In her first campaign since turning 40, Kate Moss is the (bare)face of Alexander McQueen SS’14. Surprisingly, given her close friendship with the label’s founder, this is the supermodel’s first campaign for the brand. Make up free with a Tilda Swinton-esq acid orange pixie cut, Steven Klein both photographed and filmed Kate wearing Sarah Burton's black gladiator leather in an eerie and haunting, yet darkly romantic, futuristic short film inspired by the voyeuristic 1960s British thriller, ‘Peeping Tom.’ Kate’s only co-star is a freaky little Barbie doll version of herself. Otherworldly, as only to be expected.
Chanel Haute Couture SS'14
There was not one pair of skyscraper heels in sight on the Chanel Haute Couture runway in Paris last week. Instead, Karl Lagerfeld, clearly embracing the current sports luxe and streetwear trends, dressed every single one of his 65 (mighty grateful) models in trainers. Trainers? Chanel? Yup… You heard that right. Trainers.
These were however, not just any trainers… These were Chanel trainers. Created byChanel’s shoe-making atelier Massaro, the luxe embroidered, metallic and bejeweled footwear were worn with candy coloured corseted gowns and shimmering, iridescent flapper-style feathered dresses. The result was a cool, yet elegant aesthetic. I'm game.
Cara Delevingne made the perfect run(a)way bridechiller, complete with her own little page boy, Hudson Kroenig, to hold her train.
SJP Shoes by Sarah Jessica Parker
Last September we struggled to remain composed when Sarah Jessica Parker announced she was creating a shoe collection.
The first image to be released was of the elegant Mary-Jane style 'Diana' heels (below) which have a diagonal strap and are particularly similar to the black Manolos SJP’s ‘Sex and The City’c haracter Carrie Bradshaw picks out to wear in the ‘Urban Shoe Myth’ episode. All the SJP shoes are crafted in Italy and this particular patent pair of stilletos will cost $395.00 (approximately which is a round £240.00).
SJP actually credits her shoeaholic character Carrie as igniting her interest in shoe design stating, “Carrie's love of shoes meant I got to wear literally hundreds of pairs - and the more I wore, the more I realised that they are often the starting point of the style choices we make. Sometimes in fashion, little else matters but the shoe."
The SJP collection will also apparently include kitten heels, laced booties, flats and strappy heels and will be unveiled later this month at Nordstrom. There is currently no UK launch date in the pipeline but the shoes will be available online for us SJP fans across the pond so we can thankfully Keep Calm and Carrie On.
Golden Globes 2014
I look forward to the Golden Globes every year. Like the more louche and drunk cousin of the Oscars, this ceremony provides us with an early indication of the award season’s winners and, more importantly, our first glimpse at the latest SS’14 show stopping frocks and red carpet trends… #ClothesOverShows! My favourite three dresses were worn by (*drumroll...) Lupita Nyong'o, Cate Blanchett and Caitlin Fitzgerald.
Above: Lupita Nyong’o... I am a BIG fan of cape dresses and ‘12 Years a Slave’ newcomer Lupita Nyong’o looked the bomb in this dramatic Ralph Lauren gown which was reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow’s striking Tom Ford cape dress at the 2012 Oscars.
Above: Cate Blanchett... As always, the graceful ‘Blue Jasmine’ actress gave us a masterclass in red carpet dressing. Always elegant yet quirky, Cate Blanchett looked both gothic and regal in her black tulle and lace Armani Prive high-necked, backless dress.
Starlets take note.
Above: Caitlin Fitzgerald... 'Masters of Sex' actress Caitlin Fitzgerald looked incredible in her gorgeous powder blue, Emilia Wickstead step hem dress. I do wish she had styled her hair a little more in keeping with the high neckline of the dress (a slick updo would have been perfect) but I think her accessories and make up were divine.
Three major red carpet trends stood out at the 2014 Golden Globes; Red, Nude and… Bumps! Yes, amidst the crimson silks and blush tulle were several glowingly pregnant lead actresses posing for two. I also noticed that, unlike last year’s ceremony, there were less glossy limbs and cleavages on show (perhaps a Miley backlash?!) as a welcome return to higher necklines and more demure dress lengths were favoured.
Above: Ladies in Red (L-R): Lupita Nyong'o in her scene stealing Ralph Lauren cape dress and Emma Roberts in the backless scarlet Dior Couture dress she paired with navy trousers. Amy Adams looked sexier than usual in a ‘70’s inspired, two-tone burgundy/red halter-neck Valentino dress and singer Taylor Swift wore cherry-red Carolina Herrera.
