Celebrity & Style Mag

Friday, 23 May 2014

Kardashian channels Marie Antoinette in bejeweled quilted frock as she arrives for her bachelorette party

She has borrowed Marie Antoinette's palace for her pre-wedding party.

And Kim Kardashian appeared to have raided the iconic French queen's wardrobe for her bachelorette party in a bejewled pearl encrusted gown worthy of royalty.

Arriving for the girly bash at Costes restaurant on the Rue St. Honoré in Paris, Kim looked every bit a Queen.

Queen Kim! Kardashian channels Marie Antoinette in bejewelled quilted frock as she arrives for her bachelorette party in Paris on Thursday evening

Fit for royalty: While the hemline may admittedly have appeared shockingly short to Marie Antoinette's eyes, the rest of the Balmain gown would not have looked out of place in her court

Kim Kardashian visits the Eiffel Tower on her hen night

While the hemline may admittedly have appeared shockingly short to Marie Antoinette's eyes, the rest of the Balmain gown would not have looked out of place in her court.

As a member of America's self-made reality royalty, only the best will do for bride-to-be Kim.

She wore her newly extended brunette hair wavy and over a shoulder, while simple nude flats accessorised her couture look.

Inspiration: But Marie Antoinette, the doomed French Queen, would no doubt have been shocked by Kim's high hemline

Girls only: Kim was joined by Kylie, Kendall and Kourtney at her party

The excitement is obviously mounting ahead of the big day, with Kim's close pal Rachel Roy Instagraming a snap of the bride at her hen do.

'Wedding wkend,' she wrote, next to the snap of Kim puckering up for a kiss.

Kim's sisters Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall and Kylie were also on hand to join the celebrations ahead of Kim's Saturday marriage to Kanye West.

Fit for a queen: Kim smiles as Kylie follows her into the party

Kisses from the bride: Kim's pal Rachel Roy Instagramed this snap of her friend

Her mother Kris Jenner tweeted a snap of her plate of escargot - snails to the non-French captioned: '#wheninfrance'.

And Kourtney got in on the act as she tweeted: 'Things are getting real. #paris #froglegs'.

Kim's $20,000 gown was from Balmain's fall 2012 collection, which the designer explained was inspired by a Faberge egg given to Elizabeth Taylor by her then-lover Richard Burton.

FIT FOR ROYALTY - QUEEN KIM'S BACHELORETTE DRESS

By MISTY WHITE SIDELL

Throwback piece: It retailed for upwards of $20,000

Kim Kardashian’s fall 2012 dress by Balmain was inspired by the intricate patterns that adorn Fabergé eggs.
The body-conscious design, which features exaggerated shoulder pads and a stiff turtleneck, was one of the most ornate designs from that season’s collection.
It likely retailed for upwards of $20,000.
In addition to its heavy white-on-white embroidery and beaded embellishments, the dress includes a needlepoint floral plate across the chest.
It is the work of Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing, who had been installed at the helm of the brand for less than a year when he created this design.
Prior to serving as creative director, Mr Rousteing worked under his predecessor Chrisophe Decarnin – helping him modernize the label for a new era.

EXCLUSIVE: Jay Z WILL be Kanye's best man when he marries Kim in lavish Italian ceremony - and that's the only reason Beyoncé agreed to go

Multi-millionaire rapper Jay Z WILL be by his best pal Kanye West's side when he says 'I Do' to Kim Kardashian on Saturday, MailOnline can reveal.

A close family source has confirmed the star will stand up for his friend at the lavish ceremony to be held at Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy.

Rumours that Jay Z would be the best man were originally dismissed, but the family member said he would be attending alongside his wife, superstar Beyoncé, adding: 'Beyoncé had to think about it at the last minute, she didn't really want to go, but I think Jay Z's the best man, so he's kind of making her go...

Best man: Millionaire rapper Jay-Z will stand up for Kanye West at his Italian wedding on Saturday. The pair are seen at the 2012 BET Awards in LA, with Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian bookending them

The Italian Job: Jay-Z is bringing Beyoncé with him to Kim and Kanye's wedding - although a close family member at first said Beyoncé had reservations

Final preparations: Kim and Kanye have been busy getting ready for the arrival of their guests in Paris on Friday and were seen in the French capital today wearing matching camel-coloured outfitsis

Everyone has been waiting to see whether the A-list couple will turn up to the European extravaganza that kicks off in Paris on Friday and then moves on to Florence.

They were said to be shying away from attending - but MailOnline understands they will now make an appearance after Kim and Kanye banned cameras for the Kardashians' E! reality show at the wedding.

