The Academy Awards 2016: Winners and Best Dressed

From Lady Gaga's emotional performance, to Sam Smith winning an Oscar for Best Song, Kid Rock's amazing hosting to Leonardo DiCaprio finally picking up a Best Actor award after 5 nominations. The 2016 Academy Awards were everything we imagined them to be and more, with wonderful red carpet fashion and a host of worthy winners.

The big surprise of the night was Spotlight taking home the award for Best Picture, even though The Revenant had been hotly tipped to win. Mark Rylance was another surprise as he one Best Supporting Actor for Bridge of Spies, when all eyes had been on Sly Stallone to win the award. Brie Larson was a worthy winner for Best Actress after the stunning performance in Room, while I was glad to see Alicia Vikander win for Best Supporting Actress as her role in the Danish Girl was absolutely sublime. Mad Max: Fury Road basically won all the awards for Best Costume, Hair and Make-up while it was great to see Debbie Reynolds honored at this years ceremony.

And what about the red carpet? Jennifer Lawrence looked stunning in a black lace couture dress by Dior, Cate Blanchett opted for a duck egg blue Armani Prive gown, Brie Larson wowed in cobalt blue Gucci while Alicia Vikander divided opinions over her bright yellow Louis Vuitton dress (she did look a bit like Belle from Beauty and the Beast.) One lady who always looks incredible is Charlize Theron who wore a plunging red gown with a super long train by Christian Dior. Other ladies who decided to take the plunge in very low cut dresses were Margot Robbie in gold Tom Ford, Lady Gaga in a white trouser/skirt suit, Sophia Vegara in blue Marchesa and Olivia Wilde in Valentino. A pregnant Emily Blunt also looked super sweet in a pastel Prada dress.

I loved Chrissy Teigan's burgundy gown by Marchesa, as well as Rachel Mcadams in black Versace. Tina Fey also opted for a blue Versace gown while Reese Witherspoon chose Oscar de la Renta. Kate Winslet and Heidi Kum however, did not get it right on the night. Kate looked like she was wearing a shiny bin bag, while Heidi looked too over done in a Marchesa gown which didn't suit her bronzed skin tone.

And then it was onto the Vanity Fair after party, where everyone turned up. Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Lorde, Kate Beckinsale, Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway all looked amazing for the party. Kerry Washington looked divine in a silver sequined gown as did Jessica Alba and Diane Kruger. But my fav had to be Gwen Stefani in a sheer red gown, worn with red lipstick and her hair in Hollywood waves. Accompanied by boyfriend Blake Shelton, she looked every inch an a-lister. See the winners list below and the best red carpet looks:

2016 Oscar Winners 

Best Picture: “Spotlight”

Direction: “The Revenant,” Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Revenant”

Actress: Brie Larson, “Room”

Supporting Actor: Mark Rylance, “Bridge of Spies”

Supporting Actress: Alicia Vikander, “The Danish Girl”

Adapted Screenplay: “The Big Short,” Charles Randolph and Adam McKay

Original Screenplay: “Spotlight,” Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy

Cinematography: “The Revenant,” Emmanuel Lubezki

Production Design: “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Colin Gibson and Lisa Thompson (set decoration)

Film Editing: “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Margaret Sixel

Visual Effects: “Ex Machina,” Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett

Costume Design: “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Jenny Beavan

Makeup: “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega and Damian Martin

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Sound Editing: “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Mark Mangini and David White

Sound Mixing: “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Chris Jenkins, Gregg Rudloff and Ben Osmo

Score: “The Hateful Eight,” Ennio Morricone

Song: “Writing’s on the Wall,” from “Spectre,” Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith

Foreign Language Film: “Son of Saul” (Hungary)

Animated Feature: “Inside Out”

Documentary Feature: “Amy”

Animated Short: “Bear Story”

Documentary Short: “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness”

Live Action Short: “Stutterer”

A Fairytale Fantasy at Dolce & Gabbana

From all the photos Stefano Gabbana was furiously uploading to his Instragram account yesterday, we knew the Dolce & Gabbana autumn/winter 2016 collection would feature an element of Disney princess fantasy. From the fairy godmother turning Cinderella into a beautiful princess, and Snow White whistling away, to Ariel swimming around with Flounder under the sea, it was clear that princess would be a huge inspiration behind this upcoming collection. And, as expected it was.

Set on a black and white check catwalk, with a life size silver coach awaiting the arrival of a glittering Cinderella, this show was fantastical in every sense of the word. What I love about Dolce is that they don't follow trends as such, but instead do whatever it is they want to do. Models all had beautiful ribbons, trinkets and jewels in their hair, either embellished onto caps with feathers or weaved into individual strands. White lapels were used on matador jackets with silver military frogging, black was a key colour coming in trouser suits and shifts with little brooches on the collar while their classic, sexy black dresses were given a princess makeover with embroidery work down the sides. Most of the trousers were cropped, interesting for autumn/winter, as were the dresses with plenty of mini dresses taking centre stage and baring plenty of leg.

