Harper's Bazaar - A Fling with Ruffles

Harper's Bazaar en Español

May 2013 Issue


If runways trends and fashion editorials are anything to go by, (and they usually are), ruffles are going to be hugely in vogue this season. Photographer Benjamin Kanarek captures new top model Sasha Luss in an alluring editorial for the Latin American version of Harper's Bazaar magazine. The Russian beauty takes center stage in an array of frilly designer wear, persuading even the toughest critiques of this theatrical trend.

This is possibly one of the most beautiful and cinematic studio shots I have seen so far this year. Sasha is spellbinding in a flamboyant scarlet red ensemble by British designer Gareth Pugh. Her flowering tier-ruffled flamenco skirt encircles a pair of chicly tailored trousers and is accompanied by a high-neck top with frilled bell sleeves.

Marni brings us the more toned down version of the ruffled trend in a midnight blue low-neck peplum dress with flaired skirt.

Retro meets ruffles in a cafe-au-lait shaded sheath dress by Marc Jacobs, the neckline is fitted with a cream frilled button-up bib.

Sasha strikes a pose in a two-tone asymmetrical black and metallic grey dress by Lanvin, with a sophisticated set of ruffles placed strategically on the shoulder and back.

Balenciaga are always at the forefront of innovation, mastering the art of architectural folds and flounces in this arresting black and pink dress with 3-dimensional peplum waist. 

Gucci serves up the ruffled trend in XXL for Spring 2013. Sasha models a cobalt blue pants suit with high-neck tunic featuring oversized ruffled sleeves.  

Sharp tailoring at Saint Laurent is perfectly contrasted with the frivolity of ruffles, in this white silk frilled shirt, worn under a slick black tuxedo.

With frills, come romance, as seen on the Spring 2013 runway of Italian designer Francesco Scognamiglio. He presents an ethereal ice blue diaphanous gown, gently caressed by soft ruffles lined along the sleeves, bodice and skirt.

Are you in favor of the Ruffled Trend, is this something you would wear?

Red Carpet - The Met Gala 2013

Red Carpet Fashion 

The Met Gala 2013

'Punk: Chaos to Couture'



Fashion's biggest night lured out the world's most prominent designers and celebrities, all in celebration of this year's theme 'Punk:Chaos to Couture'. Fortunately, there was more couture than chaos at this event, although not many of the VIP guests lived up to the fashion punk protocol. This is a pictorial round-up of all the must-see red carpet dresses and trends from the Met Gala 2013. Please click on the images for a larger view.





Cut It Out

Heavy Metal

Short Circuit

Glamour & Gold

Guns 'N Roses

The Clash

Black Sabbath

The White Stripes

Sister Act

Green Day

Sheer Impact

Royally Blue

My Chemical Romance

Trail-Blazing

Who was your Best and Worst Dressed at the 2013 Met Gala?

Who Wore Alice + Olivia SS13 Better?

Who Wore It Better?

Alice+ Olivia 'Marla' Dress



The popularity of Alice + Olivia's Spring 2013 collection is unparalleled. This much loved celebrity brand has been the leading choice for many smart-casual red carpet appearances. 

In this fashion face-off, we see four young starlets strike their best pose in the Alice + Olivia 'Marla' dress...but who comes out on top?

1. Taylor Swift was the first to debut the dainty metallic brushed ivory dress on the red carpet, back in October 2012. The country star looked poised, pairing it with satin Charlotte Olympia cat-face pumps. A heavy fringe, pulled back hair and red lipstick accompanied her outfit. Something about this look says 'ballerina'.

2. Sarah Hyland picked out the boat-neck dress for a charity event on 6th April 2013. The 'Modern Family' actress wore a pair of black Giuseppe Zanotti bow-adorned peep-toes, and had her hair braided to the side.

3. Cheryl Burke of 'Dancing with the Stars' fame wore the classic cream frock with open back to a movie premiere on 22 April 2013. The professional dancer kept her locks sleek and straight and walked in gold metallic pumps.

4. McKaley Miller wore the exact same dress just a day after Cheryl, to the premiere of her new movie, 'The Iceman'. The young actress tried to give her outfit a more youthful styling with bright coral sandals by Marc by Marc Jacobs, and styled her hair in side-swept curls.

