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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Runway Report: Chanel Spring 2015 Couture

 I contemplated staying up till 3 AM EST to watch the pictures from the Chanel Spring 2015 Couture come in live, but I decided on sleep instead. That was a good life decision, because this is one of my least favorite collections from Chanel EVER. This collection is like a 1980s ugly floral wonderland. It makes me think of grandmas couch at her beach house that is covered in plastic to keep it looking "new." Karl Lagerfeld tired to make the collection youthful with crop tops and sheerness, but it just ended up looking extremely dated.
I am hoping that when stars like Kirsten Stewart, Diane Kruger, Lily Collins, Keira Knightley, Emma Stone and Lupita Nyong'o wear this collection on the red carpet that it is given a much more elegant life. I try to watch these collection presentations and try to strip down the theatrics to see just the clothes, separated from shoes, hair, makeup, and other accessories. I had a hard time doing that collection. I looked at it multiple times before writing this review and I definitely can see good bones but it is going to take women who know how to work a red carpet to make me love anything from this collection. Editorial is going to be interesting as well. Will the tulle covered straw beach hats dictate what editorial themes we see? I am scared. But with Elie Saab and Valentino tomorrow I know that I will get back in good graces with couture week.

Runway Report: Yiqing Yin Spring 2015 Couture

There has only ever been one absolutely amazing celebrity moment from designer Yiquin Yin, Audrey Tautou at the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony in 2013. The designer showcased her Spring 2015 Couture collection in Paris yesterday. Known for her amazing modern draping the collection did not disappoint. Mostly showing greys, black, and white there were some pops of color through some elegant blues. The pieces presented give off this glam rock type of look and I have to say that I hope we see celebrities embrace this collection on the red carpet. The grey asymmetrical cocktail dress and the blue draped gown would be perfect Grammy dresses for the likes of Miley Cyrus or Rihanna.

Runway Report: Alexis Mabille Spring 2015 Couture

Alexis Mabille really showcased an amazing collection last night in Paris for Spring 2015 Haute Couture. The designer, known for his intimate couture presentations, showcased just 22 looks (each just more breathtaking than the last) to a small audience, which included Dita von Teese. Asian inspiration, I am sure thanks to the 2015 Costume Institute Gala theme "Chinese Whispers," was heavily prevalent with classic couture styling. This is a very sellable collection and I am praying that we see a lot of this under-appreciated designer on the red carpet. The finale dress, an antique white gown with a GIANT midnight blue satin bow, needs a moment on the cover of a magazine.
Celebrity fans of the house include Lea Seydoux, Berenice Bejo, Zoe Saldana, Dita von Teese and Keira Knightley and I would love to see the likes of Cate Blanchett, Emma Stone and Jessica Chastain also learn to love this brand. Having mostly been showcased on foreign red carpets I can see a lot of these looks during Cannes and maybe one of the Asian inspired looks at the Met Ball. I also have to say that the beauty look was one that I loved. Strands of ostrich feathers and fresh elegant faces just enhanced and added to the whimsey of each look as it walked down the runway

2015 Berlin International Film Festival: Helen, Jena, Lea, & Lily Red Carpet Wish List





Runway Report: Giambattista Valli Spring 2015 Couture

Giambattista Valli went back to the his extreme avant garde roots for his Spring 2015 Couture collection, which was presented in Paris yesterday. I really loved the collection, which is the opposite opinion to most that I have spoken too and read from. What people have come to know Giambattista for is amazing red carpet gown and cocktail dresses, when the over the top styles shown in yesterdays collection were the basis on what the house was founded on. The collection almost looked to me as a retrospective on several collections that Giambattista has presented in the past. Some of my favorite looks were ones that will most likely never see the likes of a red carpet. A white riffled full skirted cocktail dress white black stripes and bow on the bodice and the pink silk tunic and matching pant ensemble paired with the crazy dramatic pink ruffle cape. These are looks that I know will grace the pages of couture editorials but not the red carpets.
The looks above are more about what I can picture on the red carpets. Keira Knightley in the look all the way to the left, Nieves Alvarez in the black pant ensembles, Hailee Steinfeld in the pink confection in the center, and Emma Stone for both of the looks on the right side. The bones of this collection tell me that there might be many of a custom creation made for starlets to wear for events like the Oscars, Met Ball and Cannes, so those of you who are fearing for the state of red carpet glamour I am sure that the Giambattista Valli edge is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Runway Report: Christian Dior Spring 2015 Couture

