Best Dressed of November 2015

If you don't know the November Best Dressed list the end of the year for If I Was A Stylist. I take looks from December of the previous year through November of the current year into consideration for my Best Dressed of the Year list. Starting tomorrow the End of the Year Style Awards will start posting with Best Transformation. Topping the Best Dressed of November list is Lea Seydoux who looked very much the part of a Bond girl wearing a red custom Miu Miu off the shoulder chiffon at the "Spectre" premiere in Mexico City. I was a little concerned with Lea only wearing Miu/Miu and Prada during this promo tour and thus becoming a one note but each look that Lea put out was more glamorous than the last and this was the piece du resistance.

Spanish supermodel Nieves Alvarez, who has long been a favorite of mine (often giving looks worthy of being on my Best Dressed of the Year list), attended the Vanity Fair Awards in Madrid wearing a custom Stephane Rolland Couture gown which masters illusion neckline which she paired with an Yliana Yepez clutch, Torricao Alta Joyeria jewels and a Santiago Del Palacio fur. Nieves for sure showed us how it is done as this is the perfect way to wear white going into the winter season. The big shock of the month for me was how amazingly beautiful that Heidi Klum looked on the red carpet of the Bambi Awards wearing a custom eggplant Zac Posen strapless structured ball gown. Heidi has been wearing a lot of really unflattering, age inappropriate looks which have aged her more than they should so it was amazing that this gown made such a glamorous impact. Talking about glamorous impact model Arizona Muse stepped out for the British Fashion Awards wearing a Ralph & Russo Fall 2015 couture embroidered cap sleeve crop top and high waisted palazzo pants. Arizona took this modern take on a classic look and went full on old Hollywood movie star glam with her hair and make-up which just made this look even more beautiful.

Kiernan Shipka is always the most amazingly dress teenager on the red carpet. She attended the Guggenheim International Gala Pre-Party wearing a Christian Dior Spring 2015 Couture embroidered and embellished cocktail dress. What other 16 year old can work this dress on red carpet with such class and confidence. Kiernan is definitely getting better and better with each red carpet that she steps out on and I am excited to continue to see her grow. Stephanie Sigman was an unknown to me prior to the "Spectre" promo tour but after wearing one of my favorite Marchesa looks for the London premiere and this absolutely stunning red custom Armani Prive long sleeve structured gown, it is safe to say that she has put her foot in the cement of being a fashion darling. Solange is one of my favorite ladies to see on the red carpet. She gives some of the looks that you would only see fashion folks wearing during fashion week on the red carpet. On the red carpet for the Louis XIII Celebration of ‘100 Years’ The Movie You Will Never See, Solange rocked a tangerine Milly Spring 2016 RTW off the shoulder pencil dress with flamenco sleeves that she paired with a gold box clutch, neutral sandals, braids and an orange lip. We don't see much of Milly on the red carpet and it is looks like this from Solange that makes me question why we don't.

While I loved Kiernan's dress at the Guggenheim International Gala Pre-Party it was Dakota Johnson in her white Christian Dior gown with a silver embellished bodice at the Guggenheim International Gala Dinner that took my breath away. Only a day away and such vastly different looks this has got to be my favorite look from Dakota as she keeps getting better with her red carpet dressing. I am actually looking forward to seeing what she is going to bring next year. Elizabeth Banks started the final promo tour for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 in high style wearing a floral Elie Saab Fall 2015 Couture spaghetti strap ball gown for the films premiere in Berlin. This is a perfect red carpet moment to close a major film series, which is good since Jennifer Lawrence completely let me down. Finished with an Elie Saab floral crown this look is in definite contention for Best Dressed of the Year. Kerry Washington made a very disappointing night on the red carpet from the Academy Governors Awards into something interesting wearing a black organza Giambattista Valli Fall 2015 Couture sheer ball gown with pink floral embellishments to the Baby2Baby Gala. Usually we see some very pretty dresses, which there were many pretty gowns, but Kerry brought a dramatic red carpet moment. Kerry plus Giambattista Valli Couture = amazing. 

