Harrods and the Disney Princesses: a Designer Fairy Tale

[caption id="attachment_17693" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Cinderella by Donatella Versace"]

[/caption]

Cinderella in Versace, Sleeping Beauty in Elie Saab and Snow White in Oscar de la Renta... it's a Disney fairy tale princess designer take over at

Harrods

. The iconic Disney characters have been paired with some of the world's leading designers and will be featured at the equally iconic Knightsbridge department store beginning on November 1st. Here's a peek of the designer frocks: 

[caption id="attachment_17694" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Ariel by Marchesa"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17695" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Sleeping Beauty by Elie Saab"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17696" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Belle by Valentino"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17697" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Jasmine by Escada"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17698" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Mulan by Missoni"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17699" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Pocahontas by Roberto Cavalli"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17700" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Rapunzel by Jenny Packham"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17701" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Snow White by Oscar de la Renta"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_17702" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Tiana by Ralph & Russo"]

[/caption]

join

fashionado

on

facebook & twitter

Keira Knightley in Valentino

We all love to watch the ladies of the red carpet, don’t we? Admittedly, it's so exhilarating to see them wear the beautiful gowns, jewelry, hair and accessories that most of us can only dream of. So we live through them. Truly, one of the most inspirational gals to watch for 

elegant and tasteful style

is

Keira Knightley

. Here is a breakdown of her latest red carpet look for the premiere of “

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.

”

Dress:

Keira wore a svelt, exquisitely floral embroidered 

dress by

Valentino

. It was crafted of taupe colored tulle with ruching around the shoulders, which were sleeveless. It was lined in a matching taupe. If you look at her style evolution over the years, you’ll see that Keira has a taste for sheers and overlays. Frankly, on her frame and figure, it’s a splendid look on her now since she’s learned how to wear them effectively. Valentino is one of her favorite designers and wears pieces from his house often, and looks fabulous every time.

Hair:

Keira wore a sweet and simple red shimmery hair garland with tiny flowers. This tied her look together perfectly, from head to hem! She had her hair upswept with small, loose tendrils at the temples, which she often uses to soften the angles of her slender face.

Jewelry:

The only jewelry that Keira had on display was her engagement ring from her now fiancé James Righton. Keira’s ring is extremely understated and classic as far as celebrity 

engagement rings

are concerned. It’s a simple platinum band with a two carat brilliant cut diamond. It’s simple, tasteful and very in line with her personality.

Shoes:

Keira paired her Valentino gown with nude patent leather strap heels, although the runway model for this gown wore delicate, soft pewter shoes, which were a better accent with the soft gray in the embroidery. Perhaps Keira, at 5’7”, wanted to elongate her appearance, or maybe she just prefers the nude patent leather.

Makeup:

Keira looked dreamy and demure with her creamy complexion, mauve smokey eyes, soft rosy cheeks and shimmery pink lips. She was romantic, soft, vintage and feminine. In fact, she was glowing. It must have something to do with her recent engagement? As the face of

Chanel

, it’s no wonder that she looked timeless.

Over all, Keira was ethereal and wispy and demonstrated a look that is inspirational and not difficult to duplicate. Over the years, we can expect more stylistic treats from this red carpet queen.

join

fashionado

on

facebook

&

twitter

Kristen Stewart glamoured for Vanity Fair

Hollywood's vampire loving

"it"

girl tells

Vanity Fair's

contributing editor

Ingrid Sischy

that she's been criticized for "not always looking perfect" in her photographs. Well, Vanity Fair took care of that by giving the

Twilight

star a major

glam-over

with the assistance of famed photographer

Mario Testino

, styling by

Jessica Diehl

and with some of couture's heavy hitters; i.e. Dior, Chanel, Givenchy, Gaultier and Valentino. Wow, I mean, really WOW! 

Kristen Stewart blew me away. These are the most stunning, glamorous and breathtaking photos I've seen in a while. Who knew there was a glamour girl living inside the sloppy, grungy

Twilight

character!

[caption id="attachment_15115" align="aligncenter" width="370" caption="Stewart, dressed in Gaultier and Faberge diamonds with dancer Jérémie Bélingard."]

[/caption]

join

fashionado

on

facebook

&

twitter

Art meets Commerce on Project Runway All Stars

And then there were three! We're in the final runway stretch folks... it was a serious 

Project Runway All Stars

last week as only three of the designers moved on as finalists and one went home. This was an important and very relevant challenge as the All Stars had to think about the business end of fashion to create their ready-to-wear looks. Guest designer

Nanette Lepore

[not to be confused with transQueen Amanda Lepore - Queens you know who I'm talking about!] delivered and hosted the challenge. The winning design will be sold in her stores nationwide with the profits going to support the Save the Garment District Fund. 

[caption id="attachment_13180" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Austin Scarlett"]

[/caption]

I have not been crazy about Austin's designs, ever. Michael Costello posed the question "what do the judges see in him" and I believe the answer is, Project Runway's top priority, ratings. He's a fan favorite and I'll admit, I've enjoyed Austin from time to time. He makes good tv. But is he the best designer? No. [

Is he too skinny, YES!

]

[caption id="attachment_13182" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Michael Costello"]

[/caption]

I found it amusing [and remember, I like Michael] that he criticized Kenley for making the same dress over and over while he does the exact same thing. How many more fucking caftans do we need on Project Runway?! That aside, Michael knows how to drape one well and his looks have dramatic stage presence. This particular dress, however, was too long, as mentioned by judge/designer Georgina Chapman. Joanna Coles' issue with it (in the workroom) was that you couldn't wear a bra. Austin may have said it best by stating that only models can wear Michael's clothes.

[caption id="attachment_13183" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Kenley Collins"]

[/caption]

Her own stubbornness  may have cost Kenley her place as a finalist. It's too bad. I liked her and it didn't bother me that her dresses were often mere variations. She has a marketable and wearable sensibility with just the right amount of flare. Perhaps her ego kept her from listening to the judges? The one time she did listen, enormous praise from Isaac and Georgina flowed over. This dress was pretty and I see why Kenley fell in love with the peacock feather print but unfortunately the strong print and the structural design were incompatible. Still, I would have chosen Kenley over Austin.

[caption id="attachment_13190" align="aligncenter" width="440" caption="Mondo Guerra"]

[/caption]

Mondo, Mondo was the winner! I especially loved the pockets of this very versatile, slightly insane dress. Without a doubt, Mondo is purely talented yet his talent may possibly be his downfall. He terrifies me. I've known people like Mondo who are completely creative and totally lack business sense or even an interest. You need to use both your right and left sides of your brain to succeed in this industry so Mondo I hope you are willing  to do that OR perhaps find yourself a Giancarlo Giammetti, just like Valentino!

The 2-part All Star finale airs March 15 and March 22... and you know there will be twists and surprises!

join

fashionado

on

facebook

&

twitter