BFC/c Fashion Fund 2010 shortlist - revealed!

The shortlist for this year's BFC/Vogue Fund has been announced. The nominees include Charlotte Olympia, Christopher Kane, E. Tautz, Jonathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood, Osman, Peter Pilotto and Richard Nicoll.



They are all in the running for taking away a prize of £200,000 and a bespoke mentoring programme. The seven runners-up will also each receive mentoring through the Fund.


"The high level of financial support and the mentoring package will play a pivotal role in developing the winning designer business on an international platform. We're very proud to be able to offer our promising designers this support and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our funders," said Harold Tillman.


"It is very exciting to be in our second year of the Fashion Fund and to be providing such tangible help to this extremely impressive shortlist of British designers," Vogue's Alexandra Shulman said today. Last year's Fashion Fund was awarded to Erdem.

Gallery: Golden Globe predictions and favourites

Shiny Style has news of the celebs who'll be attending Sunday's Golden Globes ceremony, and with a red carpet line-up that includes the likes of Brad and Angelina, Drew Barrymore, Blake Lively, Penelope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez and Salma Hayek, we can expect some memorable moments. So now we can move onto important things...like predicting what they'll wear (and more importantly, what we wish they'd wear).

Armani couture is always a favourite at award shows (especially if Beyonce, Cate or Katie are in attendance) so no doubt someone will turn up in one of Georgio's understatedly glam frocks. This black one with silver trim is a good bet.

The Globes are one of the only award shows where it's (just about) acceptable to wear a shorter dress. Balmain is the name on everyone's lips - perhaps Kate Winslet will follow on the success of her Revolutionary Road premiere outfit and wear another risky LBD to show off her enviable figure? Or perhaps someone else will have the guts to go where Gemma Arterton lead the way in one of the chiffon micro-mini dresses with long trains in the back?

No doubt there'll be plenty of black on the red carpet, but just because it's classic, it doesn't have to be boring. British designers Basso and Brooke modernise a black satin dress with a signature print across the hem. This would be perfect for a young, fashion-forward attendee, though I doubt anyone will have the guts to go for it!

Speaking of edgy black dresses, no doubt some Carolina Herrera will crop up on Sunday night. Hopefully, it'll be this strapless fishtail number with an almost wet-look top.

Roberto Cavalli knows how to do over the top glamour, and this dress, with its sea anemone-like frills down the skirt, is just that. I would love to see this on someone who normally wears plain, classic clothes, just to spice things up a bit!

Though it may be just a bit too ostentatious in its catwalk form, I think this Dior couture dress would be brilliant with a few modifications. Either changing it to a block colour or removing the fur trim, it suddenly becomes a wearable - if very dramatic - cocktail frock that'll definitely command attention!

Romantic, feminine and flattering, this lilac Elie Saab dress is bound to appear on the Red Carpet at some point. I can see Blake Lively in this, softening her Amazonian figure with the gentle drapes.

Another romantic, feminine option, this time from Jenny Packham, who's been cropping up on the red carpet loads recently, especially on younger celebs. Will Hayden Panettiere forego the usual fitted mini dresses in favour of something more girly?

Jonathan Saunders' move to New York put him up there with the big players, and this dress from his Spring / Summer 2009 show screams red carpet glam. Anne Hathaway, I hope you're listening!

Golden Globes, golden dress. Why not? Marchesa and the red carpet are synonymous now, and this is one of the few dresses that we haven't already seen more than once at big events. Who'll wear it? We'll have to wait and see...

Colour has been sadly lacking recently - are people dressing down because of the recession? Whatever the reason, big events like the Golden Globes are the perfect excuse to go bold. I love the soft ombre fading of this Naeem Khan dress, and the embellished bust tops it off perfectly. Perhaps one for bohemian attendee Cameron Diaz?

The Nina Ricci collection was one of many that featured the new gown silhouette that's short at the front and long in the back (Balmain, Elie Saab and others also used this shape). Will Nina Ricci devotee Reese Witherspoon be there to give this frock an airing (sans coat?) Or will someone else give the look a go? Here's hoping someone is leggy enough to pull it off!

Rodarte are amongst the crop of current fashion darlings, so their delicate, beautifully constructed dresses are everywhere...who'll be wearing this number on the night? We shall see!