Instead, the preparations for the big day will be caught on camera.

Kim tweeted earlier this month: 'We are not filming our wedding for Keeping Up With The Kardashians. You will see everything leading up til and after! As much as we would love to share these memories on camera, we've decided to keep this close to our heart & share thru photos.'

She also disputed reports they had finalized a massive guest list, adding: 'No guest list has been released. Seeing fake ones. Especially not 1600 people invited like I just read. Its VERY small & intimate 4. Seeing fake wedding dress pics of me. No one has seen my dress! Those photos are old or photo shopped. That's it! Unless you hear it from us please don't believe nonsense!'

And the family member confirmed there were just 150 guests invited to the wedding.

Touching: The tribute that Beyonce posted to Kim and Kanye upon the birth of their daughter North last June

DAILY MIRROR
Bacary Sagna's transfer from FA Cup winners Arsenal to Premier League champions Manchester City is almost complete, with the full-back set to receive £120,000-a-week wages.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is ready to re-sign former captain Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, three years after the midfielder left the club.
Manchester City playmaker David Silva was shocked to learn of teammate Yaya Toure's apparent discontent at the club, insisting: "He's always seemed fine to me."
Hull want Southampton defender Jose Fonte, with manager Steve Bruce ready to bid £3million for the Portuguese centre-half.
Brazil international Bernard has been offered to top Premier League clubs as he bids to escape Shakhtar Donetsk.
New manager Louis van Gaal has pulled the plug on Manchester United's pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos.
Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis wants Norwich's England keeper John Ruddy following the Canaries' relegation.
Stoke are confident of landing long-standing former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouffrom Hannover.
Manchester City have been told by Roma to forget about signing defender Mehdi Benatia.
DAILY STAR
Arsenal are keen to make a bid of £12m for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, but Liverpool are also interested in signing the Frenchman.
Paul Scholes is set to be offered a coaching role at Manchester United despite questioning whether executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is good enough to lead the club.
Felix Magath wants Ajax defender Niklas Moisander to join him at Fulham.
THE SUN
Arsenal are planning a £35 million bid to bring former midfielder Cesc Fabregas back to the club from Barcelona.
Paris Saint-Germain are set to seal a £50m deal for Chelsea's David Luiz later today.
Hull are to bid £3m for Southampton centre-half Jose Fonte.
Milan are persuing Newcastle full-back Davide Santon with the Serie A club to offer Guinea defender Kevin Constant, 23, as part of the deal.
Fulham are chasing Finland defender Niklas Moisander, 28, from Ajax.
Ipswich and Charlton are battling it out for Robert Koren's signature after the 33-year-old Slovenia midfielder's deal with Hull expires.
DAILY MAIL
Southampton are interested in signing Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair for £3m.
Arsenal are pursuing Real Sociedad's £18m-rated forward Antoine Griezmann.
Swansea have agreed a deal a £7m deal with Standard Liege for Belgium Under 21 star Michy Batshuayi with Everton and Arsenal also thought to be keen.
Swans boss Garry Monk would also like to sign Gunners keeper Lukasz Fabianski with Michel Vorm expected to join Liverpool.
DAILY EXPRESS
Manchester United are prepared to sell midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who cost the club £27.5m last summer, if they can find someone willing to pay £15m.
Wayne Rooney has said he wants to captain United next season to leave new manager Louis van Gaal with a difficult choice over whether to give him the armband or Robin van Persie.
Craig Bellamy brought the curtain down on his illustrious and controversial career admitting "my body couldn't take it anymore".
Manchester City are close to confirming Bacary Sagna as their first summer signing.
Relegated Norwich last night handed Neil Adams the job of getting them back into the Premier League - and he vowed to do it with attacking football.
Thibaut Courtois has admitted that it would not be "healthy" for he and Petr Cech to battle it out for the goalkeeper's position at Chelsea next season.
Bayern Munich chief Karl Hopfner claims the club refuse to increase their contract offer to Manchester United target Toni Kroos.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
David Moyes is under investigation by police after allegedly pushing a man who made a remark about his sacking outside a wine bar.
Neil Lennon says he will help Celtic find his successor after announcing he is moving on to a "new challenge".
THE GUARDIAN
Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller will not be joining Louis van Gaal at Manchester United as the German is set to reject the chance to move.
Paul Dummett has received death threats from Uruguay fans who blame the Newcastle defender for the knee injury which has placed Luis Suarez's World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
THE INDEPENDENT
The Uruguay FA have issued a deeply pessimistic statement on Luis Suarez's prospects of facing England at the World Cup next month, declaring only that "his participation at the World Cup has not been ruled out".

