Giambattista Vali Haute Couture - Shanghai Edition

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Having debuted his line ‘Giamba’ at MFW, Giambattista Valli has taken Haute couture to China. On Tuesday, the designer unveiled a 40 look show in Shanghai, predominantly in an aim to introduce the Chinese market to remarkable luxury pieces. Although the market is seemingly saturated with high desire for branded logos and ‘wants of the West’, Valli took a more artistic approach in guiding Asia into fashion via the more intrinsic aspects of design.

The magnificent extravaganza took place with a pretty and feminine collective of floor length gowns and skirts; the use of embellishment impeccable and a handful of textures to lift them. Model Du Juan proved Valli’s talent in one of many train balloon skirts, a mammoth of ruffles in multiple shades of blue, pieced with a daintily patterned blouse a head wrap. Head wrap’s were the consistent vice of Valli throughout the show, translating the Italian routes of the designer and European culture. Liu Wen also wore a feathered skirt of the same shape, Ostrich like in lilac.

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All sewn and placed together by hand in Paris, the designer’s craftsman ship has been perceived as a glamorous dynasty take on porcelain, modifying tradition in a glittering adaptation. Amal Alamuddin makes this all SO evident, having worn a short dress by the designer after her wedding to George Clooney. The iridescent detailing of Amal’s dress is reflected in the entirety of the couture line, and is embedded in the true value of Giambattista’s Parisian team.

Overall, the colour palette is typical of a Spring collection, and the textures and lines make for a perfect Easter gown, whether a dress or shirt skirt arrangement. The Chinese market is constantly regarded as wanting to match the West in terms of commerciality; however Valli’s floristry theme emulates the stunning springs of China,

and all things blossom. Giambattista has executed

a graceful entrance to Shanghai.

A fashion icon, artist and gentleman; farewell Oscar.

Bergdorfs

Positively Blooming!

PA

We sat, we gazed, we adored as Kate Middleton seamlessly paraded across London, pregnant with baby No.1 (gawks over the thought of Baby George!) back in 2012. We now replicate ourselves two years on, as Kate flawlessly executes her second bump in an even more stunning wardrobe! As if that would be even be possible, right?!

A pregnancy favourite of Kate’s has been Jenny Packham, and in one of her first appearances pregnant with baby number two she wore an elegant JP gown, dressed with simple pearlescent  accessories and heels – it almost seems a timely and honourable acknowledgment to the sweet swing dress made by the designer post George birth! Kate stayed loyal to her staple Issa-ish waist gather, and gleamed in her enviable frame. The bump was perhaps less visible, but what justice she did regardless! Very fresh, and very crisp for the wintry season ahead.

Tim Rooke

Another signature ‘Kate’ look was seen earlier this week at the Royal Welcoming Ceremony. Kate wore McQueen in the form of a single breasted, grey, Herringbone coat together with a Jane Taylor tear drop hat. Relentlessly smart, Kate showed little sign of a traumatic hospital experience prior as she looked a busy, vibrant and goal orientated woman – not to mention comfortable and as her bump rested calmly beneath the lashings of wool. I can only imagine how cosy that baby is!Alcoming Ceremony. Kate wore McQueen in the form of a single breasted, grey, Herringbone coat together with a Jane Taylor tear drop hat. Relentlessly smart, Kate showed little sign of a traumatic hospital experience prior as she looked a busy, vibrant and goal orientated woman – not to mention comfortable and as her bump rested calmly beneath the lashings of wool. I can only imagine how cosy that baby is!

Last night we saw Kate’s pregnancy evening wear; and Alice Temperley was the magician of choice. The designer herself once cast Kate as ‘The perfect Modern Woman’, and so she was in a black, emblem flare dress. Temperley often creates more sophisticated black pieces, and a sweet alice band around the waist captured Kate’s stunning and evolving shape. The pattern, whilst very Azzedine Alaia esque, captured youth and taste. Something of a timeless ‘go to’ dress, I’m sure we’re bound to see Kate in this again, particularly due to its free flowing and unrestrictive nature; a pregnancy necessity!

