The year in perspective: 2011

A review of 2011

The highs and lows, slags and shags, weddings and break ups, the bizarre to mundane - It's been a busy one.

Lady GaGa’s Eggs-Cellent Grammys Arrival

Known for her outlandish behaviour, GaGa stole the show at the Grammy Awards in February, arriving at the star-studded bash in a giant egg or ‘vessel’ as she preferred to call it.

After turning heads with her eggs-trordinary entrance, the 25-year old debuted her new single Born This Way – which went on to be a huge anthem for Little (gay) Monsters around the globe.

Ahh Beibz - Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Go Public With Relationship

After months of speculation, the Biebster and Gomez finally confirmed their romance and where better to step out as a couple for the first time than The Oscars.

Back in February, JB and Selena hit the red carpet arm-in-arm at Vanity Fair’s party together and have been inseparable ever since! (Besides the little backstage 'slip' Bieber had with a money grabbing troll).

William and Kate Pronounced Man and Wife - couple married after William has a spot of trouble with Miss Middleton's ring...

Kate, wearing her hair down and an ivory and lace gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen walked up the aisle to coronation anthem I Was Glad, by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry.

During Miss Middleton and William saying their vows, it was noted that Kate did not promise to obey William.

After the vows and a slight moment of drama when William struggled to place the wedding ring on Kate's finger, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Rowan Williams, declared: "I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Now that they are wed, William has been given the title of the Duke of Cambridge and Miss Middleton the title of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge - given to them by The Queen.

AND, Pippa Middleton go 'Rear of The Year' - bang tidy!

Bottom left: One too many glasses of cherryade and the noise got to the little'un

Cheryl Cole Sacked From The X Factor USA

Just when Cheryl thought she was on the brink of cracking America, Chezza was given the boot from the US XF panel, leaving our favourite Geordie “shocked and stunned.”

The Girls Aloud stunner was later replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, with boss Simon Cowell stating that he felt Cheryl was “uncomfortable” on the American series.

The 28-year old was then expected to make a return to the UK shows, but once again, was replaced this time by N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos. Cheryl has remained tight-lipped over her sacking from The X Factor USA, but we’ve got a feeling it could have had something to do with her major orange and purple fashion fail at the first auditions.

David And Victoria Beckham’s Baby Girl

After three sons, the Beckham's finally welcomed their first daughter into the world with the birth of Harper Seven on July 10.

The proud new father revealed how having a baby girl was a different experience to that with his sons, saying:

"The boys never slept when they were babies. Harper is totally different. She sleeps from like 11 o'clock at night 'till 7:30 in the morning. Which is at three-months-old, is kind of amazing. So, we are very lucky.

"She is very feminine in every way. I've never had that before. I've never seen that before. So, everything she does, it kind of amazes me. (Is she not just a mini Posh)?!

"Every time she moves or she makes a noise, it's amazing having a little girl."

All the best to the Beckham clan - Brad & Angie best watch their back; the Beckham's are catching up.

The Harry Potter Franchise Comes To A Close

The seventh and final instalment in the Harry Potter franchise, The Deathly Hallows Part 2, was released in July and smashed box office records worldwide.

The film took $168million on its opening weekend in the US and Canada alone, knocking the previous title holder, Batman: The Dark Knight, into a cocked (wizard’s) hat.

Haven't they grown!

Amy Winehouse Dies

The world of music was rocked by the sad news that Amy Winehouse had tragically passed away at the age of 27 on 23rd July 2011.

The Back To Black singer, who had been plagued with drug and alcohol problems, was found dead at her home in Camden by her bodyguard.

In the months after her death, an inquest revealed Winehouse was more than five times over the drink-drive limit, with a verdict of misadventure given by a coroner.

RIP Amy

Zac Efron Hit By Naked Picture Scandal - A saucy snap of Zac emerged on Twitter, but was been branded fake...

Zac Efron was the latest celebrity to become the victim of a naked photo scandal after a fake image of him completely nude emerged onTwitter.

