Fashion Journalism: Cheap and Chic

Last week at the Royal Albert Hall, celebrities, fashion designers and musicians gathered for the annual fashion extravaganza that is - Fashion Rocks. In aid of charity and sponsored by Swarovski, the event dazzled in more ways than one. From Armani to YSL and Alicia Keys to Marc Almond, the mixture of couture gowns and iconic music artists showcased a spectacular array of key trends for this season.
Uma Thurman and Samuel L Jackson introduced designers Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman’s stunning collection of girly dresses for their brand Marchesa, with Shirley Bassey adding an extravagant soundtrack to the range. Shy Child provided the music to Stella McCartney’s game of musical chairs, and Razorlight gave Christopher Bailey’s range for Burberry an indie-rock edge; whilst Beth Ditto, as always, added her larger than life personality to Christopher Kane’s collection.
Frontrunner in the show was Dolce and Gabbana, whose line of dazzling couture gowns glistened like the Swarovski crystals themselves on the runway. The key element of each outfit was the metal corset belt, embellished with keys and padlocks and shaping the body into an hourglass figure. Off the catwalk, this 'must-have' fashion accessory of the season has been seen on Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Britain’s own singing sensation – Leona Lewis.
Not for the faint hearted, the price tag also takes your breath away – retailing at £1,529. Of course, with such a popular trend, the high street have already come up with some fantastic alternatives.

D&G's key AW trend:

Beyonce seen here wearing the £1,529 metal corset belt