Runway Report Minute: Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013

Here Comes The Red, Maroon and Peplum Bride??

Renaissance Meets Infanta Meets Princess: Oscar de la Renta Bride Collection Spring 2013

NYC Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013 ended last week and so, what were the highlights? What will next year's "Summer" Brides be wearing...or inspired by? By the looks of it, lots of color, ball gowns, frill, and  peplums. Take a look:

Mantilla Diva: Dominican Republic model (and Oscar de la Renta muse) Arlenis Sosa in a fire-red strapless red Bridal Ball Gown, fit for a Goya painting, Oscar de la Renta Bride Collection Spring 2012

Red Bridal Brigade: In Vera Wang's Bridal Collection for 2013, all her dresses were in various shades of red--three looks above

Eggplant Ball: eggplant/maroon colored strapless gowns from the Vera Wang Bridal Collection Spring 2013--These are shown on the runway for "impact" and to deliver a "Designer's Vision" but the samples that end up in the salons will probably be white, off-white and creme, of course. And some could probably work for the bridesmaids, Maid-of-Honor, and so on--if they are willing to do a "Pippa" and upstage the bride!

 

Peplum Ladies:  Several designers showed the peplum detail in some of their Spring 2013 offerings--Here are two from Venezuelan-born designers: (Left to right) Angel Sanchez strapless fitted gown with asymmetrical cascaded peplum detail; Carolina Herrera strapless gown with peplum detail.

Marie Antoinette Goes Hunting vs Princess Di Redux: Two ball gown/"Princess"-style offerings during NY Bridal Fashion Week Spring 2013--(Left to right) Carolina Herrera Bride Collection Spring 2013 strapless gown with a "double breasted" silhouette drop-waist torso and folded-and-pleated gown skirt; Marchesa Bride Collection Spring 2013 ball gown with drop-waist bustier and lace neck-and-sleeve detail and very 80's shape.

NIKOLAKI Brides: Finally, here are a couple of my own NIKOLAKI Collection Bridal gowns: (left to right)  strapless off-white stiffened high-low gown in hand-made sequins/paillettes and "crushed" silk organza; strapless fitted silk duchesse gown with full pleated "Watteau" back.

Red Carpet Minute: Solange Knowles in Stephane Rolland Spring 2012 Haute Couture

Give It To Them HUNEY!

 Sister Diva: Solange Knowles in Stephane Rolland Spring 2012 Haute Couture, 6th Annual DKMS Linked Against Blood Cancer Gala, Cipriani Wall Street NYC

Last night, at the 6th Annual DKMS Linked Against Blood Cancer Gala, the sister of "The Most Beautiful Woman In The World" (Beyonce)--singer/songwriter Solange Knowles,  made an appearance--looking very chic in a Stephane Rolland Spring 2012 Haute Couture white gown featuring a tiered peplum, drop shoulder/cap sleeves and gold metal center front waist accent.

Peplum Goddess:  Singer/Songwriter Solange Knowles attending the 6th Annual DKMS Linked Against Blood Cancer Gala, Cipriani Wall Street in Stephane Rolland Spring 2012 Haute Couture, and model from runway show on the right in same gown

Need I remind y'all that this is a $40,000+ hand-made Haute Couture gown. And it's Solange Knowles...and she's not at the Grammy's or Cannes or (name a big high-profile event)! The "red carpet game" is seriously getting out of control! Besides the fact that the gold center front waist detail looks like COUTURE iPad cover (does it vibrate or ring??) and that Solange looks as if she forgot to put her make-up on...I think the dress is quite directional and FAB!!! 

What do you guys think??? Yeay...or Nay?

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012--Christian Dior

Christian Dior Pret-a-Porter Fall/Winter 2012:

Dior House Designer Bill Gaytten continued his love of the iconic "Bar Jacket" and there were also references to Ballet, New Look, full A-Like skirts juxtaposed with fitted ones. Very commercial, not-style-shaking clothes. But very "Dior on Auto-Pilot". Draped and twisted tops, chiffon gowns. "The Artist"-looking 1920's-like cloche caps on the models.

Colors: Mauve, rose pink, blush, nude, indigo blue, black, and hounds-tooth jacquard's. No one knows whether Gaytten is still "in it" for the long haul and if the Dior owners are still looking for Galliano's replacement (last rumor was Raf Simons was being courted for the Dior position--after he was unceremoniously booted out of Jill Sander). I've said this before: it must be very frustrating for Gaytten...however, he's probably just happy to have a job and a steady paycheck...

Check out some of the looks of his latest offering for the House of Dior Ready to Wear:

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012:

Runway Report: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012--Photos + Runway Video

Rude Boys Rule...

