Daily Mails guru's gongs for the most iconic outfits of 2011

Our style guru's gongs for the most iconic outfits of 2011

By Liz Jones

Last updated at 12:26 AM on 26th December 2011


1. Michelle Obama, in Alexander McQueen at a state dinner for China in Washington

This red silk organza dress was scandalous when Michelle Obama wore it in January because her choice of a British designer was deemed unpatriotic: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. The First Lady defended her choice thus: ‘Look, women, wear what you love. That’s all I can say. That’s my motto. I wear what I like.’

2. Kate Winslet, in Stella McCartney at the Venice Film Festival

Kate wore this optical illusion Octavia dress at the Venice Film Festival in September. Designer Stella McCartney bagged a well-deserved Red Carpet Designer of the Year gong at this year’s British Fashion Awards.

3. Natalie Portman, in Rodarte at the Oscars

A simple purple dress that spoke volumes. Portman had been planning to wear Dior, having been hired as the brand’s face, but changed her mind after designer John Galliano was filmed making anti-Semitic remarks in a Paris bar. Instead, she hastily chose a gown by Rodarte, the label which made the costumes for her film, Black Swan.

FROM LEFT: Michelle Obama, in Alexander McQueen at a state dinner for China in Washington, Kate Winslet, in Stella McCartney at the Venice Film Festival, Natalie Portman, in Rodarte at the Oscars

4. Pippa Middleton, in Alexander McQueen at the Royal Wedding

Pippa’s derriere, also clad in ivory McQueen, caused an online furore, and to my mind, slightly overshadowed the less violently tanned Kate. Which is why bridesmaids mostly wear lime nylon puffballs.

5. Lady Gaga, in Hussein Chalayan at the Grammys

Lady Gaga bagged the most magazine covers this year: 36. Her best dress? Well, not a dress exactly but the Hussein Chalayan egg she wore to the Grammys in February, from which she emerged clad in lemon-coloured latex, complete with pleather brassiere.


6. Kate Middleton, in Alexander McQueen at her wedding

What more can I say about this dress? Millions of us have seen it on display at Buckingham Palace since the wedding. It was pretty much perfect . . . and you know I never say that.

7. Kate again, in Jenny Packham at a charity event in Kensington

I love the colour, which matches the blush on her cheeks. I love her sexy, tumbling hair, and my, what a tiny waist. I have a feeling Kate’s really going to find her fashion feet in 2012.

FROM LEFT: Pippa Middleton, in Alexander McQueen at the Royal Wedding, Lady Gaga, in Hussein Chalayan at the Grammys, Kate Middleton, in Alexander McQueen at her wedding, Kate again, in Jenny Packham at a charity event in Kensington

8. Gisele, in vintage Alexander McQueen at the Met Ball, New York

This is the world’s highest-paid supermodel doing what she does best — filling out a dress. And what a gown — a 2005 McQueen fire engine red number.

9. Jennifer Lopez, on stage at the American Music Awards

This is not so much a dress, more a body stocking, with spangles covering Jennifer Lopez’s bits and bobs. I imagine she was trying to let ex-husband Marc Anthony know just what he was missing. It’s the ultimate revenge outfit, yet some magazines still asked if it was ‘age appropriate’. She is JENNIFER LOPEZ. Who cares how old she is?

10. Emma Watson, in Valentino at the Baftas

This was the year Emma Watson came of age. This nude Valentino gown was ethereal, not too lamb dressed as mutton, and not a vertiginous platform in sight.

11. Daphne Guinness, in Alexander McQueen at an exhibition in New York

It was a bit of a McQueen year all round. Daphne Guinness wore this exquisite dress from Sarah Burton’s first solo collection for the label, made entirely of lilac feathers.