If prior to the Christian Dior Spring 2015 Couture collection presentation yesterday that I would have archived 34 of the 54 looks that were presented, I probably would have laughed. Alas that is exactly what happened. There was soooooooo much about the presentation that I loved, starting with the two tiered set. The set reminded me of pussy galore, if she were an alien spider woman. I know that is so far left field, but it was awesome. The collection that came down the pink carpet covered pipe steps, which no model tripped coming down, was just as flabbergasting as the set that surrounded it. Classic 1950's and 60's cocktail dresses walked the runway along side Pretty Woman hooker dresses, futuristic print catsuits, vinyl raincoats (I NEED ONE), paired with skintight latex crotch high boots just made for a collection that kept me begging for more. On paper there is absolutely nothing about this collection that should work, but somehow it all does.

I can not wait to see Dior devotees rocking all kinds of red carpets in this collection. I will say that I was saddened to see that amongst the whole 54 look collection that there was one ONE gown. I was looking for the perfect Academy Awards gown for house spokesmodel Marion Cotillard, and there is a big contender for me if she is willing to take a HUGE fashion risk (you will see when I do my Academy Awards wish lists next month.) From the red carpet to editorial to stage performances, this collection is bound to make it on the backs of all of our favorite celebrities. There are even a few looks that I would LOVE to see Jennifer Lawrence wear!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Runway Report: Schiaparelli Spring 2015 Couture

Schiaparelli might be a country with no leader at the moment, creative director Marco Zanini left back in November, but the house is showing no signs of going anywhere. The atelier team stepped up and crafted an absolutely amazing collection that will have Schiaparelli devotees like Tilda Swinton and Italian Vogue Editor-in-Chief Franca Sozzani begging for more. I was pleasantly surprised with how the house kept the spirit alive despite not having a creative head. Opening with an oversized ivory double breasted suit paired with a blue felt Stephen Jones for Schiaparelli fez, I knew we were in for a treat. There might have only been 20 looks in the collection but each look made more fall in love more than the last.
The design team stuck to the archival Schiaparelli for inspirations picking ideas out of vintage prints and breathing them into new life for a modern couture clientele. We have really seen very little of Schiaparelli since the house re-launched just a year ago. Just six looks in the past 365 days, 3 from Tilda Swinton along with Sarah Jessica Parker, Lorde, and Chloe Grace Moretz, took to the red carpets and I think that this brand deserves much better than that. I want to red carpet queens like Cate Blanchett, Diane Kruger, Nicole Kidman and Rihanna to help bring this brand into the spotlight that it really deserves. I hope we see these looks at the Oscars, Met Ball and during Cannes.