Moschino Spring/Summer 2015: Barbie!

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If Jeremy Scott could send Moschino into more triumphant levels of true commercial fashion, his Spring/Summer 2015 collection has some serious business to answer for!

“HELLO BARBIE!” the words on every honourable guests lips when opening the invitation to Moschino’s Milan Fashion Week show; a giant plastic comb meant one thing only, an abundance of platinum blonde, bubblegum pink and dazzling audience eyes, all predictably reverting back to their five year old selves.

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Scott’s sophomore collection is a devotion to Mattel’s greatest export, yet it stays completely faithful to Moschino's innovative culture. The Cowgirl Barbie, Workout Barbie, Malibu Barbie, even the 80’s Rodeo Drive Barbs were translated throughout the 15 minute show. A matter of Perspex mini skirts and classic pink biker jacket was the first ensemble to set up the whimsical nature of the show. Although the ultimate object of femininity, Scott’s pieces were strong with low hemlines, high waists and prominent shoulders. Take the ‘Totally Moschino’ line. Barbie is fierce and energetic; her playful personality is alive with lashing of flesh but kept to a tee of class in the classic stiletto.

As for Work Out Barbie, she play’s nice in loose attire with a whisp of 80’s chic, fitted and practical – Well sweep me up off the cross trainer! As we prepare ourselves for the sunny season ahead, there will be some serious gym envy – and that’s before we even arrive in Malibu! Poolside Barbie is tropical, citrus yellow and deep blue in an array of block pattern upon teeny weeny bikini’s – she even has a blow up bag guys! How 90’s is THAT.

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By night, Rodeo Drive is planet 80’s. Dresses assembled with iconic taffeta bow’s, fish tail drops, colossal ruffles and never without voluminous hair; Moschino will have every Ken crying ‘Barbie, wanna go for a ride?!’. In the climate of a constant demand for MORE MORE MORE pop culture, Moschino sells itself as the pinnacle. “She's had every job. She's even been an astronaut. Barbie basically is the full package - plus she loves an evening dress which is very important for Moschino." 

Jeremy’s message is to loosen up with Fashion. The endless criticism surrounding Barbie in regards to her impossible measurements amongst others are simply eliminated when perceiving the buoyant spirit the collection possesses. Plastic, but so fantastic; every girl can finally experience the dream of being their very own Barbie.

Sold exclusively at Browns! 

Candy

Candy by laj94 featuring Topshop

Summer Moss

Summer Moss by laj94 featuring a white straight jacket

Shimmer and... Snake?

More Easter weekend events called for more silk, satin and all things luster. I was fortunate enough to attend the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at the Barbican in London (open until the 25th of August for the likes of you fashion bunnies) (POST TO FOLLOW SOON!) on Easter sunday with my equally fashion enthused Mother. If easter weekend weather was going to be wet, it would of course be on the sunday, and oh did the heavens open! Months prior however, I was stuck in one of those 'I just need a new, something smart to wear' phases, and similar to previous post, knew it would be a matter of conveying the brightness of spring in a weather appropriate ensemble. 

Inevitably, I found myself in Topshop. Admittedly, I hand't had my eye, nor even seen this Snake Jacquard Tee on the website, which is unusual, and knowing Topshop's wonderful efforts to be constant in producing more and more updated fashions, it must have been on the market for a while as I found it hidden at the very back of a rail; and what a fantastic find it was too! The top is jacquard with a unique snakeskin pattern, lifted by soft polyester and laid upon shimmering viscose. The contrast between a glowing gold and duck egg blue also immediately says easter and spring. I paired it with neutral cord ankle grazers... and yes, I can proudly say that I felt comfortable and stylish!

