Vanity Fair names its 'best-dressed' people

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has joined Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on Vanity Fair's International Best-Dressed List for 2011.

The Duchess of Cambridge's mix of high and low looks - designer fashion one day, jeans the next - and a "whirlwind year of fashion successes" earned her a spot on the 72-year-old list, according to a statement from the magazine.

She had appeared once before, in 2008.

Every year the prestigious publication compiles a list of the world's most stylish people, and a sneak peek of this year's line-up shows she's not the only royal to have caught the eye of the designers, retailers, editors, socialites, photographers and entertainers who submit ballots.

Princess Alexandra of Greece, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Italian Countess Matilde Borromeo and Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser of Qatar have also made the grade.

Mrs Obama, a four-year veteran of the list, was named for the first time as part of a best-dressed couple, although President Barack Obama had been named on his own to the list once in 2009. Bruni-Sarkozy is another repeat recipient.

Justin Timberlake and Colin Firth were among those to make their first entries on the list, alongside actor Armie Hammer and Christine Lagarde, the chief of the International Monetary Fund.

Firth, who was in the spotlight earlier this year thanks to his success at the Academy Awards for his role in The King's Speech, certainly looked dapper on the red carpet, and it appears his suave look has earned him style icon status.

Timberlake's debut meanwhile, is likely thanks to his laidback approach to fashion and willingness to experiment with new looks.

In terms of Hollywood ladies, British stars Carey Mulligan and Tilda Swinton are both making their second appearance on the list.

Eccentric songstress Lady Gaga is representing the pop world, marking her second appearance in the compilation.

Another singer praised for her style is Janelle Monae, who often works a kooky-yet-casual aesthetic.

- AAP, AP