Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013
I adore the designers who show at Milan Fashion Week – The clothes are inevitably dramatic, womanly, and sexy sexy sexy. This season was no exception, the collections shown were color, extravagant, and downright spectacular.
Versace:
The Versace woman is never afraid to show some skin and this Spring she’ll really be putting her fabulous figure on display in an assortment of mini skirts, dresses, and shorts in mesh, nude lace, and sheer fabrics.
Low slung belts, studded cross-body bags, midriff baring tops, and knee-high gladiator sandal-boot hybrids were the accessories de jour, all in blacks, nudes, and vibrant Spring colors. I especially liked the sleeveless shift dresses and the studded belts which added a dash of rock n’ roll to the looks.
Salvatore Ferragamo:
Leather and skins were highly featured at the Ferragamo show, and while other designers showed flowy silhouettes, bright colors, and prints & florals, Ferragamo was structured and tailored.
The black, white & nude collection included fabulous outerwear, slim pants, lacing, metallics, lace, mesh fabrics, snake-skin, boots, and studs, buckles & grommets.
Alberta Ferretti:
Delicate. Ladylike. Romantic. Those are all words that I usually associate with Alberta Ferretti and this Spring collection is no different. I might even add dreamy this season.
Between the beading, shimmering, feathers, lace, and wet-looking slinky fabrics this collection was a treat for the senses, you wanted to reach out and touch all the aquatic-inspired designs!
Prada:
‘Dramatic’ and ‘florals’ may not seem like they are two concepts that go together, but at Prada the dark, moody hues made the Japanese-inspired florals really pop.
From red poppies to black & white dandelion silhouettes, these florals were modern and dramatic rather than your usual hippie-inspired, Spring-appropriate florals.
Fendi:
Printed and colorblocked separates, dresses, and outerwear marched down the Fendi runway in colors from black & white to yellow, brown, and blue.
While there were a few solid-colored frocks among the looks sent down the catwalk, it was the dramatic and eye-catching futuristic prints that really caught my eye. The exaggerated silhouettes and interesting draping, folding, and tailoring were also outstanding.
Moschino:
The Moschino collection was absolutely killer! I’m a huge fan of mod-inspired looks and this collection was all about the 60’s – From amazingly flattering black & white pieces to swoon-worthy brightly colored prints & stripes.
The dramatic, embellished silver sandals, the retro hats, oversized sunnies, shift dresses, and chic, colorful jumpsuits & rompers with contrasting colored piping were all totally wearable. The separates and dresses had a great retro vibe but were still totally wearable for a modern girl if styled right!
Dolce & Gabbana:
Bright, fun & kitschy – Just the way we like it!
The old school Italian themed show was full of fun colors, extravagant prints, stripes, oversized earrings, scarves, and the classic, retro silhouettes that the pair do so well. It was interesting, eye-catching, and wearable.
Roberto Cavalli:
This primarily black & white collection included hints of pink, green, and orange among the dreamy crystal, gem, and jewel-encrusted dresses, gowns, and slim suits.
From delicate lace, mesh, and sheer fabrics in crisp white to abstract florals in palest pastels to dramatic beaded pieces in black. Slinky, sexy, and dramatic – These designs were simultaneously powerful and delicate, a feat few designers can manage.
Marni:
Though there were bold patterns featured in the Marni collection, there were also great white, and solid colored separates and dresses, all in the preferred, exaggerated silhouette of Consuelo Castiglioni.
Wooden brooches and ankle-strap platform sandals were also featured, both adding a down-to-earth feel to the collection. What I liked best were the cocoon -haped coats in bright prints and the peplum adorned dresses.
Gucci:
Think PINK! The Gucci show opened with a handful of bright pink looks, followed by blue, green, and yellow before the final black & white evening looks.
Brilliant colors, retro 70’s styles, and flattering, womanly silhouettes. The collection was dramatic and eye-catching while still being fun and wearable. The whole affaire was bold and sexy, one of my favorite collections!
MaxMara:
The relaxed, Out of Africa style collection from MaxMara showcased slouchy knits, shirt dresses, safari inspired outerwear, and a host of somber colored prints, plaids, and stripes.
They delivered a collection of easy, low-key separates that could easily be paired together or mixed n’ matched with other pieces that you already have in your wardrobe.
