Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig

Spotted!: Newly wed Rachel Weisz supported husband Daniel Craig at the Madrid Premiere of “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” at the Callao Cinema on January 4, 2012. The British actress radiated with elegance in a black tea-length Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 dress with ruffled sleeves and hem. Weisz added a brown belt to the classic dress that accentuated her waist but opted for black Roger Vivier pumps and a black bow-shaped clutch. She kept her make-up light with just a touch of neutral pink lipstick but added sultry side-swept curls that rounded of the ensemble. Shop the Alexander McQueen Pre-Spring and Summer 2012 collection for similar dress styles.

Spotted!: Sandra Bullock rocked the red carpet in Alexander McQueen for the New York premiere of her new film “Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close” on December 15, 2011, at the Ziegfeld Theatre. The black satin Alexander McQueen suit had a plunging neckline and was belted at the waist showing off Sandra’s curves. The actress paired the suit with Casadei pumps and accessorized with a one of a kind Loree Rodkin ring and a black clutch. Check out this suit and the rest of the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer collection at http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/int/en/corporate/archive2012_ssc_womens.aspx and for jewels, www.loreerodkin.com

With Milan’s Milan Chamber of fashion’s recent announcement that their Spring 2013 fashion week dates are to be held on September 19-25 comes a declaration of fashion week war. New York Fashion Week, pushed back a week to September 13-20 due to Labor Day, London Fashion Week on schedule to begin the next day from September 21-25 and Paris to begin the next day.

This proclamation goes against a 2008 agreement made between the cities stating that New York begin on the second Thursday of September followed consecutively by London, Milan and Paris. Mario Boselli, head of the Milan’s Chamber of Fashion has publicly disagreed and claims that the agreement was only applicable for three years.

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Alexander McQueen (British, 1969–2010). Dress, autumn/winter 2010–11. Courtesy of Alexander McQueen. Photograph © Sølve Sundsbø / Art + Commerce

Since I was a child I would go visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my grandparents to view exhibitions curated by The Costume Institute.  My love of fantasy and romanticism intertwined with history and of course fashion originated from these visits. Each exhibit aided in the evolution of my creative spirit, but this year viewing the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” was mind-stopping. I of course having worked in fashion for the last thirteen years have followed Mcqueen’s career and always remained a fan of his approach to fashion and how he was able to intertwine various facets of his own knowledge and his perceptions with historical events and the ethereal through transformation.

The Romantic Mind “You’ve got to know the rules to break them. That’s what I’m here for, to demolish the rules but to keep the tradition.” —Alexander McQueen

The show followed his career thematically offering a view on his approach to romanticism at the beginning of the exhibit focusing on traditional tailoring. While always staying true to his underlying motive of “empowering women,” the show evolved focusing on the role politics played in collections, as well as his attention to detail, craftsmanship, construction and symbolism.

Romantic Nationalism “The reason I’m patriotic about Scotland is because I think it’s been dealt a really hard hand. It’s marketed the world over as . . . haggis . . . bagpipes. But no one ever puts anything back into it.” —Alexander McQueen

It is almost overwhelming the emotions evoked when walking through the “Cabinet of Curiosities.” Impeccably installed was accessories created by McQueen, hats by Philip Treacy and jewelry by Shaun Leane, with footage of his runway shows showcased within.

Romantic Gothic and Cabinet of Curiosities “People find my things sometimes aggressive. But I don’t see it as aggressive. I see it as romantic, dealing with a dark side of personality.” —Alexander McQueen

Meandering to the next room, were some of the most memorable McQueen shows that had taken place in Paris. My personal favorite was the Kate Moss hologram of her floating during the McQueen show for Fall/Winter 2006.

“It is important to look at death because it is a part of life. It is a sad thing, melancholic but romantic at the same time. It is the end of a cycle- everything has to end. The cycle of life is positive because it gives room for new things,” said McQueen.

The above exemplifies for me everything that McQueen stood for in both his belief system and his approach to fashion. This show was by far my favorite visit to the Met.

