Meryl Streep in Custom Lanvin: I was hoping Meryl would choose a gown that had a softer and more drape-y feel to it. I even sketched a dress similar to this as a suggestion of what I would like to see her wear.
I think Meryl has never looked better in this Gold Lame Lanvin Gown. It has all the qualities that you would want to see in a gown for Meryl. It is elegant and gives that feeling of Hollywood Royalty, yet looks relaxed and comfortable.
Natalie Portman in Custom Lanvin: It comes as no surprise that some of the most stunning gowns of the night were custom made. There is something so special about a dress that is created especially for the wearer and it helps that some of the recipients of these gowns are the most BEAUTIFUL women in the world!
Nowhere is that more apparent than on the stunning Natalie Portman.
After walking all the Award Show Red Carpets pregnant last year, Natalie arrived this year showing off her svelte and petite figure in this dark Fuchsia Duchess Silk Satin Strapless Gown with Side Drape Detailing.
I love that the dress shows off Natalie's figure, while not being too overt about it (which is neither her style or Alber Elbaz' (designer of Lanvin). This was definitely one of my favorite looks of the night.
She was perfectly accessorized with Harry Winston Diamonds and a Dyed to Match (big trend of the night!) clutch.
Beyonce in Lanvin Fall 2011: Why might you ask would Beyoncé not be wearing her signature skin tight gown??
She's PREGNANT!! She used the 2011 MTV VMA's to let the world know that she and her hubby Jay Z are expecting their first child! Congrats Miss B!
Oh, yes, and about her gown: Designed by Moroccan-born "Design God" Alber Elbaz for the House of Lanvin, it is a coral one-shoulder caftan (caftans are VERY IN kids!!) gown that was originally shown in beige on the Lanvin runway on a too-thin model. I like it MUCH BETTER on Beyoncé! She looks positively glowing!!
Lanvin Creative Director Alber Elbaz and Menswear Designer Lucas Ossendrijver began with the idea of creating a uniform for the "everyman". "Nothing is sexier than a Man in uniform" stated Elbaz and I couldn't agree with him more! Could you imagine the TSA Agents dressed in these ensembles!! Now that would keep me alert at the airport!
But being that the uniform theme was just the jumping off point, these outfits are really meant to inspire the man on the street and that is something I definitely think we will be seeing especially in the Chic boroughs of Paris and New York. I'm loving the Suit Jacket with shorts ensemble above!
Colored Crew: Lanvin Menswear Spring/Summer 2012
The middle section of the show gave us some great colored suits (a definite Spring 2012 Trend!) in interesting fabrications that weren't your basic menswear tropical wools. Loving the nipped in waists and slim cropped trousers (another Trend Alert!)
Military Mash-up: Lanvin Menswear Spring/Summer 2012
And finally, the show closed with a mix of military tailoring and Boho Chic prints that had the perfect balance of structure and fluid ease. Bravo! This is definitely a collection that will be an inspiration in menswear for seasons to come.
Click Below for an edited video of the Lanvin Menswear Spring/Summer 2012 Collection:
Fashion Shows and More Fashion Shows...During this most recent Fall/Winter 2010 Paris Fashion Week, we saw lots of Layering (quelle surprise), tailored suiting and coats(Viktor & Rolf above), lots of folkloric accents (Dior) and...ethno-influences (GallianoRussian Mongolian Princess above). There was also... Liquid bias cut Hollywood Glamour/1930's gowns (Gallianoabove) and a continued mood for off-kilter draping usingMetallics and soft liquid fabrics such as wool jerseys (Lanvin above) or...Stiffer Wool fabrications (Lanvin above). And then there was the dynamic duo of Viktor & Rolf. Using 90's Supermodel Kristen McMenamy as their "Head Mistress", they decided to pay a sort of homage to their decade old "Babushka Couture Collection" and bring McMenamy onto the runway wearing practically the entire collection and then peeling each piece off her and adding it to the corresponding models. See for yourself in the Viktor & Rolf Fall 2010 Fashion Show. And enjoy the other runway videos I have included as well...
Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2010/11 Runway Show--Part 1:
Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2010/11--Part 2:
Click Below for the John Galliano Fall/Winter 2010/11 Runway Show:
Click Below for the Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010/11--Part 1:
Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010/11 Part 2:
Lanvin by Albert Elbaz Fall/Winter 2010/11 Edited Video:
Runway to Red Carpet: January Jones in Lanvin by Alber Elbaz, Spring 2010 "Mad Men" actress January Jones wore a black Lanvin gown to the 67Th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Interestingly enough, it was customized from the original cocktail-length version to a floor-length gown with side slits. I am sure some people might see this as being a bit "too out there" but I liked that she (or her stylist) chose this.
January Jones is becoming a "fashion gal" in that, especially after the Emmy Awards "futuristic" ivory Versace Atelier gown, she got a mixed reaction: Fashionistas LOVED it while non-fashion folk thought it was "just too much".
"I don't get it" was their general thought. I did get it and I totally get this. I especially "get" the black hair band. She is SO NOW!!! Victoria Beckham: Watch Out, you're not the only one who loves them headbands darling!
Tulle Explosion, Draped Leather: Bonjour Paris!Where's My Drink: Looking serious but fabulous, Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
More from the European Collections...via my Downtown LA studio (he he!). I scout the web and bring it back to you (see, I'm really nice!). In my last post, I showed you some of the collections from Milan Fashion Week, including Dolce and Gabbana and Versace. Now, we have taken the "imaginary web train" from Milan to Paris. Here two of my favorite collections from Paris Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Week. Lanvin: Draped Leather: A look from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
According to Sarah Mower, of Style.com, Lanvin designer AlberElbaz, blew the runway house down, with this collection. It started off slow, with black (not so Spring/Summer looking) dresses which didn't seem so different than what we have "come to know and love" in regards to the House of Lanvin; in essence, variations of what you can already see at the Lanvin department in Barneys NY. Lanvin Asymmetrical Goddess: A look from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
However, as the collection continued, it progressed into a full blown symphony of some of the most glorious looks that Elbaz has created. Lots of incredible asymmetrical drapes, folds and tucks that would make a patternmaker blush with technical joy!Liza With A "Z": A beaded jumpsuit from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
There was one black leather dress that was draped and tucked as if it was silk charmeuse! Lanvin ended with an explosion of multi-colored sequins worthy of a Liza Minelli tribute concert (love those beaded jumpsuits!) After watching the runway video, I only wish I was there to witness such a "Fashion Moment". Click BELOW for Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010 Runway Video:
Viktor and Rolf: How Will I Sit In My Limo: Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010
Oh Lordy!!! Speaking of "fashion moments": I just took a look at the latest Spring/Summer Collection from Viktor and Rolf and I had a grin so large that nothing could take it away. I also found myself exclaiming "Go on Viktor and Rolf, WORK IT OUT!!!!!!" loud and by myself, as I watched their runway video. It was, in three words "A Tulle Explosion". Who Ate The Tulle: Viktor and Rolf Spring Summer 2010
Tulle suits, tulle cocktail dresses and gowns with shirred, chopped up, out of control netting that seemed to defy gravity. Holes were cut out of tulle gowns as if a Haute Couture bullet had gone right through them--or a starving fashionistahad taken hold! Other gowns were propped up by inner structures that supported the yards and yards of gathered tulle to create incredible silhouettes. The entire show looked EXPENSIVE--all that fabric, all that beading, the staging, the hiring of Roisin Murphy to sing at their show. I kept thinking how I rarely even see Viktor and Rolf clothing at stores (and I shop A LOT!), so how are they affording to stage such grand events? (I'm jealous!) Defying Gravity: Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010
But then, I remembered: The Viktor and Rolf perfume! Oh yes, launching a fragrance can help a lot! I don't know who in the world will wear these frothy concoctions; other than the models in the Spring/Summer magazines we will see on newsstands in three months. But I doubt that is what the designers are concerning themselves with. I'm sure back at the Viktor and Rolf Showroom, and in their boutique, you will see something totally different and much more wearable, as it is always the case. This was a show to inspire and make rich Dubai women and fashion editors squeal with joy.