The saucy snap hit the micro-blogging site yesterday, and showed the former High School Musical star apparently pleasuring himself, while posing topless and showing off his ripped torso.

As a result, Efron quickly became a trending topic on Twitter - despite the raunchy image being deemed fake by many users.

Eagle-eyed tweeters spotted the similarities between the supposed nude pic of Zac and an old photo of the 23-year old, with his fans claiming that his face had been superimposed on someone else's body.

Zac's former girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens recently contacted the police over leaked naked pictures of herself, while Selena Gomez and Blake Lively have also stated that previous nude snaps claiming to be them are also fakes.

Efron is yet to comment on the racy image - say it's not fake!

Beyonce Confirms Pregnancy

It was the news we had all been waiting for when Queen B announced at the 2011 MTV VMAs that she was expecting her first child with hubby Jay-Z.

After being dogged by rumours that her pregnancy was fake after her baby bump seemed to collapse on Australian TV, the Single Ladies hitmaker is expected to give birth to a baby girl later this month.

Radiant!

Rihanna Bares All On Set Of ‘We Found Love’

Known for her raunchy behaviour, RiRi caused controversy in September this year by going topless on the set of her promo for hit single, We Found Love, in Northern Ireland.

The Bajan babe stripped off and exposed her breasts in farmer Alan Graham’s field, who asked Rihanna to put her clothes back on. Graham later branded RiRi’s striptease as “inappropriate”.

Got it flaunt it!

Kim Kardashian's Wedding/Divorce Saga

In August this year, it seemed as if socialite Kim Kardashian had finally got her happy ending after marrying basketball ace Kris Humphries in a lavish ceremony in California.

However just 72-days later, Kimmy announced she was divorcing Kris, citing "irreconcilable differences" as her reason for ending her marriage.

Kim has since been accused of marrying Humphries for the cameras, and has been forced to deny rumours that her marriage was a sham. Better luck next year Kim…

The distance was apparent from the beginning - someone chuck her the yellow pages.

The X Factor 2011: Little Mix Win, Misha B Accused Of Bullying & Frankie Cocozza Kicked Out, Harry and Caroline Flack Dating

The popular talent show was back with more controversy this year, as new judges Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos joined old-timer Louis Walsh to find the next worldwide star.

N-Dubz singer Tulisa hit the headlines for branding contestant Misha B a bully, wannabe rocker Frankie Cocozza was axed for allegedly taking cocaine and girlband Little Mix became the first group ever to be crowned XF champions - not to mention Xtra Factor host Caroline Flack’s controversial romance with 17-year old One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles!

Phew, it’s been a busy year…

Tulisa seemed genuinely surprised.

Adele’s Quest For World Domination

Back in February, Adele stepped out on stage at The BRIT Awards and performed Someone Like You, and it’s safe to say the 23-year old’s life was changed forever.

After ruling the charts and breaking numerous records with her sophomore album 21 - which was become the UK’s biggest-selling album of the 21st Century - Adele received a set back and had to cancel her entire US tour due to throat problems.

The Rolling In The Deep star had suffered a haemorrhage in her vocal chord and had to have throat surgery. We wish Adele a speeding recovery and expect more big things from her in 2012.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher Divorce

Despite seeming like one of the most solid celebrity couples, Demi Moore announced she was divorcing her toyboy hubby Ashton Kutcher in November, following claims he cheated on her.

Blonde party-girl Sara Leal alleged she had sex with the Two And A Half Men star on the eve of his sixth wedding anniversary, leaving Demi to call time on their marriage.

You can do better babes.

Justin Bieber Hit With Paternity Claims

Just when we thought butter wouldn’t melt in the Biebster’s mouth, in November the 17-year old was rocked by accusations that he had fathered a fan's baby.

Mariah Yeater claimed that she had sex with JB backstage at one of his gigs, resulting in her falling pregnant with son Tristyn.

