Natalie Portman in Rodarte 

I would like to end this Oscar-filled day here at Style Spot with the star of the evening; the most beautiful Natalie Portman. Rumour has it that she was planning to wear a Dior gown, but decided to change because of Galliano being arrested last week. Instead, she wore this plum coloured gown by the Mulleavy sisters at Rodarte. Even though Natalie looked stunning in this colour, I can't help but think what the rumoured Dior gown looked like. I just have this feeling that it would have brought a much greater wow-factor, but I do understand her choice of not wearing Dior.

Last night, was Natalie's moment. And she deserved every bit of it. She was the favourite to win the Oscar for "Actress in a leading role", and I was one of those rooting for her, desperately hoping that she would win. I loved her speech a lot as she was so sweet and genuine. Congratulations Natalie! I was also very happy to see Colin Firth win "Actor in a leading role" - I have had this thing for him ever since I saw him dive into the pond in Pride & Prejudice (and I know I'm not the only one!).

Also, I am very curious to learn who you think was the best dressed of the evening. For me, it was Mila Kunis in Elie Saab. If your favourite is not on the list below, please let me know who you liked instead.

Who had the best Oscar dress?
	Mila Kunis
	Gwyneth Paltrow
	Cate Blanchett
	Hailee Steinfeld
	Jennifer Lawrence
	Michelle Williams
	Natalie Portman
	Others
pollcode.com free polls

Rodarte Spring 2011: New York Fashion Week

My gaping fascination with every Rodarte garment lies in its mind-blowing level of construction detail, from manipulated hand-dyed and knit techniques, to the complicated twisting of straps and multi-textured panels, all constructed from a deeply profound and fantastical dream world of inspiration.

Enter Kate and Laura Mulleavy's Spring outing for Rodarte and the first thing you'll say to yourself is "Where's the twisted cheesecloth?"
The collection has a real polished feel, with easier on the eye silhouettes, and visibly untouched whole fabric. I love the paneled gladiator dresses and the draped patterned fabrics. The Mulleavy sisters were inspired by their native California's redwood forests and porcelain as they explained to WWD, “We were looking at wood carvings and how they were coupled with porcelain...We imagined porcelain silhouettes..." Hmmm, I think I'm missing the flow of the blue and white porcelain vase dresses, but no matter let's get on with some of my favorite looks:















Images courtesy of WWD

Quicktake: RODARTE

Before I get on with it I first have to first mention that for years I thought this museum was called the 'Copper Hewitt.' Aaanyways The Cooper-Hewitt, New York's National Design Museum housed in the original Carnegie Mansion, is currently featuring Quicktake: Rodarte, an installation exhibit of the conceptual and artistic designs of fashion duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. I've always had this crazy fascination with their design techniques and fabric manipulation, but to see these processes up close and in person was absolutely mind blowing. Some standouts included a grey hand-marbled leather jacket with straps and fastenings worn over a hand-knit and purled dress, a flesh-colored leather and cotton knit pleated skirt, and painstakingly hand-knit wool cobweb tights which most probably cost slightly more than a pair of HUE. To my utter disappointment taking photos wasn't allowed at the Cooper-Hewitt, which is why I made the extra effort not to get caught when I did. My espionage yielded some blurry results, but combined with a few still photos from the museum's website, here is most of the collection for your viewing pleasure...

rodarte magic



Kirsten Dunst looked incredible in a Rodarte dress and Nicholas Kirkwood heels at the 2009 CFDA Awards. This has to be one of my favourite Kiki outfits for a looong time.

tfs