The 'Marla' dress by Alice + Olivia is currently available for $597

This is a classically elegant dress, and I think it's almost impossible to go wrong with it as a red carpet choice. Since the dress is quite similarly styled on all of them, it all comes down to the shoe. My favourite of the four has to be Taylor Swift, I loved the fit of the dress on her, as well as the matching shaded pumps. What are your thoughts?

Looks of the Week - 04/05/13

The weekly round-up of celebrity style, on and off the red carpet.



Geometrics

Ashley Madekwe takes a fashion risk in an off-white grid print jumpsuit by Topshop. Strappy black Saint Laurent sandals, a black clutch and an aquamarine manicure finish her look. 

Alexa Chung takes on the checked trend in a black and white block-print shirtdress by Paul Smith, worn with a skinny black belt and chunky heeled loafers.

Miroslava Duma gives us one more reason to love her style in a nautical navy and red striped cropped top and box-pleated A-line skirt by Michael Kors. Black and PVC Christian Louboutin pumps perfect her outfit.





The Glam Life

Nina Dobrev dazzled in a black Versace mini dress, embellished with gold beadwork. Her gold pointy toe heels are by Rupert Sanderson.

Nicole Richie debuted her chic new hairdo, with an equally voguish look to match. She wears a white chain detail dress by Saint Laurent, with pointy-toe heels by Manolo Blahnik.

Kate Bosworth defines elegance in a little black dress with sheer neckline and jewel-belted waist, which is by Oscar de la Renta.

Carey Mulligan went the opposite way of what I thought she would wear to 'The Great Gatsby' premiere. The actress looked attractive nonetheless in a red strapless midi-dress by Lanvin. 





Street Sophistication

Victoria Beckham looked polished in a dove grey high-waisted skirt with front slit and greige draped blouse with matching clutch, which is by none other than Victoria Beckham.

Cara Delevingne perfectly plays out the sports luxe trend in a chic black blazer, tee and skinnies, styled along with glossy metallic silver sneakers by Alejandro Ingelmo.

Karolina Kurkova makes her mark on the streets of New York in a trendy grey & white tweed jacket, paired with an asymmetrical cobalt blue culotte shorts by Zara and black ankle boots.





Gardenia

Zendaya Coleman brings in Spring, wearing a multi-tonal green palm-leaf print jacket and shorts suit by Juicy Couture. Her white ankle cuff sandals are by Gucci.

Ashley Madekwe makes another dashing appearance, pictured in a teal and jade green printed peplum top and skirt by Monique Lhuillier. A lime green Jimmy Choo clutch offers some brightness to her elegant look. Her black sandals are also by Jimmy Choo.

Diane Kruger takes a stylish stroll wearing a quirky duck printed trench dress by Marni in green, black and white. Flat ankle boots and a beige tote bag complete her outfit.

Olivia Wilde wears a forest green printed dress by MaxMara, accessorizing with a large statement pendant necklace, 'Duchess' clutch by Anya Hindmarch & Stuart Weitzman sandals.





A State of Grace

The Newsroom's Emily Mortimer was demure in a sheer long-sleeved scarlet Oscar de la Renta gown with matching waistband.

Michelle Dockery stunned in a sleeveless ultraviolet Elie Saab gown, fitted with waist frill, skinny belt and chiffon paneled skirt.

Sofia Vergara showed off her curves in an alluring teal blue Herve L Leroux dress with criss-cross bodice and cut-out detail. Purple jewels and a metallic clutch complete her look.

Kate Mara displayed the sophistication of simplicity in a pristine white Prada gown with bow-adorned neckline. A neon apple green beaded clutch added a pop of colour to her outfit.

Olivia Munn waves the flag for Marchesa, in an elegant black fitted gown with silver embellished neckline, which is far less ornate than what we are used to from the label.

Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

The Cut-Out Dress Trend

Trendspotting

Cut-Out Dresses

This Spring, expect temperatures to rise, and I am not referring to the weather. Sexy cut-outs have scissored their way into mainstream fashion, influenced by the runway designs seen at SS13 fashion week. A multitude of different designers showcased cut-outs in their collections, each with their own unique spin. Here's a look at a trend that's a cut above the rest...