FROM LEFT: Gisele, in vintage Alexander McQueen at the Met Ball, New York, Jennifer Lopez, on stage at the American Music Awards, Emma Watson, in Valentino at the Baftas, Daphne Guinness, in Alexander McQueen at an exhibition in New York

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2078522/Our-style-gurus-gongs-iconic-outfits-2011.html#ixzz1heO1D756

British singer Adele and U.S. rapper Kanye West top Grammy nominations list

It's a transatlantic battle as British singer Adele and U.S. rapper Kanye West top Grammy nominations list

• Adele scores six nominations in most prestigious categories including album of the year
• Kanye leads with seven while Bruno Mars and Foo Fighter scoop six nods
• Lady Gaga bags two nominations while Rihanna gets three

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 3:36 PM on 1st December 2011

Kanye West and British singer Adele topped the list tonight as the Grammy 2012 nominations were announced at a ceremony in Los Angeles.

Rapper West got a leading seven nominations, while Adele got six, although the 23-year-old singer bagged some of the most prestigious categories, including record, album and song of the year.

Adele, whose album 21 is the biggest seller of the year with 4.7m sales, saw her searing groove Rolling in the Deep nominated for record of the year, along with Bon Iver’s Holocene, Bruno Mars’ Grenade, Mumford & Sons' The Cave and Katy Perry’s Firework.

Scroll down for the list of nominees...

Up for honours: Adele and and Kanye West topped the Grammy nominations list tonight with a respective six and seven nods each (file pictures)

Honoured: Bruno Mars, pictured at tonight's ceremony, was nominated for a total of six awards

Of course the London-born singer is currently resting her voice due a vocal chord injury - which saw her have to cancel her American tour and which could prevent her performing at the actual Grammys ceremony in February next year.


Her album 21 will compete against Foo Fighters’ Wasting Light, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, Mars’ Doo-Wops & Hooligans and Rihanna’s Loud for the album of the year honour.

Born This Way: Lady Gaga, who will compete with Adele for best album, provided entertainment at tonight's nominations concert in Los Angeles

Getting the party started: Rihanna - who received three nods - also graced the stage in a leg-baring outfit

West, meanwhile, mainly received nomination nods in the rap categories with his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy up for rap album.

He also is up for song of the year for All of the Lights, for which he has a co-writer credit.

Best new artist nominees are folk band Bon Iver, country trio Band Perry, rappers J. Cole and Nicki Minaj and Los Angeles-based DJ-dance music performer Skrillex.

Pretty in Pink: Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry take to the stage at the event. Minaj and Perry have both been nominated in two key categories

Revealed: Nicki Minaj announces the nominees for record of the year

The late Amy Winehouse - who died of alcohol poisoning in July, received a posthumous nomination for her duet Body and Soul with Tony Bennett in the pop duo or group performance category.

Lady Gaga's album Born This Way is nominated for album of the year while Taylor Swift's Speak Now is vying to take the country album category.

Swift's single Mean is nominated for both country song and solo performance.

Honoured: Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters saw his band nominated for six gongs (file picture)

A total of 78 categories, encompassing all musical genres, were announced by the Recording Academy, the sponsor of the Grammys.

The awards are determined by around 13,000 voting members.

Tonight's nominations concert featured performances from Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the Band Perry.

GRAMMYS 2012: THE NOMINEES

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
21- Adele
Wasting Light- Foo Fighters
Born This Way- Lady Gaga
Doo-Waps & Hooligans - Bruno Mars
Loud - Rihanna

RECORD OF THE YEARRolling in the Deep - Adele
Holocene - Bon Iver
Grenade - Bruno Mars
The Cave - Mumford & Sons
Firework - Katy Perry

BEST NEW ARTIST
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J.Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex

SONG OF THE YEAR (Songwriter's award)
"All of the Lights" - Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter, Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West, featuring Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie)
"The Cave" - Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford, Country Winston, songwriters (Mumford & Sons)
"Grenade" - Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Phillip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars, Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Bruno Mars)
"Holocene" - Justin Vernon, songwriter (Bon Iver)
"Rolling in the Deep" - Adele Adkins, Paul Epworth songwriters (Adele)

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
21 -Adele
The Lady Killer - Cee Lo Green
Born This Way - Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans - Bruno Mars
Loud- Rihanna

