This was arguably Alexander McQueen’s best ever runway show. More than 1,000 guests sat spellbound as one of the most beautiful, breathtaking fashion events was unveiled in front of their eyes.

McQueen’s has arguably been one of the most desirable show passes every season since he started out 14 years ago and, if that’s the case, the autumn/winter 2008-9 one will be the golden ticket.

McQueen has explained the premise of this season’s fashion show, describing his idea behind the theme:

“I’ve got a 600-year-old elm tree in my garden and I made up this story of a girl who lives in it and comes out of the darkness to meet a prince and become a queen”.

This was truly an unmissable event, and as you can see by these gorgeous pictures, McQueen’s designs are unlike any out there. More romantic and feminine than ever, McQueen certainly reminded us why his name is so renowned in the fashion world today.

Via: Vogue

Couture fashion is in its own world, where some of the most elaborate, exquisite, fabulous styles are created.

For the Fall season we have seen the runways packed full of super special ensembles, from renowned designers such as Christian Lacroix, Elie Saab, Chanel, and of course the designer synonymous with the word couture - Jean Paul Gaultier.

Christian Lacroix

There are some terrific names that strutted their stuff on the Fall 08 runway, but let’s start off this look at the hot new couture fashions with one of the top designers, Christian Lacroix.

Lacroix is an expected part of any couture runway and looked forward to by all. For the upcoming season Lacroix brought us bright colors, blacks, and everything in between.

Sent out for Fall were corseted, bejeweled jackets, leg-of-mutton sleeves, frothing tulle skirts, lace-veiled eyes, and jet-encrusted mohawks.

As always, Lacroix’s runway definitely brought a lot of excitement and enthusiasm, and everything about it was utterly unlikely and delightful.

Elie Saab

Another designer infamous in the fabulous world of couture is Elie Saab. Known for more feminine fashions, the runways of Saab are always entertaining and full of interest.

Elie Saab is definitely one of the go-to designers when it comes to haute couture, and the runway for Fall was full of off-the-shoulder swags, bunchy jutting bustiers, and fabric rosettes.

The look here was lovely and very ladylike, which definitely stood out in comparison to some of the much funkier looks on the runway.

Hair was swept in a romantic style while the eyes smoldered with a combination dark smokey eye and cat’s eye, and together this created a terrific balance.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Who could write a couture review without mentioning the effervescent Jean Paul Gaultier?

This time Gaultier presented excited onlookers with a leather framework of saddle epaulets and harnesses strapped over a fur coat that set things off, continuing on with the flamboyant equestrian look.

There were many other fantastic looks to check out as well however, and Gaultier, who is renowned for his interpretion of the trench and tux suit, brought us some delightful versions of these styles as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Fall 2008 couture fashion shows, the designs living up to everything I thought they would be, what about you?

This is truly a striking take on a classic shape - the Zoe handmade aluminum sandal.

These shoes riff on the classic wedge only there is much more of an architectural look here, with the area of the wedge being…well…non-existant.

There is really no better word to describe these shoes than unique, and they would definitely make a statement with any ensemble.

Architectural shoes are all the rage this season, with the Spring/Summer 08 runways full of heavy, architectural shoes.

If you are interested in snagging a pair of these ultra modern heels for yourself, you can do so through Zoe for a price of $3,940.

Personally I couldn’t condone paying this much money to get a pair of these shoes, regardless of how architecturally interesting they may be, but what do you think? Would you be willing spend nearly $4,000 to get a pair of shoes like these?

The MMVAs were last night - MuchMusic Video Awards for those of you who live under a rock - and of course I was dying to see what everyone was wearing.

All in all it was a terrific show overall but in particular the fashions that everyone was sporting.

Rihanna’s look for me was, well, okay. I didn’t really enjoy or see the point of the sailor-inspired hat with the pirate frill shirt…oh right and the leather pants.

It was a bit much for me, I like creativity but this was just too much black, too much frill, too much everything.

