Strong Suit

Maybe it's just a mini-trend, or perhaps it's in retaliation against a dictate from the latest President of the United States that women dress "like women", but we are currently seeing more women in suits on the red carpets at this year's awards season.

Evan Rachel Wood kicked things off at the Golden Globes earlier this year, and it has been carried on with sparkly aplomb by Emma Stone in Chanel and Meryl Streep at the BAFTAs, all the way through to the kiddies, with Blue Ivy nailing the trend at the Grammys.

Can't see the pants?

There they are!

 

Following Streep's highly political address at the Globes, I'd have to suggest her choice of outfit was a definite statement.  

So there you have it Trump: here in the 21st Century, dressing like a woman means dressing however the hell we want to dress.

Absolutely Beautiful Things - The Golden Globes

The Golden Globes kicked off awards season in an unsurprisingly political fashion. Following on from last year's Oscars "white wash" along with Trump's shock US election win, there was plenty of fodder to graze on - sexism, racism, elitism. It was all there. But there were other really fabulous moments apart from Ryan Gosling's love letter to wife Eva (#couplegoals #obviously) and Meryl Streep's wonderful anti-Trump speech. And that, of course, was the dresses... AND Evan Rachel Woods' suit (which I loved).

Big winners in the well-dressed category are below. But I think yellow and Versace were big winners on the night.

Blake Lively rocking her post-2nd baby body in Versace

Emma Stone radiant in Valentino - describing her dress to Ryan Seacrest when asked as pink with stars on it

Naomi Campbell in Versace

Naomie Harris in Armani

Pregnant with her 2nd Natalie Portman taking a cue from Jackie O in retro-inspired Prada

I love her in yellow! Reese Witherspoon in (you guessed it) Versace

Viola Davis in Michael Kors - responding to Ryan Seacrest's boneheaded
question of "what do you call this colour" she responded with refreshing simplicity: "yellow"

Bombshell goals: Emily Ratajkowski in Reem Acra

Molten Metal

Raf Simons is one of Belgium's greatest exports (other than chocolate). Previously Creative Director at Jil Sanders, he is particularly well known for his (rather brief) star turn as Creative Director at Dior, with his first collection for the iconic fashion house being beautifully and most fascinatingly documented in Dior and I (if you haven't seen it, you really should).

Raf Simons and a gorgeous bunch of peonies, in France. What more could you ask for?

Since resigning from the fashion house (by all accounts on excellent terms) in order to, in his own words, "focus on other interests in my life, including my own brand, and passions that drive me outside my work".  

In addition to developing his own label (to be shown at Florence Fashion Week), Simons has collaborated a number of times with Adidas. His latest collection, released last week, is spectacularly metallic, and follows on from last year's gorgeous colours in the notorious Stan Smith shoe for Adidas.

Being a narcissist, I believe the "R" is designed specifically for me, however I think it is quite obviously not the case. In any event, I would love a pair, but retailing at a cool $500 a pop I am not entirely sure they will make it in to  my next online shopping cart... So sad.

Happy Friday: Kate-niss Everdeen

As our favourite Royal couple winds up their tour of India, we are treated to Kate channeling The Hunger Games' Catniss Everdeen with bow & arrow. Apparently neither Kate nor Will were particularly talented at archery, but then again it's a talent that seems rather unnecessary in this day and age of more technologically advanced weaponry, and look how joyously Kate is missing her target! Zero f*cks given.

Have a happy, adventurous and blithely carefree weekend! x

Innovations for the Film/Podcast/TV Series Tragic

Inadvertently telling someone the ending of a film or TV series, or giving away a major twist in a storyline is one of those things that, depending on your friend's demeanour, can spark either fuming, flame-spitting rage or (worse) mortally wounded you-stole-a-baby's-lolly, puppy-dog faces - possibly even tears depending on how attached to the narrative they are. Sometimes it's intentional (and evil) when you drop spoilers out there, other times it is a genuine mistake.

Last night, Handsome Hubby went to the midnight screening of Star Wars (geek alert) along with not only 20 of his closest mates, but also most of Australia it would seem based on social media, TV and radio this morning. He mentioned that one of his mates in the Northern hemisphere had made a semi-cryptic Star Wars reference on Facebook that part-way through the film made sense and was also something of a spoiler which, as Hubby commented, was almost a "de-friending offence". WOAH. That's serious.

