Celebrity Style

Rihanna Armani Jeans

Rihanna has teamed up with Italian brand Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Lingerie for the second time to create a bootylicious collection. The superstar singer and Vogue cover girl - who has been the face of both labels for the past two seasons - has created four T-shirts, three denim pieces, a leather jacket and a canvas bag in two sizes for Armani Jeans; and a selection of matching underwear sets for Emporio Armani Underwear.

Rihanna has close ties with the Armani label. Last year her lingerie campaign for the brand was voted the sexiest advert of 2011 by Advertising Age magazine. She beat off Miranda Kerr and Kate Moss for the top spot. "Rihanna is a great artist," Giorgio Armani said today. "She has personality, charisma and energy, and has been a pleasure to work with. She captures the young and contemporary essence of Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans perfectly."

The new collection has a softer colour palette to the previous range. The highlight of the range is a stunning mink coloured leather biker jacket. Perfect for girls who want to avoid a harsh black style but like the toughness of leather. It has a zip up front and buckle belt, embossed with the Rihanna Armani logo.

Sequin Prom Dress

Britain’s Got Talent, which once again provided the nation with weeks’ worth of entertainment, has ended with dog Pudsey and owner Ashleigh scooping first prize for a new dance. The pair won £500,000 and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Show 2012. As ever though, the public were just as enthralled by the acts as by the outfit choices of the judges.

Actress and Judge Amanda Holden wowed in a 1950s ensemble. The 41 year-old looked stunning in a glamorous, beaded J'Aton Couture fishtail gown with capped sleeves. Heavily beaded in a champagne shade it was a real princess frock. She wore her hair in a curled bob and dazzled with rouge red lips. Fellow judge and popstar Alesha Dixon had more mixed reviews of her outfit choice. Alesha chose an edgy Marios Schwab corset dress which consisted of a blue sequinned corset with sheer black overlay.

If like Amanda, you like the fifties Marilyn Monroe look there are ways to recreate this super glamorous style. It is perfect for the upcoming prom nights taking place across high schools everywhere. If money is no object take inspiration from Halston Heritage’s soft pink Ultimate Silk Goddess Gown (£695). The low cut v-neck and soft flowing empire line perfectly suit a coifed fifties hair do and siren red lip.

Mischa Barton Bag

Mischa Barton has been a busy lady of late (aren’t all Hollywood stars?). Not only is she about to release a new film, but she is also launching a new women’s wear fashion line and opening a London boutique. The fashion range, called Mischa, is inspired by the bohemian style of her OC days when she played the role of Marissa Cooper.

Barton launched a handbag line in 2009 which has been very successful. The new clothing collection is currently only available in Dubai, where demand for her existing handbag label was high, but she is opening a 1,000-square-foot store in London's Spitalfields area in June of this year. The new brand is more of a family affair with Barton’s mum taking on responsibility for the business side of the company.

"It's for women ranging from 15 to 35," Barton said. "There are different pieces that will appeal to different styles, but the main thing is I wanted it to feel functional and easy to wear." With vintage influences, the 26 year-old actress turned designer describes the collection as ‘a bit random’ using Biba styling with bright colours. She is also opening new stores for her handbag and make-up lines which she hopes will work as places for customers to relax and hang out.

Barton has recently been photographed for TWELV magazine. The cover shoot has caused a stir showing Barton in a stark white dress holding a tiny baby. The ultimate fashion accessory perhaps? The images were shot by Chek Wu, a series of high glamour shots inspired by LOVE magazine. Barton’s new film is a world away from the glamour of the fashion industry, a Japanese horror.

The new fashion label will feature prices from £27 to £279. 

Scarlett Johansen Met Gala

A whole host of A-listers hit the red carpet for the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Benefit Gala in New York. The 2012 gala marks the opening of a fashion exhibition of the work of Elsa Schiaparelli and Muiccia Prada. Stars such as Hilary Swank, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Rihanna were in attendance in the most beautiful of gowns.

My very own best dressed award goes to Scarlett Johansson who looked stunning in a floor length off the shoulder Dolce and Gabbana gown.  With a tight, corseted top and low neckline it showed off her figure, yet the long tulle skirt and beading still made it demure. Beautiful. Rihanna too got lots of attention for rocking a black backless crocodile dress from Tom Ford’s Autumn 2012 collection.

Sparkle came from Cameron Diaz in a silver beaded, long sleeved Stella McCartney gown and cutesy Carey Mulligan in a silver and gold oversized sequin halter-neck mini dress by Prada. Gwyneth Paltrow also opted for a Prada halter-neck with a simple silver mini dress which showed off her back.

Actresses Camille Belle and Debra Messing braved a plunging neckline with Camille looking fabulously gothic in a silver Ralph Lauren gown and dark lips, and Debra in a sparkly Kaufman Franco creation. Hilary Swank looked like a princess in a classic Michael Kors ruby gown whilst Emily Blunt looked youthful and sexy in an eye-popping coral Calvin Klein frock.