Knitwear as used in bold bursts of colour, floral designs were stitched onto delicate lace dresses and there was even a metallic dress with lots of individual shards of glass glistening in the lights - mirror, mirror indeed! Large florals of lilies and other pretty flowers descended across elegant dresses, red and gold brocade looked like they had come out of Prince Charming's wardrobe, worn with white trainers and puffy Snow White sleeves looked magical on a sheer white midi dress, complete with an oversized Peter Pan neck collar. It was nice to have simple black tone down all the amazing bursts of colour, as when including the catwalk into the mix, there were prints almost everywhere you looked.

Towards the end of the show, models walked out in striking glistening dresses covered in sparkly jewels, with the model closing the show wearing a coat of red roses over a black lace midi dress. And then came the moment we were all waiting for... the epic finale! All the models strode out wearing striking pink garments, all covered in crystals and dripping in expensive jewels. When all seen together it looked like a shimmery sea of glitter and was truly sublime. Really amazing. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana than made their well deserved bows, making sure this fairy tale finished with a happy ending.

Milan Fashion Week: Day 4 and 5 Highlights

Dsquared2
Dean and Dan Caten, the charismatic twins behind Dsquared2, are known for their outlandish sense of style, love of all things tribal and never disappoint to put on a good show. However, for fall 2016 I was a little disappointed with their collection, in that it just wasn't wow enough. There were still some beautiful fur coats which looked very Navajo, skinny combat trousers paired with feathered heels and clever use of layering, but there was no stand out moments. The end of the show saw lots of dark pieces presented on the catwalk, with black and navy taking center stage. But unfortunately there was no big finale. 

Missoni
The Missoni girl this season was not one to get cold, not with the amount of knitwear and layers she was wearing. Angela Missoni did what she does best: knits. Scarfs hung loosely around the neck almost touching the ground or draped around the shoulders, tunic jumpers were thick and comfy while the use of stripes were evident on leggings, shift dresses and basically just about everything else. All the pieces looked so luxe and comfortable that this collection really did bring a sense of comfort to Milan Fashion Week.

Salvatore Ferragamo
Geometric stripes, colour blocking, over sized buttons and zig zag patterns; this Salvatore Ferragamo show was just packed with bold brightness. Models looked slick with hair pulled over to one side and minimal make up leaving the clothes to show off even more. Knitted crop tops were paired with pleated midi skirts, black and white check patterns came on blouses while yet again, stripes had their moment, with even the catwalk decorated in pastel coloured stripes. Not one of the best shows I've seen from Ferragamo, but still very sophisticated and wearable.

Marni
Marni are known for their loose silhouettes, tailored white pieces and use of heavy jewellery. This show had all of that in bucket loads. From the apple green oversized knits at the beginning of the show to the patterned trousers suits accessorised with across the body bags, there was really something for everyone, all stamped with the classic Marni mark. I especially liked the simple white shifts with a splash of scally colours across the middle.

Jil Sander
I cannot express how amazed/pleasantly surprised I was with this Jil Sander collection. Usually I don't take a second glance at Jil Sander, who I find to be very dull and too minimal. This show was minimal but so beautiful at the same time. The opening looks of the double breasted coats in white and black as well as the overall tailoring were sublime. What followed were Celine-esque sunglasses paired with tight fitting knit dresses, long sleeved blazers in grey wool and even a couple of metallic strappy dresses at the end of the show. Jil Sander are known for their effortless tailoring, and this fall 2016 winter collection was a perfect example to other designers on how to do tailored with style.

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini
I feel as though Lorenzo Serafini sometimes go by unnoticed at Milan Fashion Week, even though what he has done for Philosophy has been immense. His sexy, refined designs for fall 2016 were polished and effortless with lots of leather pieces. I liked the pussy-bow blouses, paired with lace panelled skirts and black kitten heels as well as the mix of shearling coats with tailored white trousers. There was lots to wear within this collection which was nice as sometimes at Milan there are many designers who really aren't practical for everyday wear, ahem Versace.

Blumarine
Colourful, abundant and fur-tastic. I always put this designer in the same boat as Blugirl (for obvious reasons) and Moschino, just because I don't take them as seriously as the other Milanese fashion houses. Nevertheless, this show was very glamorous and sophisticated with lots of fur gilets, huge pastel blue shearling coats and cute little jumpsuits to counter such appeal.

