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

Xmas Countdown 12.12.11 Obama's daughters fulfill every teenage girl's Christmas dream as they sing carols with Bieber

'OMG! It's Justin!' Obama's daughters fulfill every teenage girl's Christmas dream as they sing carols with Bieber (while Mom and Dad keep a watchful eye)

By Associated Press and Rachel Quigley

Last updated at 5:30 PM on 12th December 2011


If there was ever a perk to having a President for a father, the Obama girls discovered it yesterday.

Forget holidaying in Martha's Vineyard, trips to Africa, meeting the Muppets or even touring the Harry Potter set - Malia and Sasha Obama's dreams came true when they met heartthrob Justin Bieber.

Becoming the envy of practically every teenage girl and young woman across the world, the girls got the once-in-a-lifetime chance when they participated in the 30th annual Christmas in Washington concert.

Singing with the stars: (l-r) Conan O'Brien, Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia, Barack, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and Justin Bieber attend the Christmas In Washington concert tonight

Are you real? Malia Obama can't believe her luck as she gets to meet Justin Bieber onstage during Christmas in Washington 2011 at the National Building Museum yesterday

Big fans: Sasha Obama looks equally as thrilled to meet the teenage heartthrob while Malia gazes at him adoringly

The Obamas - along with a host of other stars including Jennifer Hudson, Cee Lo Green and Conan O'Brien - got in the festive spirit yesterday for the concert of Christmas carols to benefit the Children's National Medical Center in the capital.
Though President Obama ensured he put himself between his eldest daughter Malia and the pint-sized singer, the 13-year-old spent most of the concert sneaking adoring looks at him.
After a moving rendition of 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing', Malia and her younger sister Sasha, ten, ensured they got to meet Bieber in person as soon as the concert ended.
Wearing a yellow, bell-sleeved mini dress, Malia looked like all her Christmases had come at once as she chatted with the star - who looked dapper in a white and black suit.
At one time she reached out to touch his shoulder - a hand that she may never wash - as Sasha stood by her side, waiting for her turn.
When the 'Baby' singer give her a hug, the ten-year-old - wearing a pink strappy party dress - beamed from ear to ear as well as looking a little shell shocked that it was actually happening.
The singer, who is dating Selena Gomez, tweeted afterwards: 'Great night! President Obama is one cool Prez. He told me he was "chillin". #PresidentialSWAG.'

A family affair: Justin Bieber shakes hands with Obama who he calls 'one cool Prez' and gives youngest daughter Sasha a cuddle as she beams from ear to ear

Parent's approval: Mother Michelle Obama takes her turn at meeting the teenage heart throb her two daughters swoon over

High five: Barack Obama greets a child dresses as an elf (left) as First Lady Michelle also said hello

Santa's little helpers: Barack Obama and wife Michelle along with daughters Sasha (left) and Malia greet patients from the Children's Medical Center dressed as elves at the annual Christmas In Washington concert

In honour of the 'season to celebrate miracles', Obama spoke about the story of Jesus' birth during a short speech to the crowd.

He said the story of Jesus Christ has changed the world by teaching basic values such as loving one another, serving the less fortunate and keeping faith.

Obama said: 'Those are values that are shared by all faiths. Let us all rededicate ourselves to each other in that spirit.'

Before the concert, the Obamas greeted patients of the children's medical center dressed as elves and presented them with a basket of books.

Looking festive: The Obama family gather under the Christmas tree as they attend the 30th fundraising carol concert in the capital

Stars: Justin Bieber (left) and Victoria Justice (right) performed

Festive: The National Building Museum in Washington DC was packed out for the show

Obama playfully struggled to lift the basket and asked the elves to help him place it under the Christmas tree.

Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, The Band Perry and Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice took turns singing holiday classics. Bieber, 17, sang his Christmas hit 'Mistletoe'.

Jennifer Hudson sang 'Do You Hear What I Hear' with the help of the American Family Choir.

Christmas greetings: Barack Obama, wife Michelle and daughters Sasha (left) and Malia (right) say hello th a group of children dressed as elves

Star studded: Comedian Conan O'Brien (left) hosted the event, and Cee Lo Green (right) performed

Group shot: Malia and Barack Obama stand with Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice, and Justin Bieber before singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

She told the crowd: 'I don't know how many times I've sang for the president, but every time feels like the first time.'

Other entertainers included the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, Washington Youth Choir, United States Army Band Herald Trumpets, Ian Fraser and the Christmas In Washington Orchestra.

To end the evening, the First family gathered with the performers to sing Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

The concert will air on Friday on TNT.