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Cannes 2015: The Top 10 Looks from the Festival

 The 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival came to a close yesterday and I am already starting to feel the drought of glamour coming on. It happens every year. After 12 days of couture morning, noon, and night the red carpets following Cannes always seem to disappoint. I documented almost 200 looks over on Facebook and it was a task narrowing down to just 10. Topping my list of favorite looks is Diane Kruger in a custom Prada gown at the "Sea of Trees" premiere. Diane was in Cannes to promote her film "Maryland" which debuted in a satellite competition, and she took the spotlight at the premiere that night. I love how modern yet vintage this gown feels. Prada has had many hits and misses in the past and when Muccia does it right she really does it right.

 My heart skipped a beat when Julianne Moore stepped on to the red carpet at the Opening Ceremony red carpet wearing a custom Armani Prive gown which featured heavy crystal embellishments all over the gown and feathers on the blouse. The red head accentuated her black gown with emerald Chopard earrings that just furthered my lust over this look. I will comment on the Schiaparelli gown that Jane Fonda wore during the festival later today but first I want to remember how fabulous this woman actually is. This cobalt blue Atelier Versace Spring 2015 Couture gown (slightly modified from the runway) was a moment of pure perfection on the "Sea of Trees" red carpet. At 77 years old Jane wore this Versace gown better than those half her age would have. Charlize Theron was a vision in canary yellow Christian Dior Couture with Chopard earrings at the "Mad Max: Fury Road" premiere. I was most nervous about the Dior ladies, and with the exception of Marion Cotillard, they all way surpassed my expectations.

To promote her film "Carol" at the festival Cate Blanchett gave us two edgy looks but it was the surprise appearance at the "Sicario" premiere in custom Armani Prive inspired by the Spring 2015 Couture collection that took my breath away. It was not intended for Cate to steal the spotlight from the nights star but she worked the carpet ever so elegantly in this stunning creation. Armani and Cate continue to be a winning combination. Probably the biggest surprise of this years festival was the amazing Proenza Schouler Fall 2015 RTW ensemble that Liya Kebede wore for her duties as a L'Oreal ambassador at the "Mad Max: Fury Road" premiere. I loved that Liya kept her cool girl style on the red carpet when the dress code requires a grand gown. Speaking of grand gowns I was praying that we would get to see this grand Elie Saab Fall 2014 Couture long sleeved gown on the Cannes red carpet and Spanish supermodel Nieves Alvarez made that prayer come true. Attending the "Sicario" premiere looking as grand as ever, much like Cate, stealing the spotlight away from the films stars.

We saw many looks from Sienna Miller over the course of this years festival, some high style, some low. This dusty rose custom Gucci tiered boho gown paired with an aqua Bulgari clutch and Bulgari tassel earrings that Sienna wore to the "Macbeth" premiere was my favorite because it matched her signature style with high glamour expected during Cannes. One thing I was hoping that we would see was a pair of drop dead red carpet lady pants and Chinese actress Li Yichun delivered on that wearing a hybrid silk white jumpsuit under a deconstructed black tuxedo inspired coat. What would I have done without this AMAZING moment? I do not think that anyone would have been able to give this look such like that Li did. And finally it was Natalie Portman in Rodarte Fall 2015 RTW at the photocall for her directorial debut "A Tale of Love and Darkness." I was expecting all of the Dior ladies to be all Dior all the festival, but I was glad to see that this was not the case. I have been dying for Natalie to wear another Rodarte creation since the 2011 Academy Awards. It has been well worth the wait as this was a glorious unexpected moment from Natalie and one of the few standout looks that we saw during a photocall.

Who was your best dressed at this years festival? Anyone you think should have been here that wasn't?

