2018, what a year you've been. Rather than boring you all to death by reflecting on my own memories of the year (I'll save that for my 2019 reflection), I decided to come up with something a little more in line with what this blog is about. I've narrowed 2018 down to a few fashion moments, films and other favourites that defined the year for me.

FASHION MOMENTS

Alexander Wang Fall 2018, NEW YORK— as blogged about here, this show will forever remain one of my all time favourites.

Met Gala feat. Rihanna, NEW YORK—also blogged about this already back in May here, my favourite look from the gala deserves another mention.



Virgil Abloh debut with Louis Vuitton SS19 Menswear, PARIS—unlike Alexander Wang's collection that stood out to me because of the collection itself, this fashion moment made its way on my list due to the groundbreaking history that it made. This show was Virgil Abloh's debut as the creative director for Louis Vuitton and was truly an unforgettable moment in the fashion world. Not only were the models casted incredibly diverse, but several artists such as Steve Lacy (LOVE) and Kid Cudi (LOVE LOVE) were mixed into the show. Iconic.




Saint Laurent  SS19, PARIS—PARIS? WALKING ON WATER? SAINT LAURENT? I CAN'T. THE VIDEO SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. THAT'S ALL.

Style Icon of the Year: Bella Hadid's street style this year absolutely killed the game and was right up my alley. If I had to choose one celebrity's closet to raid from this year I'd have to give it to Bella. Trying to bring this fashion energy to 2019. Obviously, shoutout to stylist Elizabeth Sulcer for being the mastermind behind some of Bella's most iconic looks this year.


FILMS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

A Star is Born— I truly believe Bradley Cooper can do it all, and the same goes for Lady Gaga of course but we already knew this. An incredible film with an even more incredible soundtrack. If there is any way for you to see this in theatres still—DO IT. I promise it will make all the difference. Will for sure be winning some well deserved Oscars in 2019.

Halloween— If you know me at all, you know I love horror movies and Halloween is practically horror film royalty. I was excited to see the film come full circle with the return of Jamie Lee Curtis in pursuit of Michael on the big screen, but creating a sequel to such an iconic film so many years later seemed like a major risk to me. I'm happy to say I was absolutely thrilled with how it turned out and appreciated the little nods to the original scattered throughout. Definitely made my Halloween season ten times better seeing this in theatres. It was badass to say the least.

Bohemian Rhapsody—Like A Star is Born, I genuinely believe seeing this movie in theatres will make a massive difference. Was 2018 the year of feeling like you went to a real concert for the price of a movie ticket? I think so.

The Incredibles 2—So, my favourite Pixar movie came out with a sequel after what felt like a thousand years, and obviously they nailed it. Does Pixar ever disappoint?

Black Panther—as mentioned in my February movies of the month post here, this film was worth the hype.

(2018 Movies I have high expectations for that I have yet to see: Beautiful Boy, Avengers: Infinity War, Mid90s & Widows)

FAVOURITES

GlamGlow— If there is one thing I believe in splurging on rather than taking the cheaper route—it's skincare. Particularly during the the colder months of the year, I'd been in search of something to bring my skin back to life and keep it glowing through the dry season. Pretty pricey but the glow is SO worth it. My personal favourite product? The Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer.


Fenty Beauty— This year I had a super dope opportunity to do a beauty story takeover with College Fashionista  featuring my favourite beauty products of the moment, and of course it was all about Fenty Beauty. I've talked about the Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow before on my blog, but it really was a staple in my 2018 beauty routine—paired with the Hu$tla Baby highlighter.


Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium—If you read my January favourites post from the beginning of the year, you'll know that I came into 2018 wearing Chanel's Chance Eau Tendre, however, I've moved on. I'll be walking into 2019 wearing YSL's Black Opium (it's been a long time coming), smelling like "adrenaline-rich coffee and the sweet sensuality of vanilla recline into the softness of white flowers for a modern, young, and vibrant interpretation of addiction." 

Yeezy— It should definitely be noted that 2018 was the year I bought my first pair of Yeezy's—the Triple White 350 Boosts. Is it hard to keep up with white Yeezy's? Yes. Do I regret it? No. Most comfortable sneakers EVER.


And if you've actually made it this far, you deserve a wonderful, prosperous, and very happy new year. Cheers to 2019, make it a good one. I know I will.


Love, LAUR

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK—The first Monday in May calls for the worlds most elite in all realms from film to fashion and the unexpected grey area that lies in between. This is the Oscar night of the fashion world and the Super Bowl of style—the Met Gala.

This years Met Monday themed "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" is where controversy met Catholicism, hosted by the Holy Trinity of this years event, Rihanna, Amal Clooney and Donatella Versace, on its 70th anniversary.

