Red Carpet Report: Cannes Film Festival 2012 Best Dressed!!!

Cannes Couture!

The 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival is happening in the South of France as we speak (it began officially last week on May 16th) and well, it's been "Red Carpet Runway Show Heaven".  Cannes is filled the A-List celebs who have been attending all the "Photo Calls", Premieres, Parties and Red Carpet film screening--as well as internet viewers, like myself, who are watching every ensemble and hand-made $40,000+ Haute Couture gown that they've been wearing...So, without further ado, here are some of my Top Favorites from these last few days at Cannes:

Cheryl Cole in Stephane Rolland Couture Spring 2012: At the "Amour" Premiere at Cannes, English recording artist--and "The X Factor" judge in the UK (and almost in the US), wore a stunning mermaid-style gown from Stephane Rolland's Haute Couture Spring 2012 collection. The gown--estimated at about $100,000 if one were to order it and buy it (I'm sure Ms. Cole did not) is of ivory silk crepe, red feathers and hand-sewn rectangle paillete sequins. She looked FABULOUS!

 

Diane Kruger in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture: Simply STUNNING! This gown is not in Valli's most recent Spring 2012 Haute Couture collection,  so one would guess it was an "extra" in the collection--or a Custom Design. Kruger is vibing Grace Kelly 2.0 in this one-shoulder hand-shirred mint-colored gown. Everything about the entire look was PERFECTION: from her slicked-back chignon to her muted pink stacked peep-toe pumps.

Diane Kruger in Vivienne Westwood: Metallic sequins. Strapless. Corset. Draped. All of it is simply gorgeous. The photographers must have been going KRAZEEE (with a French accent!).

 

Eva Herzigova in Dolce and Gabbana: 1990's Supermodel Eva Herzigova wore this Custom Dolce and Gabbana ivory lace applique and sequined gown on the Opening Night last week of the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival. The slicked-back hair plus that necklace add to the UBER Glamour of the entire look!

Eva Longoria in Marchesa: Three Words: At A Girl! La Eva worked it OUT overtime in this Marchesa mermaid-shaped sequined applique and ruffled tulle gown. It is PICTURE PERFECT...and she knows it!!!

Jane Fonda in Atelier Versace Fall 2011: Oh Miss Jane!!! You make The Gays so proud! Fonda attended the Cannes Film Festival in this metallic Atelier Versace Fall 2011 strapless gown--all hand-made and all about $100,000. It fit her perfectly. If there was one negative (only one!), it's that poufy hair of hers. I think she was looking at the Atelier Versace Look Book photo a little too closely for inspiration. This is also custom, as you can see that their is nude illusion at the neckline and sleeves. Being 74 years old (!!!), this in NOT her "first time at the rodeo" and she knows how to customize a gown to work for her.

Paz Vega in Stephane Rolland Couture Spring 2012: The PR team of French Designer Stephane Rolland is working OVERTIME...and good for them. The designer's Spring 2012 Haute Couture Collection was DIVINE; one of my favorites. Vega wears a black and white mermaid-style gown featuring a center front curved-and-rectangular keyhole, feathers at the bottom and carved out 3/4 sleeves. It's one of those gowns that would be deemed MAJAH, and for good reason.

Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive: I am at a loss at Armani Prive and Giorgio Armani...They do "Lady Gaga and Katy Perry Koo-Koo Krazee" and then they also do "Hollywood Glamour". Which one are they? Or could they be both? Who knows? On actress Jessica Chastain, she chose wisely to have the Armani Prive team outfit her in the more "Hollywood Glamour" direction. She wore a criss-cross hand-gathered strapless chiffon gown with crystal sequins beading sprinkled across the bodice. Her side-swept hairstyle only added to that "I'm Rita Hayworth for the 21st Century" quotient.

Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann Fall 2012: Statuesque. Architectural. Chic. Actress and Ackermann muse, Tilda Swinton looked amazing in this silk shantung folded-and-pleated drop-shoulder fitted gown from the new "boy darling" of the Paris Runway Show scene.

Red Carpet Report: Met Ball 2012--Best DIVA Dressed and the "Kooky Red Carpet Award" Goes To...

The Met Divas!

Beyonce in Givenchy Haute Couture: Miss Beyonce knows how to make an entrance. The above photos are evidence of this. She certainly made a Diva-like entrance--worthy of putting RuPaul AND ALL her "Drag Race" contestants to shame--in this over-the-top bespoke design from Givenchy Haute Couture. The gown featured delicate embellishment hand-sewn into a silk tulle structure, covering the "important parts" which then ended in a flourish of black and violet-colored feathers.

