Naked Ambition

18.12.2011- Sunday Style Spotlight #11: Keira Knightley

I've posted before about my love of Keira Knightley's style, and I think she's one of a select few modern film stars who embodies a really vintage inspired elegance on the red carpet. As the face of Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, she can take her pick from Karl Lagerfeld's creations, but the thing I really admire about Keira is her support for upcoming British designers- she wore Erdem back in 2007 and sported a stunning Mary Katrantzou dress at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year. Her street style is relaxed, cool and comfortable, and her model-like proportions are perfect for showcasing stunning couture pieces on the red carpet:

This look was inspired by the autumnal Erdem printed dress which Keira wore to the Olivier awards in 2010, and by a look she put together back in 2008. I love the floral pattern on this blouse from Miss Selfridge, and the black bow detail ensures it co-ordinates perfectly with this Topshop skirt. These boots from Zara really remind me of the Isabel Marant Dickers, and I think they toughen the outfit up perfectly. This satchel from ASOS also matches the blouse beautifully, and the gold buckles make it look like a designer piece. Finally, this ring from Cheap Frills is the perfect statement accessory to finish the look off.

What do you think of Keira Knightley's style? Are you a fan?

(Image credit: Look, ASOS, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Cheap Frills and Zara.)

13.10.2010- Never Let Me Go

Today saw both the press conference and premiere at the London Film Festival for Never Let Me Go, which stars Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield. The film, based upon Kazuro Ishiguro's novel of the same name, centres around a dystopian English boarding school where things aren't all that they appear. The trailer appears quite dark, so I can't say I'll be rushing out to see the film when it's released, as I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat to be shamefully honest! But, having said that, I'm more than happy to admire the gorgeous outfits that Keira and Carey wore to today's Never Let Me Go events:

At the Press Conference: Carey wearing Proenza Schouler and Keira in Rodarte.

At the Premiere: Carey wearing Vionnet and Keira wearing Chanel Couture. All sourced via Red Carpet Fashion Awards.

Pretty impressive, no? But then I suppose it helps if you've got all the design houses in the world throwing dresses at you (and Karl Lagerfeld on speed-dial.) If the film is BAFTA nominated, which I'm fairly sure it will be, I can't wait to see what Carey and Keira pull out of the bag for awards season. They certainly make a very stylish team on the red carpet!

What do you think of Carey and Keira's looks? Which is your favourite? And will you be seeing Never Let Me Go?

(Image credit: LOOK and ONTD.)

06.10.2010- Belle Chanel

Yesterday saw Chanel's SS11 presentation, which, from what I've seen online so far, looked very impressive. Set against the backdrop of Paris' Grand Palais and featuring a staggering cast of models, including former Chanel muse Inès de la Fressange, the collection featured some absolutely breathtaking pieces, which I'll include in my Paris round up at the end of the week. Meanwhile, the star-studded front row saw the lucky attendees showcasing their own sartorial acumen:

Alexa Chung

Lou Doillon

Vanessa Paradis

Clemence Poesy

Keira Knightley

Lily Allen

Leigh Lezark

Rachel Bilson

I was disappointed not to see Diane Kruger in the front row, but no doubt she'll have first pick of next season's collection for the red carpet. I'm also in love with Clemence's new darker hair colour!

What did you think of the Chanel presentation? And who do you think was the most stylish in the front row?

(Image credit: ELLE UK.)

26.08.2010- My Safe Place

Safe  is a soon to be published coffee table book which has been created by Emma Thompson in collaboration with photographer Nick Haddow. The book showcases Haddow's beautiful portraits of strong, inspirational women from around the world, photographed in the places that they feel safest and has been developed in order to support The Helen Bamber Foundation. The foundation, established in 1995, works with survivors of human rights violations, and, in their own words, responds with 'compassion and creativity to the legacy of cruelty. We help to mend what was broken in a safe and supportive environment, where restorative relationships enable survivors to feel whole again.'

Proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards helping survivors of genocide, trafficking, torture and rape find their own safe places and rediscover both their strength and their voices. In conjunction with the publication of the book, which is also being supported by Chanel, Lady Tina Green and Working Title Films, a travelling exhibition will be launched in late 2010, although details are yet to be confirmed.

Emma Thompson is encouraging women all over the world to get involved with the Safe project by asking them to share their own safe places, via www.mysafeplace.co.uk (although sadly the website is currently down, fingers cross it will be working again soon.)

Here are some of Nick Haddow's stunning images shot for the Safe project:

Diane Kruger.

Keira Knightley.

Kate Winslet.

Natasha Richardson, such a touching portrait.

Rosamund Pike.

Vanessa Paradis.

The list of contributors to the book is enormous; Haddow has photographed everyone from Anne Hathaway to Ziyi Zhang in their chosen safe surroundings, and I'm sure that we'll be hearing a lot more about the project over the coming months, in the lead up to the release of the book in Spring 2011. It's such a fantastic initiative to raise both money and awareness for a cause which is so deserving and worthwhile. Keep your eyes peeled on mysafeplace.co.uk (which will hopefully be back to working order soon) to find out more about the project. 

My safe place would probably have to be on the beach in Spain where I spent my holiday this year. I've been going there since I was less than a year old, and it will always have a special place in my heart as it holds so many fond memories, and I'm never happier than when I'm running around like a big kid in the surf.

Where is your safe place?

(Image credit: Google Images, Nick Haddow and Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)