BEST ROCK ALBUM
Rock 'N' Roll Party Honoring Les Paul - Jeff Beck
Wasting Light - Foo Fighters
Come Around Sundown - Kings of Leon
I'm With You - Red Hot Chilli Peppers
The Whole Love - Wilco

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Codes and Keys - Death Cab For Cutie
Torches - Foster The People
Circuital - My Morning Jacket
The King of Limbs - Radiohead

BEST R&B ALBUM
F.A.M.E. - Chris Brown
Second Chance - El DeBarge
Love Letter - R. Kelly
Pieces of Me - Ledisi
Kelly - Kelly Price

BEST RAP ALBUM
Watch The Throne - Jay-Z and Kanye West
Tha Carter IV - Lil Wayne
Lasers - Lupe Fiasco
Pink Friday - Nicki Minaj
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
My Kinda Party - Jason Aldean
Chief - Eric Church
Own The Night - Lady Antebellum
Red River Blue - Blake Shelton
Here For a Good Time - George Strait
Speak Now - Taylor Swift

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2068438/Grammys-2012-British-singer-Adele-U-S-rapper-Kanye-West-Grammy-nominations-list.html#ixzz1fN8bgPdZ

Lady Gaga laments her bad romances... and fears she will end up alone

'I have never truly felt cherished by a lover': Lady Gaga laments her bad romances... and fears she will end up alone

By Donna Mcconnell

Last updated at 3:34 PM on 29th November 2011


Lady Gaga has opened up in her most revealing interview yet and lamented her track record of bad romances.

While the multimillion selling recording artist laments that she’s tone-deaf about relationships and might be ticketed for a lifetime of singlehood.

In a stunning admission she told Vanity Fair: 'I have never felt truly cherished by a lover. I have an inability to know what happiness feels like with a man.'

This may come as some surprise to new paramour Taylor Kinney. The singer has been linked to the Vampire Diaries actor for several months.

Gaga, 25, pictured on the cover of Vanity Fair in a stunning red concoction with a matching headdress said that while her romances start out full of promise, they rarely last

Bad romances: Lady Gaga gave an interview about her love life - revealing her fears that she will end up alone

She said: 'I have this effect on people where it starts out good.

Fears: Lady Gaga fears she may never find love

'Then when I’m in these relationships with people who are also creative, or creative in their own way, what happens is the attraction is initially there and it’s all unicorns and rainbows. And then they hate me.'

Gaga said she’s endured emotional break-ups that have been followed up with impromptu proposals.

But her typically candid response is: 'How f***in’ romantic, you a**hole. Sure pop a ring on my finger and make it all better.

The multimillionaire singer said: 'I can buy myself a f***in’ ring!'

Gaga was believed to have been engaged to ex Luc Carl.

Yet during and interview with on The Graham Norton Show in May, she announced: 'No, I don't have a boyfriend and haven't been on any dates recently.'

Their on/off romance came to an end several years ago, before rekindling their relationship temporarily in July 2010.

At the time she said: 'I've really never loved anyone like I loved him. Or like I love him.

'That relationship really shaped me. I sort of resolved that if you can't have the guy of your dreams, there are other ways to give love.'

But maybe the truth is simply, that the self-confessed workaholic has said her career will always come before a man.

And if she had to choose before love and music - Gaga, whose fans are known as her 'Little Monsters' said she'd pick them every time.

And it seems her addiction to life in the spotlight could be the root cause of her relationship problems.

Blossoming love? Taylor Kinney starred in Gaga video You And I

She added: 'If I’m supposed to end up like some crazy casualty, then that’s my destiny. I love show business. I need it. It’s like breath.

With the world at her feet, and a bank balance to much, it's no surprise that Alpha female Gaga can be intimidating to potential suitors.

'Perhaps it’s a "whose d**k-is-bigger" contest.

'If I go to the piano and write a quick song and play it back, they are angry with how fast and effortless it is.

She added: 'I think what it really is, is that I date creative people. And I think that’s what intimidates them is not my purse, it’s my mind.'

Failed love: Drummer Luc Carl split with Lady Gaga earlier this year

The singer revealed that one past love Gaga warned her she’ll end her days as a lonely old woman.

