John Galliano: Genius, Showman, Racist?

My day started today by reading a tweet from my friend Emma Jordan over at ifashion, about whether she should post the video of suspended Dior designer, John Galliano's drunken rant that has shocked and saddened the fashion world. I understood her dilemma. I have held off commenting or posting about this situation. Mostly because at first I really didn't want it to be true. Also, because I abhor any and all bigotry and couldn't reconcile this with my absolute favourite designer in the world. "Noooooo," I wanted to shout to the world, "don't destroy my idols." And yet, there is little to mitigate these circumstances and face them, I must.
And so it is with relief that I read one of my other idols, Hillary Alexander's piece on the situation. With both compassion and sternness, she speaks sense. She reminds us that, no matter what, John Galliano has given us fashion-lovers so much, and so we must support him when he needs us. Not condone or enable his behaviour, but with the love we have for him, pick him up and show him a better way so that we might be able to bask in the glory of his work once more. 
We know that racist, bigoted behaviour is unacceptable in ANY circumstances. On this I am immovable. But as John Galliano's life crashes and burns, hopefully redemption and healing can take its place. This is about as close to religion as I come. Because I simply can't set aside the times that John Galliano's work has moved me to tears, inspired me to smiles and filled my heart with a joy I have only rarely experienced. I just can't.

The most sought after body shape

Jennifer Aniston
She is the most sought after body shape..

In 2011 The Telegraph reported the most sought after body parts of the rich and famous revealed by two Hollywood plastic surgeons who carried out a survey among their patients to build up the picture of what the perfect woman would look like. Under the category of the most sought after body shape Aniston was voted in the top three alongside Gisele Bundchen and Penelope Cruz.

Although Jennifer Aniston disliked the hairstyle she wore during her first two years on Friends, "The Rachel" became and remains very popular among women.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Best Dressed

No question at all in my mind who was the best dressed at the Oscars last night. Cate Blanchette. Stunning in Givenchy couture. Soft and beautiful, combined with unexpected and alien. She almost made me weep with joy and prettiness.
Next up was Mila Kunis, in my red-carpet-pick Elie Saab, also looked utterly amazing. Top drawer. Wonderful.

And then there was Dame Helen Mirren. Looking smashing. Looking sexy. Looking like the dame that she is in Vivienne Westwood. Pure, unadulterated class. Although, not without a twinkle of wickedness in her eye.
And I will give the Rodarte on Natalie Portman a final place for the glorious colour, the sophisticated maternity angle and the general loveliness. But not for the short arms. Never for the short arms. They offend me to my core. I can't even watch The Black Swan because no dancer would have such short arms. I've said my piece. We will speak of it no more.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Nude - Who Wore it Best?

The biggest dress trend at the Oscars last night was the shimmery, iridescent nude shades that so many of the leading ladies wore. They all looked lovely, but who wore it best? I couldn't decide, so I asked the office here at O Magazine to vote out of these four. They all had something going for them. For example Gwyneth's Calvin Klein sheath was sleek and sophisticated and was accessorised with gorgeous Louis Vuitton jewellery. But Luisa and Megan couldn't get past the shiny trashiness of the dress and Luisa says, 'I can never trust a smiling Gwyneth.' So she was out. 

Michelle Williams looked quiet and pretty and classy in her Chanel. But Kerry's cry of 'she's a ghost' put everyone off it. Best Supporting Actress, Melissa Leo's dress, (she of the f-word) is intriguing, made as it is from hundreds of mirrors by SA-born designer Mark Bouwer. I was pushing for the local angle, but the design didn't get the sign-off from any of the panel.

And so, by default, the win goes to Mandy Moore who looked 'most Oscar-ish' but the memo has been sent out for nest year - step away from the nude shades ladies, it washes you out. The last word on the matter is anonymous, "couldn't any of them have stretched to putting on a damn necklace to brighten things up?" I will leave it there.

Oscars Red Carpet 2011: Red - Who Wore it Best?

So obviously I love Sandra Bullock. If only she cared more about handbags, frocks and shoes, I would have her in my fantasy book club in a heartbeat. I would. And I think that she looked lovely last night at the Oscars. She also was totally on-trend in her Vera Wang red gown. As was host, Anne Hathaway, in the first of her seven outfits for which her stylist Rachel Zoe charged a staggering amount of money. She got most of them right though, so that's cool.
The big surprise for me though was Jennifer Lawrence. I had never heard of her before the Golden Globes (neither had you so don't roll your eyes), and she wore Louis Vuitton to that, and a rather unflattering pink number to the SAGs. I had all but brushed her off as someone that was unnecessary to my brain capacity. And then she turned up at the Oscars looking like a cross between Candice Swanepoel and Jessica Rabbit in this simple floor-sweeper by Calvin Klein. So lovely. She wins.

