Kim K Takes Vogue

I'm sorry, but I just can't. As you are all so very aware (if you aren't, what the hell have you been doing all day?), Kim Kardashian has been granted her wish and is now the face of Vogue US' April cover; alongside hubby-to-be Kanye. I'm just going to put it out there - I think it's tragic. 

There is no doubting that Kim looks stunning on the cover, but come on Anna. What were you thinking?! Yes, you were the first to feature celebs on your covers, and yes, this issue will probably be the best selling issue of the year considering it's controversy, but still! It's one thing to sell magazines, but it's another to do so whilst keeping your brands value intact. Are we all forgetting that Kim basically became a porn star in order to get her name in lights? It's verging on trashy. And everyone knows what happens when a brand turns trashy.

Not to mention the fact that she probably only got the cover because there was a condition made that meant Kanye had to appear, or she lost the cover entirely. And that hashtag at the end. Don't even get me started. It should say "#MOSTATTENTIONSEEKINGCOUPLE". I'm not going to lie, after this rant about the cover, I still want to read the feature. Just not in Vogue!

What do you think of the cover? Will you be buying or unsubscribing?

Photo Credit: www.vogue.com

Diary of An Insomniac

Just as a heads up - I can already see this post turning into something that just contains a lot of random thoughts, but I hope you'll stick through with it anyway.

After reading the header for this post, I know you're probably thinking that I'm being completely preposterous and potentially losing my mind a little - but I can't help how I feel. I study fashion, I have VDM as a hobby/first and only child and when I'm not doing either of those things, I'm working in retail helping customers at The White Company spend hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pounds in around five minutes or less. It's like I can't get away from it.

You know when you hear a song and it suddenly becomes the only thing you listen to for weeks on end, until one day you wake up and think 'maybe it's time to find a new song before I jam cotton wool in my ears'? Well I think that's how I'm feeling now about fashion. And if i'm honest, I've felt this way for a long, long time. I just haven't really done anything about it. 

The problem is that it just doesn't inspire me like it used to. In the space of a year, I've changed my views on a lot of things. Don't get me wrong, I'll never change my overall career path and steer away from the fashion industry (i'm not that crazy), but I feel like I need another contributor in my life that helps turn my inner creative wheel when fashion can't seem to do it any longer.

Thinking about it, maybe i'm using fashion as the issue, but really i'm just sick of life.

As it turns out, I've been thinking about my career/future a lot lately. I guess that's what happens when you have chronic recurring insomnia and can't get to sleep until the sky has started waking up. As someone who has never been without a to-do list or a plan in her twenty three years so far, going the last year or two without one has probably been the most nerve-wracking and terrifying thing that I've ever done. Let me fill you in a little.

Pre-breakup with my now ex-fiance of six years, I had everything sorted. Which career I would pursue, where I was going to live, how I was going to go about getting everything that I wanted. I even had a date set for when I was to be married and what I would name my kids when we had them in the future. My life was nothing compared to how it is now. Not even in the slightest. I look different, I feel different, - my motivation and enthusiasm has dropped completely - I'm single, I don't want to get married, nor do I want children, and until now I didn't know what the hell I was going to do with my life after I graduate in 2015. 

I read somewhere that we have two sense of selfs. Your present self and your future self. When someone tells you that you're young and to make decisions based on what is going to make you happy, you have to really think about which self you want to make happy. My present self goes out far too much, has wayyyy too many shots of tequila and until now, hasn't really thought about making many decisions based on shaping my future. Yes, I'm a university student and yes, these are the only three years of my entire life that I'm only going to be able to act this way. But it's starting to dawn on me that pushing uni work to the side just so that I can have that extra night out this week, isn't going to do me any favours. It's not going to make my future self happy and that's really what I should be thinking about more. This lifestyle also isn't going to help my love life any. I'm not really the affectionate type, but don't get me wrong, finding someone to share everything with is what I've always had at the top of my 'What Will Make Me Happy' list. 