Above: Pale and Interesting (L-R): Naomi Watts wore a metallic, white gold Tom Fordcolumn dress and Margo Robbie flashed emerald green heels from under her cream Guccidress. Zooey Deschenal looked as kooky cute as always in a glittering ivory Oscar de la Renta skirt and embellished crop top (with a daisy mani naturally!) and similaily, Sally Hawkins wore a beautifully embellished Dior ensemble. Michelle Dockery looked every inch the lady (Mary) in strapless Oscar de la Renta.
Above: Battle of the Bumps (L-R): Olivia Wilde (who is expecting her first baby with Jason Sudeikis) looked bumpalicious in this body-skimming, long sleeved, emerald-green sequined dress by Gucci. 'Scandal' star Kerry Washington bumped beautifully in her, albeit quite mature, Balenciaga silk crepe gown with diamond pin designed by Alexander Wang. Drew Barrymore wore a petal-embellished Monique L’huillier bumptastic gown which I don’t think would have suited anyone else other than her.
As expected there are always a selection of dresses which cause debate and others which outright have us all united in mutual shock and horror...
Above: Marmite ('you either love it or you hate it...') L-R: Jennifer Lawrence’s white Belle Epoque-inspired Dior (who else?!) gown with black ribbon detailing sparked a series of internet parodies (pugs in rubber tubes, kittens in coffee filters…) I don’t find the dress to be particularly inspiring but I do find her talent, attitude and punk-like hair is able to make any outfit notable. The more I look at Emma Watson’s Dior Couture outfit the more I love it. The actress looks modern, fresh and youthful, and even if I am in the minority, I am a big fan of this look. Zoe Saldana consistently takes high fashion red carpet risks and once again the actress divided opinion in this this Prabal Gurung cocktail dress.
Above: When Bad Outfits Happen to Good People (Clockwise L-R): eece Witherspoon looked particul.... zzzzzzzzzzz... I'm sorry, wha... um, she wore a really dull dress by Calvin Klein. I was more than excited to see Julia Roberts back on the red carpet… I was however, less enthused about her outfit especially when imagining how many designers must have been clambloring to dress the supporting actress nominee. Whhhhy oh whhhhy did she wear this peculiar, drab and unflattering Dolce & Gabbana ensemble?! White shirts under gowns should only ever be seen on Meryl Streep (mainly because Meryl Streep is Meryl Streep and can do whatever the hell she likes... Fact). Sandra Bullock started the awards season so well, but this Prabal Gurung colour-block gown makes the actress look a Licorice Allsort, albiet one with immacualte hair and makeup. As Tom Ford only dresses one star per awards show, Hayden Panettiere bought (yes, actually paid for) her dress by the designer for the night... is it too late for a refund?! Very 90's... and not in a good way. Lena Dunham’s canary yellow Zac Posen strapless dress totally wore her and I am yet to see one picture of the actress from the night looking remotely comfortable.
Cara Delevingne for Mulberry SS'14
Looking uncharacteristically innocent and candy cute, Cara Delevingne hosts an animal tea party for Mulberry’s sweet-as-pie SS’14 campaign.
Cara and her fluffy menagerie were shot by legendary photographer Tim Walker at an 18th Century country mansion in Oxfordshire. This is the seventh time Mulberry and Walker have collaborated and the current campaign is just as whimsical, magical and quintessentially English as we have come to expect. Del(evingne)icious.
Beulah and French Sole Collaboration
Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve and start wearing them on your toes! Beulah and French Sole have collaborated to make the loveliest of heart-shaped limited-edition ballet flats to help raise money for the United Nations' Blue Heart Campaign which supports the plight against human trafficking, a cause of great importance to the beauteous Beulah co-founders, Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan (above).
The night before I flew home to Kenya for Christmas I went to George on Mount Street in Mayfair, for the launch of these adorable, must-have slippers. The soft grey flats with navy velvet hearts on their toes have bright blue soles and Beulah print lining.
Available at French Sole (HERE) - RRP. £185.00 (25% goes to the Blue Heart Campaign).
Hello There: Malaika Firth
I was thrilled to see model Malaika Firth starring in the SS’14 Burberry Campaign (above) alongside a bevy of other pastel adorned Bright Young (British) Things.
Yes, I admit, am biased in my support of this 19 year old upcoming model (I was raised on the Kenyan coast, near when Malika’s mother and her family are from) but mark my words, this model is set for BIIIG things.
Malaika burst onto the fashion scene last July when she bagged a Prada Campaign (left) making her the first black model to represent the brand since Naomi Campbell in 1994 (the year Malaika was born!) Since then, the Kenyan and Essex raised model has graced the cover of a Vogue supplement (above) walked a gazillion fashion week shows and even strutted down the Victoria Secret catwalk (below right, a role she was clearly destined for given that her name is Swahili for ‘Angel!’)
I first noticed Malaika when I was reviewing the Valentino SS’14 show. I was utterly struck by her ethereal poise in what was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and exotic looks from the entire SS’14 Fashion Month (above left).