On The Runway

 Michael Kors and Emilio Pucci have already proved the marketability of the trend, with a slew of celebrities wearing their dresses. Balenciaga took the trend a step further by incorporating it into pants suits. Designers like Erdem, Jason Wu and Richard Chai showed off a more feminine side to cut-outs, while Alexander Wang and Cushnie et Ochs kept things perfectly parallel and geometric. Carven, Diane von Furstenburg and Narciso Rodriguez dealt in rich red hues, while BCBG and Roberto Cavalli stuck to a more monotone palette. 

Celebrity Inspired Looks

These stylish ladies have all opted for brightly coloured dresses whilst out advocating the trend. Zoe Saldana went for a safari print in Carven. I like Alexandra Daddario's more simple take on the trend in a pretty shade of pink. Nina Dobrev looked like a modern mermaid in her turquoise dress. Irina Shayk & Karlie Kloss were both striking in fitted frocks by Michael Kors.

Black and white has emerged as popular colour choices to display the precision of the cut-outs on a dress silhouette. Gwyneth was suave in a Michael Kors look similar to Karlie's, while Alexis Bledel combined both shades in her chic Pamella Roland dress. Selena Gomez played it risqué with side cut-outs and a high slit. Jessica Alba was already on top of this trend early last year, seen in a sexy white Narciso Rodriguez number. Kate Bosworth reinvents the Little Black Dress with slit shoulders and sheer panels, which is by Emilio Pucci.

Get With the Trend

1. Topform royal blue dress with one shoulder and cut-out side. $42 Nastygal.com

2. Lips Like Sugar mint green dress with cut-out strap back. $52 Nastygal.com

3. Lemon sleeveless dress with v-neck and midriff cut-out. $23 Forever 21

4. Peach Tasha dress with cut-out neck & pleated high-low skirt. $50 Boohoo.com

5. White sundress with cut-out back. £22 Asos.com

6. Black chiffon dress with criss cross cut-out straps and waist £45 Mango.com

7. Black and red colourblocked skater dress with cut-out neckline. $46 Asos.com

8. Cerise pink sleeveless cut-out neck skater dress. £32 RiverIsland.com

What do you think of the Cut-Out dress trend. Hot or Not?

Kotur Clutches Spring/Summer 2013

When starlets need some place glamourous to store their smartphones on the red carpet, they usually turn to Kotur. The luxury handbag label cultivates their own creative garden this Spring, with a stunning range of surreal nature-inspired clutches and minaudieres. 



Classic box-cluches are invigorated by zesty neons in coral, citron, cerise and yellow. Florals flourish in a variety of interesting forms like jacquard prints, lace overlays and elaborate three-dimensional floral bouquets. Ethnic patterns are given an earthy feel in multi-hued raffia, feathers, West African wax batik fabric wraps and silk tassels.



Metallics are embossed with leather animal prints, carved in brass, and swirled with sequins. Each of the clutches are clasped with glass, crystal, rock or stone. For a modern touch, there is a transparent perspex minaudiere dotted with gold glitter. Or add a pop of colour with a hot pink perspex Aqua Globe© box clutch.



These are a few pieces from Kotur's Spring/Summer 2013 clutch bag collection.

I love the sequined neons and floral print fluorescents for an electric colour pop to any outfit. I hope the retail stores bring us more affordable versions of these designer box bags. 

Which are your Kotur favourites?





*All images found via www.koturltd.com.

Looks of the Week - 27/04/13

The weekly roundup of celebrity style on and off the red carpet.



In Neutral

Alexa Chung looked polished in an ivory tweed dress by Chanel, styled with a red-hot lip, black sling bag and black and white Mary-Janes.

Naya Rivera is alluring in a sexy strapless silk taupe dress with flounced hem by Zac Posen. 

Kate Hudson is pictured in a sophisticated cream cable-knit jersey dress by Jenny Packham, worn with matching Casadei pumps.

The dainty Elle Fanning looked lovely in a caffe-laté coloured gown by Lanvin with exaggerated hip pleats and a black sash.

Emma Roberts was ladylike in a peach satin circle skirt and white-collared sleeveless blouse. Metallic silver pointy-toe pumps complete her look.





After Dark

Jennifer Lawrence opted for a sporty silhouette, in this sleek black dress with flaired out skirt and sheer neck line, by David Koma. Nicholas Kirkwood sandals fit her feet.