Berlin International Film Festival: Carmen, Cate, Elizabeth, & Freida Wish List

The Oscar nominated "Selma" will receive a special screening at the Berlin International Film Festival, which kick-starts next Thursday. I am hoping we see red carpet newbie Carmen Ejogo on the red carpet for the films premiere. With couture presentations starting this week I am in this limbo situation where I want to feature all of my favorite looks from Fall 2014 Couture before Spring 2015 Couture takes over but I am afraid that many of the leftover looks will be lost to the archives. Carmen has been getting progressively better with her red carpet dressing with each red carpet that she has stepped out on. I would love to see her wear this amazing champagne silk tulle Elie Saab Fall 2014 Couture ball gown. I think that this is a major moment, and since Carmen did not receive an Academy Awards nomination, I think that this the perfect venue to make a major red carpet moment happen. Finish the look with a chic evening bob, a gold clutch, and a pair of gold pumps and I really think that Carmen will have red carpet critics eating out of the palms of her hands.
Queen of the red carpet Cate Blanchett will be premiering two films during the Berlin International Film Festival, "Cinderella" will premiere as an out of competition gala and "Knight of Cups" will premiere in competition. I will be watching the couture shows looking for a second look for Cate, which I will share in a wish list later this week, but one thing I would LOVE to see Cate wear comes courtesy of her go to red carpet brand Armani Prive. When this amazing red sequin cap sleeve sequin Armani Prive Fall 2014 Couture gown walked the runway in Paris back in July of last year it immediately went on reserve for Cate. Not many would be able to not make this look like a plastic mass on the red carpet, but Cate has the presence to be able to make this look as chic as chiffon or all over embellished beading. It is modern in its technique but classic in its style, exactly what makes for the best looks. Finish the look with a vintage inspired updo, a red lip, red pumps, and simple Chopard diamond to finish off another winning look for Cate the Great.
As I said earlier you will be seeing A LOT of the Atelier Versace Spring 2015 Couture collection on this blog over the next few months. Elizabeth Banks's film "Love & Mercy" will be screening at the Berlin Film Festival in the Berlinale Special selection as an out of competition gala. When this film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, Elizabeth wore a stunning Chloe floral printed suit. I am hoping that the modern choices continue through the films Berlin premiere. This electric blue Atelier Versace Spring 2015 Couture one shoulder gown would make for an electric red carpet moment for Elizabeth. It has been awhile since we have seen Lizzy wear a major Versace gown on the red carpet, so I think that this is the perfect time to bring one to life. This sculptural gown needs a sleek updo, a red lip, a pair of electric blue pumps, and am electric blue Edie Parker clutch would finish this look off for a a best dressed look for Elizabeth to make for the Berlin Film Fest.
Freida Pinto had an amazing red carpet run last year and I am excited to see what 2015 will bring for the Indian beauty. We will most likely see Frieda take to the red carpet when her film "Knight of Cups" has its big in competition gala screening. This film has been rumored to premiere since Cannes in 2013 so I am really excited to finally get this amazing group of women on the red carpet; Freida, Cate and Natalie Portman. While I figure Cate and Natalie will go for solid gowns I would love to see Freida rock a bold pattern like the one featured on this Andrew Gn Pre-Fall 2015 strapless ballgown. With such a bold pattern and bold colors making up that pattern the styling needs to be kept really, really simple. I would finish this look off with a pair of gold pumps, a pink lip, and slicked back hair to ensure that Frieda really stands out on the red carpet, for a good not for worst.

Best Dressed at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards

The Screen Actors Guild Awards were held last night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The stars came out in droves to support themselves and their nominated casts. Despite this being a night of honoring actors it was a plus one who took home my top honor. Camila Alves came on the arm of her hubby Matthew McConaughey. Camila definitely left her disheveled husband (like seriously whats up with the castaway beard?) in the dust wearing a stunning custom Donna Karan Atelier sculpturally draped eggplant strapless gown. Minimal styling and perfect hair and make up finished off a look that stood leaps and bounds above the actors on their big night.
Taking the menswear inspiration to a whole new level Emma Stone wore an impactful custom Christian Dior Couture ensemble. Had this been on anyone else I think that I would have been putting this on the worst dressed list, but Emma pull it off with major aplomb. The sleek hair, red lip, Repossi earcuffs, and Christian Louboutin sandals just sealed this look off with a sultry kiss. Julianne Moore, the Outstanding Female Actor in a Motion Picture winner, shocked me by wearing another custom Givenchy Couture gown on the red carpet last night. I had figured that after wearing Givenchy for the Golden Globe Awards (and topping best dressed lists in it) that Julianne would go to one of her other trusted brands (like Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford, or Balenciaga) for the SAG Awards. I am not complaining because Julianne looks amazing in this emerald beaded Givenchy Couture scoop neck gown. Green is always a delight to see on a red head and Julianne knows that formula very well. Felicity Jones really wowed me wearing this amazing soft pink custom Balenciaga column gown with a sculptural criss-cross portrait neckline. Felicity does this mix of modern and vintage so well and she is just living up to my title of One to Watch that I gave her at the end of last year.
Reese Witherspoon has been on and off of the best and worst dressed lists recently. I was happy that when she showed up at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last night that I was able to firmly put her on the best. Her custom one shoulder Giorgio Armani gown with subtle matte white sequin detailing, was an amazing refreshing modern choice. I am so used to seeing Reese in vintage inspired styles that this ultra modern look was something that I don't know if I would have predicted but I absolutely love. Uzo Aduba, who won Outstanding Female Actor in a Comedy Series, really brought modern life to the red carpet in her Angel Sanchez Spring 2015 RTW gown. One of the few ladies on this list who got her gown off of the runway, I have to say that I was blown away. She has really stepped right into the role of red carpet diva. She keeps getting better and better with every single red carpet that she steps on. If you had told me that Sofia Vergara was going to show up at the SAG Awards in Donna Karan Atelier, I would have totally agreed (she has worn the brand to the SAGs for the past 3 years now), BUT if you had told me that it was not going to be a mermaid gown I would have laughed. I was pleasantly surprised to see Sofia wearing a soft draped Donna Karan Atelier corseted one shoulder red gown. The Colombian beauty really wowed. She showcased all of her famous curves without wearing something skin tight.
Another knock me down with a feather moment was when I realized that I was going to be putting Sarah Paulson on my best dressed list. The "American Horror Story" actress has never really been a favorite of mine, but she has been getting better with each appearance lately. This amazing Armani Prive ensemble that consisted of a white structured cape top and black silk crepe skirt was a red carpet knockout. She really showed her true beauty with this gown. Lupita Nyong'o really let me down at the Golden Globe Awards in Giambattista Valli, so I was really happy she redeemed herself last night. Lupita turned to the red carpet king, Elie Saab, and his Pre-Fall 2015 collection to pick her gown for this red carpet. Making a bold statement with this long sleeve multi pattern ball gown, I have to say that I let out a squeal when I saw a quick glimpse of her and it just got louder when I saw the whole look. And lastly, and I know that this will be a controversial choice, I have to say that I loved Claire Danes in her custom Marc Jacobs hunter green halter gown with side embellishments. Once I had pulled pictures of all of the stars and was looking to fill the last spot in my top 10 my eyes kept coming back to this design. I gotta say I am happy because for the past 2 years Claire has ended up on my worst dressed list for her SAG gown and this year it was something that I absolutely fell in love with.


