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2012-01-23T05:47:17-08:00

Little Black Dresses (LBDs for Christmas Party

2010-11-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves a LBD (Little Black Dress). It's the always classic, always reliable dress that you can pull out for those festive occasions, e.g. the office Christmas party. These days, the LBD comes in a variety of styles, shapes and silhouettes. The best thing about them is that they are like a blank canvas for you to dress up or down as required. Simply add some bling for a glammed-up look, or throw on a pair of ballet flats for those casual events. You know the drill by now - here are our favourite ten LBDs under £100 for this year's party season.

Above L-R: 1. Love Label Black Tutu Prom Dress, £65. 2. Motel Rocks Meg Dress, £39. 3. Topshop cut-out side ruched dress, £50.

Above L-R: 4. Republic Miso Tutu Dress, £69.99. 5. Lipsy by Pixie Lott Bandeau Prom Dress, £75. 6. Zara Short Sleeve Dress with Full Skirt, £39.99. 7. H&M Black Ruffle Dress, £24.99

Above L-R: 8. Topshop Fabienne Dress by Jones and Jones, £65. 9. Oasis Black Bow Prom Dress, £40. 10. ASOS Dr Denim Panelled Body Con Dress, £55.

Don't forget to also check out...

Velvet Party Dress for Christmas

Emma Watson and Mario Testino on Vogue UK shoot

2010-11-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

You have seen Emma Watson's December cover for British Vogue, now here a special behind-the-scenes peek at the making of that cover. Photographed by Mario Testino in Paris, here the pair palling around as Emma has the final touches made to her hair and make-up. She also reveals that Testino wanted to shoot her two or three years ago, before Testino quips "[when] we had the same haircuts." Cute clip.

Bryan Adams snaps starlets for Calvin Klein charity project

2010-11-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

These stunning black and white portraits are courtesy of Bryan Adams (yes, as in the Bryan Adams) for Calvin Klein. The rocker-turned-photographer captured some of our most famous starlets for a Calvin Klein Collection charity project. Titled American Women 2010, the series features Julianne Moore, Renee Zellweger, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lucy Liu, Mila Kunis, Jerry Hall, and more all wearing Francisco's Costa's designs. The images are available for purchase now, with all proceeds to be donated to NYC Aids Fund. For more info, contact: calvinkleinpublicrelations@ck.com

[via Vogue UK]

Velvet Party Dress for Christmas

2010-11-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

When thinking of Christmas party dresses, velvet isn't the first thing that usually springs to mind. But after Emma Watson recently stepped out on the red carpet in that black velvet Vionnet dress, from the label's A/W '10 collection, suddenly velvet is hot to trot again. Continuing on with our 100 Cheap Party Dresses for Christmas special, here is another ten dresses, all under £100, this time of the soft and luxurious variety.

Above L-R: 1. Isabelle Lurex Lace Velvet Skirt Dress, £20. 2. Fearne Cotton Velvet Drape Maxi Dress, £79. 3. Oasis One Shoulder Velvet Dress, £75. 4. TFNC Esther Dress, £30.

Above L-R: 5. Miss Selfridge Petites Berry Velvet Dress, £32. 6. Topshop Petite Velvet Bandeau Dress, £35. 6. Dorothy Perkins Mink velvet cornelli dress, £38.

Above L-R: 8. Love Label velvet bustier dress, £49. 9. Velvet Asymmetric Dress by Love, £32. 10. Warehouse velvet shift dress, £60.

BFC/c Fashion Fund 2010 shortlist - revealed!

2010-11-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

The shortlist for this year's BFC/Vogue Fund has been announced. The nominees include Charlotte Olympia, Christopher Kane, E. Tautz, Jonathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood, Osman, Peter Pilotto and Richard Nicoll.

They are all in the running for taking away a prize of £200,000 and a bespoke mentoring programme. The seven runners-up will also each receive mentoring through the Fund.

"The high level of financial support and the mentoring package will play a pivotal role in developing the winning designer business on an international platform. We're very proud to be able to offer our promising designers this support and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our funders," said Harold Tillman.

