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Press Day

Madeleine — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:22:22 +0000

I went to the Anthropologie press day recently. This brand only arrived in the UK in the last two years and I’d always loved it in America when I’ve been over there. As you’d expect, next season’s collection of clothes, jewellery and homeware were vibrant, interesting and unlike generic high street brands. I love how quirky their presentation is and the candle scents are divine.

MET Gala 2012 The Bad……

Madeleine — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:11:18 +0000

It can only start with Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello. If you haven’t seen coverage of that hip bone then you must have been hiding under a rock. For me it’s totally awful and tasteless. It’s not sexy milky curves, it’s an incredibly thin model whose hip bone probably comes under Unicef protection for abuse against humanity. This isn’t clever draping that looks as if it’s defying gravity holding onto the body, this piece of fabric is holding on for dear life!

Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino. I commented on this during Fashion Week season and let it be known again that current Valentino hurts my soul! This dress is matronly, sugary, shiny and frankly downright ugly. The two gold cuffs are bizarre extras that seem to have no place with the virginal nightgown. And is that a matching shoe???

Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga. Do you think she got out of her car and thought ‘Doh, I thought I was turning up to some edgy premiere, not Anna Wintour’s fashion castle’ and the shoes look like bandaged Egyptian mummy feet. Considering people are claiming her a No 1 best dressed on numerous magazine lists, for me this is a major backwards step.

Diane Kruger in Prada. I expect so much more from her; even if I don’t always like her fashion choices, they are at least high quality choices. This is a hippy slip dress with a big feather boa crawling round the hem. If you put your hand over the bottom half it looks like a perfectly average strappy top with a boho necklace and if you put your hand over the top half you have an over-played Ginger Rogers’ night dress. Together this does not work. Lovely colour though.

Jessica Chastain in Louis Vuitton. I don’t know why Jessica seems to like to dress like a much older version of herself. She looks like a trussed up bird in this dress and it’s not at all flattering to her figure with the line across the hip causing it to bulge. I do like the super sexy bodice and if only it was tailored onto a really tight skirt in much better quality fabric it would look so much less wagon trail. Also this is the perfect example of where Hollywood hair doesn’t work and ages the look.

Emma Stone in Lanvin. This was custom made, CUSTOM MADE, and this is what they came up with? Her face says it all, it’s a grin-and-bear-it dress and the fact that there are paparazzi pictures floating around of this dress ripping in the car highlights even further that it was not fit for purpose. It’s far too girly and frilly and winsome and the hair is also very prom. Awful.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada. How unflattering is this on her legs? Surely no one does Tracy Anderson as religiously as she does in order to make her legs look bad in a dress? The side boob is not sexy and frankly isn’t necessary; she’s just trying too hard. With the dipping hem, the frill and the racer front, this all looks as if it’s been cobbled together with no clear design direction.

Coco Rocha in vintage Givenchy. Yes, I know it was Elizabeth Taylor’s but that doesn’t mean it works for you, Coco. The dipped dyed hair is an affront to the house of Givenchy, Liz Taylor and the MET ball. This look is so mainstream now; as a top model you really should be ahead of the game not going with a trend that’s on the high street. I also think the pink top and pink ballet style shoes are so wrong and practically make a mockery of it. A black skirt would have looked so much cooler and some edgy shoes would have made this auction piece the real deal.

Jessica Alba in Michael Kors. Little to say on this bar that I expect so much more from her and putting hair on the opposite shoulder to the one shouldered dress is so lame.

Lily Collins in….. one guess, its dowdy, floral…. and yup, it’s Valentino. How any young girl would pick this off the rack as the perfect dress is beyond me. How any stylist would call in this dress for a young actress is beyond me too, and the fact that no one said that this is old, dull, fussy and prim is the final straw!

Claire Danes in J Mendel. I don’t want to Danes bash because, like everyone else, I think she’s amazing in Homeland. Aside from the fact that she seems to like wearing white on the red carpet, this dress does not work for her proportionally. She is pretty short and this low wrap makes her look unnecessarily dumpy and heavy around the thigh. The dark roots in the hair really shouldn’t be there and I also think the whole look needs coloured jewellery to lift it. Can’t wait for season 2 though!

And finally Marc Jacobs in.. .. oh, who cares. I find this incredibly try-hard-to-be-noticed, unimaginative and frankly pretty childish. And it doesn’t even look good. Yawn.

Source: Zimbio

MET Gala 2012 The Good….

Madeleine — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:03:04 +0000

I apologise for the lack of posts recently but I have been incredibly busy prepping for shoots, shooting, editing and crediting! So a good comeback post is the MET Gala which took place on Monday in New York. This event is often called the East Coast Oscars and I definitely get more excited about them because people can really flex their fashion muscles without needing to please the middle road. That said, this year wasn’t a great example of this: the out of the ordinary looks were rarely exciting and lots of people played in safe. The theme this year was Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, and was chaired by Anna Wintour, Muccia Prada and, bizarrely, Carey Mulligan. This post focuses on the good and tomorrow I’ll post on the bad, and yes, I mean you, SJP!