Who did you love? Was there anyone that you think should have been on this list?

Runway Report: Atelier Versace Spring 2015 Couture

Spring 2015 Haute Couture Fashion Week kicked off yesterday in Paris with the Atelier Versace Spring 2015 Couture collection. I was actually sitting at my computer watching all of the images from this collection come in live with Kelly from Dream In Lace on NowFashion. We were going through each look dissecting what red carpets we could see this collection on and then who we want to wear all of the amazing things that were presented. With a front row of Michelle Rodriguez (looking for looks for the '"Furious 7" promo tour?), Ellie Goulding (lord knows why she was there), Goldie Hawn, and Kate Hudson (shopping for potential Oscar gowns?) I am excited to see what this collection will bring to the red carpet. There are a few things that come to mind when I think about Versace: body form, overt sensuality, and high glamour. Each of these boxes were ticked as a bevy of supermodels (including Karlie Kloss, Amber Valetta and Eva Herzigova) stormed the runway.
This is really a collection destined for the red carpet. We might see it on the red carpet as soon as the Berlin International Film Festival, which opens next week, and will definitely see this collection at the Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Met Ball, and the Cannes Film Festival over the next few months. I loved the bold red and blue mixed with white, black and silver in the collection which I think just help make this collection even that much more red carpet ready. Names like Kate Hudson, Taylor Swift, Anna Kendrick, Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez were all thrown out between me and Kelly as the looks came down the runway. Who will be the first to snatch up a runway look from this collection? Since Heidi Klum and Kate Hudson both wore custom looks from this collection for the Golden Globe Awards. I have to warn all of you I am so in love with this collection that you WILL be seeing a lot of it featured on this site!

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Runway Report: Marni Fall 2015 Menswear

 Marni is slowly becoming a favorite of mine, in both men's and women's wear. I love the Italian influence on classic silhouettes. I love mixing classics with bold statement pieces and prints, and that is exactly what this Marni collection was all about. The statement multi-colored  fur patchwork sweater was one thing that I was instantly drawn too in this collection. I could see myself wearing this piece with tight jeans, a pair of dressed up sneakers, and aviators for fashion week. This collection could travel the world, from skiing in Park Slope to dinners in Italy and destination weddings on the French Riviera or business meetings in New York City. The collection made a bold statement while sticking to a classic silhouettes.