"It is very exciting to be in our second year of the Fashion Fund and to be providing such tangible help to this extremely impressive shortlist of British designers," Vogue's Alexandra Shulman said today. Last year's Fashion Fund was awarded to Erdem.

New York Fashion Week: Diane Von Furstenberg A/W 2009 Gallery

2009-02-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Diane Von Furstenberg's flower children have definitely grown up for Fall 2009. Picking rich, sumptuous fabrics, glam prints and beautiful brocades, the collection was a touch of subtle glamour for a season that's driven mainly by the recession. Huge cocoon coats and slouchy draped cardigans concealed layered looks in clashing prints like leopard, Prince of Wales check and geometric swirls. The usual wrap dresses, chic knits and wearable shaped were teamed with leggings, huge pom-pom hats and chunky jewellery for a youthful edge. By night, it got more glam with bacofoil dresses, animal print sheaths and sequin shifts.

[all images courtesy of Coutorture.com]

New York Fashion Week: Unconditional A/W 2009-10

2009-02-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

I just love Philip Stephens, and this autumn/winter 2009-10 collection of Unconditional luxury basics proves why. Warm, fun and tough-cool, this label does not disappoint. Stephens created a look with a strong silhouette with funnel necks that displayed his need to cocoon, protect and exude confidence.

Fine cashmeres, leathers, merino wool and fine silk and cottons in black, white, grey and splashes of orange or yellow were interspersed with rugged zippers and tough boots.

A slim purple velvet jumpsuit was my fave pick, along with the strong lines of the menswear tuxes and trench coats lending a sophisticated aura.

ALDO boots and heels were rugged and fierce, adding to the confidence of the collection. The Unconditional show was set in a relaxed atmosphere high above the city, where models and fans alike mingled on a Sunday afternoon, but you never forgot you were seeing some sexy history being made.

New York Fashion Week: Preen A/W 2009-10

2009-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Guess what? Body-con ain't going anywhere according to the folks at Preen. Their autumn/winter 2009-10 collection was choc-full of sliced body-con frocks offering just a glimpse of skin here and there. Add to that oversized houndstooth coats, fluffed up with Mongolian wool in black and white, skinny shiny trousers, and mini mod dresses in check. There was an interesting use of leather in one tight-fitting dress, modelled by Catherine McNeil, which featured a knot in the middle and cut-outs all over. Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi's continual pushing of the envelope was even enough to bring Kanye West and his entourage to the front row. Yes, really.

[Photos: via Coutorture]

New York Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria A/W 2009-10

2009-02-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Max Azria went sombre and sophisticated with his BCBG line for autumn/winter 2009-10. While there was lots of eveningwear, it wasn't really the stuff that dance and bar night dresses are made of - BCBG's usual niche. Beautiful draped velvets and modern silhouettes seemed made for an older customer, rather than who BCBG usually designs for. Perhaps Azria's plan is to shift BCBG a bit upmarket and hold onto the girls who wore the line in their younger days to make room for BCBGeneration's younger customer.

[Images: Coutorture]

New York Fashion Week: Charlotte Ronson A/W 2009-10

2009-02-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, her famous family (and their significant others) remains the best thing about Charlotte Ronson's fashion line, as far as I can tell. Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan were on hand for the autumn/winter 2009-10 collection, as were Mark Ronson and The Like drummer Tennessee Thomas. The clothing was sort of amateurish styling of Marc Jacobs parodies. I did like the floral print used, and the floral shirt dress (pictured above) was one of the pieces I enjoyed from the show.

Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan.

Tennessee Thomas and Mark Ronson.

[Images: WENN.com]

Red Carpet Gallery: stars at the 2009 Critics Choice Awards

2009-01-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Dubbed as one of the big indicators of the Oscars, last night the A list were out in force for the 2009 Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Brad and Angelina, Amy Adams, Penelope Cruz, Kate Beckinsale, Anne Hathaway and Eva Longoria were among the stars who turned up to see who would snap up the first big awards of the season.

