Atelier Versace Spring 2013 Couture

In no way did Donatella fail to exceed her legendary abilities with this Spring 2013 Couture collection. It. Was. Amazing. Perfect, perfect, perfect. No boundaries, no limits. Items you could immediately imagine being worn by Blake Lively down a busy 5th Avenue.

Usually, I'd pick 5 or 6 looks that stole the show, but that is clearly impossible for this collection.

24- karat gold on this pinstriped suit. Need I say more?

Gorgeous waist-cinching belt. Skirt looks very similar to that of the H&M/Versace collaboration.

OK, seriously, wow.  Black mink fur with gold on the shoulders, serious cleavage cut out and a bodycon fit. Donatella does not stop at anything for maximal glamour. 

Geometric glamour. Adore how the neckline leads up to a halter. The fabrics here are very much suit-like. Office turned  red carpet, anyone?

Cute pastel pink. Jacket with the side zipper is adorable. Embellishments everywhere!!!  My kind of collection!

Atelier Versace at its best. Excessive fur in a bright hot-pink colour..

Splits are huge right now so this is a winner. Pure white is going to be everywhere this season. Bursts of neon  colours add a Versace-esque spark. Diagonal cut out down the middle = daring, risky, sexy.

Gold sheaths of metal are used here to make a boyish blazer that acts as a dress. Seriously sexy.

You can really tell when something's couture with pieces like this. The black mink and gold shoulders compliment this gown perfectly. The sheer top and bottom add serious sex appeal but the highlight is that pattern on the torso! Cleopatra vibes!

Vogue said plastic would be a huge trend but I didn't really see it. How wrong I was. It's used magnificently here. Black and gold is a winning combination in almost any book and the gold used for the bodice couldn't be any better.

Something a bit more understated but the gold is still present. Love the squares.

Look at how gorg Donatella looks! This woman will never dress badly. 

Christian Dior Spring 2013 Couture

It's finally time for some Spring Couture, where dresses turn into grand displays of art and everything is exaggerated to the highest degree possible. It's fun, extravagant and something I love to look at.

Clearly, there are going to be mismatched opinions about Raf Simons and his ability to take over from Galliano but honestly, I think Simons is going in the right direction with this collection. Some would argue that wearability should not be an option in a couture show but I disagree. This collection presents a perfect combination of pieces that are clearly high-end couture looks, yet there are definitely pieces that can be worn by your average person... with a big wallet.

"Modern romanticism in a minimalist way".

Nature was certainly at the forefront of this collection. It reminded me of Dior's Fall 2012 Couture collection where the walls were covered in real flowers and those who sat in the audience commented on the gorgeous scents which accompanied the show. However, for Raf, that wasn't a great time. People slated the collection (the one with the black suits, to remind people) and pleaded for Galliano to return and uplift Dior again. I have to say, Simons should feel very proud of himself with this collection.

Although there were pieces which just seemed "ugly" in my eyes, especially when four or more different coloured fabrics were mixed together, the majority of the collection appeared to be well planned, coordinated and polished.

The red glitter lips on the models looked stunning and added a nice contrast to their looks, as well as romantic edge. The short hair represented "a woman who dares to be different". Think Psycho. Indeed, it reflected the collection well. It's not always about long hair with curls. Romance can stem within anyone.

The straight neckline was definitely big in this collection. The contrast between the black and the shimmering silver skirt works really nicely. Hint at this season's metallic trend?

Beyond gorgeous. Satin finish black suit. Perfect for party wear. 

Innocent and stripy. Think Oscar de la Renta stripes. 

Daring and bright. Look at that neckline!

Risky use of the shimmery powder blue against burgundy  In my opinion, that floral  corset underneath would have worked nicely by itself. 

Here, the florals start pouring in. Sheer, sensual fabric with glittering rose embellishments. Shimmers down the runway.

Bridal wear. Without the floral sleeves, this would have gotten my vote.