Runway Report: Gucci Fall 2015 Menswear

 Gucci announced this morning that senior accessories director Alessandro Michele will be taking over the roll of full creative director for the house, starting with the women's wear collection next month. I am fearful Michele at the helm of Gucci. Having always been a favorite, for both men's and women's wear, the Gucci Fall 2015 Menswear failed to excite me in any way. Michele did have a hand, and was one of 12 team members to take the bow at the end of this show, and I feel that this is one of the worst Gucci collections that I have ever seen (it really stings to type that.) Overtly feminine silhouettes, including silk and lace 'blouses' are not anything that will translate into sales for menswear in most markets.
  I can not see an American millionare buying a red silk poet blouse with a  pussy bow. There were a small amount of coats, six out of the 36 looks, that I think are actually market worthy. I hope that there is an amazing commercial collection in the works because this just does not live up to the Gucci standard set by Tom Ford and Frida Giannini. I just can not get behind much of this collection. In a season that has been wowing me this collection was a HUGE disappointment. 




Honestly, what is going on with the accessories for this collection. Two strap sandals, clogs, and leather slippers with fur insoles did nothing to help jut this collection into any better status. The suede bag reminded me much of Bulgari bags that already exist, that could defiantly spark a lawsuit for the house for copying signatures. I will keep an open mind going into the women's fall show next month, but I am fearful that one of my favorite fashion houses might start to loose it's luster in it's new era.

Runway Report: Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2015 Menswear

 "No matter how, no matter when, no matter with who, no matter where, family is what matters the most in everyone's life." Family was at the forefront of the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2015 Menswear collection presented in Milan last week. A theme that has been woven through Dolce & Gabbana's runways and ad-campaigns for seasons now. Thankfully, it was not the same old business that came down the runway for the Fall 2015 Menswear collection. Classic looks in formality and casual wear made up the collection, there was no innovation on the construction front and not really on the design front either. The looks are easily wearable. They could translate from the runway to a red carpet to reality very easily. This is something that we don't see from runway collections very often. Usually we see over the top styling and overcomplicated ensembles. At Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2015 Menswear we really saw how they see an Italian man dressing for his every day life.
 Screen sweaters and t-shirts printed with "family" portraits was a big focus in casual wear, not some of my favorites, alongside cartoonist (almost South Park-esque) depictions of the nuclear family and renaissance and baroque portraits. Baroque embellishments updated and gave a new life to classic sweatshirts, tuxedos, and bomber jackets. A motif used throughout the collection, a crown over a bee, meant to evoke the idea of a coat of arms, thus weaving the idea of family further into the collection. Dolce devotees like Matthew McConaughey, Liam Hemsworth, and Channing Tatum are all the types of people that I can see wearing this collection on the red carpet and in their daily lives. I am holding out a major prayer that Eddie Redmayne wears the golden crown and bee embellished tuxedo blazer, not the matching pants though, for the Academy Awards next month.
The accessories were as stereotypical to Dolce & Gabbana as the rest of the collection. Embroidered loafers (pictured above), velvet oxfordscombat boots and rubber galoshes, some adorned with fur, showcased a wide variety of shoe styles. I did not see any shoes, except for the embroidered loafers, that I would run out and purchase for my own wardrobe. The bags on the other hand made me weak. Favorites being the baroque jacquard black and white print leather document case, the backpack style briefcase patterned with crowns, and the classic Dolce 'Miss Sicily' style bag re-imagined for a more masculine style. These bags would make great additions to any wardrobe. They would spice up a formal business ensemble and add a statement to any look for the fashion week elite. I will be excited to see who will be rocking these types of items come the men's collections in July, and fashion month next September.

Runway Report: Calvin Klein Fall 2015 Menswear

Shades of grey, no not the 50 Shades, but all the shades of grey that made up the frames of vintage black and white movies that inspired Calvin Klein menswear creative director Italo Zucchelli's Fall 2015 Menswear collection for the brand. I love this collection. I can not tell a lie. It is that classic streamlined look that I personally love, mixed with modern sleekness. I have to say that this is one of the best collections that Calvin Klein has put out hands down, in both Women's or Men's wear, in seasons. This is the first time that I could see stars, specifically stars like long time Calvin Klein devotees Charlie Hunnam (who was seated front row) and Kellan Lutz, wearing the suiting on the red carpets. The coats in this collection just continue to help reiterate that I am living in the wrong climate (I live most of my year in Southwest Florida) because there is no need for coats, but that does not stop me from falling in love with all of them and praying that they will appear in my closet.

