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Monday, March 31, 2014

Angel Sanchez Fall 2014

angel sanchez nyfw
angel sanchez fall 2014

"Dark Innocence" the fall 2014 collection by Angel Sanchez was inspired by women who appear demure to outside world, but pray for divine power to control their forbidden dark desires.
The result was a collection of modern silhouettes with sharp lines and leather details that verged on futuristic at times. The powerful yet sophisticated collection was anything but demure.
The collection opened with a series of edgy designs in a dark color palette of black with touches of gunmetal. Leather paneling, pleating, and details added texture and interest to the all black ensembles. A micro pleated leather shift dress shined like liquid metal on the catwalk. The darkness of the collection gave way to a lighter palette of gold organza, lurex tweed, emerald and sapphire jewel tones, and white wool crepe.

Details like high cut geometric necklines, open backs, and color-blocked seams, gave the collection by Angel Sanchez its signature futuristic style. A-line tops with were paired with tailored trousers for day to evening looks, and capes attached to dresses and gowns added drama to the collection.

-Reporting by Elaine Fioravanti of Best Dressed Ginger, Photos by David TW Leung
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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Blogger Love: Born to be Styled

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You know how it is, every season there's something new to get into... new trends, new styles, keeping up appearances. As I get older, I notice how some things come cycle in and out, and how some things stay with us season after season. That biker jacket, that classic black and white ensemble, that perfect suit. It's just a matter of finding that thing that resonates with you and your life year after year. We all have our fleeting musings, but what really strikes our fancy time after time? That's what I call style.

Links à la Mode: March 27th

Brought to you by: East Dane OHW?, Alejandra G, Michael Michael, Ferragamo Sandals, JOA, Fratelli Rossetti, Tautz, Ladison, LBT, PRPS,Y3, Men's Sneakers
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Friday, March 28, 2014

WILBy: Artisan Designers at Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel

What I Live By....That is the philosophy behind the Wythe Hotel's two month series highlighting designers, makers and artisans for philosophical consumption.  There is a pop-up shop and "ethical sweatshop" featuring workshops and demonstrations from fashion, performance, business and global issues.

Tomorrow will highlight bespoke shoe designer Ritika Wahal at the hotel showing how she painstakingly crafts each pair of shoes with materials she sources for their purity and safety.  Designers from labels like A Detacher, Pamela Love and Louise Goods are represented on the Wythe hotel or Pop-up shop.

Besides appreciating the design and craft aspect of this program, the WILBy series is calling attention to issues like human trafficking, ethical production and fair business practices on a global level.

WILBy at the Wythe Hotel will continue through April 7, 2014.
Wythe Hotel. 80 Wythe Ave. Brooklyn, NY 

photo from ritikawahal.com
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Thursday, March 27, 2014

FAB Exclusive: Interview with Fashion Television's Jeanne Beker

jeanne beker shoe

She is an international fashion icon, but Jeanne Beker was special to me being a hometown girl in Toronto.  My high school years were spent watching Fashion Television on Saturday night.   Since I left Toronto 20 years ago, Jeanne has turned Fashion Television into a 24/7 television channel, writes in depth fashion editorials for the Toronto Star, created her own clothing line and now launched an exclusive footwear collection with The Shoe Company over Toronto fashion week.

Jeanne Beker's program inspired me to enter the fashion industry. (My parents were nice enough to tape the show on VHS and mail the tapes to me at Parsons.  It was a treat to have a chance to chat about shoe design, shopping and a cause that really matters to her:

Ms. Fabulous: Having interviewed the most accomplished fashion icons over the years, what were the most valuable tips you learned from them when it came time to build fashion ventures of your own?

Jeanne Beker: I learned about the importance of having a distinctive point of view, and a strong consideration for the customer.  Most of the people I interviewed during my years on Fashion Television were designers, of course. But very few  seemed overly concerned all with the business of the business.  That's because the most successful ones were aligned with sharp business managers, and therefore  didn't have to worry about those particular nuts and bolts. So, in a sense, I guess you could say that I learned how important it is to  really stick to what you know. I'm an editor, and a creative director, but certainly not a designer. In building my own fashion brand, I try to make sure that I'm surrounded by people who really respect and understand what my brand stands for.  I make sure I have the right design talent to work with, and the right business partners who can share my vision and help me materialize my dreams. It's all a very symbiotic relationship, and at the end of the day, success depends on the right synergies. 