Anne Hathaway continues her almost flawless run on the red carpet in an edgy but fabulous black and white number from Gianfranco Ferre.

Her transformation into Barbie is almost complete! Poor, gorgeous Amanda Bynes seems to have been bit a little too hard by the Herve Leger bug. And don't get me started on the tan! Yes, she looks hot as hell, but this is hardly fashion-forward three seasons in. The bandage dress really only works if you wear it unexpectedly (see Winslet, Kate for details). Yawn, yawn, yawn.

In her favourite strapless silhouette, Amy Adams goes for the exact blue colour I predicted she'd wear at the Golden Globes. Well, I wasn't far off, and this classic Oscar de la Renta looks great on her.

Angie goes Goddess-like in her Max Azria floor-length number. This woman could make a sack look good, but I do wish she'd go for something more adventurous. Angelina goes from strapless to shapeless and back again...maybe something different on Sunday?

In a gold satin wrapover dress with perfect accessories (love those shoes) Elizabeth Banks gets it spot on. I'm not so sure about the ageing hairdo (been talking to Ken Paves, have we?) but the rest looks great. This colour is not always good on blondes, but she pulls it off.

Eva Longoria knows the cocktail dress works for her, and she's picked the perfect colour in this aqua Monique Lhuillier. The nude heels are a nice change from sparkly sandals too.

The time will come when Evan Rachel Wood wants to look younger, and she'll look back on pictures like this and wonder why she felt the need to put on quite so much blusher and liner. Her dress, however, is an improvement on the Goth look she uncomfortably sported on the arm of Marilyn Manson. I love the long sleeves and the glam embellishment. If this is not vintage, it's a great modern reworking of an old style.

Statuesque in fishtail aubergine J. Mendel, Kate Beckinsale looks more and more like her celeb pal Victoria Beckham every day. While I'm glad she's ditched the massive hollywood waves and unnecessary highlights, the sleek hair's doing nothing for me, even though it shows off the jewels. I want to shake her and tell her to loosen up just a little bit!

Showing off her, ahem, assets in a 30s style frock (don't quote me on this, but I'm going to bet it's vintage, or created from an old nightdress) Katie leaves the quirky to Zooey Deschanel for a night and tries out old-school glam. And I kinda like it (love the hair sans fringe)!

At Catwalk Queen we're always ranting on about people who play safe and don't take risks, so Marisa Tomei gets our vote for picking something that's very, very tricky to wear. Picking something that turns your tum into a target isn't the best idea, but I think she pulls it off (from this angle).

[Source]

Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista tussle for DSquared S/S '09 campaign

2009-01-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

Wowsers! Get a load of this awesome team-up. The supermodel gloves are out with Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista reuniting for DSquared's latest spring/summer '09 campaign, shot by Steven Meisel. Now it's just a case of figuring out what they're fighting about. Perhaps it's over who is the biggest diva, or who scored the better campaigns and covers last year? Whatever it's about, I'm jazzed to see them back in the same frame again. More please!

[via Models.com]

Madonna for Louis Vuitton spring/summer '09 campaign

2009-01-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

Get a load of this! Madonna's new campaign for Louis Vuitton has been revealed and its a cracker. Check out those legs, those shoes, that bag *drool*. LV's creative director, Marc Jacobs, admitted that the choice to use Madge was a light bulb moment.

"I just blurted out, 'I think we should do Madonna,"' he said, adding that he'd attended her Paris concert the night before. "I was totally just blown away by it, and moved by her performance, by what she had to say, and her energy."

Following that light bulb moment, Marc tapped out a Blackberry message to Madonna, who replied with: "I'd love to."

And who wouldn't? The outcome is six French-inspired, sepia-toned photographs by Steven Meisel, which were taken of the Queen of Pop inside L.A.'s trendy Café Figaro. Antoine Arnault, Vuitton's director of communications, denied rumours that Madge pocketed a whopping $10 million for the gig.

"It's very far away from that," he admitted.

If, like me, you're wondering what the turn-around was on these photos, then it look less than a day for shooting to wrap, with the pictures taken just last week. Speedy.

