Couture Caddy: May 2011

Princess Kate's Royal Style To Meet The Obamas

Watch out fashionistas, there's a new trend-setter in town! Kate Middleton (or as she's now known The Duchess of Cambridge) has started her first official royal duties by meeting the Obamas in London yesterday. Fresh off her honeymoon and donning a stunningly glowing tan, she wore a beige cap-sleeved Shola dress by UK label Reiss. The royal beauty caused the Reiss server to crash when ladies stormed the online store looking to replicate the new princesses' elegant style. She matched the outfit with black pointed pumps, a streamlined black clutch, a statement necklace and that ring we all wish we had. The perfect outfit for a newlywed princesses' first royal duties!

(image courtesy of justjared)

Black Is Back On The 2011 Billboard Red Carpet

The 2011 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas have brought out the best of the best in music to walk down that white carpet. It wouldn't be music's night of nights without the queen of pop Beyonce taking away the Artist of the Millennium award and a show-stopping performance of her new single Run the World (Girls). She stepped out in a gorgeous Lanvin long-sleeved black dress with a sexy plunging neckline and glittery embellishment. Our very own Kylie Minogue chose a flirty 3/4 sleeved party-frock by the great Alexander McQueen. Her dress was sheer and fun with gorgeous intricate lace detailing, nailing the BMA dress-code.

Another Aussie favourite Nicole Kidman was by the side of her much-loved country music husband Keith Urban, he was there to perform from his song Long Hot Summer. She looked sleek and chic in a long black beaded dress with pockets, pairing this look with a beautiful braid it was the perfect look. Selena Gomez embodied sultry sexiness on the white carpet in a stunning cut-out Dolce & Gabbana long black dress. The young starlet was there to present the Top Duo/Group award and to support her boyfriend Justin Bieber.

(images from popsugarau)

2011 Cannes Film Festival's Dazzling Red Carpet Fashion

There have been some absolute stunners at this years 2011 Cannes Film Festival, hollywood's leading ladies have hit the red carpet drenched in glamour and style. Selma Hayek looked immaculate for the opening ceremony in a phenomenal Gucci strapless dress with full skirt and train that literally sparkled from every angle. Angelina Jolie also opted for old hollywood elegance for the Tree of Life premiere in an Atelier Versace gown with just the right accents.

Diane Kruger walked the red carpet for the Sleeping Beauty premiere looking absolutely ravishing in a fitted long gold gown that looked like she'd been dipped in shimmer. The blonde bombshell showed off her figure in a low-back dress from the Calvin Klein Collection.

Bar Refaeli looked sensational on the red carpet in a hot navy dress by Roberto Cavalli at the Beaver premiere. The Israeli model stole the show in a fitted long-sleeved dress that had stunning cut-out detailing on the front and back showing off all her curves.

(images courtesy of justjared)

2011 Cannes Film Festival Sees White On And Off The Red Carpet

The 2011 Cannes Film Festival always brings the finest in red carpet fashion, this year it seems our leading ladies have a mutual secret we weren't clued in on....white is the new black! From long-sleeved to maxi, laced to block cut, our fave starlets picked out dresses that were absolutely stunning! It could be a coincidence due to such summery scenery or is it hinting that a new trend is emerging?

Alexa Chung and Rachel McAdams were understated chic in high-collared, long-sleeved white dresses during the day and night. Rachel wore a white pleated wool dress by Azzaro for a leisurely stroll through the city. While at night, Alexa opted for a demure Balenciaga tailored dress and Chopard statement necklace for the Sleeping Beauty premiere.

Elizabeth Olsen and Sarah Jessica Parker were laced beauties in white maxi dresses, also showing us that white can live on into the night. Elizabeth wore an angelic sheer-scolloped dream from her sister's The Row fashion line while Parker opted for a sexier number to set off the night, a belted flowy cut-out dress by Dolce and Gabbana.