Ms. F: Who are your personal favorites of shoe designers?  Did they inspire you in this collaboration?

J. B.: I adore theatrics, and dramatic fashion. And of course, I love Christian Louboutin, Gianvito Rossi, and Rupert Sanderson.... I've also indulged in my fair share of Jimmy Choos and those from Alexander McQueen!  And I  appreciate the charm and whimsy of Charlotte Olympia. In the past, I've lusted over shoes from   Prada's, Tom Ford's, and YSL's  collections. But for this collaboration, I had to keep some of those passions and the extravagance in check and think about what my customer would really want--shoes that would not only appeal, but be practical for her. I wanted to present her with a kind of capsule collection of a variety of shoe styles that would really take her though the different paces of her life throughout the season--a shoe for every occasion.  We came up with nine disparate styles. 

Ms. F: How much involvement did you have in the actual design process?  

J. B.: I acted as an editor, as I do with my apparel line (EDIT by Jeanne Beker). We had conversations about the kinds of shoes I wanted in the collection, and then a variety of style samples were presented to me.  I tweaked them, and together, we worked on coming up with great shoes that we felt would have mass appeal--but only shoes that I myself would want to wear, of course!

jeanne beker shoes
Ms. F: How were the styles in this collection chosen?  Did they represent specific lifestyle needs or outfits to be paired with?

J. B.: I thought about going on a week-long trip, with a variety of occasions to dress for, both work and pleasure.  And I thought about the different outfits I'd want to take, and the different sorts of shoes I'd need to carry me through my time away!  These are the shoes I'd pack in my suitcase.... 

Ms. F: How was Dress for Success chosen as the organization to benefit from the red pump?  Why is it important for people to support them?

J. B.: When it comes to  supporting a cause, especially through my fashion and shoe lines, Dress for Success is a natural for me: The organization is about empowerment through fashion, about putting one's best foot forward, and about fashion's ability to transform.  It's such a good feeling to know that by purchasing a particular pair of shoes, less fortunate women will be helped to get back on track, and make something of their lives. Dress for Success stands for the spirit of sisterhood, and I think it's wonderful that fashion can not only bring women together, but actually be a conduit for enabling them to help each other.  

Ms. F: Thank you Jeanne!

Jeanne Beker's collection for The Shoe Company is available across stores all over Canada.  
Photos by David TW Leung
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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Designer, Fashion Entrepreneur Opportunities + Project Runway!

Hello fashion moguls (to be).  Whether you are a fashion designer looking to sell and gain exposure, or established and ready to take your collection to global brand status, I found some great fashion start-up opportunities to get you there.

The Fashion Institute of Technology has an intensive program that trains working designers on all of the business aspects of running your collection.  They are accepting a handful of the most promising designers who apply for the Design Entrepreneurs NYC program.  Think of it as a FREE crash course MBA for all of the stuff they don't teach you in the design program itself... Your deadline is March 31, 2014.

If you already have a successful company and have been in business for 7 years or more, DHL Exported might be for you.  You need to demonstrate that you have already gone through sales and production for your collection and be ready to present your looks on an international level.  Winners will be debut at fashion capitals like Tokyo, London, Milan and New York.  DHL will underwrite production, etc.  If you are ready, apply to DHL Exported.   Deadline is April 2, 2014.

New designer and looking to show and sell your goods during the holiday season?  Grand Central Terminal is having an open call for their holiday market tomorrow and Thursday, March 27, 2014.  The market reaches thousands and thousands of commuters and tourists.  They insist on handmade and are looking for accessories, tabletop, etc. in addition to fashion.  Show your stuff at the Grand Central Holiday Market Open Call.
Of course, if television fame is as important as fashion fortune to you, the Project Runway Casting is for you.  If you know of the show at all, you know what they are looking for.  Great design (and execution!) skills and big personalities.  Winners get to show at NY Fashion Week and $100K to make their collection happen.  Apply by April 14, 2014.