January Jones in Versace. This yellow is so vibrant and I love the geometric accents of darker colour and all the tailoring is so flattering to her body. The turquoise necklace is a nice touch; I wouldn’t necessarily have thought a strong-ish necklace would have worked but because her hair and make up is so simple I think it looks great.

Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier. Another bold choice with its strong orange colour, in this case softened by the draping, the lace and the sheer sections. The only downside for me are the shoes, which needed to be strappy and either same colour, nude or black. And still just loving her short hair!

Jessica Stam in John Galliano for Dior. This for me is what the MET ball is about. Yes, it’s a tad Star Trek with a healthy dose of the orient but it’s also beautiful and intricate and high fashion. I love the vertical flick of the blush eye liner that echoes the shoulder profile and the arm full of bracelets. It’s all just so classic Galliano, which is why he is much missed.

Diane Von Furstenburg in Diane Von Furstenburg. I love this woman, she dresses so well and always looks intereting, smart and elegant. I love the bright colour with the whimsical puzzle pieces and the long gloves make this more gala. I think the chunky necklace works but I would have ditched the earrings.

Marion Cotillard in Dior. It’s elegant and timeless, beginning with the demure neckline and then getting edgier as it goes down. It’s not crazily fashion forward but not quite classic either, which is clever. I don’t like the watch though, it’s a major no-no; if you’re going to a ball like this one you don’t need to check the time.

Constance Jablonski in Haider Ackermann. Everyone knows my love for this man’s work and it’s so good to see him represented by a model I also admire. It’s not necessarily the best of his lovely colour combos – I would have chosen his burnt oranges and maroons – but none the less it’s striking and beautiful.

Beyonce in Givenchy. Only Beyonce can do this, so you’ve been warned! But seriously, wow! She looks all woman and so much more, hence my inclusion of a behind shot. This is dramatic and theatrical, her make-up is perfection and she’s glowing. I just wish the body underneath was slightly closer to her skin tone so it looked even more nude.

Milla Jovovich in Prada. The first and only Prada look I’ve included in the positive column. I love the loose drape of the bodice, the gladiatorial panels on the skirt, the slightly twenties look with the side swept hair, but what is with those yellow/orange nails?! Horrible.

Doutzen Kroes in Roland Mouret. In an evening that featured quite a lot of black and white, this look stood out the most. It’s geometric with a light and humourous touch, almost a court jester quality (am I reading into it too much?!), and great old Hollywood hair to set a chic tone.

And finally Rihanna in Tom Ford. I dread to think how much this dress would cost but it has massive impact. It looks like hangbag material, as hard and shell-like as an armadillo and yet magically is also seductive and effortless. I think the claw nails take the theme too far and it’s a shame about the hair, I’m sure that Mr Ford would not have passed off on that!

I don’t know who these girls are but I like the composition of the architectural looks.

Source: Zimbio

Editorial

Madeleine — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:25:43 +0000

These pictures are from Flair magazine’s April issue in which photographer Thomas Cooksey shoots Ali Stephens with styling by Vittoria Cerciello. I love the light in this editorial: the whole look is dictated by the setting sun and the angles that bounce off her face. The blues and apricots of the clothes are mirrored in the background which adds to the strong sense of place; you almost get the feeling that an electrical storm is on its way. I have to say I can achieve a similar look with my hair after a day’s surfing!

Source: FashionGoneRogue

Ear Envy

Madeleine — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:04:01 +0000

I’m always on the look out for new earrings, they are without a doubt the accessory I buy most, even if it’s just another pair of simple hoops. But mainly it’s all about statement earrings, ones that are conversation starters, that induce envy, and several which will probably require surgery on my ears later in life. Obviously on a stylist’s salary I don’t buy the kinds of earrings shown here but with the speed the high street reproduces runway looks it’s always nice to get an idea of what to look out for!

These geometric darlings are from Oscar de la Renta. They are undoubtedly statement earrings but because of the space between each square they are much more subtle. I think they’d look great in the summer with hair in a loose ponytail, black t-shirt and the floral/jungle/sea-themed skirts that will be everywhere this summer.

Other earrings from this Dolce & Gabbana collection include bow pasta shapes and red onions so this is the safest version for me. I love the mix of dark blue, gold and pale pink and although it is a bit costume jewellery, I think with a great casual shirt dress these could be worn for day.

These earrings are from Sophia Kokosalaki. A gold theme is emerging here but I do wear a lot of gold at the moment so I guess that’s why I’m attracted to them. I love how casually feminine these are; yes, it’s a flower, and a wilting one, but the angular twist in the hoop contrasts well with a wistful brush stroke quality, and even though they are quite long they have a lightness to them. I’m not sure they look like their £500 plus price tag though.

This is the second pair from Oscar de la Renta and these seem really vintage to me, like architectural Art Deco details. The beaten gold is beautifully muted and the mix of blue and almost grey stones really work for me and would be a flash of colour in loose hair. These earrings against a khaki look would be amazing.