Oscars Red Carpet: Jade Jewellery - Who Wore it Best?

One of the most striking trends of the Oscars Red Carpet in 2011 was the popularity of jade jewellery pieces (thanks to Angelina). For me the winner of the trend-off is unquestionably the mighty Annette Benning. Not only do I love her for always, always looking just prop-vol delight to be where ever she happens to be, but I think she has chosen exactly the right earrings for her outfit and hair.
Someone needs to have a quiet word with lovely Amy Adams who has cleverly combined navy and jade, but who seems to have done 'a Nicole Kidman' - you know, the unnecessary jewellery on top of dress syndrome...
Celine has gone all old school, so we will just leave it there and Reece has kept it simple and pretty, unlike the hair. But Annette is just perfect. It makes me happy.
Don't hesitate to try this yourself. Grab yourself a wonderful jade piece from the markets or accessory stores and team it with navy, black, green, grey or white. Keep your hair up for earrings, your décolletage open for a neckpiece, and you will be great.

Kim Kardashian | Marchesa gown

Kim Kardashian looked fabulous in a red Marchesa gown at the Heart Truth 2010 Fashion Show at New York Fashion Week. The fashion show showed of the Red Dress Collection 2010, which helps raise awareness about women's heart disease. Kim Kardashian was also in New York to promote her new fragrance and show her Bebe fashion line. Reggie Bush was also with her in New York City and Bryant Park.

Rihanna Hairstyles for 2011

We all like Rihanna and we love that anytime she “messes” with her hair, she only looks better. How can she do it?! Take a peek at this article and follow our advice, then choose a hairstyle that you like best and go straight to your hairdresser to “make it possible for you!”.

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Lindsay Lohan 2011

“If I go [to auditions] with blonde hair it goes well, yet when I’m dark, I fail to land the parts” – Lindsay Lohan

Trend Alert: Oversized Geek Glasses

At Design Indaba yesterday, it has become apparent that my giant, enviable, vintage spectacles are no longer mine alone. Everywhere you look there are hipsters in large, black-frames glasses.
Obviously, it is a trend, although I am fighting admitting it as I really don't want to have to give mine up when they are no longer cool. In fact, when I was at London Fashion Week last week, I got stopped and asked several times about my specs. It warmed my heart but sent a shiver down my spine at the same time. Argh, the vagaries of fashion. The dastardly middle-class problems I have!
And now look, Oscar presenter, Anne Hathaway, lovely as she is, is wearing them. Sigh. Really? Already? What should I do? Let me know.

Royal Wedding Style: Kate Middleton Reduces, Reuses, Recycles

On her first official day-time public engagement yesterday, Royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton accompanied Prince William to a lifeboat naming ceremony in their hometown of Anglesey (I know, these are the important issues of the day). But despite being a curious use of their time, Kate did set a great example with her style - as she reworked an old herringbone coat, refreshing it and making it a more modern design. A Royal recycling project!
She wore the coat much longer back in 2006, but recently had it shortened to work with her current style. Much has been made of her appropriate feathered facinator, but I was more pleased to see that she was wearing brown opaque tights (yes!) and a very modern ankle boot. Very well played, Kate, much improved.

The Two and Mememe Cheapy McCheap Cheap End of Summer Sale

I never just cut and paste PR copy. First of all, I always have my own crazy story to tell you, so it is almost never relevant. In fact, unless the press release is great, I seldom read past the second paragraph. And second, PR copy sounds like PR copy, and you guys would totes give me a hard time about it. But this headline is copied verbatim from my friend Miss Milli B's email. Anything that uses the phrase "Cheapy McCheap Cheap" gets my vote.
So gang, if you are in Jozi next week, get your stylish selves down to the Two/Mememe sale in Parkhurst and  then come back here and boast about your fashion bargains.
Milisuthando works tirelessly to promote local fashion and has been the rallying voice behind wearing SA fashion on a Friday in Joburg. Blogger, retailer, fashionista, writer, she is also magazine star in the latest March issue of O Magazine. Go and check her out now if you haven't bought your copy!

Justin Bieber | Never Say Never

Jon M. Chu decided to "Never Say Never" when he agreed to direct Justin Bieber and help tell his life story in the musical documentary. He relentlessly followed the pop star around the country to make sure there wasn't a moment of Justin's life that wasn't captured on celluloid for the box-office smash. With a re-release hitting theaters this week, he's our Hump Day Hottie.