Strictlyfashion2012: the highlights
Strictly Come Dancing is always as much of a joy to watch for the fashion as it is for the spins and lifts and occasional acrobatics. Last year’s series was no exception, and while the menfolk continued to camp things up – especially judge Bruno Tonioli with his coloured tuxedos – the women brought the real glamour. Tess Daly is always a vision in her array of ball gowns and cocktail dresses, but ballerina Darcey Bussell, the new addition to the judging panel, certainly gave her a run for her money.
In October, Halloween week was a real treat for fashion lovers, as it showcased the timeless appeal of the little black dress. For the results show, Tess wore a figure-hugging bandage dress; knee-length, it featured a plunging neckline embellished with crystals.
Her co-presenter for results night, the ever-bubbly Claudia Winkleman, opted for a romantic, vintage-inspired look, wearing an extraordinary semi-sheer black dress with lace sleeves and a floaty, partly open skirt under which she wore black leggings. This was a dress very much in the style of Florence Welch, and Claudia teamed it with tousled rock chick hair, black eyeliner and patent, pointed court shoes. Darcey Bussell wore cobwebby black lace, although most of her dress was unfortunately obscured from view by the judges’ table.
On the dance floor, Fern Britton looked magical in a deep purple velvet dress with sparkly embellishments and a vampire-like cape at the back: perfect for spinning across the floor in the American Smooth with partner Artem Chigvintsev. This was the perfect contrast to the floaty white lace creation she wore in Hollywood week when she took on the role of Mary Poppins, and the perfect counterpoint to Victoria Pendleton’s spooky white wedding dress which she wore for her tango with Brendan Cole.
Leaderboard-topper Flavia Cacace wowed the audience and judges alike with her almost flawless tango with celebrity partner Louis Smith, but all fashionista eyes were also on her stunning gown. Her black and grey lace dress was studded with jewels and featured neon yellow trimmings to the skirt so that every flick of the leg revealed a flash of startling brightness. This perfect tango look was complemented with high-impact black liquid eyeliner, the friend of little black dresses everywhere…
Strictlyfashion2012: the highlights