Good luck and remember me when you are famous!
photos by David TW Leung and LifetimeTV
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Monday, March 24, 2014

Toronto Fashion Week: Pink Tartan Fall 2014

pink tartan fall 2014
pink tartan fashion
Is it cold again?  The cozy looks intended for fall 2014 from the Pink Tartan show at World Mastercard Fashion Week are perfect for today.  Lots of fur, chunky knits and layers of wool came down the runway of Kimberly Newport-Mimran

The color palette stuck to the basics of black, grey, white, with accents of camel, copper and red. While the models had big collars, or hoods or fur piled on in multiple pieces, there were many looks of exposed legs and ankles that looked unbalanced.  Of course, that is just styling and not meant to be taken literally.  However, while the short shorts looked chilly, the excess of layers had an unflattering bulky effect on other models.  

The fair isle sweater patterns remind me of my childhood in Toronto winters.  There were several looks featuring slim black cigarette pants.  The contrast trim or seaming on the side was a nice update to the wardrobe basic.  
fur handbag
 The big fur handbag was the accessory of choice.  I guess it gives you the option to hug something for warm if the other 5 layers you are wearing are not sufficient.  My favorite shoes on the Pink Tartan runway were the cap toe heels with the coordinating back ankle strap.

 Maybelline styled the models with a touch of retro 1960's glam with generous amounts of eyeliner and mascara.  The nude lip and cool cheek was to evoke that fresh from the outside cold look.

pink tartan designer
photos by David TW Leung

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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Blogger Love: The Stylegeist

lalam0320

This week in fashion has been bittersweet. First we lost a very talented woman, L'Wren Scott. Then the end of a particularly brutal Winter and now Spring has officially begun. It's the changing of the guard, endings and beginnings, reminding us that nothing is forever. We have several links that challenge both old ideas (racism, sexism, both) and how to bring in the new (setting our Spring budget, getting to the gym, improving our diets) and even a nicely written post sympathizing with Fashion Blogger's significant others -- they have it so hard putting up with us!
SPONSOR: East Dane Seea, Jed Marne, Michael Michael Kors, Ferragamo Sandals, YSL, SH Athletics, Ben Minkoff, Faherty, Venroy, Jimmy Choo
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Saturday, March 22, 2014

Toronto Fashion Week: Joe Fresh Fall 2014

joe fresh fashion show
joe fresh fall

More fur for fall 2014!  The biggest trend on runways around the world was well represented at the Joe Fresh fashion show at World Mastercard Fashion Week.  The cozy looks showed a very good understanding of the winter weather of the Canadian North.

The palette was earthy, with brown, khaki, green, grey and pops of bright orange.  Fur trimmed hoods, fur vests and heather knits looked warm during the still chilly delayed spring outside in Downtown Toronto.  Funny, the Maybelline beauty team took the cold weather inspiration literally by giving the models a flushed cheek, pale face and pouty lip to look like they just came in from the arctic outdoors.

My favorite pieces were the graphic ones.  Sweaters with snow capped Canadian Rockies, a closeup of a wolf's face were artistic.  There were silk dresses printed with beautiful forest artwork evoking the autumn colors I loved growing up, or the pretty contrast of dark branches against snow.  The look of these pieces from the runway had a much more elegant effect than the highly accessible price point that Joe Fresh is known for.

Joe Mimran and wife (Pink Tartan's Kimberley Newport-Mimran) are the first couple of Canadian fashion.  They know how to capture the shoppers of all budgets and taste.  I have to say I am impressed that these two keep showing their collections in hometown Toronto rather than migrating south like many Canadian brands that have found success across the border. Go Canucks!
joe fresh designer
photos by David TW Leung

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Toronto Fashion Week: David Dixon White Label Debut

david dixon bridal
toronto bridal fashion
Longtime Canadian fashion maestro David Dixon transformed his catwalk into an altar this week.  The World Mastercard Fashion Week show was the debut of his bridal collection.  The designer is usually known for his upscale sportswear, but after the urging of major wedding retailers, he decided to branch out.