Giorgio Armani:
This collection was all about shimmering, shiny, science fiction-inspired fabrics, textures, and colors. Silvery blue-grays, tie-dye inspired aquas, and sparkling navy were all heavily featured.
The flowy, somewhat exaggerated silhouettes were universally flattering and the chic, simple sandals were pure Armani. I always love Giorgio’s habit of sending two girls at a time down the runway, such a fun way to space things!
Versus:
This was a fun, bright, playful extravaganza – From candy-like prints & patterns to vibrant pinks, yellows & blues to cheeky silhouettes & fabrics.
I especially liked the interesting fabrics and textures that Christopher Kane showcased, as well as the use of exposed zippers and the fun prints. It was a really youthful and energetic collection of pieces.
Missoni:
The knits that marched down the runway for Missoni spanned the color spectrum – From crisp whites to playful corals to Springy greens & blues. Taste the rainbow!
The breezy dresses and structured separates were wearable and chic – Perfect for a Spring full of exotic locations, days spent reading by the pool, or picking your way through foreign flea markets. They had a rich feel to them, like a luxurious vacation to far away lands come to life!
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous Milan Collections: Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part I & Milan Fashion Week Spring 2012 – Part II.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: Fashionologie’s Bags! The Best From Milan’s Spring 2013 Runways, Harper’s Bazaar’s Milan Fashion Week Spring 2013 Looks & Derek Blasberg’s Insta-Diary From The Fashion Week(s).
What’s your favorite designer from the Milan Fashion Week lineup? Do you look forward to any shows season after season?
London Fashion Week Spring 2013
Today I’m going to be sharing reviews of some of the lovely collections that came off the Spring 2013 London Fashion Week catwalks – From the big names like Burberry and Mulberry to the well-loved but somewhat less established designers like Matthew Williamson and Christopher Kane.
Enjoy!
Burberry:
Color, color, and more color. The Burberry runway show was a veritable rainbow of color-drenched trench coats, dresses, and separates. Christopher Bailey also played with textures and fabrics including shimmering metallics, tinted plastic, and shiny holographic prints – Giving the classic brand a fun, futuristic twist.
Capes, hotpants, puffy capsleeves, swimwear, cropped jackets, leather, dramatic belts, lace brilliant metallic handbags, and colorful open-toed heels added to the brilliance of the collection.
Mulberry:
Fabulous outerwear seemed to be the name of the game in London and while Burberry was bright and festive, Mulberry was a bit more demure, however no less ornate. Bronzy gold, peachy cream, minty green, and blues from pale to midnight.
The brocades, embroideries, and patterns were phenomenal, very earthy and flora based, something of a mix between Fall and Spring. I loved the use of florals on the clothing, handbags, and shoes simultaneously, rather than be over the top it was totally chic. I also loved the outerwear – The oversized silhouettes and large, upturned collars were perfection.
Acne:
The clothes at Acne were bold – Dramatic stripes, bright colors, graffiti prints, colorblocking, black leather, straps & buckles, adapted gladiator platforms, and parachute silhouettes.
All in all a very wearable collection of interesting and eye-catching separates perfect for the Acne girl. I especially liked the maxi skirts, vertical stripes, and buckle adorned vests.
House of Holland:
This 90’s grunge inspired collection was one for the books – The dark, moody colors were perfectly suited to the dramatic checkered patterns, graphic tees, beanies, skater shorts, and maxi silhouettes.
These were great pieces that immediately made me nostalgic for the music of my Junior High and High School days – Especially the shrunken baby tees, slouchy knit caps, and midriff bearing tops.
Erdem:
Python prints on retro silhouettes may not sound like a winning combination, but Erdem proved that it could work and even infused the collection with hints of neon and lace.
Little details make this collection really pop – Driving gloves, sheer lace, pleats, floral applique, cut-outs, high-necklines, coat-dresses, and intricate beading. Overall the collection was prim and proper but with a fun, wild side.
Pringle of Scotland:
Pringle started as a knitwear brand and this season they returned to their roots showing a lovely collection of separates which included a number of variations on their typical belted twinset.
When you say Pringle of Scotland what comes to my mind are clean lines, a preppy vibe, belted separates, and argyle, and this collection showed great versions of all of those staples.
Matthew Williamson:
Fun prints, brilliant colors, and dramatic details are what we’ve come to expect from Matthew Williamson, and this season’s collection really delivered.
