Tag Archives: beauty

Artists, Designers, Fashion Flashback, Music, Style File

An Ode to Lady Gaga’s Living Dress

Lady Gaga‘s Monster Ball graced Planet Earth from 2009 through 2011. The worldwide tour truly was a monster, with 8 legs, 201 shows in total (every single one sold out) and it even spawned it’s own HBO DVD release - Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Live from Madison Square Gardens.

Diva-centric and flamboyant Miss Gaga had all eyes on her during the planning of the tour, and expectations were high for her to present a glamorous spectacle of a show and boy, did she exceed the expectations. The tour was revamped when it arrived in the UK, changing the complete synopsis of the show and virtually bankrupting Gaga but the tour went from strength to strength and had continued success around the globe. It followed a jovial Gaga as she made her way through the 4 segments of the show: City, Subway, Forest, Monster Ball. Each segment had a variant atmosphere and contained songs which corresponded with the theme (e.g. Glitter and Grease during City, Teeth during Forest etc).

While I could write all day about the tour (which sadly I didn’t attend personally), this post is solely about one landmark fashion piece featured during The Monster Ball. The Living Dress was worn by Gaga while performing “So Happy I Could Die“, in which she was raised up above the crowd on a scissor lift. The name of the dress corresponds with it’s characteristics - the dress is free to move of its own accord.

Here, Lady Gaga wears the Living Dress while performing So Happy I Could Die.

Here, Lady Gaga wears the Living Dress while performing So Happy I Could Die.

The dress was six weeks in the making and is made from stainless steel, various forms of nylon fabrics, sheet and rods, different weights of plastic sheeting and coutil for the corset. As is evident, the dress is very heavy but the weight is distributed making it wearable. It was created by designer Vinilla Burnham and made at Elstree Studios, the same place in which the giant angler fish (the Fame Monster) which Gaga fights during “Paparazzi” was constructed. The dress was completed 2 hours before it’s debut on stage.

At the beginning of the performance, two pieces from the breast of the dress cover Gaga’s face. They then close and retract themselves while the headdress begins to fan out along with the skirt of the dress opening and closing to reveal her legs and the trail lifting up and down, quoted ”just like a dragonfly coming out of its shell.” The headdress, dress movements and face fans are all connected to motors and remote-controlled from offstage and an elaborate system of motors and pulleys was used to pull the skirts up and back, and to enable the wings to spring up from behind Gaga’s back. The dress was worn only for the tour but was used on The Jonathan Ross Show during a performance of “Brown Eyes” in which you can see all the dresses functions clearly.

Also, you can see the wing release during “So Happy I Could Die” here.

 

Personally, I think this dress is a landmark piece of fashion and a spectacle within itself. Not only can it move of it’s own accord, the fabric and general design of the dress is just stunning. As far as tour costumes go, it’s right up there with one of the best and exemplifies dexterous craftsmanship and imagination.  I was very sad to see The Living Dress go, I hope Gaga will use it during a performance in the future!

 

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Celebrity Gossip, Designers, Met Gala 2013, Models, News, Parties, Who Wore What?

The Met Gala 2013: Best Dressed List!

The biggest advent in fashion took place in New York last night, the Met Gala 2013 held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The celebrities and designers were out in force, all of them having ascertained a place on host and editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour‘s guest list. The theme this year was PUNK: Chaos to Couture and some attendees hit the nail on the head! From Beyonce to Blasberg, I will take you through the best dressed of the night without wasting time on the basics! (Click the images for designer information and larger preview)

Actress Amanda Seyfried appeared on the red carpet in a Givenchy spring/summer 2007 gown with trail.
Batman actress Anne Hathaway showed up in black Valentine couture.
Beyonce stole the show, appearing in a flamboyant Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci gown with flame-like trail and leather bust.
Blake Lively work a monochorme Gucci Premiére gown with a ruffled skirt.
Model Cara Delevingne looked spectacular in a Burberry studded dress and Dominic Jones jewels.
The Great Gatsby actress Carey Mulligan wore a simple yet elegant Balenciaga piece.
Christina Ricci dazzles in a printed Vivienne Westwood gown with trail, Casadei sandals and Ferragamo accessories.
Diana Kruger wore Chanel – unsurprising considering she was just named the brands new face of skincare – and she arrived with Fringe actor Joshua Jackson who wears a Dior Homme suit.
Emily Blunt shows off her figure in a calm Carolina Herrera dress.
The Bling Ring and Harry Potter actress Emma Watson wore a trailed Prabal Gurung gown.
Fashion Star judge Coco Rocha wore a Fausto Puglisi for Emanuel Ungaro gown with a slit leg.
Jessica Biel wore a glamorous Giamattista Valli dress.
Helen McCrory wore an aqua blue gown with actor husband Damien Lewis wearing a Prada suit.
Host of the Met Gala and editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour wore a simple Prada dress.
Model Karlie Kloss appeared in a Louis Vuitton gown.
Katy Perry made her reappearance onto the celebrity scene with a bang in Dolce & Gabbana A/W 13-14. She was spotted wearing the brand at Coachella.
A heavily-pregnant Kim Kardashian showed up to the ball with boyfriend Kanye West in a Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci gown showing off her baby bump.
Kirsten Dunst wowed in a Louis Vuitton dress with a feather skirt.
Lily Cole arrived with Vivienne Westwood wearing one of her designs.
Madonna showed her wild side and stuck to the dress code wearing Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci and Casadei heels.
Fashion Star judge Nicole Richie was the best dressed in a Topshop column dress and sprayed white hair!
Rooney Mara looked brilliant in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Derek Blasberg head to The Standard after-party.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wears a Gucci A/W 13-14 gown with an emerald silk skirt.
Sarah Jessica Parker work a Giles Deacon gown matched with a Philip Treacy head accessory.
Uma Thurman wore a emerald Zac Posen dress and appeared with the designer himself.