The tee comes in at £38. Perhaps not so student friendly, but with the fortunate student discount and adaptability for all season weather, I can definitely call this one a worthwhile asset to the wardrobe. Don't be put off by sizing either. I fluctuate between an 8 and 10 in Topshop, and although frustrated (always frustrated when it comes to sizing) with the lack of 10's, a 12 fitted seamlessly well thanks to the soft fabric. Without being superfluously emotive with this evidently beautiful tee, it's the type of top that emulates elegance and subtle allure, and is seriously fitting for the 'smart casual' occasions that most of us lend ourselves to. Be it work, a party or a slightly dressier occasion on the other hand, it's really is adaptable with the power to be dressed up or down. Isn't that the ultimate deal breaker that crosses our minds when trying to fight guilt when purchasing something? 

A Birthday

The middle of spring and I've still not managed to (quite) part way with some of my most loved pieces from autumn! Student budget permitting and sheer resistance to obsolescence takes some strength; but the unequivocally vacillating British weather often requires some pieces that are versatile throughout the year. Take the 19th of April earlier this year. My mother's birthday in the middle of easter weekend was inesacapbly prone to sunshine with unpredictable showers, cloud here and there with warmth in the afternoon but of course a routinely cold evening; Oh Britain! Celebrating in the evening required something dressy (what else?!), but how does a lady manage to channel the freshness of spring without looking reminiscent of the eager teenager dressed for August you were on many May bank holidays? 

I took to my most loved silk weight Topshop jumpsuit, purchased for my 19th birthday during November. If anyone know's me, they know I am automatically drawn to neutral's and golds; the winter blush pink was perfect for that time of year, but ringed true to April without appearing committed to winter or summer tones last month. The weight also kept me warm on what was a nippy evening, and more so with the divine spring H&M tweed jacket I'd purchased last summer. This is unforgivingly spring attire, and the luminosity within the light tweed reflects the 'luxe' look of the jumpsuit. Day to evening, this ensemble speaks in volume, especially with the pairing of my beloved Topshop Rhodium heels in black (gold bar hidden, not to confuse with the matter of silver in the jacket!) and subtly matched with my H&M chain clutch bag. 

It's all about balance in this arbitrary season. Take something light and flourish in the spring months (regardless of inevitable showers), but build a contrast. Be the woman who was so prepared for the impending weather, she even earned scowls from the weather girl. 

Serena

Serena by laj94 featuring leather handbags

Long Haul Flyer

Long Haul Flyer by laj94 featuring white quartz jewelry

Get Gold - The Rhodium's

Good Evening to you!

Before we start, a quick apology for my absence, settling back into uni and coping with preparation for deadlines is always time consuming. HOWEVER; that is in no means to say that I haven't been keeping an eye on all things chic in the wonderful world of style recently. Award season has been a real sugar coated treat, but can we please all bow down to Beyonce? Not only did she send us into a whimsical flurry of lace at the Grammy's (brava), but she has also been keeping her day to day casual wear, well, ceremonious. 

Broadimage

Beyonce was photographed supporting our favourite high street brand, Topshop (who else?) a few weeks ago. She collectively pieced together her off-duty ensemble with a pair of Rhodiums; paired with socks, practical and poised. 

The Rhodium's are essential winters answer to Barely There's, the black snake sister if you like. The textured and stretched leather fabric (Polyurethane to be correct) is synonymous with the inter mixture of fur and sequin popular in this winter season, and it adds a region of glamour to the sturdy heel. This is the main contrast between the barely there, for all the slipping and sliding we endure during three months of inevitable wet and windy weather, the heel is SO practical you'll have twisted ankle, stiletto balancing, tweens begging for a borrow. No really, the heel and strap is seriously comforting, so if you're not one for heels these are the ultimate disguise for all ambiguity.

