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.
British Fashion Awards 2013
Celebrating their quarter century, a whole bevy of British beauties descended upon theLondon Colliseum on Monday night for the much-anticipated 2013 British Fashion Awards. What I love about the British fash pack, is that they never arrive at awards show looking too over done. This year (with the exception of Rita Ora and Rosie Hunting-Whitely who perhaps tried a bit harder) the fashionistas arrived ready to let their dishevelled bed head hair down (rose-gold ombre hair in Sienna Miller’s case!) and wearing couture and designer gowns with the perfect nonchalance. These are some cool cats.
Above: (Clockwise) L-R: Kate Moss (in Alexander McQueen) and Rita Ora (in Vivienne Westwood), Alexa Chung in Stella McCartney, Laura Bailey (in Roksanda Ilincic) and Rosie Huntington-Whitely (in Antonio Beradi).
Above: My favourite look of the night was 21 year old Suki Waterhouse who wore a plunging lilac lace Burberry dress, accessorized with a Smythson clutch and a Noor Fares dangling necklace. The model wore her ash blonde hair in a scruffy up-do.
Amusingly, having scooped the last three British Style Awards herself, Alexa Chung passed the style baton on to none other than Harry Styles! I wasn't entirely aware that it was fashion that ol'Harry was known best for... Perhaps that's what the kids are calling it these days. In any event, the award obviously must now be retitled the British Styles Award?!
Above (Clockwise L-R): Lily Donaldson (in Marc Jacobs), Harry Styles (in Saint Laurent byHedi Slimane), Sienna Miller (in Burberry), Model of the Year Edie Campbell (in Louis Vuitton) and Poppy Delevingne (in Emilia Wickstead).
Above: Kate Moss, synonymous with British style, received a special recognition award celebrating her success in the fashion industry. Discovered at 14 years old and turning 40 next month, this does beg the question, why did this take so long?! Congrats KM!
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Womenswear Designer of the Year - Christopher Kane
Menswear Designer of the Year - Burberry
International Designer of the Year - Miuccia Prada for Prada
Designer Brand of the Year - Burberry
Accessory Designer of the Year - Nicholas Kirkwood
Emerging Womenswear Designer - Simone Rocha
Emerging Menswear Designer - Agi & Sam
New Establishment Designer - JW Anderson
Model of the Year - Edie Campbell
Red Carpet Award - Erdem
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Lady Amanda Harlech
British Style Award brought to you by Vodafone (voted by the public) - Harry Styles
Special Recognition Award - Kate Moss
Special Recognition Award - Suzy Menkes
Outstanding Achievement in Fashion - Terry and Tricia Jones, founders of i-D
Above (R-L): Agi Mdumulla and Sam Cotton, Suzy Menkes OBE, Lady Amanda Harlech,J.W. Anderson with model & Arizona Muse, Simone Rocha and Tim Walker.
Alexander McQueen and Damien Hirst Collaboration
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the iconic skull scarf, Alexander McQueen has collaborated with artist Damien Hirst (not adverse to skulls himself!) and launched a 20-piece limited edition collection. The line is inspired by Hirst’s Entomology series and the designs feature butterflies and spiders in kaleidoscopic shapes, in addition to the signature skull imagery.
The unique designs, available in Chiffon, Pongé, Twill and Cashmere with prices ranging from £315.00 to £715.00, are exclusively available from Alexander McQueen boutiques and online HERE.
Below: Photographer Sølve Sundsbø's short video celebrating the collaboration.
Stella McCartney receives OBE from the Queen
Stella McCartney was the perfect poster girl for her brand yesterday as she collected her OBE for services to fashion from the Queen. Wearing a bespoke navy suit of her own design, with a vintage platinum headpiece by Cartier and velvet pumps, Stella told the Press Association, “I feel really proud and really excited and honoured to be here." Stella also revealed that despite the Queen looking “very chic” she felt the 86 year old monarch should have been wearing Stella McCartney, “I slipped her a card…”
Stella McCartney joins fellow designers Dame Vivienne Westwood and Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, as well as Jimmy Choo founder Tamara Mellon in being awarded the Order of the British Empire. Congratulations Stella!!