The train was a "Train to End All Trains" and needed to have little Givenchy Haute Couture "flower girls" holding it up. Under it all, one could see a very fitted and boned inner structure --like a Super Couture Spanx--in nude coloring cinching it all in--and making it look as if she was naked underneath. Beyonce's body looked amazing, lest we forget just less than 4 months ago, she gave birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen Fall 2012: Actress Cate Blanchett looked like a feathered Princess in this McQueen gown from Sarah Burton's Fall 2012 collection for the brand. On the runway, this black mermaid-shaped gown was also shown with a feathered tried "Super" Cape, steal-grey sunglasses/visors and an oversized metallic belt. Cate and her stylist wisely decided none of that was needed. It's a perfect example of "From Runway to Red Carpet Reality".

Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring 2012: Adams looked like Rita Hayworth in this one-shoulder gathered white silk Grecian Goddess gown with a black side midriff panel and finished off with a gold lame bow-tied belt. Loved the gown; loved the hair, the simple and elegant gold clutch. She looked RICH.

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan Atelier: I thought Beyonce had taken the "Train to End All Trains" Award, however...say "hello" to actress Nina Dobrev. I'll begin by saying that I really like this gold and black bias-cut one-shoulder gown with open back and side cowl detail. But it was the over-the-top train here that was distracting for me. While I LOVED the feathered train on Beyonce, and felt it looked harmonious with the rest of the gown; like the perfect ending. Here, on this gown, it just seemed unnecessary. Is it just me or why do I have a need to get a pair of scissors?

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa Spring 2012: Vergara wore a silver sequined embellished strapless gown with a cascading peplum from Marchesa Spring 2012 collection. One of her best red carpet looks yet; very on-trend, not too "Va-Va-Boom"; perfect clean center-parted hair. Muy bien Sofia.

  

Ashley Greene in Donna Karan Atelier: This strapless gathered gown looked SUBLIME on Ashley. So pretty, so Grecian, and so could be a fabulously chic wedding gown as well.

Bianca Brandolini d'Adda in Custom Dolce and Gabbana: In case you are wondering who this GOLDEN DIVA is, well kids, let me "school" you. She is the daughter of Count Rodrigo Tiberio Brandolini d'Adda and Princess Georgine de Faucigny-Lucinge et Coligny. She is also a descendant of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. In other words yes, she's royal blue blood and loves fashion and has the money to look fabulous. She decided to not blend in at Monday night's Met Gala as seen from her "Cleopatra Has Arrived" cape-and-gown gold paillette ensemble from Dolce and Gabbana.

 

China Chow in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture: Leave it to China to give a little bit of Glamour, a little bit of whimsy, a little bit of art, all wrapped in one gown. The details are subtle but impacting.

 

 

Diane Kruger in Custom Prada: I'm sure not a lot of people liked this, but I did. This purple colored "nightgown" with feathered hem was fun and very "Couture Boudoir"...she looked like she was about to slam FIVE Dirty Martini's in some fabulous house party she was hosting  in Palm Springs in 1969. And for that: she got my Fashion Vote!

 

Florence Welch in Alexander McQueen Fall 2012: Florence And The Machine singer Florence Welch didn't disappoint on Monday night--fashion-wise--when she showed up in this tiered and super-embellished design from Alexander McQueen Fall 2012 collection. Welch, in fact, arrived with the designer Sarah Burton as one of her muses. Now, I thought Florence was a tall woman, but noticing where this dress hit the runway model (mid leg/way above the ankle), I'm guessing that model is an over 6 footer!

And The "Met Gala 2012 Red Carpet" Kooky Award goes to....

 

Christina Ricci in Thakoon: Well, well, well, I decided to wrap my Met Gala Red Carpet BLOG postings with a BIG BOW. As in--take a look at Christina Ricci's oversized silk organza back bow! This dress, by Thakoon, designed by Thakoon Panichgul (who was her date incidentally) featured a below-the-knee, laser-cut embroidery/applique silhouette and then an exuberant organza neckline ruffle that then ended up in THAT big ol' bow. I can't imagine how much tulle is stuck inside that bow to hold it up! This seriously looks like a sketch/design I would have done when I was ten before I realized I had to design for real women!! Somewhere in the World a fierce Drag Queen is mad at herself for not thinking--or designing--this out-of-control dress.