"It was her idea to do the fishnets," Jacobs revealed. The campaign looks set to drop in February, in tandem with LV's "core values" campaign, which currently stars Sean Connery. I sure do look forward to those Miu Miu shots of Katie Holmes now.

[Source: WWD][Images via TFS]

Missing Laura Lees for Topshop? Get Laura Lees for ASOS instead

2009-01-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

know from comments (and even emails) that there are plenty of you out there who're missing the Laura Lees for Topshop line. Since that disappeared, it's been harder to find the designer's cute prints trademark embroidery at a reasonable price. But there is a way!
Step forward Little Miss Sew, a line by Laura Lees exclusively for ASOS.com. Items are now reduced in the sale, meaning nothing comes in at more than £25. Move fast though, the designer has fans a-plenty who'll be snapping these items up. I've got my eye on the purple peacock dress (£22) and the skull embroidered cardigan (£20).
ASOS also have loads of bargain Laura Lees Label stuff in their 'Red' section.

Lirola's self-confessed 'casual chic' jersey pieces

2009-01-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

I love the laid-back cool of Israel-based Lirola's creations on Etsy. Using jersey and sweatshirt fabric she creates casual dresses, wrap tops and cardigans with pleats and simple embellishments. If you're usually quite sporty but looking to try something a bit smarter, these are the perfect way to ease yourself into the idea as they're still comfy and quite simple in shape and construction. I love the pleat detail on the grey dress and think it would look fab over thick wool tights and a long-sleeved top. Prices star at $48 for a shrug cardi and go up to $160 for the intricate pleated dress shown above left.

Winter smart: chic coats

2009-01-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Wearing simple jeans and jumper feels so right in the January cold, but how do you keep a semblance of style? Pick a stylish coat and all will be fooled into thinking you are dressed smart from head to toe, Maurizio Pecoraro's cashmere swing coat is a dream, it looks chic but is simple enough not to look incongruous teamed with more casual clothing, down 60% at Farfetch it's still out of my reach at £648. Wallis' purple Jackie O coat is down to a mere £35, which is an unbeatable price for a statement piece. Mike and Chris' slouchy trench (£181.07) is casual and stylish, and will give a touch of effortless elegance to your outfits.

Click here to see Kelly's tips on winter chic, star style.

Justin Timberlake's William Rast to hit Bryant Park

2009-01-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

While others appear to be fleeing the tents at Bryant Park under the strain of the economic crisis, Justin Timberlake's label William Rast is about to make its debut. Although he has been showing at New York Fashion Week for a couple of seasons now, next month will mark JT's first Bryant Park show. It is scheduled for February 16th at 7pm, but will be sans a concert a spokesperson has confirmed. Drats, and I had been missing a bit of JT-shakin' booty for a while now too.

Click here to check out coverage from William Rast's S/S '09 show.

Star style: How to dress for the cold and still look chic

2009-01-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

Being from the Antipodes, where winter tends to be more like the summers I have experienced here, dressing for the subzero temperatures of a London winter doesn't come particularly naturally to me. I'm not the best at layering, am still to master the skill of artful scarf-tying and am yet to acquire a masterful collection of cosy, ear-warming hats. It is at this time of year I am constantly spying on Londoners to get winter dressing inspiration. And I am also looking a bit closer at celebrities in the colder climes, to get ideas on how to keep warm without looking like a mis-matched marshmallow in a hat.

Some of my favourite looks in recent days have come from the stars pictured above. Read on to find out what each of their outfits has taught me - so we can all incorporate their chic-ness into our own cold weather dressing...

- Take a cue from Kate Hudson and ditch the basic black coat. Instead, choose pale colours for an elegant look which will help lift your dull winter complexion. Greys work well for coats and knits while cream isn't so impractical if you stick to accessories such as hats and scarves. Add a bit of a pinky cream blush to the apples of your cheeks for that perfect cold weather glow.

- Blake Lively shows us how unexpected colour combinations - in this case, her blue coat and mustard boots - can work wonders to inject a bit of cheer and playfulness to an otherwise dull day.

