Feb 28, 2011

Beautiful Gowns pouring on the OSCAR Red Carpet

I have to say that this year I enjoyed the Red Carpet at the Oscars. Not so many ladies missed the mark. Many of them definitely gave a punch of glamour, elegance and style that was to be reckoned with.

DISAPPOINTMENTS
First, I have to write about the ones who I was a bit disappointed in, who could have worn something else.
Scarlett Johansson wore a Dolce & Gabbana dress of a purplish lace that did not pull out that beauty in her that she radiates. Marisa Tomei's choice was a vintage Charles James dress. What did not work with her choice was her hair. It could have been done in a more polished and finished style. And I was disappointed in Nicole Kidman. She wore a Christian Dior Couture white dress that wore Nicole rather than Nicole wearing the dress. I loved seeing this dress on the runway and maybe it would have looked good on someone else but not on Nicole. .
Now for the ones I enjoyed and the ones I LOVED.
I ENJOYED
Reese Witherspoon wore Armani Prive (Couture) and looked beautiful but I could not make up my mind if I liked her hair. Amy Adams looked sparkly in her L'Wrenn Scott dress and she reminded me of a true vintage Hollywood look that she made look contemporary. Hillary Swank looked elegant in her Gucci metallic sequined gown that had some feathers at the hem. I think she had one of the best updo's. Cate Blanchett looked edgy and sophisticated in her Givenchy Couture.  Jennifer Hudson was serving her body in the bright tangerine Versace gown. Good for her! Halle Berry looked beautiful in her Marchesa. The color and style of the dress was perfect for her. Now, why couldn't she wear something like this when she was competing in Miss USA 1986? She did make it to 1st Runner Up though.
Natalee Portman wore the perfect dress designed by Rodarte. It draped perfectly on her body and the dress had just the right amount of beading on it that this did not overpower her.
I LOVED
Michelle Williams in CHANEL Spring 2011 Couture looked pure and sexy. Jennifer Lawrence looked hot and sexy in her Red Calvin Klein. Mila Kunis looked very sexy and elegant in her Ellie Saab Couture in the perfect color. Va voom!
Hailee Steinfeld wore a Marchesa that was perfect for this 14 year old nominee. She looked like a princess. It reminded me of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. What a great experience for her!
Gwyneth Paltrow looked like a an Oscar winner in her silver Calvin Klein. Or was it gold?
Helen Mirren looked regal, elegant and spectacular in her Vivienne Westwood Couture dress and modern with her fabulous, short hair. What more can I say?? Also, I think women who have sliver or white hair may be inspired to try this short style for themselves.
Sandra Bullock radiated with confidence, strength and beauty in her sexy and elegant passionate red dress by Vera Wang. To me, she is the winner.

There were no big disasters. Only that some dresses were not the right ones for some gorgeous women.
The women who radiated, made the perfect choices that released the presence of their beauty within them even more than ever on that Red Carpet.

Some more from Milan FW Fall 2011

All is well in Milan as the designers show off some more.
Marni showed a line that had simple, long lines and had a play of prints and colors. Marco de Vincenzo paid a bit of a homage to Elsa Schiaparelli. All in Black and white and goat fur that trimmed some of the clothes. There were pops of color here and there. I loved s black skirt made of goat fur. It was well done.
Aquilino.Rimondi showed a line fit for a modern princess with a mixture of wools and satins, panne velvet, beading, leathers with great color blocking. this was sophisticated, casual and classy luxury.
Brioni by Alessandro Dell'Aqua had great pieces that can be worn like they were presented on the runway or they can be mixed and matched. There were black and white, bright colors and jewel tones., furs and exotic skins. A coat belted with a thin gold chain was pretty modern.
Dolce & Gabbana showed a boy and girl collection that was black and white with some gold and pop of bright colors and a lot of star prints. The boys clothes were tailored and structured. They reminded me of some clothes I wore in the 80's. And the girl clothes were of a softer touch with chiffons, some gold and color.
Long looks with loose tops and pants here and there and looks that were cut close to the body are found at  Missoni . The colors were soft and light and had the signature Missoni prints and textures.
Salvatore Ferragamo was sophisticated and modern with some sharp suits, coats and separates. Evening was designed in black done in every way that exuded class, sexiness and elegance.
Versus by Christopher Kane and Donatella Versace was fresh and edgy. Black dominated the collection made with leathers, corset detailing on dresses, and a triangular print that detailed some of the designs. Very pretty!