Georgia May Jagger

Back in 2006 supermodel Jerry Hall fronted the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign for the charity’s 10-year anniversary. Fast forward six years and Jerry’s beautiful daughter Georgia May is following in her mother’s footsteps as the face of the 2012 campaign.

Atessa Dress

Being pregnant might mean you can’t do certain things, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still love fashion. Yes it is tricky to dress a bump, especially as it keeps getting bigger, but now more than ever it is easy to find stylish maternity clothes. The celebs can show us how it’s done, check out Glamour magazine’s gallery of expecting celeb snaps for ideas. Celebs go out and dress their bumps with pride; it doesn’t keep them off the red carpet so why should it stop you going anywhere.

Myleene Klass has become something of a pin up mum. This red ruched dress shows that she refuses to disappear into the background just because she is pregnant. She shows off her shoulders and legs, yet still looks perfectly demure and glam. Holly Willoughby is another pin up mum. The tv presenter kept her girl-next-door beauty throughout her pregnancy and like Klass, showed off her shoulders and legs in this dress.

Victoria Beckham is used to being pregnant as she now has four kids and never let up on the fashion stakes. For the last two pregnancies Beckham opted for a looser silhouette, wearing billowing silk shifts. The 6 ½ inch Louboutins remained though, not something I would recommend without plenty of practice. Actually its not something I would recommend at all, that sort of height can’t be comfortable when you’re front heavy.

Kristen Stewart

If you asked me to guess who would come out top on Glamour magazine’s latest best dressed list, I wouldn’t have guessed Twilight star Kristen Stewart. Not because she is awfully dressed, but because she just doesn’t seem that fussed about fashion. Despite this, Stewart was placed at number one for the world’s best dressed women 2012.

Why might this be? I think it shows something about effortless style. Yes Victoria Beckham looks fabulous, Emma Watson, Florence Welch and Cheryl Cole too, but Kristen Stewart looks like she really doesn’t care, yet we all still love her. It just doesn’t do to look like you’re trying too hard. Stewart doesn’t follow the trends; she wears what suits her, simple, stylish looks with an androgynous edge.

Stewart use to walk the red carpet in trainers, but now she has grown up and blossomed. The full length, beaded, split to the thigh gown she wore to the Breaking Dawn premiere got many admiring comments. ‘Awkward teen to style queen’ as the Daily Mail dubbed her. The 22 year old star has certainly developed a love of fashion, turning up to Paris Fashion Week and dazzling in designs by Balenciaga, Chanel, J Mendel and Roberto Cavalli in the past year. It helps that she has a beautiful boyfriend (the lovely R-Patz) as the pair also topped the best dressed couple rankings.

Harry Potter star and Burberry model Emma Watson slipped from top spot in 2011 to second place in Glamour's top 50. Singer and former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole also dropped from second to eighth in the rankings whilst Victoria Beckham has shot-up 12 places to third, with the magazine praising the 'adorable co-ordinating looks' she shares with 'her new favourite accessory', baby daughter Harper, very cute.
 

Stephen Jones

One of British Fashion’s best loved characters, whose client list boasts style icons such as French First Lady Carla Bruni alongside pop divas Madonna and Kylie Minogue, is exhibiting a selection of his stunning creations at The Bowes Museum, County Durham, this summer.

Milliner Stephen Jones, whom Italian Vogue’s Anna Piaggi describes as ‘the maker of the most beautiful hats in the world’, has worked with some of the world’s most prominent fashion houses and designers during his illustrious career, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Christian Dior, John Galliano and Giles Deacon. And now he is lending a selection of his fabulous hats for the show From Georgiana to Boy George, which opens at the Barnard Castle treasure house on Saturday 19th May.

One of the original New Romantic style setters, Jones saw his passion for museums fuelled when he studied at St Martin’s School of Art in the late 1970s. He opened his first millinery salon in Covent Garden in 1980, with an eclectic client mix which included the then Lady Diana Spencer and Visage front man Steve Strange, and was soon asked to create hats for catwalk shows. His hats can be inspired by an historical discovery or an imagined narrative prompted by an artefact, painting or photograph, with designs drawn from relics of the Renaissance, cluttered Victoriana, the glamour of the 1930s and the ‘swinging sixties.’ A couple of years ago I attended Stephen Jones’ crazy hat exhibition at the V&A, weird and wonderful!

Stella McCartney Black Dress

As the premiere for Sir Paul McCartney’s new video ‘My Valentine’ was held in daughter Stella McCartney’s West Hollywood boutique it is no surprise that many of the stars in attendance turned up in Stella’s designs. Stella McCartney’s body-con dresses, peplum hems and sheer panelling have been a red carpet favourite for the last year; sexy and easy to wear, her frocks flatter most figures.