Romantic Naturalism “I have always loved the mechanics of nature and to a greater or lesser extent my work is always informed by that.” —Alexander McQueen

Romantic Primitivism “I try to push the silhouette. To change the silhouette is to change the thinking of how we look. What I do is look at ancient African tribes, and the way they dress. The rituals of how they dress. . . . There’s a lot of tribalism in the collections.” —Alexander McQueen

Romantic Exoticism “I want to be honest about the world that we live in, and sometimes my political persuasions come through in my work. Fashion can be really racist, looking at the clothes of other cultures as costumes. . . . That’s mundane and it’s old hat. Let’s break down some barriers.” —Alexander McQueen

“Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” runs through August 7th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; (212) 535-7710, metmuseum.org.

All photography by The Photograph Studio, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The simple formula of effortless chic has travelled with us throughout the past years and nothing said it stronger than the menswear collections freshly presenting their offerings around the globe. A dizzying array of colours, shapes and textiles rocked fashion world however a few strong themes emerged.

Every season designers attempt for the holy grail of menswear: “The New Suit”. This consists each season of designers picking and pulling at a traditional suit until the desired shape of the season comes to be. The tailored vibe that has struck such a strong chord has definitely continued on into the summer months, thankfully however the fashion gods were merciful and this season’s reincarnations of suits are anything but buttoned up.

These new relaxed, easy styles evoke that “just threw on yet impeccably put together” look. Softer fabrics being shown structurally condense menswear, and giving way to a wider silhouette on the bottom from anywhere in the range of carrot trousers to full length skirts and robes.

Pictured Above L to R: Rick Owens, Dolce & Gabbana, Yohji Yamamoto

Freedom rings with mix and match separates ranging from the most casual of sports coats to even in the most formal of tuxedos dominating the runways. There is also a play upon adding and subtracting classic menswear elements, such as ditching ties or jackets but keeping the rest of the look.

Pictured Above L to R: Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Maison Martin Margiela

Full tonal pairings as well from matching shorts and t-shirts in exact textiles, to four piece suits in cohesive separate fabrics yet all from the same color palette.

The three trends that not only are strongly presented on their own but also intermixing with one another in perfect unison.  Update your look to the latest trends by simply following in the direction of the greats.

Pictured Above L to R: Marni, Hermes, Givenchy

The three trends that not only are strongly presented on their own but also intermixing with one another in perfect unison.  Update your look to the latest trends by simply following in the direction of the greats.

[All images courtesty of Style.com]

Keira Knightley holding a Chanel chain strap purse. Photo Credit: sugarscape.com

From chain-straps to sequins, to bow purses and lady bags, the handbags styles of the season are to-die-for. We here at Style Seen Daily take notice to some of our favorite girls’ selections.  ”The Duchess” actress Keira Knightley clutched on to her beautiful Chanel chain-strapped bag on the red carpet, and we love how some other great designers are following in their footsteps with fabulous chain bags. Check out these styles to draw some inspiration for your new handbag this year.

Chain- Strapped

Shenae Grimes with a Rebecca Minkoff bag. Photo Credit: celebrityfashion.onsugar.com

90210 actress Shenae Grimes has been putting together some stylish, edgy looks. We love the faux fur jacket paired with over-the-knee suede boots. But most of all, her Rebecca Minkoff chain-strapped bag is so practical and cute. She took a classic look and added a modern edge to it. The best thing about these bags is how versatile they are; they can be dressed up or dressed down, worn long or over the shoulder, and they are small enough to not get in the way, but big enough to carry everything you would need for a night out.

Matt & Nat Laroux Bag. Photo Credit: shopbop.com

We love this studded chain-strapped Laroux Bag from Matt & Nat, priced at $180.

Structured Purse

Alexa Chung with a pink structured purse in British Elle Magazine. Photo Credit: British Elle

Former MTV UK VJ, model and rocking DJ, Socialite  Alexa Chung has become one of the world’s most influential style icons, earlier this year we shared with you how Mulberry created a bag named after her, The Alexa Bag, and above she is sporting the structured purse in this spread for British Elle is no exception. These bags may remind you of ones your grandmother used to wear, but what’s old is new again.