But then I thought about that time I made a comment about Will Gardiner's fate at the end of a season finale The Good Wife episode, and the vitriol that came spewing at me from one particular friend, and I realised that you are skating on the edges of friendship when you make such pronouncements on social forums of any kind (including the oldest forum of all, in-person) - no matter how cryptic you think your statement is! And let's face it, there's always going to be a friend who makes a non-cryptic comment against your cryptic post, and it blows the storyline wide open and before you know it, friends are at war.

General thoughts on people who take pleasure in issuing spoilers via social media

Today I am issuing an edict to Zuckerberg and his Facebook-coding illuminati to go out there and resolve this first-world crisis and devise a filter which enables you to filter out stories and status updates regarding [insert guilty pleasure / TV, film, podcast addiction] so you may never have an ending spoilt again. In this age of NetFlix and binge TV series watching - where no one is really watching at the same time as anyone else, this invention must be developed. The sooner the better!

It was so hard on my poor little thumb as I furiously scrolled through Facebook in April this year to not see Mad Men spoilers before I had the opportunity to lock down access to that final season* (thank you, Qantas in-flight entertainment). More immediately, I am currently listening to the second Serial podcast, and finding it very hard to not read all those damn articles about Bowe Bergdahl that keep popping up in my newsfeed.

By the by, I believe this ingenious filter I have devised (that I'm sure no one has ever conceived of before), could also be used for blocking stories and photos certain people in your life you would prefer not to know a dang thing about but whom politeness dictates you cannot defriend (I know there is an Unfollow filter, but does that block photos of them with your friends? NO). This is so ingenious, I can't believe it doesn't already exist.

You may have a newborn baby and generous paternity leave to attend to Zuckerberg, but I think this is far more deserving of your attention. After all, friendships are at stake here.

* It was excellent, harrowing, beautiful. Please watch.

Shoesday Foxes Den

No longer just the domain of Eskimos and Mongolians (this is a very big assumption I'm making here), fox fur shoes are making an appearance on New York's city streets. Logic dictates that if it happens on New York's fashion scene, it will happen elsewhere (we learned this very important lesson in The Devil Wears Prada).

In particular, Jimmy Choo has released a number of fox-fur pom-pom bedazzled shoes just in time for Christmas, which are perfect for your back-up singers at the annual Christmas carol event.

OMG are these shoes cerulean? Segway alert!

Not to be outdone, slippers are also featuring what I can only assume is this super warm, super soft new material which is likely to enrage animal activists globally. After all, when we say "fox" in this context we are most certainly not saying "faux".

Slippers courtesy of Brother Vellies

Just one last pair, in case you weren't convinced.

If you don't like fox on your feet, there is also the foxy fox fur coat to consider.

Perhaps don't wear your fox coat with your fox shoes lest you be confused for, well, a fox. 

Breaking News

In somewhat dubious fashion news, it can be reported that the Ugly Christmas Rashie - Australia's answer to the ugly Christmas jumper (infamous thanks to Colin Firth's reindeer jumper in Bridget Jones' Diary is:

1. A thing; and
2. Sold out.

For those who love themselves a tragic rashie for their wardrobe, it will be available again next Christmas. Better get on that waiting list.

Tis the season

Suffice to say, Colin wore it better.

Wildest Dreams

Taylor Swift goes a bit Out Of Africa and English Patient in her latest film clip. Each scene is rather fashion spread worthy. This girl is on fire at the moment.

Oh HAI!

I'm BACK!

And what a week it has been. Cannes has commenced (signalling the advent of warmer weather in the northern hemisphere) and the Met Gala has been and gone once more.

Beyonce totally disappointed me with her Met outfit. During her Mrs Carter world tour, Mrs Carter was positively bursting with a set of very empowering messages all about emphasising the regal: her show was chock full of statements about maintaining your mystery (specifically, not being semi-nude to attract attention), lady like is best, and keeping a refined distance creates an aura etcetera etcetera. Her show was the perfect antidote to that world that exists out there of nude photos, Miley Cyrus, and the belief that your sex is the vital ingredient to nabbing a partner.

It was all about being regal in 2013

So when she appeared on the Met Gala red carpet wearing some flesh coloured tulle sprinkled with heavy jewels to maintain her dignity, I was a little ... Disappointed. With a capital D. Ok, she is totally hot. But I feel a little like she owes her fawning legion of fans some consistency. Because I feel like we saw where her babies came from, and that simply isn't very classy. Nor, in my humble opinion, is attempting to compete with Kim Kardashian at a game that I believe Kim is the undisputed winner of. Choose your battles, and step it up Queen B.