Two ladies to catch the press’s attention at the premiere were ex-No Doubt signer Gwen Stefani and Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr as they wore similar black Stella McCartney dresses. You might expect Kerr, being a 28-year old supermodel, to outshine 42-year old Stefani but whilst Kerr showed off her model like figure to perfection, Stefani displayed a more hourglass silhouette and radiated confidence.

Gwen looked striking in her Stella McCartney trouser suit, complete with sheer panels around a peplum bustier and see-through portions down both sides of the delicate long-sleeved top.  Kerr’s dress boasted a daring wide split along the front of the frock and mesh panels down her left hand side. Both ladies wore their hair tied back and accessorized with a metallic clutch, to break up the black. Whilst Kerr opted for natural make-up, Stefani sported a flash of bright red lipstick.

Mother-to-be Reese Witherspoon also put in an appearance and didn’t let her pregnancy get in the way of her style as she rocked a black shift dress with cut-out detail on the arms and skirt. Kristen Stewart, Gwyneth Paltrow, Amy Smart and Ginnifer Goodwin were also in attendance. Kristen Stewart’s style looked a little haphazard as she teamed a black blazer with frumpy blue skirt, white shirt and flat black shoes.

AWear Colour Dress

It has been almost a year since the Royal wedding and as Kate has settled into married life her fashion choices and skinny frame are still garnering plenty of attention in the press. Since stepping out in that infamous blue dress to announce her engagement back in 2010, Princess Kate has been the inspiration (and envy) of women across the globe – all of whom have one question on their mind – how can I now bag myself Prince Harry?!

Finding the right man can be a challenge at the best of times - never mind a Royal - but now the secret to finding Mr Right has been identified by Comfort Brights and leading Style Psychologist, Kate Nightingale, who explain that some of the answers are grounded in colour.

Kate Nightingale explains colour is a key component in attracting the opposite sex: “As soon as you meet someone new, you associate the colours they’re wearing with certain personality characteristics. And while you may not think men will even notice what colour you’re wearing, subconsciously they’ll be making their own assumptions!” 

Research by Comfort Brights reveals that the colours featuring most in women’s top three they would choose to wear on a romantic occasion are red, black and purple (31%, 32% and 19% respectively), while when it comes to attracting admiring glances at a special occasion, bright colours come into their own, with red (30%), followed by purple (21%) and blue (20%) appearing most often in women’s top three.  But what are the best colours to wear when trying to attract the opposite sex? Here Kate Nightingale reveals her top tips for using colour to your advantage.

Kate Nightingale’s top tips on bagging your prince charming:

Dior SS12

Sheer is definitely having a moment. Soft and feminine yet revealing and sexy, sheer fashions can be worn in a variety of ways. I have just bought the most beautiful peach sheer maxi skirt and one of my favourite wardrobe pieces right now is a cream sheer blouse. Sheer fabrics are super pretty and make us think of long summer days and fairytales.

It is a trend the celebrities are loving this spring. In the last few days The Only Way is Essex star Lydia Bright stepped out in a sheer boudoir dress, whilst ex-Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton attended an award ceremony in a vintage see-through dress. TOWIE’s Lydia wore the see-through dress on a casual night out at the pub, much to the admiration of local drinkers. The 21 year-old wore a sheer, full length dress with embroidered leaves. A nude coloured leotard underneath protected her modesty and she accessorised with a gold necklace and nude platform Christian Louboutins.

Former pop star Melody went a step further and revealed more than expected with her vintage see-through outfit choice. The daring dress is very pretty, but Melody went for the shock factor by going bra-less. Apparently at the age of 27 she hasn’t worked out that it’s far more provocative to leave something to the imagination. Everyone at the Women in Music event got an eye-full.

Burton Trekstock Tee

Who knew everyone’s favourite funny man James Corden could turn his talents to fashion design? That’s exactly what he has done by teaming up with Burton to design a men’s t-shirt to raise money for charity. I don’t think Corden modelled it on himself though; the tee features a sexy six pack, as flat as an ironing board.

The t-shirt is being sold to raise money for Trekstock, a charity which supports young people with cancer. Trekstock only launched officially in 2010, yet they have support from many a celeb – ambassadors include Mark Ronson and Henry Holland. The charity has their own super cool range of band t-shirts – for the Foals, Ellie Goulding and Horrors, produced by American Apparel. Trekstock have also worked with Tatty Devine, Sass & Bide and PPQ, they are certainly a fashionable charity.

The t-shirt designed by Corden is black with the six pack print drawn and shaded by Corden himself. It costs £16 with net profits going straight to the charity. Why bother bulking up for summer when you can buy a six pack from the high street? Burton is a great place for men to stock up on summer essentials this season, with jeans and t-shirts at affordable prices. Look out for their 3 for £18 plain t-shirts, the colour block tee adds an effortless nod to the summer trends.