If I don't see something from Versace's heart-covered range at the Globes, I'll be very surprised. This white frock is probably the biggest show-stopper, so here's hoping it's picked by a savvy stylist.

[Source]

Get into the mood for London Fashion Week with London Fashion Spectacular

I get a feeling that not a day will go by on CQ until February without me mentioning London Fashion Week.

Today's mention comes courtesy of Radio 4, relive the excitement of the September shows with

Bronwyn Cosgrave presenting. Cosgrave is the author of 'Made For Each Other, Fashion and the Academy Awards' and despite a slightly lacklustre performance at a Barbican lecture the CQ team went to last year 'London's Fashion Spectacular' makes good listening.

Cosgrave is investigating why London has become the centre of the fashion world, something which you could undoubtedly dispute but with people like Mandi Lennard, Todd Lynn and Agyness Deyn giving their tuppence worth it's a must-hear programme. It's worth it just to hear Phillip Green's uber-cockney voice bemoaning designers saying: "you can't get these people to sit still for five minutes... Most of them are out with the fairies." Ha!The next and last episode is scheduled for tonight at 11.30, or catch it again on iPlayer.

[Sipa Press/Rex Features ]

Jennifer Connelly at 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' NY premiere

Balenciaga devotee Jennifer Connelly stayed true to her fashion house when she stepped out in this sparkly aqua number at the premiere of her new film The Day the Earth Stood Still in New York last night. With long, sleek hair (extensions?) and some really subtle yet gorgeous peep-toe heels, she looked fresh and glowing. The party sequin frock and flowing hair is a bit of a departure from the look I'm used to her sporting (neutral-toned architectural dresses and a swept-back 'do) but I really like the change.

Meet LaDress and their perfectly fitting frocks

Simone van Trojen and I share a simple philosophy. Life is better in a dress. As the creator of LaDress, Simone aims to bring women the perfect does-it-all frock, which judging by the current collection, owes a lot to the legacy of Diane Von Furstenberg. There are three main silhouettes on offer; a button down, knee length dress with a wide collar and long sleeves, a classic wrap with quite a full skirt, and a funkier, shorter tunic with a cinched waist. The dresses are then available in all kinds of fabrics, from polka dot silks to bright coloured crepes, resulting in a much larger collection than you'd imagine...

work out your measurements from the size chart (sizes are from XXS - XXL, which are approx UK 6 -18) and you're done. All the dresses are cut to the same size measurements so once you know your fit, you should be able to order any style in any fabric and be ensured the same fit. Top these with a petticoat or a sash scarf, and you're good to go.

Prices start at £179 for the lycra jersey option, so this is not a bargain brand, but you'll get the benefits of boutique shopping (it's delivered in a handcrafted box, with easy returns) which might sway you a bit? Sadly, I don't think the model's Brigitte Bardot hair and sultry eye makeup come as standard, but I'm desperate to try them out too!

Pixie Geldof collaborates with Katherine Hamnett to stop illegal trafficking

Pixie Geldof is lending her face to a new campaign to raise awareness of illegal human trafficking. The model has teamed up with Katherine Hamnett to draw attention to this worldwide problem by promoting a slogan t-shirt designed by Hamnett. "Every year 2.5 million people are trafficked globally, and many women my age and younger are forced into the sex trade. It's time we open our eyes to the situation. This is real and it has to stop!" Pixie said.

The t-shirt launches on the 14th October ahead of EU Anti-trafficking Day (18th October). Available for £20 a pop, these limited edition t-shirts will be available at London's Museum in The Docklands next Saturday, on behalf of Odanadi UK.

Outfit pick: J'aime Paris. And tartan.

Tartan and checked items don't automatically mean you have to go punk. A lot of the stuff that's emerging this season is much smarter and more feminine than the mini kilts and skinny trousers you might be used to. River Island's cute little cinch-waist jacket caught my eye for its vintage charm, but I wanted to do something a little bit unexpected...for once there's not a pencil skirt in sight!

Tartan check button jacket £34.99 River Island

Red skinny fit jeans £24.99 Uniqlo

J'aime Paris brooch £8.50 Dolly Dagger

Pure quilted heart lock bag £45 ASOS.com

'Amy' zip front double buckle boots £80 Topshop

Red bow stud earrings £5 Diva at Miss Selfridge

Diamond thong centre of attention at Singapore Fashion Festival

Ouch. The words 'diamond' and 'thong' put together don't really conjure up images of the most comfy undies in the world do they?