To top it all off, the lovely Uma Thurman chose two stunning yet different long white gowns to walk the red carpet for the festival to which she is serving as a juror. To attend opening night Uma wore a slitted feather-trimmed white gown by Versace that heralded back to old hollywood, she paired it with eye-popping Chopard jewellery. For the more fun Pirates of the Caribbean premiere, Uma wowed in a detailed long dress with grey taffeta and grey ribbon embellishment by Chanel Couture along with Chopard jewels and Jimmy Choo sandals. Perfection!

(images courtesy of justjared.com)

Rachel McAdams Strikes It Red Hot At 2011 Cannes Film Festival

Rachel McAdams has outright stolen the show at the Cannes 2011 Film Festival this year with her striking outfits. She first graced our fashion eyes in a gorgeous short white dress with floral accents by designer Maxime Simoens. She looked feminine, modern and trendy with the finishing touch of Salvatore Ferragamo peeptoes - the perfect combination for a photo-call to promote her new movie Midnight In Paris.

(image courtesy of justjared)

She next stepped onto the red carpet for the premiere of Midnight In Paris at the Film Festival. She looked absolutely ravishing in a long red silk organza gown with lace cut-outs and a tulle train, it was a dramatic moment in Cannes fashion. The dress was by red carpet familiar Marchesa's Fall 2011 collection and matched with Bulgari jewels.

(images courtesy of fabsugarau)

Rachel wowed us the following day of the festival in a gorgeous Monique L'Huillier sequinned corset pant outfit and a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch. She walked the red carpet for the premiere of the movie Sleeping Beauty. It's been a whirlwind wide variety of fashion yes's from the blockbuster beauty and its only Day 2 of the festival, a true fashion pleasure!

(image courtesy of fabsugarau)

Chanel Launches Cruise Collection for 2011/2012

Chanel has kept us all waiting for their next fashion show and it is finally arrived! Karl Lagerfield has wowed us again with the launch of his beautiful Cruise collection for 2011/2012 in France. His designs features classic Chanel styles with delicious delicate flair. The range was dripping with silk-chiffon, high-waisted shorts, floaty dresses, and cream jackets. Our own Julia Nobis walked the runway fresh off the RAFW catwalk, amongst other big names in modelling. It was a fresh, feminine, floaty and gorgeous day in fashion set amidst stunning scenery that no other fashion can compare.

Chanel ambassadors Rachel Bilson and Blake Lively were of course in attendance. They both looked Chanel chic and smart in their sparkly summery outfits! Rachel opted for classy leather shorts and a sparkly white top with sharp pumps while Blake stood out in a sequinned jacket with draped skirt and embellishments. The two thriving young fashoinistas looked immaculate for the big show.

(images courtesy of justjared)

Fall In Love With Hermes Twillys

My latest designer purchase and current love of my life has got to be my first Hermes purchase, the Twilly scarf. It's pretty much the only thing I could afford from Hermes for now and I thought it was about time it finally had a home with me. This design is a part of their new Brides de Gala Bayadére range featuring gorgeous buckles and striped patterns, so typical Hermes. It's 100% Hermes silky splendour and the style colour is called Antarctic. It's amazing how much this little baby can do - from forming a cuff, a headband, looking stunning on bags to being an actual scarf, the possibilities are endless. This is a must-have for any wardrobe.

Reese In Zac Posen At Water For Elephants Premiere In Sydney

Reese Witherspoon looked absolutely glowing at the Water For Elephants premiere tonight in Sydney at the State Theatre. The dauntingly long red carpet spanned the entire length of Pitt St mall filled with media flashes and fan screams. Reese picked a sexy and stylish outfit for the Aussie premeire, her first trip downunder after arriving in the early hours of the morning. She looked stunning in a fitted, strapless teal dress, black peeptoes and a short curled hairdo that was a more modern adaptation of her style from the movie. Reese told me that the dress was by one of her favourite designers Zac Posen.

