Tropical Traveller: Spring Fashion Trends 2012

As we start of the new year, we are greeted by fabulous new fashion trends.  Designers such as Dolce and Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli have taken inspiration from the exotic flavours of the Amazon and combined tribal influences into their latest collections.  Luckily for us, the high street stores have created fashionable topical inspired pieces.   New Look, Topshop and River Island all feature dresses, trousers and skirts in an array of tropical styles from bold to bright prints and patterns.

The Tropics

Stay on trend with tropical patterns.  This Amazonian inspiration brings in lush jungle landscapes with tropical fruits on dresses, shirts and jackets.   Don’t worry about over doing it with the prints, as matching is key this season.  Opt for a full-bodied skirt with either a fruit or floral print and pair with a crop top and skinny belt to cinch in the waist.  You will have the tropical paradise look in an instant. 

Floral Bliss

Hawaiian florals are essential to achieve this exotic trend.   Asian flowers, palm leaves and tropical fruit motifs are important prints to carrying of this fun style.  Choose bright punches of splashy citrus hues to create a vibrant colour palette, inspired by nature itself.

Jungle Queen

This season designers are using bold, statement-making accessories that reference jungle tribes of the past, enticing the culture-curious, jet-setting woman of today.  Top of your outfit with a chunky, colourful necklace and beaded earrings to get maximum glamour.   Dressing bold can be as simple as pairing geometric shaped earrings with a vivid realist print.

Tribal

Polynesian Tiki prints add an exotic flavour to spring fashion.  Pair a tropical-inspired sundress with raffia wedges or flat espadrilles to get the look of the islands.

Animal Motifs

Step out for a formal summer soirée in a gown featuring leopard or animal prints.  Jewellery accents the tropical motifs with sea life-themed charms and pendants, colourful seed beads, metal cuffs and brilliant seed beads. Combine several brilliant colours in a bracelet or necklace for a layered look that evokes the enchanting rhythms found in South America.

Men’s Fashion:

Hawaiian Shirts

Get that "La Isla Bonita" look poolside with a striking printed top.  Hawaiian print shirts are back. The all over printed tops are a perfect bridge between a t-shirt and casual shirt this spring. Opt for a jersey version with a collar for a modern up to date alternative to the classic polo shirt.  Remember, the bolder the print the better.

 Woven shoes

Stay cool with a pair of canvas or woven shoes in tan or natural shades to balance out the bright prints of your shirt.

Finishing touches

Pair this shirt with denim shorts or chinos and a pair of shades.  Stay on trend with a straw hat for that Island look and beaded bracelets for a relaxed surfer style.

Funny Man Owen Wilson talks about life on the big screen!

Chanelle Tourish catches up with the Hollywood star in Dubai were he reveals what it’s like to work with some of the biggest names in showbiz.

The Wedding Crashers star has appeared in four films this year and has worked alongside some of the finest names in the business, including Robert Di Niro, Ben Stiller, Bruce Willis and Jackie Chan.  Though it's not his meal ticket these days, Owen Wilson got his start in Hollywood as a writer. 

Along with friend and director Wes Anderson, he wrote the film Bottle Rocket.  Though the full-length version of Bottle Rocket wasn't a box-office hit, Wilson's role as star and writer of the film drew much acclaim after its 1996 release.

The Texan native said he never dreamt that he would become an actor, despite both his parents working in a creative industry.  His father worked at Dallas PBS television station, whilst his mother was a photographer.

“I was living in Dallas, so it seemed so far-fetched to just go off to Hollywood," said Wilson.  "I thought I would just be a writer but Wes pushed us to act in Bottle Rocket. It's funny how things work out."

Wilson started his career as a writer and is behind the critically acclaimed film, The Royal Tenenbaums, which he wrote with Anderson.  The film was nominated for an Academy Award in 2001 for Best Original Screenplay and included a star-studded cast, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Gene Hackman.

Soon after, Wilson auditioned to be in the Cable Guy; a film directed by Ben Stiller and Jim Carey and got the role. 

“Ben really loved Bottle Rocket and said he was excited to find stuff that we could work on together,” said Wilson.

Wilson and Stiller have worked on over ten movies together and have built a strong friendship over the years.  Zoolander, Starksy and Hutch and Meet the Parents were all a smashing success at the box office. 

“You develop a level of comfort with a person, which seems to be a natural thing.  I have worked with Ben a lot because I like his sense of humour and he’s an incredibly hard worker.  I don’t have to worry too much that he’ll be sweating the details” he said.

Despite being one of Hollywood’s finest actors, Wilson admits that he still gets star struck when working with people he admires.

“I remember being on the set of Meet the Parents and I turn around to see Robert Di Niro standing there looking at me and I just froze, I completely forgot all of my lines.  It was extremely embarrassing and of course Ben was there laughing because he knew that I was nervous,” said Wilson.

The American actor admitted to being nervous at the prospect of working with director Woody Allen on his latest film, Midnight in Paris and said that the weather helped him bond with the legendary director.

“Woody would always be on his iPhone during takes, checking the weather around the world,” he said.  “So I asked him, ‘Where is the hottest place right now?’ and it was Dubai.”

