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Posts tagged “Givenchy Haute Couture

MET Madness

It’s that time again…

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Time for my favorite fashion event of the year. It’s my version of prom! Last year’s event was held in honor the (then) recently deceased Alexander McQueen and the red carpet was amazing.

5:36 p.m:  Dolce & Gabbana dress and Christian Louboutin shoes, all set for the gala.

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This year there were so many gorgeous women on the red carpet – fashion insiders, celebrities, models, actresses – that it was hard to narrow down my favorites.

Hollywood Dolls:

{Rooney stuck with what’s worked for her over the last few months of red carpet appearances. Dramatic. Bold. Givenchy! There was lots of white on the red carpet this year so her lacy black gown stood out all the more.}

{Bombshell alert! Amber Heard’s Zac Posen gown was striking and oozed with old school glamour. Love!}

{Elegant but eye-catching at the same time, that’s what Giambattista Valli does best!}

{Sleek & sexy. Gwyneth Paltrow put women half her age to shame in this fierce little Prada cocktail number. I love the embellishments here – the pocket on the dress, the low-cut back, and the jewel-encrusted stilettos.}

DiannaAgron

{This was a great choice for her. A beautifully cut dress in the perfect color, soft, sweet makeup, and loose curls framing her face. Just stunning.}

{Kirsten Dunst has long been a fan of Rodarte and they served her well again last night with this one-of-a-kind retro inspired dress. The look was definitely unique, but I think she looked phenomenal!}

{I’m always excited to see what Miss Cate will show up on the red carpet in, and she didn’t disappoint last night. Alexander McQueen with black feathers and a fishtail train? Only a few women in the world could pull this off.}

{Nina has been stepping up her game on the red carpet the last year or so, really making an impact, and this Donna Karen gown is another great choice.}

{Wow. Renée Zellweger usually wears Carolina Herrera but this Pucci gown is stunning! The low back and dramatic train are gorgeous.}

{Wow. Just. Wow. Love it all. Color, fit, fabric, accessories. Fierce!}

{Claire Danes’s sexy white wrap dress was perfectly complemented by her teal envelope clutch and sleek updo. Well done.}

 

{Bombshell! Camilla Belle was a vision in a sexy silver Ralph Lauren gown. Simple and elegant. I like that she went minimal on the accessorizing.}

Model Muses:

{When I think about the MET Gala this is what I picture. Daring fashion. Avant garde styles. Fashion with a capital F. Well done ladies, well done!}

ChanelImanTomFord

{Drama Drama Drama. Chanel Iman and her sexy plus one were all about black & white drama.}

{Coco’s brightly colored vintage Givenchy and matching pink curls were definitely eye-catching. Are you a fan?}

AmberValletta

{Veteran model Amber Valletta’s Prada gown was perfect, with both color blocking and pleats, it was right on trend for Spring!}

{I think Constance may have stolen Tilda’s dress, but that’s ok because she killed in it! Love the color and fabric combinations, the silky teal with the royal blue pleats are perfection!}

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART'S Spring 2012 COSTUME INSTITUTE Benefit Gala

{Lace, asymmetrical silhouette, and brilliant pink – Jason Wu definitely wanted Miss Karlie Kloss to stand out this evening!}

{The face of Burberry Body rocked her long-sleeved, retro Burberry gown. Only Rosie could make sequined stripes look this good!}

candice-swanepoel-met-ball-2012-rag-bone-dress

{Victoria’s Secret stunner Candice Swanepoel positively glowed in her custom cobalt & black lace Rag & Bone gown. J’adore!}

And my favorite – Diane Kruger. I know she’s an actress but I always think of her a model. She’s got phenomenal taste and a flawless sense of style, something I usually associate with models who spend their time surrounded by fashion editors, photographers, and designers.

{DRAMA. Purple feathers, a train, and killer jewels? Miss Diane clearly wanted to make an entrance last night. I hate hate hate to find fault with her, but I think an updo would have been the perfect final touch to this.}

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And what would I have worn?

I narrowed it down to these choices over the weekend. And these choices clearly show my multiple personalities. Part of me wants to go for old-school, golden age glamour, and the other part of me thinks that an event like this one calls for no holds barred, serious drama.

{This gown in Valentino red would be a fabulous choice – Bold but classic and flattering.}

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Or something a little more dramatic and high-impact.

{I love the drama of Zac Posen gowns and this is a phenomenal color. If it had a keyhole or open back to offset the high neck and cap sleeves I’d be all over this!!!}

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What was your favorite dress this year? What would you have picked for yourself?


And the Oscar goes to…

Did you watch the Oscars last night? Per usual, I skipped watching the show live and merely enjoyed the highlights online and via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook after the fact. There were some gorgeous gowns and great tuxedos out there to enjoy though, I must say. What was your favorite look?