Rihanna was this year's best dressed 2nd time in a row - as picked by Anna Wintour

What a difference a year makes... Met Gala 2014

Of course, this is not to say there weren't plenty of fabulous gowns at the Met Gala, but frankly, that was so Monday. It's Friday - and Cannes is in full swing, and far more interesting now.

The latest version of Mad Max (Mad Max: Fury Road) was set for release on day 2 at Cannes amidst a huge amount of buzz. It opened in Australian cinemas last night, and I am hoping to get to a showing this weekend.

Just as important as the films are the fashions. Here are some of my favourites so far (Lupita's dress is my pick though).

Utter gorgeousness. Happy Friday!

Happy Friday: Artistes

My weekend is all about the arts this week!

The weekend will open gorgeously with tonight's opening night performance of La Sylphide. Queensland Ballet has really stepped up the quality of their performances of late. Much credit must go not only to the genius of Li Cunxin - better known as Mao's Last Dancer - but also to the funding pulling power that comes with his appointment: the performances are much more lavish these days, and often led by principal dancers sourced internationally, bringing a higher quality of production and expertise to our shores.

From this: Queensland Ballet keeping it classy

Friday's elegant main course will be followed up on Saturday night with dessert: a performance by Australia's songbird sweetheart, Kylie Minogue. Key things I hope to see on Saturday night are a modern vampy rendition of Locomotion, lots of fabulous costume changes, oodles of hot back-up dancers, and Brisbane's gay community out in force, looking as delectable as the back-up dancers. Anything on top of that will be a bonus.

To this: ultimate performer, Kylie Minogue

These performances will be spliced by episodes of my current obsession, Twin Peaks.

Incidentally there is a David Lynch exhibit at QAGoMA running until June showcasing David Lynch's visual art works - paintings, photography and works on paper. In addition to this, there will be plenty of fun activities during the exhibition months including a Twin Peaks trivia night, screenings of his most iconic films, and the always-wonderful Up Late sessions.

The exhibition is described as thus:

‘David Lynch: Between Two Worlds’ is a rare opportunity to consider Lynch’s entire creative vision and the relationships between his practice as an artist, filmmaker and musician.

Developed closely with the artist, the QAGOMA exhibition features more than 200 works and is organised around three ideas – ‘Man and machine’, ‘The extra-ordinary’, and ‘Psychic Aches’. Moving between the porous divide of the body and the world it inhabits, the exhibition explores the subjects of industry and organic phenomena; representations of inner conflict; and the possibility of finding a deeper reality in our experience of the everyday.

Note: this exhibition contains nudity, coarse language, violent imagery and adult themes. 

The Lost Highway still rates as one of the creepiest movies I've seen to date. I also heartily believe that Mulholland Drive is more of a spin-out than Donnie Darko and not to be messed with when messed up on illicit substances. For Brisbanites, I highly recommend attending the exhibition, if only to relive some classic cinematic moments!

Naomi Watts in Mulholland Drive

Happy Friday / Happy Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovers out there! I am going ultra-romantic tomorrow and going to a WEDDING! I can't wait.

In other lurve related news, obviously the world is going bananas over the release of Fifty Shades of Grey. Having not read it because I am a LITERARY SNOB, I feel I can relax and go and see the film and not suffer the baggage of believing the film does not live up to the poorly-constructed story line. What a relief.

I am actually more concerned about flipping the switch in my head into believing that this Mr Grey fellow is a nice, somewhat kinky dreamboat and not the terrifying serial killer from The Fall. Jamie Dornan - Mr Grey - appeared most menacingly in the 2-season TV series The Fall and he is very bloody convincing.

Jamie Dornan looking adorable and probably not reading Fifty Shades of Grey

Reviewers appear to unanimously agree he is less than convincing in Grey, and that in fact there is next to zero chemistry between he and the leading, lip-chewing lady (Melanie Griffith's daughter). Frankly, I am not surprised. I caught his interview with Jimmy Fallon the other night and to say it was beige (worse than grey) would be an understatement. Jimmy Fallon is utterly adorable, and to see such a flat segment can only be Jamie's fault. I think he is lacking in personality. There! I said it. Anyway, I'm still going to see the film - even if it is alone. I have a feeling hubby will be less than enthused by this one.

*Note: There is a chance this is sexier than the actual film.

Have a sexy weekend.