So as of right now (Thursday, 13th March 2014 @ 03:43am) I'm going to try and make better decisions. Or at least decisions that are going to be a bit more beneficial to my future self overall. Starting with my career. I've decided that journalism is the only career path that I feel passionate about. My best friend has even told me that I'm not "allowed" to be anything other than a journalist. I'm not entirely sure about jumping straight into employment after graduating (unless an opportunity arose of course), so I've decided to look into studying a postgrad (MA) Fashion & Lifestyle Journalism course in London. First of all, the London location would sort where I move to; then the lifestyle integration in the course would broaden things a little and take it away from being primarily fashion all the time. And I've just always loved the idea of writing about the sorts of things that most people would only ever think and never say. I'm not really the type of person who holds back. Let's just put it that way. 

Secondly, I want to feel enthusiastic about writing again. I want to have that urge to sit down with a cup of coffee and my macbook and just write. I was thinking that I could perhaps start writing some more lifestyle-style blog posts on here, but for now I might just keep them in a separate document on my desktop and consider posting them later. Maybe even as a side column at some point. 

My third point has to do with matters of the <3 shaped organ in my chest. Although, if anyone knows how NOT to fall for the guy you can't have then please, be my guest and help a sister out. Alternatively, advice on how to see through BS would be fantastic as well. 

So after rambling on, I think I'm done. Maybe some of you will relate to parts - especially if you're a university student/party animal, or have had to rethink your entire life after a certain situation - or maybe you're just an insomniac like myself and my general ramblings have bored you so much that you're actually starting to feel sleepy. Either way, I'm glad you've made it through to the end.

xoxo

The NYFW Fall 2014 Report

Two days in and I think it's safe to say that I am becoming increasingly impatient for Fall 2014. I know, I know; "don't wish your life away!", but have you seen these collections? Seriously. The coats are to die for, the shoes are even better and for once, I'm actually looking at collections and thinking "I'd wear that entire outfit - not just parts of it". I mean, as if!

Rachel Roy Close Up

Usually when it comes to Fashion Month, I round up the best collections, talk about them in some platonic and tedious way and then eventually, get bored with my own words. So I'm not going to do that this time. What I am going to do, is every couple days during this fashionable time, evaluate the collections seen as a whole (in my head) and then tell you what I'm getting from things in general. I.e; what coat shapes I'm liking, what/who I can't wait to see more of etc etc. Do you catch my drift? People like Vita di Moda for its opinion. If you want a collection review, there's Vogue and Style.com for that - I'm going a different route.

The first thing I've noticed for Fall 2014, is the colour palette. It's black, grey, occasionally white and every other dark shade that you can get from black and grey. This obviously isn't too much of a shock; I mean, designers use these dull colours every fall season, but theres usually a lot of burgundies, navy and warm nectar colours injected in there as well. For Fall 2014, so far, we've seen designers such as Jason Wu, Nicholas K and BCBG Max Azria using a lot of black - leather; matt and  high shine - in their collections. BCBG Max Azria though - this is a collection that you need to check out if you haven't already.

VFiles Close Up

The next thing catching my attention is the shapes. A selection of designers have decided on a more exaggerated, oversized and flamboyant way of living for the Fall season. Triangles, boxy squares - these are making the basis for collections from the likes of VFiles and Lisa Perry. Lisa Perry in particular, does the oversized shape in such an elegant way, it actually makes it commercial. It's clean cut, cute and in no way gimmicky.

Like I mentioned in the opening paragraph, I'm seeing collections and finding that I'd wear an entire look; rather than just individual pieces. This rings most true from Rachel Roy's collection. The combination of textured fabrics, royally deep colours and sleek, high-shine contrast is just ticking all the boxes for me. Fire red, cobalt blue, black and deep purple are the four main notes and just sing together in unison incredibly. I don't think I've seen a collection from Rachel Roy in the past few years and thought "YES!" quite like this.

Marissa Webb Close Up

And lastly, a surprise for me as much as it will be for every other regular at Vita di Moda. I've fallen in love with a colour. But not just any colour. Pink. A slightly warmer baby pink to be precise. How in God's name that happened, I will never know. It's a mystery, but a brilliant one. Marissa Webb has created three particular looks using the colour, pairing it with patent leather, and one coat/look has just had me wishing it were Fall already. Perhaps Cupid has come seven days too early.

Rather than doing a second #NYFW post with the rest of the shows, I felt that it would just make more sense to continue on at the end of this one; keeps everything together and means that i'll just make one post for each fashion week city for easier viewing. 