Easy separates appeared in tie dye prints and with eye-catching embroidery and beading. His party girl clients will live in the float a-line silhouettes, mini skirts, and jeweled dresses paired with gem-encrusted belts and his new shoe collection.
Peter Pilotto:
Print lovers will have something amazing to look forward to from Peter Pilotto come Spring – Digital prints, mixing & matching patterns, and bright, bold prints.
Dramatic, eye-catching, and one-of-a-kind. The pieces shown at Peter Pilotto were extraordinary, I especially enjoyed the pants, oversized peplums, and dramatic, Latin-inspired ruffles.
Preen:
Preen made a triumphant return from the New York Fashion Week with a blue and white collection highlighted with hints of yellow and red, and covered in all-over prints.
The patchwork-like use of swatches of prints, combined with the tailoring, dramatic slits, verticle white stripes, and long, lean silhouettes gave the collection an architectural, structed feel.
Christopher Kane:
The Christopher Kane show was surprisingly delicate and sweet – A full 180 from previous collections full of black, slashed fabric, and safety pins.
Pale colors, light fabrics, dramatic drapes & folds, sheer pieces, clear plastic, and slits & cut-outs that somehow appeared elegant and refined despite the skin peeking through.
Mary Katrantzou:
The Queen of Prints returns! Taking banknotes and stamps as her visual inspiration she put together a unique and dramatic collection of dresses and separates covered with intricate patterns.
These pieces could never be confused with having been created by another designer – They were utterly one-of-a-kind – Simultaneously exotic and modern but with an old-fashioned air. I adored the matching pant & tunic sets, they were divine and I can’t wait to see how Hollywood interprets them to the red carpet.
Temperley London:
The Temperley London collection was all about bright colors, fun prints, nautical stripes, and retro silhouettes for this coming Spring – All the pieces fun but a little formal, and utterly wearable.
The sundress was reworked with a 50’s vibe and paraded down the runway in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics. There were also jumpsuits, lace & embroidery covered dress & gowns, shirt dresses, sweater sets, and too chic for words sun hats.
Sources: Style.com, Fashionologie, The Stylist, & Tom & Lorenzo
Previous LFW & Spring 2013 Collections: New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part I, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part II, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Part III, New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Fall 2012, London Fashion Week – Street Style & Front Row Fashion, London Fashion Week Spring 2012 Round-Up, and Streetstyle & Front Row Fashion – London Fashion Week.
Additional reviews, photographs, shows, and videos: The Best Looks from London Fashion Week: Spring 2013 from Harper’s Bazaar, Our 10 Favorite Looks From London Fashion Week from Refinery 29, and Runway Recap: The Best Shoes From London Spring 2013 from Fashionlogie.
What’s your favorite thing about London Fashion Week? The chic outerwear, bold, innovative prints, or the retro, ladylike touches?
Emmy Drama
Nothing quite like a red carpet event to bring out the fashion drama in Hollywood! Here are my favorite picks from the main event, as well as the more low-key events that preceded it.
Emmy Awards Performers Nominee Reception Red Carpet:
It’s casual for the red carpet, but it’s a great Little Black Dress that’s flattering, chic, and suits her to a T so there’s nothing to complain about.
This is a beautiful color on her and the subtle draping and one-shoulder neckline both look great on her.
This is fun & sassy, two things that the red carpet frequently doesn’t see because people are so afraid of ending up on a worst dressed list.
EW Pre-Emmy Party Red Carpet:
I like that the cut and silhouette are prim and ladylike while the eye-catching color is fun and youthful – It’s a great combination.
I love a little white dress when it’s worn right just and this one is pretty spectacular – I love the interesting neckline and bust.
This is a very cute, flattering sheath dress – Someone petite like Ginnifer can really make this style work.
You know me, I’m a sucker for a cute shorts suit. The double-breasted jacket is too perfect and buttoned-up heart print blouse was a great choice.
The 2012 Emmys:
Stunning. Just plain stunning.
She cuts quite a figure in this dress – She’s just oozing old school Hollywood glamour and elegance. J’adore!
This is nothing short of phenomenal – I love the cut, silhouette, and the amazing disco-futuristic fish scale like sequins. She looks amazing!
Miss Tina Fey isn’t one of the women who usually pops into my mind when I think of red carpet all-stars, but this dress is killer. It’s a gorgeous color on her and the embellished neckline is perfect – interesting and unique but not too dramatic.
