I’m a massive movie fan but I have to admit a large amount of my excitement about the arrival of award season is due to the red carpet sightings. When your own life seems grey and lackluster it can be nice to switch off and engage in the glamour of the A listers via the Tv set . I watched both SKY and E’s coverage, yes I know obsessive much??  Before I gush about the female ensembles I must mention how immaculate th gorgeous Tom Ford looked ( in Tom Ford of course) as did his star Colin Firth (accompanied by his wife Livia who was elegant in an eco friendly gown). The likes of Ryan Seacrest and the adorable Jake Gyllenhaal were in Burberry, always a smart choice!

Big winner of the night the forever young Sandra Bullock opted for a shimmering Marchesa gown, which showed of her enviable figure while remaining modest, her hair harked back to Veronia Lake with a stained lip to add some oomph to the look. Also in Marchesa was Up in the Air’s Vega Farmiga who made quite a statement in an over the top fanned creation, which she just about pulled off.  Precious star Gaby screamed confidence in a navy embellished Marchesa gown saying its the porn movie equivalent of the money shot!!

I couldn’t make my mind up about SJP’s satin Chanel Couture, it looked beautiful from the back when she looked over the shoulder  when posing for the papps, and some of the detailing was stunning , but something about the shape didn’t quite work, particularly with such a tiny frame underneath. 

J’Lo’s dress certainly made an impact , the pale pink material almost looked like bubble wrap and created some very interesting shapes- her hair and make up was beautifully soft and feminine. 

Despite only getting a few hours sleep before the big night Cameron still managed to dazzle in her floor length Oscar de la Renta, she kept it youthful with relaxed hair and minimal accessories.  

The lithe Charlize Theron can never look truly bad ( apart from in Monster) but this creased satin Dior frock with its unusal breast features drew the eyes to one place only. 

Avatar beauty Zoe Saldanas Givenchy dress received mixed reviews. It was out there and almost looked like two different dresses bunged together but I enjoy the slightly incoherent look and at least it made an impact on what was a largely blush/nude/gold array of dresses. 

Kate Winslet has been rocking some tremendous red carpet looks of late, including the Stella number at the Baftas, and whilst her classic holiday hair and megawatt statement jewelry were perfection the YSL gown just missed the mark, something about the shape of the skirt didn’t quite work , with the slit at the front it almost looked like trousers. 

Demi defied the years once again in a skin tone Atelier Versace ruffled masterpiece, not pictured but Anna kendrick looked divine in a blush dress with complimented her porcelain skin. Someone that showed off a bit too much of actual flesh was the toned former Oscar winner Hilary Swank who dared to bare nearly all of her chest. Admittedly she has nothing to hide with that immaculate body of hers but I think a bit more modesty would have made for a classier Oscar appearance. 

Two of my usual favourites slightly disappointed this year.The usually reliably chic Diane Krugers monchrome ruffled chanel didn’t quite make the most of her model looks, and while the colour and style of Penelopes dress were lovely it seemed to swamp her figure- simply a case of more fittings needed.

Last but not least Carey Mulligan. For those of you yet to see An Education I urge you to watch it , you too will fall in love with the elfin actress. She looked adorable in this quirky Prada dress , particularly combined with her blonde pixie crop, I would have preferred a different skirt to the dress but the bodice part was a delight. I think she is definitely one to watch in the fashion stakes ….

I have never seen so many photographers try and cram themselves at the end of a runway, there were scuffles and angry words exchanged, they even had to be shushed by the organisers… tut tut 

I’m not suprised that so many wanted to experience this show though.I’m a massive fan of this Duo, you know you are going to be treated to some wonderful prints and colour and this time they made the looks even more wearable. For those not feeling they can carry all over print there were scarves , full sleeves blouses and drop crotch trousers or leggings. 

They managed to take the tackiness away from snakeskin which was a incportated in their patchwork digital prints alongside bright oranges, milky turquoise,  raspberry… to be honest all colours were incorporated to some degree but varying in vibrancy. 

Fur trimmed colours of coats and floor length gowns which clung to the body. 

Looks were teamed with ankle boots  which also featured unusual patterns and prints with sculpted and cut out heels.

This is the first time I’ve caught a Sass and Bide show. Those who maybe aren’t aware of the Duo’s work may remember them from an episode of The Hills when Whitney, now star of The City helped with a casting. There we saw their signature looks of sexy androgyny , with wet look leggings etc.