Helmut Lang Close Up

I last mentioned some shows and my general opinion from the first two days in New York, so let's fill in the rest. First up is a mention of another colour making a statement in the big Apple; red. Fiery, tomato red. Some designers used a lot, whereas labels such as Helmut Lang, stuck with four statement red looks, and included another four with red featuring in the shoes, bags and trousers. I'm not really one for the colour in particular, but it has been seen on various celebrities recently and to me, has a nod to Balmain. Which can never be a bad thing. 

Victoria Beckham Close Up

Next is more of a statement, rather than a trend as such. Victoria Beckham's main line was one of surprise and delight, all due to the fact that it was so laid back and nonchalant, it could almost be mistaken for a Celine collection. The shapes were so clean cut, in a monochromatic colour palette (there were little to no patterns, a little blush pink and one red dress - see, there it is again) that I immediately felt a connection as soon as I laid eyes on it. We've seen a lot of androgynous looks from the designer in recent seasons, but it seems that for Fall 2014, she was feeling extra masculine.

Jeremy Scott Close Up

Shoes. Well, sneakers actually, made an impression on me at the Jeremy Scott show. The legendary collaborations between both brands always tend to turn heads, but for Fall, the designs are now thigh-high. It's kinda reminiscent to the past gladiator sandal trend, but so much better. The boots/sneakers come in a variety of colour ways and matched JS's locker-inspired Fall 2014 collection to a T.

Ralph Lauren Close Up

There has to be a mention to fur and layering. And layering with fur. It's obvious that both were going to be seen not only in NYC, but on the catwalks everywhere else. But Ralph Lauren just did something extra special with it; mixing the neutral/sightly pastel colour palette with delicate furs and cosy knitwear - not the mention some absolutely gorgeous wide leg white trousers - was always going to produce some pretty decent looks.

Donna Karan Close Up

And on a final note for NYFW, there has to be a mention to that red dress. Donna Karan gave us a range of flowing, sexy plunge neck dresses, but the one which seemed to have the media and Twitter in a complete frenzy, was the one worn by no other than Karlie Kloss. It was a no brainer to put such a to die for dress on a Victoria's Secret model - if every buyer in that room doesn't make an order on this dress, I'll give up on fashion forever.

I'm really upset that NYFW has finished and we're onto the three other cities now. I know that since I live in the UK, I should be excited about LDN, but it doesn't have the same effect on me. There have been some things worth mentioning about the city, but you'll read all about that when I do my #LFW report in a few days!

Photo Credit: Images found on Vogue.co.uk, zoomed in and then recaptured. 

Heir of Royalty

MFW AW'13;

Dolce & Gabbana

If the D&G AW'13 show was one thing, it was elaborate. There was an heir of royalty (see what I did there?) amidst the models with their gold crowns, jewels, cross necklaces/earrings and religious mosaic print garments. Even backstage before the show, the D&G army were dressed in slick, liquid black dressing gowns complete with 'DG' gold embroidery across the chest. I really want to own one of those now that I've seen them. It was luxurious, bold and everything you expect to see from the Italian design duo at Milan Fashion Week.

Maybe I'm being a little bias, but I absolutely adore MFW and think that it possibly tops the other capitals during Fashion Month every season; the collections are just so bold, yet don't run the risk of looking cheap or tacky as can be the case at some London shows. Let's face it, London likes to push boundaries and sometimes this just comes across less than appealing. Taste is something which is definitely always present in Milan though and I think that the D&G show showed this quality off to a T.

Just like Versace's AW'13-14 show however, I found that I was attracted to the little details and accessories just as much as the collection itself. Well, I mean with gold crowns how could I not be? It's not something that I would march down the high street wearing, but I'd definitely wear one around the flat - It would certainly make washing dirty dishes a lot more fun anyway. Every girl wanted to be a Princess or Queen for the day at some stage in her life and now she can be.  

I loved the gold courts and miniature hand bags the most - after the crowns of course - but although those floral caged wedges are undoubtedly a pretty cool concept, I just can't bring myself to like them. It's sort of like the Prada geisha platform shoe from SS'13 all over again for me. Hated those unfortunately. The velvet court shoes with floral caged heel I can deal with more though. I think it's just a case of 'less is more' with that design.

Overall it was a great collection, with an end series of ruby red looks that were seriously stunning as the models took their final walk down the runway. There has just always been something about that colour that screams Italian luxury to me. What did you think of the collection?

  Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk - edited using Polyvore

Pudsey Meets Fashion

Children In Need 2012:
Pudsey's Fashionable Make Over

With Children In Need kicking off on soon on November 16th and being such an annual event all over the UK, it's no wonder that the fashion industry have felt the need to help raise money for such a good cause. How are they contributing I hear you ask? By customising Pudsey bear and giving him a makeover to be then auctioned off to a lucky bidder. Quite simple, but a good idea.

Images have been floating around Twitter and similar social media websites, so I thought I would collect some of said images and show you which ones I think are particularly stylish. It's sad times when you feel a little envious of a stuffed teddy bear *sigh...

Louis Vuitton

Vogue - hmm, wonder what gave that one away..

Balenciaga

Giles

Prada, or as I like to call it: The Bryan Boy

What do you think of these customised Pudsey's? Would you bid for them? I think my favourite has to be the Giles Deacon Pudsey - I'm a sucker for anything black and slightly gothic looking!

Photo Credit: Images found via various Twitter accounts.

Paris Fashion Week SS'13: Days 3, 4 & 5

Paris Fashion Week:
Days 3, 4 & 5

What is there to say about PFW days 3, 4 & 5 other than "wow"? Not only because we saw some of the most amazing collections from the fashion capital, but because we might have saw some of the worst from designers that we expected more from. A designer who has unfortunately fallen into this category is one of my all time favourites: Rick Owens. Before Fashion Week begins, I write down each show that I feel I want to take a look at the most and then ultimately write about; it keeps me organised and usually those end up being the shows that I do stick to and don't normally venture away from. Rick Owens was on said list for Thursdays shows, however after seeing his collection and the direction in which he took it for SS'13, I will not be featuring him in this post. If you know anything about Rick Owens, you'll know that he is known for his exquisite and absolutely amazing leather pieces; well, all I can say is that his Spring 2013 collection could not have ventured further from this if it tried. There were a few black and leather pieces towards the end, but not enough to satisfy me. Just click here and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Day 3

Balenciaga 

Sporty yet sassy: that is how the Balenciaga girl will be feeling next season, with an array of flirty A-symmetric cut skirts and boxy cropped tops in leather and mixed knits. What I really love about the looks is just how sexy they are, but in a non-obvious way; the knitted jumper with blue printed skirt, or the boxy crop top and high-waisted frilly skirt with super sexy thigh-high slit - It's almost like taking a pair of stilettos and wearing them with track pants or something. My favourite piece is the mini circle skirt with dipped hem and contrasting trim. It's simple and casual, yet dressy and formal at the same time. I just love how versatile it could be. 

Balmain

I don't have to see the rest of Paris Fashion Week to know that I've found my ultimate SS'13 favourite from Fashion Month. Balmain is, without a doubt, my favourite label and Oliver Rousteing definitely knows how to produce collections that tug on my heart strings and have me instantly lusting after; even with the Balmain menswear label, I find myself loving every piece and thinking how I would love to see it on my fiance! It's an all round appreciation that I have and the SS'13 collection just reinforces that with a bang. For Spring 2013, the Balmain girl will be channeling her inner 90's gangster, with huge shoulder pads (YES!), high-waisted skinny & over-sized trousers, checker board patterns and leather, leather, leather. As soon as I saw the shoulder pads, I immediately thought of a French blazer from the 60's that I bought from a vintage store in Glasgow two years ago and how it would look perfect next season. It hasn't seen the light of day in a while, and I always love a good revival, so I'm excited to style it for the new season. I don't think it's possible to choose a favourite look from this collection, as I absolutely adore every single piece. Can I have one of everything please? 

Nina Ricci

Just how stunning was that rose petal shower at Nina Ricci? Paris at Midnight seemed to be the inspirational key feature for SS'13 with luxuriously silky sheen fabrics, movement via fringing and a colour palette to die for; navy, black, pink, blue and grey. There was something for everyone - from a sexy skinny leg trouser suit, to a fun and flirty deep V cocktail dress with fringing. There was even a little S&M referencing through harness belts almost entirely sheer belted coats. I just loved how sultry and romantic the collection felt through the fabrics, colours and cuts - it really is a beautiful collection and one that I have a feeling will be a hit with buyers for Spring 2013.