Trust me people, watch this space face.
Culture Vulture: London 2014
London in 2014 looks set to be brim-full of excellent restaurant openings, exhibitions, theatre, and of course, fashion, making this a VERY Happy New Year indeed!
RESTAURANTS
A big year lies ahead for restaurateurs Russell Norman and Richard Beatty as firstly, they re-open Polpetto after their 2-year residency above the legendary French House ended. We can now once more enjoy the romantic, characterful restaurant from January when Chef Florence Knight and her team move to their new home at 11 Berwick Street. The restaurant will seat a hungry 70 (opposed to only 23 like before!) and it will feature an aperitivo bar and open kitchen serving Venetian tapas. The group will also be opening a second Polpo restaurant in Notting Hill early in the year, with the 100-cover restaurant set to be the largest of their portfolio. All Norman and Beaty’s restaurants operate a strict no-booking policy but they are certainly worth the wait!
After her shock departure from Michelin starred Petersham Nursaries Café last year, chef Skye Gyngell is set to open her own London restaurant early in 2014, in partnership withHeckfield Place in Hampshire. Excitingly for South Londoners, Gordon Ramsey’s London House opens in a former coal warehouse in Battersea Square this February.
With Head Chef Anna Kelly promising a modern European menu using local British and artisan ingredients, there will be separate bar serving bespoke cocktails, London brewed beers and a lengthy wine list. No Kitchen Nightmares expected here!
If this all sounds a little too fancy pants, and you’re looking for more of a quick fix, the first UK branch of the American shrimp chain Bubba Gump opens in Piccadilly Circus this year. The restaurant is based on the characters in the epic film Forrest Gump and you can expect (in the words of Bubba…) “pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. with garlic… shrimps with mayonnaise… shrimps with…”
EXHIBITIONS
There are two particular exhibitions I am looking forward to in 2014 and they couldn’t be more different. The history geek in me is so excited to visit the British Museum in March to explore the ‘Vikings: Life and Legend’ exhibition (BOOK HERE), the first of its kind in London for more than 30 years. Expect artifacts dating between the late 8th Century - early 11th Century, including a life-size replica of a Viking Ship, using some original timbers. Alternatively, the V&A will be hosting ‘The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014’ (BOOK HERE) sponsored by Bulgari. A beautifully detailed insight into the history of Italian fashion will have every London fashionista rushing to buy tickets, desperate to see the stupendo contributions from Georgio Armani, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Missoni, Prada, Valentino and Versace…. Swoon!
THEATRE
There will be a series of exciting theatrical offerings in London this year, with Fame and Miss Saigon both returning to the West End. Simon Callow and Felicity Kendal (LOVE them!) will star in Michael Morpurgo’s ‘The Butterfly Lion’ and the wonderful Stephen Fry is to play Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ (one of my all time favourite plays!) I hear (stage) whispers that 2014 will also see Will Young starring in 'Cabaret' with musical adaptations of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Bridget Jones’, and ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ soon to be announced... My jazz hands can barely contain their excitement (*sits on hands).
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse will also open in early January at the Shakespeares Globe after much anticipation. The totally unique, Jacobean theatre will provide both indoor and outdoor playing space and as such will host a wide variety of events throughout the year. With a handmade oak structure, pit seating and performances lit by hundreds of candles, this venue is going to be magical.
FASHION
Get ready to feel utterly spoilt with some WOW new store openings in the capital in 2014.
Karl Lagerfeld is to open a flagship store on Regent Street this March for his self-titled Karl Lagerfeld label. The shop will be his largest European to date (2700 sq ft!!) filled with (probably all monochrome) ready-to-wear collections and accessories. iPads will be integrated into the display racks so you can watch digital footage showcasing the collections, and the fitting rooms will come equipped with photo booths… Just YES.
Mayfair’s Mount Street will also be welcoming two new shops this January; Scottish designer Christopher Kane, adored by Alexa Chung and her merry band of cool cats, will be opening a flagship store as will dreamy dress creator Roksanda Ilincic.
Helloooo 2014
Having just spent a fortnight (at best) eating too much, drinking too much and spending too much, you probably have some pretty holy resolutions set in place. Once these impossible rules and regulations fall by the wayside (I give them a week…), the diet and the early nights go out the window, and the snow is embraced for the sake of the January Sales (remember, it’s not what you’re spending , its what you’re saving!) you can start as you really mean to go on this year… Happy 2014 everyone! xx
Thank you 2013...
I am currently back home on the beach in Kenya and made the below video whilst taking my Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies, Atlas and Albas, for their last 'walkies' of 2013...
With the sun setting on 2013 I wanted to thank you all for your support. It's been a phenomenal year for The London Chatter and I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store.