And finally another crystal style earring, this time from Bijoux Heart. I love that these look like crabs crawling towards your ear. The black and pale stone mix looks great and I love the idea of these catching the light at sunset on a beach, when you’ve showered and changed for the evening. What a romantic life I live in my head!

Source: net-a-porter

April Showers

Madeleine — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:16:20 +0000

Not a super catchy headline but anyone living in London right now will know it’s been rain sun rain sun rain sun hail for the last week or so with more to come. I was out in my car yesterday and managed to catch a little of the drama. Some of them look like they have been photoshopped but I haven’t edited these at all.

Editorial

Madeleine — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:12:33 +0000

Blackbook magazine’s April/May edition, photographed by Jason Kim and styled by Christopher Campbell, brings a tough edge to Spring’s pastels. The ‘sleeves’ of tattoos are so unexpected in this feminine editorial and I don’t think I’ve seen such a colourful, decorative and almost ‘cheerful’ use of tattoing before. It’s a really refreshing idea and against the lace and flowers works wonderfully.

Source: FashionGoneRogue

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011/2012

Madeleine — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:36:34 +0000

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has now closed in London, but I go annually and it’s always inspiring. The amazing photographs of the seen and the unseen, the known and the unexpected, fill your brain with the colours and patterns of all sorts of habitats and animals, giving new perspective on the daily dramas of the natural world, and lasting food for thought.

Chachalacascape Gregory Basco (USA). Category – Nature in Black and White

Pelican Perspective Bence Mate (Hungary) Category – Eric Hosking Award

On the Tracks of a Coyote Martin Cooper (Canada) Category – Urban Wildlife

Lion Amond the Shoal Alex Tattersall (UK) Category – Underwater World

Balancing Act Joel Sartore (USA) Category – Behaviour Mammals

Ant Rider Bence Mata (Hungary) Category – Behaviour All Other Animals

Crane Perfection Stefano Unterthiner (Italy) Category – Nature in Black and White

Fire Flying Nilanjan Das (India) Category – Behaviour Birds

Family Tree Paul Goldstein (UK) Category – Behaviour Mammals

Taking Flight Paul Goldstein (UK) Catergory: Behavious – Birds

Overall Winner:

Still Life in Oil Daniel Beltra (Spain)

Kate Winslet Cover plus

Madeleine — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:49:19 +0000

I have been waiting for April’s Elle China to come out for a long time. I worked on this shoot before Christmas, assisting the stylist, Miranda Almond; Giles Bensimon was the photographer. It was a great experience and I specially love the orange sequin Elie Saab dress, which was sent from Paris for this shoot.

Source: ArtWorkCity

Editorial

Madeleine — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:56:09 +0000

This editorial is taken from March’s Numero, shot by Sebastian Kim with model Kasia Struss. I love the mix of colour and black and white in this series, highlighting both the geometry of the background and the sunlight and shadow. There’s a real sense of location here, as well as a time of day. The earrings are amazing and I like the way they are repeated throughout; they make such a great silhouette against her face and the top bun, emphasising the athleticism of the shapes.

Source: FashionGoneRogue

Snow News

Madeleine — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:13:46 +0000

I apologise for the radio silence over the last week but I was away skiing in Austria and didn’t have much access to the internet. We had two days of snow and otherwise beautiful weather all week. I have some seriously uncool sunglasses marks!

Suite Views

Madeleine — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:07:45 +0000

We had a beautiful day of weather on Monday and I was lucky enough to be able to see the whole of London bleached in spring sunlight from the top of a hotel. I was on a shoot for a European publication, sorry for the elusiveness on names, places etc, but as ever, it’s all hush hush pre publication. Amazing location in a penthouse, incredible weather, some Alaia shoes I would die for and Valentino straight from Paris. Not bad for a day’s work!

Haider Ackermann A/W12 Paris

Madeleine — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:25:08 +0000

Given the fawning nature of much of fashion, it is perhaps surprising that not all shows receive a standing ovation. Haider Ackermann’s was one of the few. Going through his collection is a pleasure and full of skill. I wish more actresses had the attitude and courage to wear his looks on the red carpet a la Tilda Swinton. His colour palette is one of dreams with maroon, turquoise, bronze, berry, cobalt and chocolate. He layers, drapes and wraps to perfection, softening here and toughening up there.

Source: Style.com

My Top Looks from Paris Fashion Week A/W12

Madeleine — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:43:05 +0000

The long four weeks of shows have come to an end in Paris. My favourite collection from there was Haider Ackermann, which I will post on separately. I also loved Jean Paul Gaultier, who always brings something creative and thought-provoking to the party. I could dwell on Stefano Pilati’s departure from YSL, and Raf Simons’s somewhat tearful one from Jil Sander, but I think this pick of what I consider to be the best looks will be the more digestible.

Style.com

My Top Looks from Milan Fashion Week A/W 2012

Madeleine — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:34:04 +0000

These are my pick of the best looks from the the collections shown in Milan this week, of which my favourite were definitely Etro and Alberta Ferretti.

Source: Style.com