After denying the 20-year old’s allegations, the Baby singer agreed to take a DNA test – despite Yeater’s ex Robbie Powell insisting she had made up the reports and he was the child’s father.

The saga is expected to continue well into the New Year.

Looking dapper in D&G.

Dougie Poynter Crowned King Of The Jungle - McFly bassist beats his new pal Mark Wright to win I'm A Celeb...

Dougie Poynter won this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and been crowned the new King of the Jungle.

He beat his friend and rival Mark Wright, of TOWIE, in the public vote - and was left speechless by the news.

Once he'd managed to untie his tongue, he declared: "It's been the best couple of weeks of my life, I wish everyone could experience that!"

And on winning he was reunited with his best friend and McFly bandmate Tom Fletcher - who may now have a bit of competition on the friendship front from Mark.

Speaking about his experience on the show earlier, Dougie had said: "This time last year I was at, like, rock bottom and it's just been a complete whirlwind. I never thought I would be in here and be so happy."

Mark was also enthusiastic about the whole experience, saying: "I've won just by being here. I can't be a loser today."

And when he heard that Dougie had won he said: "He's the nicest, kindest person in the whole world."

The pair had earlier eaten a three-course meal made up of unsavoury items - with Dougie drawing the shortest straw and having to chow down on a bushbuck penis.

This led to the classic quote: "It actually tastes like penis."

And that line alone makes him a worthy winner!

2012 is destine for good things - Happy New Year to all.

Not Armani ... MARNI, but more PriMarni than H&M

For those of you who are fashionably challenged Marni involves contrasting colour and clashing pattern all worked in with a bit of colour blocking and the token black thrown in for good measure. There's a lot of plastic on the accessories side (like I don't see enough of this at work).

"I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favourite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colours, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic, adding sporty utilitarian elements," says Castiglioni of her first high-street collection.

Again the designer has unashamedly sold herself short to one of the biggest high street retailers in the world. There seems to be a pattern here. We've only just got over Versace and Donatella's flogging of a dead horse, and now we are given this tripe. Note in the quote above Castiglioni has mentioned that she wants to create what seems to be a replica of Marni in H&M. You may be thinking 'well yeah, that's the point', but NO, this is not possible. There is talking (again above) of using 'signature fabrics and prints' ... Hmm, so Marni prints on synthetic polyester with a flammability rating higher than Katie Price dipped in petrol? No, obviously not, but again to making this profitable they will, and ultimately, like I said, sell themselves short.

There is no denying that the collection won't look visually appealing. The Versace collection, albeit reminiscing a six years sick bucket after ODing on Skittles, did actually look 'good' in store. It had a certain charm and magnetism about it when walking into store. This is all despite myself walking into the Oxford Street store just before close on the launch day and looking at a few sorry looking drabs of what could of been Donatellas bandage rags from her latest lipo op. Oh, there was a full rail of nearly £200 leather trousers. Joys.

H&M will need to rope in their best VM team. Pull out all the stops, again. They sure do have their work cut out this time around. Everyone knows Versace, does everyone know Marni, or are they going to feed of the stupidity of people thinking it's Armani. Armani wouldn't dream of H&M, but then again when cash flow is tight you never know what the fashion houses of the 21st century will do.

Video: Castiglioni speaks about the collection, along with Bosch for H&M

"We all love the collection here at H&M and we believe that our customers will too," H&M's Margareta van den Bosch said. "Marni has such a modern touch with everything they do, mixing prints and accessories in a playful but chic way. It's fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her designs, matching new combinations of print and colour, with such incredible craftsmanship behind every piece. The collection will arrive in stores at just the perfect time, as a lovely statement for spring."

H&M's Margareta van den Bosch (standing) with designer and founder of Marni, Consuelo Castiglioni (sitting) - The terrible duo.

