Catwalk Catchup: PFW Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

We should technically say Presentation Catch-up, but that doesn't quite roll of the tongue in the same way. We weren't disappointed with the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012 presentation, even though there was a teeny tiny part of us that was relatively sceptical. Sarah Burton stayed true to the brand and the man himself; there were lots of bird-inspired pieces which we have a sneaky feeling is a tribute to the late designer, as he was famously obsessed with the creatures.

A versatile, classic collection that captures the essence of the brand perfectly!

Catwalk Catchup: PFW Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

No Fashion Week review would be complete without mentioning Chanel. Their Spring/Summer 2012 offering at Paris Fashion Week was a sea (literally) of magic! It was an underwater fantasy complete with the hottest models in the biz and one Miss Florence Welch singing to the crowd from a shell…true story. 

 

Karl Lagerfeld was keen to mix it up a little this season, opting to step outside the box and create a collection that wasn't "very Chanel". Why? Because Kaiser Karl so rightly mentioned that Chanel's style is being done by many other designers.

What do you think?

Watch Louis Vuitton's S/S PFW Show, Complete With Kate Moss & Carousel

The music sends a shiver down our spines! Kate Moss was on hand to make sure the show went out with an almighty bang, as she sat atop a horse on the carousel and pouted her lips Mossy-style.

Catwalk Catchup: PFW Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2012

Paris Fashion Week got off to a slow start but we definitely got what we bargained for as far as the weekend's shows were concerned. There were so many collections to keep track of we almost (notice how we said almost) regretted wishing for more.

Viktor & Rolf truly captured the essence of a Spring/Summer show in terms of the outfits themselves, the styling and the show as a whole. Bold colours, vivid prints, cute silhouettes - they were all there. Plus, any catwalk that features Miranda Kerr instantly gets a head start. Definitely one of our favourite collections; can you blame us?

Catwalk Catchup: PFW Balmain Spring/Summer 2012

Balmain got a whole lot girlier this season and we are loving it! Balmain got a bit grungy these past few seasons and although we liked the edginess, we're glad its back to doing what we think it does best. Heavy detailing, sharp structuring and fine embellishment aplenty, this is the Balmain we know and love. And with the new diffusion line coming out, we think it's about time the line went back to its roots.




Paris Fashion Week got off to a mediocre start, hence the lack of posting (we only comment on what we utterly adore) but the Balmain show alone more than makes up for it. Just like the white and gold goddess inspired outfits, this collection was heaven sent and we genuinely can't flaw a single piece. Plus, some of our favourite models were strutting their stuff on the runway, including Abbey Lee Kershaw (naturally), Freja Beha Erichsen, Anja Rubik, Natasha Poly and Arizona Muse.

We think this might be the new Dolce and Gabbana star obsession for all the magazines…and we bet the celebs are already forming a disorderly queue to be the first ones to be draped in the outfits.

Catwalk Catchup: PFW Mugler Spring/Summer 2012

After all the hype from Nicola Formichetti surrounding Lady Gaga's involvement in the show, we were expecting fireworks and as far as Gaga history goes, the unexpected. But we were actually expecting her to show up on the catwalk…which she didn't. We were surprised with her absence, but there was, as promised, a short film featuring the superstar. Gaga said: "I am a Mugler woman; don't f*** with me. Don't f*** with Mugler. Welcome to Paris; we are Paris." Check it out, above! 

Gagaloo aside, the collection was interesting. We think it was a bit safe…maybe not for most clothing lines, but for Mugler under Formichetti's direction, it was a lot tamer than we expected. Still, there were provocative pieces with cut-out features in abundance and lots of body parts were exposed, so it wasn't completely alien to what Mugler is used to. 

Daily Style Crush: Rihanna in Jeremy Scott

Whilst we wouldn't condone wearing this outfit down Oxford Street (ripped stockings and all) we think Rihanna looks amazing in it! We did wonder who would wear the ensemble when we saw it make its very recent debut on the Spring/Summer 2012 runway and now our question has been answered. Very few celebs would be able to pull it off - we imagine Katy Perry would also look smashing in it; maybe they should custom-make her a latex one to mix it up a little? In case you're wondering, Rihanna wasn't just casually walking around the street looking like this, she was in fact on the set of her music video for new single We Found Love. Can't wait to see it!

WATCH The Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2012 Catwalk

Easily my favourite collection from Milan Fashion Week so far, which is why I'm sharing the video from the Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk. Enjoy!

Catwalk Catchup: MFW Just Cavalli Spring/Summer 2012

We think this collection was made for rockstars! If skin-tight, metallic trousers, snakeskin (of the faux kind of course) and studs aplenty don't scream rock and roll, we don't know what does! It wouldn't be classic Cavalli without a snake involved, but they weren't the only animals in the mix, oh no. There was an abundance of animal skin on parade, from the leopard in particular.



You also found dresses with non existent hemlines and chic and sheer tops accompanying some fabulous skirts. The line was softened up a tad with some of the lace and suede numbers but as a whole, this collection was pretty much what we expected from the baby line of the Roberto Cavalli family.

Catwalk Catchup: MFW Prada Spring/Summer 2012

We loved this season's Prada SpringSummer 2012 collection at Milan Fashion Week. The skirts were a definite highlight; not so much the barely there bandeau tops because we don't think we have the elongated, never-ending upper body and washboard stomach to pull them off ourselves. Obviously on the models they look perfect, but if we're talking about a wearable collection, this is definitely it if you concentrate all of your attention on the bottom half.