Follow The Yellow Brick ... Carpet
This month there are three (great and powerful) women’s names on the tip of Tinseltown's tongue –Michelle Williams, Rachel Wiesz and Mila Kunis; the leading ladies of ‘Oz the Great and Powerful.’
Above: At London’s European premiere of the movie, the red carpet was exchanged for yellow bricks with the actresses shining in their beautiful dress choices… Rachel Weisz looked every inch a classic Hollywood star in a champagne laceMichael Kors strapless gown, Mila Kunis wore a slate grey Alexander McQueen SS’13 ruffle tiered dress (my least favourite of the three as it slightly drowned her small frame, but she still managed to look gorgeous and hold her own) and the ever quirky Michelle Williams (a red carpet favourite of mine) in a peacock blue Burberry feathered cocktail dress from their SS’13 collection - cute.
I must say however, I thought the outfits these actresses conjured up for the Los Angeles premiere of the film were even better - which lady do you think won in the style stakes?
Above: Rachel Weisz looked HOT in this bright orange, floor-sweeping gown by Victoria Beckham with signature exposed VB zip. Rachel let the dress do all the talking, opting for zero accessories and scraping her glossy locks into a chic bun. Bond Girl Perfection!
Above: Mila Kunis looked adorable in a Dolce & Gabanna embroidered dress with peep-toe Louboutins, a Bottega clutch bag and STUNNING ruby drop Sutra earrings.
Above: Michelle Williams looking oh-so-demure from the front in a pretty, floral Prada gown but not-so-demure from the side, with a waist-high slit revealing her black pants! Absolutely magical, and as unique as ever. My cute-as-a-button winner.
'The Great and Powerful Oz' is out in cinemas now...
Golden Globes 2013
I have made no secret that I LOVE award shows. I am thrilled that people from all areas within the film industry are annually rewarded for their often extreme and valiant attempts to entertain us… But mainly, I just freaking love seeing all the pretty frocks on the red carpet. The fashion at last weekend’s 70th Golden Globes may have seemed a tad disappointing to some in comparison to last year’s more glamorous turn out, but I for one actually really appreciated the more fresh-faced actresses wearing simpler, cleaner silhouettes giving the typically bejeweled and fishtailed crowd a run for their money.
My two favourite looks of the night were those of Thandie Newton (above, in Giles Deacon teamed with I'd-sell-my-granny-for-this-pair-of bubblegum pink heels) and Marion Cotilard (below, in custom-made Christian Dior by Raf Simons accessorised with a leopard print clutch). Both actresses wore unconventionally shorter cut dresses than we are used to seeing at these Tinseltown ceremonies , and both looked beautifully modern, unfussy and surprisingly natural in a sea of Veronica Lake hair and embellished tulle.
Several red carpet trends (which in turn, usually indicate what will be 'coming soon to a cinema high street near you’) were very clear for us to see – alongside a bizarrely large amount of black dresses (luckily made more interesting with varying degrees of pretty gold embellishment, as seen below) I noticed the following styles having their moment;
1) Peekaboo Cutaways
As seen in abundance on the SS’13 catwalks, cutaway styles and peekaboo detailing is a mehejour trend for this year, one that was shown in all it’s glory a the Golden Globes. Below (L-R): Peepo! Emily Blunt sparkling in Michael Kors, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson looking utterly regal in Alexander McQueen and Kristen Wiig in Michael Kors.
2) Fifty Shades of Red
From scarlet to ruby, from ox-blood to tomato, all the colours of the red rainbow were well represented on the matching carpet. Below (L-R, Clockwise): Ben Affleck's Argo-rgeous wife Jennifer Garner in Vivienne Westwood, Clare Danes in vibrant Versace, Zooey Deschanel was fairy-tale cute in Oscar de la Renta, girl-of-the-moment Jennifer Lawrence dramatic in Dior, Naomi Watts in Zac Posen and Marion Cotillard looking aDiorable.
3) It's Just, A Little Blush
The Red Carpet made many an actress blush last night, with a bevy of beauties choosing nude tones. Below (L-R): Kerry Washington Wow Wow’s in Miu Miu, Meghan Fox in Dolce & Gabbana, Anne Hathaway elegant in Chanel, Amada Seyfried ethereal in Givenchy.