It was similar to Hannah Simone’s purple frilly dress but hers was just enough, while Rihanna’s version I thought was a bit over the top.

Of course I’m going to throw K-Os in here because I am a huge fan, not only of his incredible music but of his style as well.

K-Os is definitely one in a million, he can throw together almost anything and make it look fashionable.

I think this guy is a true talent and come on…how many people can pull off yellow rimmed sunglasses and still look gorgeous.

K-Os is just that good.

I have to head to one of the hosts of the show, Devon Soltendieck, for this next one.

All the hosts looked great but I thought Devon’s style perfectly suited the event, and not only that but his personality.

Anyone who watches MuchMusic already knows that Devon definitely shows off his personality in his clothes and he was just as great to look at last night.

Now on to one that I didn’t like so much. Whitney Port is a beautiful girl, but her “dress” last night, in my opinion, was atrocious.

I’m not sure if she thought Canada was as cold as the North Pole or if she was just trying to play it casual, but she would have looked better in almost anything other than this.

The loose fabric doesn’t drape right on her curvalicious body and leaves her looking like she’s got no figure at all. Doesn’t she “work” for a fashion magazine? Maybe she should take some fashion tips from Perez…

Perez Hilton was in attendance, and looked stylish and very well put together, punched up with a pink shirt and striped tie.

When Perez Hilton is beating almost all the ladies in terms of fashion, you know that there are a few missing stylists in the chain.

At least we can say that there were no huge fashion disasters, and in my opinion Whitney Port’s peacock-inspired number was pretty much the worst one of the night.

Other than that, the awards show was fantastic as always, and here’s to everyone in attendance who had to deal with a bit of torrential downfall there.

Go Canada!

Yves Saint Laurent, one of the greatest fashion designers of all time, the man who gave the women’s movement an important leg up by designing the pantsuit that helped them bring a more professional look to the workplace, has died at the age of 71.

One of the most influential and enduring designers of the 20th century, Saint Laurent died Sunday night at his home in Paris, when he lost his yearlong battle with brain cancer.

This is a true tragedy, especially to his family and close friends, and of course the millions of Saint Laurent fans around the world.

Saint Laurent gave women power with his creative designs, and there is and never has been a fashion designer in the world that is like him.

Born August 1, 1936 in Oran, Algeria, Saint Laurent quickly fell in love with theater and the arts when he was just a boy. He left for Paris at the young age of 17 and never looked back, destined for a career in fashion.

Most famously known for his sleek haute couture and ready to wear styles, the Saint Laruent name first became prominent in the fashion world when he succeeded Christian Dior after his sudden death in 1957.

He continued to produce timeless designs year after year and in 1983 he actually became the first living fashion designer to be honored by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

As Saint Laurent himself once quoted, “Fashions fade but style is eternal”, and his life is one that will definitely not soon be forgotten.

There must be something in the LA water, because it seems as though one female celeb after another is coming forth and announcing the big news of their preganncy.

Oh well, pregnancy is a wonderful thing and one thing that is lots of fun with any pregancy is maternity clothes shopping. These days there are so many fun and funky maternity styles available, a far cry from the limited wardrobe selection that our mothers had.

Let’s take a look at how some of the most famous women in Hollywood are staying in style during their nine months of pre-motherhood.

Jessica Alba

You knew that she was going to be on the list, and I decided to put her right at the top. Not only is Jessica Alba one of the most stunning women you will ever set your eyes on, but she seems to have a pretty decent head on her shoulders as well.

She is sexy yet sophisticated, and has definitely carried that style over into her pregnancy.

Of course she dressed up for this pic to hit the red carpet, but even on the day to day through her pregnancy Jess has managed to stay in style, choosing high-end maternity fashions that suit her sexy-chic persona.

Halle Berry

If anyone knows how to show off an oversized chest from pregnancy and do it classy, it is Halle Berry. She was already drop dead gorgeous to begin with, but pregnancy has definitely treated her well.

Halle is literally glowing, and her months of maternity have only added to her voluptuous curves, in all the right ways.

