The Fashion-Forward Ladies Who Ruled The Royal Wedding

Waking up on the 19th of May felt like waking up on Christmas morning. I've been eagerly awaiting the day that Suits Star and Hollywood celebrity, Ms. Meghan Markle, married my favourite Royal member, His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales - let's just refer to them both as Harry and Megan in this post, yeah? - for the longest time now, and had planned a full day of watching anything related to the both of them right up until the live streaming of their wedding. 

It's a rare occasion that Hollywood and Royalty are ever seen together, but the wedding of Harry and Meghan saw the union of the two. Obviously I was most excited to see what designer and dress Meghan went with, but the second most exciting event was seeing what the A-List Celebrities and Royals were going to wear too. Whilst many of the females knocked the dress-code out of the park, other's missed the mark (Beatrice and Eugenie, I am looking at you), and I thought it was only appropriate that I list who made it to my best dressed list and why they made it there. 

1. Meghan Markle in Givenchy & Stella McCartney

Obviously my Number 1 Spot has to go to The Duchess of Sussex herself, Ms. Meghan Markle. Meghan is a woman that I greatly admire, and I am regularly inspired by her courageous and self-less, humanitarian work, that mirrors the legacy of Lady Diana. I was at first shocked that Meghan chose Givenchy to design her wedding dress (my bet's were on Stella McCartney), but when I realised that Clare Waight Keller is the first female Artistic Director at the historic French Fashion House, all the stars were aligned because of course Meghan was going to choose another boss-lady to design the most coveted dress of the year. I was a huge fan of Meghan's dress, it was simple, time-less and extremely elegant, which is what Meghan is all about. Side Note: I've wanted a Givenchy Haute Couture wedding dress since Kim Kardashian's wedding to Kanye West. 

Meghan opted for Stella McCartney to wear to her Reception, yet another great choice, if I do say so myself. Stella McCartney is not only a female British designer, but a designer who prides herself on sustainability and being environmentally ethical, highlighting that Meghan put much thought behind her reasons for choosing her to design her dress. The halter-neck detail was super flattering, and I loved that she had her hair back for this dress. Harry and Meghan getting into that Jag was EVERYTHING. 

2. Amal Clooney in Stella McCartney

When you're Meghan Markle and have devoted your life to making the world a better place, of course you are going to have other inspiring women who are in a similar line of work at your wedding too. There are many reasons why I love Amal Clooney, and at the top of that list is how she isn't afraid to speak out about injustices in the world. She's also an extremely stylish lady, so I wasn't surprised that she had completely nailed the dress-code. Amal wore a custom-made, yellow Stella McCartney midi dress, accessorising with gold pumps and a beautiful netted yellow hat. 

3. Janina Gavankar in Vintage

The moment I saw this dress pop up on my TV screen I squealed. Nothing quite speaks to me more than a burnt orange dress with a cape. Meghan's close friend Janina seriously killed it in this outfit and I reallllllly want this dress in my life ASAP. The contrasting navy hat and the side-bun added to the wow factor of this whole look, and I think this was seriously underrated. I cannot find a decent photo of it anywhere and I am so devastated. 

4. Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham

VB is my Style Queen, Forever & Always. Although it felt like she re-created the look that she wore to Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding, it was still one of the best from the day. Victoria opted for a navy blue, high-neck, mid-length dress, designed by herself. I especially loved the  exaggerated, slit up the sleeve detail, as well as the incorporation of red pumps. VB definitely modelled two of the biggest trends of the season which is exaggerated sleeves and red accessories. Also, can we just have a moment of appreciation for how bloody good Victoria and David looked? If my future husband and I don't match as well as they do I'm out. 

5. Sofia Wellesley in Valentino 

Nothing says Perfect Royal Wedding Dress Attire quite like Valentino. James Blunt's wife seriously nailed this look. The pale-yellow, flower embroidered midi dress was absolutely stunning, and complemented her physique and style perfectly. I adored the collar detail of the dress as well as the sleeves. The nude hat and clutch to match polished off this outfit. Such a 10. 

6. Gina Torres in Costarellos

Suits Co-Star Gina Torres looked phenomenal in this high-neck, mid-length dress from Costarellos. Wearing the colours of the season - red and pink - this dress was perfection. It definitely gave me major Self Portrait vibes, and is definitely something that I'd wear to a Spring Wedding. I really liked how the sleeves came up just before her elbow as well. Cream accessories were definitely a good choice. 

7. Sarah Rafferty 

Seriousssssly, the Suits Stars really brought their A-Game to the Royal Wedding. Sarah Rafferty looked radiating in this navy blue, bell-sleeve embellished dress. I'm a firm believer in red-head's being some of the most beautiful people on the planet, and navy is always their colour. Over-the-top sleeves are also a personal favourite of mine. Her hat also looked stunning. 

