17.01.2011- Starry Starry Night

On a rather gloomy Monday morning, here's some red carpet glamour from last night's Golden Globe Awards (aka an excuse for me to post about my favourite dresses!)

 Natalie Portman, winner of the Best Actress award for Black Swan, wearing a gorgeous blush pink gown by Viktor and Rolf. 

 Claire Danes in Calvin Klein- I adore the colour of this dress.

 Leighton Meester, looking lovely in Burberry. This choice is slightly more casual than some of the other dresses we saw on the red carpet, but I think Leighton's look was one of the most effortless and sophisticated of the evening. 

 Mila Kunis, in a beautiful emerald green Vera Wang gown. 

 Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé, looking amazing as always. 

 Last year's Best Actress award winner, Sandra Bullock in an ethereal design by Jenny Packham. 

I love this Elie Saab dress on Scarlett Johansson, particularly the exquisite butterfly sleeves and embellishment, but a smile would have made this look even better. 

What were your favourite looks from the red carpet?

(Image credit: style.com.)

16.01.2011- You should be dancing....yeah?

The impending release of Black Swan, which opens in the UK on Friday, and centres upon a production of Swan Lake, has got me thinking about other films which feature iconic dance sequences. I can't wait to see the ballet scenes from Black Swan, especially after reading about the rigorous training which both Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis underwent in order to be able to convince as ballerinas on screen (and because I'm writing my dissertation on Swan Lake!) However, if if a reported five hours of ballet training and swimming a day aren't really your cup of tea, here's my round up of some stunning dance performances on screen, which can be happily watched from the comfort of your sofa...

West Side Story (1961)- 'America'
 

Faithfully recreating the essence of Jerome Robbins' original Broadway choreography, this sequence really captures the energy, passion and vibrancy of the film and its characters. Rita Moreno completely steals this scene for me, but the ensemble sections are just as brilliant- nobody misses a beat- and the choreography really brings Leonard Bernstein's fast-paced music to life.

Singin' in the Rain (1952)- 'Singing in the Rain'

Starring and choreographed by the legendary Gene Kelly, never has getting drenched looked more fun than in this iconic scene. I love how Kelly's tap dancing skill really takes prominence here and there is something about his performance that is so endearing that it can't help but put a smile on your face.

Swing Time (1936)- Fred and Ginger's first dance

Swing Time is widely considered to be the finest example of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' on screen dance partnership, and, looking at this clip, it's not difficult to see why. They make the synchronised tap sequences (all choreographed by Astaire) look effortless, and remain perfectly in time with each other throughout. Beautiful.

Funny Face (1957)- Audrey's solo

In this sequence, Audrey Hepburn was able to demonstrate her skill as a dancer, having been trained in ballet from an early age. Her performance, in front of leading man Fred Astaire, is cheeky, engaging and lively, and embodies the unique charm which she is so fondly remembered for.

Given the buzz which is surrounding Black Swan (and Natalie Portman's performance in particular) I wouldn't be surprised if the film goes on to become a dance classic in its own right.

Are you looking forward to seeing Black Swan? What are your favourite dance sequences on film?

(Video credit: Youtube.)

16.10.2010- Black Swan

Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman and directed by Darren Aronofsky isn't released here in the U.K until February next year (which I know seems an insanely long time away), but, by the look of these beautifully designed teaser posters, it will be well worth the wait:

The film centres upon Portman's character, Nina, who is competing for the lead role in a New York production of Swan Lake with another dancer, Lilly (played by Mila Kunis). On a visual level, the film looks as if it has been beautifully shot, as the storyline delves into the psychology of one of the most iconic storylines of the traditional ballet repertoire. I can't wait to see the dance sequences (Portman and Kunis received ballet training in preparation for playing their respective roles), and the costumes in particular. I'm sure you're looking forward to the film as much as I am, but just in case you haven't seen the trailer yet, here it is:

What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing Black Swan? What other films are you excited about seeing over the coming months?

(Image credit: ONTD. Video credit: Fox Searchlight on Youtube.)

04.01.2010- Natalie Portman for ELLE UK February 2010 by David Slijper

I picked up the latest issue of ELLE at the weekend, and, as well as the accompanying guide to Spring/Summer trends, the issue also features a stunning editorial and really endearing interview with Natalie Portman.

 

 

 

I love the way that she has been styled here, the final shot of her in profile is exquisite.

(Image credit: fashiongonerogue and the Fashion Spot.)