Sunday 10 June 2012

The Great Gatsby trailer


One movie I am incredibly excited about this year is Baz Luhrmann's realisation of the classic novel, The Great Gatsby. Luhrmann is of course the mastermind behind such films as Romeo+Juliet and Moulin Rouge. With such an awe-inspiringly colourful and dramatic cinematic vision he is certainly the perfect person to bring to life one of the most popular books in modern American literature.


The Great Gatsby is F. Scott Fitzgerald's complicated tale of young socialites in the Hamptons one hot summer in the 1920's as seen through the relatively naive eyes of a distant cousin, Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire). For the titular role of Gatsby, Luhrmann has once again called upon his young Romeo, Leonardo DiCaprio who suits the role of the handsome, mysterious billionaire down to the ground. As for the impossibly charismatic Daisy, Carey Mulligan is set to fill her dainty shoes. Perfect casting if ever I saw it!








The art deco! The decadence! The drama! It seems the fashion world just couldn't contain their excitement either as 1920s influences were seen across the catwalks, here's a few looks to whet your appetite while you practice your Charleston..

Olympia Le-Tan 

Olympia Le-Tan clutch



Gucci SS12


Celine SS12


Cacharel AW12


Giles SS12 


Marc Jacobs SS12


Saturday 9 June 2012

Girls for your eyes and Girls for your ears

What is being hailed as the new Sex and the City minus the Manolos, I was naturally sceptical at first. Can you imagine enjoying Carrie Bradshaw as much without the fashion? But I have been pleasantly surprised (and left somewhat aghast) by new HBO show, Girls. Produced by Hollywood golden boy Judd Apatow and written by lead actress Lena Dunham this show is the perfect, unapologetically-awkward depiction of life in your early twenties trying to make it in the big city.. or Brooklyn. Just like Sex and the City this is set to be your new staple TV favourite. And of course you will inevitably identify with one or all of these four very different girls - forget Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte; are you a Marnie or a Hannah, a Jessa or a Shoshanna?


Coincidentally I also went to see the band Girls last week at The Forum with my husband and was blown away. Check out one of my favourite songs, 'Love is Like a River', which they performed on Conan last month:




Tastebuds at Tramshed

To be greeted by a large cow and chicken in a tank of formaldehyde when you walk into a restaurant that touts steak or chicken as the only culinary options on its menu is slightly daunting although I must say I very much enjoyed the Damien Hirst with my dinner.


My lovely friend Terry is the sous chef at Hix Belgravia and took a group of us to try the new Hix restaurant local to me, Tramshed, on Rivington Street. Steak is served by the gram (anything from 250 to a full kg) and chickens are served whole. I won't attempt to critique the food as I am by no means a connoisseur, although I will say it was particularly yummy and I will definitely be back for more.

For a really good food blog check out Terry's here.



A talking point for the evening was my new Christopher Kane clutch, the general consensus being that it definitely resembles a placenta! Oh dear...



More soon.

Reminiscing



Having just celebrated my first wedding anniversary I am feeling slightly nostalgic for the day itself.

Not one for large weddings or being the centre of attention I opted for a more intimate ceremony in the beautiful Islington Town Hall surrounded only by immediate family and my husband's best man (my sister served as my maid of honour). I chose a knee-length Richard Nicoll shift with sheer sleeves and some tongue-in-cheek Vivienne Westwood heart shoes and a white peony bouquet. 

Brides-to-be can also now get my wedding look at Topshop as Richard Nicoll has designed a seven dress collection for the high street chain...


We later enjoyed a lovely meal on the roof at The Boundary hotel - the perks of a June 1st wedding in the beautiful sunshine!

The night ended with around 30 of our closest friends joining us for champagne reception and tower of hummingbird cupcakes in our Brick Lane penthouse (here's a picture of a miniature version we enjoyed at the meal).


Our lovely friend George Craig very sweetly made a video of the night full of our friends' pretty faces and footage he'd taken of us months before!