8. Priyanka Chopra in Dior

Although this was not the dress Priyanka wore to the ceremony, she did wear this stunning Dior number to the Wedding Reception and it was too pretty to not give it a mention. The sparkly Christian Dior dress gave off alllllll the Princess vibes. Nothing short of perfection. 

 So sad that we won't have a Royal Wedding to watch for a long time. I guess now we just have Christenings to look forward to...

Thanks for reading.

With Love,

Madyson

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MBFWA Day 5 || Leo & Lin, Justin Cassin and Camilla

Just like that, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2018 has come to an end. As usual, the week flies by, with little time to process the fact that we have to wait another year until all Aussie fashion lovers are gathered at the same place viewing some of our favourite Aussie designers Resort Collections.

Fashion Week is always tiring, but it didn't quite hit me until the final day where I felt like I literally could sleep the day away. I didn't have a show until late afternoon so I spent the morning at home catching up on Uni work and reading some of my favourite Australian Fashion Blogs that were reporting on the shows during the week. 

Today's outfit was probably the most basic outfit that I wore all week, due to the fact that I had Justin Cassin's wrap party straight after watching his show. I opted for an all black look wearing a black and gold midi skirt from Kookai, a plain black crop also from Kookai and my Zara leather jacket. Comfortable footing necessary today, so I wore my favourite leather pointed boots from Wanted Shoes (can't recommend these enough!).

Skirt

Top

Jacket

Shoes

Whilst I wasn't able to attend the Leo & Lin show, I have to say that it was definitely one of my favourites from the week, and I lived vicariously through my blogger friend's Instagram stories. The Australian label presented a whimsical show, featuring brightly coloured silk pieces, making you feel as if you were transported to a dreamy, bed-time storybook. Although definitely not my usual style, there were many pieces that walked down the runway that I mentally added to my wish-list. I was amazed by the fact that the designers created their own colour (yes, their own colour) called Moonlight, which inspired the title of their Moonlight Resort Collection. This colour is a mix of lilac, stone and blue-grey, and is exactly the colour that I associate a magical, bed-time story collection with.  Silky, feminine silhouettes floated down the runway sporting beautiful princess-esque gowns that was giving me major Parisian Dior vibes. Magical was the only word to describe Leo & Lin's Resort Collection.

I wasn't overly a menswear fan until I witnessed the Justin Cassin show. The show opened with a dance routine to Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk, quickly getting everyone amped up for his second MBFWA show. Instagram sensation and Justin Cassin Brand Ambassador - Josh Heuston - walked first, modelling the effortless and minimalistic collection inspired by the sophisticated style often associated with European attire. There were many tailored blazers and jackets that I can envision myself forcing my future boyfriend to wear. 

There was no better ending to Fashion Week than Camilla. This was an incredibly touching and emotional show, as the legend behind the kaftan power-house just announced a week prior that she was diagnosed with breast cancer, after just welcoming her first child into the world. Camilla didn't let this stop her, putting on an incredible show inspired by Japan proving that women truly can do anything they set their mind to. Designs paid homage to the Japanese culture through intricate, hand embroidered, woven ribbons of cherry blossoms, origami folds and calligraphy. The set was nothing short of amazing, making guests feel as if they were stepping foot in beautiful Japan. I'm a huge fan of this collections colour scheme, and can't wait to try some of these beautiful pieces on when they are finally in-store. 

All Images: Getty

That concludes my MBFWA 2018 Blog Posts. I hope you all enjoyed them, and fingers crossed I can do it all over again next year.

Thanks for reading...

With Love,

Madyson

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MBFWA Day 4 || Showings, Runways & Meeting Instagram Favourites

Another one bites the dust. A super long day at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia has come to an end. I am so sad that we are about to embark on our final day at Carriageworks, it's been the best experience and time and I cannot wait to do it all over again next year. 

Today started bright and early at the Meriton Penthouse on Pitt St, celebrating the launch of Whyte Studio's Resort 2019 collection. Having worked behind the scenes of many showings and preview's for brands, it was nice to actually be a guest for once. Collection Showing's are always the best because you get to interact with the designers and the people behind the brand, finding out more about what they are previewing to the media and social media people (I refuse to use the term influencer), when the collection is going to drop, information about the company as a whole, and the whole design process. Every element of this showing was executed perfectly, from the lay-out of the room to the pieces that were on display. There's a black coat from them that I have my eye on and prepared to drop some serious money just to have this key piece in my life, I will have to add it to my wish-list for you all to see it when it is finally released. 

After the showing I headed to my college - The Fashion Institute - in Surry Hills to get styled and fitted for an upcoming campaign shoot for them, that's being photographed by New York Times Street Style Photographer Lee Oliveria. The vibe of the shoot is so fun and unique and I am completely stepping out of my comfort zone wearing some bright, yet insanely cool pieces. I'll be sure to share photos once I've received imagery from the shoot but I am so, so, so keen for it!