Unique as ever. The puffball is absolutely huge!

(Images courtesy of style.com)

Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2013 first look!

Heidi Slimane is now Stefano Pilati's replacement as YSL's Creative Director. The brand's name has also changed from Yves Saint Laurent to Saint Laurent. Something still a bit strange about that if I'm honest.

Anyway, his first womenswear pre-collection has been released on Net-A-Porter and I'm reasonably impressed. I hope the elegant ethic of the brand will maintain throughout Slimane's designs, although I am expecting to see a bit of a modern, fresh re-brand too. I think the first signs, of which, can be seen in this collection. Available to buy here: http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Saint_Laurent_?pn=1&viewall=off

Lots of black and leather are seen here... very rock-chic. Here are some of my favourites:

Tribute patent leather sandals- £540

Chain-trimmed leather skirt- £1,505

Stretch leather skinny pants- £1,165

Patent leather pumps- £540

Large gold-plated glass cuff- £335

The Cabas Medium Leather Tote- £1,540

Leather ankle boots- £600

Leather dress- £2,400

Bryanboy works Burberry Prorsum S/S!

So after stalking my favourite fashion blogger, Bryanboy, I noticed that he's gone and managed to pull off wearing a Burberry Prorsum S/S 2013 metallic trench!

Take a look at my review of the Burberry Prorsum S/S 2013 collection here: http://www.therebirthoffashion.net/2012/09/lfw-burberry-prorsum-ss-2013.html

I loved that collection but I didn't think anyone would really be able to wear the metallic trenches that appeared at the end of the collection in 50 billion different colours.

The impossible has happened!

(Images courtesy of byranboy.com)

Moschino Pre-Fall 2013

Moschino's collections are one of my favourites to review because they're so visually pleasing! I always feel like I'm looking at pieces that I'd either want to wear or that seem so chic and modern, I have to stare for longer than 5 seconds!

Moschino is approaching their 30 year anniversary and has clearly targeted many elements it uses (e.g. polka dots, bows, logo belts, beads). The Moschino-associated bright colours have been eliminated in this collection to give a more Fall vibe.

I adore this collection. I think everything is super cute and wearable. There's consistency within the transitions and everything meshes together really well. The focus on outerwear is really nice and versatile.

Huge, huge, huge trend displayed here. The mixture of black an the gold hints at the  tonnes of brocade we've been seeing on the catwalks. Even the boots used throughout the collection are nice... very versatile.

Absolutely gorgeous. Love the two contrast black/white looks here. The tumblr-esque Moschino  belt is used perfectly on the left. It's just one of those things that can be worn in so many ways to add glamour in a look.

Favourite look! The pussy-bow has always been one of my weaknesses... teamed with that Chanel-style jacket and skirt with the embellished gold borders. Wow. Beautiful, classy evening look with enough glitz in the detailing.

Stunning use of peplum on the right with the military style buttons and size-zipped jacket. On the right, you have high-glamour office wear with those tailored trousers and fringe bag.

Beautiful azure coat with 3/4 length sleeves. Perfect for a pre-fall collection as it can be worn over dresses  in the Spring etc. 

Polka dots! Finally, they appear on the right 's shift dress. Not a huge fan of this shade of green, although that plum bowler bag is to-die-for. 

A very romantic dress seen here. The black floral print over the white is really complimentary.

I thought this pea coat was really cute! The subtle coral/pink colour goes well with the fur collar.  I think the amount of fur used here is really good. It's not all over the place and not too OTT. 

Gowns! Flowing and sheer was the combination for Moschino. Elegant but simple. 

(Images courtesy of style.com)

PPR invests in Christopher Kane

PPR invests in Christopher Kane - Anna Dello Russo has reported that PPR, the luxury fashion company which has investments in McQueen, YSL & Gucci, has invested a 51% stake in Christopher Kane. Yay! Good things for Kane, the innovative British fashion designer. The RTW line should be verrrrry interesting.