 

For our first anniversary my husband took me on a date to the Damien Hirst exhibition at the Tate Modern and then for some wonderful food at The Rivington and later a bottle of champagne we had saved from the big day. So far so perfect. I feel like a very lucky lady.




Never one for a traditional wedding dress, if I were to renew my vows I'd love to wear this Stella McCartney silk jumpsuit. Hell, I might renew my vows because of this gorgeous jumpsuit..

Citrus-print silk jumpsuit by Stella McCartney
Available on theoutnet.com

xxxxx

Met Gala 2012: Best Dressed

Generally acknowledged as the 'fashion Oscars', the Met Gala is widely accepted to be the most important red carpet event of the social calendar - and when Anna Wintour is the one handing out invitations, you better believe it. The designer being honoured in this year's exhibition is the inimitable Miuccia Prada, as well as the great Elsa Schiaparelli - a pioneer in the world of design - in an exhibition entitled 'Impossible Conversations' which seeks to explore the similarities in these two iconic, Italian women's work.

For the first time ever Vogue.com kindly live streamed the red carpet for those of us whose invitations got lost in the post... It was really fantastic to be able to see those glorious couture gowns in motion, all the beauty of the design in full effect as young starlets and fashion icons manoeuvred those tricky Met steps. Also great was the hilarious running commentary from one particular red carpet photographer (unintentionally picked up by a rogue microphone) as he clamoured for the attention of each arrival. E!, if you're listening, this guy needs his own reality TV crew for New York fashion week! Make. It. Happen.

So who wore what?

Vogue Daily — Kate Bosworth in Prada and Repossi Nérée earrings

Possibly my favourite of the night was Kate Bosworth in ombre Prada feathers. The dark lipstick. The simplicity. The length. Love.

Vogue Daily — Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry


Another contender for favourite of the night was my girl crush, supermodel Karlie Kloss in Jason Wu. On the arm of the designer, of course.


Yet another amazing amazing look - this is why the Met Gala is the best red carpet of the year - Chloe Sevigny in Miu Miu. And those legs!


LOVED Giovanna Battaglia in this Dolce and Gabbana look. (She tweeted Frida Kahlo was her style inspiration for this one!) Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld isn't bad arm candy either..

Vogue Daily — Mia Wasikowska in Prada

I like to think this is what I would have worn. Mia Wasikowska in pretty Prada.

Vogue Daily — Amber Heard in Zac Posen and Tiffany & Co. jewelry

Amber Heard looked impossibly gorgeous in this Zac Posen creation - she MUST have been sewn in.

Met Ball Gallery: Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2012 Costume Institute Gala

Ok, ok, best dressed of the night definitely goes to Marc Jacobs who showed up in this black lace Commes des Garcons dress!

Vogue Daily — Carey Mulligan in Prada and Neil Lane jewelry

Guest of honour, Carey Mulligan, naturally wore glowing Prada.

Vogue Daily — Caroline Sieber in Christopher Kane and Chanel bag

Of course stylist Caroline Sieber got it right in bejewelled Christopher Kane.


Mary-Kate Olsen in her own label, The Row. Understated. Simple. Chic. Love love love.

Vogue Daily — Rihanna in Tom Ford and Repossi Berbère earrings

I loved Rihanna's slinky, rubberized, crocodile-effect Tom Ford dress.


Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren. Wow.


I thought Amber Valletta was perfect in this Prada dress.

Vogue Daily — Joan Smalls in Balmain

Joan Smalls in Balmain. I mean.... Sigh.

Vogue Daily — Franca Sozzani in Giambattista Valli

Timeless Vogue Italia Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani in Giambattista Valli.

Vogue Daily — Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada and Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie

Gwyneth Paltrow dared to bare in a Prada creation that showed off everyone's new favourite red carpet trend, 'side boob'.


Long forgotten was Angelina Jolie's right leg, everyone was talking about Anja Rubik's hip bone in this Anthony Vaccarello number - luckily the dress was sewn around her perfect pin to keep her modesty in tact on the red carpet.