(image courtesy of popsugarau)

Couture Caddy signing off from the red carpet.... xo

Dion Lee's Operatic Surroundings For RAFW 2011

Dion Lee's show was set against the walls of the stunning Sydney Opera House interior with a view of the harbour as its backdrop making this Spring Summer 2011//2012 range the breathtaking start to Day 4. In stark contrast to other shows, Dion set our mouths agape with unique, gorgeous pastel and pale designs with pleating and precise tailoring to accentuate the female silhouette. He then slowly introduced gorgeous dark graphic printed dresses and separates along with splashes of turquoise and watermelon colour. It was more of a futuristic feel with angular slits and cut-outs along with strong silver and metal accessories. It seems as if this growing young designer still has what it takes to wow us all and this year's Rosemount Australian Fashion Week was no exception.

(images courtesy of Harper's Bazaar)

Camilla and Marc's Grand Unveil For RAFW SS 2011/2012

The much anticipated Camilla and Marc Spring Summer 2011/2012 Rosemount Australian Fashion Week has finally been unveiled amidst the grand and historic walls of Sydney's State Theatre. The designers gave us a sneak peek on their twitter of the show before it all began, a teasing taste to get our fashion mouths watering!

(image courtesy of Camilla and Marc)

It was lights, camera and action for this brother/sister power duo. There was plenty of colour and neons visible in this delectably delicious line. Delicious hot pinks, bright blues, emerald greens, and maroons were splashed throughout the styles. The designs showcased colour blocking along with a colourful bold take on large leopard print and leopard print it self amongst the patterns walking down the runway. It was a range that had a lot of clean lined tops and jackets amidst flowing flares and popping skirts. The room was alight with sequins, brocade, pointed bright pumps and perspex clutches. If it was harking back to another era such as the 30s, 50s or 70s you'd never know it, they made it their own in a futuristic take on a fashion era long gone. It seems the much awaited show was well worth the wait!

(images courtesy of ohjamie.com)

Shakuhachi's Giant Show For RAFW 2011

Shakuhachi's Spring Summer 2011/2012 collection is said to be one of the biggest of RAFW, with style after style walking down the catwalk. The range featured gorgeous bright colours and patterns that glowed against that white runway. There was a lot of colour blocking to be seen but instead of harking back to an old era, designer Jessie White took it into the modern age with very trendy and new styles. Her bright colours were interrupted by neutrals to create a very artsy look featuring material cut-outs. The designs then plunged into darkness and shiny embellishments that were captivating and sexy. Silks, sheer materials, perspex and suedes paraded down the catwalk in an array of luxury feel. They took us on a journey that that encompassed everything we could ever ask for.

(images courtesy of fabsugarau)

Lisa Ho's Colourtastic For RAFW 2011

Lisa Ho's show was an array of beautifully bright colours and a favourite for RAFW colour blocking. Incorporating some prints, colours and styles that echoed back to the 70s it was mainly a very straight edged look for the evening gown designer. Her Spring Summer 2011/2012 range had capris, long high waisted skirts, mini shorts, straight-lined jackets and high-wasited flared pants. Some of her other cuts reminded me of the 50s and they were looking fabulous. With the show transitioning to more classic neutral and nautical colours, before taking us through her stunning evening range which featured flowing off the shouldered numbers and pleats.

(image courtesy of Harpers Bazaar)

Little Joe's Supermodel Yasmin Le Bon for RAFW 2011 Plus Backstage Shots

Yesterdays Little Joe's spectacular show this year was quite the success story, with the designer pulling her good friend of many years supermodel Yasmin Le Bon onto the Aussie runway. The pair were emotional having not walked down the runway together for 12 years. The show featured very boho chic looks and floral prints with maxis, floaty tops, mini shorts, and feminine floral dresses taking front and center. The designs reminisced some Native American Indian styles with fringes and cut-out detailing on many of the outfits. The colours were earthy, blue and soft. The show ended with the gorgeous pair wearing beautiful matching bold print dresses down the catwalk as their final style. With our own Samantha Harris also modelling their designs it was a show not to be missed!

(images courtesy of Harpers Bazaar)

After our Rachel Gilbert show I managed to nab a peek backstage of Little Joe to take some shots, including the designer Gail Elliot and Yasmin Le Bon's outfit and changing rack!