This collection was pleats a-plenty, which although is a mouthful to say, is beautiful to look at. The day dresses were also pretty impressive too - perfect for sitting outside sipping Italian coffee waiting for your hot Italian boyfriend to bring the Vespa round and whisk you away on a scenic tour of Milan….No? Just us? A girl can dream.

Catwalk Catchup: NYFW Marchesa Spring/Summer 2012

Another collection that blew me away was Marchesa, courtesy of the very talented Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig. The intricate fringe detailing and finely sculpted tulle non-tacky-nineties-style meringue skirts were just the beginning. This is more than just a collection with the usual Marchesa wow-factor, it's something bigger that I can't quite put my finger on but it marks the beginning of something new and exciting.

For a start, the models actually WALKED the runway as opposed to standing still looking pretty, which is quite a huge step for Marchesa who usually stick to very finely executed presentations. Gorgeous show, stunning collection. 

Daily Style Crush: Kim Kardashian in Vera Wang

No, not one of her three custom made wedding dresses, a different one. How many Vera Wang gowns does one lady own? (We say through very gritted teeth!) Kim Kardashian and her enviable curves attended Vera Wang's Spring/Summer 2012 showing at New York Fashion Week in this figure hugging blue number by the designer in question. KK admired the show from the front row (naturally) and looked every inch the rising fashionista.

Catwalk Catchup: NYFW Victoria Beckham Spring/Summer 2012

Well I never, I think I've actually seen it all now that I've clapped eyed on the Victoria Beckham Spring Summer 2012 show at New York Fashion Week. First the lady herself steps out in flats on more than one occasion recently (doctor ordered) but now flats have been translated onto her latest catwalk. Do you think Victoria Beckham changed the footwear at the last minute so she could get away with wearing flats more often now that the doc has advised her to ditch the heels?

The rest of her show featured quite a limited range of colours, with pale colours and a few monochrome pieces hogging the catwalk. There were a few exceptions as there were a few splashes of orange colour which I absolutely loved. It makes a change from her last collection that was bright bright bright so it's nice that she's showcasing her versatility. Well done VB, not disappointed!

Catwalk Catchup: NYFW Jenny Packham Spring/Summer 2012

Another collection I was really looking forward to seeing was Jenny Packham's Spring/Summer 2012 one at New York Fashion Week. Apart from the obvious fact that Jenny Packham has designed some of the most elegant gowns I've seen in the past few years, the other reason is because one of her most famous fans is of course the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. I don't think anyone can forget her floor-length pink dress Kate wore earlier this year - it was a different version of the one worn by Leighton Meester's character Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl. And we all know GG is always on top of the latest and greatest fashion trends and designers.

I digress…this show really didn't disappoint. The collection was versatile in the way that there was a range of cuts and colours on parade, but everything was in keeping with her classy and sophisticated style. Jenny Packham's main colours were green and white, sometimes switching to multi-coloured in the true spirit of summer. The Tinkerbell inspired dress is my favourite - I'm sure you can work out which one I'm talking about! I can definitely see this being a go-to collection for awards season at the beginning of next year. Who wouldn't want to walk a red carpet in one of these?

Elie Saab launches debut perfume

Ooo, excited about this one; and we don't have to wait long as it's set to hit stores in August. Le Parfum is clearly going to be one of those signature summer fragrances, as it has strong tones of orange blossom, as well as some mid-notes of jasmine, cedar wood and rose honey accord. It's also one of those perfumes that will look as great as it smells - we love how it's cut like a crystal. Kudos to Sylvie de France who designed the bottle. Also released will be body cream, body lotion, body wash and perfumed deodorant. Le Parfum will be available to buy from 22 August, with exclusive previews starting from 28 June.

Nina Dobrev in Seventeen Magazine

If we lived the LA life, we'd like to think we wouldn't be far off from what Nina Dobrev portrays in this shoot. Tanned, enjoying the waves and beach sport, and generally living the good life. 

(Yes, we know she's Bulgarian Canadian, but this photo-shoot has brought the cushy LA lifestyle into our heads and we enjoy the odd mid-morning fantasy!)

Naomi Campbell covers Vogue Japan June 2011

Naomi Campbell shows that she's still got it on the cover of Vogue Japan's June issue. Miss Campbell is shot by Inez & Vinoodh and is rocking one of our favourite dresses from the Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 collection.

The Mango S/S 2011 Lookbook

Terry Richardson has lent his photographic talents to the Mango Spring/Summer 2011 lookbook. What do you think of the way he represented beauty Isabeli Fontana?

The Zara lookbook

The latest Zara lookbook has every single trend of the Spring/Summer 2011 season covered - colour blocking, brights, they're all there in abundance and we are in love. 

Hollywood's youngest and finest for Destination Op

Some of the freshest and hottest stars of Hollywood have joined forces to model for the new Spring/Summer Destination Op campaign. 

We're really getting into MTV's Hellcats at the moment, so really glad to see Aly Michalka in the campaign. Joining her, are Glee badass Mark Salling, Chord Overstreet, Brenda Song, Rob Kardashian and Kat Graham. 

The collection is available exclusively to Walmart stores. Oh, to live in America...

Pictures courtesy of Hollywood scoop