H&M Exclusive Conscious

When H&M launched their Conscious Collection at the start of last year, it gained a lot of press exposure. An ethical and sustainable collection on the high street was quite the anomaly, and the price point wasn’t far off H&M’s standard range. The online video is still available if you want to learn more. Moving onto 2012 and H&M have their sights on bigger and better things – a luxury ethical fashion range called the Exclusive Glamour Collection.

The collection has already been seen on the red carpet. Amanda Seyfried wore the blue tuxedo blazer and shorts at a London premiere, Oscar nominee Viola Davis has been seen in the hot-pink sleeveless top and skirt and Kristin Davis wore the apple green embroidered dress to a Vanity Fair event. Michelle Williams wore an H&M custom-made gold-draped organic cotton bodice with a satin-backed crepe trumpet skirt at this year’s BAFTAs in London. A top and skirt inspired by Michelle’s exclusive gown will be available in selected H&M stores when the Exclusive Conscious collection is launched next month.

The collection showcases the diversity of what is now possible in greener fashion, with outfits in different styles reflecting the variety of today’s red carpet fashion. Although I don’t believe H&M encourage sustainable consumption with their huge stores full of cheap, fast fashion, I do think we need these high street brands to bring ethical issues to public attention.

Millie Mackintosh Lipsy

Fans of reality TV show Made in Chelsea will know Millie for her cute disposition, friendship with Caggie and doomed relationship with Hugo. Now Millie Mackintosh has turned her hand to modelling, as the face of Lipsy’s latest VIP collection. Described as the ‘collection for those who love the spotlight’ the Lipsy VIP collection is made up of fabulous party dresses in fresh spring colours.

Millie, who works as a make-up artist in her day job, is a natural in front of the camera too. She even took her own saucy snaps and posted them to twitter, asking fans which swimsuit she should wear on holiday. With her tiny figure and soft brunette curls, she certainly has the model look. The dresses which make up the Lipsy range are totally stunning in a colour palette of white, purple and pink.

My favourite is the applique contrast prom dress (pictured) in a pretty lilac voile fabric. It has an embellished flower detailing on the front, sheer neckline and flowing mesh skirt. At £90, it’s a great buy for prom. Also in lilac is a corseted lace prom style dress, a strapless bandeau rose frill chiffon dress and a floor length strapless dress with sweetheart neckline and split to the thigh.

If, like Millie, you love being centre of attention, there is the bright pink wirehem embellished prom dress. Priced at £110 it has a sweetheart neckline with stud detailing, bow tie waist and layered ruffle skirt. Definitely one for the girlie girl.

Superga The Row

The Superga brand is 100 years old but you would never guess with its contemporary look. Superga is an Italian footwear brand started by Walter Martiny in Turin, 1911. The first styles had vulcanized rubber soles and the Classic Superga 2750 Heritage style was born! Now, they have teamed up with The Row, the high end fashion line by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, to create a luxury range of sneakers.

It is not the first time that The Row has teamed up with a footwear brand. Last year they designed a capsule collection for TOMS. The collection included espadrilles made from Italian sourced wool, cashmere and leather and touches of plaid and herringbone, with prices from £110. Just like TOMS, Superga is a casual brand with both classic and fashion styles.

For SS12 Mary-Kate and Ashley have re-imagined the classic Sugerga 2750 style in luxury cashmere, embellishing with gold hardware from The Row’s handbag collection. Mary-Kate said: “The Row for Superga is a unique opportunity to collaborate with a time honoured brand that shares The Row’s dedication to classic design, effortless luxury and exceptional quality”.  If you think it’s an opportunity to get a slice of The Row at high street prices however, you would be wrong. The trainers cost £250.

Smartees Shoes

Kandee Shoes have designed the PERFECT high-heels for those feeling patriotic and British this summer! Following in the footsteps of the official Olympics supporters scarf by Next, Kandee Shoes have launched a striking pair of Union Jack themed heels. The Kandee Spring/Summer 2012 LOUD Collection incorporates a high-heeled shoe which is ideal for those Brits celebrating the Jubilee and Olympics in true Brit style this summer.

The Union Jack themed shoe, named ‘Smartees’ – is a blue metallic design, with a blue, red and white crystallized high-heel. As a towering platform pump, it’s only for those confident in wearing heels (or if you plan to spend the evening sitting down). For all out glamour, wear with a mini dress but minimise the cleavage and let your legs do the work.

Always pushing the boundaries, British CEO and designer Josh Wayman, or “Mr Kandee” as he is famously known to his twitter followers, is yet again following his fashion philosophy of setting trends instead of merely following them.  This “LOUD” shoe collection, described as ‘fearless and sexy,’ is the twenty-two year old’s brightest and boldest yet. Mr Kandee continues to set the standards of design in the fashion footwear business – he quite literally is one foot ahead of the others in the industry.