I've been helping assist the PR company that I intern with throughout the week, so I was back in the office from 11:30 through to 4, leaving to head back to Carriageworks to watch the Roopa show. Roopa was full of vibrant colours and lots of patterns, paying attention to intrinsic detailing. Colour-blocking red's and pink's continues to be a major trend this season, and I am super excited to get my hands on this gorgeous off-shoulder, pink dress, that is so Dubai and so chic. 

Once the show had completed Alicia and I decided to hang around Carriageworks to get some pics and do some networking. I had the pleasure of talking to one of my favourite bloggers, Ashley from Miss Gunner. Ash is one of the sweetest bloggers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and it was so lovely chatting with her about the shows and our blogs. We also met Ashy Bines and Gretty Rose who were super lovely and absolutely beautiful, and drumroll pleaseeeeee, Miss. Tammy Hembrow. I've been following Tammy literally since she was 7 months pregnant with Wolf and it was a "pinch me" kind of moment. I think I've talked about it more than I talked about meeting One Direction in 2014. Tammy is just as beautiful in person as she is online, and the fittest mama I've ever met. 

Show of the day must go to Acler. I was sitting in the office today aimlessly swiping through Instagram stories and died and went to heaven when I saw all the front-row videos and photos from their R19 show. Bright fuchsias, spotted dusty pink sets with elaborate shoulder detailing and puffy sleeves were just a few of my favourite looks. The mirrors on the catwalk were such a nice touch, and side-note, I need those grey floorboards in my future home. 

Today I wore a full Witchery look, and whilst I look (kinda) happy, I was internally crying because it was so cold, and I left my trusty Zara leather jacket at the hotel, SO sad. Leopard print is a trend that I will be rocking frequently this Winter, and need a pair of leopard booties and a leopard coat on the ASAP. Plus, the skirt is pleated and asymmetrical which is super flattering. I wore this with a black ribbed turtle-neck and some leather boots. Patterns like leopard print is always so good to have in your wardrobe as it is so effortless and all you need to do is add something basic and it still looks so chic. 

That's all for this evening. I am feeling super tired yet pumping through the days as a result of adrenaline. Doing something you love is the most rewarding thing ever. Can this week never end pleaaaaase?? 

Hope you are all well.

Thanks for reading...

With Love,

Madyson

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MBFWA Day 3 || A Day in the Life

6:15am:

Alarm goes off. Internally cries. Snoozes twice. Sleeps in.

6:30am:

Realises that I am running late. Decides to scroll Instagram anyways. 

6:40am:

Shower and get changed. 

7:10am:

Finally in my car ready to leave. 10 minutes late, never ever punctual.

This morning I am meeting Cass at our hotel in the City that is close to all the locations we need to be at during the week. Knowing that Cass will do my makeup better than I will, I have decided to go fresh faced and natural.

8:05am:

Arrives at the hotel after driving around the city aimlessly for 50 minutes. I missed the Cross City Tunnel and ended up breaking 101 road rules to ensure I got on the right road to head towards the hotel - standard. Lived in Sydney all my life and still cannot get the whole driving through the city thing. 

8:30am:

Cass and I decided that coffee was an absolute necessity this morning, and a trip to a local cafe was required. I ate a ham and cheese croissant and drank the best mocha ever. Caffeinated Maddy is a Happy Maddy. 

9:30am:

Time to get ready. I like to leave as much time as humanly possible when I am getting ready as it takes ages to get glammed up for these sorts of events, and when your best friend is incredible at doing makeup, you need to look your absolute best. I curled my hair with my go-to Muk curler (absolute god-send) and stuck with my usual glam - a winged liner and a pink-nude lip. 

11:00am:

Photo time. When I'm with people who do Instagram for a living I decide that this is the best time to get my content for the week. This month I was gifted some pieces by the lovely ladies at Popcherry and working with them to show you guys how to style inexpensive pieces and make them look more expensive. In this photo I am wearing a Witchery turtleneck tucked into my new Popcherry track-pants (which are super on-trend right now) with my leather jacket draped over and some open-toe Tony Bianco heels. This is just one of many ways to wear track-pants this Winter and make it look more dressed up than casual.

11:28am:

Time to hit the road. Cass and I have hopped into an Uber and we are on our way to the Blair Archibald show at MBFWA's home, Carriageworks. 

11:40am:

Time for more photos. Carriageworks and Fashion Week is the perfect time and place to get snap happy. This is the one time of the year that nobody double-takes at you for taking ridiculous amounts of photos, because they're here for the same reason. It was super cool to be shot by some street-style photographers, however I was so un-prepared and didn't realise what was happening until after I noticed they'd taken the photo. *Cue awkward talking shots*. 