Friday, January 16, 2015

2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Female Actor in a Supporting Role in a Movie Nominee Wish List

I was sad that Emma Stone skipped out on attending the Critics Choice Movie Awards last night. But since she is still doing her stint on Broadway in "Cabaret" I can understand, and will forgive her. She is bound to make an appearance at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards next Sunday night where her supporting role in "Birdman," which I will be watching this evening, has earned her a nomination. I would love to see Emma in this J. Mendel Spring 2015 RTW crepe de chine one shoulder gown that features a one-shoulder neckline with fluid draped bodice in silk chiffon, and a skyscraper motif printed skirt in black, lime, and lemon with high front slit. I think that this gown is perfect for Emma's edgy yet glam personality. J. Mendel actually took to Instagram to congratulate Emma on her Academy Award nomination yesterday, so I am sure that we will see Emma in a design by the house sometime between now and the Vanity Fair Oscar After-Party. A pair of Jimmy Choo 'Thistle' sandals in black and lime, an Edie Parker white pearlescent clutch, and some Bulgari jewels including diamond, sapphire and peridot floral earrings, a vintage white porcelain, onyx and gold bracelet, and a Mediterranean peridot cocktail ring would be the perfect accessories that I would style with this gown to make it sing the most amazing red carpet song. Send Emma into hair and makeup to get a sleek slicked back hairstyle and a pink lip just to ensure that everything works well together.
After a rare misstep at the Golden Globe Awards, Keira Knightley was back in top form last night at the Critics Choice Movie Awards wearing Delpozo. I am praying to the fashion gods that her one misstep will be the only this awards season. For the Screen Actors Guild Awards I would really love to see Keira show off her burgeoning baby bump. This Valentino Fall 2011 Couture bias gown with a draped neck would be a perfect choice for Keira to make as it would just drape ever so elegantly over her bump but not completely conceal it. Crafted in the houses signature red color I think that this is a Valentino moment that needs to happen on the red carpet. Finish the look with gold pumps, a chic updo, and a red lip and Keira will for sure be on the best dressed list.
I have been pleasantly surprised by Meryl Streep as of late. Her red carpet dressing has been on a much higher level than what we are used to seeing her in. For the Screen Actors Guild Awards I would love to see her wear this Elie Saab Spring 2015 RTW ensemble that consists of a white double silk top with a black degrade effect at the top yoke and pointed collar and a white degrade double silk georgette skirt that features a white to black degrade effect and a front slit. While the slit would not be used to its advantage on Meryl would look absolutely amazing in this casual yet formal ensemble. A pair of black satin pumps, a black clutch, and some simple diamonds in her earrings will make absolutely amazing red carpet moment for Meryl at the SAG Awards.
Naomi Watts didn't really wow me during 2014 but at the Golden Globe Awards this past Sunday she blew me away in a custom canary yellow Gucci gown. I would love to see the actress, who is actually nominated at next Sundays SAG Awards, wear this silver Marchesa Spring 2015 RTW fully embroidered column gown with a deep scoop neckline, short sleeves, and beaded embroidery throughout creating a dynamic pattern and floral motif at the bodice. Naomi and Marchesa have a beautiful relationship and I am sure that at some point this awards season that the two will pair up for an amazing red carpet moment. Finish the look with a silver clutch, silver sandals, simple Bulgari diamond earrings, a vintage inspired hairstyle, and a bold red lip would make me fall in love with this look on Naomi at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

I will be live tweeting the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday January 25, 2015 . If you want to join the conversation I will be joining Kelly from Dream In Lace with a live Twitter commentary on what all the stars are wearing and who is winning the awards. So please join me (@FutureStylist93) and Kelly (@DreamInLace) at 6 PM EST for all kinds of fashion ID's and LOTS of snarky commentary.

Runway Report: Moschino Fall 2015 Menswear

"Mountaineering Ravers" that was what Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott entitled his Fall 2015 Menswear collection for the house. "They are in a snowy forest," Scott said. "But are on their way to a rave." Scott also looked at Bruce Weber photos as an interpretation for this collection. What we end up getting is an over the top collection that is a visual assault and one where you really have to step back and dissect the looks. "I always over exaggerate" Scott said. "I always try to push." The collection mixed plaid checks, shearing, and faux fur with plastics, sequins, and metallic patterns.
What I would take most out of this collection would be the coats. I tend to keep my shirts and pants very classic but love to incorporate bold jackets and coats into my closet. I would gladly incorporate any of the coats that Jeremy Scott presented into my wardrobe. Backstage Scott is quoted as saying "There is still a ton that is missing from menswear that is still plausible but pushes the boundaries." This collection defiantly proves that. I would love to see someone rushing down the ski slopes wearing one of the sequin puffer coats or the washed denim printed, from a photo that Scott took himself, coat. If you want to push boundaries this is the collection for you to find your next coat or really anything from.