The most wonderful time of the year: President high-fives a young patient as they excitedly crowd round the Obamas at the carol concert in the National Building Museum

Enchanting: Hundreds attended the Christmas event


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2072973/Obama-family-join-Justin-Bieber-Jennifer-Hudson-Christmas-Washington-concert.html#ixzz1gM6VLv83

The most unforgettable dresses of all time

From Pretty Woman and Atonement to The Seven Year Itch, the most unforgettable dresses of all time

By Daisy Dumas

Last updated at 5:42 AM on 6th December 2011


From yard upon yard of blood-red silk silk to strategically placed gold safety-pins, there are some dresses that capture a timeless place in fashion consciousness.

Burned into the collective memory, these dresses are the essences of feminine design, creative genius and natural beauty - brought alive, each and every time, by the piece de resistance - the woman wearing them.

Now, some of the world's favourite, most memorable dresses, have been collected into one fashion lover's bible, 100 Unforgettable Dresses, by fashion editor Hal Rubenstein.

Transformation: Marilyn Vance-Straker's stunning red gown for Julia Roberts' 1990 hit movie, Pretty Woman

Calling upon his not inconsiderable expertise in the industry, Mr Rubenstein, fashion director of InStyle magazine, has chosen a wealth of gowns that encapsulate the last nine decades.

 

Dipping into Hollywood blockbusters, defining Silver Screen moments, red-carpet sashays and even TV sitcoms, he proves that there are some frocks that have serious staying power when it comes to fantasy and design.

Happy Birthday: Marilyn Monroe looked as if she was coated in sparkles when she sang to the President in 1962, and in the Travilla gown for the now-iconic Seven Year Itch marketing shot

The Hollywood rags-to-riches fairytale, Pretty Woman, is perhaps captured best by one dress - the bright red show-stopping gown by Marilyn Vance-Straker, that signals the completion of Julia Roberts' Vivian's transformation from streetwalker to head-turning sophisticate.
The power of that stunning wardrobe choice is part-and-parcel of the story - its classic elegance comes alive in its role in the 1990 box office hit.

Royal weddings: The Duchess of Cambridge in her Alexander McQueen gown earlier this year, and Princess Diana in her 1981 Elizabeth Emanuel gown

Marilyn Monroe's 1962 'happy birthday' gown, by Jean Louis, a flesh-coloured soufflé mesh that was embellished with 2,500 sequins and beads that made her look like she was 'coated in nothing but glitter' could not have been omitted from the tome.
There are, of course, the classics - from the second most marketed screen image of all time, Marilyn Monroe's white, blowing William Travilla Seven Year Itch dress to Coco Chanel's original little black dress.

20 feet and counting: Grace Jones makes a Keith Haring dress her very own in 1987 at a New Year's Eve party

Fit for a princess: Grace Kelly, demure as ever, in an Edith Head cocktail dress for movie, Rear View, in 1954

There is a place for the eccentrically playful style of Grace Jones, whose 1987 New Year's ensemble was a piece of living art.
The Keith Haring gown, worn with a naked, painted torso, extended twenty feet or so, and unfurled as the singer rose on a special hidden lift.
And from one Grace to another, Grace Kelly makes the list several times over, her beauty perhaps best brought alive by the Edith Head cocktail dress as worn in Alfred Hitchcock's 1954 film, Rear Window.

Carrie Bradshaw: Sarah Jessica-Parker is surrounded by sage green frothiness for a scene in Sex and the City, 2005. The shredded tulle gown is by Donatella Versace

Modern classics, such as Diane Von Furstenberg's wrap dress are casual creations that flatter any form. Or, as the designer herself puts it: 'I'm proudest of two things in my life: my children, and that I've never met a woman who doesn't look good in my dress.'

Diplomatically astute is the white, frothy Jason Wu gown that Michelle Obama wore to the inauguration ball in 2009. She is credited with putting the young designer on the map, while the dress cemented her position as a beacon of style.

That Dress: If ever one dress can be said to be responsible for fame and career, it is Liz Hurley's 1994 Versace safety pin dress, while Julia Roberts wore 1982 Valentino when she won her 2001 Oscar for Erin Brockovich

'Revenge dress': Princess Diana looked a million dollars on the day Prince Charles admitted publicly to his affair, while Cindy Crawford captures the supermodel style of an era in Versace, 1992

Then there are the one-pieces that propelled individuals from the quotidian to the stratospheric. Take Liz Hurley's career-enhancing, asset-adoring safety pin dress, known as That Dress, by Gianni Versace.