Remy holds talks with Liverpool and Arsenal as interest mounts in QPR star

French striker Loic Remy has held talks with Liverpool and Arsenal over a summer move, according to a source close to the player.

Former Marseille man Remy is contracted to QPR until 2017 but spent last season on loan at Newcastle, with the 27-year-old impressing during a Premier League campaign of mixed fortunes for the Magpies.

Wanted man: Loic Remy has held talks with Arsenal and Liverpool

Spectator: On-loan Newcastle striker Loic Remy was in Bacary Sagna's box to see Arsenal beat West Brom

Arsenal have long been linked with Remy while Liverpool are seeking to bolster their squad ahead of a campaign in which they will face the added demands of Champions League football, having clinched second place in the Premier League during a season in which they had no European distractions.

Goal machine: Remy netted 14 times in 24 starts for Newcastle

Remy, who has been selected in France's World Cup squad, watched from the stands as Arsenal beat West Brom at the Emirates Stadium on May 4.

However Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied he or anyone from the club had asked him along to the game, saying at the time: 'I hope he paid for his ticket! I did not invite him.'

I'll never walk alone: Wozniacki thanks fans for messages after break up with McIlroy

aroline Wozniacki has thanked fans for their 'sweet messages' following her split from Rory McIlroy and claimed she'll 'never walk alone' in reference to her favourite football club Liverpool.

The pair's engagement was called off on Wednesday with the major winner and former world No 1 confirming the relationship had ended after he realised he was not ready for marriage.

Woznaicki took to Twitter on Thursday morning to thanks fans for their support following the break up and said: 'It's a hard time for me right now. Thanks for all the sweet messages! Happy I support Liverpool right now because I know I'll never walk alone.'

It's all over! Rory McIlroy broke off his engagement with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki on Wednesday

Thank you: Wozniacki thanked her fans for their 'sweet messages' following her split with McIlroy

Long-term: The 25-year-old had been with his ex-fiancee for more than two years and proposed in December

Support: Wozniacki is a big Liverpool supporter and claimed she'll 'Never Walk Alone'

McIlroy, who made the announcement publicly after speaking to Wozniacki, said on Wednesday: 'There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people.

'The problem is mine,' he said.

'The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realise that I wasn't ready for all that marriage entails.

'I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we've had. I will not be saying anything more about our relationship in any setting.'

The golden couple of sport enjoyed a short-lived engagement after announcing to their million plus Twitter followers last new year's eve that they were to marry.

At the time the pair posted matching pictures of themselves with a ring.

It is understood the couple - dubbed Wozzilroy in some circles after a golf wedge was engraved with the moniker - had been an item for more than two years.

It's not you: The golfer said the problem was all his and wished Wozniacki all the best for the future

All change then: McIlroy posted this tweet just last week which didn't indicate any problems

Diego Simeone vs Carlo Ancelotti: How do the two bosses square up in tussle for the trophy?

Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti go head-to-head on Saturday as Madrid pair Real and Atletico meet in the Champions League final.

Having both enjoyed success during distinguished playing careers the pair have seemingly always been on opposing sides.

While Ancelotti played for Roma and AC Milan, Simeone starred for Lazio and Inter and the rivalry will continue in the Estadio da Luz dugouts as both manager's will hope to mastermind their club from the Spanish capital to victory.

Moving the goalposts: Diego Simeone guided Atletico Madrid to the La Liga title this season

Barking orders: Carlo Ancelotti will be looking to guide Real Madrid to the club's tenth European Cup victory

So these two have always been on opposite sides?

Pretty much so. Simeone for Lazio and Ancelotti for Roma. Simeone for Inter, Ancelotti for Milan. And now on opposite sides of the great divide in Madrid.

What did they win?

Ancelotti won four Italian Cups and one Scudetto with Roma. Some years later Simeone won one league, one cup, One European Super Cup and one Italian Super Cup with Lazio.

And in Milan?

Ancelotti won two European Cups under Arrigo Sacchi. He has quite a relationship with this tournament – six finals in total two won as a coach and one lost; two won as a player and one lost.

Success: Ancelotti, pictured lifting the European Cup as a player in 1989, has won the tournament four times

Action shot: Anelotti won four Italian Cups and one Scudetto eight-year playing career with Roma

And Simeone at Inter?

A Uefa Cup triumph in 1998. The same year he played a certain game at St. Etienne and got a certain England captain sent off.

So who had the better career?

Ancelotti has the cups, Simeone has the caps. The Italian has won the Champions League twice but Diego played even more games for Argentina (106) than the other Diego, Maradona.