Red Carpet Rundown: 2015 Critics Choice Movie Awards

 I was shocked to see so many dramatic gowns at the Critics Choice Movie Awards last night. Pleasantly surprised to say the least. My favorite of the night had to be Keira Knightley wearing Delpozo Fall 2014 RTW. After the ghastly Chanel gown she wore to the Golden Globe Awards I was glad to see her back on top form. Emily Blunt looked very pretty in her custom tomato red Emilio Pucci halter gown. I was a little surprised to find out that this was Pucci because it isn't the norm when I think of the house. Julianne Moore made basic black anything but basic wearing a custom Saint Laurent gown. The gown gave me 60's Gothic glam and I loved seeing her wear this on the red carpet. While she might have been slightly overdressed in white Christian Dior Fall 2014 Couture, Marion Cotillard looked absolutely AMAZING in this gown. It was her best Dior look in a very long time, I might say since her last outing in a design by Galliano. And last but not least I have to say that Michelle Monaghan killed the red carpet in black lace Elie Saab Pre-Fall 2015 sleeveless gown. Everything about this look was on point, the hair, the makeup, and the simple styling.
Sadly there were some of my favorite ladies that really disappointed me. I have been watching Carmen Ejogo keep getting more are more accustomed to the red carpet and her Emilia Wickstead Spring 2015 RTW collection almost made my good list but the giant pockets at her waist just stood out to me like oven mitts. After a regal red carpet offering at the Golden Globes last Sunday that I was thoroughly disappointed in Felicity in this boring unflattering Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2015 RTW gown. The sheer bodice over a granny bra paired with a skirt that hits her at a place that makes her look wide was just a bad culmination of the ideas. Jessica Chastain REALLY let me down last night wearing an over-complicated Antonio Berardi Spring 2015 RTW gown. This gown could have, and should have, been simplified. The asymmetrical mandarin neckline just ruined what could have been an amazing red carpet look. Only a supermodel would have been able to pull off this gown as presented. When I learned that Reese Witherspoon's franken-gown was custom made for her by Lanvin you could have knocked me over with a feather. I think that had this gown been either fully fuchsia or fully black that this could have been an amazing look. The hair needed to be up and this would have been the perfect look to wear a statement necklace with. I was sadly disappointed. And finally I have had mixed feelings on Rosamund Pike in Valentino New York Sala Bianca 945 Haute Couture. On one hand I really love the skirt, but on the other I can not stand the bodice of this dress. When I am judging red carpets I keep a pad with all the stars a line for the dress identification and a line for the first comments that come to my mind. When I saw Rosamund what did I write down? Lumpy. The top made her look lumpy, and after all the skin that she showed at the Golden Globe Awards we all know that Rosamund is not lumpy.

Almost all of these women will be in attendance at the Screen Actors Guild Awards next Sunday night and I will be live tweeting the red carpet and the awards show with Kelly from Dream in Lace. Join me (@FutureStylist93) and Kelly (@DreamInLace) at 6 PM on Sunday January 25, 2015 for all kinds of fashion IDs and snarky commentary.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Runway Report: Alexander McQueen Fall 2015 Menswear

 Sarah Burton, Creative Director looked to World War I and military uniforms as the inspiration for the Alexander McQueen Fall 2015 Menswear collection that she dubbed "The Decorative Muse." The British brand paid tribute to all those who paid their lives during World War I. Using the prints of the English rose, and the remembrance day poppy as prints in the floral jacquard's featured in the collection. I absolutely love almost every jackets and coat in this collection. These fabulous items would look amazing being weaved into my wardrobe. I particularly love a rose printed black and grey sweater. I could see myself wearing this sweater with a pair of dark jeans and combat boots to run my weekend errands. I am honestly hoping that house favorite Eddie Redmayne, who knows how to take a red carpet menswear risk, picks up one of these poppy jacquard suits for a red carpet appearance.
Love, love, love some amazing embellished suit jackets and coats. They are classic with just that hint of a fashion edge. Wool pinstripes, distressed houndstooth, Lodan felts, floral jacquard, velvet, needle-punched sheepskin, leather and silk rendered in crimson, black, Air Force blue, and military green made up the amazing McQueen collection. Pointed creepers with thick soles and shepherd shoes were the only accessories that were shown with the collection. I love the silver studded creepers and totally want them in my closet. I always look at these collections piece by piece. I think that the pieces in this collection are amazing on their own and when styled all together this was an amazing show to watch.

