Victoria Beckham Winter Fall 2012 Collection, Military-inspired

Confident: Victoria Beckham makes an appearance at the end of her New York Fashion Week show today

She has proved she can win over the toughest of fashion critics.
And now, as a well-established member of the industry - and a British Fashion Award-winner no less - Victoria Beckham's latest offering felt like her most confident to date.
Aware that she does not need to reinvent the wheel to be successful, she delivered a crowd-pleasing collection of form-fitting dresses at her New York Fashion Week Show this morning.
Gone were the draped numbers that she favoured during her pregnancy, and the sportswear themes of last season.
Instead, her signature body-conscious shifts, falling demurely just below the knee, lent themselves perfectly to the military look so many other labels have been also championing.
The theme ensured that there was nothing boring or repetitive about the dress shape.
A palette of muddy greens, taupe and the occasional shock of red against a constant of black set the scene, while epaulettes, square pockets and crisp, pointed collars injected precision into each one.
Black leather belts, double-wrapped around waists - Mrs Beckham's included - and harness-detail backs, completed the look.
A utilitarian shade of blue was something of a palate-cleanser that appeared in a couple of garments. A different dress shape, with a shorter, more flared hem, continued the uniform theme, albeit with more of a schoolgirl vibe than a military one.
Some influences though, were purely personal. Mrs Beckham told the Daily Telegraph that the models' peaked beanies, designed by veteran milliner Stephen Jones, were inspired by the type worn by her husband.

Military theme: Mrs Beckham's new collection, for fall/winter 2012, came in a palette of black, muddy greens, taupe and the occasional shock of red

Tinker tailor: The designer gave her signature silhouette new life with sharp collars and double-wrapped belts, while a utilitarian shade of blue was something of a palate-cleanser

And if the tailoring of some of the dresses feels reminiscent of a baseball kit, she explained that it was inspired by the shirts eldest son Brooklyn favours.

The most significant influence, though, was that of her seven-month-old daughter, Harper, who was honoured in the form of a new handbag.

Supportive husband: David Beckham, who was seated on the front row next to Vogue editor Anna Wintour, could be seen snapping away with his camera throughout the show

The only thing we couldn't quite imagine Mrs Beckham embracing next season was the legwear: woolly socks worn with chunky - often flat - biker boots by Christian Louboutin.
While the designer could be seen wearing one of the new dresses when she made her appearance at the end, her feet were still clad in those familiar platform courts.
She said in her show notes that she wanted 'to explore how clothes can make women feel when they put them on and how to create an emotional attachment between the garment and the wearer.

Crowd-pleaser: The new collection, which featured several personal influences, was yet another hit

Holding court: We can't imagine platform fan Mrs Beckham wearing the flat, chunky boots seen on her models

'The idea of how the body can connect to the clothes through their construction and detail fascinates me.'
Mrs Beckham's show was part of New York Fashion Week, which is in its fourth day. Later today will see shows from Diane von Furstenberg and Zac Posen take place, with Carolina Herrera and Donna Karan showing on Monday.


 

Cameron Diaz tames her wild locks as she steps out in Paris for Versace Couture Fashion Week

Just a week ago she was sporting a bed-head style crop, but following criticism Cameron Diaz has decided to tame her locks.
With her blonde hair ironed straight, the actress dazzled as left her hotel to attend shows in Paris this morning, marking the start of Couture Fashion Week.
Already she has showcased two contrasting looks. In preparation for the 10.30am Versace show Diaz opted for a sexy ensemble consisting of a flattering black mini skirt, leather ankle boots and mesh panelled top.
But for the Christian Dior presentation, held at the 1200 square metre flagship store on Avenue Montaigne, the 39-year-old adopted a more feminine demeanor, flaunting a knee-length Fifties-inspired black and white polka dot dress, gladiator heels and scarlet lipstick.

Cameron Diaz sported a slick hairstyle as she stepped out in Paris for Couture Fashion Week to attend the Versace show (left) and the Christian Dior presentation (right)

Only a collarless coat protected her from the cold as she stepped out of the Four Seasons on Avenue George V.
The Charlie's Angles star first unveiled her new haircut during a beach holiday with friends in Hawaii earlier this month. But the style has unsettled fans who preferred her with longer hair.

She started the day on the front row of the Versace show where she was joined by German actress Diane Kruger.
Kruger, 35, chose a monochrome printed dress, strappy sandals and a natural updo.
After the show, which was also attended by Vogue editors Anna Wintour and Emanuelle Alt, Kruger said: 'I loved it. It was so sexy, so typically Versace. I'm looking myself to see if I can get one.'

Last week: Cameron Diaz flaunted a carefree hair style at the Weinstein Company's Golden Globes afterparty

Today: Kruger chose a monochrome printed dress, strappy sandals and a naturally styled updo (left)

Opulent: Models present a collection from Versace during the Couture Fashion Week in Paris

After an eight-year hiatus, the Italian brand Versace and its line 'Versace Atelier' have made a much-awaited return to couture with 15 looks.
The fashion house went for a Grecian theme, exhibiting feminine gowns in gold, silver and white. In true Versace style orange, yellow and acid green were other shades to feature.
Designer Donatella, 56, said: 'The world needs glamour, and I missed couture.'
Classic designs were revisited and given an Aphrodite-like twist, such as the leather biker jacket and hot pants with gold metallic gussets.

An aria from the Puccini opera Tosca, sung by Greek legend Maria Callas was played as models showcased the intricate creations.
However day-one of the couture shows will otherwise be dominated by Dior, which remains in the spotlight since John Galliano's departure last March after his racist outburst.
Many are eager to know if the house, steered for the past 10 months by Galliano's right-hand man Bill Gaytten, will choose this week to name a successor. The Belgian Raf Simons is currently tipped for the job.

Donatella Versace takes to the catwalk (right) and strikes a pose with actress Cameron Diaz

Versace went for a Grecian theme, exhibiting gowns in golds and silvers while classic designs were revisited

Two dozen fashion houses will be sending out one-off creations - the industry's most expensive - over three days of exclusive shows.
Tomorrow comes the turn of two great French houses -- Chanel and Givenchy -- sharing the spotlight with small French designers Alexandre Vauthier (a favourite of R'n'B star Rihanna) and Julien Fournie.
And on Wednesday Jean Paul Gaultier will feature, alongside the French-Chinese designer Yiqing Yin, known for her sophisticated drapes.
Haute couture is a protected appellation in France, awarded based on strict criteria.
The industry caters to a core client base of no more than 100 women worldwide. They are joined each year by another 100 who will treat themselves to a once-in-a-lifetime dress, for a special occasion.
A unique creation from a young designer is never less than £12,000 - double that figure for something from a big-name house. Wedding dresses can go for £80,000 or more.