Leather gloves top off the sophisticated look nicely.- Fur, whether faux or not (I'll leave that decision up to you), is one way of adding texture to your outfit - and also keeping veeeeery toasty. I love Jaime Winstone's Russian hat and red lippy which adds that special something to her basic jeans and tee outfit.

- Another one leading the way when it comes to texture is Cat Deeley, whose fantastic cape coat is set off with black accessories. But don't worry, these ones are anything but basic and boring, with tassels on her boots and a lace scarf upping the ante.

[Source]

Gallery: Golden Globe predictions and favourites

2009-01-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Shiny Style has news of the celebs who'll be attending Sunday's Golden Globes ceremony, and with a red carpet line-up that includes the likes of Brad and Angelina, Drew Barrymore, Blake Lively, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Salma Hayek, we can expect some memorable moments. So now we can move onto important things...like predicting what they'll wear (and more importantly, what we wish they'd wear).

Armani couture is always a favourite at award shows (especially if Beyonce, Cate or Katie are in attendance) so no doubt someone will turn up in one of Georgio's understatedly glam frocks. This black one with silver trim is a good bet.

The Globes are one of the only award shows where it's (just about) acceptable to wear a shorter dress. Balmain is the name on everyone's lips - perhaps Kate Winslet will follow on the success of her Revolutionary Road premiere outfit and wear another risky LBD to show off her enviable figure? Or perhaps someone else will have the guts to go where Gemma Arterton lead the way in one of the chiffon micro-mini dresses with long trains in the back?

No doubt there'll be plenty of black on the red carpet, but just because it's classic, it doesn't have to be boring. British designers Basso and Brooke modernise a black satin dress with a signature print across the hem. This would be perfect for a young, fashion-forward attendee, though I doubt anyone will have the guts to go for it!

Speaking of edgy black dresses, no doubt some Carolina Herrera will crop up on Sunday night. Hopefully, it'll be this strapless fishtail number with an almost wet-look top.

Roberto Cavalli knows how to do over the top glamour, and this dress, with its sea anemone-like frills down the skirt, is just that. I would love to see this on someone who normally wears plain, classic clothes, just to spice things up a bit!

Though it may be just a bit too ostentatious in its catwalk form, I think this Dior couture dress would be brilliant with a few modifications. Either changing it to a block colour or removing the fur trim, it suddenly becomes a wearable - if very dramatic - cocktail frock that'll definitely command attention!

Romantic, feminine and flattering, this lilac Elie Saab dress is bound to appear on the Red Carpet at some point. I can see Blake Lively in this, softening her Amazonian figure with the gentle drapes.

Another romantic, feminine option, this time from Jenny Packham, who's been cropping up on the red carpet loads recently, especially on younger celebs. Will Hayden Panettiere forego the usual fitted mini dresses in favour of something more girly?

Jonathan Saunders' move to New York put him up there with the big players, and this dress from his Spring / Summer 2009 show screams red carpet glam. Anne Hathaway, I hope you're listening!

Golden Globes, golden dress. Why not? Marchesa and the red carpet are synonymous now, and this is one of the few dresses that we haven't already seen more than once at big events. Who'll wear it? We'll have to wait and see...

Colour has been sadly lacking recently - are people dressing down because of the recession? Whatever the reason, big events like the Golden Globes are the perfect excuse to go bold. I love the soft ombre fading of this Naeem Khan dress, and the embellished bust tops it off perfectly. Perhaps one for bohemian attendee Cameron Diaz?

The Nina Ricci collection was one of many that featured the new gown silhouette that's short at the front and long in the back (Balmain, Elie Saab and others also used this shape). Will Nina Ricci devotee Reese Witherspoon be there to give this frock an airing (sans coat?) Or will someone else give the look a go? Here's hoping someone is leggy enough to pull it off!

Rodarte are amongst the crop of current fashion darlings, so their delicate, beautifully constructed dresses are everywhere...who'll be wearing this number on the night? We shall see!