From a retail point of view H&M must be in love. The attention from the media is unprecedented and the chance to showcase the rest of their stores and own collections is phenomenal; not to mention the sweet smell of money dropping with ease into their tills. But really how much effort and time does H&M go to to make this work. Does Marni want H&M or does H&M want Marni. In most cases I would say that the high street brand wants the designer. It's like a relationship in the dating stage. Both know they want each other, but neither will admit it. So there is the constant cat and mouse until the other gives in. We will never know, but my guess is the designers need H&M more than H&M needs the designers. Lets face it, both parties do pretty well without each other.

Working on the collection

Will people buy into this - Yes. Will the media fall over themselves to cover the collection - Yes. Will there be queues round the block to get a piece - Yes. Will the queues be to see Castiglioni like Donatella- Probably not, I wouldn't bat an eye lid if she slapped me in the face.

I predict the collection will be miles better from a aesthetic point of view, but no where near as hyped. We wait with baited breath, again.

Presents.

Christmas is fast approaching with only 28 days until the big man comes down your chimney (pause). The high streets are packed with people buying gifts for loved ones and websites are seeing higher 'foot fall'. Pounding the pavements of Oxford Street yesterday afternoon with the same idea as everyone else, to 'start early this year', I started to wonder what Christmas means to different people ... different nationalities, different family backgrounds, different religions ... After all it is an international festivity, whether you like it or not.

Its one of those things are make you feel guilty. It's the 'oh but it's Christmas' excuse. It's acceptable to binge drink, binge eat, and binge spend and announce 'oh but it's Christmas' after. It's the only time of year that people crack open a bottle of champagne and 9am and start knocking it back - and this is acceptable. I am not saying I don't do that myself, but given the choice I would do that on any other day. This is proceeded by the 'I bought you; you bought me' present giving. 

Now this is the part that really frustrates me about Christmas to the point that now I only buy for family and the odd friend. Because what is the point. So, this is how it works ... You ask said person what they want for Christmas, they say 'oh I'm not fussed, you don't have to get me something', knowing full well that they are going to buy you something so if you don't buy them something you look like a right twat. You go out of your way searching high and low for the perfect gift, that you hope they will like, with an ounce of uniqueness to it (note: A FCUK toiletry set in Boot's 3 for 2 offer is not personal nor acceptable and is likely to be thrown in the bin in the fear of getting a skin rash from the cheap shower gel). The gift is then lovingly wrapped, with a bow and a card (all last minute) to them be put under the tree ready for the 'exchange'. Now, by all means correct me if you believe I am wrong but where is the point in the whole situation when you could just go out and buy yourself something. Why waste the tree on the wrapping paper or the stress and strain of Oxford Street on a Saturday afternoon. FYI, all I bought on my trip there was stuff for myself. 

What this boils down to is that the Jewish have got it totally right. Christmas is cancelled.

Destiny's Child - 8 days of Christmas (supposedly feeling like Christmas because their men buy them a present of each day of Christmas).

Naughty but nice ...

Shocking adverts ... or enticing adverts?

A controversial lingerie ad, featuring model Karen Elson lurring male models dripping in dimaond necklaces with reddened bums (make up, of course, by Pat McGrath). 

“Underwear in itself is so sexy; we wanted to push the idea, to really make it shocking.” says Enninful - Sod the underwear, we like it like this

 

Photographed by Steven Meisel

Styled by Edward Enninful

Pitt to quit

Brad Pitt, 47 year old American actor and film producer. Pitt has received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one. He is described as one of the world's most attractive men ... blah blah blah. He's nothing special and dropping quickly off the radar. Which he has timely decided to agree to himself by 'quitting' acting.

He has openly admitted that his days in-front of the camera are numbered, so he's decided to try his luck behind the scenes. Taking himself off the screens and choosing to pursue a new venture in directing. It confuses me how an actor can go from being told what to do and taking direction to being the one directing - especially if they aren't that great at acting themselves. 