I love a print on the red carpet and I think this gown is just beautiful. She looks radiant and chic, well done.
When you want drama – You go to Zac Posen. January Jones loves a fashion-forward look and this Posen gown really served up the drama last night. Very few women could have pulled this off but she looks great.
I don’t have the slightest idea who this actress is, but I made an audible “oh” when I saw this gorgeous tangerine number that I knew I should include it!
Clearly Allison is favoring the great Oscar de la Renta right now and I have to say that I fully support that choice in this case. Wow!
Stunning color and I like that between the all-over pleating and the unique neckline it’s not a basic red gown.
Striking color and suits her perfectly. I think that the belt and collar were right on point but where’s her cuff???
What a gorgeous, unique dress. I love the detailing and I’m glad that she held back on the accessories and let the dress take center stage.
She looks great here – It’s a fun, flattering color and the style suits her really well. Good choice. Now change your hair to a color found in nature! 🙂
Fabulous color! This goes to show you that a killer color can overcome a basic – even boring – style.
Kerry Washington was another sequined stunner this year, her Vivienne Westwood gown definitely have Lucy Liu’s Versace number a run for its money!
I was thrilled by all of the stunning dresses on the red carpet this year – Everyone did such a fabulous job choosing their gowns. But if I had to pick my favorites from the dresses above I think I’d have to go with Lucy Liu in silver Versace, Julianne Moore in yellow Dior, and Allison Williams in green Oscar de la Renta. Well done ladies, well done!
Source – Tom & Lorenzo
What were your favorite dresses from the red carpet? Did you like all of the bright citrus colors and brilliant jewel tones or do you miss all of the lace and sheer fabrics from last season?
Red Carpeting
With all the exciting details to share about my recent trip to New York City and all of the work I’m putting in on the New York Fashion Week Spring 2013 collection reviews I very nearly forgot that Hollywood hasn’t stopped churning out events in the meantime. This post will cover some of the great looks from the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, 69th Venice Film Festival, 2012 Toronto International Film Festival, and various movie photocalls and premiere red carpets.
Now show us what you’ve got ladies!
Killing it! Miss Pinto decided to prove that all cut-outs aren’t tacky in this fierce embellished black & gold gown by Alexander McQueen on the red carpet in Venice.
Wow. Just wow. Who knew pink leather and gold studs could look so great?
Chic ladylike daywear. Love the black & white dress, and I adore her hair!
Absolutely stunning. I really like the addition of the thin little gold belt, helps bring the look together.
How killer is this Balmain dress? It’s a fun, fresh look that’s stunning but totally age-appropriate.
Another fun, flirty, colorful cocktail-like red carpet look was from Emma Watson who looked tres adorable in a lacy peplum Erdem number in Toronto.
I absolutely adore this look. Head-to-toe I think she looks great. It’s high fashion and retro fabulous, and a great look for her red carpet personality.
Apparently I’m loving matching short suits these days because I audibly gasped at both of these colorful retro-inspired looks.
Wow. This is such a departure from her usual fashion-foward, attention grabbing looks that I did a double take. It’s still stunning and dramatic despite the minimalism though, maybe this will her next fashion phase?
Apparently the VMAs were all about Summer white… And after Labor Day! Rebels! I love the pairing of this textured, long-sleeved mini dress with the killer lace up sandals. Well done. As usual. 🙂
Another killer all-white look from Miss Taylor Swift. Perhaps not the most youthful look, but it’s chic and classy as hell. Power to you girl!
Miss Keira’s been busy killing it on the red carpet lately. She chooses gowns that not only suit her coloring really well, but extenuate and flatter her frame and silhouette. Well done.
Swoon. Definitely the best look of the bunch. I especially love the belt. She couldn’t look more classic, more put together, or more gorgeous. The only downside of this look is that she may never surpass it. Time to retire!
Sources: Tom & Lorenzo & Cristina’s Blog – Click on the images above to visit the original source
Which look is your favorite? If you had the chance to grace a red carpet, would you play it safe to avoid landing on a Worst Dressed List or would you take some risks?
Couture – Front Row Fashion & Street Style
For me, a big part of the fun of a week of runway shows – like the Fall 2012 Couture collections – is seeing the street style looks that the lucky attendees put together for the shows, dinners, and parties. Seeing how the various designer collections translate to “real life” is inspiring, motivational, and downright fun.
