Runway Report: Pre-Fall 2012 Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta

Park Avenue Ladies Need a Wardrobe Post-Spring...

Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2012: Bronze-Brown one-shoulder gown with side cowl drape detail and royal blue wait-tie accent

Pre-Fall 2012 Collections are here!! Yes, kids, we are barely into Fall/Winter 2011 and fashion designers are showing NEXT YEAR'S Pre-Fall Collections (It's crazy, I know!). Here are two collections from some of my favorite designers--who just happened to be of Latino descent, Venezuelan-born Carolina Herrera, the "Doyenne" of Park Avenue Chic, and Oscar de la Renta--Dominican Republic-born Master of "Ladies Who Lunch". Let's take a look:

Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2012:

Highlights: Bold prints; blue, silver-gray, bronzed-brown goddesses, royal blue "pops" of detail; silk taffeta and duchesse; tie-neck blouses; fitted pencil knee-length skirts; fitted gowns with pleated and bow'ed details:

Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2012: Blue-and-white printed blouse and knee-length fitted skirt in silver-gray and blue exaggerated "python print"

Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2012: Violet silk taffeta gown with "Mermaid-Lite" shape, waist seam and neckline detail

Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2012: Bronzed-brown, black and white colored one-shoulder gown

Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2012: Bronzed-brown knee-length dress featuring long sleeves, mink cuffs, and waist pleat detail

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2012:

Highlights: No Ball Gowns. There you have it...for his Pre-Fall 2012 Collection, the Monsieur of Ball Gowns, did not send one down the runway. Instead, there were lots of flowy sensual silk gowns, fan-pleated or bias-cut. Rose pinks, deep royal blues, lilacs, violet, bright canary yellow, geometric prints and luxurious fur (of course). Take a look:

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2012: Fur vest-coat, red cardigan jacket-sweater, printed skirt

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2012: Blue, lilac, black with white trim geometric-print cropped jacket with 3/4 glove-length sleeves, silk satin blue-colored blouse, black-and-white with multicolored hem knee-length skirt

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2012: Black coat with white applique, canary yellow trousers, and relaxed, ruffled white silk blouse

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2012: Ivory-colored bias-cut cowl-necked silk satin gown

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2012: Rose-pink fan-pleated sleeveless gown featuring a high neck, gathered midriff and full skirt

Click below for the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2012 Collection Runway Video:

Red Carpet Report: "Our Idiot Brother " Red Carpet Movie Premiere

Actresses Kathryn Hahn, Zooey Deschanel, Rashida Jones, and Elizabeth Banks arrive at Our Idiot Brother Premiere

The LA Premiere for “Our Idiot Brother” took place at the ArcLight Cinemas here in Los Angeles last night.



No micro minis at this premiere. The starring ladies kept it Classy (with a "C"!) by keeping the hemlines hovering around the knee. Lots of pinks and black with dresses that had unique and interesting silhouettes.



While actress Kathyrn Hahn looked more suited to be playing a role in "The Help" (seriously, is she making meat loaf and chocolate chip cookies with that dress?) the other ladies took some fashion risks.



Zooey Deschanel in Moschino Fall 2011: Zooey is always a fashion risk-taker and this Moschino dress she chose, is no exception. It's a little "Pierrot The Clown", apparently the collar is detachable and she might have been best ditching it, but why not have a little fun on the Red Carpet once and awhile and not be so predictable.



Rashida Jones: Rashida is workin' the COLOR BLOCKED Trend with this Stella McCartney Spring 2012 simple black, pink and brick-red dress. Cute.



Elizabeth Banks in Prada Resort 2012: I'm a little "On the Fashion Fence" with this one. It's very 1920's Flapper chick in it's unstructured tunic silhouette and yes, it's Prada so we get the "It looks Vintage/Thrift Store but it's $4,000!" I kind of wish it was all like the front or all like the back. It seems very "Two different dresses in one".