Pitt made this revelation on Australian TV show, 60 minute. When asked how long he planned on continuing acting he said "3 years" and went onto joke that he was unsure what he would do afterwards by coming out with, 'Hell if I know!'. Continuing to confuse matters by saying, 'I've really enjoyed the producerial [sic] side and getting stories to the plate that may have had a harder time otherwise.' What is this slur!

Alternatively Pitt, you could be a stay at home dad ... After all you can't let Angelina do all the work. There 7 strong brood, plus themselves, bring the family to a healthy 9 people. This is big by today's standards. Three being biologically theirs and the other 4 are the gains other the overseas adoption spree that A-Listers jumped on a few years back.

So I reckon in a few years time Pitt will open a few charity shacks for the children of the far east, produce a film to be hyped by the media and crash shamefully and then probably have a 2nd mid-life crisis (the first being chucking Jennifer) ... This is most likely end in him chucking Angelina and pursuing a relationship with a younger, prettier, more in-the-lime-light alternative to revive his soon to be dead career.

For the mean time Brad just put your feet up, have a rest and leave Angelina to bring home the bacon ... Lets face it, she's better at the job than you.

In God we trust ... [or do we?]

Now this may seem a little deep or meaningful however lets think of it like fashion to lighten the mood ... Fashion being a religion.

To begin with I feel it is important to address the meaning of the word 'religion'. Although not the most reliable source for definitions, I have chosen to take a quote from Wikipedia - Wikipedia, like religions, is a collection of views or opinions on a subject (rather fitting then really).

"Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spiritualityand, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to givemeaning to life or to explain the origin of life or the universe. They tend to derive morality, ethics, religious laws or a preferred lifestylefrom their ideas about the cosmos and human nature."

On Sunday I went to a family Christening of a new member into the extended family. This experience has left my already negative view on the 'faith' even more down trodden. I have always been cynical and bitter of religion from an early age. I am do not like to be told what to do. Start with being Christened. I was Christened shortly after birth. I strongly disagreed with this 'dunking' of a child under water that has been 'blessed' or 'offered'. My dismay at the blessing is predominately down to the fact that the child being sacrificed into another extended family (God's family) is that is it not only against their will as they are too young to object, but it is also irreversible. In the literal sense, and if you grow up to not believe or follow a religion, it has no effect. However if you are doubtful and fearful the Christening will play on your guilty emotions for the rest of your life [or until sense kicks in].

So, while sitting there in the grandeur of the state paid church, combined with guilt tripping begging as funding, I wondered to myself how thousands of years of tradition, with no true confirmation that what people were putting their undivided attention and trust in, managed to continue.

Then suddenly is dawned on me. The guilt and fear alone wasn't enough, but the continued guilt and fear driven by parents, grandparents and members of the congregation. The driving force of guilt and fear in the unknown is what keeps this highly lucrative 'venture' moving forward.

Tomorrow's religion will never die.

Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea!

Having experienced the full force of London for several years now I have realised that I haven't ventured to new found areas. Having been 'out 'n out' for work today I have discovered some new areas. The main one being Kings Road.

An overly ostentatious area dripping in 'money-ed' inhabitants and shamefully not hiding this. A stones throw away from Knightsbridge, which I frequent often, the Kings Road area has shot to new fame due to its showcasing on Channel 4's take on The Only Way is Essex, known as Made in Chelsea. Like chalk and cheese. Kings Road has a variety of shops, restaurants and bars that clearly appeal to the more discerning clientele.

I was rather intrigued to say the least. I was wondering 'who these people are', 'what jobs do they do' and 'where are they going'. There is a something about the area that makes you want to fit in or being one of the locals. This is probably the main attraction to why Made in Chelsea has proved popular enough to make it to a second series.

Like the TV program, Kings Road is addictive and appealing ... Sucking you in and making you want to return for another 'viewing'. From the high end shops to the high flying inhabitants back to the high brow 'lady's who lunch' swanning the pavements with their casually fixed hair.

Next up ... Essex! Can we say that there is the same lust?