Fabulous! I love the whole two-toned look and how she picked materials and silhouettes that keep it from being too casual. J’adore!
The volume of this mini takes it up a level so she’s right at home sitting front row at the Dior Couture show.
A pretty printed dress is the perfect look for a Dior show and I think that this beautiful flocked knee-length frock is ideal for Couture.
A lipstick red suit it cute enough but when you turn a suit top into a chic little tee with a contrasting black pocket I’m all yours!!!
Little Black Dress + Sequined Clutch + Saddle Shoes = the understated French je ne sais quoi.
Parisian street style chic at its finest – Whether they’re wearing ripped jeans, chic black & white, or a midi, these ladies know how to mix & match their separates for maximum impact.
Bright, flirty florals, a demure silhouette, and a too chic peplum. What a fabulous frock, I’m in awe.
The Russian fashion ladies are stylish and their looks vary dramatically between them. Such great contrasts!
I love a short-suit and this is a stylish example, I really like the chic cut of the jacket and the subtle ruffle along the hem of the shorts. And those shoes… Wow.
Elizabeth von Guttman, Alexia Niedzielski, Shala Monroque, Elena Perminova and Ulyana Sergeenko – All distinctly different looks for Giambattista Valli, but all very chic, well put together, and appropriate. From solid colored separates and midriff-baring tops, to printed suits and floor length florals, the front row is almost as fun as the runway!
The ladies spiced things up for the Versace show and chose edgier outfits, from lace cut outs, to leather, to dramatic stitching. Donatella would approve!
In addition to seeing the looks that celebrities, editors, and other fashion insiders put together for their front row appearances, I love to take a look at the (often heavily made-up) models as they run between runways shows or head out to parties. Model street style is always a great combination of pieces & styles, since they have the opportunity to see so many collections and have exposure to so many designers. Jealous!
I love a colorful maxi skirt and this combination – the basic white tee paired with the metallic pink oversized clutch – is flirty, fun, and perfect for Summer.
Only Hanneli could make a couture Valentino gown look so low-key and street-appropriate.
AMAZING coat + killer heels, what more does a girl need?
I adore the layering here! Cut-off white shorts, a blue & white button-up PJ top, a tan leather motorcycle jacket, ankle booties, retro round sunglasses & a killer two-toned clutch. Such an unexpected combination of pieces, but it works!
And finally, a fashion favorite of mine, hit it girl!
She’s going to couture shows in Paris. French designers. In Paris. I mean, could she have picked a more adorably over-the-top French look?
Sources: Harper’s Bazaar, Tom & Lorenzo, Cristina’s Blog & Mr. Blasberg
What’s your favorite look here?
Couture Couture Couture
Phenomenal. Breathtaking. Eye-Catching. Dreamy. Unbelievable. Divine.
Those are all words that I could easily use to describe the Fall 2012 Couture collections that were shown in Paris this past week. The locations ranged from the Grand Palais to the Ritz Hotel to the Musée Bourdelle, and the themes ran the gamut from old school glamour to futuristic to Game of Thrones.
Yes. Game of Thrones.
The big story this season was Raf Simons’s inaugural collection for the house of Christian Dior after leaving Jil Sander at the end of last season. The show began with classic Dior colors and silhouettes, elegant suits, ladylike dresses, and then ball gowns that I can guarantee will feature heavily on the red carpet in the coming year’s award season.
The collection was anything but boring though with metallic belts, gorgeous embroidery, dramatic peplums, oversized pockets, opera-length gloves, bold collars, tie dyed pieces, tweeds, and reach-out-and-touch-them textures. It was soft and elegant and oh-so-Dior, but with a dramatic, extravagant edge.
Divine!
I’m not sure if I can put it any better than the fabulous Mr Blasberg who proclaimed: “In the last 13 minutes, Raf Simons just single-handedly altered the contemporary haute couture landscape.” Curious how the phenomenal flower-strewn setting was created for this show? This video gives you a fabulous backstage peek at the process of creation.
New Vintage was the theme for Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel Fall 2012 Couture collection – “Vintage is depressing, but ‘new vintage’ is something to come. It’s preparation for something that could last.”