Red Carpet Report: Met Ball 2012 Models On The Red Carpet

 Met Ball 2012 Red Carpet: The Models!!


Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations--Met Ball 2012

Last night, in NYC, was the Met Ball 2012--the Costume Institute Gala to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new Costume Exhibition entitled "Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations". The exhibition explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. The exhibit is directed by Baz Luhrmann, and focuses on how both women explore similar themes in their work through very different approaches. It opens May 10th and runs through August 19, 2012. Now, in case you've been living under a Fashion Rock, the Met Ball has become the "Oscars Red Carpet" for the fashion world. A-list celebs vie for an invitation and to be paired up with designers and of course, it's the time when all the World's Top Models show how they do the Red Carpet...so let's see how the models did:

 

Heidi Klum in Custom Escada: Heidi wore a navy blue lace high neck gown with dropped shoulders featuring scalloped edges and yes, a side slit. Thank goodness this side slit was "Lady Like" and Miss Klum didn't show her nether-regions. She also gets points for doing "the Angelina" and doing it well.

Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello: Now speaking of nether-regions and doing the "Angelina"...Oh Dear Lord! Polish-born supermodel took the term HIGH SLIT to another level altogether. The gown was designed by Belgian-Italian newcomer Anthony Vaccarello is a white one shoulder dress with a slash at the top and big ol' slit at the side.

Anthony Vaccarello Spring 2012 Slash and Slit on model Karlie Kloss

Vaccarello loves his slashes and slits and is quickly becoming known for his "Robert Palmer Girls for the 21st Century" designs. Now, this particular gown--and her in it--pretty much takes the "Top World Slit Crown" for the next ten years to come! It's not really a slit but a complete CUT OUT of the side of her gown. Now, granted Anja has got enviable legs that well, go on forever and ever. But I'm afraid what happens after all those "ever and ever's"---Not sure if I want to see.

Olivier Theyskens and Caroline Trentini:  Fashion designer Olivier Theyskens arrived with Brazilian supermnodel Caroline Trentini at last night's Met Ball 2012. Trentini wore a lilac blue princess paneled gown designed by Theyskens of course. She looked elegant and demure. Not sure if it was impacting enough--or highlighted Caroline's AMAZING over 6 foot long frame. However, this could really look appropriate on Catherine Duchess of Cambridge or Princess Charlene of Monaco. Note to Princess Charlene: order this gown!!!

 

Coco Rocha in Vintage 1980's Hubert de Givenchy: Model Coco Rocha bid--and won--this ensemble--at the Elizabeth Taylor Auction which occurred late last year. It was previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor and at the time of the purchase (her wining bid was $3,500) Rocha gushed that she would "Love to wear this at the Met Ball..." Well, her wish came true. She looked so chic. The color and hand-applied couture sequins add enough uniqueness to this pant-ensemble that it can have as much of an impact as wearing a full-length gown.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen in Givenchy: The perfect couple. Just look at them. Both are wearing Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. Gisele looks amazing in this fitted waist-defining gown. Love the strappy heels and her slicked chignon hairstyle. Now, speaking of hair: Tom...Tom..Tom...not sure what his hair stylist was thinking when this slicked-up faux-hawk was thrust upon Brady. I think he should have just done a "Clark Cable Slick" and leave it at that. What do you guys think?

Chanel Iman and Tom Ford both wearing Tom Ford: Model Chanel Iman wore an intricate, and original, gown made of pheasant feathers molded to her body with illusion sections. She was covered up--almost completely. But yet, still oh-so-sexy. The gown was designed by Tom Ford, who incidentally looked IMPECCABLE. PS: when doesn't he???

 

Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe: Three words: You. Go. Girl. Karolina Kurkova attended the Met Ball last night in this golden stunner of a gown, with a matching turban, no less! The gown was designed by Stylist-to-the-Stars Rachel Zoe. I absolutely LOVE it!! She looks like Carmen Miranda as she arrives into Sao Paulo for a Black Tie Ball...in 1944! It's very Sheikha Mozah of Qatar. I bet the Sheikha is jealous right about now, wishing she would have done this look at one of her fabulous global trips.

Rosie Huntington-Whitely: The English supermodel is the Face of Burberry Body and naturally, she wore a custom gown from Burberry and it's designer Christopher Bailey. The gown featured horizontal "striped" motif all in sequins, a fishtail train and cowl-draped back. It's perfection--from head to toe. I also love that her date--Peruvian-born photographer Mario Testino--is back there with his iPhone taking pics of the red carpet madness in the photo at top left.

