Picture - Kate and Laura Mulleavy with Kirsten Dunst (centre) from www.style.com 

This year at the CFDA (Coucnil of Fashion Designers of America) awards in the Lincoln Center, the nominees for the womens wear award were Rodarte, Marc Jacobs and Narciso Rodriguez. The Mulleavy sisters Kate and Laura (of Rodarte) finally walked away with the award and it was not really surprising considering their huge contribution to fashion over the last few years. The menwear award was shared by two designers Calvin Klein’s Italo Zucchelli and Band of Outsiders’ Scott Sternberg. Proenza Schouler’s  Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler won the accessories award. Eventually Marc Jacobs got the award that he really deserved in the international category.

Why not get yourself some award winning accessories with these Proenza Schouler shoes.

I have just been reading through my latest copy of Grazia when I came across the feature on the Observer Grazia alternative style awards 2008. for some reason this prompted a bit of a chuckle from me in one of those ‘who’d have though it’ moments. It is great to see an award that looks for something a bit different instead of the usual and obvious including the under the radar label that became the uniform of the year (American Apparel). In all the awards covered 40 aternative style moments of 2008 so plenty or reading and chuckling to keep me busy.

I have picked out just some of the highlights:

MbyM Wet Look Leggings

The most preposterous style notion that went main stream anyway - the latex/ leather/ wetlook legging - Topshop Boutiques leather version sold out in minutes, I found this one really funny. I haven’t tried out this trend yet but perhaps I will.

2008: the year of leg - This year everything from shorts to tights and legggings have been everywhere, I love it.

The trend that most reminded us of the sixth formers we fancied award - perhaps why this trend is so big, everyone loves a bit of nostalgia.

RIP - The IT bag - no doubt as  a result of the credit crunch and economic situation that we find ourselves in, the It bag has finally had its day.

The trend that made us want to dance like maniacs - Disco  for me fashion is all about having fun and that is exactly what this trend helps us do. Bring on the sequins.

I love a bit of glitz and an award ceremony for a bit of dress watching. Even better a fashion award ceremony, where the stars, designers and models all turn out in some of the best fashion out there. Yesterday the British Fashion awards, sponsored by Swarovski and hosted by Mariella Frostrup was held in London and attended by amongst others Claudia Schiffer, David Furnish, Emilia Fox, Erin O Connor and Sophie Ellis Bextor, .

The winner was non other than Luella Bartley, ex fashion journalist with Vogue and Dazed and Confused. Luella who launched her label in 1999 is pretty much self taught and has inspired  a huge following of the fashion elite with her quirky London style. Luella returned to London fashion week last September much to my delight. Other awards went to the following:

Menswear Designer of the Year - Christopher Bailey

Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design - Stephen Jones

Designer Brand award - Jimmy Choo

The Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Tim Walker (photographer)

Accessory Award - Rupert Sanderson

Emerging Talent award - Louise Goldin

Red Carpet Designer - Matthew Williamson

Model of the year - Jourdan Dunn

Bespoke Award - Richard James of Saville Row

Emerging Talent award for accessories - Nicholas Kirkwood

If you want a bit of Luella’s award winning cool London style, try wearing this satin blouse from her Autumn winter 08 collection.