Archive: July 3rd, 2007

Nebinger/Orban/taamallah/ABACA

Through a sea of Chanel umbrellas, I am escorted to my seat for the Haute Couture Autumn/Winter show in Paris. The scene is breathtaking, like a fairytale wedding with white drapes, beautiful statues and white gardenias blossoming from either side of the catwalk. But there is one slight snag — the rain is threatening to wash the gravel catwalk away completely. As staff tend to the puddle-ridden runway, Fergie takes her seat next to Vanessa Paradis (aka Johnny Depp’s better half) on the front row. And the show begins. . .skin tight leather trousers encrusted with gems, feather adorned sunglasses, ball gowns in pastel shades with sparkling trims, lace and feather creations. The scene was like something out of a modern day Cinderella meets Barberella. “It was so glamorous” Fergie tells me backstage after the show. “I loved the long sleeve dress with gold medallions on it. That’s the one I want but I’ll have to shorten it about five inches because I’m not as tall as the models.” The ‘Glamorous’ singer and her pals left the backstage area wielding goodie bags and, more importantly, inspiration: “I’m getting new ideas for my video, I’m very inspired,” she revealed before jumping into her waiting car.

wenn; Simon Hammond/Splash News online

Kate Middleton needs no advice when it comes to fashion. Stepping out in a regal looking white dress and white cotton Issa trench coat for the Diana memorial concert in London on Sunday she showed off a royal sense of style. With rumors of a reconciliation in the air all eyes were on the beaming Middleton, who dressed down the outfit with her favorite black knee high boots and a perfect blow dry. We love that her outfit was stylish yet practical. As Issa designer Daniella Helayel tells PEOPLE “She looks very chic, demure and understated in the trench coat. It was the perfect outfit for the weather and the event!” We couldn’t agree more. If you can’t afford Kate’s $900 designer trench, try this casual white trench for a similar look, on sale $30 from $80, at gap.com. Add these Isaac Mizrahi boots, $36 at target.com, and this Ann Taylor sheath, $80 at anntaylor.com — and you’ve got the look!

Photo: Neimanmarcus.com

Fendi is one of the ultimate icons of luxury, but this sequin-coated Spy Bag seems a little over the top for us. Is it too flashy or just fashionably sparkly? Vote and then tell us: Would you wear this?

wenn(2)

When we first saw Renee Zellweger in her jeans on the red carpet at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, we thought she was trying to make some kind of fashion statement. Turns out the star’s luggage was lost during the flight, forcing Renee to go straight from the plane to the opening gala in her comfy flying jeans, faded black long sleeve t-shirt and sunglasses. Even still, the Miss Potter actress looked fresh faced and happy. Luckily, her bags were quickly recovered, and she was in a more Renee-like black Carolina Herrera dress and strappy black shoes before the end of the night. Lesson to learn? Don’t check the dress if you want to wear it later that day — that’s what carry-on is for!