Runway Pretty for the Weekend

Sarah Burton brought romance and high drama to the catwalk with her latest collection for Alexander McQueen. Some of the gowns were truly breathtaking. The swathes of organza, the white feathers, the bodice that looks like broken vintage china; it is all so elegantly edgy.

Perhaps the rumour that Kate Middleton will be wearing McQueen for her wedding next month isn't so far fetched after all?

Meanwhile isn't all this conjecture about the royal wedding lots of fun?

Style Crush: Charlotte Dellal

I think I've mentioned before that I have a bit of a style crush on shoe designer Charlotte Dellal. She has a great style pedigree, seeing as she's the daughter of Brazilian model Andrea Dellal, and I love how she always looks quite girly, even when she's wearing a suit or trousers. Her style is a little bit retro, without being too costumey. Charlotte is the February star of British Vogue's 'Today I'm Wearing' blog. There is still another fourteen days of sartorial goodness to go!

Also, her shoes are crazily expensive and crazily high but this doesn't stop me wanting them. I love, love, love these Carmen Miranda-esque heels. Snakeskin rocks, wooden platforms rock, and colour has me drooling.

And for something not quite so statuesque, she did just send out some kitten heels for Peter Som's 2011 Fall/Winter collection at New York Fashion Week. Pic care of the Charlotte Olympic Facebook page, and they are tres cute too.

1960's Ingenue

Italian label Vivetta is utterly perfect for playing the role of a European ingenue from the early 60's. The only other props you need are a bicycle and a winning smile and perhaps a charming cad to educate you on the ways of the world.

Many of the pieces from the Spring/Summer collection are available from the lust inducing Aussie online store Maxmillia. Start saving your pennies now!

Frock of the Week: Haute Couture Heaven

I love Haute Couture week. The Chanel show was, typically, amazing. Here is my favourite frock.

Inspiration: John Galliano and Charles James

John Galliano's haute couture shows for Christian Dior never fail to leave me breathless, and his 2020 collection is no exception. Galliano says he was inspired by the Gibson Girl and mid-century couturier Charles James, plus a little bit of equestrian style thrown in for good measure (note riding crop in first pic).
Christian Dior himself credited James as an inspiration for the New Look, so 2010 sees a very post post modern take on the work of one of the greats. Charles James' ballgowns - above are some examples from the Fashion Institute of Technology's collection - were out of this world, and the same can be said of many of these new haute couture wonders. Love the vibrant colours, the luxurious duchesse satin, the draping on the skirts and the artfully constructed bodices.

Apparently teen blogger and fashion wunderkind Tavi was front-row at the show, but I am rather loathe to admit that even though I think she is cute and witty and crazy smart - and that I am delighted that fashion bloggers are really making their mark - I am a bit bereft at this news. This is mainly because it has sharply brought home to me that I am way, way too old to be a prodigy of any sort. Plus what I would have given to be front-row at the Paris haute couture shows at only 14 years of age. Even now, in my early thirties, I may well donate a vital organ. 'Tis all very well to pursue the interwebs for a gander, but imagine getting a birds-eye view of the fabrics and construction and gawking at the fash pack too? I can but dream ...

Thanks to Style.Com for the pics.