Now that the dust has settled

The most notable looks from last week's Costume Institute gala in New York. Note - the big story here is minimalism.

Chloe Sevigny in turquoise lace (by Proenza Schouler): I bet a lot of people didn't like this. It's weird - slightly Victorian-inspired, with the highneckline and the updo, but then also sexy , with the visible bra and abrupt hemline; the colour is jarring - all of which make for an oddly pleasing outfit.

Jamie Bochert in Rodarte for Gap (didn't you think this was Marc Jacobs? I did). The dress reminds me of a 30s partygirl - the hair is pure 21st Century.

Dree Hemingway in Calvin Klein Collection. Geometric, minimalist perfection.

Alexa Chung in 3.1 Phillip Lim. Kudos for wearing trousers (as Kate Moss did a few years back). She reminds me of a glamorous Puss in Boots - or Puss in platform buckle heels, rather.

Sasha Pivovarova, Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl.

I love the way these chaps think they look so cool. While you have to applaud their points of difference - mustard shorts! - I actually think Charlotte's outfit doesn't work on account of the unflattering length of said bottom half. Sasha looks pretty, though.

Kate Bosworth - looking nicely draped.

Amber Valletta in RM by Roland Mouret. Nice graphic lines, and the cobalt blue looks modern. She suits minimalism, this girl.

More minimalist perfection from Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein Collection.

Naomi Watts in burgundy Lanvin. Some people didn't like this, but I think she looks as delectable as a glass of claret.

Blake Liveley. Again, some people didn't like this, but I smell a fashion snob rat. Just because Ms Lively isn't a leftfield fashion icon doesn't mean she can't rock a fashion moment, and this swirling, Neptunesque mini (by Marchesa) is divine.

You can see all the looks from the Met Ball on Handbag.com

Best dressed at NYFW - some thoughts

I love that Marc Jacobs banned famous faces from his show. Does this signal the end of celebrity cultcha? Here are some favourite outfits from NYFW. Who wouldn't want these girls endorsing their brand?

Chloe Sevigny, looking sharp and cool, in black leather. (Btw, I read Alexander Wang's My Stuff feature in Vanity Fair; the guy is obsessed with black, and black leather in particular.)

Charlotte Kemp Muhl, challenging Lady Gaga for most flamboyant dresser title.

Alexa Chung, in some crushed velvet shorts. Joseph Altuzarra featured a lot of velvet in his show (which was reminiscent of Tom Ford's first collection for Gucci). I'm seeing a lot of velvet come autumn.

Kirsten Dunst. I'm not sure about the boulder shoulder - I think those jackets are feeling tired - but I do love her glasses, and she always brings such a nice quality of insouciance to clothes.

Leigh Lezark. I'm not sure if I like the silver with the carefully ripped trousers, but I thought it was nice to see this fashion doll not in a cocktail dress for a change.

All images, Handbag.com

Charlotte, a fashionista's favourite name

Charlotte Kemp Muhl, owner of the world's most fashionable name. Picture from Modelinia

It may be the female version of the name of the (possible) future king of England, but Charlotte is the reigning queen of fashion appellations. Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of the coolest man ever to have penned a filthy lyric, enjoys the French pronunciation, as does Charlotte Casiraghi, granddaughter of Grace Kelly. Shoe designer Charlotte Dellal, meanwhile, brings a South American sophisticate's allure shared by sister Alice; her counterpart in the North, Charlotte Ronson, also boasts famous sibs. Passing the baton through Manhatten, the model and girlfriend of Sean Lennon, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, is having an It Girl moment. Over the pond, stylist Charlotte Stockdale completes the circle, confirming Charlotte as the most fashionable prenom in the universe.

Charlotte Casiraghi

Charlotte Dellal Picture Luisaviaroma

Charlotte Stockdale Picture NYdailynews

Charlotte Ronson Picture Style.com

Charlotte Gainsbourg Picture Style.com

Charlotte Kemp Muhl needs just three pairs of shoes

It Girl du jour Charlotte Kemp Muhl shares her fashion tips in The New York Times. She says she only needs three pairs of shoes: flats, killer heels, and battered trainers.

The New York Times

She's got the look...

The Last Miaow nominates some fashion It Girls for 2010. Watch them conquer the style pages.

Charlotte Kemp Muhl, American model and aspiring actress. Dates the equally stylish Sean Lennon.


Léa Seydoux. French actress. Picture from Style Pill

Atlanta Taylor. Daughter of John Taylor and Amanda de Cadenet.  Picture from Runway Hippie

Jen Brill. Terry Richardson's g.f. and New York party fixture. Picture from The Fashion Spot

Byrdie Bell. American actress and New York scenster.