Halle has dressed often in bright colors throughout her pregnancy, but always in hues that flatter her skin tone and hair. This jewel-toned royal blue color for instance does wonders for her.

Jamie-Lynn Spears

You really can’t be mean to a woman when she’s pregnant can you, kinda like don’t hit a man with glasses?

Well, Jamie-Lynn is adorable, but I have to say her maternity style is pretty boring…Then again, she is just a teenager so I’m sure fashion is the last thing on her mind right now.

Jamie-Lynn has a very casual, almost preppy fashion sense, and so although she is somewhat trendy and definitely covers up more than her sis Brit did during her two pregnancies, she could definitely use a little spicing up.

Minnie Driver

Here is a real sweetheart mama to be. Although Minnie Driver continues to keep quiet on the father of her baby, it is obvious that she is in fact pregnant.

She has always had a casual, sort of bohemian-chic style, and I think she almost always looks great. Here she is dressed sweetly in a simple black dress and violet cardigan, with stunning slingback peep-toe pumps.

We may not know who the baby daddy is, but one thing we do know for sure - Minnie Driver is a beautiful, stylish Hollywood mama to be.

There are sure to be more mamas to be added on to this list in the near future, because if it’s not something in the water, then it is sure some sort of Hollywood fad.

Who do you think is the most stylish pregnant celeb in Hollywood today?

Does anyone else notice that Paris Hilton’s style seems to change as often as she changes boyfriends?

Now that she has been with boyfriend Benji Madden for a few months, she seems to have taken on his wardrobe as well.

The inseparable couple are almost hard to tell apart, both in dark ensembles of hoodies and tees, with sneaks to match.

Although it is cute and sort of sweet in a way…it seems that Paris changes her wardrobe every time there is a new love in her life.

At least these days she is covering herself up a bit - sorry A LOT - more, and they sort of remind me of a young teenage couple in puppy love, what with the holding hands, shades and all.

France has just passed a law on skinniness and I am hoping that the rest of the world follows suit.

They have just adopted a groundbreaking bill that makes it illegal for anyone in the country - including magazines and websites - to promote extreme thinness.

I think it is about time that a law like this was passed, what with the issue of weight and how serious it is in our world today.

Take a look even just a few decades ago, and our icons looked a heck of a lot different than they do today. Keep in mind that weight is an issue that affects both men and women alike but which is much, much more predominant an issue among women.

We always hear about which female celebrity has lost or gained weight and what it is doing to their career, and don’t even get me started on the fashion shows - I swear sometimes when those girls hit the end of the runway and turn to go back they are invisible for a minute as they turn to the side. This is not surprising since their waists are about the size of my pinky finger around.

I am a thin girl myself so don’t think I’m here having a hate on for these skinny ladies, but I do have a problem once I can count all of their ribs.

The biggest problem I have is that these women are creating an image for young girls to look up to, whether they know and care or not.

I don’t really think it is only the celebrities that we should be blaming, because they are having this sort of standard put in front of them and if they don’t meet it they have even more to deal with than us regular woman because everything they do is put on display for the world to see.

I don’t think any of us should be completely demeaning on celebrities or designers on this issue but instead help people everywhere to start realizing skinniness is not fashionable, and why is beauty such an important issue to us anyway?

We can still have fashion and all the wonderful things that come along with it without having to put a standard on the body size and shape that someone should have.

Taking a look at some of the other countries around the world, namely those that have bigger issues to worry about other than the way they look, countries where people really are starving and who do not have the means to resources as we do.

If we could all stop thinking about how we can take more and start giving to those who need it, we may find that we have some more important issues to worry about.

I have a daughter myself and the last thing I want is for her to grow up thinking she has to look like she hasn’t eaten in a couple years to feel beautiful.

I think if we were able to go back to an era like the ’50s where we had gorgeous curvy sexpots like Ava Gardner and Marilyn Monroe that we would understand, what we are seeing now is not beautiful at all, we are just used to it.