All smiles: Simeone celebrates with Ivan Zamarano (left) and Youri Djorkaeff (centre) during his Inter days

And did they ever actually face each other on the pitch in one of those Rome or Milan derbies?

No. They only started locking horns as managers.

So what’s the balance?

Simeone got the better of Ancelotti at the Bernabeu in the league earlier in the season becoming the first coach to lead Atleti to victory in a league match over Real in 14 years. Honours were even in the return fixture in a 2-2 draw. In the cup Real knocked Atletico out winning both legs. So it’s one win to Carlo, one to Diego, and one draw. All to play for in the biggest game of all.

All to play for: Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo are both set to start in Saturday's Champions League final

Head-to-head: Both managers have managed to beat the other in Spain this year

Rory McIlroy's spirits raised at Wentworth after bombshell split from Caroline Wozniacki

Rory McIlroy has kept his mobile phone switched off and given his laptop away. 'It's like I have been living in the seventies these last few days,' he said.

In his first round since his bombshell split from his fiancee Caroline Wozniacki, he kept the surprises coming by shooting in the sixties - a four under par 68 to be precise in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Thursday.

Boost: Rory McIlroy celebrates chipping in for an eagle during first round of the BMW PGA Championship

Lift: McIlroy is congratulated by Ernie Els after holing his second shot on the seventh hole for an eagle

WOZNIACKI WOE

Caroline Wozniacki will head into French Open action nursing a broken heart and a dodgy left knee. Rory McIlroy’s ex-fiancee has had knee trouble for a while.
She tweeted: ‘It’s a hard time for me right now. Thanks for all the sweet messages! Happy I support Liverpool right now because I know I’ll never walk alone.’

It still left him some distance behind the leader Thomas Bjorn, who shot an astounding 62, but this was some effort, given all the circumstances.

'Everyone know what it feels like,' said the 25 year old. 'It's tough. You're not sleeping and I'm not comfortable standing here talking about it. But the object now is to bury my head in my golf and for the most part I did a pretty good job of that.'

He certainly did, from the moment he had stood in the middle of the seventh fairway with his arms aloft and his face bathed in smiles. Amazing what a holed wedge shot from 130 yards for an eagle two can do to lift the spirits of a man.

Centre of attention: All eyes were on Rory McIlroy at Wentworth after he split up from Caroline Wozniacki

One to watch: Spectators surrounded the third green to get a look at McIlroy in his opening round

'Wear black for Mac' was the theme of the opening day – the players were paying their respects to the popular caddie Iain McGregor, who died doing the job he loved in Madeira recently – and suddenly, the predominant mood of this particular Mac was anything but black.

How he seized on that enormous slice of good fortune. His approach had actually pitched 35ft beyond the flag before spinning back into the hole.

Five holes later he almost came up with an even more spectacular blow, as his five iron approach from 203 yards to the par five 12th finished three inches away. It was certainly a much better shot.

'I've not had an albatoss,' he said. 'It would have been nice if it had gone in, since it's the one thing in golf my dad still has on me. He's had one.'

Those two eagles took McIlroy to four under and on the leaderboard. He might be struggling with commitment off the course but there was no doubting his commitment to capitalise and return a morale-boosting score.

Out in front: Thomas Bjorn leads the tournament after shooting a stunning 62 in his first round

Pin-point accuracy: This approach to the 18th set up a birdie for Bjorn - the eighth of a stunning opening round

Thomas reigns in the rain: The umbrellas were up as Bjorn holed out to complete his first round

After all his problems here since the controversial changes were instigated in 2010 – he's not finished in the top 20 since – wouldn't it be ironic if this was the year he won the European tour's flagship event? Not that he's thinking that way just yet, of course. 'My golf is good enough but right now I' d still be happy simply being around for the weekend,' he said.

A sense of black humour was needed at the start. Itching for the relative quiet of a round inside the ropes, what happened when he got the hoopla of the opening hole out of the way? The siren blew heralding a suspension of play owing to some electrical activity in the area.

The heavy showers that punctuated the day's proceedings actually helped McIlroy when he got back out, softening the greens and turning it into a target golf test. No-one prospered quite like Europe's renaissance man, Bjorn.

In a game where perfection isn't possible it's hardly surprising players invariably finish even great rounds thinking it could still have been one or two shots better. Not Bjorn on this day.

This was the 1,421st round of his long and distinguished European Tour career, and he had no trouble ranking it.

'It's the best one,' he said. 'Absolutely. To shoot 62 on this golf course, you couldn't ask for more.'