12:00pm:

Show time. Blair Archibald's show was nothing short of perfection. The 2017 Woolmark Prize Winner presented an effortless array of tailored pieces, consisting of lots of checkered print numbers, bold jackets, and navy blue.

12:45pm:

Interviewed by Cosmo Australia to answer what inspired my look for Day 3 of MBFWA. SO cool and you can check that out on the Cosmo Australia Instagram Stories. 

1:15pm:

Lunch time. Craved nothing more than a fresh salad, yet was sadly disappointed in what Crown St delivered. 

2:40pm:

Time to hop into bed and catch up on e-mails and what has been going on at the other shows. Macgraw was another stand-out in my opinion, as well as one of my faves Hansen & Gretel. This was all done with a bowl of macaroni and cheese in my lap. BLISS!!!!

6:30pm:

Dinner with my best friend Alicia. Although we are both limited to time during Fashion Week, we always manage to squeeze some time together. Alicia is working at The Voice assisting with the styling team and got to meet (and hug!!!) Kelly Rowland today. We cried over this for a good hour.

8:13pm:

Sitting in bed writing this post right now. I've just finished editing and catching up with Uni work because the grind never truly stops, and I think it's time to reward myself with a face mask and catch-up's with my favourite Aussie blogs. 

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What I Wore:

I love up styling my more sophisticated pieces with my more edgier pieces. This checkered blazer is from Kookai and it is so ridiculously warm it's insane. I layered it with a black, thick turtle-neck basic from Witchery and styled it together with this leather mini-skirt from Aje, which is a wardrobe essential in my opinion. Leather stiletto ankle booties are so in this Winter, and I need these in red and leopard print next. 

Kookai Blazer Out-Of-Stock.

Aje Leather Mini-Skirt.

Similar Witchery Turtle-Neck.

Wanted Ankle Boots. 

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We are Kindred gets a special mention in this post. Absolutely died and went to heaven when I saw the pieces from the show. It was major 700's vibes and I am obsessed with the floaty, airy dresses that walked down the runway. Also, let's discuss the super cute matching outfits with the female models and little kids - I need a child ASAP to match with them next Summer in these pieces. 

Image: Getty

Thanks for reading...

With Love,

Madyson

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MBFWA Day 2 || My Favourite Shows and What I Wore

Day 2 of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia and boy did it have a seriously good line-up. Whilst it was absolutely freezing today, the rain did hold off, which I was super thankful for. Unfortunately I missed out on seeing some of the more highly anticipated shows like Lee Matthews and Bianca Spender due to interning commitments, but I did get the chance to check out the Anna Quan show which I was super excited for. 

Earthy hues seem to be all the rave right now, with Albus Lumen demonstrating beautiful burnt orange tones through their silky silhouettes. I can imagine myself wearing the powder blue set with a white Dior cross-body during a European Summer holiday, which honestly, is much needed right now. I always admire the attention to detail that is displayed through each and every single piece in the Albus Lumen collections, whether that be buttons or statement earrings, and the fact that each item is super flattering on every woman's body shape. 

Image: Getty Images

Image: @theeventgroup

Image: @balmainhaircouture_anz

Bianca Spender is always a favourite for me. Tailored blazers, loose fabrics and draped shoulders were all the rage on Bianca's runway, and I loved the incorporation of chic work-wear into the mix of all things Resort wear. The models looked empowered as they walked, something I always admire during a show. If the models look bold and strong in what they are wearing rather than looking overwhelmed by all the clothes, it means the designer has done its job right and created pieces that make women feel as good as they look, something we all strive for.

Image: Getty Images

Image: Getty Images

Image: Getty Images

Environmentally sustainable designer, Lee Matthews, was another stand-out from today. I especially loved the crisp white shirts, blush pink trenches and bell-sleeved knits. So much goodness in one show, and the grass set fit in with the overall concept perfectly.

Image: Vogue Australia

 Image: Vogue Australia

 Image: Vogue Australia

The show that I did get to attend was Anna Quan. I've been a fan of this label for the past couple of years now, and always a lover of the simplistic nature of the designs. Anna definitely stuck to her minimalistic vibe this show, which I kind of found disappointing. There were a few key pieces that I did adore however like the white tie-up dress over the red one-piece and the black suit, reiterating the idea that a tailored suit is an essential for every woman's wardrobe.

Image: Getty Images

Image: Getty Images

As for what I wore, I took the simple route today, mostly due to being short for time rushing from interning to the show. I wore a slimming black jumpsuit by Witchery (a staple in my wardrobe) with a Witchery camel coat chucked over the top in hopes to stay warm, and nude patent points, which always dresses up an outfit. I traded in my Gucci bag today for this vintage Oroton handbag that was my mum's. 

Coat: Witchery. Shop here.

Thanks for reading...

With Love,

Madyson

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