In the season of all glimmer and glamour, a touch of gold is the only suitable counterpart for black. The gold plate on the toe and strap draw's all attention to your tootsies, you know you're a soon to be princess when you're walking on gold. The toe is dainty, and the heel is chunky; the Rhodium emulates a typical heel from the 90's, and whats more now than what isn't supposed to be? The strap being that bit larger will inevitably do less favours for those ladies not so blessed with shorter legs, so be sure (and this goes for leggy high flyers also) to adopt a hem or skirt line far above the mid thigh, in the case of trousers, a little ankle grazer will get your gold glowing.

Casual Kate

Casual Kate by laj94 featuring a white mini dress

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SAG Awards: Best Dressed 2014

The SAG awards took place in Los Angeles last night.  Although many red carpet dresses failed to live up to the incredibly high standard set by the Golden Globes last week, there were fortunately a handful of dresses that could make their way into the fash pack's best dressed lists. We saw a HELL of a lot of sequins, less ball gowns, and more flesh. Admittedly, these are very fitting and far in preparation for the ultimate event of award season; the Oscars. Ladies went streamline, with tight fitting waists and subtle slits, flaunting their womanly assets (ahem, did somebody say Ariel Winter?). The creme de la creme of glamour were the definitive of this. SO, who's ready for the best dressed fest?

My best dressed of this years SAG awards is Isla Fisher in Oscar de la Renta. Doesn't she look glamorous? The ivory silk piece is unusually flattering for Isla, being so fair, it looks rich and more so with a dark lip. The low cut V neck is, well, sexy (gasp!), and this is complimented with the Niagara Fall of mermaid tails! Isla herself may have found this slightly impractical, fiercely protecting that fabric from the paws of other guests is imaginably exhausting. Fisher looks effortlessly stunning; demonstrating to the youth of females the big difference between slutty and sexy. 

The battle for best dressed was not pretty, but my second best dressed sure is that very vision. Helen Mirren in Escada. Helen's dress is far more heavy weight, and far more winter chic which brings an excellent contrast from the floods of silk and fitted silhouettes. And obviously, this is more than appropriate for her age. With the bronze gold encrusted leaves, Miz Mirren brought the true nature (pun intended) of A/W to fruition, that although many younger actresses are racing into S/S wear, January is still in full bloom. Whether we're in LA or LDN. This stunning gown is in the spirit of party season, and emulates exactly what Escada is about; luxury and cool glamour. Can we take a look at Isabelli Fontana for their Spring 2011 line? 

If there's a name we'll be seeing splashed over every fashion article, blog, whatever it may be for the rest of 2014, it's Lupita Nyong'o. Wearing Gucci at the SAG Awards last night, Lupita was all woman. Gucci was a perfect choice for the actress, the flower ensemble across the neck is super feminine, and embraces the inevitable trend for Spring. Not only that, but it adds texture to the plain canvas that the gown would be without it. Thank goodness for Frida Giannini transcending Gucci into a fluttering of embellishment, Lupita Nyong'o stings other actresses out of running. 

I also loved Sofia Vergara in Donna Karen Atelier. The strapless gown oozes liquid steel, and the serious 'sequinning' reveals her inner gladiator. That being said, Modern Family won their award for Best Comedy; hoorah hooraah! Donna Karen's runway collection might have influenced the gown's design in terms of on show flesh and long lengths, but of course the actress had to be a show stopper, and that came in the form of some devoted attention to hand sewn beads. The foil tone is flattering on her colour, could we suggest Jessica Rabbit at Anna Wintour's 2013 Met Ball?

Finally, Hannah Simone flutters her angelic self onto the best dressed list in Marchesa. Those who know me best will label this as a totally biased choice, as since their Spring 2010 collection I have been in awe of their pieces. This gown is particularly low key for the designer, but so ready to wear and so pretty. The duck egg tone is delicious on Hannah, and the gathers maintaining the pressed layering up to the ruffled neck sing grace and more. An elegant and serene dress; like the swan she is. 

images: getty, Jordan Strauss, Matt Sayles (PRESS)