Celebs sparkle down the Oscars red carpet

It was a dazzling affair on the 84^th Oscars red carpet – one that welcomed old Hollywood glamour, bold gowns and million dollar jewels. Diamonds of all cuts and sizes exquisitely set in precious platinum glistened on the leading ladies, adding that final classic and unforgettable touch.

Sporting her chic bob and chiseled arms, Cameron Diaz accessorized her Gucci Premiere gown with a Tiffany & Co platinum and emerald-cut diamond necklace, bezel-set diamond stud earrings and a round diamond Dome ring.

The award for “show stopping necklace” went to Natalie Portman, who donned a Harry Winston diamond v-shaped cluster necklace along with oval diamond drop earrings (5.76 carats each!).

The Help nominee Jessica Chastain paired her stunning Alexander McQueen gown with Harry Winston yellow diamond earrings, bracelets and a solitaire ring – totaling to $2 million!

Descendant’s nominee Shailene Woodley accented her long-sleeved Valentino gown with simple Harry Winston diamond wire earrings and an 18K yellow gold Lotus ring. Lastly on the Winston train, were the beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Olivia Munn.

Michelle Williams channeled her inner Marilyn wearing a strapless coral Louis Vuitton with a Fred Leighton Forevermark necklace. Rooney Mara opted for a minimalist look, leaving behind her troubled character Lisbeth Salander. On her left hand shone a 19^th century platinum and diamond Leighton ring.

It was a “frost yourself” kind of night – to borrow a phrase from Benjamin Barry in How to Lost a Guy in 10 Days. The precious metal and diamonds kept the stars shining through the night and feeling like a million bucks (quite literally!).

Visit: Tiffany & Co, Harry Winston, Fred Leighton

Marni at H&M – Flirting with quirky prints

Last week, right in the middle of Milan Fashion Week, I had a sneak peek at the highly anticipated Marni collaboration with H&M in their London showroom. So, before we start thinking about what we will be wearing next autumn/winter, lets start preparing our wardrobes for spring.

Consuelo Castiglioni, founder and creative director of Marni concocted a playful collection for every type of woman. Everyone will be able to find something special and unique that will bring to life a plain outfit or add some extravaganza to a dreary wardrobe.

What we love most about Marni is the easiness to mix prints that create the iconic Marni look. In other words, everything goes with everything and can be assembled and reassembled in various ways. For the fearless, mixing prints will become a new leisure while bringing a new dimension to the dress up experience. On the other hand, conservative women will find their happiness in more muted garments or with a signature necklace, bangle or tote.

Marni’s signature prints for H&M are approached from a whole new standpoint this season. The collection is definitely more playful than ever, and it includes loose dresses and skirts, printed shirts, jackets, and a wide range of eclectic accessories. Our favourite pieces were the short pyjama along with the brocade purple ensemble, without disregarding the beaded statement necklaces.

On the whole, the colour palette is pragmatic and flows from muted notes of black, dark grey, navy blue, olive green and khaki, to more flashy colours such as fuchsia, cobalt blue, rust and orange. So, before you start compiling your wish list, take your diaries and save the date. The collection will hit the stores on Thursday the 8th of March 2012.

For more information, visit H&M

Oscar Red Carpet Style: Ethereal Versus Vampy

For me, the one person that stole the red carpet last night at the 84^th Academy Awards wasn’t even an actress.  Georgina Chapman designer for Marchesa looked stunning wearing of course her own design—regal, ethereal, and demure, the sleek pure white dress with a peplum bodice, and embellished shoulders looked magnificent on the red carpet.

Georgina Chapman: Marchesa. Photo. Kevork Djansezian. Getty Images.

Fellow Brit, presenter Louise Roe also made an interesting choice for her Oscar outfit, wearing a belted suit-style gown with flat peplums in soft pale pink by Black Halo. The dichotomy of ethereal and vampy, black versus white, color versus neutrals echoed throughout the evening as celebrities walked the red carpet.  My favorites gowns: -

Ethereal: Gwyneth Paltrow never makes a red carpet mistake, and you cannot go wrong wearing Tom Ford, Rooney Mara, nominated for ‘Best Actress’ wore a stunning white Givenchy Couture gown accessorized with Fred Leighton jewels.  Milla Jovovich wore a one-shouldered Elie Saab Couture gown that was breathtaking—truly an Oscar-worthy appearance.