Bold plaid & checkered patterns, metal-tipped pumps, traditional tweeds, metallic silver tights, chunky knits, shimmery separates, slouchy sequined caps, oversized outerwear, maxi skirts and full pants, velvet coats, pussy bow blouses, Peter Pan collars, and dresses adorned with feathers, chiffon, tulle, and sequins all had a sassy retro feel with modern and sometimes futuristic-feeling details.
Givenchy‘s Riccardo Tisci is nothing if not detail oriented. His collections are traditionally small in size and he and his design teams & seamstresses really focus on making each look unique, one-of-a-kind, and highly intricate. His Fall 2012 collection focused on beading, heavy embroidery and brocades, leather working, fringe, and even sequins.
The restrained extravagance of this collection perfectly complemented the earthy, folksy theme that was somewhere between Little Red Riding Hood and Maid Marian. And I couldn’t have envisioned a more appropriate background than the lush green forest that these looks were photographed against.
While there was some of the famous Valentino red at the end of this show, the colors de jour were navy and creamy pink. The thick brocades and heavy embroideries in cream, peach, and pink played perfectly against the sequins, sheer panels, and flowing silks in varying shades of moody blues.
The details in these pieces were phenomenal, from delicate accordion pleats and metallic-laced brocades to dramatic floral cutouts and sheer chiffon ruffles. Chiuri and Piccioli have been getting their footing over the last few seasons and this couture collection seems to be the coming out party for the new Valentino – An opulent, dramatic twist on the old school glamour and romance that Valentino is known for.
In the world of couture Giorgio Armani’s Fall 2012 Armani Prive collection offered up something wholly different. Wearability. Given that couture is considered an art form and that pieces in these collections can range anywhere from $20,000 to $2,000,000, wearability is hardly the word de jour. But with the full, flattering cuts, cool, pale silks, and touchable, midnight dark velvets, wearable was just what he presented.
These looks were all about textures – Soft, sleek, touchable fabrics that you could almost feel against your skin. The jeweled and beaded veils were one of my favorite parts of this collection, they added serious drama and brought out a mysterious quality in the clothes that took you to another time and place.
The Versace show at the Ritz Hotel was wild and fun – Xena Warrior Princess meets Couture Barbie. The Versace woman is strong, fierce, and fearless, she embraces her sexuality and loves to show some skin. These clothes are not for the faint of heart, they were all about dramatic peek-a-boos, slashes, and slits.
Wide, tooled belts, multi-strap & buckle adorned heels, sheer cloth, sequined netting details, and spiderweb thin mesh gave this show unabashed shimmer, shine, and sex appeal.
The Versace girl is bold, uninhibited and in these clothes, she’s ready to party!
I always look forward to Giambattista Valli‘s collections – His esthetic is divine and I love how he always adds a little edge to his classic, ladylike silhouettes. And his second couture collection made me say to myself for a second time, Valli was made for couture.
And here in this dreamy place far away the moody reds and greens, organic prints, and flowing cuts & ruffles were all borrowed from nature; all-over muted floral patterns, applique and embroidered plant life, ruffles, flares, folds, and thick lace were all born of the outdoors. And with jewelry, accessories, and hairpieces evoking bugs, butterflies, and leaves, the theme was complete throughout the collection.
Rather than a fairy princess vibe the earthy tones and themes brought to mind wood nymphs and dryads – Woodland creatures who personified the various aspects of the natural world that they watched over; strong and eternal.
Sources: Fashionologie, Style.com, Tom & Lorenzo, TopCoat & FabSugar
If you’re curious to see what these designers have shown on the couture catwalk in seasons past here are a few links to try – Spring 2012 Couture and Fall 2011 Couture.
2012 amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS
One of the brilliant events at the Cannes Film Festival each year is the amFAR Gala. This is a great fashion event and many Hollywood stars, models, fashion insiders, designers, bloggers, and photographers who don’t attend the Film Festival itself will make the trip to Cannes for this party alone.
This Elie Saab gown is about glitz and glamour rather than dreamy romance as with many of his creations that we see on the red carpet. And Nina couldn’t have chosen a more dramatic or eye-catching gown, it suited her to perfection. Definitely one of my favorite gowns of the evening.
This space-age inspired gown from the Versace Spring 2012 Couture Collection is absolutely amazing. When else would you be able to pull off a gown like this other than the MET Ball?
You can see the original gown here on Style.com worn by model Ros Georgiou on the Milan runway last year.
Interesting backs are my favorite part of a dress and this Emilio Pucci gown did not disappoint. The beading and sheer detailing on the front, high boatneck neckline, and draped back made this a gorgeous gorgeous look.
I loved the delicate fabric, square neckline and buttoned-up back on Kylie’s red siren gown. These details made it really unique and memorable.
Karolina’s gold Roberto Cavalli gown was intricate and beautiful, featuring sheer fabric, sequins, and an adorable matching jacket.
Drama Drama Drama. If you watch the video below you’ll see how amazing, and scandalous, this gown looks in motion. GIven her public persona and her function at the event, I couldn’t have picked a better gown for her.
Diane “the Queen of Cannes” Kruger wore another gorgeous Chanel creation, this time choosing a knee-length retro style number. Not my favorite look of hers from the Festival but eye-catching without a doubt.
Louis Vuitton seemed to be Kirsten’s go-to designer for all of the Cannes events this year, and this was another triumph. The covered up neckline, dramatic floral belt, and sweet tiers kept things interesting.
This white Versace column gown is anything but minimalist with the buckled straps across the back and shimmering silver detailing.
This year was even more special than in the past because Miss Carine Roitfeld hosted the “Perfect Black Wardrobe” Fashion Show where 25 top models walked the runway in black gowns, dresses, and suits submitted by the world’s top designers and design houses – from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel to Ralph Lauren and Mr. Giambattista Valli. You can even watch some clips from this amazing runway show here from FashionTV.
Curious how it might be to be an invitee to the Cannes Film Festival attending all of the amazing events and parties? Read Erin Wasson’s Cannes Style Diary over at Harper’s Bazaar for party pictures, outfit details, invitations, and much much more.
Couture Love
The Spring 2012 Couture shows began this past Monday and made me long desperately for warmer weather and a chance to show some skin.
As usual Christian Dior was a ladylike affaire, with prim and proper silhouettes taking on a racy feel with see through fabrics. The show was primarily black and white with the occasional splash of lipstick red or bright purple. Prints like houndstooth, checks, plaid and stripes appeared next to florals and fabrics ranged from heavy tweeds and wools to leather to sheer chiffon and lace. All paired with peep & round-toed pumps and opera-length gloves.
How sweet is this? Maud Welzen was a 50's housewife in this traditional, Mad Men inspired knee-length, belted floral frock.
Lee Hye Jung's gown was intricate and complex, seemingly a retro bathing suit with a floor-length sheer skirt with paneling details and a cape draped over one side. All in royal purple. Perhaps not red-carpet reading, but striking nonetheless.
This dress is everything the collection embodied - Black & white, exquisite details, sheer panels, embroidery, sequins and a buttoned-up feel with an edge.
A skin-tight icy blue-gray strapless gown with sheer lacy panels was one of the standout looks. Can't you imagine this on the red carpet? I bet Rosie would look just as great in it as Daria Strokous.
Lindsey Wixson was pure Versace in a neon yellow, stapless maillot with metallic detailing and armored heels.
A striking pantsuit in varying shades of green and gold. The mesh-style fabrics made each piece incredibly distinct.
I can't decide what I like more, the 20's-inspired petal design of the skirt, the sequin-topped tights or the sheer black cap-sleeves.
The opening look was my favorite. The color is beautiful and wearable, the pockets & elongated neckline are cute additions and the multi-strap heels are the ideal finishing touch.
This sheath-like silhouette is anything but boring with the wide collar and rows of pockets. And of course the best shoes I've seen from the shows so far.
Lust! A floor length, double-breasted, wide-necked coat with slouchy pockets done in a brilliant blue? I'll take three!
So gorgeous! This one will be perfect for a tall, statuesque woman. Charlize Theron or Uma Thurman would look phenomenal.
This has all the beauty and detailing of a couture gown, but it's fresh and young, it would be the ideal choice for one of the younger ladies on the red carpet these days - Hailee Steinfeld or Chloe Moretz perhaps.
The wide neck of this powder blue confection helps to create a graceful neckline, while the slight trumpet flare of the skirt elongates the figure.
Oh, in the market for a wedding dress? Elie's got you covered - Just hand over your life's savings. 🙂
The crystal and sequin encrusted straps and the opulence and intricacies of the fabric were complimented beautifully with the loose draping of the sleeves and back of the dress.