Celebrities such as Nicola Roberts, Amy Childs, Chiara Ferragni and Millie Mackintosh have been spotted in Kandee Shoes. The brand only sells stand out styles – animal print, neon stilettos, studs and glitter. They do stock flats and sneakers if you can’t face the heels, but they are bright, bright, bright!

M&S Autograph CampaignMarks & Spencer is one of Britain’s most famous and oldest retail brands, so why not promote their fashions with a Victoria’s Secret model and Hollywood’s hottest man of the moment? That is actually what the creatives behind the M&S Autograph sub-range have done. Ryan Reynolds and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have been reunited for their second promotional campaign for the brand.

Last year the pair replaced Dannii Minogue, VV Brown and Ana Beatriz Barros to front the Autograph autumn campaign. The spring campaign, which launched on the 3rd March, was shot on location in Boston and sees the pair re-enacting their 'romance.' Obviously the pictures look fantastic, they are fantastic looking people, but Boston is a far cry from the British high street, the traditional home of M&S.

The new campaign was shot by renowned photographer Greg Williams, who has worked for the likes of Vogue Italia, Vanity Fair and GQ. The Autograph collection showcases the stylish, sophisticated side of M&S. The company describe the brand as ‘about strong silhouettes, sleek lines and attention to detail’. Autograph has the perfect working man and woman’s wardrobe wrapped up in high street prices.

Meryl Streep Oscars

It was the Oscars last weekend – the 84th annual academy awards 2012. As much as we love to know who won what, half the fun (more than half) is based on judging what everyone is wearing. Women are under a huge amount of pressure; one wrong choice and it goes down in fashion history to be referred to for years to come as how not to dress for the Oscars.

Meryl Streep picked up her third Oscar for best actress with her leading portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady’. Streep looked like a golden goddess in a metallic floor length Lanvin gown, bravely low cut, but covering the arms. My fave look however, came from Angelina Jolie who wore a classic Atelier Versace gown. Rather than slinky or skimpy, this gown was made from rich black velvet, perfectly shaping her enviable figure and, being split to the thigh, showing off plenty of leg.

Gwyneth Paltrow went for a classic, white column dress and cape coat designed by Tom Ford. The classic red option was favoured by a number of actresses. Natalie Portman went vintage with a Dior red gown from 1954. Strapless, with polka dots and accessorised with a hard backed clutch, she fully adopted the fifties vibe. Michelle Williams sported a very 2012 silhouette with her peplum gown. By Louis Vuitton, it was very pretty and girly in red lace.

Benedict Cumberbatch - Spencer Hart

It was the Oscars last weekend – the 84th annual academy awards 2012. As much as we love to know who won what, half the fun (more than half) is based on judging what everyone is wearing. It’s not just the ladies to get scrutinised either, the men are expected to make an effort for the red carpet too, most appropriately with an exquisitely tailored suit.

The award for best actor went to Jean Dujardin for his role in The Artist. The Artist was the biggest winner at the event, scooping five Oscars. Dujardin looked dashing in a designer tux. He has walked many a red carpet of late, but normally opts for a suit and black tie rather than the full tux; I’m glad he made more effort for the Oscars. The talented Tom Ford dressed a number of actors this year, including Brad Pitt, Colin Firth, Tom Hanks and Bradley Cooper.   

Saville Row went all of the way to LA to make sure the men looked their best. Luxury men's outfitter Spencer Hart, founded by Nick Hart in 2002, headed off to the Oscars to dress the leading acting talent. The trip followed a hugely successful visit in January, where the tailor dressed leading actors head to toe for the Golden Globes, including Bendedict Cumberbatch (pictured), Orlando Bloom, Jack Huston, Dominic West, Damien Lewis and Stellan and Alexander Skarsgard. Re-locating again to the legendary Chateau Marmont, founder Nick Hart and his team fitted British and Hollywood A-Listers with bespoke suits for the prestigious awards ceremony on Sunday.

Adele Brit DressLast night made for the perfect night in – Pancake Day and the Brit Awards. The Brit Awards is the biggest event in the British music calendar, honouring the boys and girls that have made the strongest impact on the music scene both in the UK and internationally.

Featuring performances by Adele, Olly Murs and Ed Sheeran, the main gossip to come from the evening was at the end of the night when presenter James Corden had to cut Adele short during her acceptance speech to allow Blur to play out the show. Adele walked away with Best Female Solo Artist and Album of the Year. On accepting her awards, it was also clear to see a big sparkly diamond on her wedding finger, an engagement for the previously heartbroken star perhaps? And how will happiness affect her music?

Adele looked beautiful in a long black Burberry gown with sheer sleeves and top panel. She wore De Beers diamonds and had fifties style big hair. A classic look for the girl with a timeless voice. Fellow performer Florence Welch looked ethereal in an Alexander McQueen SS12 peach gown. With a short front and long lace train, it had a Victoriana collar and peephole at the chest.

