Brit Magic/Brit Mess?

Radio one attempted yesterday to explain this scene...

..."theres a union jack to emphasise the Britishness of the Brits, and two skeletons.  Apparently they might emphasise the Brits' very first hosts."  This seemed odd to me....this emphasising the fact the Brit Awards are British.  Surely that's obviously.  Needless to say I hoped that it would be us Brit's that held the limelight.  It wasn't particularly.

Florence Welch looked amazing in this embellished mini dress and then nabbed Best Album (wonderful!) but I was less than impressed that Lily Allen took Best Female.  I'm sorry...she's just not that good.  This gothic Chanel number though has got to be one of the most memorable outfits of the night, though not for all the right reasons.  Not the normal chic Chanel the public are used to this vampiric look is just a bit much for Lily Allen.  I'd like to see it on someone waifish, pale with blonde blonde hair...playing the part rather than allowing the dress to wear them.  Sorry Lily.

In typical Brit fashion the Union Jacks were definitely out, with Geri Halliwell toning it down this year (and looking pretty good) and Katherine Jenkins paying homage to Alexander McQueen in one of his statement dresses.  The tulip skirt just doesn't do her figure justice in my opinion...

None of this really matters though because with Cheryl Cole's terrible miming and a lack of the usual Brit Award outfit spledour Lady Gaga stole the show...again.  Dressed in her tiered white number, stripping off for her performance into a much more revealing power net and lace look, she looked like a piece of bone china.  Winning every international award available to her Gaga dedicated her performance to Alexander McQueen and had just about everyone talking.  Including me it seems. 



Very Marie Antoinette, very white and ghostly...slightly morbid tribute maybe?  Who cares!  Whatever anyone says it's nice to see someone playing with fashion now and again.

Temporary Tattoo

I always wanted a tattoo.  I've planned, sketched, drawn on myself what and where...then swiftly changed my mind whether it be an hour, a day, a week or a month later.  I promised myself that if I ever wanted the same thing for six months then I would have it done.  My theory is if I don't like something for six months I definitely won't like it for a lifetime.

Fashion, like me, is fickle.  Perhaps that's why I like it so much...I can identify and change my style with the seasons (as much as I can afford).  With Rodarte, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel all featuring temporary/make-up tattoos it has sparked my interest again.  In contrast to Rodarte and Gaultier's heavy, bold tattoo's Chanel interlink flowers, birds and jewellery designs to lace around legs and wrists.  A suprising addition to the femininity of their collection.

And, marvellous news...that you'll probably have heard but I wanted to share my excitement with you even if it's a little late...Chanel has now announced they will be selling their temporary tattoo's, which means I don't even have to try (and probably fail) to paint tattoos on myself.  Bravo Chanel!  Genius way to allow people of all incomes to get a little Chanel in their lives...and promote the brand in the process.

Tattoos on the catwalk...Rodarte, John Paul Gaultier and Chanel

Couture Fashion Week: Fashion drama at it's best...

There's nothing better than couture to get a person excited about fashion.  Couture is not really high street, it isn't basic/toned down/simple and chic it is dramatic, exciting and ultra impractical a lot of the time.  I have had a love affair with couture since Dior's 2006 fairytale catwalk and they have remained a firm favourite of mine ever since.

This year I have taken in as much as I can of Couture Fashion Week....online of course, sadly I am not important enough to gain an invitation, one day though (a girl can dream)...and decided to do a round up of my favourites.

  

Chanel, Armani Prive, Gaultier, Givenchy and Dior

From feminine fantasies at Givenchy, all ruffles and feathers, to Amazonian creations as John Paul Gaultier takes inspiration from historical world favourites (think 'pirate' hats and structured cage dresses).  There's such a strong contrast of androgynism (tux's and long length gloves) and feminity (Chanel's 'doll' look) it's hard to not want to try out both.  If you're not Lady Gaga it's unlikely you'll be sporting anything like this come Autumn, but I am fully expecting rails full of silver, the return of the tux, more feathers (yay) and hundreds of riding boots.

Once again Dior has completely stolen my heart.  Top hats, billowing dresses, cerise riding blazers contrasting with metallic skirts....I'm in love.  Just pass me a riding crop.

If I get married (and somehow become amazingly rich) I'll be wearing Dior couture.

My favourite shots from Dior's couture catwalk...

Lily Allen goes all country at Chanel

Paris Fashion Week has always appealed to me but the buzz about Chanel's latest show is making me wish I was there more than ever.  I've been reading about it everywhere!  Garance Dore was there and labelled it the 'Supershow' describing it as a cross between a rock concert, a mass, a play, a party and...of course...a catwalk show.

Set as a barn, with people in the front row from Anna Wintour to Prince (yes, the Prince!) the glitterati watched as in addition to models appearances were made by Karl Lagerfeld an Lily Allen, who rose from the floor to perform.  Some how I can't help but think she performed Not Fair and that it was her video, decked out all country, that drew the attention of Chanel's creatives.  (See the video below to see what I mean)  I must say I do love that song...it epitomises the relationships of some girls I know.  I am lucky to not be one of those girls.



I can't do justice to this story as well as others...I wasn't there.  Read Garance Dore's account and look at some of her pictures.  I've picked the best for you here....