Click BELOW for the Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010 Runway Video:
Limoncello Anyone? Sun Goddess: Canary yellow gown, Alexander McQueen Resort 2010
Guess what kids: It's all about yellow! All shades of it. Mustard Yellow, Grey Poupon Yellow, Canary, even Neon "Body Glove" Yellow. For Resort 2010, everyone who is anyone--in the NY Fashion Industry (hey, where are my peeps from LA????) showed yellow in varying degrees. And I am all for it. I have even tried to infiltrate it into my teaching. Desperate Housewife Yellow: Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2010 bright yellow A-line one-shoulder cocktail dress
As one of the Instructors at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, I teach a class to the upcoming "Debut 2010" Advanced Fashion Design students---the designers of tomorrow. Just last week, we all went on a "Field Trip" to Mood Fabrics here in Los Angeles and I suggested mustard and varying degrees of yellow as the "pop" color that was needed for their upcoming collections. So you see: I read, I see the trends and I "bring it back" to my students. And also to my faithful Nick Verreos Blogfashionistas of course!Mustard Mini: Marc Jacobs Resort 2010 Grey Poupon Cocktail: Lanvin mustard yellow cocktail dress, Resort 2010
I just got back from Europe and went to France and Italy. I finished my trip in GORGEOUS Positano, in the Amalfi Coast. And there, it was all about YELLOW too. The Limoncello kind. I bought candles, perfumes and of course, several bottles of luscious liqueur! So I dare to call this yellow trend, a Limoncello Trend! Twisted Yellow: Derek Lam Resort 2010 cocktail dress
Just know, that it is no longer about "Mellow Yellow"---it's all about Bright "Notice Me" I-am-competing-with-the-Sun Yellow! I say Bring it! If you want to be "on top" of this trend: I would suggest to girls out there to look for a top, blouse, or even a cool pair of yellow jeans (I'm sure H & M, Forever 21 or Hot Topic has a pair), maybe a little cocktail dress--in this color. Go for it. It's the new LBD. Or the LYD!!!
It's All About Color Ladies! Yep, Resort 2010 is looking more like a trip to the Bollywood movie set, as opposed to a trip to the Hampton's . Naturally, Spring and Summer are the seasons when designers add color to their collections (as opposed to Fall/Winter black and browns) . But even so, it is unusually BRIGHT.
Duran Duran Back-up Dancer: Cobalt Blue cowl-draped Mini Dress, fromDerek Lam Resort 2010
Strong 80's colors, hearken back to the colorful dresses of Stephen Sprouseand the genius of Patrick Kelly. Pastel tones: OUT. Neon brights: VERY IN! Think Cobalt Blue, Bubblegum Pink, Neon Green. Looks like you'll also be needing a FIERCE pair of sunglasses to block out the glare from the women wearing these bright bold colors.
Garden Party: Blues and greens, according to Alber Elbaz for Lanvin Resort 2010
Bubblegum: "Barbie Pink" as shown atDonna Karan Resort 2010
Some say this renewed use of bold colors might be a direct result of the dire economic woes the world is in. Clothing designers are making things look "Happy Happy Happy", showing bright colorful coats, dresses, sportswear and trying to inject a bit of fun into people's depressed lives (Although I doubt someone who can spend $3,000 on a bright Zac Posen Apple Green mini-dress is having an "economic depression").
Robert Palmer Girl: Apple green satin mini dress with black peek-a-boo bust,Zac Posen Resort 2010
VH1 The 80s Are Back: Electric Blue and shocking printed leggings,Alexander McQueen Resort 2010
In all fairness, when looking at the collections as a whole, there is plenty of Black and the Neutrals are well represented. But BRIGHT COLORS are the real story for Resort--and the coming Spring 2010.
Will you be wearing a pair of neon kaleidoscope leggings from Alexander McQueen next January?
