Pictures from the annual Costume Institute Gala (otherwise known as the Fashion Oscars of the East Coast, or quite simply, Anna’s Party) are still trickling in, but our eyes are already reserved for Marion Cotillard, who attended as John Galliano’s guest.

As the current face of the signature Lady Dior bag, Marion is naturally dressed in Dior. I must say, the French are admirably patriotic and loyal to their native designers; Carla Bruni is practically a free ambassador for Dior, and Marion was sheathed in Dior couture for this year’s Oscars - and who can forget the white mermaid Jean Paul Gaultier when she was awarded Best Actress at last year’s Oscars?

We all know that nude colours have been one of the most prominent trends this year, and deservingly so - personally I think nude is an evergreen choice.

Surely no one has done nude better than Marion Cotillard… she looks staggeringly chic and strangely enough, delectable is the word that comes to my mind when I first saw her in this Dior gown. Oh, to be looking good enough to eat.. let’s just attribute it to being French and their je ne sais quoi.

Why can’t the local Star Awards attendees look this chic?

Image credits: Red Carpet Fashion Awards.

Linda Farrow X Dries Van Noten (top) X *Prototype by Yohji Yamamoto (bottom) / Raf Simons X Dr Martens

We love the idea of collabs - the creative synergy behind the partnership, the unlikely romance that bloom betwixt two seemingly impossibles (such romantics we are), and finally, the  resulting by-product: a love-child that is loved or… well, ignored.

It gets even more exciting when the collaborators are design royals in a relationship with cult fashion totems. Makes it all the more special.

Raf Simons X Dr. Martens

Raf Simons X Dr Martens 3-eye

Dr Martens are just cool. No two ways about it, (more…)

Those ubiquitous Balmain jackets from Christophe Decarnin’s spring 2009 collection have been selling out everywhere; the denim military ones were going, going, GONE! on Net-a-Porter within mere minutes - and they don’t come cheap at £2,716.87.

Everyone has heard of the notorious Balmain prices, but you would think clothes that costs that much would hold out for the distance. Kate Moss’ sparkly Balmain number isn’t due in the stores until fall 2009, but it would seem that it couldn’t even withstand a night of partying and promptly split.

Which begs the question - would you care to pay a undoubtedly stratospheric price for what is essentially a mini dress from the trendy label du jour? (Though some would argue that Balmainia has overstayed its moment…)