Blue Paten Contrast Lady Bag from Top Shop. Photo Credit: topshop.com

So match Top Shop’s Blue Patent Contrast Lady Bag, priced at $60, with a bright pea coat and opera length gloves, and your look will have that old fashioned pristine style.

Sequined Clutch

Olivia Palermo looks fabulous in a sequined clutch. Photo Credit: bags.bonanza.com

Model and Socialite Olivia Palermo looked ravishing at this Mango event where she paired a classic dress with a spunky sequined purse. These clutches fit right into this season’s hottest look of sequins everywhere, like dresses, shirts, skirts, and jackets.

SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Sequin Clutch. Photo Credit: Piperlime.com

If you are looking to fit in with the trend, but can’t see yourself covered in sparkles, try this SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Multi- Sequin Clutch, priced at $55.99. The colors are neutral, but the design and sequins still shows off that shine.

Bow Bag

Audrina Patridge loves bows. Photo Credit: Amominredheels.com

Bongo girl Audrina Patridge loves her Alexander McQueen patent leather bow clutch, and lucky for us almost every designer has made their own version of this beautiful bag this season. Bows have been all over every store window in 2010, and the clutch has become one of our favorites.

Top Shop's Black Beaded Bow Bag. Photo Credit: topshop.com

Check out this Top Shop Black Beaded Bow Bag, priced at $80. It is dressy, but still young and flirty, like Audrina.

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 collection gives classic McQueen designs a more feminine touch.

At Paris Fashion Week Spring 2011 the Alexander McQueen show made a strong impact on the fashion world for the brand’s newest creative director . Despite the untimely death of world renowned fashion designer Alexander Lee McQueen in February 2010, McQueen’s successor, Sarah Burton, is able to carry on the McQueen legacy through the women’s wear collection filled with classic McQueen silhouettes with a little bit of Burton’s own womanly touch.

Actress Salma Hayek, whose husband Francois- Henri Pinault is a co-owner of  Alexander McQueen, made an appearance at the runway show.

Actress Salma Hayek arrived in style at the Alexander McQueen Paris Spring 2011 Fashion Week show. Photo Credit: Splash Images.

Floral and natural elements played a large part in this collection, which is a big turn from the aggressive, dark feel of past McQueen collections.

Floral prints were seen all over the Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 runway. Photo Credit: Socialite Life.

The models all had fresh faces with little make up and intricate woven braids that added to the show’s romantic, earthy feel. Even the runway that was covered in mossy, wooden planks played into the natural feel of the collection.

These feminine canvas coats were slashed at the shoulders for a more rugged look. Photo Credit: Socialite Life.

Soft, white canvas coats, which opened the show, highlighted the feminine physique with an exaggerated focus on the hips. Burton put her own spin on nature by featuring several pieces that were constructed entirely of black leather ivy leaves.

This Alexander McQueen two-piece suit highlights a woman's curves and hips. Photo Credit: Fashionoligie.com

Some dresses were elaborately detailed with feathers and other natural elements, like wheat. A butterfly print, which is similar to past McQueen designs, was even seen emerging from a dress made of hand-painted feathers.

A model walks the Alexaner McQueen Spring 2011 runway in a dress made of black, leather ivy. Photo Credit: Socialite Life.

The silhouettes of the collection also varied, while still remaining true to the well-known Alexander McQueen style. Some dresses were impeccably designed to accentuate a woman’s curves, while some were more soft and bohemian- like with cinch-waist belts.

This bohemian style dress is one of many that walked the Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 runway at Paris Fashion Week. Photo Credit: Socialite Life.

Although the death of such a fashion legend is still felt throughout the industry, and will always be felt, Burton did an excellent job of keeping the brand Alexander McQueen alive. The feel of the Spring 2011 show was certainly a bit gentler and more feminine, but the classic McQueen ‘fantasy’ was still seen through the designs.