But a £60,700 diamond thong became very much the centre of attention at a show during the Singapore Fashion Festival.

The Triumph Luxurious Diamond Thong had 518 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 30 carats, which were studded into a floral pattern on the front of the garment.

Romanian model Danielle Luminita was hoisted onto the shoulders of two male models, who paraded the thong-wearing blonde down the catwalk.

"It is very comfortable, it's not heavy or scratchy or anything," Luminita said backstage.

The thong was commissioned by Triumph International, who said the garment would be drycleaned before being put on display.

[source]

Topshop want us to earn money as we shop, hooray!

Getting paid to shop sounds like something which would only happen in my dreams (and I'm sure probably has!), but as of tomorrow, it seems my dreams will turn to reality at Topshop.

The UK retail chain - aka my home away from home - is introducing a Style Advisor membership card which will be a godsend for those of us who spend a little bit too much time gallivanting around the many levels in Oxford Street... (or any other branch for that matter).

All we have to do to collect rewards is shop with the Style Advisor service Topshop provides. It's not particularly a hardship anyway, when you consider the service helps inform you of the hottest looks, how to put them together and what looks suit you. And, unbelievably, it's free!

Aside from being rewarded with more money to spend at Topshop, the card is also your means of accessing the latest insider news on upcoming collections, get the low-down on all the hottest in-store events and even have a chance to win tickets to London Fashion Week.It's free to sign up - yippee! You can find out more info by visiting the Style Advisor pages on Topshop.com.

[source]

Oscars 2008: Fashion preview

The Academy Awards held a fashion show a few days go, predicting what trends they think we will see on the red carpet in just a few hours. They look at the stunning gowns worn by Audrey Hepburn, Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hilary Swank and Renee Zellweger at previous Oscar's and preview creations made by the likes of Valentino, Armani and Dior on the runway. Besides just red carpet looks, we get to check out the expensive jewels that are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars - stunning.

Watch the video and see if you can spot any of the dresses previewed on the red carpet.

Hans Silvester's images from 'Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration from Africa'

For once it's not straight from the catwalks but looking at images of East Africa's Surma and Mursi tribes from Hans Silvester's book 'Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration from Africa' I want to go to the nearest meadow and cover myself in grass, flowers and twigs. As someone who once tried to make a sun visor out of grass (I had forgotten my sunnies and was bored) I'm itching to get crafty but even if you're not a maker, these images are really inspiring.

[Source]

Victoria Beckham turns to fashion full-time as Spice Girls tour comes to an end

Victoria Beckham took time out from Spice Girl duty today to promote her clothing line.

The singer made a sneaky exit from rehearsals to attend the preview of the dVb collection at a Toronto shop while touring Canada with the rest of the girls.

Opting for an equestrian look to accompany her dVb jeans, Posh wore a tweed blazer and tan boots, making a change from her revealing stage outfits.


Victoria has been a regular fixture on the front rows of New York Fashion Week, balancing her passion for fashion with the Spice Girls comeback tour.

With the Spice Girls reunion coming to an end, it seems Victoria is keen to ensure she has other projects on the go.

The girls will perform for the last time tomorrow night in Toronto before going their separate ways.

When the group announced they were preforming last June, shows were scheduled for five continents, although the tour appears to have run out of steam after just two.

The band blamed family commitments for their decision to cancel dates in Sydney Beijing, Cape Town and Buenos Aires although rumours of in-fighting are thought to be behind the move.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Sartorial standouts at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Christina Applegate, Kate Beckinsale, America Ferrera, Debra Messing, Ellen Pompeo, Amanda Bynes and Kyra Sedgwick were among the best dressed celebrities at the 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Newly wed Ellen Pompeo looked stunning in the velvet Nina Ricci gown and Fred Leighton jewels. Talking about her dress she said, "I saw it in the January issue of Vogue and said I have to have it!" Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Strapless gowns with long trains were favored by a lot of celebrities that impressed. A lot of stars chose to make their sartorial statements sans adornments. Necklaces, for example, appeared conspicuous by their absence. Similarly, hair styling was subdued.

Here is a pick of the best dressed during the event compiled by our fashion editor.