4) Backless
Rather than strapless, this year's red carpet was all about backless... Just perfect for that 'looking over my left shoulder' pose. Below (L-R): Naomi Watts posing in Zac Posen, Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein and Julianna Margulies being Pucci Perfect.
5) Fishtailed Fancies
There was lots of swishing and wiggling with beautiful mermaid tails a'plenty at this year's Golden Globes. Below (L-R): Taylor Swift looked amazing in Donna Karan Atelier, Amy Adams in Marchesa and the always perfect Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta.
6) Brits Abroad
Say what you want about their outfits, and a couple of these choices have indeed had some critics on the fence, but the Brits are all about non-traditional, fashion-forward style. Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the… Carpet. I salute you ladies. (Below L-R): Dotty for Rachel Weisz in Louis Vuitton, cream of the crop(tops) Sienna Miller in Erdem, Thandie Newton in Giles Deacon and a lady(Mary)like Michelle Dockery in Alexandre Vauthier.
7) Jolie-ing
An odd trend but a trend nonetheless! Angelina’s awkward right leg thrust at last year’s Oscars obviously had a resounding effect in Hollywood with several actresses at the Golden Globes also putting their best foot (far too) forward for the cameras. Below (L-R): Eva Longoria in Pucci, Lea Michele in Elie Saab , Halle Berry in Atelier Versace, Rosie Huntington-Whitely statuesque in Saint Laurent and Heidi Klum in Alexandre Vauthier.
When Bad Dresses Happen To Good People...
Unfortunately there are always some ladies who just… get it wrong. This year, I think the worst dress was worn by Jessica Chastain (below). Usually on all the 'Best Dressed' lists, the Golden Globe Award winning actress wore this saggy light blue dress by Calvin Klein.
Jessica's style travesty was closely followed by Halle Berry (in Atelier Versace - very nineties J-Lo), Lucy Lu (this Carolina Herrera dress is too big with too complicated a print for the red carpet) and Eva Longoria (just too chesty and too leggy in Pucci – pick just one).
My London Style: Savannah Miller
After earning a first class degree in Fashion and Knitwear at the prestigious Central St. Martins College and working for both Alexander McQueen and Matthew Williamson, Savannah Miller went on to become Co-Creative Director of the label Twenty8Twelve with her sister Sienna Miller. After twelve successful seasons the stylish sisters stepped down from their positions to pursue other projects, for Savannah this led to her starting her own label, Savannah.
Launched last week (seen here) Savannah has once again created a very cool, easy-to-wear range of clothes, but this time at a far more accessible price, “This collection is for everyone!" Savannah told me, "it's effortless, easy and affordable clothing to make you feel great without busting your bank account.”
Despite being insanely busy with her new label (sold exclusively at nelly.com) and with being a dedicated mum to her three small (and perfect) children, Savannah found the time to share with The London Chatter some secrets about her enviable London style…
My Style In 3 Little Words – Classic, bohemian, easy.
This Season Every Gal Needs – A great boyfriend coat. I have an ash grey woollen one in my collection called James which I will not be taking off this season.
My British Fashion Icon – Audrey Hepburn. She was so delicate and chic. Also Alexa Chung. Like Audrey before her, Alexa's style is so effortless, her clothes never wear her and she always looks like herself, even if she is wearing a Chanel gown.
My Favourite Highstreet Store – Although not British, I love Zara. And Topshop.
My Favourite Boutique – Liberty London. I know it's not strictly a boutique, but the buy there is as if it were. It is the perfect edit of the best collections - and you know you are going to want all of it! The same applies to Amie on Ledbury Road. They only stock APC, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno... What more could anyone want?!
My Favourite British Designer – To look at it would be Christopher Kane. He is an artist and he never ceases to amaze me. To wear, I would say Rag & Bone because they make the best knitwear around - it's cool and so comfortable - I live in it!
At Gunpoint; Bags OR Shoes – Bags!
My First Fashionista Memory – Ushering for Alexander McQueen at one of his show which was in a glass box. I was eighteen years old and that night totally changed my life.
My Saturday Night Outfit – Errrm... My pyjamas! I spend the weekends at home in the countryside with my family.
My Sunday Brunch Outfit – The same!
