Friday 31 May 2013

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, has now been transformed into a blockbuster screen hit by director, Baz Luhrmann. The man behind cult classics, Moulin Rouge and Romeo & Juliet has turned his talents to pulling off another hotly anticipated adaptation of a classic.


The all-star cast includes the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton and Tobey Maguire and is embellished with an enviable soundtrack of talent from The xx, will.i.am and Lana Del Rey to Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Nero.





Set in the roaring 20s and littered with classic quotes, the movie plays homage to wealth and social status in New York. In true Gatsby style, this summer London too rolls out the red carpets with Claridge to host a series of Charleston master classes featuring The Bee’s Knees and Harrods opening its doors to a pop-up cocktail bar where the elegant can sip cocktails favoured by those of the 20s.

Thanks to Luhrmann’s Oscar-winning costume designer wife, Catherine Martin, fashion has always played a leading role in his films and Gatsby is no exception. Besides its dazzling musical and scenic influences, the fashion flowing throughout Lurhmann’s adaptation puts a modern spin on roaring twenties, Prohibition and art-deco style.

Take a look at how to achieve the ultimate cocktail party look. Opulence, red lips, fringing, pearls, diamonds, jewel tones, feathers and embellishment form the 20s style essentials. Step inside any Topshop or Zara and teens and twentysomethings can be found buying beaded flapper dressed, while designers from Jenny Packham to Ralph Lauren parade pricier, grown-up versions on the catwalk.







So take your seat and be marveled by the ultimate escapist, glitz and glamour cinematic legend that is The Great Gatsby. 


Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is released in cinemas worldwide in both 2D and 3D from 16th May.

Friday 12 April 2013

Harrods opens its doors to the designer house of Dior...

Iconic luxury landmark, Harrods, throws open its doors and welcomes Dior. The decadent designer brand has opened a temporary wonderland in and outside the store with a cafĂ©, exhibition, multiple window displays and pop-up boutique. Taking over 18 months to create, the project was inspired by the fashion house’s long-term relationship with the store.



“This isn’t a marketing tool,” Christian Dior CEO Sidney Toledano, told Vogue at the launch party. “It’s a transmission of couture. Customers look for more today, they want to hear about the brand history – they need to understand more. Harrods and Dior share the same goals, the same concept of luxury and the same level of service. We need to explain why and how we do what we do. I want people to understand the passion, the innovation and our commitment to excellence. When I come into this room, it works so well. Mr. Dior is doing something – he is here!"


The historic 4th floor Georgian restaurant at Harrods has been transformed into a Dior exhibition, showcasing the brands history, craftsmanship and luxury product. The exhibition features memorable dresses worn by the labels most famous of fans, from Princess Diana to Elizabeth Taylor. Alongside which stands close to 40 of Dior Haute Couture’s most emblematic silhouettes, reproduced in miniature.



Iconic dresses from some of Dior’s best love advertising campaigns, featuring Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron, also make a special appearance.



Stepping outside of the store, the Brompton Road window displays feature London landmarks with a Dior stamp! Telephone boxes, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.





Afternoon tea for two - once bedazzled by the exhibition, why not take a seat in the sleekest, most stylish café in Knightsbridge?



There are plenty of places throughout the store to get your Dior fix. From the Dior backstage studio, nail bar, beauty, accessories and jewellery on the ground floor to shoes and fashion on the first floor and baby Dior or the fourth.


This is one exhibition any fashion lover would be balmy to miss. Dior at Harrods is open to the public until April 14. 

Monday 11 February 2013

The 2013 EE BAFTAs



Yesterday evening London’s Royal Opera House once again played host to the star-studded 2013 BAFTA award ceremony. In true British style, the heavens opened and the rain poured as Stephen Fry took to the stage. Yet despite the rain, once again an eclectic mix of fabulous fashion paraded the red carpet, a time when classic pieces make an appearance, and the daring make striking statements. Here's Peppermint Glitter's pick of the pack...

Zero Dark Thirty star, Jessica Chastain looked simply stunning in a bodice corset royal blue gown by British Designer, Roland Mouret.  The colour and shape perfectly complimented her red hair, pale complexion and slender figure.



As expected Dame Helen Mirren did not disappoint, debuting pink hair and a fairy tale lace dress.



Teamed with aqua toned accessories, Emilia Fox’s black, satin, A-line gown was traditional, timeless and classic. 

A firm favourite among eccentric fashion circles, Paloma Faith's sleek, sophisticated, silver, sequined gown and staple red lipstick combination were without doubt a hit with us. With the subtle yet sultry slit down the chest and back accentuating the wearer is daring to go braless.
  

Despite the minor wardrobe mishap, Marion Cotillard stands as our personal favourite look for the evening. Teaming the striking yellow Christian Dior gown with makeup bag must-have, red lipstick and understated jewels, her look was a sure win showstopper. 


Another firm favourite is the gorgeous, Gemma Arterton. Her asymmetric nude and black striped gown was the perfect mix of statement and style.   


As for the boys, Nicholas Hoult’s brief appearance while presenting an award, successfully reassured us that like fine wine and cheese, he has only got better with age. From his youthful appearances in About A Boy and Channel 4’s Skins, Holts shaved hair and stubble added to the ‘rough around the edges’ image.


Joining the rest of the nation, we too were swooning the delectable, George Clooney. In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, “Clooney’s like a Chanel suit. He’ll always be in style.”


Top winners for the evening included:     
  • Argo collected awards for Best Film, Best Director and Editing
  • Les Miserables collected four awards (Sound, Production Design, Makeup & Hair and Best Supporting Actress – Anne Hathaway
  • Skyfall was awarded Outstanding British Film and Original Music
  • Best Cinematography and Special Visual Effects went to book adaptation, Life of Pi
  • Juno Temple collected The EE Rising Star Award