Knotted Up: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

The Menswear Fall 2012-2013 Shows are occurring in Paris and Milan and here are some highlights for my lovely devoted BLOG readers---since after all, it can't all be about Fab Red Carpet Divas, Figure Skating Costumes and Beauty Pageant Madness here on my blog...It's time to discuss the latest in Menswear--Let's begin with 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013:

British Punk Boys: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

The theme was "Elegant Anarchist"--think Rude Boys, Young Punks, 60's Britain. Style.com's reviewer said "Too much elegance and not enough anarchy" of the collection. I kinda liked it. Big clunky Doc Marten-looking shoes (were they Doc Marten or Phillip Lim's versions?), high-waist, paper-bag shaped trousers that ended above the ankle--"High Waters" or "Floods", as they used to call them back in my day. Extra long wide belts were the accessories du jour.

It's Cold Outside: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

And big elegant coats are always a must for Fall/Winter--as well as a great 3.1 Phillip Lim staple--I own one fab Phillip Lim coat I bought at Barney's NY several years ago and I cannot LIVE without it! Maybe next Fall/Winter, I might upgrade to a newer version...


Click Below to watch Runway Video of 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013:

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Chanel

Karl "Prospero" and his Underwater Runway Extravaganza:

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Two days ago, Karl Lagerfeld showed his beautiful Chanel Spring/Summer 2012 Collection during Paris Fashion Week. He transformed the Grand Palais--the site of all his runway shows, into a magical underwater world. Just wait until you see the beginning of the video below. The stage is INSANE! All I kept thinking about was "Wow, look what perfumes and purses can buy you!". The collection, which consisted of over 8o looks (!), was a success, according to all who were there. He began with modern interpretations of the Chanel suit, in soft tweeds, boucle's, in white, cremes, light lemons, pastel-y pinks, turquoise and black.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Lots of Spring-like prints, chiffon's, fluttery ruffle dresses and blouses. Shoes were either sandals or flat booties in leather and metallics. NO heels in sight. He also showed some fabulous swimsuits toward the end which you can see in the runway video. They looked like "Sports Illustrated Mermaids" rising from the sea!

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

For evening, it was relaxed, yet very LUXE glamour, with printed silk dresses, lots hitting "tea"-length with sequin embellishments. Stiffer silk gazar's, organza's, and/or iridescent satins added lots of texture and an architectural element. Lots of shoulder interest--which remains a strong trend.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Also, look for the "Voluminous Sheath" where it's fitted up top but then softly leads into interesting shapes from the high-waist down. All in all--at least from seeing the photos and the video--a beautiful, modern collection. Bravo Karl and his team! You'll probably see ten out of the 80+ looks in the stores come next Spring , but who cares, the show was glorious! Speaking of the show--did I mention Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine performed. Yep. Again, what perfumes and purses can buy you darlings!

Click Below for the Full Chanel Spring/Summer 2012 Runway Video:

Runway Report: Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2012

Nonna Chic

Farmer's Market Goes Couture: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Spring 2012 Milan Fashion Week just ended and one of the highlights was of course, the Dolce & Gabbana Show. As you know, D&G is finito, done. And with that, naturally there was lots of editorial, buyer and press interest on what designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana would show for Spring 2012. Here's a given: We know that Dolce & Gabbana really know how to play with a theme. They pick one and run with it. They might be holding a Campari with Soda as their running...but they're running nonetheless. You MUST watch the video (Below after the photos) to get the whole effect of the show. Let's just say that only Dolce & Gabbana could create a theme that could only be referred to as "Grandma Chic" or Nonna Chic!

Grandma's Here...And She's Looking for Cocktails: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

For Spring 2012, they showed lots of printed EVERYTHING--from bra tops, pleated dirndl skirts, rompers, swimsuits, and Ladies-Who-Lunch sheath dresses and suits. There was also lots of heavy applique lace...

Plastic skirts, suits and even coats, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Lace and even POM POMS, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Sequin Ragazze: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, LOTS of sequins, in every variety--from heavy be-jeweled ones to cluttered multi-colored ones. Sequins and LOTS of them, are a HUGE Spring 2012 Trend and they were right there! Front Row and Center! The accessories were also the Stars. Take a look at the crochet, lace and plastic pumps. No really, take a look, because the FIERCEST of Fashionistas will be, no doubt, wearing them next Spring/Summer:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, there were the purses. I have a feeling that Domenico and Stefano sent their Design Assistants to peruse a whole lot of "vintage"/second-hand stores from New Jersey to Wisconsin--to find "inspiration" in these purses. They are so "old School" Church Lady"/Grandma, all that she's missing is her mini-bible from 1963:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Click Below for the Full Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Runway Show:

Runway Report: Versace Spring/Summer 2012

Grommets, Studs, Seashell Motifs...It's Versace 1992 all over again...And I LOVE IT!

Versace Spring 2012

Last week, Donatella Versace showed her latest Spring 2012 Collection for the House of Versace in the gorgeous garden at the Via Gesù show space. The collection was very "Retro Versace". Like I had seen it before somewhere...

It's All About 1992: Versace Couture 1992 above on Naomi, Stephanie and Yasmeen--and on Lady Gaga

I had. The Versace Spring 2012 Collection had many motifs and style elements from that much-Lady Gaga loved Versace Couture 1992 time period (she's been spotted wearing A LOT from those collections lately). The grommets, the silver and gold studs, the heavily cluttered sequins, the seashell prints and motifs...