Jessie J and Lana Del Rey both opted for red. Jessie J, who failed to take away an award, wore sheer red lace, leaving little to the imagination, whilst this month’s Vogue cover girl Lana Del Ray wore a Vivienne Westwood off-the-shoulder number. Kinky Rihanna, who walked away with the International Female Solo Artist award, wore a Givenchy Haute Couture SS12 beaded gown designed by Riccardo Tisci and split to the thigh and navel.  

Kylie Minogue sported a full Hollywood look in a cobalt blue, strapless YSL gown and diamond earrings. Jo Whiley, Pixie Lott and Katie Melua all opted for classic black cocktail dresses.  

Victoria. Victoria BeckhamI wrote about Victoria. Victoria Beckham last week. The new collection represents the free-spirited side of Victoria Beckham and is placed as a completely separate line to the high end Victoria Beckham mainline. Last Friday, 17th February, the brand launched at Harvey Nichols at a red carpet party in London, followed by a suitably upmarket dinner in the Fifth Floor Restaurant.

Alongside Victoria Beckham, fellow attendees included Alexandra Schulman, Alexa Chung (in a leather shearling jacket), Olivia Palermo (in a blue and black mini dress), Roland Moret and Gordon and Tana Ramsey (to review the food?!). Guests were greeted with champagne cocktails and canapés, whilst the room was decorated in an array of dusky pink and grey hues and vintage inspired roses. You can trust VB to have the intricate details planned to a T.

The SS12 collection, inspired by cartoon character Emily the Strange, is housed in an installation on Harvey Nichols First Floor complete with cute ‘kitty cat’ mannequins and a screen playing an exclusive video by Quentin Jones. Victoria. Victoria Beckham is a really lovely collection of dresses featuring girlie shapes and cutesy prints. Colour and colour blocking feature heavily alongside the specially designed conversational prints.

Dresses start at £395, considerably less than Victoria Beckham mainline dresses. Patch-pocket tunics, dropped waists and A-line tunics are all treated with a light touch in both construction and details. Scalloped edging, pleats and prints appear in a series of simple styles created from cotton sateen, crepe de chine, summer wool and crepes. A patch pocket tunic retails at £500, whilst a sleeveless collar shift reaches £800.

Victoria, Victoria BeckhamWhen Victoria Beckham showed her AW12 mainline collection at New York Fashion Week a few days ago, hubby David was right there in the front row for the first time. Daughter Harper, was also present and the collection shown was softer, and more youthful than previous seasons.

Victoria Beckham’s high end fashion line has been extremely successful since launching. She clearly has style, and experience of plenty of fashion brands. Celebs love the looks, with Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore and War Horse actress Celine Buckens all being spotted wearing pieces from the line within days of each other.

The collection included 22 body hugging dresses. I’m sure Victoria would say you don’t need her figure to pull it off but it would help. Pencil skirted styles in black and red with bondage style panels, make for a classically sexy collection ready for cocktail hour dressing.

Alongside the mainline collection, Victoria, Victoria Beckham only launched last September but is following in the footsteps of its older sister. The clean lines and muted shades of previous collections remained, but print featured as a highlight more heavily than before. Pointed collars and cuffed sleeves gave the collection a St Trinian’s schoolgirl feel though it was not Mrs Beckham's own British upbringing that inspired this theme - it was actually intended to reflect a sense of 'American high school-ness', an influence, perhaps, of her life in LA.

Rohmir DressRohmir is a luxury ready-to-wear label worth knowing about. Started by Olga Roh in 2007, the label comprises sexy separates and elegant dresses. The label captures the elegance of Parisian couture with an injection of European sophistication. Celebrity fans include Liv Tyler, Rosario Dawson and Kelly Rowland, all of whom have been spotted in Rohmir pieces recently.

What I like about Rohmir is that it is stylish but not overly ‘fashion’ focused. Each piece is effortlessly sexy in a way that I think all men would like to see women dress. The woman behind the label herself is a force to be reckoned with. Hailed from Russian nobility, Roh’s background combines a career in the fashion industry with academia. After a career in modelling, she studied at the Instituto Marangoni fashion campus in London and the University of Bern Switzerland. Roh even holds a PhD. She splits her time between London, Hong Kong, Berlin, Zurich, Monte Carlo and Moscow, living up to the jet-set lifestyle.

The Rohmir name derives from the meaning of ‘Roh’s Universe’ in Russian which reflects the brand’s essence.  There is a standalone store in Mayfair, London and other stockists across the world. It might not be a famous brand to many of us, but those who can afford it are certainly in the know. Made in Chelsea star Binky, wore the Charleston dress for her appearance on Come Dine with Me, part of the C4 Mash Up.

The Made in Chelsea girls will love the latest SS12 dresses from Rohmir. For fans of vintage styles and colour blocking, the twenties style Seriema flapper dress is modernised in bright pink with elegant fringing. The black Sander dress nods to the tribal trend by featuring a black horn, and the Ralli dress has a flirtatious frill hem and cute chiffon layering.  

