So, is this what you'll be wearing to the wedding, Kate? Sarah Burton unveils new bridal collection for Alexander McQueen

By MAYSA RAWI

Fit for a McQueen: Sarah Burton, rumoured to be designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress, unveiled the Alexander McQueen ready-to-wear collection at Paris Fashion Week yesterday


As the fashion industry is awash with reports that Kate Middleton's wedding dress will be made by Sarah Burton, the Alexander McQueen designer kept the rumour mill running when she unveiled a very bridal collection in Paris yesterday.

Although Burton dismissed claims after the show, the speculation continues and there is no doubt the stunning pieces are fit for a queen.

Kate's gown will be bespoke, but the Winter 2011 ready-to-wear line provides exciting insight into what to expect on the big day should the news turn out to be true.


Ice Queen: Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines


Romantic, long white designs with beaded and feather detailing featured high neck-lines, but no sleeves in the collection that was aptly named 'Ice Queen'.

Kate will no doubt follow in the traditional footsteps of her predecessors and eschew spaghetti straps or bustier designs in favour of a more demure look.

The odds so far have been on Kate choosing veteran designer Bruce Oldfield or Phillipa Lepley.


Innovative: Burton retained McQueen's signature look but introduced new elements, including a dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain with a 6ft long train, which took two weeks to make



Short 'n' sweet: The collection won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as Burton ducked out for a bow


But it seems fashion experts are now desperately hoping Burton will be the chosen one.

Asked whether he thought the rumours would prove true, Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley, replied 'I hope so.'

'If she were dressed by Ms Burton, she'd make a beautiful bride.'


Black Beauty: The Gothic-inspired designs were a tribute to the late Alexander McQueen


Hardcore: The collection also included a fair share of black, not to mention plentiful hardcore bondage touches


Either way, Burton won among the strongest reactions of any of this season's Paris shows, with the audience hooting, cheering and whistling its enthusiastic approval as she ducked out for a bow as the front row exchanged knowing glances.

But although white dresses dotted the collection, all the McQueen signature detailing was visible including chunky platform heels, black and Gothic accessories.

Only 35 pieces were made, giving the designer a chance to hone her expertise and concentrate on every little detail - including an intricate dress with a bodice made of chipped porcelain and a 6ft train.


Take a bow: Sarah Burton at the end of the show


It was Burton's second since she stepped into McQueen's immense shoes about a year ago following his suicide.

Burton, 36, had worked closely with McQueen for years, and her debut collection, shown last October, was lauded by the press for managing the tricky task of tapping into the late designer's creative genius, while softening McQueen's signature hard edges and letting out his painfully nipped-in waists.

And if she really is tasked with the Royal wedding dress, then her efforts have clearly paid off.


Recognition: Naomi Campbell, left, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington


Top secret: Kate, pictured yesterday, will not be revealing any details until her wedding to Prince William in April


Turning out to support her were supermodel Naomi Campbell - a longstanding fan of McQueen - Vogue editor Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington.

Burton joined the label in 1996, where she grew to become his loyal sidekick and eventually became creative director when McQueen died last year.

After the announcement was made, she said: 'The creation of modern, beautifully crafted clothes was at the heart of Lee's vision.

'I intend to stay true to his legacy.'

Jonathan Akeroyd, president and CEO of Alexander McQueen said: 'We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to take on the role of creative director.

'Having worked alongside Lee McQueen for more than 14 years, she has a deep understanding of his vision, which will allow the company to stay true to its core values.'

Kate's choice and any details will of course not be revealed until April 29, but after yesterday's collection proved to be such a hit - and arguably the highlight of Fashion Week, the verdict is unanimous.

It would be a great shame not to see the future Princess in a McQueen dress on her big day.





source: dailymail

Brave Lily Allen arrives in Paris to meet her wedding dress designer, Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Smiling again: Lily Allen poses with Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld at his Autumn/Winter 2011 show in Paris, after revealing he will create her wedding dress



She has shunned the spotlight and kept quiet since tragically losing her baby late last year.

But today the brave singer was back in the limelight as she attended the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week.

The 25-year-old headed to Karl Lagerfeld's studio to discuss plans for her wedding dress, before going to the Grand Palais to see his latest collection.



Brief sojourn: Lily popped over to Paris today to watch the Chanel show before heading back to London on the Eurostar


Photographed outside Lagerfeld's studio, she said: 'I’m here to see Karl for my wedding dress.'

Allen is set to wed builder Sam Cooper - who she started dating in summer 2009 - later this year.

Supporting the brand, Allen was carrying two Chanel quilted handbags, which she teamed with a tweed coat and ballet pumps.

As she headed back to her Gloucestershire home, via London on the Eurostar, she tweeted: 'Chanel show in Paris was lovely. On my way home now, think I might hide for a while.'


Coveted seat: Lily sat in the front row next to TV presenter Alexa Chung


Wedding belle: Lily, who modelled for Chanel two years ago, will wear the designer's dress on her wedding day


Allen's brief appearance in Paris came as she spoke about her two miscarriages in a clip from her forthcoming Channel 4 documentary Lily Allen: Riches To Rags.

The singer, who lost her child last year six months into her pregnancy after an earlier miscarriage in 2008, says: 'It was a really long battle - and I think that kind of thing changes a person.'