Olivia Munn in Carolina Herrera: OK, now we're talking! No "on the fence" with this one. Olivia is picture perfect in this black-and-white one shoulder look from Carolina Herrera. She almost reminds me of Julio Iglesias' first wife, the Mestiza Filipina socialite DIVA, Isabel Preysler (look her up, trust me, she does!!) in this look. I especially love the coral earrings to bring in a "hint" of color.

Nick Verreos on Style Network's "Style Star": Renee Zellweger and Anne Hathaway

Renee and Anne: Hollywood Style Muses!!!

Nick & Renee: Nick Verreos on Style Network's "Style Star: Renee Zellweger and Anne Hathaway"

This Oscars Weekend (on Saturday night to be exact) a new "Style Star" episode of which I am one of the featured style experts--premiered on the Style Network. This time around, the Style DIVAS were actresses Renee Zellweger and Anne Hathaway--yes, Miss Anne, co-host of Sunday's 83rd Academy Awards!! (how timely!).

Polished to perfection, Renee and Anne have perfected their always-flawless fashion sense and dress to impress with clean lines and classic silhouettes. These two ladies know their fashion, are Sample Size perfect and well, have become muses for fashion designers and some fashionistas alike...

Of course, we discussed Renne Zellweger in this stunning Vintage Jean Dessès yellow silk chiffon strapless gown which really put her "On the Red Carpet Map" at the Oscars back in 2001 and also discussed...

Her "Muse" relationship with Venezuelan-born/American Designer Carolina Herrrera.

And then there's Miss Anne Hathaway. Ever since 2006's "The Devil Wears Prada", she has become THE Fashion Girl. Haute Couture should be her two middle names! Armani Prive? (above) Check. Versace Atelier? Check...

Marchesa? (above) Check. Valentino Haute Couture? Check. And, as we saw last night at the Oscars, she continued her tradition of being THE girl to Dress if you are a Fashion Designer: She changed a dress every 23.875 minutes. We love you Miss Anne!!!

*In case you missed the episode, it airs again Tuesday March 1st 8AM... *Click HERE for all other airing times and dates.

83rd Annual Academy Awards: Who Wore What? The 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party--Part 2!!

More Vanity Fair Fashion: The Divas, the Lace/See-Through No-No's, and Miss Rita Wilson, my New Fashion Best Girlfriend!

Lets start with the Divas!

Diva No. 1 Socialite Lynn Wyatt--One word: WOW! Class Epitomized. The creme white silk crepe column gown with long sleeves, the mint-green shawl, the clutch, the STATEMENT Necklace!!!! You know, when all the fashion insiders say "It's All About A Statement Necklace", Mrs. Wyatt SHOWS THEM huney what a REAL Statement necklace needs to look like!!! And here's a shocker of all shockers (not really): I bet you A LOT of money that she DOES NOT even have a STYLIST! It's all HER...They don't make Ladies like they use to.

Diva No. 2 Carolina Herrera, wearing her own design naturally. White silk duchess one shoulder gown with side pockets and black bow accent. Simply Stunning! This Venezuelan-born Diva also can teach an actress or two how to really dress. It helps that A) She's a Designer, and B) She literally GREW up watching her mother have private fittings in Paris with Couturiers such as Cristobal Balenciaga and Christian Dior back in the 1950's. Finally, I especially love that she posed with her hand in the pocket. This is NOT the "First Time at the Red Carpet Rodeo" for Mrs. Herrera.

Diva No. 3 Joan Collins: Joan Collins can do no wrong in my book! Is it a bit "kooky"? Yes, but does she still OWN it and WORK it? TOTALLY!!! She was On-Trend with the lilac color in the embroidered rosette details and the gown fits her well (great open neckline for her!). The perfect earrings and perfect clutch finish the look. She is OLD SCHOOL Hollywood and I love it!