Versace for H&M

Very rarely are we given a collaboration between a high street store and a high end designer that works ... But this one simply 'works' (much to the industries dismay).

Versace for H&M launches world wide on 19th November 2011, and momentarily on eBay. Destine for success and failure at once it could be said this will shoot Donatella in the foot or more so shoot her bank balance into un-heard of figures. 

Versace founded in 1978, opening it's first store in the fashion capital Milan becoming an instant success ... Note: Chanel took longer. Versace has almost become a documentary or real-life 'BigBrother'. Constantly in the spot light and epitomising the so-called 'fashion' (street meaning) industry. 

Starting with the death of Gianni Versace who was killed by Andrew Cunanan on July 15, 1997. His sister Donatella Versace, formerly vice-president, then stepped in as creative director of Versace and his older brother Santo Versace became CEO. Donatella's daughter Allegra Versace also owns 50 percent of the company since 2004 as wished by Gianni in his last will. Allegra also has the last say of the sale and other important details in the Versace clothing line.

Versace's Style Department employs a group of designers and stylists who work in teams. Each team is specifically dedicated to each fashion line or label. These teams operate under the close supervision and guidance of Donatella Versace. Versace is one of the very few labels still run by the family - How Italian of them.

The collection is made up of colour and print, Donatella Versace has gone back to the archives to bring some Versace classics to the masses. Almost paying homage to her brother. Iconic dresses are the focus of the women’s collection which includes a classic black silk crepe dress. The multi-colour sequin dresses are covered in archival Versace prints, short metallic dresses come in either silver or gold, and strong colour shift dresses are embellished with studs in classic Greek motifs.

Men's wear

The men's collection is shamefully a side line. It's almost embarrassing that fashion labels still do this.

MEN SHOP.

Yes, agreed, the revenue is not the same as women's wear however it is disappointing to see that the collection has been minimised and promotion suppressed. The men's collection is just as mouth-watering as the women's lines but it seems H&M have failed to note this in their marketing ... Its women women women. What ever happened to the saying "It's a man's world"?

Do you like? 

Will you buy? 

Is this the 'right' thing for Versace or Donatella to be doing? 

Regardless of opinion the fashion world will wait with baited breath when watching yet another Versace family roll-out.

Mine and Charlotte's MEN!

Sunday evening discussion ... 

So on this mundane Sunday evening Charlotte and I have discussed the beauty of Cam Joslin Gigandet. The American actor, whose roles have included Twilight, The O.C., Never Back Down, The Roommate, Burlesque and Priest.

This is probably one of those few occasions that do not require explanation.

In the beginning

Start!

I had a blog a while ago and gave up (I give up easily); so here goes again. I also need a substitute for Twitter as it's all becoming rather monotonous. After Facebook drops off, Twitter will follow: Remember MySpace!

My blog will NOT dwell on personal obsessions because I don't have any. I'm not the kind to hype over a musical artist, favourite director, only read books by a certain author ... You get the idea. It's rather un-healthy to excite over one other human being or become so wrapped up in their existence that you find yourself checking Perez to see what they've been doing. So, what I should be saying is there will be variation - News, fashion, love, mood, food ...

Saying all that, I do have an obsession with 'fashion' or 'trends'; not in the literal/common sense of those worlds but in their dictionary definitions ("a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing"). People follow fashions, everyone follows fashions ... Even the dregs of society that insist on spunking benefits of the government or living in a feed claiming to be 'hippies', follow fashion. So to those who mock it - you are mocking yourself!

Quick summary:

Likes:

• Food - Italian, Oriental & English

• Wine - All.

• Fashion - As above

• Gaga, Madonna & Whitney

• Rothko 

(more likes to be explored)

Dislikes:

• Bad grammar

• People who do not take pride in their appearance

• Righteous people (this is different to opinionated).

• Fiction or fantasy

(more dislikes to be explored)

LETS GO PEOPLE! 

Follow my twitter for a step by step account of my life: @jdaley_s