'You will die alone in a house bigger than you know, with all your money and hit records, and you will die alone,' he said.

But she added:'That’s who I am, and I don’t apologise for it. But it’s a hideous place to be in when someone that you love has convinced you that you will never be good enough for anyone.'

The lonely star said: 'I only know the happiness of putting a smile on someone’ s face from the stage.'

The January issue of Vanity Fair is on sale Friday, December 2nd.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2067638/Lady-Gaga-laments-bad-romances-I-truly-felt-cherished-lover.html#ixzz1f7g04nZu

Children In Need Rocks Manchester featured Coldplay, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, JLS and the infallible Lady Gaga

By Marcus Barnes

Last updated at 10:23 AM on 18th November 2011


She may have been born this way but Lady Gaga looks like she has been living the good life.

The Marry The Night singer paid the price for wearing a high-cut leotard and fishnet tights last night as she performed at the Children In Need Rocks Manchester concert held at the northern city's MEN Arena.

Gaga was bursting out of her outfit and showed that she has been living the good life a little too well as she seems to be sporting some baby fat around her hips.

Leading the pack: The singer squeezed herself into a revealing number

Revealing: The singer changed into a sheer top and skimpy bottoms for her second song Marry The Night

Presented by Fearne Cotton, James Tennant and Chris Moyles the two-hour show, organised by Take That singer Gary Barlow, raised funds for Children In Need and featured the likes of Coldplay, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, JLS and the infallible Lady Gaga.
Though she was one of the biggest stars to appear at the event, Gaga was a surprisingly early fixture on the night.

 

The 25-year-old singer was second on stage after The Collective, a 'supergroup' comprised some of the UK's top urban talents.

Vintage performance: Gaga reclines on her large chair supported by her dancers

In the hotseat: Lady Gaga was pushed onto stage by two of her dancers in a large black chair

Lady Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, performed two songs - Born This Way and new single Marry The Night - and stole the show.
She entered the stage on a large black chair, pushed along by two of her dancers.
Wearing another vintage-inspired outfit consisting of a black hat and halterneck trouser suit with pearls around her neck.
A short break saw her return in a far more revealing number, this time a pair of fishnet stockings, knee high boots and a leotard made up of a sheer top and skimpy bottoms that showed off her backside.

Gaga

She sang her latest track Marry The Night with a ballet-inspired dance routine to accompany the song, her dancers performing various moves with the aid of a set of ballet bars.

Also providing a raunchy moment was X Factor judge Kelly Rowland who appeared on stage in a pair of short denim shorts, fishnet stockings and a red jacket with sparkling silver sleeves.

She performed her song Down For Whatever, with its slightly risque lyrics mirrored by the antics of her dancers.

Scarlet woman: Kelly Rowland's performance was particularly raunchy as she sang Down For Whatever

Popstars the rivals: Warring X Factor judges Tulisa and Kelly both turned in great performances

Fellow judge Tulisa was more conservative wearing a black waistcoat style top and black leggins with sparkling detailing down the sides.

She helped open the show along with the rest of The Collective, which included urban stars Dot Rotten, Tinchy Stryder, Rizzle Kicks, Ms Dynamite, Mz Bratt, Labyrinth, Wretch 32 and Ed Sheeran.

Ed, one of the year's biggest newcomers later put in a solo performance on stage in a smart black suit, following Lady Gaga.

It takes two: Jessie J and James Morrison performed a duet together

Hands on hips and go... Tulisa, Lady Gaga and Jessie J all pull the same pose backstage at Children In Need Rocks Manchester

He sang chart smash A Team in his typical acoustic style, using just his guitar for a stripped down, haunting rendition of the song.

Superstar singer Michael Buble was next to grace the stage, singing his hit Haven't Met You Yet prompting a singalong from the audience at the MEN.

In anticipation of the festive season Buble concluded with Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.

Small but perfectly formed: Jamie Cullum and Dappy had the crowd in the palms of their hands

Next up Tulisa's N-Dubz bandmates Dappy and Fazer took to the stage, performing their song No Regrets.