And Now to Some Lace/See Through No-No Divas:

See Through No-No Number 1--Madonna: Now, I KNOW it was COLD last night! About 50 Degrees in fact. So why oh why would Madonna wear a see-through lace dress with the HIGHEST of slits over a corset and under-panty. And she throws a fur mini "chubby" as if that's going to help. I'm sure this was all Dolce & Gabbana, but I may be wrong (it sure looks it!). I know it's Madonna and she can basically can do whatever she wants. But why am I still perplexed by this? She does have THE BODY of Death, but...sometimes, covered up is actually SEXIER.

See-Though No-No Number 2: Naomi Watts--What, in the name of the Fashion Gods, is this? Why is their a nude-colored piece in her stomach/upper chest? And are those off-white feathers in the back? I just don't even get it.

See Though No-No Number Trois: Jessica Szhor in a Leather, see-though, sequined midriff, nude mini. Really? Those four things NEVER enter my Fashion Vocabulary TOGETHER!!! Do these women have full-length mirrors? Or have they forgotten to pay their electric bills so they can't see themselves before leaving the house? And if so, then WHO is lying to them? Seriously WHO???

THIS...Is How You Do Lace & Nude Ladies:
Take Note (Ladies Above): Camila Alves got it right! Here she is with her sexy husband, Matthew McConaughey in this black lace over nude gown and looking elegant, sexy and GORGEOUS! I also love that she did an "outfit change" (of course she did) from her Academy Awards Red Carpet Kaufman Franco black ball gown (which I LOVED!!!).

Printed Gals:

Cameron Diaz: Love me some Cameron Diaz. Love. But not so much in this very mini Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2011 one-shoulder ruffled neckline cocktail dress. The original sample is actually knee-length and maybe it should have stayed that way. Or just made it about 2 inches longer. That's all it needed to be. With her mile-long legs, the mini...was, well, too mini unfortunately.

Ladies Don't Try This Look At Home: Rita Wilson--The multi-printed satin dress, the feathered (!) purse, the necklace, the bracelet, the strappy heels, the heavy-banged Bouffant 'do: Oh Miss Rita! It's "Valley of The Dolls", the Vanity Fair Oscars Party Version. It's a mess, but here's a surprise: To me, it's a GOOD MESS. Why, you may ask? Anybody who attempts this outfit at a party MUST be a HOOT!!!! If I spotted a woman at a party (at the Open Bar, I am sure!) dressed like this, she would be the first person I would talk to! You just KNOW someone who has enough chutzpah to do this, must be fun!

New York Fashion Week Fall 2011: Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs

NY Fashion Week Highlights: Polka Dots, Lace and Ladies Who Do Late Lunches...

Polka Dot Mini Muse Couture: A look from Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011:

For her latest Fall 2011 Collection, Venezuelan-born, American Designer Carolina Herrera--a favorite of Barbara Walters, the Kennedy's, well-heeled old-money East Coast set and Renee Zellweger to boot--sent out what looked like "Real Ladies Clothes"; sellable, well-tailored, elegant clothes. No trickery. Clothes that one might actually see in her boutiques--as well as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. Colors ranged from gray, pumpkin orange to ocean blues. Lots of fur. And some iridescence for evening. Two standout details: The Funnel Neck covered-shoulder "Capelet" and...wait for it...SENSIBLE shoes! These Ladies Do Late Lunches sans their 5" Louboutin Platform Pumps! See for yourself:

Pumpkin Sheath: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Ready For A Luncheon: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Baby It's Cold: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Gala Old Money: Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Show of Carolina Herrera Fall 2011 Below:

Marc Jacobs Fall 2011:

Polka Accessories: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Latex, Lace, Polka Dots and Boxy-Fitted: These are words to describe the prints, fabrications and silhouettes at Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Collection, debuted this week at New York Fashion Week. As always, with Marc Jacobs, there were LOTS of fun details and great individual pieces. For example: Love that blue-violet over-sized paillette skirt below and those Booties and trust me, we'll see plenty of Glam Girls pre-ordering that Polka Dot Bag as well!

