Best of the night: ELLE Style Awards 2012

1) Alexa Chung wearing Stella McCartney
2) Florence Welch wearing Erdem
3) Laura Carmichael wearing Christopher Kane
4) Poppy Delevigne wearing Mary Katrantzou for Topshop
5) Lisa Snowdon wearing vintage Couraggès
6) Tallulah Harlech

Taffeta - not just for the 80s eh?

Though as the meaning of the word in Persian suggests, taffeta isn't known for being ‘twisted’ or 'woven'. Instead, the material is often stiff, crisp and plain. For most, taffeta is synonymous with the 1980s. Made from silk or synthetic fibres, it was often used in the aforementioned decade on prom dresses, with nipped in waists, layered skirts and puff sleeves. Taffeta became a firm favourite in the television show, Dynasty, for Joan Collins’ character Alexis Colby. Around the same time, Madonna was perfecting her ‘Material Girl’ look, in her iconic floor length gown and once more in that Louis Vuitton dress at the MET Ball Costume Institute Gala.

After the drama and power shoulders that were the 1980s, you would've thought that taffeta was long gone. But amongst the Spring/ Summer 2012 collections, Christopher Kane proved that taffeta can look modern by using pastel shades and a plethora of florals. As well as this, it’s become a popular choice for wedding dresses and ball gowns alike. However, if you attempt to wear taffeta, proceed with caution. Nobody wants to wear an outfit, but look like they've donned a Dynasty costume do they?

Image taken from Google images.

Christopher Kane florals

When Spring/ Summer comes along, you know we are subjected to a plethora of florals - it goes without saying. But what Christopher Kane did this season is take an old favourite and once again, kept it modern (and extending my wishlist even more!) The bright shades of the florals pack a punch, whilst the almost-sheer element doesn't let the garments look too girly. Job well done, Kane.