You can see a lot of vintage glamour details in the styling of these gowns.  Peplums, bias draping, mermaid silhouettes are reminiscent of classic Hollywood divas.  In doing his research, the designer turned to many sources, but most personal were the wedding photos of his own mother.  Now the retro elegance makes sense.

Do you prefer a blushing bride? David Dixon didn't stick with the traditional white, he experimented with different shades of ivory, cream and several pink hues.  The general theme of the gowns were dresses that were floating and light.  They looked good in movement and definitely lent themselves to a good 'twirl".
david dixon white
photos by David TW Leung
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Christos Garkinos Launches Eureka! On HSN

mdivani monroe
christos hsn
Second screen shopping, shoppable video, HSN has been doing that decades.  Christos Garkinos is a celeb stylist and founder of ultra-exclusive consignment store DECADES in Los Angeles.  He starred on a reality show on Bravo TV and refers to himself as a Fashion Hunter.

Christos is taking time out from the luxury and launching an accessible collection for the masses tonight on HSN.  His first few shows start at 9 PM EST tonight with two more shows in the next 24 hours.  If you're not the type to watch, you can buy his affordable chic online with Eureka at HSN.

He draws from his Greek heritage for this group.  You can see this in his Mediterranean colors and fisherman's sweater.  He has a soft-tweed cardigan for an elegant look and his favorite is the queen tunic with billowing sheer sleeves.

Our video producer Mdivani Monroe interviewed Christos Garkinos before his debut:

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Toronto Fashion Week: Vawk and Alleles Collaborate on Prosthetic Style

fashion prosthetic
sunny fong fashion
 What is the latest trend in intricately designed prosthetic limbs?  That is not a style update I expected to see at World Mastercard Fashion Week.   The VAWK fall 2014 runway was one of the most inspirational shows I have seen in a while on many fronts.

Designer Sunny Fong collaborated with competitors from a design contest, Ryan Palibroda and McCauley Wanner of Alleles Design Studio.  They proposed a beautiful, functional (and affordable) alternative to the more awkward, flesh colored limbs that current amputees had as an option.  The result was a cutting edge design was a piece of art that could be proudly shown off as the most stylish of accessories.

The chic black creation complemented the edgy black looks of the VAWK collection itself.  The clothing used a variety of sleek textures and form fitting silhouettes.  There was a bit of Goth influence, with crucifix jewelry and dramatic dark eye makeup.  There was a play on sheer and peek-a-boo cut-outs for a sexy, but not sleazy touch.

vawk designerI find Toronto Fashion Week casting more diverse than other fashion capitals.  The inspiration for Sunny Fong’s show was a modern interpretation of “1001 Nights” with a mix of Dubai luxury and 1990’s street style.   However, the biggest inspiration for me was their star model Amy Palmiero-Winters.  Ms. Winters is a 41 year old Mom, a motivational speaker, a world record-breaking ultramarathon athlete and an amputee.  She proved that “role model” is the new “supermodel”.

photos by David TW Leung
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Toronto Fashion Week: Mikhael Kale Fall 2014

 A fashion collection around folded napkins?  Mikhael Kale's runway show at World Mastercard Fashion Week was allegedly inspired by the manipulations of the common serviette.  While other designers may cite artful origami or something more philosophical as their muse, Kale kept it real.

The clothing itself was far from simple.  You can see the multiple folds and creases in the intricate embellishments of his looks.  Many played on contrast and sheer fabrics.  Some were used as trim while more dramatic folds were built into the structure of the dresses.  The most successful looks were the ones that echoed the brightly colored marbleized prints in the pattern of the appliques.  Less successful was the one dress that looked like an overwhelming pile of fushia stuck to the front of a too delicate organza shift.

 A grouping of heavily studded looks that had overlapping or asymmetrical seams added a darker, punk element to this catwalk.  The designer directed the stylists to keep the faces pale with exaggerated, irregular eyelashes.  The models wore clunky silver soled shoes with wide black straps that did not complement the more elegant aesthetic of the show.