Vampy: Angelina Jolie smoked the red carpet, the vampy black velvet strapless gown with a thigh-high slit, by Atelier Versace was hot and Angelina is the only actress that can pull this look off perfectly. Brave and sassy! Surprising choice by Jessica Chastain, she wore my ultimate favorite choice a black and gold Alexander McQueen gown with intricate gold embellishments—a big trend seen on the Fall 2012 runways.

During the awards, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez quoted Film and Costume Designer Edith Head during their presentation for ‘Best Costume Design, “Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady.” I think this quote summarized the evenings’ red carpet style just perfectly, and I asked Jenny Feldman, Senior Fashion Editor of MyHabit.com to share her favorite red carpet gowns from the Oscars.

Which ladies wore your top five red carpet gowns?
Meryl Streep—long-sleeved gold gown by Lanvin, Shailene Woodley, another long-sleeved gown in white by Lanvin, Michelle Williams in a strapless Louis Vuitton, Berenice Bejo in an Elie Saab Couture gown and Sandra Bullock in Marchesa.

What were your favorite accessories and jewelry pieces worn?
I loved Michelle Williams and how she accessorized a coral red gown with a pink clutch. It was a fresh, bold color combo that said spring fashion.

What trends did you see across the red carpet?
Red, pastels, and Art Deco echoes with plenty of ‘20s and ‘30s inspiration with beaded, sparkle and drop-waists. Winter White has very popular along with modesty and sleeves.

Fashion faux pas – which looks did not work?
Stacey Keibler dressed as an Oscar lookalike, in a gold Marchesa gown which was too obvious, Angelina Jolie showed too much leg, and I am over the “arm cutout” trend worn by Jennifer Lopez in her Zuhair Murad gown.

Which styles can you achieve without the celebrity stylist and designer price point? Like Michelle Williams, pair a flirty red dress with a pink clutch, Tina Fey proves you can never go wrong with a classic strapless dress and a peplum, and Milla Jovovich kept it simple and wore a white dress with a glamorous red lip.

Movies influence fashion: what trends do you think will permeate from film to fashion? The Deco-inspired look from “The Artist” certainly inspired the red carpet this year.

So what are your best and worst red carpet choices—we would love to know?

Sloan-Kettering Honors Nina J. Pickett at Ferragamo Luncheon

The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center hosted the 4th Annual Associates Luncheon at Rouge Tomate earlier this month. The luncheon honored Nina J. Pickett, Administrator, MSKCC Department of Pediatrics, for her years of dedication and outstanding work at the hospital. The luncheon also recognized The Associates Committee for their continued support to the organization and its mission to support patient care, research and education programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Nina Garcia Conrod, Gretchen Gunlocke Fenton, Eugenia Niven Goodman, and Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler – all wearing Ferragamo.

The event was sponsored by Salvatore Ferragamo, a first for the luxury retailer and was chaired by Nina Garcia Conrod, Gretchen Gunlocke Fenton, Eugenie Niven Goodman, and Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler. Over 160 guests enjoyed the chic surroundings of Rouge Tomate, superb fare and the bellissimo collection of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Spring Summer 2012 Runway Collection by Creative Director Massimiliano Giornetti.

Alexandra Lind Rose and Olivia Chantecaille.

Lauren Remington Platt and Lily Kwong wearing Ferragamo.

The event raised funds for the Pediatric Family Housing Endowment. The Associates Committee has pledged to raise $2 million in the next five years for the Pediatric Family Housing Endowment.

For more information visit: MSKCC

Andrej Pejic To Be Face of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Men’s Fragrance Kokorico

Androgynous supermodel Andrej Pejic was missing for part of New York Fashion Week – and he had a pretty good excuse. Swept up by the city of light, Pejic was found behind Matthew Stone’s camera, posing for Jean Paul Gaultier’s newest fragrance Kokorico.