Natasha Poly's art deco embellished loose white gown was divine. The floral crystal arrangements at the waist and the sequin-adorned sleeves were beautiful but I couldn't take my eyes off of the gorgeous collar.
Crocodile indeed! The armor-like breastplate was an interesting juxtaposition against the delicate embroidery and lace of the sleeves and skirt of this gown.
Absolutely divine! Navy pinstripes mixed with giant burnished orange and navy polka dots and an orange beehive? Only Karlie could take this up another level to sultry.
That collar! Those delicate puff sleeves! The minimal slits at the ankles! All paired with a gorgeous cuff bracelet, snake-skin clutch, chandelier earrings and a cotton candy blue wig. It should look like a caricature but somehow it works.
One of the few pants looks this was no less extraordinary in its composition with lace and ribbon detailing, white-on-white embroidery and brocades mixed in.
The artistry on these gowns is truly phenomenal, the sheer lace embroidered with white flowers, the layers upon layers of virtually insubstaintial fabric that make up the floating skirts.
Golden Girls. And Boys.
The 2012 Golden Globe Awards were Sunday night and the ladies & gents did not disappoint. Join me.
One of the most talked about looks of the night was Angelina Jolie in cream & red Aterlier Versace. Whether you're a fan of hers or not, its hard to argue that this isn't a striking, head-turning look.
I love dramatic black and white gowns and I absolutely adored the sequin embellished open back of this J. Mendel dress. Such a great choice for her.
Nicole Richie was an art deco goddess in Julien Macdonald. Loved the dress. Loved the stacked bangles. Loved the stand out clutch. Would kill for the ring and earrings. Kill.
Shailene Woodley was by far the most well-dressed of the starlets her age. Her strapless Marchesa was a beautiful fit and color, I just wish she's added some bright jewelry or a flashy clutch.
The drama queen of the night was Evan Rachel Wood in a knockout green Gucci gown. Say that three times fast! The cut, the sequined embellishments, the feathery train... Fabulous.
If you'd shown me this gown prior to the red carpet, I would have assumed she was the wearer, so it is very much sticking with her style of late. Something dramatic and out of character is always nice at these more important awards shows, but I have to admit that she looks striking. No faults here!
The high in the front, low in the back hems are not my favorite, but this Christian Dior gown is breathtaking. She looks phenomenal, from her diamond encrusted headband to her strappy cream sandals. Bravo!
Haider Ackermann has been Tilda Swinton's go-to designer for the last few years and you have to admit that this combination gown/blazer suits her unbelievably well. And the fit is absolutely perfect. Love the double cuffs.
Nicole Kidman was quite a sight in studded Versace. She's been a fan of the pale, almost bridal looking gowns the last few years but I have to say that I like this one best of all of her choices lately.
Helen Mirren held her own in Badgley Mischka, outshining stars half her age. Proof that aging gracefully is where it's at!
Jessica Alba always chooses eye-catching, flattering gowns for the red carpet, but one of her real strengths is her accessories. She always has AMAZING jewelry. And these earrings and cuff are just as gorgeous as expected.
There were lots of neutrals and sequins on this year's Golden Globes red carpet and I found Miss Natalie's dress all the more striking for how much it stood out from her peers. Similar cut and style to Angelina's, but in a much more striking color combination.
This wasn't the most loved gown of the evening, but personally I couldn't take my eyes off of her. The color was divine with her skin tone and hair color, the cut suited her extremely well and it was a head turning look overall.
Ready for some yummy men in tuxedos? Me too.
Swoon. Mr. Darcy.
Bradley Cooper looked dapper in a strandard bowtie tux & some questionable facial hair.
Personally I'm a big fan of ties over bowties with a tux so Channing Tatum's look really did it for me.
First, I have to say that I was devastated that two of my all time favorites didn’t appear to be in attendance for the Golden Globes. SOB. But in Diane and Zoe’s absence Evan brought the glamour.
My favorites?
- Best jewelry – Nicole Richie
- Best hair – Charlize Theron (LOVED the jeweled headband)
- Best dress – Couldn’t decide on just one. Top three: Tilda Swinton, Evan Rachel Wood and Emma Stone. With Charlize Theron & Angelina where right on behind them though.
- Best tux – Colin Firth. Of course.
Afterparty pictures later today…
Moi Contre La Vie 