Mikhael Kale is Toronto's own budding designer star.  Luxe retailer Holt Renfrew wants his looks as well as international pop divas like Jennifer Lopez.  The designer has clearly mastered upscale looks, but also offers a more affordable line to stay accessible to all.  What a great start from the North!
Photos by David TW Leung
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Sunday, March 16, 2014

THEIA White - Fall 2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day! THEIA and Don O'Neill is Ireland's most celebrated designer.  His bridal collection for 2014 was breathtaking and fresh.  I love the updated twists on traditional wedding looks that were pretty and feminine, but still perfect for the classic bride.

The Goddess-like hooded cape was a great alternative to the expected veil.  One gown had an interesting, almost sporty neckline of lace.  THEIA's signature delicate laser cut petals embellished a fairy light gown.  A trumpet skirt hem revealed a rich tulle ruffled back train.  If the long white gown really isn't your style, an intricately embroidered tunic and satin pants was a great option.

Not into white? There was a group of gorgeous gold dresses for divas who like to shine down the altar or red carpet.

What I love about Don O'Neill's THEIA gowns are that they are flattering and accessible to bodies of all types.  Sure, tall thin models are wearing them on the runway, but many of the looks have stretch, hide and accent key areas and also built to accommodate structured undergarments.  Celebrities like Gabourey Sidibe recently looked like a queen during the Oscars, Oprah Winfrey also wore THEIA the year before.
Photos from THEIA
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Friday, March 14, 2014

Carmen Marc Valvo's Dark Lady - Fall 2014



 The Lady Noir...Carmen Marc Valvo ran a dark, dramatic runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  The walls were black, the runway was black and then most of the collection was also black.  If you are a New Yorker, this ratio seems about right.  With spots of deep red and sapphire blue as contrast and metallic gun metal for shine, this was a palette that Manhattan ladies undersand.

One of my first internships in fashion was with Carmen.  I recognized his signature slim long silhouettes, embroidered textured fabrics and coordinating toppers.  He chose a slimming colorblock technique of a contrast piece from the bust down to the hem.  Embellishments of metal sequins and pewter fabric appliques were highlighted down a bodice or framing it around the armhole.

The styling gave it a more Downtown edge.  Severe eye makeup and brows with nude lips were paired with short or pulled back hair topped with an adapted mohawk.  This looked great on some models, a few however, had an ironic femme-toupee look.

I have to believe that the women in Carmen Marc Valvo's life must be strong.  Most runway models are disturbingly thin, but the ladies from this show sported some sculpted arms. It's quite possible that it was the cut of the dress that displayed the "guns" to such advantage.  If that's the case, I'm all in.

Photos by David Tak-Wai Leung
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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

How to Become a Stylist - Secrets from the Stars

An all-star panel of celebrity stylists spoke at the Museum at FIT last night.  Moderated by Valerie Steele, the group brought June Ambrose, Mary Alice Stephenson, Freddie Leiba, Kathryn Neale and Irene Albright together to discuss the craft of being stylist.

Do you think this is a glamorous profession?  June Ambrose had her own reality show and is famous for transforming grungy hip hop artists to fashion role models.  Mary Alice Stephenson’s dream closet gets almost as much press as her work with CNN, E! and Harper’s Bazaar.  Irene Albright has created the looks for characters of many of your favorite movies and now the curator of the Albright fashionlibrary.  Freddie Leiba and Kathryn Neale have received accolades throughout their careers for dressing the stars in magazines, red carpet and onscreen.

Glamour? When host Valerie Steele asked the panel to define what being a stylist is, the answers ranged from babysitter, therapist, butler to ringmaster. 

Freddie said his stylist beginnings involved picking up pins.  Irene said she spent the first 6 months doing nothing but return clothes.  June Ambrose started in this industry as a costume maker because she initially did not have the influence to convince designers to lend her clothes.  Mary Alice Stephenson stressed the importance of paying your dues; getting an internship and making sure your dream boss understand how you can make their life easier. 

Being a stylist is such a broad title in the fashion industry.  The panel defined the differences in dressing a celebrity for a red carpet, actors for a movie, a fashion spread in a magazine.  June explained that styling a celebrity for a public appearance is about building their personal brand.  Mary Alice explained that all stylists are very protective of their clients as they are entrusted with their most intimate details and play therapist to making them look and feel their best.

