Red Carpetness
While I’m dying to start posting the gorgeous looks from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet events, I’m going to try to hold off until the festival comes to an end to make sure that I don’t miss anything. It’s for your own good, I promise! But in the meantime, here are some red carpet looks from off the French Riviera that worth taking a quick look at.
2012 Billboard Music Awards:
The music industry loves its red carpets and the stars usually provide us with some wild and daring looks worth commenting on. Lil’ Kim ring any bells? Surprisingly enough, this year the red carpet looked more like the Oscars with the majority of the looks composed of suits, tuxedos, and floor length gowns with tons of borrowed jewels.
Drama Drama Drama! Does this seem like a Carrie Bradshaw dress to anyone else? It’s dramatic and over the top, but where else would a girl wear dreamy, poofy Oscar de la Renta unless it’s on the red carpet?
Want to see the original? Arizona Muse was a vision during the Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear runway show in New York City in this dress last seaon. The headband and jewel-encrusted booties are much different from how Carrie styled her version of the dress. Do you prefer the red carpet or the runway version of this gown?
Phenomenal! I love this Elie Saab gown, it’s a flattering and eye-catching color and the bodice keeps it from being too simplistic of a style.
It’s certainly a “Katy Perry dress.” A little bit bubble gum and a little bit prom-y, but can you imagine anyone else in this dress?
These gorgeous striped wonders are the Christian Louboutin ‘Armadillo Bride’ Leather Pumps. I want them. The end.
Fine, these beautiful shoes were worn by Miley Cyrus, but to be honest they were the best part of her outfit. By a long shot.
Jean Paul Gaultier jacket & Jacqui Aiche jewelry
The Wanted was a sight for sore eyes and their looks covered a lot of fashionable ground – Skinny ties, wide ties, three-piece suits, shiny fabric, matte fabric, three button suits, one button suits, bow ties… Well done boys, well done.
Disney Media Networks’ International Upfront Presentation:
Fine, the carpet is purple, but the concept is the same! 🙂 Cocktail-length dresses rather than floor-length gowns were all the rage at this event, which is always a fun twist. Those of us outside the entertainment and fashion industries probably have fewer occasions in our lives to wear gowns so seeing cocktail dresses can provide us with more inspiration for our personal styles!
The back of this Naeem Khan frock is stunning. I really love interesting backs on dresses, I think it adds a little something extra.
While all of these ladies look stunning, I especially love Kerry Washington’s red Michael Kors dress. With all of the skin and plunging necklines and daring hemlines on the red carpet these days, it’s nice to see a beautiful woman in a classic silhouette like this.
The CW Network’s New York 2012 Upfront in NYC:
Yes, this is sort of ridiculous and virtually no one could pull this off… But that being said, she looks pretty amazing. It’s risky and she was fearless enough to give it a try, so I say brava!
This is a pretty striking look for a floral maxi. The color and fit are quite flattering on her and the loose updo is perfect. I think that perhaps a clutch would have been a better choice than this over-the-shoulder bag, what do you think?
“Snow White and the Huntsman” Photocall in Berlin:
Separates are rare on the red carpet because there’s more room for error, but there are no errors here! This Alexander Wang skirt and Rag & Bone top are great together, she looks chic and fashionable. And those shoes are great!
This 10 Crosby Derek Lam dress is a fabulous choice here and chain link belt makes it edgy and gives it a unique twist. Now if only she didn’t look so miserable…
I hope that whet your appetites for the upcoming Cannes posts!
Fashion Inspiration
Fashion isn’t just about what you wear, what goes on your body. It’s truly an expression of yourself that extends far beyond your clothes.
“Fashion is everything. Art, music, furniture design, graphic design, hair, makeup, architecture, the way cars look – all those things go together to make a moment in time.” – Tom Ford
And just as fashion isn’t limited to the cloth that we wrap ourselves in, inspiration can also be found in many forms.
I began clipping pictures from magazines as a pre-adolescent, not so much fashion photos, just pictures that caught my eye, things that I found eye-catching or memorable or mesmerizing.
As I became interested in fashion however, my clipping habits became more focused. And while I don’t confine myself to photographs of clothing and accessories, I’ve found that my love of fashion gives this activity more direction and purpose. I’ve found that even without context, pictures can serve a creative function.
They excite. They encourage. They inspire.
The beauty and artistry captured by a photographer can be moving, regardless of the medium. Advertisements, promotional materials, editorials, art, home decor…
I’ve found that by keeping these images available to myself I can stay out of a fashion rut. They provide new ideas and inspiration, get my creative juices flowing, and motivate me to grow and evolved. I highly recommend creating and maintaining a Look Book, a collection of images that make you smile, that invigorate you, that make you push your boundaries.
Whether it’s a physical book filled with clippings like mine are, or Boards on Pinterest, this is a great creative and inspirational outlet. Keeping pictures of looks that you like, styles that call to you, photos that take your breath away, can all be great tools to keep your approach to fashion fresh and interesting.
What’s your favorite way to get inspired?
Moi Contre La Vie 