OMG I Can’t Believe I Wore – Such a short dress at mine and Sienna's first Twenty8Twelve show... When I lifted my arm to wave at the end I nearly flashed the entire audience.
Forget My Last Meal, My Last Outfit Would Be – My wedding dress. It may sound a bit Miss Haversham of me but I must admit, it was gorgeous.
My Style Tip – Iron or steam your clothes, it makes the most massive difference when you wear them. Also, don't let your clothes wear you - only wear pieces that resonate with who you are otherwise you will feel and look uncomfortable.
Above: Some of my favourite pieces from Savannah available from Nelly.com
PFW - Alexander McQueen
'Bees' was the buzz word at the Alexander McQueen SS’13 show in Paris. Luckily without a stripe in sight (could there have been a more prevalling trend for next Spring?!) this collection honed in on the female form, going 'back to womanhood' and merely using bees, which designer Sarah Burton explained are “a matriarchal society where the females rule,” as inspiration to portray this.
There were clinched waists, caged peplums and figure-hugging cigarette pants in honeycomb prints, jacquard fabric and golden hues. Flowers and bees were seen decorating dresses, and models even wore bee-keeper style hats and glittering, golden platforms as they strutted to the tune of ‘Sugar Sugar.’ The McQueen Bee.
Super Girl Power at the Closing Ceremony
There was some SERIOUS Girl Power in the Olympic Stadium on Sunday night when we were not only treated to an awesome Spice Girls reunion but also to a strutting swarm of stunning Supermodels.
Ever since Stella McCartney signed up to design the Team GB outfits (unsurprisingly, the most coveted by all other athletes) fashion was always going to play a part in London 2012. Soooo… Who wore who?
The Spice Girls
Victoria Beckham looked very ‘Posh' in a stunning, custom-made Giles Deacon dress with black Christian Louboutin stilettos. Ginger Geri Haliwell paid homage to her infamous Brit Award’s Union Jack dress wearing this Suzanne Neville peplum dress, an Olympic inspired tiara and Isabel Marant gold Dicker boots. ‘Baby’ Emma Bunton wore her signature pink in a dress by Maggie Cook with glittery heels. Melanie C wore a white jumpsuit from JD Sports with some Sporty silver wedged trainers. Melanie B wore a nude cat suit embellished with amazing gold detailing by Lenanese designer Zuhair Murad – definitely more sexy than Scary! A-Zig-A-Zig-Aaah.
The Supers
This army of British Beauties were a glittering mirage of gold medal hues in outfits created by iconic British designers. A totally immaculate vision paying tribute to British fashion and it's Midas Touch.
The Supermodels were styled by Lucinda Chambers, Vogue UK's fashion director, who nervously spoke from backstage on the night, "It's incredible that Britain, such a tiny country, has such a broad range of talent in fashion, and that's what we wanted to show. We're known for bonkers fashion, but what I hope came across is that these designers make beautiful clothes… that people would want to wear."
Above: Kate Moss in a mermaid-like, gold and silver Alexander McQueen dress.
Above (L-R): Karen Elson glamourously glistening in Burberry and Naomi Cambell looking beyond radiant in Alexander McQueen.
Above (L-R): Stella Tennant glitters in a Christopher Kane tuxedo while Lily Cole is effortlessly ethereal in Erdem.
Above: Lily Donaldson shimmering in Vivienne Westwood
Above (L-R): Georgia May Jagger shines in Victoria Beckham, David Eye-Candy Gandy wears a suit by Paul Smith and Jourdan Dunn models a Christopher Kane dress and a feathered headpiece by Stephen Jones.
18 carat Fashion Fabulous.
These images appear in Vogue's September Issue - Out Now.
Kate Moss 'Checking Out' of The Ritz in Paris (Vogue US)
I can’t believe I have only just seen this stunning US Vogue editorial, ‘Checking Out,’ published last April. Photographed by Tim Walker and styled by the magazine's creative director Grace Coddington, Kate Moss wears a dramatic selection of Haute Couture SS’12 designs (Valentino, Dior, McQueen, Givenchy to name but a few!) The supreme decadence of Marie Antoinette is channelled in the opulent surroundings of The Ritz Paris.
I have a desperate urge to hop on the Eurostar right now.
Or have a pink bubble bath at the very least.