The Met calls for fashion luminaries across the globe to come together in the city that never sleeps, and strut the steps of the Met before appreciating the rooms of spectacular opulence that lie within and indulging in bathroom selfie sessions—despite Anna Wintour's supposed ban on social media at the event.

I'm all for pushing boundaries, but when it comes to the Met Gala my favourite looks are the ones that best execute the theme while looking fashionable.

So, without further ado, here are my top 10 favourite looks from the 2018 Met Gala counting down to number one.

Regardless of the lack of themed dress from the rest of the  Kardashian Jenner (whose style I typically adore) crew, Kim Kardashian West gets it. Kim came through looking like a walking chalice in a curve hugging Atelier Versace metal mesh gown with crystal cross adornments. Kim has never been one for grand avant-garde gestures of fashion at the Met, rather, she stays on theme in her own simplistic yet sexy Kim Kardashian-esque way.  And her glam? Absolutely killed it.

9. Blake Lively

Blake Lively never disappoints and this look was no exception to the rule. Regal in red, Blake walked the Met in a Versace gown, with a long flowing train to follow. So long in fact, that Blake took a party bus to the event.

8. Jasmine Sanders

All eyes were on Jasmine Sanders in this custom high in the front and long in the back (a popular trend at this year's gala) H&M golden gown, but as she turned to pose for the camera's, her hair stole the show. Jasmine's blonde braid was embellished with real red roses, gold ribbons and mini pearls.

7. Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne, who has been known to bring an edgy twist to every red carpet, did just that in Dior. The tips of Cara's bleach-blonde hair were dyed pink, pairing with her makeup that featured bright bursts of yellow and fuchsia for the perfect pop of colour beneath her black veil.

6. J Lo

J Lo hit the red carpet in a revealing yet elegant Balmain dress. This jewel-encrusted look was one of few with a prominent crucifix—an obvious depiction of this years theme, with a risqué slit revealing her leg in contrast.

5. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's ethereal beauty was on full display in this Ralph Lauren gown. This goddess, who may or may not have fallen straight out of heaven and down to Manhattan, wore a literal halo, looking nothing short of angelic.

4. Ariana Grande

Talk about being on theme. For her first Met Gala, Ariana Grande donned a custom Vera Wang gown, looking like a walking portrayal of Michaelangelo's iconic fresco, "The Last Judgment", that can be found covering the altar wall of none other than the Sistine Chapel. This look is a favourite amongst fashion and art history enthusiasts alike.

3. Kate Bosworth

Where some may be sinners for the night, Kate Bosworth is a saint. Kate, like Rosie, opted for a truly heavenly look as she floated elegantly down the read carpet in an Oscar de le Renta gown. Kate appears to be channelling La Madre Dolorosa (Statue of the weeping Madonna), as edited by me on the left, paying homage to both the theme and the art work displayed inside the museum.

2. Lily Collins

Lily Collins' Met mood: high priestess in the middle of Manhattan at the crossroads of gothicism and religion. On an Instagram live stream with Vogue, Lily self-described her sheer Givenchy dress as having a "chic, nun vibe," and a deep V that honours the late Hubert de Givenchy. On her head, a black halo, in place of a traditional nuns veil. And to top it all off? A rosary delicately dangling from her hands in contrast with not-so-holy black nails. I'm obsessed with this look, it screams "forgive me father, for I have slayed."

1. Rihanna 

Best dressed at the 2018 Met Gala goes to the reigning queen of the Met and the hostest with the mostest—Rihanna. Let us take a moment to thank God for a look so extraordinary it could've been handcrafted by the man himself. Rihanna's intricate, pearl-encrusted ensemble is a Maison Margiela by John Galliano masterpiece. This papal-inspired look would not be complete without the Bishops cloak and mitre, also by Margiela, to match. Rihanna has redefined fashion and the catholic imagination with this Rih-ligiously controversial yet fashion-forward fit. What's a fashion statement that doesn't spark discussion anyway?  Ask and you shall receive, Rihanna has answered all our prayers. Amen.

BONUS: Chadwick Boseman

After an unfortunate lack of men who were true to this years theme, I was elated to see Chadwick Boseman on the red carpet in a subtle yet still on theme look in all white Versace embellished with gold symbolism and a cape. Gala goal for next year? Men, take note of the theme and bring your A game. Love, LAUR DISCLAIMER: ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF VOGUE, GETTY IMAGES AND VARIOUS TWITTER ACCOUNTS

BELIEVE THE HYPE. Marvel has truly outdone themselves with this film. Finally a movie that really is just as good as everyone says it is. I'd even go so far as saying that this is one of my favourite Marvel films to date (I'll get back to this as soon as I finish the Thor films, which have been my favourite thus far alongside Iron Man). Talk about not only black power and excellence—but black FEMALE power. The visuals, cast and soundtrack are incredible. I'm so proud to have Marvel's first predominantly black superhero movie be the coolest. Seeing this film in theatre on the big screen is an experience I'd highly recommend—so try to watch it while its still there. WAKANDA FOREVER.