Vogue Daily — Cara Delevingne in Burberry

Three guesses who dressed Cara Delevingne. She wore a lovely velvet, Burberry dress that showed off her tiny waist. And I need those gloves from the runway show!

Vogue Daily — Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga

Not a popular choice but I really liked Kristen Stewart's leather Balenciaga dress.


Another less than popular dress, I quite like Florence Welch in this romantic Alexander McQueen gown. And I really love Cate Blanchett's. With McQueen designer Sarah Burton in the middle.


Vogue Daily — Stella McCartney in her own design

Stella McCartney in her own creation.

Vogue Daily — Gisele Bündchen in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci and David Yurman jewelry

Love Gisele Bundchen in this Givenchy couture number.


Clemence Poesy was pretty in Nina Ricci.


Actress Leslie Bibb dressed for the occasion in Zac Posen.


Alexa Chung brought some London-girl quirkiness to the evening in Marc Jacobs.


Jessica Alba looked did classic Hollywood glamour in gold Michael Kors.

Vogue Daily — Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture and Fred Leighton jewelry

Amy Adams played it safe in gorgeous Giambattista Valli couture and Hollywood siren waves.

Vogue Daily — Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino, VBH earrings and ring, and Fred Leighton cuffs

You've got to give it to her. I actually really liked Sarah Jessica Parker in this vintage Valentino.

Everyone knows the luckiest girls are those who are chosen by designers as arm candy to showcase their own designs and accompany them as their date for the evening. Here are a few dream dates...


Vogue Daily — Isabel Lucas in Proenza Schouler and Fred Leighton jewelry

Australian actress Isabel Lucas accompanied design dream team Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler.

Vogue Daily — Azealia Banks in Alexander Wang and VBH jewelry

Azealia Banks was on the arm of the happiest looking guy in fashion, Alexander Wang.


Emma Stone, in Lanvin, and Alber Elbaz both looked super-cute.


Chanel Iman with the dashing Tom Ford.


Lana Del Rey with Joseph Altuzarra.

Vogue Daily — Arizona Muse in Erdem and Edie Parker clutch

Arizona Muse in Erdem, with Erdem.

And finally, here are a few disappointing efforts..

                                                       

                    Vogue Daily — Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci

Not that she didn't look amazing but I'm a bit bored of Rooney Mara's tried and tested gothic Givenchy couture 'thing', has she not worn every look from this collection yet?

Vogue Daily — Diane Kruger in Prada

I was a bit disappointed with Diane Kruger's shapeless look as she's normally a firm favourite. Although she was of course perfectly on trend wearing feathers, purple AND Prada - a popular choice for the evening.


Another actress that is usually a favourite for me, I didn't love Jessica Chastain in this Louis Vuitton gown.

Vogue Daily — Beyoncé in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci

Another purple feather number, everyone got a glimpse of fashionably late Beyonce's post-Blue Ivy bootylicious backside in this sheer Givenchy couture gown.

Vogue Daily — Kate Upton in Michael Kors

Rumoured to have paid $25,000 for her own ticket to the event in order to ingratiate herself with the upper echelons of the fashion industry, model-slash-actress Kate Upton didn't flatter her curvaceous figure in this shimmering Michael Kors dress.



Christina Ricci looked like she might topple over in Thakoon, with a bow the size of her on the back.


As much as I love Rodarte and I love Kirsten Dunst, to me this just looks like a 1940s fancy dress costume.

Vogue Daily — Lauren Santo Domingo in Oscar de la Renta and a Kotur clutch

Lauren Santo Domingo in Oscar De La Renta. The ex-Vogue staffer and Moda Operandi founder is usually the chic-est woman around but I just don't get this one, sorry.


I know it's part of the look but I thought the short cape was a bit too much on this Mary Katranzou dress on actress Elizabeth Banks - it reminded me of something her character in The Hunger Games might wear.


Coco Rocha in a suit once owned by Elizabeth Taylor and pink hair. Um...

Vogue Daily — Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe Collection

Karolina Kurkova looked like a giant Oscar in Rachel Zoe.