Ashley Tisdale looked elegant in a Badgley Mischka scoop neckline white chiffon gown with crystal and jet pinstripe beading around the neck, going around the waist and down front. Her long blond hair were enough to glam her up sans jewelry looks! Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

The mom-to-be, Cate Blanchette, glammed it up with Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesqui貥 strapless bustier dress with multi-colored flower embroidery all over, Fred Leighton earrings and bracelet and Roger Vivier black sandals. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Kyra Sedwick wore a strapless body hugging blue L'Wren Scott cobalt silk crepe and Chantilly lace gown matched with diamond drop earrings. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Sara Ramirez accessorized her satiny purple Angel Sanchez gown with jewels from H. Stern, Neil Lane, and Bochic. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Debra Messing glittered in a gold sequined Oscar de la Renta sheath, a Neil Lane gold and colored diamond ring and rough cut diamond earrings. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Kate Beckinsale in a tiered and ruffled bright yellow Luisa Beccaria gown, Roger Vivier Boite heels, and Van Cleef & Arpels vintage jewels. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Christina Applegate dazzled in her Elie Saab silver sequined gown. Talking about her dress Applegate said, "I'm like a baby with shiny things! It's beautiful and it swishes on the bottom." She wore beautiful Neil Lane diamond earrings and a pearl bracelet. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Jenna Fischer wore a blue studded Collette Dinnigan gown. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Laura Leighton played it safe in a pretty blue cocktail dress. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

January Jones goes pink in her Giorgio Armani Priv頳ilk organza gown and Neil Lane diamonds. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Angelina looked gorgeous in her flowing strapless vintage Hermes gown with a long train, tie-dyed in earthy colors. Large Amrapail of Jaipur earrings, a broad golden cuff bracelet and Christian Louboutin heels completed her ensemble. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Eva Longoria in a low back cut and draped neck line white glittery gown by Naeem Khan and Verdura jewels.. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

America Ferrera walked the red carpet in a figure hugging charcoal gray Monique Lhuillier lace gown with a jeweled single shoulder, Lorraine Schwartz earrings and Jimmy Choo heels. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

Amanda Bynes wore a midnight blue strapless Marchesa gown with beaded bodice, Jimmy Choo sandals and Kwiat diamonds. Photo Credit: Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

News Copyright © Sawf News. May not be reproduced without explicit written permission

USA : Passion for Fashion Competition updates

Tanya Lund, a senior at West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington, has enjoyed a passion for fashion since the tender age of six. As a child this talented artist and designer began to draw characters and design fashion-forward ensembles for them. Additionally, Lund’s Barbie’s were the best dressed in town.

Today she hopes to use her talents to some day share her design point of view with the world. As winner of The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion competition within the Fashion Design category, Lund will begin her design education at The Art Institute of Seattle in the fall of 2008. Lund describes her winning piece as classy and elegant with Goth and medieval influences.

Additionally, inspiration from an eclectic mix of musicians, structures, architecture and designers such as Jeffrey Sebelia, Vera Wang and Zac Posen can be seen in her design. She looks forward to incorporating these perspectives into her own youthful high-fashion line some day.

Says Lund, “I have a unique way of looking at things. I love unique things that catch my eye. My look will be very bold. I like things that are asymmetrical…not always exactly normal.”

This ambitious teenager is already on the road to success. In addition to her cheerleading duties at West Valley High, Lund is on the Fashion Board of Nordstrom. In this roll, she joins an elite group of her peers to help influence the type of garments which will be in the stores while learning about theNordstrom business.

Additionally, she serves as a member of DECA, an international association of high school and college students studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service.

The Art Institutes

Introducing... Isla Moda - the island completely devoted to fashion!

Stop Press! Get this - there is going to be an island built that is completely devoted to fashion! We can't believe it either. Dubai Infinity Holdings (DIH) has announced plans to develop the world's first fashion island - Isla Moda (see artist's impression below).

The multi-million dollar island, which will be located on the man-made 'The World' archipelago, will boast fashion themed residential villas, haute couture boutiques and luxury hospitality facilities.

Other services include style concierge for clothing, perfumery, fashion makeovers and a design consultation, allowing residents to create their own living environment with custom made furniture, art and technology.