If I don't see something from Versace's heart-covered range at the Globes, I'll be very surprised. This white frock is probably the biggest show-stopper, so here's hoping it's picked by a savvy stylist.

[Source]

Get into the mood for London Fashion Week with London Fashion Spectacular

2009-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

I get a feeling that not a day will go by on CQ until February without me mentioning London Fashion Week.

Today's mention comes courtesy of Radio 4, relive the excitement of the September shows with

Bronwyn Cosgrave presenting. Cosgrave is the author of 'Made For Each Other, Fashion and the Academy Awards' and despite a slightly lacklustre performance at a Barbican lecture the CQ team went to last year 'London's Fashion Spectacular' makes good listening.

Cosgrave is investigating why London has become the centre of the fashion world, something which you could undoubtedly dispute but with people like Mandi Lennard, Todd Lynn and Agyness Deyn giving their tuppence worth it's a must-hear programme. It's worth it just to hear Phillip Green's uber-cockney voice bemoaning designers saying: "you can't get these people to sit still for five minutes... Most of them are out with the fairies." Ha!The next and last episode is scheduled for tonight at 11.30, or catch it again on iPlayer.

[Sipa Press/Rex Features ]

Star style: Chloe Sevigny in new season Louis Vuitton on NYE

2009-01-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

While the rest of us are freezing our behinds off in heavy knits, chunky scarves and our secretly beloved ugg boots, young Chloe Sevigny was looking breezy and party-ready in new season (yes, spring-summer) Louis Vuitton last week as she geared up for New Year's Eve in Miami.

Okay, the outfit is six days old... but since it's also wonderfully ahead of time too, I couldn't resist featuring it here so you can appreciate the pop of pumpkin orange, the fabbo shoes and the sheer floaty fabrics we will all be hoping to get our hands on in a few months' time.

[Image: Seth Browarnik/Rex Features]

Check out Candy Says half price sale to update your wardrobe

2009-01-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

Candy Says are treating us with a half price sale on a selection of their vast store of vintage clothes. Pick up something to add a bit of personality to your classic items, this season it's all about reusing your wardrobe favourites.

Team the flower power top with a cutout dress or Topshop's matt black bodycon skirt (£25), Angie Gooderham's jet necklace (reduced to £51) and heels for maximum impact. The gold '50s top has an up-to-the -minute cropped silhouette which will look great with Oasis' peg leg crop (£45) and Kurt Geiger's Sathia heels (reduced to £79) this spring for a classy alternative to the dress. If they're all a little too out there for you then the fur-trimmed '60s coat will surely appeal, with black piping detailing which gives a really chic silhouette you'll be sure to cut a dash in this one. Jump through for full product details.

Psychedlic nynlon top, reduced to £9. Sleeveless gold beaded top, reduced to £24.

Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson at the Bride Wars premiere

2009-01-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

It was Oscar de la Renta frocks, high-rise hairpieces and girly hugs a-plenty at the US premiere of the latest chick flick, Bride Wars. But what's going on here do you think?

John Galliano appointed a knight of the French Legion of Honour

2009-01-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite designers, John Galliano, has kicked off 2009 in fine form by being awarded the Légion d'Honneur (French Legion of Honour).

The British-born creative director of Christian Dior has been appointed a chevalier (knight) in France's highest Order.

He joins fellow designer, Giorgio Armani, who was made an officeir (officer) of the French Legion of Honour. Armani recieved the award from French President Nicolas Sarkozy during Paris Couture Week back in July 2007.

While Sonia Rykiel, Azzedine Alaia, and the late Yves Saint Laurent have also been awarded similar honours in the past.

George Michael's 'Freedom! '90' video starring "The Trinity" of supermodels

2009-01-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Gemma's post about where Beyonce's new Thierry Mugler inspiration comes from - George Michael's 'Too Funky' video - got me thinking about his other supermodel-packed video for his track, 'Freedom! '90'. The iconic clip features "The Trinity" of supermodels including Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford. Michael decided not to take part in the 1990 video, allowing the models which also included Tatjana Patitz to mouth the words instead. So click play on the video above and turn it up!