Good old fashioned fashion

Firstly, sorry for not posting recently!

So I've been wanting to write something on this topic for ages now - it's a trend that I've been loving for a while now. It's fair to say that fashion takes some strange turns now and again, but sometimes, going back to the old classics is so needed in a world of oversized masculinity and minimalism (which, don't get me wrong, can be amazing as well but not for the purposes of this post haha!)

Without rambling on too much, the trend I'm talking about is the imitation of ball gowns from the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 40s and 50s. I love this period of time - the postwar spirit of using extravagant materials (and lots of it), after years of practical utility clothing, along with corseting creates the most beautiful silhouette I think.

Dior

Charles James for Vogue

I started noticing this reinvention when Raf Simons came to Dior, with his first couture collection in 2012 scattered with many vintage inspired creations! Also, thanks to Anna Wintour, this year's Met Ball was also a good opportunity to see some serious ball gown action. 

Natalie Portman for Miss Dior

Some modern takes on the classic ball gown silhouette can be seen at Dior and Elie Saab who add floral effects to add to the statement:

Elie Saab

Zac Posen has also contributed massively to the trend with these five beauties:

Liu Wen at the Met Gala 2014

And finally this amazing dress by Topshop on Toni Garn at the Met Gala. Her hair is just incredible and the dress perfectly compliments her complexion in my opinion!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my overload of pictures - trust me this was the shortlist!

Chanel in Dubai

Yes, it's my second post, I know, but I'm already breaking the rules - today it's CHANEL DAY.

Now I'm not a massive fan of modern Chanel, but I have to admit I was mightily impressed with Karl Lagerfeld's work on the Pre Spring-Summer show in Dubai. 

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2015/ready-to-wear/chanel-pre/full-length-photos/gallery/1171071

The collection has all the Chanel classics intertwined with so many middle eastern influences - so apt for Dubai! The traditional elegance of Chanel mixed with a hint of Aladdin-esque style creates some astounding combinations which are actually quite wearable (surprisingly).

Chanel (left); Dior (right)

This Chanel look really reminded me of some of the Dior looks from the SS14 Couture show - the big mid length sleeves are very similar, as well as the big silhouette. Also the partially sheer material on the Chanel reminds me of the futuristic material of that Dior show.

You can also see from that picture the return of statement jewellery which adds to the whole extravagant air. 

Chanel also paid homage to the classic Arabian princess harem pant many times throughout the show, you definitely can see the couturified Princess Jasmine look here:

And here:

I find these two looks incredible: I think it's the long, loose top layered over the breezy trousers - it's so classy and I could picture someone wafting round on a balmy evening in this!

My next favourite look is this:

 The print is to die for I think! The colours are amazing and it flows amazingly, so it's light and breezy yet bold as well, the perfect combo. And the beaded sleeves and neckline add that all-important glitz and luxury you would associate with Chanel. The print also reminds me of some intricate detailing on a mosque maybe...?

However, the crowning glory of the show was this:

Such genius from Karl here! I love the fact there is the traditional silhouette with billowing trousers and long top, and then covered in the glamour that is the Dubai night skyline! Old meets new at its best here! 

And the hair and makeup needs to be appreciated: it sticks to Chanel's usual heavy-on-the-eye look, and the hair definitely emulates Princess Jasmine with her voluminous, sleek locks. Maybe the two bold looks together are a bit much? I don't know. The headpieces just add a final bit of opulence to this classy yet lavish show.