Dappy strutted his stuff in a red blazer, black T-shirt and jeans with white trainers, while Fazer played the piano in a black suit.

In a characteristically rebellious move, Dappy jumped down in the trench between the stage and the front row, but had to be bundled away back to the stage.

A-ok: Ed Sheeran sang his chart hit A-Team during a stirring acoustic performance at the event

Here come the boys: Michael Bublé and Guy Garvey gave a rousing performance

Snow Patrol followed, singing their hit This Isn't Everything You Are.

James Morrison sang his anthemic track You Give Me Something and he was joined by a lady he described as 'one of the best female vocalists of our generation' - a title that will no doubt be contested by many music lovers.

Essex-born Jessie wore a green leopard print outfit - later changing into a black and white catsuit for her solo performance of Nobody's Perfect.

Singing his heart out: Andrea Bocelli performed opera classic Nessun Dorma

Hosts with the most: David Tennant, left, and Chris Moyles took charge of the event alongside Fearne Cotton

Hugh Laurie was maybe a surprise guest - the comedian-turned-actor sang a cover of honkytonk classic Crazy Arms, originally recorded by Ray Price.

He was then joined by Jamie Cullum for a cover of Hallelujah I Love Her So a 1955 Ray Charles song.

They were followed by one of the biggest selling classical singers in the world, Andrea Bocelli who sang a typically emotional rendition of classic aria Nessun Dorma.

Not ABBA: JLS sang Take A Chance On Me, but it was a song of their own

Of course the show was punctuated by appeals which were fronted by the likes of Aston Merrygold and Gary Barlow himself.

Mercury winners Elbow sang Open Arms and One Day Like This which provided another of the night's highlights with a euphoric singalong to the hit track.

Lead singer Guy Garvey could have probably made a bit more effort - he looked rough around the edges with his shirt untucked.

Back For Good: Gary Barlow sits at the piano to perform the famous Take That hit

On song: Chris Martin closed the show with his group Coldplay 'the biggest band in the world'

At the end of their set he said: 'Thankyou everyone, amazing'.

JLS pleased the younger members of the audience singing their own song, Take A Chance On Me, which some presumed was going to be an ABBA cover. They also sang chart hit Makes Me Wanna.

The boys, Aston Merrygold, Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes and J.B, later visited Rio Ferdinand's restaurant in the centre of Manchester.

TOWIE stars Chloe Sims and Frankie Essex also made an appearance with glamour model Chloe having a wardrobe malfunction when her revealing top became a little too revealing.

Organiser Gary Barlow received the biggest cheer of the night when he appeared on stage towards the end of the show.

Grin and bear it: X Factor judges Kelly Rowland and Tulisa both pose with Children In Need mascot Pudsey bear

The bear necessities: Coldplay pose with a couple of Pudsey's backstage at the huge concert

He had been scheduled to perform with Cheryl Cole, but she had to drop out after picking up pharyngitis.

The Take That satar said: 'Thankyou all for coming. Thankyou to all the artists for their time and effort and making Children In Need Rocks Manchester amazing.

'At this point in the show I was going to do a duet with Cheryl Cole. Get well soon Cheryl. I've been asking every single dressing room will someone do a duet with and no one will. So I want to do a duet with you guys.'
Get together: Members of The Collective, Rizzle Kicks, Dot Rotten, Ms Dynamite and Labyrinth pose up backstage

Give them a hand: Elbow pose backstage - they provided one of the night's high points with a singalong to One Day Like This

He then performed Take That hit Back For Good while sat at piano. Finishing by getting up and rousing the audience with a final singalong.

Finally he introduced 'The biggest band in the world right now', Coldplay.

The hugely popular group sang Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, Paradise and Viva La Vida, with Chris Martin also paying his respects to Gary Barlow for his efforts in curating the evening.

He said: 'Thanks to Gary Barlow - it's great when some that famous and powerful does great things.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2062981/Children-In-Need-Lady-Gaga-shows-love-handles-tight-leotard.html#ixzz1e3IK0sJ6