Lilly Ghalichi obsessed!

The new addition to Bravo's Shahs of Sunset reality series, Lilly Ghalichi, made quite an impression upon the cast and viewers. I for one am obsessed with her!

Named the 'Persian Barbie', she balances being an licensed attorney in the state of California and picking which Hermes bag to wear every day very well. What do I find the most appealing? The fact that she has the honours, the intelligence and the brains for Law but has no shame in revealing her love of fashion and has used it to create a successful business!

Here's Reza explaining his love for Lilly:

Lilly Ghalichi has part ownership in Have Faith Swimgerie, an innovative swimwear line which combines... you guessed it... swimwear AND lingerie. Clever right? It's the sexiest swimwear line on the market.

The line is a huge hit, with Joanna Krupa being one of many models. Check out the line at http://www.havefaith.com/.

In the latest episode of Shahs, we can clearly see that Lilly misses no opportunity to take high-glam to the max, with her outrageously funny comments. Take when she grabbed her Hermes from Asa Soltan in the latest Cabo episode and exclaimed "sorry, I don't want it to get sweaty"... I died. 

Lilly's love for Michael Costello is to die for. She's a walking advertisement! When she appeared on WWHL with Andy Cohen in that emerald gown with a plunge neckline... OMG. I don't think anyone's ever dressed up that well for the show! Although, I have to say... MJ did look good in that one-piece and red lip. 

WHHL with her adorable puppy Coconut!

Images courtesy of Lilly's Instagram/Facebook album uploads. 

Golden Globes Best Dressed 2013

This year, the Golden Globes had several breathtakingly amazing dresses and some spectacularly bad disasters. It's always great to see what will come out on the red carpet each year.

By far, the best dressed for me was Jennifer Lawrence in this gorgeous Dior Couture strapless gown.  It was verrry Golden Globes. The silver belt cinches her waist just right whilst the dress speaks volumes by itself. The sheen of it was elegant and her simple hair, makeup and box clutch were all perfect accompaniments. 

Taylor Swift really knows how to turn it up a notch at red carpets. Donna Karen Atelier in  a dark plum shade with that long trail... YES.

Oscar de la Renta = seal of approval. I don't need to comment on this much. Jessica Alba looks radiant as ever, the peach colour compliments her olive skin tone, the bodycon fit is gorgeous to show off her curves. Damn, this is from the pre-Aut/Wint 2013/14 collection... can't wait to see it. 

I thought Adele looked so sophisticated in this black Burberry gown. It does wonders for her. I don't think anyone wears black better than her these days!

I'm so used to viewing Megan Fox in a "sexy" light that it was nice to see her in this Dolce and Gabbana  lace dress. The lightly curled hair to one side works with this too. 

Yesss Eva Longoria, you work that Angelina Jolie look! This is Emilio Pucci and this is one of my favourites of the night. She hasn't been mentioned too much in the best dressed lists for the GGs but I thought this was divine! The plunge neckline has been seen almost everywhere but she pulls it off tastefully with the leg showing, which by the way are killer. Black & lace has always been a winning combination for me and the chiffon trail at the back adds something different to a normal bodycon fit. 

Ah, Sofia Vergara. We've seen this sweetheart neckline, floor-length, fitted gown on her many times. Have I grown tired of it? Absolutely not. Her body is 100% & she is one of few that can pull this look off so well without looking forced or tacky. The straight hair and flawless skin do wonders for her. I think she's putting quite a few of the you the actresses to shame! She's wearing Michael Cinco... I'll have to look that one up.


Images courtesy of Vogue.co.uk & Justjared.com

Back In Service!

Ajdjahodnwoa. Exams are over so I'll be blogging on here again!! Thanks for the views, hope everyone had a great New Year etc.

Honestly haven't been keeping up with anything fashion-wise, had to focus on work so this should be fun!