Michelle Williams Baftas

Yesterday I gave my predictions on red carpet Bafta fashion, so did the celebs opt for classic looks or surprise show stoppers? Undoubtedly the biggest movie event on the British calendar, the Baftas are often seen as giving a hint to where we shall see Oscar success. Hosted by Stephen Fry at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Baftas wore shown last night on BBC1 and photos galore were available to peek at today.

Michelle Williams surprised many by wearing an H&M dress. Not just a normal high street H&M frock mind, this was a bespoke creation for H&M’s Conscious Collection (their ethical range). A classic column dress with cream satin strapless top and black skirt, Williams teamed it with a book-bag clutch of ‘The Misfits by Henry Miller’ – a quirky touch to finish this elegant look.

As predicted Tilda Swinton opted for a classic statuesque column dress by Celine in pristine white, whilst Penelope Cruz gave in to her fiery side in a wine red Armani Prive gown made from silk cady. Mad Men star Christina Hendricks showed off her curvy figure in Vivienne Westwood, wearing a long black, corseted one-shoulder gown. Meryl Streep went for a similar Westwood style but teamed it with a black wide shouldered bolero.

‘The Help’ star Viola Davis took part in Livia Firth’s Green Carpet Challenge, wearing a Valentino dress made from recycled soda bottles. It had a beautiful iridescent shimmer to make Davies sparkle. The actress is intended to be the first of many actresses to team up with ethical designers on the red carpet this award season, as Livia Firth shows how ethical fashion can still be stunningly glamorous.

Berenice Bejo at CannesThe red carpet has been rolled out for the Bafta Awards, being held tonight on the 12th February 2012 in London. Undoubtedly the biggest movie event on the British calendar, the Baftas are often seen as giving a hint to where we shall see Oscar success. Hosted by Stephen Fry at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the Baftas will be shown tonight on BBC1 so you can watch all of the action yourself and sneak a peek at what the celebs are wearing.

On Friday night a pre-Bafta party was thrown at the Savoy Hotel. Emma Watson, who has recently launched a Valentine’s make-up range for beauty brand Lancome, attended in a stunning red lace frock. It shall be this evening however, that the real red carpet gowns come out to play.

The nominations for best film are The Artist, The Descendants, Drive, The Help and Tinker Tailor Solider Spy. Leading actor nominations include Brad Pitt, Gary Oldman, George Clooney, Jean Dujardin and Michael Fassbender. Whilst the nominations for leading actress are Berenice Bejo, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Tilda Swinton and Viola Davis.

Argentinean brunette beauty Berenice Bejo is nominated for her role in The Artist. What will she wear for the red carpet? My bet is on a spring coral gown as she favours jewel-like shades of blue, purple and orange. Either that or something in classic black for this classy lady.

Geri by NextGeri Halliwell’s Union Jack dress for The Brits in 1997 is one of the most iconic dresses of our time. It sparked a whole host of copy-cat styles, did you have one? I didn’t, but it’s not too late! For Geri and Next have brought the dress back to its former glory, along with a range of other Union Jack designs.

To celebrate 2012 and presumably the Queen’s diamond jubilee, Geri and Next have exclusively created a new collection of Union Jack pieces.  The Union Jack collection is Geri’s latest range with Next and adds to her existing swimwear, lingerie and dress collections. The stand out piece is the strappy all-over sequin mini dress for £199. I’m not quite sure when you would wear this, other than at a fancy dress party and even then it makes for an expensive outfit.

Much more wearable are the jersey pieces – a t-shirt and dress for £22 and maxi dress for £38 which would double up as an excellent flag. There is also a very fun bikini set. Personally I would stay clear of the sequins, but one of the t-shirts teamed with cut-off denims is a perfectly acceptable 2012 summer look.

The original Union Jack dress was a last minute customised effort with Geri stitching on a Union Jack tea towel to her black Gucci mini dress because she wanted to 'celebrate being British'. She wore the dress with red Buffalo boots while performing Who Do You Think You Are at the 1997 Brits and a year later the dress was sold for £41,320 after Geri auctioned it off.

Prices for the Geri by Next Union Jack range start at £18 and the collection is available online and in selected stores from early March.  

Davina McCall for Next Davina for Next

Davina McCall has an infectious love for life. Her happy persona shows that smiles are attractive but she doesn’t just rely on that to look great. Davina has produced a collection of fitness videos and always dresses in flattering, sophisticated styles. Now she has teamed up with Next to create a range of fitness and post work-out clothing.

Launching in time for spring 2012, Davina for Next provides the ultimate workout and post work-out clothing along with a range of innovative everyday shoes which feature dual density mid-sole technology to reduce stress on joints. From aerobics to running, power-lifting to pilates – all in great modern shapes, fabulous colours and outstanding fabrics, there’s something for every activity.