Wilson explained that he received a letter from Woody asking him to take on the lead role in the film.

“He sent me a really nice letter and he described the character as a bit more intellectual than I would normally play,” said Wilson. 

The handsome actor captured our hearts in films, ‘Marley and Me’ and made us laugh in box office hits, Zoolander and Hall Pass, but it was Wedding Crashers that propelled the 43 year old to Tinsel town status.

“Wedding crashers was definitely the biggest movie that I have been in.  I had a fun time working on it. There was a lot of improvising and working with Vince was great, we got on so well and had a lot of fun together. We were always pushing each other to make the script better.  There was a level of trust between us on set, sometimes you work with people that you have to kind of tip toe around, and you know that’s just their process, but not with Vince,” said Wilson.

Wilson has had a string of hit films over the past decade and worked with some of the biggest names in the business.  The actor says he feels lucky to have been able to work with such established directors throughout his career.

“I remember working on Armageddon with Michael Bay and I got to the set late one day and he pulled me aside and said, ‘I worked with Sean Connery, a major movie star and in 40 years he was never late, why are you late?’ from that day on, I was never late again. I ended up getting along well with Michael and getting the chance to work with him was fantastic because I admire him so much. I’ve been lucky in my career that I have gotten to work with so many talented and good people.”

Wilson hopes to star alongside actor and brother, Luke Wilson in the future as well as his fellow ‘frat-pack’ buddies, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Vince Vaughan and long-time friend Ben Stiller.  There’s no doubt Wilson has further success ahead of him.

Hollywood's Leading Man- Tom Cruise in Dubai, Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol

He started out as an awkward teenager, rose to A-list status after starring in eighties flick ‘Top Gun’ and became a modern-day sex symbol.  Is there anything this Hollywood hunk can’t do? 

Tom Cruise spoke at the World Premiere in Dubai of his latest blockbuster, Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol.

It’s hard to imagine dangling of the tallest building in the world, but for Tom Cruise it’s just another day in the movies.  The 49 year old action star performs all his own stunts and in the latest instalment of Mission Impossible, he propelled of the world’s tallest building, Burj Kalifa in Dubai.

“I remember the first safety briefing we had and the stunt-co-ordinators told me that they wanted everyone to wear parachutes and I said, “Well, then, we need a new safety officer, so go find us another one who’s going to say it’s ok.” I’m not afraid of heights but I am afraid of falling!” said Tom.

Tom who is married to actress Katie Holmes says he couldn’t do his work without her. The Hollywood pair who married in 2006 have one daughter together, Suri. 

“Katie knows I climb and hike and fly planes and all of that and she’s like, ’Go do your work’, she’s very supportive and helpful,” he said.

Tom spent over a month in Dubai in 2010 filming the MI4 movie and explains that there are so many moments that he will never forget.

 “As an actor I get to fulfil the dream of travelling the world and having different adventures.  I remember when Dubai was being built and I was looking at photographs of it.  I was very excited to have the opportunity to film here.”

Cruise who plays IMF operative Ethan Hunt stars alongside British comedy actor Simon Pegg and fellow American, actress Paula Patton.  In his free time between filming, Tom said he loves nothing more but to hang out with the cast and crew. 

“I really love being on a movie set.  I’m not the guy who hangs out in his trailer.  The second I landed in Dubai, I went to the waterpark with the cast and crew and went snowboarding.   We had so much fun in these magnificent locations, shooting in Burj Khalifa and out in a sandstorm.  There’s a great joy in creating and making movies.  I love that.  Being in such exotic locations, where we just couldn’t believe we’re here, we had so many great moments.  On my last night in Dubai I went out to the desert and I got to ride camels as the sun was setting.  It was incredible.  There are so many moments I won’t forget.”

Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol is in cinemas December 21^st.

What do you think of Kim Kardashian's outfit here? Leave your comments :)

Bright Lights...Star City!

Sitting here in my apartment which overlooks the famously upmarket JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence)  in Dubai, a feeling of contentment and excitement washes over me.  It is only three days to the 8th annual Dubai Film Festival, which is sure to be a great one!  Tinseltown's finest will turn out in style on the red carpet to celebrate 'Mission Impossible 3: Ghost Protocol' starring Hollywood's leading man, Tom Cruise as well as British Comedic actor, Simon Pegg.  Other famous faces that will make an appearance at this year's festival include the hilarious 'It boy' of Hollywood, Owen Wilson and the stunningly beautiful, Scarlett Johansson.  So what better way to begin a blog and cover this star-studded event!

Bright Lights....Star City will report on all the major red carpet events in Dubai and society parties and events.  From discussing fashion favourites to fashion disasters, to who wore what best this blog will bring you the hottest events with the best fashion and lifestyle coverage!  Weekly and daily updates will include fashion tips of the day as well as all the latest gossip and entertainment news from Hollywood with personal analysis and thoughts from the public.  Feel free to comment and offer any tips or hints from events in Dubai.  You too can be a part of the action. So without further introduction, cue Bright Lights..Star City!

Lights, Camera......Action!

Chanelle :)