Linda Evangilista in Prada: Oh Miss Linda. She's been going through a very public child custody court case as of late. In fact, late yesterday, Evangelista and the father of their child Francois Henri-Pinault settled (settlement amount and details of the agreement will not be disclosed). So, she put all that drama behind for one night and attended the Met Ball looking sublime and every inch a supermodel (and maybe much richer too!). She wore a simple black silk duchesse satin column gown featuring a scooped neck and a peplum. Definition of a Lady.


What did you guys think of these models and who was YOUR Favorite/Not Favorite? I'd love to read your thoughts! Let me know!

Next up...Best Dressed of the Night!!

Red Carpet HIGH Slit Minute: Model Jessica White LOVES a Slit

 A (BLOG) Tale of a Model, Her Legs and Love of the Slit...

Ooooh Huney, that is CLOSE: Jessica White at Gotham Magazine's The Jacob's Cure Gala Honoring Donny Deutsch on Wednesday May 2 2012

5' 9 1/2" US-born supermodel Jessica White (Maybelline contract, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and much more), actress and every-now-and-then-DJ...

Model Jessica White, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

LOVES a red carpet event, and more importantly LOVES to show her legs---as in making sure almost every other gown she wears has to have a big ol' "Beauty Pageant Slit". Now, you know that A) I LOVE models; B) I also adore Beauty pageants; and finally...

NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul watercolor print silk chiffon gown

I do like a slit in a gown--as long as it's not showing the wearer's  you-know-what! Well, kids, Jessica has come very close to "COOCHIE Heaven" in some of her most recent carpet appearances. Last week, at Gotham Magazine's The Jacob's Cure Gala Honoring Donny Deutsch party, she wore a strapless sequined ombre gown with a VERY HIGH side slit/opening that got dangerously close to exposing her "Not-so-Supermodel" area (see photo at top of posting). This unfortunately, has not been the only time Jessica has come close to a "Gown Malfunction":

On April 17th, Jessica White attended the Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair Party at the New York Court House, she wore this:

A creme beaded crew-neck tank gown with chiffon gathered and draped attached skirt. While it looks fine in these poses and yes, I love the "Figure Skating Costume on the Red Carpet" element--take a look at when the wind hit it:

Ooooh Girl: Here's one piece of stand-and-pose advice--DO NOT HOLD the layers of your gown in a way that might expose your CHA-CHA. Just sayin'. Even the guy in the unsightly plaid, jean and high-top sneaker ensemble behind you is calling the Fashion "Stand-and-Pose" Police as we speak! And HE needs a lesson in dressing.

This is what she wore to the "9th Annual Spring Dinner Dance" at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel NYC:

Check out my Thigh, People: Last month, Jessica White attended the "9th Annual Spring Dinner Dance New Year's in April: A Fool's Fete" at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC, wearing yet another dress with a high side slit. This time, the gown had a cross over wrap-dress style. But still, Miss Jessica showed the photographers A LOT of leg.

This is what she wore to the "amfAR NY Gala Benefit to Kick Off NY Fall 2012 Fashion Week":

Mini or Long Gown: Back in February, to kick off NYC Fall 2012 Fashion Week, at the "amfAR NY Gala Benefit" , Miss Jessica decided to show leg--once again--but NO SLIT!! Has Fashion H*** frozen over? Nope, she's still managed to almost show her lady part wearing a strapless red gown that was part Las Vegas Hooker mini dress/part chiffon gown. It was one of those 1990's-type gowns that was "Am I a mini dress or am I a long gown?" Here's my advice to Miss White: stick to the "I am just a GOWN!" I'm actually a fan of the controversial High/Low gown, but this dress has a bit too much high and not enough low!

And this is what she wore to the NYC Premiere of  Madonna's directorial debut "W.E" in January:

The stunning model wore a violet-blue silk dolman-sleeved wrap gown to the premiere of Madonna's "W.E.",at the Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC back in January of this year. The gown wrapped dangerously high as she did an "Angelina Jolie" and put her leg out there for the pose. As you can see, Miss Jessica LOVES her legs--and a gown that exposes at least one of her lovely legs---and sometimes comes close to exposing waaaay tooo much.
Which one of model Jessica White's high-slit almost-cha-cha exposing gowns is HIGH Style or just HOT Mess???
 