Cosma Shiva Hagen represented Louis Vuitton from head-to-heel. The German actress styled her gold lace skirt with a sleeveless black top, tassel necklace, tights & metallic capped heels.

Jessica Biel dons a modernistic midi black asymmetrical dress with halter neck and ankle cuff sandals, both by Tom Ford.





Yellow Fever

Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu was impressively dressed in a vivid canary yellow embellished dress with fluttering waterfall skirt, which is by Giambattista Valli.

Julie Bowen spelt spring in her fluorescent lemon watercolour print dress by Monique Lhuillier. Nude Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-strap sandals were her choice of heel.

Chelsea Kane spread the sunshine in a fully sequined daffodil sheath dress by Alice + Olivia.





Blooming Buds

Kat Dennings displayed her feminine side in a romantic lace and floral long-sleeved mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana. I wished for different shoes.

Selena Gomez showed off a more laid back look, winsome in a block letter print tank and floral silk lounge pants by 3.1 Philip Lim. Her white strap heels are by Bionda Castana. 

Camila Alves was graceful in a floral and lace look by Dolce & Gabbana.

Katy Perry went royally blue on her campaign for the new Smurfs movie, pretty in a floral lace dress by Monique Lhuillier. Silver Giuseppe Zanotti pumps add some shine to her outfit.



Pretty in Pastel

Spanish beauty Megan Montaner looked ravishing in a flowing coral gown with accented waist by Blumarine. A gold clutch and heart pendant style her outfit.

Newcomer Bar Paly was luscious in lavender, wearing a strapless bustier gown with sheer chiffon skirt by Maria Lucia Hohan. A pity about the nude underlay.

Columbian actress Juana Acosta was regal in an Arctic blue V-neck gown with caped sleeves and gathered waist by Zuhair Murad.





Who is your favourite 'Look of the Week'?

That Dior Dress

I didn't think much of this Christian Dior dress when I first saw it on the runway, other than it reminded me of a sweet wrapper. However, as the months go by, I am beginning to see more and more of it on the red carpet and in magazine editorials all around the globe. This multi-shaded striped organza dress is fast becoming one of the most photographed looks from Dior's Spring 2013 collection. Let's observe the rise-and-rise of that Dior dress.

On the Dior SS13 runway, Kasia Struss modeled the candy coloured
dress that strongly influenced editors and celebrities everywhere. 

The diaphanous dress has already been photographed three times on the red carpet.
Left: Model Lee Hyun Yi wore the look to an event in Seoul, South Korea.
Center: Australian actress Isabel Lucas donned the youthful dress to a Sydney store opening.
Right: American socialite Lisa Marie Falcone wore the Dior dress just this week in New York City. I have to admit this dress looks far better in editorial than it does in 'real-life'.

Left: Dutch model Daphne Groeneveld is enveloped in a colorful swirl of organza for the cover of Harper's Bazaar España April 2013. Right: Rose Smith is given a sportier styling in Vogue Australia, with inner black tank top and wrist bands.

Left: Amanda Seyfried graces the April 2013 cover of Tatler Russia, accessorized with bold green earrings and a multi-coloured necklace. Right: Valerija Kelava gives new meaning to the term 'urban' glamour for Antidote Magazine's Street Issue.

Left: Natalia Vodianova displays the pink bandeau side strap thats holds this gauzy dress together. A rose-shaded neck-tie and soft makeup add to the romance of her styling.
Right: Vanessa Hudgens, on the other end of the spectrum, is given a spikey punk rock hairstyle and plastered with heavy makeup.

Left: Irish actress Saoirse Ronan adds vivid colour to a dusky forest scene for Instyle Magazine. Right: Singer Kelly Chen covers Marie Claire Hong Kong's April 2013 issue in the fluorescent dress. The lighting in this photo makes the shades look somewhat darker.  

Elle Fanning gives a playful edge to the dress, blending into the plastic background for New York Magazine. In this case, it really does look like a candy wrapper.

Left: Russian model Vlada Roslyakova makes a bright splash on the cover of Marie Claire Korea's March 2013 edition. Right: Nico O is dressed up in the famous frock with asymmetrical hemline for a fashion page in Marie Claire UK March 2013. I think her metallic strap heels are a pivotal part of what makes this look work here.

Clearly a fashion editor favourite, do you think this Dior dress deserves all the hype or not?