Designer Sarah Burton walking the runway after debuting her Alexander McQueen women's wear collection. Photo Credit: Associated Press.

Although Burton is the new creative director for Alexander McQueen, she has been a part of the McQueen team for more than a decade. She spent the last 14 years as McQueen’s design assistant and right-hand woman as McQueen built the fashion house to what it is today.  Burton seemed to find the perfect balance between her vision of romanticism and McQueen’s knack for dark, visionary designs with the Spring 2011 collection.

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Alexander Mcqueen Armadillo Shoes.

Alexander Mcqueen‘s 10 inch “Armadillo” shoes are a big hit with Lady Gaga, who recently wore them on MTV’s Video Music Awards.  Gaga also wore them in her music video “Bad Romance.”  There are a limited number of pairs in existence, less than 50, and they range in price from $3,900 to $10,000 a pair.  Actress Demi Moore wore them in a Malibu photo shoot. Fashion Icon Daphne Guinness stated, “they look difficult [to walk in], but they arent.”

“The world needs fantasy, not reality. We have enough reality today,’ McQueen shared with The New York Times.

Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer arrives for the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in Los Angeles. Anna's on trend with the gold and black pairing. Alexander McQueen dress.

The 62nd Primetime EMMY Awards Show hosted by the amazingly talented and funny host Jimmy Fallon brought Hollywood out in full force.  And while Fallon did a great job entertaining the crowd with his guitar, we here at Style Seen Daily couldn’t help but notice the trend in up do fashions, highlighting the neck.  Celebrities like Anna Paquin, Christina Hendricks, Heidi Klum and more all rocked the red carpet with their hair pulled back.

How To Get Anna Paquin’s Hairstyle

When it came to creating an Emmys hairstyle for Anna Paquin, stylist Renato Campora knew just where to look for inspiration: her Alexander McQueen gown. “The dress is very strong, and I wanted to show off her shoulders and neck,” he explains. “I didn’t want her hair to seem too severe, so I created a loose structure.”

First, Renato worked the lightweight Frédéric Fekkai Full Volume Mousse through Anna’s damp hair. To keep her hair smooth and prevent flyaways, he worked in Fekkai Silky Straight Smooth Finish serum before blow-drying hair. Try Frédéric Fekkai Coiff Contrôle – Ironless Straightening Balm and instead of using a brush, use your fingers.

When Anna’s hair was dry, Renato used a curling iron with a ½-inch barrel to create waves, then pinned the hair to let the curls set for 15 minutes. Then, he ran his fingers through the underside of her hair, pulled her hair back and created a French twist. He created a bit of volume at the top of Anna’s hair by gently pushing it with his hands, then securing it with bobby pins. Finally, he sprayed hair with Frédéric Fekkai Coiff Fini – Sheer Hold Hairspray. “It’s a modern, soft look,” Renato says.

Take a look at our Style Seen Daily’s picks of our favorite ladies hair styles, highlighting the neck and shoulders.

Jessalyn Gilsig of 'Glee' arrives at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in Los Angeles. You can never go wrong with a red dress on the red carpet.

Betty White arrives at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in Los Angeles. Thumbs up to Betty for dressing age appropriate and still on trend with white looking chic and elegant, perfect for an awards show.

Christina Hendricks arrives for the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in Los Angeles. La La Lavander!

Heidi Klum and Seal arrive at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in Los Angeles. Our favorite red carpet couple by far, these two can truly do no wrong.

So, what did you think about the up dos at the EMMYS?  Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Check out our coverage of 61st EMMY jewelry looks here.

 

 

Rosette Asymmetric Dress by Alexander McQueen.

An asymmetric dress / one shoulder dress is the “it” dress for Winter ’08 and Spring ’09.  Figure flattering, easy to wear and very on trend.  The shape of the dress brings attention up, towards your face.  This dress is great to wear with your hair up, drawing even more attention to your sultry shoulders and collarbone area  (and add a great pair of tear drop earrings and you are set).  Or let loose and keep your hair down and simple, and let the dress do the talking.