Day 4

Dior

At Milan we waited with baited breath for the return of Jil Sander at her self named label, and for Paris, the same can be said for Dior as Raf Simons shows his debut collection for the design house. Dior is widely known for it's sophisticated and classic aesthetic, so it could be said that Raf Simons had a lot on his shoulders when designing for SS'13. I think he did a wonderful job however keeping the classic aesthetic, whilst mixing in some of the most popular trends for next season - space-age being one - in an appropriate way for the Dior woman. That high sheen blue fabric used for his skirts and mini dresses looks as though there is a high voltage running through the garment and is actually rather beautiful. It's definitely something that I could see myself wearing - especially with those metallic point-toe courts.Towards the end of the collection we began to see the classic and well known Dior silhouette in the form of long sleeve dresses with full rose-printed skirts. I liked that Raf Simons kept the two-tone sheen in those garments, as it really does give it something extra.

Day 5

Viktor & Rolf

Was there anything not to love in the Viktor & Rolf SS'13 collection? Metallic pleat panels, rose printed motifs, varsity jackets paired with floor length evening gowns and one stunning draped body suit. It was a collection that I just adored and didn't want to end. The play of monochrome with a little injection of shine-y silver and that A-symmetric floor length gown (3rd from the right) just had me at hello. It's such simple concepts, but entirely timeless and impressive at the same time.

A.F.Vandervorst

There was a definite gangster-esque feeling at the A.F.Vandervorst SS'13 collection made felt through the rather amazing waist belts and double breasted, belted coats. One single fastening, with four layers of unfastened belts felt a little holster like and as though a gun should be attached in some way. I loved that they were metallic gold and gunmetal because it added a little attraction to some otherwise simple looks. What was the most interesting about the collection though, was the use of gold in both the fabrics as well as the styling - gold body paint? A little strange, but it does kind of make you think of an alien race and in turn, the space-age trend that has swept Fashion Month like a storm. I don't think I'll be trying out the painted top with white trouser combo but you never know, Lady Gaga might be a fan!

Which is your favourite collection?

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk - edited on Polyvore.

The September Issue 2012

The September Issue
From Vogue - Elle

If you have any interest in the fashion industry, then you'll know that the annual September issue of any fashion magazine is the biggest and most exciting of them all. Even if you don't want to work in the industry, you may still have seen The September Issue documentary/movie featuring Anna Wintour and Vogue US: you'll know the amount of effort, stress, sweat, blood and tears that go into this particular issue, so as you can imagine, those of us interested in the industry anticipate the September issue cover star like it's nobody's business.

I have my annual subscription for Vogue UK, so when my issue slipped through the letterbox this morning, I immediately ran to it with more excitement than I have on Christmas morning. I already knew who the cover star was thanks to the wonderful platform that is Twitter. Whilst flicking through the pages, I had the idea to put together a little post to feature each cover star from various other fashion magazines to see who your particular favourite is.

Starting top left and moving right: ELLE US - Katy Perry. If you read my earlier post with her September issue cover, you will know how just excited I was when I was told she would be covering the issue. She looks amazing, although it would have been nicer to see her in some sort of punky ensemble for the cover.

Next to Katy is ELLE UK. Covering our version of Elle you have Rosie Huntington Whitely. I just can't stop staring at her legs. They don't call her an Angel for nothing!

Next to Rosie we have Marion Cotillard covering Vogue US. I have to say, it's a little lack lustre compared to Vogue UK, whom I shall mention in a little bit. Marion looks lovely in blue velvet, but it doesn't exactly entice me to read the editorial. 

Up next to Marion is the one and only Victoria B covering Glamour US. Even in the bath she wears her crown. Well, I would too if I were her. In the editorial she tells us why she never smiles in her photos. It's actually one editorial that I'm looking forward to getting my hands on. I quite like how she's sitting in a bath tub covered in bubbles: it's interesting and totally different to how we normally see Queen B in the media!

Ok, onto the bottom row now. First up is Vogue UK with the wonderful Karlie Kloss. I can't get over how successful, beautiful and just darn amazing this lady is and she's only just turned 20. I'm older than her at 21, so I feel a little ashamed of myself when I look at her photos. I love her outfit and just think the cover as a whole is aesthetically pleasing.

Next to Karlie is Lindsey Wixson covering Flare. I'm sorry, but models with gaps in their teeth, big enough to sail a boat through, just don't appeal to me. Whilst looking fab in Prabal Gurung, the tooth gap is a point deduction in my view.