They stuck to black and white again , drama added with metal accessories such as giant gold teeth clutch bags and panels that were attached to their up do’s. 

There were edwardian influences seen on high neck laced blouses and jackets with detailed epaulettes .

There were some fab silken stripe trousers which looked to be combination of pajama, pirate and clown chic and some beauitful cream trousers which moved beautifully as the model strutted down the catwalk.

An ethinic vibe was brought through the inclusion of shells and feathers .

My favourite piece was the silk zebra print blazer dress worn sexily with bare legs … very optimistic for our climate!!

Somehow London Fashion week has very sneakily crept up on me, so no time has been allocated to thinking out chic ensembles- so in the likelihood I am going to look rather lackluster and off trend I am going to pretend my look is intentionally irreverent or that I am opting for that disheveled effortless look! hmmmm

So opted for a Graphic tee, tucke into a high waisted skater skirt, cardigan, tights and patent boots I arrive at the beautiful venue of Somerset House and instantly greeted with sightings which make me wish I could be more daring with my fashion choices…. There are all sorts of wacky creations plonked on peoples heads, shoes so extreme in height they are asking for trouble on the courtyard cobbles and silouhettes that makes the wearer almost inhuman looking - in a good way of course… on the most part anyway!!

My first show is Bora Aksu who I always enjoy and I wasn’t let down this time either….

Dresses were in light candy and natural tones  - featuring piping and spider web detailing the skirts were tulip or puff and short, modesty was maintained with black leggings which featured sheer panels and zip/toggle details. There were also some fab high shine bronze hareen trousers teamed with a shirt and cute crop blazer.

Jena Theo -  I was sat behind pale redhead goddess Nicola Roberts - definitely an underrated fashionista, who was causing a pap frenzy, other front rowers included Javine and her beau, Emma Noble, and Hilary Alexander.

Oversized and Volume were words conjured frequently during the show.  In terms of the tailoring, think of an exaggerated All Saints!

Prints were either monochrome or encompassing a teal ( these used large scale text ).

There were baggy wooly over the knee leg warmers which were teamed with an almost flat shoe with a fabric tie that were work throughout the show..

Some dresses and high waisted trousers were held by short halter neck braces.

Hair was up and quiffed and eyes painted with a dark dramatic flick.

Last show of the day and the one I was the most excited for was Oz duo Sass and Bide.

The drew in a models Lisa Snowdon and Twiggy, Jodie Harsh was also on the front row.

Instead of their wet look legging, jeans and slightly edgy androgynous looks we saw a more feminine side…

When I say feminine I do not mean overly pretty, there was a definite strength to the looks, often instilled with metal accessories such us the out there giant gold horn/teeth bags and head pieces.

One of my favourite looks was a sexy faded zebra print blazer-dress with gold zip pockets.

Dresses were cut out, sometimes replaced with sheer material or even ethnic looking beading. This ethnic/tribal aesthetic was continued through their prints - in monochrome on the most part.

Elegance was found through body con floor length gowns featuring intricate metal/beadwork round the neck or shoulders.

If you thought the whole shoulder thing was finall over you’d be wrong - whether it was drawn from lace drapes, feathers or bead work, the eye was continuously drawn to the shoulder.

A look featuring silken striped trousers a black jackets with embellished shoulders and a high neck shirt conjured images of clowns, pirates and the Edwardian era.

The finale had the aww factor when some adorable kids who were previously clapping enthusiastically were encouraged onstage to join their mummy who was receiving a loud applause.

I will be adding images and further information very shortly xxxx

 I was strolling round the stalls of trade show PURE , I say stroll as if I was looking effortless and chic I was in fact completely lost in the complex maze of the Olympia. Luckily I turned the corner to see a bright beacon of familiarity, none other than eccentric fashion icon Zandra Rhodes, 

Launching her first handbag  collection, collaborating with accomplished accessories manufacturer, Portal Worldwide Ltd, Zandra was being interviewed and asked about her illustrious career. Having designed for a plethora of famous faces, from the Royals to Freddie Mercury, you could be confident there would be something to impress most tastes. 

The collection comprises of 12 styles the including clutches, clasp frame bags and casual over the body styles all with the expected distinctive quirks and design  features.

Using the latest techniques such as laser cutting, and with a finish of the highest quality  each of the bags have a sumptuous pink lining and are accompanied by rose gold ZR charms and logo plates .

A gift from Zandra

www.portalworld-wide.com