An editorial spread in a magazine, the models you dress are hired to execute your vision, as opposed to the celebrity promoting themselves.  Freddie Leiba described it as the photographer is the conductor of the orchestra and the stylist is there to play and serve the composition. 
Irene Albright described dressing actors in a movie as part of creating the character themselves.  Every piece should serve some aspect to who the character or person is in the film. 

Many of the fans of this panel were here because they had hopes of becoming a designer or stylist themselves.  The panel made very clear that it takes a lot of 18 hour days, frustration and rejection, then perseverance just to survive in this business.  They were also very supportive, suggesting helpful tips like making yourself available in any free time you have, trading your volunteer services for access to learning, sending direct messages and being yourself. 


The best advice I heard to a budding stylist was Mary Alice Stephenson’s invitation to help out her wonderful Glam For Good organization.  She spoke of an upcoming event at the end of May where underprivileged ladies would get the opportunity to be dressed for the upcoming Met Gala where she could help out.  Bringing style and glamour to better the world? Genius.
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Monday, March 10, 2014

Exquisitely Evil: Bond Villain Style


The best villains in movies had great style.  No one does flamboyant evil than a James Bond Villain.  This theme is being celebrated in Exquisitely Evil: 50 Years of Bond Villains at the International Spy Museum in Washington D.C.

I enjoyed this exhibit over the weekend while learning about the history of espionage.  While the museum was curated to cater to the Hollywood idea of spies, the interactive design was highly educational and fun.

The Bond Villain exhibit was the start of the museum.  It highlighted costumes ad props worn in the film like Famke Janssen's curvy leather Russian operative uniform to Christopher Walken's tailored suit as Max Zorin.  For Bond villains, accessories are functional additions to your look.  Think lethal footwear that had switchblades or guns embedded and a "dream" mask worn by Toby Stephen's Gustav Graves in "Die Another Day".

Funny how life imitates art.  Many of the tricked out spy gadgets ended up inspiring real gadgets used in espionage.  I did see umbrellas that could shoot poison pellets that were used in actual assassination plots.  There were blades designed for close combat stitched into lapels.

One of the most important things a spy learns is their cover or "legend".  Both the International Spy Museum and 50 Years of Bond Villains proved that your costume and your looks are a vital part of that.
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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Emerson Fall 2014

jackie fraser swan emerson
emerson fall 2014


Designer Jackie Fraser-Swan turned to her favorite music and colors for inspiration when creating her Fall 2014 Emerson collection. The designer believes in staying true to her design aesthetic and philosophy. She often makes most of her design decisions based on gut instincts. The wife and mother of 4 started her company in 2010. Since that time, she has been placed on fashion insiders radar. 

This season she produced a collection of wearable, and VERY COOL, hardcore, but feminine punk clothes. Two unique prints were designed for the collection. The first was a plaid print in black, white, and lavender. The second print in navy, white, and grey was described as “the glass ceiling, ” by the designer. Jackie experimented with different fabrics and textures, to achieve the effect of “shatter glass” on dresses, tops, and skirts. Sheer sleeves on dresses and skirt hems add another flirty touch to plaid jumpers worn with Dr. Martens.  

Jackie Fraser-Swan collaborated with Miss Pop and Essie Nails to make 3 distinct manicure looks guided by the fabrics and prints in the Emerson collection. Shattered Mirror, Negative Space Knit, and Eclipse looked ultra cool and edgy. Jorge Luis created a look of  unruly braids with lavender streaks using hair chalk.      - Elaine Fioravanti, Best Dressed Ginger
Photos by Mdivani Monroe
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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Fashion as Art: Dennis Basso Fall 2014

dennis basso fall 2014
brushstroke dress

For his Fall/Winter 2014 collection, Dennis Basso was inspired by great contemporary American Artists. Basso channeled his creativity and designed a cohesive collection of walking works of art.

