Style File: Chanel Iman

Not only is she stunningly beautiful, but I find that there is something somewhat intriguing and certainly endearing about Chanel Iman's effervescent but equally demure demeanor.

In a video interview with her that I recently viewed on Vogue Italia this is truly evident.

She seems to possess a natural ability to allure her audience through the rapport that she effortlessly builds with the camera - something that has undoubtedly been well-crafted since the beginning of her career at 12 years old. 

Her billowing success is evident for all to see; one of the most recent examples of this being that she is currently the face of the Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign Advert for the DKNY "Be Delicious" fragrance.

She has graced countless catwalks across the world for several mainstream and major Fashion Houses, namely Marc Jacobs, Ana Sui, Phillp Lim, Valentino, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, John Galliano, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Hermes, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren, Micheal Kors, Oscar De La Renta, and Givenchy.

Gucci succumbed to her beauty in 2009 and thus she became the first black model in 8 eight years to strut their catwalk.

Her poise and embodiment of glamour and not to mention fabulous style places her firmly  in the category of an emerging supermodel and she certainly has the makings of a style icon.

I have personally taken a liking to Chanel Iman's style because her choices of outfits are almost always typically chic, feminine, glamorous and haute couture and, importantly, suit her body shape well which allows her to carry them off with confidence. 

She displays that she is not afraid to explore various looks and maximise her attributes.

 

Red Carpet Fashion - The "Fashion Oscars" - Met Ball 2011

Everbody who's anybody made an appearance at the only place to be seen on Monday evening - The Costume Institute Gala!  

This star studded affair took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York in celebration of the Museum's new Alexander McQueen's exhibition - Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.

Dubbed as the "Fashion Oscars", the decadent glamour swept across the red carpet in full effect.

Here are some of the best ensembles of the evening:

Eva Mendes sashays in cobalt blue silk pleated Stella McCartney

Zoe Saldana in a bright lemon Calvin Klein number

Gisele completely stole the show with this red fishtail gown from Alexander McQueen. Very few can carry off this type of ensemble with success and maximum impact. Gisele's flat abs and slim waist allows her to do just that with ease

Racy: Kerry Washington stuns in this mint green gown. Although more revealing than I would care to wear, Kerry's perfectly balanced and petite proportions and bodyline allows her to pull this off with coveted class and elegance

Vera Wang and Jennifer Hudson.Vera's dress is a tad too bright for her pale skin tone, but the ruffles compliment her lower body line well and balance out her angular upper-body and shoulders. Jennifer looks positively doll-like

All that glitters: SJP hardly ever disappoints. She sparkles in this floor-length sequinned number by Alexander McQueen

Chanel Iman in lace Dolce and Gabbana. This is not the most flattering length hemline, but as she has very slim shapely legs, what could've been a faux pas, isn't!

 Oh, to have been able to "basque in the glory" of this Glamouratti Squad!

[Images courtesy of Vogue.com and Elleuk.com]

A Dress Fit For A Princess

On Friday, almost the entire world witnessed the most anticipated marriage ceremony of the decade: that of Kate Middleton and her charming Prince William.

On this auspicious occasion, after much speculation, what we had all long awaited was revealed: THE wedding dress.

Regal

Kate looked a vision in this elegant creation by Sarah Burton, designer for prestigious UK brand Alexander McQueen.

The ensemble comprised of a silk bodice shaped in a deep V-neck with long sleeves made of lace. The full, high-waisted skirt flowed into a 2.7 metre train and the look was complete with an ivory tulle veil featuring hand-embroidered intricate flowers.

A beautiful Cartier diamond scroll tiara, lent to her by the Queen in keeping with tradition, crowned Kate's head.

There have been comparisons drawn between Kate  Middleton’s dress and that of Grace Kelly’s worn on her wedding day to Prince Rainier III in 1956. It has been said that Kate’s dress is a modern adaptation of Grace Kelly’s as there are similarities: the lacework, high neckline, the shape and structure of the bodice. 

Kate's dress is definitely reminiscent of 50's elegance and Sarah Burton has done well to give a nod to a woman such as Grace Kelly who was so classic and iconically stylish in her day.

Due to the furore and heightened anticipation leading up to the unveiling of the dress, I must admit though, I was expectant of a little more elaborate detailing, but it was quite simplistic and subtle.

However, the essence of Kate Middleton was most certainly captured with this compostion as it was very much in keeping with her signature style: classic, elegant and demure and therefore suited her perfectly. 
She certainly carried off the dress with the appropriate regality.