Runway Report: Houghton Spring/Summer 2016 RTW

It was all about the Summer of '69 for Katherine Polk as she designed the Houghton Spring/Summer 2016 RTW collection. What I first thought of as white dress after white dress came down the runway was that this collection was going to read very bridal, and in someways it did, but some dark runs of navy and black as well as blush accents made the collection more wearable. Many people steer away from white because it is so hard to keep clean. If anyone invites you to a white party at the end of next summer go find one of these dresses from Houghton. My favorite look is tied between the black slip gown with slashed cutouts on the skirt and the completely large ruffled white gown. Both of these looks would make for amazing red carpet moments and I really do hope that we see them on a red carpet soon.

See all my favorite looks from Spring/Summer 2016 over on Pinterest.

Runway Report: Houghton Spring 2016 Bridal

Katherine Polk, founder and creative director of cool girl brand Houghton, looked to the 1970's and bohemian gypsies as her inspiration for the Houghton Spring 2016 Bridal collection. Katherine knows that her bride is not one that wants layers of tulle and pageantry. The Houghton bride is one that is a free spirit and this collection definitely embodies that spirit. You probably won't see any of these Houghton gowns walking down the aisle at your local cathedral but they definitely fit the woodsy, beach, field of flowers type of brides. I can also see some of these gowns transcending brides and becoming stunning red carpet moments. The champagne and floral print high low gown bellow is perfect for a movie premiere. What do you think? Hippie chic or run the other way?

"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" London Premiere Wish List

On December 1 the final installment of the Hobbit trilogy, "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies," will premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. Cate Blanchett was ravishing during the first films promo tour and non-existent during the seconds. I am praying a short prayer to the fashion gods that Cate will take to the red carpet during the world premiere. I would choose this electric blue Lanvin Spring 2015 RTW silk column gown with matching leather belt as it is simple yet bold and impactful. The simple silhouette of this gown would look fantastic on Cate and the color would be a delightful treat against Cate's pale icey skin. A pair of silver pumps and some statement Chopard earrings would just further along a stunning red carpet ensemble.

Evangeline Lilly doesn't pop up much on the red carpet, in fact the last time we saw her on the red carpet was when the last Hobbit film premiered. Mrs Lilly prefers to keep her red carpet offerings simplistic and masculine with slight feminine touches. That is why I picked this silver Houghton Spring 2015 RTW cap sleeve gown. I think that the structured bodice mixed with the soft embellishments would make this a red carpet look perfect for Evangeline Lilly. Hair worn down in an edgy look, simplistic makeup, and a pair of silver sandals would finish off this perfect look for Evangeline and the "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" London premiere.

2014 Met Ball: Kate Bosworth, Lily Collins, Nina Dobrev, & Rita Ora Wish List

Since attending the Christian Dior Spring 2014 Couture presentation back in January, Kate Bosworth has graced 4 red carpets where she could have rocked one of the looks but she has yet to pull from the collection. I am wondering if she is saving her Dior Couture moment for the 2014 'Charles James' themed Met Ball. This black and white Christian Dior Spring 2014 Couture 1960's inspired cocktail ensemble would be a perfect look for this major red carpet. Most of the attendees will go for full length gowns, and only a few ladies daring to go short. Kate rocks these retro short looks so well and I am praying that she rocks this creation on the red carpet. A bold red clutch, a pair of black and silver Christian Louboutin crystal encrusted sandals, simple diamond studs, a bold red lip, and a sleek high bun will finish off this amazing ensemble for this red carpet.

Last year donning Houghton twice for the 'The Mortal Instruments' promotional tour, Lily Collins single-handedly put the New York based brand on the map. I was lucky enough to take in the Houghton Fall 2014 RTW collection taking to the runway back in February during New York Fashion Week. There were an abundance of looks that I would love to see Lily wear but the one that stood out most to me was this amazing cream silk floral jacquard gown with an elephant ear sleeve top in the same fabric layered over to make up a dramatic ensemble for the 2014 Met Ball. Lily isn't the tallest at 5'5", but she definitely knows how to hold her own in avant garde creations. A sleek up-do, a red lip, and gold sandals will make this the perfect red carpet look for the Met Ball.

Nina Dobrev always rocks the red carpet at the Costume Institute Gala and I am excited to see what the 'Charles James' themed red carpet will bring for her this year. She knows how to work the theme and give us a non-costumey look that is usually custom. While this black and green abstract line printed gown doesn't scream Charles James to me I do think that Nina would rock the fuck out of this gown on the red carpet. Hair worn in Hollywood waves over one shoulder, simple kohl rimmed eyes, a black Edie Parker clutch, and black Stuart Weitzman 'Nudist' sandals will finish off this look.

Rita Ora knows how to make a major statement on the red carpet and I think that after donning a few other looks from the Moschino Fall 2014 RTW collection, the first for the brand from friend Jeremy Scott, I am hoping that she brings the black and white 'Nutrition Facts' ball gown the same collection. This is going to make for an absolutely stunning red carpet moment that combines both the designs of Charles James and the craziness of Rita Ora. Her signature red lip will undoubtedly be in play, with a simple updo, and a pair of bold colored sandals will make sure that Rita is on the top of every best dressed list from this event.

Runway Report: Houghton Fall 2014 RTW

 This past Thursday I was blessed to attend my very first runway show during New York Fashion Week. Houghton Fall 2014 RTW was shown during MADE Fashion Week at Milk Studios at 10 am on Thursday morning. Designer Katherine Polk looked to two of the most iconic women in fashion history, Katherine Hepburn (Polk's namesake) and Bianca Jagger. A good percentage of the collection focused on pants, mostly wide legged palazzo pants that opened and closed the show. The collection that Polk entitled 'The Rose Collection' which came from the ivory rose motif jacquard fabric that was featured in the first look and then followed several other looks within the collection. Coats were the real center piece of this collection  as almost every single look featured a different coat draped over she shoulders of the models in true Bianca Jagger style. My favorite piece of this collection was the leather bomber style coat with a mohair lining an collar, I could picture Kelly Rowland (who was seated front row) rocking this coat in her day to day street style. A neutral color palette of greys, camel, ivory, and black made this collection light and elegant. Expert draping played quite well against impeccable tailoring to make sure that each look embodied the glamour of the 1940's and the casual elegance of the 1970's. Each look was accessorized with a pair of custom Houghton x Birkenstock sandals that featured a wide range of embellishments including mohair and crystal encrusted appliques. Hair provided by Adam Markarian for Oribe and makeup provided by Maud Laceppe for MAC completed the fantastic look that Katherine Polk envisioned for Fall 2014. Below are some of the looks that I most want to see take to the red carpet from the collection and the stars who I can picture wearing them. I was really excited to see this collection and I hope that I am able to take in the Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection come September.

Photo Credit: WWD and Zimbio.com