Exclusive: Backstage At Rachel Gilbert RAFW Spring/Summer 2011

Quite the day to remember, working backstage with the Rachel Gilbert team at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week this year. It was a prompt and frighteningly early 6am start for the 10am show and the preparations were well on their way. The Spring Summer 2011/2012 range was ablaze with glitzy glamour, sparkly sequins and splashes of bold colour or print. It was true Rachel Gilbert style and sophistication with an edgy taste on the side. Rachel said that the new range was more "preppy" than her previous lines but was excited for its big debut. She's still reeling from the excitement of a royal choosing her design for the pre-wedding gala and being invited into New York Fashion Week.

After all the garments were allocated to each model and steamed, it was onto hair and makeup where the feel was a knotted loose but messy ponytail and neutral faces with stunning tans. The models wore beautiful tan sling-back heels with a dash of lime elastic and millions dollars worth of Jan Logan diamonds or Rachel Gilbert leather cuffs. The bags were set, the models ready, the crowd buzzing and with a beautiful live violinist in a gorgeous black sequined Rachel Gilbert gown to start the show it was all systems go!

After the toweringly tall and lean models began their runway walks it was a rush of elegance, alluring fitted gowns, sexy detailed minis, and clean lined separates. Silks, taffetas, linen and mesh fabrics filled the brightly lit dressing room in stunning designs that echoed classic and timeless fashion with a modern feel. A sparkling success! It was an honour to be a part of such an accomplished and growing designer's show, without a doubt one of my favourites from RAFW yet.

Couture Caddy signing off from backstage.... xo

Alex Perry's Cuban Princesses For RAFW 2011

Alex Perry's always the glamour and must-see event of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week and this year was no exception. The front row was lined with fashionistas and celebrities waiting to catch a glimpse of his new Spring Summer 2011/2012 collection. The range was a first for Perry by exploring bold bright colours, colour blocking and oriental styles. The dresses were minimalist in style with racer-front halter necklines, fitted waists and full skirts. Many of the dresses featured beautifully embroidered, decorated and curled straps as a stand-out feature. He also embraced 40's style in suits, floral prints, simple feminine lines and lace. Absolutely stunning.

IMAGES COURTESY OF FABSUGAR

Bec & Bridge 70s Glamour at RAFW SS 11/12

Next on the schedule for Day 1 of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week are the lovely girls from Bec & Bridge. The line echoes the styles and colours of the seventies. Their Spring Summer 2011/2012 range features long lines along with suede shorts and blouses. Their patterns and outfits echo the disco-tastic era through jumpsuits, long sleeved maxi dresses, blazers and crochet styles. Always a favourite of mine the girls showcased bright colours, metallics and fantastic prints for some summer loving.

IMAGES COURTESY OF FABSUGAR

Zimmerman Officially Kick Starts RAFW SS 11/12

Kick-starting the much anticipated Rosemount Australian Fashion Week is the style savvy sister designers Zimmerman. Their Spring Summer 2011/2012 range is earthy and full of summer colours made with beautiful season perfect fabrics like linen and hessians. The highlights were sheer looks, brocades or lace, laser cutouts and flowing lines. The styles and bright/pastel floral type patterns were complementary and feminine. They chose designs that accentuate long female silhouettes with delicate beauty.

IMAGES COURTESY OF FABSUGAR

Carla Zampatti Pre-RAFW 2011 Show

Carla Zampatti showcased her lastest Spring Sumer 2011/2012 styles on the catwalk for Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. One of her signature white dresses was actually worn last night by Erin McNaught at the Logies. Her new range had highlights of bright block colours, tulle gowns, ruffles, big curls and folds. Her models featured gorgeous oversized tulle head gear and dark red lips.

IMAGES COURTESY OF HARPER'S BAZAAR

Princess Beatrice Goes Aussie For Pre-Wedding Gala

Even though Princess Beatrice may have got it very wrong on the actual wedding day, she chose right for the big pre-wedding gala the night before. Hosted by the Queen, the gala was the first taste of the highly anticipated royal wedding festivities. The young princess stole the show in a gorgeous fitted, sequinned and tulle long gown by talented Australian designer Rachel Gilbert. What a big day for Australian fashion!

