I ♥ Rag and Bone

One of my absolute favourites, Rag and Bone.

David Neville and Marcus Marcus Wainright presented a preppy fall collection layering sweater dresses, suits and flannels.

Some of the looks remind me of the altered private school uniforms seen on gossip girl; regardless, Rag and Bone has kept true to its cool rep, and has yet again delivered a cute look for girls living on the edge.

Army Tones from Rag & Bone

Rag&Bone- Spring RTW 2010

I applaud David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, the genius’ behind the brand for once again delivering a ready-to-wear collection that caters famously to both men and women. It is a great achievement when a label can present a collection that is not gender bias, but actually raises the sex appeal in the room! Neville and Wainwright are using the economy to inspire a simple look that adds slouch to classic pieces like the oversized tux jackets, dress shirts and slacks varying slightly for both men and women. For a while designers have been dabbling with the androgynous look but sometimes fail to maintain the femininity or masculinity for the target audience. Rag & Bone have taken staple items that are worn by both genders, but have ensured to keep the XX’s and the XY’s in order. Nicole Phelps of style.com interviewed Wainwright after the show, and in his own words he describes his and Neville’s collection as “English, military-school heritage mixed with a utilitarian, made-in America ethos.” (www.style.com)

For women, oxford shoes, mid-calf socks and tapered pants add an avant-garde and feminine touch to the British school-boy look. Keeping the colours neutral and military based with army greens, camels, off-whites, greys and browns. Blazer necklines are plunging, while blouses are buttoned from top to bottom. Cutaway, loose tanks and slouchy blouses are belted whether tucked or un-tucked.

For men, it’s all about layering and playing on the three piece look beginning with soft long-sleeved Henley’s and round or barely collared dress shirts. Adding the sharp shaped vest with oversized tux or Sgt. Pepper militia blazers and overcoats adds an element of sophistication to the look. That being said the darker colours, rugged material and combination of slouch and clean cuts make the look not so innocent giving more of a sexy, bad boy image.

All in all, Rag & Bone has yet again delivered a badass but sexy collection for both men and women. Slightly rough, but somewhat innocent is the name of the game and while that may seem complicating, it must look simple and effortless.

photos via www.style.com

Models as Muses

The MET's Costume Institute Gala was held this past monday, and attending were some of the most beautiful outfits, embodied by just as gorgeous models and actors. 

Kate Beckinsale (above) embodies a deep midnight blue tulle gown by Marchesa, also what turned out to be my favourite evening gown of the night. Stunning.

Below are two of my favourite exaggerated gowns, so much volume and fantastic detailing. Starting from the left is Elizabeth Hurley wearing a to die for nude, Elie Saab gown that is subtley composed of roses. On the right is model Oluchi Onweagba in none other than Oscar de la Renta. The empire waisted gown's bold black and white pattern and volumunous bell prove the ingredients to perfection.
  

Model Gisele Bundchen pretty much defines "sexy" in the body hugging, sequined Versace mini. That body, that dress, those legs, those shoes: matches made in heaven. (oh and she also has a perfect accessory, Tom Brady) A+++ for Gisele

  

Chanel Iman and Sasha Pivavarova, two of my favourite models looked absolutely exquisite (as if I even have to tell you that!) on the red carpet, dressed in two of my absolute favourite designers. Chanel Iman (left) in a leopard print, plunging gown by Zac Posen looked feverishly hot and femine. I love the exaggerated train, that and the pearl accessories make this look irresistably sexy and feminine. Sasha was my favourite model of the evening wearing non other than Giambattista Valli (who stands proud and pearl-ed besides her!). Something about the micro-mini combined with the dramatic peacock feathered floor length shawl. Absolutely stunning. I am loving feathered outfits these days! They're elegant, and give a new feminine touch to outfits (giving lace a break!).

How fabulous does the colour of this mini by Ungaro look against model Alek Wek's radiant skin?

Ah, there are always "those" girls who dare to be different by dressing a la homme in a tuxedo. Here we have Lake Bell in the black tie version, very crisp clean cut suit by Rag & Bone (another fav designer) however this look is one that I would prefer to see on a buff gent. Rihanna worked the bow-tie and 80's inspired puffed sleeves in the Dolce & Gabbanna piece, and although it isn't my favourite piece I give her an A for effort as she always dresses to suit her style. Regardless, in my opinion the only women who can suit up are the classics like Coco Chanel, and Katherine Hepburn.

Want more? I would say http://www.style.com/vogue/bestdressed/050509/ (well, it was hosted by Anna Wintour!) has the best collection! Have a peek!