Meryl Streep in Custom Lanvin: I was hoping Meryl would choose a gown that had a softer and more drape-y feel to it. I even sketched a dress similar to this as a suggestion of what I would like to see her wear.
Natalie Portman in Custom Lanvin: It comes as no surprise that some of the most stunning gowns of the night were custom made. There is something so special about a dress that is created especially for the wearer and it helps that some of the recipients of these gowns are the most BEAUTIFUL women in the world!
Nowhere is that more apparent than on the stunning Natalie Portman.
After walking all the Award Show Red Carpets pregnant last year, Natalie arrived this year showing off her svelte and petite figure in this dark Fuchsia Duchess Silk Satin Strapless Gown with Side Drape Detailing.
She was perfectly accessorized with Harry Winston Diamonds and a Dyed to Match (big trend of the night!) clutch.
Beyonce in Lanvin Fall 2011: Why might you ask would Beyoncé not be wearing her signature skin tight gown??
She's PREGNANT!! She used the 2011 MTV VMA's to let the world know that she and her hubby Jay Z are expecting their first child! Congrats Miss B!
Oh, yes, and about her gown: Designed by Moroccan-born "Design God" Alber Elbaz for the House of Lanvin, it is a coral one-shoulder caftan (caftans are VERY IN kids!!) gown that was originally shown in beige on the Lanvin runway on a too-thin model. I like it MUCH BETTER on Beyoncé! She looks positively glowing!!
Security Guard Chic: Lanvin Menswear Spring/Summer 2012
Colored Crew: Lanvin Menswear Spring/Summer 2012
Military Mash-up: Lanvin Menswear Spring/Summer 2012
During this most recent Fall/Winter 2010 Paris Fashion Week, we saw lots of Layering (quelle surprise), tailored suiting and coats (Viktor & Rolf above), lots of folkloric accents (Dior) and...
ethno-influences (Galliano Russian Mongolian Princess above). There was also...
Liquid bias cut Hollywood Glamour/1930's gowns (Galliano above) and a continued mood for off-kilter draping using
Metallics and soft liquid fabrics such as wool jerseys (Lanvin above) or...
Stiffer Wool fabrications (Lanvin above). And then there was the dynamic duo of Viktor & Rolf. Using 90's Supermodel Kristen McMenamy as their "Head Mistress", they decided to pay a sort of homage to their decade old "Babushka Couture Collection" and bring McMenamy onto the runway wearing practically the entire collection and then peeling each piece off her and adding it to the corresponding models. 
See for yourself in the Viktor & Rolf Fall 2010 Fashion Show. And enjoy the other runway videos I have included as well...
Runway to Red Carpet: January Jones in Lanvin by Alber Elbaz, Spring 2010
Where's My Drink: Looking serious but fabulous, Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
Draped Leather: A look from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
Lanvin Asymmetrical Goddess: A look from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
Liza With A "Z": A beaded jumpsuit from Lanvin Spring/Summer 2010
How Will I Sit In My Limo: Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010
Who Ate The Tulle: Viktor and Rolf Spring Summer 2010
Defying Gravity: Viktor and Rolf Spring/Summer 2010
Sun Goddess: Canary yellow gown, Alexander McQueen Resort 2010
Desperate Housewife Yellow: Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2010 bright yellow A-line one-shoulder cocktail dress
Mustard Mini: Marc Jacobs Resort 2010
Grey Poupon Cocktail: Lanvin mustard yellow cocktail dress, Resort 2010
Twisted Yellow: Derek Lam Resort 2010 cocktail dress
Edie Beale 2010: Terracotta Orange Trench Coat by Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010
Duran Duran Back-up Dancer: Cobalt Blue cowl-draped Mini Dress, from Derek Lam Resort 2010
Garden Party: Blues and greens, according to Alber Elbaz for Lanvin Resort 2010
Bubblegum: "Barbie Pink" as shown at Donna Karan Resort 2010
Robert Palmer Girl: Apple green satin mini dress with black peek-a-boo bust, Zac Posen Resort 2010
