripes because they signify both nautical attire and Gabrielle Chanel and there is no better combination for a perfect Cruise look.

Acne has did PreFall for the first time last year and now joins the Cruise club too. I was pleasantly surprised with their collection concept, which spoke resort but was also quite urban. I especially loved the way dresses, skirts and camisoles were layered over or under each other.

By this, his third collection for Theory, Olivier Theyskens has managed to make of it a cult brand. I was happy to see a lot more colour and then usual black and white the designer usually delivers on the runway. My favourites were the various blazers, interestingly cut in different materials and paired up with sheer silk or blocky maxi skirts. I was also in awe of the shoes, huge wedges topped by metallic colours and pointy ends.

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 am really happy with this year's edition of Cannes film festival. Most people have made a good effort and it's paid off. Rachel McAdams and Penélope Cruz almost restored my faith in Marchesa. And I also started to believe that Pe can actually dress. Her Givenchy and Stella McCartney moments were definitely highlights of the festival.

Some other of my favourites have been slightly less talked about. Spanish actress Paz Vega rocked an Azzaro jumpsuit (a spin off of Carey Mulligan's Azzaro dress from last year's Cannes). I was impressed with how well she wore it. I loved the choice of shoes and the hair but I would have made the trousers straighter. Jane Fonda looked über-elegant in a blue gown and an amazing diamond and sapphire necklace. Clotilde Courau had one of those classic moments of a simple number with a trail in a champagne hue and Elizabeth Olsen showed not once but twice that I wasn't wrong in predicting we could expect great things from her.

The absolute star of the show for me was Fan Bing Bing. She has not only the best designer liaisons but an exquisite flair for fashion. She pulled off everything from a personally designed gown with Oriental motifs (which apparently took 4 months to make), to a couple of Versace Atelier (my two favourites) and  some Elie Saab Couture. Simply outstanding. I really hope she gets a role in a big period drama soon so we get lots of brilliant red carpet moments like these.

[Zimbio]

This post comes a day late, I know. But I couldn't ignore the opportunity to post this amazing picture of Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at the CFDA party where this year's nominees where announced. The Olsens are nominated for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear (for The Row) alongside Joseph Altuzarra and Prabal Gurung. I would be surprised if they did even though they clearly deserve it because everything is pointing at Gurung, whose collections are a bit hit and miss if you ask me. My list of favourites for the awards is as follows: Womenswear designer -Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, Menswear Designer -Michael Bastian, Accessory designer -Jack and Lazaro for Proenza (I love Reed Krakoff but the PS1 is a big hit!), Swarovski Award for menswear -Phillip Lim, Swarovski Award for accessory design -Eddie Borgo.

I am excited to see what MK and Ash wear to the actual awards, for which we'll have to wait until June 6th!! I love these The Row outfits (+ Ashley's Manolo's), which reminded me of Ashley's outfit for the 2008 awards. If this is how they dress for a party I can only begin to imagine what they'll done for the gala.

I'm off.

[Picture: Style.com]

The best Row

As I edited the pictures for this post I thought about Mary-Kate and Ashley's trajectory from teenage Tv superstars to style icons to fashion creative directors. They are, together with Victoria Beckham, the first celebrities to ever create collections that not only qualifies as high fashion but that reaches luxury standards. Just as Victoria's collection did two days ago, the Olsens' new line establishes them as rightful creative directors of young yet respected brands. It never ceases to amaze me how MK and Ashley manage to include their aesthetic in a way that becomes a language that whichever of their collections speaks fluently while allowing the clothes to bring something new to the season. For FW11 they have given into fur indulgence with over-the-top fox fur hats, jackets, gillets and estoles that contrast with the strong lines black tailoring and leather and with the ethereal laces and silk gauzes.

Also for FW11 The Row introduced their new collection of bags. All of them could easily fit into the twin's wardrobe easily as they clearly draw inspiration from their vintage pieces such as the Kellys, the 20's clutches and the velvet satchels. My other favourite are the black velvet and leopard printed loafers, which I hope they have included on the men's line.
I'm off.

PS. GG Fashion post coming later today.

[Pictures: Style.com]

The last (and best) of Cruise 2011

"A resort collection used to be the equivalent of staring at pictures of Bali when you lived in Kansas and the truck was broke. The clothes were for people who actually went somewhere, who made plans that included special wardrobes". That's what Cathy Horyn said about cruise this week on the New York Times. She talk about how it has become something completely commercial and how both renowned and new designers create resort collections. She also makes a really fair point about differencing collections within the 'seasonless season': "Depending on your perspective, resort collections can have either things you’re bored seeing or gems you can’t seem to find anymore because everybody’s become such big shots that they can’t do straightforward things". A description I love because it perfectly describes the collections I like and the ones I don't.

It did not even occur to me that Phoebe Philo would create a cruise collection for Céline. But it occurred to her. And now that we have seen the last of these collections I can officially say Céline is my favourite line. Philo created all the musts: a layered LBD in leather, a maxi dress, orange, a tailored trouser, a classic blazer with a twist and black basics to mix and match. A super well-rounded collection with a focused and fresh point of view.

It still feels a little weird seeing The Row among the names of designers whose collections are published on Style.com. The Olsens have steadily won their place amongst the big names of fashion to the point of looking forward to their new collections. Their Cruise 2011 line is mostly all black and white and features reinterpretations of garment's from Ashley's greatest hits. The cleverest part of the collection is the fact that a lot of pieces that work as long tops to go with dresses can also be worn as mini dresses. In fact, the collection seems to go from the 'mini' extreme to the 'maxi' extreme, which looks almost nun-like. All in all, I am very impressed. It isn't an unbelievable collection but it looks very very promising.
I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com, Mary-KateandAshleyImages.com, Celebrity-Gossip.net]

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.

WINTER espectaculaire

Bring together London, my love for winter and a very inspiring Vogue issue and this is the result after going through my filter. My usual inclination toward plain, simple and clean is particularly disturbed by the event of the year —Christmas. I feel like a treat is in order and what is is a treat in the fashion world but rich accessories and some striking detailing on your clothes? So I made a selection of a few of my favourite pieces from this winter collections and organized them into outfits that I would love to see out in the street. The keys are texture and shafts of colour that blend with grey, black, beige and brown. Have a look.

Boho-rock: Celine jumper, Alexander McQueen leather skinny trousers, Rupert Sanderson ankle boots, Chloé python bag, Erickson Beamon ring.

Glam tailoring: McQ oversized blazer, The Row trousers, YSL shoes, Marc Jacobs shopper bag, Roberto Cavalli ring.

Á la Rachel Zoe: The Row fur coat, Chloé cropped velvet trousers, Marni ankle boots, Mulberry blue leopard bag.

Downtown chic: Rick Owens leather biker jacket, Aminaka Wilmont flare trousers, Christian Louboutin ankle boots, Balenciaga bag, Marni brooch.

Mimic the landscape: McQ oversize blazer, Chloé cashmere cardigan, Michael Kors cropped plaid trousers, Fendi ankle boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs patent leather bag.

Rock layers: Helmut Lang drape cardigan, Thomas Wilde quilted wistcoat, Alexander McQueen leather skinny trousers, Pierre Hardy ankle boots, Givenchy snake bag.

Daring: Elizabeth and James blazer, Alexander McQueen tailored jumpsuit, Christian Louboutin ankle boots, Lanvin leopard bag.

Edgy classic: Michael Kors trapeze coat, Mulberry skinny trousers, Prada purple leopard pumps, Chloé shoulder bag, Chloé poppy cuff.

[Picture credits: Net-a-Porter.com, Barneys.com, Polyvore.com]

I'm off.