Davina says: “My approach was to concentrate on what I would wear, thinking very carefully about the details that matter to me, like a place for an MP3 player, or reflective strips on the bottoms – essential when you’re jogging in the early morning or at dusk. And I’ve ensured the workout tops are extremely solid and secure so your boobs won’t be bobbing around while you’re working out!”

There’s an important footnote to this fruitful collaboration. Harnessing Next’s F.I.T. technology, Davina has developed a line of stylish everyday shoes that offer aspects of comfort, performance and muscle activation previously restricted to cumbersome sports footwear. Think cute ballerinas in bright patent or animal print – and imagine a reduction in stress on load bearing joints. Elegant flats are engineered to increase calf and hamstring activation by up to 12% while canvas pumps carry the promise of decreased heel impact. And Davina’s ultra-feminine trainers will exert 25% less pressure on the ball of the foot.

David Beckham David Beckham Bodywear for H&MThis should be of interest to men and women alike. Last night in London, David Beckham celebrated the global launch of David Beckham Bodywear for H&M with an in-store launch, followed by a cocktail party at a pop-up gentleman’s club created especially for the occasion. At the in-store event at H&M on Regent Street, David showed the new television commercial, met with fans and signed the collection. Later, celebrities such as Bianca Jagger, Emma Bunton and Jessica Ennis joined David to toast his bodywear range.

This debut collection is the first in a long-term partnership between David Beckham and H&M, and is available from today in 1,800 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online. Giant H&M shopping bags have been placed around London this week to support the launch.

“I am very proud to launch my Bodywear collection for H&M in London. It was amazing to see the product at the in-store launch after so many months of development and meet with fans. I loved the pop-up gentleman’s club, which felt both traditional and brand new. It’s the same mix I hope men will find in the Bodywear collection. It was an amazing evening to launch my new collection.” David Beckham said.

At the cocktail party, guests were treated to a unique David Beckham for H&M experience, with decor, food and drink designed to reflect not only classic gentlemen’s clubs but also David’s British roots. Live music was provided by the James Pearson Trio, direct from the infamous Ronnie Scotts club, followed by a DJ set by ”Mani” from The Stone Roses and DJ the Queens of Noize.

Pink Bandage Dress Sofia Celeb DressCelebrity Big Brother – did you watch it? Let’s just gloss over whether I actually watched it or not, and get straight on to the fashion because last night was the final of Celeb Big Brother 2012. The reality show was won by Denise Welch, best known for her roles on Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and as one of the Loose Women. Welch wore a black sparkly number, a demure sequin mini dress with opaque tights and heels. It was the glamour girls however, that had the crowds talking as they all left the house in matching cerise pink shades over the course of the show.

The girls in question were Natasha Giggs, Georgia Salpa, Nicola McLean and Kristina Shannon. Natasha was the first lady in pink, after becoming the second housemate to be evicted on day 9. The former estate agent, who had an extra-marital affair with Ryan Giggs, wore a cerise pink bandage dress with towering leopard print platform heels. Greek-Irish model Georgia was evicted on day 14, following Natasha out of the house. Dark haired Georgia flaunted her petite but enviously curvaceous body in a body-con plain pink jersey dress. She teamed it with jewel encrusted platform peep toe shoes and diamante bling bracelets.

Nicola was evicted on day 21, two days before the final. She wore a pink and black asymmetric bandage dress with platform black patent heels. The blond bombshell went easy on the jewellery, wearing just a silver ring.

Ultimo Evangeline Ultimo Spy

Michael Buble's stunning wife Luisana shows the sensational curves that stole his heart in the ultra-sexy new campaign for Ultimo.  Argentinian bombshell Luisana Lopilato dazzles in the new collection from the UK's leading lingerie designer created by Michelle Mone OBE, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Celebrating feminine charm with pastel and lace, the timeless pale green and navy 'Evangeline' is elegantly flirtatious, while the silky animal print 'Mirage' is designed to reveal the inner temptress. Retro-inspired sophistication meets bombshell in the black and pink 'Spy,' creating a super seductive silhouette with irresistible curves. Bras are priced £28-£31 and thongs and briefs are £12-£14. Sizes go upto G cup which is always happy news for the big busted.

Michelle Mone OBE, creator of Ultimo, said: "Women want to feel confident in their underwear by choosing a style of lingerie that accentuates all the right places. Luisana is a natural beauty and I'm delighted to have her on board for two years. The new collection is not only very sophisticated and feminine but feels comfortable as well so that you have that confidence from the inside out."

Luisana, added: “I loved shooting the Ultimo campaign and usually have to wear plain underwear when I’m filming so it was incredible to be wearing such gorgeous lingerie.  I love the colour of Evangeline – the mint green really highlights my skin tone but the lace gives it that sexy edge.”