I absolutely adore Leslie Mann and was thrilled to see her on the red carpet. I think that this sleek Roberto Cavalli gown suits her slim frame perfectly and the color is very pretty against her pale skin.

The dramatic gold detailing and flowing train on Jessica Chastain's gown made it one of the highlights of the evening. She looked absolutely stunning.

Rose Byrne is someone who I'm really enjoying lately, she seems to be trying out a new look and its fun to watch. I loved this black sequined Vivienne Westwood gown with the drop earrings, she looks beautiful & statuesque.

 

Another sequined stunner was Ellie Kemper, who donned a gorgeous bronze sheath that was perfectly complimented by her dramatic gold earrings, cocktail ring and clutch.

Gwyneth's Tom Ford gown was one of a kind. I loved the floor-length cape - SO Katherine Hepburn - and the cuff was fantastic.

I wish more fashion insiders did red carpets... Wouldn't it be a kick to see all the magazine editors dressed to the nines instead of just judging everyone else's looks? Anyway, Nina Garcia knocked one out of the park in this Jean Paul Gaultier Couture sheath. Gorgeous.

Polka dot gown? LOVED IT!

Octavia Spencer has been choosing some great Tadashi Shoji gowns on the way to this red carpet and the designer worked incredibly well for her yet again. Gorgeous!

Yes, this dress was very busy - between the ruffles, the diamond bow broach, the tiers and the silhouette, there's a lot going on. But it suits her somehow. Well done!

When I saw this Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown in December I knew it would make its way to the Oscars. Emma Stone has been embracing brilliant jewel tones lately with great success (remember the emerald Gucci suit?) and this frock did the trick yet again.

Rooney Mara looked head turning in her favorite designers of late, Givenchy. I like the uniqueness of this dress, yes there were other white dresses, but with her hair & makeup, the train and the intricate back of the gown, she was in her own category.

Stacy Keibler looked like she was auditioning for the role of the Oscar itself, but in the best possible way. Her Marchesa gown was flattering and fashion-forward, perfect for the Oscars red carpet.

 

Viola Davis was a vision in Vera Wang. This color is just breathtaking on her.

 
There were a lot of sweet, dreamy, pastely gowns that while gorgeous, tended to get lost in the melee. Rather than review them all individually, here are some of the prettier ones…
 

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My favorite looks? Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain and the two visions in white – Rooney Mara & Gwyenth Paltrow. I loved all of these looks for different reasons and couldn’t narrow it down any further if I had to. Emma brought the standout color, Jessica brought the drama and Rooney & Gwyneth both brough the unexpected – gowns that were unique, unusual, and totally head turning.

And don’t worry my loves, I’ll cover the Oscar tuxedos and afterparty dresses in my Looks of the Week post later on today.

Happy Fashion Monday!


SAG Awards

Yes, you read the clock right, it is a rare and coveted midday MCLV post! Lots to do this week and no time to take it slow.

The SAG awards were the latest award show on the road towards the Oscars and I thought that most of the ladies whose dresses I’ve loved lately performed well.

Stacy Keibler looked tan and statuesque in this gorgeous black lace Marchesa. I love the off the shoulder silhouette!

Regina King was a vision in a pale lavender, tiered Alberta Ferretti gown.The fit is perfect and I like that she accessorized with darker, metallic jewelry & clutch.

Natalie Portman was a vision in a deep-burgundy colored strapless Giambattista Vallie gown. A simple updo and minimal accessories kept the look from going overboard. That color really suits her!

I think Dianna Agron is absolutely adorable, but she doesn't always wear the most flattering dresses on the red carpet (LOVED her MET gown last year though) so I was excited to see this fuchsia Carolina Herrera number. The cut and color are flattering, the accessorizing is minimal but sweet and her hair is gorgeous.

It takes quite a woman to make red-lace Valentino look sweet and demure! Michelle Williams managed to make this midi-length gown all her own, rather than let it overwhelm her petite frame.

While this would have been even more striking in a bright color, the cutouts and dramatic silhouette of this Zac Posen gown kept it from being anything but boring. I love her silver cuff and great cocktail ring as well.

 

Marchesa can be busy and over the top but Viola Davis chose wisely with this gorgeous white & gold gown. The soft curls and beautiful cuff were perfect!

Jayma Mays was stunning in Reem Acra - The color, the cut, the train, were all absolutely perfect for her.

 

It's these type of looks that prove you don't need to be a size-zero Tween to stand out in Hollywood. Mary Steenburgen looked stunning in this fitted, draped David Meister Gown. I LOVE the broach like piece at the waist and the stacked bangles, absolutely perfect on the accessories.