Bottega Veneta
I have always been a fan of Thomas Maier. HIs ladylike shapes and 1950s references are always given a modern twist with the variety of shapes and fabrics he uses. For autumn/winter 2016, there was a real mix-match of colours and prints. A leopard print jacket there, a plaid wool skirt there and beautiful wool sweaters cinched in at the waist - this was really the return of the lady like silhouette. Adriana Lima, Irina Shayk and Kendall Jenner were just some of the big names walking in this show, all wearing a splattering of dark burgundy lipstick with their hair pulled back into a severe middle parting. Uniformal and driven.

Versace, Emporio Armani, Sportmax and Etro at MFW

Versace
Gigi, Kendall, Natasha, Adriana, Jourdan, Irina, Mica... the roll call of famous faces at Versace were just rolling down the catwalk. Versace don't usually opt for navy, but this season Donatella was really feeling this colour. It featured on leather jackets, sporty trousers with neon stripes down the side, ankle boots and tailored coats.

Black and baby blue were added, with the mix of shades looking very pretty when worn together. There were a few jackets with large pockets which I completely fell in love with. Amazing. There were quite a few sugary sweet shades on mini dresses and coats, but there was plenty of sex appeal too, as there always is with Versace. Cut out black dresses clung to the body, sunglasses were paired with dominatrix leather coats while barely there slip dresses were a nod to the 90s. There were a number of looks in the middle of the show which looked like an explosion in a neon factory, with the bright colours featuring on suave jumpsuits and mini dresses. The styling was amazing with the sporty headbands worn around the forehead as were the delicate two tone jackets Donatella sent down her runway. One of my favourite Versace shows in recent years. 

Emporio Armani
Giorgio Armani is always a big draw at MFW, especially his diffusion line Emporio Armani. This fall 2016 collection was particularly ground breaking or out of the ordinary, with all the classic Armani-isms present. The bowler hat, black suit with smart brooches, 80s mini dresses and jet set minimalism. The colours used were simple and refined as was the superb styling. It was nice to Armani take inspiration from the 80s hey day he was famous for, with all the geometric mini skirts and satin dresses a nice touch.

Tods
I don't usually pay much attention to Tods, even though I know they are such a respected Italian brand. Yet there was something about this collection which was extremely stylish and interesting. I loved all the beige tones, fur collars and long check coats, as well as the whole retro 70s theme. Models walked with hair simplified with hardly any make up on which was refreshing, and a little different to what we're used to seeing at Milan Fashion Week.

Sportmax
After the fantastic MaxMara show earlier on in the week, I expected this Sportmax show to be just as good. There were sporty stripes and geometric shapes, khaki tones and very loose silhoutees. I loved the mohair jumpers with squiggly lines printed all over them, the slouchy white trousers and shift dresses tied neatly at the front. Stripes are a big thing this season (aren't they always) and after this show, I feel as though they will for autumn/winter 2016 too.

Etro
I have to be honest here, and say that I was a little disappointed with this Etro collection. Usually I adore all the romantic florals, boho chic and sweeping dresses, but this show just seemed a little faded and not very exciting. The opening look of a long duster coat and knitted striped scarf was very un-inspirational, as were many of the dull looks that followed. I did however like the subtle military references on bolero jackets and coats. But not the best show from Etro.

MFW: Fendi, Cavalli, Prada, Pucci and more...

Prada

Everyone waits for Prada at Milan Fashion Week. What will Miuccia do next? well for fall 2016, she went all sailor girl on us with models wearing Navy-esque hats and matching blue coats. There was still plenty of grunge in the form of long leather coats, tie up booties, patterned tights and fur rimmed jackets. Coats were fastened with pretty laces at the front, while the pop of red lipstick and slick hair only added to the Prada appeal. Prada do ugly chic. And there's no denying that this show was extremely ugly, but in a good way. I loved the leather gloves and side satchel bags which swung on the hip, as well as the use of floral prints.

Moschino

Jeremy Scott sent a burning dress down the Moschino catwalk this evening. Yes, a burning dress with smoke billowing out of it. A statement maybe that the fashion industry is a burn out... Anyway, apart from that little spectacle this Moschino show was trashy, tacky and AMAZING! From the mini leather skirts and 80s style blouses to the heeled boots and logo-tastic belts, it was all out New York hipster. There was enough sex appeal in the form of shiny hats and boots yet also enough luxury high fashion, I can imagine some of those coats will cost well over £4000. Lipsticks, teddy bears and maximal effect.