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011


Salvatore Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2011



Feb 27, 2011

The ingredients of the day in Milan

The designers in Milan have been quite good in their craft this season. A lot of good sportswear was shown and anyone who was a witness to all these collections thus far would agree. 
Great inspirations by menswear and tailoring yet feminine, Sportmax presented a great collection that will fulfil anyone who loves this kind of look. There were also some patterned sweaters and a sprinkling of bead work on some of the evening pieces. And then there were wonderful clothes exhibited for the modern lady by Bottega Venetta, exhibited with ingredients of color blocking and sexy lace. The evening dresses were beautiful. Emporio Armani's collection is called "Spy". Even though it was a monochromatic black collection, it had a great variety of ideas. Moschino's Cheap and Chic had inspirations of some New York, London and Paris details and was playfully mixed with the Moschino spirit. Trusardi 1911 blended leather and basic colors that are black, white, red and camel throughout the day wear to evening wear.
The fabulous and strong collection of Roberto Cavalli reflects the celebration of 40 years in this business. His collection was powerful, edgy and sexy, filled with metallics and lace, chiffon and velvet, fringe, leather, fur and dashes of animal print. Roar!
At Jil Sander, Raf Simons was looking at Louise Dahl-Wolfe's mid century images of couture photographed in ski resorts and he was drawn to the photography of Diane Arbus and the way she combined a career in fashion with a love of all things twisted. The wonderful results were wonderful color blocking and play with
volume, offered together with some great inspirations of skiing motifs and outfits.
These were the collections that were the ingredients in Milan for the day.

Roberto Cavalli Fall/Winter 2011


Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2011






Feb 26, 2011

Stay tuned for more Milan FW!

As the big news broke out about Dior's suspension of John Galliano, Milan Fashion Week goes on.
Nevertheless, this was another day for Milan to continue to show off their marvelous talent and wonderful creativity.
Moschino showed naval inspired suits combined with coats, red and black dresses, teddy bears, tuxedo dresses, gold evening dresses and suits, captain hats, and more all thought by Rosella Jardini.
Bally gave mixtures of herringbone tweed, leather, beautiful wools, and dresses, all in addition to its 160th anniversary.
Antonio Marras dedicated his collection to his mother. And his mother was proud! A delightful collection, very Italian indeed. Lots of black, some red and cute dresses with some beautiful floral motifs.
Etro did nicely showing off  pieces with prints that are uniquely Etro designed. It was very rich, indeed.
Blumarine was a bit of a surprise. No whimsy that they are known for. A lot of basics. Probably too many and some of them that were done in greys and blacks and were repeated in different bright colors and then there were some black lace numbers that came out. At that point I was bored. An editor said "What is going on?!".
There was a collection by Gabriele Colangelo that is a cornocopia for women at any age and are great for work and for evening. All created to put a smile on any woman's face. He did an amazing job.
Gianfranco Ferre designed by Tommaso Aquilino and Roberto Rimondi was a fine modern collection that captivated my interest. Coats and jackets had interesting double collars, suits and dresses were truly edgy and showed some of the Ferre spirit in the construction and detials of the designs. Amazing.
Donatella did a great job in showing some restraint, never losing the sexy glamour. Versace was beautifully done. There were pretty black dresses designs of bright colors, sexy coats, beautiful edgy short evening dresses and, of course, beautiful, sexy gowns that are great choices to wear to the Oscars.
So if you want to see more collections from Italy, stay tuned for more Milan.