Red Carpet Minute: White House Correspondents' Dinner: The "Uh Oh's"!!

Time for a Stylist Re-Hire...

In my last post, I talked about my "Best" and "OK" Dressed at last night's Washington DC-Hearts-Hollywood Correspondents' Dinner. There were some nicely dressed ladies in attendance, however, it's time for the "Uh Oh's"--Let's begin...

Lindsay Lohan: Miss Lindsay...gotta love her. She was a "Guest" of Fox New's Greta van Susteren (in other words, they payed for her First Class LA-Washington DC flight plus a very super duper suite in a five-star DC hotel). She was also there with her attorney, Shawn Holley. OK, now to the important stuff: what she wore. Lindsay wore a halter-neckline black duchesse satin gown. To be blunt: she was two minutes away from being a bridesmaid. 

First, duchesse satin is a difficult fabric to wear--especially if you have to sit in a limo for a while, then get up and do a red carpet. Therefore: wrinkles. The midriff is all wrinkled (from sitting down in the limo fall-out), and yes, there is the oh-so-unsightly "side boobage". In addition, it's always odd to place a seam right through the apex of the breast section. Also, what is up with the 10" hem marking on the gown? Is that the horsehair on the hem? Was it taken up? Is there a seam near the hem of the gown? I am confused. Lindsay: please help me!!

Alicia Keys in Diane von Furstenberg: Huney, I LOVE ya, but did you know you were going to a BLACK TIE event? Alicia looks as if she's attending a cocktail/shopping party at Macy's. Which is fine. But she's actually NOT attending a cocktail/shopping party at Macy's. This is a great dress for a "Girl's Night Out" in NYC, San Francisco, LA, etc. But for the White House Correspondents' Dinner...not so mucheyyy.

Martha Stewart in Marchesa: It's my "Fantasy Crazy Drunk Aunt from Boca!". Here's the positive: a tunic shift dress is a great style, especially for ladies who A) are not a size 0 and B) Ladies who are over 50. I do like the white color with gold detail. It's the fringe that then goes into "Laugh-In" mode and it looks TOO big for her. Look how low the armholes are? And I could pinch in about an inch on the double on the sides (sorry for the "Fashion Instructor Terminology").

 

Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta: I think Zooey is just the "Cat's Meow" (do people even say that in 2012?). And I admire an Oscar de la Renta ball gown, because in my past life I'd like to think I was one of them "Ladies Who Lunch" and wear Oscar de la Renta ball gowns!  However, there are two things wrong with this: First the top bustier section needs about about an inch more fabric added to the neckline; it's too teeny tiny. But more importantly, what is happening to that drooped hem?? This is UNACCEPTABLE. I'm sure it's a runway sample and it's made for the 5' 10" Fit Model (and Zooey is 5' 5")...however, you then need to alter it!!!

Sigourney Weaver: OK, here's the positive (yes, there is one!), on an 18-year model from Brazil, in a studio, standing there, in a "Look Book" photo shoot...I can see this black crepe back satin side-cowl draped gown--looking quite chic and directional. I can also see this on a "quirky" guest at a Paris Gallery Opening as well. But...on Sigourney Weaver, it looks a mess. It does NOTHING for her. You would think that a 6 foot tall actress who is so fabulous as Ms. Weaver is, could just about pull off anything. Not so much. Her hair and make up don't help. If she were to have skewed more directional or extreme with the entire look, it would have at least made a bit more sense.

But now, to the "GURL What Were You Thinking" Award of the Night:

Rosario Dawson in Armani Prive: I just about fell off my couch when I saw this (and not in a good way)...and then realized that she was wearing a $40,000+ Armani Prive Haute Couture hand-made gown. This is shameful. For all parties involved. It was an emerald green silk organza (with an iridescent finish) fitted gown with complex seaming, defined shoulders and yes...

There is THAT oh-too-plunging neckline. The bust section is WAAAY too tight. It was made for a girl (well, a model) who had a 32" bust circumference (the standard for runway models) and that is why Rosario's sisters are all out there. But it's not just that--the entire gown is way too tight. The entire abdomen area is rippling and pulling and those delicate seams are pulling...it just makes me cry knowing that this is a hand-made gown that took many, many hours to create and if Rosario had purchased, would cost a high 5-digit figure. And not to mention, she is such a beautiful actress, so this decision doesn't do her beauty justice. Rosario, next time: email me. Or have your stylist email me.