#Cannes2015: Everyone Else Wish List

Dita von Teese loves Cannes, and the festival red carpet usually looks really good on the burlesque beauty. Usually around for the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala, Dita usually takes in at least one screening (most likely something from the Cannes Classics line up.) If Dita is going to take to the red carpet during Cannes I would love to see her look to the Ralph & Russo Fall 2015 Couture collection for her ensemble. This black and white cocktail ensemble with its voluminous skirt might be considered too short for the Cannes Film Festival rules of dressing but I think that the look actually fulfills the go big or go home mentality. The off the shoulder look is an over the top version of a 1950's couture ensemble and I think that Dita would slay that Cannes red carpet in this gown. Her go to beauty routine of black lacquered waves and red lip, finished with Chopard diamond chandelier earrings, a black Christian Louboutin clutch, and a pair of black Christian Louboutin sandals would complete this perfect red carpet ensemble for Dita.

Last year Eva Herzigova wore a Dolce & Gabbana cocktail dress on the red carpet for the Cannes Film Festival premiere of "Two Days, One Night." Not one to defy the Cannes dress code I would love to see the Czech model and actress give a take on the menswear trend and work this black and ivory Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2015 Couture tuxedo. This might be a menswear inspired look but this look is all feminine, from the ivory silk pants to the floral embellishments on the lapel. I go back on forth, since Eva would most likely be a guest of Chopard, on whether or not I would pair this look with a statement necklace or a pair of statement earrings. With her shorter hair I would probably pick a statement necklace to go with this look. Finished with a pair of black sandals and a red lip then Eva would have a Femme Fatale look perfect for a Cannes Film Festival premiere.

Heidi Klum is a consistent face during the Cannes Film Festival, there are two traditions when it comes to designers that Heidi wears on the Cannes red carpet. One is Marchesa (which will come later when I do my amfAR wishes) and the other is Atelier Versace. Now Heidi wore the Atelier Versace Spring 2015 Couture collection for the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party, and it was basically a disaster. I am praying that Heidi will have a glamorous moment on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. So I picked this silver Atelier Versace Spring 2015 Couture Swarovski crystal embellished gown, but it would need a few things to be red carpet ready for Heidi. The whole gown needs to lined, in what I would suggest be a silver silk, so that Heidi doesn't fall into tacky territory. Chic old Hollywood waves, a simple pair of diamond earrings, a pair of silver sandals, and a pink lip would ensure that Heidi has a winning red carpet ensemble on her hands.

Spanish supermodel Nieves Alvarez also usually runs to Cannes for at least one premiere. I am predicting that Nieves will do so yet again this year. If she does than we will most likely see her in one of two brand: Ralph & Russo Couture or Stephane Rolland Couture. I have decided to go with the latter. I am absolutely in love with this white Stephane Rolland Spring 2015 Couture long sleeved gown with a leather scale like bodice, illusion paneling, and white silk crepe mermaid skirt. I think that this gown is just begging for a strong woman who would evoke this gowns warrior spirit that this gown gives off. Finish the look strong with a wavy bob, emerald earrings, a red lip, a white Edie Parker, and a pair of silver sandals. Should Nieves do all that I can see her taking a spot on my Best Dressed of the Year list three years in a row.

I can't remember the last time that Paz Vega hasn't been on the red carpet during the Cannes Film Festival, and I am hoping that this year would be no different. I simply adore seeing the Spanish actress take to the red carpet. For a Cannes premiere I would love to see Paz wear this Elie Saab Spring 2015 Couture sheer black floral embellished long sleeved ballgown on the red carpet. While I am used to seeing Paz kill the red carpet in varying bold designs by Ralph & Russo and Stephane Rolland I think that this simple ball gown would be enhanced her pixie style. A pair of bold sapphire and diamond cluster earrings, a pair of black sandals, and a red lip would make this a magical red carpet moment for Paz during the Cannes Film Festival.