Top fashion designers from each continent are said to be involved in the development which aims to increase tourism by attracting the world's fashion elite. Residents will even be granted ‘VVIP’ (Very Very Important Person) access to exclusive global events, services and products.

In addition, Isla Moda will become a hub to host fashion shows and product launches. Designers will also be offered their own studios to work in while they're on holiday. The first set of villas, known as the "winter collection" are expected to go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.

I can just picture the likes of Naomi Campbell and Giorgio Armani playing neighbours in their exclusively designed villas. Meanwhile where do I sign up to be a VVIP? My passport is already trembling with excitement at the prospect...

For more travel news make sure to visit Lost Weekend - our new travel blog!

[Source / Source]

Brian Bailey's ten tips for a fashion makeover

Brian Bailey, National Post

10. Go to a good bra-fitter and give yourself a lift! Know the correct fit of your bra and that it will change every few years. If you try on clothes in a bra that doesn't fit, no dress will work. You might as well wear that comfy, this-will-do dress you have in the closet, and save yourself the bother of trying on fabulous clothes.

9. Always shop wearing good lipstick.

8. Take a prep moment to make sure you have the right foundation body-slimmer, which will keep things where they need to be and smooth out the edge of those delightful curves. Buy the size that doesn't turn you into a sausage.

7. Shoes can kill a dress. A smart pump never works in the evening if the heel is thick, so if you need a pump, lose the stocky heel - unless you want your calves to look the same way.

6. If you've never worn jersey, try that on first, it won't add bulk to your figure. If you have curves, start to love them, but keep them smooth looking with the addition of a body-slimmer. Non-jersey fabrics use darts to give the dress shape, but this also adds bulk - use body-slimmers!

5. A gentle A-line will make your hips look smaller and your waist the focal point. Even if you don't have hips, this shape does amazing things.

4. When buying colour in a dress, be prepared to spend money: If the dress is inexpensive and colourful, chances are it looks the price.

3. Another great black dress is never a mistake. By alternating your shoes, scarfs and shawls it can be a limitless source of outfits. Changing the shoe from something bright and colourful to metallic to a barely-there strappy sandal changes everything - shoes are the accessory for 2008!

2. If you feel like crap the day you're going dress shopping, save yourself the trip. No dress works miracles.

1. Unless you're under 18, leave your pearls at home. They're the most ageing accessory in the world.

British Fashion Awards

The prestigious British Fashion Awards award for designer of the year went to Stella McCartney.

Stella McCartney was named designer of the year at the British Fashion Awards in London. She outstaged the harsh competition of the likes of Anya Hindmarch and Luella Bartley at the British Fashion Awards.

The panel of judges consisted of top fashion editors, merchants and influential people, led by the editor of British fashion magazine Vogue, Alexanrda Shulman.

Awards were also handed to jewellery designer Tom Binns, Burberry, male designer Christopher Bailey and female designer Vivienne Westwood.

Designer Erdem Moralioglu won a 50,000 reward that will help the development of his brand Erdem.

It girl Agyness Deyn was pronounced model of the year, according to nzherald.co.nz.

See the PHOTO GALLERY from the British fashion Awards.

The results of the British Fashion Awards:

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Stella McCartney

NEW DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Christopher Kane

DESIGNER BRAND OF THE YEAR - Anya Hindmarch

MODEL OF THE YEAR - Agyness Deyn

THE ISABELLA BLOW AWARD FOR FASHION CREATOR - Michael Howells

RED CARPET DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Marchesa

MENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Christopher Bailey for Burberry

ACCESSORY DESIGNER OF THE YEAR - Tom Binns

THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN FASHION DESIGN AWARD - Dame Vivienne Westwood

THE BFC FASHION ENTERPRISE AWARD - Erdem Moralioglu

Source: Javno

RACE of fashion and style icons

The capital, Delhi witnessed a spectacular evening when the Provogue Autumn-Winter 2007 Collection launched at The Grand on Saturday.


The entire star cast of RACE - Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Sameera Reddy and Akshaye Khanna with their Producers - Kumar Taurani & Ramesh Taurani, Directors - Abbas & Mastan, Music Director - Pritam, Lyricist - Sameer and Singer - Atif, Neeraj & Monali set the ramp on fire, as the RACE poster was unveiled.