Emilio Pucci

To think that when Peter Dundas was at Emilio Pucci it was so glamorous and red carpet ready. Now thanks to Massimo Giorgetti of MSGM fame, Pucci has become extremely modern and very sporty. Geometric sport shapes took center stage today, with splashes of abstract colour on dresses and bomber jackets. PUCCI was emblazoned onto shiny tops, v neck dresses were loose and unstructured while the use of reds, khakis and blue were used boldly. They were colours which shouldn't have gone together but they did, so well.

Fendi

Oh Fendi, you do make my heart sing. I absolutely loved this collection from Silvia Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld. I felt as though I could wear every single piece, and so many coats, boots and fur gilets are going to be on so many fashion editors must have lists for next season. It was big and beautiful, exactly what we love about Fendi, except maybe if you're anti-fur as there was a lot of it for fall 2016. Kendall Jenner opened the show (as Lagerfelds current muse) wearing a black and white stole attached to a navy coat, followed by a host of wonderful pieces. Blue was a key colour, toned down with navy and purified with baby blue shades on leather trousers and fluffy wool jumpers. 

Frills were everywhere, around necklines, on sleeves and even on handbags while the use of colour was bold and brilliant. Lagerfeld always references Fendi's past and their love of fur, so there was a lot of beautiful fur gilets, overcoats and accessories in this collection, adding a lot of glamour. The shoes were particularly interesting, worn with what looked like leather socks. They were extremely pretty and very frilly. A truly wonderful collection from the Italian masters.

MaxMara
What do you think of when you hear MaxMara? Nine times out of ten, it is their classic camel coat. This season however, it was hard to spot one. There were coats, plenty of them in long duster and mid length styles, as MaxMara updated their look this season, using racy body suits and sheer fishnet tights to create a sense of sex appeal. The black gloves and lipstick only added to the vampy look, which was very 1920s cabaret. Large stripes were featured on pockets, fur stoles and mohair jumpers, while polished, sophistication of MaxMara was still very much present.

Roberto Cavalli
Peter Dundas worked his magic once again for Roberto Cavalli, with an electrifying show. Since leaving Emilio Pucci, Dundas has been making waves for Cavalli with his glamorous, jet set style; perfect for all those Milanese fashioninstas (sorry to use that expression!) It was very 70s, with bohemian layering, floaty chiffon maxi dresses, scarves draped casually around the neck and flared trousers. Models looked sexy in satin gowns and velvet suiting, lace paneled dresses and sheer body suiting dripping in beige jewels. I loved the smoky eye make up and snakeskin boots.

Alberta Ferreti
Set on a dimly lit catwalk with a forest backdrop, this Alberta Feretti show was delicate and hauntingly beautifully. As always,there were lots of stunning silk dresses in soft burgundy and beige yet this season the classic slip dress was given a sexy revival in satin fabrics. Satin was used a lot throughout, on a bold red dress, white fur jumpsuit and even a matching green pyjama top and bottom. But really it was the attention to detail which made this collection stand out. Metallic coats looked as though they were made with Italian love, beading on sheer dresses were exquisite while the simple make up and clipped back hair only added to the purity of this show. A nice break from all the va-va voom glamour.

The Return of the Glamorous Gucci Geek

To think that last season I was so anti-Gucci I couldn't even bring myself to watch the whole show. How uneducated and tasteless I was back then. This season I found myself checking the time every 10 minutes in nervous trepidation for the show to start, such is my state of Gucci fandom. Despite running late and leaked backstage images of the collection appearing online before the show even started, this was another fantastic offering from kid on the block, Alessandro Michelle.

Where is Milan Fashion Week without Gucci? From the bold floral patterns which clashed against each other, Gucci logo colours splattered on bags, belts and socks and the funky heels to the pulsating soundtrack and party atmosphere - there were so many different aspects of this collection which excited me. The whole geek chic vibe of last season was still present, but this time Michele's girl had been taught a lesson or two in style, as she appeared wearing chunky necklaces, ruffled blouses, sheer chiffon maxi dresses and metallic tunic tops. There was so much to look at with the styling done particularly well. I loved the canary yellow coat paired with a matching bandana and tights, the amazing embroidered bomber jackets and beautiful double breasted coats.

Animal imagery featured heavily in this collection, with snakes, exotic birds and jaguars all stitched onto various garments. “I love ambiguity, and the snake is the most ambiguous animal,” Michelle explained, after the show. “It represents fear, but it is also so beautiful. When you look at a snake, your heart is pulsing.” My heart was pulsing with excitement throughout his collection. The pastel rainbow colours were to die for as were the use of accessories such as pillar box hats, dangling earrings and over-sized glasses.
 It was sheer opulence mixed with the suggestion of renaissance art and a Baroque feel. I can imagine Anna Dello Russo wearing every piece in this collection. Just look at the catwalk looks and you'll know what I mean.