Next we have Jessica Chastain for Vanity Fair: Now, this lady is one to watch this month in Vanity Fair - she strips down topless for the cover shoot and shows her true fiery nature. I like the cover and all, but I just think if I had the option between Vanity Fair and Elle, I'd go with Elle.

Last but not least - Whitney Port for Company. Oh my. Ever since I started watching her in The Hills and The City, I just fell in love with her charm, accent and fashion sense, so seeing her on the cover makes me smile. Her cover shoot shows off her boho style perfectly with long, wavy hair and flower headpiece. She just looks fab in my opinion.

Which is your favourite September 2012 cover?

As Inspired by...Celine SS'12

Celine SS'12

As you may have noticed, I have kinda of went AWOL since Thursday and that is due to the fact that I am taking a long weekend off in Paris to celebrate my 21st. However, seeing as I had been pretty much posting every day since last weekend, I felt I was neglecting the blog with a lack of posts, or information to keep you guys updated - so I apologise for that! When I arrive home on Sunday evening, I will be sure to upload some photos from my trip and do a little post to let you all know what I've been getting up to: Until then, I thought I would slip in a post on a particular trend that I am thinking about delving deeper into this Spring/Summer - Sharp Whites.

Celine SS'12
Image via Vogue

I was inspired to try out/write a post on this trend on Thursday when my May issue of Vogue arrived in the post. As part of the issue, there was a mini 48 page spread on current trends for the season, in association with H&M. One of said trends happened to be Sharp Whites - a trend which was inspired by Celine's SS'12 collection. Usually, I tend to find all white outfits intimidating and risky. Purely because I look at the crisp, clean fabrics and think, "oh god, everything that leaves a mark is just going to gravitate towards me if I wear that!". However, after having another look at Celine's collection and the items chosen for the feature in Vogue, I'm starting to think that maybe I want to give it another chance - especially seeing as I'll be going to Sorrento, Italy in the Summer and the weather tends to get particularly warm and humid. So, having said that, I decided to put together a little set on Polyvore to show you some of my picks for the Sharp White's trend: Enjoy!

As always, you can view the set over at my profile where you will also be able to see which stores stock the items featured.

"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything" - William Shakespeare

All the pretty things.

After receiving a newsletter containing the new launch of Spring/Summer at Primark this morning, I thought I would put together some of my favourite looks on Polyvore. However, what started as a 'Primark board', soon turned into 'anything-I-like-the-look of board' once a couple of rather stunning Jason Wu dresses caught my attention. So, inspired by my impulsive nature, I decided to see which angle the board would take and it turned out pretty lovely actually - If I do say so myself! It has a sort of 'Underwater Sea World Vs. Jungle Fever' vibe to it.

As with my previous Polyvore board post, just click on my profile here if you want to shop any other items - Enjoy !

NYFW: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012

Monique Lhuillier Review

Image via fabsugar.com

Monique Lhuillier is known for her beautiful collections of red carpet gowns and her Fall 2012 collection at NYFW last night was no exception.

For the coming season, Lhuillier designed a series of black, sunset orange and 'dragon red' knee - floor length gowns, but gave them a fierce edge with leather and embroidered lace which featured quite heavily throughout the collection - from harness-like leather belts (seen in the gown to the left), to full dresses made up entirely of leather.
Sexy thigh-high slits featured in some of the gowns, but in a classy sort of way - Kind of like, "I'm going to look, but I know that if I touch, then I'm going to regret it".

High glamour hair and make up were chosen to compliment the collection, with a classic wave and statement red lip, alongside thick brows which worked perfectly with the dominating theme.

The show itself was dazzling - quite literally - from the mirror reflecting catwalk, to the sequins and Swarovski detailing reflecting off of the garments. It was jaw-dropping and hypnotising to watch, and literally made you want one of everything that was shown.

Images via Vogue.co.uk - Edited into picks by myself.

What has became apparent in the shows seen already at NYFW, is that women in the fall this year will be a force to be reckoned with - what with the amount of leather, power dresses silhouettes and sheer intimidation that radiates in collections from Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, Helmut Lang and of course, Monique Lhuillier.

For a complete look at Monique Lhuillier's Fall 2012 Collection, click here.