Runway Report: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2015 Menswear

 "Classically Bohemian" that is the title that creative director Christopher Bailey gave the Burberry Prorsum Fall 2015 Menswear collection which was presented in London on Monday. Models David Gandy and Jourdan Dunn sat front row alongside the likes of Anna Wintour and singer Tinie Tempah in a tent draped in thick curtains. The collection took a departure from the typical English preppy style in favor of a more worldly earthy collection of classics that met off-kilter and bohemian ideals. I have to say that this collection really spoke to me. These are the types of pieces that I look for when I am buying for my own closet. Classic, with a twist. The show opened with an olive green tasseled cashmere poncho, which just looks so comfy and warm, and the punches just kept on rolling in.
Solids mixed with paisleys, florals, the signature Burberry Scottish check, camo, leopard, and mirrored embellishments just enforced the ideas that these pieces were acquired across travels across the globe. Bailey said the collection was "decorative and free," and I have to say that I totally agree. Cashmere, wool, velvet, leather, suede, shearing, linen, and cotton helped craft the amazing clothing that took to the runway in colors like cornflower, olive, teal, burgundy, turquoise, mustard, ink, purple, charcoal, and fuchsia. The most exciting thing that I saw take to the red carpet were the blanket shawls that were so popular from the Fall 2014 Women's Ready-to-Wear collection make an appearance for men. I can see a lot of the daring male members of the fashion industry wearing these type of coats, along with the mirrored tuxedo blazer. I hope that as more and more brands that hold classic ideals, like Burberry, start (and continue) to break the mold on traditional menswear.
The accessories in this collection were totally on point. I want the carryall in every single texture and color that it came in. Only two bags were presented with the collection the Carryall and a suede fringe document case. I want them ALL. Men get a bad rep for carrying a bag but I think that if you need to keep your life organized why not do it in a stylish manner. The classic Burberry scarf got an update this season was well. The cashmere scarves feature a long all the way around fringe and are printed in a bevy of new colors.


Runway Report: Maison Margiela Spring 2015 Couture

Monday marked the beginning of a new era in fashion. John Galliano, former creative director at Christian Dior, rose above copious amounts of controversy and took the helm at Maison Margiela. It was more than just a change in chief at Margiela, the house has also dropped Martin from it's former name. What was presented, in an all white office block in London, showed a perfect marriage of the deconstructed construction abstract designs that are synonymous with the Margiela name and the dramatic avant garde silhouettes that are synonymous with John Galliano. There was no big production. Just rows of chairs with buyers and editors taking seat. Aside from supermodel, and long time friend of Galliano, Kate Moss the other "celebrities" seated front row all were designers. Christopher Bailey of Burberry (at the first show he has ever attended and not designed), Alber Elbaz of Lanvin, and Manolo Blahnik, who commented "the boy is back," all took in the show.
The show notes held the following phrase: "Process of discovery, returning to ones roots: piece by piece. deconstructing and constructing a new story for Margiela." I believe that Galliano has what it takes, although I was weary when I heard of his appointment, to re-brand Margiela; making it even better than it was before. Anna Wintour, who wore a custom creation from Galliano for Margiela at the British Fashion Awards last month and has been one of his biggest champions through his controversial dismissal from Dior, said that “It was brilliant, what I loved was the mix: There was so much that we know and we love about John, but then he took the Margiela vocabulary and translated it in such an appealing and innovative way. I loved seeing all the toiles at the end where you can see all the work and the new embroidery.” 
Kate Moss was quoted saying that the collection gave her "Shivers." I think that due to the new launch of the brand that we will continue to see stars embrace the brand and see a spike in ones who did not embrace the house before. I can see stars like Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Lady Gaga, Uma Thurman, Miley Cyrus, and more fighting over the looks in this collection for all types of different red carpets. Tilda's film "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is nominated for an Academy Award. Will she snatch up one of the sleek red gowns for the Oscars? Only time will see how this collection is embraced on the red carpet. I personally believe that this will be a huge hit amongst the celebrity set and the couture clientele.