I’m sure that these women also had concerns about their weight but the difference is that they were not striving to be pin thin, and they had healthy, womanly figures.

I remember even just a few years back when the Olsen twins started losing a ton of weight - like they had any weight on them to lose in the first place - and everyone was shocked.

At that point, even in the media, skinniness was not considered “beautiful” or “in style”, at least not as much as it is now.

It seems that every single woman, especially celebrities, are worried about their weight - most of them openly - and are constantly trying new fad diets to get skinnier.

There are a ton of stars I could name just off the top of my head who have experienced a dramatic weight loss, and whether they claimed it was due to “drug problems”, “stress” or any of the other lame excuses they come up with, the point is that they are in the spotlight and have a significant effect on the way young girls think and feel about themselves, and so because of this they have a responsibility to take their role model persona at least remotely seriously.

I have to tell you, I have had just about enough of this nonsense. This is not to say that I agree with women - men too for that matter - being unhealthy and overweight, but for god’s sake eat something, just do it in moderation.

We all seem to have a problem with limits. We never know how little is too little and how much is too much.

The new law passed in France may not end up having as dramatic an effect as many of us would like, but I definitely hope that it raises a few more eyebrows and makes people - especially the authority figures in the fashion world - start to realize that this is not a joke and that it may be “funny” or “tabloid material” in the celebrity world but that there are real people in the real world who are growing up and believing that this is the norm.

Keep in mind that I am not trying to criticize anyone, celebrity or not, for having an issue with the way they look, everyone has issues to deal with and I think it is that much harder for celebrities sometimes because everything they do is set in the spotlight.

But what I am saying is that something needs to be done so that women around the world can stop feeling as though they are not beautiful just because they may not look like that super skinny model on the magazine.

We can still have fashion and everything that goes along with it without making anyone over a size zero feels as though they are worthless. I love fashion I always have and always will and I just can’t wait until our view of beauty gets even a little bit back to the norm. When we start to focus once more on the actual fashion, the beautiful clothes that are created and not on how skinny the person underneath is.

Yay! One of my favorite designers, Betsey Johnson, has released her Fall/Winter 2008/2009 collections, and to no surprise, I love every single thing.

The collections were actually unveiled in New York a few months back, but I only now have really had a chance to check it out.

Betsey always makes a big splash when she has fashion shows, and there was no difference here, with loud colors and lots of balloons on display.

She had a lot of rocker-chic pieces in these collections, and I love how she always maintains a youthful look in her clothing but never childish. She always keeps it mature and sophisticated yet fresh and fun, which is certainly no easy task.

This particular outfit screams volumes about Betsey’s work, and any woman from teenager to middle-age could pull this look off.

She makes the all black ensemble look modern and chic, and I love the beret and retro sunglasses to top it all off.

I absolutely love these adorable skull-patterned black dresses and white tights, and don’t even get me started on the gorgeous high heeled chap type shoes.

Of course the girls themselves don’t hurt anything by playing it up and having fun, and they definitely make me want to head to Betsey Johnson and get this ensemble for myself.

If you want to check out the rest of the pictures from the show you can view them on PopCrunch.

Okay so we already have news of clothing lines from Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port of The Hills, and now Heidi Montag is launching her own line, Heidiwood.

Not such a creative title, since we already have so many copies of the Hollywood name and this little Heidiwood thing reminds me of a lame spinoff of the lovely Dolly Parton’s Dollywood … but moving on.

Heidi debuted her new fashion range last week in Hollywood, looking cute in giant black stilettos and a skimpy zebra print halter top.

Her style is decent but I certainly do not think that sales will skyrocket for this clothing line she has just released.

Oh, did I mention that her boyfriend Spencer Pratt proposed to her on stage, giving her two dozen long-stemmed pink roses before kissing her on the lips?

So her clothing line may be a little stripper-esque and her claim to fame came from an … ahem … reality TV show, at least she and good ole Spence are happy.

Via: The Hollywood Gossip