Gabriele Colangelo Fall?Winter 2011


Gianfranco Ferre Fall/Winter 2011


VERSACE Fall/Winter 2011




Feb 25, 2011

Milan is a Platter of Delicious Fashion

Collections presented today served up a feast of beautiful, luxurious, fun, and colorful clothes that are wearable, saleable, and even worth collecting.
But first, D & G did not hit the spot. Their collection was repetitive. Alphabet prints went on and on and on and the neons, and rainbow colors were the elements that gave a pop to the collection at the end.
MaxMara was appetizing with the presentation of sportswear that they know best. The color palette of greys, camels, whites, browns and beiges were tasty and the whole collection was never boring. this is a very saleable line.
Maurizio Pecorario showed a presentation full of embellishments with some basics.
At Albino, Albino D' Amato was influenced by New York and made clothes that will sell, sell, sell.
You will see beautiful dresses, long and short, cocktail and evening, and some daytime too, at Luisa Beccaria. The separates are very pretty. Gold was threading through most of the collection and was beautifully incorporated. The evening wear was breath taking and simple, elegant and quite feminine. This collection was well done.
Prada offers a collection that had great color blocking work and a twenties silhouette that any Prada fan at any age would enjoy. And of course the shoes, bags and sunglasses were the perfect finishing touches.
Fendi is always going to present collections that are new and different every season. Thanks to the creative minds of Karl Lagerfeld and Sylvia Venturini Fendi the presentation for Fall was full of new shapes and beautiful pieces combined with the leathers and furs and accessories that Fendi is known for. Any lover of Fendi will waste no time devouring this collection!
Hungry for more Milan, anyone?

PRADA Fall/Winter 2011


MaxMara Fall/Winter 2011


FENDI Fall/Winter 2011

Feb 23, 2011

Milan Fashion Week Fall 2011 begins!

Milan fashion week started and I was so turned on by the colors and the sexy, energetic flair the Italians always channel. I am looking forward to seeing what they will show and how they will surprise us with their wonderful talents.

Alberta Ferretti presented a great collection with some vivid colors that immediately made me want to touch the wonderful pieces that were a mixture of chiffon, velvet, wool, leather and textures.
No. 21's Allesandro Dell'Aqua made a collection very lady like and modern with that Italian touch and suttle sexy lady like flair.
Francesco Scogniamiglio made a wonderful sexy collection that any woman of sexy elegance would adore. It made my mind say more, more, more! The best mini skirts and short pants, peek a boo, and lace and sexiness. There were some great pant suits and great jackets and coats. And the red evening dress at the end of the show was to die for. Really.
And then there is Gucci. One of the highlights this season is that Gucci is celebrating 90 years in the fashion world. Congratulations!
The collection designed by Frida Gianinni was phe-no-me-nal. Inspired by Anhgelica Huston photographed by Bob Richardson and Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine, I was absolutely captivated by the colors, the mixture of  textures, fabrics, shapes, everything! Gucci definitely has this collection to celebrate in additon to its 90th anniversary.
Multo bene for the beginning of Milan Fashion Week Fall 2011!!

GUCCI Autumn/Winter 2011


Impressive Fashion Day in London

The collections presented today were impressive. Such well thought out designs perfect for ant woman to wear. They had retail as well as a collectible clout. Wearable and special and one of a kind all in one day. What more would buyers, stylists and editors want?
Young Thomas Tait (only 23 years young) is making his mark with his keen talent. I look forward to see more of his work. Mario Schwab, powerful mixture of leather and fabric. Mary Katrantzou pushed prints to the limit! Emilio De la Morena, Fashion East, and Meadham Kirchoff were all  deserving to present. Aquascutum did a fine job. The tailoring mixed with softness was brilliant. Roksanda Ilincic showed a collection that was sexy, elegant and modern. Cheers to you Roksanda!
London has a bit more to show. And I am sure a lot of people will be impressed some more.


Fashion East
Fall/Winter 2011/2012



Emilio de la Morena
Fall/Winter 2011/2012


Roksana Ilincic
Fall/Winter 2011/2012

Mary Katrantzou
Fall/Winter 2011/2012

Feb 22, 2011

LFW Fall 2011 presents Impressing Collections

The fashion feast in London carries on nicely. The collections are worth seeing here. Temperly London by Alice Temperly was beautiful. With some Victorian influences, this line was worth paying attention to. Osma had geometric influences and bold coloring. Mulberry is a very English girl collection. Acne had autumn colors. And of course Vivienne Westwood's Red Label is very Westwood.