Seashell Retro: Versace Spring/Summer 1992

Donatella went back to the Versace Archives (as well she should, maybe inspired by Miss Gaga) and really referenced those years in particular for this collection. And what a surprise, they looked "fresh and new", especially to those "kids" who were probably 3 when those collections came out! But I remember darlings--I could never forget Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Karen Mulder and Yasmeen Ghauri in those seashell printed swimsuits and those leather and gold studded gowns!!!

Versace Spring 2012

But back to the present: Versace Spring 2012 showed lots of light "candy sorbet" colors--the light blues, the lemon yellows, the aqua-greens. Lots of luscious draped and shirred silk jersey and silk chiffon added to the "prettiness".

Versace Spring 2012

And yes, those 1992'esque black gold studded skirts and tops and Seashell-motif sequined applique. Donatella also played with some asymmetry, especially with chiffon "overlay" that would "half" cover a simple and elegant sheath dress or a skirt.

Versace Spring 2012

Gowns were seductive, sexy and oh-so-Versace Red Carpet. Also in those light candy-sorbet colors. The grommeting and studded sequin detail was followed through to the final runway-stomping gowns. Now speaking of Runway Stomping...There was a "Model Down":


Poor Lindsey Wixson (American, famous for her "bee-stung" lips) came crashing down almost at the end of the Versace Spring 2012 show. Lindsey happens to be one of Donatella's faves--if not her "Muse", but the 17 year old (A Muse at 17??) came tumbling down as she tried to maneuver those towering 8" lucite stilletto wedge platforms.

She did get back up and instead of running as fast as she could out of the runway, she continued her walk with "Victory" thumbs-up hand signs. Nice Recovery Girl!!!!

If you want to see the stumble--and the Entire Versace Spring 2012 Collection Runway Video, Click Below:

Runway Report: Gucci Spring 2012--Photos + Full Runway Video!

New Color Blocking, 20's Flapper Dresses, Beading Galore and Lots of Chic Luxe Clothes...

Gucci Spring 2012

Wow, Designer Frida Giannini has done it again for the House of Gucci. From the first look on the runway--modeled by the gorgeous Joan Smalls, it was "I'll take That, That, That, oh and That...." Or at least if I was a wife--or girlfriend of a very rich Euro--that's what I would be saying. Gucci is celebrating its 90th Anniversary in Florence and as Style.com editor Nicole Phelps put it: "...the evening clothes in particular will ensure that Gucci's 91st year, like so many before it, is a success". For Spring 2012, it was about Art Deco motifs, architectural shapes, color-blocked designs and loose off-the-body drop waisted dresses.

Gucci Spring 2012

Great tailored jackets with dangling gold chain closures, as well as Resort-y harem pants. I can just see Victoria Beckham disembarking from her British Airways First Class transatlantic flight in one of those ensembles. Sunglasses and all...

Gucci Spring 2012

No floor-length evening gowns (Frida saves those for her Gucci Premiere Couture Atelier), but there were lots of loose tunic 20's style cocktail dresses, perfect for the girl who doesn't want to go the "Herve Leger tight" route and also so right on Trend. They also had some great "Open" backs (another Spring 2012 Trend).

Gucci Spring 2012: The final paillette and bugle beaded "Flapper Dresses" were fantastic with a 70's Liza Minnelli vibe.

The Backs at Gucci Spring 2012

The Gold Strappy Heel at Gucci Spring 2012

Click Below for Gucci Spring 2012 Full Runway Video:

Red Carpet Report: 2011 Teen Choice Awards--The Leather Gals!!

Trend Report: Leather Dresses



Several gals wore leather on the Teen Choice 2011 red carpet (OK, it was BLUE!). It was a nice and balmy 70-something degrees in Universal City yesterday but that didn't stop the "Leather Fashion Brigade". Let's take a look:



Blake Lively in Gucci Resort 2012: Blake chose a very fitted sheath pale orange leather dress from the House of Gucci and their Resort 2012 collection (yes, kids, we are still in 2011!). I think she looks great. Nice accessories, nice pointy-toe pumps. Very 1950's chic. A Tippi Hedren up-do would have taken it from "Nice" to FAB-u-Lous!



Elizabeth Banks in J Mendel Resort 2012: Actress Elizabeth Banks also wore leather--and very nicely. Gilles Mendel is one of my favorite designers and of course: LUV his J Mendel line. The dress is edgy and fun at the same time. The tangerine color is perfect for the BLUE Carpet and I'm also a fan of the asymmetrical leather panel "cascades". It just turned this otherwise "basic" leather dress into something far more interesting.



How NOT to do Leather:



Choreographer (and Yelling Queen) Mary Murphy of "So You Think You Can Dance": No. No. And No. Oh Mary. She looks like the Hostess at a Hofbrau somewhere in a seedy part of Munich or like she works at a Meat-Packing Company somewhere in Kansas City. Who. Told. Her. To. Wear. This? And then with those 2008-looking peep-toe boots. Step off the blue carpet and go get me a flank steak...and some German Beer!!!