Her name was Lola, she was a Showgirl

Kate Moss by Craig McDean for Esquire Magazine, September 2013

Lately I've noticed a trend for pairing of simple parred down items contrasted with shot of glam. For example, I'm loving these looks for Kate Moss featured in Esquire September 2013. Styled by the super talented Katy England, she juxtaposes Showgirl-style costume jewellery with a plain white jacket, and on top of a white t.shirt.

The showgirl inspired jewellery reminds me of Wendy James' shoot for The Face in May 1991, with Wendy casually hanging out in nothing but an elaborate Moulin Rouge style diamante encrusted bra top.

The combining of the everyday with glam harks back to Anna Wntour's first Vogue cover in November 1988. It wasn't even a conscious decision. Model Michaela Bercu didn't actually fit the skirt to go with the top of the bejeweled Lacroix suit, so she was photographed by Peter Lindbergh in blue jeans.  Scandalous for a Vogue cover in the day, so much so that the printers doubled checked with Wintour that it wasn't a mistake. But the cover has gone down in fashion history as a ground-breaking 'moment'. As Madonna had been doing, this was the beginning of the trend in pairing 'High Street' fashion with designer pieces.

 

Michaela Bercu by Peter Lindbergh, Vogue US 1991

This style is also echoed perfectly by this fab dress by Prada in Harper's Bazaar Australia's September issue, pairing a stunning gold gown with a simple grey cardy! This stunning shot of Scarlett Johannson is by Karl Lagerfeld and styled by Carine Roitfeld. 

Scarlett Johansson in Prada for Harper's Bazaar Australia, September 2013

Prada Fall 2013

I'm also loving this showgirl inspired shoot in the same casual louche style features Amanda Seyfried (she is everywhere at the moment!). These are the stunning out-takes from People Magazine's 'Most Beautiful' shoot, April 2013. There's something very stylish and cool and about a girl dressed to the nines slouching about as if she's just at home in a t.shirt and trackies.

Steven Meisel, whose finger is always on the fashion pulse shot this fabulous editorial of real showgirl Carmen Carrera for W magazine September 2013. Linda Evangelista pops up here too, in suitable showgirl style.

 

Showgirl by Steven Meisel for W Magazine, September 2013

The latest diamante encrusted & feather Showgirl looks seem to be inspired by a bit of Moulin Rouge, the Notting Hill Carnival - and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding (the theme of Kate Moss's Hens' Party in 2012). Here are some more showgirl-inspired looks that have popped up this year. 

Kate Moss for Esquire

 Jewell encrusted shirt, ELLE UK July 2013

Georgia Jagger wear jewelled necklace as a top, July 2013

Rihanna at the annual Kadooment Parade in Barbados, August 2013

Olivia Wilde for Vanity Fair, March 2013

Rita Ora with Karl Lagerfeld, March 2013

I love these extravagant feathered looks from Gucci Fall 2013, seen on a roster of uber glam celebs at events and in photo shoots this year.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nina Dobrev, Olivia Wilde, 
Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer lopez, Kate Upton, Chrishell stubbs and Blake Lively
in Gucci, Fall 2013

 Showgirl looks for UK Sunday Style mag, March 2013