Margot Robbie in I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya (2017): ★★★☆☆
As a big fan of Margot Robbie since seeing her in The Wolf of Wallstreet (2013) and Suicide Squad (2016), I could not wait to watch this film. I, Tonya is a mockumentary of sorts, documenting the life of infamous figure skater, Tonya Harding, who is perfectly executed by Margot Robbie. Once again, I'm stunned by Robbie's ability to drop her Australian accent in exchange for a heavy American one. The star studded cast certainly helps to tell the story, with Robbie nominated for best actress and Allison Janney (who plays Tonya's mother) nominated for best supporting actress at the Academy Awards this year. I think the actors are fantastic, however, the film itself is flawed. In my opinion it wasn't five-star worthy, but entertaining nonetheless.

Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird (2017)

It can be easy to group all coming of age films into the same cliché category of tacky teenage dramas, however, something about Lady Bird sets it just above that stereotype. I would have to say that the comedic elements of the film and the quirky likability of Lady Bird herself, played by Saoirse Ronan
(another leading actress who picks up an American accent that contrasts her own) are its greatest assets. While the storyline may not seem too different from other films in terms of its portrayal of adolescent life, the script is richer and much more mature than most of its kind. The film encapsulates both Lady Bird's and her parents' experiences as she traditions into adulthood—which is another quality to set this film apart from others like it. Personally, there was an undeniable sense of relatability to Lady Bird's big dreams and non-conformist attitude throughout the film. A delight to watch, yet not incredibly mind-blowing for me. PS. Did I mention Timothée Chalamet is in it? Watch this movie purely to see him.
I cannot stress how high my hopes were for this film, especially since it took almost a year for me to finally watch it. More than that, I cannot stress how disappointed I was to find that Wonder Woman was not at all what I hoped it'd be. I'm all for a badass female superhero, and Diana certainly is badass, however the storyline itself was boring and underwhelming to me. I find it ironic how disappointing this film—with a heavy focus on female empowerment, is when comparing it to other superhero movies (which I love) with a male protagonist as the hero. For a film thats meant to highlight female strength, I believe that a much stronger film could've been made to represent that. Sadly, this film was a let down. 

Coco (2017): ★★★★☆
Does Pixar ever disappoint? With the Cuban blood of my ancestors running through my veins, I have always been both intrigued and fascinated by Hispanic culture. So, to see the beauty of that culture in a Disney film? I'm here for it. Coco is not focused on true love—as Disney often tends to do, rather, the love of music and importance of family. It is a colourful and cultural tale that I'd recommend to any Disney fan. As much as I enjoyed it, my five stars (in Disney films) are for The Lion King, The Incredibles and Finding Nemo. And the princess movies? Don't even get me started. Five stars everywhere. 

The Shape of Water (2017): ★★☆☆☆☆
Although I didn't necessarily hate this movie, it just wasn't for me. In the case of this film, I feel like it all comes down to your own film preferences. I was so excited to watch this due to all of the buzz surrounding it, however, I just didn't understand the hype. As some may not like films by Quentin Tarantino, Wes Anderson or any other non-traditional film directors—I don't think that Guillermo Del Torro films are my style. The film undoubtedly had its engaging moments, but they were only engaging due to the sheer oddity of it. Perhaps this is why some people enjoyed it so much. Personally, I think this was a bit too odd for me. The Shape of Water is both cinematic and beautifully done, but simply not for me. My apologies to Donatella Versace, who says The Shape of Water is her favourite film of the moment.

Love, LAUR

Allow me to introduce you to (possibly) my favourite collection and runway show of all time: Alexander Wang's Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear collection.

Described by Wang himself as "the female CEO", this bada** collection exhibits tailored suiting, pointed heels, refashioned blazers, futuristic leather fits, statement zippers and shrunken sunglasses channeling The Matrix in an edgy interpretation of office attire—with a touch of classic Wang athleisure.

The runway was carefully crafted to replicate an office, with cubicles lining either side to set the tone.

I plan on writing a fashion week favourites post for each of the big 4 (New York, London, Milan and Paris)—but this collection deserves recognition all on its own.

Lastly, for your viewing pleasure, photographed below are my favourite looks from this collection.

You're welcome.

Love, Laur


Disclaimer: all photos courtesy of Vogue