Come January 2008, Tips Industries is all set to unleash their biggest extravaganza ever. RACE will be the buzz word of Bollywood. It features a star-cast comprising of the biggest and the best in Bollywood, Director duo Abbas-Mustan whose name defines the thriller genre in India wields the directorial baton for RACE. The movie is set against the beautiful locales of Durban... RACE promises you the edge of the seat excitement!

Elizabeth more fashion show than historical epic

ELIZABETH: The Golden Age is essentially a Paris couture fashion show with some historical names and details tossed in as a feeble attempt at significance.


It's not an exaggeration to say that the entire movie consists of Cate Blanchett trying on various ornate, richly hued dresses with increasingly intricate wigs and headdresses, until one day when the Spanish armada shows up. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne probably should have got top billing.

Blanchett being Blanchett, she finds some opportunities for subtle, deliciously regal condescension as she returns to the role of Queen Elizabeth I, which turned her into a star and earned her an Academy Award nomination nearly a decade ago.

But more often she vamps it up mightily under the over-the-top direction of Shekhar Kapur, who also made 1998's Elizabeth.

Despite its lofty aspirations and late 16th century setting, this one belongs right up there with Showgirls in the high-camp section of your local video store. Clive Owen wears puffy shirts and dangles from a pirate ship as the devilishly handsome and flirty Sir Walter Raleigh (he also takes part in a corny, soft-core sex scene), while Geoffrey Rush returns from the first film and is sadly squandered as Elizabeth's right-hand man, who somehow manages to remain at the centre of international intrigue even though he's barely around.

The script, from Elizabeth writer Michael Hirst and Gladiator co-writer William Nicholson, contains sprinklings of fact, fiction and mythology with some heaping scoops of romance novel.
Elizabeth, the virgin queen, is tired of being pestered by Rush's Sir Francis Walsingham to find a suitable mate, settle down and start making babies. He thinks it'll make her monarchy stronger.
(This leads to a parade of ill-fitting suitors, a highbrow version of the bad-date montage you'd see in any standard romantic comedy.)

At the same time, the Protestant queen is in danger of being overthrown by Spain's King Philip II (a flamboyant Jordi Molla), who wants to restore Catholicism to England and has no shortage of overzealous followers who are willing to go to war and die for this cause. Meanwhile, there's also an assassination plot afoot that may involve Elizabeth's imprisoned cousin, Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton, also barely used).

Somehow, in the midst of all this turmoil, Elizabeth finds time to dally with the swarthy and adventurous Raleigh, who has just returned from the New World with potatoes and tobacco and a couple of natives, just to prove he was really there. They giggle and ride horses and verbally spar, but there's no way Elizabeth could ever realistically hook up with him (even though he's played by Owen, who is pretty much impossible to resist).

Instead, she sends her most trusted lady-in-waiting, Bess (Abbie Cornish) to get close to him and learn more about him - but then Bess gets too close, which sends Elizabeth into vicious, slapping snits of jealousy and anger. Certainly this must have been a complicated woman; Elizabeth oversimplifies matters and depicts her as having the temperament of a spoiled teenager.

Blanchett nevertheless looks stunning throughout with that translucent skin, those piercing blue eyes and, of course, a different vibrant frock for every occasion.

Kapur drowns all these melodramatic proceedings in the bombastic, omnipresent score from Craig Armstrong and A R Rahman; it swells when it should, it swells when it shouldn't. And while some of the visuals from cinematographer Remi Adefarasin can be lovely (the detailed interiors of the castle, the rolling English countryside), the climactic invasion by Spanish war ships bears the distracting fakeness of an explosive set piece that obviously came out of a computer.

It actually looks like something you could check in front of the Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas, every hour on the hour.

AP

Ooops! Jamelia and Victoria 'rock' up to Swarovski Fashion Rocks in the the same frock!

It's a celeb's worst nightmare. You (or your management / record company / production company / rich partner) have spent a fortune getting your look absolutely perfect for one of the biggest nights in the social calendar. All your peers are flocking to the event and it's the perfect moment for you to shine. Then you turn round on the red carpet and spot another less credible 'sleb wearing the same frock as you. Poor old Jamelia...it happened to her last night at the Swarovski Fashion Rocks event, when leggy blonde former Playboy Playmate of the Year Victoria Silverstedt turned up in the same corsted pink satin dress as her. I have just one question for you all. Who wore it best?