2014 End of the Year Awards: Best Dressed of 2014

Thanks to everyone for following for the past 365 days! I am going to take a few days off now and enjoy the holidays with my family. Sunday I will be back starting with my wishes for "New Years Rocking Eve with Ryan Seacrest" and then diving right into Awards Season 2015. I hope everyone is having a safe, happy, and joyous holiday season and can't wait to see what 2015 will bring for If I Was A Stylist. Any comments on who you love from this list and who you think is missing are always welcome! 

-XOXO- 

FutureStylist93 a.k.a Thomas James Monks

2014 End of the Year Awards: Best Dressed International Star

Spanish supermodel Nieves Alvarez, who topped my 2013 Best Dressed of the Year list, worked the red carpets yet again this year. I have to say that friendships with brands like Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, Ralph & Russo, and Elie Saab (just a few of my favorite red carpet designers) helped Nieves reach the top of this list. Attending Spanish awards shows, gala events, and international film festivals always looking like the supermodel that she is didn't hurt either.

Ralph & Russo Fall 2014 Couture Presentation Wish List

Carina Lau has been the biggest purveyor of the inaugural Ralph & Russo Couture runway collection wearing looks for the Berlin Film Festival, the Asian Film Awards, and 2 looks Hong Kong Film Awards. With all that in mind it would not surprise me to see the Asian actress seated front row at the sophomore presentation on next Thursday July 10th. Since the collection is mostly over the top gowns it was hard to figure what the VIP's should wear. I finally settled on this red lady like Ralph & Russo Spring 2014 Couture skirt suit. Carina has been wearing a lot of the daring looks that I would not have expected her too but I think that this ensemble is perfect for the front row. A pair of red Christian Louboutin pointed toe patent leather pumps and a red lip would finish this look off perfectly for this front row.

Nieves has always stunned in Ralph & Russo on the red carpet be it custom at Cannes or off the runway at the GOYA Awards, so I would love to see her seated front row at this presentation. I think that this pretty Ralph & Russo Spring 2014 Couture white embroidered pantsuit is absolutely perfect for this occasion. The black silk blouse with its tied neckerchief  is the perfect compliment. I would finish this look with a pair of Christian Louboutin black pumps and a red lip to ensure that Nieves holds her own seated front row.

Paz Vega was the only one to really wow me at the Cannes Film Festival in her silver Ralph & Russo Couture gown with black sculpted shoulder detail. This red carpet moment qualifies Paz to have a seat at the Ralph & Russo Fall 2014 Couture show come next week. I would pick this pale pink skirt suit with sculpted roses on the blazer from the Ralph & Russo Spring 2014 Couture collection for Paz to wear for this front row. With a statement necklace in place of a blouse, a pair of silver pumps, a pink lip, and a bright pink clutch would finish this look off perfectly for the red carpet!

2014 Cannes Film Festival: Ladies Who Always Attend Wish List

Runway Report: Ralph & Russo Spring 2014 Couture

After an amazing year last year dressing stars like Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, Nieves Alvarez, Shay Mitchell, Carrie Underwood, Solange Knowles and Petra Nemcova the design team of Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo presented their first ever runway collection this week during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. The Ralph & Russo Spring 2014 Couture collection is really a HUGE amazing collection and there are definitely some red carpet ready looks, but the looks are not for those that are faint of heart. These looks can easily consume women who do not have the diva presence to wear them on the red carpet. The confident glamorous women that I can picture wearing the looks from this collection include Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Nieves Alvarez, Dita von Teese, Beyonce, Eva Longoria, and Jane Fonda just to name a few. Bellow are my four favorite looks from the collection and who I can picture wearing them. What do you think of my picks? Is the collection too bold? Overwhelming? Or, like me, can you not wait to see this collection on the red carpet?

Ralph and Russo Haute Couture SS/14 from Ralph & Russo on Vimeo.

2013 End of the Year Style Awards: Best Dressed of the Year