Personally, my favourites were Nicole Richie and Katy Perry!

Let me know what you think in a reply below!

[Images: Harper's Bazaar and Vogue]

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Fashion Item of the Day

Fashion pick of the day: April 5th – Giuseppe Zanotti “Wild Africa” Wedges

This is a high fashion pick, something I don’t usually go for but I saw these and DIED. These Guiseppe Zanotti wedges are amazing! I first heard of Guiseppe Zanotti when I was in Dubai and I had a look in their store and it’s been a fashion love affair ever since! They’re African themed with the gold shards around the ankle strap and they’re heelless (evidently). They don’t come cheap, selling for a hefty $1,425! - http://www.giuseppezanottidesign.com/us/women/wedge_cod44501885tt.html

Sorry, I just had to share and I hope you love them just as much as I do!

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Artists, Music, News

YAY! Beyoncé Unveils New Pepsi Ad AND Teases New Single “Grown Woman”!!

Yesterday, King B posted a cryptic six-second teaser video with the tag “#BeyHereNow” and a time – 9a.m. PDT. Speculation about what she was releasing sky-rocketed, with suggestions such as a new single, a new video, ANOTHER WORLD TOUR? I was secretly hoping for a Scotland date on her upcoming Mrs. Carter world tour, but no: I was denied my dream along with many other people and Beyoncé instead revealed a new advert for her current Pepsi campaign (see below).

Now, the advert wasn’t as disappointing as you may think (I saw you all sigh and shake your head in dismay). It featured a flawless King B drinking a Pepsi Max (no surprise there, it is a Pepsi commercial) then looking in a number of mirrors to see herself reflected from one of her music videos such as Single Ladies and Bootylicious. After a bit of spunky dancing with her alter-egos, the mirrors smash and she says  ”Embrace your past, but live for now!”.

Still think it’s boring? WELL, if you listen in the background you can hear a 1-minute preview of Beyoncé new single “Grown Woman”! It will be premiered on the 8th April according to the Popdust but it is unclear at the moment whether it will be released to buy that day. Stay tuned!

I am BEY-OND excited!!!

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News

Demi Lovato Posts Fresh-Faced Make-Up Free Picture on Twitter and WOW!

The photo Demi posted, looking fresh and gorgeous without make-up! Source: @ddlovato/Twitter

The photo Demi posted, looking fresh and gorgeous without make-up! Source: @ddlovato/Twitter

Singer Demi Lovato has posted a picture of herself wearing no makeup at all on Twitter to encourage her fans to show their true beauty and we’re impressed… very impressed!

Even without the make-up, Demi still looks flawless! Lovato wants her fans to post pictures like hers without filters to show true beauty and being a good sport, she decided to lead by example.

In the tweet, Demi wrote: ”Ladies, be brave today…take off your make-up and stop using those filters!! WE are beautiful!!!” followed by the photo above. I think it’s inspirational that she is sending such a message and she certainly knows how to spread her feelings as pictures of celebrities without make-up blow up the internet nowadays! It’s kind of sad that such pictures make headlines but we’re happy to write about this one since it’s only for good purposes!

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News

Savile Row Tailor Patrick Grant Designs Menswear Line for Debenhams

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Tailor Patrick Grant has designed a menswear line for department store Debenhams, following in the footsteps of designers such as Jasper Conran and John Rocha.

The tailor joined the Designers for Debenhams initiative which has went from strength to strength and created a collection for the “classic yet contemporary”  man. The collection will be sold under the label Hammond & Co by Patrick Grant, branching off from the original Hammond & Co which was founded in 1776.

Grant told Vogue: “The Savile Row bespoke suit is the epitome of men’s tailoring. With Hammond & Co we have worked hard to ensure the synonymous cut, subtle flair and the perfect proportion is present through every piece. Hammond & Co is a house with a great history of excellence in sporting tailoring and we have done our best to remain true to this heritage.”

