by Michael Mulligan on June 21, 2012
Every year there are certain cultural events that the rich and famous flock to in droves. The Oscars, The Baftas, The MET ball – They come to see and to be seen and to show off their latest designer purchases. Cannes is no exception.

Some gowns were classic, a little safe perhaps but beautiful all the same. It’s a bit of a shame as Cannes is one of those events where stars can throw really throw off convention and let their inner fashionista run wild. Kelly brook opted for classically cut gowns in bold red and shimmering silver – which was a popular choice of colour for the festival – Lara Stone wore panelled silver Calvin Klein and Gemma Arterton took on the colour with a beaded art deco detailed dress. Kylie wore green Emilio Pucci with a structured peplum flare, but in my opinion she looked a little too casual for Cannes.

These stars opted for an extra dose of drama (and it payed off). In nude coloured floral detailed gowns, Naomi Watts and Eva Longoria prove that Marchesa is as popular a choice as ever for evening wear. I absolutely love the oriental detailing of Natasha Poly’s forest green kimono dress, and Fan Binging’s extravagant caped gown.

Cheryl Cole wore a fabulous couture gown by designer, Stephané Rolland.
Michael Mulligan is a student of Fashion Journalism in the UK. As Style Editor of GabrielleTeare.com, he’ll keep you up to date with all the latest fashion trends and style news.
by Michael Mulligan on November 29, 2011

Autumn/Winter 2011 welcomed tartans from the likes of Burberry Prorsum, Tory Burch, Daks, Valentino and Etro (to name a few). The overall trend seemed to be for big squarish patterns in dark muted colours. Printed dresses, trouser-suits, wraps and capes all lent themselves to the trend, giving Autumn/Winter 2011 a swift injection of country-chic.

Where can you get the trend? I scoured the web for some chic tartan pieces available to buy now.
These dresses are fabulous examples of how to embrace the trend full on. The vintage Gucci wrap dress fits in nicely with this seasons 1940′s trend. Rag and Bone offers a simple, yet interesting and versatile tartan dress perfect for day-into-night. The third dress by Carven has a very sculptural feel with the draped shoulder and pleated skirt – A super-chic option for any occasion.

Jackets are another great way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe. This bold red jacket by MCQ would look great worn casually over jeans or even dressed up in an LBD and heels. The second jacket by Marios at Topshop has a dropped waist and a certain shapelessness that is perfect for adding a touch of 20′s country-chic that will carry you over into Spring/Summer.

Finally, accessories. These pieces are fantastic for those who don’t want to take the trend head on. Introducing small touches of tartan to your look will be just as effective. I especially like the bolted tartan bangle by a young British designer called J.W Anderson, and the printed scarf by Vivienne Westwood (Tartan’s undisputed Queen).

It seems to be catching on too. Kylie Minogue was recently spotted sporting a pair of classic tartan trousers, teamed effortlessly with a black velvet blazer. Rihanna was bang-on-trend whilst performing on The X Factor last weekend, wearing a white collared mini-dress with a silver-chain choker.
Michael Mulligan is a fashion student in the UK, he loves trend-spotting, fashion styling and journalism, when not working on his own creations! Michael Mulligan is Style Editor at GabrielleTeare.Com