She reveals her pain at the loss in a new show that charts her venture into fashion as she opened up Covent Garden vintage boutique Lucy In Disguise with sister Sarah Owen.

Lily also reveals in the documentary - which filmed her between March and October last year - that she suffered with an eating disorder.


Raw: Lily has opened up about the tragic loss of her baby in a new Channel 4 documentary


‘There was a point last summer (2009) where I had an eating disorder, I used to vomit after meals,’ she said. ‘It is not something I am proud of. But I tell you what, a lot of people used to come up to me and tell me how great I looked.

'And I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying “Lily is looking amazing – look how much weight she has lost”.

‘I thought I looked good. It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you have been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it.

‘But I wasn’t happy, I really wasn’t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world, but I know I can’t do that without being unhappy. I like my food.’


Emotional: The TV show Riches To Rags followed the singer for several months to chart her foray into fashion


‘People who are famous and successful and live in this mad world tend to die really early, or kill themselves, or die in a drugs overdose. I’d rather not so I figure I will go and eat,’ she said.

‘My idea of hell would be doing this in 25 years’ time. I don’t want to be like Madonna – look at her, she’s mental. No offence, but that is not what drives me. I want to get married and have kids and make sandwiches cutting the crusts off.’

The documentary was filmed before Miss Allen suffered her second miscarriage last November. She was devastated after losing the baby boy she was expecting with fiancé Sam Cooper. The film crew went back to continue filming her story after her loss. In the programme, which airs next week, she spoke of her recovery as ‘a really long battle’.


Frank: Lily and her sister and business partner Sarah Owen discuss their difficult relationship


Her plans to marry Mr Cooper appear to be going full steam ahead. She arrived in Paris this week to watch the Chanel fashion show and meet designer Karl Lagerfield. ‘I’m here to see Karl for my wedding dress,’ she said.

However yesterday she was feeling less than thrilled with life if her posts on Twitter are anything to go by. ‘Have just Googled myself, am depressed.

'Going home and switching off broadband. I just get upset when some people can’t see how nice and brilliant I am. Good day to you all.’

• Lily Allen: Riches To Rags starts on Channel 4 on Tuesday 15 March at 10pm.


Kanye, Florence, Lily Allen at Chanel Show



source: dailymail

'Nervous' Lady Gaga does Nicola Formichetti proud in modelling debut on Thierry Mugler catwalk

By TAMARA ABRAHAM

Mugler's bride: The singer, 24, closed the show in a skintight white ensemble with a corseted top and bizarre lampshade-style hat. Given her usual attire, she had no trouble with the towering platform shoes


With her stylist Nicola Formichetti as the new creative director of Thierry Mugler, it was only a matter of time before Lady Gaga lent her support to the label.

And tonight she did so to great effect as the star model at its Paris Fashion Week catwalk show.

The 24-year-old, who wore long blonde pigtails, strutted like a pro to the sounds of her own music - the debut of a new track entitled Government Hooker, that was almost choral at the beginning - fitting given the catwalk set, which was a network of ancient-looking pillars shot with red lighting.


Mutual appreciation: Gaga joins Thierry Mugler designers Nicola Formichetti - her close friend and stylist - and Sebastien Peigne on the runway as they take their bow


She joined supermodels including Jessica Stam, Coco Rocha and Alek Wek on the runway, all dressed as Gaga-alikes with flowing peroxide ponytails or white-blonde devil horns, lip-synching to the music.

She made a second catwalk appearance modelling the final look - an unconventional Mugler 'bride' - in a white corseted dress and lampshade-style hat.

Dancing to the music, she writhed provocatively against a pillar giving the front row a flash of her red pointed nails.

She then changed her hat to a black feathered headpiece to take her bow alongside Mr Formichetti and Sebastien Peigne, Thierry Mugler's womenswear designer.

The singer, who was listed as the official music director for the show, admitted she was a bundle of nerves before it began. According to the Huffington Post, she told Mr Formichetti: 'You have no idea how much respect I have for you and for all the models, which is why I'm so f****** nervous.

She added later: 'If I vomit on the stage, it will be good press.'


Performance art: Alek Wek (left) and Coco Rocha (right) were among the other star models to appear in the highly-anticipated show


Mr Formichetti, who is the man behind Gaga's infamous meat dress, is masterminding a revival of the famous Eighties label. His debut womenswear collection for the brand has been much-anticipated given his high-profile position as Lady Gaga's stylist.

The collection was simple in both silhouette and palette - super-fitted stretchy garments that made a feature of the legs and shoulders.

Models wore one colour head-to-toe, either black, white or powerful shots of royal blue.

Mr Formichetti, who has also worked with Japanese High Street brand Uniqlo, explained that the items were intended to be luxurious and wearable rather than stage-wear - we're assuming he wasn't referring to the lampshade hat.

He added that the sample garments were so coveted by the models, he was forced to hire security guards to protect them.


Twitter jitters: Gaga announced her modelling debut last night via Twitter. She wrote: 'I have a monster fashion announcement... I am so excited I might give birth to a machine gun'


Gaga announced her participation in the show herself, late last night via Twitter.

She wrote: 'I have a monster fashion announcement are your paws up? I am so excited I might give birth to a machine gun.'

An hour later she spilled the beans: 'I’m making my debut as a runway model, walking in MUGLER PARIS FASHION SHOW 3/2.'

source: dailymail