Pringle of Scotland poured out an endless amount of wool and beautiful knits and sweaters. David Roma, Erdem and Holly Fulton, well done!  Christopher Kane showed a great collection of some crochet sweater, tops and detailing, mixed with leather. The first look that opened the show really set the tone for the collection. Burberry Prorsum Fall/Winter by Christopher Bailey is simply smashing!
Yes, London is calling and continues to do so.

Burberry Prorsum Autumn/Winter 2011

Feb 21, 2011

London is Calling

The London Fashion Week has been going on. In the beginning of it there were collections presenting clothes that almost all looked the same with the same short dresses with above the knee skirt lengths in different colors and fabrics. I was bored. And then the following day I perked up and saw some fun, luxe and impressive lines. Thank goodness. Louise Gray had presented color, and layers of textures that brushed a pulse of life in her designs. Jaeger London was luxe.  House of Holland was whimsical. Jonathan Saunders did a great job in a play of color blocking and mixing prints. I enjoyed Daniella Helayel's Issa collection. I am certain that somewhere in her mind that Kate Middleton was one of her inspirations.
There is more to come.

It really looks like London is calling this season.

Louise Gray Fall 2011



Issa Fall 2011 Collection







Feb 18, 2011

NYFW - New York Fashion Week 2011

There were more than 150 collections presented this past week at New York Fashion Week. Amazing!
A lot of new young designers showed this season and I wish them major success!
The more seasoned ones such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Vera Wang, Chado Ralph Rucci had shown some exceptional work. Marchesa created a collection that showed more of what they can do with textures and the couture in their work shined through each piece they did. Jason Wu presented the most lady like collection there is in New York. Carolina Herrera designed an elegant collection that was a feast to the eyes. Marc Jacobs keeps pushing himself to make great collections every season. And he delivered.

One Collection that really caught my eye this season is Libertine. I LOVED the colors and the play of textures! Johnson Hartig was inspired by the tiles he had seen on a trip to Istanbul and took some patterns from ancient tiles as well as Islamic motifs. All I can say is that I can see this collection over and over again. I would devour every piece that was shown.
New York did well. Creativity and some Luxe were obvious and I think the designers will do well with their clientele and in the stores this coming Fall/Winter. I am certain that all the major magazines are already in a frenzy thinking of what stories they can create for their big fat September issues!

Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2011

Feb 17, 2011

A peak of the Pre-Show Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011

The finishing touches are being done on these marvelous designs of Chanel the day before the show. It is nice to see that some of the head seamstresses or premiers are still there, such as Madame Jacqueline and Madame Cecile.
This collection was very beautiful with the play of soft colors and silhouettes. The embroidery is exquisite.
I am certain that the Chanel clientele fell in love with many pieces from this collection.
I wonder if there will be alot of spitting on the finished garments before they are delivered to the clients.
It is a Chanel tradition after all.


Feb 16, 2011

Haute Couture is not dying.

Who says Couture is dead? Who says that there is hardly any demand for Haute Couture? What will fashion be without any Haute Couture?
Couture is not dead, nor is it dying. There is a demand for Couture and that demand is growing. And fashion would be missing the luxury of the most exquisite artistry and craftsmanship that is truly a privilege to enjoy.
The business of Haute Couture is slowly growing in its clientele today.
The Couture houses are finding new ways in marketing and promoting their products that are created by talented designers and produced by the most gifted seamstresses, tailors, drapers, pattern makers, embroiderers and are made with the most luxurious fabrics.
One of the smartest things that these Houses are doing is sending the Couture to their clientele rather than their clientele coming to Paris to the Couture.
Since the world has become global, the Couture houses have found that this is certainly a way to grow their clientele as well as the Haute Couture industry. I am certain that the premiers and seamstresses are enjoying jet setting to the different places to do fittings on some of these clients who cannot go to Paris.
There are new designers that are making their mark in Haute Couture and will make a mark like Chanel, Dior, and YSL did.
So stay tuned. Haute Couture is not dying. It is expanding. It is living. It is breathing. And it always takes the breath away from anyone who even glances at these marvelous masterpieces that are created by any of these Couture geniuses.