Sixteen years later, after his very successful male scent Le Male, Gaultier is ready to watch Kokorico make its global success. The product has already launched in France, with campaigns featuring Spanish model Jon Kortajarena. But talk of Kokorico’s new face has nearly stolen the show. We can’t help but wonder – will the fearless Aussie pose as a man or a woman?

The 20-year-old model, who was featured on the cover of New York Magazine’s 2011 Fall Fashion issue, has captured the attention of top photographers and designers like Steven Meisel, Thomas Lohr, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs and Juergen Teller, who talks about working with Pejic here.

The 6ft 1in natural beauty with blue eyes and blond locks, took the catwalk by storm last year at the Jean Paul Gaultier couture show in Paris. He closed the show with a stunning “bride” number, complete with a dramatic mohawk and slick black gloves.

There are no boundaries for Pejic – who keeps the fashion world on its toes. Below is the current black-and-white Kokorico advertisement, soon to take on a fresh and rather unique look – whichever sex they choose.

Visit: Kokorico

Honor Fall/Winter 2012 Collection: Inspired by Romance

If you’re constantly searching for emerging designers, then enter your new favorite brand—Honor, designed by Giovanna Randall.  With Italian and Welsh heritage this former opera singer, turned fashion designer named her brand after her sister, and combined Italian style with British sensibility.

Presented in the Studio at Lincoln Center, the Fall 2012 collection, took inspiration from the collision of two worlds during a romantic encounter. A preppy college boy meets a vivacious native girl during a semester trip abroad to South America.  The collection combines Art Deco with classical silhouettes, merging old world and new world through vibrant colors and prints.

The fashion scene in the front row included actress Kristin Chenoweth and Shailene Woodley, who sat alongside fashionista Alexa Chung. One things for certain, if the brand already has Chung’s approval then you know it must be good. To see the complete show, view the video: HONOR Fall 2012 Runway Film from HONOR on Vimeo.

Boutique:

68 Gansevoort Street, New York 10014

Call: 212.255.2233

Visit: Honor.

Burberry Prorsum Autumn/Winter 2012 at London Fashion Week

On Monday afternoon in London, the Burberry Prorsum tent welcomed hundreds of guests and among them A-list celebrities from Rosie Huntington-Whitney, Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth, and Mario Testino to Will.I.am. Without a doubt, the Burberry show titled Town and Field was the most awaited and most prestigious show of the season at London Fashion Week. Every season, Christopher Bailey never fails to impress us.

Kate Bosworth and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Front Row: Sonam Kapoor, Will.i.am, Alexa Chung, Jeremy Irvine, Clemence Posey, Eddi Redmayne, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Mario Testino and Kate Bosworth.

As the lights dimmed and the music started to the beautiful melody and lyrics of a Joan Armatrading song entitled “It Could Have Been Better”, model Herieth Paul opened the show followed by Cara Delevingne, the face of Burberry.  Moving away from ethnic prints as seen last season , Bailey chose to merge a very preppy and girly aesthetic (ruched bow belts and printed jumpers) with a very British flavor referencing the traditional wool tweed, and iconic cotton gabardine in a very subtle fashion.

In a color palette of heather grey, dark camel, honey, and hints of burgundy, malachite and chartreuse the collection transitioned from casual silhouettes such as quilted paneled trench coats and oversized waxed field jackets to more sophisticated styles including sculptural dress shirts, tiered peplum skits, and shoulder bow dresses.

The collection featured an abundance of textured fabrics such as brushed houndstooth check, oversized guipure lace, sartorial herringbone, weatherproof waxed cotton, matt silk faille and plush velvet, which is making a huge come back for fall, and printed garments—without of course disregarding Bailey’s touch of humor by incorporating animal printed sweaters.  But our hearts melted when the studded gloves and clutches came down the runway—they brought a rock-n-roll touch to this collection. On the whole, the collection is playful yet dedicated to the sophisticated woman with traditional style and a contemporary sense of humor.

Burberry Prorsum: Autumn Winter 2012 Finale.

We waited in anticipation as the show almost ended, wondering what the big finale would be, and I was stunned.  Water starting drooling on the outside of the clear tent mimicking rain with storm special effects, then all the models came down the runway with striped umbrellas under a rain of glitter paillettes. Once again, Burberry took our breath away. For how long? Only until the next show!