IMAGES COURTESY OF RACHEL GILBERT

2011 Logies Fever: Our Ladies Dazzle On The Red Carpet

Jessica Marais from Packed to the Rafters starred in a gorgeous white number by popular designer for the night J'Aton. The dress had a plunging neckline with sophisticated sheer covering, capped sleeves, rouging and a low back making this dress a winner in its' own right. She chose Bally shoes and a Bvlgari clutch for the night to top off her spotlight stealing outfit.

Sarah Murdoch who is the host of Australia's Next Top Model arrived looking absolutely red carpet worthy in a gorgeous demure navy dress with cutouts and a form fitting dress that emphasised her delicate waist. This Bonds model mum looked ageless and classy in a dress by designer Roland Mouret.

Cat Stewart truly won gold in a glitzy dress by designer J'Aton for the big night. She is up for the award for Most Popular New Female Talent for her role in Offspring. This was by far one of my favourites for the night with a thigh high slit, cow neck and long drapery that echoed back to the old Hollywood startlets of the golden years.

One lady who is no stranger to the red carpet Megan Gale shone in a beautiful white dress that accentuated her gorgeous tall curves. The crossover halter neck dress with low back was simple but elegant. Typically Megan, it was a dress that was incredibly sexy and classy at the same time by designer Alex Perry. She is to host Australia's Project Runway.

Zoe Ventura from Packed to the Rafters was all glitz and glamour in a sequinned gold number by designer Rachel Gilbert's not yet released in stores collection. Zoe was a fashion sparkling fashion icon for the night. The dress definitely stood out with a gorgeous cut-out back, slim waistband and strong shoulders.

Carrie Bickmore chose a colour popping Baccini & Hill dress to wow us on the red carpet. The gorgeous turquoise halter dress with gold chain shoulders and neckline highlighted her small frame. With a stunning Egyptian-eqsue delicate back it was a bold colour move for the 7pm Project talk show correspondent that absolutely paid off.

Natalie Gruzlewski looked beautiful in a form fitting rouged dress with a flared out bottom skirt. The dress accentuated her gorgeous tanned skin and slim frame. She was recently the host for the much-loved show Farmer Wants a Wife. It was such a transformation from the jeans and flannel into this gorgeous Nicola Finetti gown for the red carpet.

The Channel 9 red carpet Logies host herself Livinia Nixon made it on my dazzling list of red carpet ladies. She looked gorgeous in a black strapless shining dress with a sheer skirt. The bodice was corset and extended past her hips to be feminine and yet also edgy at the same time.

Another favourite was the simple white dress worn by model Erin McNaught. The long sleeved fitted white dress with a fabulous low back and power shoulders really stood out on the the carpet. With a thigh-high slit and simple clean lines it was a fashionably flawless stunner by designer Carla Zampatti.

(images courtesy of smh, ninemsn and the telegraph)

The New Royal Highness And THAT Dress!

All eyes were on London and the young couple as their big wedding day finally unfolded. Cameras followed Kate Middleton out of the Goring Hotel en route to her ceremony destination, Westminster Abbey. It was the first glimpse we got at that unforgettable dress. The secretly chosen designer was revealed as Sarah Burton the creative director for Alexander McQueen. It featured an intricate long-sleeved lace bodice with a v-neck neckline. Delicately placed over a fitted white gown with a full skirt perfectly detailed on the rim to match including a medium length train. The dress harks back to the ever graceful Grace Kelly on her royal wedding day to the Prince of Monaco which was designed by Helen Rose.

(image courtesy of weddingdresses.com)

Kate's gorgeous drop Robertson Pelham diamond earrings were a commissioned gift from her parents and her something new for the day. The tiara being her something burrowed, labelled the Cartier Halo Tiara, was burrowed from the Queen herself. The tiara was a specially forged gift to the Queen mother from her husband King George VI in 1936 and given to our present Queen on her 18th birthday. With a beaming smile, princess-ly air and calmness about her all day, it truly was a royal fairytale wedding that we will never forget!

(images courtesy of Woman's Day)