Wet and wild: The rain hammered down at Wentworth as play was suspended twice

Ruled out: Sergio Garcia has been forced to withdraw from the tournament with a knee injury after an opening round of 73

Yet Bjorn had started out with low expectations. The Dane played horribly in Spain last week and admitted his patience was fraying at the edges when he continued to struggle in practice here. To complete the picture, his pitiful record at Wentworth showed just one top ten in 16 previous appearances.

How to explain what happened next, as one of the great ball strikers of the last 20 years gave a consummate demonstration of his class? 'I don't really know where to start,' he said. 'With my record here and after last week, I certainly didn't come here thinking, oh this is going to be a great week. I guess I've got to stick my head down now and focus on what lies ahead.'

What lies ahead is the prospect of removing any lingering uncertainty regarding his Ryder Cup place, although there's not much of that given he lies third in the qualifying table. He can also consolidate his position as leader in the Race to Dubai.

After a couple of lean years, why is it all going right again for the 43 year old? 'Hard work and determination not to let a golf career fade away,' he said. 'You get to that stage in your life where you can see the end and you've got to make decisions. It didn't take me long to decide I wanted to enjoy this last bit, and I'll continue to work hard and enjoy it for as long as my body allows.'

Elsewhere, Justin Rose showed the pride of a major champion to card a 70 after starting with three straight bogeys while Ian Poulter, labouring all week with a bad back, matched him. Luke Donald and Lee Westwood shot 71 but not everyone enjoyed themselves. Defending champion Matteo Manassero tumbled to an 80.

Caroline Wozniacki set to play in Paris despite McIlroy break-up... as Brits rack up the wins in French Open qualifying

Caroline Wozniacki appears set to take her place in Friday’s draw for the French Open despite the raw anguish of her break-up from Rory McIlroy.

Andy Murray will also learn what is in store for him on Friday, while James Ward, Jo Konta and Heather Watson will try and join him in the main field by achieving the rare British feat of qualifying for the French Open.

Wozniacki wants to go ahead and play in the second Grand Slam of the season after the very public calling off of her engagement to the golf star. Another threat to her participation – although it might seem comparatively trivial at this time – is the knee injury which forced her to withdraw from the Italian Open last week.

Set to play: Caroline Wozniacki appears ready to play in the French Open which begins on Sunday

Love split: Wozniacki (right) and Rory McIlroy, pictured here in Miami earlier this year, broke up this week

Murray will enter the draw as the number seven seed, his lowest position at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2008. He will also do so without having a head coach in position as a replacement for Ivan Lendl.

The 27 year-old Scot has continued to work with his long time friend and assistant Dani Vallverdu this week after his more heartening performance in Rome, where he narrowly lost to Rafael Nadal. Murray did hold out the possibility that he might have appointed a new member to his team in the lead up to Roland Garros, but that will not be happening in time.

The consequence of being outside the top four is that he may have to meet all three of Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in order to win a championship where he has reached the semi-finals before.

Shaking on it: Andy Murray (right) shakes hands with Grigor Dimitrov after practice on Thursday

Firm grip: Defending champion Rafael Nadal warms up ahead of a training session at Roland Garros

Cooling down: Roger Federer (centre) takes a break during his practice session in Paris on Thursday

Murray’s compatriot Ward, the British number three, will try and become the first GB man since John Lloyd in 1973 to come through the Roland Garros qualifying event.

The Davis Cup stalwart made it through to the third and final qualifying round by defeating highly rated American Ryan Harrison 7-6, 7-6 on the clay, a surface he is becoming more and more comfortable with.

He does, however, have a tough task on Friday as his opponent is world number 94 Blaz Rola, ranked 76 places above him. The Slovenian lefthander has risen 200 places in the past twelve months and reached three Challenger level finals on clay this year already, winning one of them.

Big reach: James Ward plays a backhand during his straight-sets qualifying win over Ryan Harrison

British number three Jo Konta is also one match away, having defeated Poland’s Paula Kania 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. She now plays world number 161 Yuliya Begelzimer.

Rain delays mean that Heather Watson is still only in the second round and potentially faces two matches in one day after she yesterday beat American Irina Falconi 6-2, 6-4. Her first opponent will be Kateryna Kozlova of Ukraine, ranked 184.

Dan Cox could also face a potential double-header with the British number four scheduled to play his second-round qualifier against top seed Paolo Lorenzi first up on Friday.

Edging loser: Johanna Konta beat Poland's Paula Kania to move just one win away from the main draw

Off to a flier: Heather Watson reaches out wide during her first-round qualifying win over Irina Falconi