For more information, visit Burberry

Master the Law of Attraction with Deepak Chopra

I had the great pleasure to meet renowned author and spiritualist Dr. Deepak Chopra, at an intimate breakfast for the unveiling of Deepak’s Law of Attraction button exclusive to AHAlife.com. Dr. Chopra has created an exclusive guided meditation for mastering the Law of Attraction.

Using MP3 Playbutton technology, one can tune in anywhere — 33 minutes and earphones are the only criteria needed to start living better. Fashion designer and philanthropist Rachel Roy curates the recording with her introduction of Dr. Chopra, who begins by helping us better understand the mechanics behind the Law of Attraction; manifestation (desires), attractor, intention—best explained by Dr. Chopra.  In the next section the good doctor guides us through the actual practice with his soothing sounds; first with the observation of the breath, followed by a meditation on the question ‘what do I want?’ The guided recording is ideal for the beginner, but also gets to the heart of the matter for the more seasoned participant.

For more information and to purchase visit: Deepak Chopra Law of Attraction. Price: $28.00

Escape Winter Blues with a Glass of Sauvignon Blanc

The excitement of the holidays has ended, and St. Valentine’s Day has passed, New York fashion week is over, and all we have to look forward to are a few more weeks of winter. So add a little sunshine to your day via some of the brightest and liveliest wines produced throughout the world. The Southern Hemisphere is basking in their final weeks of summer, and harvest of the season’s grapes is only weeks away. Take a journey to sunny New Zealand with their vibrant, tropical fruit filled Sauvignon Blanc.

New Zealand has established their wine reputation with Sauvignon Blanc, and though other incredible varietals are coming out of the country, like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc still rules in the land of the Kiwi’s. One of the most classic versions comes from Cloudy Bay, a member of the Moet Hennessy family, filled with the stand out grapefruit, lemon and pineapple aromas layered with just a hint of the herbal, steely characteristics—vibrant and zesty with big punches of fruit, and incredibly refreshing sip after sip.

Their Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc takes this to the next level defining what Sauvignon Blanc from the region can taste like, with texture, complexity and elevated minerality. Fermented in small predominantly neutral oak barrels (unlike many that use stainless steel), yet aged for 18 months on its lees (or yeasts), this wine has a natural creamy texture, unlike most from the region. Delicious!

Also from New Zealand, Chasing Venus Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region, has the citrus filled flavor profile, like the traditional Cloudy Bay, while bringing in gooseberry and orange zest, along with stony mineral notes. This is the definition of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a lingering finish and just a hint of the grassy aroma that is often associated with great Sauv Blanc from the region.

A little more delicate and refined is the Sauvignon Blanc from Craggy Range and their Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in both stainless steel and French oak barrels this wine is a bit milder and easily approachable with round flavors of nectarine, lemon-lime and herbal notes with a mineral rich, slightly caramelized finish. Elegant, interesting and easy to enjoy.

Rachel Roy: A Modern Landscape for Fall 2012

Presented at the Alice Tulley Hall at Lincoln Center, the Rachel Roy Fall 2012 collection glowed amidst the bright sunlight that streamed through the atrium lobby at 10:30am last Monday.

Spotted among the camera-ready, iphone wielding, and instagram-fanatic (including me) Roy admirers were Mary Alice Stephenson, Olivia Palermo, Stephanie Wilkis and Phillip Bloch.

The collection inspired by linear architectural silhouettes, balanced with natural elements produced a modern landscape of ready-to-wear styles.  While attendees soaked in the sun-rays from the blistering cold outside the three tier presentation featured color stories in sapphire, citrine, eucalyptus, pine, willow, winter rose, and garnet.

Looks styled in chic tones with variations of knit snoods, turtlenecks and cardigans, were paired with leather culottes, slim pants, and full skirts, and layered with structured coats and peacoats. A color block shirtdress, tweed boucle knit dress, and twist drape corset dress added a dash of femininity to Roy’s structured, modern lines.

My favorite look—the winter rose, satin back petal top, (add to my cape sleeve trend), with a matching slim pant.