The collection is 70 pieces ranging from clothing to accessories including formalwear and daywear. It’s expected to launch for autumn/winter 2013-14 and will be avaliable to buy from 50 stores and debenhams.com with prices ranging for £14 to £299.

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Diesel, Mugler, Nicola Formichetti

Nicola Formichetti Confirmed as Diesel’s First Artistic Director

Renzo Rosso and a masked Nicola Formichetti. Source/Credit: Instagram/Renzo Rosso

Renzo Rosso and a masked Nicola Formichetti. Source/Credit: Instagram/Renzo Rosso

Designer Nicola Formichetti has been confirmed as Diesel’s first artistic director following his departure from his post as creative director at Mugler after two years of work.

Rumours had been circulating that Formichetti was indeed moving to Diesel and the stylist/designer only added fuel to the fire when he posted three photos of block red, black and white (the colours of Diesel’s logo) on his Instagram account. WWD reports that Formichetti will be responsible for the “total view of the Diesel brand”, taking charge of the marketing division and product development.

Chief of Diesel Renzo Rosso posted a picture of himself and a masked Formichetti on Instagram with the caption: ”I finally met somebody as crazy as I am. Welcome to the Diesel Planet, @nicolaformichetti. Enjoy!” The photo was later reposted by Formichetti himself.

Rosso also said: “I want him to do bigger things, different things. This is the right man to take the next step for a young company and a brand for people who are young of mind.” Vogue reports that Formichetti’s designs will not be seen until at least A/W14-15 but the impact he will have on visual marketing will be seen much sooner with his first advertising campaign expected in September. A statement from Diesel is expected today.

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Nicola Formichetti

Nicola Formichetti Heading To Diesel?

Credit: RexFeatures

Credit: RexFeatures

Rumours are emerging today that designer Nicola Formichetti is heading to take the lead at Diesel after announcing his departure from French fashion house Mugler yesterday where he worked as the brands creative director.

Despite no spokesperson for Diesel being reached, WWD report the collaboration should be confirmed shortly. Formichetti was the creative director at Mugler for two and a half years, joining the house in September 2010.

He spoke out about his reasons for leaving the post he was praised for transforming, saying he “wanted to do something else, even bigger, more global”. He added: “I really hope that the audience has enjoyed what we have done and appreciated our push to democratise high fashion, not only through the enjoyment of clothing but also through a total, inclusive fashion experience.”

I’ll let you know the latest!

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News, Vogue

CONFIRMED: Beyoncé WILL Make Her British Vogue Debut in the May Issue

The high-definition official version of Beyoncé's British Vogue cover. Source/Credit: British Vogue

The high-definition official version of Beyoncé’s British Vogue cover. Source/Credit: British Vogue

Yep. The rumours are true. Superstar and goddess Beyoncé Knowles will make her debut as a British Vogue cover girl in the magazines May issue, which I reported had been leaked on March 29 - http://globefashion.net/2013/03/29/covergirl-leaked-british-vogue-cover-shows-beyonces-debut/.

Mrs. Carter is currently dominating the celebrity world with numerous magazines covers, dropping buzz tracks, her upcoming world tour (which sold out in the UK within three minutes) and her dazzling performance at the Superbowl back in February.. Mobile network O2 have revealed they could have sold out the O2 Arena in London 150 times with the demand they had for pre-sale tickets.

In her interview with Vogue, she opens up about this monster tour as well as things closer to her heart such as motherhood and marriage. Vogue report that she talks openly about “how motherhood gave her a sense of “audacity” and a confidence to share more of her famously private life, and how her brand of feminism is synonymous with today’s very independent woman.”

On the cover, Beyonce wears a striped blue Jonathan Saunders cropped top and a shimmering sequined skirt.

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Mugler, Nicola Formichetti

Nicola Formichetti Leaves Mugler

Nicola Formichetti is departing Mugler.

Nicola Formichetti is departing Mugler.

Mugler’s current creative director is to leave after spending two years at the French fashion house.

Nicola Formichetti was recruited to helm the brand in September 2010, presenting the FW11-12 show soon after featuring an appearance from singer and close friend Lady Gaga. The news comes literally hours after I posted about him unveiling the image showing rocker Marilyn Manson as the new face of Saint Laurent.

In a statement, Mugler’s director general said: “”Nicola has accomplished our original mission of bringing his energy to the brand. With his talent for communication and understanding of modern imagery and design, Nicola has been instrumental in attracting a new audience which is undeniably crucial for the future strategy of the house. He will be a historical part of the Mugler legacy and known as the force that catapulted us forward.”

WWD has reported that the brand is due to unveil it’s new plans soon, plans that will capitalise ”on its highly successful legacy in fragrance and its new momentum in fashion”.

See Formichetti’s final line for Mugler presented at Paris Fashion Week here (FW13-14): http://globefashion.net/2013/02/28/pfw-mugler-autumnwinter-2013-14-collection-report-photos/

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