 

Emma Stone's tea-length Alexander McQueen was one of my favorite looks of the evening. Gorgeous accessories - shoes, gold detailed clutch & earrings - and a beautiful, interesting, stand-out dress.

 

I almost didn't recognize Kristen Wiig in her draping, white Balenciaga halter gown. She looked chic and well-put together, and I loved her dramatic choker necklace.

 
And my personal favorite of the Screen Actors Guild Awards?
 

Zoe Saldana looked phenomenal in shimmery white Givenchy Haute Couture with silver accents. As much as I love this gown on her and as well as it suits her, her unbelievable spiked diamond collar and cocktail ring were without a doubt my favorite pieces of the night. Amazing!

You can check out multiple views of Zoe’s amazing look here.

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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.

 
 
Dying to see more of the decadent gowns Dior showed? Tom & Lorenzo have a look by look breakdown here.
 
Giambattista Valli‘s second couture collection took on a hint of old school glamour, especially visible in the dramatic floral and patterned gowns. There were pants and sumptuous outerwear as well, but the emphasis was definitely on knee-length dresses and red carpet ready gowns.
 

This dress is everything the collection embodied - Black & white, exquisite details, sheer panels, embroidery, sequins and a buttoned-up feel with an edge.

 
 
 
 The Spring 2012 Atelier Versace show only featured a handful of looks, but they were dramatic and celebrity ready. Lace, sequins and rosette encrusted gowns, retro bathing suit inspired one piece looks and gold-plated gladiator heels.
 

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.

 
 
Tom & Lorenzo didn’t love the Atelier Versace collection but predict that Lady Gaga will wear these pieces with pride! 
 
Giorgio Armani served up quite a show for his Armani Prive line’s Spring 2012 Couture collection. The first thing that struck me when I looked through the photos for this collection were the combination of fabrics and colors. Gold mesh, silver and green satin, navy knits, neon animal skins, midnight blue and olive-green sequins, Easter basket colored feathers and geometric prints on virtually everything. It was really a spectacular visual feast.
 

A striking pantsuit in varying shades of green and gold. The mesh-style fabrics made each piece incredibly distinct.

 
 
Want more pictures? FabSugar has a detailed look by look breakdown here.
 
The Chanel show was an absolute dream to watch. The color scheme ranged from blue-grey to powder blue to royal blue to midnight blue. The dropped waists and pocket-adorned dresses were my favorite – they were a chic, modern twist on retro favorites and the wide boat-neck collars were both fun and flattering. The outerwear was divine: floor-length button-up coats & suits, Victorian-style embroidered jackets over gowns, cropped bolleros with puffed sleeves… All done in beautiful fabrics – tweed, silk, satin, sequins, chiffon, and endless embroidery.
 

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!

 
Ready to see all of the gowns that will be showing up on red carpets the world over in the next few weeks? Welcome to Elie Saab. Celebrity outfitter extraordinaire! If I had to describe this collection in one word it would be dreamy. The pale, creamy pastels, the subtle shine and sequins, the intricate detailing, floral embroidery, the use of sheer fabrics and lace to add depth… You have to give him credit, he knows what his clients want and he continually gives it to them – Beautiful, flattering, uncomplicated gowns that make them look elegant and chic.
 

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. 🙂

 
Visit The Fashion Spot or Tom & Lorenzo for additional pictures & commentary on this beautiful show. 
 
Compared to the light and airy collections presented by most of the fashion houses, Riccardo Tisci” Givenchy Haute Couture collection was dark, dramatic and filled with angst. The small show (10 looks) was organized into three sets – crocodile, crystal and black & white. The looks were complex and sophisticated as Tisci’s work usually is, but what I loved most was the softness of the low backs on the gowns, exposing the slender backs of his models.
 
And the strangest addition? Giant, and I mean giant, nose rings…
 

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.

 
While many designers have found inspiration in the work of famous artists, Jean Paul Gaultier’s latest muse may have still come as something of a surprise to some – Amy Winehouse. Unlikely, yes and vaguely surreal for Couture, but stunning down to the last look as always. The hair, the makeup, the stylish… Dramatic, iconic and well done. My favorite part was Karlie Kloss’s orange beehive & silk pajama look, which she worked like nobody’s business.
 
 

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.

 
Tom & Lorenzo has conflicting opinions of this show, which can you read here.  
 
The Valentino Haute Couture show was truly amazing, the collection composed primarily of exquisitely detailed floral dresses was made up of paper-thin layers of silk, lace, embroidery, tulle, chiffon and the delicate outerwear of heavier velvet and brocades. All worn with dainty, patterned court shoes.
 

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.

 
 
 
 
I’ll be back with the front row and street style looks from the 2012 Couture shows tomorrow or Tuesday!