Dennis Basso’s career in the fur and fashion industry spans 30 years. He is known for his glamorous eveningwear designs and luxury fur pieces. The designer has been a staple at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week since 2007. He continues to build his huge celebrity fan base and client roster with each new collection. Fans of the brand include Giuliana Ransic, Penelope Cruz, Mary J. Blige and Nicole Kidman. It came as no surprise to see starlets and socialites seated front and center, dressed in the designer’s latest creations.

Basso’s signature style was evident from the moment the first model stepped onto the runway. The collection started with a gorgeous black & white story that evolved into a collection rich in vibrant jewel tones. Basso used a variety of fabrics including hand-painted duchess satin, Georgette, lace, tweed, leather, and fur. Fabrics were hand painted, beaded, and embroidered. Furs like sable, lynx, chinchilla and fox, were dyed in coordinating colors like garnet, sapphire,  and amethyst.


The double-faced brushstroke gowns in white, sapphire, and Bordeaux, were the standout looks of the collection.  The collection was refreshing and modern with options appropriate for any age. Dennis Basso's collection is one that can turn an unknown actress into a celebrity fashion icon!   

-Elaine Fioravanti, Guest blogging from Best Dressed Ginger.
Photos by David TW Leung
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Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Oscar Viewing Party - Tribute to Academy Award Fashion

And the winner is... By now you know you know who took home the Oscars and who ate the most pizza.  Ms. Fabulous and the Lounge at Hudson View Gardens hosted a fantastic Academy Awards viewing party in Northern Manhattan.

Home to a diverse community of creatives, the fête brought together writers, cinematographers, sculptors, interior designer David Thiergartner and Broadway star Ted Keegan (top).

The theme this year was Celebrating Hollywood Fashion.  There was an exhibit of original gowns by some of Ms. Fabulous' favorite designers. Oprah Winfrey ' s gold dress from the 2012 Academy Awards by THEIA, Janet McTeer's David Meister red Oscar dress from 2012 and Angela Bassett’s  black and gold dress by Byron Lars from the Independent Spirit Awards were on display.   COTY (now CFDA) award winner George Halley, a Hudson View Gardens resident contributed one of his vintage Hollywood glamour looks from his collection to the exhibit as well.

Guests sipped on Prosecco and gold-rimmed “Oscar-tini”cocktails  made with Zico coconut water. Snacks included celebrity-healthy Pop Chips and a artisanal cheese selection.  Sweet treats included chocolate dipped statuette cookies covered in gold glitter and mini red velvet cupcakes. 

Being a trivia wiz paid off at this event. Guests won prizes ranging from Birchbox gift sets, Macy’s gift cards to iPods for their knowledge. Observant viewers also won prizes for checking off custom Bingo cards for the party with squares naming “Drunk Celebrity” “Best Photo Bomb” or “Trips on Dress” early in the evening.

East or West Coast, North or South, the Academy Awards can be a good time for all.
Photos by Mark Manley, Mariana Leung

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Monday, March 3, 2014

Best Embroidery on the Academy Awards Red Carpet

angelina jolie oscars 2014 elie saab

kristen bell oscars cavalli
Platinum and diamonds was the clear red carpet winner at the Academy Awards.  The best Oscar dresses where in shades of nude, crystal and white.  As always, Ms. Fabulous chooses the best use of beading and embroidery on the red carpet.

Jessica Biel looked stunning in Chanel.  The fitted dress was embroidered in sequins in of different shapes to reflect a pattern, then topped with shredded chiffon at the bust.  Angelina Jolie looked like a Goddess in her beaded Elie Saab.  She bravely showed off her post-surgery chest with barely there, gradated lines of crystal and metallic beads.

Oscar winner Cate Blanchett was a vision in an amazing Giorgio Armani.  The highly dimensional embroidery was a mix of organza petals, metallic pailettes, dripping beads and Swarovski crystal.  Kristen Bell's dramatic gown was by Roberto Cavalli.  The bodice was a highly textured layered applique lace accented with beads.

I know the Academy Awards are supposed to be a celebration of talent.  Can I help it when these ladies kill it with a fantastic Oscars red carpet show?

Jordan Strauss/AP, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America),Jason Merritt/Getty
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