Happy Friday: Tutu Appreciation

Every year, the Queensland Ballet hosts Tutu Day. Essentially you bring along your adorable daughters all tizzied up in a tutu and allow them run of the place to live out their wildest Sugar Plum Fairy dreams. I highly recommend attendance, and would give any adult $50 to show up in their own tutu. I still have a black tutu lying around and always think about wearing it... and then chicken out at the last moment because I think it would seem very strange indeed for a daughter-less woman to strut around in her black tutu simply because she can.

Garance Dore recently snuck behind the scenes of opening night for the New York Ballet Company's day before the opening night (as well as opening night, but those pics aren't up yet). The photos are glorious. Check them out here. Or below, because I have stolen a few shots for this blog's benefit.

Speaking of ballet... Have you seen Birdman? To me, Birdman is almost the male version of Black Swan. While it's less intense, there is still that theme of that inner voice - demonically personified - pounding its owner to reach great heights of perfection, success and personal achievement. It's an interesting film and has received a bunch of Oscar nominations. Worth watching and really interesting to see the "art" of acting (Edward Norton is so talented), but I really thought Emma Stone stole the show. She had that tragic air about her, and I found myself on edge waiting for something dreadful to happen. She also suffered some highly unflattering camera angles, but it didn't distract - she was fabulous.

Happy Friday

2015 is officially happening! After a seriously fantastic holiday with family, friends and tonnes of food, it's back to reality (i.e. work). But apart from heading back to work, loads of other stuff has happened too!

The stars slinked it up in all their glittery goodness for the Golden Globes at the start of the week:

The week was book-ended with Oscars Nominations (Birdman and Grand Budapest Hotel are the key nominees, with Lego (produced here in Australia) sadly - and somewhat controversially -  overlooked for recognition). I decided it was appropriate to throw back to Oscars of years past with this fabulous shot of Liz Taylor.

Champagne, tulips, diamonds and the top gong - what more could a starlet want?

On a personal level, 2 friends I set up about 2 years ago just had a BABY! Set ups so rarely work, but this one worked out in a MAY-JAH way! I feel almost as proud of the baby as they do!

I also reconnected with The West Wing (courtesy of Virgin in-flight entertainment). If you haven't seen the series, I truly recommend it. It is utterly timeless - the issues they cover are still so pertinent today. I put it in the PROPHETIC category.

I commenced watching Sherlock after I finally succumbed to the Benedict C hype after seeing The Imitation Game which I recommend on the strongest of terms that you GO. AND. SEE. Sherlock is also pretty great, although the episodes are 1.5 hours each, which is a commitment of time, but one that thankfully flits by thanks to the snappy dialogue and intriguing storylines.

Fascinating creature

Happy Friday!

Merry Christmas!

Stylish Cinema

Trapped in my apartment and looking for something to assist my efforts at not doing an assignment that's due next week, I did the first thing any good procrastinator would do: turn on the TV. Things you realise when you aimlessly turn on the TV : there is nothing on TV; TV probably makes you dumber; precious hours of your life can slip away while watching Z grade celebrities engage in a ballroom dancing competition.

Thankfully outlier station Gem was showing The Talented Mr Ripley. What a treat for the eyes, and a glorious reminder of my brief visit to Rome in August. 

The Talented Mr Ripley is set largely around Italy in the mid-1950s, and centres around a group of young, beautiful and wealthy Americans gaily spending their parent's money as they holiday over an Italian summer. Filmed in 1999 (I think this almost puts it into "classic" territory), the all-star cast is very young and very, very gorgeous. Of course, set in the 1950s, the clothing is immaculate. 

It's a big call, but I think this film really captures Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow at their best looks-wise (that's not a very nice thing to say, as they both still look great, but they are gorgeous in Ripley).

Paltrow plays Marge, the doe-eyed, sweet and innocently devoted girlfriend of Dickie (played by Jude Law). Dickie is selfish, at times unkind, but ultimately rather likable with his rakish attitude to life. Marge is a glamour puss: espadrilles and classic white shirts by day, and dripping diamonds and ball gowns by night. As winter closes in, and she starts to wise up to Ripley (played with a dab hand by Matt Damon), her clothing morphs into a more sophisticated, grown-up style. 

Do not mess with leopard print-wearing woman

A good trench never goes out of style

Also starring is Cate Blanchett as Meredith and Philip Seymour-Hoffman as the man who smells a Ripley-sized rat long before anyone else.

The Talented Mr Ripley had me longing for summer days in Italy and a scarf in my hair.