Worn in 1994 to the world premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in London, the black and gold number is never far from editorial spreads even now, 17 years later.

By Geroge, she's got it! Cecil Beaton and Audrey Hepburn both won from their working relationship. Here, the actress wears the costumier-designed Ascot race scene dress for the 1964 production of My Fair Lady

Robbie and Cecilia: 2007's Atonement sees Keira Knightley in stunning emerald, designed by Jacqueline Durran

Princess Diana wore a flesh-baring, overtly sexy and powerful dress on the evening that prince Charles publicly admitted to having an affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles. The dress was a message of defiance, or, as Mr Rubenstein puts it: a 'revenge dress.'
There's a whole section dedicated to Audrey Hepburn, her inimitably coy poise lapping up the flattering lines of Givenchy, Cecil Beaton and the sparkling 'metalwork' of Paco Rabanne's disco-ball like dress.

Etherial beauty: Other-worldly Tilda Swinton captivates in Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, 2008, while Michelle Obama marks an historic moment with a Jason Wu gown, propelling the young designer towards fashion stardom

Stylish: 100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein is published by Harper Design

Within days of Atonement hitting screens in 2007, Kiera Knightley's emerald gown had a posse of admiring fans, its design sexier than any mid-1930s dress would have been. It was a hit with modern audiences far and wide and second-hand copies have been sold for as much as $46,000.

Alexander McQueen's 2006 hologram gown sits alongside Lady Gaga's Armani satellite dress and Valentino's definitive bright red creations are warranted a section to themselves.

Wedding dresses make the cut, too, with the nuptial gowns of Grace Kelly, Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge all featuring.

Sex and the City's Sarah Jessica Parker is pictured, surrounded by ruffled discs, wearing the over-the-top sage green shredded tulle Donatella Versace gown from the series.

What the book really does, though, is confirm what any designer worth his or her mettle has always known: that a dress is rendered unforgettable only because of the woman bringing it alive.

Or, as Versace put it: 'On a hanger, no dress is sexy. It's just fabric on a hanger. My clothes only come alive on the woman who knows how to be sexy in them.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2070449/From-Pretty-Woman-Atonement-The-Seven-Year-Itch-unforgettable-dresses-time.html#ixzz1fk07RKU6

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez go nude... but don't worry... it's only a sculpture

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 7:07 AM on 10th August 2011



A controversial artist has unveiled his latest creation - a statue showing teen singer Justin Bieber and his celebrity girlfriend as Adam and Eve.

Teen Choice Award winners Bieber and Selena Gomez are presented as a 21st Century Adam and Eve in a new life size portrait created by American Daniel Edwards.

It depicts the teenagers almost entirely nude, with a Canadian maple leaf and a Texas lone star covering their most intimate parts.

Together forever: Justin Bieber have been immortalised as one entity in Edwards's latest project

The portrait will be unveiled at Dallas's New Fine Arts, near Gomez's hometown, at a time yet to be announced by Cory Allen Contemporary Art.

Titled Justin and Selena as One, it features the naked couple conjoined at the torso, each seeming to emerge from the other's rib.

Together, they have three legs, sharing Selena's right leg as she appears to lead the younger Justin toward 'Eden'.

The couple are being led by an amorous Canada goose and Texas armadillo.

Pride: Both Justin and Selena have their modesty protected by their horticultural emblems

The portrait was said to be partly inspired by Canadian Bieber's boasts of Canada's successful single payer national health care system.

Edwards said his creation 'should be considered for installation at Canadian Embassies around the globe as a symbol of Canada's prowess in the areas of art and commerce.'

He added: 'I believe Justin and Selena would ultimately choose Canada for their Garden of Eden, because Canada's Medicare and AAA credit rating make it easier for young couples who may find themselves in the family way.'

Brangelina: Edwards captured the uber-couple, too

Edwards' spokesman Cory Allen said: 'Justin and Selena joined together, symbolizes the great harmony between neighbouring countries Canada and The United States.

Daniel is the sculptor known for his controversial works that include a statue of Britney Spears giving birth, Michelle Obama topless, Oprah with her late dogs and Paris Hilton's insides.

Justin and Selena aren't the first celebrity couple he has sculpted. In 2009, he made a statue of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in a lovers' embrace titled simply Brangelina.

He also immortalised Angelina in the nude, with her twins Vivienne and Knox suckling at either breast.

 

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2024370/Justin-Bieber-Selena-Gomez-immortalised-nude-sculpture.html#ixzz1Ud459of6