Snow Woman Couture: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Bishop (Sleeves) and Lace: Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Watch Full Runway Show of Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 Below:

17th Annual SAG Awards: Who Wore What? January Jones in Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2011

January Jones in Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2011

What? Actress January Jones is NOT wearing Versace Atelier! Or Versace? What in the World is going on??? Yes kids, the beautiful and always red carpet fashion forward Diva herself, January Jones, arrived at the 2011 SAG Awards in (drum roll), Carolina Herrera.

It's demure, proper and very lady-Like--especially after that red peek-a-boo gown she wore at the Golden Globes a couple of weeks back. This Carolina Herrera gown--from her Pre-Fall 2011 Collection is a black high-necked Mermaid-shaped with gold lace details and yes, THAT ubiquitous waist tie. Notice how the torso and top portion of the skirt section (at the waist) were shortened when compared to the Look Book model photo (love those little things!).

What do you think of the more "Lady-Like" January Jones: Yea or Nay?

NY Fashion Week Spring 2011: Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu-- Photos and Runway Video!

COLOR, Voluminous Shapes vs Fitted, Purples and Violets, Black & White, 70's Vibe, Prints and Korea???!!!

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Disco Girl

As we know, NY Fashion Week Spring 2011 occurred several weeks back--and from all accounts, the new venue at Lincoln Center got an A. I was invited to the Project Runway Season 8 Finale which was held at Lincoln Center but unfortunately, work called and I had to be in Miami to hosts Fashion's Night Out for Macy's...I've been busy traveling for those Macy's events as well as working on my own NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection with my partner David Paul so I didn't get a chance to post some of my favorites and highlights from this last NY Fashion Week. I'll try and post more from Milan and Paris, of course, but for now here a few of my thoughts plus photos and video from NYFW.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011:

It's all about the 1970s for Marc Jacobs Spring 2011. Imagine photos from 1976 Vogue Magazine with Iman (above), Anjelica Huston, Bianca Jagger, the Charlie Perfume ad...models with crimped hair, strong smokey eye and even stronger lipstick. All that's missing is the doorman at Studio 54!

It was VERY Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche too! Maybe the young Fashion School Kids of these days are too young too remember but I DO...

Le Pouf: Voluminous violet-colored dress with side pockets

Where's my Cointreau: Wide violet-colored pants, printed knit top, fabulous hat...very Sonia Rykiel...

Golden Girl: Gold kimono-sleeved jacket and micro shorts

Traveling to Vietnam First Class Ma'am: Red floor-length skirt suit with matching safari jacket

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011:
Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera was inspired by the traditional clothing of Korea as well as botanical plates. Alright Carolina, you go there darling!

In the photos below you could see that inspiration translate into those top hats which are worn as part of Korean costume as well as obi-wrapped ties and bows--very Korean Airlines Flight Attendant Having Cocktails...As usual, she sent out her signature white shirts and blouses (which she always wears for her bow) as well as dresses and suiting perfect for her Park Avenue clientele.

Anybody for Kimchi Tonight: A Khaki sheath dress with floral applique, tucked-draping and that fabulous Korean-inspired hat

Wrap It Up: Chanel Iman models a shapeless & color-blocked (TWO Spring 2011 trends in one!) dress with an obi-tied accent

Where's The Ball: The Finale Gown in heavy ivory jacquard with black accents and of course, side pockets.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Collection:
NY Wunderkid Designer--and Michelle Obama's fave--also went rather 70s with his Spring 2011 Collection. And just like Marc Jacobs, seemed to have rather overt nods to the Master, Yves Saint Laurent. Case in point: The see-though blouses, the perfectly tailored pleated pant suits and printed cocktail dresses straight from a "vintage" 1990 YSL Collection. I'm sure when those aforementioned blouses get to a Saks Fifth Avenue near you, they will probably be lined in silk habotai or come with a nice little silk camisole. If not: Ladies, you are on your own...

No Bra Required: White see-through tied blouse with full-pleated natural-waisted trousers

I Need a Virginia Slims: Above-the-knee printed silk ruffled dress

Ebony and Ivory: Black and white ensemble featuring a striped bustier and front cascade ruffled straight skirt.

Jason Wu Spring 2011 Runway Video: