100 Years of Fashion

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years :)

As my first post of 2015 and I am going to share with you all the most amazing book that I received from my Aunt as a Christmas present.

It starts from the early 1900s documenting the century which showed the largest transformation of women's fashion. I LOVE the cover of Audrey Hepburn, unfortunately I can't find where it says the photographer of this image.

I cannot imagine wearing a corset like this every day but in the beginning of the twentieth century the ideal body shape was achieved by wearing a corset which pushed your boobs forward, your bum backwards and gave you a tiny waist. 

Evening dress by Premet 1925

Madeleine Vionnet Evening Dresses 1938

I love these dresses by Vionnet mainly because they could be walk down the runway today and nobody would question that they were created over 70 years ago.

Elsa Schiaparelli  Lobster Dress 1937

The best thing about this book is that it shows you such a massive range of designers and how they influenced trends at the time. Schiaparelli created the Lobster Dress in collaboration with surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Their goal was to show that there is no difference between art and fashion except that fashion should be worn.

Dinner Dress by Christian Dior

Evening Gowns by Jacques Fath

Evening Gown by Dior 1952

The 'New Look' section of the book was all about the change of utilitarian, practical styles forced on the world as a result of WW2 to the trend termed the 'New Look' which was all about abundance, wealth and expensive fabric. Started by Christian Dior, his lavish use of costly materials shocked the those who were still used the rationing. The trend enticed those who longed for the return of feminine clothing; this started what turned the 50s into the so called Golden Age of Couture. This is one of my favourite eras of fashion, only just beaten by the 60s. I love the glamour the evening gowns, the intricate beading and the weeks of time and effort put into one gown.

Twiggy 1966

In the late 50s teenagers were first recognized as a social group who didn't want dress the same as their mothers. Teen angst films such as 'Rebel Without a Cause' (1955) and music idols like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly began to influence fashion, consequently turned the 60s into a 'Youthquake'.

Mary Quant 1964

Mary Quant, is in my opinion, one of the most innovative designers ever. She was a figurehead of the mod movement in the 60s and is one of the designers who claimed to have invented the mini skirt. Whether she invented it or not, she definitely turned it into a wardrobe essential. She made make up fun and exciting, developing lines of glittery nail varnish. Lingerie became sexy and outgoing rather than stuffy and traditional as it was before. Without Mary Quant there would've been no shift dresses, go-go boots, psychedelic prints or mini skirts, all of which were must have items in the 60s.

Hotpants, UK 1975

Yves Saint Laurent, Trousers suit 1967 Safari suit 1969

Janis Joplin at Woodstock 1969

Vivienne Westwood 1977 (aka one of the coolest people who's ever lived)

Madonna 1984

Elizabeth Hurley in Versace 1994

Chanel 1995

Alexander McQueen 1999

WOw I can't believe I wrote so much but seriously this book is amazing and I had to share just part of its awesomeness!

Lots of love,

Tiana x

Red Carpet looks of 2013

There have been many amazing red carpet looks this year and I'm sure I missed a few out but here are my favourite red carpet moments from 2013. 

Lady Gaga always knows how to make an entrance and I think her at the AMAs is probably my favourite red carpet moment of 2013. She looked absolutely stunning but still kept her regular theatrics by riding in on a white puppet horse. The fit of this Versace dress was a little odd but the colour was gorgeous and Gaga being Gaga just made it work.

I love this dress by Prabal Gurung that Diane Kruger wore to the Metropolitan Opera. Black, red and white can be very hard colours to wear together often looking harsh but Kruger made this dress look so elegant. 

Rihanna at the Grammy Awards is a red carpet moment that I don't think I'll forget for a very long time. She literally looked like a princess in this Azzedine Alaïa gown. She looked glamourous, sexy, sophisticated; everything a woman should look on the red carpet. I love Rihanna's edgy look up but she should have her hair and make up like this everyday. It's gorgeous!

In my opinion, Kerry Washington has been one of the best dressed celebrities this year. She always look like perfection- from head to toe. I love the Louis Vuitton SS13 show but I did question how some of the dresses would be worn in a real life and I definitely think Kerry Washington wore the dress how Marc Jacobs would've intended it. Her hair, her shoes, her accessories; everything just works so amazingly together.

Miley Cyrus has caused a lot of controversy this year but whatever your opinion o. Other you have to admit she knows how to dress well. I love this sleek, seductive white Azzaro dress but how she stayed true to her style with the spikyish hair and natural makeup. I love how Miley can change her look from a wild girl just coming out of teenage hood to a demure woman.

Michele Obama look dazzling in this Marchesa ball gown. This colour on her skin tone is so beautiful and I love the princess shape of the dress. I think without the sleeves it would've been to girlish and a little prommy but the way sleeves fall delicately on her arm really just makes this outfit even more stunning

Cara Delevigne. What do I even say about her? This year she has taken over the modelling world with her countless campaigns, magazine covers and runway shows. When she turned up at the Met Gala in this studded Burberry column dress I think my heart stopped beating for a few minutes. To be honest, Cara would look amazing in a bin bag but I love how she embraced the punk theme and still look so elegant. 

Absolutely adore the way Solange Knowles dresses. She takes risks and is someone who always surprises you on the red carpet. This Stéphane Rolland couture dress that she wore to the Cannes Film Festival literally made her look like a goddess. The way the wind blew the sheer fabric around her created such a magical moment.

Jennifer Lawrence looked absolutely radiant at the Annual Academy Awards in this stunning couture gown from Dior. Although the voluminous gown did cause her to fall whilst she collected her ward for Best Actress, I don't think Jennifer Lawrence has ever looked so beautiful. I think I'm actually in love with dress. I mean just imagine wearing it!

I hope you enjoyed my